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SUNDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10656 December 3, 2017 Rabia I 15, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Emir attends camel race Power game In brief to be blamed

QATAR | Diplomacy for proxy war Emir sends message to Russian president His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani sent a verbal in region: FM message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, pertaining to bilateral relations between the two countries and E the Deputy Prime Minister who attended the event over the past means of enhancing and developing and Foreign Minister Sheikh three days saw little future cheer. them. The message was conveyed HMohamed bin Abdulrahman Qatar’s foreign minister captured the by His Highness the Personal al-Thani said yesterday that the power gloom, bemoaning “a lack of wisdom” in Representative of the Emir Sheikh game being played in the region was the region, with “no hope” on hand for or- Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani during a leading to a state of polarisation which dinary people hoping for an end to years of meeting with the Russian president’s has created a proxy war and given some confl ict, upheaval and sectarianism. Special Representative for the Middle countries the excuse to interfere in the “Maybe, I have presented a dark pic- East and Africa and Deputy Foreign internal aff airs of other countries. ture, but it is not as dark as I have ex- Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, in Moscow His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended the conclusion of the second stage of the 6th local pure Speaking at the Rome 2017 MED plained, it is darker,” said Sheikh Mo- yesterday. Page 2 Arabian camel race competition of the 2017/18 season, which was held at Al Sheehaniya Racetrack yesterday. The competition conference, the deputy prime min- hamed. Qatar has been subjected to an was attended by a number of sheikhs, tribesmen and several camel race lovers. ister and foreign minister said Qatar economic blockade by its Arab neigh- QATAR | Phone talk had some diff erences with other Gulf bours, which accuse it of supporting ter- states but those diff erences were never rorism. Qatar denies the accusations. Emir, Abbas discuss at a level of a security threat. “This has A day earlier, Iranian Foreign Minis- Jerusalem issue been the guiding principle with our re- ter Mohamed Javad Zarif accused Saudi His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim lationship with other GCC countries.” Arabia of blocking ceasefi re eff orts in bin Hamad al-Thani held yesterday Qatar media upholds values: QMC CEO In a series of tweets, the Ministry of Syria, “suff ocating” Qatar, destabilising a telephone conversation with Foreign Aff airs quoted the salient points Lebanon and supporting Islamic State. Palestinian President Mahmoud he media in Qatar has upheld Referring to the abuses of the siege part of the audience. The criticism of of the minister’s address. Referring to the Casting around for reasons to be posi- Abbas on the latest developments in ethical values and principles countries, he said they were not limited the media in Qatar is directed at the GCC crisis, Sheikh Mohamed said: “We tive, most speakers pointed to the defeat the Palestinian arena. Abbas briefed Teven while dealing with grave to state symbols, but extended further blockaders’ media policies that incite see that the blockade and this crisis as an of Islamic State, which used to rule over the Emir on the developments in provocations from some foreign quar- to degrading women. “Even Arabs in such unethical behaviour.” obstacle to the collective eff ort to ensure millions of people in Iraq and Syria, but Jerusalem, risks facing the city and ters, CEO of Qatar Media Corporation the pre-Islamic era did not involve He said fake accounts on social me- that security covers the whole region and now controls just small pockets of land measures needed to protect it, as well HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad women in their diff erences. The block- dia were not new a phenomenon, but that the instability factor is not used by after months of fi erce military assaults. as the need to protect Islamic and al-Thani has said. ading countries broke all barriers in started in 2012 during the UAE-Qatar the power players.” However, offi cials warned the group Christian holy sites. The Palestinian The local media will not abuse state their attack on Qatar.” crisis. Reuters adds: The three-day confer- would not die easily. president also thanked the Emir for symbols of other countries and will Sheikh Abdulrahman said such be- “Qatar is patient and responds to the ence organised by Italy was focused on “It has been defeated as a military Qatar’s support to the Palestinian continue to deal with things rationally, haviour was limited to some people in accusations and the abuses levelled by the Middle East, the Gulf and North force on the ground, but it is likely to go people and its continued support for he said while participating in a panel the siege countries and was not accept- others carefully, rationally and reason- Africa and promised to look beyond the back to cities to create destruction and Palestine’s just cause. The two leader discussion at the fourth annual Gulf able to the masses in those nations. ably.” turmoil roiling the region and promote terror,” said Arab League Secretary- also exchanged views on a number Studies Forum organised by the Arab “The way the media in the blockad- The QMC CEO said media and the a “positive agenda”. General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, predict- of regional and international issues of Centre for Research and Policy Studies ing countries has so far dealt with the Gulf crisis cannot be used to criminal- However, many of the 45 heads of ing the militant group could still be common concern. yesterday. Gulf crisis has made them lose a large ise sympathy for Qatar. To Page 12 state, ministers and business leaders around in 10 years. To Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, December 3, 2017 QATAR

Qatar and Russia review bilateral ties His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, Slutsky, in Moscow yesterday. During the meeting, the Personal Representative of His Highness the they reviewed bilateral relations between the two Ministry Emir, met with the Chairman of the Russian State countries and a number of issues of common Doha to host Duma Committee on International Aff airs, Leonid concern. holds FM takes part in Rome MED conference forum for Interpol meet parents he Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Trepresented by the Depart- ment of Early Education, held the second annual forum for parents in “Maharati” (My Skills) project. on human During the meeting, the project organised by the ministry was presented for the fourth year in a row to develop language and nu- meracy skills in primary schools and raise the level of perform- ance of students from grades 1 to traffi cking 6 in language and arithmetic skills through several educational initia- nder the patronage of ian and economic assistance, against this phenomenon and tives. HE the Prime Minister and to co-ordinate and de- refl ects its keenness to preserve The meeting also dealt with Uand Minister of Interior velop awareness campaigns in human dignity. several topics, the most important Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser combating this phenomenon. He explained that the vision of which was the fruitful commu- bin Khalifa al-Thani, the fi fth The conference will discuss of the National Committee HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani nication and co-operation with edition of the Interpol Global major international develop- against Traffi cking in Human participating in the Rome 2017 MED conference yesterday. Picture courtesy of Ministry of the school administration, the Conference against Traffi cking ments and key issues in the fi ght Beings is to combat and eradi- Foreign Aff airs Twitter account. board of trustees and parents, and in Human Beings and Smug- against traffi cking in human cate the phenomenon of hu- the follow-up with the specialist gling of Migrants will be held in beings, smuggling of migrants. man traffi cking in all its forms in the interest of the student. Doha, on December 6. It will also focus on redefi ning and concepts in the country The student’s learning motiva- The conference will be pre- measures to combat traffi cking among all groups so that the tion was also discussed in terms of ceded by an expert group in human beings and discuss in- Qatari society would enjoy se- individual diff erences, providing a meeting and a training session ternational co-operation, espe- curity and stability, pointing Al-Sulaiti meets IMO secretary-general positive home environment for the on December 4-5, to review cially with the private sector and out that this goal is in line with learning process, identifying the policies and procedures adopt- relevant NGOs. Qatar National Vision 2030, appropriate motivational style, ed by countries to combat More than 300 ministers, which is to establish a society and helping the student deal with human traffi cking. parliamentarians and experts based on justice, charity and fears, challenges, diffi cult courses, The conference, organised from more than 90 coun- equality. and other related issues. by the International Criminal tries, as well as international This conference comes as The forum aims to raise aware- Police Organisation (Inter- and governmental organisa- part of Qatar’s eff orts to com- ness among parents about rais- pol), in co-operation with the tions, civil society and ma- bat this dangerous phenomenon ing children and helping them Qatar’s Ministry of Interior jor corporations from all over and to join international eff orts to learn, to discuss ways of co- and the National Committee the world, will attend the in this regard, in accordance operating with their children’s against Traffi cking in Human conference. with Law No 15 of 2011 on Com- schools to improve their learning Beings, aims to develop skills to HE the Minister of Admin- bating Traffi cking in Human outcomes, to learn more about develop a precise and sophisti- istrative Development, Labour Beings and highlighting the ef- “My Skills” project for develop- cated defi nition of the concepts and Social Aff airs and chairman fective role played locally and ing language and numeracy skills, of human traffi cking and how of the National Committee to internationally in combating to open channels of direct contact to identify victims, the means Combat Human Traffi cking Dr this phenomenon, and coun- with parents and to receive their and tools used by traffi cking Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi try’s eff orts to combat all forms HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti held talks with proposals and observations. gangs, to co-ordinate the lo- said that Qatar’s hosting of the of corruption and to enhance Kitack Lim, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), in London yesterday. The forum witnessed a great cal and international eff orts, International Conference on security, as well as to consoli- The meeting discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and IMO in the field of marine transport interaction by the parents, who exchange information in com- Combating Human Traffi ck- date the concepts of prevention, industry and means of further enhancing and developing them. They also discussed Qatar’s praised the forum for its useful in- bating the phenomenon, as ing and Smuggling of Migrants suppression and combating hu- support to council membership nominations from countries that show compliance and application formation and advice, which will well as to train individuals and is evidence of the eff ective role man traffi cking by establishing a of all IMO and UN maritime laws and agreements, at the IMO’s general assembly elections. The enhance the positive attitude and institutions concerned on how played by the country locally society based on justice, charity meeting was also attended by Qatar’s ambassador to the United Kingdom Yousef bin Ali al-Khater. learning motivation of students. to provide legal, humanitar- and internationally in the fi ght and equality. (QNA) (QNA)

Scholars to sue over ‘terror’ label UCL Qatar and QM shed

AFP Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt sate for the harm they caused us Doha and Bahrain. because they damaged our repu- fresh light on Doha’s past The four Arab states are locked tation,” IUMS secretary-general in a political feud with Qatar, Ali al-Qaradaghi said, refer- leading Qatar-based now in its six months, over al- ring to the four Arab countries CL Qatar and Qatar Muslim organisation legations Doha supports Islam- boycotting Qatar. Museums (QM) will Aplaced on a “terrorism ist extremism and is too close to Speaking after a press con- Umark the latest mile- list” by Saudi Arabia and its al- Saudi arch-rival Iran. ference on Friday, he said the stone in their successful ar- lies has said it would take legal Qatar denies the allegations, organisation would “not stay si- Ali al-Qaradaghi, secretary- chaeological collaboration action to clear its name. but the deep-rooted crisis has lent” and that the terror list was general, IUMS, speaks during with a public lecture this week The International Union of threatened to destabilise the not recognised by the United a press conference in Doha on to update on the achieve- Muslim Scholars (IUMS) said Gulf. Nations. Friday. ments delivered through the it would pursue legal action in “There will be a legal request Saudi Arabia and its allies in Joint QM-UCL Qatar Old Doha Europe and the United States, to the responsible authorities in the Qatar boycott placed IUMS promoted “terrorism by using Rescue Excavations. claiming its reputation had been America and Europe to fi le legal on a “terrorism” list late last Islamic rhetoric as a cover to December 5, Professor Rob- harmed due to the listing by claims to restore and compen- month, saying the organisation facilitate terrorist activities”. ert Carter, research fellow at UCL Qatar, and Dr Ferhan Sakal, head of archaeological Best Buddies Qatar operations at Qatar Museums, will explain how the excavation to mark World Day helps document lives of the of People with people of Doha, from the foun- Recording wells at Nuaija with QM staff . Disabilities 70 trained to become dation of the town at the start of the 19th century through to international trading patterns, rapid, exciting development of Best Buddies Qatar observes the impact of the discovery of and demonstrating how its Doha now adds real urgency to World Day of People with oil in the 1950s. levels of connectivity rose and our work – and whilst a great Disabilities, which falls on Together, they will explain fell in step with global patterns deal has been achieved already, December 3, each year with a cultural ambassadors the challenges involved in trac- of trade. thanks to the level of collabora- number of activities, events and ing evidence of the histori- UCL Qatar’s contribution to tion to date, we’re enormously awareness campaigns throughout cal experiences of the people the excavation was supported excited about the next phase of the week. atar Museums (QM) of Qatar and their ancestors, by its Origins of Doha and Qatar the project.” The activities aim at highlighting has said it has success- and explain how their fi ndings Project. This multidisciplinary Dr Sakal added, “Through the issues of persons with Qfully concluded the shed light on people’s lives and research project is supported our work with UCL Qatar, we’re disabilities and achieving their fi rst round of training sessions economic existence within the by the Qatar National Re- making strong progress in a social integration, and spreading for participants taking part urban environment. search Fund and has been run- number of activities that en- awareness. in its recently launched com- Key fi ndings uncovered by ning since 2012. It explores the hance the heritage of the coun- The event will conclude with a munity cultural ambassador the project to date include foundation and historic growth try and improve awareness of it. play by people with disabilities. programme. how resilient the people of of Doha and other coastal cities We’re committed to putting lo- Laalei Abu Alfain, executive The initiative, which is or- Doha have been, and how they through archaeological inves- cal communities in touch with director, Best Buddies Qatar, said ganised by QM’s cultural tour- have adapted to rapid change tigation, historical research, their past and joint projects that Qatar through its National ism unit, is designed to engage since the foundation of their architectural studies and oral such as these provide yet fur- Strategy 2030 and through long-term residents of Qatar town; episodes of destruction testimony. ther evidence of the country’s its five-year plans, provides all to become honorary cultural and rebuilding in the mid-late Commenting on the talk, major progress in preserving its benefits to people with disabilities ambassadors (HCAs). 19th century and a period of Professor Carter said: “Togeth- history and culture.” in Qatar. “Best Buddies Qatar also The programme has been Participants of the programme with off icials. increasing wealth during the er with our partners at Qatar The talk – titled ‘The History ensures for people with disabilities immensely popular, with peak of the pearl fi shery in the Museums, we have made re- Beneath Your Feet: What Urban equal opportunities and eff ective hundreds of residents repre- Somaya al-Tamimi, director Qatar’s most unique destinations. late 19th-early 20th century; markable progress in uncover- Excavations Can Tell Us About His- participation in society in order senting nearly 60 nationali- of Strategy and Quality Assur- To complete the programme and how Doha and its peo- ing new and important aspects toric Doha and the World’ – takes to contribute to the prosperity ties applying for the chance to ance at Qatar Museums, said: and earn the HCA designation, ple interacted with the world, of Qatar’s rich history, build- place on Tuesday at 6pm in the Au- of the country and to achieve its represent Qatar. Following the “We are honoured by the interest participants will need to take measuring how closely Doha ing up a detailed understand- ditorium, ground fl oor, Georgetown comprehensive development.” application and review proc- and high-level engagement this part in two afternoon lectures was connected to regional and ing of the country’s past. The Building, Education City. She expressed her happiness with ess, 70 people were chosen programme received from the and two full-day VIP tours to the wide partnerships, the clear to be trained by QM’s guides community and are proud of the QM museums, exhibitions and harmony and concerted eff orts to become honorary cultural group we selected. The 70 hon- heritage sites. among all institutions and centres ambassadors. orary cultural ambassadors have The training kicked off last for people with disabilities The chosen ambassadors broad knowledge and love for week at the Doha Fire Station, within Qatar, which contributes demonstrated keen interest in Qatar, which will help take the which will be followed by sev- positively to the community Qatar’s cultural off ering and experience of visitors to Qatar eral visits to QM institutions, awareness of their issues and deep passion for sharing their to the next level of personalised including the Museum of Is- achieve the most important goal knowledge with others. As part care and attention.” lamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Mu- of social integration. She said the of their responsibilities, par- Honorary cultural ambas- seum of Modern Art, Doha Fire initiative seeks to correct many ticipants will have the honour sadors are currently taking Station, QM Gallery Al Riwaq misconceptions and prejudices of meeting with distinguished part in comprehensive train- and Qatar’s largest heritage towards people with disabilities. guests and accompanying ing sessions, during which site, Al Zubarah. She explained that the initiative them on tours of cultural sites, they attend a series of lec- The honorary designation organises events and seminars as well as off ering their own tures on art, heritage, culture signifi es QM’s appreciation and field visits, to draw attention views and interpretations of and the history of Qatar. This of residents’ dedication to the to the issues faced by people with Qatar to allow guests to fully will be led by knowledgeable community, as well as their disabilities and ways to integrate experience and enjoy Qatar’s fi eld experts and comple- commitment to Qatar and the them in society. (QNA) cultural and historic highlights. mented by tours to some of local culture. Souq Waqif, 1960s-2013 mashup.

Gulf Times 4 Sunday, December 3, 2017 QATAR

QCHP holds training workshop for inspection staff

Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners It included presentations, scenarios and (QCHP) recently organised a workshop interactive discussions during which the to train a new survey and inspection staff staff was briefed on the policies, regulations to prepare them to review applications and procedures related to the accreditation submitted by accredited organisations as system for medical education and continuing providers of medical education, continuing professional development. DIFI concludes professional development and field visits. The survey team was selected by the (QCHP) The workshop was part of the eff orts of the from various health care institutions and QCHP to ensure the optimal application of the academic institutions in Qatar in accordance National Programme for Medical Education with the qualifications and skills necessary to and Continuing Professional Development. accomplish the tasks entrusted to them. expert group meet he Doha Interna- resentatives of United to our partner, the Arab countries face in integrat- practices that perpetu- tional Family Insti- Nations entities, civil so- States Regional Offi ce for ing families in development ate women’s position as Ttute (DIFI), a mem- ciety organisations and the UNFPA, who share a strategies. secondary to men.” ber of Qatar Foundation other stakeholders to ex- commitment to support “Whether it’s for indi- The Expert Group Meet- (QF), has concluded its Ex- plore the role, value and the implementation of the vidual human beings or ing concluded with an in- pert Group Meeting titled feasibility of a “family per- SDGs. This Expert Group for families, the SDGs will teractive session titled ‘The ‘Integrating a Family Per- spective” towards achiev- Meeting proposes the fam- ensure that people have Road Ahead: Concrete Ac- spective in the SDGs in the ing several sustainable ily lens as one way to shift access to basic human tions and Recommenda- Arab countries: Aspirations development goals (SDGs) the rhetoric from appreci- rights that will guarantee tions’, where participant and Challenges’. and targets with emphasis ating families to prioritis- their welfare, and conse- recommendations were dis- The meeting, which took on the goals supporting ing and integrating fam- quently the welfare of en- cussed. place at the Qatar Nation- the welfare, protection, ily policies into national tire societies,” said Dr Luay DIFI, through its projects al Convention Centre in participation and rights of and regional plans.” Shabaneh, UNFPA’s di- and initiatives, aims to high- Doha, was held in partner- individuals, according to a Following two days of rector for the Arab region. light the importance of fam- ship with the Arab States statement. paper presentations and “We believe in equality be- ily issues in the Arab world Regional Offi ce for the Noor al-Malki al-Jehani, group discussions, the par- tween men and women in and make them a priority United Nations Population executive director, DIFI, ticipants provided their all aspects of life, including for policy-makers on local, Fund (UNFPA). thanked the participants expert analysis and policy inside a family, and call for regional, and international Through the event, for their contributions, recommendations on the the abandonment of social levels. DIFI brought together a giving a special thanks to contribution of families to broad spectrum of aca- the UNFPA: “I would like the achievement of SDGs demics, researchers, rep- to extend our appreciation and on the challenges Arab

Noor al-Malki al-Jehani speaking at the Expert Group Meeting.

Gulf Times 6 Sunday, December 3, 2017 QATAR QIC partners with Qatar Airways for Qmiles rewards

atar Insurance Company (QIC) has announced its Qpartnership with Qatar Airways for its premier custom- ers to earn Qmiles. Under the new partnership, Privilege Club (Qatar Airways Fre- quent Flyer Programme) members can now earn Qmiles upon pur- HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari attends the conference. chase or renewal of comprehensive (full) car insurance in Qatar. Customers would simply need to visit http://bit.do/qatarai- rways to buy or renew their car insurance and enter their Privi- lege Club membership number to earn Qmiles. Customers who QIC Group president & CEO Khalifa Abdulla Turki al-Subaey. wish to buy or renew insurance HMC conference from any of the branches of QIC rewarding customers for select- “Qatar Airways is delighted to would need to present their Priv- ing QIC as their trusted insur- partner with QIC to off er even ilege Club membership card dur- ance partner.” more options to earn Privilege ing the transaction. He added: “We are confi dent Club Qmiles. Qatar Airways QIC Group president and CEO that this new scheme will be Privilege Club is our way of say- Khalifa Abdulla Turki al-Subaey well-received by customers in ing thank you to our programme said: “QIC is pleased to partner Qatar and we will eventually roll members. Through this exclusive discusses ways to with Qatar Airways. Through out the same across the region. partnership, Privilege Club con- this distinctive partnership, we Going forward, we will have more tinues to be even more rewarding have taken a further step towards exclusive off ers and privileges to and enables members to enjoy an extending our range of benefi ts to off er customers.” exclusive range of benefi ts when enhance customers’ experience Qatar Airways Group chief choosing to travel with Qatar for being with us. It is our way of executive Akbar al-Baker said: Airways.” tackle diabetes he Hamad Medical Corporation tabolism, Professor Abdul Badi Abu Samra, (HMC) and the National Institute of stressed the importance of the eff orts of TDiabetes, Obesity and Metabolism HMC and others in the world to achieve a hosted Qatar II Diabetes, Endocrinology and deep understanding of the diseases. Metabolism Conference which was attended Abu Samra said 17% of the adults in Qatar by a number of leading experts in endocrinol- suff er from diabetes. ogy, obesity, osteoporosis and diabetes. Many of these patients suff er from com- The three-day conference, held under the plications related to diabetes such as hyper- patronage of HE the Minister of Public Health tension, kidney disease and visual problems, Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, discussed which negatively aff ects their lives and puts strategies to prevent the spread of diabetes, more burdens on the shoulders of the health the methods used in diagnosing and treating system, he said, highlighting the need to or- the disease as well as the latest developments ganise a meeting with those concerned in the on diseases and endocrine problems. medical community to discuss the best prac- Commenting on the most important top- tices and long-term strategies to prevent the ics addressed by the conference, HE Dr Ku- spread of diabetes and to reduce the risk of wari said diabetes is one of the biggest health diseases and complications associated with it. challenges facing the modern world, and Qa- The consultant and head of the Endocrinol- tar is among the countries where this disease ogy and Diabetes Department at Hamad is widespread. Medical Corporation, and chairman of the “We have to work together with local and organising committee of the conference, Dr international experts to fi nd appropriate so- Mahmoud Zerai, said the event included ses- lutions and strategies to address this disease, sions on insulin treatment, study of cases of and this conference provided an opportunity thyroid disorders, and other related subjects. to share the work done in Qatar to improve he said the conference was one of the most healthcare and improve patient outcomes, as important medical events that brought to- the establishment of the National Centre for gether many medical experts under one roof Obesity Treatment of Hamad Medical Cor- in the region, providing an opportunity for poration,” she said. healthcare professionals to exchange expe- The head of the Department of Internal riences and learn about the latest develop- Medicine at HMC and Director of the Na- ments related to medical research, treatment tional Institute of Diabetes Obesity and Me- and prevention. Live Issue Page 25

Dignitaries at the conference. Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 7 QATAR

Doha Bank group chief executive Dr R Seetharaman and other off icials with the bank’s latest millionaire. Latest Al Dana winners named oha Bank announced the 20 newly-launched promotion off ering on a monthly basis. It is a true joy to winners of its Al Dana Savings double chances – for every QR1,000, promote the habit of saving among our DScheme’s monthly draw for No- Doha Bank customers get double customers, and enable them to grow vember at a community event held re- chances in the draw, and “6 Extra their earnings,” said Doha Bank group cently in Souq Waqif. Chances to win QR1mn” for custom- chief executive Dr R Seetharaman. Taking home the mega cash prize of ers keeping a minimum balance of He said: “To be able to double and QR1mn is R Fotedar, who was named QR25,000 in their Al Dana savings ac- triple their chances of winning, we en- the newest Al Dana millionaire during count. courage our customers to keep their Al the event, which was live-streamed on Recently, the Al Dana monthly draw Dana balances for as long as possible, Doha Bank’s social media platforms. events have become a fun-fi lled reason and to take a credit card or loan against “I’m overwhelmed and grateful for for families to come together for a day their deposit.” this blessing. I would like to thank Qa- out at a prominent venue, with the No- “It is this easy and convenient,” tar, its people and above all Doha Bank vember event featuring a mix of com- Seetharaman added. “The more our for giving me this life-changing oppor- plimentary activities for children and customers save, the better their chanc- tunity,” she said. grown-ups, including a face-painting es of winning life-changing prizes. H al-Abdulla, won the QR100,000 booth and henna sessions. Every QR1,000 saved in Al Dana ac- cash prize, while S al-Majid walked In addition, a raffl e was also organ- count doubles the chances to win, sub- away with the QR25,000 Young Saver ised for the millionaire draw spectators, ject to the minimum balances required Scholarship prize. where two winners won a 5g gold coin for each draw. Fifteen others were awarded each. “We invite all of our customers to QR10,000 each. “The Al Dana Savings Scheme con- get involved and make the most of this This month’s draws included the tinues to change the lives of our savers unique programme.” Gulf Times 8 Sunday, December 3, 2017 QATAR Sidra opens Pediatric Rehabilitation clinic

idra Medicine has said it is marking Inter- director for Pediatric Rehabilitation – has been dren, young people and women. Dr Thornton said. “I feel privileged reach their full potential. national Day of Persons with Disabilities appointed as the division chief of Pediatric Re- The clinic helps manage the health to be part of Qatar’s strategy to help “We teach the parents how and Stoday by announcing the launch of its habilitation Medicine. of children with physical disabili- children with special needs get to what to do over a certain timescale. Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine clinic. Sidra Medicine is a member of Qatar Foun- ties such as paralysis, cerebral palsy adulthood with dignity and with If it becomes apparent that this goal Sidra Medicine has also announced that Dr dation for Education, Science and Community and brain damage. Patients are cur- family and community support. cannot be reached, then we help the Lisa Thornton – former University of Chicago Development and Qatar’s new hospital for chil- rently referred internally from Sidra “Sidra Medicine is most defi nitely parents to reframe their ‘normal’ Medicine’s own in-house teams, as a beacon of learning and discovery and work towards a revised goal. At well as Hamad Medical Corporation and I am delighted to be part of it and the end of the day, we want the child and Primary Health Care Corpora- to join a diverse and dedicated team to achieve optimal function,” Dr tion. The service will be expanded of specialists who are all committed Thornton added. to accept referrals from doctors who to ensuring improved outcomes for Speaking about the clinic’s broad- practice outside of these institutions Dr Lisa Thornton patients and families alike.” er, long-term vision for creating a in 2018. The clinic expects to see The Rehabilitation Clinic ensures community-based ecosystem, Dr more than 1,000 patients in its fi rst network around a child and helping that the patient is seen by Dr Thorn- Thornton emphasised that a child year. parents throughout the journey by ton together with a physical therapist with a disability is just as healthy The clinic’s focus will be on a empowering them with knowledge and an occupational therapist. Com- and capable as those without physi- multidisciplinary, community- and guidance. bining the collective expertise of a cal disabilities and should be en- based approach - working with “During my research before mov- child’s rehabilitation team allows for couraged to pursue any interest, be young patients and their families ing to Qatar, I found a series of fa- the development of a more tailored, it sports, music or travel. “There are under the leadership of Dr Thornton, vourable articles on Qatar support- holistic approach for every child. already a number of programmes and who has over 20 years of experience ing children with disabilities and the As part of this wide-ranging spec- activities in Qatar designed to en- in the fi eld. commitment made by Her Highness trum of care and support, the family able participation for children with The IDPD’s theme this year Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to improv- will also receive a personalised plan physical disabilities. More collabora- “transformation towards sustain- ing the lives of these children. I was on what to expect regarding the im- tion between the various programme able and resilient society for all”, also grateful to see the kind of openness pact their child’s disability will have owners and healthcare entities will aligns with Dr Thornton’s philoso- that Qatar has to this population and on their lives, and receive guidance help create a supportive and exten- phy of strengthening the support saw a chance to be part of its eff orts,” on the best ways to help their child sive community,” she concluded.

