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Monday 16 January 2017 | 18 Rabia II 1438 Volume 21 | Number 7043 | 2 Riyals

Emir meets CMC members Emir directs to pay QR43.8m to solve Gaza's power woes

QNA National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza, Ambas- EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin sador Mohammed Al Emadi, Hamad Al Thani directed to during a telephone conversa- swiftly pay QR43.8m to solve tion, informed Acting Minister the problem of electricity in the of Energy Authority in Ramal- Gaza Strip. The Emir also lah, Zafer Melhem that Qatar directed that an international will pay QR14.6m per month for cooperation should be under- three months to solve the prob- taken to study the problem of lem of electricity in the Strip. electricity in the Strip and make El Emadi emphasised that the proposals to swiftly solve it. amounts would be transferred This came as the Emir met immediately to the Palestinian at the Emiri Diwan yesterday Authority to resolve the problem Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met yesterday with Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members of the Central with Deputy Chairman of facing the residents of Gaza, add- Municipal Council at Emiri Diwan. The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Islamic Resistance Movement's ing that Qatar will work with the Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Emir said that the council plays a major role in representing the Qatari (Hamas) Political Bureau in Pal- Palestinian government and society and wished the council members success in their mission. estine Dr Ismail Haniyah. international parties concerned The Chairman of the to fully resolve it. Compel Israel to freeze Call for more representation of Arab & Muslim nations in UNSC settlements: FM tells UN Irfan Bukhari The Peninsula Paris of the risks of its promotion and QNA Israel made one dissemination, a matter that would auding Qatar’s initiative of hosting a obstacle after another lead to opening the door to meeting on UN Security Council’s oreign Minister H E endemic conflicts in the region and Lreforms, Pakistan’s Ambassador and Sheikh Mohammed bin through its continued provide pretexts and opportuni- Permanent Representative to the United Abdulrahman Al Thani aggression on the ties to create states based on Nations Dr Maleeha Lodhi (pictured), yes- called on the interna- Palestinian people, ethnicity and religion. terday said that Arab and Muslim countries tional community to The Foreign Minister said that should have more representation in the Foreign Minister H E Fcompel Israel to implement the peace must be founded on a just, Council. international legitimacy and the Sheikh Mohammed comprehensive and lasting settle- “The two-day informal exchange-of- Arab peace initiative, which bin Abdulrahman Al ment, which requires more than views hosted by Qatar will help countries includes the establishment of a Thani told Middle East ever before the international com- in shaping UN Security Council reforms in Palestinian state with its capital in munity to take practical measures its upcoming formal session on reforms issue East Jerusalem. The Minister Peace Process in Paris, to ensure Israel's compliance with next month at the United Nations,” she said stressed the need to solve the Pal- yesterday. the will of the international com- adding that Qatar had provided a platform estinian refugee issue, and called munity in the implementation of to all those countries which had been exhib- on the UN Security Council to ask the international legitimacy, the iting interest in the reforms. Lodhi was The two-day informal exchange- Israel to immediately stop the con- continued aggression on the Pal- principles of international law, and talking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of of-views hosted by Qatar will help struction of colonial settlements estinian people. relevant UN resolutions, as well as the meeting. countries in shaping UN Security in the occupied Palestinian The Foreign Minister also Madrid decisions, Oslo agreements, Thirty UN member states participated Council reforms, says Pakistan's territories. saluted the steadfastness of the the Arab peace initiative and the in the two-day meeting which was con- Ambassador and Permanent In a speech at the Interna- Palestinian people in light of the principle of two-state solution. He cluded yesterday, along with the President Representative to the United tional Ministerial Conference on continued failure of the UN organ- stressed that all these documents of the 71st UN General Assembly Peter the Middle East Peace Process in isation, especially the Security are the basic references for the Thomson and the Co-Chairmen of the Inter- Nations, Dr Maleeha Lodhi. Paris, the Foreign Minister Council, to protect and restore peace process. Governmental Negotiation on Security expressed his regret over Israel's their legitimate rights, adding that Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- Council Reform Ambassador Mohamed Kha- that there was a dire need of reforming unwillingness to meet the Israel has turned the occupation rahman Al Thani reiterated the led Khiari of Tunisia and Ambassador Ion the body as last set of reforms was intro- requirements of peace process, into a permanent racial separation firm position of the State of Qatar Jinga of Romania. duced in 1966. noting that Israel made one system that is rejected in the towards peace. Regarding UNSC reforms, Dr Lodhi said → Continued on page 2 obstacle after another through its twenty-first century, and warned → Continued on page 2

Cabbies want cancellation fee Celebration time Grace period from passengers for no-shows extended for companies Raynald C Rivera turn up, he added. Unlike App-based The Peninsula taxi booking companies like Careem, The Peninsula there is currently no cancellation fee ast-minute taxi booking cancel- being imposed by regular taxi com- THE Ministry of Economy and lation and no-shows should be panies, he said, so it is easy for Commerce has extended the Lcharged, some cabbies have passengers to cancel their bookings. grace period for another six suggested, saying passengers who “Passengers who don’t show up month for the companies to don’t turn up after booking taxi rides are not fined; they are only blacklisted comply to the new commer- now appears to be a growing for a few days, afterwards they can cial companies law No. 11 of problem. book again,” he said. 2015. “On a daily basis, I encounter Every minute counts for Mah- The new grace period around two or three passengers who moud, who has to meet a monthly will start from February 2, either cancel their booking on the last quota of QR8,000 to be able to have 2017. The extension came minute or do not show up at all,” Mah- a commission to add up to his meager following the decision of the moud, a cabbie who works with one monthly salary. Minister of Economy and of the taxi firms, has expressed his “We are allowed to work for 12 Commerce No. 485 for the utter frustration to this daily. hours every day and in my eight year 2016 issued on Decem- “Just imagine how much time and months in Qatar I have only exceeded Qatari rally driver Mohammed Abu Issa (right) and his co-driver Xavier Panseri ber 26, 2016 to extend the money I lose every day, driving a very my monthly target once,” he added. celebrate during the presentation ceremony after finishing 10th overall in the grace period for the compa- long distance only to find out that the Moneer, another cabbie, who has 2017 Rally Dakar in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was the first occasion that nies to upgrade themselves passenger has already taken another the same predicament, stressed Abu Issa competed in the rally car category at the legendary Dakar Rally, as per provisions of new ride,” he said. something should be done about the which covered more than 9,000km this year, from Asunción, the capital city Commercial Companies While some passengers cancel issue. of Paraguay to Buenos Aires in Argentina. → See also page 24 Law. their bookings, most of them just don’t → Continued on page 2 → See also page 5 02 HOME MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017

Doha Oasis to get theme Sheikh Joaan conveys condolences park and roller coaster

Amna Pervaiz Rao labourers were working on the The Peninsula Landmark project. Doha Oasis is one of This huge project comprises ne of the tallest the biggest a hotel tower consisting of a 7 roller coasters in star-hotel designed to fit in the landmarks coming up the region will have standalone ground floor plus in the heart of Doha, its home in Doha, 28-floor glass tower accommo- within the under- adjacent to dating 133 guest suites, six Oconstruction ‘Doha Oasis’ which Downtown Msheireb. restaurants on the lower floors is situated adjacent to another and one sky view restaurant on important project - the Down- Project comprises a the roof, a gymnasium includ- town Msheireb Project Phase III. 7-star hotel plus a ing an indoor pool and a “Doha Oasis is one of the 28-floor glass tower business centre. biggest landmarks coming up in accommodating 133 “The sky with an operable the heart of Doha, This project suites. glass roof providing shading and demonstrates the continuing protection from the weather development of Qatar's prop- conditions. Two technical floors erty market, which is geared award has been earned for the are located on top of the mez- towards delivering the National high safety quality of the zanine level and between the 2030 Vision. This started in project,” said an official seeking 28th floor and the sky view res- December 2015 and endeavours not to be attributed. taurant,” said the main to be ready in the end of 2018. He further said that cur- contractor of Redco Construc- Seven million safety man-hours rently more than 5,000 tion-Al Mana. The development encom- passes the largest indoor theme park. The Theme Park occupies H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani conveyed in Jeddah yesterday the condolences of the Central Area of the Podium Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin at the ground level and is cov- Hamad Al Thani to Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of ered by a steel dome ensuring a Makkah Province Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to members of the clear height of 18 metres, sup- Ruling Family of Saudi Arabia on the death of Prince Mohammed bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz porting the landscape garden, Al Saud. and is penetrated by skylights. The Theme Park expands into the peripheral areas of the Ground Floor level to accom- modate a total of 26 or more Cancellations pose a major problem different rides and attractions. One of the tallest roller- → Continued from page 1 coasters in the region will have taxi,” he said. “Perhaps those who take another its home in Doha. The 60m-high “I only receive QR900 a month and this prob- cab are in a hurry to get to their destination, but structure will be the centrepiece lem is an additional burden for me,” he said. they should also consider the inconvenience they of the theme park. Cinemas will Passengers who don’t give their exact location is cause us,” he said, adding he also encounters pas- be installed for the sake of another challenge for cabbies, he said. “Some- sengers who refuse to pay the QR5 booking fee. entertainment and a massive times, they don’t provide their exact address. They “The problem of No-show and last minute food court. The superstructure only give a nearby landmark which again eats up booking cancellation must be addressed because is erected on four underground our time and by the time we arrive at the desti- not only does it cause difficulty to taxi drivers, it The Doha Oasis building under construction. basement levels. nation, the customer has already taken another also affects other passengers,” he said. Delay in peace deal 'will complicate crisis' Need for more representation

→ Continued from page 1 for Arab and Islamic world The Foreign Minister added: → Continued from page 1 "Our position in the State of Qatar had shared opinion on a Qatar vis-a-vis the peace proc- “The world has changed a lot number of international issues. ess is the same as the Arab in the last fifty years in its politi- “We regularly meet at the OIC position which is committed to cal and demographic dynamics. New York platform. A few international legitimacy resolu- Pakistan’s stance on the reforms months ago, OIC New York tions and the Arab peace is based on democracy. We platform met on the call of initiative for 2002, which demand reforms on democratic Pakistan to discuss Rohingya includes the establishment of a principles and support increase Muslims' plight. Another meet- Palestinian state based on the 4 in number of non-permanent ing was held recently in January June 1967 borders, with its cap- members of UNSC only,” Dr this year. Islamic countries are ital in East Jerusalem, and Maleeha Lodhi said. working with mutual under- resolving the Palestinian refu- The ambassador said that standing at the OIC platform gee issue on the basis of the despite some differences in and the UN,” she observed. provisions of international law positions regarding reforms due On UN Security Council’s and international legitimacy res- to regional political dimensions, recently-passed resolution bar- olutions, especially resolution the point of view of Pakistan, ring Israel from constructing 194." Qatar, the GCC and Islamic illegal settlements in Palestine, He warned that the absence countries was the same on the ambassador said that Paki- of peace or delay to achieve it UNSC reforms. “We support stan had welcomed the will only further complicate the Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani with French Foreign more regional representation. resolution and supported its crisis, will bring undesired con- Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault in Paris yesterday. We also support more repre- implementation. “Next week, sequences that are sentation for Arab and Islamic UNSC is going to start a debate unpredictable, and will have world to give a potent voice to on the Middle East and we will implications for all the peoples violate the provisions of the occupation and establishing full Peace Process Nickolay more than 1.6 billion people. raise the issue of implementa- of the region and the world. Fourth Geneva Convention and independent and sovereign Mladenov. The Arab group has a common tion of UNSC resolution against "It is unrealistic to continue international law, and threaten State of Palestine, with its cap- Talks during the meetings stance on reforms due to Israel in it. Not only this reso- the occupation and the denial of the essence of the rule of the ital in East Jerusalem, on the 4 dealt with a number of regional regional and geographic con- lution barring illegal the rights of the Palestinian peo- Palestinian state on their June 1967 borders. and international topics of com- siderations but Pakistan’s settlements must be imple- ple and the building of national territory. The Foreign Minister Sheikh mon interest. position is also identical to the mented but the UN must also settlements on the lands of oth- "If we do not create a Mohammed bin Abdulrahman He also met with Saudi position of most of Islamic come forward to fulfill its duties ers," HE the Foreign Minister mechanism for the implemen- Al-Thani held yesterday meet- Foreign Minister Adel bin countries,” the ambassador in implementing all the resolu- said. He called on the UN Secu- tation of the recent Security ings on the sidelines of the Ahmed Al Jubeir and Turkish added. tions passed so far on rity Council to compel Israel to Council resolution, then it will international ministerial con- Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavu- She said that Pakistan and Palestine,” she demanded. implement resolution 2334 be added to a series of UN res- ference on the Middle East soglu on the sidelines of the which demanded the immedi- olutions which Israel peace process. Middle East peace conference ate cessation of the continued to defy." He met separately with Lib- in Paris. construction of colonial settle- He stressed on the need to yan Foreign Minister The meeting exchanged ments in the occupied find a new multilateral follow- Muhammad Al Tahir Siala, Ire- views on a number of regional Palestinian territories, as well up mechanism for the land's Minister of Foreign Affairs and international issues of com- as issue a decision demanding implementation of what is and Trade Charles Flanagan and mon concern, especially the Israel to dismantle hundreds agreed upon in the final status the United Nations Special Coor- Syrian issue and the need for a of illegal settlements that issues, and ending the Israeli dinator for the Middle East common strategy. Qatar holds seminar on UN Development Goal 4

QNA achieve the goals of the Educa- of officials of the Ministry of of sustainable development due tion for All (EFA) 2030. Education and Higher Education. to its reliance on the educational atar National Commission The event saw representa- Secretary-General of Qatar and training needs of the coun- for Education, Culture and tives from the Ministry of National Commission for Edu- try. The UN's Sustainable QScience held yesterday at Development Planning and Sta- cation, Culture and Science Dr Development Goal 4 is to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al the headquarters of the Unesco tistics, Qatar University, Hamda Al Sulaiti said that it was "Ensure inclusive and quality office in Doha a seminar on the Education Above All initiative, important to know each one's education for all and promote Muraikhi speaking at the concluding session of the meeting training needs in order to Qatar Foundation, and a number role in achieving the fourth goal lifelong learning." on UNSC reforms in Doha yesterday. MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017 HOME 03 45 trainees take part in arbitration programme

Mohammed Osman First stage The training programme has The Peninsula attracted participants from Qatar The first stage of the and other GCC states and will total of 45 trainees professional cover theoretical and practical from different pro- arbitration issues, holding workshops on fessions, including programme 2017 how to prepare arbitration lawyers, legal con- launched yesterday agreements which is important sultants and advisers, at Qatar Chamber. for settling commercial disputes. QatarA University law graduates, The rehabilitation level of the and experts along with employ- Last year's course also includes alternative ees from different ministries, means for settling disputes away programme trained banks and insurance companies from judiciary, types of arbitra- some 30 experts and are taking part in the Qualifica- tions and role of willingness of tion and Preparation of a majority of them parties in materialising the court Arbitrators 2017 programme. were Qataris. decision. The first stage of the profes- The second stage of the pro- sional arbitration programme gramme, “Procedures and 2017, which is also known as “the started yesterday and will end arbitration lawsuit manage- Professional Certificate” was on April 12, is organised by Qatar ment”, will address the launched yesterday at Qatar International Center for Concil- procedures followed for arbitra- Chamber in the presence of iation & Arbitration in tion, establishment of jury, Thani bin Ali Al Thani, Board cooperation with GCC Arbitra- difference between free arbitra- Member, and Ahmed Najem tion Center “Dar Al Karar”. The tion and institutional one. Abdulla Al Najem, Secretary- training programme aims to pre- The third stage of the pro- General of the GCC Arbitration pare and qualify Qatari and GCC gramme is “The method of Center. Last year's programme arbitrators to take responsibility making the verdict and origin of Ahmed Najem Abdulla Al Najem, Secretary-General of the GCC Arbitration Center, at the opening trained some 30 experts and a for settling commercial and its drafting”, and the fourth level of the Professional Arbitration Training Programme 2017 at the Qatar Chamber yesterday. majority of them were Qataris financial disputes between indi- is under the title of “implemen- Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula from private and government viduals or companies and play tation of verdict and invalidity of institutions, including four from complementary role to the ordi- the verdict”. The fifth and final with actual cases along with doc- arbitration centre pointed out that training programme. The first level QU. nary courts. Trainers include levels of the programmes are uments to establish jury, study some legal experts from countries of the programme will end on Jan- The training programme, Qatari legal experts and famous under theme of “Sham trail” and make the suitable decision. out of GCC like Sudan will take uary 18, and take place every consisting of five levels, which lawyers. where trainees will be provided Informed source from the part in the third level of the evening from 5pm to 10pm.

