PM Opens 44Th General Assembly of APSF

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Tuesday 24 December 2019 | 27 Rabia II 1441 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8115 | 2 Riyals

PM opens 44th General Assembly of APSF Doha hosted the 44th General Assembly of the Arab Police Sports Federation and 107th the Executive Office meeting as well as the 8th Arab Police Cross Country Championship.

QNA Volleyball Association, Ali DOHA Ghanim Al Kuwari; and Member of the Board of Directors of Qatar Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Society for Rehabilitation of H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Special Needs Talib Abdullah Khalifa Al Thani opened the 44th Afifah Al Marri, in recognition of General Assembly of the Arab Police their efforts and contributions to Sports Federation (APSF) at Sharq the march of the Arab Police Hotel yesterday. Sports Federation and their At the outset of the opening effective participation in its ceremony, a documentary film on various activities and programs. the activities of Qatar Police Sports The opening ceremony was Federation was displayed, followed attended by ranking officers, offi- by a speech on behalf of the dele- cials of the Arab Police Sports gations of the participating coun- Federation, delegations of the tries, delivered by head of the participating Arab police feder- Sudanese Police Sports Federa- ations and guests. tion’s delegation Major General Doha hosted the 44th General Karim Eddin Mubarak Al Khalifa Assembly of the Arab Police Sports Fadl Al Sayed. Federation and 107th the Exec- H E the Prime Minister and utive Office meeting as well as the Interior Minister then honoured 8th Arab Police Cross Country former Secretary-General of the Championship. Kuwaiti Police Sports Federation Fourteen countries participated and former member of APSF in the General Assembly and Exec- Executive Bureau, Retired Major utive Office meetings including the General H E Walid Ghanem Al State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, Ghanem; former President of the Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Pal- Algerian Police Sports Federation, estine, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and other dignitaries attending the opening observer H E Belarbi Saleh Morocco, Mauritania, Somalia in `P2 of the 44th General Assembly of the Arab Police Sports Federation (APSF) at Sharq Hotel, yesterday. Hamdan; President of Qatar addition to the State of Qatar. Youth from 23 countries QDPP set to activate diabetes research in early 2020 attend first Generation FAZEENA SALEEM Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI), lifestyle modification and by diabetes and 20-25 percent have THE PENINSULA Chairman of Internal Medicine some medication” he said. pre-diabetes. If we are able to Amazing Festival in Doha at HMC, and Director of the “But the US experience may prevent or reverse the course of The Qatar Diabetes Prevention QDPP, told The Peninsula. not be relevant to Qatar’s culture diabetes in Qatar, it will have a THE PENINSULA Vision 2030. Youth from 24 coun- Programme (QDPP), a research The five-year programme is and environment. We need to major impact on the population DOHA tries, including Qatar, Oman, project expected to transform the funded by Qatar Foundation’s discover the best method that is health and the economy of Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, India, way for diabetes prevention, will Qatar National Research Fund and applicable in Qatar to prevent Qatar,” he added. The inaugural Generation the Philippines, Nepal, Italy, start recruitment of subjects in co-funded by HMC. The QDPP diabetes and to reverse the The QDPP is comprised of Amazing Festival has inspired Belgium, the UK and Brazil, partic- early 2020. research project supports the course of diabetes,” said Pro- seven complementary sub- youth from Qatar and 24 coun- ipated in the festival, the Supreme Dubbed as the region’s largest National Diabetes Strategy, led by fessor Abou-Samra. projects: Project 1 aims to tries the first Generation Amazing Committee for Delivery and Legacy diabetes research project, QDPP the Ministry of Public Health. Individuals between 18 and prevent the progression of pre- Festival brought together 140 (SC) reported on its website. will be conducted by Hamad “It is a unique research hap- 60 years of age who are at high diabetes into type 2 diabetes; young leaders inspired to Key highlights of the festival Medical Corporation (HMC) led pening in our region that will help risk for diabetes such as having Project 2 aims to find the best implement social change in their included football for development by the Qatar Metabolic Institute us discover the best way to pre-diabetes or a history of ges- method to prevent gestational communities through football. workshops, a football3 tour- (QMI) of the Academic Health prevent diabetes in the region. tational diabetes; and those who diabetes in subjects with diabetes Held at Qatar Foundation’s nament, activities led by youth System (AHS). For example, the diabetes pre- are newly diagnosed type 2 dia- risk factors discovered in pre- Oxygen Park, the festival celebrated ambassadors, a FIFA Legends day, The research programme vention programmes done in the betes (less than five years), are marital screening. Project 3 aims social inclusion and the promotion cultural performances, celebrity aims to identify the best methods US, initially held for five years eligible to participate in the to find the best method to of gender equality, in line with the footballer events and the chance to predict, prevent, and reverse and then extended for additional programme. prevent progression of gesta- United Nations Sustainable Devel- to attend the semi-final of the FIFA type 2 diabetes, Professor Abdul- 10 years, established the fact that “At present 17 to 20 percent tional diabetes into type 2 dia- opment Goals and Qatar National Club World Cup. `P3 Badi Abou-Samra, Director of the diabetes can be prevented by of adult population in Qatar have betes. `P3 Biggest edition of Mahaseel Festival opens at Katara RAYNALD C RIVERA The venue is made colourful Qatari companies. THE PENINSULA by stalls representing six farms Mahaseel Festival is a vital engaged in the production of part of Katara’s initiatives to Mahaseel Festival marked the flowers and ornamental plants. support government efforts to opening of its biggest edition yet Visitors also flocked to a achieving food security and self- yesterday with a large number number of food stalls selling sufficiency which contribute to of people visiting more than 40 authentic local cuisine as well as the realization of the Qatar stalls to buy fresh produce, food trucks offering scrumptious National Vision 2030. dairy and meat products offered snacks. Organised in cooperation by local companies at cheap There is also a large area with the Ministry of Municipality prices. where children can enjoy inflat- and Environment (MME), the fes- Thirty-four stalls repre- ables in addition to a giant tent tival was officially opened by Dr. senting local fruit and vegetable where they can play various Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, farms, apiaries and food pro- computer games such as VR General Manager of Katara and duction companies are taking games making the festival a one- was attended by Sheikh Dr. Faleh part in the festival. They com- stop shop for families. bin Nasser Al Thani, Assistant prise 27 Qatari vegetable, honey Several fun and educational Undersecretary for Agriculture and date farms, three com- activities are being organised on and Fisheries Affairs at MME, panies manufacturing juices the sidelines of the festival to Sulaiman Al Nuaimi, Chairman and dairy products and three raise awareness among children of Mahaseel Festival organizing Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs poultry and egg companies in and the public on the importance committee, representatives of at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, with Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Katara General addition to Widam Food of locally cultivated produce and participating companies and the Manager, and other officials during the launch of the 4th Mahaseel Festival at the Katara in Doha Company. food products manufactured by public. `P3 yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA 02 HOME TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 PM opens 44th General Assembly of Arab Police Sports Federation

The Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, honouring retired Major General H E Walid Ghanem Al Ghanem, former secretary-general of the Kuwaiti Police Sports Federation and former member of APSF Executive Bureau; H E observer Belarbi Saleh Hamdan, former President of the Algerian Police Sports Federation; President of Qatar Volleyball Association, Ali Ghanim Al Kuwari; and Member of the Board of Directors of Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs, Talib Abdullah Aﬁfah Al Marri, in recognition of their efforts and contributions to the march of the Arab Police Sports Federation and their effective participation in its various activities and programmes at the 44th General Assembly of the Arab Police Sports Federation (APSF) at Sharq Hotel, yesterday.

Qatar attends UN anti-corruption conference QNTC, UNWTO co-organise Doha Forum session QNA held with a number of officials inter-governmental organiza- THE PENINSULA continued collaboration and state leaders to explore what can DOHA of those organisations and the tions, civil society, the private DOHA implementation. HRH Princess be done through collaboration heads of the national agencies sector and the media. Dana Firas of Jordan joined the to reduce the negative impacts Qatar participated in the eighth concerned in this field. It is worth noting that within The World Tourism Organisation afternoon session of the of conflict on travel and tourism session of the Conference of the The conference reviewed the framework of its pioneering (UNWTO) and Qatar National workshop to provide feedback and to bolster tourism as a driver States Parties to the United the implementation of the efforts to enhance international Tourism Council (QNTC) on the generated projects during of peace. Nations Convention against United Nations Convention cooperation to prevent and co-organised a high-level design presentations. Al Baker said: “Tourism is an Corruption held recently in Abu against Corruption, the only combat corruption, Qatar was thinking session on the heels of The proposals included ini- important sector not only in Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. global legally binding anti-cor- one of the first countries in the the Doha Forum, a global tiatives to empower local com- terms of tangible economic The Qatari delegation, ruption instrument. It discussed world to host the Conference of platform that promotes the munities, make travel accessible impact, but also for building which was headed by the Pres- ways to prevent corruption, and the States Parties to the United interchange of ideas, discourse, for all, provide educational bridges of understanding ident of the Administrative strengthen international coop- Nations Convention against policy making, and action- opportunities in the tourism between peoples and changing Control and Transparency eration to combat corruption Corruption, as Doha hosted the oriented dialogue. field, as well as develop ecolog- deeply-rooted misperceptions. Authority, H E Hamad bin and better asset recovery. The third session of the conference This session brought ically sustainable models. We are proud of the role tourism Nasser Al Misnad, discussed, on conference took a number of in 2009. The third session together over 30 relevant The design thinking session and aviation has played in cre- the sidelines of the conference, resolutions that would approved a review mechanism experts from the public and followed on the participation of ating more awareness and ways to enhance cooperation strengthen the aforementioned of the UN Convention against private sectors, including inter- UNWTO Secretary-General, understanding of our country, between the State of Qatar and aspects. Corruption, which continues to and of the policy of openness a number of international The Conference is one of play the greatest role in pro- which has made us the most organisations participating in the world’s largest anti-cor- moting the implementation of welcoming country in the Middle the conference in the field of ruption gatherings and the Convention and the East.” preventing and combating cor- brings together people from exchange of relevant interna- He added, “We are pleased ruption. The discussions were Member States, parliaments, tional experiences. to see the dialogue on tourism take its rightful place on the global agenda, and to share these important insights from the Middle East with our counterparts around the world through the wide-reaching Doha Forum platform.” Pololikashvili spoke of how “Education is one of my main pri- orities. Thanks to the Tourism Online Academy, a joint initiative between UNWTO and IE Uni- versity, we would have the opportunity to train, democratize and QNTC Secretary-General and GCEO of Qatar Airways, H E Akbar Al scale the way people are educated Baker (right), speaking during the Doha Forum Plenary Session: regarding the tourism sector. Our Protecting the Beneﬁts of Tourism in a Multilateral World. vision is to provide global opportunities to people who are international and non-profit organ- Zurab Pololikashvili, and QNTC ested in the tourism sector and isations, funding agencies, entre- Secretary-General and GCEO of address the gap between jobs, preneurs, and research and Qatar Airways, H E Akbar Al skills and education.” The Qatari delegation, headed by the President of the Administrative Control and Transparency innovation centres. Discussions Baker, in the Doha Forum QNTC recently became the Authority, H E Hamad bin Nasser Al Misnad, at the eighth session of the Conference of the States focused on generating inno- Plenary Session: Protecting the Destination Partner of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption held recently in Abu Dhabi, United Arab vative, actionable proposals and Benefits of Tourism in a Multi- UNWTO Tourism Online Emirates. establishing commitments for lateral World, which convened Academy. MoPH workshop discusses healthcare access of craftsmen, manual workers

THE PENINSULA Qatari visa centers abroad, such DOHA as biometric data processing, medical examinations and The Ministry of Public Health signing employment contracts. (MoPH) has recently organised At the end of the workshop, a workshop on integrated the attendees held a roundtable healthcare pathway for discussion on financing mecha- craftsmen and manual workers nisms, and the challenges facing with the participation of over 100 data collection and health pro- key stakeholders and decision motion for craftsmen and makers from several entities. manual workers. The participants included The discussions in the Ministry of Public Health, Min- workshop concluded that it is istry of administrative Devel- The key stakeholders and decision makers from several entities during the workshop organised by the MoPH. necessary to continue working opment, Labor and Social Affairs, together in reviewing and imple- International Labor Organi- menting a conceptual model of zation, Supreme Committee for which will deliver better would like to point out that with provide a safer work envi- pointed out that the implemen- care considering the observa- Legacy and Delivery, Primary healthcare at the right place and the 2022 FIFA World Cup ronment through the devel- tation of these plans requires tions of the roundtable discus- Health Care Corporation, Qatar time for craftsmen and manual approaching and the size of opment and implementation of continuous support. sions, in addition to the need to Red Crescent, Public Works workers. craftsmen and manual workers national guidelines and policies, Jaber Ali Al Marri, head of collect and share more accurate Authority (Ashghal), Qatar Dr Saleh Ali Al Marri, population group, we have an and, most importantly, monitor health and occupational safety and robust data for this popu- Petroleum among others. Assistant Minister of Public opportunity to build on all our employers’ compliance with section at the Ministry of Admin- lation group, as evidence-based The workshop aims at pro- Health for Health Affairs, achievements in this field and be these policies,” added Dr Al istrative Development, Labor, data can help health policy- viding information about the opening the workshop, said, “We a model of best practices Marri. and Social Affairs (MADLSA), makers develop tailored care ministerial efforts under way to are meeting to discuss one of the regionally and globally.” He also stressed the impor- reviewed several important legal policies and guidelines. The dis- enhance craftsmen and manual seven priority population groups “The Ministry of Public tance of laying out plans for the provisions related to healthcare cussions also emphasised the workers’ access to healthcare of the National Health Strategy Health, with the help of its key delivery of healthcare services services for workers in the Qatari importance of the roles of the services and the actions to be (NHS) ‘Healthy and Safe partners, has developed a which addresses the specific Labor Law. Ministry of Public Health and the taken to promote and improve Employees’, where craftsmen number of comprehensive plans needs of craftsmen and manual Major Abdullah Khalifa Al Ministry of Administrative Devel- healthcare for the migrant group and manual workers make up aimed at providing reliable and workers and focuses on pre- Mohannadi, Director of Visa opment, Labor and Social Affairs in Qatar, which constitutes the the largest segment of the Qatar’s transparent data that will help vention by developing cus- Support Services Dept at the in terms of performance and largest group of working popu- working population. We are all improve workers’ working con- tomized health promotion pro- Ministry of the Interior, demon- oversight, as well as raising lation in the country. In addition aware of the fundamental role ditions through creating an infor- grams and delivering a truly strated the efforts undertaken by awareness through a strong to reaching to a unified con- laborers paly in the development mation system for managing patient-centered integrated the Ministry of Interior to facil- communication strategy directed ceptual model of healthcare of the country’s infrastructure. I occupational health and trauma, model of care. In addition, he itate services for workers at to employers and workers. TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 03

Shura Council discusses draft law on railways OFFICIAL NEWS QNA railways. Amir sends cable DOHA The draft law also includes of condolences to issues related to the operation Algerian President The Shura Council held its and safety of railways. The regular weekly meeting Council decided to refer the DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh yesterday under the chair- aforementioned draft law to the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, manship of the Deputy Speaker Internal and External Affairs Deputy Amir H H Sheikh H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Committee to study it and Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani Al Sulaiti. submit a report thereon to the and Prime Minister and Inte- At the beginning of the Council. The Council also dis- rior Minister H E Sheikh meeting, the Council discussed cussed the report of the Internal Abdullah bin Nasser bin a draft law on railways. The and External Affairs Committee Khalifa Al Thani sent yester- draft law includes (36) articles on a draft law amending some day cables of condolences according to which the func- provisions of Law No. (15) of to President H E Abdelmad- tions and terms of reference of 2011 on combating human traf- jid Tebboune of the brotherly the Ministry of Transport and ficking. The Council decided to People’s Democratic Repub- Communications and Qatar Rail approve the aforementioned lic of Algeria, on the death of are defined, regarding the tech- draft law and refer its recom- Lt. General Ahmed Gaid Salah, nical and administrative mendations thereon to the The Deputy Speaker H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Sulaiti chairing the regular weekly meeting of the Deputy Minister of Defence aspects of the country’s Cabinet. Shura Council, yesterday. and Chief of Staff of the Peo- ple’s National Army. QNA Chief of Staff of MBDA to sponsor DIMDEX for seventh time Qatari Armed Forces meets Director of US QNA Exhibition and Conference infrastructure for the defense sponsor and exhibitor for the showed that 95% of them found Air National Guard DOHA (DIMDEX) at the Ministry of and security sector, which seventh time in a row, and our in it an added value for their Defense in the presence of HE reflects the direction in which joint efforts allow us to provide companies and institutions, DOHA: The Chief of Staff The organizing committee of the Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed the State of Qatar is moving unparalleled business opportu- while 75% said that they of Qatari Armed Forces, H E Doha International Maritime Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) towards strengthening its nities to the participants in each achieved their commercial goals Lt General (Pilot) Ghanem Defense Exhibition and Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim position as a global center for edition. Bertrand Dumoulin said through their participation and bin Shaheen Al Ghanim, met Conference (DIMDEX) revealed and the General Delegate of trade and knowledge exchange, MBPA is pleased to continue its it is expected that this edition of yesterday with the Director MBDA, the world’s leading MPDA in Qatar Bertrand and therefore to achieve our long-term commitment to DMDEX will witness an of the US Air National Guard, developer of missile systems, as Dumoulin, who signed the national strategic goals through DMDEX and Qatar has always expansion in its commercial H E Lieutenant General L golden sponsorship of the event agreement with Staff Brigadier interactive exchange of capacity been a major partner of the scope, which will enhance its Scott Rice. During the meet- for the seventh time. (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari, building and strengthening our company, and the company is position on the global agenda of ing, they reviewed bilateral This disclosure comes within Chairman of the Organizing position in the global defense extremely grateful for the con- the maritime security and relations between the two the framework of the continuous Committee of DIMDEX. industry. fidence that the Qatari Armed defense industry. sides. QNA preparations for the 7th edition Commenting on this For his part, the Chairman of Forces have placed in our With the approach of DMDEX of the exhibition, whose activ- occasion, H E Chief of Staff of the Organizing Committee of products over the past forty 2020, strategic agreements with Shura Council’s ities are scheduled to start on Qatari Armed Forces Lieutenant DIMDEX said that MBDA has years of partnership. global industry partners confirm March 16 over three days. General (Pilot) Ghanem bin always been an essential part of Key sponsorship agreements the significant contribution of the Legal and Legislative The signing ceremony was Shaheen Al Ghanim said that this DMDEX’s successful career since with industry leaders are an event to advancing the security Affairs Committee held to officially announce the reflects our continuous and firm its inception in 2008, and we are integral part of DMDEX’s stra- and maritime defense industry, holds meeting golden sponsor of the Doha commitment to the highest inter- delighted to have the support of tegic business objectives. in line with the country’s overall International Maritime Defense national standards in the field of this industry leader as a golden A survey for the participants national development goals. DOHA: The Legal and Leg- islative Affairs Committee of the Shura Council held a meeting yesterday. It was Biggest edition of chaired by its Rapporteur H E Nasser bin Rashid bin Saree Mahaseel Festival opens Al Kaabi. The Committee discussed a draft law amending FROM PAGE 1 market which in turn some provisions of the Penal Al Sulaiti said Mahaseel has encourages investment in the Code promulgated by Law No. proved the significant role it sector and contributes to the 11 of 2004, and a draft law plays in local agricultural and national economy. amending some provisions of food production sector as it had Prior to the festival opening, the Criminal Procedure Code become an ideal marketing the Farmers’ Forum office was issued by Law No. 23 of 2004. platform that attracts owners inaugurated at building 47 yes- The Committee approved the of Qatari farms and national terday. A first-of-its-kind in aforementioned draft laws food manufacturing companies Qatar, the office is expected to and submitted its recommen- to sell their products directly to play an important role in the dations regarding them to the the consumers at affordable agricultural sector by bringing Shura Council. QNA prices. owners of farms together to He stressed that the festival exchange experiences, pro- Draft law on had witnessed remarkable viding workshops and seminars Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs at success and development year that will contribute to the uniﬁed economic the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, with Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager after year as indicated by the development of local agricul- registry discussed increasing number of partici- tural production, and encour- of Katara Cultural Village (Katara), and other officials during the launch of 4th Mahaseel Festival at pation and the diversity of aging investment in agricultural Katara in Doha, yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA DOHA: The Financial and products offered, which reflects projects. Mahaseel (an Arabic Economic Affairs Commit- the growing interest of the word which translates to market their products as well purchased at competitive the Mahaseel market will be tee of the Shura Council held public in local products, ‘Harvest’) provides an excellent as introduce people to the vari- prices. The festival is open open on Thursdays, Fridays and a meeting yesterday, chaired patronizing them for their com- platform for local farms and eties of fruits and vegetables every day from 9am to 9pm Saturdays until March 31 next by its Rapporteur petitive prices in the local food companies to directly grown in Qatar which can be until December 28, after which year. H E Ali bin Abdullatif Al Misnad Al Mohannadi. The Committee discussed a draft law on the unified economic QDPP set to activate Youth from 23 countries attend Generation Amazing Fest registry, and decided to FROM PAGE 1 approve the said draft law diabetes research in and submit its recommen- Generation Amazing partner clubs dations thereon to the Shura early 2020 — AS Roma, KAS Eupen, Leeds United Council. QNA and Sheffield FC — all sent youth dele- FROM PAGE 1 gations, as did Brazilian champions CR Project 4 Flamengo, who took part in the FIFA Qatari Cartoonist aims to achieve Club World Cup™, and the English diabetes Football Association. ‘Guest of Honour’ remission in A football for good tournament at Kuwait Sports patients with rounded off the festival’s educational newly diag- and entertainment experience and Caricature Gallery nosed type 2 offered participants the chance to apply QNA/KUWAIT diabetes; all the technical and personal skills they Project 5 aims acquired throughout the event. The National Council for to identify In her welcome address, Generation Culture, Arts and Letters genetic factors Amazing’s Marketing & Communications (NCCAL) opened on Sunday the Young leaders inspired to implement social change in their communities through associated with Director, Moza Al Mohannadi, said: “You first sports caricature gallery in football pose at the ﬁrst Generation Amazing Festival at Qatar Foundation’s pre-diabetes Professor Abdul-Badi Abou- are the future game-changers. Welcome collaboration with the Al-Arabi Oxygen Park. and type 2 dia- Samra during an interview to Generation Amazing, welcome to SC and Kuwait Cartoon Society. betes; Project 6 with The Peninsula. Qatar, welcome to the country that will NCCAL’s President Kamel aims to identify PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE host the World Cup in 2022. I hope to Mahmoud inspired youth with their cultural, networking and celebratory Alabdel-Jalil praised the emi- proteomic and PENINSULA see you here again and again.” presence, while participants also got the activities, including a visit to the National nence of Kuwait cartoonists, metabolic Speaking at the medal ceremony, chance to interact with global legends Museum of Qatar. Qatar Airways was saying this gallery, which markers, associated with pre-diabetes and Generation Amazing’s Programme Tim Cahill, John Arne Riise, Michael the event’s official airline partner, while gathered 26 cartoonists and type 2 diabetes; and Project 7 aims to develop Director, Nasser Al Khori, said: “As a pro- Owen, Yaya Toure, Santiago Solari, beIN SPORTS was named as official displays 70 sports caricatures, eHealth tools and mobile apps to support life- gramme, Generation Amazing operates Kristine Lilly, Steve McManaman, Bebeto media partner. The festival was also sup- will catalyse the artistic style intervention for diabetes prevention and today in eight countries and reaches 28 and Julio Cesar. ported by Qatar Football Association, movement and portray sports management. The flagship research pro- diverse communities, which you can see Attendees also met Dutch legend Qatar Museums, Ashghal, Q Life and as a sort of art. gramme is the result of a multi-institutional are all fantastically represented here at Johan Neeskens, who gave an inspiring Medical Insurance Company, and the Among the other speakers research collaboration between healthcare, the festival. We’ve been able to reach speech about the positive impact of University Campus of Football Business. at the ceremony were Al-Arabi education, and research organisations. The 500,000 beneficiaries so far and this is football. Participants also took part in a The FIFA Foundation also partnered SC Board Chairman Abdulaziz collaboration includes investigators from HMC, something we are proud of and hold in talk with former Liverpool and England with Generation Amazing for the event, Ashour. Qatari cartoonist PHCC, Weill Cornell College of Medicine, Qatar our vision to achieve a lasting impact.” striker Michael Owen, and had the which was organised in collaboration Abdulaziz Sadeq - the guest of Biomedical Research Institute, Qatar Com- During the five-day event, Supreme chance to attend training sessions with streetfootballworld. Qatar Foun- honor at the event, praised the puting Research Institute of HBKU, Qatar Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) organised by the Paris-Saint Germain dation was a strategic partner having Kuwaiti caricature art Genome Programme, Qatar Biobank, Qatar ambassadors Mubarak Mustafa, Adel Academy in Doha. provided the main grounds for the movement, which dates back Diabetes Association, Sidra and Droobi Health. Khamis, Wael Gomaa and Younis The festival featured a range of festival. for many years. 04 HOME TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019

