BUSINESS | 17 SPORT | 23 QP pushing ahead Ferreira sees with expansion tough challenge despite blockade for

Wednesday 9 May 2018 | 23 Sha’baan I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7521 | 2 Riyals

Egypt hinders Ashghal plans to Qatari team from taking part in Arab develop West Bay League meetings North Beach area QNA : An official source at Media Corporation Ashghal has invited vision plans from expressed deep regret that the architects to develop a high-quality beach Egyptian authorities had hindered issuance of visas to park with promenade, a family zone that the delegation of the State of includes children’s beach with sea pools, Qatar to participate in the sports facilities including beach sports, meeting of the 91st Ordinary transport nodes and cycle route. Session of the Standing Committee for Arab Infor- Al beat Al Ain in AFC Champions League match mation and the 49th Ordinary Session of the Council of Arab ANISHA BIJUKUMAR and hospitality offering within Al Duhail’s players celebrate after scoring a goal against UAE’s Al Ain during their AFC Champions Ministers of Information, from THE PENINSULA the City and wider Doha Munic- League Round of 16 match played at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, May 7 to 9, at the headquarters ipality,” Ashghal announced on yesterday. The Qatari giants continued their unbeaten streak in the AFC Champions League with a of the League of Arab States. DOHA: The Public Works its website. brilliant 4-2 win. →SEE ALSO PAGE 24 Qatar Media Corpora- Authority (Ashghal) is planning It adds: “As a prime water- tion’s Media Consultant to develop West Bay North front location, the site holds con- Abdulrahman Nasser Al Beach area — the sea facing area siderable potential to add sig- Obaidan, told Qatar News ahead of Sheraton — into a nificantly to the City experience Agency (QNA) yesterday, that sustainable and attractive whilst enhancing and protecting Qatar Media Corporation has waterfront destination of choice. the existing real estate value of Cruise season brings 65,675 visitors done all the procedures For the purpose, Ashghal West Bay. The development required to obtain visas for has invited vision plans from shall therefore be developed to RAYNALD C RIVERA support and operators of which ran from October 2017 the members of the dele- architects to develop a high- meet the needs of a wide range THE PENINSULA tourism landmarks. until April 2018, witnessed five gation to participate in these quality beach park with prom- of potential users including res- “To us cruise tourism is one maiden voyages to Doha, made meetings, but did not receive enade, a family zone that idents and visitors alike.” DOHA: A total of 65,675 visitors of the most important sectors that by MSC Splendida, Mein Schiff any official response from the includes children’s beach with The document titled “Vision arrived on Qatar’s shores during will help us excel and grow as a 5, Crystal Symphone, Europa 2 Egyptian authorities in this sea pools, sports facilities Competition for West Bay North 2017/18 season, marking a 39 destination,” Hassan Al Ibrahim, and Crystal Serenity. regard to date, and they were including beach sports, Beach Development”, also percent increase compared to Acting Chairman of QTA, said Data gathered by QTA shows informed of the issuance of transport nodes and cycles throws light on the project the previous season, Qatar while talking to reporters on the that most visitors aboard cruise only one visa. route along the waterfront. objectives saying to create a Tourism Authority (QTA) said sidelines of the event. ships this season were Al Obaidan, head of the “The Public Works distinctive and activated water- yesterday. “The probability of people European, with the largest delegation to participate in Authority seeks to develop West front that creates a new desti- The announcement was visiting the destination is 16 portion being German (44 the meetings of the Com- Bay North Beach area within nation offering that is family done during the closing cer- times higher that they visit percent, 20,275 visitors). Italian mittee and the Council, con- Doha City to create a major orientated providing appro- emony yesterday in which QTA Qatar on a cruise ship and they and British visitors formed the firmed that visa procedures viable, connected, sustainable priate attractions and facilities recognized the efforts of immi- enjoy their experience,” he said. second and third largest groups had been initiated earlier to and attractive destination of for residents and visitors alike. gration, port and customs offi- The visitors were on board respectively. ensure participation. choice that can complement the cials; tour guides and tour oper- 22 cruise ships, 14 of which were existing recreational, leisure →CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 ators, providers of logistical mega-ships. The cruise season, →CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Trump pulls US Offers and discounts from nuclear agreement, to galore this Ramadan revive sanctions SACHIN KUMAR “Ramadan is an important THE PENINSULA month for us because the sale REUTERS is highest in this month com- DOHA: With holy month of pared to other months during WASHINGTON: US Pres- Ramadan approaching near, the year,” a Marketing Manager ident Donald Trump companies have begun to of a car dealer told The yesterday pulled the United announce offers and discounts Peninsula. States out of an international for customers. Retailers are not far behind agreement aimed at Automobile dealers, in attracting customers. Most of stopping Iran from obtaining retailers, hotels and restaurants the retailers have already a nuclear bomb, and said he have lined up appealing started Ramadan related cam- would reimpose economic packages to attract customers paigns under which they are sanctions on imme- during the holy month. offering various items on diately. The decision is likely Car dealers are leading the reduced prices. to raise the risk of conflict in pack, when it comes to doling “During the holy month, the , upset Amer- out offers. Their catchy adver- demand for rice, oil, milk, ica’s European allies and tisements are greeting cus- dates, juices increases sharply. disrupt global oil supplies. tomers by saying that they can There is a tendency among “This was a horrible one- save up to QR50,000- customers to stock some food sided deal that should have QR60,000 by buying cars items for the coming months, never, ever been made,” during the month. which is one of the main Trump said at the White The dealers are offering reasons for spike in demand,” House. “It didn’t bring calm. freebies such as free regis- a senior official of a retailer It didn’t bring peace. And it tration and insurance for told The Peninsula. never will.” vehicle for one to two years, More than 500 essential Trump said he was willing extended warranty, cash back consumer goods including food to negotiate a new deal with and free road-side assistance. and non-food items have Iran, but Tehran has already To make it easier to own a car, already become cheaper after ruled that out and threatened they have also announced flex- the Ministry of Economy and unspecified retaliation if ibility in payments. Some car Commerce (MEC) released dis- Washington pulled out. makers are giving option of counted price list for various Iranian state television zero percent down payment for items for Ramadan. said yesterday that Trump’s buying a car while other It is also a good time for decision to withdraw was schemes allow to pay some part those looking to buy electronic “illegal, illegitimate and of the down payment in phases. items as showrooms are undermines international Additionally, the customers offering zero percent interest agreements.” The Iran deal will also be offered gift vouchers on instalments and free may remain partially intact, and lucky draw coupons. extended warranty on TVs, even without the United Ramadan is a crucial month for speakers, mobile phones, home States. car makers as customers con- appliances and watches. sider it auspicious to buy cars →SEE ALSO PAGES 7, 15 during the holy month. →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 Central Nursery produces 2.6 million saplings in a year

THE PENINSULA Environment Department at the Head of the Organising Com- Ministry in collaboration with mittee of the Forum. DOHA: Using advanced agricul- Social and Economic Devel- He said that Public Parks tural technology, the Central opment and Environment Pro- Department succeeded in Nursery of the Ministry of Munic- tection Department. adopting advanced agricultural ipality and Environment produces Minister of Municipality and technologies which suits plants 2.6 million saplings of various Environment said that the Min- in the climate of Qatar. “The flower plants and trees in a year. istry reached at an advanced Central Nursery produces 2.6 The figure was revealed at stage in the sector of plantation million saplings including Qatar-Turkey Forum for Flower and making greenery across the 600,000 of various flower plants Gardens which was opened by country by using advanced agri- and trees,” said Al Khori. Minister of Municipality and Envi- cultural technologies to improve He said that the Forum was ronment, H E Mohamed bin the traits of trees genetically successful as about 30 companies Abdullah Al Rumaihi yesterday. which suits to the desert climate. from Qatar and 25 companies Over 50 Qatari and Turkish “The Forum showcased many from Turkey for producing companies producing and trading plants and flowers suitable to flowers and tree plants are par- flowers and decoration plants and Qatar climate,” said Turkish ticipating. The Forum will pro- their representatives participated Ambassador to Qatar, Fikret Ozer, vides opportunities to the busi- in the forum. adding that the presence of nessmen of both countries to President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, being welcomed by H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad “The Forum is a platform to Turkish companies meant their meet one to one to sign the Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF), in Education City. exchange the experience and participation in planting and agreement and MOUs, said Faiqa agricultural technologies between making greenery at the venues of Ashkanani, Director of Quality Qatar and Turkey,” said Minister World Cup 2022 which will be Department at the Ministry of Zimbabwe President praises of Municipality and Envi- hosted by Qatar. Municipality and Environment. ronment, H E Mohamed bin “The Forum will conclude A prominent Turkish busi- Abdullah Al Rumaihi. tomorrow (Thursday) with the nessman, Tariq Bilal said that he He said that the Ministry of visit of Turkish delegation to the wanted to supply to Qatar about World Cup 2022 preparations Municipality and Environment is Central Nursery where they will a million fruit trees which suit to focusing on plantation and be briefed about the agricultural Qatari climate. Bilal said that he QNA President Mnangagwa World Cup in the region, in making greenery across the technologies and plant produc- is expected to sign agreements expressed his deep addition to the major SC pro- country following Qatar National tions of the country, said with his counterparts in Qatar to DOHA: President of the grams and initiatives as well as Vision 2030 adding that the move Mohammed Ali Al Khori, Director supply flowers, fruit trees and Republic of Zimbabwe, admiration of the the history of football in Qatar. is being carried out by the of Public Parks who is also the decoration plants. Emmerson Mnangagwa, praised designs of the Meanwhile, H E Sheikha the State of Qatar’s preparations proposed venues Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice- for hosting the 2022 World Cup of the 2022 World Chairperson and CEO of Qatar for the first time in the Arab Foundation (QF), yesterday wel- world and the Middle East Cup, particularly comed the President of Zim- region, expressing his admi- as they portray the babwe to Education City. ration of the legacy plans of the Arab identity and the Sheikha Hind met with the Supreme Committee for Qatari culture. President at QF Headquarters. Delivery and Legacy (SC), which As part of the visit, Mnangagwa aim to benefit from hosting the was given a presentation high- showpiece in terms of boosting President Mnangagwa lighting QF’s different academic human capacities in Qatar and expressed his deep admiration institutes, science and research the region. of the designs of the proposed centres, and community devel- Speaking during a visit to SC hosting venues of the 2022 opment initiatives. headquarters yesterday, the World Cup, particularly as they Following the presentation, President reaffirmed the signif- portray the Arab identity and the the Zimbabwean delegation was icant role that football can play Qatari culture. taken to the open-air viewing in enhancing the understanding The President and the platform on the eighth floor of between peoples and cultures, accompanying delegation QF HQ, where they were shown especially in the World Cup, ref- toured the legacy pavilion, the infrastructure of Education erencing the great opportunity accompanied by Nasser Al City and discussed future plans that the South Africa World Cup Khater, SC’s assistant secretary of the Foundation. offered to Africa in 2010 to general for tournament affairs, At the end of the visit, Mnan- showcase the bright sides of the who gave a detailed explanation gagwa signed the QF Visitor’s African culture’s different to the President on the latest Book, and Sheikha Hind and the Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi (right), Turkish components. preparations to host the first president exchanged gifts. Ambassador to Qatar, Fikret Ozer, at the Qatar-Turkey Forum for Flower Gardens. MME reveals plan to maintain hygiene during Ramadan

THE PENINSULA and programs that take into consider- preparations on the occasion of the holy require sufficient containers to be pre- of cleaning services are not affected by ation all the environmental and social month of Ramadan, pointing out that pared and put up first. the special programs of Ramadan but are DOHA: The Ministry of Municipality and changes and expected obstacles such as increasing the quantity of waste requires He added that there will be commu- in accordance with the plans set for these Environment has announced a plan for the temporary closures of some streets, double effort by providing large numbers nication and coordination with the com- services, which run regularly and round hygiene during the holy month of traffic congestion and dumping of per- of containers, and regulating service petent authorities to provide containers the clock, taking into account the religious Ramadan, focusing on the main sites, sonal waste in the streets and public vehicles work. in all regions of the country and waste aspects and worship rights of workers and commercial streets, entertainment areas, squares, due lack of commitment by Al Shafi added that the focus and will be lifted daily by the Ministry through Muslim drivers, as work stops during the Corniche area, the central market, and some. attention will be placed on the main sites, out the holy month, stressing the need to period of Iftar until the completion of the slaughterhouses. Chairman of the Committee for commercial streets, entertainment and adhere to the use of garbage bags and Tarawih prayers, and the Ministry is The Ministry noted that paying par- Special Plan and Director of General Corniche area, in addition to the central throwing waste in the allocated working hard to allocate working hours ticular attention to the holy month of Cleanliness Department at the Ministry, market and the slaughterhouse, because containers. for Muslim workers in the evening to avoid Ramadan, has developed special plans Safar Mubarak Al Shafi, revealed the of the large amounts of waste, which He pointed out that the daily programs field work during the day.

Qatar and Germany review transportation ties hinders Qatar Qatar to take from taking part in Arab part in ALECSO meet in Tunisia League meetings DOHA: Qatar will participate in the work of the General CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Conference of the Arab League But the obstruction of Egyptian authorities in the issuance of Educational, Cultural and Scien- visas, did not allow the delegation to participate either in the pre- tific Organization (ALECSO), paratory meeting of the Standing Committee for Arab Information, which is holding its 24th session which began yesterday or the ministerial meeting scheduled for in Tunisia with a delegation Wednesday. headed by Minister of Education He pointed out that the Egyptian authorities since the beginning and Higher Education, H E Dr of the unjust blockade is exerting a kind of intransigence in the Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al issuance of visas to the delegations of the State of Qatar, to par- Hammadi. ticipate in the meetings of the League of Arab States at the invita- The conference will discuss Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, held meeting with Ambassador tions received from the General Secretariat of the Arab League. a number of important topics on Hans-Udo Muzel of the Federal Republic of Germany. The meeting discussed cooperation between In this context, HE al Obaidan held the General Secretariat of the agenda, notably the report of the Arab League responsible for depriving the State of Qatar from the Director-General on the Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany in the fields of transportation and communications and participating in these meetings, adding that the Arab League must implementation of ALECSO’s pro- means of further enhancing them. take responsibility for the participation of delegations and must grams and extra-program activ- take all measures to ensure their participation. ities between the 23rd and 24th regular sessions of the General Conference. The conference will also address the report of the Pres- Market welcomes Ramadan with offers and discounts ident of ALECSO Executive Board on the work of the executive CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and summer. The bank has said that customers applying and iftar buffet offers. board, during the period between Banks have also unveiled new schemes giving cash for personal finance will enjoy a cash bonus of one Offers include special discount for booking iftar and the 23rd and 24th regular sessions back offers. Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has announced a percent of the total financing amount. Hotels have also suhours. There are also discounts on fitness and wellness of the General Conference, as well new finance campaign for the holy month of Ramadan begun to announce about their special Ramadan tents club membership. as a number of other topics. WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 HOME 03 Amiri Guard Commander meets British Military Attache Road users urged to follow traffic rules and regulations

THE PENINSULA The exhibition aims at Studies Center and a number of raising the awareness Ministry of Interior departments DOHA: The General Directorate which enhances the concept of of Traffic celebrated Arab Traffic about traffic rules and traffic culture, and strengthens Week 2018, under the slogan regulations of all road the support elements for all road “Following the Rules Reflects users and enhancing users. Your Awareness”. traffic culture among He pointed out that the focus On this occasion, the is on awareness of the road General Directorate organised the various segments users, because the main a two-day awareness exhibition of society. objective is the preservation of which will conclude today with life and property, adding that the the participation of a number of department also focuses on edu- bodies concerned with the cating young people. traffic affairs. regulations that must be fol- “In spite of recent decline in The exhibition aims at lowed,” said Colonel numbers of deaths from traffic raising the awareness of the Mohammed Radi Al Hajri, The accidents, most of fatalities have traffic rules and regulations of Director of the Traffic been in the youth category,” all road users, and enhancing Awareness Section at the Colonel Al Hajri pointed out. traffic culture among the various General Directorate of Traffic. He also mentioned to the segments of society. He pointed out that the development of emergency “The Department is cele- General Directorate of Traffic services saying: “There has been brating this occasion with the has called for a number of traffic a clear decline in the number of The Amiri Guard Commander, Major General Hazza bin Khalil Al Shahwani, met yesterday with aim of sending traffic awareness related entities such as Qatar deaths, which indicates the Military Attache at the British Embassy in Doha, Air Commodore Patrick O’Donnell. During the messages and educating road Red Crescent, Hamad Medical quality of ambulance and rescue meeting, they exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and means of enhancing the bilateral users on the traffic rules and Corporation, Qatar University’s operations.” relations in the military fields.

