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Saturday 6 April 2019 | 1 Sha'baan 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7853 | 2 Riyals New Ooredoo tv

Play like a pro Google, Android, Android TV, Chromecast and other related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC. Amir to attend opening of 140th Assembly of IPU today The coordination meeting of the Arab Parliamentary Group of the 140th General Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) unanimously approved proposal entitled 'protecting the Palestinian people and rejecting to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights and promoting the values of coexistence between religions and peoples'.

QNA DOHA The coordination meeting of the Arab Parliamentary Group of the 140th General Assembly Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Hamad Al Thani will attend (IPU) and its related meetings, today the opening of the 140th kicked of yesterday here in Doha. Assembly of the Inter-Parlia- The meeting which was held mentary Union (IPU) at the with participation of the heads Sheraton Hotel, where His of the Arab parliaments was Highness will give a speech to chaired by Atef Al Tarawneh, mark the occasion. Chairman of the Arab Parlia- The opening ceremony will mentary Union, and Chairman be attended by President of the of the Jordanian Parliament. Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud (right), attending the coordination meeting of the Arab IPU, Gabriela Cuevas Barron, “We have a number of issues Parliamentary Group of the 140th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its related meetings at Sheraton Doha, Under-Secretary for the United and topics which we are going Nations Counter-Terrorism to be discussed during this great yesterday. Also seen is Atef Al Tarawneh (centre), Chairman of the Arab Parliamentary Union, and Chairman of the Jordanian Parliament. Office, Vladimir Voronkov, and democratic forum,” said Al- Their Excellencies speakers of Tarawneh during the meeting Parliamentary Union which held topics to be added as emergency emergency item to the agenda Parliamentary Union, read the parliaments, national councils, adding that this meeting is a con- in Amman, Jordan and adopted topics during the last days or last of the General Assembly of the unanimously approved proposal legislative councils, senates, and sultative meeting which is pre- recommendations submitted by week, therefore we hope that this Inter-Parliamentary Union, and entitled “protecting the Pales- heads of delegations partici- ceding the official opening of the the State of Kuwait to put consultative meeting will come finally agreed unanimously on a tinian people and rejecting to pating in the assembly, in addition 140th General Assembly of the forward an emergency item in out with a clear agenda so that proposal incorporating all the recognise Israeli sovereignty to their excellencies members of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) the agenda of the 140th General everyone can adopt it.” proposals submitted by the over the occupied Golan Heights the union’s executive committee, and the accompanying meetings. Assembly of (IPU). The Arab parliamentarians member states. and promoting the values of organisations, and regional and He pointed out that this “However, a number of discussed the proposals con- Fayez Al Shawabka, Sec- coexistence between religions international unions. meeting was preceded by Arab countries have proposed several cerning the inclusion of an retary-General of the Arab and peoples”. `P2

Libyan militias Qatar receives applauds at Arab-German Sports Summit capture Haftar’s QNA on the global level and the suc- of Qatar Olympic Committee In a speech at the first Arab Diplomatic Corps in BERLIN cesses it achieved in terms of (QOC) H E Sheikh Joaan bin session, Ambassador of Qatar Germany, thanked President forces marching development, achievements and Hamad Al Thani, the first to Germany Sheikh Saoud bin of QOC H E Sheikh Joaan bin The two-day Arab-German (AGS) championships in Qatar, session witnessed a number of Abdulrahman Al Thani pointed Hamad Al Thani for attending on Tripoli Sports Summit concluded including the 2019 World Cham- keynote speakers giving their to the importance of the AGS this summit, noting the impor- yesterday in Berlin, Germany pionships in Athletics, the 2022 speeches. summit, adding, “The Germans tance of Qatar’s role in sport AP with the participation of prom- FIFA World Cup, and the 2023 Secretary-General of Arab- hosted the World Cup in 2006 and its role in society. He BENGHAZI inent political and sports figures World Swimming German Chamber of Commerce meanwhile the Arab world pointed out that the world is in Germany, along with partici- Championships. and Industry Abdulaziz Al represented by the State of looking forward to a distin- Militias in western Libya fought pants from several countries They also discussed the great Mikhlafi praised the holding Qatar will host the World Cup guished edition of the World forces under rival army interested in sport, academia, role in sports medicine through of the AGS summit, as well as in 2022. We all know what Cup in 2022 Qatar. commander Khalifa Haftar and medicine. the Aspetar hospital and Aspire the presence of H E Sheikh sport can do to a society, it is QOC Secretary-General yesterday, capturing 100 of his The second and final day of Academy and its role in the prep- Joaan, which gives a lot of a vehicle for activities and Jassim Al Buainain gave a special soldiers and waging an airstrike the summit witnessed several aration of athletes and other momentum and attention to development.” presentation on sports in Qatar on one of his positions a day seminars and discussion ses- topics related to Qatar sport and this event, that will have many For his part, Ambassador during the session entitled “the after he declared an offensive sions, the main theme of which achievements. positive repercussions in the of Lebanon to Germany Dr. Olympics and grand champion- to seize Tripoli, the capital of was the Qatari sport, its impact In the presence of President coming period. Mustapha Adib, Dean of the ships”. `P3 the oil-rich nation. The violence came as the UN chief wrapped up his visit aimed at avoiding an expanded April Festival kicks off at conflict with a “heavy heart and deep concern.” The escalation comes after forces commanded by Haftar, Waqif & Al Wakrah souqs who runs the self-styled Libya RAYNALD C RIVERA such as Archery, Balloon Pop, Air Gun, National Army (LNA) based in THE PENINSULA Mini Golf, Bowling, Mini Golf, Hit the the country’s east, pushed Basket and Basketball as well as a Virtual westward. He brought his Simultaneous April Festival opening salvos Reality game, spread around the venue. troops closer to Tripoli, which delighted hundreds of visitors at Souq Waqif A number of small children were seen is controlled by the UN-backed and Souq Al Wakrah yesterday as diverse enjoying themselves riding ponies at the Presidential Council and Gov- entertainment offerings including parades, festival. ernment of National Accord and stage performances and games kicked off For lovers of paintball, there was a supporting militias. in festive atmosphere. special area for gamers to engage in the A showdown between Dubbed ‘The greatest show from exciting competitive sport which has Haftar’s army and the militias Africa,’ the performance onstage at Souq already gained popularity in Qatar. could plunge Libya into another Waqif enthralled the audience with a Falcons and miniature dhows on spasm of violence, possibly the medley of songs played live and acrobatic display provided traditional feel to the fes- worst since the 2011 civil war acts by artistes from Ghana, Ethiopia, Tan- tival, in addition to the traditional board that toppled and later killed zania and Ivory Coast. They captivated game of Damah in a majlis setting where longtime dictator Moammar the audience with breathtaking balancing a number of locals were seen playing. A Russian artiste on a metal wheel during the opening day of April Festival at Souq Gadhafi. performances using ladder and unicycle, A tent where a Laser Show was being Waqif, yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA It would also put at risk among others. A group of Russian acrobats presented, as well as a stage for Snow upcoming peace talks between also entertained the crowd with their White and Jungle Book shows were agility and skill in a well-woven tale While entry to the festivals’ venues is rivals brokered by the U.N. and strength, balance and flexibility on beam among the other unique attractions at involving characters donning beautiful free to the public as well as the African aimed at drawing a roadmap and metal wheel. Souq Waqif’s April Festival. costumes. Animal show and acrobatic acts acrobatic show in Souq Waqif, games and for new elections. Those talks Adding colour and carnival mood to At Souq Al Wakrah, a large number of are among the other items that enter- shows are priced between QR10 to QR30. are scheduled for April 14-16. the festival were parades of troupes of visitors mostly families were seen lining tained the audience at the exciting circus Presented by the Organizing Com- The U.N. Security Council artistes wearing vibrant and eye-catching up for the festival’s main attraction - show being presented for the first time at mittee at the Private Engineering Office, scheduled an emergency costumes to the delight of crowds along Circus Primavera. Flawless aerial stunts the festival. the eight-day festival aims at bringing joy closed-door meeting on Friday the alleyways who took their time taking executed by a young girl performer took Souq Al Wakrah’s April Festival also to citizens and residents alike as well as afternoon at Britain’s request photos with and videos of them. the breath away of many in the audience features a fountain show and over a dozen stimulating tourism in two of the main to discuss the unfolding devel- Visitors enjoyed playing 15 skill games in a brilliant act combining extraordinary skill games, among others. touristic spots in the country. opments. `P4 02 HOME SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019

Talks to boost parliamentary ties with Bangladesh, Albania, Latin America

The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, with the President of the Parliament of Albania, Gramoz Ruci, on the sidelines of the 140th Assembly of the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its accompanying meetings in Doha. RIGHT: H E the Speaker with the President of the Latin American Parliament, Elias Castillo.

QNA DOHA held yesterday separate of the Latin American Union (IPU) and its accompa- on one side, and all of the Peo- the agenda of this year’s meetings with the Speaker of Parliament, Elias Castillo, and nying meetings that are taking ple’s Republic of Bangladesh, assembly and its accompanying Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad the President of the Parliament place in Doha. Latin American Parliament, the meetings. The Speaker of the Shura (parliament), Shirin Sharmin of Albania, Gramoz Ruci, on the The meetings focused on Parliament of Albania, and the The meetings were attended Council H E Ahmed bin Chaudhury, and her accompa- sidelines of the 140th Assembly enhancing parliamentary rela- means to enhance them. They by a number of members of the Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud nying delegation, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary tions between the State of Qatar also discussed the subject’s on Shura Council.

Pakistani delegation Opening of 140th Assembly of IPU today QRCS revives Hebron to attend IPU FROM PAGE 1 and peoples. The General Secre- 2020. Then the Committee of Assembly in Doha tariat of the Arab Parliamentary Peace and Security of the Arab health centre with This proposal was accepted by Union named the formation of Group, represented by Khalid Al THE PENINSULA members of all the Arab coun- the current committees of the Bakar from Jordan and whose DOHA tries participating in the current Union, regardless of who ended term ends in 2020 and Zeinab medical equipment meetings. The Arab Parlia- their term or who occupies posi- Ahmed Hassan Jaber from Sudan A 10-member parliamentary mentary Union is going to tions which are still vacant. and her term ends in 2020. THE PENINSULA PRCS, which manages the health delegation, led by the Speaker discuss with Turkey and Indo- The meeting reviewed There is a request from the DOHA centre, to work together on all of the National Assembly of nesia this topic to adopt it, as names of those occupying the Sudanese National Council to the administrative, technical, Pakistan, will be attending the their proposal is very similar to vacant positions, starting with replace her with the person The Qatar Red Crescent Society and contracting procedures. Inter-Parliamentary Union the Arabic proposal, which calls the Executive Committee repre- named for last year, Ali Jassim (QRCS) has initiated a new “This project is aimed at (lPU) Assembly in Doha from for promoting the values of sented by Dr. Ali Abdel Al from Ahmed from the UAE who will project to support a health bridging the gap in medical today to April 10 under the coexistence between religions Egypt, and whose term ends in be replaced as agreed last year. centre in Halhul, a Palestinian resources at the health center, theme, ‘Parliaments as Plat- city located in the southern West enabling it to serve more health forms to Enhance Education for Bank, five kilometres north of care seekers who would for- Peace, Security and Rule of Hebron. merly have to go to Hebron for Law’. Qatar, Latvia discuss relations The $250,390 project is treatment,” said Zaina Hamoud, The delegation will com- coordinated with Palestine Red Head of QRCS’s representation prise, Asad Qaiser, Speaker of Crescent Society (PRCS). Its office in the West Bank. the National Assembly; Sen- purpose is to help the centre to “We coordinate closely with ators Mian Raza Rabbani, provide high-quality medical PRCS to identify and meet the Farooq H Naek and Agha services, reduce the referrals to needs of the Palestinian medical Shahzaib Durrani and the Hebron hospitals by 30%, and sector, within the available members of National Assembly, reduce the cost by 30%. resources,” she emphasized. Sardar Muhammmad Khan Under the project, 38 Since its establishment in Laghari, Hina Rabbani Khar, medical and office equipment 2008, QRCS’s representation Agha Hassan Baloch, Arbab will be procured, turning the mission in the West Bank has Sher Ali, Rana Tanveer Hussain, centre into a comprehensive implemented numerous relief and Nausheen Hamid, said a health facility that operates and humanitarian projects, cov- statement issued by the departments of obstetrics, emer- ering a wide range of sectors, Embassy of Pakistan in Doha. gency and trauma, lab, radi- including water and sanitation, ology, pharmacy, and outpatient health care, infrastructure reha- Child passport clinics. bilitation, and other devel- Every year, the health centre opment interventions that alle- renewal service serves up to 4,500 patients, a viate the suffering of the Pales- The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, met number likely to increase as the tinian people. A total of 43 at ICC getting planned supplies are completed projects have been carried out with the Director of Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Andris Ozols, during his visit to and new services are added. since 2010, totaling $16.5m and good response Latvia. During the meeting, they discussed relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Last year, a bilateral mem- reaching out to more than 1 Latvia, ways of supporting and developing them, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest. orandum of understanding million beneficiaries in the West THE PENINSULA (MoU) was signed by QRCS and Bank and Al-Quds. DOHA

