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Qatargas delivers QSL: Al Gharafa first LNG cargo to secure top Pavilion Gas four finish

Monday 9 April 2018 | 23 Rajab I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7491 | 2 Riyals Freedom to use data with Bill Protection! Terms & conditions apply

Qatar calls for urgent Qatari team’s US international probe into Syria chemical tour promotes weapons use QNA economic ties DOHA: The State of Qatar strongly condemned the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian The exhibition a great opportunity regime in the eastern city of to introduce Qatari heritage and Douma, calling for an urgent international investigation and development in Miami. bringing the war criminals in Syria to international justice. Qatar Exchange to hold a series of The Foreign Ministry said meetings with US stock exchanges and in a statement yesterday, that the State of Qatar’s feeling of buyers of major investment funds. deep shock at this horrific Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with the Chair crime that shook the con- of the Human Rights Committee of the European Parliament, Antonio Panzeri, yesterday. They reviewed science of humanity and Miami City looking to establish strong cooperation between the State of Qatar and the European Union and ways to strengthen them, especially partnerships with Doha. stressed the impunity of war in the field of human rights. They also discussed the current challenges facing the region. criminals in Syria has led to their continued perpetration of further violations and THE PENINSULA exhibition associated with Top European rights official hails atrocities and undermined Qatar’s ongoing economic tour efforts to achieve justice and DOHA: Qatar’s economic tour in the United States, which redress for the victims. in the United States, which was held in Miami, Florida Qatar’s reforms in human rights It stressed that any political includes four states, is the right over two days, highlighted the solution in Syria will not lead to a THE PENINSULA step towards further promoting importance of the exhibition has been achieved and what will promotion of human rights. successful and sustainable the economic relations and in reaching to the local com- be done in the future, allowing Meanwhile, the Chair of the outcome without punishing those establishing partnerships munities in the American DOHA: Chair of the Human the possibility of complaints and Human Rights Committee of the who are involved in the com- between the Qatari and US cities. Rights Committee of the grievances to be presented to European Parliament noted that mission of these terrible crimes. It business communities, said The exhibition highlighted European Parliament, Antonio the courts, “ Panzeri said at a his visit to Qatar enabled him to described the silence as a stain on Rashid Al Mansouri, CEO of the heritage and culture of Panzeri, has praised the reforms press conference yesterday. listen directly to the victims of the forehead of humanity. Qatar Exchange. Qatar and its leading economic made by the State of Qatar in “We encourage Qatar to con- the siege and to the testimonies Syrian activist groups said Al Mansouri noted that position in the region, QNA the promotion of human rights, tinue these reforms and we very of those affected by it. yesterday that a suspected there is cooperation and coor- reported. stressing that this approach will much welcome the partnership Panzeri stressed that the policy chemical attack by the Syrian dination between Qatar Al Mansouri noted that the strengthen the position of the agreement between the Ministry of the siege, whatever its causes and regime on the city of Douma Exchange and US stock confidence in the Qatari State in any forum on human of Administrative Development, types, has its negative impacts on have killed at least 70 people, exchanges and financial insti- economy has positively rights at the international level. Labor and Social Affairs and the people and affect human rights, The White Helmets tutions, adding that a series of reflected on Qatar Exchange, “During our visit to the State International Labor Organization, therefore it is incumbent to expose posted on their official twitter meetings will be held with US highlighting the significance of of Qatar at the invitation of the which is positive,” Panzeri added. the destructive effects of any vio- account images of the city stock exchanges and buyers of the current economic tour in National Human Rights Com- Panzeri also welcomed lations of these rights to the public and its people in the wake of major investment funds in the this regard. mittee, we have seen positive Qatar’s accession to several opinion. the attack. United States. developments in the field of international conventions Participants in the →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 human rights in terms of what related to the protection and →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 →SEE ALSO PAGE 8&9 02 HOME MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018

Al Rumaihi, University of Arizona team talk plans

Speaker of the Advisory Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud with a delegation Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi met with a from the Italian Republic, yesterday. delegation from the University of Arizona, US, in his office yesterday. They discussed ways to enhance the cooperation between the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and the University of Arizona to provide training for the employees of the Ministry and conduct scientific research for the Ministry Qatar-Italy talks to specially in the area of food safety and food security. Al Hammadi meets Vice-Minister of Panama develop ties further Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr Ahmed bin THE PENINSULA discussed a number of issues of of Qatar in different fields. They Hassan Al Hammadi met joint interest. also highlighted their support yesterday with Vice-Minister DOHA: Speaker of the Advisory The Speaker of the Advisory to all diplomatic efforts aiming of Multilateral Affairs of Council H E Ahmed bin Council discussed the economic to resolve the GCC crisis the Ministry of Foreign Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud and legislative developments through dialogue, in order to Affairs of Panama, Maria met with a delegation from the of the State of Qatar under the see a return to harmony and Luisa Navaro. The meeting Italian Republic that included leadership of Emir H H Sheikh agreement in the region. They discussed bilateral relations Senior Director of European Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. added that they look forward and ways of supporting and Affairs at The Aspen Institute, The Speaker also discussed to developing Qatari-Italian ties developing them, in addition Dr Marta Dassu, and Adviser of the unjust blockade enforced further in the future. to discussing issues of joint the Italian Prime Minister, on the country and how it rep- The meeting was attended interest. Franco Bassanini. resents a violation to interna- by members of the Advisory They discussed bilateral tional law and good Council, Saqr bin Fahd Saqr Al relations and the means to neighbourliness. Muraikhi and Mohammed bin enhance them in different The Italian delegation for Ali Al Henzab, as well as Italy’s fields, particularly parlia- their part praised the develop- Ambassador to Qatar, Pasquale mentary ones. They also mental renaissance of the State Salzano. 1,932 new firms registered in March

THE PENINSULA NHRC chief, Italian official list of the most registered activ- goods ranked third by 12 ities with 5,951 registrations in percent, electrical and electronic DOHA: A total of 1,932 new this sector, in addition to 1,011 equipment and accessories explore cooperation companies were registered in for commercial activities on gro- came fourth by 10 percent and THE PENIINSULA March 2018, said the Ministry of ceries and supplying. The Min- restaurants, cafeterias and ice Economy and Commerce. istry also issued 1,073 trade reg- cream shops came fifth with 8 According to the Ministry’s isters for trading in public goods, percent. As for the transactions DOHA: Chairman of the National Business Progress Report on the and 1,629 others for con- conducted in the external Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Commerce Sector for March struction materials trading. branches of the ministry during H E Dr. Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri 2018, the number of new major According to the report, the March, there were 35,215 met here yesterday with Adviser business records reached 1,525, number of commercial licenses transactions. of the Italian Prime Minister while the number of new sub- issued, modified or renewed In the field of Intellectual Franco Bassanini. registries reached 407 records. during December was 7,811, the Property Rights, the report During the meeting, they dis- Limited liability companies number of licenses issued by the pointed out that the number of cussed means of cooperation on accounted for 62 percent of the Ministry reached 1,498 licenses, new patent applications last issues of mutual concern and acti- major business registers, while while 869 licenses were March reached 52 applications, vating mechanisms for exchanging the category of single owner amended, and 5,444 licenses and 239 patent applications experiences and expertise in limited liability companies in were renewed. have been renewed. human rights issues. second place with 26 percent, For the number of com- The number of trademark The meeting was attended by and the individual institution panies closed during last March, applications registered last Italian Ambassador to the State of came in third place with 11 construction companies topped month was 22, in addition to 46 Qatar Pasquale Salzano and percent, reported QNA. 50 percent, the trade in building certificates issued in the field of NHRC Chairman H E Dr Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri with the Adviser former Vice President of the During last month, con- materials came second by 20 copyright and neighbouring of the Italian Prime Minister, Franco Bassanini, yesterday Italian Senate Linda Lanzillotta. struction companies topped the percent, the trade of public rights.

