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WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10729 February 14, 2018 Jumada I 28, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals EMIR LEADS THE NATION zSport Day celebrated across Qatar with great enthusiasm

is Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim ter of State Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday led a ExxonMobil Qatar president and general man- Hlarge number of Qatar residents and ager Alistair Routledge and a large number of visitors in celebrating the seventh National people from the community. Sport Day (NSD) on a grand scale at locations HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister across the country to raise awareness of the participated in an event organised by the Min- importance of sport and its role in the life of istry of Interior’s Police Sports Federation, at communities. Qatar Sports Club. His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Ha- HE Sheikh Joaan participated in Aspire mad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Qatar Foundation Zone Foundation’s National Sport Day events for Education, Science and Community De- which attracted large numbers of citizens and velopment chairperson Her Highness Sheikha residents. Moza bint Nasser, HE the Prime Minister and HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali participated in bin Khalifa al-Thani, Qatar Olympic Commit- the activities in addition to the presence of a tee (QOC) president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- large number of AZF senior offi cials and staff . mad al-Thani, ministers and other dignitaries HE Sheikh Joaan expressed pride that Qatar participated in various activities. is one of the fi rst countries in the world and The Emir rode a bicycle through Doha Cor- the fi rst in the Middle East to dedicate a paid niche and the West Bay towers area, send- day of sports to all residents. ing out a message to keep practising diff erent He noted that in order to enrich the event, kinds of sport for good health and fi tness. QOC organised 72 sporting events for all seg- The Father Emir carried out a walking exer- ments of society of all ages, with the aim of cise in the front yard of Emiri Diwan. He also giving everyone the opportunity to exercise. witnessed a show of camels and pure Arabian HE al-Ali participated in a volleyball game horses. for AZF staff along with AZF president Hilal His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Kha- Jaham al-Kuwari and CEO Mohamed Khalifa lifa al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa al-Suwaidi. al-Thani and a number of Their Excellencies, Qatar’s NSD is organised in the second Sheikhs and ministers also participated along Tuesday of February in response to the Emiri with His Highness the Father Emir. decree No. 80 of 2011. It is an unprecedented Her Highness Sheikha Moza was joined and unique initiative that aims to raise aware- in the Education City campus by HE Sheikh ness of the importance of sport and its role in Joaan, HE the Minister of Energy and Industry the life of communities. Pages 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani cycling on the Doha Corniche to mark the National Sport Day yesterday. Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, HE the Minis- 10, 11, 12, 28

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), participated in various National Sport Day activities yesterday in Education City, where she was joined by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani walking in the front yard of Emiri Diwan yesterday. Olympic Committee (QOC). PICTURE: Aisha Almusalam/ HHOPL

End GCC crisis as Qatar spared no eff ort it harms regional security: Tillerson to counter terror: FM US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson yesterday called for an end to the more QNA of eliminating all terrorist organisa- than seven-month dispute between a Kuwait tions where ever they exist,” he said. Saudi-led bloc and Qatar, warning it is The foreign minister said it is regret- harming regional security. table that some international positions Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab atar participated in the minis- were not based on accurate and realis- Emirates and Egypt broke off ties with terial meeting of the Interna- tic understanding of the real reasons of Qatar in June last year, accusing it of Qtional Coalition against ISIS, the terrorism phenomenon, actual de- supporting extremists and being too which was held yesterday in Kuwait velopments in the course of events and close to Iran. with the participation of 74 members not fi nding fi nal solutions to the actual Qatar denies the allegations and representing governments and inter- reasons of terrorism. He pointed that accuses the bloc of aiming to national organisations in the coalition. the international community must put undermine its sovereignty. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and an end to war crimes and crimes against Tillerson, in Kuwait for a meeting of Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin humanity committed against innocent the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic Abdulrahman al-Thani headed Qatar’s civilians everywhere, and whatever the State group, said the United States was delegation to the meeting. justifi cations. working to settle the Gulf dispute. In his speech, Sheikh Mohamed ex- The minister noted the International “This type of division is tended thanks to Kuwait’s Emir and peo- Coalition against ISIS has made every counterproductive to the security ple for hosting the important meeting eff ort eliminating the origins of terror- of the region,” the top US diplomat after liberating Iraq and for the excellent ist organisations. “Today, the coalition is said, speaking alongside his Kuwaiti preparation and genuine hospitality. achieving its goal in Iraq in co-operation counterpart at the meeting. He stressed that terrorism in its dif- with the Iraqi government, which we Qatar is home to the largest US airbase ferent forms has become the biggest commend for its eff orts in this regard,” in the Middle East, Al-Udeid, which threat to the Arab region and the whole he said pointing out that the coalition houses some 10,000 American troops world. “Qatar has always voiced its re- should continue its eff orts to eliminate and has been key in the war against IS. jection and condemnation of this phe- terrorist organisations and all forms and He urged allies to stay focused on nomenon and stressed the importance patterns of terrorism in Syria. To Page 4 fighting the Islamic State group. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 QATAR Emir, Father Emir participate in Sport Day events

QNA Doha

is Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- Hmad al-Thani partici- pated along with citizens and residents in the activities of Na- tional Sport Day yesterday. The Emir participated in the National Sport Day by cycling at the towers area and Doha Cor- niche to encourage people to practice diff erent kinds of sports activities for health and fi tness. Separately, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani also participat- ed in Qatar National Sport Day activities. The Father Emir walked in the front yard of Emiri Diwan yes- terday morning. He also watched a perform- ance by camels and pure Arabian horses. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa al-Thani and several Sheikhs and ministers also participated along with the Father Emir. Meanwhile, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani participated in the country’s celebration of the National Sport Day, which was organised by the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Po- lice Sports Federation, at Qatar Sports Club. A delegation from Kuwait led by Kuwait Police Sport Federa- tion President, Major General Abdullah Youssef al-Mehanna, attended the event along with Oliver Stolpe, senior programme offi cer at the United Nations Of- fi ce on Drugs and Crime, and a Day celebration, which was held people with disabilities at Al Du- employees of the Council in front number of senior offi cials and at the Lekhwiya grounds in the hail Club and Al Sadd Club. of its building. The participants offi cers from the Ministry of In- presence of nearly 3,000 mili- Meanwhile, the Advisory then proceeded in a march which terior. tary and civilian members of the Council celebrated National embodied the goals and mean- The Prime Minister and In- force. Sport Day with the participation ings that Sport Day aims for. terior Minister, in his capacity In addition, the Prime Min- of HE the Speaker Ahmed bin The celebration concluded as Lekhwiya force commander, ister and Interior Minister took Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud. with a variety of sporting activi- also participated with the force’s part in some events organised The activities started with the ties where the Council staff took personnel in their National Sport by the national institutions for gathering of the members and part in.

Defence Minister joins armed forces Sport Day activities

E the Deputy Prime event at Meqdam camp on of senior army offi cers. role in the life of individuals Minister and Min- the occasion of celebrating The celebrations featured and societies. Hister of State for De- the National Sport Day. sports, social, cultural and It also promotes exercis- fence Aff airs Dr HE Chief of Staff Major entertainment activities. ing as a civilised and healthy Khalid bin Mohamed al- General (Pilot) Ghanim bin The annual event aims to approach that brings social Attiyah participated yes- Shaheen al-Ghanim attended promote awareness of the ties closer among army per- terday in the armed forces’ the event along with a number signifi cance of sport and its sonnel. – QNA Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 3 QATAR Sheikha Moza leads Sport Day events at Qatar Foundation

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

er Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chair- Hperson of Qatar Founda- tion for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), participated in QF’s National Sport Day activities at Education City yesterday. The programme kicked off with a 2km Walkathon around Education City in which Sheikha Moza participated along with a number of dignitaries includ- ing HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qa- tar Olympic Committee; HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, HE the Minister of State Dr Ha- mad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, and ExxonMobil Qatar president Alistair Routledge. After the walkathon, Her Highness Sheikha Moza visited Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of QF, participated in various National Sport Day activities yesterday in Education City. PICTURES: Aisha al-Musallam/ HHOPL several stations at the Education City that had arranged a number Ultra Marathon, which started physical and mental well-being the Education City Student Cen- the Ultra Marathon event, Qa- of physical activities. She also from the Ceremonial Court. Ad- of all.” tre, and at Al Shaqab during the tari athlete Salman al-Khanji interacted with several of the ditionally, visitors to Al Shaqab A range of activities also took afternoon. Outdoor games and said,“I’m very excited to be children and other participants enjoyed a day of high-energy place at QF’s Oxygen Park, in- activities also took place on the taking part in today’s event. I and encouraged everyone to take pursuits, under the title ‘The cluding football, treasure hunts, Green Spine and at the Ceremo- did a two-week walk around all part in the sporting events. Challenge’, where participants jump rope, beach tennis, pony nial Court throughout the day. of Qatar last year and I hope to Right from early morning a competed in a series of challeng- riding, and a selection of fun Mayan Zebeib, chief com- run the full 50km today. This is large number of people from vari- ing physical activities that tested children’s activities. Families munications offi cer, QF, said, a wonderful event and I’m very ous walks of life had assembled at skills such as strength, strat- with young children also enjoyed “As a leading agent of change in thankful to Qatar Foundation for various venues across the Educa- egy, balance, concentration, and games and sports at the QF Rec- Qatar, QF actively participates staging it.” tion City as the events were held at competition. reation Centre, such as swim- and supports national initia- Noora Almarri, a Qatari moth- venues such as Recreation Centre, Machaille al-Naimi, presi- ming for children with autism, tives such as National Sport Day. er, who attended with her family, Oxygen Park, Ceremonial Court, dent of Community Develop- goal ball – a football activity for We’re delighted to welcome so said, “I’m here with my children Green Spine as well as Al Shaqab. ment, QF, said, “QF’s celebra- the blind, as well as a gymnastics many people to Education City and brother today, and each of As the day progressed, the number tions, which are designed to and trampoline display, a squash today to share our celebrations.” us are looking forward to taking of participants swelled into thou- cater for all ages and athletic tournament, slalom football, A number of students from the part in diff erent activities. My sands with everyone engaging in abilities, are part of a wider, and blindfolded football de- Doha Centre for Media Freedom children are excited about the several of the activities arranged year-round, and community- signed to raise awareness about attended QF’s day-long event to treasure hunt and pony rides at at each venue. inspired campaign, aimed at loss of vision. practise reporting and to interact Oxygen Park. I’ve always wanted The walkathon was followed fostering a socially-engaged Furthermore, a range of la- with participants of the events. to try Zumba, and I think this is by a 40km Cycle and a 50km society and promoting the dies-only activities were held at Speaking at the start line of the perfect day to do it.” The start of the cycling event Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 QATAR

Qatar spared no eff ort to counter terror: FM Commercial Bank employees From Page 1 FM holds meetings in Kuwait HE the Deputy Prime HE Deputy Prime Minister and Greek State Minister celebrate National Sport Day Minister and Foreign Min- and Foreign Minister Sheikh for Foreign Aff airs George ister said: “Today we must Mohamed bin Abdulrah- Katrougkalos in Kuwait focus on reaching a just so- man al-Thani held bilateral yesterday. ommercial Bank em- lution that will compensate meetings with Iraqi Foreign The talks, which were held ployees celebrated the Syrian people for the Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, on the sidelines of the CNational Sport Day crimes committed by the Italian Minister of Foreign meeting of the Interna- with “a mix of physical ac- Syrian regime on one side Aff airs and International tional Coalition Against tivities, staff wellness and and terrorist organisations Co-operation Angelino ISIS, dealt with means to HE Sheikh Mohamed bin a Qatari community out- on the other. It is therefore Alfano, Malaysian Foreign develop bilateral relations Abdulrahman al-Thani reach” programme. incumbent on us to support Minister Anifah Aman, UK and eff orts to counter ISIS attending the conference Female employees en- the eff orts of the United Na- Minister of State for the and enhancing regional in Kuwait. joyed energetic Zumba ses- tions and its envoy Staff an Middle East Alistair Burt, peace and stability. sions at Commercial Bank de Mistura, in accordance lateral co-operation, provid- Plaza, while the men could with the Geneva Declara- ing humanitarian assistance, take on a challenging fi tness tion, and to hold all war rorism and extremism in and contributing eff ectively and supporting educational, class, with table tennis and criminals accountable.” all its forms and images, by to the eff orts of the inter- economic and other devel- table football available for He said Qatar has spared taking all necessary meas- national coalition, through opment initiatives to achieve all staff to play. no eff ort in combating ter- ures locally, co-ordinating bilateral, regional and multi- global security and stability. To promote employee health and wellness, a dia- betes risk assessment sta- tion was made available on at Commercial Bank Plaza Commercial Bank volunteers distributed special National Sport Day gifts at the Qatar on Monday. Run by a medi- Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs. cal team from the Qatar Di- abetes Association (QDA), staff underwent a number of simple tests including taking body measurements, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The QDA team was on hand to explain the results of the risk assessment and give advice to staff about diabetes and ways to pre- vent it through adopting a healthy lifestyle. To engage with the wid- er Qatari community and share the Sport Day cel- ebrations with key Qatari entities, volunteers from Commercial Bank distrib- uted special National Sport Day gifts at the Qatar So- ciety for Rehabilitation of Special Needs, independent schools, the children’s fl oor A Commercial Bank volunteer with a boy at the Wakra Hospital. at Hamad Hospital and at Al Wakra Hospital. tive under the leadership Sport Day but through- sport more widely in Qatar Commercial Bank exec- of His Highness the Emir out the year. As we believe through sponsoring the utive general manager and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad sports and health play a international Commercial chief marketing officer, al-Thani. Employee health vital role in today’s society Bank Qatar Masters and Hussein M Ali al-Abdulla is important to us, and we and human development organising local commu- said: “Commercial Bank promote sports and well- in accordance with Qatar nity sports activities such are proud supporters of the ness activities for our staff National Vision 2030, and as our Manchester United National Sport Day initia- not just during National we are active in promoting Soccer Schools.”

Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 QATAR

Aspire readies groundwork for Minister joins Qatar Airways event atar Airways and Ministry of Transport and Com- Football Performance Centre Qmunications jointly host- ed a grand celebration of National Sport Day yesterday, featuring a variety of athletic and dynamic By Peter Alagos plan. We have physicians right now who are activities for staff members from Business Reporter at the Winter Olympics in South Korea and both organisations and their fam- other physicians will attend the World Cup ilies. in Russia – all in anticipation of being the The event, which took place spire Zone Foundation will commis- most ready for the World Cup. at Al Sadd Sports Club, featured sion this year a world-class, high- “I think as far as National Sport Day goes activities including football, vol- Atech facility in Qatar that monitors here, it is a wonderful event and another leyball, basketball, cricket, table the performance of athletes, according to a example of how Qatar is so forward think- tennis, tug-of-war, aerobics and senior offi cial. ing when it comes to health and sports par- yoga, as well as a kids’ activ- Aspire Zone Foundation CEO Mohamed ticipation.” ity station with football games, Khalifa al-Suwaidi said the Football Per- Aside from preparing to accommodate slides and sack races. formance Centre is among the latest facili- more international competitions at Aspire Friendly competitions took ties inside the 2.5sq km Aspire Zone. Zone, al-Suwaidi said overall, the coun- place between employees from “I believe we are in the fi nal stages of try is well-prepared to host larger sporting the various organisations. HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed commissioning the Football Performance events like the FIFA World Cup. The event also featured a al-Sulaiti participating at a National Sport Day event jointly hosted Centre, which is one of the few labs in the Al-Suwaidi ... looking to the future “I believe that whoever has witnessed health-check booth, with spe- by Qatar Airways and Ministry of Transport and Communications world that monitors the performance of all the development of all these great fa- cialised consultants available to yesterday in Doha. athletes. The facility will be commissioned Gillogly added: “Khalifa Stadium rep- cilities is rest assured that Qatar can or- administer blood pressure and in the fi rst quarter of 2018,” al-Suwaidi told resents the fi rst of the World Cup stadi- ganise the best World Cup in 2022. We BMI checkups. and ICT sectors, to raise aware- helping foster a healthy and ener- Gulf Times on the sidelines of Aspire Zone ums that are done and certainly more are have the capabilities, the facilities, and Guests of honour at the event ness of the importance of sport getic way of living in Qatar. Con- Foundation’s National Sport Day celebra- planned and under construction right now. the team that can manage this event,” he included HE the Minister of and its great impact on the rise and veying pride in Qatar is one of our tions yesterday. “Recently, we commis- I think from a medical side, we continue to stressed. Transport and Communications progress of communities, as well corporate values, and we show sioned the Khalifa Stadium and I think we Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti. as encouraging people to keep fi t pride toward Qatar by taking part are going to do some more improvements Subsidiaries of the Ministry of and follow a healthy lifestyle. in fulfi lling its vision.” for our facilities so we could host more in- Transport and Communication, The ministry’s participation Qatar’s National Sport Day is ternational competitions in the future.” including Mowasalat, Civil Avia- in National Sport Day, he noted, celebrated each year on the sec- Aspetar chief medical offi cer Dr Scott tion Authority, Mwani Qatar and translates into a vision of part- ond Tuesday of February in eff ort Gillogly said the performance centre will Qatar Aeronautical College and nership with various entities to develop the country’s National help athletes perform at the highest level Communications Regulatory Au- across the country to promote 2030 vision, which encourages with all the most modern innovations that thority, also participated in the sport to build healthy individuals a healthy lifestyle by promoting can aide and improve athletes’ perform- event. capable of contributing to the de- sports, physical education and ance. Al-Sulaiti said: “Qatar Nation- velopment and progress and the sustainable development in the “From a medical side, we continue to al Sport Day refl ects the vision of achievement of Qatar National State of Qatar. work on upgrading between that perform- the wise leadership for building Vision 2030. As the country’s national car- ance part after an athlete gets rehabilitated individuals and society. Its key Qatar Airways Group chief ex- rier, Qatar Airways continues to to a point; then they need to get back to that message is that sports should be ecutive Akbar al-Baker, said: “We play a vital role in enhancing the same or higher level of competition and a part of the culture and life of are proud to take part in National already fl ourishing sports activity that is where the big emphasis is right now,” individuals and society, and one Sport Day celebrations and to in Qatar through its sponsorship Gillogly pointed out. aspect of investing in the human promote Qatar’s 2030 Vision. By of events in Doha such as the Exx- Al-Suwaidi also said the recent com- element.” hosting a fun and active day for onMobil Tennis tournament, the missioning of the Khalifa Stadium provides He said that the ministry was our employees, we are encourag- Total Women’s Tennis tourna- an “iconic backdrop” for the celebration always eager to participate in the ing them and other members of ment, and the Commercial Bank of this year’s instalment of National Sport National Sport Day, along with the community to incorporate Qatar Masters Golf Champion- Day, which is on its seventh year. Children attempt to score a goal. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam all entities in the transportation healthy lifestyles and habits, and ship.

Sports builds leadership qualities in children, SC chief says with eye on future

By Peter Alagos According to SC Secretary- the earlier they become func- Business Reporter General Hassan al-Thawadi, tioning and valuable members of “sports can communicate to the community,” al-Thawadi told children,” hence with early expo- reporters on the sidelines of As- ngaging children early in sure to diff erent types of sporting pire Zone Foundation’s National sports could help build activities, he said kids could reap Sport Day celebrations yesterday. Epositive attributes that not only physical benefi ts but He also noted that “there would benefi t them as they grow also leadership skills and other is still room” for new types of older, a senior offi cial of the Su- “higher values.” sports in the country, citing the preme Committee for Delivery & “There is no doubt that the latest activities at Aspire Zone Al-Thawadi ... training leaders Legacy (SC) has said. earlier children engage in sports, like kendo and dodgeball, among many others. Al-Thawadi said: “Aspire Zone is the natural choice for us to celebrate National Sport Day. So many members of the coun- try’s sporting family are here and we’re delighted to join them in building a lasting legacy of sport- ing participation and to encour- age as many people as possible to adopt active, healthy lifestyles. It’s great to see so many members of the community here enjoying themselves on this truly special occasion and our colleagues are Young boys learn the basics of kendo. PICTURES: Jayaram thrilled to be a part of it.” Aspire Zone Foundation said tional Sport Day was designed to gether across all backgrounds, the year, and to take advantage it had teamed up with the Doha spread awareness and encourage nationalities and ages and build of the world-class facilities and Kendo Club to bring back Japa- participation in kendo. bridges of understanding be- infrastructure available at Aspire nese Kendo demonstrations for “Qatari nationals participated tween cultures. Reactions across Zone. There was widespread ap- the second year running. in a range of activities alongside Aspire Zone were enormously preciation for the lengths that Abdulrahman Rashid al-Mo- the country’s expat residents. positive. Many of the people at- Aspire Zone Foundation goes hannadi, the president of the Activities organised by Aspire tending the day’s celebrations to in order to encourage active, Doha Kendo Club, said his or- Zone Foundation demonstrate highlighted their determination healthy lifestyles,” the statement World Dodgeball Association president Tom Hickson joins kids at the dodgeball court. ganisation’s participation in Na- how sport can bring people to- to keep fi t and active throughout added.

Qatar Rail on track for year-round fitness atar Railways Compa- Subaie said: “Qatar Rail is keen to ny organised a family encourage its employees to adopt Qsport day for its em- a healthy lifestyle. ployees at the Aspire Park on “Physical activity contrib- the occasion of the National utes significantly to reducing Sport Day. the pressures of our day to day It was held in the presence of work life and achieving physi- senior management and compa- cal and psychological balance, nies working on the rail projects which in turn reflects positively and their families. on productivity and contrib- Mini tournaments were or- utes to enhancing work per- ganised for football, basketball formance. and volleyball, as well as aero- “Currently we are develop- bics and fi tness training ses- ing a special programme for our Some of the participants in the QIB National Sport Day celebration. sions led by professional fi tness employees to improve their life- instructors. style and raise their awareness QIB staff join National Sport Day activities Activities for children and on health as we strongly believe women were also held. that National Sport Day mes- atar Islamic Bank (QIB) yester- “The health and wellbeing of our em- Qatar Rail managing director sage should be embraced all year day celebrated Qatar’s National ployees is important to us. Our bank’s and CEO Abdulla Abdulaziz al- round.” QSport Day by hosting a wide NSD activities refl ect our commitment range of activities for its employees and to support the government’s country their families. wide initiatives to promote a healthy The event emphasised the impor- and active lifestyle for all citizens and tance of an active and healthy lifestyle. residents in Qatar,” according to QIB It saw the participation of the bank’s group chief executive Bassel Gamal. executive management team, employ- The National Sport Day, launched ees and their families. in 2012, aimed at educating people on This year, QIB teamed with As- the importance of physical activity pire Active and the Jade Center to of- and build a sustainable healthy culture fer many sport activities and practical across the society. health tips to the event’s participants. “The National Sport Day hosted an- The day-long programme included nually by QIB is an important part of exciting class demos with the profes- the bank’s on-going eff orts towards sional trainers leading a wide variety of community engagement. It is contrib- fi tness activities and games tailored to uting to fostering a culture of sports in test physical abilities and encourage a the larger community and we are really healthy lifestyle. happy to know that our employees and Aspire Active distributed free day their families realise the signifi cance of passes and granted membership dis- this national initiative and choose to al- Qatar Rail managing director and CEO Abdulla Abdulaziz al-Subaie at counts to all QIB staff . ways participate,” Gamal added. the event. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 7 QATAR QIIB employees join Corniche ‘Walkathon’

IIB employees took part country has a name for excellence to engage in sporting activities in this year’s National and creativity in many fi elds. throughout the year.” QSport Day events by join- Sport is one of them. Qatar has QIIB’s CEO said QIIB has long ing the ‘Walkathon’ on the Cor- become synonymous with global been supporting various sporting niche, which as in the previous sports, embracing the most im- events, whether they are related years, was organised by the Qatar portant events and competitions to clubs, or other tournaments. Central Bank. in various team and individual “We believe in the partnership Participants included QIIB sports. The most important in- between profi t-making fi nan- CEO Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad al- ternational sporting institutions cial institutions and non-profi t Shaibei and senior managers of have recognised the success of institutions that perform great the bank. our country in hosting and organ- services to our community” QIIB said: “The active and ef- ising international, regional and Dr al-Shaibei noted: “National fective participation of the bank’s local championships, which is a Sport Day reminds us of various employees refl ected their belief matter of pride for us all. popular sports and the signifi - in the importance of this day, as “We at QIIB are keen every cance for our society to engage in it represents Qatar’s keenness to year to contribute to organis- those, thus gathering all sections encourage sports and a healthy ing and participating in the ac- of the society — from offi cials lifestyle that benefi t all members tivities of National Sport Day. In to citizens and residents, young of society.” addition to the participation of and old, men and women. This On the organisation of the Na- the QIIB employees in the activi- creates awareness about sports tional Sport Day this year by QIIB, ties of National Sport Day each and its benefi ts to the state and Dr al-Shaibei said: “Our beloved year, the bank encourages them society.” Dr al-Shaibei and senior QIIB managers joined the ‘Walkathon’ on the Corniche yesterday. Vodafone encourages thousands on Pearl-Qatar hosts UDC, Ashghal events

nited Development Company Sport Day to ‘get fi t for the future’ (UDC), the master developer of The UPearl-Qatar, yesterday held an ar- odafone said it encouraged ray of sporting events on the island as part thousands of people to “get of the country’s National Sport Day (NSD). Vfi t for the future” by partic- The events – which were undertaken in ipating in the various community collaboration with the Public Works Au- activities that marked National thority (Ashghal) and the fi tness centres Sport Day yesterday. located at The Pearl-Qatar — were attend- As platinum sponsor of Qa- ed by Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman, Presi- tar Foundation’s National Sport dent and Chief Executive of UDC; Dr Saad Day event, Vodafone engaged the bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi, President of young and old with interactive and Ashghal; Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attyiah, digital activities powered by its Assistant President of Ashghal; along with “state-of-the-art” network, the managers and department heads from company said in a press statement. both the organisations. UDC and Ashghal off icials pose at The Pearl-Qatar. These activities were designed Vodafone participating in various community activities yesterday. The extravaganza included a football to showcase how technology could match between the managements of UDC Ashghal is always keen on taking part in of public events along the Porto Arabia also enable an active lifestyle and Vodafone also supported a total and the public’s enthusias- and Ashghal, in addition to beach volley- sporting events and forums, in addition to boardwalk under the guidance and organi- promote well-being. of more than 6,000 employees and tic participation in the Voda- ball, table tennis and other children activi- organising various events for its staff and sation of various fi tness centres located at Participants got the chance to their families from Mowasalat and fone activities. His Highness the ties. the Qatari community as a whole both The Pearl-Qatar. experience augmented reality foot- Ali Bin Ali Group to have a fun- Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad “UDC was pleased to host the NSD ac- on sport day, Ramadan, and other events Visitors were encouraged to partake in ball and virtual reality car racing. fi lled day by sponsoring their re- al-Thani’s initiative to promote tivities at its fl agship development The throughout the year, al-Muhannadi said, the activities of various workout stations, Additionally, there were fun spective Sport Day events. sports and fi tness in Qatar is of Pearl-Qatar. We are a committed sup- adding: “We also encourage our employees which featured fi tness tests and challenges activities for the family such as Vodafone also celebrated the day huge public value and something porter of this unique national initiative to exercise regularly by providing separate throughout the day. paddling around a race track and a by launching a new off er — all cus- Vodafone is very supportive of; to promote sports and health awareness gymnasiums for men and women on our Sessions on health and nutrition and kids’ rock-climbing challenge. tomers who recharge with QR60 so, we are proud to have engaged across the community and encourage all premises, which include all the necessary helpful advice on how to exercise sensibly Visitors also enjoyed specialty or above, until tomorrow, will get several community groups on this residents of Qatar to participate in sports equipment and trained and specialised at health and sports clubs was also pro- coff ees and treats by the locally es- 2GB data for free for seven days. important day,” said Ian Gray, and pursue a healthy lifestyle,” according professionals.” vided to those looking to enhance their tablished and run Flat White café. “I’m delighted with our staff CEO, Vodafone Qatar. to al-Othman. The Pearl-Qatar also staged a series knowledge of these subjects. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 QATAR Katara promotes healthy lifestyle