The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) has said that the ‘child passport renewal service’, which was QC’s annual forum aims to boost efficiency started at ICC premises from March 12, 2019, has been getting THE PENINSULA annual plans of the field offices a good response. DOHA and consulting the general The service was launched framework of the future stra- after a long-time request of the Qatar Charity kicked off an tegic plan of Qatar Charity. Indian community in Qatar. The annual forum in Doha, for its Yousif bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, main highlight of the ‘ICC Con- field offices worldwide under Qatar Charity’s Chief Executive sular Service’ is that people can the theme “The Challenges of Officer, said, “Qatar Charity has do their consular related works Governance and Risk witnessed a significant devel- at non office timings, including Management in Charitable opment in its governance system on Fridays and Saturdays. Work”, on Wednesday. by applying relevant policies, In addition to child passport The forum will continue guidelines and procedures that renewal, ICC also do normal until April 9. The opening cer- manage its work and contribute passport renewals, police emony was attended by Yousef to achieving the highest level of clearance certificates, NRI, NOC bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, CEO of responsibility, integrity, trans- and attestation services. Qatar Charity; Ambassador Taq parency and accountability, ICC Consular Service works bin Ali Al Ansari, Director of based on international human- from Saturday to Thursday International Cooperation itarian laws, standards and prin- from 9am to 12noon and from Department at the Ministry of ciples, best practices, and Qatari 4pm to 9pm. On Friday, it Foreign Affairs; Saad Al rules and regulations governing works from 8:30am to 11am and Mahmoud from the Regulatory charitable activities in the from 4pm to 9pm. ICC is also Officials during the annual forum of Qatar Charity in Doha. Authority for Charitable Activ- country.” planning to start attestation ities (RACA), many officials from He considered Qatar Char- services for all sign-in-presence Qatar Charity and representa- ity’s field offices across the globe charity sector and greatly development plans. For his part, He also underlined the need documents, employment con- tives of its 26 fields offices as one of the most important empowering the Qatari human- Ambassador Tariq bin Ali Al to carry out charity work tracts and original documents worldwide. elements of its strength, as they itarian and charitable organisa- Ansari, Director of the abroad in accordance with or certificates. This service The forum aims at creating help to identify the needs and tions. He also noted that coor- Department of International international standards and would available on Saturdays harmony between the head- implement projects and pro- dination with the Ministry of Cooperation Department at the practices consistent with the from 9am to 12noon from quarters and its field offices, grammes to fight poverty and Foreign Affairs and the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatari development policy, as today. ICC President, Man- presenting the modern work promote sustainable Fund For Development (QFFD) emphasised the importance of this will contribute to the ikantan A P, informed that all systems, which was prepared by development. has positively contributed to this forum to improve practices implementation of the interna- arrangements have been done its headquarters and discussing Al Kuwari praised the great increasing Qatar Charity’s and keep up with the new inter- tional cooperation strategy and for the above services and ICC ways of applying them by the role played by RACA in sup- projects implemented globally national standards relating to the achievement of Qatar’s Bangalore Hall will be used field offices, reviewing the porting and developing the in line with international the development work. National Vision (QNV) 2030. exclusively for this service. SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019 HOME / MIDDLE EAST 03 Qatar highlights role of sport in social progress

QNA awareness of the significant, tan- Excellency stressed her belief development. She also noted that in addition to the role it can play SC Hassan Al Thawadi said that NEW YORK gible and positive contribution that the event acts as an incentive the State of Qatar is one of the in promoting health. She added Qatar is doing all it can to make of sport to the goals of sus- for the State of Qatar and the few countries that dedicated a that the UN recognises the power the event about more than The Permanent Delegation of the tainable development. The region to advance social national day of sport and of sports in achieving common football. He said that the com- State of Qatar to the United organisers of the event also progress, to build a better expressed Qatar’s deep belief goals. She added that realising petition will help to culturally Nations, together with the sought to inspire influential indi- tomorrow for future that the world is a better place the goals of the 2030 sustainable connect the Middle-East with the Permanent Delegation of viduals and sport-related insti- generations. when people gather through development plan will require rest of the world. He also Monaco, the United Nations tutions to commit themselves to H E the Ambassador high- sport to advance and grow soci- strong partnerships between all reviewed the steps taken by Department of Global Commu- playing a role in advancing the lighted the “generation amazing” eties. She also expressed the segments of society, especially Qatar in terms of completing the nication, the United Nations goals of sustainable initiative launched by the State of Qatar’s firm belief that young people and communities. required infrastructure for the Department of Economic and development. Supreme Committee for Delivery sport was key to the empow- In this context, she referred to project and highlighted the leg- Social Affairs and the United The Permanent Represent- and Legacy (SC). She explained erment of women and girls, the work of UN with the Inter- islation adopted by the country Nations Office for Partnerships, ative of Qatar to the United that this initiative seeks to peaceful families and commu- national Olympic Committee for to guarantee the rights of expat organised an event on the Nations H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed enhance the ability of sport to nities and, as a result, to the the Olympic and Paralympic workers. occasion of the International Day bin Saif Al Thani welcomed the encourage social change and implementation of sustainable Games to raise global awareness The event was attended by of Sport for Development and participants and said that the break social barriers, and seeks development goals. of the goals of sustainable devel- the Permanent Envoy of Monaco Peace at UN headquarters in State of Qatar will host the World to use the game of football for Deputy UN Secretary- opment. She also noted the work to the UN H E Ambassador Isa- New York on Thursday. Cup 2022 for the first time in the development and for addressing General Amina Ahmed said that done with FIFA to raise belle Pico of Monaco and the The aim of the event was to Middle-East, describing it as a social issues in countries with sports could help promote awareness of the goals of sus- National Basketball Association celebrate the day, which falls on great opportunity for the region specific needs, in line with the respect, and can contribute to tainable development. among other personalities and April 6 every year, and to expand and the Arab world. Her goals of sustainable empowering women and youth, The Secretary-General of the organisations. QU workshop Spring Festival pulls huge crowd to ‘Medina Centrale’ examines role of experts in region

THE PENINSULA Peter Polak-Springer, Qatar DOHA University and Dr Robert Carter, UCL Qatar. The Gulf Studies Center (GSC) at The second panel was titled Qatar University College of Arts ‘Heritage, Identity, and Cultural and Sciences (QU-CAS) recently Production’, the speakers organised the workshop titled included Dr Alexandra Bounia, ‘What makes an expert in the UCL Qatar; Dr Amani El Jack, Gulf?’ GSC, Qatar University; Dr An aerial view of ‘Medina Centrale’ where visitors engage in activities as part of the Spring Festival. RIGHT TOP: An artiste performs This interdisciplinary Catharina Hendrick, UCL Qatar during the festival. BELOW: Kids along with elders are having fun during the event. workshop aimed to explore the and Paul Christians, Qatar Uni- concept of expertise which is the versity and Stanford key issue for Gulf nations such University THE PENINSULA as Qatar, who rely on many GSC Director, Dr Mahjoob DOHA types of workers from around Zweiri, said, “This event was to the world. The event also recon- open an academic debate on the The United Development Company (UDC), a leading Qatari public sidered the cultural, social, and importance of Gulf studies as shareholding company and the master developer of The Pearl- political roles of experts in Qatar research and graduate studies. Qatar and Gewan islands, welcomed visitors to the sparkling island, and the Gulf. This debate took place in the as they flocked to the “Medina Centrale” to take part in the Spring The workshop included two presence of experts in Gulf Festival. The outdoor event will run until the evening of April 7, panels, the first was titled ‘His- studies and the future experts of and will feature a variety of entertaining programmes designed to torical & Political Change’. The Gulf studies who will graduate appeal to family members of all ages. The Spring Festival is organised speakers of the session included from QU’s Gulf Studies Program. by UDC as part of its efforts to attract residents and visitors to The Dr Mahjoob Zweiri, GSC, Qatar This event completes the edu- Pearl-Qatar, and encourage them to enjoy the distinctive leisurely University; Dr Mohammed Moin cation process that the students atmosphere and experience the wide variety of retail and dining Sadeq, Qatar University; Dr have in the classroom.” opportunities that give “Medina Centrale” its relaxed casual feel. Experts discuss trends in biomedical science at WCM-Q event THE PENINSULA cancer, the ecology of Qatar, epi- market place. This is a crucial place in the student category was DOHA lepsy and cardiovascular disease, step if Qatar is to make the leap awarded to a second-year among many others. to a sustainable, knowledge- medical student, Heba The researchers from leading The Research Retreat is one based economy.” Altarawneh, for her poster pres- institutions across Qatar of the key events in the calendar The inaugural award was entation titled ‘Quantitative convened at Weill Cornell for the region’s scientific com- presented to Dr. Abdul Satter Comparison of Naion and Poag Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) ninth munity; this year’s edition had a Al-Taie, Executive Director of Using Fdcot Scan Parameters’, annual research retreat to special focus on the translation Qatar National Research Fund which investigated vision loss. discuss the latest developments of discoveries and innovations (QNRF), a member of Qatar First place in the research in biomedical science. into commercially successful Foundation, for the central role specialists’ category was More than 200 leading sci- enterprises. QNRF has played in channeling awarded jointly to Aisha Madani entists and students from Dr Javaid Sheikh, Dean of vital funding to biomedical for a project about inflam- WCM-Q and other national WCM-Q, said, “Qatar has made research. mation-regulating genes, and stakeholders attended to share enormous strides by establishing The Research Retreat fea- Iman Achkar for a project on the their projects, discuss ongoing a very successful and active bio- tured a total of 94 poster pres- impact of a combination of a trends in biomedical research, medical research sector in the entations by research specialists, cytotoxic drug and a metabolic hear lectures from fellow inves- county. The next challenge is to students and postdoctoral agent on cancer cells. In the post- tigators and take part in a attract sufficient venture capital fellows highlighting the findings doctoral fellows’ category, Dr research poster competition. from the private sector to allow of projects conducted over the Yasser Majeed was first with a FROM LEFT: Dr. Khaled Machaca, Dr. Abdul Satter Al-Taie, Executive Diverse areas of research were small and medium enterprises past year. The event closed with poster titled ‘Sirt1 Deacetylase Director of Qatar National Research Fund; Dr. Richard O’Kennedy covered at the event, including (SMEs) to flourish and grow, the announcement of the and Myc Oncogene Interaction and Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCM-Q, at the ninth annual research diabetes, obesity, neurological which is essential for taking winners of the poster presen- as a Regulator of retreat at WCM-Q. disorders, genomics, breast innovations from the lab to the tation in three categories. First Adipogenesis’. ‘US citizens among nine held in Saudi crackdown’ Qatar receives praises

AFP Campaigners identified the Mazrou, was detained last month who dares to speak up or even DUBAI US-Saudi dual nationals as after he expressed solidarity with voice their opinions privately at Arab-German writer and doctor Bader Al the detained women during a and publicly,” Amnesty Interna- Saudi Arabia has arrested at least Ibrahim and Salah Al Haidar, the panel discussion at the Riyadh tional’s Middle East campaigns nine writers and academics, son of Aziza Al Yousef — a high- book fair, it added. director Samah Hadid said. Sports Summit including two US citizens, in an profile activist who was tempo- Prisoners of Conscience, a “This goes beyond just FROM PAGE 1 apparent crackdown on rarily released last week but Saudi group that tracks political attacking activists and now that sports medicine and its supporters of detained women remains on trial along with other prisoners, put the number of seems to target different seg- current status and future varies activists whose trial has drawn women campaigners. people arrested at 10. ments of society. This is a dan- The Secretary-General of from country to another, global censure, campaigners said The latest round up started A State Department official gerous pattern.” “What is dis- QOC, Jassim Al Buainain, noted depending on the proportion of yesterday. on Thursday, a day after the 11 confirmed that two US citizens turbing about new Saudi arrests Qatar’s keenness to set interna- practitioners of the sport. News of the arrests came the women — some of whom were arrested, but refused to is that waves of arrests keep tional standards for the major Supreme Committee for morning after US lawmakers accused interrogators of torture give more details due to “privacy moving from most-known to sporting events it has organised Delivery & Legacy (SC) Director voted to end military support for and abuse in detention — considerations”. “When a US successively lesser knowns,” since the great success of the of Health and Safety Abdullah a Saudi-led war in neighbouring returned to court to face charges citizen is arrested abroad, the Saudi-American activist Nora 15th Asian Games in 2006, and Al Bushri explained Qatar’s Yemen, which has triggered that include contact with foreign Department of State works to Abdulkarim said on Twitter. the further successes in the preparations for hosting the what the UN describes as the media, diplomats and human provide all appropriate consular “Another confusing aspect major tournaments such as the World Cup in a panel discussion world’s worst humanitarian rights groups. assistance and seek access to the is timing, leaves one asking: ‘why 2011 Arab Games, the 2015 entitled “football and the world crisis. London-based rights group citizen without delay,” the now?’” Riyadh has faced Handball World Cup and the cup 2022 in Qatar”. Qatar will It also marks the first major ALQST identified eight arrested official said. pressure from major Western 2018 World Gymnastics Cham- be the first country in the world crackdown since the brutal writers, bloggers and academics “We have already engaged powers to release the women on pionships, as well as many other to organise the World Cup and murder of journalist Jamal — including a pregnant woman the Saudi government in this trial, most of whom were sporting aspects such as the the distance between all the sta- Khashoggi inside the Saudi con- — adding that the crackdown regard.” Many of those arrested detained last summer in a wide- Schools Olympic Program, and diums do not exceed 55km, and sulate in Istanbul last October, was linked to their support of face travel bans, campaigners ranging crackdown against other initiatives. this will give players more rest which sparked unprecedented female activists on trial. said. activists just before the historic The Director General of the and the fans will be able to international scrutiny of the Another public intellectual, “Saudi authorities seem to lifting of a decades-long ban on Anti-doping Lab Qatar, Dr. watch more than one game per kingdom’s human rights record. university lecturer Anas Al be hell-bent on silencing anyone female motorists. Mohammed Al Maadheed, said day, Al Bushri added. 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019 Libya: UN chief meets Haftar, urges end to flare-up Khalifa Haftar’s self-proclaimed Libyan National fighters had taken part in the Army (LNA) had been pushed back from a key recapture of the checkpoint. checkpoint less than 30km from the capital, A convoy of vehicles from Haftar’s forces on Thursday checking their offensive, a security source said. pushed towards the city of Gharyan, some 100km south of AFP in Tripoli.” Shortly afterwards, Tripoli on Thursday, witnesses TRIPOLI LNA forces clashed with a pro- and military sources said. government alliance less than Haftar said “the time has come” UN chief Antonio Guterres 50km south of the capital, a unity to take Tripoli in an audio pushed yesterday to avoid a government source said. Haftar’s message released on Thursday, military escalation in Libya, as press office confirmed there had pledging to spare civilians and commander Khalifa Haftar’s been “violent fighting on the “state institutions”. forces clashed with pro- edge of Tripoli with armed Sarraj condemned the government fighters south of the militias”. strongman’s “escalation” and capital Tripoli. LNA forces had been pushed said he had ordered loyalist Haftar on Thursday launched back yesterday from a key forces to prepare to “face all an offensive to take the capital, checkpoint less than 30km from threats”. The announcement of held by a UN-backed unity gov- the capital, checking their the offensive came as Guterres ernment and an array of militias. offensive, a security source said. was in Tripoli for talks with The lightning assault was Pro-government militiamen Sarraj ahead of a planned con- met with international appeals from the coastal town of Zawiya, ference later this month on for restraint and an emergency west of Tripoli, retook the base organising elections. UN Security Council meeting was after a “short exchange of fire”, UN spokesman Stephane set to be held later Friday. the source said on condition of Dujarric said that despite the Guterres met Haftar in the anonymity. flare-up preparations were con- eastern city of Benghazi at the end The head of the UN-backed tinuing for the April conference. of a visit to the chaos-hit country, unity government, Fayez Al The head of Libya’s UN-backed unity government, Fayez Al Sarraj, shaking hands with military and The United States and its allies but neither his self-proclaimed Sarraj, visited the checkpoint security commanders of the government forces who supervised recapture of the checkpoint 27 in issued a joint statement urging Libyan National Army or the UN yesterday accompanied by mil- Janzour, between Tripoli and the coastal town of Zawiya, yesterday. “all parties to immediately de- gave details of the talks. itary commanders. escalate tensions”. “I leave Libya with a deep The Zawiya militia is one of government and a rival admin- checkpoint late on Thursday captured and their vehicles “At this sensitive moment in concern and a heavy heart,” dozens that have proliferated istration in the east backed by were rival militiamen from the seized, the security source said. Libya’s transition, military pos- Guterres said in a statement. since the 2011 overthrow of dic- Haftar. town of Sabratha, further west The Tripoli Protection Force, turing and threats of unilateral “I still hope it will be possible tator Muammar Gaddafi and are Most of the pro-Haftar along the Mediterranean coast. an alliance of pro-government action only risk propelling Libya to avoid a bloody confrontation variously aligned with Sarraj’s fighters who briefly captured the Dozens of them were militias in the capital, said its back toward chaos,” they said.

