BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 12
GWC signs as first Afif on Official National target as Supporter for FIFA Club Qatar beat World Cup Qatar 2019 Afghanistan
Wednesday 20 November 2019 | 23 Rabia I 1441 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8081 | 2 Riyals
Amir, President of Armenia discuss bilateral ties QNA/DOHA The President of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, expressed Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al his thanks to the Amir, the Thani and President of the Republic of Government of the State of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, held official talks at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. Qatar and the Qatari people They discussed bilateral relations and for their cordial reception ways of developing and enhancing them and generous hospitality, to new horizons of cooperation, especially in the fields of economy, trade, investment, praising the distinguished agriculture, tourism and food security. relations between the two The two sides also exchanged views friendly countries. on a number of issues of common concern. The meeting was attended by a number of Their Excellences the ministers and on the Armenia in Doha on Monday evening, and Armenian side, a number of Their Excellencies his meeting with the Armenian community members of the official delegation. An official in Qatar. reception was held for the President of Relations between Qatar and Armenia Armenia upon his arrival at the Amiri Diwan. have been growing in many sectors since H H the Amir also hosted a luncheon their establishment on November 5, 1997. banquet in honour of President and the These relations have been strengthened delegation accompanying him. The banquet over the years through visits by senior offi- was attended by a number of Their Excel- cials, notably the visits of former Armenian lencies the ministers. Presidents Robert Kocharyan to Doha in Earlier, the President of Armenia 2002 and Serzh Sargsyan in 2009 and 2017, expressed his thanks to the Amir, the Gov- during which official talks focused on bilateral ernment of Qatar and the Qatari people for relations as well as major regional and inter- their cordial reception and generous hos- national issues. In the framework of keenness pitality, praising the distinguished relations to support and develop bilateral relations in between the two friendly countries. This various fields, the two countries are bound Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, holding came during the opening of the new head- by a set of agreements and memorandums official talks at the Amiri Diwan yesterday.` P2 quarters of the Embassy of the Republic of of understanding. Trial operation of Doha Metro Gold Line from tomorrow Qatar rejects US declaration THE PENINSULA be allocated to the Metro Link The Gold Line, which runs Operation timings DOHA service, which is a shuttle bus on legitimacy service to transport passengers east to west across Doha, for the Gold Line will The Ministry of Transport from neighboring areas to and of settlements includes 11 stations: Ras be the same as those and Communications (MOTC) from the metro stations. QNA/DOHA announced yesterday that the The start of trial oper- Bu Abboud, National for the Red Line - trial operation of the Doha ation of Gold Line comes The State of Qatar expressed its Museum, Souq Waqif, Saturday through Metro’s Gold Line will start after launch partial opera- rejection of the US declaration for the public tomorrow. The tions of Doha Metro Red Line. that considered the estab- Msheireb, Bin Mahmoud, Thursday from 06:00 line extends from Ras Bu Since starting preview lishment of Israeli settlements in Al Sadd, Joaan, Sudan, Al to 23:00. Friday will Abboud Station to Al Aziziyah service for the first part of the the occupied West Bank incon- Station. Doha Metro’s Red Line in sistent with international law, Waab, Sport City and Al be from 14:00 to The Gold Line, which runs May this year, the train while terming this step as an Aziziyah. 23:00. east to west across Doha, service has become hugely obstacle to the desired peace. includes 11 stations namely: popular among residents. The Ministry of Foreign Ras Bu Abboud, National More than 86,000 people Affairs said in a statement yes- The Gold Line Museum, Souq Waqif, used the trains in the first two terday that this declaration Msheireb, Bin Mahmoud, Al days after the launch of its would hinder the efforts of Sadd, Joaan, Sudan, Al Waab, preview service. peace as well as hopes for a Sport City and Al Aziziyah. The Doha Metro had set a two-state solution, and deepen Operation timings for the new ridership record on the tensions in the region. Gold Line will be the same as day of Amir Cup final as it The statement reiterated those for the Red Line - Sat- carried over 68,000 people on Qatar’s firm stance in sup- urday through Thursday from that day. It was the highest porting the Palestinian cause 06:00 to 23:00. Friday will be number of people traveled on and the steadfastness of the from 14:00 to 23:00. Doha Doha Metro trains in a single brotherly Palestinian people Metro users can switch day. derived from the resolutions of between the Red Line and the The Ministry of Transport international legitimacy and the Gold Line at Msheireb Station. and Communications, on Sep- two-state solution in a way that To cover a wider range tember 24, had announced ensures the establishment of an and serve more neighbour- that the Doha Metro Red Line independent Palestinian state hoods and areas adjacent to South would be open for the on the 1967 borders, with East the stations, new routes will public during weekends. Jerusalem as its capital. `P10 All Kahramaa meters Qatar well prepared to host FIFA World Cup: US mayors
SACHIN KUMAR a city or country better prepared of Tacoma; Harry LaRosiliere, of Qataris is something to cer- THE PENINSULA to go smart by 2020 for that (hosting FIFA World Cup Mayor, City of Plano, Texas; Chris tainly take note of, we are SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Chairman of the Smart Grid Qatar 2022) than Qatar. I think Barnett, Township Supervisor, impressed. We hope the situation THE PENINSULA Centre at Texas A&M, was Qatar is well prepared to host you are going to set the bar for Charter Township of Orion; and will resolve itself,” added Bryan speaking at the opening cer- 2022 FIFA World Cup and is preparation and hopefully exe- Andrew Ginther, Mayor of K Barnett. President of Qatar General Elec- emony of the Second Conference expected to set a benchmark in cution of a global event like the Columbus, Ohio are part of the It was ‘an eye opening’ visit tricity and Water Corporation on Smart Grid and Renewable hosting this mega global event, world cup,” said Bryan K Barnett, seven-member delegation. for the mayors who were in (Kahramaa), Eng. Essa bin Hilal Energy (SGRE2019) at the Hilton said members of delegation of Mayor of city of Rochester Hills, Bryan K Barnett, who is awe of the achievements Qatar Al Kuwari, has said that all Hotel. American Mayors, who are and the President of the United heading this delegation, said the has made in a short period of Kahramaa meters will go smart The event was attended by tremendously impressed with States Conference of Mayors resilient people of Qatar have time. by the end of 2020. Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Al the robust infrastructure commenting about Qatar’s prep- overcome the challenges posed “We all come from cities that “Customers’ engagement Sada, Assistant Undersec- created well ahead of this aration for hosting 2022 FIFA by the blockade. are growing but not at the rate has improved with the Advanced retary for Environmental Affairs championship. World Cup. “The situation (blockade) has and the excitement what we see Metering Infrastructure project. at the Ministry of Municipality and The delegation of seven The members of delegation brought Qatari people together in Doha. What you have here is Over 360,000 smart meters are the Environment. The two-day mayors of cities from the United met with reporters yesterday at and has not knocked anyone of truly incredible. We understand, installed in our grid, connected event is being organised by Kah- States, currently on a visit to St. Regis Hotel and briefed them mission and that is a tribute to what you are attempting to do, with multiple smart technol- ramaa and Texas A&M University Qatar, said that the visit will play about their experience in Qatar. the leadership about creating a the infrastructure projects, the ogies, including fibre optics,” with the objective to generate a a crucial role in bringing the Christina M Muryn, Mayor, City clear vision and also to the res- timelines, and coordination and said Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al long-term smart grid research people in Qatar and US further of Findlay, Ohio; Buddy Dyer, idents. We all face challenges, the leadership that takes, I think Kuwari. agenda with renewable energy close. Mayor of Orlando, Florida; Vic- some of them are man made that is something that is truly Al Kuwari, who is also adaptation. `P3 “I don’t think there has been toria R Woodards, Mayor, City some are not. But the resiliency remarkable,” said Barnett. `P4 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 Amir, President of Armenia hold official talks
TOP: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Qatar takes part bin Hamad Al Thani with the President of the Republic of in Milipol Paris Armenia, Dr. Armen Sarkissian, at the Amiri Diwan, yesterday. QNA/DOHA TOP RIGHT: H H the Amir and the President of Armenia The Milipol Qatar Committee during the reception held for is participating at the 21st the latter upon his arrival at edition of Milipol Paris 2019. the Amiri Diwan. RIGHT: H The four-day event began H the Amir, the President of yesterday with the partici- Armenia and other members pation of a wide range of of the official delegation security leaders, experts, accompanying the President specialists and major interna- during the officials talks held tional companies specialized at the Amiri Diwan. H H the in the fields of internal security. Amir also hosted a luncheon The participation of the banquet in honour of the Milipol Qatar Committee in the Milipol Paris exhibition is President and the delegation through a special pavilion to accompanying him. The introduce the thirteenth banquet was attended by a session (Milipol Qatar 2020), number of Their Excellencies which will be held in October the Ministers. next year in order to attract international companies to participate. PM meets President of Armenia
The Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, met with the President of Armenia, Dr. Armen Sarkissian, at his residence, yesterday morning. They discussed the development of cooperation relations, in addition to a number of issues of common interest. Minister of Commerce and Industry meets Russian officials QNA between the State of Qatar and Russian companies to the Qatari MOSCOW Russia. market.Also, the meetings They discussed aspects of touched on mechanisms to The Minister of Commerce and joint cooperation, especially in support joint investments and Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al the areas of trade, investment stimulate the private sector to Kuwari, met separately, and industry and ways of establish innovative investment yesterday, with the Adviser to strengthening and developing projects in key sectors that will the President of the Russian them in light of the friendly ties serve the economic trends of Federation, Anton Kobyakov, between the two countries. both countries. Chairman of the Qatari-Russian The meetings witnessed the H E the Minister of Com- Business Council, Ahmed highlighting of the developments merce and Industry pays a visit Blancoev, President of Russian in the Qatari economy over the to the Russian Federation to lead Union of Industrialists and past years, the investment Qatar’s delegation in the fourth Entrepreneurs, Alexander opportunities in all sectors, and session of the Russian-Qatari Shokhin, and First Deputy CEO the legislation approved by the Joint Committee for Economic, of Russian Direct Investment State, as well as the initiatives to Commercial and Technical Fund, Tagir Sitdekov. support the private sector to Cooperation, which started yes- During these meetings, they increase foreign direct terday at the level of experts and reviewed bilateral relations investment and attract more concludes today. WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 HOME 03
Ministry of Awqaf inaugurates Waqf Sheikha Moza meets President of Armenia project with 10 residential villas QNA The ten villas have Sadd area shortly before, and the DOHA three floors each, completion of another project consisting of five Waqf buildings The General Directorate of totalling 60 bedrooms, during the current year. Awqaf at the Ministry of Awqaf in addition to an He pointed out that there is and Islamic Affairs, yesterday, external extension an endowment bank project for inaugurated a Waqf project with and a housing guard, health care, which contributes 10 residential villas in Hazm Al to the treatment of patients with Markhiya area and with a value with an area of up to dialysis, in addition to ensuring of QR12,380,000. 1,225 square metres the treatment of patients in The ten villas have three each. private institutions such as the floors each, totalling 60 bed- Qatar Diabetes Association and rooms, in addition to an external other associations, noting that extension and a housing guard, said that the inaugurated wqaf the General Directorate of Awqaf with an area of up to 1,225 project is part of a series of also establishes cultural confer- square metres each. awqaf projects, the Department ences and support scientific The Director of the General is working to complete. activities according to the Directorate of Awqaf , Dr. Sheikh He also pointed out the activity of each endowment Khalid bin Mohammed Al Thani, opening of Waqf buildings in Al bank.
The Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), H H Al Attiyah meets Singapore’s Senior Minister Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, met with the President of the Republic of Armenia, Dr. Armen Sarkissian, and his wife, Nouneh Sarkissian, during their official state visit to Qatar. In the meeting, they discussed areas of mutual interest including the need for innovation in education and research. PIC: A R AL BAKER
MME raises Public Hygiene Law OFFICIAL NEWS awareness through radio channels
THE PENINSULA/DOHA month, while the second phase Prime Minister sends will be during the month of Feb- congratulations to The General Cleanliness ruary 2020 and for a month as Kuwaiti counterpart Department at the Ministry of well, to deliver the idea of law to Municipality and Environment all segments of society to raise DOHA: The Prime Minis- (MME) has launched a campaign awareness and change behav- ter and Interior Minister, H E to raise awareness about Public iours for the sake of hygiene. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Hygiene Law among expatriate Meanwhile, the campaign bin Khalifa Al Thani, has communities and workers, ‘No Plastic Bags’ organised by the sent a cable of congratula- through radio stations. Public Relations Department at tions to H H Sheikh Sabah Al The drive will be imple- the MME, in coordination with Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah mented under ‘Keep It Clean’ Shrouk Modern School and Al on the occasion of his campaign of MME in cooperation Wakrah Primary School for Girls, swearing in as Prime Minis- with six radio stations broad- were launched yesterday in ter of Kuwait. QNA casting in Asian languages, said Ezdan Al Wakrah Complex. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al a release.. This campaign Carrefour administration dis- Al Muraikhi receives Attiyah, met with the Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security of the Republic includes two phases, the first of tributed Eco-Friendly plastic copy of credentials of Singapore, Teo Chee Hean. They reviewed bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them, in which was launched during bags to the visitors of the complex of Panama’s envoy addition to a number of issues of common interest. November and lasts for one free of charge. DOHA: The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sul- tan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, QF hosts world’s first progressive education summit received yesterday a copy of the credentials of the THE PENINSULA discover and spread. “It’s not Ambassador of Panama to DOHA about us. It’s not about schools. the State of Qatar, Mousa It’s about the children. It’s about Abdelhae Asvat Kasu. H E The founders and leaders of inter- the next generation. Our goal is the Minister wished the new national schools and institutions to help each and every child Ambassador success in the that take a new, disruptive flourish in life, no matter what performance of his duties approach to learning have happens.” and assured him of provid- gathered in Qatar for the world’s During the summit, repre- ing all support to upgrade first progressive schools summit, sentatives of international pro- bilateral relations between attended by H E Sheikha Hind gressive schools and education the two friendly countries to bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chair- institutions discussed different closer cooperation in various person and CEO of Qatar Foun- methodologies, governance fields. QNA dation. systems, practices, and rationales The LEAPS Summit— for providing education that Al Hammadi holds organised by Qatar Foundation’s differs from traditional schooling, Pre-University Education (PUE) and exchanged their experiences farewell ceremony — brought together the world of of how progressive education for Brazilian envoy progressive education to explore improves student and school per- how traditional methods of formance. The talks are aimed at DOHA: The Secretary teaching and learning can be dis- paving the way for expertise and General of the Ministry rupted in order to support chil- resources to be shared between of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. dren’s creativity, curiosity, self- schools in Qatar and progressive Ahmed bin Hassan Al Ham- H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani (second right), Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, development, and future path. education institutions around the madi, held yesterday a with other officials during the LEAPS Summit in Doha. The summit — which will world. farewell ceremony in hon- take place biennially — also saw “At QF’s Pre-University Edu- our of Ambassador of the the launch of Qatar Spotlight, Sheikha Noof Ahmed Al and from educational institutions same values and goals in pro- cation, we have launched Acad- Federative Republic of Bra- developed through a partnership Thani, Executive Director of Stra- in Qatar showing great will- moting and supporting educa- emyati, the first progressive zil to Qatar, Roberto Abdalla, between PUE and HundrED, a tegic Initiatives and Partnerships ingness to work together to tional innovations. school under our umbrella,” said on the occasion of the end not-for-profit organisation that at Qatar Foundation’s Pre-Uni- advance educational policy and “We want to identify the best Maryam Alhajri, Director of Acad- of his tenure in the State of identifies and shares innovations versity Education, said, “I am very practice. We look forward to educational innovations in Qatar emyati. “We want to reach out to Qatar. Held at the Diplomatic in K-12 education. Through this pleased that Qatar Foundation increasing this global collabo- and spread them around the other progressive schools around Club, a number of Their initiative, members of Qatar’s has launched a first-of-its-kind ration for schools in Qatar in the world as successful innovations, the world and that’s why we are Excellencies heads of diplo- educational sector will submit global summit to bring together coming years.” to highlight what is happening excited to have launched the matic missions and bureaus their innovative education ideas, progressive educational institu- Speaking about the launch of here in Doha, and how it can be LEAPS Summit. We want to invite accredited to the coun- with Qatar Spotlight sharing the tions from around the world. Qatar Spotlight, Saku Touminen, a learning centre with a unique schools to come together, talk to try attended the ceremony 10 most impactful and scalable “In this first year, we have CEO of HundrED, said, “We have environment. There are beautiful each other, and empower each along with foreign ministry submissions with a wider global received an excellent response chosen to collaborate with Qatar things happening on the other other to explore new ideas in department directors. QNA network of educators. from progressive schools abroad Foundation because we share the side of the world that we seek to education.” All Kahramaa meters to go smart by 2020
FROM PAGE 1 reliable and quality energy for our offsetting harmful emissions by Kahramaa President said that stakeholders by 2026,” said Al applying sustainable processes the economic and digital growth Kuwari. “A successful example of such as the 40 percent energy- of the country increases energy Kahramaa’s grid upgrade is a con- saving cooling technology in sta- demand and it creates a need for dition monitoring project of all diums,” said Al Kuwari. an efficient energy infrastructure. substations, which achieved net Qatar has a set of goals to “Smart, innovative grids are key savings of $36m and reduced increase the share of renewable to the energy transformation faults by over 50 percent since energy. “In this regard, Kahramaa required to meet Qatar’s climate 2018,” said Al Kuwari. will install the first mega photovoltaic and energy responsibilities,” said He said that Kahramaa’s smart station in Qatar with a capacity of Al Kuwari. efforts also include water sustain- 700 Mega Watt in 2022,” he added. “Kahramaa has finished its ability and quality. He said that “Kahramaa is currently smart grid roadmap in collabo- Qatar is committed to the Paris installing a network of electric ration with Texas A&M Engi- Agreement Goals to combat vehicle charging stations. This neering Experiment Station and climate change and to mitigate includes installing the first photo- TEXAS A&M at Qatar. Our smart green-house emissions effects. voltaic energy storage EV charging Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Al Sada, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at MME, and Eng. grid vision is to transform Qatar’s “Qatar is currently preparing the station as well as the first e-buses Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President of Kahramaa, with guests and participants during the opening Grid into a secure, sustainable and first ‘carbon neutral’ FIFA World charging units in Qatar,” said Al ceremony of the second conference on SGRE2019, yesterday, at the Hilton Hotel. digitally enabled grid that provides Cup 2022. This is done by Kuwari. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 Speaker meets Singapore’s Senior Minister Qatar’s envoy Qatar Airways, QNTC to Azerbaijan presents launch ‘Qatar Live’ THE PENINSULA credentials DOHA QNA/BAKU Qatar Airways (QA) and Qatar The President of the Republic of National Tourism Council Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev received (QNTC), yesterday, launched the credentials of Faisal bin Qatar Live — a series of music Abdullah Al Henzab as Extraor- concerts and festivals taking dinary and Plenipotentiary place in Doha from 5 to 19 Ambassador of the State of Qatar December, 2019. to the Republic of Azerbaijan. The events have been During the meeting, the organised to align with the 24th Ambassador conveyed the Arabian Gulf Cup Qatar 2019 greetings of Amir H H Sheikh (November 26 to December 8) Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to and the FIFA Club World Cup The events have been President of Azerbaijan and H H’s Qatar 2019 (December 11 to 21) organised to align wishes of good health and hap- to provide world-class enter- with the 24th Arabian piness to him, and to the Gov- tainment for football fans, vis- Gulf Cup Qatar 2019 ernment and people of itors, and local residents. Azerbaijan further progress and Global superstar Katy Perry, (November 26 to prosperity. For his part, President legendary band Maroon 5, inter- December 8) and Ilham Aliyev entrusted the national Latin music star the FIFA Club World Ambassador to convey his Maluma, and international greetings to H H the Amir, and to music legend Cheb Khaled are Cup Qatar 2019 (December 11 to 21) The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, met yesterday with the the Qatari people further set to perform in Doha between Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security of the Republic of Singapore, Teo Chee progress and prosperity. December 13 and 19 respectively to provide world-class Hean, and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between Azerbaijan’s President also at Doha Exhibition and Con- entertainment for the State of Qatar and the Republic of Singapore and ways of supporting and developing them, especially wished the Ambassador success vention Centre (DECC). in his new duties and in strength- From December 5 to 7, some football fans, visitors, in the parliamentary field, as well as a number of issues of common concern. The meeting was attended ening the friendly relations and of the Middle East region’s most and local residents. by Shura Council Deputy Speaker, H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Sulaiti; the Council’s Observer, Hadi bin cooperation between the State famous music stars will perform Saeed Al Khayareen; Chairman of the Qatari-Asian Parliamentary Friendship Group, Rashid bin Hamad of Qatar and the Republic of at Katara and DECC. The line-up Al Madadi; and Singapore’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Jai Sohan. Azerbaijan. features Qatari musician Fahad welcoming these fantastic Al Kubaisi, Yara, Omar Al musical talents to Doha in the Abdallat, Ibrahim Dashti, and coming weeks.” Rahma Riad. From now until December ‘Gossip Girl’ star Chace Crawford praises Ajyal For fans of electronic music, 21, QA is offering special offers Qatar Airways and QNTC are on Economy and Business Class RAYNALD C RIVERA them involved in the jury “I haven’t known a film fes- bringing Daydream Festival to flights for global passengers vis- THE PENINSULA process which forces them tival that was nearly run as Qatar for the first time on iting Doha. Additionally, for vis- really pay attention to films and smoothly as this one. It’s just so December 12 and 20 at the Ritz- itors travelling from Kuwait and “Amazing” was how Gossip Girl learn how to think critically and amazing and the people have Carlton, Doha. Oman, QA Holidays is offering alum Chace Crawford form their own opinions is been so kind and everything is The world-renowned fes- special packages that will cover described the seventh edition really cool,” he said. just run like clockwork. I can’t tival takes place each year at flights, hotels, airport transfers of Ajyal Film Festival which On his thoughts about the wait to have the Q&A tonight different locations around the and concert tickets when trav- marks his first visit to the festival slogan “Find Film, Find with the kids and see what their world, bringing together the elling to Qatar. For travellers Middle East. Life,” he underlined the impor- questions are. It’s been a really best DJs in dance and electronic from the rest of the world, Best known for his work on tance of films in education and special experience. It’s very music. On December 12, the packages and stopovers cov- world famous television series sparking conversations on unique and I definitely want to line-up of DJs includes Dimitri ering hotels and transfers are ‘The Boys’ and ‘Gossip Girl’, things that matter. come back,” he said. Vegas & Like Mike, Robin available through Discover Crawford was among the main “We’re talking today about After seeing some of the Schulz, Sam Feldt, Matt Sochon, Qatar. guests who walked the red how it’s important to have films trailers of participating films and Wankelmut. Additionally, QA Group has carpet at the Ajyal opening gala that educate and force conver- from the region, he believed On December 20, Afrojack, partnered with Katara Hospi- on Monday. sations as opposed to just being there is a lot of undiscovered Lost Frequencies, Mark tality — the global hotel owner, American actor and producer “I didn’t’ expect about the passive entertainment, and talent here and was impressed Knight, Steff Da Campo, and developer, and operator — as Chace Crawford during the 7th reaction from the crowd yes- couple that with getting kids of how passionate people here Matt Sochon will perform at hotel partner for these special Ajyal Film Festival opening Red terday. Seeing all the kids was involved and introducing them are in filmmaking. the festival. Tickets for all packages. Carpet at Katara Cultural Village really cool. They love Gossip to films and materials that they On whether he is open for events can be purchased at A memorable experience on Monday. PIC: BAHER AMIN/ Girl, I guess. There’s a lot of are not used to seeing, some future partnership with Doha qatarlive.qa from 4pm AST on awaits guests of all ages with fans out there and it’s cool to THE PENINSULA more serious, probably more Film Institute, he said “Given November 20. distinguished hotels across see them excited about the fes- artistic type of filmmaking and the right opportunity, I would QA Group Chief Exec- Qatar including The Ritz- tival,” Crawford told local to take part in the festival as storytelling that is different and love to, and sort of bridging utive, Akbar Al Baker, said: Carlton, Doha; Sheraton Grand media yesterday. jurors. conversations on real topics,” those worlds and coming and “I am thrilled to launch our Doha; Sharq Village & Spa; Al The American actor and “To see this film festival do he said. getting to work with people Qatar Live series of music Messila Resort & Spa; Simaisma producer reiterated his praise a little bit different which is Compared to other film fes- here would be really special. concerts today, set to be the Resort; Sealine Beach Resort; for the festival’s focus on pro- really imparting it to the tivals he has attended, That would really be fun so I’m best of its kind in the region, The Avenue Hotel; and Mov- viding platform for the young younger generation, having Crawford said Ajyal is amazing. definitely open to that.” and look forward to enpick Hotel Doha.