Lecture on smart infrastructure

The Department of Architectural and Civil Engineering (CAE) and the Off ice of Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at Qatar University College of Engineering (QU-CENG) recently organised the second professorial lecture titled ‘Smart Infrastructure: talking tunnels, self- sensing bridges, simulation and artificial intelligence’. The lecture was delivered by CENG Qatari Diar-Saudi Bin Laden Group chair Dr Mohamed Elshafie. Attendees included CENG associate dean for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Abbes Amira and CAE head Dr Mohamed Hussein, as well as CENG faculty and students and representatives from industry. Dr Elshafie highlighted the demand to change the construction industry needs. Without fast action, the industry would inevitably face inexorable decline throughout the upcoming years, he said, adding: “According to the World Economic Forum, in the years up to 2020, the world will experience a fourth industrial revolution due to the rapid development of technologies such as sensors, artificial intelligence and 3D printing. “Digitally enhanced or smart infrastructure will therefore be a core aspect of this new digital world in the infrastructure sector that will revolutionise how infrastructure is delivered, managed and automatically controlled.”He added: “In addition to the direct technical knowledge gained from these case studies, it will be argued that the traditional roles, business models and measures of value within the industry are all set to change; hence, the infrastructure sector needs to recalibrate itself to meet this change.” Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 9 QATAR HIA conducts airport tour for children with special needs

amad International Airport (HIA) has conducted, in observance of HInternational Day of Persons with Disabilities, a bespoke airport tour for children with special needs from Shafallah Centre, one of Qatar’s centres for social work. The occasion is an international ob- less of their needs. On the oc- ance equipment to assist with servance promoted by the United Nations casion of International Day of either vertical or horizontal cir- since December 3, 1992, with the aim of Persons with Disabilities, we culation. All conveyance equip- promoting an understanding of disability partnered with the Shafallah ment for the purpose of assist- issues and mobilise support for the well- Centre to organise a tour around ing passengers with reduced being of persons with disabilities. the airport and showcase our mobility have smooth and level The children, aged between seven and commitment to providing an thresholds with controls, where 12 years, were taken through the depar- inclusive and comfortable travel required, mounted within easy tures hall where each of the check-in rows experience for everyone.” reach, the statement notes. is equipped with spacious and lowered HIA off ers barrier-free access Special handling lounges are special handling desks to aid passengers and dedicated facilities to make available throughout the termi- with reduced mobility. They were then travelling more comfortable for nal for the comfort of passengers taken across the airport terminal in the passengers who require spe- who require special assistance. airport passenger train, which is designed cial assistance. HIA’s network All special handling lounges of- to provide easy access to passengers with of elevators, escalators, ramps, fer comfortable seating and reduced mobility (PRMs). walkways and passenger train trained attendants. The children were treated with enter- off er simple access to PRMs, Shafallah Centre was estab- tainment in the form of a magic show per- according to a press statement. lished in 1999 under the guid- formed by the team at Qatar Duty Free. Airport ground staff is trained ance of Her Highness Sheikha Abdulaziz al-Mass, vice-president - on the basics of handling and Moza bint Nasser to meet Qatari Commercial and Marketing, said: “At HIA, assisting customers with spe- society’s need to create a com- it is our priority to provide a seamless and cial needs. prehensive, leading and non- comfortable journey to every passenger The airport terminal is profi t centre dedicated to chil- that passes through our terminal, regard- The children, aged between seven and 12 years, were taken through various sections of the airport. equipped with various convey- dren with special needs.

Aspetar holds fi rst Sports Pharmacy Conference

spetar has held its The second session saw fi rst Sports Phar- Aspetar experts discuss Amacy Conference, nutrition and supple- an event that brought ments. They explained together sports pharma- the management of iron cists, physicians, sports and vitamin D defi ciency, scientists and other from which 83% of local healthcare professionals athletes suff er, and dis- to discuss how to opti- cussed the eff ect of nu- mise athlete care and ad- tritional supplements in vance pharmacotherapy sports and Aspetar’s glo- related to sports medi- bal leadership in sports cine. nutrition research. Under this innovative There was a dedicated theme, participants tack- session on prohibited led the concept of sports drugs in sport and the pharmacotherapy, con- global fi ght against dop- structed an optimised ing. They illustrated the pharmacy practice model, depth of Qatar’s com- identifi ed essential knowl- mitment to tackle dop- edge and skills, and shared ing, as well as the use of their insights on how to cortisone among athletes, advance sports pharmacy therapeutic use exemp- practices, benefi ting from tions and the use of sup- Aspetar’s contributions to plements in doping. global research, according In the fourth session, to a press statement. Aspetar consultants re- Commenting on the vealed novel therapies conference, Aspetar’s in sports medicine, in- pharmacy director Dr cluding plasma therapy, Manal al-Zaidan said: mesotherapy, placebo in- “This is to our knowledge terventions and the infl u- the fi rst sports pharmacy ence of homeopathy. conference of its kind. It At the end of the day, provided an ideal oppor- participants engaged in tunity for Aspetar experts discussions about what and researchers to join pharmacotherapy can teach hands with healthcare the sporting world, the vi- professionals in shar- tal role of pharmacists in ing insights about sports sports medical teams and pharmacy concepts which what community pharma- encompasses the use of cists should know about drugs in athletics, wheth- drugs in sports. er for therapeutics or for The fi nal session cov- performance enhance- ered the medication ment, and how to apply management process for enhanced inter-profes- travelling teams and dis- sional collaboration to cussed the challenges in- improve athlete care.” volved in major events. The one-day confer- The conference is “fur- ence addressed several ther evidence of Aspetar’s topics through fi ve ses- continued eff orts to re- sions. The fi rst session main at the forefront of covered some of the most the latest developments current topics relevant to in sports medicine and exercise and sports phar- orthopaedic surgery and macology, the medical highlight the emerg- management of common ing roles for pharmacists conditions in athletes, in assisting athletes to the use of nonsteroidal achieve maximum per- anti-infl ammatory drugs, formance and realise their antibiotic and the phar- full potential”, the state- macology of pain. ment notes.

The audience listens to one of the presentations at Aspetar’s first Sports Pharmacy Conference. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, December 3, 2017 QATAR

Foundation stone laid for landmark Karwa bus manufacturing project in Oman

ceremony was held re- their presence were Khalid al- will be on a 220,000sq m site lo- technology partner and CKD kit cently to lay the founda- Hail, chairman of Karwa Motors; cated not far from a world-scale supplier for the project. Ation stone for a Karwa Mo- Nasser bin Mohamed al-Malki, multipurpose port currently be- “Karwa Motors is expected tors bus manufacturing project in chairman of Mowasalat Qatar; ing developed at Duqm. to contribute immensely to Duqm Special Economic Zone and Khalid al-Yahmadi, chief Al-Hail said: “Proximity and knowledge transfer, skills de- (SEZ), Oman. executive offi cer of OIF who is ease of access to the Port of velopment and socio-economic Karwa Motors is a joint venture also the vice-chairman of Karwa Duqm ensures reduced shipping growth within Duqm and be- partnership between Mowasalat Motors, along with dignitaries, times and less eff ort and time on yond. Besides creating high- Qatar – the national transport senior offi cials from SEZAD and road transportation for raw ma- value technical and administra- company of Qatar, with a 70% other guests. terials as well as quick despatch tive jobs for Omanis, the project equity stake, and Oman Invest- Al-Hail said: “Karwa Motors of fi nished buses to customers. has the potential to catalyse the ment Fund (OIF) — a sovereign will leverage Oman’s existing au- This also assists in speedy release growth of a fl ourishing automo- wealth fund of the Sultanate of tomotive supply chain network to of goods from the port, reducing tive components sector, nurture Oman, with the remaining 30% gain a foothold in the Oman and storage time.” technical talent pools, and also stake. Qatar markets, which is tipped The facility will be initially position Oman as a destina- Together, the partners will in- Off icials and dignitaries at the event. to become the region’s largest by equipped for welding, paint- tion for sophisticated industrial vest around $90mn in the initial 2022. ing and assembly of buses and manufacturing,” the statement phase of the project, a venture on market demand, the state- roles in R&D, design, parts man- The foundation stone was laid “This plant will enable Karwa coaches. added. that has the potential to underpin ment notes. ufacturing and global marketing. under the patronage of Yahya Motors to sell buses in the larg- Over time, the project is ex- “A key spin-off is its potential the growth of a bus hub at Duqm The plant is designed to pro- The foundation stone-laying bin Saeed al-Jabri, chairman of est market of the Mena region pected to pull in investments in to support the development of over the long term, Mowasalat duce coach buses, dity buses and ceremony marks a key milestone the Special Economic Zone Au- while providing greater fl exibility auto parts, components, engi- an advanced design, engineer- has said in a press statement. school buses tailored for the local in the development of a landmark thority at Duqm (SEZAD), and in for Oman and Qatar. Worldwide neering services, electronics, ing and processing knowledge The plant is initially planned and regional markets. initiative to build the nation’s the presence of undersecretar- demand for buses is growing workshops and so on, thereby base in Oman, fuel innovation in for a production capacity of The project is expected to cre- fi rst-ever bus manufacturing and ies, ambassadors and the repre- and this is the fi rst step towards creating an automotive-based processes and product design, 1,000 buses a year, which can in- ate around 200 jobs in Phase assembly plant based on a stra- sentatives of the partners in the becoming a leading regional bus manufacturing cluster in Duqm. and drive the growth of export- crease up to 3,000 buses per an- 1, which may double after the tegic investment by the govern- project. manufacturer.” Chinese bus manufacturer led private investments in this num in a phased expansion based expansion with the addition of ments of Qatar and Oman. Also gracing the event with The fi rst stage of the project Higer Co Ltd has been named the industry.” Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 11 QATAR United for Healthier Kids gets LuLu boost

ore children in Qatar are embrace the underlying message “Our purpose at Nestle is to being off ered one free and will take it along throughout enhance quality of life and con- Mfruit or vegetable when their journey ahead.” tribute to a healthier future, they visit select LuLu Hyper- The initiative, which also in- which we know can best be done market outlets on select week- cludes year-round displays and through collaborations,” said Pa- ends between November 25 and dissemination of information on tricia El Chammas, United for December 16 through the ‘Adopt the benefi ts of fruits and veg- Healthier Kids manager at Nestlé a Fruit, Adopt a Vegetable’ initia- etables, is a coming together of Middle East. tive, launched earlier this year by Nestle Middle East with LuLu “We are committed to promot- the United for Healthier Kids ini- Hypermarket to advocate for the ing healthy diets and lifestyles, tiative, LuLu Group has said. ‘More Fruits & Vegetables’ be- specifi cally among children, and United for Healthier Kids is a haviour called for by United for evidence from our research indi- programme developed by Nestle Healthier Kids. cates that children who try new to create partnerships that help It capitalises on the generos- fruits and vegetables are likely to nurture healthier generations. ity of Arab culture by promoting consume more of them.” Shaijan M O, regional director ‘More Movement, More Water, The ‘More Fruits and Vegeta- of LuLu Group, said: “This initia- More Fruits & Vegetables, and More bles’ call will be brought to life tive has created a positive impact Managed Portions’ – behaviours through various characters cre- among kids on the importance of scientifi cally proven to positively ated out of fruits and vegetables, consumption of fruits and veg- impact quality of life, especially if with names and key benefi ts of etables in ensuring a healthy life- adopted at an early age, according each presented in a fun and ap- style. We are sure that kids will to a press statement by LuLu. pealing manner. Off icials and dignitaries mark the initiative.

Fifty One East brings in Harmonies collection Naseem Al Rabeeh wins European

r Vincenzo Costigliola Bang & Olufsen, represented by Fif- award for best medical practices ty One East, has introduced the Harmonies Collection that D“fuses the cool Nordic minimalism of Bang & Olufsen design with a breath of natural green colour tones”. atar-based Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical The collection encompasses a selection of fi ve “carefully select- Centre has announced that it has received ed” wireless speaker systems from Bang & Olufsen, and is the latest Qthe Rose of Paracelsus Award, which rec- off ering of alternative style choices that match the current design ognises exemplary medical practice around the trend towards bolder and more colourful home interiors, according world. to a press statement from Fifty One East. The award has been established by Europe Busi- The Harmonies Collection is a limited collection that is available ness Assembly (EBA), Great Britain, and European at the Bang & Olufsen store in Lagoona Mall on the fi rst fl oor. Medical Association (EMA), Belgium, with the aim The Harmonies Collection design is based around a lush and or- of recognising the best medical practices and prac- ganic Infantry Green tone. On aluminium surfaces, Infantry Green titioners. will vary from a dark golden tone to an alluring green, depending on Last month, EBA and EMA held a special session the refl ections and intensity of light. of the joint project, ‘The Best Medical Practice Ses- Similarly, the fabrics used in the collection will trick the eye as it sion, in London, and awarded the Rose of Paracel- appears both green and earthy brown from diff erent angles and in sus Award to Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical Centre. diff erent lighting. The Harmonies Collection. Dr Munir Ali Ibrahim, general manager of Na- The name Harmonies derives from the word harmony, which de- seem Al rabeeh Healthcare Group, received the scribes an orderly and pleasing combination of diff erent elements. ryday life and diff erent domestic settings,” the statement adds. award – which is granted to the best clinics and The speakers are equipped with the Bang & Olufsen multiroom The new colour-toned collection encompasses a variation of hospitals whose professional reputation is con- functionality, which allows one to have the speakers play diff erent wireless speaker systems: BeoSound 1 and BeoSound 2 in Infantry fi rmed by quality standards compliance and pa- music in diff erent rooms or seamlessly connect to have one tune flow Green anodised aluminium; BeoPlay A9, which has brass-toned alu- tient loyalty — from Dr Vincenzo Costigliola, EMA throughout the home. “By providing excellent sound performance minium ring, Infantry Green woven front Kvadrat fabric and smoked president. and optimum connectivity with absolute freedom of placement – in oak wooden legs; BeoPlay M5 with brushed Infantry Green alumin- The award, together with an EMA honorary cer- combination with new colour options – the Harmonies Collection is ium top and Infantry Green woven Kvadrat fabric; and BeoSound 35 tifi cate, ‘The Best Medical Practice’, proves the reli- Naseem Al rabeeh Healthcare Group general man- designed for modern fl exible living. with brass-tone aluminium cabinet, Infantry Green fabric cover and ability and exemplary practice of a modern medical ager Dr Munir Ali Ibrahim receives the award from These wireless speaker systems easily adapt to the rhythm of eve- black aluminium table stand. facility. EMA president Dr Vincenzo Costigliola. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, December 3, 2017 QATAR Gulf crisis is a ‘major global issue’

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

he Gulf crisis is a major global issue, a French Tpolitical scientist and international relations special- ist has said. Delivering the keynote lec- ture at the opening of the fourth annual Gulf Studies Fo- rum yesterday, Bertrand Badie said: “Of course, the Gulf cri- sis is a global crisis. Of course, A section of the audience at the event. it is a major global event in the international relations. Of “Another major change is course, it is aff ecting the in- that it is a global place and ternational arena and interna- there is an increasing trend tional system.” of interdependence between The three-day forum, or- countries in the economic and ganised by the Arab Centre for international system.When Research and Policy Studies, there is increasing interde- Qatar Media Corporation CEO HE Sheikh Abdurrahman bin Hamad al-Thani explaining a point as others look on at a panel discussion at the is being held at the Gulf Stud- pendence, sovereignty, which conference yesterday. PICTURE: T K Nasar. ies Centre until tomorrow. Its was the traditional cornerstone theme is “The Gulf Crisis: Re- of international communi- gional and Internal Dynamics ties, is challenged but not de- and the Role of the Media”. stroyed,” he added. The event is being attended According to Badie, there by several Qatar-based experts is no “universal system” - the QMC CEO says Qatar media in international studies as well kind of which was prevalent as delegates from diff erent earlier. “Globalisation triggers countries. The forum is looking a new role for local actors. Lo- to deliberate on the Gulf crisis cal actors are the winners of the Bertrand Badie speaking at the and its causes, contexts and world in the present system. forum. PICTURES: Jayan Orma upholds values, principles impact through a number of They are bringing in societal panel discussions and lectures. changes. What is emerging is in the modern international Badie highlighted that a the international social system, order. “It is a major strategy From Page 1 Taking part in a panel discus- credibility in spite of all compul- Bishara referred to the positions number of major changes have rather than the international to dominate the neighbour or sion at the forum, Negm stressed sions, he said. taken by Al Jazeera while report- taken place in the international system. International relations as a counter strategy to react e reminded the audience that sections of the media in the Also speaking, top political ing the US aggression on Iraq system in recent times. processors are now retired,” he against humiliation. All the that His Highness the Arab region, and even from out- analyst of the Arab region Mar- and also the coverage of the Arab “What is the global system noted. major players have been hu- HEmir had urged citizens side, had fallen into the trap of wan Bishara said he has enough Spring and compared them with now? The powerful is getting Further, Badie highlighted miliated in recent times,” he and residents not to insult oth- propaganda while reporting on reasons to feel journalists cov- the reporting of the other chan- powerless. There are no longer that regional powers are the elaborated. ers and commended them for Qatar ever since the unjust siege ering news for Al Jazeera chan- nels. any superpowers. A superpow- cornerstones of the new inter- “Power politics was once the high moral ground they kept began on June 5. nel enjoyed much more freedom General Manager of Al Jazeera er was something that was cre- national relations order. “New considered the cornerstone of while dealing with the abuses of A number of media houses, than their counterparts working TV Channel Network Yasser Abu ated and used during the Cold regional powers are emerg- international relations. How- the siege countries. backed by regimes in the block- for similar channels elsewhere. Hilala explained how the net- War era and now it is practi- ing in every part of the world. ever, weak actors are able to Salah Negm, Director of News ading countries, have been Bishara singled out a couple of work treated news while strictly cally impossible to have such Symbolic resources are more play the main role in the mod- at Al Jazeera English, said the spreading lies about Qatar, broadcast channels, having rela- maintaining adequate media a superpower. The powerful is important than material re- ern era and set the interna- media in Qatar should take ad- Negm said. tively good viewership, which he professionalism. powerless now because new sources in the present world,” tional agenda. This is evident vantage of the contradictions However, the silver lining is said have become mouthpieces The session was moderated by regional powers are more pow- he felt. in many of the major interna- seen in the coverage by foreign that some media organisations for the propaganda of the coun- Ali Sand, Assistant Professor of erful than international powers The international relations tional events that have taken media on Qatar since the start of in those countries have kept tries where they are based. Department of Islamic Studies in the present context,” he ex- expert pointed out that hu- place in the last two decades,” the blockade. their neutrality and maintained To substantiate his points, at the Qatar University. plained. miliation is a major parameter he added.

has been the trend for local rul- ers to combine the search for a hegemon-protector with that for complimentary relationships to Blockading countries ‘failed to protect themselves from both re- gional and domestic threats. The creation of GCC refl ected both the commonalities and diff er- ences in the threat perceptions,” prove allegations’ against Qatar he explained. According to Kamrava, secu- rity threats in the Gulf emanate By Joseph Varghese by Ghanim al-Najjar, professor from two complementary sets of Staff Reporter of political science at Kuwait sources. He said, “One set may be University. It was held as part of broadly labelled as conventional the ongoing fourth annual Gulf security threats, arising out of he blockading countries Studies Forum organised by the The audience at the event. PICTURE: Nasar T K actual physical and military chal- were not able to prove Arab Centre for Research and lenges to the State. Another set of Tany of their allegations Policy Studies. town University’s School of For- Ansari observed. “They also raise security threats is from the conse- against Qatar but still continued During the panel discussion, eign Service, Qatar, shed light on accusations about Al Jazeera but quences of perceived threats to the to level more accusations with- al-Ansari spoke on ‘The Block- ‘Chronic Insecurity in the Gulf: it all has been proved wrong so culture and identity.” out any evidence, a speaker at ade of Qatar: Factors and Re- Causes and Consequences’. far. Saudi Arabia wants to im- He noted that the nature of the the fourth annual Gulf Studies percussions’, while Gerd Nonne- “They say Qatar is fi nanc- pose its hegemony on Yemen and prevailing security architecture is Forum said yesterday. man, professor of International ing terrorists but there is not an started its attack on the country,” fl awed and ironically, it perpetu- Majed al-Ansari, professor of Relations and Gulf Studies at iota of truth in it and there is no he added ates regional insecurity. The se- political sociology at Qatar Uni- Experts at the panel discussion. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Georgetown University in Qa- proof. They say Qatar is close to Nonneman noted that the Gulf curity dilemma, he maintained, is versity, made the observation tar, spoke on ‘The Gulf Crisis Iran but in reality, many of the crisis, in the particular form it like a vicious cycle in which secu- during a panel discussion at the Causes, Patterns and Contexts’, Gulf, while the pervasive insecu- in Light of Long-Term Patterns siege countries have closer rela- has taken, is due to recent shifts rity-producing eff orts by one State forum. stressed that the Gulf crisis was rity among the Gulf countries and Recent Changes’; and Me- tions with Iran than Qatar. On at the regional and global levels results in a sense of insecurity Participants in the discus- the result of the intersection of was largely a product of several hran Kamrava, professor and di- an earlier occasion, Qatar even and also in national decision- among other States, which then go sion, which had the overarch- long-term patterns in regional interrelated developments. rector, Centre for International withdrew its envoy to Iran in making environments. for their own security-producing ing theme of ‘The Gulf Crisis: and international relations of the The session was moderated and Regional Studies at George- solidarity with Saudi Arabia,” al- “One key long-term pattern measures.

Reasonable solution needed to end siege

here must be a reasonable solu- take part in the summit. There might mistic. “We wish and hope that all the tion to solve the ongoing Gulf be some cosmetic steps by the block- GCC countries take part in the sum- Tcrisis, a speaker at the annual ading countries but I don’t think that mit. Still, we doubt if there will be a Gulf Studies Forum said yesterday. there will be any substantial diff er- full response. So far, there is no expres- Sharing his views on the upcoming ence in the blockade situation before sion for any kind of settlement from GCC summit, Gerd Nonneman, pro- and after the summit,” said Majed al- the blockading countries,” al- Khulaifi fessor of International Relations and Ansari, professor of political sociology, told. Gulf Studies at Georgetown University Qatar University. in Qatar, said: “There must be a rea- “Actually, I think the summit is ba- “We wish and hope that all the sonable solution, a reasonable package sically cosmetic. The Emiratis and GCC countries take part in the to solve the crisis. But the unreasonable Saudis will try to send a message to the summit. Still, we doubt if there demands from the blockading coun- US that they are trying their level best will be a full response. So far, tries are a big issue. If there had been to continue with the GCC setup. They there is no expression for a willingness to go for such a package, might try to give the impression that any kind of settlement from there would have been some indica- they are making eff orts for sustaining the blockading countries” tion and so far nothing has come out in the GCC and maintaining the relation- this regard. But I hope I am wrong and ship,” he added. “If there is any possibility of dis- something positive comes up from the “My educated guess is that this is cussing the issue with Saudi Arabia and summit,” added Nonneman. just a way for the blockading countries others, it might take the issue closer to Several Qatar-based political and to show the world that they are going settlement. It may not be the end of international studies experts feel that forward but internally the dispute will the crisis but this might lead to further the upcoming GCC summit to be held remain,” he felt. discussions and fi nal solutions. Kuwait in Kuwait this week may not have any Mohamed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi , is playing a major role. I am more op- signifi cant impact on the blockade. dean of the College of Law at Qatar timistic than others and hope for the “I think all the GCC countries will University, sounded a bit more opti- best from the summit,” he added. Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 13 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Syria army Yemen rebel alliance unravels intercepts Israel as strongman turns to coalition missiles

AFP its allies would “pay a heavy Sanaa price in their own capitals”. AFP The Yemen war has claimed Damascus more than 8,750 lives since he rebel alliance control- Saudi Arabia and its allies piled ling Yemen’s capital ap- in to prop up Hadi’s govern- yrian air defences inter- Tpeared to crumble yester- ment against the rebels in 2015, cepted at least two Israeli day as a strongman opposed to triggering what the United Smissiles fi red at a govern- the internationally recognised Nations has described as the ment “military position” in Da- government reached out to a world’s worst humanitarian mascus province early yesterday Saudi-led coalition fi ghting the crisis. but the attack still caused dam- insurgents. The UN yesterday implored age, state media reported. The rift within rebel ranks the coalition to fully open up The Syrian Observatory for erupted into violence in Sanaa Red Sea ports to allow aid de- Human Rights, a Britain-based this week, raising fears of a new liveries, warning that “more monitor of the war, said the mis- front in a three-year war that than 8mn people could starve siles, presumably Israeli, tar- has claimed thousands of lives without urgent food assistance geted “positions of the Syrian and triggered a humanitarian coming into Yemen”. regime and its allies” southwest catastrophe. The Saudi-led coalition yes- of Damascus. Former president Ali Abdul- terday welcomed Saleh’s offer An Israeli military spokesman lah Saleh, who joined forces of talks. declined to comment. with the Houthi rebels to seize “The decision by (Saleh’s) “At half past midnight (2230 the capital in 2014, said yester- General People’s Congress to GMT Friday), the Israeli enemy day he was ready to talk to the take the lead and their choice fi red several surface-to-surface Saudi-led coalition if it lifts a to side with their people will missiles at a military position in crippling blockade on Yemen. free Yemen of...militias,” the Damascus province,” the state His sudden about-face coalition said in a statement SANA news agency reported. sparked warnings of retribution carried by the official Saudi “The air defences of the Syr- by the Houthis, whose leader Press Agency. ian army were able to deal with accused Saleh of “great treason”. A minister from the UAE, a the attack...destroying two of Dozens of fi ghters on both key member of the military co- the missiles,” it said, adding that sides have been killed in the Smoke rises during the battle between former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh’s supporters and the Houthi fighters in Sanaa, yesterday. alition, yesterday praised what the attack nonetheless caused clashes this week, with rebel he called the “Sanaa uprising”. “material damage”. chief Abdul Malik al-Houthi years ago to drive President Anwar Gargash, state minis- Observatory chief Rami Ab- confi rming at least 40 killed or Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi’s ter for foreign affairs, tweeted del Rahman said the missile injured. government from Sanaa. his support for “the Yemeni strike targeted a military base Security sources in Sanaa put But the fragile rebel alliance people’s return to their Arab near Kesweh, south of Damas- the toll at more than 60. has shown signs of unravelling environment.” cus. The armed groups fought for months. Saleh ruled Yemen as presi- “An arms depot was de- for control over key positions Saleh’s open overture to Sau- dent for 33 years after the 1990 stroyed,” he said, adding that in the city yesterday, including di Arabia came a day after talks unification of north and south it was not immediately clear ministries and the international aimed at ending the rebel in- Yemen. whether the warehouse was airport, according to security fi ghting failed to broker a truce. A longtime ally of Saudi operated by the Syrian army, or sources and witnesses. “I call on our brothers in Arabia, he waged six separate its allies. Sanaa international airport neighbouring countries...to wars against the Houthis, Zaidi Israel has acknowledged car- is under the coalition blockade stop their aggression and lift Shias who hail from northern rying out repeated air and mis- imposed last month on all Yem- the blockade...and we will turn Yemen. sile strikes in Syria since the eni borders after a missile fi red the page,” Saleh said in a tel- Saleh resigned under popu- outbreak of the bloody civil by the Houthis was intercepted evised speech. lar and political pressure in war six years ago to stop arms near Riyadh. “We vow to our brothers and 2012, ceding power to his deliveries to Hezbollah, with Streets across Sanaa were neighbours that, after a cease- then-vice president Hadi, who which it fought a devastating empty last night as Yemenis fire is in place and the blockade now lives in exile in Saudi Ara- 2006 conflict. stayed home, fearing a new is lifted...we will hold dialogue bia. It has also systematically round of clashes. directly through the legitimate Houthi fighters man an anti-aircraft gun in Sanaa yesterday, during clashes with supporters of Yemeni In 2014, Saleh announced targeted government positions One resident described the authority represented by our ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh. he had joined forces with the in response to all fire into ter- city as a “ghost town”. parliament.” Houthis, seizing the capital ritory under its control, who- For decades bitter enemies, In a speech broadcast yes- and the Saudi-led coalition treason”. The Houthis’ politi- alliance he never believed in”. and setting up a parallel gov- ever launched it and regardless Saleh and rebel chief Abdulma- terday evening, rebel chief had become “one front” after cal office also accused Saleh of In a statement, they also ernment as Hadi’s administra- of whether it was intentional lik al-Houthi teamed up three al-Houthi warned that Saleh the former president’s “great staging a “coup” against “an warned that Saudi Arabia and tion fled to Aden. or not.

