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MONDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 10825 May 21, 2018 Ramadan 5, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir hosts Iftar banquet for Amir Cup winners, runners-up

In brief

QATAR | Religion Qatar to provide Ift ar meals to 1mn Gazans Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Thani, Qatar has launched a campaign that aims to provide Iftar meals to one million people living in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs has announced. QATAR | Reaction Qatar condemns attack on church in Chechnya Qatar strongly condemned the attack on a church in Russia’s Chechen Republic, which led to the deaths. In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani hosted yesterday an Iftar banquet at the Amiri Diwan in honour of football players and technical and managerial staff of the Amir Cup winners Al Duhail Sports Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s firm position Club, runners-up Al Rayyan Sports Club, representatives of the Amir Cup sponsors, and a number of sports and media personalities. His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, Personal Representative of His on rejecting violence and terrorism, Highness the Amir, attended the banquet along with a number of their excellencies sons of His Highness the Father Amir. Page 24 regardless of the motives and reasons. It stressed Qatar’s total rejection to targeting the places of worship and intimidating the safe civilians. The ministry expressed Qatar’s condolences to the families of victims, the Doha among 4 government and the people of Russia. cities to study ARAB WORLD | Health QC Ramadan projects to Abbas hospitalised for third time in a week sustainable Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was hospitalised in the West Bank global model yesterday. It is the third time Abbas, benefi t 630,000 people 82, has been hospitalised in less than QNA a week. He is expected to stay at least Doha overnight. Abbas underwent minor ear atar Charity (QC) expects to Al-Aqraboon, Zakat ul-Fitr and Eidi serve Iftar meals to low-income fami- Islamic Aff airs. Water bottles are dis- surgery on Tuesday but went back into reach out to 630,000 fasting (gift) for orphans, QC has said. lies with the aim of meeting some of tributed to congregations while they al-Istishari Hospital in Ramallah briefly Qpeople in Qatar during the holy This year, QC is organising 39 Iftar their needs during Ramadan. As many perform Taraweeh and night prayers. oha has been selected to be in- overnight on Saturday/Sunday. He month by implementing a number of tables for fasting people in diff erent as 6,000 people are expected to benefi t As many as 242,000 people are expect- cluded among four world cit- was then rushed back later yesterday, projects and programmes as part of its parts of the country, such as Al Khor, from the project. ed to benefi t. Dies where an integrated global for what doctors described only as Ramadan campaign, ‘Giving is the Se- Thakhira, Simaisma, Khartiyat, Al The fourth project involves the distri- The Ramadan gifts project involves model for food, water and energy will “medical tests”. Page 9 cret to Happiness’, at a cost of about Gharafa, Al Rayyan, Al Sheehaniya, Al bution of Iftar meals among workers in the provision of fi nancial aid to low- be applied. QR16mn. Wakrah, Al Wukair, Muaither South various parts of the Industrial Area. The income families registered with QC According to the Ministry of Munici- QC’s Ramadan initiatives include and North, Al Sailiya, Bin Omran, Bin locations will change every day to cover before the start of Ramadan to meet pality and Environment, the four urban RAMADAN THOUGHT several Iftar projects for fasting peo- Mahmoud, Umm Salal Mohamed, Al the largest number of workers during their living needs in the holy month. and sustainable cities - Doha, Berlin, ple, targeting workers and community Kabaan, Al Aziziyah, Izghawa, Old Al the month. This project will reach out to The number of benefi ciaries reached as Bristol, and Vienna - were selected be- O mankind! Eat of that which is gatherings in particular, as well as Iftar Ghanim, Al Muntazah, Ain Khaled, Al 12,000 benefi ciaries, QC has said. many as 1,000 families this year. cause they refl ect diff erent social and lawful and good on the earth, and meals and Zakat ul-Fitr projects for Shamal, Fereej Abdul Aziz, Al Hilal, The Ramadan supplies project will As part of the Al-Aqraboon initia- economic patterns, while they also follow not the footsteps of Shaitan low-income families, the organisation Rawdat Rashid, Al Jamiliya and Barzan. provide parcels containing essential tive, implemented by QC for the third diff er in the characteristics of climate (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open has said in a press statement. During the entire month of Ram- foodstuff s for the holy month, distrib- consecutive year with the start of Ra- and weather in general and in the con- enemy. He [Shaitan] commands you The charity is also organising a adan, these projects will target 225,000 uted to families with limited income via madan, a number of media fi gures and sumption patterns, all of which have an only what is evil and Fahsha (sinful), number of cultural programmes, events fasting people with a focus on single coupons gifted by Qatar Charity at the social media infl uencers participate impact on food production and require and that you should say against Allah and supporting voluntary initiatives, workers, passers-by and low-income beginning of the holy month. About with the aim of providing fi nancial aid the development of a sustainable global what you know not. in partnership with organisations such earners, and provide them with ready 2,000 families are expected to benefi t. to needy families, who may not visit model based on international scientifi c (Qur’an 2: 168-169) as Baraha, Humanitarian Action Event, Iftar meals to break their fast. The mobile Iftar initiative involves charities for help, as well as supporting and technical foundations for food, wa- Prayer times Youth Initiatives Competition, Al-Sid- The second project focuses on single the distribution of snacks prepared by diffi cult cases within the country. ter and energy resources in urban areas. diqiyoon, You’re not alone and Moaa- workers and serves ready Iftar meal to Qatari productive families to motorists Zakat ul-Fitr is given to low-income The project is launched by the interna- Fajr....3.21 Zuhr....11.30 Asr....2.56 yashah (Co-existence). them with a focus on bachelor gather- who are not able to reach their homes families on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. tional research initiative “SUNEX” of the Maghrib.....6.17 Isha.....7.47 The most signifi cant Ramadan ings. This project is being implemented for Iftar. This Ramadan, it is expected The number of benefi ciaries is expect- Belmont Forum and JPI Urban Europe. projects are as follows: Iftar tables for in Al Ghuwariyah, Simaisma, Al Khor, that 15,000 motorists will benefi t from ed to reach 1,000 families. SUNEX will monitor the mentioned Fasting times fasting people, Iftar meals for single Al Khuraib, Al Sheehaniya, Abu Nakhla the project. Eidi is a gift distributed among or- global model through a control and workers, From Home to Home, Iftar and Al Wakrah. Around 18,000 people The project for providing water phans sponsored by QC before Eid sensing network to test the ability and Iftar today ...... 6.17pm meals for Industrial Zone workers, Ra- are expected to benefi t from the project. to congregations is under way in 43 al-Fitr to bring some joy to them. This effi ciency of its components to im- Imsak tomorrow...... 3.10am madan supplies, mobile Iftar, providing As part of the From Home to Home mosques in co-operation with the year, Eidi will be gifted to 324 orphans. prove water and energy sources for lo- water to congregations, Ramadan gift, project, Qatari families prepare and Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Page 9 cal food production. To Page 6 Al Thumama Stadium receives prestigious award in Cannes

l Thumama Stadium, a proposed The award presented to Al Thumama “The design approach for Al Thu- and is built on valuing and preserving host venue for the 2022 FIFA Stadium assesses entries based on the mama is based on contextually appro- its context. Cooling technology using AWorld Cup Qatar, has received technological innovations used in their priate and environmentally sustainable solar energy was also devised in the de- the prestigious MIPIM/Architectural design and construction, as well as their solutions,” added Jaidah. “Bearing in sign to decrease the carbon footprint of Review Future Project Award in the connectedness to surrounding urban mind the SC’s mission, Al Thumama is a the structure in the long term, which is sport and stadiums category. and environmental planning. patron of a sustainable environment and targeting a four-star Global Sustainabil- The award was received during a cer- Commenting on the award, Jaidah local community.” ity Assessment System certifi cation for emony in Cannes, France, by the sta- said: “It is a great honour to win the pres- Meanwhile, the SC’s Al Thumama both design and construction. dium’s designer, and chief architect of tigious MIPIM/AR Future Project Award Stadium project manager Saoud al-An- Main contractor works at Al Thu- Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB), Ibrahim for Al Thumama Stadium. I feel that this sari, said: “Receiving the MIPIM award mama Stadium are scheduled for com- Mohamed Jaidah. is just the beginning of the accolades that is a true testament to the uniqueness of pletion by 2020. The 40,000-seat sta- He attended on behalf of the Supreme will follow, for not only Al Thumama, but Al Thumama Stadium’s design, which is dium will be accessible to people with Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), also other stadia designed for the 2022 rooted in our culture and traditions. disabilities and will have modular upper the organisation responsible for deliv- FIFA World Cup, which are all master- “The award is also a culmination of tiers, thereby enabling the capacity to be ering the infrastructure required for the pieces in their own right.” all eff orts that have gone into the de- reduced to 20,000 in legacy mode, with 2022 FIFA World Cup. Jaidah continued: “These are state- sign and planning of this proposed FIFA the excess seats donated to nations in The MIPIM/Architectural Review of-the-art stadia, but are designed in a World Cup venue, and we are proud that need of sporting infrastructure. Future Project Awards – now in their way that refl ects our culture and rein- such a Qatari-inspired and developed AEB is the award-winning, fi rst lo- 17th year – honour excellence in not- forces our identity. Qatar is being recog- vision has been recognised internation- cally established architectural and en- yet-built or under construction projects nised on the international stage, and it is ally,” he continued. gineering consultancy fi rm in Qatar. Its in 12 categories. Entries are judged by a my absolute privilege to be involved in a The stadium’s design is inspired by extensive portfolio includes over 1,500 renowned international jury and pub- project that has received such an impor- the ‘gahfi ya’ headdress worn by men projects of various typologies across the lished in the Architectural Review. tant and respected award.” in Qatar and across the Mena region, Al Thumama Stadium designer Ibrahim Jaidah (right) receives the MIPIM Award. Middle East and Southeast Asia. Page 4 Gulf Times 2 Monday, May 21, 2018 QATAR

Minister meets ambassadors

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi yesterday met the ambassadors of France, UK and Germany to Qatar - Eric Chevallier, Ajay Sharma, and Hans-Udo Muzel, respectively. The meeting discussed a number of regional issues, as well as matters of joint interest.

Qatar University, QEWC to establish quality unit for seawater treatment

QNA tablishment of a quality Dr al-Derham said it is fi eld of water desalination and Doha calibration unit for seawater not the fi rst agreement be- related research, pointing out treatment and desalination tween the two sides. that water is one of the most for three years. He noted that the agree- vital sectors for the state. atar University and CAM, meanwhile, will ment puts QEWC at the Al-Mohannadi added Qatar Electricity carry out specialised re- forefront of benefi ciaries of that QEWC is in a con- Qand Water Compa- search in the fi eld of pre- the university’s expertise stant battle to deal with the ny (QEWC) have signed a treatment and post-de- and capacities in this fi eld. changing reality of water, co-operation agreement to salination technology and Qatar University presi- the chemicals used in its establish a quality calibra- provide consultation when- dent added that the agree- desalination and distribu- tion unit for the treatment ever necessary to evaluate ment is complementary to tion, and the types of as- and desalination of seawater the work and safety of re- the memorandum of un- sociated diseases, which, he under the umbrella of the verse osmosis plants oper- derstanding signed by the noted, requires a joint eff ort university’s Centre for Ad- ated by QEWC. two sides in April last year between the company and vanced Materials (CAM). The centre will also di- to enhance co-operation in Qatar University. Qatar University Presi- agnose water treatment water-related research. He stressed the impor- dent Dr Hassan bin Rash- systems and conduct data He noted that the partner- tance of establishing a water id al-Derham signed the analysis to ensure that they ship between them is old as centre at Qatar University agreement along with conform to specifi cations. they carried out joint research to be concerned with water QEWC General Manager it will also build national on numerous occasions. studies in the same way as and Managing Director Fa- expertise and capabilities For his part, the QEWC the gas centre and other en- had Hamad al-Mohannadi. through training and re- general manager highlighted tities established by the uni- Under the agreement, habilitation programs for the constructive co-operation versity in the diff erent fi elds QEWC will fi nance the es- QEWC employees. between the two sides in the of science. Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 3 QATAR

Qatar University station getting ready

Qatar Rail has released an image, on its Twitter page, of the Qatar University station side platforms as seen from the central tracks along with ongoing ceiling fit-out works.

Doha hosts workshop on international sanctions

QNA Nations Offi ce on Drugs overall plan to disruption of of its kind to discuss this Doha and Crime (UNODC) and funding networks for ter- subject, brought together the National Anti-Money rorism. speakers from the UNODC Laundering and Terrorism This workshop is part of a Global Programme against training workshop on Financing Committee. series of regional workshops Money-Laundering and the how countries ap- The workshop aimed at hosted by Qatar, and part Security Council Monitoring Aply sanctions under assisting experts in better of the MENAFATF training Group concerned with ap- the United Nations Security understanding the threats plan, which comes within plying sanctions on terrorist Council resolutions 1267 posed by terrorist fi nanc- the framework of co-opera- organisations, in addition to and 1988 was held in Doha. ing and to eff ectively reduce tion in capacity building for 30 experts from various in- The four-day workshop those threats, and to con- all professionals in the fi eld stitutions such as FIUs, in- was organised by the Mid- sider how countries apply of combating money laun- telligence agencies, law en- dle East and North Af- UN Security Council sanc- dering and the fi nancing of forcement agencies, military rica Financial Action Task tions set forth in resolu- terrorism in the member- and prosecutors from Iraq, Force (MENAFATF), in col- tions 1267/1989/2253 and states. Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, laboration with the United 1988/2255, as part of the The workshop, the fi rst Oman, Palestine and Qatar. Gulf Times 4 Monday, May 21, 2018 QATAR

Al Thumama Stadium wins top award Over 10,000 pupils to sit for GCSE fi nal exams today

QNA Doha

total of 10,240 students will begin today the fi nal Aexams of the second se- mester of the General Certifi cate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in public and private Arabic schools. The students will sit for their examinations in 59 centres inside and outside Doha, 32 of which are for boys and 27 for girls. Director of the Evaluation Department of the Ministry of Al Thumama Stadium, a proposed host venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, has received the prestigious MIPIM/Architectural Review Future Project Award in the sport and stadiums category. Education and Higher Education Left: Architect’s impression of Al Thumama Stadium’s aerial view. Right: Architect’s impression of Al Thumama Stadium’s interior. Fahad Ali al-Naama said that the Ministry has made all provisions to help the students to perform the tests in a calm and comfort- able environment. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), al-Naama called WHO team visits HMC Tobacco Control Centre on the students to come on time, to concentrate well during the exams and abide by the instruc- delegation from the tional tobacco control activi- tions, wishing them all success. World Health Organisa- ties as well as future initiatives, The fi nal exams will continue Ation’s (WHO) Eastern including a planned regional until June 6, while the second Mediterranean Regional Offi ce Train-the-Trainer workshop for round tests are scheduled to take has toured Hamad Medical Cor- healthcare professionals that place from July 24 to August 2, poration’s (HMC) Tobacco Con- will provide physicians, nurs- 2018. trol Centre, which was offi cially es, and other allied healthcare inaugurated earlier this year. workers with information about In 2017, HMC’s Tobacco smoking cessation and tobacco Advisory Council Control Centre was designated control. as a WHO Collaborating Cen- The importance of co-opera- legal committee tre, the first in Qatar and the tion and collaboration across the holds meeting region. WHO Collaborating health sector was also discussed. Centres, which also include Dr al-Mulla thanked the del- The Advisory Council’s Legal and research institutes and parts of egation for their visit, noting the Legislative Aff airs Committee held universities and academies, are signifi cance of the relationship a meeting yesterday chaired by designated to carry out activi- between HMC’s Tobacco Con- Rapporteur Nasser bin Rashid ties in support of the WHO’s trol Center and the WHO. He Seraei al-Kaabi. The Committee mandated international health said the international tobacco studied the proposal presented work. control community must work by HE Speaker of the Advisory Dr Ahmad al-Mulla, head of together to ensure individual Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Tobacco Control Centre and Members of WHO delegation with HMC’s Tobacco Control Centre off icials. countries have the knowledge, Zaid al-Mahmoud on the situation representatives from the Min- tools, data, and people needed of retired citizens, as well as the istry of Public Health met with providing accessible treatment Members of the WHO delega- HMC’s Tobacco Control Centre the Centre’s programmes. to develop and implement sus- extent to which those wishing to members of the WHO delegation options for people who want to tion acknowledged the impor- and congratulated the smoking The group discussed current tained tobacco control pro- return to work can be accommo- and discussed the importance of stop smoking. tance of the services off ered by cessation team on the success of regional, national, and interna- grammes. dated in the State’s institutions. Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 5 QATAR UCL places students in prestigious institutions

CL Qatar has announced The Museums and Gallery that its Library and In- Practice student placements are QU, Microsoft Qatar off icials at the signing ceremony. Uformation Studies and currently taking place at top glo- Museums and Gallery Practice bal cultural organisations where master degree students will be students are given the oppor- completing their work place- tunity to be directly involved in ments at prestigious local and in- projects and collaborate with QU, Microsoft Qatar sign collaborative agreement ternational museums, art galleries museum professionals in various and libraries. departments, such as curation, These include the Qatar Na- exhibitions, and education. atar University (QU) and Micro- professional development platform that agreement options given their unique and competencies at Qatar University. tional Library, Hammonds House Selected examples of UCL Qa- soft Qatar have signed a collabo- will serve the needs of the education needs, and with Offi ce 365 access to all We look forward to achieving the goals Museum in Atlanta, US, Hošek tar’s placement collaborations for Qrative agreement to facilitate the stakeholders in all QU departments. This students and educators at no charge, as of this agreement through our collabora- Contemporary in Berlin, Palais de 2017-2018 are the Smithsonian effi cient and eff ective use of information platform shall serve as the single point of well as with Offi ce Pro Plus benefi ts to all tive work and ongoing co-operation with Tokyo, Paris, and more. Institution in Washington, DC, communications technology to improve resource for all pedagogy- and technol- legally licensed. Microsoft.” The work placement is a man- the State Hermitage Museum in teaching and learning at QU. ogy-related recorded content, as well as In addition, Microsoft Qatar will raise Khalaf said: “Technology sits at the datory educational requirement Russia, Unesco Regional offi ce in The agreement was signed by QU vice igniting the desire to innovate through awareness and adoption of available core of education, by empowering teach- for all students enrolled in both Doha, and the National Museum president for administration and fi - the use of technology in the day-to-day O365 services for all students and teach- ers and students to revolutionise the way graduate programmes. Students of Qatar. nancial aff airs Dr Khalid al-Khater and learning exercise. ers with an emphasis on those that drive we teach and learn in the digital era. The seeking fi rst-hand experiences Students from the Library and Microsoft Qatar country manager Lana QU will promote legal use of software educational outcomes, and will provide Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us that fi t their academic interests Information Studies programme Khalaf in the presence of QU Informa- and will drive deployment of Offi ce 365 QU with awareness and access to tech- and demands new approaches to learn- are encouraged to take advantage have completed their placements tion Technology Services Department for all educators and students, as well nology roadmaps. ing, from mixed-reality solutions to of the various opportunities made at prestigious libraries around the director Dr Salem al-Naemi and offi cials as awareness for academic pricing lev- Dr al-Khater said: “This agreement hands-on lesson plans, thus providing available in both the world’s and world. These include the Lauinger from both institutions. els from Microsoft to institutions, edu- serves to strengthen our existing col- students with rich, immersive and col- Qatar’s rapidly expanding herit- Library at Georgetown University As per the agreement, QU and Micro- cators, and students. Microsoft Qatar laboration with Microsoft. It will also laborative experiences – as we prepare age sectors. in Washington DC, the OPEC In- soft Qatar will collaborate on creating a will provide QU with the best licensing contribute to developing the programs them for the digital future.” “Through a combination of formation Centre in Vienna, The class-based theory and hands-on British Library, and the Museum experience during work place- of Islamic Art Library in Doha. ments, we are committed to equip Joining such prestigious librar- our students with the knowledge ies, the students have the oppor- and expertise needed to become tunity to contribute to real life QFC programmes celebrate holy month of Ramadan future leaders in Qatar’s grow- scenarios in various departments ing cultural heritage sectors,” said such as cataloguing or archiving, Sam Evans, the director of UCL acquiring this way fi rst-hand ex- he Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) ics and drawing class for Qatar Orphan to continue sponsoring the child in- purchasing school supplies and gifts for Qatar. perience needed to succeed in a has announced several initia- Foundation ‘Dreama’ children, reading defi nitely and will be able to follow the children of Dreama. “Ramadan is a time “Our requirement to complete a professional setting. Ttives to mark Ramadan, under the stories for the elderly at the Ehsan Eld- child’s progress with monthly updates for self-refl ection, which naturally leads professional work placement ena- UCL Qatar’s ongoing eff orts theme ‘Road to Humanity’. erly Centre, among other activities. provided by Qatar Charity. us to want to help others. bles our students to apply the the- and goals are to create a lasting QFC will host a series of workshops To further support children in need, QFC will continue the spirit of giv- The QFC’s Ramadan initiatives em- ory and skills they have learned in legacy of world-leading research through the ‘One Family’ initiative. during Eid al-Fitr, the QFC will also ing fostered throughout Ramadan with phasise that we all stand together as class to a professional environ- and teaching excellence to enrich Volunteers from the QFC will help in- sponsor orphans on behalf of vari- ‘Hand in Hand’, the first charity treas- one family and one community in Qa- ment. Through these experiences, and support the university’s stu- still the family feeling through sharing ous organisations in Qatar as a way to ure hunt in Qatar for families, who will tar, a spirit that helps us as individuals our students learn valuable les- dents, as well as delivering the their talents and working with members encourage them to ‘pay it forward’ by work in teams to find Ramadan gifts and as a society,” according to Sarah sons that will help them fi nd chal- aspirations of Qatar’s National of the Qatar community to create a great- continuing to have a positive eff ect on hidden throughout a maze at Aspire al-Dorani, acting chief marketing and lenging jobs at the forefront of Vision, regionally and interna- er sense of unity. society. Zone. corporate communications officer, this demanding industry.” tionally. The workshops will include a com- The recipients will get the chance All ticket proceeds will go toward QFC Authority. Gulf Times 6 Monday, May 21, 2018 QATAR Offi cial Lexus F Club launched bdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co (AAB), the gage, the Lexus F Club will off er a wide range of exclusive distributor of Lexus in Qatar, has benefi ts and rewards to members, including dis- Alaunched the fi rst offi cial Lexus F Club. counted prices on vehicles and car rentals from The launch was attended by owners of Lexus F AAB, off ers on services and products from the and F Sport models, along with new club mem- Moteri Auto Care Centre, and invitations to spe- bers, journalists, and social media infl uencers. cial Lexus events and activities, AAB has said in a The guests were welcomed by acting chief press statement. executive R K Murugan on behalf of AAB, who In addition, they will receive a complimentary thanked them for their support and wished them miniature die-cast model of a Lexus RC F, a copy happy driving. of The Art of Lexus book, and a Lexus-branded Lexus senior marketing manager Firas Mufti laser pen. briefed the attendees on the club’s objectives: Lexus F models are born out of a “relentless “The whole purpose of the club is to build a com- passion for driving, capturing the essence of munity for thrill-seekers and have them partici- Lexus F, its fast and dynamic response, high ef- pate, on a regular basis, in get-togethers and dif- fi ciency and seamless performance on everyday ferent functions, where they can compare each roads and racetracks that can be enjoyed by eve- other’s rides and interact with other F owners ryone, safely”. from around the country.” The fi rst model of the high-performance F During the adrenaline-fuelled event at the Lo- brand, Lexus IS F, marked a shift in the automo- sail International Circuit, the new club members tive industry with its craftsmanship and engi- enjoyed a full day of thrills, driving their vehi- neering, when it launched in 2006 after intensive cles and test-driving high-performance Lexus F testing on Fuji Speedway. models, enabling drivers of all skill levels to “rel- The Lexus IS F was followed by the ground- ish driving pleasure and a satisfying performance breaking LFA supercar in 2009. at all times”. Currently, Lexus off ers two F brand models, Off ering a platform for owners and enthusiasts the RC F Coupe and the four-door luxury sports Participants of the launch event for the country’s first off icial Lexus F Club pose at the Lusail International Circuit. of Lexus F and F Sport models to connect and en- sedan GS F.

Beach action Players go for the ball during one of three matches that took place yesterday on the An off icial giving feedback second day of Katara’s on a student project. Ramadan Beach Volleyball Championship 2018. The first match-up saw Wakrah beat Zubarah, while Al Sadd Judging won over the Katara 2 team in the second match. The third match sessions between Msheireb and Najma saw a victory for the latter. The fourth held for edition of Katara’s beach volleyball tournament is being held during the Al-Bairaq month of Ramadan. student projects Doha chosen to study sustainable global model

he Qatar University’s From Page 1 stitutes from Europe and America, and ending in July 2021. Interna- (QU) Al-Bairaq pro- to conduct scientific research ti- tional donors and Qatar National Tgramme recently held The Belmont Forum has awarded tled “Formulating Sustainable Ur- Research Fund will finance the re- two judging ceremonies for the scientific and technical work to ban Food, Water and Energy (FEW) search at a cost 1.5mn euros. male and female student the Ministry of Municipality and strategy by optimising the syner- The Qatari team is led by Director of projects of the fourth cycle Environment and Qatar Environ- getic effects among food, water and Centre for Environment and Munici- of primary stage and third ment and Energy Research Institute energy sectors”. pal Studies at the Ministry of Munici- cycle of preparatory stage in at Hamad bin Khalifa University, The study will be conducted over pality and Environment Dr Mohamed the “I am Discovering Mate- along with scientific research in- three years, starting from July 2018 Saif al- Kuwari. rials” track. The ceremonies engaged a total of 414 students from 19 schools. They were attended by a large number of judges from governmental institutions and from oil and gas compa- nies. In all, 107 projects were proposed. The students used the in- formation and techniques gained during their journey with Al-Bairaq team to pro- pose creative and eff ective solutions to solve various problems faced by society. Al-Bairaq team worked with male and female stu- dents for about three months to create a positive environ- ment, and to motivate and train them to search for and ask the right questions to gain the needed information. The team organised work- shops at schools’ laborato- ries about topics on material sciences and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) such as composite materials and food packaging. Those subjects were care- fully chosen to encourage students to think, search and fi nd useful solutions and in- ventions for problems. Al-Bairaq manager Dr Noora al-Thani praised the work accomplished by Al- Bairaq students and team members. She said: “Al-Bairaq will continue to encourage stu- dents to participate in re- search so they will be able to use their knowledge to as- sure a promising future for Qatar.” “There is a future plan to develop Al-Bairaq to com- mensurate with the coun- try’s development, and we will include grade three and four in the coming cycles,” the offi cial said. “I hope that the Minis- try of Education and Higher Education will adopt Al- Bairaq’s curriculum and use it in schools across Qatar,” she added. Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 7 RAMADAN/QATAR Fasting: a case of Islamweb enters 20th divine compassion

