Charity Auction at DJWE Raises QR1.99M Greetings to RAYNALD C RIVERA Prime Minister and the PENINSULA Interior Minister Kuwait Emir Visited the Exhibition

3rd Best News Website in the Middle East

BUSINESS | 21 SPORT | 36 QIC gets nod to raise Dimitrov hopes to capital to support go all the way after expansion plan Open loss

Monday 26 February 2018 | 10 Jumada II I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 22 | Number 7449 | 2 Riyals

Freedom to roam with Bill Protection! Terms & conditions apply

Emir sends Charity auction at DJWE raises QR1.99m greetings to RAYNALD C RIVERA Prime Minister and THE PENINSULA Interior Minister Kuwait Emir visited the Exhibition. DOHA: A total of QR1.99m was QNA raised at the first-ever charity Some of the auction held yesterday night at most prominent DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Doha Exhibition and Convention businessmen in Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Centre (DECC) as one of the main took part in the bid sent yesterday a cable of features of the quindecennial congratulations to the Emir edition of Doha Jewellery and for the items showing of the State of Kuwait H H Watches Exhibition (DJWE). support for the young Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Prime Minister and Interior Qatari designers. Jaber Al Sabah, on the Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin occasion of his country’s Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani National Day. visited the Exhibition yesterday. Qatari designers especially for Deputy Emir H H Sheikh He toured the pavilions of the the auction included three pairs Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani exhibition and saw the latest of earrings, a necklace, a bangle and Prime Minister and designs of Qatari and global and a tiara. Interior Minister H E Sheikh companies. The Prime Minister The charity sale conducted Abdullah bin Nasser bin also toured the pavilion of by local auction house AlBahie Khalifa Al Thani also sent female Qatari jewellery raised a total of QR1.99m after similar cables of congratula- designers to support and an exciting auction which saw tions to the Emir of Kuwait. encourage Qatari talents in this some of the most prominent field. businessmen in Qatar bid for the PM chairs ﬁrst Six bespoke jewellery pieces items showing support for the crafted by local jewellery young Qatari designers while meeting of Drugs and Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani at the 15th designers in addition to four helping children around the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, yesterday. Alcohol Committee luxury ladies watches and two world get quality education. Of bangles by Swiss jewellery and the signature pieces sold, the DOHA: The Drugs and watchmaker Chopard comprised most valued was ‘Qatar’ which stone from Al Ghla Jewellery sold by Ghand Jewellery, which sold Al Buainain Jewellery which Alcohol Committee held the 12 lots which went under the fetched QR400,000. The white for QR300,000 while ‘Sleeping for QR180,000; ‘Ombres’ sap- fetched QR130,000. The auction yesterday its first meeting hammer at the ‘Milestones’ gold hinged bangle with round- Beauty’ – a pair of drop earrings phire and yellow diamond concluded with the sale of six under the chairmanship of charity auction, whose proceeds cut diamonds inspired by the from Hairaat’s Al Zubarah Col- studded white gold earrings by Chopard luxury watches and Prime Minister and Interior will benefit the Education Above Qatari flag was designed by Nouf lection also fetched QR300,000. Leila Issam Fine Jewellery which bangles which sold for a com- Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah All (EAA) foundation’s ‘Educate Al Meer of Nouf Jewellery. A Other luxurious pieces auc- fetched QR240,000 and ‘Pipe in bined QR440,000. bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al A Child’ programme. The sig- white gold tiara with a Qatar- tioned were ‘Mirhab’ – a pair of Gold’ necklace made of white Thani, head of the nature pieces created by the shaped mother of pearl central diamond and while gold earrings gold and natural pearls by Ghada →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 committee. During the meeting the committee reviewed the efforts of the general directorate of drug control, in New initiative to boost fruit Over 10 million gallons addition to the topics on the meeting agenda. of rainwater removed Most importantly the and vegetable production adoption of the committee’s THE PENINSULA the water logging working system and organi- FAZEENA SALEEM Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi and environment, sustainability, He said that the operation sation of its meetings, draft THE PENINSULA several other dignitaries at the where their food comes from DOHA: Many parts of the of removing water logging is national drug control strategy Qatar National Convention and most importantly the ben- country witnessed rains that led continuing and the Committee and drug regulatory and leg- DOHA: In yet another effort to Center. Initially, the initiative is efits of healthy eating. to water logging in several low is coordinating with Public islative control mechanisms, make Qatar self sufficient in expected to produce more than Project Greenhouse is now lying areas. Works Authority (Ashghal), including the proposed new fruit and vegetable production, five tonnes of vegetables. The moving to the next level and is The Ministry of Municipality Qatar Meteorology Department drug control bill were dis- Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar produce will be sold through installing large-scale, state-of- and Environment swung into at Civil Aviation Authority and cussed in the meeting. launched yesterday a new initi- local supermarkets under the the-art, climate-controlled action and the Joint Rainfall security agencies in dealing In addition, the meeting ative as a part of its flagship brand name ‘Khayr Qatarna.’ greenhouses at certain schools. Emergency Committee of the with water logging. reviewed the proposals sub- health campaign- ‘Sahtak Project Greenhouse is part These greenhouses will be used Ministry pumped out a total of Most part of the country mitted on the Law No. (19) of Awalan’ - Your Health First. of Sahtak Awalan campaign and to grow fruits and vegetables 10.2 million gallons of rain water witnessed much awaited rain. 1993 on the regulation of the ‘Khayr Qatarna’ a green has provided greenhouses, soil under the technical and spe- untill 6pm yesterday, said Safar The maximum rainfall of 15.9 circulation of substances with house initiative, which involves plant pots and fruit and vege- cialist supervision of the Min- Mubarak Al Shafi, the Head of mm was recorded at Ras Laffan psychological impact and the school children, was launched table seeds to 130 schools across istry of Municipality and the Committee and Director of followed by 13.7mm at Al Ghu- precursor chemicals control in the presence of the Minister Qatar since its launch. This has Environment. General Cleanness Department. wairiya yesterday. mechanism. The committee of Education and Higher Edu- provided children with critical A total of 424 tankers and 522 also reviewed a number of cation H E Dr Mohammed bin knowledge about the →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 workers were deployed to clear →FULL REPORT ON PAGE 3 other topics on the agenda. Ooredoo reaches advanced stage of providing 5G in Qatar

THE PENINSULA latency. Applications of 5G could “By providing superior speeds, we include autonomous vehicles, robotic will enable organisations, cities, and DOHA: Ooredoo Group, at Mobile surgery, and augmented and virtual countries to fully digitally transform World Congress announced yesterday reality sports. As part of its network in the era of Smart Cities and the that it is racing ahead on the path to modernisation programme, “Evolution Internet of Things,” said. 5G, as the world’s first having 5G New to 5G”, Ooredoo Group is starting the “This is a major milestone in deliv- Radio (NR) with commercial 5G journey in its home market of the ering on our promise to enrich peo- equipment suitable for business State of Qatar. ple’s digital lives and allow them to customers. Ooredoo Group will share best enjoy and benefit from the extraor- Live in Qatar, Ooredoo is proud to practices as it rolls out 5G across the dinary benefits of the Internet,” Al announce its first-in-the-region Middle East, North Africa, and Sayed added. speeds of 2.3 Gbps with amazing 3.5 Southeast Asia in the future. The 5G commercial service expe- ms latency. “At Mobile World Congress, rience will also bring to life Smart British warships arrive in Doha By using Ooredoo 5G spectrum at Ooredoo Group is enhancing our Cities and Smart Stadiums in Qatar. 3.5 GHz, Ooredoo will continue to position as a global innovator, racing This is yet another milestone in Oore- The Directorate of Moral Guidance at the Ministry of Defence yesterday announced expand the footprint of 5G. ahead in our goal to become the doo’s journey to 5G and one of the that two battleships of the British Royal Navy, have arrived in Doha Port to Ultra-fast 5G networks, already in world’s first company to provide wide latest network modernisation mile- participate in joint exercise between the two countries. These exercises come Qatar, double the speed of current 4G 5G coverage,” said Waleed Al Sayed, stones achieved by the company in within the framework of the joint military cooperation between Qatar and UK to network. 5G will transform daily lives, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, early 2018, following the roll-out of combat terrorism and violent extremism. The two battleships were received by a organisations, and industry verticals Ooredoo Group, and Chief Executive 4G+ in Mayanmar and launching 3G number of officers of the Qatari Emiri Navy. benefiting the speed and ultra-low Officer, Ooredoo Qatar. services in the West Bank, Palestine. 02 HOME MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 New initiative to boost fruit Deputy PM and FM meets Speaker of Iraqi Parliament and vegetable production CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 culture of healthy nutrition among Environment were also present at The Ministry will also monitor students by producing their own the launching ceremony. the distribution of the produce, and healthy food,” said Al Dr Sheikh said: “In the new which will be sold through local Hammadi. phase we have begun by installing supermarkets under the brand Omran Hamad Al Kuwari, three large, climate controlled name ‘Khayr Qatarna.’ Students will Acting CEO of QF; Dr Javaid Sheikh, greenhouses equipped with state- continue to be involved with the Dean of WCM-Q; Andrew H of-art irrigation systems in public greenhouses, learning more about Kershaw, President and General schools. This will quickly expand to food production and economics. Manager of Occidental Petroleum 10 greenhouses, giving us the ability “Project Greenhouse represents of Qatar; Dominic Genetti, Vice to grow fresh, home-grown, healthy an inspiring initiative to raise President and Joint Venture produce than ever before, which we awareness of healthy lifestyles. It Manager ExxonMobil Qatar; Dr will bring to the local market under has transformed school into pro- Falah bin Naser Al Thani, Under- the new ‘Khayr Qatarna’ brand”. ductive units that enjoy learning secretary Assistant for Agriculture “From the initial green houses, both theoretical and applied Affairs & Fisheries Resources at the we will be able to produce five to six Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al knowledge, and has promoted the Ministry of Municipality and tonnes of cucumbers and 1.25 tonnes Thani met yesterday with the Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Saleem of tomatoes per six month Al Jabouri, who is currently visiting the country. The meeting discussed developing growing season, plus large bilateral relations, and a number of topics of common concern. The Deputy PM and crops of a wide variety of FM also received a written message from the Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari, other vegetables like related to bilateral relations. The message was delivered by the Charge d’Affaires at the broccoli, green beans, zuc- Embassy of Iraq in Qatar, Abdulsattar Hadi Al Janabi, when the Deputy Prime Minister chini, aubergines and more. and Foreign Minister met him yesterday. This will not only help stu- Speaker of the dents to learn about agricul- Advisory Council tural science, logistics and H E Ahmed bin marketing, but will also con- Abdullah bin Zaid tribute to efforts to bring Al Mahmoud met food security to Qatar, helping the country to yesterday with become more independent, the Speaker of the stronger and self sufficient,” Iraqi Council of he added. Representatives, The event also showcased Saleem Abdullah the development of Project Al Jabouri and Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al Greenhouse as well as of its his accompanying Hammadi, with Dr Javaid Sheikh, Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar and other produce including tomatoes, delegation. officials during the launch of Khayr Qatarna at QNCC yesterday. cucumbers, eggplants, cap- PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA sicum and zucchini.

Charity auction at Law amendments to enhance CRA powers DJWE raises QR1.99m CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 THE PENINSULA (MoTC). And, it transferred ictQA- who are authorised as Judicial TAR’s General Secretariat’s power to Control Officers the power to inspect, The six designers are taking part at the DOHA: The Communications Regu- the CRA. verify and control. To practice their second edition of Young Qatari Designers latory Authority (CRA) said yesterday Also, the Law stipulates that the authority; they control and prove (YQDs) initiative under the Patronage of the that the amendments made to some Minister has the power to issue the crimes committed in violation of the Prime Minister and Interior Minister. provisions of the Telecommunica- executive regulations of the Tele- Law provisions, access to relevant Launched last year, the YQDs initiative tions Law were designed to communications Law, while CRA has premises, records and documents, aimed to support and develop young creative strengthen the executive powers of the power to issue technical regula- examine equipment and communi- talent by providing a global platform to present the CRA established by the Emiri tions, decisions and orders, codes and cations systems and any other related their jewellery. This year, it shines a spotlight Decree No. (42) of 2014 to regulate instructions, and circulars required things, as well as request for any data on three new and three returning talented ICT and Postal sectors and access to to implement the provisions of the and clarifications that they see that designers, including Nada Al Sulaiti (Hairaat), digital media. Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, President Law. is necessary. Nouf Al Meer (Nouf Jewellery), Ghada Al The CRA also manages and allo- of CRA President of CRA, Mohammed Ali Under the Law, a new Committee Buainain, Leila Abu Issa (Leila Issam Fine Jew- cates scarce national resources such Al Mannai said “The new amend- called “Financial Penalties Committee” ellery), Shikha Mohamed (Al Ghla Jewellery), as spectrum, numbering and Internet ments under the aforementioned will be established at CRA, which will and Jawaher and Hissa Mohammed Al Mannai domain names, protects consumers (34) of 2006, it cancels Decree Law Law will enhance the executive be specialised in imposing the financial (Ghand Jewellery). from misleading and unfair market No. (36) of 2004 of establishing the powers of the CRA, which will con- penalties mentioned in the table The designers showcase their unique col- practices, sets standards for quality Supreme Council for Information and tribute in regulating ICT sector and attached to the Law, the penalties to lections alongside more than 490 acclaimed of service and monitors compliance Communication Technology monitor the compliance in a more be imposed on licensed service pro- brands from 10 countries at the show which and manages the dispute resolution (ictQATAR). effective manner. It will also enhance viders in the event of violating the pro- concludes today. Presented by Qatar Tourism system. The Law transferred the powers the sector performance and thrive a visions of the Telecommunications Authority and delivered by Auditoire, DJWE The State of Qatar issued Law No. of the Board of Directors’ of sustainable competition in the Qatari Law or the executive regulation or 2018 features many new events and activities, (17) of 2017 amending some provi- ictQATAR set in the Telecom Law No. telecom market, benefitting both decisions or the issued licenses in the in addition to daily industry talks, jewellery sions of the Telecommunications (36) of 2004 to the Minister of consumers and service providers”. implementation of the law. The Com- and watches workshops, free consultation and Law issued by the decree Law No. Transport and Communications The Law, give CRA’s employees mittee decisions shall be final. valuations. Food safety lessons for students Mwani Qatar and Indonesia’s Pelindo 1

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH to handle different types sign MoU to boost port operation THE PENINSULA of foods,” said Al Nuaimi adding that event will THE PENINSULA DOHA: The Ministry of focus on teaching students Municipality and Envi- how to check the food DOHA: Qatar Ports Management Company ronment, represented by items before buying it. (Mwani Qatar ) and PT Pelabuhan Indonesia Doha Municipality, began He said that role of the I (Pelindo 1) yesterday signed an Memo- yesterday an exhibition to inspectors on monitoring randum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to educate the students of 80 food items will be also high- boost the exchange of best practices and expe- schools about health and lighted to create awareness riences in the field of ports operation and food safety with the help of among the students. management, as well as bolstering bilateral painting and drawing. Speaking on educating stu- communication on investment, promotion The event “17th Annual dents using drawing, Al and relevant innovative technologies. Children’s Exhibition and Nuaimi said that drawing is The MoU also aims at encouraging Mwani Qatar CEO Captain Abdulla Al Khanji Drawing Compe- Director of Doha Municipality, Eng Jamal Matar Al Nuaimi, an international language as logistics works, trade, exchanging information (right), and Pelindo 1 President Director, tition-2018” under the opening the Annual Children’s Exhibition and Drawing it delivers the message easily. technology and exploring initiatives. The MoU Bambang Eka Cahyana signing the MoU at the slogan of “Little Food Competition at Doha Municipality, yesterday He said that best 20 was signed at the Ministry of Transport and Inspector and Food drawings will be selected Communications by Mwani Qatar CEO Ministry of Transport and Communications, Hygiene” kicked off yes- for awards and the Captain Abdulla Al Khanji and Pelindo 1 Pres- yesterday. terday at the headquarters dents will be also intro- coloring books for drawing winning drawings will be ident Director, Bambang Eka Cahyana. of Doha Municipality. The duced healthy foods. about healthy foods and made public in different On this occasion, Captain Al Khanji of the four state-owned port companies in exhibition was inaugu- “The exhibition will food safety topics. ways throughout Doha city expressed happiness for signing the MoU with Indonesia, which manages ports in the west rated by Director of Doha continue till March 22. More Best 20 drawings in a bid to demonstrate the the Indonesian company, affirming that it of Indonesia. It also specialises in logistics Municipality, Eng Jamal than 80 independent and made by the students will achievements of the stu- marks an important starting point toward services. There are 17 ports in the west of Matar Al Nuaimi. private schools – primary be selected for awards. dents and to create enhancing partnership opportunities, devel- Indonesia, spanning four provinces such as “The exhibition aims at and preparatory levels will The winners will be given awareness about the oping business and benefiting from the tech- Aceh, North Sumatra and Riau Islands. creating health awareness be participating the exhi- attractive prizes. “Health drawing competition. nical expertise and capabilities of both parties. Pelindo 1 owns 6 subsidiaries. among school students bition. They will spend Control Section of “The municipal This cooperation, he said, would con- Noteworthy, an Indonesian delegation is and educating them scien- about four hours from 9 am Municipal Control inspectors will explain the tribute to achieving the company’s plans currently on a visit to Qatar, with a view to tific aspects on food safety to 1pm,” said Al Nuaimi. Department at the Ministry students about the food that aim to boost Hamad Port’s pioneering strengthening bilateral relations and mulling in a bid to prevent them Several paintings and of Municipality and Envi- safety and how to handle status regionally and internationally through over means of enhancing cooperation. They from infectious diseases drawings about food safety ronment is supervising the food items and this idea will applying the best global practices and paid a field visit to Hamad Port’s facilities, caused by foods,” said Al and healthy foods will be exhibition,” said Al Nuaimi. help the students to convert standards, as well as maintaining a world- piers, container terminals and the services Nuaimi speaking with showcased at the exhibition “The main purpose of into their drawings,” said class operational efficiency in all its oper- provided. They also were briefed on port media persons on the side- to guide the students to the exhibition is to create Dr Shadi Salah Ziyada, ations. He said that this helps stimulate trade construction phases and the future plans that lines of the inaugural cer- adopt healthy food habits. awareness among stu- Nutrition Advisor at the and boost investment and economic diver- MOTC executes and oversees and which aim emony of the exhibition. The participating students about food safety Ministry of Municipality and sification, thus achieving the goals of the to bolster the port’s ranking and turn Qatar He said that the students will be given and to educate them how Environment. Qatar National Vision 2030. Pelindo 1 is one into a dynamic business hub for the region. MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 HOME 03

Fahes centre opens at Over 10 million gallons Shahaniyah THE PENINSULA of rainwater removed

DOHA: Fahes vehicle inspection The Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Authority (Ashghal), Qatar Mete- centre in Al Shahaniyah opened represented by the Joint Rainfall Emergency orology Department at Civil Avi- yesterday receiving after the inau- Committee, pressed in services a total of 424 ation Authority and security guration of visitors’ hall and traffic agencies in dealing with water section. The opening came within tankers and deployed 522 workers to clear logging. Most part of the country the series of new “Fahes” centres, the water logging. yesterday witnessed much Workers removing the rain water. which the company established awaited rain, that prompted in multiple areas in the country. residents to post Capt Khalifa Ahmed Al Dosari, DOHA: Many parts of the pictures of rain Traffic Officer at the newly opened country witnessed rains that led on social media. centre said that the centre starts to water logging in several low Qatar Mete- from 7am remains open until 5pm. lying areas. The maximum orology Depart- The motorists can get their vehicle rainfall of 15.9 mm was ment has forecast technical inspections done while recorded at Ras Laffan followed cloudy weather sitting in their cars. by 13.7mm at Al Ghuwairiya for today with The centre offers all services yesterday, according to the chances of scat- related to technical inspection like Qatar Meteorology Depart- tered rain. The renewing road permits (Istimara), ment. Department in its and vehicle insurance among The Ministry of Munici- weather report others. pality swung into action and the said that the He also stressed that the centre Joint Rainfall Emergency Com- weather, on is like the rest of Fahes centers in mittee of the Ministry pumped Monday “will be terms of offering a single window out over 10 million gallons of partly cloudy to service system through the linkage rain water untill 6 pm yes- cloudy with scat- with the General Directorate of terday, said Safar Mubarak Al tered rain”. Traffic. This modern system allows Shafi, the Head of the Com- Safar Mubarak Al Shaﬁ. According the exchange of information mittee and Director of General to the Depart- between the centers and the Gen- Cleanness Department. 10.2 million gallon water- 2,325 ment, Al eral Directorate of Traffic to shorten “The Ministry of Munici- loads of tanker were removed Ruwais received 11.6 mm rain. the duration of the technical pality and Environment repre- from water logged areas. The rain was recorded 9.8mm inspection. sented by the Joint Rainfall “The committee received at Doha Airport, 8.1mm at The new centre includes high Emergency Committee pressed 58 calls from people seeking to Hamad International Airport accuracy and centralisation of the in services a total of 424 tankers remove the water logging,” said (HIA) and 6.5mm at Abu Hamour. data used, which prevents the and deployed 522 workers to Al Shafi adding that the all Umm Bab and Dukhan received manipulation or personal inter- clear the water logging”, said requests were responded. good rain at 10.9mm and 8.8mm vention of the technical inspec- Safar Mubarak Al Shafi in a He said that the operation of respectively. Al Wakra received tion employee or other parties, so statement. removing water logging is con- 7.9mm rain. Mesaieed, Al Karana that the electronic reports issued He said from early morning tinuing and the Committee is and Al Batana received from are accurate and credible. till 6pm yesterday a total of coordinating with Public Works 5mm to 6mm. QA offers discount of up to 40% on all cabin classes

