Shop Qatar to Begin on Jan 7

www.thepeninsula.qa WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8123 6 JUMADA I - 1441 2 RIYALS

BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 10

Asian markets 2019: eye increased Qatar's exports year to to Qatar remember

Enjoy unlimited local data and calls with the new Qatarna 5G plans Amir exchanges New Year greetings

QNA — DOHA peoples further progress and prosperity. Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani, also exchanged cables Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani exchanged of greetings yesterday with Their Excel- May Allah make 2020 a year of goodness cables of greetings yesterday with Their lencies heads of government of friendly and blessing, and a new decade of Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies countries on the occasion of the New happiness, peace and prosperity. the leaders of friendly countries on the Year, wishing them health and wellness occasion of the New Year, wishing them and their peoples further progress and good health and happiness and their prosperity.

May Allah make 2020 a year of peace and stability for the world and for #Qatar, stability and security as well as progress and prosperity under our wise leadership. Katara launches Shop Qatar to begin on Jan 7 RAYNALD C RIVERA Apart from big discounts and promotions, this and the Bear Stage Show, Shaun THE PENINSULA the Sheep Stage Show, Justice Art Laboratory year’s Shop Qatar promises many events and League Parade, Chinese Parade, RAYNALD C RIVERA “This lab was established Qatar National Tourism Council activities for style savvies including fashion Aura Entertainment Parade, Con- THE PENINSULA on the recommendations of Dr. (QNTC) is gearing up for the fetti Show, Bein Family Game Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, launch of the fourth edition of shows and master classes by beauty experts. Show, and Chinese Dragon Parade. The Cultural Village Foun- General Manager of Katara, Shop Qatar, the country’s only In addition there are dation (Katara) starts off the with the necessity to launch an nationwide shopping festival, musical spectacles coinciding year on a high note launching art laboratory that sponsors which will run from January 7 activities for style savvies by China” featuring designers with the shopping festival such a fresh initiative aimed at talented and professional to 31. including fashion shows and Grace Chen and Lan yu. as the concert of Bollywood enriching Qatar’s art scene, artists of different ages is in Car and cash prizes in excess master classes by beauty experts. Fashion aficionados can singer Sonu Nigam at Asian discovering talents and gifted line with the role that Katara of QR2m are in store for bargain Showcasing on the ramp also look forward to the “Ready Town Amphitheatre on January artists, and promoting inno- plays to promote art and hunters and shopaholics who can some of the latest designs from to Wear Show,” “Haute Couture 23 and a show by Siwar Choir, vation in the art community. support genius and creative shop in style while enjoying around the world, the fashion and Evening Wear Show” and Qatar’s leading youth choir, on In line with its mission to abilities, whether by training unbeatable discounts at hun- shows will be top-billed by “Kids Fashion Show.” January 7 at The Pearl-Qatar. enhance Qatar’s art landscape, or by organizing art exhibi- dreds of outlets at Shop Qatar’s “Designed by the World” fea- Well-known names in the Launched in 2016, Shop Qatar Katara has launched the Katara tions,” said Amal Al Atham, retail partners including Mall of turing creations by Ahmad beauty world including Hanan was aimed at enriching the coun- Art Laboratory – a new pro- director of the Katara Art Lab- Qatar, Doha Festival City, City Talfit, Laith Maalouf, Naja Alnajadah, Dalal Al Rifai and try’s tourism offering while posi- gramme offering training oratory project. Center, Villaggio Mall, Mirqab Saade, Amgad Al Adab , Saeed Lady Aisha will be among the tioning Qatar as a major shopping courses and workshops which She added that “the labo- Mall, Landmark Mall, Gulf Mall, Malas, Baris and Toufic Al experts who will be conducting destination in the region. The fes- begin today. ratory will follow a professional Al Khor Mall, Lagoona Mall, Hyatt Hassan; “Designed by Qatar” the master classes. tival’s previous editions have suc- Located in Building 18, the artistic approach with an edu- Plaza Mall, and The Pearl-Qatar, displaying collections by Waad, Shop Qatar caters to the entire ceeded enriching Qatar’s retail Art Laboratory seeks to provide cational and specialized art according to Shop Qatar’s official Soliel Abayas, Al Dukan, Fahad family with a plethora of shows sector attracting residents and a number of art programmes programs targeting different website. Al Obaidly, Modish, Sarmad, most of which will be held in par- tourists alike through its variety to support brilliant people of arts and groups of society to Apart from big discounts and Sheen Design, Shaden , Lady ticipating malls free to the public. of offerings combining big pro- different ages and create a gen- create a new generation of promotions, this year’s Shop Aysha , Tamader Al Sultan and Among the shows which have motions and spectacular eration of exceptional artists. young artists.” `P4 Qatar promises many events and The Black Pearl; and “Designed been lined up are Star Wars, Masha entertainment. Qatar Airways celebrates a year of success in 2019 THE PENINSULA — DOHA was a truly special moment. success in 2020.” “Our many achievements in The airline continued its For Qatar Airways, it was a 2019 are proof of one immutable strategy of investing in the successful year of strong network fact that Qatar Airways will world’s most technologically expansion, new aircraft deliveries never deviate from our com- advanced aircraft to drive its and the unique achievement as mitment to provide our millions ambitious route network the only airline to win the Skytrax of passengers with the very best growth. Through the course of Award for the World’s Best Airline onboard experience every time the year, 32 aircraft were for a fifth time. they travel with us. Our growth delivered to its Doha head- Qatar Airways Group Chief over the last 12 months, in the quarters, including its 250th, an Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, face of adversity, has been Airbus A350-900 in March. By said: “2019 was another year of impressive and going forward the close of the year, the total great achievement for Qatar we will look to continue to combined fleet size of pas- Airways. There have been many prosper. senger, cargo and Qatar Exec- highlights during the last 12 “As 2019 comes to an end, on utive (QE) was 259. months, in particular receiving behalf of our management and In January, the airline the highly prized ‘Best Airline staff, I give our passengers our announced that it had con- Msheireb Tram offers eco-friendly transport in the World’ award from absolute guarantee that we will verted 10 of its Airbus A321neo Skytrax at this year’s Paris Air strive to continue to deliver the order to the A321LR, a longer Msheireb Properties yesterday launched Msheireb Tram, an eco-friendly, high-tech and accessible means Show. To have won the very highest standards of quality range variant which will allow of transport which connects all Msheireb Downtown, which is hoped to encourage more people to leave accolade for a record fifth time and excellence in the industry. I it to connect with new growing their cars behind for a more convenient travel around the smart and sustainable city district. `P3 for my country and our airline look forward to another year of markets from Doha. `P4 Expats impacted by currency fluctuation in 2019 World ushers in New Year Fireworks light up SACHIN KUMAR expatriates. The trade tension between Indian rupee depreciated by around 2.4 THE PENINSULA the sky over Sydney United States and China was the biggest percent as it started the year at around 19 Opera House last night factor that roiled currencies across the per riyal and ended the year at 19.45 per riyal. in Australia. World Currency fluctuation during 2019 made globe. One Nepalese rupee was trading rang in New Year with expatriates of several countries little richer For example, one Pakistani rupee was around 30.48 per Qatari riyal at the spectacular ﬁreworks last year. Among the expatriates in Qatar, trading at around 37.97 per riyal at the beginning of 2019 while the currency from Australia to the Pakistani nationals emerged as the start of January 2019 and it traded at 42.40 closed at 31.15 per riyal yesterday, Japan last night. biggest gainer of currency fluctuation. The per riyal in local market, yesterday. It reflecting a fall of 2.2 percent. Bangladeshi Pakistani rupee depreciated around 12 means that Pakistani expatriate are now taka weakened to 23.42 per riyal at the percent in 2019, giving the extra value for getting 4.43 rupee extra, compared to start of the year from 23 per riyal at the their money. what they were getting at the beginning end of the year, showing a fall of around A depreciating currency bodes well of 2019. two percent. for expatriates because they get additional Nepali and Indian expatriates also ben- Other currencies have not shown income because of decline while appre- efitted from currency fluctuations as their much volatility and delivered a stable per- ciating currency is a bad news for currencies also declined during the year. formance in last year. `P2 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020

QNL events to shed light on year-round learning OFFICIAL NEWS Amir holds telephone THE PENINSULA — DOHA are in for a tuneful treat on conversations.” January 7 with ‘Light in Clas- ‘Light Is Hiding the Stars’ on conversation with A comprehensive programme sical Music: Richard Strauss’ An January 29 is a chance to dis- Iraqi President of activities is promised at Qatar Alpine Symphony’. Visitors will cover interesting facts about the National Library (QNL) at the have the chance to attend an extraordinary celestial bodies. DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim start of what is certain to be a educational screening of An Participants will learn about the bin Hamad Al Thani held last memorable year for everyone Alpine Symphony played by the phenomenon of light pollution evening a telephone conversa- in the country. Saxon State Orchestra under the and the implications of the use tion with President H E Dr. Barham From classical music to baton of the late great Italian of artificial illumination and the Salih of the sisterly Republic of games, and from stories to the conductor and composer deprivation of the view of the Iraq. stars in the night sky, there is Giuseppe Sinopoli. starry sky that our ancestors During the phone call, something for everyone across On January 8, ‘Games enjoyed. they reviewed the situation in the first 31 days of 2020, with Between Light and Shadow: A Other regular events are Iraq, where H E the Iraqi Presi- the common theme for the Project for Doha’ promises to also on the Library’s pro- dent briefed H H the Amir about month being ‘Light.’ be both a fun and educational gramme in January, including the latest developments on the Taking on board this event. This special presentation workshops on creative writing Iraqi arena. For his part, H H the month’s special theme, ‘Sto- will explore how light and “Learning is a continuous on the successful learning skills and photography, an Amir affirmed the State of Qatar's rytime at the Library’ takes shadow play on the ground and process and it never stops,” said journey that our visitors had intriguing look at being an keenness that security and sta- place every Monday at the Chil- on walls to reveal images of the Maryam Al Mutawa, Infor- with us over the past year. We astronaut, the Postgraduate bility be established in brotherly dren’s Library. The sessions will Sun and measure the passing of mation Services Librarian and hope that these programmes Peer Support Network and the Iraq. QNA engage children aged 6 to 11 in time. Based on these richly Acting Head of Program will provide opportunities for Arabic Book Club. storytelling and attendees will illustrated observations, a Services and Access at the members of the community More about the Library’s also have a chance to compose project will reveal live images Library. “Our programmes in to engage, show their crea- events in January 2020, can be Qatar takes part their own narratives. of Earth’s nearest star on a January suit the needs of eve- tivity and immerse them- found in www.qnl.qa/en/ Classical music enthusiasts selected wall in Doha. ryone and are designed to build selves in thought-provoking events. in Arab League emergency Texas A&M University workshop focuses meeting on Libya on electrical power infrastructure in Qatar QNA — CAIRO QNA — DOHA and Computer Engineering thereby necessitating a research The State of Qatar took part Program at Texas A&M at Qatar ecosystem built around tech- in the extraordinary session A two-day workshop organised Dr. Robert S. Balog , said that nology transfer to industry and of the Arab League Council by electrical engineering faculty most of the electrical distri- the design, development, at the level of permanent at Texas A&M University at bution system in Qatar is rela- deployment and service of these representatives to discuss Qatar brought together experts tively new, certainly compared technologies. the current developments in and practitioners from the with US and European systems Dean of Texas A&M at Qatar, Libya, chaired by Iraqi United States, Europe and Qatar where there are well-known Dr. Cesar Octavio Malave, said, Ambassador in Cairo and to focus on ensuring delivery of problems due to the aging infra- “Texas A&M at Qatar is proud to Permanent Representative electric power in Qatar safely structure. But as solar energy have a strong partnership with to the Arab League Ambas- Ooredoo launches New and reliably. becomes more widespread and academic institutions and local sador Ahmed Al Dulaimi at Presented in partnership electric vehicles gain traction, industry, as well as several gov- the Arab League head- with VITO Middle East and what will happen here in Qatar ernment entities. Our mission is quarters yesterday. Year offers for Shahry Energyville, with funding when equipment ages or is to play a key role in creating Qatar’s Permanent Rep- support from the Qatar National pushed beyond its intended sustainable solutions to real- resentative to the Arab Research Fund (QNRF), the design world challenges by generating League H E Ambassador and Qatarna customers Workshop on Safe and Reliable The workshop aimed to lev- new knowledge through Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al Electrical Distribution Systems erage expertise at Texas A&M at research and collaborative part- Sahlawi chaired the dele- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Ooredoo shops around town. for Qatar shared best practices, Qatar and VITO to identify nerships, and then dissemi- gation of the State of Qatar Existing Shahry customers who lessons learned and new tech- potential problems and develop nating that knowledge to the to the meeting. Qatar’s leading telecommuni- upgrade to a new Shahry 5G nologies that are ready for paths and partnerships to form rest of the world through scien- The meeting discussed cations operator, Ooredoo, has pack will get the Data Pack 30 application to enhance the and implement Qatar-specific tific publications and workshops the ongoing developments announced special New Year – normally priced at QR30 - safety and reliability of the elec- solutions. such as this one. Texas A&M at in Libya and the importance 2020 offers for new and free for three months, giving tricity distribution systems in However, Balog said, more Qatar is committed to expanding of adopting a joint Arab existing Shahry and Qatarna them from 2GB to 10GB data Qatar. work may be needed to cus- the human capital of the State position aiming at restoring customers. extra per month. Workshop chair and asso- tomize these technologies into of Qatar that is essential to fuel stability in Libya through Both new customers Existing Qatarna customers ciate professor in the Electrical solutions specific for Qatar, innovation and new thinking.” political means. signing up for a new Shahry 5G who upgrade to a new Qatarna or Qatarna 5G pack, and 5G Pack will get the Data Pack existing customers upgrading 50 - normally priced at QR50 Expats impacted to a new Shahry 5G or Qatarna per month - free for three Kahramaa opened 32 new electrical 5G pack, can choose an Add-on months, giving them from by currency pack – either extra data, local 20GB to 30GB data extra abso- minutes or international lutely free. Offers for existing fluctuation transmission stations in 2019 minutes, depending on pack – customers will be activated absolutely free for three automatically once the upgrade in 2019 QNA — DOHA five substations, Ras Abu Aboud measures in stations, cables and months. is processed. Two, was opened in May. lines resulted in an estimated New customers signing up Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, FROM PAGE 1 The Qatar General Electricity The year also marked the savings of about QR53mn. for a Shahry 5G Pack will have Director PR and Corporate and Water Corporation completion of the works of the The Corporation also the choice of the Data Pack 30, Communications at Ooredoo, According to the report, (Kahramaa) opened 32 new Doha Metro substations with upgraded the emergency the Local Pack 30 or the Inter- said: “The recent launch of our Euro was trading at 4.23 per electrical transmission stations the last of the five opened at Al control units by installing the national Pack 30 for three new Shahry and Qatarna 5G riyal at beginning of the year and completed cable laying Bidda. This is in addition to the latest software and technology months free. postpaid packs has been while it ended that at around works by spending an approx- completion of the works of the and enhancing cybersecurity. They can enjoy from 2GB extremely popular and we’re 4.12, showing a gain of imate amount of QR3bn, during power stations for Qatar Eco- The year also saw an increase to 5GB extra data, 300 to 1000 delighted to introduce these around 2 percent. 2019. nomic Zones (Manateq). in the number of consumers local minutes or 25 to 100 offers so customers get even The Philippine peso The year 2019 has turned to According to Kahramaa sta- while electrical network was international minutes extra free better for value for money as gained around 3 percent as be a year of achievements for tistics, the production capacity expanded into more areas. per month. well as our awesome service. it closed the year at around Kahramaa through imple- of electricity reached 10,578 As many as 8,116 sub- New Qatarna customers Whether they have a 5G-com- 13.91 per riyal compared to menting projects and main- MW in 2019. While power gen- scribers and 1,500 establish- will get Data Pack 50 or Inter- patible device or not yet, they’ll 14.40 per riyal at the taining quality of service with eration went up by about 30%, ments were connected and national Pack 50 free for three be able to access the Supernet beginning of the year. the highest standards for cus- water production increased by 1,286 new distribution stations months, giving them from and stay in touch with loved Kenyan Shilling was tomers, Kahramaa said in a 40%. opened. The number of failures 20GB up to 30GB data or 500 ones for longer with the free mostly stable as it opened statement . Kahramaa also raised the in the main network came to 1000 international minutes add-ons.” the year at 27.67 per riyal The Corporation completed efficiency of the electrical down by 8% in 2019 while the extra free per month. The New Year 2020 pro- while traded at 27.53 per commissioning of substations network through the imple- number of interruptions in the Offers for new customers motion runs from today until riyal on the last day of the for five stadiums of the 2022 mentation of periodic mainte- medium voltage network must be activated in any of our January 4. year. FIFA World Cup. The last of the nance programmes. Corrective decreased by 17%. Winter vegetable markets sell over half a tonne of honey in Dec

The local farms are offering large quantity among others during their of pure honey from the harvest of last season to promote the local products and attract customers season (November) directly to the customers to these markets. through their outlets in winter vegetable The Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of markets which operate from 7am to 5pm in Municipality and Environment Al Sheehaniya, Al Mazrouha, Al Wakrah, Al is running a national programme to increase the pro- Khor-Al Zakhira and Al Shamal from Thursday duction of local honey. Under to Saturday every week. the said programme, the Min- istry distributes complete tools SANAULLAH ATAULLAH and equipment for bee keeping THE PENINSULA beekeeping facility with over and provided various platforms 250 beehives in our agricultural for marketing the products. farm. Large quantity of honey All local farms interested in The winter vegetable markets was harvested last month,” said beekeeping have been provided run by the Agricultural Affairs Mohamad Absarul Haq, a rep- beehives, dresses, containers for Department at the Ministry of resentative of a local farm. He storing and other necessary Municipality and Environment said that the outlet of his farm things free of cost, to encourage (MME) sold over half a tonne at Al Mazrouha winter vegetable them to begin the business. (584kg) of local honey in market offers local honey in jars There are three types of December. of 250gm, 500gm and 1kg at honey in Qatar — Sidr, Samur The local farms are offering competitive prices. and Al Rabi according to the large quantity of pure honey Speaking about quality of seasonal flowers. Sidr honey is from the harvest of last season local honey, Absarul Haq said: being produced in large This ﬁle picture shows a customer checking the quality of honey on sale at a shop at the winter vegetable (November) directly to the cus- “We cultivated flower plants at quantity in Qatar and has the markets run by the Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. tomers through their outlets in huge area of our farm which highest demand. Qatari Sidr winter vegetable markets which provide nectar to bees. Since we honey is being produced in operate from 7am to 5pm in Al do not use any artificial things the varieties offered by local “Most customers who use local suggest flower nectar. desert climate making it special Sheehaniya, Al Mazrouha, Al to feed bees we can say our farms to customers, he said that honey regularly can identify the The winter vegetable compared to the Sidr of other Wakrah, Al Khor-Al Zakhira products are pure based on customers believe that local purity of the product by taste markets also host different fes- countries. There are other Sidr and Al Shamal from Thursday flower-nectar.” farms are supplying authentic and colour.” He said that even tivals featuring different honey but GCC Sidr has best to Saturday every week. Regarding demand and product. some customers especially products as honey, flowers, quality in test and other “We are running a purity of local honey especially Moreover, Absarul Haq said: senior Qatari citizens can kanar, mulberry and lemon specifications. WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 HOME 03 New initiative to restrain high prevalence of urolithiasis