France to send Opposition worries as Istanbul recounts votes aid to flood-hit AP last Sunday. The opposition also Istanbul districts. The AKP’s can- Erdogan also slammed the really be shaken.” “After all, it’s ISTANBUL won a tight race in Istanbul, the didate for mayor, former prime United States and European just a local election and Iran regions country’s financial and cultural minister Binali Yildirim said yes- countries, accusing them of med- (Erdogan) still runs the country,” The mood among opposition capital, where Erdogan himself terday the gap in votes between dling in Turkey’s internal affairs he noted. REUTERS/PARIS supporters in Turkey’s biggest rose to power as mayor in 1994. him and rival Imamoglu had by commenting on the election. But Erhan Celik, who voted city is one of jubilation but also Joy over opposition can- dropped from about 29,000 to In Istanbul’s fashionable for the ruling AKP party, France will airlift 12 tonnes of worry — fear that their win in didate Ekrem Imamoglu’s razor- approximately 18,000. Cihangir neighbourhood, defended the recount. humanitarian aid, including 114 Istanbul’s mayoral race could be thin win in the Istanbul mayor’s Imamoglu tweeted that he 60-year-old antique dealer “Irregularities occur in elec- pumps, to flood-hit regions in overturned in a recount taking race has given way to concerns was still leading by 18,742 votes. Huseyin Guney, expressed con- tions, they have occurred, are Iran, the French foreign place after the ruling party chal- after the ruling Justice and Erdogan, speaking after cerns that the mayor’s post will occurring, and there are mech- ministry said in a statement. lenged the election results. Development Party, or AKP, con- Friday prayers, said it was be wrested away from anisms against this and those will Exceptionally heavy rains In an unexpected setback to tested results in all of Istanbul’s natural for his party to challenge Imamoglu. be set in place,” he said. since March 19 have flooded President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, 39 districts, alleging fraud and the vote. He said the electoral “If Imamoglu has won justly, Ali Ihsan Yavuz, an AKP some 1,900 cities and villages, the opposition snatched away his demanding a recount of votes board was the “boss” of the legal if it has been fated, it should be deputy chairman, has called killing 62 people and causing ruling party’s quarter-century- deemed invalid. process and emphasised that his given to him,” Guney said. “If it Sunday’s election “one of the hundreds of millions of dollars old stronghold of Ankara, the Turkish electoral authorities alliance had won a majority of isn’t, and if other avenues are most stained in our democratic of damage to Iranian agri- capital, in Turkey’s local election allowed recounts in at least 18 the votes nationwide. pursued, our country’s image will history.” culture, leaving aid agencies struggling to cope. France said the first ship- Dozens of ments would start in coming Netanyahu falls behind but still holds path to stay days, adding that Iranian Palestinians authorities had asked for REUTERS similar results. The coalition arithmetic for assistance. wounded in JERUSALEM Gantz appears far more difficult. Israel’s president, Reuven Rivlin, will border clashes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consult with the leaders of every party rep- ICC allows case fallen behind his main challenger in opinion resented in parliament and choose whoever AFP polls ahead of next week’s Israeli election but he believes has the best chance of forming against Gaddafi’s GAZA CITY still has an easier path to form a government a coalition. The nominee has up to 42 days son to go ahead that would keep him in power for a record fifth to form a government before the president Dozens of Palestinians were term. Netanyahu, who has dominated Israeli asks another politician to try. AP/THE HAGUE wounded along the Israel- politics for a generation, is fighting for his In the final stretch of the campaign, Gaza border fence during political survival against former top general Netanyahu cautioned his right-wing sup- International Criminal Court weekly protests yesterday, the Benny Gantz, a political novice. porters against over-confidence: “It’s a close judges say a case against the health ministry in the enclave The outcome is unlikely to be decided race between right and left,” he told Israel son of former Libyan dictator said. on election day, when voters cast ballots for Radio. Gantz appeared invigorated by the Muammar Gaddafi is admis- At least 83 people were party lists. No party has ever won an out- polling numbers on Friday, telling his backers sible, rejecting a call by his hospitalised in Gaza, the min- right majority in the 120-seat parliament, they were “a few metres away from victory”. lawyers to toss out the charges. istry said in a statement, as meaning days or even weeks of coalition “On Tuesday, everything you see here Seif Al Islam Gaddafi was thousands again demonstrated negotiations will lie ahead. in this country will shift,” Gantz told a rally charged in 2011 with murder Retired Israeli general Benny Gantz (centre), along the heavily fortified And looming criminal indictments in Kiryat Ekron. Netanyahu has fought the and persecution allegedly com- Netanyahu’s main rival, visits supporters in border. against Netanyahu, who has denied any campaign under the shadow of the public mitted during his father’s violent It did not say how many of wrongdoing in three cases of alleged bribery the Israeli city of Rehovot, during campaigning announcement in February by Israel’s crackdown on protesters in those were gunshot wounds but and fraud, could cloud his political future yesterday. attorney general that he intends to indict him. 2011. He remains at large. Gad- three people were reported to and that of any government he might head, No charges have yet been brought and hafi’s lawyers argued that he be in critical condition. possibly leading to a new election. according to a poll in Yedioth Ahronoth there will be a pre-trial hearing at which was convicted in a Tripoli court Numbers were lower than On Friday, the last day polling is allowed, newspaper. But the poll also projected a Netanyahu can challenge any findings. If in 2015 of largely the same recent Fridays, however, a Gantz’s centrist Blue and White party was combined total of 63 seats for the parties in indicted, he is under no obligation to quit, charges as in his ICC indictment correspondent said. projected to take 30 seats, more than the 26 Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, a slim but but he would need coalition partners to stand and that he cannot be tried A spokeswoman for the forecast for Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud, workable majority. Other polls showed by him to avert a new election. twice for the same allegations. Israeli military said some 10,500 Palestinians were taking part in the events, some of whom were throwing stones at Thousands of Algerians soldiers. At least 263 Palestinians march for sweeping change have been killed by Israeli fire since the protests and clashes REUTERS and to secure a better future for began a year ago. ALGIERS the people,” said 80-year-old Two Israeli soldiers have woman Yamina, standing with been killed over the same Hundreds of thousands of her five grandchildren as crowds period in Gaza-related protesters demanding radical jammed downtown streets. violence. change marched through Algiers “We want to uproot the Five men were killed on for a seventh successive Friday, symbols of the system,” said Saturday as tens of thousands as Algeria’s spy chief was teacher Ahmed Badili, as hun- gathered for the first anni- reportedly fired in a further sign dreds of people waved national versary of the protests. of high-level turbulence after the flags from the balconies of Israel says its strong veteran president resigned. buildings. Others handed out response is necessary to The demonstrators are sweets and bottled water. defend its borders and accuses pushing for the removal of what The intelligence chief, Hamas, the Islamist they see as an outdated and retired army general Athmane movement that rules the Gaza opaque political apparatus, Tartag, was a close ally of pres- Strip, of orchestrating vio- built around the ruling party, ident Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who lence there. army officers, businessmen, quit on Tuesday under pressure Algerians march during an anti-government demonstration in the capital Algiers yesterday. A February United Nations unions and veterans of a from the army. The military said report accused Israeli soldiers 1954-62 independence war it was acting in the national Western powers are eager for Europe and partner to fight appointment of a caretaker gov- of intentionally firing on against France. interest after weeks of largely for stability in the OPEC oil pro- militants. ernment which will stay in office civilians, saying it could amount “We want a new generation peaceful anti-government ducer, Africa’s largest country by Bouteflika’s departure has until elections in three months’ to war crimes. to govern this wealthy country demonstrations. land mass and a key gas supplier not eased tensions despite the time. SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019 ASIA 05 India didn’t shoot down Pakistani F-16: Report

AFP Citing two unnamed was later released. The dogfight NEW DELHI senior US defence happened after Pakistani aircraft officials, Foreign entered Indian airspace a day after A US magazine cast serious Indian aircraft carried out an air- doubt yesterday on India’s Policy said that US strike on what it said was a “ter- assertion that it shot down a personnel recently rorist training camp” in Pakistan. Pakistani F-16 fighter jet during conducted a count of That in turn was in response the two nuclear-armed coun- Pakistan’s F-16s and to a suicide bombing on Feb- tries’ latest bust-up in February. ruary 14 in Indian-administered Citing two unnamed senior found none missing. Kashmir that killed 40 Indian US defence officials, Foreign troops and which was claimed Policy said that US personnel had proof of shooting down the by a militant group based in recently conducted a count of F16. Pakistan. Doubt has also been Pakistan’s F-16s and found none “Radio communication of cast over the success of India’s missing. Pakistan Air Force... confirms airstrike, which Amit Shah, pres- This contradicts a statement that one of the F-16s that ident of the ruling Bharatiya from India’s Air Vice Marshal attacked India on February 27 Janata Party (BJP), has claimed R.G.K Kapoor that India downed did not return to its base,” local killed 250. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (centre), Congress party’s general-secretary, takes part in a roadshow ahead a Pakistani F-16 in a dogfight media quoted IAF sources as Pakistan denied that there of the upcoming national elections, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, yesterday. over Kashmir on February 27. saying. Pakistani armed forces was any damage or casualties. Pakistan denied at the time spokesman Asif Ghafoor tweeted Independent reporting by that this was the case. that “truth always prevails”. multiple local and international Foreign Policy quoted one of “Time for India to speak outlets who visited the site also Priyanka urges people to the officials as saying that truth about false claims & actual found no evidence of a major Pakistan invited the US to phys- losses on their side including the terrorist training camp — or of ically count its F-16 fleet. second aircraft shot down by any infrastructure damage at all. be serious about politics Many agreements on the Pakistan,” he said in a re-tweet The Atlantic Council’s Digital sale of US military hardware to of the Foreign Policy article. Forensic Research Lab said that IANS Priyanka Gandhi asked being in power for five years, he third countries include clauses There are no official figures open-source satellite imagery GHAZIABAD people to question those who has nothing to count as his allowing US officials to regularly from Pakistan on how many indicated “only impacts in the come to them seeking votes. achievement,” she said. inspect the equipment. F-16s it has but reported esti- wooded area, with no damage With hundreds of activists “No one is doing a favour by Gandhi received a boisterous Some of the aircraft were mates place the number between being visible to the surrounding holding Congress flags and working for you... You are welcome during the road show. not immediately available, so it 70 and 80. In the dogfight structures.” shouting “Chowkidar Chor Hai”, superior, not the leaders... Those Gandhi, the party in-charge took US personnel several weeks Pakistan had also said it shot But Prime Minister Narendra Congress General-Secretary in power have forgotten that you of eastern Uttar Pradesh, stood to account for all of the jets, the down two Indian planes, but Modi, whose standing has been Priyanka Gandhi yesterday have the power. You have let with Dolly Sharma in her car official said. But now the count India said that it lost only one bolstered by the raids ahead of urged people to get “serious them forget that you are with the sunroof open, while has been completed, and “all air- aircraft. elections beginning on April 11, about politics” as it was a serious superior.” constantly waving at people. craft were present and Initially Pakistan said it had has stuck to his guns, while issue. Gandhi’s road show in She slammed Prime Minister She stepped out of her car accounted for,” the magazine captured two Indian pilots but hitting out at those questioning support of party’s candidate Narendra Modi for not talking to to meet a group of women quoted the official as saying. The the military later clarified it had the success of the strike as Dolly Sharma here started from people even in his constituency standing outside their house. Indian Air Force however said it just one pilot in custody, who unpatriotic. Jawahar Gate and continued for Varanasi while “he roamed One of them was 18-year-old about two kilometres before around the world hugging Shivangi Gupta. ending on Ambedkar Road in people”. “I told her about the con- SC rejects plea challenging ordinance on Aadhaar Nehru Nagar. “Every time he went to Var- gestion in the area and lack of “It is in your hand if you anasi, he gave only speeches, security. I also told her that the IANS/NEW DELHI Nazir asked them to approach the High Court. want to do politics of caste or never went to a single house to area is not usually this clean. It The Cabinet had on March 1 approved the ordi- politics where your representa- meet people.” was only because she was The Supreme Court yesterday declined to nance for the voluntary use of Aadhaar as an tives work for you earnestly,” Priyanka Gandhi said the coming that it is clean,” Gupta entertain a plea challenging the ordinance on the identity proof for opening bank accounts and she said. “A representative who Modi government has repeatedly said after speaking to Gandhi. voluntary use of Aadhaar as an identity proof for getting mobile connections. The government will help you to raise your voice lied to the people on various The Congress is campaigning opening bank accounts and getting new mobile decided to promulgate the ordinance as the bill for or one who will beat you up for fronts. hard to give a tough fight to BJP’s phones connection. the use of Aadhaar as an identity proof was passed speaking. “Those in power (right “He (Modi) always says sitting MP and 2019 candidate Declining to entertain the plea by Congress by the Lok Sabha on January 4 and was pending now) have never let people raise Nehru did this, Indira did that. from Ghaziabad V K Singh, a leader Jairam Ramesh and lawyer Reepak Kansal, with the Rajya Sabha. President Ram Nath Kovind their issues, be it farmers or Can he speak about what he has former Army chief, for the elec- the bench of Justice S A Bobde and Justice S Abdul had approved the ordinance on March 3. others.” done in the five years? After tions to be held on April 11. Bollywood biopic on Modi runs into trouble UN: Climate change threatens AP 19 million Bangladesh children NEW DELHI AP/DHAKA

