SPORT | Page 1 BUSINESS | Page 1 Energy-reliant countries told

INDEX to diversify DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2 – 9, 28 COMMENT 26, 27 Talented young Rio REGION 10 BUSINESS 1 – 8, 13 – 16 their 17,535.29 9,681.54 47.82 ARAB WORLD 10 - 12 CLASSIFIED 9 – 12 athletes take part in +34.35 +43.28 -0.59 INTERNATIONAL 13 – 25 SPORTS 1 – 12 +0.20% +0.45% -1.22% QOC’s Shine event economies Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXVII No. 10098 May 24, 2016 Sha’baan 17, 1437 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Prime Minister meets Erdogan New service In brief to ease road

YEMEN | Response Qatar condemns Aden explosion accident case Qatar has voiced “strong condemnation” of an explosion that targeted Yemeni army recruits in the Khormaksar area in Aden, which left several people killed and wounded. In a statement, the procedures Foreign Ministry stressed that the crime “contradicts all moral Traff ic investigators deployed rectly with the insurance companies. and humanitarian principles and at insurance firms will register The accident victim will receive a text values”. The statement reiterated accidents electronically through message with details of the case and Qatar’s “firm stance regarding the the tablets given to them s/he can then approach the insurance necessity of eradicating all forms fi rm for repairing the vehicle. of violence and resolutely pursuing n a move aimed at simplifying pro- The new service is being provided its perpetrators because of the cedures for motorists involved in as part of an integrated link between risk it poses to the lives of people Iroad accidents, the General Direc- the Traffi c Directorate and insurance and the threat it causes to safety torate of Traffi c has opened ve fi traffi c companies to complete procedures in- and peace”, the off icial Qatar News investigation offi ces on the premises of volved in traffi c accident cases at the Agency (QNA) said. Page 10 insurance companies in Qatar. same place. This was announced by the Ministry The MoI has pointed out that all of Interior (MoI) in a post on its Face- stages of a traffi c investigation are REGION | Relations book page yesterday. completed electronically now, from Joint fi ght Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday met with HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah With the introduction of the new registration of an accident to the is- bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani who is in Istanbul to take part in the World Humanitarian Summit. At the meeting held at service, motorists involved in an ac- suance of a report. Besides, accident against IS Istanbul Convention Centre, the Prime Minister conveyed the greetings of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani cident are no longer required to go to reports can now be printed from the Gulf Arab foreign ministers to the Turkish president, wishing him and the people of Turkey further development and growth. For his part, President traffi c investigation sections located in ministry’s website or the Metrash2 yesterday agreed with their Erdogan entrusted the Prime Minister to convey his greetings to the Emir, wishing him good health and happiness and diff erent areas of the country, the MoI mobile app without having to visit a Canadian counterpart to Qatar continued progress and prosperity. They reviewed bilateral relations and ways to develop them in various fields, in has stressed. traffi c investigation section, as was the strengthen “co-operation” in addition to a number of issues of common concern. The Prime Minister earlier visited the Qatari pavilion at an exhibition Previously, motorists involved in case before. the fight against the Islamic held on the sidelines of the summit. The pavilion hosts Qatar Computing Research Institute, Qatar Charity and Sheikh Thani traffic accidents had to wait until a In June last year, Gulf Times had re- State group and other militant bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF). police patrol reached the spot or visit ported that the General Directorate of organisations, they said in a the nearest traffic investigation sec- Traffi c had opened offi ces in two insur- statement. Ministers from the six- tion to register an accident and get ance companies in Doha to investigate nation Gulf Co-operation Council a report to approach the insurance accidents and complete documenta- agreed with Canadian Foreign companies. tion. Minister Stephane Dion on the need Now, the motorists can go directly The move was aimed at helping ve- to “dry up” sources of finance for to the insurance company of the party hicle owners save time and ease pro- jihadists. “The campaign against States and aid agencies who caused the accident and approach cedures related to accident investiga- Daesh (an Arabic acronym for IS) the traffi c investigation offi ce there to tions, the MoI had said on the occasion. and other terrorist organisations is register the case. “These offi ces will deal with cases not religious or linked to a religion Once it’s registered, the other party related to repairing damaged vehicles or sect but rather a war on terror,” (the victim) can approach the insur- that are reconciled between the parties they added in a statement. agree to cut down costs ance company staff there to complete involved in the accident. In case of (a) vehicle repair procedures, according to dispute between the parties, the traffi c the MoI post. police offi ce will investigate and decide SYRIA | Attack Thomson Reuters Foundation told a launch event in Istanbul. to jointly assess aid needs in a disaster, Traffi c investigators deployed at in- who caused the accident,” the report Scores die Istanbul “These are all fundamental to im- rather than each producing a separate surance companies will register acci- had said. proving support for the people we analysis, and to buy supplies together dents electronically through the tablets An offi cial had also informed that the in bombings serve.” to bring down costs. given to them, take photographs of the new service would be extended to other An estimated 148 people were overnments and humanitarian Kristalina Georgieva, the Euro- Elhadj As Sy, secretary general of aff ected vehicles and communicate di- insurance companies in future. killed yesterday as multiple agencies have agreed a “Grand pean Commission vice-president for the International Federation of Red explosions struck civilian targets in GBargain” which aims to cut the budget and human resources who Cross and Red Crescent Societies, two cities on Syria’s government- costs of administering aid by around masterminded the bargain, said the welcomed the bargain’s commit- held Mediterranean coast, the $1bn a year, and ensure more of that overheads of aid agencies now soak ment to provide 25% of humanitarian Syrian Observatory for Human money goes to help people in crisis. up around 15 % of funding, and those funding directly to local and national Rights reported. Supporters of At the World Humanitarian Summit would be shaved. agencies by 2020 – up from only the Islamic State group circulated in Istanbul yesterday, 21 donor coun- “I expect more resources in the around 2.5% in 2015. a claim of responsibility for the tries and 16 aid organisations – which hands of people in need and the hu- “There is a recognition of those who attacks in Tartus and Jableh on include several UN agencies and the manitarian workers on the frontline are on the frontline,” he said.”They are social media. Page 12 Red Cross – agreed to reduce ineffi - (who) are risking their lives to help they in places where there is no doc- ciencies and slim down overheads. them, and I expect less to be spent in tor, no school, where women have to That could help fi ll an estimated the back room in transactions that do walk the last mile to the water point, BRAZIL | Scandal $15bn annual funding gap to tackle the not help us get help to the people,” she often paved with danger.” Huge blow emergency needs of more than 125mn said. The bargain would free up funds to people globally, and create “a virtu- The bargain, supported by big do- provide things like insurance and bet- to Temer govt ous circle, drawing in more resources” nor governments including the United ter equipment for those handling dis- Brazil’s Planning Minister Romero from a wider range of donors, the bar- States, Britain, Germany, France and eases, keeping local aid workers safer, Juca said yesterday he would gain said. Japan, also commits them to make he added. temporarily step down after a UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- their funding more fl exible and to put World Vision International head newspaper published recordings moon said the deal, which contains money into longer-term programmes Kevin Smith said the bargain – which of him discussing plans to obstruct 51 commitments, would lead to better that allow agencies to go beyond sup- its backers hope will attract more sup- the country’s biggest-ever humanitarian response on the ground plying basic relief. port in the coming months – would corruption investigation. Juca’s in confl icts and natural disasters. They will also look at how to sim- not be a panacea for all the problems decision to take a leave from his “It should lead to faster action, plify their systems for distributing of the aid system but was “a serious post to defend himself is a huge better engagement with people af- money to aid agencies and their re- and realistic way forward”. blow for Interim President Michel fected by crises, more funding for quirements for reporting how that “Making change will cost, but stay- The new service is being provided as part of an integrated link between the Traff ic Temer. Page 22 national organisations, greater effi - money is spent. ing the same will cost more,” he said. Directorate and insurance companies. ciency and more accountability,” he The humanitarian agencies agreed Page 19 Sheikha Moza takes part in session on education in emergencies

QNA Sheikha Moza urged the international (existing international laws). We must Istanbul community to take an approach based hold the perpetrators of these crimes on provision, protection and preven- responsible and accountable. tion so that education was placed at “Only when the perpetrators are ducation Above All chairperson the heart of efforts to address hu- shamed and punished, will we deter HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser manitarian crises around the others from attacking education. Eyesterday participated in a spe- world. “Only then, can we break this vi- cial session on education in emergen- “Money is not enough to fulfil our cious cycle of building and destroy- cies, which was held as part of the obligations to provide every child ing, building and destroying,” she World Humanitarian Summit in Is- with their right to education that they added. tanbul. deserve,” said Sheikha Moza. Sheikha Moza highlighted the on- Gordon Brown, the UN special en- “Without protection and preven- going work of Education Above All, voy for global education, also took tion, what we spend years building noting its investment in “providing part in the session alongside Julia can be destroyed in minutes. quality primary education to almost Gillard, chairperson of the Global “The destruction of schools are not 7mn out-of-school children”. Partnership for Education, and Helle just ‘accidents’ of war. Education is She added that Education Above Thorning-Schmidt, the chief execu- under attack. Our schools are the bat- All remained on track to enrol 10mn tive of Save the Children Interna- tlefield. It is time to fight back. out-of-school children in education tional. HH Sheikha Moza at the special session on “Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises” which was held as part of the “What is missing are the mecha- programmes by the end of the Speaking at the summit, HH World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul. PICTURE: A R Al-Baker/HHOPL nisms and the political will to enforce year. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 QATAR

Deputy PM meets AU commissioner Qatar, Azerbaijan discuss education ties AWH raises breastfeeding awareness

he Obstetrics and Gynae- cology Department at Al TWakra Hospital (AWH) has organised a campaign which will run until May 26 to raise public awareness of the benefi ts of breastfeeding. The campaign is being held in collaboration with the Mother and Child Education Clinic to raise public awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and how it can benefi t future genera- tions. Until Thursday, the public can visit the hospital’s Outpa- tient Department to ask experts questions and attend educa- HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi met tional workshops in English and HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs, Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Azerbaijan’s Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov and his accompanying delegation, in Doha Arabic that will outline the ten- al-Mahmoud, met the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, Smail Chergui, in Doha yesterday. They discussed aspects of co-operation between Qatar and Azerbaijan in the education steps to successful breastfeeding yesterday. Talks dealt with the African continent’s issues and the latest developments of the peace sector and ways of promoting them. The Azerbaijani minister is scheduled to visit a number of as well as highlight the diffi cul- process in Darfur. educational and academic institutions during his stay in Doha. ties that breastfeeding women can face. “Breastfeeding creates a strong bond between mother and child and holds signifi cant health benefi ts for both mother and infant,” said Dr Mohamed Alloub, senior managing con- sultant in Obstetrics and Gynae- cology for AWH. “For mothers, these benefi ts include burning extra calories Doha Forum discusses key allowing them to lose pregnancy weight faster, reducing uterine bleeding after birth and lowering a women’s risk of suff ering from breast and ovarian cancer.” Alloub adds, “Breastfeeding will also lower a baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies and regional, global challenges babies breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, with- QNA out any formula, have fewer Doha ear infections, respiratory ill- nesses and diarrhoea. We hope members of the community he 16th Doha Forum held will join us to learn more about under the theme ‘Stabil- the importance of breastfeed- Tity and Prosperity for All’ ing and benefits,” adds Dr Al- concluded here yesterday in the loub. presence of high-level regional and international participants. The three-day event dis- cussed means of achieving re- gional stability and global pros- perity in light of the major global Algeria Speaker challenges in the areas of de- fence, security, economy, energy meets chairman and civil society’s issues. Addressing the closing ses- Assistant Foreign Minister for Foreign Aff airs, HE Sultan bin Saad of NHRC sion, Assistant Foreign Minister al-Meraikhi, addressing the 16th Doha Forum’s concluding session for Foreign Aff airs, HE Sultan bin yesterday. Saad al-Meraikhi, praised the val- Delegates attending the concluding day’s session of Doha Forum yesterday. Below: A section of the QNA uable and rich contribution made A large number of heads of Al-Kuwari also presented a sum- audience. PICTURES: Thajudheen Algiers by all participants during the dis- state and governments, min- mary to the ‘international econo- cussions held over the three days. isters, politicians, decision- my’ session, in which the speakers The Forum’s sessions dealt makers, businessmen and civil were HE the Minister of Economy peaker of the Algerian Par- with global security, the Middle society activists from around the and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin liament Abdulkadir bin East security, energy, economy, world took part in the 16th edi- Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, and SSalih yesterday met the the sustainable development tion of the Doha Forum. for candidates for the position of Chairman of National Human agenda and the civil society, al- HE Dr Hassan bin Ibrahim al- UN Secretary-General. Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr Meraikhi said, lauding the rich Mohannadi, Director of the Dip- He said that speakers were Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, along discussions in which a number lomatic Institute at the Ministry unanimous in this session on with a delegation of the Arab of senior global leaders, politi- of Foreign Aff airs, who moderat- several points, which can be Network of National Human cians and experts took part. ed the closing session, hailed the summed up in that there are Rights Institutions (ANHRI). The sessions highlighted all broad and active participation economic challenges facing all The meeting which was held participants’ keenness to ad- in this event which has enriched countries in the world, such as on the sidelines of the training dress these issues, exchange the debates on critical issues the collapse of oil prices for the workshop organised by ANHRI ideas and visions and propose discussed during the sessions producing countries and those on writing reports for interna- solutions to meet the political hosted by the Doha Forum. that are dealing with this essen- tional bodies, addressed the role and economic challenges and The fi nal session of the 16th tial resource. of national human rights in- enhance collective co-operation Doha Forum comprised pres- He pointed out that the in- stitutions in promoting human to make our world safer and entations summarising the Fo- tervention of the HE the Minis- culture in the Arab world. more stable, he said. rum’s activities. ter of Economy and Commerce Separately, the presidents of Al-Meraikhi highly appreci- Qatari economic expert also addressed the decline in oil Algeria’s People’s National As- ated the theses and ideas pre- Ahmed Abdullah al-Kuwari pre- prices and its impact on both sembly Mohamed-Larbi Ould sented, particularly with regard sented a summary of the session the global economy and produc- resolving disputes is limited to importance of involving civil so- involving civil society organisa- Khelifa met the delegation of the to containing security deterio- on ‘Realising the international ing countries, focusing on the being a facilitator. ciety in the development agenda tions in the process of building Doha-based ANHRI. ration, escalation of terrorism, agenda of sustainable devel- need to tackle these challenges The summary of the special as a key partner for both the gov- communities. During the meeting, the del- armed confl icts in diff erent parts opment in light of the current through economic blocs. session of ‘Civil society and its ernment and private sector. Dean of Hubert H Humphrey egation presented a brief ex- of the world, the deterioration global economic conditions’, In the specialised plenary en- role in achieving partnership in She praised the Qatari expe- School of Public Aff airs Eric planation about the establish- of oil prices and emphasising pointing to the presentations of titled “Gulf security” partici- development’ noted the par- rience in dealing with civil so- Schwartz also spoke about the ment of the ANHRI which was teamwork aimed at achieving the Greek representative who pants agreed that dialogue is the ticipation of civil society in this ciety organisations and paving relationship between civil soci- proposed Dr Ali bin al-Marri the Sustainable Development focused on his country’s expe- best way to bring about security Forum, and stressed the need to the way for them to serve various ety organisations and govern- Smaikh in 2008. Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda rience in dealing with refugees and peace in the Middle East. involve all segments of society in segments of society. ments, pointing out that the for Sustainable Development. and the fi nancial crisis and the In the ‘Middle East’ session, bringing about the desired ho- Speakers in the Civil Society well-being of communities is The closing session of the Korean representative who ad- participants stressed that the re- mogeneity in the community to session included secretary gen- based mainly on the existence of conference saw a presentation dressed the issue of slow inter- gion is still far from being stable, prevent tensions. eral of Sultan Qaboos Centre an active and eff ective civil so- of the most important ideas and national growth and the need to let alone from prospering. In her speech CEO of Qatar So- for Culture and Sciences Habib ciety able to push governments proposals put forward during the carry out long-term economic They also stressed that access cial Work Foundation, Amal Ab- bin Mohamed al-Rayami, who to re-examine economic, social Jail, deportation plenary and special sessions. reforms. the role of the United Nations in dullatif al-Mannai, stressed the addressed the importance of and development policies. for counterfeiting degree certifi cate

HEC Paris holds Case Study Lab Expats jailed for using fake ATM Doha Criminal Court has sentenced a Sri Lankan Aman to three years in jail on international joint ventures cards manufacturing machine and subsequent deportation for counterfeiting his university de- gree certifi cate. EC Paris conducted a alliances and joint ventures, as in gradually converted into single- Doha Criminal Court with high quality and preci- Local Arabic daily Arrayah Case Study Lab on inter- the case of QDVC. This has be- entity performance, not only the has sentenced two sion. reported yesterday that the de- Hnational joint ventures come an integral part of modern unit created to perform transac- AMoroccan men to He asked QR7,000 for each fendant was spotted by the em- based on a real example in Qatar. strategic management. The Case tions effi ciently,” he added. three years in jail and a fi ne of card produced and agreed to ployee concerned when he sub- The one-day event was led by Lab off ered the perfect platform Professor Amann covered key QR20,000 each for owning and train him on how to use the mitted the certifi cate in Doha to Professor Wolfgang Amann. for identifying, examining and subjects in his presentation in- using ATM cards manufactur- machine. attest the stamp of the Qatari The Case Lab focused on improving the eff ectiveness of cluding: directions and modes of ing machines, without prior Both parties met and eve- embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. QDVC, an international joint joint ventures. The discussions growth, developing an eff ective licence. rything was recorded in a legal It turned out that the defend- venture between Qatari Diar Real exposed participants to impor- corporate strategy, and a recom- Local Arabic daily Arrayah way using a permit obtained ant agreed with an unidentifi ed Estate Investment Company and tant implications for joint ven- mended integrated framework reported yesterday that the earlier from the public pros- person to counterfeit for him a the French VINCI Construction ture success as witnessed by for optimising complexity in court also ordered their de- ecution. degree in accounting, and used Company. QDVC,” stated Professor Ker- corporate strategies. portation upon serving their When arrested, the defend- on it a sticker of the embassy, re- Among the participants in bache. Professor Amann has been sentence. became friendly with him. ant reported his accomplice trieved from another document. the discussions were Professor Al-Ansari, pointed out: “We designing and delivering ex- The issue started when in- Then, the offi cer told the de- who was also arrested later and However, the defendant denied Laoucine Kerbache, dean & CEO must acknowledge that both ecutive education seminars for formation reached the depart- fendant that he had been un- it turned out that he owned the counterfeiting, which was of HEC Paris in Qatar and Nasser parent companies have com- more than 16 years. He currently ment concerned at the Minis- dergoing some fi nancial diffi - some sophisticated equipment proven by the authorities, and al-Ansari, chairman of QDVC . plementary skills, which to date serves as professor of strategy as try of Interior. culties and need more money. and software for the same pur- told the court that he would sub- “As business models change, has worked well to succeed and well as the academic director of Accordingly, an undercover So, the defendant off ered to pose. mit the original. But, he was un- we have to create adaptable es- to nurture QDVC. The expec- degree and custom programmes offi cer approached one of the sell him a machine that could Eventually, the court con- able to submit the original and tablishments and grow through tations of both parties must be of HEC Paris in Qatar. defendants at Souq Waqif and make counterfeit ATM cards victed them. the court convicted him. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 3 QATAR

Labour Minister meets Korean, Egyptian envoys Qatar attends Arab customs panel meeting

QNA Cairo

he 16th meeting of the Customs committee on Tprocedures and informa- tion began here yesterday at the headquarters of the General Sec- retariat of the Arab League. Director of Customs Proce- dures Unit at General Authority of Customs Issa Rashid al-Su- waidi led Qatar’s delegation to the meeting. The four-day event will dis- cuss important topics, in partic- ular the member states’ obser- HE the Minister of Administrative Development and Labour and Social Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi met separately yesterday with South Korea’s ambassador to Qatar Park Heung-kyeong and Egypt’s vations on a draft model for Arab Charge d’Aff aires Ehab Abdel-Hameed in Doha yesterday. Talks dealt with bilateral relations in areas of common interest and means of enhancing them. unifi ed customs declaration circulated by the Arab League’s secretariat-general.

Advisory Council reviews draft laws QA Cargo celebrates 10 RAF funding QNA agreed upon. Committee yesterday training centre for Doha The Council reviewed held its 44th regular the following two draft session under the chair- Syrian refugees years of service in Kenya laws: manship of its Rappor- he Advisory Coun- 1. A draft law on civil teur Nasser Serayea al- cil held its weekly decorations. Kaabi. QNA atar Airways Cargo, Tregular meeting 2. A draft law on the of- The committee studied Doha the world’s third yesterday, chaired by HE fi cial gazette. the following two draft Qlargest international the Speaker Mohamed The council decided to laws: cargo carrier, recently cel- bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi . refer them to the Legal and 1. A draft law on civil heikh Thani Bin Abdullah ebrated 10 years of services At the outset of the Legislative Aff airs com- decorations. Foundation for Humani- in Kenya. meeting, HE the Secre- mittee for further study 2. A draft law on the of- Starian Services (RAF) yes- A gala reception to com- tary-General of the Ad- and a report. fi cial gazette. terday announced funding the Al memorate this milestone visory Council Fahad bin Meanwhile, the Ad- The committee decided Amal Vocational Training Centre achievement was held on Mubarak al-Khayareen visory Council’s Legal to submit a report to the in Halba, the capital of the Akkar May 19 and attended by the read the agenda which was and Legislative Aff airs Advisory Council. District in the North Governo- cargo carrier’s customers rate of Lebanon, with an operat- and business partners, in- ing cost of QR375,000 annually. cluding Ibrahim Mohamed The organisation said in a al-Abdulla, Qatar’s ambas- Al Thakira Girls Forum plans Ramadan events press statement that the Centre sador to Kenya, and Yatich is expected to house 400 stu- Kangugo, acting managing dents annually in fi ve training director of Kenya Airport. l Thakira Girls Fo- month of Ramadan. mothers and girls. professional disciplines which Qatar Airways Cargo rum of the Min- The Forum has begun The competitions aim are: sewing, electricity, elec- commenced services to Aistry of Culture registering for Ramadan’s at encouraging Muslim tronics, hospitality and crafts for Nairobi in 2006 with two and Sports is organising competitions to memo- generations to memo- women, in order to equip youth Airbus A300 freighters. religious and cultural ac- rise Juz Amma and Tabar- rise and recite the Holy with the necessary skills needed Qatar Airways Cargo now tivities during the holy aka of the Holy Qur’an for Qur’an. to get job opportunities. operates seven Airbus A330 freighters and transports belly-hold cargo on 21 pas- Qatar Airways Cargo celebrates 10 years of service into Kenya in Nairobi. (From right) Peter senger aircraft to Nairobi Penseel, SVP Cargo Sales & Network Planning; Ibrahim Mohamed al-Abdulla, Mohamed each week, off ering a total Azim, senior manager (Cargo Business Support) and Nicolas Danton, Regional Cargo capacity of 232 tonnes into manager (African Region). Nairobi and 362 tonnes out of Nairobi each week. ner with the businesses that fruits, vegetables and meat comprising Boeing 777 and Over the past decade, Qa- need high quality, reliable remain the top exports from Airbus A330 freighters as tar Airways Cargo has es- cargo services. We anticipate Nairobi, destined mainly for well as the popular Boeing tablished itself as a trusted continuous growth as we Europe and Middle Eastern B747-400BCF nose loader air freight service provider begin our second decade of countries. freighter. in Kenya, connecting the freighter operations into the Kenya is among the top In April this year, the city of Nairobi to a global country. We owe our success three largest fl ower export- cargo carrier introduced network of more than 150 to our customers, business ers in the world and the QR Express, a solution to destinations on its young partners and local stakehold- highest exporter of fl ow- deliver airport-to-airport and modern fl eet. The cargo ers for their tremendous sup- ers in Africa. Qatar Airways air freight service for time- carrier is constantly in- port over the years.” Cargo’s QR Fresh solution critical shipments. QR Ex- novating and introducing Qatar Airways Cargo has provides a seamless cool press is the latest addition to eff ective air transport solu- seen remarkable expansion chain service for perisha- the cargo airline’s expand- tions to meet its customer to its operations in the Af- bles from the origin airport ing portfolio of specialist and market needs in the rican continent. The cargo through to the fi nal destina- services and products. East Africa region. now operates freighters to tion via its fully-automated The cargo carrier recently Ulrich Ogiermann, Qatar seven destinations (Accra, hub in Doha. The use of re- won the prestigious ‘All- Airways Chief Offi cer (Cargo) Djibouti, Entebbe, Johan- frigerated trucks at the car- Cargo Carrier’ award at the said, “We are proud to have nesburg, Khartoum, Lagos rier’s cargo terminal in Doha 33rd Cargo Airline of the completed 10 successful and Nairobi) and provides ensures the cool chain is un- Year event and the ‘Inter- years of freighter operations belly-hold cargo capac- broken. national Award for Excel- to and from Nairobi. Kenya ity to 23 cities in the world’s QR Charter utilises the lence in Air Cargo’ at the Air is an important market for second largest continent. cargo carrier’s most mod- Cargo India 2016 exhibition us, and we are a great part- Perishables such as fl owers, ern freighter fl eet in the sky, and conference.

QC holds marine arbitration workshop

atar Chamber (QC) sored by Qatar International ventional litigation methods, and their terms and condi- is organising today Centre for Conciliation and which would positively re- tions, the necessary legal Qa workshop on the Arbitration. The event would fl ect on business transactions background of the topic, and marine arbitration culture focus on the various alter- in the country. the challenges and diffi culties and its role in settling dis- native legal tools to resolve The trainees will get intro- involved in securing eff ec- putes and the protection of commercial and business duced to the proper stand- tive arbitration deals. Legal marine investments. disputes outside the court to ards of forming and writing experts in the fi eld would be The workshop is spon- save the time and cost of con- marine arbitration contracts lecturing at the workshop.

Advisory Council Speaker meets UK minister

Speaker of the Advisory (Shura) Council, HE Mohamed bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi, met the UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Tobias Ellwood in Doha yesterday. Talks dealt with the parliamentary relations between the two countries and means of enhancing them.

Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 5 QATAR

Transport minister meets Swedish offi cial

HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti met the Deputy Minister of Strategic Development and representative of the Prime Minister of Sweden Dr Maya Fiestad in Doha yesterday. Talks covered topics of common concern, mainly in the field of transportation, information technology and communications, in addition to exploring the opportunities available in the two countries. Qatar delegation attends Riyadh telecom meeting

high-level delegation The decision on the date from Qatar is par- and location of the 28th Aticipating in the 27th Meeting of GCC Commit- Meeting of GCC Committee tee for Undersecretaries of for Undersecretaries of Post Post and Telecommunica- and Telecommunications, tions will also be taken in the which got underway yester- Riyadh meeting. day in Riyadh. The CRA, established by The Qatar delegation at virtue of Emiri Decree (42) the two-day event is headed in 2014, regulates the com- by Mohamed Ali al-Mannai, The 27th Meeting of GCC Undersecretaries Committee of Post munications and informa- president of the Communi- and Telecommunications in progress in Riyadh yesterday. tion technology and postal cations Regulatory Author- sectors, and access to digital ity (CRA). The other mem- ies Committee will discuss Undersecretaries and Chief media. bers of the delegation are several topics related to the Offi cers, Telecommunica- CRA uses its regulatory Khalid N Sadiq al-Hashmi, developing of postal and tion Legislations and Regu- powers mandated by the assistant undersecretary telecommunications sec- lations Committee, Roam- Emiri decree to protect con- of Cyber Security Sector, tors in the member states ing Working Group, GCC sumer rights, ensure compe- Ministry of Transport & and means of boosting co- Technical Offi ce of Technical tition, manage the resolution Communications; Ali al- operation. Committee, and the Work- of disputes, and manage the Suwaidi, IT Section head, The meeting agenda in- ing Group of OTT Legisla- electromagnetic spectrum. CRA; and Faisal al-Shuaibi, cludes discussions about the tions and Regulations. In all its activities, the institutional relations of- recommendations by several The Committee will also CRA seeks to ensure the fi cer, CRA. other committees and work- discuss matters related to provision of advanced, inno- During the meeting, ing groups including Com- co-operation between GCC vative and reliable ICT and the GCC Undersecretar- mittee Meeting for Posts countries and Jordan. postal services across Qatar. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 QATAR

Workshop addresses challenges of IP protection, technology transfer

he Centre for Entre- search and IP Protection in Organised in conjunc- Technology Transfer Offi ce, Dr Erik J Stenehjem, as well They were delivered by that impact Qatari soci- munity awareness on timely preneurship (CfE) Qatar’ to address the main tion with QU Offi ce of Aca- the event brought together as CBE faculty and students. experts from QF IP and ety and beyond. It also high- issues, to advance research Tat Qatar University challenges of protecting demic Research and Qatar many researchers, experts The programme agenda Technology Transfer Offi ce. lights the college’s pivotal and ensure that research ef- College of Business and intellectual and technology Foundation for Education, and students from QU col- included presentations on Dr Hindi said: “This event role in advancing national forts address contemporary Economics (QU-CBE) held a transfer in Qatar and seek Science and Community leges and beyond. ‘Research, IP and Knowl- comes at a time when intel- eff orts to drive the country’s challenges in Qatar and be- workshop on ‘Scientifi c Re- solutions to key issues. Development (QF), IP and Welcome remarks were edge-based Economies,’ lectual property is becom- aspirations towards a knowl- yond. The Centre continues delivered by CBE dean Dr ‘Understanding IP,’ ‘Meth- ing a critical area of interest edge-based economy.” to deliver on its mission to Nitham Hindi in the pres- ods and Tools to accelerate in Qatar and the region. It Dr Abdellatif said: “By support QU members in de- ence CfE director Dr Mah- IP development’ and ‘Com- demonstrates CBE’s com- hosting this event, the Cen- veloping and turning their moud Abdellatif Khalil, mercialisation - marketing, mitment to tackling local tre for Entrepreneurship is ideas into viable businesses, and QF IP and Technology negotiating and licensing challenges and to seeking working towards QU’s stra- and securing ownership of Transfer executive director IP.’ effi cient solutions to issues tegic objective to raise com- them.” QU medical college signs pact with US organisation

he College of Medi- cine at Qatar Univer- Tsity (CMED-QU) has signed an agreement with National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), an in- dependent, not-for-profi t US-based organisation that serves the public through its high-quality assessments of healthcare professionals. NBME will support the college in aligning its stand- ards with those of the US by leveraging CMED’s student Dr Egon Toft, Dr Brownell Anderson and Prof Hossam Hamdy at the agreement signing event. assessment system, sup- porting the establishment administrators in various ing and nature of locally- and interpretation of valid international standards in of a CMED student exami- activities that aim to further developed assessments; the and reliable formative and medical practice.” nation items bank, and by enhance medical education most appropriate use of the summative examinations. Dr Anderson added: “It is conducting regional bench- and establish an assessment portfolio of NBME assess- CMED associate dean exciting to work with a new marking studies on test de- system that maximises the ment instruments available for Academic Aff airs Prof medical school from the sign. quality of the college’s grad- to North American and in- Hossam Hamdy, said: “The beginning of its programme The agreement was uates. ternational medical schools; College of Medicine’s fo- and I hope I will have many signed by QU vice president The college’s curriculum potential NBME assistance cus on quality, safe medical more opportunities to ob- for Medical Education Dr and current assessment on the development of as- practice and optimal patient serve the progress of the Egon Toft and NBME presi- framework will also be re- sessments to meet the needs care is in line with NBME’s school in the months and dent Dr Donald E Melnick. viewed by the NBME team of CMED curriculum, and mission. Based on the US years to come. The educa- NBME vice president for in- to ensure their alignment development of an item Medical Licensing Exami- tional programme is truly ternational programmes Dr with international stand- bank. nation, the college prepares innovative and aligned with Brownell Anderson was also ards. College administrators Recommendations will its students for this and high quality, state-of-the- present. will be provided with rec- also be made on develop- similar international licens- art assessment methods, all As a fi rst step, a team of ommendations on a range ment of faculty expertise in ing examinations to ensure of which hold great promise experts from NBME will of topics including possible teaching, curriculum design that the quality of its gradu- for the new school, its grad- engage CMED faculty and curriculum revision; tim- and design, construction, ates is aligned with the best uates and for Qatar.” Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 7 QATAR

