www.thepeninsulaqatar.comm

BUSINESS | 17 SPORT | 22 Deutsche Bank Ali and Rootot admits misleading lift Englandnd clients in Chennaii

Saturday 17 December 2016 | 18 Rabia I 1438 Volume 21 | Number 7013 | 2 Riyals

Central fish market to be shifted to Umm Salal

Sanaullah Ataullah vendors all of them were The Peninsula Dec 22 deadline handed over the circular,” a vendor at Fish Market of Doha- he Ministry of Econ- The vendors were given Central Market told the omy and Commerce December 22 deadline to Peninsula. has announced the apply for space at new “I talked to my sponsor. He closing down of the central market in Umm asked me to go to the new fish fish market at Doha- Salal. market in Umm Salal to see TCentral Market and shifting it whether it is ready to move to a new facility in Umm Salal Ministry asks fish vendors business there or not. I will before the end of the first quar- to transfer their visit new market on Sunday. ter of 2017. businesses to the new Some vendors have already The vendors were given visited the new market and market by the first December 22 deadline to apply have told us that the facility is quarter of 2017. for space at new central mar- ready.” The Peninsula ket. They told “We do not have any other Protesters shout anti-Iran slogans and hold placards in front of the Iranian embassy in Istanbul that they are ready to shift to option. We want to continue the yesterday, against Iranian involvement in the siege of Aleppo. new facility within the given urged interested traders who business. The new market time. seek to continue their business, locates in a little bit far from The Permanent Committee must apply for new space at the Doha so it is a matter of con- for Central Market Administra- new facility before December cern for me and others,” said Putin and Erdogan push for tion at the Ministry has asked 22, 2016. another vendor. He thinks that some 51 fish vendors and bro- The applicants will have to the shifting will cause some kers to get the spaces leased to download application form temporary sluggishness in their Syria talks without US or UN run their businesses at new from the website of the Minis- current business. market in an official circular try and to submit it to the “The business will be slow Moscow/Istanbul happened, would be in addition last year over the shooting down issued recently. headquarters of the committee in the beginning but by the time Reuters to intermittent UN-brokered of a Russian plane, and reflects With the opening of new at the Ministry of Economy and it will gain its standard momen- negotiations in Geneva. Russia’s desire to cement its central market for fish in Umm Commerce at Lusail, Third tum. The existing fish market resident Vladimir Putin said “The next step is to reach an growing influence in the Middle Salal, the Permanent Commit- Floor, Building No. 8 during the locates in a crowded place so it he and his Turkish counter- agreement on a total ceasefire East and more widely. tee for Central Market morning working hour. attracts huge customers on Ppart Recep Tayyip Erdogan across the whole of Syria,” Putin Turkey, which wants to Administration at the Ministry Those failing to apply for daily basis,” the fish vendor are working to organise a new said in Tokyo. “We are conduct- boost its global sway too, is also of Economy has directed the booking spaces in the new mar- noted. series of Syrian peace talks with- ing very active negotiations with deeply frustrated by US policy owners of fish outlets and fish- ket for fish vendors or Looking for a suitable out the involvement of the United representatives of the armed in Syria, particularly Washing- brokerage offices to shutdown brokerage offices as alternative accommodation and eateries States or the United Nations. opposition, brokered by ton’s support for Kurdish militia and transfer the existing fish of the existing central market are another matter of concerns In a snub to Washington, Turkey.” fighters it sees as a hostile force, businesses to new market will lose their rights of claim for us. But someone told me Putin made clear yesterday that The surprise move under- and by what it views as Barack before the end of first quarter after December 22, 2016. “We that a restaurant will open in the initiative was the sole pre- lines the growing strength of Obama’s failure to give enough of 2017, said the circular. received the circular a couple new fish central market, he serve of Moscow and Turkey Moscow’s rapprochement with support to the rebels. The committee has also days ago. There are about 51 added. and that the peace talks, if they Ankara, with which it fell out →See also page 3

MoI issues safety 3 new parks to open next week tips for families THE MINISTRY of Interior has asked Sidi Mohamed while Al Shamal park will open for pub- people to follow necessary safety and The Peninsula lic on Tuesday. security tips on the weekend when Earlier, an official at the Ministry many families visit commercial com- he Public Parks Department at the told The Peninsula that eight family plexes for shopping and entertainment. Ministry of Municipality and Envi- public parks will be opened in Doha and Among the prominent tips, is to take Tronment will open three new other parts of the country next year and care of children from sliding and fall- parks at Al Shamal, Duhail and Al Thu- more parks have been equipped with ing while they are using lifts. The mama on the occasion of National Day free Wi-Fi. parents have been advised to monitor which falls tomorrow. He added that free Wi-Fi will soon their children to avert any accidents. The three new public parks are for be available at parks at Al Luqta, New The cooperation with security families and equipped with all the Onaiza, Ain Khaled, Al Jubailat, Al men will guarantee more safety and required facilities, including entertain- Ruwais Resort in Al Shamal, Al Duhail makes the communication more eas- ment, sports facilities and play areas for and Al Shamal. ier. For traffic safety, the ministry children. Wi-Fi is not yet available for The Wi-Fi connection is already advised motorists to be cautious and these parks. available in many public parks such as take care at intersections and roads Mohammed Al Khoori, Director, Dahl Al Hammam park, Al Dafna park, leading to commercial complexes. Public Parks Department at the Minis- Al Wakra public park, Al Khor Corniche, They also have to avoid reckless try, said that the opening of Duhail and Simaisma park, Al Shahaniya park, and New public parks at Al Shamal, Duhail and Al Thumama will be opened on behaviours like stopping at banned Al Thumama parks will be on Monday, Ali bin Jassim park, he added. the occasion of National Day. places which causes disruption of traffic. Many campers prefer olive firewood

Sanaullah Ataullah months began earlier last month. Qatar,” Mohamed Murshid, one “Olive wood produces a The Peninsula Olive logs are in demand of the traders in the business told beautiful aroma and turns red among campers. Olive has a The Peninsula. when set on fire. Hence people ool weather has increased dense firewood that burns with “Our consignment of more use the wood in camp fire. It is the demand for firewood a beautiful aroma. It burns than 5,000 bundles of olive fire- also ideal for barbecue; there- Cin Qatar with a number of longer than most species of wood arrived here recently. It fore there is a fair demand families camping and staying wood due to the density. When was our initial order, and we will among citizens. Olive woods are outdoors over night. cut into chunk pieces, it burns place more requests according cut into small pieces so that it A private company here has well in open fires and wood to the demand,” he added. burns well in open fires. It burns imported some 5,000 bundles burners. Murshid was selling the longer than most other woods of olive wood from Sinai area of “We had visited Sinai in imported fire wood along the due to the density,” he said. Egypt to supply to winter camps Egypt, where there is an abun- road in Al Murra. He was able to In terms of cost also, olive A pick-up loaded with olive and other firewood for winter set up across the country. Camp- dance of cut wood, recently, to trade-off one mini-truck of wood surpasses others. campers in Al Murra suburb. ing season lasting some five import olive logs for selling in wood in less than an hour. → Continued on page 2 02 HOME SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016

Emir greets Three-day Filipino bazaar opens Bahrain King on National Day Raynald C Rivera The Peninsula Unique initiative EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin Kulinarya Qatar is a Hamad Al Thani sent yester- smorgasbord of unique initiative by day a cable of congratulations delectable Filipino the Philippine to H M King Hamad bin Isa cuisine is on offer at Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Embassy to promote a three-day bazaar, Bahrain on the occasion of his expected to attract Filipino culture country's National Day. thousandsA of food enthusiasts, through gastronomy. Deputy Emir H H Sheikh which opened yesterday at Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani Westin Doha Hotel and Spa. Dozens of Filipino and Prime Minister and Inte- The opening ceremony for dishes are on the rior Minister H E Sheikh the event dubbed “Handog ng menu of 15 Doha- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- Kulinarya sa Qatar 2016 (A based Filipino lifa Al Thani also have sent Thanksgiving for Qatar)” was led restaurants. congratulations to H M King by Philippine Ambassador Wil- Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on fredo C Santos with all ASEAN the occasion of National Day. ambassadors in attendance. number of Filipino restaurants Dozens of Filipino dishes, in this country,” said Santos which foodies can choose from, yesterday. Emir greets are on the menu of 15 Doha- There is growing popularity based Filipino restaurants taking of Filipino cuisine in the coun- President of part at Kulinarya Qatar’s final try with more than 35 Filipino event this year. restaurants , some of which are Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C Santos (second left) and Nguyen Thi Chau Anh (centre), wife Kazakhstan Kulinarya Qatar is a unique popular food chains in the Phil- of Vietnam Ambassador Nguyen Hoang, cutting the ribbon along with ASEAN ambassadors brand and movement initiated ippines, making their presence to launch the “ Handog ng Kulinarya sa Qatar 2016” at Westin Doha Hotel and Spa yesterday. EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin by the Philippine Embassy to felt in the Qatar’s gastronomic Pic: Raynald C Rivera / The Peninsula Hamad Al Thani sent yester- promote Filipino culture through scene as they introduce the day a cable of congratulations gastronomy which reflects a authentic taste of Filipino food. sustained in the years to come outlets, 30 companies have set Janela Joy Cuaton along with to President of the Republic deep and diverse cultural One of the effective vehicles because it is community-led, up booths showcasing the prod- model and television actress Jelai of Kazakhstan Nursultan identity. to promote Filipino food in Qatar community-supported and com- ucts and services they offer at the Andres and Internet sensation Nazarbayev on the occasion “We established Kulinarya is through Kulinarya Qatar’s food munity-driven,” he said. bazaar which exudes a “barrio Jon Gutierrez were guest celeb- of his country's Independence Qatar in August 2015 and as a festivals which Santos believes He congratulated the organ- fiesta” atmosphere. rities at yesterday’s event. Day. Deputy Emir H H Sheikh brand it has exceeded the expec- would continue as an initiative izers, participants and sponsors The event also features com- The recently launched Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani tations not only of the Philippine driven and supported by the as well as thanked the Filipino petitions including choral Embassy on Wheels, aimed at and Prime Minister and Interior embassy but those of the Filipino community. community leaders and mem- singing, “parol making”, ball- bringing a full range of consular Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin community as well. As a plat- “I’ll be leaving soon but I’m bers for their support during his room dance sport and best and other embassy services Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also form, Kulinarya Qatar promoted glad to see that what we started tenure as ambassador assuring booth, in addition to zumba and closer to Filipinos, is also present have congratulated Nursultan and increased awareness of Phil- together -this Filipino food them that “the embassy will for- photoshoot for a cause charity at the venue. Nazarbayev on the occasion. ippine cuisine in this part of the movement-has become a house- ever remain your friend, your events. Entry is free to the bazaar world and at the same time sup- hold name and I am confident partner, and your believer.” Miss Tourism Metropolitan which isl open from 10am to GCC condemns ported the large and growing that this will continue and be Apart from Filipino food International 2016 runner-up 10pm until tomorrow. efforts to link Qatar to blast Great Lulu Cheese Fest begins Ooredoo offers discounts THE Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has expressed concern over dragging the name of the for mobile calls to Syria State of Qatar into the hei- nous crime of the attack on The Peninsula Ooredoo users can access the the church in Egypt’s capi- discounted price of just 30Dhs tal Cairo. oredoo has announced per minute/SMS to Syria until In a statement, GCC Secre- that all mobile calls to December 23, 2016. This 30Dhs tary General Dr Abdullatif bin OSyria will be discounted rate will be applicable only after Rashid Al Zayani warned that to just 30Dhs per minute/SMS a customer’s international allow- rushing to announce state- for the next week, in an effort ance has been consumed. ments without checking them to help people connect with Waleed Mohamed Ebrahim Al would affect the purity of the friends and family during the Sayed, Chief Executive Officer, close ties between the GCC humanitarian crisis in Aleppo. Ooredoo Qatar, said:“We hope member states and the Arab The discounted international this initiative enables our Syrian Republic of Egypt, underscor- calls offer applies to all mobile customers in Qatar to stay in ing the need to communicate calls made between 16 -23 touch with their loved ones dur- in such security issues, only December using the international ing this frightening time. Ooredoo according to official channels code +963 to Syria. Currently, pledge to make every effort to for accuracy, before the pub- standard rate calls to Syria cost support those who are suffering lication of statements related QR0.99 per minute/SMS via Hala and in fear and we are encour- to terrorist offences to evade or Shahry numbers. aging you all, and our employees, damaging Arab-Arab Rachel Morris, renowned international cheese blogger, inaugurating the Great Lulu Cheese With this discounted offer, all to donate to help those in need.” relations. Fest 2016 at Lulu Hypermarket, Al Gharrafa, in the presence of Mubarak Farish, a member of Central Municipal Council, Shanavas P M, Lulu Regional Manager, other dignitaries and Lulu staff. Bangladesh embassay marks Victory Day

The Peninsula and cheese products on display. Cheese, White Stilton Cheese, The Peninsula premises in the presence of this day were read out. Doa was The prominent varieties are: Old Shirevale Stilton with Mango & embassy officials and a number offered for the salvation of the ulu Hypermarket Group Roomy Cheese, Egyptian Istan- Ginger, English Maid Cheddar he Embassy of Bangladesh of Bangladeshi expatriates. departed souls of the martyrs of has organised a week-long buli Cheese, Akawi Cheese, Fresh Cheese, Cornish Yarg Cheese, in Doha and the Bangla- After the ceremonial flag the Liberation War 1971. LGreat Lulu Cheese Fest Low Salt Soft Cheese, Danish Feta Emental Block Cheese, Swiss Tdesh Community hoisting, they stood in solemn Later a discussion on the 2016 under title ‘Say Cheese’ Cheese, Danish Mozarella Cheese, Emmental Cheese, Swiss Gruyere yesterday observed the 45th silence for a minute as a mark significance of the glorious Vic- from Thursday. Danish Blue Cheese, Kashkaval Cheese, Italian Grana Padano anniversary of the glorious Vic- of respect to the memories of the tory Day was held. Ambassador The festival was officially Cow Cheese, String Cheese, Cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano tory Day of Bangladesh with due martyrs of the liberation War of Ashud Ahmed recalled the inaugurated byRachel Ann Mor- French Brie Cheese, Butter Block, Cheese, Italian Baby Parmesan solemnity. Bangladesh. extraordinary epic role played ris, renowned international Edam Ball, Gouda Lofes, Italian Cheese, Fat Free Cheese, Amer- The programme started with The messages from Presi- by Father of the Nation of Bang- cheese food blogger at Lulu Cheese, Dutch Calora Low Fat ican Cheese, Turkish Baguette the hoisting of the National Flag dent, Prime Minister, Foreign ladesh and the freedom fighters Hypermarket, Al Gharrafa. The Cheese, Butch Hommage Goat Cheese, German Cheese, Cana- of Bangladesh by Ambassador Minister and State Minister for in Bangladesh's emergence as inaugural ceremony was also Cheese, Turkish Labneh, English dian Cheese, Australian Cheese, Ashud Ahmed at the Embassy foreign Affairs of Bangladesh on an independent country. attended by many dignitaries Lancashire Cheese, Salut Cheese, New Zealand Cheese, Denmark from renowned corporate busi- English Mature Cheddar Cheese, Cheese and White Cheese from ness groups. The festival will Double Gloucester Cheese, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, continue until December 21, French Cheese, Manchego Qatar, Syria, Bulgaria, Jordan and 2016. Cheese, Red Hot Medican Cheese, Lebanon etc. The British Cheese Lulu Group is conducting Red Leicester Cheese, Baby Blue Board claims that Britain has Cheese Fest for many years and Stilton Cheese, Cambozola approximately 700 distinct local this year it is organized in a big Cheese, Dolcelatte Cheese, Gor- cheeses; France and Italy have way with wide varieties of cheese gonzola Cheese, White Cheshire perhaps 400 each. Olive firewood 'has less smoke'

→ Continued from page 1 “I work between 2pm to Nada, a Qatari. “Olive firewood is expensive 10pm everyday. The demand for "Some people also used compared to the local firewood firewood increases duirng imported firewood like olive as like Sidr. We sell a bundle of weekends. We started the trad- it has less smoke and strong fire. olive firewood weighing some ings for the season early last Olive logs have a gentle scent, four to five Kilograms for QR30. month,” said Murshid. fantastic heat, superb flames However, a bundle of Sidr of the “Firewood is an essential and burns longer than other same weight is available at part of winter camping. Nor- local wood. It is also used for QR20,”said Murshid. mally, local firewood like Sidr special type of barbecues A number of local families, is being used in winter camps involving big pieces of meat. The Bangladesh Ambassador Ashud Ahmed hoisting the national flag to celebrate the Victory all set for camping, were seen for heating, barbecuing and strong heat is also used to make queuing up for the firewood. making tea and Qahwa,” said marshmallow," she added. Day at the embassy premises, yesterday. SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016 MIDDLE EAST 03 Evacuation of civilians suspended in Aleppo

