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MONDAY Vol. XXXVII No. 10265 November 7, 2016 Safar 7, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Emir hails Argentina ties

In brief Priority in govt

REGION | Industry Minister calls for and public jobs GCC co-ordination HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada has stressed the need for HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday met with visiting Argentine “industrial co-ordination” among Vice President Marta Gabriela Michetti and the delegation accompanying her. At Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) the outset of the meeting, held at the Emiri Diwan, HH the Emir welcomed the vice for citizens countries in manufacturing industries, president, hailing relations between Qatar and Argentina. The Emir said the visit was particularly the small- and medium- a significant step in developing bilateral relations on all fronts, particularly in economy The Ministry of Administrative troleum employees, Qatar Investment to special and exceptional bonus, and sized enterprises (SME) sector. He was and investment. For her part, the Argentine vice president expressed her delight Development, Labour and Social Authority employees and State Audit compensation for overtime. Other al- addressing the Qatar-Saudi Economic at the visit to Qatar, voicing her gratitude and appreciation to HH the Emir for the Aff airs will prepare a guidebook on Bureau employees. lowances include those for telephones, Forum in Riyadh yesterday. The event warm reception and hospitality. The meeting discussed ways to enhance the bilateral the description and classification The Cabinet will issue the executive furniture, private vehicles and others. was held on the sidelines of the “Made relations in all fields in addition to reviewing a set of issues of mutual interest. Page 2 of public jobs regulations of the law and it will be ap- For non-Qatari employees, the gov- in Qatar” expo in the Saudi capital. plicable from the day following its pub- ernment entity concerned will bear the Attention to industry will bring about lication in the offi cial gazette. cost of tickets for their travel. sustainable development in the GCC atari citizens are to be given According to the law, the Ministry of Regarding leave period and holidays, countries, al-Sada said. The minister priority in appointments for Administrative Development, Labour the law stipulates that if a single day also called on the private sector to Qgovernment and public jobs, a and Social Aff airs will prepare a guide- separates two offi cial holidays, it will be provide initiatives for the youth to Agreement on encouragement new law issued by HH the Emir Sheikh book on the description and classifi ca- considered a holiday as well. The law also enable them “to find a decent place Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday tion of public jobs and HE the Minis- specifi es 16 types of leave due to govern- on the map of production and export”. and protection of investments stipulates. ter will issue a decision on this. Every ment employees – such as maternity Page 5 After citizens, priority is to be given government entity will prepare its job leave, regular and periodic leaves, sick QNA to children of Qatari women married structure in accordance with its actual leave, unpaid leave and others. AMERICA | Politics Doha to non-Qataris, non-Qatari spouses of needs, tasks and speciality, which will The annual leave for government Qatari citizens, nationals of other GCC be only applicable when approved by employees ranges from 30 to 45 days FBI advice on Clinton countries, Arab expatriates and other the Minister. according to the level and classifi cation e-mails unchanged atar and Argentina yesterday nationalities, in that order, according A new employee will have to spend a of the employee. Besides, each employ- The FBI’s review of new e-mails did signed an agreement on recip- to the new legislation. In all cases, the probationary period of three months, ee is entitled to seven days of casual not uncover any wrongdoing by Qrocal encouragement and pro- appointment of non-Qatari employees which can be extended for a similar pe- leave a year. Further, the law provides Democratic presidential nominee tection of investments. will be made only through employment riod. If the employee proves to be un- detailed stipulations and regulations Hillary Clinton and the bureau has not The agreement was signed for Qa- HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin contracts. fi t for the job during this period, his/ for each type of leave. changed its July recommendation not tar by HE the Minister of Economy and Mohamed al-Thani and Vice President Law No 15 for 2016 on Civil Human her services will be terminated. On the Regarding punishment and penal- to charge her, Director James Comey Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Marta Gabriela Michetti signing the Resources is applicable to civilian em- other hand, if such an employee per- ties, the law stipulates that it is not told lawmakers yesterday. Since late Mohamed al-Thani and for Argentina by agreement. ployees at government ministries and forms his/her duties successfully, or allowed to penalise any employee October, when Comey dropped a Vice President Marta Gabriela Michetti. departments and other public sector without being served a written note to without due interrogation – in writing bombshell that a review of Clinton’s The reciprocal encouragement and The trade exchange between Qa- entities. Categories exempted from the terminate his/her services, s/he will – where he can defend himself against State Department e-mail practices protection of investments agreement tar and Argentina amounted to about provisions of the law include judges, retain the job. the charges. For minor issues, the in- would be revisited after new messages aims to create a good investment climate $181mn in 2015. Argentina is Qatar’s assistant judges, members of the Public The law specifi es the allowances vestigation can be oral and the penalty were uncovered, “the FBI investigative between the two countries, establish fa- trading partner No 38. Qatari exports Prosecution and their assistants, em- and compensation due to government will range from a warning to three days’ team has been working around the vourable conditions for investments by to Argentina reached about $147mn ployees of the Emiri Diwan, employees and public sector employees. These salary deduction. However, a written clock”, he said in a letter to lawmakers. investors of the two countries, and pro- in 2015, while the value of imports of the diplomatic and consulate corps, include a social bonus and allowances justifi cation has to be provided by the Page 13 mote and protect those investments. amounted to about $34mn. university teaching staff , Qatar Pe- for housing, transportation, in addition offi cial concerned for this.To Page 28 Gulf Times 2 Monday, November 7, 2016 QATAR

Deputy Emir, PM hold talks with Argentine vice president

Official

Emir issues ratification on pacts with Venezuela and Mexico

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued ratification documents, endorsing agree- ments between Qatar and Venezuela in the legal and youth and sports fields between Qatar and Venezuela signed in Caracas on November 25, 2015. The Emir issued another ratifica- tion document, endorsing a memorandum of understanding between the Qatar Central Bank and the Central Bank of Ven- ezuela, which was also signed in Caracas on November 25, 2015. HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and Argentine Vice President Marta Gabriela Michetti Additionally, the Emir issued a rati- yesterday held talks at the Emiri Diwan. They discussed co-operation between the two countries and means of fication document, endorsing the boosting them on all fronts, particularly in the economic field, and enhancing investment opportunities between ratification of a draft co-operation the two countries. The talks also discussed regional and global issues. Several Qatari ministers and members of the agreement in the cultural and delegation accompanying the vice president attended the talks. The Deputy Emir hosted a lunch banquet in honour artistic fields between Qatar and of the Argentine vice president. Later HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Mexico, which was signed in Doha Khalifa al-Thani met Michetti. They reviewed co-operation between the two countries. on January 21, 2016, as well as the diplomatic memos exchanged between them on the endorse- ment of an amendment to the text of the second article of the agreement. Message from Poland The Emir also issued a ratification document, endorsing aviation agreement between the two countries, which was signed in Mexico City on November 24, Interchange 2015. New envoys to France, Germany

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin expected to Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued Emiri Decision No 54 of 2016, appointing Khalid Rashid Salem al-Homoudi al-Mansouri as ambas- sador to France. The Emir also issued Emiri Deci- sion No 55 of 2016, appointing ease traffi c Sheikh Saud bin Abdurrahman bin HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has received a written message from Polish Hassan al-Thani as ambassador to President Andrzej Duda dealing with bilateral relations. The message was handed over by Germany. Poland’s ambassador Krzysztof Suprowicz during a meeting yesterday with HE the Minister of The decisions are effective from State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi. the date of their issue and are to be published in the official at Umm Slal gazette. mm Slal Mohamed In- Retirement and terchange was opened to pension law Utraffi c yesterday by Ash- UNRWA chief praises Qatar ghal. The new intersection serves HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin as a key access point linking the Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued neighbouring areas, located east QNA many education, health and He said the Gaza Recon- Law No 14 of 2016, amending and west of Al Shamal Road. Doha relief projects, adding that struction Mechanism (GRM) some provisions of Law No 24 of The interchange consists of there is co-ordination and was created as a temporary 2002 on retirement and pensions, two separate levels, including a co-operation with Qatar measure to deal with the situ- with the law stipulating that Article dual main bridge with two lanes irector of Operations through their own represent- ation in the sector, pointing 23 of Law No 24 of 2002 shall be in each direction and an addi- for the United Na- ative institutions in Gaza by out that this mechanism has abolished. tional lane for turning towards Dtions Relief and Works implementing projects and made some progress, but it’s The law is eff ective from the date the ramps, and two light signals. Agency for Palestine Refugees development programmes not a process that can work of its issue and and is to be pub- The junction also features four in the Gaza Strip (UNRWA) Bo for necessary areas of life in forever. lished in the off icial gazette. on-and-off ramps - the northern The newly-built interchange at Umm Slal across Shamal Expressway Schack praised Qatar for its Gaza. Bo Schack said that he had ramps which were opened yes- support of Palestinian peo- He described the block- experienced a variety of re- terday while the southern ramps Road, skipping the perennial Ashghal delivered both ple through the implementa- ade of the Gaza Strip as a construction in a number of Ties reviewed are still underway. jam at Al Kheesa Interchange Izghawa Interchange and the tion of diff erent projects and great tragedy adding the de- countries including Europe HE the Minister of State for The intersection is a key con- and allowing for better access bridge linking Al Huwaila road programmes, especially in the struction of the private sec- and the reconstruction of Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad nection for the residents in the between the service roads and to the North Road on October 22. Gaza Strip. tor has a negative impact on houses in Afghanistan, stress- al-Muraikhi yesterday met Niger’s vital and busy neighbourhood of the North Road Also, the 5km Al Khor Link Road Bo Schack said Qatar con- job creation in addition to ing that the process of recon- ambassador Mubarak Hassan Umm Slal Mohamed. Umm Slal Mohamed is the (from Al Shamal Road to Ras tributed to the development its impact on issues related struction is one of the most Boubacar. They reviewed bilateral The junction will reduce con- third construction opened by Laff an Roundabout at Al Khor) of the infrastructure in the to water, energy and move- diffi cult processes in any con- relations and ways of enhancing gestion and cut travel times as Ashghal as part of the North was opened to traffi c after being sector and worked to fund ment. text. them. it will provide smooth flowing Road Corridor Enhancement upgraded into a dual three-lane traffic from and into Al Shamal Project in the last fortnight. road. QC signs co-operation agreement with Safari Group for donation initiative

atar Charity (QC) has signed a co-operation Qagreement with Safari Group. The agreement will involve the marketing of QC’s Elkher Cards project at the group’s out- A view of the road over the new Umm Slal Interchange linking western and eastern areas of Shamal Expressway. lets, allowing shoppers to do- nate to Qatar Charity projects, the organisation said in a press statement. Ali Atiq al-Abdullah, QC’s executive director of local development, said: “Qatar Galaxy S7 edge now in Charity is seeking to open up prospects for co-operation with various public and pri- vate institutions, helping us Coral Blue colour too achieve our mission and serve a larger number of beneficiar- ies around the world.” amsung has released a Cor- design,” said Tarek The 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 edge “The retail sector is particu- Off icials at the agreement-signing ceremony. al Blue special edition of Sabbagh, head of is constructed with 3D glass larly important, especially com- Sthe Galaxy S7 edge, bring- IT and Mobile Di- and metal - all in a sleek design mercial complexes, which can hand to the needy,” said Ha- amounts of money, but when nate funds directly to QC, which ing the total of available colours vision at Samsung with durability and ergonomic ensure the largest number of mad Zafer Abdel-Hadi al- combined, these could have will spend it on projects for the for the device to fi ve. Gulf Electronics. curves for a comfortable grip. donors,” he added, thanking all Sofan al-Ahbabi, chairman of a dramatic effect on the lives benefi t of the needy. The special edition appears in The new col- The device with an Always-On those who contributed to the Safari Group. of those in need. We strive for He added: “The Qatar Charity two hues, Coral Blue for the body our variant of the Display, has increased utility signing of the agreement. “Thanks to God, many have closer co-operation with Qa- ‘Elkher’ shop application allows and gold for the phone’s metallic Galaxy S7 edge is with IP68 water and dust re- “Qatar Charity is a leading benefi ted from our partnerships tar Charity for the benefit of you to choose the exact area frame. priced at QR2,649, sistance. The device delivers organisation within the State and we look forward to off ering needy groups.” where you wish to donate, with “Blue Coral enhances the along with the cur- fast wired and wireless charg- and has a strong reputation more such help.” Hamid Said Aladdin, QC’s participating malls allowing you overall look of the device and rently available ing technology, while its Dual within the community, with Speaking about the ‘Dara- community partnership direc- to present a barcode on your depicts a sense of calmness and Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, Pink Pixel camera delivers brighter activities stretching across him project’, al-Ahbabi said: tor, explained that the project mobile phone to the cashier and serenity, off ering a new perspec- Gold and Silver Titanium colour and sharper images, even in low the world, while Safari always “Donations to the ‘Darahim allows shoppers carrying out add your donation amount to tive on smartphone colours and options. light. strives to provide a helping project’ involved very small their weekly purchases to do- your shopping.” Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 3 QATAR

Serbian president arrives

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic arrived in Doha yesterday on an official visit to Qatar. He was received at Hamad International Airport by HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, Qatar’s ambassador to Serbia Mubarak bin Fahad al-Thani and Serbian ambassador to Qatar Jasminko Pozderac. Over 1,700 new fi rms registered in Oct: MEC

s many as 1,767 new companies list of the most common business ac- in second with 21%, followed by elec- were registered in Qatar during tivities, with 416 commercial records tronics and electrical trading compa- Athe month of October 2016, ac- issued. nies (20%). cording to the Business Progress Re- At least 187 commercial records The report has indicated that the port on the Commerce Sector, released were issued in the fi eld of construction total number of transactions that took by the Ministry of Economy and Com- materials trading while 197 commer- place during the month at the minis- merce (MEC). cial records were issued for restaurants try’s headquarters in Lusail Tower and Among the new registrations, there and groceries. other branches reached 29,343, includ- were 1,097 new main commercial The report pointed out that 7,281 ing 3,939 that were processed at Lusail records and 670 new subsidiary com- commercial licences were issued, Tower and 25,404 at other branches. mercial records. amended or renewed during October, In the area of intellectual property Limited liability companies ac- as the ministry issued 1,421 commer- rights, the report indicated that there counted for 61% of the new commer- cial licences while 663 commercial were 34 new patent applications dur- cial records. licences were modifi ed and 5,197 com- ing October while 138 patent applica- While 23% of the companies were mercial licences were renewed. tions were renewed. registered in the category of Single- The total number of closed compa- In addition, 3,838 trademarks have Person Company, 15% were registered nies in October was 369. been registered during the month, in the category of Individual Corpora- Regarding write-off activities, con- while eight certifi cates were issued tions. tracting companies topped the list at in the fi eld of copyright and related Contracting companies topped the 26%, restaurants and groceries came rights. Gulf Times 4 Monday, November 7, 2016 QATAR

Asian expat jailed for stealing spare parts

A Doha Criminal Court spare parts to a garage in of abandoned vehicles has sentenced an Asian Industrial Area for QR2,000. and sell them in Industrial expatriate man to one The purchaser was acquitted Area. However, a witness IBQ partners with QA Privilege Club year in jail and ordered his by the court after proving his told the court that he saw subsequent deportation for ignorance about the origin of the defendant towing nternational Bank of holders can now get 2,500 thanq is our way of saying portunity to exchange IBQ’s ing products and services, stealing spare parts from a the parts. some vehicle’s from the Qatar (IBQ) has an- Qmiles for every 5,000 thank you to our custom- thanq rewards for Qmiles to and then redeem them at vehicle owned by a company. During interrogation, company’s site. When asked, Inounced that it is join- thanq points converted. ers and showing them how enjoy when they travel with over 800 airlines, 160,000 Local Arabic daily Arrayah the defendant told the the defendant claimed he ing forces with Qatar Air- Hassan al-Mulla, head, much we value their loyalty.” Qatar Airways.” hotels and car rental serv- reported yesterday that the investigators that he had bought them from the ways to combine their retail banking at IBQ, said: Qatar Airways vice-presi- Privilege Club members ices for Nojoom points defendant sold the stolen used to take spare parts company. loyalty programmes for the “This partnership with Qatar dent (CRM and loyalty) Ian Di who are IBQ customers and from Ooredoo and now for benefi t of customers. Airways is another testament Tullio added, “Qatar Airways have registered to thanq can Qmiles from Qatar Airways Under this, IBQ custom- of our commitment to deliver is delighted to welcome IBQ now visit the rewards dedi- Privilege Club. ers enrolled in the bank’s re- pioneering off ers to our cus- to our Privilege Club partners cated website to exchange For more details on earn- wards programme can now tomers and to make thanq programme. By collaborating their thanq points for Qmiles. ing and redeeming Qmiles, exchange their thanq points the rewards programme of with IBQ, we are able to of- thanq allows customers members can visit the Qa- for Qmiles, according to a choice in Qatar, where every fer customers additional ex- to accumulate points on tar Airways Privilege Club statement. IBQ credit card banking transaction matters. clusive benefi ts and the op- purchases, as well as bank- website at Qmiles.com Experts discuss anaesthesia practices to boost patient care

amad Medical Cor- poration (HMC) Hcelebrated the 170th anniversary of World An- aesthesia Day with a two- day conference bringing together local and inter- national experts to discuss practices that can improve perioperative care, safety and quality in the practice of anaesthesia. The event was jointly or- ganised by HMC’s Depart- ment of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Perioperative Medi- cine and the Department of Prof Abraham E Marcus addresses the conference. Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and CT-ICU at Heart Hos- Organising Committee. surgical procedures now more than 300 attendees ing international specialists pital to commemorate the Today, more than 50,000 being performed. comprising anaesthetists, in the fi eld including Prof fi rst successful demonstra- patients receive anaesthe- “Anaesthesia is deserv- surgeons, nurses, techni- Harmut Burkle, director of tion of ether anaesthesia. sia services at HMC every ingly referred to as the life- cians and intensive care the Department of Anaes- “We recognise this day year. It is proven to be very line of modern medicine. unit staff took part in a se- thesiology and Intensive because the fi rst demon- safe and studies have shown Without advancement in ries of scientifi c sessions Care, University Hospi- stration of ether anaesthe- a dramatic reduction in the this specialty, major surgi- organised to mark the day. tal, Freiburg, Germany; Dr sia is considered one of the anaesthesia mortality rate. cal operations such as open The conference covered David Whitaker, consultant most signifi cant events in Perioperative mortality as- heart surgeries, neurosur- important topics ranging on in Anaesthesia and Inten- history,” said Prof Abraham sociated with anaesthesia geries and many other com- facets of anaesthesia and its sive Care at the Manchester E Marcus, chair, Depart- and surgery has markedly plex surgeries would not be allied sub-specialties with a Royal Infi rmary, UK; and ment of Anaesthesiol- decreased from 1 in 1,500 in possible,” said Prof Marcus. focus on quality, safety and David McDonald, Scottish ogy, ICU and Perioperative the 1950s to 1 in 250,000 to- To discuss the practice of outcomes. Government Health Direc- Medicine and patron of the day, despite more complex anaesthesiology in Qatar, The event featured lead- torate, Glasgow, Scotland. Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 5 QATAR GCC co-ordination is needed to boost SME sector: minister By Peter Alagos them “to fi nd a decent place on “The Gulf region is replete Saudi Arabia market but is an Business Reporter the map of production and ex- with potentials and powers that opportunity for both countries port”. will enable it to be a gateway to to develop economic and trade The minister pointed out that all kinds of investments. relations. E the Minister of Energy Gulf investments abroad, es- “Low oil prices and the po- “I am fully certain the Qa- and Industry Dr Mo- timated at $248bn in 2015 (ex- litical instability in our region tar-Saudi Arabia partnership Hhamed bin Saleh al-Sada cluding sovereign funds), “will helped us foresee a much more is based on the key roles played has stressed the need for “in- not achieve the sustainable de- realistic look. Oil will not be fu- by businessmen and manufac- dustrial co-ordination” among velopment we seek unless they turistically the active and mobi- turers in achieving sustainable Gulf Co-operation Council are balanced by productive for- lising power in the gulf econo- development by investing in (GCC) countries in manufactur- eign investments for the next my,” al-Sada said. joint benefi cial projects for both ing industries, particularly the generations”. On the “Made in Qatar” expo, countries’ economies. small- and medium-sized en- He said that the contribution al-Sada said co-operation be- “We should seize this oppor- terprises (SME) sector. of the industrial sector in the tween Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s tunity to create more partner- He was addressing the Qatar- Gulf GDP is 10%, which he said business communities are “ex- ships and joint ventures to take Saudi Economic Forum in Riya- was “very low” compared to tensive and ready for further in- advantage and explore new ar- dh yesterday. other developed countries. vestments in many sectors”. eas of co-operation between our The event was held on the “The majority of these in- “The ‘Made in Qatar’ expo countries,” Sheikh Khalifa said. sidelines of the “Made in Qatar” vestments are focused on en- represents a good opportunity Made in Qatar 2016 expo was expo in the Saudi capital. ergy-intensive industries like to exchange ideas and experi- organised by Qatar Chamber for Attention to industry will petrochemicals and fertilisers, ences and display products and the fi rst time in Saudi Arabia. bring about sustainable devel- which are government-owned capabilities,” he added. More than 200 Qatar com- opment in the GCC countries, industries,” al-Sada explained. Qatar Chamber chairman panies are expected to partici- al-Sada said. The minister stressed that Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al- pate in the event, which will run The minister also called on the GCC is an “active economic Thani said that the forum and until November 9 at the Riyadh the private sector to provide ini- power” not only at the regional expo will not only showcase International Convention and tiatives for the youth to enable level but globally as well. “Made in Qatar” products in the Exhibition. HE Dr al-Sada delivering a speech during the Qatar-Saudi Economic Forum yesterday. Sidra conference to focus on tackling obesity pandemic

idra Medical and Research healthcare providers and regula- food intake and health status. demic around the world, with mas- “Sidra’s eff orts through the con- Center (Sidra) will hold an tory agents involved in the fi elds of “We are really keen to further sive social, economic and medical ference are to bring together world- Sinternational conference on chemical senses, nutrition, obesity discuss and explore how olfactory, costs. renowned experts from the fi elds of “Senses, Diet and Disease” to fur- and related disorders. taste and appetite systems interact In the Gulf region, overweight and olfaction, taste, food perception and ther scientifi c knowledge on how The 1st Qatar Olfactory Mini and impact on diseases and medi- obesity rates are amongst the high- intake, and neurobiology of feeding the senses of taste and smell can Symposium, a satellite half-day cal conditions like obesity, cancer or est in the world – posing even bigger to illustrate the ongoing research help address and treat diseases like meeting will also be an integral part malnutrition. problems in the population. and to drive scientifi c knowledge in obesity. of the conference. “The potential of these senses Qatar has taken measures to ad- this area of research. To be held from November 13-15 Sidra’s chief of experimental ge- and their interplay have tremen- dress its own obesity challenges in “We hope this will provide clues at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- netics, Professor Paolo Gasparini dous potential in tackling issues like the adult population via health and to potential approaches for control- sity Student Centre in Education and investigator Dr Luis Saraiva will obesity – a growing health concern well-being campaigns including the ling appetite and obesity, which is City, the event is directed towards be discussing how genes, smell, taste in the Gulf region,” said Dr Saraiva. promotion of sports and health ac- of serious medical concern in our Prof Gasparini and Dr Saraiva academia, researchers, physicians, and food preferences can impact on Obesity has become a major pan- tivities on National Sport Day. modern society,” said Dr Saraiva. Gulf Times 6 Monday, November 7, 2016 QATAR Islamic educators ponder future challenges

he opening ceremony of stand the current situation in the the 21st Session of the Islamic world, while encouraging TExecutive Council of the them to advance their research Federation of the Universities activities.” of the Islamic World (FUIW) FUIW secretary general and held yesterday at Qatar Univer- Islamic Educational, Scientifi c sity (QU) was attended by HE the and Cultural Organisation (IS- Minister of Education and High- ESCO) director general Dr Ab- er Education Dr Mohamed Abdul dulaziz Othman Altwaijri ex- Wahed Ali al-Hammadi. pressed his gratitude to HH the The two-day event aims to Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad highlight and discuss FUIW’s fu- al-Thani, for his support to Is- ture plans in the areas of knowl- lamic education in general and edge, research and innovation. FUIW in particular. Discussions focused on the Dr al-Derham was presented a numerous research activities that trophy by Dr Altwaijri in recogni- will help FUIW Executive Coun- tion of his support and eff orts in cil achieve its main goals. the fi eld of Islamic higher educa- QU president Dr Hassan al- tion. Derham said a balanced higher Dr al-Derham also honoured education is the cornerstone to Dr Altwaijri for his support to achieving peace and mutual un- enhance education and research derstanding between nations. within Islamic universities. “In this regard, Islamic uni- HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi with top off icials of QU, FUIW and other dignitaries at the opening of the event On the sidelines of the event, a versities play a pivotal role by yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil memorandum of understanding providing Islamic societies with was signed between Dr Altwaijri high-qualifi ed researchers and ment strategies and the promo- FUIW executive council chair- tor Dr Suliman bin Abdallah wise perception and co-research “This highlights the key role of and the Arab Union for Voluntary scholars, which will contribute tion of intellectual and social man and Al-Imam Muhammad Aba-Al Khail said there is a cru- initiatives that align with FUIW scholars and researchers in help- Work secretary general Yousef to the establishment of develop- growth.” Ibn Saud Islamic University rec- cial need in the Islamic world for objectives. ing future generations to under- al-Kazim.

Ooredoo implements ‘next-gen’ Ericsson solution for charging and billing

oredoo Group and Ericsson effi cient, and opens the door to have agreed upon a fi ve- easier digital services creation that Oyear contract to implement spans beyond telecom and inte- an “innovative revenue manage- grates partners from diff erent in- ment system” across the Group’s dustries,” the statement explained. footprint in the Middle East, North Ooredoo Group companies Africa and Southeast Asia. will enjoy a single, converged By deploying the “next-gener- platform that enables them to ation charging and billing solu- handle all their users and servic- tion, Ooredoo will be able to off er es, regardless of payment option customers the products they need or access method. more quickly and be able to tailor The solution will be gradually pricing, packages and services ac- deployed across all Ooredoo op- cording to customer demand in erations and enable them to bring each market”, the company has new off ers for telecommunica- said in a press statement. tion services to market in min- “The Ericsson Revenue Man- utes, rather than months. Ooredoo Group and Ericsson off icials mark the collaboration. ager is a cloud-ready convergent Deploying Ericsson’s software charging and billing system that and cloud technologies will also ise signifi cant cost savings from model and the latest evolution will begin rolling out the solution operations in 2016 and 2017. will enable every Ooredoo opera- redefi nes the role of business support Ooredoo’s ongoing Dig- replacing its existing systems of Ericsson’s charging and billing for Indosat Ooredoo, its largest Waleed al-Sayed, deputy CEO tion to deliver fast, customer-ori- support systems. ital Business Transformation. and local agreements with a pio- solution across its operations”, operation, over the next month, of Ooredoo Group, said: “Through ented off ers and launch new data It makes innovation fast and As a result, Ooredoo will “real- neering new group-wide licence the statement adds. Ooredoo before deploying across its other this agreement with Ericsson, we products and services.” Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 7 QATAR Expansion of PEC cuts Strong winds, poor visibility wait time by 20 to 30% in some areas he expansion of Hamad ticeable increase in the number Medical Corporation’s of patients visiting PEC specifi - T(HMC) Paediatric Emer- cally among Qataris after the ex- gency Centre (PEC) in Al Sadd pansion. Patients have reported predicted has helped to provide highly increased levels of satisfaction specialised, quality emergency due to reduced waiting times, services to paediatric patients additional triage areas, spacious trong winds are expect- Fog alert from across Qatar. and comfortable waiting areas, ed in the northern parts After the expansion, PEC is a more child friendly ambience, Sof Qatar today along The Met department has 25% larger with more staff than spacious examination rooms with poor visibility in some issued safe-driving tips for ever before. It has an extra 22 that promote privacy and con- places in the early hours of the motorists, in co-operation new beds distributed across fi dentiality, improved signage as day, the Met department has with the Ministry of Interior, 13 treatment rooms, as well well as clearly separated clinical said. in view of the foggy condi- as six triage rooms, an emer- areas, making it easier for them Off shore areas, too, may tions experienced across gency procedure room and an to identify and approach their experience strong winds the country. isolation unit. care provider. along with high seas by this Dense fog was reported The services and amenities of The expansion at PEC Al Sadd noon. The wind speed may from several places the upgraded facility have pro- has also been positively received go up to 25 knots in inshore yesterday, which resulted vided children and families with by its clinical team which has areas towards the north and in low visibility along with further specialised emergency welcomed the increased oppor- 28 knots in off shore areas, a number of roads. The services as well as additional tunities it has provided to deliver while visibility may drop to safe-driving tips in foggy resources and space. The expan- even better patient care. 2km or less in some places conditions include keeping sion has also helped ease wait Dr Khalid al-Ansari, medical at fi rst. The sea level, mean- more distance than usual times for patients by enabling a director, Paediatric Emergency while, is expected to rise between vehicles, avoiding more effi cient fl ow of paediat- Services, said the expansion to 6-9ft. manoeuvres such as pass- ric patients, with the increase has enabled everyone at PEC Al The renovated PEC in Al Sadd. On Saturday, the Met de- ing and overtaking, sticking in staff and number of beds and Sadd – both staff and patients partment had said strong to one’s lane, pulling off rooms provided by the expan- – to benefi t from the improve- waiting and patient care areas. tion in the waiting area of the old are now just in front of the wait- winds, low visibility due to the road and parking at a sion immediately leading to a 20 ments ranging from the spa- “The expansion has really building especially during peak ing area so it is also much easier dust and a dip in temperature safe spot if the fog is too to 30% decrease in wait times. cious and comfortable working helped us provide patient care hours has lessened allowing our to monitor patients in the wait- were expected in Qatar over dense, and using fog lights Patient feedback has been environment to the new medi- that is more effi cient and timeli- patients and healthcare provid- ing area for any change in their the coming days. It had also and low-beam headlights positive and there has been a no- cal equipment and improved er than ever before. The conges- ers to move freely. Triage nurses condition,” Dr al-Ansari added. issued a warning for off shore instead of high-beam or areas during this period. hazard lights. Weather charts also indi- cate that the mercury level has dropped signifi cantly in perature is expected to be 17C some places and more areas in Abu Samra, 18C in Al Khor Three restaurants closed are likely to see lower tem- and 19C in Mesaieed, Wak- peratures over the next few rah and Dukhan. In Doha, it is days. likely to be 24C. wo restaurants in New Doha Municipality has spot- Hajiri issued yesterday an ad- For instance, Abu Samra On the other hand, a maxi- Al Mirqab will be closed ted a storehouse inside labour ministrative decision to close a recorded a minimum tem- mum temperature of 36C was Tfor 30 days each and an- accommodation at Al Nasr restaurant and juice stall for 30 perature of 16C yesterday as recorded in the Qatar Uni- other in Najma for 10 days for Street. Various quantities of days for keeping expired food compared to 22C on Saturday versity area and Al Rayyan serving food prepared in unhy- food products, including fi sh products. and 24C on Friday. Similarly, yesterday, followed by 35C gienic conditions. The orders and chicken, were being pre- The Public Cleaning De- Al Khor had a minimum of in the Doha airport area, Al were issued yesterday by Doha pared in unhygienic condi- partment’s beaches and is- 16C yesterday, dropping from Sheehaniya, Al Khor and other Municipality director Jamal tions. lands section has conducted a 19C on Saturday and 23C on places. The maximum tem- Matar al-Nuaimi. Sheehaniyah Municipal- cleaning campaign at Wakrah Friday. perature is expected to be 33C Cleaning at Wakrah Port. The health control section of ity director Mohamed Saif al- beach and port. Today, the minimum tem- in Doha and Al Khor today. Gulf Times 8 Monday, November 7, 2016 QATAR

Save the Dream launches Levante S sports new global pact for sport ave the Dream, an initiative of the and through ongoing CSR programmes. International Centre for Sport Se- Qatar Chamber has also been announced as Scurity (ICSS) in partnership with the the inaugural member of the Save the Dream Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and sup- Global Pact and has signed a special decla- ported by Ooredoo as its technology part- ration stating its commitment supporting Maserati’s most ner, launched the Global Pact for Sport Save the Dream and promoting sport values yesterday to engage and encourage the in- through its network and CSR programmes. ternational business world to promote the Hanzab said: “Sport is a powerful tool practice of sport and its social values within that strengthens and benefi ts both business employees, communities and partners. and society. Its ability to empower and in- Speaking at the opening ceremony of the spire is second to none. This is why, at Save Qatar-Saudi Economic Forum, which marks the Dream, we are committed to fi nding new powerful V6 ever the start of the ‘Made in Qatar’ expo, Mohamed and innovative ways to further harness and Hanzab, ICSS president and founder of Save promote the positive values of sport and this By Joe Koraith the Dream, announced the new Save the Dream new Global Pact aims to become a powerful Staff Reporter Global Pact, which aims to develop an interna- platform to help connect business with sport tional network of businesses who are committed in order to further support Save the Dream to promoting sport values through their Corpo- activities and inspire young people and com- icture a Maserati. The fi rst rate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. munities around the world through sport. thing that comes to mind is Launched to support Save the Dream’s “On behalf of Save the Dream, I would Pa powerful, luxurious sedan overall mission promoting and protecting the like to thank the Qatar Chamber for being that checks all the boxes that mat- positive values of sport in young people, com- the fi rst organisation to sign up to the Glo- ter. But the Levante, the latest prod- panies who become members of the Save the bal Pact. As one of the oldest Chambers of uct from the Modena stables wants Dream Global Pact will pledge their commit- Commerce in the GCC, Qatar Chamber you to think a bit diff erently. The ment by signing a declaration to support and has been an important partner for Save the mid-size luxury crossover SUV aims organise sport-related activities and projects Dream and will play a vital role in promoting to grab a share of this lucrative mar- for employees, customers and other stake- the values of sport to businesses across Qa- ket segment and defi nitely comes holders under the banner of Save the Dream tar, in the GCC region and on a global scale.” loaded. Maserati have never been shy about showing off their logo and in case of the Levante the trident up front is more ‘move out of my way minion’ than ‘excuse me please’. Nestled between eight vertical slats, the Maserati logo is a tool of intimi- dation and one that will get vehicles out of your way in a fl ash. The trade- mark gills on the side, a stylish rear spoiler that houses the brake light The Levante derives its name from a warm Mediterranean wind. and those quad exhausts all work ef- fortlessly to make this an object of spaces. The driver’s seat comes with from 0-100kmph in just 5.2 sec- sion. Press the sport mode button appreciation. two memory positions. The engine onds. This is the same 3.0-litre twin twice and, as always, it’s time for As one steps inside the luxury start-stop button is conveniently turbo V6 (manufactured by Ferrari the symphony to begin. The engine is expected but the Levante also located on the steering wheel. Then in Maranello) that drives the Ghibli, growl is routed into the cabin and comes loaded with creature com- there is the lane-departure warning, except now it produces an extra 20 it’s the downshift sound that leaves forts. The remote engine starter a boot that can be opened with your horses. you drooling. In regular mode, only allows you to start up from a dis- leg, a single button that can switch With underpinnings from the two of the four exhaust pipes re- tance and enter a car that’s already on all the interior lights, two USB Ghibli, the Levante is more sports main open. But in the sport mode, cooled. ports in the glove box – it’s attention car than SUV. Maserati claims it the butterfl y valves on the inside Another cool feature is the bird’s to these small details that makes has the lowest centre of gravity pipes open up and let out a full- eye view of the SUV that comes up driving the Levante that much more among the SUV category and has throated roar. on the 8.4-inch touchscreen info- of an experience. 50-50 weight distribution. You All in all, it’s an immersive expe- tainment system when you switch We got to drive the Levante S and can choose from six diff erent ride rience. The Italian manufacturer to reverse gear. It gives a top view of that comes with the most powerful height levels - 8cm of travel for has been working on this vehicle for the Levante and is extremely help- V6 that Maserati has ever produced. those rare off road adventures. And 13 years (Kubang concept). It is the ful when parking, especially in tight The impressive 430hp takes you then there’s also the sport suspen- Maserati of SUVs, they say.

