QATAR | Page 24 SPORT | Page 1 QSRSN Inspired distributes Bangladesh assistive add to South medical Africa’s devices to agony members

published in QATAR since 1978

MONDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11203 June 3, 2019 Ramadan 29, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief

QATAR | Offi cial Qatar was not Amir congratulates Australian PM His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim consulted on bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to Scott Morrison on the occasion of his swearing-in as prime minister of Australia, wishing him success, and Saudi summit the Australian people further growth and prosperity. His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior statements: FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent similar cables to Morrison. ‘The Gulf summit statement talked about a unified Gulf, but where is it amid the continuation of Qatar’s QATAR | Religion blockade?’ asks HE Sheikh Mohamed National team for sighting crescents Agencies The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) Doha and Islamic Aff airs yesterday formed Israeli security forces stand guard in front of a group of Palestinian protesters at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound a national team specialising in yesterday. Palestinian worshippers clashed with Israeli police as an Israeli holiday coincided with the final days of the sighting crescents. The ministry said Muslim holy month of Ramadan. atar said yesterday that it re- in a statement that the team would jected the outcome of the re- specialise in sighting the crescents of Qcent Makkah talks on mounting Ramadan and Shawwal according to regional tensions with Iran as Doha had the Islamic legislation.Page 2 not been properly consulted. Saudi Arabia hosted three summits ARAB WORLD | Confl ict Qatar condemns storming in the holy city over the weekend criti- 10 killed in Israeli cal of Iran after King Salman warned that “terrorist” attacks in the Gulf re- attack in Syria gion could imperil global energy sup- Israel carried out air strikes in Syria plies. of Al-Aqsa Mosque “The statements of the Gulf and yesterday in response to rare rocket fire from the neighbouring country, Arab summits were ready in advance HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman its military said, with a war monitor QNA worshippers were injured by Israeli and outraged Muslim worshippers. and we were not consulted on them,” al-Thani reporting 10 killed including Syrian Doha police who were escorting Jewish One Palestinian man suff ered a HE the Deputy Prime Minister and soldiers and foreign fighters. Israel’s settlers on a tour of the holy Al-Aqsa head injury, while others were treated Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin blockade?” added HE Sheikh Moham- army said two rockets were fired Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. from gas inhalation inside the com- Abdulrahman al-Thani told the Al- ed bin Abdulrahman in separate com- from Syria at Mount Hermon in the atar has expressed its con- Some 400 Jewish settlers entered pound, a medic from the Palestinian Araby broadcaster. ments to Doha-based broadcaster Al Israeli-occupied Golan Heights late demnation in the strongest the fl ashpoint compound, one of Is- Red Crescent said. “Qatar has reservations on the Arab Jazeera. Saturday and one had been “located Qterms of the storming of the lam’s holiest places, before the po- The director of the Al-Aqsa and Gulf summits because some of The summits “adopted Washing- within Israeli territory.” Al-Aqsa Mosque by hundreds of Is- lice scuffl ed with worshippers who mosque, Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani, their terms are contrary to Doha’s for- ton’s policy towards Iran and not one raeli settlers in the early hours yes- expressed their anger at the entry of said the action by the Jewish groups eign policy.” that takes the neighbourhood into EUROPE | Accident terday, and the injuries to many wor- settlers, said (WAFA) news agency. broke with the status quo of the Is- Tehran has strongly denied involve- consideration”, he added. Cruise ship slams shippers caused by the aggression of Israeli police assaulted many of raeli authorities not allowing such ment in recent attacks on oil infra- “We hoped the Makkah summits Israeli occupation forces. the worshippers, arrested some and visits in the last 10 days of Ramadan. structure and regional shipping – inci- would lay the groundwork for dialogue into Venice wharf The Ministry of Foreign Aff airs chased others through the compound But yesterday coincided with Is- dents that prompted Riyadh to convene to reduce tensions with Iran,” the for- A massive cruise ship lost control said in a statement that the Israeli and attacked them with teargas and rael’s annual Jerusalem Day, when the three crisis summits. eign minister added in his comments in Venice yesterday, crashing attacks on the rights to worship and stun grenades. Jewish pilgrims, including ultra-na- In a tweet just before the start of the to Al-Araby and reposted on Twitter by into a wharf and sparking a fresh the practice of religious rites are Israeli police rarely allow Jewish tionalists walk through the complex summit, the king vowed to confront his ministry. controversy over the damage the a clear provocation to the feelings prayers near Al-Aqsa Mosque during under heavy Israeli guard. “aggressive threats and subversive ac- “The Makkah summit ignored the mammoth vessels cause to one of the of Muslims around the world, and the last ten days of the holy month of Kiswani said the visit of what he tivities”. important issues in the region, such as world’s most famous cities. Footage warned of repercussions of those il- Ramadan when tens of thousands of described as up to 800 Jewish “ex- Qatar is the subject of a two-year the Palestine issue and the war in Libya posted to social media showed legal actions on the region and the Muslims converge on the holy site for tremists” had not been coordinated Saudi-led economic embargo includ- and Yemen.” people on the harbour fleeing as the world at large. worship. with the Muslim authorities at the ing bans on direct air, land and sea “They condemned Iran but did not 13-deck MSC Opera scraped along Calling on the international com- On Saturday, some Jewish organi- compound and accused riot police of travel between the boycotting nations refer to a moderate policy to speak with the dockside. Page 16 munity to carry out its moral and legal sations called upon fans to organise attacking worshippers. and Qatar, as well sanctions. Tehran,” he said in remarks reported by responsibilities to stop the repeated visits to the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque in Israeli police said they had taken The alliance, which also includes Al Jazeera television. RAMADAN THOUGHT Israeli attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque the city to mark what Israelis claim as “security measures after disturbanc- Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Saudi Arabia’s King Salman con- and religious shrines in Palestine, the reunifi cation of Jerusalem. es by Arabs”. Emirates, accuses Qatar of supporting vened the emergency summits on May And unto Allah (Alone) falls in the statement urged them to provide Reuters adds from Jerusalem: The On Friday, tens of thousands of Islamist movements and Iran – claims 30-31 to discuss drone strikes on oil in- prostration whoever is in the the necessary protection for Muslim highly provocative visit by hundreds of Muslims attended prayers at Al-Aqsa it denies. stallations in Saudi Arabia and attacks heavens and the earth, willingly worshippers to exercise their natural ultra-nationalist Jews guarded by riot Mosque, hearing a message of defi - “The Gulf summit statement talked on four vessels, including two Saudi oil or unwillingly, and so do their right to worship at Al-Aqsa Mosque. police into the Jerusalem compound ance against Israeli control of the about a unifi ed Gulf, but where is tankers, off the United Arab Emirates shadows in the mornings and in A number of Palestinian Muslim resulted in violence between police venue. Page 11 it amid the continuation of Qatar’s coast. the afternoons. (Qur’an 13:15)

Prayer times

Fajr....3.15 Zuhr....11.32 Asr....2.56 Maghrib.....6.24 Isha.....7.54 ‘One ID’ initiative for air travel closer to reality US prepared for Fasting times unconditional Iftar today ...... 6.24pm System uses a single promote and implement a paperless passport or boarding pass,” said Alex- Imsak tomorrow...... 3.05am biometric identifier to passenger process utilising biometric andre de Juniac, IATA’s Director Gen- talks with Iran recognition. eral and CEO. move passengers through The vision for ‘One ID’ is a paper- Specifi cally, airlines have called for airports less travel experience, where pas- the International Civil Aviation Or- he United States is prepared to en- sengers can fl y around the world ganisation (ICAO) member states to gage with Iran without pre-condi- By Pratap John safely and securely using only their endorse the digital travel credential Ttions about its nuclear programme Business Editor individual biometric data. This will specifi cations that will off er a secure but needs to see the country behaving Seoul be achieved using a trusted digital and effi cient alternative to passports. like “a normal nation”, US Secretary of identity, biometric recognition tech- They urged the industry to work State Mike Pompeo said yesterday. Iran nology, and a collaborative identity with states to develop global stand- dismissed the off er as “word-play”. he International Air Transport management platform accessible to ards for the safe and secure access, Tension between the two foes has in- Association (IATA) has unani- various authorised stakeholders. transfer and use of passenger identity creased sharply in the past month, a year Tmously resolved to accelerate “Biometric recognition using the information on a need-to-know / al- after US President Donald Trump aban- the global implementation of the ‘One One ID concept modernises the air- low-to-know basis in-line with vari- doned Iran’s 2015 deal with world pow- ID’ initiative, which uses a single bio- port experience for passengers and ous data privacy requirements and ers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme metric identifi er to move passengers improves the effi ciency and security regulations. in return for the lifting of sanctions. through the airport, without the need of identifi cation processes. Using glo- Various elements of the One ID con- Washington, which reimposed for paper travel documents. bal standards for digital identity and cept are now being trialled at airports sanctions last year, has sharply tight- The ‘IATA One ID resolution’ data exchange will move us a big step around the world. The next stage will ened them since the start of May, or- adopted at the association’s 75th An- closer to a hassle-free airport expe- be to implement cross-border trials dering all countries to halt imports of nual General Meeting here yester- rience for passengers. Every travel- whereby a passengers is recognised at IATA’s Alexandre de Juniac speaks Iranian oil. It has hinted at military day urged stakeholders — including ler will appreciate the convenience both the airport of departure and ar- during the opening session of the confrontation, sending extra forces to airlines, airports and government of getting from the curb to the gate rival. One ID is part of IATA’s NEXTT Annual General Meeting of IATA in the region in response to what it calls authorities — to work together to without ever having to show a paper Vision 2035. Business Page 1 Seoul yesterday. Iranian threats. Page 10 Gulf Times 2 Monday, June 3, 2019 QATAR

Amir sends cables of congratulations Al Fazaa distributes Iftar meals, gifts to Italian president His Highness the Amir Sheikh Interior ministry Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani have sent cables of congratulations to Italian President Sergio Mattarella on takes steps to the occasion of his country’s Republic Day. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani sent a cable of ensure safe Eid congratulations to Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on the occasion. QNA Interior ministry department of patrols and traf- Doha fi c investigations said that the Qatar condemns working hours department has prepared a com- during Eid al-Fitr prehensive plan for all the events Afghan attacks he Ministry of Interior has taking place in the state, whether completed all arrange- The Ministry of Interior (MoI) Ramadan or Eid. Tments and procedures to has said its security depart- A total of 100 patrols are con- Qatar has strongly condemned ensure a safe and secure Eid al- ments and traff ic investigation ducted around the clock. the three explosions that shook Fitr. sections will work round the The Central Operations De- the capital Kabul, and the two The ministry has taken all clock during the Eid al-Fitr holi- partment is also working around attacks which targeted two police necessary measures to ensure days, which began yesterday the clock through its 999 serv- stations in Ghazni and Baghlan smooth fl ow of traffi c and pro- and continues until June 10. ice, which ensures prompt re- provinces in Afghanistan, causing vide citizens, residents and visi- Service departments pertaining sponse to any problems or emer- deaths and injuries. tors with security. to the General Directorate of gencies. In a statement, the Ministry of The General Directorate of Passports, General Directorate Director of Central Opera- Al Fazaa personnel have distributed Iftar meals and gifts among motorists at diff erent places in the Foreign Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s Traffi c’s Major Jaber Mohamed of Traff ic, Nationality and Travel tions Department Hassan al- country, the Ministry of Interior has tweeted. firm stance rejecting violence Odaiba said that the depart- Documents Department, and Kuwari said that the control and terrorism, regardless of their ment will intensify traffi c patrols the Criminal Evidence and Infor- room is working 24/7 to to di- motives and reasons. across the country to prevent ac- mation Department will work rect patrols and monitor areas The statement expressed the cidents. from 8am until noon, according that are hosting celebrations, condolences of the State of He added that patrols will be to a tweet by the MoI. noting that the department, Qatar to the victims’ families, the increased in front of mosques at the same time, will provide government and the people of and on the streets leading to services to the public includ- Afghanistan, wishing the injured them, in an attempt to control families during that time. ing responding to enquiries and a speedy recovery. traffi c and to ensure the safety of The assistant director of the calling hospitals.

Awqaf forms national team for sighting crescents

QNA cording to the Islamic legisla- imams and specialists attended experts and specialists from re- Doha tion. a course. nowned related institutions. The announcement was made The course was carried out Expressing pride in the team, during a ceremony held at the through three stages that com- HE Dr al-Kuwari said that the he Ministry of Endow- ministry’s headquarters in pres- bined theoretical knowledge and ministry was pleased to form the ments (Awqaf) and Is- ence of HE the Minister of Awqaf fi eld trainings. team. He thanked Sheikhs and Tlamic Aff airs yesterday and Islamic Aff airs Dr Ghaith bin The ministry provided the experts for training the team. formed a national team special- Mubarak al-Kuwari. team with all the necessary The fi eld training was organ- ising in sighting crescents. The ministry has succeeded equipment for the sighting of ised during the months of Rajab, The ministry said in a state- in implementing the project of crescents. Sha’aban and Ramadan. ment that the team would spe- training and qualifying the Qa- In the near future, the minis- He also stressed that the min- cialise in sighting the crescents tari team through a long journey try will ensure that more courses istry would continue to organise of Ramadan and Shawwal ac- of continuous work. A group of are held in co-ordination with more courses in this fi eld. Gulf Times Monday, June 3, 2019 3 QATAR

Qatar Airways 2018 MoFA app provides services Sustainability Report to citizens travelling abroad he Ministry of Foreign Af- missions in Qatar and visa re- of pre-registration, the minis- assistance through the ‘send my fairs (MoFA) has explained quirements, for both Qataris try explains the service allows it location’ option. Tthe highlights and benefi ts travelling abroad and non-Qa- to reach a person in case of any On how to contact the em- details progress of its application, which has been taris travelling to Qatar. emergency in the country she/ bassy in the country one is trav- developed “to provide easy ac- The application can be down- he is travelling to. elling to, the ministry says the cess to information and services loaded for use on iOS and An- The app also off ers facilities full contact details (including provided by the ministry”. droid mobile devices, and one such as attestation status check locations) of all Qatari embassies One of the highlights of the has to search ‘MOFA Qatar’ on as well as auxiliary services like abroad can be found in the ‘Qa- during unjust siege application is the travel pre-reg- the App Store or Google Play. currency exchange information, tar’s Missions Abroad’ section or istration service, which allows Further elaborating, the MoFA weather forecasts and prayer times. the ‘Location Map’ section. users to register and share their says anyone can benefi t from Besides the contact details of The application constantly atar Airways Group pub- community projects, both do- travel details through a secure the information available on the Qatar’s missions abroad and ac- checks for updates and will noti- lished yesterday its 2018 mestically and across the globe, connection with the ministry. app, which has been created “as credited missions in Qatar, the fy the user to update the content. QSustainability Report, through charitable initiatives, Another important service a communications platform be- app provides toll-free numbers, On how it can reach the users which details its development such as Educate A Child, the provided by the MoFA app is tween citizens and residents in visa and attestation information of its mobile app, the ministry and progress in this crucial area. Orbis Trust, and the Shafallah ‘Request Assistance’, where citi- Qatar and the ministry”. How- and MoFA news. says this can be done by refer- The report highlights the air- Centre. zens can submit emergency re- ever, citizens have exclusive use One of the features of the ap- ring to the information they lines’ many achievements, de- A section dedicated to Health quests in real time. of specifi c functions such as the plication is ‘Send Your Location’, have provided through the travel spite the backdrop of the illegal and Safety, describes Qatar Air- The app also provides in- ‘Request Assistance’ function whereby the app sends one’s pre-registration service, or by blockade imposed on the state of View of the Doha skyline on the ways’ unwavering approach to formation on Qatari missions and travel pre-registration. location details to the ministry sending a push notifi cation to all Qatar by some of its neighbours backdrop of a dramatic sunset. health and safety management, abroad, accredited diplomatic Highlighting the importance when that person requests for users of the application. on June 5, 2017. and the further development During the reporting period, the impact was temporary and of its ‘Priority 1’ safety culture. Qatar Airways became the fi rst performance recovered during Highlights include Qatar Air- airline in the Middle East and the second half of the year, the ways’ renewed certifi cation to just the fi fth worldwide to se- blockade contributed to a dip in IATA’s Operational Safety Audit, QIB to serve customers during Eid cure accreditation to the high- the carbon effi ciency both airline the IATA Cabin Operations Safe- est level in the International Air and airport, primarily resulting ty Conference hosted in Doha, as Transport Association’s (IATA) from longer routes caused by well as the airlines’ many stake- Environmental Assessment pro- airspace restrictions, and an ini- holder engagement initiatives, holiday in all mall branches, HIA gramme, IEnvA. Alongside this, tial reduction in passenger num- such as Fire Safety Week. Hamad International Airport bers due to the loss of 18 regional A multiple-award-winning successfully renewed its certifi - destinations in the blockading airline, Qatar Airways was atar Islamic Bank (24/7) through the award-win- cation to Level 3 of the Airport countries. named ‘World’s Best Business (QIB) has congratu- ning QIB mobile application, Council International’s (ACI) In addition to providing a Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Q lated its valued cus- Internet banking, call centre Airport Carbon Accreditation thorough review of environmen- Awards, managed by interna- tomers on the occasion of Eid 44448444, interactive teller programme. tal performance across Qatar tional air transport rating or- al-Fitr and announces that all machines (Live Teller), and over Qatar Airways Group chief Airways Group, the report out- ganisation Skytrax. It was also its malls branches will open 170 ATMs and cash deposit ma- executive HE Akbar al-Baker lines the airlines’ economic and named ‘Best Business Class their doors starting from the chines spread across the coun- said: “Our commitment to a social contribution to the state Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Mid- evening of the second day of try. Over the past four years, QIB sustainable aviation industry is of Qatar during the immediate dle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Eid, while its branch at Ha- has seen an extensive network more resolute than ever, and we aftermath of the illegal blockade. Class Airline Lounge’. mad International Airport expansion that aimed to strate- are delighted to continue to fl y Qatar Airway’s commitment Qatar Airways currently oper- will remain open non-stop to gically place it closer to its cus- the fl ag for environmentally ef- to its customers is also high- ates a modern fl eet of more than serve customers. tomers. fi cient aviation and for the state lighted, alongside the airline’s 250 aircraft via its hub, Hamad Branches open will include QIB’s management ensures an of Qatar. I am very proud of our belief in the cultural benefi ts International Airport (HIA) to Al Gharafa (Q-Mall), City effi cient banking experience for resilience during the blockade, that global air travel brings, doc- more than 160 destinations Center, Dar Al Salam Mall, The Facade of QIB’s City Center Branch. customers throughout the mall demonstrated by our continued umented through the airlines’ worldwide. The airline will add Gate Mall, Mall of Qatar, Doha branches and the 24/7 electronic level of achievement during the much-heralded ‘No Borders, a number of new destinations Festival City, Tawar Mall, and 3.30pm to 9pm. offi cial Eid holidays end, all 31 channels and extends the warm- reporting period.” Only Horizons’ campaign. to its extensive route network in Mirqab Mall. Their working On Friday, the branches will be QIB branches will resume work est greetings and wishes to all The report revealed that as A new section in the report 2019, including Malta; Davao, hours range from the evening of open from 4pm to 9pm. During as per their regular opening the people in Qatar on the bless- a result of the illegal blockade covers community develop- The Philippines; Lisbon, Por- the second day of Eid, includ- the Eid holiday, these branches hours. ed occasion of Eid al-Fitr. a number of sustainability in- ment, with a focus on Qatar tugal; Mogadishu, Somalia, and ing Saturdays until Thursday will only off er cash withdrawal QIB’s electronic platforms For more information, visit dicators were aff ected. While Airways’ continued backing of Langkawi, Malaysia. from 9am to 2.30pm, and from and deposit services. After the will remain available at all times www.qib.com.qa. Gulf Times 4 Monday, June 3, 2019 QATAR Qatar showcases $20bn investment Commercial opportunities at New York event Bank off ers

atar, which will host the regulatory framework, as well world-class infrastructure, 2022 FIFA World Cup, as access to experienced sports thanks to robust investments, Qhas showcased oppor- business experts. and has leveraged this by hosting e-Gift options tunities worth $20bn before “Qatar’s sports industry re- international sporting events, high profi le global leaders in the mains multi-faceted and off ers which are set to bring even more sports industry at the recently investors ample opportunities economic impetus, with the ommercial Bank (CB) held event in New York. in various sub-sectors ranging sports industry estimated to be has suggested for Eid The Qatar Financial Center from sports marketing to event valued at $20bn by 2023. Can out-of-the-box (QFC), Aspire Zone Foundation, management and promotion, as The QFC is aiming to attract gifting idea, e-Gift. “Inno- and Qatar Development Bank well as many others. These di- sport consultancy and advisory, vative as always, the bank is jointly hosted a master-class verse opportunities can be fully sport legal advisory, sort fi nanc- paving the way for interesting sponsored by the Sport Accel- utilised and accessed through ing and contracting, sport event gifting options with this new erator – Qatar Sport Business the QFC’s unique onshore busi- management and promotion, feature,” it was announced in a District, where it discussed the ness platform,” said Jassim al- sport technology companies. statement yesterday. investment opportunities avail- Muftah, director, marketing Start-up Bootcamp is already e-Gift digital initiative is able in the various sectors of and corporate communications, a QFC client of sport market- now available on the Bank’s Qatar’s sports market and the QFC. ing and commercialisation, and Internet Banking platforms as platforms accessible to busi- Sports is one of the key sport education. well as on its mobile app. nesses looking to tap into this focus industries of the QFC “Investing in the sports sec- The feature combines both robust industry through the new as outlined in our strategy, tor is one of the pillars of our the convenience and swiftness pioneering sports business hub, along with other impor- strategy at Aspire Zone Foun- of electronic money transfer the Sport Accelerator. tant sectors, Laila al-Jefairi, dation. The QFC’s focus on with the personalised touch of and email with an electronic The Sport Accelerator off ers manager, business develop- sports and other important a greeting card, making it an greeting card with the per- a comprehensive ecosystem for ment, QFC said at the Leaders Off icials at the event held in New York. sectors underscores the growth ideal gift for Eid. sonalised message on it. The businesses looking to access the Sport Business Summit 2019, potential of these industries in For e-Gift transfers, cus- recipient can then withdraw Qatari sports market by work- which welcomed over 1,000 Sports as well as many others. for even more future growth that Qatar and internationally,” Ali tomers enjoy two options: Ei- the amount from any Com- ing with its network partners to speakers and attendees from “Our strategic focus on sports the industry is yet to achieve,” al-Mutawaa, chief of enter- ther the transfer is completed mercial Bank ATM in Qatar. In provide best-in-class services over 50 countries around the is a result of Qatar’s established she said. prise and development offi cer, through Commercial Bank addition to that, senders are including business incorpora- world, including global di- track record as a global sports In the sports industry alone, Aspire Zone Foundation, had ATM networks in Qatar, or able to see their animated gift tion, a transparent legal and rectors of FC Barcelona, CBS hub, as well as the great potential Qatar has already established said earlier this year. the transfer is done to an in- envelop being fi lled with cash ternational account as well as and fl own away, whilst recipi- to a local one. Furthermore, ents receive a celebratory ani- recipients can withdraw cash mation. at any Commercial Bank ATM In this context, Amit Sah, with no need for a debit nor EGM and head of retail bank- credit card. ing, commented: “Innovation Jumbo opens outlet Customers who wish to is an integral part of our mis- benefi t from this service sion and services. Given that, should login to CB’s Internet we always look for perfect banking or mobile app, select opportunities to introduce “Send e-Gift,” enter the re- creative and original features at Doha Souq Mall ceiver’s details, then enter the to the market. e-Gift not only cash amount, occasion and allows senders to transfer gifts umbo Electronics has relo- A variety of renowned brands previous outlet, so our exist- greeting message in addition but also to surprise their loved cated one of its showrooms such as LG, JBL, Harman Kardon, ing customers can continue to to the delivery mode. ones with personalised mes- Jto a new spacious shop in Indesit, Ariston, Blueair, Morphy visit Jumbo Electronics in their As soon as the transfer is sages and some cash, a very Doha Souq Mall on Al Mirqab Richards, Mr Light, Brother, Os- own neighbourhood. We will completed, the gift recipi- pleasant way to celebrate this Street, Al Nasr. car, Awei, Huawei, Xiaomi, Apple also continue to expand in areas ent shall be notifi ed via SMS Eid!” The new showroom is and others are available to meet that will bring our products and equipped with a complete range a wide range of customer needs, services closer to our custom- Dignitaries and off icials at the inauguration of the new Jumbo of televisions, audio systems, the statement notes. ers,” said C V Rappai, director & Electronics store. Indian embassy Eid holiday small and large appliances, air- “The store is conveniently lo- CEO, Video Home & Electronic conditioners, smartphones and cated in the new Doha Souq Mall Centre/Jumbo Electronics. cessories, and Blueair’s Cabin can also visit the store for all The Indian embassy in al-Fitr, the embassy accessories, the company has on Al Mirqab Street, Al Nasr, and Newly launched brands such Car air purifi ers are avail- Ooredoo services, including Doha will remain closed announced in a statement said in a statement. just across the road from our as Awei, a leading brand of ac- able in the store. Customers Ooredoo Mobile Money. on the first day of Eid yesterday.