SC Security Committee organises exceptional edition of FIFA Club World Cup

THE PENINSULA who attended various events of Since the ﬁrst day of the tournament, all security performance of the security men with the security units partici- DOHA this tournament and previous committee units were able to carry out their security participating in the tournament, pating in the tournament, and its sports tournaments. who have been trained for more initial response and control of any The Security Committee of the Al Mohannadi explained that duties as a trial of their security performance in than 3 months, to secure this events that may occur and affect Supreme Committee for Delivery each day of the tournament had preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022 to be important tournament, which has the progress of the tournament. and Legacy succeeded in securing special plans for the movement and hosted by the State of Qatar. All security units were had a great impact on the devel- Major Youssef Al Hamad, the the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup, by securing sports teams and official located in their sites to provide security and order opment of security plans and the representative of the abolition and securing all the participants in the delegations. Al Mohannadi said that distribution of security personnel elimination of explosives group, said tournament from official delega- the security elements of the tour- and to help the fans and maintain their security and on sports fields. that the security committee used tions, players, and fans and nament were well-prepared before safety, and to limit the crowds ﬂow at the entry and Lt. Col. Ahmed Mohamed Al several inspection devices, including providing all means of safety for the tournament, and it is planned exit gates. Ghanem, commander of the fourth devices for inspecting bags, gates for them. to intensify these exercises before group of Special Operations inspecting people, and manual Since the first day of the tour- organising any major sports tour- for the 2022 World Cup, which representatives of the interna- Command, stressed that all security inspection devices provided for nament, all security committee nament in the future to achieve the Qatar has succeeded in and has tional police and the State of Qatar, units have played a prominent role security personnel in the inspection units were able to carry out their best security performance to strengthened the confidence of the where several representatives of in securing the organization of tents. Al Hamad underscored that security duties as a trial of their secure the 2022 FIFA World Cup. FIFA in Qatar’s capabilities and the police agencies of countries tournament, imposing order, tight- these devices are the latest in the security performance in prepa- He stressed that all measures ability to organise an ideal cham- that have teams participating in ening control and addressing any world and were approved and tested ration for the FIFA World Cup taken to secure the tournament pionship that will be a legacy for the tournament have been negative aspects of stadiums that shortly before the start of the tour- 2022 to be hosted by the State of were identical and similar to the world. attached to the Center to work could disturb the sports competi- nament, as they work in the most Qatar. All security units were many of the security measures For his part, the Head of the together with Qatari police tions, which allowed athletes and difficult climatic conditions even in located in their sites to provide taken in the FIFA World Cup Communication and Media Unit officers. fans to enjoy their favorite sport in the event of rain, they perform their security and order and to help the Russia 2018. of the Security Committee and Lt. Col. Khalifa Shaheen Al a beautiful atmosphere. work very efficiently. fans and maintain their security The Executive Director of the Commander of the International Dossary, the security commander Major Naif bin Faleh Al- Major Rawda Masoud Al and safety, and to limit the crowds Security Department of the Police Coordination Center, of the tournament, said that the Thani, Director of Rescue Police Abdullah, responsible for the flow at the entry and exit gates. Supreme Committee for Delivery Colonel Khaled Al Kaabi pointed security committee succeeded in Department (Al Fazaa), pointed female personnel in securing the In this context, Lekhwiya’s and Legacy Brigadier General to the Center’s role in securing the implementing comprehensive out that the Al Fazaa Police championship, praised the per- commander of parades and Mohamed Majid Al Sulaiti, and World Cup by contributing to the security plans that targeted all the patrols have played their role in formance of the female personnel patrols Brigadier Ali Salman Al member and secretary of the process of securing this champi- activities of the tournament, securing the tournament by dis- in securing the championship, as Mohannadi emphasised the Security Committee, said that the onship through an operations relying on several security points tributing it to all competitive and the security committee at Khalifa importance of the great security discipline and seriousness in the room managed and supervised by that were set in front of the accom- non-competitive establishments International Stadium adopted role that the parades and patrols performance of the plans to the SC’s Security Committee based modations of official delegations, to secure the tournament, the more than 120 female personnel group played in securing the FIFA secure these events showed dis- on the latest advanced techno- stadiums, and streets leading to continued security presence, and to work on securing the services Club World Cup and previous cipline and seriousness of police logical means and infrastructure the tournament’s activities to carry responding to all the communi- and public portals. She empha- championships, by accompanying officers. working for the center’s role and out continuous security operations cations related to the tournament, sised the readiness of the female the group’s patrols to all sports Al Sulaiti pointed out that achieving its goals. and set traffic services that facil- in addition to carrying out its daily personnel to carry out their teams and official participating securing this tournament and the He added that the Center has itate traffic and assist guests and work by securing the areas sur- assigned roles so that the masses delegations in the tournament, as Arabian Gulf Cup and the World succeeded in this tournament in fans to reach the stadiums easily. rounding the tournament’s can enjoy watching upcoming well as accompanying dignitaries Athletics Championships is a trial exchanging information between Al Dossary praised the accommodations in coordination sporting events. QIC Group the Official Insurance Sponsor of QND celebration at Katara

THE PENINSULA community and in playing a vital DOHA role in affirming our loyalty and pride in our homeland.” Qatar Insurance Group, the He added: “Qatar National leading insurer in Qatar and the Day helps us to introspect and MENA region, is the Official reflect upon our achievements Insurance Sponsor of the QND and all that we have accom- celebration at the Katara Cultural plished over the years. In doing Village. Hosted at the Cultural so, we have always ensured that Village the National Day cele- the core values of our business bration boasted of a lineup of and operating principles align various activities and events that with the objectives of the Nation. highlighted Qatar’s rich culture In effect, being socially conscious and heritage. has allowed us to respond, engage Qatar Insurance Group has and solve the common concerns Dr. Manal Al Deeb, Vice-President of Qatari Autism Society receiving long demonstrated its eagerness of the society along with the a donation from Hassan Al Jaidah, Head of Premium at al khaliji. towards supporting activities cooperation of our customers, that showcase Qatar’s rich business partners and affiliates. culture and enhance the Qatari Contribution to and participation al khaliji donates to individual’s connection with his QIC headquarters in West Bay. in Qatar National Day celebra- environment and heritage. tions at Katara demonstrates our Commenting on the latest relentless efforts in highlighting Qatar Autism Society partnership, Fahad Al Suwaidi, leading insurer in Qatar, we have acting as a trusted and ethical the culture, traditions and Deputy CEO of QIC said: “As the a long-standing commitment to partner with the Qatari achievements of the Nation.” THE PENINSULA/DOHA differences and their real inclusion in all the fields,” said al khaliji Commercial Bank Sheikha Jawaher Fahad Jassim Al P.Q.S.C. (al khaliji), Qatar’s next Thani, President of QAS. Drug Enforcement thwarts attempt to smuggle drugs generation bank, is proud to be Autism, or autism spectrum collaborating with the Qatar disorder, refers to a broad range THE PENINSULA from an Asian country, who tried to smuggle were kept under watch. Autism Society (QAS) to help it of conditions characterised by DOHA one hundred kilogrammes of hashish for the This led to the discovery of a warehouse, sustain its mission of providing aid challenges with social skills, repet- purpose of trafficking. where narcotic substances were hidden in to persons impacted by autism. itive behaviours, speech and non- The General Directorate of Drug Control at The authorities concerned received a containers carrying a shipment of marble The donation was announced verbal communication. It is now the Ministry of Interior succeeded in tip-off that a gang is trying to smuggle and stones. The suspects concealed the drugs during a visit and delivered by accepted that there is not one thwarting an attempt to smuggle a large distribute drugs inside the country. inside the cavities of the marble. Hassan Al Jaidah, Head of autism but many subtypes, and amount of drugs into the country. A special investigation team was formed After taking the necessary legal Premium at al khaliji. Dr. Manal each person with autism can have Authorities arrested a gang of five people to probe the lead and a number of suspects measures and obtaining an order from the Al Deeb, Vice-President QAS unique strengths and challenges. Public Prosecution to hold the perpetrators received the support on behalf of A combination of genetic and and search the warehouse, the personnel the Society. environmental factors influence of the General Directorate of Drug “al khaliji is proud to support the development of autism, and Enforcement succeeded in raiding the ware- Qatar Autism Society to help autism often is accompanied by house and extracted the containers to make a difference in the lives of medical issues such as gastroin- uncover the drugs. persons with special needs and testinal disorders, seizures and The defendants were arrested in the their families. Developing the full sleep disturbances. act and the drug was extracted from the potential of people and empow- A number of non-profit hidden places where they could find 100 ering them to achieve personal organisations have benefited from kilogrammes of hashish, packed in 192 and professional fulfilment are the social responsibility activities cylindrical covers. important attributes of the human and initiatives established by al After interrogating the accused, they con- and social development pillars of khaliji, in addition to its wide fessed to participating in the smuggling and the Qatar National Vision 2030. range of charitable actions within storage of narcotic drugs for the purpose of These goals are also al khaliji’s the country. In the area of social trafficking. They gave information of the rest goals,” said Hassan Al Jaidah. wellbeing, in 2019, al khaliji sup- of the gang and they were arrested. All the “We look forward to full ported Qatar Society of Rehabil- accused were referred to the competent acceptance from our community itation of Special Needs, QCS, and The ﬁve suspects and the narcotic substances seized during a raid on a warehouse. authorities to complete the legal towards persons with autism, Ehsan Center, to name a few. Authorities said 100kg of hashish was seized during the raid. procedures. good understanding for their Indian Cultural Centre to hold Indian community festival at MIA Park THE PENINSULA/DOHA General Secretary; Nayana Wagh, cialist for Museum of Islamic Art. life size monument of India, stalls/ Head of Cultural & Educational Activ- Salem Abdulla Al Aswad, assured outlets highlighting various customs/ Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) will be ities; and Nirmala Shanmuga Pandian, that this event will the first of its kind features/materials from different conducting a mega event with the Cultural Coordinator. with highest grade and will be an states in India and Food outlets, by theme “Passage to India” on Thursday The meeting was also attended opportunity to appreciate the long- licensed Indian vendors, providing and Friday (January 16 and 17, 2020) by Sarah Tose, Head of Academic Pro- time Indian residents of Qatar who various Indian delicacies from dif- at Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA) Park. grams; Abdulla Al Dosari, Acting have contributed to the country’s ferent States of India, to the visitors. Salem Abdulla Al Aswad, Deputy Deputy Director – Operations; Saad growth. Manikantan said that Indian Cul- Director Learning and Outreach, Al Kaabi, Head of Security; Yasser Seenu Pillai announced the high- tural Centre had conducted the Indian finalised this in a meeting with the Shazly, MIA Park Engineer; Rashid Al lights of the Festival such as Colourful community festival during 2012, 2013, ICC representatives including Man- Muraikhi, Senior Garden Specialist; Cultural programs from Qatar and 2014 and 2016, the latest one with the ikantan AP, President; Seenu Pillai and Kaiser Colomo, Facilities Spe- different States of India, display of theme “Passage To India”. TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 05 QA sponsors Generation Amazing Youth Festival in Qatar

THE PENINSULA the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar Generation Amazing Festival and DOHA 2019 semi-final game between Liv- it has been most rewarding to erpool FC and Monterrey CF, while observe youth from Qatar and Qatar Airways was the Official a FIFA Legends day featured talks across the world coming together Airline Partner of the Generation and a match between star players to celebrate the power of football.” Amazing Youth Festival held in and the young leaders. Qatar Generation Amazing, the Qatar last week. The airline flew Airways Capt. Khalifa Al Thani and Supreme Committee for Delivery the youth ambassadors from all Capt. Abdulrahman Al Mulla joined & Legacy’s human and social over the world to take part in the AS Roma and Brazil legend Cafu, legacy programme, was initiated inaugural event. who features in the airline’s during Qatar’s successful bid for Generation Amazing aims to recently launched on-board safety the FIFA World Cup 2022 in 2010. inspire a generation of young video, to present awards at the It uses the power of sport to leaders from Qatar and round the closing ceremony. positively impact lives and create Twenty HMS staff members become World’s ﬁrst Planetree International Person-Centered Care Fellows. globe to make a difference in their Qatar Airways Senior Vice sustainable social development communities. More than 170 President Marketing and Cor- in communities. More than youth participants from 12 coun- porate Communications, Salam 500,000 beneficiaries have been HMC’s first Planetree International tries (Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Al Shawa, said: “As an airline, reached to date through Gener- Lebanon, Pakistan, India, the Phil- Qatar Airways firmly believes in ation Amazing in the Middle East Fellows in Person-Centered Care awarded ippines, Nepal, Italy, Belgium, the the power of sport to bring people and Asia, with the aim of reaching UK and Brazil) participated. together, and this festival has one million young people by 2022. THE PENINSULA Person-Centered Care Fellows at recognise qualified healthcare Qatar Airways and Generation demonstrated that football has the Qatar Airways holds an DOHA HMC have forged a new path for professionals and students who Amazing partner clubs AS Roma ability to inspire today’s youth to extensive global sports portfolio, the organisation. have successfully expanded their and KAS Eupen, along with the make a difference. The Generation sponsoring top-level sporting Twenty staff members from “Becoming a Fellow signals knowledge of person-centered English Football Association and Amazing Youth Festival has been events and some of the biggest Hamad Medical Corporation not only their conviction that approaches and applied this other football organisations were an exciting and engaging expe- football clubs around the world (HMC) have been awarded a person-centered care is the right knowledge in the field,” added Al represented, along with Brazilian rience for all the youth partici- including AS Roma, Boca Juniors Fellowship in Person-Centered thing to do, but also their profes- Naimi. champions Flamengo, who pants and we look forward to and FC Bayern Munich. As official Care by internationally-renowned sional track record of putting The fellowship program is reached the final of the FIFA Club many more Generation Amazing FIFA partner, Qatar Airways US-based healthcare organisation person-centered care into action. based on the principles of person- World Cup Qatar 2019. events in the lead up to the FIFA sponsors the FIFA Club World Cup Planetree International. The The process for becoming a centered care and requires par- Key highlights included football World Cup Qatar 2022TM.” Qatar 2019 and the FIFA World Cup twenty staff members from HMC’s Fellow focuses on expanding one’s ticipants to provide evidence for for development workshops, Generation Amazing’s Mar- Qatar 2022, reflecting the values of Center for Patient Experience and knowledge about person-cen- a range of activities based on the football tournaments, activities led keting and Communications sport as a means of bringing people Staff Engagement (CPESE) are the tered approaches to care, and then three domains of learning, doing, by youth ambassadors, celebrity Director, Moza Al Mohannadi, said: together, something at the core of first in the world to receive the applying that knowledge to make and sharing. footballer events and cultural per- “We are proud and excited to have the airline’s brand message — Going prestigious Fellowship. healthcare better,” said Al Naimi. Dr Susan Frampton, President formances. Participants attended hosted the very first edition of the Places Together. The fellowship was awarded He said HMC is honoured to be of Planetree International, said the to the CPESE staff during Qatar’s associated with the Fellow in fellowship program was not just inaugural Patient Experience Person-Centered Care credential a first for Qatar, but Forum, which was held in Doha as it demonstrates the priority the internationally. in November. HMC’s CPESE has organisation places on providing “Working together, Planetree also been honoured as the world’s person-centered care. and HMC’s dedicated CPESE team, first ‘Planetree Professional “In 2018, HMC signed a three- under the leadership of Nasser Al Department’ and was presented year partnership with Planetree Naimi, have developed a unique with the ‘Early Adopters of the to strengthen CPESE’s capabilities recognition of excellence. The Planetree Fellow in Person-Cen- by providing strategic direction Fellow in Person-Centered Care tered Care Program’ designation and support to further enhance credential not only signifies a at the Planetree Person-Centered our commitment to putting the thorough knowledge base of Care Conference held in Orlando, patient first,’’ said Al Naimi. person-centered care, but Florida, USA earlier this year. “HMC is the first hospital requires evidence of the practical Nasser Al Naimi, Deputy Chief system in the world to implement application of that knowledge to of Quality, CPESE and Director, the Planetree Fellows in Person- one’s work to advance the field of Hamad Healthcare Quality Centered Care Program. The Plan- patient experience,” said Dr Representatives of Qatar Airways and participants during the Generation Amazing Youth Festival. Institute, said the first group of etree Fellowship Program aims to Frampton. Qatari climber reaches Antarctica

THE PENINSULA Only around 1200 climbers DOHA have summited Vinson since 1966, much less than Everest. Fahad Badar (pictured), the Qatari Badar shared his aspirations banking executive leader and for the journey ahead, “I know it high-altitude climber arrived in will be a physically challenging Antarctica on December 21 to expedition with extreme weather begin the 1st leg of his expedition conditions that can be obstacles to ski the last degree and climb to success. However, I am feeling Mount Vinson. extremely positive after months This incredible crossing with of training and ready to set out on 24 hours of continuous daylight this next challenge, with the deter- involves skiing in intervals for a mination to succeed.” 110km, using sleds to haul provi- In May of this year, Fahad sions across the Antarctic in tem- made history by becoming the first peratures of minus 20 degrees Badar is expected to reach Arab male to double summit both Celsius, which can drop down to deep within the frozen Antarctic, Mount Everest and Lhotse in a minus 50 at the summit. for the 2nd leg of his expedition single expedition. Skiing the last degree simply some time after the first week of He is one of 85 people in the means one degree of latitude, January 2020, to then scale one world to have succeeded this where Badar will ski from 89 of the coldest mountains on earth, massive accomplishment. Making Degrees South to 90 Degrees of Mount Vinson, the highest peak him also one of only two Qataris the South Pole, a distance of sixty in Antarctica. It will be Fahad’s to successfully climb Mount nautical miles or 110km. fourth of the Seven Summits. Everest to date. Dalian Professional FC Under-14 concludes Qatar Foundation tour