The planned release of a A new report by the United Nations children’s agency says the lives Bollywood biopic on Prime and futures of more than 19 million Bangladeshi children are at risk Minister Narendra Modi days from the colossal impacts of devastating floods, cyclones and other before the start of Indian elec- environmental disasters linked to climate change. The Unicef report tions has run into trouble with a released Friday said the tally includes Rohingya refugee children court challenge pending and the from Myanmar who are living in squalid camps in southern Bang- censor board yet to clear its ladesh. The report says that because of the impact of climate, opening in theaters. hundreds of thousands of children have migrated to big cities from Opposition parties are pro- villages after their parents lost their livelihoods to flooding or river testing that the film’s release bank erosion. The report documents children being forced into sex would unfairly advantage Modi’s trafficking or marriage to survive. Hindu nationalist party as it seeks reelection. AIIB approves loans for two The Supreme Court set a Monday hearing date for a Con- gress party petition demanding projects in Sri Lanka the movie’s release be deferred A billboard advertising the TV series on Indian Prime Minister’s life, ‘Modi: A Common Man’s Journey’, IANS/COLOMBO until voting concludes in is seen at a junction in Mumbai, yesterday. mid-May. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) said yesterday it The Hindi movie couldn’t be has approved loans worth $280m for its first two projects in Sri screened as planned on Friday release because it was scared of parties protesting the launch of broadcasting Modi’s election Lanka, aimed at improving living conditions in the country. because the censor board hasn’t Modi’s popularity. a NaMo (Narendra Modi) tele- campaign and a compilation of A $200m loan will improve housing conditions for low-income certified it for release. Oberoi, 42, said in an vision channel named after the speeches highlighting his gov- communities in Colombo by building affordable housing and rede- “This is to confirm, our film interview with the New Delhi prime minister. ernment’s achievements three veloping land while another loan of $80m will be used to reduce ‘PM Narendra Modi’ is not Television news channel that the The Congress party and the weeks after the voting schedule the risk and damage from landslides in Sri Lanka, Xinhua news releasing on 5th April. Will screening of the movie would not Aam Admi Party said the channel was announced by the com- agency quoted an AIIB statement as saying. update soon,” film producer violate the code of conduct for was started by the BJP and it vio- mission on March 10. Investment in the Urban Regeneration Project will support the Sandip Ssingh tweeted late on national elections. lated the code of conduct that The voting for India’s elec- construction of about 5,500 housing units and other related infra- Thursday. India’s autonomous Election barred political parties from tions will be staggered over structure in Colombo. The housing units will be provided to indi- Vivek Oberoi, who plays the Commission is expected to rule starting such channels after the seven days, beginning April 11 viduals and families currently living in under-served settlements title role, said the Congress party next week on separate com- announcement of the election and concluding May 19. Counting that are impacted by poor sewer and solid waste management was trying to block the movie’s plaints filed by two opposition schedule. The channel started will begin May 23. systems and dilapidated housing structures. India weighs ban on popular 162 people lost lives in Kashmir violence this year online game after suicide ANATOLIA had been killed. This is the first conflict in the region that more have been killed in Jammu and AP/NEW DELHI SRINAGAR time in 29 years of armed Indian armed forces personnel Kashmir than militants in a three month period, the report added. A boy’s suicide in India after his mother scolded him for playing the At least 162 people have been The report placed the popular online game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds has inflamed killed in various incidents of Security of 919 persons withdrawn number of paramilitary per- a debate across the country over whether the game should be violence in Jammu and Kashmir IANS/JAMMU sonnel killed in the February 14 banned. Indian media reported that the 16-year-old’s father in the first three months of 2019, suicide bombing on a convoy in demanded a ban on the game known by its acronym, PUBG, after a human rights report said. Authorities have withdrawn personal security of 919 persons, south Kashmir at 48. Seven the suicide following a reprimand for gaming online rather than According to figures released including separatists, so far in Jammu and Kashmir since the Indian personnel committed studying for an English exam. by the Coalition of Civil Society, Governor’s rule was imposed, a Union Home Ministry statement suicide and three were killed in PUBG is a survival battle game developed by a South Korean the fatalities include 83 Indian said yesterday. The list of persons whose security cover has been fratricidal killings. Among the company in which players are dropped onto an island and have to forces personnel, 58 militants, withdrawn includes 22 separatist leaders. “In a major step, the civilian deaths, seven people eliminate each other. Since its launch in 2017, it has garnered a huge and 21 civilians. The numbers government of Jammu and Kashmir has withdrawn security cover were killed by unidentified global following. are significantly higher than from 919 undeserving persons in the state, thereby freeing 2,768 gunmen, six were killed in cross- A few cities in the central Indian state of Gujarat have already those in the first three months of police personnel and 389 vehicles,” the statement said. border shellings and four in banned the game. Two dozen young people have been arrested. 2018, during which 119 people grenade and IED explosions. 06 ASIA SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019 SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019 ASIA 07

Pakistan calls on India to speak truth on F-16 claim

INTERNEWS including the second aircraft Pakistan Air Force. The count, going to lie at least try something invited the United States to strikes on what it called a mil- RAWALPINDI shot down by Pakistan. India conducted by US authorities on more believable? Everyone physically count its F-16 planes itant training camp at Balakot needs introspection especially the ground in Pakistan, casts knows you guys can’t aim. When after the incident as part of an inside Pakistan. Pakistan military spokesperson over atrocities in IOK. Region doubt on India’s version of you lie you don’t hurt others, you end-user agreement signed The Indian government took Major General Asif Ghafoor needs peace, progress and pros- events, suggesting that Indian hurt yourself. The great nation when the foreign military sale credit for a “successful” airstrike yesterday called on India to perity,” he added. authorities may have misled the of India can do better. Its people was finalised. and put the death toll to over speak the truth after US defence Two senior US defence offi- international community about deserve better,” Bilawal tweeted. The count has been com- 300. Pakistani officials, as well officials debunked India’s claim cials with direct knowledge of what happened that day, the “As details come out, it looks pleted, and “all aircraft were as the locals, rejected the claims, that it shot down a Pakistani the situation told Foreign Policy magazine said. worse and worse for the present and accounted for,” the inviting local and international F-16 fighter jet in an aerial magazine that US personnel In the meantime, Pakistan Indians,” Foreign Policy quoted official said. Tensions soared media to visit the site of the so- dogfight between the two sides recently counted Pakistan’s Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Vipin Narang, an associate pro- between India and Pakistan in called attack where around a in February. F-16s and found none missing. Bhutto Zardari yesterday fessor of political science as the aftermath of the February dozen trees were the only “cas- “Allah be praised, truth The findings directly con- mocked Indian Prime Minister saying. “It looks increasingly like 14 suicide bombing in Pulwama. ualty”. The Pakistan Air Force, always prevails,” the director tradict the account of Indian Air Narendra Modi for claiming they India failed to impose significant India piled the blame for in retaliatory action, downed general of the Inter-Services Force officials, who said that had shot down a Pakistani F-16 costs on Pakistan, but lost a Pulwama bombing on Pakistan. two Indian aircraft the next day, Public Relations tweeted. Wing Commander Abhinandan fighter jet in an aerial dogfight plane and a helicopter of its own The allegations were strongly capturing Indian Wing Com- “Time for India to speak Varthaman managed to shoot between the two sides in Feb- in the process.” refuted by Pakistan. mander Abhinandan who was truth about false claims and down a Pakistani F-16 before his ruary. “Oh dear how embar- One of the senior US defence In response, India said it then released as a peace gesture actual losses on their side own plane was downed by rassing Narendra Modi if you are officials said that Pakistan carried out on February 26 air by Pakistan.

FB to block foreign ads US envoy vows inclusivity in Afghan talks law, women were stripped of all for Australia “Intra-Afghan basic rights and were sometimes dialogue should executed for alleged adultery. election be comprehensive “Women should not be for- and inclusive with gotten in the talks, and our rights AFP should not be trampled,” Robina SYDNEY representatives Hamdard, an advocacy manager from the #Afghan at the network, said. Facebook will block election government, women, “We want everything — advertising from outside young people, and civil women’s rights to education and Australia ahead of polls next social activities — to be guar- month, in the wake of growing society,” Khalilzad said anteed during the talks. We want criticism of the social media on Twitter at the start a lasting peace, not a shaky giant’s role in the spread of of his five-day visit. peace.” Khalilzad’s schedule in disinformation. Islamabad has not been The restrictions — already AFP announced, but he had already rolled out for polls in other ISLAMABAD met with officials including countries such as Thailand and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Indonesia — will come into The US envoy tasked with Qureshi early yesterday, force when the government forging a peace deal with the according to the foreign ministry. announces the election date in Taliban met with officials in Pakistan says it supports an the coming days. “We’re tem- Pakistan yesterday, after telling Afghan-led peace process and is porarily not allowing electoral leaders and various groups in helping to facilitate the talks. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (left) speaks with US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, the ads purchased from outside Afghanistan they would be Washington and Kabul have long US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, during a meeting at the Foreign Ministry Australia ahead of the election included in future talks. held Pakistan’s shadowy intelli- in May,” Facebook’s Australia Zalmay Khalilzad was in in Islamabad. gence services responsible for and New Zealand Policy Islamabad after spending five from the #Afghan government, Kabul came to a head last month reportedly refusing to attend supporting and training the Director Mia Garlick said. days in Afghanistan amid strains women, young people, and civil when Afghanistan’s national meetings in which Mohib was Taliban. Later yesterday, Paki- “The restriction... will apply between Washington and Pres- society,” Khalilzad said on security advisor Hamdullah present. The outspoken advisor stani premier Imran Khan said to ads we determine to be ident Ashraf Ghani’s adminis- Twitter at the start of his five- Mohib accused Khalilzad of a visited eastern provinces when he had some “brotherly advice” coming from foreign entities tration, which has complained day visit. lack of “transparency”, even sug- Khalilzad was in Kabul. for Afghanistan, saying that if that are of an electoral nature, bitterly of being sidelined in The Taliban has until now gesting the Afghan-born envoy Among those Khalilzad met Kabul wants upcoming presi- meaning they contain refer- peace talks. refused to meet with the Kabul wanted to be “viceroy” of his with was a group of seven dential elections to be incorpo- ences to politicians, parties or “Intra-Afghan dialogue government, accusing it of being native country. women from the Afghan Women rated into the peace process, election suppression. should be comprehensive and a puppet regime. The diplomatic Washington reacted furi- Network. Under the Taliban’s then it must form an interim “We also won’t allow inclusive with representatives spat between Washington and ously, with US officials strict interpretation of Shariah government. foreign ads that include political slogans and party logos.” Facebook said it has introduced Malaysia in restrictions on foreign electoral Duterte warns China on disputed island ads in countries including U-turn on war Nigeria, Ukraine, Thailand, AFP withheld his early criticism of beg, but I am just telling you that Department of Foreign Affairs Indonesia, and Ireland around MANILA Beijing’s expansive claims to the lay off the Pag-asa because I issued a statement calling the crimes court its May 2018 referendum on sea — a point of regional con- have soldiers there,” Duterte said Chinese ships’ presence an abortion. For the European Par- Philippine President Rodrigo tention because trillions of in speech to prosecutors. “illegal” violation of Philippine AFP liamentary elections, it requires Duterte has warned Beijing to dollars of goods pass through it. “If you touch it, that’s another sovereignty. KUALA LUMPUR advertisers to be authorised in back off from a disputed island But as the Philippine military story. Then I will tell my soldiers China, the Philippines, their country to run ads related in the South China Sea, warning warned this week that hundreds ‘prepare for suicide missions’”, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Malaysia’s government did a to the vote. The world’s biggest of possible military action if of Chinese coast guard and he added. Duterte has repeatedly Vietnam have all staked claims U-turn yesterday on its decision social network first began China “touches” it amid rising fishing vessels had “swarmed” said war with China would be to various islands and reefs as to join the International looking into its influence on tensions over the key waterway. the Manila-held Pag-asa island, futile and that the Philippines well as waterways in the sea, Criminal Court, the prime elections after revelations of Duterte, aiming to attract also known as Thitu, the Phil- would lose and suffer heavily in with rich petroleum reserves minister said, after a backlash Russian influence campaigns trade and investment from the ippine president spoke out late the process. thought to sit deep beneath the from a powerful Islamic ruler during the 2016 US election. Asian superpower, has mostly on Thursday. “I will not plead or His words came after his waters. and opposition politicians. The Southeast Asian nation announced in March it was joining the world’s only per- Scores of poll winners manent war crimes tribunal after a reform-minded gov- ernment came to power last could be disqualified year. But the move sparked an outcry from opposition politi- in Thailand elections cians and the powerful sultan of southern Johor state, who AFP investigate “66 people who got were furious the country’s BANGKOK the highest votes in the constit- revered Islamic royals would uency system” who were hit not be exempted from potential Thailand’s Election Commission with complaints. prosecution by the court. said yesterday that scores of “Whether these 66 candi- Malaysia’s decision not to candidates who were tipped to dates would be disqualified join the ICC is a severe blow to secure elected seats in last would have to depend on our the tribunal in The Hague, month’s contentious polls are investigation,” said commis- which has been under pressure under investigation and could sioner Pakorn Mahannop. following high-profile be disqualified, in a move that He added that investigation acquittals, while Burundi A forest fire rages near a town in Sokcho yesterday. could shift yet-to-be-released results “will affect the calcu- became the first country to quit final results. lation” of final parliamentary the court in 2017. Most of South Korean wildfires contained The commission has come seats. “We have made a decision under fire for bungling ballot Commission officials did not that we will not recognise the REUTERS structures, the government said by power lines, the government counts and delaying official say what parties the candidates Statute of Rome,” Prime Min- SEOUL in a statement. Late yesterday, said, without elaborating. results following the much- belonged to but said 300 com- ister Mahathir Mohamad told a just 275 people remained in President Moon Jae-in, who anticipated March 24 election, plaints had been filed. nationally televised press con- South Korea mobilised more gymnasiums and schools, of has ordered the use of all the first since a 2014 military The vote is governed under ference, referring to the ICC’s than 15,000 firefighters and more than 4,000 citizens who available resources to put out the coup. The election has pitted the a new military-scripted consti- founding treaty. soldiers to help douse most of had been evacuated there. About fires, visited evacuation shelters junta-backed Palang Pracharat tution that delegates 350 lower “(Opposition politicians) the wildfires that have killed one 52 schools were closed. and talked to victims. party against Pheu Thai, a parliament seats to candidates have been able to create con- person and forced more than The fire in two areas in About 872 fire trucks and popular anti-military faction who won their constituencies. fusion in the minds of the 4,000 to flee their homes, Gangwon has been contained, 3,251 firefighters from all over linked to an exiled billionaire. Another 150 “party list” seats people, that this law negates the authorities said yesterday. the government said, while the country worked to contain Both have claimed the right will be allocated based on rights of the Malays and the Thursday’s fires broke out in about 80 percent of the fire in the wildfire, the National Fire to govern in the wake of polls popular vote. rights of the rulers.” Ethnic the eastern province of nearby Inje county was con- Agency said. with final tallies not expected for The 250 upper house seats Malay Muslims are the coun- Gangwon, razing about 525 hec- tained by yesterday evening. The US military said it sup- several weeks. are military-appointed, stacking try’s majority group, while the tares and about 134 homes, The cause of the fire was plied two helicopters with spe- An election commissioner the balance of power strongly rulers refers to the country’s seven warehouses and other suspected to be sparks triggered cialised buckets to drop water. said yesterday the body will in its favour. Islamic royal households. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019 Palestine minors still face ESTABLISHED IN 1996 specter of death, detention CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL

A proud moment Relatives mourn for Fares Yousef Abu Hajras, who succumbed to injuries sustained last Saturday while taking part in “Great March of Return” demonstrations near Gaza-Israel border. t is a proud and historic moment for Qatar to host 140th Assembly of IPU in Doha with the participation Iof parliamentary delegations from over 160 countries. often take part in the peaceful rallies. over 75 percent, said they were physi- The hosting of IPU 140th Assembly reflects Qatar’s signif- “That’s why we’ve seen so many cally abused during the course of their icant position in the international community as well causalities among women and detention.” It went on to point out that success of country’s diplomacy. children,” Abu Riteima told Anadolu detained Palestinian children are fre- At the same time, it also reflects the defeat of Qatar’s Agency. quently placed in solitary opponents whose ceaseless efforts to malign Qatar since “Israel is solely responsible for confinement. the imposition of siege in 2017 with fabricated accusa- this, since it insists on suppressing the “While in pre-trial detention, the tions have ended in fiasco due to wise policies and dip- ALI ABO REZEG rallies with deadly force,” he added. Israeli authorities placed 22 children lomatic moves of Qatar’s leadership. Today, the whole ANATOLIA “Children are frequently killed in isolation for a period of 48 hours or world stands by Qatar and has rejected baseless propa- near the buffer zone, either by random more,” DCIP said, adding that in some ganda campaigns launched against Qatar by the block- alestinian children in the Israeli army gunfire or because they cases, children were kept in isolation ading countries. occupied West Bank, the are deliberately targeted by Israeli sol- for 30 days at a time. With the participation of over 2,000 representatives blockaded Gaza Strip and in diers,” Abu Riteima said. Meanwhile, Palestinian children including parliamentarians, UN partners and experts from refugee camps abroad remain He added: “Gazan children are living in refugee camps abroad -- P especially in Lebanon or war-torn 160 countries, the 140th Assembly of IPU will begin today at risk of sudden death and injury, being killed in cold blood when they in Doha. while also pose no real threat to Israeli forces Syria -- face their own set of diffi- The members of the parliaments from across the world facing the deployed along the other side of the culties, including poverty and poor will explore the relationship between education, peace specter of buffer zone.” Demonstrators demand living conditions. and democracy in the general debate on ‘Parliaments as arbitrary the right of Palestinian refugees to Mahmoud Hanafi, head of the Pal- platforms to enhance edu- detention at return to their homes in historical Pal- estinian Institution for Human Rights, cation for peace, security and the hands of estine from which they were driven in a Beirut-based NGO, described the sit- the rule of law’. Children living the Israeli 1948 to make way for the new state of uation of Palestinian children in The outcome of the debate under Israel’s authorities. Israel. refugee camps as “miserable”. is also expected to help inform 12-year siege of Children They also demand an end to “Refugee children live under the parliamentary contribu- the Gaza Strip living under Israel’s 12-year blockade of the Gaza extremely poor conditions that Today, the whole tions to the High-Level Israel’s Strip, which has gutted the coastal severely limit their ability to build a world stands by Political Forum on Sustainable face the danger 12-year siege enclave’s economy and deprived its viable future,” he told Anadolu Agency. Qatar and has Development at the UN in July of Israeli bullets of the Gaza roughly two million inhabitants of Hanafi cited figures from the UN’s rejected baseless 2019, which will consider the — especially when Strip face the many basic commodities. agency for Palestinian refugees implementation of Sustainable they are taking danger of In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, (UNRWA) which put the poverty rate propaganda Development Goals 4 (quality Israeli bullets meanwhile, Palestinian children run among Palestinians in Lebanese campaigns education) and 16 (peaceful part in regular — especially the risk of being targeted by an Israeli refugee camps at 73 percent and the launched against societies, rule of law, strong demonstrations when they sniper, beaten by a Jewish settler, or unemployment rate at 56 percent. Qatar by the and effective institutions at all along the Gaza- are taking detained by Israeli soldiers. He also pointed out that children levels). part in Last year alone, Defense for in the camps often face food inse- blockading Speaker of the Shura Israel buffer zone. regular dem- Children International Palestine curity, with 38 percent suffering countries. Council, H E Ahmed bin onstrations (DCIP), a Geneva-based rights NGO, “moderate” food insecurity and Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud along the documented more than 120 cases in another 24 percent suffering “acute” said on Thursday that the Gaza-Israel buffer zone. which Palestinian minors were arbi- food insecurity. Shura Council had taken all the necessary arrangements According to Gaza’s Health Min- trarily detained by the Israeli According to Hanafi, most refugee for the success of these events, to reach results that would istry, some 50 Palestinian children authorities. children also lack access to adequate favour the IPU’s support and its path to strengthen have been killed near the buffer zone According to DCIP, “more than education — a situation he attributed democracy and sustainable development. H E the Speaker by Israeli army gunfire — and more half of the children arrested by the to “their socio-economic situation and said that he wanted to make it a milestone in the IPU history. than 3,000 others injured— since the Israeli authorities [during this period] legal restrictions imposed on Pales- H E the Speaker expressed hope that the participants protests began more than one year experienced verbal abuse, threats, tinian refugees in Lebanon”. of the event had a chance to learn about the State of ago. humiliation or intimidation” while in An estimated 300,000 Pales- Qatar’s heritage, the generosity of its people and to According to protest organizer custody. tinians, including tens of thousands of acquaint themselves with the renaissance witnessed by Ahmed Abu Riteima, entire Palestinian In a recent statement, the NGO children, currently live in 12 refugee Qatar in all fields thanks to the wise policies of Amir H H families— including young children — added: “The vast majority of children, camps scattered across Lebanon. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Global parliamentary coordination to counter ter- rorism and extremism conducive to violence will be a prominent theme at the Assembly. Delegates will con- sider what action parliaments can take to disrupt and The best Brexit is still no Brexit mitigate the effects of terrorist activity. BLOOMBERG cross-party alliance, which on current past few years in British politics has As with all IPU Assemblies, human rights will feature trends looks implausible. already done great harm. Investment strongly. The IPU Standing Committee on Democracy and K Prime Minister Theresa And the underlying problems has declined for four straight Human Rights will consider the key role parliaments play May this week stopped haven’t gone away. Although the quarters. in allocating resources and legislating to ensure universal trying to get her fellow public voted for Brexit in the abstract, Confidence is plummeting. Manu- health coverage by 2030. The Committee will also examine Tories to back her plan for all specific versions of it find little facturers have been stockpiling at a U record rate, incurring needless parliamentary responses to attacks on freedom of quitting the European Union, and support. expression and the right to information, particularly in a asked the opposition Labour Party to That’s because they all would, to expense and limiting future growth. By changing media landscape where privacy and individual come to her aid. Could this be that varying degrees, reduce growth, harm several estimates, Brexit has already freedoms are under threat. most elusive of Brexit developments: businesses, diminish Britain’s standing reduced GDP by at least 2 percent. progress? in the world, and quite possibly Meanwhile, other public business has Not exactly. For many reasons - impinge on its sovereignty by binding all but come to a halt. politics, self-interest, the fundamen- it to EU rules it will no longer have a Perhaps new cross-party deliber- tally incoherent task at hand - May say over. As ever in this misadventure, ations could fashion a proposal QUOTE OF THE DAY and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn are the choices are between bad and acceptable to the House of Commons unlikely to hash out a workable worse. and the EU, and deliver some sort of I leave Libya with agreement about how Britain should Even so, what should happen now Brexit sooner rather than later. But exit the EU. If they fail, May says she’ll isn’t in doubt: The government should that wouldn’t be the end of it: With or a heavy heart and let Parliament settle the matter by seek a long extension of the Article 50 without May’s withdrawal agreement, deeply concerned. I voting on various options, through a process that underpins Brexit, and Brexit will be a prolonged process, still hope it is possible yet-to-be-determined process. plan for a second referendum - with involving years of further negotiation, It’s hard to imagine a break- Remain as an option on the ballot, debate, lawyering, rule-writing, to avoid a bloody through there, as well. Lawmakers alongside whatever deal May or her bean-counting, politicking, infighting confrontation in and have spent recent days rejecting just successor manages to devise. Britain’s and generalized tedium. It will be around Tripoli. about every theoretical variant of citizens deserve a chance to decide costly, complicated and socially Brexit. May’s plan has been voted whether the Brexit on offer bears any corrosive. down three times since January. Even resemblance to what they thought Avoiding Brexit altogether is still Antonio Guterres the least-unpopular alternatives - they were voting for in 2016, and the best way forward, even if it means UN Secretary-General such as adding a permanent customs should be given the opportunity to further delay and the costs that go union to the political declaration think again. with it. The right result is possible even attached to May’s withdrawal Granted, further delay and inde- now, if Britain’s politicians finally start agreement - would require a steady cision will be costly. The chaos of the putting the country’s interests first. SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019 OPINION 09 Dire future etched in the past: CO2 at 3-million year-old levels

PATRICK GALEY & sediment samples. “The headline MARLOWE HOOD news is that temperatures were 3-4 AFP degrees higher globally than they are today, and sea levels were 15-20 lanet-warming carbon metres (50-65 feet) higher,” Martin dioxide in Earth’s atmos- Siegert, professor of geoscience at phere — at its highest level Imperial College London, told in three million years — is reporters. P With just 1C of warming so far, poised to lock in dramatic temper- ature and sea level rises over a Earth is already dealing with floods, timescale of centuries, scientists droughts and superstorms made warned this week. worse by rising seas. The last time that CO2 hit 400 Siegert said that 400 ppm didn’t parts per million (ppm) Greenland mean that the severity of Pliocene was ice free and trees grew at the sea-level rises was imminent. But edge of Antactica. It was long unless humans figure a way to suck thought that today’s greenhouse gas CO2 out of the air on a massive levels were no greater than those scale, severe impacts are inevitable, 800,000 years ago, during a period sooner or later. of cyclical planetary warming and “There’s a lag,” he explained. “If cooling that would have likely con- you turn on the oven at home and tinued but for manmade emissions. set it to 200C, it doesn’t reach that But analyses of ice cores and (level) immediately. It’s the same for ocean sediments in the coldest climate.” place on Earth have now revealed Siegert said glaciologists, based that 400 ppm was last surpassed on current CO2 concentrations, three million years ago during the expect between 50 centimetres and Late Pliocene, when temperatures one metre of sea-level rise this were several degrees Celsius higher, century. and oceans at least 15 metres “It would be difficult for it to be deeper. much more than that because it At the same time, state-of-the- takes time to melt,” he added. art climate modelling by experts at “But it doesn’t stop at 2100 -- it the Potsdam Institute for Climate keeps going.” Impact Research (PIK) have corre- Rocketing pace of CO2 lated directly with the CO2 levels In October, the world’s leading found in these Antarctic samples. climate scientists concluded that “The Late Pliocene is relatively greenhouse gas emissions must close to us in terms of CO2 levels,” peak within 12 years to keep the Matteo Willeit, PIK member and Paris goals in reach. lead study author, told AFP. But despite these and earlier “Our models suggest that there warnings, CO2 emissions from fossil were no glacial cycles -- there were fuel use, construction, aviation and no big ice sheets in the northern agribusiness continue to rise. hemisphere. CO2 was too high and “If we stay at 400 ppm, we stay the climate was too warm to allow on the course to a Pliocene-like big ice sheets to grow.” climate,” said Tina van De Flierdt, a Nations in 2015 struck the professor of isotope geochemistry landmark Paris deal on climate at Imperial. change, promising to curb green- She warned that under similar house gas emissions and limit tem- conditions to the present day, the perature rises to “well below” 2 Pliocene saw the disappearance of During earlier periods, Earth last time CO2 was so prevalent? Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit). the Greenland ice sheet — which has seen sustained concentrations It was captured in the trees, Yet 2017 saw emissions levels today holds enough frozen water to of carbon dioxide was even higher plants, animals and minerals alive unsurpassed in human history, and raise sea levels by some seven than 400 ppm, but it took millions at the time and buried underground climate experts warn that time has metres worldwide. of years for those increases to occur. when they died. “And what we’ve all but run out to drastically slash “The West Antarctica ice sheet Manmade greenhouse gas been doing for the last 150 years is D-RING ROAD fossil fuel use and avert runaway holds about 5 metres — that was emissions, on the other hand, have digging it all up and putting it back POST BOX: 3488 global warming. probably gone,” she added. boosted CO2 levels by more than 40 into the atmosphere,” said Siegert. DOHA - QATAR Seas 15-20 metres higher As is happening today, Earth’s percent in a little over 150 years. “It’s like a crazy experiment: [email protected] Scientists gathered this week in poles warmed far quicker than the ‘A crazy experiment’ ‘Let’s take that CO2 that took 100 London for a conference on the rest of the planet during the At 412 ppm and rising, experts million years to be sequestrated and Pliocene epoch, and highlighted the Pliocene, earlier research has said temperature rises of 3-4C are put it back — instantly, on a geo- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE lessons to be learned today shown, including a study in Nature likely now locked in. logical timescale — in the atmos- TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 embedded in its ancient ice and Climate Change. So what happened to Earth the phere and see what happens’”. FAX: +974 4455 7758