Gulf Times 6 Monday, June 3, 2019 QATAR Tickets go on sale Al Jaber Opticians distributes Iftar packs for Smurfs & Hello

Al Jaber Opticians conducted the 9th annual Iftar drive on May 31 under the name of the company’s Kitty stage shows founder, the late Jassim Hassan al-Jaber. As many as 3,000 Iftar packs were distributed to motorists at various intersections in Doha in order to help them break their fast on time. ive action shows of belov- ed characters are landing Lat Qatar National Conven- tion Centre (QNCC) this ‘Sum- mer in Qatar’, with tickets go- ing on sale from today through tixbox.com, the organisers have announced. Al Khaliji supports QCS Everyone’s favourite blue creatures, the ‘Smurfs Live on Stage – The Smurfs Save Spring’ will arrive between July 18 and with donation funds 20, while ‘Hello Kitty Live Fash- ion & Friends’ will delight chil- dren from July 25 to 27, both at Al nder the umbrella of its Mayassa Theatre, QNCC. humanitarian and con- The two shows are present- Utinuous commitment ed by Qatar National Tourism to Qatari society, Al Khalij Council (QNTC) in partnership Commercial Bank (Al Khaliji), with Alchemy Project as part of has announced its donation a vibrant Summer in Qatar (SiQ) support of the Qatar Cancer programme. Society (QCS), a non-profi t Tickets range in price from organisation working under QR75 to QR275. the Regulatory Authority for ‘The Smurfs Live on Stage – Charitable Activities, toward The Smurfs Save Spring’ will awareness around cancer and take audiences on a ‘smurftas- ‘Hello Kitty Live Fashion & cancer prevention in Qatar. tic’ journey with the whole ‘Smurfs Live on Stage – The Smurfs Save Spring’ will be staged from Friends’ will delight children Nawaf Telfat, the bank’s Al Khaliji and QCS off icials at the cheque presentation ceremony. gang. Audiences can watch Papa July 18 to 20. from July 25 to 27. head of SMEs (small-to-me- Smurf, Clumsy Smurf, Brainy dium enterprises), presented mensely proud to be supporting the society’s public awareness Smurf and Smurfette, match fantastic soundtrack, the show international stage shows that for us to be able to present these a cheque to Ammar al-Mash- QCS under our corporate social efforts centre on causes, pre- Gargamel the evil wizard and the is sure to delight fans, the state- will entertain the entire family.” great shows.” hadani, head of Public Relation responsibility programme and ventive measures, potential puppeteers, a press statement ment adds. Mac S Far, CEO of Alchemy Summer in Qatar includes a Department, QCS. more so, under our commit- treatments, and early diag- notes. Mashal Shahbik, a QNTC of- Project, added: “We are thrilled host of activities and promotions The donation funds were ment to demonstrating our nosis for the illness in Qatar. Meanwhile, set in modern- fi cial, said: “Families spending to be part of the Qatar summer across retail, hospitality and raised through a campaign loyalty to our nation and local Other services it extends in- day London, ‘Hello Kitty Live this Summer in Qatar will enjoy season this year and look forward travel. Through partner organi- launched by Al Khaliji during community”. clude the provision of treat- Fashion & Friends’ is a story of the most festive and eventful to hosting these great shows in sations such as Qatar Museums Ramadan, strengthening the QCS pledges to work to- ments for resident patients friendship. The show features season, with a lineup of events Doha where we can engage the (QM), families can sign up for bank’s social bonds with and ward raising public aware- with limited financial means Hello Kitty and her friends My for all ages and tastes. In addition full family and present some of a QM Culture Pass, which will rallying customers behind its ness, preventing and cur- for cancer treatment. Melody, Dear Daniel and Mim- to Entertainment City, summer- the best stage performances in unlock discounts on these shows charitable work in the spirit of ing cancer through research, Al Khaliji’s initiative falls un- my as they navigate the city and long activities at participating Doha. Many thanks to the Na- as well as a host of tourism prod- the holy month. education, communication der the umbrella of the bank’s share a passion for creativity. malls, theme parks and summer tional Tourism Council, which ucts, outdoor, mall activities and Commenting on this initia- and collaboration. Through continuous eff orts in support With sparkling costumes and a camps, we have brought popular has provided an environment family entertainment. tive, Telfat, said: “We are im- its programmes and services, of the local community. Gulf Times Monday, June 3, 2019 7 QATAR

Doha Bank’s 1,000 cardholders HMC urges residents take home 20mn Qmiles in draw oha Bank has an- Doha Bank acting Chief Re- QR500, while the same amount nounced the winners tail Banking offi cer Braik Ali H spent on air tickets and at ho- Dof its Qmiles campaign S al-Marri said, “Enabling our tel and travel merchants or draws with a total prize of customers to enjoy reward- internationally off ered them to avoid overeating 20mn popular reward miles of- ing banking experiences with fi ve chances. Similarly, every fered by Qatar Airways. Each of value-added benefi ts has al- QR500 spent at Qatar Air- the 1,000 lucky debit and credit ways been our priority at Doha ways’ website also fetched fi ve card users won 20,000 Qmiles Bank. We are delighted that our chances to enter the draw. In at the draws held on May 16 in Qmiles campaign has conclud- addition, new customers who the presence of Doha Bank’s ed with tremendous success transferred their salary to Doha during Eid festivities senior management. resulting from the enthusiastic Bank and applied for a credit The three-month promo- participation of our debit and card automatically earned two amad Medical Corpora- on one’s health. In instances one to eat in moderation, focus- tion, which ran from February 1 credit cardholders. This in- chances to the draw. tion (HMC) is cautioning where there is a pre-existing ing on maintaining a balanced until April 30, 2019, was aimed credible outcome signifi es that Furthermore, as part of the Hresidents against overin- health condition, such as diabe- diet that encompasses all the at promoting card transactions our card products lived up to Qmiles campaign, Doha Bank’s dulging in food and drinks, as the tes and heart disease, the health major food groups with an em- among Doha Bank cardhold- their expectations by off ering cardholders were encouraged holy month of Ramadan is com- threats are multiplied and there phasis on vegetables, fruits, and ers. The campaign saw a large them seamless, fast, and secure to take advantage of six-month ing to a close and Eid al-Fitr fes- are risks associated with unstable complex carbohydrates, such as number of customers enter- shopping experiences.” equal monthly instalment tivities are drawing near. blood sugar levels, particularly if beans, lentils, whole grain bread, ing the raffl e draws with their As part of the campaign, (EMI) plans with zero interest Dr Yousef al-Tayeb, senior an individual is consuming large and oats. eligible local and international Doha Bank card users received and no processing fee for their consultant, Emergency Medi- amounts of sweets,” added Dr al- “Stay well-hydrated credit or debit card transac- an entry to the raffl e draws travel-related spends worth cine at Hamad General Hos- Tayeb. throughout the day but limit tions. against their every spend of QR3,000 or more. pital, says the negative health “Although some people feel consumption of soft drinks and consequences of overeating can it is impolite to reject or say no beverages high in sugar and include stomach upset, intes- when they are off ered food while caffeine. Don’t skip breakfast; tinal disorders, weight gain and visiting a relative, friend, or skipping breakfast can lead to obesity. neighbour during Eid, it is im- overeating throughout the day “Unfortunately many people portant to remember the main and try to choose healthy op- The ‘whimsical world’ of tend to overload their bodies with purpose of Ramadan. tions in food items,” advised Dr large amounts of unhealthy food Dr Yousef al-Tayeb Overindulging in food, par- al-Tayeb. and drink during Eid celebra- ticularly highly processed foods, He has also suggested to fi ll the tions. As a result, we often notice “During Ramadan, the body, can lead to rapid weight gain, plate with small portions of low- Aladdin at Lagoona Mall a spike in the number of patients and the digestive system adapt to which can cause obesity, a lead- calorie, nutrient-dense foods seeking emergency medical care the fasting schedule and a pro- ing cause of type 2 diabetes, hy- such as fruits, vegetables, whole for gastrointestinal and digestive longed period without food and pertension, and a host of other grains, and lean meats as well agoona Mall has an- issues such as nausea, vomiting, water. medical conditions,” noted Dr as to avoid salty and fatty foods, nounced that it will take tummy upset and indigestion,” The transition from ‘fast’ to al-Tayeb. which can cause gastrointestinal Lits clientele to the “fan- said Dr al-Tayeb. ‘feast’ can lead to adverse eff ects Dr al-Tayeb has advised every- disturbances. ciful world” of Aladdin, one of the most popular musical shows around the globe. Alad- Hot and humid weather forecast for Eid holiday period din will take the stage during Eid al-Fitr celebrations, start- The Qatar Met department has humidity, especially along the tomorrow and on Wednesday. by late tonight, are likely off shore. ing on the fi rst day of Eid and issued a special weather forecast coastal areas. This will be accompanied by a The maximum temperature is continuing for fi ve days with summary for the Eid al-Fitr The Met department has urged drop in visibility to below 2km at expected to be 40C in Al Khor shows at 3.30pm, 6.30pm and holiday period. people to avoid direct sunlight as times. today, 39C in Doha and Dukhan, 9.30pm. During this period, the weather well as to follow latest updates The sea state is expected to be 38C in Wakrah and Mesaieed, and The play tells the story of is expected to be hot during the through its off icial social media suitable for marine activities with 37C in Abu Samra. Aladdin, a street lad who meets daytime with some clouds, the accounts. the wave height ranging from Yesterday, a maximum of 45C the gorgeous princess, the report states. The winds, meanwhile, are 1-3ft, rising to 5ft occasionally in was recorded in the Qatar daughter of the Sultan. Alad- Temperatures are likely to be likely to be mostly easterly to the northern areas. University area, followed by 44C din stumbles upon a magic oil A file picture of a celebration at Lagoona Mall. around their normal range with southeasterly, ranging in speed Today’s detailed forecast says it in Abu Hamour and Turayna, 43C lamp that unleashes a powerful, the maximum ranging between from 5-15 knots and reaching will be misty at first, followed by in Doha (airport area), Al Khor, wisecracking, larger-than-life gerous mission to stop the evil families and friends with the the mid-30Cs and early-40Cs in a high of 18 knots at times, a hot day with slight dust in some Sheehaniyah, Batna, Mesaieed genie. sorcerer from overthrowing the best atmosphere while bringing most areas. However, the ‘feels causing a gradual rise in relative places as well as clouds at times. and Jumayliyah, and 42C in the As Aladdin and the genie princess’s kingdom. In a press the community together to cel- like’ temperature is expected to humidity with a chance of mist in Scattered clouds, followed by Hamad International Airport area start to become friends, they statement yesterday, Lagoona ebrate the holidays with amaz- be higher due to high relative some areas during dawn today, misty conditions in some places and elsewhere. must soon embark on a dan- Mall said it “is set to providing ing shows and festivities.”

Gulf Times Monday, June 3, 2019 9 RAMADAN/QATAR Etiquette of Eid ids or Festivals are moments and hope for the blessings of that day of celebration common to all for purifi cation from sins”. Since men- Enations. The festivals of non- struating women (who stay away from believing nations are associated with the musallah) as well as those who are worldly matters such as the birth of a virgin are commanded to observe Eid nation or its decline, the appointment prayer, there is no doubt that the men, or crowning of a ruler, his marriage, or old and young are even strongly com- the beginning of a season like spring, manded to observe it. and so on. As for Muslims, their fes- 3. Eid prayer should be performed tivals (Eids) are associated with their before the khutba of Eid as is con- religious rituals. They have only two fi rmed in the hadith narrated by Ibn festivals or Eids: Eid al-Fitr (Celebra- Amr, Abee Sa’eed, and Ibn Abbas, may tion of the end of Ramadan) and Eid al- Allah be pleased with them. Adha (festival of sacrifi ce). 4. It is recommended that the Im- When the Prophet, sallallaahu aam makes Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) ‘alaihi wa sallam, came to Madinah during the prayer, seven times in the and found the people celebrating two fi rst Raka’at and fi ve in the second. days he said: “What are these occa- This has been confi rmed by the com- sions”? They said: “We used to cel- panions of the Salaf (our righteous ebrate them in Jaahiliyya (before the predecessors). Dignitaries at the MoU-signing ceremony. coming of Islam)”. He, sallallaahu 5. It is recommended that the Im- ‘alaihi wa sallam, then said : “Allah aam recites in the fi rst Raka’at Soorah has replaced them for you with the two Al-A’alaa (chapter 87) and Soorah Al- better days (i.e. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al- ’Ghaashiah (chapter 88) in the sec- Adha)”. These two festivals which Al- ond. Other reports also show that the lah prescribed to the Muslims are part Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, SC’s Generation Amazing joins of the rituals of Islam which should be 2. It is recommended that both men used to recite Soorah Qaaf (chapter 50) commemorated and the purposes of and women observe Eid prayer in an and Soorah Al-Qamar (chapter 54) as which should be understood. open fi eld as is clear in the hadith nar- is confi rmed in Sahih Muslim. rated by Um Atiya, may Allah be please 6. There is no Sunnah prayer either hands with AFC’s Dream Asia Rules Pertaining to Eid: with her, who said: “We used to be before or after Eid prayer as Ibn Abbas, 1. It is forbidden to fast on the day of ordered to come out on the day of Eid may Allah, be pleased with him, nar- both Eids, as it is understood from the and even to bring the virgin girls from rated that whenever the Prophet, sal- hadith narrated by Abee Sa’eed that the their houses and menstruating women lallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, went for Eid Foundation on legacy initiatives Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, so that they might stand behind the prayer, he used to pray two Raka’at (of forbade the fasting on the two Eids. men and say takbir along with them Eid) but nothing before or after them. he Supreme Committee for De- the heart of all our work and, since the strengthen community bonds and im- livery & Legacy (SC)’s Genera- launch of the AFC Dream Asia Founda- prove lives.” Ttion Amazing programme and tion, we are proud to have conducted 33 So far, more than 250,000 benefi ci- the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) projects in 21 Asian member associa- aries have been reached through Gen- Dream Asia Foundation have signed a tions. We are looking forward to work- eration Amazing across seven countries long-term partnership, which will see ing with Generation Amazing to deliver in Asia: Qatar, Nepal, Pakistan, Jordan, both programmes collaborate across even more projects for the benefi t of Lebanon, the Philippines and India. Eid prayer described legacy and education areas throughout young people across our continent.” The partnership will contribute to Asia for the coming four years. The value-in-kind partnership will Generation Amazing’s objective of id prayer is a strongly recom- The fi rst Rak’ah begins with the Eid prayer other than the fi rst Takbeer Generation Amazing is the human see both sides engaging in joint football positively impacting 1mn lives through mended and important act of Takbeer [saying: Allaahu Akbar (Al- (Takbeeratul Ihram), and fi ve Takbeer- and social legacy programme initiated for development initiatives in countries football for development outreach and Eworship in Islam and the Proph- lah is the Greatest)] as the case is in all aat in the second Rak’ah other than during Qatar’s successful bid for the including Lebanon and the Philippines. education by 2022. et, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, never other prayers. Then Imaam (followed the transmission Takbeer and all be- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in 2010, “We have always been committed Generation Amazing has already neglected it. The Prophet is reported by the praying Muslims) recites sev- fore reciting (verses from the Glorious which uses the power of sport to posi- to ensuring that the legacy of the FIFA reached more than 28 communities to have ordered men, women and en Takbeeraat (plural of Takbeer). In Qur’an). This was narrated from Abu tively impact lives and create sustaina- World Cup Qatar 2022 extends beyond through football for development pro- children to proceed to the Eid prayer the second Rak’ah there are fi ve Tak- Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased ble social development in communities. our borders, and Generation Amazing is grammes and the construction or re- ground. beeraat other than the transmission with them, and others.” The signing ceremony for the mem- an important vehicle for achieving that furbishment of community pitches, Even menstruating women are en- Takbeer (i.e., the one recited when When the Prophet, sallallaahu orandum of understanding (MoU) was aim,” said SC secretary-general Hassan according to sc.qa. couraged to attend the Eid sermon but the Imam and the praying Muslims ‘alaihi wa sallam, was done with the held in Paris, France, yesterday, sc.qa al-Thawadi. Recently, Generation Amazing am- they should keep away from the prayer stand up to perform second Rak’ah). Takbeeraat, he used to recite the Faati- reported. “Partnering AFC will assist us in bassador Xavi Hernández visited the area. ‘A’ishah, may Allah be pleased with hah (the fi rst chapter) of the Holy Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Kha- reaching more benefi ciaries and sup- programme in Mumbai, India, to kick- It is highly recommended to have her, said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu Qur’an) then he recites “Qaaf, By the lifah, AFC president, said: “The AFC port our aim of utilising the immense start the construction of a community ritual ablution (Ghusl) and to wear the ‘alaihi wa sallam, used to recite Tak- Glorious Qur’an,” [chapter 50] in the puts football for social development at power of football to enhance inclusion, pitch there. most beautiful garments and the best beer in (the prayers of Eid) al-Fitr and fi rst Rak’ah and Al-Qamar [chapter perfumes one possesses. al-Adha, seven Takbeeraat in the fi rst 54] in the second one. It (i.e., the Eid Prayer) consists of (Raka’ah) and fi ve in the second one Sometimes he, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa two Rak’ahs (unit of prayer). Ibn ‘Umar other than the two Takbeeraat that sallam, used to recite Al-’Alaa Soorah may Allah be pleased with him said: precede the Rukoo’ (bowing).” [chapter 87] in the fi rst Rak’ah and Al- “The journey prayer consists of two Imaam Al-Bahawi, may Allah have Ghashiyah Soorah [chapter 88] in the Rak’ahs, the Adha prayer consists of mercy upon him, said: “This is the second one. two Rak’ahs, and the Fitr prayer con- opinion of most of the well-versed The rest of the acts of the ‘Eid prayer sists of two Rak’ahs as well, and they scholars of the Companions, may Al- are as those of any other prayer; noth- are complete prayers not shortened lah be pleased with them all, and those ing is diff erent. according to what the Prophet, sallal- who followed them that there are sev- It is from the Prophetic Sunnah that the laahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said.” en Takbeeraat in the fi rst Rak’ah of the Eid sermon should follow the Eid prayer. Gulf Times 10 Monday, June 3, 2019 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Ramadan preparations US prepared to talk to Iran without ‘pre-conditions’

Reuters the change of US general approach and Iran has stayed within the main re- Bellinzona, Switzerland actual behaviour towards the Iranian strictions of its 2015 nuclear deal, a nation.” quarterly report by the UN atomic Mousavi was quoted as saying by watchdog indicated on Friday, at a time he United States is prepared to Mehr news agency “Pompeo’s empha- when Tehran is threatening to break engage with Iran without pre- sis on the continuation of maximum the rules in future in response to new Tconditions about its nuclear pressure on Iran is the same old wrong US sanctions. programme but needs to see the coun- policy that needs reform.” Pompeo declined yesterday to com- try behaving like “a normal nation”, US Last year, Pompeo outlined 12 ways ment on the latest report by the In- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran must change — including stop- ternational Atomic Energy Agency yesterday. ping its support for proxy groups and (IAEA). He said Washington was track- Iran responded by calling the off er halting its missile programme — before ing IAEA fi ndings closely but added: “word-play” and asked for action in- the United States lifts sanctions. “We also have our own independent stead. Trump said last Monday he was understanding of what is taking place Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani hopeful Iran would come to the nego- there. suggested on Saturday that Iran may tiating table. “And the world should be mindful be willing to hold talks if Washington But Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali that we are watching closely how Iran showed it respect, but said Tehran Khamenei said on Wednesday Tehran is complying with the requirements would not be pressured into talks. would not negotiate with Washington, that were set out in the JCPOA, not Pompeo, in an apparent softening of even after Rouhani had previously sig- only the heavy water issue, but the his previous stance, said when asked nalled talks might be possible if sanc- amount of high-enriched uranium about Rouhani’s remarks: “We are pre- tions were lifted. which they are accumulating,” he said, pared to engage in a conversation with In an interview that aired yesterday referring to the Joint Comprehensive A shop owner sells traditional desserts to Yemeni people, during the holy month of Ramadan in Sanaa. no pre-conditions.We are ready to sit on ABC’s This Week, Iranian Foreign Plan of Action which the Trump ad- down.” Minister Mohamed Javad Zarif saw lit- ministration has quit. However, he said Washington would tle chance of taking up Trump’s off er. “We are watching closely as they continue to work to “reverse the ma- “It’s not very likely because talk- put centrifuges into work and whether lign activity” of Iran in the Middle ing is the continuation of the process they are actually beginning to spin East, citing Tehran’s support to vari- of pressure. He is imposing pressure,” those centrifuges and load those cen- ous groups and governments. Zarif said. “This may work in the real trifuges,” Pompeo said. Khamenei warns any clash Pompeo said US President Donald estate market. It does not work in deal- Pompeo also called on Iran to stop Trump had been saying for a long time ing with Iran.” uranium enrichment, never to pursue that he was willing to talk to Iran. Cassis voiced concern at Iranian plutonium reprocessing and to close “We are certainly prepared to have people suff ering from the impact of its heavy water reactor. would push oil prices above $100 that conversation when the Iranians sanctions and said that neutral Swit- He said it also had to declare all pre- can prove that they want to behave like zerland wanted to provide humani- vious military dimensions of its nucle- a normal nation,” Pompeo told a joint tarian aid, “especially pharmaceutical ar programme and to permanently and Reuters last year and ratcheted them up in May, rea,” Rahim Safavi was quoted as say- news conference with his Swiss coun- products and foodstuff s.” verifi ably abandon such work. London ordering all countries to halt imports ing by Fars news agency. US President terpart Ignazio Cassis in the southern He said Iran needed to make pay- Switzerland has served as an inter- of Iranian oil. In recent weeks it has Donald Trump has condemned the Swiss city of Bellinzona. ments for this, and that was possible mediary between Iran and the United also hinted at military confrontation, nuclear deal, signed by his predecessor Responding to the US off er, Iran’s only if the United States allowed banks States since shortly after the Islamic S military vessels in the Gulf saying it was sending extra forces to Barack Obama, as fl awed for not being foreign ministry spokesman Abbas to transfer payments. revolution in November 1979. are within range of Iranian the Middle East to respond to an Ira- permanent and for not covering Iran’s Mousavi said: “The Islamic Repub- Cassis said he was confi dent the Switzerland provides protective and Umissiles, a top military aide to nian threat. ballistic missile programme and role in lic of Iran does not pay attention to United States would come up with the consular services for some 100 US citi- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Yahya Rahim Safavi, a top military confl icts around the Middle East. word-play and expression of hidden “best possible solution” to that prob- zens and 12,000 people with both US Khamenei said yesterday, warning any aide to Khamenei, said: “The Ameri- Trump said last week he was hope- agenda in new forms. What matters is lem in a short time. and Iranian citizenship. clash between the two countries would cans are fully aware that their military ful Iran would come to negotiating ta- push oil prices above $100 a barrel. forces (in the region) are within the ble to reach a new deal. Iran and the United States have been Iran’s missile range and all US and for- Dismissing any negotiations with drawn into starker confrontation in eigners’ navy in the Gulf are within the Washington on Iran’s missile pro- the past month, a year after Washing- range of land-to-sea missiles of the gramme, Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of ton pulled out of a deal between Iran Revolutionary Guards.” Staff , Major General Mohamed Baqeri and global powers to curb Tehran’s nu- “The fi rst bullet fi red in the Gulf will was quoted as saying by Fars yester- clear programme in return for lifting push oil prices above $100. This would day: “Iranian nation with not retreat international sanctions. be unbearable to America, Europe and an iota from Iran’s defensive capabili- Washington re-imposed sanctions the US allies like Japan and South Ko- ties.” Syria’s Kurds say 800 women, children to leave crowded camp