FAZEENA SALEEM dietitians, lab technicians to According to Dr. stretching across the West Asia, kidney stone treatment pro- THE PENINSULA help people at individuals with Southeast Asia, South Asia, con- cedure using the Roboflex sur- urolithiasis and at the risk of a Ibrahim, dietary tribute to the high prevalence gical robot at Hazm Mebaireek In a new initiative to curtail the re-occurrence of the condition,” habits, genetic and re-occurrence rate of General Hospital. The state-of- high prevalence and relapse of said Dr. Ibrahim. factors and climate, urolithiasis. the-art flexible laparoscope urolithiasis among the popu- Urolithiasis is the formation “People with re-occurrence technology allows for the lation in Qatar, a special of stones in the kidney, bladder, especially Qatar being of urolithiasis also have other effective, non-invasive committee is set to be formed and/or urethra (urinary tract). in the stone forming medical conditions including treatment of kidney stones and in January. Depending on where a stone is kidney diseases, blood pressure the operation. It will aim at enhancing per- located, it may be called a belt stretching and obesity. Therefore the com- “Every hospital across sonalised, patient-centred care kidney stone, ureteral stone, or across the West Asia, mittee with multidisciplinary HMC complement each other for urolithiasis, said Dr. Tarek bladder stone. experts is important to provide in giving care to individuals Ahmed Amin Ibrahim (pic- An average of 2,000 inter- Southeast Asia, South holistic approach to patients,” with urolithiasis. For example, tured), Associate Consultant, ventions are performed for uro- Asia, contribute to the said Dr Ibrahim. with the urology services being Urology at Hamad Medical lithiasis at the Hamad General Most advanced techniques introduced at the Hazm Corporation(HMC). Hospital (HGH) and approxi- high prevalence and in the diagnosis and treatment Mebaireek General Hospital, The unique multi disci- mately 12000 patients seen at re-occurrence rate of of urinary stones, including many patients with urolithiasis plinary committee will include clinics in a year. 78% of the operations per- urolithiasis. minimally invasive robotic- are seen there. It has reduced patients, physicians, and experts “Across the world about 10 formed by the urology division assisted surgery and dedicated the emergency cases seen at across the country, he told The to 15 percent of people are are because of urinary stones,” stone clinics are available at HGH,” said Dr Ibrahim. Peninsula yesterday. affected by urolithiasis. There said Dr. Ibrahim. have high level of re-occur- HMC’s Ambulatory Care Center “Lithotripsy, a medical pro- “The committee will bring is no specific study about the “We also have a high rate rence of urinary stones,” he (ACC), HGH, Al Wakra Hospital, cedure that uses shock waves experts from private and public prevalence of urolithiasis in of re-occurrence of urolithiasis. added. Al Khor Hospital, Cuban Hos- or a laser to break down stones healthcare facilities in the Qatar but among every 1000 About half of people who have According to Dr. Ibrahim, pital, Hazem Mubarak General in the kidney, gallbladder is country. It will include multi cases seen at the HGH’s Emer- a urolithiasis develop the con- dietary habits, genetic factors Hospital. available only at the HGH so disciplinary experts will include gency Department, 13 were suf- dition within 5 to 10 years. and climate, especially Qatar A team of surgeons patients in need of a Lithotripsy nephrologists, urologists, fering from urolithiasis. Around Among them about 10 percent being in the stone forming belt recently performed the first will be seen at HGH,” he added. Tramway connects all of Msheireb Downtown Doha THE PENINSULA — DOHA With nine stations, sustainable way of commuting will encourage more people to leave their Msheireb Properties, the national real Msheireb Tram cars behind. The tramway is very user estate developer and subsidiary of interconnects all of friendly, cost effective, suitable for Qatar Foundation, yesterday launched everyone, and I am confident that our the much anticipated Msheireb Tram. Msheireb, making it easier visitors and residents will find it very The new Tramway connects all for visitors to move from convenient.” Downtown Doha, the world’s smartest Msheireb Tram links all areas of and most sustainable city district, and one spot to the other Msheireb Downtown Doha within 18 the first sustainable downtown regen- making the city a truly minutes, with a station at the Central eration project worldwide. walkable and environment Msheireb Metro Station, where eve- Manufactured by the US-based ryone can access Qatar Rail’s all three TIG/m, LLC, Msheireb Tram adopts friendly city. operating metro lines. the latest in eco-friendly transpor- The MDD trams run on standard tation technology with options and gauge track (1,435 mm) and are conveniences that makes it also an traffic signals, tram arrival signs in custom designed and handcrafted to accessible method of commuting real-time on the trams and at the pas- the highest standards of excellence within the downtown area for people senger stations, on-board CCTV, and while adhering to European Standards with special needs. on-board Wi-Fi. for Tramway Safety. With nine stations, Msheireb Tram 2km, closed-loop track system. sunlight. The Msheireb Tram also includes Msheireb Tram goes through nine interconnects all of Msheireb, making The self-powered environmen- The modern high-tech streetcar a unique open-air feature allowing it stations; Sahat Al Nakheel Station, it easier for visitors to move from one tally friendly tramway depot is also includes many advanced features to be operated as an open-air car by Wadi Msheireb Station, Galleria spot to the other making the city a Platinum LEED certified. It is made making it a convenient and safe removing the glass panels. Station, Msheireb Prayer Station, Her- truly walkable and environment up of three one-deck, high-tech, method of transportation for pas- Ali Al Kuwari, Acting Chief Exec- itage Quarter Station, Al Baraha friendly city. Visitors, residents, and electric streetcars, which are fully air- sengers, such as: level boarding at all utive Officer, Msheireb Properties Station, Sahat Al Masjid Station, Al tenants can find a tram car on the loop conditioned, incorporating special stations; a hop-on-hop-off service in said: “It is a great way to end a year Kahraba Street Station, and Al Mariah every six minutes, with a 400-metre light-filtering glass panels which Wadi Msheireb area; Virtual Tram full of success, with the launch of the Street Station giving everyone mul- hop-on/hop-off zone along the single prevent over 90% of the heat from Detection and tram priority at the Msheireb Tram. We hope that this tiple points of access to the tramway. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 Qatar Airways celebrates a year of success in 2019 FROM PAGE 1 announcement of an Continuing its proud record agreement with Republic of of being one of the world’s Rwanda to develop, invest and fastest-growing airlines, Qatar operate in a new international Airways launched a range of airport at a ceremony in Kigali. new destinations in 2019, The airline will own 60 per namely: Davao, Philippines; cent of the new airport with Gaborone, Botswana; Izmir, the remainder being held by Turkey; Langkawi, Malaysia; the Government of the Lisbon, Portugal; Mogadishu, Republic of Rwanda. Somalia; Rabat, Morocco; and Cargo: Qatar Airways Valletta, Malta, increasing the Cargo concluded a very suc- carrier’s network to over 160 cessful 2019, taking delivery destinations. of six new Boeing 777 The airline also added a freighters and launching new host of new increased fre- freighter destinations Almaty, quencies to dozens of destina- Guadalajara, and Singapore tions including Amman, Cape along with capacity increases Town, Johannesburg, Kuwait, to several destinations. The Larnaca, Manchester, Miami, airline also added Hanoi and Milan, Penang and Vienna. Singapore on its popular and Such additions are designed to high-demand transpacific give more choice and flexibility route connecting Asia directly for both business and leisure to the Americas. The Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif AI Sulaiti; and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive H E Akbar Al passengers as well as offering Cargo capacity was also Baker with other officials during the Skytrax Awards ceremony. flexible cargo options. introduced to nine new belly- In addition, the airline hold destinations, demon- its multi award-winning, pat- for Educate A Child, a hugely Munich, AS Roma, Boca fifth time - it also won ‘World’s signed a number of new or strating the carrier’s com- ented Business Class seat, important charity providing Juniors, Al Sadd and the Best Business Class’, ‘Best extended codeshare agree- mitment to its customers and Qsuite, to yet more high- primary education to millions Brooklyn Nets, 2019 saw the Business Class Seat’, and ‘Best ments with world-class airline the growing global trade. For profile routes including of out-of-school children. airline commit to deals Airline in the Middle East’ at partners, including IndiGo Air- the financial year 2018-19, Auckland, Bangkok, Boston, In Amman, Jordan, Qatar designed to bring people the 2019 World Airline Awards, lines, LATAM, China Southern, Cargo revenue witnessed Cape Town, Copenhagen, Airways commemorated the together through sport. managed by international air and SriLankan Airlines. growth of 16.8 per cent with Dallas Fort Worth, Delhi, opening of its new ward at the As the Official Partner and transport rating organisation The portfolio and cargo capacity (Available Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, King Hussein Cancer Center Official Airline of FIFA, Qatar Skytrax. investment strategy of the Tonne Kilometres) growing Los Angeles, Milan, Montreal, (KHCC) with a special cer- Airways was proud to bring The annual Trip Advisor Qatar Airways Group con- 11.8 per cent annually. Qatar and Tokyo Haneda. Passengers emony held under the football fans from around the awards gave more cause for tinued to progress and Airways Cargo also placed an in these cities now have the patronage of HRH Prince Talal world to France for the 2019 celebration with the airline diversify in 2019. In January, order for five more Boeing 777 opportunity to experience the Bin Muhammad, Special FIFA Women’s World Cup picking up five more prizes, the on-market purchase of freighters at the Paris Air Show airline’s renowned Business Advisor to HM King Abdullah France. namely the ‘World’s Best certain A shares and H shares in June 2019. Class product, named ‘World’s II. The airline marked a In December, Doha hosted Business Class’ by Trip Advisor, of China Southern Airlines The cargo carrier bagged Best Business Class Seat’ by the number of international the FIFA Club World Cup, ‘Middle East Best Airline’, Company Limited (“China the prestigious ‘Global Air 2019 World Airline Awards, awareness campaigns during where as well as being the ‘Middle East Best Major’, Southern Airlines”) resulted in Cargo Airline of the Year’ managed by international air 2019, including Autism Month official airline, Qatar Airways ‘Middle East Best Business an aggregate holding of (STAT Trade Times) in 2019 transport rating organisation where it host a series of special brought tens of thousands of Class’ and ‘Middle East Best approximately 5 per cent of the and was also runner-up for the Skytrax. events throughout April fans from all over the globe to Economy Class’. total issued share capital. ‘Global Air Cargo Brand of the Corporate social responsi- designed to raise awareness of witness European champions In scooping further acco- A busy summer saw the Year’ and ‘International Cargo bility: 2019 showed that Qatar the autism spectrum Liverpool FC win the trophy lades from the Travel Trade airline commit to significant Airline of the Year in Africa’ Airways is at the very centre disorder. for the very first time. Gazette (TTG), Kayak, new orders for Boeing aircraft, awards. These awards rec- of the communities it serves Supporting top tier and Qatar’s national carrier LinkedIn, APEX, AirlineR- Gulfstream Executive Jets and ognise the carrier’s continued and at the cutting edge of envi- grassroots sport is an essential continued its enviable record atings, Business Traveller, PAX GE Engines, celebrated with a drive and emphasis on inno- ronmental responsibility, staff part of Qatar Airways’ DNA. To of winning awards with a host and Onboard Hospitality, the signing ceremony at the White vation, customer centricity, wellness and effective philan- complement the already of accolades during the year. airline could point to more House. and service excellence. thropic giving. The airline cel- impressive sponsorship agree- Along with the ‘World’s Best than 70 international awards December heralded the In 2019, the airline added ebrated five years of support ments with the likes of Bayern Airline’ prize – for a record received during 2019. Students get health education through QRCS programme QNA — DOHA Over one month, included protection against Charity, which was fruitful in injuries, disease prevention, enhancing outreach and com- Qatar Red Crescent Society training courses good diet, personal hygiene, munity engagement, capital- (QRCS) has held 50 training and lectures were communicable diseases, home ising on the youth’s potential, courses on first aid, health delivered to 2,500 safety, oral health, and smoking protecting the school and local education and risk reduction risks. communities against injuries, under the QRCS School students of primary, In a statement, Muna Fadel building a well-educated gen- Program, with funding from Afif preparatory, and Al Sulaiti, Executive Director of eration capable of dealing with Charity, under a bilateral spon- Volunteering and Local Devel- risks, and promoting a culture sorship agreement. secondary levels. opment Division at QRCS, said of first aid intervention. The programme is super- Also, there were 300 it was a very important pro- The QRCS School Program vised by the Ministry of Edu- gramme designed to create a is a capacity-building pro- cation and Higher Education. indirect beneﬁciaries, safe school environment where gramme implemented at public Over one month, training including teachers, individuals had the ability to and private schools, under an courses and lectures were help themselves and others. agreement with the Ministry of delivered to 2,500 students of administrative staff, “This would translate into Education and Higher Edu- primary, preparatory, and sec- bus drivers, and lower injury and mortality rates cation. It is part of the annual ondary levels. Also, there were parents. resulting from accidents,” she plan of extracurricular activities 300 indirect beneficiaries, added. “The QRCS School at Qatari schools. including teachers, adminis- Program seeks the modern Over the past three years, trative staff, bus drivers, and They covered a wide range knowledge-oriented society the programme was imple- parents. The purpose of these of first aid skills for bleeding, envisaged by Qatar National mented at 159 schools, with a events was to build their nosebleed, head injury, fracture, Vision 2030”. total of 11,000 beneficiaries. capacity in first aid, health edu- burn, epilepsy, and heat stroke. Al Sulaiti commended this This reflects how its content and Students receiving lesson on ﬁrst aid during a class held under cation and risk reduction. More health-related topics first joint operation with Afif objectives are widely trusted. QRCS’s School Program. Gulf Exchange launches 10th branch THE PENINSULA — DOHA Ooredoo, as their dedication streamlining external commu- has accelerated the opening of nication with all stakeholders Gulf Exchange has celebrated the branch. through launching 7 websites the launch of its tenth branch He added that Gulf in Arabic, English, Hindi, Bang- in Ras Laffan in the presence Exchange has invested consid- ladeshi, Nepali, Turkish, and of senior management, accom- erably to enhance not only cus- more recently Swahili to serve plished staff, and distinguished tomer experience, but also the growing community from guests. employee satisfaction as the Kenya and other East African Ahmad Ali Al Sarraf, company has recently entered countries. Deputy General Manager of into a partnership with SMART Further successes have Gulf Exchange, has congratu- GYM to provide special cor- been demonstrated by lated the Ras Laffan Industrial porate rate for annual mem- improving management City community on the new bership for its staff, whereby systems, which have positively year and expressed his appre- the company will contribute contributed to developing a ciation for the ongoing support 50% of the membership fees. progressive corporate culture. from Qatar Petroleum to join Customers now enjoy Mohamed Choker, AML & forces in serving such a instant money transfer services Compliance Manager has thriving community that is with Gulf Exchange through shared his excitement for The senior management staff of Gulf Exchange and guests during the opening of its 10th branch in contributing to the economic Oooredoo Money application recently passing the audit for Ras Laffan. development in line with Qatar to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, the ISO 27001 pertaining Infor- National Vision 2030. Philippines, and Sri Lanka, mation Security Management Gulf Exchange is popular Customers enjoy the money Village), Asian Town, Dukhan, Mohamed Jawad Al Zaabi, with more countries in the System, which comes few for their instant bank account transfer and other services at Industrial Area, Messaied and Administration and Human pipeline for such instant months after successfully credit to 31 banks in India and Gulf Exchange across its ten the recently launched Ras Resource Manager at Gulf services as advised by Raju receiving ISO 9001 certifi- many other banks in Bang- branches located in Doha (Ali Laffan branch in addition to Exchange, extended his grat- Ramachandran, Operations cation for Quality Management ladesh, Nepal, the Philippines, Bin Abdullah Street), Al- Ooredoo Mobile Money with itude for all stakeholders inter- Manager. In addition, Gulf System, from a UKAS- and Sri Lanka, with many more Rayyan, Al-Ruwais, Al-She- best rates and most compet- nally and externally such as Exchange has invested in accredited certification body. countries in the pipeline. haniya, Al-Wakra (Barwa itive services. Katara Art Laboratory to promote innovation and nurture local talents FROM PAGE 1 highest levels of excellence and basis for all ages.” out. She explained that the lab- equipped with special tools and and from 4pm to 8pm at professionalism,” she stressed. “The laboratory will also oratory has an open art studio devices specialized in providing Building 18. “Distinctively, the Katara Al-Atham said that “the lab- coordinate with schools and through which the trainees will various types of technical Find more information on Art Laboratory works according oratory programme is rich and contribute to achieving inte- learn the principles and foun- workshops. its social media accounts, by to a continuous curricula and diverse, as it will provide gration with academic curricula dations of various drawing such The Katara Art Laboratory e-mail: [email protected] educational standards to raise various workshops to teach all and educational arts and crea- as portraiture, light, clothing conducts daily its activities in or by calling 50111751 and the level of the trainees to the kinds of arts on a daily ongoing tivity programs,” she pointed and different materials. It is also two periods from 9am to 1pm 50111752. WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 HOME 05 QATAR 2019 Amir addresses UN General Assembly, meets world leaders

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani giving a speech at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly,

THE PENINSULA — DOHA held important talks with them. September 8 Hamad Medical Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Corporation’s (HMC) new In the last four months of 2019, Hamad Al Thani and the Pres- Trauma and Emergency Center, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin ident of the Republic of Turkey, which is one of the largest Hamad Al Thani addressed the Recep Tayyip Erdogan, co- centers in the region. General Debate of the 74th chaired on November 25 the 5th H H the Amir held a session session of the UN General session of the Qatar-Turkey of official talks with the Pres- Assembly, attended global Supreme Strategic Committee ident of the Republic of The events and met with UN at the Amiri Diwan. Gambia, Adama Barrow, at the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani delivering the opening speech during the ‘Doha Forum Secretary-General, Antonio H H the Amir inaugurated Amiri Diwan, on September 11. 2019’ at Doha Sheraton Hotel. Guterres; President of the the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup on H H the Amir met on September French Republic, Emmanuel November 26 with a spectacular 19 with the President of the Prime Minister of the United Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Macron; President of the ceremony that left a packed French Republic, Emmanuel Kingdom, Boris Johnson, the Hamad Al Thani met with the International Anti-Corruption Republic of the Gambia, Adama Khalifa International Stadium. Macron, at the Elysee Palace. strategic relations and means President of the Republic of Excellence Award ceremony Barrow; and other a number of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin of boosting cooperation Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held at Kigali Convention prominent world leaders and Hamad Al Thani inaugurated on Hamad Al Thani discussed with between the two countries in on September 24, on the side- Centre on December 8. various fields for their mutual lines of the 74th session of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the President of the benefit on September 20. United Nations General Hamad Al Thani and Prime H H the Amir took part in Assembly at the UN Minister of Malaysia, H E Dr. Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, co-chaired on November the UN Climate Action Summit headquarters. Mahathir Mohamad held an 25 the 5th session of the Qatar-Turkey Supreme Strategic Committee 2019, which was held by HE UN Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin official talks session, at the at the Amiri Diwan. H H the Amir inaugurated the 24th Arabian Gulf Secretary-General Antonio Hamad Al Thani and President Amiri Diwan, December 13. Cup on November 26 with a spectacular ceremony at a packed Khalifa Guterres at the UN headquarters of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro held H H the Amir opened on in New York on on September official talks at the Amiri Diwan December 14 the high- profile International Stadium. 22 , in conjunction with con- on October 28. HH the Amir ‘Doha Forum 2019’ at Doha vening the 74th session of the inaugurated on October 28 Sheraton Hotel that witnessed UN General Assembly. Qatar IT Exhibition (QITCOM the attendance of world’s top H H the Amir met on Sep- 2019), organised by the Ministry decision-makers and policy tember 24 with Indian Prime of Transport and Communica- leaders. Minister Narendra Modi and the tions under the theme “Safe and HH the Amir met on accompanying delegation, at Smart Cities” in the presence of December 15 at the Amiri Diwan the residence of the Permanent President of Rwanda Paul with the Chairman of the Pres- Mission of the State of Qatar to Kagame at the Qatar National idential Council of Libya, H E the United Nations. Convention Center (QNCC). Fayez Mustafa Al Sarraj, who is Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin H H the Amir met on in Qatar to take part in the Doha Hamad Al Thani met on Sep- December 2 with H E Minister- Forum 2019. tember 24 with the Chancellor President of Lower Saxony in HH the Amir participated on of the Federal Republic of the Federal Republic of December 18 in the opening Germany, Dr. Angela Merkel, Germany, Stephan Weil, and his session of the Kuala Lumpur and the accompanying dele- accompanying delegation at the Summit 2019, which carries the gation, at the residence of the Amiri Diwan on the occasion of theme The Role of Development Permanent Mission of the State their visit to the country. in Achieving National of Qatar to the United Nations. H H the Amir on December Sovereignty. H H the Amir delivered a 8 issued Decree No. (46) of 2019 Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin speech at the General Debate to ratify a Memorandum of Hamad Al Thani issued on of the 74th session of the UN Understanding for cooperation December 26 Amiri Law No. 27 General Assembly held at UN in the field of health and of 2019 on counter-terrorism. headquarters in New York on medical science between the The law is effective starting September 24. Amir H H Sheikh government of the State of from its date of publication in Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Qatar and the government of the official gazette. took part in the opening session the Republic of Turkey. H H the Amir also ratified of the General Debate of the HH the Amir and the Pres- on December 26 a Cabinet Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the President of the Republic of Turkey, H E Recep 74th session of the United ident of Rwanda Paul Kagame decision No. 41 of 2019 issuing Tayyip Erdogan, at the Amiri Diwan. Nations General Assembly, attended the signing of three the executive regulations for which kicked off at the UN agreements between the gov- law No. 20 of 2019 on com- headquarters in New York on ernments of the two countries, bating money laundering and September 24. on the sidelines of Sheikh terrorism financing.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani handing over the Arabian Gulf Cup to the national Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris football team of the Kingdom of Bahrain, after the ﬁnal match at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. Johnson, during a meeting at the 10 Downing Street, in London. 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 HOME 07 A year full of achievements QATAR 2019