THE PENINSULA/DOHA I never imagined that one day I Qatar Academy Doha, and Qatar would get the opportunity to do Foundation, and trained at QF’s The Dalian Professional FC the same. I was extremely excited. facilities in Education City. Under-14 football team has I followed all the instructions as The team was also given the wrapped up its Qatar Foundation every movement must be precise.” opportunity to participate in a tour with six young players, along During the week-long tour, series of cultural activities, visiting with six Qatar Foundation youth, each of the 22 aspiring footballers landmarks such Souq Waqif and serving as flag bearers for the final were given the chance to serve as the National Museum of Qatar and of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar flag bearers, along with 18 young enjoying the sport and enter- 2019, which took place at Khalifa people from QF’s sport and com- tainment Education City has to International Stadium on munity programmes. offer from golf, bowling, recre- December 21. Lincoln Zhang, Wanda Pres- ation centres and more. Dalian Professional FC came ident of Culture, said: “Wanda Mei Cheng Fu, 14 and a goal- to Qatar as part of Wanda’s FIFA Group has powerful and deep- keeper for Dalian Professional FC Flag Bearers Programme at the rooted connections to football in said: “I was excited to be a part of FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019, China, particularly in our home of the tour and visit Qatar as I had an ongoing initiative between Dalian. It is our commitment to watched China play Qatar last Qatar Foundation (QF) and Wanda continue to support the devel- year and then earlier this year aimed at inspiring the next gen- opment of the sport through ini- when they won the Asian Cup.” eration of football talent in China tiatives in China and across the Further to the Dalian Profes- and all over the world. world that provide players and sional FC tour, the partnership has Liu Enzhe, 14, and a defender fans with richer experiences.” also enabled 18 Qatar Foundation for Dalian Professional FC, said: As part of the tour, the visiting youth, including those from the “As a child I used to watch a lot of Chinese team also played three ability friendly programme to also football and saw young kids car- friendly games against select participate in the Wanda FIFA Flag rying the flag into the stadium and teams from Aspire Academy, Bearers Programme. 06 HOME TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 Dreama Center honoured for its work for the orphans MoCI recalls THE PENINSULA The invitation for the Orphans Cadillac ATS DOHA Care Center (Dreama) to and CTS The Orphan Care Center, ‘Dreama’, attend theinternational under the umbrella of the Qatar Social forum for social humanitarian 2017 models Work, participated in international ambassadors in Kuwait was forum for social humanitarian ambassadors for the year 2019 which was held to honour the center for its THE PENINSULA at the headquarters of the Arab Planning efforts and achievements DOHA Institute in Kuwait for three days and over the past years and with Arab and international partici- also to review the Qatari The Ministry of Commerce and pation. Industry, in cooperation with The international forum for social experience in the care and Mannai Trading Company, humanitarian ambassadors honoured empowerment of orphans. dealer of Cadillac in Qatar, has Dreama Center for its achievements announced the recall of during the last three years. Cadillac ATS and CTS Models The invitation was to honour immediate involvement in global devel- of 2017, due to a possible Dreama Center for its efforts over the opment action to address the growing defect in the power steering past years and also to review the Qatari international risks and filling the assist which may fail to experience in the care and empow- humanitarian gaps that threaten the sta- operate. erment of orphans and community bility of all the nations of the region, and The recall campaign responsibilities; and transferring its this is in keeping with the interna- comes within the framework details to the State of Kuwait and other tionally-agreed goals and principles of of the Ministry’s continuous countries. the United Nations and the interna- efforts to protect consumers Center of Dreama is known to be tionally-agreed humanitarian and and ensure that car dealers working on a new strategy aimed at development conventions. follow up on vehicle defects Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Executive Director Orphans Care Center (Dreama), expanding international and regional The trust in Mariam bint Nasser bin and repairs. being honoured during the international forum for social humanitarian ambassadors partnerships; to exchange experiences Ali Al Misnad — Executive Director, The Ministry said that it and create a global front that addresses Orphans Care Center (Dreama) — was at headquarters of the Arab Planning Institute in Kuwait. will coordinate with the dealer all the challenges facing the child and renewed as an international ambassador to follow up on the mainte- the family. for orphans. She was given the title parents or one of them abandoned the achievements of the center, but I am here nance and repair works and According to the latest UN statistics, depending on the achievements and child. to deliver the message and the voice of will communicate with cus- the number of orphans in the world has developments that were observed in the In addition to the human values that children, asking: What if we can change tomers to ensure that the nec- reached 140 million children, and esti- last three years. the Dreama Center tries to spread and the life of one person? If we moved him essary repairs are carried out. mates by other international institutions The forum discussed the Qatari expe- raise awareness of the need to embrace from nothingness to live in dignity, isn’t The Ministry has urged all suggest that the number may worsen rience led by Dreama Center for Orphan them, including the principle of the unity this a real success?” customers to report any vio- under the current global condition of the Care and Empowerment in terms of the of human origin, anti-classism and racial Al Misnad continued: “Let’s be truly lations to its Consumer Pro- world, especially in the Middle East due strategy followed in developing children’s discrimination, and achieving principles ambassadors by delivering their voice and tection and Anti-Commercial to violent incidents and armed conflicts abilities and treating psychological and of social justice. their needs, otherwise we do not deserve Fraud Department, which in the Arab world and the Islamic world. behavioural effects on the group of Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad to be so and we do not deserve labels, processes complaints, inquires This has led Dreama Center to the people of unknown descents, after the said: “We are not here today to list the titles and honours.” and suggestions. PISQ secures 2nd position in QND event

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Pakistan International School- Qatar (PISQ) took part in Qatar National Day (QND) events which were held in Lusail Multipurpose Hall. There were performances of over 7,500 students from Asian schools who took part in this remarkable Qatar National Day celebration. The ceremony commenced with Qatar National Anthem Students of Pakistan International School-Qatar performing at which was sung by students of dif- Lusail Multipurpose Hall during Qatar National Day celebrations. ferent schools. It was a memo- rable spectacle as anthem was sung with pride and honour. The presented a military march. The received the shield on behalf of Safari announces 2nd lucky draw winners of parade began which included 17 students also flaunted their Nargis Raza Otho, PISQ Principal. Asian schools of Qatar. get-ups of butterflies and falcons. The school also participated in Pakistan International School All the principals, head girls, Thematic Shows and Thematic ‘Win 20 Toyota Corolla 2020 cars’ promotion notched second position in The- head boys, team managers, coor- Songs categories. The audience matic Parade Category. Partici- dinators of schools were called enjoyed and cherished the per- Safari Hypermarket Group in Qatar has announced the 2nd lucky draw winners of ‘Win 20 Toyota pants carried various banners and upon the stage for the photo- formances by school students. Corolla 2020 Cars’ promotion campaign. The draw was held at Safari Hypermarket, Al Khor, on items representing the culture of graphs with the chief guest. Prin- These sorts of events bring self- December 22, 2019, in the presence of a Ministry official and Safari management staff. The winners Qatar. Major among these were cipals were awarded with partic- confidence and form a sense of of the three Toyota Corolla 2020 cars are KK Sadun (coupon number 0787624), Ravi Risal (0725347) Qatar Rail and the upcoming FIFA ipation shields and certificates. competition among students and and Sameer Kallaram Kettil (0796087). 2022 World Cup. PISQ students Team manager Reema Rashid other teams. When M F Husain walked the earth

THE PENINSULA that last minute, our father was every about what was happening in our lives DOHA bit the Husain we had known our entire — what we learnt in school, any fights lives.” or arguments we had had with our Son of M F Husain has explained his Mustafa, a film maker and cinema- friends, and so on — and he would tell father’s life — through the latter’s latest tographer, said that the title of Husain’s us about the work he did, and the people art installation titled ‘Seeroo fi al Ardh’. final work — Seero fi al Ardh — epito- he met during his travels. “He lived his last day as he had done mises his father’s life. Husain skills as a painter and an his entire life,” said Mustafa Husain. “He “That specific phrase from the Quran artist were mostly self-taught. To him, kept what mattered to him the most, and translates as ‘travel or walk across the wanting to know was the first step to let the rest go.” earth’; it refers to the need to expose learning, and to knowing what a person Maqbool Fida Husain’s third son and yourself to the varied cultures of dif- would want from life. fourth child recalls the last few days of ferent lands, people and experiences,” While in primary school, Mustafa his father’s life. It was 2011, and the artist he explains. “It prompts you to under- was flipping through a textbook at home, had been hospitalised during his annual stand and appreciate the world, and by when his father walked up to him and summer trip to London. inference, understand the Creator, the asked what he was reading. The young “A week before June 9, he had God who made each of us. boy replied that he had no idea what the admitted himself to a hospital with an “My father travelled through life in book was about. upset stomach,” he said. “A few of us a way that very few people could, “My father grew quite annoyed and flew in to be with him. When we visited without bearing malice or carrying a told me that if I didn’t take the effort to him that week, he insisted on eating grudge against anyone. I believe that’s know why I was learning something in something that was close to his heart: the reason why he could pour creativity the first place, there was no point in me Zarda, a sweet rice dish made with onto a canvas. being educated,” he said. “It was a lesson A family photo taken on Husain’s 90th birthday. Husain is wearing a green Sherwani saffron. And he wanted it made the way Mustafa recounts his childhood in a I took to heart. Ever since then, and up (cloak), that has motifs of himself and his paintings embroidered on to it. his wife, our mother, used to make it small one-room home on Grant Road until this moment, I made it a point to back home in Mumbai. in the Badr Baug neighbourhood in know why I was learning a skill or a “That evening, I made the sweet and Mumbai. The fact that their father often piece of information, and how it would no qualms of the repercussions of his painting that had to be delivered the took it to him. He ate a few mouthfuls, travelled made his six children look help me.” actions on others. next day, his father lugged huge canvas relishing each one . That was the only forward to the time he spent at home Having experienced the joys – and According to Mustafa, his father also rolls home — only to find that he thing that he retained in his stomach the with them. hardships – of following his heart and lived the way he painted – by immersing couldn’t spread them out in the small whole day – he couldn’t digest anything “He had a unique style of parenting,” becoming a painter, Husain encouraged himself in experiences. Through the ebb rooms of their house. As always, he else. That evening, we chatted well into said Husain’s son. “When he came home, his children to trust their instincts. and flow of his father’s memories, found a solution. the night; we discussed his future plans, he would make it a point to spend a day Mustafa said that Husain’s rise to Mustafa said that one particular scene “The local tram service used to end his exhibitions. It was almost as if we with each one of his six children, sepa- fame — which began in the 1950s — did is etched in his mind; one that goes back at midnight and resume at 5am,” said were sitting around the dining table at rately. He would take us, in turn, to a nothing to change his view towards life. to the days when he was a young boy in Mustafa. “This meant that, for five hours our home in Mumbai in the 1960s, park or restaurant. Husain lived his life as a child would: the little house on Grant Road. each night, the roads were deserted and chatting away. “During those few hours, our roles free-spirited and self-assured. It was It was a phase when Husain painted free of traffic - that was enough for my “The hospital authorities insisted we would change. We were no longer his his innate guilelessness that shaped his movie billboards and giant canvases, father. leave at midnight. Barely half an hour children; he was no longer our father. outlook on the world — a trait that often as he sought to find his feet as an artist. “There was no stopping my father after we left, he passed away. Up until We were friends. We would tell him made him behave impulsively, and with One afternoon, eager to finish a — he kept moving on.” TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 07

QF’s funding pathways are designed to support students to achieve their goals THE PENINSULA The symposium provided an overview of how DOHA students can qualify to beneﬁt QF’s ﬁnancial As a believer in inclusive, acces- aid, when they can apply, and the types of sible education, Qatar Foun- scholarships on offer, which include QF Merit dation (QF) aims to help students Scholarships, QF Financial Aid, funding from a avoid this strain. And its Student Financial Services Department university, private, corporate, or federal funding, outlined how when it organised and student employment. a seminar for students in Education City, and their parents, “The financial aid QF offers aims of these programs is to help to learn about the scholarships benefits students, and over the this particular group of students and financial support options years it has had a great positive and their families and provide that QF offers, and how they can impact on them,” said Noof A Al them with the financial means be accessed to help young Derham, Student Financial necessary to achieve their edu- learners overcome one of the Services Director, QF. cational goals, as well as obstacles to education. “Our programs are unique removing financial barriers that A view of the seminar in the Education City. The symposium provided an and designed to help students may prevent outstanding stu- overview of how students can facing financial challenges that dents from going to universities, with an equal been accepted into an under- recreation facilities and student qualify to benefit QF’s financial may otherwise prevent them university.” number being selected from each graduate program at QF.” housing complexes. aid, when they can apply, and the from achieving their goals, The QF Merit Scholarships said, Al Derham. QF also provides funding to The financial aid cycle for types of scholarships on offer, because a financial burden may are open to undergraduate stu- “QF also provides another support students in meeting uni- newly accepted students runs which include QF Merit Schol- cause student distraction and dents who have completed two element of financial support, versity expenses through ena- from April 1 until May 31 every arships, QF Financial Aid, lead to a lack of focus in their semesters of academic study in which is an interest-free loan bling them to do part-time work year, and from February 1 until funding from a university, studies. Education City and have a GPA program that gives students an on campus. Student employment March 2 each year for returning private, corporate, or federal “There are families who have of 3.6 or above. “This highly- equal opportunity to receive a ranges from jobs at universities, students. The application period funding, and student five or seven children studying competitive scholarship is open quality university education. It’s such as teaching and research fort the QF Merit Scholarships employment. in Education City, and one of the to students from all QF open to all students who have assistants, to those at QF’s runs from May 15 to June 5. QC-sponsored orphans celebrate QND worldwide Innovative courses open up new THE PENINSULA worlds for CMU-Q students DOHA THE PENINSULA/DOHA As part of the Qatar National Day celebrations, Qatar Charity’s offices Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar worldwide organised various activ- (CMU-Q) has introduced micro courses, a ities, which witnessed the participation new option for students to learn about a of thousands of orphans sponsored by wide variety of topics that will complement the people in Qatar, and the presence their required course work. of many local officials. These events The micro courses are taught by pro- came in conjunction with the activ- fessors from Carnegie Mellon’s main campus ities held by Qatar Charity within the in a hybrid fashion, with part of the State of Qatar. instruction in person, and part by videocon- Orphans, along with their parents, ferencing. Micro courses cover a wide variety from Gaza, Pakistan, Kenya, Lebanon, of topics like how artificial intelligence (AI) Bangladesh, Jordan, Mali, and Nepal, affects society, blockchain applications, com- hope will shape the world in a careful, con- expressed their great delight at cele- putational medicine and environmental siderate way.” With about 400 students at brating the National Day, extending ideas. The dean of CMU-Q, Michael Trick, the Qatar campus, CMU-Q students have thanks to benefactors in Qatar for said, “We selected topics for the micro identical degree requirements to Carnegie sponsoring them. courses that would give our students a new Mellon students on the main campus. On the Qatar National Day cele- perspective. For instance, in the required Although there are benefits to studying at brations, they participated in cultural, courses they learn about AI, so we offered a small campus, one down-side is a more sports, and entertainment competi- micro courses that look at the ethics and the limited selection of electives. Children during the celebration of Qatar National Day organised by Qatar tions reflecting their love and appre- societal impact of that technology. We want Trick is working to provide more options Charity’s office in Pakistan. ciation for Qatar Charity and the state them to understand the broader context of for students at CMU-Q. “We encourage our of Qatar. what they are learning.” Micro courses can students to take courses at our partner uni- Qatar Charity’s office in the Gaza to affirm the good relations between with the national anthems of the State teach material in fields outside the main versities in Education City, and we encourage Strip held a celebration event, in which the Qatari and Palestinian peoples. of Qatar and Pakistan, included CMU-Q undergraduate degree programs of them to study abroad for one semester. Micro nearly 400 orphans sponsored by He also noted that one of the most various activities such as drawing, biological sciences, business administration, courses are simply another option for them Qatar Charity took part in an atmos- important goals of the celebration was coloring, and symbolic march, in computational biology, computer science to expand their view of the world.” Professor phere of joy, and many teams pre- to engage orphans in an atmosphere addition to visiting the Pakistan Mon- and information systems. David Danks (pictured) from CMU’s main sented art shows combining Pales- of fun, joy, and happiness, to create a ument in Islamabad. Trick noted, “A Carnegie Mellon edu- campus taught a micro course in the ethics tinian and Qatari folklore. positive impact on them. In Azad Jammu Kashmir, the cation includes a lot of course work outside implications of artificial intelligence. The event came within the annual It is noteworthy that Qatar Charity, orphans, along with their families, the main area of study. We are educating CMU-Q will offer 10 micro courses in activities plan for the sponsored for through its office in the Gaza Strip, participated in the celebration that thoughtful citizens and people who we the spring 2020 semester. the current year, which aims at sponsors 15,700 orphans, who, along took place at the Stadium Park, in encouraging orphans who are out- with their families, receive cash and the presence of many local officials. standing educationally, culturally, and in-kind assistance that contributes to The ceremony included several morally. improving their living conditions. sports and cultural competitions for During a speech delivered by Eng. Qatar Charity’s office in Pakistan children, such as tug of war, Mohammed Abu Haloub, director of organized a ceremony attended by running race, skipping, musical Qatar Charity’s office in the Gaza Strip, 200 orphans whom it sponsors in Azad chair, cricket, jumping, and bad- he said that celebrating the Qatar Jammu Kashmir and Islamabad. minton. Children won prizes and National Day by orphans of Gaza came The celebration, which started trophies. QRCS medical convoy treats many Syrians in Turkey