THE PENINSULA to 40 percent on all cabin exciting new places to explore period. Members need to register chauffeur partner, Blacklane, when plan and book their next trip and classes. Passengers travelling on our extensive global network. for the offer prior to travel. using the promocode. Customers enjoy fantastic discounts and DOHA: Qatar Airways announced with friends and family can also Passengers now have even more Additionally, a 10 percent dis- will also enjoy a 15 percent discount offers, valid from February 26 – yesterday its latest global sales enjoy a special discount with the incentive to travel with friends count will be applied to car rentals when booking Al Maha services March 7 2018, with travel validity promotion, offering passengers airline’s Companion Offer in and family, as they can take booked online and to transport and lounge access online. between February 26 , 2018 and discounts to many new and Premium. advantage of our Companion booked with Qatar Airways’ luxury Qatar Airways passengers can February 20, 2019. exciting locations across its exten- Qatar Airways Chief Com- Offer in Premium. We look for- sive global network. mercial Officer, Ehab Amin, said: ward to welcoming all passen- The award-winning airline’s “We are delighted to offer our gers on board”. new promotion, “Breathtaking latest promotion, “Breathtaking Qatar Airways Privilege Club Experiences, Extraordinary Experiences, Extraordinary members will earn Double Offers,” will provide Qatar Air- Offers” and invite our valued Qmiles when booking in Pre- ways passengers discounts of up passengers to discover many mium during the promotional

Qatar Airways and Rolls-Royce hold training programmes for nationals

DOHA: Qatar Airways’ Al Darb Qatarisation Programme and Rolls-Royce, one of the airline’s major strategic partners, hosted two successful training programmes at the Rolls-Royce Learning and Development facility in Derby, United Kingdom, earlier this month, designed to enable Al Darb Qatarisation participants to benefit from Rolls Royce’s leadership and expertise. The annual Business Man- agement and Commercial Awareness training courses, which each took place over five Nationals from various departments of Qatar Airways, including days, saw 40 top Al Darb can- Commercial, HR, Finance, Contracts, Technical Engineers and didates fly to the UK to partici- Captains took part in the courses. pate, as part of the award-winning airline’s commitment to exercise. Rolls-Royce Head of Customer develop future leaders of the Qatar Airways Senior Vice Leadership Development, Dr national carrier. President - Human Resources, David Ashworth added: “We are Nationals from various Nabeela Fakhri, said: “Our part- proud to support Qatar Airways’ departments throughout Qatar nership with Rolls-Royce con- Al Darb Qatarisation programme. Airways, including Commer- tinues to grow and develop, and By building on our strong partner- cial, HR, Finance, Contracts, we are proud to be able to offer ship, we are able to offer our Technical Engineers and Cap- bespoke training to our training expertise to Qatar Airways tains took part in the courses, Nationals not only locally in future leaders and also offer all the which were delivered by Rolls- Doha, but also internationally. delegates on the course, including Royce professionals, and con- This year we flew out 40 of our those from Rolls-Royce, the sultants and professors from top Nationals from the Al Darb opportunity to benefit from shared UK Universities. During the Qatarisation Programme to the experience”. courses, participants learned UK, double the number from Delegates who participated from experts about various last year, and again our in the training programme were subjects beneficial to the avi- Nationals have excelled during chosen based on their high per- ation industry, including cor- the training and were exposed formance and length of service porate strategy, financial man- to invaluable knowledge from with the company. Now in its agement, culture and the best professionals. At sixth year, the Al Darb Qatari- leadership. The final two days Qatar Airways, we are dedi- sation programme presents of the course saw the talented cated to providing our young nationals with local and Nationals put their learnings Nationals with the necessary international career opportuni- to the test, as they were chal- training and development, and ties through nine different pro- lenged to develop plans to are excited to see them con- grammes and 35 different create their own successful air- tinue to grow and develop info majors across the airline’s var- line, in a real-time simulation future leaders of the airline”. ious departments. 04 HOME MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 Qatar Airways begins A350-1000 service to London

THE PENINSULA The world’s first A350-1000 XWB embarked upon President, Chief of Sales, Marketing its first commercial service to the UK capital on and Contracts, Eric Schulz, said: DOHA: Qatar Airways Saturday as QR 15 at 15:55 hrs and after a seven- “We welcome Qatar Airways’ announced yesterday that hour 30 minute flight, landed at London’s Heathrow choice to launch commercial London is the first route for the Airport at 20:25 hrs. The A350-1000 will operate a service of their new A350-1000 to world’s first commercial service one of the world’s most prominent of its Airbus A350-1000. The daily non-stop service between Doha and London. airports, London Heathrow. This five-star Gulf carrier is the global milestone marks a game change in launch customer for the state- wide body operator economics and of-the-art-aircraft, following inaugural destination for this passengers with the most long-haul passenger comfort. The delivery by Airbus from the remarkable aircraft because at advanced aircraft to fly in A350-1000 features the quietest aircraft manufacturer’s base in 23 feet longer than the A350- comfort and style from Doha to cabin in its size category and min- Toulouse, France on Tuesday. 900, it is able to provide a sig- London. Our new A350-1000 imise environmental impact with The world’s first A350-1000 nificant increase in capacity on provides this in abundance, less fuel burn, lower noise and XWB embarked upon its first one of our most popular routes, alongside its sister aircraft, the reduced emissions, making it a commercial service to the UK offering enhanced levels of A350-900, the double-decker great neighbor for London capital on Saturday as QR 15 at comfort for our passengers. For A380 as well as the Boeing citizens”. 03:55pm and after a seven-hour the first time in an Airbus air- Dreamliner and the Qsuite-fitted Rolls-Royce President Civil 30 minute flight, landed at Lon- craft, it will also feature our Boe-ing 777. We look forward to Aerospace, Chirs Cholerton, said: powerful engines we have ever London, providing a fast and don’s Heathrow Airport at award-winning, patented Qsuite, introducing this highly- “We congratulate the entire team produced but they are also the frequent connection between 08:25pm. The A350-1000 will offering a First Class experience impressive next-generation air- at Qatar Airways on being the most efficient, delivering the the two capital cities. Pas- operate a daily non-stop service in Business Class for both craft to many other cities, thanks first to operate the Airbus A350- same fuel consumption per passengers can also book flights between Doha and London. business and leisure to our extensive and rapidly 1000. We are very proud to see senger as a small family car over through Qatarairways.com on Qatar Airways Group Chief travellers”. expanding glob-al route our Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 the same distance.” British Airways’ daily codeshare Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “As one of our flagship network,” he said. engines powering this first flight. Qatar Airways offers six service between Doha and “We have chosen London as the routes, we provide our Airbus Executive Vice They are not only the most daily flights between Doha and London.

QU Pharmacy Chapter holds ‘Go Smart’ event Indian Embassy issues 56 emergency THE PENINSULA President Dr Hassan Al lives in many areas Derham, Undersecretary including health, sports, certiﬁcates and DOHA: Qatar University of the Ministry of Edu- arts and others. This implies Alumni Association cation and Higher Edu- the highly dependency of 13 air tickets (QUAA) Pharmacy cation and QUAA Vice- people on social net- Chapter held ‘Go Smart’ President Dr Ibrahim Saleh working for health edu- THE PENINSULA event at Aspire Park on Al Noaimi, and QU College cation, which affects the February 24, which was of Pharmacy (CPH) Dean credibility and reputability DOHA: Indian Embassy aimed to raise community Dr Mohammad Diab, of these sites and sources. issued 56 emergency certifi- awareness on health- Assistant Dean for Student This event aims at edu- cates and 13 air tickets to related websites and Affairs Dr Alla Al-Awaisi cating the various segments Indian nationals to ensure social media platforms and Professor and Director of Qatari society on the their repatriation to India this and to provide the public of Research and Graduate importance of getting the month. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah (right), Chairman of the Al Attiyah Foundation, and with tips to evaluate the Studies, Medical and right health information An embassy team visited Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, President of HBKU, aftersigning the agreement. credibility of these sites. Health Sciences Dr Feras from its trusted resources. the Central Prison and Depor- The event brought Alali, as well as CPH It is one of our most tation Centre last week to together health experts faculty, students, and staff. important responsibilities enquire about the welfare of from Qatar University The event’s program towards the community as Al Attiyah Foundation, HBKU detainees from India, said a (QU), Aspetar and Hamad featured a presentation QU graduates.” release. Medical Corporation titled “Technology in CPH graduate and The total number of (HMC) to share their medicine” and delivered Pharmacy Chapter Vice- tie up in energy research Indian nationals in the knowledge and provide by CPH PharmD graduate President for External Central Prison and the Depor- ways to assess digital and Pharmacy Chapter Relations Aala Faisal said: tation Centre currently is 219 health education in President Rasha Abdul “Social communication THE PENINSULA HBKU, said: “Energy and sustainability are and 100 respectively. various areas such as Kader Mousa Bacha. plays an important role in key research and academic themes at Since January, 2017, 14 nutrition, sports, medi- In her remarks, Rasha our lives but when it comes DOHA: Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah HBKU and our collaboration with The Open Houses have been held, cation, maternal and child Abdul Kader Mousa Bacha to our health we should be International Foundation for Energy and Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Interna- including the Open House health, skin care, and said: “Nowadays, modern more careful in using it to Sustainable Development (The Al Attiyah tional Foundation for Energy and Sus- held on February 22, 2018. A more. technology and social maintain the effectiveness Foundation) and the Hamad Bin Khalifa tainable Development represents a com- total of 92 complaints were Attendees included QU media had invaded our of the resources usage”. University (HBKU), signed a Memorandum mitment to building partnerships with local received during these Open of Understanding (MoU) yesterday to stakeholders, as well as developing solu- Houses. collaborate in the areas of research in tions that serve a better future for Qatar. Out of these, 68 com- energy and sustainable development. “Knowledge-sharing and resource plaints have been resolved, The Al Attiyah Foundation is a ‘Not- exchange are fundamental to a better 24 are under active follow up for-Profit’ independent think tank, based understanding of the challenges we face. of the Embassy. in Qatar, providing insights and events HBKU is fortunate to have the support During February, 2018, on global energy and sustainable devel- of the foundation, which will reinforce the Embassy also organised opment topics. HBKU, a public insti- the impact of our research”. four consular camps at Salwa, tution of higher education and research, The Al Attiyah Foundation and HBKU Mesaieed, Al-Khor and awards academic degrees in various aca- will seek mutually beneficial opportu- Dukhan & Zikreet areas and demic disciplines. nities to work together on policy reports, rendered 260 consular Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, research or engagements. Both institu- services to the Indian Chairman of the Al Attiyah Foundation tions will share relevant resources and nationals. said, “It gives me great pleasure to see my co-organise joint events, including sym- The grievances brought to Foundation work in close partnership with posia, roundtable discussions, or sem- the notice of the Embassy this prestigious University. I hope together inars. Through the agreement, HBKU and related to issues of delayed The dignitaries including Qatar Univeristy President Dr Hassan Al Derham and we can offer valuable insights to our stake- The Foundation will collaborate in payment of wages and viola- Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and QUAA Vice- holders here in Qatar and globally”. sourcing research funding, fellowships tions of contract terms and President Dr Ibrahim Saleh Al Noaimi attended the event. Dr. Ahmad M Hasnah, President of and scholarships support. conditions. Ambassador P Kumaran, Third Secretary (Labour & Community Welfare) Dr M Aleem and Women face greater risk other officials met all the complainants, discussed their problems in detail and assured them of the of dying from heart disease Embassy’s active follow up of their cases with the con- THE PENINSULA they have a heart condition. but they also require a more cerned authorities in the Physiological differences are holistic approach that includes Government of Qatar. DOHA: Cardiovascular diseases also a factor, with women being psychological support, psycho- Devis Edakulathur, Pres- (CVDs) are a leading cause of less likely than men to seek help social support, and education to ident and Babu Rajan, Vice- death in Qatar and the number quickly. make the lifestyle changes that President, Indian Com- one cause of death globally. Commenting on the differ- will enhance their heart health,” munity Benevolent Forum While both men and women ences in the signs and symptoms Dr Asaad added. (ICBF), the apex community may share many of the same of heart disease experienced by Risk factors for heart disease association working under symptoms of a heart attack, a men and women, Dr Nidal common to both men and the aegis of the Embassy for HMC recently concluded the Second Conference in Cardiac Clinical woman’s experience can be very Ahmad Asaad, Chairman of Car- women include high cholesterol, the welfare of Indian Imaging. different from a man’s and diology at HMC’s Heart Hospital, smoking, obesity, and physical workers, along with some women are more often misdi- said, “Each year, heart disease inactivity. Risk factors specific other members of the ICBF agnosed, say experts. kills more women than men. to women include gestational and stimulating interest in, cardiac from prestigious healthcare insti- Management Committee In addition to chest, jaw, and Heart attacks are also thought diabetes, pre-term delivery, imaging as a profession and high- tutions from all over the world.” also participated in the Open back discomfort, women may to be more deadly in women hypertension in pregnancy, and lighting the important role it plays The conference primarily House. also experience anxiety, sleep because their hearts are affected breast cancer treatments. in the diagnosis, treatment, and focused on the importance of a The Indian Community disturbances, stress, fatigue, and by pregnancy, menopause, and Having an autoimmune disorder management of heart conditions. multidisciplinary approach to care Benevolent Forum [ICBF] body aches. They may also hormonal changes, with a large also increases one’s risk of heart Commenting on the impor- across sub-specialties such as supports the efforts of the describe the sensation felt percentage of young women disease. tance of the conference, Dr. clinical imaging, cardiology, Embassy and helps Indian during a heart attack as heav- who have premature acute heart As part of its continuing efforts Maryam Al Kuwari, Senior Con- nuclear cardiology, and echocar- workers through various iness or pressure, compared to attacks having a history of preg- to provide excellent cardiac care in sultant, Cardiac Imaging and diography. Moreover, the newest welfare measures, including men who often complain of nancy disorders, such as gesta- Qatar, HMC recently organized the Chief Radiologist at HMC techniques in cardiac imaging supply of foodstuff, transport chest pain. tional diabetes or Second Conference in Cardiac said,“The conference presented diagnosis and management and support, medical assistance Research attributes these hypertension.” Clinical Imaging under the theme a great opportunity for healthcare the latest research and develop- and other minor assistances. differences to a number of “Women with known or sus- ‘Defining the future vision of professionals to share their ments in cardiac imaging and During February, 2018, the factors, including age, as young pected heart disease, of course, cardiac imaging.’ The conference expertise and network with inter- related fields were also dis- ICBF helped such 38 Indian women may not be aware that require excellent medical care, was aimed at raising awareness of, nationally-recognized speakers cussed,” she added. nationals. MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 HOME 05 Kulluna Healthy Heart roadshow at DFC THE PENINSULA Health experts will levels and Basal Metabolic Index be on hand to offer (BMI) free of charge. DOHA: Visitors to Doha Festival Khalid Sam Hosn, General City will be able to visit the screenings for any Manager, Doha Festival City said, Kulluna Healthy Heart roadshow hidden heart issues “We are honoured to be sup- as part of its partnership with as well as offer advice porting the Kulluna for a Healthy Hamad Medical Corporation and guidance on Heart campaign. We hope the (HMC) until Tuesday. pop-up clinic at Doha Festival Health experts will be on how to improve and City helps raise awareness hand to offer screenings for any maintain a healthy around this worthy cause and hidden heart issues as well as heart during the also encourages as many people offer advice and guidance on to take part in the complemen- how to improve and maintain a Kulluna Healthy Heart tary testing by providing an easy healthy heart. roadshow at Doha to access place in which to do it. The word “Kulluna”, in Arabic, Festival City. At Doha Festival City we are means ‘all of us’ and it is being invested in the well-being of our used for this campaign in the belief wider community and are always that everyone can take action to Training Centre. Kulluna activities looking for more ways to pro- improve health, wellbeing and take many forms as its messages mote a healthy way of life.” The Kulluna Healthy Heart roadshow at Doha Festival City. safety for themselves, their fami- need to reach as wide an audience Dr Khalid Saifeldeen, lies and the community in general. as possible. Director of Hamad International The program is conducted in close At Doha Festival City, as part Training Center, Hamad Medical cardiac health and prevent heart Kulluna for a Healthy Heart also develops and show that taking cooperation with the different of a drive to increase awareness Corporation and Chairman of diseases. seeks to help people understand steps now can benefit them in medical institutions and educa- of the disease and promote a Kulluna, said: “As heart disease “By providing simple health that making small changes can years to come. We are grateful tional establishments under the healthy lifestyle, the pop-up is a leading cause of death in checks as well as interactive have a big effect on their heart for the support of Doha Festival umbrella of HMC and is coordi- clinic will offer tests for choles- Qatar, the Kulluna for a Healthy information about incorporating health. We want to help people City in promoting a healthy nated by Hamad International terol, blood pressure, blood sugar Heart campaign aims to promote diet and exercise into daily life, understand how heart disease lifestyle.” Eminent journalist sheds light on difficulties faced by Muslims in US

THE PENINSULA governance. Pintak explained that American tolerance among Americans toward “American Muslims have Muslims were not the only minori- Islam as a religion. “In 2017, around 70 DOHA: Award-winning journalist and pushed back against the negative ties affected by the increased hate percent of Americans had a favourable author Lawrence Pintak delivered a narrative for many years. They crime in the U S over the last couple view towards American Muslims,” said lecture at NU-Q on the difficulties became very active after 9/11, how- of years. “African Americans, His- Pintak. endured by American Muslims under ever, the rise of Donald Trump and panics, Latinos, Indians, Asians and Pintak is also a member of the advi- the Trump administration. the rise of ISIS was in many ways Arabs, were also being targeted after sory board for The Media Majlis at Pintak, founding dean and professor the perfect storm,” said Pintak. the 2016 elections,” said Pintak. Northwestern University in Qatar, which of the Edward R Murrow College of “The idea that ISIS suddenly had “The good news,” he added, “is will be the first museum in the Arab Communication at Washington State roots in the U S and American Mus- that people are speaking out about world dedicated to the exploration of University, has written extensively about lims began to carry out acts of ter- the discrimination they have faced, content on media, journalism, and America’s complex relationship with rorism on American soil under- and as a result there has been a communication. Islam since 1980. mined the argument that they were groundswell of support for Amer- The advisory board, which is com- In his session at NU-Q, he addressed different [from Muslims in other ican Muslims.” posed of international media experts and the rise of violence and hate crimes countries] because suddenly they While Pintak said that violence journalists, met recently at NU-Q to dis- towards American Muslims in recent weren’t and that changed the towards Muslims was much worse cuss the progress of the content cura- years, attributing this increase to skewed whole narrative and moved the in 2016 than it was in 2011, he also tion and development of the museum, media coverage, the rise of extremism, ground under the American pointed to statistics from a recent which is scheduled to open later this Lawrence Pintak and shift to the far-right in American Muslim community,” he added. study that showed a rise in year. 06 HOME MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 QU celebrates diversity with Cultural Village

THE PENINSULA The 11th annual Cultural activities such as shows featuring Village aims to bring cultural and folkloric displays, DOHA: Qatar University (QU) theater and dance performances, hosted 11th annual Cultural students together to traditional costumes shows, Village under the theme of ‘A celebrate and share exhibitions, art, poetry, food, Story from My Country’, and their culture, heritage singing and music. students from 11 nationalities Commenting on the event, Dr came together to celebrate the and traditions. It is Hassan Al Derham said: “This QU’s diversity of backgrounds also an opportunity cultural event highlights QU’s and traditions at the event. for students to unlock commitment to bridge the cul- Organised by QU’s Student their potential and tural gap between students who Activities Department, the event come from different countries which began yesterday and runs demonstrate their around the globe. Themed “A until March 1 aims to bring stu- teamwork, volunteerism Story From My Country”, this dents together to celebrate and and interpersonal year’s edition showcases QU’s share their culture, heritage and relations skills. diversity of backgrounds and traditions. It is also an oppor- traditions.” tunity for students to unlock their Dr Khalid Al Khanji said: potential and demonstrate their leaders, staff, faculty, students “The annual Cultural Village is a teamwork, volunteerism and and members of the wider significant event on the QU cal- interpersonal relations skills. community. endar as it highlights the heritage The festival was opened by The five-day event, which is of many countries across the QU President Dr Hassan Al being held in the Activities Buildings world. It is also an important Derham, QU VP for Student on the male and female campuses, opportunity to showcase the Visitors being briefed on the displays at one of the stalls. Affairs Dr Khalid Al Khanji and is featuring 21 booths representing many cultural aspects of each QU Director of Student Services Qatar, Egypt, India, Indonesia, participating country such as lit- encourage the students to con- mitment to create a spirit of cul- “Through participating in the Cul- & Activities Abdulla Al Yafei in Jordan, Korea, Palestine, Sudan, erature, music, singing, customs tribute to various cultural events, tural exchange among students”. tural Village event, we highlight the presence of Section Head of Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen. and handicrafts”. to unlock their potential and to QU College of Engineering the Syrian customs and culture. QU Events and Campus Activ- It also includes exhibitions Salwa Zainel said: “The Cul- reach their goals and aspirations. student and participant in the Our booth will include a wide ities Salwa Zainel, and QU and a number of cultural tural Village event aims to The event also reflects QU’s com- Syrian booth Anas Mahmoud said: range of surprising activities”. Maserati Qatar is official car sponsor of DJWE for second consecutive year

THE PENINSULA designated VVIP vehicles to of the Trident will regale guests, As part of the event, the deal- captivating Ghibli MY18. Guests committed to heighten the brand serve the exhibition. The bespoke enabling them to indulge in ele- ership is hosting a dedicated can explore the innovation excel- experience through impeccable DOHA: Alfardan Sports Motors, interiors, timeless Italian style gance while being driven to the display featuring Maserati’s first– lence of the two models, and also service. We are thrilled to dem- the official dealer of Maserati in and well-known performance venue. ever SUV Levante alongside the register to receive an exclusive onstrate the brand’s timeless Qatar, has entered into an test drive opportunity. In heritage and elegance as part of exclusive partnership with Doha addition, a unique Social Media such a grand event, and Jewellery and Watches Exhi- contest will be running in par- accompany VVIP guests in the bition (DJWE) as the exhibition’s allel with the event, offering par- lap of luxury.” official car sponsor for the ticipants a chance to win He added:” We see ourselves second consecutive year. exclusive Maserati prizes. as an organic partner of the Maserati is the only car brand Commenting on the event, exhibition because we embody ever been appointed by DJWE, Charly Dagher, General Manager the same values that inspire in the event’s 15 years of running. of Maserati Qatar at Alfardan DJWE. Maserati is always known It’s acclaimed Italian heritage Sports Motors, said: “We are hon- for its long and glorious heritage and luxurious appeal has made oured to partner with the Doha of elegance, beauty, crafts- it the undisputed car of choice Jewellery and Watches Exhibi- manship and style. Therefore, we for one of the most glamorous tionas the official car sponsor, for are looking forward to adding exhibitions in Qatar, proving to the second time. This is one of value to this event.” be a jewel of its own amongst the the most prestigious exhibitions Maserati’s fleet is located on finest display of craftsmanship in Qatar, attracting discerning the left hand side of the main from around the world. and affluent visitors as well as entrance, in front of the media Alfardan Sports Motors is high-end brands from around desk. In addition, there is an providing a fleet of Maserati the globe. outdoor display by the main models featuring the Quattro- “As official dealers, Alfardan entrance featuring the Maserati porte, Levante, and Ghibli as Maserati cars waiting outside the exhibition venue. Sports Motors is always Quattroporte and Ghibli. 7th Halal Qatar ‘AlUtrujah’ Holy Quran contest in Ramadan

