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WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11470 February 26, 2020 Rajab 2, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Father Amir, Sheikha Moza attend official In brief opening of QF’s Tariq Bin Ziad School Amir congratulates Amir on National Day His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on the occasion of his country’s National Day. UN Judicial Integrity Center in Doha Qatar and the United Nations yesterday signed a declaration of intent to establish the United Nations Judicial Integrity Center for research and training in Doha, on the sidelines of the second high-level meeting of the Global Judicial Integrity Network held at the Sheraton Doha Hotel. The declaration intent was signed by HE the President of the Court of Cassation and President of Supreme Judiciary Council Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr al-Mohanadi, and Representative of the United Tariq Bin Ziad School was off icially reopened yesterday under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation, with His Highness the Father Nations Off ice on Drugs and Crime Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in attendance. The school has a long (UNODC) Executive Director John history and national significance having graduated generations of prominent Qatari leaders, including the Father Amir. With Brandolino. Page 6 its reopening, the school aims to build on this legacy through a quality curriculum rooted in Arab cultural identity and Qatari His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with Algerian President heritage. Page 12 Abdelmadjid Tebboune at an off icial farewell ceremony in Algiers yesterday. Change in Qatar Airways fl ights to Iran, S Korea Qatar Airways has announced temporary hold and schedule adjustments to its operations to South Korea and Iran until further Qatar FIFA 2022 preparations Qatar, to notice due to significant operational challenges caused by entry restrictions imposed by certain countries. Flights to and from South well advanced as tournament bolster cultural, Korea to Doha are temporarily adjusted to operate with a smaller aircraft. Only passengers with countdown reaches 1,000 days onward connections through Hamad International Airport are accepted economic ties for travel from Incheon Airport. esterday marked the 1,000-day citement, as well as some nerves, but For Iran, Qatar Airways scheduled countdown to the 22nd edition more importantly, conviction that this O Amir, Algerian president hold ‘constructive’ talks passenger frequencies will be on Yof the FIFA World Cup – which will be – without a doubt – the best temporary hold until 14 March. will kick off in Qatar on November 21, tournament. We are determined to QNA of the offi cial delegation accompanying This will aff ect flights to and from 2022. ensure that the fi rst World Cup in the Algiers the Amir attended the session. Mashhad, Shiraz and Isfahan. Page 5 As the fi rst tournament in the Mid- Middle East and Arab world will set a On the Algerian side, it was attended dle East and Arab world edges nearer, benchmark in the history of hosting by a number of ministers and senior of- Coronavirus spreads FIFA praised the signifi cant progress major sporting events.” is Highness the Amir Sheikh fi cials. to new countries of Qatar’s preparations, while offi cials Qatar is set to host the most com- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Upon his arrival Houari Boumediene from the Supreme Committee for De- pact FIFA World Cup in modern times Hyesterday said he held con- International Airport in Algiers yester- The coronavirus epidemic caused livery & Legacy (SC) – the organisation – one where fans, players and offi cials structive talks with Algerian President day morning on an offi cial visit to Alge- more death and disruption responsible for delivering tournament will remain in the thick of the action, Abdelmadjid Tebboune at El Mouradia ria, His Highness the Amir and the ac- yesterday, spreading to new infrastructure and legacy projects – never too far from a stadium, training presidential palace in Algiers. companying delegation were welcomed countries as a top health off icial said they are determined to utilise site or fan zone. The longest distance In joint press remarks with the Alge- by president Tebboune and senior Alge- warned the world was “simply not the power of hosting world football’s between tournament venues will be rian president, His Highness the Amir rian offi cials. ready” to contain it. Even as the premier international event by leav- just 55km, meaning fans may attend stressed that bilateral ties in the eco- The Amir was accorded an offi cial re- number of fresh cases declines at ing a lasting legacy which benefi ts the two games a day during the early stag- nomic and investment fi elds will be fur- ception ceremony upon his arrival. the epicentre of the disease in China, country, the region and the world. es of the tournament. ther developed, adding that Qatar and His Highness the Amir left Algiers there has been a sudden increase Since winning the hosting rights in Nasser al-Khater, Chief Executive Algeria agreed on many matters. yesterday evening after an offi cial visit in parts of Asia, Europe and the 2010, Qatar has overseen signifi cant Offi cer, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, The Amir praised Algeria’s regional to Algeria. Middle East. Entire towns and cities infrastructure development, includ- said: “With all our infrastructure and Arab role and its honourable his- The Amir and the accompanying del- in diff erent parts of the world have ing the completion of two stadiums: projects on track, one of our key pri- tory in resolving many of the existing egation were seen off upon departure at been sealed off in an attempt to Khalifa International and Al Janoub. orities now is to shape the fan expe- confl icts, whether in the region or in the Houari Boumediene Airport by the stop the contagion, while hotels in Three more stadiums – Education rience in 2022. We are determined to the Arab world, stressing the need for Algerian president. the Canary Island and Austria were City, Al Rayyan and Al Bayt – will be “The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be host a tournament which is welcoming its role in this regard and expressing his Also present were Algerian ministers placed under lockdown on because inaugurated during 2020, with the re- a breakthrough from a social and to all and family-friendly, and one that confi dence in the success of the upcom- and senior civilian and military offi cials, of suspected cases. Page 18 maining three set to be launched well cultural perspective.” shows our country and region in the ing Arab summit to be hosted by Algeria. Qatar’s ambassador to Algeria Hassan in advance of the tournament. His Highness Sheikh Tamim thanked bin Ibrahim al-Malki, Algerian ambas- Sanders ahead of Biden In addition, 21 Team Base Camps the Algerian president for the reception sador to Qatar Dr Mustafa Boutoura and have been approved and included in and hospitality accorded to him and the members of the Qatari embassy. among African Americans the fi rst version of the brochure pre- accompanying delegation. Upon departure, an offi cial farewell sented to the teams playing the quali- For his part, the Algerian president ceremony was held for the Amir. fi ers. Qatar remains on track to deliver welcomed the Amir and his accompa- The Amir sent a cable to Tebboune the remaining number of required nying delegation, saying that his talks expressing deep thanks and appre- training sites well ahead of the tour- with the Amir affi rmed the full agree- ciation for the warm hospitality and nament. The country has also deliv- ment of the two countries on the is- honour that the Amir and the accom- ered a state-of-the-art metro system sues raised during the talks, including panying delegation received during the – which was successfully used by fans economic and political fi elds, and Arab, visit, which provided the Amir the op- during the recent FIFA Club World regional and international issues. portunity to meet the president, as well Cup – to ensure supporters enjoy a Earlier, His Highness the Amir and as exchange views on issues of com- seamless travel experience. the Algerian president held an offi cial mon concern and means of strength- Sanders (left) and Biden. “With 1,000 days to go, Qatar talks session at El Mouradia presidential ening and promoting bilateral relations stands where no other host did be- palace. in various fi elds. The Amir also wished US Senator Bernie Sanders has fore. Qatar wants to amaze the world Talks during the session dealt with the president the best of health and widened his lead for the Democratic and is on track to achieve it,” said FIFA Al Janoub Stadium bilateral relations and means of devel- happiness and the brotherly people of presidential nomination and President Gianni Infantino. “The FIFA oping and strengthening them in vari- Algeria further progress and prosper- overtaken Joe Biden in support World Cup Qatar 2022 will be a break- as a tool for common understanding.” most positive light. We learned a lot ous fi elds, especially in energy, econo- ity. among African Americans - a voting through from a social and cultural per- Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary- from the Club World Cup across every my, investment, culture and sports. The Amir returned to Doha yesterday bloc that until now has largely spective. It will open the doors of this General of the SC, said: “Ten years of functional area and will apply the les- The session discussed a number of re- evening from the Algerian capital Al- favoured the former vice president, football-mad region, off ering a new our lives, day in, day out, have been sons learned in the 2020 edition and in gional and international issues of com- giers, after the conclusion of an offi cial according to a Reuters/Ipsos perspective to locals and foreigners, dedicated to this tournament. Person- our 2022 planning.” mon concern, including the Palestinian visit to , and Algeria. national poll released yesterday. bringing people together and serving ally, I can only look forward with ex- Page 26, Sport Pages 1, 2, 3 cause and the Libyan crisis. Members Page 27

Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 3 QATAR

‘Qatar’s resilience has turned blockade into opportunity’ z Marking 1,000 days of unjust blockade

By Ayman Adly Staff Reporter

he resilience of Qa- tar and its fl exible Tstrategic approaches promoting bilateral and multilateral relations with diff erent countries have considerably helped in making the past 1,000 days of the unjust blockade a period of unprecedented achievement and develop- ment, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah in conversation with Dr Ahmad Dallal at GU-Q Khalid bin Mohamed al- yesterday. PICTURE: Ram Chand Attiyah has said. He made the observation support of its multiple friends rushed to express never failed in any of its during an event at George- friends around the world and off er support. Almost obligations – even those town University in Qatar and the strength of its 80% of the daily needs of towards hostile countries. (GU-Q) yesterday evening. people – Qataris and ex- the country used to be sup- He said Qatar does not HE Dr al-Attiyah was patriates, and its well-es- plied through the blockad- follow any blocs of coun- in conversation with Dr tablished economy. ing countries earlier, which tries in the world and has Ahmad Dallal, dean of the He said since 1995, Qatar were halted suddenly after its own balanced politics, university, on the topic has managed to build strong the blockade was imposed on making itself a trusted part- ‘Security of small states: networks of alliances with June 5, 2017. ner and mediator in pro- Qatar and the learnt les- many friendly countries He pointed out that the moting peace – such as that sons from 1,000 days of around the world and used its blockading countries want between the US and Taliban the blockade’. The event soft power to promote peace to keep Qatar within the in Afghanistan, Eritrea and was held in the presence and humanitarian aid eff orts, GCC for their own good to , as well as the con- of a large number of stu- ranging from America to Ja- avoid any prosecution in in- fl icts in and other dents, some diplomats, pan and various other parts ternational courts for their places and issues. mediapersons and other of the world regardless of any violations against Qatar. He said big countries in interested persons. interests or links. However, Qatar has a vision the region such as HE Dr al-Attiyah said such HE Dr al-Attiyah noted for the GCC to be a platform and are necessary to remarkable resilience is a that the blockade involved for common principles pro- create balance and stability byproduct of Qatar National treachery that hurt the very moting the stability and se- in the region and could pre- Vision 2030 and an outcome social fabric of the region, curity of the region. vent other big nations from of the wise leadership and something that needs gen- Further, he said the bullying small neighbour- guidance of His Highness the erations to heal. Besides, it blockade of Qatar could ing countries. Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- was an unprecedented case have affected the whole He stressed that Qatar’s mad al-Thani. of aggression that targeted world and not only the stand in the GCC crisis has He summed up the main the stability and well-being region because Qatar sup- always been clear: uncondi- factors behind what he of the country. plies almost 30% of the tional talks while maintain- called “1,000 days of vic- Within 72 hours, the Gov- world’s LNG needs. How- ing the sovereignty and in- tory and achievement” as ernment of Qatar started to ever, due to the wise lead- dependence of the country, the flexibility of Qatar’s receive cargoes of goods from ership of the country and but the other parties are not long-range strategy, the around the world and Qatar’s its long-range strategy, it willing. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 QATAR

FM sends message to Pakistani counterpart Minister bids farewell to Turkish envoy Amir sends message to Azeri leader

QNA Doha

is Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- Hmad al-Thani has sent a written message to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, per- taining to the bilateral relations and means of promoting and en- hancing them. The message was handed over by Qatar’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Faisal bin Abdullah al-Henzab, during his meeting The Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi has received with the Assistant to the Presi- a written message from HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met the outgoing dent of Azerbaijan and Head Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, pertaining to bilateral relations and means of supporting and ambassador of Turkey to Qatar Fikret Ozer yesterday. During the meeting, HE al-Muraikhi thanked of the Department of Foreign developing them. The message was handed by Qatar’s ambassador to Pakistan Saqr bin Mubarak the ambassador for his eff orts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him Policy Affairs of the Presiden- al-Mansouri during his meeting with the Pakistani minister of foreign aff airs. success in his new assignments. tial Administration, Hikmat Hajiyev.

‘Failure to establish a zone free of Qatar blockade still causing N-arms in Mideast will hinder peace’

QNA rights violations: AlKhater Geneva ailure to establish a Mid- QNA elections, the cabinet’s decision last three years in the areas of dle East Zone Free of Nu- Geneva to form a committee to align na- economic development, educa- Fclear Weapons and Other tional legislation with the inter- tion, health and infrastructure. Weapons of Mass Destruction national covenants, the cabinet’s In addition, Qatar has continued based on the 1995 resolution will The repercussions of the decision to establish the Nation- its mediation role to bring views increase tension, instability and blockade and the coercive al Committee for Women, Chil- closer together, avoid escala- hinder the attainment of peace “measures imposed on my dren, the Elderly and Persons tion and fi nd sustainable solu- and the path to sustainable de- country by the Kingdom of Sau- with Disabilities. In addition, tions to confl icts and disputes. velopment in the region, HE the di Arabia, the United Arab Emir- Qatar has continued to develop The most recent is the State of Assistant Foreign Minister and HE the Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry ates, the Kingdom of , and reform the legislative sys- Qatar’s mediation between the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Lolwah Rashid AlKhater, addressing the High-Level and the Arab Republic of Egypt tem that aims at protecting and United States of America and of Foreign Aff airs Lolwah Rashid Segment of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva yesterday. since 2017 are still causing many promoting the rights of expatri- the Taliban, which we hope will AlKhater, said yesterday. violations of human rights relat- ate workers.” prove successful in achieving the Delivering a statement at of Qatar has acceded to various ment, in co-ordination with the ed to religious and educational “At the international level, long-awaited sustainable peace the High-Level Segment of the major international disarma- Doha Regional Centre for training rights, freedom of movement Qatar’s external relations are in Afghanistan.” Conference on Disarmament ment conventions and passed on agreements related to weapons and fundamental freedoms”, HE characterised by constructive HE AlKhater stressed that the (CD), HE AlKhater said failure to the necessary national legisla- of mass destruction that was es- the Assistant to the Minister HE Lolwah Rashid AlKhater co-operation and positive en- Palestinian cause is exposed to establish such a zone in the Mid- tion to ensure their full imple- tablished in December 2012, and of Foreign Aff airs and Offi cial addressing meetings of the gagement with countries and many dangers, such as the biased dle East will aff ect the credibility mentation. Since its establish- which is the fi rst of its kind in the Spokesperson for the Foreign high-level segment of the 43rd international organisations. In unilateral decisions and projects, of Non-Proliferation Treaty, the ment in 2004, Qatar’s National Middle East and Asia. Ministry Lolwah Rashid AlKhat- session of the UN Human Rights 2019, the State of Qatar signed an including the so-called “Deal of review process, the entire non- Committee for the Prohibition “The States Members of the er, has said. Council in Geneva. agreement to establish in Doha a the Century”, which violates all proliferation regime, and will of Weapons remains engaged in Conference on Disarmament, Participating in the meetings centre for analysis and commu- agreed laws and agreements, and also call into question the inten- providing advice to competent especially at this diffi cult and of the high-level segment of the both and the United nication that is affi liated to the encourages the Israeli occupa- tion of nuclear States to estab- government authorities on is- complex time with increase 43rd session of the UN Human Arab Emirates. “I also recall the Offi ce of the Special Representa- tion to continue committing lish a zone free of these weapons sues of arms embargo and dis- threats and crises, have a pri- Rights Council, in Geneva, HE International Court of Justice’s tive of the Secretary-General for further gross violations. in the Middle East. armament, working towards mary responsibility to break the AlKhater said: “Of particular Interim Measures regarding the Children and Armed Confl ict, an She stressed that the only and HE AlKhater underlined that achieving the objectives set deadlock in the conference. It is concern is the fact that these vi- discrimination suff ered by Qa- agreement to establish an offi ce best way to reach a just, com- Qatar pursues a clear and unwa- forth in the relevant interna- important to demonstrate po- olations are targeting Qatari cit- tari citizens, as the court is still for the United Nations Develop- prehensive and lasting solu- vering national policy on disar- tional convention to which the litical will and fl exibility to reach izens on the basis of their Qatari considering the case fi led by the ment Program, an agreement to tion should be based on human mament, which refl ects its posi- state has acceded and develop- a balanced and comprehensive nationality, which constitutes a State of Qatar against the UAE in open the United Nations Offi ce rights, the rules of international tions underpinning peace, in the ing plans and programmes to work programme that takes into grave and direct violation of all this regard,” she said. for the Alliance for Civilizations law, international legitimacy belief that all eff orts on disarma- raise awareness and education account the security concerns of human rights instruments, par- Addressing the meeting, HE in Doha, and an agreement to es- resolutions and the Charter of ment in the world need to be sup- on disarmament dimensions”. all countries, consistent with the ticularly the International Con- AlKhater said: “Qatar’s national tablish an offi ce to co-ordinate the United Nations in order to ported. This would also preserve She noted that the National rules of procedure of the confer- vention on the Elimination of All eff orts have not only enhanced humanitarian aff airs. The State achieve security, stability and the environment, avert the risk of Committee is keen to consolidate ence. Otherwise, the credibility Forms of Racial Discrimination.” the role of the State’s institu- of Qatar has also continued to enable the Palestinian people to nuclear weapons and weapons of its relationship with organisa- of the conference, its role as the HE AlKhater referred to the tions, but have also strength- provide humanitarian, develop- realise their full legal and his- mass destruction falling into the tions and stakeholders concerned only multilateral forum for ne- two decisions of the Commit- ened the legislative framework mental and relief assistance to torical rights, including the right hands of terrorist and extremist with disarmament on the basis of gotiating disarmament as well tee on the Elimination of Racial in many areas, most notably the those aff ected by disasters and of return and the establishment groups and it would as well re- professionalism, credibility and as its ability to support and en- Discrimination on jurisdiction issuance of the Amiri Decision confl icts. In this respect, Qatar of an independent State accord- move the fear that disturbs the transparency. The Committee has hance international peace and and admissibility to consider establishing a higher committee has spent nearly two and a half ing to the 1967 borders with East human existence. been hosting numerous confer- security, would be doubtful,” HE complaints fi led by Qatar against to prepare for the Shura Council billion US dollars during the Jerusalem as its capital. HE AlKhater said: “The State ences and seminars on disarma- AlKhater said.

FM sends message to Turkmenistan counterpart

he Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turk- menistan Rashid Meredov has received a written mes- Tsage from HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, pertaining to bilateral relations and means of promoting them. The message was handed over by Qatar’s ambassador to Turk- menistan Mubarak bin Abdulrahman al-Nasser, during his meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan yesterday. – QNA

Qatar-Nepal ties reviewed

Speaker of House of Representatives of Nepal Agni Prasad Sapkota met Qatar’s ambassador to Nepal Yousuf bin Mohamed al-Hail yesterday in Kathmandu. During the meeting, they re- viewed the bilateral relations and topics of common interest. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 5 QATAR Minister briefed on Covid-19 HMC to host 8th Middle East Forum on quality detection procedures at HIA and safety in healthcare

QNA QNA Doha Doha

E the Minister of Public amad Medical Corp will organise Health Dr Hanan Mohamed the 8th Middle East Forum on Hal-Kuwari was briefed yes- Hquality and safety in healthcare terday on the equipment and proce- from March 19-22 with the participation dures at Hamad International Airport of nearly 3,000 physicians, nurses, phar- to detect any cases of Coronavirus macists, specialists and those interested 2019 (Covid-19) infection, as part of in this fi eld. procedures that include all the coun- Nasser al-Naimi, the Deputy Chief of try’s entry points that aim to monitor Quality, Director of Hamad Healthcare and detect cases as early as possible Quality Institute and the co-chair of the and curb its transmission between Middle East Forum, said that this year’s members of the society. forum is being held at Qatar National During her tour at the airport, HE Convention Centre (QNCC) under the the Minister was accompanied by HE slogan ‘Igniting Change, Shaping the Fu- the Chairman of Qatar Civil Avia- ture Together’, adding that the forum will Al-Naimi ... international co-operation tion Authority Abdullah bin Nasser include, for the fi rst time, four educa- Turki al-Subaie, and was briefed on tional tours to Hamad Medical Corpora- (WISH), and Hamad Healthcare Quality the equipment that includes thermal tion’s exceptional centres. Institute, in addition to speakers from scans and the medical clinic at Ha- He told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that diff erent countries such as the United mad International Airport as well as the educational tours aim to highlight the Kingdom, Kuwait and . the readiness of medical staff . experiences of these distinguished cen- He explained that the forum will also She affi rmed the importance of tres in developing the health system and have an exhibition that will be organised maintaining a state of high alert to reaching the highest levels of safety in with the participation of 15 institutions, detect, isolate and report any sus- patient care. including the Ministry of Public Health, pected cases of infection of the virus, These centres are the Ambulance Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute, and maintaining close co-operation Service, Itqan Clinical Simulation and Center for Patient Experience and Staff between the health sector and all rel- Innovation Center, Center for Patient Engagement, Primary Health Care Corp, evant authorities, with the applica- HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari being briefed yesterday on the equipment and Experience and Staff Engagement and Qatar Red Crescent, Sidra Medicine, Qa- tion of basic preventive measures by procedures at Hamad International Airport to detect suspected cases of Covid-19. Hamad Medical Corp Trauma and Emer- tar University, World Innovation Summit all members of society, pointing out gency Center, he added. for Health (WISH) and others. that disease prevention is a shared id-19, which includes examining all country’s various entry points. postponement of travel to China, South He said that the forum is organised an- In addition to that, the exhibition will responsibility of everybody. travellers coming from countries that The Ministry reaffi rmed that no Korea, Iran, Singapore, Japan and Italy. nually by Hamad Healthcare Quality In- have more than 150 research posters re- The Ministry of Public Health has have recorded a noticeable increase cases of Covid-19 have been regis- She explained that isolation or stitute in collaboration with the US Insti- garding quality and safety in healthcare. tightened precautionary and preven- in the outbreak of the virus and air tered in the State of Qatar so far. quarantine is applied to travellers tute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Al-Naimi pointed out that 60% of the tive measures to deal with the Cov- and sea navigation crews through the The Minister also recommended the from China, South Korea and Iran. It involves more than 20 educational research posters were provided by Hamad and training workshops supervised by lo- Medical Corp and the rest will be by private cal and international experts in the fi eld health authorities inside the countries and Qatar Airways puts ‘temporary hold’, ‘schedule adjustments’ on its Iran, South Korea operations of healthcare development sciences, al- medical research institutions from outside Qatar Airways is making “temporary hold” With travel restrictions on recent operate with a smaller aircraft. had, Shiraz and Isfahan, the airline said. Naimi stated. Qatar, all of which cover various topics that and “schedule adjustments” to its opera- visitors to these countries, the airline is An Airbus A350-900 will replace a Frequencies to and from Tehran He revealed that the forum this year refl ect the goals of the Forum. tions to Iran and South Korea until further in a “logistically-challenging position” Boeing 777-300 to meet demand, with will temporarily move from 20 weekly includes the largest educational pro- He indicated that the forum will also in- notice due to “significant operational to schedule crew on certain routes, lim- only passengers with onward connections frequencies to seven weekly. gramme by organising 60 lectures by 50 clude many discussion sessions that focus challenges” caused by entry restrictions iting its ability to maintain scheduled through Hamad International Airport to be Adjustments to the schedule of international lecturers from the Institute on the latest developments and experi- imposed by certain countries. operations elsewhere. accepted for travel from Incheon Airport. flights to and from Iran will take ef- for Healthcare Improvement as well as ences in the fi eld of quality and safety of “An ongoing review of operations As a result, the airline will “temporar- For Iran, Qatar Airways’ scheduled pas- fect from 7am Doha time today, the quality and safety personnel from HMC healthcare, adding that this year the focus will be conducted regularly with the ily readjust” its services to South Korea senger frequencies will be on temporary national airline said. and health and educational institutions will be on discussing services aimed at intention to reinstate flights as soon and Iran from today. hold, eff ective today, for an evaluation Qatar Airways’ all-cargo operations in Qatar, such as the Ministry of Public patients, as a lecture will be organised in as the restrictions are lifted,” Qatar Flights to and from South Korea to period of two weeks up to March 14. will not be aff ected by the temporary Health, Primary Health Care Corpora- which some patients will participate in or- Airways said yesterday. Doha are “temporarily adjusted” to This will aff ect flights to and from Mash- hold, an airline statement said last night. tion, Sidra Medicine, Qatar University, der to talk about their experiences inside World Innovation Summit for Health health institutions in the country. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 QATAR

PM attends opening session of Global SJC launches new Judicial Integrity Network meeting code of conduct Speakers at Global judges in all matters related to their Judge Ibrahim Saleh al-Nisf said that Judicial Integrity tasks and specialities. the appointment of judges in the State Dr al-Mohannadi pointed out that of Qatar is based on clear criteria that Network meeting stress the code keeps abreast of everything achieve the integrity and justice that importance of continued new and modern in the fi eld of judges everyone seeks. development of codes of work, and its principles are derived He spoke about the history of the ju- from domestic legislation in addition diciary in the State of Qatar before the judicial conduct to international norms concerned with issuance of the Judicial Authority Law the judicial sector and international No 10 of 2003 and its amendments, and QNA treaties in this regard. the developments in the judicial sector Doha He explained that the Code would in the state after the issuance of that law. bring benefi t to all parties dealing He reviewed the mechanisms of the with the judiciary, whether the judges SJC and the criteria for appointing themselves or the society, so that the judges and assistant judges. he Supreme Judiciary Council relationship between the two parties Judge al-Nisf underlined that the (SJC) yesterday inaugurated the would be organised in a way that would Qatari Constitution, in its sixtieth Tnew ‘Code of Judicial Conduct’ at benefi t everyone in an independent ju- clause, and the legislations of the ju- a ceremony held on the sidelines of the diciary and a completed justice that re- diciary, have guaranteed the judiciary second high-level meeting of the Global spected human rights. procedural and structural independ- Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HE the Prime Minister and Minister Judicial Integrity Network, currently in The new Code of Judicial Conduct ence that is unique and highly devel- of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani yesterday attended the opening session of the second session at the Doha Sheraton Hotel. derives its basic reference principles oped in accordance with the standards high-level meeting of the Global Judicial Integrity Network, which is held under the title ‘Past, Present, Future,’ and The ceremony, which was attended from the provisions of Islamic law, the of modern state institutions. hosted by the Supreme Judiciary Council. The conference run until tomorrow. The session was attended by HE the by HE the President of the Supreme permanent constitution of the state, Vice-President of the Court of Cas- Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, a number of Sheikhs, ministers and senior Judiciary Council and President of the the moral values of society, the law of sation and Head of the Judicial Inspec- off icials, heads of judicial bodies, councils and courts from diff erent countries and a number of UN off icials concerned Court of Cassation Dr Hassan Lahdan the judiciary, the values and traditions tion Department, Judge Abdullah Ah- with judicial work. – QNA Saqr al-Mohannadi, and a number of of the Qatari judiciary and relevant in- mad al-Saadi highlighted the ethics of heads of courts and judicial authorities ternational treaties and agreements. the judges, explaining that the code of from diff erent countries of the world, The new visual identity of the Su- judicial conduct that sets the standards included the inauguration of the new preme Judicial Council embodies the and methodologies for a judges behav- visual identity of the council. basic principles upon which the Qatari iour must be applied by the judge in his The new Code of Judicial Conduct society built its judicial system and re- personal life and his dealings with soci- aims to enhance the independence, fl ects in its entirety the noble mission ety as well. Doha to host UN judicial integrity impartiality, and competence of judges of the judiciary across generations, his- He underlined that it is important and their associates, the eff ectiveness tory and the established principle in that any code of judicial conduct in- of their procedures, and to establish the achieving justice. cludes texts that defi ne the standards rule of law in a manner that enhances Meanwhile, the sessions focused and controls for judges’ interaction centre for research and training the confi dence of litigants in the judi- on the importance of judges to pursue with social media and the media. ciary and its role in establishing com- behavioural and ethical standards that Dean of the College of Law at Qatar QNA pleted justice with impartiality. refl ect judicial integrity. University Dr Mohamed bin Abdulaziz Doha Dr al-Mohannadi said that the SJC is In a session on judges’ use of social al-Khulaifi spoke about the importance working to develop the judicial sector media, participants stressed the im- of enhancing judicial integrity of all law in the country in line with the rational portance of including this topic in the students, qualifying and training them atar and the United Nations vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Network’s action plan in order to assist on the standards of that integrity and yesterday signed a declaration Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in achiev- judges through non-binding guide- methodologies of judicial behaviour. Qof intent to establish the Unit- ing prompt justice. lines to explain how to use social media, He said that the College of Law at ed Nations judicial integrity centre He added that the new code of judi- and the opportunities and risks arising Qatar University has developed a com- for research and training in Doha, on cial conduct comes within the frame- from the use of social media. prehensive methodology to inculcate the sidelines of the second high-level work of this development, as it keeps Another session discussed the selec- judicial integrity among students since meeting of the Global Judicial Integ- pace with the global developments in tion and appointment of judges and ju- they joined the college, through aca- rity Network held at the Sheraton Doha the work of judges and sets guiding dicial independence. demic curricula and training programs Hotel. principles that will be a reference for President of the Court of Appeal approved in this aspect. The declaration intent was signed by HE the President of the Court of Cassation and President of Supreme Judiciary Council Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr al-Mohanadi, and Representative of the United Nations Offi ce on Drugs Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr al-Mohanadi and John Brandolino signed the agreement and Crime (UNODC) Executive Direc- yesterday on establishing the United Nations Centre for Research and Training tor John Brandolino. on Judicial Integrity in Doha. PICTURE: Thajudheen The declaration of intent between the Supreme Judiciary Council and the adopted by the United Nations Confer- Qatari women to take up positions in UNODC is a prelude to the fi nal sign- ence on Crime Prevention and Crimi- the judiciary, as Qatari women have ing between the two sides to create an nal Justice held in Doha in 2015, which proven complete and impressive suc- international research and training one of its most important recommen- cess in assuming these positions. centre specialising in judicial integrity dations was “Working to support the UNODC executive director Bran- matters. integrity and transparency of the judi- dolino and a representative of the ex- This step is a complement to the ef- ciary worldwide”. ecutive director praised the achieve- forts of the Supreme Judiciary Council In a press statement on the sidelines ments made on the ground since the and its international partner in creat- of the second high-level meeting of the establishment of the Global judicial ing the Global Judicial Integrity Net- Global Judicial Integrity Network, Ali Integrity Network, stressing contin- work in 2018 and a fruit of the judicial explained that the establishment of the ued deepening of relations to make the integrity pillar, one of the four pillars Global Network of Judicial Integrity is network a platform for judges around included in the global programme to one of the fruits of the Doha Declara- the world. implement the Doha Declaration on tion, praising Qatar for continuing to Brandolino noted the collective work Prevention and Criminal Justice in provide support for the implementa- done within the framework of the net- 2015. tion of all recommendations emanat- work, saying that the collective work By hosting this UN centre, Doha ing from the International Conference that took place within less than two will be a global centre for enhancing of Crime Prevention, including this years of the existence of the network is judicial capabilities and a reference important meeting. unprecedented in its scope and extent. for judicial institutional policies on Dr Khalifa Abdullatif al-Mesle- He added that they have developed a integrity, through what it will provide mani, a judge in the Court of Appeal series of practical guides on emerging to world judges in terms of training, and member of the Doha Declaration judicial integrity issues and have im- consultations and opportunities to follow-up team, confi rmed that this plemented training programs in more support academic and institutional meeting is one of the largest meetings than 45 countries. research projects in the relevant fi elds. in the world since the establishment of Brandolino explained that the pur- The new centre will be part of the the United Nations in 1945, with more pose of the Network is to assist judicial United Nations complex pledged by than 120 countries, 54 court presidents bodies in enhancing judicial integrity Qatar, which hosts a number of centres and more than 600 judges worldwide and preventing corruption in the judi- and headquarters of international or- participating the conference. cial system by enhancing communica- ganisations, especially the specialised He added that the meeting’s agenda, tion opportunities, facilitating access or those with a professional personal- which will last for two days, will be full to resources and focusing on existing ity. of working papers and panel discus- and emerging challenges related to ju- Meanwhile, the Regional Represent- sions, noting that the most important dicial integrity. ative for the Gulf Region at the United aims of the meeting revolve around the The meeting will cover a number Nations Offi ce on Drugs and Crime use of artifi cial intelligence and mod- of issues and themes related to judi- (UNODC) Judge Hatem Fouad Ali has ern technological media in the courts. cial integrity over the two-day event, commended Qatar’s eff orts in achiev- He noted the importance of this which includes the development of ing justice and enhancing the trans- meeting, which discusses a number judicial work mechanisms, the en- parency and integrity of the judiciary. of important issues, including gender hancement of reforms, the facilitation He praised Doha’s eff orts in this re- equality in judicial positions. of access to information and modern gard through the global programme Dr al-Meslemani pointed out that technology to contribute to overcom- to implement the Doha Declaration Qatar has taken the lead in enabling ing all obstacles.