HMC forum on quality and safety in healthcare

The Peninsula (IHI) to deliver high quality The conference theme this advanced learning in the science year is “System wide transforma- amad Medical Corpora- of improvement. tion to achieve better patient tion (HMC) has announced Led by HMC’s Hamad care”. It centres on transforma- Hit will once again host one Healthcare Quality Institute tive approaches to optimizing of the region’s most established (HHQI), the annual conference health systems taking into and successful quality improve- will be held from 5 - 7 May 2017 account three dimensions: the ment conferences for healthcare at Qatar National Convention experience of the individual; how professionals. The Middle East Centre in Doha. The conference to improve the health of a defined (ME) Forum on quality improve- reinforces the continued part- population; and how to reduce ment and patient safety in nership between HMC and IHI, the per capita cost of health care. healthcare will mark the fifth time a not-for-profit organization The conference will feature ple- H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari with Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell and that HMC collaborated with the that is a leading innovator in naries, lectures and workshop Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Keith Rowley. internationally renowned Insti- health and healthcare improve- session from local, regional and Dr Al Kawari meets Trinidad and tute for Healthcare Improvement ment worldwide. global health experts. Tobago & Grenada prime ministers

QNA Al Kawairi presented his State of Qatar and his eagerness electoral programme under the to develop relations between renadian Prime Minister theme "Towards a New Start for both nations in investment, Keith Mitchell met with Unesco", his vision for the devel- tourism and education and GH E Dr Hamad bin opment of the organisation, expressed his interest to know Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Cultural while valued the support of the more about Qatar's develop- Adviser at the Emiri Diwan and Caribbean countries. ment. He also confirmed the Qatar's candidate for the post of Prime Minister of the support of the Caribbean coun- director-general at the United Republic of Trinidad and Tobago tries to the Qatari candidate Nations Educational, Scientific Keith Rowley met with the concluding that Al Kuwari is eli- and Cultural Organisation Qatari candidate in the capital, gible for the position due to his (Unesco) as part of the candi- Port of Spain, where he thor- expertise. date's plans to visit several oughly explained his vision for The meeting was attended countries, including the Carib- the position. by Trinidad and Tobago's Min- bean and South American The prime minister ister of Foreign Affairs Dennis countries. expressed his admiration for the Moses. Al Meera to set up store at MDD The Peninsula

sheireb Properties and Al Meera Consumer MGoods Company signed a partnership that will bring the country’s leading retail brand to Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD). The new Al Meera store will be located at Galleria Mall which forms a major part of the retail Sheikh Thani bin Thamer Al Thani and Abdulla Hassan Al offering at Msheireb Downtown Doha.and consist of 100 shops Mehshadi signing the agreement. in the vibrant mixed-use com- munity development at said: " Al Meera’s Msheireb country’s spirit. On this premise, Msheireb Downtown Doha, that Branch is a new, unique vision the Msheireb branch design is has been meticulously planned of its kind. It is the fruition of an attractive blend of the mod- to revitalise Doha’s central years of experience that Al ern Qatari architectural art’s urban area. The Galleria will Meera has gained in the model adherence to the authenticity of comprise an anchor supermar- design of the company’s com- Qatari culture, as well as its ket (Al Meera), multi and a six mercial branches, which goes openness to contemporary art screen cinema. in harmony with the nature of trends." The mall will also feature the place and its surroundings. Abdulla Hassan Al Meh- dedicated entertainment zone This is the reason behind the shadi, Chief Executive Officer at for children, involving both edu- design being influenced by the Msheireb Properties, said, “We cational and physical activities characteristics of the ‘Msheireb are extremely pleased to wel- where children of all ages will Downtown Doha’ project, as one come Al Meera to Msheireb be entertained in a safe and of the most important architec- Downtown Doha. We believe friendly environment. tural projects in Qatar, which the together we can offer visitors Commenting on the occa- concerned authorities were and residents an unrivalled sion, Sheikh Thani bin Thamer keen on it being a mirror that experience that seamlessly con- Al Thani Chairman of Al Meera, reflects the essence of the nects work, life and play." 04 HOME MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017

Minister meets Kazakh official Workshop Conservation on 'health behaviours' bid for rare The Peninsula AS part of its efforts to pro- mote health behaviours, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recently organised a desert plant regional workshop on effec- tive communication The Peninsula programme for behavioural Green initiative results. n endangered species Some 1,000 seedlings The event on “Integrated of a local plant will get of the tree will be Communication Methodology a new life with conser- planted in a fenced for Health Behaviour promo- vation initiative area in Al Shamal, so as tion in Health and Social launched by the Min- to protect the plants. Development Fields” was istryA of Municipality and held in cooperation with Environment. World Health Organisation Prosopis cineraria, commonly biodiversity and conservation (WHO) and COMBI Institute known as the ‘ghaf’ tree, is threat- research, had found places suita- in the United States of Amer- ened with extinction and is found ble to grow Ghaf in large numbers. ica. Behavioural results are at just two sites in the country in Currently, the plant is found Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met yesterday the primary end-goals of the wild, according to ministry mainly in two areas in the north with Kazakhstan's Special Envoy for Middle East and Africa, Baghdad Amreyev, health and social develop- officials. of the country, in the wild. The oth- who is also an adviser of Kazakhstan's Prime Minister. They discussed bilateral ment programmes and these The hardy, evergreen species, ers found in houses, parks and relations and the means to enhance them. can be achieved through indigenous to the region, is farms have been imported from effective communication. drought-tolerant and a master at other countries, Ministry officials surviving searing winds and the revealed to the press yesterday. fierce glare of the sun. However, Some 1,000 seedlings of the rampant urbanisation, unchecked tree will be planted in a fenced growth of harmful plants and area in Al Shamal, so as to protect overgrazing are threatening its it. Harmful plants as mesquite, BMW 7 Series courts car enthusiasts survival. which shun the growth of ‘Ghaf’ The tree has several benefits are being removed from the area. The Peninsula notably the reduction of desert This will also help ensure sufficient encroachment and the movement water for the endangered plant. aking place at one of the of sand, as well as the use of seeds The fencing is aimed to prevent most luxurious places in as animal feed, timber in housing encroachment and overgrazing, TThe Pearl-Qatar, Alfardan construction, including small parts so that trees can grow, according Automobiles put on a weekend in cooking fuel and coal produc- to officials. of driving pleasure and opu- tion. The tree is found in extremely The conservation efforts are lence from January 11 to 14. The arid conditions, with rainfall as aimed at sustaining the Qatari Ghaf event gave BMW customers and low as 15 cm annually, but is indic- which is very rare and endangered. aficionados the opportunity to ative of the presence of a deep According to experts, currently, test drive the flagship model of water table. less than 50 endangered trees exist the brand, the BMW 7 Series The Ministry, through various in the country. with a choice of all three vari- ants — the 730Li, 740Li and 750 Li X Drive. Ihab Allam, General Man- ager of Alfardan Automobiles, said: “We are continually look- ing at new and exciting ways to engage with our customers. BMW cars on display at The Pearl-Qatar. This four-day event has been designed to give them the opportunity to experience the the vehicle, offers passengers Drivers and passengers maximum torque of 450 Nm very best in automotive lux- a completely new experience alike can also look forward to at 1380 rpm. BMW Efficient- ury, with the ability to drive in controlling multiple in-car the BMW 7 Series’ Sky Lounge, Dynamics, such as the around the city to immerse functions. a panorama glass roof wel- premium vehicle’s lightweight themselves with the car and Touch Command also coming them to enjoy the day Carbon Core, further enhances the host of technologies it has allows rear passengers the or star-filled night sky, as illu- the on-road performance of to offer while experiencing ability to control in-car info- minated light patterns provide both variants as it ensures that what can only be described as tainment while comfort a luxurious interior light ambi- the car is 130kg lighter than its true driving pleasure.” features, such as the new BMW ence in six colours. predecessor. Also present dur- The main attraction of the 7 Series Vitality Programme, Exuding confidence and ing the event was the BMW 730 event, the BMW 7 Series, brings offers luxurious in-seat mas- power, the BMW 7 Series fea- Li, equipped with TwinPower with it a host of new features sage options. A unique Gesture tures two comprehensively Turbo technology to provide prove that personalised inno- Control function, which offers revised engines: the 6 cylinder dynamic performance and low vation is as crucial as design those inside the vehicle with 740iLi and 8 cylinder 750iLi fuel consumption. The four- and ambience. BMW Con- the option to increase the vol- xDrive — the latter accelerat- cylinder in-line engine comes nectedDrive driver assistance ume of the radio only by ing from 0–100 km/h in just with two-litre, accelerating features, including the intui- gesturing at the screen, is also 4.4 seconds at 450 hp, and the from 0–100 km/h in just 6.3 tive Touch Command: a 7-inch one of the new technology 6 cylinder equivalent, offering seconds with a maximum tablet positioned in the rear of features. an impressive 326hp, with a torque of 400 Nm.

The new mosque has a capacity of 977 worshippers. New mosque opens in New Al Rayyan

The Peninsula

he Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has opened a new mosque with a capacity of 977 worshippers in New TAl Rayyan area. The new mosque is a part of the project of the Ministry to build new mosques and expand the existing one to meet the growing demands of facilities for worship. The move aims at keeping pace with the increasing pop- ulation of the country. The new mosque (No 300) comprises main area for prayers with a capacity of 413 worshipers, another area for 54 women worshippers. The mezzanine floor can accommodate another 510 worshippers. The new mosque has other necessary facilities. MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017 HOME 05 Over 6,000 take part in Al Dana Green Run

The Peninsula fitness enthusiasts from across the city CEO of Doha Bank. This season’s event turned out in droves to support the was also the venue for the 9th and 10th he streets of Aspire Park turned event and be part of the pulsing com- monthly draws of the 2016 campaign into a bobbing mass of colour on munity atmosphere the Green Run so for Al Dana Savings Scheme, Qatar’s TSaturday afternoon as more than uniquely offers. Chief guests in attend- most popular savings account. Held 6,000 people came together to show ance included Talal Mansour Al Abdulla, amidst a whirl of bustling excitement, their support for the environment by General Secretary Athletic Federations, the draws witnessed two more Doha taking part in the 12th Al Dana Green Olympic Committee, Abdulla Al Khater, Bank customers — Hisham Sarhan and Run, setting a new attendance record Head of Events in Aspire Logistics and Santush Kumar Debnath — joining the in the process. Ali Al Mansouri, Khalifa Stadium growing ranks of Al Dana millionaires. Organised by Doha Bank and sup- Manager. Both millionaires learned about their ported by Qatar Olympic Committee, "I would like to thank personally all astonishing prize through a live phone Qatar Red Crescent, Public Security, the Doha residents who came out in call from Al Dana Green Run’s stage Traffic police and Aspire Academy, the support of this great initiative organ- courtesy of Dr Seetharaman, while other annual run is one of the most keenly ized with an overarching objective to lucky winners walked away with prizes anticipated community events in Qatar, encourage communities to embrace an ranging from QR2,000 to QR100,000. Dr R Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank, giving away the prize to an Al Dana and excitement levels soared to new active lifestyle and also care for the In total, 110 prizes worth around millionaire. heights this season as families and environment," said Dr R Seetharaman, QAR 2,649,000 were announced. New companies Malabar Gold & Diamonds opens 161st outlet The Peninsula law deadline alabar Gold & Diamonds, the leading jewellery Mretailer across the globe, launched its 161st showroom at extended Hidd, on Lulu Hypermarket's ground floor in Bahrain, thus extending its presence in the term, that is consistent with the country. The grand opening on Leeway for firms strategic directions of the gov- January 11 exhibited the finest The Ministry of ernment to facilitate the act of collection of gold, diamond, plat- Economy and practicing and setting up busi- inum, precious gems and pearl ness, to enhance the resilience jewellery for customers in Commerce has of the national economy and Bahrain. extended the grace enable its competitiveness both The showroom at Hidd was period for another locally and abroad, and improve inaugurated by famous Bolly- six months. The the role of the private sector and wood actor Anil Kapoor in the new grace period its contribution to the economic presence of Shamlal Ahamed will start from development of the country. The MP, Managing Director – Inter- Malabar Gold & Diamonds' new showroom in Hidd, Bahrain, being inaugurated by Bollywood February 2. decision aims at providing all national Operations, Malabar actor Anil Kapoor in the presence of Shamlal Ahamed MP, Managing Director – International means of support and flexibil- Gold & Diamonds; Abdul Salam Operations, and Abdul Salam KP – Group Executive Director. The Peninsula ity for businesses before KP – Group Executive Director, implementing the new Labor Act Malabar Group, guests, media an exquisite collection of gold beautiful jewellery as part of — Indian Heritage Jewellery, he Ministry of Econ- through giving them additional and well wishers. jewellery in 18K, 22K and 24K various brands presented at Mal- Precia — Gem Jewellery and omy and Commerce period of time to amend their The outlets unveil a signifi- alongside diamond, uncut dia- abar Gold & Diamonds’ namely Starlet — Kids Jewellery. has extended the contracts, documents and its cantly large collection of mond and precious gem Ethnix — Handcrafted Designer Malabar Gold & Diamonds grace period for basic regulations in line with the traditional as well as contempo- jewellery handpicked for jew- Jewellery, Era — Uncut Diamond has a strong presence in the Bah- another six months new provisions of the Commer- rary designer jewellery. The new ellery lovers in Bahrain. Malabar Jewellery, Mine — Diamonds rain market having showrooms Tfor companies to comply with cial Companies Law and to showroom showcases group offers exquisite and Unlimited, Divine in Manama, Riffa and Hidd. the new commercial compa- avoid the imposition of sanc- nies law no 11 of 2015. tions on such companies as part The new grace period will of not modifying their conditions MEC recalls start from February 2. The within the specified time period extension came following the which will raise the confidence Nissan Urvan decision of the Minister of level of the business environ- Economy and Commerce No. ment in the country and will The Peninsula (485) for the year 2016 issued strengthen the partnership with on December, 26, 2016 to the private sector, thus achiev- THE Ministry of Economy and extend the grace period for the ing the Qatar National Vision Commerce, in collaboration companies to upgrade them- 2030, that comprises a compet- with Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana selves as per provisions of new itive, diverse and sustainable Company, dealer of Nissan Commercial Companies Law. economy. vehicles in Qatar, has The Council of Ministers The new Commercial Com- announced the recall of Nis- had approved this decision dur- panies Law has granted the san Urvan model year ing the ordinary meeting No. existing businesses in the state 2013-2016 over the possibil- (22) for the year 2016 that was before the law was passed six ity of oil leak from rear axle held on June 1, 2016 to extend months to adjust their situation oil seal. The Ministry said the the grace period, said a in accordance with its terms, recall campaign comes within statement. from the date of its application the framework of its ongoing The decision to extend the which ended on February 7, efforts to protect grace period comes to a third 2017. consumers.