oth reason and revela- year with new look tion confi rm that Al- Blah, The Most Exalted, he Ministry of En- guidance department at the and adopted the most pop- most important references does not make obligatory dowments and Is- ministry, said that the web- ular languages, databases and Islamic books in various that which does not ben- Tlamic Aff airs’ online site has managed a lot of and modern technologies in religious sciences, whether efi t His servants nor does network Islamweb enters successes throughout its 20 general, in addition to ex- heritage or contemporary He prohibit that which is not its 20th year and during years of operation, adding amining the portal to ensure books, which are impor- harmful. Some of us may in the period the website that the ministry was keen its safety and protection tant resources for special- fact recognise some of these has accomplished several during that time to develop from hacking. ised and non-specialised benefi ts and detriments on achievements to establish its interface and content He said the intended ad- researchers. which divine commands and itself as one of the major so as to maintain its global ditions comply with the The library also covers prohibitions are predicated. Islamic online portals. status as one of the major developments happening in Islamic sciences with its Indeed, as Allah has placed To mark the occasion, Islamic portals. the world, the needs of the various branches, starting wisdom in His creations, He the ministry launched The new interface of the visitors and with the great with literatures of Islamic has also placed wisdom in yesterday a new edition online network is consist- technical developments jurisprudence, as well as His Law. For Allah is Wise of the website, which uses ent with the nature of its seen in the world. the principles of jurispru- in His Actions. He does not state-of-the-art tech- users in terms of quality The ministry is about to dence, the interpretation create something that has nology and caters to in- and ease of use, taking into supplement the website of Qur’an, the understand- no value nor does He enact a terests and ambitions of account the technical for- with nearly 10 new websites ing of Hadith, biographies, law that is frivolous or of no visitors all over the world, mat of colours used, fonts and unique applications for doctrine, history and other signifi cance. whether Muslims looking and menus as well as navi- smartphones in the upcom- topics, all in nearly 5mn Almighty Allah, in His for religious knowledge gation speed through the ing months to strengthen pages. Mercy and through His or non-Muslims inter- diff erent browsers and the the cultural and preach role Currently, the consulta- Knowledge of man’s com- ested in learning about ability to copy, download of the website. tion section of website con- plex nature, has mandated Islam, in addition to the and print the material of Some of the important tains more than 180,000 fasting through gradual public who look for daily the website. sections of the website in- medical, psychological, stages. In fact, this progres- fatwa as well as medical, On the issue of securing clude the Islamic e-library, social and other consulta- sive and forbearing method Hamad International Airport mosque. psychological and social the network against hack- jurisprudence, children tions, whereas the fatwa is not only evident in fast- consultations. ing, Jassim al-Ali, head of section and a news service section registered more ing but in all that Allah has shape that Muslims practice poor. Allah then coupled excuses. And along with The network publishes the network, said that the on the latest developments than 230,000 diff erent fat- ordered and prohibited. today. this option with encour- this last stage, Allah has its scientifi c knowledge and new design took into ac- around the world. In ad- was, and 100,000 various Take for example the prohi- What is more, Allah, The agement to mankind to fast, brought forth His Forgive- preaching materials and count these security chal- dition, the website covers cultural articles. bition of alcohol. Allah has Most Exalted, has made as He, The Most Exalted, ness and Mercy, as He Says services in six languages lenges so that it would sections on Haj and Umrah, In addition, there are regulated drinking gradually feeding poor people an al- says (what means): “And (what means): “It has been - Arabic, English, French, be able to ward off any Ramadan and a section to 3bn audio fi les including until the last and fi nal pro- ternative to fasting for the upon those who are able [to made permissible for you Spanish, German and Indo- breaches. deal with suspicions against Qur’an, lessons, explana- hibition came in the verse elderly or those who are fast, but with hardship] - a the night preceding fast- nesian through 8mn pages Al-Ali added that the Islam and opens up room for tions, religious texts, edu- (which means): “O you who unable to endure certain ransom [as substitute] of ing to go to your wives [for and 2bn page views. new edition of Islamweb dialogue. cational materials, Friday have believed, indeed, intox- challenging conditions. For feeding a poor person [each sexual relations]. They are Speaking to Qatar News implemented global design The e-library is the larg- sermons, audio books, and icants, gambling, [sacrifi c- travellers and the sick, fast- day]. And whoever volun- clothing for you and you Agency (QNA), Malallah al- standards in order to ensure est Islamic library on the other useful religious and ing on] stone altars [to other ing is not obligatory but the teers excess - it is better are clothing for them. Al- Jaber, director of religious appropriate performance, internet and contains the cultural audio fi les. (QNA) than Allah], and divining ar- days missed must he ful- for him. But to fast is best lah knows that you used to rows are but defi lement from fi lled in the future, as soon for you, if you only knew.” deceive yourselves, so He the work of Satan, so avoid it as circumstances permit, [Qur’an 2:184] accepted your repentance that you may be successful.” as Allah says (what means): This stage of fasting and forgave you.” [Qur’an [Qur’an 5:90] “…and whoever is ill or on paved the way for the fol- 2: 187] a journey - then an equal lowing stage- the last No doubt, fasting in Stages in Mandating number of other days. Al- stage in which fasting is this fl exible manner is a lah intends for you ease made absolute and obliga- blessing that deserves our Doha Municipality begins Fasting As regards fasting, it was and does not intend for you tory on all mankind in the gratitude. And for this mandated through three hardship and [wants] for verse (which means): “The very reason Allah ended stages. In the fi rst stage, Al- you to complete the period month of Ramadan [is that] the verses of fasting with lah granted the believers a and to glorify Allah for that in which was revealed the gratitude, such as the verse [to] which He has guided Qur’an, a guidance for the (which means): “Allah in- inspection campaigns choice to either fast Ram- adan or feed a poor person you; and perhaps you will people and clear proofs of tends for you ease and does for each day of fasting. In be grateful.” [Qur’an 2:185] guidance and criterion. So not intend for you hard- he Doha Municipal- the second stage, fasting Not only did Allah break whoever sights [the new ship and [wants] for you to ity has started in- was made mandatory but if down the obligation of fast- moon of] the month, let complete the period and to Ttensive control and one happened to go to bed ing into three stages, He also him fast it.” [Qur’an 2: 185]. glorify Allah for that [to] inspection tours on all the before breaking one’s fast, presented these stages in However, the license to which He has guided you; food and services facilities one would be obliged to con- an attractive and appealing make it up still remains and perhaps you will be and outlets within Doha. tinue one’s fast until the next fashion so that we would for those with substantial grateful.” [Qur’an 2:185] All the sections of the day’s Iftar time (sunset). [Al- wilfully accept fasting and municipal aff airs de- Bukhari, the Book of Fasting] hope for its rewards. Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/ partment have adopted Later, these two stages In the fi rst stage, it was a number of measures to were abrogated and Ram- the option in choosing check the safety and hy- adan fasting took the fi nal whether to fast or feed the giene of the food prod- ucts on display at the local market. In addition, the techni- cal control section has is- sued the temporary licences for the Iftar tents of chari- ties, hotels and individuals, in co-ordination with the entities concerned. The health inspectors of the municipality will work daily in three shifts throughout Ramadan, from Inspection in progress at an outlet. 8am to 1pm, from 1pm un- til 6pm, and from 8pm until food facilities and out- regulations of the public and on fruit, vegetable 1am to conduct operations lets within Doha. Besides, hygiene law. and meat shops during the in the local market. all shops have been given The inspection would fourth week. The inspection will cover instructions to avoid dis- be focused on sweets and Public gardens in Doha the central market at Abu playing their goods on the nuts shops during the sec- will receive visitors from Hamour, and all the other pavements and abide by the ond week of Ramadan, 3pm until 3am daily. Chevrolet announces off ers

hevrolet has announced that it is “sharing its most generous Coff ers of the year with custom- ers across Qatar in the true spirit of Ramadan”. Throughout the holy month, cus- tomers “can take advantage of some of the greatest deals of the year on 2018 Chevrolet models, including 0% down-payment as well as diamond vouchers with every vehicle sold”, ac- cording to a statement. “To celebrate the month of giv- ing, Chevrolet and Chevrolet’s dealer partners in Qatar would like extend some exceptional off ers to our new and existing customers this Ramadan,” said Ahmed Sodoudi, head of brand at Chevrolet Middle East. “With great savings on a wide selection of 2018 Chevrolet models, including the 2018 The 2018 Tahoe, Silverado and Traverse are on off er. Tahoe, Silverado and Traverse, now is the time to take home a brand-new ble than ever before; 2018 Chevrolet rolet Complete Care. With one-hour Chevrolet.” Tahoe - from QR4,300 per month, a servicing, two days’ guaranteed book- Upon purchase of select 2018 Chev- perfect blend of contemporary design, ing, four years’ 24/7 regional roadside rolet models, buyers will also get free legendary capability and performance, assistance, a three-year/100,000km two years’ registration free of charge, the 2018 Tahoe off ers a premium driv- regional warranty, guaranteed parts two years’ insurance free of charge, ing experience, no matter where the availability and transparent pricing, a special service package and entry driver goes or what they do; and 2018 Chevrolet customers can rest assured into a raffl e draw with prizes includ- Chevrolet Traverse - from QR3,110 per that Chevrolet will continue to put ing fl ights, holidays, a 55-inch TV and month, the all-new 2018 Chevrolet their convenience and satisfaction fi rst others prizes, the statement notes. Traverse is for the go-getters, adven- and foremost. Specifi c off ers include the follow- ture seekers and the family that’s al- Customers can visit their nearest ing: 2018 Chevrolet Silverado - from ways in motion. Chevrolet showrooms at Jaidah Motors QR3,460 per month, Chevrolet’s sig- As part of Chevrolet’s commit- and Trading Company to take a look at nature truck is built on a legacy of ment to putting the customer at the Chevrolet’s award-winning 2018 vehi- dependability and is engineered to centre of its business, all Chevrolet cle line-up. Off ers are valid throughout be stronger, smarter and more capa- vehicles come with standard Chev- the month of Ramadan. Gulf Times 8 Monday, May 21, 2018 QATAR

UCL Qatar adds new modules Vodafone holds workshops to master’s degree in library niversity Col- Trained data profes- libraries sector and meet lege London Qatar sionals in the sector will be the increasing need for U(UCL Qatar) has able to manage and handle appropriate information announced the introduc- records from government and record management in on online safety at schools tion of new pathways agencies and private cor- Qatar.” within its postgraduate porations, as well as the Evans added, “UCL Qa- odafone Qatar, in related to safety online to master’s degree of Library emerging research sector tar’s innovative postgrad- partnership with the learn specifi c skills, in- and Information Studies. in the country. uate degree programmes VMinistry of Trans- cluding identifying fake For the fi rst time in Qa- The announcement aim to produce motivated port and Communications news, safe online gam- tar, specialised courses comes just weeks after and trained profession- (MoTC) and the Ministry of ing, and self-image and in archives, records and the offi cial opening of the als who will take leading Education and Higher Edu- reputation online. At each data management will be Qatar National Library roles in facilitating Qatar’s cation, has delivered addi- workshop, the pupils did taught. These will support that will now support development programmes tional online safety work- an interactive electronic the transition of Qatar to Qatar’s innovative and for economic diversifi ca- shops at 11 primary schools survey. Afterwards, they a knowledge-based econ- research-based librar- tion and its rapid progres- benefi ting close to 1,000 discussed some of the dan- omy and the development ies sector to become a sion to a knowledge based students. The initiative fol- gers and how to stay safe in of the country’s growing regional leader. economy.” lows workshops conducted diff erent situations. need for library and infor- Sam Evans, director, Applications for UCL late last year at 10 other This revealed that 31% of mation specialists. UCL Qatar, said, “These Qatar’s master’s degree schools. pupils spend at least eight The updates will help additions to our post- programmes in Library This comes as part of hours online per day on the meet the growing need graduate programme, and Information Studies the MoTC and the Educa- following activities, watch- from across government which are unique and new and Museum and Gallery tion Ministry’s collabora- ing videos (35%), social me- and the private sectors to to Qatar’s academic land- Practice are currently open tion to raise cyber safety dia (25%), and games (22%). handle an ever-increasing scape, will better prepare at UCL Qatar. The degree awareness in the Qatari The activities showed the amount of records, and to our students for roles in programmes are avail- community and Vodafone’s importance of telling adults support the emerging re- the rapidly changing in- able as full-time one year AmanTECH online safety about inappropriate con- search sector and e-gov- formation economy. They courses or part-time two programme, which aims to tent. ernment initiatives. will support the growing years courses. equip children, parents, and Only 24% of children said teachers with the right tools they would tell an adult if Young boys participate in an activity during the Vodafone AmanTECH school workshop. to navigate the digital world they saw something up- safely. setting online, while 56% they would tell parents if Vodafone Qatar, said, “Qa- given the opportunity to In February, Voda- said they would ignore it, a stranger online wanted tar has one of the highest make the most of commu- Malabar Gold names winners fone Qatar and the MoTC and 12% said they would to meet them, 36% said Internet penetrations in the nication technologies for signed a memorandum of use Google to fi nd out they would tell the person world and the highest social their development while understanding to collabo- more about it, 8% said they they were not comfort- media penetration. also instilling healthy and rate on a wide range of cy- would share it with friends. able. However, 5% said “It is also clear from pub- safe online habits.” ber safety initiatives that The most popular social they would arrange a se- lic statistics and our own The AmanTECH pro- would ensure continuous media platforms were In- cret meeting on their own, research that children in gramme includes ongo- and eff ective awareness and stagram (43%) and Snap- while 12% said they would Qatar are spending a con- ing workshops, an online education throughout the chat (38%). Most young go to the meeting, but take siderable amount of time source for information, community. people were aware of the a friend. online. These facts have re- and tips for parents acces- The workshops required risks of meeting with on- Mohamed al-Yami, di- inforced our commitment sible at www.vodafone.qa/ children to perform tasks line friends: 47% said rector, external aff airs at to ensure that children are AmanTECH

The winners of the final raff le draw of ‘10kg Gold for 100 Winners’ campaign by WCM-Q forum explores role Malabar Gold & Diamonds – Gopal, Fahad, Raymondan, Abdul and Ahamed – receive the prize of 100gm gold bar from group executive director Nishad A K in the presence of cell signalling in disease of regional head Santhosh T V, zonal head Noufal Thadathil and other off icials.

ome of the world’s foremost physiology at Stanford University researchers investigating the School of Medicine. Barwa Bank launches Smechanisms by which cells The lab of one of the speakers Dr communicate with one another, Stefan Feske, associate professor at convened in Doha at a conference the New York University School of Mastercard weekend off er hosted by Weill Cornell Medicine- Medicine, investigates the role of Qatar (WCM-Q). ion channels in controlling immune A total of 18 international experts response, with the ultimate goal of arwa Bank has ing Thursday morning till cial promotional schemes, in the fi eld of cell signalling gave Dr Stefan Feske Dr Khaled Machaca identifying drug targets for immu- launched a ‘Master- Saturday midnight. which ultimately enhances presentations, explaining the very notherapy. BCard weekend off er’ As many as 10 win- their customer base and latest advances in what is a highly ate dean for research and profes- The two-day conference on ‘Sig- Dr Feske said, “If you can iden- for its existing Barwa Bank ners stand a chance to win gives them an edge over dynamic and complex research area. sor of physiology and biophysics at nalling at Membrane Contact Sites’ tify modulators of ion channels MasterCard holders. a travel voucher worth others. Cell signalling refers to a wide WCM-Q, specialises in the study of brought expert speakers to Doha that control immune cells that are During the holy month QR5,000 each. In addition, The bank also off ers a range of communication processes the role of calcium in cell signalling. from all over the world, including involved in infl ammatory response, of Ramadan, Barwa Bank the customers would earn wide range of debit and occurring at the cellular level, which Dr Machaca said, “Understand- Prof Ole Petersen, CBE, professor it may be possible to manipulate off ers its customers a loyalty points with every credit cards, all with a va- govern many activities of cells, ing the molecular mechanisms gov- of physiology at Cardiff University, these channels or their modulators chance to win “exciting purchase. riety of valuable features making life possible. Cell signalling erning cellular signalling, including Wales, UK; Dr Andreas Guse, direc- to suppress infl ammation and treat rewards” when they make These points would be tailored to meet the needs co-ordinates essential cell proc- calcium signalling, is essential to tor of biochemistry and molecular diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or transactions using their redeemable with Qatar of diff erent customers. esses like tissue repair, growth and develop novel therapies to treat dis- cell biology at University Medical asthma. The big challenge, as with MasterCard credit card Airways Privilege Club, All of Barwa Bank’s immune response; errors in these eases. Ultimately the regulation of Centre, Hamburg-Eppendorf; Dr all drugs, is to fi nd drug targets and during the weekends. The Nojoom and other lead- cards are accepted locally processes are involved in many se- homeostasis happens in large part Raphael Courjaret, assistant pro- therapies that specifi cally inhibiting off er is valid until July 21. ing merchants across and internationally – and rious illnesses, including diabetes, at the cellular and molecular level, fessor of research in physiology infl ammation without causing det- The winner will be cho- Qatar. can be used at several of cancer, and autoimmune diseases so such an understanding is impor- and biophysics at WCM-Q; and Dr rimental side-eff ects, for instance sen based on the highest In order to stay closer merchant outlets for cash- such as rheumatoid arthritis. tant to tackle complex diseases and Richard Lewis, professor in the de- by suppressing desirable immune number of transactions to customers, Barwa Bank less purchases and ATMs Dr Khaled Machaca, associ- identify more eff ective therapies.” partment of molecular and cellular responses to infections or tumours.” during the weekend, start- keeps on off ering benefi - globally.

CRA issues third version of class licence for short range devices

he Communications The new version of the Regulatory Author- class licence includes the Tity (CRA) has is- addition of new frequency sued the third version of bands for SRDs for wide the Class Licence for Short range of M2M applica- Range Devices (SRDs) fol- tions and a separate sec- lowing an extensive public tion for wireless access consultation in late 2017. systems, including radio The new version enables local area networks (WAS/ stakeholders to introduce RLANs) applications and new technologies and de- radio microphone applica- vices in the market and be tions. It also includes the better prepared for future corresponding authorised demands. frequency ranges and the “The new version of the maximum allowed output class licence will accom- power. modate larger range of ap- The class licence for plications and the latest SRDs enables anyone in Qa- developments in radio- tar to possess, install, and communications applica- operate for personal use the tions and technologies, approved class of devices which will benefi t service at prescribed frequencies providers, RTTE Equipment stated in this license with- suppliers and manufacturers out having to apply for a li- and consumers. cense. There are no licence “This is aligned with the or spectrum fees, but in CRA’s goal to ensure the pro- the case of importing SRDs vision of advanced, innova- for commercial purposes tive, and reliable ICT services in Qatar, it’s obligatory to that is rapidly evolving, and obtain import and type ap- to ensure that there is enough provals from the CRA. spectrum to accommodate The third version of the it in Qatar by balancing the class licence for SRDs can needs of existing spectrum be accessed through http:// users with the new technolo- www.cra.gov.qa/en/docu- gies,” said CRA president ment/class-license-short- Mohamed Ali al-Mannai. range-devicesv3 Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 9 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD Iran says Europe’s support for nuclear deal not enough

Reuters achieved its goals — namely being Tehran protected from sanctions on key sectors of its economy such as oil — in co-operation with other sig- he European Union is not natories of the pact. doing enough to preserve EU investment in Iran, mainly Tthe benefi ts for Iran from from Germany, France and Italy, the 2015 international nuclear has jumped to more than 20bn eu- pact following the withdrawal of ros since the lifting of sanctions the United States, Iran’s foreign in 2016, in projects ranging from minister told the EU’s energy chief aerospace to energy. yesterday. But to improve its oil-reliant Miguel Arias Canete, European economy, Tehran needs to attract Commissioner for energy and $100bn in foreign investment to climate, said Tehran wanted the boost its oil industry and major 28-nation bloc to act fast to pre- Western investors have stayed serve its oil trade with Iran, and to away from Iran, partly because consider making direct euro-de- of the remaining US sanctions nominated payments for Iranian on Iran. “The announcement, in oil to Iran’s central bank, bypass- cascade, of European companies ing the US fi nancial system. that will not keep investing in Iran “With the withdrawal of Amer- are making the things much more ica....the European political sup- complicated at the moment,” Arias port for the accord is not suffi - Canete said. cient,” Mohamed Javad Zarif told “So what he (Zarif) is asking the Arias Canete in Tehran, Iran’s state European Union is that we have to news agency IRNA reported. have concrete solutions in order Since President Donald Trump to implement the European Union announced on May 8 that he commitments, which is something would pull the United States out that we fully recognise.” of the deal, the US Treasury said The options being considered by Washington would reimpose a the EU to keep Tehran in the nucle- wide array of Iran-related sanc- Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Javad Zarif (right) shakes hands with the EU’s Climate Action and Energy ar deal include new credit lines for tions after the expiry of 90- and Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete as they meet in the capital Tehran, yesterday. Tehran, increased energy co-op- 180-day wind-down periods, in- eration and implementing EU laws cluding sanctions aimed at Iran’s is a nuclear agreement that works.” with the European Union’s com- nations could be trusted to save to block European companies from oil sector and transactions with its Under the deal, Tehran agreed to mitment to implementing (the the agreement. caving in to US sanctions. central bank. curb its nuclear work in return for nuclear deal),” Zarif was quoted as “The contradictions in the Arias Canete said Iranian of- The EU leaders have pledged to the lifting of most Western sanc- saying. words of European authorities fi cials were keen to mitigate the try to keep Iran’s oil trade and in- tions. He appeared to be referring to are suspicious. We hope that our impact of US sanctions under a vestment fl owing, but conceded With the threat of new US sanc- announcements by several large government offi cials will be able proposal for EU governments to that would not be easy. tions looming over them, some European companies last week to secure the necessary guaran- make direct euro-denominated “We have to preserve this agree- foreign fi rms have already started suggesting their activities in Iran tees in their negotiations, as one payments for Iranian oil to Iran’s ment so we don’t have to negotiate signalling their intention to pull would end or be curtailed because cannot rely on those who vacillate central bank, bypassing the US fi - a new agreement,” Arias Canete back from Iran. of the reimposition of US sanc- and speak contradictory words,” nancial system. told Western journalists after two “The announcement of the pos- tions. IRNA quoted Ali Akbar Velayati as “The EU will consider it,” he days of meetings with Iranian of- sible withdrawal by major Euro- A top adviser to Supreme Leader saying. Following the withdrawal said, adding that the EU needed to fi cials in Tehran. pean companies from their co-op- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei yesterday of Washington, Iran said it would deliver fast on preserving oil trade “Our message is very clear. This eration with Iran is not consistent cast doubt on whether European remain in the deal only if Tehran with Iran.

16 Ramadan projects in Qatar Charity Iftar Asian, African nations

QNA allocated QR9.25mn for inter- Doha nal projects, with QR4mn to be used as monetary aids for nearly 2,200 families and QR5mn for assim and Hamad bin Jassim debt repayments. Charitable Foundation an- In addition, the foundation is Jnounced its internal and exter- holding a Ramadan tent and pro- nal Ramadan projects for this year viding homemade Iftar for 10,000 in 16 Asian and African countries, fasting people in Ramadan at a with an allocation of QR15.7mn. cost of QR250,000, he added. The internal projects include As for external projects, al- monetary aids for families in Hajri said the foundation allocat- need, debt repayments, Ram- ed QR6.5mn for the projects with adan tent and homemade Iftar. QR5mn to provide food baskets The external projects will pro- for 16 African and Asian coun- vide food baskets for thousands tries, benefi ting 50,000 families. of families in targeted countries He added that tens of tonnes as well as ready meals for dis- of dates were shipped to a placed Syrians. Board member number of benefi ciary countries and CEO of the foundation, at a cost of QR1mn. The foun- Saeed Muthkar al-Hajri, said the dation is implementing ready- largest amount will be spent on made meals for fasting people Ramadan projects and philan- in the provinces of Aleppo and thropic activities in Qatar, with Idlib in Syria, benefi ting 2,000 up to 60% of the cost allocation. families at a cost of QR500,000, An Iftar party organised by Qatar Charity. He added that the foundation he added. Abbas Thousands of Moroccans protest back in hospital against US embassy relocation

Reuters The marchers carried Palestin- The status of Jerusalem is one demonstrators near the border in AFP Casablanca ian fl ags and placards that read of the thorniest obstacles to forg- Gaza. Israel says the violence was Ramallah “Al Quds (Jerusalem) Palestine’s ing a peace deal between Israel incited by Hamas, the group that eternal capital”. Most appeared to and the Palestinians runs Gaza. Hamas denies blame. ore than 10,000 Moroc- be hardliners. The administration of US Pres- The Casablanca protest had been alestinian president Mah- cans chanting “Death The United States opened its ident Donald Trump has said the called by a coalition of four par- moud Abbas returned to Mto Israel” took to the embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, city’s fi nal borders should be de- ties including the opposition Phospital yesterday with streets of Casablanca yesterday to moving it from Tel Aviv, a move cided by the parties. group Al-Adl Wal Ihsan which is chest pain and a high fever after protest against the US decision to that reversed decades of US policy On the day the United States seen as Morocco’s most powerful having undergone ear surgery move its embassy in Israel to Jeru- and delighted Israel and infuri- opened its new embassy, Is- opposition group in terms of ral- last week, a source familiar with salem. ated Palestinians. raeli troops killed 60 Palestinian lying supporters on the street. his condition said. The source who spoke on condi- tion of anonymity did not provide CONFLICT ACCIDENT further details on the condition of the 83-year-old, who was at the Toll from blasts at Syria airbase climbs to 28: monitor One injured after crane Istishari Arab Hospital in Ramal- arm falls at Grand Mosque lah in the occupied West Bank. At least 28 pro-government fighters have Rami Abdel Rahman said there may also “The president will stay in been killed in a string of blasts at a regime be casualties from other nationalities, as The arm of a construction crane fell at the Grand hospital until at least tomorrow airbase in central Syria earlier this week, a fighters from regime backer Iran and allied Mosque in Makkah yesterday, injuring one (Monday),” the source said. monitor said yesterday giving a new toll. Hezbollah were deployed there. But a joint person, the holy city’s authorities said. The ac- On Tuesday, Abbas underwent The deadly explosions tore through weap- operations room of Syria’s regional allies cident took place at a construction site not used what was called a minor ear sur- ons and fuel depots on Friday at a military denied any of their forces had been killed in by worshippers, the authorities said on Twitter, gery. Late Saturday, he returned to airport in Syria’s Hama province, accord- the explosions. adding that it “resulted in slight injuries for the hospital for further tests and was ing to the Syrian Observatory for Human “We have no military advisers in the Hama machine’s driver.” released after about 30 minutes. Rights. airbase. We have no depots and have not Thousands of Muslims from across the world Offi cial news agency WAFA “The toll has gone up to at least 28 regime positioned forces from Iran or elsewhere at flock to the mosque in the holy month of said the test results had been forces and loyalist fighters, all Syrian,” said this airport,” it said in a statement carried on Ramadan that began on Thursday. In Septem- “excellent”. Abbas was however the Britain-based monitor, after initially Hezbollah’s War Media Channel. ber 2015, at least 110 people were killed when a back in hospital yesterday around reporting 11 killed. Syrian state media reported the blasts at the 1,350-tonne crane collapsed amid violent winds mid-morning and was still there It said the death toll could rise as “dozens” time but did not provide any details, while at the Grand Mosque. That incident occurred in the afternoon, according to are wounded “some in of them in criti- the Observatory had said they were likely a few days before the annual Haj pilgrimage the source. cal condition,” it said. Observatory head due to a technical malfunction. Page 10 period in Saudi Arabia. Gulf Times 10 Monday, May 21, 2018 ARAB WORLD Innovation Sadr meets Iraq PM, hinting at coalition

Reuters a strong say in negotiations. Baghdad His Sairoon electoral list captured 54 parliamentary seats, 12 more than Abadi’s. raqi Prime Minister Haider “Our door is open to any- al-Abadi met with Moqta- one as long as they want to Ida al-Sadr yesterday, less build the nation, and that it than 24 hours after the cleric’s be an Iraqi decision,” Sadr bloc was declared winner of said. Iraq’s parliamentary election, A bloc led by Hadi al- the clearest sign yet they could Amiri, one of the most pow- work together to form a coali- erful figures in Iraq, came tion. in second. Amiri, who leads “During our meeting, we an umbrella of paramilitary agreed to work together and groups, has maintained close with other parties to expedite ties with Iran for decades. the process of forming a new Before the election, Tehran Iraqi government,” Abadi said publicly stated it would not at a joint press conference. allow Sadr’s bloc to govern “It will be a strong govern- close ally Iraq, with which it ment, capable of providing to shares a border. Activists sail aboard a boat, made from plastic water bottles, in the capital Beirut, yesterday, as they made their way from the ancient port of Byblos to try to raise awareness its citizens services, security Winning the largest over the Lebanese waste crisis. and economic prosperity.” number of seats does not au- Sadr, a long-time adversary tomatically guarantee that of the United States who also Sadr will be able to hand- opposes Iranian infl uence in pick a prime minister. Iraq, cannot become prime Parties will have to align minister because he did not themselves to try and form a run in the election. bloc large enough for the par- However, his bloc’s victory liamentary majority neces- Syrian troops seek to puts him in a position to have sary to nominate a candidate. crush insurgent pocket