FROM LEFT: Chris Barnett, Township Supervisor, Charter Township of Orion; Christina M Muryn, Mayor, City of Findlay, Ohio; Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando; Bryan K Barnett, Mayor of Rochester Hills; Victoria R Woodards, Mayor, City of Tacoma; Harry LaRosiliere, Mayor, City of Plano; and Andrew Ginther, Mayor of Columbus, posing for a photo after a media briefing held at the St Regis Hotel in Doha yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA Qatar well prepared to host FIFA World Cup, say US mayors FROM PAGE 1 Museum of Qatar, the Museum of “We have deep appreciation for He termed Qatar’s growth story a Islamic Art. your country, for what you are trying role model which can be followed by “I love the fact that you all are to accomplish. In terms of city to city others. “If you were to design a country, focusing on the 2022 world cup, I think or city to Qatar, I think there is going this is the model. You are relatively that will be really exciting for your to be opportunity for us to collaborate. new, young but you have such a vision. country. You are doing a great thing on We are going to collaborate in a very You are creating cities out of blank behalf of your people and we can feel meaningful way. We look forward to canvas so it is really interesting model that. As an American mayor what has future opportunities,” said Harry for us to look at as American,” he said. been most eye opening for me is the LaRosiliere. He praised the Qatar National way that your government cares for its The members were impressed with Vision 2030 and the role played by res- people,” said Victoria R Woodards. all round growth witnessed by Qatar. idents and organisations to realise its The members said that this visits “I have learned so much over the goals. He also praised Qatar’s lively cul- will open new avenues for further course of last three days and on every tural landscape, which boasts of archi- cooperation between the cities of two front I have been impressed,” said tectural marvel such as the National countries. Buddy Dyer. WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 HOME 05 Deputy PM meets US officials Ooredoo announces launch of Karwa SmartCard top-up via Ooredoo Money THE PENINSULA what they need; quick, easy and DOHA convenient ways to take care of such activities, and the addition Ooredoo yesterday announced of the new Karwa SmartCard its customers can now top up Karwa SmartCards top-up service is a prime their Karwa SmartCards via the can be used for example of our commitment to popular Ooredoo Money service, Mowasalat public enhancing our customers’ digital offering them a quick, easy and transport services as lives.” efficient way to top up the cards. Khalid Kafoud, Government The partnership was celebrated a convenient way to and Media Relation manager at with a launch ceremony pay, and customers Mowasalat, said: “Mowasalat, attended by several senior offi- can now add anything as a leading stakeholder under cials from both Ooredoo and from QR5 to QR500 MOTC, is serving Qatar and its Mowasalat. people. We are perpetually Karwa SmartCards can be to their SmartCard via working to accomplish the used for Mowasalat public Ooredoo Money. national vision of providing effi- transport services as a con- cient and environmentally venient way to pay, and cus- friendly transport services. tomers can now add anything digits of the SmartCard number Digital technologies are trans- from QR5 to QR500 to their to top-up. forming customers’ experiences, SmartCard via Ooredoo Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, and ease of use is a key factor Money. Director PR and Corporate Com- in achieving high customer To top-up a Karwa munications at Ooredoo, said of adoption. Enabling customers SmartCard via Ooredoo Money, the new service: “We recognise to top up their Karwa Smart- customers can either use the our customers want quick, easy Cards using Ooredoo Money will Ooredoo Money app or the USSD solutions for various everyday greatly enhance our customer’s menu by dialling *140#. Any activities including recharges experience, and we hope our The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al valid Karwa SmartCard can be and transfers that could oth- customers will use and like this Thani, met separately with US Secretary of Treasury, Steven Mnuchin; US Secretary of State’s Envoy to top-up, and customers will erwise take time out of their day. new channel of Smart Iran, Brian Hook; Head of the Policy Planning Staff at the US State Department, Peter Berkowitz; and simply need to enter the first 10 Ooredoo Money offers exactly top-up”. a number of US officials, during His Excellency’s visit to Washington. The meetings discussed bilateral cooperation and relations between the two countries, in addition to topics of mutual interest.
Deaths in road accidents down by 60% SIDI MOHAMED first phase of the National Road THE PENINSULA Safety Strategy started from 2013 to 2018 and the second action Brigadier Mohammed Abdullah plan of the Strategy began from Al Malki, Secretary of the National 2018 which will end in 2022. Traffic Safety Committee, has “The Qatari experience will said that since the implemen- be presented at the Second World tation of National Road Safety Conference on Road Safety for Strategy in 2013, deaths in road Developing Countries, which will accidents have decreased by be held in Qatar at the end of more than 60 percent. November 2020 under the super- “For 2019, all indicators, so vision of the United Nations,” Al far, show a decrease in deaths in Malki added. traffic accidents. Also, the World The success of the Qatari Health Organization praised Brigadier Mohammed Abdullah experience strategy, he said, was Ooredoo and Mowasalat officials during the launch ceremony. Qatar’s role in reducing traffic Al Malki, Secretary of the National due to the government support. accidents, especially since the Traffic Safety Committee. Over the past five years, more implementation of the National PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA than 1,000 km of roads have been Road Safety Strategy,” he added. completed by Ashghal. The most Al Malki pointed out that after need to reduce deaths in traffic important thing is that despite the the good results achieved by accidents. Speaking to reporters increase in the number of vehicles National Traffic Safety Committee, on the sidelines of the World Day which is more than 1 million and Qatar presented the strategy to the of Remembrance for Road Traffic the population which increased United Nations, especially the Victims (WDR) under the slogan in the past years by about World Health Organization as a ‘Life is not a car part’ held 800,000, Qatar succeed to reduce help to developing countries that recently, Al Malki said that the deaths in traffic accidents. WISE 2019 opens today
FAZEENA SALEEM THE PENINSULA
The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 2019), which opens in Doha today, is designed to spark debate around education challenges and solutions, under the theme ‘UnLearn, ReLearn: What it means to be Human’. WISE, an initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF), has established itself as a global reference in new Stavros N Yiannouka (left), CEO of WISE, and Khalifa E Al Kubaisi, approaches to education, said Media Relations Manager at QF. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA Stavros Yiannouka, CEO of WISE, while speaking to the media yesterday. established itself as a global ref- mandate and these reports is to He also said that WISE, which erence in new approaches to help policy makers and we want has positively influenced the education. to share the content with them,” global education sector over the Through both the biennial said Yiannouka. The ‘Unlearn years by giving innovative solu- Summit and a range of ongoing Maze’ created by Qatari cartoonist tions, will gather more than 2,000 programmes, WISE is promoting Abdul Yousef, within the WISE educators, decision-makers, and innovation and building the future Majlis highlights the WISE 2019 influential experts from the public of education through theme ‘UnLearn, ReLearn: What and private sectors from over 100 collaboration. it means to be Human.’ countries during the summit. Around 15, pre Summit events “WISE 2019 encourage people “The WISE community has were held yesterday. The WISE to relearn and unlearn the things grown significantly and has been Majlis, based on the traditional they already know and challenge able to make a positive impact on Arabic ‘majlis’ gathering space for themselves. And to see the arti- global education,” said meeting is a main feature of WISE. ficial as a tool rather than a threat Yiannouka. The WISE Majlis, a central gath- to the future. This is reflected in A highlight of the summit will ering and exhibition space all activities of the WISE Majlis,” be the announcement of the 2018 encourages participants to know said Khalifa E Al Kubaisi, QF WISE Prize for Education Laureate about trending ideas and topics Media Relations Manager, duirng tomorrow during the opening cer- through hands-on labs and cre- a media tour of the WISE Majlis. emony. Also six successful inno- ative installations. “We are expecting a high vative projects that are addressing WISE Majlis is also the focal number of students from schools global educational challenges will point for the WISE research in Qatar to attend, which is a good receive the WISE Awards 2019 authors of eight reports including sign because they begin to earn during the summit. on Promoting Youth Well-Being early and realize the challenges,” Qatar Foundation, under the Through Health and Education: he added. leadership of Chairperson, H H Insights and Opportunities, Global The WISE Majlis has hands- Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, estab- Sport Development Systems and on labs and creative installations. lished WISE, an international, Athletes’ Access to Education and The four learning labs are multi-sectoral platform for cre- The Pursuit of Institutional Excel- expected to receive more than ative thinking, debate and pur- lence: Case studies from Qatar. 1000 students from 36 schools poseful action in 2009. WISE has “Research is part of our over two days. 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 Minister of Justice meets IDLO officials Ooredoo sees strong demand for innovative ICT solutions THE PENINSULA/DOHA Officer, said: “We are seeing Services portfolio includes a strong demand for our wide wide range of solutions, such as Ooredoo, the region’s leading range of complete ICT solutions, Colocation, Infrastructure as a enabler of digital business inno- which can enable Qatar’s organ- Service, Cloud Backup, Managed vation, is seeing strong demand isations to thrive in the digital Software services, Disaster on its portfolio of ICT solutions world. Thanks to our fully digi- Recovery, Azure Stack Public that can advance the digital tised ICT portfolio, organisations Cloud, and WallPost ERP. Organ- transformation of Qatar’s organ- can enhance their services, and isations can rest assured that isations. transform their customer expe- these advanced solutions are Ooredoo has received strong riences. As Qatar’s leading ICT offered locally on Ooredoo’s Tier feedback from its business cus- provider, we are supporting 3-certified Qatar Data Centre, tomers across its ICT product Qatar National Vision 2030’s with data remaining in Qatar. platforms: IoT, Data Centre and economic transformation goals.” Ooredoo’s team of experts is Cloud Services, Managed Ooredoo’s IoT portfolio can on-hand for 24/7 support for Security Services, and Collabo- provide its business customers organisations. ration. These ICT solutions lev- with the tools that they need to Organisations adopting erage Ooredoo’s industry- enhance performance and oper- Managed Security Services can leading Supernet incl. ultra-fast ational efficiency, track assets, leverage a team of security 5G mobile network services, and optimise costs. Among the experts to manage the solutions, superior fibre footprint and numerous solutions in our IoT including: Security Operations The Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al broadband access, and a wide Portfolio are IoT Connect, Fleet Centre, Security Monitoring and Nuaimi, met yesterday with Director of Programs at International Development Law Organization (IDLO), range of new and enhanced Management, Asset Man- Advanced Security services, Dis- Erwin van der Borght and Senior Program Coordinator for Middle East and North Africa Unit at IDLO, business connectivity agement, Connecting Things, tributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Nancy Fashho on the occasion of their visit to the country. The meeting discussed the legal cooperation solutions. Smart Waste Management, and protection, Cloud, Web, and between the State of Qatar and IDLO, and the exchange of experiences in various aspects of legal work Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Industrial Metering. Email Security, and Web Appli- to promote the rule of law and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Ooredoo Qatar Chief Operations The Data Centre and Cloud cation Firewall. Katara Cultural Village launches award for inventors
THE PENINSULA Nominations for the award will be Awards will be given He pointed out that the award citizens and residents because transforming them into reality in DOHA accepted until November 30, 2019, to the best three is aimed at supporting the cultural Katara wants to invite the best the form of projects. The award through the official website of the inventions and programmes offered by Katara. ideas. The innovation shall not be also seeks to motivate inventors Katara Cultural Village has award - www.kataraideas.com. A projects and winners “The areas of the award are expensive and shall be easy to and creators and encourage young announced the launch of a new panel of judges, which includes limited to providing innovative implement and operate. people in particular to engage in award, the Katara Award for experts, will evaluate the entries will be announced ideas that serve this cultural space, “As for innovation in the field the creative economy, and thus Inventors, as part of its continuing and decide the winners. The par- and conferred prizes and the development of its outputs of projects and activities, the idea enhance the intellectual capital. efforts to promote talent and ticipation in the competition is at Qatar National to the community in the fields of or the project should take into With regard to innovation in contribute positively to the available for those above 18 years Day, which falls on culture, tourism, heritage, sports, consideration the customs and tra- the field of projects, the idea should betterment of culture and the of age. arts and literature etc.,” he said. ditions of the Qatari society and be innovative and be compatible society. Awards will be given to the December 18. Al Sulaiti stressed that the cre- should not be out of it. The ideas with Katara terms of reference, and The annual award, which will best three inventions and projects ative field has become a key sector should add to the vision and must take into account the customs be announced in December every and winners will be announced develop a spirit of creativity, inno- in the national economies of coun- current activities of Katara and be and traditions of the society. year, aims to support and motivate and conferred prizes at Qatar vation, and invention in the Qatari tries. Moreover, the intellectual compatible with the programmes Katara believes that involving innovators and creators and National Day, which falls on society and seeks to stimulate property has a huge influence on of the cultural district,” Khaled Al community members to present encourage people, especially the December 18. The Katara Cultural talents and capabilities, in addition the global economic output in the Sayed said. their ideas and projects is one of young people, to participate in an Village will implement the winning to being an investment for the past few years. The vision of the award is to the most successful ways to innovative economy. inventions and projects, while pre- progress of the society,” said Dr The Supervisor of the Katara encourage creators to hone their improve the performance of any The participation in the award serving the intellectual rights of the Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Award for Inventors, Khalid Abdul talents and skills, and help them organization that aspires to competition is open to both cit- owners. General Manager, Katara Cultural Rahim Al Sayed, said that the recognize the value of their imag- maintain leadership and izens and residents of Qatar. “This new award aims to Village. award is open to both Qatari ination and dreams by excellence. WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 HOME 07 HMC implements innovative gene therapy to treat congenital spinal muscular atrophy
THE PENINSULA of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics DOHA said HMC becoming the second center outside North America to Hamad Medical Corporation offer the innovative therapy is a (HMC) has become the second significant achievement. healthcare organisation outside “Spinal muscular atrophy the United States and Canada to (SMA) is a genetic disorder and a treat children with congenital leading cause of death in children spinal muscular atrophy using a under two years of age. The new gene therapy. disease is characterized by A team of doctors at Hamad weakness and atrophy in the General Hospital administered the muscles used for movement, innovative gene therapy to two breathing, and swallowing. Spinal The officials of the Ministry of Public Health and Public Health England after signing the memorandum pediatric patients diagnosed with muscular atrophy can be pre- of understanding, yesterday. the congenital disease, yesterday. vented through premarital A single dose of the newly intro- screening and genetic testing Dr Abdulla Al Ansari duced medication was injected before commencing IVF treatment into each patient and will be fol- for couples with a family history MoPH signs MoU with PHE lowed by a prescribed therapeutic need, regardless of cost. of the condition,” said Dr plan, as per the internationally “We wish a speedy recovery Ben-Omran. approved protocol. to these children. I would like to “This highly advanced THE PENINSULA Dr. Al Thani said: “This MoU helps bolster Qatar has become the second highlight the efforts of HMC’s treatment involves the one-time DOHA cooperation in public health fields between country outside North America to clinical teams who provide care intravenous administration of a the State of Qatar and England and comes provide the new treatment, which for, and treatment of, all patients healthy and functional gene which The Ministry of Public Health in line with MoPH’s keenness to establish is said to cost $2.1m a dose and is with this condition. In the past, we is delivered by a vector (a vehicle (MoPH) has signed a memo- being provided to Qatari pediatric have provided spinal muscular for delivering genetic material) to randum of understanding with distinguished partnerships in health fields patients free of charge. atrophy patients with the latest target the cause of SMA. The gene Public Health England (PHE) on to create new prospects of cooperation that Dr Abdulla Al Ansari, Acting treatment available. The cost of therapy improves the response of the sideline of the first Qatar leads to ongoing enhancement of technical and Chief Medical Officer at HMC said, that medication was QAR the child’s motor neurons. Dosage Public Health Conference, scientific aspects of public health services.” “The application of this new gene 500,000 per dose, and each of treatment is determined based yesterday. therapy only six months after its patient required several doses. on the child’s weight,” added Dr The MoU, which aims at approval by the Food and Drug With the emergence of this new Ben-Omran. boosting bilateral relations in the helps bolster cooperation in signing this MoU, stressing that Administration (FDA) in the United drug, which was approved by the The proper dose of gene field of public health services public health between the State it will benefit for both sides States reiterates HMC’s resolve FDA only 6 months ago, we therapy has been successfully and facilitating communication of Qatar and England and it by enhancing cooperation in and commitment to making the immediately sought to obtain it administered to two patients, between the concerned author- comes in line with MoPH’s the fields of public health, latest and most effective medica- for the benefit of our patients, noting the patients are 17 and 18 ities in both the countries on all keenness to establish distin- especially in priority areas in tions available to patients.” despite its high price. HMC will months old. Prior to the intro- public health issues. guished partnerships in health an ongoing and efficient Dr Al Ansari extended grat- always put its patients first and duction of the new gene therapy, It was signed by the Director fields to create new prospects of manner. itude to H H the Amir, the wise will always remain committed to the two patients had been treated of Public Health, Sheikh Dr. cooperation that leads to The MoU will also enhance cabinet, and H E the Minister of providing them with the best and with repetitive spinal injections, Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, ongoing enhancement of tech- existing cooperation between Public Health, for their ongoing latest treatments,” added Dr Al a cumbersome procedure, but the and M Duncan Salbie cpo and nical and scientific aspects of the two countries in exchanging support of the healthcare sector Ansari. new therapy is thought to be safer PHE Deputy Director, Dr. Jenifer public health services.” expertise, academic activities, and enabling HMC to provide its Dr Tawfeg Ben-Omran, Senior and more effective in the man- Smith. Dr. Jenifer Smith has scientific research as well as patients with the medications they Consultant, Pediatrics, and Head agement of the disease. Dr. Al Thani, said: “This MoU expressed his pleasure at treatment abroad. PISQ hosts Initiative to recycle used batteries launched SIDI MOHAMED workshop THE PENINSULA