Aleppo said a total of 8,000 people, including Reuters Civilians trapped some 3,000 fighters and more than 300 wounded, had left the city in con- Evacuation was voys of buses and ambulances since suspended after pro- he evacuation of the last oppo- the evacuation began on Thursday sition-held areas of the Syrian government militias morning. Photos sent by an activist city of Aleppo was suspended demanded wounded waiting to leave the rebel-held sector yesterday after pro-govern- people should also be of east Aleppo showed crowds of peo- ment militias demanded that brought out of two Shia ple in thick coats in a street lined with Twounded people should also be brought villages being besieged by flattened buildings in the cold winter out of two Shia villages being besieged rebel fighters. air. Private cars and minibuses with by rebel fighters. bundles strapped to their roofs filled However officials informed that the street, as people sat on rubble or Russia said the Syrian the stalled evacuation of east Aleppo will stood next to bags of their belongings. resume once injured people are let out army had established In a message sent to journalists, the of the besieged Shia villages of Al Foua control over all districts of activist said children were “hungry and and Kefraya in Idlib province “If the eastern Aleppo. crying” and people were “exhausted”, evacuation of the injured in Kefraya and not knowing if buses would arrive to Al Foua takes place, the operation to mander in the city said. take them out. evacuate eastern Aleppo will resume A Syrian official source said the By early Friday morning, nearly immediately,” the official said. evacuation was halted because rebels 200 evacuated patients had arrived in The second day of the operation to had sought to take out people they had eight “overwhelmed” hospitals in take fighters and civilians out of Alep- abducted with them, and they had also opposition-held rural western Aleppo, po’s rebel enclave ground to a halt amid tried to take weapons hidden in bags. Idlib and Turkey, according to the recriminations from all sides after a This was denied by Aleppo-based WHO. The United Nations says 50,000 morning that had seen the pace of the rebel groups. But a media outlet run by people remain in rebel-held Aleppo, operation pick up. the pro-government Hezbollah group of whom about 10,000 would be taken An injured man who just arrived on the Syrian side of the Bab Al Hawa Aleppo had been divided between said protesters had blocked the road to Idlib province and the rest would go government and rebel areas in the from the city, demanding that wounded to government-held city districts. border waits with his child outside a hospital, yesterday. nearly six-year civil war, but a lightning people from the Shia villages of Foua advance by the Syrian army and its allies and Kefraya in nearby Idlib province that began in mid-November deprived should also be evacuated. the insurgents of most of their territory Iran, one of Syria’s main allies, had Child with explosives caused Damascus blast: Media in a matter of weeks. demanded that the villages be included Russia said the Syrian army had in a ceasefire deal under which peo- Damascus officers, said the Al Watan fired rockets and mortar could not specify the cause. established control over all districts of ple are leaving Aleppo, rebel and AFP daily, which is close to the rounds into the capital, Observatory head Rami eastern Aleppo although government United Nations officials have said. government. "A seven-year- explosions inside the city Abdel Rahman said that troops were suppressing isolated areas A Syrian rebel source said Jabhat blast that rocked a old girl entered the police itself are rare. Syrian state "one woman" was killed in where rebel fighters continued to resist. Fateh Al Sham, formerly known as the police station in station, carrying a belt that news agency SANA said ear- the blast, but it remained Rebel sources accused pro-govern- Nusra Front, had agreed to let injured Asoutheast Damascus was detonated from afar," lier there were preliminary unclear whether she was a ment Shia militias of opening fire on people out of the villages. But a Nusra yesterday was caused by a the paper posted on its reports about a "terrorist suicide bomber or a buses carrying evacuees from east source denied this. seven-year-old girl carry- Facebook page. explosion at the Midan bystander. In early 2012, a Aleppo. Road blocks went up and a bus Aid agencies involved in the Aleppo ing a belt of explosives, A police source told Al police station in suicide bomber killed 26 convoy was forced to turn back. evacuation had been told to leave the Syrian media reported. Watan that she had Damascus". people when he blew him- Rebels in eastern Aleppo went on area without explanation after the The explosion in the appeared lost and asked to The Syrian Observatory self up in Midan. More than high alert after pro-government forces operation was aborted, the World bustling Midan neighbour- use the bathroom when the for Human Rights con- 310,000 people have died prevented civilians from leaving and Health Organization said yesterday in hood of the Syrian capital explosives went off. firmed there had been a since Syria's conflict broke deployed heavy weaponry on the road a report. The Syrian Observatory for wounded three police Although rebel groups have blast in Midan but said it out in 2011. out of the area, a Syrian rebel com- Human Rights, a monitoring group, Netanyahu urges settlers South Sudan IS shows no sign of weakening oppn welcomes Baghdad to allow peaceful eviction Reuters dialogue move Jerusalem sons," Netanyahu said in a video slamic State fighters have AFP posted on his Facebook page. Juba stepped up counterattacks on "There is no room for violence," AFP IIraqi forces in Mosul amid sraeli Prime Minister Ben- he said, calling on Amona par- bad weather as the US-backed jamin Netanyahu called ents to keep their children away outh Sudan's opposition offensive to capture their last Iyesterday on residents of a from the outpost during the yesterday welcomed major city stronghold in Iraq wildcat Jewish settlement in the eviction, the date of which is SPresident Salva Kiir's call enters its third month. occupied West Bank to refrain not publicly known. for "national dialogue" to With cloudy skies hamper- from violence against security Netanyahu also stressed the restore peace after three ing coalition air surveillance, the forces during their imminent importance of upholding the years of civil war, but said the militants carried out attacks in eviction. law which also applies to ille- veteran leader could not lead three districts of eastern Mosul, "My heart is with you," gal Arab construction in Israel. the process. Al Quds, Ta’mim and Al Nur, Netanyahu said in an address "The court ruling binds us Ex-vice president Riek over the past four days, resi- to 40 families facing a court all, it binds the government too. Machar's SPLM/A IO party A displaced Iraqi child at Hasan Sham refugee camp some dents and security officials said order to leave the Amona out- But the law must be equitable. "welcomed the national dia- yesterday. “We heard clashes 30km east of Mosul. post by December 25 because The same law that necessitates logue as a way of achieving and explosions and then some- it was found to have been built Amona's evacuation necessi- peace, but it must not be led body shouting on the Nearly 100,000 people have sectarian tensions with the city’s on private Palestinian land. tates the evacuation of illegal by President Salva Kiir," said loudspeaker of the mosque fled the city, according to the Sunni population. The Iraqi mil- The Amona residents had construction in other parts of a statement from spokesman ‘Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, the International Organisation for itary estimate the number of rejected early Thursday a gov- our country," he said. Nyarji Roman. Islamic State is staying’,” said a Migration. More than 100,000 militants in the city at 5,000 to ernment proposal to leave "I have therefore ordered On Wednesday Kiir Ta’mim resident. Iraqi soldiers, Kurdish fighters 6,000. They are dug in amid the voluntarily, raising fears of vio- to expedite the demolition of launched what he called a The humanitarian situation and Iranian-backed Shi’ite vol- city’s remaining population of lence as the relocation deadline illegal construction in the "national dialogue" open to of the besieged population is unteers are taking part in the about one million, moving approached. "I call on every- Negev, in Wadi Ara, the Galilee, all, pledging to guarantee the causing alarm amid reports of offensive. The latter are attack- through tunnels and using sui- one to act responsibly -- do not the centre -- in all parts of the safety of all sides taking part, food, water and fuel shortages, ing the militants supply lines in cide car bombs, sharpshooters harm IDF (Israel Defence country," Netanyahu said of including people currently while the fighting is making a remote and semi-desert area and mortar fire to slow the Forces) soldiers or security areas with significant Arab abroad, some of whom access to hospitals difficult. west of Mosul to avoid fanning advance of the Iraqi forces. forces in any way. These are our populations. oppose the government. In a speech designed to build bridges, he notably asked citizens to "forgive all the mistakes" he may have made but did not hide the fact Yemen edging nearer famine as war takes toll that violence has returned in recent weeks. Geneva Nations. In the latest setback, “We know that early next His address came after Reuters Yemen’s biggest traders have year we will face significant South Sudan on Thursday stopped new wheat imports due problems,” said McGoldrick, began a fourth year of a war emen’s humanitarian to a crisis at the central bank. who described the economy as which has killed tens of thou- catastrophe is set to Already, eight out of 10 chil- “shredded”. sands and forced over three Yworsen as the war has dren are stunted by malnutrition Almost half of Yemen’s 22 million to flee their homes. ruined the economy and is stop- and every 10 minutes a child dies governorates are already offi- The conflict erupted with ping food supplies getting due to preventable diseases, cially rated as being in an fighting on December 15, 2013 through, driving the country to UNagency figures show. To emergency food situation, he between rival army units, the brink of famine, the top UN scrape by, several families often said. That is four on a five-point nurtured by political and eth- aid official in the country said. rely on one salary-earner, and scale, where five is famine. nic tensions fueled by the “Throughout the whole of child marriage is increasing, The UNhas been conducting rivalry between Kiir and his this country kids are dying,” said with girls married off at the age a new food assessment in prep- former vice-president Jamie McGoldrick. UN Human- of 15 on average, and often aration for a new humanitarian Machar. itarian Coordinator in Yemen. younger. appeal in 2017, when it will ask After violent clashes in Nearly two years of war The UNestimates that 18.8 donors for life-saving help for 8 Juba in July, which marked between a Saudi-led Arab coa- million people need some form million people. But a famine may the failure of a peace accord A malnourished boy lies on a bed at a malnutrition intensive lition and the Iran-allied Houthi of humanitarian aid but it strug- still not be officially declared. signed in August 2015, Machar movement has left more than gles to deliver supplies, partly “Famine” means more than care unit in the Red Sea port city of Houdeidah, Yemen. fled the country. At the end of half of Yemen’s 28 million peo- because of the war and partly two people dying per day for September he called for a ple “food insecure”, with 7 due to a lack of funding. The dis- every 10,000 in the population, according to a Reuters calcula- means 1-2 deaths per 10,000, resumption of armed conflict, million of them enduring hun- ruption of wheat shipments will or about 5,500 deaths per day tion. The current “emergency” suggesting thousands may die before going into exile in ger, according to the United exacerbate the problem. across a country of Yemen’s size, across much of Yemen still of hunger every day. South Africa since then. 04 ASIA / AFRICA SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016

NEWS BYTES Famine victims to double in 2017 11 Burkina Faso troops Call for action Geneva "caliphate" in the area. People displaced by con- this year, and the United die in militants attack Reuters The Integrated Food Secu- flict are worst affected, it said, Nations has said 75,000 chil- The Integrated Food rity Phase Classification (IPC), adding that low crop produc- dren could starve to death over Security Phase lobal food security which is backed by UN and tion, disrupted livelihoods and the next few months if they do ELEVEN Burkina Faso soldiers Classification, which monitors said yes- other aid agencies, issued a financial crisis were also to not receive humanitarian were killed yesterday when is backed by UN and terday that special alert calling for urgent blame. assistance. jihadist fighters attacked an other aid agencies, Nigeria's Borno humanitarian action. Nigerian military forces The IPC cited a report by army base in the north close issued a special alert state was at "There is an elevated like- backed by troops from neigh- the UN-backed Cadre Harmo- to the west African country's Gincreased risk of famine, with lihood that famine is ongoing bouring states have in recent nise, a regional food security border with Mali, a local offi- calling for urgent one study projecting the and will continue in the inac- months ousted Boko Haram partnership that found 115,000 cial said. humanitarian action. number of those affected will cessible areas of Borno State from most of an area the size people in Borno state and more "We lost 11 of our men in the rise to 115,000 in 2017 from assuming conditions will of Belgium that they control- than 5,000 in Yobe state would attack this morning in Nassoum- The FEWS NET study 55,000 this year. remain similar or worse to led until early 2015, revealing be at risk from famine in the bou ... the biggest jihadist attack confirmed the The northeastern state is those observed in Bama and thousands living in famine-like second half of 2017. ever perpetrated" against the alarming situation the area worst hit by the seven- Banki towns from April to conditions. The FEWS NET study had army, the high commissioner and revealed an year Boko Haram insurgency August of 2016," it said. The US-based Famine confirmed the alarming situa- of Soum province, Mohamed ongoing elevated risk that has killed 15,000 people "The current response is Early Warning Systems Net- tion and revealed an ongoing Dah, said. of famine was likely and uprooted more than 2 mil- insufficient to meet the very work (FEWS NET) has said at elevated risk of famine that "Two more men were missing to continue into 2017. lion during the Islamist large emergency assistance least 2,000 people may have was likely to continue into after around 40 jihadists riding militants' attempt to create a needs." died of famine in the region 2017, the IPC statement said. pick-up trucks and motorbikes attacked the base some 30km from Burkina-Mali border". Japanese Emperor cancels Record seizure duties due to cold & fever of crystal meth

Tokyo THAI police yesterday unveiled Reuters a record half tonne seizure of crystal methamphetamine. apanese Emperor Akihito, 82, has a cold and fever The haul of high-grade meth, and has cancelled morning duties, an official at the has a street value of around JImperial Household Agency said yesterday. $40m, the Narcotics Suppression The emperor has no planned duties Friday (yester- Bureau (NSB) said in a statement. day) afternoon and this weekend and will rest at the "Seven Thais have been Imperial Palace, the official said. charged with drug trafficking". In August, Akihito said he worried that age may make The 18-wheel vehicle was it difficult for him to fully carry out his duties, remarks found parked at a petrol sta- widely seen as suggesting he wants to abdicate, a step tion in Chumphon town with unprecedented in Japan and not possible under law. 500 bars of the drug wrapped There are four male heirs including 10-year-old Prince in black plastic bags and hid- Hisahito, the emperor's only grandson. The three older den under sacks of corn husks, heirs are Akihito's 80-year-old brother and his two mid- the NSB said. dle-aged sons including Crown Prince Naruhito. Akihito, "It's a record seizure of these Russian President Vladimir Putin with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, former premier who has had heart surgery and been treated for prostate drugs (ice)," Major General Dusa- Yoshiro Mori (left) and Vice Chairman of the All Japan Judo Federation Yasuhiro Yamashita cancer, was also diagnosed with influenza in February. dee Choosangkij said. (right) when they visit the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, yesterday. No resolution on Japan-Russia isle row

Tokyo this historic ping-pong," he said. the two sides from fully putting AFP "The fundamental interests of the conflict behind them. South Korea issues top bird flu alert Russia and Japan require a long- Prime Minister Abe has ussia and Japan yesterday term deal." looked to win concessions by Seoul they were switching to other outbreak was reported on there was no resolution Abe concurred, but said the dangling the prospect of major Reuters foods. November 18. Rafter a two-day summit to effort would continue despite Japanese investment in front of The Agriculture Ministry "It appears to be more a decades-long territorial dis- the "difficult path ahead". Moscow, which is mired in an outh Korea has ordered said yesterday that it had highly pathogenic and it is pute that has blocked them from "Concluding a peace treaty economic crisis made worse by its biggest-ever cull of ordered the cull of 4 million spreading more quickly than achieving a peace treaty to for- that has not been concluded in falling oil prices and Western Schickens and other poul- more birds, which would take the H5N8 virus that occurred mally end World War II more than 70 years is not easy," sanctions over Crimea and try, gassing millions of birds to to 16 million the total number in 2014," Agriculture Minister hostilities. Abe said. Ukraine. fight an avian flu outbreak killed since mid-November, or Kim Jae-soo said. Russian President Vladimir "But we cannot resolve this Before they spoke, the two spreading at what the govern- almost one-fifth of poultry About 14 million birds were Putin and Japanese Prime Min- issue only by asserting the cor- leaders oversaw a flurry of sign- ment called an unprecedented population. culled until that outbreak was ister Shinzo Abe held talks in rectness of each other's claims," ings by their governments and rate. On Thursday, South Korea finally brought under control Abe's ancestral hometown and The Soviet Union seized four businesses for economic coop- Most of the birds culled raised its bird flu alert status to in November 2015. in Tokyo in the latest attempt to islands off Japan's northern eration and agreed to begin were egg-laying hens, sending the highest level for the first "We have appointed a cen- secure a deal. coast in 1945 in the closing days negotiations towards possible local egg prices sharply higher. time, because of the rapid tral emergency measures "It would be naive to think of the war. economic cooperation in the Among the first consumers to spread of the H5N6 virus. headquarters to oversee the we can solve this problem in an The dispute over the islands, disputed islands. react, bakeries said they were The government has said situation and reinforce our hour," Putin said at a joint press known as the Southern Kurils Abe said they had agreed on are cutting down on egg pur- it has found 54 cases of the pan-governmental response conference with Abe. in Russia and the Northern Ter- "more than 60 projects" in eco- chases and some families said virus in poultry since the first measures," added Kim. "There must be an end to ritories in Japan, has prevented nomic-related sectors. Case against Bongo filed Thai oppn leaders charged for violating ban

before war crimes court Bangkok Reuters The Hague "It transires that Gabonese AFP government forces launched, hailand's military- in particular on August 31 this appointed attorney-general awyers representing year in Libreville, a planned Tyesterday charged 19 lead- Gabon opposition leader attack on the civil population ers of the opposition "red shirt" LJean Ping sent a case file aimed at maintaining power" group with violating a junta ban to the International Criminal for Bongo". on political gatherings. Court's prosecutor, accusing the Back in last September, the The United Front for Democ- government of crimes against war crimes court chief prose- racy Against Dictatorship, humanity. cutor Fatou Bensouda opened known as the "red shirts", led The accusation relates to an initial probe into the deadly street rallies in 2009 and 2010 violence which broke out for violence, but at Libreville's in support of Prime Minister two days following the contro- behest. Thaksin Shinawatra, who was versial reelection of President Gabon's letter of referral to ousted in a 2006 coup, and Ali Bongo in August, a result the ICC had accused Ping and staged rallies in 2014 when his questioned by the European his supporters of incitement to sister, Prime Minister Yingluck Union. genocide and crimes against Shinawatra was toppled in a The opposition claimed 26 humanity. coup. people were killed during the Opposition protestors had Since taking power in the riots and protests that begun on set parliament ablaze and May 2014 coup the junta has August 31, although official gov- clashed with police. moved to root out Thaksin's ernment figures put that toll at Ping has styled himself as influence and has cracked down just three. president-elect since losing the on activists, journalists and The file sent to the ICC was August election by less than dissidents. Red shirt leader Nattawut Saikua (centre) and other leaders wave to media as they leave at "the fruit of three months of 6,000 votes. The junta has banned polit- the Military court in Bangkok, yesterday. investigations carried out in That result lacked "integ- ical gatherings of more than five Gabon and abroad, which dem- rity", according to EU observers people and summoned hundreds onstrate the existence of crimes who cited "anomalies". of people for questioning. The military denies it is tar- political gatherings after setting has ordered all 19 to be charged against humanity committed by The ICC prosecutor must Supporters of the red shirt geting Shinawatra supporters. up a monitoring centre to over- and the court has accepted the the Gabonese authorities", now study the case before movement say the junta has The 19 men were originally see a constitutional referendum charges. We will ask for bail," French lawyer Emmanuel Altit determining whether or not to especially targeted pro-Shina- arrested and charged by police held by military government. Winyat Chatmoontree, a lawyer said in a statement. open an inquiry. watra red shirts. in August for violating a ban on "Today the attorney-general for the movement, said. SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES 05 Park's impeachment is groundless: Lawyer