Reuters smoke rose from the area behind territory. The rebels have most- Beirut him. Syrian state news agency ly been given safe passage to SANA said troops were about to northwestern Syria. close in on militants holed up in a In the last two months alone, yrian troops fought yester- small area of high density build- the United Nations says 110,000 This handout picture released by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s press day to crush the last pock- ings north of Hajar Al Aswad. people have been evacuated to off ice yesterday, shows Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi Sets of resistance by Islamic “The fi ghting skills of the northwestern Syria and rebel- meeting with cleric and leader Moqtada al-Sadr in Baghdad. State militants trapped in an en- army are foiling all the eff orts held areas north of Aleppo. clave south of Damascus, state by the terrorists to prevent the The opposition has called it media said, denying a report that army from completing the lib- a policy of forced displacement insurgents had begun leaving in eration of the area,” SANA said. amounting to demographic a withdrawal agreement. The Syrian Observatory for change to drive out Assad’s op- The recovery of the enclave Human Rights earlier said buses ponents. The Syrian government Unemployed youth south of Damascus would mark had entered the enclave after has said nobody is forced to leave another milestone in President midnight to take out fi ghters and and those who stay must ac- Bashar al-Assad’s war eff ort, their families. cept state rule. While Assad has threaten Libya oilfi elds crushing the last besieged rebel They had left towards the Syr- vowed to win back “every inch” enclave in western Syria. A recent photo shows soldiers loyal to the regime deployed at ian Badia, a sparsely populated of Syria, the map of the confl ict Swathes of territory at the Al-Qadam area near Yarmouk Palestinian camp in Damascus, Syria. expanse of territory east of the suggests a more complicated Reuters was running normally through borders with Iraq, Turkey and capital that extends to the border time ahead from now on. Benghazi, Libya the pipeline feeding the Es Jordan, however, remain outside camp of Yarmouk, the largest in troops and allied militias have with Jordan and Iraq, it said. The US military is in much of Sider terminal, which runs state control. Syria. sustained heavy losses as they Islamic State militants had the east and northeast, which is near Marada. Syrian government forces and The month-long battles have encounter tough resistance from torched their offi ces in the Yar- controlled by Kurdish groups that group of unemployed But offi cials said they were their allies have been battling been the toughest fought by diehard fi ghters waging a battle mouk enclave, the Observatory want autonomy from Damascus. Libyan youths will shut closely monitoring the pro- to recover the enclave south of the Syrian army and its allied to the end. said. It has used force to defend the Adown oilfi elds in Ma- tests as similar action by the Damascus since defeating rebels forces this year against opposi- In a live broadcast, a reporter Negotiated withdrawals have territory from pro-Assad forces. rada town in the east unless unemployed had led to pipe- in eastern Ghouta, also near the tion forces in pockets around the with Syrian state TV said the been a common feature of the Turkey has sent forces into the demands for better state serv- line closures in other parts of capital, in April. capital, defence experts say. Syrian army operations in the Syrian war in recent years as the northwest to counter those same ices are met, the group said the North African country, The area is centred around the Despite extensive use of air Hajar al-Aswad area were near- government, aided by the Rus- Kurdish groups, carving out a yesterday. which has been in turmoil Al-Hajar Al-Aswad district and power that has left many parts of ing their end and insurgent lines sian military and Iran-backed buff er zone where anti-Assad An oil engineer said that de- since the toppling of leader the adjoining Palestinian refugee the area levelled to the ground, were collapsing as columns of forces, has steadily clawed back rebels have regrouped. spite the threat, oil production Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. From camels to catfi sh, Algeria boosts farming in desert

Thomson Reuters Foundation country — as it seeks new ways fi sh, is going to be critical to tions. In Israel’s Negev desert, Touggourt, Algeria to feed its growing population support the fast-growing popu- where costs of water, land and and diversify its oil based econ- lations (in dry areas),” he told the electricity are high, only orna- omy. Thomson Reuters Foundation. mental fi sh farms are thriving n a corner of his sprawling Algeria’s population is fore- Raising fi sh can be more effi - as these fetch higher prices than farm, Milouda Mohamed cast by the United Nations to cient than livestock because less fi sh for eating, Zilberg said. Iproudly unveiled his latest rise 25% to nearly 50mn people space is needed and fi sh are ed- Meanwhile, thousands of venture — a pond full of catfi sh by 2030, increasing demand for ible quicker, he added. miles away in Ouargla, southern that could herald a new future food and jobs in the North Afri- Other advantages include bet- Algeria, a commercial fi sh farm for farmers like him on the Sa- can nation, one of many coun- ter disease control because fi sh set up nearly a decade ago has hara desert. tries battling water scarcity and farms in deserts are not con- had to reduce production due to He is hoping to earn extra in- population growth. nected to water systems, said a lack of consumer demand. come from selling fresh, farmed For several years the govern- Dina Zilberg, an expert on fi sh “People prefer fi sh from the fi sh from the world’s largest and ment has been promoting ag- disease at Ben-Gurion Univer- sea...but we expect this project hottest desert and use the water riculture in southern Algeria, sity of the Negev in Israel, a pio- to be profi table in the future,” to irrigate his olive and date trees off ering cheap loans and conces- neer in desert aquaculture. said the farm’s supervisor, who and vegetables. sions to farmers willing to take Critics, however, say aquac- did not want to give his name. “Five years from now, I’m up the Sahara challenge — and ulture — the fastest growing ag- Sometimes supplies are an expecting diff erent kinds of with some success, according to ricultural sector for the past 40 issue. The high-tech shrimp products from this land,” said government offi cials. years — destroys the environ- centre in Ouargla produced its Mohamed, 49, clad in thick, Taha Hammouche, director- Harvesting Nile tilapia in a small-scale desert fish pond in Ouargla, Algeria. ment and put diseases and inva- fi rst harvest in 2016 but is yet to long-sleeved overalls, oblivious general for fi sheries at Algeria’s sive species into the wild. reach its potential due to a lack to the searing afternoon sun. agriculture ministry, said about tion’s annual fi sh production by ing fi sh is particularly benefi cial farms in the United States, Mex- Zilberg said while some criti- of shrimp larvae locally. The 15-hectare farm, some 13,000 farmers have expressed 2022 from current levels of about for pregnant women and young ico, and the Middle East. cism is warranted, solutions now The centre, a joint venture 600km by car from the capital interest in aquaculture projects, 100,000 tonnes a year. children, said Crespi, who has Data shows that drylands, in- exist to prevent contamination between Korea and Algeria, is Algiers, bustled with chickens, enthused after the Sahara yield- Currently Algeria’s fi sh come been working with Algerian cluding deserts and grasslands, and besides, she added, there is importing shrimp larvae from quails, ducks, camels, goats and ed its fi rst harvest of farmed mostly from along its 1,280km of authorities since desert aqua- take up about 41% of the world’s little alternative, with global fi sh Florida, but that is costly and the sheep — a hive of activity in this desert shrimp two years ago. Mediterranean coastline which culture was fi rst mooted in the land surface and are home to stocks under strain. quantity is limited, said Kashi stark landscape where, for miles, The government is providing experts fear is in danger from country a decade ago. “Raising more than 2bn people. “If we want to continue con- Massaoud, the centre’s director. there is little else besides sand. training on raising fi sh and us- pollution, climate change and fi sh in deserts is going to be re- But UN studies say climate suming it, we will have to grow Still, the converts are forging “I’m excited about this. In- ing the waste water on plants in- overfi shing. ally critical, even for developed change means nearly half the it,” she said. “The thing to do is ahead. Farmer Kaboussa Mo- shallah, it works,” he added, us- stead of chemical fertilisers. Valerio Crespi from the United countries, because we’ve got to world population will live in high not (stop) aquaculture but make hamed, 52 — no relation to Mi- ing the Arabic phrase for “God “Fishery resources in the Nations’ Food and Agriculture be more effi cient with water,” water stress areas by 2030. the farms treat the water prop- louda Mohamed — is optimistic willing” as he threw some home- Mediterranean Sea have de- Organization (FAO) said inte- said Kevin Fitzsimmons, a Uni- Fitzsimmons said action is erly.” for the tilapia and catfi sh being made feed of leftover chicken creased so we cannot rely on that grating agriculture and aquac- versity of Arizona professor. needed now and he is looking to Those wanting to try desert raised on his one-hectare farm, and vegetables into the pond. anymore to increase our pro- ulture could provide protein to Arizona farmers who raise develop aquaculture in dry zones aquaculture can expect chal- saying the nutrient-rich water Farming fi sh in the desert duction,” Hammouche told the rural and isolated desert com- fi sh improved their soil quality, in Myanmar and India. lenges, ranging from climate from his pond has improved his might sound counterintuitive Thomson Reuters Foundation. munities globally but cautioned saved money on fertilisers, and “Making their agriculture change — with average annual dates. “I used to use chemical but Algeria hopes to tap the huge Hammouche said Algeria about over-use of underground received premium price for their more effi cient and their land rainfall down more than 30% in stuff for the plants but this is aquifers beneath the Sahara — hopes aquaculture in the Sahara water. fi sh, added Fitzsimmons, who more productive with more veg- recent decades and temperatures very natural and they grow faster that covers about 80% of the will help to nearly double the na- Studies have shown consum- has advised desert aquaculture etables, more fruits, and more rising — to consumer percep- too,” he said. Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 11 AMERICAS Spurning provoked Santa Fe shooting

Reuters “Administration looked into these Santa Fe claims and confi rmed that these re- ports are untrue,” it said on Saturday in a statement on Facebook. teenaged boy who shot and Classmates at Santa Fe High killed eight students and two School, which has some 1,460 stu- Ateachers in Texas had been dents, described Pagourtzis as a qui- spurned by one of his victims after et loner who played on the school’s making aggressive advances, her football team. mother told the Los Angeles Times. He wore a black trench coat to Lava from a Kilauea volcano fissure erupts on Hawaii’s Big Island in Kapoho, Hawaii. Sadie Rodriguez, the mother of school in the Texas heat on Friday Shana Fisher, 16, told the newspa- and opened fi re with a pistol and per that her daughter rejected four shotgun. months of aggressive advances Multiple news accounts depicted from accused shooter Dimitrios him as taunting his victims as he Pagourtzis, 17, at the Santa Fe high fi red, focusing mostly on the arts First serious injury from Hawaii volcano school. class where Fisher was. Fisher fi nally stood up to him and He has provided authorities little embarrassed him in class, the news- information about the shootings, his Reuters The erupting lava, which can reach For weeks, geologists have warned system,” she said. “We call that the paper quoted her mother as writing attorney Nicholas Poehl said, adding: Pahoa a blistering 1,093 degrees Celsius, that hotter, fresher magma from Ki- ‘throat clearing’ phase.” in a private message to the Times. “Honestly because of his emotional crossed Highway 137 shortly before lauea’s summit would run underground At the volcano’s summit, anoth- “A week later he opens fi re on eve- state, I don’t have a lot on that.” midnight local time, Hawaii’s Civil De- and emerge some 40km east in the er large explosive eruption occurred ryone he didn’t like,” she said. “Sha- Texas’ Governor, Jim Abbott, a stream of lava yesterday blocked fense Agency said, and sent lava fl owing lower Puna district, where older, cooler around midnight, sending up a nearly na being the fi rst one.” Republican, told reporters that Pa- a Hawaii highway that serves as into the ocean. lava has already destroyed 44 homes 3.3km high ash plume, according to the Rodriguez could not independ- gourtzis obtained the fi rearms from Aan escape route for coastal resi- That prompted warnings of laze — and other structures. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. ently be reached for comment. his father, who had likely acquired dents, while the fi rst known serious in- clouds of hydrochloric acid and steam “Summit magma has arrived,” US Scientists expect a series of eruptions If true, it would be the second them legally. jury was reported from fresh explosive embedded with fi ne glass particles Geological Survey scientist Wendy from Kilauea, one of the world’s most school shooting in recent months Abbott also said Pagourtzis want- eruptions from the Kilauea volcano. formed when hot lava hits ocean water. Stovall said on a conference call with active volcanoes, that could spread ash driven by such rejection. ed to commit suicide, citing the sus- A homeowner on Noni Farms Road Authorities were trying yesterday to reporters. and volcanic smog across the Big Is- In March, a 17-year-old Maryland pect’s journals, but did not have the who was on a third-fl oor balcony had open up a road that was blocked by lava “There is much more stuff coming land, the southernmost of the Hawaiian high school student used his father’s courage to do so. his leg shattered from his shin to his in 2014 to serve as an alternative escape out of the ground and its going to pro- archipelago. That could pose a hazard gun to shoot and kill a female stu- Pagourtzis’ family said in a state- foot when hit by lava spatter, said Janet route, Jessica Ferracane of the National duce fl ows that will move much further to aircraft if it blows into their routes at dent with whom he had been in a re- ment they were “saddened and Snyder, a spokesperson for the Offi ce of Park Service told reporters. away.” around 9,144m. cently ended relationship. dismayed” by the shooting and the Mayor, County of Hawaii. The park service is working to bull- Fountains of bright orange lava were Around 2,000 residents of Leilani As the investigation enters its “as shocked as anyone else” by the She added that lava spatters “can doze almost a mile of hardened lava out seen spouting at least 4m high, and Estates and Laipuna Gardens housing third day yesterday, no offi cial mo- events. They said they are cooperat- weigh as much as a refrigerator and of the way on nearby Highway 11, which spewing rivers of molten rock on Sat- areas near Pahoa, about 48km south tive has been announced for the ing with authorities. even small pieces of spatter can kill.” has been impassable, she added. urday. of Hilo, were ordered to evacuate due massacre, the fourth-deadliest mass All schools in Santa Fe will be No other information was immedi- The Hawaii National Guard has Carolyn Pearcheta, operational ge- to at least 22 volcanic cracks that have shooting at a US public school in closed today and tomorrow, offi cials ately available. warned of mandatory evacuations if ologist at the Hawaii Volcano Author- opened. modern history. said. As magma destroyed four more more roads become blocked. ity, told reporters that hotter and more Many thousands more residents The Santa Fe school district de- Pagourtzis, who police said has homes, molten rock from two huge But offi cials went house-to-house in viscous lava could be on the way, with have voluntarily left their homes due to nied accounts from some classmates confessed to the shooting, was being cracks merged into a single stream, the area to urge more residents to fl ee, Sny- fountains spurting as high as 600 feet, life-threatening levels of toxic sulphur that Pagourtzis had been bullied, in- held yesterday without bond at a jail threatening to block other escape routes der said, though no head count of the new as seen in a 1955 eruption. dioxide gas spewing from vents in the cluding by a football coach. in Galveston. and touching off brush fires. evacuation was available early yesterday. “We’ve seen the clearing out of the volcanic fi ssures.

Bob Dylan guitar fetches cool Protesting Trump $495,000 at New York auction Cougar kills mountain biker, A guitar that played a key role in Bob Dylan’s artistic evolution from folk music to rock fetched almost half a million at auction mauls another, later shot on Saturday. The guitar, a 1965 Fender Telecaster that belonged to Robbie Robertson, Dylan’s Reuters “He or she, I don’t know if the cou- guitarist, was used by Dylan, Eric Clapton Seattle gar was a male or female, had the body and George Harrison, Julien’s Auctions said of the victim down in his den,” said on Saturday. Ryan. It had been expected to fetch between mountain lion killed one mountain A deputy took a shot at the animal, $400,000 and $600,000. biker and mauled another in Wash- sending it fl eeing into the woods. The guitar marked the singer’s path Aington state on Saturday when they Offi cers of the Washington Department from folk stylings like The Times They Are rode into its territory, and authorities later of Fish and Game tracked the cat with dogs A-Changin’ (1964), to electric rock, like his shot the animal dead, police said. and killed it, Abbott said. 1965 hit Like a Rolling Stone. The mountain bikers were riding togeth- The survivor was taken to hospital in Other famous guitars went under the er down a remote, backwoods trail at 11am Seattle with serious but non-life-threat- hammer on Saturday: George Harrison’s in an area near North Bend, Washington ening injuries, he said. first electric guitar, a $40,000 Hofner Club state, around 48km east of Seattle, when Fatal cougar attacks are extremely rare in 40, and a Fender Telecaster rosewood the two men encountered the animal. North America, with only about two doz- guitar made for Elvis Presley in 1968, priced In the ensuing attack, the fi rst rider re- en recorded in the last 100 years, most of at a cool $115,200. ceived deep scratches and the other was them involving children. More than 40 years after his death, Elvis dragged away by the cougar to its den, King It was only the second deadly attack by items still fetch a handsome price. County Sheriff ’s Offi ce spokesman Ser- a mountain lion in Washington State in the The sale also included show cos- geant Ryan Abbot said. The 31-year-old last 100 years, Abbott said. tumes that belonged to artists from El- survivor rode 3.5km out of the area and Cougars are the fourth largest cat spe- ton John, to Britney Spears and Michael called 911. cies worldwide, with adult females weigh- Jackson. Police drove up the trail, found the vic- ing up to 64kg and males weighing as much A leather jacket and pants suit from Members of a pro-migration association hold a protest against US President Donald Trump’s policies tim’s bike and went into the woods where as 100kg. the late Thriller singer, with a yellow shirt, and anti immigrant rhetoric at San Ysidro Port of Entry, in Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico. they came across the cougar standing over They attack prey by ambush and usually brought in $217,600, Julien said. the victim’s body, Abbott said. attack humans only if cornered.

Maduro set for victory amid tepid turnout in condemned Venezuela vote

Reuters socialism and take over the Opec and the majority of voters inter- off an image of the late Chavez illusioned and angry over the do Cabello and Vice President makes life easier for Maduro and Caracas member’s oil wealth. viewed said they were backing in his wallet after scanning his election: They criticize Maduro Tareck El Aissami, were hung that his rivals should have fought But opponents say the leftist Maduro. card in the plains and hills state for economic hardships and the from a footbridge. him at the ballot box despite an leader has destroyed Venezue- “I’m hungry and don’t have of Lara. opposition for its dysfunctional But streets were calm and for unfair playing ground. enezuelan President la’s once-wealthy economy and a job, but I’m sticking to Ma- Falcon said his team had re- splits. many Venezuelans, yesterday “I’m voting because the oppo- Nicolas Maduro was yes- ruthlessly crushed dissent. duro,” said Carlos Rincones, ceived some 350 complaints Reeling from a fi fth year of was a day to look for scant food sition doesn’t have any proposals Vterday seeking a six-year Maduro’s main challenger is 49, in the once thriving indus- about the “red points.” recession, falling oil production or stock up on water, which is in- for what we’re going to do when term in an apparently poorly at- former state governor Henri Fal- trial city of Valencia, accusing Three state workers also told and US sanctions, Venezuela is creasingly running short due to Maduro wins today. I want this tended vote condemned by foes con, who predicts an upset due right-wing business owners of Reuters they were pressured to seeing growing levels of malnu- years of under-investment. nightmare to stop,” said teacher as the “coronation” of a dictator to widespread fury among Ven- purposefully hiding food and vote, while pro-government trition, hyperinfl ation, and mass “I’m not voting — what’s the Luisa Marquez, 56, in Valencia. and likely to bring fresh foreign ezuela’s 30mn people at the eco- hiking prices. activists hovered around some emigration. point if we already know the re- Should Maduro win, he may sanctions. nomic meltdown. The government has set up polling stations, saying they were “I’m telling the world: Stop sult? I prefer to come here to choose to deepen a successful With the mainstream opposi- Most analysts believe, how- so-called “red point” zones close assisting voters. your aggressive campaign get water rather than waste my purge of critics within the ruling tion boycotting the election, two ever, that Falcon has only a slim to polling stations so Venezue- Further hurting Falcon’s against Venezuela,” Maduro said time,” said Raul Sanchez, who “Chavismo” movement. of his most popular rivals barred chance given abstention, the lans can scan their state-issued chances by splitting the anti- as he voted, blaming opponents was fi lling a jug from a tap by a Abroad, Maduro is likely to from standing and state insti- vote-winning power of state ‘fatherland card’ through which Maduro vote is a third candidate, for the country’s mess but giving busy road in the arid north-west- face an avalanche of western tutions in loyalists’ hands, the handouts, and Maduro’s allies on they receive benefi ts including evangelical pastor Javier Ber- no specifi cs of possible reforms ern city of Punto Fijo because his protests should he win, although 55-year-old former bus driver is the election board. food boxes and money transfers. tucci, who has picked up quite a to nearly two decades of state- community has not had running Russia and China remain allies expected to win despite his un- Results are expected by today. Maduro has promised a “prize” following, not least thanks to his led economic policies. water for 26 days. and have been important fi nan- popularity. Attendance appeared low to those who do so. free soup handouts. Pro-boycott activists planned State television urged Ven- cial backers. That could trigger oil sanc- across the country, from the Critics say this is a way of Based on impressions from some scattered protests. ezuelans to vote and Information With oil output at around 30- tions from Washington, and wealthier eastern Caracas to the scaring impoverished Venezue- Reuters reporters in major cit- In the mountainous city of Minister Jorge Rodriguez said year lows, foreign debtors looking more censure from the European fi ercely anti-Maduro Andean lans into sticking with his gov- ies around the nation, turnout San Cristobal near Colombia, some 2.5mn had voted by around to up the pressure, and multina- Union and Latin America. mountains near Colombia. ernment. looked far from the 80% fi gure three cloth dolls represent- 10am, prompting ridicule from tionals departing or minimising The self-described “son” of There were some lines, how- “This didn’t exist before, but of Venezuela’s last presidential ing loathed officials, electoral the opposition. operations in Venezuela, Maduro Hugo Chavez says he is battling ever, outside polling stations in I do it now because of the help I election in 2013. council president Tibisay Luce- Some opposition supporters, will face a Herculean task to turn an “imperialist” plot to crush poorer government strongholds, get,” said Jose Torres, 77, showing Many Venezuelans are dis- na, Socialist Party No 2 Diosda- however, say the boycott only around the moribund economy. Gulf Times 12 Monday, May 21, 2018 AFRICA

Africa nations vow to recover stolen assets

AFP Abuja

ormer British prime minister David Cameron two years ago was caught talking about an anti-corruption sum- Fmit and calling Nigeria “fantastically corrupt”. Meanwhile, his country ranks among the top destinations for stolen assets from African countries. Nigeria and ex-British colonies in Africa hope to change that by working together to repatriate billions of dollars in off shore accounts from London and beyond. At a regional conference held last week in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, the heads of anti-corruption agencies from around Africa met to discuss strategies to overcome bottle- necks in the recovery of stolen assets. “Concerned about the heavy losses that Africa suff ers as a result of illegal transfers of proceeds of corruption and crime out of Africa,” the anti-corruption representatives vowed to “strengthen co-operation and partnership in the tracing, re- covery and return of assets”. They further pledged in a joint statement to encourage African countries to commit to greater corporate transpar- ency and called for investment in anti-corruption agencies to “trace, recover and return assets.” Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said Africa is losing tens of billions of dollars annually to corruption, urging the anti-graft tsars to lead the “fi ght against this tsunami”. “We all know that the diff erence between the money we need to deliver the hopes and aspirations (of our people).... and the money we have, is the sum equivalent to that which is egregiously siphoned off by corrupt practices,” Scotland said. Nigeria, the continent’s largest oil producer, is ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world by anti-graft group Transparency International. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to continue his war against corruption as part of his 2019 re-elec- tion campaign. Buhari’s anti-graft chief Ibrahim Magu claimed A health worker sprays a visitor with chlorine after leaving the isolation facility at the Mbandaka General Hospital. earlier this year that his agency has recovered over 500bn naira ($1.3bn) in illicit funds. But the government’s fi ght against cor- ruption has been accused of being politically motivated. Commonwealth adviser Roger Koranteng told AFP that leaders at the summit want a regional approach to recovery of stolen assets. “There is strength in unity. If you go as a single country, you will have a problem because the countries outside the African countries are together,” he said. Sustaining the momentum however may be diffi cult. Congo to begin Ebola Ghana’s independent prosecutor Martin Amidu said the will to tackle graft comes in ebbs and fl ows on the continent. “For me, for the past decades, Africa has had a mafi a of leaders who speak of corruption as if they are against it but internally didn’t attempt to fi ght it,” Amidu said. Still, countries stand to gain huge amounts of money should they streamline asset recovery. Nigeria announced in April it received over $300mn from vaccinations today Switzerland as part of money seized from the family of ex-dic- tator Sani Abacha, who ruled the country from 1993 until 1998. By Benoit Nyemba, Reuters The outbreak is Congo’s ninth Sans Frontieres has established public health risk for the country The WHO is sending 7,540 Buhari said the money will be spent on a welfare scheme Mbandaka, DR Congo since the disease made its fi rst an isolation ward at a hospital in and a “high” risk for the region. doses of the vaccine developed by targeting the “poorest of Nigerians”, in a country where pov- known appearance near the vast Wangata, where health personnel But it said the outbreak could Merck to Congo. erty is widespread and unemployment is rampant. central African country’s north- could be seen being sprayed with be brought under control and was It is also in talks about a second Yet it is diffi cult to trace how the repatriated money is being ealth workers in Demo- ern Ebola river in the 1970s. disinfectant before entering the not yet an international public vaccine made by Johnson & John- spent, with some critics voicing concerns that stolen money cratic Republic of Congo An Ebola epidemic killed more facility yesterday. health emergency. son. gets repatriated to Nigeria only to be looted again. Hwill begin a vaccination than 11,300 people in West Africa “The building does not conform “Previous outbreaks have dem- More than 30 health workers “There is a need for robust oversight mechanisms as well as campaign today aimed at con- in 2013 to 2016. to international regulations but we onstrated the importance of a rapid with experience administering continuous monitoring of the use of recovered assets to en- taining an outbreak of the deadly “I don’t know how to protect have reorganised it...to make sure and well-resourced response in or- Ebola vaccines are being deployed sure that they are used properly and effi ciently for develop- Ebola virus, a spokeswoman for myself against Ebola. God alone there is no contamination,” Dr Hi- der to save lives, but also prevent an from Guinea to help with the ment outcomes and poverty alleviation,” said Marie Chene of the health ministry said. can protect me from this illness,” laire Mazibu told Reuters. exponential increase in the econom- campaign in Congo. Transparency International in a 2017 report. Jessica Ilunga said 4,000 doses said Lusya Mbangu, who was sell- The World Health Organization ic cost of a response,” WHO spokes- Logistical diffi culties remain, Greater global attention on the issue is helping reforms, say of vaccine were shipped on Satur- ing fi sh yesterday at Mbandaka’s (WHO) said on Friday that Ebola man Tarik Jasarevic said yesterday. especially the need to keep the anti-corruption activists. day to Mbandaka, which last week bustling fl oating market. — which causes haemorrhagic The UN health body was heav- vaccine 80 degrees Celsius below “It took the publication of the Panama Papers to expose registered the fi rst cases in an ur- According to Congolese health fever, vomiting and diarrhoea and ily criticised as too slow to declare freezing in a humid region where many government offi cials with off shore accounts,” said Debo ban area since the latest fl are-up ministry data released late on is spread through direct contact an international emergency dur- daytime temperatures hover Adeniran of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders lobby of the disease was announced ear- Saturday, there have been four with body fl uids from an infected ing the 2013-2016 epidemic that around 30 and power supplies are group. “The decision to sign mutual legal assistance with sev- lier this month. cases of Ebola confi rmed through person — had killed 25 people spread through Guinea, Sierra erratic. eral countries is helping the (Nigerian) government in its loot Cases in Mbandaka, a port city testing in Mbandaka’s Wangata since early April. Leone and Liberia and infected A government spokesman said recovery eff orts,” Adeniran said. on the Congo river, have raised con- neighbourhood and another two Confi rmation of the disease in nearly 30,000 people. late on Saturday that Congo’s Buhari’s anti-corruption sweep and banking reforms are cerns that the virus could spread suspected cases. One patient has Mbandaka, a city of about 1.5mn Jasarevic said the WHO was partners had promised to make acting as a deterrent, Adeniran added. “When you steal and downstream to the capital Kinsha- died there, the fi gures showed. people, prompted the WHO last seeking $26mn to fund the Ebola available 300,000 doses of vac- cannot keep the money in the banks, you will stop stealing,” sa, which has a population of 10mn. Medical charity Medecins week to declare a “very high” response in Congo. cine. he said.

Kenya questions over 40 on ‘massive theft’ Mogadishu flood

Reuters The reports have dismayed many “Our aim is to have anybody who is Nairobi Kenyans, particularly as it follows an- involved in theft of public funds to an- other scam at the agency, which is sup- swer and if possible to return what they posed to equip the young with key skills have stolen from the public.” enyan investigators have sum- and help create jobs, back in 2015. The head of the NYS, Richard Ndu- moned more than 40 people for George Kinoti, the director of crimi- bai, and a top offi cial at the ministry of Kquestioning after a “massive nal investigations (DCI), told Reuters public service, youth and gender serv- theft of public funds” at the country’s his organisation had summoned gov- ices, Lillian Mbogo-Omollo, stepped National Youth Service (NYS), the head ernment offi cials and business people aside from their jobs temporarily on of the directorate of criminal investiga- who had been paid by the agency for Friday to give space to investigators, the tions said yesterday. supplying various goods and services, presidency said. Domestic media reports said 10bn shil- calling the issue a “scam” and a “fraud”. The investigation by the DCI was ex- lings ($100mn) had been stolen through “It is massive theft of public funds,” pected to be concluded soon. fi ctitious invoices, and multiple payments he said, without giving an exact fi gure “Within three, four, fi ve days, you on one supplier invoice, at the NYS. for the lost funds. will see us in court,” Kinoti said.