Under the slogan “Together on career for a Clean Environment” an initiative for the recycling of used batteries launched, counselling yesterday, by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment THE PENINSULA and Al Meera Consumer DOHA Goods Company. Mariam Lachin, Associate Director of The initiative has been A special workshop on career coun- Admissions at GU-Q, speaking at the launched at Al Qatifiya branch selling was organised at Pakistan Inter- workshop. of Al Meera and will see national School Doha (PISQ) for placement of used battery col- students of class XII recently. opportunities is Georgetown University, lection, which will in its initial The workshop was conducted by Doha Qatar. phase be carried out in bins Mariam Lachin, Associate Director of Mariam further highlighted the pros across 10 branches, and then Admissions at Georgetown University of studying at Georgetown University. will expand further to other Qatar. She works closely with local high She guided the students through the branches subsequently. schools to recruit and counsel application and decision making The Director of Recycling prospective and admitted students. process. and Waste Treatment Saeed Mohammed Al Nabit (second left), Executive Director for Administrative Affairs and Human Mariam also coordinates campus Mariam informed the students Department at the Ministry of Resources at Al Meera, with other employees of Al Meera, during the launch of Battery Recycling programmes, including annual yield about the procedures and formalities Municipality and Envi- Initiative at the Al Qatifiya branch of Al Meera, yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA events and admissions workshops, in required to get into Georgetown Uni- ronment, Eng. Hamad Al topics covering personal statement versity including various entrance Bahar, and Executive Director from used batteries and bring “This initiative will include National Vision 2030 and the writing and college interviews. examinations. At the end, the students for Administrative Affairs and them to Al Meera branches for 48 branches of Al Meera Ministry’s Sustainable Strategy During the workshop, Mariam used participated enthusiastically in question Human Resources at Al Meera, disposal in designated bins. branches in the country out of 2018-2022. a power point presentation to highlight answer session. This was an extremely Saeed Mohammed Al Nabit, Eng. Hamad Al Bahar said: 51 branches,” said Al Bahar Al Nabit affirmed the the benefits of education abroad. She enriching experience and the students and a number of officials from “Battery recycling is very adding that the launch of the keenness of Al Meera to support also explained the current scenario of who attended this workshop, wished the Ministry and Al Meera important to prevent the poten- initiative comes within in the various initiatives that con- student exchange programmes and to be a part of such workshops in the Company attended the event. tially hazardous metals, they framework of the Ministry’s tribute to the preservation of the employment opportunities. She future as well. We are sure students feel Customers and companies may contain, from damaging the goals and is represented by the environment in coordination explained the admission process at they can ‘stay ahead of the curve’ with can now clean their homes environment, reduce waste from Recycling and Waste with the MME to spread Georgetown University and suggested opportunities such as these to enlighten and offices, especially junk going to the landfills, and con- Treatment Department to awareness and environmental that the best place for availing these them. drawers, closets and garages serve natural resources.” achieve the objectives of Qatar education. ACS International School Doha announces new five-year education strategy
THE PENINSULA more about ACS’s journey in Doha and “Teaching is ever changing, complex DOHA the key learning concepts it brings to the and essential. At ACS, we recognise our nation’s educational sector. globalised world is always evolving and ACS International School Doha has Additionally, the ACS strategy intro- tailor our students’ experience to make announced a new five-year education duces new career-ready education them ready for tomorrow, today. Through strategy that builds on a unique educa- pathways for students in entrepre- some of the initiatives Dr Harrison men- tional approach to get its students ready neurship and business, health and tions, through to the delivery of the first to succeed in a complex world filled with medical sciences, communications and US College Board Advanced Placement both challenges and opportunities. media, and government and diplomacy, programs in an authentically interna- The strategy calls for a world-class and creative technologies. These will be tional context, we strive to develop civic education system that equips students built through lasting relationships with engagement and community service that to achieve their aspirations by becoming leading educational, cultural and industry allows our students to become effective truly global thinkers. Driven by the rapid leaders in Qatar, as well as friends of ACS agents of change,” said Robert Cody, globalisation of societies and economies, around the world. Head of School. international education has evolved The pathways will inspire students In August 2020, ACS Doha will move quickly over the last twenty years. to connect, explore and develop their to a new state-of-the-art, purpose-built The announcement was made at a own interests. ACS promotes personal campus, with open, light-filled spaces to recent media gathering at ACS Doha, fea- and academic challenge through service inspire exploration, innovation and col- turing keynote speakers Dr Robert Har- learning, workplace experience, co-cur- laboration for more than 2,000 students. rison, ACS Education Strategy Director; ricular and extracurricular activities. Its Like ACS’s three UK campuses near Robert Cody, Head of School and Caroline ACS strategy introduces new career-ready education pathways for students in internationally-recognised qualifications London, the new school in Doha will Rennie, Deputy Head of School. entrepreneurship and business, health and medical sciences, communications help students prepare for advanced post- embody the group’s longstanding values The event allowed attendees to learn and media, and government and diplomacy, and creative technologies. secondary study and challenging careers. and its consistent educational vision. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 US support for Israeli settlements renews ESTABLISHED IN 1996 focus on core issue in Mideast conflict
CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI STEPHEN FARRELL & JEFFREY HELLER [email protected] REUTERS
ACTING MANAGING EDITOR srael’s ruling right-wing gov- MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED ernment yesterday moved swiftly [email protected] to embrace Washington’s backing Ifor Israeli settlements, even as Palestinians and Arab leaders said it DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR was a threat to the international rule MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI of law. [email protected] Monday’s announcement by Sec- retary of State Mike Pompeo aban- doned the position that settlements in Israeli-occupied territory were Palestinian press members, closing their left eyes with hands, gather to stage “inconsistent with international law”, a demonstration to protest against Israeli oppressions and violations towards reversing a position taken by the journalists, in Gaza City. United States under President Jimmy EDITORIAL Carter in 1978. intervening period has seen repeated Trump-appointed US Ambassador to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin postponement of the White House’s Israel, said on Twitter that Pompeo’s Netanyahu lost no time in making “Deal of the Century” peace plan. announcement would “advance the Growing Qatar-Armenia ties political capital out of the Trump has also made a succession cause of peace” by creating a “level announcement, as he struggles to of pro-Israeli initiatives. playing field” for future talks. mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received remain in power following two incon- These include US recognition of To many Israeli settlers, the US the visiting President of Armenia, Armen Sarikissian, clusive Israeli elections and possible Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017, move simply recognised the status of Aat the Amiri Diwan yesterday. They discussed bilateral criminal prosecution over corruption moving the US embassy to the city in settlements they regard as permanent. relation and ways to develop them through cooperation in charges, which he denies. 2018 and cuts in US aid to Palestinians. “From the sea to the Jordan more areas, especially in the fields of economy, trade, “I admit that I am very moved,” In March, Trump recognised Israel’s River, it belongs to the people of investment, agriculture, tourism and food security. During Netanyahu said as he visited the Etzion annexation of the Golan Heights, cap- Israel,” said Zomi Osi, a settler the meeting the two leaders exchanged views on a number bloc of settlements in the Israeli- tured from Syria in 1967. speaking near the new settlement of issues of common concern. The visit of the President of occupied West Bank. Hagit Ofran, Settlements Watch neighbourhood Ramat Givat Zeev, Armenia, who arrived in Doha on Sunday, is aimed at “The Trump administration has Director of the left-wing Israeli group which is expanding along a valley in exploring new realms of cooperation with Qatar, especially corrected a historic injustice,” Peace Now, said there were 430,000 the West Bank. But yards away in viable opportunities in economic and investment sectors. Netanyahu said. “This is a very great settlers in the West Bank and 200,000 Beit Ijza, overlooking Ramat Givat The visit is a manifestation of the growing friendly rela- day for the State of Israel and an in East Jerusalem, living in 132 settle- Zeev and an Israeli highway built tions between Qatar and Armenia. achievement that will stand for gener- ments and 121 unofficial settlement through the West Bank, retired Pales- Qatar’s relations with Armenia have been growing in ations.” Some Israeli analysts said the outposts. About 3 million Palestinians tinian villager Mahmoud Salem said many sectors since November 5, 1997. Visits by senior leaders announcement had little practical live throughout the West Bank. nothing could change the fact that the of Armenia, notably the visits of former Armenian Presidents effect - with settlement building “If you want to know what the Deal land was Palestinian. Robert Kocharyan in 2002 and Serz Sargsyan in 2009 and already in evidence under a of the Century plan was, we know what “He (Trump) doesn’t own it, he has 2017 augmented the mutually beneficial ties between the Netanyahu it is now,” said Ofran after Pompeo’s no right to give it to anybody and he two countries. In the course of their rising cooperation, both government, announcement. “It is to say to the Pal- can’t force its owners to leave it,” he countries have signed several agreements and memoranda as it had been estinians ‘you are not going to get any said. In Gaza, where Israeli withdrew of understanding related to the establishment of a joint min- since the area of your basic demands and rights’.” The soldiers and settlers in 2005, Palestinian isterial committee, avoiding double taxation and preventing was captured speed and consistency of the response student Fatima Attallaa stood outside a financial evasion, trade, eco- from Jordan by Palestinian officials suggested they building that was once part of the Israeli nomic and technical cooper- Monday’s in the 1967 are familiar with headline-grabbing settlement Neve Dekalim, saying she ation, encouraging mutual pro- announcement war. In Trump initiatives and have decided to looked forward to the day when the tection of investments, cooper- by Secretary of Geneva, the frame them in a wider context. West Bank was also free of settlers. ation in the fields of culture, State Mike Pompeo UN human “The bias of the Trump adminis- “The American decision is void,” Qatar’s diplomacy agriculture and tourism. rights office tration towards the most extreme in she said. “Settlements will be removed. has been growing President Sarikissian abandoned the said the set- Israel blinds it from seeing the basic We are at a university that was once a by leaps and praised the distinguished rela- position that tlements principles of international law and settlement and today it is Al-Aqsa bounds exploring tions between the two countries settlements in remain in consensus,” said Palestinian Prime University.” during the opening of the new Israeli-occupied breach of Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on Wider Arab and Muslim reaction and developing headquarters of the Armenian international Twitter. Palestinian Ambassador to the was equally condemnatory. influential Embassy in Doha on Monday, territory were law, echoing United Nations Riyad Mansour said he Arab League Secretary-General and mutually which was followed by a “inconsistent with a position was consulting other nations at the Ahmed Aboul Gheit said such an respectful meeting with the Armenian international law”, taken by the Security Council to “lobby a unified “unfortunate change” in the American community in Qatar. International international position to confront the position would not bring Israel relations with Armenia is one of the most reversing a position Court of American illegal announcement security, peace or normal relations countries big and advanced countries in the erst- taken by the United Justice in an regarding settlements”. with Arab countries. Egyptian state small across the while Soviet Union in the field States under advisory Diana Buttu, a former legal news agency MENA quoted him as of technology, which is the President Jimmy opinion in adviser to the Palestine Liberation saying it would “push the legions of world. backbone of modern economy 2004. Israel Organization, said the US decision had Israeli settlers to practise more vio- for which investment is the main Carter in 1978. disputes this, been decades in the making. lence and brutality against the Pales- catalyst. While in the pre-inde- and “Each US administration, since tinian population.” pendence period, the Armenian economy depended on the Netanyahu has cited historical and Reagan, has pandered to Israel on set- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut manufacturing of chemical, electronics, machinery, food biblical links to the West Bank in sup- tlements,” she told Reuters. Cavusoglu said on Twitter: “No processing, textiles and synthetic rubber to a large extent, porting Jewish settlement. “I get the sense from the Pales- country is above international law” in post-independence phase, the country developed a Palestinians say settlements jeop- tinian leadership’s responses that they and “fait accompli style declarations” modern industrial sector based on exporting machinery, ardise their goal of a state in the West believe this issue has to be framed as had no validity. Jordan’s foreign min- textiles and other manufactured goods, offering several Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jeru- not just about ‘us’ but about the world ister, Ayman Safadi, said a US change opportunities for investors. Armenia also has a vibrant salem as its capital. order that people believe in... when of position on settlements would have mining industry with gold, copper, zinc and lead deposits. Although President Donald Trump you go down this path it isn’t just “dangerous consequences”. Calling the Qatar’s diplomacy has been growing by leaps and told Netanyahu in early 2017 that he about Palestine, this affects Crimea settlements illegal, he said they killed bounds exploring and developing influential and mutually would “like to see you hold back on and other places around the world.” prospects for a Palestinian state respectful relations with countries big and small across the settlement for a little bit”, the David Friedman, the existing side-by-side with Israel. world. Qatar has been highly successful in making its voice heard in international forums and its contributions to the world bodies such as the United Nations has been bene- ficial to several global causes bringing in much needed relief Strengthen Japan-US-South Korea defence cooperation especially for the less privileged countries. The fact that Qatar has witnessed an unprecedented number of visits by JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI South Korea from the list of nations eli- responding to the new type of missile. leaders of several countries to Qatar in the recent past is a gible for preferential treatment in the Another pressing issue is how to respond proof of the country’s standing in the world, which is growing iven the deteriorating security form of simplified export management if Japan is attacked with many missiles on a daily basis. The visit by the President of Armenia is the environment in East Asia, it is safe procedures, he reiterated his nation’s simultaneously. Japan and the United latest by a leader of a foreign country to Qatar. to say that defense cooperation demand for Japan to make concessions. States are striving to jointly develop an Gamong Japan, the United States The reason for Japan’s decision to delist interceptor missile capable of dealing and South Korea has become even more South Korea was deficiencies in that with various missiles. The United States important. On the sidelines of an interna- country’s export framework. South has deployed the Terminal High Altitude tional conference in Thailand, the defense Korea’s position, using the GSOMIA to Area Defense (THAAD) system at US QUOTE OF THE DAY ministers of the three nations held talks in oppose the decision, is unreasonable. forces locations in South Korea. The which they issued a joint statement If the agreement expires, information THAAD shares radar systems with US The United States expressing their efforts to promote defense about North Korean missile launches will forces in Japan. It is important to shore declaration that it will cooperation. Amid an increased threat be exchanged via the United States. This up a framework for cooperation among no longer regard Israeli posed by North Korea, it was timely for the could make it difficult to swiftly share the three nations, thereby steadily ministers to confirm their nations’ cooper- pertinent information. With such an heightening their radar-based surveil- settlements in the ation in the field of security. impact in mind, South Korea should lance and intercept capabilities. Palestinian territories South Korea’s uncompromising retract its plan to scrap the accord. Maintaining wariness toward China as illegal has no validity stance is disturbing to the trilateral rela- Since May, North Korea has launched must not be neglected, either, as that in international law. tionship. The Japanese and South Korean ballistic and other missiles on 12 occa- country is proceeding with its military defense ministers discussed the bilateral sions. They include a new type of missile buildup. China has deployed missiles with No country is above General Security of Military Information that flies at a low altitude, following an various ranges. China was not party to the international law. Agreement (GSOMIA), which will soon irregular flight path immediately before framework of the US-Russia Interme- expire under the current circumstances. falling into the ocean. diate-Range Nuclear Force Treaty, which Mevlut Cavusoglu However, the South Korean minister did Japan’s interceptor system is based restricted the two nations’ missile Turkish Foreign Minister not change his nation’s intention to on the presumption of targeting missiles strength. In some respects, this seems to abolish the accord. taking a parabolic flight path. It cannot have enabled China to reinforce its missile Criticizing Japan’s action of removing be said that the system is rock-solid in capabilities. WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 OPINION 09 Abenomics virtuous cycle lacks traction as milestone looms
xplore what’s moving the aimed to secure solid growth, gen- that has battered exporters, sug- global economy in the new erate stable inflation and reinvigorate gesting that a domestic engine of season of the Stephanomics Japan’s companies. Most of the heavy growth is in place. Epodcast. Subscribe via Apple lifting has been done by the Bank of Yet a virtuous cycle of rising cor- Podcast, Spotify or Pocket Cast. Japan as the constraints of two sales porate profits that feed into higher As Shinzo Abe approaches the tax increases effectively tightened the wages, consumer spending and The political stability of milestone of becoming Japan’s government’s purse strings. inflation still appears to be in low YOSHIAKI NOHARA Prime Minister Shinzo longest-serving premier later this Nearly seven years into the gear. Meanwhile, progress remains Abe’s administration has BLOOMBERG week, his namesake economic program, prices are rising, Japanese limited on structural reforms aimed at strategy still lacks traction despite firms are making more money and making Japanese firms more compet- provided key support for progress in supporting growth. the jobless rate is near a 27-year low. itive and better utilizing the economic economic growth under Since Abe returned as premier in In 2019 the economy has continued to potential of women. Abenomics amid a spread December 2012, Abenomics has expand despite a global downturn A huge push by the BOJ to gen- of political uncertainty erate 2% inflation in around two years has segued into a long-haul battle as around the world. price growth has stayed stubbornly Pending issues are the low. That problem isn’t isolated to Bank of Japan’s balance Japan, given the downward pressure on prices from globalization, e-com- sheet—now larger in merce and cheaper commodities. But size than Japan’s GDP— the reluctance among consumers and delays in putting the companies to accept higher prices primary balance on track after years of falling prices is specific to Japan. to reach a surplus, and The central bank’s massive bond a lack of labor market buying campaign to fuel inflation has reform. landed the BOJ with a pile of assets that’s bigger than the size of the world’s third-largest economy. In 2016 it changed tack to focus more on large factor behind the tightness of interest rates than asset purchases, the labor market lies with Japan’s but negative rates and low bond yields falling and aging population. have squeezed banks and life What Bloomberg’s Economist insurers, adding to the impression Says that the central bank is running out of “The political stability of Prime ammunition. Minister Shinzo Abe’s adminis- Still, the BOJ’s stimulus has con- tration has provided key support tributed to one of the key successes of for economic growth under Abe- Abenomics: a weaker yen. The more nomics amid a spread of political favorable exchange rate has delivered uncertainty around the world. record corporate profits and higher Pending issues are the Bank of stock prices, leading to more capital Japan’s balance sheet—now larger spending, larger dividends and more in size than Japan’s GDP— delays in share buybacks. putting the primary balance on Abe and the Global Upswing: track to reach a surplus, and a lack Charting Japan’s Economic Recovery of labor market reform.” That’s progress, but companies are still hoarding cash that the gov- ernment would rather see spent on investment and higher wages that can fuel the economy’s virtuous cycle. While economists argue that pay gains of more than 2% are needed to D-RING ROAD reach the inflation target, average POST BOX: 3488 wage gains under Abenomics have DOHA - QATAR averaged just 0.3% through Sep- [email protected] tember this year, according to a Bloomberg calculation based on labor ministry data. That means pay has EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE been falling compared against TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 inflation. FAX: +974 4455 7758 Increasingly, senior government officials, including Abe himself, have MANAGING EDITOR switched the benchmark of Abe- TEL: 4462 7505 nomics’ success away from the inflation goal toward the economy’s DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR generation of jobs. Japan’s jobless rate TEL: 4455 7769 is lower than 37 other countries in a quarterly OECD survey, though a LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743
