BUSINESS | 02 SPORT | 08

Qatar Chamber Neymar panel examines the saviour national strategic as PSG beat projects Strasbourg

Sunday 15 September 2019 | 16 Muharram 1441 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 8015 | 2 Riyals Upgrade your home internet to 150 Mbps and watch the best football leagues with Ooredoo ONE! Plans afoot to open several nurseries outside Doha The number of nurseries in Qatar reached 191 which are enrolling a total of 4,858 children as of August 2019. A large number of nurseries are being opened across the country including in cities and remote areas.

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Eye Preservation Initiative for Kinder- THE PENINSULA garten Children in collaboration with the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) The Director of Family Affairs Department in 2019, initiative to explain the law No. at the Ministry of Administrative Devel- (1) for the year 2014 to regulate nurseries opment, Labour and Social Affairs, Najat for operators and directors of nurseries Daham Al Abdullah, has said that the in cooperation with the Department of Department is working to open more new Legal Affairs of the Ministry in 2018,” said QNB holds Open Career Day nurseries out of Doha. Al Abdullah. The Minister of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs, H E Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo; QNB “The number of nurseries in Qatar She added that the Nursery Section Acting Group CEO, Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa, and other officials during QNB’s Open Career Day held yesterday. reached 191 which are enrolling a total of had launched the Healthy Nutrition Ini- 4,858 children as of August 2019,” said tiative for Nursery Children in collabo- `Business 01, 03 Najat Daham Al Abdullah in an interview ration with a nutrition centre in 2017 and with The Peninsula. She said that a large another initiative to celebrate the National number of nurseries are being opened Nursery Day in Public Parks in cooper- across the country including in cities and ation with the Public Parks Department remote areas. in 2017. HMC installs radio over-broadcast Speaking about the steps of the Family Al Abdullah said Article No. 22 of Affairs Department on encouraging Amiri Decree No 6 of 2016 on the admin- employers to open nurseries at work- istrative structure of the Ministry of warning system in 50 ambulances places, Al Abdullah said: “Yes, we Administrative Development, Labor and encourage establishment of nurseries at Social Affairs specifies the functions of FAZEENA SALEEM interrupt and switch over even if you pedestrians and motorcyclist on the workplaces but they should comply with Family Affairs Department. THE PENINSULA are listening to a CD,” said, Reimann roads and all vehicles will not be the required specifications and rules to She said that the functions include speaking to media persons on Thursday. playing the radio,” said Reimann. On suit specific work environment.” implementing national family strategies, The Hamad Medical Corporation’s “The new system gives drivers a regular day, the Ambulance Service She said that people can inform about plans and policies; increasing community (HMC) Ambulance Service has installed more time to move safely and give way attends nearly 700 emergency cases activities of unlicensed nurseries by awareness of family and social challenges a new Emergency Warning System to an approaching ambulance. Drivers and deploys about 130 ambulances. calling directly to Nursery Section at the and issues, their effects and ways to (EWS) in about 50 ambulances for a can hear our ambulance sirens and see “The new system is installed in 50 Department or through the call centre of prevent them. pilot phase of three months. The new their flashing lights up to 50 metres vehicles, which is about half of the total the Ministry or on its official website or “The Department is also responsible radio over-broadcast system allows away, but the new warning system will number of ambulances deployed each day. visiting in person to Family Affairs to implement projects and programmes the ambulance crew to alert drivers enable us to give warning to drivers We test the new system in all scenarios in Department at the Ministry. for women empowerment and chil- up to 300 metres ahead. much further ahead,” he added. urban and rural areas. At the end of the Al Abdullah said that the Department dren’s creativity culturally, educa- The trial of the new system began The new system will compliment trial period, we would analyse data, of Family Affairs, which comprises five tionally and recreational wise, in coor- on September 1, said Thomas Reimann, the usual lights and sirens on ambu- feedback from members of public, those sections, including Family Development dination with the competent govern- Executive Director of Healthcare Coor- lances. At the end of the trial period, from the ambulance service and find how Section; Nurseries Section; Productive mental and non-governmental bodies,” dination and Support Services at the HMC’s Ambulance Service will efficient is the new system,” said Reimann. Families Section; Elderly and Special said Al Abdullah. HMC’s Ambulance Service. conduct a final assessment to find the The new EWS is expected to help Needs Section and Juvenile Section, is She added that the Department also “The system will interrupt the radio efficiency of the system. manage the traffic flow, reduce risk of responsible for development of the entire prepares and implements programmes broadcast and switch over automati- “Not to confuse the road users, accidents and ambulance service to family and society. to prevent juvenile delinquency, rehabil- cally to unused channel enabling EWS will choose the road that has the reach the emergency scene faster. At She said that the Nursery Section itates delinquents and fights against social drivers to listen to an audio message, strongest signal and closer to the traffic present the Ambulance Service reaches launched several initiatives and made problems among juveniles, and supervise “Warning, ambulance approaching. signal. However the Ambulance an emergency scene within six minutes remarkable achievements. “The key ini- the social welfare homes allocated for Give way”, in Arabic and English. The Service will still retain the normal in the urban areas and 10 minutes in tiatives included The Healthy Teeth and their care and rehabilitation. `P4 system has a technology that can lights and sirens. Because there are rural areas. `P4 Qatar-Japan relations to widen: Ambassador New Hyperbaric Therapy

SACHIN KUMAR the field of technology,” he said. THE PENINSULA “Qatar is making grand Unit can treat 18 patients design of smart cities that require The relations between Qatar and most high tech mobility system, simultaneously Japan are moving in the right We have seen Qatar- for example. I think certain Jap- direction. There is huge potential anese companies are very THE PENINSULA hyperbaric oxygen therapy – to further widen the growing Japan bilateral capable of providing such high DOHA monoplace chambers that relations between two countries, relations steadily technology for this project,” he permit a single occupant at one said Seiichi Otsuka, the outgoing developing and added. A new Hyperbaric Therapy Unit time and multi-place chambers ambassador of Japan to Qatar. growing. The He praised the foreign policy was officially opened as part of that allow multiple patients to “We have seen Qatar-Japan of Qatar and said that the Hamad Medical Corporation be treated at the same time. Pre- bilateral relations steadily devel- relations have grown country is playing very important (HMC)’s state-of-the-art viously we had a monoplace oping and growing. The relations not just in the field role in the region. Trauma and Emergency Center chamber. Our new chamber, have grown not just in the field of energy, but we “Foreign policies of Qatar at Hamad General Hospital, which is a multi-place chamber, of energy, but we have diver- and Japan are very identical. We recently. allows several patients to be sified our relations,” Otsuka told have diversified our believe that the regional issues Dr Kokash Osama, Senior treated at the same time. It also The Peninsula. relations.” should be solved peacefully. We Consultant, Anesthesia, and Head allows space for a healthcare “Both countries have agreed have same agenda. Qatar is of HMC’s Hyperbaric Oxygen professional to be inside the on widening the range of coop- playing a very important role in Therapy Program, said while chamber caring for patients,” eration, but we have to do more. the region,” he added. “Middle hyperbaric oxygen therapy has said Dr Osama. The relations are going forward of this year, according to the number three crude oil supplier East is very critical part of been available at HMC since Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in right direction,” said Otsuka, Quarterly Bulletin of Foreign to Japan. We are importing Japan’s diplomacy,” he said. 2013, the new Hyperbaric involves sitting or lying inside a talking on the sidelines of his Merchandise Trade Statistics for helium and oil products,” he He said that FIFA World Cup Therapy Unit has significantly sealed chamber and wearing an farewell reception hosted by the second quarter of 2019. The total added. in 2022 will be a big success and increased capacity to provide the air mask with two tubes Embassy of Japan on Wednesday. export to Japan from Qatar was There is immense potential Japan can contribute in suc- treatment. attached - one providing pure The relations between Qatar around QR11.63bn, as per the for cooperation between the cessful hosting of this mega He said the new 18-person oxygen, the other taking old air and Japan are very strong which Planning and Statistics Authority private sector of both event by sharing latest hyperbaric oxygen therapy away. The therapy is painless is evident by the growing trade data. countries. technologies. chamber is the largest in the and non-invasive. HMC’s new volume. “Qatar is number one trade “There is big potential of He added that the movement country, and one of the first-of- therapy chamber features both At 17.4 percent, the share of partner of Japan and Liquefied widening the range of cooper- of bilateral trade in 2019 will its-kind in the region. VIP and standard seating and Japan was the highest in Qatar’s Natural Gas (LNG) forms major ation between the private sector depend on the trajectory of “There are two types of can also accommodate an ICU total export in April-June quarter part of this trade. Qatar is of both countries, particularly in world economy. chambers used to administer bed. `P3 02 HOME SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 HOME 03 Minister of Culture and Sports highlights importance of Sports Integrity Summit

QNA Global Alliance (SIGA). He clubs and events around the set of legislation that ensure the The agenda of the summit, DOHA expressed hope that the Summit world. application of best governance which will be attended by the will achieve its goals, and Al Baker expressed his belief rules. Bin Hanzab expressed his Minister will include a number Minister of Culture and Sports H become a milestone and cul- that good governance and thanks to the Ministry of Culture of important topics in the E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali minate in international efforts integrity in sport at the highest and Sports for taking the initi- presence of experts and spe- (pictured) stressed yesterday to rid global sports of corruption levels are necessary to enable ative in all sports issues that are cialists in sport integrity from the that Doha’s hosting of the Inter- and fraud and transcend all sport in the region and the world important to the world, Middle East, Asia and Africa. A regional Sports Integrity Summit societies. to achieve one of its goals as a expressing his thanks to HE the total of 60 experts from around tomorrow and on Tuesday is a H E the Minister stressed the platform to bring the people of minister for supporting the the world will attend. continuation of the State of importance of teamwork in the the world together. summit held for the first time in The summit also aims to Qatar’s active role in promoting Middle East, Asia and Africa. He Meanwhile Sport Integrity the region. highlight the seriousness of cor- the noble values of sport in soci- added that hosting the summit Global Alliance (SIGA) Vice Bin Hanzab emphasized the ruption in sport in the region, eties. was to complement the role of Chairman Mohammed bin importance of cooperation and to develop solutions by H E the Minister of Culture the State of Qatar in promoting Hanzab highlighted the impor- between countries to combat encouraging countries to adopt and Sports welcomed the guests the noble values of sports in principles of transparency and tance of the Summit, given it is organized and intercontinental SIGA’s international standard of Qatar from all over the world societies. integrity in all sports domains the first of its kind in the region, crimes related to sports cor- legislation. Another topic dis- and expressed his happiness to He also drew attention to the locally, regionally and which not only sheds light on the ruption. He expressed pride in cussed will be the importance of sponsor the Inter-regional efforts made by the Ministry of globally. dangers of corruption in sports this regard that the ICSS is a collective action among the Sports Integrity Summit Culture and Sports in cooper- For his part, CEO of Qatar in the Middle East, Asia and founding member of (SIGA), region’s countries to enact leg- organised by the International ating with the international Airways Akbar Al Baker said that Africa, but also develops profes- which is leading the interna- islation on integrity and to Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) community and its various Qatar Airways is proud to be a sional solutions that suit the fight tional efforts to promote Aspects combat corruption in sport, as and Qatar Airways in cooper- organizations in order to fight partner of the event, given it is against sports corruption in each of Integrity and Fighting Cor- its crimes has now become ation with the Sport Integrity corruption and promote the a major sponsor of many sports country in the region through a ruption in Sport. transcontinental in nature. ‘US collaboration with Qatar on fighting human trafficking is strongest’

THE PENINSULA Persons Report has become a honoured to add this copy of the DOHA significant part of the Msheireb report to our Museums library. Museum’s Library, specifically Bin Jelmood House, part of During his visit to Qatar, US Bin Jelmood House, which pro- Msheireb Museums in Msheireb Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor vides a space for reflection on Downtown Doha, provides an and Combat Trafficking in slavery and how it has evolved opportunity for visitors to make Persons, John Cotton Richmond, into modern forms of human a personal commitment to stand visited the Msheireb Museum exploitation. against the various forms of and discussed the 2019 Traf- Every year, the US State human trafficking. As an educa- ficking in Persons Report with Department releases the Traf- tional platform, the museum has the Director of Msheireb ficking in Persons Report, which been raising awareness, and Museum, Hafiz Ali. examines the efforts made by gaining local and international US Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, John Cotton Richmond, with The Ambassador Richmond governments around the world attention.” the Director of Msheireb Museum, Hafiz Ali, during a visit to Msheireb Museum. met with Qatari officials and to fight this crime. Ending human Richmond said, “The organisations to discuss efforts trafficking globally requires a Msheireb Museum’s modern to combat human trafficking in coordinated approach between slavery exhibit highlights the two countries, but every country Memorandum of Understanding d’Affaires attended the July 30 Qatar, and Qatar’s efforts to end the public and private sectors importance of combating human in the world. With sustained ini- on Anti-Trafficking in 2018, conference on “World Day it. and civil society in all countries, trafficking in Qatar. The Bin tiatives, we hope the Bin Jelmood Since then, the two countries against Human Trafficking” The crime of human traf- and an important part of the Jelmood House paints a clear House will continue to do its part have worked with more than 30 hosted by the Qatari gov- ficking is global in scope, strategy to combat modern picture of Qatar’s trafficking to help raise awareness of implementing partner offices ernment and the UN’s Interna- affecting every country on earth, slavery is raising public trends and sheds light on this human trafficking in Qatar, and and organisations to implement tional Labor Organization (ILO), including the United States and awareness. Bin Jelmood House issue for thousands of visitors ultimately generate efforts to over a dozen initiatives which coincided with the Qatar. Also known as modern provides an opportunity for vis- and Qatari nationals each year. protect victims.” including capacity building, opening of the first Trafficking slavery, it includes sex traf- itors to make a personal com- The United States stands by The Ambassador noted that training, networking, exchanges, in Persons (TIP) shelter for men ficking, forced labour, debt mitment to joining the fight Qatar in its efforts to raise public US collaboration with Qatar on consultations, and awareness and women in Qatar. The shelter bondage, and domestic against all forms of human awareness and taking action to fighting human trafficking is the raising including events like this opening is just one of several servitude. trafficking. stop the crime of human traf- strongest it has ever been. The one. goals of the Memorandum of The annual Trafficking in Hafiz Ali, said, “We are ficking, which affects not just our US and Qatar signed a The American Chargé Understanding. Qatar reiterates commitment Shura Council to participate in APU session QNA scheduled to be held in the of proposals to amend the rules DOHA Jordanian capital, Amman from of procedure of the Union, the to promoting culture of peace today and will conclude on reports of the committees of the The Shura Council will partic- September 19. Executive Committee and other ipate in the 26th session of the The meetings of the session related issues. The Shura Council QNA these conferences, which have Representative of Qatar to the UN Executive Committee of Arab will discuss a number of pilot is represented at this session by NEW YORK actively contributed to promoting also praised Qatar’s Silatech Inter-Parliamentary Union projects on the laws of women, Hadi bin Saeed Al Khayarin, a culture of peace, providing a which actively contributes to (APU) and its meetings, children and terrorism, the study member of the Council. The State of Qatar has continued platform for constructive dia- tackling the problem of unem- its efforts in promoting the values logue in order to understand and ployment among youth through of tolerance and combating accept differences, to focus on its training and employment pro- Hyperbaric extremism, as Qatari institutions, shared noble human values, to grams in the Arab region. including the Doha International advance efforts to combat She stated that the Qatar is Therapy Unit can Center for Interfaith Dialogue, extremism and hatred, and to working in cooperation with treat 18 patients continue to promote a culture of build bridges of cooperation and South Korea in the Group of peace and capacity building in understanding among peoples. Friends of Education for Global simultaneously the field of dialogue and She added that as part of the State Citizenship, out of their belief in FROM PAGE 1 tolerance. of Qatar’s continued efforts in this the importance of establishing Qatar voiced its firm belief regard, the 14th Doha Interna- values, attitudes and behaviours that nation-building begins with tional Interfaith Conference will in support of responsible global “With hyperbaric oxygen building human being and coop- be held in Doha in March 2020 citizenship. She also referred to therapy, patients breathe pure eration for building a society under the theme: ‘Religions and Qatar’s efforts at the international oxygen while in a pressurised based on mutual respect and Hate Speech Scriptures and level to support the role of medi- chamber. The rapid infusion of a coexistence in harmony and Practice’. ation and preventive diplomacy high concentration of pure oxygen cohesion, and reiterated its com- She said that Qatar has in preventing armed conflicts and helps the growth of new blood mitment to continue to adopted an approach based on solving them thorough peaceful vessels and promotes healing of implement the United Nations addressing the root causes of resolution and dialogue in dif- ischaemic wounds. The therapy HMC’s new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Unit. Declaration and Program of violent extremism, especially ferent parts of the world, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, Action on a Culture of Peace. among young people, pointing to have been and continue to be which helps fight bacteria and That came in a statement the importance given to the path appreciated by the international stimulate the release of substances “In addition to carbon mon- neurodegenerative disorders such delivered by Permanent Repre- of education and employment, community due to its positive and called growth factors and stem oxide poisoning and decom- as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s sentative of Qatar to the UN, H E as the State has established many satisfactory results for all parties cells,” said Dr. Osama. pression sickness, there are a disease,” said Dr. Osama. Ambassador Sheikha Alya bint institutions and launched initia- concerned. She reiterated Qatar’s While the therapy is a well- dozen conditions that the evi- Dr Osama said the number of Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, at the tives in the field of education and commitment to continue imple- established emergency medical dence shows benefit from hyper- sessions a patient will require “High-Level Forum on the employment at the national, menting the UN Declaration and treatment for conditions such as baric oxygen therapy, such as varies depending on the condition Culture of Peace” held on Friday regional and international level, Program of Action on a Culture decompression sickness, a hazard treating damage resulting from or illness being treated, with each by the UN General Assembly. at the top of which is the Edu- of Peace, harnessing all poten- of scuba diving, carbon monoxide radiation therapy, compromised treatment plan being tailored to She pointed out that the Doha cation Above All Foundation tials and energies to promote a poisoning, and air embolisms, it skin grafts, and acute thermal the individual needs of the patient. International Center for Interfaith which has a great achievement culture of peace, promoting has also been shown to be an burn injuries. There is also some Dr. Osama notes that every Dialogue has been holding annual in cooperation with international respect for human rights and effective supplemental therapy for evidence that it can be effectively patient who is prescribed hyper- international interfaith confer- partners in offering quality edu- upholding the principles unani- many chronic, non-emergency used to treat neurological condi- baric oxygen therapy is required ences with the participation of cation services to ten million mously agreed upon by the inter- conditions such as slow-healing tions associated with reduced to complete a safety briefing religious leaders from different children and youth all over the national community in pro- wounds, in particular, diabetic oxygen levels, such as stroke and where they are informed of the religions, noting the outcomes of world. The Permanent moting a culture of peace. foot ulcers, and osteomyelitis. traumatic brain injury, and possible complications. 04 HOME SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 Qatar highlights innovation at UNWTO session in Russia