By Ayman Adly and Qatar University president Hamad Medical Corporation Staff Reporter Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham, in conducted a number of activities addition to other various senior focusing on promoting health offi cials. awareness with free basic medi- atara – The Cultural Vil- Katara general manager Dr cal tests such as measurement lage Foundation received Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti of blood pressure, blood sugar, Kyesterday a great number pointed out that Katara has and checkups for heart and lung of visitors from diff erent nation- been keen to organise a vari- diseases. The anti-tobacco clinic alities and all walks of life to take ety of activities for the NSD in urged smokers to register for re- part in the various activities held co-operation with various gov- ceiving help in quitting smoking. in celebration of the National ernment and private entities to Many sport associations Sport Day (NSD). promote active and healthy life- conducted variety of activities Around 64 entities from pri- style among people, and out of under the supervision of spe- vate and the public sector, in- its belief that sport is good for cialised trainers to introduce cluding 11 ministries, 10 sport the well-being of the society. The the public to games such as vol- federations and 24 health and Qatar Armed Forces organised leyball, boxing, judo, karate and food establishments conducted a number of activities that were other games. Katara provided diff erent activities with special HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada of great appeal to the visitors at the visitors with all possible focus on engaging the public on and other dignitaries during a bicycle ride through Katara yesterday. A dragon boat event in progress at Katara. Katara and encouraged them, means of convenience to enjoy active lifestyle with varied games especially the young visitors, to a hassle-free day starting from and sports activities appealing at various parts of Katara, in par- isters, senior offi cials and dig- and Statistics Dr Saleh Moham- the Minister of State Dr Hamad try shooting, jumping, and table parking assistance, free water for every and each category of ticular at the beach open area. nitaries took parts in Katara’s ed Salem al-Nabit, HE the Min- bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, HE the tennis among others. Free medi- and refreshments at various lo- people, children and adults. The Besides the big turnout, a activities including HE the Min- ister of Energy and Industry Dr Former Minister of Justice Has- cal checkups and assistance was cations, ambulances and medi- activities started as early as 8am considerable number of min- ister of Development Planning Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, HE san bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, also available throughout the day. cal services. Save the Dream, QFC, Sasol join forces for blind football in Qatar

rominent footballers, will be distributed to all blind coaches, international and visually impaired children Pexperts and representa- in the country and their respec- tives from sport organisations tive families and innovative balls Milaha tug-of-war in progress. and clubs came together for (with a bell inside) – smaller and the launch of ‘A Ball for All’ – a lighter than those currently used project to promote access to the in blind football – will be intro- practice of football for blind and duced to facilitate the practice of visually impaired people. this sport. Milaha staff take part The launch event, which was The project was designed, on organised by Save the Dream, behalf of Save the Dream, by the took place at Aspire Zone on the International Blind Sports Fed- in outdoor activities occasion of National Sport Day. eration Blind Football Referees Run in collaboration with the co-ordinator Elias Mastoras. Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Sasol, the international in- s part of commitment to ing, block building, and moun- Sasol, under its Defi nitely Able tegrated chemicals and energy promoting an active and tain climbing, which kept the initiative, Qatar Social & Cul- company, sponsored ‘A Ball for Ahealthy lifestyle among young children engaged. tural Centre for the Blind (QSC- All’ through its leading initia- its staff , Milaha celebrated Qa- “Qatar’s NSD is an active day CB) and Aspire Zone Foundation tive, ‘Defi nitely Able’, to support tar’s National Sport Day (NSD) for us at Milaha as it perfectly (AZF), the event featured French the blind community in Qatar. at the Qatar Racing Club. The complements our commitment ambassador to Qatar Eric Chev- Mohamed Hanzab, founder of NSD saw a variety of outdoor to health and wellness among allier, Qatar Sports Club and Save the Dream and Interna- games and activities, which our colleagues...This day also former Inter Milan player Luis tional Centre for Sport Secu- included football, cricket, vol- gives us an opportunity to take Jimenez and legendary interna- rity chairman; Yousuf Mohamed leyball, basketball, and tug-of- part in great team-building ex- tional coach Bora Milutinovic. From left: Khaled Eid (Alnoor Institute), Rigard Du Plessis (general manager, Sasol), Massimiliano al-Jaida, QFC Authority CEO; war. ercises, which help maintain Involving more than 150 chil- Montanari, Mohamed Hanzab, Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, Siham Alawami (director of Special Projects, Phinda Vilakazi, president of Many Milaha’s employees an innovative and productive dren from Alnoor Institute for Save the Dream), Faisal al-Kooheji (chairman, QSCCB), Luis Jimenez and Bora Milutinović with children GTL Ventures at Sasol; Nasser participated in the activities work environment,” according Blind, Al-Yarmouk Prepara- from Alnoor Institute. Abdullah al-Hajri, director of along with their families, who to Milaha’s President and chief tory School, Khalifa Secondary PR and Communications at AZF; enjoyed other interactive kid- executive Abdulrahman Essa al- School, Alkoan International fl uencers, such as Ahmed Kha- and social media infl uencers sport as tool for social inclu- Save the Dream executive direc- friendly games such as sack rac- Mannai. School, Olive Indian School and leel, beIN TV presenter and Ahmed Pato, Saad al-Qahtani, sion and youth empowerment, tor Massimiliano Montanari; Almaha School, the event show- former national football team joined the event and participated the event marked the start of and French ambassador Chev- cased the power blind football player; Mohamed Daham and in penalty shootouts alongside a capacity-building project, allier hailed the initiative along has to empower young people Saud Fateh Aljamaan, former children and members of the which will provide advanced with Daham; Jimenez and Ra- and encourage inclusivity and national football team players; public. training for coaches in Qatar bii al-Afwi, a former Moroccan Good participation in integration within society. Qatar’s fi rst international female Organised as part of Save the to encourage young people to national team player and sports A range of celebrities and in- golfer Yasmian al-Sharshani; Dream’s overall mission to use practice blind football. A toolkit analyst for Al Kass TV. Kahramaa’s activities

atar General Electricity attended the celebrations. and Water Corporation Held under the motto “Let us Nakilat employees take part in fun-fi lled events Q(Kahramaa) yesterday maintain a balance,” the celebra- held an array of events at Katara tions stressed the importance of akilat celebrated National as part of the National Sport Day. leading a healthy life. A bicycle Sport Day 2018 by organis- Led by HE the Minister of parade saw HE Dr al-Sada, al- N ing a wide range of fun-filled Energy and Industry Dr Mo- Kuwari and a number of Kah- activities for its employees and their hamed bin Saleh al-Sada and ramaa offi cials participating. A families. Employees of Nakilat and its Kahramaa president Issa bin separate area was earmarked for joint ventures joined the celebrations Hilal al-Kuwari, a large number women employees for partici- by taking part in a series of sporting of employees and their families pating in sport events. activities. Nakilat’s employees and their families turned up in the hundreds, participating in sporting activities such as football, basketball and table tennis. There was also a specially-designated area for the children to get active and stay enter- tained. Overall, the event served as an excellent platform in promoting an ac- tive lifestyle and cohesiveness amongst Nakilat employees and their families who took part in National Sport Day activities yesterday. the Nakilat family. Committed towards promoting a the week leading to the Sport Day. their daily activities and include regular workforce. The company actively advo- positive health and wellness culture Employees not only received use- exercise. cates wellness and healthy lifestyle among within the company, Nakilat had or- ful advisory on healthy meal plans and Nakilat believes that the health and its employees and families through vari- ganised a health seminar with Qatar nutrition insights during the interac- well-being of its employees are signifi - ous initiatives throughout the year, in line Petroleum’s Occupational Health De- tive session with the dietician, but also cant in enhancing productivity levels and with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 for the A tug-of-war competition held as part of Kahramaa’s National Sport partment to engage its employees in received tips on how to fi nd a balance in ensuring the creation of a sustainable development of a healthy society. Day celebrations. Qatargas hosts sports activities for staff , families

atargas employees ready for various sporting and their families activities on offer. Foot- Qyesterday partici- ball, volleyball, basketball, pated in its sports day, which table-tennis, fun cricket was organised on the occa- and mini-golf were among sion of the National Sport the most popular choices Day (NSD). The annual Qa- for dedicated sporting en- targas sports day is an inte- thusiasts and the first-time gral part of the company’s participants alike. commitment to promoting The wide range of exciting the health and well-being of sports activities organised in employees and community the Al Khor Community in- members. A wide variety of cluded walkathon, football, sporting events and activi- volleyball, badminton, ten- ties were held at Al Gharafa nis, table tennis, cricket and Sports Club and at the Al athletics. The participants Khor Community sporting also had an opportunity to facilities. check their blood pressure, In Doha, the sport- blood sugar levels, and body ing occasion commenced mass index at a dedicated with a walkathon, thereby health-check area set up by ensuring that all partici- the Qatargas medical de- pants were warmed up and partment. Qatargas employees and their families pose for a group photo. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 9 QATAR QP family unites for sporting action

n line with nationwide cel- ebrations of National Sport IDay, Qatar Petroleum (QP) organised a range of fun-fi lled activities in Dukhan, which at- tracted the participation of a large number of employees and their families. The NSD events were an op- portunity for QP employees and their families to come together and enjoy a day of sports and other exciting activities while reaping many health benefi ts in the process. The national holi- day also eff ectively served as a reminder for everyone of the im- portance of an active lifestyle in order to stay fi t and healthy. QP President & CEO Saad Sherida al-Kaabi said, “As we celebrate National Sport Day, we are constantly reminded of the In line with nationwide celebrations of National Sport Day, Qatar Petroleum (QP) organised a range of importance of this event not just fun-filled activities at its various locations across Qatar. A sailing activity organised by QP as part of National Sport Day. in promoting a healthy lifestyle, but also in building stronger tion Club, which was then fol- held at the Dukhan Golf Club, held aerobics classes and gym ised various sports activities in staff competed in a 3.5-km fun also marked NSD 2018 with bonds within the One QP fam- lowed by playground activities while the Jinnan Recreation Club workouts for ladies, while its operational areas off shore to run, while others played various friendly competitions in vari- ily.” for children and tournaments in hosted a cricket match, basket- the other participants played stress the importance of regular games including tug-of-war, ous indoor activities, including QP’s NSD celebration in badminton and darts at the same ball games, and a table tennis petanque and beach volleyball at physical activity for good health table tennis, carom and bil- darts, arm wrestling, billiards, Dukhan started with a healthy venue. competition. The Dukhan Fit- the Dukhan Water Sports Club. and well-being. In Halul Island, liards. Those working in QP’s dumbbell lifting as well as in breakfast at the Dukhan Recrea- A golf tournament was also ness Club, on the other hand, In addition, QP also organ- QP employees and contractor off shore production stations sit-ups and push-ups. Alfardan Group pitches for fi tness, team spirit

n line with its eff orts to sup- port the spirit of Qatar’s Na- Itional Sport Day, Alfardan Group held its seventh annual company-wide Sport Day event at Aspire Ladies Sports Hall yes- terday. More than 1,500 employees from various business units par- ticipated in the event, refl ect- ing the Group’s “support for the country’s strategic eff orts in positioning itself as one of the world’s premier sporting hubs.” “The initiative also underscores Ali Alfardan, Omar Alfardan and Fahad Alfardan with some of the winners yesterday. its support for the wise leader- ship of His Highness the Emir personal fronts, in line with the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Human Development Pillar of Thani in promoting sports and Alfardan Group off icials with participants of the seventh annual company-wide Sport Day event yesterday. Qatar National Vision 2030. Al- fi tness, and adopting healthy fardan Group’s management, lifestyles among citizens and was held at Alfardan Gardens in the importance of physical fi t- mitment and reaffi rm Alfardan employees and their families residents of Qatar. addition to football and cricket ness among our employees with Group’s support for Qatar’s vi- displayed their team spirit and “In addition, the 2018 edi- games held as part of the annual this initiative.” sion of a healthy working envi- sportsmanship once again at As- tion of Sport Day highlighted sports event. Fahad Alfardan, board mem- ronment and community.” pire Ladies Sports Hall, encour- the importance of camaraderie, Ali Alfardan, vice-chairman ber of Alfardan Group, added: Omar Alfardan, president and aging us to continue hosting the co-operation and team spirit for of Alfardan Group, said: “The “One of the most eff ective ways CEO of Alfardan Group, con- event every year.” continued personal and profes- 2018 edition of the Sport Day to raise awareness on the adop- cluded: “The idea of Sport Day In addition to sports and sional growth,” the Group said in was held to reiterate our sup- tion of healthy lifestyles is by was integrated into our CSR games, many recreational ac- a statement. port for the pioneering initiative engaging employees in physi- agenda in support of His High- tivities were organised as part Several preliminary rounds of launched by His Highness the cal activities such as sports. It ness the Emir Sheikh Tamim of the Sport Day for people of competitions were held prior to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad is one of the top agendas of the bin Hamad al-Thani, and his all ages, “ensuring a memorable the fi nal rounds at Aspire Ladies al-Thani. The event was suc- Qatar government, under the National Sport Day initiative. experience for everyone”, the Sports Hall, where teams and cessful in bringing together em- leadership of His Highness the We constantly encourage our statement noted. These included individuals competed in volley- ployees from diff erent divisions Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad employees to strive for physi- bouncy castles and game booths, ball and basketball matches at and showcased their competi- al-Thani to develop a healthy cal well-being, which plays an further encouraging the integra- the Arab International Academy. tiveness, excellence and talent. workforce. By organising Sport important role in their perform- tion of physical activities and An initial round of table tennis We aim to promote awareness on Day, we aim to boost this com- ance on both professional and exercise in daily routines. A match in progress.

Age not a deterrent for exercise: Aspetar offi cial

ge should not stop older people from Aengaging in exercise and other healthy, physical activities, the chief medi- cal offi cer of Aspetar has said. Dr Scott Gillogly said it is important for older people, even those who are nursing Dr Scott Gillogly. PICTURE: ailments like arthritis or Shaji Kayamkulam diabetes to stay fi t and lead a healthy lifestyle. to make up for lost time. “It (age) should not stop “You don’t start doing you for any reason and more than you can pos- even if you have arthritis sibly do and then make or diabetes, it’s even more your muscles sore. You important to be able to start with something exercise and stay active,” that’s comfortable, keep Gillogly told Gulf Times your form good and then on the sidelines of Aspire gradually increase,” he Zone Foundation’s Nation- said. He added: “The big- al Sport Day celebrations gest mistake that people held yesterday. Among dif- make is they want to start ferent age groups, particu- on Monday and be in shape larly senior athletes and by Friday. It doesn’t work people over 30 or 35, Gil- like that. Pick something logly said their concern is that’s realistic in your life- how to prevent injury when style – 30 minutes, three engaging in any type of ex- times a week; it’s so easy to ercise. do that if you just plan and “It is important that your are committed to it. I think general doctor approves that’s the key thing. you from a heart health “I think that certainly a standpoint and clears you lot of the things online of- for exercise. And although ten give parameters of what it’s diffi cult to be able to talk to be cautious for like cer- exactly about the host of tain kinds of activities. And exercises available, I think the one thing that I would the best advice is to do caution everyone is if you things gradually. In other have some pain or ache like words, you don’t come out shoulder pain for exam- and say ‘On my fi rst day I’m ple, then you do need to be going to walk 5km or 10km’ careful about what activity just because you want you do.” Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 QATAR Sporting heroes join NSD events at Aspire Park atar’s current sport- World Junior Champion and many fun activities. Sport is not nastics activation in the centre of bil, who at just 17 was the young- ing heroes who joined senior world silver medallist in only about physical activity, it is the zone, which shined a spotlight est of all competitors at last Qthe celebrations at the weightlifting, Fares Ibrahim. a lifestyle and I encourage peo- on the Artistic Gymnastics World year’s World Championships in Team Qatar Village at the As- Commenting on his partici- ple to keep practising sport even Championships in October, the Montreal, said “I came to en- pire Park included among oth- pation, Fares Ibrahim said, “I after National Sport Day is over. fi rst time that the fl agship event courage everyone to try gymnas- ers members of Qatar’s 2018 joined Team Qatar to teach peo- I was so happy to see so many will be held in the Middle East. tics because it improves the fl ex- Asian Championship winning ple more about weightlifting, children playing basketball and Team Qatar’s gymnasts wowed ibility of the mind and body. We handball team, Kamal Mallash, which is one of the oldest sports I encourage everyone to take up the public with their amazing are preparing now to compete in Abdulrazzaq Murad and Ahmed in history and to let them, espe- this sport because it is fun and skills and provided an insight into the Artistic Gymnastics World Maddady, gymnastics superstar cially the children, try this sport easy. I also would like to thank what can be expected when in- Cup in March and Artistic Gym- Ahmed Nabil who competed in and discover their talent in it.” the QOC for organising the Team credible gymnasts from around nastics World Championships last year’s World Champion- Yaseen Ismail said, “We are Qatar Village which off ered so the world descend on Doha’s in October, both of which will ships and 2014 Youth Olympian, proud as athletes that we have a many fun activities for everyone iconic Aspire Dome later this year. be hosted in the Aspire Dome. I Nadine Wahden, 3x3 basketball special day for sport and I thank in the Aspire park.” Speaking ahead of his partici- encourage everyone to come and legend and 2014 World Champi- Qatar for establishing National One of the highlights of the pation in this year’s world-class support our team at these major HE the Minister of Culture and Sport Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser on, Yassin Ismail, and two-time Sport Day, where we can enjoy so Team Qatar Village was a gym- gymnastics events, Ahmed Na- championships.” al-Ali at the Team Qatar Village. PICTURES: Jayaram

MEC holds events for employees at Katara he Ministry of Econ- omy and Commerce T(MEC) organised various events and activities at Katara - the Cultural Village yester- day on the occasion of National Sport Day. The events saw the partici- pation of the ministry’s em- ployees and their families, as well as a large number of citizens and residents. Among the dignitaries who paid a visit included HE Sheikh Tha- ni bin Hamad al-Thani and HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari. The MEC Sport Day pro- gramme included walking, light exercise, beach volleyball, safe spaces for children’s activities, volleyball, basketball as well as educational programmes to educate young people on the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Secretary General Hassan al-Thawadi at the Team Qatar Village. benefi ts of exercise. Team Qatar Village bustles with activities

he Team Qatar Village at the Aspire Park was trans- Tformed into a beehive of activity yesterday as thousands of people thronged the venue to take part in the National Sport Day (NSD) celebrations. The Qatar Olympic Commit- tee (QOC) joined forces with national federations to organise multiple activities that spread the fun and excitement of par- ticipating in sport amongst peo- ple of all ages and abilities. Qa- tar’s sporting champions were on hand to provide tips, demon- stration and motivation. Started in 2012 as a public holiday to share and celebrate Qatar’s passion for sport and promote the importance of sport being an integral part of every- Girls give a demonstration of skipping at the Team Qatar Village in Aspire Park. PICTURES: Jayaram day life, the seventh edition of Children during a basketball match at the Team Qatar Village. National Sport Day also saw an portunity to participate in sport. because of the wider value it will aims to increase community gymnastics, athletics, fencing, increased enthusiasm from peo- partnered with the Qatar School Commenting on National “Once again, National Sport have for our collective health, participation in sport, spread weightlifting, wrestling, box- ple across the country. Sport Federation to stage fun and Sport Day, Sheikh Joaan said, Day has provided a unique plat- well-being and happiness, as in- the Olympic values and pro- ing, taekwondo, judo, basketball, In addition to the Aspire Park, educational activities for their “We are proud that Qatar is form to inspire and unite our dividuals and as a society. duce more sporting champions. tennis, squash, sailing, kayaking, people were able to try new students of all ages. one of the few countries in the nation through sport and share “It has also been so wonderful With 14 diff erent sports in one volleyball, hockey, rugby, crick- sports, pick up old ones and dis- Qatar Olympic Commitee world and the fi rst in the Middle the Olympic spirit in one place. to see so many Team Qatar ath- area, the Team Qatar Village et, table tennis, golf and school cover new talents at key hubs in president HE Sheikh Joaan bin East to dedicate a public holi- This year we’ve been commit- letes participating in our activi- was able to promote multiple sports. Katara, Al Shaqab, Lusail, the Hamad al-Thani, and Secre- day to National Sport Day. This ted to putting excitement and ties with the public today. Their sports by providing taster ses- In Katara, a range of activities Qatar Women’s Sport Commit- tary General Jassim al-Buenain year, the Qatar Olympic Com- enjoyment at the heart of all the achievements are an inspiration sions, competitive activities and were on off er including handball, tee and the Qatar Paralympic participated in the Team Qatar mittee has organised 72 sport- sporting activities on off er. We to our nation and they are excel- coaching support, whilst spot- equestrian, rowing, cycling, tria- Committee, with a total of 72 Village activities with athletes ing activities around Qatar for are determined to see an increase lent role models for our young ting new talent and identifying thlon, air sports, karate, chess events taking place around the and children as part of a tour of all ages and abilities as part of in physical activity in our coun- people,” said Sheikh Joan. Qatar’s potential future sporting and rugby, whilst a swimming country. all national federation activities our vision and commitment to try, not simply on the basis of the The QOC last year launched champions. open day took place at Hamad Schools across Qatar also around Qatar. ensuring everyone has the op- number of people taking part, but a refreshed sporting vision that Sports on off er included Aquatic Centre.

Judokas demonstrate their skills. Paddlers at their practice. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 11 QATAR Al Meera off erings keep sports buff s energised

n pursuance with its com- tion coaches, through which vis- various entities across the coun- mitment to promoting a itors were briefed on the impor- try to promote sports to build up Ihealthy lifestyle among staff tance of daily exercise in leading healthy individuals capable of and the community, the Al Meera happy and healthy lives. contributing to the development Consumer Goods Company cel- “Qatar’s National Sport Day and progress and the achieve- ebrated the National Sport Day refl ects the vision of the wise ment of Qatar National Vision (NSD) at the Aspire and Katara leadership for building individu- 2030. Cultural Village. als and society. Its key message Al Meera also supported Make Al Meera’s role revolved is that sport should be a part of A Diff erence’s (M.A.D) Triath- around supporting sports en- the culture and life of individu- lon’s event – Katara Aquathlon thusiasts and participants with als and society, and one aspect 2018, with fruits, snacks and wa- fresh fruits and water at diff er- of investing in the human ele- ter. The event off ered sport buff s ent locations. ments,” said Al Meera deputy a fun, friendly and unique ‘swim The programmes featured a CEO Salah al-Hammadi. & run’ experience. variety of sporting activities Al Meera’s participation in the The event, supported by the presented by Qatar Olympic NSD, al-Hammadi noted, trans- Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Committee’s gymnastics federa- lates a vision of partnership with Federation, was free to all.

Some of the participants at Mowasalat’s Sport Day celebrations yesterday. Fun, games mark NSD at Mowasalat owasalat yesterday culture among its staff, the competition and free throw bas- An ambulance was also kept on conducted many sports company holds a Chairman’s ketball tournaments. standby. Mactivities for its em- Cup every year. In addition, fun games and ac- The company’s health and ployees to mark National Sport Mowasalat’s football and bas- tivities were organised for fami- safety team inspected and Day. ketball teams participate in vari- lies and children who attended cleared the venue, activity area The activities, held at Karwa ous competitive tournaments and took part in the games in and other equipment before the City, kicked off with a 5km mar- organised in Qatar. large numbers. The crowds event. athon which saw drivers and Mowasalat has accorded great cheered the participants. Mowasalat senior manage- employees from all departments importance in planning sport- The organising committee had ment presented trophies, medals competing. ing facilities at its complex, in- meticulously planned the events and rewards for the winners. Mowasalat has a diverse cluding sports fi elds and highly with arrangements also being In addition, Mowasalat also workforce from 54 nation- equipped gyms to enhance fi t- made to provide medical support participated in the sports activi- alities. The company provides ness. in case of any emergencies. ties organised by the Ministry of various motivational activi- Teams from Mowasalat com- During the event, the compa- Transport and Communications ties for its staff to exhibit their pete in events like marathon, ny’s medical teams, which con- at the Al Sadd Sports Club, along talents and channelise their relay race, basketball, football, sisted of a physician, nurses and with all other entities working interests. To inculcate a sport volleyball, penalty shootout paramedics were made available. under the ministry. Al Meera supported sports enthusiasts and participants with fresh fruits and water at diff erent locations. QNB staff participates in celebration

Mannai Group officials and employees at the event yesterday. Mannai holds slew of events

annai Group celebrated wal opened the day’s programme On the occasion, Mannai hon- mega celebration on the Nation- the National Sport Day with a welcome address. oured 13 employees who have al Sport Day. Mby holding various ac- “With our ongoing sports completed 25 years of service A series of weekly games were QNB took part in the National Sport Day yesterday. In co-operation with the Qatar Central Bank, tivities for employees yesterday programme, we not only sup- by giving away long service conducted for cricket, basket- QNB participated in organising walking activities for its employees on the Doha Corniche. QNB’s at the Palms Garden, The Ritz- port Qatar National Vision awards. ball, bowling, badminton, bil- senior management also participated in the events. QNB has regularly taken part in the activities Carlton Doha. 2030 by promoting sports and The Mannai Group organised a liards, carom, and volleyball. of the National Sport Day since it was first launched seven years ago, and has encouraged all on Mannai Corporation Group fitness in our lifestyle but also number of off -site tournaments Winners and runner ups were adopting an active lifestyle through participating in the various activities. CEO and director Alekh Gre- engage ourselves in teamwork”. for employees leading up to the awarded yesterday. Total players take on world No 6 Karolina Pliskova

zech tennis player Karo- The fi nalists are Rkia Najmi, Jer- lina Pliskova, currently the ome Betat, Titouane Romane, Eloi Cworld No 6, engaged in a Depierrefeu and Elise Mottais. friendly match with Total’s inter- Pliskova congratulated the play- nal tennis champions as part of ers for their eff orts. the company’s National Sport Day The Total Tennis Tournament celebrations. coincides with Qatar Total Open, “We have been conducting the the Total-sponsored ladies’ tennis Total Tennis Tournament every tournament held in Khalifa Inter- year for the past 11 years, as part of national Tennis and Squash Com- our ‘Total Cup’ tournament, and plex. this has resulted in success for the “Total has deeply committed integration of our present and new itself to promoting sports, physi- employees,” said Christophe Eon, cal and mental well-being, and deputy V-P – HR, communica- as such lauds the efforts made tions, CSR. by the Qatar government to en- The friendly match was fol- courage a healthier lifestyle for lowed by the award ceremony for its citizens and residents through the winners of the Total Tennis sports,” the company said in a Tournament, which was held last statement. month. Being diverse in every way, “this The winners of the competition internal tournament, which is in are Ida Poitrenaud (ladies), Guil- line with our sponsorship of Qatar laume Chapin (men), Henri Lion Total Open, brings about the posi- (kids 13-14), Inaki LeMignon (kids tive values of unity and cultural in- 11-12) and Benoit Lion (kids 8-10). tegration,” Eon added. Karolina Pliskova, currently the world No 6, competed in a friendly match with Total’s internal tennis champions as part of the company’s National Sport Day celebrations. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 QATAR

Qatar Airways excited to start Canberra fl ights, says al-Baker

he robust expansion plans to Canberra increases the air- of Qatar Airways, as well line’s number of flights a week Tas its commitment to into the country to 42. Qa- bringing more travellers to Aus- tar Airways already operates a tralia were highlighted by Qatar daily service to Adelaide, Mel- Airways Group chief executive bourne, Perth and Sydney. The Akbar al-Baker yesterday in Canberra service will also stop Canberra. in Sydney, where passengers He was addressing a press can disembark, creating a sec- conference in the capital city of ond daily flight into the popular Australia to celebrate the launch destination. of the award-winning airline’s The recent ease in visa entry inaugural fl ight. requirements for Australian na- Al-Baker stressed Qatar Air- tionals into Qatar has opened ways’ commitment to connect- up this route to even more pas- ing Canberrans to its extensive sengers wishing to experience HE the Minister of Development Planning and Statistics Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem al-Nabit, Qatar University president Dr Hassan al-Derham and other officials take part global network via the award- Qatar, before continuing their in the Sport Day activities. winning Hamad International onward journeys to one of the Airport (HIA) in Doha. airline’s more than 150 business “We are tremendously excited and leisure destinations across to launch our new daily service the world. to Canberra, our fi fth destination Canberra, Australia’s largest in Australia. Having inaugurated inland city, is home to Australia’s fl ights to Adelaide and Sydney Parliament House, and off ers a in 2016, we quickly realised the host of museums, galleries and need for further expansion of our monuments for visitors to ex- QU conducts sporting footprint in Australia, and what plore. Canberra is especially better place than the capital, renowned for its annual hot air Canberra? balloon festival, the Canberra “This new daily service will Balloon Spectacular, one of the without doubt off er our Austral- most celebrated hot air balloon ian passengers more conven- events in the world, extending ience and an extensive choice of over nine days. and fi tness activities destinations on our global net- With the airline launching a work, as they transit through our new daily service to Canberra, E the Minister of De- adults, as well as sports and tions with government institu- award-winning hub, Hamad In- the total cargo capacity out of velopment Planning health awareness activities. An tions. Our participation in the ternational Airport.” the Australian continent has in- Hand Statistics Dr Saleh exhibition on the sidelines fea- National Sports Day highlights The Australian Capital Terri- creased to more than 630 tonnes Mohamed Salem al-Nabit and tured health booths staff ed by our commitment to raise com- tory (ACT) Chief Minister An- per week. Qatar Airways Cargo Qatar University (QU) presi- members from QU College of munity awareness about the drew Barr, who welcomed the off ers exporters in Australia its dent Dr Hassan al-Derham, Health Sciences and QU Sport importance of sports in the arrival of the second interna- innovative QR Fresh solution staff , faculty, students and their Science Programme in con- daily life and health-related is- tional airline to service the capi- for the air freight of Australian families participated in the Na- junction with QU Physiothera- sues.” tal, said: “It is wonderful to have meat and other perishable prod- tional Sport Day yesterday. py and Sport Injuries Section at CCQ president Dr Ibrahim Qatar Airways make the decision ucts throughout the world via its Through its Sports and Rec- the Student Activities Depart- bin Saleh al-Naimi said, “This to come to Canberra in 2018 – a state-of-the-art hub in Doha. Its reation Section in the Student ment. participation plays an impor- year in which our city was recog- Quick Ramp Transfer (QRT) of- Activities Department, QU Visitors were provided with tant role in driving forward the nised as the third best city in the fers the fastest shipment transfer conducted a series of sporting information on sportive and partnership between govern- world to visit by Lonely Planet.” at Hamad International Airport and fi tness events on its campus healthy lifestyles, fi tness, and mental institutions and or- Canberra Airport managing and the use of reefer vehicles at and at Katara. nutrition, as well as free testing ganisations from civil society. director Stephen Byron, added: its hub ensures seamless tem- The activities headlined of vital signs and body com- This partnership contributed “We appreciate Qatar Airways’ perature control for perishable “#sports_unite_us” aimed to position. A booth for women to uniting our eff orts to reach strong support for the nation’s products. promote sports and healthy was presented by QU female the largest segment of the pub- capital. An airline of this stature Qatar Airways will operate its lifestyles throughout the com- coaches with the aim to raise lic through the organisation of will further boost Canberra’s daily Canberra service with a munity. They were organised in awareness on the importance of various sports activities which reputation as a leading tour- Boeing B777 aircraft, which fea- collaboration with the Ministry physical activity for women. attracted thousands of citizens ist destination, on the back of tures 42 fl atbed seats in Business of Municipality and Environ- Also on the programme were and residents of all ages to com- record numbers of international Class and 316 seats in Economy ment, Ministry of Develop- self-defence and equestrian memorate this annual event. visitors coming in 2017, and Class. Passengers will be able to ment Planning and Statistics, performances and cross-fi t ac- The National Sport Day is the Lonely Planet nominating the enjoy the airline’s superior en- Community College of Qatar tivities presented by Lekhwiya, cornerstone to build an active city as a top three destination for tertainment system off ering pas- (CCQ), Internal Security Force as well as various sports activi- and healthy community at the 2018.” sengers a wide variety of enter- (Lekhwiya), and Katara, the of- ties that suit all ages organised physical, social and mental lev- The launch of a daily service tainment options. fi cial host. by CCQ and supervised by stu- els. The Community College of At QU Women’s Sports Hall, dent volunteers. Qatar is keen to encourage its QU female students and staff Dr al-Derham said,“Qatar students to participate in the participated in fi tness and University is keen to strengthen events of the National Sports aerobics activities. its presence in the local com- Day and to make physical activ- At Katara, the activities pro- munity. To achieve this, the uni- ity a part of their daily lives due gramme included physical and versity has built a large number to its positive impact on their fi tness training for kids and of partnerships and collabora- academic achievements.” A child participates in an event organised by QU at Katara. PHCC events highlight the importance of

healthy lifestyle Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker and the Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr at the press conference in Canberra yesterday. he Primary Health Care tres, staff took part in group Corporation (PHCC) exercise activities as well as Tyesterday launched sev- sharing educational material eral activities to mark Qatar with the public to raise aware- National Sport Day to high- ness about the benefi ts of light the importance of regular healthy lifestyle. Mercury level touches 38C PHCC held health awareness programmes with doctors, nurses and dietitians giving lectures, taking vital physical activity and exercise The team delivered a well- signs, providing consultation and advice. for a healthy lifestyle. ness and health promotion arts of Qatar experienced temperatures expected in diff er- As part of the PHCC’s mission programme at Um Salal Health a rather warm National ent parts of the country today to improve the health and well- Centre and Barazan Park as well PSport Day as the tempera- are: Doha – 18C and 28C, Abu being of the people of Qatar, the as a running event in 16 diff erent ture shot up to the high-30C lev- Samra – 15C and 30C, Mesaieed awareness activities called for a schools across the country. els yesterday. and Wakrah – 19C and 28C, Al positive change in the daily lives The week-long promotions Mesaieed recorded a maxi- Khor – 18C and 26C, Ruwais – of community members by in- conducted by the organisa- mum temperature of 38C yes- 18C and 24C, and Dukhan – 15C tegrating physical activity into tion focused promoting physi- terday, up by 12C from Monday’s and 24C. their daily lives. cal activity to start living a maximum of 26C, according to Meanwhile, today’s detailed National Sport Day was healthier lifestyle. By adopting information available on the Qa- forecast says strong winds are a great opportunity to raise a lifestyle that involves regular tar Met department’s social me- expected in some places at times, awareness of the importance exercise, the impact of chronic dia channels. and similar conditions are also of sport among the Qatari so- and lifestyle diseases such as Other places that recorded likely off shore along with high ciety, engaging the commu- diabetes, heart disease and high temperatures yesterday seas and poor visibility. nity, inspiring them to choose obesity can be reduced. are Abu Samra – 37C (up by 6C The wind speed may go up physical activity and healthy PHCC also organised an from Monday’s 31C), Jumayliyah to 20 knots in some inshore ar- lifestyle habits which will help event named ‘Sports Medi- – 37C (up by 7C from Monday’s eas and 35 knots in off shore ar- build strong and healthy future cine in Primary Care 2018 in 30C), Batna – 37C (up by 7C from eas towards the north in the early generations. co-ordination with the PHCC Monday’s 30C), Karana – 37C hours of the day. PHCC hosted a booth at Workforce Development and (up by 6C from Monday’s 31C), Partly cloudy conditions, Katara and participated with Training Directorate, in col- Turayna – 36C (up by 7C from slight to blowing dust in some government and private or- laboration with the Sports Monday’s 29C) and Shehaimiya places at times and a relatively ganisations in health awareness Medicine experts from PHCC – 35C (up by 7C from Monday’s cold night have been forecast in programmes with doctors, nurs- Wellness Team and Aspetar. 28C). inshore areas. Off shore, it will be es and dietitians giving lectures, A total of 135 healthcare pro- In Doha, the maximum tem- dusty and cloudy at times, with taking vital signs, providing fessionals from PHCC, Aspetar perature yesterday was 27C, up the sea level rising to 14ft in the consultation and advice. and other government agencies by just 1C from Monday’s 26C. north at fi rst, the weather report PHCC staff take part in a sporting event. Across various health cen- participated in the event. The minimum and maximum states. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 13 REGION/ARABWORLD

