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Monday 4 December 2017 | 16 Rabia I 1439 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7365 | 2 Riyals

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Emir visits 28th Doha International Book Fair Emir appoints Board Qatar to attend of Directors of Free Zones Authority GCC summit QNA mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Eissued yesterday the in Kuwait Emiri Decision No. 24 of 2017 on forming the Board of Directors of free zones Mohammed Osman authority. The Peninsula The Decision appointed “We accepted the H E Ahmad bin Mohammed atar will participate invitation and we will Al Sayed as Chairman of the in the 38th annual attend the ministerial Board of Directors, Moham- summit of Gulf meeting tomorrow, med Ali Al Mannai as Deputy Cooperation Council Chairman, in addition to Q(GCC) member coun- and God willing, the appointing H E Sheikh Hamad tries which will be held on Emir will participate bin Faisal Al Thani, Brig. Abdul- December 5 and 6 in Kuwait. in the summit,” said lah Salim Al Ali, Mohammad “We accepted the invitation Deputy Prime Minister Hassan Al Saadi, Abdulaziz Jas- and we will attend the minis- sim Al Muftah, Tamim Hamad terial meeting tomorrow, and and Foreign Minister Al Kawari, Yousuf Mohamed God willing, the Emir will par- H E Sheikh Mohamed Al Jaidah, Nasser Khalil Al Jai- ticipate in the summit,” said bin Abdulrahman Al dah as members. The Decision Deputy Prime Minister and For- also authorised the Prime Min- eign Minister H E Sheikh Thani. ister to assign two additional Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al experienced board members. Thani. Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited yesterday morning the 28th Doha Sheikh Mohamed was International Book Fair, which is being held under the slogan of “Towards a Knowledgeable QIA Board speaking at the “Gulf Crisis: six months, putting a Gulf state Society”, at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The Emir toured the pavilions of the The Emir also issued the Regional and International under siege without any rea- Emiri decision No. 25 of exhibition where H H was briefed on the participation of the government organisations, Contexts and the Role of the son and surprisingly,” the 2017, renewing the term of the cultural sectors, and also the Arabic and international publishing houses, as well as the Media” forum which opened on Deputy Prime Minister said. the Board of Directors of the Saturday. Sheikh Mohamed added latest publications, books and manuscripts displayed in the exhibition. → See also page 2 Qatar Investment Authority. “We hope the crisis will be that Qatar did not call for inter- The decisions are effective solved within the GCC and nationalisation of the Gulf crisis starting from its date of issue under the Kuwaiti mediation. and remained committed to the and is to be published in the This summit is supposed to Kuwaiti mediation. official gazette. result in a clear mechanism to end the crisis which has crossed → Continued on page 9 Qatar condemns and denies Qatar flays attack in Afghanistan Yemen mediation statement he State of Qatar has strongly condemned the Texplosion which tar- QNA have been better to investigate The source reiterated the geted a political gathering in such serious statements that do need to end the fighting and the Jalalabad, eastern Afghani- he State of Qatar has not serve the interests of the senseless war and to appeal to stan, that caused a number of denied and strongly con- brotherly Yemeni people. all parties in Yemen to resort to deaths and injuries. Tdemned the statements of The source revealed that dialogue in order to restore sta- In a statement, the Min- the UAE Minister of State for Qatar welcomes any mediation bility to the people of Yemen istry of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs which were that would end the senseless and to preserve its territorial reiterated Qatar’s firm posi- reported by some media outlets war that the Yemeni people are integrity. tion rejecting violence and in the siege countries regarding paying its price and bring The source confirmed that terrorism regardless of Qatari mediation between some about a political solution that Qatar spares no effort to pro- motives and reasons. Yemeni parties, a Foreign Min- complies with the resolutions vide all the assistance needed to The statement expressed istry official source said. of international legitimacy, and the Yemeni people to face the the condolences of the State The source stated that the it continues to support and tragic situation and conditions of Qatar to the families of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh statements are baseless and sur- stand by the mediation efforts imposed by the current war and victims, the government and Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani speaking at the “Gulf prising as they were attributed made by the brotherly State of that the Qatari aid is still wait- the people of Afghanistan, Crisis: Regional and International Contexts and the Role of to an official of the UAE Foreign Kuwait between the Yemeni ing for approval to enter Yemeni and wished the injured a the Media” forum, yesterday. Ministry, adding that it would parties. territory. speedy recovery.

QU unveils strategy 500,000 cruise tourists expected by 2022 Ministry identifies areas for for next five years Sachin Kumar a record high number of tour- passengers, more than triple building 16 urban centres The Peninsula The Peninsula ists with expectations of the capacity of a standard 60,000 passengers in 2017 and cruise ship. The large number Sanaullah Ataullah / The Peninsula atar University (QU) yesterday released atar is targeting cruise our goal is to reach 500,000 of mega ships arriving this sea- details of its new strategy (2018-2022) passengers to boost its passengers by 2022,” Mwani son is set to raise the UNDER the master development plan, the Ministry of Qthemed “A Strategy for Transformation From Qtourism. Doha Port is Qatar tweeted yesterday. cumulative number of visitors Municipality and Environment has earmarked areas to build Reform to Transform” at a launching ceremony aiming to attract half a million Concerned authorities have welcomed at Qatar’s shores. about 16 new urban centres across six municipalities to held at QU Library. cruise passengers by 2022. stepped up efforts to make sure German vessel Mein Schiff speed up the development. The municipalities of Doha, Al The event was attended by QU President Dr Looking at the sharp rise in the that the inflow of cruise tour- 5 was the first mega cruise ship Rayan, Al Shihaniya, Al Dain, Umm Salal and Al Shamal Hassan Al Derham and QU Chief Strategy and number of cruise passengers ists remains strong in the of the year received by Doha have been selected to build these 16 urban centres. Development Officer Dr Darwish Al-Emadi, as in the past few years, it looks coming days. Port. The German vessel meas- well as QU leadership, college deans, faculty and that the country is on stronger Many cruise ships have ured 293 meters in length and →Full report on page 8 staff. It featured the screening of a short film on footing to accomplish this feat. plans to dock at Doha Port. The is 15 decks high with a capac- “QU Strategy (2018-2022)”. Doha Port welcomed just cruise ship Seaborne Encore ity to carry nearly 4,000 QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham noted that 4,000 cruise passengers in docked at Doha Port with more passengers and crew. Qatar attends forum on Silk Belt the new strategy is inspired from the speech of the 2015 but this number jumped than 500 passengers on board Mein Schiff 5, which is GUANGZHOU: The State of Qatar participated in the Inter- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on multiple times in just one year on the last week of October that expected to return to Doha Port national Forum on Wealth and Innovation in accordance July 21, in which he said: “We require diligence, as the port received 35,000 marked the start of 2017-2018 seven more times this season, with the Silk Belt Initiative in the 21st Century. Qatar was creativity, independent thinking, constructive ini- cruise passengers in 2016. The Cruise Season. This year there is not the only mega cruise ship represented H E Ali Ghanim Al Hajri, Consul General of tiatives and interest in academic achievement in strong inflow of tourists is are five new ships making their to carry thousands of passen- of Qatar in Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China. all disciplines, self-reliance and fighting indolence likely to continue as the Port is maiden calls to Qatar, and for the gers to Doha. The Italian mega Speaking at the Forum, Ali Ghanem Al Hajeri said that and dependency. This is not just wishful thinking, expecting to welcome 60,000 first time two megaships will be ship MSC Splendida which car- the Belt and Silk Road Initiative, which Qatar was the first and these are not mere dreams. Our goals are real- passengers in the current year. making calls into Doha Port. ries 3,900 passengers, is also of its signatories, as well as one of the first contributors to istic and practical.” “From 4,000 passengers in A mega ship carries scheduled to make six calls to the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank, is one of the → Continued on page 8 2015, Doha Port has achieved between 2,500 and 6,000 Doha Port this season. most important economic initiatives of the modern era. 02 HOME MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 Initiative to nurture Emir visits the 28th Doha International Book Fair emerging talents

Raynald C Rivera Music School in a live perform- The Peninsula Fifty One East has ance at the Qatar National Theatre. Moreover, selected tal- landmark initiative collaborated with the ents will be given the opportunity that will provide Ministry of Culture to participate in international funding, expertise and Sports, FNAC events organized by Yamaha in and support to nur- International and coordination with the Ministry ture emerging of Culture and Sports. creativeA talents in Qatar was the Yamaha Music “I was so glad to know that announced yesterday at the 28th Foundation for the the Ministry of Culture and Doha International Book Fair at initiative. Sports decided to choose the Doha Exhibition and Con- Yamaha in order to promote vention Center. music education in Qatar. Fifty One East has collabo- proud to announce this new mile- Yamaha is an established brand rated with the Ministry of Culture stone with the Ministry of Culture and many foreigners in the Gulf and Sports, FNAC International and Sport, between our two lead- make full use of Yamaha musi- and the Yamaha Music Founda- ing partners, FNAC International cal instruments as part of music tion for the initiative announced and the Yamaha Music Founda- education so I’m confident on at a press conference in the pres- tion. Such initiatives that support this established company can ence of Minister of Culture and emerging Qatari talents are part provide better opportunity for Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al of our business’s DNA. It is an students here,” Ambassador Ali, Japanese Ambassador Sei- ethos instilled into the heart of our Otsuka told local media. ichi Otsuka, Fifty One East company’s legacy and history, to “We have many cultural Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the 28th Doha International Book Fair, Chairman and Managing Direc- contribute to society and engage activities aimed at strengthen- which is being held under the slogan of “Towards a Knowledgeable Society”, at Doha tor Bader Al Darwish, and Olivier with the local community,” said ing bilateral ties between Qatar Exhibition and Convention Center, yesterday. Deseez, Counselor for Coopera- Al Darwish. and Japan. As a part of this bilat- tion and Cultural Affairs at the The initiative will offer part- eral relationship, I think this French Embassy. funded scholarships to help signing ceremony is one of the Al Ali, said: “I am pleased to nurture local talents who wish to benchmarks for promoting cul- announce the collaboration with enroll at the Yamaha Music tural ties between the two Emir issues FNAC International and the School, part of the international countries,” added the envoy. Al Sulaiti attends Yamaha Music Foundation, Yamaha Music Foundation. Under the agreement, FNAC two decisions which aims to support Qatari Yamaha Music School will will dedicate a space in its stores talents on national and interna- also offer recitals and concerts at Lagoona Mall and Doha Fes- Shahid Beheshti Port QNA tional levels. This collaboration on a monthly basis at the Music tival City to showcase and sell is also in accordance with the Square at Fifty One East, Lagoona the work of local Qatari artists mir H H Sheikh Tamim vision of the Ministry of Culture Mall, and once a year a major under the patronage of the Min- bin Hamad Al Thani and Sports towards the devel- concert sponsored by H E the istry of Culture and Sports. The of Chabahar opening Eissued an Emiri decision opment of society and the Minister of Culture and Sports agreement will support all local No. 26 of 2017, appointing empowerment of youth.” with internationally acclaimed talents in organizing book sign- Jabor Ali Hussein Al Dosari as “As a leading force for creat- artists who are affiliated with ings and album signing Ambassador Extraordinary ing meaningful partnerships for Yamaha. Renowned artists will ceremonies, art fairs and and Plenipotentiary to the the nation’s greater good, we are join young Qataris from Yamaha performances. Republic of Kenya. “FNAC plays a very impor- The Emir also issued yes- tant role in the French society terday an Emiri decision No. culturally by organizing concerts 27 of 2017, transferring Jas- and literary and theatre events, sim Rashid Mubarak Al among others. They are a trust- Khalifa, the Ambassador worthy cultural partner for any Extraordinary and Plenipo- venture. We were very happy tentiary to Ukraine, to the when we heard about this Foreign Ministry. agreement that its role which is The two decisions are very well known in France is effective starting from their also being recognized by the date of issue and are to pub- Ministry of Culture and Sports lished in the official gazette. here because FNAC has been very active in the field of culture promotion,” said Deseez. Deputy PM & FM The French Embassy and the Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin French Cultural Institute have Saif Al Sulaiti with Iranian President Hassan Rowhani and issues ministerial FROM LEFT: Japanese Ambassador Seiichi Otsuka, Fifty One been partnering with FNAC for other officials at the inauguration ceremony of the first East Chairman and Managing Director Bader Al Darwish, many events such as the Franco- phase of the Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar in Iran. decision Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali phonie Week, the Jazz Festival, and Olivier Deseez, Counseler for Cooperation and Cultural and shows of French artistes, The Peninsula states, ministers, diplomats, and Affairs at the French Embassy at a press conference yesterday. added Deseez. senior officials from a number QNA inister of Transport and of world countries participated Communications H E in the inauguration ceremony; eputy Prime Minister MJassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti among them Qatar’s Ambassa- and Foreign Minister participated yesterday the inau- dor in Tehran H E Ali bin Hamad DH E Sheikh Mohamed Qatar attaches importance to knowledge guration ceremony of the first Al Sulaiti. bin Abdulrahman Al Thani phase of the Shahid Beheshti The Shahid Beheshti Port of issued a Ministerial Decision Port of Chabahar in Iran, under Chabahar is now the only and No. (44) of 2017 establishing and science dissemination, says Minister the patronage and in the attend- largest port in Iran on the Indian sections in the administra- ance of Iranian President Ocean and will significantly help tive units of the Foreign inister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin care of science and knowledge, create suitable Hassan Rowhani. in regional development with Ministry and defining their Ghanim Al Ali has stressed Qatar’s inter- environment and atmosphere for Qatari talents Several chiefs of the rest of world countries. functions. Mest in spreading knowledge, culture and and others to be creative, open up new horizons science since the era of the founder Sheikh Jas- for Qatari creativity to serve the literary and intel- sim bin Mohammed bin Thani, adding that Qatar lectual movement, stressing that the State provides firmly believes in science and knowledge as a fun- them with all the possibilities that help them damental pillar in the building and development achieve their mission. Aspetar holds sports nutrition meet of the State. The Minister was delivering a speech He praised the setting up and mission of Lusail during the inauguration of the Lusail Publishing Lusail Publishing and Distribution along with other QNA improving return to play after an of accessing safe supplementa- and Distribution held at the Qatar Authors’ Forum publishing houses such Rosa or Katara injury and sports performance. tion in the Gulf, minimizing pavilion at the ongoing 28th Doha International publishing. rthopedic and Sports To help coaches, health pro- effects of fasting on athlete per- Book Fair. He added that the founder had printed Director of Lusail Publishing and Distribution Medicine Hospital “Asp- fessionals, physicians and formance and tendon injury, many Arabic and Islamic books at his own Khaled Mubarak Al Dulaimi said that the publish- Oetar” has organised a researchers the event included hydration and performance in expense, and sent them to many Arab and Islamic ing house will be an incubator for the Qatari, Arab scientific symposium on sports key note lectures, expert panel the heat. countries to spread knowledge and science. He and foreign writers because it aims at spreading nutrition and its impact on sports discussions and workshops The symposium also ana- also printed the first Nabataean poetry divan the national vision and openness and at the same performance and injuries. designed to share insights and lysed the role of Sports Science named after Lusail city where he lived. time looking forward to enriching the Arab cul- The first of its kind ever held solutions for the key nutritional and sports nutrition during major The Minister of Culture and Sports pointed tural aspect and supporting knowledge in line with in the Gulf region, focused on issues facing both Arabic and sports events, a key considera- out that the mission of the Ministry was to take Qatar National Vision 2030. how nutrition can impact on non-Arabic athletes today. These tion as Qatar prepares for FIFA reducing athlete injury, included: overcoming challenges World Cup 2022. Workshop on monitoring transitional diseases highlights surveillance plan QNA parts of the country. Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care capacity for health care providers on sur- Health Regulations adopted by WHO in Director of the Public Health Depart- Corporation, Sidra Medical, Qatar Petro- veillance of transitional diseases, 2005, which are a major milestone in the he Ministry of Public Health organ- ment at the Ministry of Public Health, leum, Qatar Red Crescent, Armed Forces laboratory surveillance and evidence- use of international law for the protection ised a workshop in collaboration Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Medical Services, Police Clinics, Qatar Uni- based surveillance under the International of health and health security. The purpose Twith the World Health Organization Thani, stressed the importance of the versity, Aspetar and the private sector Health Regulations (2005). of the International Health Regulations (WHO) on “surveillance of transitional dis- workshop in supporting the efforts of the attended the workshop. The importance of the establishment (2005) is to facilitate the public health eases, evidence-based surveillance and Ministry and its partners in the health sec- The workshop aimed to update and of an effective and efficient surveillance response to the international spread of laboratory surveillance of health care pro- tor with regard to the surveillance of follow up the implementation of the evi- system in countries was highlighted dur- disease and to establish a global monitor- viders in the State”, with the participation transitional diseases. dence-based surveillance plan and ing the event as it is a crucial element of ing system for health emergencies that of liaison officers and representatives con- Representatives from the Ministry of manual in various health sectors in Qatar the national, regional and global health cause international concern and the threat cerned with health departments in several Public Health, Hamad and to update information and build security agenda and the International to public health. MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 HOME 03 04 HOME MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 Registration opens for Education Minister meets Somali counterpart retailers at Shop Qatar

The Peninsula for discounts and promotions. look forward to working with our Customers’ copies of shopping partners once again to have the he Ministry of Economy receipts should also bear the logo festival serve as a platform for and Commerce (MEC) to ensure that the retailer’s activ- Qatari entrepreneurs and locally- and Qatar Tourism ities are in accordance with the produced goods.” Authority (QTA) yester- law and regulations put in place The inaugural edition of Shop day announced that by MEC. ‘Shop With Confidence’ Qatar ended on February 7 this Tregistration is now open for retail- logo artwork can be found on year, after 60 shoppers won raf- ers across the country to http://bit.ly/shopqatar2. fle draws for cash prizes ranging participate in the second edition Shop Qatar is the country’s from QR10,000 to QR1m. The of Shop Qatar, which will run official shopping festival and fea- period in which the festival was from January 7 to February 7 next tures nation-wide promotional held witnessed a 16.8 percent year. offers, discounts, entertainment increase in visitor arrivals, com- To allow more retailers to be and public celebrations. With its pared to the same period last year. part of the festival, MEC will be wide variety of shopping offers, The direct impact of inbound granting exceptions for retailers raffle draws, fashion shows, pop- tourism on the GDP was esti- who are exceeding the two sales up shops and cultural mated at QR1.06bn — a significant licenses permitted in a year. Inter- performances, the month-long increase from similar estimates ested retailers can visit the MEC festival promises something to during previous festivals. webpage http://bit.ly/shopqatar enjoy for all ages. QTA introduced the annual where they can issue new dis- Noor Al Thani, Shop Qatar shopping festival following the count and promotions licenses Project Manager at QTA, added, notable growth of Qatar’s retail and update or cancel existing “The retail sector has seen tre- sector, matched by its strong con- ones. Discounts include sales, fes- mendous growth since the tribution to tourism spending. tival sales and clearance sales. inaugural edition of Shop Qatar. According to the draft Tourism Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Promotions include special offers, As we return with the second edi- Satellite Account, shopping gen- Hammadi with the Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education of the Somali raffle draws and scratch-and-win tion, we are very excited to shine erated QR6bn in 2014, Republic, Abdirahman Dahir Osman, in Doha yesterday. The meeting discussed the joint offers. the spotlight on the full range of representing a bigger portion of cooperation aspects between both countries in the educational field and means to boost MEC also reminds all retail- Qatar’s attractive shopping offer- tourism spending - from both and develop them. The Somali Minister and his accompanying delegation are scheduled ers to obtain design approvals for ings, from traditional products to local and foreign tourists - than the use of the ‘Shop With Confi- international brands and luxury hotel bookings or food and to hold field trips to educational, cultural and social institutions in the country. dence’ logo in all advertisements goods.” She added, “We beverage.