People evacuate their homes through waist-deep flood water in Mogadishu yesterday after homes were inundated in Somalia’s capital following heavy overnight rainfall.

Comoros ex-president placed under house arrest former president of the Co- the ministry said in a statement. “It’s as if they want to lead us into moros, Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, If Sambi needed to travel, he would crisis.” Aa critic of the island nation’s have to “submit an application” to the The order to put him under house current leader Azali Assoumani, was authorities. arrest came shortly after Sambi re- placed under house arrest late on Sat- Sambi, who was president between turned to the Comoros after a six- urday in order to “preserve” public 2006 and 2011, hit out at the move, month absence. order, the Interior Ministry said yes- saying “acts like these put our democ- Contacted by AFP, Interior Minister terday. racy under threat. We no longer have Mohamed Daoudou accused Sambi of “Considering his actions in recent the right to meet, to express ourselves, “behaving like a president” in offi ce. days and in order to preserve public to move.” “Any action likely to disrupt the order and security, Ahmed Abdallah The aim of the move was “to pro- public order will not be tolerated,” he Sambi is placed under house arrest,” voke,” Sambi continued. warned. Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 13 ASIA Myanmar orders 13 drug dealers dead in Rohingya to leave tense border zone

Bangladesh crackdown AFP Around 6,000 Tombru, Bangladesh refugees from the The alleged dealers all Four drug dealers were killed Around 2,300 suspected some victims. They said the vic- persecuted civilians into Bangla- minority have been died in what authorities early yesterday in separate raids, drug traffi ckers and users tims were killed extrajudicially,” desh. Some refugees were being camping on the described as shootouts police said, while the elite Rapid had been arrested, while an said Nasiruddin Elan from local used as mules, offi cials say. yanmar security narrow stretch of land during the week beginning Action Battalion said its forces estimated $2.5mn worth of rights group Odhikar. Authorities last year seized a forces have resumed since fl eeing a brutal on Tuesday had killed nine others since drugs seized Authorities have been strug- record 40mn yaba pills but said Mloudspeaker broad- military crackdown in Tuesday. gling to control a huge surge in an estimated 250-300mn others casts near its border with Myanmar’s west last AFP Around 2,300 suspected drug a popular street pill made of caf- yaba crossing its southeastern managed to enter the market. Bangladesh ordering Rohingya August Dhaka traffi ckers and users had been feine and methamphetamine border from Myanmar, where This year 9mn yaba tablets Muslims to immediately leave arrested, the battalion said, in that is doing a roaring trade in the cheap pills are manufactured were seized in less than three a strip of no-man’s land be- in Burmese and Rohingya – raids since early May. An esti- Bangladesh. by the hundreds of millions. months as the refugee infl ux tween the two countries, warned the refugees to “leave angladesh police have shot mated $2.5mn worth of drugs The alleged dealers all died Offi cials say the bulk of the reached its peak. Nearly 2mn pills refugees said yesterday. the area under Myanmar’s dead 13 drug traffi ckers had been seized. in what authorities described drugs entering Bangladesh last were discovered in a single haul. Around 6,000 refugees jurisdiction or face prosecution”. Band arrested thousands in Authorities last week warned as shootouts, but parallels have year were brought by Rohingya A director at the narcotics from the minority have been “We’re citizens of Myan- an aggressive campaign against traffi ckers to surrender or face been drawn to the Philippines refugees fl eeing a military crack- control department predicted camping on the narrow mar. It’s our fatherland. We the surging trade in metham- the full force of the law. where police have been accused down in Myanmar. that $600mn worth of yaba stretch of land since fl eeing a have every right to remain phetamines and other narcotics, Police have vowed to stamp of executing suspects. The drugs were being stashed could be sold on Bangladesh’s brutal military crackdown in here. Why should we go else- offi cers said yesterday. out drugs, most notably “yaba”, “We have spoken to families of on fi shing boats bringing the streets this year. Myanmar’s west last August. where?” said another commu- The majority of the nearly nity leader, Dil Mohammad. 700,000 Rohingya who es- The broadcasts also refer to caped the violence settled in the refugees as “Bengalis”, the huge camps in Bangladesh but term used by many in Bud- Mountaineer back from Everest a smaller number insisted on dhist-majority Myanmar to 3 killed, 8,000 hit by staying put in the buff er zone refer to the Rohingya, whom between the borders. they consider interlopers from Myanmar had agreed in Bangladesh. bad weather in Lanka February to stop using loud- Lieutenant Colonel Manzu- speakers to order the strand- rul Hasan Khan, a local Border IANS Sri Lanka is facing its annual ed Muslims to leave the area Guard Bangladesh command- Colombo southwest monsoons with the immediately and cross into er, said the situation was being meteorological department in Bangladesh. closely monitored. its latest weather report warn- The army also withdrew “We have noticed that they hree people were killed ing of more rains in several dis- some of its heavy forces from tied loudhailers to the trees and over 8,000 aff ect- tricts across the country in the the edge of no-man’s land, along their border fences near Ted as heavy rains and coming days. where refugees camped on the camp,” Khan said. strong winds lashed across “The southwest monsoon the other side of a barbed The refugee crisis has Sri Lanka, prompting disaster conditions are getting estab- wire fence had complained of strained ties between management offi cials to be on lished over the island. Very intimidation. Bangladesh and Myanmar. alert for possible evacuations, heavy falls, about 150mm, can But the loudspeaker mes- The neighbours had the Disaster Management be expected at some places in sages resumed this weekend agreed in November to be- Centre said yesterday. Sabaragamuwa province while without warning, Rohingya gin repatriating Rohingya The three deaths, caused heavy falls, above 100mm, can community leaders said, ex- refugees to Myanmar but by lightning, were reported be expected at some places, acerbating tension along the the process has stalled, with from the eastern district of particularly in western cen- restive border zone. both sides blaming each Trincomalee and in the lower tral and Uva provinces and in “They played it several other for the delays. central hills of Badulla, Xinhua Galle and Matara districts,” the times yesterday, and have Those living in no-man’s news agency reported. latest weather report said. been repeating it this morn- land – and many in the Bang- At least 252 people had been The meteorological depart- ing. It’s very disturbing and ladeshi refugee camps – refuse evacuated to safer locations since ment warned the public to Kami Rita Sherpa, 48, a Nepali mountaineer, waves upon his arrival after climbing Mount Everest creates panic,” said Moham- to return to Myanmar until last week while over 200 houses take adequate precautions to for a 22nd time, creating a new record for the most summits of the world’s highest mountain, in mad Arif, one of the leaders their safety and citizenship were partially or fully damaged minimise damage caused by Kathmandu, yesterday. camped in no-man’s land. is assured and compensation due to the severe weather. lightning. The messages – broadcast granted for past injustices. 5 killed in Lanka warns of looming foreign debt crisis Cambodia AFP ments of capital and inter- the waste, fraud and corruption but many ended up becoming fi cient to meet the salary bill. pressure from the IMF and its Colombo est would reach $2.84bn this committed by the oligarchies of a burden on Sri Lanka’s $87bn Only one airline operates out central bank to reduce the bur- lightning year, mostly to repay loans for the Rajapakses,” he added. economy. of Rajapakse International and den of heavy subsidies on its extravagant projects under Foreign reserves totalled The government which attempts to privatise the airport struggling economy. ri Lanka is headed for former president Mahinda $9.9bn at the end of April, the ousted Rajapakse in 2015 was have not progressed. The IMF has said it will only strike a debt crisis, the fi - Rajapakse. central bank says. forced to lease to China a loss- Sri Lanka is currently draw- release the next tranche of its Snance ministry warned “The crisis will further wors- Samaraweera said Ra- making port commissioned by ing down a three-year $1.5bn bailout if the country adjusts yesterday, blaming a series en next year,” Samaraweera said japakse’s administration se- and named after the strong- bailout package negotiated with fuel prices based on the cost of AFP of costly projects commis- in a statement, adding repay- cured two high-interest loans man leader in his home con- the International Monetary production. Phnom Penh sioned by the previous gov- ments are expected to soar to worth $1.5bn in the fi nal year of stituency of Hambantota in Fund in June 2016 after facing a The economy has been on the ernment for record-high $4.28 in 2019. its decade-long rule. the south. balance of payments crisis. mend since the IMF bailout was repayments. “Repayments will go to pay Offi cials say Rajapakse relied An international airport built The government sharply approved but the 3.1% growth ive people, including a Finance Minister Man- the debts that were obtained heavily on China to fi nance his in Rajapakse’s name met the raised domestic fuel prices fi gure for 2017 was slower than four-year-old child, have gala Samaraweera said pay- during the Rajapakse regime for grand infrastructure projects same fate, with revenue insuf- earlier this month following expected. Fbeen killed instantly in a lightning strike in southwestern Cambodia, offi cials said, as the onset of the rainy season draws near. The group was sheltering Multiple bomb attacks from a downpour in a mountain- ‘Crystal cloud’ installation draws ous area of Koh Kong province’s Thmar Baing district on Thurs- hit Thailand’s south day, police chief for minor crimes Lay Meng Laing said, adding that Reuters der the current, military gov- three victims were from the same Bangkok ernment. crowds to Vietnam rice terrace family. In yesterday’s attacks, ex- The tropical Southeast Asian plosives were placed near ATM country of winding rivers and ultiple bomb attacks machines and bank branches AFP lakes is prone to lightning by suspected sepa- in at least 14 locations across Hanoi storms, a problem that some Mratist insurgents in- four southern provinces, in- believe is worsening with the jured at least three people in cluding Yala, Pattani and Nar- ravages of climate change. Thailand’s far south yesterday, athiwat, as well as Songkhla uge crowds trekked to Keo Vy, a spokesman for Cam- the military said. province, the military said. the remote rice terraces bodia’s National Committee for A decades-old separatist “There is violence every year Hof northern Vietnam Disaster Management, said the insurgency in predominantly during the period of Ramadan,” on Saturday to see a “crystal number of lightning deaths has Buddhist Thailand’s largely Colonel Pramote Prom-in, a re- cloud” installation featur- now reached 50 people since ethnic Malay, Muslim prov- gional security spokesman, said. ing 58,000 shimmering beads January, while 41 died last year in inces of Yala, Pattani and Nar- Muslims around the world aimed at boosting tourism in the same period. athiwat has claimed the lives marked the start of the fasting a region better known for ag- He said the government had of nearly 7,000 people since month of Ramadan last week. riculture than bling-inspired conducted education seminars 2004, according to the Deep As with most attacks in public art. to warn residents in rural areas South Watch group, which Thailand’s deep south, there Local farmers mingled with about the threats, encouraging monitors the violence. was no claim of responsibility. curious tourists to capture pho- them to avoid taking shelter un- Successive governments Yala, Pattani and Narathi- tos of the netting decorated der a tree and not to stand in have held talks with rebel wat were part of an independ- with Swarovski crystals and pools of water. groups aimed at bringing ent Malay Muslim sultanate draped over towering bamboo The strikes also hit livestock, peace but the discussions have before Thailand annexed them and steel poles on the top of the killing 36 cows since January. largely stalled, including un- in 1909. terraced hill in Yen Bai province. Some were in awe of the unexpected display in the far-fl ung rice fi eld. “This is very unique, I’ve Tourists arrive to visit an art installation titled ‘Crystal Cloud’ featuring 58,000 shimmering beads on never seen any outdoor ex- top of a hill in Yen Bai province of Vietnam. Macedonian climber dies on Everest hibit like this,” said tourist Vu Chi Bao. “When the sun shines the fl ashy installation, saying der fi re for forging ahead with Some 500,000 tourists vis- AFP “Our team at the base camp dead after he went missing on and refl ects on the crystals... it it tarnished the area’s natural controversial tourism projects. ited the northern province last Kathmandu confi rms his death,” Iswari Pou- his descent from the summit of looks wonderful.” landscape. A cable car to the country’s year, compared to 6.9mn to del of Himalayan Guides Nepal, Everest. Farmer Lu Thi Ly was amazed “I don’t know what is beauti- highest mountain in northern better-known Halong Bay and his expedition organiser, said. An Italian climber died last at the growing crowds coming ful about it, the original nature Sapa sparked outrage from some 2.5mn people to Sapa, according Macedonian climber died Local media reported that the month on Mount Dhaulagiri, the to the site. is already a masterpiece. It’s just locals when it opened in 2016, and to offi cial statistics. yesterday while making climber died of a cardiac arrest. It world’s seventh highest peak. “We can’t believe this many going to ruin it,” Facebook user a similar project proposed in a re- The fi gures include domestic Aa fi nal push for the sum- was the fourth death of the season. Around 400 people have so far people know about these rice Luu Bich posted. mote cave in central Vietnam has tourism, which is fast-growing mit of Mount Everest, the lat- Last week a solo Russian reached the summit of Everest as terraces now, these crystals Vietnam is racing to develop its drawn scorn in recent months. in Vietnam as offi cials try to est fatality of the current spring climber died of altitude prob- the busy spring climbing season have made them more popular,” tourism sector in a bid to boost its Organisers said they hope to draw visitors to sites like Yen Bai climbing season in the Nepali lems just below the summit of – which runs from April to May he said. economy and catch up with more tick up tourist visits to Yen Bai on the road less travelled. Himalayas. Lhotse, the world’s fourth high- – gets into full swing. But not all were dazzled. popular Asian destinations like and “open dialogue to create arts The crystal cloud display The 62-year-old collapsed above est peak that borders Everest. Nepal is home to eight of the Several people took to so- Thailand and Malaysia. in public spaces”, according to the is open until the beginning of Camp Three at 7,200m (23,625ft). A Sherpa guide is presumed world’s 14 highest peaks. cial media to complain about But it has also come un- event’s offi cial Facebook page. harvest season in October. Gulf Times 14 Monday, May 21, 2018 AUSTRALASIA/ EAST ASIA

11 killed in Indonesia as truck smashes into houses

Indonesian residents examine a damaged house after a truck crashed into several motorcycles and houses in Brebes, Central Java. At least 11 people died in Indonesia when a truck carrying sugar smashed into several motorcycles and houses yesterday, an off icial said. The truck was heading downhill in the district of Brebes in Central Java province on its way to the capital Jakarta when it failed to brake, according to the local disaster agency.

Taiwan’s president Former Malaysia PM marks anniversary with Q&A session

DPA denies graft charges Taipei aiwanese President Tsai AFP its oppressive tactics and corrup- Ing-wen marked the sec- Pekan tion sent the party to a resound- Tond anniversary of her in- ing defeat at the hands of a coali- auguration yesterday by taking tion led by 92-year-old Mahathir questions from the public in an alaysia’s scandal-taint- Mohamad, a longtime UMNO online livestream session. ed former leader yes- leader and former prime minister. Rather than giving a speech, Mterday denied he stole UMNO is now in crisis following as is customary for the president public funds and complained of the drubbing, which prompted on the anniversary of their inau- Tsai Ing-wen the way he has been treated since Najib’s resignation as its leader. guration, Tsai said in a Facebook he unexpectedly lost power in a Najib’s denial of wrongdo- post that she would take part in fence, relations with China, stunning election defeat. ing comes despite detailed evi- the livestream in a bid to interact human rights, judicial reform, Striking a defi ant tone in the dence that has emerged in recent with people directly. foreign policy, tax reforms, the face of a deepening corruption years indicating that he, his fam- The 30-minute livestream environment and energy, among investigation, Najib Razak urged ily, and cronies plundered 1MDB. session was hosted by Watchout, others. his political party to “fi ght on” These include US Department an independent online platform During the livestream session, after it was toppled in the May 9 of Justice civil lawsuits seeking that monitors the government. Tsai chatted with the host in a vote by a political coalition that to seize $1.7bn in real estate, art Tsai, who touts transparency, casual tone and responded to had focused on the allegations works and other luxuries alleg- has worked with the organisa- some of the questions. She gave against him. edly bought with money looted tion in the past to share infor- answers to serious issues, such “I did not steal the people’s from the fund. Mahathir said last mation about Taiwan, according as national security and Chinese money,” Najib, 64, asserted dur- week that he expected Najib to to the state-run Central News espionage activities in Taiwan, ing a visit to the rural home con- face criminal charges soon. Agency. to bizarre ones, such as why she stituency he has represented for “There were a lot of allegations The livestream session was si- preferred to wear formal trou- decades, where he was welcomed made... I was the target because I multaneously available through sers more than skirts. by crowds of supporters of his was the prime minister and party other social media platforms, Responding to a hypotheti- ethnic-Malay party. “I was pre- In this file picture, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak of Barisan Nasional (National Front) and his president,” Najib told supporters. such as Facebook, YouTube and cal question asking if she would pared to hand over power grace- wife Rosmah Mansor show their ink-stained fingers after voting in Malaysia’s general election in Pekan. Najib has complained about the Line. shake hands with her political fully. But once I did that, I was not overnight police searches, and Tsai said that models of com- rivals, such as Chinese President treated properly.” trove of cash, jewels and luxury laysia’s anti-graft agency, which of UMNO. Even though we are in said many personal items unre- munication today have been Xi Jinping or former Taiwanese Najib has been barred from items from his home and other has summoned him to appear on tears... (and) power is no longer lated to 1MDB were improperly shaped by the appearance of so- president Ma Ying-jeou, Tsai leaving Malaysia as the new gov- properties. Najib had said little Tuesday. “I am amazed that even in our hands, no one can kill our impounded. cial media and mobile devices. said she would out of politeness. ernment investigates accusa- since the raids other than to com- though I am no longer the prime spirit to fi ght on.” He has said the money and The site received hundreds of Many viewers criticised the tions he took part in the looting plain to local media about how minister, there are so many peo- UMNO had controlled multi- luxury items seized – which po- questions from members of the Q&A session, saying the atmos- of billions of dollars from sover- they were conducted. ple at this event,” he said during a ethnic Malaysia since independ- lice said were so vast that it would public, some of which were an- phere was too friendly. Some eign wealth fund 1MDB in a vast But yesterday he returned to ceremony opening a branch offi ce ence in 1957, and the country take time to tally their worth – swered by Tsai in the livestream questioned why Tsai avoided conspiracy of fraud and mon- his home district of Pekan in an of his United Malays National Or- became a regional economic were gifts from friends and cash session. fronting press conferences and ey-laundering. Police last week apparent bid to seize back the ganisation (UMNO). success story under its rule. But donations for his election cam- Topics included industrial taking serious questions from seized what they called a huge narrative before a visit to Ma- “I think this is the true spirit long-simmering resentment over paign. innovation, young people, de- professional journalists.

S Korea, US to work closely on Japan’s new ‘Airbnb law’ is a double-edged sword

AFP rise as Japan targets an infl ux summit after North’s about-face Tokyo of 40mn visitors in 2020 when it hosts the Summer Olym- pics – up from 29mn last year. Reuters Korea-US summit,” the presiden- Korean air combat drills known ental platforms like Air- Yasuhiro Kamiyama, CEO of Seoul tial offi cial said. Moon and Trump as Max Thunder. It came a day af- bnb are hoping for a boost Hyakusenrenma, a local fi rm are set to meet on Tuesday in ter it threatened to pull out of the Rfrom a new law coming that manages 2,000 private Washington before North Korean summit with the United States. into force next month in Japan rentals, said the new law will outh Korean President leader Kim Jong-un meets with Further dampening the mood, a ahead of an expected surge in begin to “normalise Japan’s Air- Moon Jae-in and US Presi- Trump on June 12 in Singapore. spokesman for North Korea’s Red demand for the 2020 Olympics, bnb market”. Sdent Donald Trump held The White House said Trump and Cross Society demanded on Sat- but experts warn it could ac- He hopes to have 30,000 discussions yesterday to ensure Moon discussed recent develop- urday that South Korea’s govern- tually hamper business in the rental properties on his books that the North Korea-US summit ments in North Korea and con- ment should send North Korean short-term. by 2020. Mizuho, a research remains on track after North Ko- tinued “their close co-ordination female restaurant workers back Currently anyone renting out institute, said that “vacation rea threatened to pull out of the ahead of President Trump’s June to their home “without delay” to a room risks falling foul of the rental services are unlikely to high-level talks. 12 meeting with North Korean show the will to improve the in- law but short-term rentals will rapidly expand after (the law’s) Moon and Trump spoke over leader Kim Jong-un.” ter-Korean ties, the North’s Korea be legalised on June 15, clearing introduction. But the potential the phone for about 20 minutes, Although a historic inter-Ko- Central News agency said. up a legal grey area. Rental user Max Ikeda, a Ukrainian-Japanese living in Hiroshima, needs are great among foreign and exchanged their views on rean summit in late April raised A dozen North Korean res- But the new law also intro- relaxing in his room at a rental house in Tokyo. tourists, particularly from Asia.” North Korea’s recent reactions, hopes of reconciliation, North taurant workers came to South duces fresh restrictions, dis- However, the loosening of South Korea’s presidential offi ce Korea showed a dramatic change Korea in 2016 from China, and maying many who rent out lodgings off the platform. ing the issue with the Japanese the law will also open the door said without elaborating. in tone in recent days. North Korea had urged to send rooms to tourists via Airbnb “Under the new law, Airbnb Tourism Agency”. “We are wait- to fi erce competition. E-com- “The two leaders will work North Korea’s chief negotiator them back claiming they were ab- or similar platforms. Would- hosts will not be able to accom- ing for instructions,” said the merce giant Rakuten is planning closely and unwaveringly for the Ri Son-gwon said it would not ducted by the South, even though be renters will have to register modate guests as easily as be- spokesman for Airbnb, which to launch a property rental site successful hosting of the North hold talks with South Korea un- the South has said the 12 workers their lodgings with the authori- fore. I hope this doesn’t put the has informed its members of the as soon as it comes into eff ect Korea-US summit set on June 12, less their demands were met, decided to defect of their own free ties and the new law limits total bar too high for us,” 41-year-old legal changes. and telecom group KDDI has including the upcoming South taking issue with the US-South will. overnight stays to 180 days per Nobuhide Kaneda, who rents Despite the new restrictions, also set up a reservation plat- year. The new legislation allows out a room in Tokyo, told AFP. there is a huge potential mar- form. local authorities to impose their On an Airbnb discussion forum, ket for short-term rentals as Hotel chains will also be step- Australia to ban wild horses cull at national park own restrictions too. an Australian host identifying the country gears up for Tokyo ping up their game, building The tourist-magnet of Kyoto, herself as Narelle wrote: “I am... 2020 and the Rugby World Cup new sites to counter “the risk for example, has said it will only becoming frustrated that no one the previous year. Airbnb rent- of a shortage” come 2020, ac- Australia said yesterday the found nowhere else in the world. U-turned, deciding the horses are permit rentals in residential ar- knows what is required.” als have boomed in recent years, cording to a recent research note culling of wild horses in a unique Conservationists have called for part of the “cultural fabric” of the eas between mid-January and “I also feel the three-month driven by an increase in tourism from Mizuho. national park would be banned the brumbies to be culled, saying region and should be protected mid-March, the low season timeframe to organise a notifi - and a surprising lack of hotel in- An additional problem faced despite fears the animals were the introduced animals were instead. for tourist arrivals. Jake Wilc- cation number is unrealistic.” frastructure. by potential hosts is opposition threatening native species. An causing environmental damage “Wild brumbies have been zynski, Airbnb spokesman for Airbnb does not say how With around 60,000 listings, from neighbours, who worry estimated 6,000 feral horses, and that their rising numbers roaming the Australian alps for Asia-Pacifi c, told AFP the new many properties on its platform Airbnb dominates the Japanese about noise from holidaymak- known locally as “brumbies”, live were posing a growing threat. almost 200 years and are part of laws are a “clear sign that Japan already comply with the new vacation rental market, even ers or security. According to in Kosciuszko National Park, a In 2016 the New South Wales the cultural fabric and folklore of is buying in to the idea of short- laws but does not deny there though it lags far behind many Japanese media, there have been Unesco-recognised biosphere state government released a the high country,” NSW Deputy term rentals for individuals”. have been some teething prob- countries in Europe – France, several cases of management reserve some 470km south of plan to cull 90% of brumbies at Premier John Barilaro said in a But many have cancelled res- lems. Wilczynski said the fi rm for example, has 450,000 list- companies or co-owners ban- Sydney that has plant species Kosciuszko. But they have since statement.ervations or simply taken their was “in the process of discuss- ings. And demand is poised to ning sub-lets in their buildings. Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 15 BRITAIN

Nurses’ homes at Royal Free ‘off ered to luxury atfl developers’

Guardian News and Media Hampstead Heath. The Royal the 1.6 acre site as “the last major for up to £10mn each. They put the housed in a separate develop- 2020 but the trust said it is “com- nity ward. “NHS hospitals have to London Free hospital is promoting Queen development site in Hampstead total sale value of the scheme at ment on the main hospital site. mitted to fi nding them alternative, have key worker accommodation,” Mary’s House – a gift from the with an unrivalled position be- about £280mn. The building, which was dedi- aff ordable accommodation should Schwalowsky said. “We (NHS Lever Brothers co-founder Lord tween the heath and Hampstead The website, created with cated by Queen Mary in 1921 and the site be sold”. staff ) don’t get a huge amount of he NHS is privately mar- Leverhulme 97 years ago – as Village”. the high-end estate agent con- rededicated by the Prince of Wales Otto Schwalowsky, 26, an in- money anyway, so it’s good to be keting a 100-year-old “Hampstead Gardens … a rare The hospital’s Hampstead-Gar- sultancy Knight Frank and the in 1992, houses 52 nurses, teachers tensive care nurse at the Royal able to walk to work.” Thospital building that opportunity to create one of dens.com website shows archi- architects Ryder Architecture, and other key workers paying af- Free who has been living in Queen Schwalowsky said he would not provides affordable housing for the most desirable new-build tect’s plans to convert the site into tells potential builders they do fordable rents of £551.09 a month Mary’s House for nine months, be able to aff ord to privately rent 52 nurses and other key workers schemes in London”. 162 luxury fl ats in four fi ve-storey not need to worry about aff ord- for single rooms with shared said it was “a real shame” that the anywhere to live nearby. “Rents in to property developers to create A password-restricted website blocks with underground car able housing lowering the tone kitchens and bathrooms. The hospital was considering selling Hampstead are at least triple (what a One Hyde Park-style com- set up by the Royal Free London parks. Local agents said the three- of the development as the legally residents have been told they may the building, which was gifted by we pay here), you’d have to get a plex of luxury flats overlooking NHS foundation trust describes bedroom penthouse fl ats could sell required aff ordable units can be have to vacate the premises by July Leverhulme for use as a mater- room share,” he said.