THE PENINSULA innovators across sectors. DOHA He further spoke of QNTC’s function to “facilitate public- Qatar National Tourism Council private sector partnerships, and (QNTC) concluded its active empower them to work together participation in the 23rd UNWTO in developing new tourism General Assembly session, where products and projects. New laws it highlighted innovation and its and policies have led to a number long-standing relationship with of large-scale tourism projects UNWTO. being fast-tracked, with others The General Assembly took being opened to both local and place in St. Petersburg, Russia international private investors.” between September nine and 13, Qatar’s policies enabling 2019, with QNTC represented by business and innovation have Akbar Al Baker, Secretary- helped garner it second place in General as well as Hassan Al keynote speech titled “Inno- the Middle East and North Africa Ibrahim (pictured), Assistant vation from Policy Design to in the World Economic Forum’s The venue of the 23rd UNWTO General Assembly session, where QNTC marked its active participation, Secretary-General of QNTC. He Implementation” where he Travel & Tourism Competi- taking place in St. Petersburg, Russia. addressed the First Plenary spoke of Qatar’s commitment to tiveness Report 2019. session as keynote speaker, innovation and the recognition The Assistant Secretary- where he focused on the impor- that “development of any sort, General also referred to the long- To illustrate this com- Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary- mation in tourism. tance of the tourism sector to the particularly if it is to be econom- standing relationship with the mitment, he touched upon the General UNWTO visited Qatar. As a United Nations agency, economy, along with Qatar’s ically sustainable, must be UNWTO: “We value our part- IE University|UNWTO Tourism Al Ibrahim also represented UNWTO is in charge of the pro- partnerships with UNWTO. underpinned by innovative nership with UNWTO and are Online Academy inaugurated the Qatar in the Member States motion of responsible, sus- The following day, Al policy that supports effective honoured to support their initi- day before in the presence of Panel, along with representatives tainable and universally acces- Ibrahim represented Qatar at a implementation and furthers our atives as they innovate in the Akbar Al Baker, and spoke of the from Chile, Columbia, Hungary sible tourism. UNWTO generates High Level Summit on Inno- longer-term strategic goals.” Al tourism sector... We are com- first UNWTO Global Sports and Macao. This Panel allowed market knowledge, promotes vation and Sustainable Devel- Ibrahim went on to praise mitted to creativity and inno- Tourism Start-Up Competition, Member States to share their competitive and sustainable opment in Tourism, both as entities such as Qatar Foundation vation, to solving world scale supported by QNTC in collabo- experiences about projects tourism policies and instruments, keynote speaker, along with his Research Development Inno- problems, harnessing our human ration with Futbol Club Bar- developed in collaboration with fosters tourism education and participation in a Members States vation, Qatar Development Bank capital while maintaining a bal- celona (FCB) Innovation Hub - UNWTO, and outline future training, and works to make Panel. and Qatar Business Incubation anced relationship with our the agreements for which were objectives around innovation, tourism an effective tool for Al Ibrahim presented a Centre, which offer support to environment.” signed in April this year, when investment and digital transfor- development. HMC installs over-broadcast warning system FROM PAGE 1 Senior Manager of Communi- consistently promoted its ‘Know cation Technologies at HMC’s the 5 to Save a Life’ awareness “In a medical emergency, it Ambulance Service. campaign, which is designed to is very important that our par- “The Emergency Warning educate members of the com- amedic teams can get to the System will enable us to give munity on the correct action to scene of the emergency as warning to drivers 300 meters take when calling an ambu- quickly as possible. The public before the ambulance lance. The new warning tech- is very supportive and under- approaches and it could help to nology supports one of the cam- stands our role as well as need reach the emergency scene paign’s key messages, asking to give way to ambulances on faster than before,” he added. drivers to ‘give way to the road,” said Rashid Andaila, The Ambulance Service has ambulances’. The Vice-Chairman of National Human Rights Committee, Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari, and Assistant Secretary-General, Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, with a delegation of senior researchers and politicians in the US Congress during a visit to Doha. US delegation meets NHRC officials in Doha QNA/DOHA at encouraging the work of spreading culture of human national human rights institu- rights and its working methods National Human Rights tions, non-governmental organ- in receiving complaints and Committee (NHRC) Vice- isations and community organ- facilitating access to petitioners, Chairman, Dr. Mohammed bin isations to provide support and whether through physical Saif Al Kuwari, and Assistant assistance to people whose appearance, through the offices Secretary-General, Sultan bin rights may be violated. of the communities it estab- Hassan Al Jamali, met with a The meeting dealt with the lished, or via its hotlines and delegation of senior researchers role of media in providing official website, as well as its role and politicians in the US support to vulnerable people, in addressing human rights vio- Congress. The US delegation’s including workers’ category, as lations resulting from the Chinese community members during a reception organised to mark the 70th anniversary of the visit to the committee was aimed well as the role of NHRC in blockade. founding of the People’s Republic of China, in Doha yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA Official: Several new nurseries to open outside Doha 70th anniversary of the founding of FROM PAGE 1 People’s Republic of China celebrated The department takes nec- essary measures to care and SIDI MOHAMED private cars, various restaurants, protect children of unknown THE PENINSULA and high rises of residential parentage. “The department buildings.” The event was held at helps released prisoners and The Chinese Embassy in Doha JW Marriot City Center and the recovering addicts and their yesterday celebrated the 70th ceremony included the national families to adapt for social inte- anniversary of the founding of anthem as well as some cultural gration, and work to provide a the People’s Republic of China in performances. safe environment and job oppor- the presence of a large number About the China’s devel- tunities for the released to of Chinese community members. opment in the field of technology, prevent their return to delin- “In the past 70 years, China’s the Ambassador said China’s sci- quency, in coordination with the comprehensive national strength entific and technological innova- competent governmental and has achieved a historic leap, from tions are thriving, the number of non-governmental bodies,” said a poor, weak country to the scientific research personnel Al Abdullah. world’s second largest economy. ranks first in the world for many She said that the department At the beginning of the founding years, and the number of proposes and implements of the People’s Republic of China, China was invention patent applications has long been among national strategies, plans, pol- Najat Daham Al Abdullah starting in ruins, and the GDP was only over 60 the best in the world. “Scientific and technological icies and programmes for the billion yuan,” Ambassador of China to Qatar, Zhou progress has not only enhanced China’s overall elderly and persons with disa- encourage them to become provides areas for marketing the Jian (pictured), said. national strength, but also greatly advanced the bilities. “It directs the efforts of self-reliant.” products under programmes of In his speech delivered at the occasion, the development of human civilization.” the institutions concerned with “The department develops productive families,” said Al Ambassador said: “The annual per capita dis- “During these 70 years, lives of the Chinese women and the family, with the and implements projects to Abdullah. She said that the posable income of urban and rural residents people have achieved a historic leap from lack of aim of establishing development support and develop productive department issues licenses for increased from less than 100 yuan and 50 yuan to food and clothing to a comprehensive well-off projects to empower individuals families through training and the establishing nurseries and also 39,000 yuan and 15,000 yuan respectively. We society, from the beginning of the founding of the and families economically, and provision of support services. It supervises and monitor them. bid farewell to the shortage of goods, replaced People’s Republic China to 2018 the per capita GDP supply coupons by big shopping malls, endless increased from 119 yuan to 64,644 yuan,” he said. The Ambassador appreciated the Chinese’s community help to their country in difficult times, saying, “We will not forget that in the era of wars, many overseas Chinese raised funds donated their lives to the country.” “We will not forget that at the beginning of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, large number of overseas Chinese had given up their comfortable foreign life and decided to return to China to join the motherland,” he said adding that no one can forget that since the reform and opening up, vast number of overseas Chinese have offered capital, technology, management, and commercial invest in China, helping the country’s construction and economic and social development. SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 HOME 05 Northwestern climbs to No. 9 in US best universities ranking

THE PENINSULA “NU-Q is proud to be College of Arts and Sciences, which DOHA part of the long tradition includes an array of courses in political of excellence that science, literature, history, and Since opening its campus in Doha in Northwestern University economics. 2008, Northwestern University has seen Since 2018, media professionals in its national ranking in the US climb from is known for. This ranking Qatar have also had access to executive 14 to nine. Last year it moved into the illustrates the quality of education programmes and master- top 10 of national universities in the US, education our students classes offered by NU-Q on topics that joining the ranks of Harvard, MIT, Yale, receive,” said Everette E. include data analysis for marketing and and other illustrious American univer- communication, implementing a suc- sities. Dennis, Dean and CEO cessful social media strategy, and “NU-Q is proud to be part of the long developing a corporate social respon- tradition of excellence that North- media and communication professionals sibility strategy. western University is known for. This in the region. At NU-Q students have access to An external view of the Northwestern University in Qatar. ranking illustrates the quality of edu- NU-Q offers bachelor’s degrees some of the world’s most advanced cation our students receive. NU-Q’s pro- from two Northwestern schools: the technology, including a fully-automated institutions like Harvard, Oxford, the status of media and communication grammes of study in journalism and Medill School of Journalism, Media, newsroom, editing suites, filming Columbia, and NYU. in the region. communication use the same cur- Integrated Marketing Communication studios, and a two-story library. Students, faculty, and staff engage Commenting on the announcement riculum as the home campus in the US. and the School of Communication. It Among the high caliber of faculty in myriad pioneering research projects, of the new ranking, Northwestern In addition, our faculty – several from also offers a Master of Arts degree in who educate the nearly 400 students including a one-of-a-kind annual report Provost Jonathan Holloway said, “We our home campus – are internationally Sports Administration, in collaboration are internationally recognised scholars, on Media Use in the Middle East, an see it as a wonderful external recognised scholars and media experts,” with Northwestern’s School of Profes- media experts, filmmakers, and jour- NU-Q flagship project that was launched endorsement of what our extraordi- said Everette E. Dennis, Dean and CEO. sional Studies. nalists. Graduates from NU-Q have during the wake of the Arab Spring. narily talented community of faculty, Northwestern’s international All programmes are complemented pursued successful careers as media Students and faculty travel the globe staff and students does every day to campus in Qatar was established in with a strong foundation in the liberal professionals, with many of them con- presenting their research and partici- make Northwestern one of the leading 2008 to educate the next generation of arts in collaboration with the Weinberg tinuing their studies at top global pating in debates and panels that discuss research universities in the world.” Ambassador hails Ooredoo sponsors tourism videography contest THE PENINSULA/DOHA tools, second prize will be QR8,000 and judging will take place on Nov plus filming tools and the third- 2, 2019. Manar Khalifa Al- Qatar’s humanitarian Ooredoo is the Exclusive Telecom- placed entrant will receive Muraikhi, Director PR and Cor- munications Sponsor of an exciting QR7,000 as well as filming tools. porate Communications at new contest being organised by The videographer whose work Ooredoo, said: “We’re delighted projects in Afghanistan Qatar Youth Hostels. “Lens of attracts the most votes on social to be supporting Qatar Youth Tourism” is a contest for university media will win a new smart phone, Hostels and the Ministry of Culture IRFAN BUKHARI Afghan refugees. students aimed at raising the while fourth to 10th place will and Sports with this exciting new THE PENINSULA “The support included profile of Qatar as a tourist desti- receive QR500 shopping vouchers. initiative. Promoting Qatari humanitarian aid, relief goods and nation and showcasing the To participate, initial regis- culture is a key focus of our Afghanistan Ambassador to Qatar, in field of education. The support incredible talent pool here in Qatar. tration is done via hi-qatar.com/ company strategy, as is supporting Abdul Hakim Dalili (pictured), has which began at that time is still Entrants must submit a short tourist/lens. When ready, par- our local communities, and this lauded Qatar’s generous human- continued like the projects of video — no more than three ticipants should send their new videography contest is the itarian projects in Afghanistan. Qatar Red Crescent Society minutes in length — that high- movies by email to info@hi- ideal way for us to provide prac- Speaking to media recently, including drilling of water wells, lights Qatar’s touristic, cultural qatar.com along with their name, tical support for our art and the Ambassador said that it was building institutions etc.” On Qatar’s hosting 2022 FIFA and historical sites, and shows name of their university and culture, encourage our university pride for Afghanistan like other He said that Qatari citizens World Cup, Abdul Hakim Dalili just why Qatar should feature on faculty, university ID number, students to explore their artistic Arab and Islamic countries that also announced to invest in said that it was great that Qatar must-visit lists for tourists. mobile number and movie title. talents and showcase the many Qatar was hosting 2022 FIFA Afghanistan in many fields but would host 2022 FIFA World Cup. First prize winner will walk Entries must be submitted by wonderful tourist attractions – World Cup. war was delaying such projects. “First time the FIFA World Cup away with QR10,000 and filming October 23, 2019 and screening and Qatari culture – has to offer.” Afghan Embassy and expa- “If armed conflict in Afghanistan will be held in any Arab and triates will celebrate 100th anni- comes to an end tomorrow, the Islamic country. Afghanistan as versary of Afghanistan’s Inde- country can attract investments. an Islamic country feels very pendence and National Day today Afghanistan has very strategic proud on it.” He said that Qatar at the Sheraton Hotel. location which is close to GCC and had hosted many sports events Speaking about Afghanistan’s Qatar and Afghanistan have successfully and FIFA World Cup independence in 1919, he said that similar culture and religion.” Qatar 2022 would be organized the Afghan people were the The Ambassador said that in a very unique way that would people who always defended their Qatar offered scholarships to mesmerize the world and leave dignity and independence and Afghan students. “We are eternal memory on peoples’ Afghanistan was among the coun- expecting more scholarships in minds across the world. tries which could not be occupied future. Qatar University gives two On Gulf crisis, the Ambassador by foreign forces for long. scholarships to Afghan students said that GCC countries were very “Afghanistan is a country of one and also scholarships are given by important for Afghanistan. “We and a half million martyrs. After the Religious Institute. I am one wish for the solution of crisis as the withdrawal of the Soviet of the beneficiary of Qatar’s soon as possible.” He also said Union, we wished our brothers’ scholarships.” that the current Afghan gov- support but they left Afghanistan He said that there are about ernment had made a number of without support which led 5,000 Afghan expatriates in Qatar achievements for the people in the Afghanistan to the current situa- who are enjoying good reputation field of infrastructure devel- tions,” he added. according to Qatari officials. “My opment and education. “Women Regarding Qatar’s support to next plan is to convince Qatari were previously denied access to Afghanistan, the Ambassador authorities to ease the visa proce- schools. We have now 260,000 said that during Soviet-Afghan dures for Afghan nationals. We students in private universities.” War a large number of Afghan have professionals like engineers, “In defense, we have a strong people were forced to take doctors and skilled workforce army at all levels. We have shelters in neighboring countries which can contribute to the devel- freedom of expression and our especially in Pakistan and Qatar opment of Qatar if they get constitution is one of the best con- provided generous support to opportunity.” stitutions in the region,” he added.

Inter-school poem recitation competition at OIS, Nuaija Olive International School (OIS) Nuaija Campus hosted an Inter-school poem recitation competition on September 12, in which all the Indian schools in Qatar participated enthusiastically. The chief guest, Hameeda Kadar, the Principal of MES Indian School, enlightened the students with the real meaning of poetry. The first position in group recitation was bagged by Olive International School, Umm Salal, and the second was won by DPS Modern Indian School. OIS, Thumama, stood third in the group recitation. Bhavan’s Public School bagged 1st prize in solo recitation and the second was awarded to Olive International School, Thumama. The third in solo recitation was won by DPS Modern Indian School. 06 HOME SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019

Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Quran Contest is rescheduled

THE PENINSULA The international branch of Awal Awail of DOHA second version was supposed to be organised during November which was replaced by The Organising Committee of the organisation of the entire Holy Quran Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Holy Quran Contest at memorisation branch this year. The final round the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic of test will be held from 1 to 3 Ramadan, Affairs has made changes to the corresponding to April 23 to 25, to be followed schedule of some of its branches. by the conclusion ceremony which was The changes aim at devel- oping the competition and to scheduled to be held on Ramadan 5, 1441 AH, achieve the interest and give the corresponding to April 27 contestants inside and outside the country more time for learning the Holy Quran of test will be held from and the convention, and properly. November 23 to 24 and the final therefore modify the condition One of the highlights of the round of test will be from of acceptance, which provides organisational plan is to amend November 25 to 26. that the target group are the the date of the international Minister of Awqaf and winners of international compe- branch of Awal Awail (first tops) Islamic Affairs H E Dr Ghaith bin titions for three years “Hijri” of second version to be held after Mubarak Al Kuwari will honour before the year of the the second half of the month of the winners by the beginning of competition. Sha’ban to the beginning of the December 2019. The general regulations point holy month of Ramadan each The organizing committee out rectifying the situation of the year. of Sheikh Jassim bin winners during 2019, so that they It should be noted that the Mohammed bin Thani Holy will be allowed to participate in international branch of Awal Quran Contest set terms and the third edition in 1444 AH / Awail of second version was sup- conditions under which the first 2023 AD. posed to be organised during round contests of complete Holy When scheduling tests for The entire Holy Quran memorisation branch is scheduled to be announced on September 22 and November which was replaced Quran of two branches and Shaaban and Ramadan, the registration will take place from October 13 to 17. by the organisation of the entire Awal Awail will be held after schedules will be adopted as Holy Quran memorisation mid of of Sha’ban each Hijri the month of Sha’ban (29) days. branch this year. year, as first round after mid As the tests will be held only in date for the reception and final round will be followed by capital of the State of Qatar to The entire Holy Quran mem- Sha’ban in two shifts morning the evening after Taraweeh accommodation of the con- preparation for conclusion cer- get acquainted with the country orization branch is scheduled to and evening and last round in prayer. testants and in the period from emony which was scheduled to and its culture its achievements be announced on September 22 the beginning of Ramadan after Based on the foregoing, the Sha’ban 23 to 29, 1441 AH corre- be held on Ramadan 5, 1441 AH in the economic, tourism, social and registration will be during Taraweeh prayer. approved schedule of the Awal sponding to the period from April corresponding to April 27. and cultural fields and urban the period from October 13 to 17. As per the rules of organi- Awael branch of the second 16 to 22. The coordination was made development, customs and tra- The first phase tests will start zation the international branch version 1441 AH will start from The final round of test will be for associated programs which ditions of the country derived from November 16 and end on of Awal Awail is the conversion Wednesday Sha’ban 22 corre- held from 1 to 3 Ramadan, cor- include visits to the most prom- from the Arab and Islamic November 21, the second round of the Hijri date in full condition sponding to April 15, 2020 as a responding to April 23 to 25. The inent landmarks of Doha, the heritage. MES Indian Qatar Pavilion at Beijing School marks Expo 2019 attracts Hindi Day over 1.8 million visitors THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA/DOHA places available and identify close DOHA to Qatar and its most important Qatar Pavilion at the International features. Intending to enhance students’ Horticultural Exhibition 2019 Qatar’s pavilion at the expo level of confidence and enthu- (Beijing Expo 2019) attracted over also attached great importance to siasm and the ability to express 1.8 million visitors since its children through the organisation ideas fluently in Hindi Language, opening on April 29. The exhi- of special activities, which is in MES Indian School celebrated bition will conclude on October line with the State of Qatar’s spon- Hindi Day on September 12 with seven. sorship and interest in education various competitions and activ- A delegation headed by the and learning in all fields and in ities such as make words, show former Ambassador of China to the environmental field in par- and talk, copywriting , picture Qatar, the President of the Inter- ticular. Due to the children’s activ- description, story writing, slogan national Aviation Federation in ities organised by the pavilion, the writing, poem writing and Asia, the Vice-President of the Qatari pavilion received wide Students of MES Indian School performing during the event held to observe Hindi Day. hunting for answers. Qatar Airways Office in Beijing, attention from the families and The participants took part in and 100 representatives tourism their children. these competitions with great Kadar, the Principal conveyed on the occasion. Various cultural Mohammed Yasir of Grade 10 companies in China are among The Future section, one of the enthusiasm reflecting their deep- the message highlighting the presentations were also show- spoke on the importance of prominent visitors of the expo. pavilion’s sections, has also pro- rooted appreciation and admi- importance of Hindi language cased to add colour to the cele- Hindi Language on the occasion. The Qatari pavilion managers, vided visitors with an opportunity ration towards this national lan- and urged the students who brations. Winners of various Miss Safura Kasu of Grade 9 wel- Dr. Fikra Ashkanani, Deputy to learn about the country’s expe- guage of India. All the competi- have taken Hindi as their Second competitions were honoured comed the gathering, while Commissioner-General of the rience in the urban development tions were conducted during the and Third Language study to use with certificates of merit and Master Mohd. Hamad Ashfaque Qatar Pavilion at the Beijing Expo, and to discover the engineering CCA periods. Valuable quotes and this popular and beautiful lan- appreciation during the vale- of Grade 10 proposed a vote of Barghash Al Nuaimi, Ali Al designs of the stadiums that will thoughts about the glory and guage extensively in their day- dictory function. thanks. Miss Alisha and Miss Khayat, received the members of host Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, richness of Hindi language were to-day life for speaking and Rajendran, senior teacher Fasiha, Grade 10 students com- the visiting delegation, who were through the presentation of mini- displayed on the school bulletin writing. and convener of the Hindi Day pered the day’s programme. taken on an inspection tour inside models of stadiums, reflecting the boards. Head of Section Boys’ offici- celebrations introduced the pro- School officials and teachers the pavilion, to get acquainted determination that characterise On the occasion, Hameeda ating Mohammed Ilias also spoke gramme. Master Syed were present. with the projects and tourist the Qatar government and people. Renault delivers SYMBOL fleet to Al Sulaiman Rent-A-Car THE PENINSULA DOHA

Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., Renault’s exclusive agent in Qatar, has recently delivered a fleet of Renault SYMBOLs to Al Sulaiman Rent A Car, a leading name in car rentals in Qatar. “This contract takes the col- laboration between our com- panies to a new level and sets the stage for a new era in customer satisfaction,” said Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. in a statement. Al Sulaiman Rent-A-Car, a member of Al Sulaiman Holdings, is a prominent name in Qatar. The Company is known for high standards of service and a con- Officials of Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co and Al Sulaiman Rent-A-Car pose for a group photo. stantly diversifying fleet, which includes luxury cars and limou- sines, sedans, commercial and attractive equipment package deliver an even higher level of touches of shiny chrome, satin increase it up to 1,257 litres with protection. passenger transportation. The are the perfect answer for cus- satisfaction during every single chrome and film inserts. the rear bench seat folded, is As Prabin Balan, Sales Company offers courteous and tomers with an active lifestyle, journey. With an elegant and The spacious interior com- stepping up this competitive Manager, Al Sulaiman Rent-A- efficient services to corporate looking for an affordable yet fully robust personality, an unbeatable bines utility and pleasure with advantage. Car sums it up: “Redolent of clients, business travelers and equipped B Sedan. With price-spaciousness ratio, it has generous seating room to com- The Renault SYMBOL rede- quality and strength, the Renault tourists to keep them on the enhanced interior quality and all the ingredients to make it a fortably accommodate 5 adults. fines comfort with an integrated SYMBOL’s elegant interior is in move in the best of luxury and practicality, this is one vehicle hit with both individuals and The boot space has a capacity of rear- view camera, the new perfect harmony with the comfort. that asserts its popularity year families. 510 litres, therefore placing the Media Nav 2.0 system, and model’s exterior lines. We are Martin Aherne, General after year.” The interior quality level of new Renault Symbol as the best- driver’s side one-touch electric positive that our customers will Manager - Automotive, Saleh Al A range of advanced techno- the Renault SYMBOL is definitive in-class choice for luggage window. The wide dashboard is appreciate this new addition to Hamad Al Mana Co, said: “The logical, comfort and safety fea- to its class. The dashboard and transport in its category. intended to give driver and front our fleet and enjoy miles of Renault SYMBOL design and tures in the Renault SYMBOL interior door feature refined And the possibility to passenger a sense of safety and driving pleasure.” SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 HOME 07 GAC trains its staff to activate procedures of TIR in Qatar

QNA Qatar. The programme included On the sidelines of the DOHA training courses for the prepa- training programme, the ration of trainers at GAC, the Chairman of GAC, Ahmed bin The General Authority of staff of Fahes company, to apply Abdullah Al Jamal , met with the Customs (GAC) has organised a technical matters and the delegation of the International training programme in cooper- issuance of certificates of Land Transport Union and hon- ation with the International validity for the means of oured the members of the del- Road Transport Union (IRU) for transport of Qatari goods egation for their continuous the technical training of the exported from within the State efforts and cooperation in the bodies working to implement of Qatar, which will depend on implementation of the the International Road the implementation of the Convention. Transport Agreement (TIR) in Convention. TIR is one of the most The Chairman of the General Authority of Customs, Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal, with the delegation from the International Land Transport Union.

