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INDEX its maiden DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-8, 27-28 COMMENT 26 Qatar tops Mena region REGION 8 BUSINESS 1–6, 12-16 in average wealth per journey 19,033.60 9,740.80 48.01 ARAB WORLD 8–10 CLASSIFIED 7-11 +76.91 -42.03 -0.23 INTERNATIONAL 11–25 SPORTS 1 – 12 adult, says Credit Suisse +0.41% -0.43% -0.48% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXVII No. 10281 November 23, 2016 Safar 23, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Destruction and devastation Guidelines In brief to regulate REGION | Trial Four charged with assassination plot Four suspected Al Qaeda members have gone on trial accused of street plotting to assassinate the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, newspapers in the kingdom Two girls walking on a heavily-damaged street in the rebel-held town of Douma, on the eastern outskirts of the capital reported yesterday. The reports Damascus, yesterday. Meanwhile, regime forces have stepped up its assaults on rebel-held eastern Aleppo, forcing civilians said the defendants were also to flee. The regime pounded east Aleppo with air strikes and barrel bombs, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. charged with belonging to an extremist group, communicating vendors with an Al Qaeda leader and attempting to recruit Saudi The objective is to upgrade the Health, and a certifi cate of good con- youth. “The trial of four Al Qaeda services off ered to the public by duct (clean criminal record), in addi- terrorists accused of plotting to street vendors and peddlers tion to the necessary approvals from assassinate the late King Abdullah the department concerned with the opened at the Special Criminal Unstable weather expected to required activity. Court,” the Arab News daily said, he Ministry of Economy and The street vendor is allowed to adding that the accused had Commerce (MEC) has issued practice a single activity only, but been convicted earlier on other Tguidelines to regulate the work limited to a certain area for those us- militancy charges. Page 8 aff ect country over weekend of street vendors and peddlers in the ing push carts. Street vendors should country, specifying the permissible not obstruct traffic or pedestrian EGYPT | Trial hundery and heavy rain is ex- The weather offi ce has urged people hazy and partly cloudy conditions are activities, requirements and the stand- movement and use carts and vessels Court quashes pected in the country over the to be cautious and avoid sea activities likely in off shore areas along with a ards and conditions for issuing a li- that comply with the standard health Tweekend as a result of unstable during this period in view of the ex- chance of scattered rain, which may cence. and environment regulations. They Mursi life sentence weather conditions, the Qatar Met de- pected conditions. become thundery at times. The guidelines are based on the deci- should avoid the exit and entry points An Egyptian appeals court yesterday partment has said. Yesterday, light rain was reported The wind speed in some of these ar- sion No 243 for 2016 of the Minister of of schools, hospitals, mosques and quashed one of two life sentences Today, strong winds and high seas from some places in the country, ac- eas may go up to 22 knots, with the sea Economy and Commerce on the regu- other similar buildings designated by handed down to Mohamed Mursi are likely in off shore areas due to thun- cording to information available on the level rising to 7ft during thundershow- lations and conditions for the licence of the MEC. since his 2013 overthrow, in the ex- dershowers in some places by midday, weather offi ce’s social media channels. ers, the Met department has said. street vendors and peddlers. Each street vendor should comply president’s second appeals victory and there is a chance of light rain in For instance, the Met department Hazy to misty conditions are expect- The objective is to upgrade the serv- with all the necessary requirements for in a week. The Court of Cassation, inshore areas as well, according to the tweeted in the afternoon that scattered, ed in inshore areas in the early hours ices off ered to the public by street practicing his activity in accordance Egypt’s highest appeals court, issued weather offi ce. light rain had been detected over some of the day, followed by a mild daytime vendors and peddlers and guarantee with the set professional standards. the verdict, Mursi’s lawyer and a In a report issued yesterday, the Met central/southern areas and a thundery and local cloud formation. There is a adherence to laws and regulations gov- Besides, street vendors have to pro- judicial off icial told AFP. The court department said latest weather pre- cell was present over off shore areas ly- chance of light rain in these areas and it erning the various commercial activi- duce their commercial licence and ordered a retrial in the case, Mursi’s diction charts showed that the “state ing to the east. In an earlier tweet, the will be relatively cold by night. ties in the country. badges whenever requested by the de- lawyer Abdel Moneim Abdel Maqsoud of atmospheric instability resulting department said rain had been detected A minimum temperature of 15C is A street vendor is defi ned as a person partment or authority concerned. The told AFP, adding: “The verdict was full from the extension of an upper-level in off shore areas lying to the north and expected in Abu Samra today, while in who engages in a commercial activity annual fees for issuing license for such of legal flaws.” Page 8 low-pressure system” was expected to east of the country with waves rising to Doha it will be relatively higher at 22C. and requires a shop or an offi ce to ob- jobs is set by the MEC at QR500 for start aff ecting the country from tomor- 7ft. The maximum, on the other hand, will tain a licence. peddlers and QR1,000 for those using GERMANY | Aviation row. Skies will gradually turn cloudy Meanwhile, today’s forecast says be 28C in Doha. Street vendors are classifi ed into two small push carts. and there is a chance of scattered rain, categories. In the fi rst are individual The MEC also stressed that street Luft hansa cancels which may become thundery at times peddlers who go around to sell items vendors should maintain the cleanli- third of its fl ights in some areas. Emergency numbers for municipalities such as fl owers, newspapers, gifts, ness of their operation areas, avoid in- Lufthansa said it was seeking a The chances of rain would increase With the weather off ice predicting and 44348869; Al Rayyan Municipal- books and other things, or off er serv- tersections and pedestrian passes, and temporary injunction yesterday to on Friday and Saturday, the report ob- rainfall in the country over the next ity – 30526816, 30526818, 44266112 ices and trades such as a plumber, elec- maintain adequate distance from the avert a strike after cancelling nearly served. Light to moderate rain is likely few days, the Ministry of Municipality and 44264791; Al Wakrah Municipality trician, watch repairer and similar jobs. entry and exit points of buildings. a third of its flights yesterday due to to cover most areas, becoming thun- and Environment (MME) yesterday – 55482183, 44264158 and 44264157; The other category comprise those us- The designated location for a peddler a planned 24-hour work stoppage dery and heavy at times over some ar- said the relevant emergency team had Umm Salal Municipality – 55552775 ing push carts or bicycles to sell goods or street vendor has to keep a distance then by its pilots. The cancellations eas. Unstable weather is expected to held a meeting to finalise prepara- and 44264455; Al Khor and Al Thakhira at passageways, public roads, or vari- of 20m from the commercial outlets are the latest disruption to continue on Sunday and Monday with tions for the upcoming rainy spell. The Municipality – 55868313 and 44265050; ous areas. This covers selling vegeta- practicing the same activity. Further, in Lufthansa’s operations in a long- a chance of scattered rain. MME also issued, on Twitter, a list of Al Daayen Municipality – 55691712 and bles and fruits, packed foods, drinks, case of using a private property, a prior running pay dispute and the airline The conditions will gradually stabi- emergency numbers for all munici- 44729643; and Al Shamal Municipality and hot and cold meals. Each street written approval from the owner has to said that 876 out of roughly 3,000 lise by next Tuesday, according to the palities in Qatar to remove rainwater. – 55077550, 55400888, 44264561 and vendor could obtain a licence for a sin- be obtained. flights scheduled for today have forecast. Following are some of the numbers 44264562. The MME has urged people gle activity or service. The MEC has urged the parties con- been cancelled, aff ecting about The Met department has also issued that can people can call whenever re- not to hesitate to call these numbers To obtain a licence, the applicant cerned in the private sector and busi- 100,000 passengers. Page 19 a warning for off shore areas, noting quired: Doha Municipality – 50332521, in case they need help. The full list of should not be less than 18 years, obtain ness pioneers to abide by such regula- that fresh to strong easterly winds are 55396342, 55333253, 55906926, numbers is available on the ministry’s a written approval from the employer tions and standards and off er the public expected - along with strong winds and 44264888, 44264882, 44348867 Twitter account. in case of expatriates, have a health quality and innovative services and high waves - from tomorrow. certifi cate from the Ministry of Public goods. CMC proposes air-conditioning of bus stops

By Ayman Adly should conduct a study to dedicate 5,000sq m, as those of the animal sive regarding enforcing the regula- Regarding Shafaf LPG Cylinder, Staff Reporter special lanes for public transport buses farm complexes. tion of banning labour accommo- CMC member Sheikha al-Jufairi to ease their movement on the road and The CMC requested that these farms dations among family residential pointed out that many residents avoid any delays. should have easily accessible roads and areas, as housing great numbers of of her constituency approached he Ministry of Transport and The council further stressed the services to increase the chance of their unskilled labourers in such areas her complaining that replacing the Communications (MoTC) crucial importance of public transpor- success. The Ministry of Municipality could cause inconvenience to the metal cylinder was very expensive. Tshould study the possibility of tation in the county in easing conges- and Environment (MME) should assign families. The exchange price for the old iron air-conditioning bus stops across the tion and reducing the levels of air pol- willing nationals the required plots of The CMC further discussed the cylinder is only QR100, while it country and make them more pas- lution. lands to develop them under its super- recent hike in prices of a number of was originally bought at more than senger friendly, with special focus on The CMC issued a number of vision and assistant, such as selecting fi sh varieties including Hamour. The QR200. safety and security requirements, the recommendations on the need to the suitable types of crops, and giving council said that more is needed to be “In addition, the price of a Shafaf Central Municipal Council (CMC) assign more land plots for agricul- farmers the necessary technical guid- done by the departments concerned cylinder is high at QR365. Custom- urged yesterday. ture farms to boost the production ance and support. to tighten control on the local market ers replacing their iron cylinders with At its regular bi-weekly session, the of the sector. The council stressed Other issued raised by the council in this respect and curb such surge in Shafaf should pay only a marginal fee,” CMC recommended that the MoTC that each farm should be of at least included the need to be more deci- prices. she said. Two Qatari women robbed of millions in Paris heist

AFP chauffeur-driven Bentley was held Kardashian’s head, bound and gagged district by three masked men who tried Security has been stepped up around Last month, a taxi transporting the Paris up by two masked men who sprayed her and shut her into a bathroom in the to steal her handbag. tourist magnets in Paris in response to chief executive of a French furniture them with teargas, a police source biggest jewellery robbery of an indi- The incidents have done little to the high-profi le robberies. chain among other passengers was held said yesterday. vidual in France in more than 20 years. help eff orts by the government to coax The attack on the two Qatari women up after leaving Le Bourget, which is wo Qatari women were held up The robbers stole “everything in the In another incident, Bollywood ac- tourists back to France in the wake of took place on a section of motorway often used by private jets. on a Paris motorway and robbed vehicle: jewels, clothes, luggage”, the tress Mallika Sherawat was punched the November 2015 militant attacks in leading north from Paris to the Charles The three robbers made off with an Tof valuables worth more than source said. in the face and sprayed with tear gas by which 130 people died, followed by the de Gaulle and Le Bourget airports which estimated 100,000 euros in valuables. 5mn euros ($5.3mn) in the latest heist Last month, American reality TV star three masked men in an upmarket area Bastille Day truck massacre in southern is often the scene of hold-ups targeting A Korean art collector was the tar- targeting visitors to the French capital. Kim Kardashian was tied up and robbed of Paris this month. city Nice that killed 86. foreigners in luxury cars. get of a similar heist last year, with The women, in their sixties, had at gunpoint of $10mn in jewels in a lux- The 40-year-old star and her part- In the Paris area alone, tourism reve- The robbers often take advantage three attackers snatching 4mn euros in just left Le Bourget airport northeast ury apartment in the heart of Paris. ner were attacked as they returned to nue is expected to plunge by 1.5bn euros of traffi c jams near the Landy tunnel, Chanel jewels from her car in the Landy of the capital yesterday when their Police said the robbers held a gun to an apartment building in the chic 16th ($1.6bn) this year. which is some 1.3km long, to pounce. tunnel. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 QATAR

Deputy PM holds talks in Equatorial Guinea FM meets Algerian counterpart

QNA Malabo

atar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Qof State for Cabinet Af- fairs HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud met the Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy of Equatorial Guin- ea, Gabriel M Obiang Lima, on the sidelines of his visit to Equatorial Guinea leading Qa- tar’s delegation to the 4th Afri- ca-Arab Summit, due to open here today. During the meeting, they dis- cussed relations between Qatar and Equatorial Guinea and ways HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met the Minister of State and of enhancing them in various Minister for Foreign Aff airs and International Co-operation of Algeria Ramtane Lamamra in Doha fi elds, and exchanged views on yesterday. They discussed bilateral relations and the means to enhance them. They also discussed a number of issues of common the scope for bilateral co-operation, particularly in the field of energy and industry. Additionally, they interest. also discussed regional and international developments of issues of joint interest, among them HE al-Mahmoud and his ac- latest developments in Libya. The two sides agreed on the need to reach a peaceful and companying delegation were political resolution to the crisis in Libya. Later, speaking at a press conference held yesterday, greeted upon arrival at Malabo HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud met the Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy of Lamamra praised the ties between Qatar and his country, aff irming that it is a solid relationship International Airport, by Equa- Equatorial Guinea, Gabriel M Obiang Lima, yesterday. based on mutual appreciation. The Algerian minister said that his current visit to Qatar comes torial Guinea’s Prime Minister within the framework of the joint commission between the two countries, the next session of which Francisco Pascual Obama Asue, fairs Department at the Qatari The summit focuses on pro- economic and political levels will be held next year in Algeria. He pointed out that Algeria co-ordinates with Qatar on a number of Interior Minister Clemente En- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saad moting Arab-African co-opera- as well as the co-ordination of important issues, and it is keen to seize every opportunity for such meetings. gonga, and Director of Arab Af- Ali al-Mohannadi tion in the next stage at various common issues.

Official Thousands to attend 15th Free

Emir receives phone call from Asian Medical Camp on Friday British PM

housands of people from diometric tests for interested HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim diff erent walks of life will participants and a breast can- bin Hamad al-Thani received a Tattend the 15th Free Asian cer awareness programme for telephone call from UK Prime Medical Camp and the concurrent women. Minister Theresa May yesterday. health awareness exhibition and The Hamad training cen- The Emir reviewed with the UK lectures, the organisers have said. tre will make a presentation prime minister bilateral relations The initiative is being jointly on basic life support whereas and a number of regional and organised by Friends Cultural awareness programme will also international issues of mutual Centre and Indian Doctors’ Club be organised by various agen- interest. (IDC) at the Thumama Health cies of the Ministry of Interior. Centre from 7am to 6pm this Physiotherapy Forum Qatar will Emir sends Friday (November 25). The camp participate in the camp and of- Independence will be held under the auspices fer physiotherapy services as an of the Primary Health Care Cor- added feature. Day greetings poration (PHCC) and Hamad More than 750 volunteers will Medical Corporation (HMC) and off er their services to ensure a is sponsored by Ooredoo. hassle-free camp for all partici- HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Speaking at a press confer- Off icials announcing the details of the camp yesterday. pants. Referral will be provided Hamad al-Thani, HH the Deputy ence, the organisers said the for patients to HMC or walk-in Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad camp is a good example of the Muraikhi, community relations serves low-income workers ir- HMC and Ooredoo and repre- participants. Services off ered clinics if required. Other services al-Thani and HE the Prime participation of government and senior manager, Ooredoo; Dr respective of their nationality or sentatives of various govern- include clinical tests for blood of the camp include distribution Minister and Minister of Interior non-government organisations Fathiya al-Meer, central region other backgrounds. ment and non-government or- pressure, blood sugar and cho- of free health cards to deserv- Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin in realising comprehensive so- director, PHCC; Abdulla al-An- The organisers said nearly ganisations. lesterol; oral cancer screening; ing patients, subsequent clinical Khalifa al-Thani have cial development as outlined in si, Qatar Charity; Dr Joji Tho- 2,000 pre-registered low-in- The registration of deserv- eye test; ultrasound and ECG follow-up and periodic check- sent cables of congratulations Qatar National Vision 2030. mas, president, IDC; Abdussal- come labourers from India, Ne- ing benefi ciaries of the camp is tests as well as consultation and ups, necessary assistance for de- to Lebanese President General The camp’s main objective, am K, general secretary, Indian pal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and complete and special registra- counselling. serving chronic patients and free Michel Aoun on his country’s they stressed, is to impart right Islamic Association Qatar; and Sri Lanka will be off ered free tion cards have been issued to Free medicines will be distrib- spectacles for needy eye patients. Independence Day. health education to labourers, Yasir T K, PR secretary, Indian medical check-up, treatment, them, according to the organis- uted for common diseases based In addition, health awareness mainly from Asian countries, Islamic Association. medicines and follow-up treat- ers. Lab tests for random blood on prescription by doctors who lectures will be organised on the Lankan minister who are vulnerable to some The camp seeks to introduce ment arrangements through this sugar and blood pressure are include orthopaedics, cardiolo- sidelines of the camp. chronic diseases due to the men- to all participants the medi- annual event. available, in co-operation with gists, dermatologists, ophthal- Besides, interested partici- holds talks with tal stress resulting from their cal services rendered by Qa- The camp’s inauguration cer- Qatar Red Crescent Society, on mologists, ENT specialists, den- pants can donate blood or reg- QC off icials complex work environment and tar’s government to all residents emony, which will begin at 9am the spot for all visitors. tists and general physicians. The ister their names for blood do- a disorderly lifestyle. and encourage them to benefi t on Friday, will be attended by The service of more than 150 Ophthalmology Department of nation in future. They can also The press conference was from these services, according Indian ambassador P Kuma- doctors and 175 paramedical staff HMC will off er a glaucoma test. express their willingness to do- Sri Lanka Minister of Water attended by Manar Khalifa al- to a press statement. The camp ran, senior offi cials from PHCC, will be available for registered HMC will also facilitate au- nate organs. Supply and Drainage Rauff Hakeem held talks yesterday with off icials in Qatar Chamber (QC) on improving business ties between the two countries. In a statement released in QC, the minister expressed his hope ‘Dialogue is key to settlement of global disputes’ that the meeting will result in joint projects that will increase bilateral trade, particularly in QNA water desalination, electricity, Doha tourism, real estate, food security and agriculture. The minister said that his country atar believes in dialogue is full of investment opportunity as the principal method and is looking to attract more Qin handling issues and investments by creating a disputes, and the ideal means of pro-business environment for exchanging views in global po- commercial, infra-structure, real litical challenges, HE the Min- estate and tourism projects. ister of State for Foreign Aff airs He added that the Sri Lankans Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi has were keen on attracting more said. visitors from Qatar and the Addressing the 9th World Gulf to visit tourist spots in the Policy Conference, currently country. underway in Doha, the minister He also said that Sri Lanka is keen said the current global challeng- on Qatar using the Sri Lankan es are getting more complex eve- human cadres, particularly in ry day, requiring more collective fields such as engineering and co-operation so as to achieve medicine. global peace. He highlighted that the number The minister added that Qa- of workers in Sri Lanka exceeded tar is an advocate of peace and HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi addressing the 9th World Policy Conference in Doha. 140,000. believes in bringing people to- gether regardless of their race, of the world where confl icts and ism, and wars. minister said, adding that Israel respect the legitimate govern- ple, the minister said. Envoy presents beliefs, languages and culture. disputes are present. He said that whole nations continues to refuse to listen to ment. He added that the law has He said that people are all Qatar has off ered aid to coun- get destroyed and peoples dis- international law and implement In Syria, al-Muraikhi said, been violated in each of these credentials partners in the ownership of the tries going through post-confl ict placed, and hence, they fl ee several Security Council resolu- peaceful demonstrations calling cases, resulting in chaos, which planet and to protect it by tack- transitional periods and sup- under pressure to other areas tions. The consequent Israeli for reform and basic freedoms can only be stopped through President of Eritrea Isaias Afwerki ling challenges and coming up ported reform in many countries such as Europe, creating other governments opted to use force have turned into full-fl edged comprehensive national settle- has received the credentials with solutions and building hu- out of the belief that reconcili- problems rather than solving the and violence against the Pales- war for fi ve years because the ment and restoring the rule of of Jaber Ali al-Athba as Qatar’s man values. ation and national settlements main one. tinian people instead of address- regime refused to respect its law. ambassador to Eritrea. The risks of instability and are the way towards stability and HE al-Muraikhi said that the ing their legitimate demands own laws and human rights by The minister of state for for- The ambassador conveyed the the absence of law anywhere af- paving the way for the rule of absence of a solution to the Pal- that are backed by the interna- listening to the demands of the eign aff airs said that the politi- greetings of HH the Emir Sheikh fect states and societies, he said, law, he said. estinian issue since 1948 did not tional law. people, opting instead to use cal chaos that is created by some Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the adding that the eff ects of politi- The political instability in the make Palestinian refugees forget As for Yemen, the Qatari min- military force against peaceful regional and international pow- President Afwerki. cal confl icts and disputes as well Arab world is a source of concern about their villages and cities, ister said a coup occurred there protesters. ers have led to the erosion of The Emirtrean president extremism and the absence of for Qatar, the minister said, add- stressing that it is about time the against a legitimate elected gov- The situation in all these the sovereignty of weak states reciprocated HH the Emir’s the rule of law are no longer ex- ing that the reasons diff er from international society recognises ernment, which also means the countries as well as others calls and their inability to defend the greetings and wishes and wished clusive to a single place or cul- one country to another. He not- the right of an independent Pal- issue is legal in nature, while the for a review to the global stance citizen’s right to a decent living. the Qatari ambassador success ture. ed that the rule of law is always estinian state to exist with Jeru- current war would have never towards them and whether That is what is really happening in his duties and in advancing HE al-Muraikhi said Qatar has absent wherever there are ethnic salem as its capital. happened if those who carried enough has been done to stop in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya and and strengthening the ties of worked through mediation to or sectarian confl icts, extremist The 68-year-old confl ict in out the coup hadn’t violated the destruction and bring hope Palestine, and others, al-Mu- friendship and co-operation achieve stability in several areas groups, tribal fanaticism, terror- Palestine is legal in nature, the the law that compels all sides to and stability back to these peo- raikhi said. between Qatar and Eritrea. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 3 QATAR

Two streets in Old Airport area to be closed from tomorrow

l Hurriya and Al Salah streets of the AOld Airport area will be partially closed from to- morrow (November 24) un- til the end of May next year. The nearly six-month closure on Al Hurriya Street will extend from Al Mansour and Al Hurriya streets inter- section to Jabir Bin Hayyan Street, whereas the closure on Al Salah Street will extend from in front of Hassan Bin Thabet School to the Old Air- port Commercial Street. The closure is to develop the main roads for Al Salah and Al Hurriya Streets, in- cluding upgrading of the main foul sewer system with house connections, fi xing new surface water and ground water line with gullies for water collection, as well as installing street lights and kerbstone with the construction of park- of telecommunications and direction will remain open interlock for the footpath. ing bays and roundabouts, Kahramaa services. to traffi c, as shown on the The project also includes in addition to installation During the closure, one map.

Health Ministry holds workshop on consent policy

inistry of Public and benefi t from healthcare consent, which is one of of the department of Health (MoPH) has providers and health practi- the rights enshrined in the Healthcare Quality and Morganised a work- tioners. charter of rights and du- Patient Safety at MoPH shop to raise awareness More than 150 health ties enforced in Qatar since showed a draft of in- among healthcare provid- service providers partici- 2015 and adopted by the formed consent policies ers and health practitioners pated in the workshop from standing committee of the that opened the doors of about the policy of informed diff erent specialties in the licences. discussion and interac- consent, based on a bill of private sector, and managers Also highlighted were the tion among audience. rights and responsibilities of the relevant departments statistics issued by QCHP They had collected the of the patient. of the MoPH, and QCHP, on complaints received views and suggestions on The three-day work- Hamad Medical Corpora- concerning the failure to the draft to identify the shop was organised by the tion, Primary Health Care obtain the consent of the challenges and obstacles Department of Healthcare Corporation, Sidra Medical patient when providing through a questionnaire Quality and Patient Safety and Research Center, Asp- medical care, in addition to distributed at the end of the in co-operation with the etar Hospital and Qatar Pe- displaying samples of ap- workshop. This will con- Qatar Council for Health- troleum. provals that are used by tribute to the fi nalisation of care Practitioners (QCHP) The workshop included some healthcare facilities in the policy of informed con- at MoPH. It was a platform presentations about the the state. sent, which is currently be- to exchange experiences importance of informed The representatives ing prepared. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 QATAR Remittances to India up by 15% as rupee falls

By Peter Alagos “Because the value of the ru- liquidity is only a “temporary” Business Reporter pee has gone down, many people issue. are benefi ting from that because “There are certain cases when of higher exchange rates,” he ex- cash is not available but because emittances from Indian plained. there are a lot of payment cen- expatriates in Qatar are On the issue of liquidity at tres and banks, there may not be Rbelieved to have gone up money transfer institutions in a problem because of the avail- The winning team poses for a photo with off icials. by 15% since the government India, Jakati said a paying agent ability of these payment institu- crackdown on black money and will issue a cheque to a benefi ci- tions.” counterfeit bills, industry sourc- ary in case there is a shortage in Vadian added: “This is a very es have said. cash. good initiative on the part of Al Mana Exchange senior the government to control black Domasco clinches three medals at manager Anand P Jakati said re- “This crackdown is only money and counterfeit notes. mittance pattern of Indian resi- a problem for those who Initially, there would be some dents in Qatar was stable since have black money” inconveniences to the customers Prime Minister Narendra Modi but in the long term it will be an Honda Motors regional skills contest announced the demonetisation “The paying agent, because he advantage to the government and of the Rs500 and Rs1,000 bills will not be in a position to have the public.” from November 8. that much currency, will be issu- Asked about reports of In- l-Futtaim’s Doha Mar- pions represented their respec- rects us to deliver the best expe- ability and skills of the associates “In the last two weeks, remit- ing a cheque in favour of the ben- dian banks refusing to encash keting Services Com- tive companies at the regional rience to our customers . These in diffi cult and challenging en- tances from Indian expatriates efi ciary, and the benefi ciary can cheques, Jakati emphasised that Apany (Domasco), the contest. awards are just part of an initia- vironments. The contest aims to have increased. At least in our go to the bank and can deposit it banks “cannot deny anyone en- exclusive distributor for Honda Three employees from Do- tive to further improve the serv- provide a platform to Honda em- branch, it had gone up by 10% to in his or her account or withdraw cashing a cheque.” in Qatar, clinched one Gold and masco were honoured in diff er- ice Honda and their distributors ployees across the region to dis- 15%. But only for this period, of cash,” he said. “The benefi ciary could just two Bronze medals at the Honda ent categories: Mohamed Adel provide to their customers. play their creativity, knowledge course,” Jakati told Gulf Times. Vaidian explained that cus- deposit the cheque in his or her Motors Regional Skills Contest Gaber won Gold in the sales “We are proud to have won and expertise. He added: “This crackdown tomers can send money to India bank account and collect the held in Dubai recently. consultant category; Sapnesh several medals at the Honda “These wins endorse the high is only a problem for those who using two products – ‘cash-to- money through the normal clear- Honda Motor Company (Af- Shirodker won Bronze in the in- Regional Skills Contest, which quality of the services imple- have black money. But for Indi- cash’ or ‘cash-to-bank’. ing process. And this is only a rica and Middle East offi ce) ventory controller category, and reaffi rm that Domasco’s Honda mented by Domasco and ensure ans in Qatar, whoever is sending, “If the mode of transfer is temporary problem; now I heard hosted a three-day contest Nisar Ishaq Khan won Bronze in team is strong and dedicated to that our customers are served by it is all legal money.” cash-to-cash, then the money cash is already available because where more than 30 partici- the body repair technician cat- ensure the maximum satisfac- the best personnel.” The same was echoed by Qa- will go to the benefi ciary as cash the situation has improved a lot,” pants from the region attended egory. tion of customers.” In 2015, Domasco had won tar-UAE Exchange country man- payment. But if they face any he noted. various rounds of theory and Faisal Sharif, managing di- Greig Roff ey, head of sales and Gold in the sales executive ager Mathai Vaidian, who said problem with that, we can ad- Jakati also said exchange practical tests. A winner for rector at Domasco, said: “We marketing at Domasco Honda, category, Silver in the branch higher exchange rates due to a vise the customer to do cash-to- houses in Qatar are accepting each category from each coun- are driven by Honda’s motto of added: “The theme behind this manager category, Gold in the weaker rupee had pushed remit- bank,” he said. new Indian banknotes issued af- try across the region was select- ‘The Three Joys’, namely the joy year’s contest was ‘Driven by service adviser category and tances to India by at least 5% to But Trust Exchange general ter the government cancelled the ed through a series of internal of buying, the joy of selling and Passion. Motivated by Chal- Bronze in the parts sales adviser 10%. manager K N S Das stressed that high-denomination bills. assessments and these cham- the joy of creating, which di- lenges’. It tested the competence, category. Experts attend conference on paediatric pulmonology

elegates from Qatar, other GCC countries, the Arab region and Dthe rest of the world attended the fourth Arab Paediatric Pulmonol- ogy Association (APPA) Congress in Doha last week. Hosted by Hamad Medical Corpo- ration, the three-day event discussed medical updates and scientifi c in- sights into children’s lung health and provided opportunity for delegates to network with peers and learn from their varying experiences in diff erent countries. “It has been an honour for HMC to host this year’s congress,” said Prof Ib- rahim A Janahi, senior consultant and division chief, Paediatric Pulmonol- ogy at HMC and founding member of APPA. “Each year the congress goes from strength to strength and the quality of speakers and programme for this year’s event was exceptional,” he said. The APPA congress is one of the leading events of its kind in the GCC and Arab world. Each year, leaders in the fi eld of paediatric pulmonology come together to share the latest med- ical updates and research on the most important topics. Prof Janahi addressing the congress. The keynote speech was delivered by Dr Nemr Eid, professor of paediatrics other topics including cystic fi brosis, affect the daily lives of many chil- at the University of Louisville’s School childhood asthma and lower respira- dren. Events such as the APPA con- of Medicine, Kentucky. In his presen- tory illnesses. gress provide a valuable opportunity tation, Dr Eid highlighted the benefi ts “Paediatric pulmonology is an for experts from across the region of impulse oscillometry, a specialist area of great importance in the Arab to come together and work towards technique for measuring lung func- world. Asthma, chronic coughing and our shared goal of providing the best tion. respiratory problems are all preva- possible care for children with lung Other presentations focused on lent in the region and can adversely conditions,” Janahi said.