Meet discusses food, energy & water connection The Peninsula

TEXAS A&M University (TAMUQ) at Qatar hosted experts from around the world recently for the annual QAFCO – Texas A&M University at Qatar Confer- ence 2017. This year’s conference on January 12, focused on the interconnec- tion of food, energy and water. The demand for fresh water, food and energy increases with population growth, economic and tech- nological development, and climate change. This nexus will become even more critical for coun- tries like Qatar where fresh water is scarce and oil and gas revenues must be consumed to generate energy for sea water desalination. Sixteen experts from around the world addressed these synergies and trade-offs between water and energy use and food. 06 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017 Bahrain executes three over policemen's deaths

Dubai punishment against Abbas Al Arab island. The last similar case influence, a charge Tehran year escalated a crackdown on heavy handed. Activists warned Reuters Samea, 27, Sami Mushaima, 42, involving a Shia Bahraini denies. State news agency BNA its Shia critics by imprisoning a the move would undermine and Ali Al Singace, 21, found occurred in 1996. said the men were shot and killed top rights campaigner, shutter- security. ahrain yesterday executed guilty of killing one Emirati and British Foreign Secretary in the presence of a judge, doc- ing the main opposition block “This is a black day in Bah- three men convicted of two Bahraini police officers. Boris Johnson said in a statement tor and a cleric. and revoking the community’s rain’s history. It is the most Bkilling three policemen in Activists in Bahrain reacted that Britain opposes the death Images posted by Bahraini spiritual leader of his heinous crime committed by a 2014 bomb attack, the first such with rage to the move, calling it penalty and he “raised the issue activists on social media after the citizenship. the government. This act is a executions in over two a “black day” and posting images with the Bahraini news showed demonstrators It has drawn criticism security threat to Bahrain and decades. of protestors clashing with police Government.” blocking roads with burning tires throughout from the interna- the entire region,” said Sayed The executions came less on social media. Bahrain says Shia neighbour and throwing rocks at police who tional community, including Ahmed Alwadaei of the Bah- than a week after the country’s Such executions are Iran is supporting violence in the responded with tear gas in sev- from governments and rights rain Institute for Rights and highest court confirmed the extremely rare in the small Gulf kingdom in a bid to widen its eral Shia villages. Authorities last groups who accuse it of being too Democracy. Iraqi forces sweep Mosul Paris meet: France slams University for remaining Trump's Mideast moves militants Paris Reuters AFP

BAGHDAD: Iraqi special rance warned yester- forces swept through the day of "serious campus of Mosul Univer- consequences" if Don- sity to clear it of any ald Trump moves to remaining Islamic State recognise Jerusalem as militants after taking full FIsrael's capital as representa- control of the area, a tives from 70 countries met in spokesman said. Paris to try to revive stalled A military statement Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts. said troops had also taken Neither Israel nor the Pal- another area along the estinians are represented at the eastern bank of the Tigris conference, which Israeli Prime river, in gains that are Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bringing more of Islamic dismissed as "futile". State’s last major strong- Opening the meeting, hold in the country under French Foreign Minister Jean- Iraqi forces’ control. Marc Ayrault said the US Secretary of State John Kerry with European Union Foreign Counter-terrorism international community Policy Chief Federica Mogherini and other foreign ministers service (CTS) troops wanted to "forcefully reiterate and representatives during the Mideast peace conference in drove the jihadists back that the two-state solution is the Paris, France, yesterday. inside the strategically only solution possible" to the located university com- seven-decade-old conflict. negotiator Saeb Erekat, in a text the French and the Palestinians plex and seized clusters He also warned the US pres- message, urged Trump to “stand with the aim of imposing upon of buildings including ident-elect against relocating with the international commu- Israel conditions that are incom- colleges on Saturday, a the American embassy from Tel nity” for a peaceful settlement patible with our national needs," crucial advance towards Aviv to Jerusalem, in a move to of the conflict. he told a weekly cabinet recapturing all areas of recognise the contested city as Both Netanyahu and Pales- meeting. Mosul east of the river. Israel's capital. Ayrault said such tinian President Mahmoud The Paris conference is a move, which Trump promised Abbas have been invited to meet mainly symbolic, but comes at during campaigning, would with President Francois Hol- a crucial juncture for the Mid- have "extremely serious conse- lande to discuss the conclusions dle East, five days before Trump quences" and predicted the of the Paris talks. is sworn in as US president. incoming US leader would find Abbas, who has backed the Israel, which insists only it impossible to implement. conference, is expected to travel direct talks with the Palestini- "When you are president of to Paris in the coming weeks but ans can bring peace, fears the the United States, you cannot Netanyahu has rejected the meeting could produce meas- take such a stubborn and such offer, French diplomats said. ures that could be put to the a unilateral view on this issue. The Israeli premier yester- Security Council before Trump You have to try to create the day again heaped criticism on takes over. The French have conditions for peace," he told the conference, calling it "futile." stressed they have no such France 3 TV. Chief Palestinian "It was coordinated between plans. Jordan King reshuffles govt

AMMAN: Jordan’s King Abdullah swore in a new government following a reshuffle but retained Hani Mulki as prime minister, state television reported. The second reshuffle since Mulki was appointed last May was intended to give him more scope for eco- nomic reforms and to tackle security threats, officials said. President-elect of Gambia in Senegal

DAKAR: Senegal is host- ing Gambia's president-elect Adama Barrow until his January 19 inauguration, as the small West African coun- try's longtime leader refuses to step down peacefully despite media- tion efforts and calls from regional and international leaders. Sudan extends truce to six months

KHARTOUM: Sudan said yesterday it would extend a unilateral cease- fire in fighting with rebels in the country’s warring regions to six months, state news agency Suna reported. MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017 ASIA 07 Abe and Widodo discuss maritime security Indonesia Deepening ties rail line. He did not give AP specifics. Abe's four-nation Abe's trip is largely aimed at apan and Indonesia yester- tour of Asia is aimed taking a leadership role in pro- day affirmed a deepening of at taking leadership moting regional cooperation to economic and political ties role in promoting counter Beijing at a time of during a visit by Japanese regional cooperation increased tension between China JPrime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the US and uncertainty about to counter Beijing at who is using a four-nation tour a time of increased the policies of the incoming Don- of Asia to underscore his govern- tension between ald Trump administration. ment's role in countering China's With the tour, Tokyo wants China and the US. assertiveness in the South China to send a message that its respect Sea. Tokyo wants to send for a rules-based international After meeting with Abe, a message that its system, in contrast to China's Indonesian President Joko respect for a rules- more aggressive behavior in the "Jokowi" Widodo said the based international South China Sea, where it has increase in Japanese investment system, in contrast to vast territorial claims, makes it in Indonesia, Southeast Asia's the best partner for Southeast China's more largest economy, has been "very Asian countries. aggressive behaviour significant," more than doubling The trip has included two of to $4.5bn in January-September in South China Sea. America's main allies in the of last year. region, Australia and the Philip- He said the countries agreed pines, where Philippine that their defence and foreign said there were agreements on President Rodrigo Duterte's hos- ministers will meet in Indonesia development of a deep-sea port tility to the US has raised doubts Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) shakes hands with Indonesia's President Joko Widodo this year under a new forum they and the Masela gas field in Indo- about its commitment to the US established in 2015 to increase nesia, and for preliminary alliance that Japan is a crucial after giving a statement to the media following their meeting at the presidential palace in maritime cooperation. Jokowi discussions of a Jakarta-Surabaya part of. Bogor, yesterday. LatAm trip put Taiwan on global stage: Tsai Decision on Samsung

Taipei China” policy. Under the nearly Central America. “We also his election. It was the first time chief’s arrest today Reuters four-decade old policy, the grasped the opportunity during a US president or president-elect United States has acknowledged our short transit time in the had spoken to Taiwan’s leader Seoul of dollars to secure backing aiwan President Tsai Ing- China’s position that there is only United States to visit industries since the “one China” policy was Anatolia for a merger in 2015 through wen said yesterday her trip one China and Taiwan is part of and talk with important people established in 1979. a now detained presidential Tto Central American allies China. It has formal ties with in America,” Tsai said. After attacking China repeat- outh Korean investigators confidante, Choi Soon-sil. and transit stops in the United China rather than the island of US officials had said Tsai’s edly during the election said yesterday they will “We plan to make a deci- States had elevated the island’s Taiwan, which China sees as a transit stops were based on long- campaign, Trump has continued Scome to a decision within sion on whether to seek the international profile, as China hit breakaway province to be reuni- standing US practice and Tsai’s to criticise China in Twitter mes- 24 hours on whether to arrest warrant before a regular press back at US President-elect Don- fied with the mainland one day. office had characterized her sages over its alleged currency Samsung Vice-Chairman Lee briefing today,” a probe team ald Trump for his remarks on the “Our first objective (of this meetings on US soil as private manipulation, for its military Jae-yong. Lee is caught up in spokesperson said . Investi- “one China” policy. trip), was to consolidate our state and unofficial. The visit came moves in the South China Sea, a wide-ranging scandal that gators had anticipated Beijing was also upset that friendships and allow Taiwan to amidst mounting controversy and for not doing enough to led to President Park Geun- reaching an outcome over the Tsai was allowed to stop over in walk on the international stage,” over Trump’s remarks about restrain North Korea’s nuclear hye’s impeachment on weekend, and the delay may the United States on the arrival Tsai said at Taiwan’s interna- Taiwan. and missile programmes. December 9 -- the powerful reflect concerns that the Sam- and departure legs of her trip to tional airport upon arrival on China had already been furi- On her way to Central Amer- business figure underwent an sung chief’s arrest could have Central America the past two Sunday night. ous over Trump’s call last ica, Tsai met with senior overnight interrogation last negative consequences for weekends, which it saw as a She said she had bilateral December with President Tsai, Republican lawmakers in week on suspicions that his South Korea’s sluggish potential breach of the “one talks with four heads of state in who was congratulating him on Houston. company paid tens of millions economy.

NEWS BYTES Japan aborts Thaad deployment appropriate: Ban mini-rocket SEOUL: Former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, who is mission shortly expected to run for president of South Korea, said yesterday it is appropriate for the country to be the site of a US anti-missile after lift-off system that is due to be deployed later this year. "Since the reality is the Korean peninsula is in a quasi-war- Tokyo like state, such action made by the government is appropriate," AFP Ban was quoted by South Korea's (Yonhap) News Agency as saying. Ban said he "understands Thaad deployment is made as apan's space agency yester- a defensive measure, as ultimately North Korea is developing day aborted a mission to nuclear missiles and accumulating ballistic missile technology," Juse a mini-rocket to send a he was quoted as telling reporters at the memorial for the 2010 satellite into orbit after the sinking of a navy ship that South Korea blames on the North. spacecraft stopped sending data to ground control shortly Taiwan leader opens Twitter account after liftoff. The SS-520 rocket, which SAN FRANCISCO: Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, carving a stands around the size of a careful diplomatic path on her stopovers in the United States, power pole, lifted off at visited the headquarters of micro-messaging service Twitter 8:33am (2333 GMT) into a Inc on Saturday and created a new account. A source said she clear sky at the Uchinoura opened a Twitter account in English. Tsai already has a Chi- Space Centre in southern nese language account which she has not used in a few years. Kagoshima Prefecture. Another source said Tsai met with Twitter General Counsel The rocket, regarded as Vijaya Gadde and that CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey was not one of the smallest units in the present. Pictures of the visit posted online showed the president world capable of sending sat- reactivating her presence on the messaging service and posing ellites into the space, was in front of the famous photo that crashed Twitter - 2014 Oscars carrying the three-kilo- host Ellen DeGeneres’ “selfie” with top Hollywood celebrities. gramme (6.6 pound) "TRICOM-1" observation Thailand flood toll 40; more rains likely satellite. But officials aborted the BANGKOK: Thailand faces more hardship from unseasonable mission within minutes of floods that have killed 40 people in its south, with more rain takeoff after the space agency expected in the major rubber-producing and tourist region stopped receiving data from in coming days, a top disaster agency official said yesterday. the rocket after the launch. Persistent heavy rain well into what should be the dry sea- Local media said data son has triggered floods across the south, cutting road and rail stopped arriving 20 seconds links, threatening crops and affecting about 1.6 million people, after liftoff. "The first stage of said Chatchai Promlert, head of the Disaster Prevention and the rocket's flight went as Mitigation Department. “The worst isn’t over. We’re expect- planned. However, we were ing more rain this week while clean-up efforts are underway unable to receive [data] from in places where the waters have subsided,” Chatchai said. the unit as it continued the flight," the agency said in a Over a million jobless in South Korea statement. The rocket later fell back SEOUL: The number of unemployed people in South Korea to earth, landing within a des- surpassed the one million mark in 2016, Statistics Korea said ignated safety area in waters yesterday. It is the first time since 2000 that the number of off the coast of southeast unemployed reaches that figure. Of those one million, 13.1% Japan, according to officials. were looking for jobs for six months. This is the highest per- The country's space centage since 2002 when it reached 13.8%. Another 9,000 has agency is expected to provide been looking for a job for a full year. Since 2008, the number a more detailed debrief about of people looking for jobs for six months has swung between the nature of the mishap as 6-9%, until it hit double digits in 2015. more information becomes available. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL Sanctions relief he US decision to lift economic sanctions imposed on Sudan represents a huge victory for Sudan’s efforts to end a blockade that has crippled the country for years. Washington said on Friday that Tit would lift a 20-year-old trade embargo against Sudan, unfreeze its assets and remove financial Frustrations rise in Damascus sanctions in appreciation of Khartoum’s cooperation in fighting Islamic State and other groups. The deal between the two countries speaks of the astuteness and determination of the as water pipes run dry government of President Omar Al-Bashir whose officials worked for months, away from the media glare, to hammer out a deal. Sudanese officials government shelling had a lack of washing water had left him were able to convince US about the actions their Louisa Loveluck killed at least 12 displaced wearing the same clothes all week. country was taking to address the concerns raised & Suzan Haidamous people taking shelter in a After more than five years of conflict, by Washington, especially on issues like human The Washington Post nearby banquet hall. As the opposition groups have been bombed to rights, and the Obama administration reciprocated crisis builds, Damascus capitulation across much of the country, by lifting the sanctions. According to Sudan Foreign authorities have issued leveling neighborhoods in once-densely Minister Ibrahim Ghandour, the sanctions relief is strict regulations on populated urban areas and spurring the the result of six months of secret meetings held in The guns have fallen silent near Syr- remaining water stocks, mostly from worst refugee crisis since World War II. Khartoum on issues ranging from combating the ia’s capital, but war still shapes the boreholes or distributed by private Control of Syria’s natural resources, Lord’s Resistance Army to peace in South Sudan rhythm of life. First it was the price of trucks - leaving families with only a few particularly in the energy and agricul- and the country’s own warring regions, such as food, which has risen steadily over the hours of access every two or three days. tural sectors, will be vital if the Darfur. The head of Sudan’s powerful National years as the fighting spread to nearby Those with money have turned to pri- government is to rebuild the territory it Tfarmlands. Then came daily blackouts, affect- vate distributors, a system in which ends up controlling. Oil output has dwin- Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Mohammed Atta al-Mawla, said he had met the CIA ing poor areas disproportionately and leaving neither price nor quality are regulated. dled throughout Syria’s war, first as a chief “twice since October 2015” and his country most reliant on generators. But for many in Others have turned to DIY. Rain is result of international sanctions and Damascus, the loss of drinking water last month collected in pots, pans and even satellite then as oil fields fell into the hands of the “has been cooperating was hardest to take, underscoring as it did the dishes. In a video posted to Facebook last Islamic State or Kurdish groups. and coordinating with government’s fragile hold on its most impor- week, a woman is seen washing dishes In a research note published last the US since before tant resources as the more than five-year-old with a faucet fashioned from a bottle. week, Fabrice Balance, a visiting fellow at 2000 in the struggle war turns in its favor. “We Syrians, we always have a way,” she the Washington Institute, said recapturing The US decision to against terrorism.” lift sanctions on Three weeks into the crisis, officials said said. “You switch off the tap, we create a that region would be “indispensable” if The détente opens a this weekend that repairs have begun on the tap. You take away water, we find water.” Assad wants to refill state coffers and win Sudan will help new chapter in facility that provided most of the capital’s The International Committee of the economic independence from his Russian improve Sudan’s Sudan-US relations, and water before it was damaged in heavy fight- Red Cross said it is supporting distribu- and Iranian backers. economy which it will help lift Sudan’s ing in late December. But activists reported tion of water to hospitals, schools and In Damascus on Friday, one teacher economy from the has suffered for renewed government shelling on the area bakeries across the capital. “Everyone is was newly arrived from the shattered doldrums. The yesterday that left 12 people dead and is being very cautious about their con- former opposition stronghold of eastern years. opportunities which the threatening the progress of repairs. sumption now. You never know if what Aleppo. She said her parents had begged deal will open up are According to the United Nations, at least 4 you have left will be the last,” said Ingy her for months to join them in the capital, unlimited. It will boost million people in and around Damascus are Sedky, a spokeswoman. reuniting the family in a middle-class trade, help attract now cut off from the water grid after “deliber- On WhatsApp and Facebook, resi- neighborhood where she had played dur- foreign investment and ate targeting resulting in the damaged dents shared cartoons to express their ing childhood vacations. will “open the way for us to use all sorts of currency, infrastructure. “ Photographs shared on social annoyance: pictures of men saving water Reached on WhatsApp and speaking on specially the US dollar”, for trade transactions, media from the Damascus suburbs show resi- by showering stacked on each others’ the condition of anonymity out of fear for according to Finance Minister Badreddin Mahmud. dents crowding around water trucks. Many shoulders, or of bathroom signs encour- her safety, the woman said the area was The change of administration in Washington will have gone from near-daily showers to weekly aging men and women to shower “unrecognisable” from family photographs. not change the situation because, according to baths — sometimes in public parks — and doc- together. And though many blame rebel “We came here for stability when our Sudanese officials, the Obama team’s decision tors say gastric illnesses are on the rise among forces for the damage, frustration with homes became unlivable, but what is this? comes with the full approval of the incoming Trump children and the elderly sickened by unclean the government’s inability to secure There are people out on the streets hunting administration. The US decision also shows that it food and dishes. For Terez, 40, whose accesso- basic services appears to be rising. water. There is nothing in our taps,” she was wrong to accuse Sudan of abetting terrorism, ries business closed after the economy plunged, “Now there is indignation against the said.“We opposed the government because committing excesses or any kind of violation. The it means worrying, about “everything.” state because they’re delaying a military we thought we could win, and we lost. government had only acted in the interest of the “The stresses are accelerating,” she said, solution,” said Ammar Ismaiel, a We’re here because finally, after all these country in times of crises. speaking by phone from Damascus. She 43-year-old systems engineer who said years, we need a state to look after us.” Khartoum must seize the new opportunities spoke on the condition that her family name and work towards an improvement in relations not be used, to avoid government repercus- with the US, and implement policies and reforms to sions. “I have to worry about how to manage attract foreign investment. The government has our water supply. I have to worry about already started work in this regard. The finance charging my phone when we have electricity. minister said Khartoum would review its monetary I even have to worry about doing all the housework in the few hours before the power and exchange rate policies to lure foreign goes out.” Most people still living in Syria are investment. Several economic sectors stand to in areas held by the Assad government and its benefit from an easing of the sanctions. allies. Although two recent suicide attacks have revived fears that insurgent bombings will resume in Damascus, the area is largely free of rebel shelling for the first time in years. Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al- QUOTE OF THE DAY Assad have crushed most of the province’s armed opposition. All sides in Syria’s war have fought hard to control resources that will help them govern An Japan will actively informal agreement with rebel groups in the valley of Wadi Barada left a key spring there encourage cooperation functioning for years, but it was badly damaged in maritime last month when pro-government forced security and the attempted to wrest back control of the facility. development of the Syrian officials accused the rebels of caus- ing the damage. Local residents said it was the remote islands in government, claiming Syrian army helicop- Indonesia. ters had dropped barrel bombs on the main Ain al-Fijah water facility, leaving its pump- ing system out of service. The progress of repairs was unclear yesteday, as activists in People fill plastic containers with water provided by the Syrian Arab Red Shinzo Abe Wadi Barada and with the Syrian Observatory Japanese Prime Minister for Human Rights monitoring group said Crescent in Damascus. MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017 OPINION 09 Immigration should not divide black and Latinx people