important agreements signed at The programme included training courses the United Nations in 1975. for the preparation of trainers at the General IRU is responsible for over- Authority of Customs, the staff of Fahes seeing the implementation of company to apply technical matters and the this agreement, which allows the international transportation issuance of certificates of validity for the means of goods on the road from one of transport of Qatari goods exported from customs office to another within the State of Qatar, which will depend on through any number of coun- the implementation of the Convention. tries, without any border customs procedures to inspect the goods transported in return goods through the territories of countries through which the for taking a set of precautionary the countries that pass through goods transported by this measures on the goods, and them. system pass. within the framework of inter- The agreement aims to facil- More than 65 countries, national financial guarantees to itate the movement of goods by including the European Union cover any customs dues that road to the maximum extent and a number of Arab and Asian The staff of General Authority of Customs undergoing technical training for the effective implementation may result from any customs possible, while maintaining the countries, have joined the of International Road Transport Agreement. breaches during the journey of security and customs dues of the agreement. QLC issues final admissions call for National Leadership Programs THE PENINSULA determined through a stringent Both proven and development of their profes- developed in conjunction with as QLC regularly schedules DOHA evaluation process spanning promising Qatar sional skills, allowing them to esteemed educational institu- exclusive meetings with influ- September 2019 to early 2020, leaders in the fulfill their personal goals while tions, including University of ential leaders in Qatar, the Aspiring participants have until where candidates will be public, private, and ensuring that their respective Cambridge, University of region, and throughout the September 22 to submit online assessed based on their work organisations prosper,” said Oxford, HEC Paris, Harvard world, allowing them to learn applications for the Qatar Lead- experience and academic government sectors Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al University, Georgetown Uni- from experiences shaped in the ership Centre’s (QLC) pres- background. still have the chance Thani, Board Member and versity, Duke University, Uni- highest-level boardrooms and tigious programmes, which start The admissions criteria are to apply for enrolment Managing Director of QLC. versity of Chicago, Civil Service offices in the public, private and in March 2020. unique to each National Lead- into one of QLC “As per Amir H H Sheikh College Singapore as well as government sectors. Both proven and promising ership Program, as they provide Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s International Advisory Group, The programmes also incor- Qatar leaders in the public, custom coursework that is National Leadership vision, we have become a hub Profiles International, and Al porate their own annual week- private, and government sectors aimed at bolstering specialist Programs 2020- and a national platform of Jazeera Media Institute. long Learning Journey, as par- still have the chance to apply knowledge in various fields. 2021, providing a leadership development, The programmes feature ticipants travel to meet leading for enrolment into one of QLC Upon admission, successful unique opportunity helping the country realise the comprehensive course work, executives and experts in National Leadership Programs candidates who meet the rig- human development goals pre- including modules on strategic important markets, such as 2020-2021, providing a unique orous standards for admission to develop their scribed in Qatar National corporate policymaking, crisis Sweden, Japan, Singapore, the opportunity to develop their will benefit from the Centre’s leadership abilities, Vision 2030. We are more leadership, financial man- US and others. Due to the in- leadership abilities, which aid curricula and the combined which aid the State committed than ever to training agement, negotiation and per- depth nature of these pro- the State of Qatar’s rapid knowledge of their prestigious present and future Qatari suasion skills as well as com- grammes, participants are development. international academic of Qatar’s rapid leaders, ensuring that the munication, branding, and required to dedicate three to Enrollment into QLC’s partners. development. country sustains its rapid positioning in competitive five days a month throughout National Leadership Programs “Qatar Leadership Centre development for the fore- markets. the academic year. — Rising Leaders, Executive seeks to realise the full industrial sectors. We strive to seeable future.” Notably, education of the To apply to one of the Cen- Leaders, and Government potential of Qatari leadership strengthen the country’s The National Leadership participants of the programme tre’s three National Leadership Leaders programmes is across all tiers of seniority and national workforce through the Programs were designed and extends beyond the classroom Programs, visit www.qlc.org.qa Aster Volunteers officially inaugurated

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Aster Volunteers, an international charitable initiative aims to reduce the gap between people who want to help and people who need help, was inau- gurated in Qatar as an associate organisation of Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) under the aegis of the Embassy of India to Qatar. The official inaugural ceremony and oath taking of office bearers were held at Crowne Plaza, recently. P N Baburajan, President of ICBF, has flagged off the initiative in the presence of Dr. Sameer Moopan, Patron- Aster Volunteers; Dr. Krishna- bhaskar Mangalasseri, Global Head of The office-bearers of Aster Volunteers with P N Baburajan, President of ICBF, Aster Volunteers; Avinash Gaikwad, during the official inauguration of Aster Volunteers and oath-taking ceremony General Secretary of ICBF; Nikhil Joseph, President of Aster Volunteers, of office-bearers at Crowne Plaza, recently. representatives of other associations and organisations in Qatar. Dr. others and Aster Volunteers’ pro- Moopan, Patron of Aster Volunteers, Krishnabhaskar delivered the keynote gramme reinforces ICBF’s com- said platform is a channel to con- address and Vishnu Prasad K S mitment to supporting the commu- tribute someone’s time for the benefit delivered vote of thanks. Nayanedu nities it serves and recognises volun- of the society in terms of health, social, Ananad, a registered volunteer and teerism as a key pillar of giving. economic, cultural and educational student of Birla Public School, did During the keynote address, Dr. developments and assistance. We are compering of the event. Krishnabhaskar stated that Aster Vol- obliged to the officials of Embassy of P N Baburajan administered the unteers is started with a singular India to Qatar and managing com- oath of Nikhil Joseph. He adminis- vision, to unite people from all walks mittee of ICBF for accrediting Aster tered oath of other office bearers of life in helping make the world a Volunteers as an Associate including Rejil Jacob (Vice-President), little better. Organisation. Vishnu Prasad K S (General—Sec- Now we have more than 20,000 Nikhil Joseph said it is a testimony retary), Reena Mary Rajy (Joint Sec- dedicated volunteers across 10 coun- to our effort to empower individuals retary); Avinash Gowda (Treasurer), tries and Aster Volunteers’ work based who want to make a positive dif- Dr. Mahesh Patel, Nasseebu Rahman, on six pillars, including BLS training, ference in the society and extend Rupesh, Rashmi Sanjeev, Joncy and mobile medical services, differently- support in terms of time. Mithun Kumar (executive members). abled recruitments and support, free The programme operates through During the inaugural speech, P N investigations, procedures and sur- an online portal. Anybody interested Baburajan said Aster Volunteers is an geries, medical camps and child health to be the volunteer of the programme excellent platform for everyone to initiatives.” can send a message to the official contribute their free time for helping Talking on activities, Dr. Sameer WhatsApp number +974 74799321. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 Democracy will be the loser of ESTABLISHED IN 1996 Tunisia’s presidential election CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] HAYTHEM GUESMI ACTING MANAGING EDITOR AL JAZEERA MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] unisians will head to the polls on September 15 to elect a new president in the second DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Tsuch vote since the country’s MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI 2011 revolution. The upcoming [email protected] election, however, is unlikely to cure the Tunisian population’s growing sense of disenchantment with the democratic process. In the eight years since the end of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s EDITORIAL authoritarian rule, Tunisia has Army soldiers standing guard as polling officials transport ballot boxes and election achieved several democratic mile- materials to be distributed to polling stations in Tunis, yesterday. stones, including the election of a con- stituent assembly, the drafting of a ability to resolve their most pressing Analysts are already predicting Promoting peace new constitution, and the organisation socioeconomic problems. low voter turnout on Sunday which of several successful general and local A 2018 Afrobarometer survey could play into the hands of Nabil atar has emerged as one of the world’s most proactive elections. However, all these achieve- found that only 46 percent of Tuni- Karoui, a 56-year-old media tycoon mediators in the past two decades. Motivated by its neutral ments have been overshadowed by sians believe that democracy is the who is running on a right-wing pop- Qposition, the country has positioned itself as a key mediator growing concerns over ideological most preferable form of government, ulist platform. He has managed to in many successful mediations and peacemaking efforts by helping polarisation, insecurity, terrorism, and down from 70 percent in 2013. And, present himself as an anti-estab- disputants to end regional conflicts in the Middle East and North a severe economic crisis. perhaps more tellingly, the turnout of lishment strongman who can deliver Africa. Qatar’s efforts for peacemaking in Lebanon, Yemen, and Despite the efforts of successive the last vote in 2018 in which Tuni- change and improve the lives of border conflicts between Eritrea and Djibouti, and peace deal of governments, in recent years Tunisia’s sians elected freely city mayors for the ordinary Tunisians. He opposes the East Sudan and Darfur was among the successful mediation proc- national debt has reached 70 percent first time in their recent history, was abolition of capital punishment, esses which has proved that Qatar is an influential mediator, of the national GDP, inflation has risen remarkably low - at 36 percent. By gender equality in inheritance, and capable to reduce tension and end conflicts. to 6.7 percent, and the official unem- comparison, the first post-revolution calls for the amendment of the consti- The ongoing peace talks between the US and Taliban to settle ployment rate has remained high, at parliamentary election drew some 69 tution to give more power to the one of the most complicated and prolonged wars of Afghanistan 15.5 percent, reaching as much as 30 percent of the voters to the polls. elected president. Karoui, who is the will definitely not be the last in Qatar’s efforts to make peace and percent in the country’s interior. By all indications, this Sunday’s owner Nessma TV channel, was it will continue its successful mediation when it is necessary and Meanwhile, presidential election is only going to arrested three weeks ago on suspicion disputants reach a dead end. This because Qatar is “determined repeated increase the Tunisian population’s of tax evasion and money laundering. to be a force for good in the world, and to play an active role in terror attacks alienation from the electoral process. His party, Qalb Tounes (the Heart of promoting peace” as stated by the Deputy Prime Minister and on popular Twenty-six candidates, including a Tunisia), claim that his arrest was Minister for Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- tourist desti- number of prominent figures, are politically motivated. rahman Al Thani during his meeting with Nato Secretary-General nations have running for president. Among them are Although he lacks any political Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on March 13, this year. Tunisians, devastated the Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, Defence experience and had to campaign One of the basic requirements for any mediator is neutrality, whose mass all-important Minister Abdelkarim Zbidi, jailed media remotely from a prison cell, he is capability to host peace talks, ability to enhance peace when mobilisation against tourism mogul Nabil Karoui and Abdelfattah leading in the polls and given the parties come to an agreement by unemployment sector, Mourou, the presidential candidate of widespread rejection of the Islamist providing support for peace causing the Islamist Ennahdha party. and secularist camps that have so far building and execution of rehabil- and poverty set further deteri- Nevertheless, none of these candi- dominated the political debates in the itation programmes in areas off the Arab Spring oration of the dates appears competent, experienced country, he actually stands a chance of affected during the conflicts, and country’s and trustworthy enough to reignite the becoming Tunisia’s next president. Qatar is also one of and inspired finally the commitment of the top revolutionary and already strug- flame of democracy in Tunisia and He is popular not because he has the good examples leaders of the state. All these factors gling deliver much-awaited social and eco- presented a detailed economic plan to of a country have made Qatar’s role effective democratic change economy. The nomic reforms that would solve the save the country from the ongoing accommodating and successful in peacemaking. across the region drastic aus- country’s many enduring problems. crisis and improve the lives of ordinary Qatar is also one of the good less than a decade terity Most of them made their person- people, but because he has cultivated communities that examples of a country accommo- measures that ality, rather than their political and the image of a successful businessman represent different dating communities that represent ago, have gradually have been economic programmes, the focus of and generous philanthropist who dedi- cultures, religions, different cultures, religions, lan- become more and adopted by their presidential campaigns. cates much of his time to charity work languages, and guages and with high gender more disillusioned the Tunisia During the highly-anticipated through his Khalil Tounes Foundation diversity, making it a haven for with the democratic central banks presidential debates, which were and by giving away fridges and televi- with high gender harmony and peace promoted by and other broadcast on national TV and watched sions on his TV channel. diversity, making the state policy of coexistence of process and its government by more than three million Tunisians, He did not participate in any presi- it a haven for different cultures and religions. ability to resolve financial insti- most of the candidates talked about dential debates and it is still unclear themselves rather than their policy whether he will be released from harmony and Along this successful their most pressing tutions have achievement in peacemaking, socioeconomic increased plans and struggled to answer even prison if he makes it to the runoff. peace promoted Qatar is sponsoring, for more than economic the most basic and predictable ques- Since Thursday he has been on hunger by the state policy a decade, interfaith dialogue every problems. pressure on tions on national security, foreign strike demanding to be allowed to vote of coexistence of year through Doha International ordinary relations and political policy reform. in Sunday’s election and on Friday, he Center for Interfaith Dialogue people and have fed into their The bad performance of the was denied release from prison after different cultures (DICID) to promote the values of resentment of the political elite. majority of the candidates and their an appeal was again turned down. and religions. tolerance and combating As a result, Tunisians, whose mass failure to convince the viewers that The popularity of Karoui is the extremism. mobilisation against unemployment they are prepared for the job caused result of the frustration of the Tunisian The Permanent Representative and poverty set off the Arab Spring the population to lose interest in the people with what they see as the failed of Qatar to the UN, Ambassador and inspired revolutionary and demo- presidential election even more. Many politics of the mainstream parties H E Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, at the “High-Level cratic change across the region less Tunisians expressed their disap- which regularly engage in mean- Forum on the Culture of Peace”, held yesterday at the UN General than a decade ago, have gradually pointment at the debates by taking to ingless ideological quarrels instead of Assembly, highlighted Qatar’s continued efforts to promote a become more and more disillusioned social media to poke fun at the fixing high unemployment levels, culture of peace and capacity building in the field of dialogue and with the democratic process and its candidates. inflation and insecurity. tolerance through annual international interfaith conferences organized by DICID. She pointed out that the 14th DICID Inter- faith Conference will be held in Doha in March 2020 under the theme: ‘Religions and Hate Speech Scriptures and Practice’ with Rohingya are a people of nowhere. They shouldn’t be abandoned. the participation of leaders from different religions. Her Excellency stressed that Qatar has adopted an approach THE WASHINGTON POST the Buddhists, and eight were shot by the have gone, replaced by barbed-wire based on addressing the root causes of violent extremism, espe- Burmese security forces, according to fences enclosing an extensive new cially among young people, and importance given to the path wo years ago,Myanmar’s military Reuters, which interviewed witnesses to Border Guard Police barracks.” The Bud- of education and employment. For this Qatar has established launched a crackdown of fire the massacre and exposed it. dhist residents “told us they would never many institutions and has launched initiatives in the field of and violence against the Muslim Recently, Jonathan Head, Southeast accept Muslims living next to them education and employment at the national, regional and inter- TRohingya population of Rakhine Asia correspondent for BBC News, was on again,” he said. national level. state in the western part of the country. a government tour of Rakhine state. Meanwhile, the tormented Rohingya In the attacks, which the United States Myanmar has refused to allow unfettered are facing additional difficulties in Bang- has described as ethnic cleansing and UN international investigations of the vio- ladesh. The refugees have resisted two investigators called possible crimes lence against the Rohingya, and jour- attempts to repatriate a handful of them QUOTE OF THE DAY against humanity, civilians were killed, nalists are not permitted to move about back to Myanmar, where they have suf- their villages burned to the ground and freely. The tour was tightly controlled and fered persecution and second-class A withdrawal of some 750,000 people fled for their lives. intended to show off Myanmar repatri- status for decades. The Bangladesh gov- Now, the displaced Rohingya languish ation facilities. But Head found four loca- ernment was rattled by a protest rally Nato forces from in neighboring Bangladesh, a seething tions where police barracks, government last month of some Rohingya to com- Afghanistan could see humanitarian challenge, while Buddhist- buildings and refugee relocation camps memorate the second anniversary of the country falling majority Myanmar, also known as Burma, have been built on what satellite images their flight and to demand repatriation to back under the strict tries to cover up and forget the destruction show were once Rohingya settlements. Myanmar with full citizenship. On of Rohingya villages and homes. The government denies doing this. Monday, the regional telecom regulator rule of the Taliban. Consider one of the most woeful days One of the settlements was identified ordered network operators to halt all of the violence. On Sept. 2, 2017,10 as Inn Din. The satellite imagery shows a cellphone service in the area covering Annegret Rohingya men from the village of Inn Din Buddhist quarter untouched, quiet and the Rohingya camps near Cox’s Bazar in Kramp-Karrenbauer were roped together while watching peaceful. But “no trace of the Muslim Bangladesh near the Myanmar border. German Defence Minister Buddhist villagers dig a shallow grave. quarter remains,” Head reported, saying The blackout will certainly raise tensions Before long, all 10 men lay dead in the that “when you reach where the in the camps as the Rohingya feel more grave. Two had been hacked to death by Rohingya houses used to be, the trees isolated than ever. SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 OPINION 09 Boris Johnson still has a fighting chance

s Boris Johnson about to be constitutional sleight of hand, Johnson that would help Johnson’s campaign at all happy with this state of thrown into a Brexit briar patch was also forced to release sensitive of blame. affairs. They clearly blundered. Nor - and is that just where he wants government information about the He has other options too. He might is this a healthy place for Britain’s to be? possible impact of a no-deal Brexit, refuse to comply with Parliament’s economy or its polity. I order to delay Brexit, or resign, The story of Brer Rabbit is a well- including shortages of food, fuel and Johnson’s team is betting that known trickster tale in American water, and public disorder. leaving Labour’s hard-left leader voters will reward him ultimately THERESE RAPHAEL folklore. In one episode, Brer Fox has This looks bad, politically fatal Jeremy Corbyn to try to stitch together for showing leadership and doing BLOOMBERG finally got Brer Rabbit trapped and is even. Johnson’s many opponents in a government to request an extension. whatever it takes to quit the EU. But deciding how to finish him off; he Parliament have scored victory after And, as Bloomberg reported that’s a huge gamble and would wants the worst possible fate for a foe victory. But assuming they’ve struck a Thursday, there’s always the prospect require the Tories to compensate who has constantly outwitted him. killing blow is dangerous. While John- that an EU outlier such as Hungary for what will certainly be lost seats Brer Rabbit begs for mercy. son’s opponents are celebrating his might block another Brexit delay, in Scotland, London and other “Drown me! Roast me! Hang me! Only difficulties, they may be sending him which requires unanimous approval. remain-supporting parts of the please don’t throw me into the briar straight to where he’s most com- The Labour Party took the country. Prorogation has also He has other options patch,” he pleads. And that’s exactly fortable: His own version of the briar decision to deny Johnson an October helped unite the opposition to no too. He might refuse what the fox does, to Brer Rabbit’s patch. The conventional wisdom is election because it didn’t want to give deal and it’s hard to rule out elec- delight. You see, says a smug rabbit as that if Johnson is forced to ask for, and him what he wanted: A national vote toral pacts on that side. to comply with he combs his fur later, “I was bred and accept, an extension to the Oct. 31 that could have galvanized Britain’s Even Brer Rabbit foolishly got Parliament’s order to born in the briar patch, Brer Fox.” Brexit deadline, it would be a devas- Brexiters into returning John- himself stuck and was at the mercy delay Brexit, or resign, It’s far easier to picture the amply tating climb-down after he said he’d son’s Conservatives with a mandate to of Brer Fox. Much depends then on leaving Labour’s hard- built, politically agile Boris Johnson as a rather be “dead in a ditch” than do so. crash out of the EU if necessary. But what his opponents do next. In an bear, or even a fox, than a scrawny But would British leave voters really an October election would have been interview with the Evening left leader Jeremy rabbit. But there’s no question that the blame Johnson? It’s not certain they awkward for the prime minister. He Standard Thursday, the now exiled Corbyn to try to stitch British prime minister’s opponents would. Polls show a more polarized would have had to choose between a moderate Tory lawmaker Oliver together a government appear to have him cornered. He seems public, with Brexiters increasingly pact with Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, Letwin dangled a possibility. He to have miscalculated repeatedly as he inclined to excuse almost any which wants a no-deal departure, and said a cross-party alliance is pre- to request an tries to deliver Brexit by Halloween. behavior to get the UK’s European retaining more moderate Tory voters. pared to withhold an election until extension. And, there’s He’s being forced to request a Brexit Union departure over the line. The more time that passes, the after either a deal is agreed or a always the prospect extension, is unable to call an election, Johnson will look to weaponize more Parliament looks unable to second referendum held. that an EU outlier such is stuck without a majority and his party any extension, claiming it is a decide what it wants - and the more That’s an interesting propo- is in open warfare. remainer trick to stop the “will of the Labour’s own Brexit divisions are sition. In one scenario, Johnson as Hungary might That’s not even all. Scotland’s high people.” The EU might even struggle exposed - the more Johnson’s appeal would have delivered Brexit and block another Brexit court declared his suspension of Par- to approve a delay if Johnson to get Brexit done may resonate with could fight an election on centrist, delay, which requires liament illegal, leaving the UK promises to be difficult, or risk weary British voters. pro-growth turf against a socialist unanimous approval. Supreme Court to decide the matter looking as if it has taken sides in Brit- Certainly Parliament’s suspension opposition without having to next week. Thanks to another ain’s domestic political wars. Any of (or prorogation) has put Johnson back worry as much about losing where he’s happiest, out of the House support to Farage. While the alter- of Commons and in sole charge of the native route of a new refer- prime ministerial bullhorn. He can’t endum may not be ideal, cam- legislate, but he can make announce- paigning is where Johnson is hap- ments and they’ll be reported by the piest. The prime minister’s enemies media while MPs have lost their may feel they have him where they forum. He can engage in a flurry of want him, but Johnson’s hide is diplomacy and make lavish spending thick enough to withstand a few promises. thorns. You can’t count him out yet. A decision against his prorogation by the Supreme Court would be embarrassing, of course. It would make it harder to avoid the legislation demanding that he pursues a Brexit extension. But legal setbacks and moral outrage don’t necessarily D-RING ROAD translate into voter rejection. Indeed, POST BOX: 3488 a loss would let him portray the DOHA - QATAR Scottish (and possibly English) judges [email protected] as part of an anti-Brexit estab- lishment; and while a reconvened Parliament would bombard him with EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE uncomfortable questions and com- TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 mittee hearings, it would help his FAX: +974 4455 7758 electoral platform (“the people versus Parliament”) to show lawmakers MANAGING EDITOR standing in the way of Brexit. TEL: 4462 7505 None of this suggests that Johnson, Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking during the Convention of the North at the Magna Centre in Rotherham, Britain. or his adviser Dominic Cummings, are DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769

rmed with maps, activists on National Environment Management Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743 the tourist island of Lamu Authority (NEMA) had granted the Transport (LAPSSET) corridor that have managed to stall plans licence without a proper environ- envisages, by 2030, a port, new roads, BUSINESS NEWS SECTION for Kenya’s first coal- mental study that consulted residents. a railway and an oil-export pipeline TEL: A linking Kenya with neighbouring 4462 7535 powered plant as local communities The court’s ruling was the latest in become more vocal about rising a long-running legal battle over the South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia. SPORT NEWS SECTION KIM HARRISBERG numbers of foreign-backed projects plant - with a Kenyan court last year A consortium of companies led by TEL: 4455 7745 REUTERS on their doorsteps. suspending the project for a second China Communications Construction time - and the latest dispute over a Company won the 41 billion Kenyan ONLINE SECTION Chinese-backed project feared to shillings contract to build the first TEL: 4462 7501 impact local livelihoods. three berths at Lamu port in 2013 [email protected] Like many African countries, where dhows - traditional sailing Kenya has courted foreign companies vessels - glide across the Indian “This is our home”: Kenya PUBLIC RELATIONS to invest in transport and energy Ocean. “The sea and this land are our TEL: 4455 7613 projects, with China funding a quarter wealth,” said Ahmed of Save Lamu, [email protected] islanders demand say in of infrastructure development in East referring to the fishing, tourism, Africa in 2018, according to interna- farming and pastoral activities which ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT the island’s tiny population of about foreign-backed projects tional accounting group Deloitte. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 120,000 rely on to live. But Cobus van Staden, a senior FAX: 4455 7870 “At least 80% of our livelihoods in researcher from the South African [email protected] Institute of International Affairs, said Lamu are part of a delicate balance Kenya’s government in 2016 residents were increasingly with the blue economy,” said CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT granted a licence to Amu Power - a demanding more of a say on devel- Mohamed Somo, chairman of the TEL: 4455 7857 consortium involving Kenya’s Gulf opment projects and how they could Lamu Beach Management Unit, [email protected] Energy and Centum Investment , impact the lives of local residents. referring to ocean resources. some Chinese companies as well as Van Staden said Lamu island - the The director general for SUBSCRIPTION & U.S. and Omani backers - to build the oldest Swahili settlement in East LAPSSET did not respond to several DISTRIBUTION plant as demand for electricity soared. Africa - was caught up in “a tango requests for comment. The backers TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 But using smartphones and GPS between the desire to modernise, of the Lamu power plant said the FAX: 44557819 trackers, activists collected infor- while protecting environmental and project would help tackle Kenya’s [email protected] mation on wildlife and historical sites cultural heritage”. frequent blackouts by increasing to highlight in court the impact the “We need mechanisms in place to generation capacity by nearly a third plant could have on the islanders’ engage local communities and and generating power that would environment and livelihoods. encourage public disclosure,” van cost about half what consumers cur- All thoughts and views “This is our home,” said Walid Staden said in a phone interview. rently pay. Like many African Ahmed, the secretary general of Save The coal power plant was not the Cyrus Kirima, the consortium’s expressed in these columns countries, Kenya Lamu, an advocacy group which is Lamu islanders’ first legal battle chief operating officer, said the power are those of the writers, has courted foreign part of the mapping campaign for the against foreign-backed development plant would be a “game changer” for not of the newspaper. companies to invest World Heritage Site’s protection. projects which they fear could harm the island and transform “one of the “We do want development of the area’s cultural and environmental most marginalised areas in the in transport and course, but we also want to be heritage. country into an important economic All correspondence energy projects, informed about what this devel- In 2018 about 5,000 fishermen, zone”. regarding Views and with China funding opment will look like,” he told the again using maps, won 1.76 billion It would also create nearly 2,000 Opinion pages should be a quarter of Thomson Reuters Foundation from Kenyan shillings ($17 million) in com- local jobs, he said in emailed com- sent to editor-in-chief his Lamu office with walls covered in pensation for the loss of traditional ments. Unemployment on the island infrastructure maps of the island. fishing rights due to constructing a stands at 16%. office or mailed to the development in East In June a Kenyan environmental major port at Manda Bay, near the Kenya’s National Environment [email protected] Africa in 2018. tribunal delayed the licence for the islands of Lamu, Manda and Pate. Management Authority declined to planned power plant, saying Kenya’s The port is part of the $26 billion comment. 10 GULF / MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019