Advisory Council’s committee of public services and utilities holds meeting

THE PENINSULA Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Eng. Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Karrani; and Assistant DOHA: The Advisory Council’s Services and Public Director of Building Permits Complex at the Min- Utilities Committee held a meeting yesterday istry of Municipality and Environment Eng. Khalid within the 46th Ordinary Session, chaired by its bin Joma Al Marzouqi attended the meeting. Rapporteur, Mohammed bin Mahdi Al Ahbabi. They presented the view of the Ministry of During the meeting, the committee continued Municipality and Environment on the request for the examination of the request for general dis- a general discussion on the increase in rental of cussion on the high rent of shops. shops. They also answered the queries of the Minister of Municipality and Environment, members of the Committee related thereto.The H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi; Committee decided to complete the discussion Colonel Mohammed Radi Al Hajri, the Director of the Traffic Awareness Section at the General Director of Urban Planning Department at the during its next meeting. Directorate of Traffic, visiting a pavilion of one of the entities participating in the awareness exhibition. Ashghal gives contest winners tickets to attend ACI meet in Las Vegas

THE PENINSULA engineering. heights before collapse of the “Ashghal is always keen to Ashghal’s concrete platform that is improve the skills of youth and DOHA: Public Works Authority award to the expected to protect an egg placed to involve them in its work (Ashghal) has announced winning stu- under this platform in order to because they are the most influ- winners of Student’s Competition dents also aims measure the success of the ential groups in the society. that was held in collaboration to encourage project, with the option to repeat Ashghal supports potential engi- with the American Concrete the students to the free falling more than once neers and opens options before Institute (ACI) Qatar Chapter. participate in until the egg is crushed, whereas them for practical experiments, The event was attended by the Interna- the egg represents the life of including this option for testing Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed Al tional Concrete people who use the concrete the first competition for excel- Muhannadi, President of Excellence construction that must be built lence in concrete construction, Ashghal; Eng. Khaled Al Emadi, Award under ensuring the beneficiaries’ which is held in collaboration Manager of Quality and Safety the auspices of protection. with ACI Qatar. “ Department, the supervising the American As part of the competition, On his part, Eng Khalid Al faculty members of the Engi- Concrete Ashghal President has launched Emadi, Manager of Quality and neering College of Qatar Uni- Institute (ACI) a link named “Ashghal Certifi- Safety Department of Ashghal versity, besides the winning stu- through the cation Programme”, which com- and Chairman of ACI Qatar dents in the first competition for Institute’s bines the works of two Ashghal Chapter, commented that such Excellence in Concrete branch in departments - Quality and Safety competitions enhance students’ Construction. Qatar. Department and Information skills, boost their competitive Mohammed Khairi Abdus- Ashghal’s President Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi awarding a winner. The compe- Systems Department. This link spirit and encourage them to salam and Khaled Al Sayed Adam tition included is an Ashghal initiative to provide excel, as they increase the were declared as winners and March 2018 at Ashghal’s Engineering of Qatar University testing the structure designed international training to the tech- chances of cooperation between were awarded with air tickets to Research and Development have competed to win the prizes with high quality, to be subjected nicians who work with Ashghal Ashghal and Qatar University in Las Vegas, the United States for Center of the Quality and Safety that support students’ progress to shocks from a certain weight projects, including contractors, implementing the MoU that has attending the ACI Conference. Department. Seven teams of stu- and enrich their practical expe- and the structure should with- consultants or lab technicians. been accorded between both The competition was held in dents from the College of rience in the field of stand the shocks at multiple Dr Al Mohannadi said entities. Qatar’s first wheelchair fencing classes launched

AMNA PERVAIZ RAO this new set of classes and the oppor- opportunities that can help the disabled THE PENINSULA tunity to invite a larger community to reach their full potential under Sasol’s learn about wheelchair fencing. With Definitely Able umbrella. the support of Sasol and Ooredoo, we Through their Accessible Qatar ini- DOHA: Qatar’s first wheelchair fencing are able to offer these classes at a sig- tiative, Sasol is also working to make classes were launched at the French- nificantly reduced price and open our Qatar more accessible to people of all Qatari School Lycee Voltaire under the doors further to the disabled abilities. sponsorship of Definitely Able, a Sasol community.” Maurice Radebe, Executive Vice- initiative, and local telecommunications “Involving the able and disabled President of Sasol addressed the event: provider Ooredoo yesterday. together in the same practice is a strong “Today’s event is a wonderful part- The event was organised by the symbol of the social and educational nership, one that is the culmination of Clement Fencing Academy (CFA), the values of fencing, and shows the impor- many efforts to support and expand the classes will demonstrate the important tance of mutual respect for your horizons of the Qatar community — role of sports in improving fitness and opponent,” he added. regardless of ability. At Sasol, we believe enhancing self-confidence for people Wheelchair fencing classes listed the that everyone should have the oppor- with disabilities. eligible impairments in this sport which tunity to be a full member of their com- At the event, lead sponsor Sasol were, Impaired muscle power, Impaired munity, and sports provide a unique unveiled a set of advanced wheelchairs passive range of movement, Hypertonic, social space for us to learn and play specially designed for wheelchair Limb deficiency and leg length together.” fencing. The new wheelchairs provide difference. Wheelchair fencing was developed users with smooth and functional Sasol, the international integrated by Sir Ludwig Guttmann at the Stoke The participants during the launch of Wheelchair Fencing Classes held at Lycee control, allowing them to safely master chemicals company, has made inclusion, Mandeville Hospital in England and was Voltaire French school in Qatar yesterday. PIC; BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA the sport of fencing. accessibility and support of the disabled introduced to the world at the Rome Christophe Clement, Maitre D’armes a key pillar of its corporate social 1960 Paralympic Games. Disabled men of the Clement Fencing Academy said responsibility programme, sponsoring and women who usually use a wheel- compete in foil epee (men and women) wheelchairs are fastened to the floor during the event: “We are excited about many sporting and lifestyle chair in their daily lives are eligible to and saber (men) events. Their during competition. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018

CCQ, TFQ sign MoU to work together on education New feature THE PENINSULA for Ooredoo The MoU includes The MoU also enables CCQ faculty and staff to participate in Money DOHA: The Community College setting a framework of events organised by TFQ to of Qatar (CCQ) and Teach for cooperation between provide insights to the challenges added Qatar (TFQ) signed yesterday a the two institutions and opportunities in the tertiary Memorandum of Understanding by using each other’s education system and the THE PENINSULA to establish a long-standing stra- history, purpose, and role of the tegic partnership and collabo- experiences and community college for Qatari DOHA: Ooredoo ration on areas related to resources to develop students current and future life announced yesterday education, research, and social and support the outcomes. that Ooredoo Money development. educational process For Qatari TFQ Fellows/ customers can now The MoU was signed by CCQ Alumni who have completed a set-up recurring President Dr Ibrahim Al Naimi, and to shed the light Master’s degree from a recog- shahry bill payments and TFQ CEO Nasser Al Jaber. on their roles and nized university, CCQ shall via their Ooredoo In his remarks, Dr Al Naimi existing opportunities provide them with the oppor- Money Wallet. stated that the purpose of this and challenges. tunity to serve as guest lecturers Thanks to the MoU is to collaborate in areas in their field of studies provided latest feature, new and related to teaching, research, and they receive an approval from existing Ooredoo social development which are the Academic Chair of the Money customers will very important in achieving our quality education in Qatar, I also Department. now be able to ensure goals of developing future gen- strongly believe there are many CCQ shall also provide their Shahry bill is erations and will pave the way areas of collaboration that we opportunities for employment paid monthly and on for Qatar National Vision 2030. are excited to explore in the to qualified Qatari TFQ alumni time from their Nasser Al Jaber, on the other coming period”, added Mr. Al who express interest in teaching Ooredoo Money hand, expressed his pleasure to Jaber. CCQ President Dr. Ibrahim Al Naimi (right), and TFQ CEO Nasser Al or working at CCQ should the Wallet account. launch this Memorandum of The MoU, which will be valid Jaber after signing MOU. position be available. The new feature Understanding with CCQ which for a period of three years, Further areas of collabo- was designed to will provide alumni with an includes setting a framework of educational process and to shed will have access to CCQ facilities ration in the fields of teaching ensure all Ooredoo avenue to continue impacting cooperation between the two the light on their roles and for training purposes, including and learning will be discussed in Shahry customers can students, now at a college level, institutions by using each other’s existing opportunities and the use of meeting rooms, the- future meetings between the two conveniently and through tutoring opportunities. experiences and resources to challenges. atres, classrooms and conference institutions, to be held at least securely pay their bills “As organisations committed to develop and support the According to the MoU, TFQ halls. twice a year. and avoid service dis- ruptions, without the need to visit an Ooredoo Shop or pay monthly via an Ooredoo Self-Service Workshop on Machine. New and existing Ooredoo Money cus- govt enterprise tomers simply have to log in to the Ooredoo Money app or dial *140#, select held ‘Payment’, then ‘Shahry Bill Payment’ THE PENINSULA government entities, after being and follow the simple introduced to the topic, per- instructions on screen. DOHA: The Ministry of Transport formed some exercises on how Once registered and Communications (MoTC) has to implement it. for the service, cus- organised the ‘Government Attended by several repre- tomers can choose to Enterprise Architecture sentatives from ministries and pay their full Shahry Workshop’ (GEA). The objective government entities, the bill amount or a fixed of the workshop is to build the workshop included an intro- Shahry bill amount practice of enterprise architecture duction to the GEA and how it that will be paid auto- in government entities in Qatar helps government entities matically monthly. in alignment with the Qatar provide more efficient services The Ooredoo Digital Government Strategy. to end users. It then tackled the Money app is available MoTC has developed a Gov- objectives and benefits of GEA, via the Apple App ernment Enterprise Architecture its tools and templates, gov- The participants at the ‘Government Enterprise Architecture Workshop’. Store and Google Play and Standards document that ernment entities’ role in adopting store and has seven has been approved by the Qatar it, and step-by-step guidelines benefits. They said it helps performance of business and IT provides a clear guidance to language options Digital Government Steering on how those entities can create provide mechanism to track services against defined KPIs. It promote compliance and (English, , Hindi, Committee in January 2018 for their catalogue and matrices. alignment of investments and also leads to efficient on-going adoption of GEA reference Malayalam, Bengali, adoption by the government MoTC officials demonstrated initiatives against strategic goals governance of government wide models within agencies’ enter- Tagalog and Nepali). entities. At the workshop, the through presentations the GEA and KPIs and measure enterprise architecture and prise architecture. Youth Capacity Building first phase concludes THE PENINSULA future and empower them in the to innovate and create positive community. The programme ideas and ways of achieving them DOHA: The Social Development focused on the psychological and in reality. Center — NAMA, concluded the social aspects and provided youth During the activities of the first phase of “Youth Capacity with a range of skills which programme, students asked ques- Building” which rose awareness enable them to achieve their goals tions and inquiries that relate to of positive and scientific methods and work positively to discover the topics and positive ideas that of dealing with teenagers. their potentials and develop were raised during the courses. The programme which tar- themselves to be active and pro- This confirms students’ inter- geted parents, students and edu- ductive individuals in their action with the programme and cators in order to raise awareness community. the great benefits they got from of the positive and scientific “Youth Capacity Building” the program’s activities and Dr Sohair Wastawy, Executive Director, QNL and Ric Fearnett, Governor of KidZania Doha, during an methods of dealing which help programme achieved a number training courses. event held to announce the establishment of an QNL area inside KidZania Doha. them to guide teenagers, discover of objectives. It was applied in 7 “Youth Capacity Building” and enhance the capabilities of schools — 5 for boys and 2 for came this year in its second our youth to achieve a con- girls. The programme, through its version in line with the NAMA’s QNL area to be established at Kidzania Doha structive contribution in building training courses, was able to raise strategy, which aims at building, THE PENINSULA a bright future for the homeland. the level of youth creativity, strengthening and empowering realize its vision of providing a digital resources of the rich “Youth Capacity Building” educate them on many con- the capacities of youth, and in line realistic and unique history, heritage, and culture of sought to educate students on structive issues, motivate them to with the awareness role of the DOHA: An area dedicated for the edutainment environment Qatar, as well as reaching out to how to plan properly for their make further efforts, help them centre. Qatar National Library (QNL) where children are inspired to the younger generation to will be established inside the learn through role-playing promote reading in a fun KidZania Doha, the multi- activities. environment.” award-winning edutainment Dr Sohair Wastawy, Exec- KidZania Doha, expected to concept. In the area children can utive Director, QNL, said, “QNL’s open its doors in the last quarter practise working as librarians, efforts to strengthen the culture of 2018, is located at Aspire Zone borrow books and read as of reading and learning in Qatar in Doha, with a footprint size of patrons, and even make short go beyond the walls of the over 5,500 square meters. It will stop-motion animations. Library, and this project is an provide a unique educational QNL’s decision to establish example of how we work with and entertainment experience, an area inside KidZania Doha other organizations to achieve offering 42 establishments aligns with the Library’s mission this goal. We also want to inspire where children aged between to create and sustain trusted the next generation of librarians, 4-14 years will be able to role educational environments and and learning through play is an play ‘adult jobs’ in up to 60 to develop innovative programs effective way of showing pretend roles, learning a variety for children using technology children what it means to be a of values including self-reliance, and culture as key learning librarian in today’s digital age.” teamwork, honesty, integrity, tools. The establishment of a Ric Fearnett, Governor of and giving back to society. The QNL area complements KidZa- KidZania Doha, said, “The cre- establishment will be able to nia’s goal to benefit from the ation of the new QNL area dem- accommodate up to 1,000 expertise and skills of interna- onstrates our ability to provide children and approximately 250 Participants at the ‘Youth Capacity Building’ programme. tional and local institutions to and share state-of-the-art employees at any one time. WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 HOME 05 WISH CEO promotes nursing in region with Princess

THE PENINSULA The meeting addressed the importance of promoting nursing in the MENA region and DOHA: World Innovation globally, and preceded a launch announcement Summit for Health (WISH) CEO, Sultana Afdhal, met recently with of Nursing Now Jordan by Princess Muna, which Princess Muna Al Hussein of follows the announcement in March of Nursing Jordan during a health policy Now Qatar. forum held in , Jordan, titled ‘Investing in the Nursing Workforce’. Also in attendance announcement in March of nurses, enhance their was Professor Rowaida Al Nursing Now Qatar. influence, and maximize their Maaitah, Chair of the health Nursing Now, which was contribution to ensuring eve- policy forum. inaugurated in and ryone everywhere has access Sultana Afdhal (left), CEO, World Innovation Summit for Health, with Princess Muna Al . The meeting addressed the Geneva in February 2018 and to healthcare. importance of promoting is supported by the World Princess Muna, who is the Council, and a longstanding a paradigm shift in nursing and Annette Kennedy, Pres- nursing in the MENA region and Health Organization (WHO) mother of King Abdullah II of advocate of nurses and nursing. and healthcare for the 21st ident of the International globally, and preceded a launch and the International Council Jordan, is the WHO Patron for During the visit, Afdhal century’. The discussion took Council of Nurses, during a announcement of Nursing Now of Nurses, is a three-year Nursing and Midwifery in the moderated a roundtable titled place at the WHO offices in health policy forum titled Jordan by HRH Princess Muna, campaign which aims to Eastern Mediterranean Region, ‘Developing and Sustaining Amman, Jordan, alongside ‘Investing in the Nursing which follows the improve the perception of President of the Jordan Nursing Nursing Leadership: a call for Professor Rowaida Al-Maaitah Workforce’.