CONFLICT Hamas warns over US moves on Jerusalem France’s Macron urges

Palestinian movement Hamas which controls Gaza called yester- Iraq to dismantle militias day for a new “intifada” if Washing- ton recognises Jerusalem as the capital of Israel or moves its em- Reuters the PMF of widespread abuses aged the Kurds not to hold the bassy to the disputed city. Reports Paris/Baghdad against Kurds in Iraq’s ethni- referendum and instead engage in Washington have suggested US cally mixed regions. in dialogue with Baghdad. President Donald Trump may on Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Macron again called for Monday fulfil a campaign pledge rench President Em- al-Abadi’s government denies dialogue between the central on the American embassy, which manuel Macron yester- that the PMF are engaged in a government in Baghdad and like all other foreign missions is Fday called on Iraq to dis- systematic pattern of abuses the semi-autonomous KRG currently located in the coastal city mantle all militias, including and has pledged to punish any- within the framework of the of Tel Aviv. “We warn against such the government-sanctioned, one proven guilty of violations. Iraqi constitution, saying he a move and call on the Palestinian Popular Mobilisation Forces Disarming the PMF is seen as was convinced a “constructive people to revive the intifada if these (PMF), a rare public call to do so Abadi’s most diffi cult test as his dialogue” could lead to lifting unjust decisions on Jerusalem are by a major Western leader. forces edge closer to declaring Baghdad’s restrictions on the adopted,” Hamas said in a state- Macron’s call, which fol- victory over Islamic State. Kurdish region. ment. Any decision to move its lowed a meeting with Iraqi Spokesmen for Abadi and Kurds voted to break away embassy there would be “a flagrant Kurdish leaders in Paris, un- the Badr Organisation, largest from Iraq in the referendum, attack on the city by the American derscores the tough balancing group in the PMF, could not be defying the government in administration” and give Israel “a act Baghdad has to perform reached for comment. Baghdad and alarming neigh- cover for continuing its crime of between its allies in the war on Macron’s meeting with KRG bouring Turkey and Iran, who French President Emmanuel Macron, Kurdish region’s Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Iraqi Judaising the city and emptying it Islamic State, Iran and Western Prime Minister Nechirvan Bar- have their own Kurdish mi- Kurdistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani (left) attend a press conference at the Elysee Palace of Palestinians,” it said. The status powers, which do not see eye to zani and his deputy Qubad Ta- norities. The Iraqi government following a meeting in Paris. of Jerusalem is a key issue in the eye. labani was the fi rst high-profi le responded by seizing the Kurd- Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Is- “It is essential that there is international meeting for the ish-held city of Kirkuk and minister said yesterday he saw our position in the Kurdistan Re- erendum to be held by the end of raelis and Palestinians claim the city a gradual demilitarisation, in Kurdish leadership after a Sept other territory disputed be- France playing a role to end the gional Government clear,” Erbil- 2007 in the oil region of Kirkuk as their capital and previous peace particular of the Popular Mo- 25 independence referendum. tween the Kurds and the central dispute with Baghdad and that based broadcaster Rudaw quoted and other territories claimed by plans have stumbled over debates bilisation that established it- US Secretary of State Rex government. his government respected a ver- Barzani as saying. both the KRG and the Iraqi gov- on how to divide sovereignty or self in the last few years in Iraq, Tillerson and British Prime Long-serving Kurdish presi- dict by the Iraqi Supreme Fed- Macron called for the long- ernment to determine whether oversee holy sites. The last Palestin- and that all militias be gradu- Minister Theresa May have dent Massoud Barzani stepped eral Court ruling the referendum delayed implementation of Ar- their populations wanted to be ian intifada, or uprising, claimed the ally dismantled,” he told a joint both made trips to Iraq after the down over the aff air and the unconstitutional and its results ticle 140 of the Iraqi constitution part of the Kurdish region or not. lives of some 3,000 Palestinians news conference held with Ira- referendum but only met offi - regional government led by his void. to settle the status of territories No such referendum took and 1,000 Israelis. qi Kurdish leaders. cials in Baghdad and made no nephew Nechirvan has tried to “With regards to the referen- disputed between Baghdad and place, among the reasons cited Kurdistan Regional Govern- visits to the KRG capital Erbil. negotiate an end to the con- dum, we are in a new era, and this the Kurds. by the KRG to unilaterally hold ment (KRG) authorities accuse Western powers had encour- frontation. The Kurdish prime issue is over and we have made Article 140 provided for a ref- its referendum on independence. TRIAL Lawyer sentenced over rape remarks

An Egyptian court yesterday sen- tenced a lawyer who said woman Former Egypt premier Shafi k deported from UAE wearing ripped jeans should be raped to three years in prison, a judicial source said. The sentence Reuters for a second term in an election took him.They deported him in criminal cases at the moment, narrowly lost to Mohamed Mur- been offi cially silent on Shafi k’s against Nabih al-Wahsh was Cairo set for around April 2018. a private plane. They said they but he had several cases, includ- si of the Muslim Brotherhood candidacy announcement. passed in absentia as the lawyer, UAE news agency WAM said will deport him to Egypt,” May ing for corruption, against him in Egypt’s 2012 election before Sisi as a military commander previously released on bail, did not Shafi k has left the Emirates, an said. in the past that either ended in fl eeing overseas. led the ousting of former presi- attend the hearing yesterday. ormer Egyptian prime ally of Sisi’s government, for “Just because he announced acquittal or were dropped. May Shafi k said on Friday he dent Mursi in 2013, before his Wahsh’s comments during a tel- minister Ahmed Shafi k, Egypt without giving any de- he will run for president they “We have no information was preparing to depart, fi rst for own landslide election a year evision programme had provoked Fwho last week announced tails on why or how he departed. deported him to Egypt and I about a deportation order,” the Europe and the United States later. outrage and complaints to the his intention of running for the It said his family had re- don’t know what will they do to judicial source said. before returning to Egypt to Sisi’s supporters see him as state prosecutor, who decided to presidency in 2018, has been mained behind in the Emirates. him.. Shafi k said on Wednesday start his campaign. key to stability following the put him on trial. Wahsh had said it taken from his home in the A Gulf source familiar with the No one is allowed to run for he would run for president in a She said Shafi k had been pre- upheaval that followed the 2011 was a “national duty” to rape wom- United Arab Emirates and is be- matter said earlier: “Shafi k has president” she said. surprise announcement from vented from leaving the UAE in Egyptian revolt that toppled en wearing tight, ripped jeans. ing deported to Egypt, his fam- publicly asked to go to Egypt Shafi k’s lawyer on her Face- the UAE, where he has been previous days but had then re- president Hosni Mubarak. The prosecution had charged him ily told Reuters yesterday. and his wish will be met.” book page also said he had been based. ceived assurances that he could But his government is fi ghting with “publicly inciting to flout the Shafi k, a former air force Shafi k’s daughter May Shafi k, taken from the family home. A Sisi has not yet announced travel freely.She did not specify a stubborn militant insurgency law” and “spreading with malice commander and government told Reuters that authorities spokesman for Egypt’s foreign a bid for a second term, but is who gave the assurances. in the Sinai region and has also reports and statements meant to minister, is seen as the strongest had come for him at his home ministry did not immediately widely expected to run again. The UAE denied plac- enacted painful austerity re- perturb public order...and harm potential opponent of President yesterday and sent him to Cairo. answer a call seeking details. But Apart from Shafi k, several ing movement restrictions on forms over the last year to revive the public interest”. The sentence Abdel Fattah al-Sisi should the “We were about to leave to an Egyptian judicial source said other low-profi le candidates Shafi k. the economy but that critics say can be appealed. latter, as expected, decide to run travel to France. They came and Shafi k was not wanted in any have said they will run. Shafi k The UAE, an ally of Sisi, has have dented his popularity. Gulf Times 14 Sunday, December 3, 2017 AFRICA Corruption case backlog puts Nigeria govt under scrutiny

By Phil Hazlewood, AFP ing under scrutiny as elections But there have so far been more party promised to overhaul the adjournments to buy time for probity since he headed a mili- people that he’s a uniquely incor- Lagos approach in 2019. high-profi le arrests than convic- police and justice system. their wealthy clients. tary government in the 1980s. ruptible president...in 2019,” said The Chief Justice of Nigeria, tions — and that could be prob- They also pledged to strength- Clement Nwankwo, executive Matthew Page, a former US Ngwodo. Judge Walter Onnoghen, said lematic should Buhari decide to en the main anti-corruption director at the Policy and Legal State Department offi cial and a Nwankwo said the repeated rom the lowest local mag- recently there were 1,124 corrup- seek re-election, analysts said. bodies, the Economic and Finan- Advisory Centre in Abuja, also specialist on corruption and Ni- delays and lack of convictions istrates all the way up to tion cases before the courts. The 74-year-old Buhari re- cial Crimes Commission (EFCC) suggested there had been too geria, said the arrests and charg- risked eroding the already fl imsy Fthe supreme court in the For some that is a sign that cently acknowledged long- and Independent Corrupt Prac- much focus on show than sub- es still gave Buhari a political trust of Nigerians in their leaders capital Abuja, the wheels of jus- President Muhammadu Buhari is standing problems of delays, un- tices Commission (ICPC). stance. bounce. and institutions. tice can turn painfully slowly in following through on his election der-funding and under-staffi ng Buhari last month accused “There’s so much eff ort to He blamed inexperienced or As time passes without a con- Nigeria. campaign pledge to get tough on in the courts, and the need for “corrupt elements” of using “any claim credit by arresting people possibly “compromised” judges viction, the more there is a “trail Patience is a necessity when those behind the rampant theft institutional reform. weapon to fi ght back, mainly ju- and announcing arrests. There’s for slowing down prosecutions. of concern about the process of cases are frequently adjourned of public funds. Idayat Hassan, head of the dicial obstruction and political no proper investigation,” he said. But with so many people on the arrest and all the parade of for want of a document, an offi - Dozens of high-profi le fi gures, Centre for Democracy and De- diversion”. The APC’s 2015 election mani- trial from the previous govern- suspects”, he added. cial, a witness or even a defend- many of them part of the previ- velopment in Abuja, said mak- But political analyst Chris Ng- festo promised the creation of ment and the now main oppo- “That leads to suspicions that ant. ous administration of Goodluck ing substantial in-roads into the wodo said: “There’s been a lot special courts to hear corruption sition, Buhari and his adminis- it might just be a political game The lengthy process — where Jonathan or linked to his People’s backlog before 2019 would be a of noise and sloganeering...This cases but it has yet to be imple- tration have been accused of a to hoodwink citizens into believ- cases can take years, if not dec- Democratic Party, have since “challenge to the system”. administration has talked a good mented. political witch-hunt. ing there’s actually a government ades, to resolve — often re- been charged and put on trial. Some corruption cases date game. Should Buhari decide to seek The perception of settling eff ort to tackle corruption,” he sembles a maddening, judicial Buhari has called corruption back as far as 2003, when Buhari “But it hasn’t followed up in a second term, how he and his scores has even been enhanced added. Groundhog Day. “Nigeria’s number one enemy” was making his fi rst — unsuc- taking much action.” party position themselves on the because of Buhari’s delay in tak- Prosecutions need to be seen But while Nigeria is not alone and said his government was cessful — bid for the presidency. Hassan said some of the EFCC fi ght against corruption will be ing action against his own politi- to be occurring and institutions in having a dysfunctional court tackling it “in earnest” by tight- But during the 2015 election investigations had been exposed revealing. cal allies accused of corruption. equipped to do so but currently, system, its ability to cope with a ening fi nancial procedures and campaign, Buhari and his All as “shoddy”, allowing experi- The former army general has “In that sense, it will be much the opposite is the case, he add- slew of corruption cases is com- closing loopholes. Progressives Congress (APC) enced defence lawyers to seek had a no-nonsense reputation for more of a struggle to convince ed.

Shell game! Regional force out in Lesotho 13 killed in over fresh security concerns twin suicide AFP which includes 207 military person- Maseru nel, 15 intelligence offi cers and 24 po- lice offi cers, will be deployed for six months and aims to bolster security. bombings 258-strong regional force “It is our fi rm conviction that was deployed yesterday to the presence of this mission is ALesotho to ease security con- necessary to establish a secure, cerns in the landlocked kingdom stable and peaceful environment in Nigeria after the killing of the country’s top conducive for the implementation army commander in September. of...constitutional, parliamen- The move by the Southern Af- tary, judicial, public and security AFP rican Development Community reforms,” Deputy Prime Minister Kano (SADC), a regional bloc, was ap- Monyane Moleleki said at the of- proved in September after Khoan- fi cial launch of the mission. tle Motsomotso was shot dead at The SADC director responsi- t least 13 people were killed and more than a barracks by offi cers from a per- ble for politics, defence and se- 50 wounded in a dual suicide bomb attack ceived rival faction. curity aff airs, Jorge Cardoso, said Aat a busy morning market in northeast Ni- The shootout came just two the mission was in Lesotho to geria yesterday, according to local sources. months after elections and shat- strengthen peace and security. The attacks occurred in the town of Biu, about tered hopes of ushering in a new era “(The SADC mission) is not 185km south of the Borno State capital, Maid- of stability in the volatile country. here to take over or replace the Le- uguri, which has been at the epicentre of Boko Lesotho has been subject to sotho Defence Force or other se- Haram’s Islamist insurgency. several coups and periods of po- curity institutions,” said Cardoso, “Two female suicide bombers infi ltrated and litical unrest since gaining inde- but to “support and complement” gained entry into Biu,” a local police spokesman said. A man transports the shell of a car on a two-wheeled carriage in the Abobo neighbourhood of Abidjan. pendence from Britain in 1966. the government to attain lasting “One of the bombers detonated an IED (impro- The seven-nation SADC force, peace and security. vised explosive device) strapped to her body within Biu’s main market, while the other one detonated outside the market square,” the spokesman said. The police said 13 people were killed, while a spokesman for a local civilian militia, Ibrahim Saidu Maniya, said the death toll was as high as 18. No one has claimed responsibility for the at- tack, but the Boko Haram group, led by Abubakar Shekau, has previously used women and adoles- cent suicide bombers to carry out attacks in the Outcry forces Mnangagwa area. “They were powerful blasts which were heard all over the town,” Biu resident Ahmad Babagana, who lost a friend in the attack, told AFP. “I heard huge blasts that came in succession and saw plumes of black smoke coming from the direction of the market,” said another resident, to drop two new ministers Zakari Tiko. “I instantly knew the market had been at- AFP dents following a special ZANU-PF changes were necessary to “ensure education curriculum which were that is alleged to have committed tacked,” Tiko said. Harare congress in mid-December. compliance with the constitution widely seen as threatening the once- atrocities during a crackdown on a Biu and neighbouring villages have been re- But he quickly replaced educa- and considerations of gender, de- revered school system. rebellion in the western Matabele- peatedly hit by suicide and bomb attacks blamed tion minister Lazarus Dokora with mography and special needs.” Sibusiso Moyo, a major general land province in the early 1980s in on Boko Haram over the last eight years. imbabwe’s President Emmer- Paul Mavima, a professor and also a But Mnangagwa has come under who on November 15 went on state which an estimated 20,000 people In August 2015, a suicide bomber killed at least son Mnangagwa yesterday lawmaker in the governing ZANU- fi re for recycling offi cials from the TV to announce the military’s take- were killed. 50 people at a market in a nearby village. Zdropped two ministers he had PF party. era of ousted president Robert Mu- over — a power grab which led to the Information minister and Despite increased military success in the fi ght appointed to his new cabinet just a Professor Clever Nyathi was gabe, and for naming two military 93-year-old Mugabe quitting the war veterans leader Christopher to dislodge Boko Haram, the group continues to day earlier, a move widely seen as a dropped as labour minister in favour allies to top positions in his new presidency a week later — is the new Mutsvangwa will assume the role of launch deadly attacks in the country. response to a public uproar over the of Petronella Kagonye, also a ZANU- cabinet. foreign aff airs minister. special advisor to the president. At least 20,000 people have been killed and nominations. PF lawmaker, though Nyathi will re- Dokora, who had served in Mu- The new lands minister is the Mnangagwa is set to swear in his more than 2.6mn others made homeless in its Mnangagwa, 75, named his cabi- main as special adviser on national gabe’s government since 2013, has Air Force boss Air Marshal Perence cabinet on Monday after taking over quest to establish a hardline Islamic state in net overnight on Thursday, and is peace and reconciliation. faced heavy criticism for intro- Shiri, who had previously headed a from Mugabe, who ruled the south- northeast Nigeria. expected to appoint two vice presi- A government statement said the ducing changes to the country’s special North-Korean trained unit ern African country for 37 years.

Cape Town settlement dares to hope for water and light after landmark ruling

By Vera Haller, Reuters Marikana, in the country’s North privately-owned land around the “Unlike many other people say the land should be valued as Cape Town West Province, in August 2012. country’s cities as rapid urbani- from Cape Town, these occu- unoccupied land,” he said. The residents badly need a sation strains inadequate hous- piers did not, at the time, and Isaac Matshego, an economist break. ing supplies. at present, have the luxury of with Nedbank, said a court ulti- ith no running water Now they fi nally dare to hope “If the precedent stands, they choosing where to settle with mately would have to square two at home, residents of their living conditions may im- are going to have people occu- their families. They settled on very diff erent points of view: how WCape Town’s Marika- prove, thanks to a landmark legal pying land and then forcing the these properties out of despera- much the land is worth, without na slum trudge to public spigots ruling over who owns the land government to buy it through tion,” the judge wrote. squatters, with how much local with buckets and make the dash they occupy. the court process,” said Thulani Further underscoring the gov- government — already struggling to portable toilets set up on the A judge has ordered the city to Nkosi, a senior lawyer with the ernment’s responsibility, Fortuin to provide adequate housing — informal settlement’s edge, close negotiate to buy the privately- Socio-Economic Rights Institute said if the city government did could aff ord to pay. to the busy city airport. owned land the Marikana settle- of South Africa who represents not have adequate funds to pur- “If the landowners are not Children play on narrow, litter- ment residents have occupied. the Marikana settlement resi- chase the land from its owners, dealt with fairly, that could be a strewn dirt paths that separate The site is made up of three dents in the lawsuit. the provincial and national gov- huge knock on confi dence and densely packed corrugated metal parcels, two owned by separate An appeal of the ruling, issued ernments would have to step in investors would be very reluctant shacks and crude electrical cables commercial development groups by Western Cape High Court and cover the diff erence. to invest in fi xed property,” Mat- dangle precariously overhead. and a small plot owned by an eld- Judge Chantal Fortuin, is likely to Fortuin also noted there was shego said in a phone interview. In early November, a woman erly South African woman. end up before the Constitutional nowhere to put the settlement’s Nkosi, the residents’ lawyer, was electrocuted by a wayward With the city as landlord, Court, the nation’s highest, next residents if she had ordered their said he visited the Marikana set- cable, said community leader residents hope to gain basic mu- year. eviction, which the landown- tlement in early November to tell Thembani Landu on a recent tour nicipal services, such as legal Residents of the Marikana informal settlement in Cape Town line up Councillor Brett Herron, ers had originally sought in their them the case was going to an ap- of this informal town. electrical hookups, water access, to collect water from a public spigot in their neighbourhood. mayoral committee member for lawsuit against the city. peal. At sunset, he said, the 60,000 rubbish pickup, police patrols transport and urban develop- “What does one do with He said they were crestfallen to residents make sure to be safely and street lighting. vide adequate housing for its set a precedent for millions of ment in Cape Town’s govern- 60,000 people when neither the hear Fortuin’s ruling would not inside their barbed-wired pro- “It would be a big victory for black majority when for decades South Africans stuck in informal ment, confi rmed the city had owner of the land on which they immediately go into eff ect. tected shacks because, with us,” said Landu, who was among a tiny, white majority owned vir- settlements. fi led an appeal but said he could reside nor the local jurisdiction “At the end of the day, what no streetlights, the settlement the original squatters who began tually all the country’s land. “Once the case is decided on not comment further while the in which they live, can or want our clients are looking for is plunges into darkness — and occupying the formerly empty Advocates and lawyers in- appeal, it will be a landmark case was still before the courts. to accommodate them?” Fortuin a place to go home to,” Nkosi danger. land in Cape Town’s Philippi area volved in the case say the August decision for land ownership in Fortuin ruled the city govern- wrote. said. During one particularly brutal in 2012. “It would open us up to 30 ruling is unique because it for South Africa,” said Martin Oost- ment had violated the residents’ Oosthuizen said the landown- Lizzie Mdwekesha, 59, a tra- weekend in October, 11 people electricity and sanitation serv- the fi rst time sets a framework to huizen, a Cape Town lawyer who constitutional right to adequate ers had conceded it would be ditional healer, said despite the were killed in an outbreak of the ice.” resolve ownership disputes over represents one of the commercial housing as well as the landown- nearly impossible to evict 60,000 settlement’s hardships, she con- sort of gang violence that rou- The ruling, which the city occupied land by having a mu- consortiums who own the land. ers’ constitutional right to hold people, and that they agreed the sidered her shack a home for her- tinely plagues Marikana. and landowners are appealing nicipality deal directly with the According to government sta- private property. city should buy the land from self and her family, including her Even the settlement’s name against, goes to the heart of a property’s owners. tistics, 13% of South Africa’s She said her ruling took into them. three-year-old grandson. runs with blood: it honours the vexing problem for post-apart- Lawyers on both sides told the 16.9mn households live in infor- account inequities that persisted The sticking point, which is “We want to show that the 34 people who died when police heid South Africa. Thomson Reuters Foundation the mal settlements such as Mari- nearly 25 years after the end of part of the landowners’ appeal, people staying in Marikana have opened fi re at striking miners in The country struggles to pro- ruling was a watershed that could kana, which have sprung up on apartheid. is over the land’s valuation.”We potential,” she said. Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 15 AMERICAS Flynn’s Rooftop igloos plea not an issue: Trump

DPA doing. Flynn is the fourth per- Washington son associated with Trump to be charged in the widening investi- gation. S President Donald George Papadopoulos, a Trump said yesterday he Trump campaign foreign policy Uwas not concerned about aide, pleaded guilty on October what his former national securi- 30 to lying to the FBI about his ty adviser, Michael Flynn, might contacts with Russia. tell investigators after Flynn Separately, Paul Manafort pleaded guilty to lying about — who was Trump’s campaign contacts with Russia. manager from June to August “What has been shown is no 2016 — and Manafort associate collusion, no collusion,” Trump Richard Gates were charged with told reporters at the White House conspiracy, money laundering as he left Washington for fund- and violations of lobbying laws Winter Igloos are seen at the Watergate Hotel’s rooftop restaurant in Washington. raisers in New York. related to Manafort’s past lobby- Flynn had emerged at the cen- ing work for a pro-Russian party tre of an investigation by special in Ukraine. counsel Robert Mueller into Rus- US security agencies have as- sian interference in the US presi- serted since October 2016 that dential election last year and into the highest levels of the Russian whether Trump’s campaign may government directed Internet have colluded with the Russians. hacking and other interference Trump has repeatedly denied with the US election process. collusion and downplayed the Moscow denies any elec- signifi cance of aides implicated tion meddling, though Western in the probe. intelligence agencies allege a US Senate approves Flynn is cooperating with long-standing pattern of Rus- prosecutors, after admitting on sian eff orts to disrupt elections Friday that he lied to FBI agents. in Europe and elsewhere. A member of Trump’s in- The FBI led the federal in- ner circle during the right-wing vestigation of suspected elec- populist’s election campaign and tion meddling until May, when White House transition, Flynn Trump sacked FBI chief James pleaded guilty at a federal court- Comey. major tax overhaul house in Washington to one count Within days, Trump’s own of making false statements to in- Justice Department named The tax overhaul is a major tax cuts for corporations. to happen before the end of the wanted and got last-minute Under the bill, the corporate tax vestigators about a conversation Mueller, an ex-prosecutor and victory for the Trump Celebrating their Senate vic- year. amendments and whose votes had rate would be permanently slashed with the Russian ambassador. former FBI director, as special administration tory, Republican leaders predicted This would allow him and his been in doubt, said on Friday they to 20% from 35%, while future Flynn resigned in February counsel to lead the Russia probe. the tax cuts would encourage US- Republicans to score their fi rst would back the bill and did so. foreign profi ts of US-based fi rms after just 25 days as national se- Mueller’s investigation has Reuters companies to invest more and major legislative achievement of Senator Bob Corker, one of few would be largely exempt-- both curity advisor, admitting to “in- several thrusts, including wheth- Washington boost economic growth. 2017 after having controlled the remaining Republican fi scal hawks changes pursued by corporate lob- advertently” giving “incomplete er there was any co-ordination “We have an opportunity now to White House, the Senate and the who pledged early on to oppose byists for years. On the individual information” to key people in between Trump’s presidential make America more competitive, House since he took offi ce in Janu- any bill that expanded the federal side, the top tax rate paid by the the White House about his com- campaign and the Russian gov- he US Senate narrowly ap- to keep jobs from being shipped ary. defi cit, stood out as the lone Re- highest-income earners would be munication with the Russian ernment. Other targets of the proved a tax overhaul yes- off shore and to provide substan- Republicans failed in their ef- publican dissenter. cut slightly. ambassador before Trump took Mueller investigation include top Tterday, moving Republicans tial relief to the middle class,” said forts to repeal the Obamacare “I am not able to cast aside my The Tax Policy Center, a non- offi ce. White House aide Jared Kushner, and President Donald Trump a big Mitch McConnell, the Republican healthcare law over the summer fi scal concerns and vote for legis- partisan think tank, analysed an A White House lawyer said who is Trump’s son-in-law, and step closer to their goal of slashing leader in the Senate. and Trump’s presidency has been lation that...could deepen the debt earlier but broadly similar version that Flynn’s guilty plea does not one of the president’s sons, Don- taxes for businesses and the rich The Senate approved their bill in hit by White House in-fi ghting burden on future generations,” of the bill passed by the Senate implicate Trump in any wrong- ald Trump Jr. while off ering everyday Americans a 51-49 vote with Democrats com- and by a federal investigation into said Corker, who is not running for tax committee on November 16 a mixed bag of changes. plaining that last-minute amend- possible collusion last year be- re-election. and found it would reduce taxes In what would be the largest ments to win over skeptical Re- tween his election campaign team Numerous last-minute changes for all income groups in 2019 and change to US tax laws since the publicans were poorly drafted and and Russian offi cials. were made to the bill on Friday and 2025, with the largest average tax 1980s, Republicans want to add vulnerable to being gamed later. The tax overhaul is seen by in the early morning hours of Sat- cuts going to the highest-income $1.4tn over 10 years to the $20tn “The Republicans have man- Trump and Republicans as crucial urday. One was to make state and Americans. national debt to fi nance changes aged to take a bad bill and make to their prospects at mid-term local property tax deductible up Two Republican senators an- that they say would further boost it worse,” said Senate Democratic elections in November 2018, when to $10,000, mirroring the House nounced their support for the bill an already growing economy. leader Chuck Schumer. “Under they will have to defend their ma- bill. The Senate previously had on Friday after winning more tax Trump, speaking to reporters as the cover of darkness and with the jorities in Congress. proposed entirely ending state and relief for non-corporate pass- he left the White House for New aid of haste, a fl urry of last-minute In a legislative battle that moved local tax deductibility. through businesses. York hours after the pre-dawn changes will stuff even more mon- so fast a fi nal draft of the bill was In another change, the alterna- These include partnerships vote, praised the Senate for pass- ey into the pockets of the wealthy unavailable to the public until just tive minimum tax (AMT), both and other companies not or- ing “tremendous tax reform” and and the biggest corporations.” hours before the vote, Democrats for individuals and corporations, ganised as public corporations, said “people are going to be very, No Democrats voted for the bill, slammed the proposed tax cuts as would not be repealed in full. In- ranging from mom-and-pop very happy”. but they were unable to block it a give-away to businesses and the stead, the individual AMT would concerns to large fi nancial and Once the Senate and House of because Republicans hold a 52-48 rich fi nanced with billions of dol- be adjusted and the corporate real estate groups. Representatives reconcile their Senate majority. lars in taxpayer debt. AMT would be maintained as is, The bill now features a 23% tax respective versions of the legisla- Talks will begin, likely next The framework for both the lobbyists said. deduction for such business own- tion, he said, “the resulting bill week, between the Senate and the Senate and House bills was devel- Another change would put a ers, up from the original 17.4%. could cut the corporate tax rate House — which already has ap- oped in secret over a few months fi ve-year limit on letting business- Democratic Senator Richard from 35% to 20. It could be 22% proved its own version of the legis- by a half-dozen Republican con- es immediately write off the full Blumenthal said Trump controls when it comes out. lation — to reconcile their respec- gressional leaders and Trump ad- value of new capital investments. more than 500 pass-through com- It could also be 20”. tive bills. visers, with little input from the That would phase out over four panies that will directly benefi t. White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway walks towards Marine US stock markets have rallied Trump, who predicted that party’s rank-and-fi le and none years starting in year six, rather “So the president may be celebrat- One, during US President Donald Trump departure at the White for months in the hope that Wash- the negotiations would produce from Democrats. than be permanent as initially ing, but most Americans will rue House in Washington. ington would provide signifi cant “something beautiful”, wants that Six Republican senators, who proposed. this day,” Blumenthal said. Trump steps up calls for wall after Mexican’s acquittal

AFP the bullet had ricocheted off a concrete dubbed Garcia an “animal”, saying: Enforcement agency also said the Cali- convicted only on fi rearms possession release from federal custody in March Washington piling before hitting Steinle. “Mexico pushes back people across the fornia city’s “policy of refusing to hon- charges. 2015 after nearly four years in prison, just On Thursday, after a fi ve-week trial border that are criminals, that are drug our ICE detainers is a blatant threat to “Justice was rendered, but it was not months before Steinle’s killing. and six days of deliberation, a jury dealers.” public safety and undermines the rule served,” he said. Public Defender Jeff The arrest warrant was dated 2015, resident Donald Trump stepped found Garcia not guilty of murder or The divisive case reignited debate of law”. Adachi said Garcia was “extremely re- but was amended and unsealed follow- up his demands for a wall to stem assault with a fi rearm. He was convict- over cooperation between federal im- “Following the conclusion of this lieved”. ing the verdicts. Garcia Zarate also fac- Pillegal immigration from Mexico ed only of being a felon in possession of migration authorities and police in case, ICE will work to take custody of “He knew what was at stake — his life es sentencing in San Francisco Superior after an undocumented migrant was a fi rearm, an off ence punishable by 16 state and local jurisdictions where the Mr Garcia Zarate and ultimately remove was at stake,” Adachi said of his offi ce’s Court on the weapons charge, and it acquitted of murdering a woman in months to three years in prison. priority is crime prevention, not de- him from the country,” the agency’s client. was not clear which jurisdiction would California — in a dramatic conclusion Immigration authorities said they portation. deputy director Tom Homan said in the “I think he feels tremendous sympa- take the lead. to a polarising case. would work to deport Garcia, and on The case prompted many US law- statement. thy for Kate Steinle and her family — we The jurors who acquitted Garcia Za- “His exoneration is a complete trav- Friday, they issued a warrant for his ar- makers to argue in favour of imposing In an interview with the San Fran- do as well — but unfortunately these rate, who previously was known as Juan esty of justice. BUILD THE WALL!” rest, stating that his conviction was a restrictions on access to federal funds cisco Chronicle prior to the verdict’s types of horrible tragic accidents hap- Francisco Lopez Sanchez, did not speak Trump said on Twitter. violation of his parole conditions for a for places such as San Francisco that are release, Steinle’s family emphasised pen every day.” to reporters following their verdict. Trump repeatedly cited the fatal previous arrest for illegally entering the known as “sanctuary cities.” that they wanted simply to move out of US prosecutors on Friday sought to They apparently agreed with defence shooting of Kathryn Steinle in July 2015 country. Such cities protect undocumented the spotlight. arrest Garcia, saying his conviction on attorneys who said during the trial that to make a case against illegal immigra- “A disgraceful verdict in the Kate immigrants from deportation by refus- “We just want to get this over with a lesser weapons charge violated the Garcia Zarate found the gun and it ac- tion during his 2016 campaign for the Steinle case! No wonder the people ing to assist or cooperate with federal and move on with our lives, and think terms of his supervised release. cidentally discharged, with the bul- US presidency. of our Country are so angry with Ille- immigration offi cials. about Kate on our terms. Nothing’s Before the shooting, Garcia Zarate, let ricocheting off the ground at a pier The 32-year-old Steinle was struck gal Immigration,” Trump tweeted late After the verdict, Attorney General been on our terms. It’s been on every- who had been deported to Mexico fi ve frequented by tourists before striking in the back by a bullet as she strolled on Thursday. Jeff Sessions — who maintains an ultra- one else’s terms,” said her father Jim times, had been released from a San Steinle. a pier in San Francisco with her father The president did not let the topic conservative agenda on immigration Steinle. Francisco jail despite a request by im- Prosecutors had argued Garcia Zarate and a friend. She died in the hospital. drop Friday, tweeting: “The Kate Stein- — skewered San Francisco’s sanctuary “Even if this guy gets 100 years in migration authorities that he be de- intentionally fi red the gun. Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, a felon who le killer came back and back over the city status, saying its “decision to pro- prison, it doesn’t solve anything; it tained and turned over to them. In June, the US House of Representa- had been deported fi ve times from US weakly protected Obama border, always tect criminal aliens led to the prevent- doesn’t help anything,” he said. In seeking an arrest warrant on Friday, tives passed “Kate’s Law,” which would soil, admitted to fi ring the shot but said committing crimes and being violent, able and heartbreaking death of Kate But after the verdict’s rendering, he federal prosecutors said that Garcia Za- increase penalties for illegal immi- it was an accident. and yet this info was not used in court.” Steinle”. told the paper his family was “saddened rate’s conviction on the weapons charge grants who return to the United States. Evidence presented at trial showed Speaking to CNN last year, Trump The US Immigration and Customs and shocked” after learning Garcia was violated the conditions of his supervised The bill has not passed the US Senate. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, December 3, 2017 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

A man goes surfing as some tourists have returned after Mount Agung volcano has simmered down again, at the International passengers are seen near the flight information board at Ngurah Rai Bali International Airport, Kuta, Bali. popular Kuta beach near Denpasar.