In the year 2019, Qatar in the development of the Media Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh in Doha. Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Qatar Airways won three out of ﬁve global SriLankan Airlines, starting successfully continued City through various services of Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani on October On November 22, Qatar’s mentaryH E Sheikh Union Joaan (APU). bin Hamad bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani accolades in the 2020 Airline Passenger Experience from December 23. This new their companies. 10 stressed the need for Qatari companies to transport sector reached Al Thani, President of the Qatar participated on December 10 in codeshare agreement will its march towards Qatar Development Bank Association’s (APEX) Passenger Choice Awards, at the strengthen the two airlines’ glory and accomplished (QDB) on October 13 officially participate in the development of the Media City APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony held in Los Angeles on strategic partnership, first ini- announced a new community through various services of their companies. September 9. Qatar Airways was named ‘Best Airline’ tiated in 2016. many achievements partnership between Qatar On December 23, Prime at domestic and FinTech Hub and Findec, the at the prestigious 2019 Business Traveller Awards, Minister and Interior Minister, global fronts. Different Swedish hub for fintechs. The Deputy Prime Minister Qatar Airways signed $4bn held on October 7 at London’s Royal Garden Hotel in H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser ministries and state Baladna Food Industries (BFI) and Minister of State for Defence order for A321neo aircraft front of 250 industry leaders. bin Khalifa Al Thani opened the on October 17announced to raise Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin engines. The airline announced 44th General Assembly of the organisations completed about QR1.42bn ($382m) in an Mohamed Al Attiyah, met on on November 13 that it had Arab Police Sports Federation numerous strategic initial public offering (IPO) of November 5 with United States selected CFM International (APSF) at Sharq Hotel. projects and laid 1,425,750,000 new shares (the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo. LEAP-1A engines to power its was held between December 11 companies which will soon start In December, with 34 stalls Offer Shares) on the Qatar Stock Ashghal announced on new fleet of 50 A321neo family and 13, with vibrant sessions on their operations from Qatar’s Free representing local farms and foundation of many Exchange, representing 75 November 9 the construction of aircraft, the largest order of poetry, discussions and perform- Zones. food manufacturing companies, others. percent of the share capital of the three public parks including the A321neo family aircraft in the ances by renowned authors and Qatar on December 16 the fourth Mahaseel Festival is Company. development of Rawdat Al Khail Middle East. artists. announced a surplus 2020 annual the biggest edition yet. On H H Sheikha Moza bint Park (Al Muntaza Park), and new Hospitality Qatar’s biggest On December 14, Deputy budget with a projected QR211bn December 23, Katara inaugu- Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar parks at Al Gharafa and Umm Al edition was held from November Prime Minister and Minister of in revenue and QR210.5bn rated the Farmers’ Forum THE PENINSULA — DOHA Foundation, on October 22, Seneem. 12 to 14 at Doha Exhibition and State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. expenditure. office. attended the ‘Catalyzing The QIIB, on November 9, Convention Center. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah Hamad International Airport In December, Hamad n the year 2019, Qatar suc- Future’ celebration of the 10th received the prestigious The Public Works Authority and Turkish National Defence was voted as the “Best Airport in Medical Corporation (HMC) cessfully continued its march anniversary of Qatar Science & ‘Strongest Islamic Retail Bank’ (Ashghal) announced on Minister, H E Hulusi Akar, inau- the Middle East” for the third con- celebrated its 40th anni- Itowards glory and accom- Technology Park (QSTP). and the ‘Most Innovative Islamic November 16 the completion of gurated the headquarters of the secutive year at the 16th Annual versary, marking four decades plished many achievements at Qatar ushered in its fourth Retail Bank in Qatar Awards works of the reclamation and Qatari-Turkish Joint Command Global Traveler’s GT Tested of delivering safe, effective, domestic and global fronts. Dif- and largest cruise tourism season 2019’, granted annually by the rehabilitation project in Al at Khalid Bin Al Walid Military Reader Survey Awards held in in and compassionate care to ferent ministries and state organ- with the opening of a new cruise Islamic Retail Banking Awards Karaana Lagoon, six months Camp. Los Angeles on December 15. Qatar’s population since having isations completed numerous passenger terminal at Doha Port (IRBA) Committee in collabo- ahead of schedule. Prime Minister and Minister Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin been established by Amiri strategic projects and laid foun- on October 22. ration with the University of Qatar’s first Patient Expe- of Interior, H E Sheikh Abdullah Hamad Al Thani attended the decree in 1979. dation of many others. Qatar’s Hamad International Airport Cambridge to leading banks in rience Forum, one of the largest bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar National Day 2019 Parade Ashghal opened on leadership at international level announced, on October 23, plans the Islamic finance sectors. healthcare conferences in the attended on December 15 the con- on the Doha Corniche, on December 27 the 2.5-km car- remained engaged in active, con- for second phase expansion The Ministry of Interior region was held on November 16 The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with the Prime Minister clusion of the works of the 19th December 18. All branches of riageway of East Industrial structive diplomacy to address which will enhance the airport’s launched on November 11 an and 17 in the presence of Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, in Riyadh. Doha Forum 2019. the Qatari Armed Forces par- Street Extension Project two different global challenges and capacity to more than 60 million e-portal to issue visas for those of Public Health H E Dr Hanan The Qatar Free Zones ticipated in the parade. months ahead of schedule, the country also contributed gen- passengers annually. interested in visiting the country. Mohamed Al Kuwari. Authority (QFZA) on December Qatar Airways announced which includes the second erously to many regional, global The Speaker of the Shura another key milestone as Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), on the closed session of 40th GCC 15 signed the licenses to operate on December 16 to expand longest bridge in Qatar with a humanitarian causes. Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah Railways Company launched December 1 inaugurated the Supreme Council that was held for seven high-value global codeshare cooperation with length of 1.7km. Here The Peninsula, in last bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, addressed preview service for the Doha Qatari Diar project in Tunisia, at the Diriyah Palace in Riyadh, part of the series covers last four Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar on October 26 the opening Metro Gold Line. Anantara-Tozeur Resort. Saudi Arabia. months (September 2019 to Foundation, witnesses QSTP 10th anniversary celebration. session of the first meeting of the Qatar General Electricity The 2022 building was On December 9-10, Shura December 2019) of this eventful Executive Council of the Asian and Water Corporation (Kah- unveiled at Aspire Zone on Council of Qatar hosted the 7th year. Angeles on September 9. The Ministry of Commerce Parliamentary Assembly (APA) ramaa) launched Tarsheed Pho- December 2 by the Prime Min- Conference of Global Organi- Qatar Free Zones Authority The Department of Early and Industry (MoCI) on Sep- currently held in the city of Riza, tovoltaic Station for Energy ister and Interior Minister H E sation of Parliamentarians (QFZA) announced on September Education at the Ministry of Edu- tember 30 launched the first Turkey. Storage and Charging Electric Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Against Corruption (GOPAC) in 1 to have signed Memorandums cation and Higher Education phase of the single window Qatar Airways announced, on Vehicles, first of its kind in Khalifa Al Thani to coincide Doha. of Understanding (MoUs) with developed a training programme services at the Ministry’s head- October 28, it became the first Qatar at Kahramaa Complex at with Qatar’s winning the bid to On December 10, the Global two leading entities in for school supervisors on Sep- quarters in Lusail City. airline in the world to use the Mesaimeer, on November 24. host the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Organisation of Parliamen- Singapore. tember 9. MEEZA Expansion, the inter- ‘GE360 Foam Wash’ system after Qatar General Electricity The longest edition of the tarians Against Corruption Affiliates of Qatar Petroleum The Ministry of Interior (MoI) national arm of Qatar’s prom- partnering with GE on a three- and Water Corporation (Kah- annual Katara Traditional chose Speaker of the Shura and the Belgian independent on September 17 inaugurated the inent end-to-end Managed IT year trial of the innovative ramaa) commissioned Al Bidaa Dhow Festival launched on Council, H E Ahmed bin natural gas transport company new website “Policeman My Services & Solutions Provider, on enhanced engine cleaning Metro Power Substation at a December 3 at Katara Beach. Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, Fluxys Belgium signed a long- Friend”. October 1 announced to enter technology. cost of QR300m on November The 16th edition of the as its board chair from 2019 to term agreement on September 2 Kahramaa, represented by and gain market share in On October 29, Prime Min- 26. International Junior Science 2021. for LNG unloading services at the the National Program for Con- potential target markets in ister and Minister of Interior H E The Aoun project of the Olympiad (IJSO-2019) opened Qatar Foundation unveiled Zeebrugge LNG Terminal. servation and Energy Efficiency Europe, the Middle East and Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Ministry of Municipality and on December 4 with a grand the renowned artist Maqbool The Qatar Financial Centre (Tarsheed), installed eight electric North Africa (EMEA). Khalifa Al Thani and H E Pres- Environment (MME) won the ceremony held at Qatar Fida Husain’s final art instal- (QFC), on September 8 said that car charging stations free-of-cost London’s High Court on ident Paul Kagame of the Sheikh Salem Al Ali Al Sabah National Convention Center lation, the Seeroo fi al Ardh, in it has been admitted to the inter- to encourage the motorists to October 2 confirmed that Qatar Republic of Rwanda inaugurated Informatics Award among the (QNCC). Education City, on December national standard-setting organ- adopt electric cars on September Foundation (QF) lawfully termi- Smart City Expo Doha. best technical projects in its Qatar’s first ever Hot Air 11. isation, Islamic Financial Services 17. nated its £1.9bn hospital contract Prime Minister and Interior 19th edition on November 28. Balloon Festival, which was On December 11, Qatar Board (IFSB), as an Associate The Minister of Commerce with a joint venture (JV) of con- Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin The State of Qatar, repre- held from December 7 to 18, Railways Company launched Member. and Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed struction firms Contrack and Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and sented by the Shura Council witnessed 33 hot air balloons the preview service for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammad Al A Memorandum of Under- Al Kuwari on September 23 London-listed OHL. Vice-President of the Republic signed on November 28 a Mem- from 13 countries adorn the Doha Metro Green Line. Attiyah and Turkish National Defence Minister, H E Hulusi Akar, inaugurating the headquarters of the standing (MoU) was signed on opened the three-day ‘The Big 5 The Public Works Authority of Turkey Fuat Oktay held an orandum of Understanding skies over Aspire Park. The country’s first interna- Qatari-Turkish Joint Command at Khalid Bin Al Walid Military Camp. September 8 between the Shura Construct Qatar’ at the Doha (Ashghal) opened on October 5 official talks session at the pres- (MoU) with the African Parlia- Prime Minister and Interior tional literature festival JLF Doha Council and the Chamber of Dep- Exhibition and Convention the Tilted Intersection to traffic. idential palace in the Turkish uties of the Federal Republic of Center. Qatar Airways was named capital Ankara on November 1. Brazil. On September 25, the Min- ‘Best Airline’ at the prestigious On November 2, Prime Min- The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin istry of Interior inaugurated its 2019 Business Traveller Awards, ister and Interior Minister H E Al Mahmoud after being elected as the Board Chair of the Global Hamad Al Thani inaugurated overseas Visa Centre in Manila, held on October 7 at London’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption, in Doha. Hamad Medical Corporation’s Philippines, as part of the state’ Royal Garden Hotel in front of Khalifa Al Thani inaugurated the (HMC) new Trauma and Emer- efforts to facilitate and simplify 250 industry leaders. sustainability and development gency Center on September 9. the recruitment procedures for Qatar participated in GCC phase of the “Better Connections” Hamad International Airport On November 18, Qatar Ports Prime Minister and Interior expatriates into the country. Financial and Economic Coop- program. (HIA) received the “Best Pas- Management Company (Mwani Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Qatar National Bank eration Committee meeting on Deputy Prime Minister and senger Experience Initiative” Qatar) signed a container Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani inau- announced on September 26 to October 7. Qatar announced on Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E silver award at the Future Travel services agreement with the gurated on September 12 the have opened its first branch in October 8 to reduce over 5MTPA Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- Experience (FTE) Asia Awards Mediterranean Shipping Mukaynis Meteorological Center Hong Kong, as part of its plans to of CO2 by 2025. QIIB on October rahman Al Thani on November 2019, held in Singapore on Company (MSC) to use Hamad in Mukaynis area, and launched boost international operations. 9 announced that its Chairman 3 addressed the opening of the November 12. Port as a regional hub to manage an app for the Qatar Meteorology The World Bank on Sep- Sheikh Dr Khalid has been Ministerial Meeting of the fifth Some of the best jazz artistes transshipments for up to 150,000 Department called (Q Weather). tember 27 listed Qatar as one of chosen as ‘Islamic Finance Per- round of the Qatari-Turkish from 13 European countries Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units Considered the biggest of its the top 20 countries in the world sonality of the Year 2019’. Higher Strategic Committee. enthralled music lovers in Doha (TEUs) per year, growing to one kind exhibition in the Middle in terms of their improvement to Ministry of Interior (MoI) QFZA on November 3 during the sixth Katara European million TEUs by 2023. East, the third Katara Interna- the ‘Ease of Doing Business 2020’ made some important announce- announced that it is holding $1bn Jazz Festival which ran from A compelling slate of 96 films tional Hunting and Falcon Exhi- score. ments on October 9 regarding the to promote investment and eco- November 4 to 9 at Katara from 39 countries participated bition (S’hail 2019) was held from The Minister of Education laws and regulations governing nomic growth. Esplanade. in the 7th Ajyal Film Festival held September 3 to 7 at Katara. and Higher Education, H E Dr. the expatriates and the labor The King of Malaysia, Al Qatar Airways (QA) was from November 18 to 23. Qatar Airways won three out Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al market. Sultan Abdullah Riayatuddin Al named as ‘Best Overall in the The World Innovation of five global accolades in the 2020 Hammadi on September 30 Prime Minister and Interior Mustafa Billah Shah, met on Middle East’ at the 2020 Airline Summit for Education (WISE Airline Passenger Experience issued a Ministerial Decision to Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin November 5 with Deputy Prime Passenger Experience Associ- 2019) held in the presence of H Association’s (APEX) Passenger open seven new schools in the Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani on Minister and Minister of Foreign ation (APEX) Regional Passenger H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Choice Awards, at the APEX/IFSA country to meet the growing October 10 stressed the need for Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Choice Awards, held in Singapore Chairperson of Qatar Foun- President of Kahramaa Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari charging an electric car with the newly opened car charging An charging Electric Vehicle Charging station at Qatar Scientiﬁc Club. It is the eighth Awards Ceremony held in Los demand of seats. Qatari companies to participate Abdulrahman Al Thani. on November 13. dation, on November 20 and 21 station electric charging station opened by Kahramaa in the country.

Falcons on display at one of the stalls at the third Katara International Hunting and Falcon Exhibition Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (left), General Manager of Katara and Chairman of S’hail Organising(S’hail 2019) at Katara Cultural Village. Committee and other officials and VIPs visit one of the stalls at the opening of the third Katara Commuters boarding Doha Metro train. International Hunting and Falcon Exhibition (S’hail 2019) at Katara Cultural Village. Seeroo ﬁ al Ardh, latest art installation of renowned artist M F Husian at the Education City. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL Rohingya refugees ﬂeeing Myanmar wait to be let through by Bangladeshi guards along the border. A year of achievements We, the Rohingya youth, demand AS the year 2019 just retreated into history, the whole world is ushering in 2020 with immense hope for peace, harmony and prosperity. For Qatar, last year has been a year of countless achievements and prosperity and as our right to an education we step into the New Year, the writings on the walls foresee a year of unprecedented growth and prosperity JN JONIAD the abducted, while others are recognised me as a refugee and with much to look forward to in every sector of devel- AL JAZEERA missing to this day. I was eventually transferred to opment, whether it is health, education, security, infra- As it was not safe for me to go International Organization for structure development or Qatar’s role in the world stage In the summer of 2012, when a home, I hid in the jungle with my Migration’s (IOM) community as a harbinger of peace in areas of conflicts. They were particularly gruesome episode of friends for about two weeks. housing in the port city of In the year 2019, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad speciﬁcally anti-Rohingya violence erupted When it became clear to me that Makassar in eastern Indonesia. Al Thani paid official visits to several countries and in the capital city of Myanmar’s I would never be able to safely Since then, I have been stuck received scores of heads of states and senior ministers targeting the Rakhine state, Sittwe, I was a return home, I decided to leave in limbo in Indonesia. I spent the and other dignitaries in Qatar. H H the Amir discussed young and the second-year physics student at Rakhine state for good. After a last seven years searching for a a myriad of issues of international and regional impor- educated who the town’s university. terrifying journey on a small way to continue my education, but tance during these meetings. H H the Amir attended and Sittwe’s Buddhist residents paddle boat with several other I have not been successful. I know addressed several major international conferences such they viewed as were attacking Rohingya homes Rohingya, I reached Bangladesh. I will never be allowed to integrate UN General Assembly, Munich Security Conference, a threat to their and businesses with makeshift Most of the people I travelled into Indonesian society and Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, Summit authority. weapons. Soldiers, who had with chose to remain in the safety receive a university education of the Council of Arab League and the 140th Assembly allegedly been sent to the town to of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, here. I also have no hope for reset- of Inter-Parliamentary Union, to name a few. World help bring an end to the violence, but I still wanted to live and study tlement in a third country. Given leaders listened with rapt attention to H H the Amir’s were shooting at the Rohingya in my own country, Myanmar. the increased hostility Rohingya words and Qatar’s strong stance on divergent interna- with live ammunition. I decided to make my way to are facing in Myanmar.. tional issues such as the unending sufferings of the Pal- Thousands of young As a young Rohingya Muslim, Yangon, Myanmar’s most pop- And my story is not unique. estinians, pressing matters of the Muslim Ummah and I knew that if I went outside I ulous and cosmopolitan city, Thousands of young and able the hardships of people in conflict areas. and able Rohingya would be tortured and killed where I had heard Rohingya were Rohingya eager to study, learn Last year, H H the Amir announced major financial eager to study, either by angry Buddhist mobs allowed to register with the local and contribute to their society are contributions to several world bodies, such as different learn and contribute or military troops. So, I hid inside government and live as tem- languishing either in their own agencies of the United Nations and poor countries and to their society my dormitory room. After porary residents. Since I did not villages and towns in Myanmar offered assistance to refugees and internally-displaced spending a week in hiding have a passport or any other where there are no schools and people. Qatar’s financial support through Qatar Fund for are languishing without any food or other sup- travel document, I risked my life universities for them to attend, Development brought in much needed relief to thou- either in their own plies, I was informed by the illegally crossing first from Bang- or in migrant detention centres, sands of people across the world. villages and towns immigration authority that I was ladesh into India and then from refugee camps and other “tem- Qatar also witnessed unprecedented development in Myanmar where no longer a student - I was India back into Myanmar. But porary” accommodation outside in the fields of health and medicine, education, infra- banned from Sittwe University when I reached Yangon at the Myanmar with no access to structure and welfare. Several modern facilities were there are no schools and denied an education as a end of my arduous journey, all I education. added to existing hospitals while new hospitals and edu- and universities result of the racial segregation found there was more anti- Even our small migrant com- cation institutions were opened. The opening of the Doha for them to attend, plan Myanmar authorities Muslim and anti-Rohingya munity in Makassar is full of such Metro brought in a revolution in the transport sector, imposed in the name of “keeping racism and hatred. The entire people. Sajed Durahaman, a while several new roads, bridges and sewage systems or in migrant the peace”. country was turning against us. 42-year-old Rohingya refugee, were launched. Mega projects like Umm Al Houl Power detention centres, A few days later, I was for- I eventually had to accept the was accepted to study geology at Station and Water Reservoir began operation. refugee camps and cibly sent back to my hometown, fact that I was not welcome in my Thain lilwin university in Yangon Qatar won a number of accolades in the sports sector, other “temporary” Maungdaw, which is situated in homeland. My plan was to seek but was stopped by the gov- among them winning the AFC Championship and medals Rakhine state, near Myanmar’s refuge in Australia, where I ernment from taking up his place in IAAF were notable. The opening of the Al Janoub accommodation border with Bangladesh. But I did thought I could continue with my there. Instead, he was forced to Stadium was another momentous event. The state hosted outside Myanmar not find safety there either. education. In February 2013, I wait three years before he could an unprecedented number of world-class sports events with no access to Security forces were regularly fled to Thailand by car, passed attend Sittwe University, only to also. education. raiding Rohingya homes and through Malaysia and took a boat be forced out from the country a Looking back, people may wonder how Qatar could dragging away anyone they to Indonesia. From there, I few years later. Musa Ahmed, a achieve so much in so less a time-frame and the only found inside. They were specifi- attempted to go to Australia by 25-year-old Rohingya, who grad- explanation is nothing but the tenacity and determination cally targeting the young and the boat but got caught. I spent a year uated with a distinction in biology of a wise leadership, which will lead t to greater pinnacles educated who they viewed as a and a half in the Manado from high school in 2012, was of growth and development in the New Year too. threat to their authority. We later Detention Center in Indonesia. similarly not allowed to attend found the dead bodies of some of But while there the UNHCR university in Myanmar.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR Nobel for a battery breakthrough was decades in the making EMAIL: [email protected] MARK BUCHANAN awarded this year’s Nobel Prize temporarily store lithium ions too dangerous for commercial BLOOMBERG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 in chemistry, and their research in the spaces between parallel use. The safety issue was only FAX: +974 4455 7758 illustrates just how tricky it is sheets of titanium and sulphur conquered in the early 1990s Looking back on the year in to store chemical energy safely atoms. With this material by Japanese chemist Akira MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 science, the coolest advances and reliably in compact pieces making up one electrode of a Yoshino, working at the Asahi seem to be coming in areas such of matter. battery, an electric charge could Kasei Corp., who found a way DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 as gene editing and quantum Most cars and trucks today be put in and later taken out, a to use more stable solid mate- computing. This is sexy research still carry lead-acid batteries, a reversible process that made rials. His work illustrates how LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 pointing with confidence to the technology originally invented the battery rechargeable. technology can advance in future. Yet we should remember in 1860. But scientists have long Unfortunately, the TiS2 unexpected ways. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 that some of the most important suspected that the element battery was also prone to short Yoshino first tried to use a scientific discoveries take place lithium might offer a pathway to circuits and fires, and Exxon recently discovered conducting SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 almost without notice, in seem- smaller, lighter batteries that soon abandoned this line of polymer, and when that didn’t ingly boring fields like materials pack more energy. Lithium is the research. In 1980, another work, he turned to growing ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 science or chemistry. lightest of all metals, and it has a chemist, John Goodenough of materials from carbon fibers. email: [email protected] Indeed, nearly all of the strong tendency to give up elec- Oxford University, found that a That was also a dead end. He roughly 5 billion mobile phones trons to other materials, a useful different material - cobalt finally began exploring a coal- PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 now in use run on compact lith- property for generating voltage. oxide, or CoO2 - was even more black byproduct of petroleum email: [email protected] ium-ion batteries, which didn’t The key to making lithium useful. As with TiS2, CoO2 will refining known as petroleum exist before 1991. Without this work lay in certain solid mate- take up lithium ions and store coke. When treated in the right ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 technology - based on subtle rials, arranging their atoms in them between sheets of cobalt way with heat, this layered, FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] advances in chemistry - a light- parallel sheets with space in or oxygen. Using this material carbon-based material turned weight smartphone would feel between. In the 1970s, while for the cathode of a battery, out to have an unusual structure more like a brick, and the working at Exxon Corp., Goodenough’s team was able that quite accidentally pro- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 mobile communications revo- chemist Michael Stanley Whit- to generate a voltage much tected the material’s ability to email: [email protected] lution would never have hap- tingham discovered that one higher than that of the TiS2 repeatedly take in and give up pened. The scientists behind such material - titanium disul- battery. lithium ions without being SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 this battery revolution were phide, or TiS2 - could But these batteries were still damaged. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar The United Kingdom's departure from the European /ThePeninsulaQatar Union is a test for our country. I will strive to maintain /Peninsula_Qatar a solid relationship between our two countries. Emmanuel Macron /ThePeninsulaNewspaper French President +974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 OPINION 09 Status of US-China economic relationship: Complicated

VAKKAS DOGANTEKIN relocate their supply chains back products. US cars and car parts starting ANATOLIA to the US, which also didn’t Before Christmas, Trump told from Dec. 15. happen. Most companies pro- reporters in Florida he would In September, the US tariffs World’s biggest two economies, tested Trump in favor of China “ultimately” have a signing cer- on more than $125 billion worth Chinese state the US and China have been or moved their manufacturing emony with Chinese President of Chinese products begin as mired in a trade and tariff war to other affordable South Asian Xi Jinping. Easing the tension expected. media so far only ignited by US President Donald countries. US trade representative further in mid- After China announces that Trump who accuses the Asian Last but not the least, the US Robert Lighthizer earlier in it will ease tariffs on certain US conﬁrmed that an December 2018, China interim deal had country of stealing intellectual president in May said the coun- December said phase one trade products, Trump responds pos- property from American try’s “great Patriot Farmers will deal is expected to be signed “in suspends tariffs on US itively and agrees to delay new been agreed on companies and growing expo- be one of the biggest benefici- the first week of January,” yet, cars and auto parts tariffs on $250 billion worth of December 13 with nentially at the expense of aries” of his trade policies against the Chinese officials have not Chinese goods on Oct.1-15 as a American national interests. China. Yet, the farmers were confirmed any signing date or for three months from good will gesture to mark the the US. Trump and his former devastated and farm bank- any meeting between the coun- 70th anniversary of the People’s advisors, including Steve ruptcies in September surged tries’ leaders, according to South January 1. Republic of China. Bannon, a former senior ally who 24% amid a turbulent year of China Morning Post. Early September, China said is seen as a major factor in the trade war and bad weather, Chinese state media so far it will keep US soybeans, pork, president’s 2016 election win-- reaching an 8-year-high, only confirmed that an interim billion of Chinese imports, and and other farm goods out of designated China as the coun- according to data from American deal had been agreed on China responds by placing additional trade war tariffs. try’s main rival since the outset Farm Bureau Federation -- the December 13 with the US in prin- customs duties on $60 billion of Following negotiations in of campaigning for office. They nation’s largest general farm ciple, two days before a deadline US goods. early October, US says it will have accused American corpo- organization. for additional US tariffs, but On Dec. 1, 2018, Trump and delay a planned tariff raise of rations of contributing to dein- When the realities of the added that the text needs further Jinping agree to hold fires at the 25-30% on $250 billion of dustrialization trends in the U.S trade war hit US farmers in study. G20 summit in Argentina, Chinese goods due Oct. 15. by transferring production facil- Republican states ahead of It is no wonder that the mutually suspending a planned On Dec. 13, China and the US ities to China for decades, critical 2020 elections, Trump Chinese side is trying to max- tariff due to come into effect on finally agree to a phase one trade boosting the East Asian giant’s and his aides looked for ways to imize its gains by taking Jan. 1, 2019. deal days before a 15% tariff was economy. delay, pause or cancel further advantage of the Democrat-led Easing the tension further in set to be placed on nearly $160 The tariff war between the sanctions against Chinese buyers impeachment process against mid-December 2018, China sus- billion of Chinese goods. locomotives of international who kept American farms in the US president, whose hand is pends tariffs on US cars and auto Trump administration also trade, now in its 17th month, has business. weaker in global foreign policy parts for three months from Jan. agrees to reduce tariffs on $120 sent shockwaves through global Additionally, the adminis- negotiations under domestic 1, and resumes its purchase of billion of Chinese goods levied markets. tration had to provide $28 billion pressure. soybeans, giving a sigh of relief in September. Brain cramp of Trump in federal aid to farmers to Timeline of US-China trade to American farmers. Returning the favor, China Trump administration mis- prevent traditionally red farm war But trade negotiations break also suspends tariffs on US goods takenly assumed that the US is states from feeling blue ahead of In early July 2018, the US down early May 2019 and the US due to come into force on Dec. Washington way more advantageous, taking the presidential election in imposes 25% duties on around raises tariffs on $200 billion 15. escalates the a quick victory against China for November. $34 billion of imports from worth of Chinese goods from Trump announced on granted. Bull in China shop China, which retaliates with a 10% to 25%, to which China again Tuesday, the last day of 2019, he tension with Trump in his “great and After months of negotiations 25% tariff on 545 goods origi- loses no time to respond with “will be signing our very large additional 25% unmatched wisdom” thought between trade delegations, US nating from the US worth $34 raised tariffs on $60 billion and comprehensive Phase One that trade wars are easy to win and China have agreed in prin- billion. worth of goods from June 1. Trade Deal with China on tariffs on another and China would not retaliate at ciple to “phase one” of a long- Washington escalates the In mid-May 2019, the US January 15.” $16 billion of a time when the American sought trade pact that would tension with additional 25% Department of Commerce “The ceremony will take market is the most lucrative and bring an end to their punishing tariffs on another $16 billion of announces that Chinese telecom place at the White House. High Chinese goods the the biggest. To his astonishment, bilateral trade war. Chinese goods the following giant Huawei is added to its level representatives of China following month. not only China but also others, The current agreement -- not month. “entity list”, which effectively will be present. At a later date I even traditional allies, have yet finalized on paper -- covers China immediately hits back banned the US companies from will be going to Beijing where retaliated against the US intellectual property, financial with 25% tariffs on $16 billion of doing business with the company talks will begin on Phase Two!” Trump also assumed that US services, and China’s com- US goods. without approval. In response, he added on Twitter. tariffs on China would pave the mitment to purchase up to $50 In late September 2018, the China announces that it will Almost 18 months of one step way for American companies to billion worth of US farm US places 10% taxes on $200 come up with a list of its own and further-two steps back trade raised tariffs on $60 billion negotiations, the economic worth of products. bilateral relations have eased for In late June, the two presi- the time being, but given the dents decide to bury the hatchet impulsiveness and embedded once again at the G20 summit in China aversion of Trump, things Japan, with the US delaying might spiral out of control if he major new tariffs and easing is re-elected in November. restrictions placed on Huawei. On and off negotiations come to a standstill early August, when Almost 18 months Trump announces plans to place of one step further- a 10% tariff on $300 billion of worth of Chinese goods from two steps back trade Sept. 1 and designated China as negotiations, the a “currency manipulator” on August 5. A little over a week economic bilateral later, Trump changes his mind relations have and announces that the planned tax on many of the $300 billion eased for the time of Chinese products have either being, but given the been delayed or removed and impulsiveness and taxes of 10% on $155 billion of products including phones, embedded China laptop computers and video aversion of Trump, game consoles will be delayed until Dec. 15. things might spiral Late August, China out of control if announces tariffs of 5-10% on $75 billion of US goods for the he is re-elected in period of Sept. 1-Dec. 15, and also US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping leaving a business leaders event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. November. says it will reinstate tariffs on the Why electric cars still don’t live up to the hype