SJC president hosts visiting dignitaries

HE the President of the Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) and President of the Court of Cassation Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr al-Mohannadi yesterday met separately with (from left) President of Court of Cassation of the Republic of Turkey Ismail Rustu, President of the Council of State of the Republic of Turkey Zerrin Gungor and President of the Supreme Court of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Mohamed Ghazou. The meetings were held on the sidelines of their participation in the ongoing second high-level meeting of the Global Network of Judicial Integrity in Doha. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7 QATAR Vodafone Qatar’s

Winners of the annual al khaliji Football Tournament. Al Sadd GigaNet al khaliji organises 6th annual football event roll-out complete Vodafone Qatar connects more covers homes of every size with now expanded to cover another l Khalij Commercial Bank (al khaliji), The Football Tournament is one of al homes, businesses in Al Sadd uninterrupted Wi-Fi in every room key location in Doha, more homes with the aim of promoting the health khaliji’s annual traditions, “held in the with GigaNet fibre using a state-of-the-art Giga Wi-Fi and businesses can look forward to Aand wellness of its community framework of the bank’s community devel- Hub powered by its GigaNet Fibre the benefi ts of high-speed, reliable members, recently hosted its annual Foot- opment eff orts, by aligning its core values odafone Qatar has an- network. connectivity, complemented by a ball Tournament for the sixth year in a row. and strategies with Qatar National Vision nounced the completion of In addition to high-speed In- range of exciting plans for an en- Held on February 22 at Al Saad Sports 2030”, according to a press statement. Vits GigaNet fi bre network ternet, GigaTV provides Vodafone hanced digital lifestyle.” Club, the bank’s fi ve-a-side competition “The annual al khaliji Football Tourna- roll-out in Al Sadd Street and the customers access to a full suite of Vodafone Qatar currently has an saw the participation of teams from several ment has become a festive celebration with East side of Al Sadd, with homes endless entertainment that includes exciting new GigaHome special of- organisations and served as a platform that our partners and attracts the participation and businesses in the dense mixed live TV channels, catch-up features, fer – “Don’t buy, just try” – which “refl ects the values of community, sports- of enthusiasts from a diverse section of the business and residential area al- and on-demand content such as lets anyone try GigaHome smart manship and team spirit among partici- community,” said Omar al-Emadi, group ready enjoying a range of Vodafone movies from major studios, Voda- Wi-Fi and enjoy three months at no pants”. chief business offi cer at al khaliji. “Con- services. fone exclusive TV series and kids cost. The competing teams represented lead- gratulations to all the teams and particu- Work has also commenced on de- content, as well as OSN premium Customers who sign up for the ing institutions such as Qatar Airways, larly the winners. ploying Vodafone fi bre in the south channels. trial will have one month to experi- Alfardan Group, Alkhaleej Takaful Insur- “Their wholehearted participation not side of Al Sadd, better known as the GigaTV customers will also have business, off ering unlimited data ence and enjoy the service and then ance, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, only made the event a success, but also Al Nasr area. the option of enjoying all of these with speeds of up to 1Gbps, high- decide whether to continue without Abu Issa Holding, Mannai Trading, Jaidah symbolised the interest of the community The latest milestone will enable features on the go, through the Gi- speed Corporate Internet, Security paying any monthly rentals on their Group, and Gulf English School. into sport and healthy living.” Vodafone GigaHome services in gaTV app. services, as well as Fixed Voice solu- chosen plan. Team Alkhaleej Takaful Insurance Al khaliji’s CSR (corporate social respon- more than 1,200 homes located in Businesses will benefi t from the tions. Customers can live chat with an claimed the fi rst place, while Abu Issa sibility) programme “encompasses devel- multiple residential buildings. wide range of services available with Vodafone business unit direc- agent to learn more at www.voda- Holding came in second, and Qatar Airways oping human capital, sustainable SMEs, The latest in smart home Wi-Fi GigaNet fi bre, which include access tor Mahday Saad al-Hebabi said: fone.qa/try or visit any Vodafone in third. social well-being, and sports and fi tness”. technology, Vodafone GigaHome to Vodafone GigaBusiness plans for “With Vodafone’s fi bre footprint Qatar retail store. Biryab Festival kicks off today at Al Bidda Park

iryab Festival, the “fi rst- “The event serves as an ex- Management, said in a statement. Tandoor, and Afghan Brothers, live shows for kids, and exciting of-its-kind” mega event ceptional venue for biryani and “These restaurants off er biry- and Spice & Sizzle.” games that include amusement Bfor biryanis and kebabs, kebab lovers to indulge in the au- ani and kebab with breathtaking The 11-day festival off ers a rides”, the statement notes. will begin at Al Bidda Park today. thentic biryani and kebab dishes fl avours from a variety of coun- “unique opportunity for fami- Infi nity is a provider for all Running until March 7, the from over 25 restaurants and out- tries such as India, Pakistan, Tur- lies and children to spend joyful sorts of communication and mar- festival will be open to the pub- lets, which will be taking part in key and the Levant region. times since it features a wide va- keting services, helping its clients lic from 12 noon until midnight the event,” the organisers, Infi n- “Some of the popular restau- riety of entertainment activities “establish long-lasting sturdy daily. ity Marketing Solutions & Event rants include, Zaff ran Café, Royal for diff erent age groups, such as relations with their audience”. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 QATAR Qatar remains one of the top jewellery and luxury destinations in the world, says Hussain Alfardan

By Joey Aguilar Alfardan said the highest standard of come international and I hope the history of the pearl and pearl Staff Reporter this is just the fi rst day and I hope diving, which was the source of jewellery and watches is presented at the this year will be exceptional,” Al- livelihood in the region in the exhibition, which hosts 129 exhibitors fardan continued. past. “We are pearl divers, pearl atar remains one of the Citing the country’s strong dealers and pearl experts; so, our top jewellery and luxury from 14 countries and showcases 500 economy and the huge support incomes depend on the pearl. Af- Qdestinations globally due local and international brands, spread by the government to the private ter a long time, maybe 70 or 80 to the high standard of collec- sector, he expressed confi dence years, the pearl business dropped tions – from precious gems to across 33,000sq m of space that the future of Qatar’s jewel- but luckily, we had oil,” Alfardan iconic watches – showcased at lery and luxury industry will re- said. the Doha Jewellery & Watches ister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin cases 500 local and international main bright as it is today. “Our “We recovered quickly and the Exhibition (DJWE), Alfardan Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani. It brands, spread across 33,000sq economy is very strong, the plan pearl became a luxury thing, not Group chairman Hussain Ibra- brings together renowned inter- m of space. These include well- of our government is clear, we are everybody has it because nobody him Alfardan has said. national and Qatari brands under known and popular brands such independent, we are having our is diving, it is very diffi cult to get “Our jewellery exhibition is fa- one roof. as Vacheron Constantin, Tiff any own policy, and we are trying our the pearl and so it became very mous around the world because The DJWE serves as a leading and Co, Dior, Chopard and Fab- best to depend on ourselves,” Al- expensive,” he explained, add- of quality. Everything you see platform for lovers of luxury and erge, among others, housed at fardan stressed. “We are moving ing that the cultured pearl failed here (in Qatar) is luxury,” he told jewellery to see the latest trends the Alfardan pavilion. ahead strongly in the private sec- to keep its value compared to the Gulf Times on the sidelines of the and innovations in the indus- “We are trying our best to keep tor supported by the government natural pearl. 17th edition of DJWE 2020, tak- try, attracting a large number of it in that standard and it will re- sector, we are doing very well Now, Alfardan noted, the ing place at the Doha Exhibition foreign visitors from around the main in that standard. There is together and we have started to natural pearl has become more and Convention Centre. world. a big demand from the whole be self-suffi cient in many prod- expensive and precious than any The six-day exhibition, or- Alfardan said the highest region to visit this place,” he ucts.” stone in the world. Some of these ganised by Qatar National Tour- standard of jewellery and watch- added. About Alfardan Jewellery’s rare and exclusive pearl collec- ism Council (QNTC), opened on es is presented at the exhibi- “I am personally very proud tradition of highlighting Qa- tions, as well as other gems and Monday under the patronage of tion, which hosts 129 exhibitors because I started the exhibition tar’s heritage in its collections, diamonds, are showcased by Al- Hussain Ibrahim Alfardan showcasing one of Alfardan Jewellery’s HE the Prime Minister and Min- from 14 countries and show- in the past and now it has be- he underlined the importance of fardan Jewellery at its pavilion. rare pearl necklaces at the Alfardan pavilion. PICTURE: Jayan Orma The rebirth of a watch icon

By Joey Aguilar showcasing the chronograph, we Chopard launches Alpine Eagle collection in Qatar mogeneous crystal structure, its Staff Reporter haven’t shown it anywhere else, purity enables it to refl ect light and also the three Haute joaill- in a unique way. Like diamond, erie that we made in collabora- whose brilliance depends on the hopard, along with part- tion with a James Bond movie, lowest degree of impurities, this ner Alfardan, has unveiled the Happy Hearts collection,” innovative steel has far less im- Chopard movement. Cthe Alpine Eagle collec- Caroline said. “The movie will be purities than conventional steel, tion at an exclusive event yester- released in London on March 31; guaranteeing it brilliance and day in the Chopard booth at the so this is also a premiere.” brightness comparable to that of 17th edition of Doha Jewellery She noted that Qatar remains gold. & Watches Exhibition (DJWE). a very important market for True to Karl-Friedrich’s “As always, we bring novelties Chopard, which has been in the deep commitment to fine to the Doha exhibition, most of country for many years. “One watchmaking, the two move- all the new Alpine Eagle sports of the first brands to be in Qa- ments with automatic wind- chic timepiece collection, which tar, we have been working over ing embedded in the heart of is his and hers, it comes in diff er- two generations with the Al- Alpine Eagle watches have ent sizes and models,” Chopard fardan family in partnership. It been developed in Chopard’s artistic director and co-presi- is really like a family, so I think watchmaking workshops and dent Caroline Scheufele told Gulf Qatari ladies have a lot of taste chronometer-certified by Times. and they appreciate Chopard,” the Swiss Official Chronom- Contemporary, refi ned and Caroline said. eter Control – a rare event for assertive, the new Alpine Eagle While vision is essential to watches in this category. sports chic timepiece collection running a family Maison, it is Alpine Eagle 41mm thus wel- is a state-of-the-art reinterpre- perseverance and determination comes the 01.01-C calibre with tation of the St. Moritz, the fi rst that lead to success. Such was the a 60-hour power reserve, while watch created in 1980 by Karl- path taken by Karl-Friedrich in the 36mm models host the Friedrich Scheufele, now co- 1980, when he presented his very 09.01-C calibre with a 42-hour president of Chopard. fi rst watchmaking project. power reserve – with the latter Alpine Eagle, imagined and As a youthful 22-year-old em- 8-ligne movement being one designed by Karl-Friedrich, is ployee in the family Manufacture Caroline Scheufele showcasing some of Chopard’s collections at DJWE 2020. PICTURE: Jayan Orma of the smallest to receive COSC driven by his passion for the at the time, he submitted an idea certifi cation. Both are visible Alps and by the lofty power of to his father for a watch to be set Chopard on the path of its also on Louis Sullivan’s princi- emblem of contemporary eagles through a transparent sapphire The 41mm Alpine Eagle the eagle that reigns supreme named St. Moritz. now legendary partnership with ples of harmony which dictate capable of choosing the right crystal back. timepiece. there. Crafted from an exclusive, A project with a resolutely the Mille Miglia race. In 1996, he that “form follows function”, direction in the pursuit of their Thanks to its vertically in- ultra-resistant and light-refl ect- coming of age dimension, within decided to restore Haute Horlo- Karl-Friedrich created a new col- destiny. tegrated production process, ing metal named Lucent Steel which a young man asserts him- gerie to the place it deserved by lection: Alpine Eagle. Alpine Eagle’s round bezel Chopard has produced and as- A223, it beats to the rhythm of a self, spreads his wings and takes founding Chopard Manufacture Belonging to the select circle is punctuated by eight screws, sembled all Alpine Eagle com- Chopard chronometer-certifi ed fl ight. in Fleurier. In the same pioneer- of watches with an integrated grouped in pairs at the four car- ponents in-house, from all the movement. The fi rst sports watch from the ing mode, it was on the same case and bracelet, this timepiece dinal points. Their slots are set at components of its movements Bearing testament to Chop- Maison as well as the fi rst time- site in Fleurier that Chopard’s presents a design that is both re- a tangent to the circle of the bez- to the making of its case and ard’s ethical approach, Alpine piece made of steel in its work- co-president had premises built, fi ned and contemporary, featur- el, a sign of high-quality fi nish- bracelet, whether in steel and/ Eagle gives the Maison an oppor- shops, the St. Moritz was pro- complete with the Minergie la- ing a wealth of references to the ing and sophisticated aesthetic or gold. tunity to reveal its new commit- foundly innovative for Chopard, bel certifi cation criteria, thereby Alpine eagle and its biotope. Its purpose. Karl-Friedrich’s is a hiking and ment to protecting the Alpine en- then a specialist in gold and dia- paving the way for sustainable rock-like textured dial evoke an These screws also serve a tech- skiing enthusiast who fi nds in- vironment through the launch of mond-set gold watches. It repre- luxury. eagle’s iris, its hands call to mind nical function by guarantee- spiration and serenity in the high the Eagle Wings Foundation, of sented a real and carefully calcu- With Alpine Eagle, history is the raptor’s feathers and the cold ing the water resistance of the altitudes of Switzerland, which which Karl-Friedrich is founding lated risk. Karl-Friedrich made it repeating itself, since it was at glinting steel is reminiscent of watch to 100m. On the one hand, open his eyes, clear his mind member. Alpine Eagle is dedicat- a success that was to become one the insistence of his son Karl- glaciers. thanks to its hypoallergenic com- and initiate action. Sensitive to ed to contemporary eagles, the of the Maison’s bestsellers for the Fritz, secretly supported by his The gently tapered Alpine Ea- position, Lucent Steel A223 has Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan’s aspiring men who outperform in next decade. grandfather Karl, that Karl-Frie- gle bracelet comprises a single properties comparable to surgical initiative, Karl-Friedrich joined their daily lives and whose vision Since then, he has become co- drich looked into the updating of ingot-shaped link, topped by a steel, making it highly dermo- the Alp Action programme in the inspires and elevates. With fore- president of Chopard and taken the St. Moritz. At fi rst reluctant, raised central cap. The case is compatible. 2000s. sight and determination, they on many other challenges. He he was won over by his son’s distinguished by a protrusion On the other hand, this alloy Today, in unveiling his new Al- act on the challenges of tomor- was one of the fi rst to sense the strength of conviction, just as protecting the crown engraved with its 223 Vickers’ strength is pine Eagle collection, whose de- row and are innately aware of the strength of the bonds between he himself had been able to win with a compass rose, an instru- 50% more resistant to abrasion sign bears the imprint of nature’s importance of environmental is- passionate enthusiasts of the his father’s support 40 years ago. ment that has helped adventur- than conventional steels and has infl uence, he sought to associate sues. automobile world and of watch- Drawing on his creative strength ers fi nd their way since ancient a unique hardness. this collection with a new sus- The 36mm Alpine Eagle “For the fi rst time, we are making mechanics. It was he who and his passion for the Alps, but times. Today, it becomes the Finally, with its superior ho- tainable approach. timepiece. Young Qatari Designers initiative returns to DJWE for fourth year

he Young Qatari Designers & Co, AlGhala Jewellery, Hessa (YQD) initiative returns Jewels, Midad Jewelery, and Tto the Doha Jewellery & Thameen Jewellery return for the Watches Exhibition (DJWE) this fourth year. year, which is being held under “Supporting Qatar’s entre- the patronage of HE the Prime preneurs and talents is one of Minister and Minister of Interior the main goals of Qatar National Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Ab- Tourism Council (QNTC), and dulaziz al-Thani at Doha Exhibi- DJWE has historically been a tion and Convention Centre until fruitful platform for these young February 29. artists,” said Ahmed al-Obaidli, The initiative is aimed at sup- director of Exhibitions at QTNC, porting Qatari jewellery design- the organisers of the event. “We ers and promoting their work by are pleased with the continuous enabling them to showcase their growth of both the exhibition and collections alongside famous the participation of our young luxury brands. Eighteen talented Qatari designers.” designers will join the 17th edi- Newcomers Kaltham al-Ma- tion of DWJE, expanding the size jid, a descendant of the veteran and scope of the popular initia- Al-Majid family jewellers, joins ing jewellery as a hobby and has luxury afi cionados to learn about tive. New participants include: the initiative this year with her turned it into a profession. the latest releases and collec- H Jewelery, Kaltham’s Pavilion, brand Kaltham’s Pavilion. Her Eighteen designers display their collections alongside famous international brands. “A prestigious exhibition like tions of famous brands from Qa- Camelot Jewellery, Clair De Lune collection of rings, pendants, DJWE provides a great opportu- tar and the world, all under one Jewellery, and Letters Passion and bracelets include precious in 18-karat gold. Esma al-Saadi of rubies and diamonds. Hamad collection inspired by buildings nity for me to showcase my col- roof. This year’s 17th edition is Arts, while brands Trifoglio, pieces titled Pink Obsession, established her brand, Clair De Almohammad established his on the Doha Corniche. lections, which I started out of a the largest ever, with 129 exhibi- Ghada Albuainain Jewellery, Pearl Gardenia, Royal Arches and Lune, in 2017. At the show, she brand H Jewellery in 2012, which The recently launched Camel- personal passion when I designed tors from 14 countries displaying Nouf Jewellery, Ghand Jewel- Qatar My Heart, and are crafted will present a collection of fi ne is distinguished by pieces derived ot brand was founded by Ebtisam my own jewellery in Istanbul,” products by 500 local and inter- lery, Leila Issam Fine Jewellery, from sapphire, diamond and jewellery inspired by the beauty from Qatari culture and contem- Almuslmani. A lover of precious she said. national brands across 33,000sq Hairaat Fine Jewellery, Sarah’s other precious gemstones set of nature and consisting mainly porary architecture, such as a stones, Ebtisam began mak- DJWE is an ideal platform for m of exhibition halls. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 9 QATAR Tiff any & Co.’s magical windows are inspired by iconic landmarks in Doha

t the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition 2020 A(DJWE), the region’s most coveted luxury jewellery show, Tiff any & Co.’s windows are cus- tom-made and inspired by iconic landmarks in Doha. Featuring extraordinary mas- terpieces, they have captured the public’s imagination with theat- rical and unexpected displays. Inside these famous windows – art, sculpture, lighting and set design come together to create a moment of pure beauty. Tiff any & Co.’s innovation in high jewel- lery and its ingenious creations designed by chief artistic offi cer, Reed Krakoff , will take centre stage at DJWE. Visitors will be dazzled by pieces such as a platinum pen- dant that resembles a cluster of hydrangeas, radiating with ba- guette, custom-cut and round brilliant diamonds of over 39 car- Tiff any & Co. high jewellery earrings in platinum with blue sapphires. ats, oval and round green tour- malines of over total 13 carats and oval and round green beryls of over 21 total carats. An equally fascinating piece, the platinum butterfl y necklace with a cushion-cut morganite of over 11 carats, a pink tourmaline, pink sapphires and diamonds of over 52 total carats will inspire visitors with its intricate crafts- A Tiff any & Co. window inspired by the Museum of Islamic Art. A Tiff any & Co. window inspired by The Torch Doha. manship, vibrant rare-coloured gemstones and radiant Tiff any diamonds. “We look forward to welcoming visitors and our valued custom- ers to discover the magical win- dows showcasing extraordinary jewellery in fantastical settings. This is an opportunity to explore Tiff any’s jewellery collections that collectively have never be- Tiff any & Co. high jewellery necklace in platinum with yellow and fore been seen in the region and white diamonds. most importantly to be part of an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind shopping experience,” said Joe Nahhas, vice-president of Middle East & Africa, Tiff any & Co. In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiff any founded his company in New York City where his store was soon acclaimed as the palace of jewels for its exceptional gem- stones. Since then, Tiff any & Co’s has become synonymous with elegance, innovative design, fi ne craftsmanship and creative ex- cellence. During the 20th century its fame thrived worldwide with store network expansion and continuous cultural relevance, as Tiff any & Co. high jewellery brooch in platinum with pink sapphires exemplifi ed by Truman Capote’s and diamonds. Breakfast at Tiff any’s and the film starring Audrey Hepburn. and luxury accessories – includ- mitment to superlative quality. Today, with more than 14,000 ing more than 5,000 skilled ar- The company operates more than employees, Tiff any & Co.’s and its tisans who cut diamonds and 300 Tiff any & Co.’s retail stores subsidiaries design, manufacture craft jewellery in the Company’s worldwide as part of its omni- Tiff any & Co.’s windows at DJWE are custom-made and inspired by and market jewellery, watches workshops, realising its com- channel approach. A Tiff any & Co. window inspired by the Doha Souq. iconic landmarks in Doha such as the National Museum of Qatar. Tag Heuer unveils fi rst Qatar limited edition Celtic Legacy highlights wiss luxury watchmaker Tag Heuer has announced Sits fi rst-ever Qatar limited- edition timepiece. Charriol’s off ering The special limited-edition GMT Aquaracer is inspired by the colours of the Qatari fl ag, and harriol, a renowned Swiss play with the establish Char- features a vibrant dual-coloured manufacturer of luxury riol design codes - fi ne cable combination of burgundy and Cwatches and jewellery, is encircles each case. The updated silver-white on the bezel, that is taking part in the ongoing Doha design features a thinner bezel further underscored by the use of Jewellery & Watches Exhibition and therefore more open dial. numbers. (DJWE). The crown is set at 4.30 and the GMT timepieces are fi ne me- The brand is part of the Al seconds sub-dial at 7.00 - ideal chanical instruments, extremely Muftah Jewellery pavilion at proportions that set off a bal- popular for their ability to dis- DJWE, which is taking place at anced and clear dial made with play a second time zone, and the Doha Exhibition and Conven- refi ned materials and details. limited edition Aquaracer is a tion Centre. The collection will be avail- prime example with its 24-hour Among the highlights is the able in July 2020. time display in Arabic numerals. Celtic Legacy. For the ‘Charriol woman’, the “It was 1983 when a young Celtic Legacy presents a slender ‘This launch allows Tag The special limited-edition GMT Aquaracer from Tag Heuer. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed and supplied Philippe Charriol sought to From the collection. silhouette - its mother-of-pearl Heuer to show their bring his spirit of bon vivant to dial is decorated with 10 diamond commitment to watch merals on the bezel, as well as a the world with a knack for artful visiting the shapes and codes of indexes and 28 diamonds punc- lovers by developing date window at 3 o’clock on the living and an eye for technical Charriol. tuating the sub-dial. Signature to a special Qatar limited dial and a triangle marker at 12 mastery. It was the debut of the The entire Maison and crea- Charriol is the bracelet of twisted edition that pays tribute o’clock on the bezel, for optimal Celtic Collection, his fi rst, and tive director - and newly ap- 18kt gold cable, which comes in to national identity and readability. with this elegant timepiece a pointed chairwoman Coralie two widths: fi ve cables of 2mm highlights both the Arabic With water resistance up to legacy was born. A twist of fate Charriol, worked in the search each for the 24mm diameter culture and the colours of 300m, the timepiece retains its would lead him to the master- for a line that honoured its case or six cables for the 30mm the Qatari fl ag’ iconic diving DNA with its stain- ful beauty of intricate and an- founder, her father’s life’s work. case model. This full yellow gold less-steel bracelet with diving cient metal work, inspiration Coralie Charriol said: “As we version add a hint of luxurious The option of a second time extension, and folding clasp with which he then imbued precious looked ahead to 2020, a new brightness to the wrist of the zone ensures ease and conven- double safety push-buttons. materials, luxurious codes and decade and new chapter, we wearer - a woman who combines ience for Qatari travellers, who The watch also features a unidi- a modern spirit,” a press state- knew we wanted to fi nd a re- elegance and precision at all times will always know the local time in rectional turning bezel and fi ne ment noted. ally special way to honour dad. in her own unique style. their homeland. brushed & polished steel case Thirty-seven years later, in Nothing seemed to capture his For its men’s counterpart, the Adorned with a special en- back with a decorative engrav- honour of his passing, Philippe’s spirit quite like the original: Celtic Legacy merges simplic- graving on the back case rep- ing, ensuring that the watch is original stroke of genius is reim- the Celtic Collection. We are so ity with impactful design. The resenting the Doha skyline and unique, on-trend and memora- agined and redesigned. A “new proud to have remade it, just like men’s models, which measure available in 200 pieces only, the ble, from every angle. watch for a new decade”, the I’ll be proud to wear it and share 40mm in diameter, feature a special limited-edition Aqua- “This launch allows Tag Heu- Qatari fl ag,” a press statement neering and high performance. Celtic Legacy is a fi tting celebra- it with the world. It’s the most white porcelain dial with Roman racer will be available to pre- er to show their commitment noted. “This limited-edition time- tion of the life of a visionary en- fi tting way to honour his life and numerals and a black leather order at the Doha Jewellery & to watch lovers by developing a “Moreover, it celebrates the piece embodies diff erent fac- trepreneur and creative soul. to keep his memory at hand.” with double folding clasp strap. Watches Exhibition 2020. The special Qatar limited edition that longstanding and trusted retail ets of TAG Heuer’s avant-garde The Celtic Legacy is the Similar to its original itera- Infused with classic style, the 43mm Aquaracer timepiece pays tribute to national identity partnership with Al Majed Jew- spirit and strengthens its reputa- epitome of an icon - a “simple, tion, the Celtic Legacy is off ered Celtic Legacy is the perfect piece sports a stark black dial that is and highlights both the Arabic ellery. Together, they share the tion as a strong innovative watch timeless classic” that features in two versions: women’s and for the man who knows that to- accented by unique Arabic nu- culture and the colours of the same passion for precision engi- manufacturer.” new slim architecture while re- men’s, subtle variations that day, less is more. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 QATAR

The Al Muftah Jewellery Pavilion. Some of the watches on display. Exquisite watches at the pavilion. Limited-edition watches among key attractions at Al Muftah Jewellery

By Shafeeq Alingal watches, diamonds from Bel- Staff Reporter gium, Italian jewellery and other precious gems. Renowned brands such as Mo- collection of limited-edi- vado, Century, Arzano, Zanelle, tion pieces has put the Al Renée, Sarcar, Charriol, Ebel, AMuftah Jewellery Pavilion Rizane, Solitaire, Nabil Mouzan- fi rmly in the spotlight at the on- nar and Moukarzel, among oth- going Doha Jewellery & Watches ers, are showcased in the pa- Exhibition (DJWE). vilion. Jewellery items on sale “The collection of limited- include necklaces, pendants, edition watches makes us special bracelets, bangles, earrings, and we are sure it will enthuse rings and cuffl inks, etc. visitors to grab their favourite Having a track record of sev- pieces,” said Hussain Mohamed, eral years in the watches and manager, Al Muftah Jewellery. jewellery sector, Al Muftah Jew- The limited-edition watches ellery owns a special place in at the Al Muftah Jewellery Pavil- the market with its high-quality ion come from Sarcar, Ebel and products and service. “At DJWE, Movado. “In fact, DJWE gives we do justice to our legacy and visitors an opportunity to take keep our reputation intact by these home and give them to ensuring the best available serv- their dear ones if they want to,” ice to our valuable customers. Hussain said. And we also off er the best prices Since its inception, Al Muf- here,” Hussain said. tah Jewellery has been a part of The company is celebrat- DJWE, where strengthens its Abdullah al-Muftah, general manager, Al Muftah Jewellery; Hussain Mohamed and Alexander A, area ing DJWE by unveiling two new relationship with patrons and manager for Century. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed models from Sarcar. “It’s an ideal attracts new customers. “We venue to welcome our customers have built relationships with and . These manu- tures a total of 14 Swiss brands than 30 stalls featuring a wide with fresh models. We off er the thousands of customers who facturers are renowned for at DJWE, and its pavilion has range of watches and jewellery. latest watches that are available are partial to the superior engi- there heritage and the exquisite grabbed the attention of watch The company is among the in the market,” he said, adding neering and elegance of estab- craftsmanship of their prod- and jewellery enthusiasts with biggest exhibitors at DJWE, that DJWE help sellers fi nd new lished jewellery and timepiece ucts,” he explained. the rich collection on display. where it presents the latest and markets and sales are going up brands from Switzerland, Italy Al Muftah Jewellery fea- The pavilion includes more most prestigious collection of every year. One of the jewellery pieces on display. Mehta & Sons showcases Anjali Bhimrajka dazzling delights at DJWE celebrates elegance of