QF to hold ‘Characters’ Village’ event

atar Foundation for Education, take place for three days from tomor- ing Hood, Pinocchio and Sinbad,” al- Science and Community De- row at Education City’s Ceremonial Qahtani said. Qvelopment (QF) will host the Court and Green Spine. “The Characters’ Village is a per- ‘Characters’ Village’ event this week- Fahad al-Qahtani, president, Com- fect example of one of the campaign’s end as part of its National Reading munity Development at Qatar Foun- main objectives - that reading, enter- Campaign. dation, said the organisation aims “to tainment and quality family time can The event is open to the public, with enrich and inspire a book-loving cul- be combined into one unforgettable special emphasis on families with chil- ture with its innovative and interactive learning and entertainment opportu- dren. National Reading Campaign pop-up nity.” Characters’ Village aims to entertain events.” With different educational activi- and inspire a new generation of read- “With adventure central to the ties set up in separate closely situat- ers. Using an ‘inspire through play’ event’s design and execution, QF’s ed zones, children can learn through approach, children are invited to enter Ceremonial Court and Green Spine play at the storytelling area, maze the world of the campaign’s six story- will be transformed into a mini-world station and an ‘Alice’ exploration book characters - fuelling imagina- of fantasy and fun, with each station zone, among many other new and tions and bringing the National Read- inspired by iconic children’s book exciting events that will be unveiled ing Campaign to life. The event will characters such as Little Red Rid- over the weekend. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 5 QATAR TRL, Ministry of In brief

Emir receives Municipality win phone call from Erdogan prestigious award HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received a telephone call from RL, a global centre for President Recep Tayyip innovation in trans- Erdogan of Turkey. Tport and mobility, HH the Emir and the Turkish won the ‘Green Research’ president reviewed ties award at this year’s edition between Qatar and Turkey of the Qatar Green Build- and ways of developing ing Council’s (QGBC) Qatar and strengthening them, Sustainability Awards held in addition to the latest recently. developments in the region. TRL bagged the award for its research project ‘Recy- PM meets cled Aggregate in Construc- tion.’ Adopted by the GSO Algerian FM Standardisation Organisa- tion, the project played a key HE the Prime Minister and role in the development of Minister of Interior Sheikh the fi rst recycling standard TRL - Qatar’s Dr Khaled Hassan and Dr Mohamed bin Saif Abdullah bin Nasser bin and construction specifi ca- al-Kuwari, head of Environmental and Municipal Studies Khalifa al-Thani met the tion in Qatar. Institute – Ministry of Municipality and Environment, receive visiting Algerian Minister “This study demonstrat- the award. of State and Minister ed and provided research for Foreign Aff airs and evidence that recycled ag- operation was the release of (GSO 2489/2015) – ‘Speci- International Co-operation, gregates are signifi cantly a 225-page guidebook that fi cations of Recycled Ag- Ramtane Lamamra in Doha cheaper and can be eff ec- provides comprehensive data gregates from Construction yesterday. tively used with similar per- on the construction industry Waste to be used in Con- The meeting reviewed formance to that of import- in Qatar and the potential struction Work.’ bilateral relations between ed aggregate,” TRL country of recycling initiatives, sup- Qatari Primary Materials Qatar and Algeria and director and Middle East in- ported by a set of statistical Company signed a contract means of developing them frastructure head Dr Khaled tables and charts, photo- with TRL to recycle con- on all fronts. The two sides Hassan said. graphs and case studies. struction waste and co-oper- also exchanged views on He noted that the study The fi ndings of the re- ate in environmental studies. regional and international also allowed them to play search prompted Qatar The project is aimed at issues of mutual interest. a key role in increasing Standards to publish the supporting the government awareness and promoting fi rst Qatar Recycling Stand- strategy of sustainable de- Qatar-Lebanon the wider use of recycled ard in 2012 and update the velopment through imple- aggregates across Qatar and Qatar Construction Specifi - menting recycling in con- ties reviewed the GCC. cation (QCS 2014). struction projects with the Between 2011 and 2015, This move aims to permit benefi t of improving aggre- Lebanese President TRL worked in close col- the use of recycled aggre- gate supply, reducing costs, General Michel Aoun laboration with Qatar gates in a range of applica- and protecting the environ- met Qatar’s ambassador Standards – Ministry of tions, including structural ment. Ali bin Hamad al-Marri Municipality and Environ- concrete, non-structural QGBC’s Sustainability during his participation ment, Public Works Au- concrete, concrete blocks, Awards aims to recognise in the celebration of the thority, Qatar University, asphalt pavements, road the eff orts, commitment, 73rd independence day and key stakeholders in the sub-base materials and fi ll and contributions of indi- anniversary of Lebanon. construction industry with applications. viduals, institutions and Ambassador al-Marri funding from the Qatar Na- The Qatar Standard and organisations in furthering conveyed the greetings tional Research Fund at Qa- Specifi cation was recently sustainable development of the Emir Sheikh Tamim tar Foundation. adopted by the GCC Stand- and environmental protec- bin Hamad al-Thani to the The result of the joint co- ardisation Organisation tion in Qatar and beyond. Lebanese president. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 QATAR Nojoom announces new promotion with Yateem Optician

oredoo and Yateem Op- tions director at Ooredoo, said: Applebees, and outlets across tician has announced “Almost six months ago we The Pearl-Qatar. Oa new promotion for launched Yateem as a Nojoom The promotion will be avail- Nojoom Loyalty Programme partner, and since then we able in nine key branches of Ya- members, as the companies have been able to reward lots teem Optician, Yateem Vision work together to “give back of people for checking their eye and Occhiali shops across Qa- more to their customers”. health and buying new frames. tar, including shops in Fereej Al The promotion, which will This promotion aims to give Nasr, City Center, Royal Plaza, be available until December more to members who use Ya- Al Rayyan, Lagoona Mall, Barwa 31, gives all Nojoom members teem Optician’s services, and Village, Yateem Vision – HMC, who shop at Yateem Optician hopefully the Nojoom Points Al Khor Mall and Al Wakrah. branches two Nojoom Points earned for this day-to-day task Besides earning Nojoom Off icials from various Islamic finance organisations at the roundtable hosted by HBKU yesterday. for every QR1 spent, Ooredoo can be used towards something Points, members can re- has said in a statement. special.” deem points for a host of Previously, Nojoom mem- Nojoom Points can be re- Yateem Optician services, bers were rewarded with one deemed on a range of experi- including optometrist exami- point for every QR1, which ences, covering every aspect of nations, ophthalmic lenses and means that members can life in Qatar. Partners include international eyewear brands. double their points with the Landmark mall, Starlink, Al For more details, members promotion. Meera, Qatar Airways, Géant can visit the Nojoom pages on Fatima Sultan al-Kuwari, Hypermarket, popular family Ooredoo’s website at www. Islamic banking community and public rela- locations such as Chilli’s and ooredoo.qa/nojoom Models of Ford vehicles recalled The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), in collaboration with Ford dealer surpasses $1tn Almana Motors Company, has announced the recall of Ford he College of Islamic Stud- lamic Economics and Finance at HE Sheikh Abdullah said Is- ing Islamic fi nance and high- Focus, Fiesta and Ecosport ies at Hamad Bin Khalifa the college, with HE Sheikh Ab- lamic banking has seen rapid lighted ways in which Islamic model year 2011-2015 over TUniversity (HBKU) yes- dullah Saud al-Thani, governor development and success over fi nance can potentially help the failure of the transmission terday held its annual Islamic fi - of Qatar Central Bank, providing recent years and according to the achieve infrastructure-relat- control module. nance CEOs’ roundtable on the the keynote address. Arab Monetary Fund’s latest es- ed Sustainable Development The MEC will co-ordinate with role of Islamic fi nance in fi nanc- Those in attendance included timates for 2016, the industry’s Goals in the Muslim world. the dealer to follow up on ing infrastructure projects. CEOs, senior advisers, and di- assets value surpassed $1tn and Participants discussed issues the maintenance and repair The event brought together rectors of major fi nancial insti- the estimated number of Islamic such as improving access to af- works and communicate with Islamic fi nance and economics tutions in Qatar and from across institutions is around 700 fi rms, fordable, reliable and modern customers to ensure that the representatives from industry the GCC region. Academics of which 250 are operating in the energy service, ensuring avail- necessary repairs are carried and academia to understand from HBKU and its partner uni- Gulf region. ability of water and sanitation out. on-the-ground realities and versities also participated in the The CEOs’ roundtable initia- for all, and substantially in- The MEC has urged all challenges, work together to roundtable, as well as a number tive was launched to be a cata- creasing health and education customers to report reduce barriers to accessing of HBKU Islamic fi nance lyst in opening communication fi nancing. any violations to its Islamic fi nance, create more master’s students. channels between Islamic fi nan- Roundtable attendees were Consumer Protection and sustainable and ethical Sharia- In his welcome remarks, Dr Ah- cial institutions and academia, also invited to give an overview Anti-Commercial Fraud compliant products, and en- mad M Hasnah, president, HBKU, creating an open forum to dis- of their activities in arranging Department through the courage a more robust econo- said ‘the institution stands be- cuss new issues and products in or participating in infrastruc- following channels: Hotline: my that meets the needs of all hind knowledge generation and the industry. ture projects partially or fully 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. segments of society. knowledge discourse, and it is im- The event began with a dis- funded by Islamic fi nance, not- qa, Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, The topics of discussion and portant to engage relevant stake- cussion on the challenges that ing common modes of fi nanc- Instagram: MEC_Qatar, MEC The new digital membership card initiative makes accessing organisation of the event was holders on the local, regional, and infrastructure project sponsors ing and mentioning notable case mobile app for Android and the many benefits of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club simpler for prepared by the Centre for Is- international scene.’ and governments face in utilis- studies. IOS: MEC_Qatar travellers on the move. Sargasandhya 2016 draw winners named Qatar Airways

ulf Times readers who have won tickets to Sar- gasandhya 2016, the multicultural show featuring Gcomedy, music, dance and other stage perform- launches ances by popular artistes from the Indian state of Kerala, were announced yesterday. The winners who get a VIP ticket each to the show are Sheela Abdulrahiman, CVSR Kamesh, Farhan F, Abdul digital card for Malek Abul Khair, Faizal E and Perincheri P Krishnan. The cultural show will be held at Regency Hall, Doha, from 7pm tomorrow. The draw was conducted at the offi ce of the show’s media sponsors, Gulf Times, by Babu Nambiath, Gopikrishnan Privilege Club and Somanathan, executive committee members of Kerala Social and Cultural Organisation (KSCA), the event or- ganisers. Present on the occasion was Sanjai Noah, senior business development manager, Gulf Times. This edition of the cultural show, marking its 12th an- members niversary, features popular show host and comedy artiste Ramesh Pisharady, award-winning singing talents Sud- heep Kumar and Preetha Kannan, in addition to the ac- atar Airways has of- them with immediate access claimed dancing duo of Veena and Dhanya Nair, among fi cially launched the to the many benefi ts of the others. Qdigital membership Privilege Club programme, the The winners have been requested to contact the Gulf card for its Privilege Club statement explains. Times offi ce at 44466620 to get their tickets between 8am members. Qatar Airways vice-pres- and 5pm. The draw winners being announced yesterday. With this, the airline is pro- ident of CRM and Loyalty, viding Privilege Club mem- Dr Ian Di Tullio, said: “I’m bers with a “more convenient thrilled to introduce our new option” to redeem Qmiles digital membership card, when travelling across its glo- providing the most acces- bal network, according to a sible service for our Privilege GCC quality conference on Nov 28 Chief of statement. Club members as they travel. Available to all Privilege Travellers can start earning Club membership tiers – and redeeming instantly when he ninth GCC Quality GCC countries will present pa- lence through leadership com- ensuring comprehensive qual- Staff meets Burgundy, Silver, Gold and booking and travelling with Conference will be held pers on topics such as leader- mitment to the application of ity administration as it formed Platinum – the new digital Qatar Airways.” Ton November 28 at Sher- ship role in expanding knowl- quality systems’ standards and a special department for in 2005 membership card provides Privilege Club members can aton Doha, under the theme edge and willingness to make developing sustainable qual- in this connection and became Greek travellers with the same level take advantage of a number ‘Quality and commitment of quantum leap, leadership role in ity culture through leadership the fi rst ministry in the country of service as the physical card of digital services available to the leadership.’ The event be- commitment to quality system commitment. to do so. using their smartphones or them, including the Qatar Air- ing is organised by the Gulf and objectives achievement, He noted that the conference The department was estab- defence tablets. ways App, allowing travellers Development Centre in col- leadership role in handling risks will be attended by representa- lished to cope with the great de- Members can continue to book fl ights, check in, man- laboration with the Ministry of and converting it into oppor- tives from American Society for velopments in security fi eld at earning and redeeming Qmiles age their accounts and enjoy Interior (MoI). tunities, leadership role in en- Quality along with 250 partici- regional and international level attache on products and services, pri- benefi ts and off ers from the This was announced yester- suring the quality of goods and pants from GCC countries. to prevent the newer methods of ority check-in, extra baggage convenience of a smartphone, day at a conference attended services off ered to customers, Major al-Mohannadi said crimes along with the techno- QNA allowance, special discounts tablet or desktop – anywhere by Gulf Development Centre achieving operational excel- that the MoI was committed to logical development, he added. Doha at Qatar Duty Free (QDF), ac- in the world. chairman Mohamed Saleh al- cessing Qatar Airways’ loung- Qatar Airways Privilege Kuwari, MoI’s Strategic Plan- es and using partner airline Club members earn Qmiles ning Department assistant E Chief of Staff Air Vice services, award fee waivers for and Qpoints every time they director Major Khalid Abdul Marshal Ghanim bin Gold and Platinum members, fl y with Qatar Airways or Azeez al-Mohannadi and Pub- HShaheen Al Ghanim Flexi Awards and online oneworld partner airlines. lic Relations Department’s se- yesterday met with Greek de- redemption discounts. Qpoints allow members to curity media head Captain Hadi fence attache in Doha, Colonel Travellers can now present move up the membership tiers Mohamed al-Hajiri. Antonios Vasileiou, on the oc- their membership card on a and “unlock even greater” Al-Kuwari lauded the com- casion of the end of his tenure smartphone or tablet via the privileges, while Qmiles are mitment of the MoI to imple- in Qatar. Qatar Airways App, mobile reward miles that can be re- ment quality initiatives at its Air Vice Marshal Ghanim Al website, Apple Wallet, e-mail deemed on fl ights to almost departments to improve the Ghanim expressed his apprecia- or as a saved image on a port- 1,000 destinations served by work environment and raise the tion of the Greek defence atta- able device. The digital mem- Qatar Airways, the oneworld performance level in presenting che’s eff orts in enhancing mili- bership card will now super- alliance and airline partners. its services to the public. tary co-operation between the sede the physical card for all Qmiles can also be redeemed He said that the conference two friendly countries during new Burgundy Privilege Club for award fl ights, upgrades, will discuss eight important his time in Doha, wishing him members and their nominated excess baggage, pay for topics. Experts from various Off icials speaking at a press conference yesterday. success in his future posts. family members, providing shopping at QDF and more. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 7 QATAR

QRCS seeks donations for ‘Warm Winter’ campaign

atar Red Crescent Soci- lost their homes and livelihoods,” – 66644822), visit QRCS’s head- ety (QRCS) has launched he stressed. quarters in Old Slata, or visit Al Qits annual ‘Warm Winter’ Ahmed al-Khulaifi , head of Re- Khor Branch (44027883) or Wom- campaign with a total budget of source Mobilisation, told report- en’s Branch (44027875). QR10mn to provide winterisation ers: “The campaign will help the Last year, QRCS’s ‘Warm Winter’ aid to 206,000 benefi ciaries in sev- vulnerable and victims of wars or campaign delivered QR7mn worth eral countries. disasters in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, of winterisation aid and projects QRCS secretary-general Ali Has- Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, as well for 200,000 benefi ciaries, includ- san al-Hammadi said the campaign as Syrian refugees in Lebanon and ing warm clothing, electric heaters, seeks donations from Qatari ben- Jordan and Palestinian refugees in tarpaulins, blankets, heating oil, efactors not only to make the target Lebanon.” and jackets for schoolchildren. families warm during the winter To contribute, al-Khulaifi said According to Issa al-Ishaq, di- but also “revive their hopes, pre- anyone can donate online (www. rector of communication, ther- serve their dignity, and alleviate qrcs.org.qa), transfer donation via mal insulating sheets have been their deprivation”. QRCS’s account No 11111-26666- installed inside the tents of Syrian “While we are safe in our homes, 202 at Qatar International Islamic refugees in Lebanon, and work- we should never forget those Bank (QIIB) (IBAN: QA28QI- shops were operated to generate homeless and destitute widows, IB000000001111126666202), call income for displaced women in orphans, elderly and patients who the hotlines (16002 – 66666364 Syria.

QC’s Yousuf bin Ahmed al-Kuwari (left) and MSF-France’s Dr Méguerditch Tarazian sign the MoU at MSF’s headquarters in Paris. QC, MSF join hands for humanitarian work

atar Charity (QC) and Médecins mutual understanding and co-operation “This in turn, will help us relay our hu- Sans Frontières (MSF) have signed in various medical humanitarian projects manitarian message and face enormous Qa memorandum of understand- between QC and MSF, according to MSF- challenges,” he noted.“Foremost among ing (MoU) to enhance co-operation and UAE executive director Mohamed Bali. these are the needs resulting from the hu- experience sharing in the fi eld of interna- The MoU focuses on three main ar- manitarian crises that are raging through tional humanitarian work. eas: raising the awareness on medical a number of countries in the Arab world QC executive director Yousuf bin humanitarian activities and how to par- (Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, and Ahmed al-Kuwari and MSF-France presi- ticipate in them; capacity building and Sudan, among others). MSF, meanwhile, dent Dr Méguerditch Tarazian signed the the sharing of expertise in fi eld projects; is looking to expand the scope of its com- MoU at MSF’s headquarters in Paris. and the launch of joint fundraising cam- munity partnerships in GCC countries to “We have found this interest to be mu- paigns to support fi eld projects in emer- strengthen the provision of medical aid tual, through the communication that gency crises. for those aff ected by confl icts, epidem- we had over the past years, as well as the Al-Kuwari pointed out that the man- ics, natural disasters, and exclusion from positive interaction between the two or- date of QC, along with its fellow hu- healthcare, Bali said. ganisations on a number of humanitar- manitarian organisations, is to contribute He added that MSF has several medical ian events that were organised by QC in eff ectively and responsibly to the hu- humanitarian projects in the Middle East Doha,” al-Kuwari said. manitarian work and activities done by and North Africa, including Iraq, Syria, The partnership is expected to con- non-governmental organisations in GCC Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Palestine, Egypt tribute in developing and supporting countries. and Libya. QRCS officials announcing the campaign yesterday. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 REGION/ARAB WORLD Renewed clashes in Yemen kill more than 40

AFP attack by Shia Houthi rebels and Military offi cials also reported ing around the coastal town of dis were wounded by rebel shell- tional attempt to end Yemen’s nel Abdel Rahim Samahi, was Aden their allies on the western out- heavy artillery fi re in an eastern Midi cost the lives of 18 rebels ing from Yemen, the Saudi civil 20-month confl ict, which the gunned down outside his home skirts of Taiz city, the offi cials said. suburb of Taiz as pro-Hadi forc- and four soldiers, a loyalist com- defence said. United Nations says has killed in an attack, a security offi cial The attack that began late es pressed a campaign to wrest mander on the ground, Abdel Cross-border fi re from Yemen more than 7,000 people and said yesterday. enewed clashes between Monday targeted the Al-Dhabab back control of a presidential Ghani Chebli, said. has killed dozens of people in wounded nearly 37,000. The Islamic State group said Yemeni government forces area, which provides pro-Hadi palace, police headquarters and Rebel sniper fi re on Monday Saudi Arabia since March 2015. The Houthis overran the capi- it killed Samahi, the US-based Rand rebels killed more than forces with their only access to the an air defence base from the night killed three soldiers as The coalition and the rebels tal Sanaa and other parts of the SITE Intelligence Group report- 40 people yesterday, military of- fl ashpoint city of 300,000 people Houthis. the Houthis tried to advance on have traded blame over viola- impoverished country in Sep- ed. fi cials said, a day after a fragile that is surrounded by insurgents. Eleven rebel fi ghters and fi ve Midi’s harbour, which is con- tions of the ceasefi re which came tember 2014, prompting the In recent months, IS and Al 48-hour ceasefi re expired without Warplanes from the Saudi-led pro-government soldiers were trolled by pro-Hadi forces. into eff ect on Saturday after US coalition to intervene six months Qaeda have stepped up attacks halting the violence. Arab coalition took part in opera- killed in the clashes around the In the Saudi border town of Secretary of State John Kerry in- later in support of Hadi. on Aden and south Yemen where Forces loyal to President Abd- tions to repel the attack, offi cials southwestern city, they said. Najran, a Yemeni civilian was tervened. In the southern city of Aden, loyalist forces have struggled to Rabbu Mansour Hadi repelled an said. In northwest Yemen, fi ght- killed and seven other non-Sau- It was the latest interna- an airport security offi cer, Colo- dismantle militant groups. Lebanese independence day parade Egypt court quashes Mursi life sentence

AFP elected leader, taking power af- “If the sentences had been up- Cairo ter the 2011 uprising that toppled held, I think that would have been longtime strongman Hosni Mu- a surprise - particularly the death barak. sentence. n Egyptian appeals court But his year in offi ce proved Putting them aside isn’t a sur- yesterday quashed one of deeply divisive and he was over- prise at all - it would have been Atwo life sentences handed thrown by then-army chief and their implementation that would down to Mohamed Mursi since his now President Abdel Fattah al-Si- have been,” said H A Hellyer, sen- 2013 overthrow, in the Islamist ex- si following mass street protests. ior non-resident fellow at the At- president’s second appeals victory A crackdown on Mursi’s Mus- lantic Council. in a week. lim Brotherhood followed, with “However, no one should as- The Court of Cassation, Egypt’s the movement blacklisted, hun- sume that as a result of this, Mursi highest appeals court, issued the dreds of its supporters killed and is being released,” Hellyer added. verdict, Mursi’s lawyer and a judi- thousands jailed or sentenced to Last month, the Court of Cas- cial offi cial said. death. sation upheld a 20-year jail sen- The court ordered a retrial in The courts’ handling of the tence passed against Mursi on the case, Mursi’s lawyer Abdel cases against Mursi and his sup- charges of ordering the use of Moneim Abdel Maqsoud said, porters, many of whom have been deadly force against protesters adding: “The verdict was full of convicted after mass trials last- during his year in power, which legal fl aws.” ing just days, has drawn criticism has become the only fi nal verdict The ruling quashed sentences from Western governments, hu- against the former Islamist presi- against 22 others, including death man rights groups and the United dent. sentences against the Muslim Nations, which described the tri- Mursi is being held at the Borg Lebanese Army commandos march in a military parade during an off icial ceremony commemorating the country’s 73rd independ- Brotherhood’s deputy head Khai- als as “unprecedented”. el-Arab prison near the northern ence day in the capital Beirut yesterday. rat al-Shater and other senior Last week, the Court of Cassa- city of Alexandria. offi cials from the now banned tion also overturned a death sen- A veteran activist and engi- group. tence handed down against Mursi neering professor, Mursi emerged A court had sentenced Mursi on charges of taking part in prison as a compromise candidate for the Four charged to life in June 2015 on charges of breaks and violence against police Brotherhood to fi eld in Egypt’s over plot to spying for Iran, Lebanese militant during the anti-Mubarak upris- fi rst democratic presidential elec- group Hezbollah and the Palestin- ing. tion in 2012. GCC FMs assassinate ian Hamas. Five co-defendants who also He narrowly won the vote but late Saudi king The decision was the latest legal received death sentences, includ- was soon accused of failing to victory for the 65-year-old, who ing Brotherhood supreme guide represent all Egyptians and of to meet in Four suspected Al Qaeda has been convicted and sentenced Mohamed Badie, are to be retried trampling the ideals of the anti- members have gone on in all cases against him since being too in that case. Mubarak uprising. trial accused of plotting to removed from offi ce in 2013. “These decisions tell us that the His rule was marked by deep di- Bahrain assassinate the late King “Most of the trials in which the initial verdicts were political,” said visions in Egyptian society, a crip- Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, former president has been con- lawyer and human rights activist pling economic crisis and often newspapers in the kingdom victed are not built on suffi cient Gamal Eid. deadly opposition protests. QNA reported yesterday. evidence: the prosecutor relies From next Monday, the court Mursi was removed by Sisi on Riyadh The reports provided no details on security services reports,” is to start reviewing a second life July 3, 2013 after millions took to on the alleged assassination plot University of Cairo political sci- sentence handed down against the streets demanding his resig- or when it may have occurred, ences Professor Mustafa Kamel Mursi in a separate trial on charges nation. he GCC foreign ministers will but said the defendants were al-Sayyed said. of stealing documents relating to Sisi became president a year hold their 141st session of the also charged with belonging Mursi was Egypt’s fi rst freely national security. later. Tministerial meeting in Bahrain to an extremist group, Mursi denounced a “coup” and tomorrow. communicating with an Al his supporters insisted he was still The ministerial meeting, which pre- Qaeda leader and attempting to the legitimate president. pares for the 37th session of GCC sum- recruit Saudi youth. Hundreds were killed in clashes mit, is to be chaired by Bahraini Foreign “The trial of four Al Qaeda that erupted when security forces Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin terrorists accused of plotting dispersed two pro-Mursi protest Mohamed al Khalifah, and will be at- to assassinate the late King camps in Cairo in August 2013. tended by GCC Secretary-General Dr Abdullah opened at the Special The years following Mursi’s Abdul Latif bin Rashid al-Zayani. Criminal Court,” the Arab News overthrow saw a surge in bomb- Al-Zayani said that the ministerial daily said, adding that the ings and shootings targeting se- meeting comes within preparation for accused had been convicted curity forces, particularly in the the upcoming 37th session of the GCC earlier on other militancy north of the Sinai Peninsula, a Supreme Council summit which will charges. stronghold of the Islamic State be held in Bahrain next month. Saudi Arabia overcame an Al group. The meeting will discuss what has Qaeda insurgency almost a The militants say the attacks been achieved with regard to the de- decade ago. are in retaliation for the crack- cisions of the Supreme Council and King Abdullah died of natural down on Islamists. what has been fulfi lled in the fi eld of causes in January 2015. Deposed Egyptian president Mohamed Mursi. integration and co-operation in the GCC joint action, the GCC Secretary- General said, adding that the meeting will look into reports and recommen- dations submitted by the competent ministerial committees and the Gen- eral Secretariat that will be referred to Iran’s nuclear deal can’t be the Supreme Council.

Boy braves blades, broken glass for renegotiated, says minister Arabs Got Talent Agencies hran from gaining nuclear weap- that make it diffi cult for banks tonium that is used in a nuclear Walking and jumping on smashed Tehran ons instead. to invest in Iran. In order to ease bomb. glass and bracing for sharpened knives In exchange, the international fi nancial boundaries, Iranian of- “Eleven tonnes of heavy water to be dropped onto his belly, Khaled community pledged to lift eco- fi cials are currently in Brussels, has been sent to Oman and the Allukman is a 10-year-old daredevil with here will be no renego- nomic sanctions. negotiating with representatives other party has announced its a mission - to win Arabs Got Talent. tiation of Iran’s nuclear The deal was negotiated be- of the European Union. readiness for the purchase,” Salehi The boy from Saudi Arabia is hoping Tdeal, said Iranian Deputy tween Iran and all fi ve perma- A lack of foreign investment said, according to the IRIB news to show off his risky moves on the next Foreign Minister Majid Takht nent members UN Security could also endanger a possible re- agency. edition of the hugely popular television Ravanchi yesterday, despite con- Council, plus Germany, in Vi- election of moderate Iranian Pres- In a report this month, the In- show and has been training hard ahead cerns that incoming US presi- enna last year. ident Hassan Rouhani next May. ternational Atomic Energy Agency of travelling to Beirut, where the MBC dent-elect Donald Trump might It is important for all parties Meanwhile, Iran said yester- (IAEA) said Iran’s stocks of heavy show is filmed. scrap the deal. to keep their commitments, Ra- day it had sent 11 metric tonnes of water had crept 100 kilos above Each year, contestants sing, dance and In an interview with the Irani- vanchi pointed out. heavy water to Oman as part of its the 130-tonne level set out in the perform feats of all descriptions to an newspaper Etemad, Ravanchi He said it might be time to undo obligations under last year’s nu- nuclear deal with world powers impress a panel of judges, from all parts insisted on keeping all arrange- the whole deal if signatory coun- clear deal with world powers. that came into force in January. of the Middle East. ments of the nuclear deal, saying tries can opt out at will. Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran’s Tehran denied last week that Khaled, who trains with his father and further changes are non-negoti- Trump has repeatedly pledged Atomic Energy Organisation, said this breached the agreement. is sponsored by a local healthcare able. to do just that. the heavy water has been sold to “Iran has fulfi lled its obligations company, says he is particularly keen to The agreement is supposed to Nevertheless, Ravanchi said the an unnamed third country. on heavy water stockpiles,” Atom- meet Egyptian actor and judge Ahmed make sure Iran uses its nuclear agreement could still be in danger. Heavy water is not itself radio- ic Energy Organisation spokes- Helmi on the show. “I have trained a lot capabilities for peaceful purpos- He criticised US sanctions active, but is used in certain types man Behrouz Kamalvandi said on and put a lot of eff ort in,” he said. es, preventing the regime in Te- which were not part of the deal of reactor which can produce plu- Friday. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 9 ARAB WORLD Chlorine use suspected in east Aleppo

Agencies a number of cases of breathing regime pressed an assault to re- Aleppo/Beirut diffi culties reported. capture the entire city. On Nov. 11, the executive body Military aircraft dropped leaf- of the global chemical weapons lets over east Aleppo, urging ontainers of a chemical watchdog OPCW condemned the rebels to distribute food to ci- suspected to be chlorine alleged use of banned toxic agents vilians, leave the area and allow Cwere dropped by helicop- by the Syrian government and by residents to do so too. ters on rebel-held east Aleppo militant group Islamic State. The regime pounded the east yesterday, causing breathing A 13-month international in- of the city with air strikes and Fighters of Libyan forces allied with the UN-backed government gather as smoke rises following an air strike on Islamic State positions in diffi culties in some people, the quiry by the OPCW and United barrel bombs as ground troops Ghiza Bahriya district in Sirte, Libya yesterday. Syrian Observatory for Human Nations concluded in a series of advanced in the key eastern Rights and the local health au- reports that Syrian government neighbourhood of Masaken thority said. forces, including helicopter Hanano, the Observatory said. The Britain-based war moni- squadrons, were responsible for A week into the latest round of tor said its network of sources the use of chlorine barrel bombs fi ghting for the city, the regime had reported seeing at least four against civilians. controls around a third of the Libyan forces press forward barrel bombs dropped on the al- Syrian authorities deny hav- district, the Observatory said. Qaterji and Dahrat Awad neigh- ing used chemical weapons in The district has been shelled bourhoods, with the smell of the confl ict. heavily during the war, and chlorine fi lling the area. Islamic State has not com- many residents had already fl ed, Medical sources told the Ob- mented. but the latest fi ghting prompted against Islamic State in Sirte servatory they thought the gas Earlier yesterday Syrian pro- even the last holdouts to leave. was chlorine. government forces pushed Milad Shahabi, a member of The Aleppo Health Directorate deeper into eastern Aleppo, the local council, said that resi- Reuters from the city of Misrata have fi ghting resumed on Monday, It is not clear how many mili- for east Aleppo said there were forcing civilians to fl ee as the dents were fl eeing to southern Misrata, Libya been edging forward against and that they had lost at least tants or civilians remain. parts of the opposition-control- militants trapped in an area a three of their own men. As of Saturday, the US had OIC blasts attacks on civilians led east. few hundred metres wide next Overnight, they published carried out 398 strikes against Masaken Hanano was the fi rst ibyan forces said they to Sirte’s Mediterranean coast. video footage of one of their Islamic State in Sirte, according The Organisation of Islamic populated areas. Aleppo district to fall to rebels in pushed forward yesterday “The Islamic State gangs are fi ghters on a rooftop overlook- to a statement from US Africa Co-operation (OIC) strongly He added that the continued 2012, and is strategically vital. Linto the last sliver of terri- trying desperately to resist up ing the area, shouting out: “All Command. condemned the continuous shelling of schools and Observatory head Rami Ab- tory held by Islamic State in its until their last breath,” said Rida women and children leave now Islamic State took full control attacks on civilians in the hospitals were at variance del Rahman said that if regime former North African strong- Issa, a spokesman for the forces. if you want to live, don’t miss of Sirte early last year. Syrian city of Aleppo, in which with the basic principles of forces manage to take the dis- hold of Sirte, seizing a number Their six-month campaign this chance.” It expanded its control hundreds have been killed and international and humanitarian trict they will be able to “cut off of barricaded houses. has slowed as they have got “Let them go now, there is along about 250km (155 miles) wounded, thereby worsening law. the northern parts of rebel-held Hours before the push, the closer to fully recapturing Sirte, safe passage, the battle is over,” of Libya’s sparsely populated the already bad humanitarian He also called for necessary Aleppo from the rest of the op- forces published video online with militants using sniper po- he adds, addressing the mili- central coastline before local situation in the city. measures to establish the position-held districts.” showing one of their fi ghters sitions, sand-fi lled barricades tants. forces began their campaign OIC Secretary General Dr humanitarian truce to enable At least 143 civilians, includ- shouting out messages through and tunnels to defend their po- Several groups of civilians, in May. Yousef al-Othaimeen called on relief convoys deliver food and ing 19 children, have been killed a loud hailer urging women and sitions against shelling and air including captured sub-Saha- Losing Sirte will leave Islamic the international community medicine to the residents in the in the city’s east since the latest children to leave the area and strikes. ran migrants, have either es- State with no territory in Libya, to urgently intervene to stop besieged areas of Aleppo and assault began on November 15, promising them safe passage. The Misrata-led forces said caped or been released from the though some militants are be- the killing and carnage in the other Syrian cities and villages. according to the Britain-based Backed by US air strikes, bri- there were more than 30 mili- area held by Islamic State over lieved to have escaped in the monitor. gades dominated by fi ghters tants among the dead since recent weeks. early stages of the battle. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 ARAB WORLD

Nariman Qadhe, 30, the widow of a rebel fighter, poses for a photograph with her children as they hold a photograph of their Syrian refugees buy vegetables and fruit displayed on a donkey cart in Zaatari refugee camp near the border with Syria, in late father in Zaatari camp in Jordan. Mafraq, Jordan. In Jordan, a refugee camp withers

Population dwindles as that Zaatari, once the fastest- “From the very beginning returning to Syria and crossing Funds for cash-for-work pro- Jordanian government to relax refugees queue daily at a govern- many emigrate or go home; growing refugee camp in the there was a great industrious- the wartorn country to travel on grammes to supplement meagre labour laws to allow thousands of ment offi ce to apply for a 15-day refugees seek day work Middle East, has gone quiet. ness, Syrians being tremendously via Turkey. UN handouts have dried up, ex- refugees to work legally in indus- permit to leave. outside camp; authorities “Before, even if I was walking, resourceful,” said Paul Stromb- Others have left through more perts and donors say. trial parks and businesses near A trickle of refugees, includ- resist any sign of permanent I would not be at ease with so erg, of the UNHCR refugee agen- formal channels, their applica- Othman now scrapes a living the camp. ing children, go out through the settlement many people jostling,” said Oth- cy in Jordan. tions for immigration accepted using his donkey cart to collect “If only the Jordanians would heavily guarded gate to do casual man, 24, who recalls how tents The camp’s expansion helped by Western states. stale bread to sell as animal fod- give us more leeway to bet- day work on nearby farms. By Suleiman Al-Khalidi/Reu- for newly arriving refugees could to rejuvenate the economy of a There are no new arrivals to re- der. ter ourselves by ourselves - to Tough conditions mean some ters not be erected fast enough when neglected part of Jordan previ- place them. The Jordanian authorities, give us more freedom in work,” cannot wait for the permit, and Zaatari, Jordan he arrived with his family in 2012. ously known for the smuggling Jordan sealed its 370-km (230- nervous of any signs of perma- said camp resident Abdullah sneak out illegally. Where there had been empty of everything from sheep to arms mile) border with Syria in May nence, have banned any form Salamah. If caught, they can be sent back desert, a sprawling slum city and drugs. 2013, citing strain on its limited of motorised transport in the The government of a country to Syria. ohamed Othman’s bi- emerged, with a population of Ostentatious villas have been water resources and economy. camp. shaped by waves of refugees from “The problem is that at any cycle route through the 125,000 at its peak. built by local contractors who se- The number of residents of “The Zaatari camp is stag- regional wars is anxious to pre- time they can send me back to Mmarketplace in the Syr- Around half a million people cured lucrative donor-fi nanced Zaatari has plunged to 79,000, nant,” said Saba Mobaslat, a sen- vent Zaatari turning into a long- the war I fl ed,” said Abu Ayham, ian refugee camp of Zaatari was have passed through. service deals in Zaatari. according to an offi cial UN fi gure, ior offi cial for Save the Children. term settlement. 38, a refugee from the Damascus once a struggle against a tide of Shops sprang up off ering eve- Economists estimated that a and some say it is even lower. “The fact is that we are not re- Corrugated iron is allowed in, suburbs, after a day spent picking people. rything from ice cream to pizzas, million dollars a day were being Its economy has slumped dra- ceiving new arrivals so whoever but not cement. tomatoes. Now it’s an easy ride. mobile phones or wedding gown funnelled into the camp at its matically. leaves the camp for what reason Refugees are forbidden to plant “I would prefer to leave for So many residents have left for rentals. peak. The operations of the UN is not being replaced so the pop- trees or lay pavements. Europe or America than remain the West, or been forced back to Prime spots changed hands for But many residents joined the agencies and NGOs in the camp ulation will continue to decline.” Desperate to earn some cash afraid that any day they could Syria by Jordanian authorities, thousands of dollars. refugee trail to Europe last year, have shrunk. Donor states are prodding the outside the camp, hundreds of send me back.” UN resumes aid to Syrians stranded on Jordan border

AFP shift camp, after a bombing claimed by at the start of the coldest period of the Amman the Islamic State militant group killed year, when temperatures can drop dan- seven Jordanian soldiers. gerously low,” a UN statement said yes- Since then, the kingdom has allowed terday. he United Nations yesterday an- a single delivery of aid to the refugees, It said the aid would include food, hy- nounced a resumption of aid to back in August. giene kits, winter clothing, blankets and Tsome 85,000 Syrian refugees In October, Amnesty International plastic sheeting. Jordan’s government stranded on Jordan’s border with war- said more than 70,000 Syrians were said early last month that it would allow torn Syria in what Amman has declared trapped in “hellish conditions” in a re- a resumption of aid in coming weeks. a military zone. mote, arid strip of no-man’s land on In August, King Abdullah II said his The kingdom closed the border on Syria’s side of the desert frontier. country was “doing its utmost to help June 21, halting aid deliveries to a make- “The resumption of assistance comes refugees” from Syria.