Seoul Refuted charges ongoing criminal investigation AFP -- a first for a sitting South We can't accept that Korean president. he impeachment of there was any She is accused of ordering South Korean Presi- violation of the aides to leak confidential state dent Park Geun-hye constitution by the documents to her friend, Choi has no legal founda- president... the Soon-Sil, who has no official title tion, her lawyers impeachment motion or security clearance, and allow- Targued yesterday, as they sub- should be rejected: ing her to meddle in some state mitted their defence against her Lee affairs, including the appoint- ouster to the country's highest ment of top officials. court. Park faces the looming pros- Parliament voted to impeach Park faces the pect of having her presidential Park last week over a corruption looming prospect of palace raided by prosecutors, scandal in which she allegedly having her despite the objections of her colluded with a friend to strong- presidential palace aides. Lee Joong-Hwan (centre), a lawyer for South Korea's embattled President Park Geun-hye, gives arm donations from large raided by "We came to believe that it a briefing after submitting a defence at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, yesterday. conglomerates to two dubious prosecutors, despite is necessary to raid certain parts foundations. the objections of her of the (presidential) Blue House," The case is now being con- aides. Lee Kyu-Chul, a spokesman for any raid on the Blue House, cit- the lives of South Korean of Seoul lawmakers tried Friday sidered by the Constitutional the team of independent prose- ing a criminal code that bans any citizens. to inspect venues inside the pres- Court which has 180 days to rule cutors on the case, said such action on state facilities Testimony by several ex- idential palace as part of their on the validity of the impeach- the charges lacked any eviden- yesterday. deemed to be militarily presidential aides to a committee's probe. ment that charged President tial grounds. The team -- appointed by important. parliamentary investigative But the Blue House turned Park with multiple criminal and "We can't accept that there lawmakers -- has recently taken Park also faces growing committee suggested Park had them away, citing security constitutional violations -- rang- was any violation of the consti- over investigations by govern- pressure to explain what she was stayed in her residence after reasons. ing from bribery to abuse of tution by the president... the ment prosecutors who had doing on the day of the Sewol being informed of the unfolding The lawmakers had planned power. impeachment motion should be sought to raid Park's office in ferry disaster that killed 300 crisis involving the sinking ferry. to meet with Park's stylists to find Submitting a 24-page rebut- rejected," Lee told reporters. October but were turned away people in 2014. Following media reports that out how much time she spent on tal to the court, one of Park's Park has formally been iden- at the gate. The impeachment motion she spent the first critical hours hair and makeup on the day of lawyers, Lee Joong-Hwan, said tified as a suspect in what is an Park's office has objected to accused her of failing to protect having her hair styled, a group the ferry disaster. Philippines seeks unconditional US aid Manila "If they would really like to Reuters help us on the basis of our need, they should give it to us rather, he Philippines yesterday without any conditions," For- appealed to former colo- eign Minister Perfecto Yasay Tnial ruler the United said. States to reconsider a decision "We would hope that Amer- to withhold humanitarian aid, ica would try to reconsider this. with Manila's foreign minister This has always been our asking for the assistance to be appeal to America. Treat us provided without any with mutual respect, and treat Chinese J-15 fighter jets waiting on the deck of the Liaoning aircraft carrier during military drills in the Bohai Sea. RIGHT: A conditions. us as a sovereign equal." live-fire drill using an aircraft carrier is seen carried out. President Rodrigo Duterte Yasay said Duterte's gov- insulted US President Barack ernment was trying its best to Obama in October, and has tackle allegations of human alluded to severing ties, after rights violations, the main con- China holds live-fire drills with warships being infuriated by US criticism cern of the United States. of his war on drugs, which has "But we would like to make Beijing with the United States criticis- "This is the first time an air- ticipated, CCTV said yesterday. claimed 2,000 lives since he sure that if this is merely a ploy, Reuters ing its militarization of maritime craft carrier squadron has On Wednesday, a US think took office on July 1. this is merely to bow down to outposts and holding regular air performed drills with live tank said China had been install- The Millennium Challenge their demands, we will not do hina's military has carried and naval patrols to ensure free- ammunition and real troops," it ing anti-aircraft and anti-missile Corporation (MCC), a US pov- so," he said. out its first ever live-fire dom of navigation. said. systems on artificial islands in erty reduction agency, said on "If they don't want to help Cdrills using an aircraft car- Ten vessels and ten aircraft China's Soviet-built Liaon- the South China Sea, prompting its website its board had us, we'll accept that." rier and fighters in the engaged in air-to-air, air-to-sea ing aircraft carrier and a China to defend its right to install "deferred a vote on the re- If Washington finally northeastern Bohai Sea close to and sea-to-air combat drills that formation of warships carried military hardware there. selection of the Philippines for decided to withhold the aid Korea, state media said. featured guided missiles, state out aerial interception, anti-air- No other country has claims compact development, subject because of human rights con- China's growing military broadcaster Chinese Central Tel- craft and anti-missile drills, in in the Bohai Sea, a busy north- to further review of concerns cerns, Yasay said it would not presence in the disputed South evision reported late on which Shenyang J-15 fighter jets eastern Chinese waterway and around rule of law and civil have a "great impact" on China Sea has fuelled concern, Thursday. carrying live missiles also par- the site of Thursday's drills. liberties". Manila's economic situation.

Last ruler of Buddhist Thousands gather to cheer Duterte in Singapore kingdom dies in Nepal Singapore While international rights Reuters groups, organisations includ- ing the Untied Nations and Kathmandu Monday in Kathmandu". housands of Filipinos leaders such as US President AFP Nepal annexed the former gathered in Singapore Barack Obama have raised con- kingdom of Lo in the 18th cen- Tyesterday to catch a cern about the extra-judicial he last king of the isolated tury, but allowed the king to glimpse of their president, Rod- killings, at home, the bloody toll Himalayan region of retain his title. rigo Duterte, in a big show of has bolstered Duterte's TUpper Mustang died yes- Bista succeeded his father support for a leader whose standing. terday in Kathmandu, eight Angun Tenzing Tandul in 1964, bloody war on drugs has hor- Duterte retained a "very years after he lost his royal title continuing a family line that rified global rights groups but good" opinion-poll rating after when the centuries-old Bud- could trace its lineage back to won support at home. six months in office, with a net dhist monarchy was Ame Pal, the warrior who About 135,000 people from satisfaction rating of 63 percent, abolished. founded the kingdom in 1380. the Philippines live in Singa- a Philippine polling agency Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, He supported a CIA-funded pore, according to a breakdown reported this week. who was 86, reigned over the guerrilla campaign to oust Chi- of Philippine statistics for 2015. Arnelya shrugged off inter- arid kingdom high on the nese forces from Tibet after a About 70,000 of them are national criticism of Duterte, Tibetan plateau for more than failed uprising in 1959, allow- women working as domestic saying restoring order was President Rodrigo Duterte poses for selfies with Filipinos half a century before stepping ing Upper Mustang to be used helpers, rights groups estimate, "good for foreigners also". after an orchid naming ceremony at Singapore Botanic down in 2008 when Nepal as a base. and many of them turned up Other supporters held up abolished its own monarchy. Bista had lived most of his yesterday - some without the Gardens, yesterday. clenched fists and banners "He passed away at 1am at life in the medieval walled cap- permission of their bosses - to reading "You are not alone on the hospital this morning. He ital of Lo Manthang, but moved cheer their president on a visit employers are on holiday," said Organisers issued 6,000 your war against drugs, Mr was admitted three days ago. to Kathmandu over a year ago to the city state. Arnelya, who is supporting her tickets for the event but President" and "Duterte - Mak- He had not been well on and off after he became ill, suffering "Most people love Duterte," four children back home on expected a much larger turn- ing Philippines glorious again". since about a year. But was hav- from heart and kidney said 43-year-old maid Arnelya, Mindanao island. out as supporters turned up "I admire the war on drugs," ing more difficulty recently problems. who declined to give her full Hours before Duterte was hours early. said 31-year-old architect Rene because of the cold," the former He acted as a spiritual name because her employers due to appear at an exhibition Duterte's war on drugs, the Tahun. king's nephew Tsewang Bista leader to the local Loba com- did not know she went out. centre near Changi airport, key plank of his campaign for "He's fighting for us, for said. munity, who speak a variant of "I didn't ask them because cover bands, a church choir and a May election, has claimed peace, order and safety. He "We will have rituals until Tibetan and are culturally and they wouldn't have let me. I'm a martial arts group took to the about 5,000 lives since July 1 must be tough. If not, crime will Sunday (tomorrow) and the linguistically closer to Tibet very lucky because my stage to entertain the crowd. this year. still go on." final rites will be performed on than Nepal. 06 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016 One dead in Indian shelling on school van

Muzaffarabad the disputed Kashmir frontier, AFP Heavy shelling claiming the lives of dozens of The driver of the van, people, including civilians. akistan yesterday carrying pupils from At least nine people were accused India of hit- a private school, was killed and seven others ting a school van in wounded late November in killed on the spot the disputed Kashmir cross-border fire that hit a pas- amid heavy shelling. region, killing the senger bus in the village of Pdriver and wounding eight Nagdar in Pakistani-adminis- schoolchildren. tered Kashmir. The incident occurred at Incident occurred Tensions in the long-dis- Mohra village in Nakyal sector at Mohra village in puted Himalayan region of Pakistani-administered Kash- Nakyal sector of reached dangerous levels in Residents hold lighted candles during a ceremony in Lahore yesterday to pay tribute to victims mir where officials said shelling Pakistani Kashmir. September, after India blamed by Indian troops was Pakistani militants for a raid on on the second anniversary of an attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar. continuing. an army base that killed 19 "A shell fired by Indian soldiers. troops hit a school van at LoC between 10 and 15 years, were India said it had responded Anniversary of school massacre marked (Line of Control) in Nakyal sec- taken to hospital amid heavy by carrying out "surgical strikes" tor, The van driver has been shelling. across the heavily militarised Peshawar 2014, firing indiscriminately. which Peshawar is capital, martyred and eight children Muhammad Nasrullah Khan, border, sparking a furious reac- AFP "We can't forget those chil- speaker Asad Qaiser lit candles wounded," Zeeshan Haider, a a doctor in Nakyal hospital said tion from Islamabad, which dren," Pakistan's newly appointed in the presence of cabinet mem- senior government official told that the children had shrapnel denied the strikes took place. arents of children killed military chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa bers and lawmakers. AFP. injuries but their condition was There have since been when Taliban gunmen told the gathering. "The aim of The Taliban have said they There was no immediate not life threatening. repeated outbreaks of cross- Poverran a Pakistan school today's function is to recall how carried out the attack, in which reaction from New Delhi. Sardar Iftekhar, a police sta- border firing, with both sides gathered yesterday to mark the much blood was spilled. The all nine gunmen died, in retali- Nakyal lies on the Line of tion house officer in Nakyal reporting deaths and injuries. second anniversary of the attack wound is very deep and its com- ation for an army offensive on Control, the de facto border confirmed the incident and cas- Kashmir has been divided -- the country's worst ever plete healing is impossible". extremists in the tribal areas. between India and Pakistan in ualties and told AFP that the between India and Pakistan extremist outrage. At a memorial in the school, Authorities have released the disputed Himalayan state. wounded children included five since the end of British colonial More than 150 people -- smartly dressed military officers very few details about their inves- Haider said the driver of the girls and three boys. rule in 1947. Both claim the mostly students -- perished presented a salute in tribute to the tigation, despite hanging at least van, carrying pupils from a pri- Months of tension between Himalayan territory in full and when heavily-armed men raced students and staff who died. four people involved in the attack. vate school, was killed on the India and Pakistan have erupted have fought two wars over the through the Army Public School In the provincial assembly The attack hardened public opin- spot while the children, aged into shelling and gunfire across mountainous region. in Peshawar on December 16, of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, of ion against extremism.

Pakistan to Supporting Syrians Pakistan defers approval hold Census on March 15 of tribal areas reforms

Islamabad Islamabad contact JUI-F and PkMAP to Internews Internews address their concerns on the reforms. he Council of Common he federal cabinet has Both the parties and their Interests of Pakistan once again deferred heads had expressed concern Tyesterday agreed on Tapproval of the Federally over the reforms package and holding the national census Administered Tribal Areas demanded of the government on March 15 next year involv- (Fata) reform committee report to first forge consensus over the ing the House listing and 2016 to remove concerns of two package. Aurangzeb said PM Population Census in one go. federal government allies - the Nawaz appreciated the Fata The CCI meeting held here Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl reforms committee for formu- at the PM House also agreed (JUI-F) and the Pashtoonkhwa lation of first-ever inclusive that the Census may be held in Milli Awami Party (PkMAP). package for the tribal people. two phases - with each phase Prime Minister Nawaz However, she said as the initi- to be carried out in all the prov- Sharif chaired the cabinet meet- ative was important, “therefore, inces simultaneously. ing yesterday which reviewed all relevant stakeholders will be The meeting chaired by Fata reforms report, repatria- taken on board before the final Prime Minister Muhammad tion and management policy for decision on the reports’ Nawaz Sharif agreed that the Afghan refugees and proposal implementation.” census would be carried out in Students shouting slogans during a demonstration in Islamabad yesterday against the for establishment of a perma- Baloch said principally the close coordination of provin- ongoing conflict in Syria. nent secretariat for Council of JUI-F and the PkMAP were not cial governments. Common Interests (CCI). The opposed to the package but they Pakistan held a Census PM, after discussing the Fata had certain reservations which every ten years and has so far reforms report at length with would be removed through conducted census in 1951, 1961, the cabinet members, deferred talks. “The parties have written 1972, 1981 and 1998. The March China gifts solar plant to Islamabad the final decision for further dissenting notes on the reforms 2017 Census would be held consultations. report and we will soon reach after a gap of 19 years. The Islamabad implemented with the coopera- at the ceremony, Sun said he was Both houses of parliament out to them for finding a way decennial census has been Islamabad tion of the Chinese government. delighted that the plant was set have already had lengthy out amicably,” he added. overdue since 2008. The Chinese ambassador, Sun up in a park. debates on the report. In one of the sessions of the The Pakistan Bureau of s a gift to the residents of Weidong, handed over manage- He said: “This is a gift from Minister for Information National Assembly, the JUI-F Statistics issued a gazette Pakistani capital of rial control of the plant to Mayor Chinese government and peo- Marriyum Aurangzeb and Min- chief Fazlur Rehman had notification saying the coun- AIslamabad, the Chinese Sheikh Ansar Aziz at a ceremony ple for residents of Islamabad, ister for States and Frontier strongly criticised the reforms try’s sixth population and government has set up a solar held at the park on Friday. The as a symbol of friendship Regions Abdul Qadir Baloch package and demanded refer- housing census will be car- power plant in F-9 Park, also Metropolitan Corporation Islam- between Pakistan and China.” later informed the media that endum in Fata about its merger ried out in March-April next known as Fatima Jinnah Park. abad organised a ceremony for The event was also attended the Fata reforms committee led in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) year, that is, after a delay of The F-9 solar power plant the ‘Handing over of F-9 Park by the Saudi Arabian by Adviser to PM on Foreign and on other major proposals eight years. project is a grant-in-aid scheme, Solar Lighting Project’. Speaking ambassador. Affairs Sartaj Aziz would of the package. Pakistan's double-Oscar winner vows to tell untold stories