The visit by HBKU students to the Doha North Sewage Treatment Works project. Ashghal organises site visits to its projects

he Public Works Au- in Ashghal invited a number of public relations offi cials tion of the project’s impor- thority (Ashghal) has of students from Hamad Bin at Ashghal and Jaafar Mus- tance was given during the Theld a number of vis- Khalid University (HBKU) tafa, infrastructure projects tour and the visitors were its to its project sites over and faculty members from adviser. also shown the works being the past few months for Qatar Environment and En- During the visit, the stu- currently implemented on diff erent sections of society. ergy Research Institute. dents watched a video ex- the ground. The initiative is part Attendees from Ashghal plaining the main aspects of The authority invited a of the implementation of included Jassim Salman the infrastructure projects. group of students from Al Ashghal’s community out- al-Sayegh, design engi- At the end of the visit, the Ahnaf Bin Qais Preparatory reach programme, which neering adviser at Infra- authority presented certifi - School for Boys to its head- aims to promote awareness structure Aff airs; Rashid cates of appreciation to the quarters. During the visit, about its projects across Arqoub al-Khaldi, projects students and also received students met Yaser Mus- the country and keep the engineering adviser at the a certifi cate of appreciation tafa al-Janahi, head of En- public informed about Drainage Projects Depart- from QU for its eff orts and gineering Business Support, their development stages, ment; Kevin Richards, collaboration with the uni- and Ahmad Fathi from the the progress made and senior projects engineer versity. Buildings Projects Depart- the current works on the at Drainage Projects; and The authority also organ- ment. ground, the authority has Raymond Malik, design ised, in collaboration with Ashghal also invited 26 said in a statement. engineer at the Drainage Qatar Leadership Academy, students from the College of Site visits and tours are Networks Design Depart- a site visit for students to the Arts and Sciences (CAS) at conducted throughout the ment. Lusail Expressway project. Qatar University to the fi fth year as part of the pro- The authority organised, Prior to the tour, project en- expansion (package) of the gramme. These include in collaboration with Qa- gineers gave a presentation Doha West Sewage Treat- presentations by project en- tar University (QU), a visit that included a detailed ex- ment Works project site. gineers, which explain the to its headquarters. It was planation of the project and Khalid al-Qahtani from the project details and benefi ts. aimed at introducing major its benefi ts. Students then Drainage Networks Projects The tours organised in infrastructure projects to 26 completed their tour. Department briefed them the last couple of months students from the faculty In March, Ashghal invited on the details and benefi ts included a site visit to the of management and eco- a group of administrators of the project and the stu- Doha North Sewage Treat- nomics at QU. The students and athletes to the Al Wakra dents also undertook a tour ment Works project, where- were received by a number Bypass project. An explana- of the site. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 QATAR Doha Bank’s City Center branch offi cially opens oha Bank has announced the offi cial opening of its Dnew branch, relocated to the ground fl oor of City Center Doha from the fi rst fl oor. The opening of the relocat- ed branch is in line with Doha Bank’s strategy to meet the Aboobacker Madappat inaugurating the Mango Festival at Safari Mall Abu Hamour yesterday. needs of its customers more ef- fi ciently, and comes just a week after the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Al Gharrafa Dahl Al Hamam branch. Safari Hypermarket Group “Our national branch net- work is of vital strategic impor- tance to us and forms an integral part of our multi-channel ap- launches Mango Festival proach to serving our custom- The relocated branch of Doha Bank. ers,” said Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman. creased number of counters to and Apple Watch banking. well as cheque book collection. afari Hypermarket Group ny along with other Safari range of mango-based prod- The relocation of the City process customer transactions, In addition to the new full- The relocated Doha Bank City yesterday launched Man- Group offi cials. ucts such as Mango Cake, Center Doha branch to the thereby reducing waiting times service branch, Doha Bank Center Doha branch will be open Sgo Festival 2016 across all The festival features more Mango Kheer, Mango Cur- ground fl oor will make it easier signifi cantly, as well as a novel also has an auxiliary branch seven days a week, from 9am to their outlets in Qatar. than 60 varieties of mangoes ries, Mango Chicken Biryani, for cardholders and custom- and easy-to-navigate layout located at the City Center 9pm from Saturday to Thursday Managing director Aboo- from the India, Pakistan, Bra- Mango Chicken Tikka, Mango ers to access banking services. with convenient access to a Doha entrance, which handles and from 4pm to 9pm on Friday. backer Madappat inaugu- zil, Thailand, Ivory Coast, Chicken Curry, Mango Bread, Proximity to the parking lot is comprehensive range of digital cards services covering debit With 30 branches, Doha Bank rated the Mango Festival Sri Lanka, Yemen, Sudan and Mango Desert available at Sa- ideal for busy customers. banking solutions, including the card issuance and delivery, boasts of the second largest at Safari Mall Abu Hamour Bangladesh. fari Mall Abu Hamour and Safari The branch features an in- DBank Mobile service credit card replacements, as banking network in Qatar. with a cake cutting ceremo- The festival also features a Hypermarket Salwa Road.

Arbitration process for Qatar IT Business Awards 2016 nominations fi nalised he Ministry of Transport and commitment to honouring businesses The awards will be sponsored by to back the vital industry. and encouraged entrepreneurs in the awards come as part of the ministry’s Communications has fi nalised that have added signifi cant value to the Qatar Development Bank, Vodafone The categories are Service Provider ICT sector, as well as invigorating eff orts to provide the incentives nec- Tthe assessment and arbitra- Qatari ICT market. The aim is to rec- Qatar, Qatar Railways Company (Qatar of the Year (Hardware), Cloud Service and enabling the breakthrough in- essary to develop and reinforce the tion process for the Qatar IT Business ognise not only businesses’ unremit- Rail) and Microsoft Qatar. Provider of the Year, Service Provider novations that refl ect positively on digital industry, raise awareness of the Awards 2016 nominations. ting eff orts to attract local promising The ministry has dedicated all of the Year (Software), Tech Startup all sections and segments of the soci- importance of the ultimate and safe The results and winners will be un- talent, but also the local accomplish- awards categories to local Qatari busi- of the Year, Best Mobile Application ety,” said Reem al-Mansoori, assist- usage of ICT, and sharpen the com- veiled by the end of this month at a ments, in addition to the key objective nesses as well as one to honour the of the Year, Best IT Adoption in SME ant undersecretary for digital society petitiveness of Qatari ICT products special event. of supporting innovation in that fi eld,” best IT adopter in the SME sector as Sector and Smart Solution of the Year. development at the ministry. by further promoting the quality and “The awards refl ect the ministry’s the ministry said in a statement. a manifestation of its commitment “The ministry always supported Al-Mansoori stressed that the performance standards. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 9 QATAR Rota launches 10th annual Ramadan volunteer project

each Out To Asia Hospital Residential Care ity programme. Oxy Qatar has been Earlier this month, Rota off ered (Rota), a member of Community. Rota will also working with Rota for the past fi ve volunteers the opportunity to join RQatar Foundation co-ordinate similar events years, during which time we have the Ramadan 2016 Project through for Education, Science and for construction workers of seen the Ramadan Project grow the recently-launched ‘TAMM Qatar Community Development, the Al Shamal and Al Khor and achieve impressive results. Volunteer Network’. Numerous mem- has announced its Ramadan municipalities. Our employees have also been part bers of the community attended the 2016 Project, ‘10 Years of Mohammed al-Naama, of the volunteer programme, with volunteer registration event to learn Service’, which will include acting executive director, new participants signing up every about the initiative and sign up for activities that support con- Rota, said, “This year we year.” specifi c activities. Rota and Oxy Qatar off icials at the press conference. struction workers, the eld- look forward to giving back erly, and other local groups to the community in Qatar. in Qatar. Teams of ROTA volunteers The Rota Ramadan 2016 will, once again, reach out Project will feature a series to various groups to make of volunteer-led activities a positive and tangible im- to contribute to community pact in their lives. Through development in Qatar. To their service, they will con- eff ectively implement the tinue to demonstrate the campaign, Rota will col- true value of volunteerism laborate with a number of in society, which is a great local partners, including the source of pride for us here Social Development Centre, at Rota.” Hamad Medical Corpora- Stephen Kelly, presi- tion, the Qatar Autism Cen- dent and general manager tre & Special Needs and the of Occidental Petroleum Bangladesh MHM School & of Qatar (Oxy Qatar), said: College. “Oxy Qatar is honoured to Volunteers will share Iftar support Rota’s annual Ra- with residents of the Qatar madan Project, as it is an Foundation for Elderly Peo- important part of our cor- ple Care and the Rumailah porate social responsibil-

Ministry unveils Ramadan initiatives

he Ministry of Econ- discounted consumer goods omy and Commerce initiative, Al Baraka cor- T(MEC) has unveiled a porate social responsibility variety of initiatives to mark programme, the “Iktisadi” the holy month of Ram- bank card campaign as well adan 2016 under the theme as another campaign to ‘#Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb’ bolster the productivity of (#the_least_we_can _do). bakeries and regulate gold These initiatives come and jewellery businesses. within the course of MEC’s MEC will intensify its eff orts to provide commu- inspection campaigns to nity-oriented services, de- monitor markets and busi- signed to cover all aspects of ness activities among many the Ministry’s activities in other initiatives. It will dis- terms of organisation, part- close details of its initiatives nership and support. They during the coming weeks include sheep subsidies and and invite the public to fol- price reductions on con- low its various accounts sumer goods in addition to on social media platforms hosting a number of aware- including Instagram, snap- ness forums and campaigns chat and YouTube under the on trade in Islam and “Halal name MEC_QATAR and to livelihood” programme on subscribe to its WhatsApp MEC’s YouTube channel. account on the number: MEC will also launch the 66111400.

FNAC Qatar at Lagoona Mall. FNAC Qatar marks fi rst anniversary

NAC, a leading in- to meet cooking and sweet ternational retailer of savvies, and present to them Fcultural, leisure and his recipes in two of his technological products, will iconic books,” FNAC Qatar mark the fi rst anniversary of said in a statement. its presence in Doha’s La- Also, FNAC has sponsored goona Mall with three days the Francophone Week in of promotions, fun activi- Qatar and the Katara Euro- ties and various competi- pean Jazz Festival, as well as tions with prizes to win. several other cultural events From May 26 to 28, guests occurring in town. can participate in the dif- Bader al-Darwish, chair- ferent activities and benefi t man and managing director from the off ers. The event of Darwish Holding, said: will include a Treasure Hunt “FNAC’s journey in Qatar in the store, a karaoke com- has been exciting from the petition and a “Take your fi rst day, and we look for- best Selfi e” competition, to ward to introducing even name a few. more innovative and service FNAC’s young guests can oriented features that will also enjoy their visit with further strengthen our mar- numerous activities as well ket position. We can proud- as receive lots of gifts and ly say that we have accom- surprises. plished another successful “Throughout the year, milestone on our map, and FNAC has cemented its we look forward to celebrate path of being a cultural yet this landmark occasion entertainment hub through with all our loyal clients several events in Doha. The and employees, who are the store has hosted numerous backbone of our success.” international and local ar- FNAC has invited all cli- tistes, including renowned ents to visit the social me- Qatari artiste Ali Abdul dia platforms, Facebook, Sattar, Marcel Khalife and Twitter and Instagram (Fa- Ibrahim Maalouf, where cebook.com/FnacQatar, they met with their fans and Twitter.com/FnacQatar signed their latest musical and Instagram.com/Fnac- albums. Pierre Hermé, the Qatar), to be updated on the famous pastry chef, chose activities and off ers during FNAC while visiting Doha the celebration period. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Tunisia’s 41 killed in IS-claimed twin Ennahda party chief re-elected bombings on Yemeni forces AFP Hammamet, Tunisia AFP sives belt at a recruitment centre, fol- in the Arabian Peninsula country - and Aden lowed by the bombing at a gate of the IS have exploited the power vacuum cre- Badr base. ated by the confl ict to expand their zones he president of Tunisia’s A local resident in Aden described the of control in the south and southeast. Islamist Ennahda party win bombings claimed by the scene of the Badr explosions as “horri- Over the past two months, govern- Twas re-elected yesterday, Islamic State group hit Yemeni ble”, saying body parts had been blown ment and coalition forces have hit back, as the group meets for a key con- Tforces in Aden yesterday, killing at dozens of metres away. driving Al Qaeda militants out of the gress to discuss separating reli- least 41 people in the latest of a spate of “They came to complete the proce- Hadramawt provincial capital of Muka- gious and political activities. attacks in the southern city. dure of their recruitment and receive lla, which they had controlled for a year. Rached Ghannouchi, who won The attacks in Aden - which is serv- their fi rst salary,” he said, speaking of the But attacks on security forces have left the ballot comfortably with 800 ing as the temporary government head- young men who had gathered outside the scores dead. votes, about 570 more votes than quarters after rebels forced authorities army centre. On May 1, four guards were killed in the runner-up, said his party is from the capital - follow a major military Abandoned slippers and sandals, ap- a bombing that targeted the convoy of keeping apace with changes in operation against militants in parts of parently from the victims, covered the Aden’s police chief General Shallal Shay- Tunisian society. southern and southeastern Yemen. area, television footage showed. ae, in the second such attack on him in a Ennahda is a “Tunisian move- Backed by a Saudi-led coalition, forces Aden resident Ramzi al-Fadhli said week. ment that is evolving with... loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour “wailing fi lled the air” as women identi- Several attacks have also targeted Tunisia and is part of its evo- Hadi are battling both IS militants and fi ed the remains of relatives at Al-Jum- troops in Hadramawt since government lution”, Ghannouchi said, ac- Iran-backed Shia rebels. huriyah Hospital, where at least 32 bod- forces ended Al Qaeda rule in Mukalla. cording to local media. In the fi rst attack, a suicide bomber ies were taken. Earlier this month, 47 police were killed “From today, we are serious- killed 34 people queuing to enlist at a Aden has seen a wave of attacks in re- in a series of bombings near Mukalla. ly moving towards becoming a recruitment centre near the Badr base cent months claimed by Al Qaeda or its UN-sponsored peace talks between national and civil political par- in Aden’s Khormaksar district, said militant rival IS after government forces the government and rebels resumed yes- ty with an Islamic core, which Brigadier General Nasser al-Sarei, the drove Shia Houthi rebels out of the port terday in Kuwait after they had broken operates under the country’s commander of Yemen’s special security city in July with support from the Saudi- off a week ago. constitution and inspires Mus- forces. led coalition. The government had demanded a A Yemeni woman reacts at the site of a bomb attack that targeted Yemeni forces in lim and modern values,” he A subsequent explosion inside the The coalition launched operations in written pledge from the rebels and their Aden’s Khormaksar district yesterday. said. base killed seven soldiers, he said. Yemen in March last year after the rebels allies recognising an April 2015 UN Se- Ghannouchi, 74 - an intel- Medics said that 38 people were seized control of Sanaa and other parts of curity Council resolution calling for their lectual who once advocated a wounded in the twin attacks. the country, forcing Hadi’s government withdrawal from the capital and other strict application of Islamic law In a statement posted online, IS said to fl ee the capital Sanaa. territories, as well as the legitimacy of - founded the Islamic Tendency one of its fi ghters detonated an explo- Al Qaeda - which has a long presence Hadi. Movement in 1981 along with others inspired by Egypt’s Mus- Yemen foes hold face-to-face talks aft er long pause: UN lim Brotherhood. The movement became En- Yemen’s warring parties held their first The government demanded a written ment had agreed to give the peace talks a nahda in 1989. face-to-face meeting in nearly a week pledge from the Houthi Shia rebels and “last chance.” Banned under the dictatorship yesterday after the government delegation their allies recognising an April 2015 UN “We have fixed all the references. This is a of strongman Zine El Abidine ended a boycott, the UN envoy said. Security Council resolution calling for their first step on the path for a real peace that Ben Ali, the party was legal- “A joint meeting between the two delega- withdrawal from the capital and other terri- leads to implementing Resolution 2216 ised after the 2011 uprising that tions to the Yemen peace talks has started tories they have overran since 2014, as well beginning with withdrawals, surrender kicked off the Arab Spring and in the morning,” Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed as the legitimacy of President Abd-Rabbu of weapons and the restoration of state ousted the veteran leader. said on Twitter. Mansour Hadi. institutions,” he said. Ghannouchi, who lived in exile The troubled negotiations which began Hadi had agreed to end the latest boycott Despite a 14-month-old Saudi-led military for 20 years, returned to a trium- on April 21 broke off on Tuesday when the after mediation by UN chief Ban Ki-moon and intervention in support of Hadi’s govern- phal welcome after the uprising government delegation suspended its Qatar’s Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- ment, the rebels and their allies still control and won post-revolution elec- participation accusing Iran-backed rebels Thani, the UN special envoy said on Sunday. many of Yemen’s most populous regions, tions in October 2011. who control the capital of failing to keep Foreign Minister Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi including the central and northern high- A group of Yemeni students shout slogans during a rally at a school in Sanaa But two years later he had to their word. said on Twitter on Sunday that the govern- lands and the Red Sea coast. protesting the deployment of US Special Forces to their country, amid the ongoing step aside amid a deep political conflict in the impoverished Arab state yesterday. crisis. Makkah, Madinah gear up for Ramadan rush

QNA Jeddah

bout 7mn Umrah pilgrims are ex- pected in Makkah and Madinah Abefore and during the holy month of Ramadan this year. Umrah pilgrims come through vari- ous ports, the most important ones be- ing King Abdul Aziz International Air- port in Jeddah and Prince Mohamed bin Abdul Aziz airport in Madinah. The kingdom uses all its powers to receive the pilgrims and facilitate all procedures until they reach Makkah and ain (77,000) and the rest of the world been laid with good quality carpets in- Madinah, the Saudi daily Arab News re- 695,000. side and on the roof of the two mosques ported. Abdul Wahid al-Hattab of the Presi- and that the areas are kept clean around Mohamed Bejawi of the Ministry of dency of the Two Holy Mosques re- the clock. Haj and Umrah in Madinah said this viewed the operational plan for Umrah He said the yards of the Prophet’s year Egypt ranked fi rst in terms of the season which is the responsibility of Mosque have been provided with 436 grant of 1,275,785 Umrah visas, Paki- 5,000 employees in co-operation with fans to off er cool surroundings and 250 stan came second with 918,063 visas, all service directorates. shades to protect pilgrims from the heat Indonesia third (655,163), followed by He said the presidency off ers cool of the sun. He said 100 gates and six pe- India (436,000), Turkey (439,000), Zamzam water inside the Prophet’s destrian paths have been allocated to Jordan (343,000), Algeria (313,000), Mosque and Grand Mosque. worshippers in addition to 20 carts for Malaysia (211,000), Iraq (183,000), Brit- He confi rmed that prayer areas have the elderly and the disabled. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 11 ARAB WORLD Israeli premier rejects French peace initiative

AFP I will sit alone, directly, with a range of countries on June 3, have pursued a strategy of diplo- Jerusalem president Abbas in the Elysee without the Israelis and Pales- macy at international bodies. (French presidential) palace or tinians present. Negotiations between the Is- anywhere else that you choose. Another conference would raelis and Palestinians have been sraeli Prime Minister Ben- Every diffi cult issue will be on then be held in the autumn, with at a standstill since a US-led ini- jamin Netanyahu rejected the table.” the Israelis and Palestinians in tiative collapsed in April 2014. Ia multilateral French peace Netanyahu, who has repeat- attendance. An upsurge in violence since initiative as he met his French edly expressed his opposition to The goal is to eventually re- October has killed 205 Palestin- counterpart yesterday, off ering the French proposal, said “this launch negotiations that would ians and 28 Israelis. instead to hold direct talks with initiative can still take place in lead to a Palestinian state. The unrest has steadily de- Palestinian President Mahmoud Paris, because that would be a Netanyahu has regularly clined in recent weeks but yes- Abbas in Paris. marvellous place to sign a peace called for direct talks and of- terday a Palestinian woman was French Prime Minister Manuel accord.” fered to meet Abbas, and he re- shot dead at a checkpoint north Valls said he would speak to Valls is visiting Israel and the iterated his argument yesterday of Jerusalem while trying to stab President Francois Hollande Palestinian territories to advance that peace would not be achieved a border policeman, Israeli au- about the proposal while an aide his country’s plan to restart Is- though “international diktats.” thorities said. to Valls later said there was little raeli-Palestinian peace eff orts. A Valls aide said the only new Valls has sought to address Is- new in Netanyahu’s remarks. He is due to hold talks in Ram- element in Netanyahu’s com- rael’s concerns over the French “It can still be called the allah today with Palestinian ments was his mention of talks initiative, saying it would not French initiative because you Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. in Paris. try to impose a solution and that would host this genuine eff ort Abbas has welcomed the Palestinian leaders say years negotiations between the two French Prime Minister Manuel Valls (centre) gestures during a visit to the site of a clear water tank for peace,” Netanyahu said. French initiative to hold a meet- of negotiations with Israel have sides would ultimately resolve project founded and realised by a French aid initiative, in the Israeli occupied West Bank town of “But here’s the diff erence: ing of foreign ministers from not ended its occupation and the confl ict. Bethlehem, yesterday. Gaza cement deliveries resume after Israel lifts ban

AFP a “decent return” close to Gaza City levels towards the begin- ning of the year. Israel said late on Sun- rivate cement de- day that it was lifting the liveries to the Gaza ban “in accordance with PStrip resumed yes- the security assessment terday after Israel lifted a and the understandings six-week ban it imposed reached with the interna- over the alleged diversion tional community”. of materials by an offi cial It had imposed the ban in the Palestinian territory. after accusing Imad al- Israel imposed the ban in Baz, deputy director of the early April in the territory Hamas economy minis- run by Hamas which is still try, of diverting supplies, rebuilding after a devastat- which he denied. ing 2014 war. Israel restricts the en- The ban aff ected private try of goods into Gaza out providers, meaning Qatar, of fears they will be used a major donor to Gazan to make weapons or build reconstruction, and the tunnels that can be used United Nations were still for attacks. able to bring in cement UN offi cials point out to Gaza, under an Israeli that cement deliveries are blockade that has been in vital to Gaza’s reconstruc- place for nearly a decade. tion and pushed for the ban Raed Fattouh, who to be lifted. oversees the entry of Nickolay Mladenov, goods into the Gaza Strip, UN special co-ordinator said private deliveries had for the Middle East peace resumed for the fi rst time process, welcomed Israel’s since April 3. decision to lift the ban. Robert Piper, the UN “It is critical for the se- humanitarian co-ordinator curity of both Palestin- for the Palestinian territo- ians and Israelis that Gaza ries, confi rmed that more remains calm and hope is than 90 trucks entered restored to its people,” he Gaza yesterday, calling it said.

Palestinian workers stand on a truck loaded with bags of cement after it entered the southern Gaza Strip from Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing in Rafah yesterday. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 ARAB WORLD Iraq forces begin assault on militant bastion Fallujah

AFP its spokesman Abu Mohamed alysed the legislature, and dem- the fl ag above the city council number in the tens of thousands seized Fallujah in January 2014 Iraqi forces have the advantage Near Fallujah al-Adnani appeared to acknowl- onstrators have twice broken into building,” Abdel Wahab al-Saadi – to leave. after security forces withdrew of greater knowledge of the area, edge in a recent statement that the fortifi ed Green Zone area, said, adding that many IS fi ghters It warned families that could during unrest sparked by the gov- especially if they employ pro- IS would probably lose more storming parliament and Abadi’s were killed defending the town. not depart to raise a white fl ag ernment’s destruction of a protest government Anbar tribal fi ght- raqi forces battled the Islamic ground. offi ce. Abadi’s announcement settled over their location and stay away camp, and the city later became ers in the battle, but they lack the State group yesterday in the “In the early hours of the IS has also carried out a series the issue of which IS-held city from IS headquarters and gather- one of IS’s main strongholds. training and enormous fi repower Iopening stages of an opera- morning today, the heroic fi ght- of deadly attacks in and around Iraq should seek to retake next – ings. Fallujah and Mosul, the capital that American forces could bring tion to retake Fallujah, one of the ers advanced from diff erent Baghdad this month. a subject of debate among Iraqi Offi cials said several dozen of the northern province of Nin- to bear. toughest targets yet in Baghdad’s sides” to retake “all the areas oc- Iraqi forces had not yet en- offi cials and international forces families had fl ed the city, but IS eveh, are the last two major cities IS overran large areas north war against the militants. cupied by (IS) around Fallujah”, tered the Anbar province city just helping Baghdad battle the mili- has sought to prevent civilians IS holds in Iraq. and west of Baghdad in June As Iraqi forces retook a town Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al- 50km (30 miles) from Baghdad, tants. from leaving, as have forces on The militants have also struck 2014, and Iraqi forces performed east of Fallujah as they closed in Abadi said in televised remarks. but an AFP photographer near Iraq’s second city Mosul was the government side, according Baghdad, and attacks in and dismally during the initial of- on the city which saw deadly bat- Abadi said the operation was Fallujah said they were advancing the US military’s recommended to the UN Refugee Agency. around the Iraqi capital have fensive despite signifi cantly out- tles in 2004 between insurgents supposed to start earlier, but as aircraft hit targets inside it. target, but powerful militias may “Aid has not reached Fallujah killed more than 160 people this numbering the militants. and American forces, IS claimed “political problems and also the Less than a day into the op- have helped force the issue by since the government recaptured month. But the “caliphate” the mili- bombings in neighbouring Syria events... eration, security forces retook deploying reinforcements to the the nearby city of Ramadi... Fallujah has a long history as an tant group subsequently pro- that killed at least 148 people. threatening security inside Karma, a small town that lies in Fallujah area in preparation for an with the supply routes cut off insurgent bastion, and US forces claimed has been shrinking as The militant group has in- Baghdad delayed some of the a sprawling rural area northeast assault. by the Iraqi forces and armed launched two major assaults on anti-IS forces score major victo- creasingly turned to the tactic preparations”. of Fallujah, the general in charge On Sunday, Iraq’s Joint Opera- groups, preventing civilians from the city in 2004, in which they ries in both Iraq and Syria, where of killing civilians in bombings Iraq has been hit by a months- said. tions Command warned civilians leaving,” UNHCR said. saw some of their heaviest fi ght- the group had also seized signifi - as it faces battlefi eld losses, and long political crisis that has par- “They took control and raised still in Fallujah – estimated to Anti-government fi ghters ing since the Vietnam War. cant territory. Slow response to past crashes could hinder EgyptAir hunt

Reuters black boxes have been criticised Paris/Cairo by a number of experts includ- ing the former head of the French BEA agency, which is helping the eams searching for the search for Egyptair. black box fl ight record- “The battery situation is Ters of a missing EgyptAir pretty scandalous,” Jean-Paul jet that crashed with 66 people Troadec, who headed the French aboard face technical constraints government BEA air accident in- that aviation experts increas- vestigative agency during much ingly blame on a slow regulatory of the Air France probe, said. response to earlier disasters. “It hardly costs anything to As a three-year deep-sea install new batteries. There was A general view shows a damaged bus station after explosions hit it in the Syrian city of Jableh yesterday. search for Malaysia Airlines no reason to wait until 2018.” Flight MH370 draws towards a In the fi rst days after a crash at close in the Indian Ocean with- sea, the priority is to use passive out fi nding the airplane, another devices capable of listening for is starting in the Mediterranean the pinger’s clicking pulse. Once Sea where the lessons of previous these die, searchers must use so- crashes have yet to be applied. nar devices and robots, which are Rescuers have barely 30 days costly and time-consuming. until the batteries die on two It took two years to fi nd Air IS blasts in Syria regime underwater beacons designed to France 447 in the Atlantic this guide them to the black box fl ight way. recorders as they scour 17,000sq “You can imagine the pressure km of sea north of the Egyptian this 30-day deadline creates,” port city of Alexandria. Troadec said. After previous crashes at sea, Manufacturers say that imple- regulators agreed to increase menting the recommendations heartland kill over 148 the transmission time and range to extend the life of a beacon is of such beacons to increase the not just a simple switch. AFP out a doubt the deadliest at- same name. Both have remained after carrying victims of the fi rst discussed its proposal to launch chances of fi nding evidence and “Industry does not develop Damascus tacks” on the two cities since the relatively secure even as the war attack there. joint air strikes targeting “ter- preventing future accidents. technology overnight and for the start of the war. has raged in Latakia province’s A police offi cer said a car rorist groups”. The Kremlin said The changes, trebling the life aircraft manufacturers to be ready, IS claimed the blasts in a rural northeast and throughout bomb also targeted the Asaad the attacks “demonstrate yet of the ‘pingers’ to 90 days, were two years seems reasonable,” a ore than 148 people statement, saying they were in the country. hospital in the city. again how fragile the situation fi rst recommended by French spokesman for the European Avia- were killed yesterday retaliation for Syrian regime and The early morning attacks The attacks drew condem- is in Syria and the need to take investigators in late 2009, six tion Safety Agency said. Min bombings claimed Russian air strikes against the began at a bus station in Tartus, nation from around the world, energetic measures to relaunch months after the crash of an Air The search for EgyptAir’s by the Islamic State group in militants and vowed to carry out where regime ally Russia has while Human Rights Watch peace talks.” France plane in the Atlantic. Airbus A320 is especially chal- northwestern Syria, the dead- “more devastating and bitter at- long maintained a naval facility. warned that targeting civilians World powers have struggled to But they do not come into ef- lenging because its wreckage liest attacks to date in the re- tacks”. IS is not known to have a The Observatory said a car “would appear to constitute war rekindle UN-brokered peace ne- fect until 2018: too late to help lies in one of the deepest parts gime’s coastal heartland. presence in Syria’s coastal prov- bomb exploded and as people crimes.” gotiations which fi zzled in April fi nd EgyptAir 804. of the Mediterranean, at a depth Seven near-simultaneous ex- inces, where its militant rival, began to fl ock to the site two UN chief Ban Ki-moon de- when Syria’s opposition walked French investigators say the of 2,000-3,000m which is on plosions targeted bus stations, the Al Qaeda-affi liated Al Nusra suicide bombers detonated ex- nounced the “terrorist attacks” away in frustration at stalling Egyptian jet sent warnings indi- the edge of the range for hearing hospitals and other civilian sites Front, is much more prominent. plosive belts. while France called the bombing progress on the country’s dire hu- cating that smoke was detected pinger signals. in the seaside cities of Jableh But IS, notorious for using A police source in the city heinous. manitarian situation. on board. That may mean towing hydro- and Tartus, which until now had deadly sleeper cells to attack its confi rmed a car bomb had hit The United States expressed Syria’s confl ict has evolved The signals did not indicate phones more than a mile below been relatively insulated from enemies, suggested the creation the entrance to the station and strong condemnation as well from a popular uprising to a what caused the smoke, and avi- the surface, using specialist de- Syria’s fi ve-year war. of a “wilayat al-Sahel” or Islam- two suicide bombers attacked and vowed to continue its mili- multi-faceted war that has ation experts have not ruled out vices that are in short supply. The attacks on strongholds ic province for the coastal area. inside. tary campaign against IS mili- killed more than 270,000 people deliberate sabotage or a technical This task could have been of President Bashar al-Assad’s “I’m shocked, this is the fi rst Footage from state television tants in Syria and Iraq. and displaced millions. fault. made easier by other still-pend- regime came as IS faces mount- time I hear sounds like this,” said showed charred mini-buses and US Secretary of State John IS seized control of large parts Egypt has sent a robot subma- ing safety proposals. ing pressure in Syria and neigh- Mohsen Zayyoud, a 22-year-old others ablaze. Kerry also spoke to Russian of Syria and Iraq in mid-2014, rine to join the hunt. In 2009, the BEA suggested bouring Iraq, where a major student in Jableh. Around 15 minutes after the counterpart Sergei Lavrov by declaring an Islamic “caliphate” It is the second time in little black-box makers add a new, off ensive to retake the militant- In Tartus a 42-year-old bank Tartus blasts, four explosions phone and urged him to press and spreading its infl uence. more than a year that sea search lower frequency that carries held city of Fallujah is underway. employee was just as stunned. rocked Jableh further north. the Syrian regime to halt its at- Yesterday’s bombings were operations have been forced to further and is easier for military A hundred people were killed “It’s the fi rst time we hear ex- The Observatory said a car tacks on Aleppo in the north and reminiscent of a string of attacks rely on decades-old black-box vessels – typically fi rst on the in Jableh and another 48 in Tar- plosions in Tartus, and the fi rst bomb and three suicide attack- Daraya near Damascus. in 1986 in northwestern Syria – technology after an AirAsia scene – to spot. tus to the south, including chil- time we see dead people or body ers targeted a bus station, a hos- State Department spokesman including in Tartus – that killed plane crashed into the Java Sea. European regulator EASA has dren, said the Syrian Observa- parts here,” said Shady Osman. pital, and a power station. Mark Toner said Russia “has a 144 people and which Syrian of- Delays in implementing the ordered airlines to fi t the longer- tory for Human Rights monitor. Jableh lies in Latakia province, One attacker detonated ex- special responsibility” to rein in fi cials blamed on the regime of changes to the beacons to ex- range devices from the start of 2019, Observatory head Rami Abdel while Tartus is the capital of plosives inside the emergency Assad’s forces. Saddam Hussain in neighbour- tend their battery life and im- almost a decade after the crash that Rahman said they were “with- the adjacent governorate of the room of the state-run hospital Russia said Lavrov and Kerry ing Iraq. prove the chances of fi nding the fi rst inspired the change. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 13 AFRICA