By Shafeeq Alingal ture Spring/Summer Collection Staff Reporter 2020 for Rahul Mishra has also been brought to the exhibition. luxurious jewellery These are in addition to piec- ehta & Sons is making es from the Astral Fleur collec- its presence felt at the tion. By Shafeeq Alingal Mongoing Doha Jewellery With a particular focus on Staff Reporter & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) multi-dimensional designs, in- 2020 through a special collec- tricate architecture that’s com- tion of rare gems and diamonds. plemented by an electric array of njali Bhimrajka Fine Jew- The Indian brand is making cuts and colours, Mehta & Sons els is highlighting the its maiden appearance in the “concretises inspiration into im- Aelegance of luxurious exhibition. peccable pieces that delight and jewellery at the ongoing Doha “We are in Doha with a spe- uplift jewellery connoisseurs”, Jewellery & Watches Exhibition cial collection. We have special according to the jeweller. (DJWE). manufacturing for Qatari and “Meticulous attention to de- The luxury jewellery brand Arab buyers apart from jewel- tail, paired with maintaining the with an “alchemical sense for lery that will draw members of vital essence of design, Mehta & extracting the beauty within a the Indian community,” said Sons harbours a rich and intui- design” is being showcased in chairman Narendra Mehta, who tive heritage of jewellery mak- the India Pavilion at Doha Ex- has had an aff ection for jewel- ing,” the jeweller added. “The hibition and Convention Cen- lery since the age of 16 when he brand draws on the legacy of tre (DECC), alongside Mehta & entered the industry following its family patriarch, Sawantra- Sons. in the footsteps of his father, jji H Mehta, who had arrived in “We are sure that our collec- Mannoharji S Mehta. Mumbai and founded his jewel- tions can strike a chord with lery house in 1933.” jewellery lovers in Doha, espe- Mehta & Sons, along with The booth also features cially local customers. We are Anjali Bhimrajka Fine unique pieces such as the Pas- well-prepared for DWJE and Jewels, is located in booth serine ring, Emerald crane ring, have come up with an exclu- F5 & F6, India Pavilion, Cacatua ring, Papillion bracelet sive collection that will suit the Doha Exhibition and and the Monarch brooch. tastes of Qataris and customers Convention Centre Mehta & Sons, along with in Doha,” said founder Dr Anjali Anjali Bhimrajka Fine Jewels, is Bhimrajka. According to him, classi- located in booth F5 & F6, India Expectations are high with cal jewellery with a beautiful Pavilion, Doha Exhibition and The Mehta & Sons and Anjali Bhimrajka Fine Jewels booth at DJWE Anjali Bhimrajka Fine Jewels design that suits the tastes of Convention Centre. 2020. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed and the brand looks forward customers is the speciality of to drawing the youth. “We are Mehta & Sons. rich with exclusive collec- Mehta & Sons is a Forever- tions for the young generation. mark-approved jeweller and We are here with modern and From the collection. its booth is located in the India contemporary jewellery that’s Pavilion organised by the Gems stylish for the youth,” she not- phires, Paraiba tourmalines and are available at the booth are & Jewellery Export Promotion ed. Baltic amber are set in 18- and a pave fan of over 2,000 round Council (GJEPC) in collaboration Anjali nurtured her passion 22-carat gold. diamonds fluidly folded over with the Indian embassy in Doha. for jewellery design with a Among the highlights is with larger, varied-shaped The booth features rings, certification from the Gemo- Sinuosity, featuring a snake diamonds. This design is in- earrings, bracelets and neck- logical Institute of America that represents an ancient spired by the delicate vari- laces, which come in various and her firm is now one of the part of nature that has stood ations of molluscs that in- models and specifi cations that most well-regarded creators the test of time as a symbol of habit the waves and are often cater to the varied tastes and re- of contemporary fine jewel- fluidity and the primal force peppered across the sand at quirements of customers from lery. of life, and a Bodhi bracelet dawn. around the world. Anjali Bhimrajka Fine Jewels’ and ring. The booth also has The Gossamer Wing earrings Among the most attractive designs are special with unique natural asymmetry that in- are a veil of exquisitely crafted pieces at Mehta & Sons are a fi nishes. It has diamonds in cludes a secret garden brace- diamond chips edged by anoth- pair of Zambian green emer- various fi nishes and models, let, verdure eartops, trellis er curtain of diamonds. These ald earrings and several other including rose-cut diamonds. bracelet, cherry blossom ear- earrings weave a fragile mesh of exquisite pieces that make up Golconda diamonds, Colom- rings, periwinkle eartops and glittering jewels, its translucent the jeweller’s bespoke collec- bian emeralds, Burmese rubies, Pinnidae earrings. eff ect almost as gauzy as but- tions. Besides, the Haute Cou- Some of the exquisite pieces on display. Basra pearls, Kashmir sap- The Pinnidae earrings that terfl y wings. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 11 QATAR Qatar and Algeria enjoy historic relations, strategic partnerships

QNA issues of common concern. international security and peace. for export after entering the lo- Doha The Qatari-Algerian relations Relations between Doha and cal market with new products. are historical and growing and Algiers are organised by a set of The project was designed to pro- characterised by decades of co- signed agreements and memo- duce approximately 2mn tonnes fter two successful visits operation between the leader- randums of understanding that of iron annually, including 1.5mn to the Hashemite King- ships of the two countries. Qa- cover many areas, including tonnes of reinforced iron and Adom of Jordan and the tar is one of the countries that economy and trade, industry, 500,000 tonnes of steel wire. Tunisian Republic, His Highness supported the struggle of the mining and investment, agricul- The prospects for future eco- the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- Algerian people and their revo- ture and tourism, health, media, nomic and investment co-oper- mad al-Thani yesterday visited lution from the very beginning youth, sports, urban planning, ation between Qatar and Algeria Algeria. and stood with Algeria and has customs, justice and economic are promising in the light of the It is certain that the Amir’s been continuing this way, which control, anti-commercial fraud, capabilities of the two countries. tour of the three Arab countries indicates the depth of the strong avoidance of double taxation, Algeria is the gateway to Africa, will establish new partnerships, relationship, brotherhood and sea fi shing, water resources and given its important geographical open up broad prospects for fur- mutual trust that unites the two natural reserves. location between the European ther co-operation and launch countries. These agreements have and African continents and it joint projects of mutual benefi ts Relations between the two strengthened and cemented fra- has excellent relations with the that meet the needs and aspira- sides have strengthened, ex- ternal relations between the two countries of the two groups. tions of brothers everywhere. panded and consolidated countries from co-operation to The Algerian market has nat- His tour at this particular time through a series of exchanged an ambitious and confi dent stra- ural capabilities ranging from is gaining its great importance, visits between the leaderships tegic partnership. climate diversity and agricultur- not only in terms of strengthen- of the two countries, the most The economic co-operation al lands, in addition to the avail- ing bilateral relations with these recent of which were the visits between Qatar and Algeria also ability of specialised and skilled countries, but also in terms of of His Highness the Amir Sheikh witnessed a qualitative leap that Algerian labour, which provides unifying positions and eff orts Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to was well refl ected by the estab- many investment possibilities towards the most important is- Algeria in April 2014 and in No- lishment of the Algerian-Qatari and opportunities in various sues, crises and challenges fac- vember 2016. Steel Company in the Bellara sectors such as mining, medi- ing Arab countries and people. Such visits and those by the Steel Complex in the Jijel region, cine, tourism, industry, services This confi rms that the whole ministers and senior politi- eastern Algeria, with an invest- and agriculture. Arab region is one nation that cal and military offi cials of the ment cost of about two billion It is expected that the coming has shared hopes, aspirations two countries confi rm the great dollars, as well as Ooredoo, a period will witness a doubling and common goals, and that be- keenness to nurture, upgrade leading company in the telecom- of Qatari investments in Alge- ing far away and concerned with and enhance these relations in munications sector, which has ria and an increase in Algerian local national requirements do all sectors. This was refl ected in achieved considerable success in exports to the Qatari market, not prevent Qatar and its lead- the results of the meeting of the Algeria. where the possibility of opening ership from performing its na- fi fth session of the Qatari-Al- The iron and steel plant is the a line for Air Algerie, as well as a tional role and satisfying the re- gerian Joint Higher Committee largest Arab joint venture in Al- shipping line linking the ports of quirements of Arab brotherhood held in Doha in November 2014. geria, and it was built on an area Algeria and Hamad will be stud- and solidarity. The Qatari-Algerian relations of about 216 hectares, making ied. During his visit to Algeria, have their own uniqueness, con- it the largest industrial com- This will contribute to the Amir held a session of talks sidering that the two countries plex for steel in Algeria and the strengthening bilateral relations with Algerian President Abdel- are one of the largest natural gas region. The factory employed in many areas and promoting madjid Tebboune on bilateral exporters in the world, and they more than 1,000 people and is exchanges between economists relations and means of enhanc- are also pivotal countries within set to rise to 1,800 employees. and investors from both coun- ing and advancing them , es- the Arab League and in the re- It is intended to produce pure tries. There are about 115 Qatari- pecially in the economic, com- gional setting, and they are unit- quality iron with rare direct re- Algerian joint companies oper- mercial and investment fi elds, ed by common visions, common duction technology in the world ating in the markets of the two in addition to reviewing and positions and fi rm principles that depends on gas, which made countries. The volume of trade discussing political issues, de- towards bilateral and national the factory have a global reputa- exchange between them exceed- velopments and current issues interests, towards Arab and in- tion and concludes agreements ed QR163mn during the past few in the region, and international ternational issues, and towards with international companies years. Amir’s visit to Algeria signifi cant: envoy ‘Amir’s visit marks a new beginning for QNA relations that bring together pointing out that many available co-operation in the fi elds of se- Doha the two countries and which are opportunities and capabilities curity and defence through mu- in continuous development on were discussed in several sectors tual visits, he added. economic co-operation’ more than one level. He also af- in Algeria, foremost of which are He said that there are many he ambassador of Algeria fi rmed the keenness of the two agriculture and coastal, desert bilateral visits in the military to Qatar Dr Mustafa Bou- leaderships to strengthen these and mountain tourism. fields at the highest levels, QNA the wise leadership of President Ttoura affi rmed that the relations in all aspects, to further He said that the Algerian-Qa- underlining that these visits Algiers Abdelmadjid Tebboune. current visit by His Highness the strengthen them and to promote tari partnership is expected to be are strengthening through the Gouri expressed his country’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad them for the good, prosper- strengthened and expanded with mutual participation between interest in strengthening trade al-Thani to Algeria is of great ity and development of the two the upcoming meeting of the 6th Algerian and Qatari military resident of Algerian and investment co-operation importance in light of the po- countries. session of the Joint Higher Com- officials in many events held in Chamber of Commerce with Qatar, to include all fi elds, litical changes and diffi cult chal- Regarding the Gulf crisis, the mittee, in which preparations the two countries. Pand Industry Abdelkader especially as the two countries lenges that the world is witness- ambassador explained that from are underway for the meeting The ambassador affi rmed his Gouri affi rmed that His High- have distinguished relations and ing, especially in Arab region. the standpoint of the principles to be held as soon as possible in country’s keenness to develop ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim share many features such as ef- The Algerian ambassador of his country’s established for- 2020, in addition to the Business bilateral relations with Qatar in bin Hamad al-Thani’s visit to forts to diversify the economy said in a press statement that eign policy, Algeria was the fi rst Council. all fi elds, adding that the Qa- Algeria is a new beginning for outside the hydrocarbon sector. the Amir’s visit to Algeria con- Arab country since the begin- Furthermore, he noted the tari side has the same desire and economic co-operation between Gouri pointed out that the Al- stitutes a good occasion for ning of the Gulf crisis to call for permanent co-ordination be- there is an important co-oper- Qatar and Algeria. gerian Chamber of Commerce fruitful talks with President the adoption of dialogue and tween the two countries with- ation in several fi elds and also and Industry is in the process of Abdul Majeed Tabun on means political methods to deal with in the framework of the Gas in the cultural and sports fi elds, In a statement to Qatar News setting the fi rst brick for expand- to strengthen relations be- this crisis between brothers, the Algerian ambassador Mustafa Exporting Countries Forum stressing that both sides aspire Agency (QNA), Gouri said that ing Algerian exports to Qatar, tween the two countries which conservation, under all circum- Boutoura. (GECF), stressing that the two to further fruitful co-operation the Amir’s visit will pave the way which he emphasised is a prom- are witnessing steady and rapid stances, of the principles of good countries are among the largest in these areas. for the bilateral relations to enter ising market, especially exports growth in partnership and in- neighbourliness, non-interfer- investors in the agricultural, real producers and exporters of gas in In this context, Dr Boutoura into a modern commercial stage of agricultural products and food vestment, both at the govern- ence in internal aff airs of states estate, hotel and tourism sectors, the world and seek to study the pointed out that Algeria is ready between the business sectors in industries, stressing the impor- mental and business levels, and the respect of their sover- as well as Ooredoo group, which opportunities available in these to contribute in every way possi- both countries, by increasing tance of increasing the trade ex- in addition to all Arab and in- eignty. is a pioneer in the telecommu- two fi elds in order to sign future ble to the success of hosting the the level of economic and com- change volume between the two ternational issues of common On economic co-operation, nications sector, adding that investment projects. 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar mercial relations to the level and countries, which amounted to concern. he said that this aspect of rela- there is a proposal for a study He pointed out the agree- which is a wonderful achieve- size of the strong political rela- approximately $49.22mn during He emphasised that there are tions between the two countries by the competent authorities in ments, memorandums of un- ment and a pride for the country tions that bring together the two the fi rst nine months of 2019. He identical views between the two witnessed a qualitative leap that both countries on the possibil- derstanding and protocols and its people and for all Arabs countries. also stressed that the Algerian countries on many Arab and in- was well embodied in the con- ity of opening a branch of Qatar between the two brotherly as well. The President of Algerian Chamber of Commerce and In- ternational issues, foremost of struction of the Iron and Steel National Bank (QNB) in Algeria, countries which include areas On the Algerian community Chamber of Commerce and In- dustry will intensify its eff orts to which the Palestinian cause and Complex in Bellara region in the and the establishment of a ship- of multi-industry cooperation, in Qatar, he said that it is an elite dustry said that the relations be- open new channels and areas of the current crisis in . Jijel province, east of Algiers, ping line linking the two coun- energy and mines, maritime and works in various sectors of tween Algeria and Qatar are his- co-operation between the pri- He said that the relations be- stressing that this is one of the tries, in order to promote trade transport, agriculture, culture economic, social and cultural torical and distinguished, which vate sector in the two brotherly tween Algeria and Qatar are dis- most important strategic part- exchange between the two coun- and media. activity, especially oil and gas, is refl ected positively on the two countries, thus creating eco- tinguished on the political level, nership projects in the economic tries and investments in various The ambassador also noted aviation, sports and media that countries’ economy, that has nomic alliances. as they are characterised by fi eld between the two countries, fi elds. the military co-operation be- provides a contribution appre- achieved great development in He noted that Algeria is one mutual respect and continuous at an investment cost of about In the same context, Dr Bou- tween the two countries, saying ciated by the Qatari leadership, recent years. of the investment destinations consultation and co-ordination $2bn. toura stated that there is a great that this is on multiple levels and as it contributes to the develop- He expressed hope to further that receive Qatari business- on issues of mutual interest, re- The Algerian ambassador also desire on the Qatari side to em- includes various fi elds including ment process in light of Qatar push the level of co-operation men’s attention, as during the ferring to the mutual visits be- pointed out that there is a mixed body promising investment issues of security and counter- National Vision 2030 and prepa- between the two countries for- recent years, several partnership tween senior offi cials which are investment company in addition projects in Algeria by some terrorism. The two countries are rations for the great world event ward, especially with the new projects were established be- a testament to the exceptional to other investments by Qatari of well-known businessmen, developing and strengthening 2022 FIFA World Cup. economic plans in Algeria, and tween the two countries.

Qatari-Algerian ties dominated by brotherhood, close co-operation

QNA In his statement to Qatar sador said, pointing out that he ex- characteristics, which are their give people the hope they expect tar stands alongside Algeria, its Algiers News Agency (QNA) on the oc- pects that offi cial visits will inten- strong adherence to the sover- and the initiative to build the na- leadership and people, in words casion of His Highness the sify, whether it comes to offi cials in eignty of their decision and their tional state that depends on its and deeds, and that the Amir’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad the two countries or businessmen, pride in their national personal- people and their co-operation and visit reaffi rms the sincerity of atar’s ambassador to Al- al-Thani’s visit to Algeria, the as there is much that can be done ity, through their adherence to solidarity, he added. the Qatari position towards Al- geria Hassan bin Ibrahim ambassador said that the deep- and the new Algeria off ers great op- the approach of peace and non- Qatar’s ambassador to Algeria geria in good and bad times. He Qal-Malki has affi rmed rooted fraternal ties between the portunities to advance interests of aggression on others. said that the Amir’s visit comes underlined that in all cases, the that the relations between Qa- two countries have resulted in the two countries, and that Qatar The Arab world needs this in- at a time when Algeria is wit- interest of Algeria is in the inter- tar and Algeria are dominated close co-operation that has been is fully prepared to support the new sight in light of the great challeng- nessing fundamental transfor- est of Qatar, and that the securi- by brotherhood and close co- strengthened by the honourable era in Algeria. es facing all, including wars, con- mations, and a new path started ty and stability of Algeria and all operation, and are distinguished stances of Algeria. The fraternal ties between the fl icts, terrorism, deadly disputes by President Abdelmadjid Teb- that relates to its future is a pri- rooted relationship since the The Amir’s visit will push the two countries date back decades, and endless external ambitions, boune since his election as pres- ority for Qatar. Qatar will always epic of the Algerian liberation path of co-operation with Algeria he said, adding that the two Ambassador Hassan bin Ibrahim which confi rms the need to bring ident on December 12, 2019. be present alongside Algeria, he revolution against the occupier. towards broader areas, the ambas- countries share many common al-Malki. views closer to the right path, and The ambassador said that Qa- added. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 QATAR

His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attend the off icial opening yesterday of the Tariq Bin Ziad School under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation. PICTURES: A R al-Baker Father Amir and Sheikha Moza grace opening of QF’s Tariq Bin Ziad School

is Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin HKhalifa al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), yesterday at- tended the offi cial opening cer- emony of Tariq Bin Ziad School, under the umbrella of QF. The event was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, ministers and dignitaries, senior fi gures from Qatar Foundation, alumni of Tariq Bin Ziad School and parents of the school’s current students. Speaking at the offi cial open- HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of ing of the school, HE Sheikh Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser at opening of the Tariq Bin Ziad School yesterday. PICTURES: A R al-Baker QF, attending the opening of Tariq Bin Ziad School. Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al- Thani said: “I am honoured to tions of young people who have be one of the alumni of Tariq Bin gone on to become leaders and Ziad School. We are here today to impact-makers in many diff erent proudly relaunch this school as it sectors across the country. It has continues its journey of nurtur- now become the 12th school to ing a new generation. come under the umbrella of Qa- “Through their constant sup- tar Foundation’s Pre-University port for the human development Education. of the children of this country, the “Our focus on Qatari heritage leadership of Qatar is demonstrat- and history, national identity, ing its recognition that education is and preserving and nurturing our the path to preparing and empow- cultural traditions and values for ering our young people, in terms the young people of this country of their perspectives, their minds, is rooted within our schools, as their souls, their behaviours, and represented by our Qatari her- their sense of national identity; itage curriculum. This refl ects and that knowledge and faith re- Qatar Foundation’s commitment main the best way of advancing and to equipping a new generation of sustaining our community. This leaders who are capable of bal- community is built on cooperation, ancing knowledge, appreciation solidarity, and a commitment to HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin of their cultural heritage, and serving the needs of Qatar. Jabor al-Thani speaking at the answering the challenges of glo- “I would like to take this op- opening of Tariq Bin Ziad School. balisation.” portunity, while speaking about The celebration also included a HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani at the opening. this historic school, to emphasise future generations. Young people performance by students depict- that it has been renewed under are the foundation of Qatar and ing the environment of the school importance and the enduring rel- one grade level being added each who will work and study here. current students and faculty. the umbrella of Qatar Founda- represent the future of our nation. in the 1970s, as well as an exhibi- evance of Qatari heritage. year until Grade 5. We will continue to carry forward The ceremony was followed by tion, while retaining its original “As educators, we are respon- tion chronicling its story from its The school focuses on pro- Maha al-Romaihi, director the message of why quality edu- the fi fth edition of the Education spirit and identity.” sible for creating this foundation, establishment in the 1960s to the viding quality education that of Tariq Bin Ziad School, said: cation is so important, and nur- Forum on Heritage and Identity, Guests at the ceremony also because the better we are as edu- present day. prepares children to be future “I would like to thank everyone ture a new generation of Tariq Bin organised by PUE’s Education heard from the school’s former cators, the better our future gen- Tariq Bin Ziad School, which leaders and active citizens, while who has been part of this school’s Ziad School students.” Development Institute, which director, Eissa Bin Hazza, who erations will be.” came under the umbrella of PUE being rooted in Arabic cultural journey in the past, both those Included in the exhibition re- celebrates learning initiatives said: “My memories of this school Buthaina Ali al-Nuaimi, presi- at the start of the current academic heritage, identity, values and the who have worked and studied telling Tariq Bin Ziad School’s focused on Qatari cultural her- will never leave me – I carry them dent of QF’s Pre-University year, off ers a bilingual co-educa- Arabic language, and has an aca- here, because they have contrib- history were photographs, videos, itage and national identity, and with me in every moment. Education (PUE), said: “Tariq tional Primary Years Programme demic focus that extends into the uted to maintaining the proud artefacts, school magazines, and enables teachers to showcase and “The value of Tariq Bin Ziad Bin Ziad School is seen as being that follows the International community. name of Tariq Bin Ziad School, furniture which was once part of discuss activities that support School is a reality that everyone one of the educational edifi ces Baccalaureate curriculum, with It currently caters from stu- created its legacy, and left an im- its learning environment, along- national education programs in can see, and it carries hope for of Qatar, embraced by genera- additional aspects that refl ect the dents from PS3 to Grade 1, with print for the future generations side a gallery of photographs of its Qatar’s schools.

Tariq Bin Ziad School students held performances at the opening ceremony. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 13 QATAR Q-Tickets to organise ‘Qatar’s biggest’ beach colour fest

nother mega event will ages,” the organisers said in a the statement notes. the most joyful event of the year “expressing enthusiasm in this more in an open-air beach setting be held in the coun- statement. Headed by its founder, Dr Te- by presenting Qatar’s biggest event - transcending racial and and under the sunny skies. A try soon as Q-Tickets Just recently, Qatar wit- jinder Singh, Q-Tickets stressed beach colour festival, a one-of- cultural frontiers”. Tickets can be booked at q- presents ‘Qatar’s biggest nessed back-to-back ma- that it has been at the “forefront its kind event to happen in the “Promising good vibes, great tickets.com. Beach Holi Feast-ival’ on jor concerts, including the of producing world-class events country. We would like to bring music, sumptuous food and, Colours, food, and beverages March 13, it has been an- comeback of Sonu Nigam and in Qatar”. This time, the com- excitement to the fun-loving above all, a fun-fi lled festivity, will be available at the venue nounced. Junoon. Before that, the full- pany brings a “beach colour fest people in Qatar from diff erent Beach Holi Feast-ival is a per- at “reasonable prices”, accord- “With a euphoric fusion of house ‘Mughal-E-Azam: The like no other”. walks of life,” said Dr Singh. fect one-stop Holi destination ing to the organisers. Outside fun, food, music and colour, Grand Musical’ show regaled Like the rest of the world, Dr Sale of tickets for this event is for families, singles and groups,” food, colour powder and bever- the grand beach party” will audiences in Qatar. Singh takes the initiative of hav- already in “full swing and there the statement said. ages are not allowed. Early-bird take place at Sealine Beach, “Q-Tickets, the leader of ing a Holi (known as the Festival is a fl ood of ticket bookings from There will be food off erings, prices (for as low as QR30 per A Murwab Resort. “Everyone events and entertainment in of Colours) event in Qatar in a locals and expatriates alike”, the dhol performances, games, live person for every group of three) is invited to join as the event Qatar, has been behind the suc- “bigger and better celebration”. company said, adding that peo- DJ music, face-painting, a kids’ are available for a limited pe- is open to the public, for all cess of these massive shows,” “We would like to celebrate ple of diff erent nationalities are play area, colourful ambiance and riod. Dr Tejinder Singh Get gold coins Iconic superyacht Amadea with MG 6 sedan

uto Class Cars, the au- carbon-fi bre trim on the front thorised distributor of bumper, headlamps featuring a to take part in boat show AMG in Qatar, has a new ‘London Eye’ design concept, off er on the MG 6 sedan with a twin chrome exhaust pipes mperial has announced the “special price and package of and a ‘Star Rider’ front grille, iconic Amadea, the 106.10m benefi ts”. which takes inspiration from the ILürssen-built superyacht, The price of the sedan starts brand’s expressive design lan- is starting her Middle East tour, from QR60,000 with no down- guage. attending Qatar International payment and the availability of The sporty, premium vibe Boat Show (QIBS) 2020 as the monthly instalments, free reg- continues inside the cabin with “largest yacht ever to be dis- istration and comprehensive in- a smartly confi gured dashboard played at these events”. surance for one year as well as six and central console, comple- In a statement, Imperial said years’ warranty or 200,000km mented by stylish leather- it “looks forward to welcom- (whichever comes fi rst). wrapped seats boasting of a ing guests” on board Amadea In addition, all new buyers will black-and-red interior on top- during QIBS, which will be held have free tinting and also get a of-the-range models. from March 18 to 21 at 23-29 gift of gold coins immediately on In addition to off ering the La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The purchase. most interior space in its seg- Pearl-Qatar. Hesham al-Sahn, general man- ment, the all-new MG 6 builds “Imperial has acted as the ager of Auto Class Cars, said: “The on MG’s reputation for provid- owner’s representative and build MG 6 retains its position as one of ing “extremely generous” levels supervisor during the construc- the best sedans. We are pleased of equipment. An 8-inch colour tion period. In the world of su- to present this special off er with touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, peryachts, Amadea’s layout and a great package of benefi ts and push-start button, keyless entry, interior have been kept classifi ed complementary gold coins given auto hold function, tyre pressure yet highly anticipated by oth- to new buyers upon purchase. This monitoring system, rear park- ers. Several years later, the veil is our way to reiterate our commit- ing camera and a dual-zone cool has now been lifted to reveal the ment towards our community and climate control system featuring magic of Amadea. Her unique, customers who trust our brand rear air-conditioning vents are striking and sophisticated lines and are keen to drive one of our some of the features that are of- has left a footprint in history,” cars. We will continue our special fered as standard. the statement notes. off ers to give them the best deals The MG 6 is equipped with a ever.” 1.5-litre turbo engine, mated to a “Amadea is a symbol of The MG 6, along with other 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmis- power and a testimonial models in the MG lineup of cars, sion with paddle shift option, for of Imperial’s savoir- is available at the Auto Class smooth, eff ortless performance. faire in the superyacht Cars showroom on Salwa Road. This effi cient petrol unit delivers industry” The sleek, dynamic profi le of maximum power of 169hp and the all-new MG 6 is boosted by maximum torque of 250Nm. Besides being the “largest yacht ever to be displayed dur- Amadea: the largest yacht ever to be displayed during the boat show. ing the yacht show, Amadea will also be available for private cabins. Her ultra-sleek exteri- After experiencing the mod- being among the fi rst to explore her new passionate owner.” viewings around the Middle or accommodates a 10m-long ern design of her exterior, the the region with a vessel of this Amadea will be displayed East, exclusively with Imperial”. pool that overflows into the az- juxtaposition of her interior cre- size available for sale, represent at QIBS 2020 at anchor, with The duo of renowned design- ure blue sea. She has an abun- ates a unique ambiance. With a fantastic opportunity for our booking available on Imperial ers Espen Oeino and Francois dance of outdoor entertaining family time in mind, Amadea is company. We look forward to booth, located in V1-V2. She will Zuretti, partnering with re- spaces as well as intimate cor- fi lled with home-away-from- realising some great achieve- be available for viewing strictly spected builder Lürssen, took to ners where guests can relax un- home features. ments.” upon appointment, exclusively the drawing boards to construct observed. The level of cutting- “Amadea is a symbol of power Eric Lepeingle, head of Sales & through Imperial, and her ask- her impressive silhouette. edge and customisation in and and a testimonial of Imperial’s Charter, added: “Amadea is the ing price is solely available upon “She has six guest decks and around the yacht is spectacu- savoir-faire in the superyacht epitome of luxury, a living legend application. is PYC-compliant, and can lar. It is no surprise that she industry,” said Julia Stewart, Im- and the perfect symphony be- Further details about Amadea thus welcome up to 22 guests has been built for autonomous perial director. “Being available tween attention to detail and ut- can be found at https://www. cruising and 16 guests sleep- and unrestricted cruising,” the in the Middle East for a selected most comfort at every level. She imperial-yachts.com/yachts/ MG 6 is sleek and dynamic. ing in her eight luxury en-suite statement said. clientele of connoisseurs, and is ready to immediately welcome sale-amadea/

QAC continues its special Leading jeweller launches off er on Mitsubishi vehicles Studs & Drops Festival alabar Gold & Dia- he Qatar Automobiles Outlander off ers plenty of monds has announced Company (QAC), the au- room for seven passengers with Mits latest off ering, Studs Tthorised distributor of its standard third-row seating. & Drops Festival, at its outlets in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation “You can also quickly change Qatar showcasing an extensive in Qatar, continues with its spe- the seating confi guration to collection of earrings. cial off er on a range of Mitsubi- meet your needs with the quick- The festival gives customers a shi vehicles, including Eclipse folding 60/40 split second row “unique chance to witness and Cross, Outlander and Mirage. and 50/50 split third row seats. own earrings from over 20 coun- Some of the off erings. Valid until March 1, the off er No matter where your weekends tries in gold and diamonds”, the has several benefi ts, including take you, with optional roof,” jeweller has said in a statement. ordinary moment in life,” the & Diamonds also showcases a col- one-year free comprehensive the statement adds. The festival runs from today statement notes. lection of unique designs in gold insurance, one-year free regis- The 2018 Outlander is until March 24. “This exclusive festival off ers a and diamond jewellery from Italy, tration, three-year warranty or equipped with a 166 horse- “Women often use earrings to stunning collection of earrings in Turkey, India, etc to suit the tastes 100,000km. power, 2.4L MIVEC engine that complement their outfi ts and ac- gold and diamonds, designed and and budget of its diff erent custom- The vehicles are available achieves 30 highway MPG3, or centuate their style, preferring handcrafted by skilled artisans ers. Customers can also choose to with no down-payment and the upgrade to GT for even more to own an extensive collection from around the world.” gift their loved ones from its brand- option of in-house fi nancing performance with the powerful at all times. The jewellery chain The customer gets to choose ed jewellery segment that includes through NBK Financial Servic- 224 horsepower, 3.0L MIVEC presents a marvellous range of from “hundreds of designs Era – Uncut Diamond Jewellery, es, subject to terms and condi- engine. earrings for today’s woman, across lightweight, daily wear, Ethnix – Handcrafted Designer tions. The monthly instalment Mitsubishi Mirage is the fam- considering the diff erent roles party wear and traditional as well Jewellery, Mine – Diamonds Un- starts from QR699, with special ily economy car that secures she plays, be it at work, home, as international designs at af- limited, Precia – Gem Jewellery, prices for cash purchase. The Mitsubishi Outlander off ers plenty of room for seven passengers utmost peace of mind and cost celebrating special occasions or fordable prices”. Divine – Indian Heritage Jewellery, Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf al- with its standard third-row seating. eff ectiveness. Thanks to its fl ex- adding sparkle to just another Apart from these, Malabar Gold and Starlet – Kids Jewellery. Thani, Automotive Operations ibility and minimum fuel con- director at Nasser Bin Khaled porate use. As the off er includes sonality that drives one to ex- sumption, the Mirage meets Group, said: “Qatar Automo- sedan as well as SUV vehicles, plore. the expectations of the drivers Media and communication conference begins biles Company, as part of its customers can choose what best “The fresh surprise of the and passengers alike. In terms commitment towards our com- meet their requirements in an body persists in the cabin where of safety, Mitsubishi Mirage has The third International Confer- with the development of modern communicative globalisation, munity, continues its special of- easy way and enjoy great ben- engineering passion culminates an enhanced light body, made ence on Media and Communica- means of communication and the which makes false news and fers to help customers get a new efi ts.” in sporty, dynamic refi nement. of reinforced steel that absorbs tion organised by Qatar Univer- emergence of new media. media practices not committed car and enjoy great benefi ts. The Eclipse Cross’s beautiful, From distinctive horizontal in- shocks and shatters the eff ect in sity’s College of Arts and Sciences, Dean of the College of Arts and to professional ethics, spread With zero down-payment and dynamic form creates the same strument panel to shining sil- all directions. started yesterday. Sciences Dr Ibrahim al-Kaabi said throughout the world, and aff ordable monthly instalments, sense of excitement and inspi- ver trim and monotone colour All the cars are available at the The event is being held in co- the conference comes at a time promotes the drawing of negative it is easier to get their favourite ration as the diamond ring ef- scheme, the cockpit welcomes Mitsubishi Motors showroom operation with Al Jazeera Media when there is an urgent need to mental images of societies. car. This is our way to give back fect during a total eclipse. While you to a bold new experience with on Salwa road. Customers can Institute. shed light on contemporary media Al-Kaabi hoped that the confer- to our community.” stylish like a coupé, it’s unques- Display Audio and Head Up Dis- visit the Salwa Road showroom Researchers, academics and practices, and the extent of its com- ence would produce a new road Hesham al-Sahn, general tionably a Mitsubishi Motors play keeping you stimulated and from Saturday to Thursday, 8am media professionals from Arab and mitment to professional ethics. map for media ethics appropriate manager of QAC, said: “Mit- SUV. The dynamic, sculpted informed. The newly developed to 9pm, and on Friday from 5pm foreign universities and institutes He said that the traditional media to the digital spaces, which would subishi vehicles are well known form projects the explosive 1.5L petrol turbo engine, it pro- to 9pm, and the Al Khor show- are participating in the two-day is suff ering from the diff iculty of put an end to the chaos that for their reliability and quality power of an athlete from sporty vides a pleasing response, high room from Saturday to Wednes- conference to discuss issues related continuity due to the vastness threatens the traditional role of and meet customers’ demand, face to high-tech rear lamps – revolutions and strong accelera- day, 8am to 8pm, and on Thurs- to media ethics and the challenges of digital spaces, noting that the the media in spreading the truth whether for individual or cor- all harmonise in a strong per- tion,” a press statement notes. day from 8am to 3pm. they face at all levels, especially gravity of the status quo lies in out of its responsibility in society. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 QATAR Chief of Staff meets US Centcom chief QF event focuses on political ties in the Gulf