CHARLES LANE THE WASHINGTON POST federal and state, subsidized elec- most popular electric car on the Established automakers are A mid-2018 report by tric-car sales and production to market, with 111,000 sold in the indeed about to ramp up electric JPMorgan Asset Management the tune of several billion dol- first nine months of 2019. Own- offerings, providing Tesla with noted that the median global With a new decade starting lars, yet as of March 2019, there ers swear by it. its most serious competition yet. forecast by industry experts shortly, it’s time for conscien- Globally, were 1.18 million electric vehi- Tesla’s survival, though, may They are doing so, however, is 125 million EVs on the road tious columnists to undergo cles on the road in the United be the exception that proves the more as a response to regula- worldwide by 2030, which their self- administered electric-car States - less than one-half of 1 rule. (And we’ll see how it does tory pressure from governments would be less than 10 percent decennial performance reviews. adoption is also percent of the total. Households now that Congress has allowed - even after the Trump adminis- of the total. “I’m taking the I’ll start - and try to keep it earning $100,000 or more per that tax credit to lapse.) Bally- tration scaled back fuel-economy ‘under’ rather than the ‘over,’ focused. For the past 10 years, modest relative year own two-thirds of EVs, with hooed start-ups such as Coda, sta ndards - than as a response to “ the report’s author, Michael I’ve waged a quixotic counter- to optimistic many of the owners benefiting TH!NK and Fisker all went bank- demonstrated customer demand, Cembalest, added. offensive against electric-car from a $7,500 federal tax credit. rupt before 2015- Fisker after which lately has favored gas- Me, too. Let’s reconvene in boosterism, raining skepticism on forecasts. Globally, electric-car adop- defaulting on an Energy Depart- powered SUVs and pickups. 10 years to see who wins that the vehicles’ potential to cure cli- tion is also modest relative to ment loan at an ultimate cost to The pr oblem, as industry wager, and to assess the true mate change, much less to be the optimistic forecasts. Of the 86 taxpayers of $139 million. leaders acknowledge in their qui- costs and benefits of the bet clean, green wave of the trans- gas-powered vehicles can do million cars sold in the top 54 Chevrolet discontinued its eter moments, is still the same: that big government and big portation future. - including the ability to go hun- world markets in 2018, 1.26 mil- Volt, a plug-in hybrid, in 2019 getting the total cost of owning business have placed on the More than a few people (my dreds of miles before refueling, lion, or 1.5%, were EVs. That’s after selling only about 150,000 an EV down to that of a gas equiv- electric car. Tesla-owner friends very much and refueling easily - at a com- nowhere near then-Nissan chief since the car launched in 2011. alent. There’s uncertainty about included) have questioned this parable total cost of ownership. executive Carlos Ghosn’s 2010 That same year, President Barack key variables such as how much fixation, and I freely admit it’s Otherwise, electric cars will be a prognostication that EVs would Obama had set a goal of having more battery costs will fall and Of the 86 million an odd one. niche product for upper-income account for 10 percent of global 1 million plug-in vehicles on the the global supply of rare-earth cars sold in the top I just figured that someone folks. And government subsidies sales by 2020. road by 2015. elements. in an otherwise credulous press for them will be a regressive My biggest error, in hind- But wait. What about recent GM President Mark Reuss 54 world markets in had to sort through the cloud of transfer of social resources in sight, was to underestimate reports that Volkswagen is recently wrote that EV-gas cost 2018, 1.26 million, or wishful thinking, political rhet- return for little climate benefit, the financial staying power of making big new investments in parity may happen “within a oric and sheer commercial hype given that the U.S. power grid the Elon Musk’s cash-burning Tesla electrics? Or Ford’s announce- decade.” Honda CEO Takahiro 1.5%, were EVs. surrounding this subject, and it cars draw from is 64% fueled by Motors, which I thought would ment of a new all-electric Hachigo told Automotive News might as well be me. coal and gas. exhaust investors’ patience long Mustang crossover? GM, Chevy’s Europe: “I do not believe there will Mass adoption of electric Nothing happened in the before it conquered the complex- parent company, says it, too, is be a dramatic increase in demand cars, however, cannot occur past decade to undermine this ities of mass-producing quality preparing a new generation of for battery vehicles, and I believe unless they can do everything basic critique. Government, both vehicles. Tesla’s Model 3 is the EVs. this situation is true globally.” 10 GULF / MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 Iraqi protesters attack US embassy after air strikes

REUTERS — BAGHDAD US President Donald officials said the US ambassador Trump accused Iran and other staff had left, but they Protesters and militia fighters did not say when. The Wash- enraged by US air strikes on of orchestrating the ington Post reported that inside Iraq staged a violent demon- violence and said the embassy, US diplomats and stration outside the US embassy Tehran would be held staffers were huddled in a for- in Baghdad yesterday, torching tified safe room, according to two a security post and hurling responsible. reached by a messaging app. stones as security forces and A few hours into the protest, embassy guards hit back with tear gas was fired in an attempt stun grenades and tear gas. the tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd and some Iraqi officials said the fired to disperse the crowd. of the militias encouraged pro- ambassador and other staff had US planes on Sunday had testers through loudspeakers to been evacuated but this could attacked bases belonging to an leave. “We have delivered our not be confirmed with American Iranian-backed militia — an message, please leave the area officials. In Washington, US action that risks drawing Iraq to avoid bloodshed,” one President Donald Trump further into a proxy conflict announcement said. accused Iran of orchestrating between Washington and Security guards inside the the violence and said Tehran Tehran at a time when mass embassy also fired stun gre- would be held responsible. protests are challenging Iraq’s nades at protesters outside the The protesters and mili- political system. gates of the compound. Reuters tiamen stormed and burned a The attack on the Kataib correspondents heard at least Iraq's Hashd Al Shaabi paramilitary ﬁghters setting the US Embassy wall on ﬁre as they protest to security post at the entrance of Hezbollah militia was in seven loud bangs. condemn air strikes on their bases, in Baghdad, yesterday. the US embassy but did not response to the killing of a US A witness saw blood on the breach the main compound, a civilian contractor in a rocket face of one wounded militiamen witnesses said. attack on an Iraqi military base. and on the stomach of the other militias who protested, spraying to leave,” Khazali said. Badr Organisation leader Hadi They threw stones at the “Iran killed an American as their colleagues carried them “Closed in the name of the Khazali is one of the most Al Amiri were also at the protest. gate while others chanted, “No, contractor, wounding many. We away from the scene. people” on the gates of the US feared and respected Shia There are more than 5,000 no, America! No, no, Trump!” strongly responded, and always Iraqis have been taking to embassy and smashed the sur- militia leaders in Iraq, and one US troops in Iraq supporting Iraqi special forces were will,” Trump said in a tweet. the streets in their thousands veillance cameras around the of Iran’s most important allies. local forces, though Iraq has deployed around the main gate “Now Iran is orchestrating almost daily to condemn, building with bricks and stones. Kataib Hezbollah is one of rejected any long-term to prevent them entering the an attack on the US embassy in among other things, militias Qais Al Khazali, leader of the smallest but most potent of presence of additional US forces embassy. US-trained and Iraq. They will be held fully such as Kataib Hezbollah and the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl the Iranian-backed militias. Its that crossed its border during -equipped Iraqi Counter Ter- responsible. In addition, we their Iranian patrons that Al Haq militia, and many other flags were hung on the fence an American withdrawal from rorism forces later reinforced expect Iraq to use its forces to support Iraqi Prime Minister senior leaders were among the surrounding the embassy. northern Syria. them. protect the embassy, and so Adel Abdul Mahdi’s protesters. “Americans are Militia commander Jamal Sunday’s air strikes killed at Medical sources said 12 notified.” government. unwanted in Iraq. They are a Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as least 25 fighters and wounded militiamen were wounded by Two Iraqi foreign ministry But yesterday, it was the source of evil and we want them Abu Mahdi Al Mohandes, and 55.

Sultan Qaboos Turkey arrests 6 suspects planning terror attacks stable, treatment

ANATOLIA — ANKARA conducted raids at the was allegedly planning a sep- young children, according to the in 2013. Since then, the country ongoing: State TV addresses of suspects in the arate terror attack during the sources. has been attacked by Daesh/ Turkish police arrested six capital Ankara, said the source celebrations, it added. The police found a number ISIS terrorists numerous times, REUTERS — MUSCAT foreign national suspects who who spoke on condition of ano- It was identified that the of organisational documents of including 10 suicide were allegedly planning nymity due to restrictions on suspects were linked to Daesh/ the terror group during the bombings, seven bombings Oman’s Sultan H M Qaboos bin terrorist attacks around the speaking to the media. ISIS terrorist organisation in search at the addresses. and four armed attacks Said is in a stable condition time of New Year’s celebrations While the police arrested the conflict zones of Syria and The sources also said the which killed 315 people and and continuing a program of on behalf of Daesh (ISIS), five suspects during the raids, Iraq. On social media, the sus- operation was ongoing and injured hundreds. medical treatment, state tele- according to security sources another suspect was rounded pects shared some images, the number of detentions In response, Turkey has vision said, citing a statement said. up later on as part of the retrieved from the terror organ- could rise. launched military and police from the sultan’s office. Concern The anti-terror police units ongoing operation. isation’s website, of executions Turkey recognised Daesh/ operations inside the country had grown over the Sultan’s during early morning hours Each one of the suspects and armed training given to ISIS as a terrorist organisation and abroad. health after he spent a week in Belgium undergoing medical treatment this month and Omani authorities said China, Iran foreign ministers nothing about his health after his return. In his first comments to criticise ‘bullying practices’ the country since returning, the statement from the royal AP — BEIJING “uphold multilateralism and norms gov- court said H M Sultan Qaboos erning international relations.” thanked his people for the China’s foreign minister has decried Zarif responded that the two coun- good wishes they had sent him. international “bullying practices” while tries were united in “our common effort meeting with his Iranian counterpart to fight unilateralism and to promote yesterday, in the country’s latest crit- multilateralism” in 2020. Oman and Iraq hold icism of American foreign policy under The 2015 deal among Iran and political consultations the Trump administration. Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia Wang Yi reaffirmed the strength of and the United States lifted sanctions on QNA — MUSCAT bilateral relations in opening remarks Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear at the beginning of talks with Mohammad program. The US withdrew from the The Sultanate of Oman and Iraq Javad Zarif. The Iranian minister’s visit accord in 2018 and imposed crippling held a session of political follows a trip to close ally Russia and economic sanctions that block Iran from consultations in Muscat comes just after the first-ever drills selling crude oil abroad. yesterday. The session was among the navies of the three countries Since then, Tehran has slowly inched co-chaired by Undersecretary China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) shaking hands with Iran’s Foreign Minister in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. toward ceasing its own compliance with of the Omani Ministry of Foreign Mohammad Javad Zarif during their meeting in Beijing, yesterday. “We need to stand together against the terms of the deal, including launching Affairs for Diplomatic Affairs unilateralism and bullying practices,” new operations at a heavy water nuclear Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Wang said. China was a signatory to the reactor. Iran’s moves have been con- rights record and policies in Hong Kong of Trump’s moves to withdraw the US and Iraqi Undersecretary of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and has demned by Western governments as and the traditionally Muslim northwestern from international agreements. Foreign Ministry Dr. Abdul strongly criticized the US for abandoning unwelcome and escalating tensions in the region of Xinjiang. At a daily briefing, Chinese Foreign Karim Hashim. Talks focused it in favor of a campaign of heightened region, while Russia and China have The four-day naval exercise, Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on bilateral relations and diplomatic and economic pressure. repeatedly blamed the US China has also launched from the southeastern port city China would work to maintain the 2015 means to develop them in Without directly mentioning the US, sharpened its rhetoric against Washington of Chahbahar in the Gulf of Oman on agreement and accused the US of having different fields Wang said China and Iran would stand amid an ongoing trade war between the Friday, underscores the informal alliance “shirked its due international obligations, up for their national interests as well as sides and US criticism of China’s human among China, Iran and Russia in the face and imposed extreme pressure on Iran.” Israeli gunfire martyred 149 Fatah marks 55 Top court hears case on Netanyahu’s political future Palestinians in 2019 years with West AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM There are no restrictions on Netanyahu appears poised to who will lead the country. His ANATOLIA — RAMALLAH Bank marches Netanyahu to run in the March 2 seek immunity from the cor- allies have issued stern Israel’s Supreme Court began election - the third in less than a ruption charges against him, warnings against what they call Israeli forces martyred 149 AP — RAMALLAH deliberations yesterday on year - but good governance delaying the prospect of a trial an “activist” court overstepping Palestinians during the year whether an indicted parliament groups are appealing on whether until the elections when he its authority and a few dozen 2019 in both the West Bank Hundreds of Palestinians member can form a new he could be tasked with forming hopes to have a parliamentary pro-Netanyahu protesters con- and the Gaza Strip, a Pales- marched through the West Bank government, hearing a petition a new government if he emerges majority coalition that will vened outside the court in tinian group said. city of Ramallah yesterday to that could potentially abruptly victorious. shield him from prosecution. Jerusalem. The National Gathering of mark the 55th anniversary of end Prime Minister Benjamin “We claimed that the head The request for immunity is Netanyahu has been in Palestinian Martyrs’ Families the Fatah movement led by Netanyahu’s political career of the executive authority can’t likely to languish under the power for more than a decade said the martyrs include 33 President Mahmoud Abbas. after March elections. be a person who is in conflict of current parliament. Normally, and is Israel’s longest-serving children and 12 women. Established by Yasser If the court decides interest between his personal a request for immunity would leader. He was indicted last According to the group, the Arafat in 1965, Fatah led the Netanyahu is ineligible, it could interests and the interests that need to be approved by a par- month on charges of bribery, Israeli authorities continue armed struggle against Israel precipitate a constitutional we as the public need,” argued liamentary committee and then fraud and breach of trust detaining the bodies of 306 for decades as the main com- crisis in Israel, and exacerbate Dafna Holtz-Lechner, the submitted to a full vote. But the stemming from three cases of martyrs including 15 from this ponent of the Palestine Liber- the already tenuous ties attorney leading the petition. committee charged with han- trading political and regulatory year. Meanwhile, Palestinian ation Organization. The PLO between the Israeli government Given the shaky legal dling such matters doesn’t exist favors for positive press cov- group Hamas denied holding recognised Israel in the early and judiciary. The court did not ground, the court could deem because a government was erage and accepting lavish gifts any truce talks with Israel. 1990s at the start of the peace hand down an immediate ruling the scenario hypothetical and never formed after September’s from wealthy supporters. "We confirm that the siege process, and since then it has and gave no indication on delay the case until the situation election. The attorney general Netanyahu has dismissed and sanctions are still ongoing been committed to a two-state whether it would deliberate it presents itself. Avi Halevy, a cannot file the indictment until the allegations as an “attempted and the Zionist enemy didn't solution. Around a dozen further or reject it outright. lawyer for Netanyahu, called it the question of immunity is coup” and has vowed to battle abide by the full entitlements of masked men led the march Given the sensitivity, It may ask a “political petition.” settled, delaying any court them from the prime minister’s the previous Egypt-brokered through Ramallah, firing for a full panel of the court to “Those deciding in the state proceedings. office. Netanyahu is Israel’s first negotiations," Hamas said in a several rounds of gunfire into convene on the matter. Either of Israel and in democracy who Netanyahu, who was re- sitting prime minister to be statement. Hamas called on all the air. Similar marches are way, it was wading into will serve is prime minister, elected leader of the ruling charged with a crime. His pred- sides to "assume their respon- planned elsewhere in the West uncharted territory. according to any system, are the Likud party last week, has long ecessor, Ehud Olmert, was sibilities to stop the siege and Bank in the coming days. Israeli law requires Cabinet people and only the people,” he accused judicial and law forced to resign a decade ago lift the sanctions imposed on Fatah has long vied with ministers and mayors to resign said. “We of course hope it will enforcement officials of trying ahead of a corruption Gaza Strip, whether from Hamas for leadership of the if indicted, but does not specify be Benjamin Netanyahu.” to drive him from office and has indictment that later sent him Israel or the Palestinian Palestinian national struggle. so for a sitting prime minister. The hearing comes as said only the voters can choose to prison for 16 months. Authority." WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 11

Six kidnapped Tripoli forces children shot dead after families fail repulse attack to pay ransoms AFP — ADDIS ABABA by Haftar forces Six children who were kidnapped in northern Ethiopia have been shot dead AGENCIES — TRIPOLI Turkey’s presidency by their captors after their on Monday families failed to come up with Libya’s UN-recognised submitted a motion ransom money, a state-affil- Government of National Accord iated media outlet reported (GNA) said it had destroyed 12 to the Parliament yesterday. armed vehicles and killed 10 Speaker’s Ofﬁce Unidentified “bandits” militants of rival Khalifa Haftar on sending troops abducted eight children near forces as fresh clashes hit to Libya. The the Gondar zone of Amhara southern Tripoli. regional state on December 20 In April, Haftar’s forces parliament is set to and demanded that their fam- launched a military campaign debate the motion ilies each pay ransom of to capture Tripoli from the tomorrow. 120,000 Ethiopian birr internationally recognised (around $3,700), the Amhara government. Mass Media Agency reported. GNA military spokesman parliament is set to debate the “Failing to secure the Mohammed Kanunu said in a motion tomorrow. ransom money, the kid- statement that they repulsed an The senior Turkish sources nappers tied the children with attack from the Haftar forces have said Ankara is also con- Algerians protest ropes in pairs and shot the Demonstrators attending an anti-government rally in Algerian capital Algiers, yesterday. backed by armored vehicles. sidering sending allied Syrian children on December 29,” the Germany, with the support fighters as part of the report said. of the international organisa- deployment. One of the children tions, is seeking to bring Meanwhile, the Arab managed to break free of the together countries concerned League urged the warring sides Prominent Ethiopian Oromo rope and flee before the kid- with Libya at an international in Libya not to do anything that nappers had a chance to shoot conference in Berlin in an might enable the deployment him, while another was found attempt to find a political of foreign fighters in the North alive despite having been shot, solution to the conflict. African country and worsen its activist joins opposition party it said. The victims were Since the ouster and death conflict. The Arab League’s between the ages of 10 and 16. of ruler Muammar Gaddafi in council, its top body, met in AP — ADDIS ABABA one of the most serious chal- criticized “media personalities Police have yet to 2011, two seats of power have Cairo after Egypt called for an lenges to Abiy’s government. with foreign passports” for determine who was behind the emerged in Libya: one in emergency meeting on Libya, A prominent activist for Ethio- More than 1,200 people were causing troubles in Ethiopia, a killings. Kidnappings and eastern Libya supported mainly where eastern-based forces led pia’s Oromo ethnic group has killed and more than 1.2 million comment widely seen as crit- criminal banditry in general by Egypt and the UAE, and the by military commander Khalifa announced that he’s joined an others displaced in clashes in icism of Jawar. are common in Tegede GNA in Tripoli, which enjoys Haftar are trying to seize the opposition party. the country within the past A day later, Jawar alleged locality, where the crime UN and international capital Tripoli. Jawar Mohammed’s mem- year, Ethiopia’s Attorney there were attempts to remove occurred, but the killing of kid- recognition. Egypt is one of Haftar’s bership in the Oromo Federalist General Office disclosed in Sep- his government-provided napped children is considered Meanwhile Turkish Pres- foremost foreign backers. Congress party comes five tember. The clashes, most of security guards and hundreds highly unusual. ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan Turkey supports the interna- months before general elections which took place along ethnic of his supporters flocked to his said Turkey’s latest steps com- tionally recognised government that will test the popularity of lines, threaten Abiy’s reforms. residence to offer him pro- pletely foiled the plots to in Tripoli. reformist Prime Minister Abiy Until recently, Jawar was tection. Unrest that followed in Angola court exclude the country from the A statement issued by the Ahmed in the east African nation seen as an ally of the prime some parts of the country, freezes assets Eastern Mediterranean. Arab League’s council warned of more than 100 million people. minister. When he was living mainly Oromia, resulted in the “The project to exclude of “the gravity of taking any “I have been working with in the US many say Jawar deaths of several dozen people. held by Africa’s Turkey from the Mediterranean unilateral steps... in a manner the party as a supporter for a played a key role on social Jawar, owner of the Oromo richest woman has been foiled with the latest that allows foreign military long time,” Jawar said. “I am media in mobilizing wide- Media Network which has a tel- steps we have taken,” Erdogan interventions and contributes attracted to the party because spread protests that led the pre- evision station, website and BLOOMBERG — LUANDA said in his address to the nation. to the escalation and prolon- of their clear and strong stand vious prime minister to resign magazine, has more than 1.7 “With support to the legit- gation of the conflict”. on federalism.” and saw Abiy rise to power in million followers on Facebook An Angolan court placed a imate Tripoli government, Both sides in Libya have Jawar and the party are April, 2018. Last year, Abiy and a large support base in the freeze on assets held by Isabel Turkey will ensure implemen- received foreign air support, expected to call for greater relaxed restrictions on political Oromia region. “I will use my dos Santos, Africa’s richest tation of all elements of agree- mainly through drones, and autonomy for Ethiopia’s activists which allowed Jawar influence, network, and expe- woman, including stakes in ments with Libya,” Erdogan Russian military contractors regional states, including and others to return to Ethiopia rience to help strengthen the wireless operator Unitel SA added. Turkey’s presidency on have been deployed on the Oromia, which is the largest without fear of arrest. party,” he said, adding that the and lenders Banco BIC and Monday submitted a motion to front line to help Haftar’s forces and most populous. But recently frictions party will decide what office he Banco de Fomento Angola, the Parliament Speaker’s Office in recent months, diplomats Bitter ethnic rivalries emerged between Abiy and will run for in the upcoming Diario de Noticias and Lusa on sending troops to Libya. The and analysts say. resulting in violent clashes are Jawar. In October Abiy elections in May, 2020. reported, citing a statement from the Angolan Attorney- General’s office. The court order also Death toll from tribal clashes in Sudan’s Darfur rises to 24 applies to dos Santos’s husband, Sindika Dokolo, and AP — CAIRO challenge to efforts by Sudan’s Sudan’s far-flung provinces in deadly clashes, which grew out of intervening in the fighting on Mario da Silva. The Attorney- transitional government to end order to slash military spending, of a skirmish between two the side of the Arab forces. General sought the order, Sporadic tribal clashes between decadeslong rebellions in areas which takes up much of the people, one of whom, an Arab, The deputy head of the Sov- saying the three had engaged Arabs and non-Arabs continued like Darfur. Rebel groups from national budget. was stabbed to death. ereign Council, Gen. in transactions with state- yesterday in Sudan’s West Darfur Darfur have now suspended Regal shared footage Activists and residents said Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, owned companies that led to province, as the death toll their peace talks with the gov- showing burned properties, as the local government’s nightly is also the commander of that Angola’s government incurring climbed to at least two dozen ernment in response to the well as graphic images of dead curfew was not being followed, paramilitary group. Rights losses of $1.14bn, according to people, some of them burned to tribal clashes and called for an bodies and wounded people and that sporadic clashes in groups say Dagalo’s forces had, the reports. death, according to a local aid investigation. with blood-stained clothes. His Genena continued Tuesday. over the last decade, burned vil- Dos Santos, the daughter group working in the area. Sudan is on a fragile path to aid group said looting and Two Genena residents told lages and raped and killed of Jose Eduardo dos Santos Some of the 24 dead were democracy after a popular destruction of property by The Associated Press that civilians during a series of coun- who served as Angola’s pres- children, said Adam Regal, a uprising led the military to militias took place in at least militias, mostly Arabs, roamed terinsurgency campaigns. ident from 1979 to 2017, wrote spokesman for a local organi- overthrow longtime autocratic three refugee camps in the town the streets in pickup trucks with The Sudanese government on Twitter a “message of tran- sation that helps run refugee President Omar Al Bashir in of Genena. mounted machine guns. The and rebel faction signed a peace quility and confidence to my camps in the area. He said at April. A military-civilian gov- Sudan’s ruling Sovereign residents spoke on condition of deal last week. It was hoped teams,” without referring least 17 others were wounded. ernment now rules the country. Council said on Monday they anonymity for fear of reprisals. that that deal could could pave directly to the court action. The clashes, which erupted One if its key priorities has been would deploy “sufficient” troops Regal accused Sudan’s par- the way for peace agreements “The road is long, the truth will over the weekend, pose a ending the insurgencies in to the region to help contain the amilitary Rapid Support Forces with more rebel groups. prevail,” she said. Syria toll for 2019 lowest in civil war: Monitor Parting Guinea-Bissau president