Al Muraikhi meets Russian Ambassador Credentials from Ethiopian envoy received Ooredoo offers gaming device with iPhone 8

The Peninsula

oredoo announced yesterday the launch Oof the brand-new dedicated gaming iPhone 8 offer. With the new iPhone promotion, new and existing Ooredoo customers who purchase an iPhone 8 (64 GB) device before February 1, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H ESultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received 2018 via Ooredoo, will get a Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Qatar, Nurmakhmad Kholov. The a copy of credentials of Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic free Gamevice device worth meeting discussed bilateral relations and ways of enhancing the prospects of Ethiopia, Metasebia Tadesse. The Minister wished the Ambassador QR399 with each purchase. of mutual cooperation between the two countries, as well as issues of success in his duties, affirming that all support will be provided to take The Gamevice device is mutual concern. The meeting was attended by a number of officials at the the relations between the two friendly countries to closer cooperation a handheld gaming control- Ministry of Foreign Affairs. in various fields. The ceremony was attended by a number of officials. ler that offers classic and truly functional hardware controls to deliver a satisfy- ing iPhone gaming experience for gamers at any level. Safari Group’s 10-20-30 promotion begins today iPhone 8 features a glass and aluminium design in The Peninsula - Abu Hamour, Safari Hyper Market – Salwa this event ranging from electronics, toys, this possible through the direct import from three beautiful finishes - Road and Safari Shopping Complex in Umm cosmetics, household items, garments, tex- various countries,” said Zainulabideen, space gray, silver and a new romotional event 10-20- 30 of Safari Salal Mohammed tiles, footwear, office stationaries, car Director and GM Safari Group. gold. The iPhone 8 also fea- Group is one of the most anticipated Quality products at astonishing prices accessories, tools, home appliances, fruits To enhance the shopping experience tures a dual 12-megapixel Pevents in the Qatar retail industry and is what Safari has always offered during its and vegetables, fresh fish & meat as well as with fun and entertainment, Musical Game camera and introduces Por- this time it is being flagged off today. This 10-20-30 promotional events. Damdaran culinary delicacies from Hot food and Shows will also be hosted from December trait mode with Portrait is a unique promotional offer which is been UHT Milk 1 Ltr pack of 3 pcs are available Bakery. 6, 7 & 8. The entry for this show, which starts Lighting, bringing dramatic appreciated and liked equally by citizens only QR10, Dima Facial Tissue 300’s pack “In this promotion, we have added at 6.30pm is completely free for our cus- studio lighting effects to and expatriates, in which customers can of 10 are available for QR20 and 19 pieces products from every utility to meet the tomers. The ongoing promotion “Win 20 iPhone, allowing customers enjoy the shopping of a wide verity of qual- Dinner Set of Fiveford are available for demands of our ever growing and valua- Toyota Camry car “ is a car promotion event to capture stunning portraits ity products at a very reasonable price. QR30. These items are the highlights of ble customers which have been sourced from the group. In each lucky draw cus- with a shallow depth of field The event is taking place simultaneously 10-20-30 promotion. And more than a directly from the manufacturers to get the tomers can get 3 Camry cars, which is of the effect in five different light- in all retail outlets of Safari i.e, Safari Mall 1,000 products are up for the grab during most competitive pricing. We have made total 20 cars. ing styles. Gastric bypass leads to long-term weight loss and diabetes remission The Peninsula aids weight loss. but did not undergo surgery, free of the disease for six to 12 Patients who had The observational study, mainly for insurance reasons and years, which means they are Weill Cornell Medicine- entitled ‘Weight and Metabolic 321 patients who did not seek more likely to have delayed Qatar (WCM-Q) the surgery also Outcomes 12 Years after Gastric surgery. onset of typical diabetes compli- Aresearcher has helped to had higher rates Bypass’, has now been published Dr Hunt said, “This is really cations like neuropathy, demonstrate that gastric bypass of remission and in The New England Journal of the only long-term controlled impaired vision and amputa- operations lead to maintenance prevention of Medicine, one of the world’s study of Roux-en-Y gastric tions, which would be a very of weight loss as well as remis- foremost medical journals. bypass outcomes and the results good outcome. sion and prevention of type 2 hypertension and The research, which drew are encouraging. A lot of people Other institutions involved diabetes, high blood pressure dyslipidemia than upon the expertise of research- are keeping a lot of weight off in the research along with and high cholesterol, 12 years those who did not ers at WCM-Q and a number of and new-onset type 2 diabetes WCM-Q included the University after the surgery. have the surgery. institutions in the US, analyzed was almost done away with. For of Utah, Brigham Young Univer- Dr Steven Hunt (pictured), data collected over a 12-year those who did have type 2 dia- sity, Duke University Health professor of genetic medicine, period from 1,156 patients with betes at the start of the study, System and Intermountain played a key role in a long-term longer had the disease 12 years bypass, a surgeon staples off a severe obesity who visited a bar- most went into remission, par- Healthcare in Utah, among oth- research project that found that after their gastric bypass proce- section of the upper stomach to iatric surgical center at Rocky ticularly if they had not yet ers. The study was supported by patients who underwent a type dure. Patients who had the form a small pouch about the Mountain Associated Physicians started diabetes medication. funds from WCM-Q’s Biomedi- of gastric bypass operation called surgery also had higher rates of size of an egg. This section is then or the University of Utah in Salt Even those with type 2 diabetes cal Research Program and grants ‘Roux-en-Y’ had lost an average remission and prevention of attached to a part of the small Lake City, Utah. Researchers who were already on medica- from the US National Institute of of 35kg (77lbs) of body weight 12 hypertension (high blood pres- intestine called the Roux limb, compared the outcomes of tion went into remission, though Diabetes and Digestive and Kid- years after surgery. sure) and dyslipidemia (high forming a Y-shape and bypass- patients in three groups: 418 they were at greater risk of the ney Diseases of the National Furthermore, 51 percent of cholesterol) than those who did ing the majority of the stomach. patients who sought and under- diabetes coming back. However, Institutes of Health, and the US patients who had type 2 diabe- not have the surgery. This severely limits the amount went Roux-en-Y gastric bypass even when the diabetes came National Center for Research tes at the time of surgery no In a Roux-en-Y gastric of food the patient can eat, which surgery; 417 patients who sought back, in many cases they were Resources. MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 HOME 05 Qatar media’s response to siege praised

The Peninsula Qatar has not only responded to Qatar Media the abuses, rumours and accu- atar Media Corpora- sations against it by the siege tion Chief Executive Corporation Chief countries, but also listened to Officer H E Sheikh Executive Officer H E their accusations and analysed Abdulrahman bin Sheikh Abdulrahman them and then responded to QHamad Al Thani has them in a rational manner. The bin Hamad Al Thani praised the way in which the Qatari media response was far Qatari press handled the siege thanked all media greater and better than that of imposed on Qatar as well as their professionals for their the blockade countries, he added. commitment to the principles of efforts, describing He pointed out that the siege credibility and refraining from countries were quick to level attacking symbols. the media figures accusations against the State of Speaking during his partici- as the real heroes Qatar that led them to make pation in a session held on the and said Qatar many errors. They accused Qatar sidelines of the fourth session of adopts an ethical of supporting Ahwaz and at the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Stud- same time of supporting Iran, ies Forum, the CEO said there is media approach that and also of supporting Israel and no doubt that a certain ceiling or prevents abuses. Hamas, he said, adding the sensitivity to dealing with the Qatar Media Corporation Chief Executive Officer H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani Qatari media managed to use this news related to the GCC coun- matter professionally and high- at the event. tries was there because of the countries considered the media light the weaknesses and nature of the Gulf fabric. “We war as their goal and that their shortcomings in the charges that were shocked by the unjust real victory lies in convincing the crisis, the State of Qatar received pursued by the State of Qatar led also included people, he said, are levied against the State. blockade imposed by the siege Arab and international public by support from all. This support by Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin adding that this does not mean He stressed that the Qatari countries on the State of Qatar,” directing abuses and accusations was emotional but turned into Hamad Al Thani who encour- that the communities in the siege media enjoy a strong position as he said, adding that “the State against the State of Qatar. They convictions after the Qatari aged citizens and resident in countries accept this. It is media they are owned by companies, and the Qatari media have com- used all that they can including media gave and presented ade- Qatar not to insult or abuse the policies and not a social giving it a degree of media free- mitted themselves to the producing offensive songs and quate information about the siege countries. The siege coun- approach and this led the siege dom, unlike the Gulf newspapers, principles: credibility and attacking people, he said, add- events along with the appear- tries criminalised anyone who countries to lose a large segment most of which belong to govern- refraining from attacking ing that all these things led the ance of many Qatari officials showed sympathy with the State of public opinion community. ments. The participants symbols.” siege countries to lose much of who explained the positions and of Qatar, and this was not the He pointed out that the State emphasized the important role He thanked all media pro- public opinion support. the nature of previous differ- case here as many brothers in of Qatar adopts an ethical media played by the Qatari media in fessionals for their efforts in this He stated that the State of ences. He pointed out that it was Qatar supported Saudi Arabia or approach that prevents such dealing with the crisis of the regard, describing the media fig- Qatar has not only considered impossible to talk about the Bahrain and no action was taken abuses. When the Qatari media unjust siege imposed on the State, ures as the real heroes. responding to the abuses against media and the Gulf crisis with- against them, he said. is allowed to criticize they criti- as well as the importance of deal- The Chief Executive Officer it from the siege countries, but out talking about a very H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin cize only media policy that ing with crises professionally and pointed to the paradox between also prioritised giving sufficient important point, which is the Hamad Al Thani pointed out that allows and incites to engage in pursuing accurate media content, the use of the media in the State information to the public to problem of avoiding sympathy the abuses from the siege coun- such a matter, and all Arab and in addition to avoiding the use of of Qatar and in the siege coun- assess the situation, explaining with the State of Qatar, praising tries against the State of Qatar Gulf societies do not accept this. accusations and false news to tries, pointing out the siege that in the early stage of the in this context the principle were not limited to symbols but He noted that the State of achieve a specific purpose. QCS raises awareness about healthy food and exercises at book fair

The Peninsula competitions and recreational number of cases of the disease, sections suitable for all ages, in she stressed the importance of atar Cancer Society (QCS) addition to Provide all informa- participating in such activities, is participating in the tion related to cancer and which aim to promote a healthy Qactivities of the 28th Doha answer all inquiries of the lifestyle through exercise and International Book Fair, which masses. healthy food and raise aware- is being held at the Doha Exhi- Mariam AL Noaimi, General ness on the risk factors that bition and Convention Center Manager, said: “The participa- cause cancer. November 29 - December 5, with tion is in keeping with the QCS “It also aims to encourage a pavilion dedicated to raising keenness to participate in all sci- early detection of cancer and public awareness about the entific and cultural events held activation of national pro- importance of healthy food and in the country.” grammes for the fight against exercise in preventing diseases, Noting that Doha Interna- cancer as a shared responsibil- especially cancer. tional Book Fair is a great ity between government and QCS pavilion includes vari- chance to spread a health cul- non-governmental sectors,” she Children engage in various activities at the QCS pavilion. ous works of Educational ture Especially with the rising said. Dialysis patients screened for breast cancer HMC marks World AIDS The Peninsula Day with series of events atients undergoing dialysis treatment at PHamad Medical Corpo- The Peninsula ‘Working Together to Fight AIDS.’ CDC ration’s (HMC) Fahad Bin staff also visited other HMC hospitals to Jassim Kidney Center were amad Medical Corporation’s share information with staff and patients screened for breast cancer (HMC) Communicable Disease about the disease and the importance of recently. HCenter (CDC) has marked World prevention. The two-day screening AIDS Day 2017 with a series of educa- “HIV is spread mainly through phys- drive, which has become an tional events and activities designed to ical contact during intercourse or by annual event for HMC and inform the public and medical commu- sharing injection needles with someone Primary Health Care Corpo- nity about the disease and ways it can be who has HIV. Qatar has put in place a ration’s National Breast and prevented. National AIDS Program focusing on rais- Bowel Cancer Screening Pro- There are nearly 40 million people ing awareness of the virus as well as gram “Screen for Life”, globally living with HIV/AIDS, with providing comprehensive care to affected provides dialysis patients around one third being unaware they are individuals living in Qatar,” said Dr. Al with easier access to mam- infected. Since the start of the epidemic, Khal. mogram screening an estimated 78 million people have “Under the national program, any- services. become infected with HIV and 37 mil- one living in Qatar who is diagnosed with “The joint initiative, now lion people have died of AIDS-related HIV is given the appropriate counseling in its second year, was cre- illnesses. and the most advanced treatment avail- ated to raise awareness HMC’s Head of Infectious Diseases able,” Dr. Al Khal said. “They are also about breast cancer among and AIDS Program Manager, Dr. Abdul- assured of confidentiality and support.” dialysis patients and to Officials and medical practitioners at HMC’s Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Center. latif Al Khal, said the main mode of HIV Working in collaboration with the encourage women to transmission in Qatar is through sexual Behavioral Healthcare Center, experts undergo screenings by mak- The mobile unit is a moving clinic, allows both organizations to reach a intercourse with HIV-infected people from HMC will be visiting high schools ing the service more accessible,” said staffed by highly skilled female health- greater number of women, educating without knowing that they are infected. and universities in Qatar over the next Dr Fadwa Al Ali, Director of HMC’s care professionals trained to efficiently them about the importance of early “We have seen an increase in the 12 months as part of their awareness Dialysis Services. operate the facility’s state-of-the-art detection through screening and its number of new infections this year and efforts. “We are pleased to be working She added that most female dial- equipment. The mobile unit is also crucial role in improving survival it is mainly amongst younger people. This with HMC and the experts from the CDC ysis patients receive treatment at the wheel-chair friendly. rates. means we need to enhance our efforts to to speak with students about the preven- Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Center three “The mobile screening unit has According to the Qatar Cancer educate the community about risks, how tion of AIDS,” said Mr. Rashid Al Naimi, to four days per week, making it an been invaluable in our efforts to pro- Registry, breast and bowel cancers are the disease is transmitted and how they General Manager of the Center. “Aware- opportune time to offer the mammo- vide access to crucial free breast among the leading causes of cancer- can be tested. The earlier HIV is diag- ness of how the disease is transmitted gram service. cancer screenings to women in Qatar related deaths in women in the nosed, the better the outcome of and ways you can protect yourself is a Screening services were available while also raising awareness of the country. However, the survival rate treatment. Through education and key element in the fight against the on November 28 and 29 at the PHCC’s importance of breast cancer screen- for breast cancer can be up to 100 per- awareness we can help end the disease,” disease.” specialized mobile screening unit, ing,” said Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, cent when diagnosed at an early stage Dr Al Khal said. The CDC is one of the cornerstones which has played a crucial role in the Cancer Program Manager, PHCC. and the survival rate for bowel can- To mark World AIDS Day 2017, HMC of Qatar’s fight against AIDS, acting as National Breast and Bowel Cancer She added that the ongoing col- cer can be up to 90 percent if detected also held a symposium for healthcare the country’s main diagnosis and treat- Screening ‘Screen for Life’ campaign. laboration between PHCC and HMC early. professionals centered on the theme of ment facility for infectious diseases. 06 HOME MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 Major boost in mental health services Mental Health Services at HMC. and enhancing quality of the con- addressed by policy makers. The implementation The National Mental Health ference. We get feedback from Everywhere in the world there Strategy – ‘Changing Minds, attendees, review it and imple- are efforts, and especially in of National Mental Changing Lives’ was launched in ment during the following year. Qatar there are several ongoing Health Strategy 2013– December 2013 with a vision to This year four workshops were efforts and always seeking to 2018 aims to build a provide the best possible mental held before the conference, we expand it. The conference is part comprehensive and health services, while changing have poster presentations, an of such efforts to help us think attitudes towards mental illness. exhibit of handcrafts made by how we can promote mental integrated mental “Since the National Mental Health inpatients , a local Qatari artist wellbeing and create aware- health system. Strategy was launched, we have held workshops with patients and ness,” she said. seen huge developments in serv- helped them do artworks reflect- The preconference work- ices and I hope in the next four to ing their feelings. Also two films shops included ‘Medical ethics Fazeena Saleem five years will see even greater were screened as part of creating for mental health workers,’ and The Peninsula achievements,” Tulley told The awareness, one on our services ‘Learning disabilities, ADHD, and Peninsula, on the sidelines of sixth Iain Tulley (left) and Dr Suhaila Ghuloum. and another by young university intellectual disability: Best prac- ental health serv- Qatar International Mental Health Pic: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula students talking about their aspi- tices in assessment and ices in the country Conference on Saturday. rations and understanding of diagnosis.’ Ameera Alkharaz, psy- has seen a major “We have seen quite an The sixth Qatar International about people undergo mental mental health,” said Dr Suhaila chiatrist, HMC said, “The pre boost, with the increase in the services, last year Mental Health Conference was health problems due to chronic ill- Ghuloum, Conference chair, who conference workshops were very implementation of our own services at HMC have held between November 30 and nesses like cancer and diabetes,” is a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, useful for us for as physicians to MNational Mental Health Strategy grown by 50 percent, so we recruit December 2, at the Hilton, Doha. said Tulley. “As an outcome of the Mental Health Services at HMC. be updated and trained. It will help 2013–2018, which aims to build a new doctors, new physiologists, It brought together international conference, more people will talk According to Dr Ghuloum, us in providing best care to comprehensive and integrated new therapists, which means we and local experts in mental health about mental health problems and mental illness is common across patients. It also gave us the oppor- mental health system, says a sen- can give a wide range of treatment and discussed the latest and best talk about physiological wellbe- the world and in Qatar it has been tunity to meet international ior official. to people. We also have a com- practices to further improve serv- ing, seek treatment and reduce the estimated that one in five people experts and learn from their expe- As result of the strategy, men- munity mental health team, where ices in Qatar. stigma around mental illness,” he experience a mental health issue rience and expertise.” tal health services at the Hamad doctors, nurses and physiologists “We have specialists from dif- added. at some point life. Mental illnesses The three day conference dis- Medical Corporation (HMC) have are based in the communities. We ferent fields thinking about how This year’s conference also such as depression, anxiety are cussed several topics including on seen a 50 percent increase. The have outpatient clinics based in we could support people to han- included several new features common and the severity vary global progress in the fight against services have been expanded to the community, so people don’t dle mental health problems. We including pre-conference work- from minor to serious problems. stigma, distress and cancer, inti- the community as well as aware- have to come to the hospital. Also are also talking about stigma and shops, exhibit of creations by “Prevalence of mental ail- mate partner violence and case ness about the importance of new services for children and ado- ways to make it easier for people inpatients and activities to increase ment in Qatar is similar to other studies such as the maternal mental wellbeing has increased, lescents have been introduced as to access mental health services. awareness about mental health. countries. To an extent it’s a pub- depression screening project in Al said Iain Tulley, Chief Executive, part of the strategy,” he said. The conference is also focusing “We are always improving lic health issue that needs to be Wakra hospital was also shared. Tamuq’s Teaching Week focuses on commitment to educating engineers

The Peninsula reality tools to enhance student cuits] that creates no value?” learning. Teaching Week was The workshop enabled stu- exas A&M University at organised by the Center for dents to formulate proposals for Qatar (Tamuq)’s Teaching Teaching and Learning, which complex humanitarian problems TWeek 2017 focused on supports teaching and learning and understand the ethical, cul- highlighting the branch campus’ excellence in engineering edu- tural and social issues in commitment to educating exem- cation in Qatar. humanitarian work. plary engineers. The keynote address, “From Teaching Week 2017 also The week’s activities Creative Inquiry to Sustainable included an event in which this included the Humanitarian Impact,” was delivered by Dr past year’s winners of trans- Engineering Panel discussion Khanjan Mehta, the vice provost formative educational during which students recapped at Lehigh University (USA), who experience grants displayed their their experiences spending a spoke about the transformation projects and the progress they’ve week at the University of Gro- he’s leading in engineering edu- made on them. ningen in the Netherlands cation at Lehigh. Mehta asked Some of the winning projects studying scenarios and solutions students in the audience, “How this year include developing aug- outside the traditional bounda- many of you are designing cir- mented and virtual reality tools ries of their engineering cuits and writing programs? to enhance students’ learning disciplines and a poster show- Engineering is much more than experiences and redesigning an case highlighting transformative that. What’s going to prepare you organic chemistry course to educational experiences, such for a life of impact? Why work focus on and convey engineer- Participants addressing a seminar at the Teaching Week 2017. as augmented and virtual on something [like designing cir- ing concepts. Indonesian cultural festival a huge success Ooredoo launches new The Peninsula secure BlackBerry ndonesia’s Tourism Ministry in cooperation with the Indo- Inesian Embassy in Doha and Enterprise Mobility suite tourism agencies held a three- day Cultural Performance of The Peninsula user based licensing. The solution Wonderful Indonesia Festival supports devices for Apple iOS, at Mall of Qatar. oredoo launched yesterday Android, BlackBerry, Mac OSX, Sam- Indonesian dancers enter- its comprehensive and most sung Knox and Windows 10 tained audiences with their Osecure suite of Enterprise operating systems. exquisite performances, tradi- Mobility Management software with “Qatar’s organisations need to tional dances, and conventional BlackBerry, in order to support have complete visibility, control, and music at the festival which con- Qatar’s organisations in driving security over which mobile devices cluded on Saturday at Mall of mobile workforces and business are accessing the business at all Qatar. The audience enjoyed the competitiveness. times. With the BlackBerry Enter- shows highlighting the culture, BlackBerry’s newest enterprise prise Mobility suite, organisations natural beauty, and tourism des- suite will allow enterprises to across Qatar can leverage BlackBer- tinations in Indonesia. increase productivity and collabo- ry’s secure software solutions to The programme, “Wonder- ration, accelerate key business support employees working on the ful Indonesia,” was arranged by processes and reduce total cost of go, and business competitiveness,” the Indonesian Ministry of Tour- ownership – all while meeting high- said Yousuf Al Kubaisi, Chief Oper- ism to celebrate the recently security and regulatory ating Officer, Ooredoo Qatar. concluded successful visit of requirements. Showing the strength of Black- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin An increasing number of Berry solutions, BlackBerry was Hamad Al Thani to Indonesia. Artistes at the Wonderful Indonesia festival at Mall of Qatar. employees across Qatar work recently named as a Leader in In his welcome speech at remotely while traveling, in off-site research firm Gartner’s Enterprise the festival, Indonesian Ambas- art and cultural performances, Halal tourism in Indonesia. and the Angklung (a musical offices, or from home, using mobile Mobility Management Magic Quad- sador Air Marshal (Retd.) intimate music concert, and “Speaking of halal tourism, instrument from Indonesia devices such as laptops, tablets, and rant. “Ooredoo is dedicated to Muhammad Basri Sidehabi said, workshop. “We are harnessing Indonesia is the regular world made of a varying number of smartphones. Qatar’s organisations making Qatar a global leader in highlighted that the embassy our power of attractions to champion. In 2015, Wonderful bamboo tubes) orchestra. They are also in line with global trends mobile workforces. We are seeing uses the momentum of the spread awareness to the Middle Indonesia won three world titles also showed the traditional con- that show gaining support for Bring strong demand for one-stop-shop- Emir’s visit to Indonesia in Octo- East market with amazing des- at The World Halal Tourism temporary dance that blends Your Own Device policies that allow ping for mobile apps, which lets ber to enhance and promote tinations from shopping, nature Award in Abu Dhabi. The fol- dynamic movements, coming employees to use their personal organisations to optimise, costs, bilateral relations between two and mountain exploration, cul- lowing year, the number from various regions in Indone- devices at work. reduce complexity, and maximise countries in terms of social and tural and culinary experience, increased to 12 titles. Lombok, sia and abroad. The artists Enabling mobile workforces, the productivity,” Yousuf Al Kubaisi. cultural diplomacy. beaches and water adventure, Aceh and West Sumatra are comprised Indonesian ladies BlackBerry Enterprise Mobility Man- Ooredoo customers can choose The festival showcased a to city sightseeing,” said Assist- strong in family-friendly tour- who are very active and dedi- agement suite includes secure, from five different tailored Black- colourful cultural show, tradi- ant Deputy of Market ism,” said Nour Aridi, a travel cated in preserving and end-to-end Mobile Device Manage- Berry Enterprise Mobility bundles tional dances, and soothing Development for Europe, Mid- representative. promoting Indonesian culture ment, Mobile application available on-premise. Bundles music of bamboo Angklung. dle East, Africa and America, According to Embassy offi- and art in Qatar. The event also management, Mobile Content Man- include the Management, Enterprise, Featuring Indonesian cultural Ministry to Tourism, Nia cial, Boy Dharmawan, the hosted games, movie screenings agement, Secure intranet access and Collaboration, Mobility, and Con- and traditional diversity, the fes- Niscaya. festival was also supported by as well as augmented reality and web browsing, secure data sharing, tent Suites. The Management Suite tival featured activities such as The festival also promoted Puspa Qinarya cultural group virtual reality corner. auditing, and data archiving, and starts from QR131/year. MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 HOME 07 ‘Blockade revived art & united people more’

