BUSINESS | 22 SPORT | 27 Property investors Hazard the hero bullish on as Chelsea international market win FA Cup

Sunday 20 May 2018 | 4 Ramadan I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7532 | 2 Riyals

OPINION Amir crowns Al Duhail SC with the Amir Cup

QNA

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the final football match between Al Rayyan SC and Al Duhail SC for H H the Amir Cup, held at Khalifa International Stadium yesterday, in which Al Duhail beat Al Rayyan 2-1. H H the Amir honoured the players of Al Duhail Sports Club with the Cup and presented them with gold medals, while His Highness pre- sented Al Rayyan’s players with silver medals. The match was attended by H E Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Personal Represent- Editor-in-Chief ative of HH the Amir, H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani as well as a number of H H the Father H H the Amir addresses Amir’s sons. It was also attended by President of the Inter- the Islamic conscience national Federation of Football Association (FIFA) Gianni Infantino, a number of heads of s always His Highness Amir diplomatic missions accredited to the State of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Qatar, a number of heads of sports federations, AThani, may Allah protect him, members of the Arab and international Olympic touches the aspirations and stances committees, guests of the match, and a large Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani honoured the players of Al Duhail Sports Club with the Amir Cup of the Muslims in all countries of the audience. → SEE ALSO PAGES 2, 24, 25, 28 and presented them with gold medals, while His Highness presented Al Rayyan players with silver medals. world, stressing the necessity of reaching a just solution to the Pales- tinian issue which is the last colonial case which still exists in the world. Under the current situation and talks about the ‘deal of the century’, Hamad Port receives record number of vessels in April it has become more apparent after moving the US embassy to Jerusalem SACHIN KUMAR increase over the previous A total of 148 heads of cattle in March and of its first one million TEUs which is the eternal capital of the THE PENINSULA month. commercial vessels handled 5,470 vehicles last containers. The Port, which State of Palestine, that the city cannot Qterminals was set up by called at Hamad Port month. was opened in December be divided into two parts for the Pal- Qatar Navigation (Milaha) and The $7.4bn Port remains 2016, achieved this feat in less estinians in particular and the entire DOHA: Hamad Port has Qatar Ports Management which is the highest unfazed by the unjust siege 14 months which was well Islamic world in general. achieved yet another mile- Company (Mwani Qatar) to monthly number ever imposed by the blockading ahead of its expected schedule. In the light of all these develop- stone as it received highest manage the port recorded since the countries on Qatar as number of It plans to achieve the next one ments, the Emergency Summit of the number of vessels in April. A In total, 130 commercial start of operations at vessels calling at the port and million container throughput Organization of the Islamic Conference total of 148 commercial vessels vessels had called at Hamad volume of goods has been grown by the end of this year. (OIC) on Palestine in Istanbul, was called at Hamad Port which is Port in march, compared to the port. consistently since start of its Hamad Port is set to play called by Turkish President Recep the highest monthly number 120 vessels in February and operation. Within 14 months a major role in maritime trade Tayyip Erdogan to discuss and take ever recorded since the start 137 vessels in January this bulk cargo was handled by it in since the start of operations, the by becoming a transhipment measures that serve the Palestinian of operations at the port. year. April against 11,062 tonnes of port’s monthly volumes grew hub in the region. By becoming cause and stand in the face of new Additionally, QTerminals It handled 124,399 tonnes bulk cargo in March this year. from an average of just over a major transhipment centre, colonialism. handled a record-breaking of break bulk cargo in April The Port, which is one of 41,000 TEUs per month to the Port can cater to the needs The speech of H H the Amir was at 122,825 Twenty-Foot Equiv- compared to 79,710 tonnes of the largest ports in the region, 105,000 TEUs per month. of businesses in neighbouring the heart and touched the attitudes alent Units (TEUs) containers break bulk cargo previous handled 35,179 heads of cattle The port, in March this countries like Kuwait, Iraq and and feelings of all Muslims. The mas- in April which is a 17 percent month while 21,778 tonnes of last month compared to 73,297 year, celebrated the handling other neighbours. sacre against peaceful demonstrators deepens the feeling of injustice and the incapability of the international com- munity was highlighted in the speech, citing the history of the Palestinian cause and situations it has undergone 40 arrested for visa trafficking since the Nakba in 1948, and the sub- sequent resolutions, stressing the right THE PENINSULA Director of the Search and Follow- He pointed out that the Ministry of of return for refugees which was up Department at the Ministry of Interior Interior represented by The Search and approved by the United Nations in its DOHA: The Search and Follow-up Brigadier Abdullah Jaber Al Lebdah said Follow-up Department deals with the resolution 194 of December 1948. Department recently succeeded in that the department is carrying out its victims of these practices from the RAMADAN TIMING None of the Amir’s speech at inter- arresting 40 persons accused of visa traf- role of the implementation of the law humanitarian side, where the national forums or local events have ficking in violation of the Law No. 21 of through carrying out inspection cam- Department would transfer such people Todays Iftar: 6:17 pm come without mentioning the Pales- 2015 Regulating the Entry, Exit, and Resi- paigns in all areas of the country to arrest under some employer. Tomorrow’s Imsak: 03:11 am tinian cause, and call for a just solution dence of Expatriates. violators. The Department stressed that it will that guarantees a decent life for Pales- This came in the department’ efforts He added that the Department suc- not hesitate in applying the law to all tinians like other peoples of the world. to control violators of the laws governing ceeded to arrest some violators who individuals or companies and refer vio- This is the second extraordinary the entry and taking legal action against traded in visas, which contribute to the lators to the Public Prosecution. summit held in Turkey in a short them with the aim of controlling the increase in the problem of runway period of time, at the invitation of the problem of runaway workers. workers in the country. →CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Republic of Turkey, to which we have all respect and appreciation, both its leadership and the people, for their positions in support of the Palestinian cause on all international forums and Blocking Umrah during Ramadan causes disappointment conferences. The courageous positions of Qatar AMNA PERVAIZ RAO have not been hampered by the unjust opinion with The Peninsula on the religion. We hope and pray every day committee’s deep concerns regarding siege, because it is a State with THE PENINSULA issue expressing their unhappiness and that this dispute comes to an end and the Saudi authorities’ persistent restric- unquestionable principles and posi- sorrow of not being able to perform we perform our religious duties nor- tions of Muslims’ right to perform reli- tions that are consistent with the DOHA: Due to unjust restrictions Umrah this Ramadan due to the con- mally once again,” a local citizen, gious rituals. The NHRC statement had teachings of the true religion, imposed on Qatar by the Saudi-led tinuing Saudi-led blockade. Mansoor Al Yami told The Peninsula. also urged competent Saudi authorities Arabism, humility and the principles quartet, Qatari nationals and residents “Every Ramadan we would go for The National Human Rights Com- not to use religious rites as a political of international law. are not able to perform the Islamic Umrah but this year we are bound under mittee (NHRC) had earlier issued a leverage flagrantly violating interna- ritual of Umrah during the holy month political tussle. We are literally statement on the difficulties faced by tional human rights conventions. →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 of Ramadan. speechless, we cannot express in words residents and citizens of the State in per- Many citizens have shared their how cruel people can become regarding forming Umrah, highlighting the →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

→PAGE 18 →PAGE 19 →PAGE 19 02 HOME SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 H H the Amir crowns Al Duhail SC with Amir Cup

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the final football match between Al Rayyan SC and Al Duhail SC for H H the Amir Cup, held at Khalifa International Stadium yesterday, which ended with Al Duhail winning over Al-Rayyan 2-1. The match was attended by H E Sheikh Abdul-Aziz bin Khalifa Al Thani; H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Personal Representative of H H the Amir; H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani; H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani, as well as a number of H H the Father Amir’s sons. It was also attended by President of the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, a number of heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the State of Qatar , a number of heads of sports federations, members of the Arab and international Olympic committees, guests of the match, and a large audience. SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 HOME 03

HGH Emergency receives 1,963 Amir condoles with Cuban President OPINION

QNA cases in first two days of Ramadan Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of condolences Editor-in-Chief FAZEENA SALEEM for traffic accidents. to the President of the State Council and Council of Ministers of Cuba, Miguel THE PENINSULA When Holy month of Ramadan Diaz-Canel, on the victims of the Cuban passenger plane crash, wishing the H H the Amir addresses was approaching, Hamad Medical injured a speedy recovery. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Corporation (HMC) had cautioned Thani and Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser the Islamic conscience DOHA: The Emergency Department people against injuries. HMC’s Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent cables of condolences to the President of the State of Hamad General Hospital (HGH) has Trauma Center had urged motorists Council and Council of Ministers of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, on the victims of CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 treated at least 1,963 cases on the first to practice safe driving on roads as the Cuban passenger plane crash, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. two days of Ramadan due to several well as to follow safe practices at Qatar is moving toward the bright reasons including stomach ailments, home. The centre offered recommen- future in a steady and confident way traffic accidents etc, said a senior dations to safeguard against road and has not seen what is being waged official. Other cases the department injuries and avoidable deaths and Qatar takes part in WHO meeting in Geneva by sceptics and conspirators against received were related to chest pain serious injuries. its success regionally and interna- due to cardiac problems and patients It advised drivers and all pas- DOHA: The fifth extraordinary tionally, standing against what is con- with several other disorders, said Dr sengers must wear seat belts on every session of the World Health trary to the principles of the United Biju Gafoor, Consultant at the Emer- trip; this is the only proven way to organization (WHO) Regional Nations, human rights and interna- gency Department, HGH. prevent severe injuries and death in Office for the Eastern Mediter- tional conventions. A total of 968 cases were received motor vehicle crashes. ranean took place on Saturday in It is a fact that in Qatar we do not on the first day of Ramadan, while HMC has also previously advised Geneva. The State of Qatar partic- see the blockade as a stumbling block 995 cases on the second day of people to prevent stomach and intes- ipated in the session with a dele- in our development, because we have Ramadan. However, many of them tinal disorders while observing a gation led by Minister of Public become stronger than before and were minor cases and sent home after healthy fast. It advised people to avoid Health, H E Dr Hanan Mohamed started to rely on ourselves away from treatment the same day. The cases salty food, sugary and caffeinated Al Kuwari. the dependence on others. Due to this were received between 6am and 6pm, drinks, and heavy fatty foods, which During the meetings, Oman’s siege, we discovered the extent of the each day. can cause gastrointestinal Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari (pictured) deep hatred that ‘some’ had for “On the second day of Ramadan disturbances. was elected director of WHO Qatar’s successes and excellence in around 106 patients seeking emer- People were also asked to keep Regional Office for the Eastern international forums. gency treatment were suffering from hydrated, choose healthy options like Mediterranean. In his speech to the Islamic world, gastric issues such as nausea, vom- small portions of low-calorie, Dr Al Kuwari congratulated Al the Amir did not mention the siege but iting, stomach upset and indigestion,” nutrient-dense food such as fruits, Mandhari on his win, wishing him success in his duties, especially in light of left it behind as Qatar has become an Dr Gafoor told The Peninsula. vegetables, whole grains and lean the massive challenges facing a number of Eastern Mediterranean countries. icon for its impressive progress. We “Other cases 37 were treated for meats for Iftar and Suhoor. She expressed her confidence in his ability to manage the significant issues are moving towards further chest pain and 11 for traffic accidents,” Experts at HMC also urged with at the disposal of the regional office so as to help in serving the health of Eastern advancement with all love and he added. chronic medical conditions, such as Mediterranean peoples. affection among the people and unity While on the first day of Ramadan, diabetes and hypertension, to speak The 71st World Health Assembly (WHA) will start on Monday, with the main around its leadership making miracles 154 were treated for different stomach with their doctor before beginning a theme this year being comprehensive health coverage. WHA is the highest towards the future of Qatar. ailments, 43 for chest pain and eight fast. decision-making body at WHO. Blocking Umrah during Ramadan causes disappointment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The online all my brothers who are stopped to electronic registration for Qatar’s national said: “Last year I managed Qatar to Saudi Arabia, have been portal allowing Talking about human rights, enter the Holy land.” pilgrims in contrast to all other to go for Umrah during Ramadan closed in Qatar, which claim to face the registration Jassim Al Mansoori, another Qatari The online portal of Qatar’s countries of the world. The report with my mother as it was a part of huge loss as well. for pilgrimage national said: “The system which is Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) also indicates that Saudi pilgrimage our routine. This year we are sad “We have been receiving many controlled by people does not allow and Islamic Affairs allowing the authorities have frozen their com- and disappointed. We are not calls but we feel extremely sorry to indicates that the pilgrims to perform Umrah. This electronic registration for pil- munication with Qatar’s Ministry of amazed by Saudis being so cruel, as inform people that the only platform registration is control has destroyed the values of grimage indicates that registration Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic when the blockade was imposed where we were able to access and currently not humanity which we have in our is currently not possible for Qataris Affairs. The Saudi embassy and con- even our animals were sent out of go for Umrah and Haj has been possible for religion. No religion teaches people as well as expatriates. sulate in Qatar had also been closed the country and we had to travel to blocked for us. Even expats have to to stop others from practicing their According to the Ministry of which implies that Haj and Umrah Kuwait immediately to bring our travel to their home-land and then Qataris as well religion. Being Muslims, we should Endowments and Islamic Affairs procedures cannot be performed camels to Doha.” go for Umrah which has caused a as expatriates. help each other in such causes. I do (Awqaf) report, the government of from Qatar, according to the report. Several travel agencies that lot of difficulties for them,” said an not feel pain for myself only but for Saudi Arabia has blocked the Fahad Al Saiari, a Qatari used to offer Umrah packages from official from a travel agency. 04 HOME SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018

Qatar condemns Commitment of cricket stadium explosion in leadership to Afghanistan QNA

DOHA: The State of Qatar education hailed expressed its strong condem- nation and denunciation of the three explosions target a THE PENINSULA Ministry’s employees and all cricket stadium in Jalalabad parties involved in the educa- city, eastern Afghanistan, that DOHA: Minister of Education and tional process and their partners resulted in deaths and a Higher Education, H E Dr to do their best to create the number of injuries. Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al appropriate environment in the In a statement yesterday, Hammadi, said yesterday that the school and the home, so that the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs country’s wise leadership has students are able to perform the Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, reiterated Qatar’s firm stance provided all the means to tests of the end of the second at the event. on rejecting violence and ter- improve the educational process, semester. rorism, regardless of their namely competent teachers and The Minister addressed the The Minister stressed the learners the skills and compe- the educational process, espe- motives and reasons. modern curricula, the best school annual Ramadan meeting of the importance of self-evaluation for tencies necessary to achieve the cially the educational service pro- The statement considered buildings, technologies, facilities. Ministry of Education and Higher the employee inviting the desired transformation. The viders, and the generosity of the bombing of the stadium He said that the wise lead- Education in a letter to the Min- employees, in the blessed month strategy aims at contributing to Qatar National Bank, the strategic aimed at the values of love, ership also made financial allo- istry’s employees calling on them of Ramadan, to be their own society, promote the values of partner of the Ministry and its tolerance and coexistence on cations to provide logistical to promote and consolidate the internal guide, and give your most Qatari society and its heritage, permanent sponsor for most of which sport is based.. support, which makes Qatar’s culture of dialogue and partici- in order to achieve the best and call for tolerance and respect its activities and school activities The Ministry expressed education system connected to pation and not to concentrate the results. He highlighted the Min- for other cultures, indicating that during the 2017-2018 academic the condolences of the State the major goals and objectives of educational decision and to share istry’s strategy for the period the strategy also includes six year. In addition to honoring a of Qatar to the victims’ fam- the community to help achieve responsibilities among all 2017-2022 which set a world- intermediate outcomes and number of school principals who ilies and to the government the goals of Qatar National Vision employees when devising strat- class education system that offers objectives for how to achieve have spent 30 years at the Min- and people of Afghanistan, 2030. egies and plans that turn the min- opportunities for quality edu- them. istry of Education And higher wishing the injured speedy The Minister called on the istry’s vision into reality. cation and training, and gives all He thanked the partners of education. recovery. QFFD, QRCS for $12m funding for Syrians THE PENINSULA Humanitarian Response Plan Al Mohannadi, said, “This centres, providing psychological adopted by the United Nations agreement is a new episode of support services, building clay DOHA: Qatar Fund for Devel- Office for the Coordination of Qatar’s track record in helping the housing units, rehabilitating opment (QFFD) and Qatar Red Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Syrian people for years now. A key houses and roads in Idlib, and Crescent Society (QRCS) have the United Nations High Commis- asset of this support is the strong, offering vocational training. signed a $12m funding agreement sioner for Refugees (UNHCR). coordinated partnership between Also, the Syrians in Jordan will to support the displaced commu- According to Al Dabbagh, this QFFD as a major donor and QRCS receive secondary health care and nities in Syria, as well as the Syrian funding is part of Qatar’s $100m as a leading humanitarian pro- chronic disease treatment free of refugees in neighbouring coun- pledge announced during the vider in many crises, particularly charge. The primary health care tries, under the umbrella of the second Brussels Conference on in Syria”. He hoped the pact will clinics at the Al Zaatari refugee UN. It was signed by Ali Abdullah “Supporting the Future of Syria help alleviate some of the hard- camp will be given new life, Al Dabbagh, Executive Director of and the Region”, 24-25 April 2018. ships suffered by Syrian refugees offering dialysis services. Corporate Strategy at QFFD, and “Qatar is absolutely committed to and displaced people on a daily In Lebanon, there will be Rashid Saad Al Mohannadi, addressing the impact of the basis, particularly the vulnerable health care and physiotherapy for Director of Relief and Interna- humanitarian tragedy inflicted on groups like children, women, injured people, rehabilitation of tional Development at QRCS. the Syrian people over the past patients, and elderly people. refugee camps and buildings, Targeting a total of 5.6 million seven years. These funds will go The plan involves several sig- operation of water purification Ali Abdullah Al Dabbagh, Executive Director of Corporate Strategy beneficiaries in Syria, Lebanon, for life-saving projects that will nificant activities to be executed plants and water systems, reo- at QFFD, and Rashid Saad Al Mohannadi, Director of Relief and and Jordan, this contribution meet the basic needs of the in Syria, including but are not pening of the urban solid waste comes under the Syria Syrians,” said Al Dabbagh. limited to operating health care management plant. International Development at QRCS, at the signing event. Ooredoo announces more offers for Ramadan 40 arrested for THE PENINSULA visa trafficking Nojoom and Ooredoo tv customers can take advantage across various categories to earn Double Nojoom Points. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 of special promotions designed to give back to customers. Participating Nojoom Partners are Warwick Doha, Inter- DOHA: Ooredoo announced yesterday a host of offers Throughout the Holy Month, Hala customers can Continental Hotel, Concorde Hotel, Applebee’s, Masraf The efforts of the Department for the Holy Month of Ramadan as part of its ongoing check *123# for a host of dedicated offers to reward users Al Rayan Bank, Seib Insurance, Al Tawasul Specialized alone will not achieve the desired 2018 Ramadan campaign under the #RamadanWith- for topping-up and keeping in touch. Shahry users will Centre, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Jumbo success in order to control this Ooredoo. With this announcement, Hala, Shahry, also enjoy rewards for recharging data or subscribing Electronics and Spark Electronics. Talking about the problem, which requires the con- to an Ooredoo offers, Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, Ooredoo Director of certed efforts of members of the com- add-on, these offers PR and Corporate Communications, said: “We wanted munity with the security services, will be available via to make sure that our Ramadan offers covered our post which inevitably lead to addressing the Ooredoo App. and pre-paid customers, as well as gave back to all our the issue. For Nojoom Nojoom Members and Ooredoo tv users. We hope our For his part, Captain Omar Khalifa Members, Ooredoo customers take advantage of these offers to be rewarded Al Rumaihi, Head of Search and Inves- will be offering an this Holy Month as well as enjoy our daily giveaway via tigation Department at The Search and exclusive deal the Ooredoo App”. Follow-up Department, urged all cit- izens and expatriates not to deal and employ runaway workers and coop- erate with the concerned authorities to report via the hot line of Search and Follow-up Department (50701089). Employing runaway workers is illegal and companies and individuals must report within 14 days if any worker is missing or runs away. An official speaking to The Peninsula earlier had said that com- panies, more than individuals, usually employ illegal residents although they know it is against the law. Capt. Al Rumaihi stressed that the Department works transparently for controlling such violations and the implements law on everyone in order to maintain the security in the com- munity. He also said that the Ministry of Interior communicates with various workers to solve their problems through the Human Rights Department, and the Search and Follow-up Department of the Min- istry in the framework of the pro- motion of human rights and the rela- tionship between the worker and the employer in accordance with the law. The runaway workers are con- sidered a social, security and eco- nomical threat irrespective of whether they are domestic helps or those employed by companies. They also can create many security problems because their presence in the country is a violation of the residency law and some of them may engage in jobs in which they have no previous experience. SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 HOME 05 Ministry of Education prepares prospective students for QSST