Power meet, exhibition start tomorrow

Under the patronage of HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada and hosted by the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) - GCC Power 2016, a GCC Cigre Electric Power Conference & Exhibition with the theme ‘Towards Energy Eff iciency’ will start at Doha Sheraton tomorrow. The GCC Cigre International Conference & 21st Exhibition for Electrical Equipment will bring together policy makers, transmission and distribution industry professionals, technology leaders, delegates, exhibitors, and experts among others. It off ers an opportunity for utility industry professionals to discuss and share views and experiences concerning relevant aspects of research, manufacturing and utility management. The three-day conference will include a number of panel discussions, presentations, plenary sessions, tutorials and research- related activities among others. The opening session of the conference will be focused on energy eff iciency in which participating leaders and decision makers will present overviews including strategies being adopted by their countries in the arena of power conservation and shed light on the importance of renewable energy. GCC-Cigre was established under the umbrella of the Gulf Co-operative Council in accordance with a recommendation from the GCC Ministers of Electricity & Water during their second meeting held in Kuwait on April 22, 1985 under the patronage and auspices of Gulf Co-operative Council. Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 9 QATAR Qatar Airways discusses Italy expansion plans

atar Airways Group chief this year, the press meet was mitted to upgrading the aircraft executive Akbar al-Baker also attended by Abdulaziz bin type currently fl ying to Pisa from Qhas said the airline in- Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani, Qa- an A320 to a wide-body model as tends to add Florence to its net- tar’s ambassador to Italy. soon as we receive more aircraft work when the airport’s runway During the briefi ng, al-Baker in our fl eet.” extension is complete. gave the national and regional An update on the status of Qa- The Doha-based carrier also media an update on the airline’s tar Airways’ negotiations with expects to conclude its deal to expansion plans in Italy. He said: Meridiana Fly – for a 49% stake acquire 49% of Meridiana Fly by “Italy is an incredibly important in the Italian airline – was also January 2017 if the Italian airline destination in our network and provided by al-Baker: “We are meets the conditions of the pur- we will keep investing in new hoping to have our discussions chase. routes and increased services in concluded by the end of Janu- Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker with Qatar’s ambassador to Italy Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani at the press meet in These matters were discussed this market. Once the runway ary. During this period, Meridi- Florence. at a press briefi ng hosted by al- extension at Florence Airport is ana Fly also has to deliver certain Baker during his recent visit to complete, we fully intend to start conditions and achieve certain bust international network, cre- Airbus A320 daily to Pisa, the 2003 and Venice since 2011. and Pisa. The new daily fl ight to Tuscany, Italy. a service to this historic city, targets in its performance. We ating jobs for the young people airline’s fourth Italian desti- The airline now off ers six daily Pisa has increased the airline’s Celebrating the launch of the which is so important to tourism want Meridiana Fly to be a very of Italy.” nation. It has been flying to frequencies to Italy: two to Milan weekly fl ights from Doha to Italy airline’s fl ights to Pisa in August in the region. We are also com- strong national carrier with a ro- Qatar Airways is flying the Milan since 2002, Rome since and Rome and one each to Venice from 35 to 42.

Katara set to host top Kazakhstan orchestra

atara – the Cultural The official noted that Village is set to host the new initiative stresses Kthe most renowned their keenness to host and orchestra in Kazakhstan celebrate diverse cultural on December 8 at the Op- shows and programmes, era House as part of the the which represent countries central Asian country’s 25th from across the globe in Independence Day anniver- line with Katara’s vision sary celebration. to build bridges with other “This event will open a nations and their cultures. window to the music and According to al-Sulai- culture of Kazakhstan,” ti, hosting such events said Katara general man- also enriches the cultural ager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim scene in Qatar as “it of- al-Sulaiti, who met with fers our audiences and Kazakhstan ambassador visitors more knowledge Askar Shokybayev recently and awareness of the regarding this cultural co- multi-national creative operation. trends.”

Kazakhstan ambassador Askar Shokybayev (left) with Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti.

Rota to hold 6th gala dinner on Nov 19

nder the patron- tion house, will auction a age of HH the Emir number of rare items in the USheikh Tamim bin evening. Proceeds from the Hamad al-Thani, Reach Out auction will fund existing To Asia (Rota), a member of and future Rota education Qatar Foundation for Edu- initiatives in Bangladesh, cation, Science and Com- Indonesia and Yemen, and munity Development, will for Syrian refugees in Jor- host its 6th gala dinner on dan, Lebanon and Turkey. November 19 at Al Shaqab. This year’s event, under The event, designed to the theme ‘Team up today, raise funds for projects that Shape up tomorrow,’ has Al provide access to quality Majed Jewellery and Qa- education and learning fa- tar Rail, as gold and silver cilities for underprivileged sponsors, respectively. communities across Asia Proceeds from the 5th and the Middle East, will be Rota gala dinner held in attended by a host of dig- 2014 were used to support nitaries and international Syrian refugees in Lebanon, celebrities. youth in Nepal and the West Sotheby’s, the world fa- Bank, and to rehabilitate mous international auc- schools in Tunisia.

QRCS treated over 64,000 cases in Taiz

QNA a view to receiving more Doha victims of the current war across the country. In partnership with Yemen atar Red Crescent So- Medical Charitable Socie- ciety (QRCS) has re- ty-Taiz and the Al-Thawra Qcently completed the Modern General Hospital, second phase of its project QRCS’s mission in Yemen to support the Al-Thawra treated 64,606 cases (48,913 Modern General Hospital’s male and 15,693 female), Surgical Emergency Centre including 63,914 cases that in Taiz, Yemen, with funding received dressing, inpatient, from Qatar Fund for Devel- radiology, lab, and outpatient opment (QFD). services. The second phase had The remaining 692 pa- been extended from August tients underwent major, me- 1 to October 16, 2016, with dium, and minor surgeries. Gulf Times 10 Monday, November 7, 2016 REGION

Charles, Camilla visit Abu Dhabi mosque 20 killed in fresh Yemen fi ghting

AFP killed in those clashes, the bombing rebel positions since Aden source said. March 2015 in support of Yem- Further south on the outskirts en’s government. of the oil-rich Usailan district Nearly 7,000 people have been resh clashes in two diff er- of Shabwa province, rebel forc- killed in the war – more than half ent parts of Yemen yes- es attacked loyalist positions of them civilians – while another Fterday killed 14 pro-Iran sparking clashes that killed 12 3mn are displaced amid a spread rebels and six fi ghters loyal to the insurgents and fi ve pro-govern- of malnutrition and disease. internationally recognised gov- ment soldiers, another military The United Nations’ attempts Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi yesterday. ernment, military offi cials said. source said. to convince the warring parties Among them was loyalist Yemen has been rocked by to agree on a ceasefi re and return General Yehia al-Khayati who war since the Houthi rebels and to peace talks have so far failed. died at a Saudi hospital where he their allies expanded from their The latest fi ghting comes as was taken after being wounded northern historic strongholds UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh in clashes in Midi, a northwest- seizing the capital Sanaa and Ahmed was visiting Sanaa to ern town close to the Saudi bor- other parts of the country. discuss a roadmap for peace that der and the Red Sea coast, an of- The confl ict escalated when has been rejected by Gulf-backed Qaboos meets British royals fi cial said. Saudi Arabia formed a coalition President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Two rebel fi ghters were also of Arab states that have been Hadi, who has fl ed to Riyadh. AFP Gulf sultanate since 1970, ceived foreign dignitaries to strengthen relations between Muscat has reduced his public activi- since April. them. Prince Charles arrived Freed American evacuated to Oman ties since undergoing medical Late on Saturday, the of- with his wife and other British treatment in 2014. ficial Oman News Agency re- offi cials on Friday for a three- An American citizen held in Yemen was released Oman) to continue helping in (releasing) its citizens man’s Sultan Qaboos On April 12, the sultan re- ported that he had received day visit to Oman. yesterday and evacuated from rebel-controlled held in Yemen”, the ministry said in a statement held talks with Britain’s turned from Germany after the Prince of Wales and the Last month, Oman’s Foreign Sanaa to Muscat along with Yemenis wounded in the carried by the state news agency ONA. OPrince Charles and his the medical checkup on his Duchess of Cornwall at a pal- Minister Yusuf bin Alawi told a country’s conflict, the sultanate’s foreign ministry It said he was set free following “co-ordination wife Camilla, in his fi rst an- progress following lengthy ace in Muscat. Saudi newspaper Qaboos was in said. with concerned parties in Sanaa,” in an apparent nounced meeting with foreign treatment there in 2014 and The royals discussed “co-op- “good health” as rumours cir- The unidentified man was transported onboard an reference to Iran-backed Shia Houthi rebels. dignitaries nearly seven months 2015. eration between their countries culated that the sultan had been Omani military aircraft after his release was secured Last month, Muscat secured the release of two other after a medical checkup in Ger- He has rarely appeared in in various sectors to achieve the hospitalised. “following a request by the US government (to Americans who were held in Sanaa. many. public, and this is the first joint interests of the Omani and Oman has historically close Qaboos, who has ruled the time he is known to have re- British people” as well as ways relations with Britain.

O’Brien in Kuwait Bahrain opens retrial of opposition leader

AFP Salman, behind bars since Manama December 2014, was sentenced in July last year to four years in prison after being convicted of n appeals court in Bahrain inciting hatred in the kingdom. yesterday began a retrial But in May the appeals court Aof Shia opposition chief more than doubled his jail term to Sheikh Ali Salman, jailed for nine nine years after reversing an ear- years for inciting hatred and call- lier acquittal on charges of calling ing for forceful regime change. for regime change by force. The head of the Al-Wefaq group However, on October 17, Bah- attended the hearing in Manama rain’s cassation court overturned but refused to answer the judge’s the nine-year jail sentence and questions, a judicial source said. ordered a retrial. His lawyers spoke in his de- The same court rejected a re- fence, insisting that Salman was quest to release the cleric. innocent, the source added. In July, a court ordered Al- A verdict would be announced Wefaq’s dissolution for “har- on December 4, advocate general bouring terrorism”, inciting Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah (right) meeting Haroun al-Zayani said in a state- violence and encouraging dem- with United Nations aid chief Stephen O’Brien in Kuwait City. ment carried by the offi cial BNA onstrations which threatened to news agency. spark sectarian strife.

Six projects get Aga Khan Award for Architecture

AFP ur Rouf mosque designed Al-Ain, UAE by Marina Tabassum. As well as Hadid’s Is- sam Fares Institute at the dome-less mosque American University of designed by a Bang- Beirut, the winning projects Aladeshi woman ar- included Tehran’s Tabiat chitect and a Beirut institute Pedestrian Bridge and Co- by the late Zaha Hadid were penhagen’s Superkilen among six projects awarded kilometre-long urban park. the Aga Khan Award for Ar- They also included chitecture yesterday. the Friendship Centre in The prestigious prize Gaibandha, a training facil- was awarded at a ceremony ity for the NGO Friendship in Al-Ain oasis city, in the that works with communi- United Arab Emirates, to ties living in rural fl atlands the projects chosen from a of northern Bangladesh. list of 348 works. They will Beijing’s Hutong Chil- share a prize of $1mn. dren’s Library and Art “Gone are the dome and Centre was also among the the ever-prevalent mina- winners. rets, the decorative pan- Awarded every three els of designed relief and years, the prize was estab- calligraphy. In their place lished in 1977 stand intricately structured The awards were pre- brick walls that imbue the sented by UAE Prime Min- structure within a unique ister Sheikh Mohamed bin aura of spirituality,” said the Rashid al-Maktoum and jury describing Dhaka’s Bait the Aga Khan IV.

10 Iranians killed in suicide attack

Ten Iranian pilgrims were saying. Pilgrimage off icial killed in a suicide attack in Mohamed Javad Daneshyar Iraq’s holy city of Samarra, said the Iranians were about 125km north of getting off a bus when an Baghdad yesterday, the ambulance carrying the Iranian news agency ISNA suicide bomber approached quoted an Iranian off icial as them and blew up. Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 11 ARAB WORLD Arabs view US election with indiff erence or loathing

By Samer al-Atrush/AFP pening here, that’s more than a Libyan-American writer who place under President George W Others have latched on to His ouster, condemned by groups like” the Islamic State Cairo enough for us,” laughed a hair- lives in Qatar. Bush, but said he still supported more bizarre accusations against Washington as undemocratic, organisation, wrote one column- dresser who gave her name as Near Cairo’s zoo, three univer- Trump. the former diplomat, mirroring was followed by regular reports in ist in Egypt’s state newspaper Al- Mona, referring to Egypt’s eco- sity students shyly said they had “Despite Iraqis’ suff ering from fringe right-wing American at- the Egyptian press of an Ameri- Ahram. n Cairo, capital of the most nomic crisis. not been following the election. Republican rule and their inva- tacks on her. can “plot” to divide the Middle Clinton mentioned no such populous Arab country, the Another said he knew “little” An elderly man walking by sion, I still think Trump is tough- At a Cairo grocery, shopkeeper East. thing in the book. IUS election is met with self- about the election: “What I know peremptorily denounced both er in fi ghting terrorism and coun- Karem Mohamed had launched Clinton addressed some of the The Egyptian leadership has absorbed indiff erence or loath- is that Trump is hostile to Mus- candidates, before striding away tries exporting it,” he said. into a pensive defence of Clinton most bizarre accusations in her not weighed in on the elections, ing for one, and sometimes both, lims.” with a toddler in tow. “The Democrats are more rea- when his colleague, who had been book Hard Choices. although President Abdel Fat- candidates Hillary Clinton and Eight years after the region “Their elections are like crap,” sonable,” countered Mostafa al- preoccupied with fi lling a vat of But its publication in 2014 tah al-Sisi complimented Trump Donald Trump. closely followed the election won he said. “You remove crap and re- Rubaei, saying US forces with- pickled onions, interrupted. itself set off another round of after meeting him and Clinton in The staff at a barber shop in by Barack Obama, uprisings, eco- place it with crap.” drew from Iraq under a Democrat “No she’s with the Muslim accusations in Egypt, this time New York separately in Septem- Cairo’s middle class Dokki neigh- nomic ruin and civil war have di- At a cafe in Baghdad, a city president - Obama. Brotherhood! She’s a collabora- that Clinton had confessed in ber. bourhood looked at one another rected people’s gaze inwards. much changed since the 2003 Clinton’s past as secretary of tor,” said Mahmud Abdel Al. the book that she conspired The Egyptian leadership has in bemusement when asked “I think the Arab world is US-led invasion to remove state during Obama’s fi rst term Many Egyptians saw Clin- against the country. not weighed in on the elections, whom they favoured for US pres- consumed by its own existential Saddam Hussain, patrons have has been controversial in the re- ton as a supporter of Islamist “It included a clear confes- although President Abdel Fattah ident. crisis and few people have really been following the election gion, with some blaming Ameri- president Mohamed Mursi, who sion of the plot to divide our re- al-Sisi complimented Trump Two admitted they did not thought through the implications more closely. Haidar Hassan, can foreign policy under her for ruled for a year before the army, gion, relying on its agents like the after meeting him and Clinton know who was running. of the next US president on their 27, blamed the Republicans for the chaos of the Arab Spring up- spurred by mass protests, toppled Muslim Brotherhood, and Wash- in New York separately in Sep- “We’re following what’s hap- well-being,” said Hend Amry, the disastrous invasion that took risings. him in 2013. ington’s founding of extremist tember. US-backed forces start assault on

Syrian weaver Abu Mohamed displays an unfinished carpet at a workshop in the village of Ariha, on the southern outskirts of Syria’s rebel- held Idlib province, on the last day of weaving before the workshop was forced to close due to a lack of thread imported from conflict-ridden IS ‘capital’ Aleppo. Weaving has been devastated by Syria’s five-year civil war, with thread becoming too diff icult to procure from Aleppo - once the country’s artisanal hub but now ravaged by fighting and bombardment. AFP around Raqa and isolating it, then and select Syrian fi ghters, includ- Ain Issa, Syria taking the city itself. ing the SDF. “The fi ght will not be easy, and Sello said the alliance had re- will require accurate and careful ceived new weapons from the S-backed Kurdish-Arab operations because IS will defend coalition for the Raqa battle, in- forces launched an off en- its bastion knowing that the loss cluding anti-tank missiles. Syria’s last weavers abandon Usive yesterday on the Is- of Raqa will mean it is fi nished in Another SDF source said 50 lamic State group’s de facto Syrian Syria,” Sello said. US military advisers would be in- capital Raqa, upping pressure on US Defence Secretary Ashton volved in the operation, particu- the militants who are already bat- Carter in Washington echoed that larly to guide air strikes. tling Iraqi troops in Mosul. sentiment. After it was seized by IS, Raqa Ariha looms without thread The start of the assault by the “As in Mosul, the fi ght will not saw some of the militants’ worst Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) be easy and there is hard work atrocities, from stonings and be- came as Iraqi forces fought inside ahead, but it is necessary to end headings to the trading of sex By Omar Haj Kadour/AFP versatile fabrics turned into rugs, “Before the war, there were fortable doing anything except Mosul for the third day running the fi ction of ISIL’s caliphate and slaves. Ariha, Syria furniture covers, and other house- more than 100 looms in Ariha, but weaving, he said, as he pumped amid fi erce militant resistance. Last month, the US defence hold items. the only ones left are the ones in the wooden panels below his The two cities are the last major “The fi ght will not be easy, secretary said the idea of simul- But now Aleppo’s rebel-held this shop,” he said. loom. urban centres under IS control af- and will require accurate taneous operations against Mosul ith the deftness of dec- eastern districts are besieged by As the siege on Aleppo’s east “I went to Lebanon and ter the militants suff ered a string and careful operations” and Raqa “has been part of our ades of experience, government forces, making it tightened and access to thread worked in construction and then of territorial losses in Iraq and planning for quite a while”. WAbu Mohamed wove impossible to obtain thread from became more diffi cult, only three to Turkey for a few months, but Syria over the past year. disrupt the group’s ability to car- But the battle for Raqa is far thick green thread with a wooden there, and materials from the re- looms in the Ariha workshop re- I couldn’t hold any job that kept The US-led coalition battling ry out terror attacks against the more complicated. loom in northwest Syria, creating gime-controlled west are too ex- mained active. me away from a loom for too IS is backing both assaults, hop- United States, our allies and our In Mosul, Iraqi forces were a vibrant geometric pattern re- pensive, Abu Mohamed said. “Before the war, our trade was long.” ing to deal a knockout blow to the partners,” Carter said, using an al- clearing eastern neighbourhoods nowned among Arabic textiles. On his last day, he worked as booming. We could buy thread for Abu Mostafa beamed with self-styled “caliphate” the group ternative name for IS. yesterday, nearly three weeks into It was the last day before the enthusiastically as he had since pennies from Aleppo,” Abu Mo- pride as he reminisced about the declared in mid-2014. An AFP correspondent in Ain the off ensive to retake the city. weaver in his 50s would be forced his teenage years, pulling down hamed said. robes and pillow covers he would SDF commanders announced Issa yesterday saw dozens of SDF “Resistance is very heavy and to close the workshop, leaving the wooden levers to lay down col- He pulled out a small box con- produce. the start of the operation against fi ghters heading on vehicles to- they (IS) have suff ered major last fi ve remaining looms in his ourful acrylic fi bre across a white taining dozens of spools of col- “No one else could make the Raqa in Ain Issa, some 50km (30 wards the front line. losses,” Staff Lieutenant General hometown of Ariha in Idlib prov- base. ourful thread: “This is all we have pieces we made. They looked as if miles) north of the city. Ahmed said in Beirut later that Abdelghani al-Assadi of the elite ince to gather dust. The sound of the panels smack- left.” they were printed,” he said. “The major battle to liberate 10 villages and several hamlets had Counter-Terrorism Service said. “This trade is dead now. Today ing against each other was inter- Today, a kilogramme of the “I challenge any computer to Raqa and its surroundings has been retaken. Soldiers from the army’s 9th is our last day of work on the loom, rupted only by Abu Mohamed’s blend of cotton and polyester used make something like this!” begun,” SDF spokeswoman Jihan IS said it carried out a suicide Armoured Division also battled as we don’t have any more thread,” nasal singing, or a brief tea break for the textiles costs 3,500 Syrian The products from rebel-held Sheikh Ahmed said. car bombing in the Suluk area that militants in a southeastern neigh- the balding man said. with fellow weavers reclining on a pounds ($7), up from 175 pounds Ariha were once sold across Syria. Operation “Wrath of the killed 14 SDF fi ghters. The Syrian bourhood of Intisar, an AFP cor- Weaving has been devastated shabby couch. before the war. Even as the war raged on, they Euphrates” involves some 30,000 Observatory for Human Rights re- respondent reported. by Syria’s fi ve-year civil war, with “Ariha, in Idlib province, is the Abu Mohamed points to a rug were exported to areas control- fi ghters and began on Saturday ported wounded in the attack but IS has responded to the Mosul thread becoming too diffi cult to most well-known in making this hanging on the wall: “Before, I led by regime forces like Damas- night, Ahmed said. no word of fatalities. assault with a string of diversion- procure from Aleppo - once the product,” said Abu Mohamed, could make this whole rug with cus and Hama, as well as regional SDF forces are advancing on Driving the militants from Mo- ary attacks elsewhere in Iraq, in- country’s artisanal hub but now gesturing to the green-and-red just 200 Syrian pounds.” markets like Lebanon and Saudi three fronts, from Ain Issa and Tal sul and Raqa has been the end- cluding in Kirkuk and Rutba. ravaged by fi ghting and bombard- blankets and pillow cases hanging Another lifelong weaver, Arabia. Abyad to the north of Raqa, and game since the US-led coalition It claimed responsibility for su- ment. on the wall behind him. 40-year-old Abu Mostafa, said But today transporting the wo- from the village of Makman to the launched air strikes against IS in icide bombings yesterday in Tikrit The battered city, 70km (45 “We make all household items, he began working a loom when he ven goods - whether in or outside east. the summer of 2014. and Samarra, two cities north of miles) northeast of Ariha, was the from rugs for bedrooms to covers was about 12. Syria - takes between two and SDF spokesman Talal Sello The coalition has also provided Baghdad, that offi cials said killed main provider of the rough thread for the Qur’an. We would furnish He tried to fi nd stable work in a three months and is exorbitantly said the operation would proceed training and deployed hundreds of at least 25 people and wounded needed to weave Arabic textiles, entire houses.” diff erent fi eld but never felt com- expensive. in two phases, fi rst seizing areas advisers to work with Iraqi forces more than 50. Iraq forces gain ground in Mosul

AFP delghani al-Assadi said. rulers and incoming fi re from area have increased markedly. Mosul, Iraq The militants have given up government forces and US-led The government said it had some of its bastions in Iraq and coalition aircraft. taken in 9,000 displaced people Syria with barely a fi ght in re- Some of the fi rst civilians to in the past two days. raqi forces battled militants cent months but its men began manage to escape the city proper The International Organisa- inside Mosul for the third day the defence of their last Iraqi hub arrived at a camp near Khazir in tion for Migration said a total of Irunning yesterday while ci- with anger. Kurdish-controlled territory on about 34,000 people had been vilians risked their lives dodging “Resistance is very heavy and Saturday. displaced since the start of the bombs and snipers to slip out of they have suff ered major losses,” Abu Sara dodged gunfi re, off ensive on October 17. the city. Assadi said of IS. bombs, mortar rounds and coa- Relief organisations were The Islamic State group put Soldiers from the army’s 9th lition strikes to fl ee his neigh- fi ghting the clock to build up up fi erce resistance to defend the armoured division also battled bourhood of Al-Samah, such their shelter capacity ahead of city it seized more than two years militants in the southeastern was his desperation to leave the feared mass exodus from ago and also claimed responsi- neighbourhood of Intisar, an what many civilians who es- Mosul. bility for deadly suicide attacks AFP correspondent reported, caped IS rule describe as an The militants, with an esti- further south. as forces attempted to increase open-air prison. mated 3,000 to 5,000 fi ghters in The elite Counter-Terrorism their footprint in eastern Mosul. “We walked several miles, Mosul, could hold out for weeks Service has been spearheading They fi rst entered the streets taking with us only the clothes and infl ict heavy casualties on the attack on the eastern front of Mosul on Friday and were met we were wearing and white government forces but they are of the three-week-old off ensive with what one offi cer described fl ags we waved the entire way,” outnumbered about 10 to one. on Mosul, Iraq’s largest military as stiff er than expected resist- said the 34-year-old, wearing a The group’s ability to hit back operation in years. ance from IS militants. brown fake leather jacket. with ground off ensives else- “Our forces are continuing to The assault allowed some ci- While the corridors called for where appears to be gone and IS clear neighbourhoods including vilians to fl ee the city, most of by aid groups to allow the safe has responded with a string of Al-Samah, Karkukli, Al-Malay- whose million-plus residents passage of civilians have yet to diversionary attacks, including een and Shaqaq al-Khadra,” CTS remained trapped inside, shel- materialise, arrivals in the dis- spectacular operations in Kirkuk A displaced woman who fled Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, carries a bag of ducks while heading to Staff Lieutenant General Ab- tering both from their militant placement camps dotting the and Rutba. safer territory in Iraq yesterday. Gulf Times 12 Monday, November 7, 2016 AFRICA

7-year-old book star Electoral colleges pick brings a ray of hope to other children