THE PENINSULA terms. The contest, which features primary school students to study Eligible competitors will move on Festival kicks a series of different categories, is the Holy Quran and to act upon it to the final rounds from May 20 to DOHA: The Quranic Botanic open to both male and female being the Holy Book of Allah, the 24. Garden (QBG), a member of Qatar schoolchildren in Qatar under 12 guidance and mercy for human A number of associated activ- off on Friday Foundation (QF), and the years old. beings.” ities will be organized during the Education City Mosque have Fatima Al Khulaifi, Manager of The contest is open to all stu- contest, including community lec- THE PENINSULA announced the second edition of QBG, said,“AlUtrujah is the name dents below the age of 12 in tures on ethics and stories of the the ‘AlUtrujah’ Holy Quran contest. of the pleasant citrus fruit. The Qatar, including students of QF plants mentioned in the Holy DOHA: The seventh Halal Qatar Festival, an event which The contest will take place at the name of the contest was selected schools and non-QF schools. Reg- Quran and Hadith of the Prophet focuses on animal trade as an important aspect of Qatari beginning of the Holy month of based on the Hadith of the Prophet istration is open on the QBG’s Muhammad (PBUH). tradition, kicks off this Friday at the southern area of the Ramadan 1439 H at the Education Muhammad (PBUH): ‘The example website at www.qbg.org.qa for QBG will also organise an Cultural Village Katara, organisers announced yesterday. City Mosque. of the believer who reads the Holy the three categories, for one, two, exhibition of the plants men- Through this festival, which runs until March 10, The contest encourages stu- Quran is the example of AlUtrujah; or three Juz’. tioned in the Holy Quran and Katara sheds light on the crucial role livestock breeding dents and community members to its taste is delicious and its scent is All rounds of the contest will Hadith, and will display photos and trade had played in the past as well as attempts to study the Holy Quran, and high- pleasant.’ be conducted at the Education City and live forms of the plants, along preserve this integral component of Qatari culture and lights the Quranic verses and The contest aims to encourage Mosque; the first round of the with traditional tools made from heritage. stories that focus on botanical the Education City community and contest runs between May 1 and 6. those plants. The festival will include competitions, public auc- tions, and barns which will showcase different breeds of halal (goats and sheep) such as Syrian sheep, Arab sheep and Aaridy goats among others. In addition there will be entertainment and educational activities mainly HBKU and Qatar Shell to organise JSRS targeting young visitors. Khalid Al Shahwani, Chairman of the Festival, said the festival had become increasingly important year after year. THE PENINSULA underway to preserve and protect higher education programs that manager at the Qatar Shell “The importance of the Halal Qatar Festival is increasing the environment by targeting sus- aim to tackle today’s challenges Research and Technology Center every year for its role in supporting livestock breeders in DOHA: To bridge the gap between tainable growth in the energy and and opportunities in engineering, (QSRTC). Under his stewardship, Qatar and the region, improving income levels and pre- academia and industry, Hamad Bin water sectors. science, and e-technology. Dr the center plans to continue serving rare species, especially at a time when efforts are Khalifa University’s (HBKU) To be held at the Liberal Arts Mounir Hamdi, Dean of CSE, said: research and development efforts being intensified to support national food products, par- College of Science and Engineering and Science (LAS) Building in Edu- “We continuously endeavour to in catalyst, water, corrosion and ticularly in the field of livestock and agriculture, in line with (CSE) and Qatar Shell are organ- cation City, the lecture will addi- complement all academic and the- CO2 utilization, and initiate new the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s strategy ising the Joint Sustainability tionally provide guests with a oretical knowledge of our pro- research themes that are aligned for self-sufficiency and food security,” he said. He pointed Research Seminars (JSRS) on unique opportunity to network grams with industrial insights to with Qatar National Vision for out that the Festival has become one of the largest heritage February 28. The maiden lecture with subject matter experts. achieve a more informed under- 2030. festivals that aims to maintain the customs and traditions is one of three lectures offered this Attendees will learn more about standing of the world. The Joint The Joint Sustainability of the country, in addition to educating the new generation academic year, and will focus on the significant steps that the oil and Research Seminar Series with Research Seminars (JSRS) builds on national identity and heritage. Global Energy Transition and Shell. gas industry leader is presently Qatar Shell is a critical undertaking on the shared values to strengthen In its seventh edition, the annual festival will see new It will be delivered by Dr Dhruv taking to build a low-carbon to link industry and academia as awareness about energy and envi- events and competitions and an increase in activities to Arora, who has extensive expertise energy future and enable con- we strive to enhance the learning ronmental sustainability. be organised on the sidelines of the nine-day festival in the field of sustainable devel- sumer access to modern energy. experience of our students and Upcoming lectures, scheduled to such as theatrical performances, art workshops, hand- opment. CSE, a multidisciplinary college inform the general public, building be held in March and April, will icraft and food market, horse rides and other workshops Discussions will aim to provide with three divisions in the fields of on solid expertise that our partners include specialist insight into inte- related to livestock products. students, staff, faculty, and all Life Sciences, Information and at Qatar Shell can provide.” grated onsite water and material The festival will be open to the public from March 2 attendees with an industry insider’s Computing Technology, and Sus- Dr Arora is the research and and corrosion in the oil and gas to 10 from 8am to 12 noon and from 3pm to 10pm. perspective on efforts that are tainable Development, leads development and technology industry. MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 HOME 07 Adler’s exquisite Palmiero unveils latest offerings THE PENINSULA creations on DOHA: Palmiero, renowned Italian fine jewellery brand, unveiled latest offerings at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, Among which was display at DJWE the “Odette” collection, a true artwork inspired by swan lake which was given THE PENINSULA life to by Carlo Palmiero and his team in the atelier of Valenza, where spec- DOHA: Adler, interna- tacular creations are conceived. With tionally renowned this specific collection Carlo Palmiero fine-jewellery brand, symbolically expresses the power of showcased its latest love. The beauty and the strength of offerings at the Doha the feeling that animates Odette, are Jewellery and Watches evinced by the sensual movements of exquisite timepieces aim to reproduce world collection, inspired by the per- Exhibition. Thanks to the collection’s designs, which was the celebrated paintings that belong to the fection of nature. The prestigious its century-old expe- labour of articulate, masterful hand- history of international art, in the style award celebrates the best of contem- rience, its interna- work. of its famous creators, which are care- porary jewellery, ranging from design tional presence, and its Among the other novelties dis- fully observed and reinterpreted by to production. The winners are innovative spirit, Adler played by Palmiero at the exhibitions, Carlo Plamiero and his team of announced and awarded by an expert keeps on charming were the exquisite timepieces that cel- designers. international jury. women who like to ebrate art and nature. The art collec- Palmiero has recently won the The latest designs from Palmiero wear jewels that defy tion pays homage to the great mas- Andrea Palladio International Jewel- family are available at Amiri Gems, the laws of gravity and ters of art such as Van Gogh, Picasso, lery Award 2018 “Best Italian Jewel- the favourite jewellery and gems shop who shrug at conven- and Mondrian. The lery Collection” for their underwater in Qatar. tional designs and ephemeral trends. Adler creates icons destined to outlive their makers. Each Mariani’s collectible jewels on show jewel is a precious masterpiece ready to THE PENINSULA be worn and treasured for generations. Adler DOHA: Italian fine-jewellery brand, has inherited a legacy Mariani, unveiled its latest offerings at of Viennese crafts- the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhi- manship and a know- bition. Founded in 1878, the house of how perfected over a Mariani is a point of reference in Italy period of 130 years. for its extraordinary originality and With a passion for beautiful creations. Their first jewels excellence and a thirst were created over 120 years ago and for challenges, the since those distant times; Mariani has brand constantly nurtured the success of its jewellery pushes the boundaries PICTURES BY ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA pieces within the family. It began with of creativity. Adler is Camillo Mariani, an accomplished regarded as a Pioneer silversmith and jeweller who learned in utilising new techniques and in the use glowing green emeralds evoke the chlo- his art from the masters in Milan, Italy. of original materials, such as wood, silk, rophyll of the leaves, its diamonds Firmly established in the traditions of carbon and titanium. The jewellery brand evoke the dancing reflections in the exquisite Italian jewellery, Mariani’s is inspired by different cultures, unusual water. With its rounded elements paved legacy still flourishes today as a brand materials, architecture, textiles, which in with emeralds, the ’Nymphia’ high-jew- of refined elegance and style. turn guides the brand’s creative process. ellery set evokes the easily-recognis- With each new collection, Mariani Among Adler’s latest creations able shape of these poetic still proves its unmatched ability to sat- signature style. An alliance of contem- and command attention, fantasy and showcased at the exhibition was the inspirations. isfy the needs and desires of the con- porary and classical styles, a mixture of dream prevail in the Mariani collections. ‘Nymphia’ set which was inspired by Adler aficionados can have their temporary world all the while remaining oriental splendour and baroque exu- Mariani has received the People’s Claude Monet’s iconographic favourite jewellery pieces from Amiri true to the history that has nurtured its berance has made Mariani a jeweller of Choice Award at the Couture Design nympheas. Gems, the renowned jewellery outlet heritage. The Italian fine jewellery rare and collectible jewels during the Awards held in Las Vegas in 2017. The set aims to recreate nature’s in Qatar, even after the conclusion of house’s ability to grow from different years. Mariani has always dared to The exquisite Mariani pieces are lightness and sensuality, and pays Doha Jewellery and Watches ages and cultures has led them to create arrange combinations of materials and displayed at Amiri Gems showrooms homage to Earth’s generous bounty. Its Exhibition. their own internationally recognized colours. While precious gems inspire in Qatar. Jumbo Electronics forays into modular kitchen solutions

A model kitchen displayed at the Jumbo Electronics showroom.

THE PENINSULA equipment and solutions since 1965. contractors looking to offer premium or MuhendislerTM is one of the oldest, most competitive modular kitchens with new DOHA: Jumbo Electronics, a total solu- ad-vanced and a leading brand from appliances now have an able partner in tions provider in Qatar with a large retail Turkey that believes in fulfilling cus- Jumbo Electronics to provide customized and distribution network and a strong tomers’ demands and needs with supe- modular kitchen de-signs, produced and institutional customer base, has now rior performance and a ‘total quality’ installed by trained professionals. Thus fur- added one more business to its portfolio approach. ther reinforcing its position as a Total Solu- of products and services, modular “We not only provide appliances for tions Provider in Qatar. kitchen solutions. Rational, Arosa Mobil- the most important place in your house, The modular kitchens are designed iaTM, Allmilmo and MuhendislerTM will the kitchen; but also de-sign and provide using top-notch software’s, have a com- be the brands that will provide modular solutions to help you build your dream petitive pricing structure and are executed kitchen solutions through Jumbo Elec- kitchen space. We have partnered with with a minimum lead time. The added ben- tronics in Qatar. premium brands from around the world efit of having built-in and standalone Germany-based Rational has been to provide you with kitchen solutions that appliances at Jumbo insures that real estate combining excellent design, innovative can be classic or con-temporary based on developers, owners or contractors don’t technology and outstanding functionality your preference,” said Sajed Jassim have to worry about cut-out size or coor- for over 50 years. Mohammed Sulaiman, Vice-Chairman & dination issues with all requirements under Slovenia-based Arosa Mobilia’s inter- Managing Director, Video Home & Elec- one roof. national team of experts have been tronic Centre. Currently these kitchens are dis- building a unique harmony of details, style Jumbo Electronics large portfolio of played at the Jumbo Electronics, Airport and personalization of kitchens and bath- standalone and built in appliances from Road branch with more displays planned rooms for every single user with passion world renowned brands will further com- in other outlets. Customers can visit the since 1962. pliment the modular kitchen solutions pro- company’s website to know more about Allmilmo from Germany is a leading vided by the company. these solutions and register for a call premium brand of high quality kitchen Real estate developers, owners and back. 08 MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 Damascus assault to continue despite truce call REUTERS Rebels said they they seek to stop mortar attacks clashed with pro- by militants injuring dozens in BEIRUT: Iran said pro- the capital. Damascus forces would press government forces The United Nations says ahead with attacks on an insur- yesterday, as rescuers nearly 400,000 people live in gent enclave near the Syrian and residents said eastern Ghouta, a pocket of capital, as ground fighting raged warplanes struck towns and farms under govern- on there after a UN resolution ment siege since 2013. It is the demanding a 30-day truce some towns in the only big rebel bastion left near across the country. eastern Ghouta the capital. Rebels said they clashed with pocket. The two major Islamist fac- pro-government forces yes- tions in Ghouta said they waged terday, as rescuers and residents fierce battles on Sunday on sev- said warplanes struck some Tasnim news agency said. eral fronts around the enclave, towns in the eastern Ghouta Several ceasefires have where troops and rebels have pocket. The Syrian Observatory unravelled quickly during the clashed in recent weeks. for Human Rights said air strikes seven-year war in Syria, where Hamza Birqdar, Jaish al- and artillery killed nine people Assad’s military has gained the Islam’s military spokesman, said and injured 31 in the eastern sub- upper hand with the help of Iran the rebels thwarted attempts by urbs. The UK-based monitoring and Russia. government forces and Iran- group said yesterday’s bombing The UN resolution on Sat- backed militias to advance. was less intense than attacks urday followed seven straight “In the early hours of dawn over the past week. There was days of bombing by pro-govern- today, there were heated battles no immediate comment from the ment forces on eastern Ghouta, which Assad’s forces launched,” Syrian military. in one of the bloodiest offensives A Syrian man walking next to damaged buildings following regime air strikes in the Syrian rebel-held said Wael Olwan, spokesman for Iranian General Mohammad of the war. town of Douma, in the besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus. Failaq al-Rahman. Baqeri, whose government backs The Security Council voted “They tried to storm the Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, unanimously to demand the The resolution does not are held by the terrorists, are not the enclave over the last week, eastern frontlines. The bombing said Tehran and Damascus truce to allow for aid access and cover militants from Islamic covered by the ceasefire and the Observatory says. The dead is ongoing at this moment.” would respect the UN resolution. medical evacuations. Yet while State, Al-Qaeda, and the Nusra clean-up (operations) will con- included more than 120 Russia was counting on foreign But the Iranian military chief of Moscow supported adopting the Front. tinue there,” Tasnim quoted him children. supporters of anti-government staff also said the truce did not resolution, Russian UN Ambas- Baqeri said Iran and Syria as saying. The latest escalation The Syrian government and forces to ensure that the cease- cover parts of the Damascus sub- sador Vassily Nebenzia cast would adhere to it. But “parts of by Damascus and its allies has Russia deny hitting civilians. fire was observed, the foreign urbs “held by the terrorists”, the doubt on its feasibility. the suburbs of Damascus, which killed more than 500 people in Moscow and Damascus have said ministry in Moscow said.

Israel opens At least 14 dead in attack on Yemen counterterrorism base fire on boat REUTERS The agency provided no liquidated immediately before control of the city. In a statement carried by the from Gaza; immediate evidence for the they could reach the outer gate Aden is the temporary cap- state-run Saba news agency, ADEN: At least 14 people were claim. Security sources said two of the anti-terrorism headquar- ital of Yemen’s internationally Hadi described the attack as a one dead killed and 40 wounded when car suicide bombers detonated two ters,” a police statement said. recognised Hadi government, “cowardly act aimed to destabi- suicide bombers and gunmen cars laden with explosives at the Security sources and medics which is now operating out of lise security in the temporary AFP tried to storm the headquarters camp’s entrance while six said three security men, a Saudi Arabia. capital... but it will not dissuade of a counterterrorism unit in the gunmen tried to storm the woman and two children died in Backed by a Saudi-led Arab people from their will to achieve JERUSALEM: A Palestinian southern port city of Aden, secu- facility. the attack, while 40 other coalition, Hadi’s government has security, safety and decent was killed yesterday when rity and medical sources said. They were all killed by people, many of them civilians, been battling the Iran-aligned living.” Israeli forces opened fire on Islamic State, in a statement guards and their bodies taken to were wounded. Houthi movement since 2015 in Al Qaeda and Islamic State a boat from the Gaza Strip carried by its Amaq news agency, a military hospital, a medical The attack was the first of its a war that has driven the country have exploited the war in Yemen after it left a zone where claimed responsibility for what source said. Aden police said in kind in southern Yemen since to the verge of famine. Residents to carry out assassinations and Israel allows Palestinians to it described as two “martyrdom a statement on its Facebook page gun battles erupted in January described two large explosions bombings, mostly in lawless fish, officials said. operations” targeting the camp that security forces had foiled a between southern separatists in the area that sent up a cloud southern Yemeni areas nomi- A spokeswoman for the in Tawahi district in south- major attack on the camp. and President Abd-Rabbu Man- of grey smoke while ambulances nally controlled by the Israeli army said the boat western Aden. “All the... terrorists were sour Hadi’s government over raced to evacuate the wounded. government. “deviated from the designated fishing zone in the northern Gaza Strip.” Naval forces called on the boat to halt, then fired warning shots in the air Iraq court sentences 16 Jordan’s PM reshuffles before shooting toward it when the three people on Cabinet to soothe anger board did not stop, the women to death for joining IS spokeswoman said. A severely wounded Pal- REUTERS acronym. All the verdicts are Islamic State membership. REUTERS deputies sought to bring down estinian later died from his subject to appeal. A German woman was sen- the government over the price wounds, she said. The other BAGHDAD: An Iraqi court has Thousands of foreigners tenced to death last month for AMMAN: Jordan’s Prime hikes that raised taxes on most two Palestinians were sentenced 16 Turkish women to have fought on behalf of Islamic belonging to the group and a Minister Hani Mulki reshuffled consumer and food items and detained by security forces. death by hanging for joining State in Iraq and Syria since at Russian fighter was also sen- his Cabinet yesterday and some fuel items. This was fol- The fishermen’s union in Islamic State, a judiciary least 2014. Many foreign women tenced to death in Iraq last year appointed the King’s chief of lowed by a doubling of the Gaza said a boat with three spokesman said yesterday. came — or were brought — from for joining the hardline group. staff as his special deputy for prices of subsidised bread. fishermen was fired upon by Iraq is conducting the trials overseas to join the militants. Iraq has handed over to economic affairs in an apparent Jafar Hassan, chief of staff Israel’s military. of hundreds of foreign women More than 1,300 women and Russia four women and 27 chil- bid to soothe widespread anger of the office of Jordan’s King Fishing off the northern who have been detained, with children surrendered to Kurdish dren suspected of having ties to over rising hardship and flag- Abdullah, takes up the post of part of the strip, adjacent to hundreds of their children, since Peshmerga in August, after gov- the group, the foreign ministry ging growth. deputy Prime Minister for eco- Israel, is limited to six nau- August by Iraqi forces as Islamic ernment forces expelled the said on Thursday, adding that Mulki’s reshuffle, his sixth nomic affairs, a role that had tical miles offshore and the State strongholds crumbled. group from the northern Iraqi they were “tricked” into joining since coming to power in May been left vacant in Mulki’s pre- Israeli navy regularly fires at The central criminal court city of Tal Afar. Their numbers the militants. Iraq declared vic- 2016, comes three days after vious cabinet. Palestinians at the zone’s issued the sentences “after it was have since swelled to about 1,700 tory in December over Islamic hundreds of protesters in the Hassan, a former Harvard outer limit. Such incidents proven they belong to the Daesh as more foreign nationals sur- State, which had seized control city of Salt, 30km west of the educated planning minister, rarely result in deaths. terrorist group and after they rendered or were captured of nearly a third of the country capital Amman, demanded his will be leading the ministerial The Gaza Strip’s border confessed to marrying Daesh ele- during operations to root out the in 2014. The group has been resignation and called for the team overseeing a tough three- with Egypt has also been ments or providing members of militants, according to aid driven out of all population cen- Jordanian King to force the gov- year program agreed with the largely closed in recent years. the group with logistical aid or officials. tres it once controlled on both ernment to roll back price hikes International Monetary Fund Israel and Palestinians in helping them carry out terrorist Another Turkish woman was sides of the Iraqi-Syrian border, and end high-level corruption. of long delayed structural Gaza, run Hamas, have fought attacks,” said Judge Abdul-Sattar sentenced to death last week and but members have continued to Earlier this month Mulki reforms to cut public debt to 77 three wars since 2008 and al-Birqdar, referring to the mil- 10 others of various nationalities carry out bombings and other avoided a vote of no-confi- percent of national output GDP the territory has been under itant group using an Arabic to life in prison, all for alleged attacks in Iraq. dence in parliament after by 2021 from 94 percent now. an Israeli blockade for more than 10 years. Ceasefire not Iraq’s ethnic, religious groups fragmented as elections near to impact AP Shias, now even more politically involved, Afrin offensive which are allied with but not controlled BAGHDAD: Long beset by toxic divisions, by the Shia-led Baghdad government, and REUTERS Iraq seems to be growing even more frag- appear set to gain influence that would mented ahead of national elections sched- alarm many in the region trying to check ANKARA: A resolution uled for May, with Iranian influence set the power of Shia, non-Arab Iran. accepted unanimously by the to grow and the minority Sunnis seething If divisions among Sunnis, Shia and UN Security Council for a as they fend for themselves in areas of Kurds persist they could lead to more pro- 30-day ceasefire across Syria the country shattered by the three-year tracted talks to form a new government, will not impact Turkey’s war against the Islamic State group. potentially delaying the colossal task of offensive against Kurdish The Sunnis, many of them in displace- rebuilding Iraq after IS overran nearly a fighters in Afrin, Deputy ment camps, bore the brunt of the war’s third of the country in 2014, mostly Sunni Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag destruction and have been left so bereft towns, and then hung on as a US-led coa- said on Sunday. that many don’t even have the papers lition surrounded and bombarded the The UN resolution on Sat- needed to register to vote. areas they controlled. urday followed seven straight If they don’t end up feeling the vote The extremist group was able to at days of bombing by pro-gov- was fair, that could badly undermine the least initially benefit from some popular ernment forces of the rebel international community’s goal of support among Sunnis. After the ouster enclave of eastern Ghouta, in bringing about the more inclusive gov- of Saddam Hussein, a Sunni, many Sunnis one of the bloodiest offen- ernment critical to maintaining a unified felt marginalised as parties led by Shias sives of the war. Turkey ear- state and avoiding a repeat of the IS were able to win elections by sheer num- lier welcomed the disaster. bers; Sunnis, in turn, felt they had lost Students walk inside the damaged campus of the University of Mosul, yesterday. resolution. Adding to the volatile mix are the their fair share of power. MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 AFRICA 09 Protester shot dead in march against Kabila