MANAGING EDITOR hen historians of the is now also a matter of international was at the time Deputy Assistant Sec- TEL: 4462 7505 future chart humanity’s rivalry and political posturing. On retary for Emerging Security Chal- military misadventures March 26, US Vice President Mike lenges and Defense Policy at the US DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 in space, they might con- Pence told the National Space Council State Department, told an event in W Washington that China had conducted clude they began in earnest last month. that Washington was in a new space LOCAL NEWS SECTION For the first time since the end of the race with Moscow and Beijing, further anti-satellite tests in 2010, 2013 TEL: 4455 7743 Cold War, the world’s big powers are pledging to put Americans back on the and 2014 but had minimised the PETER APPS ploughing serious resources into moon within five years. Indian Prime debris. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION REUTERS weaponry, systems and, in the case of Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed While there seems little doubt TEL: 4462 7535 the United States, a new military his country’s anti-satellite test ele- India shot down a satellite last month, branch intended to fight outside vated it to the rank of “space it’s true focus may have been testing SPORT NEWS SECTION Earth’s atmosphere. superpower”. systems to shoot down Pakistani and TEL: 4455 7745 On March 22, India announced the It’s enough to worry diplomats other enemy ballistic missiles, some highest profile test of an anti-satellite everywhere, particularly in countries experts suggest. ONLINE SECTION weapon in more than a decade. Earlier whose economies depend on space That would not be a huge surprise. TEL: 4462 7501 in the month, the Pentagon announced and satellites but now fear being left Missile defence - specifically, shooting [email protected] a 20-percent uplift in military space behind, or are suffering damage from down Russian ballistic missiles in the the acts of others. The European Union event the Cold War turned hot - was at PUBLIC RELATIONS called last week for a new arms treaty the heart of the Ronald Reagan-era TEL: 4455 7613 that, among other things, would Strategic Defense Initiative, the costly [email protected] manage the risk of orbital debris. programme some credit with bank- rupting Russia and ending the Cold India test and US The US military Space Surveil- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT lance Network already tracks some War. Since the 1960s, long-range TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 nuclear-capable ballistic missiles have space force fuel new 20,000 items in low Earth orbit larger FAX: 4455 7870 than a softball that could damage the maintained the balance of terror [email protected] high-altitude arms race satellite networks on which the world between the world’s big powers, and increasingly depends. Some 3,000 of any system that could reliably block CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT those stem from a single 2007 their flight could upend the global TEL: 4455 7857 Chinese test strike on an old weather balance. [email protected] spending as part of its 2020 budget, satellite. This is one reason such tests While much remains secret about asking the US Congress for $14.1 billion. have become taboo, particularly in subsystems, what is not in doubt is that SUBSCRIPTION & While the lion’s share of that will higher orbits. they are getting better. Israel’s “Iron DISTRIBUTION go on the US Air Force and other India says its scientists worked Dome” rockets have shown TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 existing agencies, next year should also hard to minimise debris, conducting remarkable success against small mis- FAX: 44557819 see the first personnel join the initial the strike at a much lower altitude, so siles fired from Gaza, and the next gen- [email protected] headquarters of a new US Space Force. that any debris would fall back to us eration of defence rockets aim to do Proposals unveiled on March 1 show $2 within weeks although some experts the same against Intercontinental bal- International billion earmarked for the fledgling mil- said it could take much longer. The listic missiles. itary service over the next five years, Indian test took place at a similar The speeds and distances required All thoughts and views distrust is invariably going from a few hundred personnel height to a 2008 US missile strike on a to intercept missiles or satellites are high when it next year to 15,000 by 2025. malfunctioning reconnaissance sat- vast - one reason the US Strategic expressed in these columns comes to such The idea of a new military service ellite, an operation which US officials Defense Initiative was eventually are those of the writers, sophisticated, high- was widely mocked when US Pres- said was necessary to avoid the abandoned. But US worries over states not of the newspaper. ident Donald Trump suggested it in a dangers of an uncontrolled re-entry. such as Iran and North Korea, and tech weapons, and speech a year ago. But while snide International distrust is invariably technical breakthroughs in rockets, Russia and China “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” references high when it comes to such sophisti- sensors and crunching data, are All correspondence have always had still pepper articles on the subject, it cated, high-tech weapons, and Russia changing that. On March 25, the US regarding Views and suspicions that increasingly feels like an idea whose and China have always had suspicions Missile Defense Agency, whose mission Opinion pages should be time has come. Indeed, talk of its cre- that the 2008 US strike concealed an has long been to develop effective sent to editor-in-chief the 2008 US strike ation may well have further spurred a anti-satellite missile test. missile defence for the US mainland, concealed an anti- growing arms race. Other nations may also have con- announced the most successful kill so office or mailed to the satellite missile test. An arena for international cooper- tinued to test such weapons without far of a ballistic missile by ground- [email protected] ation for decades, wider space policy fanfare. In 2016, Mallory Stewart, who based interceptors. 10 EUROPE SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019

France opposes Britain, EU set out competing Brexit delay dates further delay

AFP UK Prime Minister in absence of LONDON Theresa May asked ‘clear’ plan the European Union Prime Minister Theresa May to delay Britain’s asked the European Union yes- AFP terday to delay Britain’s departure until June PARIS departure until June 30 while 30 while Brussels Brussels suggested that it might suggested that it France opposes giving Britain an be best to postpone the split for might be best to additional extension to its exit up to a year. from the EU unless it produces a The competing visions of postpone the split for “clear” plan with “credible how to unwind Britain’s 46-year up to a year. political backing,” the country’s involvement in the European European Affairs Minister said project will be hashed out again closer European allies — also said yesterday. Amelie de Montchalin at an EU summit in Brussels on the letter “doesn’t answer” said President Emmanuel Wednesday and EU leaders have important concerns. Macron’s government had “read already reacted sceptically to May said Britain would start with interest” British Prime Min- May’s request. preparing for European Par- ister Theresa May’s letter to the The current Brexit deadline liament elections in case it is still EU asking for an extension until of April 12 has already been a member of the bloc when they June 30. pushed back once from March begin on May 23. The idea is “As the Prime Minister rightly 29 because of the UK parlia- deeply unpopular with Britons wrote, the current impasse is not ment’s repeated failure to back who voted to quit the EU and in the best interest of neither the the deal May signed with the chart their own future in a 2016 UK nor the EU. It cannot be other 27 EU leaders in December. referendum whose arguments allowed to continue,” Montchalin May’s formal request to EU are still being waged to this day. said. But EU leaders had taken a Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (left), is presented with a box of Polish chocolates by Zofia Council president Donald Tusk Political analysts in London “clear decision” at their last Piotrowska, Training officer with Loretto Care, during her visit to a building site in Easterhouse during said Britain thinks the delay said May probably knew that her summit on March 21, she said. “should end on June 30 2019” — new deadline will be rejected continued Brexit uncertainty, in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. “Another extension requires the same date she asked for and because EU leaders do not think that the UK puts forward a plan was refused at the last EU she can get her deal through par- long extension leaves us stuck in “The fightback to save Brexit alliance with the bloc that with a clear and credible political summit last month. liament any time soon. May is the EU we should be as difficult as has begun,” Farage tweeted. includes its participation in a backing,” she said. “The European “If the parties are able to ratify under intense pressure from the possible,” Conservative MP Jacob May’s team is currently nego- customs union. May had previ- Council would then have to define (the withdrawal agreement) this right wing of her Conservative Rees-Mogg tweeted. tiating with leaders from the main ously dismissed the idea because the necessary conditions attached date, the government proposes Party to pull Britain out of the The other 27 EU nations must opposition Labour Party in a bid it bars Britain from striking its to this extension. that the period should be termi- bloc as soon as possible — with give unanimous backing to any to find a compromise that can pass own trade deals with global “In the absence of such a plan, nated earlier,” May wrote in a or without a deal. deadline extension. Some EU parliament in the coming days. giants such as China and the we would have to acknowledge letter released by Downing Street. “I think that Theresa May is leaders fear that Britain’s partic- Downing Street yesterday called United States. that the UK chose to leave the EU A senior EU official said that looking for political cover ipation in the European Par- the talks “constructive and an But analysts said it was not in a disorderly manner.” An official Tusk’s own idea for a “flexible” because she is asking for an liament vote will help boost the ongoing process”. in Labour leader Jeremy Cor- in the French presidency said 12-month extension “will be pre- extension she knows she can’t standing of anti-EU parties due May’s letter said the talks’ byn’s political interests to help earlier that Macron, who has taken sented to member states today”. get,” said King’s College to their popularity among Brexit- failure would likely see the two get May’s agreement over the a stern line on the conditions for German Foreign Minister European politics professor backing Britons. parties jointly produce several line. “If they come to an any further Brexit delay, was Heiko Mass said May still had Anand Menon. UK far-right leader Nigel options that would be put up for agreement, that’s quite dan- “waiting for a credible plan “many questions” to clarify. The first response from Farage called on his supporters a series of parliamentary votes. gerous for him,” University of between now and the (EU) summit Dutch Prime Minister Mark leading Conservative eurosceptics yesterday to vote for his Brexit Labour is pushing May to Nottingham political history pro- on April 10, when we will study Rutte — seen as one of May’s to the idea was very critical. “If a Party in the European election. accept a much closer post-Brexit fessor Seven Fielding said. the request.” UK to hold social Macron seeks to shine media bosses liable for harmful light on Rwanda genocide content: Report REUTERS around 800,000 Tutsis and PARIS moderate Hutus. AFP While Paris has acknowl- LONDON President Emmanuel Macron edged mistakes in its dealings has appointed researchers to with Rwanda, it has repeatedly Britain will make social media carry out a two-year investi- dismissed accusations that it executives personally liable for gation into the role of the French trained militias to take part in harmful content published on army in the Rwandan genocide the massacre. However, during their platforms, a leaked gov- that is still a source of tension a visit to Rwanda in 2010, then ernment proposal said. between Paris and Kigali 25 president Nicolas Sarkozy, did The UK government is due years later. acknowledge France made “a to unveil as early as Monday a The nine-member com- serious error of judgment, a sort policy paper outlining ways to mission will have access to pres- of blindness when we didn’t fight everything from online idential, diplomatic, military and foresee the genocidal dimen- hate speech to election inter- intelligence archives, the French sions of the government”. ference and manipulation presidency said yesterday, after The two countries broke off attempts. The issue gained added Macron met members of an diplomatic ties in 2006 after a Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko gives two thumbs up as he visits a firing ground to oversee tests urgency with Facebook’s failure association supporting survivors Paris judge accused Kagame and of Ukrainian missile systems near Odessa, Ukraine, yesterday. to immediately halt livestreams of the genocide. nine aides of shooting down of a March 15 attack by a self- “The goal is to deliver a former president Juvenal Hab- avowed white supremacist on report which will be published yarimana’s plane in April 1994 two mosques in New Zealand Ukraine poll rivals take drug tests in two years time... and will be - the catalyst for the massacre. that killed 50 people. accessible to all. It will scientif- Rwanda rejected the charges. The Guardian newspaper AFP country’s biggest sports stadium. Poroshenko is eager to make ically evaluate, on the basis of During that 2010 trip, said the UK government’s KIEV Despite the flamboyant up lost ground before the run-off archives, the role that France Sarkozy also said a French “white paper” outlining its media spectacle, the stakes are vote by showing off his expe- played in Rwanda from 1990 to rescue mission in under a U.N. social media oversight pro- Ukrainian leader Petro Poro- high for the country of 45 million rience and oratory. 1994,” the presidency said. mandate to provide safe zones, posals would be published on shenko and comedian Volo- seen as the biggest frontier He invited his political Macron’s predecessor had been too little and too late. Monday after months of delays. dymyr Zelensky took drug tests between the European Union novice rival to spar in the François Hollande declassified The killing started in April 1994, It said they included plans yesterday ahead of their election and Russia. Ukraine is mired in election debate, but the presidential archives on the and the French arrived in June. to make social media execu- runoff as the ex-Soviet country’s a smouldering war with comedian countered with an subject in 2015, but researchers The two countries even- tives personally liable for presidential race becomes Moscow-backed separatists in array of conditions, including the have complained that only a tually restored diplomatic ties harmful content distributed on increasingly sensational. the industrial east, a conflict that medical tests and that the fraction of the classified docu- in November 2009, but Rwanda their apps and sites. Zelensky, a 41-year-old has claimed 13,000 lives. meeting be held in Kiev’s ments have surfaced and say a has long called on Paris to The initial implementation actor best known for playing the German Chancellor Angela Olympic Stadium, which seats conclusive account on the role pursue genocide fugitives living phase would probably be president in a television show, Merkel will meet Poroshenko in over 70,000 people. played by France is yet to be on French soil. The presidential overseen by Britain’s Ofcom is favourite to become Ukraine’s Berlin next week, her spokesman Poroshenko, 53, chose to produced. statement said the French court media regulator, with a separate next leader after he dominated said yesterday. play along, presenting himself Rwandan President Paul dealing with Rwandan genocide independent oversight body a first-round vote on March 31, Spokesman Steffen Seibert to medics at a lab at the Kagame has accused Paris of cases would receive additional created down the line, The despite many dismissing his can- dismissed suggestions the visit Olympic Stadium yesterday. He being complicit in the bloodshed resources to speed up the Guardian said. The report added didacy as a joke. represents interference in the rolled up the sleeves of his in which Hutu militias killed judicial process. that the regulator would have the The drug and alcohol tests hotly contested election. white shirt and had his blood power to impose “substantial” are part of unusual conditions Zelensky won more than 30 drawn in a video broadcast live fines. A government spokesman laid down by Zelensky before he percent of the first-round vote, on his Facebook page. “We are noted that the proposals would would agree to a public debate while Poroshenko garnered creating new traditions,” a be published “shortly”. between Poroshenko in the almost 16 percent. smiling Poroshenko said. Greek police fire tear gas at migrants

REUTERS of plans for an organised tents in the field at Diavata. A railway station shouting ATHENS/DIAVATA movement to cross Greece’s crowd trying to make its way “Germany!” and “Open the northwest border with Albania towards the Greek border scuffled borders.” Several more were at Greek police fired tear gas yes- in early April. with police who responded with the station under heavy police terday to disperse migrants who Separately, migrants holed up tear gas. TV footage showed presence. Services from the had gathered in a field near the in Turkey were heading towards shrubs burning nearby. “It’s a lie station were suspended. country’s border with Northern that country’s border with Greece that the borders will open,” “We want to go to Thessal- Macedonia in the hope of making following false rumours that Greek Migration Minister Dim- oniki and then to the borders,” their way illegally up through the Ankara had opened its border itris Vitsas told Greek state tele- said Amin Omar, a 27-year-old A snap with ‘Lenin’ Balkans towards northern Europe. gate. Turkish authorities have vision, urging migrants to return Iraqi Kurd sitting on the tracks. A woman poses for a photo next to a pink statue of Vladimir Lenin, Hundreds have made their detained nearly 1,200 migrants to their accommodation centres. “We don’t know if they are the founder of USSR, at the ethnographic and amusement center way to the field in the village of there, Turkish media reported. In Athens, a group of about open.” The situation revived “Izmailovsky Kremlin”, in Moscow yesterday. Diavata since Thursday, galva- By yesterday morning 50 migrants squatted on the memories of the 2015 migrant nized by reports on social media migrants had set up more than 100 tracks of the capital’s main crisis. SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 20 states file motion to block Trump border wall funding