By Béatrice Debut, AFP said her mother Lolo Nkamank- Johannesburg eng, “I took it and put it inside the next Somali parliament bookshelves,” amidst the Bibles, dictionaries and a few magazines. DPA 19 die as Somali militias clash after breaching truce structured and transparent manner,” said ichelle is only seven But Michelle — touted on Am- Mogadishu Michael Keating, the special representa- years old but her poise azon’s website as smart and pas- A week-old ceasefire between the forces of ing us with shells and bullets,” Hirsi Yusuf tive of the UN secretary-general to So- Mis as disarming as her sionate — was also insistent. two semi-autonomous regions of Somalia Barre, mayor of Galkayo south, which is malia. smile, which shows off a few A few weeks later she brought omalia was electing a parliament in broke down yesterday as fighting over a controlled by militias loyal to Galmudug, “The failure to agree on some form of gaps where baby teeth have fallen her parents a second, then a third a poll over the weekend which did disputed border area erupted again, killing told Reuters. “We lost seven soldiers and political transition would have plunged out when she beams about the book. “I said to my mother if you Snot give every adult a vote. at least 19 soldiers, army off icials on both 20 others were wounded. We also lost a Somalia into a dangerous constitutional headlines her book is grabbing at don’t take me seriously, I will The election was however seen as a sides said. car. We repulsed them and now Galkayo is and political crisis, home and abroad. never write books again.” signifi cant step towards strengthening Galmudug and Puntland are clashing in calm”, he added. with the current government and par- The South African has become Her dream came true a year the confl ict-ridden country’s fl edgling the town of Galkayo, which straddles their Each region blames the other for start- liament overstaying their terms of offi ce one of the youngest published au- later when her parents helped institutions after decades of anarchy. common border and is divided under the ing the fighting. “Galmudug does not want and much of the country questioning, or thors on the continent and an in- her self-publish Waiting for the Due to the continuous threat from Is- control of rival clan militias. peace, we shall continue fighting till we even rejecting their legitimacy,” Bryden spiration for other children with Waves, a glossy, 50-some page lamist terrorist group Shebaab and weak As violence between these groups cleanse Galmudug forces,” Col Mohamed said. a short novel she wrote largely in novel — edited from the original electoral infrastructure, Somalia decided began to escalate a month ago, schools Aden, a military off icer from Puntland told About a third of parliamentary seats secret, Waiting for the Waves. — with lively illustrations by a against a “one-person-one-vote” election. in Galkayo were forced to close and some Reuters yesterday. have been reserved for women since Using green and purple pens, South African artist. Instead of giving eligible voters from people fled the town. Aden said their side had lost 12 soldiers 2004, when traditional leaders elected a Michelle Nkamankeng set down The tale of how little Titi con- Somalia’s population of 11mn people the Under terms of a ceasefire deal medi- and that over 20 others were injured. They transitional parliament. the story of Titi, a little girl fas- quers her fear of waves with love right to vote, electoral colleges — whose ated by Dubai and which was welcomed also captured two vehicles and four prison- But analysts say the quota has never cinated by the ocean and its huge and support from her own fam- 14,025 members were chosen by tradi- by the two sides and Somalia’s federal ers from Galmudug forces. been fully implemented in the Muslim waves — which the US giant Am- ily caught attention. Michelle tional leaders — will pick the 275 mem- president, forces of both regions were sup- “We also took some land in the outskirts country. azon bills as nothing less than was suddenly on a round of book bers of the legislative assembly. posed to be withdrawn from the disputed of Galkayo,” he said. The run-up to the poll has also been “an epic tale” recounting “the launches, press interviews and The polling process is expected to take area this past week. Somalia has been gripped by conflict beset by allegations of corruption, ger- inner struggle of love and fear”. speaking engagements. until at least November 10. The deal also called for those who had since the downfall of dictator Mohamed rymandering, intimidation as well as dis- “My brother and sisters knew “If we are honest, it is a chil- The assemblies of fi ve federal states fled Galkayo due to previous fighting to be Siad Barre in early 1990s, and Islamist putes over clan representation. because they always came in my dren’s book, it is a book written were meanwhile electing the 54 members allowed to return. militant group Shebaab has been one of The new parliament will face the chal- room. The are like, ‘What are you by a child.” said Colin North- of the upper house. “We were shocked to see Puntland the main causes of unrest in the last two lenges of consolidating the fl edgling de- doing?’” said Michelle. more, head of the Sacred Heart Once the two chambers of parliament forces inside Galkayo south and pound- decades. mocracy, of diversifying an economy still “I told them not to tell mum- College in Johannesburg that have been elected, they will choose on largely dependent on livestock and mon- my and daddy. I wanted it to be a Michelle attends. “In some ways November 30 a president from among ey transfers from Somalis living abroad, surprise.” I am almost more proud of her some 20 candidates, with Prime Minis- political movements,” said Somalia ex- buyer buys not a vote, but a clan leader and — above all — of defeating Shebaab. And it was, but not quite what being able to speak confi dently ter Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke and pert Matt Bryden from the Nairobi-based to help him get selected” for parliament, The elections are the second polls since Michelle expected. than I am about the book.” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud think tank Sahan Research. he said. the 1991 ouster of dictator Mohamed Siad Her parents knew she was a Brimming with joy, Michelle among the front runners. The elections, which have seen hardly The polls are nevertheless seen as be- Barre plunged the Horn of Africa nation bookworm but were hesitant has addressed rooms packed with The elections were postponed four any campaigning, are based on “who has ing more democratic than those in 2012, into anarchy as warlords carved out clan- about her dream of publishing up to 700 high school children as times this year due to organizational de- money” to form alliances in a system of when only 135 traditional elders elected a based fi efdoms. her own novel. On the original well as a community centre for lays. political patronage, unicameral parliament. Governments formed since 2004 have manuscript, the hand-written underprivileged youngsters. “Candidates do not represent politi- said Mohamed Haji Ingiriis, a Somali “The process will involve one hundred tried to impose their authority, but faced sentences tilt along the pages of Her experience “raises the ex- cal parties, which do not yet legally exist, doctoral candidate at Oxford University. times more electors than in 2012, and a growing threat from the radical Islamist A4, or letter-size, sheets folded pectations of other children and although some are affi liated with Islamist “It is like a marketplace where the it will be implemented in a much more Shebaab group. in half and put together with sta- helps them to believe that it is ples and scotch tape to resemble possible for them to achieve re- a real book. Its cover bears the markable things because there in title and the young writer’s name an example, a model, a peer who while the last page has a big heart has done it, “ said Northmore. drawn by Michelle and a candid Michelle told AFP her ad- Boko Haram terrorists raze another village near Chibok little message: “I hope you had a vice for other children wanting nice time reading this book.” to write books: “To follow their When she gave me the novel, dreams, always believe in them- AFP A group of Boko Haram gunmen ar- following incessant attacks in the area soldier were killed and that weapons had selves, don’t let anybody get in Kano rived in Akwada, 10km from Chibok, late in recent months. “The village has been also been recovered. your way, and if you can’t read on Saturday and torched homes after entirely burnt, there is nothing left apart Usman said 37 Boko Haram fi ghters you can’t write.” looting food supplies. from burnt rubble of our mud houses,” were killed in another operation in four She remains silent, however, oko Haram extremists killed two The attack came just hours after the said Bulus Samson. villages in the south of Borno state, the on one of the keys that helped her soldiers and razed a village adjoin- army said it had rescued one of the missing The attack underscores the continued epicentre of the Islamist uprising. He achieve her dream — a mother Bing the northeast Nigerian town of Chibok schoolgirls with her 10-month- threat of Boko Haram in Nigeria’s volatile said a local vigilante died and fi ve soldiers who acts as her manager and was Chibok where the group kidnapped more old baby near the Cameroon border. northeast, where the military is battling were wounded during the operation. willing to spend 100,000 rand than 200 schoolgirls two years ago, resi- “Boko Haram gunmen attacked the for control despite making gains against Boko Haram’s seven-year insurgency ($7,330) to publish and promote dents said yesterday. village around 7.30pm. They fi red indis- the insurgents over the past year. in Nigeria’s predominantly-Muslim Waiting for the Waves. The Nigerian army meanwhile said it criminately and hurled explosives,” resi- It came two weeks after similar raids north has claimed at least 20,000 lives Sitting at the kitchen table, had retaken some villages from the Is- dent Bitrus John told AFP. on two nearby villages where the Islam- and made more than 2.6mn homeless. Michelle fi nishes her homework lamist group in the Lake Chad region in “They killed two soldiers and injured ists looted and burnt homes. Nigerian troops with the help of for the next day. A phrase she operations on Friday and Saturday and another one in gunfi ght,” he said. The Nigerian army said on Sunday it neighbouring countries have recaptured has written on the cover of her “rescued” 85 people, including women Troops patrolling the area engaged the had rescued 85 people held by Boko Har- swathes of territory from Boko Haram Seven-year-old author Michelle vocabulary book characterises and children. Islamists in a shootout, allowing resi- am in villages around Lake Chad. since early 2015, but the extremists have Nkamankeng looks at her her determination: “I must learn It also claimed nearly 40 Islamists were dents to fl ee the village unhurt, said John. Army spokesman Sani Usman said in carried out sporadic attacks on remote homework at her house in these words and store them in my killed in other operations. Soldiers had deployed in the village a statement that fi ve insurgents and a villages in the restive region. Johannesburg. memory for future use”. Cooked by a thief, served by a crook is prison speciality

By Kristin Palitza, DPA Idlanathi is not the world’s tion rates remain extremely high refl ect harshly off the shiny, tiled neatly wrapped in a white servi- there are several other guests to violent crimes are trained here. Cape Town only prison restaurant: Similar in Pollsmoor. fl oor. ette. serve. The prisoners undergo psy- programmes have been set up in More than 8,000 inmates are The fare, however, is hearty, He is pleased to train here, Next to the window, Willem chological and health screenings Volterra in Italy and Concord in incarcerated in the correctional and the prices are extremely af- he says, not only because he is Kriel digs into a plate of fi sh and before they are selected for the ver dined in jail? Now you the US state of Massachusetts, as facility in the leafy suburb of Tokai, fordable. learning a new skill, but also be- chips. Kriel, who works at the programme, explains a prison can inside a notorious max- well as four prisons across Brit- which has less than half that many A farm-style breakfast includ- cause the otherwise monotonous prison as an external security human resources offi cial who Eimum security prison near ain. beds, according to 2015 report by ing coff ee sells for only $2.50. days go by faster. manager, says he likes the restau- does not want to be named. Cape Town, where former South But no other eatery has as the Constitutional Court. A chicken schnitzel with chips It’s also much safer to work in rant so much, he even eats here “Every day, when the kitchen African president and freedom much history to off er as Polls- Armed security guards search or salad goes for $2.70. the restaurant than hanging out when he is off duty. closes, they count the knives and fi ghter Nelson Mandela spent al- moor with Mandela, who went each car before allowing visitors Guests have a choice of water, in the cells, explains the 29-year- “It’s obviously not a fi ve-star do body searches,” she says. most seven years in the 1980s. from being labelled a terrorist to to drive through the high gates of juice or soft drinks. old, who is serving a two-year hotel, but the food is very good “In the 15 years I’ve been work- Prisoners dressed in orange freedom fi ghter, the fenced-in complex. No alcohol is served and, sur- sentence for theft. and the prices are cheap,” he says. ing here, I’ve never heard of any overalls wield knives in the kitch- president and Nobel peace The restaurant sits amidst a prisingly, no dessert. The restau- Clement gets picked up from At the next table, Ntobeko incidents or fi ghts.” en, while inmates in civilian uni- laureate. row of uninspiring, red-brick rant also caters for conferences, his cell early each morning and Ngalo is waiting for a take-away. When the empty plates are forms and white aprons serve the Getting to Idlanathi, which staff homes. weddings and birthdays. returns when the restaurant He comes here twice a month, cleared, the cook, Sahir, steps out food at Idlanathi, the restaurant means “eat with us” in the lo- It seats about 50 guests in a But since all functions have to closes at 2pm, just in time for when he visits a family member. of the kitchen to inquire about at Pollsmoor Prison. cal language Xhosa, takes a short sparsely furnished hall. take place inside the prison, the lock-up, seven days a week. “It’s convenient and aff ordable,” the meal. The eatery is part of a train- drive into the heart of the pris- Chairs with plastic-wrapped service is used by security per- “Whatever nonsense goes on he says, recommending the meat Sahir hopes the training will be ing programme aimed at teach- on, which is known for extreme cushions are pushed against sonnel and staff only. inside the prison, we are not in- dishes. his ticket to a better life. ing prisoners practical skills to overcrowding, gang violence and black, metal tables. Clement, who is training as a volved,” he says. “I feel much That the restaurant staff is “I will be released in a month. increase their chances of getting poor sanitation. Heavy red curtains try to cover waiter, hands out the menus and safer working here.” made up of prisoners does not Then I will look for a job in a res- jobs once they leave and reinte- Mandela contracted tubercu- up the bars across the windows, sets the table with blue plastic Clement doesn’t have much worry Ngalo. He knows that taurant,” he smiles, a gold tooth grate into society. losis here in 1988, and TB infec- while bright fl uorescent lights place mats and a fork and knife, time to chat. It’s lunch time, and only those convicted of non- refl ecting in the fl uorescent light.

Gordhan to be charged again: report

outh African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan will be charged this year over a surveillance unit at the tax Sagency he once ran, the City Press reported yesterday, six days after separate charges were dropped against him. Gordhan is being investigated for his role in setting up a unit at the tax department a decade ago that is suspected of spying on politicians, including President Jacob Zuma. The City Press said Gordhan will be charged with fraud and defeating the ends of justice by the end of this year, citing sources at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks, a special police branch. Hawks spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi questioned the veracity of the report.”How do you charge someone before you have concluded an investigation?” he told Reuters. An NPA spokesman did not respond to a text message and phone call requesting comment. The NPA dropped charges against Gordhan last week relating to allegations he fraudulently approved early re- tirement for a deputy tax commissioner, costing the rev- enue service 1.1mn rand ($80,000). The City Press broke the story that the charges would be dropped. Gordhan has said none of the charges have any merit. Analysts believe political turmoil in recent months is the result of a power struggle between Gordhan and Zuma over, among other things, the issuing of govern- ment tenders to Zuma’s wealthy business friends and their infl uence over the ANC. Zuma and Gordhan have both said they support each other. Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 13 AMERICA Clinton means continuity for economy, Trump the unknown Trump represents what is radical and untested, Clinton stands for what is well known

AFP Washington

n taxes, public spending and protectionism the Otwo candidates for the White House are diametrically opposed: Hillary Clinton repre- sents continuity while Donald Trump seduces or frightens with his radical proposals. But while many economists are alarmed by the threat Trump poses to American prosper- ity, there is no shortage of small business owners and investors who believe the Republican can- didate’s plans would benefi t the economy. With polls showing the can- didates are neck-and-neck just days before tomorrow’s election, the race could be summed up as “Wall Street is pro-Clinton, Main Street is pro-Trump”, said Steve Odland, of the Committee for Economic Development, a non-partisan, business-led eco- nomic policy group. Supporters listen to the National Anthem during a rally by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at the Sioux City Convention Center in Sioux City, Iowa yesterday. Right: Messing, senator Bob Casey But even Wall Street is some- recording artist Katy Perry and Hillary Clinton greet supporters during a get-out-the-vote concert at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia yesterday. what ambivalent. A survey conducted by the to 34%) and trade (55% to 45%). surance programme, and erect a economists, including several tary Fund is alarmed by the spec- a way that frankly sounds crazy,” the Oval Offi ce and would strug- CNBC network last week with Trump’s economic plan aims wall on the US-Mexico border to Nobel Prize winners, signed an tre of growing protectionism, Odland said. gle to push his plans for fi scal 50 economists and Wall Street to revive economic activity prevent illegal immigration. open letter in the Wall Street Jour- from Trump to Britain’s vote to “He’s approaching geopolitics policy through Congress.” participants showed 82% think through deregulation. In contrast, Clinton would nal appealing to voters to “choose pull out of the European Union, in the same way. Is it right? Well But in the immediate after- Clinton will win, but 46% feel He promises to achieve 3.5-4% mostly stick to President Barack another candidate”, saying Trump which it says is a threat to global it’s unconventional. math of the election, a Trump Trump would be better for the growth — compared to 1.8% pro- Obama’s economic path. spreads disinformation and “pro- growth. His supporters say, ‘Well, victory, or worse a disputed vote, economy, compared to 39% fa- jected for 2016 — by cutting the The Democratic candidate’s motes magical thinking”. Odland said Trump’s style at- maybe it will end up to be a better will send Wall Street lower. vouring Clinton. corporate tax rate to 15% from plan includes raising taxes of “Donald Trump is a danger- tracts some in the business world deal for us,’ and that’s why they Analysts estimate a Trump Another survey conducted 35%, and lowering the income the richest taxpayers, increasing ous, destructive choice for the because he speaks to voters in the are willing to make the bet.” win would send the broad S&P in October by the Pepperdine/ tax rate for wealthy taxpayers — the federal minimum wage, pro- country. familiar blunt patter of a real es- Analysts at Capital Economics 500 index below the 2,000 level, Graziadio Business School in Los the highest bracket would drop viding free local universities for He misinforms the electorate, tate developer negotiating a deal. said that Trump’s pitch might be about 5% lower than the week Angeles with 1,353 small busi- to 33% from 39.6%. The impact the less affl uent, and reforming degrades trust in public institu- “We in the retail industry have exaggerated. before the vote. nesses across the country, shows would be a sharp increase in the Obamacare. tions with conspiracy theories, to negotiate all the time with “A Trump victory might not That is what the index did on a majority of employers prefer budget defi cit. Her plan also would widen the and promotes willful delusion commercial real estate develop- result in the radical changes that June 27, the day markets were Trump due to his positions on Trump also has promised to defi cit but to a lesser extent. over engagement with reality,” ers. many fear. shocked by the Brexit vote. health insurance (55% to 45% for renegotiate US trade agreements, Trump is worrying the aca- the letter said. They are bombastic, they are He would probably soften his But it was not long before the Clinton), as well as on taxes (66% repeal the Obamacare health in- demic world: no less than 370 Even the International Mone- emotional, they come at things in rhetoric on trade policy once in index rebounded. Clinton Loss of job security leaves people in ‘distantly related to the Rust Belt without an anchor Hollande’ Guardian News clock, making wire for all these Sears Roebuck, the uniform com- until 2000. As the population has pany Rudnicks and little lunch London motors. So when the motor de- begun to grow again, so has me- partment went out, the wire mills places — that stood just outside dian income … and the number AFP GE’s gates on Erie Boulevard to went out, too.” of people living below the pov- Paris Some of this reminds me Under the union contracts cater to white- and blue-collar erty line. of dropping a big stone of the time, those blue-collar workers on their lunch breaks. Like Terry Phillips’s daughters, “in a pond,” Terry Phillips workers who lost their jobs but “They would run buses from Bernie Witkowski’s son and Don S presidential candidate mused over lunch at the Glen- had seniority at the company inside the plant and drop you off Chapadeau’s kids left the area Hillary Clinton is distant- ville Queen diner, just outside of could “bump” less senior work- down in front of Proctors, mainly for college and most didn’t come Uly related to French presi- Schenectady, New York. “You get ers to stay at GE. “Let’s say you for the secretaries, who had an back. dent Francois Hollande, accord- this big wave. were a lathe operator,” explained hour. They’d go to lunch, they’d Most of their high school ing to a new book that claims they And then it hits the shore and Witkowski.”Well, then you could go shopping. Thousands of ‘em,” classmates who stayed in the share royal blood from doomed bounces back, and then it comes bump a lathe operator some- Witkowski explained.”And a lot area aren’t employed by GE kings of the 14th century. back again, but it’s much smaller where else in the plant, as long as of people would just walk up Erie — but, then, only a handful of Clinton, whose maiden name is and muted. you had more seniority. Boulevard, the people that had an people,compared with the early Rodham, descends on her moth- But those little waves are still And then that person might hour for lunch, and just go.” 70s, are employed by GE at all. er’s side from families from Cana- going back and forth.” Donald Trump with family members after the first presidential debate have to bump a lower-paying “Everybody was out spending Signs of an resurgence in da’s French-speaking province of Phillips, a former district gov- at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, on September 26. job, maybe a sweeper. Eventually, money on their lunch hour. Schenectady — a new multi- Quebec, according to French ge- ernor for Rotary International somebody had to go out on the And all those stores were plex, a shining chain hotel on neologist Jean-Louis Beaucarnot. and an engineer by trade, moved Schenectady as a result of GE was no reason to leave because it street.” thriving,” he added. “And then State Street, the coming casino These immigrant families can to Schenectady more than 30 scaling back its operations in was a good job,” he said. “It was a Or, as Chapadeau put it: “Un- when they laid everybody off , — coexist uncomfortably with be traced back to more than a years ago to work at General the area isn’t a unique story: you great job.” til, eventually, there was nobody well, you know what happened the area’s burgeoning homeless dozen regions all over France, Electric (GE), once the largest could write a similar piece about Don Chapadeau was a lifer at left for you to bump, you went with downtown Schenectady” he and low-income population, Beaucarnot writes in his book single employer in the region. any American rust belt town. General Electric, too: he started out on the street”. said. and boarded-up houses the city Dico des Politiques which was But in 1974, General Electric But maybe to understand the there in 1973 and retired after “Even though people could Little businesses closed, emp- won’t tear down. published last Thursday. moved its headquarters from very real economic anxiety that 42 years.”My father was em- bump, the whole population was ty storefronts abounded, nothing Cars line up at the interstate Most notably, back 23 gen- New York City to a more expan- people feel here it helps to under- ployed by GE — he worked in getting smaller and smaller and wase able to stay in business. on-ramps during the morning erations, she counts as a relative sive facility in Westport, Con- stand the sense of security with Utica [about 75 miles west of smaller,” explained Witkowski. “When you drive by the GE commute, and then speed past king Louis X le Hutin, known as necticut and, between that and which many people grew up. Schenectady] — and my grandfa- “If there was less machinists, and look out and see green and GE and into Albany. “Louis the Stubborn” in English. the tectonic shifts in America’s Sitting in the living room of his ther was GE,” he explained.”Back then they needed less electri- a running track or a soccer fi eld, Schenectady County isn’t a Ominously, he died after only economy, the successive waves house in Scotia — a suburb just in the 70s, that was the place to cians, less carpenters, less steel- that’s where there was buildings, bad place to live nowadays, but 18 months on the throne — offi - of downsizing changed the city across the river that was devel- be.” workers, less painters, less main- that’s where there was jobs,” he it’s not the same as it was. cially from pneumonia, although and the surrounding area in ways oped as the middle class, created Like Witkowski, Chapadeau tenance people.” said.”All those people. Everybody Nobody feels like they have job some historians have suggested nobody could have predicted. by well-paying jobs at GE, in- joined the company straight out “I know a lot of people that buying homes, buying cars. Even security, even if median house- he might have been poisoned. The loss of jobs at GE — which, creased the demand for housing of high school in 1973.”I didn’t got laid off that I worked with, in Schenectady, there was a lot of hold incomes are rising; nobody Hollande is distantly related at its height, employed about in the area —Bernie Witkowski want to go to college, I worked maybe they went somewhere to a car dealerships, you would drive knows what’s next for the city, or to Louis’ successor and brother, 30,000 workers in a vertically reminisced about the role the with my hands, so it was the machine tool company in Albany up State Street, there was car for housing prices, or what their Philip V, known as “Philip The integrated manufacturing facility company played in his family. place to be,” he said. “I did eve- and worked as electricians,” add- dealerships.That’s all gone, too.” kids will do for work if they can’t Tall”, who lasted six years before with back offi ce functions for the “When [my dad] got a job with rything from clean toilets to build ed Witkowski. “But they didn’t The ripples didn’t stop there. or don’t want to go to college. dying without a male heir. rest of the corporation — trans- General Electric, that was it. I turbines and generators.” make the kind of money they Though Phillips, the engineer, And everybody has heard the As well as sickly kings, Clin- formed Schenectady (like the loss mean, that was the dream, OK?” At the beginning of their made at GE. They didn’t have the wasn’t directly aff ected by the promises from politicians that ton also shares genes with en- of so many other manufacturers he said. downsizing in Schenectady, benefi ts.” rounds of layoff s and downsiz- they’ll bring jobs back to the area: tertainers Madonna and Celine would transform so many other “The GE was the thing. Almost General Electric wasn’t mov- “In the 80s, we got into [laying ing, he’s got plenty of examples in 2011, president Obama visited Dion and actress Angelina Jolie, manufacturing communities) all my uncles worked for General ing facilities to Mexico or China, off ] people with 12, 13 years” of of the impact on his life as well. GE with its CEO, Jeff rey Immelt, Beaucarnot writes. into a very diff erent and not alto- Electric in Schenectady, every- though that happened later. service, Chapadeau added. “First “We go to First United Meth- and talked about modernisation Republican candidate Donald gether better place for the people body worked for GE. They moved manufacturing time I got laid off was 85, came odist in Schenectady,” he ex- and new investment in the facil- Trump traces the paternal side who had located their lives here. “And when I was brought facilities south, where wages back in 86. Then got laid off in 87, plained. ity for renewable energy, spurred of his family back to Germany Only about 5,600 people up, that’s what we heard all the were lower and unions less pow- came back in 90.” By then, he had “When GE was booming, on by a $5mn grant and a package to the town of Kallstadt, whose worked in manufacturing in the time.’Oh, when you get out of erful. “They used to have a motor enough seniority to last until he church was full of people.” of tax breaks for the company. other famous emigre is Henry county in 2011 — total. General high school, you go to GE, you go department there,” Witkowski retired in 2015. “Our church will seat about In November 2015, GE an- Heinz, founder of the food giant Electric has only about 4,000 to GE.’” he explained.” explained. “They moved some- Like Chapadeau, those people 600, but on a typical Sunday we nounced that they were moving that bears his name. employees there now. My cousins went to GE. I where south, non-union shops, who did fi nd work almost always typically have less than 100,” he that renewable energy business Trump’s grandfather Frie- The largest employment sec- went.” lower wages, that was the fi rst responded to a recall notice, if added.” “And that’s been a fact out of Schenectady and into drich emigrated from there to tors are healthcare and retail He started as a stock boy in big move.” they got one, because the money of 37-some-thousand people France. the US in 1885 where he started work; as part of an economic March of 1967 after high school But in a vertically integrated and benefi ts were better at GE — don’t work here any more.And The city’s economic develop- working as a hairdresser in New development plan, the state li- and moved into the electrician facility like General Electric used even if they knew they might get the people that do work here, not ment body nonetheless off ered York before being lured by the censed a casino at the site of one apprentice programme before he to be, moving one piece of pro- laid off again. as many of them live downtown, the company a $1.26mn tax break gold rush further west. of the manufacturing facilities was drafted in 1968 and went to duction has downstream eff ects. “I kind of described it like a they live in the suburbs.” in January 2016, to help them He went on to make a fortune once used by GE and the 1,500 Vietnam. “Part of that motor division, they rollercoaster ride,” he added. Schenectady County’s popu- modernise their fi tness center, opening restaurants and bars jobs it will bring to the area is When he got out, he went back had a place where they made The downsizings didn’t just lation peaked in 1970; by 1980, health facilities and landscaping. used by miners and workers that considered a huge boon. and spent the rest of his work- their own wire,” said Witkowski. aff ect people who worked at GE. it had dropped down to below They’ve promised not to cut off ered alcohol and allegedly What happened to ing years at the company.”There “Thousands of jobs around the There were businesses — like 1960 levels and kept going down any more jobs. opium and prostitutes. Gulf Times 14 Monday, November 7, 2016 ASEAN Govt’s plan British teacher found for selective dead in Myanmar: police training ‘recipe Police have said the 47-year-old victim, was found dead inside his for disaster’ co-worker’s apartment with wounds on his head and chest Reuters munity in the midst of serious AFP Yangon ethnic tensions and violence is Yangon a recipe for disaster,” said Sam Zarifi , ICJ’s Asia Director, said in yanmar’s plans to arm a statement on Friday. yanmar police are and train non-Muslim Min Aung, a minister in the looking for a Brit- Mresidents in the trou- Rakhine State parliament and Mish teacher after his bled north of Rakhine State is a member of Myanmar leader colleague was found dead fol- likely to “aggravate an already Aung San Suu Kyi’s National lowing a night of drinking in dire human rights situation”, the League for Democracy, said this downtown Yangon, offi cers International Commission of Ju- week the recruits would help said yesterday. rists, a human rights watchdog, protect residents from the mili- Local police said the 47-year- has said. tants behind the Oct 9 attacks. old victim, also a British man, Soldiers have fl ooded the Deputy commander of Ra- was found dead inside his Maungdaw area along Myan- khine police, Col. Thit San, con- co-worker’s apartment with mar’s frontier with Bangladesh tacted by Reuters on Saturday, wounds on his head and chest. in Rakhine in response to co-or- rejected the criticism, saying His wife told offi cers the pair dinated attacks on three border there will be no problems with had been out drinking Friday posts on the force as it would be under night and that she had been un- Oct 9 in which nine police of- police command. able to reach her husband the fi cers were killed. “We already did that training following morning. The government said a group previously, that is normal police She contacted authorities of some 400 Rohingya Muslim recruitment as fi ve or six times yesterday after reportedly dis- militants attacked the posts. before, there were no problems covering his body inside his It has said fi ve soldiers and at then,” said Thit San. 25-year-old colleague’s apart- least 33 suspected insurgents Only citizens would be eligible ment in Yangon’s downtown have been killed in the military to sign up for the police train- riverside district. operation since then. ing, offi cials said, ruling out the “The victim and defendant Security forces have blocked 1.1mn Rohingyas living in Ra- are school teachers from Ho- access to aid workers and most khine State, who are denied citi- rizon International School and journalists to the area. zenship in Myanmar as they are they are friends,” a local offi cer Rohingya Muslims have ac- regarded as illegal immigrants said on condition of anonymity. cused the army of summary ex- from Bangladesh. The 25 year-old was being ecutions, rapes and setting fi re to Initially, 100 recruits aged be- sought by police and remained homes of civilians. tween 18 and 35 would undergo at large, he added. The government and the mili- an accelerated 16-week training The international school, a tary deny that. programme, beginning in the private institution that off ers Rakhine State police chief state capital, Sittwe, this month, kindergarten to high school Colonel Sein Lwin told Reuters police said, adding they would classes, did not immediately this week his force had started be given weapons and other respond to requests for com- A general view shows a street sign of 39th Street in Yangon yesterday, where a British man was found dead inside his co-worker’s apartment with recruiting new “regional police” equipment “like police”. ment. wounds on his head and chest. from among the ethnic Rakhine The ICJ said such force would Violent crimes involving for- and other non-Muslim ethnic lack the training and oversight eigners are rare in Myanmar, a and tourism industry. in neighbouring Thailand, a rested three Americans in Bang- The men were charged with minorities in the area. to perform policing functions in former junta-run country that In contrast, fatalities and ac- backpacker magnet home to a kok after discovering the frozen multiple off ences and are being “Establishing an armed, un- accordance with human rights still has a small though swiftly- cidents involving foreigners large foreign population. body parts of another foreigner held in prison while they await trained, unaccountable force and professional policing stand- growing expatriate community frequently make the headlines In September, Thai police ar- inside their freezer. trial. drawn from only one com- ards.

Gunmen kidnap two Indonesian fi shermen Protest against media group over funding

AFP of Malaysia’s Eastern Sabah Se- Duterte is expected to discuss say the Abu Sayyaf are currently Reuters has alleged that foreign funds leader Jamal Yunos, who is also Kuala Lumpur curity Command said. “A group possible joint security operations holding a Dutch hostage, fi ve Kuala Lumpur received by the news portal, a member of the United Malays of fi ve armed men abducted two with Malaysian Prime Minister Malaysians, two Indonesians Malaysiakini, was to be used National Organisation (UMNO) fi shing boat captains in separate Najib Razak on Thursday, in a bid and four Filipinos in their jungle to infl uence the next general party. unmen have abducted raids on the high seas,” he said. to stop the kidnappings along the stronghold. everal hundred pro-gov- election with an aim to topple The row erupted after two Indonesian fi sher- The gunmen also stole the two countries’ sea border. The militants beheaded two ernment demonstrators Prime Minister Najib Razak’s whistleblower site DC leaks Gmen off Malaysia’s east- crew’s handphones and the GPS The Abu Sayyaf is a loose Canadian hostages earlier this Sprotested outside the of- government. revealed documents that al- ern Sabah state, a security offi - systems on the boats. network of militants formed in year, after failing to collect a fi ce of a media group on Sat- The protest is expected to legedly showed Open Society cial said, an area where militants “We do not know who carried the southern Philippines in the ransom. While the Abu Sayyaf’s urday, calling for it to be shut be dwarfed by a massive rally Foundations (OSF), founded by from the Abu Sayyaf group have out the latest abductions nor do 1990s with seed money from leaders have in recent years down after reports that it re- planned by democracy group Soros, was funding local organ- been blamed for a series of kid- we know where they may have Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda pledged allegiance to the Islamic ceived funds from an organisa- Bersih on Nov 19, which will call isations to infl uence the out- nappings. been taken to. But we know it is a network. State group, analysts say it is tion linked to business tycoon for the resignation of Najib over come the next general election “The incident happened on form of business for the kidnap- The group has earned millions mainly focused on a lucrative George Soros. corruption allegations.“We that is due to be called by 2018. Saturday off Sandakan”, Wan pers,” Abdul Bari added. of dollars from kidnappings- kidnapping business rather than The largely Malay group, don’t want outside interference Malaysiakini and Bersih were Abdul Bari Abdul Khalid, head Philippine President Rodrigo for-ransom. Military sources religious ideology. which calls itself “Red Shirts”, in our country,” said Red Shirts linked to funds from OSF.