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has deployed a new medical convoy to Reyhanlı, Turkey, to perform critical surgeries for Syrian patients. It is part of an annual medical convoy program, co-implemented with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). The purpose of the convoy is to provide different forms of medical Members of QRCS’ medical convoy deployed in Turkey. help, including consultations, surgeries, and medications, for the poor Syrian refugees in Turkey. In coordi- insurance coverage. paediatric surgery, with a success rate nation with the Turkish authorities, The five-day convoy cost a total of 100 percent. The convoy was hosted some internally displaced persons of QR143,000, funded mainly from the at the Sevgi Hospital, which provided (IDPs) in northern Syria were moved donations of charity givers in Qatar. in-patient pre-procedure and post- to the Turkish territories to receive The medical team comprised six procedure care. treatment under the convoy. expert surgeons in different speciali- This year, the medical convoy This is the second medical convoy zations, headed by Dr. Ahmed Al program has expanded more than in the same region. Two months ago, Maliki, Senior Consultant Urologist ever. Many convoys were deployed to another one was conducted to meet and Fertility Specialist at HMC. Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Jordan, Gaza, the needs amid inadequate secondary Over the mission, a large number Turkey, and other countries. QRCS health care services in Syria. of patients were examined using pays great attention to this aspect of Many physicians have left the clinical tests and X-ray. Out of those, humanitarian action, realizing the country, and thousands of Syrian ref- 30 cases underwent operations in vital serious lack of health services in dis- ugees live in Turkey with no health specialisations such as urology and aster and war zones. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 Ensuring everyone in Qatar is ESTABLISHED IN 1996 on the spectrum of opportunity CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] SULTANA AFDHAL CEO, WISH ACTING MANAGING EDITOR An initiative of Qatar Foundation MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] On behalf of Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR (MoPH), WISH is conducting MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI a three-year study to [email protected] identify the gaps that exist in the provision of services for young adults with autism, and then make policy recommendations same opportunities to excel, both pro- open a respite program to help autistic EDITORIAL to address them. These fessionally and socially, as everyone young adults who are entering the recommendations will else. In this respect, the work of WISH workplace. inform our plans to open has one goal – that is also shared by In 2018, a pilot program titled ‘The our international partners – to deliver Young Adults’ Life Skills Camp’ was Getting ready for 2022 a respite program to help opportunities to those with autism. hosted in collaboration with the Child autistic young adults who Qatar has long been part of the Development Center and the MoPH, y presenting the most wonderful and successful are entering the workplace. global drive to change the narrative and sponsored by Occidental edition of the FIFA Club World Cup 2019, Qatar has surrounding diagnoses and the condi- Petroleum Qatar Ltd. We hope to Bproved its capability and won full trust of the world tions for people with autism; from expand on that pilot program using as a country that can organize mega sporting events. Now aving autism is no reason sponsoring a resolution dedicating a our learnings from the three-year football fans around the globe can expect something not to excel – a belief that is World Autism Awareness Day at the research as well as feedback from special in 2022 when Qatar hosts the next FIFA World at the core of The World United Nations General Assembly in parents of autistic children. Cup. In all aspects, from the organising of the game to its Innovation Summit for 2008 – now celebrated yearly – Recently, representatives from the H Children’s National Hospital in Wash- marketing, a unique Qatari touch was throughout visible. Health’s (WISH) long-standing com- through launching its own National In what was termed by many as a test run of the 2022 mitment to addressing the needs of Autism Plan, to WISH producing a ington D.C. – a premier provider of FIFA World Cup Qatar, the FIFA Club World Cup 2019 has Qatar’s local report entitled: ‘Autism: A Global pediatric services in the US capital – enhanced necessary skills and knowledge needed to Qatari community in Framework for Action’. paid a working visit to Doha to learn officials concerned from the Supreme Committee of relation to Our research firmly points towards more about the life path of those on Delivery and Legacy to the security personnel for the big autism the need for adequate provision of the autistic spectrum in Qatar. They event in 2022. spectrum dis- inclusive services across all sectors for focused on the critical phase that sees Going by the words of the Secretary-General of the order (ASD). those with autism. In this regard, Qatar teenage years transition into Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), H E Our research firmly I see my is also one of only a few countries in adulthood, and shared experiences Hassan Al Thawadi, preparations are in full swing and points towards the recent partici- the region with a national autism and expertise on the same. on the right track to offer the best edition of the World need for adequate pation at the strategy. Under the Qatar National In the interim, WISH will be Cup in 2022. “Despite the great success that Qatar has 3rd Annual Autism Plan, healthcare leaders in the working with some of Qatar’s largest achieved in organising the Club World Cup, we are not provision of Qatar Autism public and private sectors are working employers to raise awareness of what currently 100 percent ready to host the World Cup, but inclusive services Awareness towards reaching 44 goals, targeted to expect when hiring someone with this success assured us that we across all sectors for Gala in Wash- for full implementation by 2021. autism. We have also developed a are on the right track to those with autism. ington D.C. – The goals are founded on devel- program to provide sports opportu- prepare for presenting the best hosted by the oping and delivering programs that nities for children and young adults in 2022.” In this regard, Qatar Embassy of enable early diagnosis of ASD and with autism and other conditions. These words truly reflect is also one of only the State of improving the quality of interventions These initiatives are part of our The successful the commitment, passion and a few countries in Qatar in part- and services. They also cover conti- overarching mission at WISH to build organization of enthusiasm of the nation in the region with a nership with nuity of care, education and social inclusive communities in Qatar, where organising similar sporting the Autism participation and increasing public every individual is an active and pro- Gulf Cup and FIFA national autism Club World Cup events. “It is natural during Society of awareness. ductive member of society. the trial period to go through strategy. America – as On behalf of Qatar’s Ministry of In Qatar, and all over the world, have boosted problems and things that must yet another Public Health (MoPH), WISH is con- addressing the challenges facing those Qatar’s confidence be rectified with the coming occasion when WISH worked with ducting a three-year study to identify with autism must take shape around for 2022 FIFA years, adding that some plans others, to enhance our collective the gaps that exist in the provision of programs that empower young adults World Cup Qatar are significantly successful, knowledge of the condition. services for young adults with autism, with autism with the skills to become others have succeeded but The theme – ‘The Spectrum of and then make policy recommenda- more independent. Because, when it and after all, it need some development, and Opportunity’ – captured the impor- tions to address them. These recom- comes to the spectrum of opportunity, helped the nation some plans must be com- tance of giving those with autism the mendations will inform our plans to we should all be ‘on the spectrum’. to self evaluate pletely changed,” said Al Thawadi. its strengths and Qatar views the negative weaknesses for a factors in these tournaments 40 years on, veterans still grapple with Soviet-Afghan war flawless sporting as positive because they help event in 2022. to raise awareness and MUSHTAQ MOJADDIDI rise of the Taliban and the ongoing vio- “War is the best school of life, where capacity. By organising these AFP lence that besets the country to this day. you learn to think quickly and find the tournaments, Qatar has identified a whole lot of areas In Russia, former Soviet soldiers are best solutions”, said Vchivtsev, who was where more attention is to be paid for the smooth run of t his home in the mountains still trying to make sense of a war the blinded in an explosion in Khost province the tournament in 2022. “Issues must be addressed during north of Kabul, former muja- public condemned at the time and that in 1987. the coming period through communication with the public hideen fighter Shah Sulaiman observers say hastened the collapse of The conflict was extremely and sensitising them because they are one of the main closed his damaged eyes, took a the Soviet Union. unpopular with the Soviet public at the A time and was officially condemned in factors in the success of safety and security plans,” Al sip of green tea and thought bitterly of “We defended our southern borders, Thawadi added. Afghanistan’s war against the Soviet and I still think our presence in Afghan- 1989 at the height of leader Mikhail Gor- The success of the transportation plan in general, espe- Union that started four decades ago. istan was essential,” said Ilias Daoudi, 52, bachev’s policy of “glasnost”, or cially the use of the metro project and the ideal coordi- “When we fought against the Soviets, a former Soviet intelligence official who transparency. nation mechanism with all concerned bodies in the we were expecting a good future,” said lost a leg in a 1986 landmine blast in But as part of an overall re-evalu- country, which will be developed better in the coming the 62-year-old father, who was blinded Herat, in western Afghanistan. ation of the war’s legacy, Russia’s parlia- years, are some the areas where Qatar excelled at during in one eye and suffered a leg wound “A big country like ours has to control mentary defence committee has -- under these tournaments. when he trod on a landmine during the what is happening in neighbouring pressure from veterans -- backed a draft In short, the successful organization of Gulf Cup and conflict in 1985. regions.” Regular Soviet soldiers began resolution saying Soviet troops helped FIFA Club World Cup have boosted Qatar’s confidence “Unfortunately things turned out for arriving in Afghanistan after Moscow’s Afghan authorities fight “terrorist and for 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and after all, it helped the the worst.” December 24, 1979 deployment order to extremist groups” and curbed the nation to self evaluate its strengths and weaknesses for This month marks the 40th anni- support a pro-Soviet regime in Kabul and growing security threat facing the USSR. a flawless sporting event in 2022. versary of the Soviet Union’s “inter- quell a nationalist Islamist insurgency Sidiqque Rasulzai was a teenager vention” -- or invasion -- of Afghanistan, that was pushing back against the atheist when the Red Army arrived in Kabul, and the beginning of a decade-long guerilla communists and their reforms. he had no idea what was coming. war that killed up to two million Afghans, More than 600,000 troops from the “I didn’t know it was war. My parents forced seven million more from their USSR would eventually cycle through told me that was something that hap- homes and led to the deaths of more than Afghanistan, playing a part in a Cold War pened in Palestine, I would never have QUOTE OF THE DAY 14,000 Soviet troops. proxy conflict that also saw the United thought that it could happen to us, that it “(It) brought only misery and States arm and fund mujahideen fighters would last 40 years,” recalled Rasulzai, What we won’t do is destruction to Afghans and Afghanistan,” including Osama bin Laden. who joined the Soviet-backed Afghan recalled Sulaiman, who commanded a “It was my religious duty to do Jihad army in 1985 and served for more than engage in reckless unit of 12 men in the Panjshir valley, a (holy war) against the Soviets because three years. and job-destroying heartland of mujahideen resistance north our country was invaded by them and He remembers the Soviets trans- and economy- of the capital. they were spreading communism and forming Kabul, constructing apartment In the decades since the war, which infidelity in Afghanistan,” Sulaiman said. buildings with central heating, roads, and crunching targets ended in 1989, Afghan veterans like In Russia, veterans seek to recast the even an electric bus system. which are being Sulaiman and former Soviet soldiers war as a necessary step to counter the “I liked the communists,” he said. sought. have had to grapple with the physical threat of rising Islamism in Afghanistan “They were educated, not like the muja- and emotional wounds of a bloody con- and Muslim-majority Soviet republics. hideen.” To this day, signs of the Soviet flict whose purpose and consequences The decision to send troops in 1979 war abound. Defunct tanks and aban- Scott Morrison remain angrily contested. was the “right” one -- not just for the doned helicopters and personnel carriers Australian Prime Minister While the war was a mujahideen communist bloc but on a personal level still dot parts of the countryside, and in victory, what came next saw Afghanistan too, said Vladimir Vchivtsev, 58, who cities such as Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif, plunge deeper into misery and fighting, spent 16 months in Afghanistan as a huge Soviet structures still dominate the with veterans blaming the conflict for the Soviet reconnaissance officer. skyline. TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 OPINION 09 European history: One of final solutions

hey killed us in euphemisms. Naimark (2001) describes it as having prove how Ottoman Muslims were They killed us in “ethnic ‘exploded into our consciousness’ not only physically removed from the cleansing,” “tragic conflict,” (ouch!) in May that year. Without the Balkans, but have also been removed or civil war. They first robbed ‘ethnic’ modifier, ‘cleansing’ appears from the narrative and wiped from T history. By the end of the Balkan us of words, then they robbed us of to have had a variety of military and our experience. propagandistic uses over a much The genocidal attack on the Wars in 1913, 62 percent DR. EMIR SULJAGIC The phrase “ethnic cleansing” longer period.” Bosniaks was in fact a Third Balkan of the Muslim population ANATOLIA typifies how words changed the “Ethnic cleansing,” in other War, most significantly in the way living in the Ottoman meaning of what went on in Bosnia words, was part of the vocabulary, that a majority population was and Herzegovina between 1992 and or, if you will, the discourse created reduced to a minority through a Empire in Europe 1995. In the English language, the by the perpetrators of genocide to combination of measures that was gone. The crime notion “ethnic cleansing” was first normalize their actions, and success- involved mass murder, deportation, committed against them used in a Washington Post article in fully supplanted genocide, crimes pillaging and mass rape. As with the is not only celebrated August 1992, relaying the accusations against humanity and other, more two previous Balkan Wars, it also leveled by the Croatian government precise and less morally, legally and involved the systematic killing of in the history of several against their Serbian counterparts politically ambiguous ways to officials, town and village leaders; states that emerged in its Europe’s is a history that their “aim . . . is obviously the describe policies and practices all in all, the elite. In addition, the place, but has a central ethnic cleansing of the critical areas implemented by Serbia in Bosnia and paramilitaries of the 1990s con- of ﬁnal solutions, of that are to be annexed to Serbia”. Herzegovina in the early to mid- tinued the work of the “komitajis” place in the narrative of one “monumental In order to explain, however, 1990s. Those words would have been when dispensing with civilians, “national liberation.” historical crime” after how the term not only gained promi- far less believable had the targets of women and children. Along with the another. There is nence outside the former Yugoslavia, genocide not been Muslims. practice of sieges, there was also but came to signify a particular set of Europe’s is a history of final widespread participation of pop- correct in assuming that “the no - to borrow from policies and practices implemented solutions, of one “monumental his- ulace. The final goal was “de-Turki- Turk” still occupied an important Holocaust scholar by the Serb military and political torical crime” after another. There is fication.” In the same vein, Ratko place in the imagination of Timothy Snyder leadership in Bosnia and Herze- no - to borrow from Holocaust Mladic stood on the square in Sre- European political class. - “golden age to govina, it is worth quoting Eric scholar Timothy Snyder - “golden brenica in July 1995 and vowed a At the beginning of December, Gordy: age to look back to” in the history of revenge against “the Turks.” I travelled from Sarajevo to look back to” in the “The term appears to have Europe as nation-states. But the slow-motion genocide Stockholm to take part in the history of Europe as entered the language through a There is no place for Muslims in against Ottoman Muslims spanning protest against the decision of the nation-states. squeaky back door carved out by that history either. Today there are the 19th and beginning of the 20th Swedish Royal Academy to award Serbian regime media in 1992. few things left that would help to century was disturbingly modern. the Nobel prize in literature to The description of the fallout of the Peter Handke, an avowed gen- siege of Edirne, for example, (from ocide-denier. At the Munich Justin McCarthy’s book, “Death and Airport, a police officer asked me Exile: The Ethnic Cleansing of the how long I was going to stay “in Ottoman Muslims, 1821-1922”) reads Europe.” I duly stated that I would very much like the reports coming return in four days, but it was a from Srebrenica in 1995: crystalizing moment: being killed “It is a manhunt, a hunt for the in Levi’s jeans and Adidas shoes, as Turks, with all the refinements of so many of my countrymen were, cruelty. Day and night the machine does not and did not make one a guns rattle - these are the European. It is still all in the name. executions.” Mine is unmistakably Muslim. By the end of the Balkan Wars in 1913, 62 percent of the Muslim population living in the Ottoman Empire in Europe was gone. The crime committed against them is not only celebrated in the history of several states that emerged in its place, but has a central place in the narrative of D-RING ROAD “national liberation.” POST BOX: 3488 When the Serbian elites set out DOHA - QATAR to destroy Yugoslavia in the 1990s, [email protected] they drew on a “repertoire of con- tention” informed by a successful history of executing genocidal pol- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE icies against Balkan Muslims. They TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 knew the words the European elites FAX: +974 4455 7758 European Union ﬂags are seen waving outside the EU Commission Building at night in Brussels, Belgium. would understand and they were MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505 n recent years, much of the com- catastrophic, civilization-ending level doomsday scenario looks like a rash mentary about climate change of warming. It’s typically this flight of imagination. A group of DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR has gone from sternly serious to doomsday scenario that motivates climate scientists recently got TEL: 4455 7769 wildly despairing. A new report some observers to despair and others together on Twitter and tried to figure I out what a more realistic scenario LOCAL NEWS SECTION from the United Nation’s Intergovern- to call for reckless, flailing policies TEL: 4455 7743 mental Panel on Climate Change like the dismantling of capitalism. looked like. They fed energy predic- NOAH SMITH warns that the effects of climate But a growing chorus of climate tions from the International Energy BUSINESS NEWS SECTION BLOOMBERG change are accelerating and that the scientists and energy policy analysts Agency into climate models and found TEL: 4462 7535 world has barely more than a decade has begun to question whether the out that 3 degrees of warming is a dreaded RCP8.5 scenario should be much more likely business-as-usual SPORT NEWS SECTION taken seriously. The scenario assumes scenario than 5 degrees. But as the TEL: 4455 7745 that after a brief flirtation with natural climate scientists noted, the IEA has gas and renewable energy, the world consistently underestimated the ONLINE SECTION returns to fueling industrialization growth of solar power; each year the Worst case for climate TEL: 4462 7501 primarily with coal. But it seems van- international agency predicts that [email protected] ishingly unlikely that the global coal growth in solar-power generation will change doesn’t industry will increase sevenfold, as slow, and each year it grows rapidly. PUBLIC RELATIONS RCP8.5 envisions, even if natural gas If renewable technologies continue to TEL: 4455 7613 proves to be a temporary surprise on the upside, warming could [email protected] look realistic phenomenon. be limited to 2.5 degrees. First of all, there probably just isn’t Now for the bad news: 2.5 degrees ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT that much accessible coal in the of warming will still be catastrophic TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 for many people and countries, and 3 to make deep cuts to greenhouse gas ground. Second, burning coal creates FAX: 4455 7870 degrees even more so. Heat waves emissions and limit warming to 1.5 air pollution in addition to greenhouse [email protected] degrees Celsius by century’s end. Such gases, which gives countries an addi- will become unbearable without air reductions are extremely unlikely, tional incentive to reduce its use. conditioning, even in high latitudes. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT given that global emissions rose this Third, the price of renewables has All coral reefs will probably die. Many TEL: 4455 7857 year and last. China, the world’s dropped to the point where building major cities will be drowned. Even [email protected] biggest emitter by far, is still building new coal plants is simply not eco- just 2 degrees of warming, which will coal-fired power plants, while the U.S. nomical in most places. Despite be exceeded in any business-as-usual SUBSCRIPTION & under President Donald Trump has China’s new plants, overall global coal scenario, will have very serious global DISTRIBUTION abdicated leadership on the climate use fell 3% in 2019. India is turning repercussions. TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 issue. Warming of more than 1.5 away from coal, and so is Southeast That’s why a business-as-usual FAX: 44557819 degrees seems certain at this point Asia: scenario is unacceptable. The human [email protected] and the world will have to deal with Even Trump, despite his promise race probably isn’t doomed, but the consequences. to restore the coal industry to its climate change is still an enormous But how much, exactly, will Earth former glory, has managed to do catastrophe in the making. Big policy changes are needed -- in the U.S., in warm before the fossil-fuel era runs nothing of the kind: All thoughts and views Now for the bad its course? That’s harder to forecast And as renewables get cheaper, it China and in many other countries. because it depends not just on climate will become economical to retire Instead of embarking on the fool’s expressed in these columns news: 2.5 degrees science but also on assumptions about existing coal and gas plants. McKinsey errand of trying to dismantle capi- are those of the writers, of warming will still emissions. And that, in turn, depends predicts that this will be the case in talism, governments should utilize the not of the newspaper. be catastrophic for on technology and economics, both of most of the world by 2030. Banks are combined resources of the public and many people and which are notoriously hard things to already beginning to pull out of the private sectors. They should retire all predict. The IPCC lays out several coal-power industry, not because of coal plants as quickly as possible, All correspondence countries, and 3 business-as-usual scenarios for how environmental pressure (since they’re steadily reduce natural gas usage and regarding Views and degrees even more much greenhouse gas would be still funding coal for other industrial convert to all electric vehicles. Opinion pages should be so. Heat waves will emitted without major policy action, uses), but because they know there’s Buildings need to be retrofitted to use sent to editor-in-chief but it doesn’t say which scenario it just no future in coal plants. Gas won’t electricity instead of gas. And new become unbearable thinks is more likely. The direst of be far behind, though a few gas plants technologies for producing low- office or mailed to the without air these, called RCP8.5, implies that the will probably remain in service to carbon steel and cement, and for [email protected] conditioning, even planet would warm by an average of 5 back up solar plants when the sun carbon-free aviation, need to be in high latitudes. degrees Celsius (about 9 degrees isn’t shining. researched, scaled up and dissemi- Fahrenheit) by 2100 -- an absolutely So the IPCC’s commonly cited nated internationally. 10 HOME TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 11 Iraq protests resume as political paralysis deepens

AFP While renewed is beyond reform. An economic DIWANIYAH, IRAQ protests risk a revival promised for 16 years never came, protesters say, while Thousands of protesters blocked resumption of the more than half of all oil revenues roads and bridges in southern violence that has were syphoned off by crooked Iraq yesterday, condemning already caused 460 politicians and their cronies. Iranian influence and political deaths and 25,000 While renewed protests risk leaders who have missed another a resumption of the violence that deadline to agree on a new prime injuries since October, has already caused 460 deaths minister. the government and 25,000 injuries since Anti-government demon- remains paralysed. October, the government strators burned tyres in major remains paralysed. cities across the south, forcing Officials say Iran wants to the closure of schools and gov- with security forces. Demon- install Qusay Al Suhail, who ernment buildings, a witness strators announced civil disobe- served as higher education min- reported as political paralysis dience campaigns in the ister in the government of Abdel deepened in Baghdad. southern cities of Diwaniyah, Mahdi. Negotiations over a can- Nasiriyah, Hilla, Kut and Amara, A former key member of didate to replace premier Adel where schools and public Shiah cleric Moqtada Sadr’s Abdel Mahdi, who quit in buildings were closed movement, Suhail rejoined the November in the face of protests yesterday. State of Law Alliance of former against corruption and unem- “We are upping our actions premier Nuri Al Maliki, who is ployment, remained stalemated because we oppose any can- close to Iran and an enemy of as a midnight Sunday deadline didate from the political class Sadr. While pro-Iran factions and expired. that has been robbing us since parliament speaker Mohammed Iraqi demonstrators block a street during an anti-government protest in Najaf, Iraq, yesterday. While a pro-Iran camp has 2003,” said Ali Al Diwani, a Al Halbusi are pushing for Suhail, tried to impose a candidate, Iraqi young protester in Diwaniyah. a source in the presidency says President Barham Saleh has For Iraqis protesting since Saleh has vetoed his we want is simple: a prime min- in Diwaniyah. Protesters say an voting that favours major parties reportedly put up resistance. October 1, the system installed appointment. ister who is competent and inde- overhaul of the political system and the heads of lists. On the street, protesters are by the United States after it led Demonstrators also categor- pendent, who has never been must start with electoral reform. Parliament has recently dis- mobilising anew after weeks of a coalition to overthrow dictator ically reject his candidacy and involved with the ruling parties Since 2003, elections have cussed electoral reform and was relative calm in a movement that Saddam Hussein in 2003 has that of anyone from the wider since 2003,” said Mohammed used a complicated mix of pro- scheduled to resume talks yes- has seen hundreds die in clashes become dominated by Iran and political establishment. “What Rahman, a protesting engineer portional representation and list terday afternoon. Saudi court sentences five to Israeli strike on Syria kills 3 regime loyalists Ivory Coast issues AFP/BEIRUT arrest warrant death over Khashoggi murder of Aqraba and the nearby publicly claimed responsibility Sayyida Zeinab neighbourhood, for the raids. An Israeli army for presidential A war monitor said yesterday home to a shrine revered by spokeswoman said Israel does AGENCIES included (31) individuals, of that air raids in Syria the Shiite Muslims. It did not specify not comment on reports in candidate Soro RIYADH whom (21) individuals have previous night, blamed on Israel, their nationality but said they foreign media. been arrested, and (10) indi- killed at least three foreign pro- were likely Iranian. Since the beginning of the REUTERS Five people sentenced to death viduals have been called in for regime fighters south of the Syrian state news agency Syrian conflict in 2011, Israel has ABIDJAN yesterday for the killing of questioning without arrest as war-torn country’s capital. SANA reported the attack just conducted hundreds of strikes Washington Post columnist there was no basis for their The Britain-based Syrian before midnight on Sunday. in Syria against Iranian targets Ivory Coast has issued an arrest Jamal khashoggi, on October detention. Observatory for Human Rights It said Syrian air defences and pro-Tehran militias allied warrant for Guillaume Soro, a 2, 2018 in Istanbul. The investigation yielded said on Sunday night’s attack hit fired on “hostile missiles” with the regime of President former rebel leader and The Riyadh criminal court the following: Syrian regime and Iranian posi- coming from “the Occupied Ter- Bashar al-Assad. An Israeli strike candidate in next year’s presi- found another three people First, the indictment of (11) tions south of Damascus. ritories”, referring to Israel. on November 20 killed 21 pro- dential election, four guilty of covering up the crime. individuals in this case and the It said three non-Syrian loy- It said one missile came regime fighters including 16 for- government sources said They were sentenced for a filing of criminal charges alist fighters were killed by a down in Aqraba, southeast of eigners, along with two civilians, yesterday, just before he was combined 24 years in prison, against these individuals in the rocket blast between the suburb Damascus. Israel has not according to the Observatory. due to return home after more according to a statement read Criminal Court of Riyadh. than six months overseas. by the Saudi attorney general’s Second, the Criminal Court Soro diverted his Ivory office on state TV. of Riyadh rendered its decision Coast-bound private flight from In total, 11 people had been regarding the (11) individuals Paris to neighbouring Ghana on trial in Saudi Arabia for the who were indicted and charged “for security reasons”, his killing, and all the verdicts are as follows: adviser, Alain Lobognon, said. preliminary and can be ŭƔƔƔƔ Ö²ã¿ƔÖèÆ²Ý°Å¢ÆãƔ«ÌÙƔ Lobognon said he was not appealed. (5) individuals for committing aware of an arrest warrant. Meanwhile, Saudi Press and directly participating in the The sources provided no Agency reported following up murder of the victim. details about the specific alle- on the previous statements ŭƔ ²««¢Ù¢ÆãƔ Ý¢Æã¢Æ¢ÝƔ gations against Soro. A police issued by the Public Prose- amounting to a total of (24) spokesman said he did not cutor. The Public Prosecution years in prison for (3) indi- know about the warrant. stated that it has concluded viduals for their role in cov- Soro, 47, led the rebels who its investigations and due ering up this crime and vio- tried and failed to oust then- process in this case which lating the law. president Laurent Gbagbo in 2002, before installing Alassane Ouattara in the presidency during a brief civil war after a Algeria’s military chief disputed 2010 election.Soro has since fallen out with Ouattara, who is widely expected to back Gaid Salah dies his prime minister, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, in the 2020 Israeli troops are pictured in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights on the border with Syria, yesterday. amid protest crisis presidential election.