Dead environmentalist was part of CIA, Mossad network: Iran

AFP after being arrested along with He said Emami was one of the British-American citizen with before the 1979 revolution and said proves he killed himself. egram and Twitter posts for of- Tehran seven members of his NGO. main contacts for US agents and the initials “MT” – probably a once owned the renowned Kayhan “Because there is not a good fi cial news relating to future Tehran prosecutor Abbas Ja- an intelligence offi cer had stayed reference to Morad Tahbaz, a newspaper, which is now control- angle the act of suicide is not fi ndings. There are no other reli- fari Dolatabadi said the NGO was at his home. wealthy businessman and board led by the Islamic authorities. clear,” he told ILNA. able sources,” said Emami’s son ehran’s chief prosecutor set up “about a decade ago” as a “Members of this network in- member of the wildlife NGO who A postmortem was carried out He said the video shows pris- Ramin, a well-known singer, on yesterday accused a re- cover to collect “classifi ed in- stalled cameras in strategic areas was among those arrested last on Emami’s body on Monday af- on guards discovering Emami’s Instagram. Tnowned Iranian-Canadian formation in defence and missile under cover of monitoring the month. ter family and colleagues raised body hours later and attempting Seven other members of the environmentalist who died in fi elds”. environment, while in fact moni- Iran does not recognise dual doubts about his suicide. to resuscitate him. wildlife NGO are still behind prison of being part of an espio- “Defendants in the case, un- toring the country’s missile ac- nationals and treats them purely “In all cases when there is a “It is very important why he bars. nage network set up by Mossad der the guidance of the CIA and tivities,” Dolatabadi said. as Iranians, denying them certain suspicious death, a postmortem was forced to commit suicide and The environmental commu- and the CIA. Mossad intelligence offi cers, have One of the NGO’s key projects consular services. is carried out and in this case too the reason for it must be made nity has also been rocked by the Kavous Seyed Emami, 63, a pursued a triple mission focused was monitoring the endangered In November, the conserva- a postmortem was done and then clear,” said Derafshan. apparent detention of Kaveh renowned professor and founder on the environment, infi ltrating Asian cheetah, which meant they tive-linked Tasnim news agency the body was handed over to the Members of the family have Madani, deputy head of the En- of the Persian Wildlife Heritage the scientifi c community and operated across large swathes of accused Tahbaz of being a big- family,” Payam Derafshan, a law- warned against the confl ict- vironmental Protection Organi- Foundation, was buried yester- collecting information from the Semnan province, which is home game hunter who was trying to yer for the family told the ILNA ing accounts being spread about sation, over the weekend. day in the village of Ammami country’s sensitive and vital cen- to military sites and missile- seize control of national park news agency. Emami’s death, but have not He was back at work on Mon- around 40km north of Tehran. tres including missile bases,” he testing grounds. land in northern Iran. Derafshan said he had watched spoken directly to the media. day and released a cryptic mes- Offi cials say he committed su- said, according to the judiciary- Dolatabadi said the main fi - Tahbaz comes from a wealthy a video from the cell along with “It is absolutely essential that sage on social media saying: “I icide in his prison cell a fortnight linked Mizanonline news agency. nancial backer was an Iranian- family who made their fortune the family, which authorities have you rely on my Instagram, Tel- am safe”. ‘50 Palestinians died in 2017 awaiting Israeli medical permits’

AFP Physicians for Human Rights- Gaza City, Palestinian Territories Israel called on Israel to ease re- strictions. Omar Shakir, Israel-Palestine ore than 50 Palestinians head for HRW, said they had seen died waiting for Israeli “wider and wider” use of securi- Mvisas to travel for medi- ty justifi cation to reject or delay cal treatment last year, with only permits for Palestinians. around half of all applications “It is not based on security but granted, new fi gures showed based on a political strategy to yesterday. isolate Hamas that uses the peo- A total of 54 Palestinians died ple of Gaza as collateral in that awaiting permits in 2017, the calculus,” he told AFP. Five-year- World Health Organisation said, old Aya Abu Mutlaq, from Khan in what rights activists called an Yunis in southern Gaza, was born Sixteen-year-old Palestinian Ahed Tamimi (right), a well-known campaigner against Israel’s occupation, arrives for the beginning of her trial in the Israeli military court at Ofer overly bureaucratic system which with severe brain defi ciencies. military prison in the West Bank village of Betunia yesterday. deprives Palestinians of their Her parents say she died after right to healthcare. The WHO three appointments in an east said it did not have a directly Jerusalem hospital were missed. comparable fi gure for 2016, but Al “We repeated the same process Mezan Centre for Human Rights three times, but her condition de- said it had recorded only a couple teriorated and she died 10 days af- per annum in previous years. ter the date of the (fi nal) appoint- Israel argues rigorous checks ment,” her father Ghaleb told AFP. are necessary for security rea- Israel has fought three wars Israel military trial of sons for those coming from the with Hamas since 2008. Gaza Strip, the Palestinian en- Last year a cancer patient was clave ruled by Hamas. Gazans caught smuggling explosives for require Israeli permits to leave the Hamas through the Erez cross- enclave and travel to Jerusalem ing, allegedly after being duped or the West Bank for treatment into taking a container. which the Palestinian Author- “Hamas operates every day Palestinian teen opens ity, the internationally recognised to take advantage of the civilian Palestinian government, pays for. measures that the state of Israel AFP Tamimi, who has become some- cupied West Bank dressed in a – journalists, consuls, diplo- ings, while her cousin has been High-quality medical care for promotes,” said a statement from Ofer Military Court, thing of an icon for Palestinians prison jacket with her hands and mats, observers and lawyers – is released on bail. conditions such as cancer is not COGAT, the Israeli defence min- Palestinian Territories and supporters of their cause feet shackled, smiling slightly as very important because it keeps The UN Offi ce of the High possible in Gaza, largely due to istry body responsible for co-or- worldwide. journalists photographed her. them safe and makes us feel that Commissioner for Human a shortage of facilities and Is- dination of such permits. Trials of minors in military Her father Bassem Tamimi those in court are safe.” Rights has criticised Israeli au- rael’s restrictions on imports of But rights groups argue the Palestinian teenager court are typically closed, but waved to her from the audience, Tamimi has been hailed as a thorities’ actions in the case, key medical technology it argues knock-on eff ect is collective charged after a viral video Tamimi’s lawyer said previous yelling out “stay strong, you will hero by Palestinians who see her while the European Union has could be seized by Hamas for punishment of 2mn people ef- Ashowed her hitting two hearings for the teenager were win.” as bravely standing up to Israel’s expressed concern over Israel’s military purposes. fectively trapped in Gaza. Israeli soldiers in a case that has open and she argued for it to re- Closed-door proceedings occupation of the West Bank. detention of minors, including Of more than 25,000 applica- The border with Egypt has also gained global attention went on main that way. were held for a couple hours be- Israelis accuse her family of Ahed Tamimi. tions to travel for treatment in 2017, largely been sealed in recent years. trial in military court yesterday “They understand that people fore adjourning. using her as a pawn in staged Amnesty International has only 54% were granted in time for Faten Ahmed, a 25-year-old in closed-door proceedings. outside Ofer military court are Lasky said she argued that the provocations. called for her immediate release, their appointments. This was down mother of two, died of brain can- The judge in the trial ordered interested in Ahed’s case, they trial could not move forward be- She has been charged with saying her “continued detention from 62% the year before and 92% cer in August 2017. She had once journalists removed from the understand that her rights are cause Israel’s occupation of the 12 counts including assault and is a desperate attempt to intimi- as recently as 2012, the WHO said. been given a permit to travel to courtroom, ruling that open being infringed and her trial is West Bank and its court system could face a lengthy jail term if date Palestinian children who “There is a worrying decline east Jerusalem for treatment but proceedings would not be in the something that shouldn’t be hap- there is illegal. convicted. dare to stand up to repression by in the approval rate for patients then returned to Gaza as agreed. interest of 17-year-old Ahed pening,” Tamimi’s lawyer Gaby Prosecutors requested more The charges relate to events in occupying forces.” to exit Gaza, with 2017 the low- She applied for a new permit Tamimi, who is being tried as a Lasky told journalists after hav- time to prepare a response and the video and fi ve other incidents. Ahed Tamimi’s family says est rate since WHO began moni- to continue treatment but did not minor. ing unsuccessfully objected to the a new date was set for March 11, They include stone-throwing, the December 15 incident that toring this in 2008,” said Gerald hear back in time for her appoint- Only family members were judge’s decision to close the trial. according to Lasky. incitement and making threats. led to the arrests occurred in the Rockenschaub, head of WHO of- ment and eventually died, her allowed to remain in the court- “So the way to keep it out Lasky added that she would Tamimi’s mother, Nariman, yard of their home in Nabi Saleh, fi ces in the Palestinian territories. mother-in-law Nima told AFP. room, with diplomats present to of everybody’s eyes is to close make a new request to have the and cousin Nour, 20, were also near Ramallah in the West Bank. In a joint statement yesterday, “We submitted three new requests observe also asked to leave. doors and not allow people in- trial opened. due to go on trial later in the day. The Israeli military said the Al Mezan, Amnesty Internation- to cross and return to hospital and A large crowd of local and side the court for her hearing.” Bassem Tamimi told journal- Ahed Tamimi and her mother soldiers were in the area to pre- al, Human Rights Watch (HRW), complete her series of treatments, international journalists had Tamimi arrived at the military ists after the adjournment that have been ordered held in custo- vent Palestinians from throwing Medical Aid for Palestinians and but we didn’t get any response.” shown up to cover the trial of court near Jerusalem in the oc- “having people attend the court dy until the end of the proceed- stones at Israeli motorists. Kuwait condemns Manila Egypt arrests former ban on Filipino workers anti-corruption chief AFP at a “secure” place abroad, could Cairo be released if any harm came to Agencies Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah On Sunday, the Philippine Anan. Kuwait City Khaled al-Sabah told reporters labour minister said more than Anan “has documents and in Kuwait City. 2,200 Filipinos were ready to gyptian police yesterday evidence regarding all the major “We condemn the statements take up Duterte’s offer. arrested former anti- events in the country...they of uwait’s foreign minister of the Philippine president, Authorities say 252,000 Fili- Ecorruption chief Hisham course would change the course yesterday condemned especially since we are in con- pinos work in Kuwait, many as Geneina after he suggested that and condemn many”, he said. K what he called an “es- tact with the Philippines at the maids. a presidential hopeful he cam- Geneina’s lawyer Ali Taha told calation” by Manila after the highest level to fully explain the They are among over 2mn paigned for possessed damning AFP police arrested Geneina at his Philippines expanded a ban on state of the Filipino workforce employed in the region, whose material against state offi cials, home and “are supposed to be tak- its nationals working in Ku- in Kuwait,” he said, adding that remittances are a lifeline to the his lawyer said. ing him to military prosecution”. wait. 170,000 Filipinos “live a decent Philippine economy. Geneina was an aide to Sami The military responded to Ge- Manila on Monday an- life in Kuwait...but separate ac- Domestic workers in Kuwait Anan, a former military chief of neina’s interview with a state- nounced a “total ban” on new cidents unfortunately happen, are not covered by ordinary la- staff detained after the army ac- ment saying it had demanded an employment in Kuwait, includ- and we are providing our Fili- bour legislation. cused him of illegally announc- investigation against both Ge- ing Filipinos who had already pino counterparts with the re- The Philippine foreign af- ing his intention to stand in the neina and Anan. obtained employment permits sults of the investigations.” fairs department said on March election against President In 2016, Geneina was sacked but had not yet left for the Gulf Duterte said last week that Monday authorities were re- Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. by Sisi as head of the Central Au- country. his government would ask pri- patriating 10,000 overstaying He was the latest candidate diting Authority after being ac- The measure came after vate airlines to evacuate Fili- Filipinos from Kuwait, taking to be sidelined after announcing cused of exaggerating the cost of President Rodrigo Duterte an- pino nationals from Kuwait advantage of an amnesty pro- his intention to run against Sisi, corruption in Egypt. grily lashed out at Kuwait over within 72 hours. gramme arranged with the Ku- a former army commander who The documents Anan is reports of Filipino workers suf- Two planes full of workers waiti government. came to power in an election after claimed to have possessed “re- fering exploitation. arrived in Manila from Kuwait Officials added they were ousting his Islamist predecessor. volve around political events “This escalation will not on Monday on flights provided eyeing China and Russia as “al- In an interview with Huff Post and crises Egyptian society has serve the relationship between for free by commercial airlines ternative markets” for overseas Overseas Filipina workers (OFW) react after arriving in Manila Arabi published late on Monday, passed through” since the Janu- Kuwait and the Philippines,” at the president’s request. workers. from Kuwait at Manila International Airport yesterday. Geneina said the documents, held ary 2011 uprising, Geneina said. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 AFRICA

CIVIL STRIFE MYSTERY VERDICT ‘VILE’ SERMON DRUG BUST BALLOT BATTLE 200,000 DR Congolese Kenya’s Attorney General Rwanda shuts radio for Nigeria seizes illegal No election without voting displaced by ethnic clashes has resigned: Kenyatta denigrating women tramadol shipment machines: Kinshasa

About 200,000 people have been displaced Kenya’s Attorney General Githu Muigai has resigned, Rwanda’s media watchdog has ordered a US- Customs off icials in Nigeria said yesterday they DR Congo’s long-delayed election due on in ethnic clashes since mid-December in the President Uhuru Kenyatta said without explanation owned Christian radio station shut for three had seized banned drugs, including the powerful December 23 to choose a successor to long- northeastern Ituri province of the Democratic yesterday, adding he had nominated a replacement. months after a “vile” sermon against women. pain killer tramadol popular with militants. serving ruler Joseph Kabila will not take place Republic of Congo, a humanitarian source told In a post on his Twitter feed, Kenyatta said he had The radio station, Amazing Grace FM, broadcast Nigeria Customs Service spokesman Joseph without electronic voting machines, the poll AFP yesterday. Another humanitarian source accepted Muigai’s resignation as Attorney General, a sermon by local pastor Nicolas Niyibikora on Attah said it was discovered in four containers of chief said yesterday. “Without voting machines, said “on an average 800 people are arriving the off icial title of the chief legal adviser to the January 29, in which he called women dangerous, controlled and prohibited pharmaceuticals that there will be no elections on December 23, 2018,” daily” in Bunia, the main city in the region, government. Muigai was appointed as part of evil and against the plans of God. The broadcast arrived in Lagos from India. The head of customs election commission head Corneille Nangaa said. due to fighting between the Hema and Lendu reforms to boost confidence in Kenya’s judiciary sparked outrage and prompted separate at the seaport, Jubrin Musa, said the drugs were The threat came a day after the United States, communities. Hema herders and Lendu farmers after a new constitution was enacted in 2010. In complaints from the National Women’s Association not certified by the National Agency for Food France, Britain and four other UN Security Council have been locked in violence in Ituri for decades, December, Muigai said an attempt by veteran and the Women’s Journalist Association to the and Drug Administration and Control. “Tramadol members called on Kabila to publicly declare with tens of thousands killed from 1999 to 2003. opposition leader Raila Odinga to “swear” himself in Rwanda Media Commission, which oversees is not under trade prohibition but it is controlled that he will not run for election this year. “These The UN in Kampala said over 22,000 refugees as president would be regarded as treason. Kenyatta journalist ethics. “The sermon was denigrating and regulated,” he told AFP. “Where you import elections must be held by paper ballot so there is have fled to Uganda to escape violence that has has nominated Paul Kihara Kariuki, the president women in the most vile manner,” commission milligrammes over and above the control limit, no question by the Congolese people about the left several dead and villages torched. of the Court of Appeal, as Muigai’s replacement. chief Edmund Kagire said in a statement. that is where the law is infringed upon.” result,” said US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley.

Ethiopia frees Zuma dissident Gerba AFP Addis Ababa

op Ethiopian dissident Bekele Gerba was released from jail yesterday, state media re- Tported, as anti-government protests by the resists country’s largest ethnic group closed roads and businesses near the capital. The release of Bekele was a key demand of Oromos, the majority ethnic group, whose protests led to a na- tional emergency being declared two years ago. The attorney general earlier said charges against Bekele would be dropped. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn had also party said some jailed politicians would be released. “Bekele Gerba and other six suspects have been Spanish Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido meets his Senegalese counterpart Aly Ngouille Ndiaye at the Interior released from prison today,” the state-affi liated Ministry in Dakar. Fana Broadcasting Corporate reported. An academic and a deputy leader of the opposi- tion Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), Bekele was arrested shortly after anti-government protests started in December 2015. recall Spain, Senegal probe alleged rapes That unrest, which was sparked by a government proposal to expand the borders of the capital Addis Reuters over the reins, was elected as Ababa into the Oromo federal region Oromia, led to Johannesburg head of the 106-year-old ANC in AFP embassy and the minister has told me watches were stolen in the attack hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests. December. Dakar investigations are under way and will despite cash being taken. A 10-month state of emergency declared in Oc- Ramaphosa narrowly defeated soon be completed,” Spanish Interior The Spanish foreign ministry had tober 2016 quelled the worst of the violence but pe- outh Africa’s ruling party Zuma’s ex-wife and preferred Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido said after earlier indicated it would not com- riodic uprisings still occur. yesterday ordered Jacob successor, Nkosazana Dlamini- enegal and Spain are in close talks in Dakar with Senegalese coun- ment until the victims had “them- Yesterday, disenchanted young men wield- SZuma to step down as head Zuma, in the leadership vote, contact over the case of four terpart Aly Ngouille Ndiaye. selves explained” what had happened ing sticks and rocks blocked roads and businesses of state after marathon talks forcing him to tread carefully in SSpanish tourists robbed and al- Zoido added he had been keeping near the small town of Diouloulou. stayed shuttered in Addis Ababa and Oromia, the over the fate of a leader whose handling Zuma for fear of deep- legedly raped last month in Senegal’s a close eye on developments from The attack in the restive region second day of a three day-strike. scandal-plagued years in power ening rifts in the party a year restive Casamance region, their inte- the outset. came three weeks after 14 young “Our struggle will continue because the govern- darkened and divided Nelson ahead of an election. rior ministers said yesterday. “We are awaiting the conclusions men were executed in a protected ment is not treating us very well,” said a protester in Mandela’s post-apartheid ‘Rain- Despite the damning decision Three women were dragged into of the investigation,” said Ndiaye, forest, reigniting debate over rebel the town of Alem Gena west of the capital. bow Nation’. to order Zuma’s “recall” — par- a forest and raped after their vehicle adding two of the rape victims had and criminal groups. Ethiopia is one of Africa’s poorest countries and Leading members of the Afri- ty speak for ‘removal from of- was stopped on January 25 near the returned home and the third re- Ndiaye yesterday dubbed them despite years of rapid economic growth unemploy- can National Congress now want fi ce’ — domestic media said the village of Karonge, around 60km mained on vacation in Senegal. “enemies of peace” — operating in ment is rampant. new party leader Cyril Ramapho- 75-year-old might yet defy the from the regional capital Ziguinchor, Three days after the attack, Ndiaye the area. Some protesters said they were jobless and had sa to replace Zuma as president, party’s wishes, forcing it into the according to police. had in a radio interview expressed The bloodbath — which comes no choice but to stand up to a government that ANC Secretary-General Ace Ma- indignity of having to unseat him The group were also robbed of doubts on the assault after only one at a delicate time for peace talks for wasn’t providing for them. gashule told a news conference. in parliament. some 5,000 euros worth of local woman agreed to a medical exami- Casamance — caused some to blame “All of the students, when they graduate uni- But the party’s national execu- South Africa’s economy has currency before they were fi nally re- nation and that in her case there was a group that has led a 35-year armed versity, simply...no work,” unemployed geologist tive was split on precisely when stagnated during Zuma’s nine- leased. “no trace of rape.” campaign for the region’s independ- Shasho Woyessa said near a roadblock in the town Zuma should go, Magashule year tenure, with banks and min- “I am in touch with the Spanish He added that no jewellery or ence. of Burayu. “I’m simply sitting for three years.” added, leaving the president’s ing companies reluctant to invest immediate fate still hanging in because of policy uncertainty the balance. and rampant corruption. There was no word from Zuma But since mid-November or his spokesman but Magashule when Ramaphosa emerged as a said the president had promised real ANC leadership prospect, South Africa declares drought a ‘national disaster’ to respond to the order by today. economic confi dence has started Magashule said he had met to pick up. Zuma personally to pass on the Since becoming president in AFP that the situation would improve, but the litres, half the amount allowed now. swathes of the nation’s south and west. decision. “We haven’t given him 2009, Zuma has been dogged by Cape Town downpours were neither heavy nor long At the start of February, the target for Opposition Democratic Alliance leader any deadline to respond,” he said. scandal. enough to have an impact on the situation. personal daily water usage was slashed Mmusi Maimane praised residents of “The organisation expects him to He is fi ghting the reinstate- The statement, published in the offi - from 87 litres to 50 litres. Cape Town, a tourist magnet, for signifi - go.” ment of 783 counts of corrup- outh Africa yesterday declared a cial government gazette, means that the A single toilet fl ush uses nine litres. cantly slashing their water consumption. Zuma had asked the party to tion over a 30 billion-rand (now “national disaster” over a drought national government is now responsible It is hoped that usage cuts will buy the “If we keep consumption this low for give him a notice period of three $2.5bn) government arms deal Sthat has ravaged parts of the coun- for tackling the issue and ensuring relief city time to fi nd a solution — or for the the weeks and months to come, we will to six months but that had been arranged in the late 1990s when try and threatened to leave homes in Cape eff orts. rains of the southern winter to refi ll de- defeat ‘Day Zero’ in 2018,” said Maimane, rejected, Magashule said. he was deputy president. Town without running water. South Africa’s second city is now fac- pleted dams. whose party runs the Cape Town munici- “Timelines? No. The NEC be- Some within the ANC and the The government said it had elevated ing the prospect of having to turn its taps Reducing household use, which ac- pality — and the wider region. lieves that this is an urgent mat- opposition say the Gupta fam- the drought to a “national disaster” after off under a so-called “Day Zero” scenario counts for 70% of water consumption, The drought facing Cape Town is the ter so it should be treated with ily, friends of Zuma, have used reassessing its “magnitude and severity”. to conserve the city’s remaining water has been prioritised over slashing indus- worst in 100 years. urgency,” he said. their links with the president to Cape Town is in the grip of a three- supplies. try’s usage. The region in which Cape Town, Zuma has been living on bor- win state contracts and infl uence year-long drought as sparse winter rains Most Cape Town residents would be The predicted date for “Day Zero” was known as the “Mother City” is located, rowed time since Ramaphosa, cabinet appointments. have failed to bring relief, and dam levels forced to queue at communal taps at 200 pushed back yesterday to June 4 after seasonally receives rains in the southern a union leader and lawyer once The Guptas and Zuma have have dropped dangerously low. water points — likely under police or mil- consumption cuts. hemisphere winter season running from tipped as Mandela’s pick to take denied any wrongdoing. Rains over the weekend raised hopes itary guard — to collect a daily ration of 25 The widespread drought has gripped around June through August. Chibok girls’ kidnapper sent to jail for 15 years

AFP Boko Haram has used kidnap- General Sani Usman said Shekau deradicalisation and reintegra- Kainji, Nigeria ping as a weapon of war in its was “desperately trying to es- tion schemes. quest to establish a hardline Is- cape...disguised as a woman” to Nigeria’s government initially lamic state in northeast Nigeria, avoid detection. banned the media and public man involved in the 2014 seizing thousands of women, “We therefore call on all those from attending the trials, spark- kidnapping of more than young girls and men of fi ghting remaining Boko Haram terrorists ing criticism from the UN and A200 schoolgirls from Chi- age. to know that they are following a human rights groups. bok in northeast Nigeria has been “But the court dismissed his coward moving about in (a) hijab But the second phase of pro- jailed for 15 years, the govern- plea on the grounds that he had disguised as a woman,” he added. ceedings at the remote military ment confi rmed yesterday. the option not to take part in A total of 468 of the 1,669 base have now been opened to The conviction of Haruna Ya- Boko Haram activities,” said Isah. Boko Haram suspects held at some civil society groups, in- haya, 35, is the fi rst in relation to Yan St-Pierre, a counter-ter- Kainji were released last year af- cluding human rights organisa- the mass abduction, which trig- rorism specialist with the Mod- ter it was found they had no case tions and the media. gered global outrage and sparked ern Security Consulting Group, to answer. Forty-fi ve others were Nearly nine years of confl ict a worldwide campaign for the said not all members of Boko sentenced to between two and have left at least 20,000 dead and girls’ release. Haram were willing participants. 15 years in jail, and 28 had their forced 2.6mn others from their A total of 276 students were The presence of young boys cases transferred. homes, triggering a humanitar- seized from the Government in the Islamist ranks was an in- A further 82 pleaded guilty in ian crisis across the region. Girls Secondary School in the re- dication of coercion but others exchange for a lesser prison sen- Nigeria’s military has been mote town in Borno state on the in the impoverished region may tence or release taking into ac- accused of arbitrarily arresting evening of April 14, 2014. become involved for fi nancial count time served in custody. civilians and holding them for Fifty-seven escaped in the im- reasons, he added. On Monday, 19 defendants years on end without access to mediate aftermath. A file video grab of the schoolgirls abducted from the northeast Nigerian town of Chibok in April 2014. Nigeria’s military and gov- were jailed for between three and lawyers. Since May 2016, a further 107 ernment have maintained since fi ve years, said Isah. Conditions have been de- have escaped, been found or re- Nigeria began prosecuting jail,” said Isah. lawyer “pleaded for leniency” on December 2015 that Boko Har- Once the cases at Kainji are scribed as overcrowded and un- leased after government talks people arrested during the insur- “Haruna Yahaya, who is 35 and the grounds that he was “forcibly am is a spent force, despite re- fi nished, the courts will move to sanitary, while detainees have al- with the jihadists, leaving 112 still gency last October, starting with handicapped with a paralysed conscripted into the group and he peated suicide bombings and Iwa barracks in the Borno state legedly been tortured, died from in captivity. 1,669 suspects held at a military arm and a deformed leg, was ar- acted under duress”. attacks. capital, Maiduguri, to try 651 illness or disease or were sum- Justice ministry spokesman detention facility in Kainji, in the rested in 2015 by the Civilian Yahaya was previously a trader The army said yesterday Boko others held there. marily executed. Salihu Isah said Yahaya admitted central state of Niger. JTF,” he said, referring to the joint in the town of Potiskum, in Yobe Haram leader Abubakar Shekau Boko Haram has also targeted St-Pierre said questions re- to being involved when he ap- “It is true that a member of task force militia. state, northeast Nigeria. was “running for his dear life” Chad, Cameroon and Niger, mained about the reliability of peared at a special court trying Boko Haram who took part in “He confessed to having taken He claimed he was forced to because of military action against where fi ghters have been pros- Nigeria’s justice system. hundreds of Boko Haram sus- the kidnapping of the Chibok part in the abduction.” carry an AK-47 assault rifl e dur- his Borno state hide-out. ecuted behind closed doors. “One trial is not going to pects on Monday. schoolgirls was given 15 years Isah said Yahaya’s defence ing the Chibok abduction. Army spokesman Brigadier Niger is looking to introduce change years of abuse,” he added. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 15 AMERICAS

ART TRADE JUSTICE OPINION CONNECTED Graff iti artists get millions Canada to face US woes US ‘robber’ cops guilty in Trump should treat women Valentines get licences to for whitewashed work ‘even if Nafta is signed’ explosive corruption case with more respect: Gates wed at Las Vegas airport

A group of New York graff iti artists who were Trade challenges from US firms will continue Two US police off icers, described by the US President Donald Trump should treat people The Las Vegas airport has given new meaning to granted $6.7mn in damages after their work to cause turbulence for Canada even if talks to prosecution as “both cops and robbers,” were — especially women — with more respect, and rushing to make a connection, off ering quickie was destroyed believe that justice has been modernise Nafta are successful, a senior Canadian convicted Monday in one of the country’s most continue investments in poorer countries for the sake wedding licences for lovebirds desperate to get served — but it was never about the money, the government off icial said yesterday. Canada sends explosive recent cases of law enforcement of global security, the world’s leading philanthropic hitched on Valentine’s Day. Clark County, the group’s lawyer said yesterday. The work of 21 75% of its goods exports to the United States and is corruption. A jury convicted Baltimore detectives couple Bill and Melinda Gates said yesterday. In authority that administers Sin City’s weddings, artists at the 5Pointz complex in the New York vulnerable to what Ottawa complains is increasing Daniel Hersl and Marcus Taylor of racketeering their annual open letter answering questions about has opened a pop-up marriage licence bureau borough of Queens was whitewashed in 2013 US protectionism. “Even if a new Nafta were to be and racketeering conspiracy. At the heart of the their foundation, they criticised Trump’s proposed by a baggage carousel at McCarran International when the building’s owner, Jerry Wolkoff , had signed tomorrow, I think we would still face a lot case was the Gun Trace Task Force, a supposedly cuts to foreign aid, and said he had a responsibility to Airport. On Saturday, a steady stream of couples the block knocked down to make way for luxury of turbulence on trade,” said Timothy Sargent, the elite plainclothes unit responsible for tracking set a good example. “I wish our president would treat arrived at the off ice — open through February 17 apartments. Judge Frederic Block ruled on top bureaucrat in Canada’s Trade Ministry. Last down and seizing illegal weapons in the city with people, and especially women, with more respect — to get their marriages off the ground without Monday that Wolkoff had wrongfully destroyed December Canada launched a wide-ranging trade nearly 60% of the population is African American. when he speaks and tweets,” Melinda Gates said in all the fuss. The pop-up off ice’s $77 licences are the works at the site, which had become a complaint against the United States at the World All of their victims were black men, many of them the letter. “Equality is an important national principle. good for all of Vegas’s famous venues, including “pilgrimage for the world’s largest collection of Trade Organization, challenging Washington’s use drug dealers who the corrupt police off icers The sanctity of each individual, regardless of race, the Cannabis Chapel, Elvis Chapel, Chapel in the quality outdoor aerosol art.” of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties. knew could not go to the authorities to complain. religion, or gender, is part of our country’s spirit.” Clouds and the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel.