QA Privilege Club wins ‘Best Rewards Programme’ award QCDC opens registration THE PENINSULA redesigned membership packs, new online for Summer Career Camp content and programme enhancements that THE PENINSULA DOHA: Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer will make members’ journeys even more Day’ sponsored by Hamad programme, Privilege Club, was named the memorable and seamless. Medical Corporation, an ‘Agri- 2018 winner of the ‘Best Rewards Additional improvements as part of DOHA: Qatar Career Devel- culture Day’ sponsored by the Programme’ for the Middle East, Asia and Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club rebrand opment Center (QCDC), a Quranic Botanic Garden, an Oceania region at the seventh annual include members’ ability to perform all their member of Qatar Foundation ‘Engineering Day’ sponsored by FlyerTalk Awards. account activities online, including pur- (QF), has opened registration Qatar , a ‘Banking FlyerTalk is a community of more than chasing award tickets using Qmiles, nomi- for the fifth edition of its Day’ sponsored by Qatar half a million businesses and leisure trav- nating family members to join their mem- Summer Career Camp, which National Bank, a ‘Media Day’ ellers dedicated to finding and sharing infor- bership account, updating personal profiles welcomes high school students sponsored by Northwestern mation regarding elite air and hotel packages and requesting services including cabin from across the country. University in Qatar, and a and car rental programmes. More than 100 upgrades, excess baggage, date changes, Students at the camp will have ‘Transport Day’ sponsored by rewards programmes worldwide competed refunds and much more. access to QCDC’s Career Qatar Airways. for this year’s Best Programme award, and As part of the ongoing programme Advising System (CAS), which Saad Al Kharji, Head of were evaluated on the basis of value, ease enhancements, Qatar Airways Privilege features diverse and innovative Career Programs and Services, of redemption and customer service. Club is set to launch the Oryx Kids Loyalty components as well as psycho- QCDC, said:“The Summer Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Programme later this year, a new and metric and personality Career Camp is a unique Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways Priv- committed to continuing to innovate our exclusive frequent flyer programme assessment tools to help program that introduces stu- ilege Club is tremendously excited to have offering, making travelling with Qatar designed just for young passengers. Young students identify the most dents to the different seg- received this award, particularly as it was Airways even more rewarding. We invite travellers will be able to register for the appropriate academic and ments of Qatar’s labor market voted for by our discerning members and our members and those of other programmes Oryx Kids Loyalty Programme and earn career paths in line with the as well as various career those from the FlyerTalk community. We to watch for more exciting upcoming devel- Qmiles, which they can redeem for future needs of Qatar. challenges.” take tremendous pride in offering our Priv- opments from Qatar Airways Privilege Club.” attractive awards and exclusive benefits. The camp takes place at the These workshops aim to ilege Club members a wide variety of Qatar Airways Privilege Club recently They will also earn Qpoints, which will Education City Student Center equip students with a wide enhanced membership benefits, and are unveiled a fully refreshed brand identity with allow them to upgrade to a higher tier. from July 1 to 12, with separate range of personal and life skills classes held for boys and girls. as well as to bolster their self- The two-week camp will confidence, communication feature a variety of activities skills, and teamwork among and educational programs, as other skills that will come in WCM-Q Grand Rounds discusses managing agitated patients well as stimulating workshops handy when entering the designed to provide students labor market. The final day of THE PENINSULA WCM-Q welcomed back Dr Rana Biary, a member of with a practical skill set and the camp will include an the college’s first graduating class in 2008, to deliver knowledge that can help introductory session about DOHA: Strategies for safely the presentation, in which she explained how to inspire them when planning universities in Qatar, such as managing agitated patients safely identify and restrain patients who arrive at their career and academic Qatar Foundation’s univer- were discussed at the latest paths. sities in Education City and installment of Weill Cornell hospital in an advanced state of agitation, posing a A full day will be dedicated Qatar University, among Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) risk to themselves and healthcare providers. to training students on a range others. All students who com- Grand Rounds. of life skills designed to plete the program will be WCM-Q welcomed back Dr prepare youth and shape their awarded participation certifi- Rana Biary, a member of the col- show how to properly restrain an and wrong. The way to safely personalities before joining cates. The camp’s activities and lege’s first graduating class in agitated patient, which she manage an agitated patient is to universities. The camp also programs will be delivered in 2008, to deliver the presentation, explained requires five people. follow your training: first call for offers opportunities for site Arabic only. in which she explained how to Care should be taken not to apply help, then approach the patient visits and job shadowing pro- Students can register for the safely identify and restrain pressure to a patient’s neck and with as many people as possible, grams at leading organizations Summer Career Camp 2018 patients who arrive at hospital in they should never be restrained know the techniques for in Qatar, providing students through QCDC’s website an advanced state of agitation, in a position that prevents them restraining a patient without with first-hand knowledge of starting from the first week of posing a risk to themselves and from breathing, she said. Once causing injury to anyone and workplace environments to May to June 26. To ensure their Dr Rana Biary healthcare providers. an agitated patient has been know which type of sedative give them a glimpse into participation and guarantee a Dr Biary, who is now safely restrained an appropriate should be used.” career and professional life seat in the Summer Camp, stu- assistant professor and director screaming at you, cursing, sedative can be administered to The lecture was accredited and help them match their dents are encouraged to reg- of the medical toxicology fel- spitting, punching, kicking or allow treatment to begin. locally by the Qatar Council for abilities and skills with various ister at their earliest conven- lowship at New York University, grabbing at you. To protect them, Dr Biary said, “There are Healthcare Practitioners-Accred- career choices. ience. Registration fees are said: “In an emergency yourself and others it is crucial to many examples of very fit, strong itation Department (QCHP-AD) Six days will be dedicated reduced to QR 1,500 if appli- department you may encounter know how to restrain them doctors being injured because and internationally by the Accred- to site visits at institutions oper- cants register before June 15 or patients who are agitated to the quickly and safely.” they thought they could handle itation Council for Continuing ating across various sectors in if more than one sibling student point of violence. They might be Dr Biary used role play to a patient alone. That is dangerous Medical Education (ACCME). Qatar. These include a ‘Medical is registered. Focus on e-services of govt entities at Katara Tech Forum THE PENINSULA of Qatar Post: Connected, which pro- by the Ministry, especially the recently vides clients with virtual addresses in introduced My Health Patient Portal DOHA: The monthly Katara Tech Forum UK and USA; E-delivery for SMEs and which allows patients to access all yesterday put a spotlight on electronic even big companies helping them to medical records online free of charge. services of various government entities deliver whatever items inside Qatar and The Ministry is currently working in Qatar. outside and the recently launched on the second phase of the portal which Held at Katara Building 15, the event Turkish Souq, providing Qatar Post will allow patients to interact with phy- featured presentations by Qatar Post, clients more than 300,000 items from sicians, request or reschedule appoint- Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Public Turkey at QR50 for each parcel, ments and provide various other Health. whatever the size be. services. He added that the new website Naama Abdul Mohsen, Deputy Al Naama said that all the Qatar Post of the Ministry with advanced features Manager of Information Technology counters have been refurbished with is expected to be launched by end of this Department spoke about future post one-touch screen, doing all services. year. services. Al Naama said Qatar Post’s new Qatar Post is also expanding its self- Engmar Weber from the Qatar Com- strategy launched last year was serving kiosks, which is currently puting Research Institute (QCRI), gave developed in line with the Qatar National available only in the main office. There a presentation on how to launch adver- Vision 2030 and the Qatar E-government will be 20 more kiosks to be set up at tisement campaigns using facebook and Officials and guests visit the exhibition on the sidelines of Katara Tech Forum at 2020 Strategy. various Qatar Post branches and the available tools and information. Katara Building 15, yesterday. “ Qatar Post is transforming from probably in some Al Meera outlets, said On the occasion, Katara honoured classical to digital services. Our e-com- Al Naama. the speakers and two other experts for merce services are the best example. It Lieutenant Ali Al Aidroos, Smart over 400,000 active users for the dif- as identification through face and gov- their valuable contributions. is the first time Qatar Post gets into the Devices Branch Officer at the Ministry of ferent online communication channels ernment personal assistance services. Various e-services being offered by international e-commerce map,” said Al Interior in his presentation said currently of the Ministry. Akram Abu Ghaza of the Ministry of Q-Post, Ministry of Interior, QCRI, Naama. the Ministry is providing more than 200 He added that the Ministry is working Public Health spoke about the various Katara and some other entities were on She introduced the major e- services electronic services in six languages, with on introducing several new services such online services being offered display on the sidelines of the event. 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 QCRI hosts data skills workshop to achieve humanitarian goals

THE PENINSULA The Data Skills Workshop Foundation. QCRI’s Artificial Intelli- gence for Digital Response technology, DOHA: Qatar Computing Research was hosted in partnership a joint project with UN OCHA that uses Institute (QCRI), part of Hamad Bin with the United Nations data to provide insights for humani- Khalifa University (HBKU), has hosted Office for the Coordination tarian responders following emer- a workshop for data skills with a goal of of Humanitarian Affairs (UN gencies, won the Grand Prize for the ‘creating a common language’ for the 2015 Open Source Software System ways in which data is used in humani- OCHA), the International Challenge. tarian action. Federation of the Red Cross The Data Skills Workshop also The Data Skills Workshop was hosted and Red Crescent Societies, covered impacts and responsibilities of in partnership with the United Nations the Qatar Red Crescent using data in humanitarian actions, Office for the Coordination of Humani- including privacy considerations. tarian Affairs (UN OCHA), the Interna- Society and the Education QCRI is one of HBKU’s three national tional Federation of the Red Cross and Above All Foundation. research institutes, supporting Qatar in Red Crescent Societies, the Qatar Red The participants at the workshop. its drive to become a hub of computing Crescent Society and the Education technology, research and innovation in Above All Foundation. related to education in crises and dis- opment and commercialization, said. award-winning technologies using data the region. In this capacity, the Institute This event was held to understand cussing humanitarian innovations. “Great minds have been coming for humanitarian purposes. Joint research often collaborates with partners to common practices for the visualization, “Being able to both understand the together here in Doha to discuss how data on monitoring gender gaps undertaken develop cutting-edge synergistic solu- preparation and analysis of data and to data and convey the message easily and can be analyzed and visualized to best with Oxford and Princeton universities tions that address national priorities create themes for its use in humanitarian accurately are essential skills,” Majd achieve our humanitarian goals.” in 2017 won a Data2xBig Data for Gender across a myriad of industries as well as action. These included practices for data Abbar, QCRI’s director of business devel- QCRI has developed several Challenge Award from the United Nations enhance the quality of life for citizens. QRCS marks World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

THE PENINSULA villages to the largest cities,” said supported by the global reach Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Sec- of IFRC, ICRC, as well as part- DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent retary-General of QRCS. “Our nerships with sister National Society (QRCS) reaches out to services are tailored for local Societies across the world. more than 7 million people needs and delivered in local Al Hammadi said: every year, with a diverse range languages”. “Whatever you are living of services tailored to local “Today is when the Interna- through – a natural disaster, a needs. From emergency relief, tional Red Cross and Red health crisis, the effects of con- Participants at the Awareness and Preventive Program organised by the Community Police Department health care, food, water, and Crescent Movement comes flict or violence – we are here shelter to disaster resilience and together to thank our volunteers to support you”. World Red in cooperation with the Department of Security, for Qatargas staff in Al Khor. livelihood, it helps people to who give their time and their Cross and Red Crescent Day is prepare for, cope with, and expertise here in Qatar, and all celebrated every May 8 — the recover from crises. over the world,” he added. birth date of the Movement’s Awareness events held for Qatargas staff “Every year, around the Red Cross and Red Crescent founder Henry Dunant. It recog- THE PENINSULA world, the Movement (global volunteers are as diverse as the nizes the bravery and dedication Traffic Awareness Department, egories and ages. Red Crescent) supports more life-saving services they provide of volunteers and staff members Civil Defense Prevention For his part, Col. Sultan than 160 million people affected through 190 National Societies, around the world. 2018 is the DOHA: The Awareness and Department, Northern Security Mohammed Al Kaabi, Assistant by conflict, natural disasters, the International Committee of 190th anniversary of Dunant’s Preventive Program organised Department, Preventive Director of Community Police and other emergencies, through the Red Cross (ICRC), and the birth, mirroring the 190 National by the Community Police Security Department, Criminal Department, said that the Min- its network of around 14 million International Federation of Red Societies providing humanitarian Department in cooperation Evidence and Information istry of Interior was keen to volunteers and 450,000 staff,” Cross and Red Crescent Societies support in communities large and with the Department of Department. reach all segments of the said Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, (IFRC). This local action is small every day. Security, Safety and Envi- A show to display the skills society to provide educational Secretary-General of QRCS in a ronment at Qatargas Company of the police dogs in detecting and awareness services in the statement issued on the concluded on May 7. criminals, narcotics and explo- various fields of security and occasion of World Red Cross The events were organised sives was presented at the safety. He added that this and Red Crescent Day which fall at the company’s residential beginning of the closing program was one of the fruits son Many 8. complex in Al Khor, which is ceremony. of the constructive cooperation On World Red Cross and Red inhabited by 35 Arab and Hamad Al Mannai, Head of between the Ministry of the Crescent Day, QRCS joined a foreign nationals. The program, Safety, Security and envi- Interior and Qatargas. global celebration of the work which lasted more than a ronment at Qatargas, thanked The program was planned and bravery of Red Crescent month, included a number of the Community Police to benefit students, families and volunteers, and the diverse lectures for students, families Department at the Ministry of security personnel at the com- humanitarian services they offer and security personnel at the Interior and other departments, pany’s residential complex in in communities everywhere. compound. which contributed to the Al Khor. At the conclusion of the “Our volunteers live in the A number of departments awareness and education activ- ceremony, the participant communities they support, from of the Ministry of Interior took ities that benefited the residents departments and organisers the smallest and most remote One of Qatar Red Crescent Society’s (QRCS) relief work. part in the programs including of the complex in different cat- were honored.

Jumbo Electromech displays Hitachi power tools at Project Qatar THE PENINSULA work in Qatar and with multiple backed by an efficient ‘on time experienced engineering team of projects simultaneously in progress service’.” said C V Rappai, Director Jumbo Electromech is capable of DOHA: Jumbo Electromech, a Total for the upcoming FIFA world cup & CEO of Video Home & Electronic providing pre-sales demonstra- Solutions Provider and the 2022, power tools requirements is Centre, Jumbo Electromech. tions for facilitating project authorised distributors for Hitachi rapidly on the rise as these tools Hitachi has manufacturing approvals & after sales service. At power tools in Qatar, is showcasing provide convenience, a faster and plants located in Japan, Malaysia & Jumbo it’s an everyday endeavor the diverse range of Hitachi Power efficient way of achieving the con- China & all tools come with a one in building a long term relationship Tools at the 15th edition of Project struction related works. Hitachi’s year warranty on all the based on mutual trust resulting Qatar at the Doha Exhibition & brushless motor and multi-volt mechanical parts. A full-fledged from meeting customers’ expec- Convention Center. The exhibition technology employed in their service center located on street no tations. Going forward with effect will continue till May 10 at Stall G71 Power Tools ensure that the tools 36, with technically from October 2018, Hitachi Koki The Jumbo Electromech stall at Project Qatar at the Doha in Hall 3. perform at their optimum level for trained staff by Hitachi addresses Co., Ltd. will change its brand from Exhibition & Convention Center. “With booming construction a longer duration. Our products are any service needs. The highly Hitachi to HiKOKI.

Westin Doha Hotel and Spa Cruise season brought 65,675 visitors to Qatar offers culinary Iftar experience CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the revenues from the 2017/18 DOHA: During upcoming Arabesque street market and In addition, more than 1200 season came from tour excursion Ramadan, The Westin Doha with a Turkish twist,the spa- Brazilians came to Doha on revenues, while 29% came from Hotel and Spa, will be offering cious 2100 square metre tent is board various cruise ships. visitors’ personal expenditure. a bespoke culinary experience located within the Grand “The growth is not the only QTA’s projections show con- for Iftar and Suhour. Ballroom of the hotel and com- thing that we are trying to tinued growth in the cruise The tent, which will be dec- fortably accommodates up to achieve, customer experience Is tourism industry over the orated in a magnificent Arabian 1,000 guests. very important. We would also coming years. With the com- theme, is brought to guests in Special majlis will also be like to further deepen the eco- pletion of the rede- partnership with Qatar Airways available for families and nomic impact of this sector by velopment, and the associated and Nespresso Qatar. friends to dine in an intimate becoming a turnaround or home assan Al Ibrahim (sixth left, second row), Acting Chairman of QTA, capacity increase which will Inspired by the traditional corner. port,” he said. with cruise industry representatives and other officials at the allow the port to receive two Data gathered by QTA shows closing ceremony of 2017/18 cruise season at Four Seasons Doha mega-ships at once, Qatar is that 86 percent of passengers yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA expected to attract 500,000 disembarked, which Al Ibrahim cruise tourists by 2026. said was one of the highest at 94% of cruise visitors were sat- with our strategy,” said Al “With the expansion that the regional and even in global isfied with their overall visitor Ibrahim, adding satisfaction was Doha Port will go through, we standards. These visitors enjoyed experience. The same per- “about the wholistic end-to-end will be able to receive two mega Qatar’s various offerings, with centage confirmed they would customer experience which also ships at the same time within the 53 percent preferring city tours, recommend Qatar as a desti- entailed visa facilitation process, next season and increase to four and 18 percent choosing desert nation for family and friends. checks in the port, logistics and mega ships for the following safaris. “In terms of satisfaction transportation, the tours, and the seasons, and by doing so will QTA also conducted visitor rates, we were able to achieve quality of service that the hopefully be able to accom- satisfaction surveys throughout very high rates compared to tourism products are offering.” modate more visitors,” added Al the season, which showed that other destinations and it’s at par Data also shows that most of Ibrahim. WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 HOME / MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07