AP ALGIERS Iran starts new operations at heavy water reactor Algeria’s powerful military chief Gen. Ahmed Gaid Salah AP Tehran’s oil sales abroad. reactor’s cooling system. He said the amount of plutonium it pro- (pictured), who was instru- TEHRAN Starting up the Arak heavy the entire reactor system will go duces. London has filled the role mental in pushing out the water reactor’s secondary circuit online in 2021. left after the US unilaterally gas-rich country’s long-serving Iran began new operations doesn’t violate Iran’s 2015 Heavy water helps cool withdrew from the nuclear deal president amid pro-democracy yesterday at a heavy water nuclear deal with world powers. reactors, producing plutonium last year. protests earlier this year, died nuclear reactor, the head of the But it does inch Tehran’s as a byproduct that can poten- Tehran has slowly stepped unexpectedly yesterday at age country’s nuclear agency said. program closer toward tially be used in nuclear up violations of the nuclear deal 79. The move was seemingly weapons-grade levels. weapons. Iran insists its nuclear to pressure world powers to Gaid Salah’s death thrusts designed to intensify pressure on Ali Akbar Salehi explained to program is for peaceful pur- provide more incentives to make Algeria into new political uncer- Europe to find an effective way state TV that the secondary poses. Britain is helping Iran up for the US withdrawal from tainty as a tumultuous year around US sanctions that block circuit transfers heat to the redesign the Arak reactor to limit the deal. comes to a close. Algeria’s military plays a central role in Bouteflika’s inner circle - and decision-making in this country, pushed for new presidential Libya’s east-based forces a key ally to Western powers in elections earlier this month. 7 killed in Al Shabaab fighting Islamic extremism. The winner, Abdelmadjid release ship with Turkish crew Born January 13, 1940, Gaid Tebboune, was widely seen as Salah was a product of the old close to the miltary chief, and AP carrying a shipment of flour attack on military base guard that won Algeria’s inde- the two were seen warmly CAIRO from Malta to the Egyptian ANATOLIA/MOGADISHU fighters and Somali forces broke pendence from France in 1962 embracing at Tebboune’s inau- coastal city of Alexandria. out,” he said over the phone. after a brutal seven-year war. guration just four days ago. Gaid Libya’s forces based in the coun- The vessel was seized At least seven Somali soldiers The terrorists also burned He died yesterday morning in Salah had suffered heart try’s east said yesterday they “because it entered Libya’s ter- were killed and several others several military and civilian the military hospital of Algiers problems in the past, according have released a vessel with ritorial waters without prior per- wounded yesterday when vehicles, but Somali forces killed after a heart attack, according to Algerian media reports, but Turkish crew members seized mission,” the spokesman said. gunmen belonging to Al Qaeda four terrorist fighters, he added. to government statements. his death came a shock to most over the weekend amid The LNA, led by commander affiliate Al Shabaab attacked a Goof-gadud is an agricul- Gaid Salah was seen as the Algerians. National radio heightened tensions in the Khalifa Hifter, seized the vessel southwestern military base, offi- tural district located 30km from main power player in Algeria scrapped regular programming eastern Mediterranean over a on Saturday and took it into a cials said. the city of Baidoa, the adminis- after protesters with his backing to broadcast readings from the contentious maritime border Libyan port under its control for Hassan Isack, a Somali mil- trative capital of the Bay state. pushed President Abdelaziz Quran and classical Arabic deal involving Tripoli and inspection. itary official in the Bay region, The attack followed a Sat- Bouteflika out of office in April music, while state television Ankara. The vessel’s seizure came confirmed the attack and casu- urday night bomb blast in the after 20 years in power. aired extracts of Gaid Salah’s Ahmed Al Mosmari, a amid tensions between the LNA alties in the vicinity of Goof- town of Galkayo, in the central The military chief then many speeches, one after the spokesman for the self-styled and Turkey, which backs Libya’s gadud Burey. “The attack began region of Mudug, which killed championed an unprecedented other. The president declared Libyan National Army, said they UN-supported government after Al Shabaab attacked the over nine people including mil- push against corruption - three days of national mourning. found no weapons on the vessel based in the country’s capital of base yesterday morning, and itary personnel and civilians and including by people in flying a Grenada flag, which was Tripoli. fighting between the terrorist wounded more than 20. 12 ASIA TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 BJP loses yet another state, bites the dust in Jharkhand elections REUTERS/BLOOMBERG Bharatiya Janata won both the assembly seats he NEW DELHI Party conceded contested. Soren defeated Jharkhand Indian Prime Minister Narendra defeat in Jharkhand, Welfare Minister Lois Marandi Modi’s party lost control of with an alliance of in Dumka seat, securing 80,589 another state yesterday, adding the main opposition votes against his BJP rival’s to a string of electoral losses Congress party and a 67,571 votes of the total counted since last December amid 165,033 votes. protests that mark the biggest regional bloc slated The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha challenge to the Hindu-nation- to take control of chief, who was first elected to alist leader. the resource-rich the state Assembly from Dumka Modi’s Bharatiya Janata province. in 2005, had lost the seat in the Party (BJP) conceded defeat in 2014 assembly poll. the eastern state of Jharkhand, Soren also retained the Barhait with an alliance of the main Commission indicate the BJP — which assembly seat, defeating BJP can- Congress-JMM alliance workers celebrate results projecting an assembly majority in the Jharkhand opposition Congress party and currently rules the state — was ahead didate Simon Malto by over 25,000 state election in Ranchi, yesterday. a regional bloc slated to take in 26 seats, well short of a clear votes. Soren got 73,534 votes and control of the resource-rich majority in the 81-member state Malto got 47,939 votes. province. assembly. The opposition alliance Soren first came to limelight in BJP’s arrogance’ led to debacle “I dedicate this victory to the of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, 2004 when his father and then Coal people of Jharkhand,” Hemant the Congress party and other Minister Shibu Soren was facing an Soren, leader of the regional regional groups led in 46 seats. arrest warrant in a three-decade- in Jharkhand: Sharad Pawar Jharkhand Mukti Morcha party, “A narrative could now start old case. The elder Soren had to said after claiming victory. building against the invincibility resign as minister but Hemant IANS has already lost five states inside (NRC), the 79-year old NCP chief The loss comes in the middle of the BJP, health of the gov- Soren fought the legal battle and MUMBAI a year. accused the BJP leadership of of a sometimes deadly wave of ernment and the popularity of ensured acquittal of his father. “This has boosted the confi- deliberately spreading confusion nationwide protests triggered by Modi,” said Rahul Verma, a Becoming Deputy Chief Min- The ruling Bharatiya Janata dence of people in other states. by adopting a dual-faced a new citizenship law, which researcher at Delhi-based Centre ister in the Arjun Munda-led BJP Party’s ‘arrogance and money- Wherever there is an oppor- approach. critics say discriminates against for Policy Research who has government in 2010, he pulled power’ have been defeated in tunity, people will make it (BJP) “Prime Minister Narendra Muslims and has brought thou- written a book about ideology it down in January 2013. He Jharkhand, as the results bite the dust. The BJP’s downslide Modi saying that there was no sands of people out on to the in Indian politics. himself became Chief Minister indicate, Nationalist Congress has begun and nobody can arrest opposition to NRC in the Cabinet streets in opposition. “Every election that the BJP on July 2013 and held power of Party (NCP) President Sharad its downfall,” Pawar asserted. or in the Parliament is wrong. In However, the BJP’s defeat will loses gives some respite to its the state till his party’s defeat in Pawar said here yesterday. He congratulated the people Rajya Sabha, NCP member Praful be a shot in the arm for India’s political opponents. A win in a the 2014 Assembly elections. “The results of Jharkhand of Jharkhand for showing a new Patel and myself had spoken on opposition parties, some of which mineral-rich state like The Jharkhand results come Assembly elections clearly show direction to the people of India the ramifications of NRC. have used popular anger against Jharkhand, just like the one in after the Maharashtra and that the people of the country by voting out the ruling BJP. “In his speech to the joint the Citizenship Amendment Act rich Maharashtra, will by default Haryana assembly polls in have lost faith in the BJP. The The JMM-Congress-RJD sitting of Parliament, the Pres- to their advantage. add to the opposition parties’ October, where the BJP fell short electorate of Jharkhand has combine is heading for a clear ident had spoken over it as if it The poor showing will add psychological and monetary of a clear majority. In Haryana, rejected BJP’s arrogant tactics of mandate in the Jharkahnd was the policy of the gov- pressure on the government as resources to fight elections.” a BJP-led coalition eventually using money-power through its Assembly polls and is set to form ernment. Union Home Minister it presides over an economy Despite a sweeping victory in formed the government for government at the Centre,” the new government, as per the Amit Shah said the decision has that’s growing at its slowest rate national elections in May, Modi second time, but the party lost Pawar told mediapersons. latest Election Commission been taken in the interest of the in six years and with unem- and the BJP have faced a tougher- control of country’s richest state He said that with successive counting trends. country in the Parliament, but ployment running at the highest than-expected battles in the state Maharashtra after a falling out defeats in Madhya Pradesh, Referring to the Citizenship the Prime Minister speaks in four decades. polls that have followed. with its regional partner, the Shiv Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mahar- Amendment Act (CAA) and something else outside,” Pawar The data from Election Hemant Soren yesterday Sena. ashtra and Jharkhand, the BJP National Register for Citizens said.

Delhi school boys take Congress stages protest against new citizenship law AP memorial dedicated to Mahatma who are in India illegally to become Rahul Gandhi, had urged young streets against the law. pledge to NEW DELHI Gandhi, where the Congress citizens if they can show they were people in New Delhi to join the Twenty-three people have party demanded “protection for persecuted because of their religion protest. been killed nationwide since the respect women India’s main opposition party the constitution and the rights of in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, “It’s not good enough just to citizenship law was passed in staged a silent protest in the people enshrined in it.” Pakistan and Afghanistan. It does feel Indian. At times like these Parliament earlier this month in IANS capital yesterday against a Tens of thousands of pro- not apply to Muslims. it’s critical to show that you’re protests that represent the first NEW DELHI contentious new citizenship law, testers have taken to India’s Yesterday’s protest was led by Indian & won’t allow to be major roadblock for Modi’s a day after Prime Minister streets to call for the revocation opposition Congress party chief destroyed by hatred,” Gandhi Hindu nationalist agenda since In one of the unique initiative Narendra Modi defended the of the law, which critics say is Sonia Gandhi along with other tweeted yesterday. his party’s landslide reelection for women safety, over 2.2 legislation and accused the the latest effort by Modi’s gov- senior leaders, including former Other protests were held earlier this year. million from the Delhi schools opposition of pushing the ernment to marginalise the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. across the country yesterday, Most of the deaths have came together yesterday with country into a “fear psychosis.” country’s 200 million Muslims. The leaders read out the preamble including in the southern cities occurred in Uttar Pradesh, where boys taking a pledge to honour About 2,000 people joined the The law allows Hindus, Chris- to the constitution at the protest of Bengaluru and Kochi, where 20 percent of the state’s 200 and respect women while girls protest at the Raj Ghat, a tians and other religious minorities site. The party’s former president, thousands came out on the million people are Muslim. promised to make their brothers take the same oaths at home. Jharkhand rejects Modi’s Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal administers the oath misleading politics: Gehlot to the school students across Delhi through a live video tel- IANS and Haryana Assembly polls a ecast in various government, NEW DELHI message went to the entire private and aided schools, country that they (Modi and saying we need to change the Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Shah) are misleading the people mindsets of people to stop Gehlot, who arrived in the on the issues of nationalism, crimes against women. national capital to participate in Article 370, and their campaign The step, the government the Congress’ ‘Satyagrah’ over has no agenda. Rahul Gandhi said, was taken to sensitize the the Citizenship Amendment Act raised the issues of what the students on gender issues and and the National Register of common citizens faced.” crimes against women. Citizens yesterday, said that “The people of Jharkhand In the event, the boys were earlier the people of Maharashtra were unhappy and everyone made to take an oath to respect and Haryana and now Jharkhand knew that the Congress is going women and to never misbehave have rejected the misleading to win. They pressed their entire with any women and the Chief politics of Prime Minister resources into use in Jharkhand Minister requested the girl stu- Narendra Modi and Home but the message of Sonia Gandhi dents to talk to their brothers Minister Amit Shah. The trend went to the people. The way in at home and take the same shows that the people are tired which they are misleading the oath, and to warn them of the of their divisive politics, he people, even Prime Minister repercussions of such acts. added. Narendra Modi misled the people He also requested the Speaking to the media at the from Ramlila Maidan, but we got Congress President Sonia Gandhi (right) and ex-party president Rahul Gandhi attend a sit-in protest teachers to conduct a one-hour party headquarters here, Gehlot a clear mandate in Jharkhand,” for “unity” in New Delhi, yesterday. classroom discussion on the said: “During the Maharashtra he said. experiences of the students and the reactions of their family members on the oath. “We launched the Delhi Cabinet approves Electric Vehicle Policy women’s safety campaign today along with 22 lakh IANS next five years. “It will result in “With the Delhi Electric of pollution, “40 percent of recommendations, including children from all schools in NEW DELHI saving Rs60bn on fuel expend- Vehicle Policy, 2019, 25 per cent PM2.5 and 80 percent of NOx conversion of commercial ICE Delhi. The police and the law iture,” he said. of all new vehicle registrations and Carbon Monoxide is due to vehicles into electric, E-bike taxi and order have to be cor- The Delhi Cabinet yesterday Kejriwal said the goal is to in Delhi to be EVs by 2024,” he vehicles” He said the aim of this etc as they are the key drivers to rected. CCTV cameras and approved the Electric Vehicle ensure that 25 percent of the new said. policy is to make Delhi the take the e-mobility momentum street lights are also being Policy, 2019 with an aim to check vehicles that will be registered Kejriwal said the first draft Electric Vehicle capital of India. forward. introduced. But the mindset vehicular pollution in the by 2024 should be Electric of the EV policy was made public Sohinder Gill, Director “It would encourage the cus- of the society has to be changed. national capital. Vehicles. in November 2018. “The policy General Society of Manufacturers tomers to go for green vehicles We have to create a Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Delhi Transport Minister has been made after receiving of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) wel- as it provides customers with where women can get out of the Kejriwal said that Delhi gov- echoed him saying this will be feedback from several expert comed the EV Policy and additional incentives apart from house without fear even at ernment estimates that 500,000 considered as a huge step in bodies.” The Chief Minister said thanked the government for con- the subsidy offered by the central night,” the Chief Minister said. vehicles will be registered in the fighting air pollution. vehicles have been a major cause sidering most of their government. TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 ASIA 13 Govt springs into action as gas crisis deepens in Pakistan Road mishaps

INTERNEWS Firdous Ashiq Awan told the Gas theft in KP and matter of their right as the gas is pushing up demand in all killed 27,500 LAHORE media that the government had various sectors in being extracted from their areas,” provinces. in Pakistan directed the authorities concerned Punjab is a major he said. “The situation appears to be With a sudden drop in temper- to ensure gas supply to households reason behind the “The gas available with us going out of control despite giving ature across Pakistan, the ongoing even at the cost of the CNG sector. ranges between 950 and 20 per cent more gas to domestic in 2016: WHO gas crisis deepened as the total Both the gas utilities and the shortfall, according to 970MMCFD. We are also receiving consumers,” the senior official shortfall surged to 600 million federal government have done a senior official of the around 1,020MMCFD RLNG warned. According to him, INTERNEWS metric cubic feet a day (MMCFD) little over the years to further SNGPL. (Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas) massive use of compressors by ISLAMABAD that may compel the Sui Northern explore natural gas, check gas in our system. consumers in areas experiencing Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and theft and leakage, import the “But the demand is rising fast, extremely low gas pressure is According to the World Health Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) required liquefied natural gas According to a senior official forcing us to stop gas supply to the another major reason of shortfall. Organization (WHO), road acci- to curtail the supply to sectors (particularly in case of Sindh), and of the SNGPL, gas theft in KP and industry and the CNG sector to A senior SSGC official said: dents in Pakistan claimed 27,500 other than domestic consumers. curb use of compressors by con- various sectors in Punjab is a accommodate about six million “Initially we had stopped the lives and injured an estimated The shortfall has affected not sumers despite the ever- major reason behind the shortfall. domestic consumers in Punjab supply to the CNG sector, but the 500,000 people in the year 2016. only the supply to domestic con- increasing demand and repeated “Half of the total volume of the and KP,” the official said, issue did not resolve. The statistics show that the sumers but also to the Compressed warnings by weather experts to gas being produced in KP About the changing weather “We requested the industry to number of casualties due to Natural Gas (CNG) sector for the Pakistan about effects of climate (400MMCFD) is being stolen by pattern, the official said Pakistan at least stop using gas meant for traffic accidents is three times past several days. change. the people of the areas close to gas was the fifth most affected country captive power plants, but they higher than other causes of Addressing a press conference Feeding Punjab and Khyber fields. by climate change. didn’t listen, rendering the utility death. The 15-29 year age group in Sialkot, Special Assistant to the Pakhtunkhwa, the SNGPL faces “They have their own net- “The intensity of winter we are helpless in giving relief to the was found to be the most vul- Prime Minister on Information Dr over 200MMCFD gas shortfall. works to steal gas, claiming it a facing these days is very harsh, domestic consumers.” nerable in traffic accidents. In middle-income countries, financial losses due to traffic US soldier dies accidents are estimated to be Afghan election run-off likely amid complaints more than 5 per cent of the Gross in Afghanistan Domestic Product (GDP). 1,824,401 with Ghani winning According to Pakistan’s Ministry Taliban attack 923,868 votes and Abdullah of Finance and the World Bank, second with 720,099 (39.52 Pakistan’s GDP is likely to AP percent). increase by Rs360 billion in KABUL “President Ghani avoided a 2020. run-off just by over 11,000 votes Taking into account that 3 An American service member and the complaints commission per cent GDP rise, traffic accident was killed in combat yesterday might invalidate tens of thousands casualties would hurt Pakistan’s in Afghanistan, the US military of votes from all candidates,” economy by about US $ 11 billion said, without providing further another election official said on next year. details, while the Taliban claimed condition of anonymity because The government of Pakistan, they were behind a roadside he was not allowed to speak to the on the recommendation of the bombing in northern Kunduz media. National Highways and province that killed the US Ghani welcomed the IEC Motorway Police (NH and MP), soldier. decision and said the country was has consequently approved The latest fatality brings the on the right path towards pros- modifications in fines imposed number of US deaths in Afghan- perity but Abdullah dismissed the on national highways and istan this year to 20. There have result as fraudulent as he called motorways for traffic also been three non-combat for a full review. violations. deaths in 2019. More than 2,400 “There is not doubt that based According to official NH and Americans have died in the on clean votes, we are the winner,” MP sources, the revised twelfth nearly 18-year conflict. Afghan presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani (centre) delivers a speech in Kabul. Abdullah told a crowd of sup- schedule of the National The Taliban now control or porters on Sunday in Kabul. Highway Safety Ordinance 2000 hold sway over practically half REUTERS marred by allegations of massive be held between the two top con- The situation echoes 2014, will be effective from January 1, of Afghanistan but continue to KABUL fraud, technical problems with tenders. Deen Mohammad Azimi, when both Ghani and Abdullah 2020. The schedule will apply stage near-daily attacks targeting biometric devices used for voting, deputy head of the Electoral Com- alleged massive fraud by the other, only to national highways and Afghan and US forces, as well as Afghanistan’s Electoral Complaints attacks and irregularities. plaints Commission, said there is forcing the United States to broker motorways and will not be appli- government officials - even as Commission said yesterday the IEC said the total turnout was a “strong possibility” the election an awkward power-sharing cable to highways or roads that they hold peace talks with a US election might go to a second over 1.8 million with Ghani would go to the second round. arrangement that made Ghani come under municipal author- envoy tasked with negotiating an round as it begins reviewing thou- securing 50.64 percent to win the “Looking at the scope of com- president and Abdullah his chief ities of provinces, cities, and end to what has become Amer- sands of complaints a day after the first round of voting, beating his plaints and objections that needs executive. towns. ica’s longest war. preliminary result handed main rival Abdullah Abdullah who a thorough review, there could be Aides close to Ghani, a The current penalties have Scores of Afghan civilians are incumbent president Ashraf Ghani currently shares power with him a run-off,” Azimi told Reuters. Western-educated former World been modified to better also killed in the crossfire or by a narrow victory. in a unity government. The review might take around Bank official, said the incumbent implement traffic rules. The rate roadside bombs planted by mil- The Independent Election However, if a review by the five weeks, Azimi said, adding that was not ready for another power- of modification of the various itants. Th military statement did Commission (IEC) announced on complaints commission reduces thousands of complaints from sharing deal with Abdullah, a traffic violations has been deter- not identify the US soldier or say Sunday a much delayed prelim- Ghani’s vote share to below 50 candidates had already been filed. former medical doctor and three- mined by taking into account where the service member was inary result of the September 28 percent and no other candidate According to the tally released time contender for the serious errors committed by killed. presidential vote which was has a majority, a second round will by IEC, the total turnout was presidency. drivers on highways. Pakistan set to expand Pakistani writer gets prestigious Turkish Award Maryam won’t be allowed to irrigated areas to meet INTERNEWS with the Turkish ministry of In his acceptance speech, KARACHI culture and tourism. Amjad thanked the jury for travel abroad, The ceremony is organised to bestowing the accolade upon him. rising food demand Pakistan’s renowned writer and honour the cultural and literary “Turkey is close to every Paki- says PM’s aide poet Amjad Islam Amjad received heritage of Turkish poet Necip stani’s heart,” he said, adding that INTERNEWS the inauguration.Costing the prestigious Necip Fazil Inter- Fazil. Addressing the ceremony, receiving the award in the INTERNEWS ISLAMABAD around $275m and funded by national Culture and Art Award at the Turkish president said: “Amjad presence of the Turkish president ISLAMABAD the Asian Development Bank a ceremony in Istanbul on Islam Amjad is one of the most was a huge honour. With Pakistan’s population (ADB), the JIP will create non- Saturday. important poets in modern Urdu Amjad was the only foreign The federal government of projected to cross 221 million in perennial irrigation services to Turkish President Tayyip literature and a prominent figure recipient of the award in 2019. Pakistan has decided not to the next five years, the country increase agricultural pro- Erdogan and leading literary in Pakistan.” Congratulating Amjad, Paki- allow Maryam Nawaz, vice will have to take on some duction on 200,000 acres in figures attended the event, said a “Pakistan is a cherished friend stan’s Ambassador to Turkey president of Pakistan Muslim serious challenges, including a Pind Dadan Khan tehsil of dawn.com report. of Turkey. Relationships are based Syrus Qazi said, “The award is an League-Nawaz and daughter jump of nearly 50 percent in Jhelum district situated in the The annual award ceremony on mutual benefit, but the Turkey- acknowledgement of Amjad’s out- of former premier Nawaz national food demand. foothills of the famous Salt is organised by leading Turkish Pakistan friendship is based on standing contributions to Sharif, to travel abroad and This additional food demand Range and part of the adjacent newspaper Star in collaboration sincerity and solidarity,” he said. literature”. rejected her application in this can be met by increasing crop Khushab district. regard. yield and expanding irrigated Starting from the right “The rules concerning area, wherever opportunities bank of Rasul barrage, at least placement of the name of exist. 200km new irrigation canals persons on Exit Control List Punjab fulfils about 80 will be constructed for the (ECL) do not allow the gov- percent of the country’s food Jalalpur canal command area ernment to entertain her requirements, and irrigated agri- with the ADB loan facility to application to remove her culture accounts for 28 percent be paid back in 20 years, name from the no-fly list,” of the provincial GDP. including a five-year grace said senior lawyer and aide to It manages an existing irri- period. the prime minister Dr Babar gation system serving 8.4m hec- The funds will also be used Awan. tares (around 21m acres) of irri- for introducing institutional Headed by Law Minister gated land. reforms and establishing Farogh Naseem, the subcom- To meet the increasing food farmers’ organisations as well mittee of the federal cabinet demand of the country, Punjab as building their capacity. that deals with ECL cases needs to further exploit its Proponents argue the rejected her plea, as she had untapped natural resources, Jalalpur project will increase sought the facility for flying to particularly in the arid lands of Kharif crop’s intensity in its London to look after her ailing the province. command area by 50 percent, father, Dr Awan said. Provincial authorities are improve crop yield and reduce “In fact the subcommittee going to execute the Jalalpur land degradation, thus directly is part of the cabinet and a Irrigation Project (JIP), located benefiting about 300,000 formal announcement to bar along the right bank of Jhelum rural people. Maryam from travelling river and conceived more than Moreover, drinking water abroad will be made by the a century ago. will also be supplied to 26 vil- federal cabinet in its meeting The groundbreaking cer- lages, including the Khewra [on Tuesday],” Awan said. emony was scheduled to be held town and a nearby cement The Pakistan Tehreek-i- on December 13, but it had to be factory. Insaf-led government also postponed to December 28 The project will help Anti-terrorism drill ahead of Christmas hinted at challenging the because no one from the senior address the challenge of food court’s decision in case the Pakistani police commandos take part in an anti-terrorism drill outside the Marriyam Muqaddasa political leadership was insecurity, improve economic leader of the main opposition Church ahead of Christmas celebrations in Lahore, yesterday. available or interested in joining growth and alleviate poverty. party was allowed by the judiciary to travel abroad. 14 ASIA TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 China, South Korea look to improve ties with Beijing Summit