Karachi a killer from the death penalty, but three children superheroes. by her brother who later said he AFP not from life imprisonment. If her pride is evident, it is had found her "intolerable" -- Critics contend that loop- unsurprising -- Prime Minister but the police took the rare step akistan's double-Oscar holes in the new law remain. For Nawaz Sharif originally of making themselves "com- winner Sharmeen Obaid instance, if a killer claims a announced the bill following a plainants" in the case so the PChinoy (pictured) has motive other than 'honour' to screening in the capital of Chi- family could not invoke the law hailed new legislation outlaw- justify their act, the blood money noy's Oscar-winning film. of pardon even if they were pres- ing the crime of "honour killings" pardon law may still apply. Many observers believe the sured into doing so. as a turning point in the long- There are around 1000 'hon- weight of international pressure Chinoy explained: "That sent battle on violence against our' killings per year in Pakistan, was a catalyst in the govern- a very strong message to the women, as she sets her sights on but Chinoy remains hopeful the ment's decision to move a bill people of the country." conquering her country's silver tide is shifting, especially in the that was initially tabled three Primarily known for her screen. wake of widespread revulsion years ago. award-winning documentaries, The filmmaker cast a spot- over the murder of a social- Another turning point for Chi- Chinoy is now branching out into light on the issue with her media starlet by her brother. noy was the murder of social fiction to help revive Pakistan's documentary 'A Girl In The River: "It is not going to end tomor- media starlet Qandeel Baloch -- long-moribund film industry. The Price of Forgiveness' -- row, but at least the process has who shot to fame for her Pakistan's cinemas are dom- which bagged an Academy started to send the men into jail provocative selfies and videos that inated by Bollywood imports, but Award earlier this year. "It is very who kill under the pretext of hon- were praised by fans for daring to her first foray into fiction -- good in the case of honour kill- government passed legislation victim, to walk free after they are our," she tells AFP ahead of the challenge the country's strict social which was also Pakistan's first ing we finally have a legislation aimed at closing loopholes that pardoned by another member of premiere of her her new animated norms on how women should animated feature film, earned that is stronger," she says allowed the perpetrators of such their family. film "3 Bahadur" part two (Three conduct themselves. $650,000 when it was released In October, Pakistan's killings, often relatives of the Now a pardon can only save brave warriors), which follows In July, Baloch was strangled last year. SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016 INDIA 07 Demonetisation was due since 1971: Modi

New Delhi on the last day of the winter ses- Surjeet's 1972 speech in the IANS Currency woes sion that was washed away by Rajya Sabha where he had "The government bedlam over the spiking of high- attacked the then Congress gov- (of the Congress) is value currency notes, which has ernment for not taking any steps rime Minister Naren- of the black money, caused an unprecedented cash including demonetisation to dra Modi yesterday by the black money shortage in the country. curb black money. strongly defended and for the black Hitting out at the Left par- "The CPI-M, which is now demonetisation, say- money," Modi said ties, which joined the Congress opposing demonetisation, then ing this should have in opposing the government's had even fought for demoneti- quoting Basu's 1971 Pbeen done in 1971 itself and November 8 decision to scrap sation of Rs 100 note," said Modi, blamed then PM Indira Gandhi remarks in 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, Modi adding: "The Communists have for not acting on the suggestion Parliament. recalled remarks by Communist compromised their ideology by to demonetise currency notes to veterans Jyotirmoy Basu and aligning with the Congress." curb black money. If Demonetisation had Harkishan Singh Surjeet sup- Continuing the attack, Modi Targeting the opposition been done in 1971, the porting the demonetisation accused the Congress of putting parties for their anti-demoneti- nation wouldn't have recommendation in 1971. party interest above the coun- sation stance, Modi charged the been in this situation Modi quoted Communist try. Quoting former Prime Congress with putting party today. Party of India-Marxist MP Basu's Minister Manmohan Singh's interest above the country and speech in Parliament where he remarks in 1991, Modi said: accused the Left parties of com- had flayed Indira Gandhi for "Then they used the language of promising their ideology. recommended note ban to curb rejecting demonetisation recom- threat against tax evaders. But "We needed to do it in 1971. ill-gotten and hidden wealth. mended by the Wanchoo now that language has changed We have caused huge losses by "Godbole says in the book Committee. "Indira Gandhi sur- because for them, concerns of not doing this since 1971," Modi that Gandhi replied saying, 'Are vives on black money, her the party are above the said while addressing the BJP no more elections to be fought politics survives on black money, country." MPs in Parliament annexe, lash- by the Congress?' Chavan got the therefore the report was not only "Disruptions in Parliament ing out at the Congress for not message and the recommenda- not implemented but was sup- have happened earlier also, but taking effective measures to tion was dropped," Modi said. pressed for a year-and-half. this time it is different. Unlike curb black money in the coun- "This was in 1971 when eve- "The government (of the earlier, when opposition unit- try. The Prime Minister referred rybody recommended this. Had Congress) is of the black money, edly fought against scams and to former bureaucrat Madhav it (demonetisation) been done by the black money and for the corruption, most of the opposi- Godbole's book, in which he has in 1971, the nation wouldn't have black money," Modi said quot- tion parties are coming together recorded how then Home Min- been in this situation today." ing Basu's 1971 remarks in to stand beside the corrupt," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi walking after the BJP ister Y B Chavan had Modi spoke to the BJP MPs Parliament. He also recalled Modi. parliamentary committee meeting in New Delhi, yesterday.

Driver arrested Petrol price hiked NEWS BYTES for assault on by Rs2.21 a litre & diesel by Rs1.79 Govt uncover 4th anniversary Rs26bn black of Nirbhaya case Mumbai money IANS New Delhi AFP ith the global oil POST the November 8 prices going over demonetisation of high- olice in New Delhi said W$50 a barrel earlier value currency, the yesterday they have this week, state-run Indian government has uncov- Parrested a driver for Oil Corp yesterday hiked the ered concealed income allegedly raping a woman in prices of transport fuels — of to the tune of Rs26bn his car, as the Indian capital petrol by Rs2.21 a litre, and of and has seized a total of marks the fourth anniversary diesel by Rs1.79 at Delhi, with Rs3.93bn involving nearly of the fatal gang-rape of a stu- corresponding increase in 300 cases, an official said dent. The woman told police other states and effective yesterday. that she was waiting for a bus midnight. "Admitted concealed on Wednesday night when the "The current level of income on the basis of man offered her a lift and she international product prices our survey of data till Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice- got into his car. of petrol and diesel and the date is Rs26 billion," "We have recorded her President Rahul Gandhi after meeting with the President at the Presidential Palace in New INR-USD exchange rate war- Central Board of Direct statement. She has told us that Delhi, yesterday. rant increase in selling price Taxes (CBDT) Chairman the driver raped her in his car," of petrol and diesel, the Sushil Chandra said Rekha, the police officer han- impact of which is being briefing reporters here dling the case, said.. Oppn meets President over House impasse passed on to the consumers on the demonetisation "We have arrested the with this price revision," IOC drive designed to curb driver," said the officer, who said in a release here late yes- black money, counter- goes by only one name, add- New Delhi unprecedented that the govern- Congress and the Janata Dal- terday. Petrol per litre from feiting and financing of ing that police have launched AFP ment itself has been deliberately United, participated in the meet, Saturday will cost Rs68.94 in terrorism. an investigation into the case disrupting and forcing adjourn- the Left Parties gave it a miss Delhi, Rs71.50 in Kolkata, "We have conducted and seized the car. Rekha said ccusing the government ments of both Lok Sabha and saying that the President has "no Rs75.27 in Mumbai and searches and seizures in the suspect was a driver for a of stifling the opposition's Rajya Sabha. This is being done role to play in the matter". Rs68.41 in Chennai. about 291 cases, carried member of India's elite para- Avoice and subjecting par- at the behest of senior The parties said the govern- Similarly, diesel will cost out surveys in 295 cases," military Central Industrial liamentary democracy to a ministers. ment's November 8 Rs56.68 in Delhi, Rs58.92 in he said. Security Force. 'severe threat', opposition par- "Moreover, the Prime Min- demonetisation move has cre- Kolkata, Rs62.40 in Mumbai The driver reportedly later ties led by the Congress ister has misled the nation by ated a "deep crisis" in the and Rs58.29 in Chennai. abandoned the vehicle and yesterday urged President blaming the opposition," the country, with millions affected Amid the fluctuation in Actress fled to a friend's house where Pranab Mukherjee to parties said in the memorandum by it. "More than 97 people have global prices, rates were last the police arrested him on intervene. to Mukherjee. lost their lives across the states revised on December 1, when arrested Thursday morning. He will be A host of opposition leaders, "We are deeply concerned while queuing up outside banks petrol price was hiked by 13 produced in court later yester- including former Prime Minis- that the parliamentary demo- and ATMs," they said. paise a litre, while diesel rates over fraud day — four years to the day ter Manmohan Singh and cratic system itself is under The parties also expressed were cut by 12 paise, both in since a student was gang- Congress President Sonia Gan- severe threat," they said, claim- shock over Modi's failure to Delhi, with corresponding raped on a moving bus in an dhi, submitted a memorandum ing that their repeated efforts to make a statement on the changes in other states. MODEL and Malay- incident that unleashed global to Mukherjee expressing shock debate and discuss the adverse demonetisation issue, inform- With oil producers out- alam film actress Dhanya outrage about attacks on over Prime Minister Narendra fallout of demonetisation in par- ing all the lawmakers about the side the Organisation of the Mary Varghese has been women in India. The incident Modi's refusal to make a state- liament was stonewalled by the rationale behind the announce- OPEC, led by Russia, agree- arrested for financial sparked mass street protests ment on the 'draconian' government. ment, process of rollout and the ing to reduce output by fraud of Rs 1.30bn, said in Delhi and led to tougher demonetisation decision. While a host of opposition way in which the pain of the 558,000 barrels per day (bpd) police yesterday. laws against rapists. "It is unfortunate and parties, including the Trinamool masses can be alleviated. last week. Varghese, her hus- band John and his brother Samuel, were on the run after complaints filed by clients, who had booked Cash crackdown linked to drop in child trafficking apartments from Sam- son Builders, owned by John's family, but the Mumbai transactions. Yet while factory villages as there are no orders for restaurants, shops and hotels and factories and 'placement-agencies' company failed to honour Reuters owners complain of a slump in them to work on." as domestic workers. which often traffick girls and the contracts. Her father- profits and a dip in productivity, Police agree the cash crunch The children - mostly from women for domestic work. in-law, Jacob Samsun, a child rights activists say India's could be hitting traffickers who poor rural areas - are taken to "These days, they don't fre- former state govern- usiness has been slow at "demonetisation" drive has a sil- buy and sell children for labour, cities by gangs who sell them into quently see transportation of ment employee, was the Thakkar Bappa Colony ver-lining: it has stemmed the but say more detailed analysis is bonded labour, force them into children by traffickers in these arrested last month, and Bshoe manufacturing hub in steady stream of children traf- required before they can make a sex work or hire them out to areas and they are not able to the trio picked up from eastern Mumbai since the gov- ficked here to stitch shoes. direct link. India has almost 6 mil- unscrupulous employers. In operate so easily because they Tamil Nadu's Nagercoil ernment withdrew high-value "Children came from Uttar lion child workers, according to many cases, they are unpaid. cannot use the black money on Thursday night and bank notes last month in an Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan to the International Labour Organ- Child rights activist and Nobel which funded their illicit busi- brought here yesterday. attempt to curb tax evasion and work here," said Sugandha Pat- ization (ILO), but activists say this Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, who nesses before," said Satyarthi. According to police, counterfeit currency. ade from the charity Pratham is a gross underestimate. has welcomed the demonetisa- BBA has for example found no Varghese, even though Orders to the numerous which rescues and rehabilitates More than half are employed tion policy, said that human cases of girls being trafficked at not a director in the com- shoemakers lining the slum's child workers in the area. in agriculture and more than a trafficking and child labour were three popular railway stations in pany, had misled clients narrow streets have almost dried "In the last month, no new quarter in manufacturing - among the largest sources of black the northeast state of Assam over by stating on the com- up due to a dearth of bank notes child workers have come and embroidering clothes, weaving money. His own charity has the last two months, compared pany website that she in circulation, say the businesses those who were working here carpets or making match sticks. reported fewer children in areas to a monthly average of six before was a director. which mainly rely on cash have been sent back to their Children also work in where there are small-scale the demonetisation policy 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Horrors in Aleppo Aleppo is about the sanctity and housands of people continue to be trapped in Aleppo as evacuation efforts are hitting fresh hurdles despite fervent international pleas to Tallow the safe passage of civilians. The dignity of every human life evacuation was suspended after pro-government militias demanded that wounded people should also be brought out of two Shia villages being besieged by rebels. This is a deliberate attempt to block the where the same moral outrage was in find the United States in selective out- evacuation. The regime and its ally Iran are reportedly Omid Safi our own country’s use of drones against rage. We are shocked that the Russians seeking to add an evacuation of civilians from these The Washington Post Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, would interfere in US elections, when two villages to the terms of the Aleppo deal. Libya and Iraq. Where was the same Americans have a long history of regime The United Nations has urged “the parties to take outrage when we bombed wedding par- change in Iran (1953), Chile (1973) and all necessary measures to allow safe resumption of this ties and blew grandmothers to elsewhere. We are aghast that the Rus- evacuation process”. “Aleppo is now a synonym for smithereens? Where was this moral dis- sians would bomb defenceless hell,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told he tragedy — no, the genocide — in play in Abu Ghraib and the forced populations, when we have bombed reporters. “I very much regret that we had to stop this Aleppo is unfolding before our eyes. feeding of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, civilian populations for so long in so operation.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Less than a generation after the Sre- Cuba? Where is the moral speaking to many places that it is not an aberration: also called for all sides to respect the Aleppo deal. brenica massacre and Rwanda, after power when we destroyed Iraq and It is tradition. Aleppo is in ruins, and the relentless bombardment by “never again.” Afghanistan, enable the Israeli occupa- As the home to both the Rev. Martin the Syrian and Russian forces, with the use of deadliest THere we are again. tion of Palestine by Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, the weapons, has created a humanitarian crisis of And yet there is also something different providing both military United States has always been both a unprecedented proportions. US Secretary of State John about this genocide. I don’t recall another that and political cover for dream and a nightmare, particularly Kerry said what happened had so many ardent supporters on the two Israel? towards poor and marginalised people in the city was sides. As an American, I inside US borders and in the global ‘unconscionable’, raising We are a people who have been raised to South. concerns for the “tens of speak out for justice, even if our voices shake. I want us as Muslims to be a moral Assad and his thousands of lives that are We are a people who are to speak the truth Let us do whatever we can people. I want us as Americans to live up allies must now concentrated into a and stand up for justice even if it is against to alleviate the suffering of to the meaning of our creeds. allow the safe very small area of Aleppo”. ourselves, against our parents and against our No, I don’t know how to stop the The Syrian Observatory community. What a lofty and beautiful moral Syrians. And let us become bloodshed in Syria. Yes, we feel helpless, evacuation of for Human Rights has stance, and how short we have fallen of that a moral people who put angered, sad, devastated. civilians from estimated that only 8,500 moral high ground. human dignity above Let us do whatever we can to allevi- Aleppo. people had left before the The Muslims who view the crisis of Aleppo geopolitical and sectarian ate the suffering of Syrians. And let us operation was suspended, as primarily a Russian/Iranian/Bashar Al become a moral people who put human which means a large Assad genocide of a defenceless population interests. dignity above geopolitical and sectarian number of people are still have been sharing the “Final Messages” of interests. waiting to be moved to safe people of Aleppo. areas. It’s the duty of Assad and his allies to let the We are determining our moral stance on a remaining civilians leave the city. Aid workers are genocide based on our geopolitical commit- sending heart-rending pictures from the area, of ments. Somewhere we were told that every children ‘hungry and crying’ and people ‘exhausted’, human life is sacred, that every life has the not knowing when they will be rescued. France breath of God inside. Somewhere we were yesterday said it is pushing for the United Nations told that to take one human life is as if to take Security Council to ensure the evacuation of Aleppo is the life of the whole of humanity, and to save coordinated by international one human life is as if to save the whole of observers. humanity. There are fears that Idlib could become the next And all along, hundreds of thousands of battleground in Syria after the fall of Aleppp. A Syrians die. neighbour of Aleppo, Idlib province is home to a large If your stance on Syria is shaped by number of opposition fighters, notably those who have whether the killing is being done by Russia/ arrived from areas which have fallen under the regime Iran/Assad’s genocidal government, or by control. The residents of Idlib are fearing a repeat of Nusra/Jaysh/FSA forces, you still haven’t Aleppo in their city. There are reports that Russian and gotten the part about the sanctity and dignity Syrian forces have been holding joint training exercises of each human life. as early as December 2015 in Latakia province to If we cry out against the victims for one prepare for fighting in Idlib. side, and have not a mumbling word to say Western and Arab countries are yet to formulate a about the other victims, our partial mourning full strategy on the latest developments in Syria. Arab is rooted in a flawed sectarianism. League held an emergency session in Cairo at the It’s not the identity of the killers that request of Qatar to discuss the situation. makes it a crime. It’s the humanity of the vic- tims, the dignity that each of us is afforded by the virtue of having the breath of God inside us. Let us never succumb to lining up our QUOTE OF THE DAY moral commitments with geopolitics of a nation-state. It’s the geopolitical politics that have to line up with dignity of human lives, not the other way around. If you are fighting drug May it be that we stand up not for any nations, but only for justice. This is not about addicts and criminal, I Sunni and Shia, Arab and Iranian. It’s about can go as many as I want right and wrong. It’s about human dignity. and for as long as there Today I watched with admiration the are drug pushers in the powerful words of US Ambassador Samantha Powers speaking at the United Nations, streets in my country... this addressing Russia and Iran: campaign will go on until “Are you truly incapable of shame? . . . Is the last day of my term. there no act of barbarism against civilians, no execution of a child, that gets under your skin, that just creeps you out, just a little bit?” Rodrigo Duterte Yes, these are powerful words. I found Syrian civilians who were evacuated from rebel-held neighbourhoods in the Philippine President myself nodding in agreement. Yet I wonder embattled city of Aleppo arriving in the Khan Al Aassal region, yesterday. SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016 OPINION 09 As Trump riles China, Taiwan tallies defence costs