Tropical cyclone kills 25 on Indonesia’s Java island

More Bali fl ights cancelled Flooding and landslides triggered by a tropical cyclone have killed 25 people on Indonesia’s Java island this week, the country’s disaster management agency said yesterday. on forecast of volcanic ash Cyclone Cempaka wreaked havoc in the district of Pacitan Reuters the airport was still operating visitors from Australia, China and volcanic ash as it can damage air- yesterday, there was frustration explanation,” said Greg Hill, 46, in East Java province, leaving Denpasar normally, but airlines such as other countries, before the winds craft engines, clogging fuel and among passengers. who was waiting at the airport. more than 1,700 houses Jetstar and Virgin Australia had changed and fl ights resumed cooling systems, hampering pilot Australian couple Justine and Subrata Sarkar, India’s vice damaged and displacing more opted to cancel some fl ights Twenty fl ights were cancelled visibility and even causing engine Greg Hill were on holiday with consul in Bali, said that they had than 2,000 people. Livestock irlines cancelled more “Bali fl ying conditions expect- on Friday evening due to concerns failure. There are also concerns their two teenage children and helped around 500 passengers so were killed and farmland fl ights departing the In- ed to be clear throughout the day, over ash. Some airlines includ- over changing weather conditions had been due to fl y out today but far this week. “We have advised destroyed, he said. Adonesian holiday island of but forecast for tonight has de- ing Malaysia’s AirAsia Bhd have with a tropical cyclone south of their fl ight later this evening was citizens the volcano may erupt. “Floods have not totally Bali yesterday, citing forecasts of teriorated so several fl ights have said they would only operate out Java island impacting weather cancelled. “It’s more an incon- We never say ‘please don’t come’.” receded,” Sutopo said. deteriorating fl ying conditions been cancelled,” Australian budg- of Bali during the day, as the ash and wind in the area, including venience than anything. Don’t But we have issued travel adviso- “Workers are still clearing mud due to a risk of volcanic ash from et airline Jetstar said on its Twit- could impair visibility at night for Bali, the Indonesian Meteoro- understand why if other airlines ries. If it’s urgent business, then and other debris.” the erupting Mount Agung vol- ter account. The erupting volcano and wind conditions in the area logical, Climatological and Geo- are fl ying, some others aren’t. ok, but if it’s only tourism, then Flooding caused by the cyclone cano. had closed the airport for much of were unpredictable. physics agency said. With some Obviously there must be safety plans should be reconsidered,” also hit city of Yogyakarta in A Bali airport spokesman said this week, stranding thousands of Airlines avoid fl ying through airlines continuing to fl y normally protocols but there’s no detailed said Sarkar. central Java, Sutopo said.

Looted Angkor jewellery returned to Cambodia Australia’s former

AFP is happy,” Chuch Phoeun, secre- deputy PM returns Phnom Penh tary of state at Cambodia’s Min- istry of Culture and Fine Arts, told AFP. after by-election win set of ancient Angko- He said they are believed to rian gold jewellery was have been pillaged during Pol A returned to Cambodia Pot’s genocidal Khmer Rouge Reuters yesterday with an elaborate regime, though the exact date is Sydney procession through the capi- not known. tal, decades after the precious London’s Jonathan Tucker pieces were looted from a famed Antonia Tozer Asian Art deal- ustralia’s former deputy jungle temple. ership agreed in April to return prime minister Barnaby The 10-piece set, which in- the jewellery, which was proudly AJoyce cleared the way cludes a crown, earrings, arm- displayed behind protective for his return to parliament bands and a chest ornament, glass Saturday and will now be yesterday, winning a by-elec- was stolen from Cambodia’s appraised by experts in Cambo- tion just over a month after Angkor Wat temple during the dia. he was kicked out over a dual kingdom’s civil war in the 1970s The pieces will soon be desig- citizenship crisis that cost the and was discovered in the online nated as national heritage items, government its majority. catalogue of a London art dealer and will join scores of stolen ar- Joyce was not only re- last year. tefacts that have made their way turned in his New England Barnaby Joyce The items are thought to back to the country in recent seat in New South Wales but date back to the Khmer Empire, years — many that had been on Hun Sen’s youngest son Hun Many (left), lawmaker from the Cambodia People’s Party (CPP), places a was forecast to have lifted his constitution to prevent split a once-mighty dynasty that display in western museums or flower garland in front of a set of returned Angkorian-era gold jewellery displayed behind protective glass primary vote by at least 10 allegiances. The High Court sprawled much of modern-day for sale by dealers. during a ceremony in front of the National Museum upon its arrival in Phnom Penh yesterday. points, giving Prime Minister ruled on October 27 that Joyce, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam The Hindu-Buddhist Khmer Malcolm Turnbull a welcome along with four of the seven and Laos between the ninth and Empire built what were then returned by the Cleveland Mu- boost after a tough few weeks. other lawmakers, was ineli- 15th centuries. some of the world’s mightiest seum of Art. “This has been a stunning vic- gible to remain in parliament, After the pieces turned up in cities and temples, including the Two other 10th-century tory,” Turnbull told supporters forcing a by-election. Joyce Britain, the Cambodian govern- famous Angkor Wat complex. Khmer-era statues known as the as he joined Joyce at a pub in was found to be a dual citizen ment lobbied for their return But decades of French colo- “Kneeling Attendants”, which the town of Tamworth. of New Zealand, a status he and with the help of specialists nialism and civil war saw vast had also been taken from the Exit polls were predict- has since rescinded. spent more than a year inspect- swathes of Cambodia’s archi- same temple complex, were re- ing “the largest swing to the The deputy leader position, ing the items to make sure they tectural and religious heritage turned from the United States in government in the history of traditionally held by a member were genuine. looted and sold overseas. 2013. by-elections in Australia”, of the junior coalition partner, Offi cials proudly welcomed Last year, an American mu- Yesterday, Cambodian Prime Turnbull said, adding it was the National Party, had re- the jewellery back to the country seum sent a 10th-century sand- Minister Hun Sen’s son Hun a vindication of his coalition. mained vacant since the High yesterday as the items were ac- stone sculpture of the Hindu Many said it was an honour to “We’re getting the band back Court ruling. The result comes companied from the airport by god Rama, still missing its head, have the jewellery back on home together.” Joyce was one of the at a diffi cult time for Turnbull, hundreds of people and fl anked arms and feet, back to Cambodia soil. “As a Cambodian, I am so “Citizenship Seven” whose who earlier this week reversed by security guards. after it was stolen in the 1970s. proud to be part of this process eligibility to sit in parliament his long-held opposition to “This is a successful mission In 2015 a statue of the Hindu to bring our ancestors heritage was thrown into doubt when it a full-blown inquiry into the of all Cambodians, including monkey god Hanuman which back home,” Many, a lawmaker A set of returned Angkorian-era gold jewellery is displayed to the was found they were dual citi- country’s scandal-hit fi nan- diplomats and people who love had been looted from the same who helped to secure its return, public behind protective glass during a ceremony in front of the zens, a status that is barred for cial sector amid mounting po- the arts and antiques. Everyone temple as the Rama torso was told AFP. National Museum upon its arrival in Phnom Penh. politicians under Australia’s litical pressure. North Korea holds mass celebration for latest missile launch

AFP “We heartily celebrate the nuclear threat. Kim himself was to commit “robber-like” pro- Seoul successful test launch of the absent from the celebrations — vocative acts. Hwasong-15 which showed he usually stays away from such He repeated Kim’s warn- Chosun (North Korea)’s pow- events — but Friday’s gather- ing that the North would re- orth Korea held mass er and greatness to the whole ing drew key military, party and spond with the “highest level celebrations for its lat- world”, read one banner held up government leaders. of hard-line countermeasure Nest successful long- by the crowd, referring to the “Long Live the General Kim in history”. range missile test, Pyongyang’s missile. Jong-un who has brought us Kim fi rst made the threat in state media said yesterday, with North Korea on Wednesday the great historic cause of nu- September in response to US a propaganda-fi lled display of successfully tested a new in- clear statehood,” another ban- President Donald Trump’s UN fi reworks and dancing in public tercontinental ballistic mis- ner read. Vice Chairman Pak speech threatening to destroy squares. sile, with leader Kim Jong-un Kwang-ho of the party’s deci- the North and mocking him as The ruling Workers Party of- declaring his country had now sion-making Central Commit- “Little Rocket Man”. fi cial daily Rodong Sinmun achieved full nuclear statehood. tee told the crowd that, after The ICBM Hwasong-15 covered its front page with The US in response warned Wednesday’s test launch, “now type weaponry system used in colour photographs showing that Kim Jong-un’s regime no one can infringe our sover- Wednesday’s test is an intercon- thousands of tightly packed would be “utterly destroyed” if eignty and rights to survive and tinental ballistic rocket tipped North Korean soldiers holding a rally to celebrate the North’s declaration of full nuclear statehood. soldiers and people applaud- its pursuit of a long-range nu- develop”, according to the daily. with super-large heavy warhead ing in Pyongyang’s Kim Il- clear missile arsenal provokes a He said that the United capable of striking the whole vinced that the North has mas- re-entry into the Earth’s atmos- States launch a massive air force sung square, which was deco- military clash, and has battled to States had been “jolted” at the mainland of the US, the North tered the technology required to phere. Tensions are expected to drill mobilising some 230 air- rated with large portraits of the maintain international solidar- strengthening of North Korea’s said. launch and direct a missile, and rise further in the coming week craft including six US F-22 Rap- North’s late leaders. ity in the face of North Korea’s nuclear force and could attempt But analysts remain uncon- ensure it survives the diffi cult as South Korea and the United tor stealth jet fi ghters. Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 17 BRITAIN/IRELAND

In Brexit talks, Ignore ‘extreme Brexiters’ at a great deal is at stake for Ireland, summit, Sturgeon tells May north and south By Verena Schmitt-Roschmann, DPA Guardian News and Media sceptics in her cabinet and party by cooperation and solidarity of ben- Aughnacloy, Northern Ireland London putting the economy fi rst, Sturgeon efi t to us all”. says, particularly after the off ensive Guaranteeing the rights of EU attitude of the pro-Brexit lobby to- citizens before Christmas would be bridge. Three sheep standing in the rain to icola Sturgeon has urged wards Ireland and threats of no deal the ideal start to that. the left of it. A speed limit sign. That’s all. Theresa May to ignore her in recent weeks. Sturgeon adds that a Scottish A Two minutes later, one arrives in Aughna- Nparty’s “extreme Brexiters” May should do so even if that government impact study on Brexit cloy, a one-street village with a shop, a petrol sta- and adopt a far more constructive includes accepting the continuing being published in January will set tion, cafe and Chinese snack stand. tone with other EU leaders at next jurisdiction of the European court out the benefi ts of remaining in the This is a border crossing point between the Re- week’s summit. of justice, Sturgeon says, as leaving single market, particularly on en- public of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In an article for the Guardian, the it is simply an ideological totem for ergy and digital industries. And it was here less than 30 years ago that one fi rst minister says May should agree Brexiters. A recent report by the Fraser of Aidan McAnespie, 24, was shot dead by British sol- unambiguously to a much longer “The prime minister needs to Allander Institute, an economics diers while on his way to a football match. transition period inside the single come away from the EU summit thinktank in Glasgow, found 134,000 By accident, it was said. market and customs union, and give with a clear agreement to move into jobs in Scotland relied on EU trade. It is the spot where less than 20 years ago there EU citizens a clear guarantee their trade talks and a clear statement In a further fi llip to Sturgeon’s were concrete barriers and border guards with au- rights will be protected. that transition will mean remaining demands for the full devolution of tomatic weapons who would stop and search driv- Sturgeon says the diplomatic in the single market and the cus- Sturgeon ... eye on future EU powers to Edinburgh, an opinion ers, whether from the South or the North, looking row over the US president, Donald toms union — nothing less,” Stur- poll by 38 Degrees, the campaigning for weapons and explosives. Trump’s “completely unaccept- geon writes. falling over a Brexit cliff -edge. It is the £50bn divorce bill, a post-Brexit website, found that 62% of Scots In 1974, as the local primary school principal was able” retweets of Islamophobic “Warm words and cryptic sound- an opportunity to recognise a better transition period and on sharing want all relevant EU powers to be driving with his wife and daughter from Aughna- videos from Britain First must have bites will not suffi ce when compa- way forward.” powers with the Scottish and Welsh transferred directly to Scotland, cloy across the border for dinner, the Irish Republi- convinced May it was “enormous nies are beginning to make real de- Sturgeon senses a political op- governments. rather than held by Whitehall. can Army (IRA) kidnapped him. folly” to believe a US trade deal cisions that will impact on people’s portunity for anti-Brexit cam- That change of tone ought to car- It found that 46% of voters be- The man was also a part-time policeman. His would replace jobs that will be lost jobs. paigners: the UK government has ry through into the new year, Stur- lieved devolution would be weak- body was found later in a fi eld outside Aughnacloy. due to Brexit. And that transition must not be substantially softened its previously geon adds, with the government ened if those powers were kept in These are the old stories of the dark period — May has to confront the Euro- simply a two-year postponement of hardline stance on key issues such as pursuing the EU talks “in a spirit of London. “the Troubles” — of the Northern Ireland confl ict that the rest of Europe has all but forgotten. But in Ireland, whether north or south, the mem- ories are still there. Aughnacloy is one of some 300 crossing points where nowadays people travel back and forth over 5 hurt as car collides with the border almost without noticing it. But this could change. With Britain’s exit from the European Union in pedestrians in London 2019, this border will become the bloc’s external border. For people on the island, the border is a trauma Guardian News and Media It was not being treated as a terror- and nobody wants it back. London ist incident or a hate crime. For the Brexit negotiators in Brussels, it is a head- The Met said its offi cers and the ache. London ambulance service were at Nobody yet knows how to avoid setting up a new ive men have been taken to hos- the scene, where the road was closed border when Britain — and Northern Ireland with it pital after a car collided with a both ways between Sidney Road and — leaves the EU single market and customs union. Fgroup of pedestrians in London Stockwell Park. Diplomats are trying to draft a compromise yesterday morning, police said. Kevin Bate, the deputy director of formula on the issue by tomorrow, which if unre- The Metropolitan police said fi ve operations at the London ambulance solved, would block further Brexit negotiations. men aged between 23 and 42 were in- service, said six crews, two advanced The customs border and the inspection offi cials jured when the car hit a number of paramedics, two incident response there vanished overnight when the Republic of Ire- people on Stockwell Road near the offi cers, a hazardous area response land and Britain joined the EU at the same time in junction of Sidney Road, in south- team and air ambulance medics at- 1973. west London, just before 3am. None of tended. As one local villager, Gabriel D’Arcy recalls, “Un- the injured were in a critical condition. “We treated fi ve patients on the fortunately, they were replaced by military posts. Offi cers said they believed the col- scene for a range of head and leg in- And then we went into 30 years of just harrowing lision occurred shortly after an alter- juries,” he said. “We took one patient Participants in the Great Christmas Pudding Race, in aid of Cancer Research, are sprayed with fake despair and violence.” cation between the occupants of the as a priority to a major trauma centre snow, in Covent Garden, yesterday. Put in numerical terms, during a quarter of a vehicle and a number of pedestrians. and took four patients as a priority to century of the Troubles some 3,600 people were The car was abandoned at the scene a trauma centre.” killed, nearly 50,000 wounded, and half a million and a number of occupants ran away, No arrests had been made and in- Fewer Christmas presents for children: study left traumatised by violence perpetrated by both the Met said. quiries were continuing. sides of the confl ict in Northern Ireland. London Evening Standard supporting more than 25,000 impoverished children On one side, the Irish nationalists, mostly Cath- London in the capital. olic, whose aim was to end British rule in the North “Behind these statistics are the children I know and reunite the island of Ireland as one country, who wake up every morning crying because they feel and on the other side, the Unionists, mostly Prot- any children in London will receive fewer cold, hungry and are anxious about their futures,” said estants, who wanted to keep the North as part of Warm week for London Christmas presents than the average Laurence Guinness, CEO of the Childhood Trust. Britain. Mfamily pet, new fi gures from a poverty “The misery that children face due to poverty is not The horror included kidnappings, assassina- charity has revealed. just at Christmas but all year round. tions, beatings, bombings and intimidation. London Evening Standard time. The top temperature will be Data from 22 children’s charities in the capital “We’re asking Londoners to donate now to a local The Troubles consumed an entire generation, London 11 degrees which will be quite a leap revealed thousands of children say they do not enjoy charity to provide essential practical and emotional and fi nally reached a point where people were so from Saturday’s readings. People will Christmas — and the average value of gifts spent on support for the most vulnerable children in our city.” exhausted and broken that they agreed to a US- defi nitely notice the diff erence from many disadvantaged children totals just £19.55. Poverty was cited as the main reason why children brokered peace — the 1998 Good Friday Agreement ondoners are set to enjoy the previous week.” This figure compares to the average £22 spent on a do not enjoy the festive period, at 82%, followed by — despite the bitterness and still open wounds. warmer temperatures before a As the week progresses the warm family pet in the UK and is far below the £145 worth of stress and anxiety (64%), parent or carer mental health Under it, the Republic of Ireland changed its con- Lsecond cold snap hits the capi- period looks set to hold. Monday will gifts given to the average UK child on Christmas Day. problems (60%) and feeling left out compared to other stitution, dropping its claim to Northern Ireland. tal. The mercury will hit highs of 11C see a chilly, overcast day, however Many children who are supported by London pov- children (64%). With this, the border was dismantled and in the in the middle of the week before tem- temperatures could hit 10-11C. erty charities will receive nothing at all, the saddening This year, the charity is working on the Big Give North, people could choose their nationality, be it peratures plummet towards zero on Wednesday will be windier and statistics also found. Christmas Challenge to help raise £1.5mn for London’s Irish, British, or both. Friday. cloudier but temperatures will remain The data comes from London organisation The disadvantaged and vulnerable children. “The Good Friday Agreement came,” D’Arcy sad, Charles Powell, from the Met Of- in the double fi gures. Rain is set to hit Childhood Trust which works with smaller charities to It comes as charity boss Mr Guinness warned “and that was a game changer. Because overnight fi ce, said: “Sunday morning will see on Thursday, and northerly winds help the capital’s 700,000 kids living in poverty. London children are relying on aid organisations to the security installations went and slowly but sure- a cloudy start followed by some damp will brings colder gales in on Friday, It used figures from 22 children charities who are avoid starving. ly economic activity started taking off again.” drizzle, but that should clear by lunch causing the temperature to plummet. In the view of the government in Dublin, the gen- ius of the agreement was its ambiguity. Each person may choose an identity. Under the umbrella of the EU, people could sim- ply live next to each other, while the issue of state- hood was set aside for the time being. And what came next, with the violence ended, Fear grips London as acid attacks soar was a new entity, a common economic zone, a mini-EU within the larger EU. With people travelling freely, local economies By Rosie Scammell, AFP buying high-concentrate sulphuric commander Simon Laurence ap- starting to grow again and prosper, the border be- London acid — such as drain cleaner — to pealed to parents, teachers and came all but invisible. apply for a Home Offi ce licence. social workers to ask young peo- Dublin says that each month, more than 1.8mn MP Stephen Timms called for ple what they’re carrying in plas- cars cross it. elivery rider Jabed Hussain the changes in parliament in July, tic bottles. And now? Will customs agents again be staffi ng was waiting at a traffi c light after his east London constituency “What’s in it? Why are they car- the crossing points? Must people who now routine- Done night in east London of East Ham suff ered a spate of at- rying it? Because the police can’t ly travel to a town on the other side for urgent medi- when two attackers sprayed acid in tacks. stop this alone, and we need the cal treatment have to present a passport again? his face and stole his moped. His intervention followed an at- help of the community,” he told AFP For the government in Dublin, this is unthink- It was one of hundreds of attacks tack against two cousins who were outside Mangle nightclub in east able. in the British capital every year that sitting in their car in Beckton, leav- London, where 22 people were in- “We are not going to allow a border to re-emerge have prompted government inter- ing both with life-changing injuries. jured in April with a substance the on the island of Ireland and we have a shared re- vention and left the city’s police “What we cannot do is allow a same strength as hydrochloric acid. sponsibility with Britain to make sure that doesn’t force asking the public for help to situation where people feel scared “It melted their skin, and they happen,” Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said. tackle the crime wave. to walk around the streets,” he told would have been in horrendous Dublin knows it has the backing of the EU part- Hussain recalled feeling “burn- AFP in his local library. pain. Some of those victims will ners, and Britain likewise is committed to the no- ing on my face” during the robbery “And that’s the position we were have life-changing injuries that border goal. in Hackney. getting into after that attack on the they will be reminded of every day,” “We have the same desire,” Prime Minister “If they want to take my bike, two cousins, people just thought it Laurence said, after a 25-year-old Theresa May said. there are a lot of weapons...why A July 18, 2017, file photo of motorcycle delivery drivers and motorcyclists wasn’t safe to walk up and down the man was convicted over the attack. “We want to ensure that movement of people and (have) they got to choose the weap- taking part in a demonstration in Parliament Square in central London, fol- road anymore.” London police carry acid response trade across that border can carry on as now and on of acid?” he told AFP as he re- lowing a spate of acid attacks on July 13. With many off enders in their kits to treat victims and Laurence that we don’t create any new barriers to trade or the turned to the spot where the attack teens or early 20s, East Ham’s bor- said the force wanted to be able to movement of people across that border. happened. not so lucky, left in a critical condi- tacks on a lack of regulation to stop ough of Newham in east London has test substances on the streets. “That’s the outcome that we have both agreed The number of assaults is in- tion after being sprayed with acid people buying acid, although he preempted new legislation by ask- “The bit we’ve got to be able to get on. And that is what we believe it is in the best in- creasing rapidly. while his helmet visor was up. noted the recent cases have “con- ing shopkeepers to challenge young better at is identifying what’s in the terest of Northern Ireland.” The British capital saw 454 acid Jaf Shah, head of the London- centrated the minds of government people buying acid and refuse sales bottle when someone’s carrying it — But it is anyone’s guess as to how this is to be attacks reported last year, up from based Acid Survivors Trust Interna- offi cials”. if they are suspicious of customers’ and to stop people thinking they’re achieved once Britain leaves the EU. 261 in 2015 and 166 the year before. tional, said victims were “incredibly Home Secretary Amber Rudd intentions. able to use it to cause such horren- A solution could at best come from extremely Hussain suff ers from chest prob- strong, resilient and courageous in- announced new proposals in Octo- “The response in Newham has dous injuries.” close trade ties agreed on between Britain and the lems after swallowing water which dividuals”. ber to force people carrying acid to been really positive...Shopkeepers Fearful of returning to work, Hus- EU. he believes contained traces of the “Because when you take into ac- prove they have a legitimate reason, are actually very happy to be in- sain thinks more still needs to be But achieving such a deal out would take months, acid, although his helmet protected count the devastation of such an taking the same approach used to volved in addressing this problem,” done to make people realise the dev- if not years, a prospect that the Republic of Ireland much of his face and he has no vis- attack, it requires an enormous tackle knife violence where posses- said Timms. astating impact of such a weapon. simply won’t consider. ible scars. amount of strength to go through sion of the weapon alone is crimi- While police have had some “Why (do) they use the acid to de- Dublin wants a guarantee from London. A pizza delivery driver attacked in and recover,” he told AFP. nalised. success in confiscating acid on stroy somebody’s face, and destroy And they want it now, before the EU even starts north-east London last month was Shah blamed the increase in at- Rudd also plans to require people the streets, Hackney’s borough somebody’s life?” he asked. talking with Britain over future relations. Gulf Times 18 Sunday, December 3, 2017 EUROPE Germany’s AfD picks chiefs amid street protests

AFP ered at the two-day congress in front “the threat of us losing our “only party for patriotic policies” Hanover the northern city of Hanover to country – maybe not immedi- and accused Merkel of “funda- Demonstrators take part in a elect her replacement, setting up ately but little by little”. mental political failure” during sit-in near where the Alternative a dramatic showdown between Outside, hundreds of demon- her 12 years in offi ce. for Germany (AfD) was holding he far-right Alternative the warring factions. strators staged sit-ins to block The AfD is now represented in its party congress in Hanover, for Germany (AfD) elected Joerg Meuthen, who belongs to roadways to the venue, delaying 14 of Germany’s 16 state parlia- northern Germany. Ta new leadership duo from the hard-right nativist wing, was the start of the congress by nearly ments but has been shunned by its nationalist wing yesterday af- re-elected as co-leader with an an hour. mainstream parties as a potential “grand coalition” government. ter the party’s triumphant turn- overwhelming 72% of the vote. After reporting minor scuffl es partner at the national level. If she is successful and averts a out in September’s general elec- But when the relatively-mod- with protesters, police deployed A video shown at the start of snap election, the AfD would be- tion, as thousands staged street erate Berlin AfD chief Georg water cannon in frigid weather the event celebrated the regional come Germany’s largest opposi- protests against the anti-immi- Pazderski failed in two ballots to remove some of the blockades. election victories and ended with tion power, strongly boosting its grant, anti-Islam political force. to win Petry’s vacant seat, the Several offi cers were injured the rallying cry “We want our profi le. The AfD captured nearly 13% party’s powerful parliamentary in scuffl es, one on the hand by a homeland back”. Delegates defeated a motion to of the vote and almost 100 seats group chief Alexander Gauland fl ying bottle, and a demonstra- Meuthen predicted that the have Meuthen as the AfD’s sole in parliament – a watershed mo- was recruited to stand. tor who had chained himself to AfD would hold seats in all 16 president, wary of consolidating ment in German post-war poli- “I wasn’t seeking this,” said a barricade suff ered a broken leg states by the end of 2018. too much power in one person tics that left Chancellor Angela Gauland, who won 68% of the and was taken to hospital, police The fractured political land- and hoping to bridge the internal Merkel the winner but required vote. “But fate wanted it another said. scape has made it more diffi cult divisions. her to seek out a still-elusive way and so I allowed my friends Later in the day more than than ever for Merkel to cobble to- Gauland has resisted eff orts coalition. to convince me to step in.” 6,000 pro-refugee demonstra- gether a governing majority. by AfD moderates to groom the However, a row between radi- The choice of leaders con- tors marched through the city Talks to form a coalition span- party for participation in coali- AfD members vote during the party congress. cal nationalists and more mod- fi rmed the steady rightward centre supporting Merkel’s lib- ning the political spectrum for tion governments on the state or erate forces has festered in the march of the party, which was eral border policy, which has al- her fourth and probably last term local level, saying that it is too AFP in an interview ahead of the the other parties leading to the AfD’s top ranks, with co-leader founded in 2013 as a populist lowed in more than 1mn asylum- broke down in acrimony last young to venture beyond the op- Hanover congress. “Her time is political deadlock in Berlin were Frauke Petry abruptly quitting anti-euro outfi t. seekers since 2015. month. position. up – we want her to leave the po- helping the AfD. just days after the election to Before the vote, Meuthen said Meuthen told cheering del- The chancellor is now try- “It’s all downhill for Mer- litical stage.” “It is good for us,” he said to form her own breakaway party. that he was working out of “pas- egates at the start of the meet- ing to woo the centre-left Social kel now and that is partly our Meuthen said that the “pa- applause. “It brings us more sup- Around 600 delegates gath- sion for Germany” and to con- ing that the AfD was Germany’s Democrats back into a right-left achievement,” Gauland told thetic little sandbox games” of porters.”