AFP — BEIRUT urges stability in tearful speech

Syria’s nearly nine-year-old AFP — BISSAU conflict which has cost more than 370,000 lives recorded its Guinea-Bissau’s outgoing president urged future leaders to guar- lowest annual death toll in 2019, antee stability yesterday, in a tearful farewell speech made on a war monitor said yesterday. the eve of a new president being declared in the unstable West A total of 11,215 fighters and African country. civilians were killed in the past Jose Mario Vaz, the incumbent, came to power in 2014 on year, the Syrian Observatory for hopes that he would restore normality after a coup two years Human Rights said. prior. His rule has been pockmarked by paralysing spats with Of those, 3,473 were parliament, however, in a country with a chronic history of assas- civilians including 1,021 sinations and coups. children, the Britain-based “We will write a new page in the history of our democracy,” monitor said. Vaz said during the televised speech, referring to the handover Fighting has raged on three of power. major fronts in Syria during the Guinea Bissau’s electoral commission is due to publish the past year. results of the second round of the country’s presidential election In March, US-backed on Wednesday morning. Kurdish forces expelled Islamic Two former prime ministers who topped the first round are State (IS) militants from their in the running: Domingos Simoes Pereira from the traditional last patch of territory in the ruling party, and opposition candidate Umaro Sissoco Embalo. country’s far east near the Iraqi Vaz was knocked out in the first round after years of political border. gridlock triggered by his disputes with the parliament. Over the summer and in Speaking through tears at the end of his speech, the president A man taking a selﬁe with pastry chefs in front of a bakery selling cakes in northern Syria’s Kurdish- recent weeks, regime forces urged “calm while waiting for the definitive results” and also majority city of Qamishli ahead of the New Year’s eve, yesterday. upped their military campaign hailed the army for keeping out of politics during his time in office. against the jihadist-run region He added that he wanted to maintain a “new era of liberty” of Idlib in the northwest of the incursion into Syrian territory since 2015 regained large around 76,000 people lost their achieved under his watch, pointing to a strengthening of freedom country. to expel Kurdish fighters they swathes of the country from lives. That year saw the rise of of expression and a decline in political violence. The violence over the view as “terrorists”. rebels with Russian military IS across large swathes of the Guinea-Bissau gained independence from Portugal in 1974, summer alone killed around The Observatory relies on a backing. country and in neighbouring but has suffered a string of military coups, attempted coups and 1,000 civilians in the region of vast network of sources across The death toll for 2017 Iraq. political assassinations ever since. some three million people Syria to document the war that stood at more than 33,000, but Since early 2011, an average A small impoverished country of 1.8 million people, Latin where rebels are also present. broke out after the brutal dropped to just above 19,600 of more than 40,000 people a American drug runners have exploited the instability to make And to the east, Turkey and repression of nationwide anti- people the following year. year have been killed and mil- Guinea-Bissau a hub along the cocaine-smuggling route to Europe. its Syrian proxies in October regime protests in 2011. The bloodiest year of the lions have been displaced from Senior military and government figures have been implicated launched a cross-border The Damascus regime has conflict was in 2014, when their homes in the war. in the trade. 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 Kerala Assembly passes resolution for scrapping of new citizenship law IANS — THIRUVANANTHAPURAM The ruling CPI(M)-LDF is in a state of shock. There will be no detention centres in The Kerala Assembly yesterday and the opposition Kerala. India is known for its passed a resolution demanding Congress-led United secularism and that has come the scrapping of the Citizenship under duress. Under no circum- Amendment Act (CAA), amid the Democratic Front stances can this CAA go forward countrywide protests against supported the and hence should be with- the legislation. resolution, while the drawn,” said Vijayan. The ruling CPI(M)-LDF and Expressing his strong the opposition Congress-led BJP’s lone MLA and dissent against the resolution United Democratic Front (UDF) former union minister taken up by Vijayan, Rajagopal supported the resolution, while said that what was happening the BJP’s lone MLA and former O Rajagopal’s was the on the floor of the Assembly was Demonstrators listening to a speaker during a protest, in New Delhi, yesterday. union minister O Rajagopal’s only dissenting voice unconstitutional. was the only dissenting voice in “How is it possible for this the one-day special session. in the one-day special legislature to pass a resolution before the country since shambles and the country is the hour is about five lakh The House adopted the res- session. against a law, that is the CAA Independence. being sliced and hence this people should sit in protest olution moved by Chief Minister that has already become a law, “India did not surface one should go,” said Chennithala. before the Accountant General’s Pinarayi Vijayan. Opening the debate was after going through all the pro- fine morning, instead it evolved Seven time legislator PC office here for 10 days so the On the last day of the year, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, cedures. All this is now being over years and years of hard George, who heads Kerala Jan- world takes notice. Meek and it was a rare moment when the who pointed out that the entire created by a party which in the work and see what has taken apaksham, who briefly hob- mild protests won’t suffice as traditional political rivals, the country was shocked and pro- past had divided the country place now. The Constitution is nobbed with the BJP-led NDA this is a deadly one and it should Left Front and the UDF, joined tests were every where against based on religion. So, this is one which was carefully pre- and has since left them, be forced to be repealed,” said hands to pass the resolution. the CAA. nothing but to score political pared. The Indian Citizenship expressed his displeasure in George. The day’s special session “The world is in aston- brownie points and nothing Act came into effect in 1955 and what he termed as “the weak Incidentally, Kerala was one had been convened to discuss ishment when it read through else,” said Rajagopal. since then six times it protests by the traditional rival of the first state to organise a the CAA. the intricacies of the CAA, Leader of opposition underwent changes, but not political fronts”. protest when the ruling and the In the 140-member Kerala where religion has been the Ramesh Chennithala pointed once was anything done in the “I would suggest that the opposition joined hands to stage Assembly, the BJP has one benchmark of this division. And out that the CAA has now name of religion. Now see, in protests against the CAA should a four-hour protest, early this legislator. seeing this, the Indian diaspora become the biggest challenge one stroke everything is in be stepped up and the need of month to oppose the CAA. Amaravati farmers write to Left out, some MLAs sore after Rawat to wear President, seek mercy killing olive green uniform as CDS IANS — AMARAVATI mark on the future of their Maharashtra Cabinet expansion children. They said though IANS — NEW DELHI Distressed over Andhra they had been staging protest IANS — MUMBAI Similarly, angry supporters Sanjay Raut attributed this to Pradesh government’s three- for 14 days, no one was of Congress MLA from Solapur the limited choices before the General Bipin Rawat, who will capital move, farmers of bothered about their plight. A day after Maharashtra Chief City Central Praniti (Sushil- party and its inclination to give take charge as the country’s Amaravati yesterday wrote a They also complained that Minister Uddhav Thackery kumar) Shinde also threatened chance to new and younger faces first Chief of Defence Staff letter to President of India those questioning YSRCP expanded his Cabinet to its full to resign from the party. in the government. today, will wear a new Ramnath Kovind, seeking leaders were being targeted. strength, discontent appeared to However, an unruffled “During cabinet expansion, uniform specifically designed ‘mercy killing’. Farmers of 29 villages, who be brewing among sections of the Praniti has assured that she there are many aspirants and for the newly-created post. The farmers, who have had given 33,000 acres of land Maha Vikas Aghadi allies, here would speak to them and request there is also some discontent,” The colour of the uniform been protesting for last two for building state capital in yesterday. not to quit and all of them would said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit will remain olive green but it weeks, wrote to the President Amaravati in 2015, have been Several senior leaders and continue to work for the party as Pawar on a sympathetic note. will have all components of that they were betrayed on the staging protests ever since legislators of Shiv Sena-Nation- before. Other smaller allies like Swa- the three services’ uniforms. issue of state capital and if Jagan Mohan Reddy mooted alist Congress Party-Congress, Shiv Sena’s Rajya Sabha bhiman Shetkari Sanghatana “The colour of CDS justice can’t be ensured to the idea of three capitals. who feel left out of the cabinet, member Sanjay Raut — who were also upset that they had uniform will represent the them they be allowed to kill An experts’ committee rec- have been making disgruntled played a monumental role in been overlooked for at least one parent service,” said a senior themselves. ommended to the government sounds and at least one has delivering the MVA government ministerial post by the bigger Ministry of Defence official. They said Chief Minister YS to develop Visakhapatnam as threatened to quit as MLA. — were allegedly sulking as his MVA partners. The insignia has two Jagan Mohan Reddy’s decision administrative capital and While NCP’s four-time MLA two-term MLA brother from A Sena leader on Monday crossed swords, an eagle and to have three state capital has Kurnool as judicial capital Prakash Solanke from Majalgaon Mumbai Sunil Raut was not made said that there was no need for an anchor and above it stands thrown them on to the roads. while keeping only Assembly in Beed threatened to quit his a minister. any of the MVA legislators to an Ashok symbol. “There is nobody to hear and Raj Bhavan in seat late on Monday night, However, both the brothers panic if they have missed a The cap of the Chief of our voice and police are even Amaravati. claiming he was disgusted with late on Monday dismissed all chance to join the state cabinet. Defence Staff will be different booking attempt to murder The government on politics and would only concen- media speculation and said there “There are many other with badges and accomplish- cases against us,” they wrote. Sunday set up a high-power trate on social work was nothing amiss, and that the opportunities to serve in the gov- ments to represent the three The farmers alleged that committee to study the report henceforth. party was above any post. ernment, including 75 major state services. after coming to power Jagan of experts’ panel and submit a When contacted, a NCP Several senior Sena men like corporations and other important In place of baton on the Mohan Reddy changed his report in three weeks. spokesperson said the party has Ramdas Kadam, Ravindra bodies where they could be shoulder to signify the ranks, stand on the state capital. It said a final decision on no such indication from Solanke Waikar, Diwakar Raote, Deepak accommodated, many coming there will be a maroon patch They said the decision of decentralised development of so far, and said there may be Kesarkar and Tanaji Sawant — with even ministerial status,” said with anchor, sword and eagle YSR Congress Party gov- the state would be taken after some issues which could be all ex-ministers were also the leader, requesting representing all three ernment has put a question receipt of the report. sorted out with discussions. dropped this time. anonymity. services. Thousands ring in New Year with protests against citizenship law Abducted Lankan journalist’s wife REUTERS — NEW DELHI Bangladesh and Pakistan to Poetry recitals and speeches parts of the capital. “All precau- larger gatherings. Typically, gain Indian citizenship. are planned by organisers at a tionary measures are in place,” half a dozen demonstrators says military Thousands of Indians are set to Combined with opposition protest outside New Delhi’s said police official Chinmoy pop up in public places, such ring in the New Year by holding to a proposed national register Jamia Millia University, which Biswal, who oversees the south- as malls and coffee shops, derailing case protests against a citizenship of citizens, many Indians fear was stormed by police this eastern part of the city that holding up placards and AP — COLOMBO law, despite Prime Minister the move will discriminate month. includes Shaheen Bagh and encouraging passersby to join Narendra Modi’s attempts to against the minority Muslim “New Year’s resolution to Jamia Millia University. in, a member of one of the The wife of an abducted Sri dampen demonstrations that community and chip away at defend the constitution,” read “Recently, there have been groups, which has held 11 pro- Lankan journalist is accusing have run for nearly three weeks. the country’s secular the schedule for another protest no incidents. So we hope things tests, told Reuters. the military of trying to derail a India has been rocked by constitution. planned in New Delhi, now in will remain fine,” he told “Everyday, we are doing court case in which nine soldiers the protests since Dec. 12, when Protesters plan at least three the grip of its second coldest Reuters. something, somewhere,” said have been charged with her the government passed legis- demonstrations in New Delhi, winter in more than a century. In the southern city of the person, who sought ano- husband’s abduction and lation easing the way for non- the capital, including the area Police said they planned to Hyderabad, at least two small nymity for reasons of security, enforced disappearance nearly Muslim minorities from the of Shaheen Bagh, where hun- deploy additional forces in New groups of demonstrators have adding that another protest is 10 years ago. neighbouring Muslim-majority dreds of residents have blocked Delhi on New Year’s Eve, with been organising flash protests, planned to be staged on Sandya Ekneligoda, who nations of Afghanistan, a major highway for 18 days. traffic curbs imposed in some to skirt police restrictions on Tuesday night. has struggled for years to seek justice for her abducted husband, Prageeth Ekneligoda, said some officers serving in the PMK demands dual citizenship military intelligence “are trying to destroy evidence and intim- for Lankan Tamil refugees idate the witnesses.” Prageeth went missing in 2010 during the IANS — CHENNAI Tamils living in Canada and presidency of Mahinda Europe have not acquired cit- Rajapaksa, the brother of The Pattali Makkal Katchi izenship there, fearing loss of current President Gotabaya (PMK) general council their native citizenship. Rajapaksa. yesterday demanded that the According to the PMK, a Prageeth, an analyst and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees decision should be taken on the cartoonist, wrote against alleged living in India should be kind of citizenship that Lankan corruption, nepotism and allowed dual citizenship and Tamils should be given after Rajapaksa’s conduct during a the government should sign an ascertaining their wishes. military campaign against agreement with the Lankan It said India should enter ethnic Tamil rebels in ending Sri government in this regard. into an agreement with Lanka Lanka’s long civil war. According to the PMK, there to allow them to live in India The case did not make is a demand in Tamil Nadu that with dignity. much headway until Rajapaksa the Lankan Tamils be given The PMK also said the was defeated in the 2015 pres- Indian citizenship under the National Register of Citizens idential election and a newly Citizenship (Amendment) Act (NRC) should not be imple- elected government initiated (CAA). mented in Tamil Nadu as it fresh inquiries. Pointing to the Lankan didn’t share borders with any The Rajapaksa brothers Tamils’ fears that they would other country and the Lankan were returned to power again lose their Lankan citizenship if Tamils come here as with the victory of Gotabaya Nepalese celebrate New Year they acquired citizenship of refugees. Rajapaksa in last month’s pres- some other nation, the PMK Also, the NRC would create idential election. They had been The members of the indigenous Gurung community wearing traditional attire taking part in a New said they could be accorded unnecessary tension and fear critical of investigations of mil- Year celebration ceremony known as ‘Tamu Lhosar’ in Kathmandu, yesterday. dual citizenship. amongst the people in Tamil itary personnel for alleged The PMK said the Lankan Nadu. crimes against journalists. WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 13 Terror-related fatalities down by 31% in Pakistan: Report