J R Wu Reuters

efore getting too carried away with Tai- wan’s elevated status under a Donald Trump presidency, President Tsai Ing-wen might want to check her bank balance. Trump’s suggestion that the “one BChina” principle - that Taiwan is a part of China - was up for negotiation has already prompted sabre-rattling from Chinese state media and some in the military establishment. Taipei’s ability to mitigate any military action by China will be severely limited by its weak economy and a tiny domestic arms industry that will take years to build up. And even if the United States - Taiwan’s sole arms supplier - agrees to sell the advanced weap- onry the island needs to deter a Chinese attack, Taipei will struggle to pay the bill, government advis- ers and experts say. “The trend in defence spending is a ‘slow rise’,” said Chieh Chung, a long-time defence expert and researcher with the National Policy Foundation in Taipei, a think tank. “There isn’t a lot of flexibility in government finances.” The ability of Taiwan to defend itself, and the willingness of the United States to help it, have been brought into sharp relief since President-elect Trump accepted an unprecedented phone call from Presi- dent Tsai early this month. Tsai has never conceded the “one China” princi- Taiwan navy fast attack boats take part in a military drill outside a naval base in Kaohsiung port, southern Taiwan, recently. ple and Beijing has never renounced the use of force to take back what it deems a wayward province, par- ticularly if Taiwan makes moves toward flict, but by 2017 that rises to 30, the report said. withered. The navy has just begun programmes to Taiwan offer us a way to throw that independence. Selling arms might be more palatable, and there build a few small warships, and next on Taiwan’s list curve ball in the coming years,” she Despite that threat, Taiwan has spent less than 2 is certainly a need. are submarines and advanced jet trainers. told an audience at a security con- percent of its half-a-trillion dollar economy on its Two of Taiwan’s four submarines date to World But critics say it will take years to build a battle- ference in Taipei this week. defence needs in recent years, leaving it woefully War Two, while the two other Dutch-built boats have ready fleet, costs would likely be higher than buying “Further engagement with Taiwan unable to match a free-spending China militarily. been in service for nearly 30 years. second-hand equipment and there is almost no is important to achieving the stra- US-based think tank the Rand Corporation said But Chieh estimates submarines would cost Tai- export market to sustain programmes for Taiwanese tegic goal.” in a research report last year the United States wan more than $2bn each, requiring a special defence goods. Taiwan’s reliance on the United would find it far more challenging to come to Tai- budget fundraising via government bonds - a more States is therefore key. wan’s aid in the event of an attack now compared to expensive prospect in a rising interest rate “Beijing knows that we have obligations to help two decades ago, due to rapid advances in Chinese environment. Taiwan defend itself and resist coercion, as capabilities. Any arms sale would also risk provoking Beijing. enshrined in the Taiwan Relations Act, and that we In 1996, only two US air wings would have been Retired Major-General Luo Yuan, a widely read make decisions about our defence relationship with need to achieve air superiority at the outset of a con- Chinese military figure, told Hong Kong’s Phoenix Taiwan based on the threat that China poses,” said Television on Monday that Taiwan buying US arms Daniel Blumenthal, director of Asian Studies at the D-RING ROAD could be considered a hostile act. American Enterprise Institute, and a former US POST BOX: 3488 “If you want to buy one set of anti-missile sys- defence official. US-based think tank the tems from the United States, then we’ll set up four in Trump’s campaign rhetoric, however, indicated DOHA - QATAR Rand Corporation said in a response on the other side of the Taiwan Strait, so he may be less likely to go to war over someone [email protected] research report last year that you will know pain, that you can’t buy security, else’s defence while recent comments suggest Tai- and that what you’re actually buying is danger,” he wan may be a pawn in his trade negotiations with the United States would said. China. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE find it far more challenging Buying big-ticket items like subs would also be a Madeleine Bordallo, a member of the US House TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 to come to Taiwan’s aid in tough sell at home because Tsai has made develop- of Representatives Armed Services Committee, says FAX: +974 4455 7758 the event of an attack now ing an indigenous defence industry a key policy throwing China a “curve ball” will make Beijing think plank to create jobs and pump up the sluggish econ- twice about issues such as Taiwan. compared to two decades MANAGING EDITOR omy, currently growing at less than 2 percent. Bordallo backed a defence bill supporting senior TEL: 4462 7505 ago, due to rapid advances Taiwan has previously developed its own mis- military exchanges between the United States and siles and also manufactured over 100 of its own Taiwan that was approved by Congress this month. in Chinese capabilities. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR fighter jets in the 1990s before the programme “I believe that different types of engagement with TEL: 4455 7743

LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7769

HRW blind sensitivity no help to terror victims BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: 4462 7535

Hakan Copur December 10 deadly twin bomb attacks in Istanbul sparked SPORT NEWS SECTION Anatolia reactions. TEL: 4455 7745 Two days after the attacks killed at least 44 victims -- a number that could still rise -- he tweeted: “But there is not a ONLINE SECTION reason for Kurdish militia to bomb civilians”. TEL: 4462 7501 The fact that he explicitly used “terrorism” in statements [email protected] enneth Roth (pictured), who has and pointed to Daesh after attacks in Paris in 2015 but failed been the executive director of to implement similar vocabulary for PKK terrorist attacks -- PUBLIC RELATIONS Human Rights Watch since 1993, it brings to mind the so-called good terrorist versus bad has come under fire for com- terrorist debate. TEL: 4455 7613 K [email protected] ments about the PKK and its affiliates. Roth also shared on Dec. 8 a report by the New York Roth, assessing Turkey as a “semi- Times that claimed the PKK group has as “gender equality”, democracy” in its annual report, has been further blurring the lines and failing to present the terror ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT criticized for not distancing his group from group in its proper light. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organiza- Roth, who has shown a sympathetic approach to PKK FAX: 4455 7870 tion by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. terrorists and its political extensions, appears not to have the [email protected] Human Rights Watch operates in more same regard for victims – the dead and the wounded – of than 80 countries and is one of the world’s terror attacks. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT leading international human rights bodies. -”Expressing sympathy towards PKK’s political views TEL: 4455 7857 But it uses “soft expressions” when refer- should not be a crime” [email protected] ring to the terrorist group and its bloody In reviewing claims on “Iraqi Kurdish Regional govern- attacks on Turkey. are biases and misrepresentations on a host of ment blocking human aid for Ezidis in Sincar”, Roth ignored SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION While Roth criticized Ankara’s meas- issues from Venezuela to African conflicts to Israel. the existence of terror organizations in the region and said TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 ures against the Fetullah Terrorist Roth’s tweets on social media following the the “PKK’s existence is not an excuse”. FAX: 44557819 Organization and the PKK, alluding to The statement appears to show Roth’s support for aid “human rights” after the July 15 coup supplies for Ezidis, however, “not disturbed by PKK’s [email protected] attempt in Turkey, his report was “indif- existence”. ferent” to the unjust suffering of Turkish Human Rights Watch Born in 1955, Roth graduated from the Yale University victims who have been subjected to terror operates in more than Law School. All thoughts and views attacks by the PKK. As a lawyer, he has collaborated with human rights expressed in these columns In a large part of the report, he goes 80 countries and is one organizations since the 1970’s and joined HRW in 1987. out of his way to try to make a point that of the world’s leading He has sat in the executive chair of the organization for are those of the writers, not “Turkey oppressing opposition Kurdish international human rights nearly 24 years. of the newspaper. groups” but avoids similar language when bodies. But it uses “soft HRW originated in New York and its 2015 budget was referring to the PKK -- raising questions more than $65 million. All correspondence about the fairness and objectivity of the expressions” when referring The group is funded in part by big name donors that regarding Views and HRW, its executive and a clear double to the terrorist group and its include George Soros’s Open Society Institute and the Ford Opinion pages should be standard the group has employed. HRW bloody attacks on Turkey. Foundation. under Roth is no stranger to criticism, reg- In 2010, Soros pledged $100m to HRW over the next 10 mailed to the ularly lambasted for what observers say years. [email protected] 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016

Ukraine praises EU to extend EU step to secure deal Kiev sanctions Reuters UKRAINIAN President Petro Poroshenko yesterday praised a European Union decision which on Russia paves the way for final agreement on a cooperation accord between Ukraine and the bloc. Brussels Some differences The accord still needs to over- Reuters come reservations on the part of Poland was among the Netherlands. But Kiev believes uropean Union lead- the EU states that that the so-called association ers agreed to extend wanted a longer agreement will help the former economic sanctions extension of the Soviet republic move closer to against Russia over sanctions, but Italy Europe and away from Moscow’s the turmoil in has been a leading orbit. EUkraine until mid-2017, though “It is a necessary step to voice in the bloc in some wanted a longer timespan achieve our common goal—to calling for over fear US President-elect secure the association agree- re-establishing Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen (left) walks with European Commission President Donald Trump would ease ment,” Poroshenko said in a post pressure on Moscow. business ties with Jean-Claude Juncker (centre) and European Council President Donald Tusk to a meeting regarding on social media. The decision was expected Moscow. Europol in Brussels. EU leaders agreed on Thurs- and the formal process to extend day to spell out limits to the the sanctions on Russia’s defence, agreement with Ukraine to energy and financial sectors will bloc in calling for re-establish- Leaders agree for Brexit plan address Dutch concerns and pre- take place early next week. ing business ties with Moscow. vent the deal from unravelling. “Some of our colleagues The decision was also meant Brussels “tackle the uncertainties” raised branch, saying they could attend The leaders agreed it did not would prefer maybe 12 months but as a signal to Trump, who has Reuters by the prospect of Brexit. preparatory meetings. make Ukraine a candidate for EU ... what is possible is maintaining worried the EU with his prom- But “any agreement will have May, who was filmed looking membership, and did not entitle our current format, it means six ises to seek a rapprochement he European Union leaders to be based on a balance of rights unsure of herself as leaders gath- Kiev to financial aid or military months,” European Council Pres- with Russia. agreed their plan for Brexit and obligations”, they insisted, ered, left the summit with no assistance from the bloc. Neither ident Donald Tusk said. “It would send a very bad sig- Tnegotiations, pledging to and reject British attempts to mention of Brexit, focusing did it give Ukrainians the right to The bloc slapped sanctions on nal vis-a-vis Trump if we shied move swiftly and stick together remain in the EU’s single market instead on Syria and a pledge to live and work in the 28-nation Russia after it annexed Ukraine’s away from this extension, or pro- to ensure Britain does not cherry if it does not accept free immi- provide a further £20m (€23.8m) union. Black Sea peninsula of Crimea longed them by a shorter period pick a sweet deal that might gration from the continent - one of support for the most vulnera- The Netherlands is the only from Ukraine in 2014. of time,” a senior EU official said. inspire others to unstitch the bloc. of four key freedoms of the Union ble fleeing Aleppo. EU country that has yet to ratify It has extended them by six But in front of cameras, EU Prime Minister Theresa May which British voters rejected in a She had sought to reinforce the deal, which would become months each time ever since as leaders were more cautious, with left before the other 27 leaders June referendum. her message that, while still a void without its endorsement. Moscow says it would never give German Chancellor Angela Mer- met briefly to formalise their plan After months in which exas- member, Britain would play a full By imposing caveats on the back Crimea and the conflict in kel saying the extension was for how to run Brexit talks. perated continentals have mocked part in discussions on EU issues deal, Prime Minister Mark Rutte east Ukraine - which has killed agreed “based on the current sit- Before heading home, diplo- divisions within May’s government and keen to set a conciliatory tone aims to ease the concerns of 10,000 people to date - is not uation” rather than attempts to mats said May had assured her over what kind of deal Britain for a “smooth” exit, welcoming Dutch voters, who rejected it in resolved despite peace media- “anticipate what the new Amer- European partners that she would should seek, her exhortations to the meeting of the other EU lead- a referendum in April. Rutte will tion by Germany and France. ican president might do.” launch the two-year process by others to get on with their prepa- ers without her. now take the agreement to the Ukraine’s President Petro “It’s still too early to assess the end of March despite how rations sounded a shade ironic. But The EU negotiating plan con- Dutch parliament in an attempt Poroshenko welcomed the deci- responsibly what is the possible London judges rule in a constitu- in fact Brussels did see a wobble in firmed that a special set of to win its approval and over- sion: “I am sincerely grateful for policy of the new american tional court case that some say its facade of unity as the European institutions would be set up, mir- write the referendum result. unwavering unity and solidarity administration on Russia,” said might jeopardise her timetable. Parliament grumbled that EU lead- roring existing EU forums but “We call upon the Nether- of the European leaders in Tusk. “It’s right that the other lead- ers were freezing it out of excluding Britain. Ministerial lands to fulfil the relevant restoring Ukraine’s sovereignty In a separate decision, EU ers prepare for those negotiations negotiations. councils and councils of envoys procedures to ensure its swift and territorial integrity, includ- leaders agreed to spell out limits as we have been preparing,” May After warnings from senior would meet to keep national gov- entry into force,” Poroshenko ing Crimea.” to a landmark cooperation told reporters. lawmakers that the legislature ernments in overall control of said. Poland was among the EU accord with Ukraine in order to The 27 issued a statement risked withholding its consent to negotiations led by French former Ukraine considers the agree- states that wanted a longer address Dutch concerns and pre- saying they were “determined to any final divorce deal if it was not minister Michel Barnier, the point ment a symbol of the country’s extension of sanctions, but Italy vent the deal from falling see the Union succeed”, and were included throughout the talks, man for the European Commis- future direction, 25 years after the has been a leading voice in the through. ready to negotiate quickly to national leaders offered an olive sion, the EU executive. collapse of the Soviet Union. Swiss parliament skirts clash with EU over immigration curbs

Zurich / Brussels The lack of upper limits on parliament did not want to risk populist party support — why intended to curb immigration employment in Switzerland, con- Reuters immigration to a country of 8.3 a row with the EU, Switzerland’s they can no longer work in high- appears to “go in the right direc- trary to what was in the initial million, whose population is main trading partner, which wage Swiss jobs. tion” by not setting quotas of EU draft of the text,” he continued. witzerland yesterday already a quarter foreign, could retaliate by abrogating Passage of the law clears the citizens able to work there, the Schinas said that the EU approved a law aimed at prompted the right-wing Swiss other bilateral accords easing way for Switzerland to extend free European Commission said intended to have a close dialogue Scurbing immigration by giv- People’s Party to assert that pol- trade in sectors that account for movement of people to the latest yesterday. with the Swiss over the applica- ing local people first crack at iticians had defied the people’s seven percent of Swiss economic EU member Croatia. That in turn “Today the result of the par- tion of the law and would open jobs, skirting voters’ will in a 2014 referendum. output. will restore Swiss access to the liamentary process is known. At continue its analysis in the next demand for outright quotas that The SVP, the largest party in Nearly 1.4 million EU citizens EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, first sight, we say the law appears few days, also consulting the EU’s it feared could disrupt close ties parliament, has accused other live in Switzerland and another which funds research projects. to go in the right direction,” 28 member states. with the European Union. parties of kowtowing to Brussels 365,000 commute in from In any event, Swiss voters European Commission spokes- European Commission Pres- Brussels so far has shown and shirking their duty to stand neighbouring countries. look set to decide for a second man Margaritis Schinas told a ident Jean-Claude Juncker would scant flexibility on the free up for Swiss sovereignty. Its The Swiss think that gives time whether to impose curbs on news conference. talk with Swiss President Johann movement of people - the prin- members held up signs protest- them leverage with Germany, immigration or reaffirm close “It is a good sign that the law Schneider-Ammann later to ciple underpinning Swiss access ing the final vote reading France and Italy, whose leaders economic ties with the bloc. is not intended to impose quo- exchange initial views and to dis- to the single market—so as not “constitutional breach” and may not want to have to explain tas on the free circulation of EU cuss the next steps. A joint to encourage Britain as it nego- “mass immigration continues”. to voters — especially those in EU HAILS SWISS LAW citizens and does not envisage EU-Swiss committee meeting is tiates its EU divorce. But a clear majority in border regions with strong Switzerland’s new law restricting their access to planned for December 22.