and faster. “Before it used to “I discovered so many new artworks as a result take me two or three weeks to of the blockade. Let’s look at the positive side. draw a 30-second animation. Now I do the same thing in 2 or It revived art and united the people even more. 3 hours.” The greatest evidence is that we are all here Dr. Mohammad Mattar, Pro- tonight,” said Shoug Shaheen. fessor of Law at Qatar University, Sky Neal, documen- tary filmmaker, Elhum The Peninsula Shoug Shaheen began by Shakerifar, producer and pro- recalling her initial reaction to grammer and Jenna he power of art dur- the news and how it made her Dawson-Faber, United Nations ing period of struggle want to make the world under- Office on Drugs and Crime rep- and the illicit global stand Qatar’s position. “I resentative and moderator of trade in child captives discovered so many new art- the panel discussion, shared Moeed Ahmad, Mirsad Purivatra, Abdulaziz Youssef and Shoug Shaheen speak on stage during were the subjects dis- works as a result of the their insight of the trade dur- the talks on ‘Overcome: How art beats adversity’ at Ajyal Youth Film Festival in Doha. Tcussed at the second and third blockade. Let’s look at the pos- ing a discussion entitled ‘Not sessions of Ajyal Talks, held as itive side. It revived art and For Sale: A Focus on Child Traf- rights, a violation on children, world she loved so much had years indentured to a circus, part of the Ajyal Youth Film Fes- united the people even more. ficking’. Also in attendance a crime against the state and a such a dark side. “Even if they said that even after his rescue, tival presented by the Doha Film The greatest evidence is that we were Sunita Sunar and Bijay crime against humanity,” he get rescued, these children are he found it difficult to interact Institute (DFI). are all here tonight.” Limbu, two of the Nepali child said. He added that while chil- stigmatised and often rejected with other circus survivors. Shoug Shaheen, broadcast Abdulaziz Youssef also survivors profiled in the film, dren account for only 28 by their families. Sunar, who spent 8 years in journalist, Abdulaziz Youssef, talked about how he turned to who are members of Circus percent of all trafficking cases, They have such amazing, captivity, said that not a single artist and co-founder of Qartoon art and began to draw carica- Kathmandu, the circus/rehabil- they are in many ways the incredible skills but they are day went by without her hop- and Mirsad Purivatra, Director tures when he knew about the itation camp that helps child worst cases. ashamed of them,” she said and ing a friend or a family member of the Sarajevo Film Festival, blockade. Normally, he said, he survivors of circus trafficking. Neal, who began making suggested that this was kind of would rescue her. shared their experience of this might draw one in a day. That Mattar congratulated Qatar her film in 2010 and has a per- triple punishment: first by being Shakerifar stressed that phenomenon during a discus- day he drew 30. “I understood for its adoption of human traf- forming arts background as an trafficked and abused, then by with the film, she wanted to sion entitled ‘Overcome: How that I had a lot to say,” he ficking legislation and its work aerial artist said that when she being rejected and then by reframe the narrative. “These Art Beats Adversity’. It was mod- explained, and added that the on identifying potential vic- first heard of children being self-loathing. children are not victims, they erated by Moeed Ahmad, a unfairness of the blockade gave tims. “Human trafficking is a trafficked to circuses, she was Limbu, who was rescued at are survivors,” she said to some journalist at Al Jazeera. him the energy to work harder gross violation of human shocked to discover that a the age of 12 after spending four applause. QFSW lines up events for National Day celebrations CIRS publishes research Sidi Mohamed The Peninsula on healthcare in region atar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW) and the cen- The Peninsula in 2014, with Qtres working under its CIRS reaching umbrella will participate by n recent years, the out to a number offering multiple activities in the countries of the of experts on National Day celebration at Darb IGulf have wit- healthcare pol- El Saai. nessed massive icy in the The activities designed to be transformations in region and organised by QFSW include infrastructure, rapid hosting a series awareness activities, interactive economic growth, of meetings in contest for the public in the and significant pop- order to facili- Qatar National Day celebrations ulation changes. But tate set to be started from December how has this collaboration 9 at Darb El Saai which will con- impacted the health- between them. tinue for ten days. The theatre created by QFSW at Darb El Saai to create awareness on various important social care provided in these As they began to “The participation of the issues as part of the National Day celebrations. nations has been discussed in a study further, they realized that QFSW will be through a special new publication by Georgetown they were blazing a new trail, event for children “Kids Qatar” is dedicated to supporting an Empowerment and Elderly Care highlighted the Foundation’s University in Qatar’s premier as there had been little or no and includes a number of differ- effective and capable youth in (Ehsan) will implement the idea keenness to cooperate with all research institute, the Center for previous research into these ent games for each of the centres the community will provide the of “The Volunteer” who provide social centres affiliated with it International and Regional topics before. working under QFSW. Every personality of the “Businessmen” help to elderly people. to deliver the vision and mission Studies (CIRS). The book was edited by Dr. centre will provide special and the game “Arrows Throw- In addition to all these dif- in achieving human and social Critical Issues in Healthcare Ravinder Mamtani, Professor games fit with its vision,” said ing” which represent targeting ferent and educational games development to promote civil Policy and Politics in the Gulf of Healthcare Policy and Sheikha Najla Al Thani, Direc- goals which help the youth of being offered and implemented society organisations. Cooperation Council States is Research, Professor of Integra- tor of the Media and developing their abilities of by the centres, the QFSW will She also stressed that the the first book to examine the tive Medicine, and Associate Communication Office at the building different projects. also offer a theatre for public to Constitution focused on the sta- challenges facing the healthcare Dean for Global and Public QFSW. Other centre will also pro- create awareness on various tus of the family, because it is the sector in the Gulf region. Health at Weill Cornell Medi- Giving details, Sheikha Najla vide games fit with their visions important social issues. Some of basis of society, and “the “Healthcare policy has cine-Qatar, and Dr. Albert B. said in a press conference held like The Family Consulting these shows will educate peo- National Day reflects the feel- always been an area of great Lowenfels, Emeritus Professor yesterday at the QFSW head- Center (Wifaq) will provide a ple about customs and traditions, ings of solidarity and loyalty to significance, and in recent dec- of Surgery and Professor of quarters that NAMA Center, one game and its idea is based on in addition to competitions our dear country, which requires ades the states of the GCC have Community and Preventive of Qatar Foundation for Social spreading love between the cou- about the National Day. us to work hard to raise the State made impressive advances in Medicine at New York Medical Work’s (QFSW) members, which ples, also the Center for Sheikha Najla also of Qatar “. the scope and quality of health- College. care provided for their It delves into how popula- populations,” said CIRS Direc- tion changes and lifestyle shifts tor Dr Mehran Kamrava have dramatically altered the ‘To Doha With Love’ concert at FBQ Museum Amphitheatre on Saturday (pictured). healthcare needs of these “This book fills an impor- nations, along with the very The Peninsula urday at 6pm. National Day, sponsored by Fifty first served basis and subject to tant gap in the literature on professionals who work in the The performers share the One East and Plaza Hollandi, will capacity. The new FBQ Gallery healthcare politics and policy industry and the facilities they Aias Alyamani and the highest level of musical educa- be held at the recently launched is hosting IAID’s visual & studio in the GCC region. We were for- need to care for patients. From MAqam Ensemble in tion and are specialized in FBQ Amphitheatre located near arts student winter exhibition: tunate to have Professor Ravi the historical context to the Mcooperation with Qatar performing traditional Middle- the museum exit and entrance. Heart of Passion. The exhibition Mamtani of Weill Cornell Med- human resource needs, the Philharmonic Orchestra will eastern and Arab music with a Those interested to watch space will remain open during icine-Qatar provide intellectual book offers much-needed perform at a concert titled ‘To fusion of Western performance the concert may visit and explore museum hours until January 1 leadership for the project and insight into the challenges fac- Doha With Love’ at the FBQ practices. This free for all con- FBQ Museum ahead of time as next year. The concert is part of the book.” ing healthcare systems in the Museum Amphitheatre on Sat- cert in celebration of Qatar the event will be on a first come the winter series of events. Research on the topic began region. 3rd edition of ‘Shooot’ kicks off at MES Indian School

The Peninsula of Community Police Affairs at They played football amidst new generation. He called on the Community Policing Depart- the traffic signs urging adherence students to utilize the program he third edition of “Shooot” ment, Capt. Badi Jouhar Al to traffic laws and calling for for learning traffic rules and reg- awareness programme was Abdullah, Head of Admin Affairs safety signs to be kept while ulations through sports events. Tlaunched yesterday at MES at QPSF, Sheikha Al Anoud Al- driving. The trainers of the Qatar A memento was also pre- Indian School under the theme Thani, Head of Media Studies at Police Sports Federation guided sented from the Ministry of the “Through awareness we achieve Public Relations Department and the students during the game, in Interior to the principal of the the goal”. Coordinator of the Program and an atmosphere of great school in appreciation of her The programme is organised Hamida Qader, Principal, MES enthusiasm. efforts. by the Public Relations Depart- Indian School, along with offi- Lt. Col. Hamad Muhammad ment and Qatar Police Sports cials from MOI departments and Al Muhannadi thanked the Students during a session at Federation at the Ministry of hundreds of school students. school authority for hosting the the third edition of ‘Shooot’ Interior. The opening event was The programme started with event, stressing that the program awareness programme at MES attended by Lt. Colonel Hamad football match between two would help strengthen traffic Indian School yesterday. Muhammad Al Muhannadi, Head teams of the students. awareness among the 08 HOME MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 Ministry identifies areas for building 16 urban centres

Sanaullah Ataullah congestion, business hubs will be The Peninsula also available to create job oppor- tunities to the residents of urban nder the master centers. development plan of These details were given by Senior officials of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment speak during the press conference held yesterday to provide the the country, the Min- senior officials of the Ministry in details of the master development plan on spatial development schemes for the municipalities and new planning guidelines istry of Municipality a press conference held yester- for Qatar at the Urban Planning Tower in Doha. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula and Environment day wherein details of the master Uhas identified areas to build about development plan on spatial a bid to build a complete plan- opens door to conversion of Karani, adding that these things “The hierarchy of the centers 16 new urban centers across six development schemes for the ning system as per the Qatar hydrocarbon-based economy to will be organized adhering to the will encourage building multi- municipalities to speed up the municipalities and new planning National Vision 2030 and gen- a knowledge based and services Qatari tradition, identity and used facilities and multiple development . guidelines for Qatar were eral development policy of the economy,” said Engineer Abdul- Islamic values. densities and it will also achieve The municipalities of Doha, announced. country. lah Ahmad Al Karani, Director of He said that the master devel- efficiency and fair use of invest- Al Rayan, Al Shihaniya, Al Dain, The Ministry will organize The new planning guidelines Urban Development Department opment plan has suitable ments at national level in the Umm Salal and Al Shamal have seminars later to introduce these are considered a starting point for at the Ministry. mechanism for making an active fields of transport, services and been selected for the establish- plans and guidelines at six munic- creating an attractive urban envi- Al Karani said that in this planning system in a bid to infrastructure development to ment of the 16 urban centers and ipalities including Doha, Al Rayan, ronment however, the master framework, the master develop- improve the urban environment ensure the sustainable develop- the exact locations will be Al Shihaniya, Al Dain, Umm Salal plan of Qatar is an important part ment plan of the country is and boost the real estate market ment,” said Al Qatiri. announced soon. and Al Shamal, said the in term of achieving national considered a tool to achieve the creating balance in demand and “The master plan will help The new centers will have officials. vision that explains how to deal spatial development goals. “On supply. The master development push the sustainable develop- residential, commercial and The spatial development in better way with the future pop- this point, the spatial develop- plan can assess the problems ment and bring about new high multi-purpose facilities, public schemes of six municipalities ulation growth under the ment plan on national level was before they happen and bring level urban life style by making transport network, metro and bus were designed as an integration directive of urban development made to chalk out plans, policies about appropriate solution for spatial development schemes for stations, parks and amusement of the plans of two municipalities carefully. and procedures at all municipal- this,” said Jaber Abdullah Al Qat- the municipalities giving a future places and all required - Al Wakra, Al Khor-and-Al Speaking at the press confer- ities to guide the sustainable iri, Head of the General Planning picture for development in all amenities. Zakhira that were approved in ence, Engineer Fahad Mohamad urban life to 21st century,” said Al Unit at the Ministry. municipalities within next 15 As per the plan, clear guide- 2008 in a bid to make planning Al Qahtani, Assistant Undersec- Karani. He said that the vision of years,” he added. lines will be given to the framework and guidelines for uti- retary for Urban Planning Affairs He said that the master plan master plan aims at creating a He added that spatial devel- developers to build environment lizing the lands at each at the Ministry said that the mas- of the country that includes new model for sustainable develop- opment schemes for the friendly facilities on the pattern municipality. The vision and goals ter plan of the country embodies planning guidelines will meet the ment life in 21st century and best municipalities are comprising of Qatari architect to highlight the for all municipalities by 2032 spatial urban development proc- ambition of the country in term cities for living by developing sev- strategy, future vision develop- Qatari identity. The guidelines have been designed to tackle the ess and reflects Qatar’s National of attracting investments, provid- eral urban centers gradually with ment strategy for the municipality will include rules and regulations future challenges. Vision 2030 and general devel- ing high level education and mixed population and uses as a and planning guidelines for related to heights and designs of The official also said that the opment policy of the country. researches. role model for development developing the areas, using lands, the buildings and commercial Ministry is ready to implement “Qatar National Vision is soul “It will also help in attracting focusing on public transport in a plans for dividing areas and streets among many others. new development guidelines by of the development strategy of the sport events, international con- bid to achieve balanced growth details plans for areas to imple- To reduce the traffic the beginning of January 2018 in country and it ferences and tourists,” said Al and diversify the investments. ment on priority basis. Qatar University unveils 5-year strategy Three planets come closer Continued from page 1 transform higher education in to Moon this month Qatar by proactively playing a Dr Al Derham highlighted leading role in shaping and ena- The Peninsula the importance of education as bling the transformation of the it is placed at the heart of Qatar nation’s higher education sys- ccording to accurate National Vision 2030 saying, tem. He said: “We are astronomical calcula- “QU is the country’s first higher positioning QU to transform Ations by Qatar Calendar education institution. It has into a proactive institution House (QCH), residents of Qatar been an educational pioneer which leads higher education and all Arabic countries will be from the outset. We have rigor- in Qatar by strategically har- able to observe three planets of ously pursued educational nessing the capabilities of other solar system close to moon this excellence and the highest qual- providers, while addressing the month. ity research. We are dedicated QU President, Dr Hassan Al Derham; and QU Chief Strategy and developmental needs of the “These astronomical phe- to the improvement of oppor- Development Officer, Dr Darwish Al-Emadi. nation as it moves towards a nomena are very important as tunities for all our students.” knowledge-based economy.” it is a good chance to observe “Building on the successful use their talents and to inspire mission statement -- Excel- On institutional excellence, planets and moon simultane- development of the University them to achieve their potential”, lence, Integrity, Academic Dr Al Derham observed that QU ously. Moreover, it’s a guide for degrees southern Moon’s cen- into a preeminent educational he said. Freedom, Diversity, Innovation, strives to be recognized as a amateur astronomers to know tre. Qatar residents will be able institution, we have developed Dr Al Derham further and Social Responsibility. benchmark for organizational map of sky during this month,” to see Jupiter and Moon a new five-year strategy (2018- noted that QU’s new strategy Dr Al Derham outlined QU’s and operational excellence and said Dr. Beshir Marzouk, together with naked eye over 2022) which will map out the is built upon the accomplish- core strategies which include sustainability. Astronomer expert. eastern horizon of Doha dawn routes to achieving continuing ments and experience of the Teaching and Learning Strat- Dr Al Derham highlighted The red planet mars will sky from Moon rise to sunrise performance excellence and past 24 years. “To develop this egy, Student Experience the cross-goals such as entre- come closer to Moon on time; where Moon will be rise build on our achievements in strategy, substantial analysis Strategy, Research and Knowl- preneurship and innovation and December 14 dawn. Qatar res- over Doha sky at 3:29am. our key areas of education, of current achievements, the edge Advancement Strategy, digital transformation, and idents can see mars and moon Finally, the nearest planet research, institution and aspirations and requirements Institutional Excellence Strat- which affect many of the uni- together with naked eye in of the sun, Mercury will be engagement,” he added. of stakeholders and interna- egy, and Engagement Strategy. versity-wide systems and eastern horizon of Doha dawn coming close to Moon; where He also noted that QU’s tional and regional trends was He also pointed to the enabling processes. He pointed to the sky from the time moon rises it will be at two degrees south- strategic direction is derived carried out. We also took into strategies, which are spread importance of incorporating until before sunrise time. Moon ern Moon’s center on December directly from the University’s consideration the plans and across the QU’s goals and which digitization into activities and will rise over Doha sky at 17. Qatar residents can observe mission, new vision and core aspirations of Qatar National include Digital Transformation processes related to QU stu- 3:37am, while sunrise time will Mercury and Moon together values and has been based on Vision 2030.” and Entrepreneurship and dents’ experience, teaching and be at 6:11am. over eastern horizon of Doha comprehensive strategic anal- He highlighted that QU is Innovation. learning, research, engagement On December 15, the giant sky, but it will be hard to see ysis. “Our goal is to deliver the committed to six core values, On higher education trans- and entrepreneurship to planet of our solar system plan- with naked eye; because Mer- best possible education to our derived from its guiding prin- formation, Dr Al Derham noted enhance their outcomes and ets Jupiter will be coming closer cury’s rising time will be near students, to energize them to ciples and aligned with its that QU is committed to impact. to Moon; where it will be at two to sunrise time. QRCS inks agreement with HMC to treat hearing impairment and deafness QNA support in this area. with the general orientations of Crescent has provided financial He also noted that while the the State of Qatar and the objec- support to more than 60 cases he Qatar Red Crescent The agreement provides for the State of Qatar is keen to provide tives of its national vision 2030. so far. It is expected that the (QRCS) and Hamad Med- commitment of the Qatar Red Crescent the best medical services to all Dr. Abdul Hadi valued the number of cochlear implants in Tical Corporation (HMC) through the Patient Benefit Fund to provide patients, citizens and residents, cooperation between Hamad Qatar will increase in the com- have signed an agreement to support and treatment to the hearing the role of the Qatar Red Cres- Medical Corporation and the ing period. strengthen cooperation between cent is to cooperate with state Qatari Red Crescent in the Dr Khalid Abdul Hadi them to implement the “ Treat- impairment and deafness patients, and institutions to extend the social framework of the community pointed out that the electronic ment for hearing impairment to cover the costs of medical aids from safety of this particular group partnership, stressing that the cochlear devices provided by and deafness” project . equipment and treatment. of society, support them, and agreement aims to alleviate the Hamad Medical Corporation The agreement was signed also help them to endure the suffering of patients unable to for patients, are one of the lat- by the secretary-general of hardships of life. perform cochlear implants and est devices available in the Qatar Red Crescent Society support and treatment to the cal guidance as well. The secretary-general of other hearing aids from differ- worldwide, while Qatar is one (QRCS) Ali Hassan Al Hammadi hearing impairment and deaf- Al Hammadi said that the QRCS praised the close cooper- ent nationalities residing in of the first countries in the and the Program Director and ness patients, and to cover the agreement would provide care ation with Hamad Medical Qatar, where the Qatari Red region that began the national Head of HMC’s Audiology and costs of medical aids from for a group of the most needy Corporation in fields of the Crescent provides financial sup- program for the early detec- Balance center Dr. Khalid Abdul equipment and treatment, groups in the society, which training, social and medical port to them to purchase these tion of hearing impairment Hadi. while the HMC’s Audiology and are people who suffers from projects implemented by the devices, while the medical team since 2003, to discover chil- The agreement provides for Balance center provides treat- hearing impairment and deaf- Qatar Red Crescent in Qatar, of Hamad Medical Corporation dren who suffer from hearing the commitment of the Qatar ment and operations for the ness, pointing out that there which contribute to its success provides the necessary care for disabilities at birth, and early Red Crescent through the targeted cases, and provide are many referrals, individu- and achieve the desired devel- these patients. treatment to reduce their hear- Patient Benefit Fund to provide support, education and medi- als or families, who need opment purpose, in accordance He said that the Qatari Red ing disability. MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 HOME 09 Qatar to attend GCC summit in Kuwait