Jason Nichols Al Jazeera

nly days away from the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States, much of the discourse of his incoming administration has surrounded the building of a wall between the US Oand its longtime ally, Mexico. Trump made undocumented immigration a cor- nerstone of his campaign, one that relied heavily on the belief that large numbers of people were crossing the US border from Mexico and Central America and were committing crimes and suppressing wages for the American worker. What is ignored is that unauthorised immigration has steadily declined since reaching a peak in 2007. The US is risking ruining diplomatic relations with its neighbour and ally, Mexico, as well as spending bil- lions in taxpayer money, for essentially a non-issue. Still, Trump made the case that “no group has been more economically harmed by illegal immigra- tion than African Americans”. He toured around the country with Jamiel Shaw, a California man who lost his young teenage son to violence perpetrated by an undocumented immi- People march towards Trump Tower during a protest organised by the New York Immigration Coalition against President-elect Donald grant. It was a clear wedge issue for Trump as he Trump in New York. entered into a contentious relationship with Spanish- language media over his incendiary comments about undocumented immigration from an international US border have often been thoroughly exploited and immigrant detention, which the Mexican immigrants. perspective would show that it is not simply a brown drained of economic resources. Some of the people American Civil Liberties Union Non-Latinx black and Latinx (a gender-inclusive phenomenon. Black people have historically crossed taking this route come from other nations in Africa, has called “brutal and term referring to people of Latin American descent) socially constructed borders to improve their life including Sudan, Burkina Faso, Congo, Nigeria, and inhumane”. people have at times had a tenuous relationship prospects, and this continues today. Cameroon. throughout the Americas. The Dominican Republic The humane and fair treatment of immigrants In fact, many of the Haitians pretend to be Con- The writer is a professor, columnist and Haiti have a long history of strife over citizen- should be at the forefront of both black (non-Latinx) golese because they are both francophone and they and current Editor-in-Chief of Words ship, nationality, and jobs. There is a minority of and Latinx people’s agendas and should be a subject believe continental Africans receive better treatment Beats & Life: The Global Journal of African Americans who view Latinx immigrants as that unifies them. and are more difficult to deport. The Obama admin- Hip-Hop Culture, the first peer interlopers who benefit from a civil rights legacy While the estimated 11 million undocumented istration changed its policy regarding Haitians, reviewed journal of Hip Hop Studies. stained with the blood of black freedom fighters. immigrants in the United States have been the sub- vowing to deport any of them without documents. Latinx people in turn carry anti-black sentiments jects of constant debate, often left out of the Immigrant detention in the United States is also a with them and view blacks as lazy and prone to discourse are the 400,000 of themwho are black civil rights issue. A report by the Southern Poverty criminality. These cultural misunderstandings open (non-Latinx). Law Center states that the conditions in detention the door for both groups to be blinded by racism, Further, the Underground Railroad’s purpose centres have resulted in deaths and detainees allege xenophobia, and ultra-nationalism by the powers was to cross socially constructed borders in search of that there have been beatings. Immigrant detention that be in nations like the US. Black and brown inter- better lives for those who were persecuted. fits with the framework of the larger prison industrial ests are inextricably linked, even on the issue of The Mason-Dixon line was a border that sepa- complex which preys upon disadvantaged Black and immigration. rated slave states from free ones, but with the brown people. D-RING ROAD Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, some slaves had to travel POST BOX: 3488 Black immigration further north and cross a national border into Can- Unnecessary tensions Though the vast majority of African American ada. Slaves in Texas crossed the border into Mexico Solutions to our immigration issues are multifac- DOHA - QATAR voters turned their backs on Trump, he still garnered where they were free and protected from slave eted and multicultural. It is an international issue [email protected] a greater percentage of black votes than Mitt Rom- catchers. This history of cooperation between black that must be solved through cooperation between ney did in 2012. Some would attribute this to his and brown is often lost as the media and politicians nations not the building of walls. promises to bring jobs “back” to the country, which is propagate a narrative of competition over The current myopic view of unauthorised immi- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE closely tied to his hardline immigration policy. employment. gration leads to unnecessary tension between black TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 However, a closer look at The face of contemporary undocumented immi- and brown people, which allows for them to be easily FAX: +974 4455 7758 gration is quickly shifting. A number of Haitians divided by their common political adversaries. travelled to Brazil after the 2010 earthquake, and Blacks in the US must understand that their ancestral MANAGING EDITOR Blacks in the US must were provided with humanitarian visas by the Bra- brethren, members of the non-Latinx African TEL: 4462 7505 zilian government, which was in need of workers at diaspora, are greatly affected by US immigration understand that their the time. policy. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR ancestral brethren, members As the Brazilian economy took a turn for the Latinx people need to fully understand that their TEL: 4455 7769 of the non-Latinx African worst, the Haitian migrants embarked on a perilous futures are tied to Africa and Haiti. Just as our coop- journey north into Central America. They faced ban- eration led to freedom for many along the Mexican diaspora, are greatly affected dits, unscrupulous “coyotes”, and detention in border, Black and brown organisations should work LOCAL NEWS SECTION by US immigration policy. unfamiliar countries. Some were stuck in Costa Rica, together to lobby for sensible answers to our immi- TEL: 4455 7743 others in Mexico. The ones who make it close to the gration problems and reform the conditions of BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: 4462 7535

SPORT NEWS SECTION Why India’s move against illicit cash went wrong TEL: 4455 7745 ONLINE SECTION TEL: 4462 7501 years last month as the ban took effect and buyers everything from TV advertising to booze and mobile-phone [email protected] Bloomberg were forced to delay their purchases. top-ups for supporters on Election Day, few politicians are A better strategy would begin by recognising the inclined to question the source or upset potential donors by PUBLIC RELATIONS link between black money and political finance. The getting serious about illicit cash. rules on campaign spending set a limit of 7 million Modi has argued for concurrent state and national TEL: 4455 7613 ndia’s controversial decision to ban rupees (a little over $100,000) per candidate for elections to reduce expenses, and he has urged his [email protected] 500- and 1,000-rupee notes has national races — so low that few take it seriously. own Bharatiya Janata Party to be more open about its backfired. The idea was to root out Candidates routinely spend 10 times more; the 2014 finances. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT “black money” — the profits of politi- elections cost as much as $5 billion (second only to But he could go further. The BJP holds a comforta- TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 cal corruption, tax evasion and what the US spends). ble majority in the lower house of Parliament; a FAX: 4455 7870 Iordinary crime. But efforts to get around This system doesn’t just tolerate black money, it campaign to eliminate black money from politics — a [email protected] the ban have been so effective that those also relies on it. An estimated three-quarters of the sure vote-winner — could help it gain control of the problems may now be harder to solve than money given to India’s six national upper house as well. And the well-funded BJP is better CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT before. parties comes from undisclosed positioned than smaller parties to withstand real TEL: 4455 7857 Prime Minister Narendra Modi donors. reform. [email protected] deserves credit for confronting the issue so Desperate for cash to pay for Parties should be required to disclose the sources boldly — few of his predecessors even of all donations, with money moved digitally rather SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION tried — but he needs to rethink his than in cash. Their books should be checked by third- TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 approach. party auditors. Parties should lose their tax reliefs if FAX: 44557819 Since November, an estimated 97 they don’t open themselves up to scrutiny, and politi- Parties should be required [email protected] percent of the banned notes have to disclose the sources of all cians caught filing false returns should face severe been deposited in banks or exchanged sanctions. for other denominations. Either Indi- donations, with money moved The Election Commission should have the power to ans were hoarding far less illicit cash digitally rather than in cash. Their deregister parties — more than 1,500 of which remain on All thoughts and views than the government believed or they books should be checked by third- the rolls, and thus able to collect “donations,” without con- expressed in these columns found new ways to launder much of party auditors. Parties should testing elections. the money. There’s plenty of evidence Breaking the connection between black money and poli- are those of the writers, not to support the second theory: The lose their tax reliefs if they don’t tics would be only the first step. Simpler taxes and less red of the newspaper. money launderers rose to the open themselves up to scrutiny, tape are also crucial, to reduce the incentives for businesses challenge. and politicians caught filing to operate in the shadows. All correspondence In fact, the ban may have been a bigger false returns should face severe Modi’s campaign in 2014 called for “minimum govern- regarding Views and nuisance for lawful businesses and their ment, maximum governance.” His currency ban went wrong Opinion pages should be customers than it was for the intended tar- sanctions. — but that was a good theme nonetheless, and it’s worth gets. Car sales saw their biggest drop in 16 taking up again. mailed to the [email protected] 10 ASIA MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017

Spanish aid Duterte in bid to halt kidnappings worker freed New order ransom-seeking militants. "You waterway for regional trade. On in Afghanistan can't gain mileage for your Saturday, ransom-seeking Abu Duterte instructed wrongdoing, I will really have Sayyaf gunmen freed a South Kunduz the navy and the you blasted," he said. His advice Korean captain and his Filipino AFP coast guard that "if to potential victims? "So, really, crewman who were abducted there are kidnappers don't allow yourselves to be three months ago from their Spanish employee of and they're trying to kidnapped." cargo ship. The gunmen handed the Red Cross who was escape, bomb them Duterte's remarks reflect the skipper Park Chul-hong and Aabducted in northern all." alarm and desperation of the Glenn Alindajao over to Moro Afghanistan has been Philippines, along with Malay- National Liberation Front rebels, released, the international Duterte's remarks sia and Indonesia, in halting a who turned them over to Phil- charity said yesterday, nearly reflect the alarm and series of ransom kidnappings ippine officials in southern Jolo a month after he was snatched desperation of the primarily by Abu Sayyaf mili- town in predominantly Muslim by gunmen. tants and their allies along a busy Sulu province. Juan Carlos was kid- Philippines in halting napped on December 19 when a series of ransom Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the workers from the charity kidnappings by were travelling between militants. Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship launch at SMX Convention Duterte threatens martial law Center in Davao City, yesterday. Mazar-e-Sharif city and the Manila deteriorate into something volatile Taliban hotbed of Philippines AFP really very virulent, I will Kunduz. Carlos was taken AP "collateral damage." Duterte has He said he instructed the declare martial law if I wanted while three of his colleagues previously stated that he had told navy and the coast guard that "if hilippine President Rod- to. No one will be able to stop were left unharmed. Carlos his Indonesian and Malaysian there are kidnappers and they're rigo Duterte has me," Duterte said. had been returned to their hilippine President counterparts their forces can trying to escape, bomb them all." Pthreatened to impose The 71-year-old former team in Kunduz, but did not Rodrigo Duterte said blast away as they pursue mili- "They say 'hostages.' Sorry, martial rule to prosecute his state prosecutor said the aim say how he was released or he has ordered his tants who abduct sailors in collateral damage," he said in a deadly war on drugs, three would be "to preserve the Fil- who was behind the abduc- troops to bomb waters where the three countries speech to business people in decades after the nation shed ipino people and the youth of tion. "We are relieved and extremists who flee converge and bring their kidnap Davao, his southern dictatorship with a famous this land". Martial rule would grateful that Juan Carlos is Pwith their captives in a bid to victims to the southern Philip- hometown. "People Power" revolt. allow Duterte to use the mil- now back with us, safe and stop a wave of kidnappings at pines. He said in a speech late He said such an approach "If I wanted to, and it (the itary to enforce civilian law sound," Monica Zanarelli, sea, calling the loss of civilian Saturday that he had given the would enable the government to illegal drugs problem) will and detain people. head of the ICRC delegation lives in such an attack same orders to Filipino forces. get even with the in Afghanistan, said.

