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Tuesday 16 April 2019 | 11 Sha'baan 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7863 | 2 Riyals

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QNL finds a niche Amir, Botswana President review ties in hearts of book lovers in one year Qatar and Botswana signed MoUs on cooperation in the THE PENINSULA fields of defence, youth and DOHA sports, culture and political Qatar National Library cele- consultations. brates first year anniversary of the official inauguration by the Amir Sheikh H H Tamim bin QNA Hamad Al Thani on April 16, DOHA 2018. With more than one million books borrowed since Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani its opening, the Library regis- held official talks with the President of the tered 139,551 new members. Republic of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, The Library has given the at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. community access to a wealth The talks dealt with the bilateral relations of resources, including books, and ways to strengthen and develop them in journals, electronic resources, various fields, especially in the fields of and a full program of over 900 investment, minerals, infrastructure and air curated events. transport. The two sides also discussed a “On the auspicious number of regional and international issues occasion of the Library’s first of common concern. anniversary, you just need to H H the Amir and the President witnessed be here to get the sense of the the signing of memorandums of under- scale and scope of what is the standing on cooperation in the fields of world’s most beautifully defence, youth and sports, culture, and designed national library and political consultations. The talks and the many people using it — agreement signing were attended by a expansive yet at the same time number of Their Excellences the Ministers. personal. They were also attended by members of the "People of Qatar voted with official delegation accompanying the Pres- their feet on its value when ident. The President was awarded an official more than 738,000 people reception at the Amiri Diwan. came through its doors in its H H the Amir hosted a luncheon banquet first year of being, and bor- in honour of the President of Botswana and rowed more than one million his accompanying delegation at the Amiri books,” said Dr Sohair Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, at the Diwan. The banquet was attended by a Wastawy, Executive Director of Amiri Diwan, yesterday. `P2 number of Their Excellencies the Ministers. the Library. `P5 New road connects Al Khor to Doha in 20 minutes

THE PENINSULA are now fully open to traffic. significantly enhanced in the DOHA Al Khor Road main car- northern and eastern regions. riageway serves as an alternative “The opening of Al Khor Road The Public Works Authority to Al Shamal Road as it allows will connect Al Khor to Doha in (Ashghal) yesterday inaugurated road users coming from Al Khor approximately 20 minutes; it will main carriageway and three vital to reach their desired destina- also witness the highest levels of interchanges on Al Khor Road, tions while saving travel time by road safety with its provision of in the presence of Prime Minister up to 65 percent compared to the five lanes in each direction, in and Interior Minister H E Sheikh same journey via Al Shamal addition to the fact that it is con- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Road. The new road layout will sidered the most adequate alter- Al Thani, Their Excellencies the considerably upgrade the native to Al Shamal Road.” Ministers and government offi- vehicular capacity from 8,000 The Minister added that the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with Their Excellencies cials. to 20,000 vehicles per hour in special design of Al Khor Road the Ministers and other dignitaries during the opening of Al Khor Road main carriageway, yesterday. The opening of the 33km Al both directions. allows for the wide central Khor Road main carriageway On this occasion, Minister of median to accommodate the rail linking Doha to Al Khor was Transport and Communications, line, which would provide addi- Subaie, said that Qatar has made In a reference to the road’s Pearl as well as areas located delivered one year ahead of H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, said tional means of transportation outstanding achievements in the benefits, the Minister stated that east of Al Shamal Road like Al schedule, which was originally set that Al Khor Road is one of the to residents in the areas it development of infrastructure Al Khor Road provides access to Kheesa, Al Ebb and Leabib. Fur- to open in the second quarter of most important main arterial traverses. projects which have been multiple regions from north to thermore, this road links to a 2020. Simaisma Interchange, the roads which will make a dif- Minister of Municipality and delivered according to plan as Doha, especially that it serves plethora of economic, sports, interchange on Al Majd Road and ference in land transportation Environment, H E Eng. Abdullah aligned with the State’s strategic more than 20 residential areas public services and leisure facil- the interchange on Al Turfa Street that is expected to be bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al leadership. such as Al Khor, Lusail and the ities. `P3 Conference urges states to join Rome Statute Over 27,000 to vote in THE PENINSULA at discussing national, regional should enhance political experiences and lessons learned DOHA and international mechanisms accountability by advocating for in promoting accountability, CMC elections today to combat impunity for gross an end to arms sales, in par- bringing the knowledge SIDI MOHAMED Technical Committee for the The international conference on violations of human rights law ticular in conflict contexts and available within OHCHR and of THE PENINSULA CMC elections. “The total ‘National, Regional and Inter- and serious violations of inter- support institutions contributing international experts to shape number of voters is 27,722, of national Mechanisms to Combat national humanitarian law, and to the responsibility to protect practical and technical The fate of 85 candidates which 52 percent are men,” he Impunity and Ensure Account- to ensure accountability. in order to enhance accounta- recommendations. running for Central Municipal added. ability under International Law’ Participants recommended bility at the national level. States should develop a list Council (CMC) elections will be Speaking to Qatar TV, Al concluded yesterday with that states should incorporate States should create joint of national remedies available decided today as over 27,000 Maliki pointed out that in this participants recommended that the Rome Statute crimes into investigative teams of prose- to victims; and ensure public voters will go to the polling election, a total of 85 candidates, states should join the Rome their domestic laws and cutors from different countries dissemination, including to booths to elect their represent- including five women, are com- Statute system and accede to all establish absolute jurisdiction and enhance international other States to promote inter- atives at the CMC for its sixth peting in 25 constituencies out human rights treaties, including for international crimes, irre- cooperation with regard to national cooperation. session. of the 29. “Mmembers of four the International Covenant on spective of whether the suspect evidence sharing, extradition They recommended states “The polling stations in con- constituencies - 7th, 22nd, 27th Civil and Political Rights as well is in custody or in the territory and mutual legal assistance should organise events at the stituencies will open at 8am and and 28th - were elected by as its first optional protocol on of the State and encourage coa- and ensure that war crimes regional, national and interna- will remain open till 5pm, fol- acclamation.” individual communications. litions of like-minded States and investigations remain free and tional levels for victims to tell lowed by the counting of votes Regarding the preparation, he The conference brought civil society organizations to protected from political their stories and raise public in the presence of candidates, said: “We have completed all the together more than 200 govern- enhance the debate in the pressure. awareness and empower and winners will be announced preparations and everything will mental and non-governmental General Assembly on They called for establishing victims to access and participate after the counting,” said Brig- go smoothly as per the plan. All organisations and international accountability. a research centre in the MENA in the truth, justice and recon- adier Abdul Rahman Ali Al polling stations have been experts. The conference aimed They recommended, states region allowing exchanges of ciliation process. `P3 & 19 Maliki, Head of equipped for a long time." `P2 02 HOME TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019

IN SHORT Qatar, Botswana sign MoUs on cooperation Amir sends cable of condolences to Amir of Kuwait

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent cables of condolences to H H the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, on the death of Sheikh Abdullah Saud Al Malek Al Sabah. Public Services and Utilities Committee of Shura Council meets DOHA: The Public Serv- ices and Utilities Committee of the Shura Council held yesterday a meeting of the 47th regular session of the Council under the chairmanship of its Rap- porteur Mohammed bin Mahdi Al Ahbabi. The com- mittee discussed a draft law amending certain pro- visions of the law on the prohibition of housing workers within family resi- dential areas, and decided to complete its study at its next meeting.

Qatar participates in Arab Labor Conference CAIRO: Qatar is participating in the Arab Labor Conference being held in Cairo, with a delegation headed by Assist- CLOCKWISE FROM ant Under-Secretary for Labor TOP LEFT: Amir H H Affairs Mohammed Hassan Al Sheikh Tamim bin Obaidli. Hamad Al Thani with The delegation also partici- the President of the pated in the 55th GCC labor Republic of Botswana, ministers’ meeting on the top- Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, ics of the conference. during the official The conference, which will reception ceremony. continue until April 21, will H H the Amir greets the discuss the International President upon arrival. Labor Organisation’s (ILO) H H the Amir welcomes centenary outcome docu- the delegates ment as well as the topics on accompanying the the agenda. Hussein Yousef Al President of Botswana. Mulla, the former undersec- H H the Amir and the retary of the ministry of labor President witness the and social affairs, was hon- signing of an MoU at the oured. The Director General of Amiri Diwan. H H the the Arab Labor Organisation, Amir with the President Fayez Al Mutairi, was re- during the signing of elected for a second term. another MoU.

Talks held to boost Qatar-Sweden media ties The Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Media Corporation, H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, met yesterday with the Ambassador of Sweden to Qatar, Ewa Polano. During the meeting, they discussed media relations between both countries and ways to boost and develop them. Over 27,000 to vote in CMC elections today FROM PAGE 1 administrative aspects of place the paper in the ballot “Appropriate atmosphere municipal and agricultural themselves. Ministry of has been created during the affairs. Voters should Interior has banned the past six months, through attend personally to the electoral campaigns by the technical, legal, media and headquarters of the elec- candidates inside the elec- other committees.” toral district, accompanied toral headquarters. He said that many lec- with the ID card, and the Candidates ran pub- tures were held for super- choice of the candidate is licity campaigns in a com- vising committees and they secretly, the Ministry of petitive atmosphere and were introduced to all Interior has said. used social media in their requirements. It also added that the campaigns as well as other The Central Municipal voting process must be media, while some of them Council plays an important secretive and the voter used specialised adver- Brigadier Abdul Rahman Ali role in the field of must not name the can- tising companies. Many Al Maliki municipal work. It aims, in didate loudly which they candidates are basing their accordance with the pro- have chosen. Voters who success on the projects visions of the law, to work affairs. It also aims to are unable to vote them- which have been imple- with available means on examine the planning, pro- selves should secretly tell mented in their constitu- the progress of the country grammatic, economic, the head of the station encies in the previous in the field of municipal social, financial and about their candidate and session. TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 HOME 03 New road connects Al Khor to Doha in 20 minutes

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with Their Excellencies the Ministers and other officials during the opening ceremony main carriageway and three vital interchanges on Al Khor Road. FROM PAGE 1 road users coming from the north public amenities in the sur- AL KHOR ROAD FEATURES towards Doha. rounding areas. Dr Saad bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi, He explained that Al Khor In addition to being an alter- the President of the Public Works Roads’s connection with roads native and parallel Road to Al Authority (Ashghal) expressed his that are interlinked to Al Shamal Shamal Road and the main link gratitude for the wise government Road also allows traffic coming between the north and east of whose vision and direction have from western and southern areas Qatar, Al Khor Road will create PROJECT been pivotal in delivering state- to reach Doha using an alter- new demographic and urban LENGHT of-the-art infrastructure. native route to Doha Expressway. areas extending along the east He also expressed his pride The newly opened road is coast of Doha to Al Khor and Rass 33 KM for the opening of Al Khor Road strategically linked with major Laffan. one year ahead of its scheduled expressways such as Al Majd The road will become the time and three years and a half Road which creates interconnec- centre of development to in advance of the 2022 FIFA tivity with numerous major encourage the population of Doha World Cup, especially as it links highways allowing free flow nav- to move outside the historic city Al Bayt Stadium to Lusail Stadium. igation across western and and to reconstruct the eastern He praised the new road’s southern areas of the State of areas of Qatar to Al Khor, so strategic link to major roads such Qatar. Lusail will become the ideal city as Simaisma Road, Al Majd Road Primarily, Al Khor Road to live in. The project will open and Al Turfa Street and indicated directly serves more than 20 res- the door for more investment, that it will significantly reduce idential areas alongside its car- whether in the field of business traffic on Al Shamal Road and riageway in addition to a number or real estate or increase the agri- serve as an alternative route for of economic, commercial and cultural plot. Conference on combating impunity urges states to join Rome Statute FROM PAGE 1 of origin and promote access to conditions with participation of be exercised on States beyond regional mechanisms should establishment of an international The recommendations added information through restorative all stakeholders. According to the the confines of Realpolitik and ensure a victim-centred observatory that would focus on that the states should provide justice in setting up agreed upon recommendations, the civil raise awareness amongst States approach to investigating and prevention, accountability and support to victims to access truth and reconciliation commis- society should advocate in the of the need for compensation to prosecuting international crimes, combating impunity notably justice and remedies in a lan- sions. Learn from traditional multilateral context for interna- victims beyond criminal justice. and focus on redress and repa- through advice, support to inter- guage they understand, including justice, which is restorative and tional crimes to be discussed in The recommended all rations, including through governmental and non-govern- in local languages of the country collective and adapt to local order for concerted pressure to national, international and assistance and work towards the mental organisations.