REUTERS “This wall is from tariffs on imports. WASHINGTON unnecessary, and Praising Mexico for moving an abuse of power recently against drug traffickers, Twenty US states have filed a that will take away Trump said: “If they continue motion to block President Donald that, everything will be fine. If Trump’s method of funding a resources that could they don’t we’re going to tariff border wall by diverting federal be used to help their cars at 25 percent.” funds through a national emer- Americans across our “Also, I’m looking at an eco- gency declaration, the New York nation,” New York nomic penalty for all of the drugs state attorney-general said that are coming in through the yesterday. Attorney-General southern border and killing our “This wall is unnecessary, Letitia James said people,” Trump told reporters in and an abuse of power that will on Twitter. Washington before departing for take away resources that could southern California where he will be used to help Americans visit the border. across our nation,” New York that Congress appropriated for In a Twitter post yesterday, Attorney General Letitia James other purposes. Congress declined Trump said: “Likewise I am said on Twitter. to fulfill his request for $5.7bn to looking at an economic penalty US President Donald Trump talks to reporters as he departs for travel to the US-Mexico border from The states filed a lawsuit in help build the wall this year. for the 500 Billion Dollars in the White House in Washington, US, yesterday. February after Trump declared Trump, hammering on a illegal DRUGS that are shipped a national emergency to help favourite theme, meanwhile, and smuggled through Mexico been approved by Congress. “This will supercede through official ports of entry. build a border wall that was a proposed another way to crack and across our Southern Border.” “If for any reason Mexico USMCA.” Although Trump has The Republican president’s signature of his 2016 campaign down on what he describes as a It was not immediately clear stops apprehending and bringing several times linked the issues latest pronouncements, issued for president. The motion for a crisis of undocumented immi- what other penalties he was the illegals back to where they of illegal immigration and drug informally in rapid succession, preliminary injunction to block gration and drug trafficking on considering. came from, the U.S. will be forced smuggling as he tries to tighten came amid a rising flow of Trump’s effort that was filed late the US-Mexico border. Without Trump said the drug-related to Tariff at 25% all cars made in border security, much of the drug migrants, many of them fam- on Thursday formalised that providing details, Trump said he tariff would supplant provisions Mexico and shipped over the trade is not carried out by ilies with children, northward request. was considering an unspecified of the recently negotiated US- Border to us. If that doesn’t work, migrants but by professional from Central America through Trump’s order would allow economic penalty on Mexico to Mexico-Canada Agreement, which it will, I will close the crime gangs that send narcotics Mexico and to the southern US him to spend money on the wall counter drug smuggling, apart known as USMCA, which has not Border,” Trump said on Twitter. to the United States in vehicles border.

Social media gets G-7 ministers vow to better fight migrant trafficking thumbs-down AP Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in ministers’ meeting. Doubts have The US wants countries to and asked them to establish in new US poll PARIS the Brittany seaside town of been raised this year about the take back their citizens but protocols to better combat ter- Dinard. The G-7 — which relevance of the G-7 meetings, Western countries, including rorism, for instance by AFP Interior ministers from the includes the US, France, Canada, given that the ranking US offi- France, have largely refused to removing extremist content in WASHINGTON Group of Seven advanced econ- Japan, Germany, Italy and the UK cials, Homeland Security Sec- do so and want them to go on emergency situations. omies pledged yesterday to — is hoping to produce another retary Kirstjen Nielsen and Sec- trial in the places where they US Homeland Security Americans are fearful about the jointly tackle world’s top security joint statement by today on the retary of State Mike Pompeo, committed their crimes. official Claire Grady said there impact of social media firms challenges, including fighting fight against trafficking drugs, didn’t attend. Germany, however, raised the is “potentially” more room to such as Facebook and Twitter, migrant trafficking. arms and migrants in Africa’s As he wrapped up the Paris idea of creating a specific inter- regulate giant internet com- with many saying they spread At the end of a two-day troubled Sahel region. meeting, French Interior Minister national criminal court to try panies but stressed that the U.S. misinformation and divide the meeting in Paris, the G-7 min- That meeting also aims to Christophe Castaner acknowl- them. wants any changes to preserve country, even though most isters agreed to grant asylum to forge commitments on fighting edged some differences between All G-7 countries stressed a the spirit of innovation and keep people still use these networks, certain refugees and to return cybercrime and stopping sexual the G-7 countries but cited commitment to “ensure that all open opportunity for small a new poll showed yesterday. other migrants who are not violence against women in con- success in “laying down concrete foreign terrorist fighters who companies. The NBC News/Wall Street entitled to stay back to their flict zones, especially in Africa. guidelines on key security are or were in conflict zones are The ministers’ meetings in Journal poll found 57 percent of home countries. “We will talk about big issues.” The ministers also dis- held accountable for their Paris and Dinard aim to lay the Americans believe social media It’s a theme that could regional crises that weaken soci- cussed divergent views on how actions.” On Thursday, the G-7 groundwork for a G-7 summit sites do more to divide the dovetail well with the group’s eties and harm the most vul- to handle foreign fighters who interior ministers met with rep- that France will host in August country, and 55 percent said the foreign minister meeting, hosted nerable,” Le Drian said yesterday joined the Islamic State militants resentatives of Facebook, 25-27 in the southwestern city networks are more likely to through by French Foreign as he opened the foreign in Syria and Iraq. Twitter, Google and Microsoft of Biarritz. spread “lies and falsehoods” than genuine news and information. “Social media — and Facebook, in particular — have Biden ‘very close’ to some serious issues in this poll,” said Micah Roberts of the Repub- lican firm Public Opinion Strat- announcing if he will egies, which conducted the survey with the Democratic firm Hart Research Associates. run for president “If America was giving social media a Yelp review, a majority people contact me — who I don’t would give it zero stars.” know — and say the exact According to the survey, 61 opposite.” percent think social media does On Wednesday, Biden more to spread unfair attacks released a video on social media and rumors against public figures addressing his physical contact and corporations, compared with with women, pledging to “be 32 percent who say it helps hold more mindful about respecting those public figures and corpo- personal space in the future.” rations accountable. President Donald Trump — And 82 percent say social AFP who has faced his own share of media sites do more to waste WASHINGTON accusations over his conduct people’s time, compared with 15 with women, some far more percent who say time on these Former US vice-president Joe serious than those facing Biden networks is well-spent. The Biden (pictured) said yesterday — was quick to mock the Dem- survey comes after a wave of that he was on the cusp of ocrat on Twitter. He also dis- scandals about manipulation of announcing his 2020 plans, missed the former senator and misinformation on social media, acknowledging he was watching vice-president as a potential and with President Donald Trump his words carefully so as not to challenger in 2020. “I don’t see and his allies attacking internet “start the clock” on a presi- Joe Biden as a threat,” Trump platforms over what he claims is dential campaign. told reporters yesterday. “I think Diplomacy political bias. Despite the con- Biden, 76, has been mulling he’s only a threat to himself.” cerns, 69 percent of those polled German Chancellor Angela Merkel accompanies former US president Barack Obama as he leaves the another White House run for Biden made an awkward said they use social media at least Chancellery in Berlin after talks yesterday. several months, and has been joke about the situation Friday once a day. inching toward a decision. during his speech before the But the Delaware Demo- International Brotherhood of crat’s rollout might have been Electrical Workers, telling the clouded by revelations from crowd that “I had permission to Britain prepares for ‘zombie’ European polls multiple women over the past hug” the union’s president. week that Biden had touched In his address, he stressed AFP admitted Britain would be “under elections three years after they He said polls predicted voters them inappropriately or made his family’s blue-collar roots and LONDON a legal obligation to hold the elec- voted to leave the European would punish the Tories for them feel uncomfortable. wondered aloud how some tions” if it remained an EU Union. Her spokesman has betraying them on Brexit, with the “I am very close to making Americans had “gotten so damn The prospect of Britain holding member state beyond May 23. She emphasised that Britain could best prediction suggesting it would a decision,” Biden, who is polling elitist.” “This country was not European elections would have has requested a Brexit delay until still cancel the polls up until May lose half its 20 MEPs. as the party’s frontrunner built by Wall Street bankers, and been unthinkable just weeks ago June 30 but the European Council 22 if it had secured a deal to “It could be worse if our despite not officially being in the CEOs and hedge fund man- but, with the prospect of a long is considering a much longer leave the EU by then. members decide they do not race, told reporters after a agers,” he said. “It was built by delay to Brexit now on the cards, 12-month extension that could be This would cause anger in want to spend their evenings and speech to union workers in the great American middle the country is reluctantly shortened if needed. Brussels, not least because 27 of weekends promoting a zombie Washington. “Even if I knew for class,” and the group that forged planning a campaign. “The government is therefore Britain’s 73 MEPs have already election,” he wrote on the Con- certain that I was going to run for the country’s middle class was Village halls and schools undertaking the lawful and been reallocated to other coun- servativeHome website. president back in Thanksgiving, “unions,” he added. across the country are being responsible preparations for this tries. And it leaves Conservative Election officials, who would my intention from the beginning, Trump, despite saying he booked as polling centres, and contingency,” May said in a letter candidates in the unenviable normally have begun planning if I were to run, would be the last was unworried about a Biden orders placed with specialist sta- to EU Council president Donald position of asking voters to back for the European polls before person to announce.” challenge, posted what appeared tioners for tens of millions of Tusk. Both the ruling Conserva- them in an election they them- Christmas, are now under Asked about the claims to be a goading tweet just as the ballots in case the May 23 vote tives and the main opposition selves do not want, and still may intense pressure. made against him and whether former vice-president stopped goes ahead. The government Labour Party have so far kept not happen. After pressing the gov- more women might come talking, suggesting he might yesterday said it was giving quiet about any campaign plans, “That is not a conversation I ernment for weeks, ministers forward with similar allegations, have been watching. “I’ve formal notice for the poll to go wary of how voters might respond. relish having on the doorsteps finally confirmed on Monday Biden said he “wouldn’t be sur- employed thousands of Elec- ahead and has already agreed to May has previously said it of my constituency,” said the they would reimburse costs of prised.” But he added: “I’ve had trical Workers. They will be pay for initial preparations. would be “unacceptable” to ask party’s leader in the European preparations that were strictly hundreds and hundreds of voting for me!” Trump tweeted. Prime Minister Theresa May Britons to take part in the Parliament, Ashley Fox. necessary. 12 AMERICAS / CLASSIFIEDS SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019

Second wealthy parent to plead SERVICES guilty in college admissions scam USED CONTAINERS (Sales & Rentals) REUTERS BOSTON ARMSTRONG New & Used Containers - Sales/Rental (Certified & Uncertified) The former co-chairman of the Mobile: 557 80 396 (Steve) law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher E-mail: [email protected] www.iescoqatar.com. yesterday became the second parent to say he would plead WAREHOUSE FOR RENT guilty to participating in what prosecutors call the largest WOKEER INDUSTRIAL AREA college admissions scam Available Sizes: 358/415/510/830/1340 Sqm. uncovered in US history. Mobile: 660 02 704 (Steve) Gordon Caplan, who the E-mail: [email protected] New York-based firm said on Friday is no longer a partner, is WATER TANK CLEANING among 50 people federal pros- ecutors allege participated in AL MUTWASSIT CLEANING & PEST CONTROL schemes that involved cheating Kharaba st, Behind white Mosque. on college entrance exams and Fax: 443679 99 - GSM. 55875920/55860432 paying $25m in bribes to buy the CAPITAL CLEANING COMPANY children of affluent Americans Gordon Caplan (left), co-chairman of Willkie Farr & Gallagher seats in well-known universities law company, facing charges in a nationwide college admissions Cleaning Water Tanks & Pest Control. cheating scheme, enters federal court in Boston, Massachusetts, US. GSM: 55565328/ 33189899 Tel: 44582257 including Yale, Georgetown and E-mail: [email protected] the University of Southern California. Caplan in a statement said he Sartorio, who on Wednesday Singer and Caplan, who on a took “full and sole responsibility became the first of the 33 parents November 2018 call asked Singer for my conduct”. The scam’s mas- charged to reveal he plans to if “anybody ever gotten into an termind, California college admis- plead guilty. California busi- issue with this.” “Keep in mind I’m sions consultant William “Rick” nessman Devin Sloane and mar- a lawyer,” he told Singer, Singer, has pleaded guilty to over- keting executive Jane Buck- according to court papers. “I’m seeing a racketeering scheme in ingham, in court filings disclosed sort of rules oriented.” which parents paid to help their they were in plea talks. Caplan yesterday stressed that children cheat on admissions tests Prosecutors alleged that in his daughter, a high school junior and bribe coaches to present them November and December who has yet to apply to any col- as elite prospects in college sports Caplan made a $75,000 contri- leges, had no knowledge of his such as sailing, crew and water bution to Singer’s foundation in actions. He said she has been polo even if they had no athletic exchange for the consultant “devastated to learn what I did experience. arranging to have an associate and has been hurt the most by it.” Other accused parents proctor his daughter’s ACT Prosecutors have not yet include “Desperate Housewives” college entrance exam and charged any applicants and said star Felicity Huffman and “Full correct her answers. that in some cases the parents House” actor Lori Loughlin. As with other parents charged involved took steps to try to prevent Caplan follows packaged in the case, authorities obtained their children from realizing they food entrepreneur Peter recordings of phone calls between were benefiting from fraud.