Bishwa Jitema 'Slaughtered whale found in Japan ship'

Sydney carcass with a tarp when its helicopter whales to be killed for the purposes of AFP approached. "scientific research". The dead whale is the first to be doc- Australia's Environment Minister Josh Japanese ship has been caught umented since the ruling by the Frydenberg said in a statement his gov- with a slaughtered whale in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), said ernment was "deeply disappointed" A Antarctic in defiance of an inter- Sea Shepherd. It has spent more than a Japan had returned to whaling in the national court decision against Tokyo's decade harassing Japanese harpoon ships Southern Ocean this summer. hunts, activist group Sea Shepherd said during the Southern Hemisphere sum- "We will continue our efforts in the yesterday. mer. "The fact that the Japanese crew International Whaling Commission to The conservationist organisation -- went to cover up their harpoons and the strongly oppose commercial whaling and whose two vessels departed Australia dead minke whale on deck just shows so-called 'scientific' whaling, uphold the last month for the Southern Ocean to dis- that they know what they're doing is moratorium on commercial whaling and rupt the hunt -- said it spotted the Nisshin wrong," the captain of Sea Shepherd's promote whale conservation," he added. Maru in the Australian whale sanctuary MY Steve Irwin, Wyanda Lublink, said In 2014 the United Nations' ICJ around the nation's Antarctic territory. in a statement. ordered Tokyo to end the Antarctic hunt, The Japanese fleet set sail on Novem- The news came a day after Japanese saying it found permits issued by Japan ber 18 last year in defiance of a Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met his Aus- were "not for purposes of scientific worldwide moratorium on commercial tralian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull in research". Japan cancelled its 2014-15 whaling and international opposition. Sydney, with their talks focusing on trade hunt after the ruling, but restarted it the An overcrowded train leaves Tongi railway station after the final Sea Shepherd released photographs and defence. Japan is a signatory to the following year under a new programme prayer of "Bishwa Ijtema", the world congregation of Muslims, on the of a dead minke whale on the deck of International Whaling Commission's with a two-thirds cut in the target catch the Nisshin Maru, a factory ship, adding moratorium on whaling in force since number -- saying the fresh plan was gen- banks of the Turag River in Tongi near Dhaka, yesterday. that the vessel's crew covered the 1986. But it exploits a loophole allowing uinely scientific.

E-waste poses threat in Asia: UN 135 Pakistani NEWS BYTES fishermen in 14 teachers kidnapped in Afghanistan Manila management, the increasing the period of the study, accord- AFP volumes are a cause for con- ing to the report. Per capita the Indian jails KABUL:THE Afghan Eduction Ministry yesterday said the cern," said Ruediger Kuehr, the worst-offending economy in the Islamic State terror group has kidnapped 14 teachers from lectronic waste is rising report's co-author and head of region was Hong Kong, with Nangarhar province. sharply across Asia as the UN University's Sustainable each person in the Chinese ter- Islamabad The ministry said the incident took place on Sunday when Ehigher incomes allow hun- Cycles Programme. ritory generating an average of Internews students were busy with exams at the Mesher Mullah Sahib dreds of millions of people to For many years, China and 21.7 kilograms (47.8 pounds) of Madrassa in Kot district. "A group of IS fighters entered the buy smartphones and other some other parts of Asia have e-waste in 2015. t least 135 Pakistani madrassa and left, taking 14 people with them," the minis- gadgets, with serious conse- been a dumping ground for dis- Singapore and Taiwan were fishermen are currently try said. quences for human health and carded electronics from the also big e-waste dumpers, with Adetained in Indian jails, The ministry called on security forces and tribal elders to the environment, according to developed world, recycling the just over 19 kilograms per per- the country’s Foreign Office do "everything possible" to secure the release of the abductees. a UN study released yesterday. waste in often unsafe but ultra- son generated in 2015, according said in its report to the So-called e-waste in Asia cheap backyard factories. But to the study. Cambodia, Vietnam Supreme Court. Seven dead in Afghan roadside bomb has jumped 63 percent in five the report said that in recent and the Philippines were among The report was shared years, the report by the United years, Asia has rapidly emerged the lowest e-waste generators with the top court in compli- JALALABAD: At least seven civilians, including a women Nations University said, as it as a major source of electronic with an average of about one ance with an October 2016 and three children, were killed when their truck hit a road- warned of a need for most waste, due to increasingly afflu- kilogram for each person.Mean- decree, requesting the Foreign side bomb in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, officials said. nations across the region to ent consumers buying items while, improper and illegal Office for a fresh report cat- The villagers were travelling from Pacheer Agam district improve recycling and disposal such as phones, tablets, refrig- e-waste dumping means aloguing the number of to a nearby village in Nangarhar province, Hijratullah Rah- methods. erators, personal computers and increased exposure to extremely fishermen, who are languish- mani district governor of Pacheer Agam said. "For many countries that televisions. China more than toxic chemicals, leading to ing in Indian jails. "Unfortunately, in the blast, seven civilians, including a already lack infrastructure for doubled its own generation of severe health and environment The top court is adjudicat- woman and three children were killed and one wounded," environmentally sound e-waste e-waste between 2010 and 2015, consequences. ing a constitutional petition he said. No one claimed responsibility, but the interior min- filed by the Pakistan Fisher- istry in a statement blamed "enemies of peace and stability," folk Forum (PFF) and the a term Afghan officials use to refer to Taliban. Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research Two Chinese ships join Pakistan navy (PILER), through their coun- sel Advocate Raheel Kamran PAKISTAN: China has handed over two ships to Pakistan Navy Sheikh regarding the repatri- for security of the sea route along multi-billion-dollar China- ation of detained Pakistani Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. fishermen. The petitioners The ships named after two local rivers- Hingol and Badol- contended that pollution was were handed over to Pakistani navy officials at a ceremony gradually lowering water lev- held at Gwadar Port, a key component of CPEC on Saturday. els and with the entry of "The ships will be part of Pakistan navy from today and bigger companies and foreign will make the security of the CPEC stronger," said Vice Admiral fishing vessels, fishermen had Fasihullah Hussaini, Commander of the Pakistan Navy, who to venture into deeper water received the ships from Chinese officials during the ceremony. for a better catch. Two more Chinese ships - Zhob and Dhast - will soon be The petitioner requested delivered to Pakistan navy, Vice Admiral Hussaini added. that steps should be taken to Pakistan has already raised a 10,000 men strong force for obtain information about the security of the $46 billion CPEC which aims to connect China presence of Pakistani fisher- with Pakistan's southwestern Gwadar port through a network men in Indian jails, details of of roads, railways and pipelines to transport cargo, oil and gas. charges against the prisoners, This will provide the shortest route to Chinese cargo destined A worker sorting out electronic waste from discarded computer goods at Scrap Computing and court judgments on the for the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. Trading (SCT) in Shah Alam on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. sentences. MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017 ASIA 11 Death toll rises to 26 in India boat accident New Delhi Deadly tragedy capsized not very far from the AFP shore. Some people managed to The non-motorised swim to safety. But we are fear- he death toll from a wooden boat, ing the number of dead could boat accident in east- packed beyond go up further." Among those to ern India rose to 26 capacity with survive the tragedy was an yesterday, a senior revellers returning 18-month toddler, now recov- official said, warning from a kite festival, ering in a city hospital, Kumar Tof more casualties with rescue capsized in the said. The revellers were on their workers still scouring the Ganges River. way back from the annual waters. Hindu harvest festival of Makar The non-motorised wooden The exact number of Sakranti, marked by kite-flying boat, packed beyond capacity missing could not be and other festivities. with revellers returning from a ascertained due to State Chief Minister Nitish kite festival, capsized Saturday the absence of a Kumar has ordered an inquiry in the Ganges river near Patna, passenger list but into the accident and announced ` the capital of Bihar state. police said the boat compensation of 400,000 The exact number of miss- ($5,900) for the families of the was carrying at least ing could not be ascertained due victims. Prime Minister Naren- 40 people. to the absence of a passenger list dra Modi also condoled the but police said the boat was car- deaths while cancelling an event rying at least 40 people. management authority said. he was scheduled to attend in Rescue workers were work- "Workers pulled out 22 bod- Patna yesterday. Boat accidents ing round the clock looking for ies in the night and yesterday are common in the country, survivors, Anirudh Kumar, joint morning four more bodies were mainly because of overcrowd- Rescue workers search for victims of a boat accident on River Ganges, near Patna, yesterday. secretary of the state disaster recovered," he said. "The boat ing and poor maintenance. Amazon flip-flops bearing China rejects Trump's suggestion on Taiwan

Mahatma's face spark ire Beijing unofficial ties with Taiwan, the Trump told The Wall Street or president-elect has publicly AP self-governing island that Bei- Journal in an interview pub- spoken to Taiwan's leader in New Delhi slippers with face of Mahatma jing considers its territory — a lished Friday that "everything is nearly four decades. Beijing con- AFP Gandhi on it. Respect our lead- hina's foreign ministry yes- status quo that Trump has under negotiation, including 'one siders any reference to a ers and avoid controversy," terday again rejected repeatedly threatened to upend China.'" The interview is the lat- separate Taiwanese head of state lip-flops bearing the face wrote another user Ashok CPresident-elect Donald since winning the November est indication that Trump could to be a grave insult. Trump then of India's independence Tanwar. Trump's suggestion that he might election. shake up the U.S.-China rela- said in a television interview that Ficon Mahatma Gandhi for The flip-flops, which cost use American policy on Taiwan "The government of the Peo- tionship, particularly on Taiwan, he didn't feel "bound by a one- sale on Amazon triggered fresh $16.99, are described on the as a bargaining chip between the ple's Republic of China is the which China considers a core China policy unless we make a outrage yesterday, days after website as "professionally two sides. only legitimate government rep- national interest. deal with China having to do the e-retail giant was forced to printed" and a product that Ministry spokesman Lu Kang resenting China," Lu said in a China was already angered with other things, including stop selling Indian flag door- "will look great and make said that the "one China" policy statement. "That is the fact by Trump's December 2 phone trade." Reince Priebus, Trump's mats. India demanded Amazon someone smile". Amazon could is "non-negotiable." Since rec- acknowledged by the interna- call with Taiwanese President incoming chief of staff, said that apologise for selling "insulting" not immediately be reached for ognizing Beijing in 1979, tional community and no one Tsai Ing-wen, the first time an "there are no plans to change the doormats featuring India's comment yesterday but the Washington has maintained only can change." American president one-China policy." national flag, with Foreign Min- flip-flops appeared to have ister Sushma Swaraj warning been taken down from their of tough action against the site. Amazon has made steady company. inroads in India, with plans to NEWS BYTES Amazon removed the invest $5bn in the country since Chinese linguist Zhou offending products from its entering the cut-throat, rapidly website, but the controversy growing e-commerce market China appoints new Tibet governor had barely died down when in 2013. The Indian foreign Youguang dies at 111 Twitter users began posting ministry said that the country's BEIJING: China has appointed a new governor of Tibet, one screengrabs of the pink Gandhi "Ambassador in Washington of the country’s most politically sensitive regions, state news flip-flops on sale on Amazon has been instructed to convey Beijing dynasty and its revolutionary agency Xinhua reported yesterday. USA. "#Amazon should be to Amazon that while provid- AFP overthrow. He avoided China's A thirty-five-year veteran of the Communist Party, Qi banned in India. They have ing a platform for third party civil war between the Commu- Zhala, 58, has also served as the region’s Communist Party crossed the limit. This is ridic- vendors, they should respect inguist Zhou Youguang, nists and Nationalists by going vice-secretary and the party boss of regional capital Lhasa, ulous!" Mayank Parmar posted Indian sensitivities and senti- the man who helped to work for a Chinese bank on according to his resume, published by party mouthpiece the yesterday. ments," said spokesman Vikas Linvent the Pinyin system Wall Street, twice meeting People’s Daily. He replaces Luosang Jiangcun who was named "#Amazon must rollback its Swarup. used for writing Chinese world- Albert Einstein while visiting secretary of the region’s National People’s Congress in the wide before becoming an friends at Princeton. same Xinhua announcement. outspoken critic of the commu- But following the Commu- nist government died on nist victory in 1949, Zhou Six women dead in India stampede Saturday in Beijing. He was 111. returned home to teach eco- Congested waterfront Zhou, who was probably Chi- nomics and became a close KOLKATA: A stampede in eastern India killed six women yes- na's oldest dissenter, died on associate of the party's number terday as devotees returning from a religious festival rushed Saturday at his house in the two, Zhou Enlai. to get onto a jetty, a minister said. Some 1.5 million people country's capital, a day after He was attracted to Mao had assembled at Gangasagar in West Bengal state to take a having celebrated his 111th Zedong's Communists because holy dip in the river on the occasion of the Hindu harvest fes- birthday, state media said. "He "at that time they promoted tival of Makar Sakranti. lived through many eras and themselves as democrats", he The devotees were on their way back from the two-day helped enlighten ordinary peo- wrote in a 2012 autobiography. festival when the stampede broke out, local minister Man- ple," the Communist Party An amateur linguist who had turam Pakhira said. "Six women have died in the stampede mouthpiece the People's Daily taught himself some Esperanto, while they were trying to cross a jetty near Gangasagar," said. Zhou was assigned in 1955 to Pakhira said.Ten others were injured as the pilgrims rushed Zhou is commonly known co-chair a committee tasked to board vessels to reach Kolkata, the state capital, he added. as the "father of Pinyin", a sys- with increasing literacy by tem for transliterating Chinese reforming the Chinese lan- Sri Lanka building mega port city project characters into the Roman guage. He eventually backed a alphabet introduced in the system based on one developed COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is building a mega port city project 1950s and now used by hun- in the Soviet Union, using in its capital Colombo that will transform the country into dreds of millions of language Roman letters to represent pro- an international financial and business hub in the Indian learners in China, as well as nunciation alongside marks to Ocean region in the coming years. The $1.4bn project, which abroad. indicate tone. In recent decades, is currently under-construction near Colombo Harbour, is Sri Sailing boats are seen on Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, Born to an aristocratic fam- Pinyin has become key to the Lanka's largest foreign investment and the port city would be yesterday. ily in 1906, Zhou experienced easy creation of Chinese char- the first of its kind in the South Asian region. the last years of the Qing acters on computers. The project is an investment of China Communications Con- struction Company Limited (CCCC) and has to date employed hundreds of locals. The project is going to create more than 80,000 jobs within the next 20 years, which will benefit Sri Lanka immensely. Myanmar hopes envoy's visit will bring change Bulls lock horns at Nepal festival Myanmar yesterday to probe the situation were killed in attacks by a shad- burned. "We have received hun- TARAKA: The bulls pawed the ground sending a dusty cloud AP in northern Rakhine, where an owy group along the border. The dreds of villagers whose houses into the air before locking horns to a huge cheer from the army crackdown has driven an government and the army have were burned and they are living crowd that had gathered in a makeshift arena in the Hima- uslim villagers in west- estimated 65,000 Muslim eth- rejected the accusations of in our village and they have layan foothills of Nepal. ern Myanmar's troubled nic Rohingya to flee across the abuses and killings, saying nowhere to go," said Kyee Kan The bullfight in the remote village of Taraka, about 76km MRakhine state said yes- border to Bangladesh in the past recently that they have simply Pyin resident Mohammad from Nepal's capital Kathmandu, takes place each year to terday that they hope positive three months. been conducting a "clearance Hussein. mark the end of winter, according to the Hindu calendar. change will result from a UN "We really hope that her visit operation" in the region. Despite living in Myanmar Thousands gathered to watch the fight on Saturday, which envoy's visit to the region, where brings a positive change for Rohingya villagers and activ- for generations, an estimated 1 sees 14 pairs of bulls butt heads, with the winner of each bout soldiers are accused of wide- Rohingya and we hope to gain ists say hundreds of civilians million Rohingya are barred taking home 3,000 rupees ($27) in prize money. spread abuses against minority our human rights," a displaced have been killed, but the number from citizenship in the Buddhist- Unlike its Spanish counterpart, bullfighting in Nepal requires Muslims, including murder, Rohingya man living temporar- cannot be verified because majority nation of 50 million, no matadors as the bulls -- usually buffalo -- fight each other. abuse and the burning of thou- ily in Kyee Kan Pyin village said authorities have limited access and instead live as some of the The bulls are fed a special diet of eggs and lentils to pre- sands of homes. on condition of anonymity due of aid workers and journalists to world's most persecuted people. pare them for the fight -- which comes at a quiet time for the UN Special Rapporteur on to security reasons. areas where the deaths occurred. More than 100,000 Rohingya farming communities of the area when there is little grow- Human Rights Yanghee Lee con- The crackdown began in Recent satellite images showed still live in squalid internal dis- ing in the fields. cluded a three-day visit October after nine policemen thousands of houses were placement camps. 12 EUROPE MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017 Serbia halts nationalist Braving the frost train heading to Kosovo