Top European rights official hails Qatar’s reforms in human rights Motorists urged to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Rights Committee, officials of other con- Human Rights Committee and the Committee a stronger voice within the remove stickers Panzeri said that he will convey the cerned parties in the State and those European Parliament, Panzeri said that European Parliament. He also revealed outcome of the discussions held during concerned with the preparations for both sides agreed on a consultative that a delegation of the Qatari-European from vehicles his visit to Doha, including the reper- hosting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, agreement that allows the exchange of Parliamentary Friendship Association cussions of the siege, to the European as well as representatives of the com- information and ideas and the use of will visit Doha soon to discuss such THE PENINSULA Parliament, which is very interested in munities residing in Qatar, describing data, in order to advance work and con- issues. Panzeri stressed that human all matters related to human rights, all these meetings as important, useful tinue the path of reforms, which will rights were a related chain, that eve- noting that the impacts of the siege are and positive. He also highlighted the serve the interests of both sides. ryone should exercise freely. In DOHA: The General Directorate of Traffic obvious, and will be discussed by the Committee’s “A” rating by the United In this regard, he expected to hold response to a question in this regard, he has asked motorists to remove stickers from European Parliament. Nations for its credibility, which reflects a joint hearing in the European Par- underlined that the right to perform rear windshields or side windows of vehicles Chair of the Human Rights Com- the importance of its role in the field of liament and possibly before the month Umrah and Hajj is a basic human right which “block or hinder” the visibility. mittee of the European Parliament human rights. of Ramadan, with the Chairman of the and that the victims should uphold their “Pasting of these stickers is the violation Antonio Panzeri praised his discussions In order to deepen cooperation and National Human Rights Committee, to rights and claim them even if political of traffic law and we have passed directions with officials of the National Human consultation between the National discuss a range of issues and give the solutions were reached. to people for their removal. Also we have dis- patched directions to shops in this regard,” a source at the General Directorate of Traffic told The Peninsula. Replying to a question whether the Lekhwiya to host new technologies and logistics meet department would impose penalties on shops which would continue providing such service THE PENINSULA Tunisia, Palestine, Ukraine, Argentine, acronym for France-Italie-Espagne- commissions. The Senior Council of to the customers, he said, “the one who is Chile, Brazil and Djibouti. Portugal / France-Italy-Spain-Portugal, directors/ commanding generals defines responsible for the act is the owner of the DOHA: Lekhwiya force will host The meeting will discuss the which are the first four “historical” the general policy and programme for vehicle himself because they can buy the tomorrow the regular meeting for New expertise in combating terrorist oper- members), founded in 1994, and com- each commitment undertaken by the stickers from the shops and paste them on Technologies and Logistics Commission ations from a logistic and information prised the French National Gendar- association. The presidency of the asso- the cars themselves.” of International Association of Gendar- system’s aspect. It will also promote merie, the Italian Carabinieri Corps and ciation is appointed annually by rotation For public transport vehicles, the drivers meries and Police Forces with Military capacities, information and expertise the Spanish Civil Guard. It was quickly among the directors/commanding gen- have been directed to remove the stickers Status (FIEP). The three-day meeting exchange in the security field. joined by the Portuguese National erals. FIEP’s technical commissions because it is violation of traffic law number will be attended by representatives from Qatar had joined FIEP in 2013 based Republican Guard in 1996, then later follow up the work of the association 24. Many youngsters are keen to decorate the 17 member states which are Qatar, on the recommendation of the French expanded by a number of forces from and prepare the regulations and pro- their cars with stickers, some of them express France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Holland, gendarmerie force and welcomed by countries. The FIEP is organised around posals presented during the annual loyalty to the nation while others are in forms Portugal, Romania, Jordan, Morocco, member states. The FIEP (French a Senior Council and four technical meetings of the Senior Council. of flags or pictures of sports celebrities. MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 HOME 03 SC hosts roadshow in Miami on 2022 World Cup plans

THE PENINSULA The SC booth consists of six scale models of DOHA: The Supreme Committee Qatar’s eye-catching for Delivery & Legacy (SC), has begun a two-day roadshow at proposed 2022 FIFA Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida, World Cup stadiums to educate and excite locals, and interactive video football fans and regional media panels explaining the about Qatar’s plans for the tour- nament. inspiration and design The SC booth consists of six of each venue. scale models of Qatar’s eye- catching proposed 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums and inter- expect in 2022. The response has active video panels explaining been fantastic, with families, the inspiration and design of football fans and passers-by all each venue. showing lots of interest. I’m Over 500 fans and media confident that the work we’re Football enthusiasts taking part in the SC roadshow at Bayfront Park in Miami. attended on the first day alone, doing here will pay-off in 2022, asking questions of the SC when I hope to see a strong representatives to learn more contingent of Miami fans visiting various forms of entertainment and Commerce with support fans across the Eastern US about because the city has a long about the first FIFA World Cup Qatar.” to attendees. Meanwhile, football from Qatar Chamber, the the first FIFA World Cup to ever history of football passion, as in the Middle East and expressing In addition to the SC booth, freestylers wowed audiences Qatar-US Business Association take place in the Middle East and demonstrated by the joint amazement at the plans. cultural organisations and with impressive displays of and the US Chamber of only the second in Asia. US US-Canadian-Mexican bid for Mohammed Qassem Al businesses from across Qatar set football skill on a mini-football Commerce. football fans have a strong the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Emadi, Commercial Assurance up stalls around the park to pitch, teaching children present The Roadshow will stop in heritage of visiting FIFA World has chosen Miami as a potential Manager at the SC, who led the provide a broader insight into a range of tricks to show off to four US cities, beginning with Cup tournaments, with US fans host city for the tournament. SC delegation, said: “Miami is a everything Qatar has to offer their friends. Miami, Florida, followed by applying for over 87,000 tickets David Beckham, the former football-mad city, so we set out residents and visitors. Qatar The roadshow forms the Washington, D.C., Charleston, to the 2018 FIFA World Cup England, Manchester United and to educate local fans about Airways, Qatar Foundation, the second part of the SC’s South Carolina, and finally Russia despite the US national Real Madrid player, is also Qatar’s World Cup hosting plans Qatar Investment Authority, involvement in a month-long Raleigh, North Carolina. team failing to qualify. looking to launch a new Major to get them excited about the Doha Film Institute and even a business tour of the US being led The SC will participate in Miami was chosen as the League Soccer (MLS) team in the unique experience they can replica Souq Waqif all offered by Qatar’s Ministry of Economy each city stop, educating football first stop on the SC roadshow city by 2020.

