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WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10393 March 15, 2017 Jumada II 16, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief CMC fumes at smoking QATAR | Offi cial Emir holds phone talk with Somalia president HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held yesterday outside a conversation via telephone with President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo. The conversation focused on bilateral ties and the means to enhance shopping them. They also discussed a number issues of joint interest. Meanwhile, HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser meeting with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi in Tunis yesterday. Hamad al-Thani and HH the Deputy PICTURE: Aisha Al Musallam/HHOPL Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to Hungarian centres President Janos Ader on his re- election for a new presidential term. By Ayman Adly establishment of new shops at some Staff Reporter residential and administrative apart- SPORT | Finale Sheikha Moza meets ment buildings to meet the increasing demand and provide the residents and Emir attends annual he Central Municipal Coun- users of such buildings with easily ac- camel race festival cil (CMC) yesterday expressed cessible services. HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Tits disapproval of the “grow- The council also addressed the is- Hamad al-Thani attended yesterday Tunisia president, PM ing phenomenon of groups of people sue of high levels of underground wa- the conclusion of the main race smoking at the entry and exit points of ter that several buildings suffer from amongst tribes, which is part of QNA Her Highness and the Tunisian parties of Silatech, EAA, Dutch organ- shopping centres.” throughout the country. The council the annual festival of Arabian Tunis premier witnessed the signing of two isation SPARK and the Tunisian Agen- At its bi-weekly session, the CMC asked the MME to form a committee Thoroughbred Camel Race for collaboration agreements between cy for Vocational Training (ATFP) to members discussed the problem and with members also from the CMC, the Sword of HH the Emir, which Silatech and the Education Above All develop a vocational training curricu- declared that the practice is totally un- the Public Works Authority (Ash- took place at Al Shahaniya camel H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Foundation (EAA) on one hand and lum, provide training and to support acceptable as it harms the whole soci- ghal), and Qatar General Water and racetrack. HH the Emir attended the advocate for the UN Sus- Tunisian and international organisa- entrepreneurship. This agreement is ety. Electricity Corporation (Kahramaa) four main races yesterday. A number Htainable Development Goals, tions on the other. A number of min- EAA’s fi rst project in Tunisia. The issue has been referred to the to find practical solutions to the of sheikhs as well as fans of the sport yesterday met Tunisian President isters attended the signing. Additionally, HH Sheikha Moza CMC’s public services and utilities problem. also attended. Vice-Chairman of Beji Caid Essebsi at the presidential The fi rst agreement signed between visited the Fadaa Al Kahena Centre, committee for further study and to is- In addition, the MME should adopt Camel Racing Organising Committee palace as part of her visit to witness Silatech and the Tunisian Ministry of part of ENDA Tamweel - one of Si- sue the necessary recommendations urgent and step by step solutions to Mubarak bin Hamad al-Shahwani some of the employment projects in Development, Investment and Inter- latech’s partners in Tunisia. She saw for solutions. tackle the issue of high levels of un- said that HH the Emir’s attendance Tunisia. national Co-operation, aims to pro- for herself the achievements of ENDA The CMC urged that the Ministry of derground water in co-ordination with was a testament to the good work of HH Sheikha Moza then attended a vide a strategic collaboration frame- and the impact of its partnership with Municipality and Environment (MME) Ashghal and the other entities con- all participants in the festival. dinner hosted by Chadlia Saida Farhat, work between the parties in the areas Silatech. She watched part of a train- should conduct a study to ascertain the cerned in the country. wife of the Tunisian president. of youth empowerment, investment ing course taking place there and met need for commercial outlets, especially The CMC also asserted that the AMERICA | Weather HH Sheikha Moza also met Tunisian promotion, and economic growth op- benefi ciaries of the project. on highways and their surroundings in MME should ensure that building Prime Minister Youssef Chahed for portunities for young people in Tuni- HH Sheikha Moza also learned about Qatar. owners and construction companies Winter storm Stella talks that discussed diff erent ways to sia. a mobile banking project launched by A number of recommendations abide by the approved building and hits US Northeast support Tunisian youth through the The second agreement aims to es- ENDA and Silatech to provide fi nancial were issued in this regard. The CMC construction specifi cations to miti- Winter Storm Stella dumped sleet Silatech foundation. tablish a partnership between the four services to remote and rural areas. stressed that the MME study ought to gate the negative impacts of the high and snow across the northeastern focus on the needs of all cities and vil- levels of underground water in their United States yesterday but spared lages across the country for new com- buildings. New York from the worst after mercial streets to address the shortage The members of the council reiter- authorities cancelled thousands of of outlets. ated their concerns about the harmful flights and shut schools. Blizzard The council members highlighted consequences that could result from warnings were in eff ect in parts of that expressways and the surrounding such a phenomenon, stressing the need Connecticut, Massachusetts and PM opens education conference areas are in need for more commercial for timely solutions to avoid potential upstate New York, but were lifted shops to off er timely service for road damage or loss of property. The council for New York City, the US financial QNA The conference presents educational ognised the vital role education plays in users. has issued similar recommendations in capital home to 8.4mn residents, Doha issues and trends related to education a society’s development. The CMC has previously addressed this regard earlier and demanded prac- where snow turned to sleet, hail and in Qatar to enhance the role of school Education will remain a main tool to the issue and recommended that the tical implementation of the same to re- rain. Page 13 leaders and teachers. build a knowledge-based society which entities concerned should allow the solve the issue. E the Prime Minister and Inte- The conference also seeks to pro- is the main idea behind Qatar National BRITAIN | Politics rior Minister Sheikh Abdullah vide an appropriate platform for the Vision 2030, he added. Hbin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani exchange of national and international During his speech at the conference, PM keeps suspense opened yesterday the Education Con- experience in this aspect, and provide Dr al-Hammadi said Qatar has made over Brexit trigger ference 2017 and the National Scientifi c a scientifi c forum to introduce national great strides to build an education sys- British Prime Minister Theresa May Research Week, held this year under the experiences internationally and the ef- tem for the future and works in line with Qatar condemns Syrian said yesterday she would be given slogan “Pioneering and Creativity”, at fective practices in the fi eld of educa- the highest standards through adopt- the power to start Brexit talks within Qatar National Convention Centre. tion in order to allow creation of a sus- ing modern techniques and applying days but declined to name a date A number of sheikhs, ministers, and tainable communication network that educational and research projects in the regime’s criminal conduct for a process already disrupted by guests of the conference of scientists, provides opportunities for educational curricula, evaluation and training. Scotland’s independence bid. After researchers and experts in educational and research co-operation among He noted that the education system QNA He said that there is a clear real- speculation in Brussels and at home and research areas attended the open- workers in the fi eld of education. contributes to the talent development Geneva ity which has been documented in that she would start the withdrawal ing of the conference. HE the Minister of Education and of the national students, explores and a number of reports, that the Syr- process this week, May told the A short fi lm entitled Pioneering and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Ab- strengthens their creative and innova- ian regime is responsible for most of House of Commons that she would Creativity was displayed to showcase dul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi said the tive abilities, works on directing these atar has reiterated its con- the crimes of arbitrary detention and fulfil her promise to do it by the end for the achievements of the Ministry conference under the title “Pioneering abilities to solve problems and take demnation of the systematic forced disappearance. of March. Parliament late Monday of Education and Higher Education in and Creativity” holds in its name the decisions, enables them of basics and Qcriminal conduct of the Syrian These crimes have been used to approved a bill empowering the the scientifi c fi elds, and in the areas of reality of education in Qatar, noting the skills needed for scientifi c research and regime which violates all charters and spread terror in hearts of Syrian and to government to trigger Article 50 of scientifi c studies and scientifi c and ap- wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh teaches them constructive discussion human rights instruments. shatter the desire of freedom in them. the EU’s Lisbon Treaty. Page 16 plied research. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani who rec- and respecting others. Page 2 Qatar also condemned all forms of There is no need to document the forced disappearances and arbitrary crimes committed by the Syrian re- detention regardless of who is guilty of gime, al-Mansouri stressed explaining them. that reports and documents are before This came in a speech delivered by the international community who be- Qatar’s Permanent Representative to came aware of the locations of these UN Offi ce and International Organisa- prisons and detention centres as well HMC promotes safe driving practices tions in Geneva, ambassador Ali Kha- as the names of those responsible for lfan al-Mansouri, during the High- these crimes. amad Medical Corporation lances that are specially designed to also feature lectures on how to stabilise at Darb Al Saai during GCC Traffi c Level Panel Discussion on the Situation The only thing needed is for the in- (HMC) is promoting the im- safely move through traffi c. a patient until an ambulance arrives Week for anyone interested in seeing of Human Rights in Syria, held within ternational community to move and Hportance of safe driving prac- “While we want to get to any patient and how to get help in case of an emer- if their driving capabilities might be the 34th regular session of the UN Hu- hold them responsible for what they tices by participating in the 33rd in need of urgent care as fast as pos- gency,” al-Bakri added. impaired due to health conditions. Our man Rights Council. have committed, he added. GCC Traffi c Week to demonstrate the sible, we are very mindful of our own HMC’s Geriatrics Department is professional staff is on hand to provide healthcare sector’s commitment to safety and that of the patient being also participating in the activities at free advice to visitors,” she said. road safety in Qatar and the region. transported, as well as the other road Darb Al Saai to raise awareness about The Hamad Injury Prevention Pro- ‘Equal’ day and night next Monday This year’s GCC Traffic Week ac- users,” he said. the risks to elderly people who may be gramme of the Hamad Trauma Center tivities, which kicked off earlier this The offi cial pointed out that the suff ering from dementia and the im- will host ‘Road Safety for Children’ Day and night will be of approximately will be approximately equal in Qatar. week at Darb Al Saai under the theme Ambulance Service will also promote portance of road safety. sessions with students at Darb Al Saai. equal length next Monday, March 20, due The day will be 12 hours and 7 minutes long “Your Life is a Trust”, are being or- their ongoing public awareness cam- Dr Hanadi Khamis al-Hamad, In addition, an offi cial delegation of to the vernal (spring) equinox, according while the duration of the night will be 11 ganised by Qatar’s General Directo- paigns – ‘know the 5 to save a life’ and chairperson,Geriatrics Department, senior police offi cers from GCC Traf- to a press statement by the Qatar Calendar hours and 53 minutes,” noted astronomer Dr rate of Traffic. ‘help us help you’ to further educate explained the importance of family fi c Ministries will visit HMC’s Hamad House. In Doha, the phenomenon will take Beshir Marzouk explained. Sunrise in Doha Ahmed al-Bakri, Operations Man- the public. members being vigilant and checking Trauma Center on tomorrow to learn place at 1.29pm. The vernal equinox in the will take place at 5.38am, while sunset will ager at HMC’s Ambulance Service, “We will demonstrate to the public on dementia-related symptoms that about the key features of the Center northern hemisphere is the autumnal (fall) occur at 5.45pm. Further, the duration of this said his organisation is showcasing how to conduct basic fi rst aid skills may impact a person’s driving ability. and about the Qatar National Trauma equinox in the southern hemisphere. winter was 89 days, while the spring would their latest state-of-the-art ambu- during daily presentations which will “We are off ering free health checks System. “On this day, the length of the day and night last for 93 days, Dr Marzouk added. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 QATAR

PM attends Education Conference 2017 PM meets Kyrgyz trade minister

HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani attending the Education Conference HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met 2017 and the National Scientific Research Week at Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha yesterday. A number of sheikhs, the Minister of Economy and Trade of Kyrgyzstan Arzybek Kozhoshev and the accompanying ministers, and guests of the conference of scientists, researchers and experts in educational and research areas also attended the delegation, in Doha yesterday. During the meeting, they discussed aspects of co-operation between opening of the conference. the two countries and ways of enhancing them, particularly in economy and trade. Minister sees bright prospects for Qatar-Kyrgyz trade ties

QNA tion of this meeting refl ects order to diversify sources of for boosting economic co-op- Doha the mutual keenness of the two income and decrease depend- eration and raising the volume countries to cement bilateral ency on oil and gas resources of trade and investment so as to relations and push them to new contributed signifi cantly to the promote bilateral relations be- E the Minister of Econ- heights in all fi elds to meet the implementation of a range of tween the two countries. omy and Commerce joint aspirations and serve the programmes and policies aimed At the fi rst day of the session, HSheikh Ahmed bin Jas- common interests of the two at strengthening the role of the the two sides reviewed ties of sim bin Mohamed al-Thani has countries. private sector in the economic co-operation in many fi elds, in- stressed the need to further HE the Minister noted that development process. cluding economy, trade, invest- strengthen economic relations relations between Qatar and The State issued appropriate ment, agriculture, transport, between Qatar and Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan have witnessed sig- laws and legislation which facili- health, education, science and He was addressing the fi rst nifi cant progress thanks to the tated the procedures of doing busi- technology and culture. session of the Qatari-Kyrgyz directives of HH the Emir Sheikh ness and economic activities and The two sides agreed to take Joint Committee on Econom- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and provided attractive investment steps to strengthen and develop ic, Commercial and Techni- President of the Kyrgyz Republic environment for various projects. economic relations in order to cal Co-operation, which was Almazbek Atambayev. Talking about the current con- increase the volume of trade held in Doha over two days. The He pointed out that these re- ditions in the global economy in between them and to facilitate fi rst session was chaired by HE lations have a promising future the light of oil price fl uctuations the fl ow of goods, services and Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin and will be further strengthened and declining growth rates, the investments between the two Mohamed al-Thani and the and expanded. HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani and the Minister called for joint eff orts countries. Minister of Economy of Kyr- In order to achieve this, the Minister of Economy of Kyrgyzstan Arzybek Kozhoshev signing the minutes of the meeting of the to come up with initiatives that At the end of the fi rst session of gyzstan Arzybek Kozhoshev. Minister of Economy and Com- Qatari-Kyrgyz Joint Committee on Economic, Commercial and Technical Co-operation, which concluded will enhance the performance of the Qatari-Kyrgyz Joint Commit- During the session, the two merce called for further eff orts in Doha yesterday. the two economies, and support tee on Economic, Commercial and sides held offi cial talks and re- to improve economic relations, their ability to address these glo- Technical Co-operation, HE the viewed aspects of co-operation expand and diversify trade and and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed promote and develop co-oper- incentive legal framework for bal challenges. Minister of Economy and Com- in various sectors of mutual in- investment partnerships, while bin Jassim bin Mohamed al- ation between the private sec- the establishment of joint in- The Minister of Economy and merce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim terest for both countries. giving priority to investment in Thani highlighted the crucial tor and businessmen from both vestment ventures to benefi t the Commerce expressed his con- bin Mohamed al-Thani and Min- In his speech, HE Sheikh areas that constitute a qualitative role that the chambers of com- sides, especially in light of im- economies of both countries. fi dence that the meeting would ister of Economy of Kyrgyzstan Ahmed bin Jassim bin Moham- addition to the Qatari economy. merce and industry in the two portant agreements that have He said that the National Vi- represent an opportunity to Arzybek Kozhoshev signed the ed al-Thani said the organisa- HE the Minister of Economy countries can play in order to been signed which provided an sion 2030 pursued by Qatar in develop practical mechanisms minutes of the meeting.

Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 QATAR

In brief Ooredoo to off er FM meets Turkmen Deputy PM Turkmenistan cloud-based device president to arrive today

President Gurbanguly security solution Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan will arrive today in Doha on an off icial visit to Qatar. oredoo will become “the HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin fi rst across its market” Hamad al-Thani and the Turkmen Oto off er an individual president will hold off icial talks on cloud-based device security so- bilateral relations and means to lution for all of its 138mn users. bolster them at the Emiri Diwan. The new security service will protect Ooredoo customers Qatar-EU ties against viruses, dangerous fi les and harmful websites across discussed their connected smart devices, Ooredoo Group CEO Sheikh fi xed and business accounts. The Saud bin Nasser al-Thani. Secucloud CEO Dennis Monner. HE the State Minister for Ooredoo security service will Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad work by automatically blocking Nasser al-Thani said, “In the era against virus and malware infec- al-Muraikhi met the Chairman harmful downloads or fi les and of the Internet of Things (IoT), tions, phishing and harmful web HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met Turkmenistan’s Deputy of European Union’s (EU) alerting customers via SMS. it’s essential to have protection fi les and sites. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Rasit Meredow in Doha yesterday. They discussed Middle East and Gulf Working The security service will be that’s as powerful and easy to To ensure that the Secucloud bilateral relations and ways to widen co-operation between Qatar and Turkmenistan especially in Group Roberto Storaci and the provided by German security spe- use as possible. For a long time solution would provide the best the fields of economy and energy. The Foreign Minister praised the relations between both coun- accompanying delegation. cialist ‘Secucloud’, who recently now, people have had much possible protection for Ooredoo tries and the outcomes of the Qatar-Turkmenistan High Joint Committee meeting that was held last During the meeting, they signed a strategic partnership more than just a single PC – they customers, the company held a November in Doha. Qatar looks forward to broaden co-operation between both countries to serve discussed Qatar-EU relations agreement with Ooredoo Group at also have smartphones, tab- stringent security and an eff ec- common interests and enhance ties, he added. and means to promote them its headquarters in Doha. lets, smart watches and several tiveness evaluation. in addition to topics of mutual Secucloud will provide Oore- other Internet-enabled devices Secucloud CEO Dennis Mon- interest. doo with a comprehensive, com- that need protection against ner said, “In the European mar- A number of the Foreign pletely cloud-based enterprise- Internet-based attacks. It’s just kets, we’ve had a great reaction ministry’s off icials attended the class security system that the not possible to protect each de- to our extremely powerful and meeting. company will install directly vice individually – instead, ef- scalable security solution that into their network infrastruc- fi cient protection needs to be is also easy to implement. That’s New Kahramaa initiative to manage Speaker meets ture. This will enable Ooredoo to centralised and delivered from what prompted us to tackle our protect their customers from all the cloud. We recognised this next goal – expansion into in- Libyan off icial cyber-threats on the Internet in requirement some time ago and ternational markets. In the Mid- power transmission equipment a centralised way. Customers do have developed the security serv- dle East, as well as in the African HE the Speaker of the Advisory not need to install any software ice in partnership with Secucloud and Asian regions, there is sig- Council Mohamed bin Mubarak on their devices, so no setup or to protect our customers against nifi cant market potential that we atar General Electric- egy for critical assets, reducing project asset health indices and al-Khulaifi yesterday met maintenance is required. The increasing IoT-based threats.” can now leverage with this part- ity & Water Corporation outages and extension of asset input from experts. the President of the Libyan Secucloud solution scales elasti- Importantly, to ensure that all nership. With the Ooredoo deal, Q(Kahramaa) has launched life based on sound models with The three-year project will State Supreme Council Dr cally and can protect over 100mn of its customers are protected another of the largest interna- an initiative to manage its elec- condition monitoring and fail- bring quick return on invest- Abdulrahman al-Sawihli and his users eff ectively and in real time. during this time of ever more tional mobile service providers tricity transmission equipment ure risk analysis. ment with implementation of accompanying delegation, who Secucloud’s powerful, cloud- sophisticated and dangerous has selected our solution, ena- in global standards. The project will include oil consistent methodology, defi ne are on a visit to Qatar. based security solution will of- Internet threats, Ooredoo has bling it to protect its more than The initiative launched by the analysis on power transform- maintenance and replacement They discussed parliamentary fer universal protection for all stated that the service will be af- one hundred million customers Electricity Transmission De- ers fl eet, infra-red thermogra- plans and improve reliability of relations between the two Ooredoo connected devices and fordable for all, with a low-cost from cyber-threats both, easily partment implements a sound, phy and visual inspections of all the system by avoiding failures. countries and means of Ooredoo is planning to make the weekly/ monthly subscription and eff ectively.” cost eff ective process and set of power equipment for transmis- Kahramaa again is taking lead enhancing and advancing them. security service available to its plans. Ooredoo provides its cus- solutions that will reduce trans- sion primary substations, con- in defi ning and implementing The meeting was attended by HE operating companies over the Benefi ts of the cloud-based tomers with a broad portfolio of mission substation equipment solidated with partial discharged digital solutions to provide reli- Advisory Council Deputy Speaker next few months, starting with solution include minimum im- mobile and broadband Internet failure rate, optimise “repair or measurements. able and quality electricity while Issa bin Rabia al-Kuwari and HE Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. pact to device battery life, unlike solutions for private users and replace” decisions, defi ne main- Data analysis will then be per- reducing operational and capital Secretary-General of the Advisory On the partnership, Oore- other non-cloud based security companies, as well as managed tenance priorities, enable reli- formed using Reliability Cen- expenditures and a step in the Council Fahad bin Mubarak al- doo Group CEO Sheikh Saud bin solutions, as well as protection services for businesses. ability/condition-based strat- tered Matrix software tool to direction of ISO 55000. Khayareen.

Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 QATAR

Mercedes-Benz E Class 2016 model recalled

he Ministry of Economy with the dealer to follow up and Commerce (MEC), on the maintenance and re- Tin collaboration with pair works and communicate Nasser Bin Khaled Automo- with customers to ensure biles, has announced the re- that the necessary repairs are call of Mercedes-Benz E Class carried out. 2016 model over the incorrect The MEC has urged all cus- coupling of the O-ring of the tomers to report any violations coolant hose connector. to its Consumer Protection The MEC said the recall and Anti-Commercial Fraud campaign comes within the Department through the fol- GAC president Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Jammal with off icials honoured for foiling smuggling bids. framework of its ongoing ef- lowing channels: Hotline: forts to protect consumers and 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. ensure that car dealers fol- qa, Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, low up on vehicle defects and Instagram: MEC_Qatar, MEC repairs. mobile app for Android and GAC staff honoured for The MEC will co-ordinate IOS: MEC_Qatar Regional foiling smuggling bids Cyber Drill he General Author- ity of Customs (GAC) has Tfoiled various attempts to smuggle substantial quantities of various illicit drugs into Qatar. concludes GAC president Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Jammal has hon- oured 15 GAC offi cers and em- he Fifth Regional Cyber pating countries, the work- ployees at Hamad International Drill for Arab coun- shop also included some mock Airport (HIA), Airport Cargo, Ttries, hosted by Qatar, cyber attacks, where 18 teams and Private Airports Customs represented by the Ministry dealt with diff erent cyber Department for seizing 66kg of Transport and Communi- threat scenarios based on the of marijuana and 8kg of hash- cations (MoTC), has wrapped most common cyber attacks. ish during several operations up. Over the fi ve days, the with some travellers coming to The Cyber Drill, organised workshop aimed at boost- Doha, and postal packages com- by the ITU-Arab Regional ing communication capabili- ing through the ordinary and Cybersecurity Center (ARCC) ties, teambuilding and cyber express mail. GAC off icials with another group of off icials who were honoured. in collaboration with the ITU threat response capabilities, The seizures at HIA alone Arab Regional Offi ce, featured aiming to maintain the ongo- amounted to 53kg of marijuana, quantities of marijuana, ranging made of 4kg each of hashish ish. These were found in postal the GAC offi cers and employees several sessions tackling cur- ing eff orts that Arab compu- 8kg of hashish and 5,600 pills from 4-12kg, were found. They hidden in secret pockets in two packages coming from diff erent are highly effi cient and serious rent cyber security issues and ter emergency response teams of narcotics. The customs offi c- were wrapped in carbon paper as diff erent bags. African and European countries, about their work. GAC also has training sessions on cyber exert for combating cyber ers doubted the conduct of some smugglers believe that doing so The quantities of illicit drugs containing wooden frames for a high- level training programme security. threats. travellers and decided to refer would make the drug packages seized at the Airport Cargo, and artworks. The drugs were con- which enhances the skills of the Worked as a platform for Qatar, represented by their luggage for a full search to undetected through the X-ray Private Airports Customs De- cealed in secret pockets inside personnel to detect and seize co-operation and discussions MoTC, fi nished among the ascertain their contents. When machines. partment amounted to 12kg of the frames. any banned materials and items on current challenges in cyber leaders in the Cyber drill, the bags were opened, various In addition, two seizures were marijuana and 102gm of hash- Al-Jammal stressed that all before entering the country. security among the partici- along with Oman and Egypt. QMIC named ‘best cloud service provider’

he Qatar Mobility Innova- innovators and service providers. “This is a clear and deliver all of its innovative Having a locally built IoT platform tions Centre (QMIC) was The award ceremony was at- testament to the services in the cloud. The fi rst IoT like Labeeb is enabling entrepre- Trecognised by the Ministry tended by several government and progress QMIC has made platform and solution to be de- neurs, Startups, Enterprises, and of Transport and Communica- business leaders including HE the in translating local large ployed by QMIC was Masarak in Cities to easily develop and de- tions (MoTC) as the Best Cloud Minister of Transport and Com- scale R&D into scalable 2013; a smart solution that off ers ploy IoT solutions for many ver- Service Provider of the Year 2016. munications Jassim Seif Ahmed platforms ...” a comprehensive mobility plat- ticals like transport, environment, The award, announced during al-Sulaiti and HE the Minis- form and integrated collection of healthcare, manufacturing, and the closing ceremony of Qitcom ter of Economy and Commerce in Qatar and address the needs services supporting areas of Intel- energy among others. 2017, recognised QMIC’s achieve- Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin of diff erent customer segments. ligent Transport, Road Safety, and This is QMIC’s second win at ment as the best service provider Mohamed al-Thani. We present this award to all our Smart Logistics. the IT Business awards following of intelligent mobility and IoT Dr Adnan Abu-Dayya, execu- passionate colleagues at QMIC QMIC followed Masarak suc- last year’s recognition as Smart platforms and services delivered tive director and CEO of QMIC, and to our national partners and cess story with other IoT cloud- Solution of the Year for QMIC’s in the cloud. said, “This is a clear testament to customers for helping us.” based achievements such as: Labeeb IoT platform. QMIC also The Qatar IT Business Awards the progress QMIC has made in QMIC has dedicated its eff orts Hawa’ak platform for environ- has won other local, regional, and of MoTC are considered one of translating local large scale R&D since its inception in 2009 to de- mental monitoring, and in 2016, international awards for its inno- the most prestigious achieve- into scalable platforms and solu- velop Intelligent Mobility and In- QMIC released to market its vative Masarak’s traffi c platform ments for local technology tions that support mega projects ternet of Things (IoT) platforms cloud-based Labeeb IoT platform. and solutions.

Winners of the Innovation Theater competition. Winners of CodeCamp and Innovation Theater competition announced

he Ministry of technology (Qatar Assistive Transport and Com- Technology Centre - Mada). Tmunications (MoTC) Twelve teams qualifi ed has announced the winners for the fi nals with three of the CodeCamp and In- teams in each category. Af- novation Theater competi- ter pitching their ideas, the tion organised recently at judging panel selected only Qitcom 2017. one winning team in each A fi rst-of-its-kind hack- category. The winners are athon in Qatar and a brand Team Naqood (assistive new addition to Qitcom, the technology, Team Eczema CodeCamp competition at- (e-health), Team Viable tracted more than 400 par- (digital transformation), ticipants from Qatar and and Team Oryx Hunter other countries. (smart travel). All 12 teams Winners of the CodeCamp competition. During the competi- will be incubated at the tion, 36 teams of young MoTC’s Digital Incubation number of participations, also featured the ‘make the DIC off ers expertise and students and coders devel- Centre (DIC). entrepreneurs, and visitors. deal’ event where teams professional guidance in oped within 48 hours crea- The four winning teams Ten teams won access and pitched their innovative the fi elds of technology tive technological solutions in each category received incubation at the DIC. start-up ideas to sponsor- and business. Services to a specifi c problem in QR75,000 in fi nancial sup- The competition’s ing and supportive compa- include access to space, four subject matter areas port to help them nur- top fi ve teams received nies, which accepted three business planning, edu- set by CodeCamp’s part- ture their technological QR375,000 in fi nancial sup- ideas displayed by the three cation and training, men- ners: digital transformation solutions. port: Modares, EXdensity, teams: VUL9 Cyber Securi- torship, and legal advice, (Microsoft), smart travel During Qitcom 2017, the Game of Brands, Wahm, ty, AirGo Airline Seats, and among others throughout (Qatar Airways), e-health Innovation Theater com- and Media Gate. Hasanat. the phases of the start-up (Ooredoo), and assistive petition attracted a large The Innovation Theater Founded in 2011, the development. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 7 QATAR Fall in property ‘prices makes

UK attractive for Qataris’ Businessman Farhan al-Sayed.

By Peter Alagos Qatari investors and the British property and rent it out for ad- ren said some reports claimed Business Reporter economy,” al-Sayed told Gulf ditional income as an invest- that investors are even inter- Times on the sidelines of three- ment property, while the sec- ested in “second tier locations” day Cityscape Qatar 2017, which ond method is to invest in a and areas further out to the east he UK real estate market concludes today. residential property in the UK of London. “continues to attract a Immediately after Brexit, glo- to have a home within London in Qatari portfolios in the Lon- Twide range of Qatari in- bal real estate services fi rm DTZ high-quality townhouses within don property market have ex- vestments,” specifi cally the resi- had recorded a 25% increase in prime areas like Kensington and panded to include investments dential and commercial sectors, property inquiries from Qataris, Richmond,” she said. not only from owning residential according to a local businessman. including other GCC investors According to al-Sayed, the homes but also a keen interest in “Property prices have been on from Dubai and Saudi Arabia. UK’s real estate market, which capital growth from lower value the slide since late 2015 and Eu- Many property investors from he described as a “friendly busi- properties, Warren said. ropean currencies have depreci- the Gulf are “making the most” ness atmosphere,” also attracted Al-Sayed also lauded the ated 20% to 30% against the US of the devaluation of the British investments from the Qatari objectives of ‘Cityscape Qatar dollar. Since the Qatari riyal is pound and the decrease in real middle class sector. “This is also 2017’, which showcased new real pegged to the US dollar, oppor- estate asking prices, said DTZ an opportunity for young enter- estate projects from 85 exhibi- tunities to purchase or invest in surveyor (valuation advisory) prising Qataris to climb the in- tors from 25 countries, includ- properties this 2017 continue to Ravvy Kaur, citing a report from ternational property ladder,” he ing Qatar, UK, Turkey, Pakistan, be very attractive,” said Qatari DTZ’s London team during a pointed out. UAE, Italy, Spain, Dubai, and businessman Farhan al-Sayed. forum last year. In late 2013 to early 2014, in- Azerbaijan, among others. “Considering that the UK is Many Qataris, according to ternational real estate agency “The payment plans are di- a favourite investment desti- Kaur, invest in commercial and Chestertons noticed that Qatari rectly from the developers or nation for many Qataris, a de- residential properties in prime lo- investments had expanded to landlords and are off ered at very preciated British pound post- cations like the West End of Lon- new locations in the UK. attractive prices. These payment Brexit has created a market for don, Mayfair, Kensington, Rich- In a previous report at Gulf plans do save a lot of money both newcomers who want to get on mond, and some of parts of North Times, Chestertons global di- for the developers and buyers as the property ladder…it is ac- and East End, and Canary Warf. rector of International Residen- they save up on high interest rates tually a win-win situation for “The fi rst approach is to buy tial Developments Samuel War- paid to the banks,” he explained. One of the stands at Ctyscape Qatar 2017. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Major cities in Pakistan ‘off er potential for real estate investments’

By Joey Aguilar Speaking to Gulf Times yes- He added that major cities growing interest among Qataris confi dence that opportunities Other Pakistani real estate and Staff reporter terday, Anwer said Pakistan of- in Pakistan have a lot of po- and other GCC nationals who want for investments will continue to marketing companies are also fers many investment opportu- tential for investments and are to invest in various sectors, partic- increase in the coming years. taking part at the event, includ- nities for Pakistani expatriates “very much welcoming” for the ularly in real estate in Pakistan. Anwer said they are over- ing Athar Marketing Network, eal estate developers and and GCC nationals as well. international market. One of the reasons, Anwer said, is whelmed by the attendance and Fast Marketing, DHA Bahawalpur, marketing companies in He noted that many Pakista- “Safety and security are also that Qataris and Emiratis know the organisation of the event. Multan, DHA Peshawar, Buch RPakistan have seen a grow- nis working in the Gulf countries getting much better day by day environment in Pakistan very well “We specialise in fi nding the Villas Multan and Gulistan Mar- ing interest from Pakistani expa- such as Qatar and the UAE want in our country,” he stressed. due to its proximity to the Gulf. right investment for our inves- keting, presenting more than 50 triates in the Gulf region, includ- to invest and buy houses in dif- Star Marketing is targeting Pa- “We welcome investment tors and we have a few projects projects from all over Pakistan. ing Qatar, to buy properties and ferent locations such as Lahore, kistani expatriates living in the from all over the world, espe- lined up including Sidra Twin “We have seen a huge re- invest in their native hometowns, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Ka- Gulf and in other regions as their cially in the real estate sector. towers in Karachi and are plan- sponse from residents and visi- Star Marketing’s senior executive rachi, among others. main clients, off ering them with a Foreign investors also get a good ning future joint ventures in Du- tors because it seems they are Guias Anwer has said. “In this scenario, there is huge wide range of residential schemes response in Pakistan.” bai and Singapore and in other waiting for us to come in this ex- The company is taking part for gap for residential housing to fi ll from low cost to high-end. With a large number of Pakistani locations as well as expending in hibition to get advantage of our Guias Anwer the fi rst time in Cityscape Qatar. around 800,000 units,” Anwer said. The company has also seen a expatriates in the Gulf, he expressed Pakistan,” he added. presence,” Anwer said. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 QATAR QLM off ers access to members’ Emirates touches down in Newark via Athens healthcare benefi ts through ID mirates has commenced a daily “Emirates’ direct, year-round op- passenger service between Ne- eration on the Athens-New York Ewark Liberty International Air- route is a spectacular development atar’s leading health and life in- port and Dubai International Airport, for the Athens market, enhancing its surer Q Life & Medical Insurance via Athens International Airport. connectivity and presenting the trav- QCompany (QLM) has “revolu- Newark becomes Emirates’ 12th elling public with new travel options tionised its service off ering” by intro- US gateway, and is the second serv- on Emirates’ excellent product. At the ducing access to all healthcare benefi ts ing the greater Tri-State Area, com- same time, Athens’ strong traffi c vol- through members’ valid Qatar ID. plementing Emirates’ existing four umes to/from the US signify the po- This unique service can be availed by daily fl ights from Dubai and John F tential and the success of the route,” both Qataris and expatriates. Kennedy International Airport, the said Dr Yiannis Paraschis, CEO, Ath- With the launch of this new serv- airline said in a press statement. Pas- ens International Airport. ice, QLM has taken a vital step towards sengers embarking from Newark and “Greece has experienced a double- raising the profi le of the medical insur- Dubai will have the option to disem- digit increase in arrivals from the ance sector by bringing in innovative bark in Athens or continue to their United States in the past two years. solutions that align with global stand- fi nal destinations. The establishment of the new direct ards and practices. Emirates will serve the route with a fl ight Dubai-Athens-New York will To ensure a “smooth” transition, wide-body Boeing 777-300ER, off er- signifi cantly empower Greece’s ap- members who are already having valid ing eight seats in First class, 42 seats peal among the US travel audience,” medical cards can avail of the services in Business and 304 seats in Economy said the consul-general of Greece in until their expiry. class, as well as 19 tonnes of belly- New York, Konstantinos Koutras. Alternatively, they may use their na- hold cargo capacity. Emirates daily fl ight EK209 will tional/resident ID cards. “This new route will connect depart Dubai at 10.50am local time, About the rationale behind the new Salem al-Mannai and senior QLM executives explain the features of the new service yesterday. America’s largest metropolitan area arriving in Athens at 2.25pm before launch, Salem al-Mannai, deputy and Dubai through one of Europe’s departing again at 4.40pm and ar- group president & CEO, QIC (Mena) “At QLM, bringing convenience to checking the validity of the ID.” “innovative” technologies and a wide great capitals,” said Hubert Frach, di- riving in Newark at 10pm on the same said: “In keeping with our leading po- the forefront has always been the inte- Rated ‘A/Stable’ by Standard & network of medical service providers, visional senior vice-president, Com- day. Emirates daily fl ight EK210 will sition in the market, we are thrilled to gral part of our customer-centric ap- Poor’s, QLM “diff erentiates itself from QLM is “well positioned” to deliver the mercial Operations West, Emirates. depart Newark at 11.45pm, arriving in be the fi rst private insurer in Qatar to proach. We have taken a step forward to its peers” by delivering “bespoke and world class healthcare services to its Diane Papaianni, general manager Athens the next day at 3.05pm, while introduce this unique service off ering simplify the process in order to enrich innovative medical insurance solutions multicultural client base. at Newark Liberty International Air- EK210 will depart from Athens at in the market. the experience of our members. with unmatched customer service”. In conjunction with this new service, port pointed out that the facility has a 5.10pm and continue onward to Du- “Not only does it highlight our pas- “In addition, QLM Mobile App and QLM has established itself as a pio- QLM members can enquire or seek fur- vast network of destinations and ex- bai, arriving at 11.50pm, “facilitating sion for leading innovation, but also online services, which were launched neer in the medical insurance sector in ther assistance at the QLM helpdesks pressed delight to have Emirates join convenient connections to more than casts a spotlight on our appetite for earlier help members in availing of Qatar, with its “highly experienced” located at all the major healthcare pro- its airline family and off er more travel 50 Emirates destinations in India, the service excellence.” quality healthcare services including in-house team of experts coupled with viders across Qatar. options to its customers. Far East and Australia”.