Belgrade minister for Kosovo affairs, said AFP Tensions rise the renewed service answered Serbian Prime a clear need. Serbian train deco- Minister Aleksandar It would allow majority Ser- rated with the Vucic said he had bian population in Kosovo’s north national colours and ordered it to be “to have better communication plastered with icons halted in southwest with central Serbia”, he said. and a nationalist Serbia, just before “Who has the right to call for sloganA left Belgrade for Kosovo, violation of a fundamental right— the border with the former Serbian province, but that of free movement?” Kosovo, was halted just before the bor- Kosovo, because of though, reacted strongly. “The der as tensions flared. fears it would be introduction of an illegal rail serv- Serbia had styled the train attacked. ice represents interference which as a bid to revive the first rail threatens our sovereignty and service from the Serbian capi- conflict”. “Serbia wants peace... proves Serbia is seeking to desta- tal to the mostly ethnic Serbian but I ask the Albanians of Kos- bilise Kosovo,” said Edita Tahiri, north of Kosovo since a bloody ovo not to try attacking Serbs in who leads Kosovo’s negotiating Participants compete in a regional ice climbing and winter rock climbing championship war 18 years ago that propelled Kosovo because Serbia will not team with Belgrade. at “Stolby” (Rock Pillars) national natural reserve, with temperature at about minus 18 Kosovo towards allow it,” Vucic warned. The central Kosovo govern- degrees Celsius, outside Krasnoyarsk, in Siberia, Russia, yesterday. independence. Although most of Kosovo is ment has no real control over But Kosovo denounced the ethnically Albanian, many Serbs predominantly ethnic Serb north scheme as a provocation and an consider it their native homeland and that region’s borders with attempt to damage its territorial and a cradle of their culture. Serbia. It appealed to the EU to integrity. Its president, Hashim Some 13,000 people were “stop this illegal train”. Thaci, called on “leading offi- killed in the 1998-1999 war, Ill-feeling between Serbia Russia facing increased cyber cials to take the necessary sparked by clashes between and Kosovo is at its worst since measures to stop this train, forces of rump Yugoslav state— the signing of a historic agree- which threatens Kosovo’s Serbia and Montenegro—and ment in 2013, under the aegis of attacks from abroad: Official sovereignty”. Kosovo separatists. The conflict the EU, to normalise relations. Several hours after the train ended when Nato carried out an The train incident coincides left central Belgrade, Serbian air campaign against Serbia. with an attempt by Serbia to Moscow aimed at boosting Donald “The global (Internet) opera- Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic Kosovo unilaterally declared have Kosovo’s former prime Reuters Trump’s electoral chances by tors and providers are widely said he had ordered it to be independence in 2008, but Ser- minister, Ramush Haradinaj, discrediting his Democrat rival used, while the methods they use halted in southwest Serbia, just bia and its ally Russia have yet extradited from France for ussia is facing increased Hillary Clinton in the 2016 pres- constantly evolve,” said Patru- before the border with Kosovo, to recognise its sovereignty. alleged war crimes. cyber attacks from idential campaign. shev, a former head of FSB secret because of fears it would be The train, painted in red, Belgrade accuses Haradinaj Rabroad, a senior security Russia has dismissed the service and a close ally of Putin. attacked. blue and white of Serbian flag, of war crimes against civilians official was quoted yesterday as accusations as a “witch-hunt”. Patrushev accused the US “I decided to stop the train was decorated inside with rep- in the late 1990s, when he led saying, responding to Western “Recently we have noted a administration of President at Raska to avoid a conflict and licas of religious icons from ethnic Albanian insurgents accusations that Moscow is significant increase in attempts Barack Obama of “deliberately save lives,” Vucic told a press Serbian Orthodox monaster- fighting Serbian forces for Kos- aggressively targeting informa- to inflict harm on Russia’s infor- ignoring the fact that main Inter- conference in Belgrade. ies located in Kosovo. It also ovo’s independence. Haradinaj tion networks in the United mational systems from external net servers are based on the He accused the Kosovo gov- bore the inscription: “Kosovo has already been twice tried and States and Europe. forces,” Nikolai Patrushev, sec- territory of the US and are used ernment of sending police units is Serbia”. acquitted at the International US intelligence agencies say retary of Russia’s Security by Washington for intelligence to the north of the territory to At the Belgrade train station, Criminal Tribunal for the former Russian President Vladimir Council, told Rossiiskaya Gazeta and other purposes aimed at “provoke a wide-ranging Marko Djuric, the Serbian Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague. Putin ordered a cyber campaign daily. retaining its global domination”. Spanish ‘charity scam’ parents quizzed on abuse claims Asylum pleas in Austria more Barcelona gives patients brittle hair but, In the dock again Afghanistan. The judge removed Nadia AFP when severe, causes delayed In late November he claimed from the couple’s custody. The than halved development, intellectual disabil- The couple were to need money for a pioneering girl now lives with an aunt. Spanish couple arrested ity, and recurrent infections that summoned after police operation in Houston, Texas, that The case has dominated last year for allegedly using rare ill- can lead to death at an early age. found objectionable could save his daughter’s life. headlines in Spain and raised Aness of their daughter in “There is nothing special pictures of their daughter But a week later the Spanish questions about how many Vienna a charity scam now find them- about the pictures. There is no Nadia Nerea, who they say media outlets El Pais and Hiper- media outlets promoted the Reuters selves investigated for physically exploitative content,” the cou- suffers from a rare genetic textual cast serious doubt on the story without verifying basic abusing the 11-year-old girl. ple’s lawyer Alberto Martin told story. facts. THE number of migrants disorder. Fernando Blanco, a former DJ reporters. The explanation did They reported there was no “As it was a very human applying for asylum in Aus- on the island of Ibiza, and his wife not convince the judge who proof of his travels, and that nei- story, somewhat weepy that cen- tria more than halved in 2016 Margarida Grau were surrounded opened an investigation into the charity in 2009 and, in addition ther the hospital in Houston nor tred on a sick girl, the media and did not breach a cap by reporters as they appeared in couple for “exhibitionism and to channelling requests for dona- its alleged pioneering treatment, ploughed ahead without think- introduced early last year to court in the town of Seu D’Urgell and physical abuse." tions through the media, have even existed. Moreover, the sup- ing,” said Marcel Mauri, a limit new arrivals, the inte- in northwestern region of Catalo- The pair were already under held fundraising events and col- posed genetics specialist who professor of journalism ethics at rior ministry said yesterday. nia for questioning. investigation since December for lected money via a dedicated conceived it, Edward Brown, did Barcelona’s Pompeu Fabra The country of 8.7 million The couple were summoned fraud after police accused them Facebook page. not appear in any official University. was the last stop before Ger- after police found objectionable of spending nearly €600,000 Nadia’s story became a registry. The head of deontological many for many fleeing war pictures of their daughter Nadia ($637,000) of the €918,000 they media sensation thanks to the A judge launched a probe for commission of Federation of and poverty in the Middle Nerea, who they say suffers from had raised for their daughter’s efforts of her father to publicise alleged fraud and Blanco was Press associations, Rafael de East and beyond at the begin- a rare genetic disorder called tri- treatment. the case. detained after he fled a police Mendizabal, agrees. “The neces- ning of the refugee crisis. chothiodystrophy, on a USB They allegedly used the The 52-year-old Blanco, who check near the border with sary precautions were not taken After receiving 90,000 drive that belonged to Blanco. money for their own personal has a prior conviction for fraud, France. to avoid telling lies. This is what requests for asylum in 2015, The couple told the judge the expenses, including a car, told journalists he had travelled After questioning both par- happens due to an excess of gen- it introduced a cap on the pictures were taken to track the clothes, travel and luxury the world in search of a cure, ents, the judge kept the father in erosity, for kindness, for number of asylum seekers it progress of their daughter’s dis- watches. including meeting an eminent jail without the right to bail. The believing that a father can’t do would accept in January 2016. ease, which in mild cases only The couple established a geneticist who lived in a cave in mother, Grau, was released. that,” he said. Last year, Austria received 42,073 requests for asylum, most of them from Afghans, Syrians and Iraqis, an interior Red carpet welcome ministry spokesman said, con- Cyprus security talks firming an earlier report by APA news agency. The ministry counted 36,030 applications as rele- to end this month vant for the cap of 37,500 because it strips out certain Nicosia of technocrats from all coun- cases, including those it Reuters tries involved were scheduled believes should be processed to meet at the Swiss resort of in other countries. working group due to Mont Pelerin on January 18. Austria’s step had pro- convene on January 18 to “The general agreement is voked hefty criticism in A hammer out security that (working group session) Brussels and from human arrangements for a post-settle- should not take place for more rights organisations, who said ment Cyprus will meet for two than two or three days,” the that such a limit broke the to three days only, followed by source said, requesting ano- bloc’s rules and supported another round of high-level nymity. This would be followed anti-immigrant attitudes. talks, a source close to Turkish by a new summit of politicians, But as the European Cypriot side said yesterday. possibly at a ‘higher level’ than Union has not been able to Talks in Geneva last week foreign ministers who met in agree on a joint solution on failed to produce a breakthrough Geneva last week. how to deal with the large in a conflict spanning decades, “All this should take place number of migrants, the though three countries which are within January.” introduction of a refugee cap stakeholders in Cyprus - Britain, Cyprus was split among its has also become an issue in Chinese President Xi Jinping (second left) and his wife Peng Liyuan (left), Swiss President Greece and Turkey - agreed to ethnic Turkish and Greek popu- Germany. Doris Leuthard (second right) and her husband Roland Hausin listen to the national set up the working group to look lations since Turkish troops In Austria, the further anthems during a welcome ceremony upon their arrival for a state visit to Switzerland at security arrangements after invaded in 1974 in response to a reduced cap of 35,000 appli- at Zurich Airport, yesterday. Xi Jinping began a two-day state visit to Switzerland before these turned out to be a major short-lived coup by Greek Cyp- cations this year has been heading to Davos to address the World Economic Forum. sticking point. riot militants seeking union with heavily discussed in recent The working group made Greece. days. MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017 EUROPE 13 May to call for national unity in Brexit speech

London build a truly global Britain,” gets parliamentary approval for citizens in return for full access Reuters D-Day tomorrow May is expected to say. her plan to trigger Article 50 by to the single market, while many The British Prime Her comments came as the end of March. of those who voted for Brexit did ritish Prime Minister Minister is due to finance minister Philip Ham- The extracts of May’s speech so precisely in order to be able Theresa May (pic- mond said Britain could change did not say whether she would to restrict immigration. make a speech in tured) will use a major its economic model to regain reveal her stance on one of the May’s speech will be closely London tomorrow speech on Brexit next competitiveness if it were to key questions: whether she will watched by financial markets for week to call on Brit- before an audience leave the EU without an agree- try and keep Britain within the information on which of these Bons to reject the acrimony of last including foreign ment on market access. European single market or cus- divergent goals she will year’s referendum and unite diplomats as well as Those comments, from an toms union or, if not, what level prioritise. around the vision of a Britain Britain’s own Brexit interview with German newspa- of access she will aim for. After she said in a TV inter- more open to the world, her negotiating team. per Welt am Sonntag, were The Sunday Times and other view a week ago that post-Brexit office said yesterday. interpreted as a warning that newspapers said the speech Britain would not be able to keep The extracts of May’s May intends to kick off the Britain could use its corporate would signal that Britain was “bits” of its EU membership, the speech did not say formal process of negotiating the tax as a form of leverage in Brexit seeking a “clean and hard” pound fell sharply as the com- terms of Britain’s exit from the whether she would negotiations. Brexit, which would involve ment was interpreted as European Union by the end of reveal her stance on “He appears to be making a leaving the single market and the signalling a clean break from the March, but has given little away whether she will try Brexit by 52 to 48 percent in last sort of threat to the European customs union. single market. about what deal she will be seek- and keep Britain June’s referendum after a deeply community,” said Jeremy Cor- The report cited an unnamed In a separate Sunday Times ing, frustrating some investors, within the European divisive campaign, to unite around byn, leader of the opposition source in May’s office who said article, Brexit minister David businesses and lawmakers. single market or common goals such as protecting Labour Party. “It seems to me a her words were likely to cause a Davis wrote that Britain would The British Prime Minister customs union. and enhancing workers’ rights. recipe for some kind of trade war market correction. A spokesman consider ways to extend or is due to make a speech in Lon- “Now we need to put an end with Europe in the future.” from May’s office told reporters smooth the exit process to pro- don tomorrow before an to the division and the language Nevertheless, Corbyn said he the reports were speculation and vide certainty for businesses. audience including foreign dip- Downing Street office said in a associated with it - ‘Leaver’ and would not block the triggering did not comment further. “If it proves necessary, we lomats as well as Britain’s own statement, yesterday. ‘Remainer’ and all the accom- of ‘Article 50’ - the legal process The problem for Britain is have said we will consider time Brexit negotiating team and It said she would stress the panying insults - and unite to of leaving the EU. An upcoming that the EU is likely to insist on for implementation of new other senior officials, May’s need for Britons, who voted for make a success of Brexit and legal ruling could insist that May freedom of movement for EU arrangements,” he wrote.