AFP Ain Issa

urdish authorities in northeast Syria said yesterday they plan to Khand 800 women and children, including relatives of militants, to ONE SMOKER. their families in the fi rst such transfer from an overcrowded camp. The women and children — all Syri- ans — are living among the dregs of the Islamic State group in the Kurdish-run TWO PATIENTS. Al-Hol camp, home to nearly 74,000 people including more than 30,000 Syrians. They will leave today and be “taken to their families” at the request of local Arab tribes, according to Abd al-Meh- bach, co-chair of the Kurdish admin- istration’s executive council. The move follows an agreement brokered by the Kurdish administra- Teenagers shop inside Al-Hol camp for displaced people in Al-Hasakeh tion and Arab tribal leaders during a governorate in northeastern Syria, yesterday. TOBACCO KILLS meeting in the town of Ain Issa last month. It is to be the fi rst in a larger wave of releases that aim to empty Al-Hol of its Syrian residents, he said. The next batch is expected to fol- low after the Eid al-Fitr holiday due to start sometime in the next few days marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Hoovered up during a fi nal off ensive against the militants by a US-backed Kurdish-led force, thousands of wives and children of IS fi ghters have been trucked into Al-Hol from a string of Syrian villages south of the camp in recent months. Their numbers have created a major A man walks inside Al-Hol camp for displaced people in Al-Hasakeh governorate. headache for the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration and have tres west, according to Mehbach. ers,” he said. “We gave guarantees... sparked concerns that the camp is Those among them with suspected the (women and children) will be re- emerging as a fresh militant powder links to IS will be kept under surveil- leased under our responsibility.” keg. lance by local Arab tribes, who have The IS proto-state was declared de- But “not all of those being released given guarantees, he said. feated on March 23, following a nearly are relatives of IS fi ghters,” Mehbach “It is the (Kurdish) administration’s fi ve-year-long off ensive against the said of the group set to leave today. duty to its people to play a role in the group. Thousands of foreign fi ghters Some sought shelter at the camp to rehabilitation of these women and are being held in Kurdish-run prisons, escape tough humanitarian conditions children, and their reintegration into while their wives and children lan- in areas levelled by months of fi ghting, society,” he added. guish in displacement camps. he said. A Raqqa tribal leader, Ali Mahamid Among the hordes of Syrians and Today’s group consists of residents Ali, said that Arab tribes are trying to Iraqis, some 12,000 foreigners are from the northeastern city of Raqqa — secure the release of all Syrian women held in a fenced-off section of the Al- Issued in Public Interest by GULF TIMES once IS’ de facto capital in Syria — as held in Al-Hol. Hol camp, under the watch of Kurdish well as the town of Tabqa, 70 kilome- “They are all our sisters, our moth- forces. Gulf Times Monday, June 3, 2019 11 ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Algerian council Clashes erupt at fl ashpoint scraps presidential election holy site in Jerusalem AFP War. This year’s holiday co- Jerusalem incided with the final days of Reuters Ramadan, the month of fast- Algiers ing. alestinian worshippers The Al-Aqsa compound, is clashed with Israeli police located in east Jerusalem and lgeria cannot hold a pres- Pat a highly sensitive Jeru- its status is one of the most idential election planned salem holy site yesterday as an sensitive issues in the Israeli- Afor July 4 due to a lack of Israeli holiday coincided with Palestinian conflict. valid candidates, its constitu- the fi nal days of the holy month Yesterday’s visit was the tional council said yesterday, of Ramadan. first time since Tuesday that prolonging the country’s tran- Muslim worshippers at the Jews were allowed into the site, sition after President Abdelaziz Al-Aqsa Mosque compound according to activists. Boutefl ika resigned two months were angered over Jewish visits Israeli Public Security Min- ago. to the site holy to both religions. ister Gilad Erdan said his pol- The move will likely extend According to police, protest- icy was to do everything pos- the rule of interim President ers barricaded themselves in the sible to keep the site open to Abdelkader Bensalah, who was mosque, from where they threw visits, especially for Jerusalem meant to stay only until the vote chairs and stones at forces who Day. to elect a new president after “dispersed” them. He said preparations to Boutefl ika ended his 20-year The Muslim Waqf organi- avoid serious unrest included rule in the wake of mass protests. sation which oversees the site arrests ahead of yesterday Demonstrations have since said police used rubber bullets based on intelligence in addi- continued, with protesters de- and pepper spray, adding that tion those in connection with manding Bensalah’s resignation seven people were arrested and the clashes. and an end to the dominance of 45 were wounded. Jordan, the custodian of the the elite who have ruled Algeria It said that police shut the holy site and one of only two since it won independence from mosque’s doors and chained Arab countries with a peace France in 1962. them. treaty with Israel, condemned After the clashes, police what it said was Israel’s “fla- The move will likely spokesman Micky Rosenfeld grant violations” there, calling extend the rule of said calm had returned and the visits “provocative intru- interim President visits continued. Israeli security forces stand guard behind Palestinian women visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, in the Old City of Jerusalem, yesterday. sions by extremists.” Abdelkader Bensalah, Al-Aqsa Mosque director Such actions risked setting who was meant to Omar al-Kiswani accused Is- the last days of Ramadan. while a Jewish organisation The clashes took place as the country’s capture of the off violence in the region, a stay only until the vote to rael of violating an agreement He said that around 1,200 that arranges visits there re- Israelis marked Jerusalem city’s mainly Palestinian east- statement from Jordan’s for- elect a new president aft er not to allow such visits during Jews visited the site yesterday, ported a similar number. Day, which commemorates ern sector in the 1967 Six-Day eign ministry said. Boutefl ika ended his 20-year rule in the wake of mass protests TRIAL Nine French In a statement on state televi- Eid shopping sion, the constitutional coun- At least two migrants militants now on cil said it had received only two death row in Iraq candidates, who were deemed invalid. die, 25 missing in boat Nine French militants are now It did not set a new date for on death row in Iraq after a court the presidential election, ask- sentenced two more to death yes- ing Bensalah to organise a vote accident off Libya coast terday for joining the Islamic State at a later date, state television group, rejecting a claim of torture. said. Bensalah had been ap- Fodil Tahar Aouidate and Vianney pointed as interim leader un- Reuters “A wrecked and infl at- Ouraghi were among 11 French citi- til July 9. On Friday, hundreds Tripoli able boat was found without zens and one Tunisian handed over of thousands again took to the an engine and the illegal mi- to Iraqi authorities in January by a streets of Algiers and other cit- grants were found clinging to US-backed force fighting the militant ies to call for his removal and t least two migrants it,” Qassem said. group in Syria. that of Prime Minister Noured- died and around 25 According to the UN mi- Described as violent, Aouidate first dine Bedoui, who was appoint- Aothers were missing gration agency IOM, 2,297 appeared in court on May 27 but a ed by Bouteflika days before he after their infl atable boat cap- migrants died or went missing judge delayed his trial and ordered stepped down. sized off the western Libyan in the Mediterranean last year a medical examination after the Lieutenant-General Ahmed coast, a spokesman for the out of a total of 116,959 people 32-year-old claimed he was tortured Gaed Salah, who has been coastguard said yesterday. who reached Europe by sea. into confessing. “The medical report managing the transition, has A total of 73 migrants were Libya’s western coast has shows that there are no signs of called on political parties and picked up by a coastguard pa- become a main departure torture on his body,” the judge told protesters to meet amongst trol about 14 miles off Qarab- point for migrants as smug- the court before handing down themselves to discuss a way out ulli town, some 49km east of glers exploit the county’s his sentence. His trial was quickly of the crisis. the capital Tripoli, spokes- chaos since the toppling of followed by that of 28-year-old Our- Analysts say the army, a major man Ayoub Qassem said. Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. aghi, who acknowledged in court player in the oil and gas produc- The bodies of a woman and But since July 2017, smug- that he “worked with” IS but said he er, is concerned about the crisis a child were recovered, he gling networks inside Libya did not participate in any fight- continuing at a time when insta- added. The migrants included have been disrupted under an ing. Baghdad has handed capital bility is worsening in neighbour- Palestinians shop at a market ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, celebrating the end of the fasting 40 men, 25 women and eight Italian-backed deal with local punishments to seven of the other ing Libya, where rival forces are month of Ramadan, in Gaza City, yesterday. children from Sudan, Kenya, authorities in a former smug- French militants and the Tunisian fi ghting over the capital Tripoli. Ivory Coast and Nigeria. gling hub of Sabratha town. over the past week.

UNREST Cameroon opposition slams arrests Cameroon’s opposition yesterday denounced the arrests of more than 350 supporters at demonstrations calling for the release of their jailed leader, and criticised the refusal to grant them access to lawyers. Maurice Kamto, the country’s main opposition figure, who has been held in jail in Yaounde since January, issued a statement via his spokesman decrying “excessive and unjustified use of violence” at the demonstra- tions held on Saturday. According to Kamto’s Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon (MRC) party more than 350 people were arrested, including 180 at Yaounde and 100 in the western city of Nkongsamba. The party also said that those arrested were denied access to lawyers or any medical aid. Contacted by AFP on Saturday, Cameroon’s communications ministry did not respond. The MRC has been organising demonstrations since the Octo- ber 2018 presidential election. According to off icial results, Kam- to came second but the MRC says the vote was rigged in favour of President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 36 years. As well as Kamto, more than 150 of the party’s activists were also imprisoned after one such march at the end of January. In February, they appeared before a military tribunal in Yaounde accused of “insurrection, hostility to the homeland (and) rebellion”, off ences which carry a possible death penalty. Their lawyers have appealed to the UN working group on arbitrary detention over the arrests. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini criticised the arrests in March and what she called the military court’s “disproportionate” proceedings against them.

ASSISTANCE $1.2bn pledge to rebuild Mozambique

International donors pledged to contribute $1.2bn to help rebuild areas and infrastructure destroyed by cyclones Kenneth and Idai in Mozambique, according to the United Nations, less than half the amount the government says is needed. The announcement was made by the country’s President Filipe Nyusi at the end of a two-day International Conference of Donors that drew around 700 participants from international organizations, donors, the private sector and civil society to the city of Beira, one of the areas worst hit by the cyclones. In his address, Nyusi said “thank you very much for saving Mozambican lives,” an article on the UN website dated June 1 read. Cyclone Kenneth crashed into the province of Cabo Delgado and flattened entire villages with winds of up to 280 kph, killing around 45 people while Mozambique was still strug- gling to deal with the impact of Cyclone Idai, which hammered the country’s central region just six weeks earlier. More than 1,000 people were killed across Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi when Cyclone Idai, the worst cyclone in decades, lashed its eastern Indian Ocean coast with heavy winds and rains in mid-March. Gulf Times 12 Monday, June 3, 2019 AMERICAS

Pentagon insists Virginia shooter was not military will not be politicised

By Idrees Ali, Reuters facing disciplinary action Seoul

By Peter Szekely, Reuters Using his employee pass to enter he Pentagon has told the White New York secure areas of the building where he House that the US military will not worked, Craddock began indiscrimi- Tbe politicised, a US offi cial said yes- nately shooting people with two.45 terday, in response to a controversy after ffi cials trying to learn what calibre pistols, reloading with ex- offi cials directed the United States Navy to prompted a city engineer tended ammunition magazines, ac- keep the USS John S McCain out of sight Oto kill 12 people in Virginia cording to police. during a recent speech by President Donald Beach, before he was shot dead by All but one of those killed were Trump in Japan. police, said yesterday investigators employed by the city, while the other The White House military offi ce directed were examining employment-related was a contractor seeking a permit, of- the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet to minimise the issues but stressed that the suspect fi cials said. visibility of the USS John S McCain, a war- was not being disciplined. The rampage in Virginia’s biggest ship bearing the name of Trump’s former Recounting the chaotic min- city was the worst mass shooting in political rival, during the president’s speech utes that followed the Friday after- the United States since November last week. noon gun rampage, authorities said 2018, when a dozen people were slain While the directive was not implemented they were still seeking a motive for at a Los Angeles-area bar and grill by after senior Navy offi cials found out about why DeWayne Craddock, 40, would a gunman who then killed himself. the request, the incident has raised ques- launch the attack on his co-workers Three of the four people who were tions about the politicisation of the mili- and others at a municipal complex. wounded were listed yesterday as tary, which has traditionally been seen as “To the extent that the subject’s being in critical condition, while the being apolitical. employment status has anything do fourth was critical but stable. “Secretary (Patrick) Shanahan directed with these events, that will be part Offi cials said all had undergone his chief of staff to speak with the White of the ongoing investigation,” City surgery. House military offi ce and reaffi rm his man- manager Dave Hansen told reporters. A police offi cer who was shot but date that the Department of Defense will “However, he was not terminated and saved by his ballistic vest has been not be politicised,” Lieutenant Colonel Joe he was not in the process of being ter- treated and released. Buccino, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a minated.” The 11 dead municipal workers had statement. Craddock, an employee in the been employed for between 11 months “The chief of staff reported that he did coastal resort city’s public utilities and 41 years. reinforce this message,” Buccino said. department for about 15 years, had Six worked in the public utilities Concern has increased about the politici- been described by offi cials as dis- department and fi ve were employed sation of the US military under Trump. gruntled. in the public works department. People pay their respects at a makeshift memorial outside the City of Virginia Beach Operations Building. He has given a number of overtly po- But Hansen contradicted reports Virginia Beach Police Chief James litical speeches to military audiences and that he was being disciplined or fi red. Cervera said offi cers were on the gaged in a gun battle,” Cervera said. through the door and the walls at the A federal agent had said on Sat- the military has been drawn into a mis- “To my knowledge, the perpetra- scene within two minutes of the fi rst During the exchange of fi re, with offi cers,” he said. urday that the handguns used in the sion along the border with Mexico, which tor’s performance was satisfactory, report at 4.08pm and that the suspect the number of rounds fi red by Crad- Cervera said the offi cers found attack were bought by the shooter le- some critics have described as a political that he was in good standing within was taken away within 36 minutes. dock running “well into the double the suspect alive and administered gally within the past three years, and stunt rather than a national security ne- his department and that there were no With police entering the maze-like digits,” Cervera said the suspect led fi rst aid, but that he died after being police said at least one of the pistols cessity. issues of discipline ongoing,” he said. 1970s era Building Two of the com- the offi cers on a chase through offi ce rushed to a hospital. was fi tted with a “sound suppressor.” The USS John S McCain controversy led On the morning of the shooting plex from several points, four offi c- doors that he was able to access and Stressing that the investigation is The city is planning a memorial acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan Craddock tendered his resignation ers from diff erent commands worked that locked behind him. still in progress, Cervera said police service for Thursday evening. to ask his chief of staff to fi nd out what hap- by e-mail, but he had not been under together to locate the suspect on the “They were returning fi re, and do not believe the suspect was target- All municipal buildings will be pened. pressure to do so, Hansen added. second fl oor “and immediately en- at one point the suspect was fi ring ing any specifi c individual. closed today, offi cials said. Yesterday, he told reporters that after re- viewing the facts, he did not plan to call for an inspector general investigation into the incident. Canadian MP kicked out aft er quoting “There is no room for politicising the from Christchurch shooter’s manifesto military,” Shanahan told reporters travelling with him to Seoul. Apple courts developers A Canadian Conservative Breaking with New Zealand- Acting White House chief of staff Mick MP has been booted from led eff orts to suppress the Mulvaney yesterday downplayed the in- a parliamentary committee declaration, Cooper read from cident, saying that a young White House AFP As in years past, Apple will also use the be in store at the gathering is that it will after reading into the public it at a hearing on online hate. staff er — knowing how Trump felt about San Francisco gathering to showcase improvements to tighten limits on sharing data gathered record an excerpt from the Angrily accusing a Muslim McCain — likely made the request to the the operating systems powering its Mac by children’s apps. Christchurch shooter’s mani- witness of linking conserva- Navy. computers and mobile devices as well as In May’s 5-4 Supreme Court ruling, festo while berating a Muslim tism with violent extremisim, “That’s not an unreasonable thing to ask,” pple is set to court software sa- to the software it designs. the justices rejected Apple’s argument witness. Cooper read a passage from Mulvaney said on NBC’s Meet the Press pro- vants at its annual develop- But the App Store dispute will be that consumers lacked standing to pro- Opposition Tory leader Tarant’s manifesto to argue gramme. Aers conference beginning today closely watched at the WWDC, which ceed with their lawsuit because the tech Andrew Scheer — the main the shooter did not identify as He said it would be “silly” to fi re that while contending with criticism that the is already expected to be of heightened giant was merely an intermediary with rival to unseat Liberal Prime a conservative and had more staff er over the incident. iPhone maker has made its App Store a importance as the company emphasizes app developers. Minister Justin Trudeau in in common with China. Shanahan said he had spoken with late walled garden. digital content and services to off set a The opinion written by the court’s upcoming elections — said The committee hearing Senator McCain’s wife in the past few days The App Store is the lone shop for con- pullback in the once-sizzling smart- newest member, Justice Brett Ka- in a Twitter message late on exploded into protests from about the incident but declined to give de- tent for Apple devices, with the technol- phone market. vanaugh, said consumers had a right to Saturday that MP Michael other members before hastily tails of the conversation. ogy giant deciding which software crea- Apple has maintained that its tight pursue their case because they have a di- Cooper “will no longer sit on adjourning. He said that his chief of staff did not have tions to accept and taking a 30% cut of control of the store allows it to protect rect relationship with Apple. the justice committee” as a With the Tories and Liberals prior knowledge of the White House direc- fi nancial transactions. user privacy and guard against malicious The case must now go back to a lower consequence of his remarks. neck-and-neck in opinion polls tive and reiterated that a search had not But last month the US Supreme Court software by vetting what goes on its vir- court for trial. “Reading the name five months before Canadians found any emails to his staff about it. ruled that a 2011 consumer lawsuit ac- tual shelves. “We’re confi dent we will prevail when and quoting the words of are to vote in a general election, Trump had said last week he had not been cusing Apple of illegally monopolising the Apple also gets to make sure apps work the facts are presented and that the App the Christchurch shooter, Scheer has sought to blunt criti- aware of the request. store and driving up prices may proceed. smoothly with its operating software. Store is not a monopoly by any metric,” especially when directed cisms that some MPs and fringe The USS John S McCain was initially “We only collect a commission from In contrast, applications tailored for Apple said in an emailed statement. at a Muslim witness during supporters of his party harbour named after the late Senator McCain’s fa- developers when a digital good or service mobile devices powered by iOS rival An- Apple faces charges in Europe of abus- a parliamentary hearing, is extremist views. ther and grandfather, who were both Navy is delivered through an app,” Apple said droid can be obtained at online venues ing its platform by discriminating against insensitive and unacceptable,” “I find the notion that one’s admirals. in a page recently established in defence aside from Google’s Play Store, where the rival apps, including one complaint from Scheer said. race, religion, gender, or sex- In 2018, the Navy added Senator McCain of the App Store. Internet fi rm can screen off erings. streaming music service Spotify. Ahead of the New Zealand ual orientation would make to the offi cial namesake of the guided mis- Launched 11 years ago, Apple says the Cook has repeatedly portrayed Ap- Spotify fi led a formal complaint with mosque attacks that left 51 them in any way superior sile destroyer. App Store has helped create millions of ple as a champion of user privacy, saying the EU Commission taking issue with re- Muslim worshippers dead, the to anybody else absolutely McCain, the unsuccessful 2008 Repub- jobs and generated more than $120bn for data gathered by its devices or software is strictions that Apple places on apps that shooter, Brenton Tarrant, had repugnant,” Scheer said in a lican presidential nominee, was shot down developers. zealously guarded. don’t use the App Store payment system. posted a rambling manifesto speech this week outlining his during the Vietnam War and tortured by Apple chief executive Tim Cook will Critics, however, contend that Apple Apple dismissed Spotify’s accusa- on social media in which he planned immigration policy, if his North Vietnamese captors during more likely update that stunning fi gure during is not as conscientious when it comes to tions of anti-competitive behaviour, described himself as a white elected. than fi ve years in captivity as a prisoner of his keynote presentation kicking off the data such as location, browsing history saying the Swedish music streaming gi- supremacist out to avenge “And if there’s anyone who war. company’s annual Worldwide Develop- and more collected by apps made by out- ant was trying to enjoy the benefi ts of its attacks in Europe perpetrated disagrees with that, there’s Trump has long criticised McCain on a ers Conference (WWDC) in the Silicon side developers. online market without paying the cost of by Muslims. the door.” variety of fronts, and has kept up his attacks Valley city of San Jose. Among announcements rumoured to its upkeep. even after McCain’s death in August. Democratic convention turns into Trump-bashing festival

DPA In one of the few evident progressive answer to a transgres- will defend our democracy.” The Minnesota Senator Amy San Francisco swipes at a rival, Warren took is- sive president,” Newsom said. response was repeated calls from Klobuchar boasted that her sue with former vice president “California’s what happens the crowd for impeachment. grandfather, mom and dad were Joe Biden’s assertion that GOP when rights are respected, when Outside the downtown con- union members. hanting, clapping and lawmakers may come around to work is rewarded, when nature’s vention hall, the sidewalks Sanders touted bills he introduced promoting a panoply compromise under a new Demo- protected, when diversity is cel- swarmed with delegates, iden- to raise the national minimum wage Cof causes, thousands of cratic president. ebrated and free markets are fair tifi able not just by their creden- and create a government-run uni- Democrats on Saturday turned “Some say if we all just calm markets.” tials but the T-shirts and but- versal healthcare system. San Francisco into a boister- down, the Republicans will come Pelosi, who drew a rapturous tons promoting favoured causes: Washington Governor Jay In- ous festival dedicated to chasing to their senses,” Warren said ob- response from the hometown the right to abortion, universal slee boasted of his state’s high President Trump from offi ce. liquely. “But our country is in crowd, portrayed the Democrat- healthcare, a higher minimum minimum wage and its labour- The diff erence from any other a time of crisis.” The partisan ic-led House as a central player wage, Trump’s ouster. friendly laws, saying they have day in this famously liberal bas- crowd cheered loudly. in a watershed moment of history They posed with cardboard boosted its strong economy. tion was organisation and a for- The gathering was the fi rst as it undertakes investigations of cutouts of Pelosi in fashionable “We have blown up the trick- mal agenda: The gathering was since a midterm election in which the Trump administration. sunglasses and US Rep Alexan- le-down myth of Donald Trump hosted by California’s Democrat- California Democrats ran the table “We do not place ourselves in dria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and the Republicans,” Inslee said. ic Party, which attracted 5,000 on statewide offi ces and gained the category of greatness of our in an all-white pantsuit and Harris, also playing to a home- delegates and guests and a small seven congressional seats, a good founders. But we do place our- clamoured for selfi es with Har- town crowd, name-checked sev- platoon of presidential hopefuls A supporter waves a handheld fan at the California Democratic chunk of the gains that gave the selves in the urgency that we face ris, Senator Bernie Sanders ( an eral activists and their work to- to its spring convention. Convention in San Francisco. party control of the House. in securing the democracy they independent from Vermont) and gether on issues when she served Senator Kamala Harris, the The presidential hopefuls were established,” said Pelosi, who other presidential hopefuls. as the state’s attorney general. state’s junior senator and a presi- gin impeachment proceedings Massachusetts Senator Eliza- forced to wait well over an hour wore suff ragist white in hon- Hours before the convention “I’m all about lifting up people,” dential contender, set the fi st- and we need a new commander- beth Warren, who drew one of while half a dozen statewide of- our of the 100th anniversary of convened at the George R Mo- she said, calling issues of concern shaking partisan tone when she in-chief” — a view not shared the most enthusiastic receptions fi cers and legislative leaders took women gaining the right to vote. scone Center, named after the to working-class Americans the launched the march of White by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of any of the presidential candi- turns at the podium. As she recapped the fi ndings city’s assassinated mayor, presi- top priority of her campaign. House contestants. the San Francisco Democrat who dates, spoke in trademark detail, With so many waiting in the of special counsel Robert S Mu- dential hopefuls made the rounds Biden, who was notably ab- “Democrats, we have a fi ght on spoke a short time earlier. laying out several planks in her wings, Governor Gavin Newsom eller III — that Russia interfered of diff erent interest groups. sent Saturday as he campaigned our hands,” she said, “and it’s a fi ght Former US representative length policy platform: jokingly referred to himself as the in the 2016 election and Trump Several of them addressed in Ohio, sought to steal a mea- for who we are as a people. It’s a fi ght Beto O’Rourke of Texas, another “We will break up big ag (agri- undercard when he spoke. was not exonerated of obstruc- roughly 150 union activists — gre slice of the limelight by an- for the highest ideals or our nation. presidential candidate, followed culture),” she vowed. He held up California as the tion allegations — she pledged “brothers and sisters” — gath- nouncing that he had received And Democrats, with this president, in a similar Trump-bashing vein, “We will break up big banks. nation’s political counterweight that the president “will be held ered for breakfast at a taproom the endorsement of Los Angeles it’s a fi ght for truth itself.” condemning the incumbent as “a We will break up big tech. We will to Trump, urging the presidential accountable for his actions. In across the street, where they took County Supervisor Hilda Solis, She brought delegates to their president who seeks to divide an make it easier for workers to join contestants on hand to pay heed. the Congress, in the courts and turns lavishing praise on the la- who served as Labor secretary in feet declaring: “We need to be- already polarized country.” in a union.” “We are nothing less than the in the court of public opinion, we bour movement. the Obama administration. Gulf Times Monday, June 3, 2019 13 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Lanka police Australia PM in Solomon chief blames president for Islands to build relations failing to prevent Reuters Winston Peters, who will also Sydney travel to Vanuatu this week. Australia has historic ties with the Pacifi c, but China has raised Easter attacks rime Minister Scott Mor- its infl uence in the region in rison arrived in the Solo- recent years. Pmon Islands yesterday, Keen to undercut China’s Belt AFP the fi rst visit by an Australian and Road Initiative, which seeks Colombo leader in more than a decade as to recreate the old Silk Road to Western nations seek to rein in link China with Asia and Eu- China’s infl uence in the Pacifi c. rope through big infrastructure ri Lanka’s suspended The trip comes as the United projects, Australia has directed police chief has peti- States and its regional allies try ever larger amounts of its foreign Stioned the Supreme to ensure that Pacifi c nations aid to the Pacifi c. Court, accusing President with diplomatic links to Taiwan Australia has off ered Pacifi c Maithripala Sirisena of failing do not severe those in favour of countries up to A$3bn in grants to prevent the Easter bomb- ties with Beijing. and loans to build infrastructure, ings that killed 258 people. The Solomon Islands is one of as Morrison declared the region In a 20-page complaint, six Pacifi c countries to recognise was “our patch”. Inspector General Pujith Ja- Taiwan, a policy now in ques- Canberra said last year it yasundara disclosed serious tion after recent elections. Chi- would spend $139mn to develop communication gaps between na views Taiwan as a renegade undersea Internet cable links intelligence agencies and se- province with no right to state- to Papua New Guinea and the curity arms of the govern- to-state ties. Solomon Islands, amid national ment, all which fall under Inspector General Pujith Morrison fl ew into the capital security concerns about Chi- Sirisena. Jayasundara Honiara yesterday on his fi rst nese telecoms company Huawei In the petition submitted overseas trip since winning re- Technologies. to court last week and seen by political rift between presi- election last month. He did not Australia became the fi rst AFP yesterday, Jayasundara dent and Prime Minister Ranil make any public comments on country to ban the world’s larg- said the country’s premier Wickremesinghe emerged in arrival, but has said the visit will est maker of telecom network spy agency, the State Intel- October. show Australia’s commitment to gear from its nascent broadband ligence Service (SIS), ordered Jayasundara’s petition came the region. network, a step the United States Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison, left, is accompanied by Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Manasseh him last year to stop ongo- days after Sirisena publicly “The Pacifi c is front and cen- followed this year by eff ectively Sogavare as he inspects a guard of honour upon his arrival in Honiara yesterday. ing police investigations into rebuked another intelligence tre of Australia’s strategic out- banning US fi rms from doing militants. offi cial, Sisira Mendis, after he look,” he said in a statement last business with Huawei. The issue of climate change, caster SBS News said yesterday. said in a tweet yesterday. The SIS, which reports di- told a parliamentary panel that week. President Xi Jinping said last which has at times strained Peter Kenilorea Jr, a Solomon Last month, Fiji’s prime min- rectly to Sirisena, wanted the the Easter suicide bombings Morrison’s trip comes just month China has off ered to help Australia’s relationship with its Islands legislator, said he wanted ister hit back at remarks by an police Terrorist Investigation could have been avoided. a few days before a visit to the developing nations and is not Pacifi c neighbours, will prob- Australia to show “stronger lead- Australian politician that Fijians Department to stop all inquir- Mendis’s testimony ap- Solomon Islands by New Zea- seeking a sphere of infl uence in ably feature prominently dur- ership” on climate change, SBS should seek higher ground in ies into extremist factions, peared to put Sirisena in a poor land Deputy Prime Minister Pacifi c Ocean island states. ing the visit, Australian broad- News journalist Pablo Viñales response to higher seas. including the National Thow- light by implying he had not heeth Jama’ath (NTJ), which held National Security Coun- was blamed for the Easter cil meetings to review threats Sunday bombings. such as the attacks carried out Jayasundara said the head of by Islamic State. Tree-planting festival the SIS, Nilantha Jayawarde- In a statement, Sirisena 14 injured after driverless na, did not take seriously the denied claims by Mendis that intelligence shared by neigh- the country’s highest secu- bouring India which warned rity body had not met as of- train goes wrong way of an impending attack by ten as it should have around the NTJ. the time of the attacks, which AFP press conference. Jayasundara said despite were blamed on Islamic State- Tokyo The station is a terminal the SIS not sharing informa- backed militants. of the self-driving Kanazawa tion warnings with the police Sirisena, who is also defence Seaside Line in the port city of department, he had initiated minister, said in a statement ourteen passengers were Yokohama. action to alert his senior men, he held NSC meetings twice injured after a driverless Mikami added that the op- but he had no input from the a week, contradicting Mendis Ffi ve-car train in subur- erator has shut down the line main spy agency. who told parliament the last ban Tokyo went in the wrong and it was uncertain when Sirisena suspended Ja- meeting was on February 19, direction and crashed into a services would be resumed. yasundara after he refused more than two months before buff er stop, Japanese police Compared to self-driving to accept responsibility for the April 21 bombings target- said yesterday. cars that have recently taken the deadly attacks. The at- ing three churches and three Local media reported that the road in several countries torney general has asked for a luxury hotels. some injuries - the fi rst result- on a test basis, automated full bench of the apex court to Sirisena said he met with ing from an accident involving trains have a relatively long decide the case. the national police chief and an automated train in 30 years history in Japan. Jayasundara said he was his top brass 13 days before the - appeared to be serious but Among accidents that have off ered a diplomatic post if Easter Sunday attacks and no non-life-threatening. made headlines are a collision he took the fall and stepped offi cer raised warnings which The train hit the buff er stop involving an autonomous Uber down, but he refused as he had been relayed by India. at Shin-Sugita station after vehicle that killed a pedestrian said he was not responsible for Sri Lanka has been under travelling the wrong way for and a fatal crash that involved the catastrophic intelligence a state of emergency since Japan’s Empress Masako, left, plants a tree during the national tree-planting festival in Owariasahi, about 20m (65ft), Akihiko Mi- electric car maker Tesla’s “Au- failure. the attacks, but Sirisena an- Aichi prefecture, yesterday. kami, president of the train topilot” feature, both of which He said he had been side- nounced last week that it will operator, said in a midnight occurred last year in the US. lined by the president since a end in a month. Exiled activist Twitter Indonesia cities empty out as people apologises leave to mark end of Ramadan barred from for blocked AFP accounts Jakarta entering HK Reuters illions of Indonesians Shanghai were on the move at Mthe weekend as they AFP text messages sent to Tsoi and returned home to villages and Hong Kong shared with AFP. witter has apologised towns across the world’s big- Hong Kong “obeys the Chi- for suspending accounts gest Muslim nation to mark the nese Communist Party”, Feng Tcritical of Chinese gov- end of Ramadan. Tiananmen Square pro- wrote in the messages. ernment policy days ahead of Some 15mn people were ex- test leader was barred “At a time when Hong Kong the 30th anniversary of a bloody pected to clear out of Jakarta Afrom entering Hong people are worried about human crackdown on protesters at Bei- alone - about half the megac- Kong yesterday after travelling rights and freedoms violations, jing’s Tiananmen Square, after ity’s population - in an an- to the city for a candlelight vigil (this incident) only makes them an outcry among users. nual exodus known as “mudik” marking the crackdown’s 30th more averse to the government,” In a statement posted to the com- that leaves the capital’s usu- anniversary, organisers of the Tsoi said. pany’s Public Policy Twitter feed on ally traffi c-clogged streets memorial said. The Immigration Department Saturday, Twitter said “a number of nearly empty. Other former student leaders declined to comment on the case accounts” had been suspended as The migration takes a toll on from the 1989 protests have been but said it makes each decision part of eff orts to target accounts en- Indonesia’s roads, and travel- blocked from entering the city “in accordance with the laws gaging in “platform manipulation”. lers who pack their families and before, according to local me- of Hong Kong and prevailing “Some of these were involved luggage into cars or motorbikes dia reports, but a growing list of immigration policies”. in commentary about China. to face gruelling trips that can overseas activists and politicians Feng had travelled from To- These accounts were not mass last up to 24 hours. have been refused passage into kyo, where he attended other reported by the Chinese authori- In past years scores of people the semi-autonomous Chinese Tiananmen memorials, and was ties - this was a routine action on have been killed in road acci- city in recent years. due to return to the Japanese our part,” the company said. dents during the exodus. Feng Congde, a former stu- capital again yesterday evening. Such actions sometimes “catch Highways on Java island, dent from the elite Peking Uni- Hong Kong remains the only false positives or we make errors,” it which is home to more than versity now living in San Fran- territory on Chinese soil where added. Twitter said it was working half of Indonesia’s 260mn peo- cisco, landed in Hong Kong crowds are allowed to gather to “ensure we overturn any errors”. ple, were packed with travellers Vehicles queue to enter in a ferry to go to Sumatra at the Merak port in Cilegon, Banten ahead of the annual memorial in public to commemorate the Twitter’s statement follows a eager to celebrate the end of province, yesterday. commemorating victims of the bloody Tiananmen crackdown. sharp reaction from its users over Ramadan with loved ones. bloody 1989 crackdown. The city enjoys freedom of the suspensions, including US Holidaymakers also crowded tween 14 to 20 hours. If the in hours-long traffi c jams, jams this year,” he said. The 53-year-old was stopped speech and assembly rights un- Senator Marco Rubio, who in a into airports, train stations traffi c is okay, it’s 14 hours this year’s congestion was “Our car was crawling, but it by immigration offi cers and seen on the Chinese mainland tweet accused Twitter of becoming and ports to reach destina- but if things are congested relatively light. wasn’t at a standstill.” eventually put back on a plane, under a 50-year handover agree- “a Chinese (government) censor”. tions across the 17,000 island it will take 20 hours or even Dwi Soejatmoko, who was Like China’s Lunar New Year said Richard Tsoi, vice-chair- ment between former colonial The approach of the 30th an- archipelago. more,” said Jakarta-based making the 550km (340 miles) holiday or Christmas, the mass man of the Hong Kong Alliance power Britain and China. niversary of the bloody June 4 Some even made their Bajaj driver Sugeng Puji who journey from Jakarta to Indone- movement kicks off an extend- which organises the vigil. Activists fear those liberties crackdown on pro-democracy getaways on a Bajaj, a three- was headed to Kebumen in sia’s cultural capital Yogyakar- ed holiday when many Indo- Feng said he had travel docu- are being eroded as Beijing fl exes protests at Tiananmen Square wheeled taxi usually confi ned Central Java. ta, said the trip had so far been nesians celebrate Eid, the end ments allowing him to enter its muscles and stamps down on has been accompanied in China to city streets. But unlike previous years headache-free. of the holy fasting month, with Hong Kong legally, according to dissent. by a tightening of censorship. “The travel time will be be- when travellers were stuck “There aren’t a lot of traffi c family. Gulf Times 14 Monday, June 3, 2019 BRITAIN