Nigeria’s Buhari Rowhani: Iran will remain in nuclear deal flies to UK for medical check-up REUTERS Netanyahu’s opposition to Iran AGENCIES ANKARA: President Hassan Rowhani said yesterday that Iran would remain ABUJA: President committed to a multinational nuclear deal deal not shared by all Israelis Muhammadu Buhari flew out despite US President Donald Trump’s of Nigeria yesterday, a source decision to withdraw from the 2015 AP at the capital’s airport said, agreement designed to deny Tehran the less than a day after Buhari ability to build nuclear weapons. JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is an outspoken opponent of announced he was heading “If we achieve the deal’s goals in the Iran nuclear deal, but some in Israel’s government and security establishment to Britain for medical reasons. cooperation with other members of the see it as a least-bad option that should be preserved. “I will be travelling to the deal, it will remain in place... By exiting Former President Barack Obama led a coalition of world powers, including tomorrow, the deal, America has officially under- Britain, , Germany, Russia, and China, to the nuclear agreement in 2015, at to see my doctor, at his mined its commitment to an interna- Iranian President Hassan Rowhani. a time when Iran was believed to be rapidly closing in on developing nuclear weapons. request,” Buhari said on tional treaty,” Rowhani said in a tele- The agreement lifted painful economic sanctions against Iran in exchange for curbs late Monday, a move vised speech. “I have ordered the foreign on its nuclear program. that stoked fresh doubts “I have ordered the foreign ministry ministry to negotiate with the Shortly before Trump’s announcement, the former head of Israel’s Mossad spy about his health less than a to negotiate with the European countries, European countries, China and agency said Iran is “fully complying with the nuclear deal.” Tamir Pardo told a year before presidential polls. China and Russia in coming weeks. If at Russia in coming weeks. If at security conference in the coastal town of Herzliya there “still will be a need for Buhari spent more than the end of this short period we conclude the end of this short period some kind of deal at the end of the day.” five months in London last that we can fully benefit from the JCPOA we conclude that we can fully Netanyahu has been a leading critic of the deal, saying it did not contain suffi- year receiving treatment for with the cooperation of all countries, the cient safeguards to prevent Iran from reaching nuclear-weapons capability or an undisclosed illness. deal would remain,” he added. benefit from the JCPOA with address Iran’s other activities across the region or its long-range missile program. He gave no details about The Joint Comprehensive Plan of the cooperation of all countries, After clashing with Obama when the deal was negotiated, Netanyahu found a the reason for the latest trip, Action (JCPOA) is the full name for the the deal would remain,” close ally in Trump, who has called the agreement “the worst deal ever.” but said he planned to be nuclear deal, struck in 2015 between Iran, President Hassan Rowhani said. However, while Netanyahu has been urging the deal be either “fixed or nixed,” back in the capital Abuja on the five permanent members of the U.N. not all have been clamoring to cancel the agreement. Saturday. Security Council - the United States, “An American announcement that it’s withdrawing from the agreement would The 75-year-old former Russia, China, Britain and France - and Under the deal, Iran curbed its nuclear let Iran drive a wedge between the world powers and gradually loosen interna- army general had stopped Germany. Rowhani added that Iran was activities in return for the lifting of most tional oversight over its nuclear program,” Amos Gilad, a retired senior Israeli defence over in London to visit his ready to resume its nuclear activities after sanctions imposed on the country. official, told the Haaretz newspaper for a story published this week. doctor last week after consultations with the other world powers Trump said he would reimpose eco- “If the Americans abandon the agreement, they have to prepare for alterna- meeting US President Donald which are part of the agreement. nomic sanctions on Tehran immediately. tives, and I don’t see this being done,” he said. Gilad said Israel needs to prioritize Trump in Washington. Trump’s announcement was hailed His decision puts pressure on his the threats it faces. In a recent interview, Israeli military chief of staff Lt. Gen. Gadi At the time, his by Washington’s principal allies in the European allies, who are key backers of Eisenkot told Haaretz that he knows of no violations of the nuclear deal by Iran, spokesman Garba Shehu said Middle East, Israel and Saudi Arabia, both the deal and reluctant to join the United though he said Israel is closely watching. health matters were not the sworn foes of Iran. States in reimposing sanctions on Iran. reason for breaking the journey back from the United States. Couple held over US urges Lebanon to Al Shabab links uphold regional policy NAIROBI: The Kenyan police yesterday arrested a REUTERS The two resolutions relate to the couple suspected to be withdrawal of all foreign forces from financiers and logistical BEIRUT: The United States urged Lebanon, the disarmament of all militias operatives for the Al Lebanon to uphold a policy of staying out including Hezbollah and the terms of a Shabaab militant group. of regional wars and a UN Security 2006 ceasefire agreement between The police said the couple Council resolution that sought Hezbol- Lebanon and Washington’s close ally were arrested in Eastleigh lah’s disarmament, after the Iran-backed Israel. residential estate in Nairobi. group and its allies won more than half The Lebanese policy of disassociation The two are believed to the seats in Sunday’s election. was declared in 2012 to keep the deeply be accomplices of November The United States views Hezbollah divided state out of regional conflicts 2014 attack on a bus in as a terrorist group and is critical of its such as the civil war in neighbouring Mandera, the police said in a role in the Syrian conflict, but has given Syria. Despite the policy, Hezbollah is statement. Lebanon substantial military support. heavily involved there, sending thou- The couple, who have “As Lebanon looks ahead to forming sands of fighters to help President various businesses whose a new government, we urge all parties Bashar Al Assad. Campaign time finances are channeled to to uphold Lebanon’s international obli- UN Security Council resolution 1559 supporting militant activities, gations, including those contained in UN issued in 2004 sought the withdrawal of A vehicle carries a campaign poster of a candidate ahead of parliamentary election left Gedo region in Somalia Security Council Resolutions 1559 and foreign forces from Lebanon, chiefly in Mosul, Iraq. iraqis will vote on May 12 for electing new parliament. and has been operating in 1701,” the US Embassy in Beirut said in Syrian troops that allowed for Syrian Kenya using fake a statement. domination. documents. One dead in post-election clash Results will protect Lebanon: Speaker BEIRUT: A man was killed in a Lebanese town yesterday in AFP clashes between supporters of rival Druze parties stemming to block any attempt by its political also heads the influential Shiite from tensions over Sunday’s election, a security source said. foes in parliament to make it disarm. movement Amal. According to The dead man was a member of the Progressive Socialist Party. MSAILEH: Lebanon’s powerful “The truth is that the results support provisional results for Sunday’s Its leader and that of its rival, the Lebanese Democratic Party, parliament speaker Nabih Berri the equation in Lebanon, we call it vote, his party scored 16 seats out issued a joint statement condemning the violence. (pictured), said yesterday that the the golden equation: the army, the of parliament’s 128, three more Video clips which Reuters could not immediately verify general election’s results vindi- people, the resistance,” Berri said in than its ally Hezbollah. showed security forces deployed in the town of Choueifat, cated a formula in which both the an interview at his residence in south Unlike Amal and all other fac- south of Beirut, to break up scuffles between the sides. army and the Hezbollah militia Lebanon. tions, Hezbollah did not give up its Lebanon’s election on Sunday was the first for its par- guarantee the country’s protection. Often described as Lebanon’s weapons when the Lebanese civil liament in nine years. Foreign observers said voting was Polls held on Sunday, the first shrewdest political player, war ended in 1990 and its arsenal generally peaceful but that some scuffles and other vio- in nine years, saw Hezbollah’s allies 80-year-old Berri has held the has now grown to rival the national lence had taken place. in parliament garner enough seats position of speaker since 1992 and army’s.

Ashghal plans to develop West Bay North Beach area

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Qatari registered companies “The Visioning Masterplans Also, to connect West Bay and international architects shall demonstrate how the North and the Corniche to the have been invited to bring development of the waterfront waterfront, develop a network fresh ideas to develop the area. can complement West Bay in of well-connected, activated The participants have to supporting its role as a premier multi-use public spaces that fit submit a 3D animated fly- business and residential with and complement West Bay through showing the future address. Therefore, solutions North community and the City, plans and options. to address existing connec- complement but not compete Ashghal has also announced tivity challenges shall be con- with existing leisure, recreation that the winning plan will sidered with opportunities for and hospitality offerings within receive a prize amount of QAR integrated multi-modal trans- the City are among the objec- 300,000. Ashghal has portation approaches tives of the project. instructed that the plan has to including pedestrian, cycle, To identify new uses for be realistic so that the entire bus and taxi explored to existing embassies that com- redevelopment can happen provide a viable, accessible plement the waterfront and within a time period of four and convenient alternative to West Bay, create a social, envi- years. movement and encourage a ronmental and economically According to document, reduction in the current sustainable waterfront, provide a participant of the compe- reliance on private vehicle as a stimulus and opportunities for tition has to develop two (2) the primary mode of private sector involvement and Visions for the waterfront transport,” the document adds. manage parking demand by (including key connections The closing date for the promoting accessibility and through West Bay North from vision plan submission is June connectivity supported by City Centre Mall, the existing 11, 2018, and the details of the public transit are some other hotels/residences, Metro and plan can be found on Ashghal objectives of the project. Corniche). website. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018

ESTABLISHED IN 1996 Lebanon re-elects its

CHAIRMAN political status quo SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED LINA KHATIB [email protected] AL JAZEERA

ebanon finally held a parlia- mentary election, nine years after the last one and following Lseveral false starts over the past EDITORIAL five years, but the results have not brought change to the country’s political status quo. The same old political elites continue to dominate Lebanon’s Construction boom political scene, winning the vast majority of seats. atar’s construction sector is growing at a faster Turn out in this election was lower pace following the massive development projects than in the previous one, standing at 49 Qbeing implemented in the country in line with the percent. This signals a sense of popular State’s efforts to meet the goals of Qatar Vision ambivalence about the political process 2030 and the hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022. The among most Lebanese, especially since government has earmarked nearly QR200bn for the the outgoing parliament renewed its of Beirut Madinati — the list of inde- Movement, however, entered a rela- construction of key projects in transport, infrastructure own mandate twice unconstitutionally pendents that emerged out of the anti- tionship of convenience with Hezbollah and other sctors. and since the elections that were meant corruption public protests that gripped and its ally the Free Patriotic Movement “The state’s commitment to supporting the con- to take place in 2013 kept being post- Lebanon in 2015 and contested that allowed Future leader Saad Hariri to struction sector has contributed to positioning Qatar as poned under the pretext of lack of municipal elections in 2016. become prime minister in a cabinet domi- one of the fastest growing markets in the region and the security. Parliament’s unconstitutional Although all but one independent nated by Hezbollah and its allies. world,” Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh extensions have made a mockery of the candidate lost the seats they ran for in In this election, Hariri stunned his Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani said after inaugurating the concept of elections and reduced peo- these parliamentary elections, their par- supporters by asking them to vote for his 15th edition of Project Qatar 2018 exhibition. The huge ple’s faith in the political system. ticipation showed that Lebanon could “friend” Gibran Bassil, the leader of the participation of companies from across the world in This lack of faith hurt the prospects have an alternative political class, which Free Patriotic Movement. This move by Project Qatar reflects the strength of Qatar’s economy. of independent candidates who, for the could, in turn, allow voters to have more Hariri has not just cost him dearly at the The exhibition plays an important role in cementing first time, contested the 2018 parlia- faith in the political process and to cast ballot box but has also served to further and strengthening bridges between government offi- mentary elections in large numbers, their votes on the basis of issues rather empower Hezbollah, which now, with cials, businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs, buyers and running against the traditional parties. than patronage networks and its allies, has 67 out of the 128 parlia- suppliers involved in the construction sector. More than The major parties did not, for the most personalities. mentary seats. 280 international exhibitors from 21 countries and 126 part, run on the basis of political plat- The sad reality highlighted by the The most painful loss for Hariri was local companies are partic- forms or issues of concern to Lebanese election is that these patronage net- in one of Beirut’s electoral districts, where ipating in the international citizens. Instead, works and personalities continue to Sunni seats that used to be occupied by trade exhibition for con- they ran on the dominate the political scene, aided by an Future Movement MPs are now claimed struction technology, basis of rallying electoral law that works in their favour by pro-Hezbollah winners. The imme- building materials, people around as it disregards the results of any elec- diate reaction to this shift has been skir- equipment and environ- personalities, as toral list that did not achieve a minimum mishes between supporters of the two The huge mental technology sector. Following the they had done in threshold of votes. With independents camps after Hezbollah supporters pro- participation Qatar’s economy is long-awaited previous election not having the same resources that voked Hariri supporters by covering the of companies expected to witness a robust election, the rounds. major political parties have, and with statue of Saad Hariri’s late father, former from across the growth which is likely to be same old political Several inde- them not resorting to tactics like vote Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, in downtown highest in the region. The pendent lists and buying as has been the case with some Beirut with the Hezbollah flag and world in Project Minister said that the World elites continue coalitions con- of the traditional parties, independents chanting “Beirut has become Shia”. Qatar reflects Bank expects the Qatari to dominate tested seats all had little chance of winning. This was This sectarian chant is a sign of the strength of economy to be most devel- Lebanon’s over Lebanon. not helped by how independents ran things to come, as Hezbollah continues Qatar’s economy. oping economy in the region political scene. However, only against one another on different lists in its rise as the most powerful political with a growth rate of about one candidate, the certain districts, splintering votes that party in Lebanon, enabled by various 3 percent. The economy has well-known tele- could have gone to a streamlined inde- intimidation tactics that included assault seen continuous growth after vision presenter Paulette Yacoubian, pendents’ list had they had a better- on Shia candidates running as inde- the opening of new markets was declared a winner on the side of coordinated strategy. pendents in Hezbollah strongholds. and channels of communi- independents. Another independent, In this way, the independents ended Lebanon emerges from this election cation with the outside world to support growth. Joumana Haddad, came close to up further empowering the traditional with a small glimmer of hope repre- Public Works Authority (Ashghal) highlighted the key winning a seat, but lost by a narrow political elites. But the elections showed sented by the lone independent can- projects under way and in the pipeline, including the margin at the last minute, with her sup- that not all these elites are as com- didate who managed to infiltrate the implementation of more than 100 roads and infra- porters framing her loss as the outcome fortable as others. Crucially, while the status quo. But the bigger picture is structure development projects this year and next. of violations (Lebanese Association for Lebanese Forces almost doubled their gloomy, with the only credible political Ashghal President Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi Democratic Elections (LADE) recorded number of parliamentarians in this bloc challenging Hezbollah in par- said that Ashghal’s participation comes within the thousands of violations in this election). election, the Future Movement lost a liament being the Lebanese Forces, who framework of the Authority’s keenness to present the This means that out of 128 seats, only number of seats. This variation can be can no longer count on Hariri as an ally, projects it has completed and review its current and one has been claimed by an largely attributed to the two parties’ and therefore are limited in what they future projects to open the door for all parties to partic- independent. stance towards Hezbollah. can achieve. ipate in its implementation. He said that infrastructure That many independents contested While the Lebanese Forces and the The many uncomfortable bedfellows and roads projects are being completed as per schedule the election illustrates the slow evo- Future Movement were both part of the who formed joint lists in this election on and has not been affected by the siege. lution of civil society in Lebanon. A few March 14 coalition that originally formed a tit-for-tat basis, such as that of the It must be mentioned that Ashghal has, this year, put of those figures first came to public in 2005 in opposition to the Hezbollah- Future Movement and the Free Patriotic in place a plan to produce a number of materials locally, prominence during the 2005 Cedar led March 8 coalition, the Lebanese Movement, are a reminder that the including cement and steel, in addition to recycling others Revolution, while others became known Forces have always been consistent in biggest winner in the Lebanese election such as asphalt, in order to avoid the effects of the siege through their participation in the work their stance against Hezbollah. The Future is its corrupt status quo. and achieve self-sufficiency. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Assistant to the President of the Public Works Authority, said that more than 90 percent of the World Cup-related projects will be completed this year, adding that the Orbital Road project, which extends 190km, with Europe may regret its new set of data rules 21 intersections will also completed this year. Exhibitors across the globe are queuing up to par- BLOOMBERG European citizens. Among retool their technologies. incompatible with the ticipate in events like Project Qatar to be part of Qatar’s other things, they’ll need to Failure to comply could GDPR’s mandates. It’s an growth story. This indicates the confidence of companies his month, the obtain consent from users; result in fines of up to 4 ominous sign that Facebook and investors in Qatar’s growing economy. European Union explain how their data will percent of global revenue. has already started pulling will embark on an be used; allow people to see Surely Facebook and some data projects from Texpansive effort to what’s been swooped up; Google can afford such Europe. give people more control and permit them, at any costs, you might say. Yet Yet all this is more or less over their data online. moment, to withdraw their this, too, is a problem: The by design; there will also be Known as the General Data consent or demand that GDPR is likely to advantage unintended consequences. Protection Regulation, it’s their data be deleted. big tech companies at the Although the GDPR aims to QUOTE OF THE DAY ambitious, well-intentioned Given the public backlash expense of smaller ones. improve data security, for and largely wrongheaded. against data collection — and Few small businesses will be instance, its privacy rules may As it comes into force, support for the GDPR’s stated able to fully comply with compromise a crucial tool We took Kirkuk back, Europe should be mindful of goals - this approach might these rules, while many of used by security researchers, along with other unintended consequences - seem reasonable. But look them will suffer from having thereby increasing spam, disputed areas. and open to change when more closely and the draw- less effective advertising. phishing attacks and mal- These territories things go wrong. backs are glaring. Europe’s dearth of notable ware. Its compliance costs No one could say the Most obvious are the startups will hardly could inhibit cybersecurity are not reserved for GDPR lacks purpose. At costs. By one estimate, big improve. investment. particular ethnicities, more than 260 pages long, it multinationals will spend Worse, the rules could Its emphasis on but for all Iraqis. articulates dozens of goals $7.8bn simply preparing for impede innovation. Many obtaining consent for data in the service of “a strong the GDPR. They’ll need to blockchain companies collection is, in practice, and more coherent data hire compliance staff, could be shut out entirely. likely to mean endless “click Haider Al Abadi protection framework.” compile voluminous docu- Cloud computing may to proceed” boxes that leave Iraqi Prime Minister Meeting these ambitions mentation, handsomely pay become substantially more customers little more will be the job of companies lawyers and consultants, complicated. Systems that informed — and signifi- - wherever they’re located - and in many cases rethink rely on artificial intelligence cantly more irritated than that process the data of their business models and could in many cases be before. WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 OPINION 09 Tripartite summit may put North Korea on right path