THE PENINSULA ScorePlus, in Addressing the students, Al collaboration with the Khater stated that the aim of the DOHA: Fawzia Al Khater, the Ministry of Education, program is to enrich students with Ministry of Education’s Undersec- the knowledge and skills to assure retary for Educational Affairs, is preparing 80 them access to top universities visited ScorePlus Qatar, a candidate students across the globe and shape a gen- renowned education training (of whom 60 will eration of researchers, inventors, provider affiliated with The Prin- be shortlisted) in and thinkers in Qatar. ceton Review USA, to meet the Furthermore, speaking with Qatar School of Science and mathematics and ScorePlus’s country head, Technology’s inaugural class, who science reasoning to Pradeep Singhal, she expressed have nearly completed a joint support Qatar’s aim of appreciation for and satisfaction training programme between the furthering its world- with the instructional quality pro- Ministry of Education and vided to the candidates and ScorePlus. class educational thanked ScorePlus’s teachers and ScorePlus, in collaboration system in STEM operational staff for developing with the Ministry of Education, is courses. and implementing the training preparing 80 candidate students program. (of whom 60 will be shortlisted) The Qatar School of Science The participating students at the training programme. in mathematics and science rea- member and program manager, and Technology is scheduled to soning to support Qatar’s aim of Steven A. Williams, extended his open at the beginning of the aca- candidates will be selected from The school aims at providing countries, in order to graduate furthering its world-class educa- wishes for the future success of demic year 2018-2019. It is a sec- the eighth grade students who are a high level of education based in students who have the scientific tional system in STEM courses. the students, who will play a vital ondary school for boys and excellent in science and line with the development of the basis that ensures enrolment in ScorePlus senior faculty role in Qatar’s future. includes grades 9 to 12.The mathematics. education sector in developed the top universities in the world.

Eating balanced meals important during Ramadan Qatar, UNIDO discuss THE PENINSULA are mental health benefits asso- syndrome (IBS), chronic indi- ciated with fasting. Fasting is gestion, and acid reflux are good development of ties DOHA: At least 1,300 patients believed to have a preventative examples of conditions we often QNA were referred to the dietetics and therapeutic role in mood see improved during Ramadan Development Goals 2020 and and nutrition service for advice disorders like anxiety and as a result of fasting,” said Al 2030, especially UNIDO’s efforts on how to safely fast and depression and is said to Saadi. VIENNA: Sheikh Ali bin Jassim to achieve these goals. He also maximise the health benefits of improve focus and Eating balanced meals Al Thani, the State of Qatar’s highlighted Doha’s keenness to fasting in 2017, says Reem Al concentration. during Iftar and Suhoor is an Ambassador to Austria and effectively participate in the Saadi (pictured), Director of “Fasting helps protect the important part of maximizing permanent envoy to the UN meetings of UNIDO decision- Dietetics and Nutrition at Hamad immune system, destroying old the health benefits of fasting. Al organisations in Vienna, met with making bodies through high- Medical Corporation (HMC). and damaged cells and gener- Saadi says limiting the intake of UN Industrial Development level delegations from the Min- “There are numerous studies and stroke,” said Al Saadi. ating new ones. It kick-starts a foods high in sugar, sodium, and Organization (UNIDO) Director- istry of Energy and Industry so that show abstaining from, or Fasting has also been shown detoxification process that fat and drinking plenty of water General, Li Yong. as to enhance technical cooper- periodically reducing, food and to help reduce the risk of dia- removes toxins stored in the during non-fasting hours is The meeting reviewed ation and partnership between drink intake benefits the body. betes among individuals at high body by giving the digestive essential, adding that adequate means of boosting bilateral ties, the State of Qatar and UNIDO. In addition to the spiritual and risk for the condition and it can system a rest from breaking consumption of water can help and ways of benefiting from the He expressed Qatar’s appre- psychological benefits, fasting be a successful strategy for down and absorbing food. There prevent dehydration and also organisation’s programmes in ciation for UNIDO secretary- has been shown to improve weight loss and treatment of are a number of digestive system wash away toxins. She notes that the fields of industrial devel- general’s efforts to restructure blood pressure, cholesterol addictions by decreasing illnesses that are food related so prevention is the best way to opment and technical cooper- the organisation to develop its levels, and insulin sensitivity cravings for nicotine, caffeine, once the stomach is given a avoid dehydration and when ation, particularly in relation to work and help it in carrying out while also helping to improve and other substances,” she break from having to process possible, it is advisable to limit food industries and energy. The its mandate, particularly under cardiovascular health and added. food, there is an increased pos- prolonged exposure to hot Ambassador reiterated Qatar’s the current financial situation the reduce the risk of heart disease Research also shows there sibility of healing. Irritable bowel weather. support for UN Sustainable organisation is going through. The Pearl-Qatar sparkles with Ramadan theme

United Development Company finalised preparations to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan.

THE PENINSULA entrance gate where a moon- many other options, visitors can shaped structure was erected to shop for Arabic incense, oriental DOHA: United Development welcome visitors. perfumes, gift baskets and Company (UDC), one of Qatar’s Structures depicting the Ramadan sweets. leading public shareholding various phases of the moon have Restaurants across the companies and master also been established on top of island, meanwhile, will be developer of The Pearl-Qatar, light poles lining the main serving Iftar and Suhoor to vis- has finalised preparations to driveways leading to Qanat itors and residents, who will celebrate the holy month of Quartier, Medina Centrale and have the opportunity to savour Ramadan. Piazza Arabia — the facade of some special Ramadan special UDC has festooned the Porto Arabia — in addition to all dishes in a relaxed and luxurious island with special lighting, dec- main roundabouts. Palm trees atmosphere. orating palm trees, lampposts were also lit along main roads, Also, in keeping with the and roundabouts to reflect the creating a joyful ambiance Ramadan spirit, three mosques authentic essence and beauty of across the island. at The Pearl-Qatar have pre- Ramadan across The To ensure a smooth pared to welcome an influx of Pearl-Qatar. shopping experience throughout worshippers, including the In line with tradition, UDC the holy month, retailers will Grand Mosque at the island’s decorated the island with special open their doors to visitors in entrance. Prayer rooms structures inspired by the spirit the morning from 10am until throughout Porto Arabia and of the holy month, while illumi- 2pm, and in the evening from Medina Centrale will also be nating The Pearl-Qatar’s main 8pm until midnight. Among open to the general public. 06 HOME SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 Water production phases of Umm Al Houl Power Plant complete

THE PENINSULA Company (QEWC). Al Mohannadi it ready to open officially in once it is completed. The plant tions and stop the old ones.” water of the demand of local is also the Chairman of Umm Al October. will be the largest electricity and He said that QEWC in collab- market. DOHA: Qatar Electricity and Houl Power Plant. “The “The unjust blockade could water station in GCC. oration with Qatar General Elec- The Plant will operate with Water Company (QEWC) has announcement about the com- not affect at all the projects for He further said that the plant tricity and Water Corporation high technique to help protect the completed the water production pletion of the water production producing electricity and water will produce 60 million gallon (Kahramaa) is able to ensure environment and provide water phases of Umm Al Houl Power phases of Umm Al Houl Power being implemented by QEWC.” water through reverse osmosis huge demands of electricity and and electricity as per the inter- Plant, which currently pumps 136 Plant confirms that the project He said that Umm Al Houl technique making it the largest water due to unprecedented national standard. Umm Al Houl million gallons of water a day. was going ahead of the schedule Power Plant is different from station in GCC and Middle East. urban development of the Power Plant is 60 percent owned The completion of the power and QEWC is capable to fulfill its other stations as some phases will Al Mohannadi said that country. He said that the project by QEWC, Qatar Petroleum and generation phases of Umm Al obligation to the State,” said Al be completed and will be com- QEWC completed its all projects of Umm Al Houl Power Plant, Qatar Foundation have five Houl Power Plant, which is Mohannadi, adding that the menced to supply the production to meet the demands of elec- which costs about QR11bn (about percent share and remaining 30 scheduled to produce 2,520 meg- company is implementing its to the network at a time when tricity in the country during past $3bn), will be a strong support percent share is occupied by Mit- awatts of electricity, will be project faster and accurately. works on other phases will be 25 years and the company for electricity and water security subishi TIBCO. announced soon, said Fahad bin He said that this achievement continued. reached the stage to stop very old of the country. Umm Al Houl Power Plant, Hamad Al Mohannadi, Managing confirms the capability of the He said that Umm Al Houl stations like Ras Abu Fantas He added that Umm Al Houl located close to Hamad Port, is Director and General Manager of company to complete all works Power Plant will add about 25 station gradually. “There is a Power Plant will ensure 25 expected to serve many indus- Qatar Electricity and Water of the project of the plant making percent to the existing capacity complete plan to build new sta- percent electricity and 30 percent trial and commercial projects. AUB forum calls for addressing issues Arabic language faces

THE PENINSULA The two-day forum medicine, and engineering, among others, and reach DOHA: The Arabic and Near opened with a broader horizons, while the Eastern Languages Department session led by AUB Arabic language is limited to and the Department of professor, Mahmoud poetry, religious studies, and Education at the American Al Batal, followed by mythology. University of Beirut (AUB), in “This initiative marks the Dr Anies Al Hroub, partnership with Qatar Foun- beginning of a concerted and Winners of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ campaign dation (QF) and Qatar Foun- Chairperson of the important effort by AUB’s The winners, Gopal, Fahad. Raymondan, Abdul and Ahamed, of the final raffle draw of ‘10Kg Gold dation International (QFI), Departments of Education and AUB Department of for 100 Winners’ campaign, by Malabar Gold & Diamonds, receive the prize, 100gm of gold bar for recently held a forum titled Education, and Maggie Arabic, in co-operation with QFI ‘Arabic Language and Commu- and QF, to study and address the each, from Nishad A K, Group Executive Director of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, in the presence of nication Skills in the 21st Mitchell Salem, challenges and problems faced Santhosh T V, Regional Head; Noufal Thadathil, Zonal Head; and other officials from Malabar Gold Century: Perspectives and Executive Director of by students trying to learn and & Diamonds. Approaches’. QFI. communicate in Arabic at our The two-day forum opened schools in the Arab world and with a session led by AUB pro- Lebanon. Our future project is fessor, Mahmoud Al Batal, fol- capacities of pupils through aca- to develop the means and lowed by Dr Anies Al Hroub, demic writing, a key topic of the methods of teaching Arabic in MIA lecture highlights significance of fasting Chairperson of the AUB discussions. public and private schools in THE PENINSULA Department of Education, and Dr Al Hroub said, “The Arab countries.” which contains more than 10 a call for excellence in fasting to Maggie Mitchell Salem, Exec- Arabic language suffers from Discussions during the con- articles emphasising excellence be better than the previous utive Director of QFI. issues that can be briefly ference focused on a number of DOHA: The Museum of Islamic in human care, education, health nations, pointing at the same Participants included a summed up as the conde- key questions, including: ‘What Art (MIA) organised a lecture and family, social and economic time, it is pure worship which is number of lecturers who teach scending view of its students, is meant by communication in entitled: ‘Ramadan and development and granting the key to all good things. Arabic as a first and second lan- and social problems in which the context of teaching Arabic Community Excellence’ by Dr freedoms, The lecturer pointed He pointed out that one of guage at university, primary, the speakers of foreign and Arab and its components and forms?’, Fathi Ahmed from the Center for out that the Qatar Foundation the blessings of Ramadan and and secondary school levels in languages are divided into job ‘What is the relationship of com- Legislative and Ethical Studies at comprises about 50 societies, fasting is that the Holy Quran is a number of Arab and non-Arab market-related social and eco- munication to the needs of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at research centres and universities, revealed, which is the greatest countries. nomic classes, and learners?’, ‘What is its place Hamad Bin Khalifa University all of which are dedicated to the book that mankind has known The forum aimed to review scholastic-pedagogy. within the perceptions of (HBKU). development of human capabil- and Allah ensures that it is pre- and discuss a number of theo- “If we focus on the later teachers, curriculum designers, The lecture, which was held ities, as well as Qatar University, served until the Day of Judgment. retical and practical matters issue, we find that teaching and parents?’, ‘How to approach in the series of activities of the noting that the general trend in He also mentioned some of related to teaching communi- Arabic, even in Lebanon, is the concept of communication MIA to celebrate the holy month the country is moving towards the values and actions that the cation skills in the curricula of limited to Arabic language, reli- within the ‘One Arabic Lan- and the commitment of Qatar excellence. Fathi Ahmed spoke individual needs to excel to Arabic language taught as a first gious education, and history, guage’ system, which includes Museums to build an authentic about the spirituality of holy overcome negative habits, and and second language, and how while the scientific materials are the heritage and contemporary culture of creativity in Qatar and Ramadan and what is distin- fasting is an opportunity to lib- to establish communication taught in foreign languages. philology and dialects’, ‘How can enrich the lives of its residents guished from the rest of the erate the soul, mind and spirit skills as a basis for shaping the Thus, there is discriminatory communication be an essential and visitors. months. He said that fasting is a from worshiping anything but curriculum. The forum focused separation between foreign lan- part of the process of formu- Dr. Fatih Ahmed explained method favoured by Allah to be Allah and that fasting gives the on linking the development of guages and the Arabic language. lating learning outcomes for that the importance of the topic a remedy and a way to cure the values and actions that an indi- these skills to nurturing the Foreign languages help pupils Arabic courses in all levels of lies in several axes, including the diseases of the previous and sub- vidual needs for excellence at the critical and analytical thinking to complete studies in science, teaching?’ existing constitution of the State, sequent nations, where there is individual and collective level. Initiative to use Arabic language on labels of products successful THE PENINSULA statement that the commitment all suppliers operating in the them. Those who do not comply regulations. They will intensify comply with the law and cir- of a large number of the sup- country are required under the with their legal obligations under their inspection campaigns to culars issued by the ministry and DOHA: The Ministry of Economy pliers to the initiative, which was applicable legislation to use the the initiative in accordance with control such practices and will stressed on the necessity of and Commerce said that its initi- launched last year, reflects the Arabic language in relation to the procedures will face charges. take appropriate measures ensuring the provision of ative to use the Arabic language success of the Ministry in its invoices and other documents The Ministry noted that it will against each violator as stipu- products and services of high on labels of products have been efforts to educate the providers when dealing with the consumer, firmly confront all those who are lated in the laws, regulations and quality to the consumer, calling seeing a great response from of their legal obligations and stressing that it is currently negligent in carrying out their decisions governing the work of on consumers to report any vio- suppliers. duties. inspecting the rest of the sup- obligations under the Consumer the ministry. The Ministry called lations or irregularities through The Ministry said in a The Ministry reiterated that pliers who have not qualified Protection Law and its executive on all merchants and shops to their communication channels. SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 MIDDLE EAST 07 Cleric Moqtada Al Sadr’s bloc wins Iraq election

REUTERS The Victory Alliance, authority from his family. Sadr is the son of the revered Grand BAGHDAD: A political bloc led headed by incumbent Ayatollah Mohammed Sadeq Al by populist Shia cleric Moqtada Prime Minister Haider Sadr, killed for defying Saddam Al Sadr, a long-time adversary Al Abadi, trailed in Hussein. of the United States who also third place with 42 In his Baghdad stronghold of opposes Iranian influence in Sadr city, where posters of his Iraq, has won the country’s seats, behind the Al father could be seen, people parliamentary election, the elec- Fatih bloc, which won expressed concerns that Sadr toral commission said yesterday. 47 seats. would be outmanoeuvered in Sadr himself cannot become what are expected to be long, prime minister because he did tough talks on forming a not run in the election, though invasion toppled Saddam government. his bloc’s victory puts him in a Hussein in 2003. Sadr was able “New lists and candidates position to have a strong say in to capitalise on growing have won. But they are unable negotiations. His Sairoon elec- resentment over Tehran-backed to form a government because toral list captured 54 parlia- governments who have failed to the previous politicians are foxes mentary seats. improve basic services and build and I believe that they aim to The Victory Alliance, headed hospitals and schools in a form big alliances in order to by incumbent Prime Minister country devastated by the war isolate the new blocs,” said one Haider Al Abadi, trailed in third against Islamic State and by sec- resident, Muied Hatim. place with 42 seats, behind the tarian bloodshed. In the 2010 election, Vice- Riyadh Al Badran, head of Iraq’s Independent Higher Election Commission, speaks during a news Al Fatih bloc, which won 47 It was a remarkable President Ayad Allawi’s group conference for the final results of the election in Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. seats. comeback for Sadr, who for won the largest number of seats, Al Fatih is led by Hadi Al years had been sidelined by Ira- albeit with a narrow margin, but Amiri, who has close ties with nian-backed rivals and was he was prevented from “Your vote is an honour for He spent two decades fighting national apathy. Sadr’s unlikely Iran and heads an umbrella regarded by US and Iraqi offi- becoming prime minister. He us,” Sadr tweeted moments after Saddam Hussein from Iran. The alliance with communists and group of paramilitaries that cials as an unpredictable mav- blamed Tehran, which manoeu- the official results were victory was a surprising change secular Iraqis says it fiercely played a key role in defeating erick. He reached out to dispos- vered Nuri Al Maliki into power. announced in the early hours of fortunes for Sadr. opposes any foreign interference Islamic State. sessed Shia and marginalised Winning the largest number yesterday. “We will not disap- His bloc’s performance rep- in Iraq, which is strongly backed The results were announced Sunnis, and restored links with of seats does not automatically point you.” The election dealt a resented a rebuke to a political by both Tehran and a week after Iraqis voted in a Sunni neighbours while keeping guarantee that Sadr will be able blow to Abadi, but he could still elite that some voters blame for Washington. nationwide election, which pro- Iran at bay. to hand-pick a prime minister. emerge as a compromise can- widespread corruption and dys- It has promised to help the duced surprising results amid a Sadr became a symbol of Parties will have to align didate palatable to all sides functional governance. poor and build schools and hos- historically low turnout. resistance to foreign occupation themselves to try and form a bloc because he has managed the It was also bolstered by a pitals in Iraq, which was battered The nationalist cleric’s when he led two violent large enough for the parlia- competing interests of the United historically low turnout across in the war to defeat Islamic State success could be a setback for uprisings against US troops, mentary majority necessary to States and Iran — unwitting allies the country, estimated earlier in and has suffered from low oil Iran, which has steadily prompting the Pentagon to call nominate a candidate. The gov- in the war against Islamic State the week at 44.5 percent. prices. Before the election, Iran increased its influence in Iraq - his Mehdi army militia the ernment should be formed — during his term in office. Sadr maintains a loyal base publicly stated it would not allow its most important ally in the biggest threat to Iraq’s security. within 90 days of the official Amiri is regarded as one of of supporters who turned up to Sadr’s bloc to govern in Iraq, Middle East — since a US-led He derives much of his results. the most powerful figures in Iraq. the polls amid widespread with which it shares a border.