Erdogan says US Austria’s govt likely to be sworn courts cannot put in on December 20, says source Reuters reforms they had called for in quality before speed even if that Vienna their campaigns. meant a deal only after Christ- Turkey on trial Kurz, 31, who has taken a mas. tough stance on immigration and FPO deputy leader Norbert ustria’s new conserva- Muslim “parallel societies”, tilt- Hofer told Oe1 that no deal had Reuters Zarrab has implicated top Turk- tive-far right ruling coa- ing towards the FPO line as the been sealed yet, repeating previ- Ankara ish politicians, including Er- Alition is likely to be sworn far-right surged in popularity, is ous statements that both parties dogan. in on December 20, an informed tipped to become chancellor and aimed to fi nish before Christmas. Zarrab said on Thursday that Erdogan: the US courts can never try my country. source said on Friday, marking the youngest head of government The Austrian national news ourts in the United States Erdogan personally author- a victory for nationalists so far in the European Union. agency APA also cited December cannot put Turkey on ised two Turkish banks to join but US offi cials have said that bring down the Turkish govern- shut out of government else- There has been no confi rma- 20 as the most likely date for the Ctrial, Turkish President the scheme when he was prime the courts require suffi cient ment and on Friday the state- where in western Europe. tion on who might get which swearing-in of the new govern- Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yes- minister. evidence before they can extra- run Anadolu news agency said Foreign Minister Sebastian portfolio in the new cabinet, but ment by President Alexander Van terday, in reference to the case Ankara has cast the testimo- dite the elderly cleric, who has Turkish prosecutors are set to Kurz, whose mainstream con- the anti-immigration FPO has der Bellen, but listed January 8 as of a Turkish bank executive who ny as an attempt to undermine denied any involvement in the seize the assets of Zarrab and his servative People’s Party (OVP) said it would aim for about half of an alternative date. has been charged with evading Turkey and its economy, and coup. acquaintances. won a parliamentary election on the ministries. The FPO, which came within US sanctions on Iran. has previously said that it was Erdogan, who has governed Turkey has stepped up its October 15 but not a majority, The OVP gained 31.5% and the a whisker of winning the 2015 Already strained ties between a “clear plot” by the network of Turkey for almost 15 years, told pressure on the US and yester- has been in coalition talks with FPO 26% of votes in the Alpine presidential election, is allied North Atlantic Treaty Organi- US-based Fethullah Gulen, who members of his ruling AK Party day Anadolu quoted Foreign Heinz-Christian Strache’s Free- republic’s election two months with France’s National Front and sation (Nato) allies Ankara and it alleges engineered last year’s in the northeastern province of Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as dom Party (FPO). ago. Germany’s AfD. Washington have deteriorated coup attempt. Kars yesterday that US courts saying that Gulen’s followers Both sides have described the “(December 20) is certainly a The populist far-right last en- in recent weeks as Turkish- Reuters was not immediately “can never try my country”. had infi ltrated the US judiciary, discussions as friendly and con- possible date (for the swearing- tered an Austrian federal govern- Iranian gold trader Reza Zarrab, able to reach representatives Although the Turkish presi- Congress, and other state insti- structive but so far failed to dis- in),” OVP chairwoman Elisa- ment in 2000 and currently rules who is co-operating with US for the ministers implicated by dent has not yet responded to tutions. close the kind of sweeping tax, beth Koestinger said on Oe1 ra- in coalition with centrists in two prosecutors, detailed in court a Zarrab in the trial. the courtroom claims, he has The United States says its ju- immigration and administrative dio, adding that they would put of the country’s provinces. scheme to evade US sanctions. Turkey has repeatedly re- dismissed the case as a polit- diciary is independent of any Over three days of testimony, quested Gulen’s extradition, ically-motivated attempt to political or other interference. Fake Paris attacks victim on trial

AFP woman, who was walking past, was killed in the Bataclan assault. Versailles “took the bullets meant for me”. They then traced his wherea- After the attack he sought bouts that night using his mobile compensation from a state fund phone data – and discovered he man who claimed to have for the victims of terrorism but was about 30km from the Bata- survived the 2015 massa- his application was turned down clan when the attack began and Acre at the Bataclan thea- after he failed to supply docu- showed up outside the theatre tre in Paris, describing his brush ments proving his claim. around midnight, after it had with death in vivid detail, was He also joined the Life for Paris ended. tried for fraud on Friday after it survivors’ group and, like several Rey, who now lives in the emerged that he was nowhere of those who escaped death, got French territory of New Caledo- near the scene. a tattoo commemorating the at- nia in the South Pacifi c, has ad- History enthusiasts, dressed as soldiers, fight during the re-enactment of Cedric Rey’s account of the tack – in his case of Marianne, mitted to fabricating the story. Napoleon’s famous battle of Austerlitz, near the southern Moravian town of November 13, 2015, attack was symbol of the French Republic, During a return visit to main- Slavkov u Brna, Czech Republic. used by several French media, in- with the Bataclan in the back- land France in October he handed cluding AFP. ground. himself in to police. The 29-year-old ambulance At least seven people have been He was remanded in custody driver said he was having a found guilty of fraud or attempt- pending his trial and ordered to drink with two friends outside ed fraud over the Paris attacks, undergo psychological tests. Napoleon feted in battle re-enactment the Bataclan when three Islamic which also targeted the Stade de Charged with attempt fraud State (IS) militants stormed the France stadium and several bars over his compensation claim, venue during a concert, launch- and restaurants in eastern Paris, Rey faces up to fi ve years in pris- Reuters leon Bonaparte won one of his 2, 1805 saw Napoleon’s Grande saw hundreds of enthusiasts ing a three-hour bomb and gun killing 230 people in total. on if convicted. London most famous victories as hun- Armee defeat a larger Russo- dressed in historical costume attack that left 90 people dead. Police became suspicious His lawyer has refused to com- dreds of people took part in a Austrian force through tactical armed with muskets and pistols Rey claimed that one of the about Rey’s story after noting ment on the case and said his cli- weekend re-enactment of the brilliance. and wielding sabres as they re- gunmen aimed his rifl e at him several discrepancies, including ent no longer wants to speak to annons roared and Battle of Austerlitz. The annual Czech event, enacted the clash, which histo- and fi red but that a pregnant the fact that no pregnant woman the media. horses’ hooves pounded Known as the Battle of the taking place near the south- rians regard as one of the most Cacross the battlefi eld on Three Emperors, the clash ern Moravian town of Salavkov important battles of the Napo- which French Emperor Napo- which was fought on December u Brna in the Czech Republic, leonic wars. Police looking for clues after Christmas market bomb scare

German police said yesterday that it was “unlikely” canister with wires inside the package. a Christmas market in Potsdam was the target of a After initial reports that it was an explosive device, package found nearby that was initially believed to local authorities said the cylindrical canister was contain an explosive device. filled with nails, powder, batteries and wires – as Four injured in pedestrian bridge collapse The device was discovered late on Friday at a well as a powerful firework of a type not allowed in pharmacy just off the market in central Potsdam, Germany – but there was no sign of a detonator. a picturesque city near Berlin, reviving fears of Investigators are now attempting to identify the AFP terday, rescuers said. and 43 on the spot with less se- the north of the Czech capital, a repeat of last year’s deadly terror attack at a sender of the package. Prague “A 60-year-old man was rious injuries, and we took them was 260m (850’) long and used Christmas market in the German capital. The market was only partially evacuated on Friday put in an artifi cial coma and a to hospital too,” she said, add- by pedestrians and cyclists. “Investigations are continuing in all directions,” and reopened as normal yesterday with a stronger 63-year-old woman was taken ing that all four had fallen with Czech media said a city Brandenburg state police said on Twitter. police presence, a local police spokesman told AFP. our people were injured, to hospital with multiple inju- the bridge as it collapsed around company in charge of Prague’s But “according to the first element of the Germany has been on high alert for possible two of them seriously, ries,” Prague ambulance spokes- 1pm (1200 GMT). bridges had complained some investigation”, it appears “unlikely” that the religious extremist attacks after last December’s Fwhen a pedestrian bridge woman Jana Postova said. Built in 1984, the concrete time ago that the bridge’s 156 Christmas market was the target, the police said. deadly assault at a Christmas market in central collapsed near Prague zoo yes- “We also treated men aged 34 bridge across the Vltava river, in steel ropes were corroded. A pharmacist sounded the alert after finding a Berlin. Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 19 INDIA Not in competition with Modi on ‘humble background’: Singh

IANS would like to enter in any compe- vided Punjab in 1932. eyesight he confessed it was be- where he got his MA in Economics several key posts in the govern- nomic slowdown has reversed as Surat tition with Prime Minister Modiji He was born into a family of cause he had spent hours reading in 1954, standing fi rst throughout ment such as chief economic ad- the 6.3% growth rate in the July- on this particular matter,” Singh modest means. For the fi rst 12 books in that dim light, accord- his academic career. He com- viser (1972-76), governor of the September quarter did not take said here. years of his life he lived in Gah, a ing to Sanjaya Baru, who served as pleted his Economics Tripos at the Reserve Bank of India (1982-85) into account the small and me- ongress leader Manmo- The former prime minister was village which had no electric- media adviser to Singh from University of Cambridge where he and Planning Commission head dium sector which suff ered huge han Singh yesterday said replying to a question why he ity, no school, no hospital 2004 to 2008. was a member of St John’s College (1985-87). losses in the aftermath of demon- Che does not want people never talked about his background and no piped drinking wa- His family migrated to in 1957. In June 1991, then prime min- etisation and hasty implementa- to take pity on his humble back- unlike like Modi who often says he ter. Amritsar in India during After obtaining his doctorate ister P V Narasimha Rao inducted tion of the Goods and Services ground as he is not in competition used to sell tea at a railway station He walked for miles eve- partition in 1947. He lost his in economics from Oxford, Singh him as fi nance minister when Tax. with his successor Prime Minister in Gujarat to support his family ry day to school and studied mother at an early age worked for the UN during 1966- he carried out several structural He welcomed the 6.3% growth Narendra Modi over this. during his childhood. at night in the dim light and was brought up 69. From 1969 to 1971, he taught reforms that liberalised India’s rate in the July-September quar- “I don’t want the country to Singh, who led Congress gov- of a kerosene lamp. by his grandmother. International Trade at the Delhi economy. ter but cautioned it was too early take pity on the basis of my hum- ernment from 2004-14, was When asked once Singh attended School of Economics. Meanwhile Singh said it was to conclude that the economy has ble background. I do not think I born in Gah village in the undi- why he had poor Panjab University Over the 1970s and 80s, he held too early to conclude that the eco- recovered. Modi to visit Rescue demonstration Gujarat again from today

IANS Minister Narendra Modi have to Gandhinagar visit Gujarat every other day when they have carried out so many de- velopment works in the state as rime Minister Narendra they are claiming?,” she said Modi is once again visiting The senior Congress leader Phis home state Gujarat to- continued: “Look at the prices of day, three days after he addressed commodities that have risen so four campaign meetings for the sharply during the three-and-a Bharatiya Janata Party in the elec- half years of NDA rule. There has tion-bound state. been sudden and steep hike in For his two-day visit, the BJP onion, tomato prices. When I was has organised seven public gath- in Delhi, the Congress procured erings named as ‘vikas (develop- these commodities and availed it ment) rallies’, to stress on the rul- to the people at aff ordable prices.” ing party’s development plank. Criticising the BJP government Today Modi will address three for dilly-dallying on the Metro public meetings, at Bharuch in the train project in the state, she said, morning, and later at Surendrana- “When I visited Gujarat 12 years gar. ago, I had heard about the Metro He will visit the capital of Sau- project which was announced rashtra, Rajkot, before going to some years ago with much fan- Ahmedabad where he will inaugu- fare. What has happened to that? rate a hospital at the Swaminaray- Is it running now? It is still more an Gurukul Vishwavidya Pra- on paper than reality. We com- tisthanam (SGVP). The BJP wants pleted the Delhi Metro project to make this meeting a grand event as we had promised in due time. Indian navy commandos take part in a rescue demonstration above the Gateway of India during a rehearsal for the forthcoming Navy Day celebrations in Mumbai, yesterday. and is planning a huge rally of than The Congress accomplished all of 100,000 people. The administra- their promised tasks and that too tion and police have geared up for in time during my 16 years of reign the event. in Delhi.” Tomorrow, the prime minister Asked about the BJP alleging will hold public meetings at Dhar- that the Congress was playing ampur in Valsad district and later the caste card for the elections, at Bhavnagar. From there he will she said, “the Congress has never visit Junagadh and Jamnagar. fought the elections on the basis He will also visit the state in of caste, it has been always devel- three phases after December 6 opment issues that the party has Akhilesh blames EVMs when he will address more than 24 fought on - real development, not meetings and rallies. false and so-called development, Modi was in Gujarat on taking along every section of the Wednesday to campaign in Sau- society.” rashtra region and south Gujarat. Asked about the loss in the local Former Delhi chief minister body elections in Uttar Pradesh, Sheila Dikshit mocked the BJP Dikshit said, “We have not had a for UP civic poll defeat yesterday, asking if its claim of major loss as is being projected by having undertaken a lot of devel- some. Wait and watch, the full and IANS “Where voting was done by bly polls. But in this election, would have been much diff er- the February-March 2017 as- opment was correct then why was entire results have not yet come Kolkata/Lucknow EVM, the BJP got 46% of the many seats have gone to inde- ent and the BJP would have been sembly polls, have dwindled. the prime minister rushing off to out and until then we will just seats, but only 15% where the pendent candidates,” Yadav said. wiped out in the urban body Also, the BJP is not the number the state practically every other wait. It is also wrong that Con- voting was done by ballot,” he Earlier in the day, SP’s Uttar polls. one seat winner - the independ- day to campaign. gress has lost major elections after amajwadi Party chief said. Pradesh unit chief Naresh Uttam The BJP had nothing to project ents are. But what is noticeable is Speaking to reporters in Gan- 2014.” Akhilesh Yadav yesterday Yadav alleged that the UP gov- charged the BJP with intimidat- about its government and hence the fact that both the SP and the dhinagar, the former three-time To questions about apprehen- Sput the blame on electronic ernment used government heli- ing polling offi cials and opposi- they not only engaged in electoral BSP seem to have done impres- Delhi chief minister said the saf- sions over the Electronic Vot- voting machines (EVMs) for his copters and “brought Ram and tion party candidates, tampering malpractices they also pressed sively. fron party has realised that people ing Machines (EVM), the former party’s rout in the Uttar Pradesh Sita to Ayodhya”. with voter lists and manipulating into service the entire govern- This is in stark contrast to the are in a mood to change the gov- chief minister said, “Lots of peo- civic elections, and accused the Citing an example, he said the EVMs. ment machinery, including the drubbing they got at the hands of ernment and that’s why Modi was ple have raised their doubts about ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of Chief Minister Yogi Adidyanath Uttam said in Lucknow the BJP cabinet, the SP leader said. the BJP in the assembly polls. Of paying frequent visits to the state. the EVMs. Now it is the onus of using all means including state visited Ayodhya fi ve times during indulged in all “undemocratic The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) the total corporators – 1,300, for She said after 22 years of BJP the Election Commission of India resources to win the vote. the campaign. acts” to emerge victorious. also accused the BJP of resorting which elections were held in the rule the people of Gujarat have (ECI) to win the trust of the peo- Addressing the West Ben- However, Yadav did not agree “The ruling party should to EVM related malpractices and three-phased urban body polls now realised that they haven’t ple, which has recently faltered.” gal state conference of the SP in that the BJP had improved its realise that we have got good demanded that the 2019 general in November, the BJP managed experienced real development. She said that people of Gujarat Kolkata, a day after the civic poll showing in the polls that came (number of) seats despite the fact elections be held through ballot to win 596 while the SP, which is Dikshit said the Congress is con- have realised that the standard and results were declared, the former eight months after Adityanath that our chief Akhilesh Yadav did papers. not an urban voter based party, fi dent of forming the government quality of education in the state Uttar Pradesh chief minister said was sworn in as chief minister. not canvass,” he said. Meanwhile analysts said while got 202 seats and the BSP 147 in Gujarat. has “gone down the drain” since the BJP had done far better in “The BJP had won three- Uttam said had Yadav cam- in most places the BJP may have seats in its fi rst outing in the civic “Why does a so-busy Prime 22 years and they want it back. seats where the EVMs were used. fourth of the seats in the assem- paigned extensively, the results won, the margins, compared to polls.

Sushma visits Iran ahead of Cultural festival Actor Vishal to contest inauguration of strategic port Chennai by-election IANS pressed his decision to join poli- IANS viewed the initiatives undertak- growing. It is learnt that the Te- Chennai tics, while Rajinikanth has also New Delhi en since the visit of Prime Minis- hran meeting was held in the said that he would consider a po- ter Narendra Modi to Iran in May course of a “technical stopover” litical foray. 2016, including co-operation in on Swaraj’s way back to New ne more Tamil movie The ruling All India Anna n the eve of the inaugu- Chabahar Port which will be in- Delhi from Russia. hero has made a political Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam ration of the fi rst phase augurated by the President of the Swaraj was in Sochi to attend Oplunge and will contest and the Dravida Munnetra Ka- Oof the strategic Chaba- Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan the 16th Meeting of the Council the December 21 by-election to zhagam have already announced har port in Iran, External Aff airs Rouhani tomorrow in the pres- of Shanghai Co-operation Or- the R K Nagar assembly constit- E Madhusudhanan and N Minister Sushma Swaraj yester- ence of ministers from India, ganisation (SCO) Heads of Gov- uency. Marudhu Ganesh, respectively, day paid a visit to Tehran and met Afghanistan and the region,” the ernment. Vishal Krishna, popularly as their candidates. her Iranian counterpart Javad statement said. Yesterday’s Tehran meet- known as Vishal, said yesterday Sidelined AIADMK leader T T Zarif in Tehran. It said that Swaraj and Zarif ing assumes signifi cance in the he would fi le his nomination as V Dinakaran will also contest as The port is a critical part of a also exchanged views on regional wake of media reports that Iran an independent candidate to- an independent candidate. trade route to connect India to and global developments of mu- might hand over the manage- morrow. Dinakaran, the nephew of landlocked Afghanistan and be- tual interest. ment control of the fi rst phase The Bharatiya Janata Party jailed AIADMK leader V N yond to Central Asia bypassing According to Iranian media, of the Chabahar port to India to- (BJP) will fi eld its spokesman K Sasikala, recently suff ered a set- Pakistan. during his meeting with the In- day, a year-and-a-half ahead of Nagarajan for the by-election. back when the Election Com- According to a statement is- dian minister, Zarif said the in- schedule. Vishal is also president of the mission decided to allot the ‘two sued by the External Aff airs Min- auguration of the fi rst phase, Road Transport and Highways, Tamil Film Producers’ Coun- leaves’ symbol to the united fac- istry, Swaraj landed in Tehran on called Shahid Beheshti port, Shipping and Water Resources cil and general secretary of the tion of the party. her way back from Russia’s So- “indicates signifi cant role of the Minister Nitin Gadkari is sched- Naga tribesmen from Yimchunger tribe dance on South Indian Film Artistes Asso- While Sasikala will have to chi. Both she and Zarif discussed port in boosting contacts and co- uled to attend today’s inaugura- the second day of the Hornbill festival at the Naga ciation, better known as Nadigar serve at least two years more in various aspects of bilateral rela- operation between countries in tion ceremony. heritage village of Kisama, some 15km from Kohima, Sangam/ Actors’ Association. prison, many members of the tions. Central Asia with other countries The inauguration comes more the capital city of the northeastern state of Nagaland The state in recent times has family facing cases fi led under The port is to be inaugurated in the world via the Sea of Oman than a month after the fi rst con- yesterday. The annual Hornbill festival, which seen a clutch of actors expressing the Foreign Exchange Regulation by Iranian President Hassan and Indian Ocean”. signment of wheat from India to celebrates the cultural heritages of the Nagas, is being their willingness to jump into the Act (FERA) and by the Enforce- Rouhani today. Zarif also hailed Tehran-New Afghanistan was sent via Chaba- held from December 1 to 10. political arena. ment Directorate will be under “Both sides positively re- Delhi relations as good and har. Actor Kamal Haasan has ex- strict legal purview. Gulf Times 20 Sunday, December 3, 2017 INDIA

EDUCATION TREATMENT CRIME INSURGENCY POLITICS 1,000 B Ed colleges Odisha pledges medical Woman molested in Militants ambush Assam AAP to contest Punjab risk losing aff iliation expenses of conjoined twins in Connaught Place Rifles troopers in Manipur municipal elections

The National Council for Teachers Education After footing the bill to separate twins Jaga and A 32-year-old woman was molested by an Militants ambushed Assam Rifles troopers in The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) yesterday said that (NCTE) has issued notices to 1,000 B Ed Kalia, the Odisha government yesterday said it unidentified man on the terrace of her office Kamjong district of Manipur early yesterday it would contest municipal elections in Punjab and D Ed colleges for failing to submit data would bear the expenses for the treatment of in new Delhi’s busy Connaught Place, police morning, but no casualties were reported, an later this month on the party symbol and also through aff idavits, a senior Human Resource newborn girl twins who are joined at the abdomen. said yesterday. “The incident took place on off icial said. An Assam Rifles spokesman said: “No released its first list of 29 candidates. Punjab AAP Development Ministry off icial said yesterday. The baby girls were born on Friday in a private Thursday at 10am when the woman had casualties were reported among the troopers. More president and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann said “The NCTE has already issued 1,000 show- nursing home in Nayagarh district. Later, they gone to the terrace of the building where she reinforcements have been called in and combing that the party decided to contest on the party cause notices to stop aff iliation with NCTE were shifted to Nayagarh district headquarters works,” police said. The woman alleged she operations are going on.” He said one column of symbols so that the local problems of the people and thereafter, these colleges will not be able hospital and then to Sishu Bhawan in Cuttack. “The was sitting on the terrace when “the man, the troopers was proceeding for holding a medical of various municipal areas could be highlighted. to admit students for B Ed and D Ed courses. state government will provide all expenses for the somewhere in his early to mid-20s also came camp for the tribal villagers. “As the column The AAP is the main opposition party in the Punjab Three thousand more show-cause notices will treatment of the kids,” said Health Minister Pratap up and pretended to be on the phone”. The neared Ishi village in the district, three bombs assembly. The party, in its first assembly electoral be issued soon,” Anil Swarup of the ministry Jena. The father of the twins expressed his gratitude victim told the police that he kept staring at were detonated in quick succession. There were outing in the state, won 20 seats in the 117-member said. The NCTE has asked 16,000 B Ed and D Ed to the state government for promising to provide her making her uncomfortable and angry. As some minor damages to the vehicles,” he said. assembly in March this year. Elections to Punjab’s colleges in India to submit aff idavit in respect medical expenses. He also said the twins will be she tried to walk away, he assaulted her. He A heavy exchange of fire followed. Police said three municipal corporations of Amritsar, to all the data and only 12,000 institutes filed named Ganga and Jamuna. Jaga and Kalia who were snatched her mobile phone before fleeing. that on getting information, police, paramilitary Jalandhar and Patiala and 32 Nagar Councils and aff idavit, he said. “I think the biggest mafia in the joined at the head are undergoing treatment at the The woman has not been able to identify the and Assam Rifles personnel rushed to the site. Nagar Panchayats will be held on December 17, education sector is some B Ed and D Ed colleges All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New alleged molester from the footage of the CCTV However, the escapes before the additional forces state Election Commissioner Jagpal Singh Sandhu and some of them exist only in names,” he said. Delhi after being separated. cameras. arrived. announced on Thursday.