Indonesia, Vietnam look to blaze trail for solar in Southeast Asia

Reuters given attractive FIT rates,” Vi- Singapore/Jakarta raphol Jirapraditkul, director of the Energy Regulatory Com- mission told Reuters. ndonesia and Vietnam are “We have discussed about looking to join Thailand in the possibility of raising the Iblazing a trail for solar power target for renewables and the in Southeast Asia, introducing energy ministry’s planning of- targets to fi re up green energy fice will need to propose the generation as a landmark glo- numbers.” bal agreement to curb pollution Elsewhere in the region, Ma- takes eff ect. laysia plans to add 1 GW of so- Countries around the world lar power capacity by 2020, or are coming under increas- 250 MW per year, said Energy, ing pressure to crack down on Green Technology and Water carbon emissions from sectors Minister Maximus Ongkili, up such as coal-fired power sta- from 267 MW currently. tions, with the historic Paris And the Philippines has met climate accord coming into a previous target of 500 MW force since last Friday after it for solar, but no fresh target has was signed last year. been set as the country’s new Indonesia and Vietnam aim government is still reviewing to each have annual solar power its energy mix. capacity of at least 5 gigawatts But some analysts cautioned (GW) from 2020, up from close that Indonesia and Vietnam’s to nothing now, officials from solar targets were ambi- both governments told Reuters. tious and could be difficult to That level of output would achieve. have placed the countries “It’s a good move in the right among the top 15 solar produc- direction but the targets are ers in the world in 2015 data optimistic,” said Paul van der from the International Renew- Aa, an advisor at PT. able Energy Agency (IRENA), PricewaterhouseCoopers and would account for close to Consulting Indonesia. 9% of expected power genera- “It remains to be seen if they tion in Indonesia and Vietnam can be achieved in the short at the turn of the next decade. File photo shows an employee of PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) cleaning the surface of solar panels at a solar power generation plant in Gili Meno island, Indonesia. term.” The regional push towards And despite the growth solar will add momentum to “It will come very quickly as traditionally seen as a big de- few years.“If we promote solar, able Energy Directorate Gen- power in Southeast Asia, with of solar power in the region, global growth in the technol- it takes a short time for con- terrent to solar projects, both there has to be subsidy,” said eral under Indonesia’s Energy a government official saying coal is likely to remain a ma- ogy and could benefit com- struction,” Hoang Quoc Vuong, Indonesia and Vietnam will the Vietnam official. Ministry. its installed capacity reached jor source of energy as fast- panies such as Canada’s CMX Vietnam’s Vice Minister of In- be offering opportunities for “Feed-in tariffs have been France’s Engie is in talks with about 2 GW in August, beating growing demand means that Renewable Energy Inc, as well dustry and Trade, said on the subsidies via so-called feed-in issued so that the (5 GW) target state power company PLN for its target of 1.7 GW for this year. Southeast Asia needs to double as South Korea’s Shinsung So- sidelines of an industry confer- tariffs (FIT), allowing produc- can be achieved,” said Maritje two solar projects of 200 MW. “We have already exceeded its power generation capacity lar Energy and Hanwha Q Cells ence last week. ers to lock in sales of renew- Hutapea, director of various Thailand has so far been the our target for this year, espe- in the next decade, government Korea Corp. However, with initial costs able energy at fixed prices for a kinds of energy at the Renew- frontrunner in developing solar cially in solar and waste power, and industry officials said. Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 15 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA

China sails ships near Hong Kong police and disputed islands

AFP activists clash at protests Tokyo

Reuters Hong Kong apan yesterday protested to China after Chinese coast Jguard ships sailed into territo- ong Kong police fi red pepper rial waters of disputed islands in spray and protesters threw bot- the East China Sea, Tokyo said. Htles and road cones in clashes Four Chinese vessels entered near China’s representative offi ce yes- the waters surrounding the islets, terday night where activists had gath- called the Senkaku in Japan and ered to demonstrate against Beijing’s the Diaoyu in China, around 10am attempts to stop a fl edgling independ- local time (0100 GMT), according ence movement. to Japan Coast Guard. A ruling today from a top commit- They left the territorial waters tee of China’s parliament, the National within two hours, the coast guard People’s Congress, is expected to eff ec- said. tively bar recently-elected lawmakers The two countries are locked in Yau Wai-ching, and Baggio Leung from a long-running dispute over the taking offi ce in Hong Kong’s legisla- uninhabited, Tokyo-controlled ture. islets. The pair pledged allegiance to the Japan has routinely com- “Hong Kong nation” and displayed a plained that China is escalating “Hong Kong is not China” banner dur- regional tensions by regularly ing a swearing-in ceremony for the sending ships to the island chain city’s legislative council in October. despite repeated protests from Their oaths were not accepted and Tokyo. their right to re-take them is being Tokyo yesterday lodged a pro- challenged in the local courts by the test to China’s foreign minis- Hong Kong government. try through its embassy in Bei- The situation is seen by many of jing saying the islands are “an Hong Kong’s legal and political elite inherent territory of Japan,” while as one of the biggest tests the fi nan- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s of- cial hub has faced since its handover fi ce beefed up its team in charge of to China nearly two decades ago, with monitoring Chinese ships, a gov- some fearing its independent rule of Baggio Leung (left) and Yau Wai-ching of the Youngspirations organisation march during a protest in Hong Kong yesterday morning. ernment offi cial told AFP. law is under threat. Tokyo has lodged at least 32 pro- Hundreds of police, some with riot About 20 were hit by pepper spray Kong’s mini “Basic Law” constitution As such, an NPC interpretation was to exercise its own judgment,” he said. tests through diplomatic channels shields and batons, and some behind – some protecting themselves with to stop Yau, 25, and Leung, 30, from “very timely and extremely necessary”, The Hong Kong Bar Association has this year over what it says have temporary metal barricades, were seen umbrellas, the symbol of the 79-day taking offi ce. the report said. said an intervention by Beijing now been a total 31 days of intrusions near the central government’s Liaison democracy protests in Hong Kong in China Central Television quoted Britain returned Hong Kong to Chi- would deal a “severe blow” to the city’s by Chinese vessels in the territo- Offi ce, traditionally well protected by 2014. national lawmakers as saying the pair nese control in 1997 under a “one coun- judicial independence and under- rial waters. local police, and viewed by many as a “This is about our future,” said one were a threat to China’s “sovereignty try, two systems” formula that gave the mine international confi dence in Hong China is also involved in mari- symbol of Beijing’s increasing infl uence woman, while others chanted for inde- and security”. territory wide-ranging autonomy, in- Kong’s autonomy. time disputes in the South China on the free-wheeling city. pendence, long a taboo subject in the “If this kind of situation continues cluding judicial freedom. Earlier yesterday, thousands – in- Sea by claiming most of the area As police reinforced their lines, pro- global fi nancial hub and an anathema it will harm the immediate interests of Martin Lee, a veteran pro-demo- cluding Yau and Leung – marched to despite partial counter-claims by testers took their own precautions, to Communist Party leaders in Beijing. the people of the Hong Kong Special cratic fi gure and barrister, said Beijing’s the city’s fi nancial district. the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, some donning masks and goggles and The standing committee of China’s Administrative Region and the interests move would bind the hands of the Hong Several hundred then pressed on to Taiwan and Vietnam. wrapping cling fi lm over their eyes to parliament, the National People’s Con- of national development. The central Kong court that will hear the govern- Beijing’s Liaison Offi ce. But a UN-backed tribunal in protect against pepper spray. gress, this weekend discussed invoking government cannot sit by indiff erent- ment’s challenge against the pair. Organisers put the numbers at July ruled that Beijing’s claims At least one protester was arrested. a rarely used power to interpret Hong ly,” they were quoted as saying. “(It) makes it impossible for the court 11,000; police said 8,000 turned out. were invalid. Winter break Ex-Park aides held as scandal widens

AFP Seoul

outh Korean prosecutors yesterday arrested two Sformer top presidential aides in a snowballing infl uence- peddling scandal which has seen tens of thousands of people take to the streets to demand Presi- dent Park Geun-Hye resign. Park’s approval ratings have hit a historic low of 5% – a record for a sitting president – over the scandal involving her close friend Choi Soon-Sil. Choi has been arrested for fraud and also stands accused of meddling in state aff airs – in- cluding government appoint- ments and policy decisions – de- spite holding no offi cial position. Ahn Jong-beom, a former sen- ior adviser to Park, was formally arrested yesterday on charges of abuse of power and attempted coercion, the Yonhap news agen- cy reported. He is suspected of helping Choi collect millions of dollars in donations from conglomer- Former presidential aide Jeong Ho-Seong is escorted by police ates like Samsung to two dubious following his arrest in Seoul yesterday. non-profi t foundations which Choi set up and allegedly used for tion in a candlelight demonstra- The South Korean media has personal gain. tion on Saturday. portrayed Choi, whose late fa- Ahn, who has been in custody Police said around 50,000 ther was a shadowy religious since Wednesday after step- people had turned out for the leader and an important mentor ping down late last month said rally – more than double the size to Park, as a Rasputin-like fi gure Whooper swans winter at the Rongcheng National Nature Reserve for Whooper Swans in Rongcheng City, east China’s Shandong he would “take responsibility” of a similar anti-Park protest the who wielded an unhealthy infl u- Province. Over 2,000 whooper swans are estimated to have arrived here for wintering by the start of the month. for failing to properly advise the week before. ence over the president. president, Yonhap reported. Organisers said the number Choi is the daughter of late Prosecutors also arrested was closer to 200,000. religious leader Choi Tae-Min, Jeong Ho-Seong, another former Han Gwang-Ok, Park’s new who was married six times, had presidential aide, over allega- chief of staff who was appointed multiple pseudonyms and set up tions that he leaked classifi ed in- last week, said Saturday’s protest his own cult-like group known as formation. refl ected the gravity of the cur- the Church of Eternal Life. Backpacker survives by ‘body slamming’ croc The 47-year-old Jeong, who rent situation. Park has been forced to deny was known as Park’s right hand “All senior secretaries must that she fell for a religious cult man and has assisted her since fully co-operate in uncovering or allowed shamanist rituals to AFP he spotted a freshwater croco- it wasn’t that bad though, I was stupid,” Bonde told Perth’s Sun- 1998, is suspected of passing the truth beyond any doubt,” Han be performed in the presidential Sydney dile in the water and perched more shocked than anything.” day Times newspaper. presidential speeches and offi cial said during a meeting yesterday Blue House. Despite the mass on a bank to take photographs A video obtained by the West “I pretty much body slammed documents to Choi. with the presidential secretaries. protests, Park is not expected to of it, The West Australian has Australian showed Bonde hold- him. If somebody body slammed Park has been scrambling to In a televised address on Fri- resign with just over a year of her Danish backpacker sur- reported. ing his bloodied right arm above me at night, I would be angry restore trust in her administra- day, Park agreed to be questioned single term in offi ce left. vived a close encounter “Next thing I know I’m slid- a sink. too.” tion amid the deepening crisis, by prosecutors, and sought to Whatever transpires, the very Awith a crocodile after ing down the bank and then I He was treated in hospital for Australia is home to two croc- reshuffl ing ministers and senior portray herself as an over-trust- personal nature of the scandal “body slamming” the creature just toppled over and landed deep cuts to his arm, the news- odile species – the freshwater advisers to bring in fi gures from ing friend who had let her guard has severely undermined Park’s while trying to take a photo of straight on top of the croc. He paper said. and the saltwater. outside her ruling conservative down at a moment of weakness. ability to govern, turning her into it in Western Australia, a report got a pretty good grip on me and Bonde said he felt “stupid” Both are found in northern Saenuri Party. Her voice choking with emo- the lamest of lame-duck leaders said over the weekend. shook me around a bit,” Bonde and understood why the croco- Australia, with “freshies” grow- But the reshuffl e has done lit- tion, Park said she had been liv- at a time of slowing economic Johnny Bonde, 27, said he was told the newspaper. dile, which he estimated was ing up to 2.5m long while the tle to assuage public anger, with ing a “lonely life” as president growth, rising unemployment at Lake Kununurra in Australia’s “There was just splashing and I about 2.5m long, bit him. larger and more feared “salties” tens of thousands of protesters and had turned to Choi for com- and elevated military tensions tropical north late Friday when could feel a bit of pain in my arm; “It was the result of me being can be as big as 7m long. rallying to demand her resigna- pany and help. with North Korea. Gulf Times 16 Monday, November 7, 2016 BRITAIN Labour will not block Article 50, says Tom Watson

Guardian News and Media deputy leader, Tom Watson, has But appearing on Pienaar’s Pol- referendum result has fallen. It Article 50, it is unclear how the up to her to respond.” ple an alternative economic strat- London said. itics on BBC Radio 5 live, Watson hasn’t, it will go through. We want party can exert infl uence over the The Scottish Nationalist Party egy for this country,” he said. Jeremy Corbyn appeared to clarifi ed the party’s position, say- Theresa May to be accountable to process. and the Liberal Democrats are Senior Labour sources insisted suggest in an interview with the ing: “No, we’re not going to hold parliament, but the people have May has reassured European thought to be willing to vote down he had only intended to reiterate abour will not block the Sunday Mirror that his party this up. The British people have spoken and we respect that deci- leaders that she plans to stick to any legislation on Article 50 unless Labour’s previously agreed posi- triggering of Article 50, the would be prepared to vote against spoken and Article 50 will be trig- sion,” he said. her self-imposed deadline of trig- they receive reassurances. Added tion on Brexit. “We have always Lformal process for leav- the government invoking Article gered when it comes to Westmin- Labour MPs in Brexit-leaning gering Article 50 by the end of to Corbyn’s tough language that been clear that we will not block ing the European Union, and will 50 unless May signed up to his ster. constituencies are nervous about March. But Corbyn told the Sun- suggests the government could be Article 50. What we are talking instead seek to put pressure on Brexit “bottom lines”, including “I think it’s important the the party adopting any position day Mirror: “Sorry, but we live in defeated, triggering an early elec- about is the government bringing Theresa May to bring more de- pressing for full access to the EU country needs to hear this because that smacks of seeking to keep a democracy and the government tion – something Corbyn said he its negotiating terms to parlia- tailed negotiating terms to the single market and safeguarding I think most people think that that Britain in the EU. But unless it is has to be responsive to parlia- would welcome. “It would give us ment. We will maintain that clear House of Commons, the party’s workers’ rights. court judgment meant that the willing to block the triggering of ment. It’s not my timetable, so it’s the chance to put before the peo- distinction,” the source said.

Met Police Fashion fans website May warns ‘hacked’ as thousands stage rally lawmakers

Agencies London against bid to cotland Yard is probing whether hackers are respon- Ssible for part of its website being brought down while thou- sands of masked activists de- scended on central London on Saturday night. block Brexit The Met confi rmed the news section of its website was hit by AFP UK Independence Party (Ukip) last thing the government wants,” technical diffi culties during the London leader Nigel Farage warned that the Cabinet minister told the BBC. Million Mask March demonstra- the political temperature was “Theresa May wants to get on tion, which is linked to ‘hacktivist’ “very, very high”, and said there with the job and frankly it is the group Anonymous. rime Minister Theresa May would be public outrage if parlia- last thing the British people want, A total of 53 people were arrest- yesterday warned lawmak- ment sought to undermine the with all these very, very impor- ed as violence erupted during the Pers not to block Brexit, after Brexit vote. tant national decisions. Because protest by anti-capitalists wearing the High Court ruled that she can- “We will see political anger the of that I think it is highly unlikely Guy Fawkes masks. Most of the not start the process of leaving the likes of which none of us in our that parliament would not, in the arrests were for drug off ences and European Union without parlia- lifetimes have ever witnessed in end, back a decision to trigger Ar- obstruction of offi cers. ment’s approval. this country,” the leading Brexit ticle 50.” The Met said “the majority of “MPs and peers who regret the campaigner told the BBC. Justice Minister Liz Truss was those taking part were peace- referendum result need to accept May has said one of her priori- forced this weekend to issue a ful” but there were “pockets” of what the people decided,” May ties will be cutting EU immigra- statement defending the inde- disorder and multiple fi reworks said in her fi rst comments since tion, a goal that EU leaders have pendence of the judiciary follow- thrown, though they did not infl ict Thursday’s controversial judg- warned is incompatible with ing the attacks on the High Court injury. ment. continued membership of the judges. But as offi cers were dealing The Conservative government single market. The High Court One of the claimants in the with the demonstration, Scotland is appealing the court’s fi nding decision has fuelled speculation case, investment fund manager Yard’s website crashed – with that parliament must agree to the that May might call a snap elec- Gina Miller, revealed yesterday widespread claims on social media triggering of Article 50 of the EU’s tion to strengthen her support in she has received online rape and that Anonymous may be behind a Lisbon Treaty, which begins for- the House of Commons before the beheading threats, and calls for cyber-attack designed to coincide mal negotiations on Britain leav- vote on Article 50. her to be deported to Guyana, with the Million Mask March. ing the bloc. Labour leader Corbyn said his where she was born. A Met Police spokesman told The ruling prompted outrage party was preparing for the elec- “I am really cross at the poli- the Evening Standard that a sec- among Brexit supporters, amid tion to be brought forward from ticians and the media who are tion of the force’s website used speculation that pro-European 2020, although Health Secretary whipping this up because they are for media purposes was brought lawmakers would seek to water Jeremy Hunt played down the the ones inciting racism and vio- down and an investigation into the down the break with the EU and idea. lence and acrimony,” she told the cause will be carried out. derail May’s plans to begin formal “I think a general election is the BBC. Saturday night’s protest – exit talks by the end of March. which about 20,000 people had In a statement issued ahead of a Scotland and others ‘expected to join challenge’ said they planned to attend - be- trade mission to India, the prime gan peacefully, with several par- minister said she was focused on Scotland’s devolved ruling and the Supreme Court ticipants climbing the base of getting the best outcome from government is expected to is expected to consider the Nelson’s column and chanting the Brexit following the June referen- join a legal challenge against case early next month. “We slogan “one solution, revolution”. dum vote. the British government’s are expecting a number of Ugly scenes marred last year’s “That means sticking to our plans to trigger an exit from governments to join us,” Gina march, which saw four offi cers in- plan and timetable, getting on the European Union, the Miller, an investment manager jured after missiles and fi reworks with the work of developing our lead claimant in the court leading the court case against were thrown at them. negotiating strategy and not case said yesterday. A British the government, told the BBC, Scotland Yard imposed restric- putting all our cards on the table,” court ruled on Thursday indicating Scottish, Welsh tions on this year’s event amid she said. that the government needs and Northern Irish devolved concerns over any repeat of the The ruling sparked attacks on parliamentary approval to authorities could become disorder, limiting the march to a the judges involved, with one start the process of leaving involved. “But their case will three-hour period between 6pm Hundreds of shoppers rushed to get their hands on H&M’s latest designer collection, with newspaper calling them “Enemies the European Union. The be diff erent to ours. They will and 9pm on a prescribed route Parisian fashion house Kenzo. Some fashion fans queued through the night to be first in line of the People”, while one of the government said it would be talking about their own between Trafalgar Square and when the doors opened at 9am. claimants in the case has received appeal against the High Court particular interests.” Whitehall. online rape and beheading threats. Heathrow third runway Up in flames Govt backs judicial independence

‘won’t harm air quality’ Agencies ish people”, while The Daily Mail London newspaper said the three judges who handed down the ruling London Evening Standard should be halted “unless air pol- her streets they felt like “an ex- were “enemies of the people”. London lution can be contained within tension of the M25” and lam- he government has de- The protests prompted other the legal limits”. basted the minister for failing to fended the independence Conservative lawmakers to rally But Dr Coff ey insisted a third explain how air quality would be Tof the country’s judiciary behind the judges. minister has insisted that runway could be built “without improved more quickly. after three judges came under “There is something smack- a third runway can be it having an impact on the UK’s Tory Mark Field, MP for Cities a wave of criticism from news- ing of the fascist state about Abuilt at Heathrow without compliance with air quality limit of London and Westminster, said papers and a senior offi cial for them (the attacks),” Dominic air quality getting worse in the values”. London’s pollution levels were “a dealing a blow to the govern- Grieve, a former attorney gen- capital. deplorable state of aff airs” and ment’s Brexit preparations. eral, was quoted as saying in The Environment Minister “How can the government called for tax breaks for diesel Justice Minister Liz Truss, Times. Therese Coff ey made the claim support more pollution drivers to be abolished. under growing pressure to back Bob Neill, the Conservative to MPs who lined up in the Com- that would come from “My constituents have had the judges, issued a brief state- chairman of parliament’s justice mons to protest about London’s a third runway at enough of the current appalling ment saying the independence committee, said the attacks were toxic air. Heathrow?” state of air quality,” he said. “We of the judiciary was the “foun- “threatening the independence Twickenham’s Tory MP Tania need to ensure that the perverse dation upon which our rule of of our judiciary” and had “no Mathias said the Heathrow ex- She added: “Policies at na- incentives for diesel are stopped law is built” and said Britain’s place in a civilised land.” pansion should be abandoned tional, London and local level will in their tracks.” legal system was impartial. A group representing senior after the government’s defeat in help to ensure that the scheme Helen Hayes, Labour MP for England’s High Court trig- lawyers in England and Wales, the High Court this week when can be delivered in line with our Dulwich and West Norwood, gered an angry response from the Bar Council, urged Truss to judges ruled that its air qual- legal obligations in respect of air urged a scrappage scheme to some lawmakers and newspa- condemn the “unjustifi ed at- ity improvement plans were not quality.” MPs from all sides pro- persuade drivers to trade in their pers on Thursday when it ruled tacks” as a matter of urgency. good enough. tested that Londoners were being diesel models for new cars. Dr that the decision to begin Brit- “A strong independent judici- “How can the government subjected to dirty air that already Coffey blamed the high levels ain’s formal divorce talks with ary is essential to a functioning support more pollution that breaches EU limits. of pollutants on the scandal of the European Union needed to democracy and to upholding the would come from a third runway Enfi eld North MP Joan Ryan diesel vehicles whose emissions be approved by parliament and rule of law,” the Council said. at Heathrow?” she demanded. said: “We have had nothing to tests were rigged to make them could not be taken by the gov- Stephen Glover, a column- Tom Brake, the LibDem MP stop the fact that we have kiddies seem cleaner. “If we go back in ernment alone. ist for the Daily Mail, stood by for Carshalton and Wallington, in pushchairs sucking in this poi- history, fiscal incentives were An eff igy of US Republican presidential candidate Sajid Javid, a member of the newspaper’s coverage of the called for action “to improve the sonous NOx.” introduced by a Labour govern- Donald Trump is burnt as part of bonfire night celebra- May’s cabinet, called the ruling court ruling and said he did not appalling air quality around Hea- She complained that so many ment which encouraged people tions in Edenbridge, Britain. an “unacceptable” attempt to think judges would be cowed by throw” and said the third runway “dirty diesels” chugged down to move to diesel,” she said. “frustrate the will of the Brit- the criticism of their decision. Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 17 BRITAIN More than 120,000 children homeless, says charity

Guardian News and Media ings, said the estimated fi gure is ing results of our housing shortage drug abuse, fi ghting and strangers room facilities with other resi- viewed said their children’s mental “Almost daily we hear from London the highest since 2007 when over are now being felt by over 120,000 sleeping in corridors. dents, according to Shelter, which and emotional health had been parents desperate to escape the 133,000 children were living in homeless children in Britain – the Every family interviewed lived in has launched a Christmas appeal. badly aff ected, with accounts of single cramped room of a B&B or temporary accommodation by the equivalent of four children in every a single room and over half of par- It said examples of disrepair children becoming anxious, iso- hostel that they fi nd themselves ore than 120,000 chil- end of March that year. school.” ents also had to share a bed with in the accommodation fami- lated from their friends and strug- struggling to raise their children dren across Britain face It also calculates that the Shelter also carried out inter- their children. lies were staying in included gling to sleep. Over half of parents in. Imagine having to eat all of Mspending this Christ- number of families living in emer- views with 25 families currently One family interviewed by Shel- dirty or broken mattresses and said their children’s development your meals on the fl oor, share a mas homeless and in temporary gency B&B and hostel rooms has or recently living in emergency ter was sharing a two bedroom beds as well as serious hazards was negatively impacted. bed with the rest of your fam- accommodation, according to risen by a “worrying” 18% in the B&B’s, hostels or sofa-surfi ng. It terraced house with three other like sparking electrical sockets, Campbell Robb, chief executive ily, or being too frightened to analysis by Shelter. space of a year, standing at 7,475 by said many felt their accommo- families. mould, and windows that would of Shelter, said: “Fifty years since leave your room at night – these The charity, which used gov- the end of June 2016. dation was unsafe and the worst Many families also reported not close. Shelter was founded, too many are things no parent wants their ernment data to make the fi nd- Its report said: “The devastat- accounts involved exposure to having to share toilet and bath- Eighteen of the 25 families inter- families still need our help. child to endure”.

Poppy appeal St Helena airport will require ‘open chequebook’

Guardian News and Media airport there, it does seem that London there is frankly an open cheque- book because you have spent all that good money and you aren’t £285mn airport built on going to get anything for it,” she a remote South Atlan- said. Atic island with UK gov- Mark Lowcock, DfID’s perma- ernment cash will require “an nent secretary, told the commit- open chequebook” if it is to ever tee repeatedly that he would prefer welcome commercial airlines not to say who might be to blame as planned, a select committee for failing to discover the strong hearing has been told. winds at the airport because of an Plans to build a cliff top run- ongoing internal review. way on St Helena were approved He said offi cials were in talks in 2010 by then ministers Andrew with carriers about launching Mitchell and William Hague, fl ights, but it would involve much making it the single largest invest- smaller planes than previously en- A man wearing a poppy suit raises funds for the Remembrance commemorations before the Leicester City versus West Bromwich Albion football match at the King ment made in an overseas territo- visaged. Power Stadium in Leicester, England. ry. But its inauguration ceremony Stephen Phillips, a Conservative for commercial fl ights was sus- committee member, pointed out pended indefi nitely in May after to Lowcock that in the 19th cen- tests showed that planes could be tury the anthropologist Charles blown off course. Darwin in his travel journal The On Wednesday, civil servants Voyage of the Beagle referred to from the department for interna- the wind shear on St Helena. tional development (DfID) were “Darwin wrote this: ‘The only unable to tell the public accounts inconveniences I experienced on committee why they had not my walks (on St Helena) were from tested for wind shear – a sudden the impetuous winds. One day I Thousands of babies hit powerful change in wind direction noticed a curious circumstance: that can destabilise large aircraft – standing on the edge of a plain, before the airport was built. Meg terminated by a great cliff of about Hillier, the chair of the commit- a thousand feet in depth, I saw at tee, said more public money would the distance of a few yards right have to be spent if the airport was to windward, some tern, strug- to ever function for the island’s gling against a very strong breeze, by TB vaccine shortage 4,000 inhabitants. whilst, where I stood, the air was One of the more drastic options quite calm.’ London Evening Standard being refused vaccinations for age but I could have a dose from by the shortage. Mother Promise but can also aff ect kidneys, joints that has been considered and re- “If Charles Darwin, as he does London their children unless they live in an expired batch. Knight described as “frighten- and bones. Last week, the Lon- jected by offi cials was to blow the in this passage, gives a very good the highest-risk areas. “I really felt uncomfortable ing” the three-month wait until don Assembly health committee top off two mountains adjoining example of wind shear in St Hele- Siddiq, shadow minister for giving my baby an expired vac- her baby daughter Elizabeth was called for all children in the capi- the airfi eld, the committee was na in 1836, how have we got a posi- n MP described her anxi- early years and Labour MP for cination but they gave me a letter given a jab. “Being a fi rst-time tal to be vaccinated after a drug- told. The more likely option to tion where DfID commissioned a ety as her baby became Hampstead and Kilburn, called assuring me it was safe. Later a lot mother, to be told your child has resistant strain was detected in make the airport useable would be £285.5mn airport, paid for by the Aone of thousands in Lon- for urgent government action to of mothers on the West Hamp- to go without this crucial vaccine the capital. Yet only 24 out of 32 to allow smaller planes to fl y to the British taxpayer, without appre- don hit by an NHS shortage of increase supplies or risk a rise in stead Mums Facebook page told at such an early stage in life leaves boroughs currently off er the jab, island instead of the planned Boe- ciating the danger of wind shear?” the vaccine against tuberculosis. TB in London. me I was one of the lucky ones as one feeling so exposed and vul- as the offi cial vaccine ran out in ing 737s. Lowcock replied: “That is a very Tulip Siddiq was off ered an She told the Standard: “When they had not been able to get their nerable,” she said. September. Hillier said civil servants had good question, and one I will at- “out-of-date” dose of the BCG my daughter Azalea was four babies vaccinated at all.” Knight, who set up the Prom- Private clinics revealed that de- already spent money allocated to tempt to answer in my review.” vaccine by doctors trying to eke weeks old, I received a letter say- Azalea, now seven months old, ise Foundation, lives in Brent — mand has surged. Siddiq said one them to make the airport useable. Phillips also raised the possi- out their last supplies of the jab ing that because I live in an area is in good health, but the vaccine which, offi cial fi gures show, has young mother told her she paid “Given that there is a UK commit- ble option, mentioned in previous that is recommended for all ba- of high risk I should get her vac- shortage has worsened and Public more than twice the London- £350 for a private jab. ment to the Saints (inhabitants of media reports, of blowing up the bies. cinated. My health visitor said the Health England confi rmed cur- wide rate of infection, with 63 Public Health England said: St Helena) and they are UK citi- tops of two mountains. “I have the She accepted after being as- same. rent supplies are being reserved cases per 1,000 people. “We have an interim supply of zens, given that it is your respon- greatest respect for the civil serv- sured it would be safe and eff ec- “When I tried to make an ap- for high-risk cases. TB is a bacterial infection, a BCG vaccine from a diff erent sibility and DfID’s to make that ice but I did not realise that it could tive — but she warned that thou- pointment I was told they were Other parents have come for- spread mainly by coughs and manufacturer and plan to secure happen, and given that there is an move mountains,” he said. sands of parents in the capital are running out due to a global short- ward to tell of their ordeals caused sneezes, that damages the lungs more.”