Soaring obesity to double cancer cases, warns NHS England

Daily Mail NHS England predicts there Clinical Oncology congress – 360,000 people will develop current trends, by 2030 we could obesity epidemic.” Dame Sally a body of evidence about the im- London will be 40,800 obesity-linked the biggest cancer meeting in cancer because they are over- see 100 new patients every day Davies, the chief medical offi cer, pact of weight on breast cancer, cancer cases every year by then the world – has set obesity as a weight or obese between 2020 being diagnosed with obesity- proposed taxing all unhealthy including studies which suggest – up from 22,800 in 2015. ‘critical research priority’. and 2030. related cancer. food products to prevent parents every 11lb weight gain increases ancer cases caused by NHS boss Simon Stevens said Harvard expert Dr Jennifer Li- By 2030, there will be 36,800 “So obesity is the new smok- buying them. the risk of the disease by up to 8%. obesity will double in the obesity was becoming the ‘new gibel said: “Obesity is now one cancer cases a year linked to excess ing, and if we continue to pile on A third of children and two Her lecture also highlighted Cnext two decades, shock- smoking’ and warned the prob- of the greatest challenges fac- weight – about 100 cases a day, or the pounds, we’re heading for thirds of adults in Britain are studies showing that those fol- ing new fi gures reveal. lem was set to get much worse. ing the world. The US has higher one every 15 minutes. By 2035, the thousands more avoidable can- overweight – the third biggest lowing at least fi ve healthy life- Britain’s spiralling obesity The startling projection comes levels of obesity but the UK is number will have risen to 112 a day, cer deaths every year. obesity problem in Europe. Hos- style tips drawn up by the World crisis – driven by poor diets and as leading cancer experts met in catching up. It is very troubling. or one every 13 minutes. “But the NHS can’t win the pital admissions due to obesity Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) sedentary lifestyles – means Chicago to discuss how to tackle We are making major advances Stevens, chief executive of ‘battle of the bulge’ on its own soared by almost 100,000 last had a 60% lower risk of breast that by 2035, someone will be the global obesity crisis, amid in cancer therapies and treat- NHS England, said: “While can- – families, food businesses and year – a 15% rise – and experts cancer. The advice includes diagnosed every 13 minutes with fears it threatens to undermine ment, but the risk is that obesity cer survival is at a record high, government all need to play their say fat patients are putting an staying a healthy weight, being cancer that has developed be- decades of medical progress. could undercut all of this.” many people don’t yet realise part if we’re to avoid copying intolerable strain on the NHS. physically active and limiting al- cause of their weight. The American Society of The NHS fi gures suggest that obesity causes cancer. On America’s damaging and costly Dr Ligibel yesterday presented cohol, salt and meat. Tories call for rule change as more eye leadership race

Guardian News and Media be nominated by a fi xed propor- London tion of the parliamentary party.” The former trade minister Greg Hands joked on Twitter enior Conservatives have that he “might have the casting expressed alarm that the vote” given the large number of Sleadership contest could candidates. become unmanageable and cha- The 13 in the running are Jav- otic after a 13th candidate, Sam id, Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab, Gyimah, entered the race. Michael Gove, Matt Hancock, At least four other MPs are be- Jeremy Hunt, Andrea Leadsom, lieved to be considering joining Esther McVey, Rory Stewart, the contest next week, leading James Cleverly, Mark Harper, Kit Police off icers ride their horses as they patrol along the US and Union flag-lined Mall, leading to Buckingham Palace, in central London, yesterday, ahead of a visit to the UK one minister to describe some Malthouse and Gyimah. by US President Donald Trump. of the hopefuls as “vanity can- Others who may still an- didates”. nounce they will run include The 1922 Committee of Con- Brady, Penny Mordaunt, Priti servative backbenchers, which Patel, Jesse Norman and Steve will set the rules and run the Baker. Liam Fox, the interna- contest, is expected to meet to- tional trade secretary, and Steve morrow, and the rules are due to Barclay, the Brexit secretary, be agreed by the party board on have not ruled themselves out. Wednesday. Sir Graham Brady Should all of these run, it would Trump denies making has stood down as the commit- take the number of candidates tee’s chair and is mulling run- to 20. ning for the leadership himself. In a joint op-ed with the Members of the commit- former Conservative leader Iain tee’s executive told the Guard- Duncan Smith, Patel wrote in the ian they believed there was now Sunday Telegraph that candi- a clear case for a rule change. “I dates who had minimal support ‘nasty’ Meghan remark favour a proposer, seconder and should realise they did not have 10 supporters. The alternative is time to learn on the job. AFP up by the Fake News Media, the “nasty” comment on Sat- remarks a “bombshell inter- In addition to Markle’s re- a large-scale cull after the fi rst “Those who have thrown Washington and they got caught cold! Will urday by linking to a video of vention” and a “major breach mark about moving to Canada, ballot,” one committee member their hats into the ring, with @CNN, @nytimes and others the interview and suggesting of protocol” by a foreign she had also called Trump “mi- said. minimum support but imbued apologise? Doubt it!” the president had not used the leader. sogynistic” and “divisive” dur- MPs will begin voting af- with an enormous sense of self- S President Donald On the tape, the interviewer word; it urged people to “Listen The president said he was not ing the 2016 campaign, feelings ter Theresa May steps down on worth, need to think a little more Trump yesterday denied points out that Markle, who for yourself!” giving an outright endorsement that a good number of Britons Friday. In past contests, in each carefully,” the op-ed said. Uhe had called Meghan married the queen’s grandson Markle will not be meeting to any candidate to lead the rul- appear to share. round the candidate with the Over the weekend some of Markle “nasty” just days before Prince Harry in 2018, had been with Trump, though the of- ing Conservative Party, but also Large anti-Trump protests fewest votes dropped out. The the leadership candidates set heading to Britain to be hosted, critical of Trump during the fi cial reason given is that she said that he liked Foreign Secre- are expected during his visit, committee has previously held out their plans for resolving and lavishly feted, by other 2016 presidential campaign, remains on maternity leave tary Jeremy Hunt. and a huge blimp of Trump as a bi-weekly votes and is now con- the Brexit crisis. Leadsom, the members of the royal family. saying “she’d move to Canada if with her three-week-old son Hunt yesterday played down baby in diapers is being readied sidering holding votes daily. former leader of the Commons, And yet the remark about the you got elected; turned out she Archie. any awkwardness over Trump’s to fl y over the city if police al- Several of the leading candi- said she would not attempt to American-born Dutchess of moved here.” Trump further roiled the visit. low it. dates, many of whom have be- renegotiate May’s Brexit deal Sussex is heard clearly on a tape “Well, a lot of people are waters ahead of his visit by “I don’t think it’s going to Markle’s absence may be tween 30 to 40 endorsements, and instead would pursue a of a Trump interview with the moving here, so what can I say,” weighing in on Britain’s un- disrupt the welcome at all,” he conspicuous in one way: are known to favour a rule managed no deal. tabloid The Sun. Trump replied. “No, I didn’t ending Brexit woes, throwing said on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Trump is bringing all four of his change, believing it could halve She told the BBC’s Andrew Trump’s tweet yesterday know that she was nasty.” his weight behind former for- because the British had learned adult children and their spous- the number of opponents. Marr Show she would pass leg- came a day before his three- And yet he went on to say he eign secretary Boris Johnson “from the president that you es to London and, according to The Universities Minister, islation to protect EU citizens day state visit is to begin with thought that as princess “she’ll to succeed Prime Minister know regularly we have to agree The Sun, said he wants them to Chris Skidmore, who has backed but also attempt to secure side a pomp-fi lled ceremony at do excellently, she’ll be very Theresa May and suggesting to disagree... hold a “next generation” meet- Sajid Javid, tweeted: “This ‘van- deals based on the withdrawal Buckingham Palace followed by good, she’ll be very good. I hope Britain should leave the Euro- “It doesn’t aff ect the fact that ing with Princes William and ity candidate’ phenomenon is agreement to keep goods moving lunch with 93-year-old Queen she does.” pean Union without a depar- we have the most important Harry. becoming a joke – I hope the across borders – a suggestion Elizabeth II. An offi cial Trump campaign ture deal if better terms can’t partnership that there is in the “I think my children will be 1922 Committee brings in new the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel He tweeted: “I never called Twitter account had rather be reached. world for freedom, democracy, meeting them,” Trump said. “It rules so that candidates have to Barnier, has explicitly ruled out. Meghan Markle ‘nasty.’ Made bizarrely called attention to The Sun called Trump’s the rule of law.” would be nice.” Bercow ‘spent £13,000’ Tory MP loses vote of no confi dence on trip to Canada Conservative association’s Guardian News and Media London membership have opposed my Daily Mail summer holidays, although he claiming meals and drinks on view on Brexit, mostly at the London later reimbursed the spending. expenses. same time as agreeing with me Tuning the piano at Speaker’s The latest disclosure from the former Conservative that the government’s with- House cost £87.50. Commons authorities covers the minister who resigned drawal agreement would be ohn Bercow has splurged In August, the speaker’s offi ce year to this January. A over the government’s bad for our country and should £13,000 on a trip to Canada spent £70 on 100 “colour presen- Business class fl ights for Ber- handling of Brexit has lost a be rejected – as I have repeat- Jas well as £70 on photos to tation portrait prints”. A spokes- cow and his secretary to Canada vote of no confi dence in him edly done in parliament,” the send to ‘fans’. man said these were photographs for a three-day conference of by his local association, after former justice minister wrote The Commons speaker also of Bercow that are signed and Speakers from G7 countries he was outspoken in his sup- on his website. spent £113 a month on a Sky sent out to admirers on request. last July came to £12,352. They port for a vote on the fi nal “However, as a member of subscription for his grace-and- His use of expenses has helped stayed at the four-star Lords deal. parliament, I do not repre- favour residence. And he spent make him one of the most con- Nelson hotel, with a £660 bill. Phillip Lee, MP for Brack- sent only the views of Con- thousands of pounds on ‘enter- troversial speakers in history. He Flights to Switzerland to visit nell in Berkshire, said he rec- servative association mem- tainment’ last year and on other drew fresh fury from Brexiteers the speaker there in September ognised that a majority of his bers. I do not even represent jaunts to Switzerland and Latvia. last week by declaring during a were £389, while a trip to Latvia Conservative association’s only the views of Conserva- More details of Bercow’s use taxpayer-funded trip to the US for the same purpose in March members opposed his view tive voters. of public money have emerged that he will stay in the post until was £430 plus £520 for a hotel on Brexit, but argued he was “Rather, I am elected to after a breakdown of his of- the process of leaving the EU is and £335 on gifts for his counter- elected to represent the best represent the best interests of fi cial spending was released to complete. He previously prom- part. Hosting lectures by MPs at interests of everyone in his everyone in the Bracknell con- MailOnline under freedom of in- ised he would step down in 2018. Speaker’s House was also pricey. constituency. stituency – young and old, of formation rules. Bercow has also been accused Entertainment for speeches by Lee supported Remain in the every political persuasion and There were signifi cant costs of tearing up centuries of Com- Nick Clegg in June last year and EU referendum and was the none and including those of for Bercow’s opulent apartment mons procedure to help Remain- Harriet Harman in November fi rst government minister to future generations who are still at parliament, where he lives er MPs who have been trying to both came in at £809, while resign over Brexit. too young to vote.” He added rent-free with wife Sally and thwart the government’s plans, another by Jacob Rees-Mogg in Bracknell Forest – an area in- that he would not be “forced their children. although he insisted he is merely July was £1,008. cluding the towns of Bracknell, into taking a decision” on his The Arsenal fan’s Sky sub- “championing” parliament. There was also a £234 bill for Sandhurst and Crowthorne – future by an “orchestrated, scription – which includes the His offi cial spending as speak- drinks at a reception and dinner voted to leave the EU in 2016, destructive campaign from sports package – was around er is not subject to the same for the panel of chairs at Christ- with 53.9% of voters in favour outside the party”. £113 a month. He also ordered rules as MPs, who are banned mas. The panel is a group of MPs of exiting the bloc. Bracknell Conservative As- £41 worth of on-demand fi lms by the Independent Parliamen- appointed by Bercow to help him “I have never been in any sociation called the vote after for his family during the last tary Standards Authority from chair sessions in the Commons. Bercow: opulent lifestyle doubt that a majority of my 53 members signed a petition. Gulf Times Monday, June 3, 2019 15 EUROPE

Conservatives sweep Greek local elections Greece’s conservative opposition New Democracy party swept local elections yesterday, winning in most regions and the cities of SPD leader steps down in Athens and Thessaloniki, routing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s ruling left just a month before they face off in general elections. New Democracy (ND) candidates have won 11 of the country’s 13 regions, according to provisional results, including Attica where blow to Merkel coalition the Greek capital is located. ND mayoral candidate Costas Reuters statement released by the SPD. Saturday showed, with SPD interview published yesterday Bakoyannis was leading in Berlin/Frankfurt The “grand coalition” is due support hitting an all-time low. before Nahles announced she Athens with 65% of the vote, to rule until 2021 but Nahles’s CDU leader and Merkel’s heir would resign. according to provisional results resignation could trigger the apparent Annegret Kramp-Kar- “Three grand coalitions in a after counting in half of the city’s ndrea Nahles said yes- SPD’s early exit, forcing Merkel renbauer called on the SPD to row would not do democracy polling centres. terday that she would re- to call snap elections, to lead a ensure Germany has a stable and in Germany any good,” he was The 41-year-old comes from Asign as the leader of Ger- minority government, or to seek functioning government. quoted as saying. an old political family and his many’s Social Democrats (SPD), an alliance with the Greens and “I am assuming that the SPD The ruling coalition is due for mother Dora was elected Athens raising new doubts about the liberal Free Democrats. will make its personnel deci- a midterm review in the autumn, mayor in 2003. durability of Chancellor Angela “The election for the party sions quickly and that the Grand which could be an opportunity “Greece’s electoral map has Merkel’s ruling coalition with leadership is likely to be a vote Coalition’s ability to act will not for the SPD to pull the plug on changed in favour of the the centre-left party. on the grand coalition,” said be impaired,” she said on Sun- the alliance. ND,” said political expert Ilias Merkel’s Christian Democrats Henrik Enderlein, president of day. The SPD is now scrambling to Nikolakopoulos on public and the SPD both bled support the Hertie School of Governance Alexander Dobrindt, a law- put an end to infi ghting to stabi- television ERT. in last week’s European elec- in Berlin. maker from the CSU Bavarian lise its leadership. The ND party has repeated its tions as voters turned away from “Whoever runs will have to party in Merkel’s coalition, ech- Last week, German weekly performance in last month’s mainstream political parties, answer the crucial question of oed her view. Bild am Sonntag reported that European elections when it took eroding support for a ruling coa- whether to participate in the “I expect a clear commitment former SPD leader Martin Schulz 33% of the vote – nine points lition that already came close to government. New elections from the SPD to back the coali- wanted to replace Nahles as head more than the ruling Syriza party. falling apart last year. later this year are not excluded,” tion,” Dobrindt said. of the parliamentary party. Tsipras, a socialist who has Nahles, whose SPD is a jun- Enderlein added. “A minority Nahles was due to face a vote In this file photo taken on January 10, Merkel and Nahles attend Schulz told Germany’s Welt overseen austerity measures ior coalition partner in Merkel’s government at the end of the era on her leadership position to- the New Year’s reception of the German President at the Bellevue am Sonntag newspaper that he since the Greek debt crisis, has ruling alliance, said she would Merkel could possibly be an in- morrow after her decision to palace in Berlin. The SPD leader resigned yesterday from her party’s would not stand against Nahles called parliamentary elections for resign as party leader today and terim solution.” stay in coalition with Merkel’s top jobs, raising the possibility that Germany’s embattled in the leadership vote tomorrow, July 7, three months earlier than step down as head of the SPD’s The turmoil within the SPD conservative bloc following the government could collapse. but declined to answer whether scheduled. parliamentary group tomorrow. comes as Merkel’s conservative European elections setback was he would seek to be re-elected Yesterday’s vote was a second- “The discussions within the Christian Democratic Union criticised by the SPD’s left. cellor Olaf Scholz, a Social in the European parliamentary leader thereafter. round run-off for city mayors and parliamentary faction and feed- (CDU) faces its own struggles. The SPD also failed to win Democrat, told Germany’s Ta- elections. “Wow, another earthquake in regional governors. back from within the party have Germany’s Greens have over- the most votes in the state of gesspiegel newspaper that he “I am very sure that it would German politics,” said Carsten Observers attribute the shown me that I no longer have taken the conservatives to be- Bremen for the fi rst time in 73 had ruled out entering another not be justifi able for us to have Brzeski, chief economist at ING conservative resurgence in part the necessary support to carry come the most popular party years last Sunday. grand coalition as the SPD seeks a fi fth grand coalition,” Scholz Germany, referring to the up- to a controversial renaming out my duties,” Nahles said in a in Germany, an opinion poll on Earlier, German Vice-Chan- to regroup after suff ering losses told the German paper in an heaval within the SPD party. deal between Greece and its neighbour which is now called North Macedonia, formerly Macedonia.