LC Waikiki opens second store in Qatar

eading fashion retailer gave them a glimpse of the lat- a comfortable shopping envi- from Turkey, LC Waikiki, est ‘Spring Summer’ styles and ronment.” Lspecialising in clothes and trends followed by fun activities, The retailer opened two stores accessories for men, women and games, giveaways and refresh- in the last four months in Qa- children of all ages, opened its ments. tar and plan to open at least two second store in Qatar in Hyatt Vahap Küçük, chairman of LC more this year, which are cur- Plaza, in partnership with the Waikiki, said: “We are delighted rently under construction. Dubai based retail conglomerate to announce the opening of our Harbinger of a family brand, Apparel Group. new store in Qatar, making LC LC Waikiki adopts the new phi- Turkish commercial attaché in Waikiki accessible in 36 coun- losophy, ‘Everyone Deserves to Doha Burak Gureci inaugurated tries. We would like to thank Dress Well’. the store. Apparel Group, who enables The brand off ers ‘a dynamic Shoppers and guests enjoyed us to provide our valuable cus- range of accessible yet stylish a fun evening which was high- tomers with LC Waikiki’s af- clothing to cater to emerging The formal inauguration of LC Waikiki’s second store in Qatar at Hyatt Plaza. lighted by the fashion show that fordable fashion and quality in trends’.

LG TWINWash debuts in Qatar market

G Electronics (LG) formance” with its innovative suspension. Features such as has announced the Inverter Direct Drive motors ensure simultaneous cleaning Llaunch of its front-load while the 6+ motion technology provides a more advanced TWINWash washing ma- washing performance. Also, the TWINWash incorporates a chine in Qatar. wide glass door that is easy to load and unload as well as a The TWINWash is among large capacity. LG’s premium clothing care line-up, “using the world’s most innovative washing technology to take care of more loads in less time”, accord- ing to a press statement. The LG TWINWash is available at all Jumbo Electron- ics outlets, leading hypermarkets in the country and LG’s brand shop in Mall of Qatar. It enables two separate loads to be washed simultane- ously by combining a full-sized front load washing ma- chine with a mini washer in a hide-away pedestal, gener- ating a whole new set of washing options. The main washing machine handles the bulk of the laundry, while the mini washer can be set to run a diff er- ent wash cycle. Smaller loads can be washed when needed without having to wait until a full load has accumulated. The mini washer is perfect for delicate or specialised items that require a unique wash setting, such as baby clothes and others, the statement explains. “The LG TWINWash washing machine is an example of LG’s innovation at its best, always putting the consumer at the forefront of development while showcasing the best in durability and convenience for customers in the Middle East,” said Kevin Cha, president of LG Electronics in the Middle East and Africa. The TWINWash “delivers powerful but stable per- Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 9

QATAR Biobank summit discusses topics on personal medicine

iscussions about the fi eld plans,” Dr Abrahams said. “And, of biomedical science and in doing so, personalised medi- Dthe growing use of preci- cine promises to improve clinical sion medicine to improve clinical outcomes for patients as well as outcomes are taking place at the increase the effi ciency of health second Qatar Biobank Confer- systems around the world by di- ence which opened yesterday at recting resources to where they the Qatar National Convention will be most productive.” Centre (QNCC). During the conference, Dr The two-day event, under the Nahla Maher Afi fi , scientifi c and theme ‘The Impact of Biobank- education manager and acting ing on Precision Medicine Ini- director of Qatar Biobank, pre- tiatives,’ has brought together sented Qatar Biobank’s fi ndings top medical practitioners and re- to date, including updated sta- searchers in biobanking, genom- tistics about chronic diseases ics and personalised medicine. and other healthcare issues in In his opening remarks, Dr Dr Edward Abrahams Dr Hamad al-Ibrahim Qatar. Hamad al-Ibrahim, executive “Chronic diseases such as car- vice president of Qatar Founda- mission to improve the health environment. Through the ex- diovascular diseases, hyperten- tion Research and Development and social well-being of Qatar’s change of ideas at this confer- sion and diabetes are emerging as (QF R&D), said the overarching population.” ence, we will take another step signifi cant health problems and healthcare research objectives Dr Asma al-Thani, chairper- along that path.” A panel discussion during the conference. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam are now the major cause of death are geared towards fi nding ways son of Qatar Genome Programme Dr al-Thani also presented and disability in Qatar. to tackle cancer, diabetes, and Committee and board vice chair- on how the Qatar Population healthcare. Dr Edward Abra- velopment and implementation, which treatments will work best The population in Qatar is also other prevalent and destructive person of Qatar Biobank noted, Biobank Project aims to establish hams, president of the Personal- and also proposed an agenda for for each patient. By combining experiencing a lifestyle transi- diseases through personalised “Each day we get a little closer a research enterprise platform ised Medicine Coalition in Wash- its future in the United States and the data from those tests with an tion, replacing traditional diets medicine. to achieving global personalised across Qatar to achieve signifi - ington, in his keynote address other nations, including Qatar. individual’s medical history, cir- with those higher in fat and re- “Both Qatar Biobank and Qa- medicine in which treatment and cant improvement in diagnostic discussed the advantages of per- “Personalised medicine is an cumstances and values, health- fi ned and processed foods, and tar Genome Programme provide prevention are directly based on and predictive intelligence re- sonalised medicine, its current evolving fi eld in which physicians care providers can develop tar- decreasing the levels of physical essential support for QF R&D’s individuals’ lifestyle, genes and quired to deliver personalised status, the obstacles to its de- use diagnostic tests to determine geted treatment and prevention activity,” Dr Afi fi said.

Obesity, vitamin D defi ciency seen among Biobank participants

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

s many as 70% of the participants of the Qatar Biobank were diagnosed obese and another 86% Afound to be vitamin D defi cient, according to the annual report of Qatar Biobank, released yesterday. The fi ndings were presented in the annual report for 2016 on the sidelines of the second annual conference. The report also includes a comprehensive health profi le of the participants and long-term residents. Dr Nahla Afi fi , scientifi c and education manager and acting director of Qatar Biobank, presented the fi nd- ings at the conference held under the theme ‘The Im- pact of Biobanking on Precision Medicine Initiatives.’ According to the report, participant rates continued to increase with a marked increase expected in 2017. By the end of December 2016, Qatar Biobank had reached 6,475 participants and out of them, almost 80% (5,136) were Qatari. The report says that Qatar as a nation has some of the highest levels of metabolic disorders such as obes- ity and diabetes mellitus within the region. The data and samples collected from Qatar Biobank participants paint a worrying picture of the local popu- lation’s health, including both Qataris and long-term residents, highlights the report. “More than 70% of the population is either over- weight or obese and nearly half of all men—48%—are classifi ed as obese. Furthermore, 83% of the popula- tion participate in little-or-no physical exercise, with 41% not participating in any physical exercise at all,” the report points out. “Almost 16% of Qatar Biobank visitors were diagnosed with diabetes, and 86% are vitamin D defi cient. Additionally, over 45% of partici- pants consume fast food more than three times a week. The Qatar Biobank sample cohort showed a low rate of smokers, with 39% of men and 4% of women reporting that they smoked,” the report highlights. “By generating a comprehensive picture of the envi- ronmental, genetic and lifestyle factors that contribute to health issues facing the local population, we can be- gin to help researchers and healthcare providers make better diagnoses and provide better treatments for dis- eases aff ecting the health of Qatar’s population,” said Dr Afi fi . The report points out that Qatar population is in the habit of high consumption of fast food as more than 45% of both men and women consumed fast food more than three times per week.

Third ‘Aspire for Education’ conference concludes

Aspire Academy on the less well-known, concluded its third educational aspect of bi-annual ‘Aspire for the Academy’s role in Education’ conference developing students, has yesterday. The two-day set a positive example event, held under the for all local and regional theme “Our Values, Our educators.” Attendees Pride,” featured renowned also benefited from local and regional comprehensive workshop experts discussing their sessions delivered by research, participating Aspire Academy’s experts, in panel discussions and which provided them conducting workshops. with useful insights Dr Saleh al-Dagla, into issues such as how consultant in to ensure children are development and values raised to develop a good and supervisor of the understanding of Islamic National Transformation culture, developing Programme 2020 and students’ talents so Vision 2030 at the they can be used for the Ministry of Islamic Aff airs benefit of society, and in Saudi Arabia, said encouraging students the conference brought to be just and respectful together the best local and towards other people, regional expertise in one irrespective of their place. religious and ethnic Dr Zuhair al-Mzidi, founder backgrounds. and director of Arabs’ Since its establishment, Media Consultation and Aspire Academy has Marketing, said: “Though sought to develop Aspire Academy is known students holistically, as a leader in sport providing them with a education, through this comprehensive academic, conference, which focused social and sport education. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Yemeni women rally against confl ict outside UN offi ces

AFP calling for the lifting of an air and na- pected to span three days, according 2015, according to UN figures. Sanaa val blockade imposed by a coalition on to organisers. Protesters were seen In the past two months alone, areas controlled by anti-government erecting makeshift tents yesterday more than 48,000 people have fled rebels in Yemen, an AFP journalist in afternoon as they prepared to spend fighting in the country, O’Brien has ozens of women staged a sit- the capital Sanaa said. their first night outside the United said. in outside the United Nations’ Other signs demanded UN pres- Nations’ Sanaa offices. Two thirds of Yemen’s popula- DYemen offi ces yesterday, de- sure to allow the delivery of food and The conflict in Yemen has left tion, or 18.8mn people, are currently manding an end to a war that has left medical aid into Yemen, which UN more than 7,400 people dead and in need of assistance and more than millions displaced and at risk of fam- aid chief Stephen O’Brien has de- 40,000 wounded since the coalition 7mn have no regular access to food. ine. scribed as the “largest humanitarian intervened on the government’s side The UN has warned the country Yemeni women shout slogans and wave their national flag during a sit-in yesterday, Protesters at the sit-in carried signs crisis in the world”. The sit-in is ex- against Iran-backed rebels in March now faces a serious risk of famine. outside the United Nations (UN) off ices in the capital, Sanaa.

Trump holds talks with Deputy Crown Prince

AFP post of defence minister, al- Washington though much of his focus is on economic issues. He is the chief proponent of S President Donald Vision 2030, a wide-ranging Trump hosted Saudi social and economic reform UArabia’s powerful Dep- plan begun last year to diversi- uty Crown Prince Mohamed fy the oil dependent economy. bin Salman at the White House Trump has expressed hope yesterday, for talks expected that Saudi Arabia and oth- to focus on the economy and er Gulf allies can be helpful rolling back Iranian infl uence. across a range of issues, from Trump welcomed the young creating safe zones in Syria to prince to the Oval Offi ce, as solving the Palestinian-Israeli both countries hope to im- confl ict. prove ties. Riyadh is also seen by the Saudi Arabia is likely to wel- White House as pivotal in any come Trump’s harder line on eff ort to constrain Iran’s infl u- Iran and there is likely to be less ence across the Middle East. friction over the war against “Anyone experiencing these Houthi rebels in Yemen. visions ought to lie down and Trump’s 50-plus days in wait quietly until the sensation offi ce have given little indica- passes,” warned Aaron David tion about his stance on the Miller and Richard Sokolsky war in Yemen, but have seen — foreign policy advisors to a dramatic uptick in US action Republican and Democratic against Al Qaeda’s Yemen off - administrations. Opposition fighters stand near a convoy of vehicles carrying United Nations food and medical aid on the outskirts of the rebel-besieged town of Kafraya in Syria’s Idlib province as they shoot — AQAP. Experts familiar with the re- head to deliver aid to Fua and Kafraya yesterday. Second in line to the throne, gion have also warned that any Prince Mohamed is the son of robust eff ort to counter Iran King Salman and holds the must be well thought through. Syria committed war crime ‘by bombing water supply’

Reuters Geneva, but said his government Red Crescent in the town of Geneva Key powers meet for talks without rebels rejected allegations that it had Idlib, the report said. attacked civilians or civilian in- And in a series of war crimes, The Syrian regime and key the Kazakh capital Astana after frastructure. patterns of attacks also strongly yria’s air force deliberately powerbrokers yesterday tried attending two earlier rounds The attack was one of several suggested that pro-government bombed water sources in to shrug off the absence of but insisted that there was still war crimes committed by forces forces systematically targeted SDecember, a war crime rebel groups as they gath- a point in going ahead with loyal to Syrian President Bashar medical facilities, said the re- that cut off water for 5.5mn peo- ered for talks on the six-year the event. “We are eager to al-Assad, the report said. port, which covered the period US President Donald Trump and Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and ple in and around the capital conflict, but the opposition’s ensure the success of the As- In another incident, it said between July 21, 2016, and Feb 28 Defence Minister Mohamed bin Salman shake hands in the State Dining Damascus, the UN Independent refusal to attend appeared a tana path...whether or not the a Sukhoi-22 jet dropped four this year. Room before lunch at the White House in Washington, DC, yesterday. International Commission of In- body blow for any hopes of armed factions attend,” Jaafari bombs on a school complex in Its publication came less than quiry on Syria said yesterday progress. was quoted as saying by Syria’s opposition-held territory in Oc- two weeks after the commission The commission said it had The third round of negotiations SANA news agency. tober. said that Syrian government air- CRACKDOWN found no evidence of deliber- sponsored by regime allies “The failure of the armed fac- As aid workers arrived, a sec- craft deliberately bombed and Clearout of illegal businesses from ate contamination of the water Russia and Iran and rebel- tions to attend Astana shows ond Sukhoi dropped four more. strafed a humanitarian convoy, supply or demolition by armed backer Turkey come as other the indecency of their politics.” In all, 21 children and 15 adults killing 14 aid workers, in Sep- residential neighbourhoods groups, as the Syrian govern- diplomatic efforts to end the Jaafari said the regime delega- died and 114 others were wound- tember last year. ment maintained at the time. bloodshed have proved fruit- tion had come to the two-day ed. The commission also docu- Riyadh city authorities have started clearing the capital’s neighbourhoods of Rebels had controlled the less. Regime negotiator Bashar talks primarily to meet with Syria’s ally Russia denied the mented the use of lethal chlo- illegal markets operating on residential plots following a government order springs of the Wadi Barada val- al-Jaafari slammed the rebels’ Russia and Iran, and not armed attack took place, the report rine gas on multiple occasions that was passed in December. ley, northwest of Damascus decision to snub the talks in opposition groups. said, but evidence from wit- by government and pro-govern- In a move that could aff ect the economy and tens of thousands of people, since 2012 and faced a major of- nesses, photos, satellite imagery ment forces, in the suburbs of scores of small businesses ranging from tailors to car mechanics and fensive by Syrian government and bomb fragments confi rmed Damascus and in Idlib province. grocery stores to pop-up clothing stalls were being driven out of residential forces and their allies, despite a when the Syrian air force hit al- both government and opposi- Syrian government involvement. There was no evidence of Rus- areas to improve security, traff ic flow and the environment. The directive ceasefi re deal. Fija spring with at least two air tion controlled areas who were “There are reasonable grounds sian involvement in chlorine at- passed by the High Commission for Development of Riyadh, a government The rebels withdrew at the strikes. deprived of regular access to po- to believe that the Syrian Air tacks, the report said. body, also ordered the migrant labourers to vacate the cramped and run- end of January. “While the presence of armed table water for over one month,” Force deliberately targeted the It also catalogued atrocities by down quarters they used to live in. Riyadh has a population of about 8mn in The commission, led by Bra- group fi ghters at (the) spring the commission’s report said. Haas schools complex,” it said. Islamic State and the group for- December, including 3.4mn foreigners, according to off icial statistics. “Now zilian investigator Paulo Pin- constituted a military target, the Syrian ambassador Hussam On Feb 1, aircraft — most likely merly known as the Nusra Front. that the three months grace period has ended...owners of such establish- heiro, said there were no reports extensive damage infl icted to the Aala did not comment directly Syrian or Russian — bombed the Other rebel groups were also ments which are illegal must leave immediately to avoid their units being of people suff ering water con- spring had a devastating impact on the attack during a debate at longstanding and well-marked blamed for displacing commu- evacuated compulsorily and having power and water services cut off ,” tamination on or before Dec 23, on more than 5mn civilians in the Human Rights Council in headquarters of the Syrian Arab nities during their off ensives. Riyadh Municipality said in a statement yesterday.

Police arrest man behind video of cat fed alive to dogs Saudi aims to boost Dubai hosts largest regional Police in Dubai have arrested a man who was behind a grue- jobs for women some video showing a cat being fed alive to dogs as a punishment for eating birds, local press said AFP ket participation. The ministry contemporary art exhibition yesterday. The video, which was Riyadh said telework would also ben- widely shared on social media, efi t those in remote parts of the showed a man off ering the cat in kingdom where employment is AFP an open cage to two Rottweilers, audi Arabia is aiming for a even harder to fi nd, but it gave Dubai encouraging them to devour the major boost in female em- no details of who exactly is go- terrified feline. “You eat pigeons Sployment in the kingdom ing to create the 141,000 jobs. and chickens?” a man is heard but women need not go to an Under its Vision 2030 re- ubai yesterday prepared in the video saying to the cat, offi ce, the labour ministry said. form plan the kingdom wants to open its 11th annual as it is being mauled by one of “Telework” and work from to boost the role of small and Dart fair, billed as the the dogs. “Eat the cat, eat it,” he home will generate up to medium enterprises as well as largest contemporary art show orders. Several UAE newspapers 141,000 jobs by 2020, providing broaden its industrial and in- in the Middle East and North said yesterday that the man who “decent and proper” employ- vestment base. Africa, showcasing the chal- posted the video was arrested. ment particularly for women In the third quarter of last year lenges regional artists face. It was not clear if he was the and the disabled, the ministry the unemployment rate for Saudi Opening today as part of Art same man heard in the footage. said in a statement dated Mon- women was 34.5 %, compared Week in March, Art Dubai joins The National daily cited Major day. The term “telework” ap- with 5.7% for Saudi men, accord- more than 270 artists from 70 General Khalil al-Mansouri of the plies to a variety of jobs done ing to fi gures cited by the fi rm countries with a particular fo- Dubai police’s criminal investiga- remotely outside of a company’s Jadwa Investment. By 2020 the cus on contemporary works. tion department as saying that offi ce. kingdom wants to boost the pro- It also showcases some of the anybody convicted of animal As part of a wide-ranging so- portion of women in the work- unique challenges of creating abuse would face jail and heavy cial and economic reform drive force to 28% from 23% last year. art in the Arab world. Visitors walk past an untitled piece by late Palestinian artist Moustafa al-Hallaj at the Art Dubai exhibition in fines. to cope with lower oil revenues, According to offi cial data, at Among those displaying their the Gulf emirate yesterday. Dr Susan Aylott, a volunteer at Saudi Arabia is trying to get the end of 2015 the Saudi pub- work this year are renowned Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi, told more women working. lic sector employed 469,000 multimedia artist Sadik Kwaish ported one of his works from an old Egyptian movie poster Dubai, famed for its extrava- the newspaper that this attack But the ministry statement women while another 500,000 Alfraji of Iraq, who deals with Jeddah to Dubai, altering the with the lead actress’ chest cut gant lifestyles and glitzy archi- was not a rare act of cruelty acknowledged “a lot of social worked in the private sector, questions of existence and cre- artwork to include pieces he had out, along with the hips and up- tecture, has recently invested in against animals in the United obstacles including transporta- which the government wants to ating art in exile. cut out as a tongue-in-cheek per thighs of the lead actor. expanding its cultural scene. Arab Emirates. tion and family responsibilities” expand while reducing its own Saudi-based Palestinian art- commentary on censorship. Beneath the poster is a sepa- The emirate last year opened that hinder female labour mar- payroll. ist Ayman Yossri Daydban im- Daydban’s display includes rate frame holding the cut-outs. its fi rst opera house. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 11 ARAB WORLD

East Libyan fi ghters IS Mosul chief killed, govt say retaken control forces battle for bridge over oil ports Reuters said. “We fl ed at 5am (0200 Moscow apparently Reuters Benghazi, Libya has forces at base in Mosul GMT) after the army had ar- rived. Egypt: US offi cial There has been a lot of shell- ast Libyan forces said Moscow has apparently de- raqi government forces killed ing by Daesh,” said Hamid Hadi, they had regained con- ployed military forces to a base the Islamic State commander a teacher. “Mostly we’ve been Etrol yesterday of the ma- in western Egypt, a US off icial Iof Mosul’s Old City yesterday eating water mixed with toma- jor oil ports of Ras Lanuf and said yesterday, a sign Russia as the battle for the militants’ toes.” Es Sider from a rival faction could be increasing its involve- last stronghold in Iraq focused Ashraf Ali, a nurse who es- that seized them earlier this ment in nearby Libya. on a bridge crossing the Tigris caped with his wife and two month. The off icial, speaking on river. children, said mortar rounds Military spokesman condition of anonymity, said As fi ghting intensifi ed yes- were falling as they fl ed. Ahmed al-Mismari told Reu- that Russia appears to have terday after the previous day’s They took advantage of the ters the eastern-based Liby- deployed special operations heavy rains, civilians streamed army retaking their district to an National Army (LNA) had forces to an air base at Sid out of western neighbourhoods get out. taken back the ports and was Barrani, which is located about recaptured by the government, “Daesh wanted us to move to pursuing fighters from the 100 kilometres east of the cold and hungry but relieved to their areas but we escaped when Benghazi Defence Brigades Libyan border. be free of the militants’ grip. the army arrived,” he said. (BDB) towards the town of The off icial said the American IS snipers were slowing the As many as 600,000 civilians Ben Jawad, about 30km west military is monitoring the situa- advance of Interior Ministry are caught with the militants of Es Sider. tion closely. Rapid Response units on the Iron inside Mosul, which Iraqi forces The claim could not be in- A Western diplomat, who Bridge linking western and east- have eff ectively sealed off from dependently verified. also requested anonymity, ern Mosul but the elite forces the remaining territory that Is- The BDB’s advance on confirmed reports that Russian were still inching forward, offi c- lamic State controls in Iraq and Es Sider and Ras Lanuf on forces are now at a western ers said. Syria. March 3 set off a fresh round Egypt army “facility.” Government forces also The Iraqi forces include army, of fighting for control of the The Russian Defense Ministry pushed into areas of western special forces, Kurdish pesh- ports in Libya’s Oil Crescent, denied special forces were in Mosul, Islamic State’s last re- merga and other militias. a strip of coast southwest of Sidi Barrani. “There are no Rus- doubt in the city that has been More than 200,000 Mosul Benghazi, raising fears of an sian special forces units in Sidi the de facto capital of their self- residents have been displaced escalation of violence and a Barrani in Egypt,” the ministry declared caliphate. since the start of the campaign reversal for the Opec member said in a statement. Federal police killed the mili- in October. state’s efforts to revive its oil tary commander of the Old City, The Ministry of Immigration output. Abu Abdul Rahman al-Ansary, and Displacement said yester- The LNA and the BDB are Es Sider and Ras Lanuf as during operations to clear Bab Displaced Iraqi people who fled from homes during a battle between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants, day that in recent days, almost on opposite sides in a stop- they tried to halt the LNA’s al-Tob district, a federal police arrive at the Hammam al-Alil camp, south of Mosul yesterday. 13,000 displaced people from start conflict between fac- advance. Another military offi cer said. western Mosul had been re- tions based in eastern and official confirmed earlier With many IS leaders having Abdullah of the Rapid Response troops were within 100m of the and helicopter gunships strafed ceived seeking assistance and western Libya that erupted that the LNA had carried out already retreated from Mosul, force told Reuters. bridge. the ground from above yesterday temporary accommodation each in 2014. The LNA took con- air strikes near Ras Lanuf. Ansary’s death comes as blow to Near the Mosul Museum, Iraq “It’s very key for our forces to morning. day. trol of the Oil Crescent ports Since the BDB overran Es the militants as they defend their forces used armoured vehicles secure the riverside and prevent Amid the combat, a steady “Whenever we advance there in September, ending a long Sider and Ras Lanuf, national shrinking area of control street- and tanks to attack snipers pin- Daesh militants from turning stream of refugees trudged out are more people coming out,” blockade in the area and al- production has dipped again by-street and house-by-house. ning down troops clearing areas around our advancing forces,” a of the western districts, carrying said one Iraqi offi cer direct- lowing the National Oil Corp from about 700,000 barrels Capturing the Iron Bridge around the bridge. Rapid Response spokesman said suitcases, bottles of water and ing refugee transport.”There (NOC) to more than double per day (bpd) to 615,000 bpd would mean Iraqi forces hold An air strike targeting one Is- in the morning, using an Arab other possessions. are more people on this side of Libya’s oil production. due to a disruption of opera- three of the fi ve bridges in Mosul lamic State position hit a build- acronym for Islamic State. Some pushed children and the city and people are trying to It has been mobilising tions at the ports. that span the Tigris, all of which ing, engulfi ng nearby troops in They expected to gain control sick elderly relatives in hand- leave because there is no food ground forces and carrying The ports are two of the have been damaged by the mili- smoke and dust. of the Iron Bridge and the nearby carts and wheelbarrows. and no supplies in their area.” out air strikes for 10 days as largest in Libya, with a com- tants and US-led air strikes. Since starting the off ensive in area by the end of the day, he Soldiers packed them into Losing Mosul would be a ma- it prepared a counter-attack. bined potential capacity of The southernmost two have October, Iraqi forces with US- said. trucks on the Mosul-Baghdad jor strike against Islamic State. Akram Buhaliqa, an LNA about 600,000 bpd, but both already been retaken. led coalition support have re- “Seizing the bridge will help highway to be taken to process- It is by far the largest city the commander in the nearby were badly damaged in pre- “We are still moving toward taken eastern Mosul and about further tighten the noose around ing areas. militants have held since their city of Ajdabiya, said ground, vious rounds of fi ghting and the Iron Bridge. We are taking 30% of the west from the mili- Daesh fi ghters entrenched inside Most left in the dark early leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi air and naval forces had been were operating at a fraction of out snipers hiding in the sur- tants, who are outnumbered the old city,” he said. morning hours or after the army proclaimed himself leader of a deployed in yesterday’s of- pre-confl ict levels. rounding building, we are still but fi ercely defending their last The boom of shelling and recaptured their neighbour- caliphate spanning Iraq and Syr- fensive. The LNA retained control pushing for the Iron Bridge,” stronghold in Iraq. heavy machinegun fi re could be hoods. ia from a mosque in Mosul in the He said BDB fighters shut of Brega and Zueitina, the two Brigadier General Mahdi Abbas For much of yesterday, the heard from the centre of Mosul Food had been scarce, they summer of 2014. off the coastal road between ports closest to Benghazi.

Israel shuts Palestinian map offi ce Cairo releases 203 prisoners after pardon

Reuters an-owned land in East Jerusa- to harm our sovereignty in Je- AFP earlier that year. A crackdown Jerusalem lem, scrutinising changes Is- rusalem and to threaten Arabs Cairo on Mursi’s supporters after his rael has made to the terrain and selling real estate to Jews in July 2013 ouster saw hundreds of passing on the names of land- the city. I will continue to act demonstrators killed and thou- srael ordered the closure of an owners planning to sell. firmly to prevent any Palestin- gypt yesterday released sands jailed, including secular offi ce in Arab East Jerusalem “Internal Security Minister ian government foothold in Je- 203 prisoners who re- dissidents. Iyesterday as it was suspected Gilad Erdan ordered the closure rusalem.” Eceived a presidential par- Egypt’s constitutional court of being funded by the Palestin- of the Palestinian map office The office, in Beit Hanina, don after having been jailed ruled in December that part of ian Authority and involved with which has resumed operations a Palestinian neighbourhood for taking part in unauthorised the law violated the constitution monitoring the sale of Palestin- in Beit Hanina in Jerusalem,” a in the northern part of Jerusa- protests, security and prison which guaranteed freedom of as- ian property to Jews, police said. police statement said. lem, is run by geographer Khalil offi cials said. sociation and the right to peace- Israel forbids any official Palestinian chief negotiator Tafakji. President Abdel Fattah al- ful protest. The ruling struck activity by the Palestinian Au- Saeb Erekat called the closure Police said that a 65-year- Sisi on Monday pardoned “203 down the interior ministry’s thority in Jerusalem, saying it a “provocative act” and part old Jerusalem resident was ar- youths who had court rulings A released detainee hugs members of his family after Egyptian President ability to refuse permission when breaches Israel’s sovereignty of an effort by Israel “to erase rested and many documents issued against them in pro- Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a pardon for 203 youths jailed for taking part in notifi ed of a protest. over the city. any Palestinian presence in the and computers were seized. test cases”, his spokesman Alaa demonstrations, in front of the main gate of Tora Prison in Tora yesterday. Sisi, a former army chief who Israel’s internal security city”. The Palestinians want East Youssef said on his offi cial Fa- won elections after toppling minister said the office, which However, in a statement Er- Jerusalem as the capital of their cebook page. all but police-approved pro- government protests after the Mursi, had promised to look into drafts maps, was “monitoring dan said: “The Palestinian map future state, together with the A 2013 law used to jail activ- tests. The authorities had army overthrew conservative pardoning prisoners at a youths’ and documenting” Palestini- office is part of the PA’s plan occupied West Bank and Gaza. ists for up to two years banned used the law to prevent anti- president Mohamed Mursi conference in October. Trump envoy meets Abbas as US wades into confl ict

AFP uncertainty over years of inter- ing, Netanyahu’s office and day showed only 9% of Pales- Ramallah national eff orts to foster a two- the US embassy issued a tinians believe Trump’s admin- state solution to the confl ict joint statement saying he and istration will lead to a renewal when he met Netanyahu at the Greenblatt discussed settle- of the peace process. S President Donald White House last month. ment construction and ways to At the same time, 50 years Trump’s administration At that meeting, Trump broke reach peace. after Israel’s occupation began, Uwaded into the decades- with decades of US policy by The two “continued discus- 44% of Palestinians believe old Israeli-Palestinian confl ict saying he was not bound to a sions relating to settlement that “the standing of Palestine yesterday as one of his top ad- two-state solution to the con- construction in the hope of today is worse” than half a cen- visers held his fi rst meeting with fl ict and would be open to one working out an approach that tury ago, according to the poll. Palestinian president Mahmoud state if it meant peace. is consistent with the goal of About 60% say that a two- Abbas. He has also sparked concern advancing peace and security”. state solution is no longer vi- After fi ve hours of talks with among Palestinians and others According to the statement, able because of Israeli settle- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin by pledging during his campaign Greenblatt “reaffirmed Presi- ment expansion. Netanyahu in Jerusalem on to move the American embassy dent Trump’s commitment to On the Israeli side, Netan- Monday night, Jason Greenblatt in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusa- Israel’s security and to the ef- yahu has found himself caught met Abbas in Ramallah in the lem, the status of which is one of fort to help Israelis and Pales- between maintaining relations occupied West Bank. the thorniest issues of the con- tinians achieve a lasting peace with Washington and holding Greenblatt tweeted after the fl ict. through direct negotiations”. together his governing coali- meeting that “we had a positive, Trump has since backed away, The statement cited Netan- tion, seen as the most right- far-ranging exchange about the with US offi cials saying the deci- yahu as telling Greenblatt he wing in Israeli history. current situation”. sion-making process on the is- believed “it is possible to ad- Yesterday, pro-settlement “President Abbas & I dis- sue was in the early stages. vance peace” while Trump is in members of the coalition cussed how to make progress There have been mixed signals the White House. sought to advance a bill to an- toward peace, building capacity over how Trump will approach Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Jason Greenblatt, the US president’s assistant and special Greenblatt himself wrote nex a large Israeli settlement of Palestinian security forces & his eff orts to restart negotia- representative for international negotiations, at his off ice in the West Bank city of Ramallah yesterday. on Twitter that he had a “very east of Jerusalem of some stopping incitement,” he wrote. tions, with the confl ict having positive and productive meet- 37,000 people called Maale US offi cials have described confounded US leaders for dec- and there have been warnings the basis of years of negotia- president Barack Obama, in ing” with Netanyahu during Adumim. the visit by Greenblatt, Trump’s ades. that unilateral action by Israel tions. the waning days of his admin- which they discussed the “re- The bill was on the agenda special representative for inter- Trump spoke with Abbas in such as moving to annex the Settlements are seen as il- istration, declined to veto a UN gional situation, how progress for a ministerial committee national negotiations, as a fact- their fi rst phone call on Friday, West Bank would provoke a cri- legal under international law Security Council resolution towards peace with Palestin- meeting yesterday, but was put fi nding mission as the White inviting him to visit the White sis with Trump’s administration. and a major stumbling block to condemning Israeli settlement ians can be made & settle- off for another week. House seeks a way forward in re- House soon. There has been growing con- peace as they are built on land building, allowing it to pass. ments”. Netanyahu has reportedly starting long-deadlocked peace The US president has also cern that Israeli settlement the Palestinians see as part of Trump had called on Obama There is widespread pessi- been seeking to delay the bill eff orts. asked Netanyahu to “hold back building is eating away at pros- their future state. to veto the resolution. mism among Palestinians. due in part to concerns over But it comes after Trump cast on settlements for a little bit”, pects for a two-state solution, In a rare move, former US After Monday night’s meet- Poll results released yester- how it will affect US relations. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 AFRICA

Gambia’s ruling Somali pirates are coalition breaks up AFP running as independents. Banjul The coalition split is likely to embolden Jammeh’s Alli- ance for Patriotic Reorienta- he Gambia’s ruling coa- tion and Construction (APRC), lition has broken apart which remains a major force in Tahead of a parliamentary Gambian politics although the ‘back in business’ poll next month, dealing a blow former president is now in exile to new President Adama Bar- in Equatorial Guinea. Reuters “The ship reported it was be- onboard and fl ew a fl ag from the Crews were beginning to relax The shipping industry bore row as he overhauls the coun- The APRC took 43 of the Nairobi ing followed by two skiff s yes- Comoros islands. their vigilance after a period of roughly 80% of those costs, the try’s political system following 48 seats contested during the terday afternoon. Then it disap- Data from Reuters systems relative security for shipping, he group’s analysis showed. his shock election victory. last parliamentary election in peared,” said Steed, an expert on showed that it made a sharp turn said. But attacks fell sharply after Nine political parties will 2012, which was boycotted by irates have hijacked an piracy who is in contact with na- just after it passed the Horn of Now that the ship was cap- ship owners tightened security run separately in the April 6 the vast majority of opposition oil tanker with eight Sri val forces tracking the ship. Africa on its voyage from Djibou- tured, Somali authorities must and vessels stayed further away election, seven of which had parties. PLankan crew onboard, a Aircraft from regional naval ti to Mogadishu. ensure that it was contained and from the Somali coast. united last December to oust Five seats are also appoint- Somali offi cial said yesterday, the force EU Navfor were fl ying over- The 1,800 deadweight tonne not used as a mothership, he said, There had only been four at- veteran leader Yahya Jammeh, ed by the president to give an fi rst time they have successfully head to track the vessel, Steed Aris 13 is owned by Panama com- referring to a hijacked vessel used tempted attacks by Somali pi- who ruled the tiny west African overall 53 seats. taken a commercial ship since said. pany Armi Shipping and man- to launch attacks. rates in the last three years, the nation for 22 years. Barrow had barely fi nished 2012. “The pirates hijacked the oil aged by Aurora Ship Management “The way that the authorities bureau said. Barrow had promised in putting his cabinet together Experts said that the ship was tanker and they brought it near in the United Arab Emirates, ac- react now is crucial,” he said. Intervention by regional naval January following his surprise before disagreements broke an easy target and ship owners Alula,” Mohamud Ahmed Eynab, cording to the Equasis shipping In their heyday in 2011, Somali forces that fl ooded into the area defeat of Jammeh that the out last week over the poll, were becoming lax after a long the district commissioner for data website, managed by the pirates launched 237 attacks off helped disrupt several hijack bids coalition would “continue as a with one senior government period without many attacks. Alula, told Reuters yesterday by French transport ministry. the coast of Somalia, data from and improved security for the family”. source warning at the time that The Aris 13 sent a distress call phone. Graeme Gibbon-Brooks, the the International Maritime Bu- strategic trade route that leads But documents issued by the talks for an ongoing alliance on Monday, turned off its track- Pirates in the town confi rmed head of private maritime security reau showed, and held hundreds through the Suez Canal and links Independent Electoral Com- were close to collapse. ing system and altered course for that they were expecting the company Dryad Maritime Intel- of hostages. the oilfi elds of the Middle East mission on Monday showed Disagreements over rep- the Somali port town of Alula, ship. ligence, said that the vessel was That year, Ocean’s Beyond Pi- with European ports. that 239 candidates will stand resentation and allocation of said John Steed of the aid group The Sri Lankan government an easy target because it was low, racy estimated the global cost of in April, representing nine sep- seats had caused tensions, the Oceans Beyond Piracy. said it had eight Sri Lankan crew slow and close to the coast. piracy was about $7bn. „ See also page 25 arate organisations, with some source said.