Palestinian shot dead in West Bank

An Israeli security guard shot and killed a Palestinian who tried to stab him at a busy checkpoint in the occupied West Bank yesterday, Israeli police said. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the Palestinian was brandishing a knife and approached the guard on foot in the vehicle lane of the Qalandiya checkpoint. The guard was not hurt, she said. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the man was dead. At least 228 Palestinians have been killed in violence in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip since October 2015. Israel says at least 154 of them were assailants in a wave of lone attacks often targeting security forces and using rudimentary weapons including kitchen knives. Families say assailants acted out of desperation, frustrated by the lack of progress towards peace and Israel’s continued building of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want for their own state. Palestinians accused Israeli police and soldiers of using excessive force in many cases, saying many assailants could have been stopped or detained without being killed. In several cases, Israel has opened investigations. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 11 AFRICA

Blacklist 6 Cameroon soldiers die in Boko hit

Agencies Manwhile, a UN offi cial said yesterday that up Yaounde to a million people around Lake Chad are cut off from humanitarian aid by Boko Haram. Security sources say a regional task force is n attack by Nigeria’s Boko Haram militants wrestling back control of the lake — where Boko against a Lake Chad army base manned by Haram controls part of the fi shing industry in a Aan anti-insurgent regional force has left labyrinth of waterways — with hundreds of mili- six Cameroonian soldiers dead, a military source tants having surrendered in the past month. said yesterday. Yet many areas are impossible to reach amid “Boko Haram attacked a base of the Mixed Mul- the insecurity, said Toby Lanzer, UN humanitar- tinational Force on the island of Darak (on Lake ian coordinator for the Sahel. Chad) at around 2200 (2100 GMT)” on Monday, “We believe that there are up to a million peo- Soldiers take pictures of a new banner with the Nigerian army’s third list of most wanted Boko Haram members in Maiduguri. Chief said the source, who asked not to be named. ple in the areas and villages we haven’t been able of Defence Staff General Gabriel Olonisakin has released a banner containing photographs and names of 55 Boko Haram members He said six soldiers had been killed. to reach,” Lanzer said. wanted for various attacks and terror activities in northeast Nigeria. Boko Haram frequently travel around the many Some of the displaced in the region have moved islands of Lake Chad, which borders northeast Ni- again due to fear of further violence or as a result geria, the far north of Cameroon, Niger and Chad. of attacks by Boko Haram, two of which were re- A civilian from a vigilante group working with corded last month, according to the UN Offi ce security forces to combat Boko Haram incursions for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aff airs was also killed, another security source said. (OCHA). The militant group, which is seeking to impose “We are very concerned about the security sit- strict Islamic law in Nigeria’s mainly-Muslim uation...do not think that the crisis is anywhere Power problems frustrate north, has killed at least 20,000 people and left near over,” Lanzer told the Thomson Reuters more than 2.6mn homeless in its six-year insur- Foundation by phone. gency. Chad earlier this year extended the state of Cameroon has battled the extremist group emergency in the region, which has disrupted since 2014 and has joined Chad, Nigeria, Niger fi shing, farming and cattle breeding and hit Buhari’s economy push and Benin in setting up a joint force against Boko cross-border trade, markets and livelihoods, ac- Haram. cording to the UN World Food Programme (WFP). The regional counter-off ensive has helped the Malnutrition rates in the lake region have Reuters which account for two thirds of Nigeria needs 10 times its cur- pipeline that shut in oil produc- Nigerian military retake swathes of territory from dropped slightly over the past year as humanitar- Lagos government revenue. rent output to guarantee reliable tion at the Forcados fi eld in Feb- the insurgents, but the extremist group still poses ian access has improved, said Martha Nakakande But frequent power cuts and supplies for urban and rural in- ruary also curbed the fl ow of gas a security threat to civilians. of the International Medical Corps (IMC). soaring fuel costs are forcing habitants alike. to Egbin. Also on Monday evening, a would-be suicide “But with people spread over so many diff er- igeria’s biggest power many manufacturers to shrink, When he came into offi ce in “Gas supply has been a major bomber was shot dead before detonating her device ent islands and IDP (internally displaced persons) station shows the huge not expand their businesses. May last year, Buhari inherited a constraint for us from the stand- as she sped on a motorbike towards a military road- sites, we are worried that we can’t reach every- Nproblems that President This, along with falling crude problem that has held back Ni- point of the Niger Delta crisis,” block near the Cameroonian border town of Kolofata. body,” the IMC’s nutrition offi cer said. Muhammadu Buhari must over- production at a time of low glo- geria’s economic development said Kola Adesina, the plant’s come if he is to fulfi l his prom- bal prices, is deepening Nigeria’s for decades. chairman. ise to tackle chronic electricity fi rst recession in 25 years. Despite holding the world’s Built in the 1980s, Egbin has shortages and reform an econo- One such factory owner is ninth largest gas reserves, it reli- a generating capacity of 1,320 my in recession. Reginald Odiah, managing direc- ably produces less than a tenth of MW, enough to provide a third of On the outskirts of Lagos, tor of Bennet Industries which the power that South Africa pro- Nigeria’s electricity, and yet it is Opposition says police vow to three out of six turbines lie idle makes light fi ttings in Lagos. vides for a population less than a now producing just 606 MW. at the Egbin plant, starved both Odiah, who set up the compa- third of the size. Nigeria’s Sahara Group, which of gas due to militant attacks on ny in 1984, said he can no longer He had some initial success. with South Korea’s KEPCO look into Zuma allegations pipelines that supply the station run his factory on the mains sup- Total power output rose from bought a 70% stake in Egbin — and of funds that would al- ply and instead has to use his own around 3,600 megawatts to a when it was privatised in 2013, low its owners to buy alternative generators running on imported peak of 5,074.7 MW in February has plans to double its capacity. Reuters Zuma relating to his role in State Capture,” DA fuels and even implement an ex- diesel, the price of which has this year, according to the Niger- But executive director Tonye Johannesburg leader Mmusi Maimane said in an emailed state- pansion plan. soared due to a dive in the Nige- ia Electricity System Operator. Cole said in September that pow- ment. Buhari won last year’s presi- rian naira currency. But then the attacks by mili- er tariff s did not cover its costs, A spokesman for the Hawks, Hangwani Mu- dential election with pledges to “It makes me sick. It has run my tants, who want more of Ni- and complained the government, outh Africa’s main opposition party said laudzi, said the case had been referred to the di- increase power capacity expo- business down,” he told Reuters, geria’s energy wealth directed via its bulk electricity purchaser, yesterday that police had promised to look vision for “further investigation”, but it was too nentially during his four-year adding that his power costs have to their impoverished southern owed it huge sums. “We’re not Sinto its accusations of corruption against early to say what the investigation would focus term and meet the demands of risen by around 50 % over the last swampland region, took hold. going to pour in huge amounts President Jacob Zuma. on. Nigeria’s 180mn people entirely year. “If it continues the way it is Output fell close to 1,400 MW in of money until we can correct all The Democratic Alliance (DA) fi led a criminal The anti-graft agency’s report, released on No- within a decade. going, we may have to close.” May — far from the leap to 20,000 these things,” Cole said. complaint against Zuma last week after an anti- vember 2 and entitled “State of Capture”, stopped But an upsurge of the attacks Since January, Odiah has MW within four years which Bu- Egbin’s owners say they are corruption agency published a report listing alle- short of reaching conclusive fi ndings against the in the Niger Delta and acute for- slashed his workforce from 150 hari’s party pledged in its mani- owed 90bn naira ($295mn) in gations of infl uence-peddling in Zuma’s govern- president, some of his ministers and heads of eign currency shortages are frus- to 18 and cut output to just three festo for the 2015 elections. back payments. ment. state-owned companies. trating his ambitions, along with days a week. The Niger Delta provides not This is part of a much wider The DA said an investigation would be con- But it has plunged Zuma into the latest crisis. older problems of back payments Now the factory switches to only the bulk of the nation’s problem. According to the As- ducted by the Hawks, a priority unit within the Since coming to power in 2009, Zuma has sur- owed by the federal government the generators for production crude oil exports, but also the gas sociation of Nigerian Electricity South African Police Service that handles serious vived a string of corruption scandals almost un- to power station operators and an runs because the national grid that powers Egbin’s generators Distributors, total market rev- crimes, including corruption. scathed. ageing power grid. “fails you without notice”, he about 300km (180 miles) away in enue shortfalls were projected “I can confi rm today that the Hawks will be in- He and his supporters have regularly dismissed Buhari wants to diversify the said, complaining of power cuts Lagos. to be 809 bn naira by December vestigating the DA’s corruption charges against accusations of corruption. economy away from oil, sales of up to 10 times a day. A militant strike on a sub-sea 2016.

War vets in court for ‘Bye-Bye Kabila’ insulting Mugabe campaign unites opposition ive prominent Zimbabwe war Polluted water in hand, tribal veterans arrested earlier this round a dozen oppo- Fyear in a crackdown on critics sition groups in the of President Robert Mugabe, ap- ADemocratic Republic peared in court yesterday for insult- of Congo united yesterday in ing the 92-year-old leader. king takes oil major to court a campaign urging President The Zimbabwe National Liberation Joseph Kabila to quit when War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) his mandate offi cially ends on spokesman, Douglas Mahiya, and By Alice Ritchie, AFP company’s ageing, leaky pipelines still December 20. four executives briefl y appeared be- London run through the region and it must take The “Bye-Bye Kabila” fore a Harare magistrate for authoring responsibility. movement wants the presi- a highly-critical statement accusing SPDC says it has delivered water dent, who has been accused Mugabe of “dictatorial” behaviour. ing Emere Godwin Bebe Okpabi and healthcare to the community and of delaying election prepa- Mugabe, in power since 1980, holds up a plastic bottle contain- is supporting the implementation of rations, to unconditionally has faced a groundswell of opposi- King contaminated water from his the UNEP process by the government, stand down and rule himself tion and calls to step down in recent community in Nigeria, proof of oil pol- which in June launched a $1bn oil pol- out from staying in power. months as the country’s moribund lution that he blames on Royal Dutch lution clean-up programme in the Niger “The people of Congo economy collapses. Shell — and on which he hopes a London Delta. gathered today to inform the The leaders of veterans of Zimba- court will deliver justice. Okpabi said he believed Presi- national and international bwe’s liberation war were not asked “My people are drinking this water,” dent Muhammadu Buhari is “sincere” community of the Bye-Bye to enter their pleas and the hearing said the tribal king of the Ogale commu- in wanting to address the issue, but Kabila campaign,” Merveille was postponed to today. nity in the oil-rich Niger Delta. warned: “If we wait for the system to roll Gozo, one of the organisers, Defence lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa Okpabi fl ew to London for a High on its own, I hate to say this, but it may told reporters. hinted to the court that the fi ve will Court hearing yesterday in which law- be too late for the people of Ogale.” An accompanying “peace- contest the charges. yers for more than 40,000 Nigerians Attacks on Nigerian pipelines have ful protest” is planned for “There is no off ence disclosed demanded action from Shell to clean up Bottled water samples stand on a table as Nigerian tribal king Emere Godwin Bebe increased this year, cutting output and Friday to signal that it is time by that document,” she said of the oil spills that have devastated their com- Okpabi speaks during an interview in London. helping tip the country into recession, for Kabila to “enter history statement issued in July. munities for decades. but Okpabi insists “there is no vandalis- through succession”, Gozo “It was referring to the president “There are strange diseases in my You can never, never defeat Shell in a to resolve, but wants compensation, ing” in Ogale. said. of the (Zanu-PF) political party,” but community — skin diseases, people are Nigerian court. The truth is that the Ni- adding: “We are dying.” The king condemned the saboteurs, Kabila came to power af- not the state president. dying sudden deaths, some people are gerian legal system is corrupt,” he said. Shell will challenge the jurisdiction warning that “you cannot bomb your ter the murder of his father In the statement, the veterans of impotent, low sperm count,” he told AFP. He wants the High Court to com- of the English courts in the case during house to get attention”. Laurent-Desire Kabila by a the 1970s independence war, previ- “I can aff ord to buy water. But can I pel Shell to implement a 2011 landmark three days of hearings this week, while However, he added: “I’m also appeal- bodyguard in 2001 during the ously loyal to Mugabe, bitterly de- aff ord to buy for everybody? No.” report by the UN Environment Pro- it also disputes the claims made by law- ing to Shell and the Nigerian govern- Second Congo War, which nounced the head of state. The Anglo-Dutch oil giant argues gramme (UNEP), which warned of dan- yers Leigh Day, who represent Ogale and ment to listen to those communities that ended two years later. They vowed not to support Mu- that the case should be heard in Nigeria, gerously high levels of hydrocarbons in the smaller Bille community. are non-violent and do something.” Elected in 2006, he went gabe if he stands for re-election. pointing out that it involves its Nigerian the water, bitumen-coated mangroves “Both Bille and Ogale are areas heav- In January 2015, Shell agreed to pay on to win a second fi ve-year The ruling Zanu-PF has already subsidiary SPDC, which runs a joint and poor air quality. ily impacted by crude oil theft, pipe- more than $80mn to the Nigerian fi sh- term in a 2011 vote decried as endorsed Mugabe as its candidate for venture with the government, and Ni- It should order the company to “go line sabotage and illegal refi ning which ing community of Bodo for two oil spills rigged by the opposition. the 2018 elections. gerian plaintiff s. and clean-up Ogale, go and provide wa- remain the main sources of pollution in 2008, following a case brought by Foreign offi cial observers Yesterday’s court hearing fol- But Okpabi, wearing a traditional robe ter for them; go and do medical history across the Niger Delta,” a company Leigh Day in London. said the poll lacked credibil- lowed the abduction and beating of with a red necklace and black top hat, for them, and where medical attention is spokeswoman said. In December, a Dutch court permitted ity. six activists last week by unknown said the English justice system was his needed provide for them,” he said. She noted SPDC has not produced four Nigerian farmers and fi shermen to sue The constitution bars him assailants after they called for mass only hope to end the blight on his peo- The king said no money would be any oil or gas in Ogoniland, the region the company for environmental pollution, from standing again but Ka- protests against Mugabe and his ple’s lives. enough to address the damage, which surrounding Ogale, since 1993. potentially opening the door to other cases bila has never said he plans to government. “Shell is Nigeria and Nigeria is Shell. UNEP warned could take 25 to 30 years But Okpabi and his lawyers say the to be brought in the Netherlands. step aside. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 AMERICA Free at last New boss’s interior dept shortlist vexes staff

Reuters of more than 1,200 current and Washington former National Parks employ- ees, said it was ready to launch a public relations campaign resident-elect Donald against Trump if he pursues an Trump’s shortlist of can- anti-environmental agenda. Pdidates to lead the US de- “We will be vigilant and hope partment of interior has employ- for the best,” she said. ees and environmental advocates The interior department em- fearful of a shift in the agency’s ploys 70,000 and oversees over direction, from one focused on 20% of federal land. preserving public lands to one Under Obama, the interior that would open them up to more department played a big role in drilling and mining. eff orts to curb the eff ects of cli- The outcome will have im- mate change by limiting fossil plications for industry access fuel development in some areas. to millions of acres of national Outgoing interior secretary parks, reserves and tribal territo- Sally Jewell banned coal mining ries stretching from the Arctic to on public lands, cancelled leases the Gulf of Mexico and the viabil- for drilling in the Arctic and At- ity of President Barack Obama’s lantic coasts, expanded wildlife eff orts to keep the United States protection and cracked down on in line with international agree- industry methane emissions. ments to reduce the impacts of climate change. Interior department Republican Trump, a New employees said they were York real estate businessman worried the agency’s who has never previously held environmental mandate This Nasa TV image shows the Orbital ATK Cygnus space freighter moments after being released from the grips of the Canadarm2 robotic arm. Expedition 50 robotic public offi ce, has leaned toward would be weakened under arm operators Shane Kimbrough of Nasa and Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency) commanded the International Space Station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm right-wing loyalists for the Cab- Trump to release the Cygnus spacecraft while the space station was flying 251 miles over the Pacific Ocean, off the west coast of Colombia. inet since winning the November 8 election. The Obama administration He is considering oil drilling planned on using forest restora- advocates like Oklahoma gover- tion on federal lands as a way to nor Mary Fallin, Alaska’s former help meet long-term goals un- governor Sarah Palin and Lucas der the 2015 Paris agreement. Oil co-founder Forrest Lucas to The agreement outlines how run the interior department, me- countries will lower greenhouse dia reports and Reuters sources emissions starting 2020. said. Other contenders are sev- Trump has given mixed mes- eral politicians from Western sages on his plans for Interior. Trump not likely to get states who favour easier devel- In an interview with Field and opment of public lands. Stream magazine in January, Any of those picks could trig- Trump said: “I want to keep the ger battles with environmental lands great... We have to be great groups and cause internal strife stewards of this land.” at an agency where many work- But he has advocated strongly ers see themselves as land stew- for boosting energy develop- free hand in Senate ards after nearly eight years of ment on federal lands and has conservation-minded policies criticized Obama’s use of envi- Senator Rand Paul is opposed to any here as children – although that would not bills that could pass the Republican-con- If Trump plans to sign a bill while in under Democrat Obama. ronmental regulation to check oil role for Guiliani or John Bolton require congressional approval. trolled House of Representatives, such as offi ce, perhaps one that will change im- “Public lands have been set and gas development. Graham, a traditional Republican for- appropriating money to build the Mexican migration law or restrict abortions, Mc- aside to ‘preserve and protect’ He picked renowned climate Reuters eign policy hawk, strongly disagrees with wall and further abortion restrictions, the Connell will have to keep all Republicans cultural and scientifi c resources change sceptic Myron Ebell to Washington Trump’s attempt to improve ties with aide said. in line and win over an additional eight for future generations,” said Ge- run his transition at the Environ- Russia. But Trump has a history of taming what Democrats. off Goins, a National Park Service mental Protection Agency. “I am going to be kind of a hard ass” on appear to be well-entrenched Republican Trump could deliver on campaign ranger at the Bandelier National US representative Kevin t is no surprise that Democrats in the Russia, Graham told reporters recently. opponents. promises that do not require legislative Monument in New Mexico, add- Cramer of North Dakota said US congress will oppose Donald Trump “We can’t sit on the sidelines” and let cy- He won the party nomination against approval like blocking the Trans-Pacifi c ing that with Trump coming in, Trump could consider hiring Ibut the most important resistance to ber attacks blamed on Russia “go unan- all the odds and some of his staunchest Partnership trade deal or ending the Iran “people are concerned about as his energy secretary Harold fulfi lling the president-elect’s agenda is swered”. opponents like Rubio and Cruz ended up nuclear pact. their jobs”. Hamm, an oil and gas driller and beginning to emerge from Republicans on The early stirrings of opposition from endorsing him. The repeal of the Aff ordable Care Act, Other interior department a pioneer of developing shale. Capitol Hill. senate Republicans are a sign that the New And swing votes in the senate cut two also known as Obamacare, enjoys robust employees interviewed by Reu- One potential head is Okla- A small number of infl uential Republi- York businessman, who has never held ways. Republican support and would be done ters said they were worried the homa governor Fallin, who met cans in the senate are threatening to block public offi ce, might run into harsh political The Democrats have their own poten- through a legislative manoeuvre that does agency’s environmental man- Trump on Monday. appointments to Trump’s administra- realities soon after taking offi ce on January tial renegades such as West Virginia’s Joe not require any Democratic support. date would be weakened under She has been an ardent sup- tion, derail his thaw with Russia and pre- 20. Manchin, who has already declared his Collins and Murkowski have a history Trump, and green advocates said porter of Oklahoma’s drilling in- vent the planned wall on the border with Other senators who might defy Trump support for Trump’s nomination of Re- of crossing the aisle to join Democrats and they were bracing to resist those dustry and has blocked attempts Mexico. are Arizona’s John McCain and Jeff Flake, publican senator Jeff Sessions as attorney could shy from abortion restrictions. changes. to ban hydraulic fracturing, or The party held onto control of the sen- Nebraska’s Ben Sasse, Florida’s Marco Ru- general. Cruz has never feared disrupting senate “Climate change is a major fo- fracking, a controversial drilling ate at the November 8 election but by only bio, Maine’s Susan Collins and Alaska’s Such swings by Democrats toward Re- business to prove a point or seek conces- cus of conservation concern for technology. a thin margin, putting powerful swing Lisa Murkowski, said senior Senate aides publicans may be likelier ahead of the 2018 sions in legislation. national parks,” said one Nation- Fallin’s spokesman confi rmed votes in just a few hands. and lawmakers. elections, when Democrats must defend Sasse did not waver from his staunch al Park Service employee in the she is being considered for the That empowers Republican senate mav- These lawmakers have ruffl ed feathers more vulnerable senate seats than Repub- criticism of Trump through the cam- Northwest who asked not to be post, but said there has been “no ericks such as Rand Paul of Kentucky and in the past and some have a good political licans. paign. identifi ed. “If (Trump’s adminis- off er given.” Ted Cruz of Texas. reason not to fear Trump: Paul, McCain, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Flake has said he is “eating crow” after tration) gets in the way of scien- Also on the shortlist is Pa- Both were bitter rivals to Trump in the Murkowski and Rubio do not have to run Schumer must deal with this. Trump’s win, but he could defect on im- tists...we are all in deep trouble.” lin, who made famous the motto 2016 Republican presidential primary. for reelection until 2022. Trump said over the weekend he and migration and border security, issues he During the election campaign, “Drill, Baby, Drill” when she was Paul, a libertarian lone wolf, says he Graham, Collins and Sasse will have to Schumer “always had a good relationship.” has previously joined with Democrats on. Trump tweeted that “the con- the running-mate to John Mc- will block senate confi rmations if Trump face the voters in 2020; Cruz and Flake Republicans are likely to control only Paul was asked last week on MSNBC if he cept of global warming was cre- Cain in 2008, and former Arizo- nominates either former New York mayor have an earlier election, in 2018. 52 seats in the 100-seat Senate, mean- would put a hold on Giuliani or Bolton. ated by and for the Chinese in na governor Jan Brewer, a Trump Rudy Giuliani or former UN ambassador Senate majority Leader Mitch McCon- ing three defections within the party are In the Senate, a hold allows a single sen- order to make US manufacturing supporter without experience in John Bolton to be secretary of state. nell, whose job is to keep the Republicans enough to block cabinet appointments ator to delay a confi rmation. non-competitive” – a view that public lands policy. South Carolina’s Lindsay Graham has in line, knows the challenges ahead. which only require 50 votes. He left open the possibility of such a is at odds with most but a few Governor Butch Otter of Ida- started publicly outlining places he might A senior Republican aide said McCon- Vice President-elect Mike Pence would move, saying, “I feel pretty strongly about scientists who study the impacts ho, venture capitalist Robert be willing to oppose Trump. nell is “loathe” to spend time trying to break 50-50 ties. it.” of rising global temperatures and Grady and US representatives He is against the Mexican border move bills that lack the needed senate The task for McConnell gets more diffi - He said: “We have a 52-48 majority, all extreme weather. Cynthia Lummis and Rob Bishop wall and is delivering warnings against votes. cult when it comes to passing legislation, it would take is two or three Republicans to Maureen Finnerty, chair of the of Wyoming and Utah are also Trump’s intention to revoke legal status McConnell is aware he will not have the which requires 60 votes, known as cloture, say they can’t go along with Giuliani and Coalition to Protect America’s potential candidates for the job. for undocumented immigrants brought support of some of his own lawmakers on to allow a bill to move forward. can’t go along with Bolton.” National Parks, an organisation All declined comment.

High-tech US stealth ship breaks down in Panama Canal

America’s newest warship, the super high-tech USS Zumwalt, broke down in the Panama Canal just a few weeks after the vessel was commissioned, the Navy and reports said yesterday. The guided missile destroyer, whose stealth capabilities give it a strikingly angular shape, needed to be towed Monday to a nearby former US naval station after suff ering an “engineering casualty”, the US Naval Institute’s news site reported. The Zumwalt was en route from Baltimore, where she was commissioned October 15, to San Diego. Navy spokesman Commander Ryan Perry said in a statement that “the timeline for repairs is being determined now”. “The schedule for the ship will remain flexible to enable testing and evaluation in order to ensure the ship’s safe transit to her new homeport in San Diego,” Perry said. An unnamed defence off icial told USNI News that repairs to the Zumwalt could take up to 10 days. The $4.3bn Zumwalt is the first in a new line of revolutionary guided missile destroyers. The ship is 600 feet and weighs nearly 15,000 tons, making it the largest destroyer in the US fleet. But thanks to its angled hull and deck house, it is designed to look no bigger than a fishing boat on radar. Its motors are electric powered, driven by an innovative integrated power system that may one day also support an array of energy-intensive weapons like lasers and electromagnetic rail guns. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 13 AMERICA Trump drops vow to Decision to quit TPP probe Clinton on mail has nations Pursuing Clinton was very popular with Trump supporters Reuters reeling Washington

DPA TTP member states have a S president-elect Donald Trump Sydney combined population of 800mn will not pursue investigations and account for around 40% Uagainst Hillary Clinton over her the world economy, represent- family’s charity or her use of a private he outlook for a cross-Pa- ing 25.9% of world trade (valued e-mail server while she was secretary cifi c free trade deal looked at $11.07tn). Australia prime of state, MSNBC said, dropping a threat Tbleak yesterday after US minister Malcolm Turnbull on made to his Democratic rival during the president-elect Donald Trump Tuesday was reluctant to give bitter presidential campaign. announced that he will withdraw up on the trade deal. “”Time Republican Trump had vowed to jail from the agreement on his fi rst will tell to what extent the US Clinton and crowds at his rallies chanted day in offi ce. would engage with the TPP or “Lock her up”. But he now believes she Trump called the 12-nation an evolved version of the trade “has been through enough,” MSNBC re- agreement “a potential disas- pact,” he told reporters in Can- ported yesterday, citing an unidentifi ed People gather outside a Trump building to launch the ‘Caravan of Courage’ in New York. ter for our country”, and said he berra. source. would instead pursue “fair” bi- Melissa Conley Tyler, a direc- Addressing the report in an interview tioned almost daily on the campaign trail, day about the transition and his plans for links between donors to her family’s foun- lateral trade agreements. tor for the Australian Institute with MSNBC, senior Trump adviser Kel- when he dubbed her “Crooked Hillary”. the start of his term, but he did not men- dation and her work as secretary of state. The deal, involving one dozen of International Aff airs, said the lyanne Conway indicated it was correct. The right-wing news website Breit- tion important campaign positions such as Trump was to meet yesterday with countries, is the largest trade deal was important for Austral- “Hillary Clinton still has to face the fact bart accused the New York businessman his promises to scrap the Iran nuclear deal journalists from The New York Times, a deal in global history. ia’s market access, but “the pro- that a majority of Americans don’t fi nd her of breaking his word.”Broken promise: and to repeal Obama’s healthcare reform. spokeswoman said, hours after he post- Without the United States, the jected benefi t was not as massive to be honest or trustworthy, but if Donald Trump ‘doesn’t wish to pursue’ Clinton e- Instead, Trump vowed to pull out of the ed on Twitter that he was cancelling the so-called Trans-Pacifi c Partner- as some of the other countries, Trump can help her heal then perhaps mail charges,” the site said. Trans-Pacifi c Partnership, and to do away meeting. ship (TPP) is likely to collapse. like Vietnam.” that’s a good thing,” she said on MSNBC’s Breitbart was run until earlier this year with energy regulations. Trump, who has an adversarial relation- Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, For the director of the Canber- Morning Joe programme. by Steve Bannon, who became a leader of Congress can pursue its own investi- ship with the newspaper, has not held a Yoshihide Suga, said TPP has ra-based think tank, “the biggest During the campaign, opinion polls Trump’s election campaign and has now gations of Clinton, regardless of whether news conference to talk about his priori- “no meaning without the United loser is the US itself, who spent found that many Americans did not fi nd been named to be his chief strategist. Trump opts to appoint a special prosecutor. ties since his election. States – the fundamental bal- so much time and energy on the Clinton trustworthy. Judicial Watch, a conservative group US representative Jason Chaff etz, Re- On Monday, he met with television an- ance of benefi ts would collapse, deal, and is now walking back The FBI investigated Clinton’s use of a that has vigorously pursued probes into publican chairman of the House Oversight chors and news industry executives and and... renegotiating is impos- from it.” private e-mail server while she was sec- Clinton, also urged Trump not to drop his and Government Reform Committee, has reporters in a session The Washington Post sible”. The deal was agreed October retary of state during President Barack promise to investigate her. said he will continue investigating Clin- described as a contentious but generally “We want to continue to take last year, after years of negotia- Obama’s fi rst term, concluding in July that Trump has been holding meetings since ton’s use of a private server. respectful. various opportunities to call on tions. her actions were careless but that there his November 8 election victory to fi ll sen- But Conway indicated Trump would Trump singled out reporting of his cam- the United States and the other It was was pushed by outgo- were no grounds for bringing charges. ior posts for his administration before he frown on that. paign by CNN and NBC that he considered signatory countries to quickly ing US president Barack Obama, The Clinton Foundation charity has also takes offi ce. “When the president-elect, who’s also to be unfair, the Post said, citing four par- complete their domestic proce- who saw it as a means to write been scrutinised for donations it received, Conway said he had moved on from the the head of your party now, tells you be- ticipants at the meeting in New York. dures,” he told a news conference the economic and trade rules in but there has been no evidence that for- campaign. fore he’s even inaugurated he doesn’t wish Trump, who has never previously held yesterday. the region amid rising Chinese eign donors obtained favours from the “He’s thinking of many diff erent things to pursue these charges, it sends a very public offi ce, was quick to bristle at un- Japan’s upper house is cur- infl uence. State Department while Clinton headed it. as he prepares to become the president of strong message – tone and content – to fl attering news coverage during the cam- rently deliberating legislation Vietnamese economist Doanh If Trump does abandon his vow to ap- the US, and things that sound like the cam- the members,” Conway said on MSNBC. paign, even as he remained accessible to to ratify the deal, after passing said China would step in to take point a special prosecutor for Clinton it paign aren’t among them,” Conway said. Clinton has said her use of a private e- certain reporters, including several from the bill in the lower house this the regional leadership role if the will be a reversal of a position he men- Trump issued a video message on Mon- mail server was a mistake and has denied the Times. month. US-led initiative fails. But now that the US is likely to This would create a problem pull out, countries are set to lose for Vietnam, he said, since the billions of dollars in trade ben- interests of the two countries are efi ts. at odds, specifi cally regarding Vietnamese economist Le the maritime territory dispute in Dang Doanh said the US deci- the South China Sea. Two weeks on, Trump still Trump sion to withdraw from TPP poses “The US will be out of step “a big calamity for Vietnam”. with Asia. China will domi- AFP Republican Party chairman Reince Prie- or Rudy Giuliani is also in running for the “are optimistic about the next four years It is the lowest income country nate and allies will be forced to Washington bus as his White House chief of staff to, in post. with Donald Trump as president”. among the 12 signatories and scramble,” Carlyle A. the words of one transition team offi cial, In the meantime, without a chief diplo- A similar CNN/ORC poll found a nar- previous forecasts predicted that Thayer, professor emeritus “make the trains run on time”. mat, Trump has been conducting US for- row majority, 53% of voters, found Trump TPP would help the Vietnamese at the University of New South wo weeks on from his election vic- But the day’s headlines were domi- eign relations solo, reaching out to British would do a good job. economy grow 8 per cent annu- Wales, said. tory, Donald Trump shows every nated by the parallel appointment of self- prime minister Theresa May’s government Trump advisers would not rule out or ally with a 17% increase in ex- As for Singapore, the botched Tsign that he will govern as he cam- described “economic nationalist” Steve on Monday with a startling suggestion. rule in any nomination announcements, ports. deal will not hurt the trade-re- paigned – with late night tweet storms, Bannon as Trump’s head of strategy, a “Many people would like to see @Ni- when the president-elect was otherwise Last week, Prime Minister liant country but it must begin attacks on the press and a fl irtation with move hailed by extremist fringe groups. gel_Farage represent Great Britain as their due to meet executives and columnists Nguyen Xuan Phuc told parlia- looking elsewhere, for example the extremes of US political life. Trump’s fi rst cabinet pick was to nomi- ambassador to the United States. from The New York Times. ment the treaty would be shelved to China and India, said Ja Ian True, the president-elect has backed off nate Alabama senator Jeff Sessions – who He would do a great job!” he tweeted, After that, he was due to take a family by Vietnam. Chong, a political science pro- a threat to have his defeated opponent Hil- opposes maintaining the 1965 Voting referring to the former leader of the op- Thanksgiving break at another of his golf Nguyen Quang A, a prominent fessor at the National University lary Clinton investigated. Rights Act, a landmark in federal civil position UK Independence Party, a Trump resorts, in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. economist and pro-democracy of Singapore. And, in calls with foreign leaders, he has rights legislation – as attorney general. ally. Farage, a provocateur whose party has Americans are mostly optimistic about activist, said the withdrawal is “a New Zealand’s trade minister, reassured them that military alliances are And his choice to lead the CIA, repre- only one seat in the British parliament, the country under the incoming presi- pity” since TPP would have not Todd McClay, said there are “a not in danger. sentative Mike Pompeo, believes US intel- revelled in the attention, but Foreign Sec- dency of Donald Trump, though they want only benefi ted Vietnam’s econo- number of options”and that the But his fi rst appointments were red meat ligence agencies should be free to intercept retary Boris Johnson was less impressed, him to stop tweeting, national poll results my but also its politics. government will wait and see to his fans on the so-called “alt-right”, he Internet traffi c and telecoms metadata insisting there was “no vacancy”. showed yesterday. He said that the deal would what the new US administration maintains a stream of taunting tweets and from foreigners and US citizens alike. “We have a fi rst rate ambassador in Nearly double the number of voters – have had a positive impact on would do next. – in his latest provocation – he off ended a Trump’s chosen national security advis- Washington doing a very good job,” John- 59% versus 37% pessimistic – said they labour rights, transparency and New Zealand was hoping to key ally by urging Britain to swap its am- er, retired general Mike Flynn, is a former son told MPs. are “optimistic about the next four years rule of law in the single-party benefi t from the deal, which saw bassador for a friend of his. head of the Defense Intelligence Agency Trump has also renewed his feud with with Donald Trump as president”, the in- communist state, where political free trade agreements for the fi rst In a video laying out priorities for his best known for dining with Vladimir Pu- much of the US media, reportedly berating dependent Quinnipiac University Poll and market reforms have been time with Peru, Mexico, Canada fi rst 100 days in offi ce Trump made no tin and for taunting Clinton with chants of TV network bosses at an off -the-record found. slow. and Japan. mention of building a wall on the Mexican “Lock her up!” at Trump campaign rallies. meeting on Monday then, on Tuesday, Only 17% said that Trump would be border, but an advisor was photographed Moderate ears did prick up when Re- cancelling then reviving talks with the a “great” president, while 32% said he bringing him a plan to stringently vet publican former Massachusetts governor “failing New York Times” in a Twitter rant. would be a “good” president. Muslim travellers. Mitt Romney, a stern Trump critic during But why would Trump, a 70-year-old A slightly smaller group viewed him In common with his predecessors, the the campaign, was invited to one of the billionaire and reality television star whose negatively, with 26% saying he will be Foundation admits Republican billionaire has been in no hur- president-elect’s golf clubs at the week- defi ance of political norms led him to win “bad” and 17 saying he will be “not so ry to name a cabinet, leaving the reporters end. the world’s highest offi ce in his rst fi foray good”. gathered under his Trump Tower offi ce Romney, a familiar moderate conserva- into an election, change now? A separate CNN/ORC poll released yes- violating ban in New York chasing after rumours as he tive fi gure since his failed 2012 presidential According to two opinion polls pub- terday found that most Americans – 53% holds court above. bid, would be a reassuring choice as secre- lished yesterday, a majority of voters are – think that Trump will do a “very good” And if the Washington political class tary of state for many US allies around the optimistic that his eff orts to “make Amer- or “fairly good” job as president. Reuters and it was unclear whether they was expecting Trump the populist pro- world. ica great again” will lead the nation to a The results of the polls come two weeks Washington had been fi led with the IRS. vocateur of the campaign trail to use his But Romney – who has called Trump brighter future. after the Republican billionaire’s unex- Representatives for Trump hiring choices to move to the institutional a phony and a con man – left the course According to data from Quinnipiac Uni- pected win over Democrat Hillary Clinton. and the foundation did not im- mainstream, it could well be disappointed. without anything being announced, and versity, most voters think he should stop His November 8 election, after an ex- S Republican president- mediately respond to requests Trump did indeed hire political insider Trump loyalist and former New York may- tweeting but, by a margin of 59 to 37, most traordinarily nasty campaign, exposed a elect Donald Trump’s for comment. deeply divided country on values and gov- Ucharitable foundation The forms were posted late ernance. said it violated a ban on so-called on Monday on the website for The beginning of Trump’s transition to “self-dealing” by transferring Guidestar, which tracks non- the White House on January 20 appeared income or assets to a “disquali- profi t organisations, according to to inspire some confi dence in his presi- fi ed person,” according to a copy the Post, which also said it could dency. of its 2015 tax fi lings made public not confi rm whether the forms The CNN/ORC poll found 48% were this week. had actually been sent to the IRS. more confi dent, while 43% were less so. The Donald J Trump Founda- On October 4, New York state Trump’s behaviour post-election has tion’s Internal Revenue Serv- attorney general Eric Schneider- made 36% of voters say they feel better ice forms, fi rst reported by The man ordered the foundation to and 14% feel worse, the Quinnipiac poll Washington Post yesterday, immediately stop fundraising showed. showed that the organisation in the state, accusing it of hav- But Trump’s high use of Twitter to com- said “yes” when asked if it had ing violated a state law requir- municate to the public drew ire. transferred “any income or as- ing charitable organisations that According to the Quinnipiac poll, 59% sets to a disqualifi ed person. solicit outside donations to reg- of American voters say he should shut Asked if it had violated the ban ister with his offi ce’s Charities down his personal Twitter account, and on so-called self-dealing in prior Bureau. 35% disagreed. years, the foundation also said The order followed a series of “Voters tell President-elect Donald “yes”, according to the forms, reports in the Post that suggested Trump, ‘You’ve got the job. also viewed by Reuters. improprieties by the foundation, Now be a leader not a tweeter,’” said Tim According to the IRS, self- including using its funds to settle Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipi- dealing can include the “transfer legal disputes involving Trump ac poll, in a statement. to, or use by or for the benefi t of a businesses. “And we’re watching to make sure you disqualifi ed person of the asset of The Post said Trump might put the country, not the Trump brand, a foundation”, except for certain have violated IRS rules against fi rst.” exemptions. “self-dealing” by using founda- Both polls were conducted November On the forms, Trump’s foun- tion money to purchase two por- 17-20 by interviews on phone land lines dation said “yes” when asked traits of himself, which were then and cellphones, and had margins of error if any of the income or assets hung at his private golf clubs in of plus or minus three percentage points. transfers failed to qualify as IRS New York and Florida. The Quinnipiac poll surveyed 1,071 vot- exemptions. Trump’s campaign suggested ers nationwide; the CNN/ORC poll 1,003 The 30-page fi ling was signed that the probe launched by Sch- adults. by the foundation’s treasurer, neiderman, a Democrat, was po- A supporter of Donald Trump walks away from a protest near Trump Tower. Donald Bender, but not dated, litically motivated Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 ASEAN