SA court gives green light to Kenyans protest domestic trade in rhino horn Reuters The combined 31 tonnes could fetch $2bn Johannesburg by some estimates. A spokeswoman for South Africa’s de- partment of environmental aff airs said it outh Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal would comment later in the day on the rul- has dismissed a government bid to up- ing, which was made on Friday. Shold a seven-year ban on the domestic It was not immediately clear if the depart- against poll panel trade in rhino horn, an industry group said ment would now appeal to the Constitu- yesterday. tional Court, the top court in the land. Reuters The decision has no bearing on a ban on Supporters of rhino horn trade say the Nairobi international trade in rhino horn. money earned could be used for conserva- Potential domestic buyers could include tion and to pay for security. those who see rhino horn as a store of wealth Opponents counter that a legal trade could olice fi red teargas and water that could appreciate in value and those who tempt poachers who kill rhinos to launder cannon yesterday to disperse want it as a decoration. their “blood” horns with clean supplies. Phundreds of protesters dem- Thousands of South African rhinos have The decision is a setback to government onstrating in Kenyan cities against been slain in recent years to meet demand eff orts to keep a lid on the domestic trade in an electoral body which opposition for the horn in Asian countries, where buy- rhino horn, which was imposed in 2009. parties say is biased. ers consider it an aphrodisiac, a cure for It comes just months ahead of a major UN Police fi red teargas at a convoy of cancer or treatment for hangovers. conference on wildlife trade that South Af- vehicles carrying opposition lead- “Legal fi nality has now been achieved,” Pel- rica will host. ers and supporters accompanying it ham Jones, chairman of South Africa’s Private The domestic trade ban was challenged on foot in the capital Nairobi. Rhino Owners Association (PROA), told Reu- by rhino owners in court last year and the A water cannon truck later forced ters, saying trade could resume this year. moratorium was overturned. the convoy out of the city centre, a Around 5,000 rhinos, or about a quar- Both buyers and sellers of rhino horn in Reuters witness said. ter of South Africa’s population, are in pri- South Africa still need to apply for a permit, Police earlier fi red tear gas at vate hands. Rhino horn can be harvested as so that the government can keep tabs on the about 50 protesters as they tried to it grows back and it can be removed from a commodity. march on the offi ces of the Inde- tranquillised animal. John Hume, the world’s biggest rhino pendent Electoral and Boundaries The government has not revealed the size rancher who owns around 1,300 of the ani- Commission (IEBC) in the capital. of its rhino horn stockpile but the PROA es- mals, said he was hoping to sell some of his Earlier, police said they had ar- timates its members have around six tonnes stock of fi ve tonnes. “We will certainly try and rested seven people in the port city and reckons the state has close to 25 tonnes. sell some rhino horn very shortly,” he said. of Mombasa. About 300 protesters held plac- ards reading “IEBC must go home EU against delaying DR Congo elections now”.Businesses in the city stayed closed for fear of looting, but there were no initial reports of violence he European Union yesterday called isters warned in a statement issued yester- by demonstrators in either Mom- on the Democratic Republic of Con- day, adding that a “lack of clarity” regarding basa or Nairobi. Tgo to stick to the country’s election the organization of polls “currently consti- Protests called by the opposi- timetable, amid opposition concerns that tutes a great instability factor” in Congo. tion Coalition for Reforms and De- President Joseph Kabila may postpone No- “Only a constitutionally legitimate and mocracy (CORD) are in their fourth vember polls in order to stay in power. democratically elected executive will be able week. Police have sometimes used A woman carries a school pupil past a burning barricade in the Kibera slum during a demonstration of opposition Kabila has been in offi ce since 2001 and is to bring stability,” said the statement, agreed tear gas and water cannon against supporters in Nairobi yesterday. constitutionally barred from seeking a third at talks in Brussels. stone-throwing protesters. term. The ministers called for the Congolese “The demonstrations are illegal handed over a petition peacefully. fully challenged the result in court, as we have done in the past, in ex- But the opposition fears that he could de- electoral commission to “urgently create the and the organisers have been clearly Kenya’s next presidential and has accused the IEBC of bias and ercise of their right to assemble lay the polls in order to stay in power, after conditions needed for the holding of free, warned. parliamentary polls are not due un- said its members should quit. peaceably and to direct the widest the country’s top court cleared such a move transparent, inclusive and peaceful polls, If they insist on rioting, they will til August 2017. IEBC offi cials have dismissed the possible attention to a great nation- earlier this month. notably legislative and presidential elec- meet us there,” Lucas Ogara, Mom- But politicians are already trying charge and say they will stay. al issue,” it said in the statement. Congo is rich in natural resources, but the tions.” basa’s police chief, told Reuters. to galvanise their supporters in a The government has called on the In western Kenya, local Citizen central African country is beset by political Earlier this month, presidential candidate Some protesters re-grouped nation where violence erupted after opposition not to stage street pro- Television reported that Senator instability, corruption and violence at the Moise Katumbi complained that opposition after they had been dispersed, the 2007 vote and the opposition tests against the IEBC. Bonny Khalwale was arrested by hands of armed groups. groups had been the victims of police and and were led by Mombasa Coun- disputed the outcome in 2013. CORD on Sunday vowed to keep police as he led a demonstration in “A democratic government bases its legit- judicial harassment as well as verbal abuse ty Governor Ali Hassan Joho to CORD, led by Raila Odinga who up the protests in Nairobi and other Kakamega town. imacy on regular elections,” EU foreign min- on radio and state television. the local IEBC office where they lost the 2013 vote and unsuccess- regions.”Kenyans will be doing this,

Liberia to probe $950k ruling party bribe allegations Appeal ruling sought on iberia is to set up a com- mittee to probe bribery Zuma’s 800 graft charges Lclaims against several rul- ing party offi cials, following al- legations a British mining fi rm AFP paid nearly $1mn to obtain fa- Pretoria vourable working conditions. Campaign group Global Witness accuses chairman of the ruling Uni- outh African state prosecutors ty Party Varney Sherman, former said yesterday they would appeal House Speaker Alex Tyler and Sagainst a court ruling that Presi- Senator Morris Saytumah of re- dent Jacob Zuma should face almost ceiving bribes as part of a $950,000 800 corruption charges, triggering ac- campaign by British company Sable cusations that he was being protected between 2010 and 2012. from justice. Sable, co-founded by former Zuma has endured months of criti- England international cricketer cism and growing calls for him to step Phil Edmonds, is accused of or- down after a series of corruption scan- ganising the handouts to win dals and as the country battles falling iron ore concessions and of pay- economic growth and record unem- ing for favourable representa- ployment. tives to be appointed to key posts National Prosecuting Authority with responsibility for licences (NPA) director Shaun Abrahams an- and tenders. The company de- nounced the decision to challenge National Director of Public Prosecutions nies the allegations. a High Court order to reinstate 783 Shaun Abrahams speaks at a media Isaac Redd, a spokesman for Li- charges against Zuma, but denied any briefing in Pretoria yesterday. beria’s House of Representatives, political pressure. told AFP six people would be cho- The charges, relating to a multi-bil- increase if some or all of the charges sen for a special investigative body, lion dollar arms deal, were dropped in - which relate to alleged corruption, following a unanimous vote on Fri- 2009, clearing the way for Zuma to be racketeering, fraud and money laun- day to establish the committee in elected president just weeks later. dering – were reinstated. the wake of the allegations. At the time, state prosecutors justi- “It will take a year or so before the “The committee that will be fi ed dropping the case by saying that case is heard by the Supreme Court of set up by the House of Repre- tapped phone calls between offi cials in Appeal so for now he is safe,” Gareth sentatives will be an independ- then-president Thabo Mbeki’s admin- Newham, of the Institute of Security ent one. It will comprise people istration showed undue interference. Studies in Pretoria, told AFP, adding “it that are neither in government, But the Pretoria High Court last is highly unlikely that the NPA will win nor in the parliament. month dismissed the decision to dis- the appeal.” This accusation is so grave continue the charges as “irrational” and The ruling African National Con- that we cannot leave a room for a said it should be reviewed by the NPA. gress (ANC) faces tricky local elections compromise,” Redd said. “The judgement aff ects...the dis- in August, but Zuma retains wide- Sherman has said he is willing cretionary powers of the prosecutor,” spread support within the party and to co-operate with any investi- Abrahams told a press conference yes- has appointed many loyalists to key po- gation, but denies wrongdoing. terday. “It is so important that I believe sitions nationwide. Tyler and Saytumah have yet it needs a decision of an appeal court.” Last month, a commission that to respond publicly. Abrahams railed against suggestions Zuma set up cleared all government of- Others implicated include Ri- that the NPA was reluctant to prosecute fi cials - including himself - of corrup- chard Tolbert, a former banker Zuma. tion over the 1999 arms deal. and ex-head of the National In- “I will always do what is correct, ir- Zuma, who was appointed deputy vestment Commission, the body respective of whether the individual ANC leader in 1997, was accused of overseeing the tendering process concerned is an ordinary citizen, a having accepted bribes from interna- for mining projects, and Willie cabinet minister or a sitting president,” tional arms manufacturers. Belleh, who oversaw the body he said. The DA hopes to make major gains responsible for government in- “Any suggestion that I may have in the August elections, tapping into vestment agreements. succumbed to any pressure to make my discontent over the ANC’s struggle to In 2010 Liberia passed a law decision - I can assure the public to- deliver jobs, houses and education 22 allowing the mining minister to day that it is absolutely ridiculous and years since the end of apartheid rule. declare some mining conces- completely unfounded.” In March, the president lost an- sions “non-bidding” areas that The tapped phone recordings, which other major legal case when the coun- could be handed out without a became known as the “spy tapes”, were try’s highest court found he violated tender process. kept secret until they were released in the constitution over the use of public Thousands of dollars were 2014 after a legal battle fought by the funds to upgrade his private residence. also allegedly spent on enter- main opposition party, the Democratic The so-called “security” work, taining Fombah Sirleaf, the step- Alliance (DA). The DA dismissed the which cost taxpayers $24mn, included son of Liberia’s President Ellen prosecutors’ appeal bid as “a blatant a swimming pool, chicken run, cattle Johnson Sirleaf. delaying tactic to shield Jacob Zuma”. enclosure and an amphitheatre. Despite a mountain of alleged “Abrahams is preoccupied with pro- Zuma, 74, will have completed two kickbacks, Sable has never ob- tecting president Zuma at all costs...The terms in 2019 and is not eligible to run tained rights to concessions DA will not let this matter rest. Presi- for president again, but the ANC could likely to produce signifi cant dent Zuma will face justice,” it said. replace him ahead of the next general amounts of ore in Liberia. Pressure on the president would election. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 AMERICAS

LEGAL CRIME OFFBEAT MEMORABILIA DECISION Republicans lose fight After mob beats man, Laughing woman Walt Disney’s animation Evacuation lifted for oil on Virginia voting map two people steal his wallet conquers cyberspace trove up for auction sites hit by Canada fires

The US Supreme Court yesterday left in place a First came the injury – and then the insult. The video of a woman laughing herself into From Walt Disney’s hand-signed Mickey Mouse doll Off icials have lifted the evacuation order for several lower court’s ruling that said Virginia’s Republican- After a man was beaten by a mob of teenagers hysterics while wearing a Chewbacca mask has to his animator’s desk and chairs, a trove of the late oil production sites north of Fort McMurray, the led legislature unlawfully considered race when in San Francisco, left sprawled unconscious gone viral and been viewed 135mn times in four animation entrepreneur’s memorabilia will go up city threatened by massive Canadian wildfires, but drawing US congressional districts by packing on the ground, police said two bystanders days. In the four-minute clip, Candace Payne for auction next month and off ers a glimpse into stopped short of allowing production to resume. black voters into one of them. The court ruled 8-0 walked up to him and stole his wallet and other explains she bought the Star Wars toy for her the origins of the “mouse house.” The “Collecting The province of Alberta lifted evacuation at against current and former Republican US House belongings. Police are looking for the six boys birthday, then dons it while sitting in her car and Disney” auction, held by Van Eaton Galleries on facilities belonging to Canadian firms Suncor and of Representatives members who had challenged and girls, described as 15 and 18 years old, in starts laughing uncontrollably as the mask makes June 18 in Los Angeles, will off er more than 700 Syncrude, although off icials said thick smoke still a June 2015 lower court ruling that threw out the connection with the assault that left the man the groaning sound of the furry space creature lots from the Disney archives, expected to fetch prevented a resumption of most oil production. district. The court said the Republican lawmakers in a coma. The victim, described as a 29-year- every time she opens her mouth. “I didn’t expect to between $2mn and $3mn. Among the items on The fires, which forced the evacuation of 100,000 did not have legal standing to bring the case. The old from Hayward, Calif., was attacked early laugh that hard,” Payne told NPR radio. “But I was sale, which are coming from the collections of residents of Fort McMurray and the oil facilities to focus of the case was on the composition of the Friday at Harrison and Harriet streets near the looking at the phone videotaping it. I didn’t think private owners, is one of the first dolls ever made the north, interrupted extraction and refining of majority-black House district held by Democrat Hall of Justice. He had just left a bar and was that Chewbacca would look so happy!” Payne, who of the anthropomorphic Mickey Mouse, one foot an estimated 1.2mn barrels of oil per day. Regional Bobby Scott, the only black member of Virginia’s walking alone. The motive for the attack was lives in Texas, livestreamed her laughing video on signed by Disney and given as a gift to a woman, off icials have said that residents can return home congressional delegation. not immediately clear. Facebook titled ‘It’s the simple joys in life ...’ estimated to fetch between $50,000 and $70,000. beginning June 1 if conditions are favourable. Sanders avoids criticising Clinton at rally

Tribune News Service He mentioned several areas Irvine, Calif. where he and Clinton differ, notably trade and the Iraq War. In the past, he typically used ernie Sanders, hurtling to- these items as opportunities ward a series of primaries to draw contrasts with Clin- Bthat will almost certainly ton. But he did not on Sunday end his presidential bid, avoided evening, instead only mention- criticising Democratic front- ing her by name twice when runner Hillary Clinton during a he highlighted recent polls campaign rally in Irvine on Sun- that show that he fares bet- day night. ter against Donald Trump than Instead, the Vermont senator Clinton does in a general elec- railed against Republicans, pre- tion match-up. sumptive GOP nominee Donald “If the Democratic Party Trump, the wealthy, corpora- wants the strongest candidate tions and the media. to defeat Donald Trump, and And he repeatedly called for a we all know for the future of political revolution to fi x the na- this country, we’ve got to defeat tion’s woes, including a “rigged” Trump, it will be our campaign economy and a “corrupt” cam- that defeats Donald Trump,” he paign fi nance system. said, citing an NBC poll released Demonstrators chant ‘No justice, no peace’ outside the Mitchell Courthouse-West after Baltimore police off icer Edward Nero was found not guilty on all charges against him “It looks like the American on Sunday that showed Clinton related to the arrest and death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Maryland, yesterday. people in fact are sick and tired beating Trump by three points of establishment politics and and Sanders beating Trump by establishment economics. And 15 points. it looks like the American peo- Early polling is not predic- ple are ready to transform our tive, which Sanders seemed country in very profound ways,” to acknowledge when he add- he told several thousand rau- ed, “Polls go up and polls go cous supporters at the outdoor down.” rally. “What is most important in Police offi cer cleared “... Given the nature of Amer- terms of understanding which ican economics and politics to- campaign will decisively de- day, no president can do it alone. feat Trump is you,” he told We need a political revolution. the diverse cheering crowd of This is a fi ght we have to wage students, young families and together,” he said. senior citizens. “Look around Sanders has won 20 state pri- here, and what you will see here in custody death case maries and caucuses, but he is in Irvine is what I have seen badly trailing Clinton in the total all over this country, and that AFP The 25-year-old Gray was chose to be tried by a judge ecutors’ charges that Nero ar- would do their job in securing vote and the delegate tally. is millions of people that are Baltimore arrested on April 12, 2015 after rather than a jury. Judge Wil- rested Gray without justifi ca- Gray properly. Clinton is less than 100 del- prepared to stand up and fight fl eeing at the sight of police, liams is black, as are two-thirds tion and assaulted Gray during The mayor acknowledged egates shy of winning the back, people who are prepared and suff ered a snapped spine of the people of Baltimore, in- the arrest. The judge stated that the verdict, saying it would be Democratic nomination, and is to take on Wall Street, take on Baltimore police offi cer while being transported unre- cluding its mayor Stephanie Nero was not the offi cer that ar- followed by a police review and expected to clinch it on June 7, the greed of corporate Ameri- was yesterday acquitted strained in the back of a Bal- Rawlings-Blake. rested Gray and that “contact urging citizens to let the process when California and fi ve other can, take on the fossil fuel in- Aof assault and all other timore police van. He died a Williams rejected the by the defendant was legally run its course. states hold primaries. dustry, take on the pharmaceu- charges in the case of Freddie week later. state’s argument that the de- justifi ed” during the course of “This is our American sys- In recent appearances in Cali- tical industry.” Gray, an African American who The six police offi cers be- fendant acted corruptly or the arrest and placement in the tem of justice and police offi cers fornia, Sanders acknowledged The message off ers a preview died in custody last year, spark- ing tried over his death - three with intent regarding any of van. must be aff orded the same jus- that he faced a steep hill to win- of the tone Sanders will take as ing riots and fuelling debate white and three African Ameri- the charges made by the state Offi cer Garrett Miller testi- tice system as every other citi- ning the Democratic nomina- he heads into the Democratic about US police brutality. cans, including a woman - claim of Maryland. fi ed during the fi ve-day trial zen in this city, state and coun- tion. National Convention with more The verdict handed down by it was an accident. As for the charge of reck- that he alone took Gray into try,” Rawlings-Blake said. On Sunday, he didn’t once than 1,500 delegates. a Baltimore judge found Of- Nero’s is the second case to less endangerment, Williams custody after a police chase. “Now that the criminal case mention the race for the nomi- “There is nothing I have said fi cer Edward Nero not guilty of come to court. The fi rst ended said the state failed to prove In perhaps the most conten- has come to an end, Offi cer nation. that is not supported by the vast second-degree assault, reckless in a hung jury in December. that Nero was negligent in pre- tious area of the Nero case, the Nero will face an administrative Instead, he laid out his policy majority of the American peo- endangerment and misconduct The verdict on each count “is venting Gray from being put in failure to secure Gray with a seat review by the police depart- priorities, including tuition-free ple. Nothing is radical,” he said. in offi ce. not guilty,” said Baltimore cir- a dangerous position. He said belt in the police van, Williams ment. We once again ask the college, universal health care, “But together we have got to cre- Outside the courthouse, a cuit judge Barry Williams. this applies both to when Gray said other offi cers were inside citizens to be patient and to al- expanded social security, paid ate a government that listens to crowd of about a dozen pro- Nero, 30, appeared to wipe was arrested and to when he the van preparing for Gray’s low the entire process to come family and medical leave, equal us, not just wealthy campaign testers greeted the verdict his eyes, and hugged his attor- was handcuff ed, shackled and transport and that an offi cer in to a conclusion. In the case of pay, and investments in infra- contributors. That is what this with chants of “No Justice, No neys. placed in a police van. Nero’s position could “reasona- any disturbance in the city, we structure and inner cities. campaign is about.” Peace.” The offi cer, who is white, Williams also rejected pros- bly assume” that his colleagues are prepared to respond.” Supreme Court sides Trudeau in Tokyo Kanye West sued for with death row inmate alleged song theft Reuters son, did not respond yesterday New York to requests for comment. Agencies ed for the panel that ended up substantial part by race” when Presser said he had no inkling Washington convicting Foster and sentenc- two of the potential jurors were his song was being used until ing him to death. excluded, Roberts wrote. anye West is being sued West’s lawyer e-mailed him Chief justice John Roberts, Justice Clarence Thomas, a by a prominent Hun- soon after marketing began, he US Supreme Court writing for the court’s majority, conservative and the only black Kgarian rock singer and indicating that West “would yesterday ruled in favour wrote that prosecution notes in- member of the court, was the composer, who accused the like to work out a deal with you Tof a black Georgia death troduced into evidence “plainly sole dissenter. hip-hop star of sampling one as soon as possible” and giving row inmate convicted in 1987 belie the state’s claim that it A 1986 US Supreme Court of his best-known composi- him 24 hours to respond. of murdering an elderly white exercised its strikes (removing ruling made it unlawful to take tions without permission for West’s lawyers later sent woman, fi nding that prosecu- a potential juror) in a ‘colour race into account when exclud- the 2013 song New Slaves. Presser a $10,000 check and tors unlawfully excluded black blind’ manner.” ing potential jurors from a trial. In a complaint fi led in the US insisted that he grant a licence. potential jurors in selecting an At the time of the trial, Fos- Prosecutors say Foster, 18 district court in Manhattan, But Presser never cashed the all-white jury. ter’s legal arguments over jury at the time of the crime, broke Gabor Presser said one-third check, the complaint said. In a 7-1 ruling, the court selection failed. It was only in into White’s home in the mid- of New Slaves, which appeared “Kanye West knowingly and handed a victory to inmate Tim- 2006 that his lawyers obtained dle of the night, broke her jaw on the No 1 album Yeezus, is an intentionally misappropri- othy Foster, 48, who asserted access to the prosecution’s jury and sexually molested the eld- unauthorised copy of Gyongy- ated plaintiff ’s composition,” prosecutorial misconduct after selection notes, which showed erly woman before strangling haju Lany, a 1969 song he wrote the complaint said. “After his he was convicted and sentenced that the race of the black po- her and stealing items from her when he was in the band Omega. theft was discovered, defend- to death in the 1986 murder of tential jurors was highlighted, house. Presser described his song, ants refused to deal fairly with Queen White, a 79-year-old re- indicating “an explicit reliance The Georgia case has been which roughly translates in plaintiff .” tired schoolteacher. on race,” according to Foster’s closely watched because it re- English as Pearls in Her Hair, It is common for well- The justices threw out Fos- attorneys. vealed new evidence from old as “one of the most beloved known singers to be accused ter’s conviction after decades on The notes showed that the court fi les on how prosecutors pop songs ever in Hungary of stealing song ideas from the death row. He could still poten- prosecution marked the names secretly focused on the race of and across Eastern Europe.” original composers. For ex- tially face a retrial. of the black prospective jurors the potential juries. He is seeking at least $2.5mn ample, in another prominent During jury selection, all four with a “B,” highlighted them In 1986, the court said trial in damages for copyright in- case, Led Zeppelin lead singer black members of the pool of in green and circled the word judges have a duty to prevent fringement. Robert Plant and guitarist Jim- potential jurors were removed by “black” next to the race question prosecutors from screening po- Lawyers for West and co- my Page face a June 14 trial in prosecutors, who gave reasons on juror questionnaires. tential jurors based on their race, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife defendant Sony/ATV Music Los Angeles over whether they not related to race for their deci- The Supreme Court reached but civil rights lawyers say that Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau arrive at Haneda Airport in Tokyo Publishing LLC, a joint venture stole opening chords for their sion to exclude them. the conclusion that the state’s approach has not always worked yesterday ahead of the Ise-Shima G7 summit. between Sony Corp and the es- 1971 classic Stairway to Heav- Only white jurors were select- prosecutors “were motivated in eff ectively. tate of pop star Michael Jack- en from a 1967 instrumental. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 15 ASEAN

MH370 kin Rohingya ‘gravely man shot concerned’ US lifts arms ban dead after at plan to detention end search on old foe Vietnam breakout AFP Reuters AFP Kuala Lumpur Hanoi Bangkok

n international network he United States an- hai police shot dead a Ro- of MH370 next-of-kin nounced a complete end hingya man who escaped Asaid yesterday it was Tto its arms embargo on Tfrom an immigration de- “gravely concerned” that the Vietnam yesterday, a historic tention centre yesterday in a search for the missing jet could step that draws a line under the mass breakout in the country’s end by August, calling instead two countries’ old enmity and south where scores of migrants for it to be extended and ex- underscores their shared con- are being held. panded. cerns about China’s growing The man was killed as he threw The grouping, known as military clout. rocks down a hill at offi cers Voice370, appealed to countries The move came during Pres- scrambling to catch up with him involved in the expensive opera- ident Barack Obama’s fi rst visit and 20 other men who escaped tion, aircraft manufacturer Boe- to Hanoi, which his hosts de- after cutting through metal bars ing and the International Civil scribed as the arrival of a warm at the centre, the commander of Aviation Organisation to com- spring and a new chapter in re- Phang Nga province police said. mit resources to continue the lations between two countries “He was throwing rocks at po- search in the southern Indian that were at war four decades lice from higher up the hill – that Ocean. ago. could kill the police so they had “We are gravely concerned Obama, the third US presi- no choice but to shoot,” Major about the impending comple- dent to visit Vietnam since General Worawit Panprung said. tion of the search in the current diplomatic relations were re- Two of the group of Rohingya targeted area,” the group said in a stored in 1995, has made a stra- were later caught but police are statement to AFP. tegic ‘rebalance’ towards Asia hunting for the remaining 18 “It has always been, and still a centerpiece of his foreign who escaped early yesterday. remains, in everyone’s best in- policy. Southern Thailand has long terest that this plane is found.” Vietnam, a neighbour of been known as a nexus for lu- Australian Transport Safety China, is a key part of that crative smuggling networks Bureau chief Martin Dolan, who strategy amid worries about through which persecuted Ro- is in charge of the search, said Beijing’s assertiveness and hingya Muslims in Buddhist- last week that deep-sea so- sovereignty claims to 80% of US President Barack Obama attends a press conference with Vietnam’s President Tran Dai Quang at the Presidential Palace Compound majority Myanmar, and Bangla- nar scanning of a designated the South China Sea. in Hanoi, Vietnam yesterday. deshi economic migrants, pass 120,000-sq-km area was likely The decision to lift the arms on their way to Malaysia. to fi nish by early August. trade ban suggested such con- a former foe showed “hearts can of the US Congress, which can was lifting the embargo, Viet- main of just a few in Vietnam, For years Thailand turned a In comments to The Austral- cerns outweighed arguments change and peace is possible.” block foreign arms sales, said namese authorities were ar- but while the party has allowed blind eye to – and was even com- ian newspaper, he added there that Vietnam had not done In 2014, the Obama admin- they supported lifting the em- resting a journalist, human more open criticism in recent plicit in – the well-worn traf- was no indication the search enough to improve its human istration eased the decades- bargo, but would keep a close rights activists and bloggers. years, it is quick to slap down fi cking trade in the deep south. zone would be enlarged. rights record and Washing- old arms embargo to allow its eye on Vietnam’s human rights “In one fell swoop, President challenges to its monopoly on It is not clear if the men who The Malaysia Airlines Boeing ton would lose leverage for re- former Cold War enemy to record. Obama has jettisoned what re- power. escaped were among hundreds 777 vanished on March 8, 2014 forms. buy maritime surveillance and “Congress will work with mained of US leverage to im- Carl Thayer, an expert on Vi- detained in Thailand last year as en route from Kuala Lumpur to Obama told a joint news “security-related” systems the administration to ensure prove human rights in Vietnam etnam’s military at Australia’s the traffi cking network collapsed Beijing, with 239 people - in- conference with Vietnamese to strengthen it with China in today’s more expansive shift - and basically gotten nothing Defence Force Academy, said following the discovery of mass cluding 152 from China - aboard. President Tran Dai Quang that mind. in policy aligns with US inter- for it,” he said. the steep costs of US arms migrant graves on the Thai-Ma- The cause of the disappear- disputes in the South China Sea Now, Hanoi will be able to ests, including the desire for Obama told the news con- would remain a factor for Ha- laysia border. ance of Flight MH370 is still should be resolved peacefully buy a full range of US weapons progress on human rights,” ference with President Quang noi, pushing it towards its tra- Campaigners say around 400 unknown and it remains one of and not by whoever “throws and military equipment. said Republican Senator Bob that Washington would con- ditional suppliers of missiles Rohingya – including women the greatest mysteries in avia- their weight around.” But he Immediate big-ticket pur- Corker, chairman of the Senate tinue to speak out for human and planes, particularly long- and children – are being held in- tion history. Australia, Malaysia insisted the arms embargo shift chases are not expected but Foreign Relations Committee. rights, including citizens’ right time security patron, Russia. defi nitely in immigration deten- and China have said their joint was not linked to China. Vietnam’s military strategists Human Rights Watch advo- to organise through civil socie- On the other hand, lifting the tion centres across Thailand. search would likely be aban- “The decision to lift the ban are likely to seek US drones, cacy group reacted with dis- ty. Obama is scheduled to meet embargo will provide Vietnam Authorities say they will re- doned if nothing is found in the was not based on China or any radar, coastal patrol boats and may to Washington’s decision with activists today. with leverage in future arms lease the migrants to a third current designated zone. other considerations. possibly P-3 Orion surveillance to toss away a critical lever it Quang, who announced the deals with those suppliers. country if one off ers to take Many family members still It was based on our desire aircraft. might have had to spur politi- lifting of the US embargo be- China sees US support for ri- them.Around 1mn Rohingya live suspect a cover-up in the mys- to complete what has been a The sale of arms, Obama cal reform in the Communist fore Obama could do so, was val South China Sea claimants in western Rakhine state, where tery and have repeatedly called lengthy process of moving to- said, would depend on Vi- party-ruled state. until recently minister of pub- Vietnam and the Philippines they are forced to live in apart- for the most expensive search wards normalization with Vi- etnam’s human rights com- Phil Robertson, the watch- lic security, which activists say as interference and an attempt heid-like conditions and are de- operation in history to continue etnam,” he said. mitments, and be made on a dog’s Asia director, said in a harasses and arrests dissidents. to establish hegemony in the nied citizenship. until something is found. Obama later added his visit to case-by-case basis. Members statement that even as Obama Dissent was once the do- region. Lawyers appeal against death Blaze at Thailand school for sentences over tourists’ murder poor hill-tribe girls kills 17 Reuters Dec 24 last year. The 198-page visiting their sons on death row Bangkok appeal says that DNA evidence in a prison near Bangkok at the Reuters been the cause, Sant Sukha- used in the case was inadmissi- weekend, the statement said. Wiang Pa Pao District vachana, a senior regional fo- ble and had not been collected, “We have submitted this to rensics offi cer, told Reuters. awyers filed an appeal tested, analysed or reported in the appeal court so they can A hot fragment fell on to a yesterday against the accordance with internation- understand more, so they can ire swept through a school pile of clothes and started the Lconviction of two My- ally accepted standards, repre- see the importance on how for girls from poor hill- fi re, he said. anmar migrant workers sen- sentatives of the two men said death sentence decision needs Ftribe families in Thailand, The children likely died due tenced to death in Thailand for in a statement yesterday. to be perfectly clear,” Nakhon killing at least 17 in their dor- to smoke inhalation. the 2014 murder of two Brit- The appeal also states that Chompuchat, the defence mitory, police said yesterday, “There was a lot of smoke ish backpackers on a holiday the questioning and charg- team’s head lawyer, told Reu- and leaving charred remains of and the room where it hap- island, another twist in a case ing of the migrant workers was ters. metal bed frames and wooden pened was right below where mired in controversy and dis- unlawful because it was done “We don’t have new evi- school chairs. the children were sleeping,” he pute. without lawyers or trusted per- dence, we are basing this on The fi re broke out late on said. The bodies of backpackers sons present, according to the evidence that was presented Sunday as the girls, aged fi ve to A total of 36 children of the Hannah Witheridge and David statement. earlier,” he said. 12, slept at the Christian school 142 that attend the school were Miller were found on a beach Confessions, which the two The court would likely rule in the northern province of in the dormitory when the fi re on Koh Tao island in September later retracted, were extracted on the appeal in 2017, he said. Chiang Rai. Yupin Saw-wa cries as she holds a picture of her daughter, who died started, school head Pim Wasa- 2014. through torture or abuse, it Thai police drew widespread Investigators are looking at after a fire swept through the Pitakiatwittaya School in the northern na told Reuters. Police said Witheridge, 23, said. domestic and international the possibility of faulty lighting province of Chiang Rai yesterday. The alarm was raised by a had been raped and bludgeoned The Thai police have denied criticism for their handling of on the fl oor below. school cleaner, she said. to death and Miller, 24, had mishandling the evidence or the case and the evidence. Charred wooden rafters said district police chief Colo- through the debris and ashes “I am at a loss for words,” suffered blows to his head. that confessions were extracted Protests erupted in neigh- opened to the sky at the Pitaki- nel Prayad Singsin. inside the concrete shell of the she said.”I don’t know what I A court sentenced Myanmar under duress. bouring Myanmar after the atwittaya School in the Wiang Two of fi ve injured children building. should do, but the only thing migrant workers Zaw Lin and The mothers of the two My- verdict, with many people Pa Pao district of Chiang Rai. were in critical condition, he Preliminary indications sug- on my mind now is to try to Win Zaw Htun to death after anmar men accompanied the there believing the two workers “Most of the losses were be- said. gested a faulty fl uorescent light fi nd a way to ease the parents’ convicting them of the crime on lawyers to court yesterday after were scapegoats. cause the children were asleep,” Forensic experts sifted on the ground fl oor may have suff ering.” Villages in ashes after Indonesia volcano eruption