Nigerian soldiers free 455 Boko Gordhan confi dent Aid workers in famine-hit South Sudan Haram hostages Nigerian soldiers freed 455 welfare benefi ts to hostages held captive by Islamist should not pay $10,000 to help: UN militant group Boko Haram, an army spokesman said yesterday. be paid on April 1 The hostages were freed from Reuters the population, will not have a re- four villages in the Kala Balge Nairobi liable source of food by July. local government area of Reuters The world’s youngest nation has northeastern Borno State and Cape Town been mired in civil war since 2013, moved to a refugee camp in the id workers in South Sudan when President Salva Kiir fi red his town of Rann, said spokesman should be exempt from a deputy Riek Machar, sparking a Sani Usman. outh Africa’s Finance A100-fold hike in work per- confl ict that has increasingly split In one of the villages, Kutila, Minister Pravin Gord- mit fees so they can respond to the country along ethnic lines. the soldiers came under attack Shan said yesterday that famine in the country, the United Critics have said the work per- from the militants, according to he is “fairly confi dent” social Nations said as humanitarian mit fee increase is aimed at reduc- Usman. security payments will be paid agencies struggle to reach those in ing the number of humanitarian In another village, Shirawa, on April 1 despite a service- Gordhan: We are trying to be need amid fi ghting and looting. workers in South Sudan. the army discovered a newly provider dispute that has cast careful not to pre-empt the The world’s youngest nation, “The increase is not sinister,” constructed Boko Haram logistics doubt over the welfare ben- court in any way. which relies on international aid to South Sudan’s Deputy Informa- base, including two suicide efi ts. feed a third of its people, increased tion Minister Akol Kordit told the bombing vests, Usman added. The South African Social months for anyone to come in fees for foreign “professionals” to Thomson Reuters Foundation in Boko Haram poses a steady Security Agency (SASSA) is and do the same thing,” Serge $10,000 on March 1. a phone interview. “It is just an threat to communities in the scrambling to ensure that as Belamant, Net1’s chief execu- “We are deeply concerned,” issue of national policy and will northeast of Nigeria and has also many as 17mn people continue tive, also told 702 Talk Radio Guiomar Pau Sole, a spokeswom- not aff ect (aid agency) operations launched off ensives in Chad, to receive their money, despite yesterday. an for the UN Offi ce for the Co- or their access to areas in need of Niger and Cameroon. concerns that retaining the ex- Offi cials at SASSA have said ordination of Humanitarian Af- aid.” Since 2009, at least 14,000 isting provider is both unlaw- the agency has opted to renew fairs (OCHA) said on Monday. “If South Sudan increased the fees people have died at the hands ful and costly. the deal with CPS despite the applied to humanitarian organisa- to match other members of the A boy eats out of a ladle at his home in Ngop in South Sudan’s of the Sunni fundamentalists in Dominated by more than court order. tions, (it) could mean that gener- East African Community, which it Unity State. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) distributed Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and 11mn child support grants, the A new deal has not yet been ously donated taxpayer money is joined last year, he said. food (maize, lentils, oil and corn soya blend) for more than Niger. welfare system is a lifeline for made public. diverted from the delivery of aid Neighbouring East African 7,100 people in Ngop. South Sudan, the world’s youngest na- According to the United Nations, South Africa’s most vulner- The Constitutional Court to people in dire need at a particu- states charge up to $5,000 for a tion formed after splitting from the north in 2011, has declared an estimated 2.7mn people in the able. will hear today an application larly critical time.” work permit, according to govern- famine in parts of Unity State, saying 100,000 people face region have fled their homes due Each month long queues by non-government bodies, The UN is working with the ment websites. starvation and another million are on the brink of famine. to Boko Haram. form at pay points across the Black Sash and Freedom Under government to request an exemp- Festus Mogae, a former presi- country as people wait for the Law, for the court to play a su- tion from the order for aid agen- dent of Botswana heading the workers directly aff ect humani- money that is often the dif- pervisory role in any new con- cies, she said. international commission moni- tarian workers and will hinder the ference between going to bed tract agreed. The UN declared last month toring South Sudan’s peace deals, humanitarian relief eff ort,” Mogae hungry or not. The Treasury has expressed that parts of South Sudan are ex- will ask the government to reverse said by e-mail. “These measures “I am fairly confi dent grants misgivings about SASSA re- periencing famine, the fi rst time its decision today in a speech to are no doubt aimed at increasing Ethiopian landslide will be paid,” Gordhan told taining CPS, a move also criti- the world has faced such a catas- government representatives, the non-oil revenues in foreign cur- parliament’s public accounts cised by members of parlia- trophe in six years. UN and donors. rency.” committee, referring to April 1. ment’s committee on public Some 5.5mn people, nearly half “Increased fees levied on foreign The currency has plunged and death toll rises to 72 The dispute has led to op- accounts. government income has been position calls for the social “We are trying to be careful UN: South Sudanese leaders plunder nation’s wealth slashed as confl ict has destroyed development minister, an ally not to pre-empt the court in oil facilities and cut output to AFP/Reuters tion, but opposition from of President Jacob Zuma, to any way, and the court will fi - South Sudanese leaders have plundered national resources, leaving the less than half its pre-war level of Addis Ababa residents at the new site resign. nally determine the shape and international community to deal with a hunger crisis in the oil-rich country, 245,000 barrels per day. forced the authorities to back The existing contract, run direction of many of the issues UN rights experts reported yesterday in Geneva. The fee hike will also hinder down. by Cash Paymaster Services we are looking at,” Gordhan Around 4.9mn South Sudanese – more than 40% of the population – face South Sudan’s development by he death toll from a Residents who spoke to (CPS), a unit of technology said. food shortages that have been caused by escalating conflict, the UN Com- reducing foreign investment and landslide at Ethiopia’s AFP blamed the landslide on company Net1 unit, has been Facing a hostile opposition mission on Human Rights in South Sudan said. the transfer of skills, Mogae said. Tlargest rubbish dump the construction of a new in doubt since South Africa’s in parliament, Social Devel- “A small coterie of South Sudan’s political leaders show total disregard, Six years after independence, reached 72 yesterday as the biogas facility on top of the highest court ruled in 2014 that opment Minister Bathabile not just for international human rights norms, but for the welfare of their South Sudan’s economy is in ruins country’s parliament de- rubbish. the tender process to acquire Dlamini said “there is no cri- own people,” said Yasmin Sooka, the South African lawyer who leads the and infl ation is above 800%. clared three days of national They claimed the facility its services was unlawful. sis at SASSA” despite media monitoring body. Aid workers have been unable mourning, a government had destabilised the hill that It ordered that a new con- reports citing SASSA’s boss The government has been blocking famine relief aid for areas controlled by to reach tens of thousands in need minister told AFP. makes up the landfi ll. tract be negotiated. saying he was prevented by the the opposition, she said. for months due to clashes, denial “The death toll is 72 so far,” Lencho rejected that At the time, SASSA and CPS minister from trying to resolve Leaders had “squandered the oil wealth and plundered the country’s of access at checkpoints and loot- Communications Minister claim, saying that slum said the system was working the issue by responding to the resources”, leaving the provision of public services to the international com- ing of humanitarian compounds, Negeri Lencho said, add- dwellers had caused the col- well and there was no realistic Constitutional Court. munity, including UN agencies, Sooka charged. the OCHA said on Friday. ing that rescuers were still lapse by digging into the soil possibility anyone else could Dlamini, who heads the rul- “The people who currently occupy leadership positions in the transitional More than 100,000 South Su- searching for survivors and to fi nd rubbish to sell. take over the contract without ing party’s Women’s League, government are the same who, under the terms of the peace agreement, danese are experiencing famine, victims’ bodies. Yesterday police stopped huge disruption. has dismissed opposition con- should be brought to trial,” the UN commission said. with a further 1mn on the brink of Part of the largest hill at people from entering the “It would take at least 18 cerns. starvation, it said. the Koshe rubbish dump in site after bereaved families the capital Addis Ababa gave tussled with rescue workers way on Saturday, swallowing there, blaming the govern- up a slum that had been built ment for a slow response to on the trash and burying the disaster. families alive in their homes. Relatives pushed and Most of the dead are wom- shoved the handful of emer- en and children. gency workers, angrily ac- Yesterday rescuers pulled cusing them of delays and a woman alive from the rub- saying dozens of people were ble more than two days after still missing after Saturday’s the disaster, said Dagmawit landslide. Moges, a spokeswoman for “My nephew! My sister’s the Addis Ababa city admin- son!” one elderly woman istration. sobbed as she held aloft a Starting today, fl ags in picture inside one of several Ethiopia will fl y at half-mast hastily erected funeral tents as the country observes three packed with mourners. days of mourning for the vic- “Nobody is helping us. We tims. are doing all the digging our- The Koshe landfi ll, the selves. It is shameful,” Kaleab country’s largest, has for Tsegaye, a relative of one vic- more than 40 years been the tim told Reuters. main garbage dump for Addis Earlier in the morning, rel- Ababa. atives shoved workers away Hundreds of people lived from the site. at the landfi ll on the outskirts “Go back to where you of the capital, collecting re- came from! Stop pretend- cyclables trucked in from ing you are working!” one neighbourhoods around the shouted. city of about four million Families bitterly com- people. plained they had been left The government tried last to dig for the bodies of their year to close the dump and loved ones by the light of move it to a diff erent loca- their mobile phones. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 13 AMERICAS

ALABAMA HIT CONTROVERSY MOVING ON NUMBER CRUNCH COMMUNICATIONS Bird flu infects poultry, Snoop Dogg publishes Head of Canada’s spy Hate crimes up 20%, SpaceX scrubs rocket likely low pathogenic Trump ‘shooting’ video agency to retire in May fuelled by poll campaign launch due to high winds

Bird flu has infected poultry at three sites in Rap great Snoop Dogg has drawn The head of Canada’s spy agency said on Hate crimes in nine US metropolitan areas rose Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, northern Alabama shortly after being found controversy for appearing to shoot US Monday he would step down at the end of May, more than 20% last year, fuelled by inflamed yesterday delayed the launch of a rocket set to at two farms in neighbouring Tennessee, and President Donald Trump in a new video the second top security off icial to announce passions during the presidential campaign and more carry a commercial communications satellite more chickens have been culled to contain the that also takes aim at police brutality. plans to retire in as many weeks. Michel willingness for victims to step forward, a leading into orbit, because of high winds at its Florida virus, state and industry off icials in Alabama said Snoop Dogg this week released a video Coulombe, who has been the director of the hate crimes researcher said on Monday. Bias crimes launch site. Wind gusts of up to 40kph at Nasa’s yesterday. The cases in Alabama are suspected to for ‘Lavender’ in which most actors are Canadian Security Intelligence Service since appeared to increase in some cities following the Kennedy Space Center in Florida forced SpaceX be the less dangerous form of the disease, known clowns. One clown is unmistakably October 2013, said in a statement that after November 8 election of President Donald Trump, a to scrub the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket as low pathogenic, because the infected flocks did Trump, sporting bouff ant hair and a more than 30 years with the agency it was time trend that has extended into this year with a wave that was to have put into orbit EchoStar XXIII, not have high levels of mortality, said Ray Hilburn red tie that dangles below the waist as he “to move on to the next stage of my life with of bomb threats and desecrations at synagogues a commercial communications satellite for of the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association. The gesticulates wildly at the podium of ‘The Clown my family.” CSIS found itself in the midst of a and Jewish cemeteries, according to California EchoStar Corp, the privately owned company flocks were near the spot in southern Tennessee House’. The clown — named Ronald Klump — controversy in November after a court found researcher Brian Levin. Levin collected data as said on social network Twitter. “Standing down where the Department of Agriculture confirmed on puts his hands up as if under arrest as Snoop that the agency had illegally kept data collected director of the nonpartisan Center for the Study of due to high winds; working toward next available March 5 the nation’s first case of highly pathogenic Dogg draws a pistol, with a flag popping out that during investigations over the past decade and Hate & Extremism at California State University, San launch opportunity,” the company messaged flu in commercial poultry in more than a year. says “Bang!” threatened sanctions if the issue occurred again. Bernardino, where he is a professor of criminal justice. moments after the launch window opened.

Republicans Blizzard hits northeast US defend plan Reuters to dismantle New York Obamacare now piled up rapidly yester- day in parts of the northeastern SUnited States as a blizzard swept Reuters in, forcing airlines to ground fl ights Washington and schools to cancel classes while shrouding an early herald of spring, Washington’s famed cherry blossoms, epublicans yesterday de- in ice. fended their plan to dismantle The National Weather Service RObamacare after a bipartisan (NWS) warned some 50mn people report showed 14mn Americans would from Pennsylvania to Maine of a “rap- lose medical insurance by next year idly intensifying nor’easter” that was under their proposal even as it reduces unusual for so late in the winter and the budget defi cit. many heeded the advice by staying The US Congressional Budget Of- home. fi ce, a research agency, on Monday But the NWS also sharply dialled forecast that by 2026, the number back forecasts in some areas, notably of people without health insurance in New York City, where residents had would increase by 24mn people if the been warned to steel themselves for House of Representatives’ legislation potentially record-breaking wintri- to replace the 2010 Aff ordable Care ness. Act is adopted. Still, some in the region could ex- The Trump administration defend- pect to fi nd themselves surrounded by ed the replacement plan, saying it will up to 60cm of snow by early today, the off er consumers more choices. weather service predicted, with the Hospital and insurer stocks fell worst blizzard conditions forecast for yesterday morning, with Community parts of New England. Health Systems Inc off 3.2% and Tenet Governors in New York, New Jersey, Healthcare Corp off 5.4%. Pennsylvania and Virginia declared Medicaid and Medicare specialists states of emergency. WellCare Health Plans Inc and Cen- New York’s Andrew Cuomo sus- tene Corp were both off 1.9%. pended above-ground portions of CBO’s report complicated the plan the city’s subway service and said the by congressional Republicans who Metro-North commuter service to the have vowed for seven years to undo suburbs would shut down at noon. Obamacare. Transit offi cials warned that more President Barack Obama’s signature bus and train routes might be sus- domestic policy expanded health in- pended throughout the day. surance to about 20mn Americans. “There’s no real reason to be on the The measure faces opposition from roads,” Cuomo said in an interview a range of Republicans — from con- with MSNBC. servatives who think it does not go far New York City was expected to es- enough to moderates concerned about cape the worst of it after the NWS the impact on coverage and costs. withdrew its blizzard warning and A man plays with his children in the sleet and snow in Brooklyn, New York City. White House budget director Mick roughly halved its snowfall forecast for Mulvaney dismissed CBO’s ability to the city to between 10cm and 20cm). Flake news paralyses Washington, New York analyse healthcare coverage and said Still, life was disrupted for many the focus should not be on how many New Yorkers. The US capital took a break yesterday The federal government was open, similar conditions expected to move into In some locations, the late-winter people are insured. “It’s a ghost town,” Ali Naji, 33, said from Donald Trump, Russia and fake though the White House postponed Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. storm caused icing and downed trees, “Coverage is not the end. People as he sat listening to Mexican pop mu- news, and was instead immobilised by the planned visit yesterday by German Parts of New Jersey reported very with isolated power outages. don’t get better with coverage, they sic amid the emptiness of his usually flake news, as a snowstorm delivered Chancellor Angela Merkel. heavy snow or rain, as the storm On the back side of the weather sys- get better with care,” he told MSNBC. bustling convenience store in Brook- less than promised but still brought In New York City, a forecast of up to siphoned moisture from the warmer tem, heavy snow was reported in parts Separately, a White House analysis lyn’s Fort Greene neighbourhood. much of the East Coast to a standstill. 50cm was downgraded to no more than Atlantic and dropped precipitation on of the Great Lakes. showed 26mn people would lose cov- His morning commute was easy Forecast as a potential blizzard bring- 15cm. coastal regions. Colder air behind the storm is now erage over the next 10 years, Politico enough since he lives upstairs. ing as much as 15cm to 30cm of snow, There were reports of up to 30cm Across the East Coast, schools were expected to keep the entire north-east reported, citing an Offi ce of Manage- “I drop a rope and come down,” Naji the storm instead dropped a paltry 6cm of show in a band across Pennsylvania, closed or opened late, and public events below zero Celsius through tomorrow ment and Budget document. said, laughing, but added that he could of wet snow in the Washington area. upstate New York and Connecticut, with were called off . night. Mulvaney told CNN he was unaware see why others would be deterred. of that document. He gestured out the window, where President Donald Trump, who cam- an occasional pedestrian could be ware.com largest US school system — cancelled Math teacher Michael Pattison, 65, an unusually mild winter along much paigned on a pledge to repeal and re- seen trudging in an umbrella-forward American Airlines cancelled all classes yesterday as did schools in the ticked off all the monuments and mu- of the East Coast, with below-normal place Obamacare and has vowed to stoop against the wind and sleet. fl ights into New York’s three airports Washington, DC, area, Boston, Phila- seums the students would see that day. snowfalls. provide insurance for everybody, has In Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant — Newark, LaGuardia and John F delphia and northern New Jersey. “This weather is not going to stop In Boston, Kelley Peace, a 26-year- yet to comment on the report. neighborhood, Lisa Luna, 36, and Kennedy International Airport — and In Washington, federal agencies us,” he said, clapping his gloved old dog walker, was out with three of He is scheduled to speak with Joseph a friend walked around, hungry for JetBlue Airways reported extensive were opening three hours later than hands. her charges in the Beacon Hill neigh- Swedish, the chief executive offi cer of breakfast. cancellations. normal after forecasters predicted “No, it’s not,” some of the students bourhood, where residents were health insurer Anthem Inc, and US Health “We weren’t prepared for the bliz- Delta Air Lines cancelled 800 fl ights 13cm of snow. shouted back. braced for up to a foot of snow. and Human Services Secretary Tom Price zard and didn’t go shopping,” she yesterday for New York, Boston and At the open-sided Thomas Jeff erson Nearby, scores of cherry trees in “The dogs are more hyper in this as well as top House Republican leaders. said.”I just needed a bagel.” other northeast airports. Memorial, the ice-slick marble fl oor early bloom, a tourist attraction and weather,” she said. “They want to play. Price told NBC yesterday: “Every Airlines cancelled about 5,700 United Airlines said it would have no served as a skating rink for some of the an emblem of springtime in the capi- Especially the big dogs. single American will have access and fl ights across the United States, ac- operations at Newark or LaGuardia. 71 eighth graders visiting from St Mary’s tal, were encased in ice. “The only thing is the salt. It burns have the fi nancial feasibility to pur- cording to tracking service FlightA- New York City public schools — the Academy in Englewood, Colorado. The storm comes near the end of their paws. So I put booties on them.” chase it.” Homeschooling gains steam as US debates school choice

By Maggy Donaldson, AFP mographics — some three quarters of about homeschooling: that it limits Yashko is confi dent about her chil- That is a point of contention for Washington whom cite their dissatisfaction with the children’s socialisation, and that older dren’s higher education prospects. some, but Yashko says she is “happy to other school options available to them. kids need input from specialised teach- “Colleges are looking more for kids contribute” because “we want to have Individual US states govern home- ers, especially in science and technol- who can kind of think outside the box,” an educated population.” s her eldest son conjugates schooling families with a patchwork of ogy. she said. “Instead of just memorising “I don’t believe that homeschooling French verbs with a tutor, Emily policies that generally include minimal Kids ages four to 18 choose from an facts and spitting them out for a test, is the right choice for every person,” she ABradley coaches her three-year- oversight, and there are concerns from array of courses — taught by hired ex- we want our kids to actually be ready adds. old in speech, while her daughter tack- some critics who fear children could perts — including foreign language, for the work world.” Bradley — who dropped a law career les math drills in the kitchen using col- lose out on a rounded education, or chemistry, chess and acting. About 3.4% of US students are home- to assume responsibility for her chil- oured rods that represent numbers. even be exposed to neglect or abuse. Kristin Yashko, 47, brings her three schooled, according to the latest 2012 dren’s education, while her husband None of Bradley’s four children — the Two children do their homework at Less than half of states mandate children here, and homeschools the estimates from the National Center for works in international development eldest of whom is nine — have ever at- home in Washington, DC. testing for homeschoolers, according rest of the week. Education Statistics — a population that — agrees that may not be a viable op- tended school. to investigative website ProPublica. “The benefi ts are off the charts,” said has more than doubled since 1999. tion for every family: “I recognise we’re She plans to keep it that way as she Bradley’s kids join some 20 other Approximately one-third do not re- Yashko, who worked as a speech thera- Trump’s newly minted education probably in a privileged, smaller group seeks both to personalise their educa- homeschooling families in the capi- quire teaching specifi c subjects, and pist in public schools for several years. secretary is a forceful advocate of school of people.” tion and lay a Christian foundation for tal Washington for weekly enrichment most of those that do have no means to “I encourage the teachers — I support choice, a movement that calls for US The vast majority of homeschool- them. courses with “a biblical worldview.” ensure parental compliancy. them — but I just thought that we would government funds to be diverted to fam- ers are white and live above the poverty The Bradleys are among the roughly After opening the day with a psalm Christopher Lubienski, an education be able to provide a better experience.” ilies who leave the public school system. line, though recent years have seen a 1.8mn US students who are home- and the pledge to the American fl ag, policy analyst at Indiana University, Yashko’s 13-year-old daughter DeVos has also voiced broad support rise in black families homeschooling. schooled — a fast-growing community kids disperse for parent-taught lessons has described the level of deregulation Aldrin said she “wouldn’t have thrived for teaching kids at home in a welcome Bradley acknowledged another fre- whose approach may fi nd a champion in subjects including math, literacy and as “concerning.” as much” at a traditional school. boost for the movement — although quent criticism — that taking her kids under Donald Trump’s controversial the arts. “There is a larger societal responsi- Gripping a book of short stories, no fi nancial help for homeschoolers is out of school does little to improve an new education secretary, Betsy DeVos. In nearby Northern Virginia, some bility to all children. I don’t think that Aldrin described her typical day as currently on the cards. education system she believes is “fail- Their 36-year-old mother is no fan 350 families take a similar, albeit sec- precludes homeschooling as an option, “pretty lax” — she works on math, pe- “To the extent that homeschool- ing” — but she said ultimately “free- of the incoming president, but she is all ular, approach, supplementing their but we have a responsibility to make ruses the newspaper, studies several ing puts parents back in charge of their dom is a big deal in our country.” “in favor of alternatives to education” homemade diet with weekly classes at sure that parents are doing right by languages and sometimes watches a kids’ education, more power to them,” “I don’t know that it’s right for any- — which DeVos strongly supports. Compass Homeschool Enrichment. their kids,” he told AFP. documentary. she said in a 2013 interview. one, including the government, to ask “I don’t think that the American ed- While many early homeschoolers The classes at the Compass home- She does plan to attend college: Homeschooling families still pay families to sacrifi ce what they think ucation system is very good,” she said. cited religious reasons for their choice, school programme are a way for fami- “a little bit of exposure to the school property taxes that help fund public would be best for their child to make a “I can do it better.” today they comprise a wide range of de- lies to address two oft-voiced concerns structure would be good.” schools in their local districts. failing system better.” Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 ASEAN

IVORY HAUL GOOD TIMES RUNNING FOR OFFICE Thailand seizes rhino China, South Korea spat Cambodian opposition horns worth $5mn could boost Thai tourism leader campaigns

Thai customs have confiscated 21 rhino horns Thailand’s pivotal Chinese tourism sector is on New Cambodian opposition leader Kem with an estimated value of nearly $5mn in the the rise and may get an additional boost due to Sokha yesterday began a pre-election tour to biggest such seizure in Thailand for years, tensions between China and South Korea and the rally support after his veteran predecessor off icials said yesterday. The seizure of the banning of Chinese tour groups to South Korea, resigned in fear that his party could be nearly 50kg of rhino horn came days after the head of a Thai travel group said yesterday. dissolved by the state. Kem Sokha became 300kg of elephant ivory was impounded and Overall tourism accounts for 12% of Southeast leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party a month after the discovery of almost three Asia’s second-largest economy but Chinese (CNRP) this month after the resignation of tonnes of pangolin scales destined for Laos. tourism slumped in the final quarter of 2016 after a Sam Rainsy, who said he wanted to save the The rhino horns were found in luggage sent Thai crackdown on cheap Chinese tour packages. party in the face of a legal change to allow from Ethiopia to Thailand. Two Thai women “Chinese tourist numbers have recently increased authorities to dissolve any party whose who travelled from Vietnam and Cambodia to by 15% to 20% to about 80% of last year’s leader has been convicted of an offence. Rhino horns are displayed during a news pick up the luggage ran off when it was subject levels, which is very encouraging,” Ronnarong Sam Rainsy has been convicted of a series of Kem Sokha, leader of the Cambodia National conference at the Suvarnabhumi International to a random check, police said. Warrants are Chewinsiriamnuai, president of the Thai-Chinese defamation charges and has lived in France Rescue Party, greets party members in Kandal Airport in Bangkok. now out for their arrest. Tourism Alliance Association, told Reuters. since 2015 to avoid them. province yesterday. Malaysia Quake-hit! embalms Kim body AFP at two degrees to eight degrees Celsius. Kuala Lumpur But after one month, there will be a slow process of decomposition,” he added. “If we need to keep the body longer, we alaysia said yesterday that the have to preserve it through embalming.” body of Kim Jong-nam has In the case of Kim, the body was appar- Mbeen embalmed to stop it de- ently thawed on several occasions in the composing, as it lies unclaimed in a course of the probe and had already begun Kuala Lumpur morgue a month after his to show signs of decomposition, the New assassination. Straits Times reported yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also said that 50 North Kore- An injured woman is treated at a makeshift hospital after an earthquake at Taik Kyi township in Myanmar yesterday. Hamidi also announced the deportation ans working in Sarawak state on Borneo of 50 North Korean workers in an appar- island — home to coal mines which often ent exception to a departure ban imposed employ foreign workers — would be de- after the killing of the half-brother of ported from Malaysia despite the ban. North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un. “We will send the North Korean work- The assassination, carried out with VX ers in Sarawak who have exceeded their nerve agent at Malaysia’s main airport, visa back to Pyongyang for overstaying,” triggered an angry standoff between he said. “They will be deported soon.” Indonesia to probe corruption Kuala Lumpur and Pyongyang that has He did not say why the government seen them expel each other’s ambassa- had decided on the expulsion despite dors and refuse to let their citizens leave. Kuala Lumpur’s bar on North Korean na- Pyongyang, which has never con- tionals leaving the country — a tit-for- fi rmed Kim’s identity, has repeatedly tat measure put in place after Pyongyang charges against politicians demanded the return of his body but prohibited Malaysians from leaving its Malaysian authorities have refused to borders last week. release it without a DNA sample from The diplomatic crisis erupted last Reuters tioned in court, we need an extra eff ort Novanto, the speaker of the lower in November 2016 after being ac- next-of-kin. month after North Korea attacked the Jakarta to double check and carry out a pre- house of parliament, according to the cused of trying to extort $1.8bn of The body, currently kept in a morgue Malaysian investigation into Kim’s kill- investigation...to fi nd out the truth indictment. Laoly denied any wrong- shares from the local unit of US miner in the capital, has been embalmed to ing as an attempt to smear the secretive about those names,” deputy KPK head doing in televised comments. Freeport McMoran Inc He denied prevent it from decomposing more than regime. ndonesia’s anti-corruption agen- Saut Situmorang told Reuters. A PDIP offi cial said the party was wrongdoing and the attorney-general a month after the assassination, Deputy Three Malaysian embassy staff and six cy yesterday said it will look into The corruption case dates back questioning the members internally later dropped an investigation. Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi family members are stranded in North Iallegations that dozens of politi- to 2009 and centres on the alleged and would be respectful of any legal The constitutional court also ruled said. Korea as a result. cians siphoned off money causing mark-up of the procurement budget process. in favour of Novanto and parliament’s “It’s an eff ort to preserve the body, be- Two women — one Vietnamese and state losses of up to $170mn in what for the government’s programme for “Our secretary general has already ethics panel has also cleared him. cause if it is kept in the mortuary it might one Indonesian — have been arrested and could be one of the Southeast Asian electronic ID cards. checked with our members who are Widodo pledged transparent gov- decompose,” he told reporters. charged with the murder. country’s biggest graft scandals. Indonesian media have splashed mentioned and we respect their re- ernment when he took offi ce in 2014, A senior offi cial close to the investiga- CCTV footage shows them smearing Two public servants on trial for the scandal on front pages, though plies but the valid facts will be heard but graft remains hard to stamp out tion told AFP that the body would either the 45-year-old’s face with a piece of corruption linked to the procurement President Widodo has urged the pub- in court if the case progresses,” said and in January the KPK detained a need to be stored at very low tempera- cloth. of electronic identity cards last week lic to presume innocence until proven Eva Kusuma Sundari. Constitutional Court judge on suspi- tures or embalmed by a professional un- Pyongyang has insisted that he most identifi ed at least 37 people they said guilty. Novanto said in a statement he cion of bribery. dertaker to keep it from decomposing. likely died of a heart attack. had benefi ted, according to an in- “I want this to be processed cor- would not respond to “rumours” In a survey by global watchdog In the case of ongoing investigations, Relations between North Korea and dictment document released by the rectly and I believe the KPK will be about his involvement in the case. Transparency International this year, however, bodies must usually be kept at Malaysia had been particularly warm, Corruption Eradication Commission professional towards this case,” he “The contents of the indictment Indonesians perceived parliament as higher temperatures so they don’t turn with a reciprocal visa-free travel deal for (KPK). told reporters last week. that mentions my name and others is the most corrupt institution in the to ice. visitors, prior to the high-profi le killing. Those identifi ed included mem- The suspects, two home ministry absolutely wrong and all parties must country. Overall, Indonesia ranked “If we keep the body below 0 degrees Up to 100,000 North Koreans are be- bers of President Joko Widodo’s rul- offi cials, named members of the rul- look at the facts from the trial and... 90 out of 176 countries in Transpar- Celsius, it will become ice,” the offi cial lieved to be working abroad and their re- ing party, a cabinet minister and the ing Indonesian Democratic Party of allow the judges to be independent ency’s annual Corruption Percep- said on condition of anonymity. mittances are a valuable source of foreign speaker of parliament. Struggle (PDIP), including Justice and impartial,” Novanto said. tions index, on par with countries “At the morgue, the bodies are kept currency for the isolated regime. “The names that have been men- Minister Yasonna Laoly, and Setya Novanto was reinstated as speaker such as Liberia and Colombia.