Singapore unveils self-driving scooter, ideal for phone-obsessed walkers

Reuters trians along footpaths. vehicles as it pushes ahead with also lower accident rates. “We just give you more choic- which larger vehicles cannot ac- travels very safely,” said student Singapore The one-seater, four wheel, its vision of using autonomous “I’m sure you have expe- es.” cess. Kevin Xiangyu Hui, who tested 50kg (110 lbs) vehicle travels at technology to help deal with the rienced people who just use Ang Jr said that the scooter Currently the scooter takes a the scooter. a top speed of 6kmh (4mph) and challenges of its limited land and their handphone while walk- would be able to work in tandem few seconds to calibrate a diff er- The project, a collabora- esearchers in Singapore has laser sensors to help navigate labour. ing, and almost run into you... with other driverless vehicles ent route when it nears an obsta- tion between the Massachu- have come up with a so- around obstacles. The scooter has undergone so it would be nice if you are in Singapore, where robo-taxis cle – something Ang Jr said the setts Institute of Technology Rlution to curb accidents The scooter, developed by the successful tests on campus and just sitting down and checking are being tested and trials are team was looking to improve. (MIT), Singapore-MIT Alliance involving phone-obsessed National University of Singapore developers said it can help im- your e-mails,” said NUS Associ- planned for self-driving buses. Users, though, did not seem for Research and Technology walkers, a self-driving mobility (NUS), is the city-state’s lat- prove mobility for all ages, cut ate Professor and project leader He said the scooter was meant too bothered by the brief pause. (SMART), and NUS will be fur- scooter that drives single pedes- est experiment with driverless down on the need for cars and Marcelo Ang Jr. for use on narrow pathways “It goes really smoothly and ther tested and is not for sale. Widodo to Anti-terror drill stop ‘growth of radicalism’

Reuters terday, the latest in a series of the fi rst Christian and ethnic Jakarta meetings with top political, re- Chinese in the job, made about ligious and military offi cials to his opponents’ use of a religious signal the unity of his govern- book in political campaigning. ndonesian President Joko ment and support from the se- Purnama, popularly known as Widodo said yesterday he curity establishment. Ahok, is running for re-election Iwas determined to “prevent “I want to emphasise the spir- in February against two Muslim the growth of radicalism”, after it of pluralism,” he told reporters candidates, including the son of reports that extremists are plan- after the meeting at the presi- former President Susilo Bam- ning protests to destabilise his dential palace. bang Yudhoyono. government. “The government is deter- Widodo has been seen as one Offi cials say there has been mined to prevent the growth of of the governor’s main support- mounting alarm in the govern- radicalism in this country.” ers. ment since more than 100,000 Widodo, the leader of his Police have opened an inves- people, led by hardliners, took party Megawati Sukarnoputri tigation into the allegations that to the streets of Jakarta on Nov and opposition leader Prabowo Purnama insulted a religious 4 to demand the removal of the Subianto have all called for calm. book and questioned him yes- capital’s governor, a Christian, Yesterday the president tried terday. Prosecutors are expected for alleged blasphemy. to assuage concerns among in- to bring a case to court in the Indonesian military commando troops hold their rifles at the ready as they land at Kajhu beach in Banda Aceh during an anti-terror National Police Chief Tito vestors in Southeast Asia’s larg- coming weeks. drill in Aceh province yesterday. There has been an upsurge of violence and attempted attacks in the country over the past year due Karnavian warned on Monday est economy. He could face up to fi ve years to the growing influence of IS. of a threat to parliament during “The political situation has in prison if found guilty of blas- rallies expected this Friday and been a little heated recently, but phemy. on Dec 2. this is very normal around elec- Police said they were investi- “There are hidden methods tions,” he said in a speech, refer- gating a social media campaign by certain groups to enter and ring to upcoming local elections calling for a run on banks on occupy parliament,” Indonesian in Jakarta. Nov 25 in protest over the gov- media quoted him as saying. “There is no reason to be pes- ernment’s handling of the com- “If (these actions) are intend- simistic,” he told the event at- plaint against Purnama. Thousands fl ee northern ed to overthrow the government, tended by bankers, investors, Government offi cials have that’s a violation of the law.” and top company executives, urged the public not to partici- Widodo has blamed “politi- adding that infl ation and growth pate and played down the po- cal actors” for fanning violence were both in line with govern- tential impact of any such cam- during the Nov 4 protest, with- ment targets. paign. Indonesia has the world’s Myanmar clashes to China out naming anyone. The trigger for the tensions largest Muslim population and is The president held talks with was a comment that Jakarta gov- also home to Christian and Hin- a senior coalition partner yes- ernor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, du communities. AFP Beijing

t least 3,000 people have fl ed into China due to Junta ramps up its royalism Afi ghting in northern My- anmar, Beijing said yesterday, as the death toll from clashes between the military and ethnic with mass loyalty ceremony insurgents rose to 10. The violence is a fresh blow to de facto leader Aung San Suu AFP The scene was repeated up and down the country Kyi’s hopes of forging a nation- Bangkok with all public servants, state employees and armed wide peace agreement after forces personnel expected to take part. decades of bloody insurgencies Thai television channels broadcast footage of in Myanmar’s borderlands. rom civil servants to school children, soldiers children on their knees forming a giant represen- Locals near the Chinese bor- and celebrities, tens of thousands of Thais tation of the number 9 – a reference to Bhumibol’s der in Myanmar’s northern Ftook part in a mass “oath of loyalty” yesterday offi cial title Rama IX. state of Shan said they were to the country’s recently deceased monarch. Channel 3, Thailand’s most popular entertainment fl eeing heavy fi ghting between King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death on October 13 channel, showed its large cast of celebrities dressed in the army and four armed ethnic A long queue of Myanmar residents wait at the border immigration crossing in Muse, in Shan State, to cross into after a seven-decade reign has sparked mass dis- black, taking the oath and singing the royal anthem. groups, including the powerful China’s Yunnan province yesterday as clashes between the military and ethnic insurgents increased. plays of grief and left the politically-divided nation The military has long portrayed itself as the ulti- Kachin Independence Army. without its only unifying fi gure. mate defender of the monarchy, often using perceived Suu Kyi’s offi ce yesterday “People dare not go outside,” “About 3,000 Myanmar bor- ment since it took power seven Yesterday’s ceremony, which was ordered by the threats to the institution as justifi cation for many of said 10 people had been killed town resident Aye Aye said. der citizens have entered China months ago. But fi ghting in the country’s arch royalist junta leadership, was a vivid the 12 successful coups they have carried out since near the border town of Muse, a “We are frightened. We are to avoid warfare,” he told a press northern states of Kachin and illustration of both Thai devotion to their late mon- the end of absolute rule in 1932.The relationship was hotbed of smuggling, over three thinking of going to China if the briefi ng. Shan, and in the south in Karen, arch and how the country’s military rulers have reciprocal, with Bhumibol signing off on their coups. days. situation gets worse.” “Out of humanitarian con- have cast a pall over her eff orts further ramped up the kingdom’s well-oiled royal- Many saw their 2014 putsch as a move to ensure That included three police, Chinese state media said its siderations, the Chinese lo- and any ceasefi re is expected to ist propaganda machine since Bhumibol’s death. they were in charge ahead of any succession. two pro-government militia military had been placed on cal governments off ered them take years. Junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who seized Bhumibol’s named successor is Crown Prince members and fi ve civilians in- high alert after one of its na- proper settlement and brought In the western state of Ra- power in 2014, led 3,000 civil servants in a ceremo- Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has yet to attain his fa- cluding two women. tionals was injured by a stray the injured to hospital for treat- khine more than 30,000 people ny in Bangkok in front of a giant portrait of the king. ther’s widespread popularity or unifying status. A soldier reported dead on shell from across the border. ment.” have been displaced and at least “We will remain in allegiance to all the kings of Vajiralongkorn surprised many and veered from Sunday was not accounted for. Foreign ministry spokesman Suu Kyi has made dealing 70 killed under a military lock- the Chakri dynasty until we die,” Prayut said in the tradition by asking to delay his proclamation as A total of 33 people have been Geng Shuang said thousands with the simmering unrest in down in the north of the state, oath, which called on Thais to “respect the law” king in order to grieve with the nation, according injured in the fi ghting, the of- had already crossed the border Myanmar’s border regions a an area home to the Muslim Ro- and emulate the king’s teachings. to the junta. fi ce said in a statement. fl eeing the fi ghting. priority of her elected govern- hingya minority.

18 dead as Thai bus Cambodian opposition ends boycott of parliament plunges into ravine AFP Hun Sen’s pressure tactics but said his Phnom Penh party “are the victims of political crack- down.” AFP Bangkok Post website reported. “This (end of boycott) is also a gesture Bangkok “18 people died and 20 were in- ambodia’s opposition MPs ended to show that we want a resolution” to the jured after a bus fell down into a six-month boycott of parlia- political crisis, he said. deep ravine because the driver Cment yesterday, following months Ruling party offi cials could not imme- ighteen retirees returning was not familiar with the road,” of legal and political pressure from diately be reached for comment. from holiday were killed said Police Colonel Ditsayadej strongman Prime Minister Hun Sen. The opposition are increasingly Eyesterday after their tour Patcharapuwadol, commander Lawmakers from the Cambodia Na- cramped in the run-up to elections. bus plunged down a ravine in of Uttaradit police station. tional Rescue Party (CNRP) pulled out of Their leader, Sam Rainsy, is in self- northern Thailand, police and a “The bus was on its way to parliamentary sessions in May after some exile in France to avoid arrest on charges media report said, the latest dis- Bangkok – coming down a steep MPs, including its deputy leader Kem which he says are politically motivated. aster in a country with notori- road when it hit a barrier and fell Sokha, were slapped with legal cases by His deputy Kem Sokha has since May ously dangerous roads. into the 50-metre deep ravine,” the government. been holed up inside party headquarters The victims were all former he said, adding that the driver With 2018 elections in view, Hun Sen in Phnom Penh. employees of state-run company was one of those killed. is increasingly using Cambodia’s pliant He was sentenced to fi ve months in jail CAT Telecom and were making Photos of the crash site posted courts – as well as his political cunning – Cambodian lawmakers from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in September for refusing to appear in their way to Bangkok from a prov- on social media showed the bus to box in rivals, a tactic he has deployed look for their names during a meeting in Phnom Penh yesterday. court over an alleged sex scandal. ince in the mountainous north. had come to a halt down a steep throughout his 31-year tenure in offi ce. Last week an opposition senator was They were returning to the jungle ravine, its roof almost en- Yesterday, 39 opposition MPs ended tary debate on a $5bn budget for 2017. spokesman and lawmaker Yim Sovann. handed a 18-month jail sentence over a capital after a holiday trip, the tirely sheared off . their boycott and joined the parliamen- “We must return to debate it,” said CNRP He denied his party had caved in to defamation case fi led by Hun Sen. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 15 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA Thousands run to safety after tsunami alert DPA/Reuters about two hours after the tremor, few metres can cause considera- the quake, the operator said. Tokyo according to Japan’s Meteorolog- ble damage, as they have a longer Suga said the government had ical Agency (JMA). wavelength than normal waves, not otherwise received any re- The quake was believed to be meaning a tsunami wave peak ports of major damage from the housands of residents an aftershock of the 2011 quake, can continue to hit the coast for region yesterday. A tidal surge is seen in Sunaoshi moved quickly to higher Koji Nakamura, an agency offi cial a number of minutes. He urged residents in the af- River after tsunami Tground yesterday after a told a news conference. Television footage showed fected areas to be alert to evacu- advisories were issued following tsunami warning was issued fol- He warned of further after- ships moving out to sea from ation instructions from the mili- an earthquake in Tagajo, Miyagi lowing a magnitude-7.4 earth- shocks in the northeast in the harbours as tsunami warnings tary and local authorities and prefecture, Japan yesterday, in quake off northeastern Japan, the coming days. wailed after alerts of waves of up to pay attention to information this video grab image released same region hit by a huge quake The quake prompted the to 3m (10’) were issued. broadcast on television and radio by Miyagi Prefectural Police via and tsunami in 2011. agency to issue a tsunami warn- “We saw high waves but noth- and help each other. Kyodo. More than 3,000 residents ing in the prefectures of Miyagi ing that went over the tidal bar- Twelve people were injured in fl ed to an evacuation centre in and Fukushima for waves of up riers,” a man in the city of Iwaki the northeast, Tokyo and Chiba, at the convergence of four tec- Fukushima prefecture, the site to three metres and to urge resi- told NTV television network. broadcaster NHK reported. tonic plates and the country is of Japan’s worst nuclear accident dents to seek higher ground, but Aerial footage showed tsunami Japanese Minister for Disas- home to 110 active volcanoes. triggered by the 2011 twin natural the warning was lifted four hours waves fl owing up rivers in some ter Management Jun Matsumoto Japan accounts for about 20% disasters, which claimed the lives later. areas, and some fi shing boats told reporters that there had been of the world’s earthquakes of of 18,500. Tsunami waves of up to 90cm were overturned in the port of no reports of signifi cant injuries. magnitude 6 or greater. “The sound of sirens brought were recorded in areas from Iwate Higashi-Matsushima before the One woman suff ered cuts to The March 11, 2011, quake was back memories of the huge prefecture to the Izu island chain, JMA lifted its warnings. her head from falling dishes, Ky- magnitude 9, the strongest quake earthquake in 2011,” Tomomi south of Tokyo, meteorological Yesterday’s earthquake odo reported, citing fi re depart- ever recorded in Japan. Nagakubo told the Kyodo News agency offi cials said. brought a fuel cooling system to ment offi cials. The massive tsunami it gener- Meteorological Agency off icial Koji Nakamura gives a briefing in agency. Tsunami waves of 1m were also a halt at Reactor 3 at Fukushima The quake struck at 5.59am ated knocked out the Fukushima Tokyo following an earthquake that hit the country’s northeast. Nagakubo drove to an evacu- seen on the coasts of two nuclear Daini Nuclear Power Station, local time and was centred off Daiichi plant, causing the worst ation centre in the prefecture of power stations in Fukushima, an 10km south of the Daiichi plant, Fukushima, at a depth of 25km, nuclear crisis since Chernobyl a Authorities now also send tsu- aftermath. “The feeling was, we Ibaraki with her 13-year-old son. offi cial from the operator Tokyo Tokyo Electric said. the Meteorological Agency said, quarter of a century earlier. nami warnings to every mobile just don’t know, but we’re going Waves of up to 1.4m hit Send- Electric Power told a news con- The plant’s reactors had been revising the depth from an earlier Systems have been updated phone in the area and broadcast to be as cautious as we can.” ai port in Miyagi prefecture at ference. suspended following the nuclear estimation of 10km. since the 2011 disaster to spread on local radio. Nissan Motor Company said 8.03am (2303 GMT on Monday), Even tsunami waves of just a disaster at the Daiichi. The quake has also been re- warnings more quickly, said Tsu- Staying in a traditional Japa- it would suspend work at its en- The operator has restored vised up to magnitude 7.4, from netaka Omine, head of the Dis- nese inn on the coast in the city gine factory in Fukushima at least 6.3 magnitude quake hits central New Zealand power to the system, it said. a preliminary reading of 7.3, ac- aster Management Division in of Ofunato with a dozen interna- until the latest tsunami warning “I have been informed that cording to the agency. Iwaki, a city in Fukushima pre- tional high school students on a was lifted. An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.3 struck central New [the cooling failure] will not im- The jolts were also felt in the fecture. study tour, teacher Kathy Krauth A spokesman said there were Zealand yesterday, little more than a week after a powerful tremor cen- mediately lead to a radiation leak capital, Tokyo, 250km away Previously, there were com- said the shaking began just sec- no injuries or damage at the tred in the upper South Island rocked the country and killed two people. or an increase in the temperature southwest of Fukushima while plicated directions on where to onds after a quake alarm on her plant, which was badly damaged Yesterday’s quake was centred off the coast of the North Island, 138km (86 of the fuel,” Chief Cabinet Secre- bullet train services were tempo- evacuate. phone went off . in the 2011 disaster. miles) from Palmerston North at a depth of 37km (23 miles). tary Yoshihide Suga told a news rarily suspended and some fl ights “But now, we basically just tell “I felt like the lessons of 3-11 Toyota Motor Corporation said Thousands of aftershocks have been registered since a 7.8-magnitude conference. to and from Sendai airport were people to head away from the sea, were really taken to heart,” said that all its factories in north- quake struck near Christchurch in the early hours of November 14. No abnormalities were detect- cancelled. to the highest possible ground,” Krauth, who teaches a class on eastern Japan were operating as ed at the Daiichi plant following Earthquake-prone Japan sits Omine said. the March 2011 disaster and its usual.

Teenager charged over hoax radio Turnbull wins much-needed calls to airports A 19-year-old autistic male has been charged with making hoax victories in parliament radio calls to aircraft and air traff ic control at two airports in Victoria, Australian federal police Reuters announced yesterday. Sydney Paul Sant, of Melbourne, was arrested on Monday and presented to the Melbourne ustralian Prime Minis- Magistrates’ Court yesterday. ter Malcolm Turnbull, Police have charged Sant with Awhose leadership has serious off ences related to the been questioned after political alleged unlawful interference setbacks, won a much-needed with air traff ic control and victory in parliament yesterday, endangering the safety of aircraft with the passage of two contro- at two Victorian airports. versial bills. Police said there were 16 alleged Australia’s Senate, which the unauthorised radio transmissions government does not control, between September 5 and passed a labour bill that it had Turnbull: narrowly won the July 2 election. November 3 at Melbourne and previously blocked, triggering Avalon airports. an election in July. this issue,” said Haydon Man- Turnbull led negotiations on One of the hoax calls had forced The laws passed in a morning ning, a political science pro- the labour bill with independ- one aircraft to abort its landing. session, bring greater oversight fessor at Flinders University in ent senators while in Peru this Defence lawyer Pern Chaya told of trade unions and employer Adelaide, referring to the labour week attending the Asia-Pacifi c the court that Sant has been bodies. The parliament also bill. “To end the year without Economic Co-operation meet- diagnosed with autism and A model presents a creation by brand Alia Anggun during the Tokyo Modest Fashion Show at Halal passed a counter-terrorism bill delivery on its set-piece reform ing, lawmakers told Reuters. depression, but is not on any Expo Japan. in the evening. would have been disastrous for The government continues to medication. It extended police surveil- the government.” trail the opposition Labor Party, “He’s 19, so he’s a young prisoner lance powers and cut to 14, from Turnbull narrowly won the a Newspoll showed yesterday. ... it is Sant’s first time in custody,” 16, the age at which terrorism July 2 election after invoking Turnbull now plans to turn Chaya said. suspects can be detained and rarely-used powers to dissolve his attention to another corner- Lawyers did not say publicly Tokyo fashion show for Muslims face other restrictions. both houses of parliament fol- stone piece of legislation aimed what role his autism played in the Turnbull has seen his poll lowing the repeated blocking of at creating a building industry decision to make the calls. numbers hit their lowest since the government’s labour bill by watchdog. Reuters ganisers said was the fi rst such taking place as part of the Halal taking power in September the upper-house Senate. The bill was also twice reject- Tokyo fashion show for Muslim wom- Expo Japan event, held over two 2015, and political commenta- But Turnbull has struggled ed by the Senate in the lead-up Man dies after rice en in Japan. days. tors have questioned his future to implement his agenda as his to the July election. Floral patterns were among Around 10 brands, mainly as prime minister, as confi dence ruling conservative coalition That vote, in the fi nal two ball eating contest odels wearing an ar- the designs adorning long robe from Singapore, were showcas- erodes in Australia’s fourth is in the minority in the Sen- weeks of the Senate’s 2016 ray of colourful hijabs garments and matching head- ing their creations at the event, leader in the last six years. ate, requiring him to win favour term, is expected to be tight, A 28-year-old male passed away Mwalked down a Tokyo scarves at Japan’s fi rst “Mus- which has been called the Tokyo “The government called a with many of the 11 independ- key independent Senator David in Japan after choking on a catwalk yesterday in what or- limah Fashion Show”, which is Modest Fashion Show. double-dissolution election on ent senators to pass legislation. Leyonhjelm told Reuters. rice ball during a speed-eating contest, an event organiser said yesterday. The man, whose name was withheld, died on November 16 in hospital three days after Daimler removes China executive over ‘racist rant’ at car park choking, said the local farmer’s co-operative that sponsored the event in the western city of AFP already; the fi rst thing I learned formation about the case to be miliation” that it experienced China said in an e-mailed state- ond-largest economy have be- Hikone. Beijing here is: all you Chinese are bas- shared with the public”. at the hands of foreign powers ment. gun to use their economic clout Contestants competed to see tards,” it quoted him as say- But the story was nevertheless – including Germany – from the Chinese social media users re- to their political advantage, how fast they could eat five ing in English, according to the reported by major newspapers mid-1800s onwards. mained incensed. threatening to boycott or ban “onigiri” balls of locally grown erman auto giant Daimler website of the People’s Daily, and television stations across China has become one of “They immediately dealt with companies, singers and movie steamed rice, a popular Japanese said yesterday that it re- the Communist Party’s offi cial the country. Mercedes Benz owner Daimler’s this executive only to protect stars who “hurt the feelings of comfort food. Gmoved a top executive of mouthpiece. In an online commentary, biggest markets as its burgeon- their Chinese business inter- the Chinese people”. The man shoved his fifth rice ball its China trucks and buses unit, People nearby “approached the Global Times said road rage ing middle class increasingly ests,” wrote one user of China’s Gaertner’s comments were into his mouth before passing out after his allegedly racist remarks to argue with him”, said the Glo- in Beijing was often inevitable, takes to the roads, and the com- Twitter-like Sina Weibo. “I not the fi rst controversial re- and was rushed to a local hospital in a parking row became nation- bal Times tabloid, which often but called Gaertner’s alleged pany was quick to react. think Westerners look down on marks about Chinese people by where he later died, the organiser al news. takes a nationalistic tone, and remarks “unjustifi able”, stat- The manager in question had us Chinese.” a high-profi le German to stoke said. Rainer Gaertner, president he “attacked them” using pep- ing: “No matter how dirty your been immediately relieved of his Another Sina Weibo user outrage in recent weeks. The contest was composed of and chief executive of Daimler per spray. words are, your heart should not position, it said without naming dubbed Daimler’s apology Last month, a YouTube video three sets of five contestants Trucks & Buses China, got into No videos were available of be dirty.” Gaertner, apologising over the “perfunctory”, saying: “What it emerged showing EU Com- each. an argument with a local driver the alleged incident, in a Beijing The ruling Communist Party incident. demonstrates is this company’s missioner Guenther Oettinger Eating contests are popular after seizing the parking spot he neighbourhood popular with regularly appeals to Chinese It was “detrimental to the arrogance – it’s earning China’s addressing a German business events at various regional fairs wanted, Chinese state media re- expatriates and wealthy Chi- nationalism as part of its claim standing of our company, un- money but at heart it doesn’t audience using the words “slitty held in Japan to promote local ports said, citing a social media nese. to legitimacy, contrasting the becoming of a manager of our have an ounce of respect for eyes” and “chisellers” to refer to produce and culture, as in other post. The Global Times cited police country’s position in the world brand and prejudicial to our Chinese consumers.” Chinese people. countries where choking deaths “I have been in China one year as saying that they had “no in- now with the “century of hu- good name”, Daimler Greater Consumers in the world’s sec- He later apologised. have been reported. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 BRITAIN

DECISION CRIME AUCTION ROYALTY VIOLENCE Probe opened into CCTV image of sex attack Collector pays £280,000 Prince Harry left Police off icers beaten by Ukip party funding suspect released for rare dodo skeleton red-faced in Antigua mob of 30 schoolchildren

The Electoral Commission yesterday opened an Detectives in south London are hunting a The near-complete skeleton of a dodo, one of A red-faced Prince Harry showed off a few A police off icer was beaten to the ground and his investigation into whether the UK Independence suspected sex attacker who subjected two the animal kingdom’s most well-known losses to moves in Antigua after being forced to get up female colleague punched in the jaw in a terrifying Party (Ukip) used EU money for its Brexit campaign women to “terrifying ordeals”. CCTV footage extinction, was sold for £280,000 at an auction and dance during his tour of the Caribbean. The attack by a mob of up to 30 schoolchildren, in breach of party funding rules. The probe has been released of a man, aged between 25 in Britain on yesterday. A private collector who royal, 32, took to the stage with Antiguan singer Scotland Yard said yesterday. The off icers were on follows a European Parliament audit on Monday and 35, wanted in connection with the assaults made the purchase over the phone will have Claudette Peters after enduring an excruciating a routine patrol in Lewisham when they were set which said Ukip will have to renounce hundreds in Clapham. In the first incident, at about 2am to cough up a total of £346,000 including speech in which he was invited to spend upon by the group of teenagers after they spotted of thousands of euros of EU funding after on May 22, a man followed a woman into the buyer’s premium for the reconstructed dodo his honeymoon on the island if he marries a youth trying to hide a large knife. After trying to misspending part of the grants on campaigning in communal hallway of flats in Clapham Common skeleton, which is the first to be off ered for sale actress Meghan Markle, with whom he publicly search the suspect, one off icer was punched in the Britain. “The commission has now opened its own South Side and sexually assaulted her. She since the early 20th century. The painstakingly confirmed his relationship earlier this month. In face several times by other youths, causing him to investigation into Ukip to look at whether there has managed to fight him off and he ran away. On reconstructed dodo skeleton has been put the Commonwealth island’s capital, St John’s, fall to the ground. The female off icer was punched been any breach of UK election law,” the Electoral Sunday June 26, again at 2am, the man sexually together using bones collected from diff erent prime minister Gaston Browne told Harry: “I in the jaw when she tried to help him. Police said Commission said in a statement. “This includes assaulted a 27-year-old woman in Klea Avenue. dodos over 30 years and is a 95% complete believe we are expecting a new princess soon. I the group continued to assault the off icer on the whether any impermissible donations have been She managed to scratch him in the face with her composite, with only part of the skull and one set want you to know that you are very welcome to ground by repeatedly kicking him in the head, accepted by the party,” it said. key, close to his left eye, and he ran off . of claws missing. come on your honeymoon here.” leaving him with serious bruising.

Row over school Govt snubs decision to bar editor’s Trump call for speech

AFP London Farage to be

n editor for the right- wing US news website ABreitbart was banned from giving a talk at his former school in Britain yesterday, made envoy sparking a social media storm over free speech. Reuters voked anger, support and even “I am in a good position The school said it decided to London hilarity in Britain, with one with the president-elect’s cancel the lecture by Milo Yian- lawmaker, Conservative Si- support to help. The world nopoulos citing security concerns mon Burns, joking that perhaps has changed and it’s time due to planned protests and after he government yes- Britain should suggest Hillary that Downing Street did too,” consulting with a government terday dismissed US Clinton as its preferred choice Farage said in an article writ- “counter extremism unit”. TPresident-elect Donald as ambassador to London. ten for the Breitbart news Yiannopoulos, who is tech- Trump’s unprecedented ex- But the apparent public website. nology editor for the right-wing pression of support for Brexit suggestion about who to ap- “I would do anything to US news website, is known campaigner Nigel Farage to be point as ambassador by the help our national interest and for his provocative social me- made British ambassador to man who will lead Britain’s to help cement ties with the dia posts and was banned from Washington, saying pointedly most powerful ally puts Prime incoming Anglophile admin- Twitter in July for fuelling abuse that there is no vacancy for the Minister May in a difficult po- istration,” Farage said. directed at Ghostbusters actress job. sition just as she tries to build A photograph of Trump Leslie Jones. Trump, who after his elec- ties with Washington ahead of greeting Farage in front of a The British journalist is a vo- tion victory met Farage before leaving the EU. gilded elevator shortly after cal supporter of Donald Trump any EU leaders, said on Twit- London is trying to gauge the US election caused con- — nicknaming the US president- ter that “many people” would whether Trump would sup- sternation in EU capitals, elect “Daddy” during his elec- like to see the former metals port a special trade deal with many of whom view Trump tion campaign — and has become trader-turned-politician as Britain as it negotiates a di- with a mixture of fear and one of the faces of America’s Britain’s ambassador. vorce from the EU. puzzlement. “alt-right” movement. “Many people would like to Britain also places great His suggestion of Farage Breitbart’s support is believed see @Nigel_Farage represent store on what it calls its “spe- also provoked anger among to have helped Trump win the Great Britain as their ambas- cial relationship” with the US. some British lawmakers. US election. sador to the United States. He Farage, who spent decades Accused by his critics of be- “This decision was taken fol- would do a great job!” Trump campaigning for Britain to ing a racist and a bigot, Farage lowing contact from the DfE said. leave the European Union and peppers his speeches with (department for education) Prime Minister There- helped force former prime jokes and the odd expletive counter extremism unit,” said a sa May, who congratulated minister David Cameron to while railing against what he spokesman for the Simon Lang- Trump on his victory, was call the June referendum that calls the doomed European ton Grammar School for Boys in swift to reject such an un- brought the Brexit vote, spoke superstate and immigration Canterbury, southeast England. diplomatic proposal, with a at a Trump rally during the into Britain. He said staff and students spokesman saying Britain al- US campaign and visited the He is a member of the Euro- at the school had been “over- ready had an excellent ambas- president-elect after his vic- pean parliament but has failed whelmingly in favour” of host- sador to Washington and that tory. in his efforts to win election to ing the former pupil, with 220 London would appoint its own As leader of the UK Inde- the British parliament. students signing up to attend. envoys. pendence Party (Ukip) and Farage said Trump would But “the threat of demonstra- “We have first rate ambas- one of the key figures of the be a great president after “the tions at the school by organised sador in Washington,” Foreign successful Brexit campaign, political revolution” that groups and members of the pub- Secretary Boris Johnson, who Farage has repeatedly angered brought Brexit in Britain and lic and our overall concerns for campaigned for Brexit, told EU leaders by predicting the Trump to power in the US. “In the security of the school site the parliament. “There is no collapse of the EU, which he the UK the people have spoken and the safety of our commu- vacancy for that position.” says is run by an out-of-touch but the players at the top have, nity,” had led to the decision to It is highly unusual in the elite of “idiots”. I am afraid, stayed the same,” scrap the talk, the spokesman modern era for leaders to pub- Farage said Trump’s sug- Farage, 52, said. added. licly suggest to foreign nations gestion that he serve as am- “Those who supported Re- Yiannopoulos hit out at the whom they would like to see as bassador had come “like a bolt main now hold senior posi- move, which sparked heated re- ambassador, though during from the blue” but Trump un- tions. Worst still, those who actions from supporters and de- strained relations they some- derstood loyalty in a way that were openly abusive about tractors on social media, brand- Prime Minister Theresa May shakes hands with Belgium’s Prime Minister Charles Michel outside 10 times reject or expel envoys. those in the “cesspit” of ca- Trump now pretend to be his ing it an assault on free speech. Downing Street in London yesterday Trump’s suggestion pro- reer politics did not. friend,” said Farage.