AFP The fast-moving fl ows — The eruptions were so violent were all farming within the “red charred limbs as rescue teams Karo, Indonesia reaching temperatures of up to that townships as far away as 12 zone” — an area four kilometres brought them by stretcher to 700 degrees Celsius (1,300 Fahr- kilometres were covered in thick from Sinabung declared off lim- hospital.Nail said rescue teams enheit) — incinerated homes layers of ash, he added. its by authorities — when the were still fi nding survivors on ndonesian rescuers searched and left livestock blackened and Villagers are trying to recover volcano erupted. Sunday during sweeps of homes for survivors in scorched vil- peeling. from Saturday’s eruption. Six bodies were recovered and farms in Gamber village. Ilages and devastated farm- Agustatius Sitepu, the head of Abdi Putera, an orange farm- Sunday, with three others The Sinabung mountain has lands yesterday after a volcano the local military in Karo district er, was busy getting rid of the rushed to hospital suff ering hor- shown less activity yesterday, erupted in clouds of searing ash where the volcano is situated, volcanic ash which covers his rifi c burns.One of the victims but offi cials from the Indonesian and gas, killing seven and leaving arrived to scenes of chaos as res- oranges, despite the govern- succumbed to their wounds by meteorology, climatology and others fi ghting life-threatening cue crews raced to reach those ment warning the area is still nightfall, taking the offi cial toll geophysics agency known as the burns. left alive. dangerous.“If I don’t blow off to seven, local disaster mitiga- BMKG are continuously moni- Witnesses have described “The villagers who managed the ashes, it will get thicker and tion agency chief Nata Nail said toring the mountain’s activity. sheer panic as waves of gas and to survive were running around thicker and will eventually dam- yesterday. “The Pyroclastic is very dan- fi ne rock were unleashed from in panic, trying to save them- age my oranges. “Two more remain in the in- gerous. Not only because of its Mount Sinabung on Sumatra is- selves,” he said yesterday. If that happens, I wouldn’t be tensive care unit, suff ering burns fl ow and steam, but it also brings land Saturday, consuming farm- “There were only a few dozen. able to sell my crops and make to 90 % of their body,” he said. secondary dangers such as cold ers trying to fl ee the slopes of the They were terrifi ed.They were a living for my family,” Putera Footage showed their clothes lava fl ow and fl ash fl oods,” said An Indonesian villager salvages his belongings at the Gamber village highly active volcano. covered in ash.” explained. Those worst aff ected blackened and hanging off Arif, an offi cer with the BMKG. following the eruption of the Mount Sinabung volcano in Karo yesterday. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA Beijing plans Rescue training base station in S China Sea

Reuters South China Sea, and offi cials patrols and exercises in Asia. Beijing from the department told the China has said it plans to con- China Daily they work with the tinue building civilian facilities military on such eff orts. in the region to benefi t itself Chinese government bu- Offi cials said the rescue ship and other countries, as well as reau is planning a base base station would enable res- “necessary military facilities”. Astation for an advanced cue forces to aid fi shing boats Analysts say an airstrip China is rescue ship in the disputed in trouble, and shorten the dis- building on Fiery Cross Reef in Spratly Islands, state media re- tance they need to travel. the Spratlys could be used for ported yesterday, as China con- It is unclear on which island both civilian and military jets. tinues its push to develop civil- the ship will be based, but China In a separate article, the China ian and military infrastructure in has carried out land reclamation Daily said Beijing has built two the contentious region. and construction on several is- lighthouses and four beacons on The ship, which would carry lands in the Spratly Archipelago, the disputed Paracel Islands and drones and underwater robots, parts of which are also claimed has set up four base stations for is set to be deployed in the sec- by the Philippines, Vietnam, radio communications and civil- ond half of the year, said Chen Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. ian cellphone networks, providing People sliding down a rope from a bridge during a rescue training in Chongqing, China, yesterday. Xingguang, political commissar China claims most of the “complete coverage of the area”. of the ship, which is under the South China Sea, through which The offi cial People’s Libera- South China Sea Rescue Bureau $5 trillion in ship-borne trade tion Army Daily said on its mi- of the Ministry of Transport, passes every year. Washington croblog that China’s South Chi- according to the offi cial has accused Beijing of milita- na Sea fl eet carried out military China Daily. rising the South China Sea after drills to boost combat capability The civilian bureau has 31 creating artifi cial islands, while in the western Pacifi c on Satur- ships and four helicopters con- Beijing, in turn, has criticised day, without specifying exactly Taiwan’s new govt drops ducting rescue missions in the increased US naval which area. lawsuit against protesters More North China hopes US ties AFP China, public sentiment in Tai- “The Sunfl ower Movement’s “irresponsible” decision out of with Vietnam conducive Taipei wan had turned against his ap- demand has become a social political considerations. Korean proach in recent years, – lead- consensus. Parliament is legis- The cabinet “tolerated people ing to the so-called Sunfl ower lating the oversight bill on cross- who entered government of- to peace, stability aiwan’s new government Movement which occupied par- strait agreements based on such fi ces and damaged public prop- restaurant announced yesterday liament to demonstrate opposi- a demand, which highlights the erty and approved of the crowd hina said yesterday it at a time of rising South China Tit has dropped a law- tion to the trade pact. movement’s legitimacy and so- achieving political goals with il- hopes developing ties Sea tension. suit against 126 protesters who Some protesters also infi l- cial contribution,” Lin said in a legal means. A democracy with- staff waiting Cbetween the United Obama said the sale of arms stormed the cabinet headquar- trated government headquar- statement. out the rule of law is a fake de- States and Vietnam will be con- would depend on Vietnam’s ters in 2014 to protest against a ters, pulling down barbed-wire Among the key demands of mocracy,” it said in a statement. ducive to regional peace and human rights commitments. controversial China trade pact. barricades outside and using the Sunfl ower activists was for Taiwan and China split in to defect to stability, after the United States Chinese Foreign Ministry President Tsai Ing-wen, from ladders to break into offi ces on parliament to pass an oversight 1949 after a civil war but Beijing ended its embargo on trade in spokeswoman Hua Chunying the Beijing-sceptic Democratic the second fl oor until riot police bill to monitor all agreements still claims the island as part of lethal arms with Vietnam. made the remarks on China’s Progressive Party, (DPP) and used water cannon to dislodge with China. They complained its territory awaiting reunifi ca- South The United States had com- hopes for US-Vietnamese ties her new government took offi ce them. that trade deals with China were tion, by force if necessary. pletely lifted the embargo on when asked about the lifting of on Friday, following eight year Premier Lin Chuan defended agreed in secret and would leave Beijing has warned Taiwan’s trade in arms with Vietnam, the arms embargo. of cross-strait rapprochement the decision to drop the lawsuit Taiwan vulnerable to Chinese new president against any move AFP President Barack Obama said China resents US eff orts to under her predecessor Ma Ying- against the protesters, saying the infl uence. to declare formal independence. Seoul in Hanoi earlier on Monday, forge military bonds with its jeou of the Kuomintang (KMT). movement had its “legitimacy”. The opposition KMT said it It threatened to cut contact un- an overture that should enable neighbours amid rising tension Although Ma oversaw an un- It was only the second document regretted that the new govern- less Tsai states support for the group of North Koreans an old foe to boost its defences in the South China Sea. precedented thaw in ties with he had signed since taking offi ce. ment made a “reckless” and “one China” principle. working at a state-run Arestaurant in China re- cently escaped their workplace to defect to the South, South Ko- rean media reported yesterday. If confi rmed, it would be Drone the second such group defec- Abe to press US over Okinawa crimes tion since last month, when 13 North Korean employees at a captures Pyongyang-operated restaurant AFP woman’s body, Okinawan in China arrived in Seoul seeking Tokyo police said Thursday. asylum. “Prime Minister Abe said shark The Yonhap news agency, an extremely abject crime citing multiple unidentifi ed rime Minister Shinzo Abe like this should never oc- sources, said around three North will seek action by US cur and that he feels furious,” feeding Korean restaurant workers were PPresident Barack Obama top government spokesman currently waiting in a Southeast over crimes by Americans on Yoshihide Suga told report- Asian country to defect to the the southern island of Okinawa ers, recounting Abe’s meeting frenzy South. when he visits Japan this week, yesterday with Takeshi Onaga, Seoul’s Unifi cation Ministry an offi cial said yesterday. Okinawa’s governor. drone has captured a and the National Intelligence Okinawan police last week “The prime minister said bloody feeding fren- Service did not confi rm the re- arrested a former US Marine he will convey Japanese peo- Azy by around 70 tiger port but said they were looking in connection with the suspi- ple’s sentiment to President sharks on a dead whale, turn- into the issue. cious death of a 20-year-old Obama and seek stern actions ing the pristine waters of the The report said the escape Okinawan woman who had by Washington.” aptly named Shark Bay in Aus- took place after May 9, when been missing since late April Obama is due in Japan for a tralia red. Pyongyang wrapped up its rare and is believed to have been two-day summit of Group of Sev- Two boatloads of tourists ruling party congress, the fi rst in raped and murdered. en countries which ends Friday. were on a cruise to Dirk Har- 36 years. The island was the site of a He and Abe then travel the same tog Island in Western Australia Tough UN sanctions imposed World War II battle but is now day to Hiroshima – where Obama when they came across the grue- on North Korea after its January considered a strategic linch- will become the only sitting US some spectacle on Friday. nuclear test signifi cantly curtailed pin. It hosts the lion’s share president to visit the world’s fi rst Geraldton-based Eco Abrol- the isolated state’s ability to earn of US bases in Japan and more atomic-bombed city. hos Cruises sent up a drone to hard currency, making the res- than half the 47,000 Ameri- The Hiroshima visit by record nature taking its course. taurants an even more important can military personnel in the Obama, who has a record of The footage showed the sharks source of income than before. country under a decades-long calling for global denucleari- ripping the giant humpback There have been reports of security alliance. sation, has been well received Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, centre, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, right, hold- whale carcass to shreds, leaving staff not being paid, with res- But a series of crimes in- in Japan. But the heavy US ing talks with Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga in Tokyo yesterday following the May 19 arrest of a a trail of crimson water. taurants pressured into increas- cluding rapes, assaults and military presence on Okinawa US military base employee linked to the suspicious death of a woman on Okinawa. “Something to show and tell ing their regular remittances to hit-and-run vehicle accidents has long been a thorn in the the grandchildren,” the com- Pyongyang. by US military personnel, de- side of relations. matter directly with Obama, but three US servicemen sparked a potent rallying point for pany said on its Facebook page The South Korean government pendants and civilians have Suga told reporters that Suga ruled out the possibility. massive protests on Okinawa, Okinawa, where pacifi st after posting the footage, which estimates that Pyongyang rakes for years sparked local protests during the meeting with Abe, “Issues of national secu- prompting Washington to sentiment runs high. had been viewed nearly half-a- in around $10mn every year from on the crowded island. Onaga expressed anger, say- rity and diplomacy should be pledge eff orts to strengthen Local residents are planning million times by yesterday. about 130 restaurants it oper- Kenneth Franklin Shinzato, ing “the incident is absolutely discussed between the central troop discipline and reduce the a major anti-US base rally next Passenger Leesa Franks said ates – with mostly North Korean a US citizen who works at the intolerable”. governments,” Suga said. US footprint on the island. month similar in scale to the on the social media site: “We staff – in 12 countries, including Kadena Air Base, was arrested Onaga also reportedly ex- In 1995 the abduction and But continued crimes by one after the 1995 rape liked, liked, liked. Awesome day neighbouring China. for allegedly disposing of the pressed his desire to discuss the rape of a 12-year-old girl by American personnel remain incident, local reports said. yesterday, thanks so much.” Since the group defection in April, North Korea has claimed that the restaurant workers were tricked into defecting by South Korean spies, repeatedly running emotional interviews with their Manhunt after millions stolen in hours-long Japan ATM heist parents on state media. Pyongyang also called on Seoul to repatriate its citizens AFP Standard Bank, the thieves hit and Osaka among those The bank said it was a “victim That may have bought the It was believed that police and demanded a face-to-face Tokyo 1,400 convenience store ATMs targeted. of a sophisticated, coordinated thieves enough time to pull off had no suspects in custody. meeting with the defectors and in a co-ordinated attack earlier It was not clear how the gang fraud incident”. the robbery and leave the coun- Similar robberies have oc- their family members, which the this month. made off with the equivalent of “This involved the with- try before authorities could act, curred in recent years, includ- South fl atly rejected. manhunt is underway The international gang mem- millions of dollars so quickly as drawal of cash using a small reports said. ing a pair of heists totalling North Korea is known to be for criminals who bers, reportedly numbering the cash machines usually limit number of fi ctitious cards at Japanese authorities are ex- about $45mn that saw a group strict about vetting and select- Alooted millions from around 100 people, each made withdrawals to 100,000 yen various ATMs in Japan,” it said pected to analyse footage of of cyber thieves disable with- ing people to work in its overseas Japan’s cash machines na- a series of withdrawals in less ($910) a day. in a statement. ATM security cameras and work drawal limits on ATMs around restaurants, knowing they will tionwide in an hours-long than three hours, Japanese Japanese police declined to Japan’s top-selling Yomiuri with South African authorities. the world. inevitably be exposed to infor- heist, offi cials and reports media said. confi rm the robbery, but Stand- newspaper said the lightning- “Investigations are at a sensi- The machines were later mation about the outside world said yesterday. Their haul totalled 1.4bn yen ard Bank acknowledged the he- fast raids began early on the tive stage and further informa- raided by street associates who that they are mostly protected Armed with fake credit card ($13mn), according to the re- ist and put its losses at around morning of May 15, a Sunday, tion will be provided as appro- used stolen security passcodes from in the North. details from South Africa’s ports, with machines in Tokyo $19mn. when banks were closed. priate,” Standard Bank said. to harvest the loot. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 17 BRITAIN

EVENT TRAVEL TRAGEDY LEGAL ACCIDENT All-night Tube service Man dies after dog Restaurant owner jailed Girl, five, hurt in fall from to start in August attack at home over fatal nut reaction second-floor window

All-night services on London’s Underground A man has died after being attacked by a dog The owner of an Indian restaurant was jailed for six A five-year-old girl was yesterday recovering trains will be launched for the first time in at his home in Cumbria. The 45-year old man years for killing a customer with a nut allergy by in hospital after plunging more than 20ft from August, the city’s new mayor said yesterday, was killed by a dog at a property in Cleator making him a takeaway containing peanuts. In what an open window at her south London home. despite union protests against the move. The Moor on Sunday afternoon, Cumbria police is thought to be a legal first, Mohamed Zaman, 53, Neighbours described the “heart-stopping” long-awaited 24-hour services will be launched said. The dog was destroyed. Three other was convicted of the manslaughter of Paul Wilson, moment the girl fell from a window ledge on on August 19 on two of the network’s 11 lines on dogs seized from the property in Robert Owen a 38-year-old customer. Wilson had asked for a the second floor of the house in Camberwell, Friday and Saturday nights before being rolled Avenue were to be assessed by a specialist chicken tikka masala with no nuts but it was cooked crashing onto a concrete patio in the garden. A woman poses for a photograph beside New out more widely. “The Night Tube is absolutely police officer. Police were called to the scene at with a groundnut mix containing peanuts. He was The girl was taken to King’s College Hospital Covent Garden Flower Market’s display stand, which vital to my plans to support and grow London’s about 2pm in response to a report that a man found slumped in the bathroom at home in January where she is being treated for serious head features an image of Queen Elizabeth II, at the 2016 night-time economy – creating more jobs and was being attacked by a dog. A Cumbria police 2014, after suff ering a severe anaphylactic shock. injuries with her parents at her bedside. A Chelsea Flower Show in London yesterday. The opportunities for all Londoners,” said London spokesman said: “A 45-year-old male who lived Just three weeks before Wilson died, a 17-year-old woman who answered the door at the fam- Chelsea flower show, held annually in the grounds mayor Sadiq Khan.” The constant delays under at the property was pronounced dead at the had suff ered an allergic reaction at another of Za- ily’s home said the girl was recovering. A Met of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, will run this year from the previous mayor let Londoners down badly,” scene. The dog which attacked the male was man’s restaurants after being assured that her meal spokesman said the girl was in a “serious but May 24-28. he added. destroyed.” would not contain nuts. stable condition”. Ex-minister slams Javid ‘U-turn’ on Brexit issue

Guardian News and Media understand that if that’s the London way the country is going to vote.” Asked why the report had not ormer work and pen- taken account the positive sides sions secretary, Iain Dun- of leaving the EU, Javid said: “It Fcan Smith, has said he is is up to the Leave campaign to “deeply disappointed” by the show what that positive sce- decision of the Business Sec- nario is.” retary, Sajid Javid, to join the Smith seized on this com- Remain camp despite privately ment as a “hell of an admis- telling Smith that he backed sion”. Brexit. He said: “He said that is not In the latest Conservative our job to produce the upside, party feud over Europe, Smith that’s for those who want to rounded on Javid for backing a leave. Now hang on a second new Treasury forecast of a re- that makes this report cate- cession if Britain votes to leave gorically unfair and biased as a the European Union. Treasury report.” “I’m deeply disappointed The fresh row comes after Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne listen to a question after delivering a speech on the economic impact of the UK leaving the European in him … having privately said David Cameron’s former strat- Union, at a B&Q Store Support Off ice in Chandler’s Ford. how much he wanted the UK to egy guru, Steve Hilton, claimed leave the European Union he is the EU is a “secretive” and “im- now on defending this terrible penetrable” organisation that report,” Smith told BBC Radio does not work to Britain’s ad- 4’s Today programme. vantage. Asked to clarify whether Jav- Writing in the Daily Mail, id had privately told Smith that Hilton said the EU was “anti- he wanted Britain to leave the enterprise”, “anti-market” and EU, Smith said: “He has, yup.” “anti-trade”. Cameron: Leaving EU will Earlier, Javid was asked about He added: “I believe it is the Eurosceptic comments he made ideal and idealistic choice for in November, when he claimed our times: taking back power the costs of staying in the EU from arrogant, unaccountable, outweighed the benefits. hubristic elites and putting it Javid said: “At that time no where it belongs - in people’s be a ‘self-destruct’ vote one knew what the final deal hands.” that we would have. Look what Responding to Hilton’s arti- Reuters costlier foreign holidays if they decision on June 23, but pollsters at least half a million jobs within “They’ve done this in order has been achieved in this rene- cle, Javid said: “Steve is entitled Eastleigh voted “Out”. say the outcome remains too close two years of a vote to leave and a to scare the pants off the Brit- gotiation. We are far better off to his view … the central issue “It would be a DIY recession,” to call. Betting odds indicate 80%- fall in the value of the pound of be- ish people because they can’t fi nd being part of this market.” here is that economically, we Cameron said in a speech at the 85% probability of an “In” vote. tween 12% and 15% would push up anything positive to say about the He also said the latest analy- are far better off being part of eaving the European Union offi ces of the B&Q retail chain, a Some polls have also shown the infl ation sharply. European Union.” sis by the Treasury to be pub- this single market … Now you would be economic self- popular centre for do-it-yourself economy growing in importance The campaign backing a British Osborne defended the credibil- lished later showed there would have the Bank of England, the Ldestruction for Britain, home improvement, in Eastleigh in as an issue for voters, something EU exit said the Treasury had con- ity of the report, saying it had been be an “immediate and profound IMF (International Monetary shattering stability, Prime Min- southern England. the “Out” campaign has sought sistently produced fl awed reports reviewed by Charlie Bean, a former economic shock”, if Britain left Fund), the OECD (Organisation ister David Cameron said yester- Speaking a month before the to counter by stressing that only and the latest analysis was biased deputy governor of the Bank of the EU. for Economic Co-operation day, presenting a fi nance minis- vote, Cameron said that leaving leaving the EU can slow high levels as it provided nothing on the up- England. He added: “Within two years and Development), the London try report warning of recession, the EU would jeopardise Britain’s of migration and avoid future eco- side of leaving the bloc, nor on the Yesterday’s forecast of a year- there would be a recession. The School of Economics, the OBR a tumble in the pound, and half a recovery from the economic dam- nomic stagnation. potential negatives caused by a cri- long recession by the fi nance min- central scenario shows a 3.6% (Office for Budget Responsibil- million job losses. age caused by the world fi nancial A new analysis of short-term sis in the eurozone. istry was gloomier than a warning contraction in GDP; higher in- ity), the IFS (Institute for Fis- Cameron and Finance Min- crisis. risks from the referendum pub- “What they’ve done is they as- by Bank of England Governor Mark flation; house prices 10% lower cal Studies), every one of our ister George Osborne, who are “It would be like surviving a fall lished by the fi nance ministry yes- sumed a disaster and then spelled Carney who said earlier this month than they would have otherwise allies, every one of our trad- campaigning for Britain to stay and then running straight back to terday said the economy could be out the details,” Nigel Lawson, a that Britain’s economy could en- have been and, I think most ing partners and that is not a in the EU in the June 23 referen- the cliff edge. It is the self-destruct as much as 6% smaller two years fi nance minister under the late ter a technical recession - which worryingly of all, a loss of over conspiracy, that’s a consensus dum, have warned that house- option,” Cameron said. after a Brexit vote than if it the Conservative Prime Minister Mar- means two consecutive calendar 500,000 jobs. It will make our about what would happen if we holds would be hurt by a fall in Recent opinion polls have shown country decides to stay in the EU. garet Thatcher in the 1980s, told quarters of contraction - after a country poorer and we have to left the EU.” the value of their homes and face voters are leaning towards an “In” Osborne said Britain would lose BBC TV. vote to leave the EU.

Angelina Jolie to teach Eating fat will not new course at LSE make you fat: experts The LSE said the course, “I am looking forward to which starts next year, is teaching and to learning from the the first of its kind globally students, as well as to sharing Reuters The NOF/PHC report, en- are not meeting them.” and will be run by the LSE my own experiences of working London titled ‘Eat Fat, Cut The Carbs He warned that “focusing Centre for Women, Peace and alongside governments and the and Avoid Snacking To Reverse on single foods, nutrients or Security United Nations.” Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes’, risk factors is short sighted Hague will also be joining LSE ncouraging people to eat called for a “major overhaul” of and will perpetuate confusion Thomson Reuters Foundation as a visiting professor. a low-fat diet is making the guidelines and said snack- and fear amongst the public London The Oscar-winning actress EBritain’s weight problem ing in-between meals is what is about what they should and and Hague have become an un- worse not better, and having a making people overweight. shouldn’t eat.” likely double-act on campaign- disastrous impact on health, “The role of poor dietary John Wass, a special adviser ollywood actress Angeli- ing to end sexual violence against two anti-obesity campaign advice has been ignored for on obesity at the Royal Col- na Jolie is to join the Lon- women in confl ict. groups said yesterday. too long. Specifically, the ‘low lege of Physicians, also said Hdon School of Economics The partnership was sparked In a report questioned fat’ and ‘lower cholesterol’ the issue was not as simple as (LSE) as a visiting professor on a by Jolie’s 2011 directorial debut by other health specialists, messages have had unintend- fat or no fat. He warned cam- new masters course on women, In the Land of Blood and Honey the National Obesity Forum ed disastrous health conse- paigners not to quote selective peace and security, the school that was set against the back- (NOF) and Public Health Col- quences,” the report said. studies and risk “misleading announced yesterday. drop of the 1992-95 Bosnian war laborative (PHC) said “eating But other health and nu- the public”. The LSE said the course, which in which an estimated 20,000 fat does not make you fat”. trition experts questioned “There is good evidence starts next year, is the fi rst of its women were believed to have UK dietary guidelines ad- the report’s conclusions and that saturated fat increases kind globally and will be run by the been raped. The pair co-founded vise people to eat lots of fruit voiced concern that it had cholesterol and problems LSE Centre for Women, Peace and the Preventing Sexual Violence in and vegetables, plenty of car- been selective in its citing of with arterial disease,” he said. Security which was launched last Confl ict Initiative in 2012 to rally bohydrates such as potatoes, evidence. “What is needed is a balanced year by Jolie and former foreign global action on such crimes, in- bread, rice, pasta and other “This report is full of ideas diet, regular physical activity secretary, William Hague. crease the numbers of perpetra- starchy foods, alongside some and opinion however it does and a normal healthy weight.” “It is vital that we broaden the tors brought to justice and ensure meat, fish, eggs, beans and not offer the robust and com- The PHC is a non-profit discussion on how to advance better support for survivors. other non-dairy proteins. prehensive review of evi- health campaign group made women’s rights and end impu- They co-hosted the fi rst global They also encourage using dence,” said Mike Knapton, up of public health experts nity for crimes that dispropor- conference on the issue in Lon- low-fat milk and dairy prod- associate medical director and the NOF is a charity which tionately aff ect women, such as don in 2014. Hague said the new ucts, and warn that foods and at the British Heart Founda- campaigns to raise public sexual violence in confl ict,” Jolie, course would help underpin their drinks that are high in salt, fat tion. “This country’s obesity awareness of obesity and of a special envoy for the UN refu- work by developing research to and sugar should be consumed epidemic is not caused by poor ways to tackle it through life- gee agency (UNHCR), said in a help tackle the culture of impu- in small amounts. dietary guidelines; it is that we style changes. Angelina Jolie: ‘looking forward to teaching, learning from students’ statement. nity. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 EUROPE