Actor’s former Harry, Meghan mansion put up for go straight auction

London Evening Standard to work after London

commuter-belt Tudor manor house once sepa- Arately owned by actor Oliver Reed and comedian Jim lavish wedding Davidson is to go under the ham- mer at auction with a guide price AFP hands, and the prince was vis- moon immediately, as they are due less than a quarter of its estimat- London ibly emotional as he greeted his to attend a charity garden party ed peak value. bride at the altar saying: “You look for Prince Charles, the heir to the The 12-acre Okewood Hill amazing.” throne, at Buckingham Palace to- estate near Cranleigh, Surrey, rince Harry and his new A gospel choir sang “Stand By morrow. will go on sale at the end of the wife Meghan began mar- Me” and US pastor Michael Curry Meghan and Charles have re- month with auctioneer Allsop Pried life yesterday after delivered a passionate, lengthy ad- portedly forged a strong bond, and on the instruction of receivers. their spectacular, rule-breaking dress about the power of love, ref- he stepped in to escort her to the The auction catalogue lists the wedding, but will be delaying a erencing slavery. altar at the wedding after her own Grade II-listed property, which honeymoon as they turn imme- Meghan, a mixed-race televi- father pulled out following a me- has had a colourful recent his- diately to royal duties. sion actress, also made her mark dia furore and subsequent heart tory, as having a guide price of The newly ennobled Duke and by walking up the aisle partly on surgery. £2.6mn to £2.8mn. This com- Duchess of Sussex staged a huge her own, and giving a speech at the Charles also invited Meghan’s pares with the £12mn tag put on party after the ceremony on Sat- evening reception. mother Doria Ragland, the only it when it went on the market in urday at Windsor Castle, where “Kisstory: Harry & Meg’s his- member of the Markle family to 2009. they were greeted by around toric change for monarchy,” head- attend the wedding, for tea before When it failed to fi nd a buyer 100,000 people lining the streets lined The Sun on Sunday, with a the big day and chatted to her in during the recession the price and watched by millions around photograph of the couple kissing the church. was cut to £8.5mn and has fallen the world. on the steps of St George’s chapel. Windsor was transformed into successively since then. There The beaming couple were seen “If ever there was a wedding to a sea of Union Jack fl ags for the have also been attempts to fi nd driving to the evening bash in symbolise modern, multi-cultur- wedding, with the world’s media tenants for the estate at a rent of a vintage Jaguar, Meghan hav- al, multi-racial Britain, yesterday’s mixing with thousands of well- £25,000 a month. ing changed from her sweeping was it,” the Sunday Mirror wrote in wishers, many of whom camped As well as the six-bedroom, Givenchy wedding gown into a an editorial. out for days. fi ve-bathroom main house said sleek Stella McCartney halterneck “Disney could not have come “Thank you to everyone who to have been built in the 16th cen- dress, with Harry switching his up with a better princess,” said the came to Windsor and those who tury, the estate includes an of- military frockcoat for black tie. Sunday Telegraph, while The Mail followed from around the UK, the fi ce suite with a triple garage and On the bride’s fi nger was a large on Sunday simply said: “Harry Commonwealth, and the world,” one-bedroom “au pair” annexe, aquamarine ring, which belonged ever after!” the royal family tweeted. plus a two-bedroom staff cottage, to Harry’s beloved late mother, After staying at Windsor over- As a member of the monarchy, stables and horse training school, Diana. night, Harry and Meghan returned Meghan now has her own sec- helipad, pond and heated koi carp Details of the bash, hosted by to their home at Kensington Palace tion of the royal.uk website, which lake claimed to be England’s larg- Harry’s father Prince Charles in in London yesterday afternoon. highlights her charity work — and est. a house on the castle grounds for They will not be taking a honey- plays down her acting career. The red-brick property was 200 close friends and family, were known as Pinkhurst Farm when a top secret although fi reworks Clean-up operation begins at Windsor it was owned in the Seventies by were seen over Windsor late in the Reed, the star of Oliver! and Glad- evening. As the new Duke and Duchess of morning, Naziq Hussain, manager iator. Some of the celebrities who at- Sussex began married life, a major of Esquires Coff ee house, told the It was bought from Davidson tended the earlier service, includ- clean-up operation was under way in Press Association: “On Saturday you for £2.5mn in 2004 by business- ing George Clooney and tennis star Windsor after a wedding that wove couldn’t move here, but now it seems man Spencer Day who spent Serena Williams, were also spotted royal tradition and African-American like a pretty average Sunday, except £5mn on a huge refurbishment in- heading in. heritage into a modern spectacle, for the TV crews. “There was an artic- cluding an indoor swimming pool, The wedding was like no other winning praise from many quarters. ulated lorry taking the barriers away Bang and Olufsen speakers and a the royal family has ever staged, a Barriers were being taken down and when I got into work at 7am. They £280,000 gravel drive. mix of the pageantry that Britain trucks and lorries lined the streets of were all taken down overnight. Really Richard Adamson, partner and does so well, with celebrity razz- the Berkshire town as international today you wouldn’t think anything auctioneer at Allsop, said: “Oke- matazz and African-American TV networks packed up and rubbish happened. The clean-up operation wood Hill Estate presents a rare culture. collectors moved in. As normal- began very soon afterwards. It’s very opportunity to purchase a country In a ceremony fi lled with laughs ity returned to Windsor yesterday well planned and executed.” estate close to London”. People queue to visit Windsor Castle, in Windsor, yesterday. and not a few tears, the couple held

Chelsea Flower Show Premier backs probe into Sturgeon eyes Scotland Bercow’s Leadsom remark independence vote Agencies tions for an independent Scotland London are due out on Friday. Guardian News and Media by Bercow by three votes to two. committee’s move to block it. “As you know we’ve had a London The committee is unique because The Speaker’s offi ce did not growth commission looking at it has lay members, but they do deny that Bercow made the re- cottish First Minister Nicola the economic opportunities of not have a vote. It is understood mark. “Strong and diff ering Sturgeon yesterday said she independence. Its report will be heresa May has said there these members unanimously views” had been expressed in Swould again consider anoth- published in the coming days and should be an investiga- supported an investigation. the chamber on an “unusual and er vote on independence for Scot- I think that’s quite an important Ttion if a complaint is Leadsom, the leader of the controversial day”, it said, add- land when the British government moment, because if you think made over allegations that John Commons, has been spearhead- ing: “The Speaker treats his col- off ers some certainty over Brexit. about the last couple of years in Bercow, the House of Com- ing work to improve the system leagues with respect and strives Speaking on ITV television’s the UK it has been very much a de- mons Speaker, called Andrea for reporting and investigating at every turn to facilitate the Peston on Sunday programme, bate about how we cope with the Leadsom a “stupid woman” in complaints. She is said to believe House of Commons.” Sturgeon also said her Scottish damage of Brexit. heated exchanges after prime the committee’s decision un- The historical allegations of National Party would not block “What I think Scotland now minister’s questions. derlines the need to revoke MPs’ bullying were made earlier this another Brexit vote on any fi nal has the opportunity to do is look The prime minister’s spokes- power to decide on sanctions. year in a BBC Newsnight investi- deal, but feared what would hap- at how we seize the opportunities man said: “We’ve seen the al- In the Commons on Wednes- gation. They involved two senior pen if the diff erent parts of the that lie ahead, so a debate based leged remarks and clearly the day, Bercow was overheard members of Commons staff , who United Kingdom voted for op- very much on ambition and hope prime minister thinks they are swearing under his breath after had each been Bercow’s private posite outcomes in the same way not a debate that’s based on de- unacceptable. And if an offi cial he criticised Leadsom for ar- secretary after he was elected they did in 2016. spair, which is how the Brexit de- complaint is made, it should be ranging government statements Speaker. “Once we get some clarity, bate so often feels.” properly investigated.” that took up time intended for a Kate Emms allegedly developed which hopefully we will in autumn The growth commission, But MPs have said the Com- Labour debate on Grenfell. post-traumatic stress disorder of this year, about the Brexit out- chaired by former SNP MSP An- mons system of investigation is An opposition MP told Lead- after working for him, and Angus come and the future relationship drew Wilson, was set up in 2016 too fl awed to do an eff ective job. som what they had heard. She is Sinclair took compulsory early re- between the UK and the EU, then to make recommendations on Although any complaint can understood not to want to raise a tirement. He said Bercow had de- I will consider again the question monetary policy for an independ- trigger an investigation by the complaint personally and so far meaned and physically intimidat- of the timing of an independence ent Scotland as well as the range of parliamentary standards com- no one has lodged a complaint ed him, once smashing a mobile referendum,” she said. transitional cost and benefi ts. missioner, Kathryn Stone, her with the standards commis- phone on his desk. Later, another Sturgeon said she will “restart According to the Sunday Post, report has to be submitted to the sioner. former senior parliamentary fi g- the debate” on Scottish independ- its 400-page report will support committee on standards. If a complaint were lodged, it ure, David Leakey, criticised Ber- A worker adjusts chrysanthemums on display as he ence this week as her party’s eco- the move towards a Scottish cur- On Tuesday, MPs on the com- is thought this could allow Stone cow. Bercow has emphatically prepares for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London nomic growth commission report rency but argue that an independ- mittee blocked an inquiry into to investigate the historical al- denied allegations that he bullied yesterday. is published. The commission’s ent Scotland could initially use historical allegations of bullying legations of bullying, despite the Sinclair and Emms. fi ndings on economic policy op- sterling on an unoffi cial basis. Gulf Times 16 Monday, May 21, 2018 BRITAIN Govt faces pressure over deportation of skilled migrants

Guardian News and Media launch a campaign to lobby the records under paragraph 322(5), paragraph, which gives families, grants facing deportation for the either. “It’s clear the Home Of- tactically – being used to portray London Home Offi ce until it ceases turning according to the support group many of whom have been here most trivial reasons. fi ce has embraced a political cul- individuals as a threat to national Theresa May’s “much-vaunted vi- Highly Skilled Migrants. for a decade and have British- “These people were encouraged ture that aims to drive immigrants security, and as a veil to pursue sion of an open Britain into a closed The group, which has raised born children, 14 days to leave the to come to the UK because our out of the country on any pretext, individuals for removal,” she said. group of about 20 MPs and Britain through the heavy-handed about £40,000 to challenge the country. Those who are allowed economy needs them,” he said. “I however fl imsy, however unfair, “Indeed, today at my surgery more a member of the House of and unconscionable use of this Home Offi ce in the courts, has to appeal are barred from work- worry about the unfair treatment and however discriminatory its constituents attended to explain ALords are to establish sepa- controversial paragraph of the im- helped 10 migrants challenge the ing, renting property or accessing of these individuals, but also about eff ect,” he said. “This new group that they had recently received rate pressure groups to persuade migration rules, which is denuding government over their use of 322(5) the NHS. Steve Reed MP, who is the message this sends to the world of MPs will fi ght to make sure this 322(5) notices from the Home Of- the Home Offi ce to stop deport- Britain of those with the special in the last six months. Nine won setting up the group of MPs, all of at a time the government is trying does not stand.” fi ce. The people being targeted by ing highly skilled migrants using a skills our industries need – and their cases, with the appeal judges whom have multiple constituents to create a post-Brexit concept of Another member of the group, these measures are profession- paragraph of the immigration rules doing so in the cruellest of ways”. ruling the government’s use of threatened by deportation under global Britain.” Reed has two con- Alison Thewliss MP, said: “It is im- als; they are accountants, lawyers, designed to tackle terrorism and At least 1,000 highly skilled mi- paragraph 322(5) was wrong. 322(5), said: “It’s now clear the stituents facing deportation un- perative that we continue to pres- doctors and academics, to name people judged to be a threat to na- grants seeking indefi nite leave to Calling the use of 322(5) “draco- government’s ‘hostile environ- der 322(5) for having made minor sure the government on its repug- but a few. Many of them have been tional security. remain (ILR) in the UK are wrongly nian”, Taverne states that “there is ment’ immigration policy goes far amendments to their tax returns, nant use of the 322(5) Immigration here for over 10 years, and have put Lord Dick Taverne, QC, in a let- facing deportation for making no justifi cation and no humanity” wider than the Windrush scandal. even though HMRC has not fi ned Rules. “In many cases this para- down roots and contributed vastly ter to the Guardian, says he will minor amendments to their tax in the Home Offi ce’s use of the We are seeing highly skilled mi- or pursued criminal cases against graph is wrongly – and it seems to their communities.” Emotions run high as Grenfell inquiry opens

Guardian News and Media which are due to be dealt with in London a second phase of hearings. So far the inquiry has 547 core participants, of whom 519 are in- lmost a year after the Gren- dividuals and 28 organisations. fell Tower fi re, the fi rst It is believed to be the largest Asubstantive hearings of the number ever accredited to a pub- inquiry into the disaster will open lic inquiry in the UK. today with tributes from friends The evidence-collecting ses- and relatives of the 72 victims. sions and the rest of the inquiry, For the next two weeks, the which is expected to run into lives of those who died will be next year, will be held at Holborn remembered in a series of com- Bars on High Holborn, near the memorations delivered in the form Inns of Court and the legal heart of video recordings and personal of London. statements, with the proceed- There will be no hearings dur- ings streamed live on the inquiry’s ing the week of the fi re’s anniver- website. sary on June 14 and the inquiry The initial sessions are being will resume the following week held in a conference centre at the with presentations by several ex- Millennium Gloucester hotel, in pert witnesses. South Kensington, London, where There will be presentations by counselling support and NHS professor Luke Bisby of Edin- teams will be on hand to help sur- burgh University who specialises Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Matt Hancock, appears on the BBC’s Marr Show in London yesterday. vivors and the bereaved. A prayer in fi re safety engineering, pro- room has also been provided, as fessor Niamh Nic Daeid, of the the hearings start during the holy Centre for Anatomy and Human month of Ramadan and many of Identifi cation at Dundee Univer- the victims were Muslim. sity and Dr Barbara Lane, a char- No time limit has been imposed tered fi re engineer at Arup. on any of the personal portraits. More harrowing evidence is Some are expected to be as short as likely to emerge in July when Law to rein in social media a few minutes, but others may last fi refi ghters will speak about how up to an hour. they fought the blaze and car- The main evidence-collecting ried out search and rescue op- sessions will commence on June erations as the staircases fi lled 4 with detailed outlines from law- with smoke. The accounts of the yers representing the inquiry as bereaved and survivors are not well as the organisations and in- scheduled to be heard until early ‘is a couple of years away’ dividuals who have been granted September following a summer core participant status. break. Guardian News and Media ment ahead of a white paper in Barnett in Marr’s absence, social media companies that we are looking at,” he said. What is termed “phase 1” of While disputes over the com- London the autumn. Hancock said: “Having a lev- fail to prevent under-13s from The government said last the inquiry will focus on the se- position of a panel to sit along- Hancock also admitted that el playing fi eld is important. signing up for accounts. It is year it would introduce an in- quence of the events on June 14, side the inquiry’s chair, Sir Mar- when he called in representa- There’s no other fi eld of life in estimated that half of all 11- to ternet-wide levy to fund meas- 2017. It will include details of fi re tin Moore-Bick, may have been he high-profi le launch tives of 14 leading internet the UK where we say these are 13-year-olds are on Facebook ures to tackle online abuse. safety and prevention measures resolved by Thersa May’s latest of a campaign to clamp companies to discuss his ideas, international companies so we or another social media plat- However, it now seems there in the 24-storey high-rise build- intervention, other disputes are Tdown on social media only four turned up. can’t legislate – so we will.” form. will be a further round of con- ing. How and where the blaze expected to arise. fi rms has backfi red as the cul- “The fact that only four He said the new legislation Challenged to explain how sultation with the sector and started, its spread from a fourth One issue is a restriction on ture secretary, Matt Hancock, turned up gave me a big im- would have the same scale of lower age limits could be en- charities before any decision is fl oor fl at to the rest of the build- lawyers representing core par- admitted it was likely to be two petus to drive this legislation fi nes for failing to enforce anti- forced and what would trigger made on how to proceed. ing and the evacuation of resi- ticipants who will only be able years before there is any new through. Until now there’s been bullying or harassment rules a fi ne, Hancock said it was a The diffi culties of legislat- dents will all feature in this fi rst to question witnesses “with law. this argument: work with the as those in the data protection matter for broad consultation. ing in this fi eld have been illus- phase. the permission” of the chair- In a round of media inter- companies, do it on a voluntary bill, which is due to become In an interview with ITV’s trated in Germany, where tough Lawyers for the victims have man and, in most cases, as long views, Hancock said there was basis, you’ll do more that way law in the next few weeks. For Peston on Sunday, he suggested new laws on taking down hate cautioned that it may not be pos- as they give fi ve days’ notice of no date for legislation but it because the lawyers won’t be Google or Facebook that could a parent might be required to speech have had to be recon- sible to separate the narrative what they wish to ask. The chair would be in the “next couple involved.” mean fi nes of many millions of verify a child’s age. “Asking for sidered after complaints that from more fundamental ques- may allow questions to be put of years”, and he said he was Speaking on BBC1’s Andrew pounds. a parent to verify if someone is too much content was being tions about the cause of the fi re, without notice if he wishes to. launching a consultation docu- Marr Show, hosted by Emma Hancock also wants to fi ne old enough is one of the things removed Commuters outraged at Actress honoured Tories lead Labour in latest survey mass train cancellations Guardian News and Media -18% in April to -8% now. London When voters are asked who would make the best prime min- Guardian News and Media tabled trains across the new for around a quarter of all UK ister, May’s lead has risen from 12 London enlarged network were being rail services. he Tories have opened up to 13 points over the past month, cancelled. Charles Horton, Govia Trains’ a four-point lead over La- with 36% saying they would pre- While the train company had chief executive, said last week: Tbour – the biggest since last fer her in Number 10, against 23% ail passengers trying to warned the changes would re- “The introduction of the new year’s general election – as Remain for Corbyn. use the upgraded £7bn sult in disruption, passengers timetables is a major milestone voters appear to be losing faith On Brexit, both leaders are RThameslink service yes- were taken aback at the level of in the delivery of RailPlan 20/20, in the ability of Jeremy Corbyn’s struggling to impress, but May terday were met with mass train cancellations and were furious our programme to modernise rail party to handle Brexit. again comes out ahead. Some cancellations and no informa- at the lack of information. services, taking advantage of the The latest monthly Opinium/ 32% approve of the way the prime tion about why services were “It takes a very special rail new infrastructure and trains Observer poll puts the Conserva- minister is handling Brexit against not running. company to mess up its new provided by the government’s tives on 43% (up three points) 44% who disapprove. Just 19% A huge publicity drive backed timetable as soon as it starts. £7bn Thameslink programme.” while Labour is down one on 39%. approve of Corbyn’s performance yesterday’s biggest ever time- Trains cancelled and a reduced He said passengers would see The Liberal Democrats are on 6% on Brexit compared with 48% who table change but, despite the service already announced for huge benefi ts from changes that (down one), two ahead of Ukip disapprove. big build up, passengers trying tomorrow. Well done the @ provide for an extra 50,000 pas- (also down one). Despite the im- Strikingly, May appears to be to get into and around London TLRailUK buff oons,” was one sengers in the capital’s morning provement in the Conservatives’ impressing far more Leave vot- found few of the promised new sentiment on Twitter. Others peak, with Govia running 400 overall support, the leadership ers than Corbyn is enthusing Re- services were actually running. described it as a “farce”. Yester- more trains a day. ratings of the two party leaders re- mainers – 40% of Leavers back For more than a year, Go- day’s disruption does not bode However, the new timetable main little changed. May over Brexit, while only 26% of via Trains has been working well for today, when commuters has been criticised for adding to The rating for Theresa May re- Remainers think Corbyn is doing on an ambitious plan to merge would really put the new system journey times for many. In some mains the same as a month ago well on the issue. its Thameslink, Southern and to the test, commenters warned. towns, rail users’ groups have (-8%, the result of subtracting the The polling suggests opinion is Great Northern train operations The biggest change to the described the new schedules as number of people who think she is shifting in favour of the UK stay- and introduce a raft of promised London commuting network a disaster, as their service has doing badly from those who think ing in the single market, a position improvements. ever seen allows trains to run been hugely downgraded, par- she is performing well). Corbyn strongly opposed by most Tories. South-east London was par- from Cambridge and Peterbor- ticularly off -peak. Actress Julia McKenzie poses with her medal after she has improved slightly from -19% Corbyn has also refused to back ticularly badly hit in the morn- ough through London to Gat- The company said: “We apol- was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British last month to -18% this month. staying in the single market, say- ing, with passengers facing wick airport and on to Brighton ogise to customers for any in- Empire (CBE) by the Prince Charles, Prince of Wales The LibDem leader, Sir Vince ing its membership could threaten mass cancellations and long for the fi rst time, along with a convenience caused during the during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace Cable, has enjoyed a marked surge many of the economic policies La- waits. Throughout the day, be- number of other services. The initial stages of the timetable in London. since the local elections earlier this bour wishes to implement if and tween half and a third of time- new Govia operation accounts change.” month, improving his rating from when it comes to power. Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 17 EUROPE

Italian parties agree on nominee for prime minister The leader of Italy’s far-right League party announced yesterday that it had reached an agreement with the anti- Thousands at Erdogan establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) on their nominee to be the country’s next prime minister. Matteo Salvini said the agreement also covered the members of the cabinet. “We are agreed on the head and the ministers of the government election rally in Bosnia and we hope that no-one will veto a choice that represents the will Reuters/AFP/DPA of the majority of Italians,” Salvini Sarajevo said, adding that neither he nor M5S chief Luigi Di Maio would take the role of premier. urkish President Recep However, media reports said Tayyip Erdogan took a Salvini would lead the interior Tswipe yesterday at Euro- ministry and Di Maio would pean countries that refused to become either labour or let him campaign on their terri- economic development minister. tory as he called at a rally in Bos- Salvini’s announcement came nia for expatriate Turks to vote after the two parties published a for him and his ruling AK Party joint policy programme on Friday in elections next month. that brought the eurozone’s third The presidential and parlia- largest economy – politically- mentary polls on June 24 will see deadlocked since inconclusive Turkey switch to a powerful, ex- elections in March – a step closer ecutive presidential system that to a new government. was narrowly approved in a ref- The two parties must announce erendum last year. their pick for prime minister in “As European Turks you have time for a meeting today with always supported us by a wide President Sergio Mattarella. margin. Now we need your sup- M5S became Italy’s largest party port again in the elections on at the March elections, gaining June 24,” Erdogan told a rally in a Erdogan: At a time when renowned European countries claiming to nearly 33% of the vote, while Sarejevo sports hall, where sup- be the cradle of civilisation failed, Bosnia and Herzegovina showed the League – shorn of the rest of porters waved Turkish and Bos- by allowing us to gather here that it is a real democracy, not a the rightwing coalition that won nian fl ags. so-called one. 37% – will be the junior coalition “Are you ready to support me partner with 17%. with a record number of votes in to be the cradle of civilisation Germany, home to about 3mn the presidential elections?” he failed, Bosnia and Herzegovina people of Turkish origin, says it asked those gathered. “Are you showed by allowing us to gather will not allow foreign politicians Avalanche sweeps ready to give the terrorist or- here that it is a real democracy, to campaign on its territory ganisations [and] their local and not a so-called one,” he told ahead of elections. away two cars foreign collaborators a strong those gathered. Despite the ban in other Euro- Ottoman slap?” Several thousand people, ac- pean countries, Bosnia had not Three car passengers were Erdogan urged Turkish di- cording to an AFP reporter, been expected to stop Turkish Supporters cheer and listen as Erdogan speaks yesterday during a pre-election rally in Sarajevo. injured by an avalanche at the aspora to get involved in the pol- converged on Sarajevo’s largest politicians campaigning on its Klausen Pass in the Swiss Alps itics of their adopted countries sports venue, Zetra, where the soil, given the close ties between 15% of the population. tably Bosnia, were ruled by the ish history, Erdogan has ruled yesterday, three days after the and take citizenship. rally was held. Bosnian Muslim leader Bakir Earlier in the day, Erdogan Ottomans for more than four for 15 years, overseeing a period route had been reopened for “I have one request from you, Many of the participants, who Izetbegovic and his SDA party pledged a multi-billion euro centuries until 1878. of rapid economic growth. summer traff ic. take an active role in the political arrived from several European and Erdogan’s ruling Justice and investment in a motorway con- The event would be an occa- However, a crackdown against One car from Switzerland and parties in the countries you live countries, including Germany, Development Party (AKP). necting Belgrade and Sarajevo. sion for “poor local people to his opponents has led rights another one from Germany were (in),” he told the crowd during a Austria, Denmark and France, According to Bosnian media, His visit stirred controversy in euphorically applaud their sul- groups and Western allies of the driving uphill towards the 1,948m nearly hour-long speech. “You were wearing scarves and ban- the AKP is also planning to open Bosnia and support for it was not tan”, he tweeted. North Atlantic Treaty Organi- pass when the masses of snow should take a place in those par- ners carrying pictures of the a representative offi ce in Bosnia unanimous. Bosnian Serb leader Milord sation (Nato) member to voice came crashing down, police in liaments.” Turkish leader, and waving soon. “Why hold a rally in Bosnia Dodik accused the Turkish lead- concerns about Turkey’s record the Swiss region of Uri said. Ahead of the 2017 referen- Turkish fl ags. “Allahu akbar” (God is great- rather than in Turkey. Of course, er of “interfering” in Bosnia’s on civil rights and Erdogan’s The Swiss car was swept 100m dum, ministers travelled to Giant billboards welcomed est) and “Sultan Erdogan” the I mind,” pensioner Spomenka aff airs. growing authoritarianism. downhill. countries with big Turkish com- Erdogan in Turkish and Bosnian. crowd chanted as Erdogan ar- Beus, 74, told AFP. Thousands of Turks came On Saturday, Turkey’s state- Both passengers were hurt. munities – including Germany Security for the event, the rived accompanied by Izetbe- However, Muhamed Yanik, from Germany, the Netherlands run Anadolu agency reported Although the German car was and the Netherlands – to urge only one Erdogan will attend govic. a 20-year-old student, said he and Austria, and from across the that there had been tip-off s only pushed off the road, a support for the change, but were outside Turkey, was tight. Host Izetbegovic, who is also had travelled 28 hours by bus Balkans for the rally. about a potential assassination female passenger in the vehicle stopped from campaigning by Austrian Chancellor Sebas- the Muslim member of Bosnia’s from Germany to see Erdogan. “Turkey is our mother na- attempt against Erdogan while was also injured. authorities citing security fears. tian Kurz, who heads a right- tripartite presidency, urged the “If he says so, we will die for tion,” said Coskun Celiloglu, a he visits the Balkans. The driver was not hurt. Erdogan nevertheless said last wing coalition opposed to Tur- crowd to vote for Erdogan la- him.” Macedonian student of Turkish Asked about the report, Er- None of the injured were in life- month that he was expecting to key joining the European Union, belling him a “man God sent to But others, such as theatre descent. “We came to Sarajevo dogan said: “This news reached threatening condition, according hold a campaign rally in a Euro- said last month that Erdogan you”. director Dino Mustafi c, felt Er- just for one day to support our me and indeed that is why I am to police. pean city. would be barred from “trying to Half of Bosnia’s 3.5mn citi- dogan’s visit harked back to the saviour Erdogan.” here ... such threats and opera- Following the accident, the pass “At a time when renowned exploit” Europe’s Turkish com- zens are Muslims, one-third are colonial times of the Ottoman The most popular – and divi- tions cannot deter us from this was closed again and will only European countries claiming munities. Serbs, while Croats make some Empire, when the Balkans, no- sive – politician in recent Turk- path.” be reopened after a further avalanche assessment.

12-year-old thrown off bridge by dad Greek mayor hurt after ‘far-right’ attack

A man threw his 12-year-old AFP where. Kicks, punches, the lot,” Alexis Tsipras said that the at- Among them is calling Kemal daughter off of a highway bridge Thessaloniki, Greece Boutaris, who was discharged tackers were “far-right thugs”. Ataturk, founder of the modern in central Italy yesterday, the from hospital yesterday, told The incident was praised by Turkish state and a hate fi gure in Ansa news agency reported. state agency ANA. “It was a des- the daughter of Greece’s neo- Greece, a “great leader”. Local authorities tried for hours he mayor of Greece’s sec- picable attack, but I am well.” Nazi party Golden Dawn leader, He has also dismissed as to prevent the man from jumping ond city Thessaloniki was Police said yesterday that Ourania Michaloliakou, who ac- “idiots” those opposing a com- off the bridge himself near Thospitalised early yester- they had detained two people in cused Boutaris of being “anti- promise solution in Greece’s Francavilla al Mare in the region day after an assault by suspect- connection to the assault. Greek”. longstanding name row with of Abruzzo, according to Ansa. ed far-right members at a rally, Footage from the event shows “Bravo to each and every per- neighbouring Macedonia. It is unclear whether his daughter offi cials said. Boutaris initially being heckled. son who did their duty in Thes- The incident was picked up by survived the fall. Yiannis Boutaris, 75, had to be As he starts to leave, people saloniki today. Respect and a Turkish media. The man asked the rescue escorted from the event on Sat- start throwing objects at him thousand bravos,” Michalolia- Hurriyet daily noted that workers not to approach the girl. urday commemorating the kill- and at one point he falls to the kou tweeted on Saturday. Boutaris has called Turks Investigators have not ruled out a ing of Black Sea Greeks in Tur- ground. A maverick politician, “brothers” and has proposed re- link between the bridge incident key during and after World War Some of the attackers then Boutaris has repeatedly angered naming a central street in Thes- and the fall of a woman – possibly I, when members of the crowd struck his car, smashing the rear hardliners in Greece with con- saloniki after Ataturk, who was the girl’s mum – from a balcony Boutaris is kicked by a suspected far-right member as he is being turned violent. window before it sped off . troversial statements on Mac- born in the city in 1881 and still yesterday in nearby Chieti. escorted away from a rally in Thessaloniki on Saturday. “They were hitting me every- The offi ce of Prime Minister edonia, Turkey, and Israel. draws Turkish visitors there.