Continued from page 1 Qatar’s exit means collapse of the voice of wisdom, lack of peaceful dialogue and creating means of He said the Middle East has sit for dialogue and discuss our GCC system and its end, and GCC mechanism for settling disputes cooperation is the right way to the become known for crises and concerns,” he added. “We are ready to discuss all will remain for Qatar the most which led to foreign interventions real unity. Qatar has its contribu- wars while the Arab and Gulf Regarding the blacklist issued concerns during the summit important organisation. in other countries’ affairs under tion to efforts of settling disputes region is facing polarisation and by siege countries, he said the within the framework of mutual The crisis, which began six the pretext of collective security. and this is the reason Qatar is division. Arab countries were blacklist containing names of respect. We are the victim of the months ago is not easy matter as The media in general and being targeted in attempt to driven behind the power game organisations and individuals is offense during this Gulf crisis and some of the siege countries claim social media in particular has hinder its role. created by the superpowers in the not recognised by the UN or any we are the party calling for dia- the crisis is created on fabricated played negative role in tarnish- He added that Arab region region. Qatar respects agree- other country except those who logue because there is no other and baseless allegation. ing the image of the Gulf desperately needs regional secu- ments and differentiate between have issued it. alternative for settling the dispute He said that there are a Cooperation Council. rity dialogue to come out with people’s interests and political cri- Last week, Kuwait sent out except dialogue,” said Deputy number of factors that have led The Minister said Qatar is key principles that ensure equality in sis therefore it is continuing to invitations to all six GCC member Prime Minister and Foreign to the regional and international player in the region and it has duties and rights, with no differ- supply UAE with the gas. states, but there was no immedi- Minister. disorder including humanitarian independent foreign policy in ences between big or small “We always call for dialogue ate comment from other Gulf Qatar is keen to keep the GCC crises in the Arab region, sharp which it has differences with countries. There must be a clear to address our disputes and dif- nations on the Qatari announce- united and “We will not be the polarisation, negative role played other countries, differences which mechanism for settling disputes ferences in a civilised way and I ment that has accepted the pickaxe for its destruction”. by the biased media, absence of are considered healthy. Therefore, between countries. reiterate our call for all parties to invitation. Asian envoys’ table tennis tourney held Minister honours winners

The Peninsula of State Award for

he Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in collabora- Children’s Literature Ttion with the Indonesian Embassy in Doha organised the The Peninsula The Secretariat of the 1st Asian Table Tennis Ambas- Award, in a speech delivered sador Tournament at the inister of Culture and by member of the Board of Embassy of Brunei on Decem- Sports H E Salah bin Trustees of the Award Dr Rabia ber 2. MGhanem Al Ali yester- Al Kuwari, said that the Minis- The tournament is also used day honoured the winners of try of Culture and Sports bears by the ambassadors as a gath- the seventh edition of the State the cultural responsibility to ering to enhance their relations Award for Children’s Literature contribute to the formation of and cooperation. at the Doha International Book awareness of the Arab child in The Dean of Asian Ambas- Fair at the Doha International order to have a bright and safe sador Group, Nordin Ahmad of Convention Center. future for all of our Arab Brunei Darussalam opened and Five awards were given to countries. appreciated the participants and the winners, where Dr Mariam The winners of the award the organising committee of the Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi from speech was delivered by Dr tournament. Qatar won in the story field for Mariam Al Nuaimi, who The ambassadors during the 1st Asian Table Tennis Ambassador Tournament at the Embassy The envoy congratulated on her work “The Silver Wave”. In stressed that the award is the of Brunei on December 2. the success of the event and the field of children’s books, culmination of the Arab chil- plans to hold another sport Mohammed Ali Abdullah Abel dren creativity, saying that the tournaments among Asian Ambassadors’ tournament. The Ambassador Muhammad Basri The tournament ended with from Qatar won for his work State of Qatar is an incubator ambassadors such as bowling, trophies was provided by Sidehabi conveyed his congrat- a photo session of Ambassadors “Hedgehogs and Jerboa”. of Arab culture and thought badminton and other sport Ambassador Nordin. ulations to the winners of the to Qatar such as, Nordin Ahmad In the field of Literary Crit- based on its well-established activities next year. The winner for the single tournament. He said the tour- of Brunei Darussalam; Muham- icism, it was won by Moroccan principles that differentiates Ambassador Nordin who is match was Ambassador of nament would not only mad Basri Sidehabi of critic Yaseen Hecker and Alge- between political and cultural also a Vice Chairman of Asean China, Li Chen and the second strengthen networking among Indonesia; Jai S Sohan of Singa- rian critic Rahmatallah Orissi. matters. Community in Doha (ACD) winner is Indonesian Ambas- Asian Head of Representatives pore ; Khisrav Sohibzoda of In the field of cartoon films, the The works presented to the added that the championship sador, Muhammad Basri in Qatar but also as a part of Tajikistan; Li Chen of China; award went to Syrian Wassim award reached 163 works in the aimed was not for winning the Sidehabi. While in double multi-track diplomacy among Prof Ramesh Prasad Kairala of Adnan Abdul Ghani. five areas of the award as fol- tournament but for strengthen- match, the first winner was Asian Embassy. Nepal; Ashud Ahmed of Bang- The Minister of Culture and lows: 69 texts in the theater ing friendship among Ambassador Ashud Ahmed of According to ACD working ladesh; Park Heung-Kyeong of Sports also honored the current field, 81 works in the story field, ambassadors. Bangladesh and Ambassador of group member Boy Dharma- Korea; Nuran Niyazaliev of Kyr- and former Board of Trustees 5 works in the area of children’s There were 12 ambassadors China while the second was wan, Serbian Ambassador, gyz; Seiichi Otsuka of Japan; of the Award in recognition of books, 4 works in the field of attended the tournament while Ambassador Nordin of Brunei Jasminko Pozderac also Mohamad Ali Sobhani of Iran; their outstanding contributions literary studies, 4 in the field of only 10 participating in the first Darussalam and Ambassador attended the tournament as a and Jasminko Pozderac of to the success of the award at cartoon films. Asian Table Tennis Park Heung-Kyeong of Korea. coach for Asean Ambassadors. Serbia. the Arab level.

Ajyal fest ends Qatar & Italy ‘partners in fight against terrorism’ today with QNA -Thani to Italy, and the visit of development of visions on many percent, as Italy has become a repeat screening HE the Prime Minister of Italy to international issues,” he added, distinctive tourist destination for he Diplomatic Institute of Doha as well as the visits of a noting that the Qatari-Italian Qataris. The Peninsula the Ministry of Foreign number of ministers to Qatar relations are a model of relations Qatar Airways has bought TAffairs has hosted Ambas- during the past three months. between countries because of the Italian Meridian airline and he fifth Ajyal Youth Film sador of the Italian Republic to HE Ambassador Salzano said the keenness to develop bilat- now has four flights a day to Festival, presented by Qatar Pasquale Salzano (pic- that the volume of trade eral cooperation in the interest Italy,” he said, adding that about Tthe Doha Film Institute tured), where he gave a lecture exchange between Qatar and of both peoples and the two 49 percent of the growth in the (DFI), comes to a close today on the Qatari-Italian relations Italy increased by 11% during the friendly countries. airline industry in Italy is with with a series of repeat screen- and the 40 years since the begin- last six months, reaching about The Ambassador expressed Qatari investments. ings that offer moviegoers the ning of relations between the QR 3.7 billion, equivalent to his country’s appreciation for the HE the Italian ambassador opportunity to see films they two countries. about one billion dollars, com- Qatari initiative to provide in- said that the Qatari investment might have missed the first “The State of Qatar and Italy defeated in order to restore pared to the same period last kind assistance to the Italian is concentrated in a number of time around. are partners in the fight against peace to the countries that hit by year. “There is a steady increase people during the earthquake Italian tourist cities and the These include Shirin terrorism and are members of terrorism, he added. in the volume of trade between last year, pointing out that this island of Sardinia is one of them. Neshat’s Looking for Oum an international coalition against He also spoke about the the State of Qatar and Italy, and is an expression of true friend- He pointed out that the State of Kolthoum, an examination of terrorism,” said Mr. Salzano. development of relations keenness to further strengthen- ship between the two Qatar invests in all fields includ- the great singer and ‘Star of “The two countries have a lot of between Qatar and Italy, refer- ing relations between Italian countries. ing the technology sector, and it the East’ that is more than a special activities to combat this ring to the visit of H H the Emir institutions and their Qatari He said that the number of imports a lot of industrial standard biopic, which phenomenon, which must be Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al counterparts, as well as the Qatari visas has increased by 30 machinery from Italy. screens at 9pm; director- twins Alex and Andrew J. Smith’s Walking Out, the story of an estranged father and son and a hunting trip that goes Youth gets educated at Ajyal fest wrong, which screens at 6pm and Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman’s Loving Vincent The Peninsula glad I could transform it into a festival this way.” Elina Fessa, , an exploration of the life of story that people are now able who tells two separate but inter- Vincent van Gogh through irectors of nine of the to watch.” secting stories that will change 65,000 animated oil paintings short films selected for Katja Benrath, who directed the lives of those involved in executed in his signature Dscreening at the fifth Ajyal her co-production All of Us Tracks was excited to be show- style, which screens at 10pm. Youth Film Festival, talked about which deals with an incident in ing her film in the Middle East. Showing for the first time, their films during one-on-one 2015, when a bus of Muslim and “It’s the first screening at a fes- Journey into Life presents 12 discussions with members of the Christian Kenyans was attacked tival focussed on youth rather short films from far-flung local and international press at by Al Shabab terrorists, as a than other filmmakers, so I’m nations, full of exceptional Katara Cultural Village. graduation project, said that she expecting the reactions to be characters and unusual situ- Ahmad Saleh, director of was especially pleased that her more raw. It’s amazing to be ations, from a tiny man who animated short My Second Eye film would be judged by a youth given the opportunity to reach lives in a suitcase and a build- an animation based on a trau- audience. “I was here five years such a genuine audience.” ing where everything is not matic real-life event he ago and I was impressed by the The shorts were shown in as it seems, to a chameleon witnessed at a refugee camp young jurors and how knowl- two of the three programmes whose eyes are larger than his talked about bringing his vision edgeable they were. I really like dedicated to international film stomach and a girl who wants Short film makers Khalifa AlMarri, Karim Rahbani, Jeremie to life. “At first, I couldn’t even the idea of educating through that are part of the 5th Ajyal to live in the technicoloured Reichenbach and Ahmad Saleh pose for photograph during imagine what I would do with it, film and it is amazing that the Youth Film Festival: Abstract world of television, screening the event was so shocking. I’m youth is learning from the Visions and Home. the Ajyal Youth Film Festival in Doha, yesterday. at 4pm. 10 VIEWS MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL Helping humanity hen it comes to helping needy people, Qatar is leading from the front. The country has never shied away from contributing generously for humanitarian causes. WQatar has contributed $4.5bn to international aid to more than 100 countries in the world from 2012 to mid Daesh military tactics 2017. What makes these efforts commendable is that the assistance comes from government and non-governmental a broad exposure on web platforms, such Daesh militants de-positioned the launch entities. According to the Government Communication Can Kasapoglu as Facebook and Twitter. In other words, platforms swiftly to avoid counter-strikes. Office (GCO), $2.9bn was provided by the government Anatolia Daesh developed a good understanding of Turkey, and specifically its southern bor- while $1.6bn was provided by Qatari Non-Governmental the skyrocketing information and tele- der city of Kilis, was perhaps the unluckiest Organisations (NGOs). Relief, infrastructure and education communications revolution of the 21st victim of Daesh’s rockets attacks. Thus, one were the sectors mostly targeted by the Qatar’s aid while century. From a military standpoint, it is of the biggest objectives and gains of Oper- Africa, Middle East and Asia are the regions receiving more aesh has already plagued the secu- thought that Daesh shows a very lethal ation Euphrates Shield was to deny the aid. rity environment in the Middle East and decisive performance at tacticallevel, terrorist network any launch positions From 2013 to September 2017, Qatar’s commitment to for more than a decade. Its brutality whereas it suffers from several setbacks along areas bordering Turkey as well as UN agencies and international organisations totalled went far beyond the regional mar- when conducting defensives to hold terri- the rocket production line in the Syrian $251.54m, of which $111m was disbursed. gins, and reached out to Western tory. Interestingly, even when town of Al-Bab. Qatari foreign and non-governmental assistance is Dcapitals. The terrorist network has utilised sectar- outnumbered and disadvantaged, Daesh Daesh also extensively used almost $2bn a year on average. Also country’s proportion ian fault lines and an apocalyptic concept of shunned a solely defensive approach and unmanned aerial vehicles in its terrorist of the assistance provided by Qatar has exceeded the violence coupled with a highly advanced military over-glorified offensives to the point that campaign. It utilised various drones for a official development assistance (ODA) of the developed approach. they became an obsession. Some of these broad array of missions, ranging from countries. This dangerous combination inevitably led offensive endeavors were ill-planned, so reconnaissance to surgical terrorist strikes. Qatar’s financial assistance plays a crucial role in to a reign of terror during which Daesh did not that they led to high costs for the terrorist Of the most sensational drone missions maintaining peace and security, protecting human rights refrain from even waging chemical warfare. organisation. was the use of a commercially available and facilitating development in countries facing economic The terrorist organisation remains a political- Furthermore, a number of experts DJI Phantom FC40 Quadcopter in 2014 and humanitarian crises and natural disasters. military chimera composed of remnants of the indicate that since the terrorist network is over Raqqah for conducting reconnais- Iraqi Ba’ath security apparatus, foreign terrorist composed of various groups, ranging from sance ahead of overrunning a Syrian Arab The Emir H H Sheikh fighters, some indigenous tribal groups, succes- Salafi extremists and former Iraqi Ba’ath Army base or, more recently, the drones Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in sors of the Zarqawi terrorist network and a set security officials to indigenous triggermen carrying 40mm munitions to disrupt US- his address to 72nd session of Qatar’s financial of pragmatic alliances. and foreign terrorists, these major differ- led operations in eastern Syria. The UNGA on September 19 had assistance plays This versatility resulted in a very destructive ences inevitably resulted in serious terrorist organisation also flew drones in said that within the framework and notoriously innovative military strategy. ruptures between strategic and tactical Iraq. Notably, in October 2016 near Mosul, a crucial role in of the international efforts to maintaining peace Without a doubt, developing a thorough under- levels in Daesh ranks. As a result, the ter- a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle tackle the humanitarian crises, standing of Daesh’s strategic thinking would rorist organisation lost a quarter of its rigged with explosives killed two Pesh- and security, the State of Qatar has help fight its future form, probably an “Al- entire territory between early 2015 and merga fighters and wounded two French protecting continued to contribute to the Qaedaized” global terrorist wave. late 2016. Special Operations personnel. human rights growing humanitarian needs in One of the most important aspects of Dae- Brutal defences Globalised Daesh? the world. sh’s military strategy has been the notorious Nevertheless, Daesh managed to make The crushing point about the strike and facilitating “We have increased our atrocities and brutal executions that were these territorial losses very costly to the was the very fact that the explosives did development in financial contributions to the filmed and widely distributed through the inter- belligerents. Daesh’s planners set up — not blow up when the drone crashed on countries facing United Nations Office for the net and social media. Without a doubt, Daesh sometimes even irrationally — brawling the Peshmerga fighters or when it was economic and Coordination of Humanitarian terrorists’ brutality remains a horrific experi- defenses. In this respect, they opted for captured. In fact, the drone was a booby Affairs (OCHA) to enable the ence not only for the Middle East but also for the boosting the lethality of their defenses by trap and was detonated by a pre-set timer humanitarian United Nations to implement entire humanity. Yet, from a military planner’s employing tactical surprises composed of or charge when the two Peshmerga took it crises and natural UN programs and provide standpoint, these “advertised massacres” were a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explo- to their base, which apparently hosted a disasters. humanitarian relief to those in part of the terrorist network’s political warfare sive devices (SVBIED), hardened and French military liaison team. The incident need worldwide. Today the and psychological operations strategy. insidiously hidden sniper nests, booby- marked an alarming milestone that State of Qatar ranks third on In doctrine, managing the adversary’s per- trapped houses and even chemical showed the tactical planning and execu- the list of major donors in 2017 to the United Nations Office ceptions is of vital importance in building an warfare. tion capacity of Daesh. for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs,” the Emir effective deterrence. Thus, the essence of psy- In brief, the world not only witnessed Finally, the terrorist organisation’s use added. In 2016, Qatar supported the Lives and Livelihoods chological operations is using information and the territorial setbacks of Daesh, but also of suicide vehicle-borne improvised Fund by donating $50m, of which $9.74m was disbursed. propaganda to shape the targets’ behaviors. The the dazzling limits of its brutality. This dark explosive devices is of particular impor- In 2016, Qatar also supported the Global Fund with a desired end-state of a psychological operation is legacy remains a notorious yet effective tance. Daesh modified armored trucks and donation of $10m to combat communicable diseases such to generate an advantageous behavioral pat- “capital stock” in the possible de-territorial armored personnel carriers into massive as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, of which $3.3m was tern. Such a pattern would then aim to degrade transformation — the “Al-Qaedaization” — terror weapons that could only be stopped disbursed. In the same year, Qatar supported OCHA’s the adversary’s will to fight. process of Daesh. by air power or anti-tank guided missiles. projects in Syria with a donation $5m. The grant was fully Clearly, Daesh has deliberately wanted to be Daesh made really effective use of The SVBIEDs were one of the primary disbursed. portrayed as an insanely savage, bloodthirsty rocket attacks in various military contexts. causes of death among those fallen Turk- Through its five-year strategy for 2016 to 2020, Qatar and ruthless slayer so that anyone would avoid In particular, the 122-mm BM-21 Grad var- ish troops during Operation Euphrates Fund For Development (QFFD) will increase grants to UN messing with it. iants, known by the WWII name Katyusha, Shield. Daesh has recently faced a major agencies by more than 20 percent of the total government Deliberate use of violence became the weapon of choice in the ter- setback in its pursuance of becoming a Furthermore, the terrorist network estab- rorist network’s war of attrition. The key to statelet since it was challenged by aid it receives, the GCO said. lished its authority over local populaces through the terrorist organisation’s use of rockets immense air power and had no air At the time when the world is roiled with conflicts, terrorising them and making their blood run was the mobility and maneuverability of defenses except for some MANPADS and Qatar has showed the way to other countries on helping cold. Especially, the online distribution of vio- the launchers. anti–aircraft guns, which are only effec- needy people in the countries facing economic and lent beheadings served the darkly glorified and Daesh used 4x4 and 6x6 platforms for tive at low altitudes. Yet, as mentioned humanitarian crises and natural disasters. immortalised terrorism cult very effectively. launching the Grad vari- earlier, with the exception of Turkey, no Notably, this political warfare and the strat- ants, which are effective Western military could manage to bring a egy of psychological operations largely paid off within a 20 kilometer(12 conventional ground force to fight the ter- QUOTE OF THE DAY since it has kept Western nations away from mile) range. Right after rorist organisation. deploying boots on the ground in Syria and Iraq these attacks, All in all, assessments on Daesh boil except through military liaison and special down to a critical question: Could the forces missions. In fact, Turkey was the only monster make a comeback in a more dan- Morocco is an Nato nation that deployed a large conventional gerous form after losing its proclaimed African nation and force in the area of operations to clear territory Daesh’s political warfare and territories? we need to have from Daesh and to hold it with a robust military psychological operations This would depend on many factors, buildup. strategy has always been such as the foreign terrorist fighters’ blow- relations with them. Daesh’s political warfare and psychological closely linked with its cyber back rates, the terrorist network’s ability to We never had operations strategy has always been closely form de-territorial alliances in different linked with its cyber influence aspirations. The influence aspirations. The corners of the world and to the extent to problems with them terrorist network cunningly utilises the Internet terrorist network cunningly which the leadership can regenerate. But anyway. as a mean of promoting its propaganda and utilises the Internet as one thing is clear: Daesh has a complex recruiting new fighters. Many of Daesh’s flag- a mean of promoting its structure, which paved the ground for its ship publications could be found online and its formidable military strategy in the form of propaganda and recruiting Jacob Zuma video clips enjoy a shocking technique, almost a hybrid warfare. This notorious strategic South African President perfectly professional one. new fighters. thinking could well bring about a reloaded Furthermore, these media materials gained global terrorism impact. MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 OPINION 11 Banning radicals online instead of countering them