Petrol runs short as French block oil refi neries

AFP Paris

etrol shortages yester- day caused long tailbacks Pof motorists in parts of France as protesters angry over government labour reforms blockaded some of the country’s oil refi neries and fuel depots. The action was the latest in three months of strikes and pro- tests against the draft law that has set the Socialist government against some of its traditional supporters and sometimes de- scended into violence. The northwest of the country was worst hit over the weekend. As deliveries dwindled, drivers were forced to seek out petrol sta- tions that had not run out of fuel. The situation was exacerbated by some motorists rushing to stock up because they feared supplies were about to run out. “Talking about a shortage cre- ates the shortage,” said Finance Minister Michel Sapin. Local authorities in some regions imposed rationing to eke out the supplies and police moved in to free some fuel de- pots from blockades over the weekend. But yesterday, six out of eight Presidential candidate Alexander van der Bellen reacts during an election party after the second round of the Austrian elections in Vienna. French refi neries were hit by strike action, said the CGT. The government said 1,500 of the country’s 12,000 petrol sta- tions had run dry at the week- end, but did not have up-to-date fi gures for how many had no fuel yesterday. The Total group said 509 of its Far-right candidate concedes 2,200 stations had either run out or were suff ering shortages, up from 390 the previous day. CGT offi cial Eric Sellini said activists had blockaded 189 fuel depots for several days, though police had since cleared protest- Austrian presidential election ers from some of them. He was unable to say how Reuters Talks between AfD, Muslim group end acrimoniously dominated politics since the end of many were still blocked. Vienna World War II. To add to the disruption, tail- A meeting between Germany’s right-wing a part of Germany’s 4mn strong Islamic by the far-right had risen 35% in 2015 to Sunday’s provisional result, which backs were building up at those populist AfD party and a Muslim organisa- community, said at the time that the AfD nearly 23,000, the highest level since did not include the postal ballots, stations still open, slowing traf- ustria has elected a 72-year-old tion ended in acrimony yesterday after was the first German party since Hitler’s the government began keeping such showed Hofer ahead with 51.9% to van fi c on the surrounding roads. former leader of the Greens party less than an hour. Nazis to discredit and threaten an entire statistics in 2001. der Bellen’s 48.1%. In the cities of Nantes, Rennes Ato be its next president, narrowly A co-chair of the Alternative for religious group. “The sharp increase in politically But the SORA institute, a pollster, and Brest in the northwest, mo- avoiding becoming the fi rst country Germany (AfD), Frauke Petry, said there Mazyek said after the short meeting motivated crime points to a dangerous had said that mail-in ballots were likely torists were waiting up to an in the European Union to vote in a far- was nothing left to talk about after the yesterday that the AfD had left no doubt development in society,” de Maiziere told to favour van der Bellen because they hour to get to the pumps. right candidate as head of state. Muslim group had compared her party to that it intends to continue to “follow reporters. are traditionally used by more educated In the southeast at Fos-sur- After an election on Sunday that was the Nazis. the path of populism, defamation and “We are witnessing a growing and voters. Mer, near the Mediterranean too close to call, Austrian offi cials spent Aiman Mazyek, the head of the Central prejudice”. increasingly pronounced readiness to The institute’s election-day polling port of Marseille, about 500 un- most of the day yesterday counting Council of Muslims in Germany (ZMD), He said his group’s position was use violence, both by right- and left-wing showed 81% of voters with a university ion activists blocked roads lead- hundreds of thousands of postal bal- who initiated the meeting held in a Berlin that the German constitution, which extremists.” degree had backed van der Bellen and ing to a fuel depot with burning lots which ended up vaulting Alexander hotel room, said the AfD’s anti-Islam guarantees freedom of religion, “is non- Overall, the number of politically 86% of workers voted for Hofer. tyres. van der Bellen past Freedom Party rival stance was unconstitutional because it negotiable”. motivated crimes rose by 19 % to nearly The vote in Austria, a country of Another road to the nearby re- Norbert Hofer and into the ceremonial discriminates against an entire religion. Petry complained that in the short 39,000. 8.5mn people, had unsettled leaders fi nery was also blocked. post of president. The AfD, founded on a eurosceptic meeting the other side had declined to Within that category, violent crimes elsewhere in Europe, particularly in And in Donges, near Nantes on The Interior Ministry gave van der platform three years ago, has since discuss specific topics such as Shariah such as assaults and attempted murders neighbour Germany where a new anti- the northwest coast, union ac- Bellen 50.3% of the vote, compared to protested against Germany’s record law and had “demanded that we with- rose 31%, led by a 44% increase in attacks immigration party, the Alternative for tivists used wooden pallets and 49.7% for Hofer, who had run on an refugee influx that last year brought more draw a democratically adopted party by right-wingers. Germany (AfD), is on the rise. burning tyres to block access to a anti-immigration platform. than 1mn asylum seekers to Europe’s top programme”. Violent crimes by left-wingers rose by In France, the National Front of Ma- fuel depot there. Hofer conceded defeat in a post on his economy. Separately Interior Minister Thomas 35%. Attacks on refugee shelters surged rine Le Pen is leading in polls ahead of a But France’s Socialist govern- Facebook page, thanking his supporters The party, which has won regional as- de Maiziere said yesterday that Germany to 1,031, compared to 199 in the prior year, presidential election next year. ment has made it clear it will and telling them not to be despondent. sembly seats in a series of state elections, registered a record surge in crimes by and 923 of them were attributed to the Across the Channel, the UK Inde- stand by the controversial labour “Of course I am sad today,” he said.”I declared early this month that “Islam right-wing radicals last year, with attacks far-right. pendence Party is campaigning for reforms. Speaking during a visit would have liked to take care of our does not belong to Germany” and said on refugee centres rising more than De Maiziere said these numbers were Britain to leave the European Union in a to Israel on Sunday, Prime Min- wonderful country for you as presi- it wants to ban minarets, the call of the five-fold. likely to rise again this year, with 347 such referendum on June 23. ister Manuel Valls condemned dent.” muezzin and the full facial veil. Presenting the annual crime report, de attacks registered in the first quarter of Hofer, 45, has described himself as a the blockade of the fuel depots Hofer’s defeat averts an embarrass- Mazyek, whose group represents only Maiziere said politically-motivated crimes 2016 alone. centre-right politician and told voters and said the authorities would ing setback for Europe’s political estab- not to believe suggestions from other keep working to lift them. lishment, which is increasingly under parties that he would be a dangerous “I’m asking everyone to face threat from populist parties that have “It’s a relief to see the Austrians re- draw lessons from this.” Middle East, fanning public resent- president. up to reality, not to put the coun- profi ted from concerns about the re- ject populism and extremism,” French Austria is a relatively prosperous ment towards the two centrist parties But his party has its roots in Austria’s try’s economy in diffi culty and gion’s refugee crisis and years of weak Prime Minister Manuel Valls said in a country, but it has been at the centre - the Social Democrats (SPO) and the Nazi past, a history the country has not to respect the users,” Valls told growth and high unemployment. Twitter post.”Everyone in Europe must of a record infl ux of migrants from the conservative People’s Party - that have confronted as openly as Germany. BFMTV. Pope, top imam embrace at historic Vatican meeting

AFP In a statement on the trip, Al Tayeb’s decision to fl y to Vatican spokesman Federico as groups that present a threat,” Vatican City Azhar, an institution that also com- Rome, unexpectedly announced Lombardi said in a statement Shuman said. prises a prestigious seat of learning, last week, followed the easing of that the Pope and the imam had “And he encourages Muslims said the two sides had agreed to serious tensions that marked the “mainly addressed the common in Western society to meld with ope Francis yesterday em- convene a “peace conference”. reign of Francis’s predecessor, challenges faced by the authori- their societies...it is a message braced the grand imam of A statement quoted Tayeb as Benedict XVI. ties and faithful of the major reli- for both sides.” PCairo’s Al Azhar Mosque at telling Francis: “We need to take Ties were badly soured when gions of the world.” After the tensions of the Ben- the Vatican in a historic encoun- a joint stance, hand in hand, to the now-retired Benedict made These included working to- edict years, Francis moved quickly ter both sides hope will lead to bring happiness to humanity. a September 2006 speech in gether for world peace, reject- to set a new tone, sending a per- greater understanding and dia- Divine religions were revealed to which he was perceived to have ing violence and terrorism, and sonal message to the Muslim world logue between the two faiths. make people happy, not to cause linked Islam to violence, spark- the situation and protection of to mark the end of the fi rst month The fi rst Vatican meeting be- them hardship.” ing deadly protests in several Christians against a backdrop of Ramadan of his pontifi cate. tween the leader of the world’s The imam’s deputy, Abbas countries and reprisal attacks on of confl ict and terrorism in the The Argentina-born Pontiff Catholics and the highest au- Shuman, told Egyptian TV chan- Christians. Middle East.” followed up by pushing various thority in Sunni Islam marks the nel CBC that the two leaders had Pope John-Paul II had met the The Pope presented the imam inter-faith initiatives and he was culmination of a signifi cant im- agreed to resume dialogue and then-grand imam of Al Azhar in with a copy of his recent encyc- accompanied by both Rabbi Ab- provement in relations between that the proposed conference Cairo in 2000, a year before the lical, Laudato Si’, a letter to the raham Skorka and Islamic studies the two faiths since Francis took would cover the issues of pover- September 11 attacks on New faithful in which he urges the professor Omar Abboud when he offi ce in 2013. ty, extremism and terrorism. York transformed relations be- world to wake up to the threat Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Egyptian Imam of the Al Azhar visited Jordan and Israel in 2014. “Our meeting is the message,” The Vatican did not imme- tween the West and the Islamic posed by climate change and Mosque Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed el-Tayeb during a private meeting But perhaps the gesture that Francis said in a brief comment diately confi rm the conference world. economic inequality. at the Vatican yesterday. clinched the deal was the most at the start of his meeting with plans. Yesterday’s visit was eff ec- Tayeb decided to accept the in- dramatic piece of political thea- Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, shortly A spokesman said the talks tively the long-delayed recipro- vitation to Rome as a result of the “If it were not for these good Islam and to correct misunder- tre of his papacy: his April visit to after he had hugged and kissed had been “very cordial” with the cal meeting and the Vatican said numerous conciliatory gestures positions the meeting would not standings created by extremist the migrant crisis island of Les- his guest, Vatican offi cials told a imam spending 30 minutes with that both clerics had “underlined Francis has made to the Muslim be happening,” Shuman had told terrorist groups.” bos which concluded with him small pool of reporters covering the Pope and just over an hour in the great signifi cance of this new world since being elected in early AFP on Sunday, adding that the “He encourages countries not bringing three Syrian Muslim the event. total at St Peter’s. meeting”. 2013. imam wanted to promote “true to deal with their Muslim citizens families back to the Vatican. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 19 EUROPE

Croats refuse to wait around for promised Leaders seek to defy business reforms

By Igor Ilic, Reuters Successive Croatian govern- Zagreb ments failing put promised re- forms into action. “The EU’s recommendations sceptics in Istanbul ike many Croats, Marino are in line with what we have Rescek is looking for work been saying all the time and we AFP adopted by the states will be non-binding Labroad after years of hop- welcome the plan for reforms, Istanbul and while leaders like Merkel and Kuwaiti ing that prospects will improve but we can see that implemen- Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah at home have brought nothing tation will be challenging,” are attending the summit, many other but frustration, and reforms that HUP’s director Davor Majetic urkish President Recep Tayyip prominent world leaders were conspicu- got the thumbs-up from Brussels said. Erdogan said yesterday the bur- ous by their absence. last week have not convinced Such scepticism is widespread Tden of handling the world’s crises UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eli- him things will change. in Croatia, where unemployment should be better shared, as leaders and asson said the fi rst session had made The 32-year-old has a small is 17.2%. aid groups sought to defy sceptics at an progress on fi nding agreement on the accountancy fi rm in Zagreb with Almost 50,000 out of just over unprecedented aid summit in Istanbul. need to prevent confl ict rather than deal- clients in businesses from tour- 4mn people left between 2012 UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon ing with the bloody consequences. ism to construction. and 2014 as EU membership in gathered over 60 heads of state and “I think we need to see the necessity Recently, he gave up on his plan 2013 made it easier for Croats to government with top NGOs at the sum- to move from dealing with symptoms to to invest in a small hotel on the work elsewhere in Europe, and mit, aiming to better keep confl icts from dealing with root causes. coast because the process was so six years of recession, ending in erupting and ensure legal retribution for I think that is the main conclusion of lengthy, costly and uncertain. 2014, cost about 13% of econom- those guilty of humanitarian crimes. that meeting,” he said, saying spending “Now I’m planning to move to ic output. Celebrity stardust was sprinkled on the on prevention of confl ict was dwarfed by Germany, where my sister lives, Last year the economy grew event by actors Daniel Craig and Forest what is spent on relief. and start something in the ca- 1.6%, but without reforms to Whitaker, who urged participants to seize Participants expressed alarm over de- tering industry as I doubt things attract investment and boost a unique chance to make a diff erence for teriorating observance of humanitarian will change here any time soon,” growth, high unemployment and the world’s worst off . law, with schools and hospitals regularly he said. fi scal problems will not be re- With some 60mn people displaced targeted in confl ict. “We have two separate worlds versed. around the world and at least 125 mn re- The UN agency for Palestinian refu- in our economy. Many Croats doubt political quiring assistance and protection in the gees UNRWA said in a report almost half There are companies that deal leaders will change the business biggest humanitarian crises since World Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- its schools had been hit by confl ict in the with the state and mostly have environment quickly enough to War II, Ban said that the summit repre- moon ahead of the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul yesterday. last fi ve years. no problems in keeping business make a diff erence. sented a chance to forge a “diff erent fu- “It is absurd to expect humanitar- afl oat. “The fact that people are leav- ture”. But the event has been shadowed Host Erdogan emphasised the con- $450mn from the rest of the international ian responses to improve at a time when Others struggle on the free ing or planning to leave is a direct by the boycott of medical charity Doctors tributions of his country, which is host- community. the repeated bombing of fi eld hospitals market, burdened by unpaid refl ection of dissatisfaction with Without Borders (MSF) and doubts that ing some three million refugees from the Reprising a familiar theme, Erdogan and routine targeting of civilians go un- bills, poor law enforcement, high the failure of the government the two-day event can make any genuine Syria and Iraq confl icts and, in a barb at also urged reform of the UN Security checked,” Amnesty International Secre- taxation and a lack of capital to to drive the economy forward,” impact. the West, complained others were not Council, saying the “fate of humanity” tary General Salil Shetty added in a state- invest,” Rescek said. political analyst, Davor Gjenero, “Let us seize this opportunity, let us sharing the burden. cannot depend on its fi ve veto-wielding ment. The months-old centre-right said. make our mark as agents of change,” said “The current system falls short...the permanent members. MSF, which is boycotting the event, government has vowed - in line Despite President Kolinda Ban. burden is shouldered only by certain German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one said the summit risked being just a “fi g with EU recommendations - to Grabar Kitarovic urging the gov- He warned that realising the aims was countries, everyone should assume re- of the highest profi le guests at the sum- leaf” for the world’s failure on humani- cut red tape, scrap various fees, ernment to enact reforms as soon not “an easy task” and required a “politi- sponsibility from now on,” he said. mit, called for an end to empty pledges on tarian action. and reduce public debt by cost- as possible as “buses of young cal will on a scale we have not seen in re- “Needs increase every day but resourc- aid that fi zzled into nothing. “I regret very much that they came to cutting at state-owned fi rms as people are leaving the country cent years.” es do not increase at the same pace.There “Too many promises are made and that decision,” said Eliasson. well as reforming the health and daily”, ministers are already ar- James Bond star Craig told the world are tendencies to avoid responsibility then the money does not come for the “One of the main purposes of this con- pension sectors. guing over aspects of the pack- leaders: “This summit is about potential among the international community.” projects - that must end,” said Merkel, ference is our outrage against violations But critics, including the na- age. to start the biggest humanitarian move- “Turkey knows this bitterly,” he added, adding that the world currently had no of international humanitarian law,” add- tional employers’ association, Public sector trade unions ment in our history,” warning against saying Turkey had spent $10bn on its humanitarian system that was “compat- ing he hoped the “convictions they (MSF) HUP, say the main worry is im- have also indicated their resist- “empty words without action.” hosting of Syrian refugees compared to ible with the future”. The commitments stand for” would come out of the meeting. plementation. ance. Merkel tells Erdogan Greece to intensify evacuation of of ‘concern’ over lifting of MPs’ immunity squalid migrant border camp

AFP came as tensions surge between AFP Istanbul Ankara and the EU over a hugely Idomeni, Greece controversial deal for Turkey to limit the fl ow of migrants to Europe erman Chancellor Angela in exchange for incentives includ- reece said yesterday it will step up Merkel said yesterday she ing visa-free travel for its citizens. eff orts to clear the squalid camp Ghad told Turkey’s Presi- EU leaders are insisting that Gof Idomeni where over 8,400 mi- dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey abides by 72 conditions grants remain on the border with Mac- her “deep concern” over a law before this takes place, with edonia after braving a winter in vain hope lifting immunity for Turkish a demand to change counter- of being allowed through to Europe. lawmakers that critics believe is terror laws proving particularly “The transfer of refugees trapped at aimed at evicting pro-Kurdish contentious. Idomeni to hospitality areas probably lawmakers from parliament. The EU is pressuring Ankara to begins tomorrow ,” Yiorgos Kyritsis, the “Of course, the lifting of the narrow its defi nition of terror to government’s migration spokesman, told immunity of one quarter of the stop prosecuting academics and state news agency ANA yesterday. deputies is a source of deep journalists for publishing “terror Most of the migrants are to be moved to concern. I expressed this to the propaganda.” camps at former industrial facilities near Turkish president and we dis- The EU had said that if the Greece’s second city Thessaloniki over 10 cussed these questions very conditions were fulfi lled Turks days, he added, as Greek media reported openly,” she said. would enjoy visa-free travel to that around a dozen squads of riot police “Not all my questions have the passport-free Schengen area were heading to Idomeni. been answered, we will have to by the end of June at the latest. The migrants have spent a brutal win- watch developments closely,” But Merkel said that this tar- ter in the freezing rain and mud, with aid she told reporters at the German get was now receding out of sight groups struggling to keep them fed and consulate after the talks. and was unlikely to be met. healthy, prompting several attempts to Turkey’s parliament on Friday “We must do everything that force their way across the border. adopted a highly controversial bill we can to continue to discuss as it “We hear there will be a police op- that would lift immunity for doz- is likely that by July 1 certain things eration tomorrow to drive us out,” said ens of MPs, which the opposition won’t be put in place, in other Ahmed, a 35-year-old Syrian from Hama. pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic words the visa exemption (will not “We don’t want to go to an army camp. Party (HDP) fears is aimed direct- be granted) as some conditions What will they do, kill us?” he asked. ly against its lawmakers. will not have been fulfi lled.” However, the news was welcomed by The move could see dozens of “I said clearly that the path to- the EU commission, with spokesman HDP deputies facing criminal wards the removal of the visa de- Margaritis Schinas saying Brussels has prosecution and losing parlia- mand is based on 72 points which “repeatedly expressed the view that these Syrian refugee children play with a wagonette at a makeshift camp for migrants and refugees at the Greek-Macedonian border mentary seats on accusations of are not new and were presented people should be moved from the make- near the village of Idomeni. supporting the outlawed Kurdis- in December 2013 by the Euro- shift camp to more organised reception tan Workers’ Party (PKK), which pean Union.” facilities.” UNHCR condemns ‘inhumane’ European border closures Over the past two weeks, some 2,500 has waged a three-decade insur- “We need all these points to be “We hope that (violence) will not be people were persuaded to relocate from gency in the southeast. put in place to allow the visa ex- necessary,” he said. The UN’s refugee agency said yesterday On the moves to seal borders, she Idomeni to state-run camps in the Greek Merkel’s talks with Erdogan emption” Migrants fl eeing war, persecution and border closures in Europe to stop migrants added: “The sudden closure and the action interior, many of them converted former poverty in the Middle East and Asia have were “inhumane”, and government eff orts by unilateral states was inhumane vis-à-vis army bases, a police source told AFP. found themselves stranded at Idomeni to stem the flow had averted the crisis only many vulnerable people.” “In the last two weeks, there has been a after Macedonia and other Balkan states temporarily. Under the deal between Europe and ‘mild’ evacuation eff ort (through persua- denied them passage to northern Europe. The border closures across the Balkans Turkey, Ankara has agreed to take back sion) that has already seen 2,500 people move Many of the camp’s residents are wom- and a controversial deal between Turkey illegal migrants from Europe in return for out...this will continue,” the offi cer said. Plane evacuated after en and children desperate to be reunited and the EU have sharply reduced the aid, accelerated EU accession talks and Last month, some 260 people were in- with male relatives who have pushed number of people crossing into Europe visa-free travel to the bloc. jured when Macedonian police fi red tear ahead on their own - with the aid of this year, after 1mn made the often perilous Host country Turkey has taken in nearly gas in a bid to prevent a large group from Istanbul bomb hoax smugglers - hoping to fi nd a place of ref- journey in 2015. 3mn refugees since the start of the Syrian storming the border. uge in EU states more fi nancially viable “There are a lot of people patting them- civil war and spent nearly $10bn. Doctors at the scene said rubber bullets than debt-hit Greece. selves on the shoulder and saying the deal But aid groups say it is not a safe country were also used, but the Macedonian au- Reuters Another plane was later ar- A Greek government source earlier told worked, the people have stopped coming: for refugees. thorities denied this. Istanbul ranged for them, he said. AFP: “We will carry out a broader trans- but there’s more to it than that,” Melissa Finalisation of the EU-Turkey deal has Local authorities and farmers have Turkey has suff ered a series of fer operation as we have 6,000 available Fleming, spokeswoman for the UNHCR, been held up by disagreements over been for weeks pressing the government suicide bombings in its cities this places in reception centres,” adding that said on the sidelines of the world’s first Turkey’s anti-terrorism law, which Brus- to evacuate the camp, pointing to an al- Turkish Airlines aircraft at year, including two attacks in the operation would be gradual and that humanitarian summit. sels wants brought in line with European leged rise in petty crime. Istanbul’s main airport was tourist areas of Istanbul blamed authorities hoped to avoid the use of force. “It has pushed the problem backwards standards. Ankara rejects any changes that The governor of Central Macedonia Aevacuated yesterday and on Islamic State and two car “There will be a police presence and we and the problem is not yet solved.” would impact its battle against separatists. region Apostolos Tzitzikostas last week searched after a note threatening a bombings in the capital, Ankara, will be persuasive, but we do not foresee fi led a complaint over the issue with ju- bomb attack was found on board, an which were claimed by a Kurdish pervasive use of force to make all these dicial authorities, accusing the govern- airline spokesman said, although it militant group. people leave in one go,” the offi cial said, been trying to persuade many of the mi- However, many are wary of relocating ment of allowing the area to descend into later turned out to be a hoax. A NATO member and a candi- indicating that there are currently 8,400 grants to move away from makeshift tent to organised camps away from the border lawlessness. All 134 people, including the date to join the European Union, people at the camp. cities at Idomeni and the port of Piraeus or the city of Athens, because it could be The government was also criticised as crew, who had been on board the Turkey is participating in the US- There are over 54,000 migrants for their own comfort and safety. harder to fi nd people smuggling contacts. the camp’s sprawling size had eff ectively fl ight from Ataturk Airport to the led coalition fi ghting Islamic State stranded in Greece according to govern- Through persuasion, the number of State television ERT said yesterday put out of action Greece’s main commer- central Turkish city of Kayseri in Syria and Iraq, and also battling ment estimates. migrants at Piraeus was brought down that additional translators were also be- cial rail link through Macedonia, forc- had been evacuated, the spokes- a militant insurgency in its largely The leftist government of Greek Prime from around 5,000 people in March to ing dispatched to Idomeni to assist the ing companies to reroute their goods via man said. Kurdish southeast region. Minister Alexis Tsipras has for months 1,500. operation. neighbouring Bulgaria at higher cost. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 INDIA

INVESTIGATION TECHNOLOGY ECONOMY POLITICS REBELLION One more arrested in Now, a Hindi wordgame White Paper on Kerala’s Goa AAP, BJP spar over DU professor released Congolese murder case app for smart devices finances a must: expert disclosure of party funding from Hyderabad jail

Police said yesterday one more suspect Aiming to tap regional languages, funkhel.com With Kerala’s finances in poor shape, the need The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa yesterday Delhi University professor G N Saibaba was on charges of killing Congolese teacher yesterday announced a free contemporary of the hour is for the new state government dared the Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition yesterday released from the Hyderabad Masonda Ketada Olivier following a quarrel Hindi wordgame app for smart devices - the to come out with a White Paper on Kerala’s government to probe the accounts of the Central Jail. After his release, Saibaba went to over the hiring of an auto-rickshaw, an first in a series of apps to be soon launched financial position, an economist said yesterday. party, even as it challenged the saff ron party the Telangana Martyrs’ Memorial at Gun Park off icer said. Prakash, a driver, was arrested in other Indian languages too. The Hindi M A Oommen said the situation is such that to disclose its funding and expenditure on a opposite the state assembly and paid tributes. in the morning from National Capital Region FunKhel app is based on the “shabdkoshish” Kerala has topped the monthly per capita shared public platform. The AAP call came after He announced that he would henceforth lead a (NCR), said the police off icer. The police had wordgame, an innovative system developed in consumption in the country, pushing states like BJP legislator Vishnu Wagh questioned the people’s movements in Telangana. The immediate arrested another suspect, Mobin Azad Saifi, the 1990s that introduced universal symbols Maharashtra and Punjab down. “Tax revenue source of money used for Delhi Chief Minister assignment he has taken up is to attend a tribal on Saturday, a few hours after the murder. for “maatras” and half consonants and a in Kerala has not increased and hence nothing Arvind Kejriwal’s public meeting in Panaji on congregation at Warangal town in Telangana, A third suspect Mukesh, who was earlier proper frequency distribution of all letters can be done. A White Paper has to be prepared Sunday. “AAP challenges the BJP to come about 120km from Hyderabad today under the involved in a cheating case, is still on the and symbols based on their popularity in by the incoming government and after that on a public platform with its accounts and aegis of Telangana Democratic Forum (TDF), run. All three reside in south Delhi’s Mehrauli vocabulary - handwritten on wooden tiles and they should take the people into confidence. expenditure. We will come with our accounts. he said. “The Telangana government is trying and Chhatarpur areas. They allegedly beat cubes, funkhel.com said. The app presents all The expenditure has to be curtailed,” Oommen We also challenge the BJP government to to put hurdles in the meeting of adivasis. It is to death Olivier, 29, in south Delhi late on the Hindi symbols - letters, matras and half said. Kerala has outstanding liabilities of over investigate our accounts,” AAP leader Valmiki undemocratic. I will attend the meeting,” the Friday. He was hit on the head with a stone, consonants - with simple clarity, making words Rs141,500 crore, which is over 28.5% of its gross Naik said. Earlier, Kejriwal addressed a closed- wheel-chair-bound teacher with 90% physical leading to his death. quite easy. domestic product. door meeting of key party volunteers in Panaji. disability said.

SC to rule on Italian marine’s India enters appeal to return home the race for

DPA New Delhi

taly has appealed for one of its marines in Indian custody a reusable Ion suspicion of murder to be brought back home, a move that will likely prompt an Indian Su- preme Court ruling this week, lawyers said yesterday. Salvatore Girone was arrested with another marine, Massimil- spacecraft iano Latorre, in February 2012 on suspicion of fatally shooting two ISRO successfully launches Internet tycoon Elon Musk’s achieved its objectives and dem- fi shermen off the coast of Kerala mini space shuttle SpaceX and Blue Origin of Ama- onstrated the RLV technology.” while performing anti-piracy du- zon owner Jeff Bezos have already “The long-term objective ties on an Italian tanker passing Agencies successfully carried out their own of this mission is to reduce the through the Indian Ocean. Bengaluru test launches. launch cost by 80% of the present Girone is currently on bail and Musk told reporters in April cost by using a reusable vehicle,” lives on the premises of the Ital- that it currently costs about Sivan said ahead of the test. ian embassy. ndia successfully launched its $300,000 to fuel a rocket and Rockets and support systems Latorre was already returned to fi rst mini space shuttle yester- about $60mn to build one. for launching satellites and space Italy for medical reasons. Iday as New Delhi’s famously SpaceX fi rst landed its power- exploration missions are made at The Italian government ap- frugal space agency joined the ful Falcon 9 rocket in December the space agency’s Vikram Sarab- proached the Supreme Court global race to make rockets as re- while Blue Origin’s New Shepard hai Space Centre at Thiruvanan- yesterday, days after the Hague- usable as airplanes. successfully completed a third thapuram in Kerala. based Permanent Court of Ar- The shuttle was reportedly launch and vertical landing in However, the future of India’s bitration ruled that the marine developed on a budget of just April this year. RLV depends on factors like its could return home while a deci- Rs1bn($14mn), a fraction of the But ISRO hopes to develop its economic viability compared to sion on his trial is pending. billions of dollars spent by other own version, primarily to cash in conventional expendable rockets; “The Italian government has nations’ space programmes. on the huge and lucrative demand development of a powerful en- applied for further relaxation of The Reusable Launch Vehicle, from other countries to send up gine/stage to power that vehicle bail conditions, seeking speedy or RLV-TD, which is around the their satellites. and also availability of funding for repatriation of the marine as per size of a minibus, hurtled into a The Indian space agency is no the project. the order of the Hague court,” blue sky over southeast India after stranger to stellar achievements Meanwhile, ISRO will soon be one of the lawyers representing its 7am lift-off . on a shoestring budget. testing its air breathing engine. Italy said, requesting anonymity. After reaching an altitude of It made global headlines in Air-breathing engines use at- “The court has accepted the about 70km, it glided back down 2013 after sending an unmanned mospheric oxygen and burn it plea and will hear it on Thursday. to Earth, splashing into the Bay of rocket to orbit Mars at a cost of with the stored on-board fuel to It is likely that the court could Bengal 10 minutes later. just $73mn. generate the onward thrust. rule on the matter that day, but The test mission was a small Nasa’s Maven Mars mission Conventional rockets carry one cannot be sure, it could also but crucial step towards eventu- had a $671mn price tag. both oxygen and chemical fuel on post the decision to a later date,” ally developing a full-size, reus- The launch and its low cost board. he added. able version of the shuttle to make were a source of immense pride “We will soon be testing - may The arbitration court had in space travel easier and cheaper in in India, which beat China in be- be this June - our air breathing early May decided that Girone the future. coming the fi rst Asian country to engine fi tted to a sounding rock- could return to Italy until a juris- “We have successfully ac- reach the Red Planet. et,” Sivan said. diction row between Rome and complished the RLV mission as K Sivan, a scientist involved in Prime Minister Narendra Modi New Delhi over the aff air is set- a technology demonstrator,” In- the latest project, said the 7m- praised the “industrious eff orts” tled. dian Space Research Organisation long shuttle survived the test of ISRO scientists. Rome says the incident took (ISRO) spokesman Devi Prasad fl ight, and scientists hope subse- “Dynamism & dedication with place in international waters Karnik said. quent models six times as big, to which our scientists & @isro have and India has no jurisdiction in The worldwide race for reu- be built over the next decade, will worked over the years is excep- the case, while India says it took seable rockets intensifi ed after glide safely back to land. tional and very inspiring,” Modi place within its jurisdiction and Nasa retired its space shuttle pro- “We have located the place said on Twitter. the men should be tried in India. gramme in 2011. where the vehicle is fl oating. The Modi has often hailed India’s The other marine, Latorre has They are seen as key to cut- landing was soft and the vehicle budget space technology, quip- been granted several renewable ting costs and waste in the space did not break,” Sivan said. ping in 2014 that a local rocket that permits by the court to stay in A “Reusable Launch Vehicle” or RLV-TD is launched from Sriharikota on the southeast coast of India industry, which currently loses “The mission went off as launched four foreign satellites Italy to recover from a stroke he yesterday. The shuttle was developed on a budget of just Rs1bn, a fraction of the billions of dollars millions of dollars in jettisoned planned and data from the ex- into orbit had cost less to make suff ered in September 2014. spent by other nations’ space programmes. machinery after each launch. periment showed that we have than Hollywood fi lm Gravity. Temperatures break Pilots grounded records in many parts for mistaking “There are usually thunder- “We are praying to the gods for road for runway Agencies New Delhi storms this time of year, but these an early monsoon so that people rains have not been occurring,” get some relief, as the heat has tak- AFP an aviation offi cial as saying said B P Yadav, head of the national en a toll on our bodies,” said Neeraj Mumbai the plane was at an altitude of ndia was bracing yesterday for weather forecasting centre of the Kumar, a resident of the northern around 900ft and 90 seconds another bout of extreme heat India Meteorological Department. industrial city of Kanpur. away from landing on a road run- Iafter temperatures smashed “Hot winds have been blowing “We are not even able to do our he IndiGo airline has ning parallel to the runway. records in some parts of the in from Afghanistan and Pakistan, daily chores properly.” grounded two pilots for IndiGo said the pilots were country, while weather offi cials leading to these extreme temper- At least seven people have died Tattempting to land their made aware of their mistake by warned against more frequent atures.” and about 110 have taken ill due plane on a road which they mis- an enhanced ground proximity heatwaves. The mercury hit a record 51 de- to the intense heatwave in Seoni took for a runway, the airline and warning system, which alerts the Temperatures in parts of the grees Celsius last week in Phalodi, district of Madhya Pradesh, an reports said yesterday. cockpit if the plane is in danger western region breached 50 Cel- a city in the desert state of Rajas- offi cial said . The fl ight from Ahmedabad of fl ying into the ground or hit- sius last week, causing a spike in than, beating a previous national Senior doctor R K Shrivastav in Gujarat to Jaipur in Rajasthan ting something. cases of people suff ering dehy- high of 50.6 degrees in 1956. said Ghansore block headquar- was close to touching down until “At no time was safety com- dration and heatstroke, and trig- The heat should ease with the ters and six other villages in Seoni the pilots were alerted by a “too promised. Both pilots have been gering widespread power cuts as arrival of clouds and light show- were badly aff ected by the heat- low terrain” warning in the cock- taken off fl ight duty with imme- surging demand overwhelmed ers this week, Yadav said, but his wave. pit, IndiGo said in a statement. diate eff ect, pending investiga- supply grids. offi ce forecast a return to elevated He said that seven people died “The captain in command tion,” said the statement. Television channels in Gujarat temperatures in late May or early and about 110 people were suff er- immediately took a precau- “The matter was duly reported showed residents struggling to June. ing from diarrhoea over the past tionary measure and carried a to the (aviation regulator) Direc- cross a street as their shoes be- Possible reasons for the rising two days. go-around. The aircraft landed torate General of Civil Aviation came stuck in what appeared to temperatures ranged from global Other areas in the grip of the safely on subsequent approach,” by IndiGo fl ight safety depart- be the melting surface of a road. warming to greater urbanisation, heatwave are Pachpedi, Pahari, added the statement. ment,” IndiGo added. May and June are typically In- leading to taller buildings and in- Bhilawadi, Bineki, Banda and The incident, the latest to IndiGo, famed for its no- dia’s hottest months, when tem- creased pollution, Yadav added. Agariakalam in Seoni, a statement highlight safety concerns in In- frills approach and fi xation with peratures regularly exceed 40 The heatwave has struck as from the health department said. dia’s rapidly expanding aviation punctuality, commands almost Celsius in the run-up to the mon- India grapples with a major Tribals were suff ering from Vendors sell bottles of drinking water to passengers at a bus stop sector, happened on February 27 40% of its home market, the big- soon rains, but the severity of the drought, worsening water short- diarrhoea due to the intense heat on a hot day in Allahabad. India is bracing for another bout of but has only just come to light in gest share of any airline. heat this year has caught many off ages that have hit an estimated and some are yet to receive treat- extreme heat after temperatures smashed records in some parts Indian media. It is the country’s only con- guard. 330mn people. ment, it said. of the country. The Hindustan Times quoted sistently profi table airline. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 21 INDIA Worst drought in decades hurting women and Dalits more