France’s Les No regrets over handling of ‘yellow vests’, says minister Republicains AFP all, things went well so far as spokesman Sibeth Ndiaye told leader resigns Paris public order is concerned”. French broadcaster LCI that po- Between 300 and 400 people lice offi cers who used unjustifi ed The leader of France’s centre- took part in what they called violence had to be punished. right opposition Les Republicains French minister said yes- a “march of the mutilated” in Nunez said yesterday that political party Laurent Wauquiez terday that he had “no re- Paris yesterday, denouncing the very few offi cers were under in- said yesterday that he will quit Agrets” over the handling police use of stun grenades and vestigation and even fewer such as the party’s president after it of the “yellow vest” protests, rubber bullets. cases were being picked up by recorded its lowest score ever in even if stun grenades and rubber A number of protesters – and the prosecutor to take to court. last week’s European parliament bullets cost some demonstrators some bystanders – have lost the “A prosecution does not mean elections. a hand or an eye. use of an eye when hit by the there will be a conviction,” and The dismal showings of the Junior interior minister Lau- rubber bullets, and some peo- where there was a conviction, former ruling party and the rent Nunez’s comments came as ple who tried to pick up the stun there would be an appeal, he mainstream Socialist Party in the a group of people who said they grenades lost a hand as they ex- added. “I have every confi dence election shows that both parties had been mutilated while tak- ploded. in the police and the gendarmes have failed to recover from ing part in the anti-government Overall since the protests be- of this country ... we know that President Emmanuel Macron’s protests marched in Paris. gan on November 17, 2,448 dem- they have used force in a propor- 2017 election victory. “We have no regrets over the onstrators and 1,797 police and tionate way in most cases, and Their woes paves the way for way that we have handled public gendarmes have been injured force has only been used when another potential head-to-head order and public safety,” Nunez during the marches, according it has been in response to violent match between Macron and far- told broadcaster RTL/LCI. to interior ministry fi gures re- attacks against themselves or right National Rally leader Marine “When there is an attack on leased on May 13. against our institutions.” Le Pen in the 2022 presidential the police and there is a propor- On Thursday, Paris prosecu- The position of the interior election. tionate response, yes there can tor Remy Heitz told Le Parisien ministry had always been that if Les Republicains scored 8.48% in be injuries,” he said. “It’s not be- newspaper that any police in- there had been mistakes made in the May 26 EU elections, coming cause a hand has been blown off , volved in unwarranted violence the use of force, there would be in fourth behind the National because an eye has been blinded, against yellow vest protestors sanctions, he added – but that Rally, Macron’s ruling LREM, and that the violence is illegal.” Protesters, some of them claiming to have been seriously injured during the last six months of would be in court by the end of was in “an infi nitesimal number the Greens. “I’m not apologising, I’m ‘yellow vest’ (Gilets Jaunes) demonstrations, take part yesterday in a march at Place de la Bastille the year. of cases”. Les Republicains, founded by leaving it to the justice system of (Bastille Square) in Paris, against police violence. Heitz said there had been In March, UN rights chief former president Nicolas Sarkozy, my country,” he added. more than 170 cases of police vi- Michelle Bachelet called for a has been mired in internal The French authorities have ous revolt in rural and small- wearing fl uorescent yellow vests dented crisis”, the likes of which olence reviewed, with 57 of them “full investigation” into the leadership infighting since been criticised sharply for their town France began against Pres- still continue every Saturday. France had not faced in 50 or 60 completed and awaiting a deci- possible use of excessive force by Sarkozy lost the 2012 presidential handling of the protests. ident Emmanuel Macron, the Nunez described the “yellow years. sion whether to prosecute. French police during the “yellow election. Six months after a spontane- often violent protests by people vest” protests as an “unprece- Despite that, he added, “over- On Friday, government vest” protests. Pope Francis issues plea for revival of European ideals

Pope Francis apologises and fear, only hope – just and de- “My heart, however, is heavy. The bishops died of maltreat- visit has softened feelings to a to Roma for church’s manding – but always hope.” It is weighed down by the many ment, some still in jail, others degree. ‘discrimination’ He said that Europe had to experiences of discrimination, in confi nement in an Orthodox “No matter where we go, to again “take up the mysticism” segregation and mistreatment monastery. the town hall, to the police or AFP/Reuters of its founding fathers and over- experienced by your communi- They were then buried in se- to school, doors get closed,” a Aboard the Papal Plane come divisions and borders. ties. History tells us that Chris- cret – to this day the wherea- 72-year-old Roma, who gave his “Please let’s not let Europe be tians too, including Catholics, bouts of four of their graves is name as Ion, told AFP. overcome by pessimism or by are not strangers to such evil,” he unknown. Roma, originating from north- ope Francis has made an ideologies, because Europe is said. The bars of the cells where ern India, suff ered around vefi impassioned plea for Eu- not being attacked by cannons “Indiff erence breeds preju- they were held were symbolical- centuries of slavery before the Prope to stick together and or bombs in this moment, but by dices and fosters anger and re- ly incorporated into the throne practice was formally abolished revive the ideals of its founders, ideologies – ideologies that are sentment. How many times do built specially for the papal visit. in 1856. saying yesterday that ideologies not European, that come either we judge rashly, with words that The bishops followed the They remain a mainly poor and and fear-mongering politicians from outside or which stem from sting, with attitudes that sow ha- Eastern Rite Catholic Church marginalised community – even were threatening its very exist- small groups in Europe,” he said. tred and division!” which emerged from an Ortho- if recent years have seen roads ence as a bloc. Francis urged Europeans to re- Earlier, the Pontiff beatifi ed dox schism at the end of the 17th paved and homes getting running His comments to journalists member how the continent was seven Greco-Catholic bishops century when the central region water and electricity. on the plane while returning from divided and belligerent in the jailed and tortured during the of Transylvania was part of the Although Romania has devel- a three-day trip to Romania, one years leading up to both world Communist era. Austro-Hungarian empire. oped apace since obtaining EU of the more recent European Un- wars in the 20th century. “The new blessed ones suf- While retaining Orthodox membership in 2007 there re- ion members, were his fi rst since “Please, let’s not return to this. fered and sacrifi ced their lives, practices, they recognised Ro- main some “urban or rural ghet- European elections last month. Let’s learn from history. Let’s not opposing a system of totalitarian man Catholic papal authority – tos where nothing has changed”, Francis, who was asked about fall in the same hole.” and coercive ideology,” he told unacceptable for the Communist according to sociologist Gelu the elections, Italian far-right Earlier, the Pope apologised to some 60,000 worshippers at- regime which took power follow- Duminica, who heads the anti- leader Matteo Salvini and other the Roma people for the Roman tending mass on a “Field of Lib- ing World War II. discrimination Impreuna (To- European topics, urged believ- Catholic Church’s “discrimina- erty” in Blaj. Under a 1948 decree formally gether) association. ers to pray for European unity tion” against them as he wrapped “These shepherds, martyrs abolishing the Eastern Catholic Duminica and others in Blaj and non-believers to hope for it Pope Francis meets members of the Roma community in the Barbu up a visit to Romania. of faith, garnered for and left churches, Greco-Catholics were saw it as no coincidence that “from the bottom of your hearts”. Lautaru district of Blaj, Romania. Making up around 10% of the Romanian people a precious forcibly obliged to return to the Francis, often seen as a defender The far-right and nationalists Romania’s 20mn people, many heritage which we can sum up in Orthodox fold. of the rights of the most margin- in Italy, Britain, France and Po- “Someone could ask under their erally about Europe and were not Roma are marginalised and live two words: freedom and mercy,” Under such stark political re- alised, chose the Barbu Lautaru land came out on top in their na- breath ‘Is this perhaps the end of specifi c to Italy, saying it is near in poverty and have suff ered added Francis, while praising the pression, most Romanian Catho- district of Blaj, whose inhabit- tional votes, shaking up politics a 70-year adventure?’” impossible for him to understand centuries of discrimination and “diversity of religious expres- lics – who numbered more than ants are mainly Roma, to launch at home but failing to dramati- Francis avoided directly criti- Italian politics. insults. sion” in mainly Orthodox Roma- 1.5mn in 1948, abandoned their his appeal for tolerance and so- cally alter the balance of pro- cising Salvini, leader of the right- “We have to help politicians to “I ask forgiveness – in the nia. faith and their community has cial inclusion. European power in EU assembly. wing League party who has often be honest. They should not carry name of the church and of the Regime offi cials detained the shrunk to around 200,000 to- “The pope’s visit is a message “If Europe does not look care- sparred with him on migration out (political) campaigns under Lord – and I ask forgiveness of beatifi ed bishops overnight on day in a country of 20mn, almost for those who are marginalised, fully to future challenges, Europe issues, saying that the reason dishonest banners, with cal- you. For all those times in history October 28, 1948, accusing them nine in 10 of whom profess Or- disregarded or not accepted by will dry up. Europe is ceasing to they had not yet met is because umny, defamation, scandals,” he when we have discriminated, of “high treason” after they re- thodoxy. others,” said Mihai Gherghel, an be ‘Mother Europe’ and is be- Salvini had not asked for an au- said, without naming any coun- mistreated or looked askance at fused to convert to Orthodoxy. The politics which has seeped eastern Catholic priest, who su- coming ‘Grandmother Europe’. dience. tries or giving examples. “Many you,” the Pope said in a speech to The Greek-Catholic Church through Romania’s modern reli- pervised the construction of the It has aged. It has lost the goal Francis also stressed that his times they sow hate and fear. A the Roma community in the cen- was outlawed under 1948-89 gious history has poisoned inter- Blaj church where Francis cel- of working together,” he said. comments should be taken gen- politician should never sow hate tral town of Blaj. Communist rule. faith relations – even if the papal ebrated Sunday mass. Gulf Times 16 Monday, June 3, 2019 EUROPE Seoul demands swift explanation Cruise ship crashes over boat tragedy

DPA/AFP number of victims and is ask- Seoul/Budapest ing constantly that condo- lences are conveyed to their into wharf in Venice families,” Toth said. outh Korea is demanding “My client has not changed AFP a swift explanation from his statement made as a wit- Venice Sthe Hungarian govern- ness. He insists that he has not ment after at least seven of its made any error,” his other law- citizens died in a boat sinking yer, Gabor Elo, told reporters ourists ran for their lives in on the River Danube, local me- after the hearing. Venice yesterday as a mas- dia reported. The search continues, but Tsive cruise ship lost con- Twenty-one other South not a single survivor or body trol, crashed into the wharf and Korean nationals are still has been found since shortly hit a luxury sightseeing boat after missing after the accident, after the accident. suff ering an engine failure. which occurred on Wednesday Hungarian media reported People on the harbour could be evening in Budapest. that divers have been unable to seen fl eeing as the 13-deck MSC South Korea will ask Hun- access the submerged wreck- Opera scraped along the dock- gary to swiftly determine the age due to rising river levels side, its engine blaring, before cause and identify those re- after days of rain and strong knocking into the tourist boat, sponsible, Deputy Foreign undercurrents. amateur video footage posted on Minister Lee Tae Ho said at a The conditions also make Twitter showed. government disaster manage- raising the boat out of the wa- “When we saw the ship bear- ment meeting in Seoul, ac- ter impossible. ing down on us, everyone began cording to the Yonhap news One of the bodies had been shouting and running,” a sailor agency. found about 11km (seven miles) who was on the River Countess The “Hableany” (Mermaid) downstream of the accident tourist boat was quoted as saying boat sank with 35 people on site. by Italian media. board after colliding with a The South Korean deputy “I didn’t know what to do. I much bigger cruise ship. minister said the identities of got away quickly, jumping to get Only seven survived and the seven victims have been on shore,” said the man, who was seven bodies had been recov- revealed and their families not named. ered. have travelled to the Hungar- Four tourists were slightly in- The 64-year-old Ukrain- ian capital, Yonhap reported. jured in the accident at San Basil- ian captain of the Viking Sigyn The Hungarian Magyar io-Zattere in Venice’s Giudecca cruise ship was taken into cus- Nemzet daily, meanwhile, has Canal, port authorities said. tody in the course of the inves- quoted police reports as saying The foreigners, aged between tigation, police in Budapest that the Sigyn might not have 67 and 72 years old, were from said on Thursday. warned the pilot of smaller Australia, New Zealand, and the He claims that he could not ship that he was going to over- United States, according to me- Rescue boats of the Carabinieri Police (front) and the port’s fire have avoided the accident. take. dia reports. rescue service (second left) assist the damaged River Countess He was charged on Satur- According to the newspa- The incident came just days tourist boat (rear left) after it was hit early yesterday by the MSC day, a Budapest court offi cial per, he also did not alert police after a river cruise ship collided Opera cruise ship (right). told AFP, but gave no further about the collision. with a sightseeing vessel in Bu- details. People have been laying dapest, killing seven people and “I could see the prow coming of Venice is confi rmation of what The captain’s lawyer, Balazs fl owers along the river bank leaving 21 missing (see report on closer, and I thought it would hit we have been saying for some Toth, said the court had grant- and on a bridge near the colli- the left). my house. The noise was deafen- time,” Italy’s environment min- ed bail, but prosecutors were sion site, as well as at the South The Opera, which suff ered ing,” one Venetian resident was ister Sergio Costa tweeted. appealing and so his client re- Korean embassy. mechanical trouble before in 2011 quoted as saying by Italian me- “Cruise ships must not sail mained detained. On Saturday, black fl ags during a Baltic cruise, can carry dia. down the Giudecca. We have “He is devastated by the were fl ying along the bridge. more than 2,500 passengers and The accident reignited a row in been working on moving them boasts a theatre, ballroom and Venice over the damage caused to for months now ... and are near- water park for children. the city and its fragile ecosystem ing a solution,” he said. “The MSC ship had an engine by cruise ships that sail excep- WWF Italy described the inci- failure, which was immediately tionally close to the shore. dent as “an important alarm bell reported by the captain,” Davide While gondoliers in striped to which it would be madness not Calderan, head of a tugboat com- T-shirts and woven straw hats to listen”. Members of ‘No grandi navi – No big ships’ movement protest in pany involved in accompanying row tourists around the narrow Nicola Fratoianni, an MP with front of the MSC Opera cruise ship that crashed against a smaller the ship into its berth, told Italian canals, the smoking chimneys of the Italian Left party, noted Ita- tourist boat at the San Basilio dock in Venice. media. mammoth ships loom into sight ly’s welcoming attitude to cruise “The engine was blocked, but behind the city’s picturesque bell ships contrasted sharply with its monsters to risk carnage in Ven- according to the local La Nuova with its thrust on, because the towers and bridges. hostile approach to charity res- ice,” he said. daily. speed was increasing,” he said. Critics say the waves the ships cue vessels that help migrants MSC Cruises, founded in Italy The Opera, built 15 years ago, The two tug boats that had create are eroding the founda- who run into diffi culty in the in 1960, is a global line registered suff ered a power failure in 2011 been guiding the ship into the tions of the lagoon city, which Mediterranean. in Switzerland. in the Baltic, forcing some 2,000 Giudecca tried to slow it, but one regularly fl oods, leaving iconic “It is truly curious that a coun- One of its cruise ships, the people to be disembarked in of the chains linking them to the sites such as Saint Mark’s Square try that tries to stop ships that MSC Preziosa, collided with a Stockholm rather than continu- A woman and her child are seen at a makeshift shrine near the giant snapped under the pres- underwater. have saved people at sea from en- passenger embarkation ramp as ing their Southampton to Saint Margaret bridge, by the Danube, in Budapest. sure, he added. “What happened in the port tering its ports allows giant steel it entered port in Venice in 2014, Petersburg voyage.

Hungarians protest government’s Storm over German blogger who plan to overhaul top academic body ‘invented’ Jewish family history DPA “The submissions of Marie ship, even though she repeatedly Reuters Dusseldorf Sophie Hingst have been given to wrote about it on her blog and in Budapest Yad Vashem scholars for further lectures. investigation,” Yad Vashem said In addition, Spiegel claimed report in Germany’s in a statement yesterday. she had submitted information ungarians took to the Spiegel magazine alleging “Pages of testimony submitted on 22 alleged relatives to Yad streets of central Buda- Athat an award-winning to Yad Vashem undergo a brief Vashem, giving the impression Hpest yesterday to protest blogger who invented a Jewish vetting process to verify basic that large parts of her family had plans to overhaul the country’s family history has prompted a details included on the forms, been killed in the Holocaust. leading scientifi c research body, response from the Yad Vashem including biographical and geo- After researching in the city which they see as part of a wider Holocaust memorial. graphical information.” archives of the northern German government attempt to curb The German historian Marie Hingst and her lawyer did city of Stralsund, Spiegel said it academic freedom. Sophie Hingst, who lives in Ire- not respond to DPA requests for had discovered that she comes in Right-wing Prime Minister land, is said to have made false comments on the Spiegel report, fact from a Protestant family. Viktor Orban, who took power statements about her descent saying she would fi rst like to ex- Her grandfather is not sup- in 2010, has tightened controls both in her blog Read on, my amine it. posed to have been a prisoner at over public life, including the dear, read on and among the Yad According to Spiegel’s inves- the Nazi death camp Auschwitz, courts, the media, universities Vashem Holocaust pages of tes- tigations, Hingst does not re- as she claims to be, but a Protes- and scientifi c research, putting timony. ally have any close Jewish kin- tant pastor, Spiegel reported. him on a collision course with the European Union. In its latest move, the govern- Thousands of cyclists call for transport overhaul in Berlin ment has said it plans to strip the 200 year-old Hungarian Some 90,000 cyclists took to the streets of ADFC said, but yesterday was a very hot day in the Academy of Sciences of its net- Berlin yesterday to demand Germany’s transport German capital at 31° Celsius. work of research institutions infrastructure become more bicycle-friendly, “Some people would perhaps rather be at the lake and hand over their buildings according to the organisers, German cyclists’ than on the roads,” an ADFC spokesman said. and assets to a new governing association ADFC. The event’s organisers and the police typically give a council. They cycled through the city centre in a route diff erent headcount every year. News website Index.hu re- Thousands of demonstrators march in Budapest to protest the policies of the Hungarian government finishing at the Brandenburg Gate, calling for city Police tend to estimate around 20,000 to 30,000 ported on Tuesday that the gov- and its reorganisation plans regarding the independent Hungarian Academy of Sciences. planners to more make more space for bikes. protesters while ADFC normally claims close to ernment was now drawing up Some 250,000 people had signed up for the event, 100,000 participants. draft legislation for the plan. size of the demonstration. scientists in January to protect ropean University (CEU), a top The academy said on The government has said it their freedoms. international graduate school Wednesday that the govern- wants to shake up funding of The European Commission and liberal thought centre, to Two soldiers killed in battle against PKK in southeast Turkey ment wanted “total political research institutes to encourage said on Tuesday that it would move much of its activity to Vi- control” of vital research. more lucrative and innovative monitor developments in Hun- enna. Two Turkish soldiers were killed in a battle against Turkey began an off ensive against the PKK in “If it was up to Orban, there research. gary’s public research system It also centralised the opera- militants of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party northern Iraq, where the militia is headquartered, would be no free thought in “Nationalisation is not inno- and urged authorities “to refrain tions and curriculum of lower (PKK) in southeast Turkey, state news agency about one week ago. this country, and I can’t let that vation,” read one banner held up from any decision restricting level education and banned Anadolu reported yesterday. According to the ministry, 27 PKK fighters have been just happen without raising by one of the protesters. scientifi c and academic free- teaching in subjects that are Two others were injured in the fighting, which took “neutralised” since the military operation started. my voice,” Maria Lantos, a 45 “We will not allow govern- dom”. ideologically alien to its per- place in the province of Hakkari near the Iraqi border. This can mean taken prisoner, injured or killed. year-old teacher said as a crowd ment bureaucrats to decide The planned new govern- ceived Christian nationalist gathered to march past the main about research, scientifi c work,” ment council for the Academy politics, such as gender studies. institutions aff ected by the gov- Judit Gardos, a member of the – to be chaired by Innovation While popular protests and German off icers injured after riot at asylum-seeker centre ernment’s moves: from several Academic Worker’s Forum, and Technology Minister Laszlo diplomatic problems accompa- public universities to the Acad- which organised the demon- Palkovics – would set out areas nied most of those moves, in- Five German police off icers were injured on Friday as about 130km northeast of Munich, police said. emy. stration, told protesters. of research that would receive cluding a massive march of sev- they attempted to stop rioting at an asylum-seeker The situation escalated when they tried to pull the There appeared to be up to “That is unheard of anywhere funding, website Index.hu said. eral tens of thousands of people housing centre in the southern state of Bavaria. ringleaders out of the crowd, with several refugees several thousand people on the in the democratic world,” she In recent years, Orban’s rul- in support of the CEU two years The off icers were verbally abused and mobbed hitting the off icers and throwing bicycles at them. streets, but there were no of- said. ing Fidesz party also changed ago, the government ultimately by around 30 asylum-seekers after arriving at the The situation was only calmed when reinforcements fi cial or police estimates of the The forum is a group set up by the law to force the Central Eu- has gone ahead with its plans. centre in the small community of Stephansposching, arrived. Gulf Times Monday, June 3, 2019 17 INDIA

Delhi’s Khan Market is much more than hub of power brokers

IANS here that they discuss the coun- to have far-reaching eff ect. Not shopkeepers of Khan Market feel nods in agreement. “Prime Minis- and is recognised world over for its shop. Initially, the ground fl oor New Delhi try’s past, present and future, only did it reaffi rm his ‘kaamdaar’ that Modi’s dig was not aimed ter Modi cannot make a comment name. Changing the name would was meant for commercial use much to the scorn of the saff ron image, it also positioned him as at them, but at a small section out of the blue. There are many be tantamount to robbing the and the fi rst fl oor for residential brigade. an outsider to the elite circles of of people who claimed to be the who frequent here and indulge in market of its character. We strictly purposes. The initial shops in- ocated amid the bungalows In the last leg of his campaign New Delhi, whose consensus was power brokers in the corridors of salacious gossips and endless as- oppose any such move,” said Ashu cluded grocery, draping and tai- and apartments for bu- for the Lok Sabha elections, considered to be paramount to eminence. sertions about their might in the Tandon, president of the Khan loring and sweet shops such as Lreaucrats, lawmakers and Prime Minister Narendra Modi get elected to the highest offi ce in “Our market is a free place and corridors of power. The prime Market Welfare Association. Bengal Sweets which served food diplomats, Khan Market in New made a powerful statement by the country. is open to all,” said Mamta Bamhi, minister must have heard about it The high-end Khan Market items as well,” Mehra said. Delhi attracts a hip crowd and is saying that his image has not It also erupted into a full- owner of one of the oldest book- and reacted,” he said. of today was originally built to He added that the market’s ap- frequented by the city’s crème. been created by the Khan Market blown political controversy when stores in the market, Faqir Chand However, everyone in the mar- house refugees from Pakistan. pearance started to change in the With a plethora of retail outlets gang or the Lutyens’ Delhi... but Congress president Rahul Gan- and Sons. She is one of the four ket opposed the renaming of the The market’s history dates back ’70s when the second and third and restaurants of international his 45 years of toil and nobody dhi and party general secretary original owners of the store, who place to Valmiki Market, saying it to 1950 when the then govern- generation of the initial allottees brands, the upscale market has can dismantle it. Targeting the Priyanka Gandhi responded by has her residence above the shop would amount to unnecessarily ment allotted spaces to the peo- joined the businesses. “With the become synonymous with the opposition, he repeated the jibe saying that the prime minister while the others have moved to stretching things too far. ple who came to India from Pe- turn of the millennium, company English speaking elite clientele six times during an interview was fi ghting the election based other locations. “Changing the name of the shawar after the Partition. showrooms such as Raymonds, for many. Splurging on foreign with a newspaper. on hatred. Sanjiv Mehra, president of the market does not make any sense. “The government charged Barista, etc. started pouring in food and expensive drinks, it is The statement was deemed However, the patrons as well as Khan Market Traders Association, Khan Market has a huge legacy Rs6,500 for the allotment of each the market,” he said. Mulayam wants seniors to return to party after election debacle