BUSINESS NEWS SECTION ne cold night in October, we have never ever been suffocated,” regularly exceeds World Health TEL: 4462 7535 Gerel Ganbaatar decided to she explains. Organisation recommendations for stay with her parents in one The Mongolian government is air quality. The government has been SPORT NEWS SECTION of Mongolia’s traditional ger trying to battle dangerous smog levels trying to force low grade coal out of TEL: 4455 7745 O commission to reduce the thick air communities on the outskirts of the in one of the world’s most polluted capital — a decision which would cities by trying to offer replacements pollution that has plagued the city. ONLINE SECTION prove fatal. Within hours of arriving, for raw coal, which produces a dense, And experts say there is evidence TEL: 4462 7501 KHALIUN BAYARTSOGT she and her parents both became dangerous smoke, but is often used by that the move is already having a pos- [email protected] AFP breathless and nauseous. They des- the poor to warm their homes in a itive impact on the environment. place where temperature can Sonomdagva, associate professor PUBLIC RELATIONS plummet to minus 40C. at the National University of Mon- TEL: 4455 7613 Mongolian officials say the bri- golia, said that PM 2.5 — tiny particles [email protected] quettes last longer and emit fewer that get into the lungs and blood- fumes. One nurse at the National stream— had decreased by 40 percent ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Mongolia’s new compared with October last year. Poison Emergency hospital, who TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 “However, an incredibly long and declined to say her name, said she had FAX: 4455 7870 never seen the numbers of carbon warm autumn, plus the usage of the ‘cleaner’ fuel linked [email protected] monoxide poisoning patients so high. new refined fuel, and fear of suffo- “We are working under an cation meaning people use only wood CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT enormous amount of pressure,” she (for fuel) can also be reasons of the 40 to deaths, illness TEL: 4455 7857 says. The city’s emergency unit said percent decrease,” he said. [email protected] issues were easing once people were Byambajargal Losol, a physicist at told the “correct ways to burn the the Mongolian Science Academy, said SUBSCRIPTION & perately called for help -- but by the briquettes”. that he believes the smokeless bri- DISTRIBUTION time medics arrived Gerel, who was They said public service workers quettes are the best way to reduce air TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 four months pregnant, was already were spending time in the ger district pollution -- but that more needs to be FAX: 44557819 dead. to teach people about the new fuel as done to help their safe use. [email protected] The 29-year-old’s parents were well as to report if any raw coal was “People are using briquettes just using smokeless briquettes to warm still being used. like the old raw coal and burning it their home for the first time that night: Its the latest example of govern- the same way,” he said, adding: “The briquettes are thick and compact so Mongolian officials A government-issued fuel -- made of ments in Asia struggling to find a safe, All thoughts and views say the briquettes coking coal from the southern Gobi workable solution to replacing coal, in they require twice as much oxygen to region and washed coal powder -- it a region that is battling toxic levels of burn, compared to raw coal.” expressed in these columns last longer and has been linked to deaths and air pollution. Carbon monoxide poisoning are those of the writers, emit fewer fumes. ill-health. In India, Prime Minister Narendra happens when there is restricted not of the newspaper. One nurse at the Since residents started using the Modi’s promise to provide cooking gas oxygen supply. The state-owned National Poison briquettes in October, there have been connections to millions of rural resi- factory that produces the briquettes seven other deaths -- mainly children, dents has been beset by corruption. said families should also clean their All correspondence Emergency hospital, pregnant women, and the elderly. In neighbouring China, three stoves before burning the new fuel. regarding Views and who declined to say Nearly one thousand have been hos- million homes near Beijing were It has started providing free stove Opinion pages should be her name, said she pitalised in Ulaanbaatar’s outer slum ordered to switch from coal to gas or repair services after issues were high- sent to editor-in-chief had never seen the districts, prompting fears the fuel can electric heating in 2017, but a difficult lighted in the local press. The gov- cause carbon monoxide poisoning. transition left many without any ernment has also promised to dis- office or mailed to the numbers of carbon Gerel’s grieving mother, Jargal- heating at all. tribute free smoke detectors in ger [email protected] monoxide poisoning saikhan Mishigdorj, warns the fuel Ulaanbaatar is the world’s coldest districts. patients so high. should be used with care. capital and only half of the residents While citizens say the briquettes “I have burned coal all of my life, have central heating, and Ulaanbaatar have benefits, some remain wary. 10 GULF / MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 UN: Israeli settlements remain unlawful Arab League said such built on occupied land. an unfortunate change The Arab League criticised in the American the announcement, calling it an “extremely adverse devel- position would not opment.” Arab League Secretary bring Israel security, General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said peace or normal such an “unfortunate change” in relations with Arab the American position would not bring Israel security, peace or countries. It would normal relations with Arab push the legions of countries. Egyptian state news Israeli settlers to agency MENA quoted him as practise more violence saying it would “push the legions of Israeli settlers to practise more Kuwait Amir and brutality against violence and brutality against the the Palestinian Palestinian population.” appoints Sheikh population. The only two Arab states to Sabah Al Khaled have signed peace treaties with Israel — Egypt and Jordan — both AGENCIES as Prime Minister sharply criticised the US change GENEVA/RAMALLAH of policy, with Jordanian Foreign AGENCIES Minister Ayman Safadi warning KUWAIT The UN human rights office of its “dangerous reaffirmed its long-standing consequences”. Amir of Kuwait H H Sheikh position yesterday that Israeli An Israeli bulldozer demolishing Palestinian houses near Al Arub camp, on the outskirts of the West The direct impact on the Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al settlements in occupied Pales- Bank town of Hebron, yesterday. ground may be limited but ana- Sabah issued an Amiri order tinian territory are in breach of lysts say it will further embolden yesterday appointing H H international law, thereby the settlement movement and Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al rejecting the Trump adminis- may fend off potential legal Hamad Al Sabah (pictured), as tration’s revised position. US opinion on settlements not valid: Turkey and Russia moves against Israel. Prime Minister of Kuwait, The United States on Monday AFP/ISTANBUL The Palestinian Authority -- official Kuwait News Agency effectively backed Israel’s right a US decision to effectively back Israel’s right to which considers the US biased (Kuna) reported. to build Jewish settlements in the Turkey said yesterday the United States decla- build Jewish settlements in the occupied West and has rejected the Trump Kuna said Sheikh Sabah Al occupied West Bank by aban- ration that it will no longer regard Israeli settle- Bank undermined the legal basis for a settlement administration as a mediator if Khalid, who has been Kuwait’s doning its four-decade-old ments in the Palestinian territories as illegal has of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. peace talks are ever revived — foreign minister since 2011, was position that they were “incon- no validity in international law. Foreign Ministry condemned the change of denounced the latest decision. sworn in in front of the Amir sistent with international law”. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu policy in a statement yesterday, warning the move Chief negotiator Saeb Erekat hours later. “A change in the policy wrote on Twitter that such declarations “shall would escalate tensions in the region. said the Palestinians would take In line with the order, position of one state does not have no validity with respect to international law”. Moscow’s stance is that such settlements on a series of measures to oppose Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled will be modify existing international law “No country is above international law,” he said. Palestinian territory are illegal under interna- the move. “We began delibera- tasked with nominating nor its interpretation by the Inter- Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that tional law, it said. tions in the UN to present a draft members of the cabinet and national Court of Justice and the resolution in the Security providing a list of names to His (UN) Security Council,” UN human Council,” he said. Highness the Amir for approval. rights spokesman Rupert Colville Most Israeli politicians and recognising the disputed city of alongside more than three “We expect a (US) veto but Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled will told a Geneva news briefing. media joined settler groups in Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and million Palestinians. we will do it. Let the United execute the order and notify the Israelis hailed a US welcoming the announcement recognising Israeli sovereignty The statement puts the States veto international law. National Assembly of the announcement that it no longer made by US Secretary of State over the Golan Heights, seized United States at odds with vir- “We are going to the UN process. The order will take considers settlements in the West Mike Pompeo on Monday. from Syria in the Six-Day War of tually the whole of the rest of the General Assembly and we will effect on the date of issue and Bank and annexed east Jeru- The decision is the latest in 1967. international community and ask... the International Criminal will be published in the official salem illegal, but the Palestinians a series of pro-Israeli moves by More than 600,000 Israelis breaks with UN Security Council Court to open an official judicial newspaper. pledged fresh measures to Donald Trump’s administration live in settlements in east Jeru- resolutions declaring the settle- investigation with Israeli officials Kuwait has the most open oppose it yesterday. in recent years, including salem and the West Bank, ments to be illegal as they are concerning settlements.” political system in the Gulf Arab region, with a parliament wielding power to pass legis- Mass protests force Lebanese Amnesty says at least 106 lation and question ministers. dead in Iran protests Kurdish forces parliament to postpone session bomb school in AP/DUBAI Syria, 3 dead REUTERS/BEIRUT SUVs with official plates and that aren’t urgent.” tinted windows to turn back as The economic crisis, rooted Amnesty International, citing “credible reports,” said yesterday it AFP/ISTANBUL Protesters prevented Lebanon’s they approached the building, in years of government waste believes at least 106 people have been killed during protests in Iran parliament from holding its first Lebanese television showed. and corruption, has now filtered over a rise in government-set fuel prices. Kurdish fighters have bombed session in two months yesterday, The vehicles sped away after into the financial system which Iran’s government, which has not made nationwide numbers a school in northern Syria, escalating a wave of demonstra- they were struck by demon- faces dollar shortages and a available for the toll of the unrest that began on Sunday, did not killing three civilians and tions against rulers blamed for strators chanting “Out, out, out!” weakening of the pegged pound. immediately respond to the report. Amnesty added that it “believes injuring eight others including steering the country towards Parliament postponed the Banks had mostly been closed that the real death toll may be much higher, with some reports sug- children, the Turkish defence economic collapse. session indefinitely. since the protests started. gesting as many as 200 have been killed.” ministry said yesterday. Banks reopened after a one- “This is a new victory for the Though the banking associ- Iran since has shut down the internet and deployed police and Ankara has accused the week closure, with police sta- revolution and we are con- ation on Sunday had agreed a anti-riot forces to quell the unrest. Demonstrations are believed to Kurdish People’s Protection tioned at branches and banks tinuing until we achieve our weekly cap of $1,000 on cash still be going on in the country. Units (YPG), which it labels “ter- applying restrictions on hard cur- goals,” said protester Abdelrazek withdrawals from U.S. dollar Hard-liners meanwhile threatened violent protesters with exe- rorists”, of carrying out rency withdrawals and transfers Hamoud. The session’s agenda accounts, some depositors found cutions by hanging as sporadic demonstrations still gripped pockets bombings in Tal Abyad, one of abroad. The protests erupted last had included reelecting they could only withdraw a lesser of the country over government-set fuel prices rising, unrest a United several once Kurdish-con- month, fuelled by corruption members of parliamentary com- amount. Six customers at Bank Nations agency fears may have killed “a significant number of people.” trolled towns seized by Turkey among the sectarian politicians mittees and discussion of an Audi were told they could only It remains unclear how many people have been arrested, injured last month in a cross-border who have governed Lebanon for amnesty law that would lead to take out a maximum of $300. or killed in the protests that began on Friday and quickly spread offensive. decades. Protesters want to see the release of hundreds of pris- Several customers at BankMed across at least 100 cities and towns in Iran. Authorities shut down Syrian Kurdish fighters the entire ruling class gone from oners. Protesters were angry the were told the cap was $400. internet access to the outside world Saturday, an outage that per- “have now targeted a school in power. MPs were not tackling their A banking source said the sisted Monday across the nation of 80 million people. Tal Abyad’s Curn village. Three Lebanon’s economic demands for reform. $1,000 figure had been set as a Officials also haven’t given any public accounting for the overall innocent civilians died and troubles have increased since Security forces had fanned ceiling and for some customers it toll of the violence. State media showed video of burned Qurans at eight civilians including then. Despite the depth of the out before dawn, shutting down was less depending on the amount one mosque in the suburbs of the capital, Tehran, as well as pro- children were injured,” the economic crisis, the worst since roads around parliament with in their account. “I have an government rallies. Turkish defence ministry wrote the 1975-90 civil war, politicians barbed wire. Police scuffled with account with $8,000 dollars and Absent though in the coverage was an acknowledgement of on Twitter, sharing pictures have been unable to form a new protesters who tried to remove they won’t let me withdraw above what sparked the demonstrations in the first place. Gasoline prices from the attack. government since Prime Minister a barbed wire barricade. Ahmad 300. They told me you can take rising represents yet another burden on Iranians who have suffered Turkey has secured a Saad Al Hariri quit on Oct. 29. Mekdash, a civil engineer, said: $1,000 out only if your account through a painful currency collapse, following President Donald 120km long stretch of border Near parliament yesterday, “They should be meeting right has above $100,000 in it,” said Trump’s unilateral withdrawal of America from Iran’s 2015 nuclear land including Tal Abyad, under gunfire was heard as several now to form a new cabinet and Bank Audi customer Charif deal with world powers, and the re-imposition of crippling US a deal with Russia and the dozen protesters forced two not to pass laws, especially laws Baalbaki, 43, a copywriter. sanctions. United States. Iraqi protesters reject fresh reform promises
AFP/BAGHDAD a house of gold, that would not help include embattled Prime Minister their case,” she said. “Politicians Adel Abdel Mahdi, proposed a raft Iraqi protesters yesterday brushed are doing the reforms for them- of reforms and new legislation off new government promises of selves, not for us.” including the revamped electoral reform, sceptical that political Protests demanding an law, according to a summary. leaders, and a parliament session overhaul of a political system If the reforms were not com- later in the day, would deliver the deemed by many as inefficient and plete within 45 days, the top sweeping change they demand. corrupt have rocked Baghdad and leaders pledged to call for early Lawmakers were scheduled to the Shia-majority south since parliamentary elections or meet in the evening to discuss a October 1. The movement con- withdraw legitimacy from gov- cabinet reshuffle, a draft new elec- tinues to gain momentum despite ernment, or both. toral law and other changes, but government pledges of reform and The priority for most political activists in Baghdad’s Tahrir (Lib- a violent crackdown that has left parties has been amending the eration) Square gave them little more than 330 people dead. country’s electoral law, but pro- credence. Late Monday, President testers have snubbed the sugges- “The trust between the people Barham Saleh met with the pres- tions. “Whether they amend it or and the political class has eroded,” ident of Iraqi Kurdistan, Nechirvan not, the same figures will still said Khayriya, a woman in her Barzani, leaders from the Hashed return,” said Haydar, 25, at Tahrir sixties with an Iraqi tricolour Al Shaabi paramilitary network Square. “It is a game of chess — Iraqi protesters gather over Al Ahrar bridge during ongoing anti-government demonstrations wrapped around her neck. and former premiers. they will just move the pieces in Baghdad, yesterday. “Even if they offer every Iraqi The gathering, which did not around,” he said. WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 AFRICA 11
Four Nigerian 24 Malian soldiers martyred in militant attack troops dead in AFP The military said lost a hundred soldiers in two French Prime Minister tackle violence in the Sahel. BAMAKO 17 militants were militant attacks in a month in the Edouard Philippe in a visit to He said progress had been militant ambush autumn. neighbouring Senegal on made “on the security situation” Twenty-four Malian soldiers and killed in the clashes Northern Mali fell into the Monday, called on all west and decisions would be AFP 17 militant fighters were killed and a hundred hands of militants in 2012 before African states to help tackle mil- announced on revamping the G5 KANO, NIGERIA in clashes in the east of the more suspects were the militants were forced out by itant groups operating in the regional cooperation force in country, the army said, as a French-led military inter- Sahel. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Militants have killed four security in the west African captured. vention. Since then, however, the “One thing is certain: jihadist France earlier this month Nigerian soldiers and a member nation deteriorates further. border regions of Mali, Niger and groups will benefit, as soon as also announced their troops had of a local self-defence group in Mali and Niger forces were hundred more suspects captured. Burkina Faso have become the they can, from our weaknesses, killed a top militant leader in an ambush in restive northeast carrying out a joint operation The prisoners are in the hands theatre of repeated clashes with from our lack of coordination or Mali, described by the defence Nigeria, security sources said when a patrol was attacked on of Niger soldiers, the statement militant fighters. from our lack of commitment or ministry as the second most- yesterday. Monday by “terrorists” near the said. In an earlier statement, Mali’s army has been strug- training,” said Philippe, at the wanted terrorist in the Sahel. A column of Nigerian troops northeastern town of Tabankort, which gave a lower death toll, gling to contain the insurgency opening of the Dakar Interna- Moroccan Ali Maychou was attacked on Monday by the army said on social media. the army said French and Niger despite help from African neigh- tional Forum on Peace and belonged to the Group to Support fighters aligned to the Islamic According to the military the forces took part in a bours, MINUSMA, the 13,000- Security. French President Islam and Muslims (GSIM) in State group outside the town of total toll was “24 dead, 29 injured counterattack. strong UN peacekeeping mission Emmanuel Macron has pledged Mali, which has claimed respon- Marte in the Lake Chad region, and material damage” while 17 Monday’s action was another in Mali, and former colonial to take decisions “in the coming siblity for some of the biggest the sources said. of the militant were killed and a heavy loss for the army, which power in the region France. weeks” on how France can help attacks in the Sahel. “We lost four soldiers and a vigilante,” said one. The casualties were taken to a nearby base, a second UN warns of mounting source said. Marte, which lies 130km from the regional capital Mai- humanitarian crisis in duguri, has been repeatedly tar- geted by the militants who Africa’s Sahel region attack military bases in the area. AP hunting ground for extremists The Nigerian army said its DAKAR, SENEGAL linked to the Islamic State group forces had thwarted an ambush and Al-Qaida. Burkina Faso saw by militants close to Marte after Ousmane Sawadogo, his wives more attacks in the first half of an “initial setback”, but did not and children recently fled their this year than it did in all of 2018. give any death toll. village in northern Burkina Faso “A dramatic human crisis is “The ambush was rein- because of growing extremist unfolding in Burkina Faso that forced with a crudely prepared violence. After walking 200km has disrupted the lives of mil- Improvised Explosive Device (124 miles) to the regional city of lions,” the WFP’s executive planted by them against the Kaya, they now forage for wild director, David Beasley, said in troops”, army spokesman leaves to survive. a statement. “A third of the Colonel Aminu Iliyasu said in “What we need now is food. country is now a conflict zone.” the statement. Everything else can wait,” WFP teams are seeing mal- The military said troops Sawadogo told the United nutrition levels “pushed well past forced the fighters to “flee in Nations World Food Program. emergency thresholds,” he said. disarray”, abandoning “Once we get food then we “This means young children and equipment including trucks, A group of internally displaced persons gather in the middle of a camp in Pissila, Burkina Faso. will worry about clothes.” new mothers are on the brink. If anti-aircraft guns, automatic The UN yesterday said a the world is serious about saving rifles and ammunition. humanitarian crisis is growing lives, the time to act is now.” said. “We don’t know how long conflict,” Fominyen said. “Then militants. The violence limits Since July last year the in West Africa’s arid Sahel Farmers have been forced to this situation will go on. That’s you are talking about it hap- humanitarian access to people Islamic State West Africa region, where insecurity linked abandon their fields. As commu- why we are raising this alarm.” pening in a place that in itself in need and the poverty con- Province (ISWAP) group has to growing extremist attacks has nities take in displaced people, WFP is assisting more than already has a lot of problems” tributes to the violence, Fom- intensified deadly attacks on forced more than 860,000 already stretched resources are 2.6 million people in Burkina such as drought, poverty, weak inyen said. military targets, raiding bases people in Burkina Faso, Mali and further depleted. Faso, Mali and Niger. It said government, unemployment and The response to the crisis and ambushing troops. Niger to flee their homes. “You are looking at a situ- $150m is urgently needed in a lack of social services. cannot just be about security, he Nearly half a million people ation that is developing into region where some 20 million Extremists exploit those warned. It also must address the have been displaced this year in something really severe, I would people live in conflict-affected troubles while wary commu- root causes and offer viable Nigeria cattle Burkina Faso alone as the land- even say dire,” WFP regional areas. nities turn on each other amid alternatives to joining extremist locked country becomes the new spokesman George Fominyen “The main trigger here is allegations of supporting the groups. gang attacks village, 14 dead