Turkey launches aid campaign for Palestinians

ANATOLIA Palestine”, Recep Akdag called “As AFAD, we will provide on Turkish people to join the $1.2m worth of medication, ISTANBUL: Turkey yesterday nationwide aid campaign by medical consumables and launched a major aid campaign donating via bank accounts or medical equipment, and the for Palestine after at least 64 sending a text message. World Health Organization will Palestinians were killed by Akdag said that Turkey’s ship it to Gaza,” Akdag added. Israeli troops during protests Disaster and Emergency Man- Donations can be made by earlier this week. agement Authority (AFAD) and sending a text message reading Speaking at a news con- the World Health Organisation “Filistin” (Palestine in Turkish) ference to launch the campaign, would cooperate on a project to to 1866 for AFAD and 2868 for titled “Be the hope for send medical aid to Gaza. Turkish Red Crescent.

Members and supporters of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) hold placards as they protest in front of Israel’s Consulate in Istanbul. ‘No peace in Palestine until Israel ends occupation’ ANATOLIA establishment — an event Pal- silence of the international estinians refer to as the community and the disunity ANKARA: Turkish Presidential “Nakba” or “The Catastrophe” and lethargy of the Arab world, Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said — and relocation of the US but he can never break the will yesterday there will be no Embassy from Tel Aviv to of the Palestinian people and peace in Palestine unless Israel Jerusalem. our support for them.” Kalin ends its occupation. Since the rallies began on also accused European and Writing for the Istanbul- March 30, more than 110 Pal- American media of not “telling based Daily Sabah, Kalin said: estinians have been killed and the truth” on the Gaza killings. “The problem is the occupation thousands injured by Israeli “The headlines read and without ending it, there gunfire, according to the Pal- ‘Dozens killed in Gaza’ and will be no peace, no security, estinian Health Ministry. none of them referred to the no prosperity for anyone. “This is pretty much the Israeli brutality and willful “Thanks to the irrespon- end of the Donald Trump killing, as if the Palestinians sible and populist policies of administration’s role in the died of some sort of natural the Trump and Netanyahu Middle East peace process,” disaster or epidemic,” he said, administrations, peace has Kalin wrote. referring to a tweet by New never been as far away as it is He said the US move of York Times, which was con- today.” “Muslim countries, relocating its embassy “also demned widely. Europeans, Africans, Asian undermined any remaining Kalin said: “Just imagine nations and Latin American hope for a two-state solution”, how the world would have countries must come together calling it “the last nail in the reacted if the 62 people killed to stop the downward spiral of coffin”. on May 14 were Israelis rather blatant violations of interna- Trump sparked an interna- than Palestinians.” “It would tional law by Israel and the tional outcry last December not have been a news story but unjust punishment of the Pal- when he unilaterally recog- a bombshell. It would have estinians,” Kalin added. nised Jerusalem as Israel’s changed the parameters of The number of Palestinians capital and vowed to relocate regional and international pol- martyred by Israeli gunfire the US Embassy to the city. itics. Western governments during Monday’s protests on Kalin said Israeli Prime would have done everything eastern Gaza Strip rose to 64 Minister Benjamin “Netanyahu in their capacity to punish yesterday. Hundreds more cannot cover up his crimes and those responsible. Even armies were injured. domestic troubles by attacking would have been mobilised. The protests were part of President Recep Tayyip “But none of that happened weeks-long rallies marking the Erdogan”. because the victims were 70th anniversary of Israel’s “He may enjoy the relative Palestinian.” 08 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 EU reassures commitment to Iran N-deal without US

REUTERS Britain, France and curb the missile programme. “The EU’s adopted mechanisms... TEHRAN: The European Union’s Germany back the should be enforced by August 8, energy chief sought to reassure deal as the best way when US sanctions begin to take Iran yesterday that the bloc of stopping Tehran effect,” Iranian TV quoted remained committed to getting nuclear Behrouz Kamalvandi, salvaging a nuclear deal with spokesman for Iran’s Atomic Tehran despite US President weapons but have Energy Organisation, as saying. Donald Trump’s decision to exit called on Iran to limit A collapse of the accord the accord and reimpose sanc- its regional influence could tip the balance of power tions. and curb the missile in Iran’s faction-ridden political Miguel Arias Canete establishment in favour of Pres- delivered the message on a visit programme. ident Hassan Rouhani’s hardline to Tehran and also said the rivals, who have fiercely criti- 28-nation EU, once the biggest Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear cised the president’s failure to importer of Iranian oil, hoped to work in return for the lifting of deliver greater economic Miguel Arias Canete (left), European Union Energy Commissioner, during a meeting with Iranian strengthen trade with Iran. most Western sanctions. prosperity. officials in Tehran, yesterday. “We have sent a message to “The ball is in their (EU Salehi said Iran had several our Iranian friends that as long leaders) court,” Salehi said. “We options, including resuming its as they are sticking to the hope their efforts materialise.” 20 percent uranium enrichment, possibilities, we can... start the required to fuel civilian nuclear Iran has struggled to cash in (nuclear) agreement the Euro- Since Trump’s announcement of if the European countries failed 20 percent enrichment.” Under power plants, although still well on the accord, partly because of peans will... fulfill their com- the US exit on May 8, EU leaders to keep the pact alive. He said the 2015 deal, Iran’s level of short of the highly enriched, or remaining unilateral US sanc- mitment. And they said the same have pledged to try to keep Iran’s the EU had only a few weeks to enrichment must remain at 80 to 90 percent, purity needed tions that have deterred major thing on the other side,” oil trade and investment flowing deliver on their promises. around 3.6 percent. Iran stopped for a nuclear bomb. In their Western investors from doing Arias Canete, European but admitted that will not be easy “If the other side keeps itself producing 20 percent enriched diplomacy with Tehran, EU business with Tehran. Rouhani Commissioner for Energy and to do so. committed to its promises we uranium and gave up the sources say Iranian government has tried to assure ordinary Ira- Climate, told reporters after talks Britain, France and Germany also will....We hope the situation majority of its stockpile as part officials have warned they are nians, frustrated by high unem- with Iran’s Nuclear Chief Ali back the deal as the best way of will not arise to the point that we of the agreement. under pressure from those who ployment and stagnant living Akbar Salehi. Salehi said it would stopping Tehran getting nuclear will have to go back to the worst Uranium refined to 20 say Iran has traded away its standards, that Trump’s decision be disastrous if EU efforts fail to weapons but have called on Iran option,” Salehi told reporters in percent fissile purity is well nuclear sovereignty without would have no impact on Iran’s preserve the 2015 deal, in which to limit its regional influence and English. “There are all kinds of beyond the 5 percent normally reaping any economic benefits. oil-reliant economy.

National unity depends on IHH gives aid in land reform: Ramaphosa SA, Swaziland

AFP and Ethiopia ANATOLIA BOKSBURG: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ETHIOPIA: The Humani- (pictured) urged greater tarian Relief Foundation progress in land redistribution (IHH) has aimed to help for the sake of national unity, people in need in South saying not enough had been Africa, Ethiopia and done since the end of apartheid. Swaziland during Ramadan. “Without the redistribution Mehmet Gunduz, IHH of land, we will not build a South African coordinator, united South Africa. Without said that through the human- giving the poor the means to itarian assistance they are productively farm the land, we able to build a bridge between will not defeat poverty,” said historically been employed to Muslims in other regions. Ramaphosa as he addressed a serve the interests of a narrow “We reached out to Burundi’s opposition leader, Agathon Rwasa (second left), with his wife (right), visits a polling key 2019 election issue. section of society.” While noting almost 1,500 families with the station in Ciri, northern Burundi. “We need to acknowledge the need also “to pay attention help of Turkish philanthro- that the lack of progress in land to other challenges, such as cor- pists, 1,000 of them in South reform can be attributed to a ruption and mismanagement” Africa, and 500 in the great extent to weaknesses in Ramaphosa stressed that “our Kingdom of Swaziland. In Burundi oppn rejects the institutions responsible for responsibility is to ensure that addition, we hold fast- effecting our polices, to incon- we have a comprehensive, breaking (Iftar) ceremonies sistencies in legislation, to mis- coherent and sustainable pro- for 1,000 people. With this guided interventions and to a gramme for land reform”. help, we aim to establish links result of referendum misallocation of resources,” he “This workshop needs to between the Muslims of South told the opening session of a provide direction on how we Africa and the Kingdom of AFP less democratic,” Rwasa said in Imbonerakure youth wing had two-day policy workshop of the use this mechanism most effec- Swaziland,” he said. a statement issued by his forced opponents to vote ‘yes’. ruling African National tively to advance land reform,” “We are making efforts to NAIROBI: The coalition led by Amizero y’Aburundi coalition. The United Nations regards Congress. an overriding priority for the establish wells and give main opposition leader Agathon He added that he “rejects the Imbonerakure as a militia group Ramaphosa told the gath- ANC ever since Nelson Mandela stitching courses to women. Rwasa said yesterday it did not fantasist results that could be that spreads terror among the ering in the Johannesburg took office in 1994 as In the future we will also help recognise the result of a refer- proclaimed following this sup- population. Amizero alleged that suburb of Boksburg there was democracy swept aside the people in the health sector by endum on constitutional posed vote.” The electoral com- four of its monitors had been a need “to undo a grave his- apartheid system. treating cataract patients,” he reforms that could leave Pres- mission (Ceni) has yet to confirm abducted and that others had torical injustice” that he has The ANC will over the added. The IHH provided ident Pierre Nkurunziza in the result of Thursday’s vote but been chased out of polling sta- vowed to get to grips with since course of the weekend debate basic necessity materials to power until 2034. a group of 15 public and private tions, threatened or jailed. taking over from Jacob Zuma how to effect land expropri- hundreds of orphans in With provisional returns radio stations put the ‘yes’ votes “The vote was neither secret three months ago. ation without compensation, a Ethiopia. from all but one of the country’s from the 17 declared provinces nor fair across the republic — “To have placed 87 percent matter of deep concern for 18 provinces showing support as all topping 50 percent, rising voters were accompanied to the of the land into ownership whites. In February, lawmakers for reforms that could see Nku- as high as 85 percent. booths and were urged to vote hands of a white minority and decided by a large majority to UN: Over 200 runziza, already serving a con- Rwasa’s coalition renewed ‘yes’ by bureau officials and only 13 percent being made set up a commission tasked troversial third term, start two allegations of “intimidation and Imbonerakure,” Rwasa charged. available to the black majority with making constitional South Sudan seven-year terms in 2020, harrassment” of its voters by the Ruling party Deputy Sec- was a clear act that was meant changes to that end. former rebel Rwasa slammed ruling CNDD-FDD party. retary-General, Joseph Ntakaru- to stunt the economic prospects A quarter of a century after children freed the exercise as a charade. The party officially managed timana, on Friday dubbed as of the country,” Ramaphosa the end of apartheid South AP “The electoral process has a majority even in traditional “exaggerations” the opposition said. Africa remains a country of been neither free nor trans- opposition strongholds amid accusations of fraud and “Like all other economic deep inequality along racial parent, nor independent and still claims the CDDD-FDD’s massive voter intimidation. resources in this country, it has lines. UNITED NATIONS: The UN says more than 200 children have been released by armed groups in civil war-torn South Sudan. Congo says 3 new Ebola cases confirmed in large city UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters that a release ceremony was AP probable cases and five sus- Vaccinations are expected to contact with those feared to implement preventative the third this year, bringing pected ones. It was not immedi- start early in the week, with infected, a task that became measures by teaching students the total number of children KINSHASA: Three new cases of ately clear what link the new more than 4,000 doses already more urgent with the spread to not to greet each other by released so far this year to the often lethal Ebola virus have cases might have to others. in Congo and more on the way. Mbandaka, which lies on the shaking hands or kissing. “We 806. Haq said “additional been confirmed in a city of more The World Health Organi- A major challenge will be Congo River, a busy traffic cor- pray that this epidemic does not releases are expected in the than 1 million people, Congo’s sation on Friday decided not to keeping the vaccines cold in the ridor, and is an hour’s flight from take place here,” Mopono said. coming months that could Health Minister announced, as declare the outbreak a global vast, impoverished country the capital. The WHO, which was result in more than 1,000 the spread of the hemorrhagic health emergency, but it called where infrastructure is poor. The outbreak was declared accused of bungling its response children being freed.” The 210 fever in an urban area raised the risk of spread within Congo While Congo has contained more than a week ago in Congo’s to the West Africa outbreak -the children released included alarm. “very high” and warned nine several Ebola outbreaks in the remote northwest. “Even if it’s biggest Ebola outbreak in history three girls and largely came The statement late on Friday neighbouring countries that the past, all of them were based in not happening here yet I have to with more than 11,000 deaths- from the Sudan People’s Lib- said the confirmed cases are in risk to them was high. WHO said remote rural areas. The virus has reduce contact with people. May appears to be moving swiftly to eration Army-in Opposition, Mbandaka city, where a single there should be no international twice made it to Congo’s capital God protect us in any case,” contain this latest epidemic, with eight associated with the case was confirmed earlier in the travel or trade restrictions. of 10 million people, Kinshasa, Grace Ekofo, a 23-year-old experts said. There is “strong National Salvation Front. week. The outbreak is a test of a in the past but was rapidly student in Kinshasa, told The reason to believe this situation During release ceremony, There are now 17 confirmed new experimental Ebola vaccine stopped. Health officials are Associated Press. A teacher in can be brought under control,” he said, the children were for- Ebola cases in this outbreak, that proved effective in the West trying to track down more than Mbandaka, 53-year-old Jean said Dr. Robert Steffen, who mally disarmed and given including one death, plus 21 Africa outbreak a few years ago. 500 people who have been in Mopono, said they were trying chaired WHO expert meeting. civilian clothes. SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 ASIA 09 Modi urges Kashmiri youth to shun violence, join mainstream

IANS The Prime Minister mainstream. inaugurated 330MW “The mainstream is their SRINAGAR/JAMMU/LEH: On a family and parents. The main- day-long Jammu and Kashmir Kishenganga power stream is their participation in the visit to inaugurate developmental house in Kashmir development of the state. Every projects, two days after the and a 41.2km long stone or weapon picked up by government announced an Ring Road project to misguided youth injures their own. unconditional Ramadan ceasefire You will have to come out of this in the state, Prime Minister decongest Srinagar atmosphere. Not only for your Narendra Modi yesterday asked city and started work future but for the future of Jammu “misguided” Kashmiri youth to on the Zojila Tunnel to and Kashmir. You will have to join join “mainstream” India for a life provide an all-weather the Indian mainstream.” with dignity. Invoking the composite Amid a separatist called link to Ladakh. culture of Kashmir, Modi said shutdown and protest march and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari restrictions by authorities in Sri- Vajpayee always advocated and nagar, Modi with a message of Ring Road. He also inaugurated supported “Kashmiriyat” and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Minister of development and peace wrapped the Tarakote Marg and Material “Modi is also the disciple of the State for Development of North Eastern Region, Jitender Singh Rana, during the inauguration of the up in the evening his whirlwind Ropeway of the Shri Mata Vaishno same ‘Kashmiriyat’”. trip that took him to all the three Devi Shrine Board to facilitate pil- He said development was the 330MW Kishenganga Hydel Project in Srinagar, yesterday. regions — Ladakh, Kashmir grims visiting the shrine. only solution to all problems of Valley and Jammu. Before flying back home, the the state and hoped that “time the Ramadan ceasefire. You have of centenary birth celebrations agricultural scientists to revisit He inaugurated 330MW Kish- Prime Minister attended the Con- will come soon when Jammu and tried to dress the wounds of our of the Buddhist spiritual leader, their strategies that must meet the enganga power house in Kashmir vocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir Kashmir will re-emerge as the people and I assure you that your Kashuk Bakula and asked those growing challenges of climate and a 41.2km long Ring Road University of Agricultural Sci- crown and coronet of peace and positive step will be reciprocated in Jammu and Kashmir regions change and paucity of water. project to decongest Srinagar city, ences and Technology in the progress for the entire country”. by 10 positive steps by our to follow people of the cold Addressing the 6th convo- He started work on the Zojila winter capital. Chief Minister Mehbooba people,” Mehbooba Mufti said. desert region who have set an cation of the agricultural uni- Tunnel to provide an all-weather In partially-curfewed Sri- Mufti, who shared the dais with She said the Prime Minister had example in human endeavour in versity in Jammu, Modi told agri- link to Ladakh and reduce the dis- nagar where schools and col- the Prime Minister, took a dig at the mandate and the stature to their urge for progress. cultural scientists and graduating tance to the cold desert region by leges were closed for the day, Pakistan for not responding pos- solve all the problems of the people “Despite hardships and inacces- students that “five Ts including three hours from Srinagar. Modi addressed a gathering at itively to India’s “goodwill in the state, recalling that remedies sibility, Ladakhis have set up an training, talent, technology, In Jammu, the Prime Minister Sher-e-Kashmir International gesture” of Ramadan ceasefire were in the agenda of alliance example in endeavouring hardships timely action and trouble free laid the foundation stones of the Convention Centre (SKICC), that was declared on Thursday. between the PDP and the BJP. and yet continuing their march of approach” were essential for Pakul Dul Power Project and the advising those youth who have “It takes a large heart and a Earlier in Ladakh, Modi progress and development.” bringing forward a technological four-lane 58.2km-long Jammu lost their path to return to the position of strength to declare spoke at the closing ceremony In Jammu, Modi said urged revolution in agriculture.