Festivity illumination 9 candidates bidding for Socialist primary in France

Paris Other candidates are Sylvia remains largely unknown AP Pinel, Gerard Filoche, Vincent outside political circles. Peillon, Fabien Verdier, Jean- The primary will take place ine competitors are bid- Luc Bennahmias and Francois on January 22-29 over two ding to be the Socialist de Rugy. The definitive list of rounds. All French citizens over NParty’s candidate in next contenders will be known today 18 are allowed to vote if they pay year’s French presidential once approved by the primary’s €1 and sign a document saying election. organisers. they share the values of the left. Among those who declared Peillon, education minister Other candidates including their candidacy are former from 2012 to 2014, also presents far-left leader Jean-Luc Melen- prime minister Manuel Valls, himself as the candidate of chon and centrist figure who is regarded as the front- “unity” while Filoche, who for- Emmanuel Macron — a former runner to represent the Socialist merly enforced employees’ economy minister under Valls party and its allies. rights as a work inspector, is —have chosen to run Valls hopes to unite France’s championing working-class independently. Socialist party but faces tough interests. Current opinion polls sug- competition from former Econ- Bennahmias and de Rugy gest that the second round of the omy Minister Arnaud are well known for their green presidential election could pit Montebourg and former Educa- credentials and Pinel has held Marine Le Pen, the leader of the Visitors view Christmas displays on dozens of properties that have been decorated with tion Minister Benoit Hamon, minister positions in Hollande’s far-right National Front, thousands of lights in a small village of Westfield in Sussex, south east England. party rebels who back more left- governments. The youngest in against conservative nominee leaning policies. the race at 35, Verdier Francois Fillon. SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016 EUROPE 11 Poland plans to limit media access to parliament

Warsaw rights of citizens to be fully anything wrong here, I don’t means as many 800 journalists Party (PSL), Wladyslaw Kosin- Reuters Proposed move informed about what people believe this restricts the rights of might be at the parliament at the iak-Kamysz, told Polskie Radio The rules proposed elected by them to the parlia- journalists,” Beata Mazurek, a same time. 24 yesterday. Polish plan to curb ment do,” said a statement spokeswoman for the party, said “The changes will not only “It has served the develop- by the head office of media access to par- signed by Poland’s largest inde- on Thursday, as cited by the increase the safety and profes- ment of democracy in Poland, it the Sejm, the lower liament spurred pendent news outlets Polish media, yesterday. sionalism for both journalists and has served to ask tough ques- widespread protests house of parliament, yesterday. The Sejm’s office said the politicians, but will also improve tions. Now, there will be one by non-state media ban all recording of The plan is the latest by the plan, which proposes limiting the image of Sejm and Senat (the message. This is not good for the yesterday,A amid concern the gov- parliamentary ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party accreditations to the main build- upper house of parliament),” public opinion.” ernment is intent on curtailing sessions except by to extend its authority. ing to two per media outlet, is according to the document. Poland’s human rights freedom of press. five selected Within a year of taking office, “inspired” by how journalists are The plan, which calls for ombudsman, Adam Bodnar, told The rules proposed by the television stations it had tightened its control over regulated in the European Union opening a media centre in a the news channel TVN24 that head office of the Sejm, the and limits the public news media and state Parliament and other nearby building where invited access to the parliament is lower house of parliament, ban number of journalists prosecution and moved to countries. politicians will give briefings, has granted by the country’s all recording of parliamentary allowed in the weaken the country’s highest According to a document also been sharply criticised by constitution. sessions except by five selected building. court. published on the Sejm website, opposition parties. “The role of journalists is not television stations and limits The party, led by Jaroslaw 300 permanent and 200 tempo- “The Polish parliament has only to follow computer screens, the number of journalists Kaczynski, said the new rules on rary media accreditations have been very open to journalists but also to seize the opportunity allowed in the building. The access to Sejm were not been issued this year, and when for 27 years (since the first to talk to politicians and to do rules are due to take effect next “This restriction, first of all, limitations. the Sejm is in session up to 300 democratic election),” the real-time checks of what’s going year. does not hit journalists, but the “I don’t believe there is daily passes are granted. That leader of the Polish Peasant on,” Bodnar said.

Mayor suspends End of year party British workers launch himself over judicial probe season of strikes Milan Reuters London “We’ve already passed leg- AFP islation to provide people with THE mayor of Milan, better protection from undem- Giuseppe Sala, said he had rom trains and planes to ocratic industrial action, and we suspended himself from his parcels, British workers would keep under review how duties after learning he was Fare gearing for the festive these measures are working in under investigation in a case season with a string of strikes, practice,” the prime minister’s involving tender bids at last rounding off a year of action spokeswoman said. year’s Expo world fair. that began with an unprece- The rail dispute revolves Sala, elected mayor of Ita- dented walkout by doctors. around the company’s plan to ly’s financial capital earlier Hundreds of thousands of change the role of train guards, this year, was the former CEO commuters were yesterday left giving drivers sole responsibil- of Expo Milan 2015. stranded for the third day this ity for operating the doors. In a statement, Sala said week after staff on Southern Southern Rail has promised he had learned he was being Rail, which runs trains from the changes will not lead to job probed in the case from jour- southern England into London, losses and guards will be freed nalist sources. stopped work. up to help passengers, but the “While I have not the The strike heaped pressure unions say the move puts pas- slightest idea of the investi- on London’s already over- senger safety at risk. gative allegations I have crowded Tube and bus network The stand-off may spread decided to suspend myself and hit train services to one of to other rail services after the from my position as mayor,” the capital’s main airports, RMT union issued a warning he said. Students celebrate during the traditional year-end party held in the main square of Gatwick. about similar plans to introduce Sala worked as head of Salamanca, Spain. The end of year party has been celebrated every year since the 1990s, Air travellers also face the “driver-only operation” onto Milan’s Expo world fair and this year's version drew 35,000 university students. prospect of disruption after other lines. between 2010 and 2015. British Airways cabin crew Meanwhile at British Air- voted to strike over pay. ways, almost 2,000 cabin crew, They have not yet or more than one in seven, announced a date but the action voted to strike in a long-run- could begin as early as Decem- ning dispute over pay. Catalan leader in court over secession debate ber 21 —the date that many The Unite union says so- British schools finish for the called “mixed fleet” cabin crew Christmas holidays. who joined the firm after 2010 Barcelona Catalonia’s independence move- government, which fiercely whether or not the central gov- Meanwhile workers at are struggling with wages which AFP ment, is under investigation for opposed Catalonia’s independ- ernment in Madrid agreed, and state-owned Post Office, which are so low that some sleep in “serious disobedience” after let- ence drive, defended the court’s Catalonia’s regional parliament runs branches offering stamps, their cars between flights. undreds of Catalan pro- ting the regional assembly in July decision to probe Forcadell. subsequently approved his plan. mail delivery and retail serv- “Significant numbers of independence supporters debate and vote on a resolution “No one can have carte But Spain’s Constitutional ices, have announced five days crew are taking on second jobs, Hrallied yesterday in sup- on steps to achieve independ- blanche to disobey laws or to act court on Tuesday suspended the of strikes starting on Monday. many go to work unfit to fly port of regional parliament ence for the wealthy with impunity,” government resolution calling for the refer- The chaos caused by rail because they can’t afford to be speaker Carme Forcadell as she northeastern region. spokesman Inigo Mendez de endum while it decides on its strike has sparked strong crit- sick,” said Matt Smith, a Unite appeared for questioning for Spain’s Constitutional Court Vigo told reporters after a legality. icism of Southern Rail’s regional officer. allowing a debate on secession had ordered that the debate and weekly cabinet meeting. Spain’s central government management and the govern- The union is yet to from Spain. vote not go ahead, arguing it was Pro-independence parties has ruled out any possibility of ment, as well as the unions. announce a strike date and The crowd, which included a step towards secession. won an absolute majority in Catalonia, which accounts for One lawmaker from Prime called on BA to return to the some 400 pro-independence “I explained to the judge that Catalonia’s 135-seat regional almost a fifth of Spanish eco- Minister Theresa May’s Conserv- negotiating table. mayors, waved red and yellow I acted correctly,” Forcadell said assembly for the first time in nomic output, becoming ative party has proposed tougher Those able to bypass the Catalan independence flags, after her court appearance. local elections in September independent. laws on taking industrial action transport strikes may yet face sang the regional anthem, and “No court can prevent par- 2015. Polls show Catalans over- on critical public infrastructure. another challenge to their fes- chanted “You are not alone” as liament from debating Catalan President Carles whelmingly support the right for The government this year tive preparations next week as she arrived at the Barcelona independence or any other Puigdemont pledged in the an independence referendum passed a law requiring unions to staff at the Post Office walk out court, yesterday. topic.” autumn to hold an independence but are evenly divided on have a ballot turnout of at least for five days in the runup to Forcadell, a leading figure in Spain’s conservative central referendum in September 2017, secession. 50 percent before striking. Christmas.

Lufthansa pilots agree to Germany freezing mediated talks in pay dispute

Frankfurt pilots will not call for further bargaining contract with Reuters strikes, Lufthansa and VC said in Lufthansa expired. The pilots say a statement yesterday. altogether these increases would ufthansa and German “The negotiating table is the amount to a rise of nearly 20 per- pilots’ union Vereinigung only place where we can find cent on current pay. LCockpit have agreed to solutions that offer prospects for Lufthansa has proposed an mediated talks to resolve a row employees and for company,” increase of 4.4 percent in two over contracts dating back to said Bettina Volkens, Lufthan- instalments in 2016 and 2017, plus 2012, averting threat of further sa’s head of personnel. a one-off payment worth 1.8 strikes for a few more weeks, Lufthansa’s pilots have months’ pay. Separately, cabin the two parties said yesterday. walked out 15 times since early crew union UFO said yesterday Lufthansa has been 2014, costing the carrier hun- three-way talks with Lufthan- embroiled in a series of separate dreds of millions of euros in lost sa’s budget carrier Eurowings disputes with its pilots and cabin profits. Most recently, they were and fellow union Verdi had crew staff over pay and condi- on strike for six days in Novem- failed to reach an agreement. tions as management seeks to ber, costing the airline a further UFO has been trying to reduce costs to compete with €100m ($104m) in profits. agree new contracts for staff at budget airlines and more efficient The pilots have asked for an Eurowings for two years. But long-haul carriers. average annual pay increase of Verdi reached a separate agree- The process is to start in early 3.7 percent over a five-year ment with the carrier this month, January and be completed within period back-dated to 2012, which which Eurowings wants to apply A tree is covered with hoar frost near Stoetten, southern Germany, yesterday. the month, during which time the is when their last collective to all 450 cabin crew staff. 12 AMERICAS SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016 Obama vows retaliation for 'Russian' hacking

Washington talking about that, or produce consequence without Vladimir between Americans” obscure need AP Strong reaction some proof at last,” Peskov told Putin knowing about it,” he said. for people to “stand together” on The President’s reporters yesterday. “Otherwise Trump struck back yester- this issue. S President Barack remarks were the it all begins to look unseemly.” day, with a Twitter post “My view is this is not a par- (pictured) Obama clearest indication There has been no specific, mockingly asking “are we talk- tisan issue,” the president said, has promised the US that whatever persuasive evidence shared pub- ing about the same cyberattack” exhorting people to “take it out will retaliate against response the US is licly about the extent of Putin’s role in which embarrassing informa- of election season and move it Russia for its sus- or knowledge of hackings. That tion about Democratic National into governing season.” planning, it hasn’t Upected meddling in America’s lack of proof undercuts Demo- Committee was also revealed. The explosive accusation sug- happened yet. election process, an accusation crats’ strategy to portray Putin’s His tweet invoked emailed sto- gests Putin, as having directly the Kremlin vehemently denied. involvement as irrefutable evi- len from Hillary Clinton’s undermined US democracy. US As the White House grew dence of a directed Russian campaign chairman and later officials have not contended, how- more bullish about suggesting NPR News interview aired government plot to undermine released publicly in hacking that ever, that Trump would have been President Vladimir Putin was yesterday. America’s democratic system. has been linked to Russia. defeated by Clinton if not for Rus- personally involved, Obama said Obama’s remarks were the against Democratic presidential But the White House pointed In the NPR interview, Obama sia’s assistance. Nor has there has he’d spoken directly to Putin clearest indication that whatever nominee Hillary Clinton. White to a US intelligence assessment sough to contrast the current been any indication of tampering about his concerns about Rus- response the US is planning, it House press secretary Josh Ear- released publicly in October that incident with “a traditional with the vote-counting. sian meddling. He said whenever hasn’t happened yet. The White nest also assailed Trump himself asserted “only Russia’s senior- understanding that everybody’s The dispute over Russia’s a foreign government tries to House has insisted for months over his refusal to acknowledge most officials could have trying to gather intelligence on role has also fueled public spat interfere in US elections, the that when the US did retaliate, it the hacking and his attacks on the authorised these activities.” And everybody else.” between Obama’s White House nation must take action “and we might not be made public, a posi- US intelligence community. Obama’s deputy national security “One of the things we’re going and Trump’s team that is threat- will at a time and place of our tion that has created uncertainty The tough talk from the adviser, Ben Rhodes, connected to have to do over next decade,” ening to spoil the delicate truce own choosing.” about strength and timing of any White House fell flat in Moscow, the dots further, saying yesterday he said, is find an international that Obama and Trump have “We have been working hard response. where Putin spokesman Dmitry Putin was responsible for Russian understanding on rules involving forged since Election Day to to make sure that what we do is White House officials said it Peskov called the accusations government’s actions. what has become “a new game.” smooth the billionaire business- proportional, that what we do is was “fact” that Russian hacking baseless and inappropriate. “I don’t think things happen Obama said US officials should not man’s move to the White House meaningful,” Obama said in an helped Donald Trump’s campaign “They should either stop in Russian government of this let “the inter-family argument in little over a month.

Life in prison Snowfall fun Northeastern US or death only option for in deep freeze Concord, New Hampshire yesterday to avoid a bone-chill- Dylann Roof AP ing wait at the bus stop. “We’re not strangers to these Charleston ow temperatures and high sorts of bitter temperatures on AP winds have put the North- Mount Washington’s summit,” Leastern US in a deep freeze. senior weather observer Mike THE Confederate flag is gone Dangerous wind chills of 20 Carmon said in the weather from South Carolina’s State- to 30 below in parts of the observatory’s blog at highest house. And now Dylann Roof region made for some crippling peak in the Northeast. “However, will almost certainly spend conditions yesterday. over the last few winters, it’s gen- rest of his days in prison for “You are talking about 30 erally late January or February killing nine black worship- degrees below normal highs. before we experience this sort of pers at the Charleston church. That is pretty darn cold,” said polar air outbreak.” A federal jury convicted National Weather Service The wind chill was down to Roof on all 33 counts. Those meteorologist James Brown in 85-below at the summit same jurors will decide in Maine. “This is pretty much a yesterday. another phase of trial start- piece of Arctic air that came off In upstate New York, along ing January 3 whether he the North Pole and came into the Lake Ontario shore, wind faces death penalty or life in New England.” gusts approached 70 mph and prison for hate crimes at a Forecasters said a storm the National Weather Service historic African-American will follow the frigid weather, issued a blizzard warning in the church whose founder led a bringing chances for snow, sleet region effective yesterday. failed slave revolt. and freezing rain across much Lake-effect snow was When that testimony A couple skates during a snowstorm on an outdoor rink at city hall in Toronto, Canada, of the country. accompanied by winds of up to starts, Roof will be his own yesterday. Some schools closed and 50 mph, causing whiteout con- attorney, having again fired many others delayed opening ditions in some places. defence lawyers who fear Roof is taking over because he doesn’t want them to present embarrassing evidence in their Peru’s Congress efforts to spare his life. N Carolina GOP to strip Democratic governor’s power A stunning crime when it happened on June 17, 2015, Raleigh, North Carolina Cooper, the current attorney galleries, and at least 16 people provisions had been debated sacks education became more revolting dur- AP general, has threatened to sue. were arrested. As they were led for years but always got set ing six days of testimony. Roof And many in the state are accus- away in plastic ties, supporters aside. minister fired 77 shots in the fellow- early a month after Elec- ing Republicans of letting sour chanted, “this is what democracy “There’s probably no better ship hall. More than 50 hit tion Day, North Carolina grapes over losing governor’s looks like” and “shame.” time than to deal with it in the Lima someone. Each of the nine peo- NRepublicans appeared to mansion turn into a legislative Republicans are considering present,” said Republican Rep- Reuters ple killed were struck at least finally accept Democrats’ nar- coup that flies in face of voters. scaling back the number of polit- resentative Bert Jones. five times. The medical exam- row win in the contentious “I believe fervently in ical appointees Cooper can make Democrats said it was a GOP A MOTION to force Peru’s iner said angles of some of the governor’s race. As it turns out, democracy. I’m watching it be and require the Senate’s power grab occurring a week education minister from bullets seemed to show some- they weren’t done fighting. undermined ... by people who approval for top administrators after Republican incumbent office sailed through the one was holding a gun over In a surprise special session seem unwilling to consider or to at state agencies. They also are Governor Pat McCrory conceded opposition-controlled Con- victims who were lying still in the dying days of the old listen,” said Margaret Toman, talking about erasing the gover- a race he lost by just over 10,000 gress yesterday in the latest with their arms pulled against administration, some say, the who was among hundreds of nor’s ability to shape elections votes. blow to President Pedro them. A prosecutor said they Republican-dominated legisla- protesters rallying inside the boards statewide. “It is done in a blatant polit- Pablo Kuczynski’s five- were executed like animals. ture has thrown the government Legislative Building, demanding Republicans insist the leg- ical move by a party that must month-old government. Roof didn’t hesitate to into total disarray, introducing that Republicans leave Cooper’s islation is simply adjusting the be afraid of the voters so they Tensions between the explain his racist beliefs dur- bills aimed at emasculating authority alone. constitutional powers already have to hold onto the power that president and the right-wing ing his confession to FBI incoming Governor Roy Coop- The protesters were so loud granted to the General Assem- they have,” said Democratic populist party Popular Force, agents. er’s administration. that Senate and House cleared the bly. They’ve said many of the Representative Graig Meyer. led by Kuczynski’s defeated rival Keiko Fujimori, have escalated as opposition law- makers pushed for the ouster of Education Minister Jaime Saavedra because of alleged Venezuelans struggle hard corruption in public contracts on his watch. The drawn-out battle over Saavedra drew thou- as banknote becomes void sands of his supporters into the streets and revealed divi- Caracas on Sunday that the 100-bolivar sales tax for credit card transac- sions in Kuczynski’s centrist AP note would go out of circulation tions. But yesterday, ATMs were party, with some saying last by the week’s end amid world’s still issuing only the now-worth- week that Saavedra should enezuela became a coun- highest inflation. He also tem- less 100-bolivar notes. step down so the government try without cash porarily closed the border with Venezuelans waited in lines could focus on other things. Vyesterday. As the coun- Colombia and Brazil, and yes- hundreds of people long all week Peru’s 130-seat single- try’s most widely used banknote terday extended the border to deposit their cash. Shopkeep- chamber Congress voted 78-0 went out of circulation, the higher- closure for another 72 hours. ers put up signs saying to oust Saavedra, with nearly denomination bills that were Maduro said the closure was 100-bolivar bills would no longer all of Popular Force’s 72 law- supposed to replace 100-bolivar needed to thwart “mafias” who be accepted. That meant many makers backing the motion. note had not yet arrived at banks hoard bolivars. people looking to buy groceries Most ruling party lawmakers or ATMs. In the capital, people The embattled socialist pres- or take taxis were out of luck, as and members of a leftist bloc were relying on credit cards and ident held up a new 500 bolivar banks had run out of lower- walked out of vote in protest. bank transfers, or avoiding mak- bill on his television show yester- denomination bills like 50 and The government hopes ing purchases altogether. day, promising the new banknotes 20-bolivar notes, and had not yet the motion to remove Saave- President Nicolas Maduro would soon be in wide circulation received the higher-denomina- People queue outside Venezuela's Central Bank (BCV) in dra will mark an end to made a surprise announcement and offering to temporarily cut tion replacements. Caracas in an attempt to change 100 bolivar notes, yesterday. hostilities. SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016 CLASSIFIEDS 13