Chechnya chief Giant mural Macron for stronger & says over 50 militants united European Union

detained Paris are key issues in the campaign, Reuters with Le Pen promising to be tough on immigration and rad- Moscow e are Europe, we ical Islam and to exit the EU’s Reuters are Brussels, we open-border Schengen area. “Wwanted it and we Macron was addressing a RAMZAN Kadyrov, the hard- need it,” French presidential rally in Lille, in northern line pro-Moscow head of candidate Emmanuel Macron France, a traditional Socialist Russia’s Northern Caucasus told thousands of supporters bastion where Le Pen’s euro- Republic of Chechnya, said yesterday in a call for a stronger sceptic National Front has yesterday that more than 50 and united European Union. performed strongly in recent suspected militants were Opinion polls indicate that local elections. detained in the biggest sting Macron, who is running as an Macron said that, in order operation of recent years. independent in the election, is to counter illegal immigration, Moscow has waged two gaining on frontrunners, con- European states must reinforce wars against separatists in the servative candidate Francois controls at external borders, region since collapse of the Fillon and far-right leader have a common asylum policy Soviet Union in 1991. The Marine Le Pen. managed from the countries of region is now ruled by Kady- “We need Europe because origin, and a joint intelligence rov, a former rebel fighter Europe makes us bigger, because policy. now loyal to President Europe makes us stronger,” “I don’t propose an ideolog- Vladimir Putin. Macron told 5,000 supporters, ical policy in terms of Civil rights activists according to his team, calling for immigration, but one that accuse Kadyrov of arbitrary a true joint security and defence would be efficient, clear and A man walks past a wall decorated with a giant painting in Moscow, yesterday arrests of dissidents. policy at EU level. carried out with our European Kadyrov said a group Immigration and security partners,” he said. directed by a Chechen-born militant based in Syria had been targeted. “As of now, all the band- group was neutralised, more Fierce Merkel critic resigns from conservative party than 50 of its participants were delivered to police sta- tions,” Kadyrov said. Berlin ahead of a September election because of the uncoordinated she said, adding there had been Republic for her former role as The security situation in Reuters in which the anti-immigrant action,” Steinbach said. no threat that a similar disaster president of Association of North Caucasus region Alternative for Germany (AfD) The conservative lawmaker could happen in Germany. Expellees — a job in which she remains volatile as unem- fierce internal critic of party is expected to enter fed- also linked her resignation to Steinbach also cited Germa- documented the fate of Germans ployment and corruption is German Chancellor eral parliament for the first time. Merkel’s decision to accelerate ny’s participation in euro zone expelled from Eastern Europe rife, pushing some young men A Angela Merkel announced Steinbach strongly criticised Germany’s shift away from bailout programmes for highly after World War II. to embrace radical versions yesterday she would resign from Merkel for allowing more than nuclear power and fossil fuels indebted countries such as Greece, Steinbach said she would not of Islam. centre-right Christian Demo- a million refugees into Germany towards renewable sources of a policy she said had “unhinged” join another party, but added she Some Chechens are known cratic Union (CDU) party, in the past two years, accusing energy after the Fukushima dis- the EU’s Growth and Stability Pact hoped the AfD would enter par- to be fighting as committed accusing Merkel of having her of violating the law and not aster in Japan in 2011. and violated joint rules. liament in next election. “So that jihadis on the side of Islamic harmed the country with her consulting other EU members The decision to shut down A CDU member for more there is a real opposition again,” State in Syria and Moscow migration policy. before her decision in 2015. the country’s oldest nuclear than 40 years, concluded: “That’s she said. The AfD’s “flesh is also fears they may return to attack Erika Steinbach’s move “All this contradicted our plants and bid farewell to not my party anymore.” from the flesh of the CDU,” she Russia, something they have could weaken Merkel’s standing current legal situation and also nuclear power as a technology Steinbach has become a hate said, and had some smart peo- threatened to do. among conservative voters isolated Germany in Europe was “without any legal basis”, figure in Poland and the Czech ple among its members.

Crowning glory Facebook to roll out fake news filter in Germany

Frankfurt called on Facebook to respect signed the US. Poynter Interna- Reuters laws against defamation in tional Fact-Checking Code of Germany that are stricter than Principles, it said. acebook said yesterday it those in the United States. Facebook would require would update its social Other government officials others it enlisted to do the Fmedia platforms in Ger- have expressed concern that same. many within weeks to reduce fake news and “hate speech” Warning signs would be the dissemination of fake news. on the internet could influence attached to reports identified “Last month we announced a parliamentary election in as noncredible, and the rea- measures to tackle the September in which chancellor sons for the decision given, it challenge of fake news on Angela Merkel will seek a said. Facebook,” the US technology fourth term in office. Facebook would also make company’s German-language The Facebook note said the it impossible for spammers to newsroom said. company would make it eas- forge the websites of reputa- “We will put these updates ier to report items suspected ble news agencies, it said. in place in Germany in the to be fake news and work with Germany has seen an Winner of the Miss Belgium 2017 beauty contest Romanie Schotte poses for photograph in coming weeks.” external fact-checking organ- increase in online hate speech De Panne, Belgium. German Justice Minister isations. One of those, following an influx of more Heiko Mass has repeatedly German-based Correctiv, has than a million migrants. 14 AMERICAS MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017

Designer held 33 feared dead in Brazil prison clash in bribery

Sao Paulo should house 620 inmates but case in Mexico Agencies Another riot has 1,083. The recent outbreak The latest outburst of prison violence in Brazil began sent to US he latest prison riot in of violence took on January 1 and 2, when 56 northern Brazil is place at the Alcaçuz inmates were killed in the north- New York thought to have killed jail in the ern state of Amazonas. Reuters more than 30 people, northeastern state of Authorities said the Family of the police said yesterday, North gang targeted members of Rio Grande do Norte. Ttripling the earlier estimated Brazil’s most powerful criminal A NEW York fashion designer death toll. gang, First Command, in a clash who calls himself the “cura- “There are probably more de Janeiro-based Comando Ver- over control of drug-trafficking tor of cool” was arrested in than 30 dead” after the overnight melho that risk plunging a routes in northern states. Many Mexico and sent to the United massacre at the prison in the chaotic penitentiary system of the dead were beheaded and States where he is charged as northeastern city of Natal, police deeper into violence. dismembered. part of a bribery case that has investigator Otacillo de Medei- Later in the day, police in Then again on January 6, in ensnared relatives of former ros told reporters after leaving Brazil entered two prisons where the neighbouring state of UN Secretary-General Ban the jail. a riot left at least 10 inmates Roraima, 33 prisoners were Ki-moon, officials said The latest outburst of vio- dead, authorities said killed, many with their hearts yesterday. lence took place at the Alcaçuz yesterday. and intestines ripped out. Malcolm Harris, a self- jail in the northeastern state of A statement released by the Experts say First Command, described arts and fashion Rio Grande do Norte, Folha de S. office in charge of state peniten- known by the Portuguese acro- consultant and blogger, was Paulo newspaper said, citing the tiaries said the rebellion started A television image of the Alcacuz Penitentiary Center near nym PCC, is exploiting indicted in New York along state’s press secretariat. in the Alcacuz and Rogerio Natal, Rio Grande do Norte state, northeastern Brazil shows overcrowding and squalid con- with two of Ban’s relatives. He The state government’s press Coutinho detention facilities, inmates throwing objects from the prison roof during a riot, ditions in the Brazil’s and his spouse were arrested office was not immediately located next to each other out- yesterday. penitentiaries to expand its reach two days later in San Miguel available to confirm the reports. side the city of Natal. across the national prison sys- de Allende, Mexican media This month’s killings in Bra- Police entered the prisons country’s penitentiaries that capacity for 620 inmates, but tem. The gang runs reported. zil’s deadliest jail uprising in yesterday, according to the state- have killed more than 100. houses 1,083. drug-trafficking operations both “The couple was detained decades has exposed escalating ment. The riot erupted from Authorities have said they The last rebellion in Alcacuz inside and outside prisons even in a joint operation between turf wars between São Paulo- fighting between rival gangs and expect the death toll from rebel- prison was in November 2015, though many of its leaders are Mexican federal authorities based gang Primeiro Comando was the latest in a series of mas- lion to rise. when a tunnel was discovered in maximum security peniten- and authorities of the United da Capital, or PCC, and the Rio sacres in the South America The Alcacuz facility has in one pavilion. The facility tiaries in Sao Paulo state. States, and at this time is in his country of origin,” the statement said. U.S. authorities arrested Puerto Rican him on Friday night upon his Venezuela President oversees military drill arrival at New York’s John F Kennedy airport, and he was lawmakers pass due to appear in court on Caracas supermarkets and pharmacies Tuesday, a spokesman for the controversial Reuters amid brutal shortages in the US Attorney’s Office said. recession-hit OPEC nation.“You Prosecutors accused two labour reform is finger on a rifle trigger are PATHETIC, Nicolas Maduro,” of Ban’s relatives of engaging and wearing an olive tweeted opposition lawmaker in a scheme to bribe a Middle San Juan, Puerto Rico Hgreen hat, President Armando Armas, adding the drill Eastern official in connection AP Nicolas Maduro yesterday over- was a “pantomime.” with the attempted $800 mil- saw military exercises in The opposition is trying to lion sale of a building complex PUERTO Rico’s House of crisis-wrought Venezuela, which remove Maduro, a former bus in Vietnam. Representatives approved he says is under threat of impe- driver and union leader, but Harris double-crossed yesterday a controversial rialist” invasion due to its oil authorities have quashed the others and walked away labour reform called for by a wealth. More than half a mil- chances of an early presidential with $500,000, prosecutors federal control board over- lion soldiers and civilians were vote. Seen as key powerbrokers said. seeing island’s finances as deployed in the drill. State tele- in the volatile country, the mil- The case has complicated part of efforts to improve eco- vision broadcast footage of itary’s top brass has firmly Ban’s plans to run for presi- nomic conditions on the US soldiers camouflaged as bushes backed Maduro’s “21st century dent of South Korea after territory. shouting “socialist fatherland!” socialism,” although most sol- recently completing his term The bill, which now heads while commanders brandished diers are also suffering from at the United Nations. Ban, to Senate, cuts size of a man- Russian-made military Venezuela’s economic recession. who is not accused of wrong- datory Christmas bonus and equipment. Many were deployed across the doing, has said he knew required number of vacation “We’re ready to defend our country of 30 million on Satur- nothing of the case and he and sick days granted work- land, inch by inch, neighborhood day, with exercises that included Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro plans to decide soon on his ers. It also allows flexible by neighborhood, street by protecting Venezuela’s coastal political future. demonstrate in Caracas yesterday. scheduling, lengthens a proba- street,” said Maduro during a oil refineries or practicing urban Harris had said in a Face- tionary work period to a year drill in Miranda state.Opponents defense. three meals a day amid what is opposition politicians amid book message he was hiring from three months and reduces of the unpopular Socialist leader State television promoted thought to be the world’s steep- accusations of coup-plotting, a lawyer and would not com- overtime pay from double time scoff he is delusional and say his the hashtag #TimeToDefend- est inflation, the exercises fell some Venezuelans saw a darker ment on the allegations or his to time and a half. administration should be TheFatherland.But for many flat. And after a week in which subtext to the show of military location. “I would appreciate Labor unions have criti- focused on stocking empty Venezuelans struggling to eat authorities rounded up several force. your patience,” he said. cised the measure for eliminating workers’ rights, but proponents counter the benefits are obstacles to job creation and have contributed Convict challenges 3-judge method on death penalty to the loss of 300,000 island jobs over the last decade. Last month, the oversight Omaha, Nebraska World-Herald reported. man, and two witnesses, Lisa In Nebraska when a defend- is warranted and, if so, whether board told commonwealth AP The attorneys cite a US Lambert and Philip DeVine, at a ant is convicted in a death it is proportionate to the penalty officials the labor reform Supreme Court ruling last year rural Humboldt, Nebraska, penalty case, the jury that imposed in similar cases. needed to be implemented man convicted in the mur- that struck down Florida’s death farmhouse. decided guilt also decides The three judges ultimately immediately given Puerto der case that inspired the penalty process, saying it gave A similar appeal has been whether aggravating factors determine whether the defend- Rico’s 13 percent unemploy- A 1999 movie Boys Don’t Cry too much power to judges to filed on behalf of Jeffrey Hessler, exist to justify the defendant’s ant gets death or life in prison. ment rate, versus a U.S. has joined a fellow death row make the ultimate decision. After convicted in the 2003 abuse and execution. Attorney Jerry Soucie, who average of 4.5 percent. The inmate in challenging Nebras- that ruling, Delaware’s high murder of 15-year-old Gering, If the jury finds such, a three- has represented several board said regulations related ka’s three-judge method for court followed suit and threw out Nebraska. judge panel is convened to Nebraska death row inmates, to severance pay, flexible determining death sentences. that state’s death penalty-deter- Nebraska attorney general’s determine whether the aggra- said Friday that he expects the scheduling, employee reten- Attorneys for John Lotter mining method. office has filed motions arguing vating factors outweigh any state’s other eight death row tion and mandatory vacation argue that he had a right to Lotter was condemned for that Nebraska’s sentencing mitigating factors in the defend- inmates to challenge Nebraska’s days and pensions should be have jurors, not judges, weigh his role in the 1993 killings of scheme allows jury participation ant’s favour. method, too. brought in line with U.S. his fate when he was sentenced Teena Brandon, a 21-year-old and is not identical to the one The three judges also must “This issue has been floating standards. to death in 1996, the Omaha woman who lived briefly as a struck down in Florida. determine if the death sentence around a long time,” Soucie said. Former Chilean president Lagos to contest elections again

Santiago tackle low productivity. moderate. He disappointed former journalist who was a Reuters “The role of progressives some on the left for not doing virtual unknown a year ago, is is to carry on pushing at the more to tackle deep inequality seen as a breath of fresh air by icardo Lagos, a leading limits of what is possible,” he in the country, a top copper many Chileans who have opponent of former Chil- said during an acceptance producer. become cynical about tradi- Rean dictator Augusto speech at a cinema in Santiago, He faces significant com- tional politics after a series of Pinochet who later went on to surrounded by young petition in the race to succeed scandals during Bachelet’s serve as president from 2000 Chileans. President Michelle Bachelet, his administration. to 2006, yesterday accepted his Lagos is well-known in protege, who is constitution- Should Lagos win the party’s nomination to run in the Chile for his central role in the ally banned from running for a primary, he must then face 2017 presidential election. battle to bring democracy to consecutive term. Within the Sebastian Pinera, also a former The 78-year-old, who will the country in the 1980s. Pin- left-leaning “Nueva Mayoria” president and likely candidate represent the center-left Party ochet finally stepped down bloc, which includes the PPD for the right-wing coalition, for Democracy (PPD), vowed after losing a 1988 plebiscite and will pick its candidate in who currently leads in polls. to improve communication on his rule, after a successful primaries later this year, his The presidential election is due between politicians and the ‘no’ campaign that Lagos status as early favorite has been to take place in November, with Former Chilean president Ricardo Lagos delivers a speech after public, invest in infrastructure, helped lead. overshadowed by a surge in the winner scheduled to begin accepting his party's nomination to run in the 2017 presidential push forward with pension As president, Lagos was support for leftist senator Ale- a four-year term in March and education reform and seen as a business-friendly jandro Guillier. Guillier, a 2018. election in Santiago, Chile. MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017 AMERICAS 15