Reuters of India’s population - across 13 takes a toll on her health, her while the mother gets water. compensate for lower farm in- the drought a national emer- up relief measures to ensure no Mumbai of the country’s 29 states. menstrual cycle, and aff ects her Men are abandoning their comes, and more dowry deaths gency, saying that the lives of one is left out. “Women are the most vulner- reproductive cycle,” she told the families to search for jobs, and if the women cannot conceive more than 160mn children are at However, relief measures are able during drought because it Thomson Reuters Foundation. some men are marrying multiple because they are malnourished,” stake. not reaching some of the most ndia’s worst drought in dec- is their duty to fetch water and As crops wither and livestock times just so there is someone said Deshpande. The Supreme Court recently marginalised people in the coun- ades is hurting women and provide food for the family,” said perish, tens of thousands of who can fetch water. “We are also seeing an in- criticised authorities for delays try: landless low-caste Dalits. Ilower-caste Dalits dispro- Varsha Deshpande, a lawyer and people are migrating in search of Polygamy is illegal in India, crease in child marriage, as par- in responding to the drought, Dalits are more vulnerable to portionately, with impacts rang- women’s rights activist in Ma- food, water and jobs, leaving be- and these “water wives” - or ents try to ensure the safety of saying that some states had an disasters because of their mar- ing from malnutrition to early harashtra, one of the worst hit by hind women, children and older ‘paaniwaali bai’ in the local lan- girls. And a big increase in child “ostrich-like attitude” towards ginal social standing and dis- marriage to prostitution, activ- the drought. family members who are vulner- guage - have few rights. labour because they need the ex- the calamity. crimination. ists say. “She is the fi rst to wake up, she able to human traffi ckers. “Abuses against women in- tra money,” she said. Maharashtra Chief Minister They also tend to live in set- The government estimates the walks the farthest to fetch water, Girls are being pulled from crease during drought - women Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Devendra Fadnavis has urged tlements segregated from main- drought has aff ected more than she eats last - and probably the school to help fetch water or to forced to become prostitutes, Satyarthi has asked Prime Min- banks to lend to small farmers, stream society, according to Na- 330mn people - almost a quarter least, and she sleeps last. This take care of younger siblings men demanding more dowry to ister Narendra Modi to declare and asked state offi cials to step tional Dalit Watch. Asiatic lions caged after fatal attacks on villagers

Agencies In the latest attack, the Ahmedabad 14-year-old boy was dragged from his sleeping spot in a man- go orchid in Ambardi village near hirteen endangered Asi- the forest on May 20. atic lions that only live in His father was also injured Ta forest in Gujarat have while trying to scare the ani- been caught and caged after mal away. A lion also killed a three villagers were killed in re- 50-year-old woman on April 10 cent months, a wildlife offi cial in a nearby village as she slept in said yesterday. an open fi eld. The pride of lions has been At least one of the predators rounded up from Gir sanctuary dragged and killed a 60-year-old after at least one of the animals man as he slept in his hut in Am- AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam bows before party chief secretary J Jayalalithaa during the swearing-in ceremony at the Madras University auditorium in Chennai yesterday. last week dragged a teenager bardi village on March 19. from his village while he was Meanwhile, former minis- sleeping and killed him. ter and Bharatiya Janata Party Gujarat’s chief conservator of leader Dileep Sanghani has urged forests, J A Khan, said the lions the state government to provide were captured in recent days arms to farmers residing on the from an eastern part of the pro- periphery of the Gir lion sanc- tected forest in a bid to fi nd the tuary and allow them to kill the “man-eaters” responsible. animals in self-defence. Jaya writes off farm Khan said it was unclear why In a letter to state’s forest or how many of the cats had minister, Sanghani noted that ventured outside of the sanctu- attacks on humans by wild ani- ary, their last remaining natural mals like lions and leopards have habitat, to fi nd prey, describing increased recently. the attacks as rare. “Lions that “Attacks on cattle have been have preyed upon humans will happening for a long time, but loans, orders free power be analysed in detail, while the when wild animals have become rest will be slowly introduced human eaters, the forest depart- AIADMK leader sworn in as The fi nancial impact for the ing sworn-in with a 28-mem- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam front rows, while at the ceremo- back into the wild,” Khan said. ment should form a commit- Tamil Nadu chief minister government will be Rs57.8bn, ber council of ministers, Jayala- leader M K Stalin, industrialists ny, R Sarathkumar, of All India “We will be doing a scat anal- tee and make arms available to the statement said. lithaa expanded her ministry by and other personalities attend- Samathuva Makkal Katchi, was ysis which includes testing the farmers with liberty to kill lions IANS She also signed the orders to inducting four more ministers. ed the ceremony. seated in the front row, and Sta- animals’ faeces for human tis- and leopards for self protection,” Chennai off er free power to domestic us- The 68-year-old All India However, DMK president M lin and other DMK leaders were sues, chemical analysis of their he said. ers up to the fi rst 100 units. Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazha- Karunanidhi complained that allotted seat in the tenth row. blood and even genetic analysis,” Earlier BJP legislator and Pati- The government would pro- gham chief was earlier sworn in the AIADMK had insulted his A large number of people he said. “It is premature to say dar agitation leader Nalin Kota- Jayalalithaa, who was yes- vide an additional subsidy of in a packed hall in Madras Uni- party with Stalin relegated to gathered at the venue. People that the lions had indeed turned dia had advised villagers to kill terday sworn in for the sixth Rs16.07bn to the power util- versity as thousands lined up the back rows. lined up along both sides of the man-eaters.” lions. Jtime as the Tamil Nadu chief ity per year for this. Jayalalithaa on the roads outside. She was In a statement Karunanidhi road from Jayalalithaa’s resi- The cats, slightly Kotadia was criticised minister, signed orders writing also passed orders to provide 8g administered oath of offi ce and said that the DMK, by winning dence at Poes Garden through smaller than their widely for this statement off farm loans, and giving free gold – from the earlier 4g - to secrecy by Governor K Rosaiah. 89 seats will be the principal the stretch from Kamaraj Salai African cousins and and his effi gies were power for the fi rst 100 units for poor girls on their marriage. Jayalalithaa later went to the opposition party in the assem- on the Marina up to Madras with a fold of skin burnt by BJP leaders in domestic consumers and 750 A statement issued by the gov- Secretariat to sign some papers. bly and Stalin will be on the University campus. along their bellies, rural Saurashtra. The units for handloom weavers. ernment said liquor shops will Rosaiah also administered the have been increasing Asiatic lion was listed In an eff ort to fulfi l her poll be now open between 12 noon oath of offi ce to her council of Sudheeran not to step down as party chief in numbers in Gir, as endangered in 2008, promise of phased implemen- and 10pm. Earlier, these shops ministers, days after the AIAD- with 523 recorded in up from critically en- tation of liquor prohibition in worked between 10am and 10pm. MK-led alliance won the May 16 Congress’ Kerala unit president Congress Party. The Congress the latest census. dangered in 2000, after the state, Jayalalithaa also an- Reacting to the announcement, assembly election which saw a V M Sudheeran yesterday said has lost polls in the past too,” Conservationists numbers improved in the nounced the closure of 500 liq- Pattali Makkal Katchi founder multi-cornered contest. there was no reason for him Sudheeran said after the first have suggested some forest. uor shops and ordered reduced S Ramadoss said the govern- This is the fi rst time since the to step down from his post meeting of the party executive of the lions be relo- But the International the working time of liquor out- ment should have curtailed the death of former chief minister after his party and the United following the poll result where cated to a diff erent Union for Conservation of lets by two hours. liquor shop working hours in the M G Ramachandran, popularly democratic Front suff ered the Congress-led UDF suff ered sanctuary, to reduce Nature has warned that as In a statement here, the gov- evening when the sales peak. known as MGR, that a party re- a humiliating election loss. one of its worst-ever election human-animal con- the lion survives in only one ernment said Jayalalithaa signed He said the government has turned to power for the second “I don’t think there is any defeats and was reduced to fl ict and avoid being area it remained vulnerable the orders to waive off the farm not said when the 500 outlets consecutive term in Tamil Nadu. reason for my stepping down 47 seats in the 140-member wiped out by disease to extinction from an epi- loans, medium- and long-term would be closed. Federal ministers Venkaiah as the state president of the assembly. or natural disaster. demic or large forest fi re. loans from co-operative banks. Medanwhile, hours after be- Naidu, Pon Radhakrishnan, 80 % of women face public Three police offi cers harassment in cities: survey shot dead in Srinagar Agencies Authorities said they were Reuters women that public spaces are not street, in parks, at community Srinagar tightening security in already New Delhi for them, and what is more inter- events, on college campuses and heavily militarised Srinagar in esting is that women are assert- while travelling on public trans- the wake of the attacks. ing their claim of these spaces.” port. uspected militants yes- The last major assault on early four out of fi ve Indian women face a barrage Over a third of the women sur- terday gunned down security forces in Srinagar was women in India have of threats ranging from child veyed said they had been groped Sthree police offi cers in in June 2013, when suspected Nfaced public harassment marriage, dowry killings and hu- in public or faced someone ex- separate attacks in Srina- militants attacked an army ranging from staring, insults man traffi cking to rape and do- posing themselves, while more gar, the main city Jammu and convoy and killed eight sol- and wolf-whistling to being fol- mestic violence, largely due to than half reported that they had Kashmir. diers the day before a visit by lowed, groped or even raped, deep-rooted attitudes that view been followed. Deadly attacks on security then prime minister Manmo- said a survey by the charity Ac- them as inferior to men. Forty-six percent reported in- forces are relatively common han Singh. tionAid UK. There were 337,922 reports of sults and name-calling in public, in the state, but Srinagar has Last year the city saw a The study - which polled over violence against women such 44% experienced wolf-whis- been largely free from such in- series of grenade attacks on 500 women in cities across In- as rape, molestation, abduction tling, 16% had been drugged and cidents in recent years. telecom company offices and dia - found that 84 % of the re- and cruelty by husbands in 2014, 9% reported they had been raped. Police said two offi cers were paramilitary troop installa- spondents who experienced har- up 9 % from the previous year, A wave of public protests after shot dead while patrolling in tions. assment were aged between 25 according to the latest data from the fatal gang-rape of a woman the old part of the city. The spike in violence comes and 35 years old and were largely India’s National Crime Records on a Delhi bus in December 2012 A third was shot dead in a against a backdrop of rising working women and students. Bureau. jolted many in the world’s sec- business district less than an social tension and separatist “For us in India the fi ndings The online survey, which was ond most populous country out hour later. sentiment in the Muslim-ma- are not big news, what is note- released on Friday, was conduct- of apathy and forced the govern- “Three cops were killed in jority state. worthy of the 500 women inter- ed by British market research ment to enact stiff er penalties on two diff erent militant attacks,” The number of militants viewed in India, is the extent to fi rm YouGov in early May. gender crimes. senior offi cer Ghulam Hassan sneaking across the defacto which women have responded It polled 502 women living in This included the death sen- Bhat said in Srinagar. border between India and Pa- and reported boldly about facing cities across the country, includ- tence for repeat rape off end- The militant group Hizb-ul- kistan has increased this year, harassment and violence,” San- ing New Delhi, Mumbai, Bedn- ers, criminalising stalking and Mujahideen claimed the at- helped by an early summer and deep Chachra, ActionAid India’s galuru, Chennai and Kolkata. voyeurism, and making acid Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti lays a wreath on tacks, but there was no offi cial a lack of winter snows in the executive director, said yesterday. It said women faced harass- attacks and human traffi cking the coff in of a police off icer during a ceremony in Srinagar yesterday confi rmation it was responsi- mountainous region, a senior “It is as if society is telling ment in multiple places - on the specifi c off ences. after an attack by suspected militants. ble. army offi cer said. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 LATIN AMERICA

CRIME DECISION INITIATIVE TRIBUTE MUSIC Five dead, one kidnapped Peru declares mercury Giant pastry made to raise Cartagena lays to rest Justin Bieber fans protest in Veracruz: off icials pollution emergency funds for Down Syndrome Garcia Marquez’s ashes in Argentina over ban

Gunmen in Mexico’s Veracruz state shot dead Peru yesterday declared an environmental Master pizza chefs and almost 100 collaborators The ashes of Nobel literature laureate Gabriel Garcia Justin Bieber fans in Argentina marched four men hours after police killed an alleged emergency in 11 Amazon jungle districts where made an empanada (a stuff ed meat pastry) 80 Marquez were laid to rest in Cartagena, the jewel of through Buenos Aires recently to protest the criminal elsewhere in the region and another man mercury pollution blamed on unregulated gold metres long in Buenos Aires to raise awareness colonial architecture on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, ban on having the pop singer perform in the was kidnapped at church, authorities said. Three mining is poisoning people and fish. Tests in about Down Syndrome. The cooking took place following a tribute to the author. “There is joy min- country. Bieber was banned from performing armed men stormed into a nightclub called La the southeastern Madre de Dios region found along the Avenida de Mayo, between the streets gled with sadness,” his 85-year-old sister Rosa Aida there following a series of incidents in 2013. Madame in the regional capital Xalapa, shooting “mercury pollution above the maximum permit- of Lima and Santiago del Estero, to collect funds Garcia Marquez, one of the author’s 10 siblings, said. Last week, Bieber apologised to fans via Twitter four victims at a table inside.”Four elderly men ted level, aff ecting river water, water species and for Argentinean Down Syndrome Association, His ashes will be kept in a former convent near the saying he was sorry for not being able to bring were killed,” the state government said in a state- local populations,” said a report announcing Xinhua news agency reported. A number of home where he liked to stay. “It’s an honour for the his Purpose tour there. Fans responded in kind, ment. Several more were injured, an off icial said, the decision in the off icial government gazette. organisations, including Buenos Aires’ Federation city of Cartagena to host such an event,” Gonzalo participating in #MarchaBelieber that drew without specifying a number. A group of armed Environmental authorities detected high levels of of Commerce and Industry and the municipal Garcia Barcha, a son of the celebrated Colombian hundreds of “Beliebers” to a courthouse in Ar- and masked men entered a church in the port of mercury in local people’s bodies which “can cause government, organised the day. Diego Davila, one writer, said. Garcia Marquez, the author of One gentina. According to the Associated Press, fans Veracruz, west of Xalapa, during a religious cer- serious, chronic and complex health problems, of the pizza chef, said: “This is an event of solidar- Hundred Years of Solitude, died at the age of 87 on held signs reading “Argentina Needs Justin” and emony and dragged away a man before fleeing in particularly in children and pregnant women,” it ity to raise awareness among general society, April 17, 2014 in Mexico, where he lived with his wife “Right to Music.” Justin Bieber’s Purpose tour two vehicles. said. including children, about Down Syndrome.” Mercedes Barcha. includes 114 performances. Brazil ‘plans roadshows for sale of state assets’

Reuters way that bidders “feel safe and Brasilia/Sao Paulo confi dent.” The state asset sale pro- gramme off ers more evidence he Brazilian government of Brazil’s policy shift since the plans to host a round of senate’s decision earlier this Tinvestor meetings to mar- month to try the impeachment of ket a broad plan of asset sales, a leftist President Dilma Rousseff . key initiative to help raise cash Temer, her replacement dur- and reduce a record budget defi - ing the trial and afterwards if cit, a senior offi cial and people she is found guilty, has vowed to familiar with the matter said. streamline Brazil’s bloated state According to Wellington and open room for more private Moreira Franco, the head of a investment activity. government agency to draw It could become Brazil’s most foreign investment to Brazil, a ambitious privatisation drive in round of so-called roadshows is two decades. seen as a necessary step to ad- Qatar Investment Authority, vertise the assets and the legal Abu Dhabi Investment Co PJSC, Riot policemen stand guard during a protest by supporters of suspended president Dilma Rousseff against interim President Michel Temer, in Sao Paulo. and regulatory framework be- and Mubadala Development hind the programme. He did not Co PJSC are among the sover- give a timetable nor say which eign wealth funds invited to at- assets will be sold. tend the roadshows, three of the Still, fi ve sources with knowl- sources said. edge of the plan said over the Canadian investment fi rms past week that Moreira Franco and European infrastructure and Foreign Aff airs Minister Jose companies have already been Serra will lead the roadshows, contacted too, the same sources which may take place in New added. Corruption claim York, London and other fi nancial Moreira Franco declined to hubs. Two of the sources said the give an estimate of how much presentations are scheduled for the government could fetch from mid-July. asset sales, although two of the The list of ready-for-sale as- sources said proceeds could sets is still in the making. Yet, in- range between $10bn and $20bn terim President Michel Temer’s over the next two years. government wants to sell major- Some of the largest investment engulfs Temer govt ity stakes in the fuel distribu- banks operating in Brazil will tion unit of oil producer Petroleo also attend the meetings, many AFP edly calls for a “national pact” to According to the transcripts, he “I consider Car Wash as bring- newspaper that Juca “has a right Brasileiro SA and in power util- of them representing potential Brasília stop the probe, known as Opera- also says that he has been clearing ing positive change to Brazilian to defend himself.” ity Furnas Centrais Eletricas SA, buyers, the sources added. tion Car Wash, in which dozens of his plans with justices on the Su- politics,” he said. The Petrobras probe has seen and some of the facilities that In a statement, Temer’s of- top ranking politicians and busi- preme Court, which oversees im- “There is nothing wrong in be- prosecutors go after many of Bra- airport authority Infraero runs, fi ce said the government “plans razil’s interim government ness executives have been charged peachment proceedings. ing investigated - there’s some- zil’s most powerful fi gures. Rouss- the sources said. to transfer to private investors was yesterday rocked by a or already convicted for participa- But Juca - a key fi gure in the new thing wrong in being convicted,” eff herself is suspected of obstruc- Moreira Franco said the pro- several assets, stakes and com- Bnew corruption scandal in tion in a giant bribery and embez- cabinet set up by acting President he said. “I have never done any- tion of justice, although she has gramme’s goal is to help cre- panies, although it is still analys- which a key minister allegedly zlement scheme centered on state Michel Temer after the suspension thing that could complicate an not been accused of corruption for ate jobs as Brazil wrestles with ing which and which others will discusses using impeachment of oil company Petrobras. on May 12 of Rousseff - denied that investigation.” personal gain. Temer has promised a two-year long recession and remain in the hands of the state.” president Dilma Rousseff to halt Transcripts of the conversa- his comments referred to halting The report meant fresh scan- a fresh start for Brazil after grow- slumping commodity prices. Spokespeople for Serra’s offi ce a massive probe into embezzle- tions show him urging impeach- Operation Car Wash. dal for Temer, who took power ing economic and political paraly- The plan could help Brazil raise declined to comment. Spokespeo- ment. ment of Rousseff , saying “we He did not deny the authen- 10 days ago after the senate sis under Rousseff . extra funds to narrow a defi cit ple for the wealth funds and the Folha newspaper published need to change the government ticity of the recording but said voted to suspend Rousseff for However, he has suff ered a se- that most economists forecast to Canadian fi rms including Brook- what it said were excerpts of se- to stop this bleeding.” his comments had been in ref- six months pending her im- ries of setbacks already, also in- top 10% of gross domestic prod- fi eld Asset Management, did not cretly taped conversations in In comments immediately erence to stopping the “bleed- peachment trial on charges of cluding an uproar over his nam- uct this year. have an immediate comment. March between Planning Min- taken up by Rousseff supporters ing” of Brazil’s recession-struck breaking government account- ing a cabinet composed entirely “It’s time to end with the gov- Temer plans to deliver to law- ister Romero Juca and Sergio as evidence for her claim that the economy. ing rules. of white men. ernment monologue and start makers a request to raise a key Machado, an ex-president of impeachment process is a coup in In a hastily called press confer- Temer, a vice president who He has rowed back on an initial building solutions with our part- budget defi cit target for this year, Transpetro oil company, both of disguise, Juca says: “I am talking ence, Juca said he backed the Car had already broken ranks and decision to axe the culture min- ners,” Moreira Franco said, add- which requires congressional ap- whom have been caught up in the to the generals, the military com- Wash probe and said that Folha turned rival, automatically took istry, reinstating the post after ing that the legal and investment proval before the end of the month corruption probe. manders. They are fi ne with this, had taken “isolated phrases” out over. In his fi rst reaction, Te- outcry from several of Brazil’s framework will be designed in a to avoid a government shutdown. In the conversations, Juca alleg- they said they will guarantee it.” of context. mer told a columnist at O Globo best known actors and singers. Fujimori widens lead over Shakira shoots video Journalist feared Kuczynski despite scandal kidnapped by ELN AFP had been taken by the ELN. Madrid Starting as a peasant uprising in Reuters fi rming that Ramirez laundered narrowly moved onto the sec- the 1960s and drawing in various Lima $15mn for Fujimori in 2011. ond-round election after coming armed groups and gangs, the con- “One would have thought that in second to Fujimori ahead of a journalist who has been fl ict in Colombia has killed more as a consequence...there would leftist rival. missing in northeast Co- than 260,000 people, uprooted eruvian presidential con- be a spike in mistrust of Keiko “Kuczynski’s plan is made Alombia appears to have 6.6mn people and left a further tender Keiko Fujimori Fujimori. That didn’t happen,” for defending the interests of been kidnapped by a leftist guer- 45,000 missing. Pwidened her lead over rival Alfredo Torres, the head of Ipsos big businessmen,” Fujimori said rilla group, the Spanish foreign The government is closing in on Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in an Ip- in Peru, said on Cuarto Poder. in her closing comments in the minister and newspaper for which a deal with the country’s biggest sos poll, despite a scandal involv- Fujimori, the 40-year-old televised debate. “His vision... she works said yesterday. guerrilla group, the Revolutionary ing Fujimori’s top aide. daughter of imprisoned ex- belongs to the transnational cor- “The Spanish journalist and El Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), Fujimori was seen winning president Alberto Fujimori, has poration.” Mundo correspondent in Colom- and has only recently started 52.6% of valid votes in the June denied any wrongdoing and por- Kuczynski, who tends to shy bia, Salud Hernandez-Mora, has peace negotiations with the ELN. 5 run-off election compared to trayed herself as the victim of a away from direct confrontation, been detained by guerrillas,” the Hernandez-Mora, who works Kuczynski’s 47.4%, according to smear campaign. pointed to widespread corrup- Spanish daily announced online, for the Colombian daily El Tiempo the results of a mock voting ex- Ramirez, who has also denied tion in the 1990-2000 govern- citing Colombian military sources as well as Spain’s El Mundo, has ercise by Ipsos broadcast on local wrongdoing, off ered his resigna- ment of Fujimori’s father and and saying she disappeared in the lived in the South American coun- television show Cuarto Poder. tion letter on Wednesday to keep urged Peruvians to vote for a can- Catatumbo region. She was last try for many years, even acquiring The poll was conducted on the scandal from hurting her didate without any links to drug seen on Saturday. Colombian nationality. May 19 and 20, a few days after campaign. traffi cking. “The diffi cult-to-access area is She was last seen Saturday in Univision and Cuarto Poder re- The results of the Ipsos survey, Peru is virtually tied with Co- controlled by the ELN,” it added, the town of El Tarra, according to a ported that the secretary gen- which showed Fujimori climbed lombia as the world’s top cocaine referring to the National Libera- statement by Colombia’s defence eral of Fujimori’s centre-right 2.4 points in a week, were broad- producer. “The narco-state is tion Army, Colombia’s second- ministry published on Sunday. party, Joaquin Ramirez, was un- cast just before a presidential advancing and we have to stop largest guerrilla group that has El Mundo quotes a nun from der investigation by the US Drug debate in which she confi dently it,” Kuczynski said. been involved in the country’s the town as saying she saw the Enforcement Administration attacked Kuczynski as “elitist” Fujimori lost her fi rst presi- Colombian singer Shakira and Colombian singer Carlos bloody half-century confl ict. journalist on Saturday, while she (DEA). and uncommitted to helping the dential bid in 2011 to President Vives ride bikes during the recording of the video for the Speaking in Brussels, Spanish was covering a local demonstra- A man identifi ed as a DEA in- country’s poor. Ollanta Humala, who cannot run song La Bicicleta (The bicycle) in Barranquilla, Atlantico Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Gar- tion over the disappearance of formant in the report said he had Kuczynski, a 77-year-old again this year because of term department, Colombia. cia-Margallo said the government two children, who have since been recorded audio of Ramirez af- former World Bank economist, limits. also believed Hernandez-Mora found. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN

‘Soft-marketing’ Afghan Taliban meet to of PIA sale decide on succession to start in June Reuters He said shares in the Faisal- Afghan Taliban faces London abad Electricity Supply Com- leadership choice; Mullah pany Ltd would be fl oated in Akhtar Mansour confirmed November, followed by the killed in weekend US; akistan will begin the sale of shares in the Lahore Pakistan points to Iranian marketing process next and Islamabad power utility link, Tehran denies Pmonth to sell a 49% fi rms. stake in Pakistan Interna- On the stalled privatisa- Reuters tional Airlines and plans to list tion process of Pakistan Steel Kabul/Hanoi shares in several power utility Mills, Zubair said he hoped fi rms this year, privatisation the government would agree minister Mohamed Zubair said to restart the marketing proc- enior Afghan Taliban fi g- yesterday. ess in earnest in the next few ures were meeting yester- “We are going to start the weeks. Sday to agree on a successor soft marketing in June,” Zu- “We are asking if they need to Mullah Akhtar Mansour, the bair said, in an interview on anything else to take that de- leader of the militant movement the sidelines of an investment cision, we want to make sure who US President Barack Obama conference organised by Ren- they have nothing to complain confi rmed had been killed in an aissance Capital. about when the cabinet com- American air strike at the week- “We have to understand the mittee meets after June 10 and end. market, and what the market takes the decision to restart The Taliban have so far made is looking for,” he added. the marketing,” he said. no offi cial statement on the fate “We are looking for another “It will happen eventually. of Mansour, who assumed the investor, it could be an airline Of course it presents a huge leadership only last year. but doesn’t have to be, but we challenge,” he said, adding he But senior members have con- are just looking for one.” had kept in touch with Chi- fi rmed that their main shura, Prime Minister Nawaz nese companies which had ex- or leadership council, has been Sharif had made the priva- pressed interest. meeting to discuss the succes- tisation of Pakistan Inter- sion in a bid to prevent factional national Airlines (PIA) a top “We are asking if they splits from fragmenting the goal when he came to power need anything else movement. in 2013. to take that decision, Obama, on a three-day visit Parliament adopted a law in we want to make sure to Vietnam, reiterated support April to convert PIA into a lim- they have nothing to for the Western-backed govern- ited company but it prevented complain about when ment in Kabul and Afghan secu- the government from giving the cabinet committee rity forces, and called on the Tal- up management control. meets aft er June 10 and iban to join stalled peace talks. Zubair said this clause takes the decision to The president authorised the Pakistani civil society activists shout slogans during a demonstration in Multan yesterday against a US drone strike in Pakistan’s southwestern would apply only for a two- restart the marketing” drone strike that killed Mansour province of Balochistan. year period, after which the in a remote region just on the government could sell the He added that the sale of Pakistani side of the border with have been doing in Iran and why not represent a shift in US strat- spring off ensive in April, but the for two years, leaving his deputy whole stake. SME Bank Ltd was expected Afghanistan on Saturday, and he was apparently travelling in egy in Afghanistan or a return to attack on Mansour is likely to Mansour in eff ective charge of The privatisation of 68 to be completed by year-end, Afghan authorities have said the Pakistan without a security de- active engagement in fi ghting, disrupt operations, at least tem- the movement and open to ac- state-owned companies, in- and that of Telephone Indus- mission was successful. tail. following the end of the inter- porarily. cusations he deceived his com- cluding loss-making enter- tries of Pakistan by March But US offi cials held back A spokesman for the Iranian national coalition’s main combat Although some individual manders. prises such as PIA, Pakistan 2017. from confi rming that the Taliban foreign ministry was quoted on mission in 2014. Taliban members have been One senior member of the Steel Mills and power distri- He did not say how much leader had been killed in the at- state media denying that such an The US currently has 9,800 quoted in media reports say- shura, which is based in the bution companies, is a major the government expected to tack until intelligence had been individual had crossed the bor- troops in Afghanistan, divided ing that Mansour was killed, the western Pakistani city of Quetta, element of a $6.7bn Interna- raise from these transactions. fully assessed. der from Iran to Pakistan at the between a Nato-led mission group’s leadership, keenly aware said that the choice for the next tional Monetary Fund package With elections due in 2018, Pakistani authorities have time in question. to train and advise local forces of the need to limit splits, has not leader appeared to be shaping that helped Pakistan stave off Zubair said he hoped the ben- said the drone strike was a viola- Calling the death “an impor- and a separate counterterror- issued its own confi rmation. around Mansour’s deputy, Sira- a default in 2013. efi ts of completed deals would tion of the country’s sovereignty, tant milestone”, Obama said ism mission fi ghting militant “The leadership is being very juddin Haqqani, or a member of Fierce resistance to priva- soon become apparent and but reaction from Islamabad has Mansour had rejected peace groups such as Islamic State and careful because one wrong step the family of Mullah Omar, such tisation by opposition parties soothe opposition to future otherwise been relatively muted talks and had “continued to plot Al Qaeda. could divide the group into many as his son, Mullah Mohamed and labour unions has made privatisations. and a number of questions re- against and unleash attacks on A decision is expected later parties like former mujahideen,” Yaqoob. the programme politically “It would be far, far easier if main over what exactly hap- American and Coalition forces”. this year on whether to stick one Taliban offi cial from the Haqqani, leader of an affi li- sensitive. there would be no political op- pened. “The Taliban should seize the with a timetable that would eastern province of Nangarhar ated network blamed for a series The power fi rm privatisa- position,” he said. A Pakistani passport in the opportunity to pursue the only see the number of troops cut to said, referring to guerrilla lead- of high-profi le suicide attacks in tions had appeared to have “Because of the political name of Wali Mohamed, which real path for ending this long 5,500 by the start of 2017. ers who fought the Soviets in the Kabul, had the backing of Paki- stalled, but Zubair said they implications, because of the Pakistani authorities said con- confl ict - joining the Afghan The Taliban, which have pre- 1980s before splitting into war- stan, while Yaqoob had support would go ahead this year. employees’ resistance, it is tained a visa for Iran, was recov- government in a reconciliation viously rejected overtures to ring factions. among members of the Afghan The government plans to not that simple for any gov- ered near the scene of the attack process that leads to lasting join talks with President Ashraf Serious divisions emerged Taliban, the shura member said. list shares in 10-20% of each ernment to push through, and and is believed to have belonged peace and stability,” he said. Ghani’s government, have been last year when it was confi rmed “We prefer someone from fi rm on the domestic stock ex- as we come near 2018 it will to Mansour. However, he stressed that the pushing Afghan security forces that Mullah Mohamed Omar, the Omar’s family to put an end to all change, making the fi rms more become more and more dif- But it is unclear what he may operation against Mansour did hard since the launch of their group’s founder, had been dead internal problems,” he said. transparent and accountable. fi cult.”