SERVICES

ACCOUNTING SOFTWARES BUS A/C EQUIPMENT CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE FURNITURE

ARTECH APOLLO FURNITURE Sage Accounting, Peachtree, QuickBooks, Dynacom, 4BMXB
3PBE
%BD&BTZ
5BMMZ
104
#BS
$PEF
'JYFE
"TTFUT
4PGUXBSFÚT 5FM
44689522 (3 Lines) Tel: +974 44375654 E-mail: [email protected] XXXBQPMMPGVSOJUVSFPOMJOFDPN ADVERTISING OVERSEAS GLASS COATING NEWSPAPER APOLLO ENTERPRISES GEM ADVERTISING & PUBLICATIONS (Overseas Newspaper Advertisements) $SZTUBM
#POE
(MBTT
$PBUJOH
"HBJOTU
5IF
4VOÚT
)BSNGVM
3BZT
)FBU
3FTJTUBODF
4BMXB
3PBE
5FM
44426664 5FM
44442001 - GSM: 55783303 GSM: 55830870/33599574 &NBJM
[email protected]

ATTESTATION GENERAL TRADING SERVICES

IMMIGRATION SERVICES

BUSINESS SET-UP

LEADER MIDDLE EAST W.L.L. 'PS
GBTU

SFMJBCMF
#64*/&44
4&561
-0$"-
410/4034
5SBEF
-JDFODFT
+PJOU
7FOUVSFT
1VCMJD
3FMBUJPOT
7JTBT

3FBM
&TUBUF
4FSWJDFT AL MUTWASSIT CLEANING & PEST CONTROL 5FM
+974 55745147 &NBJM
CJ[RBUBS!ZBIPPDPN
,IBSBCB
4USFFU
#FIJOE
8IJUF
.PTRVF
5FM
44367555 'BY
44367999 GSM: 55875920/55860432 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE AL SADEQ CLEANING & CONTRACTING 
)ST
$MFBOJOH
.POUIMZ:FBSMZ
$POUSBDUT .PCJMF
33020108/33020107 E-mail: [email protected]

CAPITAL CLEANING COMPANY W.L.L. $PNQMFUF
(FOFSBM
$MFBOJOH
4FSWJDFT
GPS
0ME
BOE
/FX
7JMMBT 5FM
44582257 .PCJMF
33189899/ 55565328 E-mail: [email protected]

COMPUTER & IT

INVEST IN QATAR

HELPLINE GROUP OF COMPANIES 8F
QSPWJEF
"
UP
;
TVQQPSU
GPS
UIF
$PNQBOZ
'PSNBUJPO
$PNNFSDJBM
3FHJTUSBUJPO
130
4FSWJDFT

3FBM
&TUBUF
4FSWJDFT
$BMM
/PX
COMPUTER TRAINING CENTRE 77711129/44351974/44919213 - www.helplinegroups.com

FAMILY COMPUTER CENTRE QUEENS LAND SERVICES "M
3BZZBO
$PNQMFY
3BZZBO
3PBE Business Set-up and Sponsorship. 5FM
44435361/44370779 'BY
44449130 %FCU
$PMMFDUJPO
3FBM
&TUBUF
4FSWJDFT
.PC
77776917 &NBJM
[email protected] ELECTRONICS JEWELLERY

CANARA JEWELLERY "M
.BOTPVSB
#JO
%JSIBN
4USFFU
5FM
44422071, 44357283
&NBJM
DBOBSBKFXFMMFSZ!ZBIPPDPN DBOBSBKFXMMFSZ!HNBJMDPN

XXXDPN

MASSAGE

KOTTAKKAL AYURVEDIC MASSAGE CENTRE ASIA TRANSLATION & SERVICES CENTRE "ZVSWFEJD
.BTTBHF
1IJMJQQJOF

5IBJ
.BTTBHF
-FBEJOH
-FHBM
5SBOTMBUPST

%PDVNFOU
-FHBMJ[BUJPO
4JODF

*OEJBO
$FSUJûDBUF
"UUFTUBUJPO
)FBE
0GûDF


"M
)JMBM
#SBODI


4BMXB
3PBE
/FBS
#BESJZB
4JHOBM
#JO
.FINPPE
#SBODI

.PCJMF
$POUBDUT
4VûZBO

:PPOVT

 5FM 44360061 GSM: 33453697

AL HAYIKI TRANSLATION & SERVICES EST. FLORIST HERBOLIFE MASSAGE (AYURVEDIC) "VUIPSJ[FE

-FBEJOH
4JODF

*OEJBO
"UUFTUBUJPO
4PûUFM
$PNQMFY
*OEJBO

5IBJMBOE
3FKVWBOBUJPO
#BDL

+PJOUT
1BJO
.FSDVSF
)PUFM
(SPVOE
'MPPS
0GûDF
/P
.PC
 1BSBMZTJT
3IFVNBUJD
%JTFBTFT
)PNF
4FSWJDFT
5FM

&NBJM
IBZJLJV!HNBJMDPN
8FC
XXXIBZJLJDPN %3JOH
3PBE
/VBJHB
)JMBM
$BMM 77521322/77995695

SHEEN SERVICES WLL (www.SheenServices.com) ROYAL THAI MEN SPA "UUFTUBUJPO
4FSWJDFT

"UUFTUBUJPO!4IFFO4FSWJDFTDPN "VUIFOUJD
5IBJ
.BTTBHF
5IBJ
5SBEJUJPOBM
.BTTBHF
"SPNBUIFSBQZ
)PU
0JM
4BVOB
5SBOTMBUJPO
4FSWJDFT

5SBOTMBUJPO!4IFFO4FSWJDFTDPN #PEZ
4DSVC
'PPU
.BTTBHF
%Ú
3JOH
3PBE
)JHIXBZ
/FX
4BMBUB
/FBS
"M
"SBCJ
130
4FSWJDFT

130!4IFFO4FSWJDFTDPN 4UBEJVN5FM 44666745 www.thaimassagedoha.com A/C MAINTENANCE & SERVICES MOVERS SAMA COOL *OTUBMMBUJPO
.BJOUFOBODF
".$

0O
$BMM
BOE
4FSWJDJOH
PG
BMM
LJOET
E2E GLOBAL LINES (Q) PACKERS & MOVERS WLL PG
4QMJU
1BDLBHF
6OJUT
'$6
")6
737
VOJU
BOE
$IJMMJFST
8PSMEXJEF
%PPS
5P
%PPS
4FSWJDF
BOE
-PDBM

*OUFSOBUJPOBM
3FMPDBUJPO "O
JOJUJBUJWF
PG
4BNB
(SPVQ
8--
5FM
44433199 5FM 4451 6688 'BY 4468 8631 .PC 5599 0644 .PC
55591717 'BY
4444 7709 - &NBJM
[email protected] &NBJM
TIJQQJOH!FFRBUBSDPN
8FC
XXX
FFRBUBSDPN 14 CLASSIFIEDS SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016

SERVICES FOR RENT

APOLLO REAL ESTATE MANPOWER SERVICES RENT A CAR UNIFORMS %PIBÚT
MFBEJOH
3FBM
&TUBUF
"HFODZ
DBO
PGGFS
ZPV
B
XJEF
TFMFDUJPO
PG
BWBJMBCMF
OASIS RENT A CAR QSPQFSUJFT
"QBSUNFOU
UP
DPNQPVOET
BOE
PGûDF
TQBDF
(JWF
VT
ZPVS
SFRVJSFNFOUT
BOE
MFU
VT
ûOE
:06
3&/5
.03&
5)"/
"
$"3
8*5)
0"4*4 ZPV
B
QMBDF
UIBU
ûUT
8JUI
PWFS

ZFBST
FYQFSJFODF
JO
%PIB
XF
LOPX
UIF
NBSLFU 5FM
4413 0011 "MMFO 6641 7354 'BY: 4413 0033 Qatar’s first Real Estate Company under British Management 3FOUBM!0BTJT$BST$PN

0BTJT$BSTDPN

(SFBU
EFBMT
PO
MPOH
UFSN
SFOUBMT Call: Office: 44689522, Maureen 55864352 GO RENT A CAR Abubakar 55850815, Peter 55506803, Dexter 55872145 $PNQFUJUJWF
3BUFT
GPS
$BS
3FOUBM

-FBTJOH
www.apollopropertiesonline.com 5FM +974 44325500 'BY

44375753
(4.
33697075/ 66971703/55241629 &NBJM
JOGPHPRBUBS!HPSFOUBDBSNFDPN VILLA FOR RENT IN AL THUMAMA AL DAR CAR RENTAL 
)PVST
#JO
0NSBO
"INFE
#JO
"MJ
4U
10
#PY

5FM
44877789

'BY
44866637 6 Bedrooms, Majlis, 2 Halls, BMEBSDBSSFOUBM!IPUNBJMDPN 2 Kitchens & Housemaid room. EUROCAR RENT A CAR CO LLC For One or Two Family. )FBE
0GûDF
BU
$3JOH
3PBE
5FM
44660677 Airport: 40108888 .PCJMF

66967787/ 55849587 Call: 77439990 &NBJM
NLUH!FVSPQDBSDPNRB

AVIS RENT A CAR FOR SALE .BJO
0GûDF
BU
"M
4IBSJG
5SBEJOH

$POU
$P
#MEH
BU
UIF
KVODUJPO of "JSQPSU
4USFFU

4VIBS
4U
3PBE
5FM
44667744 / 40108887 'BY
44657626 &NBJM
BWJT!RBUBSOFURB
8FC
XXXBWJTRBUBSDPN TOYOTA YARIS SALOON CAR FOR SALE #MBDL
DPMPVS
'VMMZ
"VUPNBUJD
(PPE
DPOEJUJPO COUNTRY RENT A CAR - BARWA AL WAKRA %POF
 
LNT
3PBE
QFSNJU
VQ
UP
0DUPCFS
 
.PEFM
,JB
$FSBUP
)POEB
$JUZ
%BJMZ.POUIMZ
3FOUBM

'VMM
*OTVSBODF
$PWFSBHF
'SFF
.BJOUFOBODF

$POUBDU
 3FQMBDFNFOU

)ST
3PBE
4JEF
"TTJTUBODF
5FM
44154467/44687507 (4.
55048720/ 5544042/66995238 &NBJM
JOGP!DPVOUSZSFOUBDBSDPN

#MEH
/P
4IPQ
/P SITUATION WANTED REAL ESTATE

FILIPINO MALE ADAM REAL ESTATE COMPANY 8JUI
FYQFSJFODF
XPSLJOH
BT
4FSWJDF
$SFX
$$57
*OTUBMMFS "M
,VXBSJ
#MHE
UI
'MPPS
"M
4BEE
/FBS
4FCTUBJO
3FTU
5FDIOJDJBO
BOE
4UPDL
$MFSL
JT
MPPLJOH
GPS
B
KPC
0O
GBNJMZ
5FM
44366932
'BY
44366931 (4.
55500789 / 55803731 WJTB
$BO
KPJO
JNNFEJBUFMZ 1MFBTF
DPOUBDU
 &NBJM
KPNBSTBOUJBHP@!HNBJMDPN APOLLO REAL ESTATE 4BMXB
3PBE
(4.

55864352/55506803/ 55872145 44689522 5FM
XXXBQPMMPQSPQFSUJFTPOMJOFDPN
YOUNG FILIPINA &NBJM
BQPMMPQSPQ!RBUBSOFURB 8JUI
FYQFSJFODF
XPSLJOH
BT
4BMFTMBEZ
3FDFQUJPOJTU
BOE
METAL REPAIRS "ENJOJTUSBUJWF
"TTJTUBOU
$PNQVUFS
MJUFSBUF
*T
MPPLJOH
GPS
B
AL MUFTAH SERVICES TVJUBCMF
KPC1MFBTF
DPOUBDU
 44634444/44010700 55542067/55823100 5FM .PC
&NBJM
KIFOH@NBUIP!ZBIPPDPN APOLLO ENTERPRISES &
.BJM
SFTFSWBUJPOT!SFOUBDBSEPIBDPN

#FM[POB
1PMZNFSJDT

5FM
44426664 8FCTJUF
XXXSFOUBDBSEPIBDPN 55871914/ 55524897 (4.
&NBJM
BQPMMP!RBUBSOFURB

HR & ADMIN PROFESSION JORVJSZ!BQPMMPDIFNJDBMTDPN RECRUITMENT SERVICES 'JMJQJOP
GFNBMF
#BDIFMPSÚT
EFHSFF
JO
#VTJOFTT
"ENJOJTUSBUJPO
XJUI

ZFBST
PG
FYQFSJFODF
JO
UIF
ûFME
PG
-PBOT
*OTVSBODF
PEST CONTROL $VTUPNFS
4FSWJDF
"ENJOJTUSBUJPO
0QFSBUJPOT
BOE
TPNF
3FDSVJUNFOU
"TQFDUT
)PMET
#VTJOFTT
7JTB5SBOTGFSBCMF
/0$
BWBJMBCMF
1MFBTF
DPOUBDU

 &NBJM
EVCPV[FU!HNBJMDPN

NEW STATE CLEANING & PEST CONTROL SECURITY SYSTEM & $MFBOJOH
PG
%PNFTUJD

*OEVTUSJBM
1SFNJTFT
8JOEPXT

SOLUTION $BSQFU
$MFBOJOH
)PTQJUBMJUZ
4FSWJDFT
.BSCMF
1PMJTIJOH .PC 
466517556/55404339 &NBJM
OFXTUBUFRBUBS!HNBJMDPN PARTY ITEMS & BALLOON DECORATION PARTY KINGDOM /FBS
+BJEBI
'MZPWFS
/BTSBMMBI
$FOUSF
5FM
44353501/ 44366431 E-mail: [email protected] PAINTING & GYPSUM WORK

AL SADEQ PAINTING WORKS 1BJOUJOH

(ZQTVN
8PSLT
BMPOH
XJUI
BMM
.BTPOBSZ
8PSLT .PCJMF
33020108/33020107 E-mail: [email protected] SCAFFOLDING RENT A CAR APOLLO ENTERPRISES SCAFFOLDING DIVISION $POUSBDU)JSF4BMF

4BMXB
3PBE
5FM
44693334 BUDGET RENT A CAR 'BY
44416274
(4.
55521089/55560246/55536285 5IF
#FTU
$BS
3FOUBM
4FSWJDF
JO
2BUBS
XXXBQPMMPRBUBSOFU

&NBJM
BQPMMPTDBGG!RBUBSOFURB )FBE
0GûDF

44310411 "JSQPSU
"SSJWBM

"JSQPSU
%FQBSUVSF
40108880 -55808638 (24 Hrs) MALZAMAT QATAR W.L.L. NATIONAL CAR RENTAL 4UFFM

"MVNJOJVN
4DBGGPMEJOH
4BMF
)JSF

$POUSBDUJOH
$BST

8%T

1JDLVQT

#VTFT

$IBVGGFVS
%SJWF
5FM
44504266 'BY
44502489 (4.
66715063 www.malzamatqatar.com [email protected], [email protected] $BMM
5547 8150/5547 8151 &NBJM
&NBJM
JOGP!OBUJPOBMRBUBSDPN QATAR AL ATTIYAH INTERNATIONAL GROUP (QAIG) REGENCY FLEETS "
3FHFODZ
(SPVQ
$P 4DBGGPMEJOH
%JWJTJPO
5FM