‘Goth Weekend’ Social care services Britons stranded in jungle for fi ve days

‘facing existential crisis’ “However, the best thing Agencies London was to stay put. We had a safe Guardian News and Media vember 23, says the LGA, which slip back to less than 1% of GDP place to sleep and a clear area London represents 370 councils in England by the end of the parliament when if anything came overhead. and Wales. the number of older and disabled hree Britons have spent “We had a bag of M&M’s “The situation is now critical people is increasing and demand fi ve days stranded in a which we shared on the first ocial care services that and it is no exaggeration to say that for services is rising. This is an un- TMexican jungle, surviv- evening and then we rationed support elderly and disa- our care and support system is in sustainable situation.” ing on a pack of peanuts and a bag of caramelised peanuts I Sbled people are facing “an crisis,” said Izzi Seccombe, chair The Care Quality Commission scavenged fi sh, after taking a had – five each per sitting. existential crisis” despite being of the LGA’s community wellbeing said last month that social care wrong turn on a boat trip. “By day three, my col- as important to national wellbe- board and the Conservative leader was approaching “a tipping point” The trio and a Mexican leagues had started testing ing as the NHS, council leaders of Warwickshire county council. meaning even fewer people would companion were exploring in a local fruit they recognised claimed yesterday. “For too long the service has too get care they need and the NHS the Yucatan Peninsula when and had caught some small Councils will have to continue often been seen by decision-mak- would become even busier, unless they flipped one of their ca- fish using my mosquito net. reducing at-home support for ers as an adjunct to the NHS, rath- ministers came up with some so- noes, containing their food, “They cut the heads off and older people and paying for beds in er than a service of equal impor- lutions. and stranded the other in a swallowed them whole.” care homes because of Whitehall tance,” she added. Theresa May “Bedblocking” stands at record narrow stream. After the rescue on Octo- budget cuts, according to the Local needed to deliver on her promise levels and is costing hospitals Bradley, 31, told how they ber 23 the team rejoined their Government Association. of building “a country that works £800mn a year because mainly became lost in a combina- colleagues from Ninth Wave Rising costs, the ageing popu- for everyone” as prime minister elderly patients who are fi t to leave tion of unexpected rapids and Global, an environmental lation, diffi culties recruiting staff to avoid the sector suff ering even cannot be safely discharged be- a “labyrinth” of swamps and consultancy operating in re- and years of central government more damage, she said. cause social care support is lack- waterfalls created by heavy mote areas. But the experi- reducing its grant have left the The LGA’s intervention comes ing. rainfall. ence has not put Bradley off service in crisis, the cross-party after a host of NHS leaders, in- A department of health spokes- The team then ambled, her intrepid life. body claims in a new report. cluding the NHS England chief woman defended the govern- swam and climbed through She said: “At the time I Councils have had to provide executive, Simon Stevens, made ment’s record on social care, the vast jungle before fi nding a thought it would do, but in less care at a time of growing need, clear that if Hammond does pro- saying: “This government is com- mangrove they decided to stay the morning I start two weeks leaving more vulnerable people duce more money in the autumn mitted to ensuring older people in. Bradley said: “For the next on the Usumacinta River so I isolated and at risk, it says. statement for the health service, it throughout the country get af- A participant in costume attends the biannual ‘Whitby Goth two days and two nights we guess not. I think it’s a really Philip Hammond, the chancel- should go instead to prop up social fordable and dignifi ed care. That is Weekend’ festival in Whitby, northern England, yesterday. stayed in this tree and explored great thing to do to get out lor, must recognise the “perilous” care. Richard Humphries, a social why we are signifi cantly increas- The festival brings together thousands of goths and a few diff erent exit routes, there, explore and to learn state social care is now in and ease care expert at the King’s Fund, ing the amount of money local au- alternative lifestyle fans from the UK and around the world walking to the other side of the how to live in the outdoors. the pressures on it when he deliv- said: “It defi es all sense and rea- thorities have access to for social for a weekend of music, dancing and shopping. palm fi eld and swimming up You have really special mo- ers his autumn statement on No- son that social care spending will care, by up to £3.5bn by 2020.” and down stream. ments.” Gulf Times 18 Monday, November 7, 2016 EUROPE

Kurdish militant group Erdogan blasts West claims bombing attack AFP a new statement insisting the Istanbul bombing was carried out by the PKK, saying that this conclusion was based on intercepted radio Kurdish militant group conversations. that has carried out a It said that the three tonnes of Astring of attacks in Turkey explosives used in the bombing as Kurdish party this year has claimed a bombing were activated by a PKK opera- on the southeastern city of Diya- tive with the codename “Kemal”. rbakir that killed 11. The pro-Kurdish People’s The claim by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (HDP) said Freedom Falcons (TAK), seen as six of its MPs, including its co- an splinter group of the better- leaders, had narrowly escaped known Kurdistan Workers Party injury in the attack as they were (PKK), came after a news agency being held in the police complex boycotts parliament affi liated to Islamic State (IS) following their detention over- militants said they staged the night. Reuters deep concern, while Germany to attend parliament sessions, he strike. Without directly saying that Ankara and Denmark summoned Turk- said. The TAK issued a statement its MPs were the target, it noted ish diplomats over the Kurdish “For years, we called on you to on its website saying that the that the minibus packed with ex- arrests. say you are against terror and ter- suicide bombing was executed by plosives had blown up early fol- urkish President Recep European Parliament Presi- rorist organisations. You would one of its militants named Kamal lowing an alert from a taxi driver Tayyip Erdogan accused dent Martin Schulz said the ac- not listen ... for years, they trans- Hakkari. and called for the full facts to be TEurope yesterday of abet- tions “call into question the basis ferred the money we sent for the It was a response to the “mur- revealed. ting terrorism by supporting for the sustainable relationship municipalities to terror,” Yildirim derous policies” and “inexorable Reports said a local politician Kurdish militants and said he did between the EU and Turkey”. said in a televised speech. pressure” of the government in from the HDP-linked Demo- not care if it called him a dictator. “After discussions with our “Turn back from this road the mostly Kurdish southeast of cratic Regions Party (DBP), Recai European countries have criti- parliamentary group and our while it’s still possible ... come the country, the statement said, Altay, who was being detained in cised Turkey for the arrest on central executive board, we have to parliament and say what you vowing more TAK attacks against the complex, was killed in the at- Friday of leaders and lawmak- decided to halt our legislative ef- have to say,” he said. the “fascist Turkish state”. tack. ers from the pro-Kurdish Peo- forts in light of everything that In an earlier speech yesterday, On Friday Turkish Prime Min- The TAK statement said it was ples’ Democratic Party (HDP), has happened,” HDP spokesman the prime minister vowed that ister Binali Yildirim had blamed “saddened” that Altay, “who was the second-largest opposition Ayhan Bilgen said in a statement Turkey would pursue its cam- the attack close to a police head- not a target”, had lost his life. grouping in parliament, as part read out in front of the party’s of- paign against all groups it con- quarters on the PKK. The TAK had already claimed of a terrorism investigation. fi ces in Diyarbakir and broadcast siders “terrorists”, including the But the US-based SITE Intel- three major attacks this year in The government accuses the online. PKK and its allies. ligence Group cited an “insider Turkey. HDP, which made history last HDP offi cials would consult Turkey sent its military into source” for the IS-affi liated They have said they were be- year by becoming the fi rst Kurd- the party’s supporters, many of Syria in August to push Islamic Amaq news agency as saying hind a February 17 suicide at- ish party to win 10% of the vote whom are in the largely Kurdish State militants from its border “fi ghters from the Islamic State tack in Ankara that killed 28, the and enter parliament, of fi nanc- southeast, and could then con- and stop Kurdish fi ghters gaining detonated an explosives-laden March 13 strike in the capital that ing and supporting an armed sider a full withdrawal from par- ground. vehicle”. killed 34 and a June 7 car bomb- Kurdish insurgency, which it de- liament, he said. “The more we continue our The local governorate in Diya- ing in Istanbul which left 11 peo- nies. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim fi ght, the more we see them rbakir on Saturday then issued ple dead. The HDP announced a partial Erdogan: I don’t care if they call me dictator or whatever else, it goes said the HDP had been fund- squealing. No matter what they boycott of parliament yesterday, in one ear, out the other. What matters is what my people call me. ing terrorism and that “not only say, this battle will continue until saying that it was “halting its those bombing and burning, but our red crescent and starred fl ag legislative eff orts” and that its a terrorist group by the European Ten other HDP lawmakers also those supporting terror” waves across every province,” he deputies would stop participat- Union and United States, had were also detained, though some would pay the price. said. “Let all of their support- Airport security scare ing in sessions of the legislature killed almost 800 members of were later released. The party’s deputies would be ers know this, inside and outside or meetings of parliamentary the security forces and more than The United States expressed betraying the people if they failed Turkey.” commissions. 300 civilians since a ceasefi re AFP agency, one of the suspects had a The action against the HDP in the largely Kurdish southeast Istanbul criminal record for theft and had has heightened concern among collapsed last year. been drinking. some Western allies about Tur- A PKK off shoot claimed re- After the shots were fi red, they key, a Nato member which as- sponsibility for a car bomb in olice at Turkey’s largest came off the bike and tried to run pires to join the European Union the southeastern city of Diyar- airport in Istanbul fi red away but were caught by police. and which is a buff er between bakir on Friday which killed 11 Pwarning shots at a motor- A bag carried by one of the Europe and the confl icts in Syria and wounded at least 100 hours bike that failed to stop at a secu- suspects was blown up by dis- and Iraq. after the HDP detentions, ac- rity checkpoint, with the facil- posal experts but found to be More than 110,000 offi cials cording to a website close to the ity on high alert after the deadly empty, it added. – from soldiers and judges to militants. June attack blamed on Islamist Security measures have been teachers and journalists – have Islamic State had also claimed militants, local offi cials said yes- markedly stepped up at the air- been detained or suspended since the attack, according to the terday. port following the June 28 triple a failed military coup in July. group’s Amaq news agency. Both the driver and the pas- suicide bombing and gun attacks “I don’t care if they call me “Europe, as a whole, is abet- senger of the motorcycle were blamed on Islamic State (IS) that dictator or whatever else, it goes ting terrorism. Even though they later caught and detained after left 47 people dead. in one ear, out the other. What declared the PKK a terrorist or- the incident at Ataturk Interna- Every vehicle entering the air- matters is what my people call ganisation, this is clear,” Erdogan tional Airport but no explosives port complex is now checked by me,” Erdogan said in a speech at said. “We see how the PKK can or weapons were found on them. security forces and it appears the an Istanbul university, where he act so freely and comfortably in The incident resulted in the motorbike failed to stop at one of was receiving an honorary doc- Europe.” brief closure of entrances to the these controls. torate. Turkey’s EU Minister Omer airport as a precaution but it car- Turkey has for the last year Erdogan and the government Celik has called European am- ried on working normally. been rattled by a sequence of at- are furious at what they see as bassadors to a meeting in Ankara “Tonight two people on a mo- tacks blamed both on Islamist Western criticism of their fi ght today to brief them on the latest torbike who failed to stop were and Kurdish militants, as well as against the Kurdistan Work- developments, a statement from detained after police opened the failed July 15 coup. ers Party (PKK) militant group, his ministry said. fi re,” Istanbul governor Vasip In a separate security alert which has waged a three-decade HDP co-leaders Selahattin Sahin wrote on his Twitter ac- yesterday, the fi rst bridge over insurgency for Kurdish auton- Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag count. “No weapons or explosive the Bosphorus in Istanbul was omy and whose allied groups in were sent to prison pending trial materials were found on them. shut to traffi c when a man armed Syria enjoy US support in the on Friday after they refused to The airport is open to entrance with a gun tried to commit sui- fi ght against Islamic State (IS). give testimony in a probe linked Protesters and members of parliament from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) gather and exit.” cide, the Hurriyet daily said. Erdogan said the PKK, listed as to “terrorist propaganda”. under the watchful eye of the Turkish riot police yesterday in Diyarbakir. According to the Anadolu It has since reopened.

Prosecutor: Russian nationalists Pope urges special amnesty for prisoners

‘behind Montenegro attack plot’ DPA Vatican City

AFP “The organisers are Russian Katnic also said his offi ce sus- Podgorica nationalists. The aim was to pected that an opposition party ope Francis celebrated stop Montenegro on its Euro- in Montenegro was involved in Mass in St Peter’s Basilica Atlantic path and in particular the plot, without naming it. Pin front of more than 1,000 Montenegrin prosecutor joining Nato,” Katnic said. Local media have reported prison inmates yesterday, in one has claimed that Russian But he added: “We have no that the main opposition pro- of the fi nal events of the Jubilee Anationalists were behind evidence that the state of Russia Russian Democratic Front was of Mercy, an 11-month Catho- a planned anti-government at- was in any way involved.” linked to the case, claims the lic festival that wraps up in two tack during last month’s elec- “We will keep co-operating bloc has repeatedly denied. weeks. tion but said there was no evi- with Russia because organisers The Democratic Front openly Some 35 inmates were fl own dence that Moscow was directly of this criminal group are Rus- calls for a closer relationship in from Spain, while the others involved. sian citizens,” Katnic said, add- with Russia and Serbia and is were Italian, British, Latvian, Police arrested a group of ing that two Russian nationals against membership of either Malagasy, Malaysian, Mexican, Serbians on the eve of the vote, allegedly involved were still at the EU or Nato, calling for a ref- Dutch, South African, and US saying that they had plotted to large. erendum on joining the military detainees from Italian prisons, seize Prime Minister Milo Dju- Fourteen of those arrested, alliance. the Vatican said this week. kanovic and parliament after including a retired Serbian po- Montenegro was invited to In a homily, Francis said it is polls closed in the Balkan state lice commander, have been join Nato in December, a de- right for people who break the and proclaim victory for the op- placed under one-month de- cision yet to be ratifi ed by law to be punished with impris- position. tention while the other six were Podgorica and existing member onment, but they should also be The special prosecutor for or- released. states. given a chance to redeem them- ganised crime and corruption, One of the alleged main or- Djukanovic’s party topped selves and be forgiven, no matter Milivoje Katnic, told reporters ganisers, Aleksandar Sindjelic, the polls in October but he how great their crime. that “a powerful organisation” was reported by Montenegrin himself is stepping down and “Every time I enter a prison Pope Francis leading a mass yesterday at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican. One thousand prisoners took part of about 50 people from Russia, media to have fought along with his deputy Dusko Markovic has I ask myself: why them and not in a special event at the Vatican this weekend. Serbia and Montenegro was be- pro-Russian forces in the war in been chosen to form the new me? All of us can make mistakes, hind the plot. eastern Ukraine. government. all of us ... there is little faith in Year of Mercy, an act of clemency The Vatican has long opposed and ends on November 20. [prisoners’] rehabilitation, rein- towards those prisoners who will the death penalty, arguing that It off ers the faithful a special sertion into society, but in this be considered eligible to benefi t only God can take a person’s life. chance to make pilgrimages and Swiss court upholds refusal of permit for kindergarten way we forget that we are all sin- from this measure,” he said. Before the 10am (0900 GMT) seek a general pardon for their ners,” he said. One of Francis’ fi rst decisions service in St Peter’s, a prison sins as they walk through a sym- Switzerland’s highest court has upheld the canton be nurtured in a manner comparable to that of After Mass, the Pontiff used after being elected in 2013 was to guard, a Catholic priest over- bolic holy door. of Zurich’s decision to refuse permission for an a public school,” said a court summary of the his Sunday Angelus message to perform the pre-Easter ritual of seeing the process to elevate to The main one is in St Peter’s Islamic society to open a religious kindergarten, verdict published on Friday. “There is also a lack urge governments to reform their the washing of the feet in a juve- sainthood an Italian judge killed Basilica. saying its plans did not fulfil the legal requirements of commitment to the humanistic and democratic criminal justice systems so as to nile prison. by the Mafi a, a murder convict, More than 20mn people have for such schools. values of public schools.” respect “the human dignity of That gesture was followed by and a woman whose son was fl ocked to the Vatican for the fes- The “Al Huda” society had sought since 2013 to It said teachers of Arabic and the Qur’an at the detainees” and focus not only on several visits to detention centres murdered spoke to the congrega- tival, which has yet to see 6,000 open a kindergarten and appealed against local planned kindergarten did not have recognised punitive actions. in Italy and elsewhere. tion. homeless people from across Eu- authorities’ refusal to grant permission. certificates and were over-represented on the “I submit for the considera- On Thursday, Archbishop Rino Detainees were given a special rope meet the Pope next week- The Federal Court said it had rejected the appeal. faculty, making up a quarter of the staff . tion of the competent civilian Fisichella also said the Pope is permit to attend the event. end, and the appointment of 17 “Overall, the kindergarten concept does not Kindergarten organisers did not immediately authorities in all countries the regularly in contact with death The Pope’s Jubilee of Mercy new cardinals during closing cel- guarantee that the children to be taught will respond to an e-mail seeking comment. opportunity to make, in this Holy row inmates. opened on December 8 last year ebrations on November 19-20. Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 19 EUROPE Renzi slams enemies within his own party

Reuters of supporters that laid bare the Renzi said that he was confi - mainstream parties on both Milan deep divisions within his Demo- dent the polls were wrong and the left and right is that the re- cratic Party (PD). defended his reform, arguing it form could inadvertently help Renzi has said he will resign would bring political stability to the anti-establishment 5-Star talian Prime Minister Mat- if he is defeated, and in his fi rst Italy by curbing the powers of the Movement (M5S) thanks to a new teo Renzi has accused rebels indication of what might then upper house Senate and stream- electoral law which introduces Iwithin his centre-left party of happen, the prime minister sug- lining the lawmaking process. a two-round voting system and using a forthcoming referendum gested a government of unelected Opponents say the changes off ers the winner a handsome on constitutional reform to try technocrats could take charge, as will complicate the legislative majority in the lower house of to oust him from offi ce and seize was the case during the 2011 fi - process and reduce vital checks parliament. back power for themselves. nancial crisis. and balances. An opinion poll published In a fi erce assault on party dis- “2017 could be a diffi cult but Renzi said his PD critics were yesterday by Corriere della Sera sidents, including former prime also a wonderful year,” the prime not interested in the merits of the newspaper suggested that M5S minister Massimo D’Alema, Ren- minister said, adding that the last new constitution, and were just would crush both the left and the Renzi: December 4 is (the party rebels’) last chance to get back into zi said they were looking to hold thing Italy needed was a “little out to get him. right in any such second-round the game. back Italy for their own personal technocratic government” sup- “Massimo D’Alema says he run-off vote. gain and warned of a political ported by the old guard. would have done a better reform. Without a strong Senate in the opinion polls are overstating campaign in favour of a ‘No’ vote quagmire if he loses the Decem- All but one of the 33 opinion Well, why didn’t you do it?” Ren- place, critics fear this will hand M5S’s strength, but in a conces- in the coming week. ber 4 ballot. polls published in recent weeks zi said, with his audience loudly M5S, which has suggested hold- sion to PD doubters he agreed “We are at a fork in the road,” “December 4 is their last have shown Renzi losing the ref- booing the name of the former ing a referendum on Italy’s mem- this weekend to possible modifi - Renzi said. “The referendum chance to get back into the game. erendum, with major opposition PD leader, who was prime minis- bership of the euro currency, un- cations, including returning to a pitches the past against the fu- That is what this is all about,” he parties and PD dissidents joining ter from 1998 to 2000 and deputy bridled power. one-round voting system. ture, cynicism against hope, D’Alema: a former prime said in his home city of Florence forces to denounce his proposed premier from 2006-2008. Renzi has repeatedly defended The proposal failed to placate hope and ideals against nostalgia minister. at the end of an annual gathering constitutional overhaul. One of the major worries of the electoral law, convinced that the likes of D’Alema, who is set to and yesterday.”

Germany’s CSU party edges toward Bulgarians hold presidential poll

AFP ous lack of charisma”. later in the last presidential elec- rapprochement with Merkel’s CDU Sofia “Radev could end up carry- tion in 2011. ing the day by a small margin,” “I am voting for the stability Bechev said. and security of a prosperous Bul- Reuters ulgarian Prime Minister Burly former bodyguard and garia,” Tsacheva said. Berlin Bokyo Borisov suff ered an police chief Borisov, 57, has in- The job of Bulgarian president Bembarrassing setback in jected some much-needed sta- is largely ceremonial but he or the fi rst round of presidential bility into Bulgaria since becom- she is still a respected fi gure who avaria’s Christian Social elections yesterday, with exit ing premier for the second time chooses some top offi cials and Union (CSU) has agreed polls suggesting that his candi- in late 2014. can appoint technocrat govern- Bto focus on common in- date fell short of the top spot. His fi rst term ended abruptly ments in a crisis. terests with Chancellor Angela Tsetska Tsacheva won 22.5- in February 2013 when Bulgar- And for a country forever Merkel’s Christian Democrats 23.5% of the vote, behind fi rst- ians livid about poverty, corrup- walking the East-West tight- (CDU) ahead of national polls placed Rumen Radev on 24.8- tion and cronyism took to the rope, both Moscow and Brussels next year, edging away from dif- 26.7%, the candidate of the streets across the country. will be watching closely to see ferences over immigration that opposition Socialists seen as Eight people set themselves on whether the new president might have divided the sister parties. more sympathetic to Russia. fi re. tilt the ex-communist coun- “Our opponent is not the The result, if confi rmed, sets More protests brought down try more into the Russian or the CDU,” CSU leader and Bavarian up a tight run-off contest on the subsequent technocrat gov- Western orbit. state premier Horst Seehofer November 13 between Tsacheva, ernment after barely a year, pre- Nato member Bulgaria last said on Saturday, warning a par- 58, who is speaker of parliament, cipitating fresh elections that September angered Moscow by ty congress that the CSU needed and former air force commander returned Borisov to power at the banning Russian supply fl ights to a conservative victory in Sep- and ace MiG pilot Radev, 53. head of a minority government. Syria from using its airspace. tember 2017 elections to ensure Borisov, 57, had said before the Graft and poverty remain rife, Outgoing president Rosen Ple- its success in a 2018 state vote. election that if Tsacheva failed to however, in a country where the neviev has been outspoken in his In a gesture aimed at smooth- Seehofer: Our opponent is not the CDU. come fi rst in the fi rst round, he average monthly salary is €480, criticism of Russia and its Presi- ing over diff erences between would call early elections. and progress on reforms has been dent Vladimir Putin. the sister parties, Seehofer said support the AfD, with the CSU Merkel as the conservative can- Seehofer, in an apparent bid This could plunge the EU’s sluggish. “What today Russia is trying on Friday that he was wrong to losing its absolute majority and didate for chancellor, after See- to win back voters drifting to- poorest country into renewed Voters are also concerned to achieve is to weaken Europe, to openly criticise Merkel for her pulling in just 44%. hofer said it was critical to fi rst ward the AfD, said the CSU political turmoil. about the thousands of migrants divide Europe and to make us de- refusal to adopt limits on refu- The CSU is sister party to debate substantive issues with was centre-right oriented, but While Borisov has presented stranded in their country. pendent,” Pleneviev told the BBC gees, although he insisted that Merkel’s CDU, and together the CDU before addressing per- also wanted to off er a political Tsacheva as the “mother of the Turnout among the 6.8mn- in an interview on Friday. he still wanted annual numbers they form “The Union”. sonnel matters. “homeland” for “national con- nation”, political scientist Dimi- strong electorate was around But at the same time Bulgaria’s of migrants capped at 200,000. But angst in the fi ercely proud Party members also approved servatives” and those with tra- tar Bechev warned earlier that he 20% at midday, a level not economy is hugely reliant on The parties also remain at and traditional CSU about last a proposal to fi ght against a fu- ditional values. had failed to grasp her “danger- reached until about two hours Russia, particularly in gas, and odds over national referendums year’s infl ux of almost 1mn mi- ture national coalition of left- Party members also approved the two have deep historical and – a move backed by the CSU but grants has sown discord be- leaning parties, including the a new programme entitled “The cultural ties. rejected by Merkel and the CDU. tween the allies. far-left Left party, the centrist- Order”, which embraces Ger- In 2010 Borisov gave Putin a The dispute over migration Merkel, expected to seek a left Social Democrats (SPD), man “Leitkultur” or “leading puppy. caps has hurt both parties in fourth term next year, rejects a and the pro-environment Green culture” and maps out specifi c And Radev told local radio in a opinion polls and contributed to cap on migrants, but she needs party. security and economic policies. recent interview: “We have lost a series of state election defeats, the support of the CSU, which Currently, the German gov- In an apparent reference to a lot by declaring Russia more or with many voters shifting away operates only in Bavaria and de- ernment is run by a coalition the AfD, Markus Blume, who less an enemy.” from the conservatives to the livers about a sixth of the com- of the conservatives and the headed the commission that In addition he has called for anti-immigration Alternative bined CDU/CSU vote. SPD, but growing divisions have drafted the document, said the EU sanctions on Russia, imposed for Germany (AfD). A large majority of party prompted speculation that left- plan was aimed at diff erentiat- because of Ukraine, to be lifted A recent poll by German members voted against a mo- leaning parties could join forces ing the CSU from other parties – a position shared by Tsacheva broadcaster SAT.1 Bayern tion that would have forced the to run the government after next that “divided and only played until Borisov called her back into showed 9% of Bavarians now CSU to refrain from supporting year’s parliamentary elections. with people’s fears”. Tsacheva Rumen line.

Social Democrats push for ‘Benghazi six’ nurses points-based immigration hail new evidence AFP Ghanem, who served as Mua- Reuters German society, with a target of gration Alternative for Germany Sofia mmar Gaddafi ’s prime minis- Berlin allowing 25,000 immigrants to (AfD) party. ter from 2003 until 2006. enter in the fi rst year. The SPD’s public support The diary, which had report- The targeted number of skilled dropped one percentage point to ive Bulgarian nurses edly ended up in the custody of ermany’s Social Demo- migrants would be re-evaluat- 22% – its lowest rating in three jailed for eight years in French magistrates, suggested cratic Party (SPD), jun- ed each year, depending on the months – in a new poll conduct- FLibya over an HIV epi- that the infections were an act Gior partner in Chancellor needs of the German labour mar- ed by the Emnid group for the demic at a children’s hospital of hostility against Benghazi, a Angela Merkel’s ruling coalition, ket, he told the newspaper. Bild am Sonntag newspaper. welcomed on Saturday media stronghold of opponents of the will announce a plan today for a Migrants who earn enough to Merkel’s Christian Democrats reports accusing Gaddafi -era then-Libyan dictator. points-based system to regulate support a family would be al- remained in the lead with 34%, spies of deliberately infecting “This news has given me immigration, a top party offi cial lowed to bring spouses and chil- with the AfD getting 12%, the the infants. wings,” said Valya Cherven- said. dren. pro-environment Green party The fi ve nurses, who along yashka, one of the nurses. Thomas Oppermann, who But migrants accepted under 11%, the Left party 10% and the with a Palestinian doctor, be- “Truth has prevailed nearly 10 leads the Social Democrats in the the new scheme would be ex- libertarian Free Democratic Par- came known as the “Benghazi years after we were released Bundestag, Germany’s parlia- cluded from receiving welfare ty 5%. six” after they were jailed in thanks to Cecilia.” ment, said the goal was to pass and other social benefi ts for the German businesses are having Libya in 1999 for allegedly in- “It’s unimaginable, it’s like a the new law governing migration fi rst fi ve years after entering Ger- trouble fi nding skilled workers fecting 438 children with HIV- horror fi lm,” said Valentina Si- by skilled workers from outside many, unless they had paid in despite the infl ux of migrants, tainted blood at a paediatric ropoulo, another of the nurses. the EU before national elections enough contributions. most of whom must fi rst learn hospital in Benghazi. “The Libyan offi cials’ guilt in September 2017. The proposal comes as Ger- German. They were only released in has been proved. The Libyan “The core of the law is a point many reassesses its immigration German unemployment fell 2007 after an intervention by state has assets abroad and we system modelled on the Canadi- policies after the infl ux of nearly more than expected in October, Cecilia Sarkozy, the former can be compensated,” Kris- an system,” Oppermann told the 900,000 migrants last year, most pushing down the jobless rate wife of France’s ex-president tiana Valcheva said. newspaper Bild am Sonntag. fl eeing war and violence in Syria, in Europe’s biggest economy to Nicolas Sarkozy. The nurses and their doctor The law would not change Iraq and Afghanistan, and strug- 6.0%, the lowest level since Ger- French investigative website colleague were jailed in 1999, rules on refugees and migrants gles to fi ll jobs given its ageing man reunifi cation in 1990, and Mediapart on Friday published tortured and twice sentenced applying for asylum in Germany, workforce. the number of job vacancies to a documents suggesting that the to death. he said. Merkel’s government has been record high of 691,000. children were in fact injected Tripoli only agreed to com- Oppermann said the plan under fi re for its “open door” Experts estimate Germany’s with tainted blood by Libyan mute their death sentences to A migrant wrapped in a survival foil blanket stands yesterday aboard would assess immigration ap- refugee policy, with her Chris- working age population, whose intelligence and special forces life imprisonment in 2007, af- the Topaz Responder ship, run by Maltese NGO Moas and the Italian plications based on age, educa- tian Democrats suff ering losses pension contributions support a commanders. ter which they were fl own back Red Cross, while sailing to the port of Vibo Valentia, southern Italy, tion, work experience, language in a series of regional elections as growing number of retirees, will The testimony was found to Bulgaria, where they were after rescue missions off the Libyan coast. skills and ability to integrate into voters switch to the anti-immi- shrink by up to 6mn by 2030. in a diary belonging to Shukri immediately pardoned. Gulf Times 20 Monday, November 7, 2016 INDIA