hought-leaders and re- searchers from Qatar, TKuwait, and Oman have agreed that the gap between decision-makers and youth in the Gulf region needs to be narrowed, by providing young people with more pathways for discussion that allow them to exchange their ideas and views. The topic was discussed at HE the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al- Oasis of Dialogue, a platform Ghanem yesterday met the Commander of US Air Forces Central Command Lieutenant General for dialogue and the sharing of Joseph Guastella. During the meeting, they discussed military relations between the two sides perspectives organised by Qa- and ways to enhance and develop them. A number of senior off icers of the Qatar Armed Forces tar Debate, a member of Qatar attended the meeting. Foundation (QF). It focused on the future of political relation between Gulf countries. The event at Multaqa hosted three keynote speakers includ- ing Dr Faisal Abu Saleeb, associ- ate professor at the Department HEC Paris in Qatar offi cially of Political Science, College of Social Sciences, Kuwait Uni- versity; Dr Mahjoub al-Zuwairi professor of Contemporary Ira- welcomes EMBA Class of 2021 nian History and Middle East Oasis of Dialogue brought together thought-leaders and researchers from Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman to Policy at Qatar University; and discuss political relations in the Gulf region. Dr Abdulla Baabood, an Omani EC Paris in Qatar has among others. Participants The EMBA is a practical and professor specialising in Gulf “This meant that, for the fi rst contract” between the popula- light the importance of diff erent offi cially welcomed the come from 14 countries, in- intense 16-month programme and Middle East studies. It ad- time, communities in Gulf states tions of Gulf countries and their perspectives in dealing with fu- HHEC Paris Interna- cluding Lebanon, Jordan, In- developed to provide partici- dressed issues including social were involved in political deci- governments. “I deeply believe ture challenges. tional Executive MBA (EMBA) dia, UK, South Africa, Oman, pants with an understanding reforms, preventing political sions, and unfortunately this in co-operation and integration “It is important for experts, Class of 2021, during a launch Egypt, Qatar, Germany, Ku- of the social, economic and crises, diversity of thought, eco- was not the kind of involvement between the populations of all thought leaders, and youth from event held at its Doha campus wait, Kenya, Canada, Tunisia, environmental aspects of in- nomics, geopolitics, and region- designed to help them achieve Gulf countries,” said Dr Baa- diff erent cultures to commu- in Tornado Tower recently. and . ternational business, as well al security systems. their aspirations, but instead re- bood. “The Gulf Co-operation nicate through a common lan- The new EMBA cohort was Welcoming the new partici- as the skills to implement their Oasis of Dialogue was pre- lated to leadership confl icts, and Council was established on guage within a vibrant and open welcomed by Dr Pablo Martin pants during the launch cer- vision. The curriculum is built sented by Anoud al-Kuwari, an this is due to the impact of social common foundations with re- academic environment. QF’s de Holan, dean of HEC Paris in emony of the programme, Dr around three components: 11 alumna of QF partner univer- media.” gard to decision-making, com- Education City off ers a wide Qatar; Dr Andrea Masini, asso- Holan said, “The 2020 intake core courses in all the key ar- sity Georgetown University in Dr al-Zuwairi explained how mon objectives, and strategies, range of academic facilities de- ciate dean, MBA Programmes, of our EMBA programme once eas of general management, a Qatar, and moderated by Qatari regional challenges infl uenced and all the Gulf states are still signed to enhance community HEC Paris; and Abdallah again features participants specialisation, and a capstone researcher Abdul Rahman al- the shape of Gulf relations, say- adhering to common interests, engagement, to meet young peo- Abdel-Daem, director of pro- from very diverse backgrounds project. Marri Qatari, and invited young ing: “The Gulf crisis is the result unity of geography and culture, ple’s aspirations, and equip them grammes, HEC Paris in Qatar. and perspectives. This is proof The comprehensive core people to share their opinions of external interactions, chal- and a common destiny. with the skills they need to drive The participants in this pro- of HEC´s multi-cultural iden- courses include modules on and thoughts via social media. lenges, and foreign policies.” “We live in a world where positive change in the region and gramme are senior executives tity and respect for diversity strategy, analysis and imple- Dr Abu Saleeb emphasised Clarifying the type of chal- countries cannot live in isola- across the world.” representing a diverse range of and it is also a testament of mentation, as well as leader- the importance of enabling the lenges the region faces in this tion, and therefore diff erences Dr Hayat Abdullah Marafi , ex- leading sectors which include the growing popularity of this ship and human resources youth of the Gulf to take an ac- regard, he said: “State-building may occur between individuals ecutive director of Qatar Debate, telecom, real estate, fi nance, programme, which has in many management. Participants will tive role in political decision- and the history of relations be- and states. This is normal, so it is who also attended, said: “The tourism, construction, insur- ways become synonymous choose one of the eight spe- making, saying: “The Gulf cri- tween Gulf countries are con- important to defi ne how to deal Oasis of Dialogue is a response to ance, banking, logistics, en- with the existence of HEC Paris cialisations, delivered in diff er- sis, whether it is long or short, stant challenges, together with with crises, how to manage con- social demand. ergy, education, and airlines, in Qatar.” ent locations. remains a temporary stage in the the shaping of foreign policies fl icts, and how to benefi t from “It has targeted diff erent journey of Gulf relations. through reliance on major inter- lessons - going back always to groups from our community, “All previous confl icts be- national powers.” our roots.” and provided both young people tween Gulf states were resolved He emphasised the neces- Machaille al-Naimi, President and experts with an opportunity within the circle of infl uence at sity of bridging a knowledge of Community Development, for discussion in an open aca- leadership level. The current sit- gap, in the context of the huge Qatar Foundation, who attended demic environment. It is also a uation is diff erent because some amounts of information that the event, said: “The Oasis of compass for empowering young Gulf countries tried to infl uence young people now receive, and Dialogue aims to communicate debaters to transfer their skills all directions, including at the reinforced the importance of ad- the voice of youth, foster a cul- toward discussion management grassroots level, through social dressing an identity challenge ture of dialogue and construc- and the presentation of ques- media users and infl uencers. and strengthening the “social tive critical thinking, and high- tions in an interactive way.” HBKU College of Law hosts HEC Paris in Qatar welcomes International Executive MBA Class of 2021. Qatar International Court judge

he College of Law at Ha- mad Bin Khalifa University Qatar Charity activities to raise T(HBKU), in association with the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre, hosted awareness on displaced Syrians Bruce Robertson for a colloquium on litigation and legal ethics in a globalised world. atar Charity (QC) will show their solidarity with the include a joint live TV and Bruce has served as a judge of organise various ac- displaced and refugees. radio broadcast on Friday the Qatar International Court since Qtivities over three In a statement, QC has and Saturday by different 2013. days starting today, as part of urged people to contribute to media outlets. A native of New Zealand, he was the ongoing ‘Sham Deserves’ the ‘Shams Deserves’ cam- In conjunction with the a judge of the Court of Appeal of campaign, to educate people paign to provide urgent relief campaign, a delegation from New Zealand and previously of the on the plight of Syrian dis- aid to Syrian people in their QC recently distributed ur- High Court. placed persons and refugees country and the countries of gent aid to the displaced and He continues to sit in various in the harsh cold and their asylum. refugees in Turkish areas Pacifi c jurisdictions, holding a winter essentials. Launched by Qatar Media bordering . number of statutory and advisory The activities will be held Corp on February 19, and be- The aid included 200 roles. He was previously an Inns of at Katara and Doha Festival ing implemented by Qatar tonnes of relief materi- Court Fellow in London and Visitor City, with the aim of contrib- Charity under the supervi- als worth over QR14mn to at Emmanuel College, University of uting to easing the hardship of sion of the Regulatory Au- benefit 864,618 people. Cambridge. the displaced and refugees by thority for Charitable Ac- The delegation narrated the The College of Law regularly meeting their needs, raising tivities, the ‘Sham Deserves’ problematic conditions of hosts local and international events awareness about their issues campaign aims to deliver as- Syrian displaced persons and to stimulate debate and promote a and marketing winter and re- sistance to 250,000 Syrian refugees. Another delegation greater understanding of various lief products for them. refugees and displaced per- is scheduled to depart on topics within the legal arena. HBKU College of Law hosts Qatar International Court judge. The events will have many sons in the areas of shelter, Friday to provide a second activities for children, allow- food, water, sanitation and batch of aid to Syrian refu- ing them and their parents to health. The campaign will gees and displaced persons. QM invites university students and alumni for art competition

atar Museums (QM) is pose their ideas for a public art for students and recent gradu- dents a head start to gaining the inviting university stu- piece to be displayed in Qatar. ates to contribute to enriching same kind of exposure.” Qdents and alumni to par- The piece could span various the nation’s arts and culture Today, QM will hold an ad- ticipate in the fi rst edition of its mediums, from installations to scene, but it also prepares the ditional orientation day for stu- Public Art Student Competition. interventions and performances. next generation of artists with dents and alumni to enter the To promote the competition, The winners will gain fi nancial fi rsthand experience into the in- competition. It will be held from QM hosted an orientation day at support to realise their proposal dustry.” 12.30pm at Qatar Foundation, Fire Station Cinema yesterday. and exposure in the art industry. Aalia Khalid al-Khater, Public Virginia Commonwealth Univer- The competition is aimed to- Abdulrahman al-Ishaq, head Art researcher, added: “By pro- sity School of the Arts in Qatar. wards students currently en- of Public Art at QM, said: “At viding students with a toolbox, The deadline to apply is April rolled at a Qatari university and Qatar Museums, we are proud we believe they can fuel Qatar’s 30. For more information and alumni who have graduated in to provide platforms of self-ex- growing art industry. Universi- guidelines, one can visit www. the last two years. pression for our country’s rising ties in Qatar are home to some of qm.org.qa/en/publicartstu- The activities will be held at Katara and Doha Festival City, with the aim of contributing to easing The competition provides an artists. This competition is not our greatest established artists dentcompetition, and to apply, the hardship of the displaced and refugees by meeting their needs. opportunity for students to pro- only an incredible opportunity and we want to give more stu- e-mail [email protected] Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 15 REGION/ARAB WORLD

UN urges Libya rivals to engage as doubts hang over talks

AFP Khalifa Haftar, who is leading a til progress was made in mili- “The embassies of France, ment of National Accord (GNA), fore knowing the military dia- had been killed in Libya, where Tripoli months-long off ensive to seize tary negotiations. But UNSMIL Germany, Italy, the United King- last April. His fi ghters have since logue’s conclusions”. Libya has Ankara has sent dozens of mili- the capital. spokesman Jean Alam insisted dom, and the United States (as stalled on the edges of the capi- been rocked by violence since tary trainers since signing a deal Both sides had said Monday yesterday that the “Libyan Po- well as the EU mission) welcome tal, but fi ghting has left more a Nato-backed uprising in 2011 with the GNA last year. he UN’s Libya mission and they would not take part in the litical Dialogue will start tomor- the considerable progress in the than 1,000 people dead accord- overthrew and killed veteran Last week, Erdogan confi rmed world powers yesterday negotiations in Switzerland, cit- row as planned.” UN-facilitated talks in Geneva ing to the UN. dictator Muammar Gaddafi . pro-Turkish Syrian fi ghters were Turged the country’s war- ing diff erent reasons. The UN’s Geneva spokesman toward a lasting ceasefi re in A joint military commission Since 2015, the GNA — headed in Libya alongside the training ring parties to engage in peace The eastern-based parliament Rheal Leblanc also confi rmed Libya,” they said in a joint state- with fi ve members from each by Fayez al-Sarraj — has been teams. Russia is also widely re- eff orts, as doubts hung over talks said the United Nations Support the talks would take place today. ment. side wound up talks Sunday vying with Haftar’s forces for ported to have sent mercenaries set to start the next day in Ge- Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) had Political sources in Tripoli “We call on all parties to reject in the Swiss city with a “draft control. to back Haftar’s forces. neva. not approved all of its represent- and the eastern city of Benghazi obstructionism and engage in ceasefi re agreement” to be fi nal- A ceasefi re backed by Haftar Western powers are keen to The negotiations are sup- atives. told AFP that UN offi cials were good faith as Libya moves for- ised in March, according to the ally Russia and pro-GNA Turkey stabilise Libya — home to Af- posed to gather delegates from Meanwhile the High State working to salvage the talks and ward with its democratic transi- UN mission. was announced in January but rica’s largest proven crude oil a Tripoli-based unity govern- Council, the equivalent of a persuade both sides to take part. tion.” But the pro-GNA High State has been regularly violated. reserves — because of concerns ment and representatives of senate which backs the unity Five western powers and the Haftar’s forces launched an Council said it would not be Turkish President Recep militants and migrant smug- an eastern-based parliament government, said it would not European Union also voiced off ensive against Tripoli, seat bound by the outcome of politi- Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday glers, already active, will take backed by military commander participate in the talks un- support for the talks. of the UN-recognised Govern- cal talks if they went ahead “be- that two of his country’s troops advantage of the chaos. Regime bombing kills Erdogan says no ‘full’ 19 in Syria: monitor agreement AFP Beirut on summit egime air strikes and artillery fi re in north- Rwestern Syria, including AFP dogan and the Russian leader on schools in the city of Idlib, Istanbul was planned. killed 19 civilians yesterday, a “We are not talking about bi- war monitor said. lateral contacts. The Syrian Observatory for resident Recep Tayyip Er- But the possibility of a meet- Human Rights said eight chil- dogan said yesterday there ing in a multilateral format is dren were among those killed Pwas no agreement yet for being worked out,” he told re- in the raids on Idlib city and the the leaders of Turkey, Russia, porters. towns of Binnish and Maarat France and Germany to hold a “For now, no decision has Misrin. summit over the escalating vio- been taken, as not all the po- It said schools were hit in lence in northern Syria. tential participants have given Idlib, the main city in the dense- The Kremlin indicated a two- their agreement,” he added. ly populated, ever-shrinking way meeting between Turkey’s But Peskov did not confirm enclave of the same name — the Erdogan and Russian President that such a multilateral summit last major territory in Syria still Vladimir Putin was also not on would involve France and Ger- controlled by rebels and mili- the cards. many in a four-way meeting, tants. Erdogan on Saturday had and instead indicated a tripar- At least six children were announced he would hold a tite summit with Iran could be among 10 civilians killed in four-party summit with Putin, planned. Maarat Misrin, a town just France’s Emmanuel Macron and “The Iranian variant” is be- north of Idlib city on the road German Chancellor Angela Mer- ing looked at, he said. to the Turkish border, the Ob- kel on March 5. Putin, Erdogan and Iranian servatory said. But he told reporters yes- President have “Among the six killed in Idlib terday in a televised press repeatedly met on Syria in the were one schoolchild and three conference before travelling past. teachers,” said Rami Abdel Rah- to Azerbaijan “there is no full Turkish troops have come man, the head of the UK-based agreement” on holding the under deadly fire from Syrian monitoring group. meeting. government forces this month Another three people, one Residents and rescuers search for victims in the rubble of a building following pro-regime force air strikes in the town of Binnish in Syria’s The Turkish leader yester- in the northwestern Idlib prov- of them a child, were killed in northwestern Idlib province, near the border with Turkey, yesterday. day said he might instead hold ince — the last rebel enclave. strikes on Binnish, northeast of face-to-face talks with Putin The clashes have prompted Idlib city. where the current humanitarian on March 5, either in Istanbul negotiations between Turk- Save The Children called for emergency has been described or in Ankara. ish and Russian delegations in schools to be spared. Turkish-backed rebels seize town in Idlib as the worst since the start of Russia and Turkey have over Moscow and in Ankara which “Schools must be safe havens Syrian rebels backed by the Turkish military have not achieve military victory and that Washington was the Syrian confl ict nine years the last years been working in have so far proved fruitless. for children, even in a confl ict seized the town of Nairab in northwest Syria’s Idlib working with Ankara on how to resolve the crisis. ago. “Vast numbers of families close co-ordination to end the Moscow, along with Tehran, zone,” the charity’s Syria re- province, Turkish and rebel off icials said yesterday, He provided no details. Turkey has sent thousands of have been forced from their conflict in Syria but strains is the chief backer of the Syr- sponse director Sonia Khush the first area to be taken back from advancing troops and equipment into the region to support the homes many times in search of have soared in recent weeks ian regime of President Bashar said. Syrian government forces. Syrian President Bashar rebels in resisting the off ensive. some semblance of safety and over the escalating violence in al-Assad. “Today’s attacks are another al-Assad’s forces, supported by Russian air power, “With the help of our Turkish friends, we have stability,” Khush said. the Syrian province of Idlib. Erdogan said a Russian del- sign that fi ghting in North West are trying to retake the last large rebel-held region in regained control of the strategic town of Nairab, “Still they face daily and night- The tensions are seen as egation would come to Turkey Syria has reached catastrophic Syria after nine years of war. Nearly a million Syrians the gateway of Saraqeb, after expelling the terrorist ly terror as bombs rain down. No- the biggest threat to Ankara- today for another round of talks. levels of violence against chil- have been displaced by the latest fighting. Elsewhere Russian militias,” Yusef Hamoud, spokesman for the where is safe, not even school.” Moscow ties since Turkey shot The United Nations warned dren and civilians.” in Idlib, government forces captured the town of Turkish-backed National Army, said. Russia earlier this month blocked down a Russian warplane over on Monday against an imminent According to the Observa- Kafr Nabl and nearby areas some 30km southwest A Turkish security off icial said the Turkish military a UN bid to end the Damascus re- Syria in November 2015. “bloodbath” as the fi ghting in tory, pro-regime forces retook of Nairab, according to the Syrian Observatory for had supported the rebel off ensive with shelling gime’s assault on Idlib. In Moscow, Putin’s spokes- Idlib was coming “dangerously control of 15 villages and towns Human Rights, a local source and pro-Damascus and that bomb disposal teams and the rebels were Moscow’s Foreign Minister man Dmitry Peskov denied that close” to encampments holding in the southern part of the Idlib media. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticised clearing the town, located about 20km southeast of Sergei Lavrov said yesterday a bilateral meeting between Er- around a mn displaced people. enclave. With backing from the off ensive, saying the Syrian government could rebel-held Idlib city. that a truce at this stage would Russia, Syrian government be tantamount to “capitulating and allied forces have in recent before terrorists”. The force that weeks pressed a major off ensive roughly the size of Majorca, close to a million people since spite appeals from aid groups has controlled the Idlib region against the last bastion of oppo- hosting more than three million December, amid bitter winter and world powers to respect in- in recent years is dominated by sition to the regime. people — half of them already cold. ternational law. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a mili- Ceasefi re declared The territory still held by displaced by violence else- Syrian and Russian raids have Several countries and the tant group led by ex-members militants and Turkish-backed where. repeatedly targeted schools and United Nations have called for of Al-Qaeda’s former Syria rebels has shrunk to an area The off ensive has displaced health facilities in the area, de- an urgent ceasefi re in Idlib, franchise. by Palestinian group

White House accused brings calm to Gaza of cover-up about missile attack Iraqis catch coronavirus amid fear of spillover DPA Defence Forces said. Islamic Ji- Tel Aviv had claimed role for fi ring dozen Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s of rockets and mortar shells top national security body, ac- Reuters world. Schools and univer- at southern Israel after Israeli cused the White House yesterday Baghdad sities were shut, for 10 days ceasefi re with Israel an- soldiers on Sunday shot dead a of withholding information about in Najaf and indefi nitely in nounced by the Islamic member, who was planting an an Iranian missile attack on a US Kirkuk. AJihad group in the Gaza explosive device at the heavily base in Iraq. Shamkhani did not raq shut schools and uni- The autonomous northern Strip appeared to hold yesterday. secured border fence. give details in a tweet reacting to versities yesterday and Kurdish region cancelled all Following Egyptian and in- Mobile phone footage fi lmed accusations by US Secretary of Itold citizens to avoid mass education until after a March ternational mediation, a cease- by a Palestinian protester State Mike Pompeo yesterday that gatherings, as it rushed to pre- 20 holiday. fi re came into eff ect at 11:30pm showed an Israeli army bulldozer the Islamic Republic may have vent the spread of the corona- IRAN MINISTER AMONG Monday (2130 GMT), Ihsan scooping up the dead fi ghter’s withheld information about the virus from its neighbour Iran, CONFIRMED CASES Ataya, a senior Islamic Jihad body, for use as a bargaining chip spread of coronavirus inside the hit by what appeared to be Iran has reported 16 coro- leader based in Lebanon, said in to trade against the bodies of two country. the worst outbreak outside of navirus deaths, the most out- a press statement. Israeli soldiers killed in the 2014 “Pompeo’s expression of concern China. side China, and at least 95 No projectiles had been fi red Gaza War and still held in the about what he deems to be a An Iraqi family of four who confi rmed cases including the from the Gaza Strip overnight, coastal enclave ruled by the Ha- cover-up by #Iran over #corona returned from Iran tested deputy health minister. a spokeswoman for the Israeli mas movement. comes while no exact news about positive for the coronavirus in An Iraqi man checks a protective mask at a pharmacy yesterday, On Monday, it said it had the truth of #Ain al-Asad...has been Kirkuk province. in the holy city of Najaf. 900 suspected cases, which, if published by the White House,” They were the fi rst Ira- confi rmed, would be the most Shamkhani tweeted. qis known to have caught the would be closed today and to- The Iraqi government, outside China. Iran fired a barrage of missiles at disease, a day after an Iranian morrow, the governor said. which has already banned all The semi-offi cial Mehr the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq in student in Najaf became Iraq’s Mosques were instructed travel from Iran and China, news agency said 320 people Hosni Mubarak dies early January, a few days after the fi rst confi rmed case. to include advice on avoid- added Italy, Thailand, South have been hospitalised in Iran. top Iranian military commander Measures to curb the spread ing coronavirus in their Friday Korea, Singapore and Japan to International experts worry was killed by a US drone strike in could have major political re- sermons. its travel ban list yesterday. that offi cial numbers could AFP The once burly autocrat with Iraq. The US military has said that percussions in Iraq, where Iraq is deeply concerned Returning Iraqi citizens are underestimate the scale of Cairo the trademark sunglasses, who more than 100 US soldiers were around 500 people have been about its exposure to the Ira- exempt, as are diplomats. Iran’s outbreak. became witheringly frail after diagnosed with traumatic brain killed in anti-government pro- nian outbreak. Yesterday the government The four new cases in Iraq multiple surgeries towards the injury from the Iranian attack while tests since last year. It has cultural and religious urged Iraqis to avoid all public were placed in quarantine, the gypt’s former president end of his life, spent years in Iranian military off icials have said A populist cleric called off ties with its neighbour and gatherings. health ministry said. Hosni Mubarak, who ruled custody for his role in the deaths the missile strike killed several plans yesterday for a “million- receives millions of Iranian Gatherings were banned in The Iranian student was Efor three decades before he of protesters but was freed in American soldiers. man” demonstration. pilgrims each year at holy fes- Najaf, one of the most heavily sent back to Iran by ambu- was ousted amid protests in 2011, 2017 after the convictions were In Mosul, all public offi ces tivals. visited pilgrimage sites in the lance. died yesterday at age 91. overturned. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 AFRICA

Precautionary measures West African activist expelled from Senegal

AFP Dakar

West African political activist who set fi re to Aa banknote in an “anti- colonialist” protest has been ex- pelled from Senegal, his lawyer said yesterday. Kemi Seba, born in France to parents from Benin, had arrived at Dakar’s international airport on Sunday ahead of an appeal against his acquittal for the pro- test. In August 2017, Seba set fi re to a 5,000 CFA franc note, worth 7.6 euros ($8.2), as part of a pro- test at “Francafrique,” the term for France’s post-colonial med- dling in Africa. The case went to court fol- lowing a complaint by the Cen- tral Bank of West African States (BCEAO).Seba was acquitted, but the prosecutors fi led an ap- People wearing respiratory masks to protect themselves from dust, ride a motorcycle and horse-drawn carriages in a street of Dakar, Senegal, yesterday after a sandstorm hit the country. peal. That case was to have been heard on Monday but was ad- journed to April 27, Seba’s law- yer Cheikh Khouraissi Ba said, adding that his client was bun- dled onto a plane to Brussels late Monday. Seba, whose real name is Stellio Capo Chichi, was also ordered to leave Senegal after his fi rst trial — the government had Kenya shuts slaughterhouses declared him “a serious threat to public order” and cited his “dis- paraging remarks” aimed at Af- rican leaders. The move sparked condemna- tion from rights groups. Seba, who set up the Urgences over loss of donkeys to China Panafricanistes movement, had launched a campaign against the Thomson Reuters Foundation nent — which slaughter around to get, especially for the lower mals were being slaughtered at a our kids to good schools to our to operate either and we call on CFA franc, which his Nairobi 1,000 donkeys a day, according echelons of our society.” rate fi ve times higher than their inability to buy land.” them to follow Kenya’s lead.” page described as “an economic to government data. If the trade continued, don- population was growing, which The group of 30 owners Donkey slaughter has surged and political scandal of the colo- But growing Chinese demand key populations would be could wipe out Kenya’s donkey used to have 100 donkeys, but in Africa as demand for ejiao nial establishment which is kill- enya’s agriculture min- for ejiao has led to a black mar- decimated, he said, adding this population by as early as 2023. thefts over the last three years has jumped 10-fold to about ing our people”. The currency, ister has ordered don- ket with gangs hired by skin- would hit the country’s econo- Donkey owners who have left them with only 50, he told 6,000 tonnes a year in China created in 1945, is today pegged Kkey slaughterhouses to smuggling networks to steal my. The slaughterhouses have lost their animals to the trade the Thomson Reuters Founda- whose donkey population — to the euro and used in eight be shut down as concerns rise donkeys, inciting anger in com- been ordered to close within welcomed the decision, but ex- tion by phone. Animal rights once the world’s largest — has West African countries, seven of over the theft of the animals by munities who depend on the a month. More than 300,000 pressed fears it would continue groups said the decision by the plummeted to 4.5mn from which are former French colo- gangs seeking their skin for use animals for livelihoods, farming donkeys — 15% of Kenya’s pop- underground. Kenyan government could en- 11mn in 1990, United Nations nies. in Chinese medicines. or transport. ulation — have been slaughtered “God is good. He remem- courage other African nations data shows. A similar currency of the same Kenya has become the epi- “We want to stop that crimi- for skin and meat export in less bered the poor people in Kenya to follow suit. “This move by Once a luxury for the elite, name is used by six states in cen- centre of a fast-growing indus- nality. We want to stop that than three years, according to who have nothing but their the Kenyan government is ejiao, which comes as a tablet tral Africa, although they are not try in Africa to supply donkey brutality,” Agriculture Minister the Kenya Agriculture and Live- donkeys,” said John Nduhiu game-changing,” said Mike to dissolve in water or in anti- technically interchangeable. skins to China, where a gelatin Peter Munya told reporters on stock Research Organisation Kuiyaki, chairman of a donkey Baker, chief executive of The ageing cream, is now widely On December 21, Ivorian called ejiao made from boiling Monday after meeting protest- (Kalro). owners association on the out- Donkey Sanctuary. used by China’s increasingly President Alassane Ouattara an- them down is used in a tradi- ing donkey owners in Nairobi. More than 4,000 were re- skirts of the Naivasha, 100km “Countries like Tanzania wealthy middle class and di- nounced the eight-nation CFA tional medicine believed to stop “(We want) to restore the ported stolen over the same pe- north of the capital, Nairobi. have only engaged in the trade aspora.Prices have surged to would be renamed the Eco and ageing and boost libido. donkey to its rightful place in riod from April 2016 to Decem- “We have lost a lot of money because they were losing don- over $780 a kilogram from its members would no longer Kenya has four licensed don- our society — that of support- ber 2018, Kalro said in a report from the theft of our donkeys keys in numbers into Kenya. about $30 in 2000, accord- have to lodge reserves in France key abattoirs — more than any ing livelihoods and providing in June last year. — this has impacted every- They now have no reason to ing Chinese state-run media — a condition that activists have other country on the conti- crucial transport that is not easy The report warned the ani- thing from being able to send allow donkey slaughterhouses reports. long criticised as neo-colonial.