QOC marks International Qatari team’s US tour promotes economic ties

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Day of Sport for The Mayor of Miami said that gateway for many countries to Doha Film Institute talked about He said that Qatar Exchange Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin enter the US and global market. the activities of the pavilion at the Development and Peace is currently focusing on the local Hamad Al Thani has honoured the The Mayor noted that Miami exhibition which represents eve- market, attracting the largest city by attending personally in is currently focusing on the con- rything related to the film industry number of listings during the next conjunction with the economic struction and real estate sector, sector in Qatar and aspects of QNA Dean of Faculty five years, providing more tour, pointing that H H could aiming at developing a new cooperation with the United States of Education in products to investors, attracting choose any city in the United system that attracts more com- in this regard. DOHA: The Qatar Olympic Qatar University, Dr capitals and working with regu- States to visit but he chose to panies and investors from around Meanwhile, Mohammed Committee (QOC) yesterday lators to provide laws and regu- honour Miami. the world. Qassim Al Emadi, representative organised a seminar on “The Ahmed Al Emadi, lations that keep pace with this Mayor Suarez further noted For his part, Ashraf Abu Issa, of the Supreme Committee for Positive Impact of Sport on discussed the role of stage. that H H the Emir’s visit con- a businessman, praised the organ- Delivery and Legacy, said that the Society” to mark the Interna- sport in promoting Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al tributes to strengthening the ization of the exhibition and the participation of the Committee in tional Day of Sport for Devel- development, peace Thani, Chairman of Qatari Busi- Qatari-US relations in various well selected location, as well as the event contributes to represent opment and Peace. nessmen Association, said that the fields. Miami government’s support for a detailed explanation of the Com- In the seminar attended by as well as sport as a exhibition represents a unique The Mayor of Miami said that the exhibition by attending the mittee’s vision and initiatives, Secretary-General of QOC human right and its event that drew the attention of the city looks forward to estab- opening. which include the stadiums of the Jassim Al Buenain, speakers role in community the American people through a lishing strong partnerships with He stressed importance of the World Cup. Six stadiums were were Dean of Faculty of Edu- health. number of new shows and events, Doha in various fields, especially exhibition in strengthening the shown in the exhibition. cation in Qatar University, Dr such as the cinema which in the technology sector and the relations between Qatar and the Al Emadi added that the Com- Ahmed Al Emadi; Head of attracted many people, as well as exchange of experiences. He United States, as it educates Amer- mittee’s pavilion received a big Sports development for exercise such as Al-Furjan the distinguished young people noted that he had seen a video icans about Qatar and about the turnout particularly through the department in Qatar Olympic fields and the Olympic gardens. who are involved in these events about Qatar in the pavilion of the Qatari-US rapprochement, which video presentations. The Com- Academy, Dr Ali Al Bakri; Mead Al Emadi highlighted from various institutions in the Supreme Committee for Delivery creates future partnerships mittee also presented its initia- Director of Sports Affairs the ‘Generation Amazing’ pro- State. He noted that the attendees and Legacy, showing the devel- between businessmen and the tives, including Challenge 22, the Department of the QOC, Khalil gramme sponsored by SC in a a closer look at Qatar and learned opment of Doha which has private sectors in both Generation Amazing and the Al Jabir, and the Corporate number of countries such as about Qatar’s culture and inspired him and made him even countries. Josoor Institute. Al Emadi noted Social Responsibility Local & Pakistan, Lebanon, India, Nepal heritage. wondered if there was a nicer city From the Exhibition, Director that all these initiatives confirm Regional Manager in the and others, shedding light on Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin than Miami. of Public Relations and Commu- that the organisation of the 2022 Supreme Committee for the great role played by the Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman He highlighted many similar- nication at the Ministry of World Cup is not only for Qatar, Delivery and Legacy (SC) Mead program in disseminating sport of Qatar Chamber hailed the ities between the two cities, and Economy and Commerce Tariq but also for the Arab World and Al Emadi. in different communities organisation of the exhibition expressed hope to visit Doha in Abdulaziz Al Sada said that the the Middle East in particular. Dr Ahmad Al Emadi dis- through the ambassadors of the which he considered as a great order to strengthen the bilateral Ministry’s pavilion focuses on the Sheikha Aisha Hassan Al cussed the role of sport in pro- program as well as holding opportunity to introduce to Miami relations and create greater part- advantages of the Qatari economy Thani from the Marketing moting development, peace as matches and building grounds citizens the Qatari heritage and nerships in various fields. and highlights the depth of the Department at Qatar Foundation well as sport as a human right for playing football. the remarkable development in Mayor stressed that strength- strategic partnership between said that the participation of Qatar and its role in community The seminar concluded the field of education in the State, ening the partnerships between Qatar and the United States by Foundation in the Exhibition aims health, while Khalil Al Jaber, with a panel discussion on as well as the 2022 World Cup Doha and Miami is very important providing interactive infographic at highlighting its activities and its pointed to Qatar Sports Day and “Sport and its positive role in projects. because there are many commo- designs that address the funda- important role in the education the Olympic School Program development”. Mayor of the City of Miami nalities between them and it is mentals of the business envi- sector in Qatar. and talked about sport and its On August 23, 2013, the Francis Suarez said that the city very important for the world cities ronment in the State and identify She noted that the pavilion positive role in development. General Assembly of the United is proud to be the starting point to remain connected. the most prominent Qatari invest- reflects primarily the cooperation Dr Ali Al Bakri underlined Nations in Resolution 67/296 for Qatar’s Economic Tour, which He added that many countries ments in the United States, as well between Qatar and the United the importance of awareness decided to proclaim on 6 April will cover four US states to chose the city of Miami to establish as the progress of the bilateral States, noting that the Education sports in various institutions of International Day of the Sport promote economic ties and stra- economic relations and to explore relations between the two coun- City has about nine universities, the state, and the role of the for the Development and the tegic partnership between Qatar investment opportunities, noting tries in various fields. including six American government in providing places Peace. and the United States. that the city has become a Abdullah Al Musallam of the universities. Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Company announces Dream Car Contest winners THE PENINSULA importance of having a dream. School; Varsha Stalin, DPS Toyota Dream Car Art Modern Indian School; and DOHA: Abdullah Abdulghani & Contest invites children from all Ahaan Gupta,DPS Modern Bros Company organised the corners of the globe to share Indian School were the winners National Dream Car Contest ideas about the future of in the Under 8-years old aiming at developing children’s mobility by drawing their dream category. creative abilities and to motivate cars which may enable one of In the 8-11 years category, them to express their talent in the talented children in Qatar to the winners are Keerthana Jay- drawing their dream cars. visit Japan. achandran, Rajagiri Public It was an an attempt by In order to offer an ample School; Sanjeena Banerjee, Birla Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. opportunity for children to par- Public School; and Krishna (Toyota) to discover the hidden ticipate in this contest, Abdullah Ashok, MES Indian School. potential and to unveil their Abdulghani & Bros. (Toyota) col- Marilyn Judith Rego, DPS imagination for future cars. laborated with more than 60 Modern Indian School; Siddhi Since 2004, Toyota Dream schools to participate in the Prasad, DPS Modern Indian Car Art Contest has been con- contest where students draw School; and Jasim Manzoor The winners with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Company officials. ducted as part of Toyota Motor their dream cars inside their Muldad, IDEAL Indian School Corporation Japan’s social schools. It is worth noting that are the winners in 12-15 years contribution initiatives. It the winner of this year’s contest old category. AAB was awarded the Toyota business practices and ethics – a AAB has grown to be one of gives children throughout the be determined through collab- Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Dealership. As one of the fore- reputation earned through Qatar’s leading automobile com- world an opportunity to oration of Judges. Co. W.L.L. (AAB) was established runners of successful businesses honesty, integrity and impeccable panies with operations spanning develop an interest in cars and The winners: Under 8 years in 1958 as part of Qatar’s infra- in Qatar, AAB has established a relationship with its customers, heavy equipment, pre-owned helps them feel the joy and old; Krishna Mahesh,MES Indian structure development. In 1964, name for itself with sound business partners and employees. vehicles, rental and leasing. 04 HOME MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 Push for local products: ‘Qatari Potatoes Festival’ launched

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH The festival at Lulu local farmland and climate are THE PENINSULA Hypermarkets in favourable to produce potatoes. Al Gharrafa is part Regarding the demands of DOHA: To promote local agricul- local potatoes, Al Kaldi said that tural products, the Ministry of of a programme Qatari potatoes are giving tough Municipality and Environment of the Ministry of competition to the imported ones represented by the Agricultural Municipality and in term of quality and prices. Affairs Department yesterday The production of potatoes at launched ‘Qatari Potatoes Festival’ Environment to the farms of Arab Qatari Agricul- at Lulu Hypermarkets at Al provide platforms tural Production Company (QTFA) Gharrafa. to local farmers to reached 2.5 tonnes in a day, said The three-day event of the market their products Al Nubi Salem Al Marri, Director exclusive product launch of Qatari General of QTFA. potatoes being organised by the at major shopping Speaking on the quality of Ministry of Municipality and Envi- complexes. Qatari potatoes, Al Marri said that ronment in collaboration with local products are better than Arab Qatari Agricultural Pro- various varieties of imported Adil Al Kaldi, Assistant Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality duction Company (QTFA) to increase the products in a bid to potatoes. He said that the expe- and Environment, Al Nubi Salem Al Marri, Director General of QTFA, Ali Ahmad Saad Al Kaabi, owner provide all-time-high demand achieve self-sufficiency in agricul- rience of QTFA in producing of Global Farm for Agricultural Supplies and Mohamed Althaf, Director of Lulu Group International at vegetable, potatoes, to the con- tural production, said Adil Al Kaldi, potatoes is encouraging other the launch of Qatari Pototoes Festival at Lulu Hypermarkets at Al Gharrafa, yesterday. sumers at competitive prices. Assistant Director of the Agricul- farmers to produce potatoes as this The festival is part of a pro- tural Affairs Department at the vegetable was not earlier on the production is not expensive as it Mohamad Rashid Al Hashmi, months,” said Al Hashmi. gramme of the Ministry to provide Ministry. priority list of Qatari farms. required less work force. Manager of Lulu Hyper Market, Regarding the local potatoes, platforms to local farmers to Speaking to the media on the Regarding the harvest, Al Local agricultural products Al Gharrafa branch. “We Al Hashmi said that Lulu Hyper- market their products at major sideline of the event, Al Kaldi said Marri said that the company pro- are on high demand at Lulu received 676 tonnes farm fresh markets offered three tonnes of shopping complexes. The festival that so far four local farms are pro- duced about 20 to 30 tonnes of Hypermarkets as currently the local vegetables including Qatari potatoes at competitive is being organised within the ini- ducing potatoes and some more potatoes in a hector that is an share of local agricultural tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbages, prices, which is attracting pretty tiatives launched by the Ministry farms are intended to begin pro- average compared to other coun- products at the market increased egg plants and capsicums among good number of customers due to support to local farms to ducing potatoes. He said that the tries of the world. He noted potato to about 75 percent, said many others during past two to better quality.