The largest drop INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD Civilian fatalities declined by terrorist attacks were reported the report said. Government and apprehension of the outlaws in fatalities was about 36 percent. in the country in 2019 that left 518 security officials’ fatalities belonging to various banned Pakistan witnessed a nearly 31 The report observed a 30.71 persons dead. It is a 30 percent dropped by 19 percent, while the outfits during this year.Of the 141 observed in percent reduction in terror and percent drop in fatalities in 2019 drop from the 739 fatalities from militants and insurgents had a suspected militants arrested, 32 Balochistan (44.2 counterterrorism-related fatal- (from 980 in 2018 to 679 in 2019). the nearly 400 terrorist attacks 30 percent drop in their were from the banned TTP, 11 ities in 2019, according to data If Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in 2018. Suicide attacks also fatalities. from the Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, %), followed by Fata released by the Centre for and the former Federally Admin- declined significantly this year, In 2019, no drone attack was three from Al Qaeda in the (39 %), Sindh (19 %), Research and Security Studies istered Tribal Areas (Fata) are dropping from 26 in 2018 to nine reported as compared to four Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS), (CRSS). counted as separate regions, this year. such attacks in last year resulting four from the IS, two from the and Punjab (11.8 %. According to the research, Balochistan still remains most These attacks also resulted in death of 13 suspected mili- Balochistan Liberation Army Nearly 370 terrorist only two militant outfits Tehreek- affected by militancy and in the loss of life of 295 indi- tants. This is quite significant, as (BLA) and five from the Baloch i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter insurgency. viduals in 2018, but dropped to this marks the first year since Republican Army (BRA). attacks were reported groups and the militant Islamic The largest drop in fatalities 56 persons in 2019. 2004 that there have been no Besides, 24 suspected mili- State (IS) group claimed respon- was observed in Balochistan (44.2 Although civilians were the drone strikes (as of December tants belonging to Jaish-e- during 2019 that left sibility for 12 and one attacks, percent), followed by Fata (39 most terrorism-affected group, 30, 2019), the CRSS said. One of Mohammad and two from 518 persons dead. respectively, but their own ranks percent), Sindh (19 percent), and the overall civilian fatalities the causes in bringing militancy Jamaatud Dawa were also depleted by nearly 30 percent. Punjab (11.8 percent). Nearly 370 declined by about 36 percent, under control was the arrested, the CRSS noted. Pakistan’s SC moved against Pakistan provinces agree on uniform new accountability ordinance standards for INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD rule of law, due process of law packaged food and procedure, end of exploi- After the Lahore High Court, the tation and discrimination, the INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordinance should be declared as been moved against the National ultra vires of the Constitution and The provinces in Pakistan Accountability (Second void initio. have finally agreed over the Amendment) Ordinance, 2019, He has also sought a establishment of uniform on the grounds that it creates an direction from the apex court for standards for food and other exception by giving relief to civil the federal government to dis- consumer items across the servants and businessmen. charge its constitutional and leg- country with the condition Journalist Farrukh Nawaz islative responsibility under that enforcement will be the Bhatti filed a petition through Article 212(1)(b) of the Consti- responsibility of respective Advocate Dr GM Chaudhry tution regarding enactment of provincial authorities. requesting the court to suspend the law. The decision was taken at the operation of the new ordi- The petitioner argued that the Council of Common nance till the final disposal of the the new ordinance is in violation Interests (CCI) recently. petition. of different provisions of the fun- All provinces agreed to On December 26, the gov- damental rights guaranteed in have a uniform standard of ernment had provided relief to the Constitution against the elim- food and other consumer the businessmen and bureau- ination of exploitation provided products, set by the Pakistan crats by promulgating an ordi- in Article 3 and also against the Standard and Quality Control nance to amendment the rule of law and procedure as Authority (PSQCA), an National Accountability Ordi- contained in Article 4. Lifestyle of Afghan youth attached department of the nance, 1999. He alleged that the new ordi- Youth play a game of snooker at a hall in Kabul, Afghanistan. Ministry of Science and Tech- The new ordinance, the nance was aimed at dividing the nology (MoST). petition argued, allows the public general public and society on Meanwhile, the federal and civil servants to allegedly “economic class basis”, against government has agreed to run the affairs of state according the principles of democracy, give up the power of to their whims as the law pro- non-exploitation, non-discrim- Hike in fuel prices proposed in Pakistan enforcement and monitoring vides a blanket authority to ination and “public power and of standards allowing the violate the procedures under the executive authority” as a sacred INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD case, government approves the agriculture sectors. With the provincial government and pretext of good faith. trust. increase, consumer price of maximum increase, the HSD food authorities to implement The petition says that it may When the entire world is The Oil and Gas Regulatory petrol will go up to Rs116.6 per price will go to Rs127.26 per litre the standards. be argued for the sake of defence having strict regulatory regimes Authority (Ogra) in Pakistan has litre from the existing Rs113.99 from the current Rs125.01 per An official of the MoST there are only a few provisions to check and control illegal and worked out minor adjustments per litre. litre. said further discussions will of the ordinance which were exploitative activities of the busi- in the costs of various imported Most of the vehicles espe- The increase will lead to be held at the CCI to discuss ultra vires of the Constitution nessmen who only have loyalty petroleum products in the range cially passengers are consuming increase in the higher input cost the criteria and terms for whereas some were within it. to their businesses, commercial of 1.8 percent to a maximum 3.2 petrol as fuel. Therefore, increase of agriculture products as well enforcement of the standard But it is difficult to separate profits and gains the new ordi- percent for January 2020. in the price will lead to increase as increase in fares of goods in its next meeting. such provisions from this ordinance has done otherwise. The Finance Division will in the transport fares across the transports. The government is After the 18th nance as these were vitiating the The petition has contended make the final decision on country. The consumption of already providing subsidy on Amendment, provinces — entire legislative scheme of the that the federal government, Tuesday whether to keep the petrol as fuel also increased fol- lower tariff to tube wells used for mainly Punjab — initiated the ordinance thus making it impos- instead of discharging its legis- petroleum products prices lowing massive shortfall in CNG agriculture purposes in process of formulating their sible judicial scrutiny and review lative responsibility under Article unchanged largely as a good availability. Baluchistan. own quality standards by not under Article 8 of the Consti- 212(1)(b) of the Constitution, has gesture of the New Year or pass Moreover, Ogra recommends The regulator proposed accepting the role of PSQCA tution to separate bad parts from failed to perform its constitu- on the raise to end consumers. an increase of Rs2.25 or 1.8 highest increase of Rs3.10 or 3.2 as the sole body for regis- the good parts. tional duty and going to insulate The Ogra has worked an percent per litre prices of high- percent in the price of kerosene tering, monitoring and imple- The petitioner pleaded that and save the executive and its increase of Rs2.61 or 2.3 percent speed diesel (HSD), which is oil for the month of January menting consumer items. in the interest of justice, equality, collaborators. in the per litre petrol price. In mainly used in transport and 2020. However, it has been decided that PSQCA would continue to formulate or adopt standard for consumer items and the provinces and Bangladesh shuts mobile network along India border their respective food authorities will enforce them. AFP — DHAKA “for the sake of the country’s Bangladesh Telecommunication Jhenidah from India’s West The earlier exclusion of nearly There were serious com- security in the current circum- Regulatory Commission said Bengal state in the last two two million people from a new plaints from various sectors Bangladesh has cut services to stances,” the spokesman said. that the move was prompted by months, an official said, adding list of citizens in India’s Assam due to several food standards millions of mobile phones along Bangladesh shares a fears of fallout from India’s new they were mostly Bangladeshi state has already triggered in the countries as ghee and its border with India for 4,000-kilometre border with Citizenship Amendment Act, Muslims who went to India fears of deportations to oil manufacturing industry, “security” reasons amid fears a India and the shutdown would which accords rights to refugee illegally. Bangladesh. dairy industry, packed spices new citizenship law passed by affect some 10 million mobile migrants from neighbouring Local border guard com- Bangladesh Home Minister industry and other food its giant neighbour could phone users, according to a top countries but excludes Muslims. mander Kamrul Ahsan said the Asaduzzaman Khan has said processing industries are cur- prompt an influx of migrants. official from one operator. “We are worried that India’s number of people entering attempts to deport people rently facing supply risks due The country’s telecom reg- “A large number of people current condition may prompt Bangladesh from India had from India had been thwarted to absence of harmonised ulator ordered the mobile in the border area will be many people to enter Bang- risen dramatically as a result by border guards in recent standards across the country. shutdown late Monday along a without internet, voice and ladesh,” said a BTRC official, of the citizenship law. weeks. However, the Ministry of one-kilometre (0.6-mile) band other mobile services,” said SM speaking on the condition of Two weeks of protests over Media reports said hun- Law, which was looking into along the Indian frontier, the Farhad, a spokesman for an anonymity. the law in India have seen at dreds of people who have the matter, had sent the issue watchdog’s spokesman Sohel industry association of local At least 350 people had least 27 people killed and hun- recently entered Bangladesh to the CCI though there was Rana said. telecom operators. been arrested as they entered dreds injured after clashes from India have been detained absence of consensus for the The directive was issued Officials from the western border district of between police and protesters. by border guards. past two years. Pakistan govt mulls introducing law to curb money laundering INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD confirmed. When contacted, Beijing where Pakistani FBR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi authorities would defend their The government of Pakistan is confirmed that the ordinance report. mulling over options to prom- would be promulgated The final plenary meeting ulgate another presidential probably during this ongoing of FATF will be held in Feb- ordinance for introducing week for imposing penalties ruary 2020 in order to decide heavy penalties against ‘cash against cash couriers and the fate of the country for couriers’ for the purpose of making government-trader falling into blacklist or moving money laundering/terror agreement effective. from grey to green list or financing in a bid to comply The sources said the federal keeping the country on grey with the FATF requirements. cabinet had granted its nod on list for another extended This presidential ordinance the proposed presidential ordi- period of June or September will also cover penalties for nance that is aimed at com- 2020. non-compliance as the FBR plying with the Financial Action The IMF in its latest staff plans to impose penalty against Task Force (FATF) require- report stated that also, a those big retailers, restaurants ments and moving against non- potential blacklisting by the and shopping malls who would compliant through imposition Financial Action Task Force refuse to install software of penalties. (FATF) could result in freeze of known as Point of Sale (POS) Pakistani authorities will capital flows and lower at their premises. have to submit replies on 150 investment to Pakistan. “The upcoming ordinance questions/clarifications/ points Finally, the global eco- will also include clauses related raised by the joint group of nomic backdrop poses Warming up to government-FBR agreement FATF till January 8, 2020. increasing headwinds and on different points where they The face-to-face meeting weaker than expected activity People light a fire in a street to warm themselves up on a winter night in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday. struck agreement in October of FATF is scheduled to take may affect growth and current 2019,” top official sources place from January 21 to 24 at account deficit projections. 14 ASIA WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 Dangerous bush fires trap thousands on Australian beaches REUTERS — MELBOURNE/SYDNEY Fuelled by searing temperatures and high Thousands swarmed to beaches winds, more than 200 fires are now burning on Australia’s east coast across the southeastern states of New South yesterday to escape fierce wildfires bearing down on several Wales and Victoria, threatening several seaside towns, as the towns and snapping their power, mobile and government readied naval Internet links. vessels and military helicopters to aid fire fighting and evacua- tions. commissioner of the NSW Rural Fisherman Steve Casement Government officials called Fire Service, told a briefing in said he had lost his house in for Australian military support Sydney. Mallacoota to the fires. and assistance from US and “It’s going to be a very long, “We are stuck here now,” he Canadian fire crews as author- difficult dangerous night still said. “Everyone is pretty ities confirmed two people had ahead. It’s going to be another shocked at the moment, most died overnight, taking to 11 the difficult day again tomorrow.” of my mates are in the same total deaths in wildfires since Authorities said the main position. “Right now, I am on a the beginning of October. firefront was moving up the trailer watching the town burn The huge bush fires have coast and warned those in its down, listening to gas bottles destroyed more than 4 million path to seek shelter close to the explode at some poor bugger’s hectares (10 million acres), with beach. home and seeing smoke all new blazes sparked into life About 4,000 people in the around me.” Authorities said almost daily by extremely hot town of Mallacoota in Victoria that by late afternoon the worst and windy conditions in headed to the waterfront after danger had passed. bushland left tinder dry after a the main road was cut off. Those Several hundreds of kilo- The remains of burnt out buildings are seen along main street in the New South Wales town of Cobargo three-year drought. who could not make it there metres north, the Jervis Bay yesterday, after bush fires ravaged the town. Fuelled by searing temper- scrambled for shelter in a gym- tourist spot famed for having atures and high winds, more nasium and other public the whitest sand beach in the than 200 fires are now burning buildings, as emergency sirens world, was shrouded in direction, fire authorities said. their property near the town of fireworks would go ahead, across the southeastern states wailed. darkness in the afternoon as The fires have been spread Cobargo in New South Wales, despite some public calls for of New South Wales and Vic- Some of those trapped in the massive fires burned, with con- across four states, with fronts police said, with a third missing, cancellation in solidarity with toria, threatening several towns town posted images of blood- ditions expected to worsen. stretching hundreds of kilo- feared dead, while in Victoria, fire-hit areas in the state. and snapping their power, red, smoke-filled skies on social The blazes were also gen- metres in some cases, affecting four more were unaccounted “Many of us have mixed mobile and Internet links. media. One beachfront photo- erating their own weather pat- many towns and rural areas. for. Bush fires burned on the feelings about this evening, but the “This is absolutely one of the graph showed people lying terns, with erratic winds, dry The two people who died outskirts of Sydney, cloaking important thing we take out of this worst fire seasons we’ve seen,” shoulder-to-shoulder on the lightning and a significantly overnight were believed to have the harbour city in smoke. is that we’re a resilient state,” NSW Shane Fitzsimmons, sand, some wearing gas masks. faster spread in different been a father and son protecting Authorities said the Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. China’s Xi urges Hong Kong Death toll from stability in New Year’s address Philippines typhoon hits 50 AP — BEIJING reputation as one of the world’s safest. AFP — MANILA Chinese President Xi Jinping has The former British colony called for Hong Kong to return was handed over to Chinese The number of people killed to stability following months of rule in 1997 with a promise it by a powerful storm that pro-democracy protests. could retain its own capitalist pummelled the central Philip- In a New Year’s address last economy, legal system and civil pines over Christmas has risen evening, Xi said a peaceful, har- liberties. to 50, authorities said monious environment was key Xi also reiterated China’s yesterday, making it the to the Asian financial hub’s rigid opposition to inde- nation’s deadliest storm of prosperity. pendence for Taiwan, the self- 2019. “Hong Kong’s prosperity governing island republic that Typhoon Phanfone’s and stability is the wish of Hong Beijing claims as its own ter- destructive winds and heavy Kong compatriots and the ritory. Taiwan will hold elec- rains brought down flimsy expectation for the people of the tions for its president and leg- homes and destroyed com- motherland,” Xi said in the tel- islature on January 11, with mercial buildings mainly in the evised address. independence-leaning leader central island of Visayas, The protests broke out in Tsai Ing-wen expected to win affecting more than two June over proposed legislation a second term. million people. that could have extradited sus- In his speech, Xi dwelt At least 80,000 remain in pects in Hong Kong to face trials heavily on economic topics, emergency shelters and might Police conduct a stop and search at a shopping mall in Hong Kong, yesterday. in mainland China. saying that China’s gross have to stay until the New Though the legislation was domestic product in 2019 was Year, given the scale of withdrawn, the protests have on track to near 100 trillion of poverty, he said. brought “challenges not seen “one country, two systems” destruction. continued with demands for yuan ($14.37 trillion), while per Meanwhile, Hong Kong before,” and that she would framework under which the “We’re sad that some of democratic reforms and an capita GDP was likely to reach Chief Executive yesterday said “listen humbly” to help bring an former British colony has been our countrymen are still in investigation into alleged $10,000. the months of pro-democracy end to the protests, which have ruled by Beijing since 1997. evacuation centres, but we abuses by police against pro- The coming year will be protests in the city have brought featured pitched battles “We all want to see an end assure them they will continue testers. The often violent dis- decisive in China’s battle to alle- “sadness, anxiety, disap- between demonstrators and to this predicament,” Lam said. to receive support until they turbances have sent Hong viate poverty for rural residents, pointment and even rage”. police. “The situation has caused get back on their feet,” Kong’s economy into recession Xi said. In 2019, around 10 In a News Year’s address, However, Lam also rein- sadness, anxiety, disap- national disaster agency and tarnished the city’s million people were lifted out Carrie Lam said that 2019 forced the importance of the pointment and even rage.” spokesman Mark Timbal said. Indonesia files North Korea’s Kim calls for protest over ‘military countermeasures’ Chinese vessel AFP — SEOUL trespassing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for “diplomatic and military countermeasures”, state media said yesterday, ahead of a ANATOLIA — JAKARTA year-end deadline for Washington to change its stance on stalled nuclear talks with Pyongyang. Indonesia issued a protest His latest comments, made during a meeting of top ruling party against China over violations officials in Pyongyang on Monday, came ahead of his set-piece New of its territory by a Chinese Year speech that could flesh out a threat to seek a “new way” forward coastguard vessel around the after the expiration of the year-end deadline. disputed Natuna waters, said He spoke for seven hours during the ruling Workers’ Party the country’s Foreign Ministry. meeting, the North’s official KCNA news agency said in a report The Ministry of Foreign released yesterday, calling for measures to rebuild its economy and Affairs said in a press “diplomatic and military countermeasures for firmly preserving the statement that it had sum- sovereignty and security” of the nation. moned the Chinese envoy to The party meeting will continue to review an unspecified Jakarta and filed a protest. “important document”, it added. It reiterated that the Talks on denuclearising the Korean peninsula have been largely country does not have over- deadlocked since the second summit between Kim and US Pres- lapping jurisdiction with ident Donald Trump collapsed in Hanoi at the start of this year. China. “Indonesia will never Pyongyang has demanded the easing of international sanctions recognise the 9 PRC [People’s imposed over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, while Republic of China] dash lines Participants attending the 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party Washington insists it takes more tangible steps towards giving them as the drawdown is contrary of Korea in Pyongyang, North Korea. up. to UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea] as decided by the 2016 UNCLOS Ruling Tribunal,” it South Korea indicts former justice minister for fraud, graft added. The ministry said that it REUTERS — SEOUL pressure. The Seoul Central Dis- versity admissions. people’s distrust of the Moon came to power in will continue to coordinate trict Prosecutors’ Office indicted Cho will remain free as he prosecutors. 2017, promising to clean up cor- closely with the National South Korean prosecutors Cho and his wife yesterday stands trial. Chung, who is also “The investigation shook the ruption after weeks of large Army, the Ministry of Maritime indicted former Justice Minister morning over family investment a university professor, was president’s authority,” said street protests led to the Affairs and Fisheries, and the Cho Kuk yesterday on a dozen and use of their position to gain arrested in October on the same Yoon Do-han, Moon’s press impeachment of predecessor Maritime Security Agency to charges including bribery, two the admissions for the children, charges. secretary. Park Geun-hye. ensure the law enforcement months after he resigned over it said in a statement. Cho’s lawyer, Kim Chil- “The result raised questions Cho stepped down in in Indonesia’s exclusive eco- a scandal involving family Cho faces a dozen charges, joon, did not immediately about the intent of the October after just one month in nomic zone. Natuna waters is investment and university ranging from bribery and doc- respond to telephone calls or a investigation.” office, saying the graft scandal located in the southern part of admissions for his children. ument fraud to manipulation of text message to seek comment. Cho’s resignation and around his family had become the South China Sea. The accusations are a evidence and violations of The Yonhap news agency indictment were a spectacular a political burden for Moon’s China claims nearly all of setback for President Moon public service ethics law, it quoted him as saying the pros- downfall for the former star government. the 3.5-million-square-kilo- Jae-in after the liberal leader added. ecutors had handed down “a legal scholar known for pro- His appointment was fol- metre South China Sea, named Cho, a former top aide, Together with his wife, political indictment based on gressive thinking who was one lowed by street protests for overlaps with the maritime to the cabinet post to lead Chung Kyung-shim, he is being their imagination and fiction”. of Moon’s closest political allies and against the president on claims from Vietnam, Taiwan, reform of the prosecutors’ prosecuted for falsifying docu- Moon’s office called the and viewed by some as a a scale not seen since 2017, the Philippines, Malaysia, and office, which critics saw as ments regarding family invest- investigation result “meagre” potential presidential hitting Moon’s public support Brunei. being susceptible to political ments and efforts to gain uni- and said it would deepen successor. ratings. WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 EUROPE 15 Russia and Ukraine finalise gas transit deal just before deadline AFP — KIEV cubic metres of natural gas, The agreement will about 40 percent of which Moscow and Kiev yesterday prevent a repeat of passed through Ukraine for signed a five-year agreement so-called gas wars roughly three billion dollars in on the transit of Russian gas to transit fees. Europe via Ukraine, finalising that previously Russian President Vladimir months of difficult talks just disrupted supplies Putin said earlier this month ahead of a New Year deadline. that Moscow wanted to keep The current deal between and caused real some gas flowing through the two ex-Soviet countries energy problems in EU Ukraine, despite having built expired yesterday and ties several pipelines to Europe between them have been member states. since the current deal was shredded since Moscow agreed a decade ago. annexed Crimea in 2014 and saying in a statement. The new agreement comes supported a separatist insur- The documents were signed days after Gazprom paid $2.9bn gency in eastern Ukraine. after five days of non-stop talks. to Ukraine’s Naftogaz to settle Presidents Vladimir Putin Gazprom is expected to ship a long-running dispute over and Volodymyr Zelenskiy dis- at least 65 billion cubic meters transit fees that had blocked the cussed the deal by phone and (2.3 trillion cubic feet) of natural deal. Meanwhile, Russia is pur- congratulated each other ahead gas via Ukraine next year, and suing work on the Nord Stream Musicians of the Paris Opera play during a protest outside the Opera Bastille in Paris, yesterday. of New Year’s celebrations, a at least 40 billion per year from 2 project that is to be completed sign that their relations could 2021 to 2024, said Zelenskiy, by the end of next year and be on the mend. from which Kiev would earn would double gas shipments to The gas deal “creates a pos- “more than seven billion Germany. Paris orchestra wails at pension reform plans itive atmosphere for solving dollars”. The United States has long REUTERS — PARIS schools, casting a pall over the Rudolf Nureyev, and the opera other bilateral problems,” the The agreement should opposed the ¤9.5bn ($10.6bn) holiday period for many Lear, based on William Shake- Kremlin said in a statement. prevent a repeat of so-called project and the US Senate voted The French capital’s Opera French people. speare’s King Lear. About 18 percent of the gas wars that previously dis- last week to levy sanctions on Bastille has been silent for Explaining the thinking French President European Union’s annual rupted supplies and in some companies working on it. nearly a month because its behind the outdoor concert, Emmanuel Macron wants to natural gas consumption comes years caused real energy Washington believes the orchestra is on strike, but Christophe Grindel, a union replace France’s tangle of mul- from Russia via Ukraine, which problems in EU member states. pipeline will give Russia too yesterday the musicians representative who works for tiple state pension systems put pressure on EU officials to EU Commission vice-pres- much influence over security performed on the steps of the the opera, said: “It’s our chance with a single, points-based help broker the deal. ident in charge of energy, Maros and economic issues in western opera house to bring attention to bring in a little touch of pos- mechanism. He says that “Ukraine has signed a five- Sevcovic, called the deal “great Europe. to their anger at planned itivity, and to show our job is would be fairer and more year transit contract,” Zelenskiy news for Europe’s energy Transit problems for pension reforms. to play music.” financially sustainable. announced in a late-night post security” on Twitter, while Russian gas began after the fall The orchestra’s string “We’re really unhappy to Unions say the plan would on his Facebook page, nearly German Chancellor Angela of the Soviet Union when inde- section, out on strike as part of be on strike for nearly a month force staff at some state- two weeks after a provisional Merkel thanked Russia and pendent Ukraine took control a nationwide protest against and to have cancelled 45 owned enterprises, who enjoy deal was reached. Ukraine. of the pipeline infrastructure. the pension plans, performed shows.” special privileges, to work A wide range of documents “Continued gas transit via Several crises followed, pieces including Sergei He said he wanted the gov- longer or else put up with and contracts were involved, Ukraine... is a good and with Russia using gas supplies Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet ernment to sit down with smaller pensions. and together formed “a package important signal for ensuring to put pressure on Ukraine by Suite next to a banner reading unions and reconsider. Ballerinas in white tutus deal which has re-established our European security of gas cutting them repeatedly in 1992, “Paris Opera on strike”. Performances washed out danced scenes from Swan Lake the balance of interests,” Alexei supply,” she said. 1993 and 1994. The national strike action because of the strike include on the forecourt of the Paris Miller, the boss of Russian gas Last year, Gazprom sup- The last gas crisis disrupted has crippled public transport, the ballet Raymonda, made Opera last week to protest giant Gazprom, was cited as plied Europe with 200.8 billion supplies to Europe in 2010. and curtailed lessons in state famous by Russian dancer against Macron’s plans. UK had plans to Merkel urges climate action in New Year's message Russia, Ukraine make Russia mulling new AP — BERLIN economically, socially — to ‘associate’ Nato getting a grip on climate prisoner swap member Chancellor Angela Merkel is change.” telling Germans in her New That is also a priority of the AFP — KIEV ANATOLIA — LONDON Year message that “everything European Union’s new exec- humanly possible” must be utive Commission, headed by Ukraine and Russia are The British government had a done to tackle climate change. Ursula von der Leyen, a former working towards a new plan to make Russia an “asso- Merkel said that there is German defense minister. prisoner exchange, just two ciate” member of the Nato good reason to be confident Germany will hold the EU’s days after swapping 200 alliance before Vladimir Putin about the 2020s in her annual rotating presidency in the captives, Kiev said yesterday took over as president in 1999, televised message, the text of second half of 2020. after leaders Vladimir Putin British archives made public which was released ahead of its “Europe must raise its voice and Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed yesterday. broadcast yesterday. But she more strongly in the world,” spoke on the phone. The secret Ministry of pointed to challenges such as Merkel said, pledging to work The two countries “agreed Defence documents from 25 the effect of digitisation on peo- for that during the EU presi- to immediately start agreeing years ago revealed the plan, ple’s jobs and, above all, climate dency. She pointed to planned lists (of names) for freeing which was based on the coop- change. meetings with Chinese and Ukrainians, including erative nature of Boris Yeltsin, “The warming of our Earth African leaders. Crimeans, who are in Crimea Putin’s late predecessor. is real. It is threatening. It and Merkel, Germany’s leader and in Russia, as well as Rus- German Chancellor Angela Merkel giving New Year’s speech at the The note outlined an the crises arising from global since 2005, has said that her sians in Ukraine,” the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, on Monday. opportunity to change the warming were caused by current fourth term as chan- Ukrainian presidency said in relationship with Russia after humans,” she said. “So we must cellor will be her last. a statement. the end of the Cold War. do everything humanly possible value-added tax on long-dis- experience all the consequences Unlike last year’s, this New The news comes after a “A possible solution would to deal with this challenge for tance rail tickets. of climate change that would Year message contained no ref- massive exchange of prisoners be to create a new category of humanity. That is still She acknowledged criticism arise if politicians didn’t act,” erence to infighting in the on Sunday, with 12 Ukrainian associate member of Nato,” possible.” both from people who are she said. often-tense coalition gov- soldiers and 64 civilians flown then-Defence Secretary Merkel said that was the worried about being overbur- “It is our children and ernment of her centre-right to Kiev. Malcolm Rifkind said in his principle behind a recently dened by the measures and grandchildren who will have to Christian Democratic Union Ukraine also handed over proposal. agreed German package of from those who think they don’t live with the consequences of and the centre-left Social people in its custody to pro- “Such a status could not measures aimed at addressing go far enough, but said they what we do or don’t do today,” Democrats. Russian separatists, including involve article V [collective climate change, which include provide the “necessary Merkel added. It remains uncertain five riot policemen suspected defence] guarantees, mem- a carbon dioxide pricing system framework.” “So I am putting all my whether the coalition will last of shooting protesters during bership of the IMS [Internal for the transport and heating “It’s true that, at 65, I am at energy into Germany making until the end of the parlia- a pro-Western uprising in Military Staff] or Russian sectors and lowering an age where I personally won’t its contribution — ecologically, mentary term in 2021. 2014. vetoes and would not therefore change the essence of Nato,” he wrote. “It would, however, give Prince William Spain Parliament to debate Russia a formal status within Nato, allow it to attend, as of launches prize PM´s bid to form government right, ministerial and other meetings and encourage a for climate AFP — MADRID — and it has signed an gradual convergence and har- REUTERS — LONDON agreement to form a coalition monisation of policy, doctrine Spain’s Parliament will on government with hard-left and practice.” Minutes from a Britain’s Prince William Saturday begin debating acting party Podemos which won 35 Cabinet summit however also launched a multi-million pound Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s seats. show that Ken Clarke, then- prize yesterday to encourage bid to form a new government The Socialists have also chancellor of the exchequer, the world’s greatest problem- following a November general secured the backing of several “was cautious about solvers to find answers to election which his Socialists other smaller formations expansion.” Earth’s biggest environmental won with fewer seats than in including the Basque Nation- Rifkind this week said the problems, saying the planet was April, the assembly said. alist Party (PNV) but to be initiative was “pre-Putin.” He now at a tipping point. Parliament speaker Mer- sworn in for another term they said: “We had Gorbachev and The Earthshot Prize, itxell Batet yesterday informed still need the backing of Catalan Yeltsin who were very coop- described in its publicity as the party representatives that the separatist party ERC, which erative and they were genu- “most prestigious environ- investiture debate will take won 13 seats in last month’s inely wanting to become closer mental prize in history”, will be place on January 4, 5 and 7, the polls, Spain’s fourth general to the west. Russia supported awarded to five winners a year assembly said in a text message election in four years. action against Saddam Hussein over the next decade with the to journalists. The ERC has said it is in the first Gulf war. aim of producing at least 50 Batet will make the formal willing to abstain from voting, “They were unhappy about solutions to the world’s most call of the debate with details which would be enough to the enlargement of Nato, but pressing challenges. of the exact timings on January allow Sanchez to win the didn’t make as much of a fuss “The earth is at a tipping 2, it added. simple majority he needs in the about it as you’d expect … So I point and we face a stark Sanchez needs an absolute second investiture vote, but the A file photo of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of was trying to find a way to say choice: either we continue as majority of at least 176 law- party will only make its final Cambridge, visiting the Chiatibo glacier in the Hindu Kush mountain could we support close coop- we are and irreparably damage makers in the 350-seat par- decision tomorrow. range in Chitral, Pakistan, on October 16, 2019. eration with Russia, hence my our planet or we remember our liament to take office in a first Sanchez first became prime suggestion of it becoming an unique power as human beings vote which is expected to take minister in 2018 when he associate member.” The plans and our continual ability to can achieve great things. The speaking out for decades about place on January 5. removed his conservative never found enough support lead, innovate and problem- next 10 years present us with the impact of climate change If he fails this first vote, a predecessor Mariano Rajoy in to materialize in serious talks solve,” William, 37, said in a one of our greatest tests — a and the importance of simple majority — more yes a confidence vote. over the issue, but Russia was statement. decade of action to repair the conservation. votes than no — is needed in a After April’s general allowed to join in some Nato “Remember the awe- Earth.” The Earthshot initiative second vote that will be held election he failed to get parlia- meetings to further cooper- inspiring civilisations that we The British royal family aims to generate new technol- 48 hours later on January 7. ment’s backing to form a gov- ation with the country. have built, the life-saving tech- have for many years been vocal ogies, policies and solutions for Sanchez’s Socialists won ernment because his talks with But in 2014, Russia’s annex- nology we have created, the campaigners on a host of envi- issues of climate and energy, 120 seats in a repeat general Podemos to form a coalition ation of Crimea ended its coop- fact that we have put a man on ronmental issues, with Wil- nature and biodiversity, oceans, election on November 10 — broke down, sparking the fresh eration with the alliance. the moon,” he added. “People liam’s father Prince Charles air pollution and fresh water. three fewer than it won in April polls. 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 Putin urges unity in 20th anniversary New Year speech