Nirav Modi in Kumaraswamy invited to form government in Karnataka London on IANS H D Kumaraswamy to form the me to form the next government Vala at Raj Bhavan and staked assembly segments, the JD-S Singaporean next government in the state, as the leader of the JD-S legis- claim to power after the three- strength in the assembly is effec- BENGALURU: Karnataka following the resignation of BJP’s lative party with the support of day BJP government fell. tively 36. It also has the support passport: ED Governor Vajubhai R Vala B S Yeddyurappa ahead of his the Congress, which is our The 58-year-old JD-S leader of the BSP as its pre-poll ally and yesterday invited Janata-Dal- trust vote. alliance partner,” Kumaraswamy also said the Governor had given claimed to have the support of IANS Secular’s legislative party leader “The Governor has invited told reporters here after meeting him 15 days to prove majority in the KPJP and the Independent. the 224-member legislative The JD-S leader is likely to NEW DELHI: Despite assembly, whose strength is cur- retain Ramanagaram from Enforcement Directorate rently 222. “I have decided to form where he won for the third con- issuing summons to diaman- the JD-S-Congress alliance gov- secutive time and give up Chan- taire Nirav Modi and his ernment on May 21 by taking oath napatna, which will lead to a family members to join the at 12 noon in the Kanteerva bye-election soon. investigations in the multi- stadium,” added Kumaraswamy. The JD-S-Congress alliance crore Punjab National Bank The Governor’s invitation has 117 members in the hung (PNB) fraud, they have chosen came hours after Yeddyurappa House with the support of three to ignore the directive by resigned before the trust vote, as others, thus totalling half a dozen remaining abroad and out of his party with 104 seats fell short over the required halfway mark. immediate reach of the inves- of a simple majority in the hung This is the second time tigators. assembly. Kumaraswamy, the third son of According to ED sources, The JD-S won 37 seats in the JD-S supremo and former Prime Nirav Modi is currently in May 12 election, the Congress 78 Minister H D Deve Gowda will London on a Singaporean while the Bahujan Samaj Party, be the Chief Minister, and 12 passport while his brother the Karnataka Pragnyavantha years after the JD-S formed a Nishal Modi is in Antwerp on Janatha Party and an Inde- coalition government with the a Belgian passport. Nirav’s pendent won one each. BJP on February 4, 2006 and he sister Purvi Mehta also holds Election to Raja Rajeshwari occupied the office for 20 a Belgian passport and is said Nagar (RR Nagar) in Bengaluru months till October 9, 2007. to be in Hong Kong at present. southwest was postponed to May Terming the turn of events Purvi’s husband, Mayank 28 due to electoral malpractice and on a dramatic day of develop- Mehta (of Rosy Blue in Jayanagar in Bengaluru south to ments as a victory of democracy, Diamond) has got a British June 11 after it was countermanded Kumaraswamy said the JD-S and passport and is shuttling following the death of BJP con- the Congress leaders would between Hong Kong and New Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa (bottom right) of the Bharatiya Janata Party gestures while addressing testant B N Vijaya Kumar on May 4. discuss the modalities of forming York, the sources said. the Karnataka State Legislative Assembly session before resigning from his post at Vidhana Soudha As Kumaraswamy won from their coalition government on The ED has issued in Bengaluru, yesterday. Ramanagaram and Channapatna today. summons to Nirav Modi’s father Deepak Modi, sister Purvi Mehta and her husband Mayank Mehta. “They were sent the summons through Ex-diplomat jailed for 3 years Stood up for values; nothing mail,” an ED official said on condition of anonymity. for passing information to ISI The PNB fraud was com- personal: Justice Chelameswar mitted during 2011-17 by ille- gally issuing Letters of Under- IANS and surety of Rs25,000 each. taking (LoUs) and Foreign On Friday, she was held guilty IANS “What is the law or the apex court including the allo- Letters of Credit (FLCs) and then NEW DELHI: A court here under sections of the Official scripture which says judges cation of sensitive cases and on rolling them over several times. yesterday sentenced former Secrets Act (OSA) and criminal NEW DELHI: Supreme Court cannot hold press conferences? recommendation of judges for Deepak, Purvi and Indian diplomat Madhuri Gupta conspiracy under the Indian Penal judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar, They shouldn’t hold a press con- appointment to higher Mayank have been asked to to three years in jail for passing Code (IPC). However, the court who retired on Friday, has said ference to defend their judg- judiciary. appear before the ED inves- on sensitive information to acquitted her of the stringent that he stood up for certain ments, I knew that when I He was at the forefront of tigators at its Mumbai office Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intel- section 3(1) (Part-I) of the Official “issues and values” wherever he opened my mouth I would have the unprecedented press con- to record their statements in ligence (ISI) spy agency. Secrets Act which attracts a perceived things were going to go through all this and I was ference on January 12 saying “all the case as the agency is in Additional Sessions Judge maximum punishment of 14 years. wrong and had nothing personal willing to take it...,” he added. was not well” on the adminis- the process of filing Sidharth Sharma while Gupta revealed certain clas- against anyone in the system. Justice Chelameswar had trative side of the court. chargesheet in a special Pre- awarding sentence observed sified information to Pakistani “I stood up for certain issues turned down the Supreme Court At the gathering of Lawyer vention of Money Laundering that she was posted in a very officials and was in touch with and values. Wherever I per- Bar Association (SCBA)’s request Collective, an advocacy NGO Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai. sensitive position in Indian High two ISI officials, Mubshar Raza ceived that things were going to participate in a farewell function founded by activist senior The ED official said that Commission in Pakistan. Rana and Jamshed. As per the wrong, I stood up, I raised ques- it wanted to arrange for him, lawyers Indira Jaising and Nirav Modi’s relatives were “Undoubtedly, from a person chargesheet, Gupta was in a tions... If something is good, it is saying he wanted his retirement Anand Grover, on Friday, Justice summoned in the first week of her stature, it was expected that relationship with Jamshed, to be preserved. If something is to be a “private affair”. However, Chelameswar said in the last six of this month and were given she would act in more responsible whom she planned to marry. doubtful, it is to be checked and later in the evening on Friday, he months, wherever he went in 15 days time to appear before than an ordinary citizen as she It said she used a computer rectified, I had nothing personal attended a reception organised by the country, people have come it in the ongoing money laun- was at high position of trust but installed at her residence in against anyone in the system,” Lawyers Collective. up to him and said: “We are glad dering probe of over her action has tarnished the image Islamabad and a Blackberry Justice Chelameswar said in a On his last working day on you did it”. Rs13,000 crore. The alleged of the country and has caused phone to stay in touch with the farewell event on Friday. Friday, he shared a bench with He said he was willing to banking fraud was committed severe threat to the security of the two Pakistani spies. Once a second He also said the younger Chief Justice Dipak Misra, a face the consequences of his by the diamond merchant, his country,” the court said. secretary at the Indian High Com- generation of lawyers has sup- custom and practice of the actions, whether it be his group of companies — However, the court granted mission in Islamabad, Gupta was ported him in “democratising the Supreme Court. abstention from collegium Diamond R US, Solar Exports her bail for filing appeal against arrested on April 27, 2010 for institution”, but acknowledged The 65-year-old judge has meetings after the NJAC and Stellar Diamonds — the judgment. The court asked spying and on charges of passing constitutional lawyers and jurists been at loggerheads with Justice judgment or the press con- alongwith his uncle Mehul her to furnish a personal bond on information to the ISI. attacked him from every side. Misra over the functioning of the ference he held. Choksi and others. 10 VIEWS SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 Iraq’s chaotic parliament ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN election results SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR long with surprising results, MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED Iraq’s parliamentary election [email protected] has led to charges of vote- Arigging. But despite fraud allegations and “irregularities” asso- ciated with ballots cast by Iraqi security personnel, unofficial results have more or less been made public. The following breakdown provides EDITORIAL the information necessary to follow the anticipated formation of the coun- try’s next government. The Sairoon coalition led by Shia cleric Muqtada Al Realising true potential Sadr came in first, followed by Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi’s Victory atar Tourism Authority (QTA) considers business Coalition and the Al Fatih bloc, the events as one of the key sectors of growth in Qatar’s latter of which is associated with Iraq’s Since the US-led invasion in 2003, maintaining the same number of seats Qtourism industry and it is expected to attract 5.6 Hashd Al Shaabi. these politicians have largely failed to in parliament despite the fallout from million visitors by 2023. With more than 150 business These three frontrunners, all of resolve the country’s chronic last year’s illegitimate regional refer- events taking place in Qatar annually, it’s evident that which clinched between 50 and 55 problems. endum. Given the current infighting Qatar has all the right ingredients it needs to become a seats in Iraq’s 328-member par- No matter what party or coalition among its opponents, the party now leader in the exhibitions field. liament, were followed by Nouri Al ends up forming the next government, looks set to play a crucial role in It’s very important to stay up to date, especially with Maliki’s State of Law Coalition, Ayad it will inevitably face a host of chal- Baghdad. integrating international expertise with local talents. So Allawi’s Al Wataniya Coalition and lenges, due in part to insufficient Among the losers, the Al Dawa Qatar participating at the IMEX Frankfurt and attracting Masoud Barzani’s Kurdistan Demo- public support. Party lost seats in the assembly due interests is a major step towards the realisation of Qatar’s cratic Party (KDP). The first point made clear from the largely to differences between the true potential as a business events destination. In addition Meanwhile, the Al Qarar coalition poll results is that many Iraqis still party’s pro-Abadi and a pro-Maliki to showcasing the country’s full range of hotels, state-of- led by Osama Al Nujaifi, the Patriotic vote along ethnic and religious lines. camps. the-art venues, tour operators and event management Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and Ammar The second point to be gleaned from Al Abadi also sustained a heavy companies, the delegation is strengthening ties with Al Hakim’s National Wisdom the poll results is that Iraq is unlikely blow at the polls, failing to come in industry stakeholders and promoting Qatar as an attractive movement all picked up less than 20 to see short-term political stability. first in any province except Mosul. business events destination in the region. Last year, the seats each in the assembly. In a parliament in which no party Losing his influence over Al Dawa — Qatar delegation held 89 meetings at IMEX and is looking Other parties and lists picked up holds more than one sixth of the seats, along with his support for non-state to boost that figure this year. less than ten seats each. In summary, the upcoming government will not militias — appears to have cost the Since Qatar’s last participation in IMEX, the country initial results suggest the emergence of likely be strong enough to put per- prime minister votes. has made several progress in this direction. It introduced three major Shia Arab coalitions that manent policies into practice. Sunni Arabs in general also lost out, visa policy changes which have are relatively That the three frontrunners are all with their biggest list clinching a mere made Qatar easier to visit and close to one Shia Arab in nature is the third issue. 20 seats. In three of five provinces with the most open country in the another. This means that the future political a Sunni majority, Shia Arab parties GCC region. It also saw the Voting agenda will largely be shaped by the came in first. Some observers attribute launch of the Next Chapter of was marred, jockeying between rival Shia Arab this fact to declining trust among Sunni its National Tourism Sector Most observers attribute however, by parties. The fourth point concerns Arabs in their political leaders, who, Qatar Strategy which charts a the low turnout to relatively low alleged vote-rigging, with reports of many believe, failed to protect them participating pathway to more diverse declining public trust turnout of polling “irregularities” in Kirkuk, from the Daesh terrorist group after at the IMEX tourism products and an in politicians; the use only 44.5 Sulaymaniyah, Mosul and Erbil. the latter overran much of the country Frankfurt and enhanced visitor experience. percent. In Turkmen in Kirkuk have hit the in 2014. The strategy prioritises of electronic-voting 2014 elec- streets to demand a recount. The PUK, The PUK, for its part, largely attracting business events as a major cards that were tions, by con- for its part, has voiced its readiness to ignored Turkmen and Arab voters, interests is contributor to visitor arrivals. distributed to only 70 trast, this accept results from Sulaymaniyah, especially those in Kirkuk, leading to a a major step QTA is organising various percent of the voting figure stood while other Kurdish parties — loss of votes. This loss of seats in par- towards the programmes to empower local at 63 percent. including the KDP — accuse the PUK liament — and prestige — may cause professionals with the tools public; unconvincing Most of electoral fraud. the PUK to be excluded from the next realisation of they need to adapt and electoral campaigns; observers According to preliminary results, government. The formation of gov- Qatar’s true respond to the fast-changing and the country’s large attribute the the Sadrist movement, the Hashd Al ernment in Iraq depends on two potential as a environment in which they low turnout Shaabi and the KDP were the big factors: internal dynamics and the role work. As part of QTA’s efforts internally-displaced to declining winners, while the Al Dawa Party and of external actors. business events to augment its skills in business population. public trust in Sunni Arabs in general — along with In terms of internal dynamics, Al destination. events, it sent twenty-five pro- politicians; those opposed to the current order in Sadr can be expected to play a leading fessionals from the sector the use of electronic-voting cards that the Kurdish region — were among the role. According to his post-election recently to attend an international exhibition development were distributed to only 70 percent of losers. The Sadrist movement, for comments, Al Sadr is prepared to deal training programme hosted by QTA in partnership with the voting public; unconvincing elec- example, won slightly over a million with all parties, except for the PUK and UK-based MBB-Media Ltd. And, as part of its commitment toral campaigns; and the country’s votes, down from 1.4 million in 2014 the Al Fatih and State of Law coalitions. to further strengthen ties in the international association large internally-displaced population. polls. But given the relatively low voter It should not be forgotten that the US meetings industry, QTA recently partnered with ICCA Financial turmoil in Iraq’s Kurdish turnout, this still meant a victory for still has the power to prevent candidates (International Congress and Convention Association) to region following the regional govern- al-Sadr’s bloc, which ran a well- that it does not support from assuming become a globally-recognised Association Relations ment’s ill-fated referendum late last organized campaign in the run-up to the post of Iraqi prime minister. Partner (ARP). year also probably had an impact on the vote. The process of drawing up the “Our focus at IMEX Frankfurt this year is to create new turnout. The Al Fatih coalition, backed by country’s next cabinet will likely take ties with the MICE industry, and build on existing ones,” The low participation rate may the Hashd Al Shaabi, came in second, several months at the least, during commented Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Exhibitions at also be due to the fact that many Iraqis also thanks to a good electoral cam- which Iraq may very well be affected QTA. “Since the launch of the Next Chapter in September are tired of seeing the same political paign, which gave Al Sadr’s bloc a run by unforeseen factors outside its of last year, the sector has taken steady steps to grow and figures and parties for the last 15 years. for its money. The KDP came in third, control. accelerate the development of its offerings across the leisure and business tourism spectrum, giving interna- tional business visitors ample opportunity to enjoy authentic tourism experiences, both inside and beyond the venue walls.” QTA launched the Qatar brand as a destination for Few calls for reform after shooting in Texas business activities two years ago, in order to attract inter- AFP wanted to shoot the school school earlier this year, he Texas #2 in nation for new national exhibitions and conferences to Qatar, which con- he would have done it” and friends rushed to help -- gun purchases, behind CAL- tributed to the increase in the number of business activ- ebruary’s school regardless of the restriction armed to the hilt. IFORNIA,” he memorably ities organised or licensed by QTA in Qatar to reach 30 massacre in levels on firearms, Tori “We showed up, I had a tweeted in 2015. percent in 2017 from 2015. The increase was despite the Parkland, Florida White, a junior at Santa Fe .40 on my hip, a 12-gauge on “Let’s pick up the pace exceptional circumstances experienced after the unjust inspired students to High, told AFP about the my back, he had an AK. We Texans.” - ‘Gun racks in our F trucks’ — The state has been siege imposed on Qatar by some countries without any launch a spirited gun control suspect, 17-year-old Dimi- were ready,” Flores said. reasons. movement. Similar calls for trios Pagourtzis. Blaming guns for the the scene of several ghastly reform are unlikely to res- In Parkland, classmates actions of individuals goes mass shootings over the onate following a deadly from Marjory Stoneman against the grain, he said. years. Last November a shooting in Texas, where Douglas High School, where “It’s outside factors” that gunman killed 26 wor- QUOTE OF THE DAY support for gun rights is a 19-year-old slaughtered 14 are to blame, including bad shippers at a Baptist church paramount. students and three adult parenting, the pressures in Sutherland Springs. Without the When a teen student staff members, have found from social media, and But residents of Santa Fe redistribution of land, stormed into Santa Fe High themselves in the spotlight, mental health issues, Flores pointed to that tragedy — School on Friday and as their call for stricter gun added. when an armed citizen we will not build a opened fire on his class- laws went national. Sprawling and conserv- chased down the attacker — united South Africa. mates and teachers, killing In Santa Fe, “It’s not ative Texas, a southern state as an example of the theory Without giving the 10 people and wounding 10 going to happen,” Jordan bordering Mexico, has perpetuated by the National more, it was the latest Flores, who graduated from among the most permissive Rifle Association: that a good poor the means to explosion of gun violence at Santa Fe in 2015, said as he firearm laws in the United guy with a gun is often the productively farm America’s schools. and two friends brought States, where a third of best way to stop criminals. the land, we will not But students and parents donuts to state troopers children live in a household “I don’t think gun reform defeat poverty. in this tight-knit rural com- posted at the high school’s with at least one firearm. is going to be an issue at all munity outside Houston said front gate. The state’s Governor in our community or in the rampage at their local The gun culture is so Greg Abbott, a Republican, is Texas as a whole,” said Geoff Cyril Ramaphosa school will not convince strong here, he said, that proud of his pro-gun Anderson, a private investi- South African President them to support stricter gun when reports emerged of a position. gator whose son is a senior laws. “No, I think if he lockdown at the same “I’m EMBARRASSED: at Santa Fe High School. SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 OPINION 11 Israel and Palestine in 2018: Decolonisation, not peace