IANS Shivpal, who floated his Lucknow own Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party Lohia (PSPL) last year after a prolonged feud with efeat, they say, is the Akhilesh, failed to make his best adhesive and the presence felt in the Lok Sabha DSamajwadi Party in Ut- elections. tar Pradesh is learning this the Shivpal lost his own election hard way. in Ferozabad and none of his After being sidelined for al- candidates could even rank sec- most two-and-a-half years, ond in the polls. party patriarch Mulayam Singh According to the sources, Yadav seems to be back in reck- Shivpal has softened his stand oning even as questions over towards Akhilesh but wants the ‘failed leadership’ of his son “issues and hearts to be clear” Akhilesh Yadav start doing the before he agrees to return to SP. rounds. “These elections have a mes- SP president Akhilesh Yadav sage for Akhilesh as well as has led the party to its worst Shivpal. They should realise defeats – in 2014 when he was that united they will stand and the chief minister it ended up divided they will fall. Mulayam with just five Lok Sabha seats; wants his son and brother to re- in 2017 when he became the unite so that the party remains party president it was reduced relevant,” said a senior SP lead- to 47 seats in the 403-member er known for his proximity to assembly and in 2019, despite Mulayam Singh. Home Aff airs Minister Amit Shah places a wreath at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi yesterday. allying with the Bahujan Samaj Akhilesh, the sources said, Party, it could just hold on to will soon open his doors for five seats. party workers and will be Mulayam Singh Yadav won meeting them without prior his Mainpuri seat with the appointment. The SP head- lowest margin of his career – quarters had become almost 95,000 votes. inaccessible for all – including After the Lok Sabha results party workers and media per- came in, Akhilesh Yadav has sons – in the Akhilesh regime. India indebted to police been turning to his father for Meanwhile, BSP president advice and guidance – some- Mayawati has removed the thing he did not do in the past. election co-ordinators of six The senior Yadav, to begin states and two state presidents, with, has asked Akhilesh to re- ostensibly for the poor showing connect with non-Yadav lead- in the Lok Sabha battle. ers in the party and demolish The BSP chief has removed martyrs, says minister the perception that SP is an all- the co-ordinators of Uttara- Yadav party. khand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajas- IANS sacrifi ce,” Shah tweeted. visitors’ book and off ered fl owers jnathsingh will visit the Ladakh Control (LoC) between India Senior leaders like Reoti Ra- than, Gujarat and Odisha. New Delhi In another tweet in Hindi, in front of the Wall of Valour. region in Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan ends. The army has man Singh, Bhagwati Singh, She has also removed the Shah said it was his fi rst public Former home minister and the tomorrow. During his visit he will deployed a brigade in the area Om Prakash Singh, Manoj Pan- state presidents of Delhi and programme after taking charge new Defence Minister Rajnath interact with jawans at a forward where some posts are located at dey, Arvind Singh Gope, Narad Madhya Pradesh. The BSP day after assuming as the federal home minister on Singh on Saturday paid tribute post and pay his tributes to fallen an altitude of 6,400m. Rai and Radhey Shyam Singh did not win any seat in these charge, Home Minister Saturday. at the memorial before taking soldiers at Siachen War Memo- The army has been controlling are being called for discussions states. AAmit Shah yesterday vis- “I paid tribute to over 34,000 charge. rial. He will also interact with the Siachen glacier since April 13, with Akhilesh and Mulayam Mayawati, who is said to be ited the National Police Memo- personnel from police and secu- The National Police Memorial the jawans at the Siachen base 1984 when Operation Meghdoot Singh. ‘very upset’ with her party’s rial in New Delhi to pay tribute to rity forces who sacrifi ced their commemorates 34,844 police camp,” the defence minister’s of- – the code name for a military Mulayam Singh also wants performance in the elections, police personnel who died in the lives. Our country is safe because personnel from all the central fi ce tweeted. action – was launched to capture senior leaders in the party to has convened a meeting of line of duty and said the “nation of the sacrifi ce of these person- and state police forces in India According to sources, Singh the peaks by defeating the Paki- be involved in decision making office bearers from Madhya is indebted to them for their su- nel. who have died in the line of duty will be accompanied by army stan army. and has asked Akhilesh to en- Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, preme sacrifi ce”. “...I am feeling energetic after since India’s independence in chief General Bipin Rawat and The defence minister is also sure the return of those leaders Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gu- “I visited the National Police visiting here. Also, the feeling to 1947. senior Defence Ministry offi cials. expected to visit the nearby areas who have left the party in the jarat, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh Memorial and paid tributes to do everything for the country has Meanwhile, as the new defence Singh will be briefed of the op- of the Siachen glacier. past two years. in Delhi today. our martyrs of the central and become more strong.” minister, Singh will today inter- erations being conducted by the After taking charge on Satur- If informed sources are to be Mayawati, who is staying in state police forces who have Shah was accompanied by act with soldiers at the Siachen army in the Ladakh region and day, Singh had asked offi cials to believed, Mulayam Singh has Delhi these days, is unable to sacrifi ced their lives in the line Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and base camp and review the secu- the Siachen glacier area. prepare detailed presentations asked his son to build bridges fathom the reason for the par- of duty. I salute their valour and Intelligence Bureau chief Rajiv rity situation along the borders Siachen is a glacier in the on all the divisions and set time- with his estranged uncle Shiv- ty’s performance and is said to courage. A grateful nation is in- Jain among other senior offi cials. with Pakistan. eastern Karakoram range in the bound targets to achieve desired pal Yadav. be upset. debted to them for their supreme During his visit, he wrote in the “Raksha Mantri Shri @ra- Himalayas where the Line of outcomes. Jaishankar continues with Nitish inducts 8 JD-U members Sushma’s Twitter outreach into cabinet, leaves out the BJP IANS Happy to be New Delhi leading the ef- IANS Sanjay Jha, Ramsewak Singh, expansion and the induction of fort with my Patna Lakshmeshwar Rai, Neeraj Ku- only JD-U MLAs are clear signs colleague MoS mar and Bima Bharti. Bharti is that Nitish Kumar is unhappy n his second day in offi ce, Muraleedha- the only woman. with the BJP leadership,” a sen- External Aff airs Minister S ran ji @VMB- ihar Chief Minister Ni- Governor Lalji Tandon ad- ior JD-U leader said. IJaishankar yesterday began JP,” he posted. tish Kumar yesterday ministered the oath of office Nitish Kumar, his support- continuing his predecessor Su- As Indians Binducted eight Janata and secrecy to the ministers at ers believe, has sent a message shma Swaraj’s practice of being abroad raised S Jaishankar Dal-United MLAs as cabinet a simple ceremony held at the to the BJP that the JD-U is the active on Twitter to address the their problems, ministers, leaving out his ally Raj Bhavan. Five of the eight are “big brother” in Bihar and his problems of Indians abroad. Jaishankar asked the nearest the Bharatiya Janata Party and first-time ministers. face would be the face of the Swaraj, during her tenure, was Indian mission concerned to fuelling speculation of a rift be- Nitish Kumar clarified that alliance in the next assembly known for her instant response help. tween the two parties. there was no split in the Na- elections. on any request for Indians posted A woman on a family trip to The cabinet expansion came tional Democratic Alliance. BJP leaders have tried to on her Twitter handle, especially Germany and Italy reported that two days after the JD-U chief “The BJP has decided that the downplay the development. from those in distress in foreign her family members’ passports decided that his party won’t induction of their quota in the Senior BJP leader and Deputy lands. had been stolen. Jaishankar re- join Prime Minister Narendra cabinet would be done later,” he Chief Minister Sushil Modi said Jaishankar, who took charge plied that the Indian embassy in Modi’s new government be- said. that there was no dispute over on Friday, had then tweeted that Rome and the consul-general in cause it was offered just one But some JD-U leaders, who the cabinet expansion. he was “proud to follow the foot- Munich would extend their full seat – a “symbolic” representa- did not want to be named, said He claimed that Nitish steps” of Swaraj. support to the family. tion. the chief minister was upset Kumar had offered the BJP “My fi rst tweet. Thank you all To Vineet Nair who stated that There are now 33 ministers by the way the BJP had offered ministerial berths but the al- for the best wishes! Honoured he and others have been trapped in the Nitish Kumar cabinet, up “symbolic representation” in liance partner will wait for to be given this responsibility. in Oman, Jaishankar replied: from 25. the Modi government though now. Proud to follow on the footsteps “Our embassy in Oman is trying The newly appointed minis- the JD-U won 16 of the 17 Lok The BJP gave only one minis- of @SushmaSwaraj ji. to resolve this. Please continue ters are Ashok Coudhary, Shyam Sabha seats it contested. terial berth to each of its allies “We at Team @MEAIndia con- to stay in touch with them @In- Rajak, Narendra Narayan Yadav, “The timing of the cabinet in the new Modi government. Janata Dal (United) leaders take oath as ministers in Patna yesterday. tinue to be at your service 24x7. dEmb_Muscat.” Gulf Times 18 Monday, June 3, 2019 INDIA

PEOPLE DEADLOCK CRIME CONTROVERSY INVESTIGATION Rajasthani folk dancer Goa CM to meet PM Woman accused of Ban on mobile phones in Navy staff er bludgeoned ‘Queen Harish’ dies to resolve mining crisis brutally thrashing niece UP assembly slammed to death by wife in Goa

Rajasthan’s renowned folk dancer Harish Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant yesterday said A woman has been booked for allegedly torturing Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh yesterday The wife of an Indian Navy ground staff er Kumar aka “Queen Harish”, famous for he would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi her five-year-old niece in Shivpuri district of slammed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s decision was yesterday booked for murder after she performing dressed up as a woman, died in a and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi to seek ways to Madhya Pradesh. An FIR against the woman has to ban ministers and off icers from carrying their bludgeoned her husband to death following years road accident in the state’s Jodhpur district restart mining in the state. “We will meet the prime been registered on the complaint of an NGO, mobile phones into the cabinet and other important of domestic abuse, an off icial said. The victim has early yesterday, police said. Three others were minister and the mines minister after some time so Child Line. “Gayatri was living with her husband off icial meetings. Samajwadi Party spokesman been identified as Kaushalendra Singh, who was also killed in the accident around 5.30am that he (Joshi) has time to understand his ministry,” Bhure Lal near Kherapati Hanuman temple. Rajendra Chaudhary said: “This government does working as an aircraft handler at the INS Hansa, when their SUV slammed into a parked truck Sawant said, adding resolving the mining deadlock Gayatri’s five-year-old niece was living with them. not trust its own ministers and legislators. The a naval base in South Goa’s Vasco sub-district, in Bilada as they were on their way to Jaipur was a priority for his government. Mining in most Gayatri used to thrash the girl brutally even for government is functioning in the shadow of fear. according to Deputy Superintendent of Police from Jaisalmer, the police said. Harish Kumar leased areas was banned by the Supreme Court in small mistakes. When she thrashed her on Friday, What good work can one expect from such a Sunita Sawant. “According to statements given by was famous among tourists for his rendition 2018. The Bharatiya Janata Party promised early the girl suff ered severe injuries and escaped to government?” Congress spokesman Anshu Awasthi neighbours, the deceased used to beat his wife of Rajasthani folk dances including Chakari, resumption of mining in Goa during campaigning a nearby park,” the police said. When people said the ruling Bharatiya Janata party survived on after drinking alcohol,” Sawant told reporters. On Bhavai, Taraju, Terah Tali, Ghoomar Kalbeliya for the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. there noticed her condition, they informed Child the “dictatorial” principles and its leaders had no Saturday night, the woman called neighbours to and others in Jaisalmer. He has performed In May, Sawant said harvesting mining dumps – Line. Vinas Tomar of the NGO reached the park faith in democracy. “BJP leaders who still believe her home, after her husband started beating her in 60 nations around the world and received heaps of low-grade iron ore dumped by mining and took the girl under her custody, the police in democracy should oppose such decisions,” he again. But after he went off to sleep in a drunken several international awards. Also a known companies near their mining leases over decades said. Ajay Khemria, chief of district Child Welfare said. He said Uttar Pradesh risks becoming like the state, the wife used a heavy kitchen implement choreographer, he was seen in Bollywood film – was one of the options his government was Committee (CWC), said, “We have received a central government which he alleged, was being to hammer his head until he died. Singh was later Jai Gangajal and had also performed at Isha examining to kick start the industry, despite the complaint about the girl’s harassment. We have run by “two leaders” – a reference to Prime Minister taken to a naval hospital, after the wife alerted Ambani’s wedding in Jodhpur. court ban on mining in 88 leases. handed over the matter to the police”. Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. them, but he was declared dead.

Smuggling case suspect Hopes fade of to be quizzed over death of violinist fi nding missing

IANS Thiruvananthapuram Nanda Devi olice probing the death of violinist Balabhaskar will Pquestion Prakash Thampi, who was arrested by the Direc- torate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in a gold smuggling case. climbers alive Thampi was the programme co-ordinator of Balabhaskar’s Agencies than on Mount Everest, the At least nine people have died shows and, according to the po- Dehradun, Uttarakhand world’s tallest peak, and the res- on the Nepalese side of Mount lice, also the last person to call cuers would need at least three Everest this year, the deadli- violinist before his car met with an or four days of walking to get to est climbing season on the peak accident. Vishnu, another associ- wo Indian Air Force heli- the avalanche site, offi cials said. since 2015. ate of the musician, is on the run. copters conducted re- “The route is extremely dan- Other climbers in the group Balabhaskar, 40, was travel- Tconnaissance missions gerous and risky. There have who turned back earlier no- ling with his wife and two-year- around the Nanda Devi moun- been multiple avalanches on the tified officials late on Friday old daughter when their car met tain in the Himalayas for eight route,” Jogdande said. when their colleagues did not with the accident in the early missing climbers without suc- The district magistrate’s of- return as planned, Sanjay Gun- hours of September 25 last year. cess yesterday and survivors are fi ce in the area has identifi ed the jiyal, a police official in the While the daughter died on the unlikely to be found, two state eight missing as Martin Moran, SDRF, said. spot, Balabhaskar passed away government offi cials said. John Mclaren, Rupert Whewell The second helicopter located on October 2. His wife and driver The rescue eff ort for the and Richard Payne (all from the four and brought them to the escaped with injuries. climbers – four from Britain, Britain), Anthony Sudekum and district headquarters. While the musician’s father C two from the United States, and Ronald Beimel from the United They are undergoing medical K Unni has alleged foul play in one each from Australia and In- States, Ruth McCance from examinations to ascertain their the accident, one of his relatives, dia – began on Saturday when Australia, and Chetan Pandey health and well-being, offi cials in a Facebook post recently, they did not return to their base of the Indian Mountaineering said. questioned his wife’s silence on camp on Friday, but it may take Foundation. The team had trekked into the Thampi and Vishnu. days to trek to the avalanche-hit Moran was the expedition heart of the Nanda Devi sanc- According to sources, DRI of- area where they were last known leader and Pandey the liaison of- tuary with the “ambition of fi cials will also meet Unni to take to have been. fi cer. summiting a virgin peak”, Brit- his statement. “I have doubts The second aerial mission Jogdande said there will be ish adventure company Moran over the manner in which my concluded after tracing the another aerial survey today. Mountain, which ran the expe- son died. I am told that the DRI climbers “last-known location Only if “any evidence is dition, said in a Facebook post offi cials will be meeting me. One and footmarks” on the other side found” that the climbers may on May 12. thing I know is that both Thampi of the Nanda Devi East Peak, said have survived will the rescue In a Facebook post yesterday, and Vishnu were my son’s man- Vijay Kumar Jogdande, the top mission by foot, currently at the the company said it was working agers,” said Unni. civil servant in the Pithoragarh base camp, proceed towards the with authorities and the British Though the police launched a district of India’s rugged state of direction identifi ed by air. Association of Mountain Guides probe on Chief Minister Pinarayi Uttarakhand. He added that the weather to gather information about Vijayan’s orders, the case took a The fi rst helicopter recon- conditions were diffi cult and the expedition’s fate, but would new turn last month, when DRI naissance earlier in the day had the terrain too risky and vast for make no further comment. offi cials arrested Gulf-based spotted tents but no human the on-foot team to look for the The body of Odisha’s fi rst beautician Sareena Shaji at the presence. climbers without a very specifi c Everest climber, Kalpana Dash, Thiruvananthapuram airport “Chances of survival are idea of where they were. arrived in Bhubaneswar from with 25kg gold. Her arrest led to bleak,” said Jogdande and con- The climbers went missing New Delhi yesterday. Dash, 53, several more arrests, including fi rmed there had been an ava- on the Indian side of the Hima- died while descending from the that of Thampi as well as a senior lanche that is feared to have layas near the end of a climbing Himalayan summit on May 23 at customs offi cer at the airport. caught the climbers in the area season that has been particularly a height of around 8,600ft. Her The police team is still clue- around India’s second-highest deadly. body was brought to Delhi from less as to who was driving the car peak. McCance’s husband Trent Kathmandu, and then fl own to when the accident took place. A team of 10 to 15 rescuers, Goldsack told Australia’s The the Biju Patnaik International While his wife claimed it was the comprising police, disaster re- Age newspaper that the climb Airport. driver, the driver said the musi- sponse personnel and adminis- “wasn’t about ticking a box” for The state government had cian himself was driving the car. trators has also been sent out to the executive coach. made arrangements for the body On Saturday, stage artiste track down survivors, said Tripti “She has a real passion for the to be received at the airport Kalabhavan Soby told TV chan- Bhatt, an offi cial of the Uttara- mountains and being out in wild and taken to Kalinga Stadium nels that he saw two men suspi- khand State Disaster Response environments. And she likes to Complex where Sports Minister ciously moving around the acci- Force (SDRF). extend herself...that’s what was Tusharkanti Behera, accompa- dent site when he passed through Some of the climbers pose for a picture before leaving for their expedition in Munsiyari town in But the casualty rate in the re- important to her,” he was quoted nied by his department offi cials, the area soon after the tragedy. Uttarakhand on May 13. gion is almost fi ve times higher as saying. paid their last respects. Telangana exam board Music festival Temple to seek PM’s ‘fails’ dead student again help for rail link IANS biggest one is a 95-acre farm in Guruvayur, Kerala Malappuram and there are two IANS her 20 marks in the subject and to become an army offi cer but smaller ones located near Gu- Hyderabad upset by the failure, student the goof-up by the BIE had ruvayur from where milk for the committed suicide. plunged the family into a crisis. uthorities at the famed temple use is sourced,” Mohan- The authorities said they After watching the result of Sree Krishna Guruvayur das said. here appears to be no stand by their earlier statement re-verifi cation on the BIE web- Atemple will seek help to “Our engineering team has end to bungling by the that none of the 23 students site on Saturday, Anamika’s modernise its ‘goshalas’ (cow prepared a memorandum for TTelangana Board of In- who committed suicide cleared family has demanded action shelters) and put the shrine on their modernisation. We hope termediate Education (BIE) as the exams as re-verifi cation of against top Board offi cials. the railway map when Prime the prime minister will take it once again failed a dead stu- their answer sheets had not led Anamika was depressed after Minister Narendra Modi visits a very positive response,” he dent, hours after declaring that to change in their status from the BIE announced the results on June 8. said. she had passed. fail to pass. on April 18. Her marks-sheet The chairman of the temple Mohandas said the temple had The BIE late Saturday night However, unsatisfi ed by showed that she passed in all board, K B Mohandas, told IANS also been seeking repeatedly a clarifi ed that the class 11 stu- BIE’s stand, Anamika’s fam- subjects except Telugu. that Modi would arrive at the direct rail link as it was located dent, who committed suicide ily is planning to take action She scored 64 in English, 55 temple around 12 noon. away from the main railway in April over failure in exami- against the Board. “We can’t in Economics, 67 in Civics and “He is being accompanied by line that goes through Thrissur, nation, was declared ‘passed’ understand what the Board is 75 in Commerce. Unable to Railways Minister Piyush Goyal. 28km away. due to a “clerical error”. doing. They have totally failed come to terms with the failure, For security reasons the temple “Since the railways minister is As the word spread that in their duty. We want justice,” she committed suicide. will be kept out of bounds for also coming, we will be putting Anamika Arutla’s family was said Anamika’s elder sister The BIE had declared the re- others for around two hours,” he up this request again. We wish contemplating action against Udaya. sults of intermediate (Classes 11 added. that at least a few trains running BIE offi cials with the re-ver- It was on Saturday that and 12) examinations on April The temple offi cials are ready on the Konkan route are diverted ifi cation process showing she Udaya checked BIE website and 18. Out of 9.43 lakh students with a memorandum seek- through the link line.” cleared the exam, the BIE once found that her sister had passed who appeared in the exams, 5.6 Folk and classical music playback singer Kailash Kher ing funds for modernisation of The centuries-old Guruvayur again changed her marks on its the exam. The marks showed lakh cleared it. But goof-up by performs during the Swarang – Elephanta music festival three ‘goshalas’ owned by the temple is one of the most impor- website, reducing marks ob- her status ‘pass’ with marks in the authorities in evaluation of inaugural ceremony at the Gateway of India in Mumbai on shrine. tant places of worship in Kerala tained in Telugu to 21 from 48. Telugu revised from 20 to 48. answer scripts triggered a huge Saturday. “We keep around 2,000 cows and is also known as the “Dwar- The Board had earlier given Udaya said her sister wanted public outcry. and bulls at three places. The ka of south India”. Gulf Times Monday, June 3, 2019 19 LATIN AMERICA

PEOPLE HEALTH INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AGRICULTURE PLEDGE Mother and sisters of drug Mexico detects measles Regional group to discuss Argentina expects record Northern Brazil power line boss ‘El Chapo’ get US visas in British tourist Venezuela crisis corn output in 2019-20 ‘to avoid impact on tribe’

The mother of Mexican drug boss Joaquin Mexican health officials have confirmed a case The Lima Group regional bloc, which supports Argentina’s corn harvest for the 2019-20 season The builders of a new power transmission line to “El Chapo” Guzman has obtained visa to visit of measles in a British woman who arrived in the opposition in crisis-hit Venezuela, will meet in could surpass the record production of 56mn the Brazilian state of Roraima have pledged to him in prison in the US with his sisters, she the country a week ago, authorities said. The Guatemala on June 6, Canadian Foreign Minister tonnes for the current 2018-19 season amid a deploy 200 inspectors to reduce the environmen- said. Consuelo Loera and her two daughters 50-year-old woman arrived at the airport in Chrystia Freeland said. The grouping of about a global price spike, the cabinet chief of Argenti- tal impact on an indigenous reservation where obtained humanitarian visas to visit Guzman Cancun with a final destination of Playa del dozen countries, including Canada, Brazil, Argen- na’s agriculture secretariat said. “Most likely, the they will erect 250 pylons. They said they were in a US prison, Revista TMX cited her as saying Carmen, the area’s second most frequented tina and Chile, recognises Venezuelan opposition next season (of corn) will be like this or more,” also committed to keeping secret any geological outside the US embassy in Mexico City. Guz- resort. “Upon presenting signs and symptoms leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader and is said Santiago del Solar. “The futures markets information on the discovery of mineral resources man is facing life in prison after being convicted of illness she sought medical attention at a demanding that President Nicolas Maduro resign. are showing interesting prices... and when there to avoid drawing illegal mining interests that have by a US jury for smuggling narcotics into the private hospital, where they were recognised as Guaido invoked the constitution to assume an is a good price in the moment before sowing, long set their sights on the land of the Waimiri US over decades. Outside the embassy, Loera a probable case of measles,” the health ministry interim presidency in January, saying Maduro’s the producers start buying inputs,” Del Solar Atroari tribe. State-run utility Centrais Eletricas thanked Mexican President Andres Manuel said in a statement. Relatives of the patient re-election was not legitimate. Most Western said. Grains production for Argentina’s current Brasileiras and private energy sector holding firm Lopez Obrador, to whom she wrote in February – a 33-year-old man, a 29-year-old woman, a countries have backed him as head of state. Ma- season is estimated to reach a record high Alupar Investimentos will build the 720km line asking for help to obtain the three humanitar- 14-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl – were duro has denounced Guaido as a US puppet who due to the expansion of the planting area and from Manaus to Roraima’s capital Boa Vista, con- ian visas. currently showing no symptoms, it said. is seeking to foment a coup. favourable weather conditions. necting the state to the national grid. Coff ee-growers Anti-government rally in Chile in Colombia hit by falling prices

AFP number one producer of high- Santuario, Colombia quality soft beans. In Colombia, 540,000 families owe their livelihoods to the coff ee igh in the lush green sector. It’s the country’s top ex- mountains of western port, ahead of oil and minerals. HColombia where they But in Santuario, ‘Coff ee plan- grow the soft beans from which tation for sale’ signs posted up at the world’s fi nest coff ee is culti- the local offi ces of the National vated, growers are up in arms over Federation of Coff ee Growers the giveaway prices being fi xed a (NFC) have sent a chill through the world away on the fl oor of the New local industry. York Stock Exchange. Others, like Echeverry, have Producers here say they are sell- opened their farms up to tourism ing at a loss, blaming the crash as a way to keep afl oat. devastating their industry on Tens of thousands of people have stock market speculators who been displaced from these moun- have forced prices down to an all- tains over the tumultuous half cen- time low. tury of Colombia’s armed confl ict. “We are paid a pittance,” says Santuario’s mayor, Everardo Ochoa, Gustavo Echeverry, 50, express- says the exodus starts again every ing the frustration of many of the time coff ee hits a crisis. 15,000 or so inhabitants of this The international reference coff ee-growing centre nestled in price for coff ee has dropped from a the mountains. high of $1.50 per pound in 2016 to A demonstrator takes part in an anti-government rally after Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera delivered a speech inside the national Congress at Valparaiso, Chile It’s a far cry, they say, from the less than a dollar – a historic low. “Fair Trade” coff ee globally certi- According to the International fi ed to ensure it is grown under eq- Coff ee Organisation (OIC), produc- uitable conditions, so that farmers tion – measured in 60kg bags – in aren’t exploited. Some growers 2018-19 will hit 167mn bags, higher around the village of Santuario than global consumption of 165mn. have been forced to rip up their The only reason coff ee produc- crops to grow something – any- tion still exists to any extent in thing – else. Santuario is because many pro- The coff ee growers’ lot wors- ducers have “coff ee in their veins,” ened with the last harvest, which and can’t do anything else, says Carnival seeks dismissal produced beans pitted by a plague Echeverry. of beetles. Quality suff ered, add- Back in 1993, Diego Henao was ing to an international price slump forced into a life-changing deci- that has forced growers to sell be- sion in a bid to save his two planta- low cost. tions, totalling 400,000 trees. He Producing a 12.5kg bag of cof- emigrated. Entering the US illegal- fee costs the equivalent of $22. ly, he stayed 13 years and earned a of suits over Cuba docks But wholesalers pay Echeverry an Green Card permanent residency average $21 a bag. “It’s an unfair before returning full-time to run Reuters long dormant and controver- “Helms-Burton has no appli- ing the outcome of all travel- were declining to send docu- trade,” he quips bitterly. his plantation. Havana sial section of the 1996 Helms- cation here,” according to a fi ling related lawsuits will be wheth- ments to Cuba, he said. Ramon Jimenez has spent his Since then, in lean times like Burton Act would take eff ect on in the case by Carnival. “First, er there has been tourism,” said “The problem goes far beyond life growing coff ee on his San An- now, he spends four months a May 2, allowing US citizens to by its own terms, traffi cking un- John Kavulich, president of the Title III, which we condemn of tonio plantation nearby, but says year in the US working as a house ruise line Carnival Cor- sue Cuban entities and foreign der Helms-Burton does not in- US-Cuba Trade and Economic course,” he said, referring to the the industry is on its last legs here. painter, and then injects his sav- poration is asking a US fi rms over confi scated Cuban clude uses of property ‘incident Council. section of the Helms-Burton “We never stop thinking that ings back into his coff ee trees so as Ccourt to dismiss lawsuits property. to lawful travel to Cuba’.” Carnival also disputed the Act that permits the lawsuits. soon we may no longer exist as not to borrow from banks. that claim the company profi ted The law is part of a broader These cases could set a prec- ownership of the two US citizens Some Spanish companies coff ee growers,” says Jimenez. Now 53, he says: “I’m very close from confi scated Cuban prop- attempt by the US to pressure edent, especially in the travel who are descendants of original also received a letter from a The Jimenez family has been to being happy, if it weren’t for the erty, the fi rst such cases brought Cuba over its support for Ven- industry. Some lawyers like Car- owners. Their lawyers did not group in Florida warning them growing coff ee here for three coff ee prices.” since the Trump administration ezuela’s embattled government nival’s say the travel exemption immediately reply to requests of potentially being complicit in generations. Ramon’s 19-year- The “Coff ee Cultural Landscape made them possible this month. by taking aim at Havana’s belea- should shield US cruise lines for comment. violations of human and labour old grandson Javier says he grew of Colombia” is recognised on the Two US citizens who claim guered economy. and airlines doing business with Increased US hostility, more rights, he said. up among the coff ee trees on the Unesco world heritage list, but there to hold titles to the Havana and Cuba sought to reassure for- Cuba under licenses granted by than Helms-Burton, is aff ecting The ambassador of the Eu- plantation. “I dream of taking over are fewer and fewer coff ee trees. Santiago de Cuba ports that eign investors at an event in former president Barack Obama foreign companies operating in ropean Union, Alberto Navarro, the farm, of succeeding my father Gabriel Ochoa, 70, has fi nished were nationalised by Cuba after Havana on Friday, saying only during the two countries’ brief Cuba, said Xulio Fontecha, head said the bloc would continue to and my grandfather, but if the cri- struggling with his: “I ripped them Fidel Castro’s 1959 leftist revo- four lawsuits had been fi led so 2014-2016 detente. of the Association of Spanish seek to expand business with sis continues like this... I will have up... I’ve put down sugar cane in- lution fi led suits against Carni- far, despite the US saying there But US courts could deter- Businesses in Cuba (AEEC), at Cuba, defying the US hostility. to look elsewhere, maybe even stead and I don’t regret it.” Fernando val in US could be hundreds of thousands. mine the travel they facilitate is the event in Havana. He encouraged Cuban reforms leave for the US.” Morales-de La Cruz founded the district court in Florida in The European Union and tourism and violates the dec- Banks in Panama and Costa to make the island more attrac- Colombia is the third largest Coff ee for Change organisation to early May for docking there. Canada have said they will use ades-old US trade embargo on Rica had closed the accounts tive to foreign investors and off - coff ee producer in the world, af- campaign for more equitable distri- That came after the Trump blocking legislation to protect Cuba. of some customers in recent set disincentives created by the ter Brazil and Vietnam, and the bution of the industry’s profi ts. administration announced a their companies. “The fulcrum for determin- months and courier services Trump administration policy. Brazil faces recession Comic Con New president ‘vows risk as economy shrinks to cure’ El Salvador Reuters decades of bipartisanship be- San Salvador tween the conservative Nation- AFP Bolsonaro’s signature pension given the bank room to lower alist Republican Alliance (ARE- Rio de Janeiro overhaul, seen as key to unlock- rates. NA) and the outgoing Farabundo ing other much-needed eco- “It is not a question of ex- l Salvador’s new president, Marti National Liberation Front nomic reforms and repairing the changing growth for infl ation, Nayib Bukele, pledged to (FMLN). Bukele, who has been razil’s economy shrank in country’s fi nances, has stalled in but rather avoiding a new reces- Ecure the central American critical of Beijing in the past, the fi rst quarter of the year, Congress. sion,” he said. country that he described as a must now balance the interests Boffi cial data showed, taking “The early signs are that The outlook for Brazil’s econ- “sick child” following years of of China and the US. Latin America’s biggest country growth in the second quarter has omy is bleak. violence and migration that has The Chinese embassy in El to the brink of recession for the been very weak, too, and there is Market analysts have pared strained relations with the US. Salvador said in a statement on fi rst time in two years. now a real risk that the economy back their full-year growth fore- The 37-year-old former mayor Twitter that Bukele had told a spe- Gross domestic product will slip into a technical reces- casts for 13 weeks in a row and of San Salvador, who won more cial envoy he considered China a contracted 0.2% from the pre- sion,” said William Jackson of now expect the economy to grow votes than all other candidates in friend and that there was “great vious quarter, the statistics London-based Capital Econom- 1.2%. the February presidential election, potential” to work together. agency said, marking the first ics. That would be only slightly brought an end to a two-party El Salvador broke ties with decline in the key indicator of A technical recession is de- faster than the 1.1% growth re- system that has held sway over the Taiwan in August last year to es- economic activity since the fi ned as two consecutive quarters corded in 2017 and 2018. country for three decades. tablish relations with China, fol- end of 2016. of GDP decline. Necton chief economist Andre “Our country is like a sick child, lowing the Dominican Republic The fi gure confi rms what When compared to the same Perfeito is even more pessimistic, now it’s up to all of us to take care and Panama in the region. many Brazilians already knew period a year ago, the economy with a growth forecast of 0.9%, of it,” Bukele said. “We have to US President Donald Trump — two years on from a devastat- grew 0.5% in the fi rst quarter, which he expects to “revise suff er a little now, we have to have congratulated Bukele on Satur- ing 2015-2016 recession, Brazil’s which Jackson said was the slow- down” in the coming days. a little pain, assume our responsi- day on Twitter, saying the US economy is still struggling to re- est pace in two years. Economy Minister Paulo bility and all as brothers to bring was ready to work with him “to cover. The central bank has so far Guedes warned recently that forward that child.” advance prosperity in El Salvador It is bad news for far-right resisted calls to cut its main in- Brazil was “at the bottom of Bukele vowed to make bitter and the hemisphere.” President Jair Bolsonaro, who terest rate, which is already at a the well.” The government has decisions for the impoverished Trump has frequently threat- took power in January on a prom- historic low of 6.5%. slashed its forecast for 2019 and violence-plagued central ened to cut aid to El Salvador — as ise to revive the economy, and But Austin Rating chief econ- economic growth to 1.6%, from A girl poses for a photo with a stuff ed Simba toy in her American country during his fi ve well as neighbouring Guatemala increases pressure on the central omist Alex Agostini said easing an estimate of 2.5% early in the hands during Comic Con Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. year term. He did not give details. and Honduras — if they do not do bank to cut interest rates. infl ationary pressure in May had year. His presidency breaks three more to curb migration to the US. Gulf Times 20 Monday, June 3, 2019 PAKISTAN