China accuses East Libyan forces target munitions in Misrata with air strikes AFP KANO, NIGERIA Zimbabwe of REUTERS early April. military camps based in Tripoli ority,” he said. BENGHAZI, LIBYA The attempt by Haftar’s and the east since 2014. In recent East Libyan officials had also A gang of cattle thieves killed understating Libyan National Army (LNA) to months the conflict has become warned of escalation after saying 14 people overnight on Sunday East Libya-based forces said they take Tripoli quickly stalled, and increasingly internationalised. on Sunday that Misrata had in a remote village in northwest financial aid had carried out air strikes on the both sides have used drones and The LNA said its strike in seized a Libyan Airlines pas- Nigeria, police said, the latest REUTERS port city of Misrata in the early fighter jets to carry out air strikes Misrata targeted vehicles senger jet that operates from the assault in a long-running series HARARE hours yesterday, targeting amid sporadic fighting. delivered from Turkey that eastern city of Benghazi. of tit-for-tat attacks. armoured vehicles delivered Forces from Misrata have led arrived in Misrata’s port on Misrata is home to the only Police said the bandits were China accused Zimbabwe from Turkey and a munitions the defence of Tripoli, home to Monday, as well as weapons and functioning civilian airport in taking revenge for an earlier yesterday of understating its depot. Libya’s internationally recog- munitions. western Libya. Tripoli’s Mitiga killing of nine suspected gang financial help to the southern The strikes came hours after nised government. Misrata is the Turkey’s foreign ministry airport was shut following air members by local vigilantes in African nation, after budget a deadly air strike on a biscuit second largest city in western said it had no information on the strikes and shelling. a nearby village in Zamfara figures released last week factory in the capital Tripoli, 190 Libya and a major source of matter. Foreign Minister Mevlut The strike on the biscuit state on November 3. showed that major ally Beijing km (118 miles) to the west, that opposition to Haftar. Cavusoglu told parliament on factory in Tripoli was part of an Zamfara police spokesman ranked poorly on the list of the United Nations envoy to Residents said the strikes Monday that Turkey supported escalating air campaign, and Mohammed Shehu said Harare’s foreign donors. Libya said could constitute a war there were unusually powerful international efforts to bring killed at least 10 workers and assailants riding motorcycles Zimbabwe faces its worst crime. and followed by repeated explo- peace to Libya. wounded 35, UN Libya envoy stormed into a remote village economic crisis in a decade, They mark a new escalation sions. Pictures posted on social “We see the establishment Ghassan Salame told the Security overnight Sunday to Monday, which has been exacerbated by in the conflict around Tripoli, media showed a large ball of fire of a lasting ceasefire in Libya and Council in New York on Monday. shooting residents and burning a severe drought. Rolling power where forces loyal to east Libya- over surrounding houses. the continuation of efforts for a Two of those killed were homes. As well as the 14 people cuts and shortages of foreign based commander Khalifa Haftar Libya has been divided political resolution under the Libyan and the rest appeared to who were killed, 10 others were exchange, fuel and medicines have been on the offensive since between rival political and UN’s auspices as a topic of pri- be migrant workers. injured, Shehu said. have made life unbearable for the population of 15 million. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said in a budget South African Airways and statement on Thursday that Zimbabwe received $194m unions resume strike talks from bilateral donors between January and September, the AFP the strike started. “This bulk of the money from JOHANNESBURG afternoon we will again be Western countries. meeting the unions to try and He said China provided South Africa’s flag carrier find common ground,” chair- $3.6m. yesterday resumed talks with woman of the SAA board The Chinese Embassy in unions in a bid to break a Thandeka Mgoduso told Harare disputed the figure, five-day strike that has forced reporters at a press saying in a statement: “This is the cancellation of flights, the conference. very different from the situation airline said. “We are trying everything on the ground.” The embassy Thousands of South African that we can to resolve the said its records showed that Airways (SAA) staff began an current impasse,” she added. bilateral financial support to indefinite strike on Friday after Mgoduso said the talks had Zimbabwe was far greater, at the cash-strapped airline failed so far been cordial. $136.8m between January and to meet a litany of demands, SAA CEO Zuks Ramasia said September. The figure excluded including higher wages and job the unions had introduced new donations to vulnerable groups, in-sourcing. demands that were not part of the embassy said. The strike grounded hun- the original requests. “The embassy wishes that dreds of flights, but by Tuesday “We are open to commu- the relevant departments of the Anti-govt protest in Conakry the airline had resumed partial nicate, we want to talk,” she Zimbabwean government will schedules as some of the 3,000 added. The debt-ridden SAA had Women demonstrate to denounce the repression and to call for justice for the people killed during make comprehensive assess- striking workers had started initially refused to increase sal- mass anti-government protests, in Conakry, Guinea, yesterday. The West African nation of about ments on the statistics of returning to work. aries. It then caved and offered bilateral supports and accu- 13 million people has been shaken by violence during weeks of demonstrations over opposition South Africa’s Public Enter- a 5.9 percent pay rise starting rately reflect its actual situation suspicions that President Alpha Conde is seeking a third term in office, banned by the constitution. prises Minister Pravin Gordhan April next year. But unions are when formulating budget At least 18 civilians and a paramilitary policeman have been killed since October 14. Dozens of people attended the latest round of talks demanding an eight percent hike statement,” the embassy said have been wounded and dozens more arrested. yesterday — the first time the and a three-year guarantee of in the statement. government was involved since job security. 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 Maharashtra: NCP working on rotational CM formula with Sena
IANS Senior leaders of NCP first campaigned for the lin- NEW DELHI and Congress leaders guistic state of Maharashtra, which was followed by Bala- The Nationalist Congress Party, are scheduled to saheb Thackeray. engaged in talks with the meet in New Delhi to Meanwhile, the Congress Congress to forge an alliance decide on the common and the NCP leaders are set to with the Shiv Sena in Mahar- minimum programme meet in the national capital ashtra to form government, is today to discuss the Common working on a formula of rota- (CMP) in the state Minimum Programme for tional chief minister, party before forging an Maharashtra. sources said yesterday. alliance with the Senior Congress leaders This comes a day before the former National Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun scheduled meeting of senior NCP Kharge, KC Venugopal and AK and Congress leaders in the national Democratic Alliance Antony met party’s interim Chief Shah attends BJP parliamentary meeting capital to decide on the common partner. Sonia Gandhi at her residence minimum programme (CMP) in the earlier in the day. A Congress Indian Home Minister Amit Shah (second right) arrives for the Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentary state before forging an alliance with source said when Pawar would meeting in New Delhi, yesterday. the former National Democratic mitment with the Shiv Sena”. meet Sonia Gandhi today, Alliance partner. “We don’t want to be viewed Kharge will lead the talks along An NCP source said the Shiv as opportunist while forging an with Rahul Gandhi’s close aide Sena had demanded rotational alliance. We are discussing the Venugopal along with other Parliament debates toxic air danger chief ministership with the BJP, alliance with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra leaders. and when it was not met, it much broader aspect.” The party source also indi- AP mixes with vehicle emissions and Millions of Hindus use fireworks moved out of the alliance, adding The party source said the cated that NCP was pushing for NEW DELHI construction dust. Earlier this during weddings and religious the NCP, which got only two NCP wants an alliance with Shiv the rotational arrangement for month, the air quality index in New festivals throughout the year. seats less than Shiv Sena in the Sena even in local elections. the top post, but the first term of Parliament yesterday debated the Delhi exceeded 500, about 10 times Opposition lawmakers also state, will also work on the rota- When pressed further over the Chief Ministership is likely to go toxic air threatening the lives of the recommended maximum. demanded that coal-based tional chief minister formula. ideological differences with the to the Shiv Sena. the capital region’s 48 million Yesterday, strong winds power plants switch over to less- The Shiv Sena bagged 56 out Sena, he said, “The Shiv Sena has “The deliberations on power people, with opposition leaders brought the level down to 249, polluting natural gas. of 288 seats in the state while never been a strong supporter sharing will be finalised by the demanding the creation of a according to the state-run Pollution controls have been the NCP won 54 seats. The BJP of Hindutva ideology. In fact it high-powered committee for the parliamentary panel to remedy Central Pollution Control Board. imposed in the Indian capital emerged as the single largest is one of the most liberal and three parties in this week and the the situation on a long-term basis. Tewari and Pinaki Mishra, a region, such as banning some con- party by winning 105 seats. The progressive parties.” final stamp will be put by the In unprecedented discussions lawmaker from the Biju Janata struction to avoid dust, reducing Congress won 44 seats. Citing an example, he said, leaders of all the three parties,” of the issue, the leader of the Dal party, demanded that the traffic and prohibiting the use of Asked about the delay in father of Balasaheb Thackeray the Congress source added. opposition Congress party, Manish government give incentives to diesel generators. But the steps government formation, when the Prabodhankar Thackeray, who The results for the October Tewari, said the federal gov- farmers and provide machines have had little effect because state formula of rotational chief min- was against superstitions and 21 Assembly polls were ernment has let the country’s top to remove farm stubble to stop governments have failed to coop- ister has been worked out, he social evils in India such as announced on October 24. The court take the initiative in deciding the practice of burning fields erate in tackling pollution. said, “We want to speak to all untouchability, child marriage President’s rule was imposed last how to combat the problem. before planting new crops. Data released last year by our alliance partner and take and dowry. Tuesday in the state after the Air pollution in northern India Mishra also demanded a ban the World Health Organization leaders of our parties in confi- The party source said it was BJP, Shiv Sena and the NCP failed peaks in the winter due to smoke on poor-quality firecrackers showed India had 10 of the dence before making any com- Prabodhankar Thackeray who to form the government. from agricultural fires. The smoke with high sulphur content. world’s 20 most polluted cities. Jallianwala Bagh War of words between Amendment Bill passed by government, opposition voice vote in Kerala Assembly IANS NEW DELHI IANS this government not only THIRUVANANTHAPURAM cleared that, but also increased The Rajya Sabha yesterday the pension amount. passed by voice vote the Jalli- The Kerala Assembly yesterday “In the three years of our anwala Bagh National Memorial witnessed an angry exchange of rule, the health and education Amendment Bill, 2019 with words between the treasury and sectors saw huge infusion of minor opposition from few opposition benches besides funds and 5 lakh students came political parties, including the trading of charges against each back to the state-run schools, so Congress. another. was the huge response of the It amends the Jallianwala State Finance Minister public to the state-run health Bagh National Memorial Act, Thomas Issac lost his cool when care system,” said Issac. 1951 and the provision that the senior Congress legislator V D Issac, however, lost his cool, chief of the Congress will be the Sateesan in his speech sought when he was taunted by the ex-officio trustee. It provides an adjournment motion over opposition and said, “you just for nomination of three trustees ‘economic mismanagement’. wait we will soon come out with by the Centre for five years and Sateesan asked Issac to quit, the manner in which you built their renomination as well. saying that he would be held faulty flyovers like the now The central government can responsible for destroying the closed Palarivattom flyover.” now terminate a nominated Fruity treat for elephants economic situation of the state “We have found out how you trustee before the expiry of his/ by engaging in extravagance and have siphoned off crores by Decorated elephants stand in front of tables laden with fruits and vegetables during a Society for her term without assigning any absolute mismanagement of the revising the estimates of several the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals event at a Hindu temple, in Ahmedabad yesterday. reason. state’s finances. bridges and flyovers. Wait, we The Bill clarifies that when “Your performance this time will reveal everything,” said a there is no Leader of the Oppo- compared to the tenure you had peeved Issac. sition in the Lok Sabha, leader in the same job during 2006-11 Hitting back at Issac was of the single largest opposition Cong sweeps Rajasthan civic polls is appalling. We warned you Leader of Opposition Ramesh party will be the trustee. numerous times about the way Chennithala who objected to the Tabling the Bill, Minister of IANS A total of 386 independents credited the victory to Congress you are mismanaging the threats. “You assumed office in State for Culture and Tourism JAIPUR won in the polls, said Chief Electoral workers who he said worked hard finances and it has reached a May 2016 and one of the first Prahlad Singh Patel said, “After Officer Shyam Singh Rajpurohit. to meet people’s expectations. stage of no return with the decisions you took was to scru- 100 years of the Jallianwala The Congress yesterday secured Speaking on the victory, Chief “People have been show- state’s total public debt touching tinise all the cabinet decisions Bagh massacre, everyone a clear edge over its political Minister Ashok Gehlot said: “The ering their blessings continu- Rs2.50 lakh crore, up from taken by the Chandy gov- should have come on board rivals in Rajasthan as its 961 results have come to our expec- ously in all elections looking at Rs1.50 lakh crore in 2016, taking ernment six months before that leaving politics aside and pass candidates won from 2,105 tations. We are happy to see our work. Congress got majority the per capita debt of every Ker- government demitted office. You the Bill.” The Lok Sabha passed wards in local body polls held in people giving us a strong mandate in many units on which I con- alite to Rs72,030, up from were one of the member in that the Bill on August 2, 2019. 49 civic units in 24 districts. yet again looking at our work and gratulate people and Congress.” Rs46,075 (2016),” said committee headed by State Min- Taking part in the debate, Main rival BJP won on 737 performance. We would like to The voting for election of pres- Sateeshan. ister AK Balan and please let us Partap Singh Bajwa (Congress) seats making it the other second solve people’s grievances with pri- idents/chairpersons of munici- Hitting back, Issac said when know, it’s three and a half years said the amendments were big party in the race. The BSP had ority. If people have trusted us, we palities/corporations shall be the Congress government had now, were you able to find at “cynical” and removing the its 16 candidates win while CPI(M) would love to work meeting their held on November 26 while the demitted office in 2016, there least one erroneous decision. So Congress president as ex-officio marked their victory on three seats. expectations and aspirations.” elections for vice-presidents are was around Rs1000 crore in please do not come out with trustee would only destroy the The NCP won two seats in the state. Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on November 27, said Rajpurohit. arrears of the social pension and threats,” said Chennithala. sentiments of the freedom struggle. Requesting for the with- drawal of the Bill, Bajwa urged Pulwama blast: Four JeM associates arrested in Kashmir the government to show mag- nanimity, pay respect to the IANS found the involvement of one in the Airhal area of Pulwama. yesterday informed the Lok were registered from January 1 Congress contribution in the SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI person, Sharik Ahmad, who had Investigation into the case Sabha that 765 people had been to August 5. freedom struggle, and not to try been constantly communicating revealed that all the four persons arrested in 190 cases registered He said that the government to rewrite history. He also urged Four associates of terror group with a foreign based terrorist and were linked to the JeM and so far relating to stone pelting has initiated multipronged pol- Bharat Ratna for Bhagat Singh Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), who making plans to carry out terror played an active part in con- and law and order since the icies to check the stone pelting as well as Udham Singh, who were responsible for carrying out attacks in the area. spiring and executing the terror abrogation of special status for menace and has succeeded in avenged the massacre by killing a blast in south Kashmir’s Ahmad with the help of three attack in the area. erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir curbing it. General RE Harry Dyer in Pulwama district in July, were other terrorist associates, iden- Incriminating material was state on August 5. Many troublemakers have London, who had ordered arrested, police said yesterday. tified as Aqib Ahmad, Adil Ahmad recovered from their In a written reply, Minister been detained under the Public troops to fire at the congre- While investigating the Mir and Owais Ahmad, conspired possession. of State for Home G Kishan Safety Act (PSA) and put under gation there. Pulwama blast case, the police and executed the terror attack Meanwhile, the Centre Reddy said that 361 such cases preventive arrests, Reddy said. WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 ASIA 13 Former PM Sharif flies to London for medical treatment REUTERS Pakistan’s former corruption, Sharif has consistently LAHORE denied the accusations, claiming prime minister Nawaz they were politically motivated Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 69, was and blaming the country’s gen- Sharif left Pakistan yesterday in accompanied by his erals for directing the judges to an air ambulance to seek medical younger brother and bring him down. The military treatment in London, his party denies interfering in politics. said, a month after the three- personal physician, On October 25, Sharif was time premier was released on leaders of his Pakistan granted bail and he obtained bail from a seven-year prison Muslim League (Nawaz) court clearance to leave the sentence for corruption. Party said.“Thank God country for medical treatment. Sharif, 69, was accompanied Prime Minister Imran Khan, by his younger brother and per- that he has left for the who enjoys military backing, came sonal physician, leaders of his medical treatment he to power promising an anti-graft Supporters of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) gather around a vehicle, covered with rose petals, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) campaign and to bring back billions needs urgently,” Ahsan carrying the ailing Nawaz Sharif as he travels to Lahore airport prior to his departure for London, in Party said. Iqbal, a senior PML-N of dollars allegedly squirrelled Despite the convictions for abroad by corrupt politicians. Lahore yesterday. corruption, Sharif remains lawmaker, said. Another main opposition popular among many Pakistanis, leader Asif Ali Zardari, former humanitarian grounds. But the preventing him seeking exile. India and over Islamist militant and his health has dominated close aide Pervaiz Rashid said. president and spouse of the late court rejected Khan’s demand Under the court’s terms, groups that the army allegedly newspaper front pages and TV Until recently, Sharif has former Prime Minister Benazir that Sharif provide an indemnity Sharif should return in four uses as proxies to destabilise channels in recent weeks. consistently said he had no wish Bhutto, is also under arrest on bond to give surety that he will weeks if his doctors found him neighbouring countries. “Thank God that he has left to leave the country, preferring corruption charges, which he return to continue his jail term. fit, and he is required submit In 1999, Sharif was over- for the medical treatment he to stay and fight for his political denies. “I hope he comes back, but I medical reports notarised by thrown by a military coup that needs urgently,” Ahsan Iqbal, a survival. Sharif’s daughter Maryam don’t expect that he will,” Khan’s Pakistan’s embassy in London. brought army chief General senior PML-N lawmaker, said. Sharif’s third term as prime Nawaz, who is his political heir, Cabinet Minister Fawad Chaudhry Sharif has been a central Pervez Musharraf to power. “Nawaz Sharif will go to minister ran from 2013 to 2017, is also on bail in another alleged told a news conference. figures in Pakistan’s turbulent Sharif subsequently went into Boston after going through a when he was removed the corruption inquiry and barred Court documents showed politics for three decades, exile in Saudi Arabia, before detailed checkup in London. Supreme Court amid revelations from travelling abroad. Sharif was only allowed to leave repeatedly clashing with the pow- returning to Pakistan in 2007 as During his travel, he will stay in over his personal wealth. Khan has said he was ready for medical treatment after erful military, most notably over Musharraf’s grip on power began Doha for two hours,” Sharif’s Subsequently convicted of to let Sharif seek treatment on agreeing to a series of conditions his desire for better relations with to slip.