REUTERS Church groups have had been shot by police outside a church in the Lemba KINSHASA: Security forces in become the main neighbourhood. the Democratic Republic of opposing force to Campaign organisation Congo’s capital Kinshasa shot Kabila as political Human Rights Watch (HRW) dead a civil society activist and opposition parties identified him as Rossy Mukindi, wounded several other people 36, an assistant university pro- during church-led demonstra- have been hobbled fessor who set up a citizens tions against President Joseph by inﬁghting or seen action group called Collectif Kabila yesterday, witnesses said. their leaders forced 2016. Congolese civil society In power since 2001, Kabila into exile. group ACAJ also confirmed the struck a deal with the main death and said 15 people had opposition bloc to stay on after been injured in violence in Kin- his elected mandate expired in a peaceful transition of power,” shasa, including four with gun- December 2016, but authorities one of the main organising shot wounds. missed a deadline to hold elec- groups said in a statement before HRW said it had received tions last year as required under the march. reports of arrests and brutality A group of Catholic faithfuls demonstrates outside the St Francois De Sales Church, as soldiers patrol the agreement. Catholic and evangelical by security forces across the next to them, during a protest to push for the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to The vote is now scheduled churchgoers across Congo had country. As with previous pro- for this December, though elec- been meant to take to the streets test marches, internet, mobile step down, yesterday. tion officials have hinted that following Sunday services. data and phone messaging were polls may not be possible even However, armed security cut across Congo early yesterday. Saturday, Kasongo had could be sliding back towards the Kisangani resident, who was then due to financial and logis- forces surrounded Kinshasa’s Kinshasa police commissioner announced a goal of “zero kind of war in which millions forced to flee after church serv- tical constraints. Church groups main churches and blocked General Sylvano Kasongo would deaths” during the protests. died at the turn of the century. ices there and asked not to be have become the main opposing roads, preventing most demon- not comment on reports that Security forces killed about In the northern city of Kisangani, identified. force to Kabila as political oppo- strations from starting and in security forces had fired on pro- a dozen civilians during two pre- several witnesses reported that A heavy security presence sition parties have been hobbled some cases using teargas and testers. The telephone of the vious marches organised by police had used teargas and gun- was visible on the streets of by infighting or seen their leaders gunfire to disperse them. spokesman for the national Catholic activists since fire to disperse marchers.“I Goma, the largest city in eastern forced into exile. “Our people no Witnesses who brought the police appeared to be turned off December. The crackdowns have arrived back home without my Congo, and violence was longer believe in the political will body of the slain man to Kinsha- on Sunday. drawn international condemna- family... Everyone fled in a dif- reported in the city of Bandundu, of our current leaders to ensure sa’s St. Joseph Hospital said he During a review of police on tion and stoked fears Congo ferent direction,” said one in the west. Parents release names of 105 missing Nigerian girls

AP said they only took information had all gone home to meet their when a girl’s mother or father parents,” he said. MAIDUGURI: Parents in Nigeria appeared in person to report a The Nigerian Minister of have released a list of the 105 missing child. His daughter Information, Lai Muhammed, young women they say are still Fatima is among those still visited Dapchi on Thursday missing nearly a week after unaccounted for. where he told the media that the Boko Haram militants attacked “This list did not come from government still needs “some a northern town, demanding the school management or any few days” to confirm the actual that residents direct them government source but collated number of missing girls. Niger- toward the school for girls. by us from the parents of the ia’s President has said no effort The fate of the girls is not yet girls,” he said. will be spared to locate them. known, though many fear they “As far as we are concerned, “The entire country stands have abducted as brides for the the governor is still being fed as one with the girls’ families, Boko Haram extremists, who in with fake information about the government and the people 2014 kidnapped 276 girls from these poor girls.” While it of Yobe State. This is a national a boarding school in Chibok and appears that many students at disaster. We are sorry that this forced them to marry their the school did go into hiding, could have happened and share Marking the Chinese New Year captors. Manzo said those children are your pain. We pray that our gal- About 100 of the Chibok now back with their families. lant armed forces will locate and Firecrackers are set off outside stores during celebrations marking the Chinese New Year, the Year girls have never returned to “All those that fled into the safely return your missing of the Dog, in First Chinatown, Johannesburg. their families nearly four years bush had been brought back to family members,” President later. the school on Tuesday, and a roll Muhammadu Buhari said ear- In the town of Dapchi in call was taken after which they lier in the week. Nigeria’s Yobe state, the militants arrived on Monday evening, sending many fleeing South Africa’s ANC seeks to shield into the surrounding bush amid the hail of gunfire. While Nigeria’s president poor from sales tax increase has called the disappearances a “national disaster,” local officials BLOOMBERG allies and civil rights groups. The National Treasury at first falsely indicated that said the move was seen as the best option to plug some had been rescued while JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s ruling African a hole in the government’s finances and ward off others would return in the National Congress said the government must further credit rating downgrades. coming days from hiding. consider additional measures to protect the poor “On VAT, we’re aware that a lot of stake- Yobe state Gov. Ibrahim from the effect of higher sales tax, possibly by holders, trade unions, are raising issues, particu- Gaidam on Friday put the increasing the number of exempt items. larly about food” and concerns that the poor will number of missing girls in Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba announced be adversely affected by rising prices, Ace Dapchi at 84, but family mem- plans to raise the rate of value-added tax to 15 Magashule, the ANC’s secretary-general told bers quickly refuted that. percent from 14 percent in the February 21 budget, reporters in Pretoria, following a one-day meeting Bashir Manzo, who has been Relatives pay a condolence visit to the mother of one of the abducted a decision criticized by the ANC’s labour union of the national executive committee. heading up the relatives’ efforts, GGSTC Dapchi students in Jumbam village, Yobe State, Nigeria. New law brings hope to abused women in Tunisia

AFP for women victims of violence set up by said. But the new law has changed all which guarantees equality between men counterparts. the Tunisian Association of Democratic that for Sameh, and other victims of and women. However, Belhadj said there is still TUNIS: After years of “manipulation” Women (AFTD). “He wants to drive me domestic abuse. “When I heard about Article 21 of the constitution states: a lot left to be done and that more by her husband, mother of two Sameh crazy,” said Sameh, who declined to give this law I said to myself, ‘This will bring “All citizens, male and female, have funding needs to be allocated to carry is filing for divorce, thanks to a new her full name. me justice’,” she said, adding she would equal rights and duties, and are equal it through. Tunisian law broadening the definition Her husband would whisper insults file for divorce on moral and financial before the law without any discrimina- “It’s not enough to pass laws, we of violence against women. into her ear to try to make her snap in grounds. The law considerably widens tion.” A Personal Status Code adopted must make sure of the conditions of their The law, passed in July, entered into front of their teenage daughters. Her the definition of unacceptable violence in 1956 abolished polygamy, by which implementation.” Human Rights Watch force on February 1, finally providing eldest daughter has sensed the tensions against women. a Muslim man can have up to four wives, said the law stipulates the creation of Sameh with the tool she needs to divorce and lately began to hurt herself by lac- It recognises physical and moral and repudiation, or the man’s right to shelters for women victims of violence her husband who she says has been psy- erating her skin. “I am psychologically abuse as well as abuse in the form of terminate a marriage unilaterally. but does not provide for a mechanism chologically and financially abusing her. exhausted,” said Sameh, adding that she financial exploitation. “It is real Nevertheless, in Tunisia one woman to fund them. For the past 15 years, Sameh, a has been taking anti-depressants. progress... that could change lives,” said out of two has been the victim of abuse, Meanwhile, Tunisia’s interior min- teacher and 45-year-old mother of two Sameh said she had tried to file for Ahlef Belhadj of the AFTD association. according to official estimates. “This is istry has set up two units tasked with teenage girls, has been forced to hand divorce two years ago but her husband She said the July law was the result only the tip of the iceberg,” said Belhadj. investigating violence against women. over her entire salary to her husband. refused, and she was afraid of being sep- of 25 years of campaigning by Tunisian The new law is seen by many as a land- Radhia Jerbi, president of the She said it took her that long to arated from her daughters and of ending human rights activists. Tunisia is seen mark step to protect women’s rights National Union of Tunisian Women, said realise that he had been “manipulating” up penniless out on the street. as a pioneer of women’s rights in the because it criminalises sexual harass- the next steps were to spread the word her, but when she woke up to the reality “It’s very difficult to prove psycho- Arab world. The North African country, ment in public places and the employ- about the new law across the country she decided to act. But since then, her logical abuse and even then, there was birthplace of the Arab Spring protests ment of children as domestic workers. and to persuade sceptics. husband has started provoking her, she a risk it would not be accepted,” as a that ousted several autocratic rulers, It also slaps fine on employers who “The problem is our mentality,” she said during a meeting at a help centre cause for divorce by the authorities, she adopted a new constitution in 2014 pay women less than their male said. 10 VIEWS MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL National pride Kuwaitis celebrating the country’s 57th Independence Day and the 27th anniversary of the end of the Gulf war with the liberation atar Airways is spreading its wings. Qatar’s of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, in Kuwait City, yesterday. national airline celebrated yet another global first when the world’s first commercial passenger A350-1000 touched down at QHamad International Airport. As the global Kuwaitis tell stories of sacrifices in defending launch customer, Qatar Airways will be the first airline to fly the A350-1000. It is the first Airbus aircraft to be fitted with Qatar Airways’ revolutionary homeland on 27th anniversary of liberation Qsuite Business Class seat. Minister of Finance and Chairman of Qatar Airways QNA were taken to the Fort Dix military Group, H E Ali Shareef Al Emadi praised the arrival of base in New Jersey State to receive the most modern and technologically advanced aircraft military exercises for three weeks on in the skies and said: “As a nation, we are tremendously S the Kuwaiti people celebrate carrying weapons, and using proud to accept this aircraft as part of Qatar Airways’ the 27th anniversary of eavesdropping devices and other During the occupation period, fleet by bringing it to Doha. The A350-1000 will be a liberating the State of Kuwait military skills,” he told in the interview. all Kuwaitis either at home or wonderful addition to our national carrier’s fleet, from the Iraqi invasion, the The Director of the Information A abroad sacrificed their souls allowing Qatar Airways to continue to set the highest world recalls the great heroics and Technology Department at the Kuwaiti standards of excellence and quality in the industry.” sacrifices made by the Kuwaiti people in Defense Ministry Hamed Al Tawheed for the sake of their dear The airline was also the global launch customer for defence of their homeland, its added: “After being trained well, we homeland, in a manner which the A350-900 in 2014, and now operates 21 in its fleet. sovereignty and freedom. were taken to a military base in Saudi reflected the great love of The new A350-1000 began commercial service on the The Iraqi occupation lasted for seven Arabia on 17, January 1991. All airline’s Doha-London route, on which the A350-900, months during which all Kuwaitis at volunteers were distributed to different the country. the A380, Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner already home and abroad suffered from an US and British military units”. operate, offering six flights agonising experience, which is still He pointed out that he headed a a day between Qatar and the engraved in their mind. number of volunteers worked with the revealing that his request was rejected United Kingdom’s capital. During the occupation period, all first corps of intelligence of UN artillery as he was very young, 17 years at that The remarkable state-of- Kuwaitis either at home or abroad forces participating in the liberation of time, but he insisted on joining the army the-art aircraft will be the sacrificed their Kuwait. to achieve this honorable mission. first of 42 to be flown on the souls for the Meanwhile, Mohammad Shehab, a “We obtained a training course for a airline’s expanding global sake of their Kuwaiti young man who joined the month and then we moved to Hafar Al route network. dear homeland, Peninsula Shield Forces during the Batin, a Saudi Arabian city in the Eastern “As a Qatari, this is Qatar Airways Group in a manner period of occupation, told KUNA that Province, where a US military base is Chief Executive, Akbar Al which reflected he was in Britain in June 1990 to study located. Some days later, the US army a moment of great Baker, said: As a Qatari, this The Iraqi the great love of English language until August 2, needed some of new volunteers who pride for me, and is a moment of great pride occupation lasted the country. indicating that he was shocked when speak English perfectly. I was chosen to for the country as a for me, and for the country for seven months Some of he knew that Iraq invaded the country. work as an interpreter”. whole,” said Qatar as a whole. Despite the during which all Kuwaiti citizens “I phoned my family in the day of He went to say that they headed to illegal blockade against the joined the occupation, August 2, after that the Saudi northern town of Rafha and Airways Group State of Qatar, we have Kuwaitis at home Peninsula communications with them were got training courses for three weeks, Chief Executive continued to thrive and and abroad suffered Shield Force interrupted for 10 days. Then they referring that the US army decided to Akbar Al Baker grow. This ultra-modern from an agonising while others called me and told me that they arrived enter Iraq’s Basra where they stayed after the world’s aircraft will enable us to experience, which joined the ranks in Bahrain. I immediately left Britain for a long time until Kuwait was continue on that journey and of the and flew to Bahrain to join our family,” liberated. first commercial bring people together from is still engraved in international he said. “After working with the US army for passenger all parts of the world, their mind. coalition forces He noted that he joined a a period of time, I returned home on A350-1000 touched allowing them to experience to liberate secondary school in Bahrain, but at March 22, 1991. I consider this down at HIA. our renowned, world-class Kuwait, that the same time was thinking of how experience as one of the largest service. With this blockade including to serve his country in these difficult adventures in my life as I was very we are the winners because Hamed Al Tawheed, the Director of conditions. young at that time. But I had a lot of it has made Qatar stronger.” Information Technology Department at Shehab elaborated that he joined experience. It is honorable that I took Qatar Airways is the Kuwaiti Defense Ministry, who was the Bahraini army as a volunteer to part in the liberation of my homeland,” continuing with its expansion in the United States to obtain a training take part in the liberation of Kuwait, he concluded. plans. The award-winning airline will add 30 aircraft course in information technology, which to its fleet in 2018. The airline has already added many was implemented in collaboration with new destinations to its network this year, including the US navy. Pattaya, Thailand; Penang, Malaysia and Canberra, Speaking to Kuwait News Agency Australia, with direct service to Cardiff, United Kingdom; (KUNA), Al Tawheed said that in the year Mykonos, Greece; and Malaga, Spain, set to launch this 1988, the Crown Prince H H Sheikh year. Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of more was the defence minister at that time, set than 200 aircraft to a network of more than 150 key a plan to help fresh graduates at the business and leisure destinations across the globe. With ministry be trained on automated more A350-1000 joining its fleet in the coming years, systems. Qatar Airways aims to maintain its status as flying one Al Tawheed went to say that he of the youngest fleets in the sky and will continue to finished the course, which was offer its passengers outstanding levels of comfort and implemented in collaboration with the style. US navy, in 1/8/1990, but he could not return home as the Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait one day after. After the late Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah had met the then US President George Bush, it was announced the formation of QUOTE OF THE DAY international forces, consisting of several countries, to liberate Kuwait, he added. Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United Around 350,000 Afrin States, at that time, late Sheikh Saud Al people, whom we Nasser Al Sabah played a key role in the have been hosting in formation of a supportive military force from Kuwaitis in the US to provide Turkey, will return to logistic support for the US forces through their soils and they will involving in different American military continue their lives in units, he noted. After the agreement on forming the peace there. logistic force, the Kuwaiti Embassy in Washington announced a voluntary Binali Yildirim campaign to join the force to take part in Turkish Prime Minister the Operation Desert Storm, he recalled. “After registering our names, we MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 OPINION 11 Indigenous people between two contradictory views — Are they victims or saviours of climate change?

T is a rule of thumb that the political term in purpose, as the climate variability and they can behind the thoughtful steps. may result in reducing instinct is the nucleus of the numbers indicate the territories of effectively responding to major On the political table, world greenhouse gas emissions, at the universe. Applying this way of the world’s 370 million environmental changes such as leaders attending the United same time, it may lead to an thinking over a broader indigenous communities cover natural disasters. In addition, those Nations Climate Change increase in monoculture crops I and plantations and an associated domain, indigenous peoples are the 24% of land worldwide, and communities play a fundamental Conference, in Bali, in December only remaining whose have contain 80% of the world’s role in the conservation of biological 2007, agreed that mitigation, decline in biodiversity and food MOHAMMED AL SULAITI valuable knowledge around healthy biodiversity. The previous diversity and the protection of adaptation, new technologies and security. environments. Due to the collective statistics — in my opinion — forests and other natural resources. financing, are the ideal ways to Unfortunately, indigenous manifold thought, until recently, draws important glance for future Indigenous communities have address climate change communities face double indigenous communities were seen scenarios, as the political power shown their effective responses to effectively. It is essential to note discrimination as both migrants as victims of the effects of climate plays important role in the United climate change in creative ways, that enhancing and supporting and as indigenous peoples, change, rather than as agents with Nations Climate Change drawing on traditional knowledge the adaptive capacity of particularly those communities commendable efforts helping on Conferences, I speak here about and other technologies to find indigenous people will result who are forced to migrate away environmental conservation. To speculations which may allow solutions which may guide society positive impacts, putting into from their traditional lands. As a mitigate climate change effects, those communities to take control at large to cope with unexpected consideration this support is result of severe climatic events, perhaps the time factor is area in decision making in future. changes. Here I shed lights on integrated with other strategies indigenous communities be prone important, however, seeking Also, indigenous people’s important examples showing such as disaster preparation, to irregular migration, limited behind the available tools can make importance lies on the nature of indigenous communities strength land-use planning, environment legal migration options and a noticeable big difference. the sites they occupy as they often on facing natural disasters. conservation and national plans limited opportunities to make Indigenous communities pose live in ecosystems particularly In Bangladesh, in order to face for sustainable development. informed choices. Although the important party in terms of the prone to the effects of climate the potential risks resulting from Adaptation poses grand rights of indigenous communities most affected group of climate change including: polar regions, flooding, villagers are creating challenge for indigenous are preserved in the United change adverse effects. This small islands, mountain regions, floating vegetable gardens to communities as it requires Nations, this gap can put the importance resulted from their humid tropics, coastal regions and protect their livelihoods, whereas additional financial resources and international community in front “Regional Power”, I used here deserts. Not to mention their in Vietnam, in order to diffuse the transfer of technological of ethical inquires. heavily dependent on lands and tropical-storm waves, several capacity that most indigenous To conclude, despite the fact resources for the most basic communities insist on planting communities do not possess. that indigenous peoples needs and livelihoods like food, dense mangroves along the coast. Whereas short-term adaptation contribute little to greenhouse medicine, shelter and fuel. In the other side of the earth, activities are underway, resource emission, climate change poses However, recently, indigenous indigenous communities in the and capacity constraints are serious risks and dangers to their communities were viewed as agents Central, South American and limiting the implantation of long- survival worldwide. The full and of environment conservation and Caribbean regions are thinking term strategies. Such problems effective involvement of they are not simply victims of well by shifting their agricultural distract an important focus in indigenous peoples is crucial to climate change. This strength lies on practices and their settlements to environment conservation which develop mitigation measures and their ability to make to address suitable locations less prone to can result in further adverse ensure that such conditions do climate change. Because of their climate variability. Their response effects. Unfortunately, some not negatively affect vulnerable close relationship with their to climate conditions reflects their mitigation measures can lead to communities. environment, indigenous deep knowledge and this is what undesirable direct and indirect communities are repositories of we can described it as an consequences for indigenous The writer is Environmental learning and knowledge in environmental instinct, the communities. For instance, Scientist graduated from the successfully coping with local-level hidden and the rational behavior certain agricultural initiatives University of Nottingham.