British Airways Minister hints of rifts resumes Pakistan within the ruling PTI fl ights Internews shuffl e, Chaudhry acknowl- should they do this? The answer decisions in the government are Internews Karachi edged that he faced a lot of in- is no. Pakistan’s civilian gov- made at the behest of the party Islamabad terference from non-elected ernment should be doing this,” leadership under Prime Minister members when he was running Chaudhry reiterated. Khan. nternal rifts within the rul- the information ministry. The minister also expressed “Those who have contributed ritish Airways has re- ing Pakistan Tehreek-e-In- “There were too many people disagreement over allowing Pa- to the party for 22 years cannot sumed fl ight operations to Isaf (PTI) of Prime Minister trying to manage the ministry. kistan Muslim League – Nawaz be sidelined. Terming teamwork BPakistan after a decade- Imran Khan has surfaced, with There should be a defi nite posi- (PML-N) leader Shehbaz Sharif (as) interference is refl ective of long suspension. a recently sidelined federal min- tion,” he said. to go abroad, and warned against small-mindedness,” she said British Airways halted serv- ister claiming that the govern- “You had left international letting party supremo Nawaz during an interview to a private ices in 2008 in the wake of a sui- ment is taking decisions without media management to the mili- Sharif leave the country. TV channel. cide bombing attack that killed consulting its elected members. tary’s public relations wing [the “If at this point you let Nawaz Denying claims made by her more than 50 people at Islama- Pointing to an ongoing “cold Inter-Services Public Relations, Sharif go abroad, your politics predecessor regarding interfer- bad’s Marriott Hotel. war” between elected and non- ISPR]. I brought it back and gave would fail,” he said. ence from non-elected mem- At the time British Airways elected members in the gov- This file picture shows Chaudhry with Prime Minister Khan. it a civilian face,” Chaudhry said, “Shehbaz Sharif went abroad. bers in the information ministry, operated six fl ights a week be- ernment, Federal Minister for Chaudhry was removed as information minister and given the adding that if the armed forces I fi rst said he should not be made Awan said: “This is not a one- tween London and Islamabad. Science and Technology Fawad science and technology ministry in a cabinet reshuff le in April. remain in the front on the inter- Public Accounts Committee man show. Everyone is a stake- British High Commissioner Chaudhry told a private TV national stage, it would impact (PAC) chairman, he was made holder in the ministry. It is about to Pakistan Thomas Drew said, channel: “I still believe that our Chaudhry himself has taken You cannot surpass them,” he the country’s image. PAC chairman,” Chaudhry said. management and distribution of as British Airways’s fi rst fl ight [government’s] political deci- to Twitter to say that “some maintained, adding that when The minister stressed that “Then, I said he should not be work.” on its new direct service to Is- sion-making is weak. Important headlines” of his interview were in government, they could not civil-military relations under allowed to leave the country, “He [Fawad Chaudhry] was in lamabad took off from London decisions are taken, and we are misleading. redo the party and hand over the the PTI government are the best we would be blamed. Nobody charge, and had the authority to Heathrow yesterday afternoon, not even aware. There is a need In the interview, which he put authority to people who had not in the country’s history. put him on the Exit Control List make decisions. If anyone is not that it is a big day for the UK and to improve how decisions are up alongside his Twitter post, even served as a councillor be- “There is no doubt that mili- (ECL), and he went abroad.” able to establish authority and Pakistan. made.” Chaudhry, who was recently fore. tary is very powerful in Paki- “All these decisions aff ect us,” manage teamwork it is a mat- In March, a British Airways Almost every TV channel car- removed from the important in- “Ultimately, the decision (lies stan. It is the most organised he stated. ter of capacity of competency,” spokesperson had announced ried in its headlines Chaudhry’s formation ministry and handed with) the prime minister,” said institution. However, should the Soon after the interview was she remarked, adding that the that the fi rst non-stop fl ight will statement regarding “weak” a less prominent science and Chaudhry, while asserting that military run the country? No. It aired, the minister tweeted: placements [cabinet reshuffl e] leave from Heathrow on June 2 decision-making and the “cold technology portfolio, said: “De- the issue of distribution of au- is the civilian institutions, and “Some headlines of my inter- were made because there were on a 787-8 Dreamliner. war” between elected and non- cisions should be made by elect- thority demanded attention. the government, that have to do view are misleading … it’s im- concerns over quality of per- “The sale for tickets on this elected members, prompting ed members. There are some In a cabinet reshuffl e in April, that,” he said. portant to hear what actually I formance. route is on, and the introduc- chief government spokesperson objections over non-elected Prime Minister Khan replaced If the ISPR, he added, decided said.” Awan added the minster tory fare for summer holidays Firdous Ashiq Awan to assert members that should be consid- Chaudhry with Awan, appoint- it wanted to present Pakistan’s Commenting on the claims should approach the party lead- will start from £447, including that all decisions are made at the ered.” ing her as his special assistant on narrative, it would. made by Chaudhry, the Prime ership over his points of diff er- all charges and taxes,” said the behest of the party leadership “The real strength is the Par- information. “It has the system, the power Minister’s Special Assistant on ence and not make such claims spokesman. under Prime Minister Khan. liament and the elected people. Referring to the cabinet re- and capability to do this. But Information Awan said that all on media. The spokesman had further clarifi ed that fl ights will operate three times a week on a 787-8 Dreamliner, which can be en- Time for Eid, almost hanced with a suitable environ- ment. US envoy He said that British Airways is very excited to introduce new fl ights between Islamabad and arrives for Heathrow this summer. The carrier’s announcement was “a refl ection of the great im- Afghan provements in the security situ- ation in Pakistan” in the years since, the spokesman had said, process adding that the resumption of fl ights will “give a particular boost to our growing trade and DPA/Internews investment links”. Islamabad Children die after akistan has said that it re- mains committed to the Above,: Women air-conditioning PAfghan peace process to browse jewellery at unit breaks down end decades of war, at a meeting a market in Karachi yesterday between Islamabad ahead Eid al-Fitr. At least five children died after an offi cials and the US Special Rep- air conditioning unit at District resentative for Afghanistan Rec- Left: A child poses Headquarters Hospital in Sahiwal onciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad. for a picture while district of Punjab broke down. Pakistan, which is seen as worshippers gather According to Sahiwal Deputy playing a key role in securing in the background Commissioner Mian Zaman, a potential settlement, said it at the illuminated temperatures rose in the “encouraged all sides to seize the Grand Faisal Mosque children’s ward at the hospital, moment to end the prolonged on Saturday evening, resulting in the deaths of confl ict through political settle- the 27th night of children. ment”. Ramadan, in He added that the air “In line with Prime Minister’s Islamabad. conditioning unit from another vision, Pakistan reiterated its off ice was taken and installed in commitment for peace,” foreign Right: A woman the children’s ward. ministry spokesman Mohamed hands over her child Moreover, the deputy Faisal said. to a man before commissioner has written a letter The US and Afghanistan ac- boarding on a train to the provincial government, cuse Islamabad of backing Tali- for travel home informing them of the incident, ban factions, a charge Pakistan yesterday, ahead and said an inquiry has been denies. of the Eid al-Fitr, at opened into the incident. The US special envoy kicked a railway station in Punjab Chief Minister Usman off a two-week peace mission Lahore. Buzdar had taken notice of the from Islamabad, following a incident. Taliban statement that it would continue fi ghting while keeping the doors of negotiations open. Khalilzad, who is scheduled to travel to Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, said the Tali- Islamabad wears festive look ahead of Eid ban statement provided some welcome support for the peace process and a desire to partici- Internews with clothes, delicacies, deco- per at G-9 Markaz. “We should Marketm, said that at this aus- of Ramadan, many garment out- Jugno Farms near Expressway pate in dialogue with other Af- Islamabad ration item and other essential celebrate this religious event picious occasion, people should lets across the country have dis- Islamabad, featuring shopping, ghans. articles. with full zeal and spirit as Eid al- remember their loved ones be- played unique styles of shalwar mehndi, jewellery, kids areas, The US envoy has been shut- People could be seen for Eid Fitr marks culmination of Ram- sides dressing up in their best, as suits with embroidery and kurta food, and an Eid Bazaar. tling back and forth to the Paki- ith few days left for shopping at various markets of adan with bliss and delight.” well as wish for peace and pros- clothes to attract buyers. “The midnight bazaar would stani capital since US President Eid al-Fitr celebra- the federal capital, including Housewife Sadia Tariq, who perity for everyone. “The Eid is around the corner provide an opportunity for eve- Donald Trump asked Islamabad Wtions, Pakistan’s fed- Aabpara, Super Market, Jinnah at a mehndi (henna) stall, said: “I visit the graveyard to pray and the fi rst choice of Pakistani ryone to fi nd whatever they need in December for help in bringing eral capital Islamabad has worn Supper and G-9 Markaz. “Many women like to get henna for the departed souls of my par- men is the shalwar kameez, it under one roof,” said the event the Taliban to the negotiating festive look, with decorated “Although prices were high, done during the Eid. The charges ents before I leave for home after being the symbol of tradition organiser, adding: “We have table. market and colourful stalls to we could not miss this moment are also nominal, compared to Eid prayer at mosque,” he added. and culture,” he said. fun-fi lled activities for every- mark the occasion. and want to enjoy the festival at those at beauty parlours.” Babar Ali, a customer at Super Meanwhile, an Eid midnight one, so come join us with your Shopping stores are decked up full,” said Farwa Hassan a shop- Ahmed, a shopper at Aabpara Market, said that with the start bazaar would be held here at friends and family.” Hot and dry Eid predicted Disease control programme wins UN award The Pakistan Meteorological The ministry of national food security and research has been awarded Department (PMD) has forecast Total broadband users cross 70mn mark the Edouard Saouma Award by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organi- hot and dry weather in most sation (FAO) in recognition of its eff orts under the National Control parts of the country during Eid Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease. al-Fitr. Internews lar subscribers in Pakistan had bers stood at 13.393mn by end- The Chinese cellular compa- This year, the award has been awarded jointly to Pakistan and The Eid will be celebrated in Karachi reached 161mn by end-April April, compared to 13.622mn by ny’s 3G subscriber numbers in- Rwanda. Pakistan from tomorrow, June 4, 2019, 1.26% more than 159mn in end-March. creased from 8.764mn in March The award ceremony will take place in Rome on June 26 during the to June 7. the previous month, according Telenor 4G subscribers to 8.779mn in April. annual FAO conference. According to the Met off ice, otal broadband, 3G, 4G to the PTA. jumped to 6.186mn by end- Ufone 4G users stood at The Edouard Saouma Award is presented to a national or regional temperatures are expected to and landline Internet The total count of Jazz’s 4G April 2019 against 5.905mn in 1.156mn in the month under institution, which has implemented a particular project funded by the rise in the coming days with Tusers in Pakistan have users grew from 8.774mn by end end-March, while the com- review, while its 3G users de- FAO’s technical co-operation programme. the first week of June due to reached a milestone of 70mn, of March to 9.618mn by end of pany’s 3G users decreased from clined from 7.846mn in March The biennial award pays tributes to Edouard Saouma, who served as continental air which will prevail according to latest data by the April, according to PTA data. 8.764mn in March to 8.640mn to 7.646mn in April, down by FAO director-general from 1976 to 1993. over most parts of the country. Pakistan Telecommunication However, the company re- in April. 200,000. Under the memorandum on the requirements of foot and mouth dis- After June 15, the temperature is Authority (PTA). leased a press statement that it Zong 4G users also soared Improved Internet penetra- ease (FMD) signed between Pakistan and China early this week, China expected to come down with the Out of the 70mn users, 67mn has crossed the 10mn mark for from 11.6mn by the end of tion has a positive impact on the will provide technical assistance to Pakistan to establish FMD-free start of rainfall at the beginning are 3G and 4G subscribers. 4G data subscribers. March 2019 to 12.056mn by economy of any country, said an zones where vaccination will be administered to livestock. of July. The number of total cellu- The company’s 3G user num- end- April. industry offi cial. Gulf Times Monday, June 3, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES

Local govt units hailed for Connecting with past healthcare programmes

By Glee Jalea held at the Offi ce of the Vice Iloilo; Concepcion, Iloilo; and Manila Times President in Quezon City with San Remigio, Cebu. the Kaya Natin Movement, “We are all witnesses to the healthcare company Merck, perseverance, brilliance, in- ive local government Sharpe and Dohme (MSD) novativeness and leadership of units (LGUs) were hon- in the Philippines, the Jesse our local chief executives and Foured for being Cham- M Robredo Foundation, and their dedicated health teams, in pions for Health Governance the Association of Municipal their unwavering commitment (CHG) for their eff ective and Health Offi cers of the Philip- to provide universal healthcare sustainable public health pro- pines (Amhop). Harvey Keh, to their people,” Tamesis said. grammes. lead convener of Kaya Natin; In her keynote speech, Vice The fi ve LGUs were San Beaver Tamesis, president and President Maria Leonor “Leni” Felipe, Zambales; Vigan City, managing director of MSD; Robredo commended the win- Ilocos Sur; Cabatuan, Iloilo; Clemenca Bondoc, Amhop ners, but reiterated that access Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat; president; and Dr Enrique Tay- to basic medical services is and Kidapawan City, Cotabato. ag of the Department of Health still a lingering problem in the Each of the awardees re- graced the event. country. ceived a grant of P100,000, The fi ve winners were select- “While we look at your ac- which will be used to continue ed out of the 10 fi nalists that complishments in health gov- the healthcare programmes. included San Gabriel, La Un- ernance, we cannot deny the The awarding ceremony was ion; Kapangan, Benguet; Mina, unfortunate reality: Access to quality basic medical services remains an elusive dream for many Filipinos,” Robredo said. She added that the issue should be treated a trenchant problem “that can only be solved if (everyone) dared to try.” “All of us in this room share this dream: That all our people — rich or poor, young or old, man or woman — have equal access to healthcare. Thankfully, local chief ex- ecutives like you are growing in number, showing your com- mitment to turn this dream into a reality,” Robredo said. The biennial award, now in its fourth instalment, was Residents of Manila get the chance to ride a Tranvia during the celebration of the Pista ng Pamana (Heritage Festival) yesterday. The launched in 2013 to recognise National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Intramuros Administration off ered free Tranvia rides from Escolta to Intramuros Five local government units (LGUs) were honoured for being exemplary LGUs with the best in Manila and back. Champions for Health Governance. healthcare practices.

Seven hurt in LPG Senate to summon customs and tank blast drug agency offi cials over auction Manila Times Manila By William Depasupil eral Aaron Aquino to have him the real importers of the illegal Manila Times explain why and how the illegal drugs, but the senator did not even people, including a drugs were smuggled into the buy it, saying it’s unbelievable three-year-old child, were country, despite strict guarding and a deception to the public. Swounded following an he Bureau of Customs and monitoring of all the ship- Lacson stressed that such a explosion that may have been (BOC) and the Philip- ment arriving in the country, move was not only illegal but caused by a leak from a gas tank Tpine Drug Enforcement and what the anti-narcotics’ also stupid, as the purported inside a water refi lling station in Agency (PDEA) are in hot wa- agency’s participation was in drug importers knew the auc- Sampaloc, Manila yesterday, po- ter for auctioning off 140 kilos the controversial auction. tioned goods were thoroughly lice said. of illegal drugs, worth P1.8bn, The senator also wants to inspected for contraband. The victims, who sustained which was recently smuggled know why the offi cials have Guerrero is the third com- minor injuries, were identifi ed into the country. decided to auction the drugs, missioner appointed by Presi- as Mark Joseph Macabale, three; Sen. Panfi lo Lacson, chair- instead of confi scating and de- dent Rodrigo Duterte to the Marilyn Parreno, 57; Merliza De- man of the Senate Public Or- stroying them, as provided un- BOC, replacing retired P/ feo, 42; Shirley Villarazo, 47; Live der Committee, said over the der Republic Act 10863 or the Gen Isidro Lapena and former Espino, 28; Jeff rey Hernandez, 28; weekend that he would sum- Customs Modernization and Philippine Marines offi cer Ni- and Raeniel Garcia, 37. mon Commissioner Leon Tariff Act. canor Faeldon, who were both The explosion happened at the Guerrero and two of his class- “You don’t have to think to hounded by controversies in water station. Initial fi ndings by the mates in the Philippine Mili- see the holes in the stories of connection with the smuggling Manila Police District’s Explosives tary Academy (PMA), retired these offi cials,” Lacson said in a of multi-billion peso-shabu. Ordnance Division (MPD-EOD) Gen Donato San Juan, and Gen radio interview. Guerrero is a member of showed that the leak may have been Raniel Ramiro, at the opening Customs and PDEA offi cials PMA class 1984 while Lapena from a Liquefi ed Petroleum Gas of the 18th Congress. claimed that they intention- also graduated from the same (LPG) tank as neither an explosive Lacson said he would also ally auctioned the contraband academy in 1975. Aquino was a device nor its parts were found. summon PDEA Director Gen- as bait to draw out and arrest graduate of PMA class 1985. Senator Panfilo Lacson: seeking explanation