Trump team Questions over denies report that he will Trump win meet Putin

Washington upsets Pence AFP US President-elect Donald Washington Call for unity Trump plans to hold a sum- AFP mit with Russian leader The Vice-President- Vladimir Putin on his first for- ice President-elect elect said at a time eign trip shortly after taking Mike Pence said when the country office, the Sunday Times yesterday that he was facing reported, though a Trump was disappointed challenges both at spokeswoman denied the by a black civil home and abroad, report as “completely false.” rightsV activist and politician’s Trump would seek to Americans should questioning of Donald Trump’s “reset” relations with the look for ways to legitimacy as president of the Kremlin, with Iceland the come together and United States and his decision likely venue, emulating Ron- to boycott Friday’s work together. ald Reagan’s Reykjavik inauguration. Stand-ins for President-elect Donald Trump, and his wife Melania (left) and Vice-President-elect meeting with Soviet leader US Representative John Mike Pence and his wife Karen (right) take part in a rehearsal for the inauguration on the East Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986 Lewis, a Georgia Democrat, said not consider Donald Trump to Front of the US Capitol in Washington, yesterday. during the Cold War, the Brit- on Saturday he thought hack- be a legitimate president I think ish newspaper reported. ing by Russians had helped is deeply disappointing. I hope Week” programme, Priebus said response on Twitter yesterday questioning my legitimacy? Too Trump, who will be inau- Trump, a Republican, get he reconsiders both Lewis’ comments, given his posi- that Lewis “should spend more bad,” said Priebus. gurated on Friday, would elected in November. Lewis statements.” tion in society, were irresponsible time on fixing and helping his dis- The 76-year-old Lewis, who begin work on a deal limiting said he does not plan to attend Pence said he had attended and disappointing. trict, which is in horrible shape has been a civil rights leader for nuclear weapons as part of Trump’s January 20 inaugura- both of President Barack “We need folks like John and falling apart (not to mention more than half a century, was his bid to reset relations tion, the first time he would Obama’s inaugurations. He said Lewis, and others who I think crime infested),” instead of com- beaten by police during a march between the two powers, it miss such an event since being at a time when the country was have been champions of voter plaining about the Nov. 8 election he helped lead in 1965 in Selma, said. elected to the House in 1986. facing challenges both at home rights, actually recognize the fact results. Alabama, drawing attention to Citing unnamed sources, “We honour the sacrifice and abroad, Americans should that Donald Trump was duly “This man won in an electoral hurdles preventing blacks from the Sunday Times said Mos- that he made,” Pence said on look for ways to come together elected,” said Priebus. “I think landslide. And to question the voting. He protested alongside cow was set to agree to a CBS’ “Face the Nation” pro- and work together. putting the United States down legitimacy of the next United leader Martin Luther King Jr. that Trump-Putin summit. gramme. “For someone of his Similar sentiments were across the world is not something States president, you know, and day and on other occasions. Trump spokeswoman stature not just in the civil rights echoed by incoming White that a responsible person does.” you’re worried about a Twitter At least 10 other Democratic Hope Hicks denied the report, movement but in voting rights House chief of staff Reince Prie- Both Pence and Priebus that says, hey, why don’t you get U.S. politicians have also said they telling reporters it was “com- to make a comment that he did bus. Speaking on ABC’s “This defended Trump’s hard hitting back to work instead of plan to skip the inauguration. pletely false.” Trump’s anti-immigrant stance sparks protests across US

Washington Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, told there, “Regardless of what hap- Washington, Chicago, Los Ange- permission to be in the country is a constant reminder to myself AP a standing-room-only crowd in pens in coming days we know les, San Jose, California, and and their relatives and support- that I have something to fight Washington during one of dozens that good will conquer evil and elsewhere, are expected to be ers. Also present were elected for,” said Max Kim, 19, who was rotesters gathered yester- of rallies around the nation. we want to say to each and every nowhere near as big as then. Yes- officials, clergy and representa- brought to the US from South day to support immigrant In Chicago, more than 1,000 one of you, you are not alone.” terday's events took place as tives of labor and women’s Korea when he was six and lacks Prights at rallies around the people poured into a teachers’ The protests mark the latest thousands were expected at a groups. legal permission to stay in the US, denouncing President-elect union hall to support immigrant chapter in a movement that has “We Shall Not Be Moved” march Participants carried signs country. Donald Trump for his anti-immi- rights and implore one another evolved since 2006, when more and rally in Washington ahead with messages including “Resist The Washington crowd grant rhetoric and his pledges to to fight for those rights against than a million people took to the of today's Martin Luther King Jr. Trump’s Hate” and “Tu, Yo, urged Trump and the Republi- build a wall on the US-Mexican what they fear will be a hostile streets to protest a Republican- Day holiday. Todos Somos America,” which can-controlled Congress not to border and to crack down on Trump administration. backed immigration bill that Yet the line to enter Metro- translates to “You, me, we all are undo the Deferred Action for Muslims entering the country. Ron Taylor executive direc- would have made it a crime to politan AME Church in America.” Childhood Arrivals programme, “We are not going to allow tor of the United Congress of be in the country illegally. Washington stretched nearly a “I stand here because I have aimed at helping people like Kim Donald Trump to bury the Statue Community and Religious The crowds this weekend at city block. People attending nothing to apologise for. I am not who were brought to the coun- of Liberty,” Senator Chris Van Organisations, told the audience rallies or cultural events in included immigrants who lack ashamed of my status because it try as children.

Cuban migrants Remains of deadly crash More freezing rain near US border hope for expected in central US

Trump solution Kansas City And along an icy part of AP I-40 in Custer County, a Ciudad Victoria, Mexico 45-year-old Oklahoma City AP third wave of sleet and man died after his semitrailer drizzle could hit parts of struck two others early Satur- DOZENS of Cuban immi- Athe central US, weather day and then was hit by a car. grants remained stranded in officials said, and temperatures The patrol is investigating the Nuevo Laredo across the bor- threaten to stay near or below wreck. der from Texas yesterday , freezing and add to the treach- Yesterday’s storm followed uncertain what would happen erous mix. one on Saturday that dumped following Washington’s deci- Ice buildups of one-quar- freezing rain from Oklahoma sion to end their privileged ter to slightly less than a half to southern Illinois. immigration access this week. inch were expected from south- A slick roadway was sus- Some waited near mid- eastern Kansas to central pected in a Missouri wreck point of the bridge over Rio Missouri. Friday that killed a 33-year-old Grande. Others looked for Becky Allmeroth, a state woman whose sport utility food and shelter in Nuevo The remains of one of the vehicles involved in a road accident in southwestern Ecuador. maintenance engineer for the vehicle slid on an icy freeway Laredo, determined to wait Twenty people were killed and 17 more injured when a school bus crashed with another Missouri Department of Trans- overpass south of St. Louis and until President-elect Donald vehicle on the road. portation, told reporters struck several trees. Trump is inaugurated with yesterday that ice is “the most Later, icy conditions were the hope that he will reverse difficult storm to fight.” blamed for a pileup involving President Obama’s decision “We are keeping up with more than 20 vehicles in to end the so-called “wet foot, the changing conditions, but Wichita, Kansas, but no serious dry foot” policy that had given it is a continual battle,” she injuries were reported. Cuban immigrants special Slain Orlando sergeant remembered said of the department’s The storm’s onset access to the country. around-the-clock scrambling prompted the NFL to move the “There’s nothing else but Orlando, Florida parental guidance, said Orlando 42-year-old Clayton to the to treat the glazed roads. AFC divisional playoff game to wait to see what happens, AP Police Chief John Mina and U.S. rank of lieutenant. “The precipitation is com- between the Pittsburgh Steel- staying in Mexico would be Rep. Val Demings, a former Clayton loved programmes ing in waves, and we have to ers and host team the Kansas the last option because our n Orlando police sergeant Orlando police chief. that involved working with apply more salt.” Chiefs to yesterday evening to goal was to get to the US,” who was gunned down “She was forever using her young children or helping peo- Icy roads yesterday created allow more time to treat roads said Irina Ricardo Martinez, Awas remembered yester- resources and others’ too, any- ple because “it helped humanize dangerous conditions and and parking lots at Arrowhead who travelled for two day at her funeral service as one else she could bring along, police officers,” Mina said. travel headaches for many peo- Stadium. months after departing Cuba someone who put everyone at to help somebody else,” said The service was attended by ple who avoided authorities’ The game was scheduled for Ecuador with her ease with her infectious smile and Demings, who promoted Clay- Governor Rick Scott, Florida pleas to stay indoors except for to kick off at noon but now husband. made every effort to bridge the ton to rank of sergeant in 2007. Attorney General Pam Bondi necessary outings. will start at 7:20 p.m. Since December 2014, gap between law enforcement “Buying washing machines, food, and hundreds of officers and Interstate 40 in western Many residents had pre- when Obama announced a and the community it served. clothing, looking for housing for deputies from all over Florida. Oklahoma was closed in two pared for the storms by stocking new detente with Cuba, an Sgt. Debra Clayton read books people who didn’t have it ...Debra Before the service, friends places because of wrecks, up on bread, milk and other estimated 100,000 Cubans to children at elementary schools, Clayton was willing to do more and family members wept including the jackknifing of necessities and by buying flash- have left the island fearing would clean the homes of elderly than she was paid to do.” openly as they walked by the several semitrailers in icy con- lights and generators to have their privileged access to the residents and was a motherly fig- Mina said he was posthu- American-flag-draped open ditions in Caddo County, on hand in case power gets United States. might end. ure to young people lacking mously promoting the casket. officials said. knocked out. 16 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS Nepal delegation Qatar Airways donation to Qatar Cancer Society FAJR 05.01 am visits Shafallah SHOROOK 06.21 am Center ZUHR 11.44 am MAGHRIB 05.08 pm ASR 02.45 pm ISHA 06.38 pm The Peninsula THE Shafallah Center for WEATHER TODAY Children with Special Needs hosted a delegation from o o Nepal in the framework of promoting cooperation 15 C 24 C between the two sides in dis- Minimum Maximum ability-related areas. The delegation included Secretary of the President's Office for Development Affairs, Secretary-General for Human Rights and Social Jus- tice, and Executive Director of Madan Academy in Nepal. During a tour of the Center, CEO of Qatar Foun- dation for Social Action and Acting Executive Director of the Shafallah Center, Amaal bint Abdullatif Al Mannai, briefed the delegation about the different departments in Qatar Airways has donated QR105,000 to Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) to help patients unable to meet treatment the Center, its activities and expenses. Mariam Hamad Al Noaimi, General Manager of QCS, thanked Qatar Airways for the gesture, and said the services it provides. that addressing cancer needs joint efforts and cooperation between all institutions and agencies in the state. The delegation expressed deep admiration for this major educational edifice.

Hazy to misty/foggy at places at first becomes mild daytime and partly cloudy with weak chance of QU-CPH workshop on drugs in sports light rain at places, cold by night. HIGH TIDE 07:45 -19:30 LOW TIDE 00:15-15:00 The Peninsula institutions across Qatar including Dr Nadir Kheir, CPH Associate Profes- Cyber Hack and Bradley Wiggins)”, Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. sor of Pharmacy and Course “Sanctions by Anti-Doping Organiza- atar University College of Phar- The keynote speaker was Dr David Coordinator of Drugs in Sport Dr tions (The McLaren Report and macy (QU-CPH) recently held a Mottram, Emeritus Professor at Liver- Ahmed Awaisu, Hamad Medical Cor- Controversies surrounding sanctions Qworkshop titled “Drugs in Sports pool John Moores University’s School poration (HMC) Clinical Pharmacy for Russian athletes at the Rio 2016 II”, aimed at exploring the use and mis- of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sci- Specialist Mr Afif Mohamed Ali, Head Olympic and Paralympic Games)”, and use of drugs by athletes and defining ences and who is also collaborating of Registration and Drugs Pricing Sec- “Prohibition of Glucocorticoids in the roles and responsibilities of health with CPH in the development of under- tion, Pharmacy and Drug Control at Sports (Current issues and future care practitioners and athlete support graduate and postgraduate the Ministry of Public Health Mr directions)”. personnel. programmes on drug use in sports. He Ahmed Mohamed Hussein Babiker, CPH Dean Dr Mohammad Diab Organised by CPH Continuing Pro- gave a presentation on “Current issues and CPH PharmD students Aya Issa said: “This timely event that aligns with fessional Development for Health Care in Doping and Anti-Doping in Sports”. and Somaia Abdelaziz. the priorities of Qatar, has become a Practitioners (CPD-HCP) Program, the The programme agenda comprised Discussions focused on “Inadvert- regional and global hub for sports. It event attracted around 90 health care 4 plenary discussions facilitated by ent doping (Case Study of Maria also underlines CPH commitment to practitioners, scientists and research- CPH Associate Professor of Pharmacy Sharapova)”, “Therapeutic Use raise its students’ awareness on issues ers from various health care and Coordinator of the CPD Program Exemption (Case Study of Fancy Bears that are of interest of society." Curtains to come down on famous American circus

Washington Kenneth Feld, chairman Providence, Rhode Island, on AFP and CEO of show producer May 7, while the group's "Out Feld Entertainment, said he Of This World" tour will take ingling Bros and Bar- and his family came to the place May 21 at the Nassau num & Bailey Circus has "difficult" decision to end the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Rannounced that it will circus "after much evaluation in Uniondale, New York. host its final show in May, and deliberation." Although Barnum's first ending "The Greatest Show on "Nearly 50 years ago, my show took place decades Earth" after 146 years. father founded our company before, it was not until 1919 Company executives cited with the acquisition of Ring- that a group started by five high operating costs and ling Bros," he said in a Wisconsin brothers, Ringling Clowns at a show of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & declining ticket sales after the statement on the group's web- Bros World's Greatest Shows, Bailey Circus. travelling American circus site." "The circus and its merged with Barnum & Bai- retired its popular elephants people have continually been ley's Greatest Show on Earth. the end of an era, and called a male handler hitting ele- as reasons for drawing the a source of inspiration and joy While the Ringling broth- for other circuses to follow phants with an ankus, or curtain on a celebrated spec- to my family and me, which ers had been better known for their lead. pointed stick. tacle that traces its origins to is why this was such a tough traditional circus fare, Bar- "After 36 years of PETA The Ringling Brothers herd politician and showman P T business decision to make." num was dubbed the "Prince protests, which have awoken was the largest in the Western Barnum's first show in 1871. The group has a total of of Humbugs," known as a the world to the plight of ani- hemisphere for Asian ele- Animal rights groups 30 stops scheduled on its 2017 shameless promoter of mals in captivity, PETA heralds phants, listed as an cheered the move as a suc- tour. incredible hoaxes, freak the end of what has been the endangered species by the cess story following decades The final "Circus XTREME" shows and zoological saddest show on Earth for wild International Union for the of activism against the use of show will take place at the curiosities. animals, and asks all other Conservation of Nature, which animals in the circus. Dunkin' Donuts Center in One such object was the animal circuses to follow suit, says 40,000-50,000 exist in Fiji mermaid, or Feejee mer- as this is a sign of changing the world in highly fragmented maid, which was in fact no times," the group's president populations. less than the head and torso Ingrid Newkirk said in a state- "It is sad. You feel it is the of a monkey sewn to the body ment. Wayne Pacelle, end of an era," long-time and tail of a fish. president and CEO of the trainer Trudy Williams told Barnum launched his Humane Society of the United AFP at the time. travelling circus after fires States, joined in. "A major Ringling Brothers was also destroyed his Barnum's Amer- moment as big brands that embroiled in a 14-year law- ican Museum. Two whales harm animals fade away and suit in which animal rights were boiled alive in their more humane businesses groups alleged the circus was tanks during one of the fires. emerge I applaud @Ringling- mistreating its herd. In 1881, Barnum teamed Bros announcement," he The case was eventually up with James Bailey to run tweeted. thrown out after a lead wit- their "Greatest Show on In May 2015, the circus ness was found to have been Earth," making a fortune retired its performing ele- paid for his testimony by ani- along the way. phants after major criticism mal rights groups. By 2014, the File picture of elephants performing during Ringling Bros People for the Ethical from animal rights groups, plaintiffs had been ordered to and Barnum & Bailey Circus' "Circus Extreme" show at Treatment of Animals cheered including widely circulated pay the circus $25m to reim- the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Ringling's latest decision as videos from PETA that showed burse its legal fees.