EDUCATION Law to regulate private schools yet PPP to seek disqualifi cation of PM, his four relatives to be enacted

Internews ation policy of his father (Asif Ali own wealth and that of his fam- qualify them from holding pub- JPC on Panama Leaks waiting for notifi cation The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Lahore Zardari) towards the PML-N, ily abroad. The premier also did lic offi ce forthwith. government, led by Pakistan according to analysts. not give full tax on the income of In response to a question Tehreek-i-Insaf, has still not passed The application seeking the his family. about the PML-N’s eff orts to The Joint Parliamentary reference (TORs) for the JPC. two important laws to regulate nwilling to provide res- disqualifi cation of PM Sharif, “Similarly, Finance Minister persuade the PPP not to take Committee (JPC) of the He said Prime Minister Nawaz the aff airs of private schools and pite to the ruling party Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Dar, CM Sharif, MNA Safdar and a tough stance on the Panama Parliament members to Sharif has approved the list of provide free and compulsory Uon Panama Papers, the Sharif, federal Finance Minis- MNA Hamza Shahbaz wilfully leaks, Khosa said: “There will determine appropriate forum members of the JPC on behalf education up to secondary level. Pakistan People’s Party plans ter Ishaq Dar, MNA Mohamed concealed their assets both in- be no compromise on investiga- to probe Panama Papers and of the treasury and he is keen to Like the previous government, the to submit an application to the Safdar and MNA Hamza Shah- side the country and abroad in tions into corruption scandals, corruption of serious nature see the initiation of the scrutiny incumbent provincial government Election Commission of Paki- baz would be fi led with the ECP their declarations to the ECP. particularly Panamagate. Bhut- would start functioning once its as soon possible. has also prepared draft of both stan (ECP) seeking disqualifi ca- this week, Khosa said. There has also been a confes- to-Zardari has made it clear that off icial notification is issued. In a brief chat with yesterday, the laws, but these couldn’t be tion of Prime Minister Nawaz “Nawaz Sharif has not only sional statement from Dar about there is no sacred cow and the Federal Finance Minister the minister said that he tabled in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sharif and four of his relatives concealed his assets in a decla- money laundering,” Khosa said. country cannot have two sets of Senator Mohamed Ishaq Dar, hasn’t been informed as yet Assembly for approval, according under Articles 62 and 63 of the ration (submitted) to the ECP He said the PPP would attach laws - one for the infl uential and who would be part of the about being designated as to sources. Rather, the sources Constitution. but also committed perjury dur- to its application a letter writ- another for the poor.” committee on behalf of the ex-off icio member of the Joint said, both the draft laws were still PPP Secretary General and ing an address in parliament. He ten to the late Benazir Bhutto According to a source in the government, is hopeful that Parliamentary Committee. lying in the files of the Elementary former Punjab governor Sardar did not speak the truth about by the prime minister’s cousin, PPP, the PML-N leadership has the committee would start its “I am fully prepared to and Secondary Education Depart- Latif Khosa said yesterday that his own assets and those of his Khalid Siraj, in which he had requested Zardari to stop Bhutto- work within this week while contribute for the committee ment. They said that the draft law a legal team of his party had for- family members abroad, thus divulged details of the Sharifs’ Zardari from issuing harsh state- Federal Minister for Law and provided I was asked by for regulating private schools was mulated a draft of the application misleading parliamentarians as wealth abroad. In its application ments about PM Sharif over Pan- Justice Zahid Hamid, who is leadership,” he said. He seven years old as it was prepared on the instructions of its chair- well as the people of Pakistan,” the PPP would be taking the plea amagate. In his public statements, viewed as the legal brain of maintained that Prime Minister in 2010 by the education depart- man, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. he said. that the prime minister and his the young PPP chairman has not the government, has declared Nawaz Sharif has asked his ment when the province was The decision to move the ECP The former attorney general four relatives did not meet the only called for the premier’s res- agreement of the two sides as team to not permit any delay in ruled by the coalition government to disqualify the premier shows said the premier’s loyalty to the criteria laid down under Articles ignation but also described the an achievement since the two choreographing TORs for the of Awami National Party and Paki- that Bhutto-Zardari is in no state had become questionable 62 and 63 of the Constitution. latter as a friend of Indian Prime have consented the terms of commission. stan People’s Party. The owners of mood to continue the reconcili- because he had transferred his Therefore, the ECP should dis- Minister Narendra Modi. private schools are very influential people who do not allow the pas- sage of this law, they said.

POSITION Dr Nishtar Pakistan’s award-winning Burka Avenger opens in London nominated for WHO post IANS listed among the most infl uential fi c- London tional characters of 2013, other critics Pakistan has nominated Dr Sania have been less enthusiastic about the Nishtar as its candidate for the animated female’s alter identity. post of World Health Organisa- Muslim warrior girl from a Unlike “sexualised” Western tion (WHO) director general (DG). Pakistani animated TV series, characters, “like Catwoman and According to an off icial statement ABurka Avenger, has premiered Wonder Woman,” the Burka Avenger issued yesterday, National Health on the big screen in the British capi- is fi ghting evil and promotes edu- Services (NHS) Minister Saira Afzal tal. Now part of London’s Southbank cation for all “with books and pens Tarar introduced and solicited Centre arts festival, the cartoon has as her weapons,” the creators have support for Dr Nishar, who was previously sparked a debate among claimed. also present during a meeting of western audiences. Being Pakistan’s fi rst ever ani- the health ministers of the Com- Screened at the Royal Festival mated TV series, its burqa wearing monwealth in Geneva. Dr Nishtar Hall until the end of May, the mul- female role model for children has has extensive experience in public ti-award-winning TV series gener- taken by storm not only its country healthcare including working on ated controversy in the West when of origin, but also neighboring Af- government initiatives. She has it premiered in 2013. ghanistan. also had a career as a civil society While its lead character, a school More than 85% of children living leader and founded the non-gov- teacher named Jiya who becomes a in urban areas watch the show there, ernmental organisation HeartFile black burqa-clad avenger, has been according to the Telegraph. Burka Avenger has premiered on the big screen in the British capital. in 1999. Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 PHILIPPINES

Hostages Duterte to allow burial of appeal for help from incoming Marcos at heroes’ cemetery president Reuters Manila ‘Will defy Church’ with three-child policy DPA Philippine President-elect Ro- themselves at the expense of Manila resident-elect Rodrigo drigo Duterte said he will defy the poor.. “You ask so many fa- Duterte said yesterday he the Roman Catholic Church vours, even from me,” Duterte Pwould allow the burial of and seek to impose a three- said in an interview broadcast oreign hostages threatened late dictator Ferdinand Marcos child policy, putting him on a by TV station GMA. with execution by militants at the Philippines’ heroes’ cem- new collision course with the Monsignor Oliver Mendoza, Fin the southern Philippines etery, despite strong opposi- bishops a day after he made spokesman for the Archdio- appealed to the country’s incom- tion. controversial remarks about cese of Lingayen, whose head ing president to help them in a The southern mayor has yet them. The southern mayor is the president of the Catholic video shown yesterday. to be declared winner of the has yet to be declared the Bishops Conference of the The Abu Sayyaf terrorist May 9 election, but an official May 9 poll winner, but an un- Philippines, said the Church group’s video was released on the vote count by an election com- official vote count by an elec- respected Duterte’s opinion weekend, according to the SITE mission-accredited watchdog tion commission-accredited but that it would continue to International Group that tracks showed him 6mn votes ahead watchdog showed him ahead speak against government hardline networks around the of his closest rival. over his four rivals, three of policies that are contrary to world. He is due to assume office on whom conceded defeat. Church teaching. In the video, Canadian hos- June 30. Duterte assumes office on “Because if we fail to do that, if tage Robert Hall lamented that “I will allow Marcos burial June 30. Duterte’s often outra- we close our eyes, if we close the Canadian government ap- in Libingan ng Mga Bayani, geous comments have won our lips, we close our ears, peared to have abandoned him, not because he was a hero but him huge support and his what will be the role of the and urged Philippines President- because he was a Filipino sol- tirades about killing criminals Church?” he said. elect Rodrigo Duterte to get him dier,” Duterte said in Davao and a joke about a murdered Political analysts said they out of captivity. City, referring to the 142-hec- rape victim do not appear to were not surprised at Duterte’s “I came into your beautiful tare cemetery in Manila where have dented his popularity in statements because some country in good faith and in peace some of the country’s leaders the largely Catholic country. bishops spoke out against him and here I am,” he said.“We hope are buried. “I only want three children for during the election campaign. that you can work on our behalf Marcos fled to Hawaii in every family,” Duterte said on “Like most liberal, secular as soon as possible to get us out 1986 following a popular re- Sunday in Davao City.“I’m a politicians, Duterte is a deist,” of here and please, the sooner the volt.He had ruled the Phil- President-elect Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he speaks during a press conference in Davao City, in the Christian, but I’m a realist so said Joselito Zulueta of the better.” ippines for 20 years, during southern island of Mindanao yesterday. we have to do something with University of Santo Tomas. “It appears my government which time his family amassed our overpopulation. I will defy “This in itself is a self-serving has abandoned me and my family an estimated $10bn. ily to bury him at the heroes’ central Philippines.Earl Par- Filipinos if he frees former the opinion or the belief of position conceived out of in this endeavour,” he added. He died in exile in 1989 and cemetery, amid opposition reno, analyst at the Institute president Gloria Arroyo, who the Church.”About 80 % of the human conceit. He will do as The other hostages - Norwe- his embalmed body is current- from tens of thousands of Fili- of Political and Electoral Re- has been under detention in Philippines’ 100mn popula- he pleases except when he’s gian Kjartan Sekkingstad and ly on display in a mausoleum in pinos, including the victims of forms, said Duterte’s decision hospital for five years on cor- tion are Catholics, the largest stopped by public criticism.” Filipino Marites Flor - also ap- his hometown in the northern human rights abuses under his to bury Marcos at the heroes’ ruption charges. concentration of any Asian He said Duterte’s government pealed for their release. Philippines. rule and their families. cemetery would be divisive. “She should also be re- country, who oppose abortion was expected to clash more Sekkingstad reiterated the Abu The government has recov- Marcos’ son and namesake “It’s a wrong move to spend leased,” Duterte has said, not- and contraception. with the Catholic Church not Sayyaf’s threat to execute the ered less than $5bn in cash, ran for vice president and political capital this early ing the former leader’s co-ac- On Saturday, he criticised the only on population issues, but hostages on June 13 if ransom of stocks, real estate, artworks was trailing by 200,000 to when he should be consolidat- cused had been out on bail. Church as the “most hypo- on the restoration of death 600mn pesos ($13mn) was not and jewellery from the Mar- 300,000 votes in an unoffi- ing support,” he told Reuters, Arroyo was re-elected for critical institution”, meddling in penalty, legalisation of divorce paid for their release. coses and their cronies. cial vote count to administra- adding the decision could fuel third and last time as member government policies and said and planned distribution of “Please try to help us,” he Past governments have re- tion candidate Leni Robredo, protests. of the lower house of Con- some bishops were enriching contraceptives. said.“We will be executed on fused to allow Marcos’ fam- a congresswoman from the Duterte could also anger gress. June 13, at 3 o’clock (in the after- noon), unless there is an agree- ment made with this group.” Duterte, outgoing mayor of Davao City, just minutes away from Samal Island, has called on the Abu Sayyaf to free the Film industry celebrates Jose’s Cannes festival win hostages and warned the group would face “reckoning” if it does AFP Jose’s original manager Ed character proved so popular not stop its terrorist activities. Manila Entrella said that although Jose that she was introduced to do “There has to be a reckoning has been one of the nation’s cameos in unrelated TV shows, somehow,” he said last week.“I most popular actresses for according to Rasonable. cannot say it now but there has to he Philippines’ enter- three decades, she decided at a Although Jose already stars be a time when they (Abu Sayyaf) tainment industry yes- young age she “wanted to be an in a soap opera, she will launch have to surrender for the crimes Tterday celebrated Jaclyn actress, not a star.” Her current a weekly comedy on the same that they did, and that they have Jose’s surprise win at the manager Perry Lansigan de- network as soon as she returns to release all the hostages.” Cannes fi lm festival, hailing scribed her as a “workaholic” from France. On April 25, the militants ex- her as one of the nation’s hard- who relentlessly pursued as Wilson Tieng, head of the ecuted Canadian John Ridsdel, est working and most versatile many roles as possible. Movie Producers and Distribu- held with the three remaining actresses who deserves global “She doesn’t take a rest of tors Association of the Philip- hostages on Jolo Island, 1,000 acclaim. two or three months (between pines, said the interest generat- kilometres south of Manila, after Jose, 52, famous at home roles) like other actors,” Lansi- ed by Jose’s award would likely a deadline to pay ransom lapsed. mostly as a soap opera star, gan said. get her movie screened in com- The four captives were ab- won best actress Sunday for Lilybeth Rasonable, senior mercial cinemas. ducted on September 21 from the her mesmerising performance vice-president of GMA, the tel- “It will be distributed in the southern resort island of Samal, as a Manila slum matriarch evision network where Jose has cinema chains. People are al- less than half an hour away from who falls prey to corrupt police worked for the past three years, ready calling up to ask about Davao City by ferry. in acclaimed Filipino director said she has surprised execu- screenings but we don’t have The Abu Sayyaf is also be- Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’ Rosa. tives with her versatility. a date yet,” said Tieng, whose lieved to be holding hostage a “This is a victory for the In the 2013 soap opera, The group distributes movies na- Dutch birdwatcher, four Malay- Filipino fi lm industry. This is World is Mine, Jose played an tionwide. sian sailors and an undetermined a victory for the Philippines as antagonistic ex-beauty queen Philippine movie theatres number of Filipinos on Jolo. a whole,” said Joel Lamangan, but rose above the simple stere- typically show formulaic local Aside from high-profi le kid- another well-known director. otype. “She put real character comedies and romances as well nappings for ransom involving “Filipinos are very good ac- into it. She made it diff erent. as Hollywood blockbusters, but foreign hostages, the militants tors.They can be compared to She put in certain quirks after shun the nation’s independ- have also been blamed for some anybody.That’s what Jaclyn Jose she discussed it with her di- ent fi lms that have won many Filipina actress Jaclyn Jose poses after she was awarded with the Best Actress prize during a photocall at of the deadliest terrorist attacks proved.” rector,” Rasonable said. Jose’s awards overseas. 69th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. in the Philippines.

Triumph ‘providential’ Philippine unemployment ‘highest in Asia’ in fi ght against drugs By Nelson S Badilla because these have not solved The 63.4 % LFPR in January Manila Times massive unemployment and 2016 is practically as low as the poverty in the country. 63.3 % rate in January 2009 or Reuters Reyes, portrayed by the 52-year- The research group, which right after the 2008 global fi - Manila old Jose, who owns a small store he Benigno Aquino ad- advocates nationalist economy, nancial crisis. and sells drugs with her husband ministration that will added that government data This fi gure is the lowest in to make ends meet. Tend in June this year has show that “the Philippines still over 30 years since averaging hilippine President-elect Both are detained at a police nothing to be proud over the has the worst unemployment in just 62.9 % annually during the Rodrigo Duterte’s vow to station after their home is raid- country’s economy, accord- Asia.” 1981-1985 economic crisis in Proot out crime and drug ed, leaving their three children to ing to an independent research It disclosed that the “latest” the closing years of the Marcos abuse will get a boost from the fi nd the money needed to pay off group. Labour Force Survey (LFS) data administration, according to country’s fi rst-time acting win corrupt police offi cers in order to Yesterday, Ibon Founda- showed that unemployment in government data. at the Cannes Film Festival for free their parents. tion said the 6.9 % gross do- the country was pegged at 5.8 % Ibon said the working age a drama on a small-time drug Mendoza, 55, won the Best mestic product (GDP) growth in January this year. population grew by 1.1mil- dealer, a senator and anti-crime Director award at Cannes in for the fi rst quarter of the year Its neighbours like China has lion in January 2016 from the advocate said. 2009 for “Kinatay”.Jose’s vic- should not be “overstated” and 4.0 % unemployment rate; Vi- year before but the labour force Filipino actress Jaclyn Jose tory comes weeks before Duterte capitalised on as the highest in etnam, 2.3 %; Indonesia, 5.5 %; only grew by a much smaller won Best Actress for her role in is sworn as the Philippines’ 16th Asia since the country has the Malaysia, 3.5 %; and Thailand, 487,000. Ma’ Rosa, a brutal dive into the president. Duterte, who vowed “highest unemployment rate in 1.0 %. The number of underem- These results, which in eff ect Manila underworld directed by to crush crime, corruption and Asia,” a basis that poverty is also ployed Filipinos, or those work- lower unemployment fi gures, Brillante Mendoza. drug abuse, has a huge lead over massive in the country. ing but looking for additional are consistent with growing “It will strengthen the fi ght,” his rivals in an unoffi cial vote Other major Asian econo- work and income, drastically numbers of discouraged work- Senator Vicente Sotto III, who count by an election commis- mies like China had 6.7 % GDP increased by 847,000 to reach ers. used to head the policymaking sion-accredited watchdog of the growth during the same pe- 7.7 mn in January 2016 from the Ibon said “the worsening jobs Dangerous Drugs Board under May 9 election. riod; Vietnam, 5.5 %;, Indone- A Filipino man sells candies and cigarettes along a road in Manila. same period the year before. situation is due to neo-liberal the Offi ce of the president, told Citing a government report, sia, 4.9 %; and Malaysia, 4.2 Government data also re- economic policies that have Reuters. Jimenez, whose own brother %. However, Ibon said GDP is a Last week, Malacanang of- istration as the reason for the vealed that the underemploy- stunted Filipino industry and “It’s not only coincidental, was killed by a drug syndicate “misleading indicator of devel- fi cials said the improved econ- economic growth. ment rate correspondingly grew kept local agriculture backward. but it’s providential,” said Dante in 1990, said 93 % of the Phil- opment.” According to the re- omy is one of the legacies of But Bangko Sentral ng Pili- to 19.7 % in January 2016 from This structural problem is Jimenez, head of Volunteers ippines’ 42,000 villages were search group, there is no ques- the Aquino administration that pinas (BSP) said the economic 17.9 % last year. aggravated by growing labour Against Crime and Corruption, “drug-infested”.Duterte, who is tion that “economic growth is the incoming administration of fundamentals were put in place On the other hand, the La- fl exibilisation and contractuali- of Jose’s win in a fi lm that tack- pushing to reimpose the death important, but (it) should not president-elect Rodrigo Du- during the presidency of Gloria bour Force Participation Rate sation.” les drugs and how to eradicate penalty by hanging, promised be used to divert public atten- terte must continue. Arroyo. (LFPR), which measures the “The incoming administra- them. to wipe out drugs and criminal- tion from fundamental prob- The offi cials pointed to Ibon said the Aquino admin- share of the working age popu- tion needs to discard these poli- Set in Manila’s slums, Ma’ ity within six months of taking lems of chronic joblessness and “strong economic fundamen- istration has no right to claim lation working or looking for cies for the jobs situation to im- Rosa tells the story of Rosa offi ce. poverty (of the country).” tals” made under the admin- credit for the economic gains work, has fallen to crisis levels. prove,” it added. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL/MALDIVES Bangladesh’s fi rst Britain grants refugee woman editor dies By Mizan Rahman Dhaka

urjahan Begum, editor of the country’s fi rst status to Nasheed Nillustrated women’s weekly Begum, passed away at Reuters rior ministry) in London was puted circumstances in 2012 a hospital in Dhaka yesterday. Colombo not immediately available for after ordering the arrest of the She was 91. comment. judge. The United Nations, the She breathed her last at Since his release from jail, United States and human rights Square Hospitals at around ritain has granted refugee Nasheed has called for sanctions groups have said Yameen’s gov- 9:45am, said offi cials of the status to Mohamed Nash- against Yameen and his allies ernment failed to follow due hospital. Beed, the former president for detaining political prisoners, process and that the case was Earlier on May 4, she was of the Maldives who was jailed mainly opposition leaders, and politically motivated. admitted to the hospital over in 2015 after a trial that drew in- for alleged human rights abuses Government spokesmen respiratory problems includ- ternational criticism, his lawyer in the Maldives. were not immediately available ing pneumonia, and, later, Nurjahan Begum said yesterday. yesterday to comment on the shifted to the Intensive Care Nasheed, the Maldives’ fi rst Nasheed was allowed matter. Unit (ICU) on May 7 as her Hasina yesterday expressed democratically elected presi- to go to Britain in Yameen has proposed all-par- condition deteriorated. deep shock at the death of dent, was allowed to go to Britain January for medical ty talks to resolve the Maldives’ Nurjahan, 91, earned re- Nurjahan Begum. in January for medical treatment treatment aft er political crisis but opposition pute as the pioneering woman In a condolence message, after President Abdulla Yameen President Abdulla parties insist their jailed leaders journalist as she edited the the prime minister recalled came under international Yameen came under must fi rst be released. weekly Begum for over six with profound respect the pressure to let him leave. international pressure Yameen’s government has decades as a mouthpiece of contributions of Nurjahan Nasheed was jailed for 13 years to let him leave faced international criticism Bengali women. The maga- Begum towards awakening on terrorism charges after il- over the detention of 18 jour- zine mainly carried write-ups the women of the subconti- legally ordering the arrest of a Yesterday, Nasheed issued a nalists after they said a pro- of women as part of its motto nent. “The nation has lost a judge in a trial that put a spot- statement accusing Yameen of posed defamation bill was to promote the backward great woman at her death,” light on instability in the Indian jailing all opposition leaders and aimed at suppressing freedom of Muslim womenfolk. she said. Ocean archipelago known as a cracking down “on anyone who expression. She was the daughter of BNP chairperson Khaleda paradise for wealthy tourists. dares to oppose or criticise him”. Yameen, whose half-brother another prominent journalist Zia also expressed profound “Nasheed has been granted “In the past year, freedom of lost power to Nasheed in 2008, Mohammad Nasiruddin, edi- shock at the death of Nurja- political refugee status in the the press, expression and as- has rejected accusations that tor of the then popular news- han Begum. In a condolence UK,” Hasan Latheef, Nasheed’s sembly have all been lost. Given Nasheed’s trial was politically paper Saogat. message, she said, “Nurjahan lawyer, told Reuters from the the slide towards authoritarian- motivated and said the legal Prime Minister Sheikh Hasi- Begum through the weekly capital, Male. ism in the Maldives, myself and process was fair. na had taken care of her medical magazine inspired women to A British High Commis- other opposition politicians feel In 2009, Nasheed led the treatment at the hospital. acquire knowledge and involve sion offi cial in the Sri Lankan we have no choice but to work world’s fi rst underwater cabinet President Abdul Hamid in writing and cultural ac- capital Colombo said it did not from exile - for now,” Nasheed meeting to grab attention over expressed deep shock at the tivities. Begum has long been comment on individual asylum said in the statement. rising sea levels that threaten his death of Nurjahan Begum. working as a torchbearer for cases. The Home Offi ce (inte- Nasheed was ousted in dis- country. Mohamed Nasheed Prime Minister Sheikh the country’s women.” Lanka Mount Everest safety under scrutiny as arrests former third climber dies in as many days top cop Reuters questions about the prepara- Association chief Ang Tshering summit on Saturday, one day died,” Australian Foreign Minis- helicopter evacuations are Kathmandu/Sydney tions and safety standards of Sherpa said. after Arnold perished after ter Julie Bishop told reporters in possible. some climbing operators, with “Climbers with well-man- attaining the peak. Brisbane, adding that the gov- The expedition leader said over high cut-price local companies aged companies employing Apart from the three deaths, ernment was assisting with the Gropel, who himself suff ered 43-year-old Indian competing for business as in- experienced guides are safe.” two other Indian climbers have repatriation of Strydom’s body. high altitude pulmonary oede- mountaineer has died ternational outfi ts scale back Hiking offi cials blame the been missing on Everest since Arnold Coster, the owner ma on the descent, tried un- profi le Awhile descending from operations. government, which charges Saturday, and hiking offi cials of Arnold Coster Expeditions successfully to carry his wife’s the summit of Mount Everest, in This year’s Everest campaign $11,000 for each Everest permit, said chances of fi nding them which led the group containing body down the mountain. He the third fatality on the world’s has been hit by high winds on for failing to spend any money alive were slim. both Strydom and Eric Ary Ar- was evacuated by helicopter to murder tallest mountain in as many some days when climbers had on safety measures. The gov- Another Indian woman who nold, said both climbers became Kathmandu yesterday. days since climbing resumed been counting on the weather ernment collected $3.1mn from fell sick was being escorted to ill very quickly on the descent. May is one of the most pop- after last year’s avalanche ‘window’ to open to make their 289 climbers as permit fees so lower camps and will be evacu- The Dutch climber was as- ular months to scale Everest AFP tragedy at Base Camp. summit bids before the mon- far this year. ated by a helicopter, an agency sisted down to the South Col before the peak is shrouded by Colombo Subash Paul, who climbed soon sweeps in next month. But offi cials blame inad- offi cial said. camp, the fi nal camp before the rain, cold and cloud brought on the 8,850m (29,035ft) on Satur- Queues have formed on the equate preparation on the part While fatalities are not unu- summit, where he was given by the monsoon in June. day, perished the next day due fi nal stretch to the summit, of climbers. sual, there are fears the lat- oxygen and medicine but “un- Good weather over the past he ex-police chief in the to exhaustion, Wangchu Sherpa which is often secured by a sin- “The deaths were not due to est casualties could again hit expectedly passed away that two weeks has allowed more Sri Lankan capital was of the Trekking Camp Nepal gle rope line, leading veterans to accident or the crowd,” Tour- mountaineering in Nepal. evening in his tent,” Coster said than 350 climbers to reach the Tarrested yesterday amid company said yesterday. complain that slow and inexpe- ism Department offi cial Sudar- At least 18 people died a year in a Facebook post. summit this month from the allegations he suppressed evi- An Australian woman and rienced climbers were holding shan Dhakal said. “Energy loss ago when an earthquake sent Strydom decided to turned Nepali side of Everest. Sev- dence in a murder case to pro- a Dutch national have also up others and putting them at and altitude sickness mean that a massive snow slide careen- back from her attempt to reach eral people have climbed from tect members of the former died since Friday due to alti- undue risk. they were not well prepared.” ing into Base Camp, while an the summit and was assisted Tibet. government. tude sickness in the notorious “Many climbers without any Expedition organisers were avalanche in the treacherous down to the South Col by her Among them was 19-year- Anura Senanayake was re- ‘death zone’ where the air is experience crowd Everest every assembling a rescue team yes- Khumbu Icefall killed 16 guides husband, veterinarian Robert old Alyssa Azar, who on Satur- manded into custody until so thin that only the fi ttest can year, and companies often use terday to retrieve the bodies in 2014. The back-to-back trag- Gropel. After spending the night day became the youngest Aus- Wednesday pending further in- survive without poor quality equipment... of- of Australian university lec- edies had halted climbing on there, she walked out of her tent tralian to reach the summit, and vestigations into the May 2012 supplementary oxygen. fering cheap packages to clients turer Maria Strydom and Dutch Everest. to continue the descent, only Lhakpa Sherpa, who notched a killing of national rugby skipper Hiking offi cials and climb- who are exposed to security climber Eric Ary Arnold. Stry- “It is a diffi cult and challeng- to collapse on the Geneva Spur, new record for female climbers Wasim Thajudeen. ing veterans say the deaths raise risks,” Nepal Mountaineering dom died before reaching the ing climb and many people have two hours from Camp 3 where with her seventh ascent. The Criminal Investigations Department told Colombo judge Nishantha Peiris it had evidence to suggest Senan- ayake, who retired last year, had conspired to suppress the investigation. Lankans hit Police initially said Thaju- deen had died in a road accident after his charred body was found inside his car in Colombo. The body was exhumed in by fl ood face August last year, seven months after the new government came to power, and forensic experts ruled he had been tortured and killed. uncertain Former president Mahinda Rajapakse, whose son Yoshitha is also a former rugby captain, has denied allegations by rival political parties and local me- future dia that he helped cover up the murder. Thajudeen’s body was ex- AFP back home?” said single mother humed after new evidence Colombo Dinesha Devi, who has spent emerged that he had been fi ve days camped in a classroom abducted in a car owned by at the Vidyawardena school on the Sri Lanka Red Cross So- ri Lankans camped out in the city’s outskirts. ciety, police told a court last shelters in the capital face “We have lost everything year. San uncertain future after we had. I don’t even have any The Red Cross said the Land massive fl ooding from torren- change of clothes for Nilakshan Rover Defender belonged to the tial rain struck the island, forc- let alone for myself,” Devi said organisation, but it was being ing them to fl ee their inundated of her 21-month-old toddler. used at the time by a charity of homes. Devi was one of thousands the then-fi rst lady, Shiranthi Water levels in Colombo are who clambered onto rubber Rajapakse. slowly falling after the Kelani dinghies and makeshift rafts Both she and her husband also river running through the city after the rains hit, triggering face investigation over allega- of 650,000 burst its banks ear- huge landslides northeast of the Residents waiting at a relief camp after being evacuated following flooding in the Kolonnawa suburb of Colombo yesterday. tions they syphoned off billions ly last week, and a cleanup is capital that buried two villages. of dollars from the state during underway. More than 90 people are so far respond to the fl oods, which the have already returned home. of clothing had been destroyed. Housewife Sanuja Ratnay- his decade in power. But many of the 100,000- known to have died across the fi nance ministry estimates has Joyce Patricia said waters “I used to sell clothes, but ake, 37, said she had tried to Several Rajapakse siblings, odd residents still sheltering in island, although that number caused $2bn worth of damage. raced through the small shop today I am left with what I return home but found it fi lled as well as other family mem- schools and other relief centres could rise with more reported The government has prom- that she owns with her family am wearing and I have to ask with about two feet of stinking bers and close associates in Colombo say they have lost missing, the national Disaster ised compensation to those and they have no money to re- for clothes from others,” the black sludge. face a plethora of corrup- everything and are unsure how Management Centre said. aff ected in 22 of Sri Lanka’s start the business. 45-year-old said as she also “We will not be able to do the tion allegations, which they to rebuild. The government called a spe- 25 districts, but no details Fareena Shahul, a travelling sheltered at the Vidyawarde- cleanup ourselves,” she said at have rejected as a political “We have no shortage of food, cial session of parliament for have yet been announced. saleswoman, voiced similar na school in a poor Colombo the school. “We will need a lot witch-hunt. but the issue is how do we go tomorrow to discuss how best to Most people outside Colombo concerns, saying her entire stock suburb. of help.” Gulf Times 26 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief:Editor-in-Chief: Dr Marzook Darwish Basher S Ahmed Binmarzook ProductionManaging Editor: Editor: C. Neil P. Ravindran Cook Brexit and the emerging Production Editor: C. P. Ravindran