AP a higher level,” Xi said. Ties use its influence with North BEIJING between the Northeast Asian Korea to give a jolt to deadlocked neighbours nosedived in 2017 denuclearization talks. The leaders of South Korea and after Seoul accepted the While South Korea appre- China said yesterday that they placement of a Terminal High ciates the part China has played look forward to improved ties Altitude Area Defence, or in that effort, the “current recent following a protracted disa- THAAD, system in southern situations in which the talks greement over the deployment South Korea. Beijing insists its between the United States and of a US anti-missile system that real purpose is to use its pow- North Korea are stalled and ten- Beijing considers a threat. erful radars to peer deep into its sions on the Korean Peninsula South Korean President territory, rather than to warn of have become heightened are Moon Jae-in told Chinese leader North Korean missile launches certainly not favorable, not only Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the Xi Jinping that while the side s and shoot them down. for South Korea and China but may have felt “disappointed A furious China launched an also for North Korea,” Moon said People in Beijing, yesterday. toward each other for a while,” unofficial boycott of everything in his opening comments. their shared culture and history from Chinese tour group visits “I hope that we continue to southwestern Chinese city of and there has been a public territory of Xinjiang, where China prevented them from becoming to South Korea to South Korean closely cooperate so that the Chengdu with Japanese Prime uproar over the detention of has built a vast network of completely estranged. television shows, boy bands and opportunities we have gained Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese more than a dozen Japanese cit- political reeducation camps in “It is hoped that South Korea’s other cultural products. Major with difficulty can come to fru- Premier Li Keqiang. izens on spying allegations in which it has locked up more than dream becomes helpful for China South Korean retailer Lotte, ition,” he said. Xi met with Abe yesterday China. Chinese naval and coast a million members of Muslim as China’s dream becomes an which provided a golf course North Korea has set a year- afternoon in Beijing, saying the guard ships also routinely violate minority groups; and the cases of opportunity for South Korea,” where the missile system was end deadline for the US to make two are “jointly opening a new Japanese-claimed waters around detained Japanese, about which Moon said in opening remarks deployed, was singled out for concessions in the nuclear talks, future for relations between the the disputed islands. Abe asked Xi to take “swift action” before reporters were ushered especially harsh treatment and without apparently making any two countries.” Japanese Foreign Ministry to resolve. from the room. its China business operations offers of its own. The US says it “At present Sino-Japan rela- spokesman Masato Otaka char- Abe also emphasised the In his opening comments at were essentially destroyed. Even won’t accept that demand and tions are facing an important acterised the meeting as an addi- importance of maritime security, the meeting at the Great Hall of sales of ubiquitous South Korean has called on North Korea to development opportunity,” Xi tional step in improving rela- proposing stronger communi- the People in the center of auto brands such as Hyundai and return to negotiations. While said. tions, to be further cemented by cation between the navies and air Beijing, Xi described China and Kia plunged for months. China is North Korea’s most Ties between the longtime a planned visit by Xi to Japan in forces of the two countries and South Korea as “countries of sub- Ultimately, Beijing was important diplomatic ally and rivals have improved remarkably the spring. cooperation in search and rescue stance and influence in Asia and unable to force South Korea to chief source of investment and in recent years, despite lingering However, Otaka said Abe did to reduce the chances of confron- throughout the world.” remove the system and its fury economic assistance, its ability resentments over Japan’s not shy away from sensitive tation in the East China Sea, Otaka “China and (South Korea) appears to have subsided to force Kim Jong Un’s regime to invasion and occupation of much areas, including Japanese con- said. should deepen and develop their somewhat amid its trade war alter policy is believed to be of China last century and its concerns over China’s handling of “Abe stressed that without strategic cooperative part- with the US and tensions else- limited. tinuing control of East China Sea matters in the semi-autonomous the stability of the East China Sea, nership, accommodate each where in Asia. South Korea now Along with meeting Xi, Moon islands claimed by Beijing. city of Hong Kong, where months true improvement of (the) Japan- other’s core interests and major hopes to have Xi visit next year is to take part Tuesday in a tri- Japan is also wary about of anti-government protests have China relationship cannot really concerns, and lift bilateral ties to and is also eager to have Beijing lateral summit in the China’s rapid military expansion, turned violent; the northwestern happen,” Otaka said.

New construction China denies forced Uzbekistan’s LibDems retain seen at missile labour accusations biggest number of seats in polls site in N Korea REUTERS AP REUTERS relevant organs, Shanghai’s TASHKENT SEOUL BEIJING/LONDON Qingpu prison does not have this issue of foreign prisoners being Uzbekistan’s Liberal Democratic A new satellite image of a China dismissed accusations of forced to work.” Party have retained the biggest factory where North Korea forced labour at a Shanghai Geng Shuang dismissed the number of seats in the Central makes military equipment used prison on Monday, a day after whole story as “a farce created Asian nation’s legislature so far, to launch long-range missiles media reports that a message by Mr. Humphrey” - an accu- winning 43 seats out of 128 in shows the construction of a new had been found in a Christmas sation dismissed by Sunday’s vote which Western structure. card saying it had been packed Humphrey. monitors criticised for The release of several by inmates. “I never had any possible “numerous serious irregular- images from Planet Labs comes The Sunday Times said a way to fabricate anything at all ities”. amid concern that North Korea young girl had found a note in a in this incident and this story,” Although Uzbek leader could launch a rocket or missile charity card sold by British Humphrey told Reuters. “This Shavkat Mirziyoyev has no party as it seeks concessions in stalled supermarket giant Tesco message from prisoners in affiliation, it was the Liberal nuclear negotiations with the reading: “We are foreign pris- China came in a Christmas card Democrats who nominated him United States. oners in Shanghai Qingpu Prison purchased by a family who I’ve for presidency in the 2016 North Korea has warned China. Forced to work against never met, never known until election. that what “Christmas gift” it our will.” that moment in time,” he All five parties taking part in People read ballots before voting at a polling station in Tashkent . gives the US depends on what The newspaper said the added. the election back Mirziyoyev, action Washington takes. message urged whoever Humphrey said the message who has embarked on a cam- milestone has been passed, old counting.” The Milliy Tiklanish One of the satellite images received it to contact Peter fitted “with everything I know, paign to reform the resource- problematic habits - including on (National Revival) party has won taken on December 19 shows the Humphrey, a British former and I have spoken with ex-pris- rich Central Asian nation and election day - make it clear that 35 seats, the Adolat (Justice) completion of a new structure journalist and corporate fraud oners who were released this year open it up to foreign investment. much work remains,” George Social Democratic Party got 21, at the March 16 factory near investigator who was and who confirmed that that The vote count has been Tsereteli, Special Co-ordinator the People’s Democratic Party Pyongyang, where North Korea imprisoned in the same jail from prison unit was making packaging assessed negatively in 42% of the and leader of the OSCE short-term 18 and the green Ecological Party is believed to be developing and 2014-2015. for Tesco Christmas cards.” stations observed by the mission observer mission, said. has won 11 seats so far. manufacturing vehicles used Tesco suspended the Humphrey spent 23 months of the Organisation for Security “Regrettably, the new legis- The remaining 22 seats in the as mobile launchers for long- Chinese supplier of the in prison on charges of illegally and Cooperation in Europe, it lation and modernised admin- lower house of parliament will range ballistic missiles. Christmas cards on Sunday and obtaining private records of said, citing issues such as proxy istration of elections did not be contested in the second round said it had launched an Chinese citizens and selling the voting. improve the polling process, of voting next month, Central investigation. information to clients including OSCE observers, however, with international observers Election Commission Chairman China’s Foreign Ministry drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline. praised Uzbekistan’s efforts to reporting numerous serious Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov 3 students found spokesman Geng Shuang told a Humphrey said during his improve the legal framework irregularities, such as voting on said on Monday, adding that the dead in flooded press briefing on Monday: “I can trial he had not thought his and make the vote more open. behalf of others and disregard body would investigate all responsibly say, according to the activities in China were illegal. “While an important for key procedures during complaints. Indonesian cave

AFP BANDUNG Australia prepares for post-holidays extreme bushfires Three university students were REUTERS crawl inside,” he said. across New South Wales found dead in a cave in Indo- MELBOURNE “I could have (died) if I hadn’t state.“Conditions have begun to nesia after they were trapped thought about plan B. In that little ease,” the New South Wales (state) inside by flood waters, officials Scorching heat baking Australia kiln enclosure I made, I had a fire Rural Fire Service said on Monday. said yesterday. eased on Monday bringing relief extinguisher, a bucket of water, “Crews will continue their A search and rescue oper- from extreme bushfires, which a drinking water bottle and a fire work today to identify and ation launched on Sunday destroyed around 180 houses blanket.” The town of Balmoral, strengthen (fire) containment retrieved five people alive from and killed one person over the population 400 and 150 houses, lines, with favourable conditions Lele cave in West Java after weekend, allowing firefighters was virtually destroyed, the New over coming days.” heavy rain hit the area and to prepare for worsening condi- South Wales (NSW) State Premier Temperatures are forecast to flooded it, authorities said. tions post-Christmas. Gladys Berejiklian said. spike again in many states by the The victims “were trapped Six people have now died in Australia has been fighting weekend, with the South Aus- inside the cave for quite a while bushfires which have destroyed wildfires for months as hot, dry tralian capital city of Adelaide before the team managed to more than 3.7 million hectares conditions brought about an forecast to reach 39 Celsius evacuate them,” said local (9.1 million acres) across five early start to the fire season. (102.2 Fahrenheit), according to search and rescue agency A burnt ﬁeld is seen at Adelaide Hills, Australia, yesterday. states. Potter Steve Harrison, 67, Australia posted record tem- the Bureau of Meteorology. spokeswoman Seni Wulandari. only survived a major blaze peratures over 41 degrees Celsius Similar temperatures are She added it took an hour southwest of Sydney by crawling changed his mind it was too late evacuate,” Harrison told the Aus- (105 Celsius) last week as an expected in the Victorian city of for the rescue team to make it beneath a makeshift kiln as the to leave. tralian Broadcasting Corp. extreme heatwave swept across Melbourne. into the cave, which is 30 flames passed over. “I ran to my ute (truck) but “The day before I had the country and a long-running In South Australia one person metres below ground level. Harrison stayed to defend his my garden was already on fire, actually built myself a small kiln drought in the country’s east has was confirmed dead in weekend The students — part of a property in the town of Balmoral the driveway was on fire, the down the back - a coffin-sized created tinder-dry conditions. fires and fire fighters were facing university nature club — went on Sunday but by the time he road was on fire so I couldn’t kiln - just big enough for me to Nearly 100 fires are burning another tough day on Monday. there to train in basic caving. TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 EUROPE 15

Two migrants French transport dead after boat capsizes near strike enters day Croatian border