120,000 cops deployed for start of school year Approval likely for bill

Manila Times als and information technol- to hike tobacco taxes Manila ogy equipment for senior high school. “We urge you the President Manila Times ly increase by 5% every year round 120,000 police of- (Rodrigo Duterte), DepEd, the Manila thereafter. “The agreement fi cers would be fi elded legislators and anyone who will was we will just introduce some Atoday to manage traffi c lend an ear to listen to these amendments and then, because and ensure security as School pressing issues and heed our ith two session days it was certified urgent, we can Year (SY) 2019-2020 opens, demands. Do your mandate of remaining, the Sen- pass it on second and third the Philippine National Police providing quality social serv- Wate is expected to pass reading,” Drilon said. (PNP) said yesterday. ice to the people, address the today a proposed bill increasing “Then this (the approved bill “We all know that there are a deplorable conditions in the the excise tax on tobacco prod- will be sent to House of Rep- lot of parents and teachers that Philippine Education system,” ucts in a bid to reduce smoking resentatives and they will de- will accompany the students, Basilio said. among Filipinos and raise fund- termine if they can adopt our so we are expecting a conges- ACT also called for higher ing for the government’s Uni- version. If they agree with our tion around and in front of the teachers’ wages given rising liv- versal Health Care (UHC) pro- version, they will just adopt it schools; that is why the police ing costs. gramme. because there is no more time will be helping in managing the “Teachers who are made to to conduct a bicameral con- traffi c,” PNP spokesman Col bear the state neglect of educa- The proposed law will ference committee (hearing to Bernard Banac said in a radio tion in the country are among raise the excise tax for harmonise the two chambers’ interview. the lowest paid professionals every cigarette pack to P60 versions),” Drilon said. In Metro Manila alone, in the Philippines. The quality from P35 over the next four Angara has said the gradual around 11,000 offi cers would be of teachers’ service is bound to years; starting at P45 in tax increase would reconcile deployed to secure the opening suff er when they are living on a 2020, followed by a the competing interests of the of classes, National Capital Re- hand-to-mouth basis,” Basilio series of annual government, health advocates, gion Police Offi ce chief Maj Gen said. P5 increases until 2023 cigarette industry and tobacco Guillermo Eleazar said. Banac, meanwhile, said the farmers. Over 27.8mn students had en- police would also be on the In a radio interview yester- The Ways and Means Com- rolled in 61,000 public and pri- A teacher hangs a ‘welcome’ sign at a classroom at the Silangan Elementary School in Bagong Silang, lookout for bullying, as well as day, Senate Minority Leader mittee tackled four tobacco vate elementary and secondary Caloocan City, yesterday. drug use by schoolchildren. Franklin Drilon said no senator tax rate proposals, including a schools nationwide, the Depart- Incidents inside the school was expected to interpellate the House of Representatives bill ment of Education (DepEd) has The DepEd has prescribed tinued lack of facilities and re- rooms since 2014, with walls would remain the responsibil- measure’s sponsor, Sen Juan that called for a rate of P37.50 said, some 2% higher compared 203 school days for SY 2019- sources. that are too short,” ACT Secre- ity of school offi cials, he added, Edgardo Angara, who last week per pack starting July this year, to last year’s. Most, or 13.3mn, 2020. Private schools have been “In Regions 1 (Ilocos) and 6 tary General Raymond Basilio with the police to act only if the endorsed a Ways and Means and measures from senators will be attending elementary, permitted to deviate from the (Western Visayas), students and said in a statement. bullying and drug use occur Committee report. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, followed by 8.5mn in junior high offi cial calendar and start class- teachers are cramped in make- He added that in Regions 7 outside. The proposed law will raise Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian and school, 3mn in senior high school es between the fi rst Monday of shift classrooms made out of (Central Visayas) and 11 (Dav- High school students would the excise tax for every ciga- Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito that and 2.3mn in kindergarten. June, but not later than the last yero (galvanised iron sheets). In ao), some classes would be con- particularly be monitored for rette pack to P60 from P35 over sought rates of P60, P70 and Eleazar said for Metro Ma- day of August. Region 5 (Bicol), they hold class- ducted in refurbished comfort drug use as they are the most the next four years; starting at P90 per pack, respectively. nila, around 1.7mn kindergarten Given the enrolment num- es in nipa huts. Those struck by rooms, in covered courts, by the vulnerable, Banac continued. P45 in 2020, followed by a se- The finance department has and elementary students would bers, the Alliance of Con- Yolanda in Region 8 (Eastern stairs or under trees. The police would also be on ries of annual P5 increases until said higher tobacco excise taxes be returning to school based on cerned Teachers (ACT) Visayas) have been holding all ACT also denounced the lack alert to curb kidnapping at- 2023. would fill a P40bn UHC fund- DepEd data. expressed concern over a con- their classes in plywood class- of books, instructional materi- tempts, he said. The rate will automatical- ing gap. Gulf Times 22 Monday, June 3, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Doha Metro ready to face Eid al-Fitr holiday rush When Doha Metro Red Line South resumes operation tomorrow (June 4, Tuesday) after a fi ve-day break for network expansion testing, Qatar’s newest mode of mass transport will be ready to face the Eid al-Fitr holiday rush. Everyone eagerly waiting for the opportunity to ride Doha Metro, especially those who could not do so since the soft opening on May 8, will be keen to have the experience during the Eid holidays. Moreover, for the fi rst time since its launch, Doha Metro will be operating through the weekend during the Eid break. From June 4 to 9, Doha Europe’s citizens say they Metro will run between 6am and 11pm, with the exception of Friday, when the service is to start from 11am. As pointed out by Gulf Times Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahkha in these columns last month, the people of Qatar have the duty to keep Doha Metro clean, and safe from damage. want a more political EU Qatar Rail recently “We want every issued a number of guidelines for Doha By Jean Pisani-Ferry Emmanuel Rivière of Kantar, a research determination of policy, alongside the parliament. Juncker was much criticised Trento consultancy, has shown, motivations European Commission (appointed for what was regarded as a departure person on the Metro passengers. The certainly varied: for some, it was climate by member states) and the European from neutrality vis-à-vis national metro to have advise to properly use change; for others, it was migration, Council (composed of national heads of governments of various colours, but he seats and not to block he most signifi cant result terrorism, or Europe’s ability to remain state or government). This setup implies had a point: if voters regard European of the recent European relevant in a world of great-power that there is only a weak link between policy issues as a matter for political a pleasant doors when a train Parliament election is neither rivalry. Because they regarded the EU election results and policy priorities. choice, the Commission cannot be a experience every stops at a station is Tthat conservatives and social as a real player in these matters, voters Furthermore, parliamentary purely technocratic body. the latest in a series of democrats lost seats to Liberals and chose to express their preferences and coalitions are also characterised What this election suggests is that advisories on etiquette Greens, nor that far-right nationalists send to parliament representatives who by inertia. By usual standards, the a growing share of European voters time they travel” gained less than anticipated. It is that could defend their views and interests. shift away from the centre-right sees things diff erently from national and the dos and don’ts citizens voted in much larger numbers Something important was also at European People’s Party (EPP) and the governments. Whereas citizens clearly while travelling on the metro. While people have hailed the than anyone expected. stake when the previous elections centre-left Socialists and Democrats used their votes to express policy service and many are using it regularly, the authorities have From the fi rst popular election of the were held, in 2014. The eurozone had (S&D), the two hitherto dominant preferences, very few governments are been tweeting guidelines on proper passenger conduct. European Parliament, in 1979, to the hardly exited its longest recession parties, would be signifi cant enough ready for a more political EU leadership. last one, in 2014, turnout inexorably in decades, and it was still mired in to trigger a change of majority: they Divided as they are on the end goal of In the latest of such posts on the dedicated Doha Metro & declined, gradually falling from 63% austerity. But policy choices back then lost 11 percentage points and 80 seats European integration, and confronted Lusail Tram Twitter page, Qatar Rail said: “We want every to 43%. Five years ago, less than half were largely in the hands of national combined, to the benefi t of the centrist with nationalist pressures at home, person on the metro to have a pleasant experience every of the eligible electorate turned out to governments. Whether reforms were Alliance of Liberals and Democrats they remain hostile to giving the EU time they travel. Please respect the comfort of your fellow vote in 20 out of the European Union’s needed, and whether bailouts were (ALDE, which is in the process of more authority or permitting the 28 member states, thereby denting the appropriate, largely split the electorate merging with the Renaissance list Commission to exercise its prerogatives passengers by not standing on, sleeping on, or blocking out parliament’s democratic legitimacy. along national lines. It was a matter sponsored by French President in a more political way. In essence, most seats on the metro with bags.” Another tweet urged people Observers openly questioned the value for negotiation between German Emmanuel Macron), the Greens, governments nowadays stand for the to “please allow your fellow passengers to get off and on of elections that did not elicit voters’ Chancellor Angela Merkel and her and the right-wing nationalists status quo. the train safely, by ensuring you do not obstruct the doors interest. The EU, it was said, belongs counterparts, not a transnational matter (whose affi liation is still undecided). In fi ve years however, either the EU to diplomats and technocrats, not to that citizens would want to decide upon As no feasible alternative coalition will have delivered on what citizens when the metro stops at a station.” citizens. according to political preferences. commands a majority, however, it rightly regard as European common Qatar Rail has stressed that eating on board the metro The 2019 election was a spectacular Climate change is diff erent. Young will merely imply a broadening of the goods, or it will have lost relevance is strictly prohibited. A report published in Gulf Times reversal of this trend. Turnout people’s Fridays for Future movement current alliance, to include ALDE or and legitimacy. How to respond recently mentioned how a number of people had noticed increased in 20 countries, reaching has spread across borders, demanding both it and the Greens. The EPP and to this demand while satisfying 51% on average, or eight percentage radical change in policy and lifestyle. the S&D will remain the dominant governments’ preference for stability that some co-passengers were not aware that eating inside points higher than last time. True, in The same holds for migration. Those players, ensuring political continuity. and compromises among sovereign the train was prohibited, leaving the couch or the fl oor with some countries, the election was held who oppose it may want to retreat Because it is not a federation, the states is the contradiction confronting leftover items such as potato chips. simultaneously with national polls, or behind national borders, but they know EU cannot be run by a purely political the EU. Whether this contradiction Qatar Rail has advised that children must remain seated it was used as a vehicle for domestic perfectly well that as far as immigration government. But the rise of pan- can be resolved will, in turn, determine political messaging. But the break with is concerned, the members of the EU’s European debates and the emergence whether citizens remain interested in during a ride and must not be allowed to stand on the the past was too sharp and too broad passport-free Schengen area are in fact of pan-European preferences that European elections, or eventually give seats of metro trains at any time. The other day, Qatar Rail for such coincidences to add up to a deeply interdependent. cut across national lines imply that up and stay home. – Project Syndicate reminded people about the Metrolink feeder bus service. convincing explanation. If turnout followed interest in the it cannot be run by a politically deaf “Want to use the metro but don’t want to drive or take a Granular analysis of the election election, the question now is what the institution, either. Shortly after his  Jean Pisani-Ferry, a professor results will tell us which categories of new European Parliament can deliver. appointment as president of the at the Hertie School of Governance taxi to get there? Check out Metrolink – our useful feeder voters turned up in larger numbers, In a standard democracy, an election Commission in 2014, Jean-Claude (Berlin) and Sciences Po (Paris), holds bus service. Visit our website or download the app to fi nd and why. In the meantime, the best typically leads to the formation of a Juncker famously claimed that he the Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa chair your route!” explanation is that many citizens new majority – and to corresponding wanted it to be a “strong and political at the European University Institute The network expansion testing is to allow Doha Metro decided that enough was at stake policy changes. In the EU, however, team” that would work on the basis and is a senior fellow at Bruegel, a to extend the services, introduce new lines and open more this time to cast their ballots. As parliament is only one player in the of a “political contract” with the Brussels-based think tank. stations on the Red Line, including Hamad International Airport, Katara, Qatar University, and Lusail in the near future. The Red Line fi rst phase covers 13 of the 18 stations, including Al Qassar, DECC, QIC West Bay, Corniche, Al Bidda (Interchange station), Msheireb (Interchange station), Al Doha Al Jadeda, Umm Ghuwailina, Al Matar Al Qadeem, Oqba Ibn Nafi e, Free Zone, Ras Bu Fontas and Al Wakrah. Several retail outlets are also expected to open at metro stations in the near future, including banks, convenience stores, and cafes and coff ee shops, among others. More Metrolink feeder buses are expected to be deployed after Ramadan to serve the growing number of Doha Metro passengers.

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© 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved The Plenary Hall during the election night for European elections at the European Parliament in Brussels. Gulf Times Monday, June 3, 2019 23 COMMENT A practical approach to N Korean denuclearisation

By Lee Jong-wha plummeted 88% year on year in 2018, market economy is expanding rapidly. Seoul to $209mn. Imports fell by one-third, According to a recent study, at least 70% to $2.24bn. of household income nowadays comes Nonetheless, many experts, includ- from informal economic activities, in- he path to peace on the ing Richard N Haass, the president of cluding sales at markets and smuggling. Korean Peninsula remains the Council on Foreign Relations, argue This increased marketisation is weaken- as perilous as ever. After a that sanctions alone will never be ing the state’s power. Tsecond summit between US suffi cient to bring about complete de- Using aid and economic co-oper- President Donald Trump and North nuclearisation. After all, North Korea’s ation as leverage, South Korea should Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi closed economy has proved far more try to persuade the North to implement in February produced no agreement, resilient than anyone expected, and market-oriented reforms, including tensions have escalated, raising – yet there is no sign that Kim’s regime is at measures to recognise private owner- again – concerns about a military risk of collapse. And collapse would ship and protect foreign investment. confrontation. not be a desirable outcome, as it would Given his own interest in strengthen- The international community’s trigger regional chaos, with China and ing his country’s economy, Kim may longstanding formula for dealing with Russia doing what they could to avoid a well agree. North Korea combines harsh sanctions unifi ed Korea allied with the US. Co-operative projects, especially with intermittent negotiations focused At the Central Committee of the those involving large-scale invest- on securing the country’s “complete ruling Workers’ Party in April, Kim ment, should be designed with care, denuclearisation.” Multiple United pledged to defy “hostile forces mis- so that they – alongside reduced sanc- Nations Security Council resolutions calculating that sanctions can bring tions – advance North Korea’s integra- block North Korea from engaging in North Korea to its knees.” Less than a tion into Northeast Asia’s production virtually any foreign trade. It cannot month later, the North had resumed its and trade systems. They should also export coal, iron, or other minerals, favourite provocations, launching sev- help to persuade the country to aban- and its imports of crude oil are severely eral of its newest type of short-range don nuclear-weapons development, restricted. Various targeted fi nancial ballistic missiles and testing multiple establish diplomatic relations with the sanctions are also in place. launch systems. US, and join international organisa- The United States augments these The Trump administration remains tions like the International Monetary measures with sanctions of its own, stubbornly committed to maintaining Fund, the World Bank, and the World targeting, in particular, foreign fi nan- its “maximum pressure” policy until Trade Organisation. cial institutions with any connection the North agrees to its demand for total The future of the Korean Peninsula to North Korea-linked activities. The denuclearisation. But, as the Hanoi remains hazy. Sanctions relief and US also refuses entry to any aircraft or summit underscored, the combina- inter-Korean economic co-operation ship that has been in North Korea in tion of denuclearisation and sanctions could be a game-changer, but they will the last 180 days. relief that the US envisages diff ers become an option only if the North Sanctions have undoubtedly been sharply from North Korea’s position. takes credible steps toward “fi nal and painful for North Korea. The economy The truth is that a grand bargain, fully verifi able denuclearisation.” With contracted by 3.5% in 2017, according whereby North Korea completely elim- North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump walk at the Metropole hotel during the second North South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s to estimates by South Korea’s central inates its nuclear and missile capabili- Korea-US summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, in this February 28, 2019 file picture. falling approval ratings potentially bank, and is believed to have shrunk by ties in exchange for the removal of all shaking his commitment to rapproche- more than 5% in 2018. North Ko- sanctions, is not immediately realistic. closer inter-Korean economic co- end the Korean War, 66 years after the and environmental issues. If sanc- ment, and Trump as unpredictable as rea’s struggles are now compounded The US and North Korea should keep operation. armistice agreement was signed. This tions were relaxed, the two Koreas ever, Kim may not have long to decide. by severe drought and a major food in mind the long-term goals, agreed in A critical step would be the North’s would be followed by the establish- could consider reviving the Kaesong - Project Syndicate crisis caused by the worst harvest in a Singapore last year, of complete denu- dismantling of all nuclear enrich- ment of liaison offi ces in Pyongyang industrial complex, reopening Mount decade. clearisation of the Korean Peninsula, ment and reprocessing facilities at its and Washington, DC, and the removal Kumgang to tourism, and building  Lee Jong-wha is Professor of Making matters even worse for security guarantees for the North, and main Yongbyon facility. The country of certain UN sanctions. railways, roads, and energy networks Economics and Director of the Asiatic North Korea, its economic ties with peaceful relations. But, for now, they should also stop conducting nuclear South Korea could help by pursuing linking the North and South. Research Institute at Korea University. China, its largest trading partner and should be pursuing an interim deal: in or missile tests, provide a complete list inter-Korean co-operation. Its govern- Well-designed inter-Korean eco- His most recent book, co-authored with most important benefactor, are weak- exchange for concrete, verifi able steps of nuclear facilities, and welcome in- ment recently pledged to provide $8mn nomic co-operation could bring about Harvard’s Robert J Barro, is Education ening. According to offi cial Chinese toward denuclearisation, North Korea ternational inspectors for verifi cation. in humanitarian aid to the North, and real, bottom-up change in North Korean Matters: Global Schooling Gains from statistics, the North’s exports to China would gain partial sanctions relief and In exchange, the US could offi cially to strengthen co-operation on health society. Already, the North’s shadow the 19th to the 21st Century.

Obamacare led to better cancer outcomes: studies Three-day forecast TODAY March 2010, and by 2016-17, some diagnosis and the time to treatment colorectal, renal cell, prostate, and Maximum Temperature : 390c AFP Minimum Temperature : 300c Chicago 12.7mn people were covered under for the 21 to 64 age group, and melanoma cancers. the law. compared it to those 65 and older, “Prior to Medicaid expansion, TUESDAY The percentage of Americans who which was used as a control group African American patients were Maximum Temperature : 380c pair of studies have found were uninsured dropped from 16% in because they had access to publicly 4.8 percentage points less likely Minimum Temperature : 310c that Obamacare led to an 2010 to less than 12% by 2016. funded Medicare before and after. to receive timely treatment as WEDNESDAY increase in early-stage They found that there was a compared with white patients,” the Maximum Temperature : 390c A ovarian cancer detections “Many studies relative gain of 1.7% in early-stage researchers wrote. Minimum Temperature : 310c diagnosis and a 1.6% improvement in After the ACA was passed, and helped nearly erase racial Fisherman's forecast differences in the timely treatment have described receiving treatment within 30 days. 6.1% more blacks received timely of a range of cancers. The team wrote in a statement: treatment as well as 2.1% of racial disparities whites, making the differences WARNING The findings, which were “While a 1.7% difference in being Inshore : Nil presented at the American Society of diagnosed earlier may not sound between the races statistically Offshore : Nil Clinical Oncology annual meeting in that exist in cancer very large, for the 22,000 women insignificant. Chicago, come as the administration diagnosed with ovarian cancer in “Many studies have described Inshore : Misty at first becomes care, but few have hot daytime with slight of President Donald Trump is the United States annually, it means racial disparities that exist in cancer dust at some places renewing its efforts to strike down shown what types that close to 400 more women could care, but few have shown what types and some clouds at the Affordable Care Act signed be diagnosed at an early, treatable of interventions improve health times into law by his predecessor Barack of interventions stage.” equity — we now have evidence that Offshore : Scattered clouds, be- Obama. The second paper on Obamacare Medicaid expansion can mitigate comes misty at some The study on ovarian cancer improve health found that differences between certain health disparities,” said study places by late night WIND screening was led by Anna Jo Smith whites and blacks in timely care author Amy J Davidoff at the Yale Inshore : Mainly Easterly-South- at the Johns Hopkins Department equity — we now “practically disappeared” following School of Public Health. easterly 05-15/18 KT of Gynecology and Obstetrics in the passage of the law. Trump’s Justice Department have evidence that Offshrore : Northeasterly-South- Baltimore. Two key provisions of the ACA announced in March an abrupt easterly 03-12 KT “Having health insurance plays were granting states permission escalation in the administration’s a major role in whether or not a Medicaid expansion to expand public funded Medicaid push against Obamacare by siding Visibility : 4-8 KM woman has access to care providers coverage to low-income citizens with a Texas federal court ruling Offshore : 1-3 FT can mitigate certain that declared the health care law who can monitor symptoms and act starting in 2014, and providing Around the region on those symptoms if necessary,”she subsidies to those who could not unconstitutional. health disparities” Weather said. afford to buy private insurance if That ruling is currently being Weather tomorrow Max/min The five-year survival rate for The researchers used data from the they did not qualify for Medicaid. appealed and the resulting impasse today Max/min M Sunny 46/29 women diagnosed with early-stage National Cancer Database to look at The study looked at the records looks increasingly likely to end up Baghdad Sunny 46/28 Sunny 42/29 ovarian cancer is 75%, but the figure the years before (2004-2009) and of 2.2mn people diagnosed with in the Supreme Court — putting a Kuwait CitySunny 42/29 Sunny 39/31 drops dramatically to 30% for those after (2011-2014) the passing of the advanced cancers including non- politically radioactive issue centre Manama P Cloudy 38/31 M Sunny 38/31 diagnosed at a later stage. ACA. small cell lung cancer, breast, stage as the country moves towards Muscat P Cloudy 38/32 Sunny 33/21 The ACA was signed into law on They looked at the stage of the urothelial, gastric and esophageal, the 2020 presidential election. Tehran Sunny 31/19

Live issues Childhood adversity tied to sleep problems decades later

Around the world By Lisa Rapaport report any ACEs, while another 23% This is likely due to the lasting eff ects abuse, living with an alcoholic, or Reuters Health experienced one type of ACE and the of toxic stress. parental divorce. Weather Weather rest were exposed to at least two ACEs. “Excessive or prolonged stress has The study wasn’t a controlled today Max/min tomorrow Max/min About 61% of the adults got an been shown to biologically alter the experiment designed to prove whether Athens M Sunny 26/16 M Sunny 26/17 hildren who suff er adverse optimal amount of sleep - 7 to 9 hours brain and aff ect health, learning and or how ACEs might directly cause Beirut Sunny 30/25 M Sunny 31/25 experiences like abuse and a night - and roughly one-third of behaviour,” Sullivan said. “These eff ects sleep defi ciencies. Bangkok Cloudy 35/27 M Cloudy 36/28 neglect may be more likely them got too little sleep - less than 6 can last throughout the lifespan.” One limitation of the study is Berlin M Sunny 32/18 P Cloudy 30/18 Cto have sleep problems in hours nightly. People in the study were typically that researchers lacked data on Cairo M Sunny 39/24 M Cloudy 37/23 adulthood, a US study suggests. Each ACE people experienced was overweight, which can impact the risk the duration of the ACE or age at Cape Town P Cloudy 19/12 Rain 17/14 Adverse childhood experiences, associated with 22% higher odds of of sleep problems. Almost half of them exposure, which could impact how Colombo T Storm 29/26 T Storm 29/26 commonly called ACEs, can include getting too little sleep. People with were former smokers, and about 21% these exposures contribute to sleep Dhaka T Storm 29/24 T Storm 28/25 witnessing parents fi ght or go through three ACEs were more than twice as were current smokers, which can also issues down the line. Hong Kong T Storm 27/24 S T Storms 28/25 a divorce, having a parent with a likely to get too little sleep, and the negatively impact sleep quality and Even so, the results off er fresh Istanbul Sunny 27/18 P Cloudy 26/18 mental illness or substance abuse risk was more than tripled for adults quantity. evidence of the long-term impact of Jakarta Cloudy 33/25 Cloudy 33/25 problem, or suff ering from sexual, with fi ve or more ACEs. Only 10% of the adults reported childhood exposure to toxic stress, Karachi Sunny 34/29 P Cloudy 33/29 physical or emotional abuse. ACEs “Previous studies have shown experiencing frequent mental distress. said D. Nicole Racine of the University London P Cloudy 21/11 P Cloudy 21/12 have been linked to what’s known as that adults who experienced Mental health challenges or poor of Calgary and Alberta Children’s Manila I T Storms 36/28 P Cloudy 36/27 toxic stress, or wear and tear on the adverse childhood experiences have physical health didn’t appear to Hospital Research Institute in Canada, Moscow P Cloudy 21/09 Sunny 24/12 body that leads to physical and mental an increased likelihood of sleep infl uence the association between who wasn’t involved in the study. New Delhi Sunny 44/31 M Sunny 45/31 health problems that often continue disturbance, and poor sleep quality,” ACEs and insuffi cient sleep in Children who are exposed to abuse New York M Sunny 21/12 M Sunny 22/17 from one generation to the next. said lead study author Kelly Sullivan adulthood, however. and adversity experience heightened Paris Showers 22/14 Showers 24/14 For the current study, published in of Georgia Southern University in Out of all the diff erent types of levels of toxic stress, Racine said by Sao Paulo S Showers 20/14 M Cloudy 17/12 the journal Sleep, researchers surveyed Statesboro. ACEs, domestic abuse, child abuse and e-mail. She added, “Toxic stress has Seoul M Sunny 30/15 P Cloudy 29/17 22,403 adults who were 47 years What makes the current study rape had the biggest impact on sleep a wear and tear on the body and also Singapore T Storm 30/26 T Storm 31/27 old on average about any adversity unique is that it shows the that adverse duration in adulthood. impacts a child’s developing brain, Sydney P Cloudy 17/07 Rain 13/11 they experienced during childhood. childhood experiences can also impact When people did experience ACEs, including areas of the brain that Tokyo Cloudy 23/19 Clear 27/19 Overall, 42% of the participants didn’t sleep duration, Sullivan said by e-mail. they most often reported emotional regulate sleep.” Gulf Times 24 Monday, June 3, 2019 QATAR

Classic cars festival concludes

The classic car festival at Souq Waqif, which was held throughout the holy month of Ramadan every Friday and Saturday, has concluded with three winners being named.

Sidra Medicine announces QSRSN distributes assistive winners of student art contest medical devices to members idra Medicine has an- nounced the winners of a Sschool-based art contest in atar Society for Rehabil- Qatar. The aim was to highlight itation of Special Needs the dangers of poisonings and Q(QSRSN) has distributed how to prevent them. a number of medical and assis- It was open to students aged tive equipment to some of its fi ve to 13. The art contest was members in order to help them hosted by the Qatar Poison Cen- lead an easier life. tre, a call centre launched by The equipment were spon- Sidra Medicine that provides sored by the Social and Sport poisoning management advice Contribution Fund (Daam). The through a free confi dential hel- presentation took place in the pline (4003 1111). The call cen- presence of a number of persons tre manages poisoning cases in Sidra Medicine-Qatar Poison Centre art contest winners with off icials. with special needs and their adults and children alike. families, alongside senior of- The overall winner of the School won second place. In the ent schools across Qatar. It was fi cials including QSRSN chair- competition held in three age 11-13 year category, Muthu- very hard for the team to choose man Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah categories, is Huda Alhasan kumaran from Modern Indian the winners – as each entry was al-Thani and Daam CEO Abdul- from Ruqaya Independent School was placed fi rst and unique and drove home the mes- rahman Abdulatif al-Mannai. School. In 5-7 year category, Fatema Sultana from Bangladesh sages related to poisoning or poi- The equipment given to the Vikaashinee Satish from Com- MHM School & College, second. son prevention.” society members included pass International School won Chair of the Children’s Emer- “One of the Qatar Poison Cen- wheel chairs, electric wheel first place while Tooba Tasneem gency Department at Sidra Med- tre’s mission is to prevent poi- chairs, chairs for children with of Shantiniketan Indian School icine, Prof Khalid al-Ansari said, sonings through public educa- severe disability, medical beds, got the second place. “Congratulations to the winners tion and awareness programmes. computers for the deaf and In the 8-10 year old category, of our fi rst contest. We were Engaging the students through blind, medical glasses, respira- Aashita Biju from MES Indian thrilled to see the enthusiasm the contest was a wonderful and tion apparatuses, hearing aids, One of the beneficiaries shares his joy with off icials. School won fi rst place and Yousef from the students as we received fun way to raise awareness about prosthetics, and other related Osama from Doha Academy over 400 entries from diff er- poison control,” he added. devices to help them adapt bet- piness about the fruitful co- would further refl ect positively ing them the honourable and ter to their disabilities. operation between Daam and on their lives. In the meantime, comfortable life they deserve. Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah al- QSRSN, which works for the al-Mannai stressed that Daam Similarly, people with spe- Experts discuss latest trends on Global Exhibitions Day Thani appreciated the support good of the people with special is very proud to off er QSRSN cial needs, who benefi ted from of Daam for this initiative and needs and help them better in- the due support and work to- the initiative and their families On occasion of UFI’s Global Exhibitions Day (GED), representatives from Qatar National Tourism Council & the its eff orts to help the society and tegrate among the community gether to rehabilitate persons expressed their happiness and Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre were brought together to discuss the latest industry trends. On the persons with disability. members. with special needs and integrate thanked Daam and QSRSN for first Wednesday of June every year, Qatar joins forces with other nations around the world, to celebrate the He also expressed his hap- This particular initiative them into the community, giv- such a great support. exhibitions industry, highlighting its power and the diverse career opportunities it creates. The economic impact of the global exhibition industry is 167bn euros, and the exhibitions are a unique marketing channel to off er communities face to face opportunities to do business. GED was launched in 2016 as an initiative of the UFI, the global association of the exhibitions industry. It involves various campaigns worldwide which highlight the value of the exhibition and event industry on a global level.

Representatives from QNTC and DECC holding the off icial GED19 logo at the meeting. Some of equipment distributed at the event.