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] shape of a new Europe Telephone 4350478 (news), 4466404 Moving toward political France and Germany were still very Cameron’s initiative plays right As a result, Brussels can often (sport), 4466636 (home delivery) hesitant about EU enlargement. into their hands, allowing Orbán and seem to be the capital of the “Divided Fax 4350474 unification would alter the But UK support had a catch: British his allies in neighboring countries States of Europe”, dominated by leaders, reluctant to accept the EU’s to declare anathema any move member states that want access to incentives of long-stated goal of an “ever-closer toward ever-closer union and the the continental free market at the policymakers in Brussels union” – which implies political strengthening of federal authority and minimum possible cost. unification and shared national and legitimacy. The EU spends a tiny 0.3% of its and provide the EU with federal sovereignty – made no secret The truth, however, is that CEE GDP on addressing the continent’s GULF TIMES increased legitimacy of their desire to use the widening countries do not have much to lose in developmental disparities, and it runs of EU membership to prevent the the way of sovereignty. a common market of 500 mn people deepening of European integration. Most of their productive and with an administration that is roughly By Laszlo Bruszt During the negotiations with EU financial assets are owned by foreign one-quarter the size of the United and Nauro F Campos leaders ahead of the referendum, companies, just as most of the rules States Department of Agriculture. Mourinho not the Florence British Prime Minister David Cameron governing their economies have been Oddly, the EU might benefit from a obtained an opt-out clause in the case determined by the EU. setback. ll too often in politics, the of a decision to move toward ever- As a condition of EU membership, If the UK chooses to stay under the choice is between the very closer union. CEE countries had to create conditions Cameron has negotiated, best fit for United but institutions defending the integrity of the result will be the strengthening bad and the even worse. For the residents of At the moment, the European market from domestic of the anti-EU alliance between ACentral and Eastern Europe, the June interference. conservative liberals and illiberal he’s unlikely to be dull referendum in the United Kingdom the EU is run by And EU institutions and policies nationalists. over whether Britain should exit the limit their governments’ ability to set As much as it would harm Europe in European Union is just such a case. politicians who are financial, monetary, and economic the short term, Brexit would have the A British exit (“Brexit”) would policies. benefit of preventing such a roadblock The worst-kept non-secret in sport is finally out. impose immense economic costs on not accountable to As a result, CEE countries would be to integration from being erected. Jose Mourinho will, barring last-ditch turbulence, the EU’s Central and Eastern European among the biggest winners of deeper Moving toward political unification the entire union integration, as it would give their would alter the incentives of be appointed Manchester United manager, the (CEE) member states. Migratory restrictions would citizens a stronger voice in the EU’s policymakers in Brussels and provide consummation of an epic, slow-burn seduction that become tighter and trade Should he prevail in the referendum political process. the EU with increased legitimacy. has hovered behind the headlines for six months. opportunities and foreign direct and convince voters to stay, it will At the moment, the EU is run by From the perspective of CEE For United’s players, Saturday’s FA Cup final victory investment would plummet. send a dangerous signal to illiberal politicians who are not accountable to countries, the central question of against Crystal Palace has turned out to be less a new But a victory by those who want politicians in Eastern Europe. the entire union. the British referendum in June is not the UK to stay in the EU could be They will conclude that they can British, German, or French whether or not the UK stays in the EU, dawn, more a kind of Viking funeral for the Louis van even more costly for CEE countries, have it both ways, keeping the benefits representatives negotiating EU but how the future of the union will Gaal era after two seasons of meandering stasis. Even where it could strengthen illiberal of economic integration without losing policies in Brussels compete for be shaped by the decision. - Project as Van Gaal was marching into a sullen Wembley press politicians, shore-up rent-seeking their ability to infringe on their citizens’ reelection only at home, giving Syndicate alliances and strip citizens of much of rights or use EU financial transfers them little incentive to consider conference with the trophy under his arm, pictures to build patron-client relations and the interests of people in peripheral lLaszlo Bruszt is professor of sociology were filtering through of Mourinho just across town their say in key EU-level decisions. The relationship between the CEE reinforce their hold over the state. economies. at the Scuola Normale Superiore in at the David Haye fight, looking coy and sultry and countries and the UK has always been Illiberal CEE nationalists like Nor are they likely to be interested Florence. Nauro F Campos is professor pregnant with mischief. somewhat fraught. Hungarian Prime Minister Victor in EU-level programmes that could of economics and Finance at Brunel Van Gaal is a revered football coach, for all the social In the 1990s, the UK was a Orbán like to claim they are defending have long-term, Europe-wide benefits University London, a research fellow at proponent of EU membership for CEE national sovereignty from bureaucrats at the cost of short-term increases in IZA-Bonn and a research professor at media snark and newspaper ribbing he has attracted in Brussels. contributions to the common budget. ETH-Zürich. Follow @NauroCampos. during his time at this drifting, stalled Manchester countries at a time when leaders in United. But this was a humiliating experience: a proud man, sitting with the venerable shiny cup plonked defiantly on the table in front of him while the assembled global media were already peering over his shoulder at the next guy. How very Mourinho – ruthless even in absentia! The talk now is of a three-year deal for Mourinho at Old Trafford, resolution at last of an extended public courtship curated by a cast of super-agents, deal- makers and willing media accomplices. Indeed, there is a feeling of delayed destiny about the whole process, a relationship that has sparked at one remove ever since the first sighting And now 12 years ago of this thrillingly handsome, Heathcliff has absurdly young coach, sprinting along the finally got Old Trafford touchline his hands on as his Porto team eliminated United from Wuthering the Champions League. Heights The only real question now is: why so many people around the club, from fans to directors to associated media, seem to think this is unquestionably a good idea. The flags of the European Union and the United Kingdom. On June 23, Britain will hold a referendum on whether or not the United Kingdom will remain within the It might sound odd for such a successful coach European Union, often referred to as “Brexit”. A British exit would impose immense economic costs on the EU’s Central and Eastern European (CEE) member states. but Mourinho to United is essentially a celebrity Migratory restrictions would become tighter and trade opportunities and foreign direct investment would plummet. appointment. The only sense in which it resembles a perfect fit is as an injection of glitz, a burnishing of the brand. Mourinho does not deliver thrilling attacking football. In swapping him for Van Gaal, United have traded gruelling possession play for gruelling Another myth of the Mayas defensive counterattack, albeit with a cinematic presence gesticulating on the touchline. David Stuart, a professor at the researchers and experts missed. As Oliver suggested when he By Stephennie Mulder University of Texas at Austin and one And an equally appealing lampooned the reporting on Mourinho does not behave nicely. He does not Los Angeles Times/TNS bring young players through. He is as far from that of the world’s leading experts on the confirmation of popular if incomplete caffeine’s risks and benefits, a more preciously nurtured idea of how United like to Maya, was among the first to raise an notions about the Maya. minimum requirement for science t was a good story while it lasted: alarm. The story felt right, not least journalists is to understand the see themselves as the vampiric corporate owners, A 15-year-old boy discovered He argued that the square shape because of the stereotypical notion of difference between initial trials the Glazer family, for whom the club has simply been a lost city by theorising that a Gadoury saw on a satellite image of the indigenous peoples innately in tune and repeated studies that confirm a wondrous source of income, the ATM that never modern star map would correlate Maya heartland was probably a fallow with nature.(Never mind the detail results and build a consensus vetted withI ancient Maya settlements. agricultural field. that the Maya exploited the land to the through peer review. closes. Since then, numerous other experts point of environmental collapse.) Finally, all of us who consume And yet, such is Mourinho’s drive and United’s depth It seemed to fit the common understanding of the Maya as peaceful have cast doubts on Gadoury’s city. Gadoury undoubtedly deserves the news could also do better in the of resource there is still a strong argument this could stargazers, centuries ahead of their The rise and fall of this particular genuine praise for his initiative and critical-thought department. all end up working out nicely. At the very least he will time in astronomical observation and news flash is a perfect illustration of drive. What trends on social media isn’t surely bring a return to the top four and Champions deeply mystical. the way a hyperspeed media landscape His hypothesis about how necessarily a fact. League football. It only makes sense they’d plan their can elevate speculative, unproven constellations relate to Maya cities What sounds too good to be true cities to align with constellations. “facts” to prize-worthy status. may even deserve closer study. usually is. Above all he really, really wants this. As long ago The teenage scientist, William Certainly archaeologists, Maya Still, there are several positive take- as 2009, Mourinho was already pouting in United’s Gadoury, of Saint-Jean-de-Matha, experts and geospatial scientists aways from the lost city story. direction. In 2012 he thought he had the job once Sir Quebec, overlaid constellations and What trends on have something to say to each other: Gadoury’s enterprise should Alex Ferguson was gone, only for United to appoint known Maya cities. Remote-sensing technology has serve as a model for other aspiring social media isn’t enhanced archaeological ground scientists; he may well have a bright the desperately paddling David Moyes. Mourinho When he found a gap where it seemed a settlement ought to have surveys in spectacular fashion in future as an archaeologist. has simpered and sweated and haggled for this been, he consulted satellite imagery necessarily a fact. Jordan, Egypt, Peru and other locales, And the excitement the public opportunity. And now Heathcliff has finally got his and found shapes that looked man- earning researcher Sarah Parcak the demonstrated about even a false lost hands on Wuthering Heights. It is unlikely to be dull. made. On a recent Sunday, the satirist nickname “space archaeologist”. city discovery at least proves that Suddenly, the lost city story went John Oliver devoted his commentary But so much else about this interest in ancient civilisations is very viral. on his HBO show, “Last Week particular lost city story is cause for much alive. The Canadian Space Agency, Tonight”, to the problem of junk concern. There are, no doubt, lost cities left To Advertise which had supplied Gadoury with the science and the media’s role in We’ve come to value the thrill to be discovered. satellite images, swiftly awarded him a swiftly enshrining hypothesis and of the seeming breakthrough over The best way to do it is to support [email protected] Medal of Merit. theory as truth. the slower processes of analytical and fund careful collaborations Display A University of New Brunswick Oliver gleefully mimicked the thinking and the importance of between down-in-the-dirt Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 expert on geospatial technology hyperbolic morning-talk-show scholarly expertise. archaeology and all the other sciences suggested he might have found a approach to science journalism: “A The geospatial specialist at the that can enhance their work. Classified metropolis with 30 buildings and a new study shows coffee can kill you! University of New Brunswick and the When that effort lands on the real Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 large pyramid. A new study shows coffee can cure Canadian Space Agency should have thing, we’ll have something lasting to The teen was interviewed by the cancer!” taken the time to call a Maya expert tweet, post, share and award. Subscription BBC, and the public passed along The lost city story undeniably for verification before giving Gadoury [email protected] word of his achievement as his story had a lot going for it as a media any sort of endorsement, let alone a lStephennie Mulder is a professor of skyrocketed to the top of the global phenomenon. medal. art history and Middle Eastern studies media’s trending topics. It conformed to cherished tropes: As for the media, reporters too at the University of Texas at Austin. 2016 Gulf Times. All rights reserved The only problem is, Gadoury was the appealing plotline of the genius kid must cast a critical eye on scientific She is a specialist in Islamic most likely wrong. scientist who sees what the hidebound discoveries. architecture and archaeology. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 24, 2016 27 COMMENT Time for India to stretch its wings

Allowing countries to hang in particular, has access to other onto IDA for years, as India sources of development fi nance, including the International Bank for has done, means there is Reconstruction and Development, the little recourse for those with newly-launched Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the Brics’ New much larger needs Development Bank. IDA should be reserved for poor By Mujobu Moyo countries for which regular market Washington access is blocked. This is not about India per se. African countries like Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana magine you are a parent with are expected to graduate soon – and a large number of children and should be prepared to adhere to the limited resources. Your oldest same rules when they do. Ichild is mature enough to move World Bank President Jim Yong out of your home, but he does not Kim has urged donor countries to step want to. So he stays, consuming up their support of IDA during this resources that his siblings desperately year’s triennial replenishment round, need. Is it right to allow your other arguing that additional funding “will children to suff er because their big be essential for us to work on our goals brother is reluctant to strike out on to end extreme poverty and boost his own? shared prosperity.” He listed both A similar dynamic is playing Africa and South Asia as important out between the World Bank and areas of focus. the recipients of its International Sub-Saharan African leaders need Development Association programme to ensure that the World Bank’s words (IDA). translate into action. They should IDA supports equitable growth lobby for accelerated and timely in poor countries by providing graduation for countries like India and low-interest, long-term loans and make sure that the Bank lives up to its grants to national governments. mission to serve poor countries. The programme supports 77 of the Indian metro workers pulling a wire at a construction site in New Delhi. In the 2015 fiscal year, India was allocated 20% of the $14.6bn provided by the IDA programme, Allowing countries to hang onto poorest countries in the world – half leaving the other 77 recipients to divide the remaining 80%. IDA for years, as India has done, of which are in Africa. It also provides means there is little recourse for those assistance to one country that no India continues to receive $3.2bn per equally among the remaining IDA anticipated drop off . It is substantially as a gauge of poverty neglects millions with much larger needs. longer deserves it: India. year in transitional support from the countries, each would enjoy an wealthier than its Sub-Saharan of poor people. If the World Bank did not send At the end of the 2014 fi scal year, IDA programme, even as other poor average funding increase of more than peers, and it boasts nearly $400bn in I agree. And yet, according to the 20 cents out of every dollar of IDA India offi cially graduated from the IDA countries plead for more funds. 25%. Funding for just the top fi ve international reserves. World Bank’s World Development funding to India, it would have programme, because it was no longer In the 2015 fi scal year, India was Sub-Saharan African IDA borrowers Some argue that, because a large Indicators, India’s poverty rate, ample resources to invest in Africa poor enough to qualify. The World allocated 20% of the $14.6bn provided – Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, share of the world’s poor live in at 21.9%, is less than half that of – even if donations remained fl at. Bank sets a threshold for receiving by the IDA programme, leaving the and Ghana – would increase by about middle-income countries, the donor Sub-Saharan Africa’s 44.4% rate – IDA’s transitional support to India is assistance, based on per capita gross other 77 recipients to divide the $1bn. This would be enough to fi nance community should rethink how meaning that money is nonetheless scheduled to end in 2017. It is time for national income (GNI). In the fi scal remaining 80%. There is no reason 4,845 kilometres of paved roads, the funding is directed. better spent helping poorer countries big brother to leave home for good. - year 2016, the threshold is $1,215. that India should be given this distance from South Africa to Kenya. Ravi Kanbur, a professor at Cornell in the region. The solution for Project Syndicate India’s per capita GNI has exceeded exceptional treatment. The IDA funds The World Bank’s 2016 graduation University and a former World Bank countries like India is to fi nd better the World Bank’s limit each year since it receives would be better spent in policy review states that the funds chief economist for Africa, has called ways to redistribute their wealth, so zMujobu Moyo is an International 2010. In 2014, it was $1,570. Sub-Saharan Africa, where the needs being given to India are intended to for resetting the IDA graduation that more of their citizens can benefi t Development Research Centre (IDRC) India is also considered are greater and the fi nancing options smooth its transition from receiving policy. He points out that in a world in from it. research fellow at the Centre for Global creditworthy, giving it access to are more limited. IDA by preventing a sudden drop which inequality is increasing within Wealthy countries have more Development and an Aspen Institute international capital markets. And yet If India’s allocation were divided in fi nancing. India can handle the states, using a country’s overall wealth options to help their poor. India, New Voices Fellow. Letters Weather report Three-day forecast Help us not closing mosques immediately after Indian economy and banking norms. more government nominees in the TODAY prayers. Rajan is a person of great eminence committee to decide repo rates. High: 42 C to miss prayers But if it leads to someone missing a and has formerly occupied the coveted The fi nance ministry had no option Low : 30 C prayer, it is not good at all. IMF chief economist position. but to continue with the status quo, Slight dust at times Dear Sir, So I request the authorities to assist After taking over as RBI’s governor in thanks to the eff orts of those who are all such people who want to pray in September 2013, he has been criticised keenly interested in the well-being of Recently I have seen some mosques mosques, maybe in congregation. for increasing bank interest rate. Indian economy and banking sector, WEDNESDAY closing immediately after the May Allah bless all of us with His This is done not without a purpose. irrespective of the fact whether they High: 37 C congregational prayers. boundless mercy. What have been the outcomes? The are in the country or overseas. Low: 29 C This makes people, especially infl ation has been contained despite Rajan too, on his part, has not Cloudy those whose jobs involve frequent Ahamed Fajeel famine in various Indian states. yielded to the unwise proposal mooted travelling outside their offi ces, to miss [email protected] Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) by the fi nance ministry then. performing prayers in mosques. have invested substantial sums in the His mettle has been amply proved THURSDAY Many reasons could be cited for Indian stock market, besides starting whenever there is an opportunity. High: 37 C Biased up new ventures, several of which have All earlier RBI governors, who Low: 28 C comments been expanding exponentially despite are veterans in the Indian banking Cloudy Please send us gloomy global economy. industry, Subba Rao, Y V Reddy, Bimal your letters While RBI maintained bank interest Jalan and Rangarajan, have served for a Dear Sir, rate at 8% throughout 2014, it was term of fi ve years. Fishermen’s forecast brought down to 6.5% by Rajan in a Rajan completes his three-year term By e-mail OFFSHORE DOHA [email protected] Indian politician Subramanian phased manner. in September this year. Wind: NW 05-15/18 KT Fax 4350474 Swamy, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) It is an undisputed fact that despite The fi nance ministry, in the larger Waves: 2-4/5 Feet Or Post Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of the several odds, Indian infl ation is still interest of Indian economy in general INSHORE DOHA Letters to the Editor Indian parliament) MP, is considered under a lower level compared to the and banking industry in particular, Wind: NW-NE 05-15 KT Gulf Times Waves: 1-2 Feet P O Box 2888 a legal luminary by many people in economy of many other countries. must extend Rajan’s term by two more Doha, Qatar the country, but his recent comments This, by any standards, is no small years as they have done in the past Around the region against the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) achievement. with other erstwhile governors. Weather Weather All letters, which are subject to edit- governor Raghuram Rajan (“RBI chief I expressed my deep concern Thus no need to pay heed to today Max/min tomorrow Max/min ing, should have the name of the is wrecking economy, says Swamy”, last year through Gulf Times when Swamy’s unfounded accusations. Abu Dhabi Sunny 41/25 Sunny 39/27 writer, address and phone number. Gulf Times, May 18) are biased. India’s fi nance ministry attempted Baghdad Sunny 34/22 Sunny 34/22 The writer’s name and address may Swamy’s statements reveal that he to withdraw the veto power vested K M Dubai Sunny 37/28 Sunny 37/27 be withheld by request. Kuwait City Sunny has only limited knowledge about the with the RBI governor by appointing (Full name and address supplied) Sunny 41/26 38/26 Manama Sunny 38/30 Cloudy 33/29 Muscat Sunny 39/32 Sunny 39/32 Riyadh Sunny 43/25 Sunny 37/23 Tehran M Sunny 33/20 Cloudy 31/17 Live issues Why people fi xing won’t work

By Judi Light Hopson, Emma H These tips can help: By guiding diffi cult people, you are Janie fi rmly believes that people Hopson and Ted Hagen zLearn to set boundaries with taking the high road. sometimes argue, chatter on, Tribune News Service yourself. Tell your soon-to-be ex-spouse, complain, and give us a hard time to You might, for instance, refuse “Let’s try to create a fi nancial keep from cooperating. to engage in an argument by telling agreement that helps both of us move They jump up and down so things o you feel drained by family yourself, “I will not throw a punch, if on. will stay the same. drama? Do you fantasise someone jabs at me. I need to feel okay about this, and I “Stay logical and cool,” Jane about fi ne-tuning the brains I’ll stay as cool as possible.” Or, want you to feel comfortable with the insists.”If people try to yank a piece Dof friends and co-workers? you might fi re an employee without agreement as well.” of your hair, don’t react the way they If so, you’re likely itching to fi x sounding off about all of your zKnow what others are likely to do expect. people, making them exactly as you’d complaints. in reality. Instead, tell them you don’t want Around the world like them to be. If you know your mother-in-law drama. Weather Weather Maybe you want somebody to listen We’d all love to be gossips, don’t delude yourself. You want to work things out today Max/min tomorrow Max/min more and talk less. Do not tell her your secrets. smoothly. Athens M Sunny 27/17 Sunny 27/18 Or, do you wish someone would able to turn a few If you know someone will cause If someone is resisting change, they Beirut S Showers 24/19 Sunny 25/21 take on more responsibility? Another problems for you, don’t give them any hate this. Bangkok S T Storms 33/26 T Storms 32/26 Berlin S T Storms 27/14 M Cloudy 24/14 fantasy: maybe you would settle for screws inside the ammunition. They want you to squawk, so they Cairo Sunny 31/17 Sunny 34/22 someone showing more respect for For instance, plan carefully what can feel justifi ed in slamming you.” Cape Town M Sunny 19/11 Sunny 21/11 you. heads of people we information you share with others. A judge we’ll call Daniel says he Colombo T Storms 31/26 T Storms 31/26 We’d all love to be able to turn a few Or, ask for what you know you can can spot the trouble-makers in his Dhaka S T Storms 32/26 S T Storms 33/26 P Cloudy P Cloudy 29/26 screws inside the heads of people we know get. courtroom.”They are the ones trying Hong Kong 29/26 Istanbul M Sunny 24/17 M Sunny 21/16 know. You might decide to keep things “I’ve learned that the best way to to put everyone into an emotional Jakarta T Storms 33/26 T Storms 32/26 If they could change, it would civil and even-handed. keep others from driving you crazy is state,” says Daniel.”They like to get the Karachi P Cloudy 35/28 Sunny 35/28 lighten our stress and make our own z Ask for exactly what you need. to take charge,” says a nurse we’ll call emotional boat rocking, so they can London P Cloudy 19/08 Cloudy 16/09 lives easier to manage. If you’re having a tough time Janie. diff use the truth and avoid change.” Manila S T Storms 31/26 S T Storms 32/26 Moscow S Showers 22/13 P Cloudy 24/13 But, fi xing others is not something collecting rent from a tenant, just Janie works at a large medical center New Delhi Sunny 41/27 Sunny 40/27 you can do. say, “I need at least half of the rent by in Virginia.”We have to each manage zJudi Light Hopson is the executive New York S T Storms 22/15 M Sunny 30/19 Life simply doesn’t work that way. Tuesday. ourselves in relation to other people. director of the stress management Paris P Cloudy 18/08 P Cloudy 21/11 What does work is fi guring how to Otherwise, you have 10 days to We keep the control buttons when website USA Wellness Cafe Sao Paulo S Showers 17/11 P Cloudy 21/12 Rain M Sunny 27/16 at www.usawellnesscafe.com Seoul 23/13 change yourself in relation to other move.” Or, tell your daughter, “I need we plan our behaviors. Singapore S T Storms 33/27 T Storms 33/27 people. you to be home by 9 on school nights.” By not pushing too many buttons, Emma Hopson is an author and a Sydney Sunny 21/09 M Sunny 21/11 This way, others won’t get on your z Figure out a win/win situation this makes fi nding control easier as nurse educator. Ted Hagen is a family Tokyo Rain 28/19 Cloudy 27/17 nerves so badly. ahead of time. well.” psychologist. Gulf Times 28 Tuesday, May 24, 2016 QATAR Seminar focus on child protection in cross-border family disputes

oha International Fam- ing into account the child’s ily Institute (Difi), a best interests. Dmember of Qatar Foun- Noor al-Malki al-Jehani, ex- dation for Education, Science ecutive director of Difi, said: and Community Development, “Qatar ratified the Convention recently co-hosted a compre- on the Rights of the Child in hensive seminar discussing the 1995. Therefore, protecting the issue of family disputes affect- well-being of the child is rec- ing children, entitled ‘Protect- ognised by the State of Qatar as ing the Best Interests of the a key issue, and guides the work Child in Cross-Border Family of its institutions in terms of Disputes.’ taking into account the child’s The seminar was held in col- best interests in all legal and laboration with Global Affairs institutional procedures. Since Canada, the Ministry of Justice the approval of the convention, in Qatar and the Hague Confer- Qatar has amended legislation ence on Private International to provide greater protection Law. for children, and established HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani honours graduates at the ceremony. It aimed to promote dialogue entities that provide services and consolidate interaction to protect them from violence, among regional government abuse and exploitation.” officials, judges, independent Najat Mahdi al-Khalaf, di- experts, and other regional au- rector of the Convention and thorities and stakeholders. International Co-operation During the seminar, par- Department of the Ministry ticipants explored the topic of of Justice in Qatar, said: “This children’s rights in cross-bor- regional seminar stems from Celebration of success der family disputes, especially the emphasis Qatar places on those that result in the illegal protecting children and fami- batch of 18 Qatar Mu- Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mah- a separate diploma from Qatar helping us achieve our vision of for Creative Leadership from transfer of children across in- lies. It is also a response to seums (QM) employees moud, and other senior repre- Museums. promoting and sustaining the Brussels. ternational borders. recommendations made by a Acelebrated success yes- sentatives from QM. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint cultural sector to the highest The programme covers arts The event aimed to provide number of governmental and terday for becoming the third The latest Qreation Generation Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani standards.” management lectures, discus- information on child protec- judicial representatives from round of graduates to complete 3 programme involved employees congratulated the graduates and Qreation Generation, initi- sions, hands-on workshops and tion agreements under the aus- 24 countries, including Qatar, Qreation Generation 3 — a from departments across QM, stated that Qatar Museums is a ated by Sheikha Al Mayassa case studies covering key issues pices of the Hague Conference which participated in the third high-level eight-month profes- including the National Museum destination employer for every- bint Hamad al-Thani in 2013, is facing cultural institutions today. on Private International Law, Malta Judicial Conference on sional development programme of Qatar, Mathaf Arab Museum of one wishing to work in the crea- overseen by QM’s Department Furthermore, leadership and how it relates to countries Cross-Frontier Family Law Is- designed to shape the future Modern Art, the Orientalist Mu- tive industries. of Education. workshops, consisting of in- in the GCC. sues, which was held in Malta arts and cultural leaders of QM, seum, Archaeology, Marketing “Our future success requires The annual Master’s level dividual work with leadership Additionally, the seminar in 2009.” Qatar and the region. and Finance. new generations of leaders with programme, covers Manage- experts, advance one’s self- examined existing alternative Representatives from the The graduation ceremony at During the ceremony, the ambitious, bold ideas as well as ment of Cultural Institutions awareness, while group discus- means of dispute resolution, Ministries of Justice in the Gulf Doha’s iconic Museum of Is- graduates, 13 of whom were the commitment and energy to and Leadership Studies cur- sions and debates probe into the such as family mediation relat- Co-operation Council (GCC) lamic Art was attended by QM Qatari, were awarded two help realise our country’s po- riculum, tailored for QM. essence of leadership effi ciency. ing to the Shariah legal system participated in the seminar, chairperson HE Sheikha Al Ma- certifi cates: one by the Cen- tential,” she said. The programme was created The two programmes com- and how it can be used to solve and it was also attended by yassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa tre for Creative Leadership, a “These successful and thriv- in consultation with interna- plement each other, revolving cross-border family disputes judges, law professors and al-Thani, special adviser to the renowned global provider of ing arts, heritage and museum tional experts, Goldsmiths Uni- around and addressing specifi c and strengthen international those concerned with family chairperson and acting CEO leadership development, and professionals are critical to versity, London and The Centre challenges and projects of QM. legal co-operation, while tak- and child protection issues.

All-new Honda Africa Twin motorbike in Qatar debut

omasco, the authorised 1,000cc parallel twin has a CRF1000L Africa Twin will distributor for Honda in 4-valve Unicam head design. It revolutionise the way we look DQatar, made the fi rst de- delivers handfuls of torque so at motorcycles and specifi cally livery of the new Honda Africa satisfying and addictive that it those with off -road capabili- Twin motorbikes recently. will tempt riders to break free ties. We are delighted to make In a statement yesterday, Do- from the tarmac at the earliest our fi rst delivery to our passion- masco said the “long-awaited opportunity.Dual spark plugs ate customers who seek the true and much-anticipated legend” per cylinder, a lightweight cam- spirit of adventure and the abil- arrived in Qatar in late April and shaft – made from the same ity to go anywhere.” they made the fi rst delivery to material proven in the Fireblade Ali al-Sulaiti, who bought two riders. – and a 270° phased crankshaft the manual version of the bike, Wrapped in a steel double- gives this bike a distinctive feel said: “Up or downhill, or off- cradle frame, the engine’s com- and character all of its own,” the road, the Africa Twin is the pact dimensions allow other statement explained. perfect companion wherever components to be mounted Greig Roff ey, head of sales and the journey takes you. I am closer to the centre of machine - marketing for Domasco Honda, thrilled that Domasco brought centralising the mass and lower- welcomed the customers at the the new Africa Twin to Qatar.” ing the centre of gravity. Honda showroom. Frank Grobler, who pur- The bike also comes with a “The Africa Twin is a bike chased the DCT (dual clutch “class-leading” 250mm ground that’s as impressive as the desert transmission) version, said: clearance for off -road excur- itself. This unique, light and ag- “It provides everything I want sions. ile combination of power and from my motorbike. I’ve se- “The much-anticipated new handling sets new standards for lected this bike as Honda is Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bikes,” he said. known for reliability and Do- meets the extraordinarily high Faisal Sharif, managing di- masco never ceases to amaze expectations set by adventure rector at Domasco, noted: “The me with their after-sales sup- riding enthusiasts. The strong legend lives on! The new Honda port services.” One of the customers with an off icial. DFI-supported fi lms corner glory at Cannes

our fi lms supported by the screen in key sections and close Semaine de la Critique’s Jury. Doha Film Institute (DFI) this year’s event with major priz- Diamond Island by French- Fhave won top honours in es, which is a strong testament to Cambodian director Davy Chou, key sections of the 69th Cannes the quality of fi lms and fi lmmak- is the fi rst narrative feature Film Festival. ing talents we have supported. from the director, and follows DFI co-fi nanced The Salesman “We are delighted that their an 18-year-old who leaves his won the Best Screenplay award talent and creativity has been village to work on the construc- for Asghar Farhadi and Best Actor recognised by the festival jury tion sites of Diamond Island, a award for Shahab Hosseini in the and want to congratulate them project for an ultra-modern par- festival’s offi cial competition. on their success. These awards adise for the rich, and a symbol DFI grantee fi lm Divines, the recognise the best in global fi lm- of tomorrow’s Cambodia. There, debut feature by Houda Ben- making and we are privileged to he reunites with his charismatic yamina scooped the coveted have played a part in bringing elder brother who went missing Camera d’Or prize at the award these amazing projects to global fi ve years earlier and introduces ceremony held yesterday, along audiences.” him to an exciting new world. with a special mention from the The Salesman is produced by Following its SACD special French fi lm screenwriters guild Memento Films Production and mention, Houda Benyamina’s (SACD) for debut fi lm in the Di- Asghar Farhadi Production, in debut feature, the French drama rectors Fortnight section. co-production with Arte France Divines, also scooped the Cam- Selected to screen in key sec- Cinema and in association with era d’Or prize. Part of the Direc- tions of the festival, the winning DFI, Memento Films Distribu- tors Fortnight sidebar, the funny, fi lms competed with the latest A scene from The Salesman. tion and Arte France. A visual from Mimosas. often suspenseful and always works from auteurs of cinema The fi lm is about Emad and emotionally involving drama is and emerging talents from across ture from Spain’s Oliver Laxe, guild. SACD also gave special Rana, a young couple forced out Hosseini (A Separation) and caravan through the Moroccan about a tough but naive teenager, the globe at the prestigious fi lm scored the Nespresso Grand mention to Divines, Houda Ben- of their apartment due to dan- Taraneh Alidoosti (About Elly). Atlas, escorting a sheikh to be Dounia, who sees getting rich or event that ran from May 11-22. Prize awarded by the Semaine de yamina’s debut fi lm in Directors gerous works on a neighbouring Farhadi won the 2012 Academy buried near his loved ones, but dying trying as her most viable In addition, DFI grantee fi lms, la Critique’s Jury at the Critics Fortnight. building and who move into a Award for Best Foreign Language the quest takes a turn when the option. Mimosas and Diamond Island Week sidebar, whilst Diamond Fatma al-Remaihi, CEO of new fl at in the centre of Tehran. Film for A Separation and the elderly and ailing sheikh dies en Her slightly more cautious won key prizes at the Critics Island by French-Cambodian the DFI, said this has truly been An incident linked to the pre- Best Actress Award at Cannes route. The sophomore feature friend, Maimouna is less imme- Week and Directors Fortnight director Davy Chou won the an exceptional year for DFI at vious tenant will dramatically 2013 for his last fi lm The Past. from Spain’s Oliver Laxe, won diately willing to embrace thug sections of the 2016 Festival. SACD Prize, which is handed out Cannes. “We started the festi- change their life. Mimosas, a mountain odyssey the Nespresso Grand Prize at life, but is easily swept along for Mimosas, the sophomore fea- by the French fi lm screenwriters’ val with seven fi lms selected to The Salesman stars Shahab with mystical elements follows a the Critics week, awarded by the the ride.