AFP 19, disrupts travel BELGRADE AFP The SNCF rail operator At least two migrants PARIS has announced that drowned early yesterday after tomorrow evening, their boat capsized on the French train and metro drivers Christmas Eve, it will Danube River while they were withheld labour for the 19th trying to cross from Serbia to straight day yesterday in a halt trains between Croatia, police said, adding standoff with the government Paris and its suburbs. that the search for others was over pension reform, casting a ongoing. pall over Christmas plans with The Danube river is a many unable to reach loved five connecting Paris to its outer common crossing point for ones. suburbs. migrants who are trying to Talks between the gov- This sent thousands scram- enter EU member state ernment and unions last week bling for alternative transport, Croatia from northwest failed to find middle ground, and with car rental agencies unable Serbia on their path through strikers vowed there would be to meet the surge in demand. the Balkans towards Western no holiday truce unless the Nor will there be reprieve for Europe. Police officers push demonstrators back during a rail workers demonstration outside the Gare de overhaul plan is scrapped. those staying in Paris from the “A boat carrying a group Lyon train station in Paris, yesterday. Starting on December 5, the stoppage that has slashed train of migrants capsized at 6:00 strike has hit daily commuters and metro services and caused am on Monday (04:00 GMT),” hard — especially around Paris high levels of frustration on government’s plan to merge work to earn a full pension — points, though 51 percent of Serbia’s Interior Ministry told and other large cities — and is overcrowded carriages. France’s 42 pension schemes two years beyond the official respondents still expressed AFP in an email. now impeding tens of thousands The SNCF has announced into a single points-based one, retirement age. support or sympathy for the Police officers “found the of ticket holders who had that tomorrow evening, which would see some public President Emmanuel Macron strikers. bodies of two drowned people planned to spend the festive Christmas Eve, it will halt trains employees — notably railway issued an appeal on Saturday for Unions are hoping for a at the scene” and “searches season with family or friends. between Paris and its suburbs. staff — lose early-retirement and a holiday truce, urging strikers repeat of 1995 when the gov- are underway to find other On Saturday and Sunday, the Some lines will reopen on other benefits. The government to embrace “a spirit of responsi- ernment backed down on possible victims of drowning” last weekend before Christmas, Wednesday morning, others only insists the new system would be bility” and for “collective good pension reform after three weeks the ministry added. the SCNF rail operator provided on Thursday, meaning many fairer and more transparent. sense to triumph”. of metro and rail stoppages just Police did not specify the half the usual number of TGV people will have to cancel plans Workers are baulking par- A poll by the IFOP agency before Christmas — a cherished age, nationality or number of high-speed trains, a third of to meet up with friends or family ticularly at the inclusion of a so- published on Sunday showed holiday for many French people. possible victims. regional TER services, a quarter for Christmas lunch. called “pivot age” of 64 until public backing for the action But their action is taking a Serbia’s state-run tele- of inter-city trains, and one in Unions are angry about the which people would have to dropping by three percentage heavy toll on businesses. vision RTS reported that around a dozen migrants were on the vessel when it over- UK widens turned under rainy weather. Russia to retaliate for US sanctions against gas pipeline Some six passengers, fast-track visa including two children, are AP laying sections of the pipeline to law and diplomatic and human argues that it will increase missing, according to RTS. for scientists as MOSCOW suspend the work. Kremlin decency” after some “cool- Europe’s dependence on Russia Serbia is a key transit spokesman Dmitry Peskov said headed analysis” of the situation. for energy. country for migrants from Brexit nears The Russian government has yesterday that Moscow will take Later yesterday the country’s Nord Stream 2 is owned by Asia, the Middle East and vowed to retaliate against US measures of “reciprocity” over prime minister, Dmitry Russia’s Gazprom, with North Africa who are tra- REUTERS sanctions on a new Russia- the sanctions, which Russia con- Medvedev, said he tasked the investment from several versing the Balkans on their LONDON Germany pipeline, work on siders unacceptable. cabinet with looking into “pos- European companies. way to Western Europe. which was suspended on “How and when it will be sible restrictions” that could be The German government While numbers are down Britain said yesterday it would Saturday. done remains a question of Rus- imposed on the US in retaliation said it regretted the enactment from the peak of Europe’s increase the number of scien- US President Donald Trump sia’s national interests,” Peskov for the sanctions. of the US legislation and con- migrant crisis in 2015, around tists and researchers eligible for signed legislation last week that told reporters yesterday, adding The US has been an out- sidered the sanctions an inter- 5,000 migrants are still based fast-track visas, part of the provides for sanctions against that the Kremlin still hopes to spoken opponent of the pipeline, ference in the country’s domestic in Serbia, according to the UN government’s plans to attract individuals and companies complete Nord Stream 2. which will allow Russia to affairs. However, Chancellor Refugee Agency UNHCR. more elite researchers after involved with the vessels laying Foreign Minister Sergey transport natural gas about 1,200 Angela Merkel made it clear last With Hungary’s border to Brexit. the Nord Stream 2 pipeline under Lavrov reiterated the sentiment, kilometers (750 miles) directly week that Germany isn’t consid- the north fortified by the wall The number of eligible fel- the Baltic Sea from Russia to saying that Russia would to Europe, bypassing Ukraine. ering retaliation against the it built in 2015, many migrants lowships which offer accel- Germany. respond to “these absolutely Along with eastern European sanctions and said that there is are now attempting the erated endorsement for visas The move prompted a Swiss unacceptable, blunt actions that countries that also oppose the “no alternative to conducting western route through Bosnia will rise to more than 120 from company that operates ships violate all norms of international project, the US government talks.” and Croatia. 62, the interior ministry said. “We want to make sure the UK continues to be at the fore- front of innovation, so we need Britain’s Prince Philip, 98, an immigration system that attracts the sharpest minds remains in hospital from around the globe,” interior minister Priti Patel said. AFP The Duke of Edinburgh was Prime Minister Boris LONDON reportedly flown there by heli- Johnson, who won approval for copter from the royal San- his Brexit deal in parliament last Britain’s Prince Philip is being dringham estate in eastern week, made a pledge in August looked after “very well”, his son England, where he has been to relax immigration rules for Prince Charles said yesterday based since retiring from public scientists to help Britain address after the elderly royal spent a duties in 2017. its skills shortages. third night in hospital for The 93-year-old queen did Britain is due to leave the treatment for a pre-existing not alter her plans, travelling by European Union on January 31 condition. train on Friday from London to although it will immediately “He’s being looked after very Sandringham, where she hosts begin an 11-month, no-change well in hospital. At the moment the royals for Christmas each transition period with the bloc. that’s all we know,” Charles told year. She attended church at a reporter when asked about his usual on Sunday, accompanied father’s health during a visit in by her son Prince Edward and Germany: 11 northern England. his family. The duke has long Philip, the 98-year-old been an advocate of eating well migrants found husband of Queen Elizabeth II, and keeping fit, but has had a was admitted to London’s King number of health issues as he in refrigerated Edward VII hospital on Friday. advances in age. In recent years, Venice flooded again Buckingham Palace said it he has been admitted to hospital truck on road was for “observation and for abdominal surgery, bladder People walk in the ﬂooded St. Mark’s Square during high tide in Venice, Italy, yesterday. Though the treatment in relation to a pre- infections and a blocked cor- tide yesterday morning peaked lower than expected at 1.44 metres, it remains above the 1.40-metre AP existing condition”, adding that onary artery, while he is also BERLIN mark considered exceptional. The city is still reeling from the 1.87-metre high tide on November 12, it was a “precautionary reported to suffer from arthritis which was the highest in more than 50 years, the Associated Press reported. measure”. in his right wrist. German police say 11 migrants have been freed from a refrigerated truck on a highway in Bavaria. EU charts path for ‘challenging’ post-Brexit UK deal Police yesterday said the Afghans, aged 14 to 31, appar- AFP magazine website. The two sides Barnier, who was unfailingly for Britain to have the same Johnson told the British par- ently boarded the Turkish truck BRUSSELS will have just 11 months to settle courteous when he negotiated access to data as EU members, liament last Friday that an loaded with fruit in Serbia, that agreement following Brit- the terms of Britain’s withdrawal “tackling terrorism, cyberattacks, “ambitious” trade agreement news agency DPA reported. The EU will keep engaging with ain’s formal departure from the in a way to protect the EU’s single and other attempts to undermine would be struck “with no They were found on Sat- the UK through the WTO and the EU on January 31. market and citizens, said he had our democracies will require a alignment on EU rules, but urday after the truck’s driver UN as both sides work out a deal British Prime Minister Boris three goals — framed as “New joint effort”. instead with control of our own heard knocking noises from the on their future ties once Britain Johnson insists he will not seek Year’s resolutions” — for the Barnier said there should be laws, and close and friendly truck at a highway rest area leaves the bloc, according to the an extension beyond 2020 to upcoming talks on the future “unconditional commitment relations”. near Passau, close to the Aus- top Brexit negotiator in Brussels. fine-tune a deal. relationship. from both sides” to building a EU officials and lawmakers trian border. Police opened the Agreeing and ratifying a He has also made it clear To work together on global security alliance. have voiced concern that truck and found the migrants, post-Brexit relationship by the his country will drop EU labour, issues, “the EU will continue to And for economic ties, “any Johnson might be seeking to who complained about end of 2020 “will be immensely environmental, financial, engage positively with the UK, free-trade agreement must build Britain as a deregulated breathing problems. challenging, but we will give it health and safety standards, both bilaterally and in global fora provide for a level playing field “Singapore-on-Thames” that Police said the truck driver our all, even if we won’t be able spurring Brussels’ concerns such as the United Nations, the on standards, state aid, and tax would try to sell goods into the gave them credible assurances to achieve everything,” the about British trade “dumping” World Trade Organization, and matters,” Barnier emphasised. EU made cheaper by cutting that he had known nothing official, Michel Barnier, wrote in and making prospects of a the G20,” he said. That last point is seen as rules meant to protect workers, about the passengers. The truck a weekend online commentary quick and comprehensive deal In terms of security issues, being a big stumbling block in consumers and the was headed for Belgium. for the Project Syndicate appear remote. while it is “simply not possible” the talks. environment. 16 EUROPE TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 Croatian President to face ex-PM in run-off AFP Centre-left former If she fails, analysts say it ZAGREB prime minister Zoran would spell trouble for HDZ’s Milanovic took the moderate Prime Minister Andrej Croatia’s conservative president lead with 29.56 Plenkovic when he faces general narrowly made it to a run-off elections next year. election against a leftist former percent of the vote, In the meantime, his gov- premier next Sunday, after a according to the ernment will be tasked with nationalist folk singer won over electoral commission. holding the EU presidency for a a large chunk of her camp’s far- six-month term, with thorny right wing. issues like Brexit and the The hotly contested first won nearly a quarter of the vote Western Balkans’ membership round vote signalled the appeal with campaign promises such as bids on the agenda. of populism in a Balkan country pardoning a notorious war “Croatia went to the right and struggling with an influx of criminal and deploying troops to it is reflected in the elections,” migrants at its borders, an emi- stop migrants at the border. said political analyst Tihomir gration exodus and widespread That left Grabar-Kitarovic Cipek, adding it mirrored trends corruption. without the hardline segment of in other parts of Europe. It also leaves Croatia waiting her centre-right HDZ party’s “The radical right showed its to know who will be head of state base. force.... We will see whether it Presidential candidate of Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic (centre) reacts as the country prepares to take But analysts said the first will be repeated in the parlia- next to her husband Jakov Kitarovic after the results of the Croatian presidential elections’ ﬁrst round, over the European Union’s round results showed that mentary elections,” he added. rotating presidency in the new Croatia’s electorate was shifting The left, meanwhile, appeared in Zagreb, yesterday. year. to the right — even though that to rally around Milanovic, a With nearly all ballots camp was split in two. 53-year-old who served as prime first round, he will face a tougher issues of vital importance for corruption at home, plus poor counted, centre-left former Grabar-Kitarovic, 51, became minister from 2011 to 2016 and race if HDZ manages to unite its most people’s lives, including the public services, as key prime minister Zoran Milanovic Croatia’s first female president hails from Croatia’s Social Dem- party for the run-off. young who are leaving in motivations. took the lead with 29.56 percent — a largely ceremonial role — in ocrat opposition. Croatia may be a magnet for increasing numbers,” lamented Labour gaps have started to of the vote, according to the elec- 2015 with the backing of HDZ, Considered driven by sup- tourists, but it is no paradise for Matija Horvat, a 27-year-old affect key industries like tourism, toral commission. which has led Croatia for most porters but pompous by critics, locals who are fed up with a economist. which accounts for a fifth of Incumbent President Kolinda of the past three decades. he has been trying to make a sluggish economy and rampant The government has Croatia’s GDP. Grabar-Kitarovic garnered 26.7 During her mandate she has comeback with a promise to corruption. struggled in particular to curb the At the same time, authorities percent, eking out a second place often wavered between repre- make Croatia a “normal” liberal And yet the campaign was outflow of Croatians who are have taken a hardline stance finish just two points ahead of senting moderates and pan- democracy with an independent light on policy ideas with many packing their bags for better pay against migrants from Asia, the 57-year-old far-right singer dering to the nationalist faction judiciary and respect for candidates instead attacking and professional opportunities Middle East and North Africa Miroslav Skoro. Now she faces the tough task minorities. each other with war-era in wealthier EU states. who have been trying to slip into Skoro, whose patriotic folk of uniting the two wings of the While the split right-wing grievances. Many who leave also cite the its borders on the way to Western tunes were a hit in the 1990s, party in the run-off on January 5. opened a way for his rise in the “They stole the space for culture of nepotism and Europe. Russia tests ‘sovereign’ Internet amid fears of online isolation Passengers hailed for stopping tram AFP segment of the Internet and said defended Russia’s internet pol- networks have the technical threat from abroad such as in German city MOSCOW ordinary users would not notice icies, promising that the country means for “centralised traffic cyberattacks. the tests. was not “moving towards closing control” to counter potential But rights activists say it is Russia carried out tests yesterday The ministry has said that off the internet.” threats. another censorship bid following AFP to ensure the “security” of its the drills are aimed at ensuring “A free Internet and a sov- The main providers have previous efforts in Russia to FRANKFURT AM MAIN Internet infrastructure in case of the “integrity” of the Internet. ereign internet are two concepts already begun installing the block services such as the a foreign cyberattack, measures The law, which President that aren’t mutually exclusive,” required equipment including LinkedIn professional net- German passengers were hailed that rights activists worry could Vladimir Putin signed in May, he said. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) working site and the Telegram for preventing a disaster at the also tighten censorship and lead requires Russian Internet pro- The Internet is the country’s which would allow Russia’s messenger service. weekend when they were able to online isolation. viders to install equipment pro- main forum for political debate Roskomnadzor internet While Beijing has created to bring a runaway tram to a A controversial law that vided by the authorities to enable and opposing voices as well as watchdog to analyse and filter what has become known as the halt after the driver lost allows the country to cut Internet centralised control of traffic. coordinating opposition traffic. Great Firewall of China to filter consciousness. traffic from international servers They will also filter content demonstrations. Supporters of the legislation content and limit access to Two male passengers broke came into force in November, but to prevent access to banned The new system is set to go say the aim is to ensure Russian foreign websites, activists and down the door to the driver’s the communications ministry has websites. online in 2021. sites keep working if they are analysts are divided if Russia has cabin after the tram sped past denied that the government is At his annual news con- Internet providers need to unable to connect to interna- the resources to implement such eight stations without stopping gearing up to isolate the Russian ference last week, Putin ensure before that time that their tional servers or in the case of a a system. in the western city of Bonn late Saturday night. They found the driver unre- sponsive in his seat but Malta suffers 2nd massive managed to halt the tram thanks to instructions given to power outage in a month a female passenger who was on the phone throughout with local REUTERS transport operator SWB. VALLETTA They did exactly the right thing in a dangerous situation Malta suffered a nationwide power cut yesterday, the second in less and possibly saved lives,” than a month, shutting off electricity to all homes, businesses and mayor Ashok Sridharan said factories and causing rush-hour road chaos as traffic lights went General-Anzeiger daily. dark. “Something like this should not State-owned energy provider Enemalta confirmed that there be allowed to happen”. was no power anywhere on Malta and said a problem with a The 47-year-old driver was cable supplying power from Sicily to Malta appeared to be the taken to hospital but has since cause. been released. He remains on Power was lost shortly after 8am (0700 GMT) and began being sick leave but no further details restored in parts of the island shortly after 11am. were given about his medical Another recent power outage, on November 26, was also caused condition. by a fault in the Sicily-to-Malta undersea cable. The General-Anzeiger said Malta’s own power stations have enough capacity to meet passengers on the “horror tram” demand, but Enemalta usually relies on most of its supply from were terrified even if everyone Sicily because it is cheaper. Turning on power generators when the escaped unharmed. undersea cable fails takes several hours. The SWB transport The latest blackout, two days before Christmas, left shopkeepers company faced mounting crit- unable to operate credit card machines and, in some cases, they icism over the incident, and Migrant children playing in the snow by a disused ski lodge near Polineri in Grevena, some 210km were not even able to open their shop shutters. prosecutors are investigating west of Thessaloniki, yesterday. Malta airport said it was operating normally, using whether all the technical fail- generators. safes had worked properly. Germany argues on children in Greek migrant camps AP European countries don’t also must best be helped on the spot.” Right-to-die activist acquitted of assisting suicide BERLIN take in migrants, he replied: Under a 2016 deal between “Yes. In any case, everyone will the European Union and Turkey REUTERS ruled in September that it was assisted suicide. German government officials are never join in.” to stop migrant flows into MILAN not always a crime to help In December 2017 a law was rejecting an opposition leader’s But government officials Europe, those who arrive on someone in “intolerable suf- passed allowing severely ill call for the country unilaterally made clear that they don’t want Greek islands from the nearby A Milan court yesterday fering” to kill themselves, people to refuse treatment that to take in migrant children stuck to let other European countries, Turkish coast are held in island acquitted right-to-die activist opening the way to yesterday’s would prolong their lives. in overcrowded camps on Greek many of which have been camps pending deportation Marco Cappato of aiding suicide, verdict clearing Cappato. That legislation, which was islands. reluctant to take in any migrants, unless they successfully apply following a landmark constitu- The prosecutor in the case, fiercely opposed by right-wing Robert Habeck, a co-leader off the hook. for asylum in Greece. tional court ruling which Tiziana Siciliano, had herself parties, was one of the first cases of the Green party, said in an Government spokeswoman The deal, coupled with an breached Italy’s traditional requested the acquittal following of collaboration between the interview with Frankfurter Ulrike Demmer said yesterday increase in new arrivals since the rejection of helping suffering the constitutional court’s ruling. anti-establishment 5-Star Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung that Germany wants to help summer, has led to deteriorating people to die. “This is a historic day Movement and the centre-left newspaper that “it is an imper- improve the living conditions of conditions in overcrowded Marco Cappato, a member because the court’s decision fully Democratic Party, which have ative of humanity to help all concerned, but added: “We camps on the eastern Aegean of Italy’s small Radical party, reflects article 2 of the consti- governed together since quickly” and get some 4,000 are seeking a European solution islands. accompanied a 40-year-old tution, which puts the individual, September. children out of the camps. for the future, and Germany can’t Greece’s 6-month-old gov- blind and tetraplegic Italian and not the state, at the centre Cappato faces another trial He noted that some German do that unilaterally.” ernment has vowed to move former disc jockey, Fabiano of social life,” Siciliano said after in February over a similar case states have said they’re ready to Gerd Mueller, the devel- about 20,000 people off the Antoniani, better known as DJ the verdict. to that of DJ Fabo, in which he help. opment aid minister, told the islands and into other migrant Fabo, to take his own life at a Italy is slowly adapting its helped a 53-year-old suffering Asked whether Germany Passauer Neue Presse news- and refugee facilities on the Swiss clinic in 2017. legislation and legal precedent from motor neurone disease to should go ahead even if other paper that “the children can and mainland by early 2020. The constitutional court towards a less rigid position on die in a Swiss clinic. TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 AMERICAS 17 House Speaker, Senate leader spar over Trump trial AFP Nancy Pelosi has for four current and former White “We haven’t ruled out wit- “She’s apparently trying to tell The House voted along party WASHINGTON not yet sent the House aides with direct nesses,” McConnell said, adding us how to run the trial. lines last week to impeach impeachment articles knowledge of Trump’s Ukraine that he wanted to apply the same “You know, I’m not anxious Trump for abuse of power for US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi passed by the House dealings to testify in the Senate. rules as in the impeachment trial to have this trial,” McConnell pressuring Ukraine’s president and Senate Majority Leader Mitch Trump blocked all four from of president Bill Clinton. added. “So if she wants to hold to investigate his potential 2020 McConnell sparred yesterday over last week over to testifying in the House. Demo- “You listen to the opening all the papers, go right ahead. election opponent, Democrat Joe the ground rules for President the Senate amid a crats believe their appearances arguments, you have a written “Sooner or later, I’m Biden. Donald Trump’s trial in the Senate standoff with Mitch would bolster the case for con- question period, and at that point assuming she’s going to send Trump is accused of with- on charges of abuse of power and McConnell over the viction in the Senate, where a in the Clinton trial, we had a them over,” he said. “It seems to holding military aid to Ukraine obstruction of Congress. two-thirds majority is needed to decision about which witnesses me a rather absurd position to to push Kiev to investigate Biden. Pelosi, the speaker of the form the trial will take. remove the president from office. to call,” he said. say, after you’ve impeached the According to an internal Democratic-controlled House of “President Trump blocked “What was good enough for president, you won’t send the e-mail published over the Representatives, said she is not the Senate in a trial expected to his own witnesses and docu- president Clinton is good enough papers over to the Senate for the weekend, a US budget official yet ready to name her team for begin in January. Trump’s ments from the House, and from for President Trump,” the Repub- impeachment trial mandated by told the Pentagon to “hold off” Trump’s trial in the Republican- Republicans have a 53-47 seat the American people, on phony lican senator from Kentucky the Constitution.” on military aid to Kiev 90 majority Senate. edge in the chamber. complaints about the House said. Trump, who is on vacation minutes after a controversial July “The House cannot choose Pelosi has not yet sent the process,” Pelosi said. “What is his McConnell chided Pelosi for in Florida, lashed out at Pelosi. 25 phone call between Trump our impeachment managers until impeachment articles passed by excuse now?” not sending the impeachment “Pelosi gives us the most and his Ukrainian counterpart we know what sort of trial the the House last week over to the McConnell, speaking on the articles over to the Senate yet. unfair trial in the history of the Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Senate will conduct,” Pelosi said Senate amid a standoff with Fox & Friends television show “The papers have to be phys- US Congress, and now she is Lawmakers also impeached on Twitter. McConnell over the form the trial yesterday, said Pelosi “appar- ically brought over to the Senate, crying for fairness in the Senate, Trump for obstructing the con- House managers will pros- will take. ently believes that she can tell us and we can’t go forward until the and breaking all rules while gressional probe into his Ukraine ecute the case against Trump in Democrats have been pushing how to run the trial.” speaker does that,” he said. doing so,” he said on Twitter. dealings.

Texas barbershop US allocates $175m in employee shot military aid to Baltic at over haircut AP/KATY countries in 2020 A dispute over a child’s haircut ended with gunfire at a Texas AP particularly since Trump had barbershop, according to HELSINKI earlier called the military authorities yesterday. alliance obsolete. Deputies are looking for a The United States has allocated But Estonia sees the US mil- man who shot an employee of $175m in military aid to the itary aid as a sign that Washing- a barbershop in the Houston Baltic countries of Estonia, ton’s commitment to Nato and suburb of Katy during an Latvia and Lithuania for 2020, the Baltic states is strong. argument, the Harris County the Estonian defence ministry “Our (US) ally clearly con- Sheriff’s office said in a tweet. said yesterday. firms its commitment to (Nato’s) Witnesses said the argument The three countries are Nato collective defense on Europe´s was over a haircut given to the members and all of them border eastern flank,” Luik said in a man’s son. Russia. statement, referring to the The alleged shooter left the The defence ministry said financial aid. barbershop in a grey, four-door that along with $125m in general As Estonia, Latvia and sedan, according to the sher- military aid, Washington has for Lithuania have no fighter air- iff’s office. the first time earmarked a sep- craft, Nato fighter jets are The employee was shot arate $50m budget line to boost responsible for policing Baltic Flood woes three times and was in stable air defense capabilities of the airspace on a four-month rota- condition at an area hospital, three ex-Soviet republics — seen tional basis from bases in A woman sits on the hood of her car after it stalled in flood waters as she was driving, in Hollywood, KPRC-TV reported. by many military experts a weak Estonia and Lithuania. Florida, yesterday. The area received up to 12 inches of rain during an overnight storm that hit the The sheriff’s office did not area in their current defense. Luik stressed “the transition area causing flooding that even forced Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to shut immediately respond to The overall aim of US mil- from (Baltic) air policing to air down flight operations yesterday morning. requests for information. itary aid to Tallinn, Riga and defense requires a common Vilnius is to strengthen “the decision from all (Nato) allies, deterrence and defense posture but the US position and practical in the Baltic States including in support are of great $17,000 donated to pay student meal debts in Virginia the area of airspace and espe- importance.” cially in the field of air defense,” The ministry said the Baltic AP Rev Jerry Williams, a pastor at in Stafford, said she was scep- Washington Post, which cited Estonian Defense Minister Juri region’s proper air defense STAFFORD Mount Ararat Baptist Church. “So tical when the pastors emailed the national School Nutrition Luik said in a statement. would consist of a well-func- we called the school systems. And her about students’ meal debt. Association. The median amount The three Baltic nations, tioning early warning system, The holidays came early for gosh, wow, was there a need.” She said usually parent-teacher of unpaid debt increased 70% which joined Nato in 2004, are surveillance capabilities and some Virginia families struggling Williams, the Rev Brian groups and members of her own from the 2012-2013 school year. all staunch allies of anti-aircraft weapon systems to pay school lunch debt. Bennett and the Rev Andrew staff pay out of pocket to help The Washington Post Washington. and skilled staff. Three Virginia pastors used Segre gave $10,500 to Stafford reduce the debt. reported students across Wash- They have been highly It said the US National more than $17,000 from their County Public Schools and close “I was overwhelmed by the ington, Maryland and Virginia worried over what they have Defense Authorization Act bill church’s budget to pay off meal to $7,000 to Spotsylvania County generosity,” Butler said. owe nearly a $500,000 in meal perceived to be waning interest granting aid to the Baltic coun- debt at two local school systems. Public Schools, which wiped out About 75% of schools dis- debt.It also reported that by US President Donald Trump’s tries was signed by Trump last “It seemed like a good idea, balances across the district, news tricts nationally reported unpaid although the National School administration in trans-Atlantic week. The bill includes a solidarity (but) we didn’t know if there was outlets reported. meal debt, with the median Lunch Program allows some stu- relations and Nato’s joint clause confirming Washington’s a need because no one ever Keana Butler, principal of amount per school being about dents to get free or reduced- defense commitment, commitment to the Baltic region. seems to talk about this,” said the Park Ridge Elementary School $2,500, according to The price meals. Kevin Costner endorses Buttigieg at Iowa campaign Accused in racist attack