Delhi hospital faces action after newborn Over 1,000 declared dead is found alive Kanyakumari IANS New Delhi

elhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain yesterday fi shermen Dsaid strict action will be taken against a hospital which declared a baby dead along with its stillborn twin, but was found to be alive later. “When we came to know about the medical negligence on still missing the part of the hospital we or- dered an inquiry. And I want to assure all that if they don’t work IANS The state government in a be termed as “missing”. “These properly we will cancel the li- Chennai statement said the Fisheries De- fi shermen had gone to the sea. cence of the hospital,” Jain said. partment and coastal security They are yet to reach home or He said the inquiry report will agencies had so far rescued 76 they have not been able to con- be submitted tomorrow. amily members of around fi shermen. tact their relatives here.” He also said that the Max Super 1,000 fi shermen from The Coast Guard on Friday “The search operations now Specialty Hospital has been asked FKanyakumari district who said two of its ships from Tuti- are aimed towards the Alap- to explain why patients of EWS ventured into the deep seas when corin had sailed out on Thursday puzha area, as the boats would (economically weaker section) Cyclone Ockhi struck the south- for the search and rescue of the have run out of fuel. They would category are not being treated. ern Tamil Nadu coast have de- stranded fi shing boats at sea. be drifting according to the wind In a clear case of medical neg- manded that aerial searches and It also said its Dornier aircraft direction. Hence the search op- ligence, doctors at the hospital rescue operations be launched to was launched for the co-ordinat- erations are focusing on Alap- on Friday declared a baby dead, trace the missing men. ed sea air search for the missing puzha,” said Vasuki. along with his stillborn twin, and Protesting on roads, the fami- boats. Angry fi shermen in the capital handed the ‘bodies’ over to fam- lies yesterday said the fi sher- Late on Friday night, Prime city and in Alappuzha blocked ily members in a polythene bag. men had ventured into the sea on Minister Narendra Modi spoke roads protesting the “poor” res- The baby was found alive just mo- around 100 boats three days back to the chief minister and assured cue operations being carried ments before being buried. and have not returned. him that the central government out, with the Kerala government According to the family, the Several boats appear to have would provide assistance for re- coming under heavy fi re for not twins were born premature on capsized due to heavy winds lief work. informing the fi shermen of the Thursday. While one baby was and rains after the cyclone made Palaniswami told Modi the impending cyclone. stillborn, the other was declared landfall in the state and neigh- state government would make a State Congress president M M dead a few hours after his condi- bouring Kerala on Thursday and detailed study on the damages Hassan said the Vijayan govern- tion was stated to be “critical” the stormy conditions continue and send a report. ment has made a mess of every- and “unable to survive”. in the area. The chief minister also told thing. The Max Hospital said in a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Modi that seven districts, mainly “The warning of the cyclone statement: “It has been brought leader M K Stalin also wrote to Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli, had come to the chief secretary to our notice that a 22-week pre- Defence Minister Nirmala Sith- were aff ected by Cyclone Ockhi. on November 29, which was mature newborn, who is said to araman, on behalf on the fi sher- In Kerala, the bodies of four handed over to Vijayan’s offi ce, be on life support at a nursing men’s families, saying they “are fi shermen were recovered yester- but no action was taken. But home, was unfortunately hand- very much afraid that the lives day, taking the state’s death toll to state Tourism Minister K Suren- ed over (as dead) ... by Max Hos- of the stranded fi shermen are in six, while there was no word about dran says that the tragedy took pital, Shalimar Bagh. great danger.” 102 stranded fi shermen. place as fi shermen ignored the “This baby was one of the He told Sitharaman “imme- The bodies were found during warning. We wish to know who twins delivered on the morning diate rescue measures must be rescue operations launched by gave what warning. There was of November 30. The other baby undertaken by the Indian Coast the Indian Navy, Air Force and no warning given at all as Vi- was stillborn. Guard”. Coast Guard. jayan said they came to know of “We are shaken and con- Kanyakumari is one of the dis- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vi- the cyclone only on November 30 cerned at this rare incident. We tricts heavily battered by the cy- jayan said Rs1mn each would be afternoon. This is a massive lapse have initiated a detailed inquiry, clone since Thursday. given to the families of the dead on the part of the Kerala govern- pending which the doctors con- According to the protesters, no fi shermen and Rs20,000 each to ment,” said Hassan. cerned have been asked to pro- offi cial has met them yet. those injured. The cyclone which has so far ceed on leave immediately.” They are now demanding that Asked about the missing fi sh- claimed 14 lives barrelled into the The hospital said it was in helicopters be deployed to carry ermen, Vijayan was unable to Lakshwadeep islands yesterday. constant touch with the parents out the search and rescue opera- give a fi gure, but said informa- Ockhi is expected to travel and ready to extend all support. tions. tion has been received that some north towards Mumbai and Gu- A similar incident was report- On Friday, Chief Minister K Kerala fi shermen have been lo- jarat in the next 48 hours, ac- ed from Safdarjung Hospital in Palaniswami instructed offi cials cated in Lakshadweep. cording to Indian Meteorologi- June when a newborn was found to take steps to locate 30 fi sher- Thiruvananthapuram district cal Department (IMD) director alive after doctors had declared A man uses his mobile phone to take photographs of tides on the shores of the Arabian Sea, after men on 11 boats who went miss- Collector S Vasuki said the 102 S Sudevan, though it is likely to the baby dead. flooding caused by Cyclone Ockhi in the coastal village of Chellanam in Kerala yesterday. ing at sea. fi shermen from Kerala cannot lose intensity. Owaisi opposes triple talaq Miss World on road show Andhra passes bill for bill, calls for Muslim unity 5% quota for Kapus IANS passed unanimously with a voice IANS He criticised Modi for speak- Marathas who came together Amaravati vote. Hyderabad ing about the rights of Muslim to fi ght for their rights and for Naidu said his government women but ignoring the “Hindu reservation. had fulfi lled a promise made to sisters”. Claiming that “20 lakh On Uttar Pradesh Chief Min- he Andhra Pradesh as- Kapus in the 2014 elections. He ajlis-e-Ittehad-ul Hindu women are abandoned by ister Yogi Adityanath’s state- sembly yesterday unani- assured the assembly that steps Muslimeen (MIM) chief their husbands”, Owaisi asked the ment that the Taj Mahal was not Tmously passed a legisla- will be taken to ensure that the MAsaduddin Owaisi yes- prime minister if he would come part of Indian culture, and the tion to provide 5% reservation benefi ts of development and terday opposed the proposed leg- to their rescue as well. Bharatiya Janata Party describ- for the Kapu community in gov- welfare schemes reached Kapus. islation on triple talaq, and called He said rightwing organisa- ing the monument as a symbol ernment jobs and educational The state cabinet had earlier for unity among Indian Muslims tions shows sympathy for Mus- of slavery, Owaisi asked why institutions. accepted the recommendations to protect Shariah. lim women but was not allow- Modi hosted a dinner in Falak- Meeting a long-pending de- of the Manjunatha Committee, He said the Supreme Court ing a fi lm to be released. numa Palace here for US Presi- mand of Kapus, the government which examined the demand of verdict on the issue was confus- “When you can’t allow a fi lm dent Donald Trump’s daughter has included the community in Kapus and suggested a 5% quota ing and nobody could say if ut- (Padmavati) to be released, how Ivanka Trump and others. the backward classes by creating for them. tering talaq thrice in one sitting can you interfere in my Sha- “You have to see the symbols a separate category ‘F’. Set up by the government last annulled marriage, and won- riah,” he asked. of our forefathers,” he said while In the absence of the only op- year, the committee studied the dered how the government can The MIM president said also referring to the other dinner position party YSR Congress, socio-economic conditions of Ka- bring a bill in parliament. Muslims should learn a lesson hosted at Golconda Fort for dele- which is boycotting the session, pus across the state and submitted The MP asked Prime Minister from Rajputs who despite being gates of Global Entrepreneurship leaders of ruling Telugu Desam its report to the government. Narendra Modi’s government if less in numbers came together Summit (GES) this week. Party (TDP) and its coalition As this legislation will take the it would provide fi nancial aid to to stop the release of the fi lm. Referring to the Gujarat elec- partner Bharatiya Janata Party overall reservation in the state to women if their husbands were “If Muslims can unite to tions, the MIM chief said the (BJP) participated in the debate over 50%, the cap fi xed by the sent to jail for three years. strengthen the country and to leaders of both the BJP and on the bill. Supreme Court, the state gov- Addressing a public meeting save Shariah, we can defi nitely Congress were vying with each Miss World 2017 Manushi Chillar is accompanied by school Backward Classes Welfare ernment will request the central at MIM headquarters, Owaisi do something,” he added. other in visiting temples and students during a road show in Mumbai yesterday. The Haryana Minister K Atchan Naidu ta- government to amend the Con- warned that the legislation could The MP said the commu- every leader claiming himself girl has become a global sensation ever since she won the title in bled the bill. Chief Minister N stitution and include the legisla- lead to a new problem of hus- nity should also learn lessons to be a “bigger Hindu than the China’s coastal city of Sanya. Chandrababu Naidu and other tion in Schedule IX to insulate it bands abandoning their wives. from Patels, Gujjars, Jats and other”. members spoke on it. It was later from any court ruling. Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 21 LATIN AMERICA

Venezuela arrests relative of powerful former oil boss

Reuters he said the case was bound to Caracas grow. “I want to highlight that this citizen will likely not be enezuela has arrested the only one detained and the Diego Salazar, a rela- only one investigated,” Saab Vtive of former oil czar said in a phone call to state tel- Rafael Ramirez, as part of an evision announcing the arrest. investigation into a money The arrest is bound to cast laundering scandal in Andor- the spotlight on Ramirez, who ra, the South American coun- was the powerful head of PD- try’s state prosecutor said on VSA and the oil ministry for Friday night. a decade before Maduro de- President Nicolas Maduro moted him as a envoy to the is overseeing what his ad- United Nations in 2014. ministration calls a “crusade” A protracted rivalry be- against corruption in the tween Maduro and Ramirez member of the Organization has increased in the recent of the Petroleum Exporting weeks, sources close to the Countries (Opec). Some 65 oil situation said this week, es- executives have been detained pecially after Ramirez wrote in a deepening purge that could online opinion articles criti- also see the leftist leader con- cising PDVSA’s production solidate his grip over the en- slump and the government’s ergy sector and sideline rivals. handling of Venezuela’s cri- The Salazar case appears sis-hit economy. to relate to what the United Maduro sacked Ramirez, States in 2015 said were some who was thought to have $2bn in laundered funds from presidential ambitions, from Venezuelan state oil com- his job this week and sum- pany Petróleos de Venezuela, moned him back to Caracas SA, known as PDVSA, at the from New York, the people private bank Banca Privada with knowledge of the situa- D’Andorra (BPA). tion said. Saab did not specify Sala- Ramirez and PDVSA did not zar’s role or details on the respond to a request for com- money laundering, except ment on Friday. Salazar could that it involved around 1.35bn not immediately be reached euros in 2011 and 2012, but for comment. Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro dances during an event with supporters in Caracas, Venezuela. Brazil poultry fi rms No hike in defence using ‘forced labour’ spending: Poultry workers face 20 hour days work conditions and long hours that pose In response to the report, JBS, the Humane Catching”). It also said it was a and degrading conditions, according a risk to workers’ health or life and violate world’s biggest meat producer, said the signatory to the United Nations’ Sustain- to researchers their dignity. company and its suppliers “repudiate” able Development Goals that promote In its poultry industry, teams of about any use of slave labour. decent work conditions and seek eradi- Argentina Thomson Reuters Foundation 10 labourers known as chicken catchers “All contracts signed by JBS have a spe- cation of forced labour and a member of Rio De Janeiro collect the birds that are crammed onto cifi c clause that explicitly prohibits prac- the National Institute for Eradication of large farms, working up to 20 hours and tices that may establish the use of labour Slave Labor (INPACTO). Reuters to international debt mar- catching more than 50,000 chickens a analogous to slave and child labour,” the More than 160,000 people are believed New York kets but investment has been housands of people are victims of day, the report said. company said in an emailed statement to to be trapped in modern slavery in Brazil slower than the government forced labour and inhumane work The back-breaking work of chicken the Thomson Reuters Foundation. that includes forced labour, according to had hoped. Tconditions in Brazil’s booming catching is considered dirty and danger- Brazil’s BRF, one of the world’s larg- the Walk Free Foundation, a rights group. rgentina will not in- Bullrich was in New York meat and poultry industries, with some ous, as poultry can peck, claw and def- est poultry exporters, said in an emailed In the past decade, numerous reports crease defence spend- to attend a United Nations forced to work 20-hour days, research- ecate as it is trapped. statement on Friday that it “does not by local campaigners have put the spot- Aing, despite the loss event and meet with investors, ers said. “Workers tasked with catching these tolerate and strongly condemns all forms light on slave labour in Brazil’s meat and of a submarine with 44 crew as part of the government’s Slave labour in Brazil’s poultry sector is chickens and transporting them from of work in degrading conditions and in- cattle industry, revealing a complex web aboard that has sparked criti- charm off ensive to convince “endemic”, said the report by the Wash- farms to slaughterhouses suff er egre- compatible with human dignity, such as of suppliers across the globe. cism of the state of its armed them that Argentina is open ington-based Institute for Agriculture gious working conditions,” said the re- exhausting working days, forced labour Many cases involve forced labour on forces, a close ally of President for business after over a dec- and Trade Policy (IATP) that called for port by IATP, Berlin-based Heinrich Boll and debt bondage”. cattle ranches across Brazil’s remote and Mauricio Macri said on Friday. ade of protectionist rule. improved working conditions, enforced Foundation and Brazilian rights group It said it had a supplier monitoring jungle areas. Argentina has given up hope October’s congressional labour rights and implementation of FASE. programme to ensure compliance with Last year, raids carried out by govern- of rescuing the crew of the elections — which saw sweep- work contracts. Brazil is the world’s larg- Dozens of companies, including Bra- labour laws. ment labour inspectors identifi ed 885 ARA San Juan, which disap- ing victories for Macri allies est exporter of poultry. zil’s JBS SA, a global meatpacking com- BRF said it has been working to im- labourers in slave-like conditions, with peared over two weeks ago in like Bullrich — were a sign Under Brazilian law, forced labour is pany, signed onto a 2007 National Pact prove working conditions of chicken more than half found in agriculture and the South Atlantic. to investors that Argentines defi ned as a form of modern-day slavery for the Eradication of Slave Labor, part of catchers through a programme launched cattle ranching, down from 1,509 in The tragedy underscored want change, he said. that includes debt bondage, degrading an eff ort to rid supply chains of slavery. in 2015 called “Apanha Legal” (“Legal and 2014. what some critics have de- The vote was widely seen as scribed as the parlous state of a referendum on Macri’s gov- the country’s military, which ernment. has faced dwindling resources His market-oriented for years. changes have not all been There were no plans to popular. Glacier in provide extra funding for the But government supporters Cash crunch hits supply armed forces, said Esteban say they are starting to benefi t Bullrich, a former education Latin America’s third largest Chile splits minister under Macri who is economy. now a senator representing Although Macri’s coalition Argentina’s powerful Buenos does not have a congressional AFP of medicines in Cuba Aires province. majority, Bullrich said he be- Santiago “We have to work within lieved that opposition politi- the constraints of our (budget) cians were ready to work with Reuters policy in general, we’re not the government. he recent calving of a large iceberg Havana going to go out of our plan be- “We can pass (reforms) even from a southern Chilean glacier cause of this incident,” Bull- with a minority, because sena- Tthreatens local ship navigation and rich told Reuters in an inter- tors realise this, we had huge could result in fl ooding for coastal commu- uba is working on fi xing chronic view in New York. support from Argentinians in nities, experts said. An iceberg measuring medicine shortages that started There will be no change in general,” he said. some 350 by 380m broke from the Grey gla- Cappearing a year ago due to its Argentina’s 2018 budget allo- Bullrich expressed confi - cier in far southern Chile in late November. cash crunch, health offi cials said in an cation for defence, he said. dence that key Macri legis- The size of the break surprised local sci- article published late on Thursday in Defence spending in the lation on pensions, tax, and entists who monitor the glacier. ruling Communist Party newspaper budget is lower than in the capital markets — as well as “Events like this are part of a short-term Granma. previous year in real terms. the 2018 budget — could be irreversible tendency” due to rising global Cuba’s healthcare system, built by It is the lowest in the region voted on before the end of temperatures, said Raul Cordero, a climate late leader Fidel Castro, is one of the compared to gross domestic 2017. change expert at the Universidad de San- revolution’s most treasured achieve- product, and the government “Yes it is (tight). But the tiago. ments, having produced results on a par Alex Castro, son of late Cuban president Fidel Castro, attends the inauguration of has limited room for manoeu- thing is a lot of these reforms The iceberg now seems like a large chunk with rich nations using the resources of an exhibition about his father, in Havana. vre. have been discussed in ad- of ice, “but it will become a threat” since it a developing country and in spite of the Since Macri took power in vance, and we’re very open to will move out to sea and break up into small- decades-old US trade embargo. time, which means we were unable to health ministry, said in the article. 2015, the country has returned changes,” he said. er pieces, said Ricardo Jana, a glaciologist at But more than 85% of the resources fulfi l the demands of the national health She said these meetings helped solve the Chilean National Antarctic Institute. its pharmaceutical industry uses are system,” she was quoted as saying. an issue with Chinese providers and Given its size, the smaller icebergs likely to imported, BioCubaFarma Director of Many common medicines, for exam- raise the availability of imported medi- break off can create problems for area navi- Operations Rita Maria García Alma- ple contraceptives or those treating hy- cines. gation, Jana said. guer was cited as saying in Granma, and pertension, have been scarce or lacking “The industry has been recovering, The icebergs will also contribute to a rise Cuba has been struggling to pay foreign altogether over the past year, Granma and most production is stable now,” said in the sea level, “putting coastal communi- providers. wrote. García Almaguer, adding that it had fo- ties at risk for possible fl ooding”, Jana said. Lower exports and aid from key so- BioCubaFarma and the government cused on medicine for serious ailments The Grey glacier is located at the Torres cialist ally Venezuela caused a liquidity had been working together since the like cancer and HIV. del Paine National Park, some 3,200km crisis that prompted Havana last year to start of last year to fi x the issue and en- The government had also tightened south of the capital Santiago. slash imports, helping tip it into reces- sure the availability of at least one med- its control of pharmacies nationwide Over the past 30 years the glacier — now sion. icine per pharmacological group, García given it had detected some corruption, measuring some 270 square kilometres — Medicine production therefore Almaguer said. such as the illegal sale of medicine, has lost about two square kilometres of ice. stalled in 2016 and some of 2017 due to “In August we started holding meet- Granma wrote. The glacier is part of the Southern Pat- lack of inputs, according to García Al- ings at the highest level, taking an im- Many Cubans complain that when agonia Ice Fields, the third largest land- maguer. portant series of measures to help re- there are medicine shortages, some based ice fi eld after Antarctica and Green- “The production of some forms of solve or at least alleviate the shortages,” pharmacists sell the little they have at land. The Ice Fields straddle southern Chile pharmaceuticals was stalled because Cristina Lara Bastanzuri, head of the several times the subsidised state prices The Argentine military submarine ARA San Juan and crew are and Argentina. the resources were not available on Medicine Planning Department at the on the black market. seen as they leave the port of Buenos Aires. Gulf Times 22 Sunday, December 3, 2017 PAKISTAN

Internet and social Blame game over reform media blackout of KP information law trigger Internews mat Hanif Orakzai accused the commission’s powers regarding In the proposed draft, the ap- department is against the de- They said the information concern Peshawar KP law department of raising regulating itself. pellate jurisdiction was given to duction of Rs25,000 fi ne im- should be asked in public inter- unnecessary objections to the “Without self-regulating the Peshawar High Court. posed on the employees and est not for any mala fi de (an act draft, while offi cials of the law powers, we cannot make the But last week, offi cials of the suggested that it should be de- or omission made in bad faith, Internews hanges proposed in Khy- department contended that the service structure governing our law department suggested es- ducted in instalments since the with intent to deceive) inten- Islamabad ber Pakhtunkhwa prov- commission itself was responsi- staff ,” said RTI Commissioner tablishing a services tribunal as PIOs and their families are de- tions, according to the offi cial. Cince’s Right to Informa- ble for the delay. Mah Talat. the appellate authority whose pendent on salaries. The law department also sug- tion (RTI) Act 2013, aimed at “We asked them to redraft the At present, the law also lacks a decision will be fi nal. An offi cial present in the gested adding the disclosure of nternet and digital rights removing its shortcomings, have amendments and they sent the mechanism for extracting infor- Talat said that the mechanism meetings said that the law de- the reasons by the information organisation “Bytes For All” been bouncing back and forth draft back after seven months mation from a public body. for establishing the services tri- partment offi cials also suggest- seeker in the application for Ihas expressed concern over between the law department without any change at all,” said a Under the law, whenever an bunal was yet to be determined. ed adding the “Note Part” to the which he/she is taking the in- blanket ban on news and social and the commission concerned law department offi cial who re- individual is denied information “The law department says exemption section. formation; participants of the media website by the Pakistani for the past two years. quested anonymity. by the Public Information Of- that the high court is already “Note Part should not be al- meetings, including the com- government over the last week- In February last year, the Last week two meetings were fi cer (PIO), the commission fi nes overburdened. This is why they lowed to be sought under the law mission representatives, agreed end and issued a detailed report changes proposed in the act held in which offi cials of the the PIO for this act. suggested an independent serv- as it includes the internal delib- to that. on the technical evidence of the were sent to the provincial law law department, the RTI com- Similarly, the act does not ices tribunal,” she said. erations between offi cials and Talat, however, said they censorship. department for review, which mission, the KP Information specify the appellate jurisdic- The RTI law also lacked they are not fi nal, so they should would take their decision on the A number of social media sites returned it to the commission, Department, and other depart- tion to which a person aggrieved mechanism for imposing fi nes. not be allowed,” he said. suggestions of the law depart- and news outlets were blocked in asking for a redraft. ments concerned took part. can approach. The proposed draft stated that He added that the law depart- ment on getting the draft back Pakistan during a crackdown on Since then, the draft has been The commission insists that Currently, the commission fi nes “shall be deducted from ment also suggested adding the from the law department after protests organised by the reli- passed back and forth between it cannot formulate regulations has imposed fi nes on 10 PIOs, salaries of PIOs in accordance expression “public interest” to changes. gious parties. the two bodies, with blame be- until proposed amendments are in separate cases, who have ap- with the Government Dues Re- the section under which the in- “We will examine the changes As information about the gov- ing traded for the delay. incorporated in the law because proached various courts against covery Ordinance of 1962”. formation seeker asked for the and will then send our reply,” she ernment operation was reported Chief RTI commissioner Az- the existing law is silent on the its decisions. According to Talat, the law information. said. by the media, protests spread across the country, literally jam- ming roads and closing busi- nesses. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Tax collection at four provinces prohibited live coverage of the operation at Faizabad, leading to the government blocking so- improves, ministry data shows cial media sites and online news channels. “The arbitrary ban over web- Internews the tax net and broaden the tax September this year as com- sites is a matter of great concern Karachi base. pared to Rs6.89bn for the same and a violation of relevant UN Among the provinces, Sindh period last year. conventions,” said Bytes for All achieved the highest growth of Experts said that the revised programme manager Haroon ax collection at Paki- 62% in the fi rst quarter. provincial collector rates on Baloch on the electronic and so- stan’s four provinces rose SRB collected Rs18.73bn dur- properties increased the rev- cial media blackout on Novem- T35% in the fi rst quarter of ing the period under review enue from stamp duties. ber 25 and 26. the current fi scal 2017/18 due to compared with Rs11.54bn in Aggregate provincial collec- He said that the government a massive increase in the collec- the corresponding period a year tion amounted to Rs321.77bn, had in the past also censored tion of sales tax on services as earlier. around 1% of GDP, during the content on Internet under the well as stamp duties, the latest Sindh government intro- last fi scal year of 2016/17. newly-introduced cyber law and offi cial data here reveals. duced no new tax in the pro- Economists believe that the ignored its international obliga- The fi nance ministry’s data vincial budget for the fi scal provinces need to further ex- tions. showed that provinces col- 2017/18. pand the revenue base in order However, Baloch also lament- lected Rs86.89bn in July-Sep- Instead, the provincial ad- to create room for development ed the lack of respect for the tember 2017/18, compared to ministration cut sales tax rates and social expenditures. code of conduct on part of some Rs64.48bn in the correspond- for travel agents/tour operators, The State Bank of Pakistan media channels, which contin- ing period during the last fi scal call centres and rental property (SBP), in its annual review for One day after the raid on the ued live broadcast of the security year. services. 2016/17, said that National school, a worker cleans up operation. Sales tax on services is the The Punjab Revenue Author- Finance Commission (NFC) stains at the Agriculture On the other hand, he said, major component of tax collec- ity (PRA) posted 33% growth in Award 2009 envisaged a tax- Training Institute in Peshawar. Pemra should not have imposed tion as it registered a massive collection of sales tax on serv- to-GDP ratio of 15% by fi scal a blanket ban on media. growth of 54% to Rs44.11bn ices from July to September. 2014/15. “Internationally, no media during the fi rst quarter of the Balochistan recorded a 57% “Although the NFC award ex- outlet will provide live coverage current fi scal year. growth in the tax collection, pected both the federal and pro- of a security operation as such The provinces started col- while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, vincial governments to step up Peshawar could jeopardise the operation,” lection of sales tax on services which started imposing servic- eff orts to increase the tax-to- he said. rendered within the provin- es tax last year, managed to col- GDP ratio to 15%, it specifi cally A collaborative report from cial jurisdiction after the 18th lect Rs2.38bn in the fi rst quarter emphasised that the provinces attack Bytes for All Pakistan and the amendment into the constitu- of the current fi scal year. initiate steps for mobilising rev- Open Observatory of Network tion in 2010. The ministry’s data showed enue eff ectively through taxing Interference (OONI) provides Tax offi cials said that the that revenue collection from agriculture and real estate sec- death toll technical evidence of observed Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) stamp duties registered a phe- tors,” the SBP said. censorship events. took eff ective measures, in- nomenal growth of 77% as the The country’s tax-to-GDP “We confi rm the DNS block- cluding reduction of tax rate in provinces collected Rs12.21bn ratio stood at 12.5% in FY2017 rises to 12 ing of 14 news websites, as well order to bring more people into from stamp duties from July to (fi nancial year 2017). as the censorship of applica- tions, including Facebook Mes- QNA senger, Telegram, and What- Islamabad sApp’s web interface,” the joint report says. Plan to net 200,000 tax dodgers “We share OONI network he death toll of Friday’s A boy shows bullet casings collected from the Agriculture measurement data collected attack on the Agriculture Training Institute in Peshawar, a day after the attack. from Pakistan, confi rming the Internews The FBR has so far sent out the November 30, 2017 dead- TTraining Institute in Pe- DNS-based blocking of Face- Islamabad tax notices under Section 114 of line, the return fi ling will con- shawar is now 12. and wounded, who were trans- army personnel have carried book, YouTube, Twitter, and In- the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 tinue in months ahead, espe- Police sources told the Pa- ferred to hospitals in Peshawar. out the process of clearing the stagram. All of these censorship to around 12,500 non-fi lers and cially after publication of the kistan News Agency that a A statement issued by the site of the attack in co-opera- events were temporarily imple- ith identifi cation directed them to respond with- active taxpayers list,” said an number of students and em- Offi ce of Public Relations of tion with personnel from other mented last weekend, and are no of 20,000 high-net in a stipulated timeframe of 15 offi cial. ployees were among the dead the Pakistani army said that the security services. longer in place,” says the report. Wvalue individuals and days to come into tax net by fi l- For the purpose of broaden- business ventures so far unreg- ing their returns. ing the tax base, the FBR es- istered in major metropolises of By the weekend FBR had re- tablished three zones in Kara- Pakistan, the Federal Board of ceived total income tax returns chi, Lahore and Islamabad and Revenue (FBR) has set up oper- of over 970,000. According to established dedicated wings to ations in three major zones – in last year’s list of active taxpay- handle the work. Karachi, Lahore, and Islama- ers, there were 1.3mn. In the past, the FBR’s eff orts Military ties with Britain are bad – with the mandate to bring However, tax authorities ar- to broaden the tax base failed 200,000 potential non-fi lers gue that the number of tax fi lers because no separate, dedicated into tax net during the current up to November 30, 2017 stood wings were set up. fi scal year. at 970,000 this year, compared This time there is acknowl- The FBR hopes that the tax with 726,000 in the same pe- edgement at the highest level becoming strategic: report machinery will be able to collect riod of last year November 30, that a diff erent approach was Rs263bn for November 2017, so 2016. needed. the overall collection for fi rst This year, the sources said, One senior FBR offi cial said Internews The RUSI added: “Many of only for Saudi and other Arab security conferences with each fi ve-month (July-November) the number of return fi l- that this was the fi rst time the London their sons go to Britain’s top royal families. other and share intelligence and period will see an over-19% ers would go up to 1.5mn after tax machinery was taking things boarding schools, and they even “In the past year alone, Carter ideas on numerous issues. growth compared to the same bringing in 200,000 new non- seriously enough to bring high- fashion their moustaches in the has been to Pakistan three times, It said that British army is also period of the last fi nancial year, fi lers into tax net. value unregistered persons into he Royal Unites Services same manner as Field Marshal more times than he has been to trying to recruit more British offi cials here say. “We expect that even after tax net. Institute (RUSI), the Brit- Herbert Kitchener.” any other non-Nato member. Muslims, the majority of whom Tish security think-tank, The think-tank said that Pa- It was these personal British are of Pakistani origin, into the has said that the relationship be- kistan army’s Major Uqbah Ma- friendships that have kept Paki- UK armed forces. Punjab government starts process to build a new dam tween the British and Pakistani lik recently served as a trainer stan from completely falling out British Muslims have report- armies is gradually transforming at the Royal Military Academy with the US and Nato. Now the edly been reluctant to join the On the directive of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, to construct the dam at the originally proposed from one based mostly on cer- Sandhurst; now British NCOs British army wants to capitalise armed forces partly because they the Punjab government has initiated the process to site. emony and personal friendships (non-commissioned offi cers) are on this relationship as it bids to believe that the UK is waging a construct the Daducha Dam at a cost of Rs7bn to Soon after the top court’s directive, the to one based on shared strategic on their way to becoming part of evolve into a smaller, but smarter, war against Islam. overcome the water shortage in the garrison city. government froze the sale and purchase of land in interests. Pakistan’s military academy at force.” “By saying that the British The project concept-I (PC-I) was forwarded to the the area. In an analysis, the RUSI drew Kakul. The report said that the UK- and Pakistani armies are fi ght- Planning Commission on Thursday after approval The government allocated funds for the similarities and closeness be- There is also talk of a Brit- Pakistan relationship is becom- ing against terrorists and not by the commissioner of Rawalpindi. construction of the dam in its annual development tween the two militaries and ish major heading to become an ing more strategic to the extent Islam, the army is attempting a In this regard, a consultation meeting was held by plan of 2017-18. said that the armed forces of two instructor in Pakistan, and at that the two armies could even new approach,” said the report, Commissioner Nadeem Afzal, off icial sources said A senior off icial of the SDO said the government countries have grown closer in present there is a Pakistani colo- fi ght together against a common revealing that Pakistani mili- yesterday. had asked the department to get approval of the recent years. nel at the Defence Academy at enemy and that British army is tary offi cers are regular guests The dam was proposed in 2001 by the Rawalpindi project from the commissioner of Rawalpindi and The RUSI said that the Pa- Shrivenham, where he is a mem- keen to learn from the Pakistan at recruitment events to help to Development Authority (RDA) and the SDO in the the meeting was held. kistan army can sometimes be ber of the Directing Staff and has army’s reported success in Op- explain this, and that the British village of Daducha. When contacted, the commissioner said he had more British than the British his own syndicate group. eration Zarb-e-Azb. army has invited Pakistan Army In 2006, the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) given the go-ahead signal for the construction of army, at least when it comes to This month, the report said, The RUSI said that the UK is offi cers to address key communi- purchased the 18,000 kanals where the dam was the dam at its original site. pomp and ceremony as its cav- General Nick Carter became the aware of Pakistan’s close ties ty leaders in cities such as Man- to be built and launched a housing scheme as a “We are working to settle down all issues with alry offi cers have the best hors- fi rst British army chief to be the with the Gulf States and wanted chester and Birmingham, not joint venture with Bahria Town. private housing societies. There is a dire need to es, and they play in the top polo main guest to attend a Pakistan to grow closer. just to help with recruitment but However, on August 4, 2015, the Supreme Court in construct the dam to meet the water shortage in competitions in Argentina and army cadets’ passing out parade, The RUSI report said that Pa- also to explain what it is doing in a suo motu case directed the Punjab government the city,” he said. England. an honour reserved normally kistan and the UK hold regular regional confl icts. Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 23 PHILIPPINES Firefighting drill Govt ‘prepared for worst’ in dengue vaccine concerns

AFP More than 733,000 chil- es of dengue. Sanofi had said Manila dren have already received such acute dengue cases would Dengvaxia, raising fears that not become apparent till about many could develop the harsh- five years after vaccination, he Philippines is pre- er form of the disease. Tayag added. pared for a “worst-case “The Department of Health The developer initially said Tscenario” following is prepared for a worst-case its Dengvaxia vaccine was warnings that an anti-dengue scenario,” Tayag told ABS- “critical” in the fight against vaccine administered to thou- CBN television, a day after the dengue, the world’s most com- sands of children may worsen agency announced it was sus- mon mosquito-borne virus. the disease in some cases, a pending its mass vaccination It said Wednesday that a new health official said yesterday. programme. study has confirmed Dengvax- Department of Health Tayag said the government ia’s benefits for “those who spokesman Eric Tayag said the had been careful to only imple- had prior infection” with the Bureau of Fire Protection personnel and volunteer firefighters show their skills at the 2017 Fire Olympics at the Quirino Grandstand in country had already taken pre- ment the scheme in areas where potentially-lethal disease. Manila yesterday. cautions against potential mis- dengue was already widespread “For those not previously haps when it became the first and had only given it to chil- infected by dengue virus, how- country to use the landmark dren aged nine or older. ever, the analysis found that vaccine in 2016. “They are being followed up in the longer term, more cases The developer of the world’s for adverse effects following of severe disease could occur first vaccine for the potentially immunisation,” he said. following vaccination upon a deadly virus, French pharma- He added that the depart- subsequent dengue infection,” ceutical giant Sanofi, revealed ment, which had previously Sanofi said. earlier this week that it could said there were no reported More than 1,000 people in Agency fi les case against the Philippines died from den- trigger more severe symptoms cases of worsened infection in people who had not been among those who received the gue last year, out of more than previously infected with den- vaccine, was also checking 211,000 suspected cases, ac- transport group chief gue. hospital records for severe cas- cording to the government.