The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with other officials and winners of various contests during the event marking the seventh anniversary of ‘Tarsheed’ at Sheraton Doha. Tarsheed saves QR1.75bn by reducing consumption of electricity, water, gas SANAULLAH ATAULLAH dignitaries, diplomats, high level harmful impact of carbon emis- THE PENINSULA officials from different sectors. sions,” said Al Kuwari. Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, He said that Kahramaa is Under the generous patronage said: “Tarsheed programme in striving to inculcate and create of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin 2018 has significantly resulted awareness of conservation and Hamad Al Thani, Qatar General in reduction of electricity con- energy efficiency in all sectors Electricity & Water Corporation sumption of 6295 GWh, water to reduce the per capita con- (Kahramaa) organised yesterday consumption of 33.22 million m3 sumption of water and electricity the seventh anniversary of its and natural gas consumption of and carbon emissions. ongoing ‘Tarsheed’ programme 60642MCF (million cubic feet), A short film entitled at Sheraton Doha under the representing a financial saving ‘Towards Sustainability’ was also slogan ‘Towards Sustainability’’. of QR1.75bn, despite the chal- shown depicting the milestones “National Program for Con- lenges faced by Qatar since the of Tarsheed during 2018, which servation and Energy Efficiency illegal blockade and remarkable marks the first year of its second (Tarsheed) run by Kahramaa has growths of overall economy with phase with its new initiatives and made a financial saving of the sincere efforts of the gov- upcoming plans until 2022. QR1.75bn in 2018 by reducing ernment in a year 2017 and The ceremony was attended the consumption of electricity, 2018.” by a group of children who water and gas,” said Kahramaa Al Kuwari said that Tarsheed helped raising awareness about President and Chairman of the programme aims to reduce per the objectives of Tarsheed and Steering Committee of Tarsheed, capita electricity consumption the importance of commitment Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari. by 6 percent, water by 10 of the new generation to work The grand and glittering percent, and harmful carbon to achieve by reducing the con- event was graced with the emissions by 7 percent until sumption of electricity and water presence of the Prime Minister 2022. for energy efficiency and envi- and Interior Minister H E Sheikh “Through Tarsheed, Kah- ronmental conservation. During Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa ramaa is increasing awareness the ceremony, H E the Prime Al Thani, Minister of State for about conservation and energy Minister honoured the winners Energy Affairs, H E Saad bin efficiency in all sectors and all of Tarsheed’s seven competitions Sherida Al Kaabi, ministers, walks of lives to reduce the this year. 04 HOME TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019

Shura Council reviews outcome of 140th IPU General Assembly QNA meetings, which were held in in the history of the Union, espe- respect for its leadership, confi- DOHA Doha from April 6 to 10, and cially in view of the wide and dence in its policy and in honour the address by His Highness to unprecedented participation, of its people. The Shura Council held its the session with an extensive which amounted to 160 He also thanked the Exec- regular weekly session yesterday speech that received an interest countries. utive Committee of the Inter- under the chairmanship of and welcome for its inclusion The Speaker highlighted the Parliamentary Union, the Gov- Speaker of the Shura Council, H of important contents, values statements and resolutions erning Council, the President, its E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid and principles which expressed issued by the IPU General Secretary-General and all its Al Mahmoud. the aspirations and hopes of the Assembly, particularly the Doha subsidiaries for their valuable At the outset of the meeting, peoples of the world and dealt Declaration on parliaments as efforts which had the greatest H E the Speaker of the Shura with the topics on the agenda platforms for promoting edu- impact on the success of the Council paid the highest tribute accurately and objectively, cation for peace, security and the meetings of the General and appreciation to Amir H H while highlighting education as rule of law. Assembly and the associated Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al- the focus of the debate. The Speaker of the Shura meetings. Thani for his participation in H E the Speaker of the Shura Council expressed his sincere He also thanked the the opening session of the Council briefed the Council on thanks and appreciation to the members of the Shura Council Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh 140th General Assembly of the the important outcome of the heads of the parliaments of the and its staff and appreciated Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (left), with Prime Minister of Inter-Parliamentary Union 140th IPU General Assembly, world who came to Doha in rec- their performance before and the Italian Republic Giuseppe Conti, in Rome, yesterday. (IPU) and its associated which was the most successful ognition to the State of Qatar, during the IPU meetings. Deputy PM meets Italian Qatar to celebrate Workers’ Day on May 1 Prime Minister Prime Minister in Rome of Albania QNA affairs stressed the need for the THE PENINSULA and contribute to spreading arrives in Doha ROME military militias to respect inter- DOHA awareness and commitment to the national law and the Security basic principles of workers’ rights QNA Deputy Prime Minister and Council resolutions and imme- The preparations to celebrate the by establishing the values of proper DOHA Minister of Foreign Affairs H E diately stop all attempts to International Workers’ Day on May dealing with workers by govern- Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- obstruct efforts to complete the 1 have been completed under the mental and private bodies. Prime Minister of the rahman Al Thani met with Prime Libyan dialogue. theme “Qatar’s Contributions to Legacy (SC). During the ceremony, It aims to develop public Republic of Albania, Edi Minister of the Italian Republic, In a joint statement, the Protect Rights of Workers” and the a working session will be held to awareness on the importance of Rama arrived in Doha Giuseppe Conti, during his visit Deputy Prime Minister and Min- centenary of the International discuss modern standards and prac- dealing with workers and labour yesterday evening on an to Italy yesterday. ister of Foreign Affairs and the Labour Organisation (ILO). tices to protect workers’ rights and systems and to contribute to the def- official visit to the State During the meeting, they Italian Prime Minister stressed the The ILO and a number of Min- new legislations issued by the State inition of laws and procedures of Qatar. discussed bilateral relations and importance of international coor- istries as well as public and private of Qatar, in addition to highlighting adopted by the State of Qatar in the The Albanian Prime means of enhancing and devel- dination to support coexistence, sector institutions will participate in the role of Qatari companies in the framework of guaranteeing the Minister and his oping them, as well as issues of peace, and stability in Libya for the event, which will be held on May field of workers’ rights. rights of workers. It will also accompanying dele- common concern, especially the the benefit of the Libyan people 1 under the patronage of H E the Qatar has achieved a lot in the encourage initiatives aimed at cre- gation were welcomed situation in Libya. H E Deputy and putting Libyan interest above Minister of Administrative Devel- field of protecting workers’ rights ating a healthy and safe envi- upon arrival by Min- Prime Minister and Minister of all considerations. The Deputy opment, Labour and Social Affairs. and the conference comes at a when ronment for workers. ister of Municipality Foreign Affairs expressed Qatar’s Prime Minister also met with Min- The ceremony will witness the many international organisations The objectives of the conference and Environment H E concern about the serious military ister of Foreign Affairs of the announcement of the winners of 6th are appreciating Qatar’s role in this also include documenting institu- Abdullah bin Abdulaziz escalation led by General Haftar, Italian Republic Enzo Moavero edition award. The award com- regard. Qatar has become a model tional contributions to the Qatar bin Turki Al Subaie, pointing out that such actions do Milanesi.They discussed bilateral mittee includes the Ministry of for ensuring the rights of workers National Vision 2030 on the rights Ambassador of the State not take into account the supreme relations and means of boosting Administrative Development, and adopting the best standards for of workers. It also aims at creating of Qatar to the Republic national interest of the Libyan them and enhancing prospects for Labour and Social Affairs; Ministry workers’ care based on a series of sustainable employment projects, of Albania Ali bin people and will have serious joint cooperation in addition to a of Interior; Public Works Authority; laws and regulations issued in recent and to open channels of dialogue Hamad Al-Marri, and repercussions at the local and number of issues of common Qatar Chamber; Qatar Foundation; months. between the private sector and rel- Chargé d’Affaires of the international levels. interest, especially the situation Hamad Medical Corporation and The conference will be held in evant government agencies and Albanian Embassy in HE the Minister of Foreign in Libya. Supreme Committee for Delivery & line with Qatar National Vision 2030 communities working in the State. Doha, Kujtim Xhani. TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 HOME 05 QNL celebrates successful first year The Library’s use of online resources is highly valued by users. Qatar Digital Library received over 2.5 million views. It makes available more than 1.5 million pages of historical records on Qatar and the Gulf, which were previously housed in the British Library.

THE PENINSULA / DOHA

Qatar National Library (QNL) celebrates first year anniversary of the official inauguration by H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar Foundation, with the First Lady of Botswana, Neo Masisi, on April 16, 2018. With more than one million at the Education City, yesterday. books borrowed since its opening, the Library registered 139,551 new members. In a short span of time, the Qatar com- The Qatar National Library has welcomed 738,636 visitors so far. Sheikha Hind receives munity has embraced the Library as a beacon of knowledge, guiding their individual its first year of being, and borrowed more collection of valuable texts and manuscripts, First Lady of Botswana journeys of personal discovery. The Library than one million books,” said Dr Sohair reaching 174, 866 rare items, held at the Her- has given the community access to a wealth Wastawy, Executive Director of the Library. itage Library has made the Library as an THE PENINSULA / DOHA Masisi also received a pres- of resources, including books, journals, elec- The growing demand for membership has institution of reference for Arabic and Islamic entation about the organisation’s tronic resources, and a full program of over also contributed to the popularity of the heritage and civilisation, and one of H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al vision and mission and was 900 curated events. Library’s dynamic programs, with more than increasing global importance. The Library Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO given an overview of the Edu- Designed by renowned Dutch architect 21, 000 people registering to attend the year’s also digitised 4,215,652 pages of history. of Qatar Foundation (QF), met cation City from the open-air Rem Koolhaas, the iconic Library building events. The Library’s use of online resources As part of a series of public events com- with the First Lady of Botswana, viewing platform at the 2015 welcomed 738,636 visitors. is highly valued by users. Qatar Digital memorating the library’s remarkable first year, Neo Masisi, at Education City building (QF Headquarters), “On the auspicious occasion of the Library received over 2.5 million views. It Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas, yesterday. before concluding her visit by Library’s first anniversary, you just need to makes available more than 1.5 million pages Unesco Global Ambassador and the President During the meeting, H E signing QF’s Visitors Book. be here to get the sense of the scale and scope of historical records on Qatar and the Gulf, of the Petra National Trust, will deliver a lecture Sheikha Hind discussed QF’s Speaking about her impres- of what is the world’s most beautifully which were previously housed in the British at the Library and take part in a panel dis- efforts in the fields of education, sions of QF, Masisi said, “I am very designed national library and the many Library, and thanks to a partnership cussion, “Cultural Heritage and its Role in Pre- science and research, and com- excited by what I have seen, and people using it - expansive yet at the same agreement between the two libraries, are serving History, Identity and Cultural Legacy,” munity development with Ms it motivates me to go back to Bot- time personal. People of Qatar voted with now being used by scholars and students today from 5pm to 6.10pm. H E Dr Hamad bin Masisi, with whom she also swana and try to do the same for their feet on its value when more than 738 from anywhere in the world. Abdulaziz Al Kawari, State Minister, will also exchanged gifts. my country.” thousand people came through its doors in These resources as well as the rich give a speech during the event. Qatar ranked 3rd on Global Cybersecurity Index 2018 in region THE PENINSULA landscape and occupied the 17th the level of commitment in five Cybersecurity Committee and Australia, respectively. cybersecurity agenda in various DOHA position, from the 25th in 2017. areas: legal measures, technical responsible to implement and GCI 2018 says that in 2018, the countries in all regions. GCI 2018, which covered 175 measures, organizational drive that Strategy. Their eCrime majority of countries reported The GCI is included under Qatar has achieved high rankings countries around the world, measures, capacity building, and law integrates a large arsenal of having a national cybersecurity ITU Plenipotentiary Resolution in terms of cybersecurity and placed Qatar with the top three cooperation. procedural measures.” strategy, which is an increase from 130 on strengthening the role of ranked third in the Arab world countries in the Arab States GCI 2018 said “Qatar ranks GCI top ten most committed last year, and 47% have metrics to ITU in building confidence and and 17th globally on the Global region. GCI is an index developed third with a strong legal countries globally in 2018 measure cybersecurity devel- security in the use of information Cybersecurity Index 2018 by the ITU aiming to provide framework and a robust organ- included United Kingdom( opment at a national level, which and communication technol- released recently by the UN’s insight into the cybersecurity izational structure with a ranked first), USA (second) and is also an improvement, since in ogies. The ultimate goal is to International Telecommuni- engagement of Member States. National Cybersecurity Strategy France (third). Positions from 2017 only 21 percent had metrics. foster a global culture of cyber- cation Union (ITU). Rooted in the ITU’s Global Cyber- (NCS) that has a key focus on four through ten went to It says that the overall result shows security and its integration at the This year, Qatar advanced security Agenda (GCA), the third securing critical information Lithuania, Estonia, Singapore, improvement and strengthening core of information and commu- eight positions on the global version - GCI 2018 - still oversees infrastructure and a National Spain, Malaysia, Norway, Canada of all five pillars of the nication technologies. 06 HOME TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019

A-G meets Turkish Deputy Minister of Justice Qatar Airways partners with Rolls-Royce to trial new virtual reality training tool

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Airways is the global launch partner of Rolls-Royce’s new Virtual Reality training tool, said the airline yesterday. Recog- nised for its ongoing commitment to innovation, Qatar Airways is the first airline to trial the ground-breaking new technology as part of its engi- neering training plan. The new tool is designed to provide engineers with Rolls- Royce Trent XWB refresher training in a virtual environment without the need for a physical engine to work on. Qatar Rolls-Royce’s new Virtual Reality training tool on trial. Airways engineers will be the first in the industry to experience Attorney-General, H E Dr Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, met yesterday with the Deputy Minister of Justice of the this cutting-edge technology. adopting the latest technology Qatar Airways was the first Republic of Turkey, Selahaddin Mentes. During the meeting, they exchanged views on a number of issues The Trent XWB, which in our engineering department, customer to take delivery of the of common concern and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and exchange of legal expertise powers the Qatar Airways A350 we aim to ensure that they arrive Trent XWB, and their forward- between the two countries. fleet, is Rolls-Royce’s largest at their destination smoothly and thinking vision across their engine and must be separated without disruption. business makes them the perfect before engineers can transport We are very excited about launch partner for this tech- it for maintenance and repair. the new Virtual Reality training nology.” The Rolls-Royce Virtual Qatar and Ukraine sign MoU on Using HTC Vive equipment, tool offered by Rolls-Royce and Reality training platform trial engineers will be immersed in we are proud that they have follows Qatar Airways’ first the process, using sight, sound chosen Qatar Airways as their venture into the world of Virtual cooperation for diplomatic training and touch to separate the two global launch partner.” Reality when it became IATA’s QNA MoU was signed by the Sec- Ukrainian capital, Kiev. parts of the engine in a virtual Rolls-Royce, President – global launch partner of KIEV retary-General of the Ministry Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al setting, without the complexity Civil Aerospace, Chris Cholerton, RampVR in August 2018. The of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Ahmad Hammadi chaired the meeting and cost of a real engine. said: “At Rolls-Royce we are award-winning system, pio- Qatar and Ukraine signed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, while from Qatar’s side, while Deputy Qatar Airways Group Chief designing, testing, and main- neered by IATA, utilises the latest yesterday a memorandum of for the Ukrainian side by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergiy Executive, Al Baker, said: “Qatar taining engines in the digital virtual-reality technology to understanding (MoU) on coop- Director of the Diplomatic Kyslytsya chaired the Ukrainian Airways is an airline of the realm, so it makes sense that we simulate real air-side conditions eration in the field of diplomatic Institute of the Ukrainian Min- side. During the round of the future, and we constantly strive bring cutting-edge technology for ground handling and ground training between the Ministry of istry of Foreign Affairs, Sergiy political consultations, the two to deliver innovation in every to our training programmes. service operator training. Foreign Affairs’ Diplomatic Korsunsky. sides discussed the bilateral rela- area of our business. In the same way pilots com- The RampVR system is being Institute and the diplomatic The Ministries of Foreign tions between the two friendly Our ultimate goal is to plete elements of their training used by Qatar Airway’s Talent institute of the Ministry of Affairs of the State of Qatar and countries and ways of promoting provide our customers with a in a simulator, certain engi- Development department to Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Ukraine also held a round of them, as well as issues of mutual quality on-board experience neering tasks can be taught train their ground operations From the Qatari side, the political consultations in the concern. every time they travel, and by through Virtual Reality. teams. $100,000 Qatar grant to support kin of El Salvador cops who died during duty

QNA SAN SALVADOR

The State of Qatar has provided a $100,000 grant to support sons and daughters of police officers who died during their national duty in the Republic of El Salvador. In a speech during a cer- emony held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, in coordination with the Embassy The officials from Qatar and Ukraine during a meeting as part of the signing of an MoU in Kiev. of the State of Qatar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, Carlos Castaneda, The officials of Qatar and El Salvador sign the agreement for QC signs pact with Qatar Lawyers Association extended thanks and gratitude to granting aid to the kins of cops who died during duty. the State of Qatar for its donation THE PENINSULA Vision 2030.” foundations for collaboration to for the sons and daughters of and computer. protect the Salvadorans, prevent DOHA The two parties also agreed serve the community in Qatar and police officers who died during For his part, Charge d’Affaires and suppress crime and control that the Qatar Lawyers Associ- humanitarian issues worldwide.” their national duty. of the Embassy of Qatar to El Sal- the climate of violence experi- Qatar Charity (QC) has inked a ation would provide legal advice For his part, the Chairman of He said that the grant vador, Tariq Othman Al Othman, enced by the country. cooperation agreement with the in some humanitarian cases with the Board of the Qatar Lawyers expresses Qatar’s solidarity with praised the bilateral relations Al Othman reiterated Qatar’s Qatar Lawyers Association (QLA) no fees, in addition to any other Association Rashid bin Nasser Al El Salvador, especially with the between the State of Qatar and commitment to supporting all to enhance cooperation and part- legal consultations and services Nuaimi applauded Qatar Charity police forces, by supporting the the Republic of El Salvador and humanitarian initiatives that will nership for the community service agreed upon by both parties and for its great role in the charitable, scholarship programme which stressed that this grant comes help achieve sustainable devel- in Qatar. transferred by Qatar Charity. humanitarian and developmental aims to enable students to com- within the framework of the State opment in friendly countries and Under the deal, the two Speaking at the signing cer- field. “We have the honor to coop- plete their university studies. of Qatar’s commitment to support all countries of the world. parties agreed to undertake a emony, the CEO of Qatar Charity erate with Qatar Charity in every He noted that about 41 stu- friendly countries, and in recog- At the end of the ceremony, series of humanitarian initiatives, Yousif bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, said, good work to serve the com- dents have benefited from the nition of the sacrifices made by a memo of awarding a sum of which will be agreed upon, to “We are pleased with this coop- munity”, said Al Nuaimi, noting programme in the fields of the police officers who gave their $100,000 by the State of Qatar benefit the community in order to eration and partnership with the that there would be greater coop- accounting, legal sciences, inter- lives in the course of their to the sons and daughters of achieve the comprehensive vision Qatar Lawyers Association and we eration in the future through many national relations, agricultural national duty in an attempt to police officers who died during of development “Qatar National look forward to establishing solid humanitarian initiatives. engineering, mechanics, media, ensure security and tranquility, their national duty was signed. Filipino folkloric group mesmerises Katara audience

RAYNALD C RIVERA characterized by celebratory merry- National Commission for Culture and the THE PENINSULA making in villages. Arts for making the visit of ROFG to Doha “The Philippine geographic makeup possible. Over a dozen dances showcasing the being an archipelago of 7,107 islands in As part of their Doha visit, the troupe richness and diversity of ethno-linguistic Southeast Asia has strongly contributed yesterday held a free dance workshop at groups of the Philippines mesmerised the to the evolution of the diversity in ethnic Katara on ‘Basic and Fundamentals of audience as Ramon Obusan Folkloric dances that are unique for each region Philippine Folk Dance” to Filipino dance Group (ROFG) took the Katara Drama and province in the country,” said enthusiasts. Theatre stage on Sunday. Timbayan. One of the leading resident dance In their colourful traditional costumes, The dances from Mindanao which companies of the Cultural Center of the the troupe founded by the late National were performed included Kariala, Philippines (CCP), the group founded in Artist of the Philippines, Ramon A. Obusan Sagayan, Kinakulangan, Pindulas, Pan- 1972 has been preserving and perpetu- presented a medley of dances closest to galay sa Tepoh, Kuntao, Magigal, Asik and ating Philippine traditions focusing on their original form which were a result of Singkil, while rural fiesta dances com- music and dance. years of extensive research and documen- prised Pandanggo Wasiwas, Maglalatik, Boasting over a thousand perform- tation by the prominent Filipino dancer Binasuan and Tinikling. The well- ances in the Philippines and abroad, the and choreographer. applauded show concluded with the group has carved its own niche in the “Indayog ng Pilipinas: A Showcase of troupe singing Leron Leron Sinta and Mar- world of dance as forerunner of Philippine Philippine Folkloric Dances” was pre- The Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group from the Philippines during their performance aming Salamat. folk dance performed closest to the sented by the Philippine Embassy in coop- All the dance items were performed original. For the past decades, it has doc- at Katara Drama Theatre on Sunday. eration with the Cultural Village Foun- along with live music played using umented and performed the rituals of dation – Katara. authentic percussion and stringed more than 50 ethno-linguistic groups in “The word ‘Indayog’ in Filipino lan- because these dances tell stories from dif- the State of Qatar, told the audience. instruments. the Philippines. guage connotes dancing which we have ferent provinces and regions in the Phil- The repertoire of 45-minute show The ambassador expressed gratitude It has highlighted the authenticity of in store for you tonight, but the dances ippines that have been passed on from focused on dances of Mindanao, whose to the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara the movements and costumes of Filipino that will be performed tonight are no one generation to another,” Alan L Tim- dances have Chinese and Arab influ- for supporting the Philippine Embassy ini- ethnic groups through its outstanding full- ordinary ethnic dances from my country bayan, Ambassador of the Philippines to ences, and rural fiesta folk dances tiative as well as to the Philippines’s length dance works. TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 HOME 07 QNL playing vital role in knowledge development

THE PENINSULA Far from being printers, photography and vid- DOHA disrupted by new eography studios, and other maker-spaces for members to When Qatar National Library technologies, the express their creative sides. A was officially inaugurated by Library is wisely rich program of events, activities Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin taking advantage of and workshops teach new users Hamad Al Thani, it quickly the opportunities they these and other tech tools, such assumed a vital role in the as cloud computing software. nation’s knowledge development present, and is making As a free public service, the — one unfettered by physical a growing repository Library caters to the needs of space. of content and people of all ages and educa- Books are the heart and soul collections available tional and cultural backgrounds. of the Library, and within a year The Library is continuing to grow circulation has reached more to online users in both its print and electronic col- than one million books. A high Qatar, regionally and lections. Over the past year, it has demand for membership has internationally. acquired 380,000 ebooks, driven 139,551 new member reg- 17,400 in Arabic. The Library’s istrations in the past year alone existing print collection has and the Library has welcomed Cementing this exciting tran- grown as well, with 41,461 new 738,636 visitors. sition to a digital world, the titles, 29,876 in Arabic. Far from being disrupted by Library launched a new website Most importantly, the Library new technologies, the Library is in 2018 with services including is raising the next generation of wisely taking advantage of the online membership registration, young readers, who will benefit opportunities they present, and access to all electronic resources The Library offers a wealth of online resources, including more than 380,000 ebooks and 200 databases from its collections for years to is making a growing repository and events’ information. with access to 60,000 electronic journals, newspapers, magazines and other media. come through early literacy of content and collections The website received close to efforts that encourage reading available to online users in Qatar, 4.5 million page views in its first is the Qatar Digital Library, a a partnership between Qatar in Turkey, France, the Nether- skills from an early age. More regionally and internationally. year, with a significant number of growing online archive with Foundation, Qatar National lands, India and the UK. than half of the 720,000 books The Library offers a wealth of visitors coming from other Arab more than 1.5 million pages of Library and the British Library Innovation within the checked out since 1 January 2018 online resources, including more countries, the US and the UK, archives, maps, manuscripts, in October 2014, has received Library’s walls is driving are from the Children’s and than 380,000 ebooks and 200 reflecting the value of the Library’s sound recordings and photo- more than 2.5 million views. The engagement as well. Four Inno- Young Adults’ Library aimed at databases with access to 60,000 content to international users. graphs relating to the Gulf and Digital Library is still expanding, vation Stations with musical readers under 18, is a great tes- electronic journals, newspapers, Complementing the Library the wider region. The Digital and will add almost one million instruments and recording tament to the Library’s early lit- magazines and other media. website’s international outreach Library, which was launched as pages of material from partners equipment, green screens, 3D eracy efforts. New multidisciplinary clinic improving care for patients with hemophilia

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) new multidisciplinary Quality of Life Clinic and long- acting drug therapies are improving the quality of life for individuals in Qatar with hemo- philia. Dr Ahmed Abdulaziz Abdelbari, Clinical Pharmacist at HMC, said the Quality of Life Clinic is located at the National The panellists during the First Forum on Population and Sustainable Development. Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) and provides comprehensive medical DIFI participates in First Forum on services to patients with hemophilia. Population and Sustainable Development With services that range Dr Ahmed Abdulaziz Abdelbari speaking at a conference. from individualised care plans, THE PENINSULA development in Qatar. In empower women, girls and to treatment to prevent DOHA addition, it analysed challenges young people to access the infor- bleeding, known as factor result of an individual not When taken at the first sign facing the role of youth in mation, life skills and opportu- replacement therapy, to coun- having enough clotting factor of injury, these therapies can The Doha International Family achieving sustainable nities to live long and enjoy life.” selling and support for patients IX (factor nine),” said Dr help stop excessive bleeding,” Institute (DIFI), a member of development. The opening also included who need assistance educating Abdelbari. said Dr Abdelbari. Qatar Foundation (QF), has Following welcoming comments from Amal Al Mannai, their partner or family members Hemophilia is rare, with Dr Abdelbari noted that in concluded its participation at the remarks from Professor Mariam Chief Executive Officer of Qatar about the disease, Dr Abdelbari type A affecting around one in very rare cases, a person can First Forum on Population and Al Ali Al Maadeed, Vice-President Foundation for Social Work, and said the aim of the new clinic is 10,000 people and type B develop hemophilia later in life. Sustainable Development, titled for Research and Graduate Sultan Al Kuwari, Vice- to improve the lives of patients affecting approximately one in He said the majority of these ‘Toward a New Perspective on Studies, Qatar University, the Chairman, Permanent Popu- with hemophilia, which 50,000 people. People with cases involve middle-aged or the Relation Between Population opening speech was given by Dr. lation Committee. includes addressing social and severe hemophilia usually expe- elderly people or young women and Sustainable Development’ Sharifa Noaman Al Emadi, Exec- Following the opening, the economic challenges. rience spontaneous frequent who have recently given birth held on April 14 and 15 at Qatar utive Director, DIFI, who said: forum commenced with three Around 70 patients with bleeds into their muscles or or are in the later stages of University. “The Sustainable Development panel discussions, starting with hemophilia are currently joints, whereas those with mild pregnancy. The two-day event was Agenda 2030, whose adoption a focus on the subject of ‘Demog- receiving follow-up care at hemophilia generally expe- Dr Abdelbari also high- organised by the Social Sciences is an unparalleled achievement raphy and its Impact on Sus- HMC. rience bleeds only as a result of lighted that it is important Department at the College of Arts in shaping the objectives of the tainable Development’, and fol- “Individuals with hemo- surgery or major injury. increasing public awareness and Sciences, Qatar University, international community and a lowed by a discussion on ‘Popu- philia have a fault in a gene that “For the most part, hemo- about hemophilia and the need in partnership with DIFI, the paradigm shift towards a com- lation, Public Health and regulates the body’s production philia is a life-long condition for pre-marital screening. United Nations Population Fund, prehensive and integrated vision Sustainable Development’, of proteins called clotting that an individual is born with World Hemophilia Day, rec- Qatar Foundation for Social Work of inclusive sustainable devel- before concluding with the topic factors. This can cause sponta- and regardless of the type, the ognised on April 17, provides and the Permanent Population opment, applies to all people in ‘Socio-Economic Capital and neous bleeding as well as severe result is the same in that the an opportunity to dispel Committee. all countries”. Sustainable Development’. bleeding following injury or individual bleeds for a longer common myths about the It aimed to discuss the rela- “Poverty, vulnerability and On the second day of the surgery. The most common type time than normal. disease and to educate the tionship of the population of exclusion through the devel- conference, Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi of hemophilia is called hemo- New long-acting factor public about the condition, Qatar to sustainable devel- opment of laws, policies and presented a paper on ‘Family philia A and is a result of insuf- replacement therapies are rev- which is an important part of opment, and to clarify the inter- programs, measures to eradicate policies and their contribution ficient clotting factor VIII (factor olutionizing hemophilia care by building community support for relationship between human poverty, combat discrimination, to achieving the goals of sus- eight). A less common type is providing on-demand or rescue individuals living with bleeding resources and sustainable ensure equality for all, and tainable development’. hemophilia B, which is the treatments. disorders. Al Ruwais Port offers new free storage period THE PENINSULA The port has achieved record performance in was able to achieve significant DOHA growth in trade, import and 2018, receiving up to 2,848 small and medium export operations. It is experi- Mwani Qatar has started intro- vessels with a growth of 35 percent over 2017. encing steady growth in ducing the new free storage It handled 119,774 tonnes of general cargo; up volumes of handling, particu- period at Al Ruwais Port from 30 percent from 2017 and 548,967 heads of larly for livestock, foodstuffs April 14. The move comes within and other cargo. the framework of supporting the livestock with 118 percent increase. The port has achieved record private sector, offering new performance in 2018, receiving incentives to customers as well increased to six days instead of of storage space was added to up to 2,848 small and medium as enhancing the role of the port, three days for imported cargo support the port operations, vessels with a growth of 35 which is Qatar’s northern and 10 days instead of five days contributing to achieving the percent over 2017. It handled gateway to trade and one of the for exported cargo. Containers’ Ministry of Transport and 119,774 tonnes of general cargo; most important ports to meet free period has become five Communications’ strategic up 30 percent from 2017 and the increasing needs of the days instead of three days for plan aimed at building stable 548,967 heads of livestock with domestic market of foodstuff, imported containers and seven and strong supply chain that 118 percent increase. meat and fresh and chilled days instead of five days for meet the needs of the local This in addition to 324,248 An aerial view of Al Ruwais Port. produce. exported containers. market and provide the nec- tonnes of aggregate and up to Under the new increase, the The increase of free storage essary support for devel- 25,000 containers and about put in place to develop the port which is under construction, will company’s customers will get period in Al Ruwais Port comes opment boom and the state 2700 vehicles with growth of 73 in three stages and to develop be completed in 2020 and aims double the previously free in conjunction with the start of projects, especially in the percent and 283 percent, six berths to receive various to deepen the navigational storage days at Al Ruwais Port operations in the second phase northern region. respectively. types of vessels and commercial channel of Al Ruwais Port to 10 for general cargo shipments of the port, during which Thanks to the extensive Development at Al Ruwais goods. metres helping to receive larger (export and import) as it around 160,000 square metres development, Al Ruwais Port Port began in 2014. A plan was The third expansion phase, vessels. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 Will Haftar succeed in 1996 ESTABLISHED IN taking Tripoli? CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR GUMA EL-GAMATY MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED AL JAZEERA [email protected] n April 3, renegade military leader Khalifa Haftar DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR announced an offensive on MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI OTripoli to “liberate” the [email protected] capital and the entire west of Libya from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), headed by Fayez Al Serraj. Many now believe that Haftar had been planning this military takeover since 2014 when he called for a mil- EDITORIAL itary coup in Tripoli. His attempt at Members of the Libyan National Army (LNA) commanded by Khalifa Haftar prepare overthrowing the first democratically to join forces advancing on Tripoli. elected parliament in Libya, the Serving the society General National Congress (GNC), Haftar’s offensive has antagonised Third, there is also a possibility that failed, which led him to launch “Oper- the entire west of Libya, especially the the LNA, boosted by fresh military sup- atari voters head to the polls today to elect their repre- ation Dignity” in Benghazi a few cities of Tripoli, Misrata, Zawia and plies from his staunch supporters the sentatives in the Central Municipal Council in its sixth months later. Zintan and their military factions, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt would Qsession according to the Amiri Decree No. 4 for 2019. In His consolidation of power in the which were quick to unite under the defeat the forces currently defending all, 85 candidates, including 5 women, are competing in 25 con- east and then gradual expansion south banner of defending the capital and Tripoli. stituencies out of 29, after four districts have been elected by and west of the territories under his put up a viable resistance to his forces. If the LNA manages to advance into acclamation. The Central Municipal Council keeps pace with control have been seemingly aimed at Now as the chances of a political the capital, some opposition armed the comprehensive development of the State of Qatar under the eventually taking over Tripoli, which settlement in Libya are vanishing by groups may switch their allegiances to patronage and guidance of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad would allow him to establish a the day, there seem to be three pos- Haftar and some of his reported Al Thani, and has been an active contributor to this process over one-man military rule over the sible scenarios that could unfold sleeping cells may become active and the past years. The CMC enjoys full independency in carrying country, similar to that of the late moving forward. First, Haftar’s help with the take-over. out its responsibilities as defined by the law, and has been able, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. offensive could grow into a protracted However, resistance in the form of over the last five sessions, to enrich the democratic experience The announcement of the oper- conflict and eventually a military street fighting may go on for a while and serve the society. ation launched by Haftar’s Libyan stalemate. This means that the fighting before the renegade military leader Qatar’s first Municipal Council was formed in the early 1950s. National Army (LNA) came just days would go on for many months, pos- could establish full control over the On March 8, 1999, free elections were held to choose the members before a national conference organised sibly even years, especially if both capital. Conquering other key cities of the CMC through direct representation. Both men and women by the UN Support Mission in Libya sides keep receiving support from outside Tripoli, such as Misrata (220km participated in the elections. The Council, which comprises 29 (UNSMIL) was to be held in the city of international backers in the form of to the east) and the Nafusa Mountain elected members representing 29 constituencies, is an inde- Ghadames on weapons, ammunition and financing. towns (200km to the south) would pendent entity that carries out its responsibilities without inter- the border This scenario would be devastating take much longer, possibly months if ference. CMC elections are held every four years. The Ministry with Algeria. for the country, causing a large-scale not years. Will Haftar succeed in his of Interior began preparations in January for elections. This con- humanitarian crisis and widespread war on Tripoli? The CMC expresses its opinions through making recommen- ference was damage to civilian infrastructure and Whether Haftar will succeed or not dations and issuing decisions. It is expected to housing. It would also mean the end of in his war on Tripoli will depend responsible for monitoring the The chances of achieve a the UN-led dialogue process, further mainly on the stance taken by the implementation of laws, decrees Libya ending the breakthrough division between the east and west of international community, especially and regulations that fall under the conflict and the in the Libya, and continuous bloodshed the permanent members of the UN responsibilities of the Ministry of current divide, political throughout the country. Security Council. Municipality and Environment and impasse and Second, the LNA could also choose So far, these key players have The Central the Council, including laws, decrees bringing about produce a to withdraw, facing potential defeat. resigned themselves to issuing state- Municipal and regulations related to urban genuine peace roadmap to Haftar gambled on the element of sur- ments of condemnation, calling for the Council keeps and industrial planning, infra- and stability, resolve the prise and a quick entry into Tripoli cessation of fighting. Meanwhile, other pace with the structure and other public system. would indeed Libyan con- before his opponents could react and countries have continued supplying The Council is also responsible flict which mobilise. That, however, did not weapons, ammunition and logistical comprehensive for overseeing the economic, increase if Haftar, would have happen; his forces failed to break support, which are fuelling and pro- development financial and administrative man- the biggest included through the defences of the capital. longing the conflict. of the State of agement of municipal affairs and obstacle, was holding fresh Haftar has been using two staging In my opinion, the indications are Qatar under the agriculture. Regular Council elections to posts for his offensive on Tripoli: the that Haftar has now lost the element of meetings with at least two thirds of removed. unite the cities of Gharyan and Tarhouna, some surprise and miscalculated the level of patronage and its members are held in Doha every country’s 80km south-west and south of the military resistance that he would face. guidance of Amir two weeks. divided insti- capital. His supply lines, however, are The supply lines for his troops are dif- H H Sheikh Tamim Over 20 years, the Council has tutions. Such a political deal would vastly stretched, with his forces ficult to maintain and it is most likely contributed through its recommen- have put an end to Haftar’s personal fighting hundreds of kilometres away that he would not be successful in bin Hamad Al dations and proposals to the devel- ambitions of achieving absolute power from their base in the east. taking Tripoli. A defeat would mean Thani, and has opment process of the State, and in Libya, supported by his main inter- If his long supply lines are cut and the end of Haftar’s ambitions of been an active has interacted with various subjects national backers, the UAE, Egypt and needed supplies of fresh ammunition, securing total military and political contributor to this of interest to the citizens and resi- Saudi Arabia. fuel and new fighters diminish more control of Libya and the end of his per- dents within the framework of its The fact that he chose to wage war quickly than expected, then LNA is ceived legitimacy to be part of any process over the competencies, and had a role in on Tripoli just ahead of this important likely to end up retreating. further political process. He would past years. activating the decisions and laws conference (initially scheduled for This could in turn lead to the GNA have to be left out of any further efforts at the level of municipal affairs, and April 14-16) demonstrates that he has forces advancing and reclaiming lost to achieve reconciliation and political submit proposals that all serve the always been disingenuous about territory in both the south and the stra- accord. public interest, the Chairman of the Central Municipal Council, reaching a political settlement and that tegically important Jufra area in the The chances of Libya ending the Mohammed bin Hamoud Al Shafi, said ahead of the end of the his attendance at all the international centre of the country. Haftar’s control conflict and the current divide, fifth session of the CMC recently. peace talks, including in Paris, Palermo of the oil-crescent area between Sirte bringing about genuine peace and sta- The fifth session held 68 meetings and issued more than 130 and most recently Abu Dhabi, was and Benghazi could also come under bility, would indeed increase if Haftar, recommendations covering various municipal matters, such as merely a tactic to buy time. threat if his forces withdraw. the biggest obstacle, was removed. increasing green spaces in different regions of the country, waste recycling, the establishment of public parks in some municipal- ities, bus stations and locations, and the establishment of wedding Tainted by Nazism? Merkel returns two Nolde paintings ceremony halls in a number of areas, the controls of workers’ gatherings in the midst of family housing, and the development HUI MIN NEO regime. Amid the controversy, Seibert curators Aya Soika and Bernhard of the system for monitoring the establishment and quality of AFP said Merkel had been offered two Fulda sought to dispel the myths sur- government projects. other paintings by the Prussian Cul- rounding Nolde’s persona, putting on In light of the great development witnessed by Qatar in hancellor Angela Merkel’s tural Heritage Foundation. full display his anti-Jewish views various fields, the CMC spares no effort to implement all that decision to take down two But after historians quickly pointed alongside his works. would serve the country and the citizen, in line with the direc- paintings by Emil Nolde from out that the concerned artist, Karl Fulda conceded that he was tives of the wise leadership. Cher office walls has touched Schmidt-Rottluff, was also known for “slightly surprised” by Merkel’s off a heated German debate as an his anti-Semitic comments, and decision to return the two paintings. exhibition on the Expressionist painter Merkel simply decided to put off the “There is a way you can use the and his links to the Nazis opened in decorating for a while. complex and difficult and indeed neg- Berlin. “The chancellor decided not to ative German past to say ‘it’s still rel- QUOTE OF THE DAY Organisers of the show “Emil borrow any other pictures from the evant today, and we’re not just looking Nolde, a German Legend: The Artist Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation the other way’,” he said. I thought one of the During National Socialism,” had asked for her office,” a spokesman said. But he acknowledged that such biggest opportunities Merkel for one of two paintings on The episode has unleashed a round parsing may not be a priority for a was for the US and the loan to her. But she decided to send of soul-searching over what kind of leader who is battling global crises on EU to join together — the both -- a 1915 painting of flowers in a place an artist’s moral values should multiple fronts. Writer Florian Illies, in biggest market in the garden and the 1936 work “Breakers”, have on the way his works are viewed Die Zeit weekly, also said it would world, the two combined her spokesman Steffen Seibert said. or portrayed. Nolde was long cast in been more productive to “give space — and use that leverage No explanation was given for the the post-war years as a victim of Hit- to the truth, that mean-spirited people in negotiations with the decision. Neither was an official ler’s regime because his art was con- can also make high art.” reason offered as to why Merkel demned by the Nazis as “degenerate” “It is of course uncomfortable. But Chinese. would not want them back when the and removed from museums. much more courageous than starting exhibition closes in September. But research has shown he was a again to remove paintings from the Nancy Pelosi But the move was quickly inter- vocal anti-Semite and fervent sup- walls.” Thole Rotermund, the treasurer Speaker of the US House preted by German media as a belated porter of the Third Reich. of Germany’s federation of galleries of Representatives rejection by Merkel of the artist over At the exhibition of Nolde’s works and art traders, told news agency DPA his anti-Semitic views and entan- which opened Thursday at Berlin’s that Merkel should give a clear expla- glement with Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Hamburger Bahnhof museum, nation for her decision. TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 OPINION 09 Finnish election highlights Nordic dilemma about welfare state

oters across the Nordics are mainstream, as well as divisions over television broadcaster MTV on Running in first place with telling politicians to safe- how to tackle the soaring costs of Monday, referring to Finns Party some 28 percent of popular guard their cherished, com- healthcare and other welfare leader Jussi Halla-aho. The far-right support, the Danish Social Demo- Vprehensive welfare model provisions. Halla-aho was fined in 2012 for blog crats endorsed a “jewellery bill” but on Sunday’s election in Finland The Finnish left argues that tax comments linking Islam to paedo- which, passed in 2016, allows shows how prohibitive costs and a hikes are inescapable at a time when philia and Somalis to theft. “I’ve read police to confiscate refugees’ valu- JUSTYNA PAWLAK surge in nationalism make it hard for care costs are rising and people are your blog,” Rinne said. ables to help pay their costs, among REUTERS parties to deliver. living longer. Many voters in Finland In Finland, which struggles with other measures. The Finnish Social Democrats, agree, even though the nation has one one of the fastest rates of population The Danish People’s Party is The Finnish Social who played a significant role in the of the highest taxation rates in the ageing in the world, public debt is now polling at 14 percent, down Democrats, who growth of public services after World world. expected to fall within EU limits this from the 21 percent they had in War Two, won the ballot for the first The nationalists, echoing a con- year after austerity steps by the out- 2015. played a significant time in two decades, feeding off a tinent-wide backlash against going centre-right government of While the jewellery bill has not role in the growth of rising sense of insecurity among migration over open European Union prime minister Juha Sipila. itself ensured their lead in the polls, public services after voters following years of austerity. borders, say that reversing an influx of But social and healthcare costs are it lent nuance to the Social Demo- World War Two, won Their victory was limited, foreigners can relieve the pressure on expected to jump to 26.5 billion euros crats’ stance on immigration, however, by a strong showing by the services. per year ($30 billion) in 2035 from winning back some voters from the the ballot for the first anti-immigrant, nationalist Finns That is a red line for Social Demo- 18.7 billion in 2018. That would jack populists. time in two decades, Party, which finished a close second cratic leader Antti Rinne, a 56-year- up such costs as a share of gross In Sweden, left-wing leader feeding off a rising at 17.5 percent of the vote behind the old former trade union boss, leaving domestic product to 9.6 percent in Stefan Lofven faced a similar SDP’s 17.7 percent, final results him just one option - seeking out coa- 2035 from 7.9 percent. dilemma. His only route to sense of insecurity showed. lition partners among centre-right At stake for the Finns is a wide retaining power after an incon- among voters The split underscores the frag- groups that favour reforming welfare array of services that now come clusive election last September was following years of mentation of politics in Finland and to cut costs. nearly cost-free such as compre- to join forces with reform-oriented austerity. elsewhere in the Nordics where pop- “Our values are quite far apart at hensive health care, state pensions liberal parties that, like his own ulist parties are becoming the moment,” Rinne said on private and home visits by nurses for the Social Democrats, shun the fiercely elderly. nationalist Sweden Democrats. The state was even more generous The price was a pledge to enact in earlier decades, when deductibles a string of largely right-wing on medicine costs were lower and the reforms, including tax breaks for state would pay for nannies to help top earners and a scrapping of with childcare free of charge while designs to curb the privatisation of another child in the family was in services, a decision that has hospital. appalled many rank-and-file Social “Rinne has promised to raise the Democrats. lowest state pensions, funded in part The scale of welfare financing by higher consumption and capital woes varies across the Nordics. gains taxes,” Capital Economics said In Sweden, the region’s most in a research note. populous nation, public finances “We expect these plans will end are relatively healthy, with state up diluted as and when the reality of debt at its lowest since the late coalition politics bites.” 1970s. In Denmark, opinion polls ahead But governments are obliged to of an election due no later than June stick to a budget surplus target forecast victory for opposition parties introduced after a banking crisis in led by the Social Democrats who are the early 1990s, meaning any cost calling for a partial rollback of welfare increases as baby boomers enter cuts. retirement need to be found The Danish left has echoed some through means other than deficit of the anti-immigration tilt of the spending. nationalist Danish People’s Party, in what Social Democratic leader Mette Chairman of The Social Democratic Party Antti Rinne arriving at the Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle studios in Frederiksen said is an effort to ensure Helsinki, yesterday. her party remains relevant.

deep change in the way humanity What they didn’t agree on was D-RING ROAD produces and consumes energy can tactics. POST BOX: 3488 minimise global warming devastation. Everyone situated themselves in DOHA - QATAR On climate change, “I’ve been teaching several ses- relation to four signs he had posted at [email protected] sions a month for the last six or seven compass points in the room, depending months,” said Remi Filliau, the on how they answered two questions: a shift towards civil instructor in Paris and founding Are you willing to do this? Do you con- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: member of a small NGO called Les sider this to be a violent act? 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: Desobeissants. “Before, it was a lot Two thirds of the group clustered +974 4455 7758 disobedience less.” Back in class, Filliau gave Axel a in the two “non-violent” quadrants, tip on how to pry loose his quarry. but were evenly divided on whether MANAGING EDITOR TEL: Reaching from behind, Axel to carry out the raid. 4462 7505 placed an index finger under the As for those who considered it to MARLOWE HOOD young woman’s nose and pulled up be an act of violence, some balked at DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR AFP TEL: sharply. Her arms instantly flew open ransacking the crops while a few said 4455 7769 and he yanked her free within they would do it anyhow. LOCAL NEWS SECTION laying the role of a riot cop seconds, dragging her across the floor In the ensuing discussion, people TEL: 4455 7743 dispersing a peaceful but into mock detention. moved around the room as their posi- illegal sit-in on the steps of “Police are allowed to use that tions changed. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION France’s National Assembly, technique,” Filliau told the class. Some said damaging property did TEL: 4462 7535 P “But they are not allowed to tickle not rise to the level of a violent act. Axel struggled to dislodge a woman whose arms and legs were enmeshed — that is considered sexual har- Others countered that a struggling SPORT NEWS SECTION in a Gordian knot of activists. assment,” he added. farmer might not see it that way. Still TEL: 4455 7745 It was like trying to pull a limpet Seated in a large circle, the class others pointed out that farmers have off a rock — he couldn’t get a grip. began with an exercise designed to insurance. ONLINE SECTION Welcome to Non-Violent Civil force participants to think about how The group was at loggerheads. TEL: 4462 7501 Disobedience 101, a one-day basic far they are willing to go, and the risks In a second scenario, the same [email protected] training for people who have decided they are willing to take. action was to be done in broad day- Filliau presented a scenario: light without masks. The media was to they may need to break the law to PUBLIC RELATIONS friends propose slipping into a be alerted beforehand and the further a good cause. TEL: 4455 7613 farmer’s field at night while wearing activists stayed to face the music, For most of the 55 people [email protected] attending a course in Paris on Sat- masks to destroy a experimental crop including arrest. This, it became clear, was the urday, the driving concern was of genetically modified corn. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT climate change and the gathering Commercial production of geneti- “correct” approach, and Filliau TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 pace at which Earth’s species are cally modified crops has been effec- explained why. FAX: 4455 7870 disappearing. tively banned in France, and most “We have to legitimise our actions [email protected] Since October, the world has seen people in the room were clearly anti- in the eyes of the public,” he told the a crescendo of grassroots protests GMO. That was not the issue. group. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT around these issues, especially in TEL: 4455 7857 western Europe and North America. [email protected] High school students in a dozen countries have poured into the streets SUBSCRIPTION & every Friday to raise the alarm about DISTRIBUTION their climate-blighted futures, a TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 movement inspired by 16-year-old FAX: 44557819 Swedish wunderkind Greta Thunberg. [email protected] Yesterday, a loosely knit but well- organised group called Extinction High school students Rebellion, born in Britain, launched a week-long campaign in major cities All thoughts and views in a dozen countries worldwide, vowing to “bring London have poured into to a standstill” by blocking traffic at expressed in these columns the streets every Waterloo Bridge, Parliament Square are those of the writers, Friday to raise the and other iconic locations. not of the newspaper. XR, as the group is known, looked alarm about their to historic examples of civil disobe- climate-blighted dience — the US civil rights All correspondence futures, a movement movement, the push for Indian inde- regarding Views and inspired by 16-year- pendence — for inspiration. Opinion pages should be What triggered the sudden uptick sent to editor-in-chief old Swedish in climate activism is unclear, but wunderkind Greta several participants in the course office or mailed to the Students attending the YouthStrike4Climate demonstration against climate change Thunberg. mentioned a landmark UN science [email protected] report last fall warning that only a in Parliament Square, central London. 10 HOME TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 HOME 11 12 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 Sudan: Pressure for transfer to civilian rule AFP The organisation that The talks came a day after the KHARTOUM spearheaded the embassies of Britain, the United States and Norway issued a joint Sudan’s military rulers faced months of protests statement saying the “legitimate pressure from demonstrators and leading to Bashir’s change” the Sudanese people Western governments to hand fall, the Sudanese demanded had not taken place. power to a new civilian Professionals “It is time for the transitional government yesterday as activists military council and all other warned of an attempt to disperse Association, called on parties to enter into an inclusive a 10-day-old mass protest outside their supporters to dialogue to effect a transition to army headquarters. boost the numbers at civilian rule,” they said. Thousands remained camped the complex. The SPA has said a transi- outside the complex in Khartoum tional government and the armed overnight after protest leaders forces must bring to justice both issued demands to the military stated his “top request was no Bashir and officials from his council set up following the violence and no attempt to for- feared National Intelligence and removal of veteran President cibly break the sit in”. Security Service (NISS). Omar Hassan Al Bashir. In the meeting with The military council on Sudanese demonstrators gather near the military headquarters in the capital Khartoum, yesterday. The organisation that spear- Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, Sunday met with political parties headed the months of protests widely known as Himeidti, Siddik and urged them to agree on an leading to Bashir’s fall, the wrote on Twitter that he also “independent figure” to be prime justice and democracy,” a members of several political representing the protesters Sudanese Professionals Associ- backed the SPA’s call for a civilian minister. “We want to set up a council member, Lieutenant parties. delivered a list of demands ation (SPA), called on their sup- administration. civilian state based on freedom, General Yasser Al Ata, told A 10-member delegation during talks with the council late porters to boost the numbers at on Saturday.But in a press con- the complex. ference, the council’s spokesman “There is an attempt to dis- ‘West wants to control Sudan’s natural resources’ did not respond to the protesters’ perse the sit-in from the army latest demands. He did however headquarters area, they are ANATOLIA “Sudan is a country extremely orientation, it is logical to suggest goal,” Dolgov said. Director of the announce the appointment of a trying to remove the barricades,” MOSCOW rich in natural resources, which that soon we will read the news international think-tank “Voice new NISS head after the intelli- the SPA said in a statement, attracts the attention of many that Western companies got pref- of Africa” Engin Ozer said that the gence agency’s chief Salih Ghosh without saying who was The recent developments in Western states that do not have erences for mining activities in ouster was conducted against resigned on Saturday. The foreign responsible. Sudan was in the interests of or used up their own resources Sudan, he said. Dolgov said Al Bashir’s position in a number of ministry said military council head “We call on our people to Western and some Arab coun- and therefore try to seize control Bashir himself is a “contro- issues. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan come immediately to the sit-in tries that want to control the over other countries resources,” versial figure”, but that he tried “Sudan has witnessed was “committed to having a com- area to protect our revolution.” country’s natural resources, he said. Dolgov said the division to pursue an “independent serious shifts in military coop- plete civilian government” and Witnesses said several army experts said. Boris Dolgov, who of the country — once the largest policy”. eration over the last years. Pres- urged other nations to back the vehicles had surrounded the area serves as a senior researcher in in Africa —was part of the same “Bashir was ostracised by ident Omar Al Bashir signed a council in order to achieve “the and that troops were seen the Institute of Oriental Studies project, the results of which are the West; he is even wanted by deal with Russia, allowing it mil- Sudanese goal of democratic removing the barricades which of the Russian Academy of witnessed today. the International Criminal Court. itary bases in Sudan,” said Ozer, transition”. demonstrators had put up as a Science noted that the West has “They have already gotten The country was sanctioned adding that Bashir had also In the latest shake-up, security measure. long tried to pressure Sudan’s access to the deposits of South many times which resulted in the agreed on the building of a Burhan yesterday named Lieu- Britain’s ambassador to President Omar Hassan Al Sudan, now it is Sudan’s turn. As deterioration of its economy. All Turkish naval base in Suakin, to tenant General Hashim Abdel- Khartoum, Irfan Siddiq, met the Bashir out of power. the army now has a pro-Western this was done with an obvious “balance interests in the region”. motalib as the army’s chief of new military council’s deputy and staff. Yemen parties accept details of pullback plan: UN envoy Khamenei releases special flood funds AFP I hope it is when and not if —these deal on the two-stage pullback from groundwork for broader serious nego- UNITED NATIONS redeployments happen, they will be Hodeida city and its ports on February tiations on ending the war in Yemen AP/TEHRAN the first voluntary withdrawal of 17, but the redeployment failed to but added: “We all need to see tan- Yemen’s government and Houthi forces in this long conflict,” he said by materialise on the ground and the gible progress in Hodeida before Iran’s supreme leader yesterday approved rebels have accepted a detailed plan videoconference from Amman. peace effort has since stalled. moving to focus on the political the use of special emergency funds to deal for a much-delayed pullback from The United Nations announced a Griffiths said he was laying the solution.” with damage from major flooding that has the flashpoint city of Hodeida, the killed at least 76 people and injured more UN envoy said yesterday, but no than 1,000 over the past several weeks. timetable was announced for the French-made arms used in Yemen war Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave the gov- withdrawals. ernment permission to use the National The redeployment of forces was REUTERS Yemen’s population lives under the Yemeni territory”. The intelligence Development Fund, which collects some of agreed in December under a ceasefire PARIS threat of the French-made arms, dossier is dated September 25, 2018. the country’s foreign revenue for emergency deal reached in Sweden that offered according to Disclose. It was presented to Macron and needs, should the country’s regular budget the best hope in years of moving French arms including tanks and The leaked report will be Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, as not be enough. President Hassan Rouhani toward an end to the war that has laser-guided missile systems sold to awkward for President Emmanuel well as France’s defence and foreign asked the country’s supreme leader last week pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Macron and his government, which ministers. The Disclose report was to release about $2bn from the fund. UN envoy Martin Griffiths told the Emirates are being used in the has said that as far as it knows part of an investigation carried out Since March, the devastating flash floods Security Council that “both parties Yemeni war against civilians, leaked French-made arms sold to Saudi with Mediapart, Konbini, France Inter have been hitting the northern and western have now accepted a detailed rede- intelligence published by investi- Arabia are used solely for defensive radio, Arte television and US-based parts of Iran, with damages estimated at ployment plan” for the first stage of gative website Disclose showed. purposes on the border. The Intercept. nearly $2.5bn so far. the pullback from Hodeida. Entitled “Yemen: security situ- The intelligence document states France is a signatory of the UN Griffiths said he received assur- ation”, a 15-page classified report that Caesar cannons, manufactured Arms Trade Treaty that regulates the Arab FMs to meet Sunday ances from Houthi leader Abdul Malik written by France’s DRM military by French company Nexter and international trade of conventional Al Houthi when they met in Sana’a intelligence agency includes maps deployed along the Saudi-Yemeni weapons and bans the sale of to discuss Palestine issue last week that his forces would that detail the positioning of French- frontier, conduct defensive shelling weapons that fuel human rights vio- ANATOLIA/RAMALLAH support the Hodeida agreement, but made weapons inside Yemen and on of Houthi forces as well as back up lations or war crimes. UN experts the envoy sounded a note of caution the Saudi side of the border. “loyalist troops and Saudi armed have said all sides in the Yemeni con- Arab foreign ministers will hold an emer- after so many delays. It demonstrates that swathes of forces in their progression into flict may have committed war crimes. gency meeting on Sunday at the Arab “Let us be clear that when — and League’s Cairo headquarters to discuss the Palestine file. Ahmed Qabha, a Palestinian Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Sunday’s meeting, which comes at Palestine’s request, Libya offensive stalls, but Haftar would seek to activate an Arab League-spon- sored “financial safety net” for the cash- strapped Palestinian Authority (PA). Qabha digs in given foreign sympathies said that the meeting would likely be attended by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and REUTERS against the offensive. as the best bet to end the Foreign Minister Riyad Al Maliki. At a 2010 TRIPOLI/PARIS Haftar, a 75-year-old chaos and divisions since the summit, Arab League member-states proposed former general in former dic- ousting of Gaddafi in 2011. the idea of a “financial safety net” to help the Military strongman Khalifa tator Muammar Gaddafi’s Their case, which under- Palestinian leadership cope with repeated Haftar’s intended lightning army, has been building up mines calls by former colonial delays by Tel Aviv in handing over tax revenues seizure of Libya’s capital has troop numbers and intensi- ruler Italy and others for a that Israel collects on behalf of the PA. stalled, but he is unlikely to fying air strikes in a campaign political solution, is aided by face real pressure from he is selling as necessary to the arrival of militants in recent AK Party: Votes clearly abroad to pull back as the restore order and eradicate days to help Serraj’s forces. arrival of hardline opponents jihadists. That, however, is One of them is Salah Badi, a stolen in local polls bolsters his war cry against uniting Haftar’s enemies commander from nearby “terrorism”. behind Serraj, who lacks Misrata port who has Islamist ANATOLIA/ANKARA Haftar’s eastern-based regular forces and needs help, ties and possible ambitions Libyan National Army (LNA) but may find them difficult to himself to take Tripoli. In Istanbul’s ruling party mayoral candidate said advanced to the outskirts of control the longer the war videos from the front line, Badi yesterday that it was “clear” that his votes Tripoli almost two weeks ago, drags on, analysts say. has been seen directing men had been stolen and registered to his predicting defections, victory Renewed conflict has as well as a UN-sanctioned opponent during the country’s latest local within two days and joyful scuppered for now a UN people trafficker. elections last month. Justice and Development women ululating in the streets. peace plan for Libya, with a Some hardcore Islamists, (AK) Party candidate Binali Yildirim told However, the interna- national reconciliation con- previously affiliated to Ansar reporters in a press conference that it was tionally-recognised gov- ference planned for this week Sharia, have also popped up the Supreme Election Council (YSK) that ernment of Prime Minister postponed. It also threatens in the fighting, according to would make the final decision on Istanbul’s Fayez Al Serraj has managed to to disrupt oil supplies from the videos. That group was local polls held on March 31. “We must bog them down in southern the Opec member and cause blamed by Washington for patiently wait until the Supreme Election A hole in the wall of a house damaged by shelling during suburbs, thanks largely to armed new migration across the sea the 2012 storming of a US dip- Council declares the mayor of Istanbul,” said the fighting between the eastern forces and internationally groups who have rushed to aid to Europe. lomatic compound in Yildirim. Criticizing his opponent Ekrem them from various western Diplomats believe Haftar Benghazi that killed the recognised government, in Abu Salim in Tripoli,yesterday. Imamoglu of the main opposition Republican Libyan factions. for now will face no pressure ambassador and three other People’s Party (CHP), Yildirim said it was too And instead of ululating, from backers including the Americans. France, which a ceasefire - albeit more narrative that some early to celebrate a victory at a time when many women in fact joined a United Arab Emirates, Egypt has oil assets in Libya though reluctantly than Rome - while extremists were among the the legal proceedings on the election results rally on Friday in Tripoli and France, who still see him less than Italy, has called for also echoing Haftar’s Tripoli defenders. were ongoing at the YSK. TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 ASIA 13 NYAY to be catalyst of job creation, growth: Rahul IANS Congress President creation will start. Just like a MAHUVA says the NYAY scheme vehicle engine, this will start up could be successfully the system.” The Congress Pres- Congress President Rahul Gandhi implemented if money ident reiterated that Prime Min- yesterday said his party’s ister Narendra Modi was going promised Nyay (Nyuntan Aay was not “illegitimately out of his way to enrich a handful Yojana) will prove a catalyst of put into the hands of corporates. growth and job creation and go of a few crony “He wants us to believe that on to undo the “massive damage” capitalists”. he is our chowkidar, whereas he that demonetisation and GST had is the chowkidar of Ambani and done to the country’s economy. Adani and the likes,” Rahul Addressing an election rally explanation that this would not asserted, amid deafening cries in Mahuva in Saurashtra region, take away any section’s due and from the crowds. which had brought the Congress this was possible to implement He said: “When we spoke on the verge of victory in the if money “is not illegitimately put about Nyay, Narendra Modi 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections, into the hands of a few crony asked where will this money Rahul said: “Narendra Modi’s capitalists”. come from? When we speak fake promise of Rs15 lakh in eve- Rahul said: “This Rs72,000 about loan waiver to farmers, ryone’s account aroused a more in the hands of the poor will Narendra Modi asks where will Supporters attend a political rally of the Indian National Congress in Bhavnagar district, yesterday. feasible idea in my mind of ramp up the purchasing power the money come from? putting Rs72,000 every year into of the people. Once that happens, Whenever we speak of any the hands of 5 crore families the small and medium-scale welfare scheme for the poor, thieves. “They (government) porates,” he added. debts of farmers were waived under the Nyay scheme.” businesses, which were closed he asks where will the money don’t have money to waive the Gandhi said the moment off. “I had promised this in He said a team of economists down after ‘notebandhi’ and come from? “I will tell you debts of farmers, but Narendra Congress governments were Gujarat and we were close to and experts had worked out the Gabbar Singh Tax (GST) will rev where it will come from. It will Modi ji waived Rs300,000 formed in Madhya Pradesh, it. BJP baal-baal bach gayi,” he Nyay scheme with an up to life. Once that happens, job come from the pockets of crore dues of a handful of cor- Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, the said. EC slaps restrictions on Yogi, Mayawati for ‘provocative’ remarks Extreme

IANS poverty to end Article 324 of the Constitution meetings, processions, rallies, from making statements that had on April 11 issued notices to NEW DELHI and other powers enabling in this road shows and interviews, have the undertone and pro- both Mayawati and Adityanath by 2031: Jaitley behalf, bars him from holding public utterance in media related pensity to polarise the elections, for violating the model code of The Election Commission any public meetings, public pro- to elections for 48 hours. which is not confined to the con- conduct. REUTERSR yesterday barred BSP chief cessions, public rallies, road The Commission said that it stituency only where the While the BSP leader had NEW DELHI Mayawati and Uttar Pradesh shows and interviews, public was convinced that both leaders statement is made, but to the urged the Muslim community to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath utterances in media (electronic, had made “highly provocative” other parts as well, due to fast vote only for SP-BSP-RLD India’s Finance Minister from campaigning in the Lok print, social media) in connection speeches which had the tone and dissemination of information in alliance candidates, the Chief yesterday said fast economic Sabha elections for 48 and 72 with ongoing elections for 72 tenor to “aggravate existing dif- the digital age. Minister had said that if the Con- growth and rapid urbanisation hours respectively. hours from 6am on April 16 ferences or create mutual hatred “The Commission observes gress, the Samajwadi Party and would slash the number of While the action against (Tuesday),” the Election Com- between different religious that being the Chief Minister of the Bahujan Samaj Party had people in extreme poverty by Mayawati came for violating the mission order on Adityanath communities”. a state, Yogi Adityanath has an faith in Ali, “we have faith in 2021 and end it completely in Model Code of Conduct when she said. It added that the two leaders added responsibility to not only ‘Bajrangbali’”. the decade after that. asked Muslims at a rally in Saha- In a separate order, the poll had also violated provisions of uphold the basic tenets, including The poll panel had also asked More than 21 percent of ranpur to vote in favour of the panel censured Mayawati and the model code by making secularism, of the Constitution Adityanath to explain his India’s 1.3 billion people lived SP-BSP-RLD combine, Adity- “strongly condemned the appeals to secure votes on reli- of India but also to display the comment calling the Indian on less than $1.90 a day in 2011, anath was barred over his “green impugned statements made by gious lines. same in his appearances/ Union Muslim League (IUML) a when the last census was taken, virus” and “Ali and Bajrang Bali” her”. The poll panel said that being meetings/speeches as well,” it “virus” and saying that the Con- according to the World Bank. comments. It said she would also be senior leaders, Adityanath and added. gress was infected with this Finance Minister Arun “The Commission, under barred from holding any public Mayawati should have desisted The Election Commission “green virus”. Jaitley, who heads the BJP’s publicity department in the Modi, Shah to election, said the number of SC seeks Rahul’s explanation on ‘chowkidar’ comment people who live in poverty address five IANS would drop to below 15 percent NEW DELHI attributed to the Court by the such views, observations or agreed to hear afresh a case in the next three years and to a more rallies respondent (Rahul Gandhi) in as findings are recorded by the related to the Rafale deal, negligible level in the 10 years The Supreme Court yesterday much as what was decided by Court,” the court said in its order rejecting the government’s con- after that. “Urbanisation will in Bengal observed that the “chowkidar this Court was a purely legal uploaded on its website in the tention that the secret documents increase, the size of the middle- chor hai” comment made by question of admissibility of evening. concerning the agreement had class will grow and the IANS Rahul Gandhi in the context of certain documents to which The Supreme Court’s been stolen and published in economy will expand mani- KOLKATA Rafale fighter jet issue had been objections were raised by the directive came on a contempt some newspapers without folds,” Jaitley said in a Facebook “incorrectly attributed” to it and learned Attorney General,” CJI plea filed by Bharatiya Janata authorization. post. “These will add to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanded an explanation from Gogoi said in the order. Party leader Meenakshi Lekhi The top court clarified that its number of jobs, and as the and Bharatiya Janata Party the Congress President by April “Having clarified the matter, against Gandhi, who had said decision on April 10 to hear the experience of the past three President Amit Shah are 22. A bench of Chief Justice of we deem it proper to ask the over a week back that the top points raised over the documents decades have shown in the lib- scheduled to address five more India Ranjan Gogoi, Justice respondent (Gandhi) for his court had “accepted” that there was solely on a legal question eralised economy, every section public rallies in West Bengal Deepak Gupta and Justice Sanjiv explanation which will be laid was some form of corruption in regarding admissibility of certain of citizens will benefit.” Eco- this month, a state BJP leader Khanna posted the matter for before us on or before 22.04.2019. the Rafale fighter jet deal and that documents as evidence, which nomic growth in recent years said yesterday. hearing on April 23. “We further observe that no “chowkidar chor hai”, a veiled was objected by the Attorney had generated enough revenue While Modi is scheduled to “We make it clear that this views, observations or findings reference to Prime Minister General. It clarified that it’s recent for states to work more on address three rallies ahead of Court had no occasion to record should be attributed to the Court Narendra Modi. order “had no occasion” which poverty alleviation, job creation the third and fourth phase of any view or finding or make any in political address to the media Gandhi had made the com- might have indicated to Gandhi and improving healthcare and polling in the state, Shah will observation as allegedly and in public speeches, unless ments after the Supreme Court to make any such comments. education, he said. also hold two more public meetings on consecutive days. “Modiji will hold a public rally in South Dinajpur district’s India, UK renew defence Buniadpur on April 20. He is also scheduled to hold two cooperation agreement more rallies in the state on April 24,” a state BJP leader, who did IANS Marshal Richard Knighton on not want to be named, told NEW DELHI behalf of the UK Ministry of IANS. Defence and Barun Mitra, Addi- “Of the two rallies Indias defence cooperation with tional Secretary Defence Pro- scheduled on April 24, one the UK is set to receive a boost duction in the Ministry of might be held in Nadia district’s with the two countries renewing Defence on behalf of the Indian Ranaghat and the other in a Memorandum of Under- government, said the High Com- Birbhum district’s Colour,” he standing (MoU) amid their mission statement. said. keenness to identify mutual “As major world economies, The leader also said that capability needs and collaborate Britain and India both have a Amit Shah is scheduled to hold in the areas of defence and proud global maritime history, two rallies in the state on April security. with impressive futures ahead,” 22 and 23 but said the venues The Defence Equipment Andrew said, according to the are yet to be confirmed. Cooperation MoU renews the statement. Modi has already held three one signed on April 1, 1997, At bilateral defence and rallies in the first week of April which was subsequently security equipment talks in in north Bengal’s Siliguri and renewed on April 2007. London last week, the two Cooch Behar as well as Kolk- “The signing of this Memo- nations agreed to re-double ata’s Brigade Parade Ground, Military parade to mark 30 years of ceasefire in Myanmar randum of Understanding efforts to identify mutual while Shah held two rallies in underpins the collaboration defence and security capability the Darjeeling hills and Raiganj A United Wa State Army (UWSA) soldier runs during a rehearsal in Panghsang, Myanmar, yesterday, between our two nations, needs and collaborate on solu- on April 11. ahead of a military parade to celebrate 30 years of a ceasefire signed with the Myanmar military. building on our defence ties, and tions, it said. ensuring our nations are able to The agreement, which combat emerging threats for marks a step change in India and generations to come,” said UK the United Kingdom’s defence Court tells EC to watch Modi biopic, submit report Defence Minister Stuart Andrew. relationship, comes after a visit IANS Ranjan Gogoi, and Justices producer submitted before the the apex court challenging the By collaborating and by India’s Chief of Naval Staff, NEW DELHI Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv court that the poll body has EC’s order delaying its release exploiting procurement oppor- Admiral Sunil Lanba, to HMS Khanna, has scheduled the barred the film’s release, without date. tunities together, both nations Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth The Supreme Court yesterday hearing of the writ petition filed even watching it. The petitioners contended will be able to benefit from tech- last month. directed the Election by film producer, Sandeep The bench then asked the EC that the poll body order violated nological and manufacturing “I am delighted that the Min- Commission to watch the film Ssingh, on April 22. counsel to watch the movie and the fundamental right to freedom capabilities and support long- istries of Defence of India and “PM Narendra Modi”, a biopic on When the court asked the submit its report to the court. of speech and expression guar- term cooperation between their the United Kingdom have signed the Prime Minister, and submit poll panel counsel whether the The Supreme Court anteed by the Constitution. defence and security industries, this Memorandum of Under- it’s report in a sealed cover to the poll body has already seen the scheduled the matter for next Last week, the EC issued an a statement issued by the British standing,” Minister of State for court by the end of this week. film, senior advocate Mukul hearing on April 22. order barring the screening of High Commission yesterday Trade and Export Promotion A bench of Chief Justice Rohtagi, appearing for the The filmmakers had moved political films during the polls. said. The pact was signed by Air Baroness Fairhead said. 14 HOME TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2019 ASISA 15