Trump Junior’s wife hospitalised aft er suspect powder scare US President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law Vanessa Trump was taken to a New York hospi- Senate Republicans embrace tal on Monday after she opened a piece of mail containing an unidentified white powder that was later determined to be non- hazardous, off icials said. Vanessa Trump, the wife of the president’s eldest son Trump immigration plan Donald Jr., was hospitalised after she complained of nausea Reuters following her exposure, New Washington York off icials said. Two other people who were present were also taken to the S Senate Republicans yesterday hospital. turned up the heat on Demo- “The substance had arrived Ucrats seeking protections for by mail and it was addressed young “Dreamer” immigrants as Senate to Donald Trump Jr,” said New Majority Leader Mitch McConnell em- York Police Department spokes- braced President Donald Trump’s de- man Carlos Nieves. mands for broad changes to the coun- US authorities have been on try’s immigration policies. alert for mail containing white In announcing his support for leg- powder since 2001, when islation that would help immigrants envelopes laced with anthrax who were brought illegally to the Unit- were sent to media outlets ed States as children, McConnell also and US lawmakers, killing five threw his weight behind building a US- people. Mexico border wall and sharply curtail- Three patients from the ing visas for the parents and siblings of household were transported immigrants living in the United States to the NewYork-Presbyterian/ legally. Weill Cornell Medical Center “This proposal has my support and for further evaluation, said Fire during this week of fair debate I believe Department spokeswoman it deserves support of every senator Sophia Kim. who’s ready to move beyond making The three included Vanessa points and actually making a law,” Mc- Trump’s mother, although she Connell, a Republican, said in a speech had not complained of symp- on the Senate fl oor. toms, the police spokesman Even some Republicans, however, said. have expressed scepticism that such The package had a Boston broad, fundamental changes in US im- postmark, ABC News and the migration law can pass the Senate by New York Post reported, citing the tomorrow’s deadline that No 2 Re- unnamed law enforcement publican Senator John Cornyn urged sources. late on Monday. NYPD off icials declined to Also on Monday, Democratic Senator comment on that detail. Dick Durbin, who is leading the charge “Thankful that Vanessa for Dreamers, told reporters that he & my children are safe and thought early Senate votes on immigra- unharmed after the incredibly tion legislation would begin with “ex- scary situation that occurred pansive” measures that will fail to win this morning,” Trump Jr said on the 60 votes needed to clear procedural Twitter. hurdles. “Truly disgusting that certain Then, Durbin said, senators will be Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) (second left) speaks as Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), David Perdue (R-GA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) listen during a news individuals choose to express forced to move “toward the centre with conference on immigration at the Capitol in Washington on Monday. their opposing views with such a moderate approach.” disturbing behaviour.” But at least for now, Republicans were That ran counter to statements Trump Obama initiated in 2012 and which has Budget Committee on Monday, White talked of the possibility of a bill that The US Secret Service, which holding a tough line. has made in recent days, including yes- allowed around 700,000 Dreamers to House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney provides for a pathway to citizenship is charged with protecting Republican Senator Tom Cotton, in- terday morning when he tweeted that legally study and work in the United said he thought that a deal on immigra- for Dreamers and additional border members of the president’s terviewed on Fox News, said Trump’s “Negotiations on DACA have begun.” States temporarily. Last September, tion legislation will be reached “and security, which could include the con- family, confirmed it was in- immigration plan “is not an opening bid DACA is the Deferred Action for Trump announced he would terminate that we have full funding on the (border) struction of more border fencing and volved in the investigation, said for negotiations. It’s a best and fi nal of- Childhood Arrivals programme, which the programme on March 5. wall” of $18bn over two years. other high-tech tools to deter illegal spokesman Jeff rey Adams. fer.” Democratic former president Barack During testimony before the Senate Durbin and other Democrats have immigrants.

Wray contradicts WH on Porter background check

Reuters Wray said a partial report on Por- Washington ter was issued in March and a com- pleted report was submitted in late July. BI director Christopher Wray The FBI received a request for a yesterday contradicted the follow-up inquiry, provided it in FWhite House version of events November and passed along ad- surrounding the background check ditional information earlier this for a former top aide accused of month. domestic abuse by two ex-wives, “Soon thereafter we received a triggering more disarray around the request for follow-up inquiry and controversy. we did the follow-up and provided Wray, in testimony on Capitol that information in November and Hill, said the agency in late July administratively closed the fi le in completed a background check for January,” he said. security clearance for former White “Earlier this month, we received (From left) Federal Bureau of Investigation director Christopher Wray, Central Intelligence Agency director Mike Pompeo, National Intelligence director Dan Coats, House staff secretary Rob Porter, some additional information and Defense Intelligence Agency director Lt Gen Robert Ashley, National Security Agency director Admiral Michael Rogers and National Geospatial Intelligence Agency who resigned a week ago amid al- we passed that on as well.” director Robert Cardillo testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill yesterday. legations of abuse from two former Asked if the White House had wives. been informed of the allegations Wray’s comments confl ict with against Porter, Wray said, “I can’t the White House assertion that the get into the content.” Federal Bureau of Investigation and The White House has yet to out- US intel chiefs say Russia meddling threatens 2018 vote intelligence agencies had not com- line a specifi c timeline on who knew pleted investigations into Porter. what when in the Porter case. White House offi cials had no im- One offi cial said White House AFP America’s leading intelligence agen- heading into the 2018 midterm elections acerbate social and political fi ssures in mediate explanation. Chief of Staff John Kelly had won- Washington cies concluded at the end of 2016 that — a view unanimously endorsed by his the United States,” he added. “I’m quite confi dent that in this dered last autumn why Porter’s Russian President Vladimir Putin had fellow intelligence chiefs at yesterday’s “There should be no doubt that Rus- particular instance, the FBI fol- clearance was taking so long — directed a broad intelligence eff ort to congressional hearings. sia perceives its past eff orts as success- lowed established protocols,” Wray along with those of other top offi - S intelligence chiefs said yes- infl uence the presidential election that “This is not going to change or stop,” ful and views the 2018 US midterm elec- told Senate Intelligence Committee cials, including the president’s son- terday that Russian attempts to year to undermine the campaign of warned National Security Agency di- tions as a potential target for Russian as the White House faces questions in-law, Jared Kushner. Umeddle in US politics are con- Democrat Hillary Clinton and boost rector Michael Rogers. infl uence operations.” over when it learned about the alle- The extent of what he was told tinuing unabated — and pose a threat Donald Trump’s chances. “With respect to Russian infl uence Several congressional investigations gations against Porter. about Porter at the time is unclear. to mid-term Congressional elections in That eff ort included hacking and re- eff orts, let me be clear, the Russians have been set up to probe the extent of Questions have arisen about how The White House has said Kelly November. The heads of the CIA, FBI, leasing e-mails and documents from utilise this tool because it is relatively Russian meddling, while the former FBI security clearance investigations became “fully aware” of the ac- NSA and three other spy agencies were the Clinton campaign, fi lling social me- cheap, it is low risk, it off ers what they chief Robert Mueller has been appoint- are handled as the White House cusations last Wednesday and unanimous in saying that Moscow’s ef- dia with posts and “news” items aimed perceive as plausible deniability, and it ed as special prosecutor to lead a Justice grapples with the fallout over the promptly obtained Porter’s resig- forts to disrupt US politics are as strong at discrediting her, as well as targeting has proven to be eff ective at sowing di- Department investigation into whether accusations against Porter, who re- nation. as they were in 2016. voter-registration operations and elec- vision,” Coats said. Trump’s campaign colluded with Russia signed under pressure last week. On that day, photos were pub- “Throughout the entire community, we tion databases. “We expect Russia to continue us- to tilt the election. Porter had been operating under lished in a Daily Mail article, show- have not seen any evidence of any signifi - Central Intelligence Agency director ing propaganda, social media, false fl ag Trump has repeatedly dismissed the a temporary clearance that gave him ing one ex-wife with a black eye cant change” in Russian behaviour, Di- Mike Pompeo warned late last month personas, sympathetic spokesmen, and idea that Moscow helped him — and access to some sensitive information that she said was a result of an al- rector of National Intelligence Dan Coats that Russian interference has not other means to infl uence to try to build all allegations of collusion — as “fake without a fi nal security clearance. tercation with Porter, 40. told the Senate Intelligence Committee. stopped and can be expected to continue on its wide range of operations, and ex- news.” Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

‘Tokyo fish market move on track’

After years of delays, the market,” Koike said. process of moving Tokyo’s Plans to move Tsukiji, which Cold wave: Japan braces for more world-famous Tsukiji fish opened in 1935, have been market is on track, the city’s in the works for years, and governor said yesterday, the relocation was originally pledging the site’s spirit would scheduled for 2016. But not be lost. The grey utilitarian myriad delays have set back winter storms, snow, traffi c jams complex at Toyosu is a far cry the timeline, including the from the gritty, lively alleys of discovery of soil contamination DPA drives yesterday after the Japan snow accumulation,” he said, on Monday, killing at least fi ve shovel snow. The fresh snowfall Tsukiji, where serious buyers at Toyosu, the site of a former Tokyo Meteorological Agency fore- adding that it takes “a lot of people, the Kyodo News service pushed the snow accumulation and awestruck tourists browse gas plant. Tokyo off icials say casted a low-pressure system time” to remove snow. The reported. to 434cm in the village of Okura for everything from record- the contamination has been would bring more snow and bit- heavy snow led the Fukui gov- Three of the deaths were re- in the north-east and to 297 in setting tuna to root vegetables. remedied and Koike said she strong cold front is ex- terly cold temperatures to the ernment to close more than 100 ported in Niigata prefecture, the city of Ono, Fukui prefec- But governor Yuriko Koike said detected a change in mindset pected to dump more Hokuriku region. primary and junior high schools while two others were killed in ture, national broadcaster NHK the decades of experience of from once-fierce opponents Asnow across wide areas of “Cars and residential areas yesterday. snow-related traffi c accidents in reported. Tsukiji’s vendors would not be of the move. “We are now Japan, with weather authorities have been buried in snow,” said Some fl ights and train services Fukuoka and Miyagi prefectures, Since February 4, at least 10 lost in the move, slated to finally receiving more concrete warning of avalanche risk and Seiji Yoshimura, a disaster ex- were also suspended. Last week, according to Kyodo. people have been killed and some happen on October 11. As part questions, like ‘the market traffi c disruption. pert and leader of non-profi t as many as 1,500 vehicles were In Niigata, a 90-year-old 180 injured in winter storms of a campaign to promote the doesn’t seem to have enough Fukui Governor Issei group Open Japan. stranded on a snowy road in se- farmer was found dead after in Japan, the Fire and Disaster relocation, she met social media parking spaces’,” she said. Nishikawa urged local compa- Yoshimura has been in Japan’s vere weather in Fukui prefecture, apparently falling into a snow- Management Agency said Tues- users yesterday at the new site “This is proof that preparation nies to “refrain from operations central district of Fukui for the leading the Defence Ministry to covered drain, and a 78-year-old day. Japan has been pounded by in eastern Tokyo and sampled for the market relocation is in as much as possible” so that of- past week in the wake of record mobilize more than 1,400 sol- man died after falling from the storms this winter. dishes prepared by experts full motion.” fi cials would be able to do snow snowfall there. He spent hours diers to the area. roof of his house while remov- The heaviest snow in four from Tsukiji. “We saw how best The new market boasts modern removal work more eff ectively on Monday clearing snow from Some motorists were stuck ing snow, the report said. Nii- years hit Tokyo in late January, to use and cook ingredients. sanitation and refrigeration on less crowded roads. some residential areas in the re- on the road for three nights. A gata prefecture police also found injuring hundreds of people and That reflects the accumulation control, a leap forward from The governor asked resi- gion. winter storm already slammed a 62-year-old woman dead in causing more than 700 traffi c of knowledge and wisdom the open-air, dilapidated Tsukiji dents to forego non-essential “Locals are not used to such into wide areas of the country a drain after she went out to accidents. among people who work at the market. Airport killing strains Malaysia-N Korea ties

Reuters force ever-tightening UN sanc- The Malaysian foreign minis- on all Malaysians in Pyongyang, “There’s no turning back the Kuala Lumpur tions against Pyongyang. The try declined to comment. Mean- trapping three diplomats and clock on relations with North repercussions from the killing are while, trade and business ties six family members. They were Korea, not after the Kim Jong- still being felt. have all but dried up. able to fl y out only after Malaysia nam incident and the near im- Kim Jong-nam ne year after North Kore- Malaysia is considering reduc- A Malaysian businessman, agreed to hand over Kim Jong- possibility of having any positive an leader Kim Jong-un’s ing the staff size of the North who until recently imported nam’s corpse and send three relationship with the country agency, the Reconnaissance Bu- shipment for me. That’s how I Ohalf-brother was assassi- Korean mission in Kuala Lumpur coal from North Korea, said he North Koreans wanted for ques- under such severe sanctions,” reau, was running an arms opera- started,” he said. The rocky re- nated at Kuala Lumpur’s airport, to four by not renewing requests stopped buying from Pyongyang tioning back to North Korea. said Shahriman Lockman, a tion out of Kuala Lumpur. lationship also remains in the Malaysia is further downgrading to replace diplomats when their — even before UN sanctions that Pressure from the United senior analyst with the Institute The frayed ties have aff ected spotlight with the continuing once-close ties with Pyongyang, terms end, according to a diplo- banned all trade of North Korean States has been mounting on of Strategic and International Malaysian businesses that used trial of the two women, Indo- sources familiar with the govern- matic source and an advisor to coal — because the purchases Malaysia and other Southeast Studies. to trade with the isolated coun- nesian Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi ment’s plans said. the government. Both declined to were drawing a lot of attention Asian countries to cut trade and “I think the sense is that North try. “We have been doing busi- Huong from Vietnam, in a Kuala Kim Jong-nam was assassinat- be named due to the sensitivity of after the Kim Jong-nam killing. diplomatic ties with Pyongyang, Korea took advantage of Ma- ness with North Korea for 10 Lumpur court on charges of mur- ed on February 13, 2017 when two the matter. Ties quickly deteriorated af- as President Donald Trump laysia’s goodwill and relative years,” said the Malaysian coal dering Kim Jong-nam. women smeared his face with VX Malaysia is also turning down ter North Korea’s ambassador to seeks support for tougher action openness,” he said. North Korea trader who declined to be identi- The prosecution has built its nerve agent— which the UN lists invitations to participate in Malaysia questioned the cred- against nuclear-armed North benefi ted from its Malaysian ties fi ed. case on airport video record- as a weapon of mass destruc- North Korean events. A diplo- ibility of the police investigation Korea. -- Pyongyang exported eve- “Suddenly it became a big is- ings of the killing and VX residue tion. The women claim they were matic source with direct knowl- into the assassination, insisting Malaysia said last year it was rything from coal and medical sue because of the murder,” said found on the women. tricked into believing they were edge of the situation said Malay- Kim Jong-nam was an ordinary considering permanently clos- devices to crabs, cloth hangers the trader, adding he was ques- Defence lawyers say the pros- part of a reality show, but US and sia declined an invitation to send citizen who had died of a heart ing its embassy in Pyongyang and fi re extinguishers to Malay- tioned by the police and the for- ecution has not put forward a South Korea say the murder was an envoy to attend last week’s attack. and moving North Korea services sia. Imports, however, came to a eign ministry over a March pur- motive for the killing and argue orchestrated by Pyongyang. military parade in Pyongyang. Malaysia recalled its ambas- to its Beijing mission. It has not grinding halt last year. chase. It’s a sharp contrast from the two women were merely un- The brazen killing came as “It’s just too dangerous,” the sador to North Korea, banned been staff ed since last April af- Malaysia was also host to hun- 10 years ago when it was easy for witting pawns in the attack. The North Korea was starting to ac- source told Reuters, referring to its citizens from travelling to the ter its diplomats were allowed to dreds of North Korean workers, Malaysian businessmen to en- prosecution is not expected to celerate its missile tests and the Malaysian diplomats North North and cancelled visa-free leave under the swap agreement. who were sent back after the gage with Pyongyang, he said. fi nish presenting evidence until countries around the world came Korea stopped from leaving the entry for North Koreans. North The cabinet has yet to make a de- airport killing. A Reuters report “I met the (North Korean) next month. The women face the under mounting pressure to en- country last year. Korea retaliated with a travel ban cision on closing the embassy. showed how North Korea’s spy trade attaché and he arranged a death penalty if convicted.

Pressure mounts on Warm welcome Australia deputy British warship to PM over staffer affair sail through disputed Pressure was mounting on Australia’s deputy prime minister yesterday amid fresh allegations that his aff air with a South China Sea younger former staff er, who is pregnant with their child, breached ministerial rules. AFP concentrate on so many things Barnaby Joyce has been under intense Sydney at once,” he said. “The US is scrutiny since the relationship was looking for other countries to splashed across the front page of do more. This is a great oppor- Sydney’s Daily Telegraph last week, with British warship will sail tunity for the UK and Australia his wife of 24 years making clear she and from Australia through to do more, to exercise leader- their four daughters were devastated. Athe disputed South ship.” He made a public apology to them China Sea next month to assert When asked about a pos- yesterday and defended the two jobs, freedom of navigation rights, a sible freedom of navigation one for a minister, that his 33-year-old senior offi cial said yesterday in voyage by the British, China’s lover Vikki Campion was given after she a move likely to irk Beijing. foreign ministry spokesman stopped working for him last year. China claims nearly all of the Geng Shuang said all countries Joyce – internationally renowned for resource-rich waterway and have “navigation and over- threatening to euthanise Hollywood star has been turning reefs and is- fl ight freedom in the South Johnny Depp’s dogs over a quarantine lets into islands and installing China Sea”. “We hope other violation – denied he breached the military facilities such as run- countries will stop stirring up ministerial code of conduct. It stipulates ways and equipment on them. trouble,” Geng said. that “partners” of ministers cannot be British Defence Secretary given jobs in ministerial off ices without Gavin Williamson said HMS In January, Beijing said it the express approval of the prime Sutherland, an anti-subma- had dispatched a warship minister. rine frigate, would arrive in to drive away a US missile “I am very aware of the ministerial code Australia later this week. destroyer which had of conduct,” Joyce, head of the National “She’ll be sailing through “violated” its sovereignty North Korean leader Kim Jong-un meets members of the high-level delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Party which is in a coalition with Prime the South China Sea (on the by sailing close to a shoal which visited South Korea to attend the opening ceremony of the 23rd Winter Olympics yesterday. Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s Liberals, told way home) and making it in the sea reporters in Canberra. clear our navy has a right to do that,” he told The Austral- China in December de- ian newspaper after a two-day fended its construction on dis- visit to Sydney and Canberra. puted islands, which are also He would not say whether the claimed by Southeast Asian frigate would sail within 12 neighbours, as “normal” after nautical miles of a disputed a US think tank released new Cyclone wreaks havoc in Tonga’s capital territory or artifi cial island satellite images showing the built by the Chinese, as US deployment of radar and other ships have done. equipment. In a separate in- Reuters Emergency Management Offi ce. New Zealand is donating to “heed warnings and prepare”, came, knowing that the power But he said: “We absolutely terview with broadcaster ABC, Wellington Photos posted on social media NZ$750,000 (US $545,000) in although the storm is expected lines would be blown down, support the US approach on Williamson warned of the need showed a wrecked Parliament aid, and a NZ Air Force Hercules to bypass heavily populated ar- which was a good move.” The this, we very much support for vigilance to “any form of House building in the capital, aircraft was due to fl y emergency eas. Gita had pummelled Samoa worst of the cyclone hit around what the US has been doing.” malign intent” from China, onga’s neighbours scram- as well as extensive fl ooding and relief supplies into Tonga yes- and American Samoa, about a low tide, so there were no re- In January, Beijing said it as it seeks to become a global bled to deliver emergency downed power lines. Access to terday. 900km to the northeast, over ports of storm surges worsening had dispatched a warship to superpower. “Australia and Trelief yesterday after Cy- areas outside the capital were Australia is donating the weekend, fl ooding the Sa- the impact of the wind and rains. drive away a US missile de- Britain see China as a country clone Gita tore across the Pacifi c hindered by the storm damage A$350,000 (US $275,000) worth moan capital, Apia. Kenna estimated around 40% stroyer which had “violated” of great opportunities, but we island nation in the middle of and debris. of emergency shelter, kitch- Tonga’s clean-up began in the of houses in the capital had suf- its sovereignty by sailing close shouldn’t be blind to the ambi- the night, fl attening the parlia- “The full extent of damage en and hygiene kits, while the early hours of yesterday as the fered some damage, many with to a shoal in the sea. William- tion that China has and we’ve ment, tearing roofs off homes caused by Cyclone Gita is still country’s foreign minister said tail of the cyclone was still over roofs blown off . son said it was important that got to defend our national se- and causing widespread fl ood- being assessed but there is an the Australian Defence Force the capital, Nuku’alofa. “A lot of the older houses, es- US allies such as Britain and curity interests,” he said. ing. immediate need for assistance personnel would assist with “Every second power pole has pecially some of the older her- Australia “assert our values” Australia has been ratch- There were no confi rmed re- on the ground,” NZ Foreign Af- clean-up eff orts. been knocked over and the lines itage houses, have been badly in the South China Sea, which eting up the rhetoric against ports of deaths from the Cate- fairs Minister Winston Peters The cyclone was heading to- are just everywhere,” Kenna damaged or destroyed, which is is believed to hold vast oil China in recent months, with gory-4 storm that bought winds said in a statement. wards Fiji’s southern islands said, saying it would likely be very sad, they’re quite histori- and gas deposits and through ties tested in December when of around 200km per hour, but “About 5,700 people sought yesterday, with some forecasts days before power could be re- cal,” he said. which US$5tn in trade passes parliament singled out Beijing there were a lot of injured peo- shelter in evacuation centres reporting it intensifying towards stored. Water supplies and radio “They’ve been through cy- annually. as a focus of concern when it ple, some seriously, said Graham overnight, and it is expected a Category-5 storm. networks were also disrupted. clones before, but this is the big- “World dynamics are shift- proposed laws on foreign in- Kenna, an Australian govern- these numbers will increase Fijian Prime Minister Frank “They turned the power off gest cyclone this island has had ing so greatly. The US can only terference. ment adviser at Tonga’s National substantially tonight.” Bainimarama warned residents very early before the cyclone for at least 60 odd years.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 17 BRITAIN

SCARE LAW AND ORDER CRIME COMMENT ORDER Powder sent to parliament Man held after woman’s Hunt for pair who McDonnell told to stay Queen bans plastic found to be harmless body discovered in flat robbed pensioner out of homes row from royal estates

Police were called to parliament yesterday to A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder A 90-year-old man was beaten and robbed of A Labour council leader yesterday hit out at In future, disposable plastics will not be used investigate white power sent to an off ice in the after a woman’s body was found in a flat in his pension in a “cowardly” attack in central shadow chancellor John McDonnell’s intervention on the premises of British royalty, Buckingham building, but the powder was later found to be Manchester. Police were called shortly after 7.40am London. The pensioner was leaving his home in in a row over a new housing scheme. Clare Palace has announced. Plastic bottles and harmless, off icials said. One off ice remained yesterday to reports that a man had jumped from Marylebone when he was set upon by a woman Coghill said McDonnell should focus on winning straws will be done away with, to be replaced closed as off icers carried out investigations, but the window of a second-storey flat in the Ancoats and man from behind. They struck him on the Tory marginals rather than “querying” the by biodegradable packaging. This measure the rest of the building was open, police said. area of the city centre. Witnesses said a man had back of the head and pushed him to the floor work of Waltham Forest council on its flagship will reduce the impact of waste on the “The Metropolitan Police yesterday investigated landed on a car, covered in blood, and gone on before the woman took his wallet, containing regeneration scheme. McDonnell spoke at a Left- environment, a palace spokesman said. Plastic a small package containing white powder on the to attack its passengers and smash another car’s cash and bank cards. The victim was left shaken wing meeting in Walthamstow where he suggested straws in the cafes of the royal residences parliamentary estate. The powder was found to be window. Police said they had received reports that but not seriously injured after the robbery. CCTV councillors working on unpopular regeneration and in the employee canteens are also being non-harmful,” the House of Commons said. Police a number of people were assaulted. When off icers images released by police yesterday shows schemes should abandon their plans. Tensions in phased out. The royals and their guests may increased security at the site after an Islamic State- gained entry to the flat in the serviced block they the pair entering a residential block in Jerome the borough have flared over the council’s decision not notice a big change: Already water is inspired attacker drove a car into pedestrians on found the body of a woman. A 37-year-old man Crescent around the time of the assault at 7.10am to grant permission for firm Capital & Regional to served only from glass bottles. From now on Westminster Bridge a year ago, killing four of them, was arrested nearby on suspicion of murder and on November 22. Detectives are looking to speak redevelop the town’s shopping mall and build more catering for royal staff will use only porcelain and then stabbed a police off icer to death nearby. remains in custody for questioning. to a black man in his thirties, and a white woman. than 500 new homes within four tower blocks. plates and glasses as well.

Airport Parliamentary Pancake Race reopens Oxfam chief to after war bomb is removed face grilling by

London Evening Standard London MPs as abuse ity Airport reopened yesterday morning af- Cter Royal Navy divers removed an unexploded World War II bomb that brought 48 hours of disruption to the East End. The 500kg shell was taken scandal grows into the Thames estuary to be detonated at depth off South- London Evening Standard ably feel extremely shocked when Pressure on Goldring intensi- end. London staff are undermining those values fi ed after Helen Evans, Oxfam’s Its discovery in the King through their moral choices.” former global head of safeguard- George V Dock by workmen on Tory MP Nigel Evans, a member ing, said she begged senior staff , Sunday morning forced the clo- xfam chief executive Mark of the Commons committee, said ministers and the regulator to act sure of the airport on Monday. Goldring is being sum- they expected Goldring to person- on allegations. In a single day, Flights resumed yesterday Omoned to fi ght for his job ally attend on Tuesday to answer three new allegations were made morning, with a British Airways before a committee of MPs as claims that he was warned of mul- against Oxfam staff overseas. fl ight from Rotterdam landing questions mount about the char- tiple allegations of abuse by aid She told Channel 4 News: at 6.42am and a BA fl ight to Ge- ity’s response to sexual abuse al- workers and even volunteers in the “There was one of a woman be- neva departing at 6.56am. legations. Oxfam was yesterday charity’s shops. ing coerced to have sex in a hu- There were slight delays as reeling after fresh claims of sex- “I want him to come to Parlia- manitarian response by another the airport’s schedule of up to ual assault and cover-up in South ment and answer these questions aid worker, another case where a 300 fl ights got back on track, Sudan. Seven percent of staff in himself, and then we can gauge if woman had been coerced in ex- with the airport busier than South Sudan – four people – wit- he is fi t for purpose,” he said. change for aid and another one usual as a number of passengers nessed or experienced rape or at- Paul Scully, another committee where it had come to our attention unable to travel on Monday fl ew tempted rape involving colleagues. member, said: “What concerns me where a member of staff had been yesterday. The cross-party International is the drip feed of allegations that struck off for sexual abuse and The bomb, which was lodged Development Select Commit- keep coming out.” Asked if he had hadn’t disclosed that.” in silt about 11 metres underwa- tee has called a special hearing for confi dence in Goldring, he said: “I Goldring However seems de- ter, was removed to the centre of Tuesday next week to grill Oxfam think we need to get to the bottom termined to see out the crisis un- the dock at about 6pm on Mon- offi cials and civil servants about of the investigation.” less the Oxfam board turns against day night. It then continued its what they knew and what action Revelations that 123 volunteers him. “If our board turn round and journey away from the airport they took. in the UK’s 650 Oxfam shops had say, ‘Actually, you’re not the right before midnight as tides rose. A bishop warned yesterday been sexually harassed over nine person to lead forward’, then I of The Port of London Author- morning that the public were years led the umbrella body for course would resign immediately,” ity escorted it, with boats at outraged by the “hypocrisy” of a charity shops to re-issue “safe- Goldring told Channel 4 News on the front and back to ensure charity that hailed its own good guarding” guidance. Monday night. no danger to other river traffi c. works while falling short of the Road bridges were closed as the standards that people expected. Women’s harassment at work to be probed convoy passed by. Philip North, the Bishop of Lieutenant commander Burnley, used the Thought for From unwanted advances the past few months there have Jonny Campbell, the offi cer in the Day slot on Radio 4’s Today to catcalls and abuse, the been widespread reports of charge of the navy’s Southern show to say that before the news government yesterday women’s appalling experiences Diving Unit 2, said high-grade that Oxfam workers in Haiti used launched an inquiry into sexual of sexual harassment at military explosives would be at- young women and girls for sex, it harassment of women at work as work,” said committee chair tached to the shell for a control- was “hard not to be impressed by countless stories of misconduct and Conservative politician led explosion. He said: “The aim the sheer goodness” of its work spread across the working Maria Miller. “We need to is to cause as little disruption to abroad. world. The all-party Women and change workplace culture, London as possible.” “Why have the revelations Equalities Committee said it keep women safe and provide Residents yesterday told how about staff using prostitutes done aims to keep women safe in the eff ective legal remedies,” they were forced to spend more Oxfam quite so much damage?” workplace, improve handling she said in a statement. “We than 18 hours away from their asked the Church of England cler- of complaints and review legal need to understand whether homes after police established gyman. “I think it is because of a protections for those accused of non-disclosure agreements are a 700ft exclusion zone, cover- Conservative politician Matt Warman (left) and James Landale from the media team take widespread cultural abhorrence abuse, such as non-disclosure being abused by legal experts ing seven streets, as a safety part in the annual Parliamentary Pancake Race in front of the Houses of Parliament in of hypocrisy. “If a charity claims agreements, which may be and employers to cover up precaution. Others refused to central London yesterday. to stand up for truth and justice used to silence victims. “Over wrongdoing.” leave. and fairness, people understand- £47bn plan to cut train Warehouse blaze Ukip chairman to quit after leadership vote delays: Network Rail Guardian News and Media say he was lucky to have the op- London portunity. His decision comes after Bol- Guardian News and Media to 20 schemes could speed up the the budget to attempt to encour- ton said he believed he would London link at the heart of the north’s rail age effi ciency. he chair of Ukip has an- win the vote, despite ruling over network. Carne acknowledged that rea- nounced his intention a crisis that has seen a string of Mark Carne, the chief execu- son for that move by the ORR, Tto step down in a major frontbench resignations after the etwork Rail says it will tive of National Rail, said: “This saying: “It was such a high-level blow to the party just days be- NEC declared no-confi dence in deliver a 15% reduction way of allocating capital is a much plan, it was almost impossible for fore leader, Henry Bolton, faces a his leadership. Nin train delays and almost healthier way than it was (for the regulator to know if it should confi dence vote. The politician faced the back- 1,000 new services every day by 2014-19): you’ve got £15bn and a be better.” He said the level of de- In a letter to members, Paul lash after his girlfriend, Jo Mar- 2021 under a £47.1bn fi ve-year long shopping list of stuff , which tail now supplied would make any Oakden insisted that his decision ney, was revealed to have sent plan. was really very immature.” such reduction more question- was unconnected to the extraor- racist texts about Meghan Mar- But there are no fresh promises Carne added that he would de- able. dinary general meeting (EGM) to kle. of major projects after massive lay his planned retirement to hand While fl agship projects such be held on Saturday, but did out- Despite ending the relation- budgetary overruns in the last his successor a robust, detailed as the recent redevelopment of line a series of frustrations in his ship, he told the BBC’s Andrew fi ve-year plan left many schemes plan, negotiated and accepted by London Bridge are absent from role. Marr: “There are strong aff ec- abandoned or delayed. The bulk the regulator and government. the plans, Network Rail expects “Being the chairman of Ukip tions there, yes.” However, he of the 209-24 budget will be The next fi ve years would be to carry out improvements to is an honour and a privilege,” insisted he was getting a “huge spent on maintenance, operations fundamentally diff erent from the TransPennine route between he said. “It doesn’t come with amount of support” from around and renewals to make the most of last time when, Carne said: “We Leeds and Manchester, add- champagne lunches, a whopping the country, and wanted to tackle the existing railway. didn’t have a plan built in the ing capacity and cutting jour- salary or great esteem. Ukip’s “factionalisation” and to The provisional funding an- right kind of way.” ney times. Rail passengers in the “What it does bring are thou- professionalise its operation. nounced by the government in Poorly costed estimates of ma- north have been concerned since sands of e-mails and letters, oc- Asked by Marr if his leadership October means Network Rail ex- jor works led to, most notably, the promise of full electrifi cation casional angry members whom was over, he said: “No, I don’t pects to have almost 25% more the tripling of the budget to elec- of the route subsided, when other it’s just not possible to pacify, believe it is.” money to spend on day-to-day trify the Great Western mainline. projects were axed by Chris Gray- chairing the board, acting as a Oakden said that chairing Sat- operations. Just £10.1bn will be Carne said the next business plan, ling, the transport secretary, after More than 100 firefighters attended a blaze at an diplomat between the NEC and urday’s meeting in Birmingham available for “enhancements”, which Network Rail expects to the overspend on Great Western. industrial estate in north-west London yesterday. a leader (or fi ve) and generally would be one of his more unen- or rail upgrades, the majority of submit by today for the govern- Carne said a menu of options Twenty fire engines were called to Long Drive, being the person whose fate it viable tasks – but that would be which are expected to be works ment and regulator’s approval, for upgrading the line had been Northolt, after the fire began at 11.30pm on Monday. is to disappoint almost every- his last task at the helm of Ukip. deferred from the 2014-19 plan. was built from the ground up. submitted to the department for Images shared on social media showed cranes body.” He said he voluntarily termi- The biggest single focus is likely Last time round, the rail regula- transport, with about 20 separate being used as the blaze continued to rage yesterday Oakden described this as the nated his contract at the end of to be the TransPennine line from tor, the ORR, angered Network schemes potentially contributing morning. “baseline” of his role and said it January. “This was entirely of my Leeds to Manchester, where up Rail by slashing about £2bn from to improving the line. expanded from there – but did own volition,” he said. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 BRITAIN Deaths of at least 40 patients in London ‘were avoidable’