Macedonia must Pope Francis names 14 new ‘revise constitution’ cardinals from 5 continents before name deal Reuters elector cardinals to 125, fi ve more is the head of the Vatican alms Vatican City than the limit of 120 established offi ce that has overseen numer- AFP the two countries dates back to by Pope Paul VI for a conclave. ous eff orts to help the homeless Athens 1991, when Skopje declared in- Francis will have named al- in Rome, including setting up dependence from war-torn Yu- ope Francis said yesterday most half of the group since be- showers near St Peter’s Basilica. goslavia. that he would elevate 14 coming pontiff in 2013. Two other senior Vatican of- he 27-year name row be- Athens objects to the neigh- Pchurchmen from fi ve con- If a conclave has to be called fi cials were also moved into the tween Greece and Mace- bouring state’s constitutional Tsipras briefing Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos in Athens on tinents to the rank of cardinal, before any other cardinal turns top ranks of the church – Span- Tdonia cannot be resolved name, Republic of Macedonia, Saturday on the name dispute with Macedonia. picking candidates that work 80, the electors would have to ish Bishop Luis Ladaria Ferrer, without constitutional revision because Greece has its own with the poor or where Catholics draw lots to see which fi ve men who is the head of the Vatican’s in the neighbouring country, northern province called Mac- a new name proposal – Republic ist opponents in parliament to- are in a minority and putting his would be barred from the gath- doctrinal department, and Ital- Greek Prime Minister Alexis edonia, and fears it may imply of Ilinden Macedonia. wards a possible deal. stamp on the group that will elect ering. ian Archbishop Angelo Becciu, Tsipras said on Saturday amid territorial ambitions. “The prime minister and Athens has said that it will his successor. It will be Francis’s fi fth con- the deputy secretary of state. hopes for a June deal. Greece wants the change of Zoran Zaev are discussing the only compromise on a name as Making the surprise an- sistory and he has used each oc- Italians have traditionally pro- Two days after a closely name to be backed with a con- name ‘Ilinden Macedonia’,” part of an overall deal covering nouncement during his weekly casion to show support for the vided the church with the major- watched meeting with his Mac- stitutional change and for it to main opposition leader Kyriakos related issues, such as the offi - Sunday address, the Pope said church where Catholics are in a ity of its cardinals, but Francis edonia counterpart Zoran Zaev, be applied on the “erga omnes” Mitsotakis said on Friday, after a cial name of the landlocked Bal- that the new cardinals came from tiny minority, in this case Iraq, has tended to look further afi eld Tsipras said that a constitu- (“towards all”) legal principle, briefi ng from Tsipras. kan country’s language. Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Pakistan, and Japan. for his top prelates, passing Italy tional revision to eliminate “all meaning universal use inside “We were discussing many “In these negotiations, you Iraq, Pakistan, Japan, Madagas- Christians in both Iraq and over altogether in his consistory forms of irredentism” is a “nec- and outside Macedonia. options and we agreed on one either agree on everything or car, Peru, Mexico, and Bolivia. Pakistan have faced death and a year ago. essary precondition”. However, even with the sup- that is acceptable for both on nothing,” Tsipras said, leav- They will be given their tra- discrimination in recent years, Yesterday he put three on “As regards the debate sur- port of the ethnic Albanian mi- sides,” Zaev said on Thursday, ing open the possibility of a new ditional red hats at a ceremony something Francis has repeatedly his list, but, in what is becom- rounding (Macedonia’s) name, nority parties, Zaev’s govern- without giving further detail. meeting with Zaev in early June. known as a consistory on June 29. railed against, and by elevating ing something of a hallmark, he the government will not enter ment does not have a majority to Reference to Ilinden, a 1903 He noted that the next mile- Eleven are under 80, the age prelates from those two nations ignored some prelates based in more specifi c talks if the above pass a constitutional change in uprising against the Ottoman stone is a meeting of European limit for entering the conclave he is sending a strong message of major cities which tradition- requirements are not fulfi lled parliament. Empire and a key event for Mac- foreign ministers on June 25, that will be called to elect a new support to local churches. ally have cardinals, like Turin and fi rst,” Tsipras’ offi ce said in a In an apparent attempt to edonia’s national identity, is where Macedonia hopes to re- pope once Francis dies or retires. Underscoring his focus on Venice, turning instead to small- statement. break the impasse, Zaev on apparently aimed at securing ceive a possible date to begin EU These new appointments will the poor, Francis promoted Po- er hubs – in this case the central The name dispute between Thursday suggested to Tsipras support from Zaev’s national- accession talks. bring the number of so-called land’s Konrad Krajewski, who city of L’Aquila. Gulf Times 18 Monday, May 21, 2018 INDIA

COMMENT LAW AND ORDER INVESTIGATION CRIME CO-OPERATION Talks with Putin to further Charges filed in Shiv Sena Kathua suspect’s ‘signature Teenaged girl killed Indian navy ships strengthen ties: Modi Punjab leaders’ killings forged to create false alibi’ for demanding salary to visit Vietnam

Ahead of his visit to the Russian city of Sochi The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has Forensic evidence received by the Jammu and The Delhi police yesterday arrested a man for Three Indian naval ships will make a port call today, for an informal summit with President filed two separate charge sheets against 15 Kashmir crime branch yesterday in the Kathua killing a teenaged girl after she demanded her in Vietnam under the ongoing operational Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused in connection with killings of Shiv rape and murder revealed that the accused, salary from him that he collected from her deployment of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet said the talks will help further strengthen Sena’s Punjab leaders Durga Gupta and Satpal Vishal Jangotra’s signatures had been forged employer. Police said the accused Manjeet to southeast Asia and northwest Pacific region, bilateral ties. “Greetings to the friendly people Sharma, an official said yesterday. Satpal on an exam sheet to prove that he was not Kareketa, 30, a confessed to killing Soni Kumari, off icials said yesterday. INS Sahyadri, INS Shakti of Russia. I look forward to my visit to Sochi and his son Ramesh Sharma were killed on guilty of the crime. The crime branch had been 16, with the help of his associates. “Kareketa and INS Kamorta under the command of Eastern today and my meeting with President Putin. It February 25, 2017, while Gupta was murdered claiming that Jangotra’s signatures had been said he used to lure poor teenaged girls from Fleet chief Rear Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi is always a pleasure to meet him,” Modi said in on April 23, 2016. The charge sheets were filed forged by his friends in Meerut to create a false Jharkhand with job placement off ers in Delhi. In will be at Tien Sa Port, Danang, from May 21 to 25. a statement prior to his departure. The prime in the special court in Mohali on May 19 under alibi. The authorities suspect that someone from Delhi he placed them as maids. He did the same “On completion of the harbour phase, both the minister’s visit comes after national security various charges. “During investigation it was the university had allowed the accused to write with Kumari,” an off icer said. “Kareketa used to Indian navy and Vietnam Peoples’ navy would adviser Ajit Doval and foreign secretary Vijay found that killings of Sharma, his son and his answer sheet after the exam was over on collect Kumari’s salary to keep her under his be undertaking an exercise,” said an off icial Gokhale visited Moscow earlier this month Gupta were part of a conspiracy hatched by January 15. The crime branch has summoned control. After a year, she demanded her money. statement from the defence ministry. The ministry to discuss a way out of the US sanctions on senior leadership of the Khalistan Liberation three friends of the accused to be present before He tried to pacify her but when she insisted he added that the current visit seeks to enhance Russian firms. Force (KLF). the investigators in Jammu today. killed her,” the off icer added. maritime co-operation between the two navies

PM using Doctors demand security JD-S chief to petrol price Maoists take oath as as political Karnataka tool, says kill seven CM on Congress Wednesday

IANS IANS Bengaluru New Delhi security anata Dal-Secular’s (JD-S) he Congress yesterday al- legislative party leader H D leged that prices of petro- JKumaraswamy yesterday Tleum products were being said he will take oath as Karna- used by Prime Minister Narendra personnel taka chief minister on May 23 Modi “as a tool” to benefi t BJP here in the presence of several during elections and demanded IANS The Maoists had report- national leaders. that the prices should stay at least Raipur edly planted a landmine in “I’ve deferred taking oath to at the level that prevailed during the Cholnar jungle area which Wednesday on the advice of the the Karnataka assembly elections. exploded as the police vehicle Congress as May 21 is (ex-prime Talking to reporters here, even security personnel drove over it, detonating with minister) Rajiv Gandhi’s death Congress spokesperson Jaiveer were killed in Chhat- a deafening roar. anniversary. On Thursday, the Shergill said the price of petrol Stisgarh’s Dantewada The powerful explosion Speaker will be elected and the and diesel were at a record fi ve- district yesterday when a shattered the jeep into many date of seeking trust vote will be year high, and if the government landmine planted by Maoists parts and left a 10-feet crater. decided after that,” Kumaras- can control price of petroleum ripped through the vehicle The Maoists who were appar- wamy told reporters here. products during Karnataka polls, they were travelling in. ently watching from a distance The JD-S leader told the media it should do so around the year in According to offi cials, of the took away the weapons in- on Saturday that he has been in- the interest of people. seven – three of the state police cluding two AK-47s, two Insas vited by governor Vajubhai R Vala “If he (Modi) can control the and four of the Chhattisgarh and two SLR rifl es. to form the government as the price (of petrol and diesel) for Armed Force (CAF) – fi ve of Inspector general of police, leader of the JD-S legislative party his own interest during the polls them died on the spot and two Bastar, Vivekanand Sinha told with the support of the Congress. in Karnataka, why can’t he do it succumbed to their injuries in the media: “We have sounded The invitation came a few hours now and all year around in public hospital. While four hailed from a high alert in the area and after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) interest? That means fuel prices the state, two were from Uttar launched a search operation legislature party leader B S Yed- is just a tool for him to get the Pradesh and one from Bihar. for the Naxalites.” dyurappa on Saturday stepped benefi t in elections. Additional superintendent down as the chief minister ahead “On behalf of the people of In- of police, Naxals (Maoists) J N “We have sounded a of his trust vote as his party with dia at least control the price if you Baghel said that injured troop- high alert in the area 104 seats fell short of seven seats cannot reduce it. Modi should give er Arjun Rajbhar was referred and launched a search for a simple majority (111) in the priority to the interest of public to Raipur and airlifted to the operation for the 224-member hung Assembly. over his political interests,” he said. state capital and admitted to a Naxalites” Though Kumaraswamy had State-run Indian Oil Corpora- private hospital, but died. said he would take oath on Mon- tion yesterday raised transport He identifi ed the three state The blast took place two day, he put it off to May 23 on fuel to record highs in Delhi on police personnel as Ramkumar days before Chhattisgarh the Congress advice as May 21 the seventh day of resuming the Yadav and Shaligram Sinha of Chief Minister Raman Singh is the death anniversary of Gan- daily price change system, fol- Kanker, Tikeshwar Dhruv of is set to hold a public meeting dhi, who was killed in 1991 by lowing a temporary suspension Dhamtari, while the CAF troop- in Dantewada. Offi cials said Sri Lankan Tamil rebels at Srip- that lasted 20 days. ers were Vikram Yadav of the security would be further in- erumbudur near Chennai. The price of petrol in Delhi state’s Kodegaon, Rajesh Singh creased for the chief minister’s Kumaraswamy will be fl ying to touched a record high of Rs76.24 of Bihar’s Begusarai, Ravinath meeting. Delhi today to meet Congress pres- per litre under the dynamic pric- Patel of Uttar Pradesh’s Vara- Union Home Minister Ra- ident Rahul Gandhi and his mother ing regime beating the previous nasi and Rajbhar of Ghazipur. jnath Singh and Congress and United Progressive Alliance high of Rs76.06 in the city on Earlier deputy inspector president Rahul Gandhi con- (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi. September 14, 2013. general of police, Dantewada doled the deaths. “I will discuss with them (Rahul Earlier the Congress slammed Range, P Sundarraj said six “Deeply anguished to know and Sonia) on the Cabinet expan- Modi for not visiting Varanasi, personnel were killed while about the death of Chhattis- sion. So far, I’m not sure about the his parliamentary constituency, one was seriously injured. garh police personnel... My Congress stand. We want to make following a tragedy earlier this Deputy inspector general thoughts are with the bereaved sure the government is a stable week in which 18 persons were of police (south Bastar Range) families of the martyred po- one,” Kumaraswamy said. killed and termed him a “servant Ratan Lal Dangi said a road was lice personnel,” Rajnath Singh Apart from the Congress lead- of politics”, not of people. being built between Kirandul tweeted. ers, he has also invited Telangana Talking to reporters Shergill and Cholnar. Calling the news “very sad”, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar also called upon Modi to initiate “A joint team of Chhattis- Rahul tweeted: “My condolenc- Rao, Andhra Pradesh Chief a probe into the allegations that garh Armed Force and district es to the families of those killed.” Minister N Chandrababu Naidu some BJP leaders had sought to Resident doctors stage a demonstration in Mumbai yesterday to press for better security police personnel was travelling Maoists have been active in and West Bengal Chief Minister lure Congress and JD-S legisla- for doctors after two doctors of the JJ Hospital were beaten up by relatives of a patient to Kirandul to provide security the Dantewada region for dec- Mamata Banerjee to attend the tors ahead of Saturday’s trust who died while undergoing a surgery at the hospital. to the labourers and offi cials ades, running a state within a swearing-in ceremony, the JD-S vote in the Karnataka assembly. there.” state. leader said.

Nair body refuses to take Tourists injured Gujjars call off sides in Chengannur polls May 23 protest IANS manded by the community. By Ashraf Padanna in the constituency, and they are He, however, did not men- Jaipur “We have been fi ghting for our Thiruvananthapuram trying their best to win. Except tion the federal government, as rights since the last 13 years and for job quotas, the SNDP agrees he does not enjoy good relations are quite optimistic this time with the government policies.” with the BJP leaders in Kerala. he Gujjar Aarakshan An- that our demands will be met. erala’s two prominent His son Thushar Vellappally “The NSS has no politics. dolan Samiti has called However, if they remain unre- Hindu groups yesterday is leading the BJP ally Bharat We are not against any political Toff its proposed agitation solved even after the deadline, Khinted at maintaining Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), for party or religious community. scheduled for May 23 after pro- we will protest against the gov- equal distance from all three which Natesan campaigned Nor do we have any special lik- longed discussions with the Ra- ernment during the coming as- political fronts in the race for assiduously in the last general ing for anybody,” he said. jasthan government, it was an- sembly elections,” he added. the crucial Chengannur by- elections raising the alliance’s The parties estimate that nounced yesterday. The agreement mentions that election just a week away. vote share to a record 15.6% and 70% of the voters in Chengan- Following the talks on Sat- the Justice Rohini Commission, The Nair Service Society winning an Assembly seat. nur are Hindus, 20% Christian urday, the two parties reached formed by the central government (NSS) said it was not going to After the change in govern- and 10% Muslims. a 16-point agreement and soon for classifi cation of OBCs, will in- favour any one political group, ment, Natesan has been mak- As per the Centre for Devel- after, Samiti leader Col Kirori vite Rajasthan and four other states while the Sree Narayana Dhar- ing statements in support of opment Studies estimates, the Singh Bainsla (retd) announced – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, ma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam the new government at every Ezhavas constitute 21.6% and the protest had been called off . Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh – of Ezhavas said it would decide available opportunity. Nairs 11.9% of the state’s 33.4mn State minister Rajendra on June 4 to discuss this issue and on Wednesday. However, its policy favouring population. Dalits and other Rathore said that discussions will submit its report soon. The state’s ruling Communist reservation for the fi nancially downtrodden communities are with Gujjar leaders lasted for 10 “The state government will Party of India (Marxist) or CPM, weaker sections of the forward 14.4%. Though their special af- hours, in two diff erent segments. study the recommendations giv- the opposition Congress party communities has provoked fi nity could swing the mood He said that the pending de- en by the commission and will and the Bharatiya Janata Party fear among others of diluting of the voters, people of Kerala mands of Gujjars will be resolved eventually implement it accord- (BJP) of Prime Minister Naren- their job quotas guaranteed by largely vote on political lines. within a set time period and to ingly,” says the agreement. dra Modi are engaged in a fi erce the Constitution. Natesan said The BJP has fi elded battle- ensure timely redressal, addi- It was also decided that all battle in the fi rst ballot after the the CPM-led government had hardened P S Sreedharan Pillai tional chief secretary, social jus- criminal cases fi led against Gu- communists came to power. allotted more schools to the and the Congress party candi- tice and empowerment, J C Mo- jjars during the agitation will be “I feel the contest is close,” SNDP than the Congress did. date is a novice to electoral poli- hanti has been deputed as nodal withdrawn. said SNDP Yogam general sec- Meanwhile, NSS general sec- tics, but was active as a social off er to monitor the process at The meeting was attended by retary Vellappally Natesan, retary G Sukumaran, address- worker and a member of the Bar. A private bus overturned on the Shimla-Manali highway near regular intervals. state Ministers Arun Chaturvedi who is facing a corruption in- ing a meeting of the Nair body The CPM has chosen its dis- Ghaghas in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh injuring 20 Samiti leader Himmat Singh and Hem Singh Bhadana, ad- vestigation and has been all in the poll-bound constituen- trict secretary Saji Cherian, holidaymakers from Gujarat. Over speeding was the cause of said the government has given ditional chief secretary Deepal praise for the communist rule. cy, praised both the present and who had unsuccessfully con- the accident. its consent for the sub-divi- Upreti and many other senior of- “All the three are very strong previous governments. tested here in 2006. sion of the OBC quota as de- fi cials. Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 19 INDIA

CRIME SENTENCED OPINION POLITICS CRACKDOWN Four held as man killed Court jails ex-diplomat Northeast states to soon be No CM ‘face’ in Madhya Truckload of stale chicken, over cow slaughter claims found guilty of spying Congress-free, says Shah Pradesh, hints Kamal Nath eggs seized in West Bengal

Two Muslim youth were beaten by villagers in A diplomat convicted of passing state secrets to BJP national president Amit Shah yesterday Congress’ Madhya Pradesh chief Kamal Nath In the wake of the carcass meat racket in West Satna, Madhya Pradesh, over claims of slaughter- Pakistan’s intelligence services has been jailed for said the northeast will be ‘Congress-free’ after yesterday indicated that the party would not Bengal, a truck load of stale chicken and eggs was ing a cow. One of the youths later died, police three years, her lawyer said yesterday. Madhuri the Mizoram election, scheduled for the year- have a chief ministerial face in the upcoming seized from the state’s West Midnapore district, said. Four accused have been arrested. The Gupta was found guilty in a New Delhi court on end. “In the northeast, we first won elections assembly elections. “The state’s oppressed police said yesterday. The seizure took place on incident occured in Amgaar village on Friday Friday of “spying and wrongful communication of in Assam, then Manipur followed by Tripura, farmer, unprotected women and the jobless Saturday night after local residents in Mandirba- when the villagers caught the two youths, Siraj information” while posted to the Indian embassy where the people have given us a thumping youth would be the party’s face. The Con- zar in West Midnapore complained of a foul smell and Shakeel, with meat. Suspecting it to be beef, in Islamabad. Gupta, 61, was arrested in 2010 for mandate,” he said in Guwahati, addressing the gress would fight the election with these lakh coming from pick-up vehicle in the area. “Four-five they accused the duo of cow-slaughter. A crowd allegedly passing information to the ISI, the intel- third conclave of the Bharatiya Janata Party- of faces,” he said in his inaugural address at big containers filled with raw chicken and eggs soon gathered and the two were beaten with ligence wing of Pakistan. The low-level diplomat led political platform, North East Democratic an orientation programme for party spokes- were seized from the truck. The material was in sticks. They were later taken to the local hospital was detained for alleged breaches of India’s Alliance (NEDA). “In Nagaland and Megha- persons and panelists. Kamal Nath also said a poor condition and emitted a stale smell,” said by police where Siraj succumbed to his injuries off icial secrets act and held for two years before laya, constituents of NEDA are in power with that every section of society was fed-up with an off icer from district police control room. The while Shakeel was referred to Jabalpur for treat- being released on bail. Her lawyer, Joginder support from the BJP,” he said, adding that the Bharatiya Janata Party government which seized items have been sent for tests,” the off icer, ment. It was yet to be ascertained what meat the Dahiya, said Gupta would appeal her sentencing Mizoram will also become ‘Congress free’ was in no state to respond to the common adding that the vehicle’s driver however managed two were carrying. in a higher court. after the polls. people’s questions. to flee from the spot. Tripura tribals Flood-hit Agartala ‘crossing into Bangladesh to eke out living’

IANS making this a political issue,” Agartala Chakma said on the phone from northern Tripura. The CPI-M leader had stated round 600 tribals of that after the two-month-old northern Tripura had BJP government assumed offi ce, Agone to Bangladesh in rural jobs under the Mahatma search of livelihood as they were Gandhi National Rural Employ- unable to survive in the north- ment Guarantee Act (MGNRE- eastern state in view of the huge GA) had been reduced to a large food and rural jobs crisis, CPI-M extent. The supply of subsidised chief whip in the Lok Sabha, Ji- rice under the Public Distribu- tendra Chowdhury, disclosed. tion System too had got irregular, Flood-aff ected villagers are moved to a safer location after heavy rains at Baldakhal village on the outskirts of Agartala yesterday. “Around 600 tribals of three causing a serious crisis in the ru- villages in the mountainous ral and interior areas. Gobinda Bari area of northern Tripura, which until fi scal Tripura went to Bangladesh as 2015-16 occupied the top spot in they were unable to survive in the the country for seven consecu- state,” Chowdhury claimed. tive years in providing jobs under He said the tribals went to the MGNREGA, has provided 33.68 Mayani reserve forest in Chit- average days of employment tagong Hill Tracts of southeast per household so far during the Bangladesh to collect seeds, 2018-19 fi scal, Union rural de- fruits of wild plants, various velopment ministry record show. Nipah virus linked to herbs and wild potatoes. MGNREGA mandates 100 days “After collecting the produce, of work in a fi nancial year to at least they dried them there and re- one member of each rural household turned to their villages in Tripura - but this has never been achieved in to sell them in the markets at a very any state. The scheme aims to gen- low price,” the Communist Party erate rural assets and create rural of India-Marxist central commit- infrastructure like roads, ponds and Kozhikode fever deaths tee member said after visiting the water reservoirs. interior areas of northern Tripura. “The previous Left Front gov- IANS been managed well. We have al- awaited...,” she told media at cine at the Government Medi- A training programme is being However, the director general ernment had introduced 33 so- Kozhikode/Thiruvananthapuram ready informed the Centre about Kochi. cal College Hospital would be held for doctors in both govern- of police Akhil Kumar Shukla and cial pensions benefi ting over this,’ he said. Transmission of Nipah virus in charge of it. A control room ment and private hospitals in as- Dhalai district magistrate Vikas 400,000 poor, destitute and aged While three members of a takes place through direct con- has been opened at the district sociation with the Indian Medi- Singh separately said they had no people. The BJP government re- he cause of death of two family at Perambra in Kozhikode tact with infected bats or from medical offi cer’s offi ce. cal Association. such information. cently stopped these schemes,” people, ostensibly suf- died within weeks after what other NiV-infected people and “Around 75km of the India- claimed Chowdhury, who is also Tfering from fever, in seemed to be common fever ag- people have been also cautioned What is the Nipah Virus? Bangladesh border along eastern the national co-ordinator of the Kozhikode has now been con- gravated quickly, two more fam- that they should not consume Tripura is yet to be fenced due to CPI-M backed Adivasi Adhikar fi rmed to be due to the Nipah ily members were being treated fruits that have fallen to the Nipah Virus is an from the village in Malaysia various reasons. Sometimes peo- Rashtriya Manch. virus (NiV), spread by fruit bats at the Medical College hospital ground. emerging infec- where the person from whom ple from both sides of the bor- “Due to the attacks and terror and which caused severe disease and one of them has also tested Meanwhile fever clinics and tious disease that the virus was first isolated der try to cross over. The Border unleashed by IPFT (a part of the in both animals and humans, a positive. Two more deaths, due special wards are being set broke out in Malay- succumbed to the disease. Security Force has maintained ruling coalition), a serious situ- top offi cial said yesterday. to fever, were reported from up in private and government sia and Singapore The disease spreads through a strict vigil on the border,” the ation has developed in the inte- Kerala Health secretary Rajiv Kozhikode yesterday. hospitals and a seven-member in 1998 and 1999. It fruit bats or ‘flying foxes,’ of police chief said. rior areas. The IPFT is forcing the Sadanandan said they have now Earlier in the day, state Health task force has been formed to has been found among several the genus Pteropus, who are When contacted, the Bharatiya tribals to take their membership got the confi rmation from the Minister K K Shailaja said the monitor the overall activities. species of domestic animals. natural reservoir hosts of the Janata Party (BJP) legislator from or leave the area. The socio-eco- National Institute of Virology, cause of death of the three fam- This was decided at a meeting The infection is also known Nipah and Hendra viruses. The the Chawmanu assembly con- nomic and ethnic situation in the Pune. ily members was being ascer- chaired by the collector at the to aff ect human beings. The virus is present in bat urine and stituency, Shambhu Lal Chakma, hilly areas would further deterio- ‘A central team of the Indian tained. civil station in Kozhikode yes- organism which causes Nipah potentially, bat faeces, saliva, said that there was no food crisis rate if the state government does Council of Medical Research ‘The samples were fi rst sent terday. Virus encephalitis is an RNA or and birthing fluids. Typically, in the tribal areas. not take immediate suitable steps is arriving at Kozhikode today. to a laboratory in Manipal and R L Saritha, director, health Ribonucleic acid virus of the the human infection is marked “Even during the Left Front in the mixed and tribal dominated There is no reason to any panic it suggested that it was a rare services, told the media that a family Paramyxoviridae, genus by fever, headache, drowsiness, rule some tribals used to go to areas,” Chowdhury said. as this can be managed and we virus... after that for detailed single window system would be Henipavirus, and is closely disorientation, mental confu- Bangladesh for ‘Jhuming’ (slash The Indigenous People’s Front have already started our work tests, the samples have been put in place to co-ordinate the related to Hendra virus. Nipah sion, coma, and potentially and burn method of cultivation of Tripura (IPFT) denied the al- towards that. There was a simi- sent to the National Institute works and a senior doctor in the virus infection gets its name death. in the hills). Chowdhury is now legations. lar issue in Bangladesh and it has of Virology and the results are department of emergency medi- Punjab man deported Shimla wildfire Mumbai travellers after 11-nation trek to US may face fl ight delays Tribune News Service to 1,200 metres, which is the Mumbai minimum requirement for the Tribune News Service tioning revealed that after ar- lice (IGI Airport) Sanjay Bhatia secondary runway, the airport New Delhi riving in Brazil, Singh went to said, “When he was en-route will have to be closed. However, Bolivia where he contacted some to the US, his belongings along lying to and from the according to the meteorologi- associates of his travel agent, with his original passport were Mumbai airport? Brace for cal department, chances of poor man who travelled over back in his hometown in Punjab. taken away by local miscreants. Fdelays during peak hours visibility are less in these 20 10,000km through 11 There he sought assistance to He then approached his agent as the system that guides landing days,” added the offi cial. Acountries across central travel by road, north to the US,” in India who arranged a fake In- of fl ights will be out of service till Another offi cial said delays America – from Brazil to Mexico the offi cer said. dian passport for him. Singh also June 5. will also depend on non-sched- – in a month in order to enter the identifi ed his agent as one Rana, The aviation aid, called In- uled fl ight movements. US illegally in 2016, was deported Aft er reaching the US, a resident of Jalandhar in Pun- strument Landing System (ILS), An official claimed that the back after he was caught staying Singh worked for 15 jab.” is being upgraded, for which the unavailability of ILS may not there illegally. months at a department After reaching the US, Singh work started on Thursday and severely affect flight opera- He was handed over to the store in a town in the US worked for 15 months at a de- will continue till June 5. It will be tions. However, the airport saw Delhi Police by the immigration state of Louisiana before partment store in a town in the out of service from 11am to 11pm. air traffic congestion on Thurs- department after he arrived at being apprehended for US state of Louisiana before be- The minimum visibility re- day and Friday. Passengers who Indira Gandhi International Air- staying there illegally ing apprehended for staying quired to land at Mumbai airport plan to fly from the Mumbai port. there illegally, Bhatia said. is as low as 800 metres. An air- airport before June 5 are a wor- According to the immigration From Bolivia, Singh arrived in Police offi cials said the ac- port offi cial explained that owing ried lot. department, the man was identi- Lima, Peru. Thereafter he man- cused revealed that he sneaked to the absence of ILS, minimum Pranali Sahasrabudhe, a Vile fi ed as Harpreet Singh, a resident aged to reach Costa Rica pass- into the US illegally because he visibility required for carrying Parle resident, said, “I am go- of Punjab’s Kapurthala district. ing through Ecuador, Columbia wanted US citizenship. out operations from the main ing on a short vacation to Ooty Singh was detained after he ar- and Panama. From Costa Rica he A case under sections 420 runway is 2,400 metres. and have a fl ight on May 31. As rived in Delhi by a United Airlines entered Honduras and went to (cheating), 467 (forgery of val- “If the visibility drops below my mother and I are travelling fl ight UA82 as a deportee, said an Guatemala and fi nally arrived in uable security, will, etc), 468 2,400 metres, the fl ight opera- to the place for the fi rst time, we offi cer on the condition of ano- Mexico, the offi cer said. (forgery for purpose of cheat- tion will be switched to the sec- wanted to reach our hotel before nymity. “From Mexico, he then man- ing), 471 (using forged docu- ondary runway 14,” said the of- sunset, and hence we booked “The man took fl ight ET887 aged to reach the US illegally ment or electronic record as fi cial. an afternoon fl ight. However, if from the IGI Airport to Brazil on on a boat. He took more than a genuine) and Passport Act, has The secondary runway is such delays continue, we will not August 20, 2016, on a valid pass- month to complete this jour- been registered against the ac- Wildfires burn through a jungle near the northern hill town shorter, and hence can handle be able to reach our destination port. Thereafter, he started his ney,” he said. cused and he has been arrested, of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. fewer fl ights. on time and fl y back to Mumbai illegal journey to the US. Ques- Deputy commissioner of po- Bhatia said. “If the visibility further drops on June 3.” Gulf Times 20 Monday, May 21, 2018 PAKISTAN