asking a basic question: If you can’t beat ‘em, why not may be connected to an Islamic State account. Rather background said they worried Eli Lake ban ‘em? Instead of coming up with new clickable it means that people seeking them out will be prodded about. As the old saw goes, one Bloomberg content and stories to discredit terrorist propaganda, to view videos that undermine the themes of the man’s terrorist is another man’s why not make the radicals’ toxic material much recruiters. freedom fighter. Awlaki videos are harder to find on the internet? Better yet, why not just Yasmin Green, director of research and develop- an easy case. We can draw a direct remove it altogether from the web? ment at Alphabet’s think-tank division, told me the line between his words and the or much of the Obama presidency, the US State “I am unconvinced counter-narratives work,” company’s research “suggested that traditional coun- actions of killers like Nidal Malik Department waged a narrative war against the Hany Farid, a computer science professor at Dart- ter-messaging efforts were not resonating with their Hasan, the US Army psychiatrist world’s jihadists. Through a small office inside mouth College and a senior adviser to the nonprofit intended audience. The material was either moralistic who murdered 13 people in Fort Foggy Bottom known as the Center for Strate- Counter Extremism Project, told me. “I don’t think or mistrusted because of associations with govern- Hood in 2009. But it can get much gic Counterterrorism Communications, a team they are harmful. I have not seen evidence they are ment or mainstream media—institutions mistrusted harder. What about groups that sup- Fof experts deployed counter-messages to Al Qaeda and actually effective.” by the people most vulnerable to violent Islamist port violent insurrection in Syria? later the Islamic State. Farid is one of the leading voices today urging recruitment.” She added: “The good news is that there What about online clerics who pro- As 2017 comes to a close, many fighting the online online platforms to treat terrorist propaganda like exists content debunking ISIS mythology that already fess a radical view of Islam without war for the hearts and minds of would-be terrorists child pornography and work to uproot the material exists from credible voices. It just doesn’t always find going so far as calling adherents to are rethinking their strategy. Hearts and minds, of altogether from the internet. He helped to develop an the audience it deserves.” take up arms? Should their content course, still matter. But the efforts of Western govern- algorithm that automates the process for identifying Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a senior fellow at the be removed from or de-emphasised ments, academics and the private sector to craft harmful videos online, even copies. This makes it Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a con- in searches? Who decides? clickable content and stories to discredit terrorists are much easier to comb the internet for toxic content so sultant on Alphabet’s Redirect project, told me that Farid acknowledged the tension. often clumsy and slow. It’s also difficult to measure that it can be removed. this approach has promise. But he also added that it’s “I have concerns about these just how effective these campaigns really are. Recently Farid and the Counter Extremism Project important to develop a better way of measuring what monopolies too,” he said. He said Just consider the State Department’s own initia- won an important victory. As the New York Times online counter-narratives actually work. “You cannot today, a big part of the problem is tive: “Think Again, Turn Away.” It’s now defunct, but reported this month, YouTube, which is owned by measure the impact of a video by how many people the major internet companies are when it launched in English in 2013, the Twitter Google’s parent company, Alphabet, began removing are watching it,” he said. “A video with lots of views not transparent about how they account for the program regularly tried to engage the videos of the late Al Qaeda theologian Anwar al- isn’t necessarily hitting the right audience. A video enforce their terms of service. “After online with self-proclaimed members of the Islamic Awlaki from its platform. Awlaki was a particularly that doesn’t get many views could be hitting the right Charlottesville, people just woke up State. It got very weird, as government officials tried effective English-language voice for recruiting people audience.” and found white supremacists on to zing terrorists in social media. Rita Katz, the direc- online to join the global jihad. Many domestic terror- Alphabet’s executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, told their network, and all of the sudden tor of the SITE Intelligence Group, ists cited his work as a kind of initial inspiration. And an audience of top national security government offi- Daily Stormer was being kicked off called this outreach “ridiculous” in a while he was killed in a drone strike in 2011, his videos cials, journalists and experts earlier this month that all these platforms,” he said. “If this scathing piece for Time magazine. outlived him in cyberspace. The Counter Extremism increasingly the company is looking to enforce the one group is going to get kicked off, Now many experts in radicalisation are Project documented the pervasiveness of Awlaki vid- terms of service in a way it had not in the past. He you have to apply terms of service— eos in recent years, and finally persuaded Youtube to described this as a “maturation of what we do.” “We which are strict in these remove them. started with a position that is the American general cases—consistently.” That is an extreme case. But there are softer view, that bad speech will be replaced by good speech Perhaps that inconsistency is The Internet is not a public utility. approaches as well. In 2015, Jigsaw, a national secu- in a crowded network,” he said. Alphabet is now because the internet giants today Private companies like Alphabet rity incubator within Alphabet, tested a pilot program aware that bad actors can flood the internet with fake are, as Schmidt said, in a process of known as Redirect. It showed certain Google ads to news, propaganda and other toxic material. Alphabet maturation. It’s important to watch can remove or de-emphasise any people who searched with keywords that would lead can make some of this material less prominent by how they develop. The Internet is content they choose. That is a power to Islamic State propaganda. And the search results identifying it and moving it lower in search results. not a public utility. Private compa- that can be used and abused in they received were curated videos intended to dis- This approach may help solve the problems of for- nies like Alphabet can remove or many directions, not just the current credit key messages of the Islamic State. One such eign propaganda and online radicalisation. It however de-emphasise any content they video showed an old woman yelling in Arabic at two poses new challenges. In effect, many in the West choose. That is a power that can be war against fake news and online Islamic State officials, shaming them for their wanton today are asking internet platforms to play a more used and abused in many directions, radicalisation. murder. active role in promoting and curating content. It’s not just the current war against fake This doesn’t mean banning outright all videos that something a few government experts I spoke with on news and online radicalisation. North Korea’s latest dangerous act increases tension with US

Demarcation Line at Pan- The Japan News munjom was found to be D-RING ROAD suffering from pulmonary POST BOX: 3488 tuberculosis and other ail- y flaunting its “nuclear and mis- ments. This could indicate DOHA - QATAR sile” development, North Korea the poor treatment given to [email protected] has attempted to keep its des- soldiers in North Korea. potic regime alive in spite of the During phone talks with international community’s Trump, Abe confirmed that EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE Bencircling the country. It can be said that both nations plan to TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 the latest missile launch has made its increase pressure on North FAX: +974 4455 7758 intentions ever more patent. Korea to the maximum. The To have North Korea correct its peril- UN Security Council will MANAGING EDITOR ous and self-centered behavior, it is hold an emergency meeting TEL: 4462 7505 necessary for countries concerned to and discuss its response to closely cooperate with one another and the missile launch. Securing DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR increase pressure on Pyongyang. the cooperation of China TEL: 4455 7769 North Korea test-fired an interconti- and Russia will be vital for nental ballistic missile (ICBM). strictly implementing a The missile has been launched on a sanctions resolution. LOCAL NEWS SECTION lofted trajectory, which sends a projectile It is understandable that TEL: 4455 7743 up at a steeper angle than normal, with its Abe emphasised this during altitude reaching far above 4,000 kilom- a meeting of the House of BUSINESS NEWS SECTION eters, the highest altitude ever recorded by North Koreans attend a mass rally to celebrate the North’s declaration of Councillors Budget Com- TEL: 4462 7535 a North Korean missile. After flying for 53 achieving full nuclear statehood, on Kim Il-Sung Square in Pyongyang. mittee, saying, “While there minutes, the missile fell into Japan’s exclu- might be some differences SPORT NEWS SECTION sive economic zone off Aomori Prefecture reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere. It is necessary in how to approach this TEL: 4455 7745 about 1,000 kilometers from where it had to make a level-headed analysis of the missile’s issue, we will continue to carefully analyse the movements been launched. capability. For the past 2½ months, no military of China and Russia, and lean on them when we should.” ONLINE SECTION This marked the third launch of an provocations had been made by North Korea. China’s Foreign Ministry also expressed serious concern TEL: 4462 7501 ICBM by North Korea, following the two Pyongyang may have been trying to discern Wash- about Pyongyang’s latest missile launch. China must not [email protected] launches made in July. Some experts esti- ington’s next move. hesitate to slap additional sanctions on North Korea, such as mate that the latest missile, if it had been US President Donald Trump, during his visits to expanding restrictions on exports of oil products to that PUBLIC RELATIONS launched at a normal angle, could have Asian countries in November, promoted the posi- nation. traveled at least 13,000 kilometers. It is tion of increasing pressure on North Korea, both on Japan should improve its ability to intercept missiles in TEL: 4455 7613 reckoned to be able to reach as far as all the economic and military fronts. Making clear that any contingency. [email protected] major cities on the US mainland, including North Korea’s abandoning its nuclear and missile During compilation of the next fiscal year’s budget, it Washington, the capital. development programs would serve as a prerequi- will be essential to set aside sufficient funds for costs related ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told report- site for dialogue, Washington launched its to ground-based Aegis ashore systems and acquiring new TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 ers, “It is totally unacceptable that North redesignation of North Korea as a state sponsor of missiles. FAX: 4455 7870 Korea has conducted such an outrageous terrorism. It is worrying that military exercises and training drills [email protected] act, in complete disregard of the will of the With the latest missile launch, North Korea have not been conducted in which the Self-Defense Forces, international community to find a peaceful seems to show its intention of not buckling under US military and South Korean forces all participate. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT resolution.” It is a matter of course that the pressure from the United States. It can be thought Even when three US aircraft carriers including the USS TEL: 4455 7857 government immediately conveyed a stiff that Pyongyang has again taken to a strategy of Ronald Reagan were positioned in the Sea of Japan in mid- [email protected] protest to North Korea. pressing Washington for concessions by creating a November, military exercises were only conducted by Japan North Korea announced that it suc- critical situation. It is inevitable that tensions will and the United States, and the United States and South SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION ceeded in test-firing the Hwasong-15, an increase between the United States and North Korea. TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 ICBM which, Pyongyang said, is capable of Korea. Trump indicated he intended to steadily This is said to be because of strong opposition within FAX: 44557819 striking the entire US mainland and can be push ahead with the established policy of applying South Korea to working closely with the SDF. There is also topped with a large nuclear warhead. Kim pressure on North Korea, saying, “We have a very the fact that China has pressured South Korea to be cautious [email protected] Jong Un, chairman of the Workers’ Party of serious approach, but nothing changed.” He seem- about any trilateral exercises because Beijing has been Korea, declared that the country has ingly can sense the sanctions are having somewhat alarmed about closer security cooperation among Japan, the All thoughts and views “finally realised the great historic cause of of an impact. Foreign Minister Taro Kono also said United States and South Korea. expressed in these columns completing the state nuclear force.” there was information suggesting economic sanc- Soon after North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic mis- It should be noted that exaggerating its tions “are having an effect.” sile launch, South Korea conducted a missile drill in the Sea are those of the writers, not own military strength is Pyongyang’s usual A flurry of North Korean fishing boats have of Japan to demonstrate its ability to cope with the situation. of the newspaper. practice. There is a possibility that in order washed ashore on the Japanese coastline. The dom- Even South Korean President Moon Jae In, who has to allow the missile to achieve a higher inant view is that these incidents were caused by favored a conciliatory stance toward North Korea, appears All correspondence altitude, the payload used in the test might low-quality fuel and conducting fishing operations to have had no option but to take military countermeasures regarding Views and have been made lighter than one that can that are beyond the ability of these dilapidated in reaction to the increasing seriousness of the situation. Opinion pages should be be used for warfare. Nor was it confirmed boats. This should not be the time for dilly-dallying on strengthen- whether Pyongyang has gained the tech- A soldier who recently defected from North ing security cooperation among Japan, the United States and mailed to the nology to ensure a warhead’s stable Korea to South Korea by crossing the Military South Korea. [email protected] 12 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017

Ex-premier’s Palestinians react against Trump’s Jerusalem move whereabouts Ramallah independent Palestinian state would “be disqualifying itself to of US presidents has signed a 1967 Six-Day War. It later unknown after AFP must have east Jerusalem as its play any role in any initiative waiver to hold off on a switch annexed east Jerusalem in a capital, Turkish state-run Ana- towards achieving a just and which would enrage Palestini- move never recognised by the return to Egypt alestinian leaders were dolu news agency reported. lasting peace”. ans and their Arab supporters. international community. seeking yesterday to rally Abbas was also said to be Palestinian Islamist move- Trump has signed the waiver Israel claims the entire city Cairo Pdiplomatic support to per- seeking meetings of the Organ- ment Hamas, which controls the once after vowing to Jewish- as its undivided capital, while the Reuters suade US President Donald isation of Islamic Cooperation Gaza Strip, called on Saturday American supporters that he Palestinians want the eastern Trump not to recognise Jerusa- and the Arab League to discuss for a new “intifada” if Washing- would be the president to finally sector as the capital of their he family of former lem as Israel’s capital after the issue. ton recognises Jerusalem as the make the switch permanent. future state. Egyptian prime minis- suggestions that he planned to Saeb Erekat, secretary-gen- capital of Israel or moves its The next deadline comes The traditional US position Tter Ahmed Shafik said do so. eral of the Palestine Liberation embassy to the disputed city. today, and some reports in has been that Jerusalem’s future yesterday it has lost contact Palestinian President Mah- Organisation, and Palestinian Trump is set to decide by Washington suggest that Trump status must be negotiated by the with him since they say he moud Abbas was holding a series Authority intelligence head today whether to move the is planning a speech on the issue two sides. was deported from the United of phone calls with world lead- Majed Farraj were making con- American embassy in Israel from next week before Vice-President Trump’s administration has Arab Emirates to Cairo days ers to “explain the dangers of any tacts in Washington, Khalidi said. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a decision Mike Pence heads to been seeking ways to restart after announcing his intention decision to move the embassy to He said Abbas was warning that would upturn long-stand- Jerusalem. long-stalled peace efforts to run for president next year. Jerusalem or recognise (Jerusa- “of the consequences of taking ing policy and be at odds with The White House has between the Israelis and the Shafik, a former air force lem) as Israel’s capital”, Abbas’s such a decision that will threaten other world powers. described reports that he may Palestinians. chief and government minis- diplomatic adviser Majdi Al Kha- the political process and peace- Since 1995, it has been US refuse to sign the waiver as pre- There have been warnings ter, has been seen by critics lidi said. His calls so far have making efforts”. law that Washington’s embassy mature — but sources said they that recognising Jerusalem as of President Abdel Fattah al- included those to Arab leaders, Erekat said in a statement in Israel must be moved from Tel expect Trump to formally Israel’s capital or moving the Sisi as a potential challenger French President Emmanuel that such recognition would Aviv to Jerusalem, in line with declare Jerusalem Israel’s embassy there outside of nego- to the former military com- Macron and Turkish President “promote international anarchy Israeli government wishes. capital. tiations would severely harm mander who is widely Recep Tayyip Erdogan. and disrespect for global insti- But every six months since Israel occupied east Jerusa- remaining chances for a two- expected to run for a second Erdogan told Abbas that an tutions”, while the United States the law was passed, a succession lem and the West Bank in the state solution to the conflict. term next year. Supporters see Sisi, who is allied with UAE and Saudi Arabia, as key for Egypt’s sta- bility. But critics say he has jailed hundreds of dissidents Rebel alliance and eroded freedoms gained after the 2011 uprising that ousted former leader Hosni Mubarak. Details about what crumbles; street happened to Shafik were unclear. He made his surprise announcement about running in the 2018 election from the war rocks Sana’a UAE, where he has been based with his family, on Wednesday. Sana’a Shafik’s family said he AFP was taken from their home on Saleh loyalists cut off Saturday and flown by private resh gun battles forced a number of streets plane back to Cairo. Egyptian shops and schools to in central Sana’a and authorities escorted him in a close in Yemen’s cap- convoy from the airport. “We ital Sana’a yesterday deployed heavily in know nothing about him since as residents warned a anticipation of Houthi he left home yesterday,” Fthree-year rebel alliance was attacks, as security Shafik’s daughter May said. “If collapsing into a “street war”. sources said clashes he was deported he should The Iran-backed Houthi have been able to go home by rebels’ partnership with pow- had already left some now, not just disappear. We erful ex-president Ali Abdullah 60 dead across the consider him kidnapped.” Saleh appeared to have fallen capital and at its apart after he reached out to a international airport. Turkish-French Saudi-led coalition fighting the Smoke billows behind a building in the Yemeni capital Sana’a yesterday, during clashes between insurgents. national, Iranian The Houthis’ political Houthi rebels and supporters of Yemeni ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh. office on Saturday accused and shelling as clashes flared win top prize Saleh of staging a “coup” up around key ministries where International Organisation for president Hadi, who now lives in alliance”. The conflict in Yemen against “an alliance he never the two sides had been work- Migration in Sana’a. exile in Saudi Arabia. has been a key focus of tensions TEHRAN: Iran awarded its believed in”. ing together just days before. “If the confrontation contin- In 2014, Saleh announced he between Sunni-ruled Saudi Ara- biennial $500,000 Mustafa Yesterday, Saleh loyalists The education ministry ues, many families will be cut off” had joined forces with the Iran- bia and Iran, the predominant Prize to two computer science cut off a number of streets in cancelled classes Sunday, nor- and stranded in their homes, he backed Houthis, seizing the Shia power. experts, an Iranian and a central Sana’a and deployed mally the start of the school warned. capital and setting up a parallel Turkish-French national. heavily in anticipation of week, and witnesses said some Three years after they joined government as Hadi’s adminis- UAE denies missile claim The science and technol- Houthi attacks, as security bodies of those killed in previ- forces to drive the government tration fled to Aden. The Saudi-led coalition car- ogy award, which was sources said clashes had ous clashes were still lying in of President Abdrabuh Mansour That triggered a Saudi-led ried out dawn air raids against handed out only for the sec- already left some 60 dead the streets. Hadi from Sana’a, the collapse of Arab force to intervene to prop Houthi positions in the hills south ond time ever, is given to across the capital and at its Iyad Al Othmani, 33, said he the Houthi-Saleh alliance is a key up Hadi’s government, an esca- of Sana’a yesterday, but it was not Muslim researchers and sci- international airport. had not left his house for three shift in Yemen’s complex war. lation in a war that has since clear if the strikes were meant to entists regardless of whether Saleh loyalists renewed a days because of the clashes. Saleh ruled Yemen as presi- killed more than 8,750 people benefit Saleh’s forces. they live in Muslim-majority bid to seize control of Al Jarraf Mohammed Abdullah, a dent for 33 years after the 1990 and dragged the country towards A coalition spokesman could nations or elsewhere, as well district, a stronghold of the private sector employee, said unification of north and south what the United Nations calls the not immediately be reached for as non-Muslim scientists in Iran-backed Houthis, while the his street had been cut off by Yemen. world’s worst humanitarian cri- comment. The United Arab Muslim countries. Houthis fortified their positions militiamen and he was staying A longtime ally of Saudi Ara- sis. On Saturday, Saleh reached Emirates, which is a key mem- Turkish-French national, with dozens of vehicles home to avoid checkpoints. bia, he waged six separate wars out to the Saudi-led coalition, ber of the coalition, yesterday Sami Erol Gelenbe, and Iran’s mounted with machine guns, “Sana’a is becoming like a against the Houthis, Zaidi Shias offering to “turn the page” if it lifts denied a Houthi claim that a Mohammad Amin Shokrol- witnesses said. ghost town. There is a street who hail from northern Yemen. a crippling blockade on the missile fired from Yemen lahi, were honoured for their Sana’a residents said they war and people are holed up in Saleh resigned under popu- country. reached its air space or threat- achievements in systems had barricaded themselves in their houses,” according to an lar and political pressure in 2012, The Houthis accused him of ened a nuclear power plant set assessment in model-mak- their homes to avoid snipers activist who works with the ceding power to his then-vice staging a “coup against our to open in 2018. ing and computer coding. Kurds announce defeat of IS in eastern Syria Ex-aide of Buhari joins oppn party ABUJA: Nigeria’s Atiku Abubakar, a former vice-president and key ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, said yesterday he Beirut Nuri Mahmoud said in a had joined the country’s opposition party after quitting the rul- AFP statement. ing All Progressives Congress (APC) last month. Abubakar is the “We thank the international first political heavyweight to signal a potential bid for the pres- powerful Syrian Kurd- coalition and the Russian forces idency, which could pit him against the 74-year-old Buhari. ish militia announced for their air, logistical, advisory Buhari took power in 2015, but illness has kept him absent for yesterday it had support and coordination on the much of this year. Abubakar is prepared to run for president in cleared Islamic State ground.” Mahmoud said the YPG 2019, a spokesman said last month when he left the APC. He (IS) group fighters “hoped for an increase in sup- did not indicate yesterday whether he would try to become the fromA key territory east of the port and the provision of air opposition People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) presidential winding Euphrates River. defence and required cover.” candidate. In an announcement, the IS jihadists once held most People’s Protection Units of oil-rich Deir Ezzor, but now South Africa, Morocco to resume ties (YPG) also said the victory in control only a tiny sliver of the Syria’s Deir Ezzor province province, according to the Brit- PRETORIA: South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma announced yes- came with logistical and air ain-based Syrian Observatory terday that his country and Morocco will resume diplomatic support from Russia, as well for Human Rights monitor. relations more than a decade after Morocco withdrew its ambas- as the US-led coalition, its tra- Yesterday, Observatory head sador from Pretoria. “Morocco is an African nation and we need People run for cover after a reported air strike in the rebel- ditional backer. Rami Abdel Rahman said IS still to have relations with them,”, Zuma said in a press statement. The YPG was spearheading controlled town of Hamouria, in the eastern Ghouta region held several villages in the prov- a US-backed offensive to oust on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, yesterday. ince, on both banks of the 21 dead in Zimbabwe truck accident IS from territory east of the Euphrates River. The YPG Euphrates River, which cuts acknowledge receiving direct Kurdish-run Anha news agency. formed the bulk of the Syrian HARARE: At least 21 people were killed at the weekend when a diagonally across Deir Ezzor, Russian support. Yesterday, YPG “The eastern countryside of Democratic Forces, an Arab- truck overturned in western Zimbabwe, state media reported. The while rival Russian-backed Syr- officials met with a Russian mil- the city has been fully liberated Kurdish alliance that ousted IS truck was carrying 69 passengers when it “failed to negotiate a ian troops battled IS on the itary delegation in a town on the from Islamic State... with the from swathes of northern and curve and overturned” at a business centre in the district of Tshol- western bank. It appears to the eastern bank of Deir Ezzor prov- international coalition and Rus- eastern Syria, with help from the otsho on Saturday evening, according to Zimbabwe Broadcasting first time Syria’s Kurds ince, according to the sia’s support,” YPG spokesman US-led coalition. Corporation (ZBC). MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 ASIA 13