'BY

4QFDJBM
$PSQPSBUF
MFBTJOH
BOE
3FOUBM
SBUFT
1SJDF
JODMVEFT
$PNQSFIFOTJWF
.PC
 *OTVSBODF
.BJOUFOBODF
3FQMBDFNFOU
7FIJDMF
FUD
%SJWFO
CZ
7BMVFT
&NBJM
&NBJM
JOGP!RBJHTDBGGDPNRB JOGP!SFHFODZüFFUTDPN

5FM
44433822/44554046/44554048 'BY
44554047 Airport Branch (24hrs): 5FM
70482655 TRANSLATION SERVICES E2E FLEETS - The Complete Transportation Solution #VT
3FOUBMT
4UBGG

4DIPPM
5SBOTQPSUBUJPO
1JDL
BOE
%SPQ
0GG
4FSWJDFT
FUD HELPLINE 5FM 4460 5291/44515568 'BY
4460 2176
.PC
33199183 $3JOH
3PBE
/FBS
(VMG
5JNFT
&NBJM
üFFUT!FFRBUBSDPN
8FC
XXXFFüFFUTDPN 5FM
44919213 .PC
77711129 www.helplinegroups.com NICE RENT A CAR 4PMVUJPO
GPS
5SBOTQPSU

-FBTJOH
BMM
UZQFT
PG
WFIJDMF

)FBWZ
&RVJNFOU 5FM
44413392 (4.
55514223 'BY
44317896 8FCTJUF
niceqatar.com WATER TANK CLEANING &NBJM
[email protected]/ [email protected]

AL SULAIMAN RENT A CAR AL MUTWASSIT CLEANING & PEST CONTROL .BJO
0GûDF
$
3JOH
3PBE
5FM
44911711 ,IBSBCB
TU
#FIJOE
XIJUF
.PTRVF
"JSQPSU
#SBODI

.PC

"M
,IPS
#SBODI
 'BY
443679 99 &NBJM
JOGP!BMTVMBJNBODBSDPN
BJSQPSU!BMTVMBJNBODBSDPN (4. 55875920/55860432

AL MUFTAH RENT A CAR WLL )0
%Ú
3JOH
3E
5


"JSQPSU
CAPITAL CLEANING COMPANY 
(SBOE
)BNBE
"WFOVF

3BT
$MFBOJOH
8BUFS
5BOLT

1FTU
$POUSPM
-BGGBO

"M
,IPS

&
.BJM
SFTFSWBUJPOT! (4. 55565328/ 33189899 5FM
44582257 SFOUBDBSEPIBDPN

8FCTJUF
XXXSFOUBDBSEPIBDPN E-mail: [email protected] SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016 BREAK TIME 15

CONCEPTIS SUDOKU

8:30 Fault Lines 05:30 How Do They Do 05:15 Gator Boys 07:40 Pawn Stars 9:00 Witness It? 06:02 River Monsters Australia 10:00 News 06:00 Storage Hunters 06:49 Life On Earth: A 08:30 Counting Cars 10:30 Inside Story UK New Prehistory 08:55 Mountain Men 11:00 News 08:05 How It's Made: 07:36 Swamp Brothers 09:45 Aussie Pickers 11:30 The Listening Post Dream Cars 08:25 Life On Earth: A 11:25 Billion Dollar 12:00 News 09:45 How It's Made: New Prehistory Wreck 12:30 Counting the Cost Dream Cars 09:15 Lone Star Law 12:15 Billion Dollar 13:00 NEWSHOUR 10:10 Gold Rush 10:10 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Wreck 14:00 News 11:00 Deadliest Catch Mountain Vet 13:05 Ozzy & Jack's 14:30 Inside Story 11:50 Catching Monsters 11:05 Wildest Islands World Detour 15:00 Indian Hospital 12:40 Fat N' Furious: Of Indonesia 13:55 Hunting Hitler 16:00 NEWSHOUR Rolling Thunder 12:00 Tanked 14:45 Time Team 17:00 News 13:30 Fat N' Furious: 12:55 Bondi Vet 16:25 Shipping Wars 17:30 UpFront 16:00 Fat N' Furious: 13:50 The Real Lion 16:50 Aussie Pickers 18:00 newsgrid Rolling Thunder Queen 17:40 Shipping Wars 19:00 News 16:50 Sacred Steel Bikes 17:30 I'm Alive 18:30 Pawn Stars Yesterday's answer 19:30 Latin America 17:40 Kings Of The Wild 18:25 The Real Lion 18:55 Pawn Stars South Investigates 18:30 World's Top 5 Queen Africa Conceptis Sudoku: Conceptis Sudoku is a number- 20:00 News 19:20 Marooned With Ed 19:20 Lone Star Law 20:10 Swamp placing puzzle based on a 9×9 grid. The object is to 20:30 Inside Story Stafford 20:15 Life On Earth: A People: Swamp place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so 21:00 NEWSHOUR 20:10 Racing Extinction New Prehistory Christmas that each row, each column and each 3×3 box 22:00 News 21:50 Edge Of Alaska 21:10 Dr. Jeff: Rocky 21:00 Billion Dollar contains the same number only once. 22:30 The Listening Post 22:40 Alaska: The Last Mountain Vet Wreck 23:00 The Crusades: An Frontier 22:05 Tanked 21:50 Forged In Fire 23:30 23:00 22:40 CROSSWORD Arab Perspective Gold Rush Lone Star Law Time Team HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

NOVO SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Miss Sloane (2D/Thriller) 11:00am, 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 12:45, 2:45, 3:30, 5:30, 6:15, 8:15, 9:00, 11:00 & 11:45pm Collateral Beauty (2D/Drama) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, 10;00pm & 12:00midnight Moana (2D/Animation) 10:00, 11:15am, 12:15, 1:30, 2:30, 3:45, 4:45, 6:00, 8:15 & 10:30pm Yom Lel Settat (2D/Arabic) 7:00, 9:30pm & 12:00midnight Trolls (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30pm Allied (2D/Action) 6:30, 9:00 & 11:25pm Underworld 5: Blood War (2D/Action) 10:15am, 3:00, 7:35pm & 12:10am Fantastic Beast And Where To Find Them (3D/Adventure) 12:15, 5:00 & 9:35pm The Girl With All The Gifts (2D/Thriller) 10:45am, 3:00, 7:15 & 11:30pm Eshtebak (2D/Arabic) 1:00, 5:15 & 9:30pm Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (3D IMAX/Adventure) 10:30am, 1:15, 4:00, 6:45, 9:30pm & 12:15am

MALL Star Wars: Rogue One (2D/Action) 2:00, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30pm Nanna Nenu Naa Boyfriends (Telugu) 2:30pm Wajah Tum Ho 2:30 & 11:15pm Moana (2D/Animation) 4:30 & 7:15pm Miss Sloane (2D/Thriller) 4:15pm Collateral Beauty (2D/Drama) 5:30 & 9:30pm Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu (2D/Telugu) 6:30pm Ore Mukham (2D/Malayalam) 9:15pm Eshtebak (Drama) 11:15pm

LANDMARK

Ore Mukham (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:15pm Moana (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 4:00pm Star Wars: Rogue One (2D/Action) 2:15, 4:30, 6:00, 8:30 & 11:00pm Nanna Nenu Naa Boyfriends (Telugu) 4:00pm Collateral Beauty (2D/Drama) 6:45 & 9:15pm Miss Sloane (2D/Thriller) 8:45pm Eshtebak (Drama) 11:15pm

ROYAL PLAZA Star Wars: Rogue One (2D/Action) 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:00 & 11:30pm Ore Mukham (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 11:30pm Moana (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:30pm Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu (2D/Telugu) 4:00pm Eshtebak (Drama) 4:45 & 11:30pm ALL IN THE MIND Collateral Beauty (2D/Drama) 4:30 & 9:30pm Miss Sloane (2D/Thriller) 9:00pm

ASIAN TOWN AMAZON, ARKANSAS, Dhruva (Telugu) 12:30 & 3:30pm Meelo Evaru Koteeswaradu (Telugu) 12:30pm COLORADO, CONGO, Katapana (Malayalam) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00, 8:45, 11:30pm DANUBE, ELBE, EUPHRATES, Nanna Nenu Naa Boyfriends (Telugu) 3:30pm GANGES, HUDSON, INDUS, Chennai 600825 II (Tamil) 12:30pm JORDAN, LIMPOPO, LOIRE, MEKONG, MISSISSIPPI, Ore Mukam (Malayalam) 3:15, 5:45, 6:15, 8:15, 8:45, 10:45, 11:15pm MISSOURI, MURRAY, NILE, Wajah Tum Ho (Hindi) 6:30 & 10:30pm Befikre (Hindi) 9:00pm ORINOCO, RHINE, RIO GRANDE, SEINE, SHANNON, THAMES, TIBER, TIGRIS, VOLGA, YANGTZE, YUKON, ROXY ZAMBEZI. Moana (2D/Animation) 2:00, 4:15 & 7:15pm Dhruva (2D/Telugu) 2:00, 5:30, 8:50 & 11:50pm Star Wars: Rogue One (2D/Action) 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm Ore Mukam (Malayalam) 2:00, 4:20 , 6:50, 9:15 & 11:20pm Kavi 9:50pm 16 HOME SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2016

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.51 am WISE reveals five Accelerator projects SHOROOK 06.13 am

ZUHR 11.30 am MAGHRIB 04.49 pm The Peninsula is the Director of Strategic ASR 02.27 pm ISHA 06.19 pm Partnerships at Kepler, a uni- he World Innovation versity network that brings Summit for Educa- high-quality affordable WEATHER TODAY tion (WISE) has degrees to African youth, and revealed the five a participant in the 2016 Accel- o o projects that will join erator cohort. ‘The programme Tits 2016-2017 WISE Accelera- has given Kepler access to 16 C 23 C tor programme, and benefit incredible resources and Minimum Maximum from mentoring and access to expertise as we’ve explored networking. strategies for growth,’ she said. The 2016-2017 cohort will WISE CEO Stavros N Yian- officially join the WISE Accel- nouka said, “These new erator at an engagement held projects selected for the WISE by WISE, an initiative of Qatar Accelerator programme are Foundation (QF), early next responding to urgent needs in year. They will be invited to a variety of settings. They take part in specific working reflect the values of WISE in sessions and offered unique supporting creative action and networking opportunities. The empowerment globally, and Accelerator participants have we are confident they will con- responded to diverse issues tinue to thrive and grow.” such as teacher training, career Launched in 2014, the guidance, access to quality Accelerator programme is education in refugee camps, designed to support the devel- and developing students’ opment of young, innovative Participants at the ‘Learn Syria’, one of the five newly selected WISE Accelerator projects. awareness of other cultures EdTech projects with high and teaching them tolerance potential for scalability and and empathy through interac- positive impact in the field of from a year-long mentorship Accelerator also helps connect opportunities for knowledge- tive games. education. The selected programme tailored to address the projects with an interna- sharing and identifying donor Kayrn Aguirre projects benefit their specific needs. The WISE tional network that creates and investor support.

Moderate temperature with some clouds and slight dust to blow- ing dust at places at times, cold by night. QU in bid to become leader HIGH TIDE 07:30 - 18:45 LOW TIDE 14:45 - 00:00 Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department in social development

The Peninsula its resources to develop the national human cap- ital towards building a knowledge-based atar University is advancing in its goal to economy. become a leader of economic and social The university has also adopted a number of Qdevelopment in Qatar with a number of indicators to benchmark its strategic achieve- partnerships with various organisation. The uni- ments. They include an increase in the percentage Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim versity has signed some 59 agreements and of students graduating within the period of 4 years strategic partnerships with industry, government, to 60%, the decrease of the period spent by stu- Al Sulaiti presents a memento to Netherlands academia, business and civil society in Qatar and dents at the university to graduate from 5.9 years Ambassador Bahia Tahzib-Lie at Katara yesterday. aboard in 2015/2016, according to officials. to 4.5 years. Some five interdisciplinary research A majority of these collaborations contribute centres for graduate studies has been established, Qatar-Netherlands to promoting quality education and research in professor appointments within the faculty body Qatar and the region. They provide a myriad of has increased to 25%, and also its position in inter- opportunities for students to advance in their national rankings to become one of the top 300 strong relation lauded academic and research experience in their rel- universities in the world has gone up and is evant disciplines in line with QU strategies among the best 200 universities in at least two The Peninsula towards improving student outcomes and max- minors. imizing their potential. Academic, research, accreditation and other he General Manager of the Cultural Village Foun- This year, QU began its transformation achievements and successes over the years have dation-Katara Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and towards the achievement of a “QU Model,” that served to propel QU among the top universities TNetherlands Ambassador Bahia Tahzib-Lie dis- focuses on advancing QU role as Qatar’s premier globally. Official surveys conducted in recent cussed ways to bolster cultural ties during a meeting national university that provides high-quality years revealed high percentage rates at 84% on yesterday. The Ambassador lauded the strong bilateral education, and to strengthening its positioning the quality of QU programmes. Meanwhile, and cultural relations that exist between the Qatar and- as a social and strategic partner in national devel- employers attesting to seeking QU graduates to Netherlands. She expressed appreciation of Katara’s opment. QU will also maximise admission join their respective companies and organiza- facilities as well as the amasing cultural performances, opportunities and provide smooth opportunities tions are80%, and employer perception of QU as events, and exhibitions that are regularly held as part for students from various cultural backgrounds, a symbol of national identity is at 95%, accord- of Katara’s mission in spreading cultural awareness. as well as various professional and academic ing to surveys. For his part, Al Sulaiti, said: “Katara constantly strives interests. QU’s alumni body totals 40,000 members, to extend bridges of communication among peoples The strategy also focuses on the importance many of whom are top leaders in the private and and be open to different cultures and civilisations, stress- of providing academic and research programmes public sectors in Qatar. QU offers 74 specialisa- ing Katara’s keenness to boost coordination with that align with international standards and with tions, the widest range of academic programs in embassies in Doha in order to continuously host diverse the principles of the Arabic and Islamic culture Qatar tailoring them to meet the needs of Qatari events that reflect various cultures.” Al Sulaiti and and identity. The university aims to prepare dis- society -- 40 Bachelors, 25 Masters, 4 PhDs, 4 Tahzib-Lie exchanged mementos at the conclusion of tinguished national leaders and to benefit from Diplomas, and 1 PharmD. the meeting. QFI & Annenberg Learner to launch 'Teaching Arabic'

Washington/Doha of Annenberg Learner. “It will intro- to address many of the nascent chal- Council for the Teaching of Foreign duce Arabic teachers to proven lenges in this emerging area of Languages (ACTFL) along with a group Hoy en la Historia nnenberg Learner and Qatar practices of language instruction and language instruction. of language teaching professional Foundation International (QFI) will also enlighten teachers of other “One of the greatest challenges fac- organizations. The classroom videos December 17, 1996 Aannounced yesterday the cre- languages on aspects of Arabic, such ing Arabic teachers is developing feature teachers from across the coun- China’s last imperial eunuch, ation of the Teaching Arabic in the as teaching dialects, that will be help- student-centred classrooms,” said QFI try modeling interpersonal, Sun Yaoting, died at age 93. Aside United States collection, a free online ful for their instruction. We are Executive Director Maggie Mitchell interpretive, and presentational modes from the emperor, eunuchs were resource meant to advance best prac- delighted to partner with Qatar Foun- Salem. “We strive to equip educators of communication. Students use Ara- the only males to live in the Inner tices in Arabic language instruction and dation International in bringing this with the tools that help them create bic for informal interactions and to Court of the Forbidden City support the professional development important resource to language effective language classes to enhance learn content from other discipline of Arabic language teachers in K-12 teachers.” critical thinking, problem-solving, and areas. A website and guide accompany 1967: Australian prime minister Harold classrooms across the US. Arabic is the fifth-most spoken lan- cultural competence, while broaden- the videos, providing a complete pro- Holt was drowned while swimming in the sea near Melbourne The announcement coincides with guage in the world and is among the ing career options for students. We are fessional development experience. UNESCO’s annual celebration of World fastest growing non-English languag- proud to partner with Annenberg The Teaching Arabic collection is 1986: The world’s first heart, lung and liver transplant was carried out Arabic Language Day, as well as grow- esin the US, according to recent census Learner to provide quality resources funded by QFI and Annenberg Learner at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, ing demand for Arabic language data. In fact, a recent QFI survey of and best practices that help address and was produced by WGBH Boston England instruction and improved cross-cul- over 200 US public and charter schools this very real need.” in cooperation with the ACTFL. The 1988: A Japanese company bought the tural understanding between Arab and indicated that most K-12 Arabic lan- Arabic teachers, many of whom are collection is available for free via the piano used in the film Casablanca for non-Arab communities in American guage programmes are new, with more native speakers, can use the video Annenberg Learner website or QFI's $200,000, outbidding Donald Trump schools. than two-thirds of programmes were resources to learn the most effective open education resource site, Al Mas- 2011: North Korean leader Kim Jong “The Teaching Arabic collection is launched in 2007 or later. The Teach- practices for teaching Arabic to non- dar. The videos are also available for -il died from a heart attack a valuable addition to our Teaching ing Arabic collection, which includes native speakers that align with the purchase in DVD format for $50.Please Foreign Languages K-12 Library,” said seven classroom programmes from World Readiness Standards for Learn- call 1-800-LEARNER for further sales Picture: Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS Michele McLeod, programme officer elementary through high school, seeks ing Languagescreated by the American information.