ATE last month, the Trump White imperative, therefore, that those US citizens because too many from their country have House released its legislative and legal permanent residents (green card filed. Finally, the employment restriction on framework for immigration reform. holders) who are intending to file immigrant the H-4 visas, issued to immediate family Its sticking points are familiar ones: petitions for parents and siblings do so members (spouse and children under 21 L years of age) of the H-1B visa holders, would The $25bn that President Trump wants to immediately. Forms filed prior to the D-RING ROAD use to build the border wall he has promised passage of any reform bill (even a day be removed under I-squared, permitting his supporters; and a path to citizenship for before) will be evaluated and processed spouses them to work while they are in the POST BOX: 3488 beneficiaries of Deferred Action for under the old rules. The required forms are US. DOHA - QATAR Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA), whose fates all available on the website for the United The I-squared Bill is currently under [email protected] hang in the balance as the US wrangles over States Citizenship and Immigration Service review in the Senate Judiciary Committee. who to let through its borders. The White (USCIS) and can be filed without the Like the White House proposal, it is unlikely House framework also seeks to eviscerate assistance of a lawyer. An incompletely filed to pass in its entirety; however, many of its EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE visa quotas for “family reunification,” via petition is better than none at all. provisions overlap with the stated White TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 which parents and siblings of US citizens can The second major area of proposed House intent to create a “merit-based” FAX: +974 4455 7758 migrate to the US (disparagingly termed reforms is in the H-1B visa category. The immigration system rather than one based “chain migration”) and completely eliminate time-limited H-1B visas for skilled workers, on family ties. Given this, and the fact that MANAGING EDITOR the Diversity Visa Lottery. which are sought by technology giants, are the Bill reveals the intent to keep talented TEL: 4462 7505 The White House framework will not be meant for scientists, engineers and computer foreign students, particularly those in science passed unchanged; other bills also aiming at programmers. Both the White House and technology fields in the US, a good DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR immigration reform have already been or proposal and the Immigration and portion of it could become law. Heading to TEL: 4455 7769 will soon be introduced in the legislature. Innovation Act 2018 (referred to as the US for a Master’s degree or higher is Internal administrative memos are further I-squared) introduced by Senators Jeff Flake likely to pay greater dividends than before LOCAL NEWS SECTION suggesting their own changes to immigration and Orrin Hatch make some mention of the and may be worth the exorbitant TEL: 4455 7743 regulations. While none of these have yet category. expenditure that it usually involves. made it to a vote, a look at their cumulative The White House proposal wants to A revised H-1B visa system would BUSINESS NEWS SECTION contents provides a view of the drastically divert some of the visas freed up by the likely to be good news for talented TEL: 4462 7535 altered immigration regime that would-be elimination of the Diversity Visa Lottery to immigrants from most of the world, except RAFIA ZAKARIA US immigrants could face in just a few the applicants who are awaiting green cards if they are Sunni Muslims. On February 5, AL JAZEERA SPORT NEWS SECTION months. Pre-empting some of these changes filed via the H-1B programme. The Flake- 2018, Foreign Policy magazine released TEL: 4455 7745 Hatch proposal addresses the H-1Bs more the contents of a leaked Department of comprehensively, its provisions centring on Homeland Security (DHS) memo that ONLINE SECTION preventing US employers from replacing US declares that it would be “great value for TEL: 4462 7501 workers with foreign workers. the United States Government” if it were to [email protected] The new US Consequently, it includes clauses that “continuously evaluate persons of increase H-1B wages so that employers don’t interest”. These “persons of interest” PUBLIC RELATIONS import workers from abroad to undercut include Sunni Muslims (both US residents TEL: 4455 7613 labour costs and prevent employers from and visa applicants) who are believed to be immigration system [email protected] requiring a US worker to train an H-1B “vulnerable to terrorist narratives” based worker who would replace him or her. on a number of risk indicators. Penalties are proposed for large cash-rich These indicators are “being young, ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT is anti-family employers that file a lot of H-1B petitions, so male and having national origins in the TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 that they don’t freeze out small businesses. Middle East, South Asia or Africa.” The FAX: 4455 7870 On the positive side, the I-squared bill memo was produced at the request of US [email protected] would increase the current 65,000 H-1B visa Customs and Border Protection to “inform can enable those affected to take action now quota by 20,000, with an unlimited number United States foreign visitor screening, CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT and avoid disappointment and of exemptions for those with US master’s immigrant vetting and on-going TEL: 4455 7857 discrimination later. degrees or above. Two other bits of good evaluations of United States-based [email protected] The most significant changes will likely news include the elimination of the country- individuals who might have a higher risk occur in the family immigration category. specific quotas so that applicants from, say, of becoming radicalised and conducting a SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION Even while Democrats have expressed India or China will not be barred simply violent attack”. TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 opposition to limiting the “family FAX: 44557819 re-unification” visa quotas to only spouses [email protected] and children, it is quite likely that they will acquiesce to at least some cuts to the The White House category. The reason is simple: to make significant gains in 2018, Democrats must All thoughts and views framework will make gains among white working-class expressed in these not be passed voters. These voters have routinely columns are those of the expressed an animosity towards unchanged; writers, not of the other bills immigration in general and towards “chain migration” in particular. Signing off on cuts newspaper. also aiming at in this category, Democrats may decide, will immigration endear them to this key demographic. All correspondence reform have The consequence for current US citizens regarding Views and already been who have family members (parents and siblings) whom they would like to sponsor Opinion pages should be or will soon be for an immigrant visa are grave. If the White send to editor-in-chief introduced in House proposal is followed, they will no the legislature. longer be able to do so for anyone except office or mailed to the spouses and children under 18. It is [email protected] 12 ASIA MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 Modi focuses on safety, women empowerment IANS Prime Minister empowered. Narendra Modi “It is our duty to ensure the NEW DELHI: Touching upon the participation of women in every issues of daily safety, women urged the people to field of life, be it social or eco- empowerment and “technology become conscious nomic life. We are part of a tradi- for welfare” in his monthly radio and aware of their tion where men were identified address “Mann Ki Baat”, Prime own safety and said due to women. Yashoda-Nandan, Minister Narendra Modi yesterday Kaushalya-Nandan, Gandhari- said his dream of “New India” was technologies like Putra, these were identities of a the one where women were artiﬁcial intelligence son. “Today, woman power has strong and empowered and (AI) must ensure the shown inner fortitude and self- equally contributed to the coun- welfare of the poor, confidence, has made herself self- try’s development. reliant. Not only has she advanced He also urged the people to the underprivileged but carried forward the country become conscious and aware of and the needy. and society to newer heights. their own safety and said tech- “After all, our dream of ‘New nologies like artificial intelligence India’ is the one where women (AI) must ensure the welfare of Management Authority (NDMA) are strong and empowered and Festival of colours the poor, the underprivileged and for reaching areas hit by earth- are equal partners in the devel- Holi, the spring festival of colours, being celebrated during a traditional gathering in Nandgaon the needy. quakes, floods, cyclones and opment of the country,” he said. village in Uttar Pradesh state, yesterday. Holi is observed in India at the end of the winter season The Prime Minister said: “If landslides within no time. Referring to a suggestion we are not aware of safety in daily Stressing on the need to from a listener, he urged coun- on the last full moon of the lunar month. life, if we are not able to attain a organise awareness campaign trymen to felicitate mothers and certain level, it will get extremely about safety, the Prime Minister sisters, who have completed 100 difficult during the time of disas- said that thousands of people years, on the occasion of Interna- ters. “There are messages and slo- used to die due to heat wave few tional Women’s day. gans everywhere about safety years ago but after the NDMA Hailing efforts of a group of measures at work places and on organised workshops on heat women from Jharkhand who Rahul mocks at ‘watchman’ streets. But these messages are wave management, as part of a organised a hygiene campaign for hardly followed. If we stay alert, campaign to raise awareness an entire month and constructed abide by the prescribed rules, we among people, the death count in 1.70 lakh toilets in just 20 days, Modi over bank fraud shall not only be able to save our 2017 was dropped to around 220. Modi said they showed that own lives but we can prevent “Which means if people accord women power was an integral IANS of the Jan Ashirwada Yatra, told the gathering that catastrophes harming society.” priority to safety, we can actually component of the ‘Swachh Bharat Modi had betrayed the people by making them Urging the concerned depart- attain it,” he said. Abhiyan’. MUDHOL: Mocking at Narendra Modi for claiming stand in long queues at banks for days to draw ments under corporations and Speaking about International He mentioned the current to be a ‘chowkidar’ (watchman) than the Prime cash after the November 8 demonetisation in 2016 municipalities who possess the Womens’ Day on March 8, the budget in which an emphasis has Minister of the country, Congress President Rahul while a business tycoon was allowed to flee the fire brigades to visit different Prime Minister said: “There are been laid on turning ‘waste to Gandhi yesterday wondered how the multi-crore country after looting a bank. schools once a week or a month many programmes that are held wealth’ and ‘waste to energy’ Punjab National Bank fraud could happen under Quoting the state’s 12th century social reformer and conduct mock drills, he said in our country and the world. through bio-gas. “A target has his NDA government. Basavanna that ‘do what you say and show what it will have dual benefit free of Today the country is moving for- been set to use cattle dung, agri- “Modi says he is the country’s ‘chowkidar’ and you have done’, Gandhi said that though Modi too cost. The Prime Minister said that ward from the path of women cultural waste, kitchen waste to not the Prime Minister. He also says he is a ‘sevak’ invokes Basavanna and bows before his portrait, he India was a land of geographic development to women-led produce Bio gas based energy. (servant) of the people. Then, he should explain failed to keep the promises he made to the people and climatic diversities. development.” Quoting Swami Under the GOBAR-Dhan Scheme, how a diamond trader (Nirav Modi) could siphon when he got elected as the Prime Minister in 2014. “As far as disasters are con- Vivekananda’s saying that the our farmer brothers and sisters off Rs22,000 crore from a public sector bank Taking a dig at the Prime Minister on his claims to cerned, the country has witnessed idea of a perfect womanhood was will be encouraged to consider without his knowledge,” Gandhi said at a public fight corruption and eliminating black money, different disasters including perfect independence, Modi said dung and other waste not just as rally here in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district. Gandhi, Gandhi said Modi talks tall with a person who was chemical and industrial mishaps.” the dream of “New India” was a waste but as a source of on a three-day visit to the southern state since the state Bharatiya Janata Party’s Chief Minister (BS Modi lauded the National Disaster where the women were income.” Saturday for the second time this month as part Yeddyurappa) who went to jail in a graft case.

Kodiyeri gets 2nd term Sri Lanka reshufﬂes as CPI-M state secretary

THRISSUR: On expected lines, senior CPI-M polit- Cabinet after poll rout buro member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was unanimously elected as the party’s state secretary for a REUTERS Wickremesinghe, the head of second three-year term. The election of the new UNP, won office by promising secretary and its state committee is the last in the COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Presi- to investigate corruption under agenda of the 22nd State Party Conference that dent reshuffled his Cabinet, the previous government, led comes to a close with a massive public rally here appointing his Prime Minister by Mahinda Rajapaksa. yesterday. An 87-member state committee was as the law and order minister, But critics charge the inves- elected which saw nine existing members being left after the governing coalition tigations slowed under Sagala out and another 10 added. suffered a series of defeats in Ratnayaka, the previous law Balakrishnan told reporters that veterans like local elections earlier this and order minister, and he will VS Achuthanandan and former ministers Paloly month. be replaced by Wickremes- Mohammed Kutty and PK Gurudasan besides KN The governing coalition of inghe, who will also remain Rabindranath and MM Lawerence have all been the Sri Lanka Freedom Party prime minister. included as special invitees to the state committee. (SLFP) and the United National Sirisena said more changes Addressing reporters, Balakrishnan said: “During Party (UNP) blamed the defeats could be expected within the the 2015 state conference, we ensured that faction- at least partly on its lack of SLFP in the next two weeks. alism at the highest level was rooted out and after UK-India Year of Culture progress in several anti-corrup- The corruption investiga- three years, this time we concentrated to see that tion investigations. tions have focused on family no such factionalism is there at the 14 districts and The participants perform during an event as part of British Council’s UK-India President Maithripala members of Rajapaksa, now a today at the end of the Thrissur conference, we have Year of Culture inside a college campus in Chennai. Sirisena, the leader of the SLFP, legislator on the opposition been successful to end factionalism here also.” and Prime Minister Ranil benches. Nation mourns as Bollywood superstar Sridevi dies aged 54 AFP films including “Chandni”, “Mr 300 films and was set to see her India”, “Mawali” and “Tohfa”. Mortal remains will arrive today older daughter Jhanvi make her MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Her first smash hit was the Bollywood debut. Sridevi Kapoor (pictured), one of 1982 Tamil film “Moondram Pirai” MUMBAI: Noted actor Sridevi’s mortal remains will reach India Madhuri Dixit, whose fame the biggest names in Hindi cinema, and she played the same role in its today, said the official spokesperson of producer and late Sridevi’s rivalled Sridevi’s, said the world has died aged 54 after suffering a Hindi remake, “Sadma”. Her por- husband Boney Kapoor. “Late Sridevi Kapoor’s body will arrive “has lost a very talented person heart attack in Dubai, her former trayal of a woman suffering from in India on Monday. We will update you on all further informa- who left behind a huge legacy in manager said yesterday. amnesia has been described by tion as and when it’s available to us,” an official statement by film”. The death of Sridevi, report- many critics as a milestone. Kapoors said. Prime Minister Modi said he edly while attending her nephew’s Kamal Haasan, her co-star in It added: “Boney Kapoor, Jhanvi, Khushi and the entire Kapoor, was saddened by the news. “She wedding in the emirate late Sat- “Sadma”, paid tribute on Twitter. Ayyappan and Marwah family are deeply bereaved and shocked was a veteran of the film industry, urday, prompted an outpouring “Have witnessed Sridevi’s life from with the untimely loss of Sridevi Kapoor.” whose long career included of grief from fans and fellow actors an adolescent teenager to the The actor, who was in Dubai for a wedding, reportedly had a diverse roles and memorable per- as well as condolences from Prime magnificent lady she became. Her fainting spell in her bathroom after which she was immediately formances,” Modi tweeted. Film Minister Narendra Modi. stardom was well deserved,” rushed to Rashid Hospital in Dubai but could not be saved. critic Rajeev Masand said Sridevi Sridevi, born Shree Amma Haasan tweeted. “would be missed”, noting the Yanger Ayappan in Tamil Nadu, “Many happy moments with had grown up watching Sridevi’s and I was grateful for it,” she said. star’s shy and introverted off- made her acting debut at the age her flash through my mind movies: “She was so colourful and “In order to get something you camera personality. of four and her career spanned including the last time I met her. bold and I was always impressed have to lose something. You can’t “Never known anyone who more than four decades. Sadma’s lullaby haunts me now. “I came rushing here after by her character. I am very have everything in life. So I am was so painfully shy, so quiet off She worked in regional Tamil, We’ll miss her,” he added. reading news pertaining to shocked by the news.” happy with what I got.” Sridevi screen, who just transformed into Telugu and Malayalam-language Local police made arrange- Sridevi’s death. She was our In an interview in 2013, Sridevi was awarded the Padma Shri, a force of nature when cameras films before making her Bolly- ments to handle the swelling female Amitabh Bachchan and I spoke of missing out on a carefree India’s fourth highest civilian came on,” Masand tweeted. wood debut in 1979. crowds gathered outside Sridevi’s have watched all her movies,” childhood when she began award, for her services to the film “She was an interviewer’s “It is shocking and sad,” her home in Mumbai’s Lokhandwala Vimal Khandakade said. working as an actor. “I lost out on industry. nightmare, but the movie-buff’s former manager Punkej Khar- neighbourhood. “I have always been a big fan going to school and college life but She was especially admired dream... Thank you for the banda said. Her husband was with Many were expected to wait and loved her performances... I I got into the film industry and for her ability to overcome lan- movies.” Sridevi is survived by her her at her death, he said. till the family returns to Mumbai will wait till her body is brought worked without a gap — from guage barriers and work in dif- husband, film producer Boney Sridevi made a name for her- with the body, for a cremation back and want to bid her farewell.” child actor I went straight to her- ferent regional film industries. Kapoor, and their two self with a string of blockbuster likely to be held today. Shoumik Mahapatra, 16, said he oine. There was no time to think Sridevi appeared in around daughters. MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 ASIA 13 Democracy on decline in Pakistan: Report

INTERNEWS According to guise of corruption cases. Sharif 10th edition of and his family are currently ISLAMABAD: The fragile The Economist facing three corruption refer- democracy is on a steady retreat ences in an accountability court in Pakistan despite the fact that Intelligence where they have to appear the political government is Unit’s Democracy almost on a daily basis. He nearing the completion of its Index, Pakistan claims that anti-democratic term, says a fresh democracy has witnessed a forces are not willing to accept index released by one of the Parliament’s supremacy even most reputed publications in the consistent decline in after the restoration of “democ- world. democratic health for racy” in 2008. According to 10th edition of the last three years. Soon after his decisive victory The Economist Intelligence in 2013 elections, Nawaz Sharif Unit’s Democracy Index, Paki- had to face a massive movement stan has witnessed a consistent (Retd) Pervez Musharraf when launched jointly by Pakistan decline in democratic health for the country obtained 3.92 Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran the last three years as the coun- scores. Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehrik try’s score kept declining after Within Pakistan, political (PAT) leader Allama Tahirul Qadri People Power Revolution anniversary marked 2014 when incidentally a sit-in observers are also complaining which culminated at 126-day Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos (C-with cap) waves during celebrations to commemorate the was staged outside Pakistani that the space for democratic sit-in at D-Chowk in Islamabad, 32nd anniversary of the People Power Revolution, near the Malacanang Palace in Manila, yesterday. On Parliament for over four government is shrinking with demanding Prime Minister’s res- February 25, 1986, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was ousted by a bloodless revolution. months. The reputed British increasingly assertive establish- ignation. The sit-in only ended publication ranked 167 countries ment and judiciary. The latest after the APS terror attack in based on their score on a scale verdict by the Supreme Court of Peshawar which claimed lives of of 0 to 10 where 10 represents Pakistan barring former prime 132 schoolchildren. But the anti- full democracy and 0 represents minister Nawaz Sharif from Sharif movement continued after authoritarian regime. Pakistan heading his ruling Pakistan the sit-in and he had to fight a which scored 4.26 last year is Muslim League-Nawaz is also battle in the Supreme Court to Philippines hunts for 12 classified as hybrid democracy being considered a blow to prove that the 2013 vote was not in the index. democracy. “The immediate rigged. The trial of former mili- The Economist index com- implications may centre on the tary ruler General (Retd) Mush- prises 60 indicators across five political future of one individual, arraf also became a point of con- inmates escaped from jail broad categories-electoral but the judgment has the poten- tention. Finally the issue was process and pluralism, func- tial to be hugely disruptive to the resolved when Musharraf was AFP mostly on drugs charges. The regional police spokesman tioning of government, political democratic process itself,” allowed to leave the country. remaining 17 were recaptured Senior Inspector Jemar delos participation, democratic polit- writes a daily newspaper in its After the emergence of JOLO, PHILIPPINES: Philip- the same day, police said. Jolo Santos said. ical culture and civil liberties. editorial on Friday. Panama Papers in April 2015, the pine police said yesterday they is a base for the Abu Sayyaf “We are heightening secu- After 2013 elections, Pakistan Sharif, who was ousted in PTI again launched a move to were hunting for 12 inmates kidnap-for-ransom group and rity around the perimeter of obtained 4.64 but the democ- July last year through the overthrow Sharif whose offshore who escaped from a jail on a authorities said they were the island municipality and racy score started declining after Supreme Court verdict in the companies were mentioned in the southern island that is the investigating whether or not securing ports so that they 2014. In 2015, the score dropped Panama Paper case, continu- leaked papers. The case ended up stronghold of Islamist mili- the inmates who escaped had would not be able to leave to 4.40 followed by a further ously complains of conspiracy in the Supreme Court which tants. links with the militants. Jolo.” The jail had a capacity decline in 2016 to 4.33. Last against the democratic rule. announced its verdict in July 2017. The detainees were among “A guard went on break, of about 50 inmates and was year, witnessed the lowest score Sharif, a three-time prime min- Sharif was disqualified by the 29 inmates who bolted from a went to the toilet and when he located near a port, Delos for Pakistan with 4.26 which ister says efforts are being made apex court for not declaring his prison inside a police station left, the inmates found a way Santos added. Police replaced was only better than 2006 under to exclude him and his family receivable salary in a Dubai based in war-torn Jolo on Saturday to escape. They picked the lock all the prison guards as they the dictatorship of General from Pakistani politics in the company, owned by his son. where they were being held of the jail cell and fled,” probed the jailbreak.

Shahbaz Sharif’s vision impresses London mayor News Bytes INTERNEWS Sharif. I was very impressed with impressive: lots of infrastructure countries, the London mayor confidence”. Afghan lawmaker & his vision and his hospitality,” projects, motorways, under- emphasised that London is open He continued: “When I went ISLAMABAD: Mayor of London said Sadiq. passes, progress of infrastruc- to business the message that has to Lahore, Islamabad and guard shot dead Sadiq Khan has said he was very He added that he was ture with relation to the relentlessly promoted after the Karachi, I saw for myself the impressed with the vision of looking forward to Pakistan broadband.” Brexit referendum. progress that has been made KABUL: An Afghan offi- Punjab Chief Minister Mian prospering. The London mayor said he “The key message for me over the last few years. cial says that a former Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif for Sadiq Khan, the British Paki- meets a lot of talented and ambi- was that London is open; London It’s important to make sure lawmaker and one of his the development he has brought stani son of a bus drive rose to tious young people. is open to talent, to people, to that there is security and sta- bodyguards were killed in Punjab. fame under the Labour govern- “Lots of very young people creative and to Pakistanis too,” bility and secondly there are after gunmen opened fire In an exclusive interview ment of Prime Minister Gordon who are very ambitious and he said. The London Mayor more good links between on their vehicle in the here, the London mayor shared Brown when he was appointed what a successful city and shared that his visit to Pakistan London and Pakistan: business capital, Kabul. Basir his thoughts about his recent visit minister of state for communi- country need is ambition and I was “very successful”. links, cultural links an educa- Mujahid, spokesman for to Pakistan during which he vis- ties in 2008 and later became was very impressed with the He added: “We have formed tional links. It’s very the Kabul police chief, ited Lahore, Islamabad and the minister of state for ambition of Lahore, Punjab and friendships. The response (in important.” says ex-lawmaker, Rafi Karachi. transport. Pakistan. I am looking forward Pakistan) was fantastic; the hos- The London mayor hoped Gul Afghan, and his body- This was Sadiq Khan’s first Sadiq Khan said the progress to a relationship between pitality, the generosity.” the upcoming general elections guard were gunned down visit to Pakistan after becoming and infrastructure development London and Pakistan going from Sadiq Khan took a delega- in Pakistan will be free and fair. on Saturday night in the the London Mayor in May 2016 in Punjab under Shahbaz Shar- strength to strength,” he tion of around 100 companies “There will be elections taking northern neighbourhood when he defeated Zac Goldsmith if’s leadership, is “very remarked. with him to both countries. He place in Pakistan soon. of Khair Khana in the by a huge margin to become the impressive”. Sadiq Khan visited three said his business delegation was I was an international Afghan capital. first ever Muslim and Pakistani The London Mayor said: “I Indian cities prior to coming to impressed with the progress that observer to the last elections in Mujahid says the to lead any western capital. was really impressed with Pakistan in the first week of has been made in the last few Pakistan (in 2013). It’s very attackers managed to Sadiq Khan said Shahbaz Lahore. December last year with his del- years “because the security has important that these elections escape. The motive for the Sharif impressed him. “I had a The progress that has taken egation via Wagah border to visit improved, because there is more are free and fair and I wish best attack was not immedi- very good meeting with Shahbaz place in Punjab is really very three Pakistani cities. In both stability and there is more of luck to all the candidates.” ately clear. A police investigation is underway. Gul Afghan had served as deputy speaker for the upper house of Afghani- Manila police arrest stan’s parliament and most recently was an adviser to the country’s slain militants’ widow Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. No one has AFP groups,” regional police claimed responsibility for spokesman Superintendent the attack. MANILA: The widow of two Lemuel Gonda said. slain militant leaders has been “Juromee is linked with Abu Karachi secretariat arrested for allegedly Sayyaf during the time of Jan- supporting extremist groups jalani and then later Jemaah building gutted and possessing firearms and Islamiyah,” he added. explosives, Philippine police Marwan was a leading KARACHI: A massive said Sunday. member of Jemaah Islamiyah blaze engulfed the seven- Juromee Dongon was mar- (JI) and a suspect in the 2002 storeyed Secretariat ried to a senior leader of Abu Bali nightclub bombings that building in Karachi, Sayyaf group, Khadaffy Jan- killed 202 people as well as in housing offices of several jalani. After his death in 2006 two deadly Philippine attacks. Sindh ministries and top she married Malaysian national He died in a raid in the southern provincial bureaucrats. Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, Philippines that also left 44 The fire started on who was killed in 2015 in the police commandos dead. The Sunday evening from the Philippines, police said. US had offered a $5 million first floor and soon Authorities arrested bounty for him. spread to the whole Dongon along with her relatives In two operations yes- building, prompting the in her home in Lanao del Norte terday, police arrested Dongon KMC Fire Brigade to rush province in the restive southern as well as her two sisters and several fire tenders and region of Mindanao where they father, Gonda said, adding the snorkel to extinguish the Fine weather attracts people to picnic spots found firearms, ammunition family had “connections with blaze. According to the A man walks past decorated water boat for tourists at the bank of the River Kabul at Charsadda, on the and bomb-making compo- terrorists”. Fire Brigade Control outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan, yesterday. nents, a police statement said. The Dongons faced charges Room, the fire started at “She assists, associates, of illegal possession of firearms 5:50pm. networks and supports terrorist and explosives. 14 ASIA MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018