Sharing a high five Man accused of killing Ryanair fl ights ‘could MP refuses to defend self be free in a decade’ Guardian News and Media ple who will be running through London airports, and getting a share of Reuters a judge had recorded a plea of not of her murderer bring the two the shopping and the retail rev- London guilty on his behalf. extremities of humanity face to enues at airports.” face,” lawyer Richard Whittam any seats on Ryanair The Irish airline expects to said as he summed up the pros- fl ights could be free carry 119mn passengers this he man accused of mur- ecution case. Min a decade’s time, year and is growing its aircraft dering member of parlia- He said Mair’s alleged “racist the airline’s chief executive has fl eet rapidly, with capacity to Tment Jo Cox a week be- interest” was in stark contrast to said. pass 200m by 2024. Most of that fore Britain’s EU referendum has that of Cox who advanced a fair Michael O’Leary said his am- growth, O’Leary said, would opted not to speak in his own de- and diverse society. bition was to off er zero fares – come from “taking price sensi- fence at his trial, a London court On Monday, the court heard with the airline making its mon- tive passengers off incumbents heard yesterday. police searching Mair’s house ey from sharing revenues with like Air Berlin in Germany, Lot Thomas Mair, 53, is accused of had found Nazi materials includ- airports where it had attracted in Poland and Alitalia in Italy”. shooting and stabbing opposition Witnesses have said Cox ing books and an eagle ornament passengers. He added: “I think it will Labour MP Cox, 41, on the street suff ered a ferocious attack bearing a swastika. Speaking at the Airport Oper- happen. It just won’t happen in the town of Birstall, part of her when she arrived at the Witnesses have said Cox suf- ators Association conference in at Heathrow or those big hub electoral district in northern Eng- Birstall library to give an fered a ferocious attack when she London, he said the increasingly airports. But most of the other land. advice session to local arrived at the Birstall library to attractive deals being off ered to airports who are looking for big Prosecutors have told his trial residents give an advice session to local resi- his airline by European airports, traffi c growth, that process is al- that Cox’s attacker had shouted dents, and that when apprehended as well as the possible reduction ready starting to happen, lower- something like “Keep Britain in- However the court was told that by police Mair had said “It’s me” or abolition of taxes such as air ing airport fees and some of the dependent” and “Britain fi rst” when Mair appeared at London’s and described himself as a political passenger duty, would eventu- charges.” during the frenzied assault and Westminster Magistrates Court activist. ally allow his airline to give away O’Leary said: “If APD (air that a swathe of material about after being charged he had given Summing up for Mair, Russell fl ights. passenger duty) is gone: at many Nazis and the far right were found his name as “death to traitors, Flint said the attack on Cox was He said: “The challenge for us airports I’m paying more than at Mair’s home in Birstall as well as freedom for Britain”. appalling and she had been “bru- in the future is to keep driving £20 already with APD and fees, information about Cox herself. Judge Alan Wilkie said the jury tally and callously murdered”. air fares down. I have this vision if I start getting that back, why “We call no evidence for Mair,” could draw their own conclusions He said it was up to jurors that in the next fi ve to 10 years not? I’m doing seat sales this his lawyer Simon Russell Flint if he declined to off er evidence. whether to return Mair to his that the air fares on Ryanair will week at £4 and I’m paying the told jurors at London’s Old Bailey Russell Flint said his client was “quiet and solitary existence or US actor Brad Pitt and French actress Marion Cotillard inter- be free, in which case the fl ights £13 APD – I’m paying you to fl y court. aware of that. whether he will be forever remem- act as they arrive to attend the UK premiere of the film Allied will be full, and we will be mak- with me. Instead of promotional Mair had declined to enter a plea “The sheer brutality of her bered as the man who assassinated in Leicester Square, central London. ing our money out of sharing the tickets being £9 or £5 they will at a pre-trial hearing in October, so murder and the utter cowardice Jo Cox”. The trial continues. airport revenues; of all the peo- be free.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 17 BRITAIN/IRELAND ‘Puppy farm capital’ Ireland dogged by traffi cking

Reuters hundreds of euros (dollars) each interrupt their trade, the more it Seven intelligence-led seizures pet passports and microchips and poor sanitation and even lack of Trust, a Dublin-based animal Dublin are shipped to British ports and hits them where it hurts: in their at Irish ports over the past two are a potential health risk due to a access to water. welfare group, calling on the cen- then on to mainland Europe every pockets. We want to make it un- months alone have yielded 150 failure to inoculate them against Campaigners say that the vast tral government to take control of year, many of them secreted in the economic for them to continue.” puppies. the deadly rabies virus. majority of smuggled puppies the crackdown. llegal dog-breeding on an back of vans and cars. Although buoyed by recent sei- Most were so-called “designer All of them, according to wel- continue to escape detection. The DSPCA has already industrial scale has turned Ireland’s canine trade is “a na- zures at various ports throughout breeds” such as Beagles, Bichon fare agencies, will likely develop Prosecutions are rare and to worked with government agen- IIreland into the “puppy farm tional disgrace”, said Brian Gillen, Ireland, welfare agencies continue Frises, French Bulldogs or King mental and physical illnesses as date nobody has been jailed for cies in Britain to develop a co- capital of Europe”, according to head of the Dublin Society for the to face an uphill battle against an Charles Spaniels. One shipment a result of in-breeding and their even the most fl agrant breaches. ordinated strategy for stem- campaigners who say a recent Prevention of Cruelty to Animals export industry - much of it illicit discovered in a car boot was treatment. “We do not believe that local ming a trade facilitated by the crackdown is failing to curb the (DSPCA). - involving at least 30,000 pups worth just under 30,000 euros. Raids on illegal puppy farms authorities are best placed to en- immediacy of the Internet and lucrative business. “Our aim is to put them out of a year worth up to 20mn euros Many of the puppies are too have found cramped conditions, force the regulations,” said Suzie the popularity of certain smaller Thousands of puppies worth business,” he said. “The more we ($22mn). young to travel, lack mandatory little or no exercise or interaction, Carley, a spokeswoman for Dogs breeds. Yard payment to fi rm run by acting IT head raises concern

Guardian News and Media to transform the Met’s operations London and “reduce total costs of £3.2bn by 25% by 2020”. Eclecsys was used partly to fi ll cotland Yard paid a con- the gap before a full-time direc- sultancy fi rm more than tor of digital policing was named S£2,700 a day to provide the in January. Angus McCallum, a force with advice on technology, former CIO for multinational BG the Standard revealed. Group, was appointed on an an- The Met handed £530,116 to nual salary of £225,000. husband and wife IT company Only Met commissioner Sir Eclecsys, based in Buckingham- Bernard Hogan-Howe, who is on shire, for nine months’ work on £275,901, and deputy commis- “technology strategy and opera- sioner Craig Mackey, on £237,383, tions”. have higher salaries. Details of the payments are in- However, the IT payments have cluded in accounts submitted by raised concerns about how much the Mayor’s Offi ce for Policing went to consultants and contrac- An emergency services worker stands in flood water as he helps to clear the flooding in Stalybridge yesterday. and Crime in relation to 14 Met tors at a time when the Met was offi cers and staff who received facing severe cutbacks. Scotland salaries of more than £150,000. Yard has also faced problems up- Eclecsys was paid for a four- grading its IT systems. month period of work starting in A London Assembly report December 2014, which cost the three years ago claimed the force Met £184,496, and a fi ve-month was failing to solve crimes because period from April last year, which of computers based on Seventies cost the force £345,620. The to- technology. One dead, one missing tal is equivalent to £2,790 for a This year, a contract for a new working day. 999 call-handling system at Scot- The 2015-16 accounts show land Yard was scrapped after de- that “up to three consultants” lays in its delivery. from Eclecsys were employed by Yesterday Steve O’Connell, the the Met to provide advice. How- Assembly’s Tory policing spokes- ever, the Standard understands man, said: “The Met has had many as storm batters Britain that much of the work involved issues utilising new technology payments to Eclecsys director and has wasted money in the past Agencies sell Sherwood, 69, who disap- day in the Irish Sea. the City, said: “The information Yesterday, the latest strike John Lowry, 73, who acted as an on bad decisions. London peared after setting off on a car Meanwhile commuters yes- boards at Waterloo were useless. by workers on Southern Rail- interim chief information offi cer “Some of the worst examples journey as “Storm Angus” fi rst terday said they were “sick of Heavy rainfall just sounds like way over the role of conductors and director of digital policing at were the decision to stay on Win- hit on Sunday. excuses” as the aftermath of it’s one of their usual excuses to caused fresh travel problems. the Met. dows XP years after its support woman died and a pen- Fading light and bad weather Storm Angus hit rail services and be honest, we’re all sick of the Southern earlier said it was plan- The accounts state: “Lowry, lapsed, or crimes reported online sioner was missing yes- had earlier forced rescue teams to Southern passengers suff ered excuses. It’s on a par with kids ning to run 61% of its normal who is a key shareholder of Eclec- needing to be manually re-entered Aterday as fl ash fl oods and call off their search. another strike. wheeling out the old ‘the dog ate timetable, with more services sys, had a senior advisory role in into another database. strong winds swept across Brit- “This remains a diffi cult search Thousands of people crammed my homework’ line. When trains available compared with previ- respect of the MPS management “The current long-term tech- ain, stranding a ferry carrying 150 in very testing conditions,” police onto the concourse at Water- did fi nally start coming in there ous strikes. board until August 31, 2015.” nology strategy sets out to save people for 26 hours. chief Simon Davies said. loo station on Monday night as was a massive stampede. It was Pharmacist Harpreet Channa, The company’s latest an- £60mn, but this will be hard if The 39-year-old woman was “The river is very swollen and the bad weather caused delays bedlam.” 35, took the “horrendous” 7.53am nual return shows that its other they rely on expensive short-term rescued from the sea off Eng- fast fl owing, and as such special- and cancellations. Services from Melody Buila, 30, a chef from Southern service from South shareholder is his wife Jacqueline contractors. land’s south coast early yester- ist offi cers with specialist equip- Paddington and King’s Cross to Bromley, said: “There was noth- Croydon to Victoria. Lowry. “The Met needs to improve its day, but later died in hospital, ac- ment are conducting the search.” Bristol and Cardiff were axed as ing on the boards and when the She said: “It was rammed and Lowry’s LinkedIn account in-house IT talent if it ever expects cording to Kent Police. Elsewhere, howling gales ma- the South-West saw 2in (50mm) train comes it says this platform, a hell of a lot worse than usual. states that he was the Met’s CIO to get the bugs out of its system.” “A 39-year-old lady rescued rooned a ferry off the Welsh coast of rain in 24 hours. then that platform. Everyone was There was nowhere for people to and director of digital policing for In a statement the Met said Ec- from the sea in Folkestone has after it was judged to be too dan- Workers criticised the lack running around like they were in stand and so many people were two months from December 2014 lecsys was engaged in providing sadly passed away despite eff orts gerous to dock. of information at stations and a Benny Hill sketch.” hanging out of the doors, the to January last year. interim leadership for the force’s from emergency services to save The 150 passengers on board “dangerously overcrowded” National Rail said “heavy rain” driver could not close them. It He says he was hired “to accel- technology team pending the re- her,” said the force. eventually reached land at trains. caused fl ooding and poor rail was horrendous and so hot. With erate the development of a new cruitment of a permanent chief South Wales Police yesterday Fishguard, south Wales, at 11am Luke Springthorpe, 27, who conditions across England and the weather and the strike it was digital policing operating model” information offi cer. also resumed the search for Rus- (1100GMT), having spent over a works in wealth management in Wales. a perfect storm.” Calls grow for Queen to Student critical after knife attack by gang pay for palace repairs London Evening Standard face” who was never involved London in gangs. Another said: “He is very family orientated. He loves AFP in many front line services,” the British taxpayer for long football and used to play for a London Mark Johnson, who launched enough.” student is critically ill local club.” the online petition, wrote. Labour, the main opposition in hospital after being Several bouquets of fl owers “Now the royals expect us to party has called on the royals Astabbed by a gang who have been laid close to South n online petition calling dig deeper to refurbish Buck- to help, but has steered clear dragged him off his bicycle out- Harrow Tube station where the for the British monar- ingham Palace. The Crown’s of asking the monarchy to foot side a west London Tube station. teenager collapsed. Achy to pay for £369mn wealth is inestimable. This is, the entire bill. The 19-year-old was riding One was from a man who ap- in repairs to Buckingham Pal- in a word, outrageous,” John- Labour’s chief finance with friends when he was at- parently tried to help him before ace has gathered momentum son said. spokesman John McDonnell, a tacked outside Kebabish takea- the emergency services arrived. and by yesterday had garnered The Queen’s wealth is es- republican, said on BBC’s An- way in Northolt Road, South Har- It read: “Sorry there are peo- over 132,000 signatures. timated to stand at £340mn drew Marr Show: “It’s a public row, at about 5.10pm on Friday. ple in this world who think it’s Last week, royal officials according to Sunday Times building, it’s a public monu- Witnesses described the ok to take someone’s life. Sorry outlined a plan for Queen Eliz- Rich List 2015, making her the ment, it’s a heritage building Kingston University student I couldn’t do more.” abeth II’s official home to un- 302nd richest person in Brit- so we have to invest in it to sprinting away from his attack- The manager of the nearby dergo “essential works” to re- ain. preserve it. ers before collapsing with the Chicken Hut takeaway said place electrical wiring, water Many of the comments left “If the Queen and the royal blade lodged in his chest. shoppers ran inside to hide. pipes and boilers in the biggest by those who have signed the family want to consider a con- His family were yesterday at He said: “There was a huge overhaul since the 1950s. petition echoed Johnson’s tribution, I certainly wouldn’t his bedside where he is in a crit- group of teenagers running To fund the £369mn re- sentiment. send the cheque back,” he said. ical condition on a life support around outside, you couldn’t pairs, the government is ask- “It’s obscene that we In 1992, public opinion machine. tell what was going on at fi rst. ing parliament to approve should be expected to pay for turned against the royal fam- Detectives from the Met’s One of them, a young boy, got an increase in the sovereign this during such time of aus- ily amid fears taxpayers would Homicide and Major Crime stabbed with a knife but ran grant — the annual allowance terity when it could be paid be called upon to foot the bill Command are investigating. away not realising he had been provided by the government for by simply selling some after Windsor Castle, a royal Police say the victim was at- stabbed. He was running to es- to support the Queen in her of the BILLIONS of pounds residence outside London, was tacked by a group of men, all cape and then dropped to the official duties. worth of art and antiquities hit by a devastating fire. aged in their teens or early fl oor suddenly. You could tell it Many members of the public held by the crown,” wrote The Queen then agreed to twenties. was bad, the knife was still in his are not so keen. “There is a na- Chris B. pay 70% of the £36.5mn costs One friend described the chest.” tional housing crisis, the NHS Another signatory, named by opening Buckingham Pal- Queen Elizabeth meets Poland’s ambassador to the UK, Arkady teenager as a “lovely, enthusi- Another 17-year-old male (National Health Service) is in Claire M., said: “The roy- ace to the public for the first Rzegocki, as he presents his letters of credence during an audience astic young man with a smile who sustained a cut was taken crisis, austerity is forcing cuts al family have sponged off time to generate extra income. at Buckingham Palace in London yesterday permanently etched on his to hospital but later discharged. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 EUROPE

Belgium takes tips from Israel to boost Turkey fi res 15,000 security at airport

Reuters tents outside Brussels airport Brussele that were used for passenger checks in the wake of the bomb attacks were removed and now and shuts 375 NGOs elgium has launched police offi cers newly trained new security measures in behavioural detection stand AFP/Reuters imposed exile in Pennsylvania in Bat Brussels Airport af- guard at entranceways, looking Ankara the United States since 1999, de- ter suicide bombings there in for signs of suspicious conduct nies involvement. March, taking inspiration from among arriving travellers. “There is no place in this ... controls at Ben Gurion in Is- “This is not profi ling on urkey dismissed more land drenched with the blood of rael, among the most heavily the basis of age, skin colour than 15,000 state em- martyrs for those who sold their protected airports in the world. or gender, it’s about detecting Tployees, from soldiers and souls to Pennsylvania, the sepa- Islamist suicide bombers behaviour,” Jambon said at the police offi cers to tax inspectors ratist terrorist organisation, or killed 16 people and injured ACI Europe airport security and midwives, yesterday and any other illegal organisation,” over 150 in the departure hall of conference in Brussels. has ordered the closure of 375 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Brussels Airport on March 22. Facial recognition technolo- associations within the state of Erdogan said. The bombings were part of a gies are part of the new secu- emergency imposed after the July He frequently uses “Pennsyl- coordinated assault on the Bel- rity system. failed coup. vania” as shorthand for the cler- gian capital’s transport system. The number of cameras at More than 100,000 have al- ic’s network. Since then, the airport and the airport has been increased ready been suspended or sacked The “separatist organisation” Belgian government authori- by 25% to 1,250, including ones so far in a crackdown on those is a reference to the Kurdish ties have been working closely to scan car number plates as alleged to have links to coup- PKK group, which has waged on a new security concept. they enter the airport perim- plotters while dozens of media a three-decade insurgency for Deputy Prime Minister and eter. outlets have been shut down. Kurdish autonomy in Turkey’s Security Minister Jan Jambon “In time, gates will be in- In the latest government de- southeast. travelled to Israel this summer stalled at access roads to the cree published yesterday, 7,586 Erdogan indicated in a speech to view the security systems airport and will open only after personnel working in the police, yesterday that the purges would in place at Ben Gurion Airport scanning of number plates,” including police chiefs and com- continue, saying that not all Gu- outside Tel Aviv. Jambon said. missioners, were dismissed. len supporters had been rooted At Ben Gurion, cars are He added that the govern- Meanwhile, 1,956 soldiers and out of Turkish institutions. stopped at a checkpoint and ment planned to extend the personnel in the air force and “We know that the state has given a once-over by heavily new security steps to other air- navy were sacked while another not been entirely cleared of this armed guards and cameras that ports throughout Belgium. 403 were removed from the gen- treacherous network. They are read licence plates. Brussels Airport chief ex- darmerie, which looks after do- still in our armed forces, our People deemed suspicious ecutive Arnaud Feist said the mestic security. police organisations, inside our are pulled over for further glass of the airport facade had Thousands more were dis- Erdogan: We know that the state has not been entirely cleared of this treacherous network. They are still judiciary, inside diff erent state questioning and possibly full also been strengthened so that missed in government ministries in our armed forces, our police organisations, inside our judiciary, inside diff erent state institutions. We will institutions,” he said. “We will searches. should another explosion oc- and state institutions, including not leave our country to them, we will not let them consume this nation. We will do whatever is necessary. not leave our country to them, we Largely unnoticeable moni- cur, it could absorb the impact nearly 3,000 offi cials in the inte- will not let them consume this toring continues all the way to better. rior ministry and related institu- or groups deemed to be acting ranging from rights to culture to Cocuk (The Agenda is Children). nation. We will do whatever is the terminal. The airport is also looking at tions. against national security inter- women. The decrees also ordered the necessary.” Jambon said he was im- other measures, such as remote In total, 15,726 people have ests”. Critics have claimed that the closure of nine provincial press In a separate development, pressed especially by how bag drops to improve security, been dismissed under the latest Some of the accused have been crackdown goes well beyond the outlets and 19 health institu- Turkish authorities detained 20 some of the measures were while staff have been encour- decrees. targeted for having accounts with suspected coup plotters. tions. staff at Silivri jail outside Istan- non-intrusive for passengers. aged to report any unusual ac- The dismissals are permitted a bank once controlled by Gu- Amnesty said the groups Ankara blames Gulen and his bul accused of using the Bylock “There, security measures tivities. under the state of emergency, len’s followers, being members closed included lawyers asso- network, which it refers to as the messaging app that Ankara says are present but not visible all “We want to serve as a blue- which was extended by three of an opposition union, or using a ciations working on preventing “Gulenist Terror Organisation” was specially developed by Gulen the time,” he said. print for airports in Europe,” months in October, and was smartphone messaging app seen torture, women’s rights groups (FETO), for the events of July supporters for the coup plot. This month, the temporary Feist told Reuters. originally imposed in the wake of by the authorities as a Gulenist working against domestic vio- 15, in which more than 240 peo- Those detained include the the coup. communications tool, according lence and local NGOs helping ple were killed as rogue soldiers head of the prison, named as HT, The dismissals announced in to Turkish media reports. refugees. commandeered tanks, fi ghter jets it added. the Offi cial Gazette gave no rea- The decrees also ordered the Among those ordered closed and helicopters, bombing parlia- Hundreds of suspects rounded sons beyond “membership of, or closure of 375 associations across is the leading Ankara-based ment and other key buildings. up after the coup are being held links to, terrorist organisations the country working on issues children’s rights NGO Gundem Gulen, who has lived in self- in the jail. 1,000 East African skulls, bones still Child sex bill pulled held in Berlin: report

AFP tated by German troops. after mass protests Berlin Their skulls were then sent to Berlin for “scientifi c” ex- periments. AFP was “now closed” and would ore than 1,000 skulls Asked about the items, the Ankara only return to the agenda “in the and bones belonging foundation’s chief, Hermann future if political parties can se- Mto east Africans and Parzinger, told ARD that his cure a broad consensus”. brought to Germany for racial organisation “has no problem he Turkish government If the bill had passed, it would “scientifi c” research during with returning these things”. has withdrawn a con- have permitted the release from the colonial era are still in stor- Germany has in recent years Ttroversial bill that could prison of men guilty of assault- age in Berlin, a media report handed back 20 skulls belong- overturn men’s convictions for ing a minor if the act was com- said yesterday. ing to indigenous Namibians. child-sex assault, after an angry mitted without “force, threat, or Public broadcaster ARD said The skulls are among an es- public backlash that saw thou- any other restriction on consent” it had obtained lists of the hu- timated 300 taken to Germany sands take to the streets. and if the aggressor “marries the man remains that are still held after a slaughter of indigenous Critics said the bill – which victim”. by the Prussian Cultural Herit- Namibians during an anti- would allow the release from jail Opposition parties from across age Foundation, which admin- colonial uprising in what was of sex assault convicts if they the political spectrum heavily isters the capital’s state muse- then called South West Africa, marry their victims – would le- criticised the bill, which was ap- ums. which Berlin ruled from 1884 gitimise rape of minors. proved in an initial parliamentary Most of the skulls and bones to 1915. Its withdrawal marked a rare reading on Thursday. are marked as stemming from The skulls gathered dust concession to popular opposition It had been expected to be de- Germany’s former East African in the German archives un- by the ruling Justice and Devel- bated again yesterday but thou- Protesters show their painted hands during a demonstration yesterday against the bill that could overturn colonies, including 1,003 items til 2008, when ARD reported opment Party (AKP), which has sands from all social backgrounds men’s convictions for child sex assault in front of the Turkish Parliament in Ankara. from Rwanda and 60 from that they were still kept at the dominated politics since 2002. staged protests in Istanbul and Tanzania. Medical History Museum of “We are taking this bill in par- other cities at the weekend. girl fell pregnant while she was bill was to be “reconsidered” should be rejected “once and for Among them are 10 skulls of the Charite hospital in Berlin, liament back to the commission With tensions still high, riot below the age of consent. taking people’s concerns into all”. children. and at Freiburg University in in order to allow for the broad police used tear gas to stop a The legal age of consent in account, insisting that the gov- “The government should help Some of the human remains, the southwest. consensus the president request- group of two dozen protesters Turkey is 18. ernment “was absolutely against these families with concrete kept at the Foundation’s main The publicity prompted Na- ed, and to give time for the op- from marching yesterday to par- Yildirim said the proposals marriages at an early age”. measures rather than disturbing- storage facility, came from in- mibia to seek the restitution of position parties to develop their liament in Ankara, an AFP pho- sought to help children in 3,800 Main opposition Republi- ly linking suspending sentences surgents who had been decapi- the remains. proposals,” Prime Minister Binali tographer said. families who “are forced to grow can People’s Party (CHP) leader to marriage in any way.” Yildirim told a news conference The government emphasised up without the love of their fa- Kemal Kilicdaroglu hailed yes- The bill also faced criticism in Istanbul. “This commission that the bill was not being en- ther” – likely imprisoned – and terday’s move as a “victory for from the pro-government Wom- Dane acquitted of raping daughter will evaluate and take into ac- tirely dropped and would be re- “paying for the mistakes of their women”. en’s and Democracy Association count all sides and surely a solu- viewed and amended by parlia- mothers and fathers”. “Today if the AKP has taken a (KADEM), whose deputy chair A Danish man convicted of raping his daughter had his sentence tion will be found.” ment’s justice committee. The Turkish statistics of- step back, it was thanks to this is Erdogan’s younger daughter overturned yesterday after a sleeping lay judge prompted a retrial. With the issue becoming a ral- Offi cials have insisted the leg- fi ce said in April that 5.2% of country’s brave women ... for the Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar. The man was sentenced to five years in prison by the Eastern High lying cause for Turkey’s embat- islation sought to ease a social the more than 600,000 offi cial fi rst time, they (the government) Campaigners have long ac- Court in Copenhagen in November last year, but the country’s tled opposition, President Recep problem in a country where child marriages in Turkey last year in- realised women’s strength,” he cused the government of failing Supreme Court ordered a retrial in September after two prison Tayyip Erdogan had called for a marriage is widespread, espe- cluded child brides aged 16 to 17, said. to do enough to stamp out child guards caught one of the lay judges sleeping. compromise. cially in the southeast. down from 5.8% in 2014. Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty In- marriage and of paying more at- “The day the most important witness was examined, he was But Justice Minister Bekir Defenders of the bill said it Family and Social Aff airs Min- ternational’s deputy Europe di- tention to pushing up the birth sleeping,” the man’s lawyer, Henrik Stagetorn, told AFP. Bozdag said later that the issue aimed to help families where a ister Fatma Betul Sayan said the rector, told AFP the proposals rate. The lay judge denied the claim. The incident took place when the lights had been switched off and the curtains drawn so that the court could view video interrogations of the man’s three children. Cases before a Danish high court that can lead to a prison sentence are decided by three lay judges and three legal judges. Accused people smuggling kingpin appears in Italy court The Danish man had previously been convicted by four votes to two, but was acquitted yesterday of raping his 14-year-old daughter by five votes to one. Reuters However, the accused man’s before the trial begins, but dis- a December 2 voice comparison falls of tackling people smuggling Palermo lawyer said it was a case of mis- cussion of the case was pushed to determine if the prosecution’s to Europe from Africa. taken identity, and that his client back until the composition of the recordings of the people smug- Italy co-ordinated the arrest More arrests seen in paedophile case was an Eritrean refugee called three-judge panel is fi nalised. gler’s telephone conversations with Britain’s National Crime n alleged people smug- Medhanie Tesfamariam Behre “We have found witnesses and match Behre’s voice. Agency and Sudanese authori- Norwegian police said yesterday that they expect more arrests in gling kingpin arrested who wanted to emigrate to Eu- documents that show the person Calogero Ferrara and Claudio ties, the fi rst time a suspected connection with a probe into 51 men linked to what they believe is Aearlier this year appeared rope. who is on trial is not Mr Medhane Cammilleri, prosecutors in the traffi cking kingpin was tracked the country’s largest paedophile ring to date. in an Italian court for the fi rst The offi cial start of the trial Yehdego Mered, but a poor boy, Sicilian capital of Palermo, say down in Africa and brought to Police in the west coast city of Bergen on Sunday disclosed that time yesterday as his lawyer was immediately postponed at Medhanie Tesfamariam Behre, they captured the right man al- face justice in Europe since the they had made 21 arrests and secured three convictions. raised doubts about whether his least until November 28 after who is a refugee like many oth- though they accept that they may migration crisis started three Investigations were ongoing in other parts of the country. identity was mistaken. prosecutors challenged the pres- ers,” Calantropo said after the have got his name wrong. years ago. A man in his 60s was arrested yesterday in the northern region of The man, identifi ed as Med- ence of one of the three presid- hearing. They also say that the original If it turns out the wrong man Finnmark. hane Yehdego Mered, was ar- ing judges, saying that he had Calantropo showed Reuters a picture of their suspect, which was seized, it would be a huge The suspects – including lawyers, students, and businessmen – rested in Sudan in May and ex- been involved in the investigative picture of Behre graduating from bears little resemblance to the blow in their battle against traf- shared images and videos, including live Web camera feeds of tradited to Italy two weeks later. phase of the case. a plumbing school in Eritrea in arrested man, was discovered to fi ckers who have shipped some abuse. Prosecutors accuse him of be- The defence lawyer, Michele 2010, when prosecutors allege be of someone else not related to 500,000 migrants across the A total of 5,000 user accounts have been traced and the case was ing a people smuggler who calls Calantropo, said the identity of “the General” was in Libya. the case. Mediterranean Sea to Europe “shockingly large”, lead investigator Hilde Reikras told Norwegian himself “the General”. the accused should be settled The defence has also scheduled The case underscores the pit- since 2014. broadcaster NRK. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 19 EUROPE ‘Over half of world’s population does not use Internet’

AFP said that 3.9bn people do not world’s poorest countries, the needed to download an average of the handset, rather than the bally, the UN agency said it need- subscriptions, long cited as a Geneva have home or mobile Internet ITU said. movie – would still cost more monthly subscription, which ed better data about who was be- connectivity indicator, no longer access and that the problem was In 2008, the global average than half of an average annual remained the biggest economic ing shut out of the information reliably refl ected actual mobile most acute among the world’s price for a basic fi xed-broadband salary. barrier to mobile Internet access, technology world. phone use. ore than half the world’s “female, elderly, less educated, connection was $80 (€75) per With fi xed broadband so ex- according to the ITU. “A data revolution is needed to While there are nearly as many population does not use lower income and rural (popula- month, a fi gure which fell to $25 pensive, mobile Internet access “In 2016 people no longer go better understand who uses the mobile subscriptions in the world Mthe Internet, with pro- tions)”. a month last year, according to can off er a solution to get more online, they are online,” the re- Internet, where and how,” the re- as there are people, in some re- hibitive broadband costs keeping One problem is the cost of the ITU. people online, the ITU said, not- port said. “Yet many people are port explained. gions up to 40% of people do not billions off line, a United Nations fi xed-broadband access, which However, in poorer countries a ing that mobile-broadband net- still not using the Internet, and Addressing the problems own or use a mobile phone, sug- report said yesterday. has fallen globally over the last fi xed-broadband monthly pack- works technically cover 84% of many users do not fully benefi t with the data set that has been gesting the huge number of peo- The UN’s International Tel- decade but remained “clearly age with just one gigabyte of data the world’s population. from its potential.” predominate for years, the ITU ple with multiple subscriptions ecommunications Union (ITU) unaff ordable” in many of the – which is roughly the amount But for many it is the cost To increase digital access glo- highlighted that mobile phone had skewed the data.

Foreign ballots under Cyprus peace talks falter AFP “We are not at all happy and as a result of territorial adjust- Nicosia sincerely regret that as a result ments,” Christodoulides ac- scrutiny of the Turkish attitude it was not knowledged. possible to complete a promising Greek Cypriot media were runch negotiations on process,” Nicos Christodoulides blunter in their assessment. in Italian ending the decades-old told reporters. “Failure in Mont Pelerin,” Cdivision of Cyprus broke The Turkish Cypriot leader headlined pro-government down yesterday with its rival accused the Greek Cypriot side newspaper Phileleftheros. vote leaders still far apart and no date of insisting on “maximalist po- “Instead of an agreement, we set for a new round of UN-bro- sitions” on territory and other have reached a crisis,” wrote the kered talks. thorny issues. independent daily Politis. Reuters It was the second round of The United Nations, which Turkish Cypriot newspaper Rome intensive meetings this month has sponsored 18 months of Havadis headlined: “Big col- between Greek Cypriot leader negotiations between the two lapse”. Nicos Anastasiades and his leaders in what had been seen Anastasiades and Akinci have ampaigners urging voters Turkish Cypriot counterpart as the best hope of a settlement been among the most outspo- to reject Prime Minister Mustafa Akinci. in years, put a brave face on the ken proponents of a deal, but CMatteo Renzi’s constitu- The much-heralded talks in breakdown. they would still have to sell any tional reform in the upcoming the Swiss resort of Mont Pe- “Despite their best eff orts, agreement they reach to their referendum might sue if ballots lerin were supposed to produce they have not been able to respective voters. from Italians living abroad swing a map of the internal boundaries achieve the necessary further Akinci (left) faces Anastasiades during the Cyprus peace talks in Mont-Pelerin. With them are head of the In 2004, Turkish Cypriot vot- the election in favour of the gov- of a future federation and pave convergences on criteria for ter- United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus Elizabeth Spehar and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary ers approved a UN-drafted peace ernment, the “No” camp said the way for broader talks aimed ritorial adjustment that would General on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide. blueprint but it was resounding- yesterday. at reaching a deal by early next have paved the way for the last ly rejected by Greek Cypriots in The threat to turn to the law year. phase of the talks,” UN spokes- some of the territory currently thought to be close on the per- the number of Turkish Cypriots simultaneous referendums. courts in the event of defeat un- But like the fi ve days of nego- man Aleem Siddique said. “The controlled by the Turkish Cypri- centage of territory to remain who would be displaced for a Political science professor derscored the increasingly bitter tiations earlier in November, the two sides have decided to return ots will be ceded to Greek Cyp- under Turkish Cypriot admin- second time. Hubert Faustmann at the Uni- nature of the campaign, which two-day session broke up in the to Cyprus and refl ect on the way riot control in any peace deal. istration in a future federation, Greek Cypriot media reports versity of Nicosia said the Mont pits Renzi against an array of early hours without progress, forward.” Turkish Cypriots made up just with Akinci suggesting 29.2% said Anastasiades had reduced Pelerin failure was not the end of parties across the political spec- and with each side blaming the Cyprus has been divided since 18% of the island’s population in and the Greek Cypriots propos- his original target of 100,000 to the road. trum. other. 1974, when Turkey sent troops 1974, but they currently control ing 28%. 90,000, but that Akinci was still “It is a serious setback but Beppe Grillo, the founder of The spokesman for the is- to the northern third of the is- more than a third of its territory. But they remained far apart insisting on fewer than 70,000. not the end yet,” he said. “Both the anti-establishment 5-Star land’s internationally-recog- land in response to an Athens- Just how much and what land on how many Greek Cypri- “There was no concrete out- leaders will have to move in the Movement (M5S), said yesterday nised Greek Cypriot government inspired coup seeking union they should give up has bedevil- ots should be able to return to come, particularly as regards territorial question, and if they that Renzi was like a “wounded said it was “not a good night for with Greece. led four decades of talks. homes they fl ed in 1974, with the criterion of Greek Cypriots are prepared to do this, then the sow, who attacks anything in our country”. It has always been agreed that The two leaders had been Akinci determined to minimise who could return to their homes process can continue.” sight”. A day earlier, he compared “Yes” campaigners to “serial killers” plotting the murder of children. Every opinion poll over the past month has shown Renzi Tensions fl are in battle for losing the December 4 vote, with a fi nal wave of surveys released on Friday ahead of a blackout on polling showing the “No” camp leading by up to 12 percentage French conservative ticket points. Renzi has said he will resign if he loses and his opponents say Reuters The personal attack by Alain Pollsters expect the winner to foreign and defence minis- the high stakes have raised the Paris Juppe on frontrunner Francois face and beat the far-right Na- ter, presents himself as a more prospect of electoral fraud, es- Fillon, both known until now as tional Front leader Marine Le modern centrist, able to win a pecially in the little-regulated mild-mannered former prime Pen in the presidential election majority of open-minded con- overseas postal ballot, with some ensions fl ared between ministers, heralded a hard- next spring. servatives, centrists, undecided 4mn Italian expatriates eligible the two contenders in the fought fi nal week of campaign- Juppe, a centrist who topped voters and even some left-wing to vote. TFrench conservatives’ ing before the primary’s run-off the opinion polls until shortly voters who take part in the vote. Juppe: Fillon belongs to a traditionalist family. I am more open to “If the vote abroad proves presidential primary yesterday voting round on Sunday. before last Sunday’s fi rst round, Anyone can vote in the pri- modernism. decisive in a victory for ‘Yes’ after the one-time favourite at- The primary for centre-right opened the war of words on maries, which are not restricted then we can lodge a (legal) com- tacked the rival who unexpect- candidates could decide who Monday by branding Fillon’s to members of the conservative In a radio interview yesterday, Another lawmaker, Isabelle plaint,” said Alessandro Pace, an edly won the fi rst voting round becomes France’s next head of conservative social views and Les Republicains party and a few Juppe again urged Fillon to clari- Le Callennec, echoed Fillon’s academic who heads the broad- by a wide margin. state. reservations about abortion as small allied right-wing and cen- fy his stance on abortion. reservations by declining to say based “No” committee. “backwards”. trist allies. “I never thought my friend abortion was a fundamental Renzi’s centre-left govern- He also laced into Fillon’s Born in a traditionally Catho- Alain Juppe could sink so low,” right in France, as pro-choice ment has denied accusations of free-market economic policies, lic region of western France, Fil- Fillon told reporters. activists assert. fraud and say that opposition which he said refl ected “a great lon, 62, is backed by groups that Socialist Prime Minister “It’s allowed by law,” she said. angst over the foreign vote sug- social brutality”. oppose France’s same-sex mar- Manuel Valls told lawmak- “One should not trivialise abor- gests the race is closer than the Speaking yesterday to law- riage law. ers yesterday that Fillon’s pro- tion.” opinion polls make out. makers supporting him, Fillon He says he wants to tweak that gramme was “reactionary on She added that the Fillon “If they are so convinced they retorted: “After calling me an law to limit same-sex couples’ many societal issues”. campaign was hearing com- are winning, why are they so ultra-liberal, I am now billed as adoption rights. At a news conference at his plaints from some town may- freaked out by the foreign vote?” a mediaeval reactionary. This is As a Catholic, he is personally headquarters, legislators in a ors and Catholic groups against Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni grotesque and ridiculous, let’s opposed to abortion but has said “Women with Fillon” support government-sponsored posters told a supporters’ rally on Mon- focus on the real issues.” he would not try to change the group took to the stage to say about the risks of HIV that show day evening. Juppe lagged nearly 16 points 1975 law that legalised it. how “shameful” they consid- two men embracing and urging Italians living abroad have behind Fillon in the fi rst round “Fillon belongs to a tradition- ered Juppe’s comments to be. gays to practice safe sex. traditionally supported Renzi’s of the primary and faces an up- alist family. I am more open to “Panic and bitterness are bad “It’s an electoral message to- centre-left Democratic Party, hill battle ahead of the run-off modernism,” Juppe told France counselors,” said Valerie Boyer, wards the (gay) community,” Le handing it victory in the 2013 this Sunday. 2 television on Monday, insist- campaign spokeswoman for Fil- Callennec said of the HIV-pre- general election and ensuring Ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy, ing that Fillon’s statements on lon. “We’re shocked that such vention campaign. “It’s a very that former centre-left leader Fillon: After calling me an ultra-liberal, I am now billed as a who came in third, has thrown abortion were ambiguous and divisive societal questions are (suggestive) campaign, and it’s Romano Prodi won a majority in mediaeval reactionary. This is grotesque and ridiculous, let’s his support behind Fillon. some of his positions on society raised within our political family shocking some, and in particular the upper house in 2006. focus on the real issues. Juppe, 71, who has also been “backwards”. to divide us.” parents.” A diplomatic source in Rome said the foreign ministry had come under pressure to make sure Italians living abroad were registered to vote. “Strange things are happen- Lufthansa pilots on strike today Spain animal shelter head on trial ing,” said Matteo Salvini, head of the right-wing anti-immigrant Northern League. Reuters application for an injunction. fl ights yesterday due to a strike AFP “The animals were submit- were allegedly killed by the “Take 20 friends with you to Frankfurt The airline said it would ap- by some cabin crew in a sepa- Madrid ted to a slow and painful agony, pair were young and in good vote to make up for all the votes peal against that decision in rate pay dispute between man- which was totally unjustifi ed health, and in some cases were that are being bought abroad,” he proceedings that could last well agement and the Verdi labour and which the accused were put down just days after be- told a rally in Rome at the week- ufthansa has cancelled into the night. union. he head of an animal aware of since the animals con- ing dropped off at the shelter, end. hundreds of fl ights Otherwise the planned strike That walkout started at shelter is on trial in torted in pain in front of them which was founded in 1996. The government is propos- Lscheduled for today as its will run from midnight and af- Duessseldorf and Hamburg TSpain, accused of killing for hours,” prosecutors wrote in Prosecutors allege a man ing scrapping direct elections pilots plan a 24-hour walkout, fect short-haul and long-haul airports at 5am local time over 2,000 dogs and cats in a charges obtained yesterday. dropped off two puppies at the to the upper house Senate and the latest threat of disruption to fl ights departing from German (0400 GMT).Pay talks between way that provoked a “slow and They accuse the pair of hav- shelter in June 2010 and the drastically curbing its powers in its operations in a long-running airports. Lufthansa and VC broke down painful agony”, judicial authori- ing killed 2,183 animals between animals were killed later that a move it says will simplify deci- pay dispute. Flights by Lufthansa’s other this month, and the pilots have ties said yesterday. January 2009 and October 2010 same day. sion-making and boost political The strike is the 14th to hit airlines including German- rejected calls by Lufthansa for Prosecutors charge the wom- when the alleged slaughter of The man paid the shelter €60 stability. the airline in its row with the wings, Eurowings, Austrian the dispute to be taken to a me- an and the janitor of the Parque the animals fi rst came to light ($64) to take in the puppies. Opponents say it will make the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) un- Airlines, SWISS and Brussels diator. Animal centre in Torremolinos during an inspection of the fa- They believe the pair killed legislative process more compli- ion and the airline said it has Airlines, are not aff ected by the The union is calling for an av- on the southern Costa del Sol cilities. the animals to “reduce costs” cated and less democratic. cancelled 876 of roughly 3,000 pilots’ strike, Lufthansa said. erage increase of 3.7% in pay for injected the drugs without any The pair would allegedly dis- and make room for the centre’s The opposition camp has been fl ights scheduled for today, af- Austrian and SWISS are 5,400 pilots in Germany over a previous sedation and directly connect security cameras when for-profi t activities. fi red up by Renzi’s pledge to fecting about 100,000 passen- checking whether they can use fi ve-year period dating back to into muscle tissue, instead of they carried out these “mass The shelter for abandoned quit if he loses, and pollsters say gers. larger aircraft to increase the 2012. intravenously as recommended. extinctions” and would play animals also provided paid many Italians are treating the Lufthansa was still seeking to number of passengers they can However, Lufthansa, which is They also accuse the pair of loud music over a megaphone to grooming services as well as referendum as a de facto poll on prevent the strike going ahead take. trying to cut costs, has off ered a using a smaller dose of the eu- mask the “howls” made by the a private animal clinic even the government’s performance late yesterday after a Frankfurt However, budget airline Eu- 2.5% increase over the six years thanising drugs than is advised, animals, prosecutors added. though the director did not have since it took offi ce in 2014. labour court earlier rejected its rowings cancelled around 60 until 2019. to save money. The majority of animals that a veterinary diploma. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 INDIA