Unattended QA to add two more cars at HIA to 59 violations be towed away daily flights to Muscat THE PENINSULA spotted at

DOHA: Hamad International THE PENINSULA more daily frequencies to served by an Airbus A320, fea- Airport (HIA) has announced shops in March Muscat, one of our most sought- turing 12 seats in Business Class that unattended vehicles DOHA: Qatar Airways after destinations. These new and 132 seats in Economy Class. parked in front of the airport THE PENINSULA announced that it will add two services, coinciding perfectly This new frequency will be sus- will be towed away. This country with the aim of con- additional daily frequencies to with the arrival of the summer pended during the holy month came into effect from trolling prices and detecting Muscat, Oman’s largest city and holidays, will provide pas- of Ramadan from May 16, 2018 yesterday. The move comes DOHA: The inspection violations to protect consumer capital, commencing April 10 sengers even greater flexibility until June 15, 2018 and will in coordination with Ministry campaign held by representa- rights and June 15. The additional and convenience in connecting resume following the Eid of Interior (MoI). tives from the Ministry of The penalties included frequencies will take the award- to one of the many destinations holiday. The seventh additional Many people tend to leave Economy and Commerce in administrative closure and winning airline’s daily services on our rapidly-expanding global frequency commencing June 15 their car in front of the March to monitor the financial fines which vary to Muscat to seven, and will network. They will also enable will also be served by an A320 departure and arrival ter- compliance of the shops between QR5,000 and meet the increased demand of more people to experience the aircraft. minals causing inconvenience resulted in spotting 59 viola- QR30,000 according to the tourists visiting Oman, as well delights of Muscat. We look Qatar’s national carrier first to other travellers. HIA has tions ranging from non- laws and decisions governing as that of transit travellers flying forward to bringing more vis- began services to the Sultanate also urged people to not invoicing in Arabic, failing to the work of consumer pro- via Doha to the Far East. itors to Oman, and connecting of Oman in 2000. In 2013, exceed the stay limit of 10 advertise about prices, products tection departments, reported A highly in-demand desti- more Omanis to the world.” Salalah was added to the air- minutes in front of the and services. QNA. nation for both tourists and The two additional fre- line’s expanding network as the terminal. The inspection also found The ministry confirmed it business travellers alike, Muscat quencies will take the airline’s second destination, followed by “To maintain the safety violations that included setting will be firm against all those is known as a cultural treasure number of weekly flights to Sohar in 2017. and security of our premises. sales without obtaining negligent and not complying trove, with many lively souqs Oman to 70 weekly, including Passengers transiting We ask our customers to required approvals, failing to with the consumer protection offering a traditional Arabian 14 flights to Salalah and seven through the award-winning never leave vehicles unat- clearly show service infor- law and its executive shopping experience. flights to Sohar. Hamad International Airport tended and to not exceed the mation, features and specialties, regulations. Muscat is also home to The additional frequencies (HIA) can take advantage of the stay limit of 10 minutes,” HIA failing to commit to prices of It also confirmed it will several magnificent must-visit will also provide passengers many services available, said on their social media vegetables and fruits bulletin, intensify its inspection cam- landmarks, including Sultan increased connectivity to in- including free Wi-Fi, an airside account. displaying products that do not paigns to control such practices Qaboos Grand Mosque, Al Jalai demand destinations such as swimming pool and children’s HIA boasts of huge comply to the announced and and refer all violators to the Fort, Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace Bangkok, London, Manila, Bali, play areas. They can also dine parking facilities and people approved standard concerned entities to take the and the Royal Opera House Istanbul, Colombo, Phuket, in one of Qatar Duty Free’s accompanying the passengers specifications. appropriate measures against Muscat. Kolkata, Jakarta, and Chennai, (QDF) extensive selection of res- or those who have come to The inspections are part of them to protect the consumer. Qatar Airways Group Chief to name just a few. taurants and cafés, or shop in receive someone can use this the ministry’s keenness to reg- The ministry called on all con- Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: The additional frequency QDF’s wide selection of luxu- instead of leaving their car in ulate and monitor the markets sumers to report any violations “We are delighted to offer two commencing April 10 will be rious boutiques. front of the terminal. and commercial activities in the to the ministry. Qalam Hebr to provide creative platform for ambitious writers

THE PENINSULA and TV personality, Mohamed Al DOHA: Qalam Hebr for Creative Writing, a Hamadi. The activ- private company founded by two Qatari ities included a book writers Buthaina Al Janahi and Kummam Al discussion on the Maadeed, launched its events, recently, with poetry, “I decided to a symposium of local talents at the Fire love you again” with Station – Artist in Residence building. the poet Nasser Al The symposium’s activities started with Wobair, followed by a musical performance by flute musician a poetry reciting Yassin Al Ayary and Zither musician Tawfiq session by the poet Merkhan. In addition, a panel discussion that was accom- Qalam Hebr founders, Buthaina Al Janahi and Kummam Al about “The Writing Experience and its Chal- panied by Oud per- Maadeed, at the event. lenges” was conducted with authors, Dr Amir formance by Tag Elsir, Aisha Al Kuwari and Abdulla musician Emad Al Fakhro. The panel was moderated by writer Eragi. The discussion was moderated by TV need for an innovative platform that allows personality, Mohammed Al writers and aspiring people to share expe- Shahrani. An exhibition of local riences that will help build a society that is businesses was also accompanied interested not only in reading, but in the activities. The businesses expressing and providing the opportunity to included, Dar Haa Gift Shop, Dar unleash their intellectual creativity in various Roza for Publishing, Rwaq books forms. This flagship platform is an integral subscription box, Samarkand for part of keeping up with the vision of our books distribution, Al-Sindan store beloved country Qatar in building a and “Basmat Thabat” show area. knowledge-based society.” The symposium also highlighted Qalam Hebr for Creative Writing aims various artworks of artist, Albul- to provide a creative platform for ambitious hamed Al Sediqi. Buthaina Al Janahi, writers to help refine their skills and co-founder of Qalam Hebr, said: exchange their experiences in an innovative “One of the main reasons behind the and exceptional environment through a establishment of this company is the variety of a year-round activities. MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 HOME 05 06 HOME MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 HMC Sealine Medical Clinic treats 681 patients

THE PENINSULA HMC concluded HMC concluded activities at and popular camping areas, at activities at its Sealine its Sealine Medical Clinic recently the same site as the last three DOHA: Hamad Medical Corpo- as the camping season comes to years. The location was chosen ration (HMC)’s Sealine Medical Medical Clinic recently a close. This is the eighth con- to facilitate easier access for res- Clinic has seen a total of 681 as the camping secutive year the healthcare idents and visitors. The clinic, patients (633 adults and 48 season comes to organization has operated the which operated every weekend children) during the camping clinic, which began receiving during the camping season. season. Among them thirteen a close. This is the patients in November. The Sealine Medical Clinic patients were transferred to the eighth consecutive Ali Abdullah Al Khater, Chief was supported by HMC’s Ambu- Emergency Department at year the healthcare Communications Officer at HMC lance Service, which continued Hamad General Hospital by organization has and Chair of the Healthcare to provide campers with round- ambulance for additional Communications Committee, the-clock access to a team of treatment, says a senior official. operated the clinic, said HMC operates the clinic paramedics and well-equipped Dr Hamid Ghareeb, Con- which began receiving each year to ensure medical ambulance vehicles. This year sultant at HMC’s Medical Admin- patients in November. services, and specifically emer- the Ambulance Service added istration Department and gency medical services, are two ambulances and two 4x4 Medical Supervisor of the Sealine available for residents during the emergency vehicles to its oper- The Sealine Medical Clinic was supported by HMC’s Ambulance Medical Clinic, also said that the receiving treatment for wounds, busy camping season. ation in the area. During public Service. clinic patients were treated for burns, intestinal infections, and Al Khater, who is also Project holidays and weekends, the a variety of complaints and ail- asthma. Thirteen cases involved Manager for the Sealine Medical number of ambulances onsite ments, with 493 cases involving severe medical conditions, such Center, said the annual operation best possible healthcare to rounding areas. was increased to six and the fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, as accidents, bone fractures, and of the clinic reinforces HMC’s campers in the Sealine, Khor Al The Sealine Medical Clinic, number of 4x4 emergency and cough, and 175 patients heart attacks. commitment to providing the Adaid (Inland Sea), and sur- was located close to the seashore vehicles was increased to four.