Burkina Watchdog accuses army over Battle against locusts Faso massacre in anglophone Cameroon ambush AFP one of two English-speaking four homes, then burning the rights office in Geneva said Yaounde regions gripped by conflict houses”, it said. 23 had died in the “shocking kills four sparked by demands for in- The military told the resi- episode” and urged Cameroon dependence from majority dents “the attack was to pun- to carry out an “independent, uman Rights Watch French-speaking Cameroon. ish civilians suspected of har- impartial and thorough” in- AFP yesterday accused More than 3,000 people bouring separatist fighters”, quiry. Ouagadougou HCameroon’s armed have died and at least 700,000 HRW said, quoting 12 wit- English-speakers account forces of taking part in the kill- have fled their homes in the nesses. for nearly a fifth of Cam- ing of at least 21 civilians this nearly 29-month-old unrest. Opposition figures in Cam- eroon’s population of 24mn, n ambush on a police pa- month in a region where troops Rights monitors say abuses eroon swiftly accused the who are majority French- Volunteers from the county government spray pesticide trol in northern Burkina are battling anglophone sepa- have been committed by both armed forces of having played speaking. yesterday at a hatch site near Isiolo town in Isiolo county, AFaso yesterday left four ratists. sides. a role. The presence of this mi- eastern Kenya where locust nymphs have hatched en people dead, three of them offi c- “Government forces and The Movement for the Re- nority dates back to Euro- masse. Millions of locust nymphs have emerged from ers, police said. armed ethnic Fulani” carried “Denying that these crimes birth of Cameroon (MRC), pean colonisation of Africa in eggs left behind by swarms that invaded the region last The attack, carried out in the out the slaughter in Ngarbuh, have occurred adds one of the two main opposi- the 19th and 20th centuries. month and the situation remains extremely alarming in the morning by unidentifi ed gun- whose victims included 13 chil- another layer of trauma tion parties, blamed “these Once a German protectorate, Horn of Africa, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture men, killed a police lieutenant, dren and a pregnant woman, to survivors and will crimes” mainly on the regime Cameroon was split between Organisation (FAO). two sergeants and a civilian, a HRW said. only embolden and the head of the security Britain and France after World police statement said. The Fulani are an ethnic government troops to forces. War I. Another fi ve people were group also called Peuls. commit more atrocities” A key figure in the separa- The French-administered wounded, the statement added, “The gruesome killings of tist movement, lawyer Felix territory became independent without saying if they were po- civilians, including children, HRW yesterday said it drew Agbor Mballa, in a Facebook on January 1, 1960. The Brit- lice offi cers or civilians. are egregious crimes that its conclusions after inter- post also accused “state de- ish section followed in 1961, Monday’s attack happened on should be effectively and in- viewing 25 people, including fence forces” of carrying out part of it merging that year Appeals to step up the Pissila-Gibga axis of the San- dependently investigated, and three witnesses to killings and the killings. with French Cameroon in a matenga province, in the West those responsible should be seven relatives of victims. On February 17, army federation. In 1972 the federal African country’s Centre-Nord brought to justice,” said Ilaria It also reviewed satellite spokesman Colonel Cyrille arrangement was dropped in fi ght against militancy region. An attack last Tuesday Allegrozzi, HRW’s senior Af- imagery taken before and after Atonfack Guemo said the favour of a single United Re- killed three soldiers from a de- rica researcher. the attack. deaths had resulted from an public of Cameroon. tachment at Kelbo, in the farther “Denying that these crimes Between 10 and 15 soldiers, “unfortunate accident” when Years of grievances at per- AFP the region and the international north Soum province, in the Sahel have occurred adds another including members of the elite fuel was set ablaze during a ceived discrimination against Nouakchott community to brake the spi- region bordering Mali. layer of trauma to survivors Rapid Intervention Battalion, gunfight between troops and English-speakers snowballed ral of violence,” said Maurita- Burkina Faso, which shares and will only embolden gov- along with at least 30 armed separatists. into a declaration of inde- nian President Mohamed Ould a border with Mali and Niger, ernment troops to commit Fulani, entered Ngarbuh, a He said the exchange of fire pendence in the anglophone summit of Sahel states Cheikh El Ghazouani, chairing is caught up in an insurgency more atrocities.” district of the Ntumbo vil- came after four soldiers and regions in October 2017, which heard appeals yesterday a one-day summit of the so- in which repeated attacks have The army says there were lage, at around 11:00pm (2200 two gendarmes, on nighttime was followed by a government Ato step up the fi ght against called G5 Sahel group. claimed 750 lives since 2015. only five civilian deaths, GMT) on February 13, it said in reconnaissance, had come un- crackdown. militants whose off ensive across “We urgently need concrete Under-equipped and poorly which it said happened when a statement. der heavy fire. The declaration has not three countries has claimed victories against terrorism. The trained, the country’s security fuel containers exploded in a After hours of looting Five civilians — a woman been recognised internation- thousands of lives and infl icted real challenge of this summit is forces have not been able to coun- firefight. homes and beating civilians, and four children — died, and ally and President Paul Biya, crippling economic damage. to meet this existential need,” ter the deadly raids in their terri- The incident occurred on some of these men attacked “seven terrorists” were “neu- in power for 37 of his 87 years, “More than ever, the Sahel said the chair of the African tory, despite the help of foreign February 14 in a remote part the so-called Ngarbuh 3 dis- tralised,” Atonfack said. has refused demands to return requires heightened and co-or- Union’s commission, Moussa soldiers, notably French troops. of the Northwest Region — trict, “killing 21 civilians in The following day, the UN to the federal system. dinated attention from states in Faki Mahamat. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 17 AMERICAS

HEALTH JUSTICE DEFENCE LAW AND ORDER CRIME $2.5bn sought from Senate Court dumps suit on Mexican Fighter jet procurement Gun control legislation Heiress faces sentencing panel for coronavirus battle killed in cross-border firing hits new Canada delay advances in Virginia in admissions scandal

US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary The US Supreme Court has narrowly decided to Canada’s protracted eff ort to buy 88 new Seven of eight gun control measures being A California woman whose family’s company Alex Azar said yesterday there will likely be more block a lawsuit by the family of a Mexican teen fighter jets hit a new delay yesterday when the pushed by Virginia’s Democratic Governor Ralph created the microwavable snack Hot Pockets faced cases of coronavirus in the United States as he who was killed by a US border guard in a cross- government granted potential bidders another Northam made it out of a state Senate committee sentencing yesterday for paying $300,000 to people asked a Senate subcommittee to approve $2.5bn border incident. The 15-year-old Mexican teen was three months to submit their proposals. Canadian on Monday, moving just one step away from who helped her two daughters cheat on college in funding to fight the outbreak after proposing shot on Mexican soil in 2010. The border guard, governments of various stripes have been trying becoming law. Northam vowed to push through entrance exams and helped one win admission cuts to the department’s budget. HHS Azar said Jesus Mesa, Jr, was on the US side of the border. for well over a decade to replace a fleet of ageing new gun control laws and backed a package to the University of Southern California as a fake the funding would help the US expand surveillance The result was largely expected and was handed Boeing Co CF-18 jets, some of which are more of eight bills, including universal background volleyball recruit. Michelle Janavs is to appear in a systems for the fast-spreading virus, support state down by the five members of the conservative than 40 years old. Last July, Ottawa launched the checks, a “red flag” law, restrictions on gun Boston federal court after admitting to taking part and local governments, help development of majority, while the more liberal justices dissented. competition for a contract it says will be worth ownership for those convicted of domestic abuse in the scheme to help her daughters gain an unfair vaccines and therapies and expand stockpiles of Lawyers for the family had argued there should between C$15bn (US$11.30bn) and C$19bn. The and a limit of handgun sales to one per month advantage. Prosecutors are seeking 21 months in protective equipment like surgical masks. He said be a way to claim compensation for such a cross- Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin for an individual. Legislators last week knocked prison for Janavs, who pleaded guilty in October. She the US currently has a stockpile of 30mn surgical border shooting. Human rights groups argued Trudeau said that at the request of industry, the down one of the measures Northam pushed, is among 53 people charged with participating in a masks, but HHS estimates suggest the country the government should be held to account for the deadline had been pushed back to June 30 to give a ban on assault-style rifles, which several scheme in which wealthy parents used bribery to needs 300mn masks. killing of an innocent person. bidders more time to address security questions. lawmakers from his own party did not support. secure the admission of their children to top schools. Govt goes to Pipeline protest court against ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions

By Ted Hesson, Reuters An ICE spokeswoman said the “The use of this subpoena Washington agency will continue using the authority seems to be another strategy if it proves eff ective. example of the Trump adminis- In recent weeks — as the 2020 tration distorting or manipulat- he Trump administration presidential campaign heats up ing the immigration laws to serve is turning to federal courts — the administration has ex- political ends,” he said. Tto force state and local of- plored new ways to intensify its Federal immigration offi cials fi cials to turn over records about fi ght against Democratic-con- previously have used subpoenas Supporters of the indigenous Wet’suwet’en Nation’s hereditary chiefs block access to the Port of Vancouver as part of protests against immigrants in custody in a novel trolled states and localities that to force employers or apartment the Coastal GasLink pipeline. eff ort to circumvent so-called it sees as uncooperative on im- buildings to hand over records or “sanctuary” policies. migration. documents, according to current Since mid-January, US Immi- Kris Kobach, a Republican im- and former agency offi cials. gration and Customs Enforce- migration hardliner currently But that legal authority was ment (ICE) has issued subpoenas running for a US Senate seat in not typically employed against to law enforcement agencies in Kansas, said Trump recognised fellow law enforcement agencies, California, Colorado, Connecti- in 2016 that the sanctuary issue they said. FAA to pay $90,000 to whistleblower cut, New York and Oregon seek- can motivate voters. Chad Sublet, an attorney for ing information about nearly two “I fully expect the presi- the city and county of Denver, dozen suspected immigration dent’s campaign to continue which was served subpoenas in law violators, according to the making this case,” Kobach told January for records on four in- on unqualifi ed fl ight safety inspectors agency. Reuters. mates, said in an e-mail to ICE The inmates had been charged The most high-profi le con- at the time that the request- or convicted of crimes that in- fl ict has been between the Trump ed information was available Reuters New rules for airline pilots seek to reduce errors cluded sexual abuse of a child, administration and New York to the agency through other Washington manslaughter and burglary, ac- over a state law that lets immi- means. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on flight deck procedures barring nonessential cording to ICE. grants without legal status apply “It is clear to Denver that ICE Monday issued new rules aimed at improving duties by pilots during critical phases of flight. The legal actions could help for driver’s licences and limits is using these administrative he Federal Aviation Administration pilot performance and preventing errors in The FAA said the rule “will mitigate ICE obtain a wide range of in- the sharing of records from the subpoenas for political purposes (FAA) has agreed to pay $90,000 the cockpit that could lead to crashes. incidents of unprofessional pilot behaviour formation on immigrants in jail, state’s Department of Motor Ve- rather than pursuing a legitimate Tto an aviation safety inspector who The new requirements are aimed at and reduce pilot errors that can lead to a including last known address, hicles with federal immigration need,” he wrote. faced retaliation for raising concerns about boosting pilot professional development and catastrophic event.” possible gang affi liations and any offi cials. The San Diego County Sher- unqualifi ed fl ight safety inspectors, a US ensuring that pilots adhere to all standard Under the rules, new airline pilots must disciplinary actions while in cus- In response to the law, the US iff ’s Offi ce — one of the jurisdic- agency said on Monday. operating procedures, including performing complete two flights as observers before tak- tody, according to ICE. Department of Homeland Secu- tions hit with subpoenas — said The US Offi ce of Special Counsel (OSC) only essential duties during critical phases of ing the controls. In some cases, the agency rity (DHS) restricted the ability on Friday that it would provide said the whistleblower aviation employee flight, including all take-off s and landings. The FAA also will require airlines to have requested photos of the immi- of New Yorkers to enrol or renew the information and was legally disclosed fl ight inspectors were certifying The regulation will be phased in through pilot professional development committees grants as well. enrolment in certain “trusted obligated to do so. pilots and conducting safety “check rides” April 2023. The rules were proposed in 2016 to administer formal pilot mentoring pro- The details could be used by traveller” programmes that al- A California state law passed even though they lacked necessary formal and inspired by the last fatal crash of a US grammes and revise and upgrade curriculum. immigration authorities to track low them to speed through se- in 2017 limits the ability of state training and certifi cations. passenger airline jet — a Colgan Air Bombar- The FAA said the NTSB “has continued to down people if they are let out curity at airports and other entry and local offi cials to cooperate OSC, an offi ce that reviews whistleblower dier jet that crashed on approach to Buff alo, cite inadequate leadership in the flight deck, and process them for deporta- points. with federal immigration en- allegations, said the FAA’s Offi ce of Audit New York in February 2009, killing 50. pilots’ unprofessional behaviour and pilots’ tion. The US Department of Justice forcement, but San Diego Coun- & Evaluation “substantiated the whistle- The National Transportation Safety Board failure to comply with the sterile flight deck Republican President Donald also fi led two anti-sanctuary ty Sheriff William Gore said that blower’s allegations, calling into question (NTSB) said the Colgan pilots failed to moni- rule as factors in multiple accidents and Trump faces re-election in No- lawsuits earlier this month and the subpoenas take precedence the operational review of several aircraft, tor airspeed and to adhere to so-called sterile incidents” including the Colgan flight. vember and has made his battle Attorney General William Barr over the state law. including the Boeing 737 MAX and the Gulf- against “sanctuary” jurisdictions said his department was review- A spokeswoman for the Cali- stream VII.” a focus of his campaign for a sec- ing further steps to counter un- fornia attorney general referred a The FAA said it “takes all whistleblower in providing Congress information about ation. The whistleblower decided to take a ond term. co-operative jurisdictions. request for comment to the sher- allegations seriously and does not tolerate some safety inspectors who were involved in new position in another city in order to es- The “sanctuary” label is typi- The use of subpoenas to wran- iff ’s offi ce. retaliation against those who raise safety assessing training requirements for the Boe- cape what he believed was pervasive harass- cally applied to cities and states gle information from resistant The DOJ fi led lawsuits in fed- concerns.” ing 737 MAX. ment,” the OSC said. that limit cooperation with fed- states and localities has alarmed eral courts to compel authorities Boeing Co declined to comment. The 737 MAX has been grounded since “After he made the disclosures, his man- eral immigration enforcement. some immigration experts and in Denver and New York City — Gulfstream, a unit of General Dynamics March after crashes in Indonesia and Ethio- agers also allegedly removed his duties and Previous eff orts by the ad- advocates. which initially resisted subpoe- Corp, said the G500 and G600 were certi- pia killed a combined 346 people. denied training requests, fl ight certifi ca- ministration to withhold fed- Lucas Guttentag, a DHS sen- nas — to hand over records. fi ed by the FAA in 2018 and 2019 and have The certifi cation process for the MAX has tions, and job training opportunities.” eral funds from police forces in ior counsellor during the ad- A Denver offi cial said it had not fl own more than 5,000 hours since then. come under scrutiny. OSC said that during the investigation, “sanctuary cities” were largely ministration of former president complied with the requests. “We are confi dent we surpassed the re- The FAA said in September that all of “the the whistleblower’s then-manager retired, shut down by courts. Barack Obama, says the sub- A New York City spokeswom- quirements necessary to successfully certify Aviation Safety Inspectors who participated so it did not seek disciplinary action. But ignoring a subpoena for poena power should not be used an said it would provide infor- the pilot training program for the G500 and in the evaluation of the Boeing 737 MAX The head of the Offi ce of Special Counsel, documents or evidence can re- to coerce state and local govern- mation on two people to US at- G600,” a company spokeswoman said. were fully qualifi ed for those activities.” Henry Kerner, said in September the “FAA’s sult in a fi ne or jail time, making ments to participate in Trump’s torneys, but that almost all of the In September, OSC said the FAA appeared The agency denied misleading Congress. failure to ensure safety inspector compe- it diffi cult for local law enforce- immigration crackdown against information was either public or to have been “misleading in their portrayal The FAA found that after disclosing the tency for these aircraft puts the fl ying public ment to push back. their will. already available to ICE. of FAA employee training and competency” problem, “the whistleblower faced retali- at risk.”

Trump says liberal Supreme Court Justices Ginsburg, Sotomayor should recuse

By Steve Holland, Reuters court allowed a hardline Trump engaged in political interference appeared to favor the Trump ad- “Perhaps most troublingly, him a “faker” and voiced fear for Ginsburg, 86, is the senior New Delhi administration immigration pol- in the courts and has sought to ministration over other litigants the court’s recent behaviour on the country if he were elected. liberal on the court and was ap- icy to go into eff ect in Illinois. compromise the independence of seeking emergency actions. stay applications has benefi t- She later expressed regret for pointed by Democratic former Sotomayor questioned why the nation’s judiciary. The administration has made ed one litigant over all others,” the remarks. president Bill Clinton. resident Donald Trump the court, which has a 5-4 con- The most recent example was numerous quick appeals to the Sotomayor wrote, though she did Referring to Ginsburg, Trump Trump has appointed two yesterday turned his ire servative majority, so frequently his series of comments about the Supreme Court, sometimes by- not mention Trump by name. told the news conference that conservative members of the Pon the US Supreme Court, grants emergency requests fi led prosecution of his friend and long- passing lower federal appeals “I fear that this disparity in “she went wild during the cam- court: Neil Gorsuch and Brett calling on two of the liberal jus- by the Trump administration. time adviser Roger Stone, as Trump courts that normally would han- treatment erodes the fair and paign when I was running. I don’t Kavanaugh. tices to recuse themselves from Trump also pointed to com- publicly condemned the judge, jury dle cases. balanced decision-making proc- know who she was for. Perhaps They have provided reliable any cases involving him or his ments Ginsburg made criticising and prosecutors in the case. This has been a hallmark of the ess that this court must strive to she was for Hillary Clinton, if you votes in favor of administration administration. him during the 2016 presidential On Friday, the Supreme Court administration’s legal strategy protect,” she added. can believe it. But she said some policies in key cases. The Republican president, election campaign. had with a 5-4 vote allowed since the beginning of Trump’s The new immigration rules things that were obviously very Trump previously has also concluding a two-day visit to In- “I just don’t know how they Trump’s administration to im- presidency in 2017, partly be- went into eff ect on Monday. inappropriate. She later sort of criticised conservative Chief Jus- dia, fi rst tweeted out his criticism cannot recuse themselves with plement in Illinois new standards cause of the high number of poli- “It’s almost what she’s trying apologised.” tice John Roberts, who in 2018 is- of Supreme Court Justices Sonia anything having to do with requiring immigrants to prove cies that were blocked by lower to do is take the people that do US law requires justices, who sued an unusual public statement Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Gins- Trump or Trump-related,” they will not require government courts early on. feel a diff erent way and get them serve lifetime terms on the court, defending the independence of burg citing comments on Fox Trump said, calling the com- assistance while lower courts Legal scholars said that while to vote the way that she would to step aside when there is a con- the judiciary after the president News and then expanded on his ments by the two jurists “inap- hear challenges against the so- the strategy may seem rational, like them to vote. I just thought fl ict of interest or genuine ques- accused a judge who ruled against comments at a news conference propriate” and saying Supreme called “public charge” rules. given that the high court’s con- it was so inappropriate,” Trump tion of bias, but it leaves the rec- his asylum immigration policy of in New Delhi. Court justices should be held to a The court had already allowed servative majority, it poses dan- said of Sotomayor. usal decision in the hands of the being an “Obama judge.” Trump, criticising members of higher standard. the policy to go into eff ect in the gers to the credibility of the offi ce Before becoming president, individual justices. The president previously ac- the US judiciary during a visit to a Trump throughout his presi- rest of the country. of the US Solicitor General, who Trump called on Ginsburg to re- Sotomayor, 65, was appointed cused an Indiana-born judge foreign country, appeared to refer dency has criticised federal The four liberal justices dis- is responsible for defending the sign after she criticised him in a by Democratic former president handling a lawsuit against Trump to a dissenting opinion Sotomay- judges after rulings he did not sented, including Sotomayor, administration’s policies at the series of media interviews in- Barack Obama, becoming the University of bias given his Mexi- or wrote on Friday when the like, with critics saying he has who wrote that the court has Supreme Court. cluding one in which she called fi rst Hispanic justice. can heritage. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

S Korea’s Moon says situation ‘very grave’ as mass virus tests get going

Reuters A member of a Korean Air cabin the virus. The Korea Centres for 13,000 people on Monday and ex- and relieve public anxiety”, the stabilise the situation in Daegu Control and Prevention, mean- Seoul crew tested positive for the vi- Disease Control and Prevention pected to test another 12,500 on prime minister’s offi ce said in a within four weeks, Vice Health while, raised its warning level for rus, the airline said, prompting (KCDC) reported 144 new con- Tuesday, up from about 7,500 a release. Health offi cials said the Minister Kim Kang-lip said. South Korea and recommended it to shut its offi ce near Seoul’s fi rmed cases. Many of the new day previously. fi rst priority was to test about North Gyeongsang Province has Americans avoid all non-essential outh Korean health au- Incheon International Airport, cases were in the southeastern Each polymerase chain reaction 1,300 of more than 9,200 mem- also seen surges in cases, most travel to the country, citing the thorities aim to test more where the crew briefi ng room city of Daegu, where the church (PCR) machine that South Korea bers of the Daegu church who are from a hospital in Cheongdo, and “widespread, ongoing outbreak” Sthan 200,000 members of a is located. About 68% of South is located, and from nearby North is using to test for the virus is run- showing symptoms. it was designated a “special care of the coronavirus. church at the centre of a surge of Korea’s cases have been linked to Gyeongsang Province, the KCDC ning four tests a day, up from three Those tests should be done by zone” along with Daegu last week. The US and South Korean mili- new coronavirus cases as Presi- the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, said. in recent days, the KCDC said. today. Church members in Daegu On Tuesday, 21 of the 33 cases taries said they were considering dent Moon Jae-in said yesterday where the fi rst case was reported Moon, in his fi rst visit to Daegu Each test takes two to three hours. had been put under mandatory from the province were confi rmed scaling back joint training, in one the situation was “very grave”. in a 61-year-old woman, but it is since the outbreak began, called The leader of the Shincheonji quarantine, KCDC Director Jeong to have come from a home for of the fi rst concrete signs of the South Korea’s tally of cases of not known how she became in- the situation very grave and said Church said it had agreed to give Eun-kyeong said. the disabled people in Chilgok virus’ fallout on global US military coronavirus cases rose to 977, fected. the coming week would be key authorities the names of all mem- The church, which has faced County, also near Daegu, traced activities. fuelling fears the outbreak, which South Korea reported its 11th in the battle to contain the virus. bers in South Korea, estimated by criticism of its handling of the to a worker there whose mother South Korean Defence Minis- is thought to have begun in the death from the virus as a 36-year- He reassured residents that the media at about 215,000 people. outbreak, asked the government is a member of the Shincheonji ter Jeong Kyeong-doo told a news central Chinese city of Wuhan in old Mongolian national died yes- government was not considering The government would test all to ensure the personal details of Church in Daegu, Governor Lee conference in Washington 13 December, is developing into a terday, becoming the fi rst for- locking down the city. members as soon as possible “to its members did not become pub- Cheol-woo said. cases had been confi rmed in the pandemic. eigner there to have died from Authorities said they had tested contain the spread of the virus lic. The government’s goal is to The US Centers for Disease South Korean armed forces.

Expelled Malaysian parties call for WSJ journalist stuck in polls, reject unity coalition virus Reuters nation for quitting. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur the palace said the king would try to fi nd someone with the sup- epicentre port to form a new government our Malaysian parties yes- by holding individual meetings terday rejected veteran with all 222 elected members AFP Fleader Mahathir Moham- of parliament’s lower house on Beijing ed’s proposal for a unity govern- Tuesday and Wednesday. ment that could have strength- Lawmakers leaving the palace ened his grip, calling instead for said they been given a form on Wall Street Journal an election to end the political which to indicate their choice of reporter will remain turmoil after he quit as prime prime minister, or whether they Ain the locked-down minister. would prefer parliament to be Chinese city at the centre The world’s oldest govern- dissolved. of the new coronavirus out- ment leader at 94, Mahathir Three other parties, from the break despite being ordered stepped down on Monday, shat- former ruling coalition between to leave the country, author- tering a fragile and increasingly Mahathir and Anwar, said they ities said yesterday. unpopular coalition that had had reached a consensus on their Three journalists had ruled since a 2018 election. next step and they would con- their press credentials re- But the king immediately ap- vey it to the king on Wednes- voked and were told to de- pointed Mahathir as interim day, but they did not say what it part China last week over prime minister with full author- was. When asked if they had the what Beijing said was a rac- ity until a new government is number of seats in parliament ist headline in the newspa- formed. Mahathir proposed the they would need to form a new per’s opinion pages, which idea of a grand coalition at meet- government, they said they did. none of the trio were in- ings yesterday with leaders of The political crisis comes at a volved in writing. major political parties, including particularly bad time for the Ma- Two fl ew out from Bei- his one-time rival and alliance laysian economy, after growth jing on Monday but the third partner Anwar Ibrahim and the fell to a decade low in last year’s — US national Chao Deng four parties they defeated in the fi nal quarter. The stock mar- — has been reporting from 2018 election. ket recovered slightly yesterday Wuhan, where the virus was But those parties, led by the from an eight-year low hit the Malaysia’s King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah (right) eats as he hands out packages of fast food to reporters standing outside the fi rst detected. former ruling United Malays previous day, while the cur- National Palace in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Intense political jockeying is underway to form a new government in Malaysia after Mahathir The central city and in- National Organisation (UMNO), rency also rose after having hit Mohamed, the world’s oldest leader, resigned then was appointed interim leader. dustrial hub has been un- said they wanted a new election its lowest in nearly six months. der eff ective quarantine for in the Southeast Asian country Mahathir had been due to unveil more than a month and its of 32mn people. “Let the people tomorrow a stimulus package to 11 million residents have decide,” UMNO member Annuar soften the economic fallout from been largely confi ned to Musa told a news conference. a coronavirus outbreak, but that their homes. Chao will not A unity government could has been postponed to an un- be expelled for the time be- have given Mahathir even greater specifi ed date. ing but will not be permitted authority than during a previ- Mahathir and Anwar formed to work while she remains ous spell as prime minister from the Pakatan Harapan coalition in China, foreign ministry 1981 until his retirement in 2003, to defeat UMNO and its Barisan spokesman Zhao Lijian told during which he is credited with Nasional alliance in 2018. Anwar a press briefi ng. “Out of hu- turning a farming backwater into had been Mahathir’s deputy be- manitarian reasons, we will an industrial nation. fore the latter arrested and jailed continue to allow her to stay His political comeback came him in the late 1990s for sodomy in Wuhan, but she cannot with the 2018 election defeat and corruption, charges that An- conduct interviews,” Zhao of then premier Najib Razak’s war and his supporters maintain said. UMNO, amid accusations of were aimed at ending his politi- “After the epidemic is widespread corruption. As the cal career. over, we will allow her to wrangling over a new govern- Amid the national politi- leave as quickly as possible.” ment began, Mahathir tweeted cal crisis, turmoil also spread to The three reporters were pictures of himself at his desk Malaysia’s states, In Johor state, told to pack their bags af- reading government papers. defections from Pakatan meant ter the Journal published an “Just another day in the offi ce,” power would shift to an UMNO A man holds a sign at a protest against a national government being opinion piece titled “China he said on his offi cial Twitter ac- alliance. In Perak state, UMNO formed without new elections at Independence Square in Kuala Interim prime minister Mahathir Mohamed working in his off ice in is the Real Sick Man of Asia” count. He has off ered no expla- called for a new election. Lumpur yesterday. Putrajaya. earlier this month.

Australian Baboons rounded up in Sydney after escape

special forces Three baboons that brazenly escaped during a visit to hospital in Sydney have been rounded up and Chinese court sentences Hong probed for recaptured by police and medical experts. “A troop of baboons escaped from a facility and were going bananas in Camperdown,” New South Wales Police said in a Facebook post, declaring “this is not a mandrill!” alleged war with accompanying banana emojis. The fugitive primates, a male and two females, were being transported crimes from a colony to the medical research facility at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney’s inner west when Kong bookseller for 10 years they made a run for it on Tuesday evening, authorities said. “The baboons have been contained and safely Australia is investigating more returned to the facility. There is no immediate danger to the public,” a police spokeswoman told DPA. than 50 alleged war crimes by Reuters consular access to, our citizen,” a cholsky Prize, praising his serv- the country’s special forces Beijing foreign ministry spokesman told ices to free speech. in Afghanistan, including the Reuters. Swedish culture minister killing of civilians and prisoners, Earlier yesterday, Swedish for- Amanda Lind defi ed Chinese the military watchdog said Virus alert Chinese court sentenced eign minister Ann Linde said Gui diplomatic threats of “counter- yesterday. An annual report by Chinese-born Swedish should be released, a position measures” to present the prize. the Inspector-General of the Acitizen Gui Minhai to 10 Sweden has held throughout. Gui is the highest-profi le of fi ve Australian Defence Force said years in jail yesterday for illegally “We also require access to our booksellers who disappeared 55 separate incidents were providing intelligence overseas, citizen to provide the consular between October and December being investigated as part of a prompting a protest from Stock- support he is entitled to,” Linde 2015, all linked to a Hong Kong years-long probe into allegations holm. Gui, a bookseller previ- said. “We have not had access to bookshop known for its gossipy Australian soldiers committed ously based in Hong Kong who or knowledge of any trial. Thus, texts on Chinese political lead- war crimes while serving in sold books critical of China’s po- we have not been able to review ers. Afghanistan. These relate mainly litical leadership, was detained the indictment nor been able to Such books are banned on the to unlawful killings of “persons by mainland police in 2018. He off er access to legal counsel,” she mainland but their production who were non-combatants or was seized while with Swedish said. and sale is legal in Hong Kong were no longer combatants” diplomats on a Beijing-bound A statement by the Ningbo In- under freedoms guaranteed as as well as “cruel treatment” of train. termediate People’s Court, which part of the 1997 handover from such persons, the report said. Relations between Sweden jailed Gui, said the 55-year-old British colonial rule to Chinese “The inquiry is not focused on and China soured in the months had stated that he would not ap- sovereignty. Gui was initially ab- decisions made during the ‘heat leading up to Monday’s sen- peal the sentence and had asked ducted in the Thai beach resort of of battle’,” it added. tencing, with Chinese offi cials to have his Chinese citizenship Pattaya in 2015 before surfacing, It is also considering “cultural, warning Swedish counterparts reinstated. A spokesman for Chi- like the others, in detention in psychological, operational against meddling in China’s in- na’ foreign ministry told a news mainland China. He was released and organisational factors” ternal aff airs. Yesterday, Sweden briefi ng that Gui’s rights and in October 2017, before being ar- surrounding the alleged summoned the Chinese ambas- interests had been fully guaran- rested in January 2018. incidents. The probe was sador to Stockholm to protest teed. He said consular visits in Three of his colleagues were launched in 2016 in response against the sentence and demand general were put on hold due to detained in mainland Chi- to what the watchdog called Commuters wearing protective face masks amid fears of the spread of the coronavirus ride an Gui’s release. “We have sum- the coronavirus outbreak. na while another was widely “rumours” of “very serious elevated train in Bangkok yesterday. The new coronavirus has peaked in China but could still moned China’s ambassador to Chinese offi cials objected to thought to have been abducted wrongdoing” over more than a grow into a pandemic, the World Health Organization warned, as infections mushroom in other our cabinet secretary and again Svenska PEN, a literary organisa- in Hong Kong and spirited across decade by members of Australian countries. demanded the release of, and tion, awarding Gui the 2019 Tul- the border. special forces in Afghanistan. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 19 BRITAIN/IRELAND Savers risk hardship in rush to cash in pensions: insurers

Daily Mail fi ve years after new pension pot last year alone and almost who warned that many people have to lock up retirement sav- fi cial fi gures from HM Revenue It also warns that nearly half London freedoms were introduced by 1mn have taken this option in could treat their pensions like a ings in a poor-value annuity & Customs which show almost (48%) of those who accessed George Osborne as chancellor. just three years. cash machine. when they stop work. £33bn has been taken as cash their pension pots did so with- The Association of British The ABI, whose members Former pension minister Sir Previously, savers could only from pension pots since the out receiving regulated advice or iddle-aged savers risk Insurers suggests many savers manage more than £550bn of Steve Webb had even joked that withdraw a quarter of their pot freedoms were introduced. guidance. poverty in later life be- are withdrawing money at an savings, says: “There are con- savers could spend their cash on as a tax-free lump sum at 55. The It says the number of savers Yvonne Braun, ABI’s director Mcause they are cashing ‘unsustainable rate’, with almost cerns that if the current rate at a Lamborghini if they wanted to. pensions ‘revolution’ was wel- cashing in their entire pension of policy, long-term savings and in their pensions too quickly, a £33bn cashed in. which many people are typically The pension freedoms intro- comed by consumer campaigners in 2018-19 was 355,000, the protection, said: |It is time to re- hard-hitting report from top in- Large withdrawals could withdrawing cash continues duced in April 2015 allow people who argued that savers had been highest since the freedoms were view how the pension freedoms surers warned. “mean later life hardship for then future pensioners will be at to cash in their entire pension ripped off in the past and should introduced. Four in 10 fl exible are working. They may have They claim huge numbers of many”, it says. risk of running out of money.” from the age of 55 or take it in have more choice over what to do income withdrawals were at an brought about a retirement rev- savers are already in danger of More than 350,000 savers The fi ndings provide ammu- regular instalments. with their own money. “unsustainable annual rate” of olution but it is too soon to tell running out of funds less than cashed in their entire pension nition to critics of the changes This means they no longer The ABI report points to of- 8% and over, adds the report. how things will turn out.”