London Evening Standard deaths may be far higher as some last April. About a third have Dr Ollie Minton, a consult- worrying than helpful.” six-point scale from the Royal avoidability” and six were “prob- London hospitals have so far only pub- been reviewed, though only a ant in palliative medicine who Concerns have been ex- College of Physicians. Deaths ably avoidable”. lished fi gures for the fi rst three fraction in detail. helped compile the St George’s pressed at the lack of a uniform were placed in one of six cat- Dr Minton said: “This is la- months of 2017-18. O St George’s, in Tooting, de- fi gures, said the capital-wide system of assessing the deaths. egories and “avoidable” ones bour-intensive but well worth- he deaths of at least 40 pa- Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt clared 12 avoidable deaths. total of 40 was “probably too Some trusts were said to be were those in the three most se- while. It is still helpful (when re- tients in London hospitals ordered NHS trusts to disclose the O Barts Health, the UK’s big- low” when compared with the more committed than others to rious: “defi nitely avoidable”; viewing a death) to see that there Tlast year were “avoidable”, deaths as part of a drive to make gest trust with fi ve hospitals, de- number of serious incidents investigating. with “strong evidence of avoid- is nothing we would have done the Standard revealed. the health service the best in the clared nine. known to happen. The department for health had ability”; or “probably avoidable diff erently.” A further 200 suff ered prob- world at learning from mistakes. O King’s College, Chelsea and “It wouldn’t surprise me if it suggested that between 1,200 to (more than 50:50)”. Dr Nigel Kennea, chairman of lems with care that may have An Evening Standard analysis Westminster and Lewisham and wasn’t much more than that, as 9,000 deaths a year in England St George’s saw 1,208 deaths the mortality monitoring com- contributed to their deaths. At of declarations by London trusts Greenwich each declared three. not all serious incidents lead to were avoidable but the London between April and September, mittee at St George’s, said “ex- least four women died during or found: O Imperial, UCLH and London death,” he told the Standard. “If fi gures suggest this may be an and has reviewed 1,008. Of these ceptional winter pressures” had shortly after childbirth. O More than 10,000 inpatient North West Healthcare declared you try and say there are zero overestimate. none was “defi nitely avoidable” contributed to a higher number The full extent of avoidable deaths have been declared since none. deaths, I would fi nd that more Most hospitals used the same but six had “strong evidence of of deaths. Stage star’s Harry and Meghan in Scotland parents facing action in home schooling row

Guardian News and Media arrange a meeting with the au- London thority’s home education adviser, or evidence provided by a third- party education professional. he parents of one of the Home schooling is an increas- child stars of the West End ingly fraught area of education Tstage show Matilda are fac- policy, with growing numbers of ing legal action in a row with their children being educated outside local council over their daughter’s school. A freedom of information home education. request by the BBC found that Lilian Hardy, 12, who played the the number of home-schooled title role for six months last year children in the UK went up by and hopes to study English at Ox- 65% between 2009 and 2015. FoI ford, has never attended school. responses from 190 local authori- She has been educated at home ties showed 36,609 children were throughout her life. in home education, but the true Her parents, Edward Hardy fi gure is likely to be much higher. and Eileen Tracy, who say their Under the current system, daughter has thrived as a result schools must inform local au- of home schooling, may have to thorities if a pupil is taken off go to court if the local authority is their register, but children who Prince Harry and his fiancee, US actress Meghan Markle arrive at Social Bite, a social enterprise cafe in Edinnburgh during a visit to Scotland yesterday. not satisfi ed that Lilian is receiv- have never gone to school are not ing a suitable education. refl ected in the statistics. Coun- Westminster council was only cils have powers to intervene if alerted to Lilian’s situation when children are deemed to be at risk the Royal Shakespeare Com- or are not receiving a suitable pany, which produces the mul- education. ti-award-winning stage show, Last November the govern- applied for a child performance ment said it was drawing up licence for Lilian after she was tougher guidance on home cast in the title role. schooling for both parents and Judge refuses to withdraw Lilian had never previously local authorities after some appeared on stage, though she councils complained they did attended a small drama and mu- not have suffi cient powers to sic group for home-educated intervene. Part of their concern children. She auditioned for an was around illegal schools, which ensemble role in the West End they fear may be exploiting home musical but ended up landing the education rules. Assange arrest warrant title role, and performed at the Lilian’s parents say they were Cambridge Theatre in London shocked to fi nd themselves being Guardian News and Media portionate response even though the building in Knightsbridge, Australian national was being “It (the correspondence) until last September. pursued by the council, and be- London Assange has restricted his own London, for breaching his former arbitrarily detained. records that the CPS had already Her parents have been sent a lieve the local authority should be freedom for a number of years. bail conditions in the UK. Summers also argued Assange advised that it would not be pru- school attendance order, which focusing its attention elsewhere. “Defendants on bail up and Lawyers for the WikiLeaks was justifi ed in seeking refuge in dent for Sweden to try to inter- requires them to either enrol her Tracy said: “Lilian has really ulian Assange will continue down the country, and requested founder had asked for the war- the embassy because he had a le- view Assange in the UK,” he said. at a local school within 15 days – thrived on being home educated, to face detention if he leaves persons facing extradition, come rant to be withdrawn since Swe- gitimate fear that US authorities In October 2013, Summers in her case Westminster Academy in ways that have regularly sur- Jthe Ecuadorian embassy in to court to face the consequences den no longer wants him ex- were seeking to arrest him for added, Sweden advised the CPS – or prove that she is receiving an prised and delighted us and that London after a judge upheld a of their own choices. He should tradited, but the judge rejected WikiLeaks’ publication of secret lawyer that it was time to with- adequate education. If they fail to have also clarifi ed for me as an warrant for his arrest. have the courage to do the same. their request last week. Repre- documents. draw the European arrest war- comply they could be prosecuted educator how children learn best Handing down her judgment It is certainly not against the senting Assange, Mark Summers He said Assange had made at- rant on the grounds of propor- or fi ned. – through being given freedom to before a packed courtroom at public interest to proceed.” QC went on to argue that arrest- tempts to co-operate with the tionality, but it was four years Hardy and Tracy say they have follow their noses. Westminster magistrates court, Assange, 46, skipped bail to ing him was no longer propor- investigation in Sweden but had before it eventually was. sent ample evidence of Lilian’s “Through home education, senior district judge Emma Ar- enter the embassy in 2012 to tionate or in the public interest. been refused, and that e-mails “Obviously these e-mails are progress to the local authority, in- parents exercise their right to buthnot said she was not per- avoid extradition to Sweden over Summers said that the years uncovered by a freedom of in- of interest to the court,” Arbuth- cluding samples of her work and let their child develop at their suaded by the argument from allegations of sexual assault and Assange has spent inside the formation request showed the not said last week. details of her studies, which they own pace and cherrypick their Assange’s legal team that it was rape, which he denies. embassy were “adequate, if not Swedish prosecutor had been Assange also suspects there is say prove she is being suitably academic pursuits and other pas- not in the public interest to pur- Though Swedish prosecutors severe” punishment for his ac- advised by a case lawyer at the a secret US grand jury indictment educated. But the council has said sions without confused outsiders sue him for skipping bail. dropped the investigation against tions, and cited a report by a CPS that Assange should be in- against him and American au- it is not enough and is seeking to breathing down their necks”. She said: “I fi nd arrest is a pro- him, he faces arrest if he leaves UN committee which said the terviewed in Sweden. thorities will seek his extradition.

Shrovetide match Mayor pledges £15mn Driver who ran down to tackle youth crime motorcyclist jailed Guardian News and Media projects as part of the city’s London knife-crime strategy. The mon- ey will come from council tax Guardian News and Media In a statement to the court, A motor car is a dangerous and business rates. London Bracchi said he was grateful to weapon when it is in the wrong he mayor of London has Two thirds of the new fund- have survived and to be able to hands.” promised £15mn a year ing would be put into a fund watch his children grow up but The prosecutor Shaun Dodds Tto fund education, sport from which local communities, man who drove into a sta- that he had been left only able to said Cheetham had been out and cultural activities for the charities and schools would be tionary motorcyclist in walk very slowly over short dis- for revenge, driving around the capital’s most disadvantaged invited to bid for cash, while Aa “hotheaded” act of re- tances. streets looking for Bracchi after young people, in an eff ort to the remaining third will boost venge for the other man bumping Cheetham, the court was told, he hit his car door. steer them away from crime existing youth projects already into his car has been jailed for 11 was already serving a suspended “Bracchi was stationary and and violence. funded by City Hall. years. prison sentence for dangerous checking his bike over when the Sadiq Khan announced the Shelagh O’Connor, director of Robbie Cheetham, 23, driving after driving at 90mph in defendant saw him and drove three-year initiative, worth the New Horizon youth centre, ploughed into Callum Bracchi, his grandfather’s BMW while be- at him head-on at speed after a total of £45mn, and con- welcomed the new investment 26, at a speed of 60mph, throw- ing chased by police and crashing swerving over on to the other demned cuts by the govern- in youth centres after fi ve years ing him into the air and breaking into a parked car. side of the road,” he said. ment that had led to the closure of cuts to community projects. both his legs in Dormanstown, Sentencing Cheetham to a Paul Abrahams, mitigat- of 30 youth centres, involving “You can never say it’s near Redcar, on the evening of total of 11 years in prison yes- ing, told the court: “This was 12,700 places for young peo- enough, but £15mn per year August 13, 2017. terday, judge Simon Bourne- a hotheaded action and reac- ple, since 2011. Such services could really make a diff erence. Teesside crown court was told Arton QC described his actions tion to events. It was not akin were vital to help avoid young The injection of funds could that it had been an act of retali- as hotheaded. “You deliberately to deliberately arming your- people being “sucked into go a long way to prevent young ation after the wheel of Brac- drove at Bracchi and could have self with a knife or a gun. One crime”, he said. people from ending in crime or chi’s motorbike hit the door of caused even greater harm than could perhaps equate the car “It is sadly obvious that this homelessness.” Cheetham’s silver Audi, which the horrendous injuries that with that, but he was already in government does not value More apprenticeship schemes he had had repaired the previous were caused in any event,” he it and it was a short period of London’s young people, but I am would be welcomed as well, day. said. time between the damage to his determined to invest in them – “but these need to be with rea- Bracchi, a father-of-four, nar- “You caused serious injuries vehicle and when he sadly saw with tens of millions of pounds sonable pay”, she added. Under rowly survived the impact and to Bracchi, injuries he will suf- Bracchi. for activities to support them,” 21s are not entitled to the Lon- spent a month in hospital. The fer from for most of his life. “He had spent the previous Khan said in a statement. don living wage, only the mini- court was told that doctors had He is a young man who should day repairing damage on the ve- The mayor’s offi ce said the mum wage, so it can be hard for considered amputating his left be able to play with his young hicle. He was upset about that Players scrabble for the ball during the annual Ashbourne new cash would be in addition youths to balance transport to leg and that he would never fully children and you have deprived and completely overreacted to Royal Shrovetide Football match in Ashbourne yesterday. to £7mn already made available their apprenticeships and other recover from the crash. him of that by your actions. the situation.” for anti-knife and gang-crime living costs. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 19 EUROPE

DISHONEST JUSTICE FOUND AILING CARGO RUN Dutch FM resigns after lie Catalans seek court support Lost dog survives 5-month Prince leaves hospital to Russian spacecraft lifts off about Putin meeting on Puigdemont investiture odyssey to Switzerland spend ‘last days’ in palace after aborted launch

Dutch Foreign Minister Halbe Zijlstra resigned The Catalan parliament said yesterday it After an odyssey that spanned more than five Denmark’s Prince Henrik, the 83-year-old France- Russia yesterday launched an unmanned Progress yesterday after admitting he had lied about his would enlist support from the European months and hundreds of kilometres, a dog that born husband of Queen Margrethe who has been cargo ship to the International Space Station after presence at a meeting with Russian President Court of Human Rights to enable secessionist had gone missing in Germany was found by Swiss hospitalised since January for a lung infection, a glitch led off icials to postpone the planned liftoff Vladimir Putin. “I see no other option today leader Carles Puigdemont, currently in paramedics near Zurich, city authorities said was discharged yesterday to spend “his last days” two days earlier. The Soyuz rocket carrying the than to hand in my resignation to his majesty Belgian exile, to be invested as regional yesterday. The paramedics had been driving in at home, the palace said. Diagnosed in September Progress ship took off from the snow-covered the King,” a tearful Zijlstra told MPs in a hastily- president. “Seeking to protect Puigdemont’s an ambulance outside Zurich in the early hours 2017 with dementia, Henrik was admitted to Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 0815 GMT called session of parliament. “This is by far the right to be eff ectively present at the of last Saturday when they noticed an animal Copenhagen’s Rigshospitalet on January 28 for and reached its designated orbit several minutes biggest mistake I have made in my career,” investiture debate, (parliamentary) lying on the side of the motorway. When they a tumour in his left lung which turned out to be later, the Russian space agency said. “We have he admitted to Dutch politicians in the lower president Roger Torrent will back a stopped, they discovered a German Shepherd benign, and a pulmonary infection. “His Royal liftoff !” the Roscosmos space agency tweeted. house of parliament, watched by Prime Minister demand for preventive measures suff ering from serious injuries and hypothermia. Highness Prince Henrik was today transferred The cargo ship is carrying dry cargo, fuel, water, Mark Rutte. Stepping down, Zijlstra told MPs before the European Court of Human The female dog had been fitted with a chip that from the hospital to Fredensborg Palace”, located oxygen and air to the crew of the ISS. It is also yesterday that the credibility of the country’s Rights,” read a statement from the regional allowed authorities to identify its owners and she 40km north of Copenhagen, “where the prince carrying equipment for the experimental ICARUS foreign minister must be “beyond doubt, both assembly, where pro-independence turned out to be Rapunzel, an 8-year-old dog who wishes to spend his last days,” the palace said, project, an animal tracking system that will be inside and outside of the country.” parties have a majority. had run away in August last year near Frankfurt. adding his “condition remains serious”. installed on the outer surface of the station.

Germany ponders free transport to banish air pollution Nato chief Germany could slash numbers of cars on roads by making public transport free, ministers have sug- warns EU gested, as Berlin scrambles to meet EU air pollution targets and avoid big fines. on upcoming “We are considering public transport free of charge in order to reduce the number of private cars,” defence pact Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks, Finance Minister Peter Altmaier and Agriculture Minister By Damon Wake, AFP Christian Schmidt wrote in a letter Brussels to EU Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella seen by AFP. “Eff ectively fighting air pollution ato chief Jens Stolten- without any further unnecessary berg yesterday warned delays is of the highest priority for Nthe EU its new defence Germany,” the ministers added. co-operation pact must not un- A deadline arrived on January dermine the alliance, as US offi - 30 for Germany and eight fellow EU cials voiced fresh concerns about members including Spain, France the fl agship initiative. and Italy to meet EU limits on The European Union launched nitrogen dioxide and fine particles the scheme with great fanfare in or face legal action. December, touting it as a way to Brussels environment chief get member states to work more Vella gave countries extra time to closely post-Brexit and spend present further pollution-busting more eff ectively on defence measures. projects. Alongside free transport, the But the plan has come under politicians promised new laws by fi re in recent days from US of- year’s end to limit emissions from fi cials who fear it could draw buses, cabs and other fleet opera- resources away from Nato and tors, updated traff ic regulations even become a “protectionist” and low emission zones, further tax umbrella for European defence breaks for less-polluting vehicles manufacturers. and technical retrofits to existing Stoltenberg, speaking on the motors. eve of a meeting of Nato defence German ministers promised to ministers in Brussels, said there work with state and local govern- was “no way” the EU could re- ments on the schemes, which will place the transatlantic alliance in be tested in the cities of Bonn, guaranteeing European security. Essen, Herrenberg, Reutlingen and Eff orts to boost European de- Mannheim. fence spending were welcome, But Association of German Cities he said, but only if they were co- chief Helmut Dedy warned that “we Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives at a Justice and Development Party parliamentary group meeting in Ankara yesterday. ordinated with Nato plans. expect a clear statement about how “It will be absolutely without (free transport) will be financed” any meaning if Nato and the EU from the federal government. start to compete,” the former Nor- “This can’t be implemented in a wegian premier told reporters. hurry,” agreed Michael Ebling, head “European allies are absolute- of the German Association of Local ly aware that the defence, the Utilities. protection of Europe is depend- “Serving more people with public ent on Nato.” transport would mean buying new Erdogan warns Cyprus The EU’s so-called permanent buses and trams and adapting infra- structured co-operation on de- structure and timetables.” fence agreement, known as PES- Air quality has surged to the top CO, has projects in view already of Berlin’s priorities over the past to develop new military equip- year. ment and improve co-operation Environmentalists brought court and decision-making. cases aimed at banning diesel cars as gas standoff spirals But on Sunday Katie Wheel- from parts of some city centres. barger, a senior offi cial at the Fears millions of diesel drivers Reuters gion with the instruction to do whatev- The area where the drill ship was The two men spoke at an anti-Is- US Department of Defense, said could be aff ected prompted Chan- Ankara er is necessary,” Erdogan told members headed — Block 3 of Cyprus’s economic lamic State coalition meeting in Kuwait Washington was concerned cellor Angela Merkel to promise of his ruling AK Party in parliament. zone — is also claimed by Turkish Cyp- and agreed “to preserve the neces- some of the proposed initiatives action and squeeze carmakers for “We warn those who overstep the riots. sary climate of trust for possible fur- risked “pulling resources or ca- funding, in the wake of successive urkish President Tayyip Erdogan mark in Cyprus and the Aegean,” he Turkey’s state-owned oil company ther projects in the energy sector,” the pabilities away from Nato”. diesel emissions cheating scandals. yesterday warned Cyprus not to said. “They are standing up to us until also plans to search for oil and gas off statement said. And the US stepped up its “Life-threatening” pollution af- T“overstep the mark” in the east- they see our army, ships and planes.” Cyprus, ethnically partitioned between Cyprus has seemed keen to down- criticism on Monday, with Am- fects more than 130 cities in Europe, ern Mediterranean, after Greek Cypri- Cyprus President Nicos Anastasia- its Greek and Turkish Cypriot commu- play the standoff , which appears to be bassador to Nato Kay Bailey according to the Commission, caus- ots accused the Turkish military of ob- des declined to comment on Erdogan’s nities. the worst escalation of simmering ten- Hutchison warning the EU there ing some 400,000 deaths and cost- structing an Italian vessel exploring for remarks, but said there was no cause for Saipem is contracted by Italy’s state- sions since the island struck a small could be serious consequences ing 20bn euros ($24.7bn) in health natural gas over the weekend. worry. controlled Eni, whose offi cials have quantity of natural gas in 2011. if it shut US defence companies spending per year in the bloc. Turkey, which does not have diplo- Cyprus is one of several states, also confi rmed the ship was stopped by “There is no cause for anyone to be out of cooperation projects. Countries that fail to keep to EU matic ties with Cyprus, says some ar- including Israel and Lebanon, racing to Turkish ships on Friday afternoon be- concerned. This is being handled in “Certainly we do not want this limits could face legal action at the eas of Cyprus’s off shore maritime zone tap gas deposits in the eastern Mediter- cause of a military exercise in the area. a manner to avert any possible crisis to be a protectionist vehicle for European Court of Justice, the EU’s fall under the jurisdiction of Turkey or ranean. Italian Foreign Minister Ange- which could create problems either to the EU and we’re going to watch highest tribunal, which can levy Turkish Cypriots, underscoring ten- Greek Cypriots run Cyprus’s inter- lino Alfano yesterday told his Turkish the economy or to the state,” President carefully, because if that becomes fines on the member states. sions in the broader eastern Mediter- nationally recognised government, counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, that Anastasiades told reporters in Nicosia. the case then it could splinter the The Commission has already ranean over competing claims for off - while Turkish Cypriots have a breaka- he wanted a solution to the standoff The European Union on Monday strong security alliance that we targeted Bulgaria and Poland with shore resources. way state in the north — recognised “that is in line with international law”, called on Turkey to avoid threats and have,” she told reporters. lawsuits. “Our warships and security units are only by Ankara — and say resources a statement from Italy’s Foreign Minis- “refrain from any actions that might “We want the Europeans to following all developments in the re- around the island belong to them too. try said. damage good neighbourly” ties. have capabilities and strength but not to fence off American products or Norwegian products or potentially UK products.” Britain, which is leaving the EU next year, is one of only three Moscow crash may have been caused by iced speed probes member states along with Den- mark and Malta not to sign up to the pact. AFP The IAC said it has completed began to display vastly diff erent Under the rules of the co-op- Moscow analysis of the on-board fl ight re- speeds. eration agreement, as a non-EU corder and would still need to analyse The plane’s autopilot was turned state Britain will be able to take the black box which recorded conver- off and it began to sharply lose speed part in specifi c missions but will ussian experts investigat- sations in the cockpit. until impact with the ground at 1127 have no decision-making role. ing the weekend plane crash It would also look at whether the GMT, the IAC said. The disquiet over PESCO Routside Moscow that killed 71 pitot tubes, a vital piece of equipment Russia’s Investigative Committee, means a working dinner at the people said yesterday that the acci- which measures airspeed, could have which probes major crimes, said it defence ministers’ meeting today, dent may have been caused by ice on malfunctioned. would consider the IAC’s fi ndings in which EU diplomatic chief Fed- speed-measuring instruments which Iced-over pitot tube instruments its criminal investigation. erica Mogherini is set to attend, led to faulty information on the craft’s were previously named as the likely Emergency workers have been takes on added importance. airspeed. reason behind the Air France 447 combing through deep snow at the A European diplomat insisted “A factor in the development of a fl ight crashing into the Atlantic in crash site outside Moscow. EU defence co-operation posed special situation in the fl ight could 2009, killing 228 people on board. The emergency ministry said yes- no threat to Nato, saying that be the wrong data about fl ight speed The RBK newspaper yesterday terday they had recovered 1,400 body while “a little explanatory work” on pilots’ indicators which was likely quoted sources as saying that the parts and 900 plane fragments. was needed to reassure the due to iced pitot tubes (speed probes) captain of the Russian flight re- Authorities were taking DNA sam- Americans, there was no funda- while their heating systems were shut fused the de-icing procedure while ples from relatives of the victims in mental confl ict. off ,” said the Russian Interstate Avia- the plane was in Domodedovo air- order to complete identifi cation. But the diplomat said the fact tion Committee (IAC) which investi- port. The emergency ministry added the US does not have a full am- gates aircraft incidents. Kommersant newspaper previous- that it lifted two engines from a cra- bassador to the EU in post was a The Antonov An-148 plane took off ly said that this was optional given ter formed by the plane’s impact, problem. from Moscow’s Domodedovo airport the relatively mild temperatures at sending them to be investigated. The “If the US appointed an am- on Sunday to the Russian city of Orsk the time. search would continue today, it said. bassador to the EU — which they and went down in a fi eld around 70km The IAC said the fl ight began hav- The fl ight was operated by the do- haven’t done for over a year — it southeast of Moscow shortly after. ing problems two and a half minutes mestic Saratov Airlines, which an- would be easier to explain what A Russian Emergency Ministry handout photo of rescuers working at the site of plane All 65 passengers and six crew after takeoff at an altitude of about nounced that it would suspend usage the Europeans are doing,” the crash in Ramensky district on the outskirts of Moscow. members on board died. 1,300m, at which point instruments of the An-148. diplomat said. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 INDIA

POLITICS POLITICS INVESTIGATION ECONOMY PROGRAMME Congress communalising Shatrughan backs Architect arrested in Govt economists critical Over 500,000 to be elections, says BJP Congress leader Renuka drug peddling case of budget: Chidambaram trained with ‘green skills’

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) yesterday Disgruntled Bharatiya Janata Party MP Shatrughan The Narcotics Control Bureau yesterday said they Former finance minister and senior Congress leader The Environment Ministry will train over accused Meghalaya’s ruling Congress of Sinha yesterday openly came out in support of have arrested an architect from Kolkata for allegedly P Chidambaram yesterday said every economist 500,000 people with “green skills” for better job “communalising” the February 27 assembly Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury, saying “we working as a middle man in a drug-peddling racket of the government is speaking against the union opportunities between 2018 and 2021, federal elections in the state instead of replying to the are fond of you” and those who “oppose women’s that was busted in December last year. “Rhythm Das budget, leading to a chorus of dissent against it. minister Harsh Vardhan said yesterday. He, “charge-sheet” on the “15 Years of Loot, 15 Years empowerment and laughter would melt soon”. has been arrested for allegedly assisting a drug- “The chorus of dissent against budget provisions however, clarified that though the skills provided of Destruction” during its three terms. “The “Laugh Renuka laugh! We love you, we’re fond peddling unit in financial transactions and procuring grows. Dr Arvind Panagariya (former NITI Aayog by them are in demand, the ministry does not Congress Party is creating a negative campaign. of you and wish you well. Don’t worry, be happy,” drugs from other cities on behalf of them, NCB vice chairman) speaks against protectionist custom guarantee employment. The minister said a total The Congress is communalising this election. The Sinha tweeted. “Let them cry and shout hoarse. off icer Dilip Kumar Srivastava said. “He also ordered duties,” Chidambaram said on Twitter. “Dr Rathin of 560,000 people will be trained under the Congress Party is running away from its shameful Things will settle down. Those who oppose drugs like MDMA (Ecstasy) through the dark web Roy, Member, PMEAC (Prime Minister’s Economic ministry’s green skill development programme track record. The Congress is unable to answer women’s empowerment and laughter would melt using bitcoin,” he said. The off icer said one of the two Advisory Council) joins Dr Panagariya. Dr Surjit with the highly sought after skills which are in to the scams against it and unable to say why soon. We all will have the last laugh. Long live drug peddlers named Niloy Ghosh, arrested earlier Bhalla, another member, PMEAC, speaks against demand. The ‘green skills’ under the programme they have not kept promises made 15 years in ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s empowerment),” the Patna in this case, used to place orders through Das’ bank LTCG (long term capital gain tax),” he added. include biodiversity conservationists, eff luent Meghalaya,” BJP spokesman Nalin Kohli said in Sahib MP said. Sinha’s remarks came in the wake account and buy drugs through him. “Niloy Ghosh Chidambaram further said: “Dr Rajiv Kumar, vice treatment plant operators, air pollution abatement Shillong. On the Congress calling the BJP “anti- of the controversy that erupted on February 7 had purchased the consignments through Das since chairman, NITI Aayog, hopes that these measures workers, equipment operators, waste handling and Christian”, he said: “I am charging the Congress when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig last six months of his arrest,” he said. The off icer are ‘temporary’!” “Dr Urjit Patel, Governor, RBI, warns candidates for plantation sectors among others. with trying to communalise this election and at Chowdhury after she laughed loudly when he revealed that they have got information on frequent of five taxes on capital and how it will inhibit capital Vardhan said that a group of trainers will be first trying to force the churches into politics which is claimed that the Aadhaar idea was conceptualised consumption of drugs like MDMA and LSD by various investment. Every economist of the government received at the ministry and then sent to diff erent very unfortunate.” during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. students in a prominent Karnataka college. speaks against budget provisions!” he added. parts of the country to train the candidates.