UK cruise ship damages pristine Indonesian coral reef Myanmar soldiers

By Awa Mulalinda, AFP Victor Nikijuluw, the marine programme killed in rebel clashes Sorong, Indonesia director at Conservation International Indonesia, told AFP. “Even when (the reefs) grow back, Reuters tial assault on Laukkai, the capi- British-owned cruise ship has they will not be as pristine as they were Yangon tal of the northeastern region of smashed into pristine coral reefs, before,” he added. Kokang. Acausing extensive damage in a re- Local search and rescue agency offi - “Scores of citizens” were in- mote corner of Indonesia known as one cials said they were called to help when ozens of Myanmar soldiers jured in the attacks, the paper of the world’s most biodiverse marine the ship ran aground and had intended to have been killed in several added. habitats, researchers and offi cials said evacuate the passengers immediately. Dclashes between ethnic Suu Kyi, who swept to power in yesterday. “However when we reached the site rebels and the army along the 2015 on promises of national rec- Raja Ampat in eastern Indonesia has and spoke with the captain of the ship border with China, state media onciliation, has been struggling to long been a top attraction for intrepid as well as one passenger, they refused to reported yesterday, threatening give fresh impetus to the stutter- travellers and avid divers, home to palm- be evacuated and asked instead for a tug leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s chief ing peace process, as ethnic rep- fringed islands surrounded by an under- boat,” local agency chief Prasetyo Budi- goal of ending decades of ethnic resentatives accuse her of siding water kaleidoscope of coral and fi sh. arto told a television station. strife. with the military. But the 4,200-ton Caledonian Sky But the tug took numerous attempts to More than 20,000 people from About 270 staff of a hotel in slammed into the reefs at low tide around refl oat the massive vessel, causing even Myanmar have crossed China’s Laukkai were “abducted” by the Kri, one of hundreds of small islands in more damage to the reef. border in recent weeks to escape MNDAA on March 6 and taken to Raja Ampat, earlier this month after tak- The ship’s operator, Britain-based the bitter fi ghting in the north, the neighbouring Chinese town of ing the tourists aboard on a bird-watch- tour company Noble Caledonia, said prompting Beijing to call for Nansan for forced military train- ing expedition. in a statement they were working with ceasefi re between ethnic militias ing, the paper said. The boat, which was carrying 102 pas- the Indonesian government to reach an and Myanmar security forces. MNDAA had safely escorted sengers and 79 crew, became grounded agreement in relation to any damage “There were at least 48 armed the hotel staff to Nansan in a move on the reefs and had to be refl oated by a caused. clashes with the Myanmar Na- the workers “supported and ac- tug boat before continuing on its journey. “The company is fi rmly committed to tional Democratic Alliance Army claimed”, the group said on its The accident has damaged an estimat- the protection of the environment and as (MNDAA), resulting in the deaths website. ed 13,500sq m of coral reef which could such deeply regrets any damage caused of dozens of soldiers,” Myanmar’s The area was now in a “state cost up to $16.2mn to restore, according to the reef,” it said. state-run daily, the Global New of war” as fi ghting worsened, the to Ricardo Tapilatu, a marine researcher The Indonesian government said it Light of Myanmar, said. group said in an “urgent notice” from the University of Papua who headed was assessing the impact and would seek It did not give exact numbers of posted on the website on Sunday. a team assessing the impact. An Indonesia Marine Security Agency handout photo of corals damaged by a cruise compensation from the operator. soldiers killed in what it described MNDAA is a part of the North- There has been outrage in the local ship in Raja Ampat in eastern Indonesia. The remote archipelago of Raja Ampat as area clearance operations by ern Alliance — a coalition of rebel tourism industry which relies on Raja — which means Four Kingdoms in In- government troops running from groups comprising one of My- Ampat’s natural wonders for its survival. is bad enough, but actually grounding Environmental group Conservation donesian — lies between the Pacifi c and March 6 to 12. anmar’s most powerful militias, “How can this happen? Was a 12-year- a ship on a reef takes it to a whole new International said that the Bahamas- Indian oceans. Last week, the government the Kachin Independence Army old at the wheel?” Stay Raja Ampat, a level.” fl agged ship had gone into an area that A 2002 report from Conservation In- said fi ve residents and fi ve traf- (KIA), and two smaller groups website that links tourists up with home- Head of Raja Ampat’s tourism agency it should not have entered due to the ternational said it was home to nearly fi c policemen had been killed and that have been in a stand-off stays, said on its Facebook page. Yusdi Lamatenggo confi rmed the acci- unique coral reefs. 1,400 varieties of fi sh and 603 species of twenty dead bodies discovered with the Myanmar military since “Anchor damage from ships like these dent, which took place on March 4. “This is a very, very big loss for us,” coral. after the MNDAA’s March 6 ini- clashes in the Kokang area in 2015. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 15 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA

ELECTION RACE CONSERVATION DISEASE DIPLOMACY REFORM Death of killer whale to China’s confirms bird Taiwan tensions aff ecting Japan lays groundwork be probed in Auckland flu outbreak in Hubei some imports, says China for free education policy

The death of a killer whale, washed up on the China confirmed a bird flu outbreak, the country’s Political tension between China and Taiwan Japan is laying the groundwork for a free educa- west coast of New Zealand’s largest city Auckland, sixth case since last October, at a duck farm in has aff ected co-operation on safety standards tion programme for some households that will is being investigated by scientists, a local univer- central Hubei province, according to a Ministry of leading to a large number of cosmetic and food cover a student’s costs from pre-school to college sity confirmed yesterday. A team from Massey Agriculture statement yesterday. The outbreak in imports being stopped from entering China, the to ensure the country maintains a highly-skilled University will perform an analysis of the animal, Daye, a city of more than 900,000 people, was head of China’s quality watchdog said yesterday. workforce. The programme, still in its early also known as an orca, to determine the likely confirmed as a case of the H5N6 strain of the China deems Taiwan a wayward province to be stages, is expected to feature in the government’s cause of death, a statement said. The animal was virus, the ministry said in the statement on its taken back by force if necessary, though proudly economic strategy due sometime around June, found at Whatipu Beach, 40km west of down- website. The local government culled 681 birds democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in which is part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s eco- town Auckland, on Monday. “Photographs taken after the outbreak, which infected 134 ducks and being ruled by autocratic China. China is deeply nomic agenda, commonly called “Abenomics.” by Department of Conservation rangers show killed 86 in a local farm, the statement said. The suspicious of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, The government invited Joseph Stiglitz, an econo- possible blunt force trauma to the head,” the outbreak is now under control, the ministry said. who took off ice last May, believing she wants to mist and a Nobel laureate, to speak at its top Two of Hong Kong leadership candidates John university’s Dr Karen Stockin said. “At this stage The last bird flu outbreak in January killed 1,054 push for the island’s independence, a red line for advisory panel yesterday about investing more Tsang (right) and Carrie Lam attend the first it’s too early to speculate what the cause of the birds at a goose farm in Hunan. China has culled Beijing. Tsai says she wants to maintain peace in education by introducing universal access to a televised debate at a studio in Hong Kong. trauma may be. more than 175,000 birds since October. with China. college education. Prosecutors to summon Park for questioning

AFP As president, Park refused ident” from any harm. ting down the lucrative Seoul- Seoul to make herself available Clashes are expected if pros- invested Kaesong industrial park for questioning to special ecution authorities try to force in the North, the last legacy of the prosecutors investigating their way through the crowd sur- previous decade’s inter-Korean outh Korean prosecu- the scandal, despite rounding the building to deliver rapprochement. North Korea’s tors will summon former multiple requests the summons. top newspaper Rodong Sinmun Spresident Park Geun-Hye, A demonstration by thou- rejoiced over her fall, calling her whose impeachment was con- used for personal gain. sands of pro-Park supporters “The witch of the 21st century fi rmed by the country’s highest Park is accused of off ering pol- following Friday’s court ruling without an equal in the world”. court last week, for questioning icy favours to businessmen who was marred by violence, with “Whoever perpetrates such as a criminal suspect, a spokes- paid Choi, including the heir to some attacking riot police and sycophancy and treachery as man said yesterday. Park has the smartphone giant Samsung, assaulting journalists. leaving the nation’s dignity and been named as an accomplice to Lee Jae-yong, who has been in- Three of the protestors — men interests to the tender mercy the secret confi dante at the heart dicted for bribery and other of- in their 60s and 70s — died and of outside forces is bound to be of a corruption and infl uence- fences. dozens of people were wounded, cursed and buried in the grave of peddling scandal that triggered South Korean media and poli- including police and journalists. history,” the daily said in a com- her dramatic downfall. ticians have accused Park of defi - Park’s fall gives South Korea mentary. Confi rmation of her impeach- ance after told supporters on her an opportunity to draw a line un- “Those who seek to live in ment by the nation’s top court return to her private residence der the scandal, which has been luxury and comfort at the cost stripped her of immunity from — following staying on in the dominating the headlines for of sweat and blood shed by the criminal prosecution. “We will presidential Blue House complex months, but plunges the country people ... are fated to meet their decide Wednesday when to sum- for several days — that “the truth into a period of uncertainty, with miserable end by resistance of mon former president Park and will eventually be revealed”. a presidential election to be held the angry public,” it proclaimed. inform her,” the spokesman of As president, Park refused to no later than May 9. The current front-runner in the Seoul Central District Pros- make herself available for ques- It comes as neighbouring South Korean opinion polls is ecutors Offi ce told AFP. tioning to special prosecutors North Korea shows increased former Democratic Party leader It has not yet been decided investigating the scandal, de- signs of belligerence launching Moon Jae-In, who has advocated whether Park will be called in to spite multiple requests. Similarly four missiles last week and de- engagement with the North. the prosecutors’ offi ce in private, the Constitutional Court asked scribing them as a drill for an at- A Korea Research poll for Yon- or publicly before TV cameras her to appear before it as it held tack on US bases in Japan. hap news agency and KBS TV and photographers, he added. a series of hearings while con- Pyongyang has also been released on Sunday put Moon The country’s top court last sidering whether to confi rm or widely blamed for the killing on 29.9%, well ahead of his fel- week fi red Park over a corrup- overturn her impeachment by of its leader’s half-brother Kim low Democratic politician, South tion scandal. Her friend and se- parliament, but she did not do so. Jong-nam in Kuala Lumpur by Chungcheong governor Ahn cret confi dante, Choi Soon-sil, Park has been holed up in her two women wielding a banned Hee-Jung on 17%. is standing trial for using her high-walled house in southern toxic nerve agent. Acting president Hwang Kyo- ties to Park to force local fi rms to Seoul, with hundreds of her die- Park took a hardline stance to- ahn, from Park’s conservative South Korea’s former president Park Geun-hye and her pet dogs are seen in this file picture provided by the “donate” nearly $70mn to non- hard supporters staging sit-ins ward the North over its nuclear Liberty Korea party, fell back to Presidential Blue House. profi t foundations Choi allegedly and vowing to “protect our pres- and missile programmes, shut- third place with 9.1%, it said.

US carrier joins S Korea drills, North warns of strikes Taiwan ex-leader Ma

Reuters Donald Trump’s administration faces new charges Seoul was re-evaluating its North Ko- rea strategy and “all options are on the table”. over leaks scandal s the USS Carl Vinson Compounding regional ten- ploughed through seas off sion, China is vehemently op- ASouth Korea yesterday, posed to the deployment in AFP that the matter was about han- rival North Korea warned the South Korea of an advanced US Taipei dling offi cial aff airs and crisis United States of “merciless” at- anti-missile system. management and that it did tacks if the carrier infringes on The United States and South not constitute a crime,” he said. its sovereignty or dignity dur- Korea say the Terminal High Al- aiwan’s former presi- “I hope the court will make ing US-South Korean drills. F-18 titude Area Defense anti-missile dent Ma Ying-jeou was a correct verdict based on fair- fi ghter jets took off from the system is for defence against Tslapped with new charg- ness and justice.” fl ight deck of the nuclear-pow- North Korea, but China fears its es yesterday in a political leaks Taipei prosecutors said that ered carrier in a dramatic display powerful radar can probe deep controversy, just weeks before even though Ma has declared of US fi repower amid rising ten- into its territory and compromise he faces possible conviction in he was unaware of and would sion with the North, which has its security. another related case. not interfere with the 2013 ju- alarmed its neighbours with two The United States began to While still in offi ce Ma was dicial probe, he “leaked infor- nuclear tests and a series of mis- deploy the system a week ago, a protected by political immu- mation that should have been sile launches since last year. day after North Korea launched nity. But since he stepped down kept confi dential”. “While this is a routine de- its latest four missile tests. South as leader in May last year he has They indicted him for leak- ployment for the Carl Vinson US Navy crew members stand Korean and US troops began the been hit with a range of corrup- ing non-defence secrets as well strike group, really the centre- by a C-2 Greyhound on the deck large-scale joint drills, which are tion and other allegations. as violating the communica- piece for us ... is this exercise of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier billed as defensive in nature, on Ma’s Beijing-friendly tion security and surveillance we’re doing with the ROK navy USS Carl Vinson. March 1. The exercise last year Kuomintang (KMT) party held act, which carries a maximum called ‘Foal Eagle’,” Rear Admiral involved about 17,000 American power from 2008 to 2016, be- three-year jail term. The KMT James W Kilby, commander of to attack it. “If they infringe troops and more than 300,000 fore they were trounced by Tsai protested the indictment as the Carrier Strike Group 1, told on the DPRK’s sovereignty and South Koreans. South Korea has Ing-wen and her opposition “political persecution”. reporters, referring to South Ko- dignity even a bit, its army will said this year’s exercise would be Democratic Progressive Party But the DPP criticised Ma, rea as the Republic of Korea. launch merciless ultra-precision of a similar scale. (DPP). Taipei prosecutors act- accusing him of meddling with North Korea said the arrival of strikes from ground, air, sea and The United States has also ing on behalf of the govern- the judiciary. Ma has already the US strike group in the seas off underwater,” the North’s state started to deploy “Gray Eagle” ment charged Ma yesterday appeared in court three times the east of the Korean peninsula news agency KCNA said. attack drones to South Korea, a with leaking secrets to the is- over separate charges brought was part of a “reckless scheme” North Korea’s offi cial name is US military spokesman said on land’s then premier Jiang Yi- by a lawmaker relating to the Monday. huah and an aide about a con- 2013 judicial probe. China says the exercises do fi dential judicial probe in 2013. That lawsuit accuses Ma of A US F18 fighter jet lands on the deck of USS Carl Vinson. nothing to ease tension. They also accused him of asking the then prosecutor- Last week, it called on North instructing a top prosecutor general to leak secrets to him the Democratic People’s Repub- nual US-South Korea military Korea to stop its weapons tests to disclose confi dential infor- about the investigation, also lic of Korea. drills, which the North sees as and for South Korea and the mation to Jiang. The 2013 in- punishable by a maximum “On March 11 alone, many preparation for war. The murder United States to stop their drills. vestigation at the heart of the three-year jail term. The ver- enemy carrier-based aircraft in Malaysia last month of North “We hope the relevant side can controversy was looking into dict is due later this month. fl ew along a course near territo- Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s es- respect the security concerns of whether the parliamentary The leaks controversy rial air and waters of the DPRK tranged half-brother has added countries in the region, can take a speaker at the time — a po- sparked a political storm in to stage drills of dropping bombs to a sense of urgency to eff orts to responsible attitude and do more litical rival of Ma — had infl u- 2013 and saw two top offi cials and making surprise attacks on handle North Korea. to benefi t the easing of tension, enced a case against an opposi- resign, while thousands of the ground targets of its army,” US Secretary of State Rex Till- rather than irritating each other,” tion lawmaker. protesters took to the streets to KCNA said. erson is due to make his fi rst visit Chinese foreign ministry spokes- Ma told reporters he was demand Ma’s resignation. Last week, North Korea fi red to South Korea on Friday. Last woman Hua Chunying told a dai- confi dent of his innocence and Ma is the third ex-president four ballistic missiles into the week, the US ambassador to the ly news briefi ng, referring to the vowed to “fi ght to the end for in Taiwan to be indicted on A US Navy crew member works on the deck of USS Carl Vinson. sea off Japan in response to an- United Nations said President United States. justice”. “I will explain at court criminal charges. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 BRITAIN/IRELAND

INITIATIVE LEGAL OFFBEAT TREND VERDICT London firms sign pledge Newsreaders in battle Jumping Jack Russell Many home buyers ‘take Manager jailed for to help armed forces with BBC over £1mn tax bill steals show at Crufts 5 years to save for deposit’ stealing £170,000

More than 250 London companies have signed Three newsreaders have accused the BBC of A “crazy” Jack Russell has become an Internet star More than a third of first-time buyers in London A woman who defrauded a health trade union the Armed Forces Covenant to treat military forcing them to be paid through companies, after messing up an agility course at Crufts. Olly, take at least five years to save for a deposit, new and a Parliamentary charity of £170,000 to pay personnel and veterans fairly. Defence Secretary rather than putting them on the payroll, to who was rehomed by animal charity Blue Cross, figures showed yesterday. In total, 36% have to for her shopping sprees has been jailed for 15 Sir Michael Fallon praised the businesses as he reduce its tax bill. The claim was made in amused onlookers in a shambolic attempt at the wait half a decade or longer before they have put months. Jasbeer Kaur, 36, was operations manager announced building firm Travis Perkins had backed evidence submitted to a High Court tax tribunal course. Footage, which has now gone viral, shows together enough money to secure a mortgage. at the Association of Independent Healthcare the covenant, meaning 1,500 organisations across on behalf of three presenters — Joanna Gosling, the dog running head-on into a jump, knocking For one in 12 it takes 10 years of putting money Organisations when she used her position to Britain have done so. He said: “Reaching this David Eades and Tim Willcox. They say they were off the bar and falling on his face. He then dodged aside before they can get on the housing siphon large sums into her bank accounts. She milestone also shows recognition of the unique told to set up personal service companies if they just one marker in the slalom before repeatedly ladder, according to the research from Which? forged invoices, doctored other paperwork and skills and experience that reservists and former “wanted to continue working with the BBC.” The running the wrong way through a tunnel. To the Mortgage Advisers. At the other end of the scale, even convinced 15 health organisations to pay service personnel off er their organisations.” The trio are fighting attempts by the taxman to make amusement of handler Karen, the dog then ran just 4% were saving for less than a year. Separate membership fees directly to her. The Old Bailey covenant is a promise, enshrined in law, to ensure them pay back almost £1mn in unpaid income around in circles and showed more interest in the data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders heard that the fraud was uncovered in 2015 after armed forces personnel and veterans, and their tax and national insurance in what could become crowd barrier than in the challenges themselves. showed that first-time buyers borrowed £3.6bn Kaur went on maternity leave and it was then families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged a major test case. The BBC denies pressuring the At the end of the clip, Karen is forced to chase Olly for home purchases in January — down 29% on discovered that she had stolen £28,911 in a similar by their service. three to set up PSCs. out of the arena. December, but up 9% on a year ago. fraud at her last job for the Hansard Society.

Ireland slams May keeps tactics by rival centres suspense

Reuters Dublin over Brexit reland has complained to the European Commission that Iit is being undercut by rival centres competing to host fi nan- cial fi rms looking for a European Union base outside London after Brexit. trigger Last week, US insurer AIG be- came the biggest group so far to AFP off guard on Monday when EU into question,” he said. pick Luxembourg as its EU base, London Scotland’s nationalist govern- There is speculation that alarming Irish offi cials who fear ment said it would next week May could wait to trigger Ar- others may follow after Prime seek authorisation for a sec- ticle 50 until after a March 25 Minister Theresa May won the rime Minister Theresa ond referendum on leaving the summit in Rome to mark the right to begin the potentially May yesterday said she United Kingdom. EU’s 60th birthday, a moment long process of separation from Pwould be given the pow- The prospect had been it hopes will emphasise the the EU. er to start Brexit talks within mooted since the June ref- bloc’s unity. While the fi nal terms for do- days but declined to name erendum vote for Brexit, in The prime minister will not ing business with the EU from a date for a process already which a majority of Scots had be attending, her spokesman Britain are uncertain, fi nance disrupted by Scotland’s inde- wanted to stay in the bloc, but confirmed yesterday, adding executives say privately they ex- pendence bid. the announcement had not that it was a decision agreed pect Brexit to isolate London and After speculation in Brus- been expected so soon. with EU leaders and “she want to establish bases inside sels and at home that she wishes them well”. the bloc from where they can ac- would start the withdrawal “I will return to this House The Scottish National Party cess its single market, prompt- process this week, May told before the end of this (SNP) government in Edinburgh ing them to look at Frankfurt, the House of Commons that month to notify when I is hoping that with independ- Paris, Dublin and Luxembourg she would fulfil her promise to have formally triggered ence, Scotland could maintain as alternatives. do it by the end of March. Article 50” its close ties with the EU. AIG said its move was driven Parliament late Monday ap- First Minister Nicola Stur- by Luxembourg’s proximity to its proved a bill empowering the May immediately con- geon said her concerns about European clients and its role as a government to trigger Article demned the plan, less than May’s plan to pull Britain out of founder of the EU. 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, three years after Scots voted Europe’s single market, in order “Other cities in Europe are be- starting a two-year count- by 55% to reject independ- to cut immigration, had been ing very aggressive in trying to down to Britain’s departure. ence, saying it would be “di- met with a “brick wall of in- win business,” Eoghan Murphy, May said the bill would visive”. transigence”. But the European the minister in charge of promot- receive formal assent from “This is not a moment to Commission was quick to warn ing Dublin’s fi nancial centre, said Queen Elizabeth II “in the play politics or create un- that Scotland would have to re- describing what he called “dan- coming days” — leaving the certainty,” she repeated yes- apply as a new nation. gerous competition”. prime minister free to start terday, saying it was time to May has the power to block “We have always said... we Brexit at any time. “bring our country together”. a second independence vote, would not be predatory...that we “I will return to this House Facing nationalist move- but this would risk energising are not interested in brass plating,” before the end of this month ments across the continent, the Scottish nationalist cause he said, referring to the practice of to notify when I have formally the EU is determined that no at a time when polls indicate setting up a token operation with a triggered Article 50 and begun other countries follow Britain a narrow majority in favour of “brass plate” sign outside in order the process through which the out the door, and big battles staying in Britain. to gain market access. United Kingdom will leave the await over budget contribu- The approval of the Brexit Although the EU wants to show European Union,” she said. tions, immigration and trade bill was a victory for the prime a united front in divorce nego- This would put Britain on ties. minister, and she yesterday tiations with Britain, the dispute course to become the first Manfred Weber, a German said it gave “a very clear mes- over the division of Brexit spoils is country to leave the 28-mem- lawmaker who leads the Euro- sage to everybody in Europe already testing this. ber bloc by March 2019. pean People’s Party, the big- that we mean business”. Murphy said he had raised con- “I don’t know the date gest grouping in the European But further battles await in cerns with Valdis Dombrovskis, when the letter will arrive, Parliament, said Scotland’s parliament, where a majority one of the European Commis- but what I know is that we are breakaway bid signalled “a of lawmakers did not want to sion’s most senior offi cials, about ready,” European Commission deepening of the splits in Brit- leave the EU — and certainly “creeping regulatory arbitrage”, spokesman Alexander Win- ish society”. not Europe’s single market, a reference to undercutting rivals Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon hosts a Scottish Government cabinet meeting at Bute House in terstein said. “People all over Europe can which they fear could hit eco- with lax rules. Edinburgh yesterday. May appeared to be caught see how risky it is to take the nomic growth. Ukip donor Banks quits Irish Coast Guard pilot party to form new ‘Force’ dies after copter crash Agencies tor head separated from the heli- Dublin copter. Guardian News and Media on Ukip by its main funder. centrate on our new movement. The Super Puma ban was con- London After the Ukip leader, Paul Nut- Over and out.” ditionally lifted by the European tall, failed to win the Stoke-on- Banks also said the party had ne person died and three safety agency but Britain and Nor- Trent Central by-election last made the move because he had were missing after a way have kept national restric- rron Banks, the Ukip do- month, Banks demanded to be claimed the “current leadership OSikorsky S-92 helicopter tions in place. nor who bankrolled the made party chairman or said he couldn’t knock the skin off a rice crashed off the coast of Ireland Irish Coast Guard director, Eu- Amultimillion-pound would set up a rival movement that pudding”. during a rescue operation, the gene Clonan, described the inci- Leave.EU Brexit campaign, has would “destroy” Ukip. Banks gave more than £1mn Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) said dent as a dark day for emergency said he has quit Ukip and will He complained the party was to Ukip and was the main funder yesterday. services. He said helicopter 116 now set up a new political force. being run like a “jumble sale” and behind the Nigel Farage-backed The search-and-rescue heli- was a very new Sikorsky S92 and The insurance millionaire yes- pledged to run against Ukip’s only Leave.EU campaign last year. He copter, which was assisting an- had regular maintenance checks. terday said he was planning to MP, Douglas Carswell, accus- previously said he was considering other aircraft with a medical Gerard Flynn, the IRCG’s search “concentrate on our new move- ing him of treachery and alleging setting up a new political party or evacuation from a fi shing vessel, and rescue operations manager ment” after he claimed Ukip had the MP didn’t do enough to help movement to “drain the swamp” lost contact at around 0100GMT, said that no prior warning was suspended his membership. Farage get a knighthood. Carswell of what he considers ineff ective it said in a statement. given about the helicopter getting Asked by the Guardian if it denies the allegations. MPs at Westminster. A spokesman for US-based into diffi culties in the area before it meant his increasingly strained In a statement sent from a fl ight Amid confusion yesterday Sikorsky, part of Lockheed Martin, disappeared. relationship with Ukip was now to Atlanta, Banks said: “The party morning about Banks’s member- said the fi rm was working with the A spokesperson for Ireland’s over, he quoted the pop star Taylor has somehow managed to lapse ship status, a spokesman for the helicopter’s operator to gather in- Prime Minister, Enda Kenny, who Swift: “We are never ever getting my membership despite my hav- party claimed that Banks could formation on the possible cause of is visiting Donald Trump in the back together … like ever.” ing given considerably more than not have been suspended because the crash. White House this week said: “The He also described his new the annual membership this year! his membership of the party had Sikorsky in January issued a taoiseach is being briefed regularly movement as “Ukip 2.0, the Force “On reapplying I was told the lapsed in January. service notice saying the tail ro- here in the US on the coastguard Awakens”, although it is unlikely to membership was suspended “Arron, by accident I think, let tor and bearing assemblies of the helicopter accident that has taken use the Ukip name. He has previ- pending my appearance at the his membership lapse in January,” S-92 should be checked following place off the coast of Mayo. ously suggested it could be called NEC meeting. Apparently my the spokesman said. “So to be sus- an incident with the tail rotor dur- “His thoughts are with the fam- the “Patriotic Alliance”. comments about the party being pended from a membership you ing a landing on a rig off Scotland ilies of the brave crew and with the Banks’s move had been on the run like a squash club committee don’t actually hold is quite enter- on December 28. emergency crews currently work- cards for several months but was and Carswell have not gone down taining. How can he be suspended European regulators last year ing in the area.” fi nally precipitated by a row over well. I realise I was being unfair to when he is not a member? I think grounded certain Super Puma The ICRG dealt with 2,500 in- his membership, which followed squash clubs all over the UK, and it was an oversight. I don’t think it helicopters made by rival Airbus cidents last year and saved more increasingly outspoken attacks I apologise to them. We will con- was deliberate.” Arron Banks: membership suspended after an accident in which the ro- than 400 lives. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 17 BRITAIN Teenage kickboxing champion dies after title fi ght

Guardian News and Media He was taken to hospital and “Our lovely Scotty, who suff ered everything had been done to The club said training has He said there were “no failings “deeply saddened” by his death. London died on Monday surrounded by an injury on Saturday whilst do- protect both fi ghters. been cancelled until further no- on either teams” and the “pro- “Scott was a very popular his family. ing the thing he loved, kickbox- “There was no way to foresee tice and asked people to respect moter had everything in place”, young man among pupils and Police are investigating the ing, sadly never recovered and the fi ght ending in such a way as the family’s privacy. adding that the ringside para- staff alike and it is without doubt ributes have been paid to circumstances of his death but took his fi nal bow surrounded by at no point were either (fi ghter) The WKA England president, medics “fought tirelessly to keep that he had a very bright sport- a teenager who collapsed said they were not treating the his family and people who love ever in any overwhelming dan- Jon Green, posted on Facebook: Scott with us”. ing future ahead of him.” Tand died during a national incident as suspicious. him.” ger from each other. “Not just WKA but the world of Green said: “Our sport is a Barrowclough said it had been kickboxing competition. The teenager from Sheffi eld It added: “Scott was not only “Everyone is still in shock as kickboxing is mourning such a contact sport, but every precau- a very diffi cult few days for the Scott Marsden, 14, who won was a member of Marsden’s All a kickboxer though, he is a son, a there were simply no signs to well-loved and respected fi ghter tion is in place to have protec- school. “Pupils have been, and a 50kg gold title at the World Styles kickboxing club, which brother, a grandson, a nephew, a suggest the fi ght needed to be and sportsman. tion and to be able respond to continue to be, supported by Kickboxing Association (WKA) was set up by his father, Simon, cousin and a friend.” stopped. The referee stepped in to “One of our fi nest champions keep our fi ghters safe.” staff and fellow pupils alike. It is fi nals in Spain in 2015, needed and uncle Darren. The fi ght was held at the Leeds protect Scott as soon as he could, in every sense in the ring and true Marsden was a pupil at Forge testament to them all that they urgent medical attention during The club yesterday set up a martial arts college in Morley. It which meant Scott did not hit the ambassador of the values out of Valley school in Sheffi eld. The have dealt with this tragic news an English title fi ght in Leeds on fundraising page for Scott and had to be stopped and a state- canvas and was laid down and the ring. A smile that lit you up to school’s headteacher, Dale Bar- in such a mature and respectful Saturday. paid tribute to the teenager. ment on the club’s website said straight into recovery position.” see his face and receive it.” rowclough, said everyone was way.” Trampoline Blooming beauty park injuries spark jump in ambulance calls