Anger at Queen visits MI5 headquarters grammar US authorities schools’ admission peddling lies policy

Daily Mail London about Assange,

he majority of grammar schools are favouring the Tpoorest pupils in admis- sions, sparking complaints from parents. claims lawyer Schools are giving a higher priority to children from disad- AFP but Washington is now seeking nership with media outlets had vantaged backgrounds who pass London his transfer to stand trial. led to a rigorous redaction proc- the 11-plus test in a bid to boost The extradition hearing at ess that included liaising with social mobility. Woolwich Crown Court, next US offi cials to ensure sources The trend has resulted in nu- lawyer for Julian Assange to the high-security Belmarsh names were not revealed. merous complaints to the Offi ce yesterday accused the US prison where he is being held, is “That process involved the US of the Schools Adjudicator (OSA), Aof “boldly and blatant- expected to last fi ve days before government and state depart- the schools admissions watchdog. ly” misstating facts about the reconvening in May. ment feeding suggested redac- According to the School Admis- WikiLeaks founder’s conduct, Assange, wearing a grey blazer tions to the media,” he added. sions Code, primaries and second- on the second day of his extradi- and a sweater over a collared But Summers said a 2011 aries can give priority to children tion hearing in Britain. shirt in court, grew visibly tired book by a journalist from The who are eligible for the pupil pre- Assange faces charges under yesterday after listening to hours Guardian revealed the password mium – extra cash given to schools the US Espionage Act for the of proceedings — prompting needed to access the database to encourage them to educate dis- 2010 release of a trove of secret judge Vanessa Baraitser to check of unredacted source names and advantaged youngsters. fi les detailing aspects of US mil- on his condition. ensured the cache eventually Other premiums used by itary campaigns in Afghanistan “ Assange is struggling, he’s found its way online. schools include one aimed at de- and Iraq. fi nding it hard to concentrate,” He told the court Assange had prived early years’ children and Washington claims the a member of his legal team said made a phone call to the White another for pupils from armed 48-year-old Australian helped after conferring with him. “He House alerting US offi cials of forces families. The OSA annual intelligence analyst Chelsea can’t communicate with his le- the imminent release on vari- report reveals that 730 primary Manning to steal the documents gal team. He’s fi nding it very dif- ous websites, allegedly warning: and secondary schools will take before recklessly exposing con- fi cult.” “Unless you do something, then into account at least one pre- fi dential sources around the Earlier, lead defence lawyer people’s lives are put at risk.” mium in admission policies this world. Edward Fitzgerald complained “The notion that Assange year, compared to 552 in 2019. But defence lawyer Mark that Assange had been stripped deliberately put lives at risk by Of the 204 secondary schools Summers argued much of the naked twice and handcuff ed 11 dumping an unredacted data- “using one or more of the pre- 18-charge US indictment As- times coming and going from base is knowingly inaccurate,” miums” in admissions, 125 are sange will face if extradited was court the previous day. Summers said. grammar schools. They all use “provably wrong”, adding ele- He warned that his treatment The Guardian later said in a the pupil premium and 23 also ments were “lies, lies and more could “impinge on these pro- statement that “it is entirely take into account the service lies”. ceedings” and asked the judge to wrong” to say the 2011 book led premium. In total there are 163 “It’s diffi cult to conceive of a give “an indication to prison au- to the publication of unredacted grammars across the country. clearer example of an extradition thorities” that the regime should US government fi les. Previous OSA research pub- request that boldly and blatantly be relaxed. “The book contained a pass- lished in 2018 found that 93 gram- misstates the facts as they are Baraitser said it was a matter word which the authors had mar schools were using a form of known to be to the US govern- for prison offi cials, saying she been told by Julian Assange was premium. But the latest report ment,” he told a packed court- did not have the authority to in- temporary and would expire and reveals increasing controversy room in southeast London. struct them on how to treat de- be deleted in a matter of hours,” around the issue, with families However James Lewis, a law- tainees. it said. now trying to challenge the rules. yer for the US, called the de- She added that she would ex- On the opening day of the Two-fi fths of all new com- fence’s testimony a “series of pect Assange to be treated fairly hearing Lewis had accused As- plaints to the OSA are about pol- misstatements about how the and like anyone else. sange of risking the lives of in- icies used by grammars. indictment is formulated”. He WikiLeaks initially worked telligence sources by publishing Chief adjudicator Shan Scott called the Assange team’s strat- with newspapers to publish de- classifi ed documents, claiming said: “I recognise that people egy “a “fundamental mischarac- tails from the leaked state de- the US had evidence some had hold strong views about gram- terisation of... the allegations”. partment and Pentagon fi les, subsequently disappeared. mar schools and we receive ob- Queen Elizabeth II tours the MI5 headquarters at Thames House in London with director Assange spent much of the which caused a sensation — and Rebutting the defence team’s jections from those who support general Andrew Parker. The MI5 is the United Kingdom’s domestic counter-intelligence past decade holed up in Ecuador’s outrage in Washington. claims, Lewis said they were selective education and from and security agency. London embassy to avoid sepa- In several hours of submis- raising “trial issues that have to those who oppose it.” rate legal proceedings in Sweden, sions, Summers said the part- be determined in the US. Man guilty of killing Pancake race Tesco tests cashless store in London ex-partner’s mother Reuters A Tesco spokesman said the London High Holborn store would help customers pay more quickly. Guardian News and Media as her grandmother to con- Greene said O‘Connor had “We are looking forward to hear- Dublin ceal the fact she was dead. attacked him in the bathroom esco, Britain’s biggest su- ing customer feedback,” he said. Keith Johnston, Stephanie’s and he had defended himself permarket chain, opened The 101-year old Tesco, which father and the ex-partner of with a hurley stick, saying he Tits fi rst high street cash- trades from 3,787 stores in Brit- jury in Ireland has con- Louise, is also accused of im- panicked and did not intend to less store yesterday, marking a ain and Ireland, chose the High victed a man of murder- peding Green’s prosecution. All kill her. “I couldn’t overpower shift among shoppers to elec- Holborn store for the trial be- Aing the mother of his three deny having done so. The her; if I wanted to kill her, why tronic payments from coins and cause it serves a high concentra- then partner, whose body was jury is to resume deliberations would I wait 10 years?” notes. tion of offi ce workers. dismembered and scattered about them today. A pathologist testifi ed that At the Tesco Express store on It said it wanted feedback be- across the Dublin and Wicklow Louise testifi ed that liv- a solid implement struck High Holborn in central London, fore considering rolling out the mountains. ing with her mother was like O’Connor’s head at least three shoppers can pay at self-service idea elsewhere. Kieran Greene, 35, was yes- “walking on eggshells”, and times and that the cause of tills using a range of electronic Tesco has previously said some terday found guilty of murder- that she could be violent and death was blunt force trauma. payment methods, including of its convenience stores in Britain ing Patricia O’Connor, 61, after abusive. Greene told the court In December 2017, Greene debit cards, credit cards and Ap- were already only receiving 20% a six-week trial that transfi xed the victim had threatened the amended his version and told ple Pay on their phones. of payments by cash, making a Ireland. family and frightened the chil- police O’Connor’s husband, They cannot use cash. cashless roll-out likely in future. Prosecutors said Greene dren. Gus, had killed her and that It is Tesco’s fi rst mainstream The Bank of England said bludgeoned O’Connor, the The jury heard that Greene Johnston, his partner’s ex, had store to go cashless after it opened debit cards overtook cash as mother of his then partner, to walked into a police station on dismembered the body. He one at its Welwyn Garden City the most frequently used pay- death at the home they shared June 12, 2017, two weeks after claimed he was “set up” to take headquarters campus in 2018. ment method in Britain in 2017 in Rathfarnham, a Dublin sub- the murder, and said he had the blame. That store is mainly used by and it forecasts that alternatives urb, on May 29, 2017. done “something terrible”. Prosecutors said Greene Tesco staff although the general to cash will become ever more Other family members He described to gardai bury- changed his story because he public can also use it. widely accepted and used. are accused of imped- ing his mother-in-law in a believed that while he was in The Welwyn store is also trial- But there are notes worth ing Greene’s apprehen- shallow grave, then digging her custody his partner had re- ling a checkout-free method of more than £70bn in circulation sion and prosecution. His up, chopping up the remains to sumed a relationship with her payment, allowing customers to in Britain and the central bank ex-partner, 41-year-old make them lighter and scatter- ex and was jealous. They told scan products on mobile devices remains committed to cash. Louise O’Connor, allegedly ing them across the Dublin and the jury his fi rst version was to deduct payment directly be- Although cash use is falling, it acquiesced in her daugh- Wicklow mountains. Fifteen more coherent and credible. Participants take part in the annual Leadenhall Market fore they walk out of the store. says many poorer and more vul- ter, 22-year-old Stephanie sets of remains were found in Greene has yet to be sen- Pancake Race in London yesterday. That option is not available at nerable people still prefer notes O’Connor, disguising herself nine locations. tenced. High Holborn branch. and coins. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 BRITAIN/IRELAND

FINDINGS APPEAL OFFBEAT TRAFFICKING CRUELTY Politicians ‘covered up Travellers to north Italy Hole in the wall becomes Four jailed for smuggling Scottish farmer fined child abuse for decades’ must self-isolate: minister town’s star sight 29 Vietnamese migrants for punching sheep

Politicians turned a blind eye to the sexual Britain yesterday said people who had visited A hole in a wall outside a bank in the English A court jailed four men after they were convicted A Scottish wool farmer has pleaded guilty to abuse of children and actively covered up northern Italy should self-isolate if they had midlands has been winning rave reviews on of smuggling 29 Vietnamese migrants into animal abuse after he was caught on video allegations over decades, an independent any flu-like symptoms. Italy is trying to contain travel website TripAdvisor, catapulting the Britain on a small yacht before cramming punching two sheep in the face, an animal inquiry into historical sex off ences in Europe’s worst outbreak of coronavirus so previously unremarkable site to national fame. them into a van “like cattle.” Truro Crown Court welfare charity said. William Brown, 59, was Westminster found yesterday. The inquiry did far that flared up in the regions of Lombardy The web giant temporarily suspended reviews sentenced four men aged 55 to 72 to up to fined £550 under Section 19 of Scotland’s Animal not find evidence of an organised paedophile and Veneto. “The official advice is that those for the architectural feature next to a NatWest four-and-a-half years in prison for “assisting Health and Welfare Act 2006, after he admitted network in its examination of the period, who have been to northern Italy — that is cash machine in Ilkeston, citing an “influx of unlawful immigration.” Devon and Cornwall to causing unnecessary suff ering to two rams covering the 1960s through until the 1990s. But essentially anybody who has been to Italy review submissions that do not describe a Police arrested the men following reports by local on his farm in Penicuik, south of Edinburgh, in the report found there “have been significant north of Pisa — should, if they have flu-like first-hand experience”. The “NatWest hole”, as residents who saw the migrants leaving the yacht 2018. The investigation was conducted by the failures by Westminster institutions in their symptoms, self-isolate,” Health Secretary Matt it is known to fans, had been receiving reviews in the small port of Newlyn in Cornwall in April. Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to responses to allegations of child sexual Hancock said. “If people have been to the on the site since December 2018, but a recent The police found 29 Vietnamese citizens inside Animals (SPCA), which is authorised to report abuse.” “This included failure to recognise it, affected areas that the Italian government spate of joke reports propelled it to the town’s the van, including women and children. A police cases of suspected cruelty to state prosecutors. turning a blind eye to it, actively shielding and has quarantined, then they should self isolate top attractions. The hole was believed to have off icer said the four convicted men had risked the Brown was filmed by an undercover animal protecting child sexual abusers and covering whether or not they have symptoms,” Hancock been installed to enable customers to see lives of 29 people and were “motivated only by welfare off icer sent in by People for the Ethical up allegations,” the report’s summary said. said. anyone lurking nearby. monetary reward.” Treatment of Animals. Man held Annual Shrovetide football match as royal dog breeder shot dead

Guardian News and Media The Zuricks had been married London for almost 30 years. They regular- ly attended game shoots and or- ganised training days for spaniels dog breeder who supplied and their owners at their home. spaniels to the rich and fa- A friend of the couple, who Amous has been shot dead asked not to be named, claimed in Somerset near the rural estate the couple had separated. of the prime minister’s father. A Facebook post from New Debbie Zurick, 56, was found Year’s Eve on Debbie’s Facebook with severe injuries outside a cot- page reads: “I’m walking into tage near the hamlet of Winsford, 2020 with a clear heart and mind which is close to Stanley John- … Life is too short for pent-up son’s estate. Zurick’s husband, anger, holding of grudges and ex- John, is believed to be in hospital tra stress or pain … Make 2020 a with serious injuries. year of positivity and a season of Avon and Somerset police were forgiveness.” called to Winsford by a member Boris Johnson is believed to Competitors from the opposing teams, the Up’ards and the Down’ards, reach for the ball at the start of the annual Royal Shrovetide Football Match in Ashbourne, northern of the public. Firearms offi cers at- visit the area occasionally. England, yesterday. The mass-participation ball game involves two teams, whose players are defined by which side of a small brook that bisects the town they were born, tended and CPR was performed on An image posted on John Zu- aiming to score a goal, which are some three miles apart. The game, which has very few rules, is played over two eight-hour periods on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Zurick, but she was pronounced rick’s Facebook page in March Royal Shrovetide Football is believed to have been played annually in Ashbourne since 1667. dead at the scene. Police said a sec- 2016, captioned: “Boris meets ond woman, treated as a key wit- Boris”, appears to show the prime ness, was found uninjured nearby. minister with the dog that bears Avon and Somerset police said his name. the man, whose condition was The Zuricks bred working described as critical but stable, clumber spaniels at Winsford and was in custody but had been taken had several dogs of their own. to a hospital in Devon for emer- A post from Jane De Savary on gency treatment. Debbie’s Facebook page said: “Dar- The force has referred itself to ling Debbie you will be so missed the police watchdog due to previ- so loved by all who knew you RIP.” Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to ous contact with those involved. John previously told the Work- Detective superintendent Julie ing Clumber Spaniel Society how Mackay, of the major crime in- he had trained a dog for Princess vestigation team, said: “This is a Anne. very serious incident in which a Asked in a now-deleted ques- woman has lost her life and we are tion and answer section of the continue post-election talks deploying family liaison offi cers website about the most embar- to support the next of kin. rassing thing his dog had ever Reuters to co-operate to form a govern- remains to reach agreement be- ties should commence discus- ing parties. “The scene remains cordoned done, Zurick replied: “Sparkle, Dublin ment. tween the two historic rivals — sions...on an exploratory basis A surge in support for Sinn off so further forensic inquiries who I trained for (Princess Anne), As both Fianna Fail and Fine who were on opposite sides of in terms of policy, in terms of Fein on the back of a housing cri- and searches can take place over burying a pheasant rather than Gael have ruled out sharing Ireland’s civil war a century ago a programme for government,” sis eff ectively broke a century- the next few days.” giving it to hand. he leaders of Ireland’s two power with Sinn Fein, the former and have never shared power — Martin said. old duopoly between Fine Gael Johnson expressed shock at “Princess Anne left a message largest centre-right par- political wing of the Irish Re- Varadkar said his party continued Asked if Varadkar had rejected and Fianna Fail. Zurick’s death. He said: “Both I on the answerphone machine Tties, Fine Gael and Fianna publican Army, the most likely to prepare to enter opposition. the proposal, he said “he didn’t Fine Gael won 35 seats to the and my whole family are shocked, saying: ‘If I wanted an undertaker Fail, held preliminary talks yes- options are a coalition of the Fi- Fianna Fail leader Micheal reject anything.” 37 each held by Fianna Fail and stunned and saddened by this then I would have asked for one.’ terday and said they agreed to anna Fail and Fine Gael or a sec- Martin, who has eff ectively Varadkar has said he would Sinn Fein. tragic incident. We very much re- She didn’t leave a name but Deb- meet again in a bid to break the ond election. ruled out all options other than a need a further mandate from Sinn Fein would have taken gret the passing of Debbie Zurick. bie knew the voice so I called her deadlock created by an incon- Irish Prime Minister Leo Var- tie-up with Fine Gael, was more his parliamentary party to open more seats if it had fi elded more She was a neighbour and she was back in the morning and she was clusive parliamentary election adkar said in a statement that positive, saying that he thought negotiations on a policy pro- candidates and would be very much loved. She was honorary chuckling, telling me what had on February 8. “preliminary talks” had been it was time to begin to discuss a gramme. well placed to improve its posi- secretary of the Working Clum- happened. The two parties and left-wing held between his Fine Gael party possible programme for govern- Martin last week ruled out tion in a second election, ana- ber Spaniel Society and was much “She had sent Sparkle out, she nationalists Sinn Fein each se- and Fianna Fail and that the two ment. working with Sinn Fein and yes- lysts have said. loved for the work she did, in the had picked the bird beautifully, cured just under a quarter of the had agreed to meet again “at a “I did put to him that we were terday said it was “very very un- All sides predict it will take society and in Exmoor and be- brought it halfway back, dug a 160 seats in the Irish parliament, future point.” willing to engage and that we likely” that Sinn Fein could form several weeks to form a govern- yond.” hole and buried it.” and two of the three will need But in a sign that a lot of work are of the view that both par- a government with the remain- ment.

Stokes receives OBE Woman wins £400,000 Call to avoid building in race discrimination row homes on fl oodplains Guardian News and Media ing the danger to thousands of London people from extreme weather, Guardian News and Media Amui more than £386,000 cerns about her treatment back which climate scientists say will London in compensation, including to colleagues without her per- become more commonplace. £42,800 for injury to feelings, mission. he head of the environ- The government aims to build which is only awarded in the In a parting shot, as Giwa- ment agency has warned 300,000 homes a year by the woman is to receive nearly most serious cases, BBC News Amu left on her last day of work Tagainst building homes on mid-2020s to help ease a chronic £400,000 from the de- reported. before being signed off sick, after the fl oodplain amid pressure on shortage across the UK. Apartment for work and In a judgment originally having already complained about the government during the worst Yet local authorities say they pensions after a judge ruled that handed down in December 2018, the way she had been treated, winter storms in years. are struggling to meet these de- her colleagues there had deliber- Howden Evans said the tribunal one colleague said to her: “See Sir James Bevan said proper- mands because of a shortage of ately created a “hostile environ- accepted that Giwa-Amu was you Monday,” to which another ties should not be built in fl ood- available land, leading to one in ment” of and ageism that the victim of discrimination and replied: “If she comes back.” risk areas “as far as possible” and 10 of new homes in England be- forced her out of work. harassment based on her age. Giwa-Amu told BBC News that some developments should ing built on high-risk fl ood sites Anne Giwa-Amu was singled The 59-year-old, who has both that the DWP were “paying lip never have been approved. since 2013. out and humiliated by colleagues, Nigerian and Welsh heritage, service to the equality legisla- “We need to think about mak- Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s who violated her dignity through was one of nine trainees starting tion”. None of the staff involved ing our places more resilient to Today programme, Bevan also the use of racist language. When work as administrative offi cers at in the case have been disciplined, the fl ooding that will occur in the raised the possibility that some she reported her concerns, man- the DWP branch in Caerphilly in and some have been promoted, future. Part of that is making sure vulnerable communities on the agers breached her confi dence by February 2017. She was the only her lawyer said. that as far as possible we don’t coast and in river valleys may speaking to staff about it. trainee who was not white, and A DWP spokesperson said: build on the fl oodplain,” he said have to move to avoid repeated Eventually, after more than the only one aged over 50. “Racism is totally unacceptable The Guardian revealed on fl ooding. six months signed off work, and The court found that one fel- and action will be taken against Sunday that more than 11,000 He said those communities after having brought grievance low trainee had violated Giwa- any staff found to be expressing homes were planned in areas should not be “forced out” but proceedings over her concerns Amu’s dignity by using racist such views. We take the judg- the government considers a high that there needed to be a con- about harassment, Giwa-Amu language in front of her, and ment and the circumstances of fl ood risk in the seven English re- versation about how they can be was unlawfully dismissed by the by denouncing her as racist for this case very seriously.” gions swamped by Storms Ciara protected in the long term. DWP, despite her being in the observing that it often rains in “Racism is totally unaccept- and Dennis. In a speech yesterday at the process of bringing an employ- Wales; another humiliated her able and action will be taken England cricketer Ben Stokes poses with his medal after being Ministers faced renewed calls World Water-Tech Innovation ment tribunal case. and discriminated against her; against any staff found to be ex- appointed an Off icer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) to review the housing strategy summit in central London, Bevan Judge Howden Evans, sitting and senior members of staff pressing such views. We take the following an investiture service at Buckingham Palace in as experts, local authorities and added it is unrealistic to ban all at Cardiff magistrates court, had victimised Giwa-Amu by judgment and the circumstances London yesterday. insurers warned that building in housebuilding on fl oodplains ordered the DWP to pay Giwa- relaying her confidential con- of this case very seriously” high-risk fl ood areas is increas- given England’s geography. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 21 EUROPE

Merkel party Big jump in Italian cases leadership race starts

Reuters as coronavirus spreads Berlin DPA haven’t seen a doctor either,” associated with Italy’s two virus Rome said Lars Winkler, a German clusters, using police army units long-time opponent of tourist who had already been at to block access to the areas. Angela Merkel prom- the hotel for 13 days. Meanwhile, several countries Aised yesterday to oversee taly reported a major in- In Rome, Prime Minister have started restricting arrivals a new start for her struggling crease in new coronavirus Giuseppe Conte said he is con- from Italy, but Conte criticised Christian Democrats (CDU) as Icases yesterday, with 322 in- fi dent that draconian contain- such measures and insisted that he lined up against two rivals in fected and 11 dead, as contagion ment measures enforced around his country remained safe for the race to take over Germany’s also spread in Austria, Croatia, the two virus clusters in Lom- foreign visitors. main conservative party. Spain and Switzerland. bardy and Veneto would prove The ministerial meeting in The CDU plans to pick a new Compared to fi gures from late eff ective. Rome ended with a joint dec- leader at a congress on April 25 on Monday, Italian cases jumped “We trust that we can quickly laration ruling out border clo- in hope of resolving a crisis that by 40%. achieve a result of containment sures with Italy, described as “a appears to be loosening its long There were four new deaths. of the contagion from the coro- disproportionate and ineff ective hold on power. The latest victims were two navirus,” Conte told reporters, measure at this time”. After four-time chancellor men and two women, all elderly, speaking of “a health emergency “We are agreed in our opinion Merkel, brought up in the Com- the Civil Protection Agency said. that must anyway be tackled ra- that, at this point, travel restric- munist East, broke the mould in The outbreak remained con- tionally”. tions, or even the shuttering or the traditionally Catholic party, centrated in northern Italy, with Late on Monday, the premier borders, would not be a meas- three white men in their 50s or 240 cases in Lombardy, 43 in blamed the spread of the virus ured or appropriate reaction,” 60s, all from the same state in Veneto, 26 in Emilia-Romagna, on the “not entirely proper con- German Health Minister Jens western Germany, are the con- and three in Piedmont. duct” of a hospital, presumably Spahn said. tenders so far. Other regions reported cases in Lombardy. Late on Sunday, Austria brief- “We have today the alterna- for the fi rst time. The comment caused fric- ly blocked incoming rail traffi c tives of continuity and a new Three were confi rmed in Pal- tions with local authorities in from Italy after two suspected start,” Friedrich Merz, viewed ermo, Sicily – the fi rst in south- the region. cases were detected on a Venice- by some commentators as the ern Italy – two in Tuscany, one This picture taken yesterday shows a pre-triage medical tent in front of Santa Maria Nuova Hospital in An expert from Italy’s Nation- Munich train. front-runner, told reporters. in Liguria in the northeast, and Florence, as Tuscany reported its first two cases of Covid-19. al Health Institute (ISS), Gio- They tested negative for the Pro-business Merz, 64, lost one in German-speaking South vanni Rezza, said that the virus novel coronavirus. out to Merkel’s protégé Annegret Tyrol near Austria. longer run fevers, local health ported in Switzerland, where the was placed under quarantine, “circulated for a week or two” More talks were scheduled in Kramp-Karrenbauer in a 2018 But the virus spread beyond authorities said. national health authority said after the virus was found in an before the fi rst infection from Rome today, involving the Eu- vote for the CDU leadership. Italy, just as health ministers However, the woman’s home a person tested positive for the Italian guest from Lombardy. the current crisis was discovered ropean Commission, the World But two weeks ago Kramp- from France, Germany, Switzer- and the hotel she worked at have novel coronavirus. Police were guarding the hotel on February 20. Health Organisation (WHO), Karrenbauer said she no longer land, Slovenia and Croatia gath- been cordoned off . Yesterday also saw the fi rst in Adeje, in the southwest, until Rezza, who heads the ISS’s in- and the European Centre for wanted to succeed Merkel after ered in Rome to discuss a co- Croatian Prime Minister An- case in mainland Spain as the everyone staying there has been fectious diseases unit, also said Disease Prevention and Control an outcry over her handling of ordinated response with Italian drej Plenkovic also confi rmed health ministry announced that tested, according to newspaper that Italy had a higher mortal- (ECDC). fallout resulting from a tempo- authorities. the country’s fi rst coronavirus a woman in Barcelona who re- El Mundo. ity rate from Covid-19, the dis- Italian Health Minister Rob- rary dalliance between a regional Austria confi rmed its fi rst two case, state broadcaster HRT re- cently returned from northern A hotel guest who spoke to ease caused by the coronavirus, erto Speranza is due to meet EU CDU branch and the far-right. cases: a 24-year-old woman and ported. Italy had tested positive for the DPA said the situation was toler- “of 2-3%”, because of its ageing Health Commissioner Stella Together, the CDU and their her boyfriend, both from Lom- He was described as a young virus. able, but that a lack of informa- population. Kyriakides, WHO Europe re- Bavarian CSU sister party are bardy. man who visited Milan last Earlier that day, in Tenerife, tion was maddening. In Lombardy and Veneto, au- gional director Hans Kluge, and polling just 27%, down about They have been isolated in week. one of the Spanish Canary Is- “We’re not getting any infor- thorities have isolated about ECDC director Andrea Ammon, six points from the last national a clinic in Innsbruck, but no Another fi rst case was re- lands, a hotel with 1,000 guests mation from the hotel, and we 50,000 people living in 11 towns his offi ce said. election in 2017, and the CDU performed disastrously in a state vote in Hamburg on Sunday. Merz’s rivals to head the party include Armin Laschet, premier of Germany’s most populous Clashes as Greeks block access state North Rhine-Westphalia, who joined the race with the surprise backing of Health Min- to planned migrant camp sites ister Jens Spahn, who had been expected to run himself. Centrist Laschet is widely AFP Residents also parked cars and announced that the camps on seen as the continuity candi- Lesbos, Greece garbage trucks on rural roads Lesbos, Samos and Chios will date and he may have boosted leading to the camp sites, which be shut down this year, to be re- his chances by teaming up with are to house up to 7,000 people placed with new, smaller facili- Spahn, a fi erce critic of Merkel’s reek riot police fi red tear each, in an attempt to block con- ties that are to be operational by 2015 open-door migrant policy gas yesterday to dis- struction. mid-2020. who appeals to some on the Gperse angry locals on Later in the day protesters The administration of Prime CDU’s more conservative wing. the islands of Lesbos and Chios threw objects at police in the Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis “The CDU is bigger than ei- protesting the planned con- hills near to the camp sites, local has tried to alleviate the problem ther one of us, this is about the struction of controversial new TV footage shows. by relocating thousands of mi- future of our country and the migrant camps. “We are the victims of an un- grants to other parts of Greece, CDU,” said Spahn, adding it was Residents have long com- provoked attack in the forest but many communities on the time to build bridges within the plained that the presence of with tear gas and fl ash bombs,” mainland have also stonewalled party. thousands of asylum-seekers Yiannis Bournous, a Chios law- the move. The third candidate is Norbert threatens safety and public maker with the leftist opposi- After weeks of fruitless talks Roettgen, head of parliament’s health and oppose government tion Syriza party, said in a video with local authorities, the gov- Locals scuff le with riot police at the area where the government plans to build a new closed migrant foreign aff airs committee, who plans to build new camps for posted online. ernment has insisted the plan detention centre, in Karava on Lesbos island. tweeted that he would choose a them on the islands. “Hundreds of unarmed locals would go ahead. woman as his running mate. Tensions came to a head over- are fl eeing,” he said. “Work on the closed camps the islands into a battleground,” EU to step in to help Greece to address the “shocking and Merz took aim at his rivals for night at the harbours of both is- A few protesters had to be will begin immediately ... talks said Syriza spokesman Alexis manage the crisis. shameful” conditions migrants ganging up on him. lands, where hundreds of locals treated for breathing trouble, an cannot continue indefi nitely or Charitsis. “Greece cannot continue are forced to live in at reception “In real life perhaps one would had gathered to prevent the ar- AFP photographer at the scene be an excuse for inaction,” gov- Island offi cials and residents to deal with the situation on centres on the Greek islands. talk about the formation of a rival of construction machinery said. ernment spokesman Stelios Pet- have told the Greek govern- its own,” said Dimitra Kaloge- Swift measures were needed cartel that weakens competition and riot police reinforcements. There are more than 38,000 sas told reporters yesterday. ment that after fi ve years on the ropoulou, the IRC director in to reduce overcrowding and - but it is all right and legitimate As two ferries each carrying migrants crowded into camps Main opposition leftist party frontlines of the European mi- Greece. “EU member states need improve living conditions on that they are doing that,” he told around 500 riot police docked on the islands of Lesbos, Samos, Syriza has accused the govern- gration crisis, they are no longer to step up in solidarity and share the islands prioritising water, reporters. at Lesbos and Chios, protesters Chios, Leros and Kos despite an ment of undemocratic behav- prepared to accept thousands of responsibility for protecting sanitation and healthcare, UN’s A YouGov poll on Monday threw stones and fi rebombs. offi cial capacity of just 6,200. iour. asylum-seekers. people in need. High Commissioner for Refu- showed that Merz was the most The police responded with The conservative government “We will not allow Mr Mitso- The International Rescue The UN’s refugee chief on gees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi popular of the three contenders tear gas to clear the way. which came to power in July has takis and his government to turn Committee (IRC) called on the Friday called for urgent action said. to run as chancellor in the next election due by October 2021, but 43% of those asked were still Swiss man jailed 5 undecided. While the new CDU leader years in Bulgaria will be in a strong position to be on terror charges Germany tightens security chancellor candidate, that would still have to be agreed with the A Bulgarian court handed a Swiss Christian Social Union (CSU). man a five-year jail term for Merkel, 65, has said she will terrorism and arms smuggling as latest attack toll hits 60 not run for a fi fth term. after he was caught, heavily Her succession strategy has armed, on his way to Syria in unravelled and it is unclear if she 2018. Reuters the man while he tried to choke celled, others took place in the will be able to remain chancellor The man was detained at Volksmarsen, Germany her as she leaned into the car to region yesterday. with a new party leader although Bulgaria’s main southeastern remove the key after his vehicle A police spokesman said se- Kramp-Karrenbauer has said the border checkpoint with Turkey crashed. curity would be intensifi ed. CDU expects the new chair to after his father alerted the Swiss ermany increased se- “He didn’t say a word. He Rose Monday is the height of work alongside the chancellor. authorities that his son had left curity at some carnival looked at you empty and dead the carnival season in Catholic Laschet made clear he was Switzerland in a car packed with Gprocessions yesterday and seemed so satisfi ed,” Lea- areas of Germany, especially ready to work with the ruling arms. after a local man ploughed his Sophie Schloemer told Welt tel- in the Rhineland where tens coalition, including the Social Bulgarian border guards car into a parade in the western evision. “It was really unnerv- of thousands of people dress Forensics numbers are seen at the place where a man drove into a Democrats (SPD). found two automatic rifles, a German town of Volkmarsen, ing how satisfi ed he seemed.” up, drink alcohol and line the carnival procession in Volkmarsen. “We are focusing on the time smoothbore hunting rifle, a SIG injuring around 60 people, in- The prosecutors’ spokesman streets to watch decorated after 2021 in terms of new ideas,” Sauer pistol and ammunition in cluding at least 18 children. said the driver was not yet in a fl oats that often mock public the injured in Volkmarsen were at the scene on Monday and he said. the car as well as 24 knives and The incident on Monday fi t state to be questioned, but fi gures. in a life-threatening condition. was accused of fi lming the in- Pledging to focus more on a map tracing the route to the shook Germans still struggling was not drunk at the time of the Prosecutors said there was Police had detained the driv- cident. education, digitalisation and Syrian city of Idlib. to take in last week’s racist gun incident. no concrete reason to think the er, a 29-year-old German from The spokesman said pros- tackling right-wing radicalism, The man told Bulgaria’s attack on two bars in the town Initial tests for alcohol were risk of attacks at parades had the town who had been driving ecutors were investigating Merz was less explicit, saying he specialised court that he did of Hanau which left 11 people negative but that was not a fi - increased, but they urged or- a silver Mercedes car, and he whether the man had links to and the chancellor would come not remember how he left dead. nal assessment and there were ganisers to review their security would appear before an investi- the driver, including checking to “an understanding”. Switzerland and found himself in While the driver was de- as yet no results from the drug arrangements and adjust them gating magistrate as soon as his phone records. His rivalry with Merkel dates detention in Bulgaria. tained at the carnival on suspi- test. if necessary. condition allowed, state pros- The street where the incident back to a power struggle within But the court found him fit for cion of attempted homicide and The motive was still unclear. Security at public events in ecutors said. happened in the centre of the the party in 2002, and in October trial and guilty on two counts was being treated for his own “We are investigating all Germany has been tightened “There are so far no indica- small town was still cordoned he said her lack of leadership had – for terrorism and for arms injuries, townspeople puzzled possibilities,” he said. since a Tunisian man with Is- tions of politically-motivated off by police yesterday and cast a fog of inaction over the smuggling. over why he had done it. He said earlier there was no lamist militant ties ploughed a criminality,” Bild newspaper several stores in the area were country for years. He was jailed for five years “You have to be crazy or sign the investigation would be truck into a Christmas market cited an investigator as saying. closed. However, Merz said he didn’t but the sentence can still be blinded by rage to do some- handed to national prosecutors, in Berlin in 2016, killing 12 peo- “But we think that the perpe- Locals told Reuters that po- want to turn back the clock on appealed. thing like this,” said 58-year- suggesting they did not see a ple. trator acted with intent, and lice had searched two homes in the last 15 years. Bulgaria has been a major old Volkmarsen native Rainer political motive. He was later shot dead by that psychological problems the town, including one apart- “Germany is in a good posi- crossing point on the route for Bellmann. While some carnival pro- Italian police after fl eeing. may have played a role.” ment near to the scene that a tion despite all the problems. Europeans heading to join the An emergency responder cessions in the state of Hesse, A police spokesman said he Prosecutors confi rmed that a police offi cer said was the home But we need some corrections,” Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. said bystanders had punched home to Volkmarsen, were can- could not rule out that some of second man had been detained of relatives of the man. he said. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 INDIA

BJP leader slams colleague for ‘provocative’ remarks on CAA

IANS more than 130 injured. Head New Delhi constable Ratan Lal died on Monday, while several injured security personnel are hospi- haratiya Janata Par- talised. ty (BJP) MP Gautam Meanwhile, the Supreme BGambhir yesterday Court yesterday agreed to slammed party leader Kapil hear a plea filed by Bhim Mishra for his “provocative” Army chief Chandrashekhar remark amid clashes that has Azad and former chief infor- claimed 10 lives and injured mation commissioner Wa- many others in the national jahat Habibullah and others capital. seeking registration of cases “This is unfortunate. in connection with the vio- Whoever – whether from the lence. BJP, the Congress or the AAP The plea also cited Mishra’s (Aam Aadmi Party) – has tweet and held him responsi- done this, strict action must ble for inciting and orches- be taken against them. Kapil trating the attack. Mishra’s speech is not ac- The court is also slated to Paramilitary troops patrol in a riot aff ected area after clashes erupted between people demonstrating for and against a new citizenship law in New Delhi yesterday. ceptable. This is about Delhi, hear today two separate peti- not about any political party,” tions seeking removal of pro- Gambhir said after visiting a testers at Shaheen Bagh. hospital where policemen in- The Congress slammed the jured in the violence are being government for not listening treated. to the voice of the people and Going against the stat- going ahead with the contro- ed policy, Gambhir called versial law. the Shaheen Bagh protest Expressing shock at con- Delhi tense as violence “peaceful”. tinuing violence, former fi- “Shaheen Bagh was peace- nance minister P Chidambar- ful protest all this while. But am said: “We had warned that US President Donald Trump CAA was deeply divisive and is here and there are violent should be repealed or aban- protests – this is not fair,” he doned. Our warning fell on said. deaf ears. The people are pay- continues; toll hits 13 While defending the right ing the price for putting in to a peaceful protest, he power insensitive and short- Agencies the violence. This madness has calling the police to enforce a terday, as fresh protests fl ared the police, we are against the hit out at the violence that sighted leaders.” New Delhi to stop,” Delhi Chief Minister curfew, to send reinforcements,” around Delhi. government’s law,” the male an- rocked the national capital. The senior Congress leader Arvind Kejriwal, who visited the Saurabh Sharma, a student from “We have sought police pro- nouncer said. “How can you stand with a also reiterated that it was not Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital yes- a riot-hit area who took his in- tection as our vehicles are being The outbreak of violence coin- pistol in front of a cop,” he too late and the CAA could be hirteen people have been terday where many of the injured jured friend to the hospital, said. blocked from entering the af- cided with the visit of US Presi- asked, referring to the photo- put in “abeyance” till the Su- killed and more than 150 were taken, told reporters. “But no one has come. There fected areas. The situation is very dent Donald Trump, who held graph from the Jaffrabad area preme Court pronounced the Tinjured in some of the Twelve civilians and one po- are only three policemen.” grim,” said Delhi Fire Department bilateral meetings with his Prime that has gone viral. validity of the law. worst sectarian violence in In- liceman have been killed so far, Senior policeman Alok Kumar director Atul Garg. Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi Mishra, in a video that has “Even now it is not too late. dia’s capital in years, as rioters police said, adding that more said offi cers were still receiving NDTV channel said three of its yesterday. also gone viral, is seen telling The government should listen went on the rampage in several than 100 civilians and almost 50 reports of violence. reporters and a cameraman were Federal Home Minister Amit people in the presence of po- to the voices of the anti-CAA parts of the city, setting fi re to police offi cers were injured. “The protesters are attacking attacked by a mob on the north- Shah, whose ministry controls lice that they would “hit the protesters and declare that buildings and vehicles and at- Delhi Police spokesman Man- police wherever they are present eastern fringe of the city. law and order in the capital re- streets” in three days if the the CAA will be kept in abey- tacking journalists. deep Randhawa pleaded with lo- and clashing among each other “There is hardly any police gion, met with senior Delhi gov- blockade against the new cit- ance until the Supreme Court Protests against a contentious cals “not to take the law in their where the police aren’t there,” presence in the area. Rioters are ernment offi cials and promised izenship law was not cleared. pronounced on its validity,” citizenship law descended on own hands” and said authorities Kumar said. running around threatening peo- to deploy more police if they were While Mishra has been added Chidambaram. Monday into running battles in would crack down on trouble- Television channels showed ple, vandalising shops,” a resident needed, Kejriwal said. widely criticised for the The Congress leader also New Delhi’s northeast, with ri- makers. Guru Teg Bahadur Hos- huge clouds of smoke billowing of the poor, migrant neighbour- The new law – Citizenship statement, he defended it. said that India has citizenship oters armed with stones, swords pital offi cial Rajesh Kalra said from a tyre market that had been hood of Maujpur said. Amendment Act – has raised Hitting out at nay-sayers, he law since 1955 and it does not and even guns out in force. that 31 people, including 10 who set ablaze. Mobs wielding sticks Schools in the northeast of the worries abroad – including in tweeted, “It’s me who is re- need to be amended. Police imposed a restriction were seriously hurt, were admit- and stones were seen walking city were shut yesterday and at Washington – that Modi wants ceiving death threats...Only “India has lived with the on large gatherings in the area – ted earlier yesterday. down streets in parts of northeast least fi ve metro stations closed. to remould secular India into a terror sympathisers have Citizenship Act 1955 without on the northeastern fringe of the Witnesses reported seeing at Delhi and further incidents of An announcement over a Hindu nation while marginalising problems with me.” the amendment. Why does megacity – as the violence con- least 10 injured people being ad- stone-throwing. mosque loudspeaker urged pro- the country’s 200mn Muslims, a The clashes between anti- the act need an amendment tinued yesterday with reports of mitted to the hospital in half an A fi re department offi cial said testers to stay non-violent and claim he denies. and pro-Citizenship Amend- now? The amendment (CAA) stone throwing and more struc- hour, some claiming to have bul- his teams were responding to not attempt to cross police bar- Trump said yesterday after ment Act (CAA) activists should be abandoned forth- tures set ablaze. let wounds. more than a dozen separate calls ricades. meetings with Modi that the riots have claimed 10 lives and left with.” “I appeal to everyone to stop “Since yesterday, we’ve been relating to arson incidents yes- “We don’t have a problem with were an internal matter for India. India, US clinch $3bn defence deals

Reuters New Delhi

S President Donald Trump said yesterday In- Udia will buy $3bn worth of military equipment, includ- ing attack helicopters, as the two countries deepen defence and commercial ties in an attempt to balance the weight of China in the region. India and the United States were also making progress on a big trade deal, Trump said. Negotiators from the two sides have wrangled for months to narrow diff erences on farm goods, medical devices, digital trade and new tariff s. India’s tariff s were still too high, probably the world’s high- est, Trump said in his only criti- cism of the world’s biggest de- mocracy during a visit that he White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump are greeted by President Ram Nath Kovind during a state banquet as Melania Trump plays with children at the Sarvodaya Co-Education said was a spectacular success. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump look on at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi yesterday. Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh, in New Delhi yesterday. “We are being charged large amounts of tariff s, can’t do tin equipped with Hellfi re mis- with Modi, whom he called his time I mentioned your name, lent protests broke out in Delhi that,” he said at a news briefi ng, siles worth $2.6bn and plans an “dear friend,” the importance of they would cheer.” on Monday over a new citizen- Melania attends happiness class again pointing to Indian duties order for six Apache copters. a secure 5G telecoms network In New Delhi, Trump was ship law that critics say discrim- on Harley-Davidson motorcy- India is modernising its mili- in India, ahead of a planned air- given a formal state welcome inates against Muslims and is a US First Lady Melania Trump through a session of interactive cles. tary to narrow a gap with China waves auction by the country. yesterday at the red sandstone further attempt to undermine joined a happiness class at a story-telling on a tiny green Trump was accorded a mas- and has increasingly turned to- The United States has banned presidential palace, with a the secular foundations of In- school in New Delhi yesterday chair in a classroom and chatted sive reception in Prime Minister wards the United States over its Huawei Technologies, arguing 21-cannon gun salute and a red- dia’s democracy. while her husband, President with teachers and school pupils Narendra Modi’s home state of traditional supplier, Russia. the use of its equipment cre- coated honour guard on horse- Trump told reporters he had Donald Trump, was holding as they drew and painted. Gujarat on Monday, with more Trump said he hoped to secure ated the potential for espionage back on a smoggy day. spoken with Modi about reli- talks with Prime Minister She watched performances of than 100,000 people fi ling into a big trade deal, likely by the end by China – a claim denied by India is one of a handful of gious freedoms but wouldn’t be Narendra Modi. folk dance and yoga. a cricket stadium for a “Namaste of the year. Huawei and Beijing – but India, countries where Trump’s per- drawn further into the issue. The Delhi state government In brief remarks to the students, Trump” rally. “Our teams have made tre- where telecoms companies have sonal approval rating is above Trump on Monday extolled introduced a happiness Melania said she was inspired Yesterday, Trump sat down mendous progress on a compre- long used network gear from the 50% and his trip received wall- India’s rise as a stable and pros- curriculum in all its schools in by the programme. for one-on-one talks with Modi hensive trade agreement and I’m Chinese fi rm, is yet to make a to-wall media coverage, with perous democracy as one of the July 2018. “I cannot think of a better way for followed by delegation-level optimistic we can reach a deal call. commentators saying he had hit achievements of the century. The curriculum focuses on all of us to start our day,” she said. meetings to try and move for- that will be of great importance Trump described Monday’s all the right notes on his fi rst of- “You have done it as a tolerant meditation, moral teachings, The 45-minute happiness period ward on issues that have divided to both countries,” said Trump in rally in Ahmedabad, again fi cial visit to the world’s biggest country. And you have done it as mental exercises and activities is held in Delhi government the two countries, mainly a fes- remarks made alongside Modi. praised Modi and spoke of the democracy. a great, free country,” he said. like story-telling and art, as well schools each day and begins tering trade dispute. The two countries had ini- size of the crowd, claiming there They were also eff usive in their Delhi has also been strug- as talks on patriotism, with the with a five-minute meditation After those meetings, Trump tially planned to produce a “mini were “thousands of people out- praise for Modi, for pulling off a gling with high air pollution, aim of teaching students to be session for the children followed said his visit had been produc- deal,” but that proved elusive. side trying to get in.” spectacular reception for Trump. and yesterday, the air quality good human beings. by activities. tive, with the conclusion of deals Instead, both sides are now “I would even imagine they “Modi-Trump hug gets tight- was moderately poor at 193 on a Melania Trump visited a The curriculum has been to buy US helicopters for the In- aiming for a bigger package, were there more for you than er,” ran a headline in the Times of government index that measures government-run school for girls developed with input from dian military. including possibly a free trade for me, I would hope so,” he told India. pollution up to a scale of 500. in south Delhi. experienced educators and the India will buy 24 SeaHawk agreement. Modi. But in a sign of the underlying The WHO considers anything Clad in a flowing white dress programme was launched by helicopters from Lockheed Mar- Trump said he also discussed “The people love you...every political tensions in India, vio- above 60 unhealthy. with floral prints, Melania sat the Dalai Lama. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 23

LATIN AMERICA

DISASTER DECISION CRIME WILDLIFE TRANSPORT Guatemala ex-attorney Mexico economy ministry Urban gardens fight Mexico buses, trucks general gets US asylum hit by cyber attack hummingbirds’ extinction to run on cleaner diesel

Guatemala’s former attorney general and Mexico’s economy ministry detected a Mexicans have created more than a The Mexican government has ratified an recent presidential candidate Thelma Aldana cyber attack on some of its servers but hundred urban gardens, most of them in the environmental rule that requires truck and bus said the US has granted her asylum, days after did not consider sensitive information to capital Mexico City, in an attempt to attract makers to manufacture and sell only vehicles her successor filed an extradition request for have been compromised, and beefed up hummingbirds that have seen their natural running on clean diesel starting in January alleged irregularities during her tenure. “It is safety measures, it said in a statement. It habitat gradually destroyed as cities sprawl. 2021, despite criticism from the industry. The great news for me but must also be for the was the second high-profile cyber attack The country is home to 58 diff erent species environment ministry said the rule, which brave prosecutors who in Guatemala and other on the Mexican government after hackers but half of its 13 endemic species are now mandates ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), was countries fight for justice in the world,” Aldana demanded $5mn in bitcoin from national oil at risk of extinction as suitable habitats are necessary to ensure a healthy environment said. The former anti-corruption activist, who company Pemex last November, forcing it to shrinking because of human settlements and “to be consistent with commercial partners is already in the US, is facing two processes shut down computers nationwide. Providers and even climate change. “When cities grow, in North America and the European Union.” in Guatemala for irregularities she allegedly have been asked to temporarily isolate we’re removing forests, we’re removing the President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador’s Javier Gutierrez stands as his family members committed during her tenure from 2014 to 2018. networks and servers, the ministry said, vegetation that hummingbirds use to feed, to administration is under pressure to fulfil sit on the ground after losing their house due Aldana had helped uncover corruption in cases adding that the processing of some forms reproduce,” said Claudia Rodriguez, a biologist environmental commitments at a time when to landslide following heavy rains in the that led to the conviction and imprisonment of would be temporarily suspended to protect working on the “Urban Gardens” project. It has several cities in the country show high levels of Ovejuyo district in La Paz, Bolivia. former president Otto Perez. their legal status. led to the creation of 149 gardens. pollution.

Colombia Carnival fun targets Trump ‘to step gangs clearing forests up pressure

AFP Bogota campaign on olombia’s defence min- ister said the military Cwill step up an off ensive against drug traffi cking gangs re- sponsible for clearing thousands of hectares of protected national parks for coca plantations. Venezuela oil’ “The police are not going to withdraw from the national The US imposed sanctions sure campaign is not going to focus company that takes the oil may fl ip parks where the criminals are to choke off Venezuela’s oil solely on Russia, Abrams said, but it to another company that ships trying to settle,” Carlos Holmes exports in the aftermath of will also target entities throughout the oil, fl ip it to another company Trujillo told reporters in Bogota. Maduro’s 2018 re-election the supply chain. that sells the oil. We follow all of “We are going to harden the mil- Venezuela’s oil exports last year that,” he said. “We are going to fol- itary off ensive to remove them Reuters plummeted 32% to 1.001mn barrels low up with the companies that are from their dens.” Washington per day, according to Refi nitiv Eikon engaged in this and we are going to The government said some data and state-run PDVSA’s reports. sanction them.” 1,730 acres of forest in the Sierra Asked if sanctions against Chi- In January 2019, Washington de la Macarena national park in S President Donald Trump nese companies purchasing trans- recognised Guaido as Venezuela’s southern Colombia have been has decided to step up a shipped Venezuelan crude were on legitimate interim president and destroyed by dissidents of the Usanctions campaign on the table, Abrams said: “Yes that is ratcheted up pressure on Maduro. former Farc guerrilla group who Venezuela’s oil sector and will on the table.” But he said conver- Dozens of other countries in- rejected a 2016 peace agreement. be more aggressive in punishing sations advising the parties to stop cluding in Europe and Latin It said the dissidents were people and companies that violate would come before sanctions. America also support Guaido, who forcing local peasant farmers to it, the top US envoy to the Latin Washington was also examining was Trump’s guest at the White clear the forest and “commit a American country said. ship-to-ship transfers intended to House in early February. massacre against nature,” in or- Venezuela’s socialist President obfuscate the origin of an oil cargo, “The president has made a de- der to develop coca plantations. Nicolas Maduro remains in power and name changes of companies cision to push harder on the Ven- “What happened in Macarena a year after Washington recognised involved in transactions of Ven- ezuelan oil sector and we’re going is a crime against the environ- opposition leader Juan Guaido as ezuelan oil. to do it. And what we’re telling ment. Those who today promote the legitimate president, and has “What people do is switch from people involved in this sector is fi res are criminals who want to worked to push Maduro out. one company to another so the that they should get out of it” destroy the forests and poison the Maduro has retained the sup- rivers to plant coca,” Trujillo said. port of Russia and China. A special environmental pro- The US imposed sanctions to Nations hosting migrants could get funding: Peru tection force is to be set up as choke off Venezuela’s oil exports part of the off ensive, he said, in in the aftermath of Maduro’s 2018 Latin American countries Nations has estimated that a broad plan to safeguard natural re-election, which was widely de- who are hosting the most 4mn Venezuelan migrants are resources in what the UN says is scribed as fraudulent. Venezuelan migrants could abroad because of the country’s the most bio-diverse country in But customers in China, India in future receive financial economic and political crisis the world after Brazil. and elsewhere continued import- support from an international and $1.35bn will be needed this Last year, the government of ing, so Venezuelan state-oil com- fund, Peru’s foreign minister year alone to meet their basic President Ivan Duque launched pany PDVSA’s exports only fell by said. Gustavo Mesa-Cuadra needs in the 17 countries in Latin Operation Artemisa to counter about a third. said authorities from diff erent America and the Caribbean widespread deforestation, fol- US special representative for nations and organisations would that are sheltering them. Some lowing the destruction of nearly Venezuela Elliott Abrams told meet in the coming months 5,000 Venezuelans leave 200,000 hectares in 2018, main- Reuters in an interview that there to discuss the formation of a their country each day, the ly in the Amazon. will be more sanctions as Wash- donors’ group to help those Organisation of American States In addition to the indiscrimi- ington plans to go after continued aff ected by the second largest has said, and the number could nate cutting of trees for agri- customers of Venezuelan oil, in- migrant flow in the world after double to 8mn by the end of culture, illegal mining and coca cluding those in Asia, and target those fleeing the civil war in 2020. “A meeting (for) a donor plantations pose a threat to the intermediaries helping Caracas Syria. The meeting was being drive to fulfil the needs of host country’s natural resources, ac- hide the origin of its oil. arranged by the Lima Group of countries is one of the things we cording to the government. “The president has made a de- 15 countries to seek resolutions are working on very seriously,” Former national parks serv- cision to push harder on the Vene- to the Venezuela crisis in Mesa-Cuadra told reporters in ice director Carlos Castano told zuelan oil sector and we’re going to concert with international Lima. He did not provide further Colombia’s Radio W in an in- do it. And what we’re telling peo- organisations including the details about the countries or terview that former guerrillas ple involved in this sector is that World Bank, and would be agencies that could make up the had threatened park offi cials in they should get out of it,” Abrams held in Washington or Spain, donor grouping or the amounts a bid to force them to leave the Children in costumes play during the carnival festival in Caracas, Venezuela. said. the minister said. The United they would raise. reserves. Washington’s ramped up pres-

Polluted river Colombia panel to probe Cuban cigar sales increase to $531mn claims against Duque than 2,000 others for the festival, Reuters Havana said “it is everyone’s long-held Reuters Duque’s government has said plaint by representative David dream to be able to buy Cuban ci- Bogota the accusations are a fabrication Racero against the president of gars legally.” and that Merlano is being used the republic, we have taken the uban cigar sales topped Sanchez said that a continued by Venezuelan President Nico- decision to open an investiga- $531mn last year, state mo- decline in sales to American visi- committee in Colombia’s las Maduro to put on a “media tion,” John Jairo Cardenas, of the Cnopoly Habanos S A an- tors and the coronavirus outbreak lower house of Congress show.” The investigation comes centrist Partido de la Unidad, nounced as the country’s annual in China were market challenges Awill investigate allega- after leftist representative David told local radio. cigar festival opened, most likely this year. tions by an ex-senator who fl ed Racero requested an inquiry into Colombia does not recognise the last with partner Imperial “There are millions of tourists the country that President Ivan Merlano’s accusations. Maduro’s government and has Brands. from other parts,” he said. “And Duque participated in vote-buy- requested Merlano’s extradition Spain, China, Germany and we are a very global company ing and sought to have her as- through Venezuelan opposition France were the strongest markets so we can compensate for some sassinated, the head of the panel leader Juan Guaido, whom it as sales increased 2% over 2018, negative circumstances that arise said. considers to be Venezuela’s le- the company said. in some market like Asia now with Former Conservative senator gitimate head of state. Cuba was Habanos fi fth market the coronavirus,” he said. Aida Merlano was captured by It is not clear how Guaido will thanks to tourism, but domestic Habanos is a 50:50 joint ven- Venezuelan police last month af- handle the request given that sales decreased slightly, Habanos ture with the British company ter she escaped custody in Bogota Maduro retains control of most President Luis Sanchez said, ap- Imperial Brands, which is selling last year by climbing out of her government functions including parently due to tighter US travel its premium cigar division that dentist’s offi ce while on a medi- At a recent court the police and judiciary. restrictions. includes the partnership. Sanchez cal leave from prison and fl eeing appearance in Caracas, ex- The Colombian house com- Americans can buy the “puros” said he did not expect a manage- on the back of a motorcycle. senator Merlano, who was mittee regularly investigates Co- to take home even though they are ment change would aff ect the At a recent court appearance in convicted of vote-buying, lombian presidents. banned for sale in the US. company. Caracas, Merlano, who was con- accused Duque of wanting Ernesto Samper, who gov- “Americans love Cuban cigars,” “Plenty of buyers are interest- victed of vote-buying, accused Du- to kill her to protect the erned from 1994 to 1998, was the David Savona, executive editor of ed,” he said. que of wanting to kill her to protect country’s political class subject of inquiries surround- Cigar Afi cionado Magazine said, Savona agreed, but added there the country’s political class. ing accusations he fi nanced his Foam covers the Santiago River, whose polluted waters have estimating tens, if not hundreds might be a US twist. “If a US com- In a recent interview, she also “In my capacity as the presi- campaign with drug traffi cking been linked to global manufacturers by the government of of thousands were puff ed on an- pany were to buy the division, it alleged he benefi ted from vote- dent of the investigations com- money. the Mexican state of Jalisco, in Juanacatlan, Mexico. nually. would have to divest Habanos,” buying. mittee, after reading the com- He was exonerated. Savona, in Havana with more he said. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 PAKISTAN

Senate panel Expenses of main parties approves child ‘exceeded income in 2019’ abuse bill

Internews all major political parties phe- The United States topped the Rs2.22mn while the amount re- kistan Peoples Party Parliamen- during 2019 and spent Rs13.3mn Internews Islamabad nomenally surged while their list of overseas Pakistanis mak- ceived from the party’s senators tarians (PPPP) headed by his fa- alone on the “million march” Islamabad incomes signifi cantly dropped ing contributions of Rs65.18mn, was Rs500,000. ther Asif Ali Zardari. organised by it in Islamabad in as compared to 2018. surpassing the funds collected An amount of Rs188.37mn The party’s income during the October last year. xpenses of major po- The expenditure incurred by in at least three other countries: was spent by the party on by- year remained Rs5.7mn. The party had an opening he Senate Functional litical parties in Pakistan the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e- the United Kingdom, Australia elections held during the year. The PPPP earned Rs13.57mn balance of Rs24.45mn on July Committee on Human Eexceeded their income Insaf (PTI) during the last fi nan- and Canada. The party had an opening and spent Rs20.34mn during the 1, 2019, which at the closing TRights has unanimously during the fi nancial year end- cial year surpassed its income by The expenses include a short- balance of Rs263.57mn on July year. shrank to Rs8.37mn. approved the child abuse bill ing June 30, 2019, an analysis Rs208.39mn. term investment of Rs120mn. 1, 2018, which at the closing Subscriptions, donations, Unlike most others, the Mut- named the “The Zainab Alert, of statements of assets and li- The total income of the party The Pakistan Muslim League slipped to Rs81.71mn. ticket fee and bank profi t have tahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Response and Recovery Bill abilities of political parties for was Rs471.48mn, while it in- – Nawaz (PML-N) spent almost The PML-N’s total income in been shown to be the sources of collected more funds than its 2020”. 2018-19 released by the Election curred expenses of Rs679.87mn. 13 times more than its receipts. 2018 was over Rs125mn, while income. expenses during the year. The ambit of the bill, which Commission of Pakistan (ECP) The party had an opening The party’s total income dur- it incurred the expenditure of The party had an opening bal- The total income of the party was earlier limited to Islamabad, shows. balance of Rs262.486mn at the ing the year was Rs15.54mn, Rs48.23mn. ance of Rs167mn and its closing during the year was Rs47.96mn, has been extended to the entire The trend in 2019 was in con- start of the year, which dipped to but it incurred expenses That means the party’s ex- balance was Rs160.23mn. out of which it spent Rs41.31mn, country. trast to that of 2018, the year Rs54.54mn at the close. of Rs201.74mn, a defi cit of penses registered over four-fold In 2018, the party earned over for a surplus of Rs6.65mn. Moreover, special courts when the general election turned The earnings included dona- Rs186.2mn. increase in 2019 as compared to Rs100mn with an amount of Likewise, the Pakistan Mus- would be established to decide into a moneymaking venture for tions, contributions and mem- Donations of Rs11.13mn made the previous year. Rs93.72mn collected as ticket lim League – Quaid-e-Azam cases relating to missing chil- almost all mainstream political bership fee of Rs110.55mn col- by party workers formed the The Pakistan Peoples Party fee alone. (PML-Q) earned Rs3.11mn and dren in three months. parties, enabling them to gener- lected abroad, Rs207.74mn local biggest chunk of the PML-N’s (PPP) led by Bilawal Bhutto The party incurred expenses spent a little over Rs3mn during Station house offi cers (SHOs) ate funds far more than spend- donations and contributions, income. Zardari spent an amount of of Rs13.16mn in 2018. the year. would be bound to register fi rst ing on their respective election and Rs143.30mn contributions The monthly fee received in over Rs22mn during the year, The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam The party has put the to- information reports (FIRs) im- campaigns. by members, candidates and the party fund from members of while an additional payment of – Fazlur (JUI-F) earned just tal value of its assets at around mediately after receiving the In 2019, expenses of almost supporters. the provincial assembly came to Rs8.72mm was made by the Pa- Rs373,000 in membership fees Rs50mn. complaint, failing which they would face imprisonment of up to two years or a fi ne of up to Rs100,000, and lose their job. The meeting, held at a com- mittee room of the Parliament Airlines to get health declaration House, was declared in-camera due to the sensitivity of the is- sue. from everyone entering Pakistan Tabled by Minister for Hu- man Rights Dr Shireen Mazari, it was an administrative bill for the Internews rescue and recovery of missing Rawalpindi children. It was named after nine-year- old Zainab Ansari, who was he government has di- murdered after being raped in rected the Civil Aviation Kasur in 2018. TAuthority (CAA) to en- The bill suggested that an au- sure that all airlines get a health thority would be established to declaration from passengers deal with the cases of kidnap- travelling to Pakistan. ping and rape of children. During his visit to the Islama- The National Assembly’s bad International Airport (IIA), Standing Committees on Hu- Aviation Secretary Hassan Na- man Rights, while passing the sir Jamy said that all travellers bill, incorporated the death pen- entering Pakistan must fi ll out a alty and sent it to the Senate for health declaration form as part Trucks wait at the border post in Taftan to cross into Iran, after Pakistan sealed its border as a consideration. of accelerated eff orts to control preventative measure following the coronavirus outbreak in the neighbouring country. Members of the Senate Func- the spread of the coronavirus. tional Committee had suggested The CAA must ensure that Soldiers wearing face masks are seen near the closed Pakistan-Iran for extension of the airport. director-general (regulation) scanned for coronavirus at the that the bill should have juris- airlines get health declaration border in Taftan. He reiterated the Aviation Di- Air Commodore Syed Nasir Raza IIA. diction across the country. from passengers, the offi cial vision’s commitment to ensure Hamdani. Special arrangements had Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) added. He reviewed arrangements at the airport for both interna- provision of better facilities to The health department has been made to shift passengers Senator Quratulain Marri had Jamy visited the health desk made to facilitate public and tional and domestic departure passengers at the IIA. established a screening desk at to government hospitals in the opposed the idea, suggesting established at the airport and passengers. passengers. The federal secretary was ac- the airport in the wake of coro- twin cities in case they showed that the bill should be limited to spoke to doctors and paramed- The federal secretary also Jamy was briefed about rain- companied by CAA additional navirus in China. symptoms of cough, shortness the capital and that the provinc- ics about any issues they might went to see the free-of-cost tea water harvesting at Kasana Dam director-general Air Vice Mar- All passengers arriving via of breath or respiratory tract in- es should pass their own bills, as be facing. stalls, established by the CAA and land acquisition at the IIA shal Tanveer Bhatti and deputy international fl ights are being fl ammation. otherwise it would be a violation of the 18th Amendment. Committee chairman Mus- tafa Nawaz Khokhar said that as Marri did not attend the meeting on the bill, it was passed unani- Minister seeks inquiry over Sharif’s tests mously. “After getting input from the ministries of human rights and Internews law, and independent legal ex- Lahore perts, it was decided that the bill would have jurisdiction across the country,” he said. “Moreover, ederal Minister for Sci- the human rights ministry would ence and Technology Fa- receive applications for the post Fwad Chaudhry has lam- of director general of the Zainab basted his party’s own Punjab Alert, Response and Recovery provincial government for its Authority, and the names of the purportedly “questionable” applicants would be placed be- This picture taken from social media shows Thunberg with medical tests of Nawaz Sharif fore the prime minister.” Yousafzai at Lady Margaret Hall. and called for an inquiry into Khokhar said that FIRs re- them. garding missing children were The federal minister in a se- often delayed, and offi cers re- ries of tweets questioned why mained unaware as to which le- the former prime minister’s gal sections should be included When Greta met medical reports were not being in the FIRs. sent from the UK. “We have decided that the “One of the reasons why Na- Chaudhry: (Maybe) the UK bill’s jurisdiction will be across waz Sharif’s medical reports are doctors are hesitant in Sharif: has been in London since November last year for medical Pakistan and special courts will Malala: activists not being sent from UK could be declaring Nawaz as seriously ill. treatment. be established to decide the cas- that the tests being conducted es in three months,” he said. there are diff erent from the ones Responding to Chaudhry’s government by bringing Sharif Dar, former Punjab chief minis- In reply to a question, Khokhar that were conducted in Paki- allegation, Pakistan Muslim into the discussion. ter Shehbaz Sharif, and Nawaz’s said that although the National pictured at Oxford stan, and the UK doctors are League – Nawaz (PML-N) lead- “Nawaz Sharif’s reports son Hussain. Assembly’s standing commit- hesitant in declaring Nawaz as er Talal Chaudhry, who was a have been submitted as per the “Scenes of a meeting in the tee had incorporated the death seriously ill,” Chaudhry said. minister in Sharif’s government court’s orders,” he said. “Fawad intensive care unit of a Lon- penalty in the bill, the capital Reuters school in Sweden to protest He added that this implies during 2013-18, said the minis- Chaudhry will not become the don hospital, the treatment for punishment has been removed London against climate change, while that the medical tests conduct- ter’s remarks were not against chief minister by giving such binge-eating is underway with as the Senate Functional Com- Malala was shot in the head ed by the Punjab government the former prime minister, but statements.” sheer concentration, all patients mittee has extended its ambit to by the Taliban in Pakistan for were suspicious. against the Punjab government. Minister Chaudhry had earli- are feeling better,” the minister the entire country, and all sec- een climate activist Gre- campaigning for girls to be al- “In these circumstances, the “Fawad Chaudhry has de- er criticised Sharif when photos sarcastically wrote in his Twit- tions of the Pakistan Penal Code ta Thunberg met No- lowed to go to school. Punjab government should set clared the Punjab government, of the former premier dining out ter post. have been included. Tbel Peace Prize winner In 2014, Malala became the up an inquiry which should ex- [the Punjab health minister] with friends and family in Lon- Sharif has been in London “Now the Senate will take up Malala Yousafzai at Britain’s youngest recipient of the Nobel amine the health department, Yasmin Rashid, and the doctors don surfaced on social media. since November last year af- the bill in its next session. Once University of Oxford yesterday Peace Prize for her advocacy of laboratory and the doctors’ con- of Services Hospital as ‘fake’,” In the photos, Sharif was ter the Lahore High Court gave the upper house of parliament and posed for a photo together. education. nivance with the Sharif family, Talal Chaudhry said, adding spotted at a London restaurant permission to the former prime has passed the bill, it will be sent Yousafzai, widely known She became a global symbol and bring the facts in front of that the minister was trying to with PML-N leaders, including minister to travel to UK for to the National Assembly for by her fi rst name, Malala, is of the resilience of women in the public,” the minister said. square things with the Punjab former fi nance minister Ishaq treatment. passage,” he said. a student at the University of the face of oppression. Oxford. Thunberg was nominated for The 22-year-old posted a a Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 and Bibi to be welcomed by Macron Rights activist released on bail Court orders ex-PM Abbasi freed photo on Instagram of her- 2020. self and Thunberg sitting on a The pair met to discuss their French President Emmanuel Macron is set to welcome A leading Pakistani ethnic minority rights activist known Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was granted bench with their arms around activism at Lady Margaret Hall, Aasia Bibi, who spent almost a decade on death row in for criticising the country’s powerful armed forces was bail yesterday after months in detention on corruption each other, with a caption Malala’s Oxford college. Pakistan on a blasphemy charge. released from jail yesterday, weeks after a court granted charges. “Thank you, @gretathunberg” Thunberg also spoke with France would be ready to accept Bibi and her family, if him bail. Allies of the former premier’s Pakistan Muslim League and a heart emoji. some of the students about cli- that was her wish, the Presidential Off ice in Paris said on Manzoor Pashteen’s Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), – Nawaz (PML-N) party have claimed that current Prime Thunberg, 17, is in the United mate change and protest. Monday evening. founded in 2018, is notable for its direct verbal attacks on Minister Imran Khan has mounted a witch hunt against his Kingdom to join a school strike The college’s master, Alan The visit, planned for Friday, was initially not noted on a military establishment which plays a dominant role in political opponents. in Bristol on Friday. Rusbridger, posted a photo Macron’s public agenda for the current week. national politics. The Islamabad High Court’s decision was “a victory of Both shot to worldwide fame of Thunberg on his own In- Bibi was sentenced to death by a district court in the Last month he was taken into custody on charges of the righteous and a blow to the puppet regime”, party after standing up for major stagram and Twitter, saying central province of Punjab in 2010 for allegedly committing sedition, hate speech, incitement against the state and spokeswoman Marium Aurangzeb told AFP. global issues: climate change that he was honoured to host blasphemy in a row with Muslim women while working on criminal conspiracy. Abbasi is set to be released from custody today. and women’s education. Thunberg and grateful that she a farm. After walking free Pashteen told AFP that his arrest was His former interior minister and fellow PML-N heavyweight Thunberg became a house- found time to talk to the stu- The Supreme Court dropped the blasphemy charge in “not going to stop me from raising my voice for Pashtun Ahsan Iqbal, detained on similar graft allegations, was also hold name after skipping dents. 2018. rights”. bailed by the court. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 25 PHILIPPINES Duterte calls for rising above diff erences on revolution anniversary

Manila Times Manila

resident Rodrigo Duterte called on the public to rise Pabove “petty political dif- ferences” as he joined the coun- try in commemorating the 34th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, yesterday. In his message during the commemoration of the 1986 revolt that toppled the 21-year- rule of president Ferdinand Marcos, Duterte recalled how Filipinos turned the tide through a bloodless revolution. “For its important role as a catalyst for the restoration of our democratic institutions more than three decades ago, the People Power Revolution Photo taken on February 21, 2020 shows supporters and employees of ABS-CBN, the country’s largest remains as, beyond doubt, one broadcast network, holding candles as they join a protest in front of the off ice building in Manila. of the most remarkable events in our nation’s history,” he said. The president expressed hope that the peace revolu- tion would remain a symbol of “courage, strength and deter- Bureau reveals mination” for the succeeding generations of Filipinos to fight for what was right. “I therefore join the valiant heroes of Edsa and the count- ABS-CBN has less others whose lives were touched by this bloodless up- rising in commemorating its President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed hope that the peace revolution would remain a symbol of “courage, 34th Anniversary with renewed strength and determination” for the succeeding generations of Filipinos to fight for what was right. hope that the succeeding gen- only 4,400 staff ers erations of Filipinos will also that we have won during that us all rise above our petty politi- the years ahead,” Duterte added. have the courage, strength and historic revolution,” he said. cal diff erences so that we may, Malacanang earlier said that Du- determination to protect, de- “Inspired by the freedoms that together, ensure that the legacy terte would again skip this year’s By Jomar Canlas 4,000 regular workers. CBN said most of ABS-CBN fend, and preserve the liberties we secured in February 1986, let of Edsa will remain relevant in Edsa celebration in Manila. Manila Times The letter was dated Feb 21, workers were “project-based” 2020. The BIR said under BIR or “talents.” Form 160CF, or the “Annual In the meantime, Justice BS-CBN Corp may have Information Return of Income Secretary Menardo Guevarra jacked up the number of Taxes Withheld on Compen- said the department would is- Aits employees when it sation and Final Withholding sue its legal opinion on whether said 11,000 workers might lose Taxes,” there were only 4,401 ABS-CBN can continue op- Thin crowd marks event their jobs if the network shuts employees recorded in the In- erating if its franchise expired down. ternal Revenue agency under before Congress could act on A letter sent by Bureau of ABS-CBN Corp and ABS-CBN bills for its renewal. By Jan Arcilla Internal Revenue (BIR) Com- Convergence Inc. It added that “We will reply to the Nation- Manila Times missioner Caesar Dulay to So- ABS-CBN had 4,322 employ- al Telecommunications Com- licitor General Jose Calida, a ees, while ABS-CBN Conver- mission (NTC) tomorrow, but copy of which was obtained by gence Inc had only 79 employ- will issuance guidance instead ost Filipinos seemed Manila Times, showed that the ees. of a formal legal opinion,” he to have forgotten the network only has nearly around But sources close to ABS- added. Mevents that led to the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolu- tion, former vice president Je- jomar Binay lamented yesterday as the country marked the 34th anniversary of the uprising. Labour dept warns against Binay, former senators Rene Saguisag and Sergio Osmena 3rd and former Tourism secre- tary Antonio Gonzales gathered fake job off ers from Canada at the Ninoy Aquino Monument in Makati City to mark the an- niversary of the revolution that By William Depasupil last year on the employment opportunities in toppled the Marcos dictatorship. Manila Times various industries in Yukon. Bello and Minister Binay, a human rights lawyer Ranj Pillai signed a joint communique to estab- during the martial law period, lish co-operation in the area of recruitment of said commemorating Edsa is he Department of Labour and Employ- Filipino workers to Yukon. important. “We are here to re- Former senator Rene Saguisag (left), former vice president Jejomar Binay (right) and former Tourism ment (DoLE) has warned that hiring of After the signing, a proposed memorandum of mind the younger generations secretary Antonio Gonzales (second from right) mark the 34th anniversary of the People Power TFilipino workers for Yukon territory in understanding (MoU) was forwarded to Yukon, of the importance of Edsa in our Revolution yesterday near the monument of Ninoy Aquino along Ayala Avenue in Makati City. Canada has not started, pending the formal sign- which aims to establish a system for the recruit- country’s history. Some people ing of a bilateral labour agreement between the ment process in the deployment of Filipinos to seem to forget its essence and Meanwhile, Saguisag remi- repetition of what happened to only 12 minutes. “This is bet- Philippines and Yukon. the said territory through a Nominee Programme the events that led to the blood- nisced the events that led to the the network in 1972, which was ter, faster and solemn. Also the Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello issued the under a government-to-government arrange- less revolution,” he added. Edsa revolt in 1986.“We veter- shut down following President programme did not cause traf- warning over reports received by the Philippine ment. “This government-to-government agree- They off ered fl owers at the ans of Edsa have been decreas- Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration fic disturbances,” Sinas said. Overseas Labour Offi ce (Polo) on a fraudulent ment shall validate the existence of guaranteed monument and sang “Bayan Ko” ing, and we were there not only of martial law. The flag-raising and wreath- scheme that lures Filipinos to work in Yukon ter- employment off ers. Hence, we are warning together with some supporters for four days,” he said. National Capital Region Po- laying ceremonies were led by ritory in Canada. the public to be very cautious of this scam that of the revolt. Osmena, meanwhile, said lice Office chief Debold Sinas Presidential Adviser for En- To show a semblance of legitimacy, the seemingly capitalises on the still-to-be fi nalised With the problems broadcast veterans of the uprising and said there were few partici- trepreneurship and Edsa Peo- scammer uses the name of a website of a le- labour agreement between the Philippines and giant ABS-CBN Corp is facing, historians should talk to mil- pants who attended the cel- ple Power Commissioner Joey gitimate Yukon human resources practitioner to Yukon,” Bello said. Binay said he had been sup- lennials to keep them aware of ebrations in Quezon City. Concepcion. dupe unsuspecting Filipinos. Victims were then “Based on the report by our Polo in Vancouver, portive of the network and its what happened in the past and He bared that some 1,000 Representatives from the asked to pay $440 in exchange for non-existent the Yukon government is still studying the MoU franchise renewal. “Freedom of avoid historical revisionism. people joined the programme military, civil society and vari- jobs. Bello said the fraudsters took advantage of and the DoLE will provide an update on this un- the press is a basic foundation of He noted that what is hap- at the People Power Monu- ous religious groups joined the the department’s announcement in September dertaking,” he added. democracy,” he added. pening now to ABS-CBN is a ment along Edsa that lasted for celebration. Philippines joins regional eff ort to combat virus

By Bernadette Tamayo tions, Foreign Aff airs Secretary news pertaining to Covid-19.” prehensive manner, taking into most of them crew of the Dia- Manila Times Teodoro Locsin Jr co-headed The Asean leaders also ex- account the diff erent levels of mond Princess that was hit by the meeting with Chinese State pressed “full confi dence in development of health care sys- the Covid-19. Councilor and Foreign Minister China’s abilities to succeed in tems in the region.” The Department of Health he Philippines and other Wang Yi. overcoming the epidemic, with They also raised the need to confi rmed yesterday that the members of the Associa- All 10 Asean foreign ministers China appreciating the sympa- “mitigate supply chain disrup- number of Filipinos who tested Ttion of Southeast Asian attended the forum in view of thy, support and assistance of- tions of urgent medical goods positive of Covid-19 rose to 80. Nations (Asean) have joined the urgency of the topic, wherein fered by Asean-member states and promote research and devel- The fi rst batch, composed forces with China to combat the they exchanged views on the to its response eff orts.” opment of medicines and vac- of 311 repatriates, was brought spread of the coronavirus dis- Covid-19 and strengthened col- They said the “cross-border cines.” home through a chartered fl ight ease 2019 (Covid-19) to protect laboration in dealing with the challenges posed by Covid-19 “We are determined to con- last night. regional and global public health epidemic. and the important contribu- tinue working together to deal The second batch was com- security. Aside from the Philippines, tion to global public health by with this dangerous disease and posed of 140 crew of the cruise The Asean foreign ministers Asean is composed of Brunei, strengthening Asean-China and to address the adverse impacts ship, according to the Depart- and their Chinese counterpart Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Airport personnel check the temperature of a passenger at the international co-operation will of Covid-19 and agreed to brief ment of Foreign Aff airs. met in Vientiane, Laos on Feb- Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, international airport in Manila. collectively tackle these chal- our leaders on the outcome of Those repatriated will be ruary 20 for the special Asean- Thailand and Vietnam. lenges to protect peoples’ health, this meeting and welcome their quarantined for two weeks at the China Foreign Ministers’ Meet- In a joint statement, they rec- signifi cant eff orts to contain the readiness and response to ensure safety and the socio-economic guidance on proposals for their New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. ing on the Coronavirus Disease ognised Asean and China’s de- epidemic. that people are rightly and thor- development of the countries.” engagements at an appropriate Meanwhile, the Health de- 2019. cisive measures to address the They vowed to strengthen co- oughly informed on the Cov- The foreign ministers sought time,” the foreign ministers said. partment said the number of pa- As country co-ordinator for Covid-19 through prompt shar- operation in risk communication id-19 and are “not being mis- to strengthen co-operation to The Philippines repatriated tients under watch for Covid-19 Asean-China dialogue rela- ing of information and other and community engagement led by misinformation and fake address Covid-19 “in a com- yesterday over 400 Filipinos, continued to decline. Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES At the gates: Global response needed as virus fears mount The World Health Organisation has not yet classifi ed the Covid-19 outbreak as a pandemic, but fears are mounting over the cascading impact of the virus on a highly- connected global economy. The contagion, which the WHO has termed a global health emergency, is now spreading further outside China, sparking concerns about a pandemic. Italy is the epicentre of the virus in Europe; infections have spiked again in South Korea and Iran, while Afghanistan, Bahrain and Kuwait all reported their cases. We are on schedule to stage the World stock markets and oil prices were hammered on Monday by fears of a pandemic, while gold hit a seven-year peak on safe-haven buying. Italy’s economic engine ground nearly to a halt on Monday best FIFA World Cup: al-Thawadi amid Europe’s largest coronavirus outbreak. Milan, the country’s fi nancial hub, and the productive regions of nterview with Secretary-Gen- defi nitely the Copa America, Tokyo, Lombardy and Veneto were in virtual lockdown. Venice, eral of the Supreme Commit- Euros, all these are vital milestones the city that invented quarantine in the face of medieval tee for Delivery and Legacy for us to again learn, to extract that epidemics, has shut down its historic annual carnival to limit I(SC), Hassan al-Thawadi on information from people, to build a the occasion of the countdown to network where we can rely on people infection. the tournament reaching 1,000 and build on their experiences as well, Italy’s economy, which days. and we look forward to them. grew 0.2% in 2019, Question: Finally, when it comes The WHO has was last in technical Question: We have exactly 1,000 to 2022 – what will success look like recession (identifi ed as days to go until Qatar 2022 – where for you once the fi nal whistle has been warned countries are we in terms of tournament blown? two consecutive quarters infrastructure and what can we expect Answer: Success for me, personally, to prepare for of contraction) in the to see this year? is people having a great time. Great previous year. Answer: With 1,000 days to go, vibe, great people from diff erent a “potential South Korea has warned I’m very proud to say that we are on backgrounds and cultures just coming its fragile economic schedule. In terms of stadiums, we into, whether it’s the Corniche, pandemic” of the have launched two stadiums, Khalifa Musheirb, whether it’s any of the recovery is under threat Stadium and Al Janoub Stadium, diff erent locations in Qatar, just virus from the coronavirus. last year. Education City Stadium is people from very diff erent walks of Samsung Electronics and completed; we’re just waiting for the life celebrating together, that’s one LG Electronics were among companies taking precautions right time to launch it. We will have factor, great football, no doubts about as the number of cases rises, including the infection of stadiums coming online by the end of great football. I do believe the compact this year – Al Rayyan Stadium and Al nature of our tournament. There is a Samsung employee at a local production facility. The Bayt Stadium. By the end of 2021, early no doubt about (there being) great country’s largest technology company shut down a plant 2022, we will have all eight stadiums football because I do believe that the in Gumi City over the weekend after the employee tested ready, with Lusail being the fi nal one. compact nature of our tournament positive for the virus, restarting operations Monday In terms of overall infrastructure, will ensure that players will be at afternoon. for example, the metro system is their peak performance levels and so President Xi Jinping has urged China to “spare no eff ort” operational. New lines are coming into you’ll fi nd great football on the pitch play as we speak. It was successfully and then beyond that. My success to contain the outbreak in Beijing. tested during the FIFA Club World measure will be 2024, 2025, 2026, The global economic disruption brought about by the Cup. The great thing about it is that when we can identify individuals that virus has prompted traders to load up on bets that central it was very successfully utilised have personally benefi ted out of these banks will have to ride to the rescue. by the population, not just for the Hassan al-Thawadi tournaments. They’re pricing in a total of 205 basis points of interest- tournament, but just generally. Whether it is companies and In terms of ICT infrastructure, we preparations, since we won the right to it hold, can it stand bigger crowds? entrepreneurs who have been rate cuts from seven major central banks by the end of are practically completed with the 5G host the World Cup, up until the Gulf Match scheduling, I think is very able to grow as a result of their the year, up three fold from the end of 2019, according to coverage over most of the country. Cup and the Club World Cup, a lot of important during the tournament, contribution and involvement in calculations based on Bloomberg’s World Interest Rate Simply put, in terms of tournament our plans, a lot of our preparations, understanding how we would schedule 2022 and accordingly jobs being Probability. infrastructure, everything is coming were developing the infrastructure, matches, between the diff erent events, created. Whether it is people who Investors now see the US Federal Reserve reducing rates at into play, everything is coming putting into place operational plans, or the diff erent timings. In terms of benefi t from our projects, such as according to schedule and we have but they were all theoretical. We security, I think the Club World Cup in Generation Amazing, that uses football least twice this year. moved on to the operational side moved on, towards testing every plan 2020 was probably in 2019, one of the for development – and you see them The WHO chief on Monday warned countries to prepare of things – actually preparing our that we put on the ground, through a fi rst time we had mass crowds, from being leaders in their community as a for a “potential pandemic” of the virus, calling the sudden operational capabilities and improving very gradual phasing of plans, testing diff erent walks of life, from diff erent result of these projects. Whether it is increase in cases in Iran, Italy and South Korea “deeply our operational capabilities to host the diff erent elements, testing diff erent backgrounds coming into the precincts, fi nding leaders in the sporting industry concerning”. World Cup in 2022. functions, so they were very, very, coming into the stadiums and so on and as a result of some of our initiatives, Question: What is Qatar doing to important milestones for us. We’ve got I think it was a very valuable lesson for for example, Josoor Institute, that According to a study by the World Bank, a severe pandemic ensure the 8 stadiums are sustainable the 2020 Club World Cup coming up, our security team. We had incidents for enhances the skills of people in the could cause economic losses equal to nearly 5% of global and utilised long after the World Cup we have another tournament that we example with the Tarajai (ie Esperance) sporting industry. Ultimately, and GDP, or more than $3tn. is over? are looking to host in 2021, each one fans as well where there were a few hopefully in 2028 or 2030, you’ll start Just as fears mount that the coronavirus outbreak is Answer: To ensure that the is an important milestone, to test the tense moments where I think our seeing a growing sporting industry evolving into a pandemic; so also a co-ordinated global stadiums are sustainable from day one, plans, test us, as individuals as well, security team handled it very well, even in the region that contributes to we ensure during the design stage that our capabilities and I’m very proud to though, this is the very fi rst moments job creation, that contributes to response is required to contain the disease. fi rst we incorporated feedback from say the conclusion of 2019 was a great we’ve had these kinds of experiences, empowerment that contributes to But our fi rst line of defence against the virus need be the communities where these stadiums success, both in terms of achieving and I think it’s set the tone for us for improving people’s lives. just simple. It should mean following some of the basic are located. So that each stadium our goals and objectives, seeing what 2020, the areas we need to sit down and Question: It’s been almost 4,000 practices suggested by specialists: regular and elaborate has a specifi c component making it a works and what doesn’t work, and develop, the areas we need to sit down days since Qatar launched the bid, and hand-washing; avoiding putting hands on faces and nostrils; destination for the community and for how we can we fi x it and preparing for and practise on, communicating with we only have 1,000 days to go, tell us how the people surrounding the stadium, 2020, with the lessons learnt. But at the fans, explaining to them, locations, you feel as we get closer to kick off ? limiting contact with regularly touched surfaces like lift so it can be used on a daily basis. So the same time, the tournament itself areas, gateways, and listening to them Answer: With 1,000 days to go, I buttons; and always maintaining good personal hygiene. for example in Al Janoub, in Al Bayt, was a great success. It vindicated what as well, getting the feedback, getting mean now that you just mentioned the For sure, every pandemic is a worrying emergency, but we have parks developed around the we said, that these tournaments are a a two-way communication channel, I numbers, 4,000 days, that makes me mercifully, they are relatively rare too. stadiums for the community to utilise. great opportunity, great festivity for think that’s essential. realise, wow, that is a long time, it’s And we shouldn’t be overly alarmed, but we should In addition we wanted to ensure that people to get together, they’re a great Question: This summer we have the only 4,000 days?! There’s no doubts there’s no excess capacity within the opportunity for people from diff erent Copa America, Euro 2020 and Tokyo about it, there is absolute excitement, certainly be alert. stadiums that will be under-utilised. backgrounds and diff erent cultures, Olympics – how important is it for there’s a lot of excitement, but there is So, for example, most of the stadiums to discover, what the Arabic culture, Qatar to continue to learn from major also obviously the good kind of anxiety for the group stages – actually all the what the Middle Eastern culture truly events of this type? burning in the belly. Sometimes that To Advertise stadiums for the group stages – will be is about, how hospitable we are, how Answer: It’s absolutely vital, it’s fi re is great because it warms you up, it 40,000-seater capacity, they will be football crazy we are, and I think it was absolutely important, I don’t think we energises you, it pushes you forward. [email protected] reduced, according to the needs that for us an eye opening moment, but at would have been able to be where we And its excitement, it’s absolute Display we’ve designated, most of them will the same time a celebratory moment are today if it wasn’t for the hospitality excitement. be reduced about 20,000-25,000. The as well. and the generosity of previous I mean, ten years of our lives 44466621 44418811 remaining seats, the modular seats, will Question: What were the main tournament hosts that have welcomed have been dedicated to this, day in be reconfi gured and donated to football lessons learned from the Gulf Cup and our teams and have allowed us the and day out. With 1,000 days to Classified developing nations, as part of our Club World Cup in terms of security opportunity to learn from them, and go we can only, well at least for me 44466609 44418811 contribution to football development. and fan experience? apply the lessons learned, in Qatar. So personally, I can only look at it with Question: The Gulf Cup and FIFA Answer: I think the main lessons Russia, the Euros in France, all these excitement, trepidation, anxiety, but Subscription Club World Cup were recently held learned during the Gulf Cup and the diff erent events that we’ve learnt from, more importantly, conviction that in Qatar – how important were these Club World Cup would have been fi rst, the continuous generosity of UEFA and this will be, without a doubt, the best [email protected] events when it comes to preparing for the resilience of the transportation the Champions league to allow us to tournament. The fi rst World Cup in the the big one in 2022? system, but at the same time, we attend these events showed that there’s Middle East, in the Arab world will set Answer: They were very, very need to put more pressure on the a huge amount of benefi t that we can a benchmark in the history of hosting © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved important of course throughout our transportation system, to see can extract from them and accordingly, major tournaments. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 27 QATAR

Amir holds talks session with Algerian president

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune chairing a session of talks at the El Mouradia presidential palace yesterday.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune giving a joint press His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during the off icial reception ceremony at the Houari Boumediene conference at the El Mouradia presidential palace yesterday. Airport in Algiers yesterday.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune holding talks at the El Mouradia presidential palace yesterday. Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, February 26, 2020 QATAR Boucheron top offi cial lauds Qatari women’s passion for high jewellery

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

top offi cial of renowned French jewel- lery maker Boucheron has praised Qa- Atari women’s passion for high jewellery and lauded them for their love for creative pieces. Claire Choisne, creative director of Boucheron, who is on her maiden visit to Qa- tar and the region to take part in the ongoing Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2020 under the umbrella of Fifty One East, said Boucheron is presenting several of its lat- est collections at the event and some of them for the fi rst time abroad. “We are showcasing some of the new neck- laces from the 2020 Signature High Jewellery Collection for the fi rst time abroad. These in- clude the Boucheron classic and timeless icon piece, the ‘Question Mark’ necklace invented by our founder, Frédéric Boucheron, in 1879. In addition, we are also presenting the crea- tive High Jewellery Collection ‘Paris, vu du 26’ inspired by the architecture and culture of Paris as seen through the eyes of the Maison,” Choisne told Gulf Times. Choisne was all praise for Qatari women from her interactions during her brief stay so far. “I am really happy with Qatar and the people as I am amazed by their passion for real jewellery. I fi nd that the women here are very Lierre de Paris Question Mark necklace. Plume de Paon Question Mark necklace. bold and love to wear creative and strong piec- es. People I have met here are really comfort- The creative designer also noted that the able with the strong designs. Women in Qatar collections like Jack De Boucheron have been really appreciate these kinds of designs and it catering to everyday luxury jewellery. “Jack makes me work hard to fulfi l their ideas,” she De Boucheron is one collection that I love very noted. much because it represents the philosophy of As for the ‘Paris, vu du 26’ collection, the Maison in a modern way. It is very subtle Choisne explained: “I decided to pay tribute to and people can wear it as a bracelet or neck- our city, Paris, and chose an architectural ele- lace. It is a piece that gives the freedom to wear ment because I found it very aesthetic. Then I it anyway one wants to and caters to everyday started working on them and got them trans- luxury. It suits everyone, young and old alike,” formed into a piece of high jewellery. The chal- she explained. lenge was to give femininity and movement to Choisne noted that jewellery designs are the piece and we were successful to make the hard to conceive and is an evolving proc- transition happen into striking pieces.” ess. “From conception to design and the fi nal “In January, we introduced the ‘Question product, it is an evolving process as we work in Mark’ necklace taken from our archives which teams. We draw the designs and start making was originally designed by our founder. This necessary changes until we come across the fi - is one my favourites from the archives. Each nal product that we want to showcase. We get year, we do two new high jewellery collections. a three-dimensional object of the product at In July, we do one totally on a new design and the end and make sure that it is fl awless,” she concept and in January we work on a model pointed out. from our archives,” the designer continued. The offi cial was also all praise for the archi- The Boucheron offi cial urged Qatari design- tecture of the Museum of Islamic Art, which ers to have a global vision while working on she has visited. “It was a great experience. I their collections. “I suggest Qatari designers am inspired by several pieces there. I will also to work hard. They must look ahead and trust be visiting National Museum of Qatar, another their ideas. They should work on their designs architectural marvel by French architect Jean with a global vision. I don’t work for a particu- Nouvel. I am also really happy to visit Qa- lar country or people but I work with a glo- tar this year and get to know more about the bal vision for all the people,” she advised the country as it celebrates the Qatar-France 2020 Colonne d’Acanthe - Paris, vu du 26 Claire Choisne, Creative Director, Boucheron, at Fifty One East’s pavilion emerging young Qatari designers. Year of Culture,” she concluded. HJ collection. Arcades set - Paris, vu du 26 HJ collection. at DJWE 2020. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed Fifty One East introduces several new collections at DJWE 2020

ifty One East is set to record another exceptional Fparticipation at the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE). Fifty One East’s new pavilion, with a bigger layout, is off ering its visitors a wide array of high-class watches and jewellery brands, service, expertise and ambiance. The new pavilion features a warm palette of colours, six entrances, a new reception area and six VIP rooms that will leave the clients with an immediate and unforget- table impression. Rolex, Chanel and Boucheron will have their own dedicated booths whereas Tudor, and for the very fi rst time, will also have its own space to present its lat- est releases. Fifty One East is ex- pecting a number of high-profi le guests representing these inter- national brands. Bader al-Darwish, chairman and managing director of Fifty One East, said: “We are pleased to participate in the 17th edition of DJWE where Fifty One East is presenting its new pavilion, our largest to date, symbolising our success story that started more than 70 years ago. Crafted in Switzerland and assembled in Doha, the pavilion is resplend- ent in a renewed warm palette of colours that refl ects both our traditional values and our bright outlook towards the future. “As part of our commitment to A view of Fifty One East pavilion at DJWE 2020. value and nurture the strong and long-lasting trustful ties that we Rolex is displaying its Basel- low, white or Everose gold, with 2020 Signature High Jewellery creations from the iconic Qua- lections of fi ne jewellery from available with a new fi ve-link have with our clients and partners world 2019 collection with a novel dials, in particular those Collection will be showcased tre, Serpent Bohème and Jack de Coco Crush and Camélia in ad- yellow gold and steel bracelet. alike, we off er the finest brands main focus on the sailing watch, in decorative stone. In addition, for the fi rst time abroad, paying Boucheron collections. dition to timepieces from the J12 Not to forget the famous Black from around the world along with Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master it will present the Oyster Per- tribute to the timeless icon and Another highlight will be collection. Bay Bronze model which will be an impeccable experience. 42, with its diameter of 42mm petual Datejust 36 and the Oyster innovative Question Mark neck- Chanel’s revamped booth with a Moreover, Tudor is showcas- presented in its new slate-grey “Fifty One East’s signature and a new-generation calibre Perpetual Datejust 31 in yellow, lace invented by Boucheron in large part inspired by the camel- ing their watch models from model with shaded dial. hospitality assures you of a warm 3235, the Oyster Perpetual Sea- white or Everose Rolesor versions 1879. In addition, Boucheron is lia fl ower, a motif dear to Mad- Baselworld 2019, including the The outstanding selection this welcome to our pavilion, where Dweller in yellow Rolesor ver- with new, refi ned dials. also presenting its creative High emoiselle Chanel. The Maison award-winning Black Bay P01, a year also includes trendy names we present the latest novelties sion and the Oyster Perpetual This year, Boucheron is re- Jewellery Collection Paris, vu du will showcase the high jewellery multi-purpose tool turned into like Âme-a brand by Fifty One along with iconic and rare pieces. Cosmograph Daytona in 18ct vamping its booth and showcas- 26 that is completely inspired collection 1.5 1 Camélia 5 Allures a modern sports watch which East, Akillis, Chantecler, Chris- We look forward to greeting you yellow gold and 36 trapeze-cut ing a unique Parisian style de- from the architecture and culture which features many transform- is waterproof to 200 meters. tian Bernard, Claude Bernard, and sharing exceptional mo- diamonds set on the bezel in lieu sign which recalls the historical of Paris as seen from the eyes of able pieces, adorned in dia- The Swiss watchmaker will also David Yurman, Edox, Falamank ments born out of a mutual ad- of the tachymetric scale. Rolex is Boucheron Hôtel Particulier on the Maison. It will also show- monds, pink sapphires, rubies present the Black Bay Chrono by Tarfa Itani, Ginette NY, JM miration for excellence in jewel- also displaying the Oyster Per- Place Vendôme in Paris. A selec- case for the fi rst time in Doha its and rose gold designs. Chanel S&G and Black Bay 32, 36 and Gems, leBebé, Pamela Love, Pan- lery and watchmaking.” petual Day-Date 36 in 18ct yel- tion of new necklaces from the new jewellery Spring-Summer will also present the latest col- 41 models, which are now all dora, Wolf and Yvan Tufenkjian.