PEOPLE TELECOM ENTERTAINMENT SCAM INVESTIGATION Carnatic musician RCOM launches unlimited Australian magician Off icial recommends CBI questions Tytler in Balamuralikrishna dead voice calling plans at Rs149 to perform in Delhi cancellation of BPL plots anti-Sikh riots case

Carnatic music legend Reliance Communications (RCOM) has Audiences in New Delhi will be entertained this A Gurugram Sub-Divisional Magistrate has The Central Bureau of Investigation yesterday Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna launched ‘149 Unlimited’ calling plan, which will week by one of Australia’s finest magicians - recommended that the allotment of a dozen free questioned senior Congress leader Jagadish dies in Chennai yesterday. He off er customers unlimited calling talk-time to Adam Mada and his show “Mada’s Marvels”. plots to below-poverty line families be cancelled Tytler in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, off icials said. was 86 and was not well for any phone on any telecom network across the The event, showcasing a unique combination as a probe found that the beneficiaries do not “Tytler was questioned for around four hours,” some time. Apart from being country, including long distance calls, at Rs149 of stage magic and literary history, has been belong to the category, an off icial said yesterday. CBI spokesperson Devpreet Singh said. The case a singer, Balamuralikrishna per month, the company said in a statement supported by the Australian High Commission The SDM came to the conclusion based on against Tytler pertains to the riots at Gurudwara was also a composer, actor and multi- yesterday. The plan is targeted at incentivising in New Delhi and the Australia-India Council facts and records collected and presented by a Pulbangash in north Delhi where three people instrumentalist. He was also good at playing 2G, 3G and 4G handset-owners across India (AIC). The illusionist promises audiences Right To Information (RTI) activist, Sudhir Yadav. were killed on November 1, 1984, a day after musical instruments like violin, viola, kanjira to move to the RCOM network, the statement that it will be an evening of Australian magic Overall, 21 plots measuring 100sq m each, kept the assassination of then prime minister Indira and mridangam. Balamuralikrishna started said. “There are still hundreds ofmns of older guaranteed to “impress, excite and entertain.” aside for the BPL category families, were allotted Gandhi. Confirming his questioning, Tytler said: his musical career at the age of six and 2G handset-owners in India, and RCOM is Well-known Australian author John Zubrzycki, free of cost in Mubarikpur village, some 25km “I appeared before the CBI today. They wanted gave over 25,000 concerts worldwide. He positioning the unique plan to migrate these who is writing a historical book on Indian from Gurugram after the allotment procedure some clarification from me and I replied to had over 400 compositions to his credit customers to its network, along with 300 MB of magic, will enhance the experience by started in 2011. “The village is located nearly 1km them.” On December 4, 2015, a court ordered in Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada and Tamil. data usage. And with RCOM’s high-speed add- sharing with the audience the historical links from Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway. the CBI to further investigate a riots case against Balamuralikrishna was conferred the Padma on data plans, ‘149 Unlimited’ will also appeal to between Australia and India in the world of So the rates of property are quite high compared Tytler, pointing to arms dealer Abhishek Verma’s Shree, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhusan data-heavy 3G-4G customers, who will benefit popular entertainment. The shows will be held to other villages. This is one of the main reasons statement that the Congress leader had tried to awards by the Indian government. from unlimited calling talk-time,” it added. tomorrow and on Friday. behind the scam,” Yadav said. influence a witness. Congress yet to unveil list of Punjab poll candidates Party says Sonia Gandhi will have been announced. The AAP which has been grappling with take the final decision and the Akali Dal have already internal issues in the past couple taken a lead over us on this front,” of months, has so far declared 80 IANS a senior Congress leader, who candidates and is ahead of the Chandigarh was also a former minister, said other parties. Ola app co-founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal gestures as he addresses a press conference in Bengaluru yesterday. here. The AAP was believed to be “If the names are announced going strong in Punjab till June. unjab’s main opposition too close to elections, the rebels However, the party’s graph has Congress Party has missed can damage the prospects of plummeted in the past two to Pits own deadline for an- the party candidates during three months, mostly due to in- nouncing candidates for next the crucial campaign period. If ternal bickering. Ola adds entertainment features The Akali Dal, which has been year’s assembly elections, even the names had been announced as the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal earlier, things could have been in power with alliance partner and the new challenger, the Aam controlled,” added the leader, BJP since 2007, also announced Aadmi Party (AAP), have taken a who did not wish to be identi- its fi rst list of 69 candidates on as ride-hailing competition rages lead in doing so. fied and is an aspirant this time November 16. The Akalis, who While assembly elections are too. appear quite confi dent of get- Agencies lure customers away from Uber with Apple Inc. He said other in a new era in the ride-sharing likely to be held in the last week In typical Congress style, the ting a third term, will contest 94 Bengaluru Technologies Inc, which is also developers will also be able to industry,” he said. of January or early February, as 34-member Punjab Congress seats, leaving 23 for the BJP. seeking to amass users in India. build apps for the platform. Ola Play transfers the con- per Election Commission of In- Election Committee, headed by The BJP too has not announced Ola, based in Bengaluru, said Ola’s customers spend more trol of the in-car experience to dia offi cials, the Congress is still Amarinder Singh, has authorised its list of candidates so far. ndia’s largest ride-hailing that it’s teaming up with Apple than 60mn minutes in cars eve- users from the driver console, grappling with the names of its Congress president Sonia Gan- Meanwhile giving a new twist startup wants to make sure Music, Sony and other partners ry day, the company said. which enables seamless in- candidates for the 117 constitu- dhi “to take the fi nal decision on to political alignments, two in- Iits customers are comfort- to off er an array of entertain- Cars being developed with terfacing with the consumer’s encies. ticket allocations”. This was done dependent legislator brothers able and entertained, even if ment. Uber has worked with Ola’s recent partnership with device once a ride begins, the Punjab Congress president on November 20. who were the founders of the they’re stuck in a traffi c jam. Pandora Media Inc to let pas- Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd will company claimed. and former chief minister Ama- The fi rst list of Congress can- “Awaaz-e-Punjab” with crick- Ride-sharing passengers will sengers stream music during have the connected car hard- This context-aware system rinder Singh said in December didates is likely to be announced eter-turned-politician Navjot be able to access music, video car rides. ware and software pre-in- uses customer preferences and last year that he would press for in the fi rst half of December, Singh Sidhu, have announced an and also tweak car settings such “Ola is realising there is a stalled, the companies said. current ride information like the announcement of candidates leaving about 45-50 days for the alliance with the AAP. as air conditioning, using a huge upside to bringing about “Ola Play is the globe’s fi rst time and destination to off er to be made at least six months candidates to campaign. Balwinder Singh Bains and console and connected services an improved experience,” said complete connected car plat- personalised recommendations before the polls. “The Congress president will Simarjeet Singh Bains an- from Ola. After initially intro- Satish Meena, an analyst at form for the ride-sharing during the ride. “By that measure, the names fi nalise the names after the cen- nounced the alliance of their ducing it for select customers, Forrester Research Inc. “They world,” Aggarwal said. “Who- Aggarwal declined to com- should have been announced in tral screening committee sub- Lok Insaf Party with the AAP Ola Play, as the company has are adding off erings on their ever has been at the mercy of ment on Ola’s fundraising ef- August. This delay in announc- mits its views on the candidates for the polls. named the new feature, will be app which will enhance the the driver who plays his favour- forts, but said he saw room for ing names had happened before shortlisted,” Amarinder Singh AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and rolled out in Bengaluru, Mum- customer stickiness and catch ite radio station at full volume multiple players in the Indian the 2012 assembly polls too and said here. Gurpreet Singh were present bai and Delhi to more than up with Uber in that aspect.” will appreciate this.” market. the party lost an election that it In contrast, the AAP, which is when the tie-up was announced 50,000 cars by March next year, Bhavish Aggarwal, Ola’s co- “I believe this will completely “There is space for diff er- could have won. Even if all the posing a political challenge to the on Monday. Ola said in a statement yester- founder and chief executive transform the consumer’s ride ent kinds of players,” Aggar- names are not announced, at ruling Akali Dal-Bharatiya Ja- The AAP will leave fi ve of the day. offi cer, said more partnerships experience, giving the user the wal said. “I don’t feel that the least the fi rst list of candidates nata Party (BJP) alliance and the 117 assembly seats, including The initiative is part of a push are in the works. He declined power to control the interac- market’s capping out anytime who are defi nitely to be fi elded Congress, released its fi rst list of both seats of the Bains brothers, by Ola to off er new services and to give more details on the deal tions within the car, and usher soon.” or unlikely to be changed should candidates in August. The party, to the Lok Insaf Party. And now India awaits the next wave of reforms

he deed is done but the channels are prime movers in this erate. Indians are bearing the pain as high as 10%, based on circle aff ected by the demonetisation dust has not settled yet. regard. of demonetisation because they rate or guideline value as fi xed by of the high value notes. TThe question that many Except for Delhi Chief Minis- fi rmly believe in the long-term the local government, and sev- Along with this Modi must in India are asking is whether the ter Arvind Kejriwal and his West Delhi Diary gains it could deliver. So nobody, eral add-ons in the form of cess, also address the “tax terrorism” government, the Reserve Bank Bengal counterpart Mamata except those mentioned above, is capital gains tax, etc. The cess practised by his own offi cials of India in particular, could have Banerjee, almost all political By A K B Krishnan talking about riots, bus-burning and capital gains tax are federal of the department. Tax inspec- handled the current cash crunch leaders have now reconciled to and such. government territory wherein, tors and regulators have been arising out of the demonetisation the fact that demonetisation is Gulf Times Correspondent Prime Minister Modi has said again, there are two sections, variously described as vultures, announcement better or not. here to stay. And that includes demonetisation is only one step long-term and short-term capi- hounds and hyenas and not To add fuel to fi re, as it were, Rahul Gandhi - his opposition the court warning as an excuse. and exchange of old notes for in cleaning up the economy. It tal gains. Apart from these, there without reason. As one observer some media organisations, des- is to the way it has been imple- Already the social media is full the general public as the govern- is, by general consensus, a puni- are several other taxes and fees succinctly put it: “Indians avoid perate to get at Prime Minister mented - although his Congress of tweets wondering about all ment, without any template to tive measure, mainly targeting for construction by way of en- taxes mostly because paying tax Narendra Modi any which way Party is at the forefront of dis- those millions of people who have guide it, is learning on the go. hoarders of unaccounted wealth vironmental clearance, fi re pre- is more diffi cult than avoiding they can because they never ruptions in parliament during the been in queues for years and even However, the silver lining in all as also those helping agencies vention, external development, them” thanks to corrupt and in- wanted him to be the prime min- ongoing winter session. But that decades waiting for their cases to this is both the rich and the poor and outfi ts inimical to the na- water, sewer, electricity connec- ept offi cials. ister in the fi rst place, have been is another story in which Modi’s be heard and decided by various are aff ected. The uniformity of tion. That the public at large got tions, etc. And then there is the fund- seeking out the tragic and des- Bharatiya Janata Party will have a courts. Isn’t the physician sup- the equation somehow assuages caught in the situation is some- Again, diff erent rules apply to ing of elections which, everyone perate stories in the aftermath of lot to answer for. posed to heal himself fi rst before the enormity of the suff ering. thing that Modi or anybody else residential, commercial, institu- agrees, is by far the largest gen- the November 8 decision by the Kejriwal and Banerjee, in administering potions to other Both the poor and the rich have could not have helped. Collateral tional and agricultural properties erator of ‘black’ money over the government. (Conversely, there thundering speeches last week at sick people? to stand in queue. And if, as Ke- damage is mostly a war phrase. with subdivision in each one of shortest period of time. Modi are those who blindly support Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi, said to be That said, there is no denying jriwal alleges in a BBC Hindi in- But then again this is a war on these, making it a highly com- has hinted at several electoral him too.) Asia’s largest vegetable market, that the citizens are facing acute terview (again without any basis ‘black’ money, isn’t it? plex fi eld. Add to this the role of reforms like combining state and Thus you have one hostess of had given an ultimatum that if problems. Both the urban and rural whatsoever), the super-rich are General consensus is also veer- the greedy offi cial who would not federal polls. a popular Sunday evening show Modi did not withdraw his an- population is in distress, the latter getting their monies delivered at ing round to the possibility of move a fi le without getting his BJP spokespersons have said on an English news channel dis- nouncement within three days, perhaps more so because the dig- home, they have the other bigger Modi announcing major reforms ‘cut’ of the pie and you have the the party had already discussed playing the father of a stillborn there would be hell to pay. ital penetration of fi nancial serv- suff ering of knowing that most of in taxation, including a series of complete picture. the issue of state funding of elec- child and blaming a hospital in a Somewhat astonishingly, the ices in rural India is nowhere near their unaccounted cash is soon tax rate reductions that will dis- Over the years the government tions and it is likely to put up its Delhi suburb for not attending to Supreme Court of India seemed the desirable degree and physical going to be cinder. suade Indians from tax evasion. has chopped and changed the views in the public domain soon. his wife in labour before he had to chime in with those senti- banking also has large gaps in be- Yes, normal life everywhere in Perhaps the most crucial sector rules concerning real estate sev- The BJP is the richest party in In- deposited the required amount ments when it observed that the tween. What has added to the rural the country has been disrupted. that calls for a benign appraisal eral times in a bid to prevent tax dia today and a large portion of in acceptable currency. Another long queues at banks and ATMs suff ering is the fact that this is the But normal life in Delhi had been in tax is real estate. Because the evasion but have met with little donations to it has come in cash English channel got its chief an- may soon become unruly and sowing season for the winter crop aff ected even when Kejriwal ex- tax rates in this sector is so very success. The result: humongous below Rs20,000, the threshold chor to walk about the perimeters “there could be riots.” For con- called ‘rabi’ and farmers who have perimented with the odd-even high and are divided between the amounts of cash fl owing from for declaration to the Election of banks for a ‘Ground Zero’ re- troversial politicians to shoot off yet to complete this work are in a traffi c rule. The citizens of the na- states and the federal govern- hand to hand adding to the paral- Commission of India. port which, by the way, tended to their mouths is one thing but it spot. The government has appar- tional capital embraced the exper- ment, there is much temptation lel economy. How soon and what shape highlight the temporary travails is quite another for the most re- ently realised this problem and has iment without murmur although for the individual to evade tax. A holistic tax regime that aims these reforms will take we don’t of the citizens rather than the spected institution in the coun- allowed farmers more liberal cash they had to undergo several hard- That temptation has ultimately at easy compliance at reduced know. But the war against ‘black’ discipline and patience they were try to echo them. Heaven forbid withdrawal terms as well as usage ships for all of four weeks. They re- led to large amounts of unac- rates would not only help cut money will not be won without showing while standing in long that events should come to such of the old currencies to buy seeds. alised the government was trying counted cash changing hands. evasion but also give a fi llip to the electoral reforms that lead to es- queues. Negativism sells better a pass, but if indeed riots do take Changes have also been made to clean up the air, however inef- Any property transaction in- real estate industry which, ac- chewing of private donations. Is in today’s world and India’s TV place, the rioters could easily cite to the limits of cash withdrawal fectually, and they had to co-op- volves a stamp duty sometimes cording to analysts, is the most Modi up to it? Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 21 INDIA

PEOPLE POLITICS INVESTIGATION RESEARCH EVENT Former ISRO chief CPM leader Mani sworn Child smuggling racket Britannia R&D centre to Five Italian chefs to take M G K Menon dies in as Kerala minister busted in W Bengal innovate new products part in cuisine festival

Distinguished physicist and former chairman Marxist leader M M Mani, a first time legislator, Eight people, including a doctor, two quacks and Leading biscuit maker Britannia Industries Ltd Over 1,300 events – from contests and of the Indian Space Research Organisation, M was sworn in as a minister in the cabinet of Chief the owner of a nursing home, have been arrested yesterday unveiled a research and development conferences to thematic dinners – in 105 G K Menon, died at his residence in New Delhi Minister Pinarayi Vijayan yesterday by Governor from West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district centre and a production facility near Bengaluru countries, including India, are set to be the yesterday. He was 88. He is survived by his wife, a P Sathasivam. Popularly called ‘Mani Asan’, he for allegedly running a child smuggling racket, to innovate new food products for Indian and highlights of the week-long maiden edition of the son and a daughter. Menon, who was awarded the started off as a farm worker at the age of 10. He police said yesterday. Acting on a tip-off , off icers global consumers. Set up at Bidadi, about 40km ‘First Week of Italian cuisine in the World’ which Padma Vibhushan, worked with noted scientists, joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) before of the Criminal Investigation Department raided from Bengaluru, the Rs2bn R&D centre has began in Kolkata yesterday. In a significant step including his mentor Homi Jehangir Bhabha, with it split in 1964. After joining the Communist Sohan Nursing Home and Polyclinic in Baduria analytical, sensory, microbiology labs and pilot to promote Italian cuisine throughout the world, whom he pioneered Tata Institute of Fundamental Party of India (Marxist), he has been one of its in North 24 Parganas district on Monday night plants for its products, including biscuits, cakes, the Food and Agriculture Department of Italy has Research (TIFR). Menon served as minister of most popular faces in Idukki. His razor sharp and recovered three infants who were about to rusks, breads and dairy items. “We aim to be a organised the global fest, which is also taking state for science, technology in the V P Singh tongue has landed him in trouble many times. be smuggled, an off icer said. “Three doctors, ‘total foods’ company over the next five years, place in Kolkata. Describing Kolkata as the hub government. He became the ISRO chairman in In 2012, while speaking at a public meeting in including a retired doctor of R G Kar Medical serving a billion consumers four times a day,” of India’s culinary extravaganza, Italian Consul 1972, and was the director of the TIFR at the age his hometown, Mani said the CPM has a habit College and Hospital in Kolkata and a doctor said Britannia managing director Varun Berry. General Damiano Francovigh said five eminent of 35 years. He is distinguished for his research in of killing its enemies and listed four murders from Bongaon, are involved in the smuggling Karnataka Industries Minister R V Deshpande Italian chefs would present an assortment of the field of cosmic rays and particle physics. committed by his partymen, starting in the 80s. racket. We will arrest them soon,” he said. inaugurated the twin facilities. authentic Italian cuisine. Poll victories show backing for currency move: BJP

IANS But Chief Minister Mamata New Delhi Banerjee, an opponent of the demonetisation that has led to a massive cash crunch, said the n the fi rst political test after landslide victory of her Trina- the government’s demon- mool Congress in West Bengal Ietisation, the Bharatiya Janata was “people’s revolt” against Party yesterday won by-elections New Delhi. in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and “People have revolted. This is Madhya Pradesh while the Tri- symbolic. It is a vote against de- namool Congress, one of the bit- monetisation. In a democracy, terest critics of the currency ban, people vent their anger through triumphed in West Bengal. votes,” Banerjee said after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, as BJP veteran L K Advani, Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and Finance The All India Anna Dravida Trinamool won the Monteshwar Minister Arun Jaitley look on during a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting in New Delhi yesterday. Munnetra Kazhagam swept all assembly seat and Lok Sabha three assembly constituencies in constituencies of Coochbehar Tamil Nadu and the ruling Com- and Tamluk. munist Party of India (CPM)-led Trinamool’s Partha Pratim Left Front in Tripura wrested Roy won Cooch Behar while one seat from the Congress and his party colleague Dibyendu retained another. The Congress’ Adhikari triumphed in Tamluk. lone success came in Puducherry. Saikat Panja of the Trinamool By-elections for 10 assembly won the Monteshwar seat. Modi seeks people’s and four Lok Sabha constituen- The BJP emerged as a surprise cies in the states and Puducherry package by moving up to the sec- were held on Saturday. ond place in Cooch Behar and con- In Madhya Pradesh, the ruling siderably increasing its vote tally in BJP won the Shahdol Lok Sabha the other two constituencies. and Nepanagar assembly seats The Trinamool won in Mon- defeating Congress candidates teshwar by 127,000 votes. The opinion on notes ban by huge margins. The BJP’s Gyan result astounded pollsters as the Singh won from Shahdol and party had won the seat by a razor Demonetisation just on the decision taken regarding 8. Did you mind the incon- “Sir, those who don’t have prime minister said in his speech, Manju Dadu from Nepanagar. thin margin of 706 votes over the a beginning of the currency notes. Take part in the venience faced in our fi ght to money to eat, how will they according to Parliamentary Af- The Congress came second in CPM in the assembly elections government’s crusade survey on the NM App,” Modi curb corruption, black money, download the app,” asked a user. fairs Minister Ananth Kumar. both places. held earlier this year. against black money and tweeted. terrorism and counterfeiting of Another user asked: “The “The poor, the lower middle BJP candidate Pradan Baruah The Left Front and the Con- corruption, says PM The survey has 10 questions: currency? 70 people who lost their lives class and the middle class have won the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha gress had then been allies. 1. Do you think that black 9. Do you believe some anti- because of the demonetisation been suff ering since the last seat in Assam that was vacated by Tamil Nadu’s ruling AIADMK, IANS money exists in India? corruption activists are now move, how will they give their 70 years due to corruption and Sarbananda Sonowal after he be- which has also denounced the de- New Delhi 2. Do you think the evil of actually fi ghting in support of opinion?” black money. came the chief minister. The ruling monetisation, swept the by-elec- corruption and black money black money, corruption and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul “This decision is in favour party’s Mansing Rongpi won the tions in Thanjavur, Aravakurichi needs to be fought and elimi- terrorism? Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief of the people and against black Baithalangso assembly seat, where and Thirupparankundram, which rime Minister Narendra nated? 10. Do you have any sug- Asaduddin Owaisi ridiculed the money, corruption and counter- the Congress candidate, who had went to M Rengasamy, Senthil Modi yesterday asked the 3. Overall, what do you think gestions, ideas or insights you move. feit currency. Our target is to fi ght won in May, joined the BJP. Balaji and A K Bose respectively. Ppeople of the country to about the government’s moves would like to share with the PM? “Modi has sought public opin- a long battle against all these,” In Arunachal Pradesh, Des- In Tripura, the ruling CPM, give their fi rst-hand views about to tackle black money? “This survey is in sync with the ion on his mobile application in said Modi, according to Kumar. ingu Pul, the wife of former chief which has criticised the govern- the government’s move to with- 4. What do you think of the prime minister’s vision of partic- a country where 40 crore people The prime minister said that minister Kalikho Pul, who com- ment for cancelling the notes, draw Rs500 and Rs1,000 cur- Modi government’s eff orts ipative governance and directly are illiterate,” said Owaisi. the demonetisation decision mitted suicide in August, won wrested the Barjala and retained rency notes from circulation. against corruption so far? seeking the views of the people of Earlier in the day, in an emo- was just a “beginning of the from Hayuliang assembly con- Khowai assembly seats. Modi urged the people to par- 5. What do you think of the India on key policy and execution tional speech before BJP MPs, government’s crusade against stituency as a BJP candidate. CPM candidate Jhumu Sarkar ticipate in a survey on his offi cial Modi government’s move of matters,” the Prime Minister’s Modi defended the demoneti- black money and corruption,” The BJP said its victories sig- defeated BJP’s Shista Mohan app where a number of ques- banning old Rs500 and 1,000 Offi ce said in a statement. sation, saying that it was done and such type of actions will be nalled people’s support to Prime Das, a former bureaucrat in tions have been posed on the notes? Much like the demonetisa- for the benefi t of the people. continued. Minister Narendra Modi’s deci- Barjala, while Biswajit Datta scrapping of high-value curren- 6. Do you think demonetisa- tion move, Modi’s tweet seeking Addressing the Bharatiya Ja- Sources also said that Modi sion to scrap Rs500 and Rs1,000 trounced Trinamool’s Manoj Das cy notes. The demonetisation tion will help in curbing black public opinion also attracted nata Party’s Parliamentary Party asked party leaders not to use notes in a move to curb black in Khowai. Congress candidates announced on November 8, has money, corruption and terror- varied reactions. meeting, Modi urged the mem- the word “surgical strike” for money and corruption. came distant a fourth. triggered chaos across the coun- ism? While a host of the users sup- bers to counter what he called demonetisation. “The people of India are with In Puducherry, Chief Minister try with people continuing to 7. Will demonetisation bring ported the idea of seeking pub- was “misinformation” being “Don’t call it a surgical strike. Modi,” Parliamentary Aff airs V Narayanasamy won the Nel- line up outside banks and ATMs real estate, higher education, lic opinion and hailed it, there spread by opposition parties. Only a soldier can do that,” a Minister Ananth Kumar said in lithope seat in a consolatory vic- in interminably long queues. healthcare in the common were others who questioned the “We came to power for the source quoted Modi as saying at the Lok Sabha. tory for the Congress. “I want your fi rst-hand view man’s reach? move. poor, not for our own sake,” the the meeting.

Rules for cash withdrawals Opposition again for weddings may be eased stalls parliament

IANS run the house in order... I am Reuters serve Bank of India (RBI), cash ($79bn) in deposits from No- New Delhi helpless,” said Kurien. New Delhi withdrawals up to Rs250,000 vember 10-18, or nearly a third The Lok Sabha witnessed up- ($3,700) are permitted only for of the cash in circulation in In- roarious scene as a united op- payments to those holding wed- dia, while only around Rs1tn was requent adjournments position reiterated its demand ndia may soon relax condi- dings who have no bank account. withdrawn. over the demonetisation to discuss the demonetisation tions for cash withdrawals The rules also mandate dis- Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Fissue with the opposi- issue under a rule which entails Ifor weddings, a top govern- closing the names of all such re- expects extra deposits in banks tion adamant on Prime Minis- voting. ment offi cial said yesterday, the cipients. to push down interest rates, ease ter Narendra Modi’s presence Congress leader Mallikarjun day after the central bank issued The money can be withdrawn the fl ow of credit and boost pri- stalled business in both house Kharge reiterated the demand rules for such bank transactions only if the date of marriage is vate investments. of parliament for the fourth day to suspend Question Hour and widely criticised as unworkable. on or before December 30, the That would help growth to yesterday. start the discussion but Mahajan Prime Minister Narendra deadline for relinquishing all old, pick up after the initial disrup- The opposition, including the did not permit. Modi’s shock announcement high-value currency notes. tion from the cash crackdown. Congress, Trinamool Congress, When the house met at noon on November 8 that he would “We have got complaints from But analysts like Ambit Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Sa- after an adjournment, opposi- scrap high-value banknotes, to various quarters about these Capital, a Mumbai-based eq- majwadi Party, Nationalist Con- tion members, including from curb black cash circulating in tough conditions,” the fi nance uity research firm, say the cash gress Party and the Left, con- the Congress, Trinamool, and the economy, came in the mid- ministry offi cial told reporters, crunch could result in GDP tinued to create ruckus in both the Samajwadi Party, trooped dle of India’s cherished wedding declining to be named as the growth crashing to 3.5% in houses, which riled Lok Sabha towards the speaker’s podium season. proposal was still under discus- the current fiscal year ending Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and shouting slogans. Families, rich and poor, go to sion. March 2017, from 7.6% in the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairmain Parliamentary Aff airs Minis- huge lengths to celebrate wed- “We could relax some of the previous year. P J Kurien, who expressed their ter H N Ananth Kumar said the dings in India. conditions soon.” Opposition parties led by annoyance quite explicitly. people of the country favoured A politician in Modi’s Bharati- With just a small stock of Congress have stalled proceed- While, in the Lok Sabha, Ma- the November 8 demonetisation ya Janata Party drew massive smaller denomination notes ings in parliament, demanding hajan said “it pains when elected decision. criticism – and the attention of available and people struggling a reply from Modi and compen- representatives behave like this”, “We have won the Shahdol tax inspectors – after spending a to get hold of new Rs500 and sation for the families of dozens in the Rajya Sabha, Kurien was and Lakhimpur Lok Sabha con- reported Rs5bn ($73mn) to stage Rs2,000 bills, consumers are of people reported to have died annoyed enough to say that “this stituency seats. What is the sig- his daughter’s wedding after the holding back spending and busi- while waiting in long queues Supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hold placards kind of behaviour (by members) nal? People’s voice is clear. They cash crackdown. nesses are suff ering. outside bank branches to swap saying “Change the PM, not notes” during a protest against the is to be condemned”. are against black money and Under rules set by the Re- Banks received Rs5.4tn old money for new. demonetisation, in New Delhi yesterday. “I am sorry, I am not able to corruption,” he said. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 LATIN AMERICA

DECISION WEATHER DATA TRIAL CRIME Venezuela suspended from Costa Rica residents Over 1 in 5 Brazilians Ex-senator scoff s at Lula Violent weekend in Mexico Mercosur beginning Dec face hurricane threat jobless or underemployed graft accusation claims leaves 24 people dead

Venezuela will be suspended from South Costa Rica yesterday ordered the evacuation More than one-fifth of Brazilian workers are Former senator Delcídio do Amaral described At least 24 people, some bearing signs of torture, American trade bloc Mercosur at the beginning of residents along its Caribbean coast to avoid either unemployed, working part time or as “surreal” the notion that former president were killed in a series of incidents over the of next month, a top off icial said. Venezuelan fatalities from the approaching Tropical Storm Otto, have given up finding a job, statistics agency Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was not aware of a weekend in Mexico’s violence-plagued southern President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist which is forecast to grow into a hurricane. “I ask the IBGE said yesterday, reflecting the severity giant corruption scheme active during his state of Guerrero, off icials have said. Faced with government has not adopted 112 resolutions country to remain calm and help in the evacuation of the country’s deepest recession in eight tenure, in testimony marking the start of an uptick in bloodshed the state governor held as Venezuelan law, routine procedure for process, which will start immediately and firmly,” decades. The IBGE said the so-called labour the trial against the man that ran Brazil from an “urgent session” with army commanders and members, leading to its sidelining beginning President Luis Guillermo Solis told a news underutilisation rate rose in the third quarter 2003 to 2010. On trial for accepting bribes federal and state police in an eff ort to strengthen December 1, Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Eladio conference. Otto was on Tuesday several hundred to 22.9mn people, or 21.2% of the workforce, and money laundering in connection to a security in the region, the state’s security Loizaga said. Venezuela has said it cannot miles out over the Caribbean sea with winds up to from 18% a year earlier. Brazil’s two-year- beachfront apartment, Lula says he has done spokesman Roberto Alvarez told a Mexican adopt the text because it conflicts with its 110kms per hour, the US National Hurricane Center long recession worsened in the third quarter, nothing wrong, denies ownership of the television channel. “The bodies of nine males domestic laws. “If you join an international in Florida said on its website. It forecast the storm according to central bank data, despite property and denounces his prosecution as with visible signs of torture” were discovered on agreement and something conflicts with local would move west overnight and could strengthen expectations of a surge in business confidence a witch-hunt. He has appealed to the United Sunday night on a road between the towns of law, you indicate reservations,” and Caracas into a hurricane today before approaching Costa following the recent ouster of president Dilma Nations saying his human rights have been Tixtla and Atliaca, in Guerrero’s central region, the has not, Loizaga said. Rica and Nicaragua by tomorrow. Rousseff , who was unpopular with investors. violated by the investigation. state’s secretary of security said in a statement. Poor families Water crisis in Guatemala ‘fl outing child marriage ban’