By Mary Gleefer F Jalea measure which affects the public in rela- tle chance of cancellation of classes and Manila Times tion to the public service which the trans- government work next week due to the im- port sector was supposed to provide.” pending strike, as the last one had a “mini- Top university offi cial shot dead The LTFRB added that Piston’s “Tigil mum eff ect” on the commuters. he Land Transportation Franchising Pasada” was done without its approval In the rally held last October 16 and 17, and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) fi led a and authorisation. The filing came as San Piston was joined by other militant groups, By Cris Diaz victim to come home and have prior knowledge that Tcase against a public transport group Mateo’s group is set to lead another two- including Members of Pasang Masda, Alli- Cagayan De Oro City Rotoras was attending a party. leader on Friday afternoon before a local day nationwide strike on December 4 and ance of Concerned Transport Organisations Jonathan Mabaylan, driver of Rotoras, told the po- court for leading a transport strike in Feb- 5 against the government’s fleet moderni- (ACTO), Federation of Jeepney Operators lice that the victim came out of the car and walked ruary. sation plan. and Drivers Associations of the Philippines he president of the state-owned University toward his house while he went to park the vehicle. The LTFRB filed a case against George Despite the case against him, San Mateo (Fejodap), and Alliance of Transport Opera- of Science and Technology of Southern Phil- Getting off the car, he noticed that the offi cial was San Mateo, president of the Pinagkai- stood firm about next week’s strike which, tors and Drivers Association of the Philip- Tippines (USTP) was shot dead in front of his sprawled to the ground. “I saw Rotoras sprawled on sahang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Op- he told Manila Times in a phone interview pines (Altodap). residence in an uptown subdivision in Upper Carmen the pavement and thought he just slipped, so I hur- erator Nationwide (Piston), before the would “definitely push through.” The groups claim that Makati, Pasay- here yesterday morning. riedly went to help him, but saw that he was lying in a Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court He said the group’s lawyers would act Pier, Novaliches-Malinta via General Senior Supt. Roy Bahian, city police chief, identi- pool of blood and I shouted for help,” Mabaylan said. (QC-MeTC), for violating the Public accordingly as soon as his camp received Luis, Malabon-Navotas-Monumento, fi ed the victim as Ricardo Rotoras, 48, also president The Scene of the Crime Operatives who went to Service Act. the subpoena from the court. and Sucat-Evacom routes in Metro Ma- of the Philippine Association of State Universities the crime scene said Rotoras succumbed to eight fatal A portion of its resolution read: “(San “(This) will not deter us against this nila were paralysed, including numerous and Colleges (PASUC). Witnesses told the police that gunshots in various parts of his body, including the Mateo) violated Section 20 and Section 24 harassment by Duterte’s regime,” he said. routes in Pampanga, such as in San Fern- Rotoras was shot dead at close range by three uniden- head, from a calibre .45 pistol. Bahian said the police of the Public Service Act which provides “Transport strike will push through regard- ando, Guagua, Bacolor, Mexico, Arayat, tifi ed gunmen as the offi cial arrived home about 1am have created a task force to determine the motive for that the act of conducting a transport less.” Angeles City, Macabebe, Masantol and yesterday, from a party held in an outskirts hotel here. the killing and identify the suspects and the master- strike is an adoption or application of a The LTFRB said that there would be lit- Minalin. Bahian said the suspects may have waited for the mind, eight hours after the shooting. 47% of Filipinos consider themselves ‘poor’: survey

By Catherine S Valente themselves mahirap or poor. fourth quarter of 2016. The lat- the last four years, and 5% were Manila Times The fi gure was three points est survey also found that 32% or “usually poor” (became poor fi ve higher than in the June 2017 sur- 7.4mn families rated their food or more years ago). vey, which showed that 44% or as “poor.” This was similar to the On the self-rated non-poor ore people consid- an estimated 32% or an estimated 7.3mn families, half said they have never Homeless people seek refuge under a tree on one of Manila’s dusty streets. ered themselves poor 10.1mn families considered families recorded as food-poor been poor, while the other half Min the third quarter of themselves poor. in June 2017. were poor sometime in the past. rated poverty was recorded in Lu- yas and Mindanao, respectively. or the monthly budget that a food- the year, according to the latest The proportion of self-rated Since the surveys on self-rated Overall, the three-point na- zon, from 34% in June 2017 to 50% SWS said the steady self-rat- poor household needs for food ex- Social Weather Stations (SWS) poor families, based on SWS poor respondents in December tionwide rise in self-rated poverty in September 2017, the same as in ed food poverty rate was due to penses in order not to consider its survey. data, saw a sharp increase from 2014, 36% of respondents have rate in the third quarter of 2017 March this year. four- and fi ve-point increases in food as poor, was at P5,000. The poll, for which 1,500 44% in December 2016 to 50% always rated themselves as poor, was because of a sharp increase in It also rose by three points in Metro Manila and Balance Lu- The national median self-rated adults nationwide were inter- in March this year. while one-fourth or 11% were Luzon and a slight boost in Metro Metro Manila, from 28% in June to zon, respectively, and six- and food poverty gap, or the amount viewed face-to-face from Sep- Before this, it had been ei- not poor sometime in the past. Manila, off set by decreases in 31% in September. seven-point declines in Visayas that food-poor families lacked tember 23 to 27, showed that 47% ther steady or in decline for nine Among the 11%, 6% said that poverty in the Visayas and Mind- A decrease by eight points, from and Mindanao. The survey also in monthly food expenses rela- of respondents, or an estimated consecutive quarters from the they were “newly poor” or those anao. 64% to 56%, and 12 points, from showed that the national median tive to their stated threshold, was 10.9mn families, considered fourth quarter of 2014 to the who became poor sometime in A 16-point increase in self- 57% to 45%, was noted in the Visa- self-rated food poverty threshold, P2,000. Small-scale miners ‘working with one foot in the grave’

DPA been others who have died doing attached to a pulley. On the sur- husband by processing pulver- but she has not been able to have estimated 300,000 people in In 2005, his father, who taught Paracale this, but there is no better work face, his co-miners sift through ised ore, using mercury to form her checked by a specialist. the Philippines, including thou- him how to mine, narrowly es- for me here.” the pile to pick out the ore, an amalgam that is then heat- “Mercury is playing a very sands of women and children, caped death when he was buried Chavez is one of thousands throwing away rocks and muck. ed, vaporising the highly toxic strong contributing role to peo- earn their living from small- in a cave-in. omingo Chavez quickly of residents in the gold-rush While success stories abound, chemical to obtain the gold. ple’s deaths and poor health,” scale mining, which account for “Mining is like a game of slides into a pit fi lled with town of Paracale in the prov- many of the miners have re- notes Nicholas Greenfi eld of the at least 70% of the country’s an- chance,” he says, panning pow- Dcold, murky water, biting ince of Camarines Norte, about mained poor and others have At least 70% of the United Nations Environment nual gold production. dered ore he got from his dig- down on a rubber tube hooked to 200 kilometres south of Manila, died from accidents due to the Philippines’ gold Programme. The Philippines is one of the ging. a compressor for air, leaving no who endure the risks of artisanal unsafe working conditions. production comes from “It severely aggravates other world’s 20 largest gold produc- “Sometimes you are lucky and time to worry about what could mining in the hope of hitting the Some mine sites in the town artisanal and small-scale conditions such as tuberculosis, ers. you win the jackpot, and some- happen if something goes wrong jackpot like others have in the have been closed down due to mining, most of which is for example.” In the fi rst three quarters of times you face death.” in his hazardous trade. past. the dangers, according to local illegal and operates Greenfi eld laments that de- 2017, the country’s mines have “One time, after just 24 hours The 37-year-old father of four The town is one of the Philip- offi cials. in unsafe conditions spite the exposure to mercury produced nearly 17 tonnes of of work, we were able to buy a has been a compressor miner for pines’ oldest and richest mining The offi cials, however, would of residents in Paracale and gold, worth more than 33.8bn jeepney, a tricycle and a motor- more than two decades, diving sites, not confi rm the number of The process exposes Losinto two others towns in Camarines pesos ($676mn), according to cycle,” he adds. “We also have into submerged pits as deep as 10 accounting for a signifi cant deaths that have occurred, fear- to mercury fumes, which can Norte where mining is rampant, the Mines and Geosciences Bu- our own houses. metres in search of gold, which portion of the country’s gold re- ing that the remaining mines cause severe neurological dam- the province does not have a res- reau. If you are really lucky, you can he sells at the end of the day. serves and annual gold produc- would also be shut down. age and mental disorders, as well ident toxicologist. On the mountains of Paracale, earn more than a top govern- “It’s a dangerous job and tion. “Mining is not about getting as complicate other diseases Small-scale mining opera- 26-year-old Vincent Austria ment offi cial in just half an hour.” sometimes I worry about my Chavez stays under water for rich for us,” says May Losinto, such as respiratory ailments that tions, where pits and tunnels are gingerly puts on a head lamp and But Austria says he does not safety, but I’m doing this for my up to four hours a day, some- the 30-year-old wife of Chavez. can lead to death. dug on mountains, in seashores, makes the sign of the cross be- want his children to follow in his family,” he says before disap- times without taking a break. “Mining is what pays for our The young mother blames rice fi elds and even private back- fore a crude pulley slowly drops footsteps: “They do not have to pearing into the narrow shaft, There is no light in the pit, so he food, what pays for our daily mercury exposure during preg- yards, are technically illegal be- him into a 4-metre deep tunnel. suff er the hardships of mining. which was dug in a rice fi eld four uses his hands to feel around. needs. nancy for the poor health of one cause Philippine laws only allow Austria began to mine when That’s my burden. months ago. With a hammer and chisel, Without mining, we won’t of her children, her 12-year-old such activities in identifi ed min- he was just 10 years old and bad- They need to fi nish school, “It’s like having one foot in the he carves out as much ore as he have a livelihood. We will not daughter who was born sickly ing sites. ly cut his right index fi nger in an fi nd a diff erent job and earn their grave,” he adds later. “There have can and places it in a cloth bag have food.” Losinto helps her and has slow cognitive ability, Despite the illicit status, an accident three years later. living some other way.” Gulf Times 24 Sunday, December 3, 2017 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Govt mulls Floods, strong winds probe into claim 18 lives in Lanka bond sales DPA Colombo during regime

eavy rains and strong winds have left at least 18 dead in Sri Lanka over three Hdays, offi cials said yesterday. of Rajapakse More than 20,000 houses have been dam- aged and more than 70,000 aff ected in mostly the western and southern parts of the country Agencies while water levels continued to rise in major Colombo rivers, the Disaster Management Centre said. Nearly 4,000 people are in relief camps amid widespread destruction of property. he Sri Lankan govern- Among those killed was a Ukrainian national ment plans to inves- who was washed away in the southern coastal Ttigate bond sales be- area of Galle, a popular tourist destination. fore 2014 during the regime More than half a million electricity con- of Mahinda Rajapakse for nections to residents were still disrupted what it called their “pyramid while welfare centres have been set up to scheme” pattern. accommodate displaced persons. Making a statement in the The government has off ered relief, including parliament yesterday, Prime food, while more than 3,000 security personnel Minister Ranil Wickremes- have been deployed to help aff ected people. inghe said that there was no The meteorological department said that transparency in the bond is- adverse weather conditions caused by Cy- suances during the Rajapakse clone Ockhi were moving away from the island, regime and the bonds had towards the Arabian Sea and the weather is been issued from 2008 to 2014 expected to increase by today. as private direct issue similar Prime Minister Ranil In May this year more than 200 people were to a “pyramid scheme”. Wickramasinghe: “No killed in landslides and fl oods in the western He said the government will transparency in the bond and southern provinces while 600,000 persons commence a probe into the issuances” were aff ected. A worker is seen fixing an electricity line after it was damaged by storm in Colombo, yesterday. bond issues that had taken place from 2008 to 2014, and have been 84 instances of is- also the borrowings made suing bonds during the tenure Seven killed, without obtaining parliamen- of the last regime. tary approval, and allegations The prime minister said 20 injured in of insider trading at the stock that they will get the fi nance bus-truck collision exchange during the period. committee in the parliament European Union ban on Tabling a report obtained to probe these bond issues, At least seven people were from the Central Bank on which have been done accord- killed and 20 others injured Treasury Bonds issuances ing to whims and fancies of in a collision between a truck from 2008-2014, the prime “certain persons”. and a bus in Gopalganj district minister said that the previ- He said probes would be of Bangladesh on Friday Nepali airlines continues ous government had issued conducted on the frauds evening. bonds totalling Rs5,147bn that had taken place in the Police and firefighters said a during that period and out of stock market between 2008 Pirojpur-bound bus collided with Agencies The EU air safety list while two others — Mustique had sent its report on the im- that, Rs4,702bn had been di- and 2014. a truck from behind at Bedgram Kathmandu seeks to ensure the Airways (St Vincent and the provements carried out in the rect private placements with- Speaking of his presence at of Gopalganj town. highest level of air Grenadines) and Urga (Ukraine) aviation sector to the EC to out informing the Monetary the Presidential Commission Five passengers of the bus which safety for European — are removed following safety urge it to lift the ban on Nepali Board or the Central Bank and of Inquiry on the controversial left from Dhaka died on the spot he European Commis- citizens, which is a improvements. airlines. the parliament. Central Bank bond issuance, and over 20 passengers were sion (EC) has decided to top priority of the “Our objective is to off er the The EC has pointed out defi - He said 90% of those bond the premier said the trans- injured. Tcontinue its ban on Ne- commission’s aviation highest level of safety in Euro- ciencies in three areas — lapses issues had been done on pri- parency brought about by One of the injured died on the pal airlines through an updated strategy pean skies. The EU’s air safety in the revalidation of the air vate placements, while is- the unity government would way to a hospital. “EU air safety list”, the list of list remains one of our most operators’ certifi cate, training sues have also been done help establish a new political Of the deceased, three were non-European airlines that do Nepal from fl ying into the eff ective tools to achieve this,” and licensing and Caan’s insti- through using EPF, ETF and culture in Sri Lanka. identified as Zillur Rahman, 40, not meet the international safe- 28-nation bloc. the statement quoted Euro- tutional capacity. On July 21, National Savings Bank as cap- The prime minister, assur- from Bagerhat; Rakib Rubel, 30; ty standards and are therefore The EU air safety list seeks pean Commissioner for Trans- the International Civil Aviation tive sources. “These are more ing his government’s com- and Luchi, 30. subject to an operating ban or to ensure the highest level of port Violeta Bulc. “Today we Organisation (Icao) removed or less similar to pyramid mitment to strengthening Gopalganj fire service and civil operational restrictions within air safety for European citi- are showing that with our help, the signifi cant safety concerns schemes,” he said. parliament’s control over defence station master Niyamul the European Union. zens, which is a top priority airlines can be quickly removed (SSC) tag it had put on Nepal He said bonds had been is- public fi nance said the trans- Huda said on information the The EC updated its list on of the commission’s aviation from the list when they tackle four years ago after assessing sued under direct placements parent mechanisms put in rescue force and police rushed to Thursday. In December 2013, strategy, it said in a statement. their safety issues.” that Nepal’s safety standard only in four instances under place by the government have the spot and recovered the bodies the EC had imposed a blan- Only one airline, Avior Airlines On August 3, the Civil Avia- had not improved on a par with the present regime for the paved the way for credible and rescued the injured. ket ban on all airlines from (Venezuela), is added to the list, tion Authority of Nepal (Caan) global standards. value of Rs157.5bn, while there investigations. Internet users in Hasina leaves for Cambodia today

Bangladesh rise By Mizan Rahman Hasina and Hun Sen will later deliver a joint Dhaka press statement. The Bangladesh prime minister will have a royal audience with Cambodia King No- by 100 times angladesh Prime Minister Sheikh rodom Sihamon and will separately call on Hasina leaves Dhaka for Phnom Penh Cambodian Senate President Say Chhum Bthis morning on a three-day offi cial and National Assembly President Heng By Mizan Rahman vide high-speed broadband visit to Cambodia. Samrin. Dhaka Internet service to 2,600 un- The premier will pay the visit at the invi- Hasina will join a business dialogue as the ion parishads of the coun- tation of her Cambodian counterpart Hun chief guest to be arranged by the Cambodian try by 2018 through the Info Sen as Dhaka hopes it (visit) would help Chamber and attend the offi cial dinner to be he total number of In- Government Phase-3 project. strengthen bilateral co-operation in the hosted by the Cambodian premier. ternet users in Bangla- “The government has taken important sectors between the two Asian “This visit would contribute immensely Tdesh has increased by the project to enhance the nations. to expanding co-operation in food, agri- 100 times in nine years that backbone network nation- Tomorrow, the prime minister will hold culture, fi sheries, tourism and ICT... this can be viewed as a milestone wide to provide high-speed offi cial talks with her Cambodian counter- would also add a new dimension to the ex- to achieve the government’s broadband connection for part Hun Sen. Before the talks the two pre- isting bilateral ties between the two coun- goal to build a ‘Digital Bangla- more citizens and enhance the miers will have a tete-a-tete. tries,” Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali told a desh’, said a senior offi cial said government e-services in ru- Later, 11 instruments - two agreements press conference yesterday. yesterday. ral areas and ease the citizens’ and nine memorandums of understanding The foreign minister said it has been Currently, the number of access to the local government (MoUs) - will be signed between Bangla- decided to name “Baridhara Park Road” in Internet users is around 80mn services and to ensure seam- desh and Cambodia in presence of the two Dhaka’s diplomatic zone after Cambodia’s which was only 800,000 less resource and information prime ministers. late King Norodom Sihanouk and a road in 2008. sharing between government The naming of two important roads in in Phnom Penh after Father of the Nation “The government has set organisations,” he added. Dhaka and Phnom Penh after the Father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. the target of turning the coun- Under the initiative of Dig- of the Nation of both the countries will be The prime minister will return home on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina consoling family members of Dhaka North mayor Annisul try into ‘Digital Bangladesh’ to ital Bangladesh, he said, a total announced at the function, while Sheikh December 5. Huq, who died in a London hospital on Thursday, in Dhaka yesterday. expand trade and commerce of 18,132 government offi ces through easy communication have already been brought network for building a pros- under the government In- perous country,” prime minis- tranet service and 17 books ter’s principal secretary Kamal of the classes from one to fi ve Abdul Naser Chowdhury told have been turned into the in- Ershad asks govt to pay his medical bill in Singapore newsmen. teractive multimedia digital Under the initiative, he content. By Mizan Rahman role in that capacity since Hasina Hasina appointed Ershad as of the new alliance at a press parties while BNP-led alliance said, diff erent services, in- Nasher, however, said the Dhaka made him her ‘envoy’. her special emissary when his conference. has 20 parties. cluding Internet, are reaching government has been working His assignment as special Jatiya Party agreed to serve as Ershad himself was named “We (alliance) believe in the spirit the masses and they can easily to establish 28 hi-tech parks emissary has not yet been spelt opposition in the parliament. UNA chairman while his party of our liberation and the Islamic communicate with one anoth- across the country to develop Jatiya Party (JP) chairman and out by the government. Interestingly, three lawmakers of secretary general Ruhul Amin values with equal respect for er for any purposes, including human resources in ICT sec- former Bangladesh president Off icials said Ershad, during his his so-called opposition bench Hawlader its chief spokesperson. other religions. We also uphold business, across the world. tor. “Unemployment prob- H M Ershad has petitioned the stay in Singapore from October in the parliament are now also In the alliance, only Jatiya Party Bangladeshi nationalism,” ICT offi cial M Abu Nash- lems of the country would re- government to foot his medical 16 to October 31 spent S$85,923 members of Hasina’s cabinet at and Bangladesh Islamic Front Ershad said. er said the government has duce to a greater extent upon bill he incurred while replacing (5.35mn taka) to have his heart the same time. have registration with the The former military dictator said planned to ensure 100% Inter- the successful establishment his heart valve in a Singapore valve replaced. Interestingly, Ershad recently election commission. no anti-liberation force will be net access across the country of the parks.” hospital recently. But the PMO presently has only formed a new alliance United The 56 other parties belong allowed to join the alliance. by 2021. “The government will Nasher said Bangladesh Hi- Off icials said the Prime Minister’s 2.2mn taka remaining unspent National Alliance (UNA) with 58 to two other platforms — the “Our main goal is to form a also ensure 50% broadband Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) Off ice (PMO) has sought a on this account. PMO director parties based on the spirit of 34-party National Islamic government and participate connection by 2021.” has imparted trainings to special allocation of (Singapore) Ahsan Kibria Siddiq wrote a liberation war, Islamic values and Grand Alliance and 22-party in the national and all other Mentioning the rise in the around 6500 youths on diff er- $50,000 for Ershad’s medical letter to the finance ministry for Bangladeshi nationalism. Bangladesh National Alliance. elections under the banner of number of Internet users to ent sectors in the fi eld of infor- bill as PM’s special emissary the remaining funds to meet Also Jatiya Party chairman, The ruling Awami League-led the alliance,” the former military 80mn as a great success, he mation and communication although he is yet to play his Ershad’s bill. Ershad announced the journey grand alliance consists of 14 dictator said. said the government will pro- technology (ICT). Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 25 COMMENT Trump’s missing North Korea strategy

By Christopher R Hill North Korea. And the United States The fact that Trump can put Denver is legally prohibited from supporting North Korea back on the terrorism any loans or other forms of assistance list with little bureaucratic fuss off ered to state sponsors of terrorism and virtually no international S President Donald Trump by international fi nancial institutions repercussions demonstrates why certainly has a point of which the US is a member. North the list is a useful sanction for when he complains that Korea, however, is not a member of the US to have at its disposal. The Uhe inherited the diffi cult any international fi nancial institution. standard for de-designation – no problem in North Korea. North Korean As many have pointed out, the acts of terrorism or cooperation leader Kim Jong-un has shown no terrorism list is by no means a with terrorist groups in the past six interest in negotiation, or even in complete compendium of countries months – is fl exible enough that listening to what anyone has to say whose security services may have removal from the list can readily be about his reckless pursuit of nuclear been involved with terrorist groups. used as a diplomatic bargaining chip. weapons and the long-range missiles Despite the late Venezuelan dictator Likewise, de-designation can easily needed to deliver them. Hugo Chavez’s well-known ties to be reversed when conditions merit But the fact that Trump inherited the Revolutionary Armed Forces of it – such as when Kim orchestrates the the problem does not absolve him of Colombia (Farc) – which the US State assassination of his half-brother in a responsibility for addressing it. So Department designates as a terrorist Malaysian airport. far, he has failed even to articulate, organisation – Venezuela managed to Solving the North Korea problem much less implement, a strategy for stay off the list. will require a seriousness of purpose dealing with North Korea. Almost Still, even as a symbolic gesture, and a level of discipline that Trump one year into his presidency, his the context of Bush’s decision to has not yet exhibited. An eff ective only achievement has been to secure remove North Korea from the list was policy would include co-operation additional sanctions at the United entirely diff erent from that of Trump’s with China, not gushing fl attery for Nations. Worse still, his bitter decision to restore it. In 2008, North China’s leaders. That co-operation complaints about his predecessors Korea had satisfi ed certain conditions. would have to be based on a long- suggest that he has no idea what to do First, it agreed to participate in the term commitment, not one-off next. six-party talks with China, Japan, transactions. And, perhaps more Trump’s latest attempt to deal with Russia, South Korea, and the US importantly, it would require daily the problem came earlier last month, (which I represented as Assistant engagement not just with China, when he noisily announced that his Secretary of State for East Asian and but with all of the other regional administration was putting North Pacifi c Aff airs). The talks’ explicit stakeholders as well. Korea back on the US Department goal was to denuclearise the Korean Needless to say, such a policy would of State’s list of state sponsors of Peninsula, and they resulted in North benefi t from a US secretary of state terrorism. His decision, though Korea closing its nuclear facility in who is committed to maintaining justifi ed in light of Kim’s behaviour, Yongbyon. a team of experienced diplomatic was largely symbolic, as was former Moreover, at the time of its A North Korean nuclear plant is seen before demolishing a cooling tower (right) in Yongbyon, in this photo taken on June 27, professionals, and from recognition President George W Bush’s October delisting, North Korea was also 2008. by Trump and his advisers that 2008 decision to remove North Korea participating in talks to establish a building on the efforts of one’s from that list in the fi rst place. verifi cation system for its nuclear cooling tower, to reciprocate the US’s highly enriched uranium (HEU). The North Korea has conducted since 2006 predecessors is more effective than The Trump White House claims activities. The regime invited symbolic act with one of its own. regime failed to explain international have been consistent with plutonium accusing them of making the job that re-designating North Korea international inspectors to Yongbyon, It was a partial deal, to be sure. But purchases of equipment consistent harvested from the reactor before harder. Unfortunately, that last lesson as a state sponsor of terrorism is a and provided substantial records of Trump would have taken it in a New with such a program; and samples of the six-party talks. The possibility continues to elude this administration. “critical step.” It is not. In fact, the the Yongbyon reactor’s operations, York minute. specialised materials that it provided that North Korea is operating an HEU – Project Syndicate US Department of the Treasury does which are still one of the most Subsequently, the agreement to US diplomats raised suspicions facility somewhere in its tunnelled not even require such a designation to accurate resources for measuring did begin to unravel, owing to further. landscape is undoubtedly a cause for zChristopher R Hill, former US formulate additional sanctions. the amount of plutonium actually North Korea’s steadfast refusal After a several-year hiatus, great concern. But Yongbyon, contrary Assistant Secretary of State for East State sponsors of terrorism are produced there. to acknowledge that it ever had the Yongbyon nuclear reactor is to those who have argued that it was Asia, is Dean of the Korbel School of ineligible for US military support – At the time, North Korea had agreed a programme, past or present, to operational once again. Notably, all six on its last legs, has always constituted International Studies, University of which was hardly a possibility for to blow up the Yongbyon reactor’s develop fi ssile material through of the underground nuclear tests that a clear and present danger. Denver, and the author of Outpost.