Guardian News and Media ant and receptionist from Os- London westry, Shropshire, visited the park on January 15 and jumped from the four-metre-high ledge ore than 300 ambu- into a foam pit. lances were called to McManus, who fractured her Mtrampoline parks in the T12 verterbra, said: “I followed UK in a year, according to fi gures the instructions on the sign and obtained by the BBC. One park, landed in the seated position as Flip Out Stoke, called out an am- suggested, but when I hit the bulance an average of more than foam, I heard a crack in my back once a week, and its parent com- and felt like I’d been winded. pany is the subject of a series of “I was barely able to breathe and law suits. couldn’t shout for help, so I had to Trampolining has exploded throw some of the foam sponges in in popularity since the fi rst park the air to get attention. I was even- A woman photographs blossom in St. James’s Park in London yesterday. opened in 2014. There are now tually fi tted with a back brace that more than 140 in the UK, which I wear daily and only remove it to are visited by millions each year. shower and sleep.” The statistics, acquired by McManus said she emailed BBC 5 Live’s Daily programme Flip Out to tell them about her via freedom of information re- injury and raise concerns about quests, give a snapshot of call- the equipment, but received no outs to about three dozen parks reply. in the 12 months to April 2016. Flip Out, which has since Thirteen ambulance trusts closed the Jump Tower section of across the UK confi rmed that the Chester park, says the call- Govt looks to ditch fi rst during that period, 30 parks re- out rates should be taken in the quired 315 ambulance call-outs. context of the number of users. Suspected broken limbs were The Chester site has recorded the top reason for call-outs, with 200,000 visits already since it broken legs the most common. opened in December 2016. The other top fi ve injuries were A spokesman for Flip Out said: to the spine, head, back and foot. “Safety is our number one prior- class in commuter trains The British Standards Institu- ity and we strive to ensure that tion has now published its fi rst everyone who visits can enjoy all London Evening Standard “important” during peak hours. central London stations served out the problems which have new entrants to the market to set of standards for trampoline of the activities in a safe envi- London z New metro-style carriages from certain locations at par- plagued South Eastern, and de- boost performance. parks, and operators insist that ronment. We welcome feedback with fewer seats to create more ticular times. For example, all liver the high quality of service Several of the measures are the number of injuries is very from our customers and we are space to meet growing passen- metro services on the north that customers expect.” controversial, including ditch- small relative to the total number investigating these claims to es- irst class faces the axe on ger numbers. Kent, Greenwich and Bexley- The consultation on the fu- ing fi rst class, fewer seats and a of users. tablish exactly what happened.” London commuter trains z Running existing trains heath lines would only terminate ture of the South Eastern net- narrower choice of London des- The fi gures show Flip Out Peter Brown, chair of the UK’s Funder a rail revolution to faster and more often which at Cannon Street. work, run by the Go-Ahead tinations. Stoke had the highest rate of largest industry body, the Inter- tackle overcrowding, delays and could “hold down fares”. z Operating high-speed serv- Group, is the first franchise The consultation document call-outs among the trusts re- national Association of Trampo- poor service, the transport sec- z An automated system for ices between St Pancras, Hast- to come up since Grayling’s states: “We recognise that fi rst- porting, with paramedics re- line Parks UK (IATP), told the BBC retary announced yesterday. passengers to claim compensa- ings, Bexhill and Rye via Ashford keynote speech in Decem- class tickets remain popular sponding 17 times in 109 days that many parks are already up to Chris Grayling proposed radi- tion when they suff er delays of International. ber when he outlined his vi- on certain routes, notably on – once every six days – since its standard: “The majority are there or cal reforms in the government’s more than 15 minutes. Grayling said: “Services on sion for the rail industry and the South Eastern main line to opening in December 2015. The thereabouts. Any new parks opened next franchise blueprint for one z Smarter payment systems the South Eastern rail network therefore has implications for Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tun- park is a franchise of the same by our members will now have to be of Britain’s worst-performing including by mobile phone. have been unacceptably poor for other routes across the coun- bridge Wells. company behind Flip Out Ches- compliant, and from August we will rail services, South Eastern, as z Possible new routes in- far too long. Passengers have en- try. “However, removing it would ter, where an investigation is un- be inspecting existing parks.” the population in London and cluding an improved “London dured disruption, overcrowding In particular, the transport create more room for passen- der way after three people broke The proliferation of parks in surrounding travel-to-work orbital service” connecting and delays, particularly during secretary is demanding better gers, which would be important their backs in a single day jump- the UK was inspired by a craze areas is set to soar by 3.4mn by Ashford, Tonbridge, Redhill redevelopment work at London “one team” working between during peak hours.” ing into a foam pit. that started in 2004 in the US. By 2030. and Reading, to take pressure Bridge station, and they deserve the train operator and Network Ministers are also consid- One taking legal action against November 2015, 37 had opened in They include: off the M20. better. Rail to increase reliability of ering reducing the number of that park is Sarah McManus, 29, the UK, rising to 110 by Novem- z Considering removing z Extending metro trains to 12 “Appointing a new franchise services and cut delays. fi rst-class carriages on the West who says she fractured her spine ber 2016, and 144 in early March fi rst class to make more room carriages. operator from 2018 provides us Smaller franchises could also Coast main line, but not axing on a jump. The personal assist- 2017. for passengers, which would be z Reducing the number of with a great opportunity to sort be allocated in future to allow them altogether. Police offi cers cleared Tube offi cers threaten over custody death strike over new shifts London Evening Standard “But that’s exactly what the London BTP, the very people charged Guardian News and Media offi cers to have been convicted of Tansley, 39, and Michael Marsden, with ensuring the public travel London killing a suspect while in custody. 56, had denied manslaughter. They safety, are now doing to their A number of jurors wept as the argued the force used on Orchard, olice community support own staff .” verdicts of not guilty were deliv- 32, was proportional and lawful. offi cers on the Tube have Cortes called on Mayor Sadiq hree Devon and Corn- ered. The judge, Justice Cheema- Orchard, who had paranoid Pthreatened strike action Kahn to intervene and “bang wall police staff have been Grubb, said: “The defendants schizophrenia, was arrested in Oc- over a new 1am fi nishing time. heads together if necessary”. He Tcleared by a jury at Bristol can be discharged from the dock. tober 2012 following a disturbance They claim the new shift hours claimed the new clock-off time is crown court of the manslaughter Members of the jury, thank you in Exeter city centre and taken to mean they cannot get home at night being imposed from next month as of a man with mental health is- very much for your attention in the city’s Heavitree police station. by public transport and stand to lose part of BTP cost-cutting to reduce sues who collapsed while in cus- this case.” The offi cers insisted the US- up to £1,000 in allowances. night-shift allowance payments tody after a heavy webbing belt Speaking outside court, Or- made emergency response belt The changes by British Trans- by 5% — meaning PCSOs could was placed around his face. chard’s parents, Ken and Alison, (ERB) had been used to stop Or- port Police mean one in three lose about £1,000 a year. Thomas Orchard suff ered a said: “We join a growing group of chard from biting or spitting at shifts will now fi nish at 1am. Un- A mayor’s offi ce spokesman cardiac arrest and brain damage people who have lost loved ones them and said it was an approved like the police, PCSOs can take said: “The mayor is urging the after the belt was held across his in police custody and have found piece of equipment supplied to part in industrial action. The strike TSSA to work with BTP to re- face for more than fi ve minutes. no sense of justice. them by Devon and Cornwall po- move threatens to leave large parts solve this dispute, so passengers The Independent Police Com- “Thomas cannot be brought lice for that purpose. of the Tube network unprotected don’t face any disruption.” plaints Commission (IPCC) has back, but we want his needless The prosecution said the ERB without PCSO patrols. BTP deputy chief constable been investigating Devon and death to bring about change. The had been wrapped tightly around BTP employs 330 PCSOs, al- Adrian Hanstock said: “It is dis- Cornwall police and senior man- change we want most is in the at- Orchard’s face when he was car- most half in London stations. appointing to learn of this pro- agement for suspected corporate titude of the police, particularly ried in a prone position and then But many depend on trains in the posal by TSSA to ballot our PC- manslaughter. towards those with mental health placed face down in a cell and had Home Counties for the commute SOs on industrial action, which The Health and Safety Ex- vulnerabilities. restricted his ability to breathe. to work because of the high cost feels somewhat premature and ecutive has also been looking “The pain for the past four-and- The case raises important of housing in London. excessive when we are still in into whether the force breached a-half years has diminished us and questions about how people Manuel Cortes, leader of discussions with those few em- health and safety legislation. The today is a setback but, on behalf with mental health problems are TSSA, representing the offi cers, ployees aff ected by our planned results of those investigations are of those vulnerable people and in treated in custody. According to said: “Are they supposed to sleep shift changes.” due to be announced soon. memory of our Tom, our fi ght for the IPCC, about half of all deaths at the station? No employer He also denied the shift The jury’s decision is a huge re- truth and transparency continues.” in or following police custody in- should turf their staff out at 1am changes were to save money, lief to the three men on trial, who Sergeant Jan Kingshott, 45, and volve detainees with some form onto the streets of London with saying they refl ected new de- would have been the fi rst British civilian detention offi cers Simon of mental health problem. Sadiq Khan: urged to intervene no way to get home. mands on the force. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 EUROPE Cosmonauts Workplace headscarf wanted for ban is legal: EU court trip to moon AFP the lunar programme”. AFP/Reuters “By ruling that company poli- centre-right European People’s Moscow The Federatsiya is designed Luxembourg/Brussels cies can prohibit religious sym- Party, the biggest in the Europe- to fl y to the moon with four bols on the grounds of neutrality, an Parliament, welcomed the ECJ people on board. they have opened a back door to fi nding as a victory for European ussia’s space agency has The fi rst manned test launch uropean companies can precisely such prejudice,” Am- values. announced a recruit- is planned in 2023 from Rus- ban employees from wear- nesty said in a statement. “Important ruling by the Eu- Rment drive for young sia’s new Vostochny cosmo- Eing religious or political The wearing of religious sym- ropean Court of Justice: em- would-be cosmonauts who it drome in the country’s far east. symbols including the Islamic bols, and especially Islamic sym- ployers have the right to ban the hopes will become the coun- The criteria for applicants headscarf, the EU’s top court bols such as the headscarf, has Islamic veil at work. European try’s fi rst on the moon. include an age limit of 35, ruled yesterday in a landmark become a hot button issue with values must apply in public life,” And women are welcome, an height between 1.5m and 1.9m case. the rise of nationalist and some- Weber said in a tweet. offi cial stressed. (4’ 11” to 6’ 2”) and weight of The European Court of Justice times overtly anti-Muslim par- A campaign group backing the In the fi rst such drive for fi ve no more than 90kg (14 stone, (ECJ) said that it does not consti- ties across Europe. women said the ruling could shut years, Roscosmos space agency two pounds), according to Ro- tute “direct discrimination” if a Some countries such as Aus- many Muslim women out of the This file picture taken in east London shows people at a market stall said it is looking for six to eight scosmos. fi rm has an internal rule banning tria are mulling a complete ban workforce. selling the hijab. cosmonauts who will operate IT skills and knowledge of a the wearing of “any political, on the full-face veil in public And European rabbis said the a new-generation spaceship foreign language are required philosophical or religious sign”. while in France last year local au- ECJ had added to rising inci- However in a related case in “In many member states, na- now in development and “will as well as an engineering de- The Luxembourg-based court thorities barred women wearing dences of hate crime to send a France, the ECJ ruled that a cus- tional laws will still recognise become the fi rst Russians to fl y gree or pilot training or expe- was considering the case of a the burkini (also spelt burqini), message that “faith communities tomer could not demand that a that banning religious head- to the moon”. rience in the aviation or space Muslim woman fi red by the se- the full-body swimsuit, fi ning are no longer welcome”. company employee not wear the scarves at work is discrimina- Russia is keen to rekindle the industries. curity company G4S in Belgium those who did. The ECJ was ruling on a case Islamic headscarf when con- tion,” policy offi ce Maryam space triumphs of the Soviet A high standard of fi tness is a after she insisted on wearing a French conservative candi- dating to 2003 when Samira ducting business with them on Hmadoun said. “But in places era after a series of embarrass- must and would-be astronauts headscarf. date Francois Fillon hailed the Achbita, a Muslim, was em- its behalf. where national law is weak, this ing glitches in recent years. have to cross-country ski for Rights group Amnesty Inter- ruling as “an immense relief” ployed as a receptionist by G4S Design engineer Asma Boug- ruling will exclude many Muslim It has announced plans for 5km. national said the ECJ action was that would contribute to “social security services in Belgium. naoui was employed full-time women from the workplace.” its fi rst manned moon landing They undergo a barrage of “disappointing” and would only peace”. At the time, the company had by Micropole, a private com- Amnesty International wel- by 2031. psychological and physical encourage discrimination. Manfred Weber, head of the an “unwritten rule” that em- pany, in 2008, having been told comed the ruling on the French “There will be no discrimi- tests including gynaecological ployees should not wear any po- that wearing the headscarf might case that “employers are not at nation based on skin colour or examinations for women. Court rejects appeal by Norwegian hairdresser litical, religious or philosophical cause problems with clients. liberty to pander to the prejudic- gender,” the executive director Applicants can apply by who discriminated against woman in hijab symbols at work, the ECJ said. Following a customer com- es of their clients”. of manned programmes Sergei post or in person to Star City In 2006, Achbita told G4S that plaint, Micropole asked Boug- But, it said, bans on religious Krikalyov said at a news con- astronaut training centre out- The Norwegian Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by a hairdresser she wanted to wear the Islamic naoui not to wear the headscarf symbols to show neutrality ference, quoted by RIA Novosti side Moscow, remembering to who was convicted of discriminating against a Muslim woman for wear- headscarf at work but was told on the grounds that employees opened “a backdoor to precisely news agency. enclose three passport-sized ing a headscarf. this would not be allowed. should be dressed neutrally. such prejudice”. Applications are welcome photographs. The verdict means Merete Hodne must pay a 7,000-kroner ($812) fine, as Subsequently, the company She was subsequently dis- The president of the Confer- for the next four months, said Russia currently has 30 cos- ordered by an appellate court in January. introduced a formal ban. missed and went to court claim- ence of European Rabbis, Chief the fi rst deputy director of monauts, 14 of whom have The case dates back to October 2015, when Malika Bayan, who wore a Achbita was dismissed and she ing discrimination. Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, Roscosmos Alexander Ivanov, never been in space. hijab at the time, filed a complaint that she had been subjected to dis- went to court claiming discrimi- The ECJ said the case turned complained: “This decision cited by RIA Novosti. The oldest is 58-year-old crimination at Hodne’s salon. nation. on whether there was an internal sends a signal to all religious Ivanov said that the new Gennady Padalka, who holds When she asked what a hair colouring would cost, Hodne ordered her to The ECJ said that European company rule in place applica- groups in Europe.” recruits will pilot the fi rst the world record for total leave and said she wouldn’t touch anyone like her, according to Bayan’s Union law does bar discrimina- ble to all, as in the G4S instance, National court cases across launches of the new-gen- time spent in space, while the account. tion on religious grounds, but or whether the client’s demand Europe have included ques- eration Federatsiya manned youngest is 31-year-old Ivan The case went to trial after Hodne refused to pay an initial fine. G4S’s actions were based on meant Bougnaoui was treated tions on the wearing of Christian transport ship and “continue Vagner. Hodne said yesterday that she would not appeal to the Strasbourg-based treating all employees the same, diff erently. crosses, Sikh turbans and Jewish European Court of Human Rights as she wanted to spare her family the meaning no one person was sin- The ECJ concluded that Boug- skullcaps. unwanted attention, public broadcaster NRK reported. gled out for application of the naoui had indeed been treated In the Belgian case, the ECJ Hodne’s attorney, Linda Ellefsen Eide, said the Supreme Court decision ban. diff erently and so the client’s de- said: “An internal rule of an un- was motivated by “political correctness”. “The rule thus treats all em- mand that she not wear a head- dertaking which prohibits the She had earlier argued that the fact that Hodne was previously active in ployees of the undertaking in the scarf “cannot be considered a visible wearing of any political, Polish MEP fi ned an anti-Islam group had influenced the case. same way, notably by requiring genuine and determining occu- philosophical or religious sign Bayan was “relieved” that the courts had believed her, attorney Sulman them, generally and without any pational requirement”. does not constitute direct dis- Hussain told news agency NTB. diff erentiation, to dress neutral- The Open Society Justice Ini- crimination.” for saying women Bayan, who converted in 2011, last month made headlines after appear- ly,” the ECJ said. “Accordingly, tiative, a group backed by the It was for Belgian judges to de- ing in social media without the hijab. such an internal rule does not in- philanthropist George Soros, termine whether she may have She then told NRK: “I will continue to fight for everyone’s right to wear troduce a diff erence of treatment said that the ruling “weakens the been a victim of indirect discrim- should earn less the hijab, regardless if I do or don’t.” that is directly based on religion guarantee of equality” off ered by ination if the rule put people of a or belief.” EU non-discrimination laws. particular faith at a disadvantage. AFP the European Parliament pun- Strasbourg ish Korwin-Mikke. “Nearly one million Europe- ans are calling for a parliament he European Parlia- that promotes equality and Union calls temporary truce in Berlin airport strike ment punished a Polish unity, not one that becomes a Textreme-right MEP yes- megaphone for hate speech,” terday after he said that wom- said Avaaz campaigner Patricia Reuters The latest walkout is due to ployers said yesterday. en should be paid less because Martin Diaz. Berlin end at 0400 GMT today, and the Verdi strike leader Enrico they are “weaker and less intel- Tajani launched an inquiry union said yesterday that there Ruemker said the union must ligent” than men. following a bitter exchange in would be no strikes for the rest of fi rst examine the proposal. Parliament President An- the chamber earlier this month round 2,000 ground staff the week to allow management to Berlin’s two airports are served tonio Tajani said Janusz Ko- in which the bowtie-wearing, whose series of strikes make a new off er. by carriers including Air Berlin, rwin-Mikke had received an moustachioed Korwin-Mikke Aat Berlin’s airports have The union wants an increase Lufthansa, easyJet and Ryanair, “unprecedented” sanction, in- interrupted female Spanish paralysed air travel to and from in pay for ground staff to €12 all of which have been hit by the cluding the forfeit of his daily MEP, Iratxe Garcia-Perez. the German capital will not stage ($12.76) an hour from about €11 strikes. MEP allowance for 30 days, to- “Of course women must earn further walkouts this week, while as part of a one-year collective The union had earlier raised talling €9,210 ($9,800). less than men, because they are their employers have proposed agreement. the prospect of further strikes The 74-year-old Korwin- weaker, they are smaller, they mediation to end the action. Management fi rst off ered without advance notice af- Mikke was also suspended are less intelligent, they must The staff , whose roles include about 10 euro cents more an ter saying that budget airline from parliamentary activities earn less, that’s all,” Korwin- check-in, loading and unload- hour over four years and then Ryanair had brought in its own for 10 days and will be prohib- Mikke told parliament. ing planes and directing aircraft Deserted check-in desks are seen at Berlin’s Schoenefeld airport improved that off er to an 8% in- ground staff . ited from representing the par- He then added: “Do you on the tarmac, are employed by during strike action by ground staff . crease over three years. Ryanair chief marketing offi cer liament for one year. know how many women are in companies including WISAG, “The positions are so far apart Kenny Jacobs confi rmed that the The Polish MEP has previ- the fi rst 100 of chess players? I Aeroground, Ground Solution, the walkouts, which have led to operating out of Berlin’s two from each other that we think carrier had brought in “a number ously been punished by the tell you: no one.” AHS and Swissport Berlin. more than 1,800 fl ights being airports on the strike days since mediation is the only way to fi nd of fully qualifi ed and authorised EU assembly for making racist Garcia Perez then shot back: Yesterday the employers pro- cancelled over three days, equiv- Friday. Yesterday 578 fl ights were an acceptable solution for both ground handling staff ” to dis- comments and remarks about “According to what you are posed mediation in a bid to end alent to almost all the fl ights grounded. sides,” a spokesman for the em- patch Berlin aircraft. the Holocaust. saying ... I would not have the “I will not tolerate such be- right to be here. haviour, in particular when it “I think I have to defend Police raids in city comes from someone who is European women to men like expected to discharge his du- you,” she said. known for radicals ties as a representative of the Korwin-Mikke has previ- Swiss agency ups scrutiny of asylum-seekers peoples of Europe with due ously courted controversy by Police carried out early morning dignity,” Tajani said in a state- claiming Nazi leader Adolf raids on a mosque and flats in ment. Hitler was “not aware of the Hildesheim yesterday as part of Reuters last year, the report said. Switzerland remains a target for about 24,500 this year. Campaign group Avaaz wel- extermination of the Jews”, investigations into the German Zurich The NDB recommended re- militants despite so far avoiding Through 2016, the NDB had comed the sanction, which calling refugees “human gar- city’s radical Islamist scene. jecting 14 of those cases, as well attacks like those in Germany identifi ed 497 Internet users that came after almost 1mn people bage” and using a racist term to The raids came after an as stripping refugee status from and France. it said were spreading extremist signed a petition asking that refer to black Americans. announcement that the city’s witzerland’s NDB intelli- one other person who had al- “The most likely threat for our propaganda online. German-language Islam gence service ratcheted up ready been granted asylum. country are attacks that require Of 70 total cases being investi- Association, known by its German Sscrutiny of asylum requests That compared with 4,910 little logistical planning and are gated by federal police, the report Courtroom rift emerges between acronym DIK, had been banned for signs of Islamist militancy dossiers being reviewed in 2015, carried out by lone attackers or said, about 60 are the subjects of by the state interior ministry of last year as it sought to bet- from 39,500 asylum requests. small groups,” the report con- a criminal proceeding. couple suspected of torturing women Lower Saxony. ter identify refugees who pose Of 24,000 asylum requests in cluded. Additionally, 81 people mo- Police said 370 off icers took a threat, a government report 2014, the Swiss intelligence serv- Overall, asylum requests in tivated by extremist ideologies A courtroom rift has emerged between a couple accused of part in the raid on DIK mosque showed yesterday. ice reviewed only 2,488 fi les. Switzerland are trending down- had travelled from Switzerland luring women into their home in the German town of Hoexter and premises and the properties of NDB agents reviewed 5,202 The report, by a multi-agency ward after authorities closed the to confl ict areas including Syria, torturing them, with the man rejecting accusations made by his eight leading members of the asylum dossiers for possible task force called Tetra formed in Balkan land route used by thou- Iraq and Afghanistan since Sep- former wife. registered group, threats to Swiss internal security, 2014 to address “jihad travellers” sands to fl ee hot spots in the tember 11, 2001 through Febru- The male defendant, identified as Wilfried W, described testimony which is suspected of radicalising from the pool of 27,200 people moving between Switzerland and Middle East, Asia and Africa. ary, up from 78 a month earlier. given by Angelika W as lies “highly coloured by subjectivity” in a Muslims and recruiting who submitted asylum requests the Middle East, concluded that Requests are forecast to fall to statement read by his defence lawyer yesterday. extremists to fight for the Islamic The court in the city of Paderborn heard that Wilfried W was State militia abroad. concerned that his ex-wife’s allegedly false version of events could No arrests were made. influence the trial. Anis Amri, a Tunisian national Prosecutors say the former married couple, both of whom are in who rammed a truck into a Most German employers happy with refugees their 40s, lured eight women into their home by posting classified crowded Berlin Christmas ads in the newspaper only to hold them captive and systematically market, killing 12, was abuse them. photographed at the mosque Reuters skilled positions, according to a About 14% have found a job. cational skills and diff erent work Two of the pair’s victims escaped the house – dubbed by German in February 2016, according to Frankfurt survey conducted last month and More than three-quarters of habits. media as the Horror House of Hoexter – while two others were media reports. published yesterday. the employers who took part in The survey of 2,200 German killed or died as a result of their injuries. At a press conference in the The fi rst of the estimated the survey said they had only few employers was carried out by the Angelika W has divulged gruesome details of the torture and state capital of Hanover, Lower large majority of Ger- 1.2mn people who arrived in or no diffi culties in daily work Organisation for Economic Co- claimed that her husband at the time was the driving force behind Saxony’s chief of police, Uwe man companies who have Germany in 2015 and 2016 from with the refugees they had hired. operation and Development, the the violence. Binias, said the DIK mosque Ataken on refugees are sat- countries including Syria, Iraq Those who did have diffi cul- Association of German Cham- Yesterday’s hearing saw Wilfried W agree for the first time to a incited its followers to violence isfi ed with their work, although and Afghanistan are starting to ties most frequently cited a lack bers of Commerce and Industry psychological evaluation. and holy war. most hires have been for low- enter the labour market. of German-language skills, vo- and the labour ministry. Angelika W had already agreed to the procedure. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 19 EUROPE Germany to fi ne social media sites Erdogan riles Dutch over hate speech

Reuters mand that sites make it easier Berlin for users to complain about of- fensive content. with Srebrenica jibe A survey by the justice min- ermany plans a new law istry’s youth protection agency, AFP country – has also been blocked peacekeepers failed to prevent calling for social net- released yesterday, found that Ankara from returning to his post. in an episode that remains a na- Gworks like Facebook to YouTube was able to remove Late on Monday Erdogan also tional trauma to this day. remove slanderous or threat- around 90% of illegal postings sparked a new row with Berlin by “The Netherlands and the ening online postings quickly within a week, while Facebook urkish President Recep lashing out at German Chancel- Dutch, we know them from the or face fi nes of up to €50mn deleted or blocked just 39% of Tayyip Erdogan prompted lor Angela Merkel for “support- Srebrenica massacre,” he said. ($53mn). content deemed criminal un- Ta fresh outcry in the Neth- ing terrorists”. “We know how much their “This (draft law) sets out der the law and Twitter only erlands yesterday with a jibe EU foreign policy chief Fed- morality, their character is bro- binding standards for the way 1%. about the 1995 Srebrenica mas- erica Mogherini and EU Enlarge- ken from the 8,000 Bosnians operators of social networks Social networks have raced sacre, warning of new retaliation ment Commissioner Johannes that were massacred,” Erdogan deal with complaints and to improve technology and user in a spiralling diplomatic crisis. Hahn urged Erdogan to show said. “We know this well. No one obliges them to delete crimi- feedback on their sites to detect Keeping an uncompromising moderation, calling on Turkey should give us a lesson in civili- nal content,” Justice Minister and remove abusive content. tone, Erdogan said a “yes” vote to “refrain from excessive state- sation. Their history is dark but Heiko Maas said in a statement “The draft law has only just in an April 16 referendum on ex- ments and actions that risk fur- ours is clean.” Erdogan is applauded on arrival for a meeting in Ankara yesterday. announcing the planned legis- been announced and we are panding his powers would be the ther exacerbating the situation”. Dutch Prime Minister Mark lation yesterday. analysing the details now,” a best response to Turkey’s “en- But far from stepping back, Er- Rutte called his claim a “repug- sides against Nato allies, as Er- April 16 referendum in Turkey, Failure to comply could see a YouTube spokesman said in a emies” in a tumultuous dispute dogan accused the Netherlands nant historical falsehood” and dogan seeks to “build solidarity” Erdogan is keen to exploit the social media company fi ned up statement. “We will continue that risks wrecking the entire of “state terror” in preventing said that “Erdogan’s tone is get- ahead of the referendum. crisis to win the support of na- to €50mn, and the company’s to improve our systems to en- Ankara-Brussels relationship. Turkish ministers from holding ting more and more hysterical”. In response to the controversy, tionalist voters who are crucial in chief representative in Germa- sure that illegal hate speech is He said that the Dutch char- pro-“yes” rallies and said more “We won’t sink to that level,” German state Saarland said yes- determining the outcome. ny fi ned up to €5mn. dealt with quickly.” acter was “broken” after Neth- sanctions were planned. he said. terday that it would ban all for- “Our nation on April 16 at the Germany already has some Twitter declined to com- erlands peacekeepers failed to “We are going to work more” Erdogan’s latest broadside eign offi cials from holding elec- ballot box ... will give the best of the world’s toughest hate ment on the proposed law. prevent the 1995 Srebrenica on measures against the Neth- against Merkel also infuriated tion rallies on its soil. answer to Turkey’s enemies,” Er- speech laws covering defama- It has responded in recent massacre of Bosnian Muslims in erlands, said Erdogan. “These Germany, which had also last Responding to the EU’s criti- dogan said. tion, slander, public incite- months with automated tools the break-up of the former Yu- wrongs won’t be solved with a week prevented Turkish minis- cism, the Turkish foreign min- In a bid to woo support from ment to commit crimes and to identify profi les engaging goslavia, comments described as sorry, we have more things to do.” ters from holding rallies in the istry said that “the EU’s short- citizens living in Europe – where threats of violence, backed up in abusive behaviour, new fi l- “repugnant” by The Hague. Erdogan had previously an- country. sighted statement has no value a majority have traditionally sup- by prison sentences for Holo- tering options to screen out Ankara had a day earlier an- gered the Netherlands by saying Merkel’s spokesman described for our country”. ported the ruling party – Turkish caust denial or inciting hatred anonymous profi les or to block nounced it was suspending high- that the authorities had behaved the accusations as “absurd”, say- The move by the Netherlands offi cials have sought to take the against minorities. off ensive content, and by re- level relations with The Hague like the Nazis, who had occupied ing that the chancellor had no in- to block the rallies by Turkish campaign to European cities. It now aims to update these sponding directly to user com- after the Netherlands prevented and bombed the country in the tention of taking part in a “com- ministers comes as Rutte pre- In Germany, there are more rules for the social media age. plaints. two Turkish ministers from hold- World War II. petition of provocations”. pares to face the far-right popu- than 1.4mn Turkish citizens eli- The issue has taken on more Facebook was not imme- ing rallies to woo expatriate sup- But yesterday he touched an Germany’s Interior Minister list Geert Wilders in a general gible to vote while there are near- urgency amid concern about diately available to comment port ahead of the referendum. arguably even rawer nerve, re- Thomas de Maiziere said yester- election today. ly 250,000 in the Netherlands, the spread of fake news and on the draft law, elements of The Dutch ambassador to calling the 1995 Srebrenica mas- day that Ankara was playing the Analysts say that with polls according to offi cial fi gures from racist content on social media, which had been signalled pre- Ankara – currently outside the sacre in Bosnia, which Dutch UN role of the victim with its broad- indicating a tight outcome in the November 2015. which often targets more than viously. 1mn migrants who arrived in In January, Facebook an- Germany in the last two years, nounced a partnership with as well as members of the Jew- German third-party fact- ish community. checking organisation Cor- The Central Council of Jews rectiv, promising to update its Final play for votes on the eve of Dutch election in Germany welcomed the new social media platforms in Ger- law. many “within weeks” to reduce “We do not want an Inter- the dissemination of fake news AFP and most of the leading parties, net police or thought control,” (http://reut.rs/2lWDufg). The Hague including Rutte, have vowed not the council’s president, Josef Maas and other members to work with him. Schuster, said. “But when of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s In the wake of last year’s Brexit hatred is stoked, and the le- ruling coalition have called for utch politicians hit the vote, and Donald Trump’s vic- gal norms in our democracy social networks to be held to airwaves and the cam- tory in the US presidential polls, threaten to lose their relevance, higher content standards de- Dpaign trail yesterday, the Dutch elections are being then we need to intervene.” manded of media broadcasters battling to win over undecided keenly watched to measure the In late 2015, Germany instead of hands-off rules ap- voters in the fi nal countdown to strength of far-right and populist pressed Facebook, Twitter and plied to telecom operators. an election overshadowed by an candidates ahead of other votes Google’s YouTube to sign up to Among Germany’s political acrimonious row with Turkey. in Europe this year. a code of conduct, which in- establishment, there is con- On the eve of today’s legisla- Amid such a fragmented polit- cluded a pledge to delete hate cern that fake news and racist tive polls, many of the 12.9mn ical landscape and the possibility speech from their websites content on social media could eligible Dutch voters appear not the next government will be led within 24 hours. infl uence public opinion in this to have made up their minds on by an unwieldy four or fi ve-party The draft rules would turn year’s election campaign. which of the record 28 parties in coalition, many Dutch may well the code of conduct into le- The government, how- the running to choose. vote strategically. gal obligations to delete or re- ever, would have to move very A fi nal debate between the The diplomatic crisis with move illegal content, to report quickly if it wants to get the law eight top party leaders was due Turkey, which fl ared at the week- regularly on the volume of fi led passed before campaigning for to take place last night, with ana- end after the Dutch government complaints and they also de- the September election begins. lysts saying there was still a lot to barred Turkish ministers from play for in the race to govern the speaking at a pro-Ankara rally Netherlands. in Rotterdam, appears to have Moscow to absorb rebel Georgian region’s army Many voters said they hoped boosted Rutte’s image. the fi nal showdown would help “I think what happened with Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his off icials to seal them make up their minds. the Turkish incident reinforced an agreement which will, in eff ect, incorporate the armed forces of “I’m going to watch the debate his leadership,” Monika Sie Dhian Georgia’s breakaway South Ossetia region into the Russian military’s closely in order to be clear about Ho, director of the Clingendael command structure. my decision and whom I’m go- An election poster is seen outside the Dutch parliament in The Hague. Institute, told AFP. The order is likely to spark accusations from Georgia and its Western ing to choose,” fi rst-time voter She said as many as 60% of allies that the Kremlin is absorbing the breakaway region into Russia Giorgio Frans, 20, told AFP at the In a one-page party manifesto, leading economies in the euro- But Rutte, who had previously voters might still be wavering, by stealth, even though under international law it is part of Georgia’s entrance to the historic Dutch Wilders has pledged to close the zone, and the need for stability said it was time to de-escalate “so this is volatile, many things sovereign territory. parliament, the Binnenhof. borders to Muslim immigrants, for the country’s 17mn people. the crisis with Ankara, angrily can happen”. Moscow has de facto controlled South Ossetia, a sliver of mainly “I was still undecided between shut mosques and ban sales of But a diplomatic row with retorted yesterday to statements Amid the jostling, long-stand- mountainous land in the northeast of Georgia, for years. three persons, which have now the Qur’an. Turkey, which has suspended by Erdogan saying that the Dutch ing Dutch parties such as the But it has, on paper at least, treated South Ossetia as a separate been reduced to two ... but in But he has revealed virtually no its 400-year-old ties with the “character” was broken after the Christian Democratic Appeal state, not part of Russia. any case never on Wilders,” said details of how he would put such Netherlands and prompted in- 1995 Srebrenica massacre in Bos- (CDA) and the Democracy Party According to the text of the draft agreement that Putin ordered his Mieke Oostrom, pushing her bi- plans into action. cendiary accusations from nia, where lightly armed Dutch (D66) have seen their fortunes off icials to conclude, the separatists will adopt new operating pro- cycle past the small lake in front Rutte and Wilders clashed on Turkish President Recep Tayyip peacekeepers were overrun by rise as the clock ticks down to the cedures for their armed forces which will be subject to approval by of the Binnenhof. Monday in their only televised Erdogan, has gate-crashed the Bosnian Serb forces and failed vote. Moscow, and the forces’ structure and objectives will be determined Outgoing Prime Minister head-to-head debate, laying out campaigns. to protect Muslim refugees (see They could both prove to be in agreement with Russia. Mark Rutte and his Liberal VVD sharply diff erent visions for the “You are being taken hostage lead report). key players in a future coalition. The agreement also states that members of the South Ossetian are topping the latest polls, and future. by Erdogan. Close the Dutch bor- “He (Erdogan) continues to Jesse Klaver, 30, a young and armed forces can transfer to serve as Russian soldiers on a Russian poised to win by a whisker with Rutte again insisted that he ders,” Wilders told Rutte, as tem- escalate the situation,” Rutte charismatic left-wing leader military base in South Ossetia. The separatists will shrink their armed a predicted 24 to 28 seats in the would never work with his rival, pers fl ared during the debate on told Dutch news TV channel RTL who heads GroenLinks, was out forces by the number of servicemen employed at the Russian base. 150-seat parliament. a stand that could complicate Monday. Nieuws, adding that “it’s a re- early yesterday, campaigning in Yesterday the Kremlin issued an order signed by Putin instructing But he is fi ghting off a stiff moves to form a coalition gov- “That’s a totally fake solution,” pugnant historical falsehood”. the university city of Leiden. the Russian defence and foreign ministries to work with the separa- challenge from the Freedom ernment. Rutte shot back, “you want Nex- While Wilders’s views have He has boosted his party in tists to conclude and sign the agreement. Party (PVV) of Geert Wilders, his Bidding for a third term, Rutte it, you want the Netherlands out won growing support amid Eu- the polls, and could win 16 to 18 Georgian off icials could not immediately be reached for comment. far-right anti-Islam rival, who pointed to his six years as premier of Europe. You know what it will rope’s refugee crisis, many of the seats, leaving him with a king- may scoop up 20 to 24 seats. overseeing growth, in one of the cost ... don’t do it.” Dutch still fi nd them unpalatable maker role for a coalition. Fillon formally charged over ‘fake jobs’ scandal

AFP/DPA/Reuters mentary assistants, but has de- lon worked a total of 185 months campaign team, while the scan- ber after campaigning as a clean Paris nied any wrongdoing. between 1986 and 2013, both for dal has made an already unpre- and honest candidate who would Although many European leg- her husband and for his succes- dictable election even harder to transform France with a “radical” islators have been known to hire sor in the legislature. call. economic programme. rance’s right-wing presi- family members to work in their Her average salary was €3,677 The disarray appears to have He wants to cut public spend- dential candidate Francois legislative offi ces, Fillon has a month. benefi ted centrist, pro-business ing by €100bn and cut 500,000 FFillon was charged yester- come under suspicion because From May 2012 to December candidate Emmanuel Macron in public sector jobs over the next day with several off ences over a investigators have found no proof 2013, while employed at the par- particular, as well as far-right fi ve years. fake jobs scandal, including mis- his wife actually worked. liament, Penelope was also paid leader Marine Le Pen, who are He was the frontrunner in the use of public funds, his lawyer Penelope Fillon has fought €3,500 ($3,700) a month by a shown in opinion polls to be the presidential race before the scan- said. back at the charges, saying that magazine owned by a friend of likely top two candidates in the dal hit in late January, but is now “He was charged this morning. she performed numerous duties, Fillon, the tycoon Marc Ladreit fi rst round of voting on April 23. shown in third place and elimi- The hearing was brought forward such as accompanying her hus- de Lacharriere. Polls suggest 39-year-old Ma- nated in the fi rst round. so that it could take place in a band to speaking engagements, After initially saying he would cron would beat Le Pen in the de- Under French law, being put calm manner,” lawyer Antonin dealing with e-mails and prepar- withdraw from the presidential cisive second round on May 7 – under formal investigation Levy told AFP. ing notes and background infor- race if charged, Fillon has vowed but after Donald Trump’s victory means there is “serious or con- He was also charged with mis- mation. to continue, calling the investi- in the United States and Britain’s sistent evidence” that points to use of corporate assets, Levy said. Fillon and wife Penelope. Penelope Fillon earned about gation an attempted “political vote to leave the European Un- probable involvement of a sus- Fillon, 63, had been expected €680,000 ($730,600) during the assassination”. ion, analysts caution against bold pect in a crime. to go before investigating mag- weeks from the fi rst round of the the end of January, the conserva- course of 15 years while working He has defi ed calls to step aside predictions. It is a step towards a trial, but istrates today over the scandal, election. tive candidate admitted to em- as a legislative staff member, ac- from colleagues in his Republi- Fillon, a devout Catholic, was a number of such investigations which has undermined his cam- Following revelations in the ploying his wife Penelope and cording to the documents. cans party and has weathered a the surprise winner of the Re- have been dropped without going paign for the presidency only six Canard Enchaine newspaper at two of their children as parlia- They show that Penelope Fil- fl urry of resignations from his publicans’ primary in Novem- to court. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 INDIA

POLITICS CRIME JUDICIARY POACHING CONTROVERSY Online petition proposes Newborn stolen from Court orders four to Road accident leads to Kannada writer comes Tharoor as PM candidate Kolkata govt hospital surrender in rape case recovery of rhino horn under ink attack

An online petition has proposed the name of Congress A newborn baby was allegedly stolen by an The Kerala High Court yesterday directed A fatal road accident yesterday led to the uncovering Kannada writer Yogesh Master, who allegedly MP Shashi Tharoor as the United Progressive Alliance unidentified woman from a government hospital a Catholic priest, two nuns and another of a case of poaching of one-horned rhino in hurt the sentiments of Hindus with his 2013 (UPA)’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2019 Lok in Kolkata yesterday. The incident took place in woman, to surrender within five days over Assam’s Kamrup district, police said. The police novel Dhundi, was the victim of an ink attack by Sabha elections. Tharoor is currently the MP from Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. The boy of the rape of a teenager, allegedly by a Catholic have recovered a rhino horn from a vehicle that a group of suspected right-wing activists. The Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The petition, started on Saraswati Naskar was allegedly taken away by an parish vicar. All four are on the run after the collided with a bus around 6.30am near Baihata incident happened in the Karnataka town of online platform “change.org” by Thiruvananthapuram unidentified woman on the pretext of a check-up police found they were involved in helping Chariali in Kamrup district, close to Guwahati. Davangere when Master attended a book release resident Paul Trivandrum, had garnered 11,000 at around 12.30pm. “An unknown woman came Robin Vadakkanchery, a 49-year-old Catholic “While three persons travelling in the vehicle died, event. The writer was reportedly surrounded by supporters by yesterday afternoon. “In another two to my daughter-in-law and took the kid away for parish vicar near Kannur. Vadakkanchery another is struggling for his life at a private hospital an aggressive group who smeared his face with years’ time India, the largest democracy of the world will check-up. We haven’t found the kid ever since. has been arrested for allegedly raping the in Guwahati,” the police said. “We have recovered black ink. In a police complaint, Master said he face another national election. Success of a democratic The woman has stolen the baby,” the mother-in- 17-year-old school girl, who gave birth to a a rhino horn, which has blood stains, the butt of a was attacked by a group shouting “Jai Shri Ram” country requires a strong public interest based law of Naskar alleged. “We got in touch with the boy last month. Vadakkanchery was picked country-made gun and some white powder-like after the conclusion of the event. The event opposition led by a visionary leader capable of prime doctors and the hospital authorities but no one up last month when he was on his way to substance from the vehicle. When we reached the was organised by journalist Gauri Lankesh. At ministership,” the petition said. “Shashi Tharoor is a man has any clue where the baby is. The authorities Cochin International Airport to catch a flight accident spot, two of them were already dead. We least eight people were involved in the attack well qualified with deep knowledge of international and said they would check the CCTV footage of the to Canada. After his arrest, it was revealed took the other two to a hospital immediately. While on the writer. Master was arrested in 2013 after national issues, who can connect with the people of incident, but now they are saying the camera that the incident was kept secret by the one of them succumbed, the other is struggling for a complaint was filed against him for allegedly India and with world leaders.” does not work,” she said. other four. life,” the police added. hurting the sentiments of Hindus.