Six dead in Turkey may buy Patriot northwest Syria despite missiles from US: Erdogan truce: Monitor ANATOLIA Erdogan and Trump production chain would be very ANKARA will discuss the issue costly. “We support people from AFP in more detail at the Idlib migrating at the moment as BEIRUT Ankara will discuss purchasing the Turkish Republic with Dis- US Patriot missiles in a meeting UN General Assembly aster Management Agency Regime and Russian fire has between the two countries’ meetings in New York (AFAD) and Red Crescent by killed at least six civilians in leaders later this month, Turkey’s later this month. trying to deliver all kinds of aid,” northwestern Syria’s Idlib President said on Friday. Erdogan said. province, a war monitor said “I said no matter what He stated that there were yesterday, two weeks after package of... S-400s we get, we already 3.6 million Syrian ref- Moscow declared a ceasefire in can buy from you a certain blames the Obama adminis- ugees in Turkey and Ankara the region. amount of Patriots,” President tration for refusal to sign a deal cannot host anymore migrants, The truce, which brought a Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the with Turkey to sell the Patriot and added the West had no such halt to four months of devas- Reuters news agency in an missile system, Erdogan said: “It problem. tating bombardment on Idlib interview in Istanbul. is impossible to think that threats Erdogan emphasised Turkey province by the government “But I said we have to see of sanctions reflect reality.” He would be holding an Idlib and its ally Russia, had largely conditions that at least match up also reiterated that Turkey would summit in Ankara on Monday held apart from sporadic to the S-400s,” added Erdogan. take care of itself if Washington where talks with Russia and Iran artillery fire and air strikes. Erdogan had earlier talked continued its current stance on will be held on a lasting truce in But on Tuesday, Russia about buying Patriots with US Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 Idlib. The aim was not just an carried out its first air strikes in President Donald Trump in a tel- fighter jet program. instant truce, but one to end the area since the ceasefire ephone call and the two will Highlighting that Russia sup- migration, provide a cease-fire began, according to the Syrian discuss the issue in more detail ports Turkey in the defence and end the terrorist networks Observatory for Human Rights. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the opening ceremony at the UN General Assembly industry, Erdogan stressed that in the area, he said. On Friday, regime rocket of 2019-2020 academic year at the Ataturk Science High School meetings in New York later this Russia offered Turkey to sell President Erdogan stated fire on the towns of Maaret Al- month. fighter jets Su-57 and Su-35. that the EU has not fulfilled its in Istanbul, in this September 09, 2019 file picture. Numan and Kafranbel in “In my opinion a country like In July, the US suspended commitments on expenditures southern Idlib province killed the US will not want to hurt its Turkey’s involvement in a and Turkey would not remain He noted that he had a health and shelter in their own five civilians including a child, ally Turkey any more. This is not program for F-35 fighter jets, silent in the face of the EU. meeting with German Chancellor land. “It is Turkey which is the Observatory said. a rational behavior,” Erdogan saying its purchase of the “This figure is now 3 billion Angela Merkel during the week fighting with these terror groups, A sixth civilian was killed in said, who expressed hope that Russian S-400 missile defence euros. The EU had pledged €6bn and he also met French President we are your partner in Nato. a Russian air strike in the rural his personal bond with Trump programme could endanger the ($6.6bn) aid to improve living Emmanuel Macron and that dis- “You give them the weapons west of the province, it added. would overcome the current aircraft, a claim Turkey has con- conditions of Syrian refugees in cussions would continue in New for free that you will not sell for That brought to 11 the crisis between two countries. sistently denied. Turkey, but only €2.22bn York. He said creating a safe money to your Nato ally,” he number killed since the “This is not an offense, but a Turkey produces some parts ($2.45bn) were disbursed as of zone will ensure that the said. “We are fed up with ceasefire came into effect, defence system. Turkey’s needs of the F-35 jets and is a partner this June, according to Turkey — migrants in Turkey would return explaining this... I think Trump according to the Britain-based such a defence system,” he said. in the jet program. It has warned 40 billion dollars we have spent to their own land and that there must understand us,” Erdogan monitor, which has a network Underlining that Trump any effort to remove it from the so far,” he said. would be all kinds of education, added. of contacts across the war-torn country. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Australian alliance led by Al-Qaeda’s Houthi drone strikes set Saudi oil facilities ablaze former Syria affiliate controls held in Iran most of Idlib as well as parts of AP prayers, suggesting security neighbouring Aleppo and identified as DUBAI forces tried to bring down the Latakia provinces. drones just before dawn. The region of around three varsity lecturer Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched In daylight, Saudi state tele- million people, many of them drone attacks on the world’s vision aired a segment with its displaced by fighting in other AFP/SYDNEY largest oil processing facility in local correspondent near a police areas, is one of the last holdouts Saudi Arabia and a major oil field checkpoint, a thick plume of of opposition to forces backing One of three Australians yesterday, sparking huge fires at smoke visible behind him. Syrian President Bashar recently revealed to be detained a vulnerable chokepoint for The fires began after the sites Al-Assad. in Iran was identified by her global energy supplies. were “targeted by drones,” the The Observatory yesterday family yesterday as a It remained unclear hours Interior Ministry said in a reported regime fire in various Melbourne University lecturer. later whether anyone was statement carried by the state- parts of southern Idlib, Academic Kylie Moore- injured at the Abqaiq oil run Saudi Press Agency. It said including close to a Turkish mil- Gilbert, who specialises in Middle processing facility and the an investigation was underway. itary observation post. Eastern politics with a focus on Khurais oil field or what effect Saudi Aramco, the state- Russian air raids have also Gulf states, has been held for a the assault would have on oil owned oil giant, did not respond targeted militants in Idlib’s “number of months” in Iran on production. Rising smoke from to questions. The kingdom hopes western countryside and Smoke is seen following a fire at an Aramco factory in Abqaiq, charges that remain unclear. the fires at the sites could be seen soon to offer a sliver of the nearby parts of Latakia, it said. Saudi Arabia, yesterday. “Our family thanks the Gov- by satellites. company in an initial public ernment and the University of The attack by the Houthis in offering. Melbourne for their ongoing the war against a Saudi-led coa- In a short address aired by Yemeni government. The US Sea or to refineries for local 13 civilians dead support at this distressing and lition comes after weeks of the Houthi’s Al-Masirah satellite Embassy in Riyadh said it was production. sensitive time,” a statement similar drone assaults on the news channel, military unaware of any injuries to Amer- Estimates suggest it can in Yemeni fire released by Australia’s foreign kingdom’s oil infrastructure, but spokesman Yahia Sarie said the icans. Saudi Aramco employs a process up to 7 million barrels of affairs department on behalf of none of the earlier strikes rebels launched 10 drones in number of US citizens. crude oil a day. By comparison, AP the family said. appeared to have caused the their coordinated attack after “These attacks against Saudi Arabia produced 9.65 SANA’A, YEMEN “We believe that the best same amount of damage. The receiving “intelligence” support critical infrastructure endanger million barrels of crude oil a day chance of securing Kylie’s safe attack likely will heighten ten- from those inside the kingdom. civilians, are unacceptable, and in July. Yemeni security officials said return is through diplomatic sions further across the Gulf He warned that attacks by the sooner or later will result in The plant has been targeted shelling by Houthi rebels has channels.” Canberra first con- amid an escalating crisis rebels would only get worse if innocent lives being lost,” US in the past by militants. killed at least 13 civilians firmed last week that three of between the US and Iran over its the war continues. Ambassador John Abizaid, a Al-Qaida-claimed suicide including women and children its citizens had been seized by unravelling nuclear deal with “The only option for the former Army general, said. bombers tried but failed to attack in the provinces of Hodeida and authorities in Tehran. world powers. Saudi government is to stop Saudi Aramco describes its the oil complex in February Taiz. The officials said Perth-based travel- First word of the assault attacking us,” Sarie said. Abqaiq oil processing facility in 2006. yesterday the attacks killed at blogging couple Jolie King and came in online videos of giant The rebels hold Yemen’s Buqyaq as “the largest crude oil The Khurais oil field is least 11 people, including six Mark Firkin, who has been doc- fires at the Abqaiq facility, some capital, Sanaa, and other ter- stabilization plant in the world.” believed to produce over 1 from one family, south of the umenting their journey from 330km northeast of the Saudi ritory in the Arab world’s poorest The facility processes sour crude million barrels of crude oil a day. Red Sea city of Hodeida in the home to Britain on social media, capital, Riyadh. Machine-gun fire country. Since 2015, a Saudi-led oil into sweet crude, then trans- It has estimated reserves of over past 24 hours. Another two were revealed as two of those could be heard in several clips coalition has fought to reinstate ports it onto transshipment 20 billion barrels of oil, children were killed by mortar arrested. alongside the day’s first call to the internationally recognised points on the Gulf and the Red according to Aramco. fire on Friday in Taiz province. Moore-Gilbert is the last of the three to be named. Her arrest is unrelated to that of the couple, whose charges also OIC set to discuss Netanyahu’s remarks Trump floats possible remain unclear. Australian Foreign Minister ANATOLIA defence treaty with Israel Marise Payne last week said ANKARA Moore-Gilbert has been held for REUTERS sidelines of the United Nations “a number of months”, while The Organization of Islamic WASHINGTON General Assembly session in King and Firkin for “a number Cooperation (OIC) will hold an New York. of weeks”. extraordinary meeting of foreign US President Donald Trump said The timing of Trump’s tweet, “The government have ministers today to discuss Israeli yesterday that he had spoken just days before Israel’s election been making efforts to ensure Premier Binyamin Netanyahu’s with Israeli Prime Minister on Tuesday, appeared aimed at they are being treated fairly, remarks on the intention to Benjamin Netanyahu about a buttressing Netanyahu’s effort humanely and in custom to annex some parts of Palestine’s possible mutual defence treaty to remain in power by show- international norms,” she told West Bank. between the two nations, a move casing his close ties to Trump. parliament last week. In a statement, the Turkish that could bolster Netanyahu’s Opinion polls predict a close Payne said diplomacy pre- Foreign Ministry said the country re-election bid just days before race, five months after an incon- sented the “best chance” for would be represented by Foreign Israelis go to the polls. clusive election in which their release, with the foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. “I had a call today with Netanyahu declared himself the affairs department in talks with Earlier this week, Prime Minister Netanyahu to winner but failed to put together Iranian counterparts about both Netanyahu, appealing to his discuss the possibility of moving a coalition government. A Palestinian protester uses a slingshot to hurl stones during cases. voters ahead of polls slated for forward with a Mutual Defense Netanyahu’s Likud party is clashes with Israeli forces, in the southern Gaza strip. News of the arrests came Sept. 17, said: “I announce my Treaty, between the United running neck-and-neck with the after Canberra announced it intention to apply Israeli sover- States and Israel, that would centrist Blue and White party led would contribute a frigate and eignty to the Jordan Valley and is a large, fertile strip of land that were concerned by Netanyahu’s further anchor the tremendous by Benny Gantz. Some Israeli offi- surveillance aircraft to a US-led the Dead Sea, if the Israeli cit- accounts for roughly one- annexation statement, with UN alliance between our two coun- cials have promoted the idea of mission to protect shipping izens elect me.” Roughly 70,000 quarter of the West Bank’s secretary general’s spokesman tries,” Trump said on Twitter. building on Netanyahu’s strong through the Strait of Hormuz, Palestinians — along with some overall territory. Stephane Dujarric said annex- He added that he looked ties to the Trump administration with tensions high in the Gulf 9,500 Jewish settlers – currently Turkey, Arab League and ation plan would violate inter- forward to continuing those dis- by forging a new defence treaty region. live in the Jordan Valley, which European countries said they national law. cussions later this month on the with the US. SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 11 Zimbabweans, foreign leaders bid farewell to Mugabe AFP As a former anti- HARARE As a former anti-colonial colonial rebel, rebel, Mugabe is credited with Mugabe is credited helping to end white-minority Zimbabwe gave former president with helping to end rule in Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe a state funeral But his nearly four-decade yesterday with African leaders white-minority rule in rule was marked by repression, paying tribute to a man lauded Zimbabwe. the brutal silencing of dissent as a liberation hero but whose and violent seizure of white- 37-year rule was defined by owned farms, making him an repression and economic pan-African hero for his past as international pariah. turmoil. a colonial-era guerrilla leader. Though still lauded as an Mugabe, who died in Sin- “We honour and remember African icon, at home many Zim- gapore last week aged 95, left our African icon. He had many babweans will remember Zimbabwe deeply torn over his allies and followers... Our moth- Mugabe more for the increas- legacy as the country still erland is in tears,” Zimbabwe ingly tyrannical rule and eco- struggles with high inflation and President Emmerson Mnan- nomic mismanagement that shortages of goods after decades gagwa said. forced millions to flee the of crisis. Doves were released over the country. He died on an overseas stadium before soldiers fired a Many are struggling to medical trip almost two years 21-gun salute from artillery survive despite Mnangagwa’s after former army loyalists cannon. vows of more investment and forced him out in 2017, following Mnangagwa, a former jobs in the post-Mugabe era. a power struggle over what was Mugabe ally who turned against “The fruits of his tenure are Officials accompany the coffin of Zimbabwe’s former president Robert Mugabe at the start of his widely perceived as a bid to him, praised Grace in a signal of the shortages. That is what we official funeral ceremony at the National Sports stadium in Harare, yesterday. position his wife Grace as his reconciliation, and called for remember him for,” said Steven, successor. sanctions on Zimbabwe to be a consultant shopping near the Mugabe’s casket, draped in lifted in the post-Mugabe era. stadium. negotiating table. school principal in Harare. “Bob after a new mausoleum is built the green, black, gold and red “We say give our country a “He has made sure there is In office, he initially won did his best under the circum- in about 30 days. That decision Zimbabwe flag, was marched rebirth and a new start. Remove no opposition and he succeeded. international praise for pro- stances. There is no country was taken after his family ended slowly into Harare’s national the sanctions now, we don’t There is no reason to go to his moting racial reconciliation and without a problem.” Always a dispute with Mnangagwa over stadium as a military band deserve them.” South African funeral.” for extending improved edu- divisive in life, Mugabe’s funeral the date and place of the played and crowds chanted and leader Ramaphosa’s speech was A young Mugabe was once cation and health services to the arrangements were also caught ceremony. drummed, though less than half briefly interrupted by jeers and jailed in the former British colony black majority. up in a dispute between Mnan- His family are still bitter over of the 60,000 seats appeared whistles from the crowds until Rhodesia for his nationalist ideas. “You can’t talk about Zim- gagwa and the family over where the role Mnangagwa played in taken. he apologised for recent xeno- But he swept to power in the babwe without Bob. Zimbabwe and when the former leader his ouster and had pushed for African leaders and senior phobic attacks on African 1980 elections after a guerrilla is Bob. It took a man like Bob, his should be buried. Mugabe to be buried in his officials from Cuba, Russia and migrants, including Zimba- war and sanctions forced the bravery, to get independence,” His final burial at a national homestead of Zvimba, northwest China all praised Mugabe as a bweans, in Johannesburg. Rhodesian government to the said Norman Gombera, 57, a monument will only happen of Harare. Ramaphosa apologises over attacks Suspect funds used to send Former DR AFP whistles interrupted Ramaphosa major destination for other Congo health JOHANNESBURG at the Harare national stadium African migrants. But they are military gear to Sudan’s as he started his eulogy at the often targeted by some locals minister held South Africa’s President Cyril state funeral for Mugabe, who who blame them for a lack of neighbours: Bashir trial witness Ramaphosa was jeered and died age 95 last week. jobs. on graft charge whistled at yesterday during his “I stand before you as a But with shops and homes AFP donations”. A witness appeared speech at Zimbabwe’s former fellow African to express my burned and looted and clashes KHARTOUM to back Bashir’s claims, telling AFP leader Robert Mugabe’s funeral regret and apologise for what between armed mobs of looters the court yesterday that his KINSHASA before he apologised for recent has happened in our country,” and police, hundreds of A witness in the trial of Omar Al army-owned firm had received xenophobic attacks. Ramaphosa said after one of the migrants from Mozambique as Bashir said yesterday that his funds from the presidency. Former DR Congo health At least 12 people have been organisers tried to calm the well as Zimbabwe have fled to army-owned firm had supplied “We received $1.2m. We sent minister Oly Ilunga has been killed this month in a surge in crowd. shelters. military equipment to neigh- military equipment purchased arrested over allegations he violence and mob attacks against His comments were met Nigeria’s government has bouring countries using funds with these funds to neighbouring embezzled public funds to foreign-owned businesses in and with cheers and blasts of sound flown around 600 of its citizens allegedly received illegally by countries,” defence witness tackle the Ebola epidemic, around Johannesburg, South horns from the crowd. home from Johannesburg after the ousted Sudanese leader. Sadiq Yakub, who represents a police said yesterday. Africa’s largest city. South Africa, the continent’s some of them were targeted in Bashir was deposed by the manufacturing unit owned by Ilunga, who resigned as A wave of jeers, boos and second largest economy, is a the violence. army in April following months the Sudanese army, said at the health minister in July after of protests against his iron-fisted fifth session of Bashir’s trial. being removed as head of the rule of three decades. Bashir, sitting inside a black country’s Ebola response team, In August, he was charged metal cage, heard the witness as was detained while hiding in an with the illegal acquisition and his family members waved at apartment in the capital Kin- use of foreign funds — offences him from the court room. shasa ahead of a bid to flee the that could land him behind bars Yakub did not specify which country, officers said. for more than a decade. countries received the He is in custody due to Authorities had seized equipment, or whether the sup- “misdemeanors of the misman- ¤6.9m , $351,770 and 5.7 million plies included weapons. agement of funds allocated to Sudanese pounds from Bashir’s Since Bashir came to power the Ebola response,” police home “which he acquired and in a coup in 1989, Sudan has spokesman Colonel Pierrot- used illegally”, a judge told the been accused of supporting Rombaut Mwanamputu said. court on August 31. regional insurgencies in Eritrea, Ilunga will be referred to But Bashir said the seized Ethiopia, Egypt and of having prosecutors on Monday, he funds were the remainder of the ties with countries like North added. equivalent of $25 million Korea and Libya. It comes after Ilunga was received from Saudi Arabia’s de South Sudan’s President questioned in August as part of facto leader Crown Prince Salva Kiir had even accused an inquiry into the management Mohammed bin Salman. Khartoum of backing his of funds to fight the outbreak, The funds, he said, were part opponent Riek Machar in their which has claimed more than of Sudan’s strategic relations deadly civil war that erupted 2,000 lives since August 2018. People gather and hold signs during a civil society group’s march against the recent rise of xenophobic with Saudi Arabia and were “not soon after the south split from Ilunga, 59, had already been attacks in South Africa, in Johannesburg’s Central Business District, yesterday. used for private interests but as the north in 2011. banned from leaving the country. He stepped down after crit- Former Gambian icising plans by the UN’s World West African leaders discuss counter-terror measures Health Organization (WHO) to president to face introduce a new, unlicensed graft prosecution AP on the part of ECOWAS member vaccine to fight the epidemic. OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO states in the fight against ter- AFP rorism,” he told RFI on the side- BANJUL, GAMBIA The heads of state from 15 coun- lines of the meeting in Ouaga- tries in the West African dougou, Burkina Faso’s capital. Libya airport The Gambian government has economic bloc known as He said the forces’ resources said it intended to prosecute ECOWAS met yesterday to need to be better managed, and hit by strikes former president Yahya discuss the fight against other nations should be tapped Jammeh on allegations of theft extremism and the impact of the who may have equipment like AFP and corruption. G5 Sahel Joint Force set up to airplanes or helicopters that the TRIPOLI Jammeh, who ruled the combat its spread. Sahel force needs. He added West African state for 22 years, Leaders from West Africa there was also a greater need for An airport near the Libyan fled the country in January 2017 have long been warning that intelligence and information capital was hit by a new round after losing presidential elec- extremism, which is ramping up sharing. of rocket fire and air strikes, the tions and initially refusing to in Burkina Faso with more Burkina Faso President Roch UN-recognised government step down. brazen attacks, threatens the Marc Christian Kabore stressed said yesterday, two weeks after Presidents Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali, Alassane Ouattara of The former president entire region, and that the G5 that both sustainable economies it was closed due to repeated Ivory Coast, Idriss Deby of Chad, Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, acquired more than 280 private Sahel force needs wider spread and military operations are attacks. The Government of and commercial properties, support. Established in 2017, the needed to fight terrorism in the Roch Marc Christian Kabore of Burkina Faso, Faure Gnassigbe of National Accord accused forces islands, forest parks, wetland force — with troops from long run, and supported a new Togo, Macky Sall of Senegal and Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria loyal to eastern-based and wildlife reserves during his Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Mau- “Desert to Power” initiative by pose after the opening ceremony of ECOWAS G5 security summit strongman Khalifa Haftar of time in power, according to a ritania and Mali — has been the African Development Bank in Ouagadougou, yesterday. being behind the attacks on commission of inquiry cited by plagued with funding problems. in a summit Friday ahead of the Mitiga airport, but did not Justice Minister Abubacarr Niger Interior Minister ECOWAS meeting. Therefore, the building of the initiative to increase energy report any casualties. Tambadou. Mohamed Bazoum said greater “To overcome terrorism in transport, energy, water and tel- to their countries. An air strike by “Emirati Tambadou described it as mobilization of resources is the Sahel, the operationalization ecommunications infrastructure “The energy deficit is a hin- drones” hit the airport early an “unconscionable land grab”. needed to combat extremism in of the strategy for the devel- will help sustainable social and drance to the development of our Saturday morning, followed by The commission was estab- the region. opment and security of the G5 economic development,” he said. states,” Kabore said. “Energy “Grad rockets launched by lished by President Adama It’s about “creating the con- Sahel countries is extremely On Friday, the five heads of production costs should be (pro-Haftar) militia”, the GNA Barrow. ditions for greater mobilisation imperative and urgent. state from the Sahel endorsed cheaper, accessible to people.” said on Facebook. 12 ASIA SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 India unveils package to boost exports and revive housing sector IANS Finance Minister government will provide Rs1,700 NEW DELHI Nirmala Sitharaman crore for export guarantees and to cut credit cost for the exporters. With the GDP growth sliding to said that India will Other measures like creation a six-year low of 5 percent in the organise annual mega of Special dispensation for facil- April-June quarter along with shopping festivals at itating and on-boarding ‘hand- several sectors facing a four locations with icrafts artisans and handicraft slowdown, Finance Minister cooperatives’ directly on e-com- Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday four themes across merce portals for exports were announced a fresh set of the country in March also announced. measures worth around 2020. The Minister In addition, Sitharaman said Rs60,000 crore to boost exports that India will organise annual and the housing sectors. came out with several mega shopping festivals at four The key measures include measures to prop up locations with four themes extending the scheme of reim- the country’s housing across the country in March, Floods in Allahabad bursement of taxes and duties sector which is 2020. The minister came out for export promotion, fully auto- with several measures to prop A dumper truck is stuck on a road submerged in floodwaters from the Ganges river at Badara Sanuti mated electronic refund for considered as one of up the country’s housing sector Village, near Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, yesterday. Input Tax Credits (ITC) in GST, the main job creators. which is considered as one of the revised priority sector lending main job creators. norms for exports and expanding Now there would be relaxed the scope of Export Credit January 1, 2020. ECB norms for housing sector. Govt clueless on economy: Congress Insurance Scheme (ECIS). Sitharaman also announced Further, interest on house An inter-ministerial working that Export Credit Guarantee building advance would be IANS press conference. It was disap- and has not apologised for her group has also been formed to Corporation (ECGC) will expand lowered by linking it with 10-year NEW DELHI pointing looking at India’s eco- statement so far.” Sharma also monitor export finance. Accord- the scope of export credit government securities. Sith- nomic situation, it was expected said the government has no con- ingly, the scheme for Remission insurance service (ECIS). araman said that there would be The Congress yesterday hit back that the government would take crete plans to revive the of Duties or Taxes on Export Effectively, this will offer special window for affordable at the Modi government after steps to resuscitate the economy, economy. Product (RoDTEP) was higher insurance cover to banks and middle-income housing. Finance Minister Nirmala Sith- increase investments, create jobs, He also said to improve the announced which will replace lending working capital for Under this, a special window araman announced a slew of and address issue of exports.” The economy, the investment should Merchandise Exports from India exports. Further, Sitharaman to provide last-mile funding for measures to revive the economy, Congress leader said that the come from the government. Scheme (MEIS) for textiles. revealed that Priority Sector housing projects which are non- dubbing them as “cosmetic Finance Minister did not “But no such announcements In effect, RoDTEP will more Lending (PSL) norms for export NCLT, non-NPA cases to com- measures” and said the announce any measures that were made by the Finance Min- than adequately incentivise credit have been examined and plete unfinished projects. For government was “clueless” over would address the current eco- ister. And till the time public exporters than existing schemes that the enabling guidelines are this, a fund of Rs10,000 crore the economy which is in shambles. nomic situation. “The BJP and its investment is not there economic put together. The revenue under consideration of the RBI. would be contributed by the Addressing a press con- ministers lack a vision to revive revival is not possible,” he said. foregone on this account is pro- The new norms, if imple- government and “roughly the ference, senior Congress leader the economy,” he alleged. He said the government is jected at up to Rs50,000 crore. mented, are expected to release same size by outside investors.” Anand Sharma said: “India’s Hitting out at the Finance also low on reserves. Citing the However, existing dispensation an additional Rs36,000 crore to The fresh set of measures to economy is in shambles, we are Minister for blaming the youth figures of the government, in textiles of MEIS plus old ROSL Rs68,000 crore as export credit boost the economy has come in the facing a grave situation but the and millennials for the economic Sharma said that in the last scheme will continue up to under priority sector. Sitharaman wake of sinking business sentiment government with its false slowdown, Sharma said: “The BJP financial year, the government December 12, 2019. announced to reduce turnaround across the industry. With most promises and its outspoken min- ministers have been making was Rs1.7 lakh crore in deficit. Textile and all other sectors time for exports by leveraging engines of growth stuttering, the isters, is not working towards shocking statements insulting the This year they have a target of which currently enjoy incentives technology and benchmarking it Reserve Bank of India recently stopping that.” Slamming the youth. The Finance Minister said Rs24 lakh crore, but in last five upto two percent over MEIS will to Boston and Shanghai ports. lowered its GDP forecast and Finance Minister, Sharma said, that the millennials are respon- months they have only managed transit into RoDTEP from Furthermore, the pegged it at 6.9 per cent in 2019-20. “Sitharamanji just concluded a sible for the economic slowdown to get Rs 5.4 lakh crore. New traffic violation penalties trigger row Govt to take Hindi IANS last session and it came into dents every year in the country. and/or fine of between Rs1,000 NEW DELHI effect on September 1. However, a number of states and Rs5,000. For the second The penalties are so high that such as Gujarat, West Bengal and offence, the offender will be to new heights Unveiling of the new Motor Vehicle a truck driver and its owner Uttarakhand have decided not imprisoned for up to two years Act, which prescribes steep hike in earlier this week had to shell out to implement the new law while and/or will have to pay a fine of IANS Shah said on the occasion of the fine for traffic violations, has a whopping amount of Rs2 lakh Maharashtra has requested the up to Rs10,000. NEW DELHI Hindi Diwas. triggered a big controversy and an in Delhi for overloading and Centre to reconsider the charges. For drunken driving, a violator The minister, however, clar- increasing number of states have some other violations. They feel the penalties are too will have to face imprisonment up Announcing that ‘Hindi Diwas’ ified that other languages of the decided not to implement it, Union Transport Minister high and would put a lot of to six months and/or a fine of up will be celebrated publicly from country would not be sup- arguing that it puts dispropor- Nitin Gadkari strongly justifies the burden on the people. to Rs10,000 in case of first time 2020, Union Home Minister pressed for the growth of Hindi. tionate burden on the people. steep hike in penalties, saying it is According to the new law, in offense. For the second offense, Amit Shah yesterday said that “Hindi has always moved The Motor Vehicles aimed at deterring motorists from case of dangerous driving, first- there will be a prison term of up Hindi would achieve new forward with everybody’s (Amendment) Act, 2019 was violating the traffic rules as a huge time offenders face impris- to two years and/or a fine of heights by the 2024 Lok Sabha support and it would grow fol- passed by Parliament during the number of people die in road acci- onment of six months to one year Rs15,000 will be levied. election. lowing a similar route. We Shah appealed to citizens to would try to make it first with get connected with the language everybody’s acceptance and Raising white and work towards making it the with honouring each language.” most widely used in the world. Shah said it would be the flag, Pakistan He also appealed to people to at responsibility of the Department least talk to their children in of Official Languages under the retrieves bodies Hindi, saying any language will Home Ministry to let Hindi lan- remain lively till the people guage reach every sector. of slain soldiers speak it with pride. He said people in north- He also informed how the eastern states take tuitions to IANS number of official files put in learn Hindi, adding that the NEW DELHI front of him in Hindi has Centre would further facilitate increased from 20 to 60 percent them to learn the language. The Pakistan Army has since he took charge as Home Remarking that even retrieved the bodies of two of Minister in May after the Lok Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar its Punjabi soldiers killed Sabha polls. Vallabhbhai Patel, who forged recently by the Indian Army at “This Hindi Diwas came just a united India, appealed to the LoC after raising the white after I took charge as Home Min- people to accept Hindi as the flag, Army sources said ister. I assure that Hindi would national language, Shah empha- yesterday. have achieved new heights sised Hindi as a factor that unites The bodies were retrieved by when we contest the next Lok India. Pakistan on September 13 fol- Sabha election in 2024. The Shah noted the unanimous lowing two days of unsuccessful Hindi Divas Samaroh would be consensus for Hindi as the attempts. An Army official said all a public programme from next national language in the Con- attempts by Pakistan to take the year, as Hindi belongs to the stituent Assembly, in spite of the bodies by force had been foiled. A clean-up act people. The government would Assembly’s sheer diversity. He However, the bodies of five take Hindi Diwas outside Delhi said that this decision was an Border Action Team (BAT) Special City civil authority workers and volunteers pick up plastic waste during a clean-up drive led by lawyer and would celebrate a ‘Hindi important factor in ensuring cul- Services Group commandos killed and environmentalist Afroz Shah (not pictured) at the Versova beach in Mumbai, yesterday. Saptah’ across the country,” tural unity of India. during an infiltration attempt in the last week of July in the Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir, still lie unclaimed by Pakistan. NCP leader Udayanraje Bhosale resigns, joins BJP “We allowed Pakistani sol- diers to claim the two dead bodies after they raised the IANS joined the BJP saying he was residence of Bharatiya Janata After joining the BJP, country.” Bhosale also hailed the white flag which is a gesture of NEW DELHI inspired by Prime Minister Party President and Union Home Bhosale, a descendant of Chhat- Modi government for revoking peace. The first soldier had Narendra Modi’s leadership. Minister Amit Shah, where he rapati Shivaji Maharaj, said: “I Article 370 from Jammu and been killed around 10 Sep- In a major jolt to the NCP ahead Earlier yesterday, Bhosale formally joined the BJP in the am inspired by the works and Kashmir and said: “What nobody tember. The other soldier was of the Maharashtra Assembly first met Lok Sabha Speaker Om presence of Working President leadership of Modi, Shah and the thought, they made it real by killed during an attempt to elections, the party’s senior leader Birla and submitted his resig- JP Nadda, Maharashtra Chief BJP. I am happy to see that the handling the sensitive matter in retrieve the dead body,” a Udayanraje Bhosale yesterday nation from the Lower House. Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP was following the paths of a very mature way to strengthen senior Army official said. resigned as a Lok Sabha MP and He then arrived at the several other senior leaders. Shivaji Maharaj to strengthen the the country.” SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 ASIA 13 Pakistan’s firebrand cleric quits politics ANATOLIA On a video message Qadri made his comeback over alleged rigging in 2013 message. Once a close friend of KARACHI from Canada, where in Pakistani politics in 2012 general elections and killing of jailed former premier Sharif, when he together with thou- the party activists. Qadri started off as a preacher A firebrand Pakistani political he has been settled sands of his followers staged a At least five people, at a mosque in Sharif family’s leader and religious scholar for several years, four-day long sit-in outside the including policemen, were killed iron factory “Ittifaq Foundry” in Tahir-ul-Qadri (pictured) Qadri also announced capital Islamabad to “save state, and dozens injured in clashes late 1970s. Later, he founded yesterday announced his to resign from the not system.” In June 2014, some between the activists and law Minhaj ul Quran — a non-profit retirement from politics. 14 PAT activists were killed and enforcing agencies during the providing education, religious On a video message from leadership of his over 100 injured when police four-month long sit-in in the and cultural services — in Canada, where he has been Pakistan Awami Tehrik opened fire to disperse activists capital. October 1981. settled for several years, Qadri (PAT) party, which has during a drive against illegally In April this year, an anti- In 1989, he founded a also announced to resign from established settlements outside terrorism court, sentenced over political party, the PAT, which the leadership of his Pakistan a sizable vote bank in his residence in Lahore city. 100 activists of the PAT in jail could not perform well in the Awami Tehrik (PAT) party, parts of northeastern A couple of months after for their involvement in violence parliamentary politics. which has a sizable vote bank Punjab, the country’s Lahore incident, PAT together during 2014 sit-in. Qadri himself was the only in parts of northeastern Punjab, largest province. with the then opposition and “Our legal battle for the PAT leader who could get the country’s largest province. now ruling Pakistan Tehreek- Model Town incident will con- elected as a member of the “I am retiring from Pakistani e-Insaf (PTI) had besieged tinue till my last breath,” Qadri lower house — the National politics, political activities, and reasons. This is not for the first resigned from the parliament Islamabad for four months said, adding: “That is not a Assembly — in 2002 elections my post as PAT chairman,” time, he has announced to give and moved to Canada for seeking resignation of then matter of politics, it is a matter from Lahore, the capital of Qadri said without citing any up politics. In 2004, Qadri had “preaching” purpose. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of faith,” Qadri said in his Punjab.

Militant attacks Imran urges world to act on Kashmir issue leave 4 soldiers

INTERNEWS world community, after having dead in Pakistan ISLAMABAD “expected the world to react much more than it has.” AFP The Pakistani Prime Minister “This is the time to act. ISLAMABAD Imran Khan has warned about Inaction is not an option,” he the renewed tensions over stressed, suggesting that some Four Pakistani soldiers were Indian occupied Kashmir may be dismayed by the risk of killed in two different militant spiralling out of control and said damaging their trade with India. attacks in northwestern tribal no rational human being can He lamented that, to some, the regions near the Afghan border, talk of nuclear war. markets and “material gains” the military said yesterday. Comparing the Pakistan- are “much more important than The incidents happened late India nuclear stand-off to the human beings.” on Friday night in North 1962 Cuban Missle Crisis, in an Speaking about the rela- Waziristan and Dir, where interview with RT, PM Imran tionship with Moscow, PM several military operations said, India and Pakistan being Imran said, he hoped to change have been launched in recent pitted against each over the dis- his relations with Russia. years against homegrown and puted region in a dangerous “[Russian] President foreign militants. standoff. “No rational human Vladimir Putin is a big voice in “Miscreants opened fire on being can talk of a nuclear war,” the world and the current a routine patrolling party of PM Imran said. occupied Kashmir crisis could security forces near the Abba Urging the world com- be resolved if the big players - Khel area of North Waziristan, munity to intervene in occupied Russia, the US and China - “get killing a soldier. In an exchange Demonstrators hold placards and shout slogans against the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir Kashmir, the prime minister said together” to do it,” he added. of fire, two miscreants were during a protest in Lahore. the situation on the ground also killed,” the military said in remains “explosive” and may a statement. Separately, it said escalate way beyond the Indian Indian fire leaves soldier, woman dead in disputed region three soldiers guarding a fence subcontinent. on the border with Afghanistan He added any further esca- were killed and another was lation between the two coun- AP soldier and woman killed, and local officials said Indian fire in opened fire “unprovoked” in the injured “when terrorists from tries may lead to unimaginable MUZAFFARABAD, PAKISTAN wounding six others wounded other sectors of Pakistani- Hajipir sector on Saturday, across the border opened fire fallout. in separate incidents. administered Kashmir also killing one soldier. on them in Dir town”. Pakistan’s Vowing to “knock on every India and Pakistan traded fire Pakistani local administrator destroyed one house, partly Tensions between the two army launched a massive oper- door” to get the issue of along their highly militarised Raja Tariq said shelling hit vil- damaged a school, and hit a shed nuclear-armed countries has ation in 2014 to wipe out mil- occupied Kashmir on the fore- frontier in the disputed Kashmir lages in the Nakyal area yes- for cows and goats resulting in increased since August five, itant bases in North Waziristan front of the global agenda, the region yesterday, Pakistani offi- terday, killing a woman and the animals’ deaths. Pakistan’s when India downgraded the and end a near decade-long prime minister said, so far he cials said, leaving a Pakistani wounding six others. Police and military also said Indian troops autonomy of its side of Kashmir. insurgency that has cost thou- feels underwhelmed by the sands of lives. Afghan govt says elections first, peace deal later Torkham border crossing

AP formed, forcing the exit of Pres- not to vote and that polling sta- saying the meeting underlined KABUL ident Ashraf Ghani. “Nothing will tions will be targeted. the necessity of renewing talks to stay open for 24 hours impede the presidential election Sediqqi pointed to a Taliban between the US and the Taliban, The Afghan government will only from happening,” said the delegation’s visit to Russia, just and that the Taliban confirmed ANATOLIA senior Afghan officials, including consider making a “legitimate” Afghan presidential spokesman, days after Trump called off talks, their readiness to continue dia- KARACHI governor of Nangarhar province, peace with insurgents after Sediq Seddiqi. to say the insurgents are faced logue with Washington. is expected to officially inau- national elections are held this He said that a peace deal with a “political failure” of their It was the Taliban’s first A key border-crossing between gurate the 24/7 service on Sep- month, an official told reporters with the Taliban could only come own. He added that the Taliban international visit following the Pakistan and Afghanistan will tember 18 at Torkhan border, yesterday, despite the atmos- after holding the presidential should hold talks directly with collapse of talks with Wash- stay open round-the-clock, a Wazir said. phere of political uncertainty election scheduled for Sep- the Afghan government — which ington. The team was led by move which is likely to give a The premier, according to following the sudden halt in tember 28. “Legitimacy of peace they have refused to do — rather Mullah Sher Mohammad Stan- boost to a struggling trade him, would also break the US-Taliban peace talks. cannot be achieved without elec- than foreign powers. ikzai. Moscow has twice this year between the two neighbours, an ground of a 16bn rupees ($120m) President Donald Trump tions,” he said. On Friday, a Taliban negoti- hosted meetings between the official said yesterday. project for the extension of the abruptly called off talks to end Sediqqi also suggested that ating team visited Russia, where Taliban and prominent Afghan Torkham — one of the 18 Integrated Transit Trade Man- American’s longest war last there will be a “big change” they held consultations with personalities. border crossings between the agement System aimed at week. The Afghan government towards improving security Zamir Kabulov, President Sediqqi said that the Afghan two countries that connects further improving the one- was largely shut out of the nego- across the country ahead of the Vladimir Putin’s envoy for government has suspended its Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber window facilitation transit trade tiations and concerned that any voting and fears over more vio- Afghanistan. own peace efforts for now. After district with northeastern Nan- system. The project is scheduled finalised US-Taliban deal would lence. The Taliban, who consider The Interfax news agency the elections, the “progress of the garhar province of Afghanistan to complete in 2022. delay the elections while a the Afghan government a US cited an unidentified Russian peace process” would be a pri- — now stays open 24 hours for In addition, Pakistan has national unity government was puppet, have warned Afghans Foreign Ministry spokesman as ority, he said. cross-border movement for the also established a state-of-the first time in the recent history, -art Pakistan-Afghanistan Mahmood Wazir, Khyber dis- Friendship Hospital at Torkham trict’s deputy commissioner, border to provide medical facil- Trump confirms death of said. The development came ities to the patients from days after the US President Afghanistan. Donald Trump suspended peace The two sides have agreed Al Qaeda heir Hamza bin Laden talks with the Afghan Taliban to open “several” other crossings last week. — including southwestern AFP Esper confirmed the death last important operational activities of Previously, Torkham Chaman border — round-the- WASHINGTON month, saying it was “his under- the group.” The statement did not crossing remained operational clock in near future, according standing” that Bin Laden was specify the timing of the oper- for 12 hours only, which would to local broadcaster Dunya US President Donald Trump dead, but Trump and other ation. The 15th of Osama bin cause night-long wait for the News. Escalating diplomatic ten- yesterday confirmed that Hamza senior officials had not publicly Laden’s 20 children and a son of truckers on either sides of the sions and frequent border clo- bin Laden (pictured), the son and confirmed the news. his third wife, Hamza, thought frontier. Apart from truckers, sures have had a chilling effect designated heir of Al Qaeda “Hamza bin Laden, the high- to be about 30 years old, was patients from bordering Afghan on Pakistan-Afghanistan trade founder Osama bin Laden, was ranking Al Qaeda member and “emerging as a leader in the Al provinces too had to suffer in in recent years. killed in a counter-terrorism son of Osama bin Laden, was Qaeda franchise,” the State case of an emergency due to Relations between the two operation along the Afghanistan- killed in a United States coun- Department said in announcing father’s killing by US forces in border closure during the night. neighbours have been rocky in Pakistan border. terterrorism operation in the a $1m bounty on his head in Feb- Pakistan in May 2011, the The border has been oper- recent years as both sides accuse US media reported in late Afghanistan/Pakistan region,” ruary 2019 — perhaps after his department said. ational round-the-clock for the each other of supporting and July and early August, citing Trump said in a brief statement actual demise. That work made him last five days on probationary providing sanctuaries to the mil- intelligence officials, that the issued by the White House. Sometimes dubbed the important in attracting a new basis, the official said, adding itants. The latest move coincides younger Bin Laden had been “The loss of Hamza bin “crown prince of jihad,” he had generation of followers to the that over 1,600 additional trucks with a nearly 50% reported killed sometime in the last two Laden not only deprives Al put out audio and video mes- extremist group that carried out have crossed into the border decrease — from $2.7bn to years in an operation that Qaeda of important leadership sages calling for attacks on the the September 11, 2001 attacks from both sides only at night $1.4bn — in bilateral trade involved the United States. skills and the symbolic connection United States and other coun- on the United States, which left during this period. Prime Min- between the two countries in the Secretary of Defence Mark to his father, but undermines tries, especially to avenge his nearly 3,000 dead. ister Imran Khan together with last two years. 14 ASIA SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 Skirmishes break out in HK mall amid counter rallies AP More than 1,300 hitting detainees with batons to HONG KONG people have been subdue them. Local media showed minor scuffles con- Skirmishes broke out yesterday arrested since the tinuing outside the mall as at a shopping mall in Hong Kong protests began in people left. between supporters of the early June. In the northwestern suburb ongoing protests for democratic of Tin Shui Wai, several hundred reforms in the semi-autonomous people marched, carrying pro- Chinese territory and people pro-democracy messages in democracy posters and waving backing the central government public areas and formed illumi- American flags, in defiance of a in Beijing. nated human chains on two of police ban on a rally in the area. Hundreds of pro-Beijing the city’s peaks on Friday night Riot police intercepted them and demonstrators sang the Chinese to mark the major Chinese prevented them from marching national anthem, waved red flags festival. to a park. and chanted slogans at Amoy Protesters have refused to Some 200 high school stu- Plaza in the densely packed yield despite the Hong Kong gov- dents staged a sit-in at a Kowloon district. Opposing pro- ernment’s promise to withdraw downtown public square yes- testers quickly gathered there, an extradition bill that triggered terday. Many students have sparking tensions as the two the protests. They have widened formed human chains outside camps heckled each other. their demands to include direct their schools as classes resumed The situation turned chaotic elections for their leaders and two weeks ago after the summer as groups of people traded blows police accountability. break. Police leaving Amoy Plaza after fights broke out between pro-Chinese supporters and anti-government and some used umbrellas to hit Many saw the extradition bill, “Many students feel angry protesters in the Kowloon Bay district in Hong Kong, yesterday. their opponents. Police later which would have allowed some and unhappy. Today’s gathering moved in to defuse the situation, Hong Kong suspects to be sent is a platform for us to vent our with several people detained. to mainland China for trial, as an frustrations,” said Lia Ng, 14. battered Hong Kong’s economy, for fear of reprisals from the vowed to turn up anyway. Some The clashes amid the mid- example of Hong Kong’s More than 1,300 people have which was already reeling from government. others are also planning to march autumn festival holiday came autonomy eroding since the been arrested since the protests the US-China trade war. One of the activists said it to the British Consulate, after a after several nights of peaceful former British colony returned began in early June. Clashes have At a netizens news con- was “natural behaviour that similar march to the US Con- rallies that featured mass singing to Chinese rule in 1997. become more violent in recent ference earlier yesterday, people escalate their ways” if sulate last weekend. China’s at shopping malls by supporters Shops closed at Amoy Plaza weeks, with riot police firing tear activists warned that violence peaceful means failed to elicit ruling Communist Party said in of the months-long pro- after the brawls. The atmosphere gas as protesters vandalised could escalate if the government any response. a commentary on social media democracy protests. remained tense as pro- subway stations, set fires and continues to turn a deaf ear to Police have banned a major on Friday that Hong Kong pro- Thousands of people also democracy protesters jeered at blocked traffic. citizens’ demands. They wore rally planned in central Hong testers should not turn to the carried lanterns with police, some of whom were seen The unrest has further face masks to shield their identity Kong today, but protesters have west to resolve their problems. Malaysia’s top oppn US asserts freedom of parties forge alliance navigation in AP “Now that they are formally KUALA LUMPUR allied and switched to a more S China Sea effective election strategy of Two major opposition parties in pooling together electioneering BLOOMBERG Malaysia forged a political resources and putting forward SINGAPORE alliance yesterday to consolidate the most winnable candidates support from the country’s from either party, they pose a The US Navy has asserted that majority ethnic Malay Muslims, substantially clear and present the recent passage of its guided- a move that could threaten electoral threat” to the Hope missile destroyer USS Wayne E Prime Minister Mahathir Moha- Alliance, said Oh Ei Sun, a senior Meyer in waters near the mad’s government in the next fellow at the Singapore Institute Paracel Islands in the South general election. of International Affairs. China Sea is consistent with its Mahathir’s alliance scored a The defeat of the UMNO-led stance on international law that surprise win in May 2018 National Front was attributed to allows freedom of navigation, general elections, unseating the anger over a massive corruption according to a statement National Front coalition that had scandal involving former Prime yesterday. led since the country’s inde- Minister Najib Razak. Najib is “China, Taiwan, and pendence from Britain in 1957. currently on trial after being Vietnam each claim sovereignty An aerial view of a flooded area in Thailand’s northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, yesterday. But many Malay Muslims, who charged with multiple counts of over the Paracel Islands,” the account for 60 percent of the corruption linked to the multi- US Navy said. “The unilateral country’s 32 million people, still billion-dollar looting of the imposition of any authorisation Thailand’s northeast inundated after rains support the parties what is now 1MDB state investment fund. or notification requirement for AFP from the disaster department and Chi rivers. “It will take three the opposition. UMNO’s President Ahmad innocent passage is not per- BANGKOK yesterday that also gave the weeks to drain the floodwater” The linchpin of the National Zahid Hamidi, a former deputy mitted by international law, so number of people staying in from up to 90 percent of inun- Front, the United Malays premier who took over the party the United States challenged Floods in northeastern Thailand emergency shelters. dated households, said pro- National Organization, and the after Najib stepped down, has these requirements.” have submerged homes, roads Two weather events are vincial governor Sarit Witoon. Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, also been charged in a separate The comments were in and bridges, leaving more than behind the widespread floods, “The water has slightly said they inked a pact yesterday graft case. response to an earlier statement 23,000 people in evacuation the department said — Storm receded about four centimetres that they say will unite Malay Zahid said in a speech yes- issued by the People’s Liber- shelters as anger grows over the Podul and a tropical depression today and I think it will keep Muslims. The two parties terday that the new union will ation Army Daily stating that government’s “slow” emergency that formed over the South China going down,” he added. secured 75% of Malay votes in uphold Islam but that it will not the US vessel had entered response. Sea called Kajiki. But the situation is already the last election but that didn’t cause racial enmity as he Chinese waters surrounding the Torrential rain has lashed Local media reports from the “unlivable” for families in one- translate into a majority of seats promised to respect the rights islands and had ignored China’s the country for the last two worst-hit province of Ubon Rat- storey homes, said Pongsak in part because they fielded of other races. objection to the move. weeks, causing flash floods and chathani showed people wading Saiwan, local director of oppo- competing candidates for many “We are confident that this mudslides in almost half its through chest-deep water and sition party Future Forward. seats and split the Malay vote. national cooperation pact, it will provinces, with families evac- rescuers in boats trying to steer Access to an entire district is The two parties have now inspire us further in our joint 4 soldiers hurt uated from their homes in boats buffalo to higher ground. currently cut off due to flood agreed not to contest against cause,” he told thousands of sup- or makeshift rafts. Flooding in the province, waters, which are about two each other, paving the way for porters. PAS currently controls in Kazakhstan Since August 29, 32 people which borders Laos and Cam- metres deep in the main town, straight fights with Mahathir’s the legislatures in two of Malay- have been killed in the deluge, bodia, has been exacerbated by while three major bridges are Hope Alliance in the next sia’s 13 states, while UMNO con- depot blast said a statement rising water levels in the Moon “impassable”, he said. election, which is due by 2023. trols none. QNA NUR-SULTAN Singapore Indonesia seals off 30 firms over forest fires Four soldiers were injured in a small explosion at a weapons smog worst AP Malaysia originated in Indonesia. The head depot in the south of the JAKARTA of Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and country, the Kazakh Defence in three years Geophysics Agency, Dwikorita Karnawati, dis- Ministry announced yesterday. REUTERS Indonesia has sealed off 30 companies amid missed claims by Malaysia that haze from The ministry said in a SINGAPORE a row with Malaysia over forest fires that are Indonesia has drifted to the neighboring statement that a fire broke out spreading a thick, noxious haze around nation for days. She said the haze began to at a weapons depot in the Singapore’s air quality deteri- Southeast Asia, officials said yesterday. enter the area above peninsular Malaysia and southern city of Arys and was orated to “unhealthy” levels The plantation companies, including a Serawak state on Thursday morning. brought under control, adding yesterday for the first time in Singapore-based company and four firms She said the agency’s satellites and its that during the clean-up oper- three years, data from the affiliated with Malaysian corporate groups, Geohotspot analysis on Thursday detected ations of the burned ware- National Environment Agency are under scrutiny and waiting for decisions 1,231 hotspots on Sumatra island and 1,865 house, a small explosion hap- (NEA) showed, threatening to on possible punishment, said Sugeng Riyanto, on Borneo. It also detected 412 hotspots in pened, and four soldiers were deepen a regional dispute over the law enforcement director at Indonesia’s Malaysia’s state of Serawak and 216 in Sabah. injured. Without providing forest fires. Forestry and Environment Ministry. Officials have said Malaysian Prime Min- details of the causes of the fire, A man rides his scooter past a fire in peatland The 24-hour Pollution Nearly every year, Indonesian forest fires ister Mahathir Mohamad would write to Indo- or the losses left behind. in Palangkaraya, Indonesia, yesterday. Standards Index, which Singa- spread health-damaging haze across the nesian President Joko Widodo to press for On June 24, a series of pore’s NEA uses as a country and into neighbouring Malaysia and urgent action to tackle the cross-border haze. explosions rocked ammunition benchmark, was in a range of Singapore. The fires are often started by small- The move came days after she disputed Many areas of Indonesia are prone to rapid depots belonging to a military 87-106 in the afternoon. A holders and plantation owners to clear land that the smoke was coming from Indonesia, burning because of the draining of swampy unit stationed in the city of Arys. reading above 100 is con- for planting. noting that hotspots were also detected in peatland forests for pulp wood and palm oil The authorities declared a sidered unhealthy. Indonesia’s forestry and environment Malaysia’s Sarawak state. plantations. state of emergency and decided This is the first time the minister, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, told reporters Malaysia’s environment minister, Yeo Bee Poor visibility caused by smoke had to evacuate local residents. 24-hour benchmark has on Friday that the government will prosecute Yin, responded immediately, telling Indonesia caused delays of several flights and prompted The explosions had killed breached 100 since August a number of companies as a deterrent to “not to be in denial.” She cited data that authorities to shut schools in some parts of one person and injured 70 2016, data shows. setting fires. showed that the haze impacting parts of the two countries this week. others. SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 EUROPE 15 Italy allows rescue ship to disembark migrants

AFP The offering of a safe MSF said of the migrants who ROME port to the Ocean departed from chaos-wracked Viking is a reversal of Libya. Italy yesterday agreed to allow the hardline stance “Many carry psychological rescue ship Ocean Viking to wounds or trauma,” MSF disembark 82 migrants on taken by the country’s tweeted. southern islands Lampedusa former interior Italy is trying to set up an after six days at sea following a minister Matteo Salvini automatic system for distributing European deal to distribute last year. migrants rescued in the Medi- them. terranean between European “The Ocean Viking just countries, diplomatic sources received instructions from the after the safe port said recently. Maritime Rescue Coordination announcement. Such a deal would put an end Centre of Rome to proceed to “The new government is reo- to the case-by-case negotiations Lampedusa,” SOS Mediterranee pening the ports, Italy returns to over who will take in those saved tweeted. being the refugee camp of during the perilous crossing from “An ad hoc European Europe. Abusive ministers who North Africa, which has seen agreement between Italy, hate Italians,” wrote Salvini, who vulnerable asylum seekers France, Germany, Portugal and pulled the plug on the previous trapped in limbo at sea for Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, flying on an helicopter over flooded areas near Orihuela, yesterday. Luxembourg has been reached government in August in the lengthy periods. to allow the landing,” said hope of snap elections. France and Germany have French Interior Minister Chris- His move backfired and the reportedly given their green light tophe Castaner, referring to the League leader is now in oppo- to the new system, which could Floods in Spain claim sixth victim division of the migrants between sition after previous ally the Five also involve Luxembourg, Malta, the five countries. “We now Star Movement and the centre- Portugal, Romania and Spain. AGENCIES from the town of Orihuela, four-point scale for several areas need to agree on a genuine tem- left Democratic Party agreed a German Interior Minister ORIHUELA around 55km from the seaside in the centre and south of Spain. porary European mechanism.” coalition. Horst Seehofer said that under town of Alicante, where acting Spain’s King Felipe VI France and Germany have Italian Foreign Minister and the possible future agreement, A 41-year-old man was found Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez lamented the loss of life and the agreed to take 25 percent of the M5S leader Luigi Di Maio, Sal- Germany would take 25 percent dead in southeastern Spain visited the emergency response damage. migrants each, with Italy to take vini’s former ally, said that “the of rescued migrants landing in yesterday, the local government command centre after observing “May we all, with the help 10 percent. safe port was assigned because Italy. said, bringing to at least six the the damage from a helicopter of all, be able to overcome the The offering of a safe port to the European Union agreed to “That won’t be too much for death toll inflicted over the past flying over the region Valencia. despair that now weighs on so the Ocean Viking is a reversal of our request to take most of the our immigration policy,” See- two days by record-breaking “Sadly, we mourn another many homes and families,” he the hardline stance taken by the migrants.” hofer told Sueddeutsche Zeitung rain. fatality in Orihuela,” Sanchez tweeted late on Friday. country’s former interior min- Medecins Sans Frontieres daily, adding that it was time to More than 1,100 military said on Twitter. In addition to some 1,500 ister Matteo Salvini last year. (Doctors Without Borders), end the “painful process” of hag- personnel have been deployed Three men were found dead people who were evacuated Under far-right leader which runs the ship jointly with gling over each boatload of to the regions of Murcia and on Friday, including one who earlier, officials on Friday Salvini, charity vessels with SOS Mediterranee, said the rescued migrants. Valencia to help rescue people tried to drive through a flooded removed another 2,000 resi- rescued migrants on board faced group comprised 58 men, six Italian Prime Minister isolated by the deluge and tunnel, and two siblings perished dents of the town of Santomera fines of up to a million euros as women and 18 minors. Giuseppe Conte is expected to evacuate thousands to safety on Thursday when their car was in the region of Murcia as a pre- well as the arrest of the captain “They tell our medics their discuss the plan with France’s after a river burst its banks and carried away by water. caution due to a controlled and impounding of the boat. skin was burned with melted President Emmanuel Macron cascades of water submerged The national weather agency release from a local dam to avoid “Here we go, ports open plastic and they were beaten when the latter visits Rome on highways. maintained its weather risk alert overflowing, the interior min- without limits,” Salvini tweeted with wooden or metal sticks,” Wednesday. The most recent victim was at the third-highest level on a istry said.

Blast in Sweden Former British PM Cameron ‘sorry’ for Brexit divisions leaves one dead AP people blame him for the Brexit wrestled with the Brexit issue attacked former allies Johnson LONDON divisions that have deepened and have thus far been unable to and Michael Gove, who helped AFP since the referendum and will win parliamentary backing for spearhead the “Leave” STOCKHOLM The British prime minister who never forgive him, but he an exit plan agreed with EU campaign. called the Brexit referendum and defended his decision to call the leaders. Cameron said they “left the A young woman was seriously then saw the public vote to leave vote. Johnson faces an October 31 truth at home” during the cam- injured yesterday by a blast in the European Union said he is He spoke to The Times news- deadline for leaving the EU and paign, citing among other things southern Sweden, police said, ‘sorry’ for the divisions it has paper to promote his soon-to- has been instructed by Par- the claim that Britain could save describing it as deliberate as the caused. be-published memoir. Cameron, liament to seek an extension, 350 million pounds per week country battles an increase in David Cameron (pictured) who had supported remaining which he says he will not do that was being sent to the EU and criminal use of explosives. said in an interview published in the EU, resigned the morning despite concerns that leaving could use that money to improve A woman in her twenties, yesterday that he thinks about after the 2016 referendum. He without a deal would cause the National Health Service. who was passing when the the consequences of the Brexit has stayed out of electoral pol- severe economic problems and He said the referendum explosion occurred in the centre referendum “every single day” itics since then and largely kept possible food and medicine turned into a Conservative Party of the city Lund around 2.30am, and worries “desperately” about failed,” he said. “The decisions I out of the public eye. shortages. He will meet with “psychodrama” and that he had was found injured at the scene what will happen next. took contributed to that failure. His two successors — first European leaders today to search been “hugely depressed” about and taken to hospital. “I deeply regret the outcome I failed.” Theresa May and now Prime for some compromise. leaving his post as prime Police Evelina Olsson said and accept that my approach He admitted that many Minister Boris Johnson — have The 52-year-old Cameron minister. she had “serious but not life- threatening injuries”. The blast was believed to be intentional. “We have reports that Activists charged over windows as far as 100 metres away have been damaged,” Olsson said, adding that they coal protest in Poland had started an investigation for “causing bodily injury” and AFP Armed border guards inter- “destruction causing public WARSAW vened, hauling the Greenpeace endangerment”. boat out of the port and Greenpeace activists who detaining the captain and blocked a coal delivery in another activist early on Hungarian writer Poland this week risk up to 10 Tuesday. years behind bars after prose- They released 16 other & dissident Gyorgy cutors pressed charges, the activists on board after identity Konrad dies at 86 global environmental group and checks, and the vessel anchored officials said. outside the port. AP/BUDAPEST “Prosecutors charged 28 Greenpeace wants Poland’s people for participating in a right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) Gyorgy Konrad, a writer and peaceful operation,” Greenpeace government to abandon burning sociologist who was an iconic Polska spokeswoman Katarzyna coal by 2030 — the European figure of Hungary’s dissident Guzek said. Union’s target date for phasing movement while the country The activists on Wednesday out coal use. was under communist rule, has climbed cranes at the Polish port The PiS plans only a gradual died. He was 86. of Gdansk to block the unloading reduction in dependence on coal Konrad’s family said he had Newly elected Federal Party Chairman of FPOe (Austrian Freedom Party) Norbert Hofer signs an of coal from Mozambique, for electricity production, from been gravely ill and died on autograph during the 33rd Ordinary Federal Party Congress in Graz, Austria, yesterday. calling on the Polish government around 80 percent today to 60 Friday at home in Budapest. to move to renewable energy. percent in 2030. Known internationally for They were charged with Under the 2015 Paris climate books like his 1969 novel “The “trespassing” and “impeding the treaty, the EU pledged to reduce Austria’s far-right party elects new leader Case Worker” and “A Guest in operation” of important port its carbon emissions by 40 AFP That scandal brought down city of Graz in southeastern My Own Country: A Hungarian equipment, Gdansk prosecutors percent below 1990 levels by GRAZ the government, a coalition Austria. Life,” a memoir published in said in a statement. 2030. formed in late 2017 between the Despite the scandal, the 2007, Konrad was considered The charges carry jail terms Poland along with Hungary Austria’s far-right party FPOe and the People’s Party FPOe stands at around 20% in a steadfast advocate for indi- of up to 10 years, they added. have rejected an EU bid for zero yesterday formally elected (OeVP) of then chancellor voter polls, neck-to-neck with vidual freedoms. Guzek called the charges net greenhouse gas emissions Norbert Hofer to lead it into Sebastian Kurz, with fresh elec- the Social Democrats (SPOe). The Born to a prosperous Jewish “absurd” and confirmed that all by 2050, insisting this would national elections later this tions set for September 29. OeVP remains the strongest family on April 2, 1933, in the activists had been released hamper their economies. month. Yesterday, FPOe delegates party but unlikely to be able to Debrecen, eastern Hungary, from custody. European Commission pres- Hofer took over the Freedom formally elected Hofer, Strache’s form a majority government by Konrad and his immediate The group also attempted on ident Ursula von der Leyen has Party (FPOe)’s leadership in May former deputy, to head the party. itself, according to polls. family survived the Holocaust. Monday to prevent the Indian pledged to propose a “green after Heinz-Christian Strache “It is our goal to become Hofer said his party would He was president of the Goodwill cargo vessel carrying deal” for Europe in her first 100 resigned, both as party head and Austria’s strongest party — would take on new themes, such writers’ association PEN Inter- the coal from Mozambique from days in office, which would see Austrian vice-chancellor, in the because we are able to do so and as protecting the environment. national from 1990 to 1993 and docking by blocking it with its a carbon-neutral continent by wake of the “Ibiza-gate” cor- because Austria needs us,” Hofer “I will take the necessary president of the Academy of iconic Rainbow Warrior ship. 2050. ruption scandal. told the party convention in the steps to bring this party forward.” Arts in Berlin in 1997-2003. 16 EUROPE SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 Russia’s floating Climate protests hit Frankfurt auto show BLOOMBERG nuclear plant FRANKFURT Thousands of climate protesters marched past the Frankfurt auto show yesterday, highlighting the arrives in port simmering tensions between the German car industry and the The Akademik MW capacity. country’s environmentalists as Lomonosov is to The Akademik Lomonosov Angela Merkel prepares to take provide energy for is to provide energy for around action to curb runaway carbon- around 100,000 100,000 people and also power dioxide emissions. oil platforms as Russia develops “Make love not CO2” read people and also extraction of natural resources one protester’s banner as power oil platforms. in a mineral-rich area whose activists from Greenpeace and eastern tip is a few dozen kilo- Friends of the Earth joined scores AFP metres from Alaska. of cyclists to demand that MOSCOW “It is perhaps a small step Germany take action to cut the towards sustainable development number of cars on its roads, with Russia’s world first floating in the Arctic — but it’s a giant step some calling for an outright ban nuclear power station yesterday towards decarbonisation of on SUVs and other large vehicles. completed a 5,000km Arctic remote, off-grid zones and a The protest comes as the chan- transfer to the country’s far east, turning point in the global devel- cellor convenes a climate cabinet the Rosatom nuclear agency opment of small modular nuclear tasked with cutting emissions said. plants,” Rosatom head Alexei from Germany’s transport and “The Akademik Lomonosov Likhachev said in a statement. heating sectors. floating nuclear plant arrived ... Environmental groups led by “The automotive industry at Pevek, in the autonomous dis- Greenpeace Russia have, makes money by destroying the Greenpeace activists stand on Volkswagen (VW) cars holding posters that read, “Climate Killers” trict of Chukotka,” where it is to however, long criticised the environment,” Marion Tiemann, as they demonstrate after the official opening of the International Auto Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am start operating by year end once project warning it will have transport expert at Greenpeace Main, in western Germany. connected to the local electricity “serious consequences” for a and one of the event’s organ- grid, Rosatom said. fragile ecosystem in case of izers, said at the protest. “We’re increased threefold in Germany,” protection comes at a price,” utility vehicles,” said Juergen What will be the world’s storms or accidents. in the midst of a climate crisis.” Merkel said in her weekly Merkel said. “But I’m convinced Resch, executive director of northernmost nuclear power Greenpeace has warned of Germany has pledged to cut podcast yesterday. “We must if we don’t put this money in the Deutsche Umwelthilfe, an envi- plant left Murmansk in Russia’s the risk of a “nuclear Titanic” carbon emissions by 55% by act.” right place, the price that we’ll ronmental group that’s brought far north on August 23 after and “Chernobyl on ice” and 2030, compared with 1990 Merkel faces a balancing act pay later will be much higher.” lawsuits against German cities being loaded with combustible environmental fears were levels. But by the end of this year, when she chairs the first meeting Cars are an obvious target for where nitrous oxide pollution nuclear fuel. heightened following an August the country will have reduced of her high-level climate cabinet climate protesters who yesterday has exceeded legal limts. The 21 tonne, 144 metre long explosion at a nuclear research CO2 output by only 30%, with on September 20. The chancellor paraded effigies of Volkswagen “They’re climate killers.” and 30 metre wide platform, facility in Russia’s far north transport emissions rising is trying to thrash out a common AG, BMW AG, Daimler AG and Some protesters in Frankfurt which is designed to meet the which saw local radiation levels steadily. Record-breaking heat- position between squabbling Toyota Motor Corp executives. yesterday called for the German energy needs of remote com- briefly spike. waves, the dwindling of the ministers from her coalition’s Other banners called for “Clean government to go further and munities, was towed into Pevek The industry has been Rhine river and a series of pow- conservative and social dem- air for all” as a giant, black, ban all cars from city centers. by a clutch of vessels. cheered by strong demand erful storms have turbocharged ocrat parties. The outcome of the inflatable upturned car drifted They’d also like Germany to The station houses two notably for nuclear-powered the climate debate in Germany negotiations could have pro- over those gathered around invest billions of euros in its rail 35-megawatt reactors, more in submarines as well as ice- and lifted the environmentalist found consequences for the Hauptwache, a square that network and plot an eventual line with the power of nuclear- breakers and aircraft carriers, Green party to second place in country’s economy as signs of a borders Frankfurt’s main exit from the internal com- powered ice breakers than increasingly destined for iso- election polls. looming recession mount. shopping street. bustion engine, similar to the typical new generation nuclear lated and infrastructure-poor “In the last 50 years, storms, “Of course — and we can’t “Our message to the auto- country’s decision to quit coal- plants boasting nearer 1,000 regions. hot spells and floods have beat about the bush — climate makers is: Stop selling sports fired power generation by 2038.