Tamil Nadu Roundup Street children run newspaper advocating their rights

By Umaima Shafiq DPA dren, India’s only newspaper 14 reporters, aged 12 to 15, most Shambhu, the newspaper’s are fi nally being heard,” Sham- Shanno, 19, a former editor, New Delhi produced by children who live of whom were previously street 17-year-old editor, used to sell bhu said. recounted how police at railway and work on the streets. children or child labourers in vegetables before turning to There are as many as 18mn stations in several states forced Baby stolen The eight-page monthly Delhi and other northern Indian journalism full-time as a way to street children and child labour- children to carry the bodies of ac- n a sultry afternoon, a newspaper reports on issues af- areas. highlight the dire poverty and ers in India, according to some cident victims or those who com- from hospital group of children gather fecting thousands of underprivi- “We discuss issues such as tribulations faced by street chil- estimates. mitted suicide to nearby morgues. recovered Oin a room daubed with leged youths across India. child traffi cking, child labour and dren. Chetan, 16, another ragpicker- The newspaper reported on colourful paint in a poor area of Since its launch in 2003, the drug or sexual abuse among chil- “Street children have no iden- turned-reporter, said Balakna- the practice and the children also Delhi near one of the city’s busi- paper, whose staff members are dren,” said Jyoti, a student who tity, no dignity. We are like ghosts ma’s work had helped reunite issued a formal complaint with A week-old boy who was est bus and railway stations. sometimes called “slumkid re- used to be a ragpicker, beggar and living on the margins of society. runaways with their parents, get the National Commission for the kidnapped last week from the Sitting cross-legged on the porters,” has published hard-hit- drug addict before she took to re- Police and offi cials look down children admitted into schools Protection of Child Rights. maternity ward of the Salem fl oor as a fan whirs, the children ting stories that have prompted porting. upon us as delinquents and petty and curtailed police abuses. The government issued a no- Government Hospital was found discuss outbreaks of mosquito- action from authorities. “We reach out to children liv- criminals,” he said. The reporters said they face tice to police and the practice was within two days. borne diseases like chikungunya The paper has Hindi and Eng- ing in slum areas, bus or railway “As victims who experienced opposition and threats when they stopped. Indhu gave birth on October and new cases of exploitative lish editions, with a total circula- stations or under fl yovers to un- discrimination and hardships uncover instances of child labour Balaknama also helps street 24 and the lost the baby the child labour in the city. tion of more than 8,000 copies. derstand the problems they face,” fi rst-hand, we report with an or physical or sexual abuse. children receive formal educa- following day while she had gone The huddle in the congested Chetna, an NGO that helps she added. activist zeal on children who are A Balaknama team was sur- tions. to the bathroom. Based on her Sarai Kale Khan neighbour- rehabilitate street children, is Balaknama also has 64 young- suff ering, forced to beg, facing rounded and threatened with at- Reporters earn a stipend of complaint, police found a woman hood is an editorial meeting to involved in producing the news- er staff who are illiterate, so they abuse or employed in hazardous tack a few months ago at a slum around Rs5,000 each month wearing a yellow sari carrying a plan the upcoming edition of paper. must dictate their stories to other industries,” he added. where they were reporting on from Chetna to support their baby, on the hospital’s surveillance Balaknama, or Voice of Chil- Balaknama has a core team of reporters. “With Balaknama, our voices child marriage, Jyoti said. education and tuition. camera and began their search. They checked bus stands, nearby areas and later alerted primary health centres with photos of the Marathas demand reservation baby and the woman. Finally they got a call from Karavur village in Dharmapuri district, where a woman named Vennila had come with the baby for vaccination. Police arrested UK PM seeks Vennila, got the baby and handed him to Indhu. Vennila confessed that she had stolen the baby to appease her husband’s family who had been harassing her for being childless. Investigations are underway.143 to boost trade Kamal Haasan, Gautami separate after 13 years ties with India Star couple and award winning actors Gautami Tadimalla and Kamal Haasan separated last week after living together for nearly 13 years. Gautami announced it on her Twitter website and blog. She before Brexit said: “It is a devastating decision for any woman. I neither need Commercial deals to be until it is outside the EU, the gov- launch a partnership on smart sympathy nor blaming anyone signed during May’s visit are ernment is keen to hold prepara- cities and urban development for this. I have always been good expected to create a total of tory discussions. which could generate business friends with Shruti and Akshara 1,370 jobs in the UK May, accompanied by trade worth up to £2bn for British (Kamal’s daughters). I will ministers Liam Fox and Greg firms over the next five years, continue doing so in the future. Reuters Hands and around 40 business her office said. At the same time I want to be a New Delhi representatives mainly from Britain will press New Delhi good mother as I have certain small- and medium-sized tech- to allow its law fi rms to operate responsibilities.” nology and healthcare fi rms, will in India, and will also off er its Gautami has a daughter from ritish Prime Minister address a technology summit, government expertise in areas an earlier marriage. Shruti and Theresa May will use her have a working lunch with Prime such as deregulation and tax to Akshara are both actresses. Bfi rst bilateral trade trip Minister Narendra Modi and help make India a more attractive Gautami and Kamal worked in since taking offi ce to try to boost meet businesses. business environment. many films before she left to get ties with India before leaving the Among representatives of The offi cial declined to say married. However her marriage European Union. larger fi rms joining her on the whether May would specifi cally failed and she got back with May’s offi ce said the visit trip are David McMillan, CEO of raise with Modi the issue of Tata Kamal who was divorced. The would focus on breaking down insurer Aviva, Ivan Menezes, the Steel Ltd, which put its British couple lived together with their barriers to trade and investment CEO of drinks fi rm Diageo and steel operations up for sale ear- three daughters. and paving the way for a free the chairman of Asia-focused lier this year but suspended it in Gautami did character roles, trade deal as soon as possible af- bank Standard Chartered, John July due to uncertainty over the television shows and some social ter Brexit, which is not expected Peace. Brexit vote. work. Her major re-entry into to happen before 2019. May will visit New Delhi and The government has not given the Tamil films was in 2015 in The prime minister arrived in outsourcing hub Bengaluru be- away much detail about its Brexit Papanasam with Kamal Haasan. New Delhi late last night. fore leaving on Tuesday. plans, with May only saying it Film buff s claim that Gautami Explaining the choice of India, Her offi ce said commercial wants the best deal to “trade with fell out with Shruti over costume a British government offi cial said deals to be signed during the trip and operate within” the EU’s sin- designing for the latter’s films. in London: “It matters now more were expected to create a total of gle market. than ever. India is the fastest- 1,370 jobs in the UK. Some have suggested that if growing major economy.” One potential area of diffi cul- the UK stays in the EU’s customs Valparai post May said the trip was about ty is her plan to curb the annual union it will not be able to strike off ice celebrates seizing the opportunities of level of net migration to under trade deals with third countries Brexit and “expanding our hori- 100,000 from its rate of more such as India, but the British of- its centenary zons and forging stronger part- than three times that. fi cial disputed this. nerships with countries around India is keen for Britain to wel- “Turkey is in the customs un- A post off ice at Valparai hill resort, the world.” come more of its students and ion but has trade agreements about 60km from Coimbatore, is “This is a partnership about skilled workers. with third countries,” the offi cial celebrating its centenary this year. our shared security and shared “We want to attract the bright- said. Valparai town was established in prosperity. It is a partnership of est and the best while also doing Turkey has free trade agree- the 1800s when British planters potential. And on this visit I in- more to control migration,” the ments with 18 countries includ- set up tea and coff ee plantations tend to harness that potential, offi cial said. ing in Asia, north Africa and in the area. Businessmen and Members of Maratha Kranti Morcha participate in a bike rally to press for demands including rebooting an age-old relation- “When we get to looking at South America, while another 12 traders soon built houses, off ices reservation for the Maratha community in education and jobs, in Mumbai yesterday. Over ship,” she said in a statement these bilateral deals we are con- including Japan and Mexico are and shops in the area that was 14,000 bikers, including 2,000 women, took part in the rally, a precursor to a bigger one ahead of the visit. fi dent that we will be able to do actively under discussion, ac- accessed by a road with around planned on December 5. While Britain cannot sign strong and ambitious deals.” cording to the Turkish economy 40 hairpin bends. trade deals with third countries May and Modi will also ministry website. The Valparai post off ice was set up on October, 1906 for the convenience of these settlers, Police reopen whose post and telegrams were Protest against flyover often delivered by mail runners, Kerala rape case either by foot or on horseback, through forest and mountain Kerala speaker apologises A two-year-old rape case tracks. The mail was carried in Wadakancherry town of stuff ed inside giant tea bags. Kerala got a new momentum In 1916, the Valparai post off ice yesterday after a police was upgraded to a head post to governor over ‘snub’ probe team took statement off ice and shifted from its rented of the 34-year-old victim. premises to a Gothic style building By Ashraf Padanna New Delhi after getting a phone Religious heads and many The victim has publicly that stands even today. Thiruvananthapuram call from Chief Minister Pi- from the fi lm industry, includ- named, among others, two Off icials are urging the Tamil Nadu narayi Vijayan. ing small-time actors, were Comunist Partyof India government to give this building But he chose not to attend among the 60 people invited to (Marxist) leaders, including heritage status along with 34 erala Assembly Speaker the ceremony as he learnt that light 60 lamps representing the municipal councillor P N others in the state. P Sreeramakrishnan has he was invited to be only part age of the state. Jayanthan, who has denied Kapologised to Governor P of the audience. The Congress “I also chose to keep away as the charge. Sathasivam for not inviting him Party later clarifi ed that Chan- Antony and Chandy did not get The 2014 case became New harbour in to the state’s 60th birth anni- dy, a two-time chief minister a decent accommodation at the public on Thursday when Nagapattinam versary celebrations last week. who is now a legislator, was not function. It’s an insult and im- the woman along with her In a letter to the governor, even invited. propriety,” said V M Sudheeran, husband and two women starts functioning Sreeramakrishnan clarifi ed that But Achuthanandan, a sen- president of the Congress Party activists narrated the the omission was not deliber- ior member of the ruling Com- in Kerala. incident to the media in The newly-built Akkaraipettai ate and that the government munist Party of India (Marxist) “It should have been organ- Thiruvananthapuram. fishing harbour began functioning had planned to invite him to chose not to respond. ised in a more inclusive manner, Following this, the CPM from November 4 in southern the concluding ceremony of the Congress leaders alleged that ensuring participation of all.” state government of Chief Nagapattinam district. year-long celebrations. Vijayan kept the senior leaders However, Ramesh Chennith- Minister Pinarayi Vijayan The harbour was inaugurated Besides the governor, former and the governor away from the ala, the party’s leader in the as- was forced to order a fresh by Chief Minister Jayaram chief ministers A K Antony, event to ensure that the lime- sembly, got a prominent seat on probe as pressure mounted Jayalalithaa in September and is Oommen Chandy and V S light is on him. the dais. from the Congress Party, the built on 17 hectares. Its facilities Achuthanandan were also ab- The speaker said he came to Among others who spoke Bharatiya Janata Party and consist of 750m of docking yard, sent at the inaugural ceremony know about the governor ex- were Bishop Philipose Mar the media. an administrative off ice, goods held on the assembly campus on pressing displeasure from me- Chrysostom, poet and activist The chief minister is also safety building, fishing equipment, November 1. dia. Sugathakumari, Revenue Min- A woman holds a poster as she joins several others in a protest in the dock as he was one power generator, security room, Antony, a former defence The chief minister’s clarifi - ister E Chandrasekharan, Kerala against the construction of a steel flyover, at Freedom Park in of the first persons to be overhead water tank, eff luent minister and a member of the cation at the function that he Congress (M) leader K M Mani, Bengaluru yesterday. The project has triggered a public outcry informed of the rape, when treatment plant and halls for fish Congress Working Commit- wanted to avoid “protocol is- Indian Union Muslim League over environmental concerns and the Karnataka High Court the victim in August this auction, net knitting and parking tee, later clarifi ed that he came sues” was not convincing, op- leader P K Kunhalikutty and Ol- has put the project on hold. year wrote to him about the lots. to Thiruvananthapuram from position leaders said. ympian P T Usha. sexual attack on her. Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 21 INDIA

INVESTIGATION PROTEST COMPLAINTS EDUCATION POLITICS Explosives seized, Shutdowns, blockades Cigarette retailers Updated manual for UPSC CPM questions Modi’s three held in Siliguri hit life in Manipur slapped with 33 cases aspirants launched silence on crucial issues

Three Nepalese citizens were arrested with a huge Life in Manipur continued to be aff ected The Maharashtra Legal Metrology Department A revised and updated edition of McGraw Citing the recent suicide of a former serviceman quantity of explosives in Siliguri in West Bengal’s yesterday in the wake of multiple strikes and yesterday said it has registered 33 new cases Hill Education India’s General Studies Manual and rising farmer suicides, Communist Party Darjeeling district, police said yesterday. “More blockades since October 30, with essential against retailers for selling imported cigarettes Paper-1, including the latest developments and of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram than 600 gelatin sticks, 200 detonators and commodities either in short supply or available without mandatory declarations like maximum events up to August 2016, was launched by Yechury yesterday questioned the “silence” 640m of codex cables were seized from them,” at inflated prices. The state government failed to retail price (MRP) and health warnings. The NITI Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on issues Siliguri Police Commissioner C S Lepcha said. He provide foolproof security to escort over 1,500 cases were registered during a special drive yesterday. “The book is of great benefit to aff ecting the common people. “Generations said Krishna Prasad Adhikari was arrested after trucks and oil tankers stranded on the Nagaland- after the Legal Metrology Organisation the new generation. I wish we had such self- grew up listening to the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai a tip-off near Darjeeling More in Pradhannagar Manipur highway due to the strikes. Drivers received various complaints about imported help books while we were preparing for the Kisan’ but today what is the condition of jawans police station jurisdiction on Saturday night. and their assistants as well as people hitching cigarette packets. “This drive will be carried services. All the authors of the book have done (soldiers) and kisans (farmers)? We have subedar Following his interrogation, Dawa Shering Bhote a ride on these trucks are facing starvation and further to ensure the protection of consumer’s great work and have contributed immensely Ram Kishan Grewal, committing suicide while alias Gurung and his wife Puja Limbu were picked health problems. This week, three jeeploads interest,” Amitabh Gupta, Inspector General to revise the book,” Panagariya said. Home in the last two years, farmer suicides have from a house in the neighbourhood. “It seems of police off ered to escort trucks to safety but and Controller of Maharashtra Legal Metrology, Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, who was among increased by an alarming 26%,” Yechury said. they were supposed to deliver the explosives. We drivers stranded on National Highway-2 refused said. The cases have been registered a day those who contributed to the book, was “Our soldiers are not getting their dues, farmers are trying to ascertain whether the three have to come along. Truck driver Rakesh Taorem said before India hosts CoP 7 WHO FCTC conference, present. “It was an honour to co-author the are not getting minimum support prices and links with Nepal’s Maoists or insurgents active in keys of their vehicles have been snatched by the world’s biggest tobacco control convention. book with other veterans and I am thrilled to getting debt ridden and eventually committing India’s north-eastern states,” he said. activists of the United Naga Council. India is hosting the Framework Convention. be a part of the journey,” he said. suicide. But our prime minister is silent,” he said. Japan, India set to sign controversial nuclear deal

Agencies China Sea, and is increasingly Tokyo vocal about its rival’s ambitions to control almost the whole of the South China Sea. apan and India are set to sign Japan has in the past shunned a controversial civil nuclear civil nuclear co-operation with Jdeal this week, reports said India, citing concerns over the yesterday, as the two Asian al- international Non-Proliferation lies look to boost economic and Treaty, but appears to have sof- security ties to counter an asser- tened its stance. tive China. The business daily Nikkei Prime Minister Narendra confi rmed the expected nuclear Modi and his Japanese counter- deal, adding that a batch of busi- part Shinzo Abe are set to sign a ness-linked deals are also set to deal on Friday that would allow be signed. Japan to export nuclear technol- Nikkei also reported that In- ogy to the subcontinent, the Yo- dia’s Defence Ministry will agree Runners take part in the New Delhi 10K challenge amid heavy smog yesterday. Thick smog has blanketed the capital for days, with local and central authorities meeting to miuri Shimbun paper reported. today to purchase 12 amphibious resolve the crisis. India would become the fi rst rescue aircraft from Japanese non-signatory to the Treaty on manufacturer ShinMaywa In- the Non-Proliferation of Nu- dustries worth $1.5bn-$1.6bn. clear Weapons (NPT) to agree Japan and India have been such a nuclear deal with Japan holding talks on the purchase for – which was the victim of US more than two years. It would atomic bombings in the fi nal one of Japan’s fi rst sales of mili- days of World War II. tary equipment since Abe lifted a The two countries are also set 50-year ban on arms exports. Delhi shuts schools for to agree that if India conducts a India’s Defence Ministry will nuclear test, Japan will stop co- approve the purchase of 12 US-2 operation, the Yomiuri reported. aircraft at a Defence Acquisi- The expected deal comes tions Council meeting scheduled against a backdrop of growing for today, the Nikkei reported, security concerns in the region citing senior ministry offi cials over China’s military presence. it did not name. The deal will three days over smog Beijing is expanding its deep- be included in a memorandum water naval presence and asserts of understanding to be signed Kejriwal chairs emergency Thick smog has blanketed the burning before each sowing people and the government to 15 days in a bid to improve air sovereignty over disputed areas during Modi’s visit to Japan, the meeting of state cabinet, capital for days, with local and season, which worsens air pol- do more to tackle pollution in quality earlier this year could of the East and South China Sea Nikkei said, citing the offi cials. advises people to stay central authorities meeting to lution over Delhi and its satellite the city. again be implemented. and Indian Ocean region, parts Modi will arrive in Japan on indoors resolve the crisis. towns. Other placards urged farmers The ‘odd-even’ plan restricts of which Japan also claims. Thursday for a three-day visit, Kejriwal, who chaired an “One can’t expect relief (from to stop the crop-burning. cars to alternate days according India has a longstanding ter- after the two men in September Agencies emergency meeting of the state pollution) over the next few The fi rst day’s play of two in- to their number plates. ritorial dispute with China, and held talks on the sidelines of a New Delhi cabinet, advised people to stay days as more crop burning will ter-state cricket matches were However, the restrictions troops from the two countries Southeast Asia meeting in Laos. indoors as much as possible and happen in the next few days,” cancelled after players com- have been criticised since the engaged in a major stand-off at The prime minister visited Ja- work from home if they could. Kejriwal said yesterday. plained of irritation in the eyes capital’s creaking public trans- the border in 2014. pan in August 2014 on his fi rst chools in the Indian capi- Other measures announced Federal Environment Min- and breathing problems. port infrastructure struggles Tokyo has its own spat with bilateral trip outside South Asia, tal will be closed for the by the government include ister Anil Madhav Dave, who New Delhi’s air quality has to take the pressure off private Beijing over islands in the East months after coming to power. Snext three days, the Delhi fi ghting fi res at landfi ll sites, met with the state leadership on steadily worsened over the vehicles. state government said yester- sprinkling water on main roads Saturday, is expected to discuss years, a result of rapid urbani- The reading for pollutants day, as the city struggles with to suppress dust and shutting a solution to the crop burning sation that brings pollution in the atmosphere recently Scientists must help in hunger fight: PM one of the worst spells of air down a power plant. issue with leaders of neigh- from diesel engines, coal-fi red breached the 1,000 microgram pollution in recent years. The chief minister, who on bouring states this week. power plants and industrial mark for the fi rst time in one Prime Minister Narendra Modi challenges,” Modi said at the first “Emergency measures are Saturday compared the state Around 250-300 people, emissions. neighbourhood in south Delhi yesterday asked scientists to International Agrobiodiversity needed to solve this problem to a “gas chamber,” has blamed including many parents with It also suff ers from atmos- – 10 times the World Health find solutions for hunger and Congress (IAC) in New Delhi. “We together,” state Chief Minister crop-burning by farmers in their children, gathered around pheric dust and pollution from Organisation’s recommended malnutrition while conserving need to ensure that while finding Arvind Kejriwal said. neighbouring states for the Jantar Mantar, New Delhi’s ma- open fi res lit by the urban poor level. the bio-diversity. “Today, millions solutions for these challenges we “All construction and demo- smog. jor site for protests, yesterday to keep warm in winter or to Delhi-based non-profi t Cen- of people are struggling with don’t ignore other aspects like lition in the city will be banned Most of Delhi’s neighbour- morning. cook food. tre for Science and Environ- hunger, poverty and malnutrition. sustainable development and for the next fi ve days. All schools ing states are largely depend- Most of the Delhi locals The chief minister warned ment has said the capital was Science and technology has an conservation of bio-diversity,” will be closed for the next three ent on agriculture, with farm- came wearing pollution masks restrictions that took around experiencing its worst smog in important role in fighting these he said. days in Delhi,” he added. ers resorting to crop-stubble and held placards urging the a million cars off the roads for 17 years. Missing JNU student’s Two soldiers killed mother, protesters held in border fi ring: army AFP and civilians on both sides of the Srinagar border. IANS child,” she screamed when jour- volvement in his disappearance. India blamed the September New Delhi nalists approached her amid the “I request you to urgently attack on Pakistan-based mili- gathering mayhem. intervene in the turn of events he Indian army said two tants and responded with “sur- Both male and female stu- in JNU,” the Aam Aadmi Party of its soldiers were killed gical strikes” on what New Delhi olice dragged away the dents turned up for the protest leader said. Tyesterday in the latest described as militant launching mother of a Jawaharlal but police blocked all roads lead- “Further, I also request you to exchange of cross-border fi ring pads across the dividing line. PNehru University student ing to the World War I monu- immediately direct the central with Pakistan along the defacto Pakistan denied the strikes missing for 23 days and around ment. Many students tried to government to expedite the in- border in Jammu and Kashmir, took place and the two sides have 300 JNU students as they staged slip through the police cordon vestigation process to fi nd Na- amid heightened tensions be- since expelled diplomats from noisy protests here yesterday. about a kilometre away. jeeb. tween the countries. their countries. The mother was later let off . As the demonstration got un- “We are at a juncture where One soldier was killed in a The exchanges come against Policewomen physically lift- der way, Delhi Chief Minister every single moment counts,” fi refi ght as Indian troops pushed the backdrop of months of pro- ed a weeping Fatima Nafees, Arvind Kejriwal - who on Thurs- Kejriwal added. back against Pakistani “infi l- tests against Indian rule of Kash- who hails from Badaun in Uttar day had urged the JNU students One of the protesters, Sha- trators” while another died in mir, sparked by the killing of rebel Pradesh, as policemen prevented to take their protest to the In- hid Raza, alleged that the po- a separate incident, according leader Burhan Wani in a fi refi ght other students from coming to dia Gate area - urged President lice treated Fatima shoddily. All to army spokesman Colonel N with Indian forces in July. her rescue near the India Gate Pranab Mukherjee, the JNU Vis- the detainees were taken to the NJoshi and a further statement The unrest and clashes have monument in the city’s heart. itor, to urge the central govern- Mandir Marg police station ini- from the military. left more than 90 civilians dead She was put into a Delhi police ment to speed up eff orts to trace tially, police said. Tensions between the nucle- in government forces’ action to bus and driven away. Najeeb. “The police detained us on ar-armed countries have soared quell the protests. Minutes earlier, as police began Najeeb went missing after a way to India Gate. They man- since September when militants More than 12,000 were in- breaking up the student protest tiff on the night of October 14 handled Najeeb’s mother,” Raza attacked an Indian army base in jured, according to hospital citing prohibitory orders clamped with alleged members of the said. Uri in Kashmir leaving 19 sol- authorities and around 7,000 in the area, Fatima - who had been Bharatiya Janata Party-affi li- Joint Commissioner of Po- diers dead. suspected protesters have been camping on the JNU campus for ated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi lice Dependra Pathak denied Since then the two sides have arrested during a continuing weeks - turned emotive. Parishad (ABVP) on the cam- the charge. He said no one was Policewomen take away missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmad’s exchanged heavy fi re almost dai- security crackdown to quell the “Where is my child? I want my pus. The ABVP has denied in- “manhandled.” mother, Fatima during a protest near India Gate yesterday. ly leading to deaths of soldiers anti-India protests. Gulf Times 22 Monday, November 7, 2016 LATIN AMERICA

CRIME LAW AND ORDER PEOPLE LEGAL EVENT Guatemala journalist Probe begins as four slain El Salvador ex-president Dominican court rejects Protest marks Brazil and wife murdered at Venezuela crossing faces trial from jail Frenchman’s drugs appeal dam burst anniversary

A Guatemalan TV journalist and his wife were Colombian authorities are investigating the killing Former El Salvador president Elias Antonio Saca A court in the Dominican Republic upheld a 20- Around 1,000 people held a protest to mark murdered by gunmen who shot them as of four citizens in a gunfight at a crossing point on will be kept in jail pending trial on charges of year prison sentence for a Frenchman convicted the one year anniversary of Brazil’s worst they rode a motorbike, police said yesterday. the Venezuela border, police said. “At the end of embezzling millions of dollars while in power, of brokering a 2013 plot to smuggle a planeload environmental disaster, the deadly collapse of Hamilton Hernandez, a presenter with a local the armed confrontation...there were the bodies prosecutors said. Six other suspects in the of cocaine into France. The judges threw out an iron ore mine dam, local media reported. cable station, was riding with his spouse of four men” and a wounded person who was case – including three current government the appeal lodged by Alain Castany, one of A torrent of toxic mud was released when the Herlina Gonzalez through a forested area treated, all Colombian nationals, the police chief off icials – have also been ordered by a judge to four Frenchmen convicted in the so-called “Air dam in the town of Bento Rodrigues collapsed near the town of Coatepeque, southwest of of the Cucuta area, Colonel Yecid Arango, told be held in preventive detention until the trial Cocaine” case, ruling his sentence was “logical” on November 5, 2015, killing 19 people and the capital, when they were attacked. The reporters. The clash happened at an unoff icial begins, the chief prosecutor’s off ice said on its and “consistent with the established evidence.” flooding the Doce River with around 35bn litres motives of the killings were not known, a border crossing that connects the Colombian town Twitter account. Together, they are accused of Castany, 70, and his co-accused were arrested at of mining waste which flowed hundreds of police spokesman, Jorge Aguilar, said. A non- of Villa de Rosario with San Antonio de Tachira in diverting $246mn in public money. The judge the airport in the resort city of Punta Cana as their kilometres to the Atlantic coast. Survivors and governmental organisation, Centro Civitas, Venezuela, he said. The “most probable” reason for also ordered the suspects’ assets and accounts small Dassault Falcon 50 jet prepared to take off environmentalists protested against the alleged said it was the ninth murder of a journalist in the confrontation was a fight between rival gangs frozen. Saca, who served as president from with what authorities say was a cargo of suitcases negligence of the mine’s owner Samarco and Guatemala this year. It called 2016 a “terrible looking to get a cut of the fuel-smuggling business 2004-2009, was arrested with the others late stuff ed with some 700kgs of cocaine. Castany its failure to pay compensation, the newspaper year” for the profession in the country. across the border, Arango said. last month and denies the allegations. claims he did not know what was in the suitcases. Folha de Sao Paulo reported.

Unilever, Anger at national pension system Cuba start work on Nicaragua joint soap factory vote poised

Reuters Havana

ommunist-ruled Cuba and global consumer Cproducts company Uni- to cement lever has started work on their new $35mn soap and toothpaste factory, a joint venture in the Mariel special development zone west of Havana. The factory, due to begin pro- duction in 2018, refl ects a surge of investor interest in Cuba since Ortega rule President Raul Castro took over from his brother Fidel in 2008 Reuters his Sandinistas pushed consti- US and international organi- and started on a path of struc- Managua tutional changes through Con- sations voiced concern about tural reform to update the cen- gress that ended presidential Montealegre’s ouster and Orte- trally-planned economy. term limits in 2014. ga’s refusal to host international Among the reforms were a ormer Marxist guerrilla “Ortega gets his way and he observers for the vote. new foreign investment law leader Daniel Ortega was doesn’t care if he violates the Still, the World Bank ac- and creation of the Mariel zone, Fyesterday expected to eas- rights of others,” said Maximino knowledges that under Ortega, which off ers companies signifi - ily clinch a third consecutive Rodriguez, candidate of the cen- poverty has fallen almost 13 per- cant tax and customs breaks and term as president of Nicaragua, tre-right Liberal Constitution- centage points. is centred around a giant con- buoyed by steady economic alist Party (PLC), Ortega’s clos- Ortega, who has made few tainer terminal. growth that has trumped fears est rival polling just 8% support. campaign appearances, has “Our (planned) new and sus- he is trying to install autocratic “Supposedly he fought promised to defend his social tainable installations demonstrate family rule. against the Somoza dictatorship, and economic achievements if our commitment to invest in the Ortega and his running mate, and the Sandinistas themselves he wins. A substantial part of long-term growth of the Cuban his wife Rosario Murillo, have regard Ortega as worse than So- those gains have been funded economy,” Unilever chief execu- nearly 70% support, accord- moza,” he added, arguing Ortega by Venezuelan petrodollars that tive offi cer Paul Polman said at a ing to a recent poll, tapping into was just trying to cling to power. have underpinned social pro- ceremony in Mariel, where he and strong voter approval for a drop grammes, helped private busi- Cuban Industry Minister Salvador in poverty in one of the poorest “He (Ortega) is the only ness, and slashed energy costs. Pardo laid the fi rst slab for the fac- countries in the Americas since person who has worked for Ortega has also forged alli- tory’s foundation. he took offi ce in 2007. the poor, and he will keep ances with entrepreneurs, help- Unilever had announced its “He (Ortega) is the only per- doing it, because that is his ing Nicaragua to achieve aver- joint venture with Cuban state son who has worked for the poor, essence” age growth of 5% in the past fi ve company Intersuchel S.A, which and he will keep doing it, be- years, buttressed by high prices will be called Unilever-Suchel cause that is his essence,” said There is certainly no obvious for its meat, coff ee and gold ex- SA, last January. Jose Vicente Pong, a 64-year- challenger. ports, as well as remittances and The factory, which will make old retiree, casting his vote by The opposition has been in foreign investment. products such as Sedal sham- the ministry of labour in Mana- disarray since Pedro Reyes used Despite some ups and downs, poo, Rexona deodorant, Omo gua yesterday morning. “He the courts to wrest leadership of Ortega and US President Barack detergent, Lux soap and Close- comes from poverty, and he’ll the Independent Liberal Party Obama have maintained a rela- Up toothpaste, marks a sym- keep working for the poor.” (PLI), the main group, from Edu- tively cordial relationship, dem- bolic return of the Dutch-British Emerging as leader of the ardo Montealegre in June. onstrating 70-year-old Ortega’s company to the island. Sandinista movement that top- PLI congressmen who refused dramatic shift from a leftist fi re- Unilever was one of the fi rst pled dictator Anastasio Somoza to accept the decision, calling brand to a diplomat who main- companies to establish a venture in 1979, Ortega served one term Reyes a puppet of Ortega, were tains ties with a Cold War foe. in Cuba once it allowed some as president in the 1980s before dismissed. But democracy remains a Western investment in the 1990s being sidelined for years. Hernan Selva, a 22-year-old touchy subject. A US bill known after the fall of former benefac- By the time he won Nica- engineering student and Ortega as the Nica Act seeks to con- tor the Soviet Union. ragua’s 2006 election, he had supporter, dismissed as “the dition fi nancial assistance to It left in 2012 over a dispute moved far enough from his kicks of a drowning man” the Nicaragua on improvements in over who would have the con- Marxist roots. complaints by Rodriguez, who democracy, human rights, and trolling interest in a joint ven- Opponents have accused Or- fought the Sandinistas in the battling anti-corruption, lead- ture. Now it will have a 60% Demonstrators holds banners with the slogan: “No more AFP” (Pension Fund tega of trying to set up a “family 1980s as part of a right-wing ing Ortega’s government to de- stake, with Intersuchel SA hold- Administrators), during a strike against the national pension system in Valparaiso, Chile. dictatorship” since he appointed paramilitary force known as the cry “interference” from Wash- ing 40%. relatives to key posts, and after Contras. ington in September.