China to deal China sets stage for Xi to with N. Korea sanctions stay in ofﬁce indeﬁnitely breaches

AP The party’s Central control of an unusually wide range AP Committee proposed of political, economic and other BEIJING: China’s ruling Commu- to remove from the functions, a break with the past BEIJING: China will “seri- nist Party has proposed scrapping two decades of collective ously” deal with any term limits for the country’s Pres- constitution the leadership. breaches of UN Security ident, the official news agency said expression that China’s “What is happening is poten- Council resolutions on North yesterday, appearing to lay the President and Vice- tially very dangerous because the Korea should they be found, groundwork for party leader Xi President “shall serve reason why Mao Zedong made a Chinese official said, soon Jinping (pictured) to rule as pres- one mistake after another was after the third report this ident beyond 2023. no more than two because China at the time was a Political analysts said the political commentator, said while month of a ship-to-ship The party’s Central Committee consecutive terms.” one-man show,” Lam said. “For party would likely seek to justify Xi might need an extra five-year transfer suspected of proposed to remove from the con- Xi Jinping, whatever he says is the the proposed removal of the pres- term or two to carry out his plans, violating sanctions. stitution the expression that Chi- law. There are no longer any idential term limit by citing Xi’s the country is unlikely to return Foreign Ministry na’s President and Vice-President the most powerful Chinese leader checks and balances.” Xi is coming vision of establishing a pros- to an era of lifetime tenure for spokesman Geng Shuang “shall serve no more than two since Mao in the 1970s at last to the end of his first five-year perous, modern society by 2050. heads of state. “President Xi may said on Saturday that Bei- consecutive terms,” the Xinhua year’s twice-a-decade Commu- term as President and is set to be “The theoretical justification be in a leading position for a rel- jing still “firmly opposes the News Agency said. “Xi Jinping has nist Party congress, where his appointed to his second term at for removing tenure limits is that atively long time,” Hu said. “This US imposing unilateral sanc- finally achieved his ultimate goal name and a political theory attrib- an annual meeting of the rubber- China requires a visionary, is beneficial to pushing forward tions and ‘long-arm jurisdic- when he first embarked on Chi- uted to him were added to the stamp parliament that starts capable leader to see China reforms and the fight against cor- tion’ on Chinese entities or nese politics — that is to be the party constitution as he was given March 5. The proposal to end term through this multi-decade grand ruption, but it’s impossible for individuals.” Mao Zedong of the 21st century,” a second five-year term as gen- limits will likely be approved at plan,” Lam said. “But the other China to have lifetime tenure China had said on said Willy Lam, a political analyst eral secretary. that meeting. Term limits on aspect of it could just be Mao again.” “We have drawn profound Thursday it was “highly con- at the Chinese University in Hong It was the latest move by the officeholders have been in place Zedong-like megalomania; he is lessons from the system of lifetime cerned” about and was Kong, referring to the founder of party signaling Xi’s willingness to since they were included in the just convinced that he is fit to be tenures,” Hu said, referring to the investigating the ship-to- communist China. break with tradition and centralise 1982 constitution, when lifetime an emperor for life,” he said. chaos and turmoil of Mao’s 1966- ship transfer Japan reported Xi, 64, cemented his status as power under him. Xi has taken tenure was abolished. Hu Xingdou, a Beijing-based 1976 Cultural Revolution. this past week. A Japanese surveillance plane and escort ship saw a North Korean-flagged tanker alongside a smaller Pyongyang envoy in Seoul; opens door to US talks ship on February 16 about 250km off Shanghai in the AP opening ceremonies to Pyongyang for a East China Sea. summit with Kim Jong Un, also said that Photos appeared to show PYEONGCHANG: A North Korean envoy Washington and Pyongyang should quickly hoses running between the making a rare visit to South Korea said that meet to “fundamentally solve” the standoff ships. Japan did not identify his country was willing to open talks with on the Korean Peninsula. the nationality of the second the United States, a rare step toward diplo- Kim later sat in the VIP box at Olympic ship. macy between enemies after a year of Stadium in Pyeongchang for the Olympic China has agreed to North Korean missile and nuclear tests and closing ceremonies, just feet away from impose increasingly tough direct threats of war from both Pyongyang Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and the sanctions on North Korea and Washington. top US military commander on the penin- over its nuclear weapons Kim Yong Chol, who Seoul believes sula, Gen. Vincent Brooks. The former anti- program. masterminded two attacks in 2010 that Seoul military intelligence chief watched And Geng has said Bei- killed 50 South Koreans, was in South K-pop divas and fireworks and stood for jing recently issued a state- Korea for the end of the Olympics. He said the South Korean national anthem. ment explicitly banning North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wanted Even the faintest possibility of diplo- ship-to-ship transfers. to improve ties with Washington and had macy will be welcomed by many. But there Though China is North “ample intentions of holding talks” with its will also be widespread scepticism among Korea’s biggest trading rival, according to the South’s presidential conservatives in Seoul and Washington, partner and a traditional office. He made the remarks during a with many wondering if the North is simply friend, ties have soured over meeting with South Korean President Moon looking for economic relief after a series the North Korea’s nuclear Jae-in, who is eager to engage the North of increasingly tough international sanc- and missile tests and its after one of the most hostile periods in tions slapped on Pyongyang for its illicit refusal to return to Chinese- recent years on the Korean Peninsula. weapons programs or more time to develop hosted denuclearisation Kim Yong Chol (centre) arrives at the inter-Korea transit office in Paju yesterday. Moon, who was invited a day after the those weapons. talks. Indonesian maid’s Cambodia’s ruling party sweeps Senate vote AP death highlights failure PHNOM PENH: The ruling party of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen claimed a sweeping win in yesterday’s to protect helpers elections for the country’s Senate, a victory that it assured itself by elimi- AFP Glorene Das, executive director of nating any serious opposition from the Tenaganita, a Malaysian rights group that contest. KUALA Lumpur: Trafficked to Malaysia, deals with migrant workers’ cases, said Sok Eysan, a spokesman for the forced to sleep outside with a dog before Sau’s death was “symptomatic of a wide- Cambodian People’s Party, said it had dying from serious injuries — the latest spread and deep-seated malaise in our won a landslide victory. Privately, the abuse case involving an Indonesian maid society”. party was claiming to have won all 58 highlights a failure to protect domestic She said there was an “utter disre- of the seats that were voted on by the helpers despite repeated government gard for the dignity and rights of migrant country’s 11,572 commune pledges, critics say. workers in general and migrant domestic councillors. Adelina Sau died earlier this month workers in particular”. There has been a Two additional senators are in hospital a day after being rescued from string of headline-grabbing abuse cases appointed by the National Assembly her employer’s house in Malaysia’s in recent years involving maids in and another two by King Norodom Penang state, with wounds covering her Malaysia and other Asian countries where Sihamoni. body. Her 60-year-old employer was helpers are employed. The vote was seen as a foretaste charged with her murder this week, and In 2014, a Malaysian couple were sen- of a scheduled July general election in Indonesia, two people have been tenced to hang for starving their Indo- for the National Assembly that is also arrested on human-trafficking charges nesian maid, Isti Komariyah, who expected to affirm Hun Sen’s rule. for allegedly using fake documents to weighed just 26 kilogrammes (57 pounds) The only opposition party in Par- send her abroad. when she died. The plight of Indonesian liament, the Cambodia National Cambodia’s Prime Minister and President of the Cambodian People’s Party About 2.5 million Indonesians work helper Erwiana Sulistyaningsih in Hong Rescue Party, was dissolved in (CPP), Hun Sen is surrounded by his commune councillors during a Senate in more affluent Malaysia — many ille- Kong, who was badly beaten and starved November after aggressive legal chal- election in Takhmao, Kandal province, Cambodia, yesterday. gally — in sectors ranging from agricul- by her employer, sparked international lenges by the government were sus- ture to construction, including an esti- outrage and made her the face of a move- tained by the politicized courts. Media outlets seen as critical of the including sanctions as a signal that it mated 400,000 female domestic helpers. ment fighting to force change for the city’s Government supporters then government were forced to shut down, will not condone dictatorship,” it said. Allegations of abuse are common. army of maids. replaced the party’s members of Par- and most senior members of the Cam- The United States, and last week, These range from overwork, to beatings And the death of a Filipina maid in liament and its commune councillors bodia National Rescue Party fled the Germany, have banned issuing visas and sexual abuse, and the issue is a reg- Kuwait, whose body was found this — the voters in the polls. country. to certain Cambodian officials con- ular diplomatic flashpoint between the month stuffed in a freezer, has sparked Hun Sen has been in power for “Without the presence of the sidered responsible for the deteriora- Southeast Asian neighbours. outrage in the Philippines and prompted three decades, and while maintaining main opposition that has 55 (mem- tion of democracy. Sau’s death sparked widespread the government to impose a departure a framework of democracy, tolerates bers of Parliament) and 5,007 com- Rights groups have also been anger in Indonesia. Foreign Minister ban on Filipinos planning to work in the little opposition. His grip seemed mune councilors representing the highly critical. Retno Marsudi has branded it unaccept- country. shaken by 2013’s general election, will of the people, there will be no “Unfortunately, the Cambodian able while Jakarta is reportedly consid- In Malaysia, Tenaganita believes a when the Cambodia National Rescue real free and fair competition as Senate will continue to stand as yet ering reimposing a ban on sending major cause of the problems is that maids Party mounted a strong challenge, determined by the principles of free, another sad reminder of Cambodia’s domestic helpers to Malaysia. lack proper legal protection. winning 55 seats in the National fair and inclusive elections,” said a unmitigated descent into outright dic- Jakarta last banned sending maids to Das said that a 1995 employment law Assembly and leaving Hun Sen’s party pre-election statement on the Senate tatorship,” said Charles Santiago, a Malaysia in 2009 after a series of supposed to protect domestic workers with 68. election from the Cambodia National member of the Malaysian Parliament shocking cases, only lifting the measure defines them as “servants” rather than The opposition party also made a Rescue Party, emailed by Mu Sochua, and chairman of ASEAN Parliamen- two years later following lengthy nego- workers, meaning some employers have strong showing in last year’s commune its former deputy president, now in tarians for Human Rights, comprising tiations that resulted in an agreement to few qualms about meting out abuse. council elections, capturing 5,007 of exile. Southeast Asian lawmakers. give Indonesian helpers better conditions. Live-in Indonesian maids in Malaysia the 11,572 councillor positions. “We urge the United Nations and Only three small parties with no However, abuse and exploitation is still earn as little as around 1,000 ringgit After last year’s commune council the international community to national followings ran candidates regularly reported, and activists lament ($250) a month, far lower than in elections, Hun Sen’s ruling party then denounce the holding of the Senate against the ruling party for seats in the that pledges made to better protect maids wealthier places such as Hong Kong or stepped up its steady offensive against election this weekend and to take Senate, which has no significant deci- appear to have had little effect. Singapore. critics and opponents. immediate and stringent measures sion-making powers. MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 EUROPE 15 Merkel set to appoint cabinet ministers

REUTERS Giving Jens Spahn the After 12 years as chancellor post of health minister and almost 18 years as CDU chief, BERLIN: German Chancellor is a sign that Merkel Merkel’s authority is starting to Angela Merkel will promote her wane. most prominent critic from is keen to assuage Her conservative bloc, which within her conservative party, her critics who want includes Bavaria’s Christian Jens Spahn, to the cabinet, new blood and a Social Union (CSU), scored their provided a coalition with the fresh direction. Spahn worst result since 1949 in a Sep- Social Democrats (SPD) goes tember election after bleeding ahead, a party source said sharply criticised support to the far-right Alterna- yesterday. Merkel’s open-door tive for Germany (AfD). Merkel, pinning her hopes for migrant policy and is In a further blow, she failed a fourth term on securing a seen as a champion of to agree on a coalition deal with “grand coalition” with the Social two smaller parties, forcing her Democrats (SPD), is due to the party’s right. to turn to the Social Democrats announce her choice of six cab- with whom she had shared inet ministers from her own commentators also say it is a power from 2013 to 2017. Christian Democrats (CDU) later shrewd move to include her A reluctant partner, having on Sunday. main critic in the cabinet to keep seen support fall to its lowest Although leaders have him on board. since World War II, the SPD agreed a coalition deal, they still The party source confirmed agreed on a deal which party need the blessing of their parties a report in Bild am Sonntag members have to vote on. and approval from SPD mem- weekly which also reported The result of the postal ballot bers is far from certain. Merkel had, as expected, decided is due on March 4 and is unclear Giving Spahn the post of to put long-standing ally Peter although there are some signs health minister is a sign that Altmaier in charge of the that members will approve the Merkel is keen to assuage her economy ministry, charged with deal. The combination of pictures shows politicians of Germany’s conservative Christian Democratic critics who want new blood and expanding broadband across the If members vote “no” to the Union (CDU) party tipped to become ministers in German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s new cabinet, a fresh direction. Spahn sharply country. deal, the most likely outcome is CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Ursula von der Leyen; Jens Spahn; Julia Kloeckner; Peter Altmaier; Helge criticised Merkel’s open-door The paper also said Ursula a new election or possibly a Braun and Hermann Groehe. migrant policy and is seen as a von der Leyen, once tipped as a minority government. champion of the party’s right. possible successor to Merkel, Some analysts say the pros- ago at 17 percent. grooming a successor last week today and are expected to The 37-year old has been a would remain defence minister. pect of a new election will spur In response to growing rum- by nominating ally Annegret approve the coalition deal and deputy finance minister since It also reported that senior CDU SPD members into voting ‘yes’ blings in her party about her Kramp-Karrenbauer, premier of also Kramp-Karrenbauer in her 2015 and prior to that he was a figure Julia Kloeckner will take because they have slumped fur- future, Merkel has promised to the tiny western Saarland state, post. health expert in the party. over as agriculture minister. ther in opinion polls. An Emnid “renew” her government and to take over as CDU general The SPD and CSU are to Although the appointment The party source could not poll on Sunday showed the SPD make it younger. secretary. announce their cabinet picks at reflects her weakness, some confirm or deny those posts. down two points from a week She took a big step to CDU members will meet a later date.

Anarchists smash Pricess Diana’s charity Novartis HQ amid bribery scandal embroiled in scandal AFP managers in the capital Kin- AFP shasa three times between 2011 LONDON: The landmine and 2013. ATHENS: A Greek anarchist charity backed by Princess Diana was the public cham- group attacked the Athens Diana was yesterday dragged pion of landmine charities and headquarters of Novartis into the sector-wide sex scandal worked with Mag shortly before yesterday, Greek police said, after apologising for not prop- her death in a Paris car crash in amid bribery allegations erly investigating claims its staff 1997. against the Swiss pharmaceu- paid prostitutes. The claims come as part of tical giant. British-based Mines Advi- a wider sex scandal in the Members of the Rou- sory Group (Mag) admitted it charity sector, triggered by alle- vikonas (Rubicon) group had ignored allegations about gations that Oxfam staff broke the entry box and win- the “habitual use” of prostitutes exploited Haitians after a dev- dows of the offices with a by aid workers in the Demo- astating 2010 earthquake. sledgehammer and threw red cratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The International Com- paint before they fled. “In relation to generic alle- mittee of the Red Cross said Greece’s parliament on gations of habitual use of pros- Friday more than 20 staffers Thursday launched a probe titutes by Mag staff in DRC it have left the organisation since into claims that nearly a would seem these were not suf- 2015 after “paying for dozen senior politicians ficiently followed up at the time services.” People carry ﬂags and placards during an opposition march in memory of murdered Kremlin critic received bribes from or as they should have been and Meanwhile, Unicef’s deputy Boris Nemtsov, in central Moscow, yesterday. helped promote Novartis we are very sorry about this,” director Justin Forsyth also during their term in office. it said in a statemen. resigned following complaints Among the 10 senior pol- A whistleblower at the of inappropriate behaviour iticians reportedly named by Russians remember slain hero charity said they had regularly towards female staff in his pre- protected witnesses in a witnessed members of staff vious post as head of British mostly US-based investiga- REUTERS those discontented with the granted permission by the city with prostitutes and had told charity Save The Children. tion are conservative former authorities. authorities. premier Antonis Samaras, EU MOSCOW: Thousands marched Some blame Putin for Several hundred people also migration commissioner through central Moscow Nemtsov’s death but he has rallied in a central square in St Dimitris Avramopoulos and yesterday to commemorate never responded to such Petersburg, chanting “Russia Teen dies after falling off cliff central banker Yannis Stour- murdered Russian opposition accusations. will be free”, a Dozhd TV broad- naras. They all deny leader Boris Nemtsov, calling for In the year 2015, he said the cast showed. AP wrong-doing. President Vladimir Putin to be murder had a “provocative In mid-2017, a Russian court The Swiss drug-maker is ousted just three weeks before nature” and later that he was sentenced Zaur Dadayev, a PARIS: French authorities say a 13-year-old boy has died after suspected of having bribed a presidential election. closely watching the investiga- former soldier in Chechnya, to falling from a cliff in the French Alps while his 10-year-old decision-makers and doctors Nemtsov, one of Putin’s tion process. 20 years in jail for killing brother survived. between 2006 and 2015 to most vocal critics, was shot dead “Nemtsov’s murder is a Nemtsov and handed terms of The local gendarmerie said overnight searches by about build a commanding position on February 27, 2015 as he political act of terror. All the between 11 and 19 years to four 30 police and mountain rescue officers led to discovering the in the Greek health market, walked across a bridge near the responsibility for the murder is other men convicted of being his children early yesterday at the foot of a 150-metre cliff in a as well as secure inflated Kremlin. Aged 55, he had been on Putin,” presidential candidate accomplices. forest at the Avoriaz ski resort. prices for its products. working on a report examining for the Yabloko liberal party, But Nemtsov’s supporters Local media reported the children’s father called police on Rouvikonas claimed the Russia’s role in the conflict in Grigory Yavlinsky said. said Dadayev and the others Saturday afternoon after the brothers, who were skiing alone, attack in a post on an anti- Ukraine. According to White Counter, were only low-level operatives. failed to show up. The younger brother has been taken to the establishment website saying His killing sent a chill an NGO that counts participants The case remained unsolved, Thonon-les-Bains hospital. Police say his condition is not it came in support of those through opposition circles, and at rallies using metal detector they said, because those who life-threatening. implicated because they face initiated annual marches in frames, around 7,600 people had ordered, financed and The children were on a family holiday in Avoriaz, near the allegations from anonymous Moscow that have united dif- took part in the Moscow march organised the hit had not been border with Switzerland. witnesses. ferent opposition parties and for which organisers had been caught.