Ahamed’s daughter seeks party JNU student approval for by-election ‘suicide’ still

By Ashraf Padanna Thiruvananthapuram

r Fouzia Shersad, the daughter of late Indian a mystery, DUnion Muslim League (IUML) leader and former minis- ter E Ahamed, has expressed her wish to contest the Malappuram by-election next month. Shersad is the director of In- stitutional Eff ectiveness Unit at say police Dubai Medical College and a fac- ulty member in pathology. IANS edly gone out to have food at his to have food at his friend’s room, She met IUML state unit presi- New Delhi friend’s house and had locked who is from Korea. He belonged to dent Hyderali Shihab Thangal himself in the room afterward on a very poor family,” National Stu- in Malappuram and staked her the pretext of sleeping. dents Union of India leader Sunny claim. olice are yet to fi gure out Speculation is rife among the Dhiman, who was at the mortuary She believes she can easily win the reason for the suspected student fraternity about the pos- along with Rajni’s father for the from the constituency that her Psuicide of a Jawaharlal Ne- sible reason for his suicide, with autopsy report, said. father represented for six con- hru University (JNU) student who many saying he was suff ering In a related development the secutive terms. was found hanging from the ceil- from depression over caste dis- JNU Students Union criticised Party general secretary P K ing fan in his friend’s room, offi - crimination. the vice chancellor of the univer- Kunhalikutty and district unit cials said yesterday. A Facebook post purported to sity for not meeting the parents of president K N A Khader have No suicide note was found, be written by Rajini is also being the student, but rather conveying also expressed their “willing- they said. circulated by some of his friends, his condolences on social media. ness” to contest “if the party Krish Rajini, 25, whose real in which the student expressed “It’s been hours a Dalit student wishes so.” name was Muthukrishnan J, a his disaff ection over many issues, of our university found dead and But Dr Shersad’s claim has put resident of Jhelum Hostel, was including denial of equality and we are shocked and appalled by the male-dominated party in a found hanging from the ceiling non-implementation of recom- the insensitivity shown by the tricky situation as it just cannot fan in a room in Munirka Vihar mendations of the Thorat com- university authorities ever since,” ignore the hugely popular lead- area near the university on Mon- mittee. JNUSU vice president Amal er’s legacy. day evening. “When equality is denied eve- Pullarkat said through a Facebook Many believe a denial could “A team of Central Forensic rything is denied. There is no post. dent the party’s fortunes as Science Laboratory (CFSL) is Equality in M Phil or Ph D admis- “Leave alone consoling the Ahamed won it with a record probing the case and a thorough sion, there is no equality in viva- family and helping them to go margin of 194,739 votes in 2014. search is on with all possible an- voce, there is only denial of equal- through the procedure, the uni- The IUML vote share dwindled gles. The police are also re-exam- ity. Denying Prof Sukhdeo Thorat versity authorities haven’t even by around 70,000 in the assem- ining the sequence of events and recommendation, denying stu- bothered to pay a visit to the bly elections last year. Call Details Records (CDR) and dents protest in ad-block, deny- hospital where the body of the Former chief minister and chat records of Rajini. A team of ing the education of the margin- deceased is lying since last night senior Congress Party leader CFSL with other senior offi cers als,” the comment, which he is (Monday),” he added. Oommen Chandy last week met would again visit the fl at,” Deputy reported to have posted a couple Earlier in the day, vice chan- Thangal to discuss the by-elec- Commissioner of Police Ishwar of days before the incident, read. cellor M Jagadesh Kumar took to tion. Singh said. The police teams are taking the Twitter to express his grief. He urged Thangal to “retain” The police also claimed so far help of cyber experts to check the “JNU community is grief Kunhalikutty as he is the deputy they have not found any evidence authenticity of the post, Singh stricken at untimely and sad de- leader of the opposition in the indicating foul play and said that said. mise of Shri Muthukrishnan J. We state assembly where they re- the CFSL examination reports “He was my hostel mate and pray that God be with his fam- quire the three-time minister’s will help them ascertain if it was a I found him to be a very cheer- ily at this critical time,” Kumar long parliamentary experience. suicide or homicide. ful fellow. Even yesterday (March tweeted. The IUML leaders are meeting Rajini was a student of his- 13) I saw him asking another stu- The family of Rajini who be- in Malappuram today to fi nalise JNU students wait outside the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for the postmortem report of tory and was doing M Phil from dent for an old pair of trousers longed to Salem district in Tamil the candidate. Krish Rajini who allegedly commits suicide, yesterday. the university. He had report- for playing Holi. Later he went Nadu has demanded a probe. Modi seals UP and with it his own re-election one and dusted. No, I am and extremist campus politics clared the party’s chief ministerial The political cookie crumbles bly, can project himself as a man not talking about the just- and so on. candidate although it was clear diff erently for diff erent parties. for development for all, as he has Dconcluded state assembly It is also an unambiguous dec- to everyone that the retired army If the Congress has to get rid of been doing for the past two years elections in Uttar Pradesh (UP), or laration that conventional politics Delhi Diary captain was the only politician of Rahul Gandhi to survive, the SP as chief minister, and if he can es- in Punjab or Goa or any other state that divided voters into com- stature in the state. has to stay with Akhilesh Yadav chew the blatantly caste-oriented which, for various reasons, are partments under diff erent labels By A K B Krishnan It was believed that Gandhi to re-emerge in fi ve years’ time. politics of the elder Yadavs, there important in themselves. What based on caste, religion and social had done the party a good turn by The Yadav scion has shown signs is still hope for the SP to come is done and dusted are the 2019 standing is no longer valid in 21st Gulf Times Correspondent aligning the Congress with the SP of leadership that did not sit well back for a look-see into the power elections to the Lok Sabha. century India. For Modi’s BJP to of Akhilesh Yadav, the outgoing with the old guard within the par- structure in Lucknow. Unless something so wholly win in Dadri, where Mohamed chief minister of UP, to fi ght these ty and a rebellion was fomented. Nothing of the sort seems to unforeseen and unfortunate hap- Akhlaq was lynched for allegedly it is still the one hope that the poor light criticising the surgical elections. It was seen as the pro- Naturally, lack of political expe- be available to the other main pens, 2019 will see the beginning storing beef in his fridge, and that country has to put up a credible strikes. verbial last straw for a party that rience showed when Akhilesh party in the state, the BSP, whose of the second innings of Prime too by a huge margin of 85,000 opposition if not anything else. Rahul Gandhi, the man in has been out of power for 27 years. decided to join hands with Rahul leader Mayawati simply refuses to Minister Narendra Modi. That is votes can only mean that a good A runaway ruling class is anti- charge of the Congress, comes Now with the Congress losing Gandhi. It was a measure of des- believe that she has been beaten probably why some in the opposi- percentage of Muslim voters had thetical to democracy. It can only across more as a part-time politi- even in the Gandhi strongholds of peration on the part of Akhilesh fairly and squarely. The blaming tion, or what is left of it, is talking also opted for the winning candi- lead to despotism. His rivals have cian than as a serious contender Amethi and Rae Bareli and manag- as his own family elders turned of the voting machines and by ex- about the 2024 elections and Modi date, Tejpal Singh Nagar. And to been calling Modi a despot but to take over the leadership of the ing a paltry seven seats in the entire against him. tension the Election Commission himself is telling his party men to think that the BJP had not put up so far it has carried little weight nation. Till date he has not shown state against the 28 it held in the But Akhilesh has been trying to of India for her party’s defeat is an prepare for the next elections in a single Muslim candidate in any among the people at large. But any persistence in matters of poli- previous assembly, Gandhi’s fail- take the SP away from the identity old trick that will have no takers in UP fi ve years hence. “At this rate of the 403 constituencies in the heady victories like the one in UP, cy. A few staccato bursts of word- ure to read the situation on ground politics that his father Mulayam today’s India. we might as well forget 2019 and state! if repeated often enough, could play for the headline loving media has come into sharper focus. Singh and uncle Shivpal had been Like the Congress the BSP is also start planning (and) hoping for As many as 97 of the 403 can- make the opposition prediction and sporadic, optics-enhancing In spite of all this, Rahul Gandhi practising for the past three dec- staring at oblivion and Mayawati 2024,” tweeted National Confer- didates of the Bahujan Samajwadi come true. appearances at Dalit homes can will continue as before with not ades or more. That sort of politics simply does not have it in her to re- ence chief and former Jammu and Party (BSP) were Muslim while The treasury and opposition hardly make up for erudite poli- one Congressman bold enough had a shelf-life which reached its vive a party whose raison d’etre has Kashmir chief minister Omar Ab- the corresponding fi gures for the benches are the two sides of the tics and wise statesmanship. His to stand up and be counted. The end in 2014 when Modi swept the been the lower caste Hindu who is dullah. Samjwadi Party (SP) and the Con- same coin in a democracy. Only “khoon ki dalali” (agent of blood) Congress feels it is entitled to state in the Lok Sabha elections. no more interested in the freebies What happened in UP for the gress Party, which had rustled up a credible and sensible opposi- remark against Modi for the sur- political power and the Gan- Appeasement of the minorities and hand-me-downs but is seek- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was a last-minute coalition of con- tion can help keep the ruling gical strike brought outright con- dhi family is the custodian of all had brought dividends to Mu- ing jobs commensurate with his more than a victory in an assem- venience, were 67 out of 298 and party on the straight and narrow, demnation from the nation as a that power. All the young fellows layam Singh in three elections. ability and the status that comes bly election. For all practical pur- 17 of 105, respectively. which also means coming to the whole, except, of course, the few hanging around Rahul Gandhi But the problem was despite all with it. Mayawati has no roadmap poses it was a clear validation of What Modi and his party aid of the government at crucial hangers-on within his own party. and who supposedly have his ear such overtures the minorities in for such politics because it requires three years of Modi rule, including would do in the coming weeks junctures for the greater com- Yes, the Congress won Punjab will continue to do so without the state continued to wallow in hard work. the demonetisation of high value and months in UP and elsewhere mon good as well as the integrity truly resoundingly, but much of ever bothering to tell him what he abject poverty and deprivation With his own party in power in currency and the surgical strike is perhaps fi t for a detailed listing of the country. Unfortunately the the credit for that has to go to Am- has been doing is wrong. And the while the rest of India, including Lucknow, Modi will plough every on terrorists from across the bor- later but presently it is more rel- Congress has failed in this crucial arinder Singh who, incidentally, longer they stay this course the Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, was possible reward into UP. If he can der. And for good measure it was a evant to look at what is in store for job, like it had failed in provid- is not the kind of Congressman faster the party’s fall. Rahul Gan- moving forward at an aspirational keep the corrupt from dipping slap in the face of those so-called the other parties that tried every- ing a corruption-free govern- that the party leadership wants. dhi is simply not leadership mate- pitch. It was bound to rub off on into the till, as he has managed at neo-liberals who tried to create a thing they could and a little more ment when it was in power. It had In fact, insiders say Gandhi and rial and he has to be replaced. But the marginalised in UP. And it did the federal level, the people of the controversy where none existed in to stop Modi from winning but championed mostly irrelevant Singh never get along well with the Congress won’t do that and in no uncertain terms. state will benefi t much. Winning the name of nationalism, intoler- failed miserably. issues like campus suicides or each other. Gandhi was said to be that will mean the ultimate death If Akhilesh, now as leader of in 2022, as Modi dreams, may well ance, beef-eating, “love-jihad” First the Congress because arrests and had also been seen in not in favour of Singh being de- of the party. the opposition in the state assem- be a reality. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 21 INDIA Factual errors in Sasikala’s reply to EC, says OPS faction

IANS the factual errors in Sasikala’s former AIADMK MP K C Palan- tion Commission shows that MGR’s widow Janaki Ramach- as the interim arrangement can- to be suff ering from dehydration Chennai letter to the Election Commis- iswamy and several others. she does not even know the ba- andran and the other by J Jay- not go on forever. and a fever before it was “sud- sion.” Sasikala replied to the poll sic history of AIADMK,” Palan- alalithaa. Meanwhile, AIADMK member denly” announced that she had Maitreyan and others belong- body listing out her arguments iswamy said. When the two factions merged P R Sundaram demanded a Cen- a heart attack which caused her he All India Anna Dravida ing to the AIADMK faction led in her letter dated March 8 but “MGR became the chief in 1989, Jayalalithaa was elected tral Bureau of Investigation (CBI) death. Munnetra Kazhagam fac- by Panneerselvam had urged the fi led on March 10. minister only in 1977 and not the general secretary by the probe into Jayalalithaa’s death. In response, Parliamentary Ttion led by former chief election watchdog to declare the Both Palaniswamy and in 1972. MGR was the party’s General Council, but nobody The central government in re- Aff airs Minister Ananth Kumar minister O Panneerselvam said election of Sasikala as AIADMK Maitreyan said that Sasikala’s general secretary from 1972 to objected to her election, Palan- sponse said that it could order a agreed that it was an issue of yesterday that it has sent its re- general secretary as null and response had some glaring fac- 1977. After that the post was iswamy said. probe only after the result of the concern. buttal of party general secretary void. tual errors. held by leaders like V R Nedun- According to him, the no- investigation by the Tamil Nadu “We are all sad by the sudden V K Sasikala’s letter to the Elec- Their contention is that the In her reply to the Elec- chezhiyan, P U Shanmugam tice calling the General Council government is out. demise of the great leader. It’s a tion Commission. general secretary of the party tion Commission Sasikala and S Raghavanandam. On the meeting of AIADMK on Decem- Sundaram, who is a part of the matter of great concern to the AIADMK Rajya Sabha mem- has to be elected by the primary said that M G Ramachandran other hand MGR was the par- ber 29 last year did not have on rebel group of the party headed house and the whole country,” ber V Maitreyan said: “A 61- members of AIADMK and not by (MGR) was the chief minister ty’s founder president,” Palan- the agenda the election of the by Panneerselvam, raised the is- Kumar said. page point-by-point rebuttal to its General Council. of Tamil Nadu and the general iswamy added. general secretary. sue in the Lok Sabha. The minister said there was Sasikala’s letter has been sub- The Election Commission had secretary of the party from Palaniswamy said af- Palaniswamy said the only He claimed that nobody was a “feeling” that the death oc- mitted to Election Commission asked Sasikala to respond to the 1972 to 1987. ter MGR’s death the party option now is to hold an election allowed to meet Jayalalithaa in curred in “mysterious circum- today. We have also pointed out complaint lodged by Maitreyan, “Sasikala’s letter to the Elec- split into two, one headed by for the general secretary’s post hospital and noted she was said stances”. Naga parties to support BJP govt in Manipur

IANS clared aim of ridding the region Imphal/Kohima of the Congress Party and to bring all-round development to the northeastern part of the he National People’s Party country under the leadership of (NPP) and the Naga Peo- Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tple’s Front (NPF) yes- The NPF has been in alliance terday said they will support a with the BJP and other non-Con- non-Congress government in gress political parties in Naga- Manipur led by the Bharatiya Ja- land since 2003 under the banner nata Party. and nomenclature of Democratic NPP supremo Conrad K Sang- Alliance of Nagaland. ma said a non-Congress gov- Meanwhile, Nongthombam BJP chief Amit Shah greets Parrikar after he was sworn in yesterday. Also seen are Goa Governor Mridula Sinha, federal ministers Nitin Gadkari, M Venkaiah Naidu and MGP leader ernment would soon be formed Biren will be sworn in as the fi rst Ramkrishna Sudin Dhavalikar. in Manipur and his party would BJP chief minister of Manipur support the BJP-led alliance today, Raj Bhavan sources said. government. He will be sworn in at 10.30am, Nagaland Chief Minister the sources said. Biren and one or Shurhozelie Liezietsu said his two elected members may take Naga People’s Front (NPF) party oath. will be supporting the BJP-led National and regional BJP coalition government in the leaders are expected to be present neighbouring state. during the swearing in ceremony. Parrikar takes charge “We are waiting only for the Meanwhile, Congress leaders invitation from Governor Najma are keeping their fi ngers crossed. Heptulla to form the new gov- Former chief minister Okram ernment,” Sangma said. Ibobi Singh, who tendered his He said the Naga People’s resignation on Monday night, Front has also handed a letter of said: “We had staked our claim to support to Heptulla confi rming form the next ministry.” in Goa for fourth time its support to the BJP-led alli- However, that hope is fading ance government in Manipur. away as all other members of the Supreme Court asks new CM which has emerged the largest to the governor? The support Khaunte who joined the BJP coa- in taking Goa to new heights of The NPF, which won four seats non-Congress parties and the to prove majority tomorrow party in the 40-member assem- extended to BJP to form govern- lition bandwagon on Sunday also progress,” Modi said in a tweet. in the just-concluded assembly lone independent have extended bly after the state elections. ment is only for Goa’s develop- were rewarded with berths. The Earlier yesterday, hectic polit- elections, has also paraded its support to the BJP, and the Con- IANS The governor administered ment,” Parrikar told reporters. third independent MLA Prasad ical developments played out in newly-elected legislators be- gress has not been able to in- Panaji/New Delhi the oath of offi ce to Parrikar at The chief minister also said Gaonkar also joined the BJP coa- Goa as well as the national capi- fore the governor, Sangma said. crease its strength from 28. Raj Bhavan yesterday evening. the Congress could not stake lition on Monday and tendered tal, where the Supreme Court, The NPP and NPF have won four Ibobi Singh had pinned his While Parrikar and his nine- claim to form the government his letter of support to the gov- which was hearing a petition seats each in the Manipur assem- hopes on the NPP. However, NPP haratiya Janata Party lead- member cabinet were being because “no MLA wanted to ernor. fi led by the Congress challeng- bly elections. general secretary Vivekraj Wang- er Manohar Parrikar, who sworn in, hundreds of people support the Congress”. The 13-member BJP legisla- ing the governor’s invitation to “All the legislators (non-Con- khem said: “We have extended Bquit as defence minister protested near Raj Bhavan, ac- Parrikar’s cabinet includes ture party – the second largest the BJP to form government, di- gress) are intact,” added Sangma, support to the BJP and it is fi nal.” on Monday, was sworn in as Goa cusing the newly appointed two ministers from the BJP - after the Congress’s 17 – has rected Parrikar to prove his ma- the lone NPP Lok Sabha member. The BJP ministry is also fac- chief minister for the fourth time chief minister and the leader of Francis D’Souza and Pandurang been supported by three MLAs jority in assembly by tomorrow. Shurhozelie, who is also the ing troubles since the NPP has yesterday. The Supreme Court Goa Forward of trying to subvert Madkaikar, three from regional each from the Goa Forward and Governor Sinha while inviting NPF supremo said, said that it demanded that its four MLAs directed his new government to the electoral mandate and using party Goa Forward – Vijai Sard- MGP and three independents, Parrikar on Sunday to form the “did not put pre-conditions” be- should be given ministerial prove its majority in the state as- unfair means to come to power in esai, Vinod Palienkar and Jayesh taking the majority headcount government had directed him to fore joining the BJP-led coalition berths. The earlier understand- sembly tomorrow. the coastal state. Salgaonkar, and two from an- to 22. prove his majority within 15 days arrangement. ing was that it would support The Congress has accused Goa Speaking to reporters after other regional party Maharash- Prime Minister Narendra from being sworn in. The NPF and NPP are major the BJP from outside. The NPF Governor Mridula Sinha of act- being sworn in, Parrikar said the trawadi Gomantak Party – Su- Modi congratulated Parrikar on The court on the Congress pe- coalition partners of the North further said that four other ing unilaterally and inviting the support garnered by the BJP was din Dhavalikar and Manohar his new appointment. tition, however, refused to inter- East Democratic Alliance formed Naga MLAs should also be ac- BJP to form a government in Goa, for the development of Goa. Azgaonkar. “Congratulations to @mano- fere with the governor’s decision in May last year in Assam’s main commodated with important without even meeting the 17 “If there was support, then Two independent legisla- harparrikar and his team on be- to appoint Parrikar as the chief city of Guwahati with the de- portfolios. elected leaders of the Congress, why did you (Congress) not go tors Govind Gawde and Rohan ing sworn in. My best wishes minister. Rahul must be made party Congress complains too much: Jaitley

IANS chief, say senior leaders New Delhi

IANS the right time to elevate Rahul “If you keep aside Uttar inance Minister Arun Jaitley yester- New Delhi Gandhi as party president. I have Pradesh, we have emerged day hit back at the Congress for ac- been maintaining this for the number one party in Punjab, Fcusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of past one year.” in Goa and in Manipur,” he using money to “steal the mandate” in Ma- wo senior Congress lead- Amarinder made the remark said. nipur and Goa. ers have said it is time after he called on Gandhi to con- Nath, a nine-time Lok Sabha He said the Congress “complains a bit TRahul Gandhi is formally gratulate him on the Congress MP from Chindwara in Madhya too much” and that the Goa governor could anointed party president. victory in the February 4 Punjab Pradesh, said that the manage- not have invited the “minority” of Congress “He is the vice president assembly polls, where it bagged ment of electoral politics has MLAs to form the government. functioning as president. I don’t 77 of the 117 seats. “undergone a great change” and “The Congress did not even submit a see why he shouldn’t be elevated Kamal Nath, speaking on that the Congress must realise claim to the governor. It had only the sup- as president,” Kamal Nath said Gandhi’s political experience, this fact. port of 17 MLAs. In the face of claim of the in an interview with Times Now said: “Of course, Narendra Modi “The management of electoral 21 MLAs led by Manohar Parrikar, the gov- channel yesterday. being prime minister is better politics has undergone a serious ernor could not have invited the minority of Although Nath conceded connected now... he has been in change, a great change. You will 17 MLAs to form the government,” Jaitley that the Gandhi scion was politics for 40-45 years. On the have to accept it. First accept said in a Facebook post. Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre receives Arun Jaitley on his arrival at South no match for Prime Minister other hand, Rahul Gandhi has it and then work accordingly... Jaitley also cited several precedents to Block to take additional charge as the defence minister, yesterday. Narendra Modi in terms of po- been running the party for just adapt to this change and move support the decision of the governor, in- litical experience, he said Rahul one-and-a-half years.” ahead,” he said. cluding the 2013 verdict of Delhi Assembly produced an inconclusive verdict. head of state has in India or elsewhere, was “smart enough and shrewd He said that although Rahul On the question of Prashant polls where the BJP won 31 seats but the “There was a hung assembly. Obviously given the first opportunity to the leader of enough” to understand the has been an MP for more than Kishor – considered the mas- Aam Aadmi Party with 28 MLAs with sup- in a hung assembly post-poll alliances will the party or combination of parties that changing dynamics of India’s 10 years “being an MP does not ter strategist for the Congress port of Congress was invited to form the be formed. The BJP managed to form an al- has won the largest number of seats sub- politics. necessarily mean you are run- for the Uttar Pradesh assembly government. liance and presented to the governor 21 out ject to the prime ministers so appointed “Rahul Gandhi is smart ning a party”. elections – Nath said he was just “The Congress Party complains a bit of 40 MLAs,” he said. obtaining majority support on the floor of enough, he is intelligent, he is Defending Rahul in the wake an adviser. too much. It accused the BJP of ‘stealing’ To support the governor’s move, Jaitley the house within a stipulated time. This shrewd enough to refl ect on of the Congress drubbing in “Prashant Kishor was just an the mandate in Goa. It unsuccessfully pe- also cited an example of March 1988 when procedure is not, however, all time for- what is happening,” he added. the Uttar Pradesh and Uttara- adviser; he was not executive... titioned before the Supreme Court. It at- president K R Narayanan invited Atal Behari mula because situations can arise where Amarinder Singh, the Punjab khand assembly elections, Nath He was not a party insider. He tempted to raise issues in the Lok Sabha,” Vajpayee to form the government. MPs not belonging to the single largest chief minister-designate who said that “keeping aside Uttar had a lot of ideas but not all of his Jaitley, who also took over the defence port- According to Jaitley, the president had party or combination can, as a collec- met the party leader here yes- Pradesh”, the Congress has done ideas were necessarily accepted,” folio said. said “when no party or pre-election alli- tive entity, out-number the single largest terday, told reporters: “Now is reasonably well. he told the news channel. He said the assembly elections in Goa ance of parties is in a clear majority, the claimant.” Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 LATIN AMERICA

LIFESTYLE TESTIMONY LAW AND ORDER APPOINTMENT CLAIM Lula denies obstructing Two men arrested in graft Haiti PM picks ‘El Chapo’ health corruption inquiry probe tied to Rio Olympics political novices deteriorating: lawyers

Brazil’s leftist former president Luiz Inacio Brazilian federal police yesterday arrested The Haitian premier has chosen mostly political The health of Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Lula da Silva yesterday denied in court two people accused of taking bribes in return novices for the country’s new government, Chapo” Guzman, one of the world’s most that he tried to obstruct a giant corruption for infrastructure contracts in Rio de Janeiro, nearly three weeks after President Jovenel notorious criminals, is deteriorating in US probe shaking Brazilian politics. Lula told including the construction of a new subway Moise appointed him to the post. Jack Guy custody, his lawyers complained. The 59-year- a court in the capital Brasilia that he hadn’t line for the 2016 Olympic Games. The police Lafontant, a doctor who like Moise is new to the old, accused of running one of the world’s participated in an alleged scheme to pay operation targeted Luiz Carlos Velloso, a former political scene, signed a decree nominating of biggest drug empires and who escaped twice Nestor Cervero, the ex-director at state undersecretary of transportation for the state his 18 ministers, five of whom are women. The from prison in Mexico, has been held in solitary oil company Petrobras, not to testify for government, and Heitor Lopes de Souza, a new members must now receive confirmation confinement in New York since being extradited the government. Cervero was one of the director for subway operator Riotrilhos, police from the country’s parliament. One month after on January 19. His isolation at the Metropolitan key figures signing plea bargains to help sources said. Their lawyers could not be taking off ice, Moise — a 48-year-old banana Correctional Centre in Manhattan has seen his prosecutors unravel a mammoth corruption reached immediately for comment. The two exporter who has never held political off ice — is “physical and mental health” deteriorate, wrote network centred on Petrobras. The probe men will be charged with money laundering composing a government without significant his American public defenders in a 24-page has implicated scores of politicians, with and taking bribes, according to police. political experience, save for a few technocrats. letter to the judge overseeing his case. “He Men exercise at Ibirapuera Park at night in Sao many more expected to be named as targets Bribes were often tied to fraudulent contract Before taking off ice, the new team must appear has diff iculty breathing and suff ers from a sore Paulo, Brazil. for investigators this week. extensions for the subway line, police said. before parliament. throat and headaches,” they said. Anger as club Bolivia merchants’ protest signs goalie convicted of killing model

AFP body has never been found and Varginha, Brazil Bruno admitted in court that he had conspired with friends to kill her and that her body had been Brazilian football club fed in pieces to dogs. yesterday brushed aside a The club pointed out that Bru- Astorm of criticism to sign a no had been ruled as having done goalkeeper convicted for murder- time for his crimes and said he ing his girlfriend, whose body was should be allowed to rebuild his fed to the dogs. life. Bruno Fernandes, 32, was pre- “We have seen an avalanche of sented before reporters at a hast- commentary on social networks ily arranged press conference in these last days after news of the the southeastern city of Varginha, contract for the athlete Bruno,” where he pulled on Boa Esporte the club said on its Facebook page. club’s black and red shirt, before But the club was determined going to a medical checkup. to meet “the social obligation of Bruno, as he is commonly the company, of society, to co- known, said he would now “con- operate in the rehabilitation of a Retail merchants participate in a protest rally demanding Bolivia’s government draft a new tax law in La Paz, Bolivia. centrate on (his) work.” human being.” “The important thing for me is At his press conference, Bruno to get started,” he was quoted as said: “Sincerely, I’m not worried saying by the UOL news website. by what people say,” according to However, the talented goalie, UOL. who used to play for top Brazil- Brazil is one of the world’s ian club Flamengo and had been most violent countries. One in touted as a recruit for Italian gi- three women has been attacked, ants AC Milan, faces a bitter re- threatened or harassed in the last ception. 12 months, according to a survey Colombia senate approves Sponsors have fl ed second di- by Datafolha this month. vision Boa Esporte, including In its report on violence in Bra- chief backer Gois and Silva, which zil over the last year, Amnesty In- withdrew on Monday. Its logo ternational cited reports that “le- was still emblazoned on the shirt thal violence against women had worn by Bruno yesterday. increased 24% over the previous special war crimes courts The reaction on social media decade and confi rmed that Brazil has been fi erce. was one of the worst Latin Ameri- “Well done Boa Esporte! You’re can countries to be a girl.” AFP with the Revolutionary Armed early March, a process overseen members of the Democratic the former president that shat- now the most hated club in the After Bruno was released just Bogota Forces of Colombia rebels. by United Nations monitors. Center, a right-wing party led tered the Farc’s strength. world!!” was a typical comment over two weeks ago, video foot- President Juan Manuel San- According to the peace agree- by former president — and cur- But since Santos followed the on the club’s Facebook page. age showed him celebrating with tos won the Nobel Peace Prize ment, clinched after four years rent senator — Alvaro Uribe, still-popular Uribe as president The club website was hacked by champagne. olombia’s senate has ap- in October for his eff orts to end of talks in Cuba, fi ghters who a fi erce opponent of the peace in 2010, the two have clashed on protesters. He has never admitted to tak- proved a constitutional his country’s 53-year confl ict, confess their involvement in plan. issues ranging from the peace Bruno had been incarcerated ing direct part in the grisly mur- Creform to set up special which has drawn in numerous atrocities can avoid prison and Senator Ivan Duque, speaking deal to relations with the leftist since 2010 for his role in the kid- der and subsequent disposal of war crimes courts, a key compo- leftist rebel groups, right-wing receive an alternative punish- on the party’s behalf, said dur- regime in Venezuela. napping, imprisonment and kill- the body, but he was convicted of nent of the historic peace agree- paramilitary units, drug cartels ment. ing the debate that “in the name Pope Francis, scheduled to ing of model Eliza Samudio, who ordering it. ment with Farc guerrillas that and the army. If they don’t confess and are of peace...an irreparable blow visit Colombia in September as sued him for child support after In his court testimony, he pinned ended fi ve decades of war. The Farc launched its guerrilla found guilty, they face prison is being delivered to constitu- “a messenger of peace and rec- he got her pregnant. the blame largely on a friend acting The court system will be made war against the Colombian gov- terms of eight to 20 years. tional order” and to the judicial onciliation,” brought Santos and In 2013, he was sentenced to 22 as his personal assistant. When his up of three sections: a truth ernment in 1964, after a peasant The confl ict has killed some branch. Uribe together at the Vatican in years behind bars. Bru- former girlfriend was killed, Bruno commission, a unit to search uprising that was crushed by the 260,000 people while 60,000 Uribe and his supporters ar- December in an unsuccessful no was released from says he asked the friend, known as for missing people, and a tem- army. have vanished, and 6.9mn have gued that the peace deal grants bid to persuade them to over- prison last month Macarrao, “What have you done?” porary, autonomous body to try Under the peace deal negoti- been displaced within Colom- impunity to rebels guilty of war come their diff erences. after a ruling by the The friend, he said, replied: crimes committed during the ated by the Santos administra- bia. crimes, giving them seats in The constitutional reform, Supreme Court, “that he had resolved the prob- armed confl ict before December tion, the Farc will transform into Colombia’s senate has 102 Congress rather than sending which has already been ap- which freed him lem, because the girl’s gone too 1, 2016. a political party and its 5,700 members. Of those present, 60 them to prison. proved by the lower chamber, pending an far. He said she was getting Establishing the courts was fi ghters will demobilise over a voted for the measure and two Santos was Uribe’s defence still must survive a review by the appeal. too much in the way, ruining the backbone of the peace deal period of six months. voted against it. minister and a key player in sev- constitutional court before San- Samudio’s his projects, his plans.” Bogota reached in November The group began disarming in Noticeably absent were the eral military operations under tos signs it into law. Brazil plan to boost home Cuba anniversary Ex-minister held over juvenile home blaze ownership ‘will not work’ transferred to US hospitals at the AFP Guatemala City weekend for further treatment. Thomson Reuters Foundation Moreira told the Thomson Reu- — lack full property rights, the of- The disaster has sparked pub- Rio de Janeiro ters Foundation. fi cial said. lic outrage over poor conditions “People were not consulted Property registration is ex- hree former welfare offi - at the facility and government about this.” he said. “We already pected to expand the tax base cials have been arrested in inaction in response to years of razil’s plan to provide prop- had a good law (for property reg- by bringing more residents and TGuatemala in connection complaints. erty title deeds to people ularisation) before and we didn’t home-based businesses into the with a fi re at a state-run juvenile Guatemalan President Jimmy Bwho don’t formally own need this one.” formal economy, he said. home last week that killed 40 Morales told a press conference their homes will backfi re, lead- The architects’ institute is one More than 20% of Brazilians in teenagers, police said. that the US Federal Bureau of In- ing to higher land prices that will of more than 80 groups, including large cities like Rio de Janeiro and Former welfare minister Car- vestigation (FBI) has been asked force out poor residents, the head land rights campaigners, envi- Sao Paulo live in favelas — infor- los Rodas, his ex-deputy Anahi to join the investigation into the of a leading architecture organi- ronmentalists and urban planners mal communities that often lack Keller and the former director causes of the fatal blaze. sation said. who have come out against the basic infrastructure and property of the home for juveniles, Santos The fi re reportedly began af- In December, Brazil’s ministry initiative. title deeds. Torres, were in detention, police ter girls set fi re to mattresses in a of cities launched a plan to for- Offi cials with the ministry of The new government plan re- offi cials confi rmed. dormitory, a day after they rioted mally register properties. cities who are implementing the places a 2009 initiative which The three were charged with over poor conditions and treat- Offi cials said the initiative will plan — passed via an executive or- combined property regularisation manslaughter, abuse against mi- ment in the facility. help tens of millions of working- der — say the programme will help with investments in sanitation nors and failure to carry out their Under the authority of the so- class people obtain loans to start to kick-start economic growth in and electricity in Brazil’s low-in- duties, according to local media cial welfare ministry the Hogar businesses by using their homes the recession-hit country. come favelas, said Moreira. reports. Seguro — “safe home” — housed as collateral. “We have changed the federal The new plan, in contrast, only Nineteen girls aged 14 to 17 about 800 minors, some being But the federal government did legislation and created instru- focuses on providing property ti- died in the fi re at the Hogar Se- sheltered from abuse at home not consult with urban planners or ments that simplify and advance tles without providing money for guro Virgen de la Asuncion juve- and others who were juvenile of- municipal offi cials before launch- the actions of urban land regulari- infrastructure or other crucial in- nile home near Guatemala City fenders. ing the new property titling plan, sation,” a spokesman for the min- vestments, he said. last Wednesday, and the rest died Family members, donors and said Pedro da Luz Moreira, presi- istry of cities wrote in an email to Facing a budget defi cit, the in hospital of severe burns. public authorities have said the dent of the Institute of Architects the Thomson Reuters Foundation. government has slashed spending Police off icers stand in front of students before a More than a dozen remain facility’s problems — including of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. Across Brazil around 14mn and offi cials say there simply isn’t march to mark the 60th anniversary of the killing of hospitalised, two of them in seri- violence, shortages of food and “This plan will lead to land people “live irregularly” in unreg- money for the kinds of infrastruc- Cuban revolutionary and student leader Jose Antonio ous condition. other necessities, overcrowding speculation and the forced re- istered homes while about 100mn ture investments made during a Echeverria in Havana, Cuba. Administrative offi cials said and insuffi cient security meas- moval of residents in poor areas,” Brazilians — both rich and poor previous boom. seven of the injured had been ures — were well-documented. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN

Maryam Nawaz asks women MPs to ensure social justice 3 Indian MPs participate IANS of change in societies. championing and encouraging highlight fundamental issues of for equitable roles alongside men Islamabad The Women Parliamentary them. rights and responsibilities, and and against discrimination,” she Caucus (WPC) was playing an “The person behind a suc- also to add the voice of Pakistani said. in Pakistan important role in champion- cessful woman is not neces- and South Asian women to the Maryam said Pakistan was aryam Nawaz Sharif, ing the cause of women and sarily a man, but could be a universal discourse. today home to remarkable indi- conference Pakistan Prime Min- their global empowerment, she tribe of women,” she said, Maryam Nawaz said immense viduals, who were full of courage Mister Nawaz Sharif’s added, addressing a three-day adding that healthy dialogue problems were faced by women and dedication. daughter, has said women par- international conference organ- and unity would make women as they struggled for their basic She mentioned the contribu- IANS liamentarians could redefi ne de- ised by WPC in Islamabad on stronger. rights, health, economic oppor- tions of the youngest winner Islamabad mocracy and ensure social jus- Monday. She felicitated National As- tunities and social freedom. of Nobel Prize Malala Yousuf- tice in the times to come. Maryam urged the women sembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq “We must recognise the gap zai, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy as Maryam said women parlia- parliamentarians to become and the Women Parliamentary and strengthen the state in pro- fi rst Pakistani to win Academy epresentatives of 23 coun- mentarians held a unique posi- a harbinger of good news for Caucus for organising the con- viding adequate protection to Awards, and fi rst woman pilot tries, including three MPs tion and could prove as an agent their female compatriots by ference with an objective to the disadvantaged communities Maryam Mukhtar. Maryam Nawaz Sharif Rfrom India, are participat- ing in a key session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) that began in the Pakistani capi- tal yesterday. Indian parliamentarians Shashi Tharoor, Meenakshi Le- khi and Swapan Dasgupta are participating in the four-day conference. Military courts Tharoor tweeted a photo- graph of the three MPs at- tending the conference: “The Indian parliamentary del- egation at the #AsianParlia- mentaryAssembly Political Affairs Committee meeting may get wider in Islamabad @M_Lekhi @ swapan55.” The session, scheduled to last till March 17, was formally in- augurated by Pakistan Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani and Speaker National Assembly jurisdiction Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. More than 70 delegates from Internews terrorist group or organisation According to Inter Services 23 countries, including members Islamabad misusing the name of religion Public Relations, the military of parliament and speakers, par- or a sect or by committing grave courts, which functioned for two ticipated on the inaugural day of and violent act of terrorism years till Jan 6, 2017, had convicted An injured man receives treatment at a hospital a day after a blast in Kabul yesterday. the meeting being hosted by the he federal government of against the state. 274 hardcore militants of which Senate. Pakistan on March 10 ta- The off ences in which such 161 were sentenced to death and Addressing the session, Ayaz Tbled two bills in the Na- suspects proposed to be tried 113 others awarded prison terms Sadiq stressed the need for tional Assembly for giving ex- include: raise arms or wage war mostly life imprisonment. working together for achiev- tension to the military courts for against Pakistan, or attack the However, the information did Afghan security leadership ing the desired goal of regional two years to try terrorists. Armed Forces of Pakistan, law not mention whether any of the peace, development and pros- The bills Constitution (Twen- enforcement agencies, judici- accused facing court- martial perity. ty-eighth Amendment) Bill 2017 ary, public servants or civilians was acquitted or not. and Pakistan Army (Amend- or attack any civil or military On March 8 fi ve members of under fi re over hospital attack ment) Act 2017 propose to wid- installations in Pakistan; or ab- the proscribed Tehreek-i-Tal- en the jurisdiction of military duct any person for ransom, or iban Pakistan were executed in courts compared to the powers cause injury or death of any per- Kohat district prison. AFP incident in the 400-bed hos- the country braces for an in- earlier available to it. son; or possess, store, fabricate They were identifi ed as Shou- Kabul pital,” MP Nawab Mangal was tense fi ghting season in the Blasphemous If these bills are passed in their or transport or use explosives, kat Ali, Imdad Ullah, Sabir Shah, quoted as saying in the local spring. present form it will make the fi re-arms, instruments, articles, Khandan and Anwar Ali. media Tuesday. “How long should Afghan Facebook existing anti-terrorism courts suicide jackets; or use or design The ISPR stated that they were he Afghan security lead- Another lawmaker Humay- people tolerate this kind of neg- almost redundant as the mili- vehicles for terrorist acts; or hardcore terrorists involved in ership has come under oun Humayoun heaped scorn ligence and unprofessional be- content blocked tary courts would be exercising provide or receive funding from multiple cases of terrorism. Tscathing criticism from on Defence Minister Abdullah haviour by (President Ashraf) jurisdiction in almost all cases any foreign or local source for So far 17 of the convicts who lawmakers and social media Habibi, who has been regularly Ghani and his unqualifi ed of terrorism and will be trying the illegal activities under this were awarded death sentences users over a catastrophic in- mocked for social media im- security team?” one Afghan DPA suspected terrorists of all kinds. sub-clause; or act to over-awe by military courts have been ex- surgent attack on the coun- ages of him dozing off in offi cial asked on Facebook, echoing a Islamabad These military courts were the state or any section of the ecuted. try’s largest military hospital, meetings. deluge of similar comments. established after the passage of public or sect or religious minor- Writ petitions related to con- with many calling for their im- “The minister of defence For its part, the defence min- the Constitution (Twenty-fi rst ity; or create terror or insecurity victions of around 35 militants peachment. is sleeping 24 hours a day,” he istry said a government com- akistani Prime Minister Amendment) Act, 2015 for try- in Pakistan or attempt to com- are pending before the Peshawar Gunmen disguised as doc- said. mission had been set up to in- Nawaz Sharif yesterday ing terrorists attached with mil- mit any of the said acts within or High Court. tors stormed Sardar Daud Khan “I think if we put him in a vestigate the attack. Pcalled for blocking content itant outfi ts using the name of outside Pakistan. Similarly, review petitions of hospital in Kabul last Wednes- bag, close it and send it to an- Public anger has grown over on social media deemed to insult religion or sect. several of the convicts of military day, with multiple surviving other country, then the min- the episode, with speculation the Prophet Muhammad amid The said law was enacted on If these bills are passed in courts against dismissal of their staff telling AFP that insid- ister will see that he has been swirling on social media that nationwide outrage against al- Jan 7, 2015. their present form it will earlier appeals are also pending ers including two interns were taken to another country with- such a brazen attack on the leged blasphemous posts. Under Section 1 (3) of the Act, make the existing anti- before the Supreme Court. among the attackers. out a visa and passport.” tightly guarded hospital could Sharif asked the Interior Min- the provisions of this Act should terrorism courts almost So far none of the superior The carnage inside the heav- The defence ministry insists not have happened without the istry to track and block all social remain in force for two years redundant courts has overturned any of the ily guarded hospital points at a only around 30 people were complicity of high-ranking of- media pages and accounts in Pa- from the date of its commence- convictions awarded by the mil- spectacular intelligence failure killed by fi ve attackers. fi cials. kistan that were “enraging Mus- ment. The proposed amendments to itary courts to militants. and spotlights how insurgents But security sources and The savagery of the assault lims” by targeting the Prophet, In the light of the said amend- the Army Act also include sev- When the Supreme Court on have managed to infi ltrate top the survivors, some of whom was characterised by how the his offi ce said. ment, the Pakistan Army eral off ences mentioned in the Aug 3, 2015 upheld the Constitu- government and military insti- counted dead bodies, said the assailants stabbed bed-ridden “The love of Prophet Mu- (Amendment) Act, 2015 was also Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, which tion (21st Amendment) Act, 2015 tutions in Afghanistan. death toll exceeded 100. patients, threw grenades into hammed is the foundation of enacted the same day, which also would be tried by the military by dismissing several constitu- “If I were the minister of de- MPs are calling for the im- crowded wards and shot people Muslim faith,” provided wide-ranging off ences courts. tional petitions, it had explained fense, or intelligence chief or peachment of Afghanistan’s from point-blank range. The Sharif’s statement said. “Any in which the military courts were An expert on the subject said the situation wherein the high the minister of interior, I would defence and interior ministers Islamic State group claimed it blasphemous content is a crime empowered to conduct trials, that after passage of these two courts could exercise powers of submit my resignation over the and the intelligence chief, as was behind the attack. we can’t forgive.” but it was limited to only those bills it would be better to wind judicial review in cases of con- The premier’s order came days suspected terrorists claiming or up the anti-terrorism courts for victs of the military courts. after a court in the capital Islam- were known to belong to any ter- two years. On Aug 29, 2016 the apex Taliban punish thief by cutting off hand and foot abad threatened the closure of rorist group or organisation us- He said that for the last two court dismissed appeals of 16 social networking site Facebook ing the name of religion or a sect. years most of the high-profi le convicts of military courts. Taliban militants punished a man accused of city, he said, adding that the sentence was carried if the blasphemous pages were Now in the two proposed laws cases were referred to military Most of those appeals had stealing by hacking off one foot and one hand, an out on Monday in a remote area of Obe district. not blocked. the government has widened the courts whereas the ATCs were originated out of judgments of off icial in the western Afghan province of Herat said The Taliban had held the man for one month on According to blasphemy laws scope of the military courts pro- mostly engaged in cases of small- the Peshawar High Court, which yesterday. a robbery charge before carrying out the public from the 1980s, insulting Islam, posing that the military courts time suspects involved in kidnap- had dismissed many writ peti- “Locals were invited to watch,” said Ghulam Jailani punishment. the Holy Qur’an or Prophet Mu- shall try those suspects claim- ping for ransom, extortion or car- tions while conducting in-cam- Farhad, a spokesman for the provincial government. A Taliban spokesman was not immediately available hammad is punishable by death ing or are known to belong to any rying explosive material. era hearings. The man is in stable condition at hospital in Herat for comment. in Pakistan. Ethnic divisions widen as Pakistan gets set for census

Pakistan conducted its last The last census was due in tion is around 200mn, making it political infl uence. full population count in 2008 but the government kept the sixth most populous country Security Analyst Fida Khan 1998. The exercise was not delaying it because large swathes in the world behind China, In- said there are a couple of repeated until now because of territory in the north-western dia, United States, Indonesia and hotspots where “new demo- of violence carried out by tribal regions were under the Brazil, census boss Bajwa said. graphic realities” may cause militants linked to Al Qaeda. control of Taliban rebels. “The estimates are based problems when the census re- In the south-western prov- on yearly surveys...and birth sults are announced. DPA ince of Balochistan, nationalist trends,” he added. “They are One is the province of Balo- Islamabad insurgents also turned regions very authentic.” chistan where a new infl ux of under their control into “no-go” But only a census can give a Afghan refugees after the fall areas for Pakistani offi cials and true picture and infl uence future of the Taliban regime in Kabul akistan will today begin security forces for several years. government policy. might have changed the balance a fi rst population census But the military pushed back “The census is supposed to of ethnicities. Pin almost two decades to against both Islamist and eth- give Pakistan two things — one The second is the city of Kara- collect demographic data on the nic rebels in a series of off ensives is the number and structure of chi, with a estimated population sixth largest nation on earth. launched in mid 2014, paving the population by sex and age. Sec- of over 20mn. But the exercise involving tens way for the census to fi nally take ond is the distribution,” said An internal migration of Pash- of thousands of offi cials and se- place. Professor Nancy Stiegler, a tuns to Karachi from the regions curity forces risks exposing fur- “It is going to be all over the UN consultant working on the might have made existing local ther ethnic divisions in a country country,” army spokesman Asif project. communities an ethnic minority. already consumed by violence. Ghafoor said. “No one will be left Putting relevant resources in “It can ignite a fresh wave of Pakistan conducted its last full uncounted due to security fears.” the right place is something the violence if the political infl uence population count, its fi fth in to- The preparations for what government can achieve using of local people is challenged,” tal, in 1998 but the process could will be a mammoth undertaking the information, the professor Khan said. not be repeated until this year seem both hectic and festive at added. Karachi has been one of the because of attacks carried out by the PBS offi ces. “The data on age for example most violent cities in the world militants linked to Al Qaeda. Printing machines are churn- helps to determine whether to in recent years with several “It is secure enough to go for it ing out thousands of datasheets open hospitals or schools in a hundred people killed in ethnic now,” census chief Asif Bajwa told every day and more than 90,000 An employee of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics at the headquarters of Population Census 2017 checks a certain area.” fi ghting. DPA at his offi ce in the capital Is- people have been trained across census data form in Islamabad . But there are also risks in- “The census and its outcome lamabad, where Pakistan Bureau Pakistan to work as fi eld staff . volved in conducting the census, in a multi-ethnic society is a of Statistics (PBS) staff are work- National television chan- the process works. through satellite mapping and tion Minister Marriyum Au- especially in areas where peo- delicate task...and the govern- ing overtime to run last-minute nels are running advertise- The country has been divided thousands of troops have been rangzeb said. ple from diff erent ethnic groups ment must handle it delicately,” errands ahead of the count. ments informing people how into 168,275 geographic units deployed for security, Informa- Pakistan’s estimated popula- have been fi ghting violently for Khan concluded. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 PHILIPPINES

Gunmen shoot dead ‘hard-hitting’ journo

Gunmen have shot dead a con- troversial newspaper columnist in the Philippines, media groups Govt stresses rights to undersea said yesterday, marking the latest journalist death in one of the world’s most dangerous nations for reporters. Joaquin Briones, who worked for tabloid Remate, was shot in the back on Monday area amid suspicions about China by motorcycle-riding assailants on the central island province Reuters moving back and forth over its activities in the South China Jose said in a statement. “So as a days have not challenged those “First and foremost, Ben- of Masbate, a hotbed of political Manila Benham Rise, a vast area east of Sea, which has been largely put country that exercises sovereign of the Philippines about juris- ham Rise belongs to the Phil- conflict and crime. Remate man- the Philippines declared by the aside since Duterte took offi ce rights and jurisdiction, we are diction of the area. ippine people,” he added. aging editor Lydia Buena said United Nations in 2012 as part and sought to tap Beijing for the only one that has a sole and China’s foreign ministry Former foreign minister yesterday she believed the killing he Philippines went on of its continental shelf. business. exclusive right to explore and on Friday said the ship was Albert del Rosario, who has a of Briones was likely linked to his the off ensive yesterday to President Rodrigo Duterte on The foreign ministry said exploit the national resources in engaged in “normal freedom history of challenging China, “hard-hitting” reports.“ Tassert its sovereign rights Monday called for “structures” there was no question, and no Benham Rise. It is our responsi- of navigation and right of in- suggested the Philippines He had received many death over a fi shing ground in the Pa- to be erected in the area to de- rival claim, over Benham Rise, bility to protect it.” nocent passage”, and nothing work with ally the United threats because he had written cifi c Ocean, stressing a need to note Philippine jurisdiction and a 13mn hectare undersea region Philippine officials are sus- more. States to outline options for many articles about Masbate,” protect it after a Chinese survey told the navy that should Chi- rich in biodiversity and yellow picious and say the Chinese Philippine presidential Manila to deal with Beijing she said. ship was monitored in the area nese vessels return, “go there fi n tuna. ship was not passing through spokesman Ernesto Abella said over Benham Rise. “He was pretty tough. He had a last year. and tell them straight that this is “It is indisputable because the area, but surveying it. such passage was acceptable, “Under no circumstances lot of enemies in the local com- Manila has lodged a diplo- ours”.The pre-emptive push by no other country has an over- Officially, there is no dis- “but they (China) are disal- would it be wise for us to trade munity but he would continue.” matic protest with Beijing after the Philippines underlines dec- lapping claim there,” foreign pute over Benham Rise and lowed to stay and establish any away our national security,” he a Chinese vessel was tracked ades of mistrust of China over ministry spokesman Charles statements by China in recent structure”, he said. said. Enduring pain for drug war widows

AFP Manila

ally Antonio is exhausted from working three jobs Ssince police killed her hus- band and son, a typical Philip- pine drug war widow enduring a life sentence of impoverished misery. While President Rodrigo Du- terte’s unprecedented crack- down has claimed the lives of 7,000 people, the impacts on their families are the largely un- told stories in what rights groups have called a “war on the poor”. Antonio, 43, lost her 19-year- old son — the main breadwinner in the family as a waiter — and her unemployed husband when police conducted a drug raid on their home six months ago and shot the men. A woman (right), who asked not to be identified in fear of potential “When they killed my hus- police retribution and using the pseudonym “Sally Antonio”, walks with band and son, they also killed her lawyer at the off ice of the anti-graft body in Manila yesterday, to file me,” Antonio said as she nar- a complaint against policemen allegedly involved in the killing of her rated her struggles since their husband and eldest son. A policeman (back) watches protesters and relatives as they hold a rally outside the off ice of the anti-graft body in Manila yesterday. deaths forced her to take on extra work to look after her fi ve re- caretaker of the younger chil- during the raid to spare his fa- ing drug addicts and traffi ckers. “The death often puts families fi nancial and emotional support in two months. The psychologi- maining children and grandson. dren. ther’s life. Amnesty International has in an even more precarious fi - for relatives of those killed. cal impacts are compounding her Antonio said she sometimes One of her top concerns is A police report on the deaths warned police may have com- nancial position and leaves many Dennis Febre, who is leading struggle. slept for just two hours a day to having enough money to buy seen by AFP stated offi cers con- mitted crimes against humanity. relatives embittered, as they see a programme to help relatives at “I don’t feel safe. I dream about fi t in her work washing laundry, medicine for her 11-year-old ducted a drug raid and were Duterte, 71, won presidential authorities overwhelmingly tar- a Manila church, said the killing my husband in pools of blood ask- running errands for neighbours son, who suff ers from heart dis- forced to shoot after being fi red elections last year after promis- get the poor,” Amnesty said. of drug suspects created more ing me for justice,” said Maninggo, and as a community security of- ease. upon fi rst. ing to eradicate drugs in society Reacting angrily to criticism problems than they solved. who also asked her real name not fi cer. “I’m angry,” she said.”Why did Antonio, who asked her real by killing tens of thousands of that his drug war killed mostly “Some of those left behind also be disclosed. “Sometimes I am so exhaust- they have to kill my husband and name not be used to avoid po- people. poor people, Duterte said this sell drugs while others go into “I worry about my kids and all I ed and my hands are too painful, son and leave families like ours to tential police retribution, in- Duterte said he would be month that small-time drug prostitution because it’s a matter want is to keep them safe.” I have to stop working for one, sacrifi ce?” sisted her husband and son did “happy to slaughter” 3mn drug peddlers “earned so much” and of survival,” Febre said. Sally Antonio has another form two days,” said Antonio, break- Antonio acknowledged her not resist when the offi cers burst addicts, although he and his pointed out they were crucial to Rose Maninggo, 25, has been of mental torture, saying that al- ing down in tears. husband was a drug user but said into their home. aides have also insisted police are the traffi cking network. given emergency work at one though she is determined to put “Then I have to borrow money he had previously reported to Police have reported killing not being instructed to do any- “It does not really matter to Manila church after losing her food on the table for her children, from neighbours and we have to authorities as part of a govern- more than 2,500 people in self- thing illegal. me at all if you are the biggest husband, a fruit vendor, in a po- there is one job she cannot take on. scrimp on food.” ment monitoring programme, defence during the eight months Amnesty said in a February re- drug distributor or the poorest lice raid in January. “My children are growing up Antonio said her 18-year-old and that he was not a traffi cker. of the drug war. port that the killings were over- because you are both conspiring However she is at a loss over without a father,” she said. daughter, a psychology student, She said her son was never Rights groups have accused whelmingly in poor urban areas, to destroy the people,” he said. how to raise a fi ve-year-old and “It’s not just the fi nancial loss had to drop out of university to into drugs and believed he was police of systematically making with the slain often male bread- The Catholic Church has in- a baby when the work, which but the guidance and care that we replace her husband as the main shot because he begged police up self-defence claims after kill- winners. creasingly become a source of earns her roughly $10 a day, ends miss.That’s irreplaceable.”

President quips with American twang to mock ‘Shooter’ to fi le ICC minister’s downfall Lawmakers postpone vote on Philippine President Rodrigo Du- case against Duterte terte yesterday poked fun at the dismissal of his foreign minister embattled resources minister by lawmakers, delivering jokes Reuters In a television interview, his in an American accent about a Manila lawyer, Jude Sabio, said Mato- citizenship scandal that led to the Reuters contracts for undeveloped bato would fi le a case with the downfall of one of his top loyal- Manila mines, actions she said were court in The Hague this month ists. Showing the comedic style above board. self-confessed assassin or in early April. that helped win him an election Miners have contested who testifi ed to being in “Murder is a serious crime. If last year, Duterte mocked former hilippine lawmakers Lopez’s mine closure orders, Aa “death squad” under it is committed as part of a wide- Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay, yesterday deferred a de- saying they are baseless, did Philippine leader Rodrigo Du- spread and systematic attack di- rejected by a house appoint- Pcision to confi rm or re- not follow due process and terte will soon fi le a case at the rected against the civilian popu- ments commission last week ject an ardent environmental- would aff ect 1.2mn people who International Criminal Court lation, it constitutes a crime over his failure to prove he was ist as the country’s resources depend on mining for their accusing the president of crimes against humanity,” Sabio said. not a US citizen when he took minister, stoking uncertainty livelihood. against humanity, his lawyer Retired policeman Arturo the job eight months ago. over the outlook for mining in The uncertainty surround- said yesterday. Lascanas has testifi ed to kill- “I don’t know why I was ousted the world’s top nickel ore sup- ing Lopez’s appointment More than 8,000 people have ing alongside Matobato and last by the commission on appoint- plier. could ease some concerns in died since Duterte took offi ce week said he believed more wit- ments but I did not lie,” Duterte, Regina Lopez last month the global nickel market of in June and unleashed a bloody nesses would speak against Du- impersonating Yasay and using ordered the closure of more disruptions in Philippine sup- war on drugs, a third in raids and terte to prevent themselves be- an American accent, told a audi- than half the nation’s mines to ply, at least in the short term, sting operations by police who ing “erased”. ence of hundreds of mayors. protect watersheds, a bold step said Daniel Hynes, commodity say they acted in self-defence. Duterte’s chief lawyer, Salva- “If you did not lie, why are you backed by President Rodrigo strategist at ANZ Bank. Duterte and the police have dor Panelo, said the president out of the cabinet?” he said to Duterte, who has said the Phil- “At fi rst glance it does po- denied links to the other killings, was not threatened by any pos- laughs and applause. ippines can survive without tentially lower the probability many of which rights groups sible international court case. Duterte’s remark makes light mining. that we’ll eventually see the say bear the same hallmarks as “The extra-judicial kill- of what has been one of the Duterte appointed Lopez in Regina Lopez: tough decisions closure of the nickel mines hundreds of suspicious deaths ings here are being done by the biggest embarrassments of his June, but confi rmation hear- that were announced,” he said. of criminals in Davao City dur- members of the (drug) syndicate presidency so far. ings in the country usually take turns from a recess that begins somebody “more moderate”. But Hynes said Duterte’s ing the 22 years Duterte was its themselves,” Panelo told news Yasay, a US-trained lawyer, is a place long after ministers start on March 18. “Our call is for the presi- tough stance suggests contin- mayor. channel ANC. member of his inner circle with work and members of Con- “In May, we will re-open dent to choose somebody that ued pressure on mining. Two men have testifi ed before “The president is not behind whom he shared a dormitory gress have this month been the hearing. We still have a lot government and industry can The fi rebrand leader on the Senate saying they were part it, neither (are) the police.” while studying law. debating whether to confi rm of questions for her,” Senator work with because Secretary Monday talked about a poten- of an alleged hit squad in Davao In a report last month, Am- Yasay played a crucial role driv- Lopez in her role. Manny Pacquiao told reporters Lopez has caused so much di- tial mining ban as he reiterated they said killed at Duterte’s be- nesty International said the drug ing Duterte’s policy of diversify- Yesterday, they opted to after a televised meeting with vision,” Ronald Recidoro from support for Lopez. hest. killings appeared to be “system- ing foreign relations beyond ally postpone a vote, saying they other lawmakers on Lopez’s the Chamber of Mines told Senator Panfi lo Lacson said Legislators found no proof of atic, planned and organised” by the United States, describing it were unable to reach a clear appointment. Reuters by phone. the panel deciding on Lopez’s their testimony, which the pres- authorities and could constitute as a “shackling dependency”. decision without more infor- The Chamber of Mines of Duterte has supported appointment will act inde- ident’s aides dismiss as fabrica- crimes against humanity. In scathing posts on Facebook, mation. the Philippines, which groups Lopez’s Feb 2 order to shut 23 pendently. tion. In a series of reports last year, Yasay chided Washington for Under government pro- large-scale miners, said it was of the country’s 41 mines to The same panel last week The ICC case will come from Reuters showed police had a 97% what he said was shirking its cedures, Duterte will need to unfortunate the congressional protect watersheds. rejected Perfecto Yasay as Edgar Matobato, who came out kill rate in drug operations, the treaty obligations to protect the reappoint Lopez, with further panel failed to vote and that it She suspended another fi ve foreign minister, their fi rst of hiding last week and testifi ed strongest proof yet that police Philippines. confi rmation hearings expect- hoped Duterte would not reap- for environmental infringe- dismissal of a member of Du- in September to have killed more were summarily shooting sus- ed in May, when Congress re- point Lopez, and instead fi nd ments and also cancelled 75 terte’s cabinet. than 50 people in the Davao area. pects. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Nepal police demolish camp for earthquake displaced Pushpa Kamal Dahal

AFP Kathmandu Nepal PM epal police yesterday demolished the largest to visit Nremaining settlement of people displaced by a powerful earthquake that struck nearly China two years ago, a move that will leave hundreds homeless. Around 100 families were IANS still living in the camp in Kath- Kathmandu mandu when police wearing riot gear used bulldozers to fl at- ten the bamboo and tarpaulin epal Prime Minister Push- structures. pa Kamal Dahal is sched- “The gods will curse the gov- Nuled to visit China next ernment. We don’t have our week to participate in the annual home and can’t rent a room Boao Forum for Asia conference, a from our earnings in Kathman- media report said yesterday. du,” said Kabita Limbu, tears According to his personal rolling down her face. aides, Prime Minister Dahal has Limbu’s husband fainted started internal preparations to when their tent was destroyed fl y to China on March 24, My before the couple were able to Republica daily said in the report. retrieve their processions. “The prime minister has re- Apsana Tamang, 19, was ceived an invitation to address breastfeeding her one year-old the conference. We have just baby in her makeshift home started internal preparations when the authorities arrived on the visit,” said the premier’s early morning. press adviser Gobinda Acharya. “I have nowhere to live as my Although the visit is being parents’ house in Kavre district made to address the Boao con- was also damaged in the earth- ference that is themed “Glo- quake,” said Tamang, who was balisation and Free Trade-Asian pregnant when the 7.8 magni- Perspectives”, Dahal is likely to tude earthquake hit Nepal kill- make a brief trip to Beijing from ing more than 9,000 people. Hainan province and sign some “We have received nothing major bilateral deals. from the government or other Nepalese homeless people carry their belongings from a makeshift camp for people displaced by the 2015 earthquake after it was demolished by police in Kathmandu yesterday. The 2017 annual conference organisations except food and of the Boao Forum for Asia is be- tarpaulins.” prise and rushed to gather their International donors pledged oversee the reconstruction ef- grant to around 550,000 But he acknowledged that the ing held from March 23 to 26 in About 2,000 people lived in belongings from their homes as $4.1bn after the earthquake - fort meant the fi rst instalments households. extra cash was not a panacea. Boao, Hainan province. the camp at its peak, but many the bulldozers moved in. the strongest to hit the impov- of a housing grant were only Govind Raj Pokharel, head of the “The main problem is there The offi cial opening of the had left in recent weeks after The government has faced erished Himalayan nation in 80 paid out in March 2016. NRA, said that he had forwarded are limited options (to earn a) ceremony that is divided into authorities gave residents a one mounting criticism for the slow years. The National Reconstruc- a proposal to the government to livelihood for the earthquake four modules-globalisation, month eviction notice. pace of reconstruction following But political wrangling over tion Authority (NRA) has now provide an extra Rs200,000 grant victims in their villages so they growth, reform and new econo- Despite the prior warning, the earthquake, which destroyed control of the funds and forma- distributed the fi rst Rs50,000 to families who now needed to be don’t want to return to their my - is scheduled to take place residents were taken by sur- more than one million homes. tion of the government body to ($460) of a promised Rs300,000 relocated from the camp. village,” Pokharel said. on March 25.