Turkish military chief visits Taliban release two Western hostages in Afghanistan AFP “We are profoundly pleased driven by car to Nawbahar dis- The swap could indicate a comment from the US embassy Pakistan Navy KANDAHAR and relieved”, Australian Prime trict in Zabul, a southern breakthrough in stalled efforts in Afghanistan Tuesday, and headquarters Minister Scott Morrison said in a province bordering Pakistan, to bring the Taliban to the nego- Afghan officials in Kabul said The Taliban handed two Western statement, adding that Weeks’ earlier yesterday, an insurgent tiating table with the government they would release a statement ANATOLIA hostages over to US forces in family had asked the gov- source said. in Kabul and begin work towards later. KARACHI southern Afghanistan yesterday, ernment to convey their relief They were freed at around a political settlement ending The American University in three years after they were and gratitude. 10am and flown out of Zabul on their 18-year insurgency. Kabul said it “shares the relief” Turkey’s Chief of the General abducted, in a successful swap for King and Weeks, both pro- American helicopters, according The joint statement from of the hostages’ families. Staff General Yasar Guler three high-ranking insurgent pris- fessors at the American Uni- to a local police source. Morrison and Australian foreign Anas Haqqani, whose older yesterday visited the head- oners that could boost peace talks. versity in Kabul, were kidnapped The insurgents were also secretary Marise Payne called it brother Sirajuddin is the deputy quarters of Pakistan Navy in the The exchange of American by gunmen wearing military uni- released, a tweet from their a “confidence-building” Taliban leader and head of the capital Islamabad and met with Kevin King and Australian forms in the heart of Afghan spokesman in the Qatari capital measure” they hoped would “set Haqqani network, one of the mil- Pakistan’s acting Naval Chief Timothy Weeks for the militants capital in August 2016. Suhail Shaheen confirmed. the stage for a ceasefire and itant group’s deadliest factions, Vice Admiral Fayyaz Gilani. — including Anas Haqqani, They later appeared looking The Taliban’s main intra-Afghan dialogue”. was seized in 2014. According to a statement by brother to the Taliban’s deputy haggard in a Taliban hostage spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, Mujahid said the swap was Afghan authorities accuse Pakistan Navy, Guler and Gilani leader — was termed a “confi- video, with the insurgents going confirmed that the transfer of the “a step forward in good-will and Anas of being a high-level player discussed issues of regional dence-building” measure by on to say that King was in poor Taliban prisoners “is complete, confidence-building measures in the network. The Taliban has security and stability and pro- both the Australian government health. and they have arrived where that can aid the peace process”. long demanded his release, fessional matters of mutual and the insurgents. The two professors were they were supposed to come”. There was no immediate insisting he is a student. interest including bilateral defense collaboration. General Guler, who was presented a guard of honour Afghan President upon his arrival, was intro- duced to the Principal Staff Officers at the headquarters. He also laid floral wreath at claims victory the monument of martyrs. According to the statement, Gilani highlighted Pakistan over Islamic State Navy’s efforts for ensuring mar- itime security in the region in the REUTERS IS and the government for form of Regional Maritime JALALABAD control of the country, disputed Security Patrols and participation that. in Combined Maritime Forces. Security forces have “oblit- Zabihullah Mujahid, the Tal- The Turkish commander, it erated” Islamic State (IS) mili- iban’s official spokesman, said, appreciated Pakistan tants in Afghanistan, President described Ghani’s Navy’s initiatives in support of Ashraf Ghani said yesterday, announcement as “absurd”. collaborative maritime security hours after a prisoner swap with “Kabul admin had 0% role in the region. Taliban insurgents raised hopes in defeat of Daesh and the proud The two agreed on further of a lull in violence in the people of Nangarhar are wit- enhancing cooperation in country. nesses,” he tweeted. various domains of military col- More than 600 fighters from The Taliban controls more laboration between the two IS, locally known as Daesh, have territory than at any point since countries. surrendered with their families the US invasion in 2001, Gilani also updated Guler to the Afghan government in including sections of Nangarhar about human rights situation in past weeks. Officials say air province. disputed Jammu and Kashmir Sri Lanka’s white elephant strikes by Afghan and coalition Nangarhar, which shares a following New Delhi’s forces, lack of funds and low long and porous border with scrapping of the region’s long- A view of Lotus Tower in Colombo. The unfinished, purple-headed tower soars uselessly into the morale have forced the group to neighbouring Pakistan, has long standing special status in Colombo sky, mired in corruption allegations —a project typical of China’s misadventures in Sri Lanka give up. served as the main stronghold August. under the Rajapaksas. With the political dynasty now back, Beijing will likely be too, experts say. “No one believed one year of IS, from where militants ago that we would stand up and planned and staged bombings today be saying we have oblit- around the country, especially erated Daesh,” Ghani told a the capital Kabul. Ruling party’s MPAs vent anger on Punjab CM gathering of elders and officials Their attacks, targeting in Jalalabad, the main city of foreign nationals and the INTERNEWS legislation as well as plans to ularity had hit an all-time low. booklet highlighting the PTI gov- eastern Nangarhar province that minority Shia community, have LAHORE hold the local government elec- They demanded the gov- ernment’s achievements during saw a wave of suicide attacks in killed hundreds. tions in March 2020. ernment ensure relief to masses the past 15 months. past years claimed by the Corroborating the govern- Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Sources in the meeting said in real terms and let party MPAs’ Speaking at the meeting, jihadists. ment’s claims on defeating IS is Punjab province Usman Buzdar that the MPAs complained that work be executed by the Chief Minister Buzdar said the “Now that Daesh militants difficult given the province’s faced a volley of criticisms from the bureaucracy was not coop- bureaucracy for the welfare of Punjab government had decided have surrendered, I ask remote and mountainous party MPAs at a PTI parlia- erating with them and even their people at a faster pace. that the Village Panchayat elec- authorities to treat their fam- terrain, with diverse bands of mentary party meeting as they genuine issues were not being “The parliamentary party tions would be held in March, ilies humanely,” Ghani fighters that often switch sides expressed dissatisfaction over resolved. They said unbridled meetings are usually called to adding that the local government added. between militant groups and the performance of the Punjab price hike had made the life of allow the party MPAs to vent department was making nec- The government says among sometimes pro-government government during the past 15 masses hell and people were their anger in a closed-door essary arrangements in this fighters in its custody are foreign forces. months. losing their jobs or facing salary meeting instead of expressing regard. nationals from Pakistan, Last month, Washington The parliamentary party cuts. resentment in the assembly “The Village Panchayat elec- Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, announced that IS leader Abu meeting, called ahead of the Several MPAs said it would session and bring embar- tions will be held on a non-party Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and the Bakr al-Baghdadi killed Punjab Assembly session, was be very difficult for the PTI gov- rassment for the government,” basis and the local government Maldives. himself during a raid by elite meant to take party MPAs into ernment to hold local gov- a minister said. elections on a party basis in the However, the Afghan US special operations forces in confidence with regard to ernment elections when its pop- The MPAs were given a next phase,” he added. Taliban, which has been battling Syria. 14 ASIA WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 HK campus standoff continues as China sounds warnings AFP Reacting to Hong hundreds of people arrested in HONG KONG Kong High Court the last few days. In her first public comments A potentially deadly standoff revoking a face mask on the PolyU crisis, Hong Kong between Hong Kong police and ban on Monday, China chief executive Carrie Lam yes- dozens of desperate protesters said yesterday only terday morning urged the barricaded into a university remaining protesters to campus moved into a third day its parliament had the surrender. yesterday, as China issued fresh right to rule on Hong She said about 100 were left warnings its patience with nearly Kong’s Basic Law. inside. six months of unrest was running Late Monday, dozens out. slithered down ropes from a The siege at Hong Kong Pol- overturn a ban on face masks footbridge to a road below, ytechnic University (PolyU) is the worn by pro-democracy where they were whisked away most intense and prolonged protesters. on motorbikes. stand-off of the crisis, which has Only China’s parliament has In an apparently co-ordi- Protesters leave from the main entrance to Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus in the Hung seen millions take to the streets the right to rule on Hong Kong’s nated effort, tens of thousands Hom district in Hong Kong, yesterday. since June to voice anger at Basic Law — the city’s mini-con- of Hong Kongers streamed China eroding the territory’s stitution, Zang Tiewei, a towards the PolyU campus, as unique freedoms. spokesman for the body, said in clashes simultaneously raged UN calls on protesters to renounce use of violence A new phase that began last comments carried by state-run with police nearby in Kowloon. week has led to chaos media. Inside the campus, AFP past few months,” UN human in the protests who are clearly throughout Hong Kong, with “No other institution has the exhausted and scared protesters GENEVA rights office spokesman Rupert very angry, with deep-seated schools closed, train lines dis- right to make judgements or sounded notes of defiant even Colville told reporters. grievances,” he said. rupted and major roads blocked decisions,” Zang said, according as they rationed their remaining The UN urged Hong Kong “With regard to the current He stressed that the vast by barricades. to a state media report posted food and bottled water. authorities yesterday to seek a situation at the Hong Kong Pol- majority of people in Hong Kong The move by more hard core on the parliament’s website. “I will run but never sur- “peaceful resolution” to a ytechnic University, we urge the have been exercising their members of the protest The siege at PolyU has seen render. I don’t want to get campus siege, while calling on authorities to do all they can to freedom of assembly “in movement to take over PolyU hundreds of mainly young pro- arrested,” said a protester who protesters to renounce the use de-escalate the situation,” he accordance with the law” and on the weekend was also a new testers occupy the city centre gave his name only as ‘W’. “We of violence. said. He called on Hong Kong that authorities had “by and tactic for them. Previously they campus, repelling police surges are like rats in a trap.” The siege at PolyU began on authorities “to address the large respected the exercise of had focused on lightning strike with a barrage of Molotov cock- Protests started in June as a Sunday with many hundreds of humanitarian situation of those this right.” But, he insisted, “the protests and acts of vandalism. tails, arrows and bricks. peaceful condemnation of a protesters occupying the campus inside, which is clearly deterio- resort to extreme violence, China insisted yesterday it Between 100 and 200 people now-shelved China extradition as part of a broader campaign of rating, and facilitate a peaceful including against the police had sole authority to rule on remained on the campus yes- bill. They morphed into a con- massive disruption across the resolution.” Colville voiced force, by some engaged in the constitutional matters in Hong terday, down from several times frontational action to defend the territory that began last week. alarm at the “extreme violence” protests... cannot be condoned. Kong. that figure at the weekend. city’s unique freedoms. “We have been following used by some of the protesters. “We would appeal to all The warning came as it con- Some tried to escape through Violence has worsened this with deepening concern the sit- “We are gravely concerned engaging in protests to renounce demned a decision by the city’s manhole covers to evade a tight- month, with two men killed in uation in the Hong Kong Special about the increasing violence by and condemn the use of high court on Monday to ening dragnet that has seen separate incidents. Administrative Region over the groups of young people engaging violence.” Thousands in South Korea-US defence cost-sharing talks fail North Korea Philippines flee AP North Korean threat and have employees at US bases and costs about 1.04 trillion won ($890m), dismisses ahead of storm SEOUL squabbled over Seoul’s decla- for facility construction and shortly before a summit in ration to terminate a 2016 mil- logistics support. Vietnam between President drills delay AFP US and South Korean officials itary intelligence-sharing pact “It is true that there is a con- Donald Trump and North Korean AFP MANILA yesterday publicly acknowl- with Japan amid a bilateral row. siderable difference between the leader Kim Jong Un that col- SEOUL edged that the allies remain far “We look forward to proposals by the US and the lapsed over disagreements in At least 5,000 people fled their apart in negotiations for resuming our negotiations when principles we are putting exchanging sanctions relief and The United States must end its homes with Typhoon Kalmaegi increasing South Korea’s contri- the Korean side is ready to work forward,” Jeong said. disarmament. South Korea in joint exercises with Seoul “once poised to blast into the northern butions to the costs for main- on the basis of partnership and “We will continue to make 2018 provided about $830m, and for all” to facilitate dialogue Philippines yesterday, with a taining the American military the basis of mutual trust,” DeHart efforts with patience so that we covering roughly 40 percent of with Pyongyang, North Korea second tropical storm forecast presence on its soil. said, reading out a prepared reach a mutually acceptable the cost of the US troop said yesterday, just days after to hit just days later. US negotiator James DeHart statement in front of cameras in agreement.” deployment that year. the allies postponed planned Kalmaegi is expected to said the US side decided to cut Seoul. He did not take questions Despite their differences The Trump administration drills. batter the nation’s lightly pop- short a meeting that lasted less from reporters. over how much South Korea has been pushing for South Kim Yong Chol, a senior ulated far north with 120km (75 than two hours because Seoul’s Jeong Eun Bo, a South should pay, the allies have not Korea to pay more. During a visit North Korean official who for- mile) per hour winds, the proposals “were not responsive Korean negotiator, told reporters discussed the possibility of to South Korea last week, US merly led talks with the US, said national weather service said. to our request for fair and equi- that the countries have reducing the US military Defence Secretary Mark Esper the weekend postponement Heavy rains are forecast to table burden sharing.” Seoul’s scheduled their next round of presence in the country, Jeong pressed Washington’s case that was irrelevant. swell rivers, cut off roads and Foreign Ministry said Wash- talks, but didn’t specify when. said. The United States stations South Korea must pay a bigger “We demand that the US quit threaten low-lying commu- ington has been calling for a Jeong refused to say how about 28,500 troops in South share of the costs for maintaining the drill or stop it once and for nities in Cagayan province, “drastic increase” in South much the Americans were asking Korea, mainly to deter US troops in the country. all,” Kim said in a statement. “The where officials guided residents Korea’s contributions which the for. But he said Washington has aggression from the North. “This is a very strong alliance suspension of the drill does not towards shelter. country finds unacceptable. demanded Seoul cover a broader Washington and Seoul in we have, but Korea is a wealthy mean ensuring peace and “We’re expecting falling The turbulent negotiations range of costs than what it has February signed a new cost- country and could and should security on the Korean peninsula trees and houses that could be come at a delicate time for the been providing, which includes sharing deal for 2019 that pay more to help offset the cost and is not helpful to the diplo- inundated by floods,” provincial allies, which face a growing the wages of South Korean required South Korea to pay of defence,” he said. matic efforts,” he added. police chief Ariel Quilang said. Forecasters believe a second tropical storm could make landfall in the same Smoke haze blankets Sydney province by Thursday. as bushfire threat rises 15 dead in China AFP against the skyline. Although the SYDNEY smog had begun to ease under the coal mine blast midday sun yesterday, it was to Sydney was shrouded in increase again in the evening, the AFP dangerous haze yesterday as Bureau of Meteorology said. BEIJING smoke from bushfires blazing “Sydney is also known as the along Australia’s eastern seaboard ‘big smoke’ and is living up to the A coal mine explosion killed 15 sent pollution levels soaring in the nickname today,” the weather people in north China’s Shanxi country’s biggest city. forecaster tweeted. province, state media reported Official data showed that pol- The New South Wales state yesterday. lution had reached “hazardous” environmental health director Nine other people were levels across Sydney, with the Richard Broome said the fine par- injured by the gas explosion on highest readings of PM 2.5 partic- ticles in smoke could irritate the Monday afternoon, which took ulates in the city’s northwest respiratory system and aggravate place in a mine owned by reaching 186 parts per million on existing lung and heart conditions. Shanxi Pingyao Fengyan Coal the air quality index — compa- “For most people, smoke causes & Coke Group Co, according to rable to Delhi — and residents mild symptoms like sore eyes, official news agency Xinhua. warned to avoid outdoor exercise. nose and throat,” he said. Xinhua reported that 35 The usually blue skies of the “However, people with con- miners were working under- harbour city turned a miserable ditions like asthma, emphysema ground when the blast hap- grey, with world-famous land- and angina are more likely to be A New South Wales Fire and Rescue officer protects the Colo Heights Public School from being pened, but 11 miners were able marks the Sydney Opera House sensitive to the health effects of impacted by the Gospers Mountain fire near Colo Heights, south-west of Sydney, yesterday. to escape. and Harbour Bridge dulled smoke.” The injured miners were in a stable condition, Xinhua said. Shen Xuping, an official at the Shanxi Administration of South Korean fishing boat catches fire; 1 dead, 11 missing Coal Mine Safety, said yesterday that the accident revealed a AP of the fishermen unconscious in for survivors, said Lee Geun-han, winds and large waves in the engulfed in black smoke. “lack of awareness of the rule SEOUL waters 7.4km (4.6 miles) south an official from the coast guard area. Lee said the coast guard The fishing boat departed of law and chaotic man- of the boat and airlifted him to a in Jeju. Six of the boat’s crew received a report about the fire from the mainland port of agement” by the company A fishing boat caught fire in hospital on the nearby island of members are South Koreans, at around 7am. A coast guard Tongyeong on November 8 to involved, local media reported. South Korea’s southern waters Jeju where he was pronounced including the man killed, and the helicopter found the boat about catch hairtail and had planned Shen said the accident was early yesterday, killing at least dead. other six are Vietnamese, Lee an hour later, and the upper side to return to the port on Monday. caused by activity that “broke one fisherman and triggering a The coast guard and navy said. of the vessel had been burned President Moon Jae-in’s the law and regulations,” search for 11 others missing, were deploying boats, heli- Rescue efforts, which also completely. office said he instructed officials although authorities are still coast guard officials said. copters and a patrol plane to involved civilian fishing vessels, Photos released by the coast to deploy “every resource of the investigating the exact cause. Rescue workers found one search the waters near the island were being slowed by strong guard showed the 29-ton boat government” in the search effort. WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 EUROPE 15