NAB cancels Pakistan, IMF reach bailout deal ‘in principle’ notices issued REUTERS The bailout has been ISLAMABAD Hammad Azhar, State Min- delayed since last year are expected of Pakistan, and starting July 1. to Shehbaz’s ister for Revenue, yesterday will there be any further increase Imran’s government is facing Pakistan has reached an tweeted that an “agreement in as government feared in electricity or gas prices?” said increasing public anger over wife, daughters “agreement in principle” with the principle had been reached on conditions attached Saad Hashemy, Chief Economist rising utility prices, many of International Monetary Fund all outstanding issues with IMF” to the proposed IMF for Pakistani brokerage house which have been subsidised by INTERNEWS LAHORE (IMF) over a bailout programme during Umar’s trip. loans could hurt Topline Securities. successive cash-strapped and expects to formally secure a “Technical details and for- The government of Prime governments. package later this month, a Paki- malities will now be finalised economic growth. Minister Imran Khan, who took Inflation was over 9.4 National Accountability Bureau stani Minister said yesterday. during the IMF’s staff level visit power in August, has obtained percent in March, its highest (NAB) of Pakistan’s Chairman The long-delayed rescue to Pakistan later this month,” Pakistani officials have said they temporary relief from close allies since November 2013, with Justice (retired) Javed Iqbal package would be Pakistan’s 13th Azhar added. The IMF yesterday worry conditions attached to the such as China and Saudi Arabia strong increases in food and yesterday cancelled the IMF bailout programme since the said its mission team will be vis- proposed IMF loans could hurt with short-term loans worth energy, the two most sensitive summons issued for Pakistan late 1980s and comes at a time iting Islamabad before the end economic growth. more than $10bn to buffer items for most consumers. Muslim League-Nawaz Pres- of worsening economic outlook of April. Analysts have been expecting foreign currency reserves and The central bank forecasts ident Shehbaz Sharif’s wife and for the country of 208 million Pakistan’s central bank last the package to be concluded this ease pressures on the country’s growth at 3.5 to 4 percent in the daughters. people. month lowered growth forecasts month but say the contours of current account. 12 months to end-June, well The NAB Chairman visited Earlier this month, Finance and raised interest rates at a time any proposed assistance pro- But analysts have called an short of a government target of the Bureau’s Lahore office yes- Minister Asad Umar visited when inflation is at a five-year gramme are unclear. IMF bailout inevitable, with 6.2 percent. The IMF paints a terday and was briefed on the Washington for meetings with high. The rupee currency has “There are questions if there Pakistan also facing an gloomier picture, predicting cases ongoing against the Sharif the IMF, which yesterday called also lost about 35 percent since will be any further devaluations, increasing fiscal crunch ahead Pakistani growth of 2.9 percent family, a notification issued by the talks “constructive December 2017. The bailout has how much interest rates will be of the annual budget spending in 2019 and 2.8 percent the fol- the accountability watchdog discussions”. been delayed since last year as hiked, what taxation measures review for the next financial year lowing year. stated. Justice (retired) Iqbal will directly overlook all cases against the Sharif family himself, the notification added. Govt will protect Further, the NAB Chairman cancelled the notices issued summoning Shehbaz’s wife, Nusrat Shehbaz, and his Hazaras: Minister daughters Rabia Imran and INTERNEWS Javeria Ali. “The NAB Chairman ISLAMABAD and I assure you that the gov- issued directives to send a ernment has been working to questionnaire to the Sharif ensure that such crimes end. family today,” the notification Minister of State for Interior That is why this was the first such read. NAB said the summons Sheharyar Afridi and Special incident to occur over the span were cancelled out of respect Assistant to PM, Zulfiqar Bukhari, of nine months. for women and family. yesterday visited the families and “The question is, who wants The Bureau clarified that it relatives of victims of the Quetta to create differences between “strictly has the same policy for suicide blast to express condo- Pakistanis? Who wants conflict everyone” and is “an inde- lences and assure the victim in Pakistan? I am saying these pendent institution” with “no families of government’s support things and asking these questions affiliation with any political and protection. because Pakistan’s enemies want party”. A NAB team on Saturday Afridi also reviewed the that this country be added to the visited the residence of Sheh- security situation in Quetta and [Financial Action Task Force] baz’s daughter and served a ,accompanied by Bukhari, visited blacklist,” the Minister of State notice summoning them in an the victim families in Hazara said. assets beyond means case. town. Afridi and Bukhari also called Speaking to the media, Afridi on Balochistan Chief Minister Families and relatives of the victims of the Friday’s suicide attack protesting in Quetta, yesterday. said that the Federal Gov- Jam Kamal Khan and other Senate Chairman ernment stood with the Hazara political leaders to discuss the can serve as acting community and that concrete means to improve security and continued their sit-in for the city with highways. to call off the sit-in despite steps would be taken to end the end the ongoing protest by fourth consecutive day against Women and children are also repeated requests by the district President: Court crimes against its members. Hazara community. the Friday’s suicide bombing, part of the sit-in demanding administration and appeals by INTERNEWS “The Federal Government The Minister was also briefed which claimed 20 lives. action against the perpetrators. the Provincial Ministers, ISLAMABAD will play its role in making sure about the investigation into the Despite rainfall, members of “We want justice,” said including Balochistan Home that these heinous crimes end,” deadly suicide bombing. the Hazara community con- Kashif Hussain, one of the Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) he said. Meanwhile, Members of the tinued their sit-in on Quetta’s protesters. Health Minister Naseebullah has declared Senate Chairman “I stand with the community Hazara community yesterday Western Bypass, which links the The protesters have refused Marri and others. Sadiq Sanjrani eligible to serve as acting President of Pakistan. The decision, reserved by China slams the court on February 14, was S Korean President calls for 4th summit with Kim announced by Islamabad High Pompeo ‘lies’ AP Court judge Justice Aamir SEOUL nuclear talks between North which Washington says won’t Moon met with Trump last Farooq. on Venezuela Korea and the US following ten- come unless Kim commits to week in Washington, where Petitioner Afzal Shinwari South Korean President Moon sions created by the North’s verifiably relinquishing his they agreed on the importance had filed the plea through AFP Jae-in yesterday said he was nuclear and missile tests and the nuclear facilities, weapons and of nuclear talks with North Advocate Iftikhar Bashir in June BEIJING ready for a fourth summit with exchange of war threats by Kim missiles. Korea but did not announce a 2018, contesting that appointing North Korean leader Kim Jong and President Donald Trump. “Whenever North Korea is specific plan to get the stale- Sanjrani as acting President China yesterday lashed out at Un to help salvage faltering But there are fears in Seoul ready, we hope that the South mated negotiations back on would be in violation of Article US Secretary of State Mike nuclear negotiations between that the hopeful developments and North could sit down track. 49 of the Constitution. Pompeo for accusing Beijing of the North and the United States. of 2018 could be undone because together and hold concrete and Moon spent the past year The petition stated prolonging the crisis in Vene- Moon’s comments came of the mismatched demands practical discussions on ways to making aggressive efforts to sta- according to the Constitution, zuela, slamming his remarks as after Kim issued his harshest between Washington and achieve progress that goes bilize South Korea’s hard-won a person below the age of 45 “lies”. Beijing has been Vene- criticism yet of South Korea’s Pyongyang over sanctions relief beyond what was accomplished detente with North Korea and years is not eligible to become zuela’s main creditor and main- diplomatic role last week, and disarmament, which have in the two summits between improve bilateral relations. He the acting president of Pakistan. tains relations with the accusing Seoul of acting like an derailed a high-stakes Trump- North Korea and the United also lobbied hard to set up the Opposing the petition, government of President “overstepping mediator” and Kim meeting and prolonged a States,” Moon said in a meeting first summit between Kim and Deputy Attorney General Raja Nicolas Maduro, which also demanding that it diverge from stalemate in negotiations. with senior aides. Trump last June, when th