Sufi leader shot, hacked to death in Former PM Bangladesh Lanka seeks report Unknown gunmen killed a Sufi minority spiritual leader and his house help in northern Bangladesh on Monday, police skips court said yesterday, amid a surge on crew of hijacked in attacks on liberal activists, minority sects and other religious groups in the Sunni Muslim- majority country. appearance Police said Farhad Hossain fuel freighter Chowdhury, 55, and his teenage maid were shot and hacked IANS Sanaullah Mia told Efe news. to death at his home in the DPA Initial media reports said know what happened. We are Dhaka The BNP chief is also fac- northern district of Dinajpur, Colombo/Mogadishu that the vessel hijacked on not categorising it as a piracy ing sedition charges for ex- 350km (220 miles) from the Monday was fl ying the Sri incident at this time.” pressing doubts over the Khaleda Zia ... not well capital, Dhaka. Lankan fl ag, but subsequent One of the suspected pirates, ormer Bangladesh Prime widely-accepted version that “We are yet to ascertain who ri Lanka yesterday said it inquiries revealed that it was who spoke on condition of an- Minister and opposition 3mn were killed or martyred fore the court on March 28. carried out the murder,” local is seeking information on operating under the fl ag of Co- onymity, told a regional radio Fleader Khaleda Zia did during the 1971 Liberation The Awami League, led by police chief Arju Mohammad Seight crew members of moros, off the eastern coast of station that the ship was being not appear in the trial proceed- War when Bangladesh gained current Prime Minister Sheikh said, adding they were not a fuel freighter reportedly hi- Africa. held off the north-eastern port ings of 11 cases against her at a independence from Pakistan. Hasina, and Zia’s BNP have al- ruling out links to Islamist jacked by pirates in the Indian “The particular vessel was of Alula. Dhaka court yesterday citing ill Zia had not appeared before ternately been in power in the militants. Ocean. operating under the Sri Lankan “We are not pirates, but fi sh- health, her lawyer said. the court on health grounds country since 1991, except for No one claimed responsibility for The foreign ministry said fl ag only until January this year, ermen,” he said, adding that Zia, a two-time prime min- also on February 27, when the a brief period of military rule the killing but the South Asian that although the vessel was and since it is fl ying under the the ship was seized because it ister of Bangladesh (1991- court had allowed it “for one between 2006 and 2008. country of 160mn people has not registered under a Sri fl ag of Comoros,” director gen- was dumping toxic waste into 1996, 2001-2006), faces trial last time”, and postponed her The BNP - currently absent seen a string of deadly attacks in Lankan fl ag, they had con- eral of merchant shipping Ajith the sea. in 10 cases related to violence appearance until Tuesday, from Parliament - boycotted the past years, the most serious fi rmation that the eight crew Seneviratne said. He said crew, which he put during Bangladesh National- said Mia. the last general elections of on July 1, when gunmen stormed members were Sri Lankans. The European Union Naval at 10 members, clashed briefl y ist Party’s (BNP) anti-govern- “There is nothing called as 2014 and has been much weak- a cafe killing 22 people, most of The ministry said it was in Force said yesterday it has sent with their kidnappers, but that ment protests in early 2015 over one last time. We informed the ened lately owing to continued them foreigners. touch with the shipping agents, a maritime patrol aircraft to the no one was injured. demands to advance election court about her illness and the arrests of its leading members Al Qaeda and Islamic State concerned authorities, and coast of Somalia to investigate The force known as EU Nav- dates. court gave us a new date,” he and cadres, apart from the 35 have made competing claims relevant Sri Lanka missions reports that Somali pirates have for runs anti-piracy opera- “Khaleda Zia could not said. cases of corruption, violence for a series of killings but overseas to seek information in seized a commercial vessel. tions in the area, where piracy appear before the court to- The opposition leader has and sedition that Zia herself is the government has blamed order to ensure the safety and “The aircraft is en route,” a fl ourished until security was day as she is sick,” her lawyer now been asked to appear be- embroiled in. domestic militant groups. welfare of the crew members. spokeswoman said. “We don’t tightened in 2012. Clean water fi nally fl ows to transform lives of tea pickers

Guardian News, Philip Sherwell bushes to go to the toilet. At the when they were growing up – 2010 in four tea gardens where their companies will benefi t too.” Sylhet, Bangladesh estate primary school, children and sometimes I had to look after less than 4% of workers and At Kadhim’s school, teacher are taught how to wash their them rather than work.” their families had access to good Nantu Ranjan used to note an hands and then to relay the same Bangladesh has around 165 sanitation, according to an Idea marked increase in absenteeism solated by geography, as well message about hygiene at home. tea gardens, employing about assessment. By 2012, other es- in April and May, after the start as by their culture, Bangla- These simple innovations – 400,000 people, growing, har- tate managers were asking them of the annual rains brought out- Idesh’s tea pickers are among introduced by WaterAid and vesting and processing tea for to come in and provide services breaks of waterborne diseases. the most excluded and margin- its local Sylhet partners – have the thirsty domestic market. too. The project, funded by the “But that’s dropped right off alised communities, earning 85 transformed lives. To launch the pilot project, HSBC Water Programme, has since the interventions by Idea taka (barely $1) for a day of back- “These pumps and toilets have WaterAid and its partners had to now covered 14 gardens and and WaterAid,” he says. Tack- breaking work. made such a diff erence for us,” overcome the opposition of tea 33,000 people. ling taboos about menstrual hy- Until recently, notable among says Bina Patru, a tea picker. “We estates managers and owners. In places such as Gulni, wells, giene for teenage girls has been the privations has been the lack used to have to walk more than The estates had long blocked any fi ltration systems, standpoints, another achievement, he adds. of access to safe water, toilets half-an-hour each way to collect access for NGOs, suspecting that piped water lines and technology WaterAid and Idea are now and the basics of sanitation and water from a well. We’d do that they would try to organise work- to reduce the heavy iron con- seeking funding to expand their hygiene on estates such as Gul- journey in the rain and the heat, ers and advocate for their rights. tent have been introduced. Just work into dozens more tea gar- ni, a 90-minute drive from the walk with one jug on our heads, But the breakthrough eventually as importantly, the message of dens in nearby districts. But thriving provincial capital of another on our hip. came after long negotiations by good hygiene and hand-washing just as much of a challenge is to Sylhet. “Water for everything else WaterAid’s partner, the Institute has been spread to a community convince the local powers – the Bina Patrou, a tea picker at the Gulni tea estate, collects water from a But now, on a dirt track that came from the streams. People of Development Aff airs (Idea), to with limited access to education. tea estates and the government pump installed by WaterAid and local partners. cuts through the tea estate, is a had to go the toilet in the bushes introduce water, sanitation and “The garden authorities didn’t – that they need to make water simple new standpipe on a ce- and some went near the same hygiene (Wash) programmes. want to let the NGOs in because and sanitation for the workers a ier workforce, while helping the “As we continue our work, we’ll ment base, delivering plentiful streams. Unsurprisingly, it was the they didn’t want us to be edu- priority without charitable help. tea pickers understand they have also continue our advocacy with fresh water. “I used to miss days at work economic argument – that a cated,” says Mrittunjoy Kurmi, “This programme has helped the right to good health, educa- local governments and tea gar- In a bamboo shack nearby, a because of illness and so I wasn’t healthy worker is more effi cient chairman of the panchayat, or change the mindset of tea gar- tion and hope for a better future,” den owners to ensure water and clean latrine has been installed paid. Our children were often and productive – that fi nally village council. “Now they have den owners, introducing them says Tom Palakudiyil, regional sanitation is made a priority for to be shared by residents who sick – my daughters suff ered won the day with the bosses. learned that if they let the NGOs to the need to respect workers’ director for WaterAid in South everyone, including the poorest used to have to walk into the from diarrhoea and dysentery The pilot project started in in and we get educated, then rights and the value of a health- Asia. and most marginalised.” Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko What Dutch parliament

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar elections are all about [email protected] Telephone 44350478 (news), The international The dominant theme for the Dutch Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and establishment party or not voting. 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) media have declared the elections, and all Western elections radical-right challenger Wilders, to 5. … (partly) because the parties Fax 44350474 since the Brexit and Trump victories of fi t the broader frame of status quo discuss the wrong issues Netherlands to be the 2016, is that of a fundamental struggle versus populism. Understandably, One of the main reasons for the lack between an emboldened populism Rutte has tried to push this idea on of inspiration among the Dutch people bellwether of European and an embattled status quo. Leaving the Dutch media too, positioning could be the mismatch between the politics, regardless of aside that neither Brexit nor Trump himself as the only democratic hope issues they care about and the issues was exclusively a populist vote, both to stave off a populist victory. But the Dutch parties talk about. Since the fact that it has a very elections were contested on the basis however convenient it is for selling the beginning of the 21st century GULF TIMES specifi c political culture of a winner-takes-all principle, with newspapers or for Rutte, this formula Dutch political campaigns have one winner and one loser. In sharp is inconsistent with the essence of been dominated by the “three Is” – contrast, the Netherlands is electing the elections. The Dutch are electing immigration, integration and Islam – By Cas Mudde a parliament based on the most a parliament, not a president or and this year is no diff erent. London proportional electoral system in the premier, and it is not guaranteed that Paradoxically, given that the parties BJP poll win seen world, which means that there will the leader of the biggest party will discuss these issues to give voice to be many winners and many losers, be the premier. In a parliamentary the people, the majority of the Dutch he Dutch parliamentary both in absolute and relative terms. system the government needs the population is primarily concerned elections are today and, Moreover, the winner doesn’t take all. support of the parliamentary majority, with zorg (care), notably keeping like most Dutch political In fact, the winner takes at best 20% not necessarily of the biggest party. healthcare aff ordable – this is the as an endorsement Tscientists, I cannot wait for of the vote! Moreover, the struggle between Rutte number one concern of the voters them to be over. Never before have 2. The Dutch are not voting on the and Wilders captures only a minority of four major parties, including the Dutch elections been so intensely European Union of the voters: together the VVD and three rightwing parties most obsessed followed by the international media This weekend saw pro-EU PVV are only polling between 30 and with the three Is: the PVV, VVD, of Modi’s policies and I am, honestly, tired of having to demonstrations in major cities 35%. In other words, the real story is and Christian Democratic CDA. The answer another question about “the across Europe. In Germany, many somewhere else. second biggest issue is social security, Dutch Trump” (Geert Wilders) or demonstrators had banners that 4. The Dutch are uninspired … the third is fi ghting terrorism, and the Nearly three years after storming into to power with “the Dutch Trudeau” (Jesse Klaver). pleaded with the Netherlands to The most stunning number fourth is more money for education. the largest majority in 30 years, Indian Prime Minister Obviously, the international media stay in the European Union. They regarding the Dutch elections is “Integration of refugees” ranks only Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has won an are not really interested in Dutch might have been (mis)guided by some that, four days before election day, ninth. politics. Rather, they have declared the international media that have been a majority of the population (54%) Perhaps that is the broader story overwhelming majority in Uttar Pradesh in the country’s Netherlands to be the bellwether of openly speculating about a possible did not yet know for which party that international media could take most decisive state election after 15 years in opposition. European politics. Never mind that the “Nexit”, that is, an exit from the EU they were going to vote. Most had from the Dutch elections. The mantra As the Modi juggernaut thunders on, the election win country has a fairly specifi c political by the Netherlands, because of the narrowed it down to two or three that “the elite” is out of touch with allows the premier to aggressively push his economic culture, and party politics has changed anticipated victory of Wilders’s anti- parties, but a staggering 15% had “the people” because they don’t from ultra-stable in the 20th century EU Party for Freedom (PVV). However, no clue whatsoever. This stunning discuss the issues that they are most reform agenda, while positioning the BJP for a second to ultra-volatile in the 21st century, even if the PVV were to win, which is number can be read in many diff erent concerned about holds true, but term in 2019. the Netherlands is Europe’s future. far from certain, there is no support ways. At the very least, it shows that the issues are no longer European The signifi cance of Uttar Pradesh in Indian politics Given that the Dutch elections are for a Nexit among other parties. an abundance of options – a full 28 integration, immigration or security. can never be understated. With a population of 204mn covered in the same frame as the British Similarly, there is virtually no support parties are contesting the elections In fact, voters are being beaten around EU referendum and the US presidential for a withdrawal from the eurozone – can still provide little choice or the head with those issues on the – about the size of Brazil – Uttar Pradesh sends more elections, and are the fi rst of a series among the Dutch population and inspiration. One could also read this campaign trail, even if few concrete lawmakers than any other state to both houses of of similar elections in Europe, much political parties. as an indication of the relatively solutions are off ered, at the expense parliament; the state has also produced eight of India’s 15 of what is truly at stake is missed. 3. The Dutch are not electing a low level, or at least intensity, of of some of the basic bread-and-butter Moreover, much of what is focused on president dissatisfaction of most people. The issues that are actually concerning prime ministers. is secondary at best and irrelevant at International media style the Dutch Dutch might be not very satisfi ed the majority of population: economic The BJP’s gains, with the party faring decisively well in worst. So, what is (not) at stake? elections as a “neck-and-neck race” with the (many) political options; inequality, education, healthcare, other state polls conducted almost simultaneously, could 1. These are not “winner takes all” between conservative prime minister they are also not so dissatisfi ed that and protection of the welfare state. – now be seen as an endorsement of Modi’s policies, not elections Mark Rutte of the People’s Party for they have decided upon an anti- Guardian News & Media least his hard-hitting decision last November to remove high-value currency – representing 86% of the cash then in use – from circulation. “Modi represents that national-level fi gure that we’ve not seen since Indira Gandhi,” India’s $2tn-plus said Sandeep economy off ers Shastri, a political scientist and pro- tantalising vice chancellor of Bengaluru’s Jain prospects for University, referring investors to the prime minister. Investors could now show renewed confi dence in Modi’s reforms and the country’s economy (still one of the world’s fastest growing), a stable currency and slowing infl ation. For Uttar Pradesh, pro-business reforms, such as digitising land records and making permit applications easier, are seen on track. At the federal level, Modi could tackle non-performing bank loans to revive lending and continue to pursue policies aimed at pushing India’s vast informal economy into more formal channels. The optimism resulting from continuity of reforms could also boost equity markets. More than halfway through his term, Modi has got mixed reviews. He’s opened millions of bank accounts for the poor, cleared the path for a national sales tax that would transform India into a single market and attracted more foreign direct investment. India has also eclipsed Geert Wilders, left, and incumbent Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte. China as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. But economists have questioned the motives for an unprecedented clampdown on cash, designed to tackle black money. His critics say he takes measures that increase safeguards for India’s tycoons and fails In Syria, governors hope for end to ‘exile’ to move against religious factions of his party, which oppose reforms and want to erode the country’s secular AFP jihadists, who made Raqa city their de independently of the Hama Hama, the situation is more complex foundations. Hama, Syria facto Syrian capital. governorate,” he adds. for Raqa residents. But the government has continued The water utilities from Raqa and “Daesh doesn’t let anyone leave, unless Make no mistake, India’s $2tn-plus, consumer-driven to pay the salaries of its employees Idlib have followed their governors, they are seriously ill,” says Hamud, using economy off ers tantalising prospects for investors. elcome to Idlib in the province, which is a key installing themselves in offi ces at the Arabic acronym for IS. With 1.3bn people, who speak more than 700 languages province!” the Syrian responsibility for Hamud. Hama’s public water company. “So they come clandestinely uniting under one roof, India’s democracy, the world’s governor proclaims, “Even though the state doesn’t The state electricity providers from through the desert.” most populous, is a marvel of the modern age. But it has Wseated in a converted collect any taxes (there), the salaries the two provinces have also taken “One time a student who wanted classroom in Hama city some 90km of 67,000 government employees or up residence in Hama’s electricity to take his exams left from Raqa on traditionally divided spoils along the lines of religion and from his real offi ce, held by rebels retirees are issued each month for company. horseback until he reached Aleppo and caste. since 2015. those who are still in Raqa or in other But at such a remove, there is little then took a taxi to Hama to take the India, for sure, can dream big. But the country’s With opposition fi ghters led by provinces,” he says. real work they can do. exams,” he adds. Syria’s former Al Qaeda affi liate The money is kept in Hama until “In Idlib, the public administration Marriage contracts and birth and policymakers need to learn from mistakes committed in control of the province he was either the employees or a trusted is shut and for an identity card or a death certifi cates are registered in the past. The shallow, short-term economic thinking appointed to lead last year, Ali Jassem proxy can reach the province from passport, people have to come here,” sometimes two or three years late. should give way to a sustainable long-term growth vision instead works from the second fl oor of Raqa and take it back with them. says Jassem. “Daesh has destroyed all the to lift millions out of poverty and ensure social inclusion a Hama school. Jassem was appointed the governor “It is the world war against Syria archives... We must reconstitute And he’s not alone. of Idlib province just a year ago, that has forced this unprecedented them completely. It’s a huge job, for the marginalised sections of the country. One fl oor up is Raqa governor Abed long after it was captured by rebels, situation on us,” he adds. but it proves that the state is still Khaled al-Hamud, 53, seated behind so he has only ever worked out of More than 320,000 people have functioning,” Hamud adds. a desk under a photo of President his second-fl oor Hama classroom- been killed in the nearly six years of At the end of the corridor, a banner To Advertise Bashar al-Assad, fl anked by the fl ags turned-offi ce. Syria’s confl ict, which has drawn in reads “Raqa City Municipal Council.” of Syria and the ruling Baath party. Idlib city became the second international players and attracted Municipal council head Talal al- [email protected] His province is even further away provincial capital to fall from jihadists like IS. Sheikh, 49, was appointed a year ago, Display than neighbouring Idlib, and its government control when it was Jassem is also still overseeing the and says he ensures that municipal Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 provincial capital is still fi rmly in the captured in March 2015 by the Army payment of state employee salaries, and employees who remain in Raqa, of grip of the Islamic State group. of Conquest, an alliance led by former says dozens of people a day pass through the 740 who once worked there, keep Classified Despite being installed more than Al Qaeda affi liate Al-Nusra Front, later the offi ces of his governorate-in-exile. doing their jobs. Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 220km from Raqa city, Hamud insists known as Fateh al-Sham. On the same fl oor, a group of Communication with the employees he represents “continuity of the state” “We’re temporarily in Hama, but farmers waits for Mohamad Hmashdo, is still possible, but is done secretly for Subscription in his province. we’re certain that we’ll return to Idlib director of planning for Idlib. their safety. [email protected] Raqa was the fi rst provincial capital thanks to the victories of the Syrian “We distribute childhood vaccines, “They clean the city, they collect to fall from government control after army,” Jassem says confi dently. medicine for animals and even small garbage, drive municipal vehicles, the country’s March 2011 uprising. “All the institutions, the utilities generators for water pumps,” he says. under the supervision of a Daesh emir 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved It was captured by rebels in March and public administration were While residents of Idlib can travel (commander), but it is the government 2013, but then taken from them by IS transferred here, but it operates relatively easily to neighbouring that pays their salaries,” he says. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 15, 2017 27 COMMENT Qatar, Turkmenistan enjoy stable ties

The visit by various actions during 2016-2017, Turkmen relations where the Republic including consultations on bilateral of Turkmenistan is considered to be Turkmenistan President topics, discussing ways to develop a cornerstone to Islamic history and Berdimuhamedov to relations between the two countries, civilisation. working within the framework of Turkmenistan’s ancient cities Qatar today coincides international organisations and the of Nisa and Meru testify to the with the 21th anniversary United Nations for co-operation in countries contribution to Islamic trade and economy, consultation on civilisation through high-calibre of the establishment of consular matters, besides issues of scholars like Al Marwazi and Al common interest. Nassa’ei. Turkmenistan represents a diplomatic ties between Turkmenistan is a key player in history museum contains a treasure of the two countries, and the geopolitical arena as one of the knowledge and science. largest gas exporters. The country The area of Turkmenistan is marks his fi rst visit after holds the world’s fourth largest natural 491,200 sq km. It is bordered by winning the presidential gas reserves and has the substantial Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, potential to increase gas exports through and the Caspian Sea. The capital elections diversifi cation of routes and expansion city is Ashgabat. Turkmenistan’s of partnership in export markets. population is 6mn, nearly 85% of QNA Turkmenistan is also one of the pillars them are Turkmen, while the rest Doha of the gas industry in Central and constitute diff erent ethnicities like Southeast Asia through its gas pipeline Uzbeks, Russians, Kazakhs, Persians, project, which includes Turkmenistan, Armenians and Azeris. The majority of atar and Turkmenistan Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. the population are Muslims. enjoy distinct and stable Turkmenistan pays special The country has seen an economic relations based on mutual attention to developing international and urban boom due to political Qunderstanding and respect, energy co-operation as key to serve its stability and good relations and common willingness to develop national interests and meet the needs with neighbouring countries. and upgrade these relations at all of its international partners. In this Turkmenistan seeks to attract more levels. regard, the leader of Turkmenistan tourism through establishing a several The exchange of visits between initiated the “Resolution Reliable and new tourist projects. Ashgabat was HH the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Stable Transit of Energy and Its Role recently noted by the Guinness Book Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and in Ensuring Sustainable Development of World Records for having 543 white Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly and International Co-operation” marble-clad buildings covering a total Berdimuhamedov represents a strong which was adopted at the plenary area of 4.5mn sq m. boost for the bilateral relations meeting of the 67th session of the UN The 133-m Ashgabat Flagpole is one and affi rms the joint keenness on The Independence Monument of Turkmenistan. General Assembly. of the touristic monuments. It is among continued co-ordination between the Turkmenistan has opted to adopt the fi ve tallest free-standing fl agpole two countries at all levels. marks his fi rst visit after winning the comprehensive review of the tourism, energy, sports and air (neutrality) as political principle. The in the world. Next to Independence HH the Emir’s visit to Turkmenistan presidential elections by 97.7%. various aspects of the bilateral transport fi elds. Turkmenistan international legal Monument of Turkmenistan, is the last March represented a great Qatar-Turkmenistan joint relations between the two countries, On January 4, the Cabinet approved status (permanent neutrality) was Independence Museum, a wonderful opportunity for signing many committee achieved great progress particularly in the areas of trade and a draft memorandum of understanding recognised by the United Nations, architectural masterpiece surrounded co-operation agreements and in strengthening co-operation investment, and ways to enhance on energy co-operation between when the General Assembly on Dec by huge statues of the Turkmen historic partnerships between the two between the two countries. The them to fulfi l the aspirations of the the governments of Qatar and 12, 1995 unanimously adopted a heroes. countries in fi nance, sports, tourism, second meeting held last November leaderships in both countries. Turkmenistan as one of the most resolution to approve it. The country The most famous cities of education, transport and culture. under the chairmanship of HE The capital Ashgabat hosted the distinguished areas in the two countries adopted at the same time in December Turkmenistan are Turkmenbashi City, The visit by President Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh committee’s fi rst meeting in January at regional and international levels. 1995 its constitutional law which which was called Krasnovodsk during Berdimuhamedow to Qatar today Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- 2013 and discussed co-operation An executive programme for acknowledged neutrality as the the Soviet era and Balkan City, a port coincides with the 21th anniversary Thani and Turkmenistan’s Deputy between the two countries in the co-operation between the foreign principle of foreign policy. with the largest oil refi nery and the of the establishment of diplomatic Prime Minister and Foreign Minister economic, trade and industrial ministries of Qatar and Turkmenistan The Islamic culture plays an richest provinces of the Republic of ties between the two countries, and Rasit Meredow represented a sectors, as well as education, health, was also signed last year to undertake important role in rooting Qatari- Turkmenistan. Weather report Theresa May forces Sturgeon’s hand Three-day forecast TODAY High: 28 C By Ruth Wishart risk a second poll has been constant Then, too, the Scottish government services – then the need to stage in the last weeks and months. Now it has become increasingly frustrated another poll would not have arisen. Low : 21 C London Inshore: Expected thundery rain at seems to have reached the point where at being kept out of the Brexit loop, Sturgeon is acutely aware that a places associated with strong wind her greatest fear is being cast as the despite promises of a partnership. second referendum held between and high sea. icola Sturgeon’s decision Grand Old Duchess of York, constantly They were given no warning that the the autumn of 2018 and the spring to fl ag up a second marching her troops towards the prime minister was to set her face of 2019 cannot be a re-run of 2014. THURSDAY referendum on Scottish possibility of another referendum but against staying in the single market She acknowledged in her speech that High: 27 C Nindependence is hardly a never quite giving the order to attack. and the customs union, and they have there would have to be not just clarity Low: 22 C bombshell – it has been the stuff of But there are several other factors been told no more than anyone else about the impact of Brexit on Scotland P Cloudy rumour since the Brexit vote last year. in play. Two polls in the last 48 hours about when the UK government will but also about the “challenges and But it certainly threw a hand grenade have put a prospective yes vote for fi nally press the article 50 nuclear opportunities” of independence. into a Westminster forum fi xated on independence at 50% and 48% – not a button. And there are indeed many FRIDAY the triggering of article 50. So while majority, but both up on the 45% who What was once fl agged up as a imponderables. The majority in High: 26 C London waited for one starting gun voted for independence in autumn partnership of equals has been no Scotland who voted to remain in the Low: 21 C to fi re, another went off in the elegant 2014. And her speech comes, too, partnership at all, Sturgeon suggested EU cannot be assumed to be yes voters, P Cloudy surroundings of the fi rst minister’s after several interventions from other in her speech. She argues that her own any more than the tartan Brexiteers can offi cial residence in Edinburgh. parties. government has had no response to its be guaranteed to fi le into the no lobby. The word repeated throughout At the Scottish Conservatives’ own post-Brexit scenario, which was There will have been movement Fishermen’s forecast on both sides over the course of four Sturgeon’s speech was “choice”: that spring conference Theresa May laid out in Scotland’s Place in Europe, OFFSHORE DOHA Scotland had made a diff erent choice seemed to suggest that, post-Brexit, and in fact felt that the document had years. Wind: NW-NE 08-18/25 KT last June (62% voted remain in the some powers long since devolved to been dismissed before the ink was But Sturgeon feels she has two Waves: 3-5/8 Feet EU referendum); that Scotland had Holyrood would revert from ultimate properly dry. powerful cards to play. In 2014 INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW-NE 03-13 KT been given no choice and no say in Brussels control to London, rather The crossroads Scotland faces, Scots were assured the only way Waves: 1-3 Feet the post-Brexit conversations; and, than Edinburgh. This is particularly argues the fi rst minister, is one it has to stay in Europe was to vote No to crucially and repeatedly, that the crucial in specifi c areas such as been driven to by the consistent refusal independence. And, with Labour’s Around the region choice regarding Scotland’s future agriculture and fi shing, and the wider of May “to move a single inch towards near-death experience in Scotland and Weather Weather relationship with Europe and with areas of employment, welfare and a compromise”. She insists that had consistently poor polling in England, today Max/min tomorrow Max/min the UK, and the kind of country it human rights. In her remarks today, there been any indication that the she can suggest to the Scottish Abu Dhabi M Sunny 28/23 P Cloudy 32/24 aspires to be, must be one taken by the Sturgeon alluded to the Scottish UK government would be open to a electorate that they are in for 20 years Baghdad Sunny 26/14 S Showers 20/09 Dubai Scottish people. parliament having fewer powers when diff erentiated deal for Scotland – as it of rightwing Tory government if they P Cloudy 31/24 P Cloudy 32/24 Kuwait City Sunny 26/15 Sunny 29/14 The speculation over whether the UK leaves the EU, rather than the appears to have made deals with the don’t take their destiny into their own Manama P Cloudy 25/19 Cloudy 27/19 Scotland’s fi rst minister is minded to enhanced powers once promised. car industry and perhaps fi nancial hands. Muscat Sunny 33/24 M Sunny 31/23 Riyadh M Sunny 27/18 P Cloudy 29/16 Tehran M Sunny 16/06 M Sunny 18/06 Live issues Hate daylight saving time?

By Joseph Ax during World War Two as an energy- New York saving measure. The rationale was that a later sunset meant people would spend fewer hours using lights inside or most Americans, daylight their homes in the evening. saving time means only one But studies have generally failed thing: losing an hour’s sleep. to show signifi cant energy savings FSo what is the point? associated with the shift. This is actually a reasonable Plenty of people expressed question, according to a growing body frustration on social media on Around the world of scientifi c research. Saturday, as the prospect of losing an Weather Weather Daylight saving time is the practice hour’s sleep loomed large. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min of moving clocks forward by one “Daylight Savings Time seems like a Athens P Cloudy 16/06 P Cloudy 17/06 hour during summer months so that communist plot to get us all confused Beirut Rain 14/11 P Cloudy 16/12 P Cloudy 33/27 daylight lasts longer into evening. and tired and thinking the government Bangkok 34/28 S T Storms Berlin P Cloudy 12/02 P Cloudy 14/05 Most of North America and Europe wants to help us,” wrote Twitter user Cairo P Cloudy 22/12 P Cloudy 22/11 follows the custom, while the majority Michael Farris Jr. Cape Town Showers 21/14 Sunny 23/14 of countries elsewhere do not. Abolishing daylight saving time – or Colombo S T Storms 32/24 S T Storms 32/24 Clocks in almost all of the United conversely, extending it year-round Dhaka Sunny 29/17 Sunny 30/18 Hong Kong Cloudy 19/18 M Cloudy 21/19 States sprang forward by an hour at – would require a law passed by US Istanbul S Showers 10/05 S Showers 10/04 2am on Sunday. According to studies, Congress. States are allowed to opt out Jakarta T Storms 33/24 T Storms 32/24 it will likely prompt an increase in Scott Gow adjusts a tower clock on test at the Electric Time Company in Medfield, of daylight saving time, but all states Karachi Sunny 32/19 Sunny 32/20 heart attacks and strokes, cause more Massachusetts. are required to follow standard time London P Cloudy 16/06 P Cloudy 16/05 Manila P Cloudy P Cloudy 33/23 car accidents and reduce worker from November to March. 33/24 Moscow M Cloudy 09/01 Snow 07/-1 productivity, according to studies. It daylight saving time began than those have detrimental eff ects,” Amneet Legislators in some states have New Delhi P Cloudy 28/14 Sunny 29/14 will also fail to cut the nation’s energy given out one week before or after. Sandhu of the University of Colorado tried unsuccessfully to pass laws New York Cloudy -2/-6 M Sunny 02/-4 bill, contrary to what the experts once Disruptions, even minor ones, to told Reuters in 2014 after his study of abandoning daylight saving time, Paris Cloudy 14/04 Sunny 18/07 believed. human beings’ sleep patterns can Michigan hospital data showed a 25% but Arizona and Hawaii are the only Sao Paulo S T Storms 28/18 M Sunny 31/19 Seoul Sunny 12/03 M Sunny 12/-2 In December, a psychology journal have outsized eff ects, according to jump in heart attacks on the Monday states that do not reset their clocks Singapore S T Storms 33/25 T Storms 32/24 published results showing that federal researchers. after daylight saving time began. twice a year. For everyone else, Sunday Sydney Rain 23/21 T Storms 26/21 judges handed out sentences that were “Our study suggests that sudden, Daylight saving time, which runs morning will come just a little bit Tokyo Cloudy 09/04 Clear 13/03 on average 5% longer the day after even small changes in sleep could until the fall, was widely adopted earlier than usual. Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, March 15, 2017 QATAR Many faces of Qatar at Katara photo exhibition

he Cultural Village Foun- recalled they were captured over dation-Katara, in asso- a two-year period, specifi cally Tciation with the Youth during the seasons of spring and Hobbies Centre, has opened a winter of 2016, and the winter of month-long photography exhi- 2017. bition by Qatari photographer “I would like to extend my ut- Abdullah al-Mesleh in building most appreciation to the Youth 18. Hobbies Centre for the incred- The exhibition, titled ‘Qatar ible encouragement and support between Dusk and Dawn’ is both they gave me by providing me unique and intriguing as it cap- with photography permits from tures various moments across the authorities concerned.” Qatar, mostly between sunrise, The event is aligned with Ka- sunset and nightfall, resulting tara’s eff orts to provide a plat- in some stunning visual imagery form to support and encourage caused by the subtle changes in artists and talents across the the angle of sunlight. fi ne arts, performing arts and Inaugurating the exhibition, visual media. Katara general manager Dr Kha- Al-Mesleh also expressed his lid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, said gratitude and appreciation to the exhibition encompasses Katara for providing a platform all geographical areas of Qatar, to display his images. from north to south and from The opening of the exhibition west and east and captures the also saw the winners of ‘Doha visitor’s attention through some and its suburbs’ competition clever photographic techniques announced and awarded with that do justice to various land- cash prizes. marks and monuments in the The Youth Hobbies Centre country. will soon organise another ex- Explaining about the 46 pho- hibition at Katara with the win- tographs on show, al-Mesleh ning images.

People clicking a selfie against the backdrop of a dust-engulfed West Bay skyline yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Weather fluctuations expected to continue aff ecting the country

The country is in for a spell of weather early hours today. Then, the chances of further improve at the beginning of next 23C. Meanwhile, the maximum varied from fluctuations over the coming days, showers will improve from tomorrow until week, from Sunday (March 19) evening. 23C to 29C. As had been forecast, dusty experiencing rain as well as dusty Saturday afternoon “due to the influence Today’s detailed forecast also says slight weather prevailed in the country for several conditions during this period, the of a surface low pressure associated with dust is likely in some places at times and hours yesterday, leading to a dip in visibility Qatar Met department has said. Today, an upper-level trough of low pressure”, it will be cloudy. Similar conditions are at a number of areas for a while before thundershowers have been forecast in according to the weather off ice. expected in off shore areas, too, and the rain improving gradually. Cloudy conditions and some off shore areas along with strong The surface wind will be “fresh” tomorrow may be thundery in some places by the scattered light rain were also detected in winds and high seas, and there could be and on Friday, and could also be strong evening. The wind speed may go up to 25 some areas yesterday. some rain inshore as well. Dusty conditions in some places, resulting in blowing knots during thundershowers, with the sea The Met department, meanwhile, reissued prevailed in the country for much of dust at times. Tomorrow, winds will be level rising to 8ft. A minimum temperature a list of safety precautions – prepared in yesterday, leading to a drop in visibility southeasterly in nature and become of 19C is expected in Ruwais today, while in co-ordination with the Ministry of Public at a number of places. Light rain was also northerly on Friday afternoon. In general, Doha it will be 21C. The maximum, on the Health - to be followed during dusty reported from some areas. the rain will be light to moderate in other hand, will range from 23C to 28C. conditions. The advisory can be found The Met department said in a report there intensity during this period. Yesterday, a minimum temperature of 20C on the social media accounts of the Off icials and guests touring the exhibition after the opening. is a chance of scattered light rain in the The chances of rain were expected to was recorded in Ruwais; in Doha it was department. Over 500 medical professionals to take part in obesity meet

ore than 500 medical pro- Some of the lectures will include raise their expertise.” Al Ahli Hospital fessionals and experts in surgical procedures for obesity has run to date 13 Continuous Profes- MQatar, as well as in other and a number of sophisticated sional Development events, attended GCC countries, will take part in the and technical solutions to such by 1,320 licensed healthcare practi- fi rst ‘Obesity and Overweight Sym- disease, in addition to the role tioners. This has enabled its licensed posium’ from March 31 to April 1 at of psychiatry in treating obese staff to claim 1,320 category-1 CPD Katara – the Cultural Village. patients points. Organised by Al Ahli Hospital, the Al Ahli Hospital currently runs event will host a number of lectures, Azim Abdul Wahab Hussain, chief of hospital-wide educational events, discussions, and presentations on medical staff ; and Jamal Saleh Ham- creating opportunities for licensed obesity and other related diseases. mad, deputy CEO and director of healthcare practitioners to earn cat- Al Ahli Hospital and Medicare CEO projects, and other hospital offi cials. egory 1 CPD points. Khalid al-Emadi told a press confer- Some of the lectures will include The CEO also announced that a ence yesterday that the symposium surgical procedures for obesity and a new project will open at Al Wakrah will provide latest updates on the number of sophisticated and techni- next month, providing high-quality treatment of obesity, and its negative cal solutions to such disease, in addi- medical services to residents in the health impact, among others. tion to the role of psychiatry in treat- area. “This is the fi rst-of-its-kind at Al ing obese patients. He said the Al Ahli Hospital Al Ahli Hospital, and part of a series of The CEO cited the recent accredi- Wakrah branch will include an out- many conferences and scientifi c fo- tation received by the hospital as a patient, emergency (24-hour opera- rums held by the hospital in various training and development centre for tion), and 14 other clinics, in addition medical fi elds,” he noted. medical professionals from Qatar’s to several state-of-the-art medical The symposium will also introduce Ministry of Public Health. equipment, facilities, and laborato- new methods and expertise of treat- “Training and education will con- ries. ing obesity during pregnancy at Al tinue for various medical profes- Once approved, the hospital will Ahli Hospital, and the genetic infl u- sionals in Qatar. This professional also be upgraded from two to fi ve ences of obesity in some diseases, ac- development programme has various fl oors with more than 100 new beds, cording to al-Emadi. benefi ts for practitioners and service in addition to new surgery rooms and The CEO was joined by Dr Abdul providers,” he stressed. “It will also other facilities.

Al Ahli Hospital off icials announce the ‘Obesity and Overweight Symposium’ yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma