www.thepeninsula.qa Monday 13 January 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8135 18 Jumada I - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 11

Salem Khalaf Al Al Sadd’s Mannai appointed resounding win Group CEO of Qatar over Al Rayyan Insurance Group thrills coach Xavi

Amir offers condolences to Sultan of Oman

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani offered condolences to H M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said of the Sultanate of Oman on the death of H M Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur, at Al Alam Palace in Muscat yesterday morning. H H the Amir also offered condolences to Their Highnesses members of the royal family, ranking officials and notables, praying to the Almighty Allah to have Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, mercy on his soul and to rest him in peace in paradise, and to inspire his family and the royal family H E Dr. Hassan Rouhani, during a joint press conference in Tehran yesterday. H H the Amir also met with patience and solace. H H the Amir was accompanied by an official delegation.` P3 yesterday evening the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H E Ali Khamenei in Tehran.

Amir sends Amir stresses dialogue for regional peace congratulations QNA — TEHRAN His Highness said lauding and with important decisions appreciating Iran’s position after regarding the expansion of to Sultan of Oman Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin the blockade of Qatar; and bilateral relations and those Hamad Al Thani in an official extending thanks for providing existing in the economic and QNA — DOHA visit to Iran yesterday held an all the facilities to Qatar and the commercial fields, as well as the official talks session with the I confirmed today during my discussions with the Qatari people through immedi- great potentials of the two coun- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin President of the Islamic Republic President of Iran the importance of de-escalation ately opening its airspace and tries in the scientific and cultural Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir of Iran, H E Dr. Hassan Rouhani by all parties and engaging in dialogue because it seaports. fields that the two countries can H H Sheikh Abdullah bin and also met with the Supreme H H the Amir indicated that enhance. Hamad Al Thani and Prime Leader of the Islamic Republic is the only way to resolve the crisis. the visit comes at a sensitive Regarding the joint com- Minister and Interior Minister of Iran, H E Ali Khamenei. time the region is going through, mittee between the two coun- H E Sheikh Abdullah bin H H the Amir and the Pres- Supreme Leader of the Islamic session, H H the Amir affirmed indicating that it has been agreed tries, His Excellency stressed Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani ident of the Islamic Republic of Republic of Iran H E Ali that his meeting with H E the with the brothers and with the that it will be held during the sent yesterday cables of Iran held an official talks session Khamenei in Tehran. President and at the level of the Iranian President that dialogue upcoming months, and will be congratulations to H M Sultan at the Republican Palace in During the meeting, they two official delegations, was is the only solution to the held regularly and annually. He Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Tehran. The session discussed reviewed the existing friendship positive and fruitful, as it has region’s crises, and to reducing voiced hope that there would Al Said on the occasion of his bilateral relations between the between the two countries in dealt with the outstanding rela- escalation. be a “second committee for assumption of power in the two countries and ways to various aspects and ways to tions between the two countries At the end of his statement, trade and investment cooper- Sultanate of Oman. enhance and develop them to develop them. and means to develop them. H H the Amir stated that he had ation in all sectors, including the broader levels, especially in the They also discussed several H H the Amir also extended extended an invitation to HE technical field and other fields of economy, trade, regional and international thanks to the President of the President of Iranian to visit the affairs”, in addition to intensi- Qatar, Bulgaria investment and tourism. issues, especially the latest Islamic Republic of Iran and to State of Qatar, which His Excel- fying political visits and eco- Talks during the session also developments in the region and the Iranian government and lency promised to do sometime nomic delegations between the sign agreement tackled several regional and means for calming and main- people for the reception soon. two countries. international issues, especially taining regional and global accorded to him during his visit H E the Iranian President In his remarks, H E the for cooperation the latest developments in the security and stability. to Tehran. started his statement by Iranian President emphasised region and means for calming; Their Excellencies members H H the Amir indicated that expressing his happiness at HH the importance of the security in education and avoiding further escalation and of the delegation accompanying the two sides agreed to boost the Amir’s acceptance to the of the region, especially the peacefully settling differences H H the Amir attended the trade and tourism exchange, invitation of His Excellency to security of waterways in the research in a way that contributes to meeting along with a lineup of pointing out that Qatar’s relation visit the Islamic Republic of Iran, Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and achieving security, peace and Their Excellencies Iranian min- with Iran is historic and has seen praising the two countries’ ties the Sea of Oman, stressing that QNA/THE PENINSULA — DOHA stability in the region and the isters and senior officials. great development. There has of neighborliness and historical the two countries will cooperate world. In joint press statement His always been open channels and friendship. and consult to establish and The State of Qatar and the H H the Amir also met yes- Highness gave with H E Iran’s discussions with Iran even in the H E President Rouhani ensure security in these paths. Republic of Bulgaria signed terday evening with the President following the talks presence of some differences, added that the talks came out `P3 yesterday an agreement for cooperation in the field of education, scientific research and technology, in a bid to Gold prices jumped 17% in Second Ihsaan School consolidate and expand friendship ties and enhance cooperation in the fields of offers free education public education, higher 2019 driven by strong demand education, scientific research and technology between the SACHIN KUMAR Peninsula. “Customers who buy May, following US tariff hikes on to Arab children two countries. THE PENINSULA jewellery are not much sensitive $200bn worth of Chinese goods. The agreement was signed to price rise. They do not try to Prices also came under pressure FAZEENA SALEEM that EAA plays a great role in by Minister of Education and Gold prices rose by around 17 wait for price fall to buy jew- due to additional demand THE PENINSULA taking forward the mission to Higher Education, H E Dr. percent in 2019, driven by strong ellery. On the contrary, cus- created by some major central enrol students in schools all Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed demand and uncertainty in tomers buying gold bars are very banks. In the first quarter of The Second Ihsaan School has over the world, especially for Al Hammadi, and Minister of global economy. The price one sensitive to price fluctuations. 2019, gold demand from central opened its doors in Doha with those residing in the Qatar. Education and Science gram of 22 carat gold increased They try to time their purchase banks, especially China, India, an aim to provide quality “The Ministry has provided Republic of Bulgaria, Krasimir by around QR26 in 2019, denting according variation in gold Turkey, and Russia, increased education to children and the building and many services Valchev, during a meeting held the ability of consumers to buy prices because they buy gold as by 68 percent year-on-year. youth who have been unable such as maintenance, security here yesterday. the precious metal. an investment. Such customers Gold prices have also shot to access formal education due and academic supervision for The two ministers agreed Gold started the year on firm do not buy when gold prices are up significantly recently due to to a number of barriers this school, noting that the to develop the performance of footing with the precious metal on the rise,” he added. geopolitical tensions. One gram including poverty and school board of trustees is con- the public education system in trading at QR150 per gram on The demand of gold was of Gold was trading at QR176 displacement. cerned with appointing the both countries, and the most January 1, 2019. After going also high during the last quarter on January 1 this year but the The school was established teaching staff, school adminis- important issues of common through volatility throughout the of previous year, he added. prices moved up in a matter of to take forward the efforts tration and other operational interest in educational, and year due to global factors, gold Interest rates in the US, value few days to QR182 in last week Education Above All Foun- matters,” the Minister said research fields and ways to ended at QR176 per gram on of dollar and trade tensions due to geopolitical tensions. dation (EAA), founded by H H while speaking to media on the support and enhance them December 31 last year. One gram between the US and China were Gold prices are expected to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, to sidelines of the event. were also reviewed. `P5 of 24 carat gold was trading at the main factors that impacted remain firm this year due to low ensure every child has access The school was established QR160 at the beginning of the year gold prices in 2019. interest rates in the US and to a quality primary in partnership with the Ministry while it ended the year at QR186. Gold prices were supported weakness in dollar. A weaker education. of Education and Higher Edu- DOHA TODAY PAGE | 05 PAGE | 14-15 QF tour revived my A pilgrimage to the stark dream to find a treatment desert landscape that “Although gold prices moved by higher expectations of an dollar fuels demand for gold by Minister of Education and cation and funded by Qatar for my own condition inspired the painter up in 2019, it did not discourage interest rate cut by the US making it cheaper for holders of Higher Education, H E Dr Charity and Afif Charity. It will MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 Email: [email protected] customers to buy gold. May and Federal Reserve, a breakdown other currencies, while lower Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed admit Arab students who have June were the best months in in trade negotiations between bond yields reduce the oppor- Al Hammadi and several other never been to school, or terms of sales. Gold demand the United States and China, tunity cost of owning non- dignitaries attended a cer- dropped out of schools for dif- shot up in these months because and strong demand from yielding bullion. Gold is highly emony held yesterday to mark ferent reasons. Lessons will be of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr,” emerging market central banks. sensitive to the rising interest rates the opening of Second Ihsaan taught in Arabic under the INCLUDED WITH Marketing Manager of a jew- Prices of the yellow metal because they push up bond yields School in Doha. Qatar National Curriculum for TODAY'S EDITION ellery showroom told The acquired an upward trend in and tend to boost the dollar. The Minister emphasised free. `P3 02 HOME MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 Amir offers condolences to Sultan of Oman

Shura Council takes part in Arab Parliament session

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Shura Council is partici- pating in the fourth session of the second legislative term of Arab Parliament, to be held in Cairo from today to January 15. The Arab parliament committees’ meetings will be held today and tomorrow, while the main session is slated for Wednesday. The Council will be represented by members of the Arab Parliament H E Yousef bin Rashid Al Khater; H E Saqr bin Fahad Al Muraikhi; H E Dr. Aisha bint Yousef Al Mannai and H E Khaled bin Abdullah Al Buainain. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with H M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said bin Taimur of the Sultanate of Oman and others during a visit to offer condolences on the death of H M Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur at Al Alam Palace in Muscat, yesterday. SJC President meets delegation of Kuwaiti Court of Cassation DOHA QNA — Counsellor H E Ishaq Hussein delegation to the State of Qatar Al Kandari. comes within the framework The President of Supreme Judi- The meeting tackled judicial of the mutual visits programme ciary Council (SJC) and the relations between the two sides between the two sides The President of the Court of and means to bolster cooper- Vice-President of the Court of Cassation, H E Dr. Hassan bin ation in the legal and judicial Cassation, Judge Thaqeel Sayer Lahdan Al Hassan Al Mohanadi, fields in addition to exchanging Al Shammari, met with the met here yesterday with a dele- expertise in matters related to Kuwaiti delegation, where they gation of Kuwaiti Court of courts of cassation jurisdiction. reviewed means of cooperation Cassation led by The visit of the Kuwaiti judicial in the judicial field. HGH provided 58,000 physiotherapy sessions, cared 4,000 patients in 2019

THE PENINSULA — DOHA “Research now shows that impairments to their physical bed rest can have adverse abilities or function one year The team of Physiotherapy effects on muscles and organs, after discharge and that Services at Hamad General which can impair neuropsycho- extended periods of bed-rest, Hospital (HGH) has provided logical functions and reduce prolonged time on a ventilator, over 58,000 physiotherapy movement capacity. Physical and around-the-clock sedation sessions and cared over 4,000 therapy can prevent functional can have devastating effects on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) impairments and improve the the human body. Immobility patients in 2019, said Hamad quality of life for patients after wreaks havoc on every func- Medical Corporation (HMC) in hospital discharge. There is a tional system, from the musc- a statement. growing body of evidence to uloskeletal system to the About 20 and 25 percent of support programs of early nervous system, which under- patients cared for by the Phys- mobilization within the ICU scores the importance of early iotherapy Department at environment,” added Al intervention from trained phys- Hamad General Hospital clas- Mudahka. iotherapists,” said Bouguerra. sified as critical care patients. Eladel Ben Majid Bouguerra, Dr. Ajimsha Mohammed Noora Al Mudahka, Chief of Supervisor of Physiotherapy Sharafudeen, a Physiotherapy Physiotherapy, has said that it Services at Hamad General Specialist at Hamad General is a misconception that all seri- Hospital, said that physiother- Hospital says physiotherapists ously ill patients require bed apists who work with patients are an integral part of the multi- rest. “Patients who are cared for in the ICU have been specially disciplinary team when caring by our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) trained to treat the most acutely for critically ill patients, adding are seriously ill or require spe- ill and injured patients. that physiotherapy is an cialized care. They require He said that a number of important intervention that can sophisticated monitoring ICU patients have functional help mitigate many of the equipment and round-the- deficits one year after dis- adverse effects of prolonged clock care provided by a team charge, underscoring the bed rest and mechanical ven- of specially trained healthcare importance of early and struc- tilation. He says physical professions, and this team tured rehabilitation. therapy has been proven to includes physical therapists,” “We know that many ICU reduce the length of stay for ICU said Al Mudahka. patients have limitations or patients.

The members of Hamad General Hospital’s critical care physiotherapy team. MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 HOME 03 Amir stresses dialogue for regional peace

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani; President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H E Dr. Hassan Rouhani, and Supreme Leader of Islamic Republic of Iran, H E Ali Khamenei, at the Republican Palace in Tehran. H H the Amir and the Iranian President during talks. H H the Amir and the Iranian President with their official delegation during talks.

FROM PAGE 1 the Qatari Embassy in Tehran. His Excellency concluded his H H the Amir was accorded statement by expressing once an official reception at the again deep thanks and appreci- Republican Palace in Tehran. ation to H H the Amir and his President of the Islamic Republic accompanying delegation for this of Iran H E Dr Hassan Rouhani visit, considering that it is led well wishers to welcome H extremely important for the H the Amir. The ceremony began Iranian side, and hoping that the with H H the Amir’s convoy relations between the two coun- entering the palace, accom- tries will expand to achieve the panied by the cavalry; and upon interests of the two nations, and arrival at the palace yard, the achieve a beneficial impact in national anthems of Qatar and bilateral relations. Iran were played. Earlier, H H the Amir arrived Afterwards, HH the Amir yesterday afternoon in Tehran, inspected the Iranian guard of on an official visit to the Islamic honor and then shook hands Republic of Iran. HH the Amir with Their Excellencies members was welcomed upon arrival at of Iranian official delegation and Mehrabad International Airport senior officials. H H the Amir also by Iran’s Minister of Energy H E attended a luncheon banquet Reza Ardakanian; Qatar’s hosted by President of the Ambassador to Iran H E Islamic Republic of Iran in honor Mohammed bin Hamad Al Hajri of His Highness and the accom- and Iran’s Ambassador to Qatar panying delegation. H H the Amir H E Mohammad Ali Sobhani in left Tehran on yesterday evening addition to a lineup of senior following an official visit to the Iranian officials and Members of Islamic Republic of Iran. Second Ihsaan School opens, offers free education to Arab children FROM PAGE 1 children attend school and families in Qatar, we are excited The Second Ihsaan School thereby, ensure that all children about our plans to grow our will enrol 518 students from and youth in Qatar have access network of partners and expand grades 1 to 12 in two shifts. The to quality education. the reach of the Ihsaan Schools,” school has 23 teachers and 10 The First Ihsaan School was said Maryam Al Mannai, administrative staff members established in June 2019 to Projects Officer at EAA. in the morning shift while 13 serve the education needs of “This second school, along teachers and four adminis- non-Arab students in Qatar, and with the first and the others to trative staff for the second shift. plans are set to establish three come in the future, will unlock The school has 15 classrooms more Ihsaan Schools to ensure the potential of children and and features different facilities inclusive and equitable quality youth to be productive, respon- including a library, computer education is provided for all sible, contributing residents of lab, canteen and a mosque. children and youth in Qatar. Qatar,” she added. At present, the school has “Our success is made pos- The admission criteria for the school students from 15 dif- sible with the support of Ihsaan schools states that all The Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi ferent nationalities. partners across all sectors of potential students should not be (centre), with other officials and dignitaries during the opening of Second Ihsaan School in Doha, EAA, through its Together Qatar, including the gov- enrolled in any other school yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA programme, aims to assist ernment, NGOs and the cor- (private, government or home) parents and families in Qatar porate community. As we look at the time of admission. Stu- who are faced with barriers that to the future and anticipate the dents shall be legal residents of exemptions for Syrians and a valid visa. Families must also criteria developed by EAA and keep them from having their needs of the children and Qatar (hold valid QID), with Yemenis, who only need to have meet the financial eligibility the partners. MoI expo boosts skills of people with special needs Aswaq opens Al Sailiya As many as 13 Central Market departments from THE PENINSULA — DOHA shops in the wholesale market. MoI take part in the Moreover, the central four-day exhibition. Aswaq for food facilities market includes the imported management has announced products at auction hall, which The event is being the commencement of opera- spans over 8,000 square organised in tions in new Al Sailiya Central metres, additionally, the Market. market has nine cooled cooperation with The market is built fol- storages (2600 sq.). the Scout and Guide lowing the latest international Aswaq has put together standards to serve the needs of well-established operations Association of Qatar all categories: producer, trader module for the auction hall and will continue until and consumer. Spanning over (which commenced operations January 16. 78,000 square metres, the new officially yesterday) to ensure central market is located in a operations runs smoothly and central site, around 25 minutes efficiently. The trucks are reg- SIDI MOHAMED away from the heart of Doha. istered in the designated THE PENINSULA The market is divided into parking, then the data is cross- several connected and air-con- checked at the market entry Dr. Ibrahim Saleh Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and In a bid to train people with ditioned sections, to serve the point, the products are then Brigadier Mohamed Abdullah Al Shahwani, at the exhibition organised by MoI to train people with disabilities and enable them to fruit and vegetable trade. placed in the auction hall. Upon disabilities. get jobs in various organisations Al Sailiya central market completion of the auction, the in the country, the Ministry of includes the traditional market products are loaded either out Interior (MoI) yesterday and will continue until January country. The attendees also benefit from it as the exhibition that contains 52 shops, in of the market, or to the organised the first security 16. Dr. Ibrahim Saleh Al Nuaimi, witnessed a presentation of is attended by many depart- addition to 102 shops in the wholesale market or to the exhibition for people with Undersecretary of the Ministry police dogs presented by the ments of the Ministry.” retail market, as well as 50 cooled storages. special needs within the of Education and Higher Edu- Police Canine Section at the Brigadier Mohamed “Messengers of Peace" initi- cation and the Chairman of the Department of Criminal Evi- Abdullah Al Shahwani from the ative. Board of Directors of the Scout dence and Information, in Public Security Department said As many as 13 departments and Guide Association of Qatar; which they showcased the skills that MoI was always keen to from MoI take part in the four- and Brigadier Mohamed of police dogs and their role in support such initiatives and day exhibition, among them Abdullah Al Shahwani, opened helping security men to detect participated in them by pro- include the General Directorate the exhibition at the associa- crimes. viding security awareness and of Coasts and Borders Security, tion’s headquarters. Dr. Ibrahim Saleh Al introducing the services that it Traffic Department, Civil The Representative-General Nuaimi thanked MoI for organ- provide in the State. Defence, General Adminis- for Qatar Scouts and Guides ising the first security exhi- Al Shahwani praised coop- tration of Drug Enforcement, Al Association, Jassim Mohammad bition for people with special eration between the Ministry Fazaa, Preventive Security Al Hardan, and a number of needs, in coordination with the and civil society institutions, Department, Juvenile Police, officers of MoI attended the Qatar Scouts, and said that including the Qatar Scout and Dogs Section, Medical Services event. After the opening cer- such activities are not new to Guide Association, which Department, Human Rights, emony, the guests visited the MoI through its various depart- launched an important initi- General Directorate of Pass- pavilions of the participating ments and educational pro- ative for people with special ports and Police Sports departments and listened to a grammes that are intended to needs, with an aim of training Federation. brief explanation of the work serve the public. and qualifying them to partic- The event is being organised of those departments and the He said: “Our sons and ipate in building the country in cooperation with the Scout security tasks they carry out to daughters who will visit this and preserving its The newly-opened Al Sailiya Central Market. and Guide Association of Qatar maintain security in the exhibition will get a lot of achievements. 04 HOME MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 Transport Minister meets Kuwait’s CITRA Chairman, Lesotho Minister

Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, met yesterday with Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, held talks yesterday the Chairman and CEO of Kuwait’s Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority, with Minister of Transport of the Kingdom of Lesotho, H E Keketso Sello. The two ministers discussed Eng. Salim Al Ozainah. The two officials discussed means of further enhancing cooperation in the aspects of cooperation in the fields of transportation and civil aviation services and means of further fields of ICT and a number of matters of common interest between the two brotherly countries. enhancing them. They also reviewed a number of matters of common interest between the two The meeting was attended by President of Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), friendly countries. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Chairman, H E Abdulla bin Nasser Turki Al Subaey, H E Mohammed Ali Al Mannai. attended the meeting. Georgian Embassy donates books to Qatar University Library THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar University is also taking part in the

The Embassy of Georgia to 30th Doha International Book Fair, at the Qatar has donated over 70 Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The books to Qatar University’s (QU) university's booth at the book fair is also Library, which include a range of topics such as books on the highlighting the QU Library services. culture of Georgia, diplomacy, dictionaries, Georgian cuisine and books written in the Dr. Omar Al Ansari, resources on a diverse range of Georgian language. expressed his happiness and cultures. The donation took place in thanks for the generous Coinciding with the timing the presence of Nikoloz donation, which will of the donation, QU is currently Revazishvili, Ambassador of undoubtedly enrich the QU highlighting its services via a Georgia to Qatar; Giorgi Library. Asma Al Buainain also booth at the 30th Doha Inter- Kekelidze, General Director of expressed her thanks and national Book Fair, which will the National Parliamentary appreciation for the valuable continue until January 18 at the Library of Georgia; Dr. Omar Al donation, which will act as dis- Doha Exhibition and Con- Ansari, QU Vice-President for tinctive additions to the growing vention Center. The QU Library Academic Affairs and Asma Al collections. The books relating will play a prominent role in the Buainain, Acting Director of the to Georgia will enhance the booth and aims to inform vis- QU Library. library’s role in providing itors of its resources. Georgian and Qatar University officials during the books handover event. Kerala Women’s Initiative Qatar Ministry issued Traffic diversion on 663 licences for organises cultural program discounted prices Al Ghariyya Street THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA change aims to enable in December some maintenance works Kerala Women’s Initiative Qatar The Public Works Authority on the road in coordination (KWIQ), an associate of the THE PENINSULA — DOHA ‘Ashghal’ has announced with the general Direc- Indian Cultural Centre under the traffic on Al Ghariyya Road torate of Traffic. aegis of Indian Embassy, held The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will be closed in both direc- The Public Works second-anniversary function has issued 663 licenc es for discounted tions and shifted onto a Authority will install road ‘Ahlan Kerala 2020’ on January prices (discounts, festivals and final liqui- parallel road for one signs advising motorists 10 at The Phoenix Private School, dation) including 397 licenses for month, starting today of the changes on the Al Mamoura. discounts, 265 licenses for festivals and (January 13). The traffic road. This uniquely-themed cul- one license for final liquidation, said the tural program was inaugurated Ministry in a statement yesterday. by Hyder Chungathara, Vice- Ministry’s monthly report on special President of Chaliyar Doha. The Children performing during Ahlan Kerala 2020 function. licenses issued in December indicated function also honoured KWIQ’s that a total of 447 licenses for offers were executive members and family Sunaina; KWIQ President, wedding functions as well as the issued in December including promo- with a shield of appreciation for Zareena Ahad; Kwiq Patron, culture, art and community love tional offers, special offers, prize draws their continuous hard work and Sreedevi Joy; KWIQ General Sec- of various districts of the state. and Swipe and Win. A total of 66 pro- dedicated support. KWIQ’s retary, Anju Anand; Program Through a well-scripted short motional offer licenses were granted for founder members also adorned Convenor, Liji Ratheesh; KWIQ skit within the show, KWIQ was companies selling goods in malls and the ‘Ponnada’ on KWIQ’s Pres- Cultural Secretary, Sheethal also able to showcase an Arab retail shops while 364 licenses were ident Zareena Ahad. President of Prasanth, PRO Bini Vinod employer’s love towards a retired granted for special offers including new Indian Community Benevolent addressed the audience. domestic help. With over 100 prices; buy one, get one free; and buy Forum (ICBF), P.N Baburaj; Pres- ‘Ahlan Kerala 2020’ show- performers on stage, KWIQ’s one, get the second item for half price. ident of World Malayalee Feder- cased an Arab family’s journey members and children enthralled A total of 15 licenses for prize draws were ation, Abdul Sathar; Represent- to the shores of Kerala where the audience with their mesmer- also awarded in December while 2 ative of Al Zaman Exchange, they witness traditional Malabar ising performances. licenses for Swipe and Win were issued. QSRSN organises activities for persons with disabilities Emergency & Disaster Management Master’s Degree information THE PENINSULA — DOHA participating in the programme. Talib Afifa, program came with the aim of providing a member of the society’s board of a family atmosphere to participants in a session at Georgetown on Jan 15 Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special directors, explained that the activities way that motivates persons with disabil- Needs (QSRSN) organised a set of activ- program aims to explore the skills of ities to be creative and contribute to inte- THE PENINSULA — DOHA capacity to prepare for and ities for persons with disabilities affiliated persons with disabilities affiliated with the grating them with their family and com- implement an emergency and with the “educational center and rehabil- QSRSN and develop them through prac- munity environment more, he added. Georgetown University is disaster response that itation center for girls” and their parents tical training for them. Afifa praised the great level of inter- hosting an information session addresses a number of chal- and members of their families. The training is provided by a spe- action between parents with the QSRSN about its one-year Interna- lenges,” says Frazier. “Grad- The three-day activities included cialised team of trainers and specialists and its ongoing programs. He also tional Executive Master’s in uates of the program gain a plastic crafts in addition to decorating working in the QSRSN and its centers along expressed his great happiness at the high Emergency & Disaster comprehensive understanding fabrics, as well as a group of different art with a distinguished group of volunteers technical level that the QSRSN ‘s members Management degree program of the evolving field of emer- forms under the supervision of female in the association. reached through their creative artistic on January 15 at 7 pm at the gency management and com- teachers, specialists and volunteers The involvement of mothers in the activities. Education City campus of Geor- munication, critical thinking, getown University in Qatar. The and technical skills that program provides working position them for success in professionals the critical skills their organisation.” and industry knowledge Alumni of the International needed to prepare for and Executive Master’s in Emer- respond to a wide variety of gency & Disaster Management emergency and disaster situa- represent a wide range of tions across borders. fields, from first response, Through a unique blend of health, and human and social virtual learning and critical services, to military, planning, hands-on experience during public policy, and government, five international residencies, and have included leading students will learn from leading figures from Ooredoo, Qatar’s experts in the field and will be Ministry of Public Health, Min- equipped to plan for and istry of Defense, and the Min- respond to natural, techno- istry of Interior, among other logical, and man-made dis- prestigious organizations. asters, said Georgetown Uni- The January 15 information versity in a press release session at the Georgetown yesterday. building’s Executive Program The program is led by Suite will provide insights Faculty Director & Professor of about the program’s on-site the Practice Tim Frazier, Ph.D., residencies around the world, a leading expert on emergency curriculum, requirements, fees, preparedness and disaster career outlook, and more. It is response. open to the public and reser- Participants during an event organised by QSRSN for people with disabilities. “Organisations require the vations are not required. MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 HOME 05 Qatar, Bulgaria sign agreement Qatar takes part in Conference of the States Parties to Arab Convention against Corruption

QNA — DOHA In his speech, H E ACTA President reviewed the experience of the State of Qatar in combating The State of Qatar participated corruption, stressing the development of the in the third session of the national legislative and institutional system to Conference of the States Parties to the Arab Convention against enhance integrity and transparency, and highlighting Corruption, which was hosted best practices related to the implementation of the by the Kingdom of Morocco, Arab Convention against corruption. with a delegation headed by President of the Administrative Control and Transparency The head of Qatar’s dele- anti-corruption bodies, on Authority (ACTA) H E Hamad gation pointed to the launch of strengthening bilateral coop- bin Nasser Al Missned. the “Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad eration and exchanging expe- In his speech, H E ACTA Al Thani Anti-Corruption Excel- riences, where some delega- President reviewed the expe- lence Award” in 2016, which is tions expressed the desire to get rience of the State of Qatar in awarded annually on the Inter- briefed on Qatar’s experience combating corruption, stressing national Anti-Corruption Day in fighting corruption and the development of the national on December 9 every year and benefit from it. legislative and institutional awarded for those who con- The conference witnessed system to enhance integrity and tributed to the global campaign the participation of several transparency, and highlighting against corruption. He heads of anti-corruption best practices related to the explained that that the biggest bodies in the States Parties to implementation of the Arab purpose of this award is to the Arab Convention Against Convention against serve as a tool that highlights Corruption, and the presence Corruption. ideal procedures and good of regional and international Al Missned touched on the practices globally as well as organizations, including the efforts of the State of Qatar to appreciating, promoting, and Council of Arab Interior Min- support the international com- disseminating anti-corruption isters, the Cooperation Council munity, including the adoption models from all over the world. for the Arab Gulf States, the of a mechanism to review the He added that the award aims Arab Parliament, the United The State of Qatar and the Republic of Bulgaria signed yesterday an agreement for cooperation in the implementation of the United to raise awareness, support, Nations Development field of education, scientific research and technology. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Nations Convention against and solidarity to fight cor- Program, and the UNODC. Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi, and the Minister of Corruption in 2009, the Doha ruption, pointing out that the The conference issued Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria, Krasimir Valchev, during a meeting here, yesterday. Declaration in 2015, and the fourth edition of the award was several decisions and recom- Global Program for the Imple- held in the Republic of Rwanda mendations to enhance mentation of the Doha Decla- in December. regional cooperation and ration in cooperation with the On the sidelines of the con- opened up new work horizons Culture Ministry, QFFD sign MoU to United Nations Office on Drugs ference, President of ACTA to unify efforts between anti- and Crime (UNODC), as well as Hamad bin Nasser Al Missned corruption bodies in the States the establishment of the “Global held several bilateral meetings Parties to Arab Convention support Syrian refugee children Judicial Integrity Network.” with the counterpart heads of Against Corruption. THE PENINSULA — DOHA Fair in its 30th edition, by Jordan, according to which Ibrahim Abdulrahim Al Bou- various books are purchased The Ministry of Culture and hashem, Director of the Forum from the Doha Book Fair and Chief of Staff meets US Commander Sports, represented by the Qatar for Qatar Publishers and Distrib- then sent to Syrian refugee Publishers and Distributors utors, and Khalifa bin Jassim Al children. Forum, signed a memorandum Kuwari, Director General of the Doha International Book of understanding (MoU) with Qatar Fund for Development. Fair, which started on January Qatar Fund for Development The MoU aims to enhance 9 and will conclude on January (QFFD) to support the cultural cultural and educational support 18, includes many cultural activ- activities of Syrian refugees and for humanitarian and devel- ities and events, with the partic- displaced children in Turkey, opment work, in order to ipation of 335 Arab and foreign Jordan, and Lebanon. support the dissemination of publishing houses, and the The agreement was signed education among Syrian refugee French Republic is the guest of at the Doha International Book children in Turkey, Lebanon and honor of the Fair this year. Aster launches health scheme for low income workers FAZEENA SALEEM are working on to expand the The ‘Essential Benefit The Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces, H E Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al THE PENINSULA plan to other clinics and cover Ghanem, met yesterday with Lieutenant General H E Joseph Guastella Commander of US Air Forces Plan’ scheme aims to chronic illnesses in the Central Command at Al Udeid Air Base. They discussed military relations between the two sides and Aster DMH Qatar, in a new cater around 25,000 future,” said Dr Moopan. ways to enhance and develop them. A number of senior commanders of the Qatari Armed Forces initiative, has launched a Senior officials from Aster blue collar workers attended the meeting. healthcare scheme for low DMH Qatar, representatives income workers. The scheme from countries of Bangladesh, Nepal, and will provide access to including India, Sri India embassy in Qatar were unlimited doctor consultation, Lanka, Bangladesh present at the event. over 50 testes and medicine, “We urge the people of the Closing ceremony of ‘Doha OIC Youth Capital said officials at Aster DMH and Nepal, said Dr low income brackets to make Qatar, yesterday. Sameer Moopan, Chief good use of this health 2019’ will be held on sidelines of DIBF The ‘Essential Benefit Plan’ package being offered at Aster scheme aims to cater around Executive Officer, Medical Centre at Industrial THE PENINSULA — DOHA views, and to discuss a group of clubs in the Department of Youth 25,000 blue collar workers Aster DMH Qatar. Area. Early diagnosis is very pioneering youth projects and Affairs at the Ministry of Culture from countries including critical in the treatment of any The organising committee of experiences, with the aim of and Sports, said: “The ‘Doha - India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh disease. By offering the right ‘Doha OIC Youth Capital 2019’ drawing lessons. The Capital of Islamic Youth and Nepal, said Dr Sameer We will use our CSR fund of diagnosis and free medication, activities is participating in the He pointed out that the activ- 2019’ pavilion shows artworks Moopan, Chief Executive QR2.5million for the scheme,” we hope to make quality 30th edition of the Doha Inter- ities meet with the strategy of the winning in the Photography Officer, Aster DMH Qatar he added. healthcare accessible to all,” national Book Fair, with a Ministry of Culture and Sports, Award, the Fine Arts Award, and while addressing a press con- According to Dr Moopan, said Dr Nazar Moopan, number of events including inno- which is based on empowering the Doha Oasis For Innovation ference held at Hotel Oryx the beneficiaries of the Medical Director and Chief of vations, short videos, and young people by giving them Award Participation in Doha, the Rotana. healthcare scheme will have Medical Staff of Aster DMH paintings. opportunities to take responsi- capital of Islamic youth and “We are very pleased to access to consultation, tests Qatar. Through the plan ben- The distinguished partici- bility and participate in many other works.” announce the new initiative and medication for acute eficiaries will be able to get pants in ‘Doha - The Capital of decision-making. Meanwhile, the Ministry of for the welfare of low waged illnesses. doctor consultation, major Islamic Youth’ activities will “The ‘Doha OIC Youth Capital Culture and Sports launched on workers. This project aims at Blue collar workers and diagnostic investigations, attend the closing ceremony of 2019’ activities gave the youth an Saturday the ‘Planting Trees’ wellness of the people who who earn less than QR 2500 basic treatments and pay QR this event, which will be held on opportunity to build, innovate and event within the ‘Doha OIC Youth cannot afford to go for such per month are eligible to 10 for medicines at each visit the sidelines of the Doha Inter- participate actively in the issues Capital 2019’ activities, in coop- tests in private sector. This benefit from the scheme. They to the clinic. national Book Fair (DIBF), and of their nation,” Al Hur added. eration with the Ministry of scheme will immensely help can obtain the healthcare “However, patients with then will hand over the key of the “Doha is a land for dialogue and Municipality and Environment. patients who are financially scheme by presenting their pre existing chronic illnesses main event ‘Doha OIC Youth a forum for cultures, tolerance The ‘Planting Trees’ event challenged and those who are Qatar ID at the Aster Clinic in such as diabetes and high Capital 2019’ to the next host and openness to civilizations,” Al aims to commemorate Doha’s on a wait list to get an the Industrial Area. blood pressure will be able to country. Hur said, adding that, this hosting of the activities of Doha advanced early diagnosis and “Initially the plan will be get a free medical consul- Dr Issa Al Hur, Head of Youth appeared during various events OIC Youth Capital 2019, to treatments,” said Dr Moopan. available at the Aster Clinic in tation,” said Nikhil Joseph, Development and Empow- throughout the year. “Youth promote sustainable devel- “The actual annual cost of the Industrial Area and benefit CRM Manager, Aster DMH erment Section at the Ministry of events strengthened the bonds of opment to achieve the Qatar the scheme is QR300. But DM patients with acute illnesses Qatar. Patients in need of Culture and Sports, said: “The friendship and respect that unite National Vision 2030, to foundation, CSR arm of Aster as they count for more than orthopedics and ophthal- Ministry of Culture and Sports Qatar with other countries of the emphasize the value of planting DM Healthcare, will contribute 90% of hospital visits by blue mology will be referred to the has provided all its capabilities Islamic world.” in the Islamic religion, and to QR100 from its CSR initiatives. collar workers. However, we Aster Clinic in C Ring Road. and experiences to organize a For his part, Fawaz Al Mas- achieve institutional partnerships distinguished event for ‘‘Doha ifari, head of youth centers and between ministries. OIC Youth Capital 2019’, under the supervision and organization of the Qatar Cultural and Heritage Events Center.” “The activities of the ‘Doha OIC Youth Capital 2019’ included the launch of Doha Youth Innovation Award, Doha Islamic Youth Forum, Doha Oasis for Innovation and Doha Youth Camp for Vol- untary and Humanitarian Work,” he said. Al Hur further said that the events reflected an appropriate envi- ronment for acquaintance Nikhil Joseph, CRM Manager at Aster DMH Qatar; Dr Sameer Moopan, CEO; Dr Nazar Moopan, Medical between young people Director, and Nitin Premkumar, Clinic Operations Manager, during a press conference held to announce from the Islamic world, the launch of healthcare scheme at Oryx Rotana, yesterday. where they were allowed PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA to dialogue and exchange 06 HOME MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 French pavilion breathes life into Age of Enlightenment at Doha International Book Fair RAYNALD C RIVERA France’s major THE PENINSULA participation in the 10-day book fair being The intellectual exuberance of the Age of Enlightenment when held at Doha Exhibition reason and advancing ideals and Convention Center dominated thinkers, academics and truth seekers during the is deeply aligned with 18th century Europe comes Qatar-France 2020 alive at the 30th Doha Interna- Year of Culture which tional Book Fair through the pavilion of France – the fair’s officially launched on guest of honour. Friday. France’s major participation in the 10-day book fair being Ambassador of France to Qatar, held at Doha Exhibition and Franck Gellet, speaking to local Gellet pointed out that the The French pavilion at the 30th Doha International Book Fair being held at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) is media at the French pavilion. concept of the French pavilion Convention Center. PICS: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA deeply aligned with Qatar- parallels with the book fair’s France 2020 Year of Culture Fair which, in its 30th edition, theme which is “Do you then which officially launched on marks quite a remarkable not ponder?” monuments in the stage when Antoinette during the French met with enthusiastic response Friday. achievement,” said Franck “We on the French side they were built. This is done by Revolution. from visitors since its launch in “It is a great honour for Gellet, Ambassador of France decided to take the same theme the Center for National Monu- “With the HistoPad of the 2013. “We have registered an France to have been identified to Qatar while speaking to local from the Age of Enlightenment, ments (CMN) — the authority Conciergerie, we were able to increase in audience in a lot of as the guest of honour this media at the opening of the a time in our intellectual history which has the task to preserve reconstruct all the rooms as heritage sites that we equipped. year’s Doha International Book book fair. when philosophers, academics, the monuments in France and they were in the past, back in For example the first one we writers thought a lot about what has also published many books the Middle Ages and the French equipped which was the Castle reason could bring to on the historical heritage of Revolution,” she said, adding of William the Conqueror knowledge and wisdom,” he France,” he added. that using the HistoPad visitors started with 35,000 visitors per said. Histovery, a French see a 360-degree recon- year, three years after they have He said visitors to the company which provides struction of the place. 80,000 so it’s more than pavilion would not only enjoy cutting-edge technology to “The visitors will be able to doubled,” she said. an array of books on the Age of showcase monuments, understand the function of each “We are very glad to Enlightenment but also a museums, and tourist sites has room as they walk in. They will introduce it here. In France, it number of other interesting fea- worked with CMN to offer vis- be able to understand the great has gained a lot of success. We tures such as an exhibition of itors “augmented visit” to mon- arts of Middle Ages - the fact are always developing at least ancient books from that period uments using their tablet called that Middle Ages was a time full four to five projects a year and from the Qatar National Library HistoPad. of colours in Europe, or the fact we would love to work in this (QNL) collection, some of which “In France we use the new that during the French Revo- region,” she added. were being translated to Arabic. digital media to attract more lution they had several different Presented in partnership Coffee table books on visitors inside museums and ways of living in the prisons in with FNAC, QNL and CMN, the French historical monuments monuments,” said Mathilde France and so on,” she French pavilion also holds lec- and classics of 18th century Michaut of Histovery, adding explained. tures as well as workshops for luminaries from Voltaire to that they are presenting for the So far, they have already children. The venue of the book Jean-Jacques Rousseau to Denis first time in Qatar the HistoPad produced HistoPads for 15 mon- fair has been decked up fea- Diderot are among the books of the Conciergerie. uments in France, the most turing some elements of French on show in the pavilion. The Conciergerie is the famous of which are the architecture. Visitors will feel “They will also see an inter- oldest remaining part of the Chateau de Chambord, Pope’s like in a Paris square with cafes Mathilde Michaut of Histovery with the HistoPad of the Conciergerie esting presentation of new Palais de la Cité, the royal res- Palace in Avignon and the Con- where they can enjoy a good being showcased at the French pavilion at the 30th Doha International digital technology by which it idence of the kings of France ciergerie in Paris, she added. coffee with the book they have Book Fair held at DECC. is now possible to virtually visit and the prison of Marie The new platform has been just purchased. 14-year-old among PHCC releases documentary on ‘Screen for Life’ The documentary, made in Arabic with English subtitles, new HBKU Press helps viewers understand the program’s achievements, the authors at DIBF people involved, its screening THE PENINSULA — DOHA animation. suites and the screening Dalal is by no means the process. The documentary One of Hamad Bin Khalifa only member of her family to can be seen in PHCC health University Press’ (HBKU Press) have been bitten by the literary key objectives is to provide a bug. Her mother is Muneera centers in Al Wakra, Leabaib literary platform for as many Saad Al-Romaihi whose pre- and Rawdat Al Khail and on local and Arab voices as vious works include Manal’s possible. To assist, the World, Angry Majid, I Look Like ‘Screen for Life’ social media publishing house consistently the Moon, Monsters Are Afraid channels, including YouTube. supports new authors in finding of Mama, and her latest title, their voices while ensuring that Child of My Heart. The best- their creative content is selling HBKU Press children’s THE PENINSULA — DOHA distributed to as wide and author is rightly proud of her The documentary outlines suites, the screening process, success and potential of the relevant an audience as daughter’s first book, as well as In a move to mark the achievements of screening program. possible. Age is no barrier to this her creativity, drive to succeed ‘Screen for Life’ Program, Primary Health important mission, a point and determination to realise her Care Corporation has released a 10-minute amply demonstrated by one of dreams. documentary which outlines the expanded complete privacy for males and females Health Strategy 2018-2022. HBKU Press’ youngest and “As an author, I’m inspired suites, the screening process, success and visitors. Commenting on the launch of the brightest talents to be show- that there are many children potential of the program. The documentary is also enriched by documentary, Dr Abu Shaikha, Manager cased at Doha International like Dalal whose love for liter- The documentary, made in Arabic with testimonials by PHCC officials including of Screening Programs at PHCC said, Book Fair 2020. ature is evident. I’m also grateful English subtitles, helps viewers understand Dr Mariam Abdulmalik, Director General “We want as many people as possible Among the eight new that HBKU Press so nobly nur- the program’s achievements, the people and Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, Manager to get to know more about this poten- authors to have joined the tures these young talents,” involved, its screening suites and the of Screening Programs. Testimonials were tially life-saving program and what it HBKU Press family over the past Muneera said. screening process. also made by Chef Aisha Al Tamimi, a has achieved and can achieve if people year is Dalal Ghanim Al HBKU Press was delighted The documentary can be seen in PHCC breast cancer survivor and a supporter take up the regular screening offer. It is Romaihi. The 14-year-old Qatar to host Dalal at its booth at Doha health centers in Al Wakra, Leabaib and of the Program; and TV anchor Aqeel important that people realise that Academy student’s first foray International Book Fair 2020, Rawdat Al Khail and on ‘Screen for Life’ Saleh Al Janahi, the Program regular screening saves lives. There is into the world of literature - where she read extracts and social media channels, including YouTube. ambassador. almost a 100% survival rate from breast Where Is My Teacher? - is a signed copies of Where Is My It will also be used as content to support The population-based ‘Screen for Life cancer when it is caught at an early delightfully inventive tale that Teacher? The big question is PHCC’s participation at conferences and program aims to promote education, stage, while the survival rate from bowel is inspired by her own love of whether Dalal found her teacher events. awareness and early detection of breast cancer is around 90% when caught reading. The premise is simple: in time? If you did not make it The documentary explains in details and bowel cancer – the most commonly early. Dalal’s teacher is missing and along to the reading, there is the screening process for breast and diagnosed cancers in Qatar and a leading “The documentary will help us further the possibilities of where she only one way to find out! bowel cancer and how quick it is, it also cause of death among men and women disseminate this important message and could be are endless. What Where Is My Teacher? by presents the special features of the suites in the State. It is conducted under Qatar’s we encourage all citizens to view it and follows is a wildly imaginative Dalal Ghanim Al-Romaihi is especially the state of art equipment, the National Cancer Program and in encourage their friends and families to do journey that takes readers on a published in English and can welcoming and professional staff, and the accordance with the country’s National the same.” literary adventure where they be purchased from the HBKU are immersed in a new world Press Bookstore in the College on every page. Her mission is of Islamic Studies building in HEC Paris in Qatar vividly brought to life by Nikos Education City, FNAC book- Yanopulos, a Greek illustrator stores across Qatar, and is alumni highlight benefits with an already-impressive available on Amazon Kindle as background in literary an eBook. of specialised Master Degree Program

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HEC Paris, ranked number 3 worldwide in Executive Education by the Financial Times in 2019, held a ‘Meet the Alumni’ event where alumni members shared their expe- riences with potential participants and prepared them to embark on a learning An alumnus sharing his experiences during ‘Meet the Alumni’ event. journey through the Specialised Master in Strategic Business Unit Management (SBUM) Degree Program. Hussain, class of 2018; Hammad Al Hassan, gives participants a unique opportunity to The event took place at the HEC Paris class of 2019 and Emad Naser, class of 2020. learn best global practices that will help Doha campus, in Tornado Tower, and The alumni also guided attendees them enhance their leadership skills and Where Is My Teacher? by Dalal Ghanim Al-Romaihi is a delightfully alumni members in attendance included through the wide-ranging benefits of the transform their careers. The next intake for inventive tale that takes readers on a literary adventure. Cristina Porumb, class of 2016; Yassir Specialised Master’s Degree Program which the SBUM 2021 Class starts on January 23. MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 HOME 07 DIBF hosts seminar on media’s role in shaping reality

QNA — DOHA

Within the cultural program of the 30th Doha International Book Fair, Al Jazeera Center for Studies organised a Professor Mohamed seminar on the role of media in shaping Kirat talked about media and synthesizing reality, attended by a large group of visitors to the exhi- institutions’ policies, goals, bition held at the Doha Exhibition and mission, and strategy as a Convention Center. socio-cultural and religious Professor of Public Relations and Mass Communication at Qatar Uni- climate, pointing out that versity, Mohamed Kirat; a researcher when conflicts occur, at Al Jazeera Center for Studies, Dr. media institutions provide Liqa Makki; and Professor of Jour- nalism at the Doha Institute for only what they want and Graduate Studies, Dr. Nawaf Al Tamimi, not what the public wants. attended the seminar. Professor Mohamed Kirat talked about media institutions’ policies, goals, mission, and strategy as a socio- to the truth to appear to be public cultural and religious climate, pointing opinion, while the real public opinion Professor of Public Relations and Mass Communication at Qatar University, Mohamed Kirat; a researcher at Al Jazeera out that when conflicts occur, media is marginalised, as the virtual reality Center for Studies, Dr. Liqa Makki; and Professor of Journalism at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Dr. Nawaf Al institutions provide only what they is destroyed so that the right is misled Tamimi, during the seminar at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. want and not what the public wants. by falsehood and the real public He also touched on global media opinion becomes strange while the blocs that have become affecting the fake and artificial public opinion is is easy to persuade and direct, and the and recipient, so that everyone language mistakes in social media. media industry, pointing to the synthesized and exported as an alter- opposition, which should be adopted becomes a messenger and receiver at The workshop sought to make the presence of interference from coun- native. He pointed out that the political either by enticement or the same time, the consequence of participants familiar with the most tries to influence the objectivity and authority that previously controlled intimidation. which is that the public issue that pol- common language mistakes and to credibility of the media to achieve its the media, and with media openness In turn, Dr. Mekki spoke about the iticians used to take over has become acquire them the correct writing skill political goals. and multimedia, it worked to dissect impact of modern developments and a public matter for others. with a simple and brief under- Dr. Nawaf Al Tamimi indicated that public opinion, so it was divided with technologies in the media on the com- Also, the Doha International Book standing of the relevant grammatical some create a reality that is contrary two parts, a loyal public opinion that munication circle, which was a sender Fair hosted a workshop on common rules. WCM-Q workshops boost biostatistical research in Qatar

THE PENINSULA — DOHA researchers who are able to effi- ciently use statistical software to A series of workshops run by Weill apply advanced statistical analysis Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) methods can derive extremely rich showed healthcare professionals and meaningful insights from their from several institutions how to use research projects. The workshops computer software to analyse data are an extremely important step to by applying advanced biostatistical increase research output from techniques to enhance the quality of healthcare professionals in Qatar. their research projects. The participants not only showed The three-workshop series, great enthusiasm but were also able offered at beginner, intermediate to master the skills we demonstrated, and advanced levels, demonstrated so we were very pleased with the Children with their parents during the ‘Hands-On Robotics Workshop’ at Qatar how to organize, analyse and outcome of the activity.” National Library. interpret medical data collected for WCM-Q facilitators at the work- Dr. Ziyad Mahfoud, WCM-Q Associate research projects with maximum shops supported the learners to help Professor of Healthcare Policy and efficiency, helping them to gain the them understand the concepts dis- Research most useful insights possible from cussed and to use the software. The Technology & mathematics at play their investigations. Participants who facilitation team comprised Deema completed all three workshops and testing, trend analysis, forecasting Al Sheikhly, Soha Dargham, Padma- during robotics workshop at QNL passed a test at the end of each one and predictive analytics. The partic- kumari Sarada, Syed Latifi and Mark received the Certificate of Analysis ipants also used the analytical Healy. THE PENINSULA — DOHA time, said, “I plan to pursue computer in Medical Data. software to work through a number Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, Senior programming as a career in the future, Coordinated by WCM-Q’s of case studies to gain hands-on Associate Dean for Medical Edu- Children and their parents enjoyed an and attending these workshops at the Division of Continuing Profession experience. cation and Continuing Professional afternoon of hi-tech fun and education Library is a good way to get a head start Development (CPD), the workshops Associate Professor of Healthcare Development at WCM-Q, said: “This at Qatar National Library when they in preparing to succeed in that phase of were aimed at physicians, nurses, Policy and Research at WCM-Q, Dr. workshop series was carefully participated in the ‘Hands-On Robotics my life.” dentists, pharmacists, allied health Ziyad Mahfoud was one of the course designed to equip researchers across Workshop.’ Balsam Nawari, who accompanied professionals, students, researchers leaders of the workshops and the several different health and educa- Organised in collaboration with her son to the workshop, said, “Holding and educators. Participants were main expert speaker at the events. tional professions with some really London Academy STEM Education Center educational workshops makes the Library shown how to use software plat- He said: “In the era of big data and useful tools to help them get the most recently, participants combined their highly attractive for everyone in Qatar forms that offer advanced hypothesis shortage of biostatistical support, from the data they collect, giving knowledge in technology and mathe- not only to visit, but to learn something them the chance to draw the most matics and used the ‘drag-and-drop’ new. I bring my children to the Library useful conclusions from their work. learning approach to build robots during often so they can benefit from the books, This has the potential to translate the event. digital resources and events, and also to into better healthcare outcomes for Hamad Darwish, who was partici- meet with their friends in a positive patients in the long-term, as well as pating in such a workshop for the first environment.” adding to the body of knowledge available to the scientific community.” The three activities, titled Intro- ductory, Intermediate and Advanced Applied Biostatistics for Health Care Professionals, were accredited locally by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners-Accredi- tation Department (QCHP-AD) and internationally by the Accreditation Participants at the WCM-Q biostatistics for healthcare professionals workshop Council for Continuing Medical Edu- listen to a session. cation (ACCME). Exhibition at VCUarts Qatar to combine art and music

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The Gallery at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) in Education City will be hosting an exhibition that combines augmented reality, art, and the music of Johann Sebastian Bach from an album by acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, to give visitors a unique and immersive audio-visual gallery experience. The opening reception for the exhibition, titled, “Into the Light” will take place at 6pm on January 15, and will start with a panel discussion titled, “Art + Tech- nology: How do artists use it to shape their craft and the way their audiences experience it?” All are welcome to attend, said VCUarts Qatar in a press release The opening reception for the exhibition, titled, ‘Into the yesterday. Light’ will take place at 6pm on January 15. At the exhibition, visitors will be provided with aug- mented reality handsets and headphones that will immerse them in a world of 3D art and classical music “Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor” will be that responds to their movements. played through the provided headphones. This work is Artist Sougwen Chung created six original 3D from Ma’s 2018 recording, Six Evolutions. drawings and sculptures to blend virtual and The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. physical spaces. Visitors to the exhibition can point Bahaaeldin Abudaya, Senior Curator of Contem- the provided handsets at her artwork which is porary Art, Fire Station Artists in Residence; with accompanied by the recordings of Yo-Yo Ma that Jessica Brillhart, the Director of the Mixed Reality matches the user’s movement in relation to the given Lab at the University of Southern California’s Institute artwork. for Creative Technologies, and the founder of the The six pieces of art will be on display in the Gallery independent XR studio, Vrai Pictures; and Myriam and surroundings, allowing the visitors to move freely Achard, Chief, New Media Partnerships and PR at around the area using the augmented reality handsets, Centre Phi. while listening to the music. The exhibition will run from January 15 to Yo-Yo Ma’s rendition of Johann Sebastian Bach’s February 22. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] EDITORIAL Trump is wrong. The US New beginning MIDDLE East’s longest-serving ruler, H M Sultan does need Middle East oil Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur, who transformed the Sul- tanate of Oman into a modern state is no more. By care- fully balancing diplomatic ties during conflicts, the great those countries to take a bigger depend is coming into relief. The visionary leader had played a key role in establishing role in protecting oil flows US imposed sanctions on Vene- peace and stability in the region. through the strait. zuelan oil exports in January The tweet of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al But the shipments to the US 2019 and Mexico and Colombia Thani expressing sadness on his departure and the cannot be dismissed so easily. are facing declining output as a three days of mourning in Qatar highlighted the great Individually, the country is the result of a lack of new position he has in the minds of Qatari people. By his fifth-biggest buyer of Middle investment. For now, while demise, Qatar has lost an utmost trustworthy person, JULIAN LEE Eastern crude. Of course its Canada remains the biggest sup- and partner in peace making, who placed predominant BLOOMBERG imports from the region have plier to the US, the Middle East consideration on the supreme interest of the Gulf, Arab tumbled as domestic oil pro- delivers most of the rest. and Islamic values in all steps ahead. duction soared with the shale That brings me to the second The bilateral ties between Qatar and Oman rose to President Donald Trump was booms, as shown in the chart reason that the US remains new heights during his time. Qatar will ever remember wrong last week when he said below. But the countries of the dependent on oil flows from the him not just as the leader of the Sultanate of Oman but that the US doesn’t need Middle Gulf still account for one in every Gulf - and why it will remain so as a true friend who shared common vision and posi- East oil. For one thing, US eight barrels of crude imported even if it buys none of the tions with Qatar’s leadership throughout the past refiners still need to process it to into the US. region’s exports. Prices. decades. make the products their As my Bloomberg News col- No matter where oil from the The wisdom and vision of Sultan Qaboos led Oman customers want. What’s league Sheela Tobben wrote here, Middle East is sold, the volume to prosperity and it helped shape Oman’s policy of non- more, America’s car drivers and before the shale boom began, US coming out of the region still has interference and diplomatic balancing. Oman rose to truckers need it to keep flowing Gulf coast refiners invested mil- a profound impact on crude the position as a reliable mediator under his ruling and or else they’ll face higher prices lions of dollars revamping their prices as well as those of gasoline helped in settling many disputes and defusing tensions at their local gas pump. plants to process relatively and diesel fuel. Nowhere is that in this region. Trump made his assertion cheap heavy crude from the more true than in the US, where One of Oman’s remarkable achievements in its medi- Four Asian during an address from the Middle East and Latin America low taxes on fuels mean their ation process, was the (P5+1) agreement in 2015 with White House after Iran launched into the low-sulfur products prices are much more responsive Iran on its nuclear programme. And his bold decisions countries a barrage of missiles at two air- demanded by local consumers. to movements in global crude. further cemented Oman’s strategic ability to be a facil- - China, India, bases in Iraq used by the US mil- Since 2012, they have rejigged The national average price of itator and even a mediator. It is noteworthy that Oman Japan and itary and amid fears of an esca- their facilities again to process regular unleaded gasoline is a close partner to both the US and Iran and also lation in attacks on key oil infra- higher proportions of the type of jumped by 10 US cents a gallon mediated talks on various conflicts between them. South Korea structure in the region, including light, sweet oil that is extracted - the biggest two-day increase in The visit of H H the Amir to the Sultanate of Oman - bought two- potentially the flow of oil through from shale formations. Much was more than two years - to offer condolences on the death of H M Sultan Qaboos thirds of all the Strait of Hormuz - a narrow made of America’s oil inde- after attacks in September on bin Said bin Taimur is highly promising. After all, the neck of water that connects the pendence when the country Saudi oil installations, even visit will also help further strengthen ties under H M the crude and Gulf to the open seas. posted the first full month as a though the world’s biggest oil Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. condensate It’s certainly true that very net exporter of crude and exporter was quick to reassure The words of H M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said from the little of the crude produced in the petroleum products since gov- customers that there would be in his first public remarks sound auspicious in view of Gulf region now finds its way to ernment records began in 1949. no disruption to supplies. the ongoing regional turmoils and also in view of the region. If you refineries in the US Less than 5% That became apparent at the end For now, the killing of Iran’s prosperous Qatar-Oman ties. add in the rest of the 16.5 million barrels a day of November, when monthly data General Qassem Soleimani and “We will follow the same line as the late Sultan, and of Asia, that of crude and condensate - a light for September were published. Iran’s responses so far have had the principles that he asserted for the foreign policy of form of oil pumped from gas The feat was repeated in October. a smaller, but still noticeable our country, of peaceful coexistence among nations figure rises to fields - that flowed through But one shouldn’t lose sight of impact on US gas prices - even and people, and good neighborly behaviour of non- more than 80%. Hormuz in 2019 went to the fact that this new status as a without any explicit Iranian interference in the affairs of others,” said H M Sultan American refineries, according to net exporter is driven by ship- threat to regional oil flows. Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. The day of his departure was tanker tracking data compiled by ments of refined products. The If the mere prospect of a dis- sad for Qatar, but it represents a new beginning with Bloomberg. US continues to import more ruption to Gulf oil flows can the new Sultan. By contrast, four Asian coun- crude than it ships out. It is inflate US gas prices, imagine tries - China, India, Japan and solidly linked into the global oil what a real disruption, much less South Korea - bought two-thirds market and will remain so. an outright halt, would do. No of all the crude and condensate And with tension now flaring president would want that risk from the region. If you add in the with Iran, the fact that there during an election year and in rest of Asia, that figure rises to are fewer sources from which to that sense, the current incumbent more than 80%. Little wonder import the heavy, sour crude of the White House is no different then that Trump is calling on on which Gulf coast refineries from his predecessors. D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Efforts to tackle child poverty should be supported seamlessly EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 JAPAN NEWS YOMIURI in households with annual and childbirth through to divided systems is crucial. FAX: +974 4455 7758 disposable incomes of less independence. It is essential that the situ- It is desired that children from than 1.22 million yen, which is By grasping the whole ation faced by children be MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 families that are struggling half the national median. The picture of parents who are assessed accurately and then financially can also grow up rate improved from the 2012 forced to lead hard lives with detailed support measures be DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 without having to worry survey due to economic young children, the outline is taken. about the basic needs of food, recovery, but it remains high. intended to support their lives In particular, consider- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 clothing and housing. Local Not a few children have in general. It includes ation is needed for single- governments and commu- difficulty buying school sup- measures such as subsidizing parent households, which are BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 nities are urged to work plies and cannot afford to eat school lunch fees for ele- mainly single-mother fam- together to create an envi- balanced meals. As their envi- mentary and junior high ilies. According to a national SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 ronment conducive to this. ronment does not allow them school students and survey, about 35% of such The government has to study calmly, they could be improving consultation respondents had the expe- ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 revised its policy outline on at a disadvantage when pur- systems to prevent high rience of being unable to buy email: [email protected] fighting child poverty for the suing higher education or school dropouts. Steady food in the past year. first time in five years. The seeking employment. implementation is urged for Measures should be PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 outline stresses the need for The cycle of poverty that these measures. improved to support single email: [email protected] society as a whole to tackle is passed from parents to In municipalities, there is parents such as in finding jobs the issue rather than leaving children must be ended. Cre- more than one division in and acquiring skills to enable ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 the responsibility up to the ating a society in which all charge of matters related to them to earn a stable income. FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] families alone. children can have hope will children, such as boards of In their tax reform outline, According to government likely help maintain the education and welfare sec- the ruling parties have CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 statistics, the relative poverty vitality of the nation. tions. It is said that support decided to apply a “deduction email: [email protected] rate among children in Japan The new outline is charac- tends to be cut off at each for widows” that reduces was 13.9% in 2015. This is the terized by seamless support stage of children’s growth. income tax to single parents SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 share of children for children from pregnancy Eliminating such vertically who are unmarried as well. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar It's a plural government, a coalition government whose firm intention is unity. It will speak /Peninsula_Qatar with several voices but always with the same /ThePeninsulaNewspaper message. Pedro Sanchez, Spanish Prime Minister +974 6698 6188 MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 OPINION 09 The Iraqi people will pay the price for Iran-US rivalry, again

from the political classes’ any kind. That Iran took the legal ambiguity following unpopularity and their lion’s share of opprobrium in the resignation of Adil appalling security response. All protest messaging is a Abdul-Mahdi’s government of this changed over the last reflection of the greater role in December. The two weeks beginning with the that Iran has had in Iraq rather momentum built by the attack on the K-1 airbase in However, today than of pro-American sen- protesters had effectively Kirkuk, which led to the death timent among the protesters. turned the street into a par- FANAR HADDAD of one US contractor and the a binary of anti- However, today a binary of ticipant in those AL JAZEERA injuries of several US troops, Americanism and anti-Americanism and anti- negotiations. the subsequent US air raids on Iranianism is being instrumen- The current crisis has pro-Iran militias and the anti-Iranianism talised and imposed on the not fundamentally changed It has been all too easy for the breach of the United States’s is being Iraqi public discourse in an that fact and the protest media coverage to ignore embassy compound that attempt to prioritise Iran-US movement is as adamant Iraq’s ongoing protest followed. instrumentalised rivalries, rally pro-Iranian on the necessity of systemic movement. The assassination Indeed the demonstration and imposed on forces and outflank the protest change as ever before. They of General Qassem Soleimani, that led to the attack on the the Iraqi public movement. may have lost the limelight the head of the Quds Force of embassy was the first instance The discussions that fol- and political priority but Not only has the Iran’s Islamic Republican of a successful counter-protest discourse in lowed Soleimani’s assassi- the movement remains rel- Guard Corps (IRCG), has placed by Iran-leaning factions who an attempt to nation have often centred on evant to the government recent crisis Iraq at the centre of an inter- had tried and failed to do so on the morality of the act and formation process and an enabled a shift in national geopolitical crisis that a number of occasions since prioritise Iran-US whether or not the Iranian important variable in Iraqi could see the country turn into October. rivalries, rally pro- general deserved to die. politics. This is as relevant the narrative away the front lines in a war it Not only has the recent However, the questions of to the Iraqi political classes from the protest neither wants nor is able to crisis enabled a shift in the Iranian forces and whether or not it was nec- as it is to Iran’s future plans movement, but prevent. narrative away from the outflank the protest essary and what strategic gains in Iraq. One of the early casualties protest movement, but the were made are far more Bina’, one of the largest the Iraqi political of the recent escalation in US- Iraqi political classes have now movement. important. parliamentary coalitions classes have now Iranian tensions has been the been presented with a more In itself, Soleimani’s death and the one closest to Iran, protest movement. Events immediate set of issues that Long-standing tensions risk will neither change Iran’s have repeatedly had their been presented with leading up to Soleimani’s will likely see them prioritising being exacerbated: between regional policy nor will it nominees for the pre- a more immediate assassination had already the placation of Iran over the centre and periphery, between weaken its network of hybrid miership blocked by public bumped the protesters off the placation of the protesters. For pro-Iranian and anti-Iranian, forces. The most immediate pressure. Though their base set of issues that news cycle and, more impor- example, the populist mes- between the political elite and consequence of the assassi- has been galvanised by will likely see them tantly, had given their oppo- saging of Shia cleric Muqtada the forces of change, and nation thus far has been to recent events, it is unlikely nents what they had been al-Sadr, who leads one of the within the political elite itself. strengthen Iran’s hand in Iraq. that Bina’, or the political prioritising the searching for in vain since largest political blocs in par- Iraqi social media is increas- Combined with the seeming classes more generally, will placation of Iran over October: a counter-cause to liament, has clearly shifted ingly littered with accusations absence of strategic thinking find it easy to simply have the placation of the rally around and push back away from its previous focus of treason between anti- on the issue in Washington, their way today in the con- with. on the protests and the need American and anti-Iranian this may well prove to be an tinued persistence of public protesters. Self-preservation and talk for reform towards anti- voices. irreversible shift. pressure. of foreign conspiracies failed American sentiment following Lost in the din is the unam- If this turns out to be the The reverberations of to create a counter-narrative the assassination of Soleimani. biguous message that has con- case, then a political response the assassination have that could meaningfully blunt The incident is having an sistently been heard in Tahrir in Iraq would have been more imperilled the protest the power and appeal of the increasingly divisive effect on Square and other protest sites: effective than anything Iran movement but they have protests or take attention away Iraqi political discourse. no to foreign interference of could have militarily thrown at not killed it. If war and/or the US. sanctions can be avoided, Iran’s Iraqi assets and allies public anger may yet again have been mobilised. A parlia- top the Iraqi political mentary resolution (of agenda when the dust from doubtful legality) was issued the current crisis settles. demanding the withdrawal of Fanar Haddad is a US troops and there are now research fellow at the concerns regarding the emer- Middle East Institute, gence of an Iran-aligned, Shia- National University of centric, majoritarian gov- Singapore. ernment in Baghdad. Trump’s threat to impose sanctions on Iraq hardly alleviates the anti- Americanism that is on display in Iraqi political circles. In other words, the very people The reverberations who were so wrongfooted by of the assassination the protest movement have been given a second wind by have imperilled the US policy. protest movement It is disheartening to see an assassination so thoroughly but they have not overshadowing the protests killed it. If war and/ particularly given the cost suf- fered by the protesters - hun- or sanctions can be dreds dead and thousands avoided, public anger injured since October. The may yet again top the bigger tragedy is that Iraqis are set to pay the price, yet again, Iraqi political agenda for US and Iranian policies and when the dust from the perpetual rivalry between the two. the current crisis However, it is too early to settles. start writing the obituary of Iraq’s protest movement. Iraq is in the midst of a prolonged government formation process University students attending a protest against the US and Iran interventions, in Najaf, yesterday. mired in constitutional and Macron’s sacrifice of age target may allow pension plans to pass

ALAN KATZ labor laws with little effective in exchange for "provi- union with significant mem- stop work several years BLOOMBERG opposition. sionally” dropping the pivot bership among train and earlier. Finding the funds to But the gridlock that age. He cautioned that if the metro workers -- to abandon replace those savings will be French President Emmanuel forced the government to sides fail to reach an the strikes. the subject of the con- Macron’s strategic sacrifice, back down on one key agreement, the government "The struggle goes on ference, which will run until giving up an effort to make measure shows how deeply will issue new rules by decree daily, but now is the time for the end of April. In the age 64 the baseline for full the French are wedded to to bring financing of the dialogue,” Laurent Escure, interim, other unions have retirement benefits, could be their pension system. system into balance by 2027. head of the UNSA union, said pledged to continue strikes After more than a the move that finally allows Macron aims to merge 42 Strike Support on LCI television, calling the and protests. month of strikes him to push through reforms separate regimes into a single Macron’s pension reform government move "an "We’re calling for the that have bedevilled govern- universal points-based effort didn’t get off to an aus- advance that allows for movement to continue that have crippled ments for a quarter-century. program that would, over picious start. Because of the discussion.” because nothing changed in public transport, After more than a month time, save money and help inclusion of the pivot age, the Laurent Berger, head of the letter sent by the gov- a key early sign of strikes that have crippled balance the retirement sys- moderate CFDT union, the CFDT union, said in an ernment,” Philippe Martinez, public transport, a key early tem’s budget. A hot-button France’s largest private sector interview in the Journal du the head of the far-left CGT appears to be in his sign appears to be in his proposal was the now-aban- labor group, lined up against Dimanche that France needed union, said on TF1 television favour. Disruption favour. Disruption to train doned effort to raise the age the changes and participated to end the gridlock that was late Saturday. "The debate services in France and on for full retirement benefits, in protests against them. fatiguing its citizens. over the pivot age is a decoy.” to train services Paris’s metro are likely to the so-called pivot age, to 64 That allowed unions to It’s not clear, however, Protests were already in France and on decrease today as some union from 62. frame the movement as on where the extra money ebbing by the time the gov- leaders tentatively embrace "Everyone has moved, but behalf of all working French. needed will come from. In ernment made its offer. Paris’s metro are the new plan. we’ve stayed within the And it showed: throughout meetings on Friday, the gov- Nationwide, some 149,000 likely to decrease That may boost broader framework set by the pres- December, a majority of ernment presented unions joined marches on Saturday, public support for the pro- ident: universality, fairness French supported the strikes, with documents showing that AFP reported, citing the today as some posed reforms. and responsibility,” Prime despite the inconvenience, setting the pivot age at 64 interior ministry, down from union leaders Pensions are seen as the Minister Edouard Philippe according to a series of polls would generate savings of 3 452,000 on Thursday and tentatively embrace mother-of-all reforms in wrote in a tweet late by Ifop. While support dipped billion euros ($3.3 billion) in from 615,000 on Dec. 17. France and several previous Saturday. below 50% in January, the 2022 and 12 billion euros in Train and metro traffic is the new plan. governments have backed In a letter to unions on most recent survey on Jan. 2027, according to Agence improving. Some 90% of down in the face of public Saturday, Philippe set out 9-10 showed it ticking back France-Presse. high-speed trains are opposition to their attempts to plans for a conference with up. That’s when the gov- The retirement age for scheduled to run on Monday, change it. Macron’s gov- stakeholders to hammer out ernment made its move, suc- most French workers is 62, French rail operator SNCF ernment successfully barreled how to finance the country’s ceeding in convincing leaders while some categories such as said in a statement on its through changes to tax and creaking retirement system, of the CFDT and UNSA -- a rail and metro employees can website. 10 GULF / MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 World leaders pay respects as Oman mourns Sultan Qaboos

AFP/ANATOLIA — MUSCAT The policy of The sultan’s death comes neutrality and non- amid increased tensions Qatar’s Amir H H Sheikh Tamim between Tehran and Wash- bin Hamad Al Thani and interference of H ington, following the US killing Kuwait’s Amir H H Sheikh Sabah M Sultan Qaboos of a top Iranian commander in Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Iraq that raised fears the region joined world leaders in Oman elevated Oman’s was sliding into war. yesterday to offer their condo- standing and won it The late sultan’s standing has lences to the royal family after been recognised with warm the death of H M Sultan Qaboos respect in the region tributes from across the world. bin Said. and beyond. Turkey’s Vice-President Fuat Britain’s Prince Charles and Oktay also paid a visit to Oman Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday to extend condolences also visited the Omani capital to British premier Johnson was over the death of Sultan Qaboos, pay their respects. due to meet with the new Sultan according to a diplomatic source. A ceremony at Muscat’s and senior Omani officials Oktay paid a condolence Alam Palace drew figures from during his visit, his office said in visit to H M Sultan Haitham bin across political divides in the a statement. Tariq Al Said in Muscat, said the Middle East and beyond. “The UK and Oman have a source. Iran’s Foreign Minister broad and long-standing He was received by Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was bilateral relationship that goes of Diwan of Royal Court of among those who met the new back over 200 years,” it said. Oman, Khalid bin Hilal al Busaid, Sultan, along with Tunisian Pres- “Our countries have deep at the Al Alam Palace. ident Kais Saied, and Yemeni economic ties and shared Oktay extended condolences President Abedrabbo Mansour defence and security interests.” of Turkey’s President Recep Hadi. As ruler, the late Sultan Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish Kuwait’s Amir H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah (left) meeting Oman’s newly sworn-in Former French leader Qaboos modernised his country nation and wished the new era H M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said, in Muscat yesterday. Nicolas Sarkozy was also in but also forged a broader role as would be beneficial for Oman attendance at the ceremony, a go-between in regional and and its people. Omani authorities which took place a day after H international crises. have declared a three-day M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Under his reign, Oman national mourning with flags to Said was selected and sworn in refrained from taking sides in be flown at half-mast for 40 days. as the new ruler. the blockade against Qatar as The late Sultan Qaboos was H M Sultan Haitham is a well as a military intervention credited for modernising his cousin of the late Sultan Qaboos, in Yemen. country. who passed away on Friday at the age of 79 without an heir apparent. It was policy of neutrality Trump remembers late and non-interference of the late Sultan Qaboos that elevated Oman’s standing as a “Swit- Sultan as ‘friend to all’ zerland of the Middle East” and AFP — WASHINGTON won it respect in the region and beyond. It maintains healthy rela- US President Donald Trump has expressed his condolences tions with the United States as over the death of H M Sultan Qaboos of Oman, calling him a well as with regional powers friend to America who worked for peace in the Middle East. Iran and Saudi Arabia, in what “As the longest-serving leader in the Middle East, Sultan many diplomatic observers see Qaboos brought peace and prosperity to his country and was a as a model of balance. friend to all,” Trump said in a statement as he joined other world The late Sultan Qaboos, who leaders in remembering the ruler, whose death was reported ruled for half a century, came to earlier on Saturday. power in 1970. “His unprecedented efforts to engage in dialogue and achieve As a young man, he attended peace in the region showed us the importance of listening to all Britain’s elite Sandhurst Royal viewpoints. Sultan Qaboos was a true partner and friend to the Military Academy, after which United States, working with nine different American presidents,” H M Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said receives condolences from Iran’s Foreign Minister, he joined a British infantry bat- Trump said. Mohammad Javad Zarif (left), in Muscat yesterday. talion in Germany. Rockets hit Iraq Iran briefly detains British envoy over 'illegal gathering' base hosting US AFP — TEHRAN foreign minister yesterday con- firmed Macaire had been troops: Military Britain’s ambassador to Tehran arrested but said he was freed denied yesterday that he took soon after being identified. AFP — SAMARRA, IRAQ part in a demonstration that “He wasn’t detained, but broke out at a memorial for the arrested as unknown foreigner A volley of rockets slammed 176 people killed when a plane in an illegal gathering,” Seyed into an Iraqi airbase north of was shot down. Abbas Araghchi tweeted, adding Baghdad where US forces have Students held a gathering at Macaire was released 15 been based, wounding four Tehran’s Amir Kabir University minutes after he called the local troops, the Iraqi military on Saturday evening to honour British diplomat to confirm his said yesterday. those killed hours after Iran identity. Its statement said eight admitted the Ukrainian airliner The British government said Katyusha-type rockets landed was downed by mistake. Macaire was arrested and on Al Balad airbase, wounding Iran’s Mehr news agency detained briefly in the Iranian two Iraqi officers and two said the ambassador, Rob capital in what it called a “fla- airmen. Macaire, was arrested for his grant violation of international Al Balad is the main alleged “involvement in pro- law”. airbase for Iraq's F-16s, which voking suspicious acts” at the Police dispersed students it bought from the US to gathering in front of the who chanted “radical” and upgrade its air capacities. university. “destructive” slogans when the The base had held a small Iran yesterday also con- tribute to those killed in the air US Air Force contingent as well firmed his arrest as a foreigner disaster turned into an angry as American contractors, but at “an illegal gathering”, but said demonstration, Fars news a majority had been evacuated he was released soon after agency reported. following tensions between being identified. Iran’s armed forces said on the US and Iran over the past Demonstrators rally in front of the British embassy in Tehran yesterday, following the British ambassador’s “Can confirm I wasn’t taking Saturday the Ukraine Interna- two weeks, sources said. brief arrest for allegedly attending an illegal demonstration. part in any demonstrations! tional Airlines Boeing 737 was "About 90 percent of the Went to an event advertised as mistakenly shot down. There US advisers, and employees of a vigil for victims of #PS752 detained half an hour after respects — some of victims he said. “Arresting diplomats is were already speculations that Sallyport and Lockheed Martin tragedy,” Macaire said on leaving the area. were British. I left after 5 mins, of course illegal, in all coun- the plane was brought down by who are specialised in aircraft Twitter, adding he had been “Normal to want to pay when some started chanting,” tries,” he added. Iran’s deputy a missile. maintenance, have withdrawn to Taji and Erbil after threats," one of the sources said. Top Guards commander briefs "There are no more than 15 US soldiers and a single parliament over downed plane plane at Al Balad," the source added. Military bases hosting AFP — TEHRAN Iran’s armed forces were on a US troops have been subject heightened state of alert after to volleys of rocket and mortar Iran’s top Guards commander launching a volley of missiles attacks in recent months that briefed parliament yesterday, at US troops stationed in Iraqi have mostly wounded Iraqi a day after the armed forces military bases. forces, but also killed one said a Ukrainian airliner was Iran had vowed to exact American contractor last shot down in error in an “severe revenge” for the month. admission that sparked an January 3 US drone strike that That death set off a series angry demonstration. killed Qasem Soleimani, the of dramatic developments, The military acknowledged head of the Revolutionary with the US carrying out on Saturday that the Ukraine Guards’ foreign operations arm. strikes against a pro-Iran par- International Airlines plane The Guards’ top com- amilitary group in Iraq as well was mistakenly shot down on mander, Major General Hossein as a convoy carrying top Wednesday, killing all 176 Salami, briefed parliament Iranian and Iraqi commanders people aboard. about the general’s killing, outside Baghdad airport. The majority of those on the Iran’s retaliation and the Pro-Iran factions in Iraq Boeing 737, which slammed downing of the airliner, semi- have vowed revenge for those into a field shortly after take- official news agency ISNA said. raids, even as Iran said it had off from Tehran, were Iranians At the end of the session, already responded in "pro- and Canadians, and many were speaker Ali Larijani asked the portion" by striking another students. Majles’s security and foreign western airbase where US sol- World leaders welcomed policy commission to examine diers are located. Iran’s admission, but Canada’s the air disaster and how to Protest in Iraq Rocket attacks against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prevent such incidents from Baghdad's high-security Green University students hold Iraqi flags during an anti-government protest in Najaf, Iraq, yesterday. and others have also called for occurring again, ISNA said. Zone, where the US and other Demonstrations erupted in October in Baghdad and other southern cities, railing against government a full and transparent investi- A government newspaper embassies are based alongside graft and unemployment. gation. The Kiev-bound plane published all the names of the international troops, are still was shot down at a time when victims. taking place. MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 11 Fragile truce in Libya after nine months of fighting

AFP — TRIPOLI confirming the ceasefire had been resisting Haftar’s taken effect. offensive. Both sides in Libya’s conflict The UN mission in Libya The spokesman for the agreed to a ceasefire from welcomed the announcements pro-GNA forces, Mustafa Al yesterday to end nine months and called on all parties “to Mejii, reported “a calm situation of fighting, following weeks of respect the ceasefire” and so far on the frontlines”. international diplomacy and support efforts to launch an The GNA later reported calls for a truce by Russia and inter-Libyan dialogue. “violations” by “pro-Haftar Turkey. Likewise, the Arab League militias” in the Salaheddine and The oil-rich North African urged Libya’s factions to Wadi Al Rabii areas south of the country has been wracked by “commit to stop the fighting, capital, “minutes after the bloody turmoil since a 2011 work on alleviating all forms of ceasefire came into effect”. Nato-backed uprising killed escalations and engage in good It also reiterated its “immu- long-time dictator Muammar faith aimed at reaching per- table position” that “any Gaddafi, with multiple foreign manent arrangements for a ceasefire initiative cannot powers now involved. ceasefire”. succeed without the withdrawal The UN-recognised Gov- Since the start of the of the aggressor from where ernment of National Accord offensive against Tripoli, more they came”, from the country’s (GNA) in Tripoli had been under than 280 civilians and about east and south. attack since last April from 2,000 fighters have been killed Turkey’s defence ministry forces loyal to eastern-based and 146,000 Libyans displaced, said: “The belligerents have Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right) shaking hands with the head of Libya’s Government strongman Khalifa Haftar, according to the United Nations. been trying to respect these of National Accord (GNA), Fayez Al Sarraj, in Istanbul yesterday. which on January 6 captured Sarraj stressed the GNA’s truces since they came into the strategic coastal city of Sirte. “legitimate right... to respond to force... and the situation has Late on Saturday, Haftar’s any attack or aggression” that been calm apart from one or Erdogan meets head of UN-recognised Libyan govt forces announced a ceasefire may come from the other side, two isolated incidents.” starting at midnight (Sunday while Haftar’s forces warned of The truce comes after a dip- ANATOLIA — ISTANBUL call by Turkey and Russia for a cease-fire on 00:00 local time) in line with a a “severe” response to any vio- lomatic offensive, led by Ankara Saturday. On April 4, Haftar launched an joint call by Turkish President lation by the “opposing camp”. and Moscow, which have estab- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offensive to capture Tripoli from the GNA. Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Artillery fire could be heard lished themselves as key yesterday met with the head of Libya’s According to the UN, more than 1,000 people Russian counterpart Vladimir shortly after midnight in the players in Libya. Ankara des- UN-recognized government in Istanbul, a diplo- have been killed since the start of the operation Putin. capital, before quiet settled over patched military support to the matic source said. and more than 5,000 others injured. GNA head Fayez Al Sarraj the southern Tripoli suburb GNA in January. The closed-door meeting between Erdogan Since the ouster of late leader Muammar followed suit early yesterday, where pro-GNA forces have And Russia has been and Fayez Al Sarraj held at the Dolmabahce Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have accused of backing pro-Haftar Palace lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours. emerged in Libya: One in eastern Libya sup- forces, which are also sup- The UN-recognised Government of National ported mainly by Egypt and the UAE and the ported by the United Arab Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and forces loyal to Libya’s other in Tripoli, which enjoys the UN and inter- Arab League welcomes ceasefire Emirates, Saudi Arabia and renegade Gen. Khalifa Haftar accepted a joint national recognition. QNA — CAIRO Egypt, all regional rivals of Turkey. The League of Arab States welcomed the announcement by Erdogan and Putin called turning into a “second Syria”. mercenaries” had backed Merkel at talks in Moscow threw The Presidential Council of the Libyan Government of National for a truce at a meeting last European governments, Haftar’s Libyan Arab Armed their weight behind a Libya Accord (GNA) and the forces loyal to retired Major General Wednesday in Istanbul, and also including former colonial Forces, a development that had peace conference in Berlin being Khalifa Haftar of the ceasefire, that started yesterday. In a Turkey later asked Russia to power Italy, fear that militants “significantly degraded security, organised by UN special envoy statement the Arab league urged both parties, Government of convince Haftar, who had ini- and migrant smugglers, to the detriment of all Libyans”. Ghassan Salame that could be National Accord (GNA), and the East-headquartered Libyan tially vowed to fight on, to already highly active in Libya, “All responsible Libyan held in the coming weeks. National Army (LNA) to deescalate the combat situation on the respect it. will take further advantage of parties should end this dan- Putin again denied Russia fields and engage with good intentions in efforts aimed at Europe and North Africa the chaos. gerous escalation and reject the had deployed mercenaries to working out a viable truce. have also launched a diplomatic The US embassy in Libya, in destructive involvement by Libya, saying: “If there are Rus- The Arab League also called for resuming the political offensive to try to prevent a statement on Saturday, voiced foreign forces,” the embassy sians there, they do not rep- process, patronised by the UN envoy, Ghassan Salame, according Libya, with the increased its “serious concern about toxic said. resent the interests of the to the general framework supported by the Berlin process. involvement of international foreign interference in the con- On Saturday, Putin and Russian state and do not receive players in its conflict, from flict”. It said “Russian German Chancellor Angela money from it.”

Hezbollah: Time Ethiopian PM expects parliamentary election in May or June for Iran’s allies to REUTERS — CAPE TOWN democratic manner,” he said. start working to Opposition politicians have warned Ethiopia will hold a parliamentary against any delay in the election, and avenge Soleimani election in May or June despite concerns critics have said that postponing the vote about security and logistics, Prime could cause an adverse social reaction, REUTERS — BEIRUT Minister Abiy Ahmed said yesterday. fuel regional conflicts and damage Abiy’s The election will be the first under democratic credentials. Ethiopia has reg- Lebanon’s Hezbollah said Nobel Peace Laureate Abiy, who took ularly held elections since 1995 but, with yesterday it was time for Iran’s office in April 2018 and launched the exception of the 2005 election, no allies to begin working to political and economic reforms. election has been competitive. retaliate for the killing of Major His reform agenda has also stoked Abiy also said Ethiopia hoped Ram- General Qassem Soleimani violence and highlighted ethnic divisions aphosa, who next month assumes a one- though it would be a “long in the country of about 105 million year chairmanship of the African Union path” to the goal of ejecting US people, and the election board said last continental body, would help broker a forces from the region. June that the security situation could deal with Egypt over deadlocked talks Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah delay the 2020 election. to develop a new $4bn dam on the Nile also denied the Iranian general “On the schedule, I am not sure River. Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are due had been planning to blow up whether it is May or June, because the to convene today in Washington with US embassies. US President schedule will be declared by the election the aim of resolving their disagreements Donald Trump said he had board but I think we will conduct an by Jan. 15 over the massive hydroelectric been killed after he landed in election this year because it is a consti- South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa (right), and Prime Minister of Ethiopia, dam that Ethiopia is building. Baghdad in part because “they tutional mandate,” Abiy, who is visiting Abiy Ahmed, during a joint press conference in Pretoria, yesterday. “He (Ramaphosa) is a good friend for were looking to blow up our South Africa, said in response to a both Ethiopia and Egypt, also as embassy”. question at a media briefing with Pres- incoming AU chair he can make a dis- Hezbollah, a heavily armed ident Cyril Ramaphosa. not only logistics but also peace and for Ethiopian parties to conduct the cussion between both parties so as to group designated as a terrorist “There might be lots of challenges, security ... It is better for Ethiopians and election on time in a very peaceful and solve the issue peacefully,” Abiy said. organisation by the United States, was established in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and is an important part of a DR Congo army says ADF Russian-led air strikes suspended regional Tehran-led alliance known as “the axis of rebels killed 30 soldiers resistance”. in Idlib after ceasefire: Residents Iran responded for Solei- mani’s killing by launching AFP — KINSHASA REUTERS — AMMAN brought the Russian-led mil- dozen towns were hit by missiles at two military bases itary campaign closer to heavily artillery bombing from army in Iraq that house US forces Islamist rebels killed 30 soldiers and wounded another 70, some Russia and its allies halted air crowded parts of Idlib province, posts. on Wednesday. Iran’s seriously, during fierce fighting last week in eastern DR Congo, strikes in Syria’s Idlib region where nearly three million “Aerial bombing stopped Supreme Leader Ali army officials said. yesterday as a ceasefire agreed people are trapped, the vast but many towns and villages Khamenei called it a “slap on They suffered the losses during the latest offensive Thursday with Turkey came into force, majority women and children, continued to be targeted by the face” of the United States against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), in North Kivu province, residents, rebels and according to the United Nations. artillery rounds,” Mohamad and said US troops should Major Mak Hazukai told journalists. respondents said, although few Senior U.N. officials said Rashid, an activist said. leave the region. The army captured the ADF’s headquarters during the battle were optimistic the truce would this month that the humani- Rebels said pro-gov- Though the region remains at Madina, and killed 40 rebel fighters, including five of their hold. tarian situation had become ernment forces were massing tense, both sides have backed leaders, Hazukai added. Hundreds of thousands of more acute with at least on the front lines and army hel- off from intensifying the con- On Friday, the cabinet posted a tweet on the prime minister’s people have fled Idlib province 300,000 civilians now on the icopters had dropped leaflets flict since the Iranian attack. account congratulating the army on their capture of what they in recent weeks as Russian jets run in Idlib, adding to the more calling on civilians to surrender Nasrallah said last week described as the one of the last bastions of the ADF. and Syrian artillery pounded than half a million people who and evacuate rebel-held areas. that Iran’s allies, which include North Kivu sits on the border with Uganda. The ADF, rebels towns and villages in a renewed fled earlier bouts of fighting to “There is no return to the the Syrian government and originally from Uganda, has been waging a campaign of violence government assault aimed at the safety of camps near the decision to cleanse all areas of numerous paramilitary groups in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo for years. clearing the opposition from its Turkish border. the terrorist killers so join your set up with Iranian support in Hazukai described them as “Islamist fundamentalists”. last bastion in the northwest of Moscow says its forces, army in achieving victory,” said Iraq and Syria, should help The army announced its campaign against the ADF on October the country. along with the Syrian army and a pamphlet dropped on rebel- exact revenge for Soleimani’s 30. The rebels are accused of having killed more than a thousand Turkey’s defence ministry Iranian-backed militias fighting held areas. Past truces have killing. people in the Beni region, in the northern part of North Kivu, since said it was closely following alongside them, are fending off proved short lived in the “I believe it is time for the 2014. ADF fighters killed at least 150 civilians over November and ceasefire agreements in Idlib on terror attacks by al Qaeda mil- months-long bloody campaign axis of resistance to start December in reprisal according to official sources and local groups. Sunday, adding that the situ- itants whom they say hit pop- to wrest control of the last rebel working,” he said in his speech That rising toll has sparked anger over the authorities’ response. ation was calm “except for one ulated, government-held areas. stronghold that has killed hun- yesterday. There have been demonstrations in the city of Beni, where or two separate incidents”. However, they accuse the dreds and left dozens of towns “The resistance forces are local people accuse the UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO of Turkey, which for years has rebels of wrecking a “de-esca- and villages in ruins. serious and aiming for the big failing to protect them. At the end of November, local people looted backed Syrian rebels fighting lation zone” brokered two- On the eve of the ceasefire, goal that I proposed,” Nas- a MONUSCO base there. to oust President Bashar al- years ago between Turkey and at least seventeen people, rallah said, referring to the Since then, the UN force and the army have announced joint Assad, said on Friday it had Russia. The Syrian army said mostly women and children, objective of seeing U.S. forces patrols in the region. The ADF began as an Islamist rebellion agreed the ceasefire with Russia on Sunday that insurgent were killed in Syrian and leave the region. hostile to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. to stem the flow of tens of thou- rockets had killed two people Russian bombing of four main Retaliation would happen It fell back into eastern DRC in 1995 and appears to have sands of civilians uprooted by during shelling of residential towns in Idlib province on Sat- in the “coming days, weeks halted raids inside Uganda. Its recruits today are people of various the violence. areas in Aleppo city. Rebels and urday, residents and rescuers and months”, he said, adding nationalities. The latest offensive had witnesses said that at least a said. “this is a long path”. 12 ASIA MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 Indian police battle anti-Modi protesters over disputed law

AFP — KOLKATA Tens of thousands political battlefield between staged protests Modi’s right-wing Bharatiya Indian police baton-charged Janata Party (BJP) and regional protesters yesterday to stop them through the night in powerhouse Mamata Banerjee, reaching Prime Minister the eastern city of whose Trinamool Congress party Narendra Modi’s car as leads the state. nationwide protests against a Kolkata to denounce Banerjee is among state bitterly disputed citizenship law Modi’s weekend visit leaders nationwide who have entered a second month. said they will not implement the Tens of thousands staged to the capital of West Citizenship Amendment Act, protests through the night in the Bengal state, whose which excludes Muslims from a eastern city of Kolkata to local rulers have list of ethnic minorities from denounce Modi’s weekend visit Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bang- to the capital of West Bengal strongly opposed the ladesh who are allowed to seek state, whose local rulers have legislation. Indian nationality. strongly opposed the Opponents say the gov- legislation. ernment has created a religious Police said they were forced Protesters have burned test for citizenship in the secular Demonstrators attend a protest against a new citizenship law in Shaheen Bagh, New Delhi. to act after protesters tried to effigies of the prime minister country. storm past barricades to stop during his visit and brandished Many among India’s 200 He has accused political disproportiownate force in cancelled a visit to Delhi in Modi’s vehicle outside a stadium, black flags -- considered an million Muslims fear the law is opponents of “misleading” and several states. apparent protest. Deputy foreign where the leader again defended insulting gesture in Indian a precursor to a national register “inciting” people against his Home Minister Amit Shah, minister Shahriar Alam was to the law and insisted the demon- society. of citizens that could leave them government. the government number two, have attended a diplomatic strators were “misguided”. “The government can’t sup- stateless in the country of 1.3 Widespread demonstrations also held a rally in Jabalpur on syposium in the Indian capital Nearly 2,000 protesters press our voice. We are not billion. Many poor Indians do not have rocked the Hindu-majority Sunday to build support for the this week. gathered outside chanting afraid. We are determined to fight have documents to prove their nation since the law was law and several hundred sup- Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul “Fascist Modi, Go Back” before for our rights,” Samit Nandi, one nationality. approved by parliament last porters of the measure marched Momen and Home Minister the showdown between demon- of the protesters, told AFP. “We “CAA is not about taking month. in New Delhi. Asaduzzaman Khan called off strators and police. More than will continue our protests until away citizenship, it is about At least 27 people, mostly But in a new sign of inter- separate visits in December. The 100 protesters were detained, a Modi leaves our city.” giving citizenship,” Modi told Muslims, have been killed with national unease over the law, a government has denied any link police official said. West Bengal has become a supporters. police accused of using third Bangladesh minister to the new law, however. China launches Hong Kong rally seeks voting rights, international support world’s largest AP — HONG KONG “The Taiwanese demon- radio telescope strated how peaceful it could More than a thousand people be if we have democracy,” said attended a rally in Hong Kong rally organizer Ventus Lau. QNA — BEIJING yesterday to urge people and “And we have to under- governments abroad to stand the Taiwanese fought China completed commis- support the city’s pro- hard in previous decades so sioning of the world’s largest democracy movement and that they can have this power and most sensitive radio tele- oppose China’s ruling today,” Lau said. scope on Saturday, putting it Communist Party. “So if we want to have into formal operation after a Representatives of allied democracy like them, we need productive three-year trial. activist groups from Canada, to fight hard and to continue our The five-hundred-metre Europe and Taiwan made fight with the Communist Aperture Spherical radio Tel- remarks and led the attendees Party.” escope (FAST) is a single-dish in chants of “Fight for A former British colony, telescope with a diametre of freedom! Stand with Hong Hong Kong was returned to half a kilometre and a Kong!” Speakers also cele- China in 1997. receiving area equivalent to brated the results of Saturday’s Under the framework of about 30 football fields. presidential election in Taiwan “one country, two systems,” the It is located in a naturally that saw the Democratic Pro- city enjoys greater democratic deep and round karst gressive Party’s Tsai Ing-wen rights than those on the depression in southwest voted to a second term in a mainland, but protesters say China’s Guizhou Province. landslide. those freedoms have been “The experimental opera- Months of anti-government steadily eroding under Chinese tions are going well so far, and protests in Hong Kong, a semi- President Xi Jinping. its sensitivity is more than two Anti-government protesters demonstrate during a protest in Hong Kong, China autonomous Chinese territory, A 20-year-old student at the and a half times more than the have driven home to many in rally with the surname Lee said second largest telescope in the Taiwan the contrast between Hong Kong citizens should have all Hong Kong citizens,” Lee to resign or do anything, the chief is among the five demands pro- world,” Jiang Ping, chief their democratically governed the right to choose their leader. said. executive can just ignore our testers are advocating, along with engineer of the telescope, told island and authoritarian “The current chief executive “So even though Hong Kong voices, and just listen to what an independent investigation into the Chinese agency. mainland China. (Carrie Lam) is not elected by citizens want the chief executive Beijing said.” Universal suffrage alleged police brutality. “The project also collected some valuable scientific data during that period and is South Korean president’s office expected to help achieve some Centre promoting water tourism, achievements in areas such as monitoring of low-frequency denies targeting prosecutor gravitational waves and inter- stellar particles over a period riverfront development: Modi BLOOMBERG — SEOUL president’s aides, just three of three to five years,” he months before a parliamentary added. IANS — KOLKATA raise the number of cruise programme. An official in South Korean election. The telescope got approval ships to 1,000 from the around “Tourism in West Bengal leader Moon Jae-in’s office The shakeup came days to start its operations, and The Centre is promoting water 150 in the country now,” Modi will get a boost from the riv- denied a report that they are after Justice Minister Choo China completed its con- tourism by undertaking river- said, inaugurating the sesqui- erfront development scheme. pursuing punishment of his top Mi-ae took office, pledging to struction in 2016 and has since front development and setting centenary celebrations of the When comfortable facilities prosecutor Yoon Seok-youl, carry out Moon’s reforms and been subjected to tests and a target of increasing the Kolkata Port Trust at the are created over 32 acres land who is leading an investigation re-balance the “almighty” pros- reviews to avoid any technical number of cruise ships in the Netaji Indoor stadium here. for viewing the Ganges, the into former and current ecutors’ power. defects. country to 1,000, Prime He said the government toursts will benefit,” he said, government figures. The reassignments were The development of the Minister Narendra Modi said was also creating the needed The Prime Minister also The official, who spoke on included in 32 appointments space programme is a priority yesterday. infrastructure for aquariums, said the benefits of expanding condition of anonymity, told announced by the Ministry of for China, which aims to catch “Central government is water parks, sea museums and cruise tourism will also go to reporters Moon’s office had Justice Wednesday. Three pros- up with Russia and the United promoting cruise-based cruises in cities and clusters the people of Bengal and the never discussed any potential ecutors recently named to senior States and become a super- tourism. connected to ports as part of island dwellers in the Bay of discipline of Yoon, rejecting a posts under Yoon were on the power in space by 2030. “We have set a target to its riverfront development Bengal. report that a process has been list. South Korea President’s initiated that could eventually Biggest Headache Is Prosecutor justify the prosecutor’s ouster. He Picked Choo blamed Yoon Bomb threat The article also didn’t say for forcing her hand by not sub- on what grounds the Blue mitting a reorganization plan for forces flight to House had launched the pun- his department that she said she ishment process, the official requested. He “disobeyed my return to Kolkata said. order to make reassignment pro- TV outlet Channel A said posals,” Choo said at a parlia- IANS — KOLKATA Moon’s office is seeking to mentary session Thursday. punish Yoon for disobedience, An image of Choo’s text mes- A bomb threat by a citing an unidentified gov- sages captured by a local press 25-year-old woman ernment official. camera late Thursday showed passenger forced a Mumbai- The official said Yoon that she was asking her ministry bound flight to return to should be held accountable for to look up punishment law Kolkata and make an emer- his wrongdoing, and that clauses because she wants to gency landing, said an official Moon’s government is exercise her authority as the yesterday. reviewing which law clauses supervisor. She didn’t identify The AirAsia flight I5316, to be applied to his case, who she wants to punish. with 120 passengers on according to Channel A. Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon board, took off at 10.09pm Yoon, a Moon appointee, is told Choo that it’s “regrettable from the NSCBI Airport on leading probes related to Yoon declined the justice min- Saturday, but had to return indicted former Justice Minister ister’s request to propose after an inebriated Mohini Cho Kuk. Yonhap News Agency opinions” for the Mondal threatened the crew reported Yoon’s office sent appointments. member that an explosive prosecutors to a presidential The minister should “make tied to her body, which might committee overseeing national a right judgment call and come explode any moment. development Thursday up with a needed step,” Lee’s The message was con- afternoon to search for evi- office said in a statement veyed to flight captain John dence relating to alleged Thursday. Lewis by the crew, and was election interference. Support Rate Earlier this later passed on to the Air Friction between Moon’s month, Moon’s office criticised Traffic Control (ATC). office and Yoon intensified the decision by Seoul prose- A full emergency alert Tourism drive after the Justice Ministry reas- cutors to indict Cho on a dozen was announced at the NSCBI Tourists visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, yesterday. signed key prosecutors and charges including bribery, saying airport at 11.01pm after the Yoon lieutenants investigating the move raised doubts about the pilot sought ATC’s permission scandals involving the probe’s intentions. to return. MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 13 Australian PM proposes high-powered inquiry into bushfires response

REUTERS — MELBOURNE The Australian bush moving quickly and unpre- has been burning for dictably, and leaving swaths of After weeks of criticism over the drought-stricken land a the handling of the bushfires nearly three months scorched earth. Cooler weather scorching Australia, Prime and the fires have conditions over the weekend Minister Scott Morrison said have brought a temporary yesteday he will propose a killed 28 people, respite, but a firefighter died national review into the claimed 2,000 homes on duty in Victoria, where new response to the disaster, as the flames sparked. fires claimed another fire- and consumed Authorities said the risk fighter’s life. millions of acres of was far from over and more The Australian bush has land and wildlife. hot weather is expected. been burning for nearly three Smoke again sheathed Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (left) during a meeting with Iranian President months and the fires have killed Sydney on Sunday, almost a Hassan Rouhani in Tehran, yesterday. 28 people, claimed 2,000 taking a proposal through the new normal for the country’s homes and consumed millions cabinet to that end, but it must biggest city, moving the air of acres of land and wildlife. be done with consultations with quality into hazardous ter- Turkey lauds Pakistan’s mediation efforts in region The crisis is becoming increas- the states and territories.” ritory, according to the NSW ingly political as the country Morrison said that the Department of Primary INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD on the terror attack in the pro- military commander by the US. looks at the causes and the gov- inquiry would examine the Industry index. vincial capital of Balochistan He lauded Pakistan's efforts for ernment’s response. response to the crisis, including Facing increasing pressure Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut which claimed many innocent de-escalating US-Iran tensions “There is obviously a need the deployment of emergency to do more to tackle climate Cavusoglu in a telephonic lives. He condemned the loss of in the Middle East. for a national review of the services to battle the fires at a change, Morrison, who has so conversation with his Pakistani valuable lives and expressed Qureshi also apprised his response,” Morrison said in an state and local level, the role of far been defiant in rejecting counterpart, Shah Mehmood solidarity of Turkey with counterpart of his upcoming interview with ABC television. the federal government, and the any links between his govern- Qureshi, extended condolences Pakistan on this tragic incident. tours of Iran, Saudi Arabia and Asked whether it should be impact of climate change. ment’s conservative climate over the Quetta mosque blast, Meanwhile, Mevlut also the United States. Similarly, a Royal Commission, a pow- Bushfires are common policies and the bushfires, said and praised Pakistan’s effort for ensured full support of Turkey Turkish FM briefed Qureshi erful judicial inquiry, Morrison during Australia’s summer his government will look into de-escalating tensions in the to Pakistan on establishing about his recent visit to Iraq said, “I think that is what would months, but this fire season improving its performance on region. peace in the region following during which the situation in be necessary and I will be started unusually early, often curbing emissions. Turkish FM expressed grief the killing of a top Iranian the region was discussed. Earthquake hits Extreme cold sweeps across Afghanistan, 17 dead 2 die as small southwestern aircraft crashes REUTERS — KABUL Heavy snowfall has closed many Pakistan key roads since the New Year, in Pakistan A severe cold snap killed at least including the Salang Tunnel con- ISLAMABAD 17 people in Afghanistan on necting central Afghanistan with ANATOLAI — QNA — ISLAMABAD Saturday, government officials the north of the country, and the An earthquake measuring 5.1 said, as heavy snowfall and rain Kabul-Kandahar highway. A small aircraft on Sunday on the Richter scale hit an area continued to lash parts of the Afghanistan’s western crashed in northeastern in southwest Pakistan country. province of Herat has also been Pakistan killing two people yesterday. Afghanistan is no stranger to hit badly. On Saturday, heavy including the pilot, an official The US Geological Survey extreme winter weather, during snow caused the roofs of two said. said, in a statement, that the which various warring groups in houses to collapse, killing at least The aircraft crashed near earthquake struck an area the country have historically eight people, including women Sadiqabad area of Rahim Yar 51km southwest of Adgah, ceased hostilities, but this year and children, a spokesman for Khan district in Punjab indicating that it was at a has been particularly harsh, the province’s governor said. province while it was spraying depth of 10km. according to the country’s met- Other parts of the country pesticides for locusts, Hassan So far, there have been no rological department. have experienced heavy rainfall. Iqbal, a local police officer, reports of earthquake causing The officials said the death “We’re now expecting more told Anadolu Agency by casualties or material damage. toll could rise further, with cold waves in the coming weeks,” phone. Afghanistan’s Natural Disaster said Mohammad Nasim Muradi, Two people including a Management Authority still the head of the forecasting wing pilot and an engineer of the Bangladesh arrests trying to compile a total figure. of the meteorological Plant Protection Department “We were not expecting such department. The United Nations were killed in the incident, he Sufi folk singer a bad cold wave in the country,” An Afghan man removes snow from his shelter in Kabul, yesterday. had previously estimated that at added. Tamim Azimi, a spokesman for least nine million Afghans are in The crash apparently hap- after protests the Natural Disaster Man- need of humanitarian aid, pened due to technical fault, agement team told Reuters. don’t have information on the year’s cold snap to at least 24, as including basic food and housing he said. Swarms of locusts AFP — DHAKA “We have received reports exact number,” he said. temperatures in parts of the amid a drawn out war that has have headed to Pakistan in that heavy snowfall has caused Saturday’s deaths bring the country dropped to minus 12 so far displaced hundreds of the last few months wreaking A top Bangladeshi Sufi folk casualties, but at the moment we number of casualties from this degrees Celsius (10 Fahrenheit). thousands of people. havoc to crops. singer was arrested under a controversial internet law that critics say is used to stifle free Pakistan-China naval drills continue in Arabian Sea speech after alleged anti- Remittances from overseas Islam comments triggered INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD enhance the two navies’ capa- results. According to Chinese protests, police said yesterday. bility to deal with maritime media reports the exercise, Pakistanis at 7-month high Shariat Sarker, 40, was The Pakistan and China joint terrorism and crime together. dubbed 'Sea Guardians-2020,' detained in the central town naval exercises which are The nine-day exercise is started in the port city of INTERNEWS — KARACHI 2019) analysis of manpower of Mirzapur on Saturday, local underway in the North Arabian taking place amid major devel- Karachi and are being held in export. Visits of Prime Minister police chief Saidur Rahman Sea, will be culminated opments in the region espe- the North Arabian Sea until Remittances flow to Pakistan Imran Khan to member coun- said. mid-week as the move will cially in neighbouring waters. Tuesday, the People’s Liber- touched a seven-month high tries of the Gulf Cooperation A cleric filed a case boost cooperation, build a safe The monitoring reports ation Army (PLA) Daily at $2.09 billion in December Council (GCC) also brought against Sarker over comments maritime environment and show extremely satisfying reported. 2019 apparently due to a sharp positive results as he urged the made at a show in December, increase in the number of leadership of the GCC states to and he was arrested under the people who found jobs abroad facilitate the Pakistani Digital Security Act for last year. workforce. “hurting the religious sen- The inflow of workers’ “The diplomatic efforts timent of Muslims,” Rahman remittances was 15 percent coupled with oil price stability said. higher compared to the prior created more employment Film of the show was month of November 2019 and opportunities for Pakistani uploaded to YouTube and 20 per cent higher compared workforce mainly in Saudi more than 1,000 Muslim to December 2018, the State Arabia and the UAE the largest activists and clerics staged a Bank of Pakistan (SBP) destinations for Pakistani rally to demand the singer’s reported. expatriate workers,” the com- arrest. Sarker could face up A banker, who heads the prehensive report said. to 10 years in prison if found remittances department at a The notable growth in guilty at trial. large bank, pointed out that a remittances in December 2019 Journalists and right significant increase in Paki- helped improve the overall activists say the Digital stanis taking up jobs in dif- remittances by 3 per cent to Security Act passed in 2018 is ferent companies abroad may $11.39 billion in first half (Jul- a serious threat to freedom of have played a big role in Dec) of current fiscal year expression in the nation of 168 boosting remittances to 2019-20 compared to $11.03 million people. Pakistan. billion in the same period of Under the Act, anyone can On average, over 1,700 previous fiscal year, the SBP face a life jail term for “prop- Pakistanis found jobs in foreign said. aganda” against the nation countries every day in the year “The increase in December and up to 10 years for digital ended December 31, 2019 com- remittances is seasonal,” content that “hurts religious pared to over 1,000 people per remarked Taurus Securities sentiments” or “creates day in 2018, according to a Deputy Head of Research unrest”. statement issued by the Bureau Mustafa Mustansir. Odhikar, a rights group, Muslims take part in an annual gathering in Tongi, some 30km north of Dhaka, yesterday. of Emigration and Overseas He elaborated that the reported at least 29 arrests last Employment (BE and OE). Pakistani workers abroad sent year under the law. Some 625,203 Pakistanis home higher amounts during Sarker is well known Biswa Ijtema: Muslims pray for peace went aboard in 2019 compared winter holidays, which fall in among the tens of millions of to a total of 382,439 in 2018, December every year. Sufi followers in rural AP — TONGI sandy banks of the River Turag “Oh my Allah, please save the BE and OE reported on its Many countries enjoy Bangladesh. at Tongi, just north of Dhaka. Muslims, please pour your official website. The total higher sales of consumer goods Music expert Saymon Hundreds of thousands of The congregation, which is blessings, please end all number of Pakistanis working during the holiday season, Zakaria said folk singers reg- Muslims raised their hands and believed to have begun in 1949 bloodshed through your across the country’s borders especially during Christmas ularly take liberties when prayed for the welfare of the as a gathering of Sunni Muslim blessings,” cried an imam who increased around 6 per cent in holidays. interpreting Islamic legends world as they joined a final preachers, draws hundreds of led the final prayer. Many of the 2019 to 11.11 million. “This encourages the in a way that may not reflect prayer yesterday in wrapping up thousands from Bangladesh and devotees burst into tears seeking “Present government employers abroad to pay bonus the official version. a three-day Islamic congregation abroad. blessings. improved diplomatic relations in these months,” he said. “There should not be near Bangladesh’s capital. The gathering is apolitical, Security was tight, with with Gulf states, which helped BE and OE numbers sug- literal interpretations of what The Biswa Ijtema, or World and the sermons deal with an agencies setting up watchtowers, restore the confidence of gested that a majority of the is said during a performance. Congregation of Muslims, is one interpretation of Islam that advo- control rooms and CCTVs. The foreign employers in the Paki- Pakistanis found jobs in foreign Folk singers must have of the largest gatherings of cates peace, harmony and second phase of the gathering stani workforce,” the BE and countries as labourers followed freedom of expression,” Muslim devotees, held on the brotherhood. begins on Friday. OE said in its mid-year (Jan-Jun by drivers. 14 ASIA MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 Volcano erupts near Manila; villagers flee, airport shut AP — TAGAYTAY, PHILIPPINES The Philippine Institute International and domestic flights were suspended yes- A small volcano south of the of Volcanology and terday night at Manila’s interna- Philippine capital that draws Seismology said Taal tional airport “due to volcanic many tourists for its picturesque ash in the vicinity of the airport” setting in a lake erupted with a Volcano in Batangas and nearby air routes, the Civil massive plume of ash and steam province south of Aviation Authority of the Philip- yesterday, prompting thousands Manila blasted steam, pines said. of people to flee and officials to Taal lies more than 60km shut Manila’s international ash and pebbles up to south of Manila. airport. 15km into the sky. The institute reminded the The Philippine Institute of public that the small island Volcanology and Seismology where the volcano lies is a “per- said Taal Volcano in Batangas volcano lies, and tens of thou- manent danger zone,” although province south of Manila blasted sands more from nearby coastal fishing villages have existed steam, ash and pebbles up to towns, officials said. there for years. It asked nearby 15km into the sky in a dramatic “We have asked people in coastal communities “to take escalation of its growing res- high-risk areas, including the precautionary measures and be tiveness, which began last year. volcano island, to evacuate now vigilant of possible lake water The volcanology institute ahead of a possible hazardous disturbances related to the raised the danger level around eruption,” Solidum said. ongoing unrest.” Taal three notches yesterday to Renelyn Bautista, a 38-year- Heavy to light ashfall was level 4, indicating “a hazardous old housewife who was among reported in towns and cities eruption may happen within thousands of residents who fled several kilometres from the hours or days,” said Renato from Batangas province’s Laurel volcano, and officials advised Solidum, who heads the volcan- town, said she hitched a ride to residents to stay indoors and don ology institute. Level 5, the safety from her home with her masks and goggles for safety. highest, means a hazardous two children, including a Motorists were hampered by People taking photos of a phreatic explosion from the Taal Volcano as seen from the town of Tagaytay eruption is underway and could 4-month-old baby, after Taal poor visibility, which was in Cavite province, southwest of Manila, yesterday affect a larger area. erupted and the ground shook worsened by rainy weather. There were no immediate mildly. Hotels, shopping malls and reports of injuries or damage, “We hurriedly evacuated restaurants line an upland road but authorities scrambled to when the air turned muddy along a ridge overlooking the eruption. and a slight inflation of portions in a wide swath of towns and evacuate more than 6,000 vil- because of the ashfall and it lake and the volcano in Tagaytay Authorities recorded a of the 1,020-foot volcano ahead cities were suspended today, lagers from an island in the started to smell like gunpowder,” city, a key tourism area that swarm of earthquakes, some of of yesterday’s steam-driven including in Manila, to avoid middle of a lake, where the Bautista said by phone. could be affected by a major them felt with rumbling sounds, explosion, officials said. Classes health risks posed by the ashfall.

Ghosn questioned China says will not change position on Taiwan for 7 hours a day REUTERS — TAIPEI agency said Tsai won by China slams US for congratulating deploying dirty tricks, hyping in Japan: Lawyer China will not change its the China threat and colluding position that Taiwan belongs to Taiwan President Tsai on poll win with Western forces. AP—TOKYO it, Beijing said yesterday, after “Whether it is to curb President Tsai Ing-wen won Taiwan independence seces- A lawyer for former Nissan re-election and said she would AFP—BEIJING diplomats from Britain and sionist activities or to benefit Chairman Carlos Ghosn, who not submit to China’s threats, Japan, issued statements con- Taiwan compatriots, the fled to Lebanon while awaiting as state media warned she was China yesterday slammed offi- gratulating Tsai and the island’s mainland has a full ‘policy trial in Japan, said his client courting disaster. cials from the US and other democratic elections. But toolbox’,” it said. was questioned an average of The election campaign was countries for congratulating Beijing, which views Taiwan as “Tsai and the DPP must be seven hours a day without a dominated by China’s efforts to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen part of its territory, denounced aware that they should not act lawyer present. get the democratic island to after she was re-elected with a their actions as violating the wilfully because of a fluke.” US Takashi Takano said on his accept Beijing’s rule under a landslide victory in a stunning one-China principle. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blog post yesterday the ques- “one country, two systems” rebuke of Beijing’s campaign “The Chinese side congratulated Tsai and lauded tioning continued through model, as well as by anti-gov- to isolate the self-ruled island. expresses strong dissatisfaction her for seeking stability with weekends, Thanksgiving and ernment protests in Chinese- Tsai, who had pitched and resolute opposition to this,” China “in the face of unrelenting Christmas. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen ruled Hong Kong. herself as a defender of liberal said foreign ministry pressure”. Takano has said he told “No matter what changes democratic values against an spokesman Geng Shuang. Japan’s Foreign Minister Ghosn he couldn’t expect a fair there are to the internal situ- again use the vote in their hands increasingly authoritarian “We oppose any form of Toshimitsu Motegi also sent trial in Japan, but his chances ation in Taiwan, the basic fact to show the world the value of China, secured a record- official exchange between congratulations, referring to of winning were good because that there is only one China in democracy,” Tsai said yesterday breaking win in Saturday’s Taiwan and countries that have Taiwan as a “precious friend”. the evidence against him was the world and Taiwan is part of when meeting the head of the presidential election. established diplomatic rela- China’s Taiwan Affairs so weak. China will not change,” China’s United States’ de facto embassy US Secretary of State Mike tions with China,” he said in a Office said on Saturday it would Takano said he recently Foreign Ministry said in a in Taipei, Brent Christensen. Pompeo, as well as top statement. continue promoting the “one looked at prosecutors’ data statement. “Democracy and freedom country, two systems” model for and Ghosn’s notes to tally the While China says Taiwan is are indeed Taiwan’s most val- Taiwan, which Beijing uses to hours of questioning for 70 of its territory, Taiwan maintains uable asset and the foundation change its stance on the “one “realise national reunification”, run Hong Kong with a high the days Ghosn was detained. it is an independent country of the long-term Taiwan-US China” principle and opposing it added. degree of autonomy. On three days, Ghosn had called the Republic of China, its partnership,” Tsai said, vowing Taiwan independence, the Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Many in the former British been questioned for some 11 formal name. to deepen cooperation with the Chinese foreign ministry said. Council said China should colony fear promises made hours, according to Takano’s Tsai, who has firmly United States on issues from “The universal consensus of respect the election result and under the system are not being tally. rejected China’s “one country, defence to economy. the international community stop putting pressure on the kept. On China’s internet, there Ghosn was detained under two systems” model, won On Saturday, Tsai called for adhering to the ‘one China’ island. was unusual criticism for the two separate arrests for 130 another four-year term by a talks to resume with China, but principle will not change “Our government will firmly Taiwan Affairs Office’s failure days. He has been charged landslide on Saturday, and her said she hoped Beijing under- either.” defend the sovereignty of the to win over the island, espe- with underreporting his future Democratic Progressive Party stood Taiwan and its people China hoped the world Republic of China and Taiwan’s cially as Tsai’s win followed a compensation and of breach (DPP) secured a majority in would not submit to would support the “just cause” democracy and freedom,” it landslide for pro-democracy of trust in diverting Nissan parliament. intimidation. of Chinese people to oppose said. candidates in Hong Kong’s local Motor Co. money for alleged “Taiwan’s people once However, China will not secessionist activities and China’s official Xinhua news elections in November. personal gain. Japanese billionaire looking for Thais run against ‘dictatorship’ in Bangkok protest love to take on Musk moon trip REUTERS — BANGKOK month, and a final decision will be made by the end of March. Thousands of Thais joined a run The deadline to apply was listed in the capital yesterday in what as January 17. appeared to be the biggest show The post was retweeted of dissent against the government more than 10,000 times, of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- including by Musk. ocha, although he also drew a big The selection process won’t show of support at a rival event. be discreet. Maezawa has com- Police estimated more than missioned a documentary by 12,745 runners and supporters AbemaTV, called “Full Moon gathered before sunrise at a park Lovers,” to be produced. in Bangkok, wearing athletic “With that future partner of outfits and colorful shoes, to par- mine, I want to shout our love ticipate in the “Run Against Dic- and world peace from outer tatorship” event. BLOOMBERG — TOKYO space,” Maezawa said. Some of them shouted Maezawa has a net worth of slogans such as “Prayuth, get Call it “The Bachelor: Moon $3.6bn, according to the out!” or “Long live democracy!” Edition.” Bloomberg Billionaires Index. while running the 2.6-km course An eccentric, lonely Japanese He skipped college, moved amid a sprinkling of security billionaire planning to fly to the to California to play in a rock forces. Many also gave a three- moon on Elon Musk’s rocket is band and started his own e-com- finger salute of resistance to looking for the love of his life to merce company, Start Today Co. authority. join him on his journey. He just After making his fortune, he “I want things to be better,” hasn’t found her yet. started investing hundreds of said Bangkok resident Waraporn Yusaku Maezawa (pictured), millions of dollars on artwork. Waralak, 45, after completing People taking part in a run in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. the first paying passenger on Along with his future mate, her run. “I want Prayuth to get SpaceX’s maiden tourist voyage he’s said he intends to take a out.” Thailand’s government is to the moon in 2023, tweeted a combination of painters, musi- headed by Prayuth, 65, after an as organisers auctioned bibs were broken, a government December rally, and Future link yesterday to a website cians, dancers, photographers, election in March 2019 that the bearing numbers significant in spokeswoman said. Forward faces dissolution this where women can apply to be film directors, fashion designers opposition described as having Thai politics, such as 2475, the The run followed a rally last month by the constitutional court. his companion on the week-long and architects on a week-long been manipulated to favour the Buddhist calendar year of the month staged by Thanathorn Sunday’s event was called “Wing space flight. lunar loop, where he’ll get to leader’s pro-army party. revolution that ended absolute Juangroongruangkit, the Lai Loong” in Thai, which trans- “I’m 44 now,” Maezawa said watch as they get inspired and “This is the biggest gathering monarchy in 1932. 41-year-old leader of the pro- lates as “Run to Oust the Uncle”, on the website. “As feelings of create art along the way. since the coup,” said Anusorn To loud cheers, a bib num- gressive Future Forward Party, in an apparent reference to Pray- loneliness and emptiness slowly Last week, Maezawa Unno, dean of the sociology and bered 0044, in reference to the who has emerged as the most uth’s nickname of “Uncle Tu”. begin to surge upon me, there’s announced on Twitter that he anthropology faculty at Bang- former ruling junta’s Article 44 outspoken opponent of Thai- It prompted a rival “Walk to one thing that I think about: Con- planned to give away 1bn yen kok’s Thammasat University, that gave Prayuth absolute exec- land’s new civilian Cheer the Uncle” event, held in tinuing to love one woman.” ($9m) to 1,000 of his Twitter fol- adding that the harmless nature utive power, was ripped in two government. another park, about 14km away, According to the website, lowers who reposted a message of the activity had spurred on stage. Thanathorn was charged on to show support for Prayuth, Maezawa will begin considering from his @yousuck2020 greater participation than usual. The event was held in line Friday with breaching a law on where thousands also turned the applicants by the end of the account. An excited crowd watched with people’s rights and no laws public assembly over the out. MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 EUROPE 15 Ireland’s PM sets stage for possible polls in February REUTERS — DUBLIN A minority government led by Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said yesterday he had Varadkar’s centre- made a decision on the timing right Fine Gael has of a general election, with many media outlets and politicians ruled since 2016 after predicting a February 7 poll. an initial three-year Speaking to national broad- caster RTE, Varadkar said he cooperation deal would meet his cabinet with Micheal Martin’s tomorrow (Tuesday) before Fianna Fail was announcing the date. He would have preferred to extended through to go to the country in summer but Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo 2020. the parliamentary arithmetic Varadkar has changed, he added. A minority government led by Varadkar’s centre-right Fine month if the parties cannot Michael Lowry, on whose Bomb disposal personnel stand beside the two bombs which date back to World War II and were Gael has ruled since 2016 after agree a short legislative support the government discovered and defused in Dortmund, western Germany, yesterday. an initial three-year cooper- programme. depends, said he expected Var- ation deal with Micheal Mar- “I have made a decision but adkar to call the election in tin’s Fianna Fail was extended there is some respective pro- early February. The headline in through to 2020 due to uncer- tocol around this so I would like the Irish version of Sunday World War II bombs found, defused in Germany tainty created by Brexit talks. to speak to the cabinet and the Times, meanwhile, proclaimed: AP — BERLIN Authorities initially thought also been shut down and trains With Britain set to leave the leader of the opposition,” said “Leo Varadkar poised to call they had detected four bombs, were rerouted. Before experts European Union at the end of the prime minister. election for February 7”. Two World War II bombs were but later clarified that only two defused the two bombs, heli- this month, Varadkar and “The cabinet will meet on Fine Gael and centre-right successfully defused in the were found. copters patrolled overhead to Martin had both said an election Tuesday and the Dail (the lower Fianna Fail are closely matched western German city of Authorities had evacuated ensure everyone had should be held by May. house of parliament) will in opinion polls, and some dis- Dortmund yesterday, hours two hospitals and opened evacuated. However a demand by Var- reconvene on Wednesday.” tance ahead of their other after thousands of people were schools for residents who had Almost 75 years after the adkar for Fianna Fail support Varadkar held talks with Martin rivals, increasingly the like- evacuated from the to leave their homes. City offi- end of the war, unexploded on a number of additional last week to discuss the matter lihood that whoever edges surrounding area, officials said. cials had asked about 14,000 bombs are frequently found in issues between now and then and is due to meet him again ahead at the next election will The bombs were 250kg people to leave the areas where Germany. Disposing of them has raised the prospect of a this week. lead another minority (330 pound) American and the bombs were buried. sometimes entails large-scale snap election as early as next Independent lawmaker government. British bombs. The city’s train station had evacuations as a precaution. Queen Elizabeth calls European powers urge Iran to fully Prince Harry for meeting return to 2015

REUTERS — LONDON members of the family before nuclear deal making their announcement on Queen Elizabeth has summoned a new website, sussexroyal. AFP — PARIS her grandson Prince Harry for com, a move which hurt and a crisis meeting to discuss disappointed the Queen and France, Germany and Britain future arrangements for him other royals, according to a yesterday called on Iran to and his wife Meghan following royal source. return to “full respect” of its the couple’s shock Today's meeting will be the commitments under Tehran’s announcement that they want first time the senior royals have 2015 nuclear accord with to step back from royal duties. met in person to discuss the world powers. Harry’s father Prince concerns raised by Harry and The three European signa- Charles, the heir to the throne, Meghan. tories to the deal have sought and his elder brother Prince Officials had been holding to salvage the accord intended William, will also attend the talks behind the scenes since to limit Iran’s nuclear ambi- meeting, due to take place today the bombshell statement to try tions after it began unravelling at the Queen’s Sandringham to work out a new arrangement when President Donald Trump estate in Norfolk, eastern for the couple, and a royal pulled out the United States in England, a Buckingham Palace source said those efforts pro- 2018. source said. gressed well. “It is essential that Iran Meghan, an American The consultations, which return to full compliance with A file photo shows (left to right) Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; former TV actress, will try to also included the British and its commitments under the Queen Elizabeth II; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; and Prince William, join via telephone from Canada Canadian governments, paved agreement,” a joint European Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018. where she returned earlier in the way for a face-to-face statement said. the week to rejoin the couple’s meeting between Harry and the “We have expressed our baby son, Archie. Queen. The palace source said televised annual address. William as saying to an Times newspaper reported that deep concern at the actions Harry and Meghan, officially it remained the queen’s aim to In an emotional TV unnamed friend: “I’ve put my Meghan had agreed to do voi- taken by Iran in violation of its known as the Duke and a find a resolution to the crisis interview last October, Harry arm around my brother all our ceover work for Disney in commitments since July 2019. Duchess of Sussex, surprised the in days rather than weeks but admitted he and William had lives and I can’t do that any return for the company making These actions must be rest of the royal family on it would require “complex and fallen out. more, we’re separate entities. a donation to a charity she sup- reversed.” All three European Wednesday by publicly thoughtful discussions” and any The Sunday Times news- “I’m sad about that. All we ports that works to protect parties to the pact have main- announcing they wanted a “new agreement would take time to paper said the elder prince had can do, and all I can do, is try elephants. tained their commitment to working model” that would be implemented. spoken of his sadness at the rift. and support them and hope that A Buckingham Palace saving the deal, despite a call allow them to spend more time The split between Harry and The brothers were close for the time comes when we’re all spokeswoman had no imme- by Trump this week to join him in North America and to be the other Windsors is the latest years following the death of singing from the same page. I diate comment on the report. in walking away. financially independent. crisis the royal family has faced their mother Princess Diana in want everyone to play on the Disney did not immediately The joint statement con- They did not consult the in a period described last month a Paris car crash in 1997. team.” respond to a request for firmed their position after 93-year-old monarch or other as “bumpy” by the Queen in a The newspaper quoted Earlier on Saturday, the comment. Iran’s admission early Sat- urday that it had accidentally shot down the Ukraine Inter- Three dead after national Airlines plane, killing Spain’s new coalition is headed in ‘single direction’: PM all 176 people aboard. French kayak The three signatory coun- AFP — MADRID tries and their EU partners accident in shared “fundamental common Spain’s socialist Prime Minister Pedro security interests”, said the Channel Sanchez yesterday promised that his new statement. minority coalition with the radical left One of those interests “is AFP — LILLE, FRANCE Podemos party was heading in the same upholding the nuclear non- direction, despite past differences between proliferation regime, and Three people have died while the two parties. ensuring that Iran never kayaking off the northern “It’s a plural government, a coalition develops a nuclear weapon. French coast, authorities said government whose firm intention is unity,” The Joint Comprehensive Plan yesterday. he told reporters after formally submitting of Action (JCPOA) plays a key A fourth person aged 15 the government lineup to King Felipe VI. role in this respect.” It pointed was rescued, suffering from The country’s first coalition government out that all the remaining hypothermia, and taken to since the return of democracy in 1975 “will parties to the agreement — hospital, they added. be informed by different ideas but will go China, France, Germany, The Amiens prefecture in a single direction”, said Sanchez. Russia, the United Kingdom said the bodies of a man and “It will speak with several voices but and Iran, with the EU as coor- a woman in their 50s were always with the same message,” he said of dinator — were still committed found on the beach at Crotoy his lineup, which will be sworn in on to preserving it. after midnight while the body Monday. The statement stressed of another man was recovered As recently as September he was addressing shared concerns later. claiming that joining forces with Podemos about Iran’s activities, It said eight kayakers, would cause him sleepless nights. including those linked to its members of a local club at But the deal allowed Sanchez to take missile programme. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (centre) speaks with journalists after unveiling his Saint-Valery-Sur-Somme, set the oath of office last week for a second “We reiterate our read- new minority coalition government in Madrid, yesterday. out Saturday afternoon but term after parliament narrowly confirmed iness to continue our they split up into two groups, him — thanks in part to the abstention of engagement for de-escalation with four returning to base and the Catalan separatist party the ERC. block between the Socialists and Podemos. Sanchez and a part of the Catalan and stability in the region. the others continuing, aiming In exchange, the ERC extracted from Sanchez was forced to enter into the separatists. “We note Iran’s for Cayeux-sur-Mer down the the Socialists an agreement for negotia- coalition after the Socialists emerged Thousands of Vox supporters protested announcement with regard to coast. tions between the central and Catalan gov- weakened from November’s legislative in Madrid and other cities yesterday against the shooting down of UIA The alarm was raised at ernments on the future of the wealthy elections, which also saw a surge for the what they called a government “in the Flight PS752 and commit to 17:45 pm (1645 GMT), with two northeastern region. far-right Vox party. hands of separatists”. working with Iran on next helicopters and rescue boats Sanchez said his government would be Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias will be Spain has been gripped by political steps.” involved. one of dialogue and coexistence rather than one of the government’s four deputy instability since the December 2015 The joint statement came In recent months, several discord. The political situation in Catalonia leaders, with the social rights portfolio. Four election, which saw the emergence of Ciu- as protests broke out in Iran incidents of migrants trying to remains in flux following a failed 2017 inde- other Podemos members have also been dadanos and the far-left Podemos, ending after the Iranian authorities cross the English Channel in pendence bid that triggered Spain’s worst given cabinet positions. three decades of bipartisan hegemony by admitted to downing the rickety boats have been political crisis in decades. Spain’s right wing, as well as Vox, are the Socialists and conservative Popular Ukrainian civilian passenger reported. The crisis had been the major stumbling fiercely opposed to the agreement between Party (PP). plane. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 Son of former President elected as Malta's new PM

AGENCIES — VALLETTA The count showed Robert Abela received A first-term lawmaker whose father was Malta’s president has nearly 58% of votes been chosen to be the country’s cast a day earlier prime minister, replacing Joseph Muscat after weeks of by members of the protests demanding accounta- governing Labour bility in the investigation of the car bomb slaying of an anti- Party eligible to corruption journalist who choose the new targeted his government. leader. The count yesterday showed Robert Abela (pictured) received nearly 58% of votes cast a day earlier by members still under investigation. A of the governing Labour Party The Labour Party, which Maltese hotelier, who denies eligible to choose the new commands a comfortable involvement, has been accused leader. majority in Parliament, of complicity in the killing. “I am humbled” he told appeared to choose a leader Three men are on trial for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (right) shaking hands with Austria’s Chancellor supporters. “I thank my friend who would follow much in allegedly detonating the bomb Sebastian Kurz before their meeting, in Brussels, yesterday. Chris (Fearne) and look forward Muscat’s path. that killed Daphne Caruana to working together for the Stepping down midway Galizia, while a fourth — pow- good of the party and the though his second term as erful businessman Jorgen country. There is only one premier, Muscat tweeted his Fenech — was charged as an EU Chief hails ‘Austrian model’ on climate change winner today, the Labour congratulations, saying, “Proud accomplice after being detained AFP — BRUSSELS “It is impressive to see that accounts for about a third of Party.” to be handing over to him as he tried to leave the country Austria has set itself the goal of Austria’s consumption, almost But although many Maltese #Malta PM office on Monday,” on his yacht. EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen being climate-neutral by 2040,” double the EU average. had pushed for Muscat’s resig- when Abela will be sworn in. The journalist's family had yesterday hailed Austria’s target von der Leyen said as she met The leaders of the 28 EU nation, after the assassination Before being chosen as called for Muscat to step down of being carbon neutral by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for states agreed last month to the of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Labour leader, Abela, said he immediately, but support from 2040 as an example for other talks in Brussels. target of making the bloc 2017, the changing of the office would work to restore Malta’s his party and his own popularity European countries as she met “I hope that the Austrian carbon neutral by 2050 but the guard might not bring much reputation for rule of law. — linked to Malta's booming the country’s newly re-elected model with these ambitious deal was undermined by policy change. European Union lawmakers economy — bought him time leader. goals will set an example for Poland refusing to implement Although Abela, a 42-year- had criticised the member until the party election. The incoming government us.” the aim. old specialist in labour and nation’s judiciary and police. Muscat had beaten Abela’s in Vienna, a coalition between Austria has pledged to get The EU’s climate monitor industrial law, did pledge ahead A close aide to Muscat was father in the race for the party conservatives and greens, has all its energy from renewable warned this week that 2019 was of the party vote on Saturday questioned in connection with leadership in 2008. George vowed to make Austria a front- resources by 2030 and to invest the second hottest year ever to help repair Malta’s repu- journalist Daphne Caruana Gal- Abela was later appointed pres- runner in climate protection by more in public transport but the recorded as world leaders tation, in many ways he is con- izia’s killing, denied wrong- ident, serving from 2009 until beating the EU-wide target of government faces a tough task. struggle to get a grip on the sidered a protege of Muscat. doing and was released while 2014. carbon neutrality by 2050. Renewable energy already environmental crisis.

Thousands march in UK for Scottish Most Germans want independence Merkel to complete ANATOLIA — LONDON

Thousands marched through last term of office: Poll Scotland’s most populous city BLOOMBERG — BERLIN yesterday in favour of inde- pendence from the UK. About three-quarters of It is the first of eight Germans want Chan- planned marches in 2020 by cellor Angela Merkel a group known as All Under (pictured) to complete One Banner (AUOB). her last term of office Scottish National Party rather than step down leader Nicola Sturgeon is early, according to a poll. pushing for a second inde- With the data pendence referendum this showing weak support year as her pro-independence for possible candidates party won 48 of 57 seats in to succeed her, the Forsa Scotland, while centre-right survey underscores both Conservatives won the UK the limited alternatives election overall last December. to Europe’s longest- Demonstrators waving green and yellow flares during a strike against the French government’s UK Prime Minister Boris serving head of gov- pensions overhaul, in Nantes, yesterday. Johnson has consistently ruled ernment and the uncer- out an independence vote. tainties of the post- Scotland voted to remain Merkel era. in the UK in a 2014 refer- No end in sight for strike as French Election setbacks for Mer- younger women, 66 percent endum by 55% but the cam- kel’s Christian Democratic would vote for neither, paign galvanised the country’s Union (CDU) and her Social according to Forsa. pro-independence movement government offers compromise Democratic junior partner have Support for Kramp-Karren- nonetheless. Scotland then fueled speculation about an bauer and Esken was lower voted against Brexit in 2016, AFP — PARIS constructive and responsible the issue, he said, reiterating his early election or a more dra- than for their respective parties. which Conservatives support. compromise.” call for the government to matic ouster before her term Backing for the CDU and its "We do not support a A crippling French transport The more reformist trade withdraw the pension reforms ends in late 2021. Merkel, 65, Bavaria-based CSU affiliate second referendum on leaving strike dragged into its 39th day unions — the FDT, Unsa and FRC completely which he described has insisted she’ll serve out her was unchanged at a combined the UK,” a British government yesterday despite the govern- — welcomed the announcement at “the major requirement of a term but won’t run for another 28 percent in the weekly Forsa spokesman said. “Scots voted ment’s offer to withdraw the and said they were now ready majority of unions representing one. poll, while the SPD dipped 1 decisively to remain part of the most contested measure of the to work with employers on the a majority of employees”. She served as the leader of percentage point to 12 percent. UK in a once in a generation pension reform plans that sustainable financing of the state The government’s com- the CDU from the year 2000 to A broad swath of voters referendum in 2014.” sparked the protest. pension system. promise move came a day after 2018. She has been widely across the political spectrum, Sturgeon wrote to Johnson Prime Minister Edouard However, the more hardline meetings with unions in a bid described as the de facto leader 73 percent, said they want asking for powers to hold a Philippe said on Saturday that CGT, FO and Solidaires unions to end a strike that has frus- of the European Union, the most Merkel to serve out her term, referendum, which currently he would drop plans to increase were not moving an inch, trated Paris commuters, ruined powerful woman in the world, according to Forsa. Only among have to be granted by the the official retirement age to 64 calling for the strike and pro- December holiday travel plans, and “leader of the free world”. supporters of the nationalist national Westminster par- from 62 in an effort to end a tests to continue, among them and hurt business. She is Germany's first female Alternative for Germany, or liament. She also called for the strike which has paralysed a major demonstration on Demonstrators in the chancellor AfD, did a majority want her to permanent transfer of those Paris and its suburbs, with bus, January 16. capital on Saturday, some Merkel’s relative strength leave early. powers to the devolved train and metro services all CGT head Philippe Martinez masked and hooded, broke reflects low poll numbers for The AfD had an unchanged Scottish parliament to hold badly disrupted. played down the impact of the shop windows along their her successor as CDU chair- 13 percent nationally, according future referendums, if needed. “I am willing to withdraw CFDT and Unsa’s readiness to protest route, set fires and woman, Annegret Kramp-Kar- to the poll for broadcasters RTL Sturgeon did not attend the from the bill the short-term resume negotiations, and spoke threw projectiles at police in renbauer, and recently elected and NTV. march but SNP Deputy Leader measure I had proposed,” said of internal splits within these riot gear who responded with Social Democrat co-leader The January 6 to 10 poll of Keith Brown and SNP Justice Philippe, prompting his boss groups. tear gas. The interior ministry Saskia Esken. 2,503 people has a margin of Minister Hamza Yusuf French President Emmanuel “We will see” what these said 149,000 people had turned In a hypothetical head-to- error of plus or minus 2.5 per- attended. Macron to dub the change “a unions’ workers have to say on out throughout France. head race between the two centage points. Italian fashion world adopts manifesto promoting diversity

AP — MILAN ‘’We have been speaking for Gucci and Prada, and a Chinese main fashion cities of Paris, in the fashion industry, Capasa They were adopted by cham- many years against discrimi- backlash that forced fashion New York and London in racial said efforts are needed to get ber’s more than 100 members, The Italian National Fashion nation based on gender, house Dolce&Gabbana to cancel diversity on the runway, more women into decision- which include most major Milan Chamber is promoting a religion, skin color and physical a major Shanghai show, the according to season diversity making roles. fashion houses with the notable diversity agenda among Milan’s ability. But we must incidents show the cultural reporting by the Fashion Spot. ‘’If we look at the boards, at exception of Dolce&Gabbana, major fashion houses, a year acknowledge that this has not blind spots that can arise when Capasa said the stories that the CEOs, at other key roles, and will be monitored every year after several top Italian brands been truly implemented,’’ a fashion house is too fashion houses want to tell are there might be an advantage for for progress. faced criticism for designs and Capasa said. ‘’We looked at our homogeneous. often linked to their Italian men,’’ Capasa said. ‘’But we don’t They call for changing rep- remarks seen as culturally and industry and we saw there is Capasa said the Milan roots, and that runway choices want to introduce quotas obli- resentations of the standards of racially insensitive. disparity. We saw that a dis- fashion world must work are linked to model agencies’ gating companies to promote beauty on runways and in mag- Its manifesto backed by parity of gender persists, that harder to attract people of color. offerings since not all models women. We want to create the azine campaigns, acknowl- major Italian fashion brands there are conditions not favo- “If global companies want to come to Milan. conditions so that women can edging that ‘’canons of physical aims to increase racial and rable to women in the work- represent the world they are While many Milan fashion have the same chances.’’ beauty and harmful psycho- gender diversity in key roles in place and in some cases there targeting, they must welcome houses take their creative The chamber’s manifesto logical models have spread Milan’s fashion houses, which is discrimination.’’ diversity and look beyond their direction from women — does not include hard commit- throughout the industry.’’ They fashion chamber president While Capasa resisted own borders,’’ he said, citing the including Miuccia Prada, Don- ments. Instead, it presents con- also present inclusion as a Carlo Capasa acknowledged framing the manifesto as a relative homogeneity of Italian atella Versace, Silvia Venturini cepts that ‘’will serve as a model business opportunity that can was lagging in an interview with direct reaction to the scandals society. Fendi and Angela Missoni— and for a radical reform in terms of boost financial results while ahead of Milan Fashion Week. involving blackface designs by Milan has lagged the other more women than men work diversity and inclusion.’’ improving trust with clients. MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 AMERICAS 17 ‘No specific evidence Iran planned to attack US embassies’

REUTERS — WASHINGTON Republican Senator he said: “I didn’t see one with aiming to attack four US that the rest of Congress does not basis for concluding there was Mike Lee yesterday regards to four embassies.” embassies before Soleimani was have access to. an imminent attack. I don’t US Defence Secretary Mark Since confirming that killed in a US drone strike on National Security Adviser doubt that. It is just frustrating Esper yesterday that said he did said he was worried Iranian military leader Qassem Janaury 3. Mike O’Brien echoed Esper’s to be told that and to not get the not see specific evidence from about the integrity of Soleimani had been killed by a “We will tell you probably comment that the adminis- details behind it,” he said on intelligence officials that Iran US airstrike in Baghdad, admin- it was going to be the embassy tration had “exquisite intelli- CNN. was planning to attack four US information the US istration officials have claimed in Baghdad,” Trump said in a gence” on NBC’s “Meet the Michigan Congressman embassies, an assertion made President and security they acted because of an clip of an interview on Fox Press” that a threat was Justin Amash, a critic of Trump by President Donald Trump in imminent risk of attacks on News. “I can reveal that I imminent but did not comment who left the Republican Party, justifying the killing of Iran’s top briefers have provided American diplomats and service believe it would have been four on evidence saying four responded to Esper’s comments general. Congress about Iran. members in Iraq and embassies.” embassies were targeted. on Twitter yesterday. While Esper said he agreed throughout the region. Esper said in a separate Republican Senator Mike “The administration didn’t with Trump that additional Democrats and a few interview on CNN’s “State of the Lee yesterday said he was present evidence to Congress attacks against US embassies be additional attacks against Republicans in Congress have Union” that the administration worried about the integrity of regarding even one embassy. were likely, he said on CBS’s embassies. I shared that view,” questioned the justification of had “exquisite intelligence” that information the president and The four embassies claim seems “Face the Nation” that Trump’s Esper said. “The president didn’t the attacks and said they have a broader attack against multiple security briefers have provided to be totally made up. And they remarks to Fox News were not cite a specific piece of not been given adequate, embassies was likely but that Congress about Iran. have never presented evidence based on specific evidence on evidence.” detailed briefings. could only be shared with the “We were given somewhat of imminence-a necessary con- an attack on four embassies. When pressed on whether Trump said on Friday Iran “Gang of Eight,” a group of top general statements, and I dition to act without congres- “What the president said intelligence officers offered probably had targeted the US congressional leaders who get believe that the briefers and the sional approval-with respect to was that there probably could concrete evidence on that point embassy in Baghdad and was briefed on sensitive information president believe they had a any of this,” he wrote. Impeachment: Pelosi sees ‘enough testimony’ against Trump to convict AFP — WASHINGTON that he improperly pressured subpoena Bolton — and Trump Ukraine to investigate his said on Friday in an interview Top US Democrat Nancy Pelosi potential 2020 election rival Joe on Fox that he might invoke said yesterday that she believes Biden, and obstructed the sub- executive privilege to block the impeachment hearings sequent congressional probe. Bolton’s testimony — Pelosi said against Donald Trump Pelosi had hoped to it was “not excluded” that the produced “enough testimony pressure Senate Republican House might then move to sub- to remove him from office” leader Mitch McConnell to poena him. when the case moves to the agree to allow witnesses and But McConnell made clear Senate. new evidence in the trial. recently he had sufficient Speaker Pelosi will meet He has not budged, Republican votes to ignore the with the House Democratic however. Democrats’ demands on wit- caucus early Tuesday to Still, she said yesterday that nesses and evidence. prepare for the formal vote the delay had accomplished Trump, for his part, has said required to send the two important things. “We wanted he expects rapid exoneration articles of impeachment passed the public to see the need for and wants to move past the trial by the House on to the Senate, witnesses.” as quickly as possible. as early as this week. “Now the ball is in their He also renewed a call for The Senate trial is expected court to either do that or pay a Democrat Adam Schiff, who to be held quickly, with Repub- price for not doing it.” led the House impeachment licans holding enough votes to During the interim, she probe, to be called as a witness easily dismiss the charges of added, new e-mails supporting — this time also demanding abuse of power and obstruction the charges against Trump had that Pelosi herself be made to Democratic US presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg leaves a tip at a restaurant while campaigning, of Congress. emerged, and former national testify. in San Marcos, Texas, yesterday. Pelosi has withheld the security adviser John Bolton The timing of the trial is articles since the House had announced his willingness critical, with political temper- impeached Trump on to testify if subpoenaed. atures rapidly rising in this Bloomberg ‘willing to spend’ to defeat Trump December 18 over allegations If the Senate fails to presidential election year. BLOOMBERG — SAN MARCOS later, he said it would “hope- nomination, may not want his fully not” take that much money. Michael Bloomberg yesterday money, but that he would “If they’ve said really bad Recovery begins said that he’s willing to spend support Joe Biden, Bernie things about my money, I Police shoot Miami Beach a lot of money — but “hope- Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, assume that’s what they after storms leave fully not” as much as $1bn to Tom Steyer or “whoever’s in the believe, and they probably help any Democratic nominee race.” wouldn’t want it,” Bloomberg stabbing suspect: Officials 11 dead in US defeat President Donald “I have to see as I get there,” said, while ensuring that his Trump, even if he loses the Bloomberg said. “I would prefer organization would work to AP — MIAMI street and then was stabbed by Midwest, South nomination. them to Donald Trump and I help Warren or Sanders despite him, which prompted other Bloomberg, who joined the would try to help them.” his stated differences with them A Florida man was shot dead officers to shoot at him. AP — MONTGOMERY Democratic presidential contest Bloomberg is the founder over a wealth tax and Medicare by Miami Beach police after he Authorities have not on November 24, said in an and majority owner of for All. stabbed an officer on the iconic released the names of the man Thousands remained without interview that he plans to keep Bloomberg LP, the parent The former New York Ocean Drive, officials said. or the officer. The Florida electrical power after weekend “a chunk” of his 500-person company of Bloomberg News. mayor said he thinks he could Miami Beach police Department of Law storms ravaged parts of the ground game operation He gave interviews on his cam- win the nomination, even with spokesman Ernesto Rodriguez Enforcement will investigate Southeast and Midwest, working to defeat Trump, paign bus as it drove through his untested strategy of skipping said in a statement that the man the shooting. causing 11 deaths, overturning regardless of who wins the central Texas. the first four nominating died yesterday, and the officer Miami Beach Mayor Dan cars, uprooting trees and primary contest. The anti-Trump effort contests. remains in the intensive care Gelber told The Miami Herald reducing buildings to rubble. The New York Times asked would be independent of the He said Democratic voters unit of a local hospital, in stable that the officer was patrolling The National Weather Bloomberg if he would spend nominee’s campaign. are placing a premium on who condition. the area as part of an initiative Service says it was a tornado $1bn to defeat Trump and said Bloomberg joked that Sanders can beat Trump and who has According to Rodriguez the to increase police presence in packing winds of at least 215 he didn’t rule it out. and Warren, who have criti- the experience to solve officer made contact with a man the party district of South kph that hit Alabama’s Pickens When asked about that cised him for trying to “buy” the problems and unite the country. on Saturday on the popular Beach. County on Saturday, killing three. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey praised the state’s first Biden hints he opposed responders yesterday in a statement expressing grief over the loss of life. “This morning, Obama’s deportation policy I have reached out to both the county leadership as well as the Biden’s remark implied that legislative delegation to offer he disagreed with the then- my deepest condolences in this president’s approach but didn’t terrible loss of life,” Ivey’s want to discuss his opposition statement said. publicly. In northwestern Louisiana, Biden has previously three deaths were blamed on defended the Obama policy, high winds. A man in his bed which resulted in the depor- in Oil City, Louisiana, was tation of a record 3 million crushed to death by a tree that immigrants over eight years, fell on his home early Sat- saying it was the law of the urday. A couple in nearby land. Bossier Parish were killed During Democratic primary when the storms demolished debates last year, Biden was their mobile home. The pressed on that record by mod- National Weather Service said erators and by other candi- a tornado with 135 mph winds dates, including Julian Castro, hit the area. BLOOMBERG — LAS VEGAS who was Obama’s second-term Icy road conditions were housing secretary. Biden blamed for Saturday deaths in Democratic presidential declined then to break from Lubbock, Texas, where two first candidate Joe Biden Obama. responders were killed when (pictured) suggested that he “The president did the best they were hit by a vehicle at the opposed Barack Obama’s thing that was able to be done People making a line at a bakery after a powerful earthquake hitGuayanilla, in Puerto Rico, yesterday. scene of a traffic accident; and deportation policy, but didn’t at the time,” he said at the Sep- in Iowa, where a semitrailer on speak out because he was tember debate. Interstate 80 overturned, vice-president. Pressed on his own views, California sends disaster specialists to Puerto Rico killing a passenger. “You privately know where he deflected responsibility, Near Kiowa, Oklahoma, a I was on that but I’m not going responding: “I’m the vice pres- AP — SACRAMENTO ment’s request for assistance. Earlier this week, Newsom man drowned after he was to get into that because I was ident of the United States.” The Governor’s Office of approved the deployment of swept away by floodwaters, vice president,” Biden told Later in that exchange, California is sending 31 disaster Emergency Services says in a four firefighters to assist with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Hector Sanchez Barba, who Biden added: “I stand with specialists to Puerto Rico after statement that the team will search and rescue operations. said. worked with the Obama Barack Obama all eight years a magnitude 5.9 earthquake depart from Sacramento today The ground in southwest High winds and icy administration on immigration — good, bad and struck the island’s southern and will spend 16 days working Puerto Rico has been shaking weather were factors in power policy as the leader of a Latino indifferent.” coast on Saturday, the latest in with emergency management since December 28, with more outages affecting tens of thou- labor group. He’s now exec- Biden also said that depor- a series of quakes over the past and public safety officials there. than 1,100 earthquakes, of sands of people in the South utive director and chief exec- tations would be limited if he week that have toppled homes The group consists of experts which more than 100 were felt and the Northeast. The Pow- utive officer of Mi Familia Vota, were elected. and schools and left more than in incident and emergency man- and more than 66 were of mag- erOutage.US website reported a group that works to build “No one would be deported 4,000 people in shelters. agement, engineering and safety nitude 3.5 or greater. Saturday’s more than 40,000 outages in Latino political power, which in my administration who Gov Gavin Newsom said the assessment, planning, public quake occurred four days after New York. More than 28,000 hosted Biden yesterday in Las hasn’t committed a felony,” he deployment comes in response information, debris man- a 6.4 magnitude quake in the were without power in the Vegas. said. to the Puerto Rican govern- agement and crisis counseling. same area. Carolinas yesterday morning. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020

Minister: 8 more Ontario apologises after false nuclear alert Canadian officials REUTERS — OTTAWA Angry local mayors to join Iran plane demanded an inquiry, crash probe The Canadian province of Ontario yesterday apologised saying the emergency REUTERS — OTTAWA for wrongly raising the alarm message about the about an incident at a massive Iran has issued eight more nuclear power station near ageing Pickering visas to a team of Canadian Toronto and blamed a training plant had caused officials in the wake of a fatal exercise mistake. plane crash near Tehran and Angry local mayors unnecessary distress. most members of the group demanded an inquiry, saying should be in Tehran on the emergency message about said on Twitter that locals had Monday, Canadian Foreign the ageing Pickering plant had been very troubled and added: Minister Francois-Philippe caused unnecessary distress. “I have spoken to the province, Champagne said yesterday. At around 7:30am ET (1230 and am demanding that a full Champagne said on GMT) cell phone users across investigation take place”. Twitter that three officials Ontario — the most populous Toronto Mayor John Tory from the rapid deployment of Canada’s 10 provinces — complained that many of the team had flown to Iran on Sat- received an alert about the sup- city’s 3 million residents had urday to set up a base of oper- posed incident. Less than an been unnecessarily alarmed ations and a further eight hour later the Ontario Power and also pushed for a probe, would travel today. Generation (OPG) authority said citing what he said were “far too “We expect the (team) to the message had been a many unanswered questions”. be fully in place to do their mistake. Human error during a important work by January “The alert was issued in training exercise was also 14,” Champagne said. error to the public during a blamed for an incident in Canada says it wants to routine training exercise,” Hawaii in January 2018 when take part in the crash investi- Ontario’s Solicitor-General authorities issued a false alert gation and help the families of Sylvia Jones said in a statement. about an impending ballistic the 57 Canadians who died. “The government of Ontario missile attack. The team includes consular sincerely apologises for raising OPG was not immediately officials and members of Can- public concern and has begun available for comment. A combination photos of provincial emergency alert announcing an incident at Pickering Nuclear ada’s Transportation Safety a full investigation to determine The plant came online in Generating Station (left) and another announcing that the alert was made in error appear, in Toronto, Board. how this error happened.” 1971 and has a power-gener- Ontario, Canada, yesterday. Iran admitted that its The initial message said ating capacity of 3,100 mega- forces shot down the plane by there had been no abnormal watts when fully active. It is station next to Toronto,” said cartoon series the Simpsons, said “sending out a ‘hey there mistake. leak of activity from the plant, scheduled to be shut down in Shawn-Patrick Stensil, a which features a nuclear power was an issue at a nuclear plant Prime Minister Justin which is located on the shores 2024. program director at Greenpeace plant plagued by safety but we’re not going to tell you Trudea said Iranian President of Lake Ontario some 50km “OPG has reminded eve- Canada. violations. about it specifically and it’s not Hassan Rouhani had com- east of downtown Toronto. ryone that they’re running an Some social media users Cam Guthrie, the mayor of a big deal’ emergency text, is mitted to collaborating with Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan unneeded and aging nuclear posted images from the hit Guelph, a city west of Toronto, terrible”. Canadian investigators.