Kuczynski honoured Haiti aid hard to come by ‘Bloodshed likely’ if a month after hurricane Venezuela talks fail Reuters “And there are people who Buenos Aires would not be afraid of blood- AFP But with his crops ruined, extent of the damaged area. shed. That is what worries me.” Les Cayes, Haiti he has no money to buy mate- Just two miles away, a reli- Maduro’s adversaries accuse rials and is unable to find any gious group has discreetly dis- enezuela is going through him of creating a dictatorship. help. tributed plastic tarps and tools a “very ugly” situation They insist the government n southern Haiti, trunks of The southern region of Hai- to build temporary shelters. Vand there could be blood- should allow the referendum, re- uprooted trees still litter ti, considered the country’s “We conducted surveys in shed ahead if talks between the lease dozens of jailed opposition Ifi elds and beaches as if Hur- breadbasket, was hardest-hit remote areas to verify who is in government and opposition fail, activists and respect congres- ricane Matthew blew through by the powerful storm, which need,” said Bertrand Enoc with a papal envoy told an Argentine sional decisions. and left its trail of death and packed winds of 250kms per the Adventist Development newspaper after his visit to Ven- But there is no indication Ma- destruction only yesterday. hour and killed 546 people, ac- and Relief Agency (ADRA). ezuela this week. duro will agree to any of their If it weren’t for the blue cording to offi cial fi gures. Hundreds of people have re- Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli demands, and in a speech this plastic tarps that now cover Thirty miles away in Les ceived emergency kits from a had been in Caracas for Vatican- week he criticised their timeta- damaged homes, the scene one Cayes, the capital of the south- truck parked inside the police convened talks as an angry op- ble and urged patience. month after the storm would ern department, a teenager was station in the small town of position stepped up its protests “There is no doubt that the be practically identical to the shot dead on Tuesday as a ship Roche-a-Bateaux. against socialist President Nicolas situation is very ugly,” said Celli. days following the October 4 was unloading humanitarian “We cannot help everyone, Maduro after authorities scuttled “Not just politically, but at a so- landfall. aid. so some people will receive a recall referendum. The oil-rich cial and economic level. There is Among the felled coconut “When aid is distributed, nothing and could be tempted country is also suff ering from a no food or medicine.” trees, a single plastic tarp of- people grow agitated and bel- to protest in the streets,” Enoc prolonged recession and severe Celli’s concern mirrored re- fers little protection from the ligerent,” said Sima’s wife Ji- said. shortages of food and medicine. marks on Friday by Tom Shan- elements for Jean Robert Sima land. “The Haitian offi cials are The lucky families head to In an interview published in non, a top US diplomat who also and his 92-year-old father, who dishonest because they fi rst their damaged homes with aid Argentina’s La Nacion newspaper, was in Caracas this week and rests on a mattress. take aid for their loved ones. packages tied to motorcycle Celli did not hide his concern, as called the talks “the last best ef- “A man I had done some You can be there with your kids taxis or on mules, under the he described “exhausting” late- fort to try to fi nd a negotiated, work for is letting us use his and nothing else, but they still jealous gaze of downtown resi- Bolivia’s President Evo Morales (right) decorates Peru night talks with the two sides. peaceful solution to this.” house to spend the night be- won’t give you anything.” dents. President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski with the Condor of “If it happens that one side or “Absent this dialogue proc- cause he is abroad, but that’s Receiving aid is a challenge “From the people’s point of the Andes’ Order, after signing a joint statement in the the other wants to end the dia- ess,” Shannon said, “Venezuela only for a few days” and only at for the tens of thousands of view it’s never enough and they framework of the second Bilateral Meeting of Presidents logue, it’s not the pope but the will fi nd itself in a state in which night, Sima said. local residents in part because are right,” said John Ging, di- and Ministers of Bolivia and Peru in Sucre, Bolivia. Kuczynski Venezuelan people who will lose, both the government and the Every day, Sima and his fam- there have been no compre- rector of operations for the UN supports the bi-oceanic Brazil-Peru train through Bolivia, he because the road ahead could tru- opposition will have to measure ily visit the ruins of their home hensive surveys of how much Offi ce for the Co-ordination of said upon arriving in Sucre. ly be that of blood,” Pope Francis’ themselves through their ability which he hopes to rebuild. assistance is needed due to the Humanitarian Aff airs (OCHA). envoy told the paper from Rome. to put people on to the streets.” Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN Pak mulls joining global All eyes on SC over terms anti-bribery conventions of Panama Internews Government Partnership (OGP). international business trans- Assembly meeting. The forum after the meeting quoted the fi - Islamabad At the time of signing of the actions. It is the fi rst and only provides a platform for domestic nance minister as saying that Multilateral Convention on Mu- international anti-corruption reformers to make their govern- Pakistan’s fi scal regime stands tual Administrative Assistance instrument focused on the ments more open, accountable strengthened by joining the Leaks probe n the midst of Panama and in Tax Matters, OECD secretary “supply side” of the bribery and responsive to citizens. OECD Multilateral Conven- the Bahamas leaks politics general Angel Gurria invited Is- transaction. According to the fi nance min- tion on Mutual Administrative Ithe government has decided lamabad to sign the convention According to OECD data istry offi cial, the Department Assistance in Tax Matters. Internews request was turned down. to explore possibilities of join- on combating bribery. analysis of foreign bribe cases of International Development Dar directed that inter-min- Islamabad The Supreme Court then ing international conventions “It will not pose additional concluded between 1999 and (DFID) has requested Islamabad isterial consultation should be had shown its willingness of transparency and openness in burden,” the offi cial said, adding 2014, 95% bribes were paid to to sign the convention. undertaken to determine Paki- to consider government’s governance. To this end Finance it is good to be part of an inter- offi cials in fi ve categories – 80% Four main condition for join- stan’s readiness for accession ll eyes are set on the Su- request for setting up of ju- Minister Ishaq Dar convened a national commitment. to state owned enterprises of- ing the convention are fi scal to other international conven- preme Court, which is dicial commission to probe meeting yesterday. The Organisation of the Eco- fi cials, 6.97% to head of states, transparency, access to informa- tions and protocols which create Aexpected to announce issues of off shore companies An offi cial of the ministry nomic Co-operation and De- 4.08% ministers, 2.93% defence tion especially government data, transparency and openness in next week critically impor- and foreign wealth even be- of fi nance said that Pakistan velopment (OECD) anti-bribery offi cial, 1.14% customs offi cials public offi cials asset disclosure, governance. tant but politically sensitive yond Panama Leaks scope is compliant of basic require- convention was introduced and 4.77% to other categories of and citizen engagement in policy He said accession to these scope for inquiry on Panama as well as bank loan default/ ment for joining the conventions in 1999. offi cials. making and governance. multilateral agreements will Leaks as well as the name of waive off cases provided the OECD Convention on Combat- The anti-bribery conven- The OGP is an initiative of Answering a question, the of- augment the country’s eff orts to the judge who will lead the commission was given spe- ing Bribery of Foreign Public tion establishes legally binding the UK government which was fi cial said that no fi nal decision combat fi scal crime and will fur- commission. cifi c cases for probe, and Offi cials in International Busi- standards to criminalise brib- launched in the year 2011 on was taken to join these fora. ther strengthen our compliance The terms of reference will empowered. ness Transactions and the Open ery of foreign public offi cials in the sidelines of a UN General An offi cial statement issued framework on anti-corruption. be important for the reason While rejecting govern- that they will decide who ment’s request for the con- would be probed by the com- stitution of judicial commis- mission as there are diff er- sion, the Supreme Court had ent demands being raised by provided clear parameters for Ride by the lakeside diff erent sides. a consensus terms of reference PM’s tax The apex court will deter- to make it acceptable to the mine whether the commission apex court for consideration will focus only on the ruling for an independent inquiry. returns Sharif family, probe all those The SC had asked for named in Panama Leaks, in- specifi c cases, falling in the quire off shore companies even categories of crime/off ence correct: beyond Panama Leaks or will as mentioned in the govern- cover all public offi ce hold- ment terms of reference, for ers who are alleged to have probe. The SC also wanted auditors off shore companies, unde- the 1946 inquiry commis- clared foreign wealth as well sion law amended to make it as those who got bank loans powerful. Internews written off . The opposition’s view- Islamabad The issue of scope of probe point that the government has been the bone of conten- terms of reference are too tion between the government wide and open-ended had an nternational auditors, char- and opposition for the last endorsement from the SC’s tered accountant fi rm Fergu- seven months as they could response. Ison and Company yesterday not agree on what the judicial The Supreme Court’s let- stated that the tax returns fi led commission should be asked ter had clearly directed, “Be- by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to probe. fore forming any opinion as for the year 2011-12 were correct Opposition’s main tar- to the formation of requisite by all means. get remained Prime Minister commission of inquiry or The fi rm said that there were Nawaz Sharif and his family otherwise, it is necessary to no discrepancies between the whereas the government has have the list of all individuals, tax returns of Prime Minister been pressing the terms of families, groups, companies Nawaz Sharif and his daugh- reference with extremely wide with their total number, along ter Maryam Nawaz Sharif. In its range of scope. with some relevant particu- report, the audit fi rm said that In April this year when the lars, against whom purport- the opposition’s criticism in the An Afghan man rides a horse overlooking Band-e-Amir lake, the first national park in Afghanistan in the central province of Bamiyan, which is government had approached ed inquiry proceedings are plot purchase issue was baseless, a top tourist destination mainly for Afghan visitors. Bamiyan, some 200kms (124 miles) northwest of Kabul, stands in a deep green and lush the Supreme Court for the to be held under paragraph reported the local media. valley stretching 100kms through central Afghanistan, on the former Silk Road that once linked China with Central Asia and beyond. formation of judicial com- No.1(a) and (b) of the terms of According to the report, the mission, the government reference.” tax returns fi led by the prime minister and his daughter were in accordance with the law and PPP leader had no discrepancies. It says that the plot bought in Maryam Na- Bilawal’s marriage waz’ name in 2011 was registered Punjab province remark goes viral in the correct column of the tax Australian woman return document. Candid remarks about the It further said that Maryam future nuptials of Pakistan Nawaz’s name was not registered introduces central People’s Party (PPP) chairperson as a dependent person in the tax Bilawal Bhutto Zardari – one returns. It said that the name was kidnapped in Kabul of the country’s most eligible written in the Column 12 because bachelors – eclipsed most events there was no separate column for intake policy for in the country’s fast-paced news independent children in the form AFP spokeswoman said in a statement. be kidnap targets,” it says. cycle yesterday as individuals at that time. Sydney “Due to the nature of An Australian aid worker, representing a wide spectrum of The tax returns form was the incident we will not be Katherine Jane Wilson, be- opinions off ered a variety of tips changed in 2015 by the Federal commenting further.” lieved to be aged about 60, medical colleges and guidance. Board of Revenue (FBR) and it ustralian offi cials said Australia warns its na- was rescued by Afghan special It all started when Bilawal grinned added the column for ‘others’ yesterday they were tionals not to travel to Af- forces in late August. in response to a question about then. The report said that Mar- Atrying to confi rm re- ghanistan, saying in its latest She had been abducted by Internews medical or dental colleges or his marriage yesterday and told yam Nawaz was herself a tax fi ler ports one of its nationals was advisory updated in Septem- unidentifi ed masked gunmen Lahore their affi liating universities reporter that there are already at the time of the purchase of kidnapped in Afghanistan, ber that the “kidnapping of from Jalalabad near the border from conducting any aptitude many marriage proposals for the plot. just months after another cit- Westerners is a serious threat with Pakistan in late April. or entry test. him. “But the right candidate will She got the plot registered in izen was rescued after being throughout Afghanistan”. Afghanistan’s capital Kabul n a landmark step, the Fixed admission fee would first have to win over the hearts her name the next year after pay- taken at gunpoint. “We continue to see re- is plagued by organised crimi- Punjab government has be deposited with bank ac- of my sisters. I have to take them ing the amount through bank and “The Australian embassy ports terrorists are planning nal gangs who stage kidnap- Iintroduced centralised in- counts of these private insti- into confidence. And winning showed the plot under her name in Kabul is making urgent to kidnap Westerners, includ- pings for ransom, often tar- duction policy in all the medi- tutions online and no other over the hearts of my sisters is a in 2012-13 tax returns. enquiries into reports an ing in Kabul and surround- geting foreigners and wealthy cal and dental colleges of the monetary benefi t in any form very diff icult task for any girl.” Tax expert Shabbar Zaidi said Australian has been kid- ing districts. Aid workers, locals, and sometimes hand- province by eliminating the would be collected by the col- Flanked by Sindh Chief Minister that they were asked a specifi c napped in Kabul,” a De- journalists, and employees ing them over to insurgent role of private institutions in lege under the policy. Murad Ali Shah and other senior question as to where the prop- partment of Foreign Aff airs of foreign companies could groups. the admission process. Meanwhile, chief minister’s leaders, he said, “The girl whom erty purchased in the name of Headed by the health secre- adviser on health Khwaja Salman my sisters choose will also be someone else and yet to be gift- tary, the provincial admission Rafi que said Punjab had become lucky. It will be a diff icult task for ed should be shown in the tax committee will be admitting the fi rst province to implement the girl who wants to marry me.” returns. students against all seats in PMDC criteria, based on open As the statement went viral, He said that it was quite ap- Reflection both public and private medi- merit, in letter and spirit. political leaders started parent that it was shown in the cal and dental colleges in Pun- Implementation of this pol- commenting on it. And the tax return of Nawaz Sharif and jab for the forthcoming ses- icy would ensure transparent Pakistan Muslim League- there was a dependent column in sion, according to a Statutory and merit based admissions Nawaz’s (PML-N) Abid Sher Ali 2011 and the property was shown Regulatory Order (SRO) of the to private sector medical col- was among the first to suggest in the dependent column and in Punjab government. leges as previously even the that Bilawal get married as soon this context, the tax return of Taking advantage of the students having good marks as possible. Nawaz Sharif for the year 2011-12 ‘fl aws’ in the regulations of would fail to get admission “Bilawal can convince his sisters was correct. the Pakistan Medical and Den- in these institutions because to let him marry the person of He said that the property pur- tal Council (PMDC), most of they could not pay heavy do- his choice,” he said, suggesting chased by Nawaz Sharif as a gift the private sector medical and nations, said the adviser. Bilawal not to follow in his ‘uncle’ and had not been shifted to the dental institutions had been A senior doctor involved in Imran Khan’s footsteps who has recipient yet was to be shown in charging the students huge the inspection of public and gotten divorced twice. the tax return of Nawaz Sharif. sums in the name of ‘donations private sector medical and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz He said that a property could and gifts’ for admitting them to dental colleges said on Sunday Sadiq said, “It is good that Bilawal be shown only in one tax return MBBS and BDS courses. that certain sections of the has decided to marry.” and could not be included in Through the University of PMDC admission regulations MQM leader Rauf Siddiqui asked the tax return of any other per- Health Sciences (UHS), Pun- were amended in 2013 on the the PPP scion to marry the one son. Therefore, if that property jab government attempted pretext of ensuring uniform he loves or likes, adding that was included in the tax return many a time to implement standard of medical and den- otherwise he will be facing of Nawaz Sharif, it could not centralised induction policy tal education in the country. problems. be shown in the tax return of A woman prepares to do laundry in a river in Islamabad yesterday. in the private medical and “The ‘donations and gifts’ However, astrologer Samiah Maryam Nawaz. dental colleges also, but failed ranged between Rs5mn and Khan suggested that Bilawal due to non-cooperation by the Rs8mn, in addition to the should wait. “He is too PMDC, the SRO said. maximum prescribed fee by young,” she said, adding that Death toll increases to 26 in explosion at Gadani shipbreaking yard Under the new policy, which the PMDC in its rules,” said prospects of his successful also has feedback from senior the senior doctor. marriage now seemed weak The death toll from an explosion a fire inside an oil tanker at the off icial, said. which Gadani is a part, confirmed medical teachers like Prof Eice However, during inspection and he should avoid marrying and fire at a Pakistan shipbreaking Gadani yard in the southwestern “One person died at home after the new toll. Muhammad, Prof A Bari and of a number of private medical till 2019. yard last week has risen to 26, province of Balochistan. being discharged from hospital Later, around 50 people blocked other PMDC members, only and dental colleges to evalu- “There will be no sustainability off icials said yesterday. “Six more wounded from the while five others expired in a highway connecting Gadani to the entry test conducted by the ate infrastructure and teaching in his marriage if he goes for it More than 50 others were Gadani shipyard have died, so hospital,” he said. Karachi to protest what they said UHS would be mandatory for facilities, it transpired that the now,” she said. “He should carry wounded in the incident when a the new toll is now 26,” Zulfiqar Muhammad Hashim, was insuff icient care for those admission to private institutions. amendments were aimed only at on with his politics at present and gas cylinder exploded and started Hashmi, a local government commissioner of Kalat region of injured in the blast. The policy bars private benefi ting these institutions. wait for a while.” Gulf Times 24 Monday, November 7, 2016 PHILIPPINES Former VP Supreme Court may seeks raffl e allow Marcos burial of graft cases By Ma. Reina L Tolentino rules require that all cases By Jomar Canlas vote on the petitions on No- strongman and this can be eas- decision gets the majority votes of the order of President Rodri- Manila Times must be raffl ed to the anti- Manila Times vember 8. ily mustered. from the other justices, Cagui- go Duterte on July 11 regarding graft court’s various divisions. Another source inside the SC There are only 14 justices set oa’s draft decision will serve as Marcos’ burial at the Libingan The defence added that “the even noted that the number of to vote on the petitions since the leading dissenting opinion for purposes of planning and ormer vice president consolidated cases do not arise majority of Supreme justices poised to junk the peti- Associate Justice Bienvenido in the case. co-ordination. Jejomar Binay has ask- from the same incident or se- Court (SC) justices are tions seeking to block Marcos’ Reyes has inhibited himself The SC source said the votes Government lawyers, headed Fing the Sandiganbayan’s ries of incidents nor do these Apoised to reject the peti- burial at the LNMB could go up from the case. Reyes is a class- “to watch” are the those of jus- by Solicitor General Jose Cal- Third Division to raffl e out the cases involve common ques- tions seeking to stop the burial from eight to 10. mate of Duterte at the San Beda tices who have already shown ida, defended this by saying graft, malversation, and falsi- tions of fact and law,” and of the late strongman Ferdinand Several justices contend that College of Law and also a close their “actuations” against that Marcos’ achievements as a fi cation cases fi led against him pointed out that Binay is not Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Marcos may be buried at the friend and business partner Marcos’ burial at the LNMB, soldier who fought against the and several others in connec- a respondent in the cases fi led Bayani (LNMB), court sources LNMB because there is no law of former president Benigno namely: Chief Justice Maria Japanese during World War II tion with the alleged anoma- against his son. told Manila Times. prohibiting it and the order for Aquino. Lourdes Aranal-Sereno and would not be diminished just lous construction of the Maka- “The instant cases pertain to An unimpeachable source his interment there was issued The original ponente or Associate Justice Marvic Leo- because he was ousted via the ti City Hall Parking Building. the design of the Makati City said several SC justices have within the bounds of the presi- writer of the decision was As- nen. first “People Power” revolt in The cases – which were fi led Hall II, Phases 1, 2, and 3 of manifested their intention to dent’s authority. sociate Justice Alfredo Ben- The petitions were filed by 1986. after Binay’s term ended in the construction. On the other uphold President Rodrigo Du- Another SC source said Mar- jamin Caguioa who, in his former Bayan Muna Repre- The proposed burial was June – were consolidated with hand, the previously fi led ‘Bi- terte’s order to allow Marcos’ cos has the right to be buried draft, granted the petition and sentative Satur Ocampo; Al- stopped by the SC via a status the ones earlier fi led against nay cases’ pertain to Phases 4 burial at the LNMB, arguing in “government property” as a disallowed the burial of Marcos bay Rep. Edcel Lagman; former quo ante order issued pending his son, former Makati Mayor and 5. While the subject cases it was issued by virtue of his former president and as a sol- at the LNMB. Commission on Human Rights the resolution on the petitions Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay pertain to the same building, “presidential prerogative.” dier who was even awarded a The Caguioa draft decision (CHR) chairwoman Loretta challenging Duterte’s move to Jr. it is undisputed, based on the The Manila Times was also medal of valour. was opposed by Associate Jus- Ann Rosales, former senator allow the burial of Marcos. “It is respectfully submitted information fi led, that: (i) the able to gather the inputs of at “Libingan ng mga Bayani is tice Diosdado Peralta who, in Heherson Alvarez and Zaira The LNMB, a military- that the consolidation of the charges are separate and dis- least eight justices of the SC the cemetery for soldiers and his draft dissenting opinion, Baniaga. owned cemetery, is where fall- instant cases with the previous tinct; (ii) the alleged facts are who shared their opinions on presidents and there is no law denies the petitions to the case The memorandum allowing en soldiers, national artistes, ‘Binay cases’ is improper and separate and distinct; (iii) the the issue. A head count of the prohibiting him to be buried and grants the burial. the interment, dated August 7, and other personalities “wor- invalid based on the grounds issues are separate and dis- justices showed that there was there. It is within the powers Peralta opines that there was was signed by Defence Secre- thy of emulation” are interred. discussed hereunder,” the de- tinct; and (iv) there are no in- a sufficient number for the and prerogative of President no grave abuse of discretion on tary Delfin Lorenzana and ad- Petitioners cite atrocities fence said in a motion to raffl e. ter-related incidents, no con- rendering of a decision junking Duterte,” the SC source pointed the part of the chief executive dressed to Armed Forces Chief during Marcos’ Martial Law The former vice president’s nection, no relation between the petitions. out.Only seven votes are need- in ordering the burial of Marcos of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya. regime as the main argument camp argued that the Sandi- the subject cases,” Binay’s law- SC justices are scheduled to ed to allow the burial of the late at the LNMB. Once the Peralta The memo informed Visaya against the planned burial. ganbayan’s revised internal yers argued. Drugs crackdown Woman village chief with links to terror group held

By Al Jacinto them sanctuary in her town verely aff ected with the arrest Manila Times/Zamboanga City and passed intelligence infor- of a major fi gure inside their mation and provisions, and leadership.” most often involved herself “The arrest of Abdulla is ecurity forces have ar- in managing and providing a product of intensifi ed co- rested a barangay (village) leadership in important deci- operation between the people Scaptain who allegedly sion-making within the Abu of Sulu and our soldiers and was working for the terrorist Sayyaf, according to Army policemen in protecting local Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, communities from the scourge southern Philippine province commander of the anti-terror of terrorism. Our soldiers will of Sulu, offi cials said yesterday. Joint Task Force Sulu. continue to conduct combat Officials said policemen, He said Abdulla was also in- operations to destroy the ASG backed by soldiers, seized volved in the 2015 kidnapping and rescue the remaining hos- Fauzi Abdulla, chief of Baran- and murder of Canadian hos- tages,” dela Vega said. gay Niyog Sangahan in Tali- tages John Ridsdel and Robert The Abu Sayyaf is still hold- pao town, over the weekend Hall in 2015. ing about a dozen Malaysian in the town of Indanan and “The arrest of Abdulla is a and Indonesian sailors kid- is being interrogated by au- major blow to the leadership of napped off Sabah in Malaysia. thorities. the ASG. The ASG’s informa- President Rodrigo Duterte She was said to have cod- tion network, command and has ordered the military to fi n- dled rebels and provided decision-making will be se- ish off the Abu Sayyaf.

Lawyer kills self over illness

By Louise Sofia A Usero while doing the rounds of the building. Upon Manila Times hearing the sound, he searched for its source and eventually saw the lifeless body of 40-year -old lawyer Augustus Cesar Binag. lawyer wracked by lingering illnesses Binag’s body was seen by responding police ly- committed suicide yesterday by shooting ing on the right side with a gunshot wound on the Ahimself by the poolside of a condominium head. Beside him was a .25 calibre revolver. on San Rafael Street in San Miguel, Manila. According to the wife of the victim, lawyer The lawyer’s body was spotted from the sec- Melody Binag, her husband had been suff ering Relatives walk behind the hearse carrying the coff in of Rosanna Doceyo, who according to relatives was killed by an unidentified man, ond fl oor of the condominium by the building’s from a kidney ailment and recently found out during her funeral in Caloocan city, Metro Manila yesterday. offi cer-in-charge, Carmencito Magsalang. that his prostate was enlarged during one of his Magsalang recounted that he heard a loud bang checkups.

Malaria, murder and occupational hazards of indigenous activists

Thomson Reuters Foundation at the forefront of the fi ght too contaminated with malaria. (AIPP), based in Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand for land and the environment, I could not take more,” Carling Thailand. which London watchdog Glo- said. Four men took turns – two Through her work with AIPP, bal Witness calls “a new battle- at a time – carrying her out on she has helped build a network little over a decade ago, ground for human rights”, with a blanket slung between two among indigenous peoples indigenous activist Joan communities worldwide locked bamboo poles, hiking for half a from countries including In- ACarling from the Philip- in deadly struggles against gov- day, then driving for five hours donesia, Nepal, Taiwan and Ja- pines Cordillera region lost three ernments, companies and crimi- to the capital of Kalinga prov- pan – helping them to feel less colleagues in the space of a few nal gangs exploiting land for ince. isolated. years – all murdered in one of products like timber, minerals “They had to give me co- She has turned her atten- the world’s deadliest countries and palm oil. conut (water) intravenously, tion to the impacts of climate for land rights defenders. In 2015, more than three peo- as sugar, because of my diar- change and solutions such as Then came her turn: a relative ple a week were killed defending rhoea,” said the activist. “I felt hydropower, which often have a in the military told Carling’s fa- land, forests and rivers against like a pig – they were carrying negative impact on indigenous ther his daughter’s name was on industries, said Global Witness. me, tied like a pig on bamboo.” communities. the “order of battle”, the Philip- Of the 185 murders it docu- After medical treatment, she Carling expressed concern pines military’s list of people, mented in 16 countries, the Phil- went straight back to her du- about the “narrow conserva- including activists, who are ippines ranked among the most ties, hanging her dextrose IV tion approach” of taking people deemed enemies of the state. dangerous, with 33 deaths last bag on the walls of a building in out of the environment to pro- “When you are on the order year alone. the town centre, where she met tect the environment, instead of battle, you are an open target In many parts of the world, indigenous people from remote of allowing indigenous peoples for extrajudicial killings,” said the biggest impact from extrac- areas who shared grievances to protect the resources and 53-year-old Carling. tive, agricultural and infrastruc- about alleged land grabs. watersheds on their ancestral “There was a time (when) sus- ture projects is felt by indig- Joan Carling, a prominent indigenous rights activist from the Kankanaey tribe of the northern Philippines’ “The villagers don’t come land. picious men or motorbikes were enous peoples, living in remote, Cordillera region poses for a photo before an interview at a hotel in Bangkok. often to the town centre, so “Indigenous people are ac- following me, and I was advised resource-rich areas and lacking I just had to meet with them tually the natural conserva- to stay in the offi ce,” she told the land titles or knowledge to de- She got her fi rst taste of pro- to inundate 16 towns and vil- In the early 1990s, Carling with my dextrose on because tionists because it’s part of our Thomson Reuters Foundation in fend themselves against multi- test in the mid-1980s while lages and displace an estimated immersed herself in moun- you don’t know when they’ll being – to protect and conserve an interview. nationals, international banks studying at the University of 85,000 people. tainous tribal villages in the come back,” she said. our natural environment be- She kept her head down, hired and government offi cials. Philippines in Baguio. The World Bank ended up Cordillera and worked with After working with the CPA cause we need to pass it on to a bodyguard, then spent several Carling, from the Kankanaey She spent two months in the withdrawing its funding for the the Cordillera Peoples Alli- to help indigenous peoples at future generations,” Carling months at a US university hav- tribe of the northern region of Kalinga tribal areas protesting Chico dams, which were never ance (CPA) fighting for land home, she moved on to a re- said. ing won a fellowship for front- Cordillera, grew up on a logging against four World Bank-fund- built, and the episode prompted rights, until the day she fell gional stage, and nearly eight “That is the wisdom of the line human rights defenders. concession where her parents ed dams along the Chico River, the bank to develop its policy on sick and had to be hauled out years ago became head of the indigenous people – we only For decades, Carling has been ran a shop. which activists said threatened indigenous peoples, she said. on a stretcher. “My blood was Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact use what we need.” Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Recruiter of Japanese Dhaka plans 7 fast-track farmer’s killers held

AFP tribunals to try terrorists Dhaka By Mizan Rahman tagong and judges of these two tribunals to ease the backlog of under attack during the last are not uncommon in the mostly Islamic State in the country. Dhaka fast-track courts are expected to cases. week, after a local youth alleg- Muslim South Asian country, In July, Islamists carried out olice in Bangladesh said be appointed ‘soon’ along with “But it is taking time as two edly shared a Facebook post that but the scale of the recent anti- an attack on a cafe in an up- they arrested early yester- 10 other related offi cials and other ministries have also a stake Islamic hardliners said denigrat- Hindu violence is unusual. scale district of the capital, Pday a veteran Islamist ex- angladesh will establish staff . in the process while the secre- ed the Masjid al-Haram - a holy Bangladesh’s National Hu- Dhaka, in which 22 people were tremist who had “mentored” the seven Anti-Terrorism Offi cials, familiar with the tary committee will have to give site for Muslims. man Rights Commission killed - mostly non-Muslims assassins of a Japanese farmer BSpecial Tribunals in process, said the fi nance divi- their approval … only then the Muslim hardliners protested (NHRC) has launched an inves- and foreigners, including one shot dead last year. seven divisions as fast-track sion through a letter on Novem- appointments could be made,” and demanded action against tigation into the attacks. The American. Rangpur district police chief courts for quick disposal of ber 24, 2015, approved 12 posts Huq added. the Hindu youth, who denies head of its fact-fi nding com- The Bangladesh Hindu Bud- Mizanur Rahman said Belal Hos- cases involving terrorism for the two tribunals in Dhaka Dozens arrested for at- sharing the post. Police arrested mittee said the violence was dhist Christian Unity Council sain, described as the recruiter and militancy, offi cials said and Chittagong including two tacks on Hindus: Police in the youth for hurting religious the result of a “pre-planned (BHBCUC) estimates more than and mentor of the killers of yesterday. judges. Bangladesh have arrested sentiment, but the arrest failed conspiracy”, and criticised lo- 100 Hindu houses and 17 tem- Kunio Hoshi, was detained along “The law ministry has cre- In a subsequent development dozens of people follow- to defuse tension and quell the cal authorities for allowing the ples have been vandalised and with three of his followers dur- ated posts of seven judges to be nearly 12 months later, the fi - ing fresh violence against rioting. demonstrations that triggered looted since the violence began ing an operation in the northern appointed in seven tribunals … nance division two months ago Hindus, a senior offi cer said Abu Zafar, the offi cer in charge the rioting to go ahead. on October 30. district. we have already obtained re- approved appointment of 30 yesterday, after a spate of at- of Nasir Nagar police station in “The administration, includ- Rana Dasgupta, general sec- “Hossain was an absconding quired approvals from the pub- posts for fi ve tribunals in Ra- tacks prompted concerns the the district, told reporters that ing police, was negligent and retary at the BHBCUC, said the militant and a senior member lic administration and fi nance jshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet authorities were not doing so far 53 people had been ar- callous in handling such a sensi- violence was aimed at driving of the JMB who mentored and ministries for the initiative,” a and Rangpur. Of these fi ve are of enough to protect the coun- rested on suspicion of involve- tive issue,” the NHRC’s Enamul people from their homes. trained up Kunio’s killers,” Rah- spokesman of the ministry told judges. try’s biggest minority, Reuters ment in attacks and looting from Hoque Chowdhury said. “The purpose of the attacks is man said. newsmen. Law Minister Anisul Huq ear- reports from Dhaka. Hindu homes. The violence comes amid in- to free this soil from the minority He was referring to the home- He added that initiatives are lier this week said his offi ce is Hindu homes and temples Attacks on Hindus, who make ternational concern about rising community and also to occupy grown Jaamayetul Mujahideen under way to set up the fi rst two seriously carrying forward the in the Brahmanbairs district of up around 8% of the population, Islamist militancy in Bangladesh their properties and assets,” he Bangladesh (JMB), an extremist tribunals in Dhaka and Chit- process for installing the special eastern Bangladesh have come and other religious minorities and the growing infl uence of said. group which has been banned for over a decade. “We caught four of them near an abandoned brick kiln,” Rah- man said, adding the militants Ministers meet on fishermen issues injured four policemen by hurl- BNP alleges bid ing home-made bombs. The offi cial said the arrest of Hossain, 45, would help in the hunt for more militants since he by govt to foil was “a mentor to many others”. Hoshi, 66, was killed on Oc- tober 3 last year in a drive-by shooting on a dirt road outside Solidarity Day Rangpur, where he was a long- term resident. Although the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for celebrations his killing, police later detained eight JMB members and formally charged four of them with the By Mizan Rahman Aulad Hossain, Narsingdi murder. Dhaka student leader Nazrul Islam Bangladesh has been reel- Bhuiyan, volunteers’ leader ing from a wave of attacks on ain opposition Bang- Sumon Chowdhury, Khilgaon foreigners, rights activists and ladesh Nationalist leader Jamal and Jatrabari members of religious minorities, MParty (BNP) yester- leader Shamim yesterday. among others. day alleged that the govern- He urged the government Prime Minister Sheikh Hasi- ment is arresting its leaders immediately to release them. na’s secular government blames and activists to foil its No- On October 20, BNP an- local militant groups including vember 7 programmes by nounced a 10-day programme, JMB for the attacks, rejecting spreading panic. including a rally in the capi- claims by the IS that it was be- “Police are arresting our tal, to mark November 7 as hind the carnage. leaders and activists at dif- the National Revolution and Since a deadly attack in July ferent parts of the country, Solidarity Day. on a Dhaka cafe in which gun- including Dhaka to thwart As part of the programmes, men killed 22 people - mostly our November 7 programmes. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia foreigners - security forces have They’re trying to foil our pro- along with party leaders and shot dead at least 40 Islamist grammes by spreading panic activists will place wreaths at militants. among our leaders and activ- Zia’s grave this morning. Among those killed was a Ca- ists,” said BNP joint secretary BNP earlier sought per- India’s Union Minister for External Aff airs Sushma Swaraj, third right, and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samarweera, third nadian of Bangladeshi origin de- general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. mission for holding their left, at the India-Sri Lanka Meeting on Fishermen issues, in New Delhi. scribed by police as the master- The BNP observes Novem- rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on mind of the cafe attack. ber 7 every year as on that November 7 or 8. day in 1975, the party founder Having denied permission Ziaur Rahman was swept into to hold it at Suhrawardy Ud- ‘Process underway to amend charter’ power by common soldiers yan, the party on Friday said Minister for Foreign Aff airs main opposition and other from captivity in the Dhaka it sought fresh permission to Prakash Sharan Mahat political parties. military barracks. stage it in front of its Nayapal- yesterday said the Nepali Stating that foreign countries He also said police ob- tan central offi ce on November Congress (NC) had taken a and donors had provided aid 8 marking the National Revo- 20 Tamil refugees structed a pro-BNP cultural leading role in implementing for the prosperity, development organisation from setting up lution and Solidarity Day. the constitution as “it had and implementation of the a tent beside Ziaur Rahman’s Rizvi said the government tirelessly fought to promulgate constitution of the country, the grave at Sher-e-Bangal Na- has indulged in an ‘atrocious’ the constitutional document”. minister said he was actively gar in the morning to mark game over their planned rally Speaking at a programme working to bring in foreign at Nayapaltan on November 8. to return next week National Revolution and organised by Nepal Tarun investment and assistance Solidarity Day. He alleged that the Dhaka Dal, the NC’s youth wing, to acknowledging the fact that “Despite having permis- Metropolitan police commis- inaugurate a building for the country’s development IANS bilitation, resettlement and Hin- India. In all, more than 100,000 sion, police destroyed all ar- sioner’s denial of getting any the party off ice, Minister mostly depends on foreign aid. Colombo du religious aff airs, confi rmed refugees are currently in India. rangements and derived away application from BNP seek- Mahat said the process is Viewing that the country’s that of the 20 refugee returnees, The ministry initiated a liveli- our activists from there,” he ing permission for holding underway to amend the diplomatic sector has been 10 are males and 10 are females. hood assistance programme of added. the rally at Nayapaltan has constitution to address weakened due to the trend of wenty Sri Lankan Tamil “These refugee returnees will maximum Rs100,000 per refu- The BNP leader said police stunned the country’s people. the demands of some politicising a sensitive issue as refugees living in the return to Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, gee returnee family to support arrested the city’s Kadamtali Rizvi, however, hoped they disgruntled parties. foreign policy, he said he on his TTamil Nadu state of In- Batticaloa, Jaff na, Mannar and the livelihood activities. unit leaders Jumman Chair- will be allowed to hold their ral- For that end, he said, the part approached neighbours dia set to return home under the Trincomalee.” Further, the provision of dry man, Mahbub, Masum, Ha- ly at Nayapaltan on November 8 government and the NC were like India putting national UNHCR facilitated voluntary re- The UNHCR provides free air ration has been already approved snat, Mirajnagar unit leader in a peaceful manner. holding consultations with the interest and necessity first. patriation programme. tickets, reintegration allowance for six months. The REPPIA has The Sri Lanka government has of $75 per person, transport al- been instructed by the minis- initiated action to encourage the lowance $9 per person and mon- try to provide compensation for voluntary refugee returnee pro- itory non-food grant of $75 per those who have lost their houses gramme and the current trend of family. and suff ered loss of lives of kith Nepal festival increased refugee returnees is a Since 2011, already 5,205 refu- and kin and for injuries. sign of reconciliation and mov- gees (1,895 families) have re- Sivagnanasothy informed that ing towards permanent peace, turned to Sri Lanka, said Sivag- the refugees who lost their hous- said a top government offi cial. nanasothy. es will be provided with houses V Sivagnanasothy, secretary, More than 64,000 are sta- under the housing programme of ministry of prison reforms, reha- tioned in 109 welfare camps in the ministry.