AFP — MOSCOW world leaders during festivities “last time” he would be deliv- short of personal attacks on his on May 9th, one of Russia’s ering the message and handed predecessor, Putin has lam- President Vladimir Putin biggest official holidays. power over to Putin, an ex-KGB basted the 1990s as unruly, (pictured) called on Russians to Asked for the Kremlin’s agent and his then-prime while the Yeltsin Centre, a unite for the sake of the coun- Our personal plans view on the parting year’s key minister. museum about the first presi- try’s future in a New Year’s accomplishments and failures, Yeltsin, who had suffered dent’s legacy, is a constant address yesterday marking two and dreams are spokesman Dmitry Peskov con- several heart attacks and target of Russian decades since his ascent to indivisible from ceded that Russians are strug- battled with alcohol, struggled conservatives. power. Russia’s. Its present gling economically, but praised visibly as he said Russia needed The Kremlin yesterday- Appearing per longtime tra- the economy’s “stability”. to “enter the new millennium launched a special website to dition outside the Kremlin for and future depend An address to the nation with new politicians” and apol- mark the 20-year anniversary a message to be broadcast just on the efforts and from leaders in Moscow has ogised emotionally for mistakes called “Putin. 20 years.” before midnight, the 67-year- been a tradition since the 1970s made in the transition from the The website showcases old leader spoke to Russians for contributions of each and is shown around midnight Soviet Union. photos of the Russian the 16th time since Boris of us: Vladimir Putin in Russia’s 11 time zones. Putin then appeared seated strongman meeting with Yeltsin’s shock New Year’s res- In Moscow, Russians cele- in front of a decorated tree, various dignitaries and ignation in 1999. Russia’s. Its present and future brating on New Year’s Eve vowing there would be no describes what each year meant “We live in an eventful, “Only together can we solve depend on the efforts and con- watch the speech as they wait power vacuum in Russia. for him personally, though for dynamic and controversial time, the problems ahead for the tributions of each of us.” for a live broadcast of the Putin has since held a firm the moment only the first four but we must do everything to country, for our society. Our Putin said he looked Kremlin clock striking midnight grip on the country, staying on have been uploaded. make sure Russia develops suc- unity is the foundation for forward to celebrating the 75th and a spectacular fireworks as prime minister when his ally The “multimedia album” is cessfully,” Putin, wearing a accomplishing the highest of anniversary of Russia’s World display. Dmitry Medvedev took the meant to feature both happy black coat, said in the message goals,” he said. War II victory in 2020 and On December 31, 1999, presidency in 2008 for four and tragic moments, and some posted in advance by state “Our personal plans and thanked veterans. Yeltsin shocked his compatriots years. photos have never been pub- channel Rossiya 1. dreams are indivisible from Moscow is planning to host as he announced it would be the Though he has stopped lished before, the website says.

Man charged I wouldn't have wasted with ‘Picasso’ art my time speaking to attack in London Trump: Greta Thunberg AFP — LONDON Police in London yesterday REUTERS — LONDON “I guess of course it means said a man was charged with something — they are terrified criminal damage after reports Teenage climate change activist of young people bringing of an attack on a Picasso Greta Thunberg said that change which they don’t want painting at the Tate Modern art talking to US President Donald — but that is just proof that we gallery. Trump at a United Nations are actually doing something The Metropolitan Police summit on global warming and that they see us as some said a 20-year-old man from would have been a waste of kind of threat.” northwest London appeared time since he would not have Thunberg came to world in court on Monday and was paid any attention. attention when she began a remanded in custody until In an interview with BBC grassroots campaign aged 15 by another hearing on January radio’s Today programme, for skipping school every Friday 30. which she was the guest editor to demonstrate outside the No other details were on Monday, Thunberg also said Swedish parliament. The pro- released, other than the she regarded personal attacks tests have inspired millions of incident happened on on her as funny and that she young people to take action Saturday. hoped to go back to having a against climate change. The gallery also did not normal life. Thunberg, who was named specify the work in question A video of the 16-year-old Time Magazine’s Person of the but said the suspect was Swedish campaigner giving Year for 2019, said becoming “swiftly apprehended” and Trump what media described an activist had helped rescue that conservation experts were as a “death stare” at a UN her from the depression she New Year's eve in Warsaw assessing the artwork. climate summit in New York in had previously been The Daily Telegraph said September went viral on social suffering. People walking on a street illuminated with lights before the New Year's eve celebrations at Old that the painting was torn media. Trump has questioned She also spoke in Monday’s Town, in Warsaw, Poland, yesterday. but there was no immediate climate science and is pulling BBC programme with veteran confirmation. the United States out of the British broadcaster David 2015 Paris Agrement on global Attenborough, telling him how warming. his nature documentaries had Asked what she would have inspired her. EU criticises Bolivia’s expulsion of Spanish diplomats said to the president if they had “You have aroused the spoken, Thunberg said: “Hon- world,” the 93-year-old Atten- REUTERS — LA PAZ Anez said Bolivia expelled Spain’s foreign ministry Bolivia’s disputed October estly, I don’t think I would have borough told Thunberg in reply, the Spanish diplomats because responded to the expulsion of election sparked widespread, said anything because obvi- adding that she had achieved The European Union said masked men posing a “security its officials with a tit-for-tat often violent demonstrations. ously he’s not listening to sci- things “that many of us who yesterday that it was “deeply risk” had accompanied the offi- move, saying it would expel Morales resigned last month in entists and experts, so why have been working on the issue concerned” about Bolivia’s cials on a visit to Mexico´s three Bolivian diplomatic staff. the face of growing civil and would he listen to me? for 20 years have failed to do”. expulsion of Spanish officials embassy in La Paz. The row began after Mexico military pressure. “So I probably wouldn’t Her father Svante caught up in an escalating “Expelling diplomatic offi- admitted ousted Bolivian Pres- Jeanine Anez took over by have said anything, I wouldn’t Thunberg, also interviewed, diplomatic row between Mexico cials is an extreme and ident Evo Morales as an exile default, and has made sharp have wasted my time,” she said. said she had dealt very well and the interim conservative unfriendly measure that should following allegations he had policy shifts away from his This month Brazilian Pres- with “the fake news, all the administration in La Paz. be saved for grave situations,” rigged the country´s October socialist government, fraying ident Jair Bolsonaro called things that people try to fab- Bolivian stand-in President the European Union said in a presidential election. Morales ties with leftist allies in the Thunberg “a brat”. Trump has ricate about her, the hate that Jeanine Anez said on Monday statement. is now in Argentina. region. said on Twitter she needs to that generates” while in the that her administration had The EU also said that it was Mexico’s embassy in Bolivia Morales claimed he was work on her anger man- global media limelight. asked Mexican ambassador “deeply concerned over the has given refuge to nine people, toppled in a right-wing “coup” agement problem. “Quite frankly, I don’t know María Teresa Mercado and increasing diplomatic tension” including Morales allies whom and many of his allies have “Those attacks are just how she does it, but she laughs several Spanish officials to and has demanded further the Anez administration blames rallied behind him with the funny because they obviously most of the time. She finds it leave the country within 72 explanation from the Anez for stirring up violent protests country headed for new elec- don’t mean anything,” she said. hilarious,” he said. hours. government. and wants to put on trial. tions in 2020. Middleman gets 15 years for Slovak journalist’s murder Eight abducted from Greek AFP - BRATISLAVA oil tanker in Cameroon

An intermediary in the 2018 AFP - ATHENS The Gulf of Guinea, which double murder of a Slovak stretches some 5,700km from investigative journalist and his Armed men attacked a Greek Senegal to Angola, has fiancee has been sentenced to oil tanker near Cameroon’s become the new world epi- 15 years in jail after agreeing to economic capital Douala centre of pirate attacks, a plea bargain. yesterday and abducted eight lootings and kidnappings for Zoltan Andrusko was a men including the vessel’s ransom, especially along the businessman and pizzeria Greek captain, the merchant Nigerian coast. owner when he joined the plot marine ministry said. The pirates sometimes to carry out the killings, which The five Greeks, two Fili- divert ships for several days, triggered mass protests and pinos and a Ukrainian were long enough to plunder the toppled then premier Robert part of a 28-member crew cargo and demand huge Fico. aboard the Happy Lady at ransoms before freeing the The murders of journalist anchor in the port of Limbe, the crew. Jan Kuciak and his fiancee ministry said in a statement. From January to Sep- Martina Kusnirova also paved One crewman, a Greek tember, 82 percent of maritime the way for the election of national, was injured in the kidnappings in the world liberal anti-corruption activist ankle by a stray bullet, and occurred in the Gulf of Guinea, Zuzana Caputova as Slovak taken to a local hospital, port according to the International president in March. police said in a statement. Maritime Bureau. “I consider the 15-year sen- “Merchant Marine Minister Few of the attacks are so tence to be appropriate,” Judge Yannis Plakiotakis... is fol- close to shore as yesterday’s, Pamela Zaleska told reporters lowing developments closely, however. after the verdict was announced A file photo of a woman kneels by a memorial on the first anniversary of the murder of the investigative along with the Greek foreign Armed men raided another at the Special Criminal Court in reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova in Bratislava. ministry and the oil tanker’s Greek oil tanker, the Elka the western city of Pezinok. operator,” the statement said. Aristote, in November around Kuciak had been investi- mastermind Kocner. failing to find “any dirt” to dis- Former premier Fico The port’s police press 10 nautical miles off the gating Slovak entrepreneur Kocner, Zsuzsova and credit the journalist. remains the party leader and is office said the ship is owned by Togolese capital Lome, cap- Marian Kocner’s business activ- alleged gunmen Tomas Szabo Kocner, who is also under widely seen as still pulling the Athens-based Eastern Mediter- turing four sailors. ities when he and his fiancee and Miroslav Marcek — who are investigation for his role in strings. ranean Athens. They released three of the were gunned down at home near all in custody — will be tried in several cases of suspected Support for Smer-SD has Piracy has disrupted the men on December 13, but one Bratislava in February 2018. January. Andrusko will appear fraud, has a reputation for hos- dropped to a historic low of operations of sub-Saharan died in captivity. Andrusko served as a go- as a witness. tility towards journalists. around 20 percent, but it is still Africa’s two main oil producers An investigation is still between in the murder, According to the indictment, Investigators have revealed poised to win the February — Nigeria and Angola — and under way, but “it appears his allegedly hiring the gunmen Kocner decided “to get rid of Jan that Kocner exchanged thou- general election. severely disrupted interna- death was not a result of on the request of his friend Kuciak physically and thus sands of messages with senior It might have trouble finding tional maritime transport actions by the hostage-takers Alena Zsuzsova, who was in prevent further disclosure of his government officials from the coalition partners however, essential to the continent, but of illness,” the tanker’s turn following orders from (Kocner’s) activities” after ruling Smer-SD party. according to analysts. costing billions of dollars. shipbuilder said at the time. WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 AMERICAS 17 Federal judge dismisses impeachment suit from former White House aide

AP — WASHINGTON The US District arguments available to him had he been subpoenaed. Bolton A federal judge yesterday Judge noted that had indicated through his dismissed a lawsuit from a the House had not lawyer that he would not testify former White House official in the impeachment inquiry who had challenged a congres- only withdrawn without a subpoena, and he did sional subpoena in the the subpoena for not receive one from the House. impeachment inquiry involving Kupperman but had Senate Democrats have President Donald Trump. identified Bolton as among the Charles Kupperman, a also stated explicitly current and former Trump former deputy national security that it would not administration officials they adviser, sued in October after would like to hear from in a being subpoenaed by House reissue one for him. trial. Democrats to testify in their Charles Cooper, a lawyer impeachment investigation into an impeachment article they for Bolton and Kupperman, did Trump’s interactions with approved this month that not immediately respond to Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders arrives for a campaign event at NOAH’s Ukraine. He had asked a judge accused Trump of obstructing messages seeking comment. Event Venue, in West Des Moines, Iowa, yesterday' to decide whether he had to Congress and its Though Leon said he did not comply with that subpoena investigation. need to resolve Kupperman’s from Congress or with a con- “This conduct is of course case now, he acknowledged Sanders fit for presidency after heart attack flicting directive from the White entirely consistent with the that the conflict could poten- House that he not testify. repeated representations that tially resurface. BLOOMBERG — WEST DES MOINES heart failure, a life-threatening and has been slow to reveal Both the House of Repre- counsel for the House has made “Have no doubt though, condition, Monahan wrote. The details of the episode. sentatives, which withdrew the to this Court,” Leon wrote. “The should the winds of political Bernie Sanders’s campaign for senator is in “good health “The fact that he is con- subpoena, and the Justice House clearly has no intention fortune shift and the House were the first time yesterday currently”. tinuing to engage in vigorous Department, which had said it of pursuing Kupperman, and to reissue a subpoena to Dr. Kup- disclosed information about the The Sanders campaign said activity makes me comfortable would not prosecute Kup- his claims are thus moot.” perman, he will face the same severity of the heart attack he in a statement that he is “fit and that he should do well,” Steven perman for failing to appear The lawsuit was closely conflicting directives that precip- suffered in October, but also ready to serve as president of Nissen, the head of cardiology before Congress, had asked the watched since it was a rare itated this suit,” Leon wrote. released letters from doctors the United States.” His cardiol- at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, court to dismiss the case as challenge of a congressional “If so, he will undoubtedly describing him as in good ogist, Martin LeWinter of the said in a telephone interview. moot. subpoena in the impeachment be right back before this Court health and fit to lead the University of Vermont Medical “I would tell him to go about his US District Judge Richard inquiry and because of the seeking a solution to a Consti- country. Center, wrote that he had suf- business, take his medications Leon agreed in throwing out the potential implications it carried tutional dilemma that has long- The Vermont senator’s heart fered “modest heart muscle and don’t live in fear of another case. for another witness whose tes- standing political conse- attack was caused by a blockage damage” after the October 1 event.” He noted that the House timony had been sought by quences: balancing Congress’s in the midportion of his left attack but “has been doing very He cautioned that the future had not only withdrawn the Democrats: former national well-established power to anterior descending coronary well since.” can’t be predicted and every subpoena for Kupperman but security adviser John Bolton. investigate with a President’s artery, Congress’s attending phy- Sanders, 78, would be the heart attack survivor is at had also stated explicitly that it Kupperman and Bolton need to have a small group of sician, Brian Monahan, said in oldest person to assume the US higher risk for another one. Still, would not reissue one for him. have the same lawyer. As a national security advisors who one of the letters. But since then, presidency if he is elected next Sanders’s prognosis appears The judge also pointed out senior adviser to the president have some form of immunity his “heart muscle strength has year. His campaign has sought very good based on the infor- that Democrats had not men- on matters of national security, from compelled congressional improved” and Sanders doesn’t to quell questions about his mation his doctors released, tioned Kupperman by name in Bolton would have had similar testimony,” the judge added. have symptoms of congestive health since his heart attack Nissen said.

US grants asylum to detained Pompeo to Iraq leadership: US will defend its people