QNL to exhibit best known Arab, German tales QF schools to showcase

THE PENINSULA The Qatar National Library, which After this early revision, projects during officially opens to the public on April different versions of the story DOHA:The Arab and German evolved over the centuries, Heritage Day event Tales exhibition at Qatar 17, features a selection of ancient most notably in Syria and National Library (QNL), a papyri, rare manuscripts, printed books, Egypt. Ironically, though, some THE PENINSULA Student Initiative, and Best member of Qatar Foundation of the most familiar of the School Initiative. Addi- (QF), which opens to the public illustrations and other historical items Nights tales, such as Aladdin DOHA: Students from Qatar tionally, as part of the Al on April 17, will trace how some from the Ägyptisches Museum und and the Magic Lamp and Ali Foundation (QF) schools will Munshid Competition, stu- of the best known tales from Baba and the Forty Thieves, showcase their projects dents will recite poems to the both Arab and German — and Papyrussammlung, the Staatsbibliothek were introduced by a relating to the National audience, and the top three wider Western — cultures Berlin (Berlin State Library), QNL’s Heritage Frenchman, Antoine Galland, Programs, which include performances will be developed from common roots, Library and items loaned by other German who integrated Syrian tales Islamic Studies, Qatari awarded. PUE will also splitting over the centuries to into his translation of the History, Arabic Language, welcome representatives reflect the societies that adopted lenders. Nights. Galland’s translation and Qatari Heritage on April from a number of private and them. took Europe by storm, leading 18 and 19. public organizations that will The exhibition is a joint to more adaptations and The program is unique to take part in the many of the enterprise between QNL, the which these different people “Who knows that an ele- inspiring related works in the QF schools. Pre-University activities planned during Ägyptisches Museum und Papy- interacted with one another phant ran through the Carol- West. Education’s (PUE’s) Academic NPHD 2018. russammlung (Egyptian Museum through trade and travel, and ingian city of Aachen as early The exhibition also features Affairs, part of QF, will bring Abeer Al Khalifa, Aca- and Papyrus Collection), how, in turn, they adopted and as 806? It was brought from some of the earliest recorded together students to deliver demic Affairs’ Executive Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, and adapted each other’s stories,” Baghdad to Karl the Great, the tales, written on ancient performances and research Director, PUE, QF, said, “We the Arab-German Young says Dr Sohair Wastawy, Exec- founder of Europe, as a diplo- Egyptian papyri and in poetry. projects during its annual are delighted to host this Academy of Sciences and utive Director, QNL. matic gift from Harun al- The medieval period is repre- National Programs and Her- important event for our stu- Humanities. In particular, two of the Rashid, Chaliph of the Arab sented by manuscripts from itage Day (NPHD) event, held dents, their families, and the The exhibition features a most famous sets of tales high- Abbasid Empire. This was a Syria telling stories of the in line with PUE’s vision of wider community. QF selection of ancient papyri, rare lighted in the exhibition reflect century from which the oldest Prophet Muhammad (peace be ‘Leading Learning’. schools, while adopting inter- manuscripts, printed books, the changing nature of stories Arabic version of One upon him) and the Seven Schools participating in national educational pro- illustrations, and other his- in both Arabia and the West. Thousand and One Nights Sleepers. These manuscripts the event, which will be held grams, carefully nurture their torical items from the Ägyp- One Thousand and One Nights, dates, stories that were trans- reflect the interactions between at the Education City Student National Programs. Pre-Uni- tisches Museum und Papyrus- with its classic frame narrative lated in Europe and later deci- Germany and the Arab World, Center, include Qatar versity Education has further sammlung, the Staatsbibliothek of Scheherazade telling a new sively influenced the Brothers including travel narratives and Academy Doha, Qatar pioneered the Heritage Berlin (Berlin State Library), story night after night to stave Grimm in writing their fairy translations of German tales into Academy Al Khor, Qatar Program within its primary QNL’s Heritage Library, as well off execution, synthesizes tales. These are just a few Arabic and Arabic tales into Academy Wakra, Qatar and secondary schools and as items loaned by other Indian, Persian, Iraqi, Syrian, examples. This circle could German. Academy Sidra, Qatar supported it with a variety of German lenders. and Egyptian tales. These hardly be more international,” The exhibition concludes Academy Msheireb, Qatar electronic educational “This exhibition draws from emerged in Arabic in Baghdad says Professor Verena Lepper, with modern tales and forms Leadership Academy, and resources. In addition, the the rich storytelling traditions of before the 9th century, trans- Curator of the Exhibition and of storytelling in Qatar and Awsaj Academy. stories included in the cur- a number of cultures, ranging lated from Persian, with Arabic Curator for Egyptian and Ori- Germany, inspired by the Awards will be presented riculum have been developed from Western Europe and North Muslim names and locations ental Papyri and Manuscripts Arabian Nights and the fairy in the following areas: Best into animated videos for our Africa to Arabia, India, and replacing Persian ones in many at the Papyrus Collection in stories of the Brothers Theatrical Performance, Best schools’ use.” Persia. We can see the ways in cases. Berlin. Grimm.

PHCC holds QCDC Career Village begins today workshops on THE PENINSULA healthy lifestyle DOHA: Qatar Career Devel- opment Center (QCDC), a THE PENINSULA member of Qatar Foundation (QF), will begin its Career DOHA: The Primary Health Village event for high school Care Corporation (PHCC), repre- students today at the Education sented by the Wellness and Awareness campaign as part of healthy lifestyle. City Student Center. The three- Health promotion Program, day event welcomes students organised recently an awareness it to a sports program educating information in the field of health from schools across Qatar, with campaign on the importance of the community about the safety, so as to keep up with the the first day dedicated to male balanced health food and importance of eating balanced latest scientific evidence and students from public schools. exercise and their impact on the meals and their implications for modern technology for imple- The second day will be dedi- health of the individual. The the health of the individual. menting distinctive health cated to female students, while campaign targeted all The campaign is held in line vision. private school students will be community, citizens and resi- with the efforts of the PHCC to The objective of this cam- welcomed on the third day. dents. raise the level of health paign is to reduce obesity rates QCDC’s Career Village will open The campaign included awareness among the members among individuals, attract cit- its doors to families, parents, Students learn about a pilot’s career at Career Village 2017. workshops on cooking methods of the community. As well as to izens, residents to healthy food academics and career coun- and preparation of food in a provide useful advice and and educate them for the selors on April 11. healthy manner, as well as pro- medical consultations by the dangers of fast food and as well The Career Village brings Career Village plays a key role Qatar, Qatar University, College viding useful information and staff of Wellness and Health as to educate about the impor- together representatives of in familiarizing students with of the North Atlantic Qatar, advice on the most useful eating promotion, and to work contin- tance of doing physical leading Qatar-based organiza- existing career paths and the Qatar Scientific Club, Visual Art habits for the body and linking uously to provide the new activities. tions and institutions from academic specialties that lead Center, ScorePlus Education sectors including education, to these tracks, by connecting Qatar, Qatar Banking Studies business and finance, energy young people with institutions and Business Administration and manufacturing, communi- and universities participating in Secondary School for Girls, cation and transportation, the event. The event will enable Stenden University Qatar, MEC recalls Mercedes Benz G-Class 2016 model health, security, media, and students to ask questions and Qatar Aeronautical College, culture. The event aims to instill learn about existing career Qatar Airways, Ministry of DOHA: Ministry of Economy and in Qatar, has announced the recall vehicle defects and repairs. a strong career culture among opportunities as well as to par- Interior, General Authority of Commerce has announced recall of Mercedes Benz G-Class model The Ministry has urges all Qatari high school students, ticipate in interactive activities Customs, QatarGas, Qatar of Mercedes Benz G-Class model of 2016 because the engine control customers to report any viola- familiarize them with the organized by these institutions Petroleum, Hamad Medical of 2016 because the engine control unit software does not correspond tions to its Consumer Protection dynamics and challenges of to provide young people with Corporation, University of unit software does not correspond to factory specification. and Anti-Commercial Fraud Qatar’s labor market, and first-hand insight into these Calgary in Qatar, Ministry of to factory specification The ministry said the recall Department, which processes introduce them to career fields careers.” Justice Center for Legal and The Ministry of Economy and campaign comes within the complaints, inquires and sug- that enable them to best serve Organizations participating Judicial Studies, Al Kass Sports Commerce, in collaboration with framework of its ongoing efforts gestions through the following the country. in the Career Village include Channels, Qatar Biobank, the Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, to protect consumers and ensure channels: Call Center: 16001; Abdullah Al Mansoori, Virginia Commonwealth Uni- British Council Qatar, among dealer of Mercedes Benz vehicles that car dealers follow up on Email: [email protected] Director, QCDC, said: “The versity School of the Arts in others. MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 HOME 07 Panama minister’s visit encourages debate team