Nepal, China to promote trade ties

IANS hailed by both Nepali and Chi- the business relations, he said. Kathmandu nese businessmen as creating a Most of the Nepali business- win-win situation for promoting men maintained that it is the business ventures. right time to invest and under- strategic co-operation “Kunming is the gateway from take mega projects in Nepal by framework agreement China to South and South East the foreign investors, citing the Ahas been signed between Asia under the One Belt One Road stable politics situation and con- China’s Yunnan province and the (OBOR) initiative. Since Nepal is ducive business environment. Nepal-China Executives Council also one of the countries en route Addressing the ceremony, to strengthen the trade and in- the OBOR, we foresee more areas Yang Hui said, “The agreement vestment relations between the of co-operation and opportunities will promote economic co-oper- two sides. in the days ahead,” Upadhyay said ation in the areas like commerce, The agreement was signed by while addressing a gathering. industry, energy, agriculture, Yang Hui, deputy director at De- This agreement, in addition tourism and socio-cultural ex- partment of Commerce of Yun- to events like China-South Asia changes among others.” nan Province, and Rajesh Upad- Expo and China-South Asia Busi- The two sides have also agreed Women off er prayers during the Chhath festival at Bagmati river in Kathmandu yesterday. The Chhath festival is observed in parts hyay, president of Nepal-China ness Forum organised by Yun- to encourage enterprises and make of India and Nepal. Women undergo a fast and pray for the longevity and health of their spouse. Executives Council. nan government annually, will recommendations for investment The agreement has been pave the way towards deepening in their respective areas. Gulf Times 26 Monday, November 7, 2016 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Pakistan is relieved after Production Editor: C P Ravindran

P.O.Box 2888 Supreme Court ‘intervenes’ Doha, Qatar [email protected] The apex court’s decision The PML-N, many observers felt, march would force either the PM forced the apex court to now take a Telephone 44350478 (news), had good reason to take the bull by to resign or turn himself in for frontal position on after it had rejected 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) to now take it upon itself to the horns this time as opposed to the accountability. precisely such a call more than half a Fax 44350474 pave the way for an inquiry almost lackadaisical approach to the But Khan did not venture out of his year ago when it fi rst surfaced. fi rst PTI agitation in 2014 when Khan Bani Gala residence, even when his The Supreme Court had back then into Panama Papers is both led a 126-day protest campaign outside party workers were being manhandled eschewed the idea because it felt all timely and admirable the national parliament over allegations or teargassed. the parties concerned should have a that the PML-N had conspired to The PTI chairman has been consensus on terms of reference (ToRs) rig the elections the year before, and defending the inaction, saying staying for it to be viable. By Kamran Rehmat which, he charged deprived his party of put at his residence until the appointed It proved beyond the government GULF TIMES a fair shot at winning power. day was always the plan because he is and opposition, which were Doha With Khan vowing to go bust for his not “stupid” to have gotten himself predictably, drawn into a bitter battle demand to hold Prime Minister Nawaz arrested before then. of attrition over the framework. ew had thought it possible Sharif accountable after the names of This has not cut ice with the legion The opposition wanted to start that the ‘umpire’ Imran Khan, his children appeared in the Panama of his followers who had anticipated the the probe with the PM and his family Children face higher chairman of the opposition Papers purporting them to be the proverbial long night to win the day. whilst the government contested this, FPakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI), benefi ciaries of unaccounted off shore But Khan’s decision to abruptly call off saying the PM himself was not named is ever so fond of invoking every time wealth, and a damning published leak the ‘lockdown’ once the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers and wanted health risks from air he takes to the street, would turn out of a security meeting that suggested set up pace for a probe into Panamagate to expand the scope to question all to be from that grand building on Sharif had taken umbrage at the wasn’t necessarily prompted by just the others with off shore wealth by Islamabad’s Constitution Avenue, not military in relation to Islamabad’s “getting what the PTI had long wanted” even going back in time – an idea the some knight in shining armour from alleged isolation, the PML-N was as he has been understandably, driving opposition suspected was a deliberate pollution than adults twin city Rawalpindi. taking no chances with where their home since then. time-consuming ploy to ensure the But that is exactly what has nemesis Khan was headed in Circa ’16. The fact is that the PTI chairman probe never reached a conclusion. happened, and all of Pakistan is The ruling party has also been was thoroughly disappointed by the However, the apex court’s decision A new report from the United Nations Children’s Fund relieved, for, until the Supreme Court treading cautiously with the thin numbers who hit the road and to now take it upon itself to pave the (Unicef) says about a third of the 2bn children in the ‘intervened’ just one day ahead of impending retirement of Army Chief cognizant of a major embarrassment way for an inquiry is both timely world, who are breathing toxic air live in northern India the PTI’s avowed ‘lockdown’ of the General Raheel Sharif later this on ‘action’ day, compelled him to live and admirable given how much of a federal capital, many pundits had month with speculation rife about to fi ght another day. dogfi ght it had become for the power and neighbouring countries, risking serious health eff ects been forecasting doom with the the possibility or otherwise of an However, given the breathless pace stakeholders, and which, would have including damage to their lungs, brains and other organs. Of apprehension that the country may extension. and in-your-face mien of Pakistan’s potentially, pushed the country to the that global total, 300mn kids are exposed to pollution levels even be headed back to Square One With no names being sounded out vibrant electronic media, it was never edge of precipice. with the marching of boots. for succession by either Sharif – the PM going to escape their roving eye. On the fi rst day of the hearing, the more than six times higher than standards set by the World These apprehensions, one might or the General – unease was apparent In fact, some of the TV channels court ordered the parties to reach a Health Organisation (WHO), including 220mn in South Asia. add, were not entirely without basis in how the PML-N quickly swung into which were preparing for the consensus on the ToRs, failing which The air pollution in the Indian capital New Delhi, among even after the ruling Pakistan Muslim action in terms of both decibel and deed juggernaut to roll gave away their it would itself determine it – almost League-Nawaz (PML-N) had managed to stop the PTI in its tracks. bitter disappointment at being certain to be the case given the daylight the world’s worst, spikes every winter because of the to quell much of the heat with strong- Ironically, Khan, for all his brouhaha, ‘shortchanged’ by turning their chasm between the PML-N and PTI. season’s weak winds and countless garbage fi res set alight to arm tactics, resulting in the severe failed to muster even the numbers that ire on Khan for being ‘heartless’ in Today’s hearing will be a decent help people stay warm. Even days before the city erupted in shelling of a protest march led by would have given him some political getting his workers beaten up whilst indicator of how much meat there is in Pervez Khattak, chief minister of the succour, let alone press home the himself staying cozied in his sprawling the case as the drama in national life annual fi reworks celebrations for the recent Diwali festival, PTI-ruled Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa advantage that he had fervently given residence! moves ever so delicately to some sort recorded levels of tiny, lung-clogging particulate matter province, towards the capital; cutting Pakistan’s rating-driven electronic That being said, it would probably of conclusion down the road, which known as PM 2.5 were considered dangerous at well above off the road link to – and besieging media to believe was his for the taking. be unfair not to give the man some naysayers until now had been betting 300 micrograms per cubic metre. On the third day, as a – Imran Khan’s residence atop the In the lead-up to the shrill credit – where the entire combined would produce zilch. Bani Gala hills in Islamabad; and November 2 ‘lockdown’, the PTI opposition failed miserably – for result of the fi reworks spree, the city was recording PM 2.5 containment elsewhere. chairman had bragged that a million relentlessly pursuing a case which has zThe writer is Community Editor. levels above 900 mcg per cubic metre—more than 90 times higher than the WHO recommendation of no more than 10 mcg per cubic metre. Offi cials said the high pollution levels were made worse by the ongoing burning of spent crops in agricultural fi elds in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana. Anumita Roy Chowdhury, Out of that 2bn executive director of the Centre for Science breathing toxic and Environment, air, the report puts a Delhi-based research and lobbying 620mn of them in organisation, cited some local studies South Asia – mostly that indicate up to northern India a third of Delhi’s children have impaired lung function and respiratory diseases like asthma. Children face much higher health risks from air pollution than adults. Children breathe twice as quickly, taking in more air in relation to their body weight, while their brains and immune systems are still developing and vulnerable. “The impact is commensurately shocking,” with 600,000 children younger than fi ve across the world dying every year from air pollution-related diseases, Unicef executive director Anthony Lake said in the report released on October 31. Counting 2bn children breathing unhealthy air—out of a total 2.26bn world population of children—means the vast majority are being exposed to levels of pollution considered by the WHO to be unsafe. Out of that 2bn breathing toxic air, the report puts 620mn of them in South Asia – mostly northern India. Another 520mn children are breathing toxic air in Africa, and 450mn CENTRE-STAGE: The brightly lit Supreme Court of Pakistan building on Islamabad’s famed Constitution Avenue. in East Asia, mainly China, according to the report, which combined satellite images of pollution and ground data with demographic patterns to determine which populations fell into the highest risk areas. Since being identifi ed as one of the world’s most polluted Web Summit is windfall for Portugal’s economy cities in recent years, New Delhi has tried to clean its air. It has barred cargo trucks from city streets, required drivers By Brigitte Hagemann Cabral told AFP. He added that “Late in the night, we will be on Nights on the town can sometimes to buy newer cars that meet higher emissions standards and AFP, Lisbon the summit would give Portuguese the streets of Lisbon... What I like is serve as a springboard for start-ups. start-ups “international visibility to see tens of thousands of business Uber was an unknown Californian carried out several weeks of experimental traffi c control, that will allow them to expand more people, entrepreneurs or those who company when it attended the 2011 limiting the number of cars on the road. But other pollution he bars on the banks of quickly.” want to become entrepreneurs, and Web Summit. sources, including construction dust and cooking fi res Lisbon’s Tagus river are The event’s Irish co-founder Paddy they are all just learning from each According to Cosgrave, during a fuelled by wood or kerosene, continue unabated. gearing up for a bonanza as Cosgrave said a lot would be happening other and doing business, hopefully. night out in Dublin, the company’s tens of thousands of people after sunset. That’s exciting,” he said. founder met two investors who put up A few days ago, the city launched a smartphone application, T descend on the city for Europe’s 50mn euros two days later. ‘Change the Air’ inviting residents to send photos and largest tech event. “There are many others, hundreds complaints about illegal pollution sources, from the burning The Web Summit, also known as of other stories like that, when I hear “Davos for geeks”, which runs from them that is what drives me on,” said of leaves and garbage in public parks to construction crews today to Thursday with more than Cosgrave. working without dust control measures. More needs to be 53,000 people from 165 countries Hotels near the summit’s venues, done, not only in northern India, but also across all locations signed up to attend, is expected to usually half empty at this time of year, deliver a shot in the arm for Portugal’s are booked solid. around the world, aff ected by air pollution. ailing economy. Across the city, room prices have The summit’s previous fi ve editions seen a 68 % spike, according to were held in Dublin, where a tradition Trivago, a price comparison website. To Advertise for partying into the night was fi rmly Some 15,000 reservations have been established. made through Airbnb for the summit, [email protected] The Portuguese government expects for a total value of 2.8mn euros. Display this sixth edition to inject 200mn After being hit by a major euros ($220mn) into the economy, economic crisis in 2011 that Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 with a quarter of that going to the hotel prompted tens of thousands of Classified industry and another 50mn euros to the graduates to emigrate, Portugal conference’s various suppliers. emerged from recession in 2014, but Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 The national carrier, TAP, has its recovery has been slow. Subscription seen a 15% jump in sales of European The economy minister hopes [email protected] fl ights. the Web Summit will help “put “The indirect impact could be the brakes on emigration and even much bigger, because hundreds encourage qualified young people 2016 Gulf Times. All rights reserved of major investors will be there,” Entertainers standing behind a board announcing Europe’s biggest tech to return from England, France and economy minister Manuel Caldeira conference, Web Summit, in Lisbon. Germany”. Gulf Times Monday, November 7, 2016 27 COMMENT Dementia: Raising awareness

As Qatar keeps progressing level and within the community.” Commenting on the physical, People with dementia who suff er psychological, social and economic on many fronts, the health from conditions such as Alzheimer’s impact of dementia on caregivers, and well-being of its and related diseases have a progressive families and society, Dr Hanadi biological brain disorder that makes Alhamad, chairperson of geriatrics at citizens have remained it more and more diffi cult for them HMC and WHO Focal Point for the top priority and the area of to remember things, think clearly, Global Dementia Observatory said: “I communicate with others, or take care can think of no other condition that mental health has not been of themselves. has such a profound eff ect on loss of Dementia affects various areas function, loss of independence, and left behind including: memory, language the need for care.” skills, visual perception (the ability Dementia is more common in By Aney Mathew to see and understand what is people who are 65 years and older, Doha being seen), the ability to focus but is not a normal part of ageing. and pay attention and the ability While there is currently no cure, early to reason and solve problems. In detection and treatment may slow the ental and neurological addition, dementia can cause mood disease and help improve the quality disorders have rightly swings and even change a person’s of life of those aff ected. been gaining more public personality and behaviour. Dementia is a progressive and Mattention globally in the Caring for people with dementia terminal disease, which means it recent past. A common phenomena poses huge challenges. While everyone will continue to get worse with time associated with mental health is agrees the position and responsibility and lead to death. If your loved one the severe stigma associated with of the care giver, in the dementia has dementia, it is important to the illness and as a result far fewer landscape is paramount and cannot understand that the brain of your people seek help when they or a family be overrated, the challenges faced loved one has been changed by member is aff ected. by these individuals, as well as their dementia and that he or she can no Lack of suffi cient knowledge of needs and the support they require, longer think, perceive or express signs and symptoms of mental health are all too often either forgotten or their thoughts the way they did issues also leads to far fewer people simply overlooked. before. receiving professional help during the early stages. This often means that Simple tips on communicating with a person having dementia when they do come under treatment, their condition has grown to more 1. Set a positive mood by speaking loved one becomes upset or complicated levels or is at an advanced to your loved one in a pleasant and agitated, change the subject or the stage. respectful manner. environment. As Qatar keeps progressing on many 2. Get the person’s attention. Limit 8. Respond with aff ection and fronts, the health and well-being of distractions and noise from TV, radio reassurance. People with dementia its citizens have remained top priority Dementia is a progressive and terminal disease, which means it will continue to get worse with time and lead to death. etc. Shut the door or move to quieter often feel confused, anxious and and the area of mental health has not surroundings. unsure of themselves. Avoid trying to been left behind. Dementia is an area Dementia is a term that describes Qatar Foundation, has been actively WISH, said: “Dementia is often 3. Speak clearly, slowly and in a convince them they are wrong. of mental health that has been gaining several diff erent diseases of the brain committed to highlighting the overlooked amid more immediate reassuring tone, using simple words. 9. Remember the good old days. considerable public attention – the caused by damage to brain cells. The growing problem of dementia as a health concerns. However, one out 4. Ask simple questions — those with Your loved one may remember what world over, with increasing calls brain is so damaged that it aff ects the global public health challenge. WISH of three people die with dementia yes or no answers. happened 45 years ago but not what being made to make it a public health ability to do usual, everyday tasks and Hamad Medical Corporation’s and all of us at some point will have 5. Listen with your ears, eyes and happened 45 minutes ago. priority. Dementia currently aff ects (activities of daily living). Alzheimer’s (HMC’s) Department of Geriatrics the experience of a loved one being heart. Be patient. 10. Use humor whenever possible, more than 47mn people worldwide; disease is the most common kind of collaborated recently on a community diagnosed with dementia. That is 6. Break down activities into a series of though not at the person’s expense; 2.3mn of them live in North Africa dementia and may contribute to 60- engagement event, to raise awareness why we were delighted to co-host this steps. they are usually delighted to laugh and the Middle East. These fi gures are 70% if cases. about dementia among the general community event with HMC. WISH 7. When the going gets tough, along with you. (Courtesy: Family expected to rise to 75mn and 4.4mn The World Innovation Summit public of this global problem. is committed to helping advance the distract and redirect. If you’re Caregiver Alliance) respectively by 2030. for Health (WISH), a member of Egbert Schillings, CEO of dementia agenda, both at a policy Weather report All done with crying all over Three-day forecast TODAY High: 33 C she has lost her dignity and is beyond I cried all over Hanover, N.H., Low : 24 C By Gina Barreca Expected poor visibility at places at The Hartford Courant/ help. It’s best to stay away. because that’s where I went to college. first and strong wind to the north. TNS “Places I’ve Cried After Midnight” I cried in the library, I cried in the might well be my next book. Were study halls, I cried in my classrooms. I editing an anthology, I could get Basically, I left a little trail of salty tears TUESDAY have cried on all approximately 2.4mn contributions all over campus. High: 29 C forms of public within a week. Eighteen of these would My friends tell stories about crying Low: 22 C transportation, be from men. in the shower, crying on their couches, Cloudy Iincluding planes, The best place for a woman to cry in the stairwell of a fancy hotel after a trains, subways, buses and London is, of course, her own home. That way friend’s or sister’s wedding, or on the tubes – I lived in England for several she can look in the mirror and watch back porch. WEDNESDAY years – and, naturally, I’ve cried in my herself. I fully believe it’s the origin of The crying that I remember best, High: 29 C car. the Medusa legend. Some guy back in however, happened 10 years ago. My Low: 22 C Every woman who drives a car has Greece watched a woman looking at father was dying a long, bad death. One P Cloudy cried in it; why there isn’t a permanent herself while she was crying and was of the last things he ever said to me, as tissue holder next to the steering horrifi ed. I sat next to him racked with weeping, wheel defi es understanding and off ers The current trend is for young was “Gina, relax.” He’d said the same Fishermen’s forecast evidence for the need of women to women to take pictures of themselves thing to me my entire life. All he ever OFFSHORE DOHA be more prominent in STEM fi elds, crying and post them on social media. wanted for was for me to stop crying. Wind: NW 20-28 KT particularly in automotive engineering This is not a good idea. I’m not sure When he whispered, “relax” both of us Waves: 6-9 Feet and design. how to make that clear to them. It laughed. INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW-N 08-18/25 KT Subways and tubes are the worst might simply be something they need I don’t cry much anymore. It’s like Waves: 1-3/4 Feet places to cry because the lighting to grow out of, like biting their nails or a habit I’ve given up, like biting my fl atters no one. Even riders who will wearing blue eye shadow. cuticles. In part it’s because I feel Around the region unblinkingly sit next to a person who’s Most of my public crying occurred that anything worth crying about is Weather Weather been homeless since 1986 will move when I was in my 20s. I cried not probably worth laughing at – that today Max/min tomorrow Max/min away from a young, sobbing woman. only when sad but more often when through major cities holding my cheap much my father taught me – but also Abu Dhabi Sunny 33/24 Sunny 32/24 A young woman crying (especially if enraged and unable to distinguish high heels in one hand because some because tears, like time, are a currency Baghdad Sunny 26/12 Sunny 27/12 Dubai it’s close to midnight) is scary. She’s between those two emotions. It was as poor soul was paying more attention that has increased in value. I used up Sunny 33/24 Sunny 32/24 Kuwait City P Cloudy 28/13 M Sunny 28/15 volatile. She’s a mess. Only in movies if the tracks were crossed at a railway to another girl. I did this in London, lot of it when I was younger; what Manama P Cloudy 29/23 Cloudy 28/22 are women attractive when they cry. switching station. walking from a fl at near King’s Cross remains I want to make sure is well Muscat Sunny 31/24 Sunny 31/24 In real life, women crying are just I’ve been married for 25 years now back to my place on Gower Street spent. Riyadh M Sunny 27/13 Sunny 27/12 about the most frightening creatures on and the best thing about being married at 1:30am, yelling things into the Tehran P Cloudy 14/06 Sunny 17/06 Earth. Somebody weeping in public has is not having to deal with boyfriends. otherwise peaceful English night. I zGina Barreca, an English professor at nothing else to lose. Like the unnamed There is no part of me that wants to did it in New York, where I’ve cried in the University of Connecticut, can be monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, sentimentalise the nights I walked every borough except Staten Island. reached at www.ginabarreca.com Live issues Ten ways to make life better

By Barton Goldsmith I’m not saying go online and look for 6. Appreciate what you have. We someone in your life to whom you need Tribune News Service friendship there. The idea is to get all want things, and that’s good, but to say, “I’m sorry,” go ahead and do it. closer to people you may already know when not getting what you want when Letting go of resentments and owning or see on a regular basis. you want it makes you sad and angry, up to your mistakes will give you more o you ever feel 4. Get involved in your community. you may be asking for too much too room to enjoy your time on the planet. like you aren’t It’s hard to open a paper and not see the soon. Look around at your life and It may also help you connect with a getting enough charity events going on close by. If you focus on the good stuff , see what you long lost friend. Around the world Dout of life? By have the desire to help out, act on it. have, and don’t focus on what you 10. Plan some fun. Happiness comes Weather Weather doing a few simple things, you can You will make a diff erence in the lives of lack. from moving toward what you want, today Max/min tomorrow Max/min brighten your days and make your life a others, and you will feel better, too. 7. Try a new activity. Take a class, not from getting it, so you need to have Athens P Cloudy 24/19 P Cloudy 26/18 more fulfi lling place to be. go some place you’ve never been, new things to look forward to. Now Beirut P Cloudy 22/17 M Sunny 25/18 T Storms S T Storms 31/25 1. Get outside more often. It has or create a new space in your home. that summer is almost over, it’s a good Bangkok 32/26 If you are just sitting Berlin S Showers 06/-1 Rain& Snow 04/-2 been said that if you want to live a long Taking on hobbies and activities can time to start planning for next year or Cairo Sunny 27/18 M Sunny 29/18 life, you should spend as much time be enjoyable, and it gives you the your next vacation. Cape Town Sunny 22/14 Cloudy 22/15 outdoors as you can while doing things around and letting opportunity to meet new people and If you are just sitting around and Colombo P Cloudy 30/24 S Showers 31/24 that are not too physically stressful. experience new things that will enrich letting the world pass you by, it’s time Dhaka M Sunny 29/22 Sunny 30/21 the world pass you Hong Kong P Cloudy 28/24 P Cloudy 28/19 Taking a half-hour walk every day will your life. to get up and start moving. Getting the Istanbul Cloudy 22/16 P Cloudy 24/18 help you avoid depression and decrease by, it’s time to get up 8. Write your story. Many people are most out of life is a matter of putting Jakarta T Storms 31/25 S T Storms 31/25 any anxiety you may be feeling. tracing their family histories online one foot in front of the other and Karachi Sunny 32/18 Sunny 32/19 2. Trust your gut. Tune into your these days, and it’s a fun hobby. You making it happen. London P Cloudy 08/01 P Cloudy 07/04 and start moving P Cloudy P Cloudy 32/23 can also research and write your own Manila 32/23 own feelings, look at them, and work Moscow Snow 01/01 Cloudy 02/-4 on understanding where the pain is 5. Slow down. We rush so much of story. It may not become a hit movie, zDr Barton Goldsmith, a New Delhi Sunny 31/17 Sunny 30/16 coming from. All of the answers you the time, and it’s understandable with but it will give you a fresh perspective psychotherapist in Westlake Village, New York Sunny 13/04 M Sunny 18/11 need are there inside you. all that’s going on around us. But if you on your life and allow you to remember California, is the author of The Happy Paris S Showers 06/01 P Cloudy 08/04 3. Make a new friend. You may think relax for a moment here and there, just things that you may have forgotten. Couple: How to Make Happiness a Sao Paulo T Storms 26/16 T Storms 27/17 Seoul Rain 18/02 Sunny 07/-3 you have enough friends already or to take in your surroundings and what If writing an autobiography is too Habit One Little Loving Thing at a Singapore S T Storms 32/25 T Storms 32/24 that you don’t have time to make new you are doing, it will make you breathe daunting, try keeping a journal. Then Time. Follow his daily insights on Sydney Sunny 29/19 S T Storms 27/18 friends, but there is always room to easier and help you enjoy whatever you your story can write itself. Twitter at @BartonGoldsmith or e-mail Tokyo Clear 14/09 Clear 17/08 add a positive person into your life. are doing more. 9. Make that apology. If there is him at [email protected] Gulf Times 28 Monday, November 7, 2016 QATAR Campaign to protect Al Zubarah launched ore than 50 young vol- hands-on activities at Al Zuba- acting CEO and adviser to unteers from Qatar and rah fort and other parts of the chairperson HE Sheikha Al Ma- Maround the world have site, all focused on preventive yassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa begun a 20-day project to con- conservation and preservation al-Thani. Al Zubarah, situated Qatar Museums officials led the tour to the Al Zubarah heritage site. serve the historical Al Zubarah techniques. approximately 100km north- heritage site. Workshops and conservation west of Doha, was founded Al Zubarah, Qatar’s largest activities, organised by Qa- in the mid-18th century. The heritage site, is also a Unesco tar Museums, Unesco and the town developed into a centre World Heritage Site and one of Qatar Tourism Authority will of pearling and international the best-preserved examples of include learning about tech- trade and rose to become the an 18th century merchant town niques used in conservation country’s largest and most im- in the Gulf region. and traditional building tech- portant settlement. The project, which runs un- niques in Qatar, ways to dis- Under the ‘Together for til November 25, forms part of mantle weak parts of buildings, Heritage campaign,’ now in Unesco’s World Heritage Vol- conserving excavated areas of its ninth consecutive year, the unteers ‘Together for Heritage’ the site, applying and removal initiative seeks to mobilise and campaign, an initiative that sits of plaster, and how to write involve young people aged 18- within the framework of the documentation and conserva- 30 and youth organisations in Unesco World Heritage Educa- tion reports about the site. World Heritage preservation tion Programme. Volunteers will also have the and promotion. It aims to increase awareness chance to immerse themselves Since its launch in 2008, and reinforce the importance in learning about the day-to- 3,500 volunteers have partici- of conserving and protecting day life in a World Heritage pated, and 219 projects have world heritage. property and engage in inter- been held in 46 countries at The initiative helps to de- cultural exchanges and activi- some of the most outstanding velop youth appreciation and ties with local communities, sites in the world. respect for heritage and cul- including storytelling, lectures This is the first time that Qa- tural diversity, creating a posi- and competitions. tar Museums has participated tive attitude towards heritage All work undertaken by vol- in the project, which aims to preservation. unteers will support the master raise awareness among young During the project, volun- plan of protecting and preserv- people, volunteers and the lo- teers, who have arrived from ing Al Zubarah heritage site. cal community of the need to countries including Spain, Ni- The volunteers attended a protect and promote the World geria, Germany, Iraq, Jordan, welcome reception at Al Zuba- Heritage Site and preserve the Mexico, Egypt and the UAE, rah yesterday. architectural remains at Al Zu- as well as 12 volunteers from The event was also attended barah, particularly against the Qatar, will take part in a series by Mansoor bin Ebrahim al- harsh desert and coastal of both awareness raising and Mahmoud, Qatar Museums conditions. Qatar Museums officials join volunteers in a visit to Al Zubarah fort. Fire destroys warehouses in Sailiyah ‘Discover Education number of warehouses were gutted in a fi re that Araged for several hours at Sailiyah, a Doha suburb, yester- City’ fair from Nov 9 day. However, there were no re- ports of any loss of lives or in- niversities from across juries. The cause of the fi re, the Education City will that started before noon, was Ushowcase their aca- unknown. It is understood that demic off erings at Discover Ed- the same area, which is about a ucation City 2016 on Novem- kilometre east of Sailiyah, and ber 9-10 from 9am to 9pm at situated in the extended neigh- Hamad Bin Khalifa University bourhood of the Doha Industrial (HBKU) Student Centre. Area, had witnessed a series of Following the success of last fi re incidents in the last three year’s event, the scope of this years. year’s fair will again include Yesterday, a number of teams graduate programmes at the of the Civil Defence and police master’s and PhD level as well as were at work to put out the fi re. undergraduate and foundation All routes to the aff ected area programmes, off ered by HBKU, Education City universities will showcase their academic offerings were cordoned off for quicker Qatar Foundation’s homegrown at ‘Discover Education City 2016.’ relief work. Several fi re tenders Qatari university and the eight were deployed for the relief op- Fire engines and water tankers deployed for fire-fighting. international campuses located Paris in Qatar and UCL Qatar. Bridge Programme, specially de- erations. in Education City. Admissions staff from all the signed to assist students’ transi- A major fi re in the area last a couple of construction com- However, there were no loss commodation, when the fire The event will cater to high participating academic institu- tioning from high school to edu- summer had completely de- panies and the workers had to be of lives or injuries even though was sighted on a Friday after- school students, recent college tions will be available through- cation at the university level. stroyed the accommodation of moved to another location. many workers were in the ac- noon. graduates and working profes- out the event to help visitors Maryam al-Mannai, vice sionals. gain a thorough understanding president of Student Aff airs at Organised by level of study, of each programme’s admission Hamad Bin Khalifa University, attendees will have a unique processes. remarked: “As we prepare to opportunity to gain insight into Though the institutions open our admissions cycle for the academic off erings of nine share a common campus, each the next academic year, we look universities in total: Hamad university has its own unique forward to meeting prospec- Bin Khalifa University, Virginia culture and traditions, with the tive students at Discover Edu- Commonwealth University in event providing visitors with an cation City. Through a unique Qatar, Weill Cornell Medicine- opportunity to experience the range of research-focused un- Qatar, Texas A&M University at rich diversity that exists within dergraduate and postgraduate Qatar, Carnegie Mellon Univer- the fabric of Education City. programmes, HBKU provides sity in Qatar, Georgetown Uni- Additionally, students fi n- university students at each versity in Qatar, Northwest- ishing high school will be able level with an exceptional edu- ern University in Qatar, HEC to learn about QF’s Academic cational experience.”

Priority in govt and public jobs for citizens

From Page 1 cision from the Prime Minister dix on salary for each grade and The law also gives a detailed for the public good and a fi nal class of employees, starting list of the penalties that can be verdict against the employee in from QR2,300-3,000 a month imposed on employees in each a crime undermining his integ- for the lowest grades and up case and the regulations gov- rity or honesty. to QR65,000 a month for top- erning these. Besides, it pro- End-of-service gratuity for level jobs. vides the mechanism for penal- non-Qatari government staff Meanwhile, the government ised employees on how to appeal is due to every employee who has stressed its commitment the decisions against them. completes a minimum of one to provide jobs for people with The services of a government year of service. It is to be set at disabilities in accordance with employee can be terminated for one month’s basic salary for Law No 2 for 2004 in respect various reasons, including be- each year of service with a max- of People with Special Needs, ing 60 years old, end of a con- imum of 10 months, calculated while supplying them with all tract, resignation, not being based on the last basic salary the suitable means to enable medically fi t, penal dismissal, received by the employee. them to carry out their work Heavy smoke is seen in the area which witnessed a fire and reportedly destroyed a number of warehouses yesterday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed loss of Qatari citizenship, a de- The law includes an appen- duties.