Thomson Reuters Foundation “Girls are exploited. They Bogota become a servant, a sex slave,” Cobar told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by telephone. year after Guatemala Two consecutive years of passed a law banning drought in Guatemala and other Achild marriage, poor parts of Central America has ex- families who regard girls as a fi - acerbated poverty and hunger nancial burden are still marrying in the agriculture-dependent them off as prolonged drought country since mid-2014. plunges many into deeper pov- “The drought means girls face erty, campaigners say. an increased risk of getting mar- Guatemala has one of the ried or living with an older man highest rates of child marriage because the drought aff ects a in Latin America, long driven by household’s income and people poverty and cultural acceptance are worse off ,” said Marilis Bar- especially among the country’s rientos, advocacy director for Maya indigenous communities, World Vision in Guatemala. with around one third of girls “This puts more pressure on married by 18. girls to have to fi nd a man to live Demonstrators block a road to protest and demand water in Mallasa, La Paz, Bolivia, yesterday. Banner reads “Mallasa eight days no water, we want water”. Each year more than 15mn with and leave home,” she said. girls worldwide are married Child marriage deprives girls before they turn 18, campaign of education, keeps them in pov- group Girls Not Brides says. erty, and puts them at greater Under the new law, the mini- risk of domestic and sexual mum age for marriage in Gua- violence, according to the UN temala was raised to 18 but chil- Population Fund (UNFPA). One dren can still get married at 16 key way to prevent child mar- with a judge’s permission. riage is to educate girls about Since the ban on child mar- their rights and ensure they go riage, judges have approved 12 of to school. Farc rejects Uribe off er to 37 requests for marriage for chil- “The law is important but it’s dren aged 16 or 17. not enough,” said Aida Siman, In one petition for marriage UNFPA’s representative in Gua- that was overturned by a judge, temala. a 16-year-old girl told the judge “When girls aren’t in school, her father was forcing her to they are more likely to get mar- meet over peace accord marry a man more than double ried early and get pregnant.” her age so he could pay off a debt. Local government youth Reuters But the rebels declined the in September, was rejected by a Farc leaders being in Bogota,” still not said how the new ac- “The girl told the judge she community liaison offi cer Alida Bogota ex-president’s off er. razor-thin margin as too lenient Uribe’s opposition party said in cord will be approved, but it ap- wanted to have nothing to do Maczchen says spreading the “Uribe governed badly, cor- on the rebels. a statement. peared likely it will be ratifi ed with the man and that she was message about the marriage ban rupted and bled Colombia Uribe and other politi- Humberto de la Calle, the in Congress rather than via an- getting married because her fa- and ensuring girls know about olombia’s Marxist Farc during eight years and never cal movements which voted government’s chief peace nego- other plebiscite. ther needed to pay a debt,” said their rights remains a challenge. rebels yesterday re- wanted peace. He wanted against the original deal met tiator, said that despite the op- On Monday officials and Debora Cobar, head of charity Travelling to rural areas to Cjected an invitation by to defeat the Farc, but he with the government late on position’s continued rejection rebels warned that a violent Plan International in Guatemala try to persuade parents against opposition leader and former couldn’t,” Farc commander Monday to go over the new of the agreement, President backlash against fragile peace and a former children’s state marrying off their girls, she says president Alvaro Uribe to dis- Pablo Catatumbo said on his document. Juan Manuel Santos and Farc efforts to end Colombia’s half- prosecutor. some communities remain una- cuss the latest peace accord Twitter account. The government has said leader Rodrigo Londono should century civil war has intensi- In some rural communities, ware of the ban. and see if more modifications The Revolutionary Armed it will make no more changes go ahead and sign the docu- fied in recent days with the girls are still sold off in exchange “Around 10% of the commu- to the complex deal are pos- Forces of Colombia and the to the deal. Uribe wants rebel ment. killings of several community for cattle, cash and or plots of nities I’ve visited have opposed sible. government have spent four leaders to be banned from hold- Santos won the Nobel Peace leaders. land, Cobar said. the law because of machismo Uribe, who spearheaded the years in Havana hammering out ing public offi ce and for them to Prize last month for his eff orts Observers from the Organi- Others are living with older and because of their economic push to reject the original peace an agreement to end a 52-year be jailed for crimes. to end the war. sation of American States said men, pushed into marriage as situation,” said Maczchen, who accord in an October plebi- war that has killed more than “We are willing to talk with No date has been given for Sunday that civil organizations families struggle to put food on was 12 when her mother’s cousin scite, is not happy with the re- 220,000 people and displaced the government and the Farc the signing — though Farc lead- in confl ict areas reported 33 of the table or break with long-held tried to married her off to an vised version and wants deeper millions. about such changes. We pro- ers arrived in Bogota from Cuba their leaders killed this year, in- traditions, she said. older man. changes. The original accord, signed pose that we take advantage of on Monday — and Santos has cluding several in recent days. Haiti parties claim wins Tribes protest Latam govts vow to even as votes counted ‘defend’ US migrants AFP organisations and authorities Guatemala City to defend migrants’ rights. AFP In the meantime Haiti has au-Prince, where the former ex- Guatemalan Foreign Min- Port-au-Prince had an interim leader, Jocelerme ile is still a hero to many. ister Carlos Raul Morales said Privert, who was chosen by the “We’re going to stay in the oreign ministers from the actions are not intended to legislature. street until they give us what we Guatemala, El Salvador, “push the panic button” — as wo of Haiti’s biggest parties On Monday, in defi ance of a won at the ballot box,” declared FHonduras and Mexico US immigration policies have stoked tension by claiming declaration by the Provisional Lucher Jean-Joseph. “We voted have vowed to “defend” mi- not yet changed — but rather Tvictory for their candidates Electoral Council (CEP) that no for Maryse Narcisse and she won grants from those countries “they are measures to be alert.” in a long-delayed presidential offi cial results of Sunday’s fi rst on the fi rst round, there’s no way who live in the US, amid un- The ministers also said they election days before offi cial re- round vote would be known for past that. If they want a revolu- certainty following Donald wanted to “have the best re- sults are due to be released. days, Martelly’s PHTK party de- tion, we’ll give them it.” Trump’s election. lationship” with Trump, who Nearly 6.2mn people had been clared a win. Legally, only Haiti’s CEP can The US president-elect will take offi ce January 20. eligible to vote in the Caribbean According to PHTK spokesman declare offi cial results, and bal- vowed to crack down on im- “Every one of us has the nation elections held on Sunda. Rudy Herivaux, apparently citing lots from many areas of the poor migration during the bitter confi dence, the commitment There were scattered re- unconfi rmed partial fi gures, not and recently hurricane-swept presidential campaign, prom- and the willingness to work to ports of civil unrest and a small only did Moise win the fi rst round nation have yet to be counted. ising to build a wall along the strengthen relations with the number of arrests, but order vote but he secured more than International observers are US-Mexico border and deport US and guarantee the rights of generally held, boosting hopes 50% and avoided a run-off . worried that aggressive moves millions of undocumented mi- our compatriots,” said Salva- that at long last institutions may “We know this offi cially al- by the players could provoke re- grants. doran Foreign Minister Hugo be renewed and constitutional ready,” he said, declaring Moise newed unrest and undermine the “We have agreed on the Martinez. rule returned. to be Haiti’s president-elect. credibility of the process. need to convey a message of He indicated that they But Haiti is not yet free of the “The country knows it. The whole UN Secretary General Ban calm and tranquility to our would continue to work with fear that this year’s attempt to world knows who is the president- Ki-moon welcomed the peace- civilians, to reaffi rm that we the incoming US government choose a leader will end as it did elect of Haiti — it’s not a mystery.” ful conduct of polling, but urged will be closer than ever to ac- on the so-called Northern Tri- in 2015, when election results Not to be outdone, supporters patience. company and defend them,” angle’s Alliance for Prosperity were cancelled amid protests of the opposition Fanmi Lavalas “The secretary general stresses said Mexican Foreign Minister — a project for tackling pover- and reports of massive fraud. — the party of former president that this electoral process is cru- Claudia Ruiz Massieu, speak- ty and security issues that fuel Former president Michel Jean-Bertrand Aristide — also cial to ending the current gov- ing with her colleagues in illegal migration. Martelly’s mandate expired after declared victory for their candi- ernance vacuum in Haiti,” Ban’s Indigenous people from various tribes occupy the outer Guatemala City. The foreign ministers did last year’s cancelled poll, but his date Maryse Narcisse. offi ce said. “He urges all actors to galleries of the presidential palace of Planalto in Brasilia in The ministers said they not comment on Trump’s vow party is still keen to see his ap- Hundreds of Aristide sup- await the results proclaimed by protest against agribusinesses and industries that threaten would bolster their consular to erect a wall on the US-Mex- pointed successor Jovenel Moise porters poured into the streets the CEP and only use legal chan- their activities, among other demands, in Brasilia yesterday. presence in various US cities ican border and make Mexico take offi ce. of poor neighbourhoods of Port- nels for any eventual challenges.” and seek the support of local pay for it. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN

Lawmakers of Pakistan searches Pakistan, India meet in Dubai

Internews The participants had for new army chief Lahore stressed the need for greater interaction between the two AFP tender is the army’s Chief of countries and felt that there Islamabad General Staff , Lieutenant Gen- trained relations not- was a need to share experi- eral Zubair Hayat, previously withstanding, lawmak- ences in order to reform poli- responsible for the safety and Sers and agriculture and cies and practices in the two akistan’s popular military security of the country’s nuclear livestock experts from India countries facing similar is- chief is expected to stand programme. and Pakistan met in Dubai on sues. Pdown this week after win- Behind Hayat in rank but seen Sunday for the fourth round of In the fi rst session, the ex- ning the hearts of millions with by some analysts as a favourite, a dialogue on sharing experi- perts highlighted the need to his bruising campaign against is Lieutenant General Ishfaq Na- ences. approach agricultural policies militants, leaving a vacancy for deem, commander of the impor- The dialogue was facili- and practices holistically to arguably the most powerful job tant Multan corps. tated by PILDAT, a think tank, benefi t consumers and farm- in the country. The others in the run- and included Senator Mohsin ers while achieving food se- Whoever steps into General ning are Lieutenant General Leghari, who chaired the curity. Raheel Sharif’s shoes will play Qamar Javed Bajwa, chief of dialogue, MPAs Mehmoodur Profi tability to the farmer an outsize role in national life, the army’s training and evalu- Rashid and Jahanzaib Khan must be an equal, if not the off ering the armed reassurance ation branch, and Lieutenant Khichi (of the Pakistan Te- key, consideration of reforms. against arch-rival India that General Javed Iqbal Ramdey, hreek-i-Insaf), Qazi Adnan They urged legislators from many Pakistanis see as vital to respected for an operation to Fareed and Malik Mohamed both countries to play a posi- their identity. drive out the Pakistani Tali- Ahmad Khan (of the Paki- tive role through policy input With the civilian government ban in northwestern Swat stan Muslim League-Nawaz), and oversight mechanisms largely dismissed as corrupt and Valley in 2009. Vickas Hassan Mokal (of the available to them. ineffi cient, the military off ers a Analysts agree there may be Pakistan Muslim League- The participants believed form of stability and steadfast- little change in tack, especially Quaid), Dr Amanullah and Dr that water scarcity was a far ness. with regards to Afghanistan, In- Masood Rabbani of the Uni- graver threat to the two coun- “The army is the only insti- dia and China. versity of Veterinary and Ani- tries than either of them real- tution in Pakistan that is or- “The new generals coming mal Sciences, Lahore, and ag- ised. ganised,” analyst Hassan Askari up next are all trained by Raheel riculturist Hamid Malhi from They stressed the need for said. Sharif,” said analyst Ahmed Pakistan. urgent policy and legislative “So the army has an advantage Rashid, though he warned The participants from focus on eff ective water con- and also plays a role in politics, there would be more pressure India included former servation strategies. either openly or pulling strings on the civilian government to Indian minister Mani Participants in the second from behind the scenes.” In this photograph taken on November 29, 2013, Pakistan’s new army chief General Raheel Sharif arrives perform. Shankar Aiyar, Harya- session focused on livestock Sharif was the fi gurehead be- to attend the change of command ceremony in Rawalpindi. Much may depend on the re- na legislative assembly development and highlighted, hind a widely-lauded crackdown lationship with Washington, speaker Kanwar Pal and not just the need to learn from against militancy that is credited the announcement on Monday tants and Islamic State ji- trolling foreign policy and de- which has supplied billions to deputy speaker Santosh each other’s good practices, with pushing extremists to the that Sharif had begun a fare- hadists, and blowback from a fence, leading to accusations the military for the fi ght against Yadav (of the Bharatiya Ja- but also the need to interact margins. well tour scotched speculation Trump presidency. it is carrying out a “creeping extremism since 2002. nata Party), Haryana MLAs frequently to avoid practices Many in Pakistan were so he would extend his three-year He will also take control of the coup”. Sharif helped to improve rela- Lalit Nagar (Congress), that could harm either coun- grateful – the hashtag #Than- tenure, set to end November 29, military’s uneasy relationship “General Sharif will be re- tions after a furore over the US Parminder Singh Dhull try. kYouRaheelSharif went vi- as previous military chiefs have with the civilian government. membered for positing the killing of former Al Qaeda leader (Lok Dal), CNN IBN edi- They believed that the ral – that some even called for done. The military has been in military as a state within a state Osama bin Laden, found hiding tor Jyoti Kamal, Indian Ex- two countries required the general to launch a military The general’s decision won charge of Pakistan for more than more than many of the guys be- in Pakistan. press assistant editor Man active collaboration in ar- coup. him praise for respecting de- half of its nearly 70-year history. fore him,” analyst Ayesha Sid- But choppy waters lie ahead. Aman Singh Chhina, and eas, including vaccine re- Critics say rights are being mocracy, even as disappointed The country is ruled at diqa said. “The manner in which The incoming Trump admin- Dr MJ Khan of the Indian search, exchange of data rolled back in the name of de- Pakistanis swarmed social media present by Prime Minister Na- Sharif pushed the envelope was istration has said little about Pa- Council of Food and Agri- on disease monitoring and feating terror, pointing to the to pay tribute. waz Sharif. unbelievable.” kistan specifi cally. culture. surveillance, experiences creation of military courts and His as-yet unnamed suc- But his administration is The power to choose the new However the president-elect’s A message received here on breed development, the resumption of hangings after cessor will face challenges embroiled in accusations of military chief lies with Nawaz anti-Muslim campaign rheto- yesterday said the dialogue animal welfare issues and a six-year moratorium. ranging from an increasingly corruption and waste, and in- Sharif, though he is believed to ric, seeming desire to cut foreign had focused on sharing expe- opportunities in value But there is no sign of a course hostile India to the conflict creasingly finds itself playing be working off a shortlist sup- spending, and business interests riences on effective agricul- addition for domestic as correction from military head- in Afghanistan, growing links second fiddle to a military that plied by the men in uniform. in India are ominous signs for ture and livestock practices well as international mar- quarters in Rawalpindi city, and between homegrown mili- is already widely seen as con- The highest-ranking con- Sharif’s successor. and policies. kets.

New Islamabad airport to be ready Bomb targeting paramilitary by August 2017

The new Islamabad airport will be truck kills three in Peshawar made fully operational by August next year, it was learnt yesterday. Construction work at the airport AFP travelling through a congested two of the wounded were criti- will be completed by the end of Peshawar neighbourhood in the Khyber cally injured. this year while another six months Pakhtunkhwa provincial capital A faction of the Pakistani Tali- will be required for renovation of Peshawar. ban later claimed the attack. work as well as for test flights. bomb which targeted a “The IED (improvised explo- Overall levels of militant- The federal government has al- paramilitary truck on sive device) was planted along linked violence have fallen since located Rs3bn under Public Sector A a crowded city street the roadside and exploded as the the Pakistan army launched an Development Programme for the killed three security personnel FC truck passed by,” Mohammad operation in 2014 to wipe out year 2016-17 for construction of yesterday in Pakistan’s trou- Sajjad Khan, a senior police offi - militant bases in the tribal dis- road network for the new airport. bled northwest, where levels of cial in Peshawar, said. tricts and end an insurgency that The airport supports landing and militant violence had recently “Three FC men have been has cost thousands of civilian parking of A380 – the biggest pas- dropped. killed and fi ve wounded,” Khan lives since 2004. senger aircraft in the world. Police said another fi ve para- said. But militant groups are still The Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metro militaries were wounded in the Zulfi qar Babakhel, a spokes- able to carry out periodic bloody bus service will also be connected A Pakistani police off icer inspects a security forces truck after an IED (improvised explosive device) blast attack, which happened when a man for the city’s main hospital, attacks, particularly in the to the new airport to facilitate the along the roadside in Peshawar yesterday. Frontier Constabulary truck was confi rmed the death toll and said northwest. passengers. Rights group and families urge Samia Shahid’s family force Afghan govt to protect minorities statement Monday, said Afghan In return the government police to investigate marriage AFP authorities “have a duty to take should provide us with security,” Kabul eff ective measures to protect said Ghulam Haydar, a relative of Shia Muslims from attacks and a victim. Guardian news and Media mine his credibility in court. hid’s MP in Bradford, an inves- in 2014 or her subsequent mar- end impunity for previous abus- “I want the the international Lahore “If we can show that her fi rst tigation by senior Pakistani po- riage to Kazam, who was not n international rights es against the Shia community”. community to help us get rid marriage was not lawfully ter- lice offi cers concluded she was only not a member of their clan group and victims’ fami- The latest attack was mounted of the terrorists and stop them minated in Pakistan or the UK the victim of a “premeditated but also a Shia. Alies urged the Afghan as worshippers gathered for the from harming the people.” he family of a British then the fact that [Kazam] has and cold-blooded honour kill- Shah said the family’s deep government yesterday to protect major Shia ceremony of Ar- The interior ministry said it woman believed by Paki- himself admitted cohabiting ing”. sense of shame over her divorce the minority Shia community baeen, marking the end of a had suspended four police of- Tstani police to have been with an already married woman The Pakistani police report and remarriage had made them after a bloody mosque bombing, 40-day mourning period after fi cials in connection with the murdered by two of her rela- is a very, very serious off ence alleged she had been raped and determined to take legal action the latest in a series of deadly Ashura. attack and launched a thorough tives in the country have forced under Pakistani law,” he said. murdered by her fi rst husband, against Kazam. “It is very im- sectarian attacks. investigation. police to begin an investigation “In the witness box, if he comes a cousin called Mohamed Sha- portant for them to regain the A massive suicide blast claimed “The government, Shia Last month a powerful blast into whether she was legally and testifi es, it will be very easy keel, whom her family had ar- esteem of society and regain by the Islamic State group target- leaders, and civil society targeting Shias during Ashura married to her second husband for us as defence counsels to ranged for her to marry in 2012. the family honour that they feel ed a Shia congregation in Kabul on groups should work killed 14 people in northern Af- at the time of her death. shackle the credibility of that The high-level investiga- they have lost,” he said. Monday, killing at least 27 people together to develop ghanistan. In an attempt to derail the witness. If we show he was ly- tion also alleged that Shahid’s The re-investigation of the and wounding 64. appropriate ways to It followed twin attacks “honour killing” trial, the fam- ing in one context he may not be father, Mohamed Shahid, had case by senior police offi cers “ISIS has stepped up its hor- improve security during claimed by IS that also targeted ily of Bradford-born Samia believed in another context.” held her down while Shakeel concluded that Shahid had le- rifi c and unlawful attacks on vulnerable public and Shias and killed 18 in Kabul. Shahid hopes to discredit her The family hoped the legal strangled her to death. gally divorced. Shia public gatherings, making religious gatherings so that In July IS jihadists claimed husband, Mukhtar Syed Kazam, action might even deter Ka- The two men have been in The family responded by no place safe,” Patricia Gossman, Shia community members twin explosions that ripped by demanding police investi- zam from returning to Pakistan custody for months. Although fi rst taking the matter to a local a senior researcher at Human can exercise their basic through crowds of Shia Hazaras gate their claim that she was in from his home in Dubai to give they have been charged, they court before going to the Lahore Rights Watch, said in a state- rights” in Kabul, killing at least 85 and an illegal relationship with him. evidence against them, Shah are yet to be formally indicted high court, which ruled in their ment using an alternative acro- wounding more than 400. The person who fi rst reports a added. by the court hearing their case. favour. nym for IS. Ashura itself commemorates Those bombings marked the crime, in this case Kazam, has a Kazam denies the family’s Their lawyer says they will be The Shahid case attracted “The government, Shia lead- the death of Imam Hussein, the deadliest single attack in the particularly important status in claim of forgery, and has main- pleading not guilty. intense interest after Naz Shah, ers, and civil society groups grandson of the Prophet Mo- Afghan capital since the Tali- Pakistani law because the infor- tained his marriage to Shahid The police report claims that MP for Bradford, wrote to Pa- should work together to develop hamed. ban were ousted from power in a mation they provide forms the was legal. the family tricked Shahid into kistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz appropriate ways to improve se- Angry Shia mourners yester- 2001 US-led invasion. basis for a document which obliges Shahid was found dead in her leaving the safety of Dubai, Sharif demanding action. The curity during vulnerable public day accused the government of Fighters from IS, which con- police to launch an inquiry. father’s house in the village of where she was living with Ka- MP, who also met Pakistan’s In- and religious gatherings so that failing to provide protection as trols territory across Syria and Masroor Shah, the family’s Pandori on 20 July. Local police zam, to visit them in their an- terior Minister, Chaudhry Nisar Shia community members can they buried loved ones. Iraq, have been making steady lawyer, said they would prove initially accepted the family’s cestral village by falsely claim- Ali Khan, in London last week, exercise their basic rights.” she “We voted for this govern- inroads in Afghanistan, chal- that divorce documents from claim that the healthy 28-year- ing her father was gravely ill. said the Pakistani government said. ment, people’s fi ngers were cut lenging the Taliban on their own her fi rst marriage, provided by old had died unexpectedly. But The family never recognised remained determined to get Amnesty International, in a by militants for voting. turf – mainly in the east. Kazam, were forged and under- following pressure from Sha- Shahid’s divorce from Shakeel justice for Shahid. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 PHILIPPINES

24 police chiefs sacked in Cagayan

The Philippine National Police (PNP) removed another 24 chiefs US-Philippine military relations of police (COP) in Cagayan Valley (Region 2) for allegedly unsatisfactory performance in implementing the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, Manila Times reported. Chief ‘robust’ despite Duterte threats Supt. Gilbert Sosa, police Region 2 director, said he ordered the AFP COP’s removal from their posts Manila based on results of the Regional Evaluation Team’s (RET) second round of performance evaluation hilippine-US military ties under project “Double Barrel are still “robust” despite Alpha.” On August 23, the first Pthreats by President Ro- round of evaluation resulted in drigo Duterte to sever defence the removal of 22 COP for their relations between the two allies, failure in the fight against illegal Manila’s military spokesman drugs in the region. said yesterday. Booted out from their posts in Brigadier General Restituto Isabela province were Chief In- Padilla gave the assurance fol- spectors Edgar Pattaui of Reina lowing the latest meeting of the Mercedes; Lord Wilson Adorio two countries’ senior military of San Isidro; Rolando Gatan of offi cials to discuss defence co- San Agustin; Danny Alingog of operation up to 2017. Angadanan; Jayson Cabauatan Duterte last month an- of Cabagan; Charlemaigne nounced a “separation” from Tabije of Mallig; Benigno the United States and has called Asuncion of Tumauini; Jefrey for the withdrawal of American Raposas of Santa Maria; Santos troops from his country, putting Tecbobolan of Alicia; Senior into question Manila’s 70-year- Inspectors Noriel Lacangan of old alliance with Washington. Cabatuan; Ruel Mena of Delfin Duterte has also said he Albano; Angelito Ramirez of would end joint US-Philippine Burgos; Raymund Baggayan of military exercises and called US San Pablo; Sherwin Concha of President Barack Obama a “son Naguilian; George Maribbay of of a w****” in response to criti- Gamu; Jose Torrijos of Benito cism of his deadly war on drugs. Soliven; Alex Orbillo of Luna; Despite Duterte’s threats, Mariano Marayag Jr of Quirino Philippine military chief Gener- and Rimelvin Dungca of San al Ricardo Visaya and the com- Guillermo. mander of US forces in the Pa- This handout photo taken yesterday and released by Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Aff airs Off ice (AFP-PAO) shows Philippine military chief General Ricardo Visaya (left) and US In Cagayan province, the axed cifi c Admiral Harry Harris met Pacific Command chief Admiral Harry Harris signing the activity list for US and Philippine military, during the Mutual Defence Board (MDB) meeting at the military headquarters in Manila. included Chief Insp. Rodel Tabu- in Manila yesterday. log of Allacapan and Senior “The successful completion co-operation in disaster relief, whether Visaya and Harris dis- US in a meeting with Russian been no change in anything seen more than 4,700 people Inspectors Geronimo Baloran of the (meeting) ensures con- counter-terrorism, cybersecu- cussed Duterte’s threats. President Vladimir Putin on the with the Philippines.” killed, with the United Nations, of Amulung, Jon-Ai Calimag of tinued robust relations between rity and maritime security. The new president’s fi ery rhet- sidelines of a regional summit in The Philippine military has the European Union and rights Buguey, Francis Pattad of Pam- the US and Philippine mili- The two sides also discussed oric has caused confusion in mili- Peru over the weekend. said it was awaiting guidelines groups raising concerns about plona and Florentino Marallag taries,” Padilla told reporters. the Enhanced Defence Co- tary and diplomatic circles with But even with Duterte’s from Duterte on whether the alleged extrajudicial killings and of Santo Nino. “This highlights the enduring operation Agreement, an ac- Duterte threatening to cut back anti-American sentiment, joint war games would continue a breakdown in the rule of law. Sosa said the RET found the commitment of both countries cord signed in 2014 that allows on ties with the United States and Philippine-US joint exercises to be held next year. Duterte has insisted he is COP’s performance unaccept- to the US-Philippine alliance.” greater rotation of US forces in vowing to create a new alliance have continued to take place The country hosts 28 such not doing anything illegal, but able and they were sacked from Padilla said the two mili- the Philippines. with Russia and China. and Harris said at a Washing- exercises annually. would be “happy to slaughter” their posts on Friday. taries looked forward to closer But Padilla declined to say Duterte again criticised the ton event last week: “There has Duterte’s war on drugs has 3mn drug users.

Court defers action on petition to exhume Marcos Marcos Jr’s camp

Manila Times in contempt the Marcos family criticises Robredo Manila and some military officials for the unannounced interment of Marcos. By Jaime Pilapil gin with. It is our position that he Supreme Court (SC) Many people were caught by Manila Times Bongbong Marcos (BBM) won has deferred action on surprise on Friday when the the vice presidential race and Tthe petition seeking the remains of Marcos was flown had it not been for the system- exhumation of the remains of from Ilocos Norte to the he- he camp of former sena- atic fraud and unprecedented former president Ferdinand roes’ cemetery. The petition- tor Ferdinand “Bong- manoeuvrings committed on Marcos at the Libingan ng mga ers asked the court to order Tbong” Marcos Jr on Mon- the day of the elections, he Bayani. the detention of Marcos’ heirs day slammed Vice President should have been the one pro- During the deliberations of and military officials involved Leni Robredo for insinuating claimed,” Rodriguez said. the SC en banc, the justices “until they have satisfacto- that the former lawmaker aims Robredo’s camp earlier is- decided to postpone action on rily cleansed themselves of the to “steal” the vice presidency. sued statements that the camp the case because the ponente, contemptuous act or until such In a statement, Marcos’s of Marcos is fast-tracking the Justice Diosdado Peralta, was further orders of the Court.” lawyer Vic Rodriguez said Ro- electoral protest before the on leave. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman bredo is trying to connect the Presidential Electoral Tribunal The tribunal will tackle the said Marcos’ remains should be the electoral protest to the by fi nishing the recount of bal- petition next week. exhumed because the decision burial of his father at the Lib- lots in November. On Monday, separate peti- of the high court allowing the ingan ng mga Bayani. Robredo also expressed her tions were filed before the SC burial of the former leader at “To begin with, we have no strong opposition to the inter- en banc by martial law activists the heroes’ cemetery is not yet A protester holds a placard reading ‘Marcos is not a hero, expel from the heroes’ cemetery’ beside a portrait of plans of stealing something ment of Marcos’ father at the who asked the high court to cite final and executory. the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos as they denounce his burial during a protest in Metro Manila yesterday. that we obviously won to be- heroes’ cemetery on Nov 18. Energy board offi cials Internal revenue agency offi cial told to quit over graft shot dead in Quezon City

By Catherine S Valente a case against them. “They by the late director Jun Villa By Jing Villamente Manila Times/Lima must resign. I have options: and our expression of sup- Manila Times File a case against them all or port and full co-operation demand that no money will be for the planned inquiry by resident Rodrigo Duterte appropriated for the commis- the Senate Committee on regional director of the on Monday told offi cials sion,” he added. Energy.” Bureau of Internal Rev- Pof the Energy Regulatory The president said he will He asked the Commis- Aenue (BIR) in Makati City Commission (ERC) to resign or ask Congress to either with- sion on Audit (COA) to con- was shot dead by a lone assassin be humiliated and charged for hold the budget of the ERC or duct a thorough investiga- along Katipunan Avenue in Que- corruption. disband the agency altogether. tion of “matters internal to zon City on Monday. “I am demanding that they “I will ask Congress, I de- the ERC” raised by Villa in Police have yet to establish all resign. They really abused mand from Congress to dis- his suicide note, including the motive behind the killing of (the system)… just like in the band and/or file a case simul- the corporate identification Jonas Amora, whose vehicle was past,” the president told re- taneously against them when audio-visual presentation riddled with bullets. porters before heading back to I get back. I think my source that would help establish the Amora’s driver, Angelito Pine- Manila. already has documents,” he agency’s corporate identity. da, was also injured but was able “If they want to be spared added. Documents showed that to call for help after the shoot- of the humiliation of sitting “Now it’s a matter of the the project had an approved ing. He was rushed to the Quiri- there without the money, they lawyers of the government budget of P300,000 that was no Memorial Medical Centre. resign and I will reorganise. assessing the case. It’s better increased to P490,000 to Initial investigations re- All of them have to resign,” he that they are warned before I cover “creative and produc- vealed that Amora’s car was at said. land so they better start pray- tion aspects.” the corner of Topside Road and Duterte disclosed that he ing,” the president said. The ERC said it has not en- Libis Street in Barangay Escopa has internal and intelligence But ERC commissioners tered into any contract with 2 when the assassin opened reports indicating systemic Alfredo Non, Josefina Asirit the four bidders, adding that fire, killing the BIR official in- corruption in the ERC. The and Gloria Victoria Yap-Taruc the agency of Luis Morelos stantly. issue hogged the spotlight in declared that they will not re- had not filed a bid. Quezon City Police District the wake of the death of ERC sign. Villa, in his letter, said his Director Senior Supt. Guillermo Director Francisco “Jun” Villa Salazar has sought a meet- biggest fear was being called Eleazar said the Criminal In- Investigators check the bullet-riddled vehicle of BIR director Jonas Amora, who was killed by unidentified Jr, who committed suicide af- ing with Duterte. out by the COA on the con- vestigation and Detection Unit assailants in Quezon City. ter exposing alleged corrup- In a statement issued on tents of the AVP (audio-vis- (CIDU) is investigating the case. tion within the ERC. Monday, he said he is confi- ual project) “by Luis Morelos Investigators recovered 10 bul- to speculate on the motive of the the agency said in a statement. its work if the intention was to Villa revealed in his suicide dent that the meeting “would which the chairman and CEO lets from a 9mm calibre pistol. attack. Amora, a Certifi ed Public Ac- sow fear among BIR employees. note the supposed pressure he result in clearer directions Jose Vicente B. Salazar chose The police also found P300,000 “The motive of the killing countant and religious person, He however asked all BIR em- got from ERC chairman Jose from him regarding the issues through a rigged selection cash in Amora’s back pack. is still not known pending the rose from the ranks, starting his ployees to be more vigilant. Vicente Salazar to approve facing the ERC.” system.” Eleazar said police investiga- completion of the investiga- career as a revenue examiner. The Revenuers Gun Club, Inc. procurement contracts with- Salazar vowed to take ap- The ERC is an independent tors are trying to establish the tion of the incident and the He was known in the BIR as a (RGCI) and the BIR Employees out proper bidding. propriate actions to pro- regulatory body mandated to identity of the gunman as well as public is cautioned from mak- “dogged workhorse.” Association (BIREA) also con- If the ERC commission- tect the commission, part protect consumers and pro- the motive behind the killing. ing any speculations or draw- Commissioner Caesar R. Du- demned the killing and vowed ers refuse to resign, Duterte of which is to “immediately mote competitive operations The BIR condemned the kill- ing conclusions in deference to lay said the shooting incident to support eff orts to resolve the said he will be forced to file probe the allegations made in the electricity market. ing and called on the public not the family of the slain director,” will not deter the BIR from doing case. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL/BHUTAN Uber launches in Hundreds of Rohingyas congested Dhaka