NIA, UP police Ockhi: Six bodies recovered, 85 still missing team attacked during raid to Thiruvananthapuram nab arms dealer IANS Kerala Tourism Ghaziabad/New Delhi Minister K Surendran erala’s fishermen IANS community yester- and Fisheries Minister day launched their J Mercykutty Amma team of NIA and Uttar own rescue opera- were booed by the Pradesh Police was tions with 55 boats local fisherfolks when Aattacked by a mob early Kventuring into the sea to search yesterday when it raided a vil- for those who have not returned, they reached to find lage in Ghaziabad district to even six bodies were found, out the situation. arrest a suspected arms sup- while a state Minister said plier linked to the killing of around 85 fishermen were still Punjab RSS leader Ravinder missing in wake of Cyclone Gosain in Ludhiana, officials Ockhi. Coast Guard, were booed by the said. Meanwhile, two Kerala Min- local fisherfolks near here when Constable Tahzib Khan isters faced the fishermen’s ire they reached to find out the suffered a leg injury when the when they went to inspect a situation. mob pelted the raiding team cyclone-affected area. While Mercykutty preferred with stones and even fired at Three bodies was brought here, to return, Surendran remained them in Nahali village in while three were found out off the on the spot. Archbishop of the Pilkhuwa area, following coast of Kollam. While all the six Latin Diocese here M Susaipa- which officials too fired in the were Kerala fishermen, their iden- kiam, who was accompanying air. The team had gone look- tity is yet to be ascertained. him, pacified the fishermen and ing for arms supplier Malook. With this, the total number their family members who The mob also damaged an of dead on account of the cyclone expressed their ire for the fail- official vehicle in stone-pelt- has gone up to 16 and more than ure of the state government in Residents block a road during a protest demanding the government to reconstruct damaged ing. “We raided the village on 500 fishermen have been res- not informing about the cyclone sea walls and provide rehabilitation for those staying near the seashore after flooding caused a tip-off about some suspects cued so far. in advance and then for not by Cyclone Ockhi, in the coastal village of Chellanam, near Kochi in Kerala, yesterday. who supplied firearms to the Meanwhile, the fishermen’s undertaking the rescue opera- suspects who killed Gosain,” boats — 40 from Poonthura and tions “in a proper manner”. contain the emotional fisherfolks, Cyclone Ockhi, which has caused the Vijayan government for the a National Investigation 15 from Vizhinjam — left for the Surendran said that the joint as this was the first time that he widespread damage in Kerala’s “irresponsible manner” in which Agency official said. high seas with food, water and rescue operations were going on came to the affected area. Thiruvananthapuram and Kol- the tragedy was handled and The official said a large communication equipment. “and as of now 85 more of the fish- He met local Church authori- lam districts, but categorically while Ramesh Chennithala, the crowd of both men and women “We went up to 50 nautical ermen have to be traced and it has ties also. “The authorities have failed declared that this will not be Leader of Opposition, said that tried to obstruct the team. miles and there we found more than been decided to include the local miserably and the relief camps are termed a national disaster as the rescue and relief operations “Some people even a dozen damaged boats floating in fishing populace” in the effort. also poorly managed with even the Kerala has sought. could not take place smoothly started firing, followed by the seas, but could not locate any However, anger was mount- basic facilities not available. We “There is no provision to as there is an ongoing cold war stone-pelting. The mob also one. We also spotted a rescue heli- ing in coastal villages as they have been demanding opening of declare this as a national calam- between the CPI-M and the CPI, set up multiple roadblocks to copter also doing their duty,” said a were unhappy with the author- a control room in our area but noth- ity. What the Centre will do is to state BJP president Kummanem obstruct officials from dis- fisherman who had gone into the ities failing to take precautions ing has happened,” said a Poonthura provide funds. That has already Rajasekheran said the state gov- charging their duties. In high seas on Sunday morning. before the cyclone hit and also resident. been done and if need be, more ernment failed miserably. self-defence, Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Minister K against Chief Minister Pinarayi The fishermen had blocked funds would be allocated,” said Last evening, Defence Min- Police and NIA men also fired Surendran and Fisheries Minis- Vijayan and other ministers for traffic yesterday to protest against Alphons, a former bureaucrat who ister Nirmala Seetharaman in the air,” the official said. ter J Mercykutty Amma, who not coming to them when they the state government’s failure in ris- hails from the state and was also arrived here and left for Kanya- Police meanwhile said were engaged in rescue and were going through tough times. ing to the occasion of the tragedy. a former Left supported inde- kumari on a helicopter to visit during investigation, an arms rehabilitation operations since Late yesterday, Vijayan, amidst Earlier in the day, union pendent legislator (2006-11). the affected areas in south Tamil supplier’s name was found November 30 and coordinating massive security, visited Vizhinjam Tourism Minister K J Alphons Meanwhile, the Congress-led Nadu. She is expected to visit the and to nab him, the NIA con- with the Navy, Air Force and area but police found it tough to held discussions with Vijayan on opposition and the BJP slammed affected areas here today. ducted raids in Meerut. Kolkata parents demand school principal’s arrest Govt proposes to register

Kolkata by several parents of students rectly supported the crime. teachers and teaching staff from only BS-IV vehicles IANS from other prominent schools “We have lodged a police school, Education Minister in the city. complaint against the principal. Partha Chatterjee said it is bet- New Delhi on the Central Motor Vehicles hree days after a minor girl The four-year-old girl was This is not the first time that such ter not to have male teachers in IANS (Amendment) Rules, 2017. was allegedly sexually allegedly sexually assaulted by an incident has taken place in her girls’ schools. “New motor vehicles con- Tabused inside a south two PT teachers inside a wash- school, it has happened before as “Be it any school, I feel it is n a bid to curb emissions from forming to Emission Standard Kolkata school by two physical room in the high-profile GD Birla well. In spite of knowing the inci- better not to have male teachers the vehicles based on outdated Bharat Stage-IV, manufactured training (PT) teachers, parents Centre For Education on Thurs- dent, the principal initially did not in girl’s school. There are many Itechnology, the Central govern- before 1st April, 2020 shall not and guardians of students yes- day. Both the accused have take any steps against the crimi- school buses for girls which do not ment has proposed to set the be registered after 30th June, terday held a sit-in protest already been arrested under the nals,” said the lawyer appointed have any female attendants. This registration deadline for BS-IV 2020,” said the notification. demanding their children’s secu- Protection of Children from Sex- by the victim’s family. should not happen,” he said. standard vehicles to June 30, 2020. It added that if the new motor rity and arrest of the school’s ual Offences Act and sent to two “The principal should be The agitating parents carried While the government had vehicles of category M (eight- principal. days of police custody till arrested because she supported banners and placards condemn- already ordered the implemen- seater cars) and category N The agitating parents first yesterday. the crime instead of reporting it ing the assault on the minor girl. tation of the Bharat Standard-VI (trucks), conforming to Emission blocked the road near the school Yesterday afternoon, the to police. She tried to cover up They created a massive road compliant cleaner transport fuels Standard Bharat Stage-IV and premises in south Kolkata’s Ran- father of the victim lodged a police the issue. So she has a part in the graffiti of a child student asking across the nation by April 2020 manufactured before April 1, 2020 ikuthi and then marched to complaint against the school’s crime,” she added. for her security, as a symbolic and by April 2018 in Delhi, it has and sold in the form of drive-away Tollygunj where they held the principal, claiming that she tried Amid demands from the protest to the incident of sexual now invited suggestions and chasis, then they will not be regis- sit in. The protesters were joined to cover up the issue and indi- guardians to remove all the male assault. objections in a draft notification tered after September 30, 2020.

Rahul to file nomination Bullet train opponents can take bullock carts, says Modi for top Cong Bharuch employment will it generate for government in the Centre, all IANS the region, for Bharuch. I ask you these ailments have gone. When post today where will the cement for the I was the Chief Minister, there rime Minister Narendra bullet train (infrastructure) come was not a single day when they New Delhi Modi yesterday said those from, iron come from, labourers would not hurt Gujarat.” IANS Popposing the bullet train come from? Won’t that be from He said the two districts of project should travel on bullock India? And who will be buying Kutch and Bharuch having large host of party heavy- carts. that? Japan. Isn’t it a big deal?” Muslim populations witnessed weights will be present Modi made the comment Modi asked. “maximum development during Awhen Congress Vice- while lashing out at the Congress He said the UPA government the BJP rule”. President Rahul Gandhi files for its criticism of the Rs1.1 lakh under Manmohan Singh also He said the mega project of his nomination papers for the crore project — which he said wanted the project but could not the Statue of Unity to install the party chief’s post at its head- was “a negligible price” — con- get it. “The NDA government got world’s tallest statue of Sardar quarters here today. necting Ahmedabad and Mumbai it at a negligible price. So the Vallabhbhai Patel will also con- Six Chief Ministers — Pun- and to be built by Japan. Congress didn’t like that. My only tribute to the development of the jab’s Amarinder Singh, He said the Congress govern- grievance against the Congress region and attract foreign Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah, ment too wanted the project but is that if they could not achieve visitors. Himachal Pradesh’s Virbhadra failed to get it and so was now anything, why does it pain them The Prime Minister said the Singh, Puducherry’s V Naray- opposing it. when someone else does it.” government planned to develop anasamy, Meghalaya’s Mukul “Those opposing the bullet Modi took a jibe at the some 1,300 small islands and Sangma and Mizoram’s Lal train project should travel on Nehru-Gandhi family over what islets around the marine border Thanhawla — are expected to bullock carts. We won’t mind,” he said their claim to have of the state, many of which are be present when over 90 sets he told an election rally at the Gujarati origins and doing noth- even bigger than Singapore. of nomination papers are likely Amod Sugar factory near this ing for the state. “Imagine these islands get- to be filed by various leaders Gujarat city on the banks of the “What good did they do to ting developed as Singapore. So, to extend support to Rahul Narmada. Gujarat? Did they even think for a better tomorrow of Bharuch Gandhi’s candidature. Modi said the Mumbai- about project like Roll on, Roll and Gujarat you should vote for Congress state unit chiefs, Ahmedabad high-speed rail off ferry service? Over the years, the BJP.” senior leaders and Pradesh corridor to be built by the state- the Congress has created divi- The Prime Minister is on a Congress Committee dele- run Japan International sions between villages and cities, two-day visit to the state. On gates will be present at the Cooperation Agency would open states, between people, between Monday, he will visit Dharmapur Congress central office to Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a traditional umbrella on up a huge employment oppor- the educated and the unedu- in Valsad district and then in express support to Rahul his arrival to address a political rally at Surendranagar, some tunity in Gujarat. cated, caste, communities. Saurashtra’s Bhavnagar, Juna- Gandhi. 130km from Ahmedabad, yesterday. “Imagine how much “But since the BJP formed the gadh and Jamnagar. 14 ASIA MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 Qatar & China-funded project to boost investment in Pakistan

Karachi an interview. The power project, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inaugu- opened up investment opportu- far-reaching’ impact of the Internews The power project, developed by a consortium of Al- rated the unit-I of two coal-fired nities in the electricity generation power project and other China- Mirqab Capital (AMC) of Qatar power plants - each having sector. Pakistan Economic Corridor he successful comple- developed by a and Power China at a cost of 660MW of production capacity. “We did extensive market projects on the people. “We have tion of 1,320MW key consortium of $2.08bn, is being established at The second unit is expected to analysis and research of Paki- utilised the cutting-edge super- coal-fired power plant Al-Mirqab Capital Port Qasim, he added. come online by February 2018. stan’s energy market and since critical technology with the with the support of (AMC) of Qatar and Yuming said successful com- The Chinese official said there was no coal power plant in objective of zero per cent emis- Qatar and Chinese pletion of an eco-friendly coal though Power China is a busi- the country Power China for- sion levels,” he said. “Port Qasim Tcompanies, will serve as a cata- Power China at a cost power plant would also improve ness entity and returns on warded a proposal to set up a power plant is quite lyst in inviting foreign investors of $2.08bn, is being Pakistan’s energy mix and investments are always under coal fired plant. “Now, the unit- environment-friendly.” to Pakistan, a Chinese official established at Port reduce its reliance on imported consideration, “but in this case I of this 1,320MW plant has been The official said development said. fossil fuels. “This affirms com- it is more important that people synchronised into the national of such an advanced and eco- “This is a pilot project and is Qasim. mitment of Pakistan and Chinese should get clean, cheap and sus- grid. This would generate the friendly power plant set a sure to invite more and invest- government towards the socio- tainable energy.” He said cheapest electricity in Pakistan,” precedent and would persuade ment in Pakistan,” Sheng economic development,” he said. Pakistan had been witnessing he added other players to opt for environ- Yuming, chairman of Port Qasim Electric Power Company said in Last week Prime Minister electricity shortages, which Yuming sees a ‘profound and ment-friendly technologies.

Indian pilgrims Sharif moves for arrive at Katas structural reshuffle Raj shrine Chakwal Internews of ruling PML-N group of about 100 Hindu pilgrims from AIndia has arrived for a Islamabad the CEC while party President pilgrimage of the historic and Internews Nawaz Sharif is the president Katas Raj Temple in this of both the bodies. northeastern Pakistani town he ruling Pakistan Mus- Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Gov- over the weekend. lim League-N has ernor Iqbal Jhagra is the The pilgrims were per- Tannounced fresh forma- secretary general while Inte- turbed at the temple’s fabled tion of its central working rior Minister Ahsan Iqbal is his pond that is all but dried up. committee (CWC) and central deputy. Salahuddin Tirmizi and Hindus usually visit the place executive committee (CEC) - the Qadir Baloch are assistant sec- to perform Ashnan - a dip in two top panels that have a final retaries general. the waters - in the pond at say in the party’s Punjab Chief Minister Shah- Katas Raj as part of their rit- decision-making. baz Sharif is president of the uals. The present status of the The initiative comes as part party’s Punjab chapter and Ash- pond is due to massive of Nawaz Sharif’s plans to faq Sarwar the general groundwater depletion by maintain control of the party, secretary. Senator Pervez An Afghan youth carries an injured boy to hospital after a suicide attack in Jalalabad yesterday. nearby cement plants. according to political sources. Rashid is the party’s secretary Evacuee Trust Property Sharif is also reaching out finance and Mushahidullah Board (ETPB) Chairman Sid- to public in different parts of the Khan the secretary information. Suicide attack on political rally diqul Farooq visited Katas Raj country ahead of the general Ameer Muqam is the president and reviewed arrangements elections. In line with his strat- while Murtaza Abbasi is the for the pilgrims. egy to mobilise public support, general secretary of the party’s he addressed a public gather- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leaves 6 dead in Afghanistan ing in Quetta over the chapter. Tajik guard weekend. Balochistan Chief Minister The 109-member CWC Sanaullah Zehri is the president Jalalabad, Afghanistan claim of responsibility for the been intensifying in the coun- dead in clash comprises PML-N office-bear- and Naseebullah Bazai the gen- AFP attack, but Nangarhar province try before next year’s ers and members from eral secretary of the party’s is considered a hotbed for the long-delayed district and par- with smugglers Balochistan, Khyber chapter in the province. Sarfraz t least six people were Islamic State (IS) group, which liamentary elections, which Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Jatoi is the president and Shah dead and several others emerged in Afghanistan in late would pave the way for a 2019 Dushanbe, Tajikistan Sindh provinces as well as Paki- Muhammad the general secre- Ainjured when a suicide 2015. presidential ballot. AFP stan-administered Kashmir tary of the Sindh chapter. bomber drove a motorcycle into The Taliban also have an Meanwhile, a commander (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. Party AJK Prime Minister Farooq a crowd at a political rally in the active presence in parts of the of the Taliban’s ”special forces” Tajik border guard sources said the CWC reconsti- Haider is the president the par- eastern city of Jalalabad in province. branch, known as the “Red was dead and four tution was a symbolic but ty’s AJK chapter and Ghulam Afghanistan yesterday, police Afghan and US officials Unit,” was killed in Helmand A others injured after significant exercise since it con- Qadir the general secretary. said. have stepped up their attacks province by Afghan forces, clashing with armed drug tained top portfolios that were Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister The crowd had gathered in on IS, saying the group was according to Afghanistan’s main traffickers who were trying more or less similar to those in Hafeezur Rehman is the only a sports stadium for a demon- steadily losing territory with intelligence agency. to cross the border from the previous CWC. member in the CWC from the stration in support for President fighters largely confined to two The National Directorate of Afghanistan, authorities in “It is meant to convey a region in his capacity as presi- Ashraf Ghani, said Nangarhar or three districts in Nangarhar Security (NDS) said Mullah Shah Tajikistan said. message that ‘Sharif is calling dent of the party’s regional province’s police spokesman compared to around nine in Wali, also known as Mullah The border guards tried the shots’ and he is at the helm chapter. There is no general Hazrat Hussain Mashriqiwal. January. Naser, was killed in an air oper- to stop “a group of Afghan as far as the party’s affairs are secretary. The Islamabad chap- ”Six people including a But the group has also ation in Helmand. drug contrabandists” who concerned’, a PML-N office- ter also has no general secretary woman and a child have been intensified attacks across the The province is a Taliban were trying to enter Tajikistan bearer said, requesting and Tariq Fazal is its killed and 13 more injured, all country, particularly in the east stronghold in the heartland of about 220 kilometres (125 anonymity. The CEC is already president. of them civilians,” he told this and in the capital Kabul, Afghanistan’s lucrative drug miles) southeast of Dushanbe, part of the CWC. “By default, all Others members of the news agency by phone. recruiting followers and in trade. the national security commit- members of the CWC are also CWC and CEC include; Prime The toll was confirmed by some places challenging the Wali became the com- tee said in a statement. members of the CEC,” the Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the provincial governor’s Taliban on their own turf. mander of the Taliban’s “Red “The commander of the source said, adding the CEC Speaker National Assembly spokesman as well as a local Last month a suicide attack Unit” as well as deputy shadow border guard unit colonel comprised 29 office-bearers Ayaz Sadiq, Chaudry Nisar Ali, health director, who said some claimed by IS militants hit a governor of Helmand province Khairiddin Akhtamov heroi- and 80 members. PML-N Maryam Nawaz, Hamza Shah- of the wounded were in a seri- political gathering in Kabul, kill- three years ago and was directly cally died in the shootout. Chairman Zafarul Haq is the baz, Rana Sanaullah and ous condition. ing 14 people. involved in Taliban offensives, Four soldiers were injured,” also chairman of the CWC and Muhammad Safdar. There was no immediate Political rivalries have also the statement said. the statement said.

Javed Hashmi Sindhi Culture Day Philippines vows to probe likely to rejoin Sharif’s party dengue vaccine scam

Karachi Manila is in line with the recommen- Internews Reuters dation of the World Health Organization for mass vaccina- ormer prime minister he office of the Philippine tion in highly endemic Nawaz Sharif is likely to president yesterday countries, health officials said Fmeet Javed Hashmi, his Tvowed to hold accounta- on Friday. old associate yesterday, party ble those responsible for a While Sanofi’s Dengvaxia is sources have revealed. suspended dengue immunisa- the first-ever approved vaccine Hashmi, a veteran politi- tion programme, which placed for dengue, Roque said there cian, remained associated thousands of lives at risk. had been no reported case of with Pakistan Muslim The Department of Health “severe Dengue infection” since League-N for a long period (DOH) halted on Friday the use the vaccine was administered but later joined Imran Khan’s of a dengue vaccine made by and called on the public “not to Tehrik-i-Insaf. However, he Sanofi after the company said spread information that may hasn’t joined any party after its use must be strictly limited. cause undue alarm.” quitting PTI in in 2014. “We will leave no stone Health Secretary Francisco Now Hashmi is again get- unturned in making those Duque has said his department ting closer to Sharif, who is responsible for this shameless would track the medical history also trying to arrange a meet- public health scam which puts of the thousands of children ing with him. Hashmi wants hundreds of thousands of young who were vaccinated and to contest next general elec- lives at risk accountable,” Pres- intensify its surveillance to tions from National Assembly Pakistani folk singer Shazia Khushk sings a Sindhi song during celebrations to mark Sindhi idential spokesman Harry ensure proper care would be electoral constituency Culture Day in Karachi yesterday. Roque said in a statement. given to anyone who may need NA-149. The immunization program it. MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 ASIA 15