US charges 23-year-old with Robbers steal $1m in 3-minute Mexico falsely claiming to be missing boy airport heist AFP Authorities said they were CHICAGO charging Rini because false AFP reports harm families of missing SILAO US authorities yesterday charged children and needlessly divert a 23-year-old man released from police resources. A gang of armed thieves stole prison last month with falsely “Law enforcement takes dis- about 20m pesos ($1m) from an claiming to be a boy who has been honest reports very seriously, armored truck that was about missing for eight years. Brian Rini and we caution that people to load the money onto a plane was charged with a single count making false claims can and will at an international airport in of lying to federal authorities for face criminal penalties,” Herb central Mexico, authorities said. allegedly claiming on Wednesday Stapleton, the special agent in The brazen robbery took place that he was Timmothy Pitzen — charge of the FBI’s Cincinnati on Wednesday when an armed missing since 2011, when he was bureau, said in a statement. gang in a van evaded security six years old. Rini is a known felon and at Guanajuato International The claim briefly raised had been released from an Ohio Airport, the state attorney’s hopes that the child had finally state prison last month. He was office said. been found. But authorities said imprisoned for more than a year An initial report from the a DNA test proved Rini’s identity on burglary and vandalism con- authorities said “armed indi- and only then did he allegedly victions, according to the Ohio viduals threatened cargo per- admit he was lying. State Department of Corrections. sonnel and robbed them” of “He said he watched a story Pitzen has not been seen since sacks of cash in a robbery that about Timmothy on ABC’s 20/20,” his mother Amy Fry-Pitzen mys- took just three minutes, although a criminal complaint filed in teriously took him out of school it did not confirm the amount federal court by the Department early one day in 2011 in their stolen. Local reports said they of Justice said, referring to a tele- hometown of Aurora, Illinois, a made off with about 20m pesos. vision news program. Chicago suburb. In a later statement, “He stated that he wanted to She drove around with him airport operator Grupo Aero- get away from his own family. for several days and then portuario del Pacífico said the When questioned further, Rini checked into a motel, where she gang of hooded and armed stated that he wished he had a took her own life. She left a note thieves broke through the father like Timmothy’s because saying Timmothy was “safe” but perimeter fence to carry out if he went missing, his father no trace of the boy has ever been the robbery before escaping would just keep drinking,” the found. “You’ll never find him,” by knocking down a different complaint said. she wrote. section of the fence. UN investigator urges Ecuador not to expel Assange from embassy

REUTERS after private photographs of him the full protection of his human GENEVA and his family were circulated on rights can be guaranteed.” social media. Although Moreno Vaughan Smith, who hosted The United Nations torture stopped short of explicitly blaming Assange at his country mansion investigator called on Ecuador Assange for the leak, the gov- for a year during his failed legal yesterday not to expel Wikileaks ernment said it believed the battle against extradition, said founder Julian Assange from its photos were shared by WikiLeaks. after visiting the Australian London embassy, voicing Nils Melzer, UN special rap- inside the embassy that the sit- concern that he could be extra- porteur on torture, voiced concern uation was “very tense”. dited to the United States and that Assange’s health was in “Julian doesn’t know for sure possibly face mistreatment. “serious decline” and that, if he but he’s pretty convinced that at A British friend said Assange were expelled, he was likely to be any moment he could be thrown was “prepared” for expulsion arrested by British authorities and out and he’s prepared for it,” from the building he has lived in extradited to the United States. Smith told reporters. for nearly seven years, after “Such a response could Assange took refuge in Ecua- Ecuador’s President Lenin expose him to a real risk of dor’s London embassy in 2012 Moreno said he had “repeatedly serious violations of his human to avoid being extradited to violated” the terms of his asylum. rights, including his freedom of Sweden, where authorities Moreno told radio stations on expression, his right to a fair trial wanted to question him as part Tuesday that Assange did not have and the prohibition of cruel, of a sexual assault investigation. the right to “hack private accounts inhuman or degrading treatment That investigation was later or phones” and could not or punishment,” he said. dropped, but Assange fears he intervene in the politics of other “I therefore urge the Gov- could be extradited to face countries, especially those with ernment of Ecuador to abstain charges in the United States, friendly relations with Ecuador. from...ceasing or suspending his where federal prosecutors are Moreno made the comments political asylum until such time as investigating WikiLeaks. SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019 CLASSIFIEDS 13

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 20 MORNING BREAK SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 03 AM World’s first 5G phone released in South Korea SHOROOK 05. 21 AM AFP Ji-hye, 38. “I hope faster speeds will SEOUL help me manage my time better.” ZUHR 11. 36 AM MAGHRIB 05. 54 PM Another user said he was most excited ASR 03. 06 PM ISHA 07. 24 PM Telecom giant Samsung Electronics about virtual reality content — which yesterday released the Galaxy S10 5G, includes games and even “celebrity VR the world’s first available smartphone dating” apps according to the coun- WEATHER TODAY with built-in fifth-generation commu- try’s mobile carriers. nications, as South Korea seeks to build With 5G, said researcher Lee Sang- a lead in the transformative yoon, VR content “can be enjoyed in technology. real time with no delay... I’ll be able to On Wednesday, the South became enjoy it in better resolution and speed”. the first country to launch nationwide By yesterday afternoon, 15,000 5G services, with three superfast net- buyers had subscribed to the LG UPlus works going live offering data speeds 5G service, and more than 10,000 to that allow users to download entire KT’s offer, the carriers said. Figures movies in less than a second. were not immediately available from Hours later US giant Verizon began SK Telecom, the market leader. commercial services in Chicago and Before yesterday’s roll-out of the Minneapolis, after rival AT&T made a Samsung phone, the 5G service had 5G-based system available to selected been restricted to a handful of specially users in parts of 12 cities in December. selected users in South Korea. The day’s first SK Telecom 5G customer shows his new Samsung Galaxy S10 5G South Korea’s three mobile car- Rival manufacturer LG is due to smartphone during a launch event at an SK Telecom shop in Seoul yesterday. riers — SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus launch its V50 ThinQ, another 5G — held launch events across Seoul for phone, in the South later this month, Global System for Mobile Communi- ities and other components. the Galaxy S10 5G, whose base version while in the US, Verizon’s network cations, an industry alliance. Chinese entities own a total of costs 1.39 million won ($1,200). works with Lenovo’s Moto Z3 smart- The implications of the new 3,400 5G patents — more than a third Interactive virtual-reality displays phone fitted with a special accessory. technology have pitted Washington of the total, according to data analysis and robot demonstrations were on Commercialising 5G gives South against Beijing — whose firms dom- firm IPlytics — with 1,529 of those reg- show to tout the capabilities of the Korea the chance to build around the inate 5G technology — in an istered by Huawei. latest iteration of mobile internet technology, which is crucial for the increasingly bitter standoff. The US South Korea comes next, with its speed, and new users were excited future development of devices such has pressed its allies and major companies holding 2,051 patents, about the possibilities, especially live as autonomous vehicles and the economies to avoid 5G solutions while US firms have 1,368 together. o o streaming of sports games and uni- Internet of Things. from Chinese-owned telecom giant Neither KT nor SK Telecom use 21 C 28 C versity lectures. It is expected to bring about Huawei, citing security risks that Huawei technology in their 5G net- “I watch a lot of videos often, $565bn in global economic benefits by technological backdoors could give works, but it is a supplier to LG UPlus, Minimum Maximum movies and lectures,” said buyer Shim 2034, according to the London-based Beijing access to 5G-connected util- the companies said. Partly cloudy to cloudy with chance of scat- tered rain at places may be thundery. Japan probe

HIGH TIDE 04:45 –17:33 LOW TIDE 12:30 – 00:00 Amazon’s Bezos and wife reach Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department blasts asteroid, biggest divorce deal in history seeking clues AFP who reached out to us in kindness,” Mac- to life’s origins NEW YORK Kenzie Bezos wrote. “Happy to be giving him all of my AFP Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, interests in the Washington Post and TOKYO MacKenzie, finalised the biggest divorce Blue Origin, and 75% of our Amazon settlement in history, leaving him with stock plus voting control of my shares A Japanese probe yesterday 75 percent of their stock in the tech to support his continued contributions launched an explosive device giant and giving her nearly $36bn in with the teams of these incredible com- at an asteroid, aiming to blast shares. panies,” she said. “Excited about my own a crater in the surface and MacKenzie Bezos said she would plans. Grateful for the past as I look scoop up material that could give all of her stake in The Washington forward to what comes next.” shed light on how the solar Post and the space exploration firm Blue Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his wife Jeff Bezos, in a Twitter message of system evolved. Origin to her husband — the world’s MacKenzie Bezos. his own, said his wife had been “an The explosive mission is the richest man — as well as voting control extraordinary partner, ally, and mother.” riskiest yet attempted by the of her remaining Amazon stock. world after L’Oreal heiress Francoise “She is resourceful and brilliant and Japanese space agency’s Hay- Jeff Bezos, 55, and MacKenzie, 48, a Bettencourt Meyers and Walmart’s Alice loving, and as our futures unroll, I know abusa2 probe that aims to novelist, married in 1993 and have four Walton. I’ll always be learning from her,” he said. reveal more about the origins children. Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in Jeff Bezos, who now owns 12 percent “I’m grateful for her support and for of life on Earth. their Seattle garage in 1994 and turned of Amazon, remains the world’s richest her kindness in this process and am very Hayabusa2 successfully it into a colossus that dominates online man and the largest shareholder in the much looking forward to our new rela- released as scheduled the so- retail. In a filing with the US Securities company with an estimated fortune of tionship as friends and co-parents,” called “small carry-on and Exchange Commission, Amazon, $110bn, Forbes said, ahead of Microsoft Bezos added. Bezos has largely kept his impactor” — a cone-shaped which has a market capitalization of co-founder Bill Gates and Berkshire personal life private during his years device capped with a copper some $890bn, said MacKenzie Bezos will Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett. steering Amazon. bottom — as the probe hovered control four percent of the company’s Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos announced But it was thrust into the spotlight just 500 metres (1,650 feet) outstanding common stock. their separation in January and posted with the announcement in January that above the asteroid Ryugu. At Amazon’s current share price that Twitter messages on Thursday revealing he and his wife were divorcing after 25 The impactor was pro- would be worth some $35.6bn. the divorce settlement. years of marriage and the revelation by grammed to explode 40 According to Forbes magazine, the “Grateful to have finished the process the National Enquirer that he had been minutes later, propelling the divorce settlement makes MacKenzie of dissolving my marriage with Jeff with having an affair with a former news copper bottom towards Ryugu, Bezos the third wealthiest woman in the support from each other and everyone anchor, Lauren Sanchez. where it should gouge a crater into the surface of the asteroid that spins 300 million kilo- metres from Earth. ‘Game of Thrones’ author to discover TV ending to his saga Hayabusa2 moved smartly away from the area to avoid AFP sold the film rights for the first four “Harry being damaged by debris from LOS ANGELES Potter” books to Warner Bros., she was the explosion or colliding with able to write the ending of her saga before Ryugu while also releasing a “Game of Thrones,” the fantasy epic it hit the big screen. camera to capture images of the imagined more than 20 years ago by But in Martin’s case, Allard said event. Images from a different author George R R Martin, will have its although the author had given “Game camera at the bottom of the much-anticipated finale on HBO later of Thrones” screenwriters a rough idea probe showed the impactor was this year. of how he envisioned the ending, it is released at the right position But in a strange twist never before unclear whether the show will stick to and angle. seen in literature, Martin will himself dis- his story line. Yuichi Tsuda, Hayabusa2 cover the on-screen ending of his long- “I haven’t read the (final season) project manager, told reporters running masterwork before he has had a scripts and haven’t been able to visit the that the Japanese space agency chance to conclude the fantasy on paper. set because I’ve been working on ‘Winds,’” (JAXA) was able to confirm the “Obviously, I wished I finished these Martin told Entertainment Weekly. “I impactor hit the surface of the books sooner so the show hadn’t gotten know some of the things. But there’s a lot asteroid based on an image ahead of me,” Martin said recently in an of minor-character (arcs) they’ll be captured by the camera interview with Entertainment Weekly coming up with on their own. released by the probe. “I think before the final season begins airing on “And, of course, they passed me it’s a success. We could not have April 14 on HBO. several years ago. There may be important asked for more,” he said. “I never anticipated that.” When the discrepancies.” Takashi Kubota, an engi- Emmy Award-winning television series According to several experts inter- neering researcher, said the about noble families vying for the Iron viewed by AFP, Martin is not bound by probe’s use of explosives and Throne was launched in 2011, the the television story line and he may well Croatia’s mediaeval walled city of Dubrovnik, also a set for the HBO series “Game its “acrobatic” evasive American author had only written four of choose to depart from it. “His contract of Thrones” (GoT). Dubrovnik became a set in 2011 for the cult HBO series “Game manoeuvres were “unprece- the seven books that make up his “Song stipulates that he has to come up with the of Thrones” whose final season starts on April 14. dented” and he hoped the of Ice and Fire” saga. denouement for the series and provide mission would give scientists a His fifth novel, “A Dance With an outline of what would happen,” Allard of events... there’s no way he can be in “He wanted to be the one to reveal rare peek inside an asteroid. Dragons,” was published in July 2011, a said. “But he is free to choose a different the world and not know the way that that in his novels,” Allard said. “Now, it’s Although the detonation few weeks after the end of the first season. ending on paper. the audience has responded to the dif- like the television series and the novels was too small to move Ryugu But since then, book fans have eagerly “And that would be the first time this ferent plot points or the way that we are two separate artistic elements.” Mesle off-orbit, JAXA scientist Makoto been awaiting the last two novels — “The would happen in the literary world.” He came to love some characters and not says it is clear the television series has Yoshikawa said the ability to Winds of Winter” and “A Dream of said for example that Jon Snow could very others,” she said. overtaken the story line and upstaged operate a probe to this level of Spring.” The plot lines for both have already well die of his stabbing wound in the next “I mean he’s... been very much a part Martin. precision marked “an important been adapted to the screen based on out- novel rather than be resuscitated as was of the fan culture of the show, and I think “All of a sudden we have this TV achievement in planetary lines Martin discussed with screenwriters the case on screen. his sense of how audiences feel about his show that has the storytelling status over defence” if Earth were David Benioff and Dan Weiss on how he For Sarah Mesle, assistant professor story will certainly affect his choices.” a book,” she said. “Whether Martin fin- threatened by an asteroid. foresaw the end of his saga. of writing at the University of Southern Allard noted as an example that Martin ishes the series or not, once the TV show It will take two weeks for “This is simply unprecedented,” California, it’s all but guaranteed that was upset when, in season six of the tel- started to surpass the novels, the novels the probe itself to return to its Nicolas Allard, a French author who wrote Martin will move away from the television evision series, the origin of the White are now going to be an adaptation of the “home position” near Ryugu a book about “Game of Thrones,” said. He storyline. Walkers — formerly-human ice creatures TV show,” she added. “There’s no way after the detonation and noted that while British author JK Rowling “Even if he sticks to the same series — was revealed. around it.” impact.