QNA peace agreement by the end of it will be an extremely important this year. summit. “I hope to discuss thor- he Japanese capital, Tokyo, Japan, as the country that will oughly how we can get North will witness a trilateral presides over this session, has Korea to walk on the right path” summit today between shown its readiness to arrange and resolve the nuclear and There will also be a TSouth Korea, Japan and the agenda of the upcoming missile issues comprehensively, he tripartite meeting China. summit. added. between Abe, Lei South Korean President Moon Official sources expected that China, North Korea’s main ally Jae-in, Japanese Prime Minister the summit will see bilateral talks and trading partner, sought to play a and Moon in an Shinzo Abe and Chinese Prime between South Korea and Japan and pivotal role in the diplomatic talks atmosphere that Minister Li Keqiang will meet for between Japan and China. when Kim Jong-Un made a surprise will create a kind of the first trilateral talks between the There will also be a tripartite visit to Beijing in late March and three countries since 2015 in a meeting between Abe, Lei and Moon held talks with Chinese President Xi prelude to another move that is part of the acceler- in an atmosphere that will create a Jinping. The visit was his first known unprecedented ation of the political and diplo- kind of prelude to another unprece- overseas visit since he took power in matic momentum on the issue of dented summit between US Pres- 2011. summit between US President Donald Moon’s visit to North Korea and its nuclear ident Donald Trump and North Attention during the summit program. Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, will focus on whether Abe will be Trump and North Tokyo is the first Since late 2008, the three expected to take place in the coming able to arrange a visit by Chinese Korean leader Kim of its kind for Northeast Asian countries have days. President Xi Jinping to Japan after been holding regular trilateral Japanese Prime Minister Abe also his scheduled visit to China. Jong-Un, expected South Korea’s summits, the latest of which was plans to hold two separate meetings Attention will also be focused on to take place in the president since the Seoul Summit in November with Li and Moon during their visit. whether the bilateral meeting will coming days. he came to power 2015. This regional summit, which The two sides are expected to lay the foundation for to improve will begin today at its seventh discuss the start of an emergency relations between Japan and more than six session, comes after nearly two communication mechanism to China. years ago, after weeks of inter-Korean talks held prevent an accidental collision at Moon’s visit to Tokyo is the first foot in the south since the 1953 differences over last April between Moon Jae-in sea, or in the air. of its kind for South Korea’s pres- Armistice that stopped the Korean and North Korean Leader Kim Abe will also address his plan ident since he came to power more war. history and Jong-Un. to work with China on third- than six years ago, after differences In turn, the meeting of the two lands led to a The summit was described as country infrastructure con- over history and lands led to a dete- Koreas’ leaders helped Japan historic in which the two leaders struction, citing China’s Belt and rioration in relations between the change course in dealing with deterioration in pledged to work for the denu- Road Initiative. two countries. Pyongyang, as Kim expressed his relations between clearization of the Korean Abe also stressed on the impor- During Abe’s era, Japan’s rela- willingness during the talks to the two countries. Peninsula, reaffirming their com- tance of the summit, which will tions with China and South Korea hold a dialogue with Tokyo. mitment to reach a permanent begin tomorrow, saying “I believe were strained because of differ- Abe said his stance is to “put ences of opinion on the atrocities the past behind and normalise and territorial disputes in ties with” the North based on a wartime. 2002 bilateral declaration. According to a statement Political analysts say it would issued by official sources, during have been better for Japan’s his visit to Tokyo, Moon will brief prime minister to do this so the participants in the summit on earlier instead of relying too the outcome of the two Koreas much on Washington and Seoul summit and discuss ways to and on their decisions to resolve enhance triangular cooperation the issue of Japanese nationals for nuclear disarmament and the abducted by Pyongyang decades establishment of peace on the ago. Korean Peninsula. Moon had asked UN Secretary- General to send two UN investi- gators to oversee Pyongyang’s implementation and promise to close the only nuclear testing site in D-RING ROAD the north. POST BOX: 3488 The timing of the shift from pressure to dialogue was necessary DOHA - QATAR to settle the nuclear issue on the [email protected] Korean Peninsula, as Moon picked Kim’s signal earlier in 2018 and the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE Japanese Prime Minister urged the TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 international community to take FAX: +974 4455 7758 advantage of the current momentum A file photo of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) speaking to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (right) during a towards full disarmament. Kim is bilateral meeting. MANAGING EDITOR the first North Korean leader to set TEL: 4462 7505

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 language, social sciences and politics society raising questions and and many other areas. searching for solutions without being LOCAL NEWS SECTION satisfied with what have been found My question is what are the TEL: 4455 7743 Nations cannot reasons that make us encourage our by the former scientists and children to learn and obtain certifi- researchers. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION cates in order to enjoy a decent life What is the use of obtaining cer- TEL: 4462 7535 progress without and get promotions without estab- tificates which do not match with lishing or enhancing the value of the actual capability of the holders, SPORT NEWS SECTION knowledge and science in their minds awareness and level of knowledge. TEL: 4455 7745 advancement in or also without encouraging them for The fact is that the competence of innovation and creativity and daring the holder can be disclosed during ONLINE SECTION to raise challenging questions that the first moments of discussion. TEL: 4462 7501 education and science lead to awareness. A Danish proverb Once I was an employee car- “Those who fear questions, fear rying out simple daily duties for [email protected] science”, apply to our status. Changes which I was receiving satisfactory in our attitudes towards education monthly salary, but I was not happy PUBLIC RELATIONS TEL: 4455 7613 MASHAEL AL ALI and science will not be achieved with the role I was playing in the while depending on the role of society. In fact I felt happier when I [email protected] schools. made decision to go back to con- would like to make my first The real changes of attitudes tinue my education where I got out ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT article on science for its great come first through the family and of delusion called “the illusion of TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 value and virtue we seek to namely through the parents who are satisfaction” or the delusion of self. FAX: 4455 7870 reach, rather than considering prime responsible of making the [email protected] I The writer is student at Department of education as means of getting brains which are eager for lifelong respectable job opportunities and education and seek creating indi- Mass Communication - Qatar CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT achieving prosperous living viduals capable to influence the University. TEL: 4455 7857 condition. [email protected] Perhaps the reason that we have been created for is to promote growth SUBSCRIPTION & and prosperity on earth, spread DISTRIBUTION knowledge, think, contemplate, draw TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 conclusions and keep discovering in FAX: 44557819 order to ensure progress of nations [email protected] rising to the peak of glory. The rise of nations and their advances could not be achieved without advancement in areas of All thoughts and views The rise of nations education and science and moving expressed in these columns forward with confidence and pride. and their advances are those of the writers, could not be Our nation today needs more scien- tists rather than students indoctri- not of the newspaper. achieved without nated with Western education. advancement in I do not deny the great role of sci- All correspondence areas of education entists appeared in different parts of the world, at different stages of the regarding Views and and science and human history but my concern and Opinion pages should be moving forward question is until when we will keep send to editor-in-chief with confidence and depending on others’ contributions office or mailed to the pride. and discoveries in different fields of knowledge including medical, [email protected] 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018

BJP chief Amit MPs withdraw Shah is murder impeachment accused: Rahul IANS move against CJI BENGALURU: Lashing out at the BJP President Amit Shah, Congress President Rahul IANS Senior counsel Kapil Gandhi yesterday said that Sibal, appearing for people tend to forget that a NEW DELHI: A petition by two the MPs, withdrew the man who talks about honesty Congress MPs against Upper petition after the five- and decency is a “murder House (Rajya Sabha) Chairman accused”. M Venkaiah Naidu’s rejection judge Constitution Addressing media persons of an impeachment motion Bench asked him to here, Gandhi said: “Amit Shah against Supreme Court Chief argue the main matter has been accused of murder, Justice Dipak Misra was with- challenging the House right? The Supreme Court has drawn yesterday. mentioned in the Loya case Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, chairman’s order on (Judge B H Loya). So, I don’t appearing for the MPs, merits. think Amit Shah has much of withdrew the petition after the credibility. five-judge Constitution Bench and Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, “Let’s look into his back- headed by Justice A K Sikri reminded Sibal that at the ground, let’s see what he has Winds destroy houses asked him to argue the main outset of the hearing he had been responsible for, let’s see matter challenging Naidu’s said that he has no personal how he does politics... A woman carrying her belongings walks past partially damaged houses after Monday’s strong winds order on merits. agenda and was for upholding “People in India tend to and dust storm, in Agartala, capital of north-east Indian state of Tripura, yesterday. They did not agree to his the dignity of the court. forget that the Bharatiya plea for a copy of the adminis- “Will the dignity of the court Janata Party President is a trative order which led to the be jeopardised if you give me murder accused. The party, bench being set up on Monday. that (administrative) order which talks about honesty Rajya Sabha members (constituting five judge bench). and decency, has a person Pratap Singh Bajwa and Amee It is not a secret document who has been accused of Yajnik had moved the top court under the National Security murder as its President,” Bangladesh sentences two to challenging Chairman Naidu’s Act,” Sibal countered. said Gandhi. rejection in April of the notice Attorney General K K Gandhi also questioned of motion seeking the removal Venugopal, appearing for the Prime Minister Narendra of Chief Justice Misra. Rajya Sabha Chairman, said the Modi’s decision to pick a death in professor’s murder “You (want) to challenge Chief Justice had discretionary “corrupt person” as the Chief that (administrative order powers on the administrative Ministerial candidate (B S REUTERS setting up five-judge bench) for side to allocate any matter to Yeddyurappa) in Karnataka. for the killing, accusing him of same group, which has pledged what outcome?” Justice Sikri any bench of whatever strength. He said: “We are asking issuing a “call to atheism”. allegiance to Islamic State, was asked Sibal, who told the bench: Venugopal, who questioned the Prime Minister to please DHAKA: A court in Bangladesh The trial court also jailed behind a major attack in the dip- “You must say who passed the the maintainability of the explain to the people of Kar- yesterday sentenced two mili- three men for life, public pros- lomatic quarter of Dhaka in July order. I must have the copy of petition by the two Congress nataka why he has chosen a tants to death and jailed three ecutor Entajul Haque told 2016, when gunmen stormed a the order so that I can challenge lawmakers, said the notice for corrupt person with a record for life after finding them guilty reporters, after the verdict was restaurant, killing 22 people, it.” As Sibal argued that the the motion for the removal of of being in jail as Chief Min- of killing a university professor delivered in a packed most of them foreigners. matter could be referred to a Chief Justice Misra was moved isterial candidate. People of two years ago, a prosecutor said. courtroom. One of the five, Islamic State and al Qaeda Constitution Bench only by a by 64 MPs belonging to seven Karnataka want to know why The Muslim-majority Shariful Islam, a student of the have claimed a series of killings judicial order and wondered political parties including Con- Modi could not find a non- country of 160 million people professor and believed to have of liberals and members of reli- how could it be done by an gress but only two of the signa- corrupt candidate.” has seen a string of violent masterminded his killing, was gious minorities in Bangladesh administrative order, Justice tories had moved the court He said people also attacks in recent years targeting tried in absentia and received a in the past few years. Adarsh Kumar Goel asked if challenging the April 23 wanted to know why Modi liberals, foreigners and religious death sentence, he added. Authorities have consist- there was a bar on directly decision. gave eight ticket to Reddy minorities. In November, police charged ently ruled out the presence of referring the matter to a five- The Attorney General sug- brothers, who had stolen Rs Rezaul Karim Siddiquee, 58, eight members of the home- such groups, blaming domestic judge bench by the latter gested: “Let 50 of the 64 MPs 35,000 crore of public money. an English professor at north- grown Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen militants instead. However, process. who had moved the notice of Gandhi also tweeted: “It’s western Rajshahi University, militant group in the case. Police security experts say the scale The bench, also comprising removal pass a resolution a clear fight in Karnataka. was hacked to death in April said three more accused were and sophistication of the res- Justice S A Bobde, Justice N V authorising Bajwa and Yajnik Clean Politics vs Dirty Politics. 2016. Militant group Islamic killed in an exchange of gunfire. taurant attack suggested links Ramana, Justice Arun Mishra to move the court.” Mafia vs People. State (IS) claimed responsibility Investigators believe the to a wider network. End power struggle: Sirisena tells PM Tourist dies in Kashmir

AFP of the ethnic conflict and ensure stone-throwing protest a permanent political solution so that COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s pres- the nation of 21 million people does AP ident yesterday appealed to his not return to war. years, authorities have vigor- prime minister to end a bitter His remarks came a day ously campaigned to attract power struggle and said the after he announced he will not SRINAGAR: An Indian tourist Indian and international vis- coalition government had failed retire at the end of his term was killed during a stone- itors to the region as a symbol to deliver promised reforms. But in January 2020 despite a pre- throwing protest in Kashmir, of normalcy after a decades- Maithripala Sirisena suffered a vious pledge. That pits him officials said yesterday, as the long anti-India insurgency. new blow when 16 of his MPs against Wickremesinghe who disputed region shut down for However, repeated gunfights, joined the opposition. also wants to contest the pres- a third day over the killings of anti-India protests, travel Sirisena told parliament idency. Sirisena told a public civilians and rebels during warnings by Western govern- that the coalition partners rally in the former war zone weekend gunbattles and anti- ments and extensive media should commit to a reform of Batticaloa on Monday that India protests. coverage of the violence have agenda to revive the island nation he had unfinished business Meanwhile, a teenage boy adversely impacted tourism. emerging from a decades-long and no longer intends to retire who had been shot by Indian In an effort to persuade ethnic war that claimed more than when his five-year term troops on Sunday died in a hos- people to visit Kashmir, the 100,000 lives. “This is not a time finishes. pital, triggering protests and local government in March for parties to engage in a power Relations between Sirisena’s clashes in his southern organised a tourism convention Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena announces the policy struggle,” Sirisena said after Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Kashmir village. The tourist, in Srinagar in which hundreds statement at the 8th session of the parliament in Colombo, yesterday. opening a new session of and Wickremesinghe’s UNP from India’s Tamil Nadu state, of Indian travel agents partici- parliament. have soured in recent months. was critically injured over- pated and declared 2018 as “Although we formed a coa- Prime Minister Ranil Wick- a military offensive that ended They blame each other for a night when a stone thrown “Visit Kashmir Year.” lition government in August remesinghe’s United National in May 2009. The military drive humiliating defeat in February’s towards his taxi broke the Mufti, the chief minister, 2015, we still have not politi- Party (UNP) to work towards has sparked allegations that local council elections. Their row window and hit his head as he speaking at the convention, said cally matured to accept and ethnic reconciliation to rebuild more than 40,000 Tamil deepened when the UNP, senior and his parents were on their tourism in the region is an work within this reality. Con- the country. civilians were killed by gov- partner in the coalition, accused way back from a resort near “investment in peace.” sensus government is still a Tamil rebels who fought for ernment forces in the final months Sirisena of supporting last western Narbal village, local “Like an army soldier fights foreign concept to us.” He urged independence for the island’s of the war. Sirisena said the gov- month’s failed bid to impeach police official Nazir Ahmed at the border, fights against mil- the government dominated by ethnic minority were crushed in ernment must address the causes the prime minister. said. itancy in Jammu-Kashmir, Ahmed said intermittent that’s one way of fighting. The clashes between protesters and other way of fighting is that you government forces continued (tourists) visit us,” she said. all day in Narbal during the Shops, schools and busi- shutdown to protest the nesses were shut again yes- Indian train offers ticket to life-saving care weekend killings. terday to protest the killings of AFP The 22-year-old tourist was eight rebels and six civilians was born 18 months ago,” said would otherwise have to travel consultation can cost 1,000 transferred to a hospital in the during anti-India protests and JALORE: When the Lifeline Prajapat as his grandson was hundreds of miles to the nearest rupees ($15) — a huge sum for region’s main city of Srinagar, fighting with government forces Express rolled into the sleepy wheeled into the operating major hospital. millions living on less than $2 a where he died overnight, police over the weekend. Indian town of Jalore, theatre onboard the It spends about a month in day. The Lifeline Express took said. Separatists challenging Also yesterday, a teenage Bhagwana Ram Prajapat was hospital-train. a district before moving on to a to the rails in 1991 to help India’s sovereignty over boy injured Sunday in shooting anxiously waiting to board. The Lifeline Express has new destination, filling a critical patients in far-flung areas who Kashmir and pro-India by government forces in the The 55-year-old has been been providing free treatment gap in India’s public health need surgery for cataracts, polio Kashmiri politicians con- southern Shopian area died in desperately looking for to the needy in deepest India system. and cleft palates. demned his death. a hospital in Srinagar. Five treatment for his grandson’s for nearly three decades. It has State-run hospitals are In 2016, the train expanded The region’s top elected people were killed and dozens cleft-lip and the specially con- helped more than one million often stretched to breaking its services to include screening official, Chief Minister Meh- more, including the boy, were verted sky-blue, seven-coach people, treating ailments point and patients face long and surgery for oral, breast and booba Mufti, called it “sad and injured when Indian troops train was the answer to his ranging from cataracts to delays for even minor treatment cervical cancer. heartbreaking.” fired at anti-India protesters prayers. cancer. The train criss-crosses and are forced to share beds. It has two operating the- Top separatist leader in Shopian who had been “We had been waiting for India, providing state-of-the- So many Indians flock to atres and about 20 staff. Many Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said in a trying to reach the site of gun- the surgery ever since the child art medical care to those who private clinics even though a of the doctors work for free. tweet that he was deeply sad- battle in which soldiers killed dened. During the past few five rebels. WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 ASIA 11 Islamist group leader behind shooting of Pakistan Minister

REUTERS The suspected law in a way some said weakened gunman is Abid an oath declaring prophet ISLAMABAD: The gunman Mohammad (PUBH) . “They have accused of shooting and Hussain, 21, a youth done so much wrong,” Qadri said wounding Pakistan’s Interior leader of the Islamist in a video message. “It is their Minister is a youth leader of a Tehreek-e-Labaik fault, they themselves are respon- hardline religious group that sees sible for this. These people are it mission as enforcing death for party. Police said, inviting attacks.” blasphemers and ridding he had dreamt Ali Iqbal’s shooting has stoked government of secular influence, Hajveri, a 11th century fears of a repeat of the pre- police said in a report. Muslim preacher election Islamist violence that has Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal blighted polls before, including was shot on Sunday as he was revered in South Asia, the 2007 assassination of former Getting ready to fly ordered him to kill leaving a constituency meeting prime minister Benazir Bhutto. It Pakistani airport workers load baggages into a plane at the newly built Islamabad International surrounded by supporters in Ahsan Iqbal. has also compounded unease Airport yesterday. Punjab province. about blasphemy. Even accusa- He is in hospital and out of tions of blasphemy can lead to danger but the attack has shaken Islamabad, in November aimed mob killings and those convicted the political establishment ahead at forcing out a government min- of blasphemy face the death of a general election expected in ister they accused of blasphemy penalty, though no death sen- July. over a change to an oath-taking tences for it have been carried out. The suspected gunman is law. Many clerics say even to Suleman Khan new chief of IB Abid Hussain, 21, a youth leader According to police, Hussain suggest change to the blasphemy of the Islamist Tehreek-e-Labaik said he had dreamt Ali Hajveri, a law is blasphemy. INTERNEWS party, police said in an interro- 11th century Muslim preacher In November, Labaik blocked promoted from BPS-21 to 22. Dr in counterterrorism operations, gation report yesterday. revered in South Asia, “ordered a main road into the capital for Suleman is the 40th chief of the including tracing and breaking The party, known as Labaik, me to kill Ahsan Iqbal”. several days over the small ISLAMABAD: Mohammad IB - which is operationally under terrorist networks. has made the emotive issue of Labaik denied that Hussain change to the election law. The Suleman Khan, Additional the prime minister and mainly “Not only a large number of blasphemy its rallying cry in a was a member of the party. government explained the change Director General of the Intelli- responsible for countering inse- IB officers and field operatives country where for years hardline “We have nothing to do with as a clerical error and reversed it. gence Bureau (IB), has been curity within the country, which have fallen victim to the terror Islamists have vied for power him,” spokesman Ejaz Ashrafi The minister responsible resigned. made chief of the civilian spy includes gathering information attacks but several suicide with civilian politicians and a said. But a founding member of Hussain joined the protests deter- agency of the country. relating to cross-provincial attacks have also occurred even coup-prone military. Labaik, Pir Afzal Qadri, said Iqbal mined to “send any blasphemer A notification issued by the crime and terrorism. in Dr Suleman’s native area in Hussain told police he was and his Pakistan Muslim League- to hell”, police said in their report. Establishment Division here Earlier, Dr Suleman was KP,” the official said. Dr Sule- inspired by the teachings of Nawaz (PML-N) party had invited Seven people were killed and 200 yesterday stated that Dr. head of the premier intelligence man’s predecessor Aftab Sultan, founders of the Labaik and joined trouble by committing blasphemy wounded when police tried to Suleman, an officer of the Police agency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, also from the police service, a party blockade of the capital, when they changed an election clear the blockade. Service of Pakistan, had been where he was heavily engaged retired on April 3.