he founders of the state of While officially accepting the par- citizens. Jews are the main reasons for its Israel were mainly people who tition-enforcing UN Resolution 181 of Palestinian resistance in the form of failure. settled in Palestine in the very 29 November 1947 (knowing it would two intifadas and civil protests inside In 2018, one cannot talk about beginning of the 20th century. be rejected by the Palestinians and the Israel did not deter the Jewish state the Arab-Israeli conflict any more. T from establishing at the start of this They came mostly from Eastern Arab world), they regarded it as disas- Arab regimes are willing to enter Europe, inspired by romantic national trous, as it envisaged almost an equal century an apartheid Jewish state all strategic relations with Israel, ideologies rampant in their home number of Palestinians and Jews in the over historical Palestine. The Pales- despite the objection of their citizens countries, disappointed by their ina- Jewish state. The fact that only 54 tinian resistance - ignored by the Arab and while there is still a risk for an ILAN PAPPE bility to assimilate into these new percent of Palestine were accorded to countries and the rest of the world - Israeli war with Iran, at this moment AL JAZEERA nationalist movements and excited by the Jewish state in that resolution was evoked harsh and barbarous Israeli in time, it does not look like it is the prospects of modern-day also deemed unsatisfactory. actions that eroded Israel’s moral status going to involve any of the Arab colonialism. The Zionist response to these chal- in the world. states. Some were veterans of socialist lenges was to embark on an ethnic However, the “war on terror” after It seems that from our vantage movements hoping to fuse their cleansing operation that expelled half the 9/11 attacks and the bitter fruits of point it is useless to talk about the romantic nationalism with socialist of Palestine’s population and demol- both the Anglo-American invasion of Israeli-Palestinian conflict either. experiments in the new colonies. Pal- ished half of its villages and most of its Iraq and the Arab Spring allowed Israel The correct terminology to describe estine was not always their only option, towns. An insufficient and late pan- to maintain its strategic alliances with the present state of affairs is con- but it turned into the preferred one Arab response could not prevent a the political and economic elites in the tinuing Israeli colonisation of his- when it became clear that it fits well Zionist takeover of 78 percent of the West and beyond (with China and torical Palestine, or as the Pales- with the strategies of the British Empire Palestinian territories. India, and even Saudi Arabia). tinians call it “Al Nakba Al Mus- and the world view of powerful However, these “achievements” did This ambiguous international tamera” (the ongoing Nakba). Zionists on both sides of the Atlantic. not solve the “Palestine problem” for status so far has not undermined Thus, 70 years on, one has to Since the Balfour Declaration of the newly founded state of Israel. At Israel’s economic realities. It is a high- resort to a term that might seem out- 1917 and throughout the British first, it seemed manageable: The Pales- tech country, with a neo-liberal dated in order to describe what can Mandate period of 1918-1948, tinian minority left inside Israel was put economy that did well in the 2008 genuinely bring peace and reconcili- European Zionists began to build the under a harsh military rule, while the crisis, but that has one of the highest ation to Israel and Palestine: decolo- infrastructure for a future state with the world did not seem to mind or question wealth gaps and polarisation among nisation. How exactly this will occur help of the British Empire. We now the Israeli pretence to being the only members of the Organisation for Eco- is yet to be seen. It would require know that these founders of the democracy in the Middle East. nomic Cooperation and Development. first of all a more precise and united modern Jewish state were aware of the Moreover, the Palestinian Liberation This volatile socioeconomic reality Palestinian position on the political presence of a native population with its Organisation (PLO) was only founded generated a popular but rather inef- endgame or the updated vision of Palestinian own aspirations and vision for the in 1964 and was slow to affect the fective protest movement in 2011. the project of liberation. resistance in future of their homeland. reality on the ground. However, the potential for another This vision will be supported by The solution to this “problem” — as Then, it seemed as if leaders of the major protest wave is still present, and progressive Israelis and the interna- the form of two far as the founding fathers of Zionism Arab world, such as Gamal Abdel could be triggered if there is another tional community, which will have intifadas and civil were concerned — was to de-Arabise Nasser, would come to Palestine’s Palestinian uprising or a war due to the to do their bit as well. They have to protests inside Palestine to pave the way for the rise of rescue. This historical moment of hope, present reckless policies of US Pres- work towards the creation of a Israel did not deter the modern Jewish State. Whether however, was brief. The defeat of the ident Donald Trump and Israeli Prime democracy for all from the river to socialist, nationalist, religious or Egyptian army in the June 1967 war Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Both are the sea based on the restitution of the Jewish state secular, the Zionist leadership contem- and its partial success in the October currently doing their best to drag Israel the rights denied to the Palestinians from establishing plated the depopulation of Palestine 1973 war diminished the Egyptian into a war with Iran and Hezbollah. in the last 70 years, foremost of at the start of since the 1930s. official commitment to Palestine. Ever Seventy years after its estab- which is the right of the refugees to this century an Close to the end of the British since then, no Arab regime has taken a lishment, Israel stands as a racist, return. Mandate, it became clear to the Zionist genuine interest in the fate of Palestine, apartheid state, whose structural This is not a plan for the short apartheid Jewish leadership that what they imagined as despite the fact it has been fully oppression of the Palestinians remains term and would require sustained state all over a democratic state could only exist on embraced by Arab societies. the principal obstacle to peace and pressure on the Israeli society to give historical Palestine. the basis of an absolute Jewish The June 1967 war allowed Israel to reconciliation. up its privileges and face the truth presence in its territory. take over the whole of mandatory Pal- It has achieved a lot in fusing that this is the only way to bring estine, but that only deepened the together Jewish communities from peace and reconciliation to a settler conundrum it was already around the world into a new Hebrew country torn from within. facing: More space brings more native culture and established the strongest population. army in the region. However, all these The war also transformed the achievements have not legitimised the core leadership of the Jewish state: state in the eyes of many across the the pragmatic Labour party was world. replaced by the right-wing revi- Paradoxically, it is only the Pales- sionists and nationalists who cared tinians who could grant full legit- D-RING ROAD less about Israel’s external image. imacy to such a state or accept as POST BOX: 3488 Instead, they were determined to legitimate the presence of millions of DOHA - QATAR keep the occupied territories as part Jewish settlers by pursuing a one- [email protected] of the state of Israel, while continuing state solution. the 1948 ethnic cleansing by other The peace process imitated and means: transferring, enclaving the orchestrated by the US since 1967 com- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE local population and robbing it of any pletely ignored the question of Israeli TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 elementary civil and human rights, legitimacy and the Palestinian per- FAX: +974 4455 7758 and at the same time institutionalising spective of the conflict. This disregard a new legal framework for the Pales- along with the diplomatic efforts that MANAGING EDITOR tinian minority inside Israel that per- did not challenge the Zionist ideology TEL: 4462 7505 petuated their status as second-rate informing the attitudes of most Israeli DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769

LOCAL NEWS SECTION ozens of children cheer at the governments to improve the lives of food, he said. TEL: 4455 7743 Nursery and Primary School schoolchildren and farmers alike. It is In Ogun, the coordinating team col- compound in Bode-Ijaiye practised across the continent, laborated with the ministries of edu- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION suburb of Abeokuta city, the including in Ghana, Kenya, Mali, cation, health, agriculture, women’s TEL: 4462 7535 D affairs and community development to capital of Ogun state, as their friends try Ethiopia, Namibia, Botswana, Ivory to outpace each other on a 100-metre Coast, and South Africa. The concept is divide farmers into cooperative groups SPORT NEWS SECTION dash in a dusty field. not confined just to the continent as and link them to about 3,000 cooks LINUS UNAH TEL: 4455 7745 Ogun state inter-school football and Brazil, Japan, and Italy have similar pro- who were trained and deployed to track-and-field competitions are just grammes aimed at keeping children fed more than 1,500 schools. Farmers ONLINE SECTION around the corner, and teachers want to while promoting local agriculture. received training in seed quality and TEL: 4462 7501 Though the scheme began in fertilisers to grow enough food to meet [email protected] December 2016 in Nigeria, it is not demand. entirely new here. Nigeria’s former Research has shown that 42 percent PUBLIC RELATIONS President Olusegun Obasanjo launched of schoolchildren in Nigeria suffer mal- TEL: 4455 7613 nutrition, and this has caused a high Nigeria school food scheme a pilot programme in 13 states in Sep- [email protected] tember 2005, but after a few years, only rate of absenteeism. southwestern Osun state maintained it. UNICEF estimates about 2.5 million revolutionising education ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT The plan was reintroduced by Pres- Nigerian children under the age of five TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 ident Muhammadu Buhari in December suffer from severe malnutrition each FAX: 4455 7870 2016 as part of his administration’s year, with about half a million children [email protected] multi-million dollar National Social dying from it. prepare the children physically and Investment Programmes to address With a quality assurance tracking CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT mentally for the task ahead. poverty, hunger and unemployment in system known as #TrackWithUs, the TEL: 4455 7857 Away from the laughter and shouts Nigeria. programme handlers have urged Nige- [email protected] of encouragement on the field, four The school programme operates in rians to visit nearby schools to check if female cooks with aprons on top of tra- 20 out of Nigeria’s 36 states and has fed meals meet the required standards and SUBSCRIPTION & ditional indigo-dyed adire gowns ladle nearly seven million pupils in about report any cooks who aren’t serving DISTRIBUTION porridge mixed with vegetables and fish 40,000 public schools, the pro- proper food. TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 into hundreds of stainless steel bowls gramme’s manager Abimbola Ade- A major barrier to the programme’s FAX: 44557819 with lids. sanmi told. She said more than 68,800 success is the inability of state govern- [email protected] “I want to say a big thank you to the jobs have also been created through the ments to scale up the meals to senior federal government of Nigeria and the initiative. Adeleke Adewolu is the com- classes in elementary schools. The Ogun state government for providing missioner of special duties and inter- federal government caters to pupils food for us,” 10-year-old Ramon governmental affairs in Ogun state. He from Grades 1 to 3, but with many states All thoughts and views UNICEF estimates Samuel told before opening the lid on said the meals are not only nutritious struggling to pay salaries, pupils in expressed in these columns about 2.5 million his bowl. Samuel and his classmates but also serve as a “social safety net” for higher grades are not being fed. are those of the writers, Nigerian children receive free meals every school day low-income households. Experts hope the government will thanks to a national programme, which “If children eat nutritious food it will not repeat the same mistakes made a not of the newspaper. under the age of aims to provide nutritious meals to enhance their learning ability and this decade ago when a combination of five suffer from young schoolchildren in order to will have a knock-on effect on their inadequate funding, poor logistics, and All correspondence severe malnutrition increase enrolment, help them stay in cognitive development and help to corruption crippled the scheme. “We need to promote community regarding Views and each year, with school, and reduce malnutrition, partic- encourage enrolment and retention,” ularly among children from low- Adewolu said. The programme provides participation, community ownership, Opinion pages should be about half a million income families. income for thousands of people, community implementation, com- send to editor-in-chief The Home Grown School Feeding including farmers, cooks recruited from munity monitoring, strong institutional children dying office or mailed to the from it. initiative, a movement launched in local communities, and those involved arrangements and multi-sector part- 2003, is driven by national in the processing and transportation of nerships,” Adesanmi said. [email protected] 12 ASIA SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 Karachi family mourns death of daughter in Texas school shooting

AFP Sabika Sheikh, an one of Islam’s most revered hol- KARACHI: Abdul Aziz learned exchange student idays, marking the end of the holy about the US school shooting in at the Santa Fe High fasting month of Ramadan, in which his 17-year-old daughter which families come together and was killed on CNN, with the story School in Texas, was celebrate with days of feasting. airing live as he broke his killed along with nine “She was coming back Ramadan fast thousands of miles others after a heavily soon,” her father said. away in Pakistan. armed student opened “There is a general In those chaotic first impression that the life is safe moments of confusion and terror fire on his classmates and secure in America. But this he called his daughter Sabika on Friday. is not the case.” Sheikh’s phone over and over. The alleged gunman — Dim- She did not answer. itrios Pagourtzis, another student “I kept calling her and sent her It was the latest school at the school who at 17 is the messages on WhatsApp. Never shooting to rock the US, and same age as Sheikh — was later before had my daughter failed to came just three months after the apprehended by police and is reply,” Aziz said, fighting back massacre in Parkland, Florida in being held on capital murder tears at his home in the southern which 17 people were killed, charges, meaning he could face port city Karachi yesterday, just sparking an unprecedented the death penalty. hours after he and his wife had grassroots, student-led gun Police have yet to release Abdul Aziz (right), father of Sabika, a student who was killed in mass shooting at a US school in the their worst fears confirmed. control movement. details about a possible motive. Texas town of Santa Fe, and relatives pray for her in Karachi, yesterday. “We are still in a state of In Pakistan, the Santa Fe It was the 22nd school denial. It is like a nightmare,” shooting has unleashed an out- shooting this year, according to with US celebrities joining Paki- “My heart is crying for in American schools every year. said Aziz. His wife sat nearby, pouring of sympathy and horror US media reports, a disturbing stanis in expressing their sorrow #SabikaSheikh we have lost our Even as he mourned the loss visibly still shocked and seem- over the tragic murder of Sheikh, statistic in a country where “This little girl could’ve been brightest asset because of ter- of his daughter, Aziz said he ingly unable to speak as friends who had been in the US for 10 firearms are part of everyday my daughter. We must do more rorism,” tweeted Malik Rohaina, hoped the tragedy would not and relatives tried to comfort months and was just weeks away life and there are more than than just console the parents of from the southern Pakistani city frighten fellow Pakistanis from her. from coming home. 30,000 gun-related deaths these murdered kids,” said of Hyderabad. following her lead. Sheikh, an exchange student Sheikh, whose father said she annually. American actress Mindy Kaling Despite perennially rocky “Such incidents should not at the Santa Fe High School in had always excelled in school, The news that a Pakistani on Twitter, along with a picture relations between Washington make people lose heart... and one Texas, was killed along with nine had nurtured dreams of serving exchange student was among the of Sheikh in a post online. and Islamabad, the US has long should not stop going to the US others after a heavily armed in Pakistan’s foreign office. dead appeared to break through Some Pakistanis, for whom been a favoured destination for or UK or China or anywhere,” student opened fire on his class- She had been due to return the now-routine outpouring of grief militant violence is all too familiar, Pakistani students studying said Aziz. “One must go for edu- mates on Friday. to Karachi in time for Eid Al Fitr, on social media after such killings, branded the killing “terrorism”. abroad, with thousands enrolling cation undeterred.”

Pakistan’s caretaker PM’s name to be unveiled on Tuesday Afghan stadium attack

INTERNEWS The opposition leader said Ishrat Hussain and Dr Shamshad names of three nominees each the prime minister had asked Akhtar — two former chief jus- from which the consensus can- leaves 8 dead, 45 hurt ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime him to share the name, if any. tices of Supreme Court — Justice didate is appointed as the care- Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi “But I told him that I came for Tassaduq Hussain Jilani and taker prime minister. AFP Jalalabad, on the border and Opposition Leader in the consultations and if you have any Justice Nasirul Mulk — and ex- Interestingly, the other with Pakistan, has a Taliban National Assembly Syed Khur- name then give it to me,” he said, secretary Election Commission opposition parties, including the JALALABAD: Eight people were presence and is also a stronghold sheed Shah yesterday failed to adding, “The prime minister of Pakistan Ishtiaq Ahmad and PTI, have apparently abandoned killed and 45 wounded in a of the Islamic State group. make headway on the name of asked me to sit again on Sunday.” ex-governor Khyber interest in picking a suitable series of explosions targeting a In September 2017 IS caretaker prime minister and Shah said he told the prime Pakhtunkhwa Shaukatullah caretaker prime minister. cricket match in the eastern claimed a suicide bombing on decided to hold the final round minister that he would not be came under discussion. The PTI earlier took up a Afghan city of Jalalabad, offi- a cricket match in Kabul which (of consultations) on Tuesday. available today and it would be The incumbent National serious position on the question cials said yesterday, the first left three dead and five injured. “It was decided to hold better that they meet again on Assembly will complete its five- and made it clear to the leader attack since the holy month of Afghan President Ashraf another round of meeting on Tuesday to which the latter agreed. year term on May 31 after which of opposition that it wouldn’t Ramadan began. Ghani yeterday condemned the Tuesday to finalise and make the The opposition leader said the caretaker government will accept the caretaker appointed The blasts exploded among attack in Jalalabad. name of caretaker prime min- was positive that they would take over to hold general without its consent. spectators crowded into the “The terrorists did not stop ister public the same day. Fri- agree on the name of caretaker elections. The sources said yesterday stadium at around 11pm (1830 killing our people even during day’s meeting was brief, as the premier. As per the Constitution, the evening that the caretaker prime GMT) on Friday evening as they the holy month of Ramadan... prime minister was due to leave Soon after meeting the prime caretaker prime minister is minister will be appointed next watched the local “Ramadan by carrying out a terrorist attack for Istanbul,” said Khursheed minister, Shah met Speaker appointed by the prime minister week on the day when the Cup”, the provincial governor’s in a populated sport stadium, Shah while talking to newsmen National Assembly Sardar Ayaz in consultation with the oppo- ongoing session of the National office said. once again they have proved after holding a meeting with the Sadiq. sition leader in the National Assembly will be prorogued and No group has yet claimed that they are not bound to any prime minister to discuss the According to sources, the Assembly. it will be last prorogation of the the murders but the Taliban creed or religion, and they are name of caretaker PM and the names of two ex-governors of Both the premier and the lower house of Parliament of its said they were not responsible the enemy of humanity,” a upcoming general election. State Bank of Pakistan –Dr opposition leader then present tenure. in a WhatsApp message. statement from his office said. Chinese bombers make debut landing on disputed South China Sea runway

AFP said the takeoff and landing a bomber has landed in the exercises on islands in the South #SouthChinaSea,” Bonnieh BEIJING: China has for the first China Sea will help the air force Glaser, a China expert at the time landed several bombers on “strengthen its combat capa- Centre for Strategic and Inter- an island in the disputed South bility to deal with martime national Studies, tweeted. China Sea, a move that could security threats”. In an analysis published on provoke renewed tensions The move comes weeks after its website, CSIS said the between countries bordering the US network CNBC reported that location of the runway was strategically vital maritime China had installed anti-ship and believed to be Woody Island, region. air-to-air defences on outposts China’s largest base in the Several bombers of various in the Spratly Islands that are also Paracel Islands, which is also types — including the long- claimed by Vietnam and the Phil- claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. range, nuclear strike capable ippines, citing sources close to The South China Sea issue H-6K — carried out landing and US intelligence. has been brewing for years, with take off drills at an unidentified Washington warned that China, the Philippines, Brunei, island airfield after carrying out Beijing would face unspecified Malaysia and Vietnam making Tarawih prayer in Herat simulated strike training on “consequences” over its milita- competing claims in waters with targets at sea, the Chinese air- risation of the South China Sea, vital global shipping routes and Afghan worshippers perform a special evening ‘Tarawih’ prayer during the holy month of Ramadan force said in a statement. and said it had raised the issue what are believed to be signif- at a mosque in Herat. Wang Mingliang, a defence with China. icant oil and natural gas expert cited in the statement, “I believe this is the first time deposits. Pakistan govt racing to meet FATF demands before June