30,000 new trees planted in Lahore, court informed The Lahore High Court was told on Friday that 27,510 trees of various species had been ECP to publish fi nal list planted to replace 1,301 removed to accommodate the widening of Canal Road from Dharmpura to Jallo, while 3,200 others had been planted along the Orange Line Metro Train track. The figure was quoted in separate reports submitted to of 90,000 poll stations the high court by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Internews candidates, and hence ensure tion Commission said that, ide- and those that are deemed to be facilities, and get the lists dis- complaints,” the offi cial said. and the Punjab environment Islamabad transparency at this stage as ally speaking, one polling station of lesser risk, or completely safe, played at prominent places for Similarly, those lists would be protection department (EPD) in well. should entertain a total of 1,200 polling stations. public viewing for three weeks. uploaded on the Election Com- connection with a petition moved On May 14 the draft lists of voters, accommodating them at Security arrangements will Following that, district re- mission’s website. by Andleeb Abbas of the Pakistan or the fi rst time, the Elec- polling stations were shared four polling booths. then be made accordingly. turning offi cers would get four The fi nal list of polling sta- Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against tion Commission of Paki- with district election commis- However, the offi cial said that “The question of calling in days as a buff er period to deal tions would be published exactly felling of trees in the city for Fstan (ECP) will, as per the sioners. the number of polling booths the army personnel will arise with complaints or objections one month before polling day. development projects. Elections Act 2017, publish the Now, the district election of- and the capacity of a polling sta- at a later stage, though the law regarding the polling stations or Additionally, the training of The petitioner’s counsel, Sheraz fi nal list of about 90,000 poll- fi cers will get those draft lists tion handling voters could be and order situation has already facilities. 600,000 polling staff has been Zaka, had contended that Lahore ing stations a month before the verifi ed. adjusted accordingly, keeping in improved massively,” he pointed “We will welcome com- completed, while the fi nal phase had become one of the most election day. Polling stations should have view the size of a constituency out. plaints, if any, from members of of training of nearly 300,000 polluted cities in the world due to The fi nal and published lists basic facilities like water, elec- and voter numbers. It was learnt that district re- the public regarding the location personnel would be carried out. uncontrolled urban development. of polling stations will help end tricity and facility for special The offi cial explained that turning offi cers are required to of a polling station and related This fi nal phase of training is He said massive cutting of trees complaints about change of persons to exercise their right to the security agencies are work- fi nalise the list of polling sta- facilities, and district returning primarily technical in nature and also increased pollution levels polling stations hours ahead of vote without trouble. ing on identifying “vulnerable”, tions by June 18, ensuring that offi cers will hold a hearing on mostly involve presiding offi cers and smog. polling day by rival parties and A senior offi cial at the Elec- security-wise, polling stations these are equipped with basic a day-to-day basis to address and assistant presiding offi cers. He said the provincial government had given an understanding before the Supreme Court in 2015 that it would plant 10 new trees for each one felled. Watchdog slams eff orts against Dawn However, he said, the government failed to fulfil its promise. AFP kistan’s armed forces, especially stan had notifi ed Dawn’s editor the months preceding a general Justice Ayesha A Malik disposed Islamabad their alleged use of proxies in that the newspaper breached election,” the watchdog added. of the petition in the light of India. the ethical code by publishing “We call on the authorities to the reports submitted by the RSF said that the distribution content that “may bring into stop interfering in the dissemi- respondent departments. nternational media watch- of the country’s leading English- contempt Pakistan or its people nation of independent media dog Reporters Without Bor- language newspaper had been or tends to undermine its sov- and to restore distribution of Iders (RSF) has condemned restricted in much of the coun- ereignty or integrity as an inde- Dawn throughout Pakistan.” Buddhist relics the disruption in the distribu- try. pendent country”, the watchdog The 2008 Mumbai attacks tion of Pakistan’s oldest news- “The interview, which report- said. killed 166 people. returned from trip paper Dawn after it published an edly displeased the Pakistani “The unwarranted block- Pakistan-based militant to Sri Lanka interview suggesting that Paki- military, appeared in the May 12 ing of the distribution of one of group Lashkar-e-Taiba stands stani militants were behind the issue and the blocking began on the main independent newspa- accused of masterminding A man reads a copy of the Dawn newspaper yesterday at a Buddhist relics have been 2008 Mumbai attacks. May 15. According to RSF’s in- pers has yet again shown that them. newsstand in Karachi. returned to Taxila Museum at The comments by former formation, distribution is being the military are determined to India has long said that there the end of a three-week long prime minister Nawaz Sharif disrupted in most of Baluchistan maintain their grip on access to is evidence that “offi cial agen- suggested that they are the vic- ble TV operators to stop carrying exposition at various places in Sri sparked a fi restorm at home and province, in many cities in Sindh news and information in Paki- cies” in Pakistan were involved tims of a conspiracy driven by the Geo TV network’s channels, Lanka. in India. province, and in all military can- stan,” RSF said. but Islamabad denies the charge. the military and the courts. including Geo News, in most of The relics were loaned by the Sharif approached what is tonments,” said a statement is- “It is clear that the military Since being ousted by the Su- According to RSF, last month the country. Pakistan government to Sri Lanka seen as a red line in the country sued on Friday. high command does not want preme Court last July, Sharif and the military was said to have giv- One reason was the airtime in connection with the Annual by touching on criticism of Pa- The Press Council of Paki- to allow a democratic debate in his supporters have repeatedly en unoffi cial instructions to ca- that it had dedicated to Sharif. Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival. “The sacred relics included the holy bone relics of Lord Buddha, a golden casket containing the relics and a stone reliquary in Loss of teenaged ambassador leaves two countries in gloom stupa shape,” said Abdul Nasir Khan, curator at Taxila Museum, who accompanied the relics to Internews/AFP time, and were already dreading to live with now takes over.” The ceremony is to take place Sri Lanka. Karachi/Santa Fe, United States her leaving them soon as the YES Haider added: “Sabika was at an Islamic centre in the Texas He said that during exhibition programme was concluding … born on the 4th of Ramadan and town of Staff ord, not far from at Sri Lanka, the relics were she was due to return to Pakistan she was taken from us on Friday, Santa Fe High School, where the exhibited in diff erent temples in he little grey house in on June 9,” Haider added. the 2nd of this holy month.” shooting took place, the Islamic Colombo, Wellampitiya, Kalutara, Block 10 of Gulshan-i- “And here we were looking Sabika’s father then spoke Society of Greater Houston said Galle, Matara, Kurunegalla, TIqbal area of Pakistani forward to seeing her back with a bit about his daughter, say- in a statement. Anuradhapura, and Kandy. port city of Karachi wore a for- us this Eid,” he said. ing that he did not remember The Islamic Society, in its Nasir Khan said the relics were lorn look yesterday, with the Sabika was the eldest among a single year when she did not statement, called the shooting sent on the special request of the eldest child – the light of the four siblings: she had two sisters bagged a position at her school “an act of terror” and said such Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil house – being no more. and a brother. throughout her time in school. events “remind us as to what Wickramasinghe, during the visit Women quietly went upstairs Even though she was still a “My daughter was a brilliant world we live in, where sanctity of the then prime minister Nawaz to off er their condolences to teenager, her uncle said, he was student. She was doing her O- of life is not valued”. Sharif to Sri Lanka in January last her mother and younger sisters, often amazed at how mature she Levels at Karachi Public School It said it had off ered to help year. while her father – who looked was. in PECHS, when she was select- with the funeral and the trans- During their time in Sri Lanka, visibly dazed – was surround- “She often spoke about is- ed for the foreign exchange pro- portation of Sabika’s remains around 9mn Buddhists paid their ed by mourning friends on the sues such as women’s rights gramme. We were all so proud back to Pakistan. respects and homage to the relics ground fl oor. and women empowerment. She of her then. We are proud of her Some 60,000 people in Hou- He hugged back whoever Abdul Aziz Sheikh is comforted by a relative at his Karachi home. would speak to her cousins and even today,” he said. ston, 35 miles (55km) from Santa wanted to hug him and listened friends about these things, too, PECHS stands for the Paki- Fe, are of Pakistani descent. Military award quietly to whatever anyone had Santa Fe High School in Texas on bridging people and cultures. trying to open up their minds to stan Employees Co-operative Meanwhile, Foreign Offi ce to say to him, though he did not Friday morning. “Sabika was staying with a issues and good causes,” he said. Housing Society. spokesman Dr Mohammad Fais- conferred on top speak much. She was the only Muslim Muslim-American family in “She would say herself that The family said that the gov- al said Sabika’s death is heart- China army off icial “Abdul Aziz Sheikh is still among the slain. Texas. They were fi rst to hear she was not interested in study- ernment is making arrange- breaking. in shock. Daughters are the fa- Sabika was studying in Texas about the shooting, and know- ing medicine or engineering. ments to have Sabika’s remains US Secretary of State Mike Acting President Sadiq Sanjrani vourite of the fathers,” said Ab- under the Youth Exchange and ing that she was in school at the She wanted to fi ght for people’s brought back home. Pompeo stated in a statement has conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz dul Salam Sheikh, the paternal Study (YES) programme, a US time, they rushed there imme- rights. We were sure she would Pakistan’s ambassador to the that was sent to the family: “I (Military) on the visiting vice- uncle of 17-year-old Sabika State Department-funded ini- diately,” said Sabika’s maternal grow up to be a social activist,” US Aziz Chaudhry has asked send my deepest condolences to chairman of the Chinese Central Sheikh. “He didn’t sleep a wink tiative providing scholarships uncle, identifi ed only as Colonel Haider said. “Who knew she had the Pakistan counsel general in the family and friends of Sabika Military Commission, General throughout the night since he to Pakistani students to attend Haider. “Her father, too, after such a short life.” Houston to keep the family, as Sheikh.” Zhang Youxia, at an investiture got the terrible news. And now high school in the US for a full hearing about it tried calling her “Everyone has their own way well as the relevant authorities He noted that she was in the ceremony held at the presidency. he has become very quiet. What academic year. on her phone from here.” of dealing with tragedy. Right in Houston, updated with a view US under YES programme, The event was attended by Army do you expect from a father who Visiting students live with “But there was no answer. Her now everyone here is in shock. to ensure timely completion of helping to build ties between the Chief of Staff General Qamar has just lost the fi rstborn?” host families in the city they death was fi nally confi rmed to us Her mother is still in the denial, all formalities for bringing back two countries. Javed Bajwa, Air Chief Marshal Sabika was one of the 10 peo- are placed in, and are immersed by the YES programme co-ordi- still praying to God that there the deceased. “Sabika’s death and that of Mujahid Anwar Khan, Naval Chief ple – eight students and two in scholastic and cultural pro- nator a few hours later,” he said. has been some kind of a mix-up Meanwhile, AFP reported that the other victims is heartbreak- Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, teachers – who were killed when grammes throughout the 10 to 11 “The family she was staying and that Sabika is fi ne,” he add- hundreds of people are expected ing and will be mourned deeply China’s ambassador to Pakistan student Dimitrios Pagourtzis months that they are there. with had come to love her like ed. “But slowly we will come out to attend Sabika’s funeral in both here in the US and Paki- Yao Jing, and other senior went on a shooting rampage at They are youth ambassadors a daughter in this short span of of the shock as the pain we have Texas. stan,” said Pompeo. off icials.

Wrongful imprisonment sheds light on slow justice

By Ashraf Khan, AFP At fi rst the other inmates were peals,” her lawyer Javed Chatari the wealthy are able to bypass the Nawab has had little to return Karachi sceptical at her protests of inno- told AFP. law, while deep-seated patriar- to since leaving Karachi’s central cence, but eventually she formed Nawab said that the acquittal chy means women in particular prison in early April. a new “family” of women – some left her stunned. face an uneven playing fi eld in With her loved ones dead, her sma Nawab spent two convicted of kidnappings, others “I really couldn’t believe it,” the justice system. family house was looted, then fell decades in jail, wrongfully of murders. she told AFP. “Unequal power structures al- into disrepair. Aaccused of murdering her They supported one another The verdict left her “per- low for people with advantage – Any potential compensation family. when progress on their cases was plexed”, she said, and she strug- money or power – to rise above from the state will take time to Finally acquitted, she is seek- poor, or family neglected them. gled to understand what would the law. For the poor, the system process, her lawyer admits, ac- ing a new life, free from whis- “We would cry on Eid and oth- come next. “How would I face the is sluggish and sometimes is so knowledging that there is a high pers and memories, as her plight er festivals ... it was very painful. world after living so long in jail?” weak that it is safe to label it as chance she will receive nothing. In this picture taken on April 7, Asma Nawab is overwhelmed by draws fresh questions over Paki- I would feel it intensely” when Stories like Nawab’s are com- almost non-existent,” said law- In the meantime, she is unem- emotion as she enters her house in Karachi after her release. stan’s woeful justice system. relatives failed to visit, she said mon in Pakistan, where the ju- yer Benazir Jaoti, who specialises ployed. Nawab was just 16 when some- through sobs. “Only once my un- diciary lacks the capacity to cope in women’s legal and political During her fi rst visit back to trayed as the culprit in the mur- far as society is concerned.” one slit the throats of her parents cle came to see me.” with the country’s surging popu- empowerment in Pakistan. her humble family home, she ders, including in a TV drama However, Nawab says she must and only brother during an at- Though her trial was speedy, lation and an expanding case “Within the system, women quietly wept as her lawyer broke based on the case. move on and has plans to fi nish tempted robbery at their home her appeal moved at a glacial load, resulting in a mammoth are one of the groups of people the gate’s lock with a hammer. Although she has been exoner- her studies and fi nd a job. in Pakistan’s chaotic port city of speed through Pakistan’s creaky backlog. that are signifi cantly disadvan- “(The police) left nothing be- ated, her release has done little to She has also vowed to raise Karachi in 1998. justice system. In 2017 alone, there were more taged, it being a patriarchal soci- hind,” she said after walking change the public narrative. awareness for other wrongly im- With the killings dominating It was not until 2015 that her than 38,000 cases pending in ety and a patriarchal system.” She through the dilapidated house Persecution persists, Nawab prisoned women. headlines, prosecutors pushed lawyers petitioned the Supreme Pakistan’s Supreme Court, in ad- added. covered in dust and cobwebs. says, with people in the streets Her lawyer says he will help for swift justice in a 12-day trial Court, which – after a three- dition to hundreds of thousands Even when the system fi nally “I lost my parents and now I see frequently whispering cold re- her set up a non-governmental that ended with a death sentence year hearing – ordered Nawab awaiting trial across the judici- comes through, as it did with Na- none of their belongings.” marks when she walks past. organisation to give women like handed to Nawab and her then- released due to lack of evidence ary, according to a Human Rights wab’s acquittal, that is usually as Nearly two decades after be- “Society will not accept the her the support she never had. fi ance. last month. Commission Pakistan report re- far as it goes, leaving those whose ing convicted, Nawab still holds verdict,” agreed Supreme Court “I don’t want any other woman The next 20 years were “very “The verdict of this case was leased in April. lives have been dismantled to re- the media as much as the courts lawyer Mohammad Farooq, to have to endure the ordeal that I painful”, Nawab, now 36, says given in 12 days but it took 19 and Rampant corruption in Pa- pair the damage with little or no responsible for her treatment, commenting on the case. “She lived through,” says Nawab. “So I tearfully. a half years to dispose of the ap- kistan’s police force also means support. saying that she was unfairly por- cannot get rid of this stigma as will raise their voices for them.” Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 21 PHILIPPINES China air force Festive celebration lands bombers on disputed island z Beijing says bombers to conduct microblogging account, did not provide the nuclear war over the West Philippine Sea,” training exercise precise location of the exercise. Hontiveros said in a statement, using the lo- zPhilippine lawmakers condemn action The United States has dispatched warships cal name for South China Sea. to disputed areas of the South China Sea in a “With the silence and subservience of Reuters bid to challenge China’s extensive sovereign- the Philippine government to China, we are Shanghai ty claims in the territory, which is subject to placing in grave danger not only our country, various claims by China, Vietnam, the Phil- but also our neighbouring nations,” Alejano ippines, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia. said in a statement. hina’s air force has landed bombers on “The United States remains committed China says its military facilities in the islands and reefs in the South China to a free and open Indo-Pacifi c,” Pentagon Spratlys are purely defensive, and that it can CSea as part of a training exercise in the spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Christopher do what it likes on its own territory. disputed region, it said in a statement. Logan told Reuters. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte de- “A division of the People’s Liberation “We have seen these same reports and fended his position not to confront China Army Air Force (PLAAF) recently organised China’s continued militarisation of disputed and reiterated his openness to undertake multiple bombers such as the H-6K to con- features in the South China Sea only serves to joint exploration and development in waters duct take-off and landing training on islands raise tensions and destabilise the region.” believed to be rich in oil and natural gas. and reefs in the South China Sea in order to Philippine opposition lawmakers con- “You know they have the planes, not sta- improve our ability to ‘reach all territory, demned China’s militarisation of the South tioned in Spratlys but near the provinces fac- conduct strikes at any time and strike in all China Sea and what they said was the inac- ing — Chinese provinces facing the Spratlys directions’,” it said in the statement issued on tion of their own government. and the China Sea,” he said in a speech late on Friday. Senator Risa Hontiveros sought an end Saturday. It said the pilot of the H-6K bomber con- to Manila’s “subservience” to China, while It was not clear if he was aware of the news ducted assault training on a designated sea Congressman Gary Alejano said the issue of about China’s bombers landing on islands target and then carried out take-off s and China’s militarisation in the South China Sea and reefs in the South China Sea. landings at an airport in the area, describing is a “global concern”. “And with their hypersonic, they can reach the exercise as preparation for “the West Pa- “By placing our country within strik- Manila within seven to 10 minutes. If we will Devotees are doused with water during a town fiesta in celebration of patron saint Santa Rita cifi c and the battle for the South China Sea”. ing distance of its nuclear-capable bomb- go to a full-blown war, where would the Phil- de Cascia in Baclaran, Paranaque city, Metro Manila, yesterday. The notice, published on the PLAAF’s Weibo ers, China has virtually threatened us with ippines end up?” Duterte said. Call to monitor product Decree ‘off ers no protection against safety of school supplies encroachment’ in Philippine Rise By Neil Alcober shopping guide for school supplies,” Thony Di- Manila Times zon, chemical safety campaigner of the EcoW- By Catherine A Modesto cies,” Gloria Estenzo-Ramos Cebu Island and Negros Island est port to the 17,000-hectare, aste Coalition, said. Manila Times said in a media briefi ng of Ocea- and connects the Bohol Sea in almost 50-metre deep no-take “However, the current list of school supplies na Philippines at Museum Cafe the south and the Visayan Sea zone Benham Bank, the shal- consumer and environmental protec- being monitored should be expanded to include in Greenbelt, Makati City, also in the north. lowest part of the undersea tion group has called on authorities to other must-have back-to-school items such proclamation signed by on Thursday. Ramos said the proclamation region. The 13.4-mn hectare Aintensify the monitoring of school sup- as bags, shoes, water colour sets and others. President Rodrigo Du- DENR is the Department of is a highly significant event be- outer section of Philippine Rise plies. Also, the monitoring should cover compliance Aterte on Tuesday to pro- Environment and Natural Re- cause May is the Month of the was validated by the United The EcoWaste Coalition pressed govern- with the SRPs as well as product safety require- tect resource-rich Philippine sources. Ramos said the proc- Ocean and 2018 is the Interna- Nations’ Commission on the ment regulators to keep an eye on school sup- ments,” he said. Rise is not a guaranteed protec- lamation would mean nothing tional Year of the Reef. Limits of the Continental Shelf plies to ensure that these do not contain haz- The group on May 18 procured school bags tion against foreign encroach- if the law that should enforce it Daniel Ocampo, campaign as part of the Philippine terri- ardous substances. from four retail establishments in Caloocan ments, according to an environ- was not implemented, and “if manager of Oceana, said Filipi- tory in 2012. The group made the suggestion following City and had them screened for lead, a sub- mental group. the citizens and stakeholders are nos have to be vigilant and that Two years ago, government the on-the-spot inspection on May 18 of retail stance that is highly toxic to a child’s brain, us- “No, unfortunately it is not not doing anything.” there are tools and platforms scientists reported 100% coral outlets selling school supplies in Caloocan City ing a portable X-Ray fl uorescence device. a guarantee, but we can ask for She pressed for the forma- such as social media to prevent cover in sampling sites during by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) The bags, sold for P130 to P309 each, do not transparency in the monitoring tion of an alliance between the foreign countries from claim- an expedition to Benham Bank representatives. provide basic labeling information about their of vessels around the area. There stakeholders and the enforc- ing what rightfully belongs to and documented some 120 spe- “We surely support the government’s eff ort manufacturers, much less about their chemical is now technology, monitoring, ers, so actions are well-co-or- Filipinos. cies of reef fishes. to check business compliance with the sug- composition, the group observed. control, surveillance, a mandate dinated. “That is what we are The Philippine Rise or the The Philippine Rise, Oceana gested retail prices (SRPs) for notebooks, writ- Of the eight school bags bought and ana- of the Bureau of Fisheries and doing in Tanon Strait,” Ramos Benham Rise is a 24.4mn hec- said, is the spawning site of one ing pads, pencils, ballpens, crayons, erasers, lyzed, six were found to contain lead in the Aquatic Resources and also with said. tare undersea plateau 135 miles of the most expensive fishes in sharpeners and rulers as contained in the DTI’s range of 679 to 3,588 parts per million (ppm). DENR if there is a protected area Tanon Strait is a marine pro- off the coast of Aurora province the world, the Pacific blue fin and all other enforcement agen- tected area located between in Luzon, which is the near- tuna. Malacanang denies masterminding Two engineers dismissed over conspiracy to oust chief justice bridge irregularities

By Catherine S Valente believing that probably im- as Sereno is still expected to ap- By Eugene Y Adiong But the Field Investigation Manila Times peachment will not prosper. peal. Manila Times/Bacolod City Offi ce, in an inspection on Impeachment will not prosper Davide earlier said Calida’s December 3, 2015, found that simply because the grounds questioning of the validity of both bridges were unfi nished. alacanang has dis- stated in the complaint are not Sereno’s appointment as chief wo engineers of the De- Alunan admitted that the missed insinuations impeachable,” he said. justice was fi led “out of time”— partment of Public Works projects were not completed Mthat it had master- Davide was referring to Cal- that it should have happened Tand Highways (DPWH) on time because of interven- minded a conspiracy to oust ida’s petition, which sought within a year of her appoint- 3rd Engineering District in Ne- ing factors such as removal Maria Lourdes Sereno as the the nullifi cation of Sereno’s ment. gros Occidental were dismissed of water pipelines attached country’s chief justice. appointment to the country’s When the quit calls came, he from the service after the Om- to railings of the bridges and In a radio interview, Palace highest judicial post over an al- appealed to judges and court budsman found them guilty of relocation of electrical posts spokesman Harry Roque Jr reit- leged lack of integrity when employees not to join the “po- grave misconduct in connection and heavy rains and fl ooding, erated that the Duterte adminis- she supposedly failed to fi le her litical fray.” with allegedly anomalous reha- among others. tration had no hand in the ouster Statements of Assets, Liabilities Sereno is the second chief bilitation of two bridges. But “during the implemen- of Sereno. and Net Worth. justice to be ousted, the fi rst Ordered dismissed were tation stage, respondents al- Roque made the statement af- The Supreme Court granted being Renato Corona, who was Haydee Alunan, offi cer-in- lowed the contractor to con- ter former Chief Justice Hilario the petition and ousted Sereno, impeached in 2012 for failure to charge district engineer, and tinue working on the project Davide Jr said he immediately 8-6, last week. fully disclose his wealth. Elsie Sabay, OIC-assistant despite poor performance/ saw a “conspiracy” after the fi l- Had the impeachment com- Prior to the High Court’s de- district engineer, in connec- accomplishment and unrea- ing of Solicitor General Jose Cal- plaint — an entirely diff erent cision against Sereno, Duterte tion with alleged anomalies sonable delay of the contractor ida’s petition for quo warranto route to remove Sereno from of- in April announced that the fe- in the rehabilitation of Mabua in the projects. They allowed and the succeeding calls for Ser- fi ce — reached the Senate, the male head magistrate was now bridge in Barangay Pobla- the contractor to collect full eno to resign. legislative chamber would have his “enemy” for accusing him of cion and Bagambayan bridge payment thereafter with un- “Well, I don’t know. You all “voted against it,” Davide said. being behind the fi ling of the quo in Barangay Tiling, both in derstated penalty/liquidated know that the former Chief Jus- The House justice commit- warranto case against her. Cauayan, Negros Occidental. damages. As shown in the dis- tice (Davide) was also a politi- tee approved six articles of im- The president instructed his Alunan and Sabay also had bursement vouchers, the con- cian. He was a former member peachment against Sereno af- allies in the House to hasten Ser- their civil service eligibility tractor was not made to pay for of Interim Batasang Pambansa ter holding hearings on lawyer eno’s ouster, saying she is not stripped and their retirement the unreasonable delay of each and the father of the governor of Lorenzo Gadon’s complaint over deserving to serve the top post in benefi ts forfeited. project of at least 562 days. Cebu,” he told government-run fi ve months. the Supreme Court as she is “bad They were also perpetually Thus, the amount of liqui- radio dzRB. The charges include non-fi l- for the Philippines.” disqualifi ed from holding pub- dated damages was apparently “Let it go, let his background ing and non-submission of her But Duterte on Wednesday lic offi ce and barred from taking understated and respondents and let this relationship speak asset declarations, issuance of vowed to resign if it would be the civil service examination. clearly gave unwarranted ben- for themselves,” Roque said. court orders and resolutions that proven that he had a hand in the If eventually separated from efi ts, advantage or preference The Palace offi cial denied did not clear the Supreme Court ouster of Sereno. the service, the penalty of dis- to the contractor in violation that politics was behind the re- en banc and misuse of P18mn in “I said if there’s one congress- missal is convertible to a fi ne of law,” a resolution said. moval of Sereno, an appointee public funds, among others. woman or congressman or jus- equivalent to their one-year The dismissal order from the of former President Benigno Malacanang has denied any role in the ouster of Chief Justice Maria These await a vote by the tice, a single justice who will say salary, the Ombudsman said. Offi ce of the Ombudsman in Aquino. Lourdes Sereno. plenary, which would decide I talked to them, I can guarantee It was found upon investiga- Manila was dated May 17, 2018. “They claimed that there whether the charges would be you, I will resign,” he told report- tion that on February 10, 2014, Prior to their assignment might be a political motive. The At a forum held at the Ateneo to pre-empt an impeachment transmitted to the Senate for ers. the respondents started the to the DPWH 3rd Engineering ouster of Chief Justice Sereno, de Manila University on Thurs- bid that would have failed at the trial. “I told Sereno I was not in- rehabilitation of the bridges by District in Kabankalan City, there was no politics involved. day, Davide said a “conspiracy” Senate. The House leadership has said volved in it…Ask anyone. I never issuing Notices to Proceed in Alunan and Sabay were with The chief justice was the one at was behind the ouster of Ser- “I considered the quo war- the chamber will wait for a fi nal lifted a fi nger,” the president favour of OPELL Construction the 2nd Engineering District in fault,” Roque said. eno, explaining it was started ranto as a pre-emptive move, ruling on the quo warranto case, said. and Development Corp. Binalbagan town. Gulf Times 22 Monday, May 21, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Stress of chronic social isolation poses health risk