Labour Party: British PM and Labour leader No one needs to face off in first election debate be a billionaire AFP It is the first time with the words “Get Brexit Done” REUTERS LONDON leaders of Britain’s and said he was “excited” about LONDON two main parties the fight with Corbyn. Britain’s Conservative Prime “Parliament is blocking Britain’s opposition Labour Minister Boris Johnson and have faced each other Brexit, we need to get Brexit Party yesterday took aim at Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn head-to-head on TV. done so we can take forward our “obscene” billionaires, pledging prepared to go head-to-head in agenda for the whole country,” a radical redistribution of their first TV debate of the he told ITV television. wealth to cut the power of the election campaign, facing engage up close, with the Labour meanwhile has super rich and to introduce scrutiny over their plans for potential for a game-changing sought to shift attention to ine- policies including a pay cap at Brexit and more public spending. moment in the election. quality and the impact of a some companies. Johnson, who took over as Johnson fired the starting decade of Conservative spending The two main political the leader of the governing Con- gun with a letter to Corbyn over- cuts, promising a swathe of parties are showcasing starkly servatives in July, has held a night, questioning his plans for nationalisations and huge different visions for the world’s double-digit lead over Labour in Britain’s looming departure from investment in public services. fifth-largest economy ahead of opinion polls for weeks, making the European Union. Johnson warns that Labour the December 12 election. The the December 12 election his to The Conservatives are cam- would cripple the economy, Conservatives are promising to lose. paigning on a pledge to “get although he has also promised deliver Brexit while Labour says Britain’s Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party, Boris Corbyn meanwhile is seeking Brexit done”, promising to end more money for hospitals, it wants to be the most radical Johnson, wears boxing gloves emblazoned with “Get Brexit Done” to repeat the success of the last years of political disagreements schools and police, as well as socialist government in British election in 2017, when his and several delays by leaving the infrastructure including during a general election campaign trip to Manchester, yesterday. history. promise to end austerity and EU on January 31. broadband. Johnson and Corbyn John McDonnell, the party’s deliver change “for the many, not Corbyn says he will renego- will answer questions submitted in 2017, forcing them to agree an polling expert John Curtice, from finance spokesman, said in a the few” fired up voters and tiate Johnson’s exit deal and hold by viewers in front of a live alliance with Northern Ireland’s the University of Strathclyde in speech he wants to “rewrite the denied the Tories an outright another referendum, appealing audience, with other parties Democratic Unionist Party Glasgow, has suggested it has rules of our economy”, casting win. to around half of Britons who still excluded — a format they chal- (DUP). The arrangement faltered almost zero chance of winning the election as a chance to It is the first time leaders of oppose the result of the 2016 lenged in court. recently amid differences over a majority. overthrow a system which Britain’s two main parties have Brexit vote. But High Court judges on Brexit, leaving Johnson without But he noted Corbyn could profits by exploiting workers faced each other head-to-head But the Labour leader has yet Monday rejected an appeal by the support he needed to get his still take power at the head of a and where billionaires can buy on TV, with previous debates to say how he would campaign the Scottish National Party and EU exit deal ratified by loose coalition involving the SNP access to power. having also involved other in that referendum, and Johnson the Liberal Democrats protesting parliament. and Lib Dems, both of whom “No one needs or deserves smaller parties’ leaders. warned in his letter that he their exclusion. This time, he faces a chal- strongly oppose Brexit. to have that much money, it is Johnson and Corbyn have offered only more “dither and Although the next prime lenge from Nigel Farage’s The Tory and Labour leaders obscene,” McDonnell said. “It sparred only a handful of times delay”. On a visit to a boxing gym minister is almost certainly going hardline Brexit Party, although will take part in several more is also obscene that these bil- in parliament, making the prime- near the northwestern city of to be either Johnson or Corbyn, it has agreed not to field candi- debates involving the smaller lionaires are buying access and time debate — broadcast on ITV Manchester yesterday, the the role of smaller parties could dates in Tory-held seats. parties, before another final tax breaks to Boris Johnson’s at 8:00pm (2000 GMT) — a rare premier sparred in the ring be crucial. The Conservatives Labour is languishing so far head-to-head encounter on the Conservative Party.” opportunity to see how they wearing blue gloves emblazoned failed to win a majority of MPs behind the Conservatives that BBC on December 6. Labour’s core message — a pledge to redistribute wealth to the many and not the few — Sweden drops was a theme it used in the 2017 Zelenskiy says Ukraine getting ‘tired’ of Trump scandal election, when the party con- Assange abuse founded the polls to deprive AFP his Ukrainian counterpart to further his own then Prime Minister Theresa investigation KIEV personal agenda. May of her parliamentary The Ukrainian probe was to target Hunter majority. Labour hopes the REUTERS Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy Biden’s activities from April 2014 to April message will propel them to STOCKHOLM said yesterday that his country is “tired” of 2019 when he served on the board of Burisma power as they trail Johnson’s questions related to the Trump scandal, amid Holdings, a Ukrainian gas firm accused of party in the opinion polls. A Swedish prosecutor dropped a critical week of public impeachment corrupt practices. McDonnell said if Labour a rape investigation against hearings in Washington. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Vadym Prys- win power they will bring in a WikiLeaks founder Julian “We have our country, we have our inde- taiko said Tuesday the country has been 20:1 pay ratio between lowest Assange, ending the near pendence, we have our own problems,” he proud to receive support from both major and highest-paid employees in decade-old case that had sent complained after a press conference in Kiev US political parties, the Republicans and companies bidding for public the anti-secrecy campaigner with visiting Czech prime minister Andrej Democrats, and that Kiev is keen to maintain sector contracts, as well as into hiding in London’s Ecua- Babis. that assistance. those that are publicly owned. dorian embassy to avoid extra- Hearings began last week in Washington “Now we definitely do not need to be He also said Labour would dition. into whether US President Donald Trump involved in any problems in another part of change regulations so directors Although the prosecutor’s ordered to freeze US military aid to Ukraine the world,” Prystaiko said during a joint press have a duty to promote the long- decision can be appealed, it in an effort to get Kiev to launch investiga- conference with German counterpart Heiko term interests of employees and probably closes the case, which tions against potential 2020 election rival Maas in Kiev. The global attention on the customers and they would delist Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was launched in 2010. The Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Trump scandal has come at a time when firms from the stock exchange speaks during a news conference in Kiev. accuser’s lawyer said she was An American reporter yesterday pressed Ukraine is trying to enact crucial reforms, who fail to take adequate steps studying whether to appeal it. Zelenskiy on whether he had been ready to and Zelenskiy has shown exasperation with to deal with climate change. Assange skipped bail in launch a probe into Biden’s son’s ties to Zelenskiy, a 41-year-old comedian who the relentless media focus on his country’s McDonnell outlined a series Britain to avoid possible extra- Ukraine energy company Burisma, as a con- was elected President of Ukraine in April, implication in the impeachment probe. of perceived faults with the dition and took refuge in the cession to Trump. has found himself at the centre of the At a marathon press-conference last current model of capitalism, embassy in 2012. He was “Everyone in Ukraine is so tired of impeachment scandal in the US after his month, Zelenskiy said he does not want to including short-termism and the dragged out by police in April Burisma,” Zelenskiy said, before quickly phone call with Trump resulted in a probe “get sucked into” the scandal as it could hurt lack of bargaining power for this year, and is now in jail leaving the room full of reporters. into whether the US president had pressured Ukraine’s interests. workers. fighting extradition to the United States on computer hacking and espionage charges unveiled after he left the Spain court convicts embassy. While Assange was in the embassy, the statute of limita- 19 former ruling party tions ran out on investigating all but one of several Swedish sex crime complaints originally officials in graft case filed by two women. AFP members of the Andalusian Deputy Chief Prosecutor SEVILLE, SPAIN administration diverted ¤680m Eva-Marie Persson reopened in public funds. the remaining case after A court in Spain yesterday They say it was discreetly Assange left the embassy, but convicted 19 former top officials passed on to people and busi- she said yesterday the passage from the ruling Socialists in nesses, often with close ties to of time meant there was not Andalusia of graft for their role the Socialist party, some of enough evidence to indict in one of the biggest corruption whom were not affected by Assange. cases in the country’s modern layoffs — which the funds were “After conducting a com- history. intended to compensate. prehensive assessment of what The ruling comes as acting In its 1,821-page ruling the has emerged during the course Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez court said there was an “absolute of the preliminary investigation struggles to secure enough lack of control” in the man- I then make the assessment that support from other parties to be agement of the funds. Mothers of Russian ‘political’ prisoners gather outside the offices housing President Vladimir Putin’s the evidence is not strong sworn in for another term. “Legally established mech- administration to hand over a letter calling for the release their children, in Moscow, yesterday. enough to form the basis for His Socialist Party won a anisms of control were elimi- filing an indictment,” she told repeat general election on nated,” it added. a news conference. Mothers of Russian prisoners demand justice November 10, but once again fell Two former heads of Anda- “Nine years have passed. short of an absolute majority in lusia’s regional government, Time is a player in this AFP families of protesters accused of woman at the gathering of about parliament and the judgement Manuel Chaves and Jose Antonio decision.” Assange, a 48-year- MOSCOW violence against police, sus- a dozen people cried as others could complicate his talks with Grinan, were among those con- old Australian, has repeatedly pected extremists and others. tried to console her. other parties. victed. Both men also served as denied the sex crime allega- Mothers of Russian prisoners They called on Putin to have After the relatives delivered The 19 were convicted by a ministers under former Socialist tions, calling them part of a plot denounced the prosecution of the courts, investigators and the what they called “the letter of Seville court of distributing prime minister Felipe Gonzalez. to discredit him and secure his protesters as a “travesty of FSB security service probed over despair” to the presidential without any control hundreds The court found Grinan eventual transfer to the United justice” as they gathered outside their handling of the cases. administration they held one- of millions of euros meant to guilty of embezzlement and mis- States. the offices of the presidential “The travesty of justice and person pickets. It is the only form help the unemployed and com- appropriation of public funds “Let us now focus on the administration yesterday. lawlessness that are being per- of protest in Russia that does not panies in difficulty in the south- and sentenced him to jail for six threat Mr Assange has been Members of a new cam- petrated in front of the whole require prior approval from western region, in what became years. He was also declared inel- warning about for years: the paigning group, Mothers against country undermine people’s authorities. known as the ERE case — the igible for public office for 15 belligerent prosecution of the Political Repression, appealed trust in the justice system and Putin’s spokesman said it Spanish acronym for a mass- years. United States and the threat it to President Vladimir Putin to the state,” the letter signed by 16 was not the president’s job to layoff plan. It found Chaves guilty of poses to the First Amendment,” intervene in an open letter read people said. “In our view this oversee the work of courts or In a trial that got under way maladministration and declared WikiLeaks editor-in-chief, out to journalists. negatively affects our country’s investigators, adding the’ letter in December 2017 and lasted a him ineligible for public office Kristinn Hrafnsson, said in a The informal movement, the stability and prosperity and leads might be forwarded to the year, prosecutors estimated that for nine years. Two other people statement. first of its kind, brings together to public discord,” it added. One General Prosecutor’s Office. between 2000 and 2010 who stood trial were acquitted. 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 Nato chief to meet Macron over ‘brain dead’ claim
AFP Jens Stoltenberg Macron — I think that’s the best argued that Macron was simply he also called for moves towards gathering of Nato leaders in BRUSSELS said the best way to way to address any differences, stating difficult truths that other rapprochement with Moscow. London. resolve differences to sit down and discuss them and allies preferred to ignore, there The US ambassador to Nato, Organisers will be hoping for Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg said “is to sit down and to fully understand the messages has been little public sympathy Kay Bailey Hutchison, said a less mercurial performance from yesterday he will visit Paris next and the motivations,” Stoltenberg for his remarks — other than Washington “firmly disagreed” US President Donald Trump than week to seek an explanation to discuss them and told reporters. from the Kremlin, which wel- with Macron’s assessment of at the summit in Brussels last year from Emmanuel Macron after the to fully understand “My message is that Nato is comed them warmly. Nato and with his call for Europe where he caused consternation French president dismissed the the messages and the adapting, Nato is agile, Nato is German Chancellor Angela to be able to ensure its own with his vehement criticism of alliance as “brain dead”. motivations”. responding.” Merkel condemned Macron’s defence without US support. defence spending by Europe — Stoltenberg mounted a vig- Macron said he believed the “sweeping judgements”, insisting “The thought of only one of and Germany in particular. orous defence of Nato ahead of alliance was undergoing “brain that Nato remained indispensible our countries or one of our The London meeting also a meeting of alliance foreign continue to rattle Nato just weeks death”, decrying what he called for European security. groups of countries facing the comes with tensions running ministers, saying it was doing before a summit in London a lack of strategic coordination Several Nato members in enormous risks to our population high with Turkey — both over its more than ever and warning meant as a 70th birthday cele- between Europe and the United eastern Europe — where con- alone is not even rational. We are operation in Syria and increasing against undermining it. bration for the alliance. States and lamenting Nato cerns about Russia run high, stronger together,” she said. closeness to Moscow, manifested The diplomatic shockwaves “I will go to Paris next week member Turkey’s recent uni- fuelled by memories of Soviet The row over Macron’s com- most dramatically in Ankara’s from Macron’s forthright and there I intend to discuss lateral military incursion in Syria. domination — were horrified at ments adds to the clouds looming purchase of Russia’s S-400 anti- interview with The Economist these issues with President While French officials have the Macron interview, in which over the December 3 to 4 aircraft missiles. Bosnia’s presidency nominates PM-designate after 13 months REUTERS European Union (EU) and also The breakthrough came at a SARAJEVO kept an International Monetary special session yesterday at Fund (IMF) aid programme on which they agreed to a changed Bosnia’s inter-ethnic presidency hold. procedure, authorising Bosnia’s said yesterday it has nominated While the Bosniak and Croat permanent mission at Nato to economist Zoran Tegeltija, a members want Bosnia to send a reform plan instead of the Serb, as prime minister- progress towards the US-led presidency, they said in a designate, after its Serb, Croat alliance which they see as a statement. and Bosniak members agreed on guarantor of peace in the vol- The reform plan will be sent how to proceed towards Nato atile Balkan country, pro- to Nato headquarters in Brussels integration 13 months after a Russian Dodik wants Bosnia to a day after parliament’s lower vote. remain neutral and stay out of house confirms Tegeltija as Tegeltija was proposed a Nato. prime minister, the statement year ago by Bosnian Serb leader Since last year, Dodik has said. Milorad Dodik, who is part of the opposed sending an annual plan Tegeltija had served as tripartite presidency, but the of reforms to Nato, which would finance minister of Bosnia’s Bosniak and Croat members trigger its push for membership autonomous Serb Republic. delayed approval over differing which has been blocked by Serbs The session followed a views on Bosnia’s path into the for 10 years. meeting with ambassadors of the Monaco marks National Day transatlantic Nato military In turn, the other two pres- United States, Italy, France, alliance. idency members declined to Great Britain, Germany and the Monaco’s Prince Jacques, Princess Gabriella and Kaia-Rose Wittstock waving flags from the balcony That halted Bosnia’s reforms endorse his candidate Tegeltija EU in Bosnia. of Monaco Palace, during the celebrations marking Monaco’s National Day, yesterday. towards integration into the as prime minister-designate. Three people die Malta offers pardon for information in reporter’s murder case in Romania after AFP 2017 car bombing of the renowned suspected of involvement in Muscat told journalists. granted a presidential pardon,” pest control VALLETTA blogger and reporter. Caruana Galizia’s murder. “I have discussed the issue Muscat added. The pardon would cover any Caruana Galizia, described with the authorities including the Muscat and his family were AFP Maltese Prime Minister Joseph criminal cases the suspect may by supporters as a “one-woman attorney general and we agreed among those accused by her BUCHAREST Muscat said yesterday he had face but he must assist the WikiLeaks,” had highlighted cor- that no blanket pardon should investigations and her blog, which promised the alleged middleman authorities and his evidence ruption in Malta, including be given without any certainty often launched highly personal Romanian authorities yesterday in Daphne Caruana Galizia’s must be corroborated in court, among politicians. regarding the information to be attacks. Three men are facing trial detained a company owner murder a pardon if he identifies Muscat said. “The targeted person, fol- submitted.” for allegedly carrying out the over the spraying of a lethal the mastermind of the journal- Maltese police and Interpol, lowing interrogation, expressed “I have signed a letter... that killing, but the mastermind has chemical for pest control, ist’s assassination. which has been helping with the the intention to collaborate with states that when the person tes- not been identified. leaving three people dead and Muscat made the surprise high-profile case, last week the authorities and through his tifies in court and the infor- In September, Malta made a 28 others hospitalised. offer after authorities on Thursday arrested several people as part lawyers requested that first a mation is confirmed and corrob- surprise U-turn and appointed A one-week-old infant, and arrested someone who claimed to of an anti-money laundering presidential pardon be given on orated, I would be recom- a retired judge to head a public a three-year-old toddler and his know who ordered the deadly operation, including someone all the cases he might have had,” mending that this person is enquiry into journalist’s killing. mother, 28, died after the block which they lived in was sprayed with pesticides over the weekend. Greece aims to cut smoking Two blocks with hundreds of apartments in Romania’s by a third within six years western city of Timisoara were evacuated after the pest AFP control. ATHENS The owner of the company, which carried out the pest Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos control, is being investigated for Mitsotakis (pictured) yesterday manslaughter, personal injury launched an anti-smoking and trafficking toxic substances, campaign that aims to cut the prosecutors said. habit, which is still strong “The tests we made despite repeated crackdowns, detected traces of metal phos- by a third within six years. phides, probably aluminium, “The Greek state...aims to over the legal limit, in a lethal reduce smoking by 30 percent dose,” Cristina Popa from the by 2025,” Mitsotakis told a con- temporarily and even have their sanitary and veterinary state ference on the issue yesterday. licenses revoked. agency told reporters. “Our enemy is smoke, not Mitsotakis is a fervent non- The company owner’s smokers. Our aim is not division smoker, and yesterday lawyer Calin Staiculescu said but an alliance on health”. recounted an 1979 meeting with his client bought the substance Smoking kills 20,000 his grandfather as he lay dying “from a contact” without a Greeks every year, and results of lung cancer. receipt. in 700,000 hospital stays “We did not know the harmful Former US marine Paul Whelan, who is charged with espionage against Russia, is seen on a screen “He knew they were strong, annually at a cost of nearly effects (of smoking). You do,” he via a video link during a court hearing in Moscow, yesterday. but had no idea they were toxic $1.1bn, the Premier said. said his grandfather told him. or lethal for humans”, Staicu- A study by the American Anti-smoking laws in Greece lescu told news agency Lawyer for alleged US spy calls for prisoner swap College of Greece’s Public Health date back to the mid-19th Mediafax. Institute and the Hellenic Cancer century. An 1856 royal decree Timisoara mayor Nicolae REUTERS countries. None of them has complete and defence lawyers Society in October found that the issued by the country’s first Robu said the company did not MOSCOW asked to organise his exchange are reviewing the case, Zhere- number of adults who smoke post-independence monarch, have a permit to carry out pest yet. Take the initiative, gen- benkov said. has declined from 40% to 27.5% king Otto of Bavaria, forbade the controls, calling it “sheer A Russian lawyer for Paul tlemen!” said Whelan’s lawyer, Zherebenkov made his com- in a decade. But the PM warned use of pipes and cigarettes in irresponsibility”. Whelan, a former US Marine held Vladimir Zherebenkov. ments after a Moscow court that an alarming number of public offices and shops. Romania’s state institutions in Moscow on spying charges, Zherebenkov said he had ruled to keep Whelan in custody minors smoke, including one in Another crackdown in 2009 have come under fire urged the United States and other met the four countries’ ambas- until Decemebr 29 after rejecting six 15-year-old boys and one in was initially pursued energeti- repeatedly this year, accused countries yesterday to push for a sadors last week and raised the his appeal to be released pending eight girls. cally but later waned. of inefficiency or incompetence prisoner swap with Moscow that possibility of Whelan being trial. A law promoted last month When the economic crisis hit after failing to react swiftly to could get his client released. swapped, something he told Whelan was not allowed to by Mitsotakis’ conservative gov- Greece a year later, few could prevent a number of Whelan, who holds US, reporters would be possible once attend the hearing, meaning he ernment, which came to power argue with business owners tragedies. British, Canadian and Irish pass- Whelan’s trial was over. was unable to speak out about in July, prescribes fines of up to complaining that their livelihood One was the kidnapping ports, was arrested in December “Let’s see what their reaction his case as he has in the past. 500 euros for smokers caught depended on placating a paying and murder of two teenagers and accused of espionage. is,” he said. “The case is politi- Instead, he appeared by lighting up in a restaurant or majority of smoking patrons. in the southern city of Caracal. Moscow says he was caught red- cised, as you know. Anything can video link where he could be club, and 10,000 euros for In 2017, a Eurobarometer Authorities failed to respond to handed, but he denies the accu- happen.” seen holding up a message on a establishment owners. study found that 78% of Greeks an emergency call by one of the sation and says he was set up. Whelan’s trial has not yet piece of paper, though the words Repeated violations could had encountered indoor smoking girls for hours. “Paul is a citizen of four begun. But the investigation is could not be made out. see establishments shut down in restaurants, and 87% in bars. WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 AMERICAS 17 White House aide says Trump’s request for Biden probe ‘improper’