AP INDIANOLA charged in 2nd incident

“Field of Dreams” actor Kevin AP West Des Moines police said Costner returned to Iowa to go CLIVE in a court document that to bat for Democratic presi- Franklin then went to a conven- dential candidate Pete Buttigieg, An Iowa woman who told police ience store where she threw pitching the small-town mayor she intentionally ran over a items at a clerk and directed as someone worth listening to in 14-year-old girl because she racial epithets at him and the crowded lineup of White believed the girl was Mexican customers. House hopefuls. has been charged with a hate That incident prompted the “Whether your road leads crime for an incident that new charges. you to Pete, like mine has, that’s occurred shortly after the girl On Sunday, Domingo Garcia, for you to judge,” Costner, a self- was struck. national president of the League described independent, told Nicole Franklin, who also of United Latin American Cit- more than 1,000 people in the goes by the name Nicole Poole, izens, called for a hate crime high school gymnasium of Indi- was charged on Sunday with charge against Franklin in the anola, a town of about 16,000 assault in violation of individual attack on Miranda. people located south of Des rights and with operating under Joe Henry, who is president Moines. “When Pete speaks of the influence, second offense. of the group’s Des Moines unity, it’s the kind of unity I’ve Her attorney didn’t immediately branch, echoed Garcia’s call and been waiting and hoping to hear return a call yesterday from AP. told The Des Moines Register about.” Franklin was charged with that it would be wrong if pros- Costner, whose 1989 film attempted murder following the ecutors did not charge her with offered a mixture of baseball and December 9 attack on Natalia a hate crime. fantasy amid Iowa cornfields, Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg (right) with actor Kevin Costner during a campaign Miranda in the Des Moines “It would give the green light also noted the status of the state’s event at a high school in Indianola, Iowa, yesterday. suburb of Clive. to anybody to do this type of ter- caucuses as the first voting in the Miranda suffered a con- rible thing,” Henry said. selection of a Democratic ground and see what grows next dialogue: “Is this heaven? No, it’s Dawson campaigned with her cussion and severe bruising and Polk County Attorney John nominee. year.” Iowa.” The candidate thanked boyfriend, Cory Booker, the New was hospitalised for two days. Sarcone said that a hate crime “That power, that awesome It was Buttigieg, not Costner, the star for making “Iowa as Jersey senator and Buttigieg Clive police have said charge enhances other charges, responsibility, originates here on who brought up “Field of heavenly as it can be on a rival. Days later, former Olympic Franklin, 42, admitted steering such as arson and assault, but the ground in Iowa,” said Dreams.” In a nod to his December day.” ice skater Michelle Kwan was her SUV onto a sidewalk and doesn’t apply to attempted Costner, speaking in a low voice audience, the mayor of South The appearance of celebrity spinning with children at a running over the teenager, who murder. from a lectern and looking casual Bend, Indiana, didn’t quote the endorsers marks a new phase in downtown Des Moines ice rink was walking to school to watch “It may sound nice, but it in jeans and a wind-breaker. movie’s most famous line - “Ïf the Iowa campaign as the cau- touting her pick in the 2020 a basketball game. Franklin doesn’t help anything,” Sarcone “What you do with your vote is you build it, he will come”- but cuses loom February 3. Earlier Democratic field, former Vice then fled the scene, Clive police said. “When it’s appropriate to put those first seeds in the a more crowd-pleasing bit of this month, actress Rosario President Joe Biden. said. enhance, we’ll do it.” 18 AMERICAS TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 18 people dead in new Honduras jail clash AFP The spokesman for The Ministry of Security had TEGUCIGALPA Fusina released a list suspended Armas shortly before of names of the 18 that amid an investigation into Eighteen people were killed in his presence during the October violence between prisoners at a dead and two injured, 26 killing by prisoners of jail in central Honduras, less than saying that “ﬁrearms, Magdaleno Meza, a drug kingpin two days after another 18 died knives and machetes” whose confession and notebooks in unrest at a separate facility, a linked him to a brother of the military spokesman told local were used in the clash president, Juan Antonio “Tony” media yesterday. in El Porvenir prison. Hernandez. The spokesman for the com- Meza’s account books were bined national security force overcrowded with some 21,000 entered as evidence in the New known as Fusina released a list inmates. York trial of Hernandez, who of names of the 18 dead and two On Saturday, top military was subsequently convicted on injured, saying that “firearms, officer General Tito Livio Moreno four counts of drug trafficking. knives and machetes” were used indicated that the military would He faces sentencing — possibly in the clash in El Porvenir prison be deployed in 18 penal centers for life — in January. north of the capital identified as “high risk.” President Hernandez con- Tegucigalpa. Hernandez announced the demned the conviction of his The violence followed over- crackdown after the killings on younger brother, saying it was night unrest earlier in the December 14 of five members of based on “the testimony of con- weekend at a facility in the feared gang Mara Salvatrucha fessed assassins.” Members of Honduras National Police patrol the entrance of El Porvenir prison, in the department of northern port town of Tela that (MS-13) by a fellow detainee at A video circulating on social Francisco Morazan Honduras, yesterday. killed 18 inmates and wounded the high-security prison in La media shows the 52-year-old 16 others. Tolva, east of Tegucigalpa. Armas talking with Meza when cartel, Jose Luis Pinto, was killed highest homicide rates in the built special prisons for gang Honduran President Juan That came just a day after prison guards opened a locked in an attack on December 9 in a world outside areas of armed members. Orlando Hernandez, grappling Pedro Idelfonso Armas, the gate, allowing a dozen inmates town northwest of conflict, having registered 41.2 The sky-high crime rate has with a recent wave of prison warden of El Pozo — the coun- to burst in and stab and fatally Tegucigalpa. homicides per 100,000 inhab- been a key factor behind a wave killings, had ordered the army try’s main high-security prison, shoot the drug trafficker. Honduras has been plagued itants in 2018. of migration toward the United and the police on Tuesday to take in the western city of Santa In addition, a lawyer who by drug trafficking, gangs, To fight this scourge, Hern- States, notably by minors who full control of the country’s 27 Barbara — was shot dead in the had represented Meza and other poverty and corruption. andez created a military police say they fear being forced into prisons, which are badly south of the country. members of the Valle Valle drug It suffers from one of the force financed by a new tax, and gangs. Morales slams Bolivia Mexico ambassador resigns after book theft allegation AP Valero had resigned for health that may have altered his — suggests the tumour or its for joining Lima bloc MEXICO CITY reasons, and Mexico’s Foreign behaviour. after-effects may have returned Relations Secretary, Marcelo Ebrard described Valero, 77, or worsened. ANATOLIA Organization of American States A Mexican ambassador who was Ebrard, wrote in his Twitter a career diplomat with a long Video of the bookstore ANKARA and EU. called home after allegedly account that Valero “is under- pedigree in Mexico’s left, as “a incident earlier this year appears As being a long-time ally to attempting to steal a book from going neurological treatment”. great person.” to show the diplomat tucking the Bolivia’s former president Evo Venezuela and its President a shop in Argentina has resigned, Mexican news media A letter by Dr. Ana Luisa Sosa book — reportedly worth about Morales denounced yesterday Nicolas Maduro, Morales had officials said, and relatives reported that Valero allegedly states that Valero was diagnosed $9.50 — into a stack of papers interim government’s move to kept Bolivia out of the Lima reported he may have suffered also tried to take a T-shift without with a brain tumour in 2012 that he is holding and being stopped join a Latin American bloc, Lima Group, due to bloc’s support behavioural changes due to a paying from a shop at the airport resulted in “behavioural changes.” by security after passing a Group. behind Venezuelan opposition brain tumour. after he was called back to Mexico While the tumour was sur- detector gate on the way out. “The year-end gift of the leader Juan Guaido. Yesterday, President Andrés in early December. gically removed years ago, the The incident is especially putschists (self-proclaimed The group Lima recognises Manuel López Obrador called the At the request of relatives, letter says behavior changes in embarrassing given López Obra- interim President Jeanine) Anez; Guaido as the country’s legit- case “painful”and “sad”. Ebrard’s office published a doc- the last 1 1/2 years — including dor’s main policy aim of pro- (opposition leader Luis imate ruler instead of the elected Officials said late Sunday tor’s letter saying Valero had traffic tickets and “difficulties in moting honesty among public Fernando) Camacho and (former Maduro government. that Ambassador Óscar Ricardo been treated for a brain tumour personal relationships” servants. President Carlos) Mesa is to However, following his return to neoliberalism, entering ouster, the Anez government the Lima Group,” Morales said continues to erase footprints of on Twitter. Morales’ policies. Dozens injured as 69 vehicles “It is to return to the past to Morales also announced that privatize natural resources, nine leaders of Movement for pile up in Virginia: Police basic services, education and Socialism Party will arrive health. It is to submit to the Buenos Aires, where he is AP windows smashed and a red impositions of the IMF (Interna- granted asylum on December 29 WILLIAMSBURG truck plopped on top of another tional Monetary Fund),” he for a meeting to choose a can- vehicle. added. didate for the next election. A pile-up involving more than 60 Sixty-nine vehicles were On Sunday, Bolivia’s Foreign Turmoil in Bolivia began in cars on a major interstate in involved in the crash, and 51 Ministry announced the partic- October when Morales won a Virginia on Sunday morning people were treated or trans- ipation of the South American fourth term in office and faced injured dozens of people, ported to hospitals, Anaya said country under the de facto gov- immediate resistance from according to state police Sunday afternoon, noting that ernment to Lima Group — a bloc opposition parties that chal- yesterday. those figures were constantly of 12 Latin American nations lenged election results. “The crash happened just changing. working to find a solution to the After weeks of upheaval, before 8am on Sunday on west- Among those hurt, two were Venezuela crisis. Morales resigned under pressure bound Interstate 64 in York listed in critical condition and “Bolivia will contribute to from the military and moved to County near Williamsburg,” Vir- 11 were serious but not life- achieving a peaceful, democratic Mexico, where he was offered ginia State Police Sgt. Michelle threatening, said York County and constitutional solution to the political asylum. Anaya said. Fire Chief Stephen crisis in Venezuela, which must Conservative Senator Anez No fatalities were reported, Kopczynski. be guided by the Venezuelan then proclaimed herself interim but it took crew several hours to An investigation into the people,” the ministry said in a president. clear the roadway and reopen all cause of the crash was ongoing. statement. But public demonstrations lanes of traffic. In a separate incident, eight The group was established have yet to subside, with mostly Authorities do not yet know cars were involved in a crash on in 2017 by countries including rural and indigenous pro- the cause of the crash, but fog and I-64 in the opposite direction Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Morales supporters taking to the icy road conditions were contrib- after the larger pileup, Anaya Panama, Paraguay, Santa Lucia, streets, including in La Paz, as uting factors, Anaya said. said. Canada, Colombia, Honduras, well as Sacaba and Cochabamba, Photos from the scene It wasn’t immediately clear First responders working at the site of an accident on the Interstate Costa Rica and Guatemala, with since he left the country saying showed a tangled mass of metal, if others were injured in that 64 highway in York County near Williamsburg, Virginia. the support of the US, his ouster was a coup. with car hoods crumpled, crash. Pinera inks law for vote on new constitution Ecuador announces Galapagos REUTERS proper healthcare, education and fuel spill ‘under control’ SANTIAGO citizen participation in government. The scrapping of the old constitution AFP/QUITO Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera emerged as one of the main demands (pictured) yesterday signed off on a of protesters who have mobilized across Ecuador officials announced that a fuel spill in the Galapagos Islands, caused when referendum to be held on a new consti- the country over the two months. a barge sank carrying 600 gallons of diesel fuel, was “under control.” tution, which he vowed would generate A poll by Cadem last month sug- Authorities had activated emergency protocols earlier on Sunday to contain a “solid, compassionate and legitimate gested that 82 percent of Chileans the environmental impact of the spill in the Galapagos archipelago, a Unesco World framework” that would help reunify believe the country needs a new con- Heritage Site that is home to one of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet. the country after nine weeks of intense stitution and 60 percent want it drawn “The situation is under control, and a series of actions have been deployed to protest over inequality and elitism. up by a popularly elected assembly, mitigate the possible effects,” the presidential communications office said in a Pinera said the plebiscite, which compared with 35 percent who want a statement, adding the response operation had “controlled” the spill. was approved by Congress last week mix with politicians. The accident, in which one person was injured, occurred in a port on San and is to be held next year, would kick- The president said that he hoped Cristobal Island, the easternmost island in the chain, when a crane collapsed while start a process of “broad and effective the new constitution “should serve to loading a container holding an electric generator onto a barge. citizen participation.” leave behind the violence and divisions The falling container destabilised the ship, which was carrying 600 gallons of “It is of the utmost importance to draws up the new document should be that we have seen resurface with pain diesel fuel, causing it to sink. recover the value of unity, of dialogue, a popularly elected assembly or one and sadness during these days”. The generator and the loading crane were also submerged. The Emergency of agreements, especially with those mixed with current lawmakers. On Friday, a demonstration brought Operations Committee (COE) took “immediate action to reduce the environmental who think differently,” he added. The country’s current constitution chaotic scenes in Santiago’s central risk” in the so-called Enchanted Islands. Chileans will on April 26 decide dates back to General Augusto Pinoc- Plaza Italia rallying point, where an Galapagos minister Norman Wray said that work was under way to recover whether they want a new constitution het’s 1973-1990 military dictatorship estimated 1,500 demonstrators clashed the diesel. He also said the generator, which was intended to supply energy on and if they do, whether the body that and, critics say, fails to guarantee with as many as 1,000 police officers. Isabela Island, and the barge would be replaced “as soon as possible.” TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019 HOME 19 QU Health hosts RSCI delegation THE PENINSULA/DOHA

QU Health - Qatar University hosted Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RSCI) in its campus to discuss opportunities of collaborations. RCSI is world leader in health education, training and research. They ranked in top 250 among world universities. RSCI delegation started their visit to Qatar with a tour in Aspire Zone, where they met leaders and responsible from Aspire Academy and Aspetar. They discussed mutual collaboration and expressed their admiration of the QU Health officials and RSCI delegation pose for a group photo. capabilities and facilities available. QU Health, led by Dr.Egon Toft - Vice-President for Medical and Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sci- Planning and Development presented a general idea on Qatar Health Sciences, Dr Feras Alali- ences, Physiotherapy, Nursing & Department. They discussed mutual Genome and its activities. Director of Research and Graduate Midwifery, Postgraduate Studies research interest and opportunities QU Professional Achievement Studies, Dr Asmaa Althani - Dean and the Institute of Leadership, in for MSc and PhD Dual or Joint Doc- Award winner - Dr Alla El Awaisi - of College of Health Sciences, Dr Ireland. toral Degrees with RCSI. Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Mohammad Diab - Dean of College The visitors had the chance to Irish visitors were very keen to College of Pharmacy presented a of Pharmacy, and the associate & meet leaders from QU Research and provide a presentation on “Cancer summary on IPE program & the assistant deans for the three col- Graduate Studies Office, Dr Mariam Genomics”, and meet people next ATBH conference in 2020 leges (College of Medicine, College Al-Maadeed - Vice-President for involved in Qatar Genome. Dr. which will be hosted by QU Health. of Pharmacy and College of Health Research and Graduate Studies Asmaa Althani - Dean of College of Sport Science department, led Sciences) welcomed the delegation Office, Dr Aiman Erbad - Director Health Sciences led this session with by Dr. Mahfoud Amara- Director of at Al-Bitar Building. of Research Planning and Devel- a group of elite researchers from Sport Sciences Program, College of RSCI delegation presented the opment Department, Ahmed Elza- Biomedical Research Center. Also, Arts and Sciences, hosted the del- education and research capabilities tahry - Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Hamdi Mbarek- Scientific egation in their facility and accom- and outcome of Faculty of Medicine and Dr Abdelbary Elhissi - Manager &Industry Partnerships Manager at panied them in a tour to their labs & Health Sciences, Schools of of Research Excellence, Research Qatar Genome Program, who and to the new Sport Complex. Celebrate the Festive Season with family at Mercure Hotel

THE PENINSULA/DOHA (December 27) and January 3, there will be festive Brunch at the Oryx La Brasserie Restaurant will have a Hall and Poolside with live stations special festive buffet dinner today for BBQ and with special cuisine. (December 24) from 7pm to 11pm Guests can book a weekend and buffet lunch on December 25 stay offer together with the brunch. from 12noon to 3pm. Menu special- The brunch is reasonably priced at ities include festive Turkey, live BBQ QR95 per person for food and station, spread of International and QR120 with selected unlimited soft Oriental buffet with assorted salads, drinks. appetizers and festive dessert. At La Villa Restaurant located All these at a price of QR95 per on the 12th floor there is a special have an overnight stay at the hotel delights available on order like person with children from 4 to 12 4-course set menu on December 31 booking different available Cakes, Yule logs, Gingers, cupcakes, years getting 50% off. On Friday from 7pm onwards. Guests can also packages with meals. Special festive mince pies and macarons.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Prati Roju Pandaage (2D/Telugu) 2:00pm Prati Roju Pandaage (2D/Telugu) 4:00pm Hero (2D/Tamil) 2:30 & 8:30pm; Hero (2D/Tamil) 2:15 & 11:00pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 5:30, 8:30 & 11:30pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 2:00, 5:15 & 8:15pm Thambi (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:15 & 5:00pm Go Fish (2D/Animation) 2:00pm Legend Of The Christmas Witch (2D/Comedy) 5:30pm Prati Roju Pandaage (2D/Telugu) 2:30pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 8:45pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:15pm Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 6:45pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 6:00m; Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 4:45, 7:00 & Bombshell (2D/Biography) 7:15pm 9;15pm Into The Ashes (Crime) 11:30pm Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 6:30 & 9:15pm Thambi (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm; I See You (2D/Horror) 11:30pm LANDMARK Hero (2D/Tamil) 2:00pm FLIK Mirqab Mall Prati Roju Pandaage (2D/Telugu) 2:15pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:15 & 4:45pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 5:40, 7:25, 8:50, 10:35pm & 12:00 midnight Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) Frozen II (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 12:40 & 2:50pm 6:30pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 4:00, Go Fish (2D/Animation) 10:35pm 6:15 & 9:00pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (3D/Action) 10:10, 12:40, 3:10, 5:00pm & Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 8:30pm 0:4am Mamangam (2D/Malayalam) 11:15pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 10:30, 11:00am, Thambi (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm 11:50, 12:10, 1:20, 1:50, 2:40, 3:00, 4:40, 5:30, 5:50, 7:00, 7:30, 8:20, AL KHOR 8:40, 9:30, 9:50, 10:50, 11:10, 11:30pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 1:45, 5:00, 8:15 & Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (3D/Action) 10:00am, 11:30am, 11:30pm 12:50, 2:20, 3:40, 5:10, 6:30, 8:00, 9:20, 10:50pm & 0:10am, Hero (2D/Tamil) 11:45am, 5:45 & 11:45pm Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 11:45am, 11:30pm; ASIAN TOWN Thambi (2D/Tamil) 3:00 & 9:00pm; Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 2:30pm; Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 6:30 & 9:30pm Mamangam (2D/Malayalam) 5:30pm Thambi (2D/Tamil) 3:15 & 6:15pm ROXY Hero (2D/Tamil) 9:00pm Mamangam (2D/Malayalam) 5:45 & 11:15pm Bonnie Bears: Blast Into The Past 10:30 & 3:45pm; Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 8:45pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 10:30, 1:00, 2:50, 4:00, 4:50, 7:00, 8:00, 10:00, 11:10pm Frozen II (3D/Animation) 12:30, 2:45, 5:00 & 5:45pm Hero (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 6:40 & 10:10pm Jumanji: The Next Level (3D/Action) 11:00, 12:30, 1:20, 2:40, 3:30, 4:20, 5:10, 7:40, 8:00 & 9:00pm Ruler (2D/Telugu) 10:30pm Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 12:30, 1:20, 4:00, 6:00, 7;00, 8:10, 10:00 & 11:30am Thambi (2D/Tamil) 3:40, 7:30, 10:00 & 10;30pm

DABANGG 3

The film, a prequel in part, traces Chulbul Pandey’s journey from a young man named Dhaakad to police officer Chulbul Pandey, and his fight with the demons of his past. 20 MORNING BREAK TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS Climate change may be death FAJR 04. 54 AM knell for Madagascar lemurs SHOROOK 06. 16 AM AFP/PARIS ZUHR 11. 33 AM MAGHRIB 04. 52 PM ASR 02.31 PM ISHA 06. 22 PM At least two species of Madagascar lemurs teetering on the brink of extinction because of deforestation could be pushed over the edge by climate change, researchers said WEATHER TODAY yesterday. Ruffed lemurs could lose more than 90 percent of their habitat within 50 years as a result of global warming and habitat loss combined, they reported in the journal Nature Climate Change. Because the tree-hugging, saucer- eyed fruit eaters are the only vehicle for distributing the seeds of numerous rare plants in Madagascar’s rainforest, their demise could damage entire ecosystems. “Loss of either species will probably have cascading effect on the structure and integrity of remaining forest,” the researchers said. Varecia variegata and its close cousin Varecia rubra are already “critically endangered” on the IUCN’s Red List because of hunting, habitat loss, forest fragmentation and invasive species. More than 95 percent of Madagascar’s 101 lemur species are endangered to one degree or another, probably Remnants of Soviet intervention in Afghanistan making them the most imperilled group of vertebrates. This photo taken on November 28, 2019 shows an Afghan boy playing on the wreckage of a Soviet- “As one of the world ‘hottest’ biodiversity hotspots, era tank alongside a road on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan. December 2019 marks the 40th Madagascar is experiencing all of the key global change threats,” the researchers note. anniversary of the Soviet Union’s ‘intervention’ of Afghanistan. In the decades since the war, which The island nation accounts for five percent of the ended in 1989, Afghan veterans and former Soviet soldiers have had to grapple with the physical and world’s unique plant and animal species. emotional wounds of a bloody conﬂict whose purpose and consequences remain angrily contested.

o o Notre Dame fire wakes the world up to dangers of lead dust 16 C 23 C AP guidelines. The reason, they together disparate and incom- Minimum Maximum PARIS say, is that although there are plete research to set a make- lead regulations, no one con- shift safety level in an attempt It took a blaze that nearly templated a conflagration on to reassure the public. Moderate temperature daytime with some clouds, and relatively cold by night. destroyed Paris’ most famous a lead-laden building the scale “When the Notre Dame fire cathedral to reveal a gap in of Notre Dame — whose spire happened, we didn’t have any

global safety regulations for towered nearly 100 meters threshold for what represented

HIGH TIDE 03:53 – 14:08 LOW TIDE 10:40 – 21:49 lead, a toxic building material (330 feet) high. dangerous lead levels out- Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department found across many historic Poisoning from lead dust doors,” Anne Souyris, the Paris cities. can cause permanent loss to City Hall deputy mayor in Longer exposure to obesity After the Notre Dame fire cognitive ability, seizures, charge of public health, said. linked to high diabetes risk in April spewed dozens of tons coma, or death — and “It was a wake-up call... of toxic lead-dust into the exposure is of greatest risk to the amount of lead that was IANS/NEW YORK atmosphere in just a few hours, pregnant mothers and to burned in Notre Dame was Paris authorities discovered a young children, who can easily unprecedented.” Officials were Researchers have found that longer and problem with the city’s public transfer toxic dust into their surprised to discover that sustained exposure to obesity is linked to safety regulations: There was mouths. while safety guidelines exist in The steeple and spire of the Notre-Dame Cathedral collapses an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. no threshold for them to gauge After 250 tons of lead on France for lead levels inside as the cathedral is engulfed in ﬂames in Paris on April 15, 2019. For the findings, the research team how dangerous the poten- Notre Dame’s spire and roof buildings and schools, as well from Indiana University in the US, used tially-deadly pollution was was engulfed in flames in as in paint, soil and air pol- data from the Australian Longitudinal from the dust that settled on beyond France. Officials in Environmental Protection central Paris on April 15 and lution, there were zero hazard Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) to the ground. other historic European cap- Agency and the World Health authorities alerted Parisians to guidelines for lead accumula- identify body mass index (BMI) trajectories Since then, AP has found itals such as Rome and Organization also have no such an environmental health risk, tions in public spaces, such as over the early adult life course. this regulatory gap extends far London, as well as the US outdoor lead dust hazard they were forced to cobble dust on the ground.