Kerala ‘bar scam’ whistleblower Aadhaar critics allege accuses ruling party of ‘cheating’ they are being harassed By Rahul Bhatia/Reuters systems,” Sharma told a television Mumbai channel last month. IANS In 2014, former chief min- “That’s probably one of the Thiruvananthapuram ister Oommen Chandy closed reasons why people realise that down close to 700 bars in the esearchers and journalists this is now becoming too diffi cult state, leaving just around two who have identifi ed loop- or too dangerous for them.” histleblower bar dozen bars in only fi ve star ho- Rholes in India’s massive na- A Bengaluru researcher who owner Biju Ramesh, tels. tional identity card project have contributed to the CIS report Wwhose allegation After Ramesh’s expose on a said they have been slapped with said scrutiny by police and gov- about corruption led to the TV channel, where he disclosed criminal cases or harassed by gov- ernment offi cials was a common Congress-led alliance being that he had paid bribes to Mani ernment agencies because of their occurrence, but harassment was voted out over the ‘bar scam’, in 2014 to re-open the bars, the work. stepped up after it was published. yesterday accused the rul- former minister resigned in Last month, the Unique Identi- “Sometimes people from the ing Communist Party of India 2015. fi cation Authority of India (UID- police station visit you. Other (Marxist) of cheating and not The scam was used as a ma- AI), the semi-government body times from the Home Ministry. It fulfi lling the promise of reo- jor campaign issue by the Left responsible for the national iden- was intimidating,” the researcher pening bars. during the state election cam- tity project, called Aadhaar, fi led a said. Ramesh, who owned nine paign in 2016. Chandy and the criminal case against The Tribune The person, who asked not to bars when the scam was un- United Democratic Front won newspaper for publishing a story be named for fear of reprisal, said earthed, said CPM state sec- just 47 of the 140 seats in the that said access to the card’s da- police offi cers asked questions retary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Kerala Assembly. tabase could be bought for Rs500. like “How was that trip to Tur- had promised “when the Left “By trying to patch up with Reuters spoke to eight addi- key?’,” to make it clear the subjects comes to power, they will re- Mani, they (CPM) have not just tional researchers, activists and were under surveillance. open the closed bars.” cheated me, but the people of journalists who have complained When Sameer Kochhar, a social “We believed him... He the state also, as without the of being harassed after writing scientist and author of books on promised us that if we stood help of CPM, Mani will not about Aadhaar. Aadhaar, demonstrated how the fi rm on the allegations of the be able to get out of the case,” They said UIDAI and other gov- system’s biometrics safeguards bribe against former fi nance Ramesh added. ernment agencies were extremely could be bypassed last year, UID- minister K M Mani, they will When Mani tried to present sensitive to criticism of the Aad- A woman waits for her turn to enrol for the Aadhaar at a registration centre in New Delhi. AI fi led a police report in New re-open the closed bars when the state budget in 2015, the haar programme. Delhi, a person familiar with the they come to power. Left which was in opposition Aadhaar is a biometric identi- great public interest. It is unfair, UIDAI sent the CIS a legal no- the notices or on the questions matter said. “But the CPM is on the verge then, created a ruckus in the fi cation card that is becoming in- unjustifi ed and a direct attack on tice within days, said Srinivas about funding. Subsequently, Kochhar re- of giving a clean chit to Mani in assembly, damaging the fur- tegral to the digitisation of India’s the freedom of the press.” Kodali, one of the authors of the UIDAI did not reply to multiple ceived at least three notices from the ‘bar scam’ case, and this is niture including the speaker’s economy, with over 1.1bn users In response, the agency said report. e-mails seeking comment on the the Delhi police alleging that he cheating,” said Ramesh. chair. and the world’s biggest database. “an impression was being created The notice alleged that some of accusations about CIS and similar had violated 14 sections under Indians have been asked to fur- in media that UIDAI is targeting the data cited in the report would complaints by other activists and three separate laws, the person nish their Aadhaar numbers for the media or whistleblowers or only be available if the site had journalists, and offi cials could not said. Congress links CPM to a host of transactions including shooting the messenger.” been accessed illegally. be reached by phone. Kochhar’s lawyer declined accessing bank accounts, paying “That is not at all true. It is for The UIDAI wrote that the peo- Offi cials at the Ministry of In- comment. murder of party worker taxes, receiving subsidies, acquir- the act of unauthorised access, ple involved had to be “brought to formation Technology that su- Delhi police offi cials declined ing a mobile number, settling a criminal proceedings have been justice.” pervises UIDAI were unreachable comment. A 30-year-old Youth Congress create a scare. They then slashed property deal and registering a launched,” it said in a statement. According to Kodali, two more by phone. Critics have warned Aadhaar worker was murdered late him with a sword. The incident marriage. Osama Manzar, the direc- notices followed, addressed to In a column in the Economic could be used as an instrument of Monday night, police said occurred around 10.45pm. The Tribune said one of its re- tor of the Digital Empowerment the group’s directors and two re- Times newspaper in January, Ajay state surveillance while data se- yesterday. Shoaib was seriously injured. porters purchased access to a por- Foundation, a New Delhi-based searchers, containing more accu- Pandey, the head of the UIDAI, curity and privacy regulations are The Congress alleged the He was first taken to a nearby tal that could provide data linked NGO, called the government’s sations. wrote: “The data of all Aadhaar still to be framed. Communist Party of India hospital but later died at the to any Aadhaar cardholder. prickliness “a clear sign that “They said it was a criminal holders is safe and secure. One Former central bank governor (Marxist) was involved in the Kozhikode Medical College The UIDAI complaint, fi led rather than it wanting to learn conspiracy, and demanded that should not believe rumours or Raghuram Rajan said last month murder a charge the ruling party hospital. with the police cyber cell in New how to make Aadhaar a tool of we send individual responses,” he claims made on its so-called that the government needed to has denied. According to the Congress Party, Delhi accused the newspaper, the empowerment, it actually wants said. ‘breach’.” prove it would protect the privacy The Congress called for a dawn- Shoaib was involved in a tiff reporter, and others of cheating to use it as a coercive tool of dis- CIS then received questions R S Sharma, the head of India’s of Aadhaar. to-dusk shutdown in the district, with the CPM unit over student by impersonation, forgery and empowerment”. about its funding from the home telecom regulatory body, said “I do think that we have to as- but allowed vehicles to ply. politics. unauthorised access to a compu- Last May, the Centre for In- ministry section that grants there was an “orchestrated cam- sure the public that their data is According to the party, Shoaib “Not long back, a club of the ter network. ternet and Society (CIS), an in- NGOs permission to receive for- paign” against Aadhaar as it was safe,” Rajan said. and his friends were waiting Congress Party was attacked Media associations sharply dependent advocacy group, pub- eign funding, said a source in the against the interests of those who “All these reports about easy in front of a restaurant near after the CPM leadership was criticised the action – the Editors lished a report that government group who saw the letter. operated in the shadow economy availability of data are worrying Mattanoor, near here, on upset when the children of the Guild of India said UIDAI’s move websites had inadvertently leaked CIS viewed this as a threat to its with fi ctitious names, or were and we have to ensure security. Monday, when four men came party leaders took part in a was “clearly meant to browbeat several million identifi cation funding, the source said. skimming off subsidies. We cannot just say trust us, trust in a car and threw bombs to meeting. a journalist whose story was of numbers from the project. CIS declined to comment on “It is going to clean up many us, it’s all secure.” Anti-Modi alliance for 2019 looks a non-starter t has now been fi rmly estab- the past 45 months, ‘jumlas’ not- Although many leaders in the nia, thinks Rahul is too immature the meeting a miss but ordered lished that Narendra Modi is withstanding. Nobody can blame party would privately confess and therefore would not want to her party lieutenants not to co- Iboth a very lucky and brave him for want of trying. their doubts about Rahul Gan- do anything with him. She did operate with the Congress-led person. By 2014 the 10-year rule Yes, some of his more impor- Delhi Diary dhi’s mental and intellectual sa- not attend citing “prior com- opposition. And then she went of the United Progressive Alli- tant initiatives – demonetisation gacity to become India’s prime mitments” although Sonia had ahead and forged a tie-up with ance (UPA) led by the Congress of high value currency notes for By A K B Krishnan minister, they know he is their made sure all parties were kept the Janata Dal (Secular) of former Party had been so mired in cor- one – have been controversial. only choice because without that informed well in advance. prime minister Deve Gowda for ruption that Indians would have But no policy maker anywhere, Gulf Times Correspondent famous surname to prop them up Trinamool’s Rajya Sabha the upcoming assembly elections settled for anyone except the leave alone in a diverse country the party will cease to exist pretty leader Derek O’Brien, who rep- in Karnataka where the Congress grand old party. Modi saw the like India, can vouch the suc- quickly. resented his party, said there was is in a bitter struggle to retain moment, led from the front and cess of his/her enterprise of such on the upswing for the past few his enemies have no other inter- A similar question of survival no one more capable to lead the power against a relentless BJP recorded an emphatic victory for nature. But fear of failure should months. Finance ministry man- est than to see his downfall. For is also staring at the communists fi ght against Modi than Banerjee onslaught. his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). be the last thing holding a prime darins say they have factored instance, Lalu Prasad Yadav of who at one time had ambitions herself. Rahul Gandhi does not Before we get to the parliamen- As he campaigned across the minister or head of government in oil at $75 a barrel in all their Bihar, now cooling his heels in a of becoming a predominant po- qualify. tary elections next year, there are length and breadth of the coun- back and Modi is surely not one plans, so the present price levels Jharkhand jail, had openly de- litical force in the country but are Banerjee received further eight state assembly elections try, Modi promised a lot, includ- to succumb to it. are fi ne with them. But since we clared that he would do anything now reduced to regional status boost to her stature when Hardik scheduled for this year and early ing what has come to be known Luck also played its part for are all gearing up for the big elec- to defeat Modi. with just two states under their Patil, the young Gujarati leader of 2019. The BJP may win some as the mother of all ‘jumlas’ (false Modi when, after two consecu- tion date in 2019, there is enough But the problem with the op- rule. It is, therefore, natural for sections of Patidars, told report- of these but are also more than promises), of depositing Rs1.5mn tive rain-defi cient seasons, the time for oil to breach that thresh- position is similar to the one of the communists to fi nd common ers after meeting her in Kolkata: likely to lose some. Rajasthan, for in every Indian’s bank account heavens opened up over India old. Hence at least on the oil front belling the cat. No single party or cause with the Congress against “I feel Mamata Banerjee should instance, is as good as gone be- from the money illegally stashed for three successive monsoons. Modi’s luck may be hanging by a person is strong enough or char- Modi and the BJP, at least at the be the face of this united oppo- cause Chief Minister Vasundhara away in foreign shores, allegedly Bumper crops that resulted may fragile thread. ismatic enough to take Modi on, national level. sition.” That must have hurt the Raje has failed to deliver even as by Congress politicians and their have put farmers in distress be- But that’s fi ne, for Modi has a yet everyone wants him out. The left parties, despite dif- Gandhis to no end because Rahul the state unit of the Congress crony capitalists. cause prices of farm produce bigger slice of luck going for him As the only party with pan-In- ferences within themselves, were and Hardik had come together to Party under Sachin Pilot has gal- In reality he was wasting his plunged but that can only be seen in the form of domestic political dia presence and also having been well represented in the recent fi ght the BJP in the Gujarat as- vanised into a formidable force. breath. No such promises were as a problem of plenty. The other opposition. there and done that several times meeting of opposition parties sembly elections and the Con- (Haryana’s Manohar Lal Khattar, required. The Congress had signifi cant luck that favoured Ideologically Modi invokes before, the Congress Party feels called by Sonia Gandhi who told gress Party must have hoped for too, will face similar fate but that made sure of a virtual walkover Modi was international energy very sharply contradicting reac- it should be the natural leader of the gathering that “we all have to continued support from the Pati- is likely to happen only after the for Modi or anyone else the BJP prices that had headed south for tions. There are those who would any opposition coalition. By ex- come together leaving aside dif- dar leader. parliamentary polls.) would have cared to put up as three years straight doing India’s die for him and there are those tension, Congress president Ra- ferences.” The stock of the Bahujan Sa- These may be setbacks for the prime ministerial candidate. balance of payments a world of who would want him dead. It is hul Gandhi is its choice for prime But that is easier said than done maj Party (BSP) of Uttar Pradesh BJP as a party but the opposition Regardless, Modi’s promise good. often said that in politics there minister in 2019. Rahul’s mother as the meeting, that had repre- may be low at the moment but seems bent upon making sure of equity for all, especially in But, if what goes up must come are no permanent friends or en- and UPA chairperson Sonia Gan- sentatives from 17 parties, itself that did not prevent party su- that Modi’s own future is safe in matters of economy, did strike down, the opposite must also be emies, only permanent interests. dhi has herself endorsed her son’s showed. Trinamool Congress premo Mayawati from ploughing 2019. Modi cannot be faulted if he a resonant note. Truth to tell, true, most importantly in the This may not be altogether true pre-eminence when she said Ra- chief Mamata Banerjee, who has that lonely furrow in the hope her wonders why with enemies like Modi has been tirelessly at it for case of oil prices which have been in Modi’s case. A large section of hul is her boss. a fairly good equation with So- time will come. She not only gave these he would ever need friends! Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 21 INDIA No more fi lms for me, says Kamal Haasan

IANS be no more fi lms for me,” de- “They are with me for the Haasan said the colour of tic change – monolithic and mo- hating Hindus or be the virodhi guiding principles would be re- New Delhi clared Haasan in an interview past 37 years. At my instruc- his politics is “black” and he noculture.” (opponent) of Hindus as I have leased on February 21. to private news channel India tion, they have engaged more is concerned about the saff ron Claiming himself to be a fan of many in the family. I am just say- Haasan was at Harvard Uni- Today at Harvard University in and more younger people in our colour. The reference was to the both Mahatma Gandhi and Ja- ing this kind of extremism is bad versity to collect ideas for his amil actor Kamal Haas- Boston. welfare movement over the years Bharatiya Janata Party. waharlal Nehru, the actor said, for our lot.” project to adopt eight villages in an yesterday said there Asked whether he would stick including about 250 lawyers. All He said black in his politics “This country in all its diversity Asked if there would be an diff erent districts of Tamil Nadu Twould be no more fi lms to politics even if he loses the would become volunteers.” refl ects a Dravidian tone and the is what makes India for me.” alliance with the superstar of and turn them into model vil- for him as his plunge into politics election, he said, “I will have to The 63-year-old actor, who dark skin. Asked how alarming Hindu Tamil cinema Rajinikanth, who lages. for the people of Tamil Nadu was do something for an honest liv- is forming a new political party, “It’s culturally not a bad col- extremism was and the ways to has also announced his entry “We will embark on a tour fi nal and irreversible. ing. But I don’t think I am going added, “I am earnest. I am not our for us Tamils.” tackle it, Haasan said, “It is not into politics, Haasan said if Ra- to Rameswaram, Madurai and The actor-turned-politician, to lose.” here to improve my bank ac- However, he does not plan to yet looming large but it will if jinikanth’s colour of politics is Sivaganga and other places and who is set to announce his party As for his confi dence, the su- count. I could have led a happy, align with the saff ron colour. you allow it to go on in this di- saff ron then there would be no will adopt a village. We want and its guiding principles this perstar said, “I may not have retired, popular life. My deci- “Ideologically, I believe in rection, which we should not. alliance. to give them the basic require- month, believes Hindu extrem- been a political entity but we sion to come into politics is as I certain kind of India. It’s noth- We have a reputation to keep. “I am to announce my party ments – health, education, ism is a threat and he cannot just have been in social service for 37 do not want to die merely as an ing new. We have always been We need to keep talking to them, and then the guiding princi- power, clean water and it’s not keep complaining about it. years. In these 37 years, we have actor. I will die in the service of practising. It worked well for dialogue is the only way.” ples. He (Rajinikanth) has to do impossible. The villages we have “Except for the two fi lms collected about 10 lakh loyal people and that I have promised me. I am not a guy who hates Haasan clarifi ed that he was that and then we can juxtapose,” selected are truly neglected vil- which are coming out, there will workers. myself.” change but not this kind of dras- not a Hindu hater. “I cannot be Haasan said adding his party’s lages,” he said. Celebration of friendship 5 killed, 11 hurt in shipyard blast

Agencies Nine workers were carrying Kochi out welding inside the water ballast when the blast occurred, killing fi ve of them. t least fi ve people were The tanker ship had dry- killed and 11 injured yes- docked at the Cochin Shipyard Aterday after an explosion for a month for repairs and took place on a ship undergoing maintenance. maintenance at the Kochi ship- All the dead are from Kerala. yard in Kerala. Shipyard chairman and man- The blast took place on a aging director Madhu S Nair tanker ship of the Oil and Nat- told reporters about the inter- ural Gas Corporation, said V nal probe committee. Kala, a spokeswoman for the “Since we come under the Cochin Shipyard Limited. Factories and Broilers Depart- Most of the victims were ment, their offi cials will come, daily wage labourers and died besides those from the Director of asphyxiation due to noxious General of Shipping to fi nd out fumes released by the blast, po- what happened. lice offi cer M P Dinesh said. We do follow stringent safety A police vehicle exits Cochin Shipyard Ltd, after a fire broke out on At least 20 workers were on practices and even today morn- a ship under repair at the shipping yard, yesterday. the ship when the accident ing, as per the safety protocols, happened, Dinesh said. the amount of gas in the water and all expenses on the injured provide stability to the vessel. Those injured were being ballast was checked,” said Nair. workers met by us,” he said. Kochi City Police Commis- treated at a local hospital. “Since there was a loud In a statement, ONGC said: sioner M P Dinesh told the me- The Cochin Shipyard man- noise, there may be a chance “The cause of the incident is dia: “The dead include some agement has announced a probe that gas got consolidated in the being ascertained.” who apparently choked on by an internal committee. water ballast since welding is A ballast tank is a compart- smoke after the explosion.” The blast occurred at around done using two diff erent gases. ment within a ship or other fl oat- He also said that a probe had 9.45am. Every aspect will be probed ing structure that holds water to been ordered. 2 militants killed in Srinagar as 30-hour gunbattle ends

IANS building a day ago after an alert six soldiers and a civilian, were Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Srinagar sentry at the observation post killed. Defence Minister Nirmala of the 23rd battalion of the Ten others, including six wom- Sitharaman regarding Pakistan Central Reserve Police Force en and children were injured. following the Jammu attack. wo militants involved in (CRPF) spotted them and fi red, A group of heavily armed Gandhi accused Prime Minis- a failed terror attack on averting a possible terror attack Jaish-e-Mohamed (JeM) ter- ter Narendra Modi of “dithering” Tparamilitary camp in Si- on the camp. rorists entered the Sunjuwan while Indian soldiers were killed nagar were killed yesterday in a Carrying backpacks and army camp on February 10 after in terror attacks in the state. nearly 30-hour-long gunfi ght, AK-47 rifl es the militants were hurling grenades and using au- “PDP says ‘talks’ with Paki- police said. forced to withdraw and were tomatic gunfi re. stan. BJP Defence Minister says “While one was gunned later trapped inside the build- Three terrorists who man- ‘Pakistan will pay the price’,” down as he came out of the ing from where they were en- aged to enter the Junior Com- Gandhi tweeted. under construction building to gaged in the gunbattle with the missioned Offi cer’s residential “While our soldiers pay with get into another adjacent build- security forces. quarters, were killed in the an- their blood for BJP/PDP’s op- ing, the other was trapped and A CRPF trooper was killed ti-terror operation by the secu- portunistic alliance and non- killed inside the building that during the gunfi ght on Monday rity forces. existent Kashmir policy; Modi they took refuge in on Monday,” while a constable of the Special In New Delhi, Congress pres- Ji (Prime Minister Narendra a police offi cer said. Operations Group (SOG) of the ident Rahul Gandhi slammed Modi) dithers,” he added. The exact identity of the Jammu and Kashmir Police was Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling On Monday, Mufti had called militants was still being estab- injured. People’s Democratic Party- for India-Pakistan talks, adding Members of the French performance company ‘Transe Express’ take part in the ‘Enchanted lished, the police said, adding The attempted terror bid on Bharatiya Janata Party alliance that though she will be dubbed Chandelier’ aerial show in Hyderabad as a part of Bonjour India, for celebrating India-French that a search operation in the the CRPF camp came close on for their “opportunistic alli- “anti-national” by TV channels friendship, yesterday. The musical concert and theatre event features bell-ringing musicians area was going on. the heels of the Sunjuwan mili- ance and non-existent Kashmir for making the appeal a dialogue and aerialists on a huge musical chandelier lifted 55m into the air. The militants had taken shel- tary camp attack in Jammu, in policy”, in the wake of diver- was necessary if they wanted to ter inside the Karan Nagar area which seven people, including gent statements by state Chief end bloodshed in the state. ‘Like-minded’ parties can defeat BJP: Pawar

IANS ing is there is a big change in the “Where’s the question of by personally inviting party lead- bid to break prospective alliances”, New Delhi mood of the farming community, taking names, I have not ers from the Congress, Trinamool Pawar said: “Modi is a vindic- the middle class, minorities, even discussed this with anyone Congress, CPI, CPM, National tive politician. In my many years youth. as yet. Unless and until we Conference and Samajwadi Party to in public life, I have seen people ationalist Congress Party “The Modi government talks reach an understanding, attend the “Save the Constitution” don’t like vindictive politics. chief Sharad Pawar has about giving employment, but then only will a name march in Mumbai on January 26. “When Morarjibhai was prime Nagain mooted the idea of as (former fi nance minister P) emerge for leadership” He later invited party leaders to minister and he got Indira Gandhi a coalition of “like-minded” par- Chidambaram showed in parlia- another meeting at his residence arrested and sent her to prison, it ties to challenge Prime Minister ment, there are lakhs of govern- “Something similar happened in Delhi where, he said, it was changed the people’s mood against Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya ment job vacancies in both Centre in 2004. (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee suggested that since Sonia Gan- his government, even though the Janata Party-led National Demo- and states. Naturally, young peo- was the most popular prime min- dhi was still head of the UPA, she Janata Party had a comfortable cratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2019 ple are unhappy with this govern- ister at the time, though he was should take the initiative. majority. That one action changed general elections. ment, they want a viable alterna- not happy with the way things Gandhi invited 16-17 parties for its political destiny.” In an interview with The Wire, tive and if we succeed to provide were going… But who would have a meeting in Delhi and all of them About accepting Congress the veteran politician said the cur- and create confi dence among believed Manmohan Singh would attended. “We discussed the na- president Rahul Gandhi, whom rent mood in the country particu- this section, then we have a good become the prime minister? I be- tional situation and the failures he had once called immature, as larly of farmers and middle class chance,” Pawar said. lieve if like-minded forces come of the Modi government but there a joint prime ministerial candi- and even youth was “against” Asked if it was possible because together and work, I will not be was no defi nite understanding nor date, Pawar skirted a direct reply Modi who has “failed to provide similar previous attempts in the surprised if we collectively form did we come to any conclusion and said: “Where’s the question of jobs to the youth”. recent past had failed, he sounded the government.” that we should contest the elec- taking names, I have not discussed “As of today, Modi has a com- optimistic but said it was for the He said he was certain about the tion together.” this with anyone as yet. Unless fortable position in parliament, other parties also to take the ini- idea but “I can’t do it alone, it has Asked how he feels since Modi and until we reach an understand- his party is in power in many tiative and not leave it to the NCP to be decided collectively”. has threatened to throw every ing, then only will a name emerge states. But the situation emerg- only. Pawar made a similar attempt corrupt politician into prison “in a for leadership.” Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 LATIN AMERICA

PROPOSAL MILITANCY TRAGEDY PEOPLE LAW AND ORDER Honduras bill seeks Colombian soldier killed Argentine police trainers Pirates catcher Diaz’s mum Mexico searches for to curb online speech in shootout with rebels arrested after cadet dies rescued after kidnapping kidnapped federal agents

Lawmakers in Honduras are debating a bill that A Colombian soldier was killed in an attack An Argentine police cadet died and 14 others The mother of Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Elias Diaz Mexican authorities are searching for two wants to fine administrators of social media attributed to the National Liberation Army (ELN) were taken to hospital after a training exercise in was rescued three days after being kidnapped kidnapped organised crime law enforcement networks for online comments deemed off ensive guerrilla group that launched an off ensive over the which recruits were subjected to mistreatment in in Venezuela last week. Ana Isabel Soto, 72, was agents shown on an online video surrounded by or promoting “hate campaigns.” The measure was weekend. Jhon Jairo Delgado, 29, was shot dead by extreme heat, off icials and family members said. kidnapped on Thursday as Diaz was preparing to masked gunmen, the attorney general’s off ice said introduced by a member of the ruling National the occupants of a vehicle that soldiers were trying Authorities in the northeastern province of La travel to spring training in Bradenton, Fla. She was in a statement. The video posted online shows the Party as the country is wracked by protests to inspect near Valdivia in north-western Antioquia Rioja have opened a criminal investigation and rescued by police and security off icers, according two agents, part of the attorney general’s organised claiming President Juan Orlando Hernandez province, Radio Caracol reported. His compatriots suspended several local police off icials. Eight to Venezuelan authorities. “The Pittsburgh Pirates crime unit SEIDO, kneeling and with their hands won a new mandate through a rigged November pursued the killers. They confiscated explosives have been placed under arrest. Nineteen-year- are relieved and overjoyed to learn that Elias Diaz’ tied. One reads a script in which he blames top election. Much of the vitriol against Hernandez that the suspects were transporting, but did not old Emmanuel Garay died from organ failure. He mother, Ana Soto, has been rescued and safely government off icials for ordering arbitrary arrests, and the National Party is being expressed in manage to arrest any of them. ELN had planned was being treated for extreme dehydration after reunited with her family,” Pirates president Frank theft, the torture of suspects and raping of women social media. The opposition and other groups to use the explosives to blow up a bridge near collapsing on the first day of training. Juan Luna, Coonelly said. “We are grateful for the swift and and children. He also warns that more agents will are also using online forums to organise the anti- Valdivia, the army was quoted as saying. The killing a member of La Rioja’s provincial government, eff ective work of the local law enforcement off icials be kidnapped. The description of the video on government protests. Civil society groups say the of Delgado was the first attributed to ELN since the said temperatures had reached 40 degrees in Venezuela who brought this terrifying act to the YouTube says the Jalisco New Generation Cartel move is an attempt to curb free speech. beginning of the off ensive. Celsius. safe conclusion for which we had all prayed.” was behind the kidnapping. Cuba creditors Car bomb injures two off er ‘very huge relief’ in debt proposal

Reuters benefi cial terms to remedy their London situation vis-a-vis capital mar- kets.” While details of the proposal uba’s commercial credi- were confi dential, it would con- tors have off ered “very vey “very signifi cant debt relief” Csignifi cant debt relief” in said Lee Buchheit at Cleary Gott- a proposal sent to cash-strapped lieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, one Havana in late January, according of the world’s top restructuring to two advisers to the group, in a lawyers who was retained by the sign that holders of the defaulted group last year. debt are ready to ramp up the “Cuba negotiated a generous pressure. debt relief package with most of The communist-run island has its bilateral creditors at the very seen its fi nancial situation dete- end of 2015,” Buchheit said. riorate in recent months follow- “The London Club off er draws ing the deepening of Venezuela’s on certain features of the deal economic crisis, lower revenue with the bilateral creditors but US agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives examine the scene where a car bomb exploded, causing injury to two municipality police off icers from commodity and related ex- in some respects it is even more according to El Salvador National Police, in Santa Tecla, El Salvador. ports, devastation wrought by generous to the Cubans.” Hurricane Irma and tightening of Under the 2015 deal, a number business and travel restrictions of Paris Club of creditor nations by the US administration under forgave $8.5bn of $11.1bn offi cial President Donald Trump. debt it had defaulted on through 1986, plus charges. “The London Club off er Repayment of the remaining draws on certain features of debt was structured over 18 years, the deal with the bilateral and Havana paid the fi rst two in- creditors but in some stalments due since. Conditions in Venezuela respects it is even more As part of the accord, some generous to the Cubans” creditors were also preparing to swap debt for an equity stake in In 2015, Cuba reached a debt local development projects. deal with members of the Paris This was seen as a break- Club of creditor nations, but hav- through with Cuba agreeing for ing not dealt with its defaulted the fi rst time to give rich capitalist deteriorating: rights body commercial creditors in the Lon- countries equity in development don Club means the country is in projects in sectors like manufac- Agencies intensified under Maduro. ating a new constituent assembly fi rearms against demonstrators, nutrition and inadequate health eff ect shut out of international turing and agriculture. Washington “The decision to produce this fi lled with loyalists. along with indiscriminate use of service — all amid hyperinfl ation capital markets. Cuba does not publish up-to- report stems from the marked The commission called on the tear gas.” and high levels of corruption and “The committee reached out date information on its foreign deterioration in the country with government “to restore constitu- More than 100 people were impunity. to Cuba in late January,” said Ro- debt, citing a need to keep sensi- enezuela’s democratic respect to the exercise of human tional order, and guarantee sepa- killed and thousands detained in Meanwhile, Brazil said it will drigo Olivares-Caminal, co-ordi- tive economic information from institutions and human rights, and the grave political, ration of powers and appropriate protests between April and July not block Venezuelans from en- nator of the creditor group and a Washington, which it has long Vrights situation have un- economic, and social crisis in exercise of the constitutionally of last year. tering the country through the law professor at London’s Queen accused of trying to disrupt its fi - dergone “marked deterioration” Venezuela over the past two years established functions” of the “The IACHR fi nds the number border in the northern state of Mary University. nancial and trade relations under over the past two years, a regional and, especially, in 2017.” National Assembly. of persons killed or detained in Roraima, but has launched a task “We have made a good faith a comprehensive US sanctions human rights body warned in a The commission is an autono- It also said the exercise of fun- connection with arbitrary op- force to organise the fl ow and proposal to the government.” regime. report documenting abuses un- mous body of the Organisation of damental political rights had been erations to suppress them unac- provide resources for cities and The creditor group holds obli- However, the creditor group der President Nicolas Maduro. American States. “severely curtailed,” citing the ceptable. Thousands have been states dealing with the refugees. gations representing a face value estimated it was holding at least The Inter-American Human It cited the absence of separa- suspension of presidential recall detained for taking part in public Thousands of Venezuelans of $1.4bn worth of Cuban debt 50% of Cuba’s private sector debt. Rights Commission said there tion of powers as a fundamental referendum, delays in municipal demonstrations,” the report said. escaping hunger in the Andean and is made up of three funds – Olivares-Caminal added the were “serious obstacles” to po- failing, with the executive and and regional elections and “seri- It expressed concern over re- country have crossed the border Stancroft Trust, Adelante Exotic proposal would be open for a lim- litical participation, increased the courts intervening to prevent ous recent allegations of unfair ports that dozens of those de- with Brazil in recent months, Debt Fund and CRF I – as well as ited period of time, though de- repression and censorship, rising a democratically elected national advantages and fraud” in October tained in demonstrations were causing a humanitarian emer- one commercial bank. clined to give further detail. crime and insecurity and intensi- assembly from exercising its 2017 gubernatorial elections. being tried or sentenced in mili- gency in the city of Boa Vista, “We are trying to give the Cuba’s cash crunch and lower fying poverty. constitutional powers. The commission also sharply tary courts. Roraima’s capital. country another chance to reach oil supplies from Venezuela have While those trends have Maduro, with the backing of criticised the government’s use The report also detailed cases The local government said an amicable understanding with forced the government to slash been evident since the com- the Supreme Court, neutralised of repressive measures to put of sexual violence, censorships, they already represent 10% of the creditors,” Olivares-Caminal imports and reduce the use of fuel mission first reported on Vene- the opposition-controlled Na- down anti-government protests, personal insecurity, limits on po- population, or around 40,000 said. “This would give them very and electricity. zuela in 2009, it said they have tional Assembly last year by cre- including “excessive direct use of litical rights, food shortage, mal- people, stressing public services. Ex-Venezuelan offi cials Guatemala arrests former president