Taliban capture New Zealand to boost district compound South Pacific aid as in Afghanistan AP

China influence grows KABUL: An Afghan official said Taliban fighters have AP Zealand became the first captured a remote district developed nation to sign a free compound in northern WELLINGTON: New Zealand trade agreement with China in Baghlan province. announced yesterday that it 2008. Provincial police chief plans to significantly boost the Peters’ announcement Ekramuddin Sarih said the amount of aid money it spends came ahead of next week’s insurgents early yesterday in the South Pacific, at a time unveiling of the government’s attacked and captured the that international concern is annual budget, where the aid compound Tala wa Barfak rising about China’s growing increases will be included. The district. influence in the region. budget will still need to be Sarih said government Foreign Minister Winston approved in a parliamentary Hands-on experience forces retreated temporarily Peters said the government vote. Peters didn’t specify from the district compound plans to spend an extra where the aid money would go, A police officer and schoolchildren take part in an anti-terrorism drill at a primary school in Huaibei, but will soon plan a counter- NZ$714m ($500m) over four although he highlighted Anhui province, China, yesterday. attack. He said the rest of the years in international aid, with climate change as a priority, district is under control of most of it directed at the Pacific. saying that it posed an government forces. He said the so-called “Pacific existential threat to some Sarih did not give any reset” would make New island states. causality information. Zealand safer and more The extra spending would The Taliban in a text prosperous. amount to a 30 percent increase message claimed responsi- Peters did not specifically in New Zealand’s international bility for the attacks and said mention China in his speech, aid budget. Peters also China hands ex-political high-flyer life term a “number” of police were although he did say the South announced a planned increase killed. AP Pacific region had become an in spending on global In addition to being to Tianjin’s No. 1 Intermediate increasingly contested strategic diplomatic efforts, including imprisoned, Sun was deprived People’s Court, which imposed space and that New Zealand re-opening an embassy in BEIJING: A Chinese court of political rights for life and all his sentence less than one HK cabbie held had its eyes “wide open” to such and adding 50 foreign sentenced former political high- of his personal property was month after the trial opened in trends. policy staffers around the flyer Sun Zhengcai to life in confiscated. a relatively swift resolution of after $140,000 “We strongly believe in world. prison yesterday for taking more State broadcaster CCTV the case. In return for the bribes, being part of a Pacific that is Opposition leader Simon than $26m in bribes, making showed Sun in court accepting Sun and his associates allegedly left in car free from military competition, Bridges expressed his him one of the biggest names to the sentence and stating that he provided assistance to unspec- AFP a Pacific that remains free from disapproval of the plan, saying fall in President Xi Jinping’s would not appeal. ified organisations and indi- the shafts of strife and war that the government was putting campaign against corruption Sun had been elevated to the viduals with engineering con- affect many other parts of the diplomats ahead of more and disloyalty. party’s elite 25-member tracts, business operations and HONG KONG: A Hong Kong globe,” Peters said. “Put simply: important priorities like Sun’s sentence, handed Politburo and was the top other matters, the court said. taxi driver has been arrested If we’re not there some other doctors. Last week French down by the intermediate court official in the western megacity Experts say announced on suspicion of stealing influence will be.” New President Emmanuel Macron in the northern port city of of Chongqing before suddenly figures in corruption cases are HK$1.1m (US$140,000) that Zealand is typically careful not and Australian Prime Minister Tianjin, appears to end a career being removed in July. often only a fraction of the real a passenger left in his cab. to offend China, which pro- Malcolm Turnbull reminded that had once been seen as pro- He pleaded guilty to the amounts involved, part of an The owner of a currency vides a vital market for its milk China to respect a rules-based pelling him to the apex of power charges and expressed effort by the party to avoid exchange left the bag full of and agricultural exports. New order in the South Pacific. in the ruling Communist Party. repentance, according stirring public outrage. cash in the taxi on her way home on Sunday night, according to local newspaper Ming Pao. The driver — iden- tified by his surname, Tang — Punjab revives 20% job quota for 3 southern divisions was tracked down through the call centre used by the INTERNEWS Official sources claimed living in south of the province. 1997. Commenting on the move, agency to approach the federal woman to book the ride. there were many hitches in The 20 percent job quota an official said it would be very government for final approval Tang, 57, first told inves- LAHORE: In a move apparently reviving the job quota for three was allocated for south Punjab difficult for the government to as the issue fell in the centre’s tigators that he hadn’t seen aimed at wooing voters and divisions of south Punjab — residents in the 1973 Consti- legislate on the issue and revive jurisdiction. The PHDA certifies the money and suggested disgruntled politicians in Multan, Bahawalpur and DG tution. However, the PML-N’s the quota. “There are many legal Halal products in the province. another passenger may have southern part of Pakistan’s Khan — besides the districts of Punjab government had sus- issues that may hinder such leg- An agenda item regarding stolen it later that night, local Punjab province ahead of forth- Bhakkar and Mianwali. pended the quota in 1997 and islation,” he said. provision of subsidised wheat to media quoted the police as coming polls, the provincial After the formation of since then the people from south In less than 30-minute the Azad Jammu and Kashmir saying. But the cash was later Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Junoobi Punjab Suba Mahaz Punjab had been competing for meeting, the cabinet also under the Extended Ramzan found at Tang’s house, Shahbaz Sharif yesterday (JPSM) led by MNA Khusro public sector jobs on open merit. approved changing of the Punjab Package, was withdrawn. according to Ming Pao. The decided in principle to revive 20 Bakhtiar that was also endorsed In the Constitution, the 20 Coal Mining Company name to Addressing the cabinet, the cabbie was arrested on percent public sector job quota by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf percent job quota was given for ‘Punjab Mineral Company’. chief minister said the PML-N Monday on suspicion of theft for three southern divisions. (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in 20 years as a “sunset clause” and About authorising the Punjab government had taken unprec- and for misleading officers, The Punjab government also the party’s recent public meeting was to expire automatically in Halal Development Agency edented steps for the devel- Hong Kong police said in a plans to include residents of two in Lahore, the Punjab gov- 1993. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PHDA) chairman to sign an opment of southern region. “The statement. This is not the first underdeveloped districts of Sar- ernment was seemingly pushed government, however, restored Memorandum of Understanding massive development work in time a large amount of unsu- godha division in the to take more initiatives for the quota for another 20 years till (MoU) with Majelis Ulama Indo- south Punjab would continue in pervised cash has tested the employment quota initiative. welfare and betterment of those 2013, but it was suspended in nesia, the cabinet asked the future as well,” he asserted. morals of Hong Kongers. 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018

North Korea Kim reiterates goal proposes new air route through peninsula: Seoul of denuclearisation REUTERS SEOUL: South Korea said AFP also expressed pleasure at the yesterday that North Korea had bilateral ties that are enjoying a proposed a new air route BEIJING: Chinese President Xi new heyday, and praised that the through the two countries, as Jinping met Kim Jong-Un in According to CCTV, high-level exchanges and stra- relations between the neigh- China for the second time in six tegic communication between bours thaw after a break- weeks yesterday and later spoke in their phone call, the two countries have reached through meeting of their with Donald Trump, in an inten- Xi told Trump he an unprecedented level,” leaders last month. sifying whirlwind of diplomacy “hopes the US and according to KCNA. At the historic summit, as the North Korean and US Chinese state broadcaster North Korean leader Kim leaders prepare for a historic North Korea can work CCTV showed Xi and Kim taking Jong-Un agreed to end military summit. together, build mutual a seaside stroll and holding talks hostilities against the South in Kim reiterated his com- trust” and “consider in a conference room with every area, including airspace, mitment to the denuclearisation North’s reasonable several officials. Xinhua said the and revitalise exchanges with of the Korean peninsula during two leaders met on Monday and South Korea, which is techni- his meeting with Xi, and the security concerns. yesterday. cally at war with Pyongyang. Chinese leader later in a phone According to Xinhua, Kim United Nations aviation call urged Trump to take the in such a short time — having told Xi there was no need for agency directors will visit North North Korean leader’s security never previously left North Korea North Korea to be a nuclear state Korea this week to discuss an concerns into consideration. since coming to power in 2011 — “as long as relevant parties earlier request by Pyongyang Kim’s unannounced trip to shows that Beijing still has a abolish their hostile policies and to open new air routes to South the northeastern port city of central role to play in the diplo- remove security threats against Korea, the organisation said. Dalian was his second visit to matic shuffle. the DPRK”. In October, the agency con- China since March, highlighting “After the first meeting Kim also expressed hope that demned North Korea over its efforts by the Cold War-era allies between me and Comrade the US and North Korea would Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and North Korean leader Kim continued launch of ballistic to mend relations that cooled as Chairman (Kim), both China- take “phased and synchronous Jong-Un meet in Dalian, Liaoning province, China, yesterday. missiles that threaten the safety Beijing supported UN sanctions DPRK relations and the Korean measures” to achieve denuclear- of international civil aviation. over Pyongyang’s rogue nuclear peninsula situation have made isation and peace, Xinhua said, of troops in South Korea for now, Trump agreed to keep economic “We are aware that what weapon programme. positive progress. I feel happy signalling Pyongyang’s demands but he admitted it was a possi- pressure on North Korea. North Korea has proposed is Beijing is keen to avoid being about it,” Xi said, according to the for a quid pro quo. bility in the longer term. “President Trump and Pres- opening an international air left out in the cold in the diplo- official Xinhua news agency. The North has long In their phone call, Xi told ident Xi agreed on the impor- route that will link Pyongyang’s matic manoeuvres that led to North Korea’s official KCNA demanded the withdrawal of US Trump he “hopes the US and tance of continued implemen- FIR and Incheon’s FIR to a third Kim’s historic summit last month news agency said Xi and Kim troops from the peninsula and North Korea can work together, tation of sanctions on North country, not a direct flight route with South Korean President “exchanged warm greetings, an end to its nuclear umbrella build mutual trust” and “consider Korea until it permanently dis- between Pyongyang and Moon Jae-in and his expected unable to hold back joy at over South Korea. North Korea’s reasonable security mantles its nuclear and missile Incheon,” South Korean foreign meeting with Trump in June. meeting again”. Trump said last week that he concerns,” according to CCTV. programmes,” the White House ministry spokesman Noh But Kim’s second trip abroad “The respected leader (Kim) was not envisaging a drawdown The US side said Xi and said in a statement. Kyu-duk told a regular briefing.

Myanmar Sea row: China urged to refugees head remove missile systems home from REUTERS and surface-to-air missile Thailand: UN systems on three of its outposts HANOI: Vietnam requested in the South China Sea, citing REUTERS yesterday that China withdraw sources with direct knowledge military equipment from the of US intelligence reports. BANGKOK: Ninety-three South China Sea, following Vietnam and China have refugees from Myanmar who media reports this month that been embroiled in maritime dis- have been living in camps in China had installed missiles putes in parts of the South China Thailand have gone home, the there. “Vietnam requests that Sea, where China claims 90 second such return since 2016, China, as a large country, shows percent of the potentially mar- the UN refugee agency said its responsibility in maintaining itime territory. yesterday, raising hopes for peace and stability in the East “Vietnam is extremely con- the eventual closure of some Sea,” Vietnamese Foreign cerned about the information (as of Asia’s oldest refugee camps. Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi reported) and reaffirms that all About 100,000 refugees Thu Hang said in a statement, militarisation activities, from Myanmar have been referring to the South China Sea. including the installation of mis- living in nine camps in The statement came after US siles on the Spratly islands, is a Thailand along the Myanmar news network CNBC reported serious violation of Vietnam’s border, many since the this month that China had sovereignty,” Hang said in the Myanmar army began sus- installed anti-ship cruise missiles statement. tained offensives against Karen guerillas in the early 1980s. The Myanmar gov- Election volunteers placing signs at a voting centre on the eve of the 14th general election, in Pekan, ernment and the autonomy- Chinese missiles directed Pahan, yesterday. seeking guerrillas have agreed to peace, raising hopes at Philippines: Lawyer that the refugees will go ANATOLIA home. Malaysia’s rivals make final appeal for votes Hilbay’s statement was in The refugees left on reaction to the confidence AFP Monday from five camps then fist for 22 years, came out of billions of dollars were allegedly ZAMBOANGA CITY: - Contrary asserted by presidential split into two groups and retirement to take on his former looted from the fund in a cam- to the confidence that the pres- spokesperson Harry Roque last crossed into Myanmar’s AYER ITAM: Malaysia’s Prime protege Najib due to an paign of fraud and idential office expressed last week that the missiles are not Karen and Kayah states, the Minister and his rival, explosive corruption scandal money-laundering. week, the former Philippine directed at the Philippines UN refugee agency said in a 92-year-old former authori- surrounding sovereign wealth In an address on state TV government’s top lawyer because the country has statement. tarian leader Mahathir fund 1MDB. that aired at the same time as yesterday expressed concern “developed a close relationship “They were received by Mohamad, made final pitches In a speech on the northwest his rival’s speech, Najib over Chinese missiles recently and friendship” with China. Myanmar authorities and for votes yesterday on the eve island of Langkawi, Mahathir announced a series of measures reported installed in the The Chinese missiles were assisted at two reception of one of the tightest elections urged voters to swing behind his that will be implemented if the disputed South China Sea. reportedly deployed on Kagit- centres,” the UNHCR said. in the country’s history. opposition alliance, Pact of Hope. government wins. “It’s false to say the missiles ingan (Fiery Cross) Reef, “Refugees in Thailand Prime Minister Najib Razak “We need to defeat Najib These included people aged are not directed at us because Zamora (Subi) Reef, and Pan- have been expressing interest faces a tough fight at today’s and Barisan Nasional because 26 and below being exempted it’s a missile system. It’s tech- ganiban (Mischief) Reef. in returning home and have polls to retain power at the head our country has been from income tax, and two addi- nically directed at everyone “They said this was for begun making plans for their of the coalition that has ruled destroyed,” he said. “We can tional public holidays. within the range of that missile civilian purposes, not military. future beyond the camps in Malaysia for six decades, in the only regain our dignity by “Barisan Nasional is a party system and we’re nearest to This was for weather purposes Thailand in the hope that face of a challenge from changing the government.” that looks to the future,” he said. that missile system. It is in fact for the protection of the fish- peace and stability will prevail Mahathir. Najib has been accused of “We are not a party of the directed at us,” former Solicitor ermen. Now we realise that in their places of origin in The veteran former leader, involvement in the scandal sur- past, we don’t play with leaders General Florin Hilbay, who they have militarised the area,” south-eastern Myanmar.” who led Malaysia with an iron rounding 1MDB, in which who have already retired.” served until 2016, said. he said. Seven more scribes quit Phnom Penh Post amid revolt AFP whose PR firm once worked for year as part of a wider at least four other staff were fired least, where it seemed like there He said it was “untrue” to Cambodia’s authoritarian Prime crackdown on critics ahead of or quit after they were ordered was an irreconcilable difference describe his company, Asia PR, PHNOM Penh: Seven more jour- Minister Hun Sen. 2018 polls that Hun Sen is deter- to take down an article detailing when it came to editorial inde- as linked to the Cambodian nalists resigned from Cambodia’s Hun Sen’s government has mined to win. the new proprietor’s business pendence,” said Erin Handley, government. embattled Phnom Penh Post taken a hammer to the fragile Now many fear the Post’s history with Cambodia’s one of the reporters to resign This “cannot be concluded yesterday as foreign staff revolt democracy’s once-vibrant media independence will be compro- government. yesterday. based on what happened against new ownership accused scene over the past year, leaving mised under a new owner, Siva- Seven more foreign staff The Post could not immedi- between the firm and the client of crushing the newspaper’s the Post as one of few remaining kumar Ganapathy, who is the handed in their resignations yes- ately be reached for comment. more than 25 years ago,” the independence. watchdogs in the graft-riddled CEO of a public relations firm terday, gutting the news desk of On Sunday, Ganapathy statement said. Concern over the fate of the country. that lists Hun Sen as a former a small but feisty paper founded released an irate statement Asia PR’s website lists “Cam- English-language daily has been The paper’s main rival, the client. in 1992. listing his objections with the bodia and Hun Sen’s entry into mounting since it was sold on Cambodia Daily, and dozens of On Monday, the paper’s “We got to a point with our article his representative had the government seat” as one of Saturday to a Malaysian investor radio stations were shuttered last Cambodian editor-in-chief and new editor-in-chief, to me at demanded reporters remove. its former projects. WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 EUROPE 13 House of Lords rejects fixed Brexit date