REUTERS Alexander Vindman war veteran, told lawmakers WASHINGTON told lawmakers that that “character attacks” against “character attacks” public servants testifying in A White House official testified against public the impeachment inquiry were in the impeachment inquiry “reprehensible.” against President Donald Trump servants testifying Trump has attacked both Wil- yesterday that a phone call the in the impeachment liams and Vindman on Twitter as president made to ask Ukraine inquiry were “Never Trump” witnesses, a term to investigate a political rival was “reprehensible.” he uses to describe Republicans improper as he fended off who oppose him. Some of Trump’s Republican efforts to cast doubt allies in the conservative media on his competence and loyalty During the call, Trump asked have questioned Vindman’s loy- to the United States. Zelenskiy to carry out two inves- alty to the United States. Army Lieutenant Colonel tigations that would benefit him Asked by a Republican law- Alexander Vindman, the White politically including one target- yer at the hearing whether he House National Security Coun- ing Democratic political rival would consider becoming part Jennifer Williams, a Special Adviser to Vice-President Mike Pence for European and Russian Affairs, cil’s top Ukraine expert, testified Joe Biden. The other involved of Ukraine’s government — an and Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman, Director for European Affairs at the National Security Council, take at the third public impeachment a debunked conspiracy theory offer made by a Zelenskiy adviser their seats to testify at a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, yesterday. hearing before the US House of embraced by some Trump allies — Vindman responded that he Representatives Intelligence that Ukraine, not Russia, inter- is an American and would not articles of impeachment — that the Soviet Union and settled in the a July employee evaluation by Committee, wearing his blue fered in the 2016 US election. consider such an offer, calling would be sent to the Republican- United States, sent out a message National Security Council offi- dress military uniform and Vindman and Williams both it “comical.” controlled Senate for a trial on to his father from the witness seat. cial Fiona Hill that called him medals. were among the US officials who Asked by Democratic Repre- whether to remove him from “Dad, that I am sitting here “brilliant” and said he exercises Vindman denounced the listened in during the call. sentative Jim Himes if he would office. Few Republican sena- today, in the US Capitol talking “excellent judgment.” criticism of public servants who “It was inappropriate, it was call himself a “a Never Trumper,” tors have broken with Trump. to our elected officials is proof Williams told the committee have testified in the impeach- improper for the president to Vindman responded, “I’d call A US official, speaking on that you made the right decision that Trump’s call with Zelenskiy ment probe. request — to demand — an inves- myself never partisan.” Williams the condition of anonymity, said 40 years ago to leave the Soviet was unusual because “it involved Both Vindman and a second tigation into a political opponent, said she would not consider her- Vindman had recently raised con- Union and come here to the United discussion of what appeared to witness — Jennifer Williams, an especially (from) a foreign power self a “never Trumper” and was cerns over his personal security States of America in search of a be a domestic political matter.” aide to US Vice-President Mike where there is at best dubious surprised that Trump blasted her and the Army has been carry- better life for our family. Do not She said the White House budget Pence — also raised questions belief that this would be a com- on Twitter. Himes said Trump’s ing out security assessments. worry, I will be fine for telling the office had said Trump’s acting about requests made by Trump pletely impartial investigation Twitter attack on Williams looks The official said Vindman and truth,” Vindman testified. chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, had in a July 25 telephone call with and that this would have signif- like “witness intimidation and his family could be moved to a Republican Representative directed that $391m in security Ukrainian President Volodymyr icant implications if it became tampering.” military base if the security threat Jim Jordan, a Trump ally, told aid to Ukraine be put on hold and Zelenskiy that is at the heart of public knowledge,” Vindman told The investigation could lead warrants such action but that has Vindman that his White House that she never learned why the the impeachment investigation the committee. the House to approve formal not yet occurred. bosses had questioned his judg- assistance was later released in threatening Trump’s presidency. Vindman, a decorated Iraq charges against Trump — called Vindman, whose family fled ment, but Vindman read from September. Trump was not treated for any urgent health issues: Physician Three injured as plane crashes on REUTERS Washington suburb of Bethesda, Commander Sean Conley, was kept off the record.” according to the National Heart, WASHINGTON Maryland, led to a variety of Trump’s doctor, said in a memo The White House’s release of Lung and Blood Institute. a Utah highway rumors about the health of the released by the White House. the partial results of the exam Trump takes the drug Crestor for second time US President Donald Trump’s 73-year-old president, who gen- “Specifically, he did not came at the end of the day in to lower cholesterol. At his exam health examination on Saturday erally eschews exercise and has undergo any specialised cardiac which Trump and his aides in February when he was AP was “routine” and he was not waved away advice to lose some or neurologic evaluations.” debated how to address the declared “in very good health” by SALT LAKE CITY treated for any urgent or acute weight. The exam was a “routine, rumours. the White House physician, issues, his physician said in a “Despite some of the specu- planned interim checkup as part Conley said Trump’s total Trump’s total cholesterol was 196. Authorities said that a small statement. lation, the president has not had of the regular, primary prevent- cholesterol is now 165, with an “Everything very good plane that crashed on a Utah Trump’s unexpected trip to any chest pain, nor was he eval- ative care he receives throughout HDL of 70, and LDL of 84 and a (great!),” Trump said in a tweet highway made an emergency Walter Reed National Military uated or treated for any urgent the year”, Conley said. “Due to non-HDL of 95, all of which are on Sunday about the results. landing on the same highway Medical Center in the or acute issues,” US Navy scheduling uncertainties, the trip considered healthy levels, “Will complete next year.” last year. Federal Aviation Adminis- tration spokesman Allen Ken- itzer said that the single-engine Over 100,000 children plane hit a billboard on Sunday and crashed near Ogden- in migration-related US Hinckley Airport on Interstate 15. The pilot instructor, his detention: UN report student and a bystander, who helped out on the scene, were AFP the southern border with Mexico. injured but officials did not dis- GENEVA “Migration-related detention close more details. for children can never be con- April Wilcock told the More than 100,000 children are sidered as a measure of last Standard-Examiner newspaper currently being held in resort or in the best interest of that her 32-year-old brother migration-related detention in the child. There are always alter- Bryce Ransom suffered heart the United States, often in natives available,” Nowak said. and lung bruises but is expected violation of international law, He added that even though to survive. the UN said. the US has not ratified the child Authorities said the same Lead author of the UN Global rights convention, it is bound by plane clipped a car when the Study on Children Deprived of the convention on civil and plane landed on Interstate 15 in Liberty, Manfred Nowak, said political rights, which forbids May 2018. the figure refers to migrants cruel and inhuman treatment. No one was hurt. children currently in custody “Separating children, as was According to the officials who reached a US border unac- done by the Trump adminis- multiple incidents were companied, as well as those tration, from their parents, even reported recently at the airport, detained with relatives and small children, at the Mexican- including a runway crash in minors separated from their US border... constitutes inhuman Michelle Obama at book signing January. parents prior to detention. treatment for both the parent National Transportation “The total number currently and the children,” Nowak said. Former US first lady Michelle Obama meets with fans during a book signing on the first anniversary of Safety Board is investigating detained is 103,000,” Nowak “There are still quite a the launch of her memoir “Becoming” at the Politics and Prose bookstore, in Washington, DC, yesterday. Sunday’s crash. said, calling it a “conservative” number of children that are sep- assessment, based on the latest arated from their parents, and available official data as well as neither the children know where “very reliable” additional the parents are nor the parents Border activist on trial says he tried to ‘alleviate suffering’ sources. know where their children are. Globally, at least 330,000 That is something that should REUTERS implications on what kind of used by Warren’s human rights central issue in the case, as pros- children across 80 countries are definitely not happen again.” TUCSON help can be legally given to group, No More Deaths (NMD). ecutors have argued he shielded being held for migration-related Overall, the UN study found undocumented migrants in the Warren later arrived at the the men from the “watchful eyes” reasons, according to the global that more than seven million An Arizona human rights activist United States as US President building and let them stay for of US Border Patrol, then showed study, meaning the US accounts children are being held charged with harboring migrants Donald Trump makes tougher four days, during which time them how to continue their for nearly a third of such worldwide in a range of facil- who crossed the US-Mexico immigration enforcement a they received medical attention journey. detentions. ities and institutions. border illegally testified major re-election theme. for blisters and dehydration, the Border Patrol agents had the The study in part looked at It looked at various factors yesterday that his work was to Warren was arrested on men said. ramshackle building known as violations of the UN’s Con- driving the problem, including “alleviate suffering” by giving January 17, 2018 at a building in Warren yesterday framed “The Barn” under surveillance and vention on the Rights of the children detained in armed con- humanitarian aid to people Ajo, Arizona, around 166km west NMD’s humanitarian aid, which moved in to arrest Warren and the Child, which mandates that child flict and judicial action linked to crossing deadly deserts. of Tucson, where US prosecutors includes leaving water in the men after they allege he walked detentions be used “only as a minor offences like truancy or Scott Warren, 37, is accuse him of hiding Kristian desert for migrants, as akin to the outside and gestured to the north measure of last resort and for underage drinking. appearing in his second federal Perez-Villanueva, then 23, and work of international organisa- to show them where to go, agent the shortest appropriate period Policies in place across the felony trial this year after a Jose Arnaldo Sacaria-Goday, 20. tions in conflict zones. Brendan Burns testified last week. of time.” globe stand “in direct contrast” Tucson jury was unable to reach The men from El Salvador He said the group remained Warren’s defense lawyers have But Nowak said that did not to the requirements of the child a verdict in June on whether he and Honduras, respectively, tes- “neutral” and operated under a said his arrest was in retaliation absolve President Donald rights convention, the report broke the law by giving food, tified last week that they crossed set of legal protocols that for a video NMD released the same Trump’s administration of found, calling for renewed effort water and shelter to two Central the border and trekked for allowed volunteers to work day showing US Border Patrol wrongdoing with respect to the to ensure that child detentions American migrants. nearly 48 km through the desert within the law. agents destroying water supplies detention of migrant children at occur only in exceptional cases. The trial has major before sheltering in a building Warren’s intent remains a the group left in the desert. 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019
Jeffrey Epstein’s Venezuela govt, prison guards charged over oppn agree on falsifying records AFP major deals NEW YORK Two guards who were on duty ANATOLIA Claudio Fermin said the night Jeffrey Epstein died ANKARA that “Venezuelans by suicide in a high-security jail were charged yesterday with Delegations of Venezuelan already see a way falsifying records after they government and opposition to start designating apparently failed to check on agreed on three points that focus a new National him. on economic and political Electoral Council”, Epstein, 66, was found dead matters at the National Table in New York’s Metropolitan established for dialogue. in the face of the Correctional Center on August President Nicolas Maduro 2020 parliamentary 10 as he awaited trial on alle- also participated in the meeting election. gations that he trafficked girls held at Miraflores Palace on as young as 14. Monday, according to the Guaido said the negotiation US justice officials are Caracas-based TV channel process with the Maduro gov- investigating how the wealthy TeleSur yesterday. ernment was “dead three months Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro holding a meeting with representatives of the opposition financier, one of America’s most Claudio Fermin, leader of ago”. political parties at Miraflores Palace, in Caracas yesterday. high-profile on-remand Solutions for Venezuela Party, Communication and Infor- detainees, was able to kill said that during two months of mation Minister Jorge Rodriguez affordable for everyone. of Movement To Socialism Party, The Mesa Nacional — or himself when he was supposed negotiations they have made detailed the three points And last, National reconcili- Claudio Fermin of Solutions for National Table — process was to be under close watch. important progress and “Vene- advanced at the dialogue table ation. Vice-President Delcy Rod- Venezuela Party and Timoteo established to focus on future New York prosecutors zuelans already see a way to start as follows: riguez, Communication and Zambrano of Let’s Change elections, prisoner release and charged Tova Noel, 31, and designating a new National Elec- First, establishment of an Information Minister Jorge Rod- Citizen Movement Party. unified opposition to the US Michael Thomas, 41, with toral Council”, in the face of the electoral board guaranteed for riguez, Education Minister Aris- Early September, the Maduro blockade. making false records to defraud 2020 parliamentary elections. the 2020 parliamentary elec- tobulo Isturiz, and the Head of government and five opposition Since the beginning of the the United States by impairing Fermin also said comple- tions, which includes a new National Constituent Assembly party leaders announced they year, Venezuela has been the lawful function of a federal mentary tables have been set up National Electoral Council. Francisco Torrealba represented agreed on starting a new dialogue embroiled in political unrest as prison. to discuss emergency economic Second, actualization of the the government during the process to tackle the problems Maduro and Guaido engaged in a The indictment – unsealed measures and political party exchange of oil for medicine and meeting. facing the OPEC (Organization of power battle, while the country’s in a Manhattan court — accused issues. food and eliminate taxes on a The opposition delegation the Petroleum Exporting Coun- economy has been in precipitous the defendants of failing to The meeting came a day after large number of items, which includes Javier Bertucci of Hope tries) nation, as crude oil is coun- decline following a global carry out mandated prisoner the opposition leader Juan will lower the price and make it for Change Party, Felipe Mujica try’s main export. downturn in the price of crude oil. checks and then signing false records to cover their tracks. “As alleged, the defendants had a duty to ensure the safety Nearly 70,000 fake anti-Morales Twitter IDs created: Reports and security of federal inmates in their care at the Metropolitan ANATOLIA legitimise the ouster of Evo conversation about the coup in them created only in November. political turmoil since Morales, Correctional Center,” said US ANKARA Morales from power and justify Bolivia promoted by @LuisFer- The same pattern worked Bolivia’s indigenous former pres- attorney Geoffrey Berman. the “coup”, Caracas-based CamachoV, I can affirm that it is with Anez, who went from 8,000 ident, was forced by the military “Instead, they repeatedly Nearly 70,000 fake Twitter broadcaster TeleSur said. also behind the fraudulent coup followers to 150,000, of which to step down on November 10 failed to conduct mandated accounts were created to support The accounts also boosted in networks with the creation of 40,000 were recently created. after weeks of protests following checks on inmates, and lied on the departure of former Pres- follower numbers of the main more than 60,000 false accounts After his analysis, Tovar said elections on October 20. official forms to hide their der- ident Evo Morales in Bolivia, actors of the removal process, to influence and spread fake he counted more than 68,000 After he resigned, Morales eliction,” he added. regional media reported. such as the head of the Santa news,” said Tovar in Spanish on different fake active accounts, accepted political asylum Epstein was a multi-mil- According to a study by Cruz Civic Committee, Luis Twitter. which have not been detected offered by the leftist gov- lionaire hedge fund manager Julian Macias Tovar, head of Fernando Camacho, and Senator He noted that Camacho’s by Twitter. ernment of Andres Manuel who hobnobbed with countless social networks for the Spanish Jeanine Anez, the country’s self- Twitter account jumped to Twitter rules prohibit the use Lopez Obrador in Mexico, celebrities over the years, party Podemos, the false proclaimed interim president. 130,000 followers from 2,000 of robots to amplify messages. arriving in the country two days including Britain’s Prince Andrew accounts were mobilised to “Analysing the Twitter in two weeks, with 50,000 of Bolivia has been gripped by after his resignation. and US President Donald Trump. WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019 HOME 19
PRAYER TIMINGS Award-winning TV personality urges FAJR 04. 34 AM SHOROOK 05. 54 AM youth to turn uncertainty into opportunity
ZUHR 11. 19 AM MAGHRIB 04. 46 PM THE PENINSULA DOHA ASR 02.23 PM ISHA 06. 16 PM
TV personality, film-maker, and WEATHER TODAY futurist Jason Silva has urged young people to embrace “awe”, as his appearance at Qatar Foun- dation’s Education City Speaker Series saw him tackle themes ranging from education and tech- nology to the human condition. The host of National Geo- graphic’s Emmy-nominated science reality series Brain Games spoke about the need to constantly re-imagine and Jason Silva during his public talk at Qatar National Library. reinvent how we live our lives in an era of “real-time change and time-lapse technology” during with and quiz its guests. Silva – obliterate your sense of ‘been his public talk at Qatar National also known for his YouTube there and seen that’, of jadedness Library, co-hosted by global edu- series Shots of Awe – follows in and fear. These moments of awe cation think-tank WISE’s Doha the footsteps of speakers from the and wonder leave you with an Learning Days experiential fields of health, innovation, entre- afterglow that has a host of cog- learning festival. preneurship, sport, and media, nitive benefits, such as increased “The right attitude in an age as well as senior figures from the wellbeing and compassion. They of exponential, rapid change is United Nations. “One of the entry take you out of autopilot and to play the infinite game – not points I use to educate myself is remind yourself that the territory one where we have short-term awe and wonder,” he said during of the world is much more vast wins and losses, but one where his talk. “In the face of rapid than your own map.” o o we keep the game going, keep change, it’s very easy for the brain Silva described technology 27 C 31 C innovation going, and keep rein- to get agitated, because with and innovation as a way of Minimum Maximum vention going,” said Silva. change comes uncertainty. But “turning the human mind inside The Education City Speaker exponential change doesn’t just out”, saying: “They are an Cloudy at times with a chance of rain at Series sees Qatar Foundation mean exponential uncertainty – extension of creativity and our some places becomes partly cloudy later with slight dust to blowing dust at places brings together experts in a range it means exponential mind, but that also raises a lot of by afternoon. of fields to share their experi- opportunity. challenges about how we steer
ences, ideas, and perspectives “To see this, you need to sur- these massive extensions of mind
HIGH TIDE 10:28 – 00:00 LOW TIDE 02:23 – 18:40 with the community of Qatar, and render to awe – allow it to stretch and in which direction we push Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department gives people a chance to interact your model of the world and them forward. Qatar Charity opens school for Syrian refugees in Turkey
THE PENINSULA/DOHA local partners to support Syrian nities to continue their education. refugees in the province, noting their refugees in Turkey, especially in the The inaugural ceremony was most significant needs, which must Qatar Charity (QC) has inaugurated the field of education. attended by the Governor of Sanliurfa, be met, most notably education. Nibrasul-Ilim Preparatory School in The Nibrasul-Ilim Preparatory Abdullah Erin, representatives of He also thanked the distin- Turkey’s Sanliurfa Province, in coop- School, which comes as part of Qatar donor and supporting organizations, guished donors from Qatar for eration with Turkish Government and Charity’s humanitarian efforts for and the relief coordinator at Qatar extending support to the Syrian ref- the Kuwaiti Relief Society. The opening Syrian refugees, can accommodate Charity’s office in Turkey. ugees in Turkey, applauding the of the school by Qatar Charity comes an expected enrolment of up to 1,120 Addressing the ceremony, the efforts exerted by Qatar Charity to within the framework of its strategy Syrian and Turkish students to Governor of Sanliurfa, Abdullah Erin, provide education to refugees and aimed at valuing value joint work with provide them with better opportu- spoke about the situation of Syrian victims worldwide.
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BALA
It tells the story of a man who is balding prematurely and how he copes up with the situation. 20 HOME WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2019