AFP ceeded in 2012 by Oscar Perez charged in bribery case who is in jail pending trial over a Guatemala City separate corruption scandal. Reuters arrested in Spain in October at the public with the arrest of two Guatemala’s current presi- Houston request of US authorities amid a businessmen in 2015. uatemalan authori- dent, Jimmy Morales, was elect- foreign bribery investigation into The indictment said that from ties yesterday arrested a ed in 2015 on his promise to clean the fi nancially struggling PDVSA, 2011 to 2013, the fi ve Venezuelans Gformer president, Alvaro up rampant graft in the Central S prosecutors have an- or Petroleos de Venezuela SA. sought bribes and kickbacks from Colom, and nine ministers from American country. But he too nounced charges against De Leon, Villalobos and Reiter vendors in exchange for helping his 2008-12 government on cor- has come under scrutiny for sus- Ufi ve former Venezuelan remain in Spanish custody. them secure PDVSA contracts ruption charges, a top prosecu- pected wrongdoing. offi cials accused of soliciting The indictment also charged and gain priority over other ven- tor said. Last month, the coun- bribes in exchange for helping Alejandro Isturiz Chiesa, who dors for outstanding invoices Colom, 66, was taken into try’s chief prosecutor, Thelma vendors win favourable treat- was an assistant to Bariven’s during its liquidity crisis. custody at his home in an up- Aldana, said she did not see ment from state oil company president and remains at large. The indictment said the fi ve market district of the capital, Morales “as an ally in the fi ght PDVSA, the latest case to stem All fi ve face conspiracy and Venezuelans then used various the head of the special anti-graft against corruption.” from a $1bn graft probe. money laundering charges. companies and bank accounts in prosecution unit, Juan Francisco Morales triggered a public and The indictment by the US De Leon and Villalobos were Switzerland, Curacao and else- Sandoval, said. political backlash last year when justice department was fi led in also charged with conspiring to where to launder the money they The allegations against him he tried to boot out the Colom- federal court in Houston, Texas, violate the US Foreign Corrupt received. and his former ministers related bian head of an UN-backed and was made public after Spain Practices Act. Among the vendors that they to graft in the public transport anti-corruption body that has extradited one of the former of- Fred Schwartz, a lawyer for promised to help in exchange system. been instrumental in bringing fi cials, Cesar Rincon, who was Rincon, said he expected his for bribes were Roberto Rincon, The ex-president told report- scrutiny to bear on graft cases in a general manager at PDVSA’s, 50-year-old client would plead who was president of Tradequip ers as he was brought to the main the country. procurement unit Bariven. not guilty when he is arraigned Services & Marine, and Abraham court building in Guatemala City Colom and the other suspects Others charged included on March 6. Jose Shiera Bastidas, the man- that he was confi dent of being are accused of fraud and embez- Nervis Villalobos, a former Ven- Lawyers for the other defend- ager of Vertix Instrumentos, the exonerated. zlement in the 2009 purchase of ezuelan vice minister of energy; ants could not be immediately indictment said. “I am certain this will turn out hundreds of buses to ply routes Rafael Reiter, who worked as PD- identifi ed. Both pleaded guilty in 2016 to without foundation... For us, in the capital, Sandoval said. VSA’s head of security and loss The case fl owed out of a US conspiring to pay bribes to se- Guatemalan former minister of public finances, Alberto Fuentes everything is legal,” Colom said. Four companies were given prevention; and Luis Carlos de investigation into what prosecu- cure energy contracts. Knigth, is arrested under corruption charges in Guatemala City “I am confi dent that everything 25-year government contracts to Leon, a former offi cial at a state- tors have previously called a $1bn Eight other people have also yesterday. Guatemalan authorities arrested a former president we did was correct,” he said. run the services. run electric company. bribery plot involving payments pleaded guilty in connection and nine ministers of his former government on corruption Colom was in power for four The buses were allegedly Those three like Rincon were to PDVSA offi cials that became with the US investigation. charges. years from 2008. He was suc- bought at infl ated prices. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 23 PAKISTAN 42 nominations PML-N wins Lodhran accepted for Senate polls in Sindh by-poll with big margin Internews Appeals against the Karachi acceptance or rejection Internews verdict in December last year. their failures. Those who get Shah was the candidate fi eld- while the younger Tareen had cast of nomination papers Multan Celebrating the unexpected demoralised can never achieve ed by the ruling PML-N, while his vote at polling station 234. could be fi led, which victory in the late hours yester- their potential. In my decades of the PTI had nominated Ali Khan Talking to reporters, PTI’s he scrutiny of the 47 would be disposed day, Maryam Nawaz tweeted: political struggle for Insaf I have Tareen, son of PTI former gen- Tareen said the decision to award nomination papers of by the tribunal by n a surprising turn of events, “This is simply majestic and never been demoralised but have eral secretary Jahangir Tareen. him a ticket had been taken by Tfi led by 44 aspirants February 15 the Pakistan Muslim League- sets the stage for 2018 elections. come back stronger after con- The PPP had fi elded Mirza the local party chapter, not his against the 12 Senate seats INawaz (PML-N) won the MNS message has resonated fronting adversities. The 2018 Muhammad Ali Baig and the father or PTI chief Imran Khan. from Sindh was completed and eight were left in the NA-154 by-election in Lodhran with the masses. Opponents election is ours inshaAllah.” Tehreek-i-Labbaik Ya Rasool PPP candidate Baig said that yesterday, the last day for the fi eld. with a sizeable margin, even misjudged the situation. We bow “It is a victory of the people Allah had backed Muhammad his party had abided by the code exercise. Of them, 42 nomi- They were: Quratulain Mar- though party chief Nawaz Sharif our heads before The Almighty who have rejected the politics of Azhar Sandela, an independent of conduct, and demanded strict nations were found correct ri, Humera Alwani, Keshoo Bai had been unable to participate in in gratitude. money and arrogance,” said the candidate. action against those who had and accepted. and Nida Khuhro of the PPP; the election campaign as he was “This is how The Divine elderly PML-N candidate Syed Baig and Sandela backed 3,170 openly fl outed it. Five were rejected on tech- Nasreen Jalil, Kishwer Zehra busy holding public gatherings responds to treachery and Iqbal Shah, adding that the re- and 10,181 votes, respectively. PTI leader Jahangir Tareen ar- nical grounds two of the Mut- of the MQM-P (KM); Mangla across the country. plotting.” sult had proved that people had There were 10 candidates in the rived at his designated polling tahida Qaumi Movement- Sharma and Nikhat Shakeel According to the unoffi cial Commenting on the defeat in rejected those who had attempt- run for NA-154, with a total of station on a helicopter. Talking Pakistan and three of the Pak Khan of the MQM-P (FS). count from 330 polling stations NA-154 by-poll, PTI chief Im- ed to buy out their conscience 431,200 registered voters. to journalists, he said that his Sarzameen Party leaving 39 Of the 11 nominations fi led out of a total 338, at the time this ran Khan said every setback was with money. A contingent of over 2,000 son would prove to be a more ap- candidates in the fi eld. against the two seats of tech- report was fi led, PML-N can- an opportunity to learn from “I do not own planes or bun- cops had been deployed at the propriate politician than he was. The scrutiny of fi ve candi- nocrat and ulema, papers of didate Syed Iqbal Shah had ob- mistakes. galows in Lahore I am a down- polling stations, alongside army He promised to hold a victory dates of the Pakistan Peoples’ Sofi a Saeed Shah of the PSP tained 116,590 votes, while Paki- In a bid to boost the morale of to-earth person who loves to live men. Six of the polling stations rally in Lodhran city after his son Party against reserved seats and Ahmed Chinoy of the stan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Ali Khan PTI workers, Khan tweeted: “For among the people of our area. had been declared sensitive and won the election. was done and all nominations MQM-P (FS) were rejected, Tareen had secured 91,230 votes. all Insafi ans who are feeling de- My only strength is the people elections were held under the A 22-year old PML-N voter, were found correct and ac- leaving nine candidates in the The National Assembly seat jected after NA154 result, every with whom I will live and die,” army’s supervision for the third Ali Musa of Mohallah Hafi zabad cepted. They were Dr Sikander fi eld. (NA-154) seat fell vacant after setback is an opportunity to he said. time in this constituency since (Lodhran), stopped at a poll- Mandhro, Taj Haider, Dr Yu- They were: Sikandar Ali the then secretary general of analyse one’s mistakes, correct As the results poured in, hun- the 2013 general elections. ing station along with a wed- nus Hyder Soomro, Anwar Lal Mandhro, Rukhsana Zuberi, PTI Jahangir Tareen was dis- them and come back stronger. dreds of PML-N supporters The PML-N’s candidate had ding party to cast his vote before Deen and Anthony Naveed. Dr Yunus Hyder Soomro and qualifi ed for being “dishonest” Successful people, institu- gathered at Shah’s camp offi ce in cast his vote at a polling station heading onwards to Shuajabad According to Provincial Taj Haider of the PPP; Dr Ab- by the Supreme Court in its tions and nations learn from Lodhran and began celebrating. in his hometown Makhdoom Aali, for his wedding. Election Commissioner of dul Qadir Khanzada and Mu- Sindh Yusuf Khattak, appeals hammad Farogh Naseem of against the acceptance or re- the MQM-P (KM), Muham- jection of nomination papers mad Najeeb Haroon of the PTI could be fi led, which would be and Syed Ali Raza Abidi and Thousands attend Asma Jahangir’s funeral disposed of by the tribunal by retired Justice Hasan Feroz of Gang in February 15. the MQM-P (FS). However, the fi nal list of On the lone seat of non- candidates for the March 3 Muslims, papers of all the four spinal Senate polls seven general, two aspirants were found correct. women, two technocrat and They were: Anwar Lal Deen ulema and one non-Muslim and Anthony Naveed of the fl uid scam seats – would be announced PPP; Mohan Manjiani of the on February 19 after the with- PSP and Sanjay Perwani of drawal date. the PTI. arrested After the scrutiny, against Pakistan Peoples’ Party, the seven general seats 21 which has fi led nominations aspirants left in the fi eld are: of its 20 candidates, emerged AFP Mian Raza Rabbani, Maula the only party whose all pa- Islamabad Bux Chandio, Mustafa Na- pers were found correct and waz Khokhar, Syed Mu- accepted during the scrutiny. hammad Ali Shah Jamote, According to the election akistan police have ar- Ayaz Ahmed Mahar , Mur- commission, of the total fi ve rested a gang accused of taza Wahab, Dost Ali Jesser, rejected nominations, two as- Pextracting spinal fl uid Muhammad Qasim, Javed pirants were on general seats from swindled victims, offi cials Ahmed Nayab of the PPP; Aamir Waliuddin Chishti from said yesterday, the latest case in- Syed Muzaff ar Hussain Shah the MQM-P and Hassan Sabir volving the country’s notorious of the PML-F, Sarfraz Jatoi from the PSP. medical black market. of the PML-N, Muhammad Two nominations were re- Police in Punjab province’s Asif Khan (independent), jected for technocrat seats – eastern Hafi zabad district ar- Muhammad Kamran Khan Sofi a Saeed Shah of the PSP rested fi ve suspects after be- Tessori, Ahmad Chinoy and and Ahmad Chinoy of the ing tipped off by relatives of a Farhan Chishti of the MQM MQM-P – and one candi- woman victim, who was told (Farooq Sattar group); Syed date whose form was reject- the procedure was needed for Aminul Haque, Muhammad ed against reserved seat for a programme which off ers free Farogh Naseem of the MQM women was Sofi a Saeed Shah wedding dowries. (Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of the PSP. Offi cials suspect the fl uid was group), Dr Sagheer Ahmed, Talking to the media, Com- being sold on the black market to be Mubashir Imam and Anees missioner Yusuf Khattak said used in bone marrow transplants. Ahmad Advocate of the PSP. that Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui “They confessed to extracting Against the two women had been accepted as con- the spinal cord fl uid from at least Mourners march alongside a vehicle carrying the coff in of lawyer and rights advocate Asma Jahangir during her funeral in Lahore seats, out of nine candi- vener of the MQM-P as he had 10 women in the area and selling yesterday. Pakistan bids farewell to its top rights advocate Asma Jahangir yesterday, with thousands cramming into a major cricket dates the nomination pa- a majority of two-thirds and it to a cleaner at a local govern- ground under tight security to grieve the diminutive woman described by many as the country’s “moral compass”. pers of Sofi a Saeed Shah the party was registered in his ment hospital, who has also been of the PSP were rejected name. detained,” Abdul Majeed, an in- vestigator with the Hafi zabad police department, said. Another police offi cer, Mu- hammad Imran, confi rmed the incident. Anti-terror laws amended to ban Mumbai attack suspect “Further investigation is underway,” Majeed said. The top-selling Urdu-lan- AFP “The amendment means that “The amendment him, and denies harbouring Observers say Pakistan fears The drama brought nuclear- guage newspaper, Jang, said the Islamabad all individuals and entities listed means that all militants. being put on money laundering armed India and Pakistan to the accused had extracted fl uid from by the United Nations also stand individuals and However, the White House and terrorist fi nancing lists. brink of war. at least 90 impoverished women banned under Pakistani laws entities listed by has said that freeing him “be- Saeed heads the char- Saeed, who has a $10mn US who were left disabled by the akistan has quietly now,” a senior government of- the United Nations lies Pakistani claims that it ity Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), be- bounty on his head, has denied procedure. amended its anti-terror fi cial said. also stand banned will not provide sanctuary for lieved to be a front for Lashkar- involvement. He was listed Illegal kidney market in Pa- Plaws to ban those listed as He declined to say what under Pakistani terrorists”. e-Taiba (LeT), a militant group by the UN in December 2008 kistan attracts customers from terrorists by the United Nations, actions were being taken af- laws now” Security analyst Amir Rana that battles Indian troops in for being associated with LeT, across the world. a move which paves the way for ter the change, and analysts said the Pakistani move may disputed Kashmir and was as well as having links to the Last year authorities in Lahore Islamabad to proceed against said it was unclear why it was the alleged mastermind of the have been in anticipation of blamed for the Mumbai attacks. Al Qaeda terror network and arrested a group of medics for suspected masterminds of the needed when Pakistan is al- Mumbai attacks which killed the meeting in Paris next week Six Americans were among Taliban militants. performing illegal kidney trans- 2008 Mumbai attacks. ready a member of the UN. 166 people, after he was re- of the Financial Action Task those killed during the three- JuD is similarly listed by the plants for two Oman nationals. The change was made by The move comes after Wash- leased from house arrest in the Force (FATF), an inter-govern- day siege in Mumbai, when UN as a terrorist group. No of- Organs can only be donated President Mamnoon Hussain on ington piled pressure on Pa- eastern city of Lahore. mental organisation to combat gunmen who arrived by sea fi cials from the charity were by close relatives in Pakistan and Friday, and published by the law kistan last November to take Pakistan says there is not money laundering and terrorist sparked battles with Indian immediately available for buying and selling them is illegal. ministry late Monday. action against Hafi z Saeed, enough evidence to charge fi nancing. commandos. comment.

Highest remittances were re- ceived from Saudi Arabia which was $2.914bn followed by UAE Remittance infl ows rise to of $2.512bn with a growth of 24 development projects approved 2.1%. The remittances from GCC countries fell by 2% to $11.4bn in seven months $1.314bn. Internews projects worth Rs20bn were These include a Rs11bn Pakistan Railways at Rs18.6bn During January 2018, the in- Islamabad approved by the CDWP. The project for dualisation of about and improvement and widen- fl ow of remittances amounted concept papers of two other 40km-long Rawalpindi-Ka- ing of Chitral-Booni-Mas- Internews growth in remittances from the to $1.638bn, which was 4.92% projects involving Rs10bn esti- huta Road and Rs5.3bn for land tuj-Shandur Road at a cost of Karachi UK while the biggest decline was lower than December 2017 and he Central Development mated cost were also cleared by acquisition of the same project. Rs19.1bn. from Saudi Arabia. 10.1% higher than January 2017. Working Party (CDWP) the CDWP. Construction of 19km-long The projects also include Workers in the Kingdom are still Pakistan relies critically on Tof Pakistan yesterday Under fi nancial rules, the Northern Bypass of Dera Ghazi construction and rehabilitation emittances being sent by the biggest suppliers of remittances remittances and exports to plug cleared a total of 24 develop- CDWP has the powers to ap- Khan, worth Rs5.56bn, was also of four bridges at Muzhgole, overseas Pakistanis are on but their contribution has been de- the mounting trade defi cit. Both ment projects at an estimated prove development projects included in the agenda at the Osaik, Pokel and Churan, along Rthe uptick as the fi rst seven clining for the last couple of years. have shown an increase in the cost of around Rs200bn. of cost not exceeding Rs3bn. last moment and cleared. with an approach road and al- months of the fi scal year have seen It was down by 8% in fi rst seven fi rst seven months of the fi scal The approved projects also For projects of higher cost es- Of all the 15 projects in the lied components at a cost of an infl ow of $11.4bn, the State Bank months of this fi scal year and fell by year, though in both cases the include two roads at a cost of timates, the party can only transport and communication Rs544.6mn. of Pakistan reported yesterday, al- 5.6% in the same period of FY17. growing trend appears to be fl at- Rs16.3bn in the constituency of scrutinise their parameters and sector, six were referred to the Ziarat Mor-Kach-Harnai though the month of January saw a The major changes were noted in tening out in January data. Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi. recommend Ecnec to approve Ecnec for approval. Road and Harnai Sanjavi Road small downtick from December. the remittances from US and UK as The government data showed The CDWP meeting was their cost. The projects included up were approved at a cost of The report said remittances the growth in the infl ows were 11.6% the country’s trade defi cit for the presided over by the Planning In the transport and com- gradation and renovation of Rs10.8bn. saw growth of 3.55% compared to and 24% compared to declines of fi rst seven months of FY18 has Commission deputy chairman munication sector, the meet- railway stations at Bahawalpur, A six lane overhead bridge at the same period of last fi scal year. 8.6% and 10.3% respectively in the widened by 24.2% to $21.546bn. Sartaj Aziz. ing cleared a total of 15 projects Raiwaind, Gujranwala, Kara- Imamia Colony Railway Cross- The growth declined by 1.45% in same period of last fi scal. Last year remittances declined Of all the projects, 10 larger involving an estimated cost chi, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Su- ing, Shahdara was approved the same period last year. Pakistan received $1.585bn from by 3.08% to $19.303bn, after years projects worth Rs169bn were of Rs78bn. Of these, two road kkur, Lahore and Rawalpindi, at Rs2.1bn. Purchase of road Infl ows from the United UK and $1.504bn from the US in of continuous increases. The de- referred to the Executive Com- projects worth Rs16.3bn for PM with a total cost of Rs1.46bn, clearance/earth moving ma- States, the United Kingdom and the reporting period. The growth cline was worrisome for policy mittee of the National Eco- Abbasi’s constituency were in- replacement of old and obso- chinery for prompt emergency European Union countries in- from EU countries was highest at makers at a time when the for- nomic Council (Ecnec) for ducted into the agenda at the lete signal gear from Lodhran- response in AJK at a cost of creased signifi cantly. 41.7% but the size of remittances eign exchange reserves were also formal approval. last moment and cleared by the Multan-Khanewal-Shahdara- Rs500mn was also okayed in The data showed highest was limited to $371mn. declining at an accelerating clip. Twelve smaller development meeting. Bagh Main Line Section of the meeting. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 PHILIPPINES

A resident uses a canoe to survey farmland after it was flooded following heavy rains brought about by tropical Storm Sanba in the town of Jaboanga in Agusan del Sur province on the southern island of Mindanao. A resident walks past a house damaged by flooding following heavy rains. Four die in Philippine landslides

DPA Norte due to tropical storm San- Manila ba, which made landfall Tuesday morning, the national disaster relief agency said. Sanba weak- our people, including ened into a tropical depression three children, were killed after it made landfall in the town Fin landslides triggered by of Cantilan in Surigao del Sur, the heavy rains brought by a tropi- weather bureau said. cal storm in the southern Philip- The tropical depression was pines, police and local offi cials packing maximum winds of 55km said yesterday. per hour (kph) and gusts of up to The victims included a 75kph as it moved west-north- 23-year-old mother and her two west at 25kph, it added. children, aged two and six years, It was expected to be out of whose house was buried in a the country by Friday morning. landslide in the town of Carras- An average of 20 typhoons bat- cal in Surigao del Sur province, ter the Philippines every year. In 786km south of Manila. November 2013, Super Typhoon A 10-year-old was also killed Haiyan killed more than 6,000 in a separate landslide in the same people and left more than 1,000 town, according to local disaster missing in the eastern Philip- relief offi cials. More than 1,800 pines. Haiyan, the worst to hit the residents were forced to fl ee their archipelago in decades, was one homes in Surigao del Sur and the of the most powerful storms in nearby province of Surigao del the world to make landfall. A resident walks past a house damaged by flooding. Residents use a canoe to survey their village.

Duterte tells ICC drug Don’t take the president crackdown to continue literally, says Duterte aide despite investigation Reuters tive Visayan dialect, Duterte sogyny and fascism terribly Manila was recalling an order he said rolled into one,” representative DPA by fi ring squad, that would make he had given to troops when he Emmi de Jesus said in a state- Manila me happy.” The ICC announced was mayor of Davao City. ment. last Thursday that it was opening hilippine President Ro- Human Rights Watch re- a preliminary examination into drigo Duterte should be Roque said the context searcher Carlos Conde said hilippine President Rodri- allegations of extrajudicial kill- Ptaken seriously, but not of Duterte’s February 7 Duterte’s remark was “just the go Duterte says he will not ings under Duterte’s campaign literally, his spokesman said remarks was that he was latest in a series of misogy- Pstop his war against illegal against illegal drugs, which has yesterday, after the contro- angry that communist nist, derogatory and demean- drugs despite an investigation by left thousands dead. versial leader drew criticism insurgents had betrayed ing statements” about women the International Criminal Court A Filipino lawyer had fi led a for saying he once ordered his trust and forced a that encouraged state forces to (ICC) on extrajudicial killings re- complaint accusing Duterte and soldiers to shoot female Mao- peace process with the commit sexual violence. lated to the campaign. 11 other senior offi cials of mass ist insurgents in their private government to collapse Duterte is known for his in- In a speech late Monday, the murder in April 2017 over the parts. formal style and his speeches 72-year-old president said he killings of criminal and drug sus- “I have been saying again “Tell the soldiers. ‘There’s a frequently feature profanity, was also prepared to go to prison pects which have taken place in and again, do not take the new order coming from mayor. threats and jokes about taboo or be executed if found guilty of the Philippines since he became president literally but take We won’t kill you. We will just subjects, which off end some crimes against humanity as al- president on June 30, 2016. him seriously,” presidential shoot your &&#$##.” Filipinos, but are taken lightly leged in a complaint fi led against At least 3,987 people were spokesman Harry Roque told A translation in an offi - by many. him at the ICC. killed in police operations against reporters. cial transcript of the remarks It was not the fi rst time “I’d like to address myself drug suspects between July 2016 Roque said the context of omitted the word ##$$$$. Duterte’s comments have an- to the International (Criminal) and January 17, 2018, according Duterte’s February 7 remarks Gabriela, a women’s group gered women’s groups. He has Court and to the prosecutors to offi cial data. was that he was angry that represented in Congress, several times joked about rape, coming there to investigate: The But the New York-based Hu- communist insurgents had called Duterte “the most dan- upsetting activists and last war or the drive against drugs man Rights Watch has noted that betrayed his trust and forced gerous macho-facist in gov- year prompting Chelsea Clin- will not stop and it will last until estimates by local human rights a peace process with the gov- ernment” and said his remark ton, the daughter of former the day I step out,” he said. and church groups place the ernment to collapse. “openly encourages violence US president Bill Clinton and “If I go to prison, I go to pris- death toll at up to 13,000 peo- He said the president had against women and contrib- presidential candidate Hillary on,” he added. “If you want to ex- ple, including those suspected to repeatedly proven that welfare utes to impunity on such.” Clinton, to call him “a mur- ecute me, look for a country that have been murdered by hired or of women was a priority for “He has further presented derous thug with no regard for President Rodrigo Duterte allows prisoners to be executed vigilante killers. Duterte. Speaking in his na- himself as the epitome of mi- human rights.”

Council okays rice imports after harvest Fresh pickings season, issues warning against hoarding

By Catherine S Valente That’s economic sabotage. Can 250,000 metric tonnes. This, tation or open tender based on Manila Times you sleep at night when a lot he said, after President Rodrigo the same terms of reference in people don’t have anything to Duterte gave him a “verbal” in- the 2017 G2P procurement. buy and yet you’re hoarding and struction to activate the standby G2P importation is when the raders may have to open keeping so much?” Evasco said. authority subject to the NFA government buys imported rice their warehouses for in- “There is really a need to be Council’s “assessment on tim- from private importers who use Tspection and face charges very, very proactive on the part ing and mode of procurement.” permits under the minimum ac- of economic sabotage if they are of NFA to look into the bodegas, Evasco said the importation cess volume (MAV) scheme to found hoarding rice, Secretary warehouses managed and run would be done after the har- import rice. The NFA Council to the Cabinet Leoncio Evasco by private traders, kasi tinatago vest season. The government last year introduced guidelines Jr said on Monday, as he an- (because they might be hoarding projects production of 4.9mn to the scheme to ensure it is not nounced the National Food Au- [rice])…(The NFA) should mon- metric tonnes of palay, equiva- abused. thority (NFA) Council’s approval itor kasi part iyan ng trabaho nila lent to 3.6mn metric tonnes of But Evasco was quick to clar- of the importation of 250,000 (because that’s part of their job). milled rice. ify that there was no rice short- metric tons (MT) of rice. If they (rice traders) are found to “The standby authority to age, especially in the stock of In a news conference in Ma- be hoarding, (we will prosecute), import 250,000 MT is approved government-subsidised rice. lacanang, Evasco, chairman of arrest (them),” he added. and considering the timing of “We assure the public that there the NFA Council, instructed Evasco issued the warning the harvest season, the impor- is no rice shortage and this im- the NFA to “proactively moni- amid reports of a looming rice tation should arrive after the portation is only as to NFA’s tor” and inspect warehouses of shortage because of the dwin- said harvest season, fi rst week of buff er stock. “private traders” and called for dling supply of government- June,” he said. In this manner, the NFA the prosecution of those found subsidised rice in the country. To ensure that importation is Council has issued a directive on hoarding stocks of the staple. Evasco said the NFA Coun- “inclusive, open and transpar- the reassessment of the inven- “Criminal off ence talaga `yan cil, in a meeting held earlier ent,” he said the NFA Council tory of the NFA, including its pag mag-hoarding ka (Hoard- Monday, agreed to approve the chose the method of govern- procurement and distribution A woman looks at bouquets at a flower market in Dimasalang district, metro Manila, Philippines. ing is really a criminal off ence). standby authority to import ment-to-private (G2P) impor- strategies,” Evasco said. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Terrorists arrested PM Hasina urges IFAD to IANS Dhaka

angladesh security forces yesterday claimed they Bhave arrested two militants of the banned Islamist outfi t invest in rural economies Jamaatul Mujahideen Bang- ladesh (JMB) from the capital By Mizan Rahman rural transformation is the key Dhaka, media reports said. Dhaka to reaching the goals of poverty The terrorists were reportedly elimination, hunger elimination arrested from Tejgaon Industrial and leaving no one behind.” area in the city. angladesh Prime Minister Mentioning that Bangladesh “They have been identifi ed as Sheikh Hasina yesterday having over 160mn people is the Nurujjaman Labu, 39, of Jhinai- Burged development part- most densely populated country dah, Nazmul Islam Shawon, 26, of ners for investing in sustain- in the world, she said it is poised Faridpur,” The Daily Star reported. able rural economies to ensure to achieve the SDG goals well RAB members claimed they have resilience to agricultural crisis ahead of 2030 and it estimates seized seven jihadi books, leafl ets, as the inclusive and sustainable that poverty will be eradicated sharp weapons and foreign curren- rural transformation holds key altogether by 2024. cies from the arrested people. to eliminate poverty and hunger. But Bangladesh faces other RAB offi cials said the arrested “The development partners formidable challenges as it is people have admitted to their have to be a little more generous likely to lose 40% of its produc- involvement with the terrorist group. in order to eliminate poverty and tive land by 2080 if sea levels hunger. The world appears to me rise 65cm only. “Changes in crop to be ready now for it. I would production due to the impact like to urge you for investing in of climate change will increase sustainable rural economies,” the number of people living in she said. poverty. Therefore, signifi cant 4 sentenced Prime Minister Hasina made resources must be tapped in or- the call while delivering the key- der to ensure better adapted and note speech at the IFAD’s gov- resilient agricultural practices,” to death erning council held at the head- she added. quarters of International Fund Talking about the remark- IANS for Agricultural Development able achievement of Bangladesh, Dhaka (IFAD) in Rome with its presi- Hasina said the country has been dent Gilbert Foussoun Houngbo very lucky with stable govern- in the chair. ance for almost a decade. “We our transport workers have The theme of the session was formulated our strategy of so- been sentenced to death by ‘From fragility to long-term re- cio-economic growth very care- Fa court in central Bangla- silience: Investing in sustainable fully over a period of about four desh for fatally gang-raping a law rural economics’. years. And then we tried to im- student in a moving bus. Hasina said, “We believe that plement it in the last nine years.” Acting judge of Women and in order to ensure resilience, in- Fortunately, she said, the Children Repression Prevention vestment in rural economy is a development partners came Tribunal in central Tangail dis- key factor. This, we believe, can- forward with eager and gener- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presenting the keynote paper at the IFAD’s Governing Council in Rome yesterday. trict, some 97km from Dhaka, not be achieved without global ous hands and jointly made the delivered the verdict on Monday. partnership and co-operation.” proud progress. “First of all, let me tell you that succeed. one-third of arable land has been desh to accelerate the effi ciency The court also sentenced the Noting that sustainability Noting that IFAD’s model of the natural resilience of Bangla- “Bangladesh had about a dec- lost in the meantime. and precision of research, partic- supervisor of the bus to seven cannot be achieved without cre- mutual help and partnership is deshi people to any crisis did not ade of self-suffi ciency in food “From 2008 it has been an in- ularly on issues related to climate years imprisonment and fi ned ating long-term resilience she very diff erent from that of other allow the build-up of a food cri- and then this year there was an crease of 9mn tonnes. This was change.” 100,00 taka ($1,204). said, “A comprehensive sus- UN agencies and organisations sis in a year of climatic vagaries unexpected shortfall due to un- possible as we reached agri-in- Noting that Bangladesh is fourth Crowds of onlookers outside the tainable rural economy requires she said, “We sincerely believe and reduced food production in timely and recurrent fl ooding. puts to the farmers with heavily largest producer of sweet water fi sh packed courtroom reportedly burst investment in the development that this ideal model will work the country.” Some adjustment in import pol- subsidized prices, and soft and in the world, she said the total fi sh into applause after Judge Abul Mansur of the rural social fabric and in the promising future that is She said the resolve of Bang- icy immediately made food read- collateral-free loans were made production reached up to 4.13mn Ahmed announced his sentence. climate resilience.” before mankind now.” ladeshis to tighten the belt, en- ily available to the consumers.” available to the landless farmers.” metric tonnes in 2016-17 due to The law student Sultana Rupa Focusing on the Sustain- Regarding how to respond to counter diffi culties with confi - She mentioned that Bangla- Hasina said that Bangladesh fi sheries-friendly policies. “This was gang-raped and murdered able Development Goals (SDGs) a combination of adverse de- dence and seek alternative ways desh has increased its food pro- used all options that ICT could has contributed to self-suffi ciency on a moving bus on August 25 last 2030, Prime Minister Hasina velopments Hasina mentioned of meeting the crisis enabled duction from 11mn tonnes in 1971 off er to overcome the crisis. “At in fi sh production.” year in the district, which sparked said, “Inclusive and sustainable the success story of Bangladesh. the country to overcome and to 39mn tonnes in 2017 although present ICT is helping Bangla- widespread anger in Bangladesh. Minister: Zia not Spring Festival shown arrested in any other case