Dhaka backed Uber’s launch in the AFP capital - which has a popula- tion of over 30mn in the city and adjoining industrial towns ber launched its on- but lacks a metro system, leav- demand car ride serv- ing residents totally reliant on cross into Bangladesh Uices in the perenni- the heavily congested roads. ally jammed Bangladeshi “Smart cities are integral AFP capital Dhaka yesterday, say- parts of the digital Bangla- Dhaka ing it would help reduce con- desh and I’m very excited to gestion in one of the world’s have Uber in Dhaka as a part of largest metropolises. our eff orts to build smart cit- undreds of Rohingyas Dhaka is the 33rd city ies,” said junior Information have arrived in Bangla- in South Asia where the Technology Minister Zunaid Hdesh after fl eeing vio- smartphone taxi app is now Ahmed Palak. lence in neighbouring Myanmar, available. There was no immediate community leaders said yes- The city’s fi rst Uber ride was comment from the city’s taxi terday, many with horrifi c tales made by Bangladeshi cricket drivers or the powerful army- of troops killing and burning star Shakib Al Hasan, accord- linked company that runs a villages. ing to the California-based fl eet of more expensive cabs. Bangladesh says it has pre- company, adding its technol- Uber has revolutionised car vented hundreds more from ogy would help reduce traffi c share rides across the globe crossing into the country, de- and improve air quality. since it was launched in 2010, spite pleas from the United Na- “Uber has a simple goal: to becoming one of the world’s tions to open its border after up use technology to make our most valuable startups. to 30,000 Rohingyas were dis- cities more accessible while But it has faced protests placed by violence in Myanmar’s reducing congestion and from established taxi opera- Rakhine state. pollution,” said Amit Jain, tors in most locations where Bangladeshi troops have president of Uber India and it has launched and been hit intensifi ed patrols along the South Asia. by a series of lawsuits and 237km (147-mile) border, but Bangladesh’s government regulatory hurdles. Rohingya community leaders estimate that 1,000 people have still managed to get in over the last week. Most are hiding out in camps for the 32,000 legally regis- Lanka sees no threat tered already living in south- east Bangladesh, fearing re- patriation if they are found by Rohingyas cry as Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) catch them in a check-post in Cox’s Bazar, yesterday. from Indian nuclear authorities. Mohammad Amin, 17, said he by a relative already living in a “We’re preventing them on looting and burning their houses. state and is one of the country’s and 15 others fl ed their homes refugee camp in Bangladesh. the zero line, especially those “We’re hearing horrifi c sto- poorest. power stations in Rakhine fi ve days ago and “I waited two days before I who were trying to cross the ries from them,” said one inter- “If they (the government) reached Bangladesh by swim- had the chance to cross the river barbed-wire fences erected by national rights worker visiting don’t act now, soon there will ming across the Naf River that to come here,” Khatun said over Myanmar,” said Imran Ullah the area, speaking to AFP on be a fl ood of Rohingyas enter- IANS sible threat from nuclear divides the two countries. phone. Sarker. condition of anonymity. ing Bangladesh,” said Teknaf Colombo power plants in the region, “The (Myanmar) army killed The relative, who asked not to Myanmar troops have poured “We’ve heard that they have to councillor Anwar Hossain. he said. my father and elder brother. I be named, said that at least 100 into a strip of land that is home bribe some people to enter Bang- Sarker said many Rohingyas According to the minister, hid on a hill and then walked families had arrived at the camp to the stateless Muslim Rohingya ladeshi territory. The govern- were sent back after they man- ri Lanka sees no threat Sri Lanka is working with the and swam across the river, and from Myanmar in the last two minority since a series of at- ment must open the border and aged to sneak across unmanned from nuclear pow- International Atomic Energy took refuge at a mosque (in days. tacks on police border posts last allow access of aid workers,” he parts of the border. Ser plants in India, a Agency to identify a suitable Bangladesh),” he told AFP by Another community leader month. said. Security guards are also pa- minister said yesterday. location for a nuclear plant, phone from Cox’s Bazar near the said 500 people had taken shelter State media reports in My- Bangladesh places restrictions trolling the Naf River, the com- Deputy Minister of Power although the country has border. near two other Rohingya refugee anmar say security forces have on the work of international aid manders said, adding that more and Energy Ajith P Perera not decided on whether to “Where I looked I saw only camps in the area. killed almost 70 people and ar- groups in the area, home to thou- than a dozen boats packed with said Sri Lanka has monitor- have one. burnt houses. I don’t know what Commanders of the Border rested some 400 since the lock- sands of unregistered migrants Rohingyas tried to land at the ing stations in several parts Sri Lanka currently depends happened to my mother and Guard Bangladesh said their down began six weeks ago, but as well as the 32,000 registered ghats (stations) in the Bangla- of the country and if there on hydropower, thermal and sister.” troops had blocked nearly 300 activists say the number could be refugees. deshi parts of the river. is a threat of radiation it can coal power. Zohra Khatun, 25, arrived late Rohingyas from crossing the far higher. The arrival of more has caused “They told us that their houses be detected, Xinhua news Perera said that as an al- Monday with her seven children border overnight, the highest Witnesses and activists have tensions with the local commu- were torched and they came here agency reported. ternative Sri Lanka is also after their village was burned to number since the crisis began reported troops killing Ro- nity in Teknaf town, which bor- seeking safe shelter,” said one Sri Lanka has the capabil- looking at liquefi ed natural the ground, and has been helped last month. hingyas, raping women and der Myanmar’s western Rakhine border guard offi cial. ity of monitoring any pos- gas (LNG). Unesco heritage site reopens after quake Banks asked to IANS following the devastating earth- Kathmandu quake that hit the Himalayan nation on April 25 last year. mobilise The quake claimed over 9,000 he Boudhanath Stupa, lives, left thousands injured and one of the Unesco-en- destroyed or damaged a large remittances Tlisted heritage sites in number of buildings. Nepal which was severely dam- The reconstruction, which aged in an earthquake last year, began two months after the through was reopened for public yes- quake, was completed earlier terday after completion of its this month at a cost of Nepali reconstruction. Rs230mn ($2.1mn). offi cial Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Reconstruction of other her- Dahal, inaugurating the 36m- itage sites is still underway or in tall Boudhanath Stupa in Kath- the early stages, authorities said. channels mandu for the public, thanked Buddhist monks performed India as well as China for ex- purifi cation rituals after the tending fi nancial support for the completion of renovation on By Mizan Rahman reconstruction of the ancient November 18. Dhaka Buddhist shrine, Xinhua news Boudhanath, the largest stupa agency reported. in Nepal, is considered the ho- Cabinet ministers, high- liest Tibetan Buddhist temple oncerned over falling infl ow ranking government offi cials outside Tibet, making it the of remittances from the and foreign diplomats were centre of Tibetan culture in CGulf Co-operation Coun- among those present at the Kathmandu. cil nations, especially from Saudi inauguration ceremony. Thousands of domestic and Arabia, Bangladesh’s central bank The Boudhanath Stupa is the international tourists visit the has asked all commercial banks to fi rst heritage site to be renovated shrine annually. Shamans performing during the opening of Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu, yesterday. take steps so that expatriates feel encouraged to send remittances through banking channels. S K Sur Chowdhury, deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank (BB), said the bank has identifi ed several reasons behind the fall in Bhutanese premier assuages concerns remittances. Hundi, an illicit way to trans- fer funds, was a major cause for the slide. “We have asked banks to take about BBIN motor vehicle agreement measures so people send remit- tances through banking chan- nels,” Chowdhury said after the IANS tional Assembly (NA) and Na- BBIN,” the Bhutanese prime nifi cant for a landlocked coun- made (by Nepal on the matter).” have an easier access to not only meeting. Thimphu/Kathmandu tional Council (NC) members minister said, Kuensel Online try and its neighbours become The Nepalese Parliament has the Kolkata port but some other Separately at a meeting of can sit together and discuss the reported. very important. already endorsed the agree- deep sea ports such as Paradip the fi scal coordination coun- BBIN agreement. The prime minister said that Sharing the draft protocol, ment, the Kathmandu Post and Visakhapatnam. cil, chaired by Finance Minis- hutanese Prime Minister Tobgay said the BBIN agree- since BBIN is about four neigh- Lyonchoen also explained the reported. The proposed MVA net- ter A M A Muhith, an offi cial Tshering Tobgay yester- ment has been “misunder- bouring nations working to- whole purpose of the protocol India on Thursday expressed work aims to connect Kolkata, of the fi nance ministry, said he Bday tried to assuage the stood” that it would lead to gether, Bhutan loses the oppor- is to regulate the number of ve- hope that Bhutan would join the Agartala, Siliguri, Guwahati, went to Saudi Arabia, where he concerns raised over the Bang- large scale unregulated traffi c in tunity to work with Nepal and hicles, as it specifi es how many sub-regional pact after com- Shillong and Agartala of India; found that money was being sent ladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Bhutan. Bangladesh. “Our co-operation vehicles will be allowed into pleting all internal procedures. Benapole, Chittagong, Dha- through ‘hundi’ from fake bKash (BBIN) motor vehicle agree- He said the BBIN protocol with India is very good but there the country and the maximum This is the second time In- ka and Sylhet of Bangladesh; counters. ment, saying it was about four outlines how many numbers of is lots we can do with the other duration. “In Bhutan’s case, we dia’s sub-regional road connec- Phuentsholing and Paro of Bhu- The meeting directed the min- neighbours working together vehicles and which routes to be two neighbours.” have nothing new.” tivity plan has faced a setback as tan and Kakarbhitta of Nepal. istry of expatriates’ welfare and and by rejecting it Bhutan would taken. He said if Bhutan wants to The Bhutanese prime minis- earlier Pakistan had refused to The four South Asian nations overseas employment to send stand to lose out on regional He said the BBIN was not just export energy to Bangladesh, ter’s remarks come as the Nepali come on board the Saarc MVA. signed the BBIN agreement in letters to the Bangladesh embas- cooperation. about motor vehicles, but about India has to be involved and government has voiced concern India brought Bangladesh, June last year in Thimphu, Bhutan, sies to take action to close down Tobgay, speaking days after energy, trade, information, that is where BBIN matters. “If over Bhutan’s upper house vot- Bhutan and Nepal on board and in what was seen as a signifi cant the fake bKash outlets. the National Council on No- communication and technol- we want to bring in bandwidth ing against ratifying the Motor reached an agreement to re- symbol of sub-regional unity. The BB swung into action as vember 15 rejected the BBIN ogy, and other forms of regional from Bangladesh, it has to come Vehicle Agreement (MVA). move restrictions on vehicular The agreement allowed for the Bangladesh received $1.011bn in agreement after the majority co-operation. “The government through India. So this is why A Nepali offi cial termed the movement in the subcontinent. regulation of passenger, personal remittances in October, down by members voted against passing thought about it very carefully BBIN is important.” Bhutanese move as a “setback”. With the implementation of and cargo vehicular traffi c among about $44.66mn from $1.055bn the agreement, hoped the Na- and we are still committed to He also said BBIN is very sig- “No offi cial position has been the agreement, Nepal would the four countries. in the previous month. Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Production Editor: C P Ravindran Egypt and Tunisia

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] take divergent paths Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) On the face of it, countries President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s previously connected to the Mubarak in Egypt in recent years); it is also Fax 44350474 moving toward democracy autocratic government has violently regime. politically risky. Egyptian politicians repressed the Muslim Brotherhood. In Tunisia, the state bureaucracy can do little but cross their fi ngers seem as likely to experience Meanwhile, governments in both has hindered private-sector activity, and hope that the street does not rise poor economic performance countries could not resist increasing and there are reports of increased up in response to the recent currency public spending. In Egypt, subsidies corruption by politically connected devaluation. as countries moving toward were still above 10% of GDP in mid- fi rms. Political inclusiveness creates renewed dictatorship 2016, suggesting a return to the old Tunisia has allowed its currency to a more informed – and possibly GULF TIMES authoritarian bargain whereby citizens adjust over time, and the dinar has more forgiving – public. In Tunisia, abstain from political participation in lost a third of its value against the members of civil society and the By Ishac Diwan exchange for government economic US dollar since 2014. Egypt, for its media may freely scrutinise the Cambridge support. Now, to qualify for the IMF’s part, has disastrously mismanaged its government and call for change. While assistance, Egypt has committed to exchange rate. With the exception of reforms have been slow in coming, the Currency recall weighs reducing its subsidies and instituting a one minor adjustment in 2013, it has government cannot ignore growing t has been fi ve years since Egypt value-added tax. stuck to a fi xed rate since 2011, even public criticism forever. and Tunisia underwent regime after its currency became massively In fact, the 2017 draft budget law on India’s growth change, and both countries are For starters, political overvalued and started to create already includes urgent measures to Istill suff ering from low economic imported-goods shortages. fi ght corruption, trim the bureaucracy growth, large fi scal defi cits, high inclusiveness in When Egypt complied with IMF and reduce tax evasion. unemployment and rising public conditions and fl oated its currency In Egypt, on the other hand, the and corporate earnings debts. Having failed to institute Tunisia fosters on November 1st, the exchange rate currency devaluation has come as a reforms on their own, both have weakened from 8.5 to 15.5 pounds to shock to ordinary citizens. There was turned to the International Monetary healthy dialogue the dollar; soon, imported goods will very little public understanding about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise move Fund (IMF), which entered into an likely cost 40-60% more than they the state of the economy, because the to recall rupee bills of 500 ($7.3) and 1000 denominations arrangement with Tunisia in 2013 about potential do now. mainstream media, having become a has thrown into turmoil the $2n-plus economy in which and has just approved a $12bn loan The Egyptian and Tunisian people regime mouthpiece, has been painting a programme for Egypt – the country’s solutions are becoming increasingly dissatisfi ed rosy picture of Egypt’s return to glory. cash transactions account for a huge 90% of the total. fi rst since 1991, and the largest ever for with their respective countries’ At the same time, freedom The “masterstroke” was targeted at the deep-rooted a Middle Eastern country. In Tunisia, labour unions have economic performance. But over of expression and association problem of “black money” as well as the rampant usage On the face of it, countries managed to push civil-servant wages time, this frustration will probably are severely limited; criticising of counterfeits to fund terrorist activities, which together moving toward democracy seem as – which now equal 15% of GDP, up help Tunisia’s economy, while hurting government policies is deemed likely to experience poor economic from 10% of GDP in 2011 – well above Egypt’s. tantamount to high treason. account for 20% to 25%, or up to $500bn, of the economy, performance as countries moving IMF targets. And macroeconomic For starters, political inclusiveness Tunisia has made political according to various estimates. toward renewed dictatorship, because instability has impeded growth in both in Tunisia fosters healthy dialogue progress by shoring up its democratic Economists say the move will be benefi cial in the political instability and uncertainty countries. about potential solutions. For processes, creating institutional space long run as it is targeted at weeding out tax evasion of any kind naturally hurt investment Egypt’s low credit rating has example, the new Tunisian cabinet for all stakeholders, and allowing for and growth. forced the government to borrow formed in August includes ex-union free expression and assembly. This and corruption. But a badly executed bold move is now But Tunisia has embraced political domestically, which has crowded leaders, who can now shape broad bodes well for the Tunisian economy’s threatening to weigh on India’s world-beating growth inclusion, and could soon fi nd itself out other borrowers to the point that economic policies, not just press long-term prospects. and corporate recovery, pushing Asia’s third-largest back on the path toward healthy private investment amounts to just for higher wages. This has already Egypt, for its part, may benefi t from economy into a liquidity crisis. economic growth, while Egypt’s 11% of GDP. Tunisia’s external state made public-policy debates more short-term gains as a result of the closing society positions its economy borrowing has not crowded out the constructive, because policymakers IMF package. Its “fi erce but weak” Consumer spending makes up nearly 60% of India’s for a downward spiral. private sector; nonetheless, private are focusing on how labour and rulers, however, cannot hope to make economy. With about 86% of currency in circulation Until recently, both countries’ investment has fallen to 18% of GDP. business can fairly share the burden of long-term progress by doubling down no longer legal tenders and a small stock of smaller governments showed a surprising Both countries’ current-account economic adjustment. on despotism. If they do not take the denomination notes available amid a seemingly never- lack of interest in economic reform. defi cits have widened as a result of Egypt’s closed political system, long and winding road toward political Instead, they engaged with identity falling tourism revenues and disrupted by contrast, has left the government inclusion, sooner or later they will face ending struggle to get hold of new bills, consumers are issues and security challenges in ways export activities, and neither country constantly in fear of the street. With the wrath of those they have excluded.- holding back. that refl ect their diverging political has taken measures to improve no channels for constructive political Project Syndicate/Mohammed Bin Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on November 9 paths. private-sector competitiveness. Sisi, debate, the government’s best option Rashid Global Initiatives the move will damp consumption in the short term. In Tunisia, electoral contests like former Egyptian president Hosni has been to postpone necessary between the Islamist Ennahda Party Mubarak, is wary of allowing private- economic adjustments until they zIshac Diwan is an affi liate at the Credit Suisse estimates more than 90% of consumer and the secular Nidaa Tounes Party sector players to gain political clout, become unavoidable. Belfer Center’s Middle East Initiative purchases in India are made in cash as more than have allowed for a productive debate and has instead propped up cronies This is not only economically at Harvard University and holds the 65% of Indians don’t have bank accounts. Even more about the role of religion in politics whom he can trust, such as army ineffi cient (refl ected in the absence Chaire d’Excellence Monde Arabe at are without bank cards and infrastructure for online and society; in Egypt, by contrast, corporations and some of the fi rms of net foreign portfolio investment Paris Sciences et Lettres. transactions is poor. Corporate operating profi ts are now tipped to fall by as much as 40% in the current quarter. The economic impact Corporate will be profound. India’s gross domestic product, operating profi ts which grew 7.6% last fi nancial year, dropped are now tipped to 7.1% in the quarter to fall by as ending June 2016. In the year to March 2017, much as 40% the cash crunch is in the current estimated to pull down GDP growth from last quarter year’s 7.6% by as much as 5 percentage points. Brokerage Ambit Capital does not rule out a contraction in the October-December quarter. The vast services sector, which accounts for two- thirds of GDP, is worst hit. Worse, the situation is not going to improve anytime soon despite Modi’s “ignore-the-temporary-hardship” plea, asking for a 50-day period from November 8 to put the house back in order. Here is why: India’s federal administration may need until May 2017 to replenish the stock of now worthless bills, says Saumitra Chaudhuri, the economist who advised Modi’s predecessor, based on extrapolation from central bank data and India’s maximum currency Deputies listening to a speech by Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed during a state budget meeting at the parliament in Tunis on November 18. The 2017 draft printing capacity. budget law includes urgent measures to fight corruption, trim the bureaucracy and reduce tax evasion. The demonetisation step, however, will have a signifi cant impact on fi nancial inclusion and could trigger an interest-rate reduction, according to experts. Slowing infl ation allowed a panel led by Reserve Bank of India governor Urjit Patel to lower the benchmark Autonomous cars — ‘new oil’ or ‘big brother’? rate to the lowest in more than fi ve years last month. Sensors, radars and cameras on Experts say the data stored in these novel 1984, it will be possible to A further reduction would help revive stalled By Veronique Dupont AFP, Los Angeles autonomous vehicles will be able to vehicles represents a gold mine for disconnect at some point. infrastructure projects, say analysts. exchange data with other cars but also, companies. “Consumer privacy is an open Modi’s stated intent to take on India’s crippling perhaps, with “intelligent” roadways “Where are you, where you stop, question,” said Jeremy Carlston, a cancer of unaccounted money with a “surgical strike” ust like credit cards, smartphones that can help set speed limits how often, what’s in there can be used senior analyst with IHS Automotive. or search engines, autonomous depending on weather and traffi c to provide you a rich user experience,” “A smartphone holds a lot of info has never been questioned, but his carpet bombing cars will carry a trove of conditions. Krzanich said. “What music you like, about the owner but when we provide strategy (amid allegations of exclusive “leaks”) that has Jinformation about their craft choices... that’s an opportunity that info to a service provider, we’re left millions of ordinary Indians scrambling to secure owners as they make driving more “If you have rich data, as well.” getting value in return,” he added. their hard-earned legitimate money leaves a number of comfortable, raising new concerns He said Intel was investing $250mn “It’s the same trade-off with an about privacy. your car will be able into self-driving technology over the autonomous car.” questions unanswered. Automakers are engaged in a fi erce race next two years. Cyber-security was also the topic to develop the fi rst driverless car, which to deal with complex Karl Brauer, senior director of at a panel discussion during which experts say should hit the road by 2020. industry insights at Kelley Blue Book, speakers raised the issue of privacy. To Advertise Apart from legal obstacles facing route situations” said all the data collected will be used “Connected cars have added the industry as the technology evolves by car makers and other companies to fi rewalls against hacking,” Egil [email protected] – such as who is responsible in the The passenger behind the wheel, maximise profi t. Juliussen, director of research at IHS Display event of an accident – a digital battle meanwhile, can send emails and text “If they know you like to go to Automotive, told AFP. “Criminals Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 is being waged over the huge amount messages, listen to music, stream Starbucks (they will say) ‘Oh, he could make the car inoperative and ask of technical data that will be stored in movies, hold a conference call or make always stops at Starbucks,” Brauer money to make it operate again.” Classified such vehicles. a restaurant reservation. said. In mid-2015, two American online- Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 “Data is the new oil,” Intel chief Even homes will be connected to Krzanich acknowledged that the security researchers demonstrated executive Brian Krzanich said this vehicles. technology posed great challenges in how easily they could hack into a Jeep Subscription week during a speech at the Los South Korean automaker Hyundai terms of privacy protection and secure Cherokee, remotely taking control [email protected] Angeles auto show, AutoMobility LA. revealed at the auto show a partnership sharing. of the car’s functions, including its “If you have rich data, your car will with Amazon’s Alexa voice service One question on many people’s braking system. be able to deal with complex route to allow customers to start their car, mind is whether, in a world that could Krzanich said such challenges “will 2016 Gulf Times. All rights reserved situations,” Krzanich said. “If not, the charge their battery or turn on the air be edging closer to the Big Brother require the industry coming together car will stop.” conditioner via a quick voice request. oversight of George Orwell’s dystopian and collaborating.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 23, 2016 27 QATAR Mannai Automotive announces the arrival of Cadillac XT5 annai Auto Group, the of- XT5 is 126kg lighter than its fi cial Cadillac dealers in predecessor. MQatar, has announced the Cadillac offers most of the im- arrival of the all-new 2017 Cadillac proved interior space to the pas- XT5 in the showroom. sengers. Rear-seat legroom is The vehicle is described as a increased 8.1cm in the XT5, com- comprehensively upgraded luxury pared to its predecessor. The rear crossover and the cornerstone of seat both reclines and slides fore a new series of crossovers in the and aft as well. brand’s ongoing expansion.The The new XT5’s interior show- fi rst-ever XT5 had made its Qatar cases a new design direction based debut during the 2016 Qatar Motor on a philosophy of clean, modern Show. elegance and craftsmanship. Cadillac crossovers bearing the Cadillac will off er a platinum edi- new “XT” designation are a key as- tion for the fi rst time in this seg- pect of the brand’s product-driven ment. Made popular initially on global growth plan. Cadillac’s Escalade, the XT5 Plati- “The 2017 Cadillac XT5 has been num includes unique interior and developed, designed and engi- exterior trim and materials and neered to provide customers with combines them with the highest more luxury, space, technology, technology features. and, most importantly, more ef- The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is pow- fi ciency ,” said Ivor D’Cunha, gen- ered by the new 3.6-litre V6 engine, eral manager operations for Man- which also features on the CT6. nai Automotive. “XT5’s lightweight This engine has been completely construction, remarkable driving redesigned and features Active Fuel dynamics, and advanced power- Management cylinder deactivation train technologies contribute to its technology, which allows the engine improved effi ciency.” to seamlessly and automatically The XT5 is the next chapter in switch to a fuel- saving 4-cylinder elevating the Cadillac brand: it is mode under low or moderate loads. bold, distinctive, sophisticated with With an estimated peak output superb driving dynamics. This new of 310hp and 366Nm of torque, the crossover perfectly refl ects Cadil- new V6 utilises variable valve tim- lac’s positioning in the luxury auto- ing for strong response and smooth motive marketplace. power delivery. Cadillac’s new The Cadillac XT5 is completely Stop/Start technology automati- new, residing on a unique chas- cally stop and start the engine when sis and structure. Cadillac’s new the vehicle is at rest in traffi c stops, crossover embodies the brand’s saving fuel and reducing emissions. expertise for lightweight and A new 8-speed automatic trans- agile driving dynamics. The new mission is standard for the XT5. Off icials of Mannai Auto with the all-new 2017 Cadillac XT5 Weather report Nama launches life skills ‘Sekak’ project Three-day forecast TODAY ama Center, a member of Qatar gramme of the ‘Sekak’ project, which ers were selected in collaboration enabling teachers to help high school High: 28 C Social Work Foundation, has started on November 20 at Nama with the Ministry of Education and students acquire a set of personal, Low : 22 C Strong wind and high seas is launched a life skills ‘Sekak’ Center, include boosting the training Higher Education, aged between 25 psychological and communication expected due to thundery rain at N places by midday project aimed at developing the educa- skills of trainers (Training the Train- and 35 years. This foundational train- skills that will assist them in making tional capacity of teachers, so that they ers), their capacity to eff ectively de- ing programme aids the growth of informed decisions, communicate ef- can better handle and train students liver life-skills content and their ability youth potential and their ability to fectively, as well as develop coping and THURSDAY as well as develop their basic cognitive to deliver short presentations in order effectively contribute in the commu- self-management skills, thereby lead- High: 27 C and life skills. to explain and educate students on life nity, thereby creating a constructive ing them to live a healthy and produc- Low: 23 C This is part of the national strategy skills concepts. link between Nama Center and high tive life, the statement explains. P Cloudy of investing in younger generations to Mariam bint Abdullatif al Mannai, school students in Qatar.” Once the trainers are graduated on create a widespread positive impact on director of the community services The programme comes as part of the December 6, they will start imple- society and develop sustainable solu- department and director in charge life skills ‘Sekak’ project, one of Nama’s menting the programme by training FRIDAY tions, according to a press statement. of running Nama’s affairs, said: “As Youth Capacity Building Programme school students on developing their High: 26 C The outcome of the fi ve-day pro- part of our strategy, 30 young teach- department projects, which focuses on life skills. Low: 23 C S T Storms

Fishermen’s forecast

OFFSHORE DOHA Wind: NW-NE 03-13/22 KT Waves: 2-4/7 Feet INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW-NE 05-15 KT Waves: 1-2/3 Feet

Around the region Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Abu Dhabi Sunny 31/21 Sunny 31/21 Baghdad M Sunny 19/03 Sunny 17/02 Dubai Sunny 29/23 Sunny 30/22 Kuwait City P Cloudy 23/10 M Sunny 20/08 Manama M Sunny 27/20 S Showers 26/20 Muscat Sunny 28/21 Sunny 27/20 Riyadh Sunny 28/12 P Cloudy 23/12 Tehran Sunny 01/-9 M Sunny -3/-8

The project is aimed at developing the educational capacity of teachers. Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Athens Sunny 18/07 Sunny 18/07 Beirut P Cloudy 21/13 Sunny 21/11 Bangkok T Storms 30/26 T Storms 30/24 Berlin Fog 10/06 Fog 07/04 Cairo Sunny 27/15 Sunny 24/12 Cape Town P Cloudy 23/16 P Cloudy 22/15 CNA-Q to host Terry Fox Run on Friday Colombo S T Storms S T Storms 31/24 31/24 Dhaka Sunny 29/18 Sunny 29/19 Hong Kong Rain 23/14 P Cloudy 18/17 he 13th annual Terry Fox Run Manitoba, and raised in Port Coquit- run across Canada to raise money Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 Istanbul M Cloudy 15/08 M Cloudy 13/06 in Qatar will take place at the lam, British Columbia, a community for cancer research. After 18 months at the age 22. Jakarta S T Storms 32/25 T Storms 31/24 College of the North Atlantic - near Vancouver on Canada’s west and running over 5,000km to pre- Since 1981there are several Terry Fox Karachi Sunny 31/15 Sunny 33/18 T Showers 12/07 Qatar’s campus on Friday at 9.30am. coast. An active teenager involved in pare, Terry started his run in St. Runs globally each year. Terry specifi ed London 10/08 P Cloudy Manila P Cloudy P Cloudy 32/25 that all proceeds raised in his honour 33/24 This is a family run, walk or bike many sports, Terry was only 18 years John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, Moscow Sunny -3/-6 M Cloudy -1/-1 event open to all ages and abilities. old when he was diagnosed with bone 1980 with little fanfare. He ran close must stay in the community where they New Delhi Sunny 29/13 Sunny 29/16 The course is a 2km lap around the cancer and forced to have his right to 42km a day through Canada’s At- are raised. Since 2004, The Terry Fox New York Sunny 09/04 S Showers 10/07 CNA-Q campus, offering distances of leg amputated 15cm above the knee lantic provinces, Quebec and On- Run in Qatar has raised QR1,000,000 Paris P Cloudy 16/10 Cloudy 13/08 two, four, six, eight and 10km. Regis- in 1977. tario. However, on September 1st, for cancer research in the country. Sao Paulo S T Storms 24/16 Cloudy 24/16 Seoul P Cloudy 04/-4 Sunny 03/-3 tration is from 8am to 9.30am. There While in hospital, Terry was so after 143 days and 5,373km, Terry It is estimated that globally over Singapore S T Storms 31/25 T Storms 31/25 is no minimum donation or registra- overcome by the suffering of oth- was forced to stop running outside $650mn has been raised worldwide Sydney S T Storms 29/13 Sunny 21/13 tion fee required. er cancer patients, many of them of Thunder Bay, Ontario because for cancer research through the an- Tokyo Clear 13/10 Cloudy 06/00 Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, young children, that he decided to cancer had appeared in his lungs. nual Terry Fox Run. Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, November 23, 2016 QATAR Forum discusses seamless fan experience at 2022 World Cup he Supreme Committee partment, Rumailah Hospital). procedural matters connected to for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Dr Khalid al-Naemi, president their specifi c projects. Tlaunched its fi rst Acces- of the Arab Blind Federation, SC community engagement sibility Forum in Doha yesterday. also moderated a panel discus- manager, Khalid al-Jumaily, The initiative will regularly sion and Q&A session with the highlighted that the goal is to bring together private organisa- SC, Ashghal, Qatar Rail, HIA and ensure that everyone attending tions, NGOs, government repre- QTA. After listening to the pres- the World Cup in six years’ time sentatives and people with dis- entations and participating in has a truly seamless fan experi- abilities in Qatar to discuss what the panel discussion and Q&A, ence, whether that’s entering needs to be done to ensure a forum members in the audience stadiums, staying at hotels or seamless fan experience is deliv- were tasked with identifying fi ve enjoying Qatar’s public spaces. ered for people with disabilities key priorities that they wish to Dr Salih Ali al-Marri, assist- attending the 2022 FIFA World see addressed by the stakehold- ant general secretary, MoPH, Cup Qatar. ers in attendance. pointed out that Qatar has gone The fi rst forum was attended The fi ve priorities that came a long way in enabling people by stakeholders charged with from the fi rst forum were as fol- with special needs. “This was delivering infrastructure and lows: Adopting the masterplan evident in the vision I presented services required for the tour- criteria guide for people with at the ninth session of the Con- nament, including the Ministry disabilities in buildings and in- ference of States Parties to the of Transport and Communica- stallations – MoME; Adopt- Convention on the Rights of tions (MoTC), Ministry of Pub- ing the motor disability guide Persons with Disabilities in June lic Health (MoPH), Ministry of on how to use public transport 2016.” Municipality and Environment from and to the airport – MoTC; Al-Qahtani stressed that the (MoME), Ashghal, Qatar Rail, Training airport and hotel per- built environment should be Hamad International Airport sonnel on ways to deal with the barrier-free and adapted to fulfi l (HIA), Sasol Qatar, Qatar Tour- disabled community in general – the needs of all people equally. ism Authority (QTA) and the HIA and QTA; Integrating peo- Accessibility Forum mem- SC. ple with disabilities in the Vol- bers represent individuals with It was also attended by the unteer Programme of 2022 FIFA diff erent types of visible and Arab Blind Federation and rep- World Cup – SC; Setting up a invisible disabilities, ranging resentatives from the Physical mechanism to involve the disa- from physical (visual, speech, Medicine and Rehabilitation De- bled community in the planning hearing, deaf, brain injury, partment at Rumailah Hospital and implementation of projects use of a wheel chair); cogni- of Hamad Medical Corporation. by the participants in the forum tive (intellectual impairments); The Accessibility Forum will through workshops to be held all perceptual (learning disability) act as an independent consul- year long – all participants in the and mental health disabilities. tation group that will advise forum. Other members, who may not the SC and its stakeholders on Over the next 12 months, the have disabilities, come from or- specifi c disability requirements SC and other stakeholders in- ganisations representing disa- to ensure the 2022 FIFA World volved will assess the recom- bled people across Qatar and Cup Qatar is the most acces- mendations from the inaugural the region. sible and inclusive tournament Al-Thawadi with a member of the Accessibility Forum at the meeting yesterday. Accessibility Forum. This is to They have been selected ever, leaving a lasting legacy for be followed by a meeting in 12 on the basis of the nature of people with disabilities in the issues with stadiums, hotels and remarks at the inaugural forum 2022 FIFA World Cup gave pres- leader, Qatar National Master months’ time where the stake- their work, their experience, country. public spaces linked to the 2022 from SC secretary general Has- entations. Plan), Abdulaziz Saleh Alya- holders involved will update availability, expertise and in- Forum members, who will tournament and make recom- san al-Thawadi, representa- These included Eid Hamad fei (senior project engineer, the forum members on progress terest in participating in ac- meet three times a year for small mendations that will be assessed tives from MoTC, MoPH and a al-Qahtani (SC project manag- MoTC) and Dr Wafa al-Yazeedi against the fi ve recommenda- cessibility and community mat- focus groups and thematic in- and implemented across a va- number of other key stakehold- er, Qatar Foundation Stadium), (chairperson, Physical Medi- tions and update on how they ters related to the 2022 FIFA formation sessions, will discuss riety of projects.After opening ers involved in the delivery of the Noora Ali al-Suwaidi (team cine and Rehabilitation De- have helped shape policy and World Cup. Students interact with QU president

large number of stu- an exciting and inspiring en- dents participated in vironment that encourages Aa discussion session students’ participation in the with Qatar University (QU) learning experience, and in president Dr Hassan al-Der- which they can express their ham at the annual ‘Meet the views on a wide range of is- President’ event yesterday. sues related to academic af- The event aimed to discuss fairs and student services.” with students matters of con- During the event, students cern and interest, and to en- asked questions, discussed courage their participation in concerns and commented on university aff airs. It was also a wide range of topics includ- attended by QU vice presi- ing academic programmes dents, college deans, heads and their alignment with of departments and pro- market needs, admission and grammes, faculty and staff . reinstatement policies, park- In his opening remarks, Dr ing facilities, cafeteria food al-Derham asserted that the and prices, the establish- annual gathering aims to en- ment of a health clinic at the hance the spirit of communi- male building, and the provi- cation between students and sion of emergency vehicles at the university. the university, among many Dr Hassan al-Derham addressing students yesterday. “QU continues to create others. A section of QU students at the meeting. NU-Q to complete shift to new building in January 2017

orthwestern University tion - global and digital in all of its space is fi tted-out as a real news in Qatar (NU-Q) will be- concerns. Some of its main features studio with access to live news- Ngin moving in December include: three video production wires and a fully decked-out control to its new building. The shifting to studios, two 150-person lecture room. the four-storey, over 500,000sq ft halls, a world-class multimedia Another distinct feature in the building, is scheduled for comple- newsroom, a two-storey research building will be a three-storey tall tion on January 2, 2017. library, as well as an in-house mu- multimedia screen with grids that NU-Q has been housed at the seum, The Media Majlis at NU-Q. will allow for multiple displays – Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar “It has been fi ve years since we including international news chan- building since it established pro- broke ground for the new building nels, visiting lectures, and student grammes in the Education City in and it has taken signifi cant team and faculty videos. 2008. work to get this building completed. The LEED certifi cation was The new building was recently When fi nished, it will be the pre- awarded by the US Green Building awarded a Leadership in Energy & mier journalism and communica- Council, an organisation that iden- Environmental Design (LEED) Gold tion school in the region. In fact, tifi es buildings that are resource certifi cation, a mark of quality and with its state-of-the-art facilities effi cient, use less water and energy, achievement in construction. Spe- and equipment, it could be argued and reduce greenhouse gas emis- cifi cally, it recognises buildings that it will be one of the fi nest in the sions. that are healthier, more productive world,” said Everette E Dennis, dean The required number of points to places that also reduce stress on the and CEO of NU-Q. achieve a LEED Gold rating is 39 and environment by encouraging energy NU-Q’s students will have access NU-Q’s new building has scored 41 and resource-effi ciency. to a black box theatre, where they points in total. The building, designed by the can build their own sets and fi lm The building complies with mul- internationally renowned archi- short videos. tiple LEED categories related to tect, Antoine Predock, combines They can also use various fi lm sustainable sites including: water contemporary design with cutting- screening rooms, and a sound ef- effi ciency, energy conservation, edge technology, in an environmen- fects studio to produce their work. material selections and indoor en- tally-friendly facility. NU-Q’s undergraduates will also vironmental qualities. The structure is inspired by the have access to cutting-edge fi lming Some of its sustainable compo- region’s desert landscape, and em- equipment and editing programmes nents are the building’s proximity bodies subtle elements that express to create high-quality fi lms, docu- to existing community services and Qatari culture, climate, and loca- mentaries and news shows. pedestrian access to public trans- tion. The Qatar Foundation’s Capi- For journalism and broadcast portation, the landscaping of veg- tal Projects Directorate oversaw the students, the newsroom will defi ne etated open spaces and roofs, a construction and completion of the their experience as undergraduates. highly-effi cient irrigation system building. The interactive space will enable that reduces water consumption by It is also designed to facilitate the students to learn how to run entire 50%, and the use of regional mate- functions and purposes of a modern news shows and simulate corre- rials in its construction wherever school of media and communica- spondent reporting scenarios. The possible. A view of the new building of Northwestern University in Qatar.