AGENCIES been defeated in the House of Lords on the draft legislation that LONDON: Britain’s upper house will formally terminate Britain’s of parliament yesterday inflicted Some lawmakers EU membership. a new defeat on Prime Minister The vote can be overturned Theresa May’s government, chal- criticised the by the lower house, the House of lenging her decision to fix a date government’s plan Commons, but underscores the next year to leave the European to impose a specific deep divisions over Brexit across Union. date for Britain parliament and could encourage The House of Lords voted for lawmakers who hope to derail an amendment to a draft law, leaving the EU, saying May’s plans to forge a new rela- removing a proposed fixed time it would create tionship with the EU. for a Brexit departure of 11 pm significant difficulties The government consid- on March 29 next year. ers its inclusion in the bill to The government has already if negotiations with be both completely unneces- set the clock ticking on a two-year Brussels went down to sary and totally inappropriate,” exit process that has so far failed to the wire. Brexit Minister Martin Callanan deliver a divorce deal and which told the Lords. The legislation as was damaged by her gamble on currently worded didn’t prevent Anti-Brexit protesters waving EU flags opposite the Houses of Parliament, in London, Britain, yesterday. a snap election which cost her trying to deliver Brexit in a coher- any future government or par- party its majority in parliament. ent measured fashion,” Arthur liament from mirroring EU law, and aviation while leaving oth- highlighting potential job losses decide whether to back the gov- Some lawmakers criticised Wellesley, a Conservative mem- or choosing to participate in EU ers after Brexit. for Britain’s economy from ernment or reject the law— with the government’s plan to impose ber of the House of Lords, who agencies, he said. Britain is likely to leave the leaving the EU. the risk that Britain could crash a specific date for Britain leav- introduced the amendment, said Earlier, opposition parties in EU police agency Europol and After yesterday’s sixth and out of the EU next year without ing the EU, saying it would create yesterday. the Lords and rebels in May’s Con- lose automatic membership to final debate at the “report stage” any deal in place. significant difficulties if negoti- “We should give ministers a servative Party voted in favour bodies like the European Mar- of the bill in the Lords, it will This is the penultimate ations with Brussels went down bit more flexibility to secure and of the amendment that means itime Safety Agency and the have a so-called third reading on session for the bill in the upper to the wire. obtain ratification of the best pos- Britain should participate in EU European Environment Agency. May 16. chamber during the report stage, “It creates a rod for the United sible deal which will do the least agencies after leaving the bloc Agencies that oversee Further amendments are still where members have already Kingdom negotiators’ backs, damage to the economy and the next year. Europe’s banks and pharmaceu- possible at that stage: Labour has voted in favour of amendments weakens any UK negotiating national interest.” The government has proposed tical sector have announced they said a debate on environmental including to compel ministers to position, and adds unnecessary This is the 12th time in recent retaining membership of some EU will move from London to cities protections is “one to watch.” seek a form of customs union pressure to those in the executive weeks that the government has agencies for medicine, chemicals on the continent after Brexit, Lawmakers will have to with the EU.

Restaurant owner ‘Children in UK care homes vulnerable to traffickers’ held over antique REUTERS “Record numbers of children children at greater risk of physical to improve responses to children are being sent away to places where abuse, grooming and exploitation, going missing, and now required all decors in Greece LONDON: Thousands of children they are more vulnerable to exploi- said Harriet Jackson, a spokes- care homes to have a clear policy AP living in British care homes far tation,” said Coffey, an MP with woman from the National Society for preventing this from happening. At least 13,000 from where they were brought up the opposition Labour Party who for the Prevention of Cruelty to At least 13,000 people across people across are at heightened risk of being chairs a parliamentary group on Children (NSPCC). the country are estimated by the ATHENS: A man in north- trafficked, experts said yesterday, runaway and missing children. “Children go missing for many government to be living in mod- western Greece has been the country are as figures showed increasing Anti-slavery groups warned reasons including bullying, abuse ern slavery but police said the true arrested after artifacts going estimated by the numbers are going missing. that being far from their homes or being unhappy about life at home figure is likely to be in the tens of back hundreds and even government to be The number of children made such children easier prey or in care. Sometimes it can feel like thousands. thousands of years were living in modern removed from families and sent for traffickers. their only option is to run away.” The number of British chil- found adorning his to live long distances away rose “Taking children far away Local authorities often have dren referred as potential victims restaurant. slavery but police to almost 3,700 in 2017, up 64 from their home area - far from little choice about where to place of trafficking more than dou- Police said they con- said the true percent from 2012, according to their support networks - can leave children as private care provid- bled last year, said Jakub Sobik fiscated about 90 mostly figure is likely to government data released by Brit- them in an isolated and vulner- ers are expensive and care homes of anti-trafficking group Anti- fragmentary pots and jars be in the tens of ish lawmaker Ann Coffey. able position,” said Chloe Setter unevenly distributed throughout Slavery International. “It’s difficult that archaeologists identi- The number going missing hit of anti-child trafficking organi- the country, Coffey said. to escape the conclusion that the fied as ancient Greek and thousands. almost 10,000 in 2017, more than sation ECPAT UK. A spokesman said the Depart- UK is failing its most vulnerable late medieval. double the 2015 figure, she said. Going missing from care put ment for Education was working children.” The artifacts, which were on display in the restaurant, in the seaside town of Parga, appeared to have been fished out of the sea, probably from Markle to join circle old shipwrecks. The 32-year-old owner was arrested on Monday of American royals under Greece’s cultural her- itage laws. REUTERS Grace at her palace before she Police who announced the died in a car crash in 1982. He arrest said yesterday the man LONDON: When she marries is now chairman of the Prin- was not suspected of trying her prince next week, Meghan cess Grace Foundation-USA. to sell the artifacts. Markle (pictured) will join a A less promising predecessor distinguished line of American may be Baltimore socialite and citizens who have become real- divorcee Wallis Simpson, the wife Doctors strike life royalty over the years — of Britain’s King Edward VIII. though not all their love stories The king abdicated the throne in over pay hike had fairy-tale endings. 1936 in order to marry Simpson The wedding vows that From the outset, the British in Portugal Markle and Britain’s Prince establishment was uncomforta- AFP Harry will exchange at Wind- ble with her because she was so sor Castle on May 19 outspoken, said will transform the Anne Sebba, LISBON: A doctors’ strike Los Angeles-born author of “That severely disrupted Portu- divorced actress into Woman: The guese hospitals yesterday as nobility. Afterwards, Life of Wallis they pressed their case for she will have plenty Simpson Duch- increased pay and more staff. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan during the Prime Minister’s election at a special sitting of the of women to serve as ess of Windsor.” The two unions organis- National Assembly, in Yerevan, Armenia, yesterday. her role model for the “I think the ing the strike said that about “Dos and Don’ts” of problem for 80 percent of hospital doc- being royal. Wallis really tors had walked off the job. Markle could was that she was Armenian oppn leader elected Premier “Apart from the emer- seek to follow in the brash,” Sebba gency departments, AFP footsteps of Princess said. “She would election will be ensuring a nor- and Russian president Vladimir everything else is at a halt Grace of Monaco, walk into a room mal life in the country,” Pashinyan Putin congratulated Pashinyan in the country’s main hospi- said John Lehman, whose cousin and say, ‘Hi, I’m Wallis.’ She’d YEREVAN: Armenia’s said ahead of the vote. “There in a statement released by the tals and consultations have Grace Kelly was a Hollywood wear lots of jewelry. She’d talk Parliament yesterday elected will be no corruption in Armenia. Kremlin yesterday. been rescheduled,” Jorge star whose 1956 marriage to about money.” opposition leader Nikol Pash- Armenia will once and for all turn The head of the ruling Repub- Roque Cunha, head of the Prince Rainier III made her Queen Noor of Jordan, who inyan as Prime Minister after he the page of political persecutions.” lican Party’s parliamentary Independent Union of Doc- Princess Grace of the small was married to King Hussein spearheaded weeks of mass The 42 year-old added that faction, Vagram Bagdasaryan, tors (SIM) said. Mediterranean principality. from 1978 until his death in 1999, protests against the ruling party, Armenia’s relations with Russia said his party backed Pashin- After a series of negoti- “She went through some also is from the United States. transforming the country’s will “remain a priority”. yan to “ensure stability” in the ations with the authorities, awkward years getting the peo- Lee Radziwill, a sister of political landscape. “Military cooperation with country. the doctors are demanding ple in Monaco to accept her.” former US first lady Jacque- Lawmakers voted 59 to 42 Russia is an important factor “We did not change our a change to salary grades Studying hard to overcome line Kennedy, is an American to approve Pashinyan for the in ensuring our country’s secu- position. We are against Nikol and the recruitment of more cultural barriers in her adopted socialite whose 1959 marriage to job, after the ruling Republican rity,” Pashinyan said, referring Pashinyan’s candidacy, but the staff, especially for emergency country, Princess Grace quickly Prince Stanislaw Albrecht Radz- Party came around to backing to a two-decade long conflict his most important thing for us is to units. mastered the French language iwill of Poland ended in divorce his premiership bid on his sec- country is locked in with neigh- ensure stability in the country,” “The public understands and won the hearts of royalty 15 years later. ond attempt. bouring Azerbaijan. Bagdasaryan said. our situation and even if the and commoners alike. The fairytale also didn’t last The party had narrowly voted “We will (also) be developing Pashinyan called for an end strike forces them to delay “It didn’t take too long before for American actress Rita Hay- him down last week, plunging relations with European countries to the protests after the Repub- appointments, they are sup- she was ‘their’ princess,” said worth, whose 1949 marriage the Caucasus nation into its most and the United States, with Iran licans — who have 58 MPs in the portive,” Joao Proenca, head Lehman, a former US navy sec- to Prince Aly Khan of Pakistan serious political crisis in years. and Georgia, China and India.” 105-seat legislature — promised of the National Doctors Union retary who often visited Princess ended in divorce in 1953. “My first work after my Armenia is an ally of Russia, to back him in second attempt. (FNAM) said. 14 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 Efforts to form Italian government abandoned

BLOOMBERG a video on Facebook, accusing Mattarella urged parties to system before holding another percent while the center-right his rivals of acting only in their back a “neutral government” ballot. Without electoral reform, alliance is close to 40 percent. ROME: ’s Five Star own interests. He denounced after meeting leaders. the next parliament could prove The League leader is still Movement has abandoned its The populist rivals are Salvini— with whom he had been He told reporters he favours just as divided as the one elected paying lip service to the possi- efforts to form a government and negotiating for weeks — of trying it lasting until the end of in March. bility of a last-minute U-turn is gearing up for fresh elections. betting that they can to form a government of “turn- December, after which early “Barring a miracle, we’re from Di Maio paving the way for Luigi Di Maio, head of the anti- break the political coats and traitors.” elections could be held. Matta- heading for a repeat election a deal — he’s ruled out an establishment party, declared the impasse by going back The populist rivals are rella added that elections in the with the same electoral system,” alliance with the “losers” of out- campaign open with President betting that they can break the summer were possible, but it said Fabio Bordignon, a political going Prime Minister Paolo Gen- Sergio Mattarella still considering to the voters rather political impasse by going back would be difficult for people to science professor at the Uni- tiloni’s Democratic Party — one last attempt to break a two- than cutting a deal to the voters rather than cutting vote; a ballot in the autumn could versity of Urbino. though he’s also turning his month deadlock with a techno- with other parties. a deal with other parties. They’ll jeopardise approval of the 2019 Salvini has benefited the attacks toward Five Star. cratic government. likely denounce Mattarella’s budget in parliament and most from the post-election bar- “I’m doing everything I can Matteo Salvini of the anti- efforts at compromise as another unsettle financial markets. gaining and quarreling. The to give a government to this immigrant League also rejected between party leaders. establishment stitch-up akin to The breakdown of talks League has jumped 4 percentage country,” Salvini said. “Five Star the idea of a non-partisan prime “From today we’re fighting the unelected government of amounts to a failure for Mattarella, points since the vote, according is pretty fickle — a bit here, a bit minister and called for elections an election campaign and we’ll Mario Monti that stepped in from who’s been trying to engineer a to an average of surveys by there. The next time, at the on July 8 if, as seems likely, tell people about these two 2011 to 2013 to steer Italy through consensus to push through the polling group Youtrend on May election, it will be a referendum, there’s no last-ditch agreement months of lies,” Di Maio said in the height of the financial crisis. 2019 budget and reform the voting 3. Five Star is up a point at 34 either them or us.”

French minister faces probe for PR contract AFP to organise a promotional newspaper had reported last evening at the Consumer Elec- year that an audit of the event PARIS: French Labour Minister tronics Show, a top industry had found “no purchase order, Muriel Penicaud will be ques- gathering in Las Vegas where no signed contract, no bill” con- tioned by a judge this month Macron was the star speaker. nected with the Vegas event over suspected favouritism An inquiry was opened by with Macron, whose presidential involving a 2016 event in Las investigating magistrates last ambitions were already Vegas featuring Emmanuel July after reports that the con- becoming evident to many. Macron, the current French tract for the event, which cost The bill was later negotiated president who was economy $475,000, was awarded without down to about 290,000 euros, minister at the time, her office putting out a public tender as but other reports claimed Pen- said. required by French law. icaud waited six months before Before joining Macron’s Penicaud has been sum- revealing the audit to Business Cabinet Penicaud headed moned for questioning by a France’s board of directors. Business France, the agency judge on May 22 as an “assisted Anti-corruption investi- spearheading the government’s witness”, meaning she can be gators searched the offices of efforts to attract foreign accompanied by a lawyer, her Havas and Business France last investors and promote home- office said, confirming a report June, discovering an email sug- grown companies abroad. in the Canard Enchaine inves- gesting that Penicaud had been She hired French advertising tigative weekly. “briefed” ahead of the event that and public-relations firm Havas The left-leaning Liberation it could raise red flags.