EU urges Macedonia to resolve name dispute

AP EU membership. He met in the invited to accession talks Former Yugoslav Republic capital, Skopje, with Macedo- “within months,” Juncker said. of Macedonia Zaev reaffirmed SKOPJE: European Commission nian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. “Do your job with Greece,” that he is willing to accept a President Jean-Claude Juncker Juncker praised Macedonia he said. “I do not intend to lec- “geographical qualifier” in Mac- urged Macedonian officials for the “pace of reforms” ture those involved.” edonia’s name to reach a com- yesterday to resolve a long- needed to join the EU and for As a goodwill gesture to promise, but insisted the new standing name dispute with concluding a friendship treaty Greece, Macedonia is changing name must “respect the dignity” neighbouring Greece so the with neighbouring Bulgaria. He the name of its main airport, of people in both countries. country can open membership also noted the recent progress Skopje Alexander the Great Air- To satisfy Greece, the talks with the European Union. Greece and Macedonia have port, to Skopje International Air- United Nations and other inter- Juncker arrived in Mace- made to settle their differences port and the airport operator has national institutions officially donia to kick off a Western Bal- over the Macedonia name started removing the lettering. recognise Macedonia as the kans tour that also will include Once the 25-year dispute is Juncker said that he was Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev (right) and President of European stops in Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, resolved, Macedonia, which has “enchanted (to find) that some- Macedonia. Discussions are Commission Jean-Claude Juncker addressing a joint press conference Bosnia and Montenegro, all been a candidate for EU mem- thing has changed at the underway to come up with an at the Government building, in Skopje, yesterday. countries aspiring to bership since 2005, would be airport.” alternative. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018

Avalanches in Swiss Alps leave UK’s Tory MP apologises over spy claim two skiers dead AFP Labour’s Jeremy Labour said it was “pleased State Security Archive referring Archive of the now defunct StB Corbyn’s legal team Ben Bradley has admitted what to meetings between an agent secret service was quoted in the AFP LONDON: A vice-chairman of he said was entirely untrue and and Corbyn in 1986. Prague Daily Monitor saying Britain’s Conservative Party threatened Bradley apologised”. The Sun said Corbyn had Corbyn probably did not know GENEVA: Two cross-country apologised to Labour’s Jeremy with court action for The party on Friday been given the codename whom he was meeting. skiers were killed and three Corbyn after tweeting that the defamation unless he brushed off claims by a former “COB”. “Mr Corbyn was neither others were injured in two opposition leader had “sold issued an apology. spy for then Czechoslovakia Corbyn was a relatively new registered as a collaborator, nor separate avalanches in the British secrets to communist that veteran leftist Corbyn had Labour MP at the time, having does this (claim) stem from Swiss Alps this weekend, spies”. knowingly cooperated with the been first elected to parliament archive documents,” Ptacnikova police said yesterday. Tory MP Ben Bradley sent “I accept that I caused communist intelligence in 1983, and was an active was quoted as saying. One of the avalanches, on the message following reports distress and upset to Jeremy agency, calling it a “ridiculous member of the trade union, She told CTK that if Corbyn the Tsa mountain, above the that Corbyn had met with a Corbyn by my untrue and false smear”. anti-nuclear and anti-apartheid had been an agent “his file village of Arolla in the Czechoslovakian spy allegations, suggesting he had The former Czechoslovak movements. would be in a different southern Swiss canton of masquerading as a diplomat betrayed his country by agent Jan Sarkocy’s account of A spokesman for the Labour category”. Wallis, swept away four during the Cold War. collaborating with foreign spies. his meeting... has no credibility leader said he met a diplomat Sarkocy, 64, who worked skiers shortly after 2:00pm Corbyn’s legal team “I have no hesitation in whatsoever,” a spokesman for but never knowingly talked to at Czechoslovakia’s embassy in (1300 GMT) on Saturday, can- threatened Bradley with court offering my unreserved and Corbyn said in a statement. a spy and “neither had nor London and was expelled from tonal police said. action for defamation unless he unconditional apology,” the The Sun, a right-wing offered any privileged Britain in 1989, told the Czech The four Switzerland issued an apology. “I fully accept lawmaker added, saying he tabloid opposed to Corbyn, information”. news agency CTK that he had nationals had left the Tsa that my statement was wholly would donate a sum to a local published documents last week Svetlana Ptacnikova, who met Corbyn repeatedly at the mountain refuge in two sep- untrue,” said Bradley. food bank in lieu of damages. purportedly from the Czech heads the Czech Security Forces embassy in London. arate groups and had been moving through a narrow passage when the avalanche struck. Rescue workers arrived France foiled 2 terror at the location by helicopter and were able to dig out the buried skiers, who were attacks this year: Govt flown to hospital. Wallis police initially said AFP He said police had followed that all four were injured, but a number of people suspected yesterday morning they PARIS: France has foiled two militants and arrested them. announced that one of the terror attacks this year targeting “That is how we were able skiers, a 40-year-old woman, a leading sports team and the to thwart” these plots, Collomb had succumbed to her armed forces, Interior Minister said, but declined to give fur- wounds. Gerard Collomb said yesterday. ther details as to the location of Police in Bern canton Paris is still on its highest those held or the planned meanwhile said an avalanche level of alert after a string of targets. in Lauenen, near Gstaad, hit Islamist attacks over the last According to official figures, two cross-country skiers three years. 20 attacks were foiled in France around midday on “Since January 1, we have in 2017. In November 2015, Saturday. foiled two planned attacks Paris was hit by a wave of terror One of the men, whose which had not been totally attacks claimed by the IS mili- ages and nationalities were finalised but a number of tant group -- on the Bataclan not given, was buried and people were in the process of concert hall, Paris clubs and the badly injured. trying to execute them,” Col- Stade de France football sta- His companion, who lomb said. dium -- that left 130 people managed to get out on his Ukulele ensemble One was “in the east” of the dead. own, called for help. country and one “in the west”, In January of that year, two Ukulele players attend the record breaking attempt of the largest ukulele ensemble, in Papeete of But although the injured he said. One of them was French jihadists who had sworn French Polynesia. Tahiti failed to reclaim its largest ukulele ensemble world record, even though man was quickly dug out and planned against a “big sports allegiance to Al Qaeda killed 11 transported to hospital, he 6,302 Polynesians gathered in a stadium to play simultaneously, announced the president of French team” where “young people people at the Paris office of the died of his injuries, police Polynesia, Edouard Fritch, after bailiff’s count. were targeted”, and the other satirical newspaper Charlie said. the armed forces. Hebdo.

Romanians gather UN Geneva staff plan work stoppage over pay cuts to support AFP “But we certainly expect this disrupt or interfere with official The signatories said staff utor, is clearly among them. to have an impact,” Richards activity of the Organisation may had “lost confidence” in the Since President Donald anti-graft chief GENEVA: Angered by “unfair” said. “It comes as UN staff be considered contravening staff International Civil Service Com- Trump, a vocal UN critic, took pay cuts, UN staff in Geneva are received their first pay slips obligations.” mission (ICSC) -- a body office, Washington has demanded BLOOMBERG planning a half-day strike showing a 3.5-percent salary cut, She stressed though that “UN appointed by the UN General significant belt-tightening and tomorrow, as dozens of minis- and with the knowledge that the Geneva recognises and respects Assembly to govern UN has threatened deep budget cuts BUCHAREST: Thousands of ters and other dignitaries attend cut will swell to five percent by the right of staff to freedom of employees which has ordered to many UN agencies. Romanians took to the streets high-level events at the organi- June.” association and acknowledges deep cuts to pay and benefits for UN employees are consid- in a show of support for the sation’s European headquarters. The half-day work stoppage the dissatisfaction of staff” linked many staff around the globe. ered to be among the highest Balkan country’s anti-corrup- “We have tried other forms will take place during what is to pay cuts. There has been a “substan- paid civil servants in the world, tion chief, who’s facing an of protest before, to no avail... arguably one of the busiest She said “contingency plans” tial deterioration in the employ- with their salaries often comple- attack on her job after she They have left us no choice,” Ian weeks of the year at the United had been put in place to “mini- ment conditions of UN staff mented by multiple benefits helped lock up dozens of poli- Richards, who heads the UN staff Nations in Geneva, with around mise the consequences of the around the world, caused by including subsidies for rent, ticians. unions association in Geneva, 100 heads of state, government possible work stoppage in a ICSC’s findings, recommenda- healthcare and educational More than 3,000 people said yesterday. ministers and country represent- period of intense diplomatic tions and decisions,” the letter grants for their children. gathered at the government He said it remained unclear atives from around the world set activity”. complained, accusing the body Contrary to common percep- building in Bucharest yes- how many of around 9,500 UN to attend the main annual ses- According to a letter sent to of pursuing an “austerity agenda tion though, UN staff do pay tax, terday, while 4,000 more staff members in Geneva would sions of the UN’s top human all UN agency chiefs late last driven by certain member although it is through an internal marched in other cities, participate in tomorrow’s work rights and disarmament bodies. week by the unions and repre- states.” UN arrangement in which the defying snow and freezing stoppage, or what impact it A spokeswoman for the UN sentatives of UN civil servants, Although the letter did not organisation deducts the pro- temperatures, according to would have, pointing out that in Geneva, Alessandra Vellucci, Tuesday will mark only “a first mention the member states by ceeds collected from the mem- estimates by TV stations. The “this is not like a bus company said in an email that staff should day of action (and will) be fol- name, the United States, which bership dues owed by its staff’s demonstrators are angry at where the buses just stop.” be “reminded that actions which lowed by others.” has long been the top UN contrib- countries of origin, Vellucci said. Justice Minister Tudorel Toader’s bid to oust Laura Codruta Kovesi, the top graft- busting prosecutor, even as scandals engulfed some of her Italy’s Five Star leader may colleagues. Romania’s ruling coali- seek ‘grand coalition’ tion has called for a review of the anti-corruption authori- BLOOMBERG published before the ban came ties, who have prosecuted into force. several politicians, including ROME: Luigi Di Maio, the anti- “Neither were expected to a incumbent prime minister. establishment Five Star Move- win a majority of seats, setting The Social Democrats, who’ve ment’s candidate for Italian the stage for a hung parliament. already replaced two pre- premier, may seek a pact with Given such a scenario, Di Maio miers in the past year, have the Democratic Party and other has turned his attention to the also triggered protests groups to form a government Democratic Party to form a and European Union criticism after the country’s March 4 government instead of seeking after trying to ease punish- elections, La Stampa reported. a “populist” deal with Berlus- ments for corruption. Last Di Maio is working on a coni’s ally Matteo Salvini, head year, 500,000 demonstrators “government contract” such as of the League party.” gathered in the biggest pro- the one in Germany to form a Salvini attacked the Five tests since communism ended “grand coalition,” the daily Star Movement at a Milan rally to successfully stop the newspaper said, citing Di Maio’s on Saturday. “They just chat, we changes. conversations with his staff. do stuff,” Salvini said at the cen- On Thursday, Toader pre- Polls before a blackout tral Duomo square, in a sign sented a list of 20 alleged vio- period was imposed on Feb- that there may not be a pros- lations committed by Kovesi ruary 17 suggested Five Star was pect for a deal between the two in her role. They include on course to become the single populist parties. undermining parliament and biggest party but fall short of a La Stampa said that Demo- the government, exceeding parliamentary majority. cratic Party leader and ex-pre- Unrest in Spain her authority, interfering in Five Star trailed a centre- mier Matteo Renzi would likely cases and seeking convictions right coalition led by four-time insist on being prime minister Catalan pro-independence demonstrators clash with Mossos d’Esquadra officers during a protest “at any cost.” premier Silvio Berlus- again as a condition for any against King Felipe VI’s official reception event, in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. Kovesi denies any coni, according to opinion polls negotiation with Five Star. wrongdoing. MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 AMERICAS 17 Republicans ‘trying to undermine Russia probes’

REUTERS partisan feuding that Rep. Adam aide Carter Page, “whom the FBI was delayed beyond what was more than seven weeks after Schiff, the ranking Democrat on assessed to be an agent of the necessary and to the advantage launching its investigation of WASHINGTON: The Democratic the Intelligence Committee, and Russian government.” The Jus- of those seeking to mislead the Page’s ties to Russia. minority on the US House of other members of his party have tice Department’s request for a American public,” he added. The requests “made only Representatives Intelligence said is sabotaging the House The latest duel on surveillance warrant “was based The Democratic memo also narrow use of Steele’s reporting, Committee released a response committee’s investigation. Capitol Hill comes as on compelling evidence and disputes a Republican charge “chiefly his suspected July 2016 to Republican charges that the The latest duel on Capitol Hill Mueller’s investigation probable cause to believe Page that the FBI initiated a counter- meetings in Moscow with Rus- FBI and Justice Department have comes as Mueller’s investigation was knowingly assisting clan- intelligence investigation in late sian officials.” The Democrats abused the law in their investi- gathers steam, including a guilty gathers steam, destine Russian intelligence July 2016 based on an unverified also said the Justice Depart- gation of possible ties between plea from Richard Gates, including a guilty activities in the US,” the memo dossier compiled by former ment’s October 21, 2016, appli- Russia and Donald Trump’s 2016 Trump’s deputy campaign plea from Richard says. British intelligence officer Chris- cation to the Foreign Intelligence presidential campaign. manager. “The FBI had ample reason topher Steele and paid for by the Surveillance Court for warrants The Democrats’ 10-page In a message posted on Gates, Trump’s deputy to believe that Carter Page was Democratic National Committee to monitor Page and three sub- memo, released on Saturday in Twitter, Trump responded: “The campaign manager. acting as an agent of a foreign through a law firm. sequent renewals offered “a mul- partially-redacted form, calls an Democrat memo response on power based on his history, By then, the memo reveals, tipronged rationale for surveiling earlier Republican version “a government surveillance abuses including the fact that he had “the FBI had already opened Page,” who by then had left transparent effort to undermine” is a total political and legal BUST. they’re also colluding with parts previously been a target of Rus- sub-inquiries into a (redacted Trump’s campaign. the FBI, the Justice Department, Just confirms all of the terrible of the government to help cover sian recruitment, his travel to number of) individuals linked to The memo raises but does Special Counsel Robert Mueller, things that were done. SO this up.” Russia and other information,” the Trump campaign.” not answer questions about and congressional probes into ILLEGAL!” In a statement, White House Schiff said in a statement. All the names except Page’s whether Page or other Trump possible collusion between In a statement, the commit- Press Secretary Sarah Sanders The Democratic memo, were blacked out, but a footnote affiliates might have helped Russia and the Trump tee’s Republican Chairman, Rep said: “While the Democrats’ which was released by the White names Gates, former Trump Russia craft a politically sophis- campaign. Devin Nunes, renewed his alle- memorandum attempts to House at mid-afternoon on Sat- National Security Adviser ticated cyber campaign to help The Republican memo, the gations, saying: “The American undercut the president politi- urday as Republican committee Michael Flynn, campaign aide Trump win the presidency by Democrats allege, “also risks people now clearly understand cally, the president supported chairman Nunes was addressing George Papadopoulos, and one- targeting specific groups, preju- public exposure of sensitive that the FBI used political dirt its release in the interest of the Conservative Political Action time Trump campaign manager dices, and areas. sources and methods for no paid for by the Democratic Party transparency.” The Democratic Committee, had been reviewed Paul Manafort. Mueller last week described legitimate purpose.” The Dem- to spy on an American citizen memo charges that Republicans by the FBI and the Justice All but Page and Manafort those efforts in a detailed indict- ocratic memo and a Republican from the Republican Party. deliberately omitted facts from Department before its release, now have pleaded guilty to fed- ment of 13 Russians and three counterattack that included a “We wanted it out because their document that undermine Schiff said. eral charges and are believed to Russian companies for meddling point-by-point refutation of the we think it is clear evidence that their allegation that the FBI con- “But it is unfortunate that the be cooperating with Mueller. in the 2016 election. Russia minority Democrats’ conclu- the Democrats are not only ducted improper surveillance weekend release of the Demo- The FBI received Steele’s denies charges that it interfered sions, are an escalation of the trying to cover this up, but of one-time Trump campaign cratic memo by the White House reporting in mid-September, in the election.

Manafort asks Two dead in US US court for release to attend as severe weather New York funeral moves eastward REUTERS

AP hit and he sustained minor WASHINGTON: Paul Mana- injuries. fort, President Donald OKLAHOMA CITY: At least two Storm-related damage also Trump’s indicted former people are dead as a strong was reported in Middle Ten- campaign chairman, asked storm system that included nessee, where Fox17 in Nash- for court permission for possible tornadoes roared east- ville reported extensive damage release from home confine- ward through the central to homes and vehicles. Fox17 ment to attend the funeral of United States, leaving demol- says at least a dozen homes his father-in-law. ished homes, damaged vehicles were damaged in one Mont- In a filing in federal and uprooted trees in its wake. gomery County subdivision. court in Washington, Man- A man in northeast Missouri Gov Eric Greitens afort said his father-in-law Arkansas and a woman in south signed an executive order ear- died on Saturday and that he central Kentucky both were lier on Saturday declaring a would like to travel from his killed as the storm that also state of emergency ahead of the Virginia home to Long included strong winds, hail and anticipated storms and flooding Island, New York, to attend heavy rain that triggered in parts of southern Missouri. the wake, funeral and burial flooding muscled its way The order activates the services. through the area, according to resources of the Missouri Manafort has been authorities. National Guard and ensures charged with conspiring to In northeast Arkansas, an state resources are available in launder money, lying on his Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto receives a Mexican ﬂag from a soldier during Flag Day 83-year-old man was killed the event of weather damage. tax returns and failing to reg- after high winds toppled a Other state leaders have celebrations at Campo Marte in Mexico City, Mexico. ister as a foreign agent for trailer home. Clay County issued similar orders: Indiana lobbying work for a pro-Rus- Sheriff Terry Miller told KAIT- Gov Eric Holcomb declared a sian political party in Ukraine, TV that Albert Foster died Sat- disaster emergency for 11 coun- Mexican leader’s visit with Trump among other charges. urday night after the home was ties and Illinois Gov Bruce His request comes one blown into a pond. About 50 Rauner issued a state disaster day after Rick Gates, Mana- miles away, the weather service proclamation for three coun- shelved over border wall tensions fort’s longtime business said the roof was blown off a ties hit by flooding. AFP in mid-February that the two Mexican people widely consider partner, pleaded guilty to hotel in Osceola, about 257km A levee breach along the presidents were working on offensive.” Pena Nieto’s visit had conspiracy against the United north of Memphis, Tennessee. Kankakee River in north- WASHINGTON: Mexico and the arranging a meeting. been considered for February States and lying to investiga- In rural, south central Ken- western Indiana had local offi- United States have shelved But The Washington Post, or March, the Post said, but the tors. Gates is now cooperating tucky, 79-year-old Dallas Jane cials urging about 30 home- tentative plans for a visit to which first reported cancella- Mexican leader wanted to avoid with Special Counsel Robert Combs died after a suspected owners to evacuate. Washington by President tion of the provisional meeting, public embarrassment. Mueller and his probe of Rus- tornado hit her Adairville home Keener Township Volun- Enrique Pena Nieto as tensions said both countries agreed to Building the border wall was sia’s interference in the 2016 on Saturday evening, Logan teer Fire Chief Randy Woods persist over a proposed border call it off after a testy telephone a primary pledge of the 2016 US presidential campaign. County Sheriff’s Department said the breach was relatively wall, US media reported. call ended in an impasse over presidential campaign by Legal experts said the told television station WKRN. minor when it was discovered Pena Nieto had already can- the border barrier. Trump, who says the barrier is move by Gates would likely Sheriff officials said Combs was about 3pm on Friday near celled a visit in January last year The phone call took place necessary for his country’s secu- add to pressure on Manafort inside the home when it col- Demotte, about 50 miles because of US President Donald last Tuesday. Citing US and Mex- rity. Asked about the reports, a to strike his own plea deal lapsed on her. Combs was pro- southeast of Chicago. Local Trump’s insistence that Mexico ican officials, the Post said Mexican presidential source with Mueller, although Man- nounced dead at the scene. residents tried to sandbag the pay for the wall, which he wants Trump “would not agree to pub- saidthere would be no comment. afort maintains his innocence Authorities say Combs’ hus- breach “to get it under con- as part of his efforts to curb licly affirm Mexico’s position “There’s nothing additional to and is preparing to go to trial. band was outside the house trol, but it just got bigger and immigration. that it would not fund construc- the last Tuesday statement,” the Saturday’s court filing when the unconfirmed tornado bigger,” he said.. The White House had said tion of a border wall that the source said. said that Manafort had noti- fied the special counsel’s office of his request to leave his home to attend the services on Monday and Arizona could face ﬁnes in lawsuit over prison health care Tuesday, but had not received a response. AP carry out improvements it prom- The areas in which Duncan perfectly clear to the vendor proceeds would not end up in the A spokesman for Mueller ised three years ago when it set- is requiring improvements (that) you’re on the hook for that, hands of prisoners or their law- declined to comment. PHOENIX: A judge overseeing tled allegations that inmates were include ensuring newly pre- not the state of Arizona,” Ryan yers. The judge’s frustrations Kevin Downing, a lawyer a class-action lawsuit over the receiving shoddy health care. scribed medications be provided said. Corizon Health Inc has with the state grew in December who represents Manafort, did quality of health care in Arizo- Duncan has threatened to to inmates within two days and served as the health care pro- when an email surfaced in which not immediately respond to na’s prisons will hold hearings hold Corrections Director making medical providers tell vider for Arizona’s prisons for the a Corizon employee asked a a call for comment. this week to determine whether Charles Ryan and another prison inmates about the results of past five years. The company doctor to cancel infection-dis- Manafort is married to to fine the state for falling short official in civil contempt of court pathology reports and other isn’t a target in the lawsuit. ease consultations for an inmate Kathleen Manafort, whose in improving care for inmates. and fine the state $1,000 for each diagnostic studies within five Corene Kendrick, one of the because the company didn’t have father is Joseph Bond. Bond US Magistrate David Duncan instance of noncompliance in days of receiving such records. attorneys representing more a provider to send him to. The was 89 years old, according also will examine an allegation December and January. Andrew Wilder, a Depart- than 33,000 inmates in the law- September 18 email alluded to to public records. that the inmate-care provider The state has acknowledged ment of Corrections spokesman, suit, said having the contractor the judge’s threat to impose fines. Mueller has accused skirted a promise Arizona made more than 1,000 such instances declined to comment on the pay would undermine the pur- The 2012 lawsuit alleged that Manafort of working with when it settled the lawsuit by in December, meaning it could upcoming hearings. Ryan said at pose of the fine, which is to force Arizona’s 10 state-run prisons Gates to launder more than denying care to an inmate to be fined as much as $1m for that a February 13 hearing at the Leg- the state into improving care. didn’t meet the basic requirements $30m, duping banks into avoid paying a fine. month alone. Arizona faces a islature that his agency is making Kendrick said lawyers found for providing adequate medical lending money, and using The hearings on Tuesday and Monday deadline for revealing progress in complying with the an additional 420 instances of and mental health care. It said funds from secret offshore Wednesday were called after the instances of noncompliance in settlement and that the state noncompliance that the state some prisoners complained that accounts to enjoy a life of judge repeatedly voiced frustra- January, though the judge is let- doesn’t plan to pay any fines that didn’t report to the court. It’s up their cancer went undetected or luxury without paying taxes tion over what he described as ting some of that information be might be imposed. to Duncan to decide what to do they were told to pray to be cured on that income in the United the state’s “abject failure” to filed next month. “I’ve already made it with the fines. Kendrick said the after begging for treatment. States. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 NRA pushes back on Trump’s gun plans