THE PENINSULA The Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, Maria Luisa Navarro, expressed her delight DOHA: The Vice-Minister of at the participation of her country in the Foreign Affairs of Panama Maria Luisa Navarro visited the 4th Inter- 4th International Schools Arabic Debating national Schools Arabic Debating Championship (ISADC) at Qatar National Championship (ISADC) at Qatar Convention Center. National Convention Center. Navarro expressed her delight at the participation of their readiness to do their best,” where a large number of Arab Panama in the championship. “It she said. communities live and I feel very was a great surprise as I met the Navarro said: “The team optimistic that they will get high members of the team and felt members come from a city scores. Panama is a blend of many cultures which is a priv- The participants at the 4th International Schools Arabic Debating Championship (ISADC) at Qatar ilege to strengthen relationship National Convention Center. between the country and the people.” Speaking on future plans of arrangements made by opportunity to participate in the progress this year. Mahmoud Panama in the field of debate, QatarDebate Center. championship. “This is our first said the ISADC has been Navarro said the country is They emphasised the signif- participation and I hope it con- extremely beneficial for her in encouraging young people to icance of the motions put tributes to the enhancement of terms of training methods and practice the art of debate. “This is forward for debate rounds, a bilateral relations between Russia ways of dealing with students. the second time for Panama to matter contributed to increasing and Qatar, especially in the field She pointed out that the take part in the ISADC held in students’ awareness of various of academic education,” Gondolin objectives of QatarDebate Center Qatar,” Navarro added. Navarro political, health and sports issues. added. He added that QatarDebate to disseminate the Arabic lan- also expressed her thanks to the They stressed that the cham- has made great efforts and was guage and develop critical State of Qatar and its Government pionship contributes to dissem- very keen on the participation of thinking skills as well as spread for the generous hospitality. inate the Arabic language, the Russian team. the culture of respecting the The Russian and Canadian broaden critical thinking skills and For her parts, Bahja other’s opinion are being ful- delegations participating in the educate students on respecting the Mahmoud, the Canadian team filled. “The issues raised for ISADC praised the outstanding difference of opinion. Ismail Gon- coach, said this is the second par- debate this year suit all levels and Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, Maria Luisa Navarro, performance delivered by the dolin, Russian team coach, ticipation of the Canadian team they include sports, health and with the team members of Panama. students in the first round and expressed his thanks to in the ISADC pointing out that the political issues,” Mahmoud the remarkable organization and QatarDebate for offering such championship has seen great added.

Qatar Biomedical Lifestyle modification key to fighting obesity: Expert Research Institute For some individuals, weight City, patients are normally referred to the risk factor for a number of chronic dis- signs MoU with loss is essential to avoid or National Obesity Treatment Center from eases,” says Dr. Mokhtar. Shafallah Center manage chronic diseases other HMC outpatient clinics, including Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a simple the National Diabetes Centers and index of weight-for-height that is com- THE PENINSULA and conditions associated obstetrics and gynecology departments, monly used to classify underweight, with obesity, such as as well as from primary healthcare overweight, and obesity in adults. It is DOHA: Qatar Biomedical diabetes, pre-diabetes, centers. Staffed by a multidisciplinary defined as one’s weight in kilograms Research Institute (QBRI), and high blood pressure. team, all patients referred to the Center divided by the square of one’s height in part of Hamad Bin Khalifa undergo a comprehensive clinical eval- meters (kg/m2). Individuals with a BMI University (HBKU), uation in advance of a personalized greater than 30, which approximates to yesterday signed a memo- weight loss treatment plan being 30 pounds of excess weight, are at risk randum of understanding THE PENINSULA developed. of developing serious health problems. (MoU) with the Shafallah According to Dr. Mokhtar, not all Generally, a healthy weight among indi- Center, a non-profit DOHA: Most patients seeking non- patients are candidates for surgical weight viduals aged 20 or over is defined as a center dedicated to surgical weight loss solutions at the loss procedures and some patients who BMI equal to or greater than 19 and less children with special National Obesity Treatment Center can do meet the clinical standards that qualify than 25, and a BMI of 40 or more is used needs. achieve a healthy body weight within six them for surgical weight loss choose a to identify people who are extremely The agreement will to twelve months of entering a weight loss non-surgical solution. She says that while Dr Marwa Mokhtar, Consultant at Qatar obese and most at risk for the health pave the way for the two program, says Dr Marwa Gomaa Hussein all weight loss programs offered at the Metabolic Institute. complications of obesity. partners to undertake Mokhtar, a Consultant at the Qatar Meta- National Obesity Treatment Center Each patient seeking treatment at joint research activities, bolic Institute. emphasize lifestyle modifications, high- genetics, lifestyle, diet, underlying health the National Obesity Treatment Center foster direct contact Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) lighting adjustments to the types and conditions, and how an individual’s body undergoes a comprehensive medical between specialists, as National Obesity Treatment Center, which quantities of foods consumed and the uses energy. assessment that covers their complete well as facilitate the use sits under the Qatar Metabolic Institute incorporation of physical activity goals, “For some individuals, weight loss is health history, ranging from sleep pat- of facilities and equipment (QMI) delivers holistic, multidisciplinary patients who seek non-surgical solutions essential to avoid or manage chronic dis- terns to hormone health. Successful for research purposes. care for patients seeing medical and sur- tend to need extra support with setting eases and conditions associated with non-surgical weight loss programs are Through this gical management of obesity and the pre- realistic goals. obesity, such as diabetes, pre-diabetes, based on a combination of diet, agreement, the two parties vention of weight-related diseases. Since Dr. Mokhtar, who is an endocrinology and high blood pressure. The longer a behavior modification, and regular agree to encourage direct its opening in last year over 4,700 patients and diabetes consultant, says the causes person is obese, the more significant obes- exercise, adding that prescription med- contact and cooperation have benefited from the Center’s services. of obesity are complex, noting there may ity-related risk factors become. Having a ications may also be part of the between their staff and Located in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical be many interrelated factors, such as BMI equal to or greater than 30 is a major treatment plan. researchers. Additionally, QBRI and the Shafallah Center will share knowledge and expertise, as well as participate in the Indian community development of collabo- rative biomedical research awarded best fan trophy projects with mutual consent. Through the MoU, THE PENINSULA Indian Sports Centre, from HBKU and the Shafallah Khalid Al Jumaily, Community Center may undertake DOHA: Indian community has Engagement Manager of joint research activities been awarded Best Supreme Committee for and publication projects; Community Fan Trophy by Delivery and Legacy, in exchange invitations for Qatar Football Association presence of QFA and Qatar researchers to participate (QFA) during the Asian Stars League senior officials. in seminars, conferences Communities Football Tour- This award has been constituted or workshops on topics of nament 2018 held recently at first time by QFA for recognition interest; and use QBRI’s Al Arabi Stadium. of the community fans in their Institutional Review The Trophy was received by ACFT tournament participated Board to review collabo- Nilangshu Dey, President, by 12 asian countries. rative research projects undertaken by Shafallah Center. As per standard Nabil Abu Issa (right), Vice-Chairman of Abu Issa Holding, and Fawaz Al Idrisi (left), Executive Chairman practice, each collabo- of Blue Salon, with John Molloy, President and Co-founder of Memo Paris, during the launch of New ration under this MoU is Memo perfume at the Pearl Qatar secret Note showroom, yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA to be agreed upon on a further case-by-case basis. QBRI’s newest MoU Memo Paris launches Tamarindo comes as the latest agreement in a series of THE PENINSULA taries and representatives of crashing waves and tropical collaborative efforts the local media. fruits and flowers of Tamarindo undertaken by the DOHA: Memo Paris, luxury The Parisian brand offers lux- on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, this research institute. In line Parisian perfume house, cele- uriously composed fragrances exquisite scent is centred around with HBKU’s overarching brated the launch of its latest that conjure memories of far-off the fresh sweetness of pine- aim of fostering effective fragrance, Tamarindo, at a lands and distant memories, and apple, lifted with bergamot oil partnerships, QBRI works ceremony that was held at Tamarindo, the brand’s latest and leant depth by jasmine, car- with a multitude of Secret Notes, the one-stop offering, and the third fragrance damom and vanilla absolute. national and international President, Indian Sports Centre, Nilangshu Dey, receiving the luxury fragrances destination, in the Graines Vagabondes series Few fragrances are able to stakeholders to address trophy from Khalid Al Jumaily of Supreme Committee for among a host of Memo Paris is certainly no exception. transport the wearer to another global health concerns. Delivery and Legacy. enthusiasts, society’s digni- Inspired by the sunshine, place quite like this one. 08 HOME /MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018