Man is by nature a social animal, so begins the legendary 21-05-2018 quote by Aristotle, the famed ancient Greek philosopher. It has long been proven that loneliness is not good for humans. In 2016, scientists found the physical locus of loneliness in the brain, and now, it has been discovered that the stress of chronic social isolation can actually reshape the brain, causing feelings of aggression and fear. Experts at the California Institute of Technology have discovered a specifi c chemical that accumulates in the brain Europe must confront US as a result of chronic social isolation. In humans, social isolation is linked to crippling mental health issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Blocking the chemical buildup in the brain that results from seclusion could ultimately lead to a method of treating mental health extraterritorial sanctions disorders. According to the study published the journal Cell, the research, conducted in the laboratory of David J Anderson, By Jeff rey D Sachs the Middle East and North Africa. Even the US agenda, especially with the operating in non-dollar currencies. New York when regime change has “succeeded,” neoconservative doyen John Bolton The EU should insist that was based on previous observations of social isolation in as in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, back in the White House as National extraterritorial sanctions violate mice and the resulting behavioural changes. In response to the aftermath has been violence and Security Adviser. The world must international law (including the seclusion, mice show increased aggression, persistent fear, onald Trump’s renunciation instability. And when regime change steadfastly resist another ruinous US Resolution 2231 and therefore the UN and hypersensitivity to threatening stimuli. For example, of the Joint Comprehensive has failed, as in Syria, the result has military adventure. Charter) and the rules of the World mice that have been Plan of Action (JCPOA) with been ongoing war. Extraterritorial sanctions are the Trade Organisation. They should Iran and the reimposition The humiliating failure of French second way the US could kill the recognise that acquiescence would socially isolated will D In humans, social of US sanctions on that country President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime JCPOA. It is one thing for the US to be tantamount to handing the US a remain frozen in place threaten global peace. Europe’s security Minister Theresa May, and German decide that it will not trade with Iran. It blank check to set the rules of war isolation is linked long after a potential depends on defending the agreement Chancellor Angela Merkel to convince is quite another for the US government and peace beyond the UN Security threat has passed. These with Iran despite the US withdrawal. Trump to remain in the JCPOA was to attempt to block trade with Iran Council, and the rules of global trade to crippling That, in turn, requires Europe, along predictable. The US decision refl ects by non-US parties. This is America’s beyond the World Trade Organisation. eff ects are not seen as with Russia, China, and other United two converging forces: a deep-seated intention; it is up to Europe and China The EU should be prepared to use mental health result of short-term Nations member-states, to ensure foreign-policy tendency – manifested to defeat it, in the interest of global the WTO dispute resolution process isolation, suggesting that that economic relations with Iran can by all recent US administrations – to peace, as well as in their own direct against the US, and to bring its case to issues chronic isolation is what develop. And that can happen only seek hegemony in the Middle East, and economic interest. the UN Security Council and General causes the changes in aggression and fear responses. if Europe confronts, and ultimately Trump’s peculiar brand of psychopathy. In practical terms, the US will be Assembly. Where Europe is afraid to overturns, America’s extraterritorial Trump delights in embarrassing able to enforce anti-Iran sanctions on tread, China will surely swoop in to Previous research in the Anderson laboratory had sanctions, which aim to deter trade and European leaders; their squirming is his companies operating in its domestic capitalise on business opportunities uncovered a particular neurochemical called tachykinin that fi nancial activities with Iran by non-US triumph. market, and most likely on subsidiaries in Iran. And China would be right to plays a role in promoting aggression in socially isolated fl ies. actors. Yet they are not powerless. The of US fi rms operating abroad. Yet the US do so. Tachykinin is a neuropeptide that is released when certain The purpose of Trump’s move is agreement with Iran can still be will try to go much further, by trying to Europe’s biggest challenge is not legal neurons are activated. Neuropeptides alter the properties of clear and indeed explicit: to topple salvaged, precisely because it is a block non-US companies from dealing or even geopolitical. It is psychological. the Iranian regime. Given this folly, multilateral agreement, endorsed by the with Iran. The US will probably succeed European leaders act as if the US still other neurons when they bind to specifi c receptors, which European citizens accurately sense that UN Security Council (Resolution 2231), in clamping down on dollar-based cares about a trans-Atlantic alliance have an impact on neural circuit function. Europe’s security interests are no longer not an agreement solely between the transactions, as these are generally of shared interests, values, and In mice, the tachykinin gene Tac2 encodes a neuropeptide closely aligned with those of the United US and Iran. Indeed, under Article 25 of cleared through the US banking system. approaches. Sadly, this is no longer the called neurokinin B (NkB). Tac2 and NkB are produced by States. the UN Charter, all UN member-states, The real issue will come with non-US case. America’s bullying approach to including the US, are obligated to fulfi l companies operating outside of the US The US and Europe do still have neurons in specifi c regions of a mouse’s brain – the amygdala Iran has been seconded – indeed the JCPOA. Trump’s withdrawal of the and interacting with Iran via non- many shared interests; but they have and the hypothalamus – which are involved in emotional championed – by two Middle Eastern US from the JCPOA is itself a violation dollar currencies such as the euro and many divergent ones as well, especially and social behaviour. The researchers found that chronic allies of the United States, Israel and of international law. renminbi. when the US violates international social isolation caused an increase in Tac2 gene expression Saudi Arabia. Israel invokes US power to The essence of the JCPOA and The US will certainly try to punish law. Europe needs its own security and the production of NkB. When they administered a drug avoid having to make any compromises Resolution 2231 is Iran’s cessation such companies, whether by targeting policy, just as it needs its own trade and with the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia of activities that could lead to the their local subsidiaries, by trying to environmental policies. The showdown to chemically block NkB-specifi c receptors, the negative invokes US military power to contain its development of nuclear weapons. haul them into US courts, or by denying over the JCPOA is therefore a moment eff ects of isolation were eliminated and anxious mice began regional rival, Iran. Both are hoping for Strict compliance by Iran is linked to them access to the US market. Here is of truth. World peace depends on behaving normally. a direct US war with Iran. the normalisation of international where the European Union must take a Europe’s defence of the UN Charter The researchers also found that suppressing the Tac2 gene America’s previous eff orts at regime economic relations, including the strong stand and move beyond begging and the rules of international trade. – change in the Middle East yielded lifting of UN-agreed sanctions. Trump for “waivers” for specifi c Project Syndicate in the amygdala eliminated behaviours associated with fear, horrendous results for the US and Even if the US now absents itself European business deals, a process that but not aggression. On the other hand, suppressing the Europe (to say nothing of the disasters from the JCPOA, it has only two would make European countries even zJeff rey D Sachs, University Professor gene in the hypothalamus eliminated increased aggression that befell the countries caught up in means to block the implementation more subservient to Trump’s whims. at Columbia University, is Director but not persistent fear. This fi nding indicates that various the US-provoked mayhem). Such “wars of the agreement between Iran and Europe should defend a fi rm and of Columbia’s Center for Sustainable eff ects of social isolation are produced as Tac2 increases in of choice” have been the major factor in the rest of the world. The first would unequivocal “No” to US extraterritorial Development and the UN Sustainable the surge of migration to Europe from be to foment war. This clearly is on sanctions, notably on companies Development Solutions Network. diff erent brain regions. Study lead author Moriel Zelikowsky explained that humans have a signalling system comparable to the Tac2 system in mice, so this research may have potential applications for treating mental health disorders such as chronic stress. The antagonist drug the team gave the mice during their periods of isolation eff ectively lessened the negative eff ects of the isolation. This suggests that, while the eff ects of loneliness show up as psychological stress, they can be managed with neuroscience and pharmacology. The study also underlines the brain’s ability to adapt to environmental changes – a phenomenon known as brain plasticity. Previous research has found prolonged loneliness can transform the brain in a way that makes people less able to relate to others.

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© 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved President Donald Trump reinstating sanctions on Iran on May 8 at the White House. Gulf Times Monday, May 21, 2018 23 COMMENT The American system of higher education

By David F Labaree reached maturity, as colleges Stanford capitalised on decentralised and autonomous governance structures to take advantage of the opportunities n the second half of the 20th for growth that arose during the Cold century, American universities War. Colleges were able to leverage and colleges emerged as dominant the public support they had developed Iplayers in the global ecology of during the long lean years, when a higher education, a dominance that university degree was highly accessible continues to this day. In terms of the and cheap. With the exception of the number of Nobel laureates produced, oldest New England colleges – the eight of the world’s top 10 universities “Ivies” – American universities never are in the United States. Forty-two developed the elitist aura of Old of the world’s 50 largest university World institutions like Oxford and endowments are in America. And, Cambridge. Instead, they retained a when ranked by research output, 15 populist ethos – embodied in football, of the top 20 institutions are based in fraternities and fl exible academic the US. standards – that continues to serve Given these metrics, few can them well politically. dispute that the American model of So, can other systems of higher higher education is the world’s most learning adapt the US model successful. The question is why, and of educational excellence to whether the US approach can be local conditions? The answer is exported. straightforward: no. While America’s oldest universities In the 21st century, it is not possible date to the 17th and 18th centuries, the for colleges to emerge with the same American system of higher education degree of autonomy that American took shape in the early 19th century, colleges enjoyed some 200 years under conditions in which the market ago, before the development of a was strong, the state was weak, and the strong nation-state. Today, most church was divided. The “university” non-American institutions are concept fi rst arose in medieval Stanford University. The American system of higher education took shape in the early 19th century. wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Europe, with the strong support of state; governments set priorities, and monarchs and the Catholic Church. As a result, most US colleges were preceded demand. As a result, schools enterprise that needed to attract and By the start of the 20th century, administrators pursue them in a top- But in the US, with the exception of built on the frontier rather than in were positioned to capitalise on the retain students and donors. Although when enrolments began to climb in down manner. By contrast, American American military academies, the cities; the institutions were used to modest advantages they did have. Most university presidents often begged for, response to a growing demand for universities have retained the spirit of federal government never succeeded attract settlers to buy land. In this were highly accessible (there was one and occasionally received, state money, white-collar workers, the mixed independence, and faculty are often in establishing a system of higher way, the fi rst college towns were the in nearly every town), inexpensive government funding was neither public-private system was set given latitude to channel entrepreneurial education, and states were too poor equivalent of today’s golf-course (competition kept a lid on tuition), and sizeable nor reliable. to expand. Local autonomy gave ideas into new programmes, institutes, to provide much support for colleges developments – verdant enclaves that geographically specifi c (colleges often In the absence of fi nancial security, institutions the freedom to establish schools, and research. This bottom-up within their borders. promised a better quality of life. At the became avatars for towns whose names these educational CEOs had to hustle. a brand in the marketplace, and in structure makes the US system of higher In these circumstances, early US same time, religious denominations they took). By 1880, there were fi ve They were good at building long-term the absence of strong state control, education costly, consumer-driven, colleges were nonprofi t corporations competed to sponsor colleges in times as many colleges and universities relationships with local notables and university leaders positioned their and deeply stratifi ed. But this is also that had state charters but little order to plant their own fl ags in new in the US than in all of Europe. tuition-paying students. Once states institutions to pursue opportunities what gives it its global edge. – Project government money. Instead, they territories. The unintended consequence of began opening public colleges in the and adapt to changing conditions. As Syndicate relied on student tuition, as well as What this competition produced this early saturation was a radically mid-19th century, the new institutions funding for research grew after World donations from local elites, most of was a series of small, rural, and decentralised system of higher adapted to the existing system. State War II, college administrators started zDavid F Labaree is professor of whom were more interested in how underfunded colleges led by education that fostered a high degree funding was still insuffi cient, so competing vigorously for these new Education at Stanford University, and a college would increase the value of administrators who had to learn of autonomy. The college president, leaders of public colleges needed to sources of support. the author of A Perfect Mess: The their adjoining property than they to survive in a highly competitive though usually a clergyman, was attract tuition from students and By the middle of the 20th century, Unlikely Ascendancy of American were in supporting education. environment, and where supply long in eff ect the CEO of a struggling donations from graduates. the US system of higher education Higher Education. Performance-based pensions for politicians Three-day forecast 15% of private-sector employees to make smart – not just politically accept high pay for their leaders. But TODAY By Dambisa Moyo Maximum Temperature : 370c New York – people who presumably rely on expedient – choices, but also help those leaders should have to earn it, government-funded education and voters make more informed decisions just as any private-sector worker Minimum Temperature : 270c infrastructure – receive the type of about who should represent them. must. That means designing and TUESDAY hen the Speaker of fi xed-benefi t retirement plan that will A version of this scheme is already championing policies that will bring Maximum Temperature : 360c the US House of cushion Ryan’s retirement, according in place in Singapore, where ministers real, long-lasting benefits to their Minimum Temperature : 260c Representatives, Paul to the Pension Rights Centre. receive bonuses if the government country. WEDNESDAY Ryan, retires at the end To restore fairness, the government hits targets for GDP growth, income Adjusting politicians’ compensation Maximum Temperature : 360c W Minimum Temperature : 270c of his term in January, he will likely should follow the private sector’s growth (including a measure of how to incentivise improved economic, lead and link politicians’ pensions to earnings are progressing for the educational, and health outcomes qualify for an annual government Fisherman's forecast pension of more than $80,000. their performance. Like high-level bottom 20%), and unemployment. will not be easy – not least because Ryan’s case – and that of the dozens managers at publicly traded private According to a 2013 Mercer study, politicians themselves would have WARNING of other members of Congress who companies, policymakers who made ministers in Singapore can expect to to agree to the change. But now Inshore : Nil will be retiring this year – highlights bad decisions should face clawbacks, receive variable pay of up to 50%-60% might be an ideal moment to tackle the chasm between the fi nancial in the form of reduced pensions. of their base compensation. that challenge, given the attention Offshore : Nil benefi ts available to politicians and A pension is a long-term The point, to be sure, is not to currently being paid to improving pay WEATHER those available to the vast majority of commitment from the state – and, reduce political leaders’ overall pay, equity, which includes closing the citizens they are supposed to serve, ultimately, the taxpayer – to an but rather to ensure that they deserve gender pay gap, confronting rising Inshore : Relatively hot daytime with regardless of how well they actually individual politician. If politicians are what they earn. With an annual income inequality, and reducing the scattered clouds at times WIND perform in offi ce. receiving pensions starting at age 50, salary of $1.63mn, Singapore’s prime ratio of CEOs’ compensation to that of Confi dent that their own generous as Ryan will, retirement benefi ts could minister is the world’s highest-paid the median employee. Inshore : Northwesterly-Northeasterly pensions will be paid out no matter realistically be paid out for 40-plus leader, receiving as much as the In any case, opposing performance- 05-15/18 KT at places day- time what, politicians like Ryan often years. It would appear fair, therefore, leaders of Germany ($299,784), Italy based pay would not be a good look for Offshrore : Northeasterly-Southeasterly advocate measures that weaken the to link that long-term reward to the ($131,608), Japan ($202,700), and the politicians. If they are truly confi dent 03-12 KT government’s fi scal position. The long-term eff ects of the policies they United Kingdom ($215,980) combined. that the policies they support will Congressional Budget Offi ce has supported while in offi ce. Yet Singapore’s citizens rarely benefi t the public, politicians should Visibility : 5-10 KM cautioned that the US government The eff ects should be measured gripe about that salary, because they be willing to put their pension – or, at SEA STATE defi cit is on course to triple over the according to a variety of indicators, perceive their country to be well-run least part of it – on the line. – Project next 30 years, from 2.9% of GDP in including the quality of education, and with good future prospects. By Syndicate Offshore : 1-3 FT 2017 to 9.8% in 2047. health outcomes, and economic contrast, in the US – where a president Around the region Among other things, that fi scal indicators like GDP growth, infl ation, typically earns $400,000, and zDambisa Moyo is the author of three Weather blowout will undermine the unemployment, and income President Donald Trump donates his New York Times bestselling books. Weather tomorrow Max/min government’s ability to invest in inequality. Such comprehensive salary to various causes – public trust Her most recent book is Edge of Chaos: today Max/min P Cloudy 41/26 education and infrastructure for quantitative assessments would not in government is near historic lows. Why Democracy is Failing to Create Baghdad P Cloudy 42/27 Sunny 40/27 future generations. Meanwhile, only only give politicians greater incentive So citizens do seem willing to Economic Growth and How to Fix It. Kuwait City Sunny 39/27 Manama Sunny 36/27 Sunny 36/27 Muscat Sunny 36/29 Sunny 36/31 Tehran M Sunny 30/19 S Showers 28/18 Live issues Swiss scientists develop new electronic rescue dog

QNA tested in laboratory conditions, in Geneva collaboration with Austrian and Cypriot scientists. The research team, led by Sotiris cientists in Switzerland Pratsinis, professor of Process Around the world have developed a small Engineering at ETH Zurich, now Weather Weather and inexpensive piece of wants to test the pin-sized device today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Selectronic equipment that in real life conditions to test its Athens Sunny 30/18 M Sunny 30/17 detects people by smell and could suitability for search and rescue Beirut Sunny 29/24 P Cloudy 31/25 be used in earthquake or avalanche missions. Bangkok S T Storms 33/27 S T Storms 33/27 rescue. While electronic devices are Berlin M Sunny 23/11 M Sunny 23/12 Researchers from the Federal already being used during searches Cairo Sunny 41/28 M Sunny 43/27 Institute of Technology Zurich after earthquakes, they rely on Cape Town Rain 17/13 P Cloudy 16/13 (ETH) said in a statement they have microphones and cameras which can Colombo T Storm 29/27 T Storm 30/26 developed a very cheap kind of only locate trapped people who can Dhaka T Storm 31/24 T Storm 30/24 electronic rescue dog. make themselves either seen or heard Hong Kong Sunny 32/28 Sunny 32/28 “Trained rescue dogs are still the beneath the rubble. Istanbul P Cloudy 23/16 P Cloudy 23/17 best disaster workers, but they are The ETH scientists would Jakarta S T Storms 33/26 S T Storms 33/25 often not immediately available like to supplement this existing Karachi Sunny 42/28 Sunny 42/26 and dog teams have to travel,” the equipment with their newly- London P Cloudy 23/11 Rain 23/11 scientists wrote. developed sensors. Manila S T Storms 36/27 S T Storms 35/27 The device consists of a In addition, drones and robots Moscow Sunny 21/09 P Cloudy 24/13 combination of sensors which can could also be equipped with the New Delhi Sunny 43/29 Sunny 44/30 detect acetone, ammonia, isoprene, device, thus allowing inaccessible New York P Cloudy 24/14 S Showers 18/14 carbon dioxide and moisture, said the and remote areas to be searched for Paris S T Storms 24/13 P Cloudy 24/13 ETH. This is an image of the three gas sensors developed at ETH Zurich. survivors. Sao Paulo Sunny 21/09 P Cloudy 24/11 These metabolic products are PICTURE: ETH Zurich / Andreas Güntner Further potential applications of Seoul M Sunny 25/14 Rain 24/13 emitted in low concentrations via a the device could include detecting Singapore T Storm 31/27 T Storm 31/26 person’s breath or skin. humans, such as a fi re, for example, indicator of the presence of people,” stowaways and combating human Sydney Sunny 21/11 M Sunny 21/11 Individually, these substances but the combination of sensors the ETH wrote. traffi cking and people smuggling, said Tokyo Clear 26/15 Clear 26/16 could come from sources other than “provides the scientists with a reliable The sensors have so far only been the statement. Gulf Times 24 Monday, May 21, 2018 QATAR

Amir hosts Iftar banquet for Amir Cup players and organisers

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday hosted an Iftar banquet at the Amiri Diwan in honour of football players and technical and managerial staff of the Amir Cup winners Al Duhail Sports Club, runners-up Al Rayyan Sports Club, representatives of the Amir Cup sponsors, and a number of sports and media personalities. His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, Personal Representative of His Highness the Amir, attended the banquet along with a number of dignitaries and members of the royal family.

PHCC, Qatar University Over 100 high-risk Health Clinic sign MoU

he Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) Tand Qatar University newborns safely (QU) have signed a memoran- dum of understanding (MoU) to establish a referral pathway to co-ordinate the delivery of clinical services by QU Health Clinic and Qatar University PHCC health centre that will moved to WWRC open later this year. The MoU presents joint- embers of Hamad working protocols. Agreements Medical Corporation’s will help set standards to en- Off icials at the MoU signing ceremony between PHCC and QU. M(HMC) Ambulance able both organisations to work Service and Neonatal Intensive together to provide the best urgent or priority care can also of Medicine at Qatar Univer- Care Unit (NICU) teams have healthcare services to the stu- be referred to the PHCC cen- sity, added, “We are pleased completed the delicate proc- dents, faculty and staff of Qatar tre. PHCC’s executive direc- to further expand our ongoing ess of safely transporting over University. tor for operations, Dr Samya collaboration with PHCC. This 100 babies from the old unit at The referral process estab- al-Abdulla, said,“Our aim is MoU refl ects Qatar Univer- Women’s Hospital to the new lished takes into consideration to create an easy pathway for sity’s commitment to off er its NICU at the Women’s Wellness the current QU Health Clinic our patients and bring access residing students an improved and Research Center (WWRC). organisational structure and to health care services closer to health care, adding to QU The newly opened NICU at available services and that of home. Health Clinic support.” the WWRC extends across two the Qatar University PHCC Alongside our colleagues at Dr Hafsa Hashad, head of fl oors, off ering a spacious envi- Health Centre. Qatar University, we have es- QU Health Clinic, commented, ronment for over 100 high-risk or The new Qatar University tablished clear communica- “We strongly believe that QU critically ill newborns. The new PHCC health centre (Type B), tion channels and committed Health Clinic alongside Qatar facility is the largest in the region, is located immediately out- workforce between the two University PHCC health cen- employing more than 500 highly side QU campus, approxi- organisations with a shared vi- tre can greatly benefi t the QU skilled healthcare professionals mately 1.5km from the main sion and understanding. This community by providing inte- who provide specialised care to Women’s Clinic. All students MoU will help us to streamline grated healthcare services to all 2,500 neonates a year. living within the QU campus patient care by establishing students living within the QU “We are extremely grateful to will be eligible to be registered clear referral pathways that will campus by ensuring immediate the many members of our staff at the Qatar University PHCC impact positively on the health medical response to the urgent who participated in success- health centre. Staff and stu- outcomes of patients.” or priority cases. We are proud fully completing this delicate dents who do not fall in the Prof Egon Toft, vice presi- and eager to work as a team to process,” said Dr Hilal al-Rifai, catchment area for Qatar Uni- dent, Medical and Health Sci- further enhance the healthcare medical director, WWRC. “Over versity health centre and need ences and dean of the College and safety at QU.” the course of two weeks, we were able to transition over 100 babies to our beautiful new facility.” More than 100 high-risk and critically ill babies were transferred to the NICU at WWRC. According to Dr al-Rifai, the transition to the new NICU re- has been the result of extensive same location from admission tion from hospital to home. This quired advanced monitoring planning and collaboration be- until discharge. includes practising parent-baby TII inks agreement with Goethe equipment and an experienced tween various teams, both prior “Our new model is focused bonding techniques, involving multi-disciplinary team who to, and during the move. Over on family-centred care,” said parents in decision-making and were tasked with ensuring the multiple days, specialised teams Ma Lourdes Ezpeleta, assistant caregiving, and providing edu- he Translation and In- journey for each baby was as safe from both the Women’s Hospi- executive director of Nursing at cation and psychological sup- terpreting Institute and as comfortable as possible. tal and the Ambulance Service the NICU. “Each baby is treated port through weekly classes. T(TII), part of the College The move required months of worked together using our state- by a single healthcare team. This “The new model also gives of Humanities and Social Sci- pre-planning and a number of of-the-art ambulances and helps our teams create a stronger our NICU teams greater oppor- ences (CHSS) at Hamad Bin simulation exercises were com- equipment to safely carry out bond with parents and can help tunity to spend more time with Khalifa University (HBKU), has pleted in advance to ensure a these transfers.” parents feel more comfortable.” each baby, getting to know them signed a memorandum of un- smooth transition. In addition to the new loca- Once babies are well enough and their individual needs,” said derstanding ( MoU) with the “Transferring over 100 NICU tion, the NICU at the WWRC to be discharged, staff at the unit Ezpeleta. “By better under- Goethe Institute. babies is a large undertaking,” has introduced a unique model provide guidance and support standing a baby’s cues, we can TII’s commitment to facili- said Brendon Morris, executive of care for critically ill newborns. to parents, encouraging them to carefully design a treatment plan tating the access to language director of the Ambulance Serv- The model eliminates the need to participate meaningfully in their which can result in a faster re- training and cultural immer- ice at HMC. transition babies within the unit, infant’s care as part of ensuring covery and minimise their length sion will be strengthened “The success of this transfer allowing them to stay within the there will be a smooth transi- of stay.” by this partnership with the Goethe Institute, according to a statement issued yesterday. TII and Goethe Institute off icials at the signing ceremony. Goethe Institute is a non- profi t German cultural associa- community, which will im- innovative interdisciplinary tion commissioned and for the mensely benefi t our students.” programmes, recruiting and CNA-Q fetes sports achievers at ceremony most part funded by the Foreign TII is a centre of educa- retaining the fi nest faculty, re- Federal Offi ce of Germany, op- tion and research – as well as searchers and students, pro- erating in 159 countries world- a world-class service provider moting a supportive environ- ollege of the North Atlantic – Qa- wide, promoting the study of the – that off ers training and edu- ment for faculty and student tar (CNA-Q) recognised the student German language abroad and cation in translation, inter- research, and fostering mean- Cathletes and their coaches, and pre- encouraging international cul- preting, and foreign language, ingful local, regional and inter- sented them with awards for their excellence tural exchange and relations. contributing to the growth of national collaborations. in sport and wellness. Awards were presented It seeks to foster knowledge the knowledge-based economy Fareed Majari, head of to recognise the most outstanding teams and about Germany across the in Qatar. Goethe-Institute Gulf Region, individuals who excelled in supporting the world by providing information TII provides a comprehensive noted, “Goethe Institute is college spirit through commitment to sport on German culture, society and suite of training programmes dedicated to supporting the and wellness. politics, which includes the ex- in translation and interpreting appreciation of German lan- The ‘Women’s Team of the Year’ trophy change of fi lms, music, theatre, that prepare qualifi ed gradu- guage and culture, and rein- was presented to the ladies team, who com- and literature. ates for the professional and forcing the strong links that peted in the annual powerlifting competi- Dr Amal Mohamed al-Malki, scholarly worlds. It is commit- this region has with Germany. tion. This was the fi rst year the powerlifting CNA-Q recognises student athletes and their coaches. founding dean of CHSS, said, ted to advancing research in The Language Centre at TII of- competition was open to women, as previ- “This association with the the various fi elds of translation fers a range of comprehensive ously it was only a competition for male stu- winners. “Not only is the college an excellent best in whatever they do. We strongly believe Goethe Institute will give our studies and serving the com- language courses that are sup- dents. The team of women were chosen for choice for post-secondary technical and ap- that ex-curricular sports involvement and students access to the many munity by providing foreign- ported by regular interactions their dedication to training for a new event, plied learning, it is also a place where students wellness activities contribute greatly to the wonderful cultural events and language education and off er- with associated cultural ele- and for their sportspersonship during the have the opportunity for personal growth and well-being of students,” the offi cial added. opportunities that the institute ing high-quality translation ments here in Doha. competition. CNA-Q is the only post-sec- development outside of the classroom and The CNA-Q men’s teams won the national off ers within Qatar and the re- and interpreting services. The benefi ts of this new en- ondary institution in Qatar that off ers female their academic studies,” recreation manager championships for basketball and cricket. gion, along with allowing far CHSS strives to achieve gagement between the Goethe powerlifting and strong student team events. Tony Martin said. “Dedicated faculty mem- This year’s win for the male cricket team greater co-operation between academic excellence and pro- Institute and the TII are obvi- Other honours were presented for Ath- bers coach and mentor student athletes along makes them champions for the fi fth con- our teaching and academic mote cutting-edge research. ous and instinctively benefi cial lete of the Year, Leadership and Spirit Award the way, while encouraging them to be their secutive year staff and the German-speaking This is accomplished through to everyone involved.”