Three-day forecast

Sugar, carbs and cancer links TODAY Maximum Temperature : 270c Minimum Temperature : 210c By Sam Apple And yet researchers have made as insulin resistance, common in MONDAY Los Angeles Times progress in understanding the diet- obesity), it can promote the growth cancer connection. The advances of tumours directly and indirectly. Maximum Temperature : 260c have emerged in the somewhat Too much insulin and many of our Minimum Temperature : 200c n August of 2016, the New esoteric field of cancer metabolism, tissues are bombarded with more TUESDAY England Journal of Medicine which investigates how cancer cells growth signals and more fuel Maximum Temperature : 250c published a striking report on turn the nutrients we consume into than they would ever see under Minimum Temperature : 180c normal metabolic conditions. And Icancer and body fat: Thirteen fuel and building blocks for new Fisherman's forecast separate cancers can now be linked cancer cells. because elevated insulin directs to being overweight or obese, among Largely ignored in the last our bodies to store fat, it can also WARNING Inshore : Expected strong wind them a number of the most common decades of the 20th century, be linked to the various ways the fat at some of northern and deadly cancers of all — colon, cancer metabolism has undergone tissue itself is thought to contribute and western area of the thyroid, ovarian, uterine, pancreatic a revival as researchers have come to cancer. country. Offshore : Stong wind and high and (in postmenopausal women) to appreciate that some of the Having recognised the risks of sea. breast cancer. most well-known cancer-causing excess insulin-signalling, Cantley WEATHER Earlier last month, a report from genes, long feared for their role in and other metabolism researchers Inshore : Mild daytime with allowing cancer cells to proliferate are following the science to its some clouds and slight the Centres for Disease Control How much of what we eat can be dust to blowing dust at and Prevention added more detail: linked to cancer? Sugar may play a without restraint, have another, logical conclusion: The danger may places at times. Approximately 631,000 Americans role. arguably even more fundamental not be simply eating too much, as WIND were diagnosed with a body fat- role: allowing cancer cells to “eat” is commonly thought, but rather Inshore : Northwesterly 08-18 KT reaches 22 KT at places related cancer in 2014, accounting little in the way of evidence, without restraint. This research eating too much of the specific at times for 40% of all cancers diagnosed that Hoffman could only guess at may yield a blockbuster cancer foods most likely to lead to elevated Offshrore : Northwesterly at 12-22 year. which of the many theories might treatment, but in the meantime it insulin levels — easily digestible KT reaches 28 KT at places at times Increasingly, it seems not only that be correct. If we’ve made little can provide us with something just carbohydrates in general, and sugar Visibility : 4-8km/03KM or less at we are losing the war on cancer, but progress since then in pinpointing as crucial — knowledge about how to in particular. places at times that we are losing it to what we eat and specific foods that cause cancer, prevent the disease in the first place. This is not to say that all cancers SEA STATE drink. it’s in large part because nutrition Lewis Cantley, the director of are caused by too much insulin Offshore : 5-7 FT, Rises to 9 FT at These new fi ndings, while studies aren’t well-suited to the Cancer Centre at Weill Cornell or that we should never eat sugar Around the region important, only tell us so much. The cracking the problem. Medicine, has been at the forefront again. Michael Pollak, a metabolism Weather Weather studies refl ect whether someone is A cancer typically arises over years, of the cancer metabolism revival. researcher and director of cancer tomorrow Max/min tomorrow Max/min overweight upon being diagnosed with or decades, making the type of study Cantley’s best explanation for the prevention at McGill University in Baghdad Sunny 22/07 Sunny 23/08 cancer, but they don’t show that the that might defi nitively establish obesity-cancer connection is that Canada, says that the best approach Kuwait City Sunny 23/09 Sunny 23/08 excess weight is responsible for the cause and eff ect — an experiment in both conditions are also linked to to sugar is to think of it like a spice — Manama Cloudy 24/19 Sunny 24/19 cancer. They are best understood as which people are randomly assigned elevated levels of the hormone insulin. something to occasionally sprinkle Muscat Sunny 27/19 Sunny 24/16 a warning sign that something about to diff erent diets — nearly impossible His research has revealed how insulin on foods, as opposed to an ingredient Tehran Sunny 11/02 Sunny 11/03 what or how much we eat is intimately to carry out. The next-best option — drives cells to grow and take up in nearly every meal and too many linked to cancer. But what? observational studies that track what glucose (blood sugar) by activating drinks. The possibility that much of a specifi c group of individuals eats a series of genes, a pathway that Nutrition is an inherently messy our cancer burden can be traced and which members of the group are has been implicated in most human science. But recent advances in to diet isn’t a new idea. In 1937, later diagnosed with cancer — tends cancers. cancer metabolism research are Frederick Hoffman, an actuary for to generate as much confusion as The problem isn’t the presence sending us an increasingly clear the Prudential Life Insurance Co, knowledge. One day we read that a of insulin in our blood. We all need message about our diet. Winning devoted more than 700 pages to a study has linked eating meat to cancer; insulin to live. But when insulin the war on cancer may depend upon review of all the medical thinking a month later, a new headline declares rises to abnormally high levels and whether we’re ready to hear it. — on the topic at the time. But with the exact opposite. remains elevated (a condition known Tribune News Service

Live issues Around the world Weather Weather today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Athens Sunny 20/10 M Sunny 17/08 Type 1 diabetes as common in adults as in kids: study Beirut Sunny 24/18 M Sunny 24/19 Bangkok P Cloudy 33/24 P Cloudy 32/25 Berlin Snow 02/01 P Cloudy 05/01 QNA 2, but this misconception can lead to 96% of diabetes diagnoses in diabetes are admitted to hospitals with Cairo Sunny 29/13 Sunny 29/14 London misdiagnosis with potentially serious adults between 31 and 60 years old diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a life- Cape Town S Showers 20/14 Cloudy 21/15 consequences.” are attributable to type 2, and type 1 threatening condition that develops Colombo S Showers 29/24 S T Storms 30/25 The prime minister of England, accounts for 85% of diabetes cases when a type 1 diabetes patient doesn’t Dhaka Sunny 28/17 M Sunny 28/17 ype 1 diabetes is found in Theresa May, is an example of this, in young people under 20, which have access to insulin. Hong Kong M Sunny 24/19 M Sunny 23/17 adults just as often as it’s Oram said, she was misdiagnosed perpetuates the misconception “Type 1 diabetes is often mistaken Istanbul P Cloudy 18/13 Rain 15/07 found in children, researchers with type 2 diabetes mellitus while that diabetes is an age-dependent for type 2 in adults”, Exeter professor Jakarta P Cloudy 33/25 P Cloudy 33/24 at the University of Exeter struggling with her blood sugar and condition. Andrew Hattersley said in the release. Karachi P Cloudy 31/15 P Cloudy 29/12 T London M Cloudy 10/04 P Cloudy 10/02 Medical School in the UK report, but was treated with tablets, which didn’t But Oram’s research produced “The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in it’s often initially misdiagnosed due properly treat her illness. surprisingly diverse results 40% middle and old age is very diffi cult Manila P Cloudy 32/25 P Cloudy 32/25 to the historical stereotype that type 1 Oram and colleagues at Exeter of type 1 diabetes cases present because almost all patients with Moscow S Showers -1/-6 Snow 00/-4 diabetes is a disease of childhood. published a recent study in the Lancet themselves in adults after the age of diabetes at this age have type 2. Failure New Delhi P Cloudy 24/11 P Cloudy 24/13 “Diabetes textbooks for doctors Diabetes & Endocrinology that 30. to recognise that the diabetes is type 1 New York P Cloudy 12/05 M Sunny 12/09 say that type 1 diabetes is a childhood focuses on the subject. Due to the world’s growing obesity rather than type 2 and give appropriate Paris Showers 07/03 P Cloudy 08/03 illness,” study author Richard Theirs is the fi rst trial to use a novel epidemic, doctors are quick to insulin treatment can be dangerous. Sao Paulo M Cloudy 26/18 Cloudy 26/18 Oram, PhD, said in a release from genetic analysis to identify type 1 diagnose type 2 diabetes in adults, Type 1 diabetes should be considered Seoul S Showers 11/-5 Sunny 01/-8 the University of Exeter. “The diabetes in adults, according to the the researchers wrote, but that for any patient who is rapidly failing to Singapore S T Storms 32/26 I T Storms 31/26 assumption among many doctors release, allowing them to identify misdiagnosis could be a fatal mistake. respond to increasing doses of tablets, Sydney P Cloudy 26/17 Rain 19/17 is that adults presenting with the cases of type 1 diabetes that initially Oram and his team found that one especially if they are slim.” Tokyo Clear 14/04 Clear 15/05 symptoms of diabetes will have type missed a primary physician’s radar. in nine adult patients with type 1 Gulf Times 26 Sunday, December 3, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief: Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Fax 44350474 GULF TIMES Aff ordable, reliable, modern energy key to global prosperity

Globalisation, deregulation and consumerism are among the hallmarks of a changing world - one that is technologically-driven, interconnected and increasingly interdependent. 03-1-2017 Amidst all our advances in technology and greater economic integration, we still have more than 2.8bn people without access to clean cooking facilities. That’s about 37% of the current world population of 7.6bn. Also, more than 1.1bn people are still without electricity. A third of the world’s population – 2.5bn people – relies on the traditional use of solid biomass to cook their meals. Around 120mn people use kerosene and 170mn use coal. There has been some progress though: since 2000, the A new grand coalition for number of people in developing countries with access to clean cooking – principally liquefi ed petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas and electricity, has grown by 60%, and the number of people cooking with coal and kerosene has more than halved. However, strong population growth in developing Germany – and Europe countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa, has meant that the number of people relying on biomass for cooking This is a critical time for Democratic Union (CDU), its Bavarian Southeast Asia and Central Asia with commitments should not be a has grown by 400mn, despite growing awareness of sister party, the Christian Social Union Europe. This is the time for Europe to bargaining chip in coalition talks. the associated health risks and decades of programmes Germany and Europe to (CSU), and the SPD. off er the same bold vision, creating A CDU/CSU-SPD alliance, working targeting access to modern cooking. provide vision, stability, But the CDU/CSU and the SPD a partnership with China to renovate with France and the rest of Europe, need to do more than merely extend Eurasia’s infrastructure for a low- could and should do much more on This clearly highlights the importance of ensuring and global leadership. And the previous government, which carbon future. climate change. Most important, access to modern, aff ordable and reliable energy to large that imperative extends was too parochial in outlook and If Europe plays its cards right, Europe needs a comprehensive energy populations of the world. temperament. The world and Europe Europe’s (and China’s) scientifi c and plan to decarbonise fully by 2050. Energy access is the “golden thread” that weaves together to Chancellor Angela need an outward-looking Germany technical excellence would fl ourish This will require a zero-carbon smart economic growth, human development and environmental Merkel’s CDU, its Bavarian that off ers more institutional and under such a vision. If not, we will all power grid that extends across the fi nancial innovation, so that Europe be driving Chinese electric vehicles continent and taps into the wind sustainability, according to the International Energy sister party, the CSU, and can be a true counterpart to the US charged by Chinese photovoltaic and solar power not only of southern Agency (IEA). and China on global aff airs. I say this cells in the future, while Germany’s Europe but also of North Africa and The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals in the SPD as someone who believes fi rmly in automotive industry will become a the eastern Mediterranean. Once 2015 and ‘SDG 7.1’ specifi cally – the goal to ensure access Europe’s commitment and pioneering historical footnote. again, Eurobonds, a green partnership to aff ordable, reliable, By Jeff rey D Sachs statecraft when it comes to sustainable A European finance minister with China, and unity within Europe could make all the diff erence. and modern energy New York development, the core requirement of would, moreover, finally end Natural gas emits our time. Europe’s self-inflicted agony in Such an alliance would also enable for all by 2030 – Economic growth that is socially the aftermath of the 2008 financial a new foreign policy for Europe, one virtually no established some level riends of Germany and Europe inclusive and environmentally crisis. As difficult as it is to believe, that promotes peace and sustainable of political recognition around the world have been sustainable is a very European idea, Greece’s crisis continues to this day, development, underpinned by new sulphur oxides, for energy’s central breathing a sigh of relief at one that has now been embraced at Great Depression scale, 10 years security arrangements that do not role in development. Fthe newfound willingness of globally in the United Nations’ after the onset of the crisis. depend so heavily on the US. Europe, and up to 80% less Germany’s Christian Democrats and 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable This is because Europe has been a magnet for hundreds of millions of But providing Social Democrats (SPD) to discuss Development Goals, as well as in unable, and Germany unwilling, to would-be economic migrants, could, nitrogen oxides electricity for all by reprising their grand coalition the 2015 Paris climate agreement. clean up the fi nancial mess (including should, and I believe would regain 2030 would require government. The world needs a strong Europe’s experience with social Greece’s unpayable debts) in a fair control of its borders, allowing it to than coal annual investment and forward-looking Germany in democracy and Christian democracy and forward-looking manner (akin strengthen and enforce necessary of $52bn a year, more a dynamic European Union. A new made this global vision possible. to the 1953 London Agreement on limits on migration. grand coalition working alongside But now that its agenda has been German External Debts, as Germany’s The political terms of a new grand than twice the level mobilised under current and planned French President Emmanuel Macron’s adopted worldwide, Europe’s friends have repeatedly reminded it). coalition government, it would seem, policies, IEA says. government would make that possible. leadership in fulfilling it has become If Germany won’t help to lead on this are clear. The SPD should hold out for At a recent event in Doha, HE Abdullah bin Hamad The SPD’s initial decision to go essential. issue, Europe as a whole will face a ministerial leadership on economic al-Attiyah, a global energy industry veteran, outlined the into opposition after its poor election A grand coalition government in prolonged crisis with severe social, and fi nancial policy, while the CDU/ importance of providing aff ordable, reliable, and modern result in September may have been Germany must help put Europe in economic, and political repercussions. CSU holds the chancellorship. That sincere, and even strategically sound. a position to lead. French President In three weeks, Macron will convene would be a true coalition, not one energy to achieve global sustainable development. But it is not timely. Diplomacy almost Emmanuel Macron has off ered some world leaders in Paris on the second that could bury the SPD politically or Al-Attiyah noted that more than 800mn people still live everywhere is fractured. important ideas: a European fi nance anniversary of the climate accord. deny it the means to push for a truly in extreme poverty; one out of nine people are starving; The United States is reckoning with minister; Eurobonds to fi nance a new France should certainly take a bow green, inclusive, EU-wide, sustainable 2.5bn are without access to clean water and more than 1bn a psychologically unstable president, a European investment program; more here, but so should Germany. During development agenda. people have no access to modern electricity. plutocratic cabinet, and a Republican emphasis on innovation; a fi nancial Germany’s G20 Presidency, Merkel With Merkel and SPD leader congressional majority. Europe is transactions tax to fund increased aid kept 19 of the 20 members of the Martin Schulz in the lead, the German He emphasised on the importance of natural gas on in the throes of multiple economic, to Africa, where Europe has a strategic G20 fi rmly committed to the Paris government would be in excellent, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and said social, political, and institutional interest in long-term development; agreement, despite US President responsible, and experienced hands. it should be an “integral part of the long-term energy crises. China, by contrast, is dynamic and tax harmonisation more generally, Donald Trump’s disgraceful attempt Germany’s friends and admirers, and mix because it is an abundant, aff ordable, available and and outward-looking – providing before the US triggers a global race to to wreck it. all supporters of global sustainable acceptable” source of energy. good reason for the EU to assume the bottom on taxing corporations and Yes, the corruption of US politics development, are hoping for this vigorous leadership and engage in the rich. (especially campaign funding by the breakthrough. Project Syndicate Using natural gas, unlike other fossil fuels, would be constructive partnerships with China Contrary to the Germans who oil and gas industry) threatened the benefi cial to the environment. Natural gas emits virtually on key initiatives (such as sustainable oppose such ideas, a European fi nance global consensus on climate change. zJeff rey D Sachs, Professor of no sulphur oxides, and up to 80% less nitrogen oxides than infrastructure across Eurasia). minister and Eurobonds would not But Germany stood fi rm. The new Sustainable Development and Professor coal. In short, this is a critical time for and should not lead to fi scal profl igacy, coalition should also ensure that the of Health Policy and Management at A diversifi ed energy mix is the solution for most Germany and Europe to provide but rather to a revival of investment- country’s Energiewende (“energy Columbia University, is Director of vision, stability, and global leadership. led green growth in Europe. China has transition”) delivers on the 2020 Columbia’s Center for Sustainable countries; al-Attiyah said and noted that the preferred use And that imperative extends to proposed the Belt and Road Initiative targets set by previous governments. Development and the UN Sustainable of gas enables a substitution away from coal and fuel oil for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian to build green infrastructure linking These achievable and important Development Solutions Network. power generation purposes, thereby reducing local carbon dioxide emissions. Providing energy for all would signifi cantly improve the lives of those without access and boost their economic prospects. Women in particular stand to gain by cutting the time spent gathering fuel and cooking and avoiding household air pollution.

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2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved With Chancellor Angela Merkel and SPD leader Martin Schulz in the lead, the German government would be in excellent, responsible, and experienced hands. French President Emmanuel Macron Gulf Times Sunday, December 3, 2017 27 QATAR

Strong winds, cooler nights in next two weeks

Strong Shamal winds and Qatar committed to workers’ cooler nights are expected in the country over the next two weeks, followed by chances of rain in the week starting from December 15, the Qatar Met department has said. Today, welfare and rights: Thawadi strong winds are expected in the northern and western QNS portant issues that drew Qatar’s the SC and Building and Wood parts of Qatar as well as in off - Geneva attention. “The State of Qatar’s Workers’ International (BWI), shore areas, where high seas position on the comprehensive the global trade union for con- have also been forecast. principles of workers’ rights is struction workers, signed a co- The wind speed (northwest- upreme Committee for enshrined in the Qatari Con- operation agreement in 2016 to erly) may go up to 28 knots Delivery & Legacy (SC) stitution and national vision,” conduct joint inspection tours. off shore and 22 knots inshore, SSecretary-General Hassan the SC secretary-general said, He noted that the co-operation with the sea level rising to al-Thawadi has said Qatar at- adding that the relationship be- of the SC with the BWI and rep- 10ft at times, according to the taches great importance to hu- tween employer and employee resentatives of workers unions weather report. The detailed man rights and workers’ welfare, was based on social justice and was an important addition to the forecast also says mild day- pointing out that the impor- regulated by law. The Qatar Na- experience of the SC’s Labour time conditions are likely in in- tance was not only in the context tional Vision 2030 also refers Welfare Department. shore areas along with clouds of organising the 2022 World to the importance of attracting He said joint inspection tours and slight to blowing dust in Cup in Qatar for the fi rst time in expatriate workers, protecting focused on health and safety some places occasionally. Middle East, but also in the con- their rights and ensuring their standards associated with work- Hassan al-Thawadi In off shore areas, the forecast text of its eff orts to achieve sus- safety. places and living conditions, is for hazy and partly cloudy tainable development in Qatar He said the Supreme Com- as well as support for training der the international spotlight, system has also been replaced strengthen bilateral relations to cloudy conditions at times, and the wider Arab region. mittee for Delivery & Legacy has programmes and working with and we are open to constructive by contracts between the worker between these organisations and along with a chance of light The SC secretary-general de- been attaching great importance the SC to strengthen the role of criticism. and the employer. unions and the Supreme Com- rain in some places by late livered the keynote speech at to workers’ welfare and “this workers’ welfare forums, which “On that note, we welcome He said the Supreme Com- mittee for Delivery & Legacy in tonight. Today’s minimum the Sporting Chance Forum in has also been at the forefront of are an eff ective platform for the International Labour Organ- mittee will co-operate with the the areas of workers’ welfare and temperature is expected to Geneva. Attended by infl uen- our plan since the beginning”, workers. The SC secretary-gen- isation’s (ILO) decision to close ILO for a comprehensive tech- human rights. Khalid Ghanim be 17C in Al Khor, Wakrah and tial human rights groups and he said, pointing to the power eral said Doha regularly receives the complaint against Qatar ear- nical support programme that al-Kubaisi, Chief of Advisory Mesaieed, and 21C in Doha. NGOs, as well as sport’s global of the World Cup and its role in representatives from Human lier this month. It demonstrates will help implement any new Unit & Special Projects, Su- Yesterday, the minimum was governing bodies FIFA, the In- advancing progress and making Rights Watch and other inter- their faith in our government’s procedure. Al-Thawadi partici- preme Committee for Delivery & 18C in Mesaieed, Al Khor and ternational Olympic Commit- the necessary changes to ensure national institutions working resolve to drive forward the re- pated in the Sporting Chance Legacy, stressed the importance other places, while in Doha it tee (IOC), UEFA and the Com- the security, health, safety and alongside Qatari governmental form and progress that we know forum along with a delegation of participating in the Sporting was 22C. monwealth Games Federation, dignity of the people who con- institutions and bodies. we must deliver.” from the Supreme Committee Chance forum, especially that Meanwhile, the Met depart- the conference was organised tribute to Qatar’s development. He added: “Nations who re- Al-Thawadi said Qatar has al- for Delivery & Legacy. The del- this important event was held ment re-issued an advisory, by the Geneva-based Institute To complete the system of sist scrutiny and constructive ready made many achievements egation held several meetings on annually in Geneva, and attend- prepared in co-ordination with of Human Rights and Business evaluation and examination criticism are an impediment to to ensure the rights of workers, the sidelines of the forum during ed by a large number of experts the Ministry of Public Health, (IHRB). to apply the Workers’ Welfare our region’s progress. In Qatar, referring to the wage protection which a number of agreements and those interested in the fi eld on how to stay safe during Al-Thawadi said that workers’ Standards at the sites of the we embrace scrutiny, under- system that has been fully im- and contracts were signed, of workers’ welfare and human dusty conditions in view of welfare was one of the most im- projects of the tournament, stand the benefi t of being un- plemented and the sponsorship along with discussing ways to rights. the prevailing conditions. Qatar School Sports Association launches new ‘Tamim Al Majd’ medals

QNA theme ‘Tamim Al Majd’ in or- QSSA Secretary-General Ali al- Al-Hitmi pointed out that al-Thani for the continued edition will achieve a range of He added that this year’s Doha der to encourage more partici- Hitmi, praising the participa- the QSSA attaches particu- support for the programme objectives, especially after the edition of the programme will pations in the activities of the tion of both public and private lar importance to the Olympic and also appreciated the facili- increasing turnout rate among see participants competing in programme this year. schools in the event. This cre- programme competitions and ties and support extended by school students, which reached 11 games, including football, atar School Sports The current edition of the ated exciting and strong com- seeks to be as good as possible the Ministry of Education and 214 schools for boys (119 public handball, volleyball and bas- Association (QSSA) school Olympic programme petitions that enjoy a great fol- and to have a record turnout. Higher Education. schools and 95 private schools), ketball, as well as gymnastics, Qlaunched the new med- will be different from the pre- low-up by officials in various He thanked HE President of QSSA Executive Director and 186 schools for girls (105 swimming, athletics, table ten- als for the current season of the vious ones as its medals carry associations to unlock talents, the Qatar Olympic Commit- Abdulrahman al-Muftarh said public schools and 81 private nis, fencing, tennis and shoot- Olympic programme under the the theme ‘Tamim Al Majd’, said he said. tee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad that the programme’s current schools). ing. Gulf Times 28 Sunday, December 3, 2017 QATAR

Today’s highlights Today, the fifth Ajyal Youth Film Festival presented by Doha Film Institute contin- ues its tradition of exploring universal themes within a local context, with films that educate, surprise and delight.

„ Directed by Tala Hadid, House in the Fields (Morocco, Qatar/2017) is a privi- leged look at the fast-disappearing world of the amazing bards and storytellers of the isolated rural communities of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Guard- ians of their community history and responsible for its transmission down the generations, they now find their ancient vocation threatened by technology and migration. The film screens at 7.45pm. „ A mix of animation, documentary and film, Abstract Visions is a programme of international short films showcasing some of the most unique, daring and original voices in cinema today and will take viewers from the deserts of Qatar, to the refuges crisis in France, via a tussle between a lumberjack and nature, and a young boy forced to look after his grand- Festival director Fatma al-Remaihi, deputy director Abdulla al-Musallam with the Made in Qatar jury and winners. father when they are both left behind by the truck in which they have been travel- ling. The programme screens at 8pm. „ Home is a programme of international short films that sets out to question the concept of the ‘home’ in all its forms, physical, emotional, environmental and cultural, exploring its relevance to our lives today. It screens at 8.30pm. Made in Qatar winners „ This is also the last chance to see My Little Beasts, a world-premiere cine- concert collaboration with the Forum des Images, which combines the power of film with the magic of live music, in a series of short films that will appeal to children and adults alike. The film get awards at Ajyal Fest screens at 6.30pm and 7.30pm. „One can head to Katara Drama Theatre fter careful deliberation, Ajyal Youth Film National Films Competition deals with love and care,” they said. The Best 1001 Nights, addressing eternal issues like sac- at 6pm for the third of the Ajyal Talks Festival’s Made in Qatar jury reached Documentary/Experimental Award went to rifi ce, equality and bravery, and Nibu Vasude- to hear acclaimed visual artist and film- Atheir fi nal decisions on the 16 entries in During the ceremony, Doha Film Institute announced Rawan al-Nassiri and Nada Bedair’s Treasures van’s Walls (Qatar/2017), a CG animation in maker, Shirin Neshat, whose latest film, this year’s programme. the new National Films Competition. Launched in of the Past (Qatar/2017), which follows three which a race of skeleton-like, robotic creatures Looking for Oum Kulthum will be shown The winning fi lms, which are all locally made, the spirit of the National Day and mindful of the cheerful, engaging and hard-working Qatari are engaged in a pointless, seemingly endless again tomorrow at an Ajyal Special were offi cially announced at a ceremony follow- circumstances facing Qatar, the competition is for the grandmothers, who have spent their lives in war with an unseen enemy. Screening, discussing her life and art in ing the screening of the second Made in Qatar best short film inspired by the latest speeches of His service to their families, bringing to mind the The Special Jury Documentary/Experimen- conversation with Fatma al-Sehlawi. programme, presented by Occidental Petroleum Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. adage that a woman’s work is never done. tal Award went to Rawda al-Thani’s I Have Been „ From 10am to 10pm, one can also en- Qatar. Open to all people living in Qatar, applicants can Explaining their choice, the jury said: “The Watching You All Along (Qatar/2017), in which a joy Geekdom, a pop culture feast of com- The three judges, all industry professionals, submit their 30-second to 1-minute videos on www. fi lm broke the stereotypical image of women girl explores an abandoned cinema and through ics, cosplay, movies, TV series and video Salah al-Mulla, a prominent actor from Qatar; dohafilminstitute.com of this period and highlighted their involve- a trance-like journey into its past through the games, and LeBlockade, a multimedia Ely Dagher, a cross-media artist from Lebanon; Deadline for submission is December 16. A jury will ment in occupations that have almost died celluloid clips she fi nds, creates a free-form celebration of Qatar’s cultural resilience, and Dana Mado, a public relations and strategic select the five best submissions, two of which will out. narrative of her own, breathing new life into at Katara buildings 18 and 19. marketing executive from Kuwait, released an receive awards on Qatar National Day. The characters were very proud and posi- forgotten artefacts. „ Tickets are priced at QR25 for general offi cial statement alongside the names, praising tive and had a sense of humour and the fi lm Presented by Occidental Petroleum Qatar, screening and available for purchase 24 the quality of this year’s entries. presented feminism in a new and bold light.” Made in Qatar’s 16 short fi lms, a mix of anima- hours a day at ajyalfilm.com or from the The Best Narrative Award went to Amal al- grandfather, who is beginning to show signs of For the fi rst time, the Special Jury Narrative tions, fi lm and documentary, were shown in two Ajyal Katara Main Box Off ice in Katara Muftah’s Smicha (Qatar/2017), which tells the senility. Award was a tie between Aisha al-Jaidah’s 1001 programmes and demonstrate the sophistica- Building 12, or the Ajyal FNAC Ticket Out- heart-warming story of the bond between a “The jury chose Smicha as the Best Narrative Days (Qatar/2017), an animated fi lm that ex- tion and growing confi dence and reach of Qa- let, FNAC Qatar at Doha Festival City. seven-year-old girl, Lulwa, and her elderly fi lm for the heart-touching and diff erent way it plores the story behind the story of the famous tar’s diverse fi lm community.