Chinese police N Korea slams detain 11 over deadly Tianjin skyscraper fire joint US-South Beijing Reuters

hinese police have detained 11 people in military drill Cconnection with a deadly skyscraper fire in the Seoul northern port city of Tianjin, AFP the municipal government The five-day Vigilant said yesterday, after an inves- orth Korea yester- Ace drill — involving tigation found numerous fire day blasted the some 230 aircraft code violations. United States and including F-22 The blaze which killed 10 South Korea as and injured five early on Fri- “warmongers” on Raptor stealth jet day morning was caused by Nthe eve of their largest-ever joint fighters — begins renovation materials catch- air exercise, saying it could trig- today, five days after ing fire on the 38th floor of a ger a nuclear war. the North test-fired serviced apartment building, The comments came as North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un visiting the Amnokgang Tyre Factory in Chagang province. the Tianjin government said White House National Security an intercontinental in a post on its official Weibo Adviser H R McMaster warned ballistic missile advised to bear in mind that their to be able to solve this problem,” he the rocket to survive re-entry to account. of the “increasing” possibility of believed capable DPRK-targeted military drill will be said at a forum on Saturday. the Earth’s atmosphere. It said the companies war with the impoverished but of hitting the US as foolish as an act precipitating “There are ways to address this The months-long nuclear responsible for the renova- nuclear-armed North. mainland. their self-destruction,” it said. problem short of armed conflict, but standoff between Kim and tions had left a fire prevention The five-day Vigilant Ace drill The commentary was pub- it is a race because he’s getting closer Trump has fuelled concerns of water tank empty, rendering — involving some 230 aircraft lished a day after Pyongyang’s and closer, and there’s not much another conflict, after the 1950- fire fighting equipment use- including F-22 Raptor stealth jet upcoming drill. foreign ministry accused the time left,” he said. 53 Korean War left much of the less and allowing the fire to fighters — begins today, five days “It is an open, all-out provo- Trump administration of “begging The North says the Hwasong-15 peninsula in ruin. spread quickly. after the North test-fired an inter- cation against the DPRK, which for nuclear war” by staging what missile fired on Wednesday can be But even some Trump advis- Fire safety has come continental ballistic missile may lead to a nuclear war any it called the reckless air drills. tipped with a “super-large heavy ers say US military options are under scrutiny and attracted believed capable of hitting the US moment,” it said in an editorial McMaster said the possibil- warhead” capable of striking the limited when Pyongyang could increased media attention in mainland in a fresh challenge to Sunday, using the North’s official ity of war with the North was whole US mainland. launch an artillery barrage on the China after a deadly blaze last President Donald Trump. name. “increasing every day”. But analysts remain uncon- South Korean capital Seoul — only month killed 19 in the far The North’s ruling party “The US and South Korean pup- “I think it’s increasing every day, vinced that it has mastered the around 50km from the border and southern fringe of Beijing, Rodong newspaper slammed the pet warmongers would be well which means that...we are in a race advanced technology to allow home to 10 million people. which has led to citywide evictions seen by some peo- ple as unfairly targeting the vulnerable underclass. Sparks from drilling work Myanmar social media anger after Pope’s Rohingya embrace caused a blaze at a warehouse storing rubber products in a logistics park in China’s east- Yangon During his public addresses and UN describe as ethnic strikingly different stances on the Myanmar) and he said different ern Shandong province on AFP on the previous leg of his trip in cleansing. crisis. in other country,” another Face- Friday, though no casualties mainly Buddhist Myanmar, As he arrived back at the “He should be a salesman or book user Ye Linn Maung posted. were reported. ope Francis’s embrace of Francis did not refer to the group Vatican, the pontiff said he had broker for using different words “He should say the same On Sunday, another fire the Rohingya during a trip by name or directly allude to the taken up the Rohingya cause in even though he is a religious things if he loves the truth.” broke out at a small insulation Pto Bangladesh has sparked crisis in Rakhine state, from private in Myanmar, also leader,” said another Facebook Others were more sanguine factory in Xian, in northwest- some angry comment on social where over 620,000 Rohingya describing how he wept after user called Soe Soe. about Francis’ choice of language ern Shaanxi province. No media in Myanmar, where just have fled since August. meeting the group of refugees. Myanmar’s Catholic church once he had left Myanmar soil. casualties were reported. days earlier he chose not to pub- His caution initially won “I wept: I tried to do it in a had advised Francis not to stray Maung Thway Chun, chair- All but one of the dead in licly air their plight. applause from Myanmar’s tiny way that it couldn’t be seen,” he into the incendiary issue of the man of an unofficial party of the Tianjin fire were renova- On Friday the head of the Catholic minority — who feared told reporters. “They wept too.” status of the Rohingya in Myan- nationalists called the 135 Patri- tion workers who were Catholic church met a group of a nationalist blowback — as well The comments sparked a mar, in case he worsened ots Party, applauded the pope’s sleeping on site, against reg- refugees from Myanmar’s state- as from Buddhist hardliners, who flurry of online anger in Myan- tensions and endangered decision not to name the them ulations. All were men and all less Muslim minority in the are on the defensive after a glo- mar, a country locked off from Christians. in Myanmar despite pressure were migrant workers from Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. bal outcry about the treatment modern communications for five In his public addresses he from rights groups. other Chinese provinces. He referred to them as of the group. decades but which now has an treaded softly on the topic, urg- “It means he respects Myan- Tianjin party secretary Li “Rohingya” — a term unaccept- A deadly attack by Rohingya active social media. ing unity, compassion and mar people,” he said. “He even Hongzhong said authorities able to many in Myanmar where militants on police posts in late “He is like a lizard whose respect for all ethnic groups — did not use the word many times would carry out citywide fire they are reviled as alleged “Ben- August sparked a ferocious colour has changed because of but not naming the Rohingya. in Bangladesh... I think he said it safety inspections in response gali” illegal immigrants rather crackdown in Rakhine by the weather,” said Facebook user “The Pope is a holy person... once, just to comfort human to Friday’s blaze, the official than as a distinct ethnic group. Myanmar military, which the US Aung Soe Lin of the pope’s but he said something here (in rights organisations.” Tianjin Daily reported.

Joshua Wong Australian PM says he will leads protest in Hong Kong lead govt to next polls Hong Kong AFP Melbourne citizenship with New Zealand, Reuters a status he has since rescinded. round 1,000 people Under Australia’s constitution marched through Hong ustralia’s embattled con- dual citizens are banned from AKong yesterday, led by servative Prime Minister the national parliament. some of the city’s high-pro- AMalcolm Turnbull has Barnaby’s win restores file democracy campaigners shaken off speculation about Turnbull’s slim one-seat major- including Joshua Wong, in the security of his leadership, ity in parliament and Turnbull, what they billed an “anti- declaring yesterday he will lead who is struggling with record authoritarian” protest. his coalition government into low opinion polls, has claimed Activists say Hong Kong the next election in 2019. the victory as a vote of confi- is at risk of losing its rights Turnbull, who has faced a dence in his performance. and liberties in the face of horror run in recent weeks, los- Turnbull has been under growing Chinese pressure ing his one-seat majority and sustained attack for much of the on the semi-autonomous being called to stepdown before year over issues including same city. Christmas, said that he “runs sex marriage and the scandal- The jailing of campaign- the government” and that his plagued banking sector, and has ers following court hearings, A capsized fishing boat is lifted during its salvation operation in the sea off Incheon, South party’s policies would soon be failed to end widespread dis- and fears that Hong Kong will Korea, yesterday. converted into public support. quiet within his coalition about introduce an anti-subversion “I have every confidence his future as leader. law, are among the key con- that I will lead the coalition to On Friday, the conservative cerns in the pro-democracy the next election in 2019 and deputy premier of New South camp. 13 dead in South Korea fishing boat crash we will win it,” Turnbull told Wales state John Barilaro called Wong, 21, was jailed in Sky News television. “I am very for Turnbull to step down as a August over his role in the Seoul sea near the port city of divers searched around the confident we will be able to see “Christmas gift” to the nation. Umbrella Movement mass AFP Incheon. deck, part of which was still vis- a disciplined approach to team- The comment came just days pro-democracy protests of Thirteen people were ible above the water. work within the coalition.” after Turnbull was forced into an 2014 and is on bail pending hirteen people were killed found dead or died after being All of the passengers were Three Australian prime embarrassing policy reversal and an appeal. and two were missing sent to hospitals. Seven others wearing life jackets but many ministers have been ousted by called a Royal Commission into He will be sentenced on Tafter a fishing boat col- were being treated at hospi- appeared to have suffered hypo- their own parties since 2010. the country’s banking and finan- another protest-related lided with a tanker off South tals while two — including the thermia, Seoul’s Yonhap news Turnbull’s confidence has cial sector amid mounting charge Thursday, which could Korea’s west coast and capsized captain of the boat — remained agency said. been bolstered by the stunning political pressure. mean more jail time. early yesterday, the country’s missing, according to the Deadly accidents involving by-election victory of his former Turnbull has failed to stem “No one likes to serve a coastguard said. coastguard. fishing tour boats often make deputy prime minister, Barnaby a flow of disgruntled voters prison sentence, (but) if it can The Seonchang-1 fishing No casualties or injuries headlines in the South. Joyce, who easily cruised to vic- away from his coalition to far- mobilise more people to care boat was carrying 20 passen- were reported among those on Sunday’s accident was the tory on Saturday night with a right parties and the fragility of about justice and democracy gers on a fishing tour as well board the tanker. worst since September 2015 huge 65 percent primary vote. his government has been exac- in Hong Kong, I think it’s val- as two sailors when it crashed TV footage showed the fish- when 15 died after a fishing tour Barnaby was kicked out of erbated by a dual citizenship uable and I will pay this with the 336-tonne fuel tanker ing boat sinking beneath boat capsized near the southern parliament just over one month crisis which is forcing a number price,” Wong said. at around 6am (2100 GMT) at churning waves while rescue resort island of Jeju. ago because he held dual of lawmakers to recontest seats. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 Catalan leader to stay in Belgium till elections

Madrid native province, as he is fighting the capacity and the will to AFP extradition to Spain, his lawyer become an independent state. said. And on (December) 21, we must atalonia’s deposed Puigdemont was sacked as ratify this.” leader Carles Puigde- Catalan president after holding Madrid imposed direct rule mont will remain in a banned independence refer- on the formerly semi-autono- Belgium until after the endum and declaring, on mous region to stop the C Carles Puigdemont speaks via video-conference to present their electoral programme at the December 21 elections in his October 27, that “Catalans have independence drive. party's headquarters, in Barcelona, yesterday. Puigdemont, who is await- matter what happens they will ing possible extradition to Spain Regional poll have recourse to an appeal,” the where he is wanted on charges No matter what, they lawyer said. of rebellion, sedition and mis- Puigdemont had hoped to will be (in Brussels) till use of public funds, is running form a united separatist front for at least December 21 in the election at the head of the the new elections, as was the Junts per Catalunya (“All for and according to my case in the region’s last elections Catalonia” in Catalan) calculations this could in 2015, when the pro-inde- grouping. go on till mid-January. pendence camp secured a It comprises people from his I am convinced that no majority of 72 seats in the 135- conservative, separatist PDeCAT matter what happens seat parliament, even though it party as well as members of civil they will have recourse won just 47.8 percent of the society. to an appeal: Lawyer vote. “No matter what, they will But ERC—the party of his be (in Brussels) till at least former vice-president Oriol Jun- December 21 and according to ministers. queras, who stayed in Spain and my calculations this could go on They all fled to Belgium in was remanded in custody by a till mid-January,” lawyer Jaume October, ignoring a summons to judge investigating him and Alonso Cuevillas told Catalan appear in court in Spain, claim- other former regional ministers People attend another concert organised by the pro-independence Catalan National Assembly radio Rac1, referring to Puigde- ing they would not get a fair trial. on the same charges as Puigde- (ANC) at Plaza Espanya Square, in Barcelona, yesterday, mont and four of his former “I am convinced that no mont—rejected a joint ticket.

Albania sends in Police claim Potsdam bomb scare ‘was extortion bid’

army to rescue Berlin package which they had used to recognise the sender’s address the German capital. Reuters try to extort millions of euros or if the sender’s address was They did not say how much flood victims from logistics firm DHL, which DHL warned the suspicious. money they had demanded, but erman authorities inves- had delivered the package. public not to open “As we find ourselves said they had told DHL they Tirana tigating the delivery of a Police said it was highly packages if they did approaching Christmas, which would send more packages that AFP Gpackage containing pow- likely that the package could not recognise the is not only a time of peace, but could kill or injure if DHL, owned erful firecrackers, wires and nails have exploded. also a time when many presents by Deutsche Post, refused to pay housands of police and to a pharmacy near a holiday Shortly after the news con- sender’s address or if are sent, such an act of extortion up. soldiers have been market in the city of Potsdam ference, Brandenburg police said the sender’s address is reprehensible,” Schroeter said Brandenburg police chief Tdeployed in Albania to said yesterday it was criminal on Twitter that they had cor- was suspicious. yesterday. Hans-Juergen Moerke said that rescue stranded residents activity rather than doned off an area in Potsdam He said all efforts were being a QR barcode that can be read after heavy rainfall triggered “terrorism.” where a suspicious object was made to catch those who sent the using a smart phone was found major flooding, and caused Karl-Heinz Schroeter, inte- found. package. The holiday market package. on a piece of paper inside the the death of a utility worker, rior minister of the state of Staff at the pharmacy in was evacuated and the package Authorities said the people package. officials and the power com- Brandenburg where Potsdam is Potsdam, just outside Berlin, was made safe by a police robot. who sent the package most likely The extortion letter pany said yesterday. located, told a news conference called the police on Friday after DHL warned the public not lived in Berlin or in the state of addressed to DHL was found in The victim, Sabri Vlinga, criminals were behind the they discovered the suspicious to open packages if they did not Brandenburg, which surrounds the barcode. died while he was working on a electricity pole at Roskovec in the flooded south of the country, the power company said in statement. “Two other Stranded UN urges Croatian leaders people were injured in simi- lar accidents.” Some 6,400 police and to face up to war-time past soldiers have been sent to help rescue people stranded The Hague prosecutor for the International by the floods, Prime MInister AFP Criminal Tribunal for the Edi Rama said on Saturday, former Yugoslavia (ICTY), said. calling the situation “very he chief prosecutor of the “But you will understand critical”. UN war crimes court yes- that my thoughts are with the Around 1,500 people in the Tterday urged Croatian victims and survivors of the affected areas have been res- leaders to face up to what hap- crimes for which he was con- cued, while several thousand pened in the past and work victed,” he added, in an email. homes were without electric- towards reconciliation, after the The preliminary results of ity as many utility poles have suicide of a Bosnian Croat an autopsy by Dutch prosecu- been swept away by mud- leader. tors Friday showed that Praljak, slides, said Shemsi Prenci, head In dramatic scenes 72, likely died from heart fail- of civil protection. Wednesday, Slobodan Praljak ure after swallowing potassium More than 7,874 hectares swallowed poison before UN cyanide. of farm land as well as 3,193 tribunal judges, just moments The unprecedented inci- homes are under water and after they upheld his 20-year dent is being investigated by several roads in the south jail sentence for war crimes in both Dutch prosecutors and the remained impassable. the 1990s Balkans conflicts. ICTY, which is probing how he Army forces have built a “It is unfortunate that Mr. smuggled the bottle of poison temporary bridge at Praljak made the choice to end into the tightly-guarded tribu- Darezeze, about 70km from his life,” Serge Brammertz, chief nal in The Hague. the capital Tirana, to come to the aid of 2,000 residents Passangers wait inside the Montparnasse train station, in Paris, yesterday, as rail traffic stranded by the floods, the was interrupted due to technical reasons. defence ministry said. France refuses to transfer EU parliament to Brussels Poll: Half of Britons support second vote on Brexit Paris London they did not know. Mike Smithson, an election Blair said yesterday that Reuters Reuters The newspaper said it was analyst who runs the www.polit- Britain could change its mind the first major opinion poll since icalbetting.com website and a about leaving the EU. rance won’t let the official base of the EU’s parliament be alf of Britons support a last week’s media reports that former Liberal Democrat poli- “It’s reversible. It’s not done moved from Strasbourg to Brussels, the country’s Euro- second vote on whether Britain is preparing to pay about tician, said on Twitter it was “the until it’s done,” he said. Fpean affairs minister Nathalie Loiseau said yesterday. Hto leave the European $59bn to help to pave the way first time any pollster has Blair said what the govern- “Strasbourg must remain the seat of European democracy. Union and a third said they for talks on a future trade pact recorded backing” for a second ment was seeking to negotiate It’s also the symbol of Franco-German reconciliation.” would be worse off financially with the EU. Brexit referendum. was not possible. “It is often said that Europe comes down to the Brussels outside the world’s largest trad- The poll found 35 percent of Since the referendum in 2016, “They are trying to negoti- bubble. Europe needs to be closer to its regions,” she added. ing bloc, according to a new those surveyed said they would high profile opponents of Britain’s ate getting out of the single Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) convene in opinion poll. be worse off financially after exit - from French President market while recreating all of its Strasbourg for one week every month and in Brussels for the The poll, published in the Brexit, while 14 percent said they Emmanuel Macron, to former benefits,” Blair said. “That’s not remainder. The monthly upheaval costs the bloc $124m a Mail on Sunday newspaper, would be better off. British prime minister Tony Blair going to happen.” year, EU auditors say. found 50 percent of people The online poll, carried out and billionaire investor George Survation said it carries out Critics have long called for the arrangement to be scrapped, supported another vote on the by research firm Survation, Soros - have suggested Britain polls for media organisations but it has stayed in place largely because France would have final terms of Britain’s exit deal, interviewed 1,003 adults in Brit- could change its mind and avoid including the BBC, Sky News, the vetoed any attempt to make the required amendment to the 34 percent rejected another ain between November 30 and what they say will be disastrous Daily Telegraph and the EU treaty. referendum and 16 percent said December 1. for the British economy. Guardian. MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 AMERICAS 17

Govt shutdown Opposition calls over DACA ‘ridiculous’, for re-run of says McConnell Washington Reuters Honduras vote S Senate Republican leader Mitch McCon- Unell said yesterday it Tegucigalpa would be “ridiculous” for a AP Salvador Nasralla fight with Democrats over immigration issues to result he main opposition said the new election in a standoff over a year-end candidate called yes- “would be under spending bill and prompt a terday for Honduras’ the supervision of shutdown of the federal disputed presidential government. election to be held an international “There’s not going to be a Tagain after the country erupted electoral tribunal, government shutdown,” in deadly protests over the not the local one, McConnell told ABC’s “This delayed vote count and the gov- because there aren’t Week” program. “It’s just not ernment imposed a going to happen.” dawn-to-dusk curfew. sufficient conditions As tensions rise between Both incumbent President to guarantee” the vote the two parties over the Juan Orlando Hernandez and his would be fair. Drivers stop next to a stone barricade yesterday in Tegucigalpa, during the state of emergency spending bill, McConnell rival, television personality Sal- and a 10-day curfew imposed by the government to stop violent demonstrations triggered called the Democrats’ posi- vador Nasralla, have claimed by claims of presidential election fraud. tion “untenable,” saying victory in last Sunday’s vote, Police said another man was Congress has until March to which the opposition says was seriously wounded in the same to unseat Hernandez. streets against riot police armed the situation. The government address the status of so-called filled with irregularities. Clashes shooting, but his whereabouts The country’s electoral court with tear gas, batons and water declared a curfew from 6pm to Dreamers, young immigrants between protesters and troops are unclear, and he is also had finished counting nearly 95 cannons. National police spokes- 6am across the country. brought to the United States have left at least one person — believed to have died. percent of the vote boxes from man Jair Meza said numerous The military reported that 115 illegally as children. and perhaps as many as a “We still do not know if the the Nov. 26 presidential election businesses were damaged and men and 23 women were With funding for the fed- half-dozen — dead. assailants were police officers or by late Friday and said it would looted in the capital and in San detained in San Pedro Sula for eral government due to run “I have asked them to repeat not, but the case is being thor- conduct a hand count of 1,031 Pedro Sula. By Saturday, Meza violating the curfew on the first out on Friday, Republican the elections, but only those for oughly investigated,” according other boxes that presented said more than 300 people had night it was implemented. They leaders need to put together the presidency, with the aim of to a police statement. “inconsistencies.” been detained for looting as they were later released. the votes for a spending bill. resolving the crisis that Hondu- The Coalition Against Impu- Hernandez held a lead of streamed out of shopping cen- On Saturday, electoral court But Democrats have said ras is suffering,” Nasralla said. nity, a network of human rights more than 46,000 votes over tres with electronics and other president David Matamoros said they will insist on protections for But he said the new election organizations, said security Nasralla before the last-stage goods. he was willing to meet with rep- Dreamers as the price of their “would be under the supervision forces had used lethal ammuni- count. It was not immediately Groups of demonstrators resentatives of the political support for a spending bill, set- of an international electoral tri- tion and that four other clear how many votes could be also continued blocking high- parties about differences over ting the stage for a potential bunal, not the local one, because protesters are believed to have at play in the uncounted boxes. ways with burning tires and vote counts. No announcements showdown. “That’s a ridiculous there aren’t sufficient conditions been killed during clashes across The count has been essentially other debris. will be made until there is a final position,” McConnell said. to guarantee” the vote would be the country. The report was not frozen because Nasralla’s rep- Zelaya and other opposition result. Although Republicans con- fair. Asked what response he got immediately confirmed by resentatives say far more ballot leaders have called for a mass After speaking with repre- trol both chambers of the US from the government to the pro- police; demonstrators often boxes should be examined. march against the purported sentatives of the opposition Congress, at least some Dem- posal, Nasralla said “they haven’t carry off their fallen Mistrust mounted amid election fraud on Sunday. alliance and the ruling National ocratic votes will be needed to responded and I don’t think they colleagues. strange delays in the vote count In a decree read out on radio Party, Matamoros said on Fri- pass the spending bill. will.” The protests were reminis- and the sudden reversal of Nas- and television, the government’s day that each party would be In September, Trump Honduras’ national police cent of the 2009 coup that ralla’s early lead. Both Nasralla Cabinet chief Jorge Hernandez able to accredit 60 people to ended the Deferred Action for force said a 19-year-old woman ousted former President and Hernandez have declared said late Friday that some con- participate in the afternoon Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, was shot to death overnight at a Manuel Zelaya, whose Libre themselves the winner. stitutional guarantees would be count alongside international programme, which shields pro-Nasralla protest by gunmen party is part of the coalition led Rock-wielding protesters suspended for 10 days to allow observers. He estimated it young illegal immigrants who witnesses say were police. by Nasralla that formed in a bid have increasingly taken to the the army and police to control could take six hours. from deportation.