Four militants QC Sudan office hosts Arab Orphans Day dead in Sinai operation THE PENINSULA Qatar Charity AFP sponsors around DOHA: More than 600 orphans participated with their mothers 10,000 orphans in CAIRO: Egyptian security and relatives in the celebration Sudan and provides forces killed four militants of Arab Orphans Day organised financial support and detained scores as part by the Qatar Charity Office in and comprehensive of an ongoing security oper- Sudan. ation in the restive Sinai A variety of activities and educational and health Peninsula, according to a events were held on the occasion care to them as well military spokesman of the celebration, which was as organises targeted yesterday. attended by Dr. Mustafa Al- activities for them. In a statement, Col. Tamer Sinari, Deputy Commissioner of Al Refai said warplanes struck Humanitarian Aid in the and destroyed two militant Khartoum State, in addition to a The orphans sponsored by hideouts during operations number of the QC’s partner Qatar charity expressed their over the past days, but organizations. sincere feelings towards the without specifying the The celebration also included charity and the state of Qatar location. a number of plays and per- through drawing, coloring, wall Without elaborating, the forming arts presented by the painting, and clay games. Also, spokesman said three mili- orphans, which talked about the nine outstanding orphaned stu- tants were killed in central issues of sponsorship and phi- dents have been honored during Sinai and another was killed lanthropy as well as they the celebration due to their in northern Sinai. expressed their wishes for the excellent academic He said 252 suspected children of Palestine through the performance. militants had been detained Orphans, their mothers and relatives during the celebration of Arab Orphans Day, organised by the persuasive paintings that influ- This celebration was held as part of the ongoing enced the audience. As part of as part of the QC’s activities for Qatar Charity Office in Sudan. operation. the celebration, a specialized its sponsored orphans in Sudan At least 167 militants have team presented a variety of for this year and a number of and comprehensive educational Aisha Bint Hamad Bin Abdullah a bathroom, 4 schools for boys been killed since the security interesting entertainment pro- sports, health, education, enter- and health care to them as well Al-Attiyah Model Orphans City, and girls, a kindergarten, a operation against militants grams for children. tainment activities will be as organizes targeted activities which was opened in mid-April health centre with 18 doctors and blamed for a string of attacks The attending guests implemented with the aim to for them. last year, at a cost of more than nurses, a vocational training across the country began on expressed their thanks and grat- provide comprehensive social Qatar Charity strives to $12m in Al Damar in the River centre, a mosque with a capacity February 9. itude to the State of Qatar, Qatar care to orphans develop its work and Nile State. of 850 worshipers, playgrounds, At least 24 soldiers have Charity, and the honorable Qatar Charity sponsors implement development The Model Orphans City has a children’s park, 2 artesian also been killed, while around sponsors for their efforts in the around 10,000 orphans in Sudan projects for orphans in Sudan, 200 houses, each consisting of wells, 28 water coolers, 32 shops, 3,700 people have been service of orphans in Sudan. and provides financial support as it previously built Sheikha two rooms, a hall, a kitchen and and sanitation system. detained. Assad regime carried out 215 chemical attacks in Syria

ANATOLIA & REUTERS Aleppo’s center. process ended on Aug. 19, 2014. Ghouta chemical attack Saturday’s attack is the 215th. to pull out of Douma, in the - Aug. 21, 2013 Eastern However, the organization White Helmets civil defense The report said the regime eastern Ghouta region near ANKARA: The Bashar Al Assad Ghouta massacre destroyed only the stocks the agency teams announced 40 forces have so far carried out 45 Damascus, after the city was regime, which claimed to have The regime used chemical regime had revealed. The latest civilians were killed in a attacks in Idlib, 29 in Hama, 27 devastated by a seven-week destroyed its stock of chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta on attack is evidence that the chemical attack by the Assad in Aleppo, seven in Homs, four government offensive. weapons, continues unfettered Aug. 21, 2013. As a result at least regime managed to hide some regime in Eastern Ghouta’s in Daraa and three in Deir Ez Zor. The agreement comes after attacks on Syrian civilians. Since 1,400 civilians were killed. In chemical weapons. Douma region. Meanwhile, the rebel medical aid groups reported that the beginning of the civil war, the addition, a large number of - April 4, 2017 Khan The civilian death toll rose to fighters will leave the besieged dozens of people were killed by regime forces have carried out civilians, especially women and Sheikhoun attack 78 from Saturday’s chemical city of Douma for a rebel-held poison gas in Douma on Sat- 215 chemical attacks. children, were affected by the At least 100 civilians were attack by the Syrian regime in area of northern Syria under a urday in an attack the rebels say The attacks are an attempt chemical attack. killed in a chemical weapon Douma, a district of Eastern deal with the Russian army that was carried out by Damascus. to force civilians out of oppo- After this the U.S. was attack by the regime in Idlib’s Ghouta, local doctors said.. Russian military police will help The government has denied car- sition-held areas. expected to intervene in Syria. Khan Sheikhoun on April 4, 2017. - Assad regime used to enforce, opposition negoti- rying out any such attack. It is evident by the latest However, Russia avoided the A large part of Khan chemical weapon 215 times ators said. Russian news agency RIA, attack in Eastern Ghouta’s American intervention after the Sheikhoun residents were The Syrian Network for Under the agreement, Jaish citing a security source, said Jaish Douma district on Saturday, that regime said it will destroy its sleeping during the attack which Human Rights (SNHR) Al Islam fighters will evacuate Al Islam rebels will leave Douma the regime has stockpiled chemical weapon stock. An occurred in the early morning announced in a report on April Douma and move to the northern in two batches in the coming chemical weapons. agreement was reached on Sep. hours. The opposition reported 4, 2018 that the regime has city of Jarablus, near the border hours. The agreement will be Similar chemical attacks 15, 2013. Syrian fighter jets, and thought carried out 11 chemical attacks with Turkey, within 48 hours, enforced by Russian military were carried out by the regime The weapons were they were the usual air strikes. since the Khan Sheikhoun attack. state media quoted an official police, who will enter the city, in Eastern Ghouta in 2013 and destroyed as the Organization for But when the bombings did not The U.K-based NGO said in source as saying. the opposition negotiators said. Khan Sheikhoun in 2017. the Prohibition of Chemical result in any bleeding or scars, it its report that the regime has Jaish al-Islam, one of the Commercial crossing points Also in 2016, chemical Weapons (OPCW) came into was understood that it was a carried out 214 chemical attacks most prominent insurgent into the besieged city are to be attacks were carried out to expel play. The organization chemical attack. across the country since the groups in the war, is bowing to opened under Russian military civilians at neighbourhoods in announced the destruction - April 7, 2018 Eastern beginning of the civil war in 2011. the Syrian government’s demand police supervision, they said.