Guatemalan teen ANATOLIA — WASHINGTON telephone calls with Iraqi Prime stormed the embassy com- The Iraqi prime minister Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi and pound yesterday, protesting said Baghdad condemns the air- AP NEW — HAVEN Washington will defend its President Barham Salih, said Washington’s attacks on armed strikes on Iraqi military ele- people in the wake of protests State Department spokes- battalions belong to Iranian- ments and warned those taking A Guatemalan teenager living at the US Embassy compound woman Morgan Ortagus in a backed Hashd Al Shaabi forces. part in funeral marches to stay in Connecticut has been in Baghdad, America’s. top statement. At least 25 people were away from foreign buildings granted asylum in the US after diplomat told Iraqi leadership “Both Abdul-Mahdi and killed last weekend in US air- and compounds. having been detained by yesterday. Salih assured the Secretary that strikes on positions of Kataib “Iraqi security forces will immigration authorities for Secretary of State Mike they took seriously their Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed respond to any act of aggression more than three months. Pompeo (pictured) “made responsibility for and would militia group, in Iraq and Syria. or harassment against foreign The New Haven Register clear” that the US “will protect guarantee the safety and Hundreds protesters embassies in Iraq, and those reported that US Immigration and defend its people, who are security of US personnel and gathered early yesterday near responsible will face the full Court judge in Boston granted there to support a sovereign and property,” she said. the embassy to show their anger force of the law,” Abdul-Mahdi asylum on Monday to Mario independent Iraq,” in separate Outraged protesters at the attacks. said on Twitter. Aguilar Castanon, an 18-year- old student at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven. Lawyers for Aguilar said Texas church gunman they are waiting to see if Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials appeal grew angry in past over the ruling and hope Aguilar will be released from detention whether or not there is an cash requests: Minister appeal. Aguilar came to the US AP — WHITE SETTLEMENT from Guatemala in 2018 to flee threats from gangs that tried The man who opened fire to recruit him. Teachers and inside a Texas church, killing friends at his high school and two people before being shot state and city officials have to death, visited the church rallied to protest his detention. several other times this year Federal immigration offi- and was given food but got cials took Aguilar into custody angry when officials refused to in September as he entered give him money, the minister Milford Superior Court, where said. he was scheduled to appear to Keith Thomas Kinnunen face charges related to a car (pictured), 43, brought a crash. shotgun into the West Freeway Police said he hit a parked Church of Christ in the Fort car while driving without a Worth-area town of White Set- license and no insurance. tlement during Sunday services other armed churchgoers Aguilar also was charged with and opened fire, killing church quickly drew praise from some driving under the influence, Tournament of Roses Bandfest members Richard White and Texas lawmakers and gun- but his lawyers expect him to Anton “Tony” Wallace, rights advocates. Texas officials Members of the Southern University ‘Human Jukebox’ Marching Band perform during the 40th annual be cleared of that allegation according to police. Witnesses hailed the state’s gun laws, Tournament of Roses Bandfest, in Pasadena, California, yesterday. The event showcases marching because there was no sobriety said he was wearing a fake including a measure enacted bands who will perform in the famed 2020 Rose Parade, a 131-year-old tradition, on New Year's Day. test. His case remains pending. beard, a wig, a hat and a long this year that affirmed the right coat, which drew the attention of licenced handgun holders to of the church’s security team. carry a weapon inside places Minister Britt Farmer told of worship unless a facility bans The Christian Chronicle that he them. Trump signs law to reduce robocalls recognised Kinnunen after “We can’t prevent every seeing a photo of him without incident, we can’t prevent AP — NEW YORK “American families deserve mass calls. Americans collec- companies that don’t already the disguise. mental illness from occurring, control over their communica- tively get billions of robocalls have written permission. You- “We’ve helped him on and we can’t prevent every An anti-robocalls measure tions, and this legislation will each month. Such calls have Mail’s robocall index says that several occasions with food,” crazy person from pulling a gun, signed into law yesterday by update our laws and regulations disrupted operations at hos- half of all robocalls today are Farmer said in the interview. but we can be prepared like this President Donald Trump should to stiffen penalties, increase pitals by diverting staff time to fraudulent. “He gets mad when we won’t church was,” Texas Attorney help reduce the torrent of transparency, and enhance deal with calls faked to look as But enforcement has been give him cash. He’s been here General Ken Paxton said. unwanted calls promising lower government collaboration to though they are coming from tough. Federal agencies have on multiple occasions.” President Donald Trump interest rates or pretending to stop unwanted solicitation,” inside the hospital. Scams con- fined scammers hundreds of Kinnunen was fatally shot by tweeted on Monday night and be the IRS, though it won’t make White House press secretary ducted through such calls have millions of dollars, but it’s been Jack Wilson, a member of the yesterday morning about the all such calls disappear. Stephanie Grisham said. also defrauded people out of difficult to collect. Many of the church’s volunteer security team, attack, both times highlighting The new law gives author- The law is a “big victory,” said millions of dollars. Many people callers are overseas. It’s hard to within seconds of the attack. the role of armed citizens in ities more enforcement powers Consumer Reports’ Maureen now avoid answering calls alto- throw the fraudsters in jail. “The only clear shot I had stopping the shooter. and could speed up measures Mahoney. “The key is requiring gether if they come from The FCC has clarified that was his head because I still had “If it were not for the fact that the industry is already taking these phone companies to help unknown numbers. phone companies can block people in the pews that were there were people inside of the to identify robocalls. And when stop the calls before they reach Under federal law, it’s unwanted calls without first not all the way down as low as church that were both armed, phone companies block robo- the consumer and do it at no already illegal to fake numbers asking customers, paving the they could. That was my one and highly proficient in using calls, they must do so without additional charge.” on Caller ID to defraud or cause way to broaden the rollout of shot,” Wilson said, adding that their weapon, the end result charging consumers. This The robocall problem has harm. Scams are also pro- call-blocking services. The law several other churchgoers had would have been catastrophic. should help Americans dodge exploded because cheap hibited, as are automated tele- says phone companies cannot their weapons drawn as well. A big THANK YOU to them!” many of these annoying calls. software makes it easy to make marketing calls from legitimate charge for these services. The actions of Wilson and Trump tweeted yesterday. 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 Opponents push to abolish death penalty in Virginia AP — RICHMOND Lee Carter who had shot and killed a hos- long time,” but he acknowl- can potentially receive the voluntarily repeal capital pun- pital security guard. Sutphin edges that entrenched attitudes death penalty,” Chafin said. ishment,” Dunham said. Virginia has executed nearly acknowledges that was shot when he encountered toward the death penalty in “Those crimes are the most “The change in the compo- 1,400 people in its history - entrenched attitudes Morva in Blacksburg. Virginia could make abolishing heinous of crimes,” Chafin said. sition of the legislature brought more than any other state. But Rachel Sutphin, who was 9 it difficult. “They’re the unthinkable types about by the blue wave may be as a new Democratic majority toward the death at the time, said she wasn’t “Unfortunately, there are of human behaviour that truly enough to put abolition over the prepares to begin the legislative penalty in Virginia aware of Virginia’s death still people in both major parties those who commit them top. But even then, success is session, some see an oppor- could make abolishing penalty until much later. who are still in the mindset of deserve to receive death and unlikely unless there is a bipar- tunity to end executions in In 2016, she wrote letters to the 1980s, 1990s, tough on not be incarcerated at the tax- tisan component of it.” Virginia. it difﬁcult. then-Virginia Gov Terry McAu- crime, more punishment, more payer’s expense for the rest of Republican Del. Rob Bell A bill to abolish the death liffe urging him to commute punishment, more pun- their lives.” said he understands the feelings penalty has been filed by Del. when her father’s killer was Morva’s sentence to life without ishment,” Carter said. Robert Dunham, executive of crime victims’ family Lee Carter, a Democrat from executed in 2017. parole. “But if the death penalty director of the Death Penalty members who do not want to Manassas, and several addi- “A lot of people, they want Morva was executed In July worked as advertised — as a Information Center, said 21 see the death penalty imposed. tional bills are expected. families to have this moment 2017. No one has been executed deterrent — then we wouldn’t states have abolished the death But he said he would not The push is backed by Vir- that heals them or makes things in Virginia since then. need to use it.” penalty, but it often takes years support a blanket repeal of the ginians for Alternatives to the completed. And for me, it did No death sentences have Even with the slim majority of drawn-out political battles. death penalty. Death Penalty, along with some not,” Sutphin said, describing been imposed in the state since Democrats hold in both the He said repeal could be “The thoughts of the sur- powerful voices: loved ones of her reaction to the execution of 2011, and only three people Senate and House of Delegates, more difficult in the South, viving family members are murder victims. Thirteen family William Morva. remain on Virginia’s death row. the push to abolish the death where many states have a long always important, and in cases members sent a letter to the “It was instead, more hurt,” Since the Supreme Court rein- penalty could have an uphill history of executions and where no family member wants General Assembly in November she said. “I felt, well, now there stated the death penalty in 1976, battle. ingrained attitudes about the it, the prosecutor could decide asking lawmakers to abolish the are two people dead.” the state is second only to Texas Republican Sen Ben Chafin death penalty. not to proceed that way,” he death penalty. Eric Sutphin, who worked in number of executions, at 113. said he thinks it’s unlikely an “From a symbolic per- said. Rachel Sutphin, the for the Montgomery County Carter said that the new abolition bill will pass. spective, abolition in Virginia “Here, what’s being pro- daughter of Cpl Eric Sutphin, Sheriff’s Office, was shot while Democratic majority gives “The General Assembly has would have national signifi- posed would take it away from who was fatally shot in 2006, participating in a manhunt for death penalty opponents “the crafted — over many years — cance because it would be the all families, those that want it said she felt no closure or solace Morva, an escaped prisoner best chance we’ve had in a very careful categories of crimes that first of the Southern states to and those that do not.” Democracy hangs in the Winter storm cancels flights in balance: Elizabeth Warren eastern Canada REUTERS — BOSTON settle on a final choice. The nominating contests in Iowa AFP — MONTREAL Democratic presidential and New Hampshire in early contender Elizabeth Warren February will be critical tests of A winter storm in eastern sought to re-energise her White candidates’ viability. Canada led to the cancellation House campaign in a New Warren’s address took place of nearly 200 flights yesterday, Year’s Eve speech yesterday, in front of a crowd of nearly and came too late for a White warning that “democracy hangs 700 people at a church in Christmas. in the balance” five weeks downtown Boston known as a The mix of snow and before nominating contests gathering place for revolu- freezing rain disrupted both begin in early February. tionary colonists in the 1770s. departures and arrivals at air- In her home state of Massa- “We are a nation that fights ports in Montreal, the capital chusetts on the first anniversary back,” she said. “Fighting back Ottawa, and the country’s of her campaign launch, Warren is an act of patriotism.” largest city Toronto, an AFP said President Donald Trump Warren remains a top Dem- count showed. would “try to cheat his way ocratic candidate in national Worst-affected was Mon- through yet another election” if opinion polls but her standing treal-Trudeau International he is not removed from office slipped in autumn after a Airport with more than 100 after his impeachment by the months-long surge that briefly cancellations, mostly to Democratic-controlled US vaulted her to front-runner Ontario and the northeast House of Representatives. status. United States, an airport “In the past 12 months, the She is in third place behind spokesperson said. president has become bolder Joe Biden, the former vice pres- Snow accumulations of with his lies and more brazen ident, and fellow US Senator 15-20 centimeters were Democratic 2020 US presidential candidate and US Senator Elizabeth Warren arrives to deliver a in his law-breaking,” said Bernie Sanders, according to the expected today in southern speech, on the one year anniversary of announcing her campaign, at Old South Meeting House in Warren, who as a US senator website RealClearPolitics’s Quebec, according to the Boston, yesterday. will vote on whether to convict national polling average. federal environment Trump of improperly pressuring Warren’s momentum revised her rhetoric on candidates who “kiss the rings” aimed at Biden and Buttigieg, ministry. Ukraine for political favors. stalled under sustained attacks healthcare, emphasising her of the wealthy are beholden to whom she has previously crit- “Meanwhile, the Republicans in from more moderate Demo- intention to phase in Medicare rich donors and corporate icized for holding high-priced Congress have turned into cratic candidates like Pete Butt- for All over several years to pre- interests. fundraisers. Shooting near fawning, spineless defenders of igieg, the outgoing mayor of serve “choice” for Americans. “The billionaires, the cor- In recent months, Warren his crimes.” South Bend, Indiana, over her She has also sought to porate executives and their has seen a slowdown in her fun- Seattle leaves 1 The race for the Democratic support for Medicare for All, the return to the theme of economic favorite presidential candidates draising pace. The campaign nomination remains fluid as the healthcare overhaul that would populism that animated the have one clear goal: to convince said last week it had raised just dead, two injured calendar turns to 2020, with 15 eliminate private insurance in early part of her campaign. you that everything you imagine over $17m in the fourth quarter Democrats still in the running favor of a single government- Warren, who has sworn off is impossible,” Warren said. with a few days to go, lower AP — FEDERAL WAY and a majority of voters telling run plan. high-dollar fundraisers, argued While she did not name any than the $24.6m she raised last pollsters that they have yet to In response, Warren has on Tuesday that other rivals, her remarks were likely quarter. A confrontation between police and a man in a car erupted in gunfire early ‘Blade Runner’ yesterday, leaving two officers Mexico arrests 7 suspects in Mormon family massacre wounded and the suspect artist Syd Mead dead, authorities said. AFP — MEXICO CITY children — had dual US- in a statement yesterday that Following the massacre, US Both officers were shot and dead at 86 Mexican nationality and were three suspects were arrested on President Donald Trump taken to hospitals. They are Mexican authorities have shot dead on a rural road in a December 26 for “probable threatened to designate drug expected to recover. AFP — LOS ANGELES arrested seven suspects in lawless region known for turf responsibility” in organised cartels as terror groups, which The officers had responded connection with last month’s wars between drug cartels crime. The charges against the many Mexicans saw as opening to a report of a dispute in a Syd Mead, the visual artist massacre of nine Mormon fighting over lucrative traf- other four, arrested earlier, the door to further meddling by parking lot in the city of behind “Blade Runner” women and children in the ficking routes to the United were not specified. the US. Federal Way and spoke to a credited with shaping the sci-fi country’s north, the attorney States. The November 4 killing took Lopez Obrador met with man in a car, Seattle TV station landscape with his futuristic general’s office said. Investigators believe the place between the states of relatives of the victims earlier KOMO reported. movie designs, has died in A local police chief sus- cartel mistook the families for Sonora and Chihuahua and this month to report on the Authorities were still trying California aged 86. pected of links to organised members of a rival gang, but increased pressure on President investigation. to determine exactly what Mead, who worked on crime was among those taken some relatives reject that Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s A second meeting between happened but both officers films including “Aliens”, “Tron” into custody, according to local theory, saying they were delib- government to show it was the family and Mexican author- were wounded by gunfire and and “Star Trek: The Motion media. erately targeted. acting against brutal violence ities is expected in coming the man in the car was fatally Picture”, died on Monday fol- The victims — six of them The prosecutor’s office said by drug cartels. days. shot. lowing a battle with lym- phoma cancer, his partner Roger Servick told multiple outlets yesterday. Student in US tried to smuggle A post on Mead’s Facebook page confirmed the news, with cancer research to China the words “Syd Mead 1933-2019.” AP — BOSTON from his lab at Beth Israel Dea- Mead had started his career coness Medical Center, author- in industrial design for the car A medical student from China ities allege. and electronics industries, who US authorities say tried to Some vials contained a col- working for Ford, Chrysler, smuggle cancer research league’s work he had replicated Sony and Philips, before material taken from a Boston without the authorization or switching to film. His concept hospital out of the country has knowledge of the lab, Zheng art for a dystopian future Los been held without bail by a told authorities, according to Angeles in Ridley Scott’s 1982 judge who ruled he was a flight court documents. neo-noir classic “Blade Runner” risk. Zheng was possibly acting won widespread acclaim. Zaosong Zheng, 29, who on behalf of the Chinese gov- He retired in September. last year earned a visa spon- ernment, the FBI said in affi- News of his death was sored by Harvard University to davit included in court mourned by leading figures study in the US, appeared yes- documents. across the automotive and terday in US District Court in Zheng’s federal public entertainment sectors. Boston. defender declined to comment “Rest in peace Syd Mead. Magistrate Judge David outside court when questioned Your art will endure,” tweeted Hennessy ruled that evidence by the Boston Herald. A Tesla founder Elon Musk. suggested Zheng had tried to voicemail message was left “He was one of the greatest smuggle vials of research spec- with the defense attorney. designers and futurists of our imens in a sock in his suitcase Harvard officials told The time,” wrote John McElroy, pub- bound for China and granted Boston Globe that Zheng’s edu- lisher of the website Autoline. the prosecution’s request to cational exchange visa had Art Directors Guild pres- hold him without bail. been revoked. ident Nelson Coates last month NY beefs up security ahead of New Year He was arrested December Beth Israel, a Harvard-affil- called Mead “one of the most 10 at Boston’s Logan Airport on iated teaching hospital, has influential concept artists and NYPD officers stand guard on the closed 42th street before the New Years eve celebration, in Times a charge of making false fired Zheng and is cooperating industrial designers of our Square in New York City, yesterday. statements. with authorities, a spokes- time.” Zheng stole the materials woman said. WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020 HOME 19 ICAI Doha holds 5-day certification course on blockchain technology

Dr. R. Seetharaman (sixth left, sitting), Group CEO of Doha Bank, with participants and members of ICAI Doha at the workshop.

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Doha Chapter of ICAI is the oldest among technology will also pave way for many opportunities. The Doha Chapter of the Institute the 33 overseas chapters of the Institute of The Vote of Thanks was of Chartered Accountants of Chartered Accountants of India. The Chapter is offered by Nirlep Bhatt, Chapter India (ICAI) conducted a 5-day Secretary, who thanked the Certification Course on “Block- actively involved in enhancing and updating the members for positive response chain Technology for Profes- professional knowledge of its members, local and enthusiastic participation. sional Accountants” at Doha He also offered gratitude to ICAI, Bank Auditorium in collaboration professionals and non-members. Doha Chapter of faculties and Doha Bank for their with Digital Accounting and ICAI is the ﬁrst professional membership body to generous and invaluable support. Assurance Board of ICAI New The participants, repre- Delhi. be registered with Qatar Financial Centre. senting diverse spectrum of Rukkaiya Pachisa, Chapter industries, appreciated rich con- Chairperson welcomed the par- Singh and Narasimhan Elan- how it differs from the traditional tents of the course, resourceful ticipants and outlined the impor- govan. Hemant touched upon contracts. Narasimhan Elan- faculties, interactive learning tance for finance professionals technical side of the blockchain govan, touched upon functional methodology and an effective to be tech-savvy and stay by explaining essential elements aspects of blockchain and com- brainstorming on various cases. updated in line with the techno- and characteristics of the block- prehended the areas where the They rated it as a high-quality logical evolutions and digital chain: cryptography, peer to peer usage of blockchain can result in course with wonderful learning transformation that are affecting network, distributed ledger tech- a substantial cost and time opportunity provided by the the jobs and functions of finance nology, and hash and smart advantage. chapter. professionals in a significant contracts. He analysed sectoral impact The Doha Chapter of ICAI is manner. He also explained use cases of blockchain on various the oldest among the 33 overseas Dr. R. Seetharaman, Group of the blockchain in various business segments and assessed chapters of the Institute of Char- CEO Doha Bank, graced the finance functions like trade blockchain from regulatory, gov- tered Accountants of India. The occasion with his presence and finance, KYC and identity man- ernance, risk, and control Chapter is actively involved in explained to the participants the agement and reporting to identify aspects. He also discussed global enhancing and updating the pro- impact of Industry 4.0 and pro- its suitability for the organisation. business scenario and some of fessional knowledge of its vided insight into new concepts He also demonstrated practical the analytical tools of blockchain members, local professionals and like data analytics, cloud com- use and functions of the block- in an interesting manner. He pre- non-members. Doha Chapter of puting, Internet of things and chain by explaining the Ethereum dicted that while there will be a ICAI is the first professional blockchain. and building blocks. paradigm shift in the jobs and membership body to be regis- The course was conducted by Hemant also illustrated the functions of the accounting field, tered with Qatar Financial two expert faculties — Hemant smart contract and explained the emergence of the new Centre.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA 2:00 & 3:45pm; Frozen II (2D/Animation) Spies In Prati Roju Pandaage (2D/Telugu) 2:00pm; Disguise (2D/Amination) 5:30pm; Miracle In Cell No. Spies In Disguise (2D/Amination) 2:00pm; 7 (2D/Tagalog) 7:15pm; Trauma Center 4:45pm; IP Hero (2D/Tamil) 2:15pm; Dabangg 3 4:00pm; Man 4: The Final 9:30pm; Dabangg 3 11:30pm; My Frozen II (2D/Animation) 2:15pm; Valiya Perunnal (2D/Malayalam) Santa 2:00pm; (2D/Action) 6:30 & 9:00pm; El Folous 4:00pm; 2:30pm; A.K.A The Money 6:45 & 9:15pm; Ruler (2D/Telugu) Miracle In Cell No. 7 (2D/Tagalog) 2:00pm; Jumanji: The Next Level 4:45 & &7:00pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 4:30 & 7:00pm; Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 9:00pm; Good Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 6:15pm; Newwz 3 (2D/Hindi) 11:30 Munthiri Monchan (2D/ Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 6:45pm; Malayalam) 11:30pm; Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 7:00 & 11:15pm; El Folous A.K.A The Money 7:00 & 9:15pm; Ruler (2D/Telugu) 11:30pm; LANDMARK Trauma Center 9:15pm; IP Man 4: The Final 9:30pm Munthiri Monchan (2D/Malayalam) 11:30pm; Hero (2D/Tamil) 2:00pm; Spies In Disguise (2D/Amination) 2:15 & 6:45pm; Frozen II (2D/Ani- FLIK Mirqab Mall mation) 2:00 & 5:00pm Miracle In Cell No. 7 3:45pm; Good Newwz 3 (2D/Hindi) 6:15pm; Jumanji: The Next Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 1:10, 3:55 & 6:40p Level (2D/Action) 4:00pm; Driving License (2D/ El Folous A.K.A The Money 4:50, 9:35 & 11:55pm Malayalam) 8:30 & 11:00pm; Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) Frozen II (2D/Animation) 10:30, 11:00am & 2:40pm 8:15 & 11:15pm; El Folous A.K.A The Money (2D/ Good Newwz 3 (2D/Hindi) 1:10, 6:40, 9:25pm & 0:10am Arabic) 6:15pm; IP Man 4: The Final 2:30pm Ip Man 4: The Finale 5:25 & 11:45pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (3D/ Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 8:30 & Action) 10;20am, 12:45, 3:10, 5:35, 8:00 & 10:25pm; Miracle in Cell 11:00pm; Munthiri Monchan (2D/Malayalam) 11:15pm; No.7 (2D/Animation) 11:35, 2:00, 4:25, 6:50, 9:10 & 11:35pm Spies in Disguise (2D/Animation) 10:15am, 12:15, 2:15, 4:15, 7:35, 8;15 & 10:15pm; AL KHOR Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 11:50am, 2:40, 5:30, 8:20, 9:25 & 11:10pm; 12:40 & 1:20pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 1:45, 5:00, 8:15 & The Courier 11:30pm Trauma Center 11:20am, 3:20 & 9:40pm Hero (2D/Tamil) 11:45am, 5:45 & 11:45pm Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 11:45am, 11:30pm; ASIAN TOWN Thambi (2D/Tamil) 3:00 & 9:00pm; Star Wars: The Ruler (2D/Telugu) 12:30pm Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 2:30pm; Thambi (2D/Tamil) 3:30pm Mamangam (2D/Malayalam) 5:30pm Dabangg 3 (2D/Hindi) 8:30pm Good Newwz 3 (2D/Hindi) 6:15pm ROXY Hero (2D/Tamil) 9:00pm Driving Licence (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00, 10:30, Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 10:30am, 12:30, 1:00, 11;30pm 3:10, 3:40, 6:20, 8:20, 9:00 & 11:40pm; Frozen II (2D/ Kettyolanu Ente Maalakha (2D/Malayalam) 8:45pm Animation) 11:00, 4:00, 3:15 & 6:00pm; Good Newwz My Santa (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 3;15, 8:45 & 11:30pm 3 (2D/Hindi) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00 & 11:45pm; Ip Man 4: Valiya Perunnal (2D/Malayalam) 3:00, 9:00pm The Finale 6:00, 9:20, 10:45 & 11:30pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (3D/Action) 110:30am,11:00am, 12:30, 3:30, 6:15, 8;15 & 8:45pm Spies in Disguise (2D/Animation) 2:00, 5:00 & 8:45pm; Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/ Action) 1:00, 1:20, 2:45, 3:00, 10;45 & 11:15pm Thambi (2D/Tamil) 11:00pm; El Folous A.K.A The Money (2D/Arabic) 4:20, 5:50, 6:20, 7:45, 8:00, 8;15, 10:15, 10:30 & 11:10pm

MUNTHIRI MONCHAN

Munthiri Monchan is a feel good urban romantic comedy revolves around Vivek Viswanath, a young marketing guy working in an cinema advertising firm. 20 MORNING BREAK WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR04.58 AM SUNRISE 06.20 AM o o Misty at some places at first becomes moderate temperature daytime with some clouds and relatively cold by night. ZUHR 11.37 am ASR 02.36 pm 18 C 27 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 08:22 – 19:55 LOW TIDE 01:23 – 16:43 MAGHRIB 04.57 pm ISHA 06.27 pm W ALRUWAIS: 18o↗23o W ALKHOR: 16o↗25o W DUKHAN: 14o↗23o W DOHA: 18o↗27o W MESAIEED 15o↗25o W ABUSAMRA 13o↗25o

Sun sets on 2019

A view of sunset on the last day of the year, at sand dunes near Sealine beach (left) and Al Janoub Stadium, Qatar.PICS: ABDUL BASIT & SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA. Lima Mayor says pace, quality of development in Qatar unprecedented IRFAN BUKHARI love to live.” Muñoz during his “Starting next month two weekly THE PENINSULA recent visit to Qatar toured a cargo flights are being launched number of places and met many between Qatar and South Impressed with the pace and Qatari officials but in his American countries. Using this standard of urban development opinion the thing which Doha Metro is opportunity, Qatar can now of Doha, Jorge Muñoz Wells, impressed him the most was the modern, quiet, soft import more fruits and vege- Mayor of Peruvian capital Lima, Doha Metro. tables from Peru.” has said that Peru and Qatar can “I have been to several cities and clean, and it has Muñoz said Qatari investors bolster bilateral ties in different around the world but have been developed with could invest in real estate, infra- sectors due to existing huge never seen a metro service like structure development, oil and bilateral potential. this,” he said. future-oriented vision. gas sectors of Peru with full con- “I am here to see how Doha Muñoz says that Doha Metro I have been to several fidence. “We are developing our is managing different civic is ‘modern, quiet, soft and clean’ cities; making new roads, issues like traffic, security, envi- and it has been developed with cities around the tunnels, bridges and Qatar is also ronment etc. I wanted to see future-oriented vision. “Some world but have never going through a mega devel- how Qatar is preparing itself to stations at the moment are too opment phase. Qatar has the host 2022 FIFA World Cup,” big to handle the number of seen a metro service resources, capacity and tech- Muñoz said in an interview with present day commuters but Jorge Muñoz Wells, Mayor of Lima, during an interview with like this." nology therefore they can take The Peninsula at the Embassy after some years particularly The Peninsula in Doha. part in Peru’s infrastructure of Peru. during 2022 World Cup they development.” Jorge Muñoz Wells, who will be serving a purpose and modern cities and on the existing world. We can share experiences is impressive. After meeting The Ambassador of Peru in serves as Mayor of Lima, a city the needs of the people.” challenges. “We have many in this sector and can promote domestic needs of dairy products Qatar, Jose Benzaquen Perea, of over 10 million people, thinks He said that during his visit common areas of cooperation. bilateral tourism.” they have now reached a surplus said: “Peru shares the same goals that the pace and quality of to Qatar he had a very pro- I am here now to learn about He said tourists from Peru and can now export milk to five with Qatar, specifically the development work in Qatar is ductive meeting with H E the civic modernization and the and across the globe should pay countries.” development in education, unprecedented. “I was invited Minister of Municipality and model that Doha has developed.” a visit to Qatar even before 2022 The Mayor of Lima termed health, security, environment by the government of Qatar to Environment in which both sides The Mayor of Lima said Peru World Cup as the country has a the National Museum of Qatar conservation, and therefore the strengthen relations between agreed to enhance cooperation and Qatar could expand existing lot to offer — like museums, ‘amazing’. “The desert rose compliance of the international Doha and Lima. I see a lot of between the two countries in relations in many spheres like deserts, and food. architecture of National Museum principles. Furthermore, Peru development and a marked general and the Municipality of culture, sports, tourism, and Baladna farm is another of Qatar is incredible.” supports the dialogue to resolve change in the last years,” he Doha and the Municipality of trade among others. “As many place visited by Muñoz and he Muñoz said Qatar was any international issue, in peace added. Lima in particular. as four million tourists visit Peru highly praised the way the moving fast towards achieving and harmony with all the actors He further said: “Qatar is a He said that in his meetings per year and Qatar is also company established itself as a food sufficiency, adding that of the diplomatic space and in secure, safe and clean country. with Qatari officials they talked becoming a destination of choice reliable brand within three Qatar and Peru could cooperate any region, specifically with It is a place where all people about the management of for tourists from around the years. “This growth of Baladna in the food security sector. Qatar.”