Amsterdam museum stops using ‘Golden Spain in last-chance Age’ for 17th century bid to avoid elections AP/AMSTERDAM AFP Now Sanchez has taken the A museum in Amsterdam is MADRID offer of a coalition off the table, facing criticism for its decision offering Iglesias only talks on a to stop using the term “Golden Spain’s Pedro Sanchez has just joint policy programme in the Age” to describe the 17th nine days left to resolve a hope of establishing a minority century, when the Netherlands political crisis that could drag government with ad hoc parlia- was a global mercantile, military the country to its fourth elec- mentary support from the party. and artistic superpower. tions in as many years. Every- And six weeks on, the situ- Amsterdam Museum thing hinges on him securing ation remains deadlocked. curator Tom van der Molen said support from the far-left Iglesias has insisted on his the term is strongly linked to Podemos. party entering government but national pride over prosperity He has until September 23 faced with Sanchez’s intransi- and peace but “ignores the to be confirmed as premier — or gence, he on Friday suggested many negative sides of the 17th Spain’s deeply-fragmented par- forming a “temporary coalition century, such as poverty, war, liament will be dissolved once government” that would be able forced labor and human again and a new general election to approve the state budget. trafficking.” held on November 10. If Sanchez was unhappy with Education Minister Arie Sanchez’s Socialists won the the result, Podemos could then Slob said, “I’m a bit tired of dis- last elections in April but fell far withdraw, while retaining his cussions about one term.” short of a majority, leaving him majority in the chamber, he said. In a tweet, populist law- dependent on the backing of But government spokes- maker Thierry Baudet calls the Rescue challenge Podemos as well as several woman Isabel Celaa dismissed move “pure brainwashing.” smaller regional parties. the idea as “absurd” saying the Rescuers taking part in a rescue challenge scenario organised by the World Rescue Organization In recent years, activists Without that, he cannot win country needs a “solid gov- (WRO), bringing together some 50 international teams competing around two disciplines, Road have pushed for more recog- the backing of parliament and ernment” and not one “subject nition of the dark side of 17th- Rescue and Emergency People Rescue, in La Rochelle, western France. The 20th edition began on formally begin a new term at to any test period”. century Dutch prosperity. September 12 and ends today. Moncloa, the official residence “It is highly unlikely they will of Spain’s prime minister. reach an agreement,” said Back in July, Sanchez made Ernesto Pascual, professor of two attempts to secure confir- political science at the Open Fraudsters wanted in US arrested in Budapest mation by the assembly but University of Catalonia. failed following a dispute with In a bid to break the AFP arrested on Friday in the Hun- from “call centres” in Mauritius In a separate case, police Podemos and its leader Pablo deadlock, King Felipe VI will BUDAPEST garian capital in a joint operation and Ukraine. said an unnamed 44-year-old US Iglesias that has yet to be tomorrow begin two days of with the FBI, according to a Callers aggressively per- male also wanted by the US resolved. meetings with party leaders, Hungarian police said yesterday statement on the Hungarian suaded victims to make non- authorities on suspicion of The Socialists had initially meeting Iglesias and Sanchez on that two suspected fraudsters, a police website. refundable transfer payments on defrauding $3.5m from American agreed to form a coalition, albeit Tuesday. French-Israeli and a US citizen, The man is suspected of the promise of one-off high investors was arrested Sep- reluctantly, with the radical As head of state, only he can wanted in the US over separate belonging to an international returns that were never paid, tember 4 in Budapest, also with leftwing party, offering it several give a formal mandate to multi-million dollar fraud rackets criminal gang that defrauded said the police statement. the cooperation of the FBI. government portfolios, but Sanchez to once again present have been arrested in Budapest. tens of thousands of Americans, The losses are estimated at A Budapest court will decide Podemos refused, saying the his candidacy as head of gov- A 28-year-old unnamed predominantly pensioners, of $145m. If convicted, the man later on the suspects’ extradition posts did not carry enough ernment to parliament, should French-Israeli dual citizen was savings by telephoning victims could face up to 20 years in jail. to the US, the statement said. political clout. an agreement be found. Police face protesters in Nantes as ‘yellow vest’ marches resume REUTERS gas after some protesters threw motorists’ high-visibility jackets, round of anger with a long- Ten out of Paris 16 subway weakened politically by a series NANTES projectiles. A spokesman with began over fuel tax increases but awaited reform that seeks to lines and two major regional of anti-government protests at the local prefecture said 21 morphed into a sometimes merge France’s 42 different train lines were totally shut as the end of 2018 and early this Hundreds of demonstrators people had been arrested. violent revolt against Macron and pension systems into a single the morning rush hour got year. faced police in a tense stand-off Television footage showed a government they see as out of points-based system. underway, leaving commuters Those protests, which in the French city of Nantes groups of black-clad protesters touch. On Friday, Parisian com- scrambling to find alternatives shocked the nation with some of yesterday as revived “yellow trying to break into shops, while The president has sought to muters faced travel chaos as to get to work. the worst street violence in vest” protests against the police trucks carrying water ease tensions with 18.82bn of transport workers went on strike The government did not decades, were triggered by con- government of President cannon were seen arriving on countermeasures to boost the over plans to reduce their waver in the face of rolling cerns over falling living Emmanuel Macron took place scene. monthly minimum wage, remove retirement privileges in a chal- strikes last year over a reform of standards and also concerns across the country. The Gilets Jaunes (yellow some taxes, and offer relief to lenge to Macron’s pension reform the state rail company, but Macron was pushing his reform Police responded with tear vest) protests, named after poor retirees. But he faces a new plans. Macron has since been agenda too hard. SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 AMERICAS 17 Actress jailed in college admissions scandal

AFP Judge Indira Talwani no excuses or justifications for BOSTON told Huffman it was my actions. Period,” the actress important to send said in a statement. Actress Felicity Huffman was a message to other “My hope now is that my given two weeks jail time for family, my friends and my com- paying bribes to help her parents that they can’t munity will forgive me for my daughter gain admission to a use their wealth to actions,” Huffman added. prestigious American university, cheat more deserving Federal prosecutors had the first high-profile figure to be students. asked that Huffman be given a sentenced in a cheating scandal month in jail. that rocked America. Her defense team recom- The “Desperate Housewives” that they can’t use their wealth mended a sentence of a year’s actress, wearing a navy blue to cheat more deserving probation and a $20,000 fine. dress and cardigan, looked students. Her guilty plea avoided what ashen-faced as she left the “I think without this sentence would have been a well-publi- federal courthouse in Boston, you would be looking at a future cised trial and potentially Massachusetts, clutching the with the community around you lengthier jail sentence. hand of her husband, actor asking why you had gotten away The crime is punishable by William H. Macy. with this,” she said, according to up to 20 years in prison and a Felicity Huffman and husband William Macy exit John Moakley US Courthouse in Boston. Huffman, 56, was the first media outlets in the courtroom. fine of as much as $250,000. parent to be sentenced among The judge said Huffman can Huffman announced her Authorities said he was paid accepting payments to the the universities targeted in the 50 people indicted in an elab- rebuild her life after serving the intention to plead guilty in April, about $25m to bribe coaches and program totaling $610,000 “in elaborate cheating scam include orate and wide-ranging scam to sentence, which also includes a saying she was “ashamed” of university administrators. He has exchange for corrupting the University of Southern Cali- help children of the elite secure fine of $30,000 and 250 hours what she had done. pleaded guilty and is cooperating admissions process of a major fornia, Yale, Georgetown and places in top US colleges. of community service. The scandal erupted in with authorities. university,” prosecutors said. UCLA. None of the schools or the The Oscar nominee pleaded “After this, you’ve paid your March when the ringleader His sentencing will take A Chinese family admitted to students have been charged in guilty in May during a tearful dues,” she said. behind the scam, William “Rick” place on September 19. paying Singer $6.5m to guar- the case. court appearance to paying Huffman must report for Singer, admitted running the In June, a former Stanford antee their daughter admission Actress Lori Loughlin from $15,000 to boost her daughter’s prison on October 25. elaborate system which ranged University sailing coach was the to Stanford, with Vandemoer’s 1980s to 1990s sitcom “Full SAT college entrance exam score. The actress apologised to from cheating in entrance exams first to be sentenced, receiving help, though the mother said she House” has also been accused. Judge Indira Talwani told students and parents and said to bribing coaches to help non- two years of supervised release. was duped into believing the sum She and her husband have Huffman it was important to she accepted the judge’s decision. athletic students get John Vandemoer, 41, had was a charitable donation. pleaded not guilty and are send a message to other parents “I broke the law. There are scholarships. pleaded guilty in March for Besides Stanford, some of awaiting trial. Woman arrested House panel subpoenas intelligence director over whistleblower after throwing red BLOOMBERG production of a whistleblower flagrant’ misconduct, abuse of conduct relates to an area of stages of investigations into liquid on Senate WASHINGTON complaint that the Intelligence power, or violation of law.” active investigation by the com- Russian efforts to interfere with Community” inspector general It was unclear what the com- mittee, raising serious concerns the 2016 presidential election. AP A US House committee “determined to be credible and plaint was about, or who filed it, that the whistleblower complaint In the statement, the com- SACRAMENTO subpoenaed the acting director a matter of ‘urgent concern,”’ the but a subpoena of a high-ranking is being withheld to protect the mittee said that directors of of national intelligence over a committee said in a statement. official like Maguire was highly president or other administration national intelligence had “never California police have whistleblower complaint, saying In a separate letter to unusual. officials.” prevented” a creditable whistle- arrested a woman who threw that he was improperly with- Maguire, Schiff said, “This raises In the statement, the com- The move by the committee blower complaint from being a device containing “what holding the complaint from grave concerns that your office, mittee said that the complaint comes as it has active inquiries forwarded to Congress. appeared to be blood” onto Congress. together with the Department of “involves confidentially and on several fronts involving Pres- Trump chose Maguire to the floor of the state Senate, Representative Adam Schiff, Justice and possibly the White potentially privileged commu- ident Donald Trump’s financial become the acting director of splashing onto lawmakers a California Democrat and the House, are engaged in an nications by persons outside the dealings, and connections, and national intelligence when Dan and forcing them to finish chairman of the Intelligence unlawful effort to protect the intelligence community” and that other matters tied more directly Coats stepped down last month. their work in a committee Committee, issued the subpoena president and conceal from the the Office of the Director of to the administration and intel- Maguire had been the chief of the room on the final day of the to the acting director, Joseph committee information related National Intelligence “refused to ligence agencies. Those include National Counterterrorism legislative session. Maguire, “to compel the to his possible ‘serious or rule out that the underlying an ongoing look at the early Center. Senators had just finished taking a vote about 5:14pm on Friday when a woman tossed the substance onto the floor Bernie Sanders accuses of the Senate from the public gallery, saying: “That’s for the dead babies.” Joe Biden of distorting The California Highway Patrol identified the woman ‘Medicare for All’ plan as 43-year-old Rebecca Dalelio. She faces several AP charges, including assault, CARSON CITY vandalism and disrupting “the orderly conduct of official Democratic presidential hopeful business” at the state Capitol. Bernie Sanders (pictured) Authorities said Dalelio accused former vice-president walked out of the gallery and Joe Biden of distorting his did not resist when she was proposal to provide single- arrested. payer, universal health care The news release did not through “Medicare for All.” give a motive, referring to the The 78-year-old Vermont woman as a “demonstrator.” senator said one of the things But the action came as hun- that “disturbed” him about dreds of people protested at Thursday’s debate was that he decade is cheaper than the the Capitol against a signed was hoping “to have a serious “status quo,” which he put at $50 state law seeking to crack discussion about the health care trillion — with most of the down on fraudulent medical crisis in America.” money being what Americans exemptions for vaccinations. “I was not pleased that vice- spend privately on premiums, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres talks to the media outside Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, which Several lawmakers sought to president Biden distorted what copays and out-of-pocket costs. is serving as an evacuation center, in Nassau, Bahamas, yesterday. link the woman to the pro- Medicare for All is and, in fact, Sanders’ argument is that most testers, including Sen Richard simply parroted the line coming US households would pay less Pan, who last month was from the health care industry,” overall under his system, even shoved in the back by a pro- New tropical storm lashes Bahamas Sanders told about 300 people if their taxes go up. tester as he was walking near at a town hall meeting at the Biden said Sanders would the Capitol. REUTERS offshore of the east coast of Category 5 storm, one of the Carson City Convention Center. effectively be handing Americans “This incident was incited NASSAU Florida and into the Atlantic strongest Atlantic hurricanes “Apparently the vice-pres- a pay cut, arguing that employers by the violent rhetoric per- Ocean through early next week, ever to hit land, packing top sus- ident thinks it is just wonderful who now pay a share of workers’ petuated by leaders of the Tropical Storm Humberto lashed according to the US National tained winds of 298kph. for people to be paying $1,000 premiums would pocket that antivaxx movement,” Pan already devastated parts of the Hurricane Center. United Nations Secretary- a month ... just for health care money instead of giving workers said in a news release. Bahamas with heavy rain and Humberto had maximum General Antonio Guterres premiums. Having deductibles raises if the government were to “As their rhetoric esca- strong winds yesterday, and sustained winds of 85kph with arrived in Nassau yesterday in a of $4,000 or $5,000 or more — cover all health care costs. lates, their incidents of vio- forecasters said it was likely to higher gusts, and was expected show of international support. not a problem. Paying the Sanders repeated his refrain lence does as well. This is an become a hurricane before the to become a hurricane by He met with evacuees at a highest prices in the world for that health care is a human right attack on the democratic end of the weekend. Sunday night, the Miami-based shelter and told reporters Dorian prescription drugs — not a and that Medicare for All would process and it must be met The storm is expected to NHC said yesterday. should be a wake-up call for the problem. Well, I think those are cover every man, woman and with strong condemnation by leave the northwestern Bahamas Dorian slammed into the world about the dangers of problems,” he said. child in the country. It requires everyone.” today and then will move well Bahamas on September 1 as a climate change. Sanders took heavy fire on no premiums, no deductibles his single-payer health and no out-of-pocket costs and insurance proposal at Thursday would expand Medicare to Ohio Senators propose renaming Nasa site after Neil Armstrong night’s debate in Houston, with include such things as dental Biden and others hammering the care, hearing aids and home AP Republican Rob Portman idea with Armstrong in 2012, a spoken with Nasa and Arm- Vermont senator for the cost and health care, he said. SANDSUKY and Democrat Sherrod Brown year before Armstrong’s death. strong’s family and they support the political palatability of effec- “It’s not a terribly radical idea introduced the legislation to The senator added that Arm- renaming the facility. tively eliminating the existing because in one form or another Ohio’s US senators want honour the Ohio native by strong, the first man to walk on Brown said it would be a private insurance market. it exists in countries all over the Congress to rename a Nasa renaming the Nasa Plum Brook the moon, wasn’t comfortable fitting tribute given Armstrong’s The former vice-president world, including Canada,” research facility in Ohio after Station in Sandusky. with the attention it would contributions as a test pilot and went hardest at Sanders when Sanders said. “Is it free? No. It is astronaut Neil Armstrong. Portman said he raised the bring, adding that he has since astronaut. the senator argued that the esti- funded out of the general fund in mated $30 trillion cost over a a progressive manner.” 18 AMERICAS SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 California hit with biggest wildfire of the year BLOOMBERG The Walker fire, within Morton, chief of the Biospheric quarter of the state’s properties more fires, and the fires that do and Bolivia, Morton said. SACRAMENTO the Plumas National Sciences Laboratory at Nasa’s considered at high-to-extreme start will be more extreme,” In the US, Nasa and the Goddard Space Center, said in a peril, according to the Insurance Morton said from the center in National Oceanographic and California’s biggest wildfire of Forest northeast broadcast this week. “They’ll be Information Institute, a New suburban Washington. Atmospheric Administration this the year has already burned of Sacramento, has definitely harder to suppress.” York-based industry group. Global warming also con- year are sending a fleet of more than 50,000 acres of been burning since The Walker fire, within the California’s fire season has tributes to an increase in wild- science aircraft to analyze smoke timber and grass as Nasa scien- September 4 and Plumas National Forest northeast expanded by 75 days across the fires in regions such as the chemistry far downwind from tists said climate change is of Sacramento, has been burning Sierras and corresponds with an Amazon, the scientists said. In fires in the west and agricultural making such blazes more likely became California’s since September 4 and became increase in the extent of forest the first eight months of 2019, fires in the southeast. and harder to stop. biggest of the year on California’s biggest of the year fires across the state. Brazil had almost 94,000 fires, Nasa also studied Alaska’s It’s a sobering scenario for Friday. on Friday. Last year, California the most since 2010. More than 2015 fire season, in which a the US state with the highest Nasa satellites show plumes accounted for about a fifth of the half have been in the Amazon, record 5.1 million acres burned. wildfire risk, where land of smoke blowing east into 8.8 million acres burned an including the massive fire the The researchers found an unu- damaged or destroyed by fire has being torched is about a quarter Nevada and crossing Pyramid nationally, according to the Fire started in August and triggered sually high number of lightning expanded fivefold over the last the size of New York City. Lake. The National Interagency Center. The US spent more than a state of emergency in Brazil. strikes, generated by warmer four decades. Almost a half- “We’re living in a warming Fire Center expects above- $3.1bn fighting fires last year. Swept-up smoke from those temperatures that cause the million homes worth an esti- and a drier world, and with normal conditions for large fires “As climate conditions make fires created “among the most atmosphere to create more con- mated $268bn are threatened, climate change we’re going to in California through October. vegetation and other fuels that unhealthy air quality conditions” vection — thunderstorms — according to Zillow. continue to see conditions that California leads the nation in are on the ground today more anywhere in the last month in which contributed to a larger At 78 square miles, the area make fire s more likely,” Doug wildfire risk, with more than a flammable, it’s likely we’ll see downwind areas of Brazil, Peru burned area. Brazil’s Amazon chief tapped California woman for Nobel Prize nomination sickened by mercury-laced REUTERS announced this week that it had BRASILIA formally proposed Raoni’s name skin cream to the Norwegian Nobel Com- A group of Brazilian anthropol- mittee, which decides who wins AP ogists and environmentalists has the annual award. SACRAMENTO put foward Chief Raoni The foundation has also Metuktire of the Kayapó tribe as written to French President A California woman is hospi- a candidate for the 2020 Nobel Emmanuel Macron to call for his talised in a semi-comatose state Peace Prize for a lifetime of endorsement of the nomination. after using a skin cream from work protecting the Amazon Raoni met twice this year with Mexico that was laced with rainforest. Macron, who led criticism of toxic methylmercury. Raoni, an unmistakable Brazil’s environmental practices California health officials Amazon icon with his large lip at the recent Group of Seven said that the 47-year-old plate, yellow macaw-feather wealthy nations summit in woman from Sacrament bought headdress and earrings, became Biarritz. the cosmetic at a Jalisco known internationally as an A spokesman for the foun- pharmacy. environmental campaigner in dation, Toni Lotar, said yes- She was hospitalized with the 1980s with musician Sting terday that the nomination had numbness in her hands and at his side. been initially accepted by the face, slurred speech and At 89, Raoni took to the road committee, but the foundation problems walking but her con- again this year seeking help to has yet to complete the full nom- dition worsened. stop a surge in fires destroying ination process. Her son tells KCRA-TV the forest, which he has blamed “Chief Raoni is a living symbol she’s been hospitalized since on the plans of right-wing Pres- of the fight to protect nature and July. ident Jair Bolsonaro to develop the rights of indigenous people in Pro-migrant rally Mercury is sometimes used the Amazon economically and the Amazon,” Lotar said. “He is Activists dressed up as US President Donald Trump and Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez to lighten skin and eliminate assimilate its indigenous people. respected worldwide for a life Obrador protest with migrants from different nationalities outside the Siglo XXI immigrant detention age spots, although it’s The Darcy Ribeiro Foun- dedicated to the survival of our center, demanding from Mexican migration authorities to speed up their humanitarian visas to cross poisonous. dation, named after one of Bra- planet that is so threatened by the country towards the US, in Tapachula, Mexico, yesterday. Authorities say the woman zil’s first anthropologists, climate change.” had 2,630 micrograms of mercury per liter in her blood — more than 500 times the acceptable level. Top Canadian police officer arrested on spying charges Sacramento County health officials say in the past nine AFP with the intent to communicate seriously,” without commenting according to Global News, which in international relations and years in California, there have OTTAWA it to people that he shouldn’t be further. first reported the arrest. political science at The Uni- been more than 60 poi- communicating it to,” prosecutor His opponent Conservative Canada is a member of the versity of British Columbia. sonings linked to mercury- The Royal Canadian Mounted John MacFarlane. leader Andrew Scheer said it was “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance The account also says he bearing foreign, unlabeled or Police (RCMP) said that they had Canada’s Global News “extremely concerning that a with Australia, New Zealand, speaks Mandarin, the main lan- homemade skin creams. arrested a senior intelligence reported that Ortis was a top senior RCMP intelligence officer Great Britain and the US. guage of China, with which Both mercury and lead are officer for allegedly stealing adviser to former RCMP com- has been arrested for leaking The public broadcaster Canada is in the midst of an highly toxic even at low sensitive documents. missioner Bob Paulson, and had national security information.” Radio-Canada said Ortis is a spe- unprecedented diplomatic crisis. levels, are well-studied neu- Cameron Ortis faces five control over counter-intelligence “This is another reminder of cialist in East Asia, critical infra- Beijing last December rotoxicant, and recognized charges under Canada’s criminal operations. the threats we face from foreign structure and online “bots.” detained two Canadian nationals endocrine disrupting code and its Security of Infor- Prime Minister Justin actors,” said Scheer, who is tied On the LinkedIn social in apparent retaliation for Can- chemicals. mation Act, the federal police Trudeau, who is campaigning for in the polls with Trudeau. network, the account of a person ada’s arrest of a Chinese tech The World Health Organ- agency said in a statement. a second term in office, told The RCMP fears Ortis stole named Cameron Ortis indicates executive on a US warrant. ization has listed lead and “The allegations are that he reporters at an election rally “I “large quantities of information, that he has worked for the China has also blocked mercury among the “10 obtained, stored, processed sen- can assure you that the author- which could compromise an Canadian government since Canadian agricultural shipments chemicals of major public sitive information, we believe ities are taking this extremely untold number of investigations,” 2007 after receiving a doctorate worth billions of dollars. health concern.” Cuba’s acute fuel shortage begins to bite Hawaii governor decries REUTERS The Trump administration’s death threats over telescope HAVANA tightening of the decades-old embargo on Cuba’s already inef- AP concerning,” Connors said. “It’s Cubans queued for hours for ficient state-run economy has HONOLULU dangerous. This law public transport at peak times in only worsened its economic sit- enforcement officer showed up Havana, sweating in the heavy uation and ability to pay for Gov.David Ige said he and other to work that day and was doing heat, while queues at gas stations energy from elsewhere. state employees received death his job when he found himself snaked several blocks long, as a New US sanctions imposed threats amid the heated debate in an untenable situation.” fuel shortage that the on Venezuela’s state-run oil firm over building a giant telescope The issue of the 30 metre government blames on US sanc- PDVSA in January have also on the state’s highest peak. Telescope issue has engulfed tions began to bite. made it harder for it to send oil Ige disclosed the threats as Hawaii since mid-July when the Inspectors flagged down shipments to Cuba. he and his cabinet members held state announced construction workers with state cars or trucks Cuba and Venezuela’s joint a news conference asking would begin after a decade-long to get them to pick others up company, Transalba, for leasing people on all sides of the issue permit and appeals process. after President Miguel Diaz- and operating vessels covering to be careful with their Protesters have blocked the road Canel’s exhortation for Cubans the route between the two language. to Mauna Kea’s summit for the to show solidarity in these times nations, has struggled to find Attorney-General Clare past two months, preventing the of crisis and everyone do their enough tankers, captains and Connors played a voicemail building from getting underway. bit to improve fuel efficiency. People enter a public bus in Havana, Cuba, yesterday. crew willing to work with two recording in which an uniden- Ige said there’s been He warned Cubans on sanctioned countries, according tified man told a state employee, improper language on both Wednesday on state television temporary though, he assured, return to those dark days as the to shipping sources involved in “I hope you die.” sides, noting he’s seen “terrible of difficult times ahead as US with shipments for October economy is more diversified the trade. She showed reporters a and racist” things written about attempts to block fuel shipments guaranteed. now, having opened up to Some PDVSA ships, including social media post offering a protesters in the comment sec- to Communist-run Cuba meant “The transport situation is tourism and foreign investment, the Manuela Saenz, Icaro, Tere- $5,000 reward for the identity tions of news sites online. there would be less diesel than getting ugly, even if the state says and developed its own oil paima and Yare, have had to of a law enforcement officer “Whatever happens to this usual available this month. it is only temporary,” said Alexei industry. complement the fleet. involved in last week’s demo- project, those kinds of postings The government has agreed Perez Recio, 55, who was fixing Still, this is a sign of the wors- As such the flow of Vene- lition and removal of a small are not acceptable here. They a series of measures to ensure up a bicycle he had not used since ening of Cuba’s economic situ- zuelan crude and fuel to Cuba has wooden house built by demon- don’t represent who we are and basic services, he said. Some the economic depression in Cuba ation. The government started remained mostly stable this year, strators near the camp where I urge the public to completely energy-intensive investments following the fall of former ben- rationing energy several years averaging 55,300 barrels per day they are blocking the telescope’s reject them,” Ige said. would be postponed, some train efactor the Soviet Union when ago due to a decline in subsidized (bpd) from February through construction. William Aila, the chairman and bus services would be sus- public transport collapsed. “I have oil shipments from leftist ally August, according to Reuters cal- “I hope that we can all agree of the state Department of pended and those who could to have (my bike) ready.” Venezuela, cutting street lighting culations based in Refinitiv Eikon that putting a bounty on the Hawaiian Home Lands, said he work from home should. The Communist government and the use of electricity in state- vessel tracking data and PDVSA’s head of law enforcement officer fears the rhetoric will incite The crisis should only be has assured Cubans this is not a run institutions. export programs. is disturbing and deeply someone to do harm. SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019 HOME 19 WISH facilitates NU-Q students to participate in mental health journalism program in US THE PENINSULA DOHA