FROM LEFT: Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Bosnia to hold State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, before a session of the State Duma, the Lower House of Norway police close Trump’s Parliament, in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. fake Nobel nomination case general elections AFP on October 7 REUTERS Russia keeps Medvedev as prime minister OSLO: The Norwegian police said yesterday they had closed an AFP while the Communist and Just “Despite all these difficulties, investigation into Donald Trump’s fake Nobel Peace Prize nomi- SARAJEVO: Bosnia will hold Russia parties opposed him. the government managed not nation after failing to identify the person behind it. presidential and parlia- MOSCOW: Dmitry Medvedev The 52-year-old served a just to solve extraordinary, emer- The Norwegian Nobel Institute filed a police report earlier mentary elections on October secured a fresh term as Russian term as president from 2008 to gency tasks” but also develop this year after receiving a seemingly fraudulent nomination of 7, even though rival ethnic prime minister yesterday, as the 2012 before standing aside to plans aimed at the “mid-term the US president for the prestigious prize. leaders have yet to agree on Lower House of Parliament become prime minister while and long-term,” Putin said. “I Suspicion mounted that the nomination was submitted by voting rules for the upper voted overwhelmingly for Pres- Putin returned to the Kremlin. think it’s extremely important to a person suspected of committing identity fraud to appear legit- house of the Bosniak-Croat ident Vladimir Putin’s long-term Putin praised Medvedev in preserve continuity.” imate, as only a select group of individuals — including members Federation’s parliament. ally to retain his post. a speech ahead of the vote, Medvedev in turn thanked of parliament and government, former laureates and some uni- Nearly 3.4 million voters “I am ready to do everything saying that the prime minister Putin for his support and said versity professors — are entitled to propose names. will choose Croat, Serb and for the development of our “hardly needs any special intro- his government would work “The case was closed because the police lack information Bosniak members of the tri- country,” Medvedev said ahead duction” after leading the gov- towards fulfilling new national about the culprit,” Tone Bysting, an Oslo police official, said. partite presidency and law- of the vote in the State Duma, ernment for the past six years. targets announced by Putin fol- “We haven’t been able to find the (real) identity” of the person makers for parliament’s which Putin also attended. “All that has been accom- lowing his inauguration for a behind this “openly fraudulent” nomination, she added. lower house, plus regional A total of 374 MPs backed plished in recent years creates fourth Kremlin term this week. While the US president’s nomination is dropped this year, leaders and assemblies, the his candidacy while 56 voted a solid basis for moving “We are able to be victorious Trump still has a chance next year as a group of 18 House Repub- Central Election Commission against. forward,” Putin said, adding that both in war and peaceful times,” licans have nominated him to the Norwegian Nobel Committee (CIK) said on Tuesday. The ruling United Russia he worked “thoroughly, profes- he told the Duma, a day before “in recognition of his work to end the Korean War, denuclearise But CIK chief Irena party and the ultra-nationalist sionally and honestly” during a Russia celebrates World War II the Korean peninsula and bring peace to the region”. Hadziabdic warned: “We are LDPR party backed Medvedev, “difficult” period for Russia. victory over the Nazis. entering the election period without clear regulations on how to carry out elections and contrary to the interna- Hungarian premier tional principles.” readies for new term Belgian singer dies days after AFP reeling from the results. Orban’s ruling right-wing making comeback BUDAPEST: Hungarian anti- Fidesz party upset predictions government protestors of a tight contest by winning AFP prepared to take to the streets with a landslide 49 percent of after strongman Viktor Orban the vote compared to under 20 BRUSSELS: Popular Belgian was nominated for re-election percent for its nearest chal- singer Maurane has died at as prime minister for a third lenger, the nationalist Jobbik the age of 57, just days after consecutive term, as the coun- party. returning to the stage try’s new parliament was inau- That helped Fidesz clinch a following an absence of more gurated. third consecutive two-thirds than two years, prompting an Orban was recommended parliamentary majority in a row, outpouring of emotion from as prime minister by President allowing Orban legislative carte the French-speaking music Janos Ader in the first session blanche to amend the consti- world. of the new 199-seat assembly, tution and fast-track new laws. Maurane, real name with his formal re-election and Since the vote, Orban has Claudine Luypaerts, was swearing in as premier pledged to govern in the found dead at home in scheduled tomorrow, not interests of all Hungarians and Brussels around 8:00pm Firefighters and rescuers working at the scene where two trains collided, in Aichach, Germany, yesterday. Tuesday as previously indicated has called his victory “the (1800 GMT) on Monday, by parliament. biggest mandate” since the according to the Belgian Earlier, several hundred switch from communism in federal prosecutor’s office. angry anti-Orban protesters 1990. Two dead as trains collide in Germany It said it had begun an gathered outside to jeer at law- Turnout also increased investigation but that foul AP makers amid a heavy police sharply on previous elections, of the injured is in serious Police said yesterday that play was not suspected. presence, shouting “Traitors!” Ader said during his speech to condition. they detained a rail traffic con- Maurane shot to fame in and “Orban, come out!” open parliament, adding that BERLIN: Authorities said that Markus Trieb, a spokesman troller for questioning on sus- the late 1980s in the sci-fi A bigger demonstration, the legitimacy of the result is two people have died and 14 for northern Swabia police, said picion of causing death by neg- rock opera “Starmania” and expected to draw tens of thou- “above question”. The vote was have been injured after a yesterday that the passenger ligence in a crash between two had a string of French-lan- sands, was scheduled. a “celebration of democracy.” passenger train hit a stationary train was traveling from trains. guage hits before putting her They are part of a grass- Orban’s election campaign cargo train in southern Augsburg to Ingolstadt when it In a separate incident in career on hold in the year roots civil protest movement was dominated by strident anti- Germany. hit the cargo train near a station Bavaria, two people were killed 2015 because of problems that has sprung up since April’s immigration rhetoric, and early Police said those killed were in the town of Aichach, adding on Monday when a train hit their with her vocal cords, parliamentary election, with signs are that he will continue the driver of the passenger train that the driver of the cargo train car at a crossing near Lake according to Belgian news opposition party leaders still in the same vein. and a female passenger. One was uninjured. Starnberg. agency Belga. WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 AMERICAS 15 Trump announces withdrawal from Iran deal AFP After consulting US worldwide, and block its “men- “friends” from across acing” activity across the WASHINGTON: US President region. In the meantime, Trump Donald Trump yesterday the Middle East, Trump warned, “if the regime con- announced the US withdrawal said, “it is clear to tinues its nuclear aspirations, from the “defective” multina- me that we cannot it will have bigger problems tional nuclear deal with Iran, prevent an Iranian than it has ever had.” as Washington moved to rein- Trump had long pledged to state punishing sanctions nuclear bomb under tear up the “very badly nego- against the Islamic republic. the decaying and tiated” agreement — which his “The Iran deal is defective rotten structure of the predecessor Barack Obama at its core,” Trump said in a tel- current agreement.” agreed with Britain, China, evised address from the White France, Germany and Russia — House. “I am announcing today daring Tehran’s regime to that the United States will restart its enrichment pro- withdraw from the Iran nuclear that chants ‘Death to America’ gramme and alleged quest for deal.” to gain access to the most a nuclear weapon. After consulting US deadly weapons on Earth.” The US leader had until May “friends” from across the Following his address, the 12 to decide whether to con- Middle East, Trump said, “it is US leader signed a presidential tinue to waive sanctions on clear to me that we cannot memorandum to start rein- Iran’s central bank and its oil US President Donald Trump announces his intent to withdraw from the JCPOA Iran nuclear agreement prevent an Iranian nuclear stating US nuclear sanctions on sector dealings, a key pillar of in the Diplomatic Room at the White House in Washington, DC, yesterday. bomb under the decaying and the Iranian regime. the 2015 agreement. rotten structure of the current “We will be instituting the For months, critics have agreement.” “America will not highest level of economic Bolton told reporters after Describing Iran as the and lasting solution to the warned that ending the waivers be held hostage to nuclear sanction,” Trump said. “Any Trump’s speech that the US world’s leading state sponsor Iranian nuclear threat.” would unravel the carefully blackmail,” Trump vowed. nation that helps Iran in its sanctions would apply to new of terror, and decrying its Such a solution, he said, constructed deal, plunge Iran’s “We will not allow quest for nuclear weapons contracts “immediately,” and influence in the Middle East, would include efforts to elim- already struggling economy American cities to be could also be strongly sanc- that foreign firms would have Trump said the United States inate the threat from Iran’s bal- into crisis and expose the threatened with destruction tioned by the United States.” months to wind down existing intended to work with its allies listic missile programme, stop biggest transatlantic rift since and we will not allow a regime National Security Advisor John operations in Iran. to “find a real, comprehensive, its “terrorist activities” the Iraq War. Brazil anti-corruption US calls for Venezuelan leader Maduro to step down AP “I am not sure how we will make May 20 elections in which judge says he will that happen but I know that we Maduro is seeking re-election WASHINGTON: The Trump can’t stop,” she said right after will be fraudulent if independent administration called yesterday her speech during a conference observers are absent. Mike for Venezuelan President Nicolas organised by the Council of the Pence urged members of the not run for president Maduro (pictured) to step down. Americas. “We have to continue 35-nation Organization of “For the safety and security to isolate Maduro until he gives American States to suspend REUTERS of all the peoples of Latin in.” Haley said the people of the Venezuela. America, it is time for Maduro to South American country are The Venezuelan embassy did BRASILIA: Joaquim Barbosa go,” said the US Ambassador to “unwilling victims of a criminal not immediately respond to a (pictured), a former chief the United Nations, Nikki Haley. narco-state” and asserted the request for comment. justice on Brazil’s Supreme Court with anti-corruption credentials, said yesterday he would not run for the presi- Canada school dency in October, despite a Mexican leftist widens lead: Poll growing clamour for his shooter gets candidacy. REUTERS Barbosa, the first and only percent support, up by two per- carried out between May 3-6, life sentence black member of the high court, centage points from a previous contrasted with recent surveys AFP had in recent weeks positioned MEXICO CITY: Mexican leftist poll by the company published that showed Lopez Obrador’s himself as a potential centre- Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on April 20. advantage over Anaya nar- left candidate. He was attractive has maintained his lead in the His closest rival Ricardo rowing somewhat at the end of OTTAWA: A student who shot to many because of his clean race to win the presidency with Anaya, who heads a right-left April. Lopez Obrador, runner- dead four people and injured image and background as a Left-leaning former envi- less than two months remaining coalition, advanced one per- up in Mexico’s last two presi- seven others at a home and a judge who battled corruption. ronment minister and two-time before the country’s July 1 centage point to 33 percent dential elections, has led in school in the remote That is an essential selling presidential hopeful Marina election, an opinion poll support, while Jose Antonio opinion polls. His bid has capi- Canadian indigenous point in this election, the first Silva may also see a boost with showed, yesterday. Meade, candidate of the ruling talised on deep-seated dis- community of La Loche was since a massive legal probe Barbosa out. She is tying for The survey of 1,200 voters Institutional Revolutionary content with the PRI over rising sentenced yesterday to life in revealed stunning levels of second place in opinion polls by polling firm BGC showed Party (PRI), slipped three points gang violence, corruption and prison. political graft. Scores of pow- with extreme-right candidate Lopez Obrador winning 42 to 19 percent. The BGC poll, sluggish economic growth. Under the terms of the erful businessmen and politi- Jair Bolsonaro. concurrent sentence, he cians have been jailed, Barbosa never fleshed out would not be eligible for including former president Luiz what planks he may have run parole for at least 10 years. Inacio Lula da Silva, who still on, aside from saying that he The young man, who leads all election polls. did not believe in “ultraliberal cannot be identified under “It’s decided. After positions” for a country like Canadian law, was only 17 reflecting for several weeks, I Brazil, with its deep, persistent years old in January 2016 finally came to a conclusion,” economic inequalities and when he shot dead two Barbosa wrote on his verified poverty. teenage brothers at their Twitter account. “I do not In early April, Barbosa reg- home before going to a intend to be a candidate for the istered with the PSB just before nearby school and shooting presidency.” Barbosa, 63, added the deadline for any potential to death two teachers. Now that the decision was “strictly candidates to belong to a party 20, he pleaded guilty to the personal.” His party, the Bra- if they wished to run. murders and apologised in zilian Socialist Party (PSB), con- Yet he rejected calls from court yesterday. firmed the decision in a written inside the party to more aggres- statement, and said it would sively lay the groundwork for continue to work for political a run. ‘4-6 girls’ bodies renewal. Several party sources said may have been Barbosa’s decision could in recent weeks they were con- benefit Ciro Gomes, a leftist vinced Barbosa did not want the buried in Michigan’ whose Democratic Workers pressure of a presidential run. AP Party was talking with PSB However, most PSB leaders leaders about an alliance before maintained he was going to be Barbosa’s name surfaced. their candidate, and they Leftist front-runner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (third left) of the National Regeneration Movement MICHIGAN: Authorities exca- Gomes stands at third in the gushed over his strong showing (MORENA) poses for a picture with invitees during the “Dialogue for Peace and Justice” at the vating woods in southeastern most recent polling. in a Datafolha poll last month. Museum of Memory and Tolerance in Mexico City, yesterday. Michigan for the remains of a 12-year-old girl last seen in 1979 also could be looking for the bodies of up to half a dozen others who have been Fugitive in 1989 drug case caught walking to US from Canada reported missing over the years. Digging resumed yes- AP person emerge from woods near Thailand and Lebanon between walked across the border after statement to the court, Moritz terday in Macomb Township, the border. 1971 and 1985. The ringleader, midnight on April 15 in sparsely wrote that he had $1,800 in cash about 50km from downtown HELENA: A fugitive who was Moritz, who is now 71 or 72, Long Island businessman populated area between Lake or in a checking account and that Detroit. arrested walking across a remote pleaded not guilty to charges that William LaMorte, was arrested Koocanusa and the Kootenai he had been “living with friends” The search started on part of the US-Canada border include conspiracy to import and convicted in 1991, but Moritz National Forest after midnight without saying where. Kingsford Monday for the remains of will face charges dating back to drugs. US Magistrate Judge James and two other co-defendants on April 15, US Customs and said the man who was with Kimberly King, but Warren 1989 that he was a member of a Cott allowed Moritz to reside disappeared before authorities Border Protection spokesman Moritz was a Canadian citizen Police Commissioner Bill trafficking ring that smuggled with his son in Tampa, Florida, could apprehend them. Bill Kingsford said. who was sent back to Canada Dwyer said that there could more than 120 tonnes of drugs after Moritz posted a $100,000 The magistrate also granted It was not clear if he had without being charged. be others buried in the area. into the country from around the bond and agreed to wear an a two-week delay in the pro- been living in Canada for the past Moritz declined to cooperate “We have probable cause globe. electronic monitoring device and ceedings “in the interest of 29 years or whether he had used with the Border Patrol agents to believe that she is buried Jacob Moritz appeared in US abide by a 7pm curfew. justice given (the) age of the case that crossing before. who detained him, and they only there,” Dwyer said. “We also District Court in , Moritz was one of four and for possible plea discus- A telephone message left for learned his identity and the New believe that there’s maybe three weeks after two people defendants indicted for smug- sions,” Cott wrote in a court doc- Moritz’ attorney, Ryan Poscablo, York warrant for his arrest after four to six other girls that driving in northwestern Montana gling drugs into the US from ument. Moritz was trying to was not immediately returned fingerprinting him, Kingsford have been reported missing spotted Moritz and another Jamaica, Morocco, Colombia, reunite with his family when he yesterday.In a financial said. that are buried there.” 16 MORNING BREAK WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS Value of media FAJR 03. 29 AM SHOROOK 04. 53 AM witnessed during ZUHR 11. 30 AM MAGHRIB 06. 10 PM ASR 02. 58 PM ISHA 07. 40 PM siege: NU-Q Dean

THE PENINSULA WEATHER TODAY journeys. As media students, Northwestern has also taught DOHA: When Fouad Hassan, us to pursue and tell the NU-Q’s student speaker at its untold stories, to connect and graduation ceremony, told empathise with one another, people he was attending and more importantly, to fight Northwestern University to for what we know is right,” study film and theatre, he said Hassan said. that “jaws would drop eyes Renowned filmmaker and would roll, and an unnec- journalist Sharmeen Obaid- essary pointed cough would Chinoy, the graduation follow to cover the confusion.” speaker, said how the power Hassan said the confusion of storytelling contributes to The students of NU-Q’s Class of 2018 celebrate at the graduation ceremony. was understandable since he the commanding role of com- is blind. His response four munication in a global society. up for yourself, to be join more than 250,000 extracurricular excellence years ago, he told those Recounting the outcome relentless, to fight back, to alumni worldwide and I am across all platforms and leaves gathered for the ceremony, is of her first-ever investigative have thick skin, to embrace confident you will make your here as educated and profes- the same he gives today, “This story on extreme bullying in failure, to apologize when you mark in the world too.” sionally competent women is what I love, and this is what Pakistan, Obaid-Chinoy told make mistakes, and to break NU-Q Dean and CEO, and men.” I will do.” the students what her father bread with strangers.” Everette E. Dennis, in intro- A delegation of high-level Hassan was one of the 61 told her, “If you speak the Northwestern President, ducing the class said, “Anyone representatives from North- students of NU-Q’s seventh truth, I will stand with you, Morton Schapiro, who has who ever doubted the value western’s home campus in the graduation class. In his and so will the world,” she attended every NU-Q gradu- of media and communication US, including Provost remarks, he reminded them said. ation, told graduates and their witnessed its importance Jonathon A. Holloway and of all that they had accom- After detailing a series of families how much NU-Q stu- during the blockade on Qatar,” members of NU-Q’s Joint plished in their four years at additional lessons, the two- dents have inspired him over adding that, “this class began Advisory Board, joined this o o Northwestern. This brings the time Oscar winner summa- the years. “You not only carry their year with uncertainty, year’s graduating class in cel- 31 C 40 C total to 282 graduates since rised her advice to the class the Northwestern purple flag but they and Qatar have been ebrating their academic suc- the first ceremony in 2012. by saying that their journey of so proudly, you absolutely resolute and resilient, and that cesses. Earlier in the day, Minimum Maximum “Our time at Northwestern life is now beginning and they exemplify the best of what we has led us to this triumphal President Schapiro hosted the Slight dust to blowing dust at places at pushed us to achieve higher should “remember that can achieve,” he said. “You are event today. Over the last four annual awards ceremony times and scattered clouds with a chance goals and summon the stubborn dreams are worth an inspiring example for the years, the graduating class has where students receive special of rain may be thundery by night place. courage to pursue tougher pursuing; remember to stand university itself, and as you demonstrated academic and honours.

HIGH TIDE 13:30 – 00:00 LOW TIDE 08:00 – 15:45 Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Sun to turn into planetary nebula when it dies: Astronomers IANS Sun will do when it dies!” said too low a mass to create a space. The envelope can be as star, such as the Sun, to form one of the researchers Albert visible planetary nebula. To much as half the star’s mass. a bright planetary nebula. The LONDON: While scientists Zijlstra, Professor at the Uni- find out, the team developed This reveals the star’s core, team found that in the new agree that the Sun will die in versity of Manchester in a new stellar, data-model that which by this point in the models, the Sun is almost approximately 10 billion Britain. A planetary nebula predicts the lifecycle of stars. star’s life is running out of fuel, exactly the lowest mass star years, they were not sure what marks the end of 90 percent The model, detailed in the eventually turning off before that still produces a visible, would happen next, until now. of all stars active lives and journal Nature Astronomy, finally dying,” Zijslra though faint, planetary nebula. A new study now says that it traces the star’s transition was used to predict the explained. “It is only then the hot core will turn into a massive ring from a red giant to a degen- brightness (or luminosity) of The new models show that makes the ejected envelope of bright, interstellar gas and erate white dwarf. the ejected envelope, for stars after the ejection of the shine brightly for around dust, known as a planetary But, for years, scientists of different masses and ages. envelope, the stars heat up 10,000 years — a brief period nebula. were not sure if the Sun in our “When a star dies it ejects three times faster than found in astronomy. This is what “This is a nice result... We galaxy would follow the same a mass of gas and dust — in older models. This makes it makes the planetary nebula even have found out what the fate as it was thought to have known as its envelope — into much easier for a low mass visible,” Zijslra said.