INTERNEWS been submitted by the gov- which are to be discussed with for consultations with the APG’s concerns over the amnesty on the grey list was set to com- ernment to the Asia-Pacific APG joint working group in Joint Working Group in Bangkok. scheme introduced by the gov- mence in June. He said the action ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is putting Group (APG) a sub-group within Bangkok next week. That meeting will discuss the ernment in its last budget. plan drawn up by the gov- the finishing touches to its action FATF detailing the steps taken This was the last in a series steps proposed by Pakistan to be The email points out that ernment would set conditions for plan with proposed measures for thus far and those that will be of meetings taking place within taken after June to exit the grey Pakistan is required to inform Pakistan to meet in a period of combating money laundering taken in the future to bring Paki- the government as officials race list. The report has been drawn FATF before announcing any one year. and terror financing with the stan’s financial, regulatory and to meet the June deadline by up by the Financial Monitoring such scheme. To address their None of those working on the Paris-based Financial Action legal landscape into compliance when Pakistan will be placed on Unit, a department housed in the concerns, Pakistan included a matter were willing to discuss Task Force (FATF) to chart its with the watchdog’s the FATF grey list. State Bank of Pakistan, according provision to specify that ‘pro- the details of the action plan. way forward once it is placed on requirements. A senior official in the to sources with knowledge of the ceeds of crime are not eligible’ “Whatever conditions are the grey list by the global Yesterday, a meeting was finance ministry said that a del- matter. for the amnesty scheme. being finalised, we will watchdog in June. convened at the Foreign Office egation from Pakistan would The FATF earlier sent an The senior official confirmed implement it administratively,” A compliance report has to review the proposed actions depart within the next few days email to the SBP highlighting its that the placement of Pakistan one source said. SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 ASIA 13 Mongolia urges Malaysia to reopen murder case probe REUTERS Shaariibuu Altantuya, giant DCNS in 2002. Najib has denied allegations of links to KUALA LUMPUR: Mongolia’s 28, was killed in 2006. Shaariibuu or corruption in the President has urged new In 2015, two former purchase. Najib’s coalition was Malaysian Prime Minister police officers were defeated by Mahathir’s oppo- Mahathir Mohamad to reopen sentenced to death sition alliance in a stunning investigations into the murder election upset last week. Najib is of a Mongolian model near Kuala for the crime and currently under investigation as Lumpur in 2006, a move that acquitted four years part of a probe into the scandal- could put more pressure on later. But reports hit state fund 1Malaysia Devel- Mahathir’s embattled prede- have alleged that opment Berhad (1MDB). cessor. Mahathir, asked on Monday Shaariibuu Altantuya, 28, the officers served whether he would consider com- was killed and blown up with as bodyguards for muting Sirul’s death sentence, military grade explosives in a ousted Prime Minister said: “We cannot do everything forest on the outskirts of Malay- Najib Razak, who was at the same time at one go.” sia’s capital. In 2015, two former Anwar Ibrahim, the rival who police officers were sentenced Deputy Prime Minister allied with Mahathir to topple to death for the crime after first at the time of the Najib, said judges’ reluctance to being sentenced in 2009 and killing. call key witnesses in the murder acquitted four years later. case had “made a mockery of the But reports have alleged that law”. “The best way is to proffer the officers served as bodyguards former policemen convicted of a new charge and allow for a full for ousted prime minister Najib the murder said that he is willing hearing of the case,” Anwar told Razak, who was deputy prime to assist the new government in The Australian newspaper fol- minister at the time of the killing. any renewed investigations, pro- lowing his own release from President Battulga Khaltmaa vided that he is granted a full prison earlier this week after a Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Najib Razak (centre) with his wife Rosmah Mansor waving to congratulated the 92-year-old pardon, local news website royal pardon quashed a politi- supporters in Pekan, Malaysia. Mahathir on his appointment but Malaysiakini reported cally-motivated conviction. said reopening the investigation yesterday. would not only help justice but He has been in detention at also ease tensions between the the Immigration and Border Pro- Najib rails at police; wife warns of ‘public trial’ two countries. tection Department’s facility in “As President of Mongolia, I Sydney since 2015 after his REUTERS in an election on May 9, the new barred from leaving the country. house that the former prime pay special attention to the acquittal was overturned by the government led by Mahathir Items seized by police from minister and his family were aggravated crime, that in Malaysian Federal Court. KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Mohamad has opened investi- Najib’s residence and other loca- “really very unhappy” that police October 18, 2006, a citizen of Civil society groups have scandal-hit former leader Najib gations into how billions of tions linked to the couple had confiscated clothes and Mongolia and mother of two alleged Altantuya’s murder was Razak and his wife hit out at the dollars disappeared from included 284 boxes of designer shoes belonging to his children. children Shaariibuu Altantuya linked to her role as an inter- media and police yesterday, after 1Malaysia Development Berhad handbags, including prized “No attempt was made to was murdered in Malaysia,” he preter and associate of Abdul investigators seeking evidence (1MDB), a state fund founded by Birkin handbags from Hermes. verify whether these dresses, said in a letter to Mahathir that Razak Baginda, a former adviser of corruption were filmed seizing Najib. Dozens of the luxury bags were shoes, babies clothes and all had was also published on his office’s to Najib, in Malaysia’s purchase box loads of jewellery, luxury Najib, who has consistently filled with cash and jewellery. anything to do with the investi- website. of two Scorpene-class subma- handbags and cash. denied any wrongdoing, and his Najib’s lawyer, Harpal Singh gations which are ongoing,” he Sirul Azhar Umar, one of the rines from French shipbuilding Following a surprise victory wife, Rosmah Mansor, have been Grewal, said waiting outside the said. Sri Lanka warns of Tamil separatist resurgence Fastest climber AFP returns safely “We have defeated terrorism There has been no violence government forces under the military-occupied land back to of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of blamed on Tamil rebels since command of former president Tamil owners. from Everest COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Pres- Tamil Eelam), but we have not their top leader Velupillai Prab- Mahinda Rajapakse in the final However, he is yet to deliver AP ident yesterday warned that been able to defeat their ide- hakaran was shot dead on May months of the war. on a promise to grant greater Tamil extremists were ology,” Sirisena said. 18, 2009, but pro-rebel activists Sirisena said there were no political autonomy to Tamils and regrouping abroad to revive their At a ceremony to mark the abroad are known to have staged reliable figures for civilian cas- set up a mechanism to probe NEPAL: The Australian demand to divide the island ninth anniversary of the end of frequent anti-Sri Lankan pro- ualties, but said the total number what the UN has said were climber who became the nation nine years after the end the war, Sirisena said Tamil tests. Sirisena came to power in of Sri Lankans killed could be credible allegations of war fastest to scale the highest of its decades-long ethnic war. extremists abroad were still January 2015 on the back of about 100,000. Official records crimes. peaks on all seven continents Maithripala Sirisena said hoping to establish an inde- strong support from the minority showed that 28,708 security per- His latest remarks came a returned safely from Mount government forces had failed to pendent homeland in Sri Lanka. Tamil community after pledging sonnel were killed while another week after Sri Lanka’s army chief Everest yesterday. quash the Tamil rebels’ sepa- “They are very active abroad. reparations for war victims and 40,107 were wounded, he said. announced forming a special Steve Plain said he has no ratism, although they were mil- They protested when I visited accountability for rights abuses. Sirisena has relaxed restric- unit to defend itself against alle- immediate plans for any new itarily conquered by May 2009 London last month,” Sirisena International rights groups tions on the former war zones in gations of grave rights abuses adventures and is looking following a no-holds-barred said, referring to his participation have said that at least 40,000 the island’s north and east, and during the final stages of the forward to spending time offensive. at the Commonwealth summit. Tamil civilians were killed by released much of the ethnic war. with his family. Plain, 36, scaled Mount Everest earlier in the week, completing his mission to scale the seven summits in 117 days. He flew North Korea demands to Kathmandu from Everest yesterday. “Go home and enjoy a bit South to send back of R and R at the moment, which I am looking forward to,” Plain told reporters when restaurant workers asked about his plans.

AP permanent peace. More sub- Two N Koreans stantial discussions over the SEOUL: North Korea yesterday North’s nuclear weapons are defect to reiterated its demands for South expected between Kim and Korea to send back 12 North Trump in a meeting planned for South: Yonhap Korean restaurant workers who June 12 in Singapore. AFP came to the South in 2016, The North’s Red Cross saying such a move would accused South Korean officials demonstrate Seoul’s willingness of evading responsibility and SEOUL: Two North Koreans to improve relations. betraying the spirit of last defected to the South across The statement by North month’s inter-Korean summit. the Yellow Sea yesterday, a Protesters gather in front of a department store to mark the anniversary of a deadly army crackdown Korea’s Red Cross came a week It said Seoul should South Korean news report on an anti-government protest in 2010, in central Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. after Seoul said it would look “severely punish those involved said, citing a government more closely into the circum- in the case, send our women source. stances surrounding the citizens to their families without “A small boat was spotted women’s arrival following a delay and thus show the will to in waters off the north of Hundreds in Bangkok mark 8th media report that suggested improve the North-South ties.” Baengnyeong Island” near the some of them might have been Seoul had previously said it suf- inter-Korean border, the brought to the South against ficiently confirmed the source told Yonhap news anniversary of army crackdown their will. women’s free will in escaping agency. “They expressed will- Earlier in the week, North from the North and resettling ingness to defect,” he said. REUTERS order, but critics accuse it of been prosecuted for the Korea canceled a high-level in the South. North Korea had A Korea Coast Guard holding on to power longer than crackdown and deaths. “There meeting with the South over been accusing South Korea of official said relevant author- BANGKOK: Hundreds of people necessary by repeatedly is still no justice from what hap- US-South Korean military exer- abducting the women, who ities were investigating the gathered in Bangkok yesterday delaying the date of a general pened in 2010,” said Sombat cises and threatened to call off were working in China. case, declining to give details. to mark the anniversary of a election which is now tenta- Boonngamanong, a prominent a planned summit between its Television network JTBC One of the men was ini- deadly army crackdown on an tively set for February 2019. red shirt activist. Others spoke leader, Kim Jong-Un, and Pres- aired an interview earlier this tially identified as a soldier anti-government protest in 2010 At the event in Bangkok about the current, military ident Donald Trump. month of a man it said was the due to a misunderstanding that killed 91 people and injured yesterday, around 200 administration. The cancellation cooled manager of a restaurant in and the government later cor- hundreds, as pressure builds on members of the United Front “We still feel robbed because what had been an unusual China where the women had rected its statement to say the ruling junta to hold a general for Democracy Against Dicta- of the coup,” said a 49-year- old flurry of diplomatic moves from been working. they were both civilians, election. torship (UDD) group, known as woman who only wanted to be Pyongyang following a provoc- The man, who’s now also in Yonhap said. The gathering took place just the “red shirts”, lit candles and identified at Noi. “Our country is ative year of nuclear and South Korea, said he carried out It is the first defection by days before the fourth anni- laid flowers at a major inter- going backwards,” she said. The missile tests. the escape under plans any North Korean since a his- versary of a May 2014 coup that section, where the weeks-long 2010 protest stemmed from a Kim met with South Korean arranged by South Korea’s toric summit between the two ousted a civilian government street demonstration came to long-running rivalry between President Moon Jae-in in a his- National Intelligence Service Koreas which saw their and as the junta faces a growing a bloody end. supporters of populist former, toric summit on April 27 where and that the women were leaders agree to pursue the public perception crisis. Activists yesterday chanted: ousted prime minister Thaksin they issued a vague vow for the brought along without denuclearisation of the The military says the 2014 “People were killed here”. Shinawatra and the pro-military, “complete denuclearization” of knowledge of where they were peninsula and a permanent coup was necessary to restore No group or individual has conservative establishment. their peninsula and pledged going. peace. 14 EUROPE SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle AP

WINDSOR: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gazed into each other’s eyes and pledged their lifelong love yesterday as they married in front of hundreds of royals, celebrities and friends at St. George’s Chapel and millions of TV viewers around the world. The pretty English town of Windsor sparkled on a warm spring day as tens of thousands of people jammed its quaint roads and parks to capture their own part of the spectacular yet elegant royal wedding extravaganza. To kick off the festivities, Britain’s Sophie, Countess of Wessex (second left); Queen Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth II honoured her II; Prince Philip (second right); and Britain’s Princess Anne (right) red-headed, 33-year-old during the wedding. grandson with a new title: the heartfelt emotion. The musical Duke of Sussex, making Markle selections also included versions the Duchess of Sussex. of Ben E King’s “Stand By Me” The wedding was a global and Etta James’ “Amen/This Little event, thanks to Harry’s status Queen Elizabeth II Light of Mine.” as a senior British royal and Mar- honoured her red- A host of celebrities and ath- kle’s celebrity after starring on letes — including Oprah Winfrey, the US television series “Suits” headed, 33-year-old Idris Elba, Elton John, George and for seven years. Its pomp and grandson, Prince Amal Clooney, Serena Williams, ceremony embraced the couple’s Harry, with a new title: James Corden and David and Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex emerge from the west trans-Atlantic union, mixing the Duke of Sussex, Victoria Beckham — watched door of St George’s Chapel, at Windsor Castle, after their wedding ceremony, in Windsor, yesterday. Anglican prayers and tradition, from the seats in the Gothic mas- BELOW: Well-wishers gather outside Windsor Castle ahead of the wedding and carriage procession. classical music and a gospel making Markle the terpiece at Windsor Castle. choir with a stately horse-drawn Duchess of Sussex. As the newest royal couple Harry’s sister-in-law’s family: carriage ride through Windsor emerged from the chapel, they Parents Carole and Michael Mid- in a spectacle beamed live to tens kissed. The crowd roared — and dleton, sister Pippa Middleton of millions. that had sparked British bets just kept cheering — as Harry and brother James Middleton. The American actress before the wedding. helped his wife fold her 5 metre Harry’s former girlfriend embraced her new British role Markle walked down the long train into the Ascot Landau Chelsy Davy was there, as was in a sleek white silk boat-necked aisle alone at first, then was carriage as they began their pro- Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of dress designed by British accompanied by Prince Charles cession through the streets of York, the former wife of Harry’s designer Clare Waight Keller. and 10 young page boys and Windsor. uncle Prince Andrew. Her sheer veil — down to her bridesmaids. As his father and Police said more than Irene Bowdry, a lawyer from waist in front and billowing for his bride drew close to the altar, 100,000 people lined the route. California, was among those who what seemed like miles behind Harry said: “Thank you, Pa.” The open-topped carriage jammed the early train to her — carried floral references To Markle, Harry said: “You was pulled by four Windsor Grey Windsor. She booked her trip to to all 53 countries in the Com- look amazing.” horses and past crowds waving England as soon as the wedding monwealth, the group of coun- Markle seemed poised and flags and holding cellphones date was announced. tries that roughly corresponds to confident as she delivered her aloft. The newlyweds smiled and It is a time of transition for the former British Empire and is vows without so much as a practiced what royals must be the British monarchy, one that headed by Markle’s new grand- quiver in her voice. She smiled very good at: waving and waving seems filled with hope as William mother’s premature death. for 200 people was being thrown mother-in-law, the queen. broadly as the Archbishop of and waving to the crowds. and Harry — the two sons of The family tableau played by Charles. The palace said, in addition Canterbury Justin Welby Relatives in the ceremony Charles and the late Princess out on the broadest possible Harry invited buddies from to the Commonwealth flowers, declared them husband and wife. included 4-year-old Prince Diana— step ever more confi- stage. Dozens of broadcasters set his 10 years of military service Markle also selected two other Harry seemed a bit nervous - but George and 3-year-old Princess dently into the limelight. up on the castle grounds for a and from many of the charities plants on the veil: Wintersweet happy. Charlotte, children of William And it seems to be a time of visual feast. The chapel itself is he supports, which have and, in a nod to the bride’s birth- The sermon offered a partic- and the Duchess of Cambridge. joy for 92-year-old queen and a masterpiece of the late Gothic focused on helping wounded place, the California poppy. ularly rousing US touch, with the Other relatives at the church her 96-year-old husband, Prince style, and Windsor Castle has veterans or encouraging a more Harry and best man Prince leader of the Episcopal Church included Charles Spencer, the Philip, who was well enough to been home to British sovereigns open discussion of mental William wore white gloves and quoting civil rights leader Martin brother of Harry’s late mother attend. The queen was able to see for nearly 1,000 years. health issues. the frock coat uniforms of the Luther King Jr on the Princess Diana, and Harry’s her grandson marry a woman In the afternoon at the castle, In honour of Harry’s mother Blues and Royals military reg- “redemptive power of love.” cousins Zara Tindall and Prin- who clearly has brought him the the queen was hosting the first Diana, her older sister Jane Fel- iment. Harry kept his full red The Most Rev. Michael Bruce cesses Beatrice and Eugenie. happiness he’s often said was of two receptions. Yesterday lowes gave a reading during the beard intact - a style decision Curry delivered the sermon with Also in attendance was missing from his life after his night, a second, smaller reception wedding service.