Two students from Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) – a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university, have been selected to be student scholars of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism Program. They will travel to The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, to join established journalists from around the world for a series of work- shops and presentations, which will be overseen by Rosalynn Carter, former first lady of the US. During their visit to The Carter Center, the students will also be guests at a special event where they will have the opportunity to ask questions to former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter. The mental health journalism program was launched in 1996 to provide training and support to professional journalists writing Former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Nicholas Bradshaw, Director of Partnerships and about mental health. Outreach, WISH; with last year’s student fellows. In 2018, and as part of an ongoing part- nership, the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of QF – worked “WISH’s partnership with The Carter with The Carter Center to develop a new track Center underscores both organizations’ within the main program designed to train stu- longstanding commitment to raising dents at universities in Qatar on how to report awareness of issues around mental ethically and accurately on topics related to The students will travel to The health. mental health and mental illness, in prepa- Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, The student program we’ve developed ration for their professional careers. to join established journalists together provides participants with an oppor- The two selected NU-Q journalism stu- tunity to fast-track their understanding of the dents, Maryam Al Badr and Muhammad from around the world for a series importance of sensitive and accurate reporting Saad Ejaz, will follow in the footsteps of the of workshops and presentations, around mental health. inaugural 2018 cohort, Ayilah Chaudhary which will be overseen by Our fervent hope is that the students are (NU-Q) and Asma Al Jehani (Georgetown Rosalynn Carter, former first lady encouraged to become valuable media advo- University in Qatar – also a QF partner cates for people dealing with mental health university). of the US. During their visit to issues once they embark on their professional Following the meeting in Atlanta, which The Carter Center, the students careers.” runs from September 16 to 18, the students will also be guests at a special Kari Cobham, Senior Associate Director will be expected to undertake journalism event where they will have the of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental projects throughout the academic year that Health Journalism and Media at The Carter shine a spotlight on mental health. opportunity to ask questions to Center, said: “We are excited to work with the The students will work closely with their former President Jimmy Carter student scholars on their mental health projects professors and established journalists in both and Rosalynn Carter. and hope they will pave the way for future the US and Qatar, in order to gain the skills reporting on such an important topic. Their and knowledge that will enable them to training and work will have a huge impact on produce balanced and accurate reports on Nicholas Bradshaw, Director of Part- their careers as well as on their mental health issues, in their areas of interest. nerships and Outreach at WISH, said, communities.”

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA The Big Trip (2D/Animation) 2:15pm; Pailwaan The Big Trip (2D/Animation) 2:30 & 4:30pm; (2D/Kannada) 2:00pm; Gang Leader (2D/Telugu) IT: Chapter 2 (2D/Horror) 8:00pm; 2:30pm; Love Action Drama (2D/Malayalam) 3:45 & 6:30 & 9:00pm; 11:30pm; Dream Girl (2D/Hindi) 6:15 & 9:00pm; Itty- Love Action Drama (2D/Malayalam) maani (2D/Malayalam) 8:45pm; Chhichhore (2D/Hindi) Dream Girl (2D/Hindi) 4:30 & 11:30pm; 5:30pm; IT: Chapter 2 (2D/Horror) 8:00pm; The Gold- Pailwaan (2D/Kannada) 2:15pm; finch (2D/Drama) 11:00pm; The Lion King (2D/Drama) Chhichhore (2D/Hindi) 7:00pm; 5:00 & 7:00pm; Official Secretes (2D/Drama) 7:00pm; The Goldfinch (2D/Drama) 8:15pm; Section 375 (2D/Hindi) 11:30pm. Gang Leader (2D/Telugu) 5:15 & 11:00pm; LANDMARK Sivappu Manjal Pachai (2D/Tamil) 2:00 & 11:15pm; Strange But True (2D/Thriller) 9:30pm;

Pailwaan (2D/Kannada) 2:30 & 11:00pm; Gang Leader (2D/Telugu) 5:30pm; ROXY Ittymaani (2D/Malayalam) 3:00 & 8:30pm; The Big Trip (2D/Animation) 4:45 & 6:30pm; Brothers Day (2D/Malayalam) 1:40, 8:10 & 11:30pm Love Action Drama (2D/Malayalam) 6:00 & 11:30pm Gang Leader (2D/Telugu) 12:30, 3:15, 6:00, 8:45 & 11:40pm; Sivappu Manjal Pachai (2D/Tamil) 2:15pm Ittymaani (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, 1:00, 5:10, 8:30, 10:30 & IT: Chapter 2 (2D/Horror) 8:15pm 11:40pm; Porinju Mariam Jose (2D/Malayalam) 8:15 & 11:15pm IT: Chapter 2 (2D/Horror) 6:00 & 11:15pm; Love Action Drama (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, 12:30, 1:45, 3:15, 4:30, AL KHOR 6:10, 7:15, 8:45, 10:00 & 11:30pm; Playmobil The Move (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:20 & Chhichhore (2D/Hindi) 11:15am, 5:30 & 11:45pm; 4:20pm; Saaho (2D/Hindi) 10:30am & 5:45pm; Strange But True (2D/Thriller) 8:20 & 10:10pm; Ittymaani (2D/Malayalam) 12:00, 6:00pm & 12:00am; The Big Trip (2D/Animation) 12:30, 4:30, 6:30 & 8:30pm; IT: Chapter 2 (2D/Horror) 2:15 & 8:30pm; The Goldfinch (2D/Drama) 11:00am 1:00, 2:00, 2:10, 4:00, 4:10, 5:00, Brothers Day (2D/Malayalam) 3:00, 9:00 & 11:30pm; 7:00, 8:00, 10:30 & 11:00pm Playmobil The Move (2D/Animation) 3:30pm; Just A Stranger (2D/Tagalog) 9:00pm

FLIK Mirqab Mall ASIAN TOWN 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2D/Adventure) 10:20am & 10:30pm; Aladding 4:30 & 8:00pm; Love Action Drama (2D/Malayalam) 5:45, 8:30, 9:30 & 11:15pm; Angel Has Fallen (2D/Action) 11:00am, 12:10, 1:20, Ittymaani (2D/Malayalam) 10:00pm; 2:30, 3:40, 4:50, 6:00, 8:20 & 10:40pm Gang Leader (2D/Telugu) 7:00pm; Dora And The Lost City Of Gold (2D/Adventure) Dreamgirl (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm; 10:35am, 12:20, 1:00pm; IT: Chapter 2 (2D/Horror) 10;40am, 1:50, 5:00, 7:10, 8:10, 10:20 & 11:20pm; Pailwaan (2D/Kannada) 6:30 & 9:30pm Lion King 7:00pm; Love Action Drama 3:55, 6:50 & 9:45pm; 10:10am, 2:10, 4:20, 6:30 & Official Secrets Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. 8:40 Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2D/Comedy) 5:00pm, Playmobil The Move (2D/Animation) 11:00am, 12:35, 1:55pm Section 375 (Hindi) 5:50 & 11:15pm; The Angry Birds Movie 2 10:05am, 12:00noon & 2:35pm; The Goldfinch 11:20am, 3:00 & 8:25; Welad Rizk 2 (2D/Arabic) 10:50pm & 12:20am

SECTION 375

A filmmaker stands trial when a costume assistant on his movie accuses him of rape. 20 MORNING BREAK SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS Tiananmen Square FAJR 04. 03 AM SHOROOK 05. 20 AM ‘Tank Man’ ZUHR 11. 29 AM MAGHRIB 05. 41 PM ASR 02.57 PM ISHA 07. 11 PM photographer dies

WEATHER TODAY AFP JAKARTA

The photographer who snapped the defining image of China’s Tiananmen Square crackdown — a solitary man defiantly blocking the path of a column of tanks — has died in Indonesia, according to US officials. American authorities confirmed the death of 64-year- old Charlie Cole in Bali, where the Texan had been a long- time resident. “We offer our sincerest condolences to the family on their loss,” a State Department official said. Cole won the 1990 World Press Photo award for his picture of a man in a white shirt, carrying a shopping bag in each hand, striding out into the road the day after troops killed hundreds of pro-democracy protesters in the heart of Beijing. The man, whose identity remains unknown, stopped in front of a column of tanks and armoured vehicles stretching far down the road, later climbing onto the vehicle to engage in a conversation with one of the tank crew as gunshots crackled in the air. “Tank Man” has become one of the defining images of the 20th century, but the image remains largely unrec- ognised in China due to censorship of the image and the wider crackdown. His mystique has been reinforced by his subsequent disappearance, probably at the hands of Chinese security Mid-Autumn Festival forces. Several photographers captured Tank Man’s lone Fireworks explode next to the Macau Tower during an international fireworks contest on the night o o figure on film that day. A picture of the scene by Jeff of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Macau, China on Friday. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a harvest festival 32 C 39 C Widener of the Associated Press, snapped from the balcony Minimum Maximum of the Beijing Hotel, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. traditionally celebrated by the Chinese.

Relatively hot daytime with slight dust at times, humid by night. Solid gold toilet stolen from stately home Disney chief

HIGH TIDE 04:43 – 17:09 LOW TIDE 00:33 – 11:46 exits Apple

AFP The duke’s brother, Edward Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department LONDON Spencer-Churchill, who founded the board as firms Blenheim Art Foundation, said last A gang of thieves yesterday stole an month he was relaxed about security become rivals 18-carat gold toilet from Britain’s around the gold toilet. Blenheim Palace, police said, causing “It’s not going to be the easiest thing AFP/SAN FRANCISCO flooding that damaged the world-famous to nick,” he told The Times stately home. newspaper. Disney chief Bob Iger resigned The fully-functioning toilet, dubbed “Firstly, it’s plumbed in and secondly, from Apple’s board of directors “America”, was created by Italian artist a potential thief will have no idea who as the companies are poised to Maurizio Cattelan and estimated to be last used the toilet or what they ate. So launch rival online streaming worth around £1m. no, I don’t plan to be guarding it.” services, according to a filing A 66-year-old man was arrested fol- He added: “Despite being born with with US regulators. lowing the burglary, which took place a silver spoon in my mouth I have never Iger’s departure came the before dawn at the 18th-century estate had a shit on a golden toilet, so I look same day that the iPhone A file photo taken on September 15, 2016, near Oxford, southern England. forward to it.” maker announced that its Apple shows the fully functioning solid gold The toilet was one of the star attrac- Cattelan, who is known for his pro- TV+ subscription service with a tions in an exhibition of Cattelan’s works toilet, made by Italian artist Maurizio vocative art, has previously described budding library of original that opened on Thursday at the palace, Cattelan, going into public use at the the golden toilet as “one-percent art for content will go live interna- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guggenheim Museum in New York. the 99 percent”. tionally on November 1, Visitors were able to book time slots The Guggenheim had offered the loo according to paperwork filed to use it — but only for three minutes is a high-value toilet made out of gold on loan to US President Donald Trump, by Apple with the Securities and each, to limit the queues. that was on display at the palace,” she but he declined. Exchange Commission. More than 100,000 people used the said. The Italian artist’s exhibition at Apple unveiled iPhone 11 loo during the year it was on display at “Due to the toilet being plumbed into Blenheim runs until October 27 and models this week with a price cut New York’s Guggenheim Museum. the building, this has caused significant includes a taxidermied horse hoisted for the most basic models while “The offenders broke into the palace damage and flooding.” Blenheim Palace onto the ceiling of an ornate reception also laying out plans for overnight and left the scene at about said it was “saddened by this extraor- room. streaming and gaming services, 4.50am (0350 GMT). No-one was injured dinary event, but also relieved no-one Blenheim has previously hosted as it bids to weather the slump in during the burglary,” police said in a was hurt”. exhibitions of work by Ai WeiWei, Yves the global smartphone market. statement. It closed on Saturday but said it Klein, Jenny Holzer, Michelangelo Pis- Detective Inspector Jess Milne of would reopen on Sunday. toletto and Lawrence Weiner. Thames Valley Police said she believed The palace is home to the 12th duke Police said they were looking at MoviePass “a group of offenders used at least two of Marlborough and his family, and was CCTV footage to help them in the search vehicles” — and left a mess behind them. also the birthplace of British wartime for the gold toilet, adding that nothing cinema service “The piece of art that has been stolen leader Winston Churchill. else was believed to have been stolen. to shut down

AFP Cats, dolphins and ravens — CIA’s secret animal spies NEW YORK AFP Basin southeast of Moscow, Two falcons died from illness; The owner of cinema WASHINGTON where the Soviets operated a another promising candidate lost subscription MoviePass said on chemical weapons facility. feathers and trainers had to wait Friday it was shutting down the In early 1974, Do Da was top in The CIA saw the migratory for it to molt and grow them service which allowed users to espionage class, on the way to birds as “living sensors” which, back. see as many films as they want becoming a high-flying CIA based on their feeding, would The most promising flyer for a flat monthly fee. agent: he handled himself better reveal what kinds of substances was Do Da, the raven. In just Helios and Matheson Ana- in the rough, carried heavier the Russians were testing, in three months, Do Da went from lytics (HMA), which owns Mov- loads, and could brush off their flesh. a successful 3/4-mile trip to six iePass, said in a statement it attackers. In the early 1970s, the CIA miles from shore to boat, and was also seeking to sell the But on his toughest-yet spy turned to birds of prey and then four miles back to shore on unit’s other assets including the school test, he disappeared — ravens, hoping they could be the same day. film ticketing website done in by some of his own kind: trained for “emplacement” mis- He was the most promising Moviefone. ravens. sions like dropping a listening candidate for the Russia mission, The statement said the The bird was a central figure device on a windowsill, and the “star of this project,” one sci- service would be shutting down in a decade-long US Central photo missions. entist wrote, who figured out the effective yesterday. Intelligence Agency program to In project Axiolite, bird right altitudes in the right winds, MoviePass, founded in 2011, train animals as agents, helping trainers working on San Cle- and acquired “sufficient guile to generated buzz two years ago Washington fight the Cold War mente island off southern Cali- outwit the native ravens and when it lowered the price of its A man walks over the seal of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) against the Soviet Union. fornia taught the birds to fly gulls,” which hid for attacks on all-you-can-watch service to in the lobby of CIA Headquarters in Langley, United States. On Thursday, the CIA miles over the water between a him. $9.99 per month, which was released dozens of files from its boat and land. But on a training mission he less than the price of a single tests on cats, dogs, dolphins and Union’s development of a Those programs, too, were If the training went well, a was attacked by “the usual pair” ticket in many cases. on birds from pigeons to some nuclear submarine fleet, perhaps given up, left to the US Navy chosen candidate would have a of ravens — and was not seen But some theater chains of the smartest: ravens and the most potent challenge to US which to this day makes use of tough mission: being smuggled again. refused to honor the MoviePass crows. power in the mid-1960s. dolphins and seals. to Soviet Russia, where it would The scientists were deeply vouchers, and the company It studied cats as possible Projects Oxygas and Chir- But what also grabbed the be released secretly in the field, dismayed. “He had a large bag often lost money from covering loose-roaming listening devices ilogy sought to see if dolphins US spy chiefs’ imagination in the tasked to fly 15 miles carrying a of tricks and was loved by all,” the costs of tickets. — “audio surveillance vehicles” could be trained to replace Cold War days was birds — camera to snap pictures of a one wrote. HMA said it formed a com- — and put electrical implants in human divers and place explo- pigeons, hawks, owls, crows and radar for SA-5 missiles, and fly The other major effort was mittee to review options dogs’ brains to see if they could sives on moored or moving ravens, and even flocks of wild back. with pigeons, used for over two including a sale of the company be remotely controlled. vessels, sneak into Soviet harbors migratory birds. They had red-tailed and Har- millennia as messengers and to or some of its assets. Neither of those programs and leave in place acoustic buoys For the latter, the agency ris’s hawks, great horned owls, take photographs during World Moviefone was launched in went very far. More effort was and rocket detection units, or enlisted ornithologists to try to a vulture, and a cockatoo. War I. The challenge was that 1989 as a phone-based ticket put into training dolphins as swim alongside submarines to determine which birds regularly It was not easy. A cockatoo pigeons work from home coops service and later sold to AOL potential saboteurs and helping collect their acoustic spent part of the year in the area was “a clever flyer” but “maybe or roosts, places they are familiar and then to MoviePass’s spy on the Soviet signatures. of Shikhany in the Volga River too slow to avoid gull attacks.” with. owners.