REUTERS an elementary school in New- town, Connecticut. WASHINGTON: The National Loesch tried to play down the Rifle Association pushed back emerging differences between yesterday against modest Since the Florida the NRA and the White House. proposals by President Donald shooting, Trump “I know that people are trying Trump and other Republicans to has declared support to find daylight between President change US gun laws in the wake for raising the age Trump and five million law-abid- of a school shooting in Florida ing gun owners,” she said. “He’s that killed 17 students and staff. limit to 21 from 18 really looking for solutions... so The powerful gun lobby for buying riﬂes. far nothing’s been proposed yet.” group does not support Trump’s Tweaks to gun laws face an proposals to raise the age limit uphill battle among conservative for buying certain types of guns “That’s what the NRA came Republicans in Congress. Yes- and to ban bump stocks that out and said, that’s correct,” Loe- terday, Representative Thomas enable semi-automatic rifles sch said when pressed on whether Massie from Kentucky said he to shoot hundreds of rounds a the group opposes raising the opposed changes to background A visitor to Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum passes by a work of art entitled “Gun” by Canadian artist minute, a spokeswoman said on minimum age. check laws and other restrictions Alan Belcher in Washington. The museum recently announced that out of respect for those affected ABC’s “This Week”. “The NRA Trump also has asked the on gun ownership. doesn’t back any ban,” Dana Justice Department to develop “I wish that background by the Florida killings, a planned 68-foot outdoor projection by Polish artist Krzysztof Wodiczko Loesch said. a regulation that would effec- checks stopped criminals or containing images of guns has been postponed. Trump was endorsed by the tively ban the sale of bump stocks, stopped school shootings, but NRA in his 2016 presidential elec- an accessory used last year by they don’t,” Massie told NBC. tion campaign and often trumpets a shooter who killed 58 people Trump has endorsed the idea - Trump: Arming teachers in schools ‘up to states’ his support for the constitutional at a Las Vegas outdoor concert, backed by the NRA in the wake of right to own guns. the deadliest attack by a single the Newtown shooting - of arm- AP wanted action to strengthen address school violence, But the February 14 massa- gunman in U.S. history. ing trained teachers with guns. background checks and boost the including who would bear the cre at a Florida high school has Trump has also said he Loesch said the group believes WASHINGTON: President minimum age for the purchase financial cost, though Trump said mobilized high school students supports legislation to tighten individual schools should decide Donald Trump appeared to begin of assault-style weapons. during a telephone interview late to push for restrictions on gun background checks for gun buy- whether to arm teachers. On refining his proposals for Expectations were raised Saturday with Fox News Channel sales, spurred several compa- ers, although he has not provided Saturday, Trump said on Twit- combatting school violence, that Trump would propose fed- that a proposal would be put for- nies to sever ties with the NRA specific details. Republican Sen- ter the proposal would be left tweeting that arming teachers as eral legislation on arming ward “very soon”. and energized gun-control activ- ator Pat Toomey, a sponsor of “up to states.” Loesch said more a deterrent against such often teachers, but that no longer Trump said on Twitter that ist groups. a bill that would require back- emphasis should be placed on deadly violence — an idea he appeared to be the case. arming educators and paying As November congressional ground checks for weapons sold how the FBI and local police championed in recent days — is “Armed Educators (and their bonuses would be “very elections draw closer, Trump and at gun shows and on the internet, missed warning signs and tips “Up to States”. trusted people who work within inexpensive.” Asked whether the Republicans are under pressure to said Trump’s support could help about the shooter, calling it an Trump heavily promoted the a school) love our students and federal government or state and show they are responding to con- advance proposals that floun- “abdication of duty”. idea of putting “gun-adept” will protect them. Very smart local municipalities would pay cerns about school safety without dered in years passed. Broward County Sheriff Scott teachers and staff carrying con- people. Must be firearms adept the millions of dollars it would angering supporters who oppose “Our president can play a Israel has come under fire after a cealed firearms in classrooms & have annual training. Should cost to train and arm teachers, gun control. huge and in fact probably deci- deputy at the school at the time and schools to protect students get yearly bonus. Shootings will White House spokesman Raj Since the Florida shooting, sive role in this. So I intend to of the shooting stayed outside. following this month’s shooting not happen again - a big & very Shah said “the policy hasn’t been Trump has declared support for give this another shot,” Toomey Several news reports said that at Marjory Stoneman Douglas inexpensive deterrent. Up to fleshed out,” adding “Do we raising the age limit to 21 from said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” three other deputies were slow High School in Parkland, Florida, States,” Trump tweeted. really think that that’s too much 18 for buying rifles. The 19-year- Legislation to close background to enter the building. Israel said that killed 17 people, most of The White House did not to pay for school safety?” old shooter at Marjory Stoneman checks loopholes failed to clear on CNN that he had no plans to them students. respond to a request for com- Teachers and law enforcement Douglas High School in Park- the 60-vote threshold in the US resign, and that the department He called for bonuses for ment about the president’s tweet. organisations oppose the idea, land, Florida had bought his AR-15 Senate after a shooter killed 26 would investigate all aspects of educators who volunteer to carry The White House has yet to while several states are consid- semi-automatic rifle legally. children and teachers in 2012 at the shooting. a firearm, and said he also release a complete plan to ering arming teachers.

Michelle Obama Venezuela opens nominations to release memoir in November for presidential vote AFP to bring them forward by nearly AP two years to coincide with the CARACAS: Venezuela is now April 22 poll. And he hit back at NEW YORK: Michelle accepting candidate registrations the opposition MUD coalition, Obama’s memoir, one of the for its April 22 presidential elec- which had said it would not most highly anticipated books tions, but opposition politicians take part in the early elections in recent years, is coming out and the United States are without guarantees they would on November 13. rejecting the terms of the poll. be free and fair. The former first lady Tania D’Amelio, an official “We are going to (hold) the tweeted yesterday that the of the National Electoral elections come rain, shine or book, to come out a week Council (CNE), said nominations lightning, with or without the after the 2018 midterm elec- would be accepted through MUD,” said Maduro. tions, is called “Becoming.” Monday. The council will But the United States, which “Writing ‘Becoming’ has been announce which nominations under President Donald Trump a deeply personal experi- are accepted by Thursday. has been deeply critical of ence,” she said in a statement. Opposition politicians have Maduro’s leadership in crisis- “It has allowed me, for the accused the CNE of being under torn and economically suffering very first time, the space to the thumb of President Nicolas Venezuela, rejected the call for honestly reflect on the unex- Maduro. The presidential elec- an early legislative vote. pected trajectory of my life. tions, with Maduro seeking a “We reject ruling party calls In this book, I talk about my new term that would keep him to replace the democratically roots and how a little girl in office until 2025, are tradi- elected National Assembly from the South Side of Chi- tionally held in December. They simultaneously, rather than in cago found her voice and were moved forward by the 2021, as provided for under the developed the strength to use ruling Constituent Assembly, 1999 Constitution,” said a State it to empower others. I hope which is controlled by the gov- Department statement. “Deep- Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro (bottom right) drives a Venezuelan-made 4x4 Tiuna vehicle my journey inspires readers erning party. ening the rupture of Venezue- as he arrives for a military exercise, next to Admiral-in-Chief Remigio Ceballos, Strategic Operational to find the courage to become Maduro called for snap leg- la’s constitutional and demo- whoever they aspire to be. I Commander of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (bottom left), Venezuela’s Vice President Tareck islative elections for the cratic order will not solve the can’t wait to share my story.” El Aissami (top left), and his wife Cilia Flores (top second right), at Fuerte Tiuna military base in Caracas. National Assembly, proposing nation’s crises.” She and her husband, former president Barack Obama, last year reached a joint agreement with Penguin Random House for their Brazil seeks extradition of man arrested for gun trafﬁcking respective books. The deal is believed to be REUTERS traffickers, according to a Bra- since 60 automatic rifles, said it has already asked for his since 2014, mostly in Rio de well in excess of $30m. zilian police report seen by Reu- including AK-47s and other extradition and is waiting for a Janeiro, found that roughly 1,500 “Becoming” will be released BRASILIA: Brazil’s government ters last month. combat rifles, were found at Rio Brazilian court to approve addi- guns originated in the United through the Crown Pub- is seeking the extradition of a Barbieri was arrested on de Janeiro airport in June hidden tional documents requested by States. The guns often traveled lishing Group, a Penguin Brazilian man who was arrested Friday evening at his home in in a shipment of pool heaters. US authorities. through a third country before Random House division that by US authorities in Florida, Fort Pierce, Florida, Nestor Ygle- Barbieri denied involvement Barbieri moved to Florida in arriving in Brazil, with Paraguay has published works by both allegedly for shipping automatic sias, spokesman for Immigration in gun running at that time, but 2012 and obtained US citizen- being the top intermediary. Obamas. weapons to the South American and Customs Enforcement’s Brazilian police have suspected ship, which could rule out his Guns from the United States Memoirs by former first country. Miami Field Office, said o. his involvement since a container extradition and lead to his pros- tended to be assault rifles and ladies usually sell well, with The arrest of Frederik Bar- “He was arrested by special of ammunition was found in his ecution in the United States. higher caliber handguns, while notable works including bieri came one week after Brazil agents from Homeland Security name in 2010 at the port of Sal- “The US continues to be the guns already circulating in Brazil Laura Bush’s “Spoken from resorted to the military to try to Investigation, which is a compo- vador in northeastern Brazil. largest indirect source of illegal or arriving from other countries the Heart” and Hillary control violence and crime in Rio nent in ICE,” Yglesias said, Fabricio Oliveira, head of the handguns and assault rifles as a were smaller handguns. Rodham Clinton’s “Living de Janeiro, where heavily-armed adding Barbieri will make an ini- Federal Police’s disarmament result of unrestricted sales in Eight foreign stores were History.” Michelle Obama’s drug gangs control the city’s tial appearance before a federal unit in Rio, told reporters that stores and fairs in American named selling the most high cal- memoir is expected to be a slums. magistrate on Monday. Barbieri was arrested by US cities,” the Brazilian Federal Police iber guns that ended up in Brazil, major commercial and cul- The United States is the A Brazilian law enforcement Immigration and Customs report seen by Reuters said. with five located in Florida, tural event. She is admired largest source of guns entering officer had earlier said Barbieri Enforcement who seized 40 The December 2017 report although a store in Paraguay was around the world and has Brazil that end up in the hands was arrested in Miami. automatic weapons at his home. said a study of more than 10,000 the largest individual seller, the never told her story at length. of armed criminals and drug Brazil has sought his arrest Brazil’s Ministry of Justice arms seized by police in Brazil report said. MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 HOME 19 QSL and Indian Sports Centre tie up in promoting football

DOHA: The Indian Sports Centre (ISC), an apex body functioning under the patronage of Embassy of India, has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar Stars League (QSL) to promote football among all sections of the community. A delegation from Indian Sports Centre comprising of its President, Nilangshu Dey; Gen- eral Secretary Mohd Habibun Nabi and Head of Football Qatar Velicham says Ummer Kutty visited QSL office at Al Bida Tower to sign the MoU with QSL, headed by Hassan Al farewell to ofﬁcial Kuwari, Acting Executive Director and Nasser Mubarak Al- DOHA: Qatar Velicham employees conducted a farewell party Kuwari, Community Relations for Gafoor Bin Ali, Joint-Secretary, who is set to leave the Head. The photo shows the signed agreement being handed over by Nilangshu Dey of Indian Sports Centre country for good after living in Qatar for 21 years. In view of the said MoU, to Hassan Al Kuwari of QSL along with other officials of ISC and QSL . The excellency award was given by Velicham Chairman, Indian Sports Centre agreed to Mohamed Unni Jinnan. The meeting was chaired by Jaleel support QSL in popularising the Qatar’s National vision. the Indian community to pro- Dey highlighted that the PKM, Qatar Velicham President. Other Velicham employees Football Stars League among the On his deliberation, Hassan mote football among the stu- tie-up can bring various star also delivered their speeches during the event. The event was various Indian Schools and Al Kuwari of QSL, highly appre- dents of all 14 Indian Schools and sports club of Qatar nearer to the held at Qatar Velicham Office in Al Thumama. organisations in line with ciated such initiative taken by various organisations. Indian community. Hall Ticket ceremony held for BPS Grade XII students

DOHA: Birla Public School (BPS) sections of XII grades addressed distributed the Hall Tickets to the the audience conveying their XII Board Examination entrants inspiring memories and gratitude for the year 2018, in an auspicious to all academic and non- aca- ceremony, recently. demic facilitators of the school and The occasion was graced by followed by the distribution of the the Chief Guest Chairman Lukose Hall Tickets to all the students. An Chacko; Directors Dr Mohan inspiring message was given by Thomas and C V Rappai; life-time VP Radhika Rele. The highlight of member, Narayanan, school the programme was the pious cer- authorities, parents, teachers and emony, “Passing the Light”, where well- wishers. the teachers lit the candles held by The programme began with students, to the accompaniment the school prayer rendered by of Prayer melodies. Malavika of XII which was fol- It was followed by a special lowed by the lighting of the lamp prayer rendered by the Sr VP by all the invited guests. Shirly Rappai, who had earlier ini- The Chief Guest and the Prin- blessed the students and their The programme concluded by the Head of the Department, Class representatives from all tiated the candle ceremony. cipal addressed, encouraged and future endeavours. with a motivational speech given Vasantha Mareth.

CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Black Panther (2D/Action) 10:00, 10:15am, 12:45, 1:00, 2:30, 3:30, 3:45, Welcome To New York (2D/Hindi) 2:00 & 7:00pm 6:15, 6:30, 8:15, 9:00, 9:15, 11:45pm & 12:00midnight Hey Jude (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 9:00pm Game Night (2D/Action) 10:00, 11:00am, 12:00noon, 1:00, 2:00, Mission Kathmandu: The Adventures of Nelly And Simon 2:30, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 8:15, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00pm 2:00, 3:30 & 5:00pm & 12:00midnight Wolf Warrior 2 10:00am, 2:30, 7:00 & 11:30pm Aadhi (2D/Malayalam) 4:30pm Mom And Dad (2D/Horror) 12:30, 5:00 & 9:30pm Mission Kathmandu: The Adventures of Nelly And Simon War Commanders China Salesman (Action) 5:00 & 9:30pm 10:00, 11:45am, 1:30, 3:15 & 5:00pm Black Panther (2D/Action) 6:30pm War Commanders China Salesman (2D/Action) 6:45, 9:00 & 11:15pm Wolf Warrior 2 (2D/Action) 7:15pm Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2D/Action) 10:00am, 2:45, 7:30pm Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2D/Drama) 9:15pm & 12:15am Den of Thieves (2D/Action) 12:15, 5:00 & 9:45pm Game Night (2D/Action) 11:30pm Winchester 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2D/Hindi) 11:30pm Okdat Al Kawja 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00midnight Black Panther (3D IMAX/Action) 11:00am, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm ASIAN TOWN MALL Hey Jude (Malayalam) 5:30, 6:30, 8:30, 9:30 & 11:30pm Welcome To New York (2D/Hindi) 2:15 & 9:15pm Welcome To New York (Hindi) 6:00pm Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2D/Hindi) 4:30 & 11:30pm Aadhi (Malayalam) 7:00, 8:30, 10:00 & 11:30pm Aadhi (Malayalam) 2:15pm Hey Jude (2D/Malayalam) 4:45 & 11:30pm Black Panther (2D/Action) 5:00 & 9:00pm Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2D/Drama) 7:30pm AL KHOR Mom And Dad (2D/Horror) 9:45pm Mission Kathmandu: The Adventures of Nelly And Simon (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 3:30pm Hey Jude (Malayalam) 11:15am, 2:15, 5:15, 8:15 & 11:15pm Game Night (2D/Action) 7:30pm War Commanders China Salesman Black Panther (Action) 11:30am, 5:30 & 11:30pm (Action) 7:00pm Wolf Warrior 2 (2D/Action) 11:30pm Aadhi (Malayalam) 2:30 & 8:30pm Mom And Dad (Horror) 1:15, 5:30 & 9:45pm LANDMARK Game Night (Action) 11:00am, 3:15, 7:30 & 11:45pm

Mission Kathmandu: The Adventures of Nelly And Simon 2:30, 4:00 & 5:30pm Game Night (2D/Action) 2:30 & 7:00pm ROXY Aadhi (2D/Malayalam) 2:15pm Hey Jude (2D/Malayalam) 5:00, 7:00 & Mission Kathmandu: Adventures of Nelly And Simon 10:30am, 8:45pm Black Panther (2D/Action) 4:30 & 11:30pm Welcome To New York (2D/Hindi) 7:30 & 11:30pm 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 & 6:30pm War Commanders China Salesman (Action) 9:30pm Welcome To New York (Hindi) 4:10, 7:30 & 9:30pm Mom And Dad (2D/Horror) 10:00pm Wolf Warrior 2 (2D/Action) 11:15pm Hey Jude (Malayalam) 10:30am, 1:30, 4:30, 9:30pm & 12:30am War Commanders 10:30am, 5:50, 8:10 & 10:30pm FLIK Mirqab Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (Hindi) 10:30am, 1:20, 6:40 & 11:30pm Black Panther (Action) 12:50, 3:10, 8:30 & 11:20pm Black Panther (Action) 2D 11:20am, 12:20, 2:00, 4:40, 7:20, 9:15, 9:30, 9:45pm & 12:15am 3D 3:00, 5:40, 8:20 & 11:00pm Early Man (2D/Animation) 10:30am, 2:20, 5:20 & 6:30pm Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. Ferdinand (2D/Animation) 11:40am, 4:15 & 1:35pm Game Night (2D/Comedy) 12:15, 2:20, 4:25, 6:30, 7:15, 8:35, 10:40pm Hey Jude (2D/Comedy) 12:00noon, 3:00, 6:15 & 9:15pm Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2D/Action) 2:00 & 4:30pm Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2D/Action) 10:45am & 4:20pm Mission Kathmandu: The Adventures of Nelly And Simon 12:25 & 3:30pm Mom & Dad (2D/Horror) 8:45 & 11:45pm Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2D/Drama) 12:20 & 7:00pm War Commanders China Salesman (2D/Action) 10:35am & 1:15pm Wolf Warrior 2 (2D/Action) 10:50am, 7:05 & 10:00pm

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit. 20 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04.44am Aster launches Nurture program in Qatar SHOROOK 06.00am THE PENINSULA ZUHR 11.47 am MAGHRIB 05.36pm ASR 03.06 pm ISHA 07.06pm DOHA: Aster DMH Qatar, the largest private healthcare networks in Qatar, WEATHER TODAY operating since 2003 with six medical centres and one hospital launched its Aster Nurture program yesterday at Hotel Oryx Rotana. The announcement was made by Dr Sameer Moopan, Chief Executive Officer, Aster DMH Qatar, along with Dr Nazar Moopan, Medical Director and Chief of Medical Staff, Aster DMH Qatar, and Kapil Chib, Chief Operating Officer, Aster Hospital Qatar, in the presence of gynaecologists of Aster Dr Sameer Moopan, Chief Executive Officer, Aster DMH Qatar (fourth right, front row), Dr Nazar Moopan, Medical Medical Centres and Hospital, Dr Hema Director and Chief of Medical Staff (centre) and Kapil Chib, Chief Operating Officer, Aster Hospital Qatar, with other Rajeev, Dr Sabita Prasad, Dr Kumari Varghese, Dr Jyoti Khanna, Dr doctors during a press conference. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA Poornima Balagopal, Dr Nivedita Sivasankar, Dr Ifat Irshad and Dr ensure the holistic wellbeing of mother where our doctors will address their con- hospital, six medical centres, seven Navitha Aziz, Nurture Coordinator. and baby. cerns on a regular basis”. pharmacies and one diagnostic centre As the name suggests, Aster Nur- Commenting on the initiative, Dr Aster Nurture program covers a in various parts of Qatar. The Aster ture is aimed at nurturing, providing Sameer Moopan said: “With Aster Nur- wide range of services including Ante- Hospital, medical centres and phar- care and protecting a woman at all ture we are trying to be with the family natal packages, maternity packages, macies are located at residential and stages of pregnancy till her baby attains joining them in their nine months of antenatal classes, counselling and con- business districts including Mathar the age of 5. Upon enrolling in this pro- magic with our nine months of care. tinuity of care under the leadership of Qadeem, C - Ring Road, Old Al Ghanim, gram, participants will be entitled to a Through Aster Nurture, pregnancy care experienced gynaecologists of Aster Al Hilal, Al Rayyan, Al Khor and Indus- range of benefits that will ensure a will be made more affordable and with Hospital and various Aster Medical trial area. healthy pregnancy and delivery in our support team we will ensure that the Centres across Qatar. More details about Nurture, can be o o Aster Hospital, Doha. The care also confidence of the expecting parents is Aster DM Healthcare presently had from 44440499 or www.aster.qa/ 18 C 24 C continues into post pregnancy to kept high through a holistic approach operates a 50 bedded multi-speciality hospital/nurture Minimum Maximum Hazy to misty / foggy at places at first becomes moderate temperature day- time with scattered clouds / misty to foggy by night. In ‘Coco’ child star’s story, life and art intertwine

AFP

HIGH TIDE 02:15 – 13:00 09:45 - 19:15 He also shares his passion for “His first auditions were hard,” soaring voice, impressing director Lee music and, like Miguel, has battled long with a string of rejections, said Blanca Unkrich and the production team with COURTESY: Qatar Meteorology Department MEXICO CITY: Thirteen-year-old Luis odds to sing. “I identified a lot with the Gomez Jaramillo. his rendition of the movie’s theme Angel has a lot in common with the character, which may be one reason I Luis Angel’s first break finally song, “Recuerdame” — whose English- character he plays in the hit movie did the movie,” he said. came when he landed a spot on the language version, “Remember Me,” is “Coco,” the favourite to win this year’s Luis Angel, who comes from the Mexican version of the reality show up for Best Original Song at the Oscars. Oscar for best animated film. sleepy colonial town of San Francisco “The Voice Kids.” He charmed viewers There was just one problem — Luis The movie, set against the backdrop del Rincon in central Mexico, had taken with his cute face, country manners, Angel had no idea how to do voiceover of Mexico’s colourful festival, tells the some voice lessons, but had little expe- cowboy clothes and spunk. work. “I had to learn overnight. I typed story of a boy named Miguel who fights rience singing for an audience. He didn’t make it to the final round ‘how to do voiceover’ in YouTube, and against all odds to realize his dream of He just loved to sing — something of the show, which aired last year. But found some advice,” he said. being a musician. With his twinkling eyes he inherited from his grandmother, several videos of him went viral online, Judging by the film’s success, he and beaming smile, Luis Angel Gomez who got him started singing at five and that is where Pixar producers must have gotten something right: Jaramillo, who voiced Miguel in the years old. He dreamed of making it as found him. “Coco” is Mexico’s highest-grossing Spanish-language version of the film, a musician, but it wasn’t easy at first, They invited Luis Angel to audi- film of all time, bringing in $57.8 mil- looks a little like his character. his mother recalled. tion, and he landed the part with his lion here, according to Box Office Mojo.