UN, EU call for Italian Populists give global action to protect bees public say on draft deal AFP BLOOMBERG

BRDO CASTLE: The United ROME: Italians are having a Nation’s food agency and the say on the populist coalition’s European Union yesterday policy programme this called for global action to weekend in an improvised protect pollinators, and bees ballot organized by the anti- in particular, which are immigration League, potentially crucial for ensuring food moving the country closer to a security. government. “It is not possible to have Party leader Matteo Salvini food security if we don’t have (pictured), 45, is giving Italians pollinators,” the head of the a say on the draft deal, though UN’s Food and Agricultural his staff have boiled the Organization, Jose Graziano 58-page agenda down to just da Silva, told a conference in one page and 10 key areas, Slovenia ahead of the first- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (left) and Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos discuss the omitting his would-be partner’s and stocks triggered by reports ever World Bee Day. developments on the name dispute with Macedonia, in Athens, Greece, yesterday. top policy plank: a minimum about the coalition’s spending Pollinators, such as bees, income for poorer citizens. plans and rejection of EU birds, bats, butterflies and The key action will be budget rules. beetles “are responsible for Greece urges Macedonia to revise constitution behind the scenes, as Salvini Five Star supporters voted most of the crops and food and Five Star leader Luigi Di on the coalition pact in an AFP that we eat,” he added statement. The name dispute briefing from Tsipras. Maio, 31, try to agree on a can- online ballot organised by the yesterday. ATHENS: A 27-year name row between the two countries “We were discussing didate to lead their adminis- party on Friday. More than 94 To cope with the impact between Greece and Mace- dates back to 1991, when many options and we agreed tration before a rendezvous percent were in favour. of pesticides, shrinking forest donia cannot be resolved Skopje declared independence on one that is acceptable for with President Sergio Mattarella After Salvini met the League areas and reducing wildlife, without consitutional revision from war-torn Yugoslavia. both sides,” Zaev said on tomorrow. leadership in Milan, the League the world needs to find “ways in the neighbouring country, Athens objects to the Thursday, without giving At a party event in the said it would go further and to increase, preserve biodi- Greek Prime Minister Alexis neighbouring state’s constitu- further detail. northern town of Ivrea yes- open up its consultation to eve- versity,” he said. Tsipras said yesterday amid tional name, Republic of Mac- Reference to Ilinden, a terday, Di Maio voiced confi- ryone. The ballots are being To underline the impor- hopes for a June deal. edonia, because Greece has its 1903 uprising against the dence that the ballot will back tallied by the party. tance of the issue, and fol- Two days after a closely own northern province called Ottoman Empire and a key the coalition deal and “we’ll The League’s description of lowing a Slovenian proposal, watched meeting with his Mac- Macedonia, and fears it may event for Macedonia’s national resolve the premier issue as the programme includes the UN has named May 20 as edonia counterpart Zoran Zaev, imply territorial ambitions. identity, is apparently aimed at well.” scrapping a pension reform that World Bee Day, as it marked Tsipras said a constitutional In an apparent attempt to securing support from Zaev’s “That is the real issue,” raised the retirement age, the birthday of Anton Jansa revision to eliminate “all forms break the impasse, Zaev sug- nationalist opponents in par- Wolfango Piccoli, a political blocking immigrants arriving (1734-1773), a Slovenian of irredentism” was a “nec- gested to Tsipras a new name liament towards a possible analyst at Teneo Intelligence on Italy’s coasts and a flat tax pioneer in modern essary precondition.” proposal — Republic of Ilinden deal. in London, said earlier. “If for families and companies. beekeeping. “As regards the debate sur- Macedonia. “In these negotiations, you there is no deal on the team, There’s no mention of a The UN has warned that rounding (Macedonia’s) name, “The prime minister and either agree on everything or the agreement will come “citizen’s income” for the poor 40 percent of invertebrate the government will not enter Zoran Zaev are discussing the on nothing,” Tsipras said yes- down.” at $920 a month, a flagship Five pollinators — particularly more specific talks if the above name ‘Ilinden Macedonia’,” terday, leaving open the pos- The populist duo are due to Star promise that the League bees and butterflies — risk requirements are not fulfilled main opposition leader Kyr- sibility of a new meeting with report to the president after a denounced as a handout during global extinction. first,” Tsipras’ office said in a iakos Mitsotakis said, after a Zaev in early June. week of turmoil in Italian bonds the election campaign. SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 EUROPE 15 Russia unveils floating nuclear power station

AFP “The idea is to have low- capacity, mobile power plants MURMANSK: To meet its that can be used in the Russian growing electricity needs in its Rosatom chief Alexei Arctic where large amounts of drive to develop oil resources in electricity aren’t needed” and the remote Arctic regions, Russia has Likhachev hailed the construction of a conventional built a floating nuclear power new power station power station would be compli- station, a project that detractors as “a new world cated and costly, said Sergei deride as a “Chernobyl on ice”. first,” which he said Kondratyev at the Institute for Built in Saint Petersburg, the Energy and Finance in Moscow. Akademik Lomonosov is cur- “underlines the “The alternatives are coal, rently moored in Murmansk undoubted leading gas and diesel. But diesel is very where it is being loaded with role of Rosatom and costly,” he said, while the gas nuclear fuel before heading to needs to be delivered as liquefied eastern Siberia. the Russian nuclear natural gas or LNG. Yesterday, head of state energy sector on the Vitaly Trutnev, who is in The floating power unit, Akademik Lomonosov, is being towed to Atomflot moorage of the Russian nuclear power firm Rosatom global agenda.” charge of the construction and northern port city of Murmansk, yesterday. unveiled the brown-and- operation of floating nuclear mustard-painted facility in the power stations at Rosatom, said group Greenpeace are not con- Akademik Lomonosov is being icebreakers and submarines. city’s estuary as an orchestra are similar to those used to such units would “supply elec- vinced and call for international fuelled near Murmansk, a city of “But it is a new piece of played the national anthem. power icebreaker ships. tricity and heat to the most monitoring. 300,000, before being towed equipment. There may be con- Rosatom chief Alexei The Akademik Lomonosov remote regions, supporting also They fear that the Akademik across the Arctic. cerns among the general pop- Likhachev hailed the new power will be towed in the summer of growth and sustainable Lomonosov could become a “Its installation in the tough ulace, but there are additional station as “a new world first,” 2019 to the port of Pevek in the development.” “nuclear Titanic” or a “Chernobyl environment of the Russian risks compared to nuclear power which he said “underlines the autonomous Chukotka region in He said use of such floating on ice” 32 years after the Soviet Arctic will pose a constant threat plants,” he said. undoubted leading role of Russia’s extreme northeast. reactors can save 50,000 tonnes nuclear disaster. for residents of the north and the Rosatom chief Likhachev Rosatom and the Russian nuclear The barge can produce of carbon dioxide emissions per Greenpeace Russia’s Rashid Arctic’s pristine nature,” said said that the corporation hopes energy sector on the global enough electricity to power a year. Alimov said that accidents are Haverkamp. to build more such barges and to agenda.” town of 200,000 residents, far The Akademik Lomonosov possible at all nuclear power The barge had initially been find Asian clients in need of “I hope today will be a sym- more than the 5,000 live in Rus- is set to replace an ageing plants, but that the barge “will scheduled to be fuelled in Saint power in remote regions, giving bolic day for the Arctic,” sia’s northernmost town. nuclear reactor and a coal-fired be especially sensitive to storms, Petersburg, but that work was the examples of Indonesia and Likhachev said, adding that But Akademik Lomonosov power plant which are both environmental phenomena and moved to Murmansk instead due Philippines. Rosatom “is setting a trend, a isn’t in Pevek to just keep the located in Chukotka. threats such as terrorism.” to concern in countries along the “In certain cases a floating demand for medium-capacity lights on in homes. Trutnev said the barge has He said a shift to more Baltic Sea. nuclear power plant is more nuclear facilities, mobile facil- As Russia is forced to push “the latest security systems and numerous small reactors would Kondratyev at the Institute for cost-effective than other electric ities, for many decades ahead.” further north into the Arctic in should be one of the safest pose risks for proliferation of Energy and Finance in Moscow power plants ... it has its own The 144-by-30-metre barge the search for oil and gas, it nuclear installations in the nuclear material. downplayed safety concerns niche,” Kondratyev said. holds two reactors with two 35 needs electricity in far-flung world.” Greenpeace nuclear expert about the barge, insisting it met He said China is also building megawatt nuclear reactors that locations. Activists at the environmental Jan Haverkamp noted that the the same safety rules as nuclear a floating nuclear power plant.

Gunmen dead New Catalan leader names former ministers to govt after Russian AFP Catalan government declared Torra’s appointment marks handpicked by Puigdemont, He appeared flanked only by church attack independence. the end of nearly seven months described himself as a “caretaker a Catalan flag, without the tra- AP BARCELONA: Catalonia’s new Torra — who was elected by of political limbo in the north- president” who considers Puig- ditional Spanish flag and portrait President Quim Torra yesterday the Catalan parliament on eastern Spanish region, which demont as the “legitimate” of the king that protocol states named two former ministers, Monday and sworn in on has been under direct rule from leader. must be present, in a small side- MOSCOW: Four gunmen jailed by Madrid for backing Thursday — named 13 “advisors” Madrid since the central gov- In a brief swearing-in cer- room of the regional government attacked an Orthodox church independence from Spain, to his government, including ernment deposed Puigdemont emony on Thursday, Torra building in Barcelona. in the Russian province of together with two others who Jordi Turull and Josep Rull who following a failed declaration of promised to “loyally fulfil the Spanish Foreign Minister Chechnya, but were killed by fled into exile, to his regional are currently being held in independence on October 27. duties of the post of regional Alfonso Dastis criticised the cer- security forces in a clash government. custody just outside Madrid. Puigdemont is currently in president being faithful to the emony, saying it was done “on yesterday that also left two Torra appointed his gov- Two others, Toni Comin and Berlin awaiting potential extra- will of the Catalan people rep- the sly”, as if Torra “were a policemen and a churchgoer ernment by decree, but it could Lluis Puig, are in exile in dition to Spain, where he faces resented by the Catalan second-rate president”. dead. still be blocked by Spain, which Belgium, where they fled with jail on charges of rebellion and parliament.” Puigdemont, who first fled Chechnya’s Moscow- has insisted his administration deposed Catalan leader Carles misuse of public funds. But he did not promise to to Belgium, was detained in backed regional leader, be “legal and viable” after it Puigdemont. Torra, a 55-year-old editor obey the Spanish Constitution Germany in March after Spain Ramzan Kadyrov, said the imposed direct rule on the region Turull and Rull both accepted who has long campaigned for nor the statute that regulates issued a European arrest warrant gunmen attacked the Arch- in October when the then their nominations on Twitter. independence and was Catalonia’s autonomy. against him. angel Michael Church in the center of Grozny. The Investigative Com- mittee, Russia’s top investi- gative agency, said two police Researchers confirm officers were killed and another two were wounded in the clash. Hitler died in 1945 One churchgoer also died dead and another one was AFP Fuhrer, which showed a hole wounded. on the left side which was in all PARIS: Adolf Hitler definitely probability caused by the died in 1945 in Berlin, from passage of a bullet. France train station taking cyanide and a bullet, The scientists were not according to French researchers authorised to take samples evacuated due who were given rare access to from this fragment. fragments of the dictator’s teeth As it stands, the fragment’s to suspicious bag held in Moscow. morphology was “totally com- REUTERS “The teeth are authentic, parable” to radiographies of Hit- there is no possible doubt. Our ler’s skull taken a year before his study proves that Hitler died in death, the research found. MARSEILLES: French 1945,” professor Philippe If this study confirms the authorities briefly evacuated Charlier said. “We can stop all generally accepted view that Marseilles train station the conspiracy theories about Hitler died on the 30 April, 1945, yesterday, as they arrested a Hitler. He did not flee to in his Berlin bunker with his man seen behaving suspi- Argentina in a submarine, he is companion Eva Braun, it does ciously in the area. not in a hidden base in Ant- also shed new light on the exact Soldiers had been alerted arctica or on the dark side of causes of death, Charlier said. to him due to the fact that he the moon.” “We didn’t know if he had Street Music Day had a bag containing batteries The study, which Charlier co- used an ampule of cyanide to People trying to play drums during a “Street Music Day” at the Cathedral Square, in Vilnius, Lithuania, and electric cables, although authored with four other kill himself or whether it was a yesterday. the individual denied they researchers, was published in the bullet in the head. It’s in all were explosive devices, said scientific magazine European probability both,” he said. police. Journal of Internal Medicine. The examination of the The analysis of Hitler’s bad teeth did not find any traces of teeth and numerous dentures powder, which indicates there found white tartar deposits and was not a revolver shot to the no traces of meat fibre — the mouth, more likely the neck or Germany’s migration-related costs at $92bn through 2022 dictator was vegetarian, the forehead. REUTERS Charlier said. Equally, bluish deposits document drafted by the account for about $24.7bn integrate over a million migrants In March and July 2017, seen on his false teeth could German Finance Ministry which through 2022, with another $15.3 who entered the country in 2015 Russia’s secret service the FSB indicate a “chemical reaction BERLIN: Germany expects to estimates federal spending of to be spent on language courses and 2016 after a key decision by and the Russian state archives between the cyanide and the spend around $92bn on around $82.5 through 2022, plus and other integrative measures, German Chancellor Angela Merkel authorised a team of metal of the dentures,” the migration-related issues through an additional $9.4bn that the the magazine cited the doc- that has hit her popularity. researchers to examine the researcher said. 2022, including $36.5 to combat federal government agreed to ument as saying. A public backlash against the bones of the dictator, for the Charlier, a specialist in the root causes driving people transfer to states and local com- Processing, registration and decision helped catapult the far- first time since 1946, he said. medical and legal anthropology, to leave their homes and head munities to cover their costs accommodations for refugees right, eurosceptic Alternative for The French team was able was also involved in the to Europe, Der Spiegel magazine through 2021. would cost $5.9bn, according to Germany (AfD) party into the to look at a skull fragment pre- analysis of the mummified reported yesterday. Social payments to migrants the estimate. lower house of parliament in the sented as being from the heart of Richard Lionheart. The magazine cited a in Germany are projected to German is working to September national elections. 16 AMERICAS SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 Cuba mourns as 107 dead in plane crash AFP Built in 1979, the plane was leased from a small Mexican HAVANA: Cuba began two days company, Global Air, also known of national mourning yesterday Mexico said it was as Aerolineas Damoj. for victims of the crash of a state Mexico said it was sending airways plane that killed almost sending two civil two civil aviation specialists to all of its 110 passengers and crew. aviation specialists help in the investigation. The six Three women pulled alive to help in the crew members were Mexican from the mangled wreckage are nationals. the only known survivors. investigation. The six Boeing issued a statement President Miguel Diaz-Canel crew members were saying that a “technical team said an investigation was under Mexican nationals. stands ready to assist” and way into Friday’s crash of the offered condolences to friends nearly 40-year-old Boeing 737, and relatives of the victims. leased to the national carrier flight from Havana to the eastern Diaz-Canel, who succeeded Cubana de Aviacion by a Mexican city of Holguin. Most of the 104 Castro as the communist island’s company. passengers were Cuban, with five leader only last month, appeared Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel (centre) arrives at the Institute of Legal Medicine to meet relatives The Boeing crashed shortly foreigners, including two Argen- aghast as he surveyed the of the victims of a plane that crashed, in Havana, yesterday. after taking off from Havana’s tines, among them. recovery efforts, wearing a Jose Marti airport, coming down The plane was almost com- short-sleeved shirt and sur- the unexpected disappearance sudden, it made a turn, and went attendants and a maintenance in a field near the airport and pletely destroyed in the crash rounded by officials. of loved ones.” down. We were all amazed.” technician. sending a thick column of acrid and subsequent fire. What Castro sent his condolences The plane took off from Yasniel Diaz, a 21-year-old In Mexico City, anguished rel- smoke into the air. appeared to be one of the wings to families bereaved in the “cat- Havana at 12:0 pm (1608 GMT) musician, said the pilot appeared atives and colleagues of the crew The mourning period was to of the plane was wedged among astrophic accident,” a statement on Friday heading for Holguin, to attempt an emergency gathered outside the company’s last to midnight on Sunday, the scorched tree trunks, but almost read, as Russian President 670km to the east. landing, but crashed instead. offices demanding information . Communist Party leader and nothing remained of the main Vladimir Putin and a string of From the supermarket where “The explosion shook every- Global Air had the necessary former president Raul Castro fuselage. Latin American leaders also he works near the airport, Jose thing,” he said. “I started running, permits to lease it, and had said. Cuban authorities have not expressed sympathy. Luis, 49, said he saw the plane I was so afraid.” passed inspections in November Flags were flown at half- said whether they have Pope Francis asked the lifting off before it banked and Global Air said the plane was last year said the company, mast throughout the country. recovered the plane’s black box church in Cuba to convey con- plunged to the ground. flying with a crew of six Mexicans which has a fleet of three planes, The plane was on a domestic flight recorders. dolences to families “who mourn “I saw it taking off. All of a — the pilot, co-pilot, three flight all Boeing 737s.