Pete Buttigieg gets endorsement from Venezuela opposition leader says talks with Maduro unlikely AFP — CARACAS “It’s not that we don’t want arrive here within hours. But Maduro won a new term in in which they are no longer able Iowa congressman a negotiation. It’s that we see it they also stressed that the 2018 in elections that were to find or afford basic staples. Venezuela’s opposition leader as just so highly unlikely. We negotiation process was over. widely criticised internationally But despite the humani- REUTERS — DES MOINES and self-declared acting pres- have been duped over and Guaido’s apparent refusal to as fraudulent, and new presi- tarian catastrophe and biting US ident Juan Guaido said that it is over,” Guaido said in a speech resume dialogue followed a dential polls are not due until sanctions, Maduro maintains Democratic presidential unlikely he will resume nego- to supporters in Caracas new US drive toward 2024. power with the support of the candidate Pete Buttigieg was tiations with President Nicolas yesterday. diplomacy, almost a year after But elections must take military as well as Russia, China endorsed by veteran Iowa Maduro. Aides to Maduro and Guaido the US declared Maduro illegit- place in 2020 for the National and Cuba. Congressman Dave Loebsack Guaido this week survived held negotiations last year imate and recognised Guaido Assembly, the only institution After failing at ousting yesterday, a high-profile boost dramatic attempts to remove under mediation by Norway but as interim president. controlled by the opposition — President Maduro last year, for the White House hopeful him as head of the National both sides accused each other “Negotiations could open and which the United States and claiming to have “tried every- just three weeks before the Assembly, and called new pro- of breaking terms, and the talks the path out of the crisis through more than 50 other countries thing,” Guaido’s popularity fell party’s nominating contest tests to try to drive out the leftist stopped in August. a transitional government that see as bringing legitimacy to to 38.9 percent in December begins in Iowa on February 3. Maduro, who is overseeing an Just on Friday, Guaido’s will organize free and fair elec- Guaido. after reaching a peak of 63 The backing of Buttigieg by economy in free fall and accused aides said a Norwegian gov- tions,” Secretary of State Mike Millions of Venezuelans percent, pollsters Datanalisis the seven-term congressman of acting like a dictator. ernment commission would Pompeo said. have fled a collapsing economy, say. follows the endorsement this month of Joe Biden by another Iowa US lawmaker, congress- woman Abby Finkenauer. The Colombia police foil attempt to third Democratic member of Iowa’s House delegation, Cindy assassinate former FARC leader Axne, has not yet endorsed a presidential candidate. REUTERS — BOGOTA heads the FARC political party, Endorsements by which preserved its Spanish members of Congress in their Colombian police thwarted an initials after changing its name home states are particularly assassination attempt against to the Revolutionary Alter- coveted for presidential can- Rodrigo Londono, former native Common Force. didates, because of their name commander of the demobilised The peace agreement gave recognition among local voters FARC rebels better known by the FARC five seats in the and their potential to deliver his nom de guerre Timochenko, Senate and five more in the support. a senior official said yesterday. House of Representatives for Loebsack represents General Oscar Atehortua, two legislative periods that Iowa’s second congressional director of Colombia’s national expire in 2026. district in southeast Iowa, a police, said officers killed two Atehortua said the two men swing region that narrowly men who planned to commit charged with carrying out the backed Republican President the attack, which was ordered attack died on Saturday Donald Trump in the 2016 by commanders of dissident afternoon on a road between election. rebels who decided to return the departments of Quindio and “I’m proud to announce to conflict last year. Valle del Cauca, when police that I’m endorsing Pete Butt- “A terrorist attack which intercepted them, adding that igieg to be the next president sought to kill Rodrigo Londono the two dead men were in an of the United States,” Loebsack Echeverri, president of the area where Londono had been said in a statement. FARC political party, was pre- in recent days. “Pete offers a new kind of vented” Atehortua told a press He said the attackers would leadership that we desperately conference. have received military need. He’s a Midwestern Police said an informant instruction in Venezuela from mayor, a veteran, and is from Haiti commemorates 2010 earthquake provided them with details of Ivan Marquez and Hernan a new generation.” the assassination attempt Dario Velasquez, aka “El Paisa”, President of Haiti Jovenel Moise (third left) with other officials, offering bouquet of flowers at the Buttigieg, who turns 38 against Londono. two former FARC commanders mass graveyard during the commemorative ceremonies of Haiti’s earthquake 10th year anniversary next week, was until this Londono, who was the who announced last August on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, yesterday. Haitians yesterday paid somber tribute to the thousands month the mayor of South highest commander of the Rev- that they would return to the Bend, Indiana, and spent seven who died in the devastating January 12, 2010 earthquake, as grief mixed with bitterness over failed olutionary Armed Forces of armed struggle because they months in Afghanistan with reconstruction efforts and continuing political instability. Thousands of Haitians flowed into churches Colombia (FARC) when a peace believed the peace agreement the US Navy Reserves. for masses celebrated in the memory of the dead. deal was signed in 2016, now had broken down. Suit over US Border Patrol detention conditions goes to trial AP — PHOENIX But advocates say that the In Arizona, migrants and facilities,” said Victoria López, Immigrants held in the the US government for $12m, Border Patrol still holds immi- advocates have long com- advocacy and legal director for Tucson Sector spent an average saying their children were A years-old lawsuit challenging grants for prolonged periods plained about the infamously the ACLU of Arizona, one of the of nearly 54 hours in custody abused at foster homes in the detention conditions in several in filthy and freezing named “hieleras,” or iceboxes, organizations that sued. during the fiscal year that ended US. of the Border Patrol’s Arizona conditions. where those apprehended by In 2017, Bury said the on September 30. The lawsuit filed in the US stations will go to trial today as Although the lawsuit pre- the Border Patrol are held agency violated court orders by “The number of individuals District Court of Arizona argues the agency as a whole has come dates last year’s surge in immi- before being turned over to failing to preserve surveillance in a given hold room is never that the Trump administration's under fire following several grant arrivals at the southern another agency or deported. footage that it was required to intended to create discomfort “zero tolerance” policy was migrant deaths. border, it illustrates the some Photos from 2015 that were turn over. or challenges for those in “cruel and unconstitutional,” The lawsuit filed in 2015 of the challenges posed when evidence in the case show men Bury partially granted a custody, but rather is deter- that it tore their families apart applies to eight Border Patrol migrants are detained, espe- jammed together under an alu- motion to hold the Tucson mined by operational con- and that their children are still facilities in Arizona where cially if they are children. minum blanket and a woman Sector in civil contempt over cerns,” government attorneys suffering as a result — more attorneys say migrants are held Nearly 852,000 people — using a concrete floor littered video files that were irreparably wrote in a filing on January 6. than a year after they were in unsafe and inhumane largely families with kids — with trash to change a baby’s damaged, agreeing the agency “Food, water, sanitation, reunited. conditions. were apprehended last fiscal diaper. knew about the bad files but hygiene items, bedding, medical The fathers also allege in the A preliminary injunction year. Others showed rusty toilets, didn’t notify plaintiffs. care, etc., are not withheld as a lawsuit that their children were granted by US District Court This prompted cries of a dirty toilet paper on the floor The Border Patrol didn’t punitive measure, and station abused by other children while Judge David C Bury in 2016 crisis at the border from gov- and a malfunctioning water respond to a request for temperatures are not set for in government custody. already requires the Tucson ernment officials looking to fountain. comment. It has defended its punitive purposes.” “He was taken from me and Sector to provide clean mats stem the numbers and wide- “We’re talking about practices in the past, saying its The trial is expected to take I had no idea what was hap- and thin blankets to migrants spread allegations of subpar ensuring that the government facilities are designed for short- two weeks. pening to him. When I learned held for longer than 12 hours conditions in Border Patrol is meeting constitutional term stays and that a variety of On Friday, two fathers who that he was abused by other and to allow them to wash or facilities that are designed for standards when it comes to the factors affect how long someone were separated from their boys, I was sick with grief,”said clean themselves. short-term stays for adults. detention of people in these is there. children at the border are suing the father. MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020 HOME 19 Take risks and invest in teachers to improve schools, says QF educator

— DOHA THE PENINSULA Dr Asmaa Al Fadala, said. “It’s called deliberate Director of Research practice. School leaders and teachers must and Content Develop- “In education, teachers work be allowed to take more risks ment at (WISE), told in teams on a specific area to and ‘fail well’ if education build their expertise. They systems are to see genuine policy-makers, re- practice in their classroom over improvement, a Qatar Foun- searchers and educa- 1-4 weeks and they try out that dation educator has told an inter- tion experts from more new approach, then they review national conference. than 80 countries that the evidence of their impact as a Dr Asmaa Al Fadala, Director team, and discuss and reflect on of Research and Content Devel- many plans designed what worked and what didn’t opment at the World Innovation to raise the quality of work. Teacher learning is where Summit for Education (WISE), learning in schools are teachers are engaged in delib- told policy-makers, researchers, not working – because erate practice.” and education experts from more Outlining four steps for than 80 countries that many schools themselves enhancing teacher learning, Dr. plans designed to raise the Al Fadala – whose role at WISE, are removed from the Dr Asmaa Al Fadala quality of learning in schools are process. a Qatar Foundation member, not working – because schools includes working with schools themselves are removed from H E Dr Mohammed Abdul to build their capacity as learners the process. Wahed Al Hammadi, Qatar’s and designers for learning. Dr Al Speaking at the 33rd Inter- believe in that, we need to invest Minister of Education and Fadala – who was joined in the national Congress for School in our teachers; not just tell them Higher Education, Dr Al Fadala session by Professor Andy Har- Effectiveness and Improvement to teach this way or pick up this said teachers must be able to greaves, Visiting Professor at the in Marrakesh, she said this program, but rather enhance discuss and debate the impact University of Ottawa, and Dr. means that strategies intended their expertise – their capacity of improvement plans within Santiago Rincon-Gallardo, Chief to drive up school standards ‘do to make the right decision at the their specific school, and “chal- Research Officer at education not make sense to the educators right time – to help their stu- lenge the current practice and consultancy Michael Fullan in the frontline,’ and that dents make progress in beliefs”. Enterprises – told the conference teachers need to be involved in learning.” “Whether you want to get that “the capacity to continuously developing them and given the In front of an audience better at piano, surgery, or learn, to continuously improve” freedom to decide how they including Moroccan Prime Min- football, there’s only one way is key to future-proofing implement them – with ister Saadeddine Othmani and to develop expertise,” she education. enhancing teacher expertise being vital to improving edu- cation systems. “What policy-makers often miss is the key element of working with schools and edu- cators,” Dr Al Fadala told the conference’s keynote session, The Global Future of Education Change. “Educators – whether they be school leaders, teachers, or administrators – play essential roles in every level of reform. “To have sustained improvement, we need to revisit the design of profes- sional learning. We need to invest in teacher learning. We need to shift the discussion of what educational change we want to introduce to how to design professional learning in complex organisations like schools. “We know that the quality of teaching is the number one In education, teachers work in teams on a specific area to build their expertise. They practise in their factor in implementing suc- cessful plans. And so, if we classroom over 1-4 weeks and they try out that new approach.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA

Darbar (2D/Tamil) 2:00, 5:00, 8:00, 11:00 & 11:30pm; Darbar (2D/Tamil) 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 8:45 & 11:15pm Red Shoes & The 7 Dwarfs (2D/Action) 2:00 & Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm; 5:15pm; Chhapaak (2D/Hindi) 4:15pm; Frozen II (2D/Animation) 3:30pm; Mission Unstapabol (2D/Tagalog) 6:45pm; Mission Unstapabol (2D/Tagalog) 7:00pm; 11:30pm 1917 (2D/Crime) 9:15pm; Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:30pm; Red Shoes & The 7 Dwarfs (2D/Action) 2:00 & 3:45pm; Chhapaak (2D/Hindi) 4:15 & 9:00pm; Balloon (2D/Drama) 5:30pm; Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm Underwater (2D/Action) 7:45pm; Richard Jewell (2D/Crime) 9:30pm; 1917 (2D/Crime) 11:45pm LANDMARK

Chhapaak (2D/Hindi) 2:00pm; Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 4:45 & 11:30pm FLIK Mirqab Mall Daughter Of The Wolf (2D/Action) 9:15pm; 1917 (2D/Crime) 11:15am, 1:35, 3:55, 6:15, 8:35 & 10:55pm 7:15pm; Mission Unstapabol (2D/Tagalog) Darbar (2D/Tamil) 3:25, 6:30, 9:35 & 10:50pm; Daughter Of The Red Shoes & The 7 Dwarfs (2D/Action) 2:00 & 4:50pm; Wolf (2D/Action) 7:00pm; El Folous A.K.A The Money (2D/Arabic) Frozen II (2D/Animation) 3:45pm; 10:40am, & 4:40pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 10:35am, Darbar (2D/Tamil) 2:00, 5:30, 8:15, 8:40 & 11:00pm; 11:20am, 1:00, 1:45, 3:25, 5:50, 8:15 & 10:40pm Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 6:30pm; Miracle in Cell No.7 (2D/Comedy) 3:20, 5:40, 8:00, 10:25pm & 0:45am; Red Shoes & The 7 Dwarfs (2D/Action) 10:50am AL KHOR Richard Jewell (2D/Crime) 1:55, 7:20 & 9:55pm 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9;30 & 12:30pm Darbar (2D/Tamil) Spies in Disguise (2D/Animation) 10:40am, 12:40, 2:40pm Spies In Disguise (2D/Amination) 11:00am Mission Unstapabol (2D/Tagalog) 3:45pm Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2D/Action) 11:05am, 4:30pm & Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 1:30 & 0:30am; Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 8:50 & 11:35pm 9:15pm; 1917 (2D/Crime) 1:15 & 9:00pm Underwater (2D/Action) 12:40, 2:35, 4:30, 6:25, 8:55pm & 0:15am Underwater (2D/Action) 4:15 & 12:00pm The Grudge 8:25, 10:20pm & 0:40am Darbar (2D/Hindi) 6:00 & 11:30pm

ROXY ASIAN TOWN Chhapaak (2D/Hindi) 10:30am, 11:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, 5:20, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 10:30 & 11:00pm Darbar (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 2:30, 3:30, 5:30, 6:30, 8:30, 9:30 & Darbar (2D/Tamil) 10:30am, 1:00, 1:40, 3:00, 4:10, 11:30pm 4:30, 5:50, 7:20, 7:30, 8:00, 8:20, 10:30, 10:50, 11:00 & Darbar (2D/Telugu) 12:30pm 11:30pm; Driving License (2D/Malayalam) 11:00am, Darbar (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm Frozen II (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 11:00am, 12:30, Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 9:15pm; 2:35, 3:15, 6:20pm; Jumanji: The Next Level (3D/ Action) 10:30, 11:00am, 12:30, 12:50, 1:00, 3:20, 5:50, 6:10, 6:30, 8:00 & 11:30pm; Red Shoes & The 7 Dwarfs (2D/Action) 1:15, 2:30, 4:20, 4:45, 6:45pm; Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2D/Hindi) 4:10, 8:30, 8:40 & 11:15pm; Stand Up (2D/Malayalam) 1:35, 4:30, 8:45 & 11:30pm; Underwater (2D/Action) 1:30, 3:20, 9:00, 10;30, 11:00pm

TANHAJI: THE UNSUNG WARRIOR

The movie is based on the life of Tanaji Malusare, a 17th-century Maharashtrian Marathi military leader. 20 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR05.01 am SUNRISE 06.21 am o o Relatively cold daytime with some clouds and slight dust at times, cold by night. ZUHR 11.43 am ASR 02.44 pm 14 C 20 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 06:26 – 17:25 LOW TIDE 00:17 – 14:09 MAGHRIB 05.06 pm ISHA 06.36 pm W ALRUWAIS: 13o↗18o W ALKHOR: 13o↗20o W DUKHAN: 13o↗18o W DOHA: 14o↗20o W MESAIEED 12o↗20o W ABUSAMRA 11o↗19o ‘1917’ ends ‘Star Wars’ box-office reign

AP — LOS ANGELES “This is the blueprint for were clamouring for a World how to perfectly execute the War I trench drama,” Derga- It took the Great War to finally platform release for a potential rabedian said. “A film like this take down “Star Wars.” Director Oscar nominee and Oscar could have easily slipped off the Sam Mendes’ World War I story winner,” said Paul Derga- radar.” With its previous two- “1917” brought in $36.5m in its rabedian, senior media analyst week take, “1917” has now first weekend of wide release for Comscore. earned $39.2m in the US and in US and Canadian theatres, While the epic wartime feel Canada and over $60 million easily topping the box office of “1917,” which was shot and globally. That’s of course and ending the three-week edited to appear as though it dwarfed by Disney’s total reign of “Star Wars: The Rise of was done in a single take, domestic take of $478.2m for Skywalker,” which brought in makes it a natural for major “Star Wars: The Rise of Sky- $15m, according to studio esti- awards, its triumphs at the walker,” which is on the verge mates yesterday. Golden Globes were a surprise of reaching $1bn globally after Universal’s expansion over other dramas including four weeks. strategy worked beautifully for “The Irishman” and “Marriage “Jumanji: The Next Level” “1917,” as the film went from Story.” “I hope this means that was in third place in its fifth just 11 screens in its first two people will turn up and see this week of release for Sony with weeks to more than 3,400 on on the big screen, the way it earnings of $14m, and has the weekend after it won was intended,” Mendes said at totalled more than $257m Golden Globes for best director the Globes ceremony. Those domestically. and best drama film, and just hopes weren’t unfounded. Sony has a smaller sort of before today’s Academy Award A good weekend was hit in “Little Women,” , bringing Food for trapped animals in Australia bushfires nominations, where it’s likely expected for the film, but it shot in another $7.65m to put it in to get nods in several past those expectations. the sixth spot with a total of National Parks and Wildlife Service staff fly with carrots and sweet potatoes before air-dropping them categories. “It’s the not like the kids $74m after three weeks. for animals in bush fire-stricken areas in New South Wales state of Australia on January 10, 2020. ‘Space unites us’: First Iranian-American astronaut reaches for stars AFP — HOUSTON parents, architecture students crediting the backing of her Moghbeli were two of the five who left their native country family, and later Sam, whom people of colour in the gradu- Jasmin “Jaws” Moghbeli earned after 1979. she married three months ago, ating class of 11, selected from her fierce nickname during her But Moghbeli grew up in for her success. a record-breaking 18,000 time as a decorated helicopter Baldwin, New York, which she Following a brief US-Iranian applicants. gunship pilot who flew more considers her hometown — and rapprochement during the As an astronaut, Moghbeli than 150 missions in Afghan- her story after that reads like an Obama years, tensions between will need to draw upon her istan. immigrant’s fairy tale. the two countries have soared experiences and the close calls The Marine Corps major, At 15, she attended an again under the current she faced both as a test pilot and MIT graduate and college bas- advanced space camp, administration. later as a combat pilot, to think ketball player can now add cementing her ambition to one Moghbeli said she had per- fast and mitigate the unique another accomplishment to her day reach for the stars. sonally not faced problems risks that come with space burgeoning resume: the first She graduated from the during her time in service. flight. Iranian-American astronaut. Massachusetts Institute of Tech- “I haven’t in any way felt So what is it about space Speaking after graduating nology, where she studied aer- that changed anything about that makes it all worthwhile? in NASA’s latest cohort, the onautical engineering. But her how I’m treated,” she said. “One of the reasons I love 36-year-old immigrant said she parents were concerned to She spoke fondly of close working in human space explo- hoped her example might help learn she then planned to friendships forged during her ration is, it’s something we inspire others from similar become a military pilot (a well- military missions and astronaut generally all agree on and unite backgrounds. trodden path to the astronaut training — feelings that are on,” she said, citing two “I would love for everyone corps). clearly reciprocated. decades of close US-Russian to be able to be inspired by eve- Moghbeli signed up in 2005 At her NASA graduation cer- cooperation on the Interna- ryone, but it is a little easier to — just four years after the Sep- emony, classmate Jonny Kim tional Space Station, despite be inspired by someone who tember 11 attacks, and her described Moghbeli as the two countries’ otherwise looks like you or has something parents were worried about “dependable,” “resilient” and fraught ties. in common with you, so I do what their daughter might face “fierce,” in short, “the perfect “I think it is an area where hope there is that influence,” as a person of Middle Eastern crewmate I’d go into the void of we see diplomacy where we she said. heritage. space with". Kim is himself a don’t see it in other areas,” she Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli celebrates during astronaut graduation She and her brother were “But once I joined, they gave decorated Navy Seal and emer- said. at Johnson Space Center in Houston, US, on January 10, 2020. born in Germany to Iranian me absolute support,” she said, gency physician. He and “I think it has an impact.”