By Mizan Rahman appear before the court during was kept in Dhaka,” he added. Dhaka the hearing of these cases,” he Meanwhile, the jail authori- added. ties have received two pro- The home minister was re- duction warrants in two cases angladesh Home Minis- action to some media reported fi led against BNP chairperson ter Asaduzzaman Kamal that Zia was shown arrested in Khaleda Zia. Byesterday said that BNP several cases. Inspector General of Prisons chairperson Khaleda Zia was Answering a query of Syed Iftekharuddin confi rmed sentenced in Zia Orphanage journalists about ‘why the about the production warrants. Trust case and “she has not BNP chief was kept in the On Thursday, Zia, a 73-year- been shown arrested” in any abandoned jail in Dhaka’, the old former prime minister, was other case. home minister said, “It was taken to the old central jail after Replying to the quarry of re- decided for convenience, the special court sentenced her porters about Zia’s arrest, the Kashimpur jail is far away to fi ve years’ imprisonment in minister said, “Wrong infor- from Dhaka and it has lots of the Zia Orphanage Trust graft mation has been spread in this prisoners which could trig- case. regard; Zia is shown arrested ger diffi culties. Also there is Five others accused in in the graft case after being no female ward in Keraniganj the case, including her convicted by the court.” central jail.” son and BNP senior vice- “She (Zia) is also facing tri- “Zia is a former prime min- chairman Tarique Rahman, Young women pose for pictures while celebrating the Pahela Falgun Festival in Dhaka, yesterday. Bangladeshi people yesterday celebrated als of Barapukuria coalmine ister and she has a social status. were sentenced to 10 years’ Pahela Falgun, heralding the arrival of spring. and Gatco graft case. She will Considering everything she imprisonment each. Lanka’s central bank seen ‘BRI to open new opportunities for Nepal’ IANS business to business approach the Belt and Road Initiative and Kathmandu including private sector and bring China-Nepal relations to a knowledge-based approach to new height,” Yu said. gain maximum benefi ts,” Shan- The Chinese ambassador keeping policy rates steady hina’s Belt and Road Ini- ker Das Bairagi, secretary at noted key issues to enhance the tiative (BRI) will pave the ministry of foreign aff airs, said co-operation with Nepal such Cway for new opportuni- after inaugurating the event. as strengthening policy co-or- Reuters One analyst predicted a 0.25 raising concerns over the future of 3.7% in the fi rst nine months of ties for Nepal to realise its dream He stated that Nepal was a dination and consolidate mutu- Colombo basis point cut in both SDFR and of the unity government. 2017, slowing from 4% growth in of development and economic land-locked and a less devel- al trust, expanding connectivity SLFR, while another expected a The surprise win by a political the same period of 2016. prosperity, according to various oped country and needed the and sharing experience for eco- 0.25 increase in the SLFR. party backed by former presi- The central bank revised down government offi cials and experts. co-operation of its neighbours, nomic development, promoting ri Lanka’s central bank is All forecast the statutory re- dent Mahinda Rajapakse, who last year’s economic growth to The comments came after especially China, to upgrade its the unimpeded trade, deepen- expected to keep key in- serve ratio (SRR) to stay at 7.50%. lost the presidential poll in 2015, 4%, from its original forecast of a one-day seminar titled – status to a developing country. ing the fi nancial integration Sterest rates unchanged to- “A reduction in policy rates could also undermine the island 5% after tight monetary and fi s- “Strengthening co-operation On the other hand, Chinese and constructing the road for morrow, a Reuters poll showed, could do well in building confi - nation’s reform agenda, ana- cal policies in line with condi- to promote the construction of offi cials acknowledged the innovation and strengthening but a surprise rate cut is not dence in the market, specially after lysts said. Rajapakse has urged tions by the International Mone- the Belt and Road” was organ- same and pointed out the need the people-to-people bond for ruled out to quash uncertainty the uncertainty created following the government to hold fresh tary Fund (IMF) for a $1.5bn loan. ised by Nepal China Chamber of a concrete mechanism for mutual learning. after coalition partners in the the local government polls,” said parliament elections. The IMF in December urged of Commerce and Industry implementation. Rajesh Shrestha, president, Ne- country’s government suff ered a Danushka Samarasinghe, research The central bank has tightened Sri Lanka to maintain a tight- (NCCCI) in Kathmandu yester- Chinese ambassador to Ne- pal China Chamber of Commerce loss in local polls. head at Softlogic Stockbrokers. monetary policy four times since ening bias in monetary policy day, the Xinhua reported. pal Yu Hong said that develop- and Industry, said, “We are eager Eleven of 13 economists in President Maithripala Sirise- December 2015 through March until clear signs emerge that in- “We have chalked out strat- ment of the BRI needed sincer- to welcome investment under the the survey predicted the central na’s centre-left Sri Lanka Free- to fend off pressure on the fragile fl ationary pressures and credit egies and plans to implement ity, political resolution and the Belt and Road Initiative in vari- bank would keep its standing dom Party (SLFP) and Prime rupee and curb stubbornly high growth are moderating. the initiative but I believe Belt vision of all parties. ous possible sectors like hydro- deposit facility rate (SDFR) and Minister Ranil Wickremesing- credit growth that stoked infl ation. Consumer infl ation was up and Road Initiative is a much “China is willing to work close- power, agriculture, trade-related standing lending facility rate he’s centre-right United Nation- The previous rate increases 5.8% in January from a year ear- broader concept. We should ly with Nepal to seize the histori- infrastructure, tourism, herbs and (SLFR) unchanged at 7.25% and al Party (UNP) suff ered defeats in have dragged on the $81bn econo- lier, slowing from a record high have three tracks of approach, cal chance to develop concrete co- herbal products, natural resources 8.75%, respectively. a local election at the weekend, my, which grew at an annual pace of 7.8% hit in October. including the government one, operation under the framework of and service sectors.” Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko

P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES National Sport Day is a key milestone in Qatar’s history Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) stars meeting fans at Mall of Qatar. QTA and Paris Saint-Germain are collaborating in a strategic partnership aimed at promoting sports tourism and leisure tourism off ered by Qatar. Qatar is perhaps one of the few countries worldwide, and the fi rst nation in the Middle East, to dedicate a day every year for the celebration of sports. As per the Emiri Decision No 80 of 2011, the second Tues- day of February of each year shall be commemorated as Na- tional Sport Day. The fi rst National Sport Day was celebrated Sports tourism in Qatar: in 2012. Dedicating a day for the celebration of sports refl ects His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s keenness on encouraging sports not only on an individual level but also at that of the State. This also shows the leader- ship’s awareness of the strategic importance of sports in Remarkable growth promoting universal brotherhood. This was made clear by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and QNA and competitions that attract wide added, the industry is vital for achiev- erties in Qatar. He noted that during the Doha participation due to their ability to pro- ing the objectives of the next phase of 2016 Italian Super Cup, Qatar recorded Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- mote the tourist and cultural attractions the National Tourism Sector Strategy, more than QR9mn in tourism spending, Thani’s statement this last Sunday to the CNN that sports- of Qatar, and enhance its international particularly with the easing of visa is- as every visitor spending a night and a people from around the world, irrespective of their political he National Sport Day returns standing by attracting fans and athletes suing and waiving the visa requirement half spends QR1,280. According to the or national backgrounds, are welcome in Qatar. this year amid increased activ- from around the world. for citizens of more than 80 countries, vision of future sports, QTA’s sports The Foreign Minister was referring to footballers from ity in the tourism industry in QTA adopts a special strategy for the in addition to the easy access to Qatar tourism strategy provides alterna- development of sports tourism based on and any sporting event held in Qatar tive sports experiences in the fi eld of Saudi Arabia, who, he said, are welcome to play in Qatar Tgeneral and sports tourism in particular, with the latter being one of four main axes, and promotes competi- throughout the year. mind sports and electronic games. In 2022 World Cup “and they are welcome always, even today”. four main areas identifi ed by the next tion in four sports fi elds. Over the past few years, QTA has August, QTA hosted the fourth edition The signifi cance of this statement phase of Qatar National Tourism Sec- The four axes include traditional succeeded in attracting the attention of of the world championship for mind cannot be overstated coming as it tor Strategy 2017-2023 to achieve the sporting events that provide a unique sports fans around the world to Qatar sports, held in the Middle East for the “We never did on the eve of National Sport growth and development goals of the experience from the heritage of Qatar, and highlighting the world-class facili- fi rst time. These sports events are held in closed facilities so that Qatar can Day. Qatari tourism sector. which encourages visitors to attend ties by holding several local and inter- politicise Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) was and participate, in addition to support- national partnerships with major sports demonstrate its ability to host sports To a question, he said Qatar has not able to strengthen the status of Qatar ing long-standing sporting events in institutions. Qatar’s winter weather has competitions throughout the year. sports” barred anyone from participating in over the past years as a sports tourism Qatar and benefi ting from its audience encouraged many international sports Qatar annually hosts around 80 sport activities in the country. destination that attracts the attention to enhance Qatar’s position as a global clubs and federations to set up their sports events and world-class cham- “We never politicise sports, education, culture or people’s of sports federations, clubs, athletes destination for sporting events, which winter camps in Doha. pionships in many sports fi elds. Qatar and fans alike. attracts more visitors. Proceeding from the global popularity is the fi rst country in the Middle East life. Everybody from the GCC region or the rest of the world The interest in sports tourism is due It also includes supporting sports of football, and since 2012, QTA and Paris to be honoured to host the 2019 World is welcome in Doha. Welcome to play football or to play any to the ability of sport to unite the people events that see collective participation, Saint-Germain (PSG) are collaborating in Championships in Athletics, 2022 FIFA type of sport or to study or to do business. No one is being and create a language of communica- strengthening its international stand- a strategic partnership aimed at promot- World Cup and 2023 World Aquatics sanctioned because of his ethnicity or because of his back- tion and interest shared by individuals ing to attract fans and athletes from all ing sports tourism and leisure tourism Championships. These tournaments ground.” of diff erent nationalities, which is the over the world, and taking advantage off ered by Qatar. QTA hosted several tours provide a unique opportunity for the core of the message “Qatar Welcomes of Qatar’s status as a centre for the of PSG teams, including PSG handball Qatari tourism sector to benefi t from Sadly, the same cannot be said of the siege countries which the World.” organisation of major sporting events team tour in 2014 and 2015, PSG women’s the global audience and provide unique have lost no opportunity to politicise sports and use it to In addition, sports tourism highlights so as to attract leading sports industry tour in 2015, PSG football team tours in country experiences. drive a wedge between the people of Qatar and their own Qatar’s capacities and facilities, and is experts from all over the world, whether winter 2013 and 2015. It also hosted the QTA continues its eff orts to develop citizens, many of whom have blood ties with the former. also one of the tourist attractions that specialists in sports medicine, stadium winter tour of the club last December, the sports tourism sector in Qatar by The most recent example of the siege countries’ unsports- QTA is working to promote and increase construction engineers or event plan- which was attended by all the stars of the supporting local events and raising its manlike behaviour was, just a few months ago, when Qatar’s its diversity in accordance with its ners. team such as Neymar and Cavani. PSG international standing to attract fans strategy to diversify tourism’s exporting QTA’s strategy to develop sports stars fi lmed a video about Qatar and what and athletes from all over the world. husband-and-wife team of Grand Masters was forced to markets. Sports tourism has witnessed tourism focuses on four categories it off ers to adventure enthusiasts. The In 2018, QTA signed a three-year pull out of a chess tournament in Saudi Arabia because of a remarkable growth and development of games; traditional games such as video was watched by millions of fans agreement to support the Ooredoo ludicrous demand by the organisers that they don’t display at the level of events, partnerships and football and tennis, heritage games such around the world. Doha Marathon. The 2018 marathon the Qatari fl ag at any stage during the competition. results. as camel racing and falconry, mental Al-Qurese added that hosting the saw the participation of 2,400 from Following their refusal to accede to the Saudi demand, In this regard, Rashed al-Qurese, games such as chess and scorpion, camps of the international teams, and 83 nationalities, with 18 world runners QTA’s chief marketing and promotions and group games such as triathlon and the important matches between the participating. visas were denied to them. offi cer, emphasised that QTA continues cycling. giants of the sport, comes back to Qatar Over the next year, QTA will support Against the backdrop of such unsavoury events, this year’s its eff orts to develop the sports tour- Al-Qurese said that sports tour- with enormous economic benefi t, in more exciting events and market oppor- National Sport Day assumes added signifi cance. The nation ism sector by support and constantly ism is one of the most eff ective and addition to drawing the attention of tunities to attract visitors from around is marking the occasion in the midst of an eight-month-long benefi ting from major sporting events fast-moving areas. Therefore, he millions to the tourism and sports prop- the world. unjust blockade imposed on it by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt. The siege nations should realise that sports has the power to bridge diff erences and bring nations together. They would do well to draw the right lessons from the example set by North and South Koreas at the ongoing Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, hosted by Seoul. The two countries, still technically at war, decided to bury the hatch- et, fi eld a united hockey team and march under a single fl ag. Such is the healing power of sports. Closer to home, led by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar has shown the world, and especially the nations who have, since June 5, imposed the blockade on Qatar, that it can triumph in the face of adver- sity. Qatar has turned adversity into opportunity. In many ways the siege has been a blessing in disguise for the country. At the same time, the Emir has reaffi rmed on several oc- casions that Qatar is ever willing to hold talks with the siege countries to resolve any diff erences. But are the siege countries willing to play ball?

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© 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Bayern Munich players during a trip to the desert during their camp in Qatar. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 14, 2018 27 COMMENT Populism’s second wind

By Zaki Laidi leaders would need to agree on the potent, and thus a potentially eff ective Paris fundamental causes of the crisis tool for resisting integration in the and develop a strategy for avoiding name of national sovereignty. another one. And, so far, they have And while populists may be the urope has the wind in its achieved neither task, with two most extreme voices advocating sails,” European Commission main groups of countries adopting such resistance, they are being President Jean-Claude Juncker conflicting interpretations of the enabled by Europe’s conservatives. Eproclaimed in his State of the problem. The EU reprimands Poland for its Union address last September. But are The fi rst camp – which includes government’s illiberal policies, but its sails too tattered to propel Europe Greece, Italy, and, to a lesser extent, tolerates Hungary, because Prime forward? France – reproaches the EU for its Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz To be sure, 10 years after the global lack of solidarity. Italy, for example, Party is affi liated with the European economic crisis, Europe’s economy is submitted to austerity, but has not People’s Party, and thus protected by fi nally returning to growth – and, with benefi ted from a return to strong Germany’s Christian Democrats. it, confi dence. And Juncker’s optimism growth. Moreover, the country fears The fi nal factor sustaining populism probably also refl ected the triumph that a banking union will reduce its in Europe is US President Donald in France’s presidential election last room for manoeuvre in repairing its Trump, whose hostility toward the year of the pro-European Emmanuel own broken banking system. And, with EU is only thinly veiled. Of course, Macron, who advocates deep reforms – France and Germany front and centre, widespread opposition to Trump could including banking union, fi scal union, Italy does not even enjoy signifi cant serve as a kind of unifying force in and a federal budget – to advance prestige within the Union. the EU, which would not hesitate to integration. All of this breeds resentment, respond if Trumpian protectionism or But recent elections in Austria, particularly among those who feel other policies ended up aff ecting its Germany, and the Czech Republic abandoned or betrayed by Europe. As members directly. tell a different story: a serious threat a result, Italy, once a leading supporter But, for now, Europe’s individual to Europe’s future – right-wing of European integration, is among the countries seem eager to try their populism – remains very much alive. most sceptical of further integration luck individually with Trump. Although the economic crisis is over, today. Notably, Macron wants to use direct its scars remain fresh. Middle- and The second camp – including engagement with Trump to strengthen working-class households are still countries like Austria and the France’s standing both in Europe, recovering from the decline in their Netherlands – makes the opposite where the UK’s former infl uence might purchasing power, and they well complaint. Many in these countries appear to be up for grabs, and more recall how banks – which had been feel that they have suff ered as a result broadly. Others regard Trump as a bailed out by the state – curtailed of “European solidarity,” even as they potential source of protection. Some credit. For many citizens, the lesson have worked hard to secure their own Central and Eastern European leaders seemed clear: in today’s Europe, prosperity. Given this, they tend to also see him as a source of legitimacy gains are privatised, and losses are believe that Europe should focus on for their own populist agendas. socialised. deepening the single market, not European Union Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. So Europe’s populist tide is far from The upshot of this assessment was on deepening fi scal and political receding. But the extent to which the the belief that economic and political union. Here, too, resistance to further capitalised on widespread insecurity the policing of cultural boundaries EU membership unappealing, despite EU is at risk of being swept away by it elites – enabled by the European integration is fuelling support for over immigration and identity, stoking central to their political identity. the massive economic benefi ts it has is unclear – and is likely to remain so as Union – would always act to maintain populist parties. Islamophobia and racism in order to And today, they reject migration brought. the grey area between mainstream and their position and impose their will on But economics is not the only win support. so strongly that they have refused Another source of pressure on populist parties continues to grow. – ordinary people. The push for austerity factor stoking populism. Three Whereas Europe’s divide over to fulfi l their responsibility, as EU the EU – and a potential source of Project Syndicate in struggling countries, rather than other factors are also contributing, the economy is north-south, on members, to accept the European fuel for the populist fi re – is Brexit. counter-cyclical measures that would with migration undoubtedly the migration, the split is between east and Commission’s refugee quotas. For While withdrawal from the EU will z Zaki Laidi, professor of International have curtailed the slowdown, seemed most important. Since 2015, when west. Central and Eastern European these overwhelmingly homogeneous impose massive costs on the United Relations at Sciences Po, was an adviser to confi rm this impression. the number of migrants to Europe countries’ histories of shifting borders countries, being compelled to accept Kingdom, frustrated EU members may to former French prime minister Manuel To change this perception, EU surged, right-wing populists have and bullying by larger states have made migrants could be enough to make now regard the threat of exit as more Valls.

‘Solastalgia’ strikes the Winter Olympics Three-day forecast TODAY describes “the existential distress Gazette: “We’re dealing with a climate Hamilton; and snowboarders Jamie Maximum Temperature : 280c By Auden Schendler Minimum Temperature : 180c Los Angeles Times caused by environmental change, the issue that’s massive, and it’s going to Anderson, Kelly Clark and Danny homesickness felt when one is still at screw everything up. If you’re not on the Davis. They represent a new breed of THURSDAY home. It is the unease one feels during cutting edge of that, you’re going to get competitor, focused almost as much on Maximum Temperature : 260c t a cross-country ski area those warm, snowless winters.” Today, toasted.” the need to save their craft as they are Minimum Temperature : 180c outside of Carbondale, Colo., many lifelong winter athletes are It’s fair to say that American ski areas on the craft itself. Increasingly, their FRIDAY the thin track was recently familiar with solastalgia – and a lot of already are getting toasted. Unseasonal sponsors align. Burton, the company Maximum Temperature : 260c Arefreshed with a meagre two everyday Vermonters and Utahans and warm temperatures and limited snow that made the US snowboard team’s Minimum Temperature : 190c Californians are too. delayed resort openings across the Olympic uniforms, is one of the most inches of snow. Yet people were out Fisherman's forecast in droves, delighting in all manner of The anxiety is justifi ed. Nasa country this winter. One season doesn’t outspoken businesses about the perils of snow sliding. It was a hot January day, scientists named 2017 the second- make a trend, but even one dry year global warming. WARNING means hundreds of millions of dollars But we need more than leadership from Inshore : Expected strong wind so blistering that a local rancher called it warmest on record, surpassed only by at places at times beautiful “for April.” 2016. According to both Nasa and the in losses. a few. The Olympics are an international Offshore : Expected strong wind Around one turn, some skiers had National Oceanic and Atmospheric In a report that will be released after stage from which athletes can demand with high seas and built two miniature snowmen. They Administration, 17 of the 18 hottest the Olympics, the nonprofi t Protect action from the countries they represent poor visibility WEATHER had raisin eyes and stick arms, and years have occurred since 2001. Our Winters fi nds that high-snow and mobilise their sponsors and fans. Inshore : Partly cloudy with they stood only 10 inches high – scale Colder places and colder seasons years in the US produce, on average, This year, all the Olympians competing in slight dust to blowing replicas, really, an homage to a past era are changing faster than warmer an additional $692.9mn in economic Pyeongchang should be vocal in some way dust at places at times. relatively cold by night of abundance. It didn’t matter. Give ones. NOAA has reported that since value and more than 11,750 additional – every last one. WIND people even a little snow and they will the turn of the 20th century, winter jobs nationally. During low-snow years, The Olympics are about achievement Inshore : Southeasterly-North- fi nd a way to celebrate being alive. temperatures in the US have increased snow country loses $1bn in value and and execution, about pushing the limits westerly 7-17/20 KT Offshrore : Southwesterly-North- It’s not much of a leap from those at almost twice the rate of summer more than 17,350 jobs compared with an of human physical ability. westerly 10-20/ KT two underweight snowmen to the temperatures. Researchers at the average season. Pyeongchang, more than any other Visibility : 4 - 8/3 KM at places at Winter Olympics. Yes, the Games University of Waterloo predict that, by Of course the numbers distract from winter games in the past, will also be times SEA STATE are big business. But every Winter 2050, 9 out of 21 former Winter Olympic greater potential losses – afternoons about other limits: how much humans Offshore : 3-6 FT by night Olympian’s love of their sport began sites will be too warm to host the games. of family sledding, the madness of will allow global temperatures to rise and with a childlike vision of fun. That’s the Pyeongchang, fortunately, is one of the skitching, the look of street lamps in a the willingness of elite athletes to use their real reason climate change poses such predictably cold ones, though organisers blizzard. power, money and global platform to save their livelihoods, and ours. a menacing danger to winter sports: still expect this year’s games will require Olympic athletes are uniquely Around the region Rising temperatures are threatening not man-made snow. positioned to sound alarms about Weather just what we do, but who we are. The athletes grasp the full scope of climate change. Many of them already zAuden Schendler is a senior vice Weather tomorrow Max/min There’s even a word for it: solastalgia. global warming. Bode Miller, the most do: Ski racing legends Ted Ligety and president of Aspen Skiing Co. and a board today Max/min P Cloudy 22/10 A climate scientist friend, Elizabeth decorated American Olympic ski racer, Steve Nyman; cross-country skiers member of Protect Our Winters. He wrote Baghdad M Sunny 20/07 P Cloudy 23/13 Burakowski, told me the term recently told the Colorado Springs Kikkan Randall, Andy Newell and Simi this for the Los Angeles Times. Kuwait City Sunny 23/10 Manama Cloudy 23/17 M Sunny 23/16 Muscat M Sunny 31/19 Sunny 27/19 Tehran S Showers 13/03 M Sunny 13/06 Live issues Mild shock therapy may ease anxiety

By Lisa Rapaport For people with both depression and study, patients did report bigger disappointing,” Dr Wayne Jonas, Reuters (Health) anxiety, however, researchers found reductions in depression and anxiety executive director of Samueli “low-strength” evidence of a modest symptoms with shock therapy Integrative Health Programmes in Around the world benefi t. than with usual care that included Alexandria, Virginia, writes in an Weather Weather eople with anxiety and “If there is a benefi t, it is probably antidepressants. But the study only accompanying editorial. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min depression might feel a little not on average a large benefi t, because enrolled 115 patients and lasted just Insuffi cient proof of ectivenesseff Athens Sunny 16/08 Rain 12/08 better after they get mild when a treatment has an average five weeks. from this collection of mostly small, Beirut P Cloudy 17/13 M Cloudy 19/16 Pelectric shock therapy, but benefi t that is large this is usually If this study had found similar brief studies doesn’t necessarily mean Bangkok Sunny 34/24 M Sunny 36/26 it’s unclear how much it will help or pretty obvious even from a small benefi ts after six months or a year, that cranial electrical therapy is ineff ective, Berlin Sunny 05/-4 M Cloudy 05/01 whether this treatment might ease number of studies or even studies of might have off ered “moderate” quality Jonas writes. Cairo M Sunny 21/11 P Cloudy 21/10 other conditions, researchers say. a small number of patients,” said lead evidence of eff ectiveness, Shekelle It might still not be the best use Cape Town M Sunny 28/19 Cloudy 24/17 The therapy, known as cranial study author Dr Paul Shekelle, of the said. And if a few additional studies of of money, though. At the military Colombo M Sunny 32/24 S Showers 32/24 electrical stimulation, delivers a West Los Angeles Veterans Aff airs this size and duration got consistent hospital where Jonas works, an Dhaka P Cloudy 28/17 Sunny 28/14 current similar to that of a 9-volt Medical Centre. results, then there might be “high electrical stimulation device costs the Hong Kong M Cloudy 21/18 P Cloudy 22/18 battery through electrodes on skin to “But the benefi t of cranial electrical quality” proof. hospital $1,500. Active duty patients Istanbul Showers 12/07 M Cloudy 12/07 the brain. Researchers examined data stimulation does not have to be large Cranial electrical stimulation can get one for free, while others pay Jakarta T Storm 29/24 T Storm 29/24 from 26 clinical trials that randomly for it to still be a useful additional appeared safe, or at least the review $300 out of pocket. Karachi M Sunny 30/14 P Cloudy 30/16 assigned some patients with a variety option for treatment of these didn’t fi nd evidence of serious side “It should be used only after London Showers 07/07 M Sunny 10/00 of chronic painful conditions to conditions, because for most of them eff ects. physician evaluation and under Manila Cloudy 29/24 P Cloudy 32/24 receive this therapy and others to get a we don’t have large benefi t treatment Amid a worsening opioid crisis, proper supervision,” Jonas said by Moscow Cloudy -7/-16 M Cloudy -9/-11 placebo or dummy treatment or stick options,” Shekelle said by e-mail. doctors and patients are increasingly e-mail. New Delhi Sunny 23/12 Sunny 25/12 with usual care. With depression and anxiety in considering this type of therapy “In our clinic we determine if a New York M Sunny 11/07 Cloudy 17/09 Most of these trials were too small particular, four of the fi ve studies in as an alternative to prescription person may benefi t and then try it Paris M Cloudy 07/04 S Showers 11/02 or brief to off er conclusive evidence the analysis were conducted more painkillers, many of which can be under supervision in the clinic at least Sao Paulo Showers 22/17 S T Storms 23/17 that cranial electrical stimulation than 40 years ago using shock therapy addictive. But based on the research three times,” Jonas added. “If there is Seoul P Cloudy 08/-6 M Sunny 03/-7 works for headache, joint pain, devices that are no longer available, to date, the evidence in support of a benefi t, we will provide a machine Singapore S T Storms 31/24 S T Storms 32/24 musculoskeletal pain, headache, researchers note in the Annals of cranial electrical stimulation is sparse, to take home after proper instruction Sydney P Cloudy 35/21 P Cloudy 28/19 fi bromyalgia, insomnia, or depression Internal Medicine. researchers concluded. and with ongoing follow-up and Tokyo Clear 12/00 Cloudy 14/05 alone, the analysis found. In the largest and most current “This information is monitoring.” Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, February 14, 2018 QATAR

Cyclists ride along a newly laid cycle path. Ashghal senior officials at the start of a cycle sojourn yesterday. Ashghal employees take to new cycling tracks to celebrate NSD shghal held a series of on the dedicated path on the United Development Company pleted the works on hundreds ghal has been interested in or- activities at its fl agship develop- proudly supports and encour- events yesterday to co- Arab League Street, in Duhail, (UDC) at The Pearl Qatar’s Qanat of kilometres on major roads or ganising various sport activities ment The Pearl-Qatar. We are ages all initiatives and activities Aincide with the National with the participation of top of- Quartier where Ashghal’s direc- expressways or on the local ap- for its employees throughout the a committed supporter of this that embody this social respon- Sport Day celebrations. The fi cials and staff along with QCF tors, managers and employees proaches to ensure safety given year or during the holy month of unique national initiative to pro- sibility element.” events were held in the presence secretary Jamal Abdullateef al- took part. The activities involved that the cycle paths are located Ramadan. Ashghal also encour- mote sports and health aware- Al-Othman said, “the open of Ashghal president Saad bin Kuwari and many bicycle riders. football, volleyball, fi tness along away from the right-of-way. aged its staff to practice sport ness across the community and spaces, green areas, beaches Ahmed al-Muhannadi, assistant Ashghal held other bike rides with entertainment for the chil- “Ashghal achieved 242km of regularly, providing halls with encourage all residents of Qatar and waterfronts that naturally president Abdullah Hamad al- on the cycle lanes on many roads, dren to instill the culture of sport cycling tracks on expressways all sport equipment and skilled to sustain the practice of sports abound at The Pearl-Qatar are Atiyya with directors, managers including Ras Abu Abboud Road, as a lifestyle. to reach 110km in 2018 and built trainers. and pursue a healthy lifestyle. very conducive to sporting ac- and employees. Al Rufaa Street, Al Sheehaniya On the occasion, al-Muhan- 987km of the paths on the lo- On his part, UDC president As a leading Qatari sharehold- tivities year round and have Ashghal, in collaboration Leatooriya Road. nadi said Ashghal’s sport ac- cal roads to amount to 239km in and CEO Ibrahim Jassim al- ing company, UDC values its helped make the island a desti- with Qatar Cycling Federation Also, Ashghal conducted some tivities this year shed light on 2018.”. Othman said, “UDC was pleased commitment to national and hu- nation of choice for those pursu- (QCF), organised a cycling ride events in co-operation with the the cycling lanes since it com- Al-Muhannadi stressed Ash- to host the National Sport Day man development, and as such, ing a healthy lifestyle.”