Mexico’s presidential frontrunner vows to hit back at Trump’s tweets AFP responsibility for answering people. We don’t want confron- immigrants as lawbreakers and Lopez Obrador promised a president that he wanted to sell him,” said Lopez Obrador, a tations with him, but we are offenders, and vowing to build a change in strategy if he wins the him Mexico’s presidential plane, MEXICO City: The fiery leftist former Mexico City mayor who going to ask him to respect us,” wall on the border. election. a plush Boeing Dreamliner pur- leading the race for Mexican has a double-digit lead in most he said at a campaign rally in the Mexico’s current President The candidate, who is chased by the previous gov- president, Andres Manuel Lopez opinion polls heading into the town of Huajuapan, in the Enrique Pena Nieto has rarely making his third bid at the pres- ernment of which he is fond of Obrador, vowed to hit back at US July 1 election. southern state of Oaxaca. answered his counterpart’s idency, is only an occasional saying, “Not even Trump has a President Donald Trump if he “I think (Trump) is going to Trump has regularly attacked Twitter outbursts, and his foreign tweeter — though he has plane like that!” insults Mexico on Twitter. understand he has to get himself Mexico on Twitter since launching ministry regularly insists Mexico increased his use of social media Lopez Obrador, widely “If he makes an offensive under control, that he can’t go his presidential campaign in 2015 will not discuss diplomatic during his campaign. known by his initials, “AMLO,” is tweet, I’m going to take around offending the Mexican by referring to Mexican matters on social media. In April, he tweeted to the US a divisive figure in Mexico. BREAK TIME CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER A Wrinkle In Time 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40pm & 12:00midnight Nadigaiyar Thilagam (2D/Tamil) 2:30pm Avengers: Infinity War(2D/Action) 12:00noon, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00pm Uncle (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 11:00pm & 12:00midnight A Wrinkle In Time (2D/Adventure) 3:00 & 9:00pm Life Of The Party (2D/Comedy) 12:00noon, 2:15, 3:30, 4:30, 6:45, 8:45, Bascar Oru Rascal (2D/Tamil) 8:30pm 9:00 & 11:15pm Nous Jawaza (2D) 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Downrange (2D) 12:00noon, 1:00, 4:00, 6:15, 8:00, 11:30pm & 12:00midnight Nous Jawaza (2D/Arabic) 9:30pm Breaking In (2D/Thriller) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00midnight Kaali (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm Terminal (2D/Thriller) 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Downrange (2D/Thriller) 11:30pm Qosty Byogaani (2D) 2:00, 6:10 & 10:20pm Horoub Moufajee (2D/Arabic) 12:00noon, 4:10 & 8:20pm Bent (2D/Action) 2:15, 6:30 & 11:00pm ASIAN TOWN Overboard (2D/Comedy) 12:00noon, 4:15 & 8:30pm Uncle (2D/Malayalam) 7:30, 10:15 & 10:45pm Rampage (2D/Action) 2:15, 6:45 & 11:15pm Nadigaiyara Thilagam (Tamil) 7:00, 10:00 & 10:15pm I Feel Pretty (2D/Comedy) 12:00noon, 4:30 & 9:00pm Kaali (Tamil) 8:00pm Avengers: Infinity War (3D/IMAX /Action) 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30pm & 12:30am ROXY MALL Avengers: Infinity War (2D/Action) 7:30 & 10:30pm Uncle (2D/Malayalam 2:30 & 11:00pm Uncle (Malayalam) 1:00 & 7:00pm Bhaskar Oru Rascal (2D/Tamil) 2:30 & 8:30pm A Wrinkle In Time (Adventure) 1:30, 3:20, 7:00, 9:20 & 11:40pm Raazi (2D/Hindi) 2:45 & 8:30pm Nadigaiyara Thilagam (2D/Tamil) 1:00, 3:50, 7:00 & 9:50pm A Wrinkle In Time (2D/Adventure) 9:00pm Bhaskar Oru Rascal (2D/Tamil) 3:50 & 9:50pm Kaali (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm Downrange (2D/Thriller) 11:30pm AL KHOR Uncle (Malayalam) 11:45am LANDMARK Wrinkle In Time (Adventure) 10:30am, 12:45 & 8:45pm Raazi (2D/Hindi) 11:30 & 11:30pm Nadigaiyar Thilagam (2D/Tamil) 2:30pm Nadigaiyara Thilagam (2D/Tamil) 2:45 & 11:00pm Raazi (2D/Hindi) 2:45pm Irumbu Thirai (2D/Tamil) 2:15pm Kaali (Tamil) 3:00 & 11:15pm Uncle (2D/Malayalam 8:30 & 11:00pm A Wrinkle In Time (2D/Adventure) 3:00p & 9:00m

Bhaskar Oru Rascal (2D/Tamil) 8:30pm Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. Kaali (2D/Tamil) 11:15pm Nous Jawaza (2D/Arabic) 11:15pm

FLIK Mirqab DOWNRANGE

A Wrinkle In Time 3:50, 6:05, 8:20, 10:35 & 11:00pm Avengers: Infinity War 2:40, 3:25, 4:40, 5:45, 6:20, 7:35, 8:30, 9:15, 10:30, 11:25pm & 12:10am Uncle 3:15, 6:25, 9:25pm & 12:20am Breaking In 8:45pm Nadigaiyar Thilagam 5:50, 9:45 & 10:40pm Life of The Party 3:35pm Isle of Dogs 3:00pm Incredible Story of The Giant Pear 2:35, 6:20, 5:10 & 8:00pm Masha And The Bear 6:05, 7:00 & 9:15pm

Stranded at the side of the road after a tire blowout, a group of friends become targets for an enigmatic sniper. SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 AMERICAS 17 US pushes ahead with Mideast peace plan

AP and calls for restraint from Europe and elsewhere. WASHINGTON: The Trump The US declined to join those administration is aiming to roll The prospect of calls and, while regretting the out its much-hyped but long- loss of life, opposed efforts at the delayed Middle East peace plan Palestinian interest UN to open an international next month amid signs it may in the peace proposal investigation into the violence. further alienate the Palestinians appears dim, Trump’s recognition of Jeru- by slashing millions of dollars salem as Israel’s capital, the in funding for humanitarian and however, particularly embassy move and the admin- development projects in the since Palestinian istration’s unreserved defense West Bank and Gaza. leader Mahmoud of Israeli Prime Minister Ben- Five US officials and a con- Abbas recalled the jamin Netanyahu’s policies have gressional aide said the admin- alienated and angered the Pal- istration intends to release the mission’s chief earlier estinian leadership, which peace plan in mid- to late-June, this week to protest accuses the administration of Showing sympathy shortly after the end of the Monday’s opening of abandoning its role as a neutral Residents bring memorial items to Santa Fe High School after ten people were killed when a teenage Muslim Holy month of the new US Embassy arbiter in the conflict. Ramadan, although they cau- Saeb Erekat, the chief Pal- classmate armed with a shotgun and a revolver opened fire at the school on Friday, in Texas, yesterday. tioned that the timing could slip in Jerusalem. estinian negotiator, said any depending on developments in deal needs to be between the the region. They said the plan’s Liberation Organization office Palestinians and Israel - not the main authors — President in Washington because Green- US. “I don’t need Jason Green- Donald Trump’s son-in-law and blatt and Kushner want to keep blatt. I don’t need Kushner,” senior adviser Jared Kushner that channel open in case the Erekat said. “It’s our lives.” Melania Trump and Trump’s special envoy for Palestinians are open to re- That sense of betrayal may US accuses Maduro & party international negotiations Jason entering negotiations with Israel deepen significantly this summer leaves hospital Greenblatt — have already based on the plan. as millions of dollars in US official of drug profiteering begun quietly briefing select The office was ordered assistance to Palestinians appears after surgery REUTERS allies and partners on elements closed by former Secretary of likely to be cut and the funds re- against Maduro as he prepares AP of the proposal. State Rex Tillerson last allocated to other regions. for Venezuela’s controversial Yet, any Palestinian will- November, but has been allowed That money has been on WASHINGTON: The United presidential elections today. ingness to even consider the to stay open for limited purposes hold since last year and existing States accused Venezuelan “As of March 2017, Cabello WASHINGTON: Melania plan would require conditions under the administration’s inter- funding for some projects will President Nicolas Maduro and seized drug loads from small- Trump returned to the White to improve and anger to subside pretation of the law requiring it start to run out in just months if the No. 2 official in the coun- scale drug traffickers, and House yesterday following a considerably in the coming to be shut down in the absence it is not approved in the next two try’s ruling party of profiting combined and exported them weeklong hospitalisation for weeks, an unlikely scenario as of peace talks. weeks. from illegal narcotics ship- through a Venezuelan gov- kidney treatment. the Palestinians say evidence of The prospect of Palestinian If that does not happen, the ments, the first time that Wash- ernment-owned airport,” the Her spokeswoman, one-sided Trump giveaways to interest in the peace proposal State Department and the US ington has publicly linked US Treasury said in a Stephanie Grisham, has Israel continues to pile up. appears dim, however, partic- Agency for International Devel- Maduro to the drug trade. statement. declined to release additional US allies in Europe and the ularly since Palestinian leader opment will have to notify aid The United States has “Cabello, along with Pres- details, citing Mrs Trump’s Persian Gulf also have felt com- Mahmoud Abbas recalled the recipients that continued US already imposed sanctions ident Maduro and others, right to privacy. pelled to criticise the adminis- mission’s chief earlier this week funding is not forthcoming and against Maduro for human divided proceeds from these “The First Lady returned tration for its approach. to protest Monday’s opening of those programmes will begin to rights abuses and blamed him narcotics shipments.” home to the White House this Ostensibly, Trump would new US Embassy in Jerusalem. be shut down. Local staffers for Venezuela’s current eco- The US Treasury on Friday morning. She is resting com- need buy-in from those same The embassy move is said would be laid off and US offi- nomic and political crises. imposed sanctions against fortably and remains in high countries to build enough to have contributed to violent cials running the projects would But the narcotics trade Cabello, his wife, Marleny spirits. Our office has momentum for any peace plan protests in Gaza that were met be reassigned elsewhere. charge, leveled in a US Treasury Josefina Contreras, who heads received thousands of calls to succeed. with deadly force from Israel. “The administration is cur- statement justifying sanctions the country’s tourism institute, and emails wishing Mrs The administration has been Nearly 60 Palestinians were rently reviewing US assistance on Socialist Party official and his brother, Jose David, Trump well, and we thank resisting congressional demands killed on Monday by Israeli to the Palestinians,” USAID said Diosdado Cabello, sharpened accusing him of “extorting everyone who has taken the to fully close the Palestine forces, drawing condemnations in a statement. Washington’s accusations money for personal gains.” time to reach out.” 18 HOME SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018 MORNING BREAK 19

PRAYER TIMINGS Japanese drama wins Cannes’ Palme d’Or FAJR 03. 21 AM SHOROOK 04. 47 AM AP Some changes were swift. Just days traveling outside Iran since he was later, with Blanchett’s jury looking on, arrested for participating in “propa- ZUHR 11. 30 AM MAGHRIB 06. 17 PM PARIS: Japanese director Hizokazu Cannes’ Artistic Director Thierry ganda against the regime” in 2010 after ASR 02. 56 PM ISHA 07. 47 PM Kore-eda’s (pictured) tender portrait Fremaux signed a pledge to make the supporting mass protests over the coun- of a poor, improvised family “Shop- festival’s selection process more trans- try’s disputed 2009 election. Both lifters” has won the Palme d’Or, the top parent and promised other measures Panahi and Russia’s Kirill Serebren- WEATHER TODAY award at the Cannes Film Festival. to improve the festival’s record of nikov were unable to attend their At the closing ceremony yesterday including female filmmakers. Three of Cannes premieres because they are for the 71st Cannes, the Cate Blanchett- this year’s 21 films in competition were barred from traveling out of their home led jury selected one of the festival’s directed by women. countries. Seats were left earlier empty most acclaimed entries, one hailed as Polish filmmaker Pawel Paw- Panahi and Serebrennikov, who a modest masterpiece from a veteran likowski took best director for his received standing ovations in absentia. filmmaker renowned for his delicate follow-up to the Oscar-winning “Ida,” A “Palme d’Or Speciale,” a special touch. “Shoplifters” is about a small- ‘’Cold War.” Like “Ida,” ‘’Cold War” is a award not previously awarded, was time thief who takes a young, alone girl black-and-white period film that delves given to Jean-Luc Godard for “contin- home to his family; after seeing scars into Polish history. The first Polish film ually striving to define and refine what from abuse, they decide to keep her and in Cannes’s competition in 37 years, cinema can be,” said Blanchett. Godard’s raise her as their own. “Cold War” is about an up-and-down “Image Book” is a film essay collage that While many speculated that the film to modern day with real footage romance in post-war Poland and Paris, contemplates the West’s relationship Cate Blanchett-led jury might award from last year’s violent white behind and outside the Soviet Iron to the Arab world. The 87-year-old only the second Palme d’Or to a film supremacist march in Charlottesville, Curtain. French filmmaking legend called into directed by a woman, the most likely Virginia. Best actress went to Samal Yes- his Cannes press conference via contender — Lebanese director Nadine “It blew us out of the cinema,” said lyamova for Kazakh writer-director FaceTime. Labaki’s “Capernaum” — was instead Blanchett of “BlacKkKlansman.” Sergey Dvortsevoy’s “Ayka.” Taking best The closing ceremony came ahead given Cannes’ jury prize. The film drew The 12-day festival, the first since actor was Marcello Fonte for Matteo of the premiere of Terry Gilliam’s “The a rousing standing ovation but less the downfall of film mogul Harvey Garrone’s “Dogman,” an award pre- Man Who Killed Don Quixote.” enthusiastic critic reviews for its tale of Weinstein (for decades an annual fixture sented by fellow Italian actor Roberto Famously victim to countless delays and a 12-year-old boy living in poverty who in Cannes), was shaken by debate over Benigni. debacles, the film took nearly 30 years sues his parents for neglect. gender equality in the film industry and The prize for best screenplay was for Gilliam to complete. And its Cannes Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” the at Cannes. In a striking rally, 82 women split between Italian writer-director premiere was still almost canceled highest profile American film in com- — the same number of female film- Alice Rohrwacher’s time-warped fable because of an injunction sought by pro- petition at Cannes, was awarded the makers to ever be selected to Cannes about a poor farm boy in rural Italy ducer Paolo Branco, who insisted the o o grand prize. The film ignited the French competition lineup — stood on the “Happy as Lazzaro” and Nader Saeivar festival needed his permission. French 28 C 36 C Riviera festival with its true tale of a Palais red-carpet steps, as Blanchett and Jafar Panahi’s script for “Three courts last week denied Branco’s Minimum Maximum black police detective who infiltrated said, “a symbol of our determination to Faces.” request, allowing the screening to move the Ku Klux Klan. Lee connected the change and progress.” Panahi has been banned from forward. Relatively hot daytime with scattered clouds at times.

HIGH TIDE 07:30 – 21:15 LOW TIDE 04:15 – 13:15 Prince’s guitar fetches $225,000 at NY auction Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department AFP Last year, the auction Prince also wore the outfit house sold another Cloud when jamming with Lenny NEW YORK: A custom-made guitar for a cool $700,000. Kravitz at the MTV Video Music yellow guitar owned by Prince The Clouds were made for Awards in 1999. It had been sold for $225,000 in New York, Prince by Minneapolis luthier valued at $50,000 to $70,000. was headlining a sale of Dave Rusan, with one starring The suit, like many of the jewellery, outfits and memo- in the 1984 film “Purple Rain,” items, were listed as coming rabilia from the late pop icon, where Prince’s alter ego “The from Prince’s former wife Julien’s Auctions said. Kid” receives one as a gift from Mayte Garcia, a dancer and The yellow “Cloud” guitar, his friend Apollonia. mother of Prince’s only known so named for its unique An electric blue turtleneck child — who died shortly after twisting body, also has Prince’s with matching trousers that birth in 1996 due to a rare signature love symbols Prince wore at a turn-of-the- disorder. engraved between the frets, millennium New Year’s Eve The auction, which raked and had been valued before the party at his Paisley Park estate in a total of $2m, featured Prince’s “Yellow Cloud” guitar (right) displayed along with other sale at $60,000 to $80,000, in Minnesota — sold for scores of items from the late items during a media preview, in New York. Julien’s said. $108,797, the auction house said. superstar. 20 HOME SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018

AURA Hospitality & Food Services and Palma Hospitality Group announce tasty Ramadan packages Book your spot and celebrate the holy season in true Arabic style at these outstanding dining venues with tantalizing menus. Doha, Qatar, 20 May 2018: Celebrate the spirit of togetherness while sharingtasty food and creating memories this Ramadan at one of AURA Hospitality & Food Services and Palma's eleven popular restaurants, which promise joyful and flavorsome experiences.

Choose from eleven outstanding venues: Orient Pearl, SMAT, Damasca One, Debs W Remman, Remman Café, Basta 23, Jwala, La Casa Twenty Eight, Sazeli Lounge, Usta Turkish Kepab & Doner, and Baladna. All these unique restaurants are ready to tantalize your taste buds with a variety of unmissable Iftar and Suhour packages.

Whether you are looking for a quick but super-tasty Iftar option at Remman Café Express, a relaxed meal at Basta 23, a family-friendly get together at La Casa or an elegant sit-down Iftar at Orient Pearl and SMAT, AURA’s offerings are sure to delight.

ORIENT PEARL DAMASCA ONE affordable prices also BALADNA JWALA reflect the true spirit Discover the Enjoy an authentic of the holy season. RESTAURANT Experience an Iftar set unique Orient Pearl Syrian inspired Iftar, menu with an Indian restaurant’s luxurious from the heart of the city Iftar Set Menu QAR 145 Break your fast with twist. Jwala presents a offerings for Iftar and of Damascus, courtesy Suhour Set Menu QAR 95 Baladna’s wholesome culinary fusion of classic Suhour this season. of Damasca One. In all branches products, rich with taste and contemporary Indian Whether you opt for the Located in the and nutrients. Traditional street food, which will Iftar set menu or the picturesque settings REMMAN CAFÉ Levantine and Khaleejif- satisfy every palate. With Sohour buffet option,you of Souq Waqif, this lavors are perfect for the a menu that reflects the are in for a delightful modern concept gathers Remman Café, the holy month, so book your cultural diversity of the Ramadan treat, the authenticity of the ‘quick bite eatery’ spot at one of their three subcontinent’s cuisine complete with past and the spirit of the concept, carries the restaurants and enjoy an Jwala’s dining experience spectacular sea views. present and delivers same ingredients and Iftar truly made in Qatar. is complemented by its quality used in Debs fresh ingredients Iftar Set Menu QAR 135 vibrant street art interi- Iftar Set Menu QAR 180 carefully prepared using W Remman and offers ors, guaranteeing an Iftar Sohour buffet Thursday and professionals’ hand a perfect casual dining to remember. Friday nights only QAR 200 skilled delicacies. Book venue this Ramadan. USTA TURKISH in advance to secure Remman Café’s loyal QAR 125 with unique your table! guests can enjoy quick KEBAP & DONER Indian atmosphere SMAT and professional service For a more relaxed Iftar This newly opened fine Iftar Set Menu QAR 150 with in various locations in special Ramadan entertain- Doha, either with Iftar option, look no further SAZELI LOUNGE dining restaurant rede- than Usta Turkish fines the feel and taste ment activities at Sohour boxes options, an iftar Step up your Iftar meal set menu or buffet for Kebap&Doner. This of local cuisine, taking popular outlet brings at Sazeli Lounge. you on a culinary jour- iftar and suhour. Not to This gourmet-style be missed! authentic Turkish ney through Qatar’s hospitality to Qatar. culinary fusion venue unique gastronomic Now you can enjoy our Iftar Its outstanding specializes in authentic heritage. Discover the Set Menu for 77 QAR and Iftar creations are available Turkish cuisine with a distinctive Buffet for 57 QAR throughout Ramadan, modern twist. Its Iftar ingredients, spices and including doner kebab, set menu will tantalize textures of signature LA CASA kunafa, an array of the most demanding dishes from the GCC baklava and other sweet palate. this Ramadan TWENTY EIGHT treats. at SMAT. La Casa’s chefs Iftar Set Menu 195 Iftar Set Menu QAR 120 Very special Iftar Set Menu will conjure up a QAR 220 truly special dining experience in their open kitchen set up this BASTA 23 DEBS W REMMAN Ramadan. This casual With branches in Mall Mediterranean dining of Qatar and Porto Embrace Ramadan eatery delivers the best Arabia, this relaxed at Debs W Remman, in homemade, clay oven eatery offers a true taste a modern concept and wood fire cuisine. of Khaleeji style cuisine. combining the nostalgia Offerings for the holy From karak, to an array of the past with the month include lavish of typical Qatari dishes, spirit of the present. platter arrangements, Basta 23 promises as Inspired by the eateries, reflecting the sharing Iftar meal experience souqs and street food of culture of the Mediter- that is sure to please! Beirut, Debs W Remman ranean region, together delivers authentic with many more Iftar Set Menu QAR 110 Lebanese signature delicacies served as dishes prepared using a set menu for Iftar. the freshest ingredients. The stylish restaurant’s Iftar Set Menu QAR 120