‘Blurry sonar Pentagon evaluating West Coast missile defence sites: Officials image’ was not of missing Simi Valley, California The accelerated pace of Subcommittee which oversees MDA Deputy Director Rear Lockheed Martin Corp, at west Reuters North Korea’s ballistic missile missile defence, said the Missile Admiral Jon Hill said in a state- coast sites. Argentine sub testing program in 2017 and the Defence Agency (MDA), was aim- ment: “The Missile Defense The Congressmen said the he US agency tasked with likelihood the North Korean mil- ing to install extra defenses at Agency has received no tasking number of sites that may ulti- La Paz protecting the country itary could hit the US mainland West Coast sites. The funding for to site the Terminal High Altitude mately be deployed had yet to AP Tfrom missile attacks is with a nuclear payload in the the system does not appear in Air Defence System on the West be determined. scouting the West Coast for next few years has raised the the 2018 defence budget plan Coast.” THAAD is a ground-based he blurry sonar image places to deploy new anti-mis- pressure on the United States indicating potential deployment The MDA is a unit of the US regional missile defence system of an object deep in the sile defences, two Congressmen government to build-up missile is further off. Defence Department. designed to shoot down short-, TSouth Atlantic was a said on Saturday, as North defences. “It’s just a matter of the loca- Congressman Rogers did not medium- and intermediate- sunken fishing vessel not an Korea’s missile tests raise con- On Wednesday, North Korea tion, and the MDA making a reveal the exact locations the range ballistic missiles and takes Argentine submarine that cerns about how the United tested a new type of interconti- recommendation as to which site agency is considering but said sev- only a matter of weeks to install. went missing on November States would defend itself from nental ballistic missile (ICBM) meets their criteria for location, eral sites are “competing” for the In addition to the two 15 with 44 crew members, the an attack. that can fly over 13,000km, plac- but also the environmental missile defence installations. THAAD systems deployed in country’s navy said, ending West Coast defenses would ing Washington within target impact,” the Alabama Congress- Rogers and Congressman South Korea and Guam in the hopes that the sub had been likely include Terminal High range, South Korea said on man and Republican said during Adam Smith, a Democrat repre- Pacific, the US has seven other located. Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Friday. an interview on the sidelines of senting the 9th District of THAAD systems. While some of Rescuers had sent an anti-ballistic missiles, similar to Congressman Mike Rogers, the annual Reagan National Washington, said the govern- the existing missiles are based in unmanned Russian submers- those deployed in South Korea who sits on the House Armed Defence Forum in southern ment was considering installing Fort Bliss, Texas, the system is ible to review the to protect against a potential Services Committee and chairs California. the THAAD anti-missile system highly mobile and current loca- 60-meter-long object located North Korean attack. the Strategic Forces When asked about the plan, made by aerospace giant tions are not disclosed. at 477M below sea level. The missing submarine, the ARA San Juan, was roughly that length — 66M — and officials said the image Significant advance in was “unclear.” They sent the submersible to “visually ver- ify” if it was indeed the San Juan. Venezuela rivals’ talk “It was confirmed that it wasn’t the submarine’s shell” but Santo Domingo been significant advances in the a sunken fishing vessel, Argen- AFP search for an agreement,” their tine navy spokesman Enrique statement said. It added that the Balbi said later on Saturday. enezuela’s government meetings which began on Fri- The navy “regrets that and opposition made day established “the firm will” without a rigorous analysis V“significant advances” in to reach a deal. expectations were generated the latest talks aimed at resolv- Foreign ministers from in the families and society, ing the country’s crushing Latin American nations acted which must now face another economic and political crisis, as guarantors during the dis- frustration,” Balbi said. they said after two days of cussions. Previous meetings Before Balbi’s announce- meetings in the Dominican hosted by Medina have failed ment, authorities had said that Republic. to take the negotiations beyond if the image did not reveal any But there was no agreement preliminary discussions. new clues, the search would and negotiations will continue The main demand of the focus on other signals of inter- in Santo Domingo on Decem- opposition coalition, Demo- est detected in parts of the ber 15, the two sides said in a cratic Union Roundtable (MUD), South Atlantic where the ves- statement read by Dominican is the opening of a “humanitar- sel was last heard from. President Danilo Medina. ian corridor” to allow the Argentina’s navy said on He hosted the talks with fel- import of desperately needed Thursday that it is no longer Venezuelan diplomat Roy Chaderlan, President of the Venezuelan Constituent Assembly, Delcy low mediator and former food and medicines to alleviate looking for survivors although Rodriguez, Mayor of the Libertador Municipality in Caracas and leader of the pro-government Spanish prime minister Jose the worst of the economic cri- a multinational operation will United Socialist Party of Venezuela Jorge Rodriguez, and Venezuelan Education Minister Elias Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. sis -- along with a guarantee of continue searching for the Jaua at a press conference after a meeting with the Venezuelan opposition at the Dominican “Government and opposi- free and fair presidential elec- vessel. Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santo Domingo. tion declare that there have tions next year. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 Trump lashes out at FBI in a series of tweets Washington elaborate on the nature of the AP accusations. The person who dis- Trump, two days after cussed the matter with The resident Donald Trump his former national Associated Press was not author- launched a fresh security adviser ized to speak about it by name attack yesterday on Michael Flynn pleaded and spoke on condition of the credibility of his anonymity. own FBI, responding guilty to lying to the Trump tweeted yesterday: Pto revelations that an FBI agent FBI, again denied “Tainted (no, very dishonest?) FBI was removed from special coun- that he directed FBI ‘agent’s role in Clinton probe sel Robert Mueller’s team Director James Comey under review.’ Led Clinton Email investigating Russian election probe.” In a separate tweet, he meddling because of anti-Trump to stop investigating wrote: “Report: ‘ANTI-TRUMP FBI text messages. Flynn. AGENT LED CLINTON EMAIL Trump, two days after his PROBE’ Now it all starts to make former national security adviser sense!” Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to Senate Intelligence Committee. Strzok’s removal almost cer- lying to the FBI, again denied that In a series of tweets, Trump tainly reflected a desire to he directed FBI Director James questioned the direction of the insulate the investigators from Comey to stop investigating federal law enforcement agency any claims of political bias or Flynn. and wrote that after Comey, favoritism. Trump and many of The Republican president whom Trump fired in May, the his supporters have at times offered a running Twitter com- FBI’s reputation is “in Tatters — sought to discredit the integrity mentary yesterday amid renewed worst in History!” He vowed to of the investigation, in part by focus on Mueller’s probe and “bring it back to greatness.” The claiming a close relationship Flynn’s decision to cooperate with president also retweeted a tweet between Mueller and Comey and the investigation as part of his plea that said new FBI Director Chris by pointing to political contribu- agreement. Democrats said the Wray “needs to clean house.” tions to Democrats made by US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at John F Kennedy International Airport in developments suggested growing The president seized upon some lawyers on the team. New York, before his departure back to Washington. evidence of coordination between reports that a veteran FBI coun- Mueller has been investigat- Trump’s circle and Russian med- terintelligence agent was ing whether Trump campaign FBI about his conversations with had interviewed him weeks ear- president’s personal attorneys. dling in the 2016 presidential removed from Mueller’s team associates coordinated with Rus- the Russian ambassador. lier. Comey has said Trump the Dowd declined to comment election. last summer after the discovery sia to influence the outcome of On Saturday, Trump tweeted following day brought up the when reached by The Associated “This president has been of an exchange of text messages the 2016 presidential election, that he “had to fire General Flynn Flynn investigation in private at Press on Saturday night. obsessed with this investigation, that were viewed as potentially and Strzok’s background in because he lied to the Vice Pres- the White House and told him he Representative Adam Schiff, always saying there’s nothing anti-Trump. The agent, Peter counterintelligence would have ident and the FBI. He has pled hoped he could “let this go.” the top Democrat on the House there, but each week, another Strzok, had also worked on the been seen as particularly valua- guilty to those lies. It is a shame Amid questions raised by the Intelligence Committee, said shoe drops, where we see more investigation of Hillary Clinton’s ble for a secretive FBI probe because his actions during the tweet, Trump associates tried to given that Mueller could have evidence of continuing outreach use of a private email server. examining foreign contacts. transition were lawful. There was put distance Saturday evening charged Flynn with more crimes from Russians and some Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller’s investigation has so nothing to hide!” between the president himself but instead limited it to just one response from the Trump cam- Mueller, said Mueller removed far netted charges against four The tweet suggested that and the tweet. One person famil- offense, “Bob Mueller must have paign and Trump individuals,” Strzok from the team “immedi- people, with the most recent crim- Trump was aware when the White iar with the situation said the concluded that he was getting a said Virginia Senator Mark ately upon learning of the inal case brought Friday when House dismissed Flynn on Feb. 13 tweet was actually crafted by lot of value in terms of General Warner, the top Democrat on the allegations.” He would not Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the that he had lied to the FBI, which John Dowd, one of the Flynn’s cooperation.” FBI agent removed for anti-Trump texts ABC suspends Ross

Washington FBI’s human resources depart- presidential election, Strzok and an of the allegations, the Special Reuters ment after the Justice FBI colleague exchanged texts that Counsel’s Office removed Peter for reporting error Department’s inspector general disparaged then-Republican can- Strzok from the investigation,” he special counsel examin- began looking into the text mes- didate Donald Trump and favored spokesman Peter Carr said. New York reporting over the next several ing alleged Russian sages, the papers said, quoting Clinton, his Democratic rival, the In apparent reference to the AP hours ultimately we determined Tinterference in the 2016 US several unidentified people Washington Post said. The news- case, the Justice Department the information was wrong and presidential election removed a familiar with the matter. papers did not disclose details of the inspector general’s office said in BC News yesterday sus- we corrected the mistake on air top FBI investigator from his team A source familiar with the mat- text messages. a statement on Saturday that it pended investigative and online. for exchanging text messages with ter confirmed the reports Strzok The New York Times said was “reviewing allegations Areporter Brian Ross for “It is vital we get the story a colleague that expressed anti- was transferred to the human that a lawyer for Strzok declined involving communications four weeks without pay for his right and retain the trust we Trump views, two US newspapers resources department over the to comment, while the Washing- between certain individuals.” erroneous report on Michael have built with our audience — reported on Saturday. politically charged text messages. ton Post said it repeatedly sought The matter came up during Flynn, which it called a “seri- these are our core principles. The New York Times and the Strzok played a key role in comment from Strzok, but a review that the Justice Depart- ous error.” We fell far short of that yester- Washington Post identified the the FBI investigation into former received no response. ment launched into the FBI’s Ross, citing an unnamed day. Effective immediately, investigator as FBI agent Peter Secretary of State Hillary Clin- Mueller’s office confirmed decision to announce an inquiry confidant of Flynn, the former Brian Ross will be suspended Strzok, the deputy head of FBI ton’s use of a private email Strzok’s removal, but did not into Clinton’s emails shortly national security adviser, had for four weeks without pay.” counter-intelligence. He was server, the papers said. elaborate on the cause. before the November presiden- reported on Friday that then- The news brought swift reassigned last summer to the During that probe and the 2016 “Immediately upon learning tial election. candidate Donald Trump had reaction from Trump, who directed Flynn to make contact tweeted: “Congratulations to @ with the Russians. That would ABC News for suspending Brian have been an explosive devel- Ross for his horrendously inac- American opment in the ongoing curate and dishonest report on Weighty matter investigation into whether the the Russia, Russia, Russia Witch tourist dies Trump campaign colluded with Hunt. More Networks and Russia to interfere in the elec- “papers” should do the same in Costa Rica tion. But hours later, Ross with their Fake News!” clarified his report on the As for Ross, who is ABC’s shark attack evening news, saying that his chief investigative correspond- source now said Trump had ent, he tweeted: “My job is to San Jose done so not as a candidate, but hold people accountable and AFP as president-elect. At that point, that’s why I agree with being he said, Trump had asked Flynn held accountable myself.” 49-year-old US female to contact the Russians about Ross, 69, joined the net- tourist was killed by a issues including working work in 1994. He has won a Atiger shark this week together to fight ISIS. slew of journalism awards, while diving off a Costa Rican ABC was widely criticised including, according to his ABC island in the Pacific Ocean, for merely clarifying and not bio, six George Polk awards, six the government and local correcting the report. It issued Peabody awards and two media reported. a correction later in the Emmys, among others. The attack also badly evening. He also, though, has drawn injured the 26-year-old male “We deeply regret and criticism for previous errors. In Costa Rican diving guide apologize for the serious error just one example, ABC had to leading the group that we made yesterday,” the net- apologize in 2012 when Ross included the American work said in a statement reported on “Good Morning woman. Didier Silva, 22, (centre) is checked by Air Force doctors in Mosquera, department of Saturday. “The reporting con- America” that James Holmes, The shark savaged the two Narino, Colombia, before being taken by cart to the helicopter for transfer to Cali. Silva, veyed by Brian Ross during the the suspect in the movie theater on Thursday as they were sur- whose life is in danger because of his weight - over 400 kilos - was transferred in the special report had not been shooting in Aurora, Colorado, facing after a dive off Coco Air Force’s Angel helicopter from the remote village of Mosquera in southwest Colombia fully vetted through our edito- might be connected to the tea Island, a pristine national park to receive medical treatment in the city of Cali. rial standards process. As a party, based on a name listed located 500km off the Costa result of our continued on a web page. Rican mainland, the environ- ment ministry said in a statement. It stressed the attack was “an isolated incident” and the first one of such serious- La Nina contributes to wildfire threat in mid-South and Plains ness recorded for the island. According to the Costa Rican newspaper La Nacion, Oklahoma City including the climate phenom- normal in winter, a wet spring led McManus compared the “What we see is this La Nina the guide noticed the shark AP enon known as La Nina, that to heavy growth of vegetation that potential scenario to that in March, pattern, a cooling of the waters approaching his group under- have left a lot of dry growth. a mild summer didn’t kill off. A dry when wildfires in northwestern off the coast of South America, water and tried to scare it onditions are ripe for win- In addition to the La Nina, an November increased drought con- Oklahoma, southwestern Kansas and what this means is above away. ter wildfires from the occasional cooling of the equato- ditions in states including and the Texas Panhandle scorched normal temperatures and below But as they surfaced, the Cmid-South through the rial Pacific Ocean that affects Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and a total of more than 5180sqkm normal precipitation,” most shark went for the American Great Plains thanks to a combi- global weather and leaves the Texas, said Oklahoma’s state cli- left six people dead and killed likely from December through woman, tearing at her legs. nation of weather factors, nation’s midsection drier than matologist, Gary McManus. thousands of head of livestock. February or early March, he said. MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017 MORNING BREAK 19

PRAYER TIMINGS ‘Coco’ repeats as box office winner with $26.1m FAJR 04.43am Los Angeles Squad” taking in $262.4 million in its SHOROOK 06.04 am Reuters first 17 days last year. Gal Gadot stars as Wonder Woman ZUHR 11.24 am MAGHRIB 04.45 pm isney-Pixar’s animated along with Ben Affleck as Batman, ASR 02.23 pm ISHA 06.15 pm comedy “Coco” easily Henry Cavill as Superman, Jason repeated as the winner of Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as the North American box the Flash, and Ray Fisher as Cyborg WEATHER TODAY office with a solid $26.1m as the superheroes team up to save Dat 3,987 locations during a moderate the world. Warner Bros. has not dis- o o weekend. closed the production cost, which is The third weekend of Warner believed to be as much as $300 20 C 26 C Bros.-DC Entertainment’s “Justice million. Minimum Maximum League” finished second with $16.7m “Justice League” also grossed $35.7 at 3,820 sites, with the superhero tent- million on approximately 20,375 pole dropping 60%. screens in 66 international markets, Lionsgate’s “Wonder” continued bringing the overseas total to $370.1 to perform well with $12.5m at 3,449 million and the global total $567.4 venues to come in third followed by million. Disney-Marvel’s fifth frame of “Thor: Overall domestic moviegoing Ragnarok” with $9.7m at 3,148 sites, totaled $104 million, up $8 million the fourth weekend of Paramount’s FROM LEFT: Mexican-American Co-director Adrian Molina; US Director Lee from the same frame in 2016 and the “Daddy’s Home 2” with $7m at 3,403 Unkrich; Mexican singer and actor Luis Angel Gomez and US Producer biggest post-Thanksgiving weekend venues and Fox’s fourth weekend of Darla K. Anderson during a press conference in Mexico City for “Coco”. in five years, according to “Murder on the Orient Express” with comScore. $6.7 million at 3,201 screens. “Wonder Wheel” debuted with a solid Disney’s “Moana” performed slightly “The biggest post-thanksgiving Awards contenders “Lady Bird” $140,555 at five sites through better during the same period last year weekend since 2012 proves that there and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Amazon. with $119.8 million after 12 days. was no need for a wide release new- Missouri” tied for seventh place with Sony Classics’ second weekend of The studio has not released a price comer to drive large numbers of $4.5m each. A24’s “Lady Bird” “Call Me By Your Name” posted a stel- for “Coco.” Disney-Pixar titles are usu- moviegoers to the multiplex that is expanded by 403 sites to 1,194 and Fox lar $281,280 at four screens for a ally budgeted in the $175 million to already chock full of appealing titles Searchlight’s “Three Billboards” dou- 10-day total of $908,175. It won best $200 million range. from both the blockbuster side of the bled its run to 1,430 screens. feature at the Gotham Independent “Justice League” has finished its ledger and awards season favorites,” The major studios opted to rely on Film Awards on Nov. 27. first 17 days with $197.3 million said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media holdovers during the session and held “Coco” has now taken in $108.7 domestically. The movie, which teams analyst with comScore. off on any wide openings. A24 gener- million in its first 12 days following a up the DC characters in the same man- Year-to-date domestic box office ated strong performance from its 47% decline from its opening. The film, ner as Disney-Marvel’s superheroes, is down 3.9% to $9.86 billion as of Sun- limited launch of James Franco’s “The based on the traditions surrounding is the 10th highest-grossing title day, according to comScore. Even with Disaster Artist” with $1.2 million at 19 the Day of the Dead holiday in Mex- released in 2017. It’s been the lowest a blockbuster performance by Disney- locations for a $64,254 per screen ico, centers on a 12-year-old boy who performer among the five films in the Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Mild daytime with scattered clouds average. Fox Searchlight’s “The Shape dreams of becoming a musician. The DC Extended Universe, with “Wonder which opens Dec. 15, the final 2017 box and weak chance of light rain at of Water” saw an impressive $166,800 film has been embraced by critics with Woman” grossing $275.1 million in its office number is likely to finish at least places. at two theaters and Woody Allen’s a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. first 17 days in June and “Suicide 2% down at the end of the year.

HIGH TIDE 05:30 – 16:30 LOW TIDE 12:15 – 22:45

Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Marine festival 27 fragmented lion-headed statues found in Egypt

Cairo AFP

n Egyptian-European mission has discovered 27 fragmented lion-headed statues across the ANile from Egypt’s southern city of Luxor, the antiquities ministry said. The statues, known as The Lady of War, were found in the ground at the Colossi of Memnon area on the city’s west bank, which used to be a capital for ancient Egypt, the ministry said in a statement. Sekhmet had the body of a woman and the head of a fierce lioness, with a headpiece featuring the sun disk. The newly found statues were about two metres (six and a half feet) high and carved in black granite, the ministry said citing Mostafa Waziri, secretary- general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The statues had the lion head “crowned by a sun- disk” while a cobra “adorns her forehead,” Waziri was cited as saying. Some were of Sekhmet “sitting on the throne, A group of Acehnese students perform colossal dance named; ‘Admiral Malahayati’ during holding the symbol of life in her left hand” while oth- Sail Sabang marine festival 2017 at Sabang port of Aceh, Indonesia, yesterday. ers were of her “standing and holding the papyrus sceptre,” he added. The excavation began on November 7 and lasted till the end of the month, said Hourig Sourouzian, who led the mission. Mysterious mummy girl enters US university class The mission found additional statues at the end of November, bringing the total number to 39, Sour- New York filling out the contextual story of buried with, the quality of her ouzian said. IANS where this mummy came from bones and what material is The statues that were found closer to the earth’s and who she was, the university present in her brain cavity. As surface were in good condition, unlike the others group of students at North- said. Thirteen materials science part of a comprehensive scien- found deeper in the ground, Sourouzian was cited as western University in the and humanities students are tific investigation, the mummy saying. AUS is studying an intrigu- examining the materials and was brought to the Argonne The mission was preparing the discovered stat- ing subject -- a rare portrait methods used to create this intact National Laboratory in the US ues for display, she said. The mission has discovered mummy of a five-year-old girl portrait mummy for an upcom- earlier this week for a first-of- 287 statues of Sekhmet since it began its excavation which was excavated from Egypt ing exhibition at Northwestern’s its-kind X-ray scattering work in 1998, the ministry said, citing Fathi Yassin, in 1911. Block Museum of Art. experiment. “This is a unique director-general of the West Bank Antiquities in Luxor. The study of this rare archae- Scientists do not yet fully experiment, a 3-D puzzle,” said Luxor, a city of half a million people on the banks ological object is part of an know how her body was pre- Stuart Stock of Northwestern of the Nile, a former Egyptian capital known as Thebes interdisciplinary class at North- pared 1,900 years ago in Egypt, University Feinberg School of during ancient times, abounds with temples and tombs western focused, in part, on what items she may have been Medicine. built by Egypt’s pharaohs. Catwalk goes online with ‘first ever’ runway auction

Los Angeles formerly belonging to late organizer Brigitte Kruse told from a Californian family who AIDS fundraiser, belonged to AFP Hollywood actress Elizabeth AFP it would not be a stereo- are descendants of Vietnam- Elizabeth Taylor, the movie Taylor. typical auction “where people ese royalty. GWS calls it “one queen whose works included he catwalk has met the The entire collection show up and see things laying of the largest personally- “National Velvet” and “Cleo- auctioneer’s gavel and would be worth more than out or hanging up.” owned Chanel collections,” patra.” She died in 2011. Tgone online. In a stream- $25 million if bought in stores “We’re actually going to but the auction also included The ring is valued between ing fashion show on Saturday, at current prices, organizers provide a live visual for our pieces labeled Dior, Gucci, $20,000 and $40,000 but a California auction house said, though the seller wished bidders,” she said. Louis Vuitton and Valentino. Kruse said it has small dia- aimed to modernise the auc- to keep final selling prices pri- The firm put up for sale a Among the items is a ring monds and was not one of the tion format with what it calls vate. During the sale in collection of 225 pieces, estimated to be worth more actress’s “quintessential the “first ever runway fashion Beverly Hills, models wore the including 139 labeled Chanel. than $300,000. It is set with pieces.” “There are no photo- show auction.” main pieces while the show They are from the collection a yellow diamond and graphs of her wearing it,” GWS Auctions offered for was streamed online “so bid- of a former honorary consul belonged to the Nguyen Kruse said. Without Taylor’s sale a vast collection of ders from around the world of Liechtenstein, Mary Jean dynasty of Vietnamese royals. name associated with it, the Chanel-labeled fashion and can participate,” GWS said. Thompson. Also on offer was Another ring, which Kruse ring would be worth no more accessories, along with items Prior to the sale, event jewelry and other articles said Thompson obtained at an than $1,500. 20 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017