Four dead in IS ICC says Israel, Hamas acts on Gaza border may be war crimes suicide attack on AP In a statement, Fatou Ben- in Gaza” may constitute war examination” of possible war committed in the context of the Iraq party HQ souda’s office expressed “grave crimes. But in an apparent ref- crimes, launched in the wake of situation in Palestine may be JERUSALEM: The chief prose- concern” over the shootings of erence to Gaza’s Hamas rulers, a 2014 war between Israel and subjected to my office’s AFP cutor for the International Palestinians by Israeli troops she also said “the use of civilian Hamas. That is the first step scrutiny,” she said. “This applies Criminal Court raised concerns during mass protests along presence for the purpose of toward a formal war crimes to the events of the past weeks that Israel and Hamas may have Gaza’s border with Israel. shielding military activities” investigation. and to any future incident.” RAMADI: A suicide attack committed war crimes during a Her office said that Israel’s could also be a war crime. “While a preliminary exam- Palestinian health officials targeting a political party current flare-up of violence in “violence against civilians — in Bensouda is already in the ination is not an investigation, say at least 31 people have been headquarters in western Iraq the Gaza Strip. a situation such as one prevailing midst of a “preliminary any new alleged crime killed by Israeli fire. has killed four people and injured seven others, including a candidate in polls set for May, officials said yesterday. Turkey: Scholars urge action The Islamic State (IS) group issued a statement to tackle Islamophobia claiming the attack, which ANATOLIA took place late Saturday in the tribal desert province of Al-Anbar, primarily home to ISTANBUL: A conference on Islamophobia in Istanbul featuring Sunni Muslims. scholars from around the world concluded yesterday. A local security official The three-day conference, hosted by the Center for Islam and said on condition of ano- Global Affairs at Sabahattin Zaim University, was based on the nymity that “two suicide theme “Contextualizing Islamophobia: Its Impact on Culture and bombers disguised as soldiers Global Politics”. entered the Al-Hal Party “Islamophobia is not an accident, people just don’t fall into headquarters”, a prominent Islamophobia, it is being pushed,” said Salman Sayyid, a scholar party in the region. from the University of Leeds. Sayyid called on the Organization One of the attackers “det- of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take up the issue on a serious note. onated his explosive belt According to Sayyid, the Muslim world should not limit itself while political leaders held a to the ideas put forward by nationalism. meeting” at the campaign Hatem Bazian, a scholar from the University of California- headquarters in the city of Hit, Berkeley, said there was an urgent need for a fund to tackle Islam- about 200km west of Baghdad, ophobia. “Islamophobia systematically targets individuals and General Qassam Al Here time stands still institutions,” Bazian said. Mohammadi, head of army Burak Erdenir, the deputy permanent delegate of Turkey’s operations in the area, said. Baghdad’s Firdous Square where the statue of late Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein formerly stood. delegation to the EU, gave the example of Jewish and Armenian “Three members of the security After the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, there were hopes its millennium-old capital Baghdad lobbies in the US. forces were killed and seven could rise again from the ashes, but construction sites have remained idle as if time stood still. “The Muslim world should be well organized,” Erdenir said, people, including candidate adding that Muslims should create their own art, movie, and lit- Zineb Abdel Hamid Al Hiti, erature to fight Islamophobia. were wounded,” he said. MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Trump: Assad will pay big price for chemical attack

Medical aid groups reported dozens of people were killed campaign that began in February, by poison gas late on Saturday in the besieged rebel-held leaving just Douma in rebel hands. town of Douma. The Ghouta offensive has been one of the deadliest in Syria’s seven-year- long war, killing more than 1,600 The Syrian regime denied government forces had launched civilians, according to the Syrian any chemical attack and Russia, President Bashar Al Observatory for Human Rights. Assad’s most powerful ally, called the reports bogus. Facing military defeat, rebel groups in other parts of eastern Ghouta have taken safe passage to other opposition- One of Trump’s top homeland security advisers said held areas at the Turkish border. Until yesterday the United States would not rule out launching now, Jaish al-Islam has rejected that another missile attack. option, demanding it be allowed to stay in Douma. Syrian state media said yesterday REUTERS a deal had been struck under which Jaish warned against any military action on Al Islam would finally leave for the town the basis of “invented and fabricated of Jarablus after saying the group had BEIRUT/WASHINGTON: US President excuses”, saying this could lead to severe asked for negotiations. Donald Trump said there would be a “big consequences. There was no immediate comment price to pay” for a chemical attack against The United States launched a cruise from Jaish Al Islam, which has been one Affected Syrian kids receive medical treatment after Assad regime forces a besieged rebel-held town in Syria where missile strike on a Syrian air base last of the most prominent insurgent groups allegedly conducted poisonous gas attack on Douma town of Eastern Ghouta in medical aid groups reported dozens of year in response to a sarin gas attack in in the war. A pro-Syrian opposition TV people were killed by poison gas. northwestern Syria blamed on Assad. station, Orient, said earlier talks were Damascus, Syria, yesterday. The Syrian state denied government One of Trump’s top homeland under way between Jaish Al Islam and forces had launched any chemical attack security advisers said yesterday the Russia to reach a final settlement for Basel Termanini, the US-based vice dead and the number was growing. “The and Russia, President Bashar Al Assad’s United States would not rule out Douma. president of SAMS, which operates majority were civilians, women and most powerful ally, called the reports launching another missile attack. “I Taking Douma would seal Assad’s medical facilities and supports medics children trapped in underground bogus. wouldn’t take anything off the table,” biggest victory since 2016, and underline in Syria, said another 35 people had been shelters,” he said. Syrian state news A joint statement by the medical White House Homeland Security and his unassailable position in the war that killed at a nearby apartment building, agency Sana said Jaish Al Islam was relief organisation Syrian American Counterterrorism Adviser Thomas has killed hundreds of thousands of most of them women and children. making “chemical attack fabrications Medical Society (SAMS) and the civil Bossert said in an interview on ABC’s people since it mushroomed from pro- The joint statement from SAMS and in an exposed and failed attempt to defence service, which operates in rebel- “This Week.” tests against his rule in 2011. the civil defence said medical centres obstruct advances by the Syrian Arab held areas, said 49 people had died in the “We are looking into the attack at The Syrian Observatory monitoring had taken in more than 500 people suf- Army,” citing an official source. attack late on Saturday in the town of this point,” he said, adding that the group said it could not confirm whether fering breathing difficulties, frothing The Syrian government has Douma. Others put the toll even higher. photos of the incident are “horrible.” chemical weapons had been used in the from the mouth and smelling of chlorine. repeatedly denied using chemical “Many dead, including women and In one video shared by activists, the attack on Saturday. Observatory One of the victims was dead on weapons during the conflict. children, in mindless Chemical attack lifeless bodies of around a dozen Director Rami Abdulrahman said 11 arrival and six died later, it said. Civil “We have received reports of many in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown children, women and men, some of them people had died in Douma as a result of defence volunteers reported more than people killed and injured in Duma in the and encircled by Syrian Army, making with foam at the mouth, were seen. suffocation caused by heavy 42 cases of people dead at their homes past 24 hours. We continue to be it completely inaccessible to outside “Douma city, April 7... there is a strong bombardment. showing the same symptoms, it said. extremely concerned for people who world. President Putin, Russia and Iran smell here,” a voice can be heard saying. Medical relief organisation SAMS Tawfik Chamaa, a Geneva-based remain in Douma who are being sub- are responsible for backing Animal Douma is in the eastern Ghouta said a chlorine bomb hit Douma hos- Syrian doctor with the Syria-focused jected to escalating hostilities,” U.N. Assad. Big price to pay,” Trump wrote region near Damascus. Assad has won pital, killing six people, and a second Union of Medical Care and Relief Organ- Office for the Coordination of Human- on Twitter. back control of nearly all of eastern attack with “mixed agents”, including izations (UOSSM), a network of Syrian itarian Affairs spokeswoman Linda Tom The Russian Foreign Ministry Ghouta in a Russian-backed military nerve agents, had hit a nearby building. doctors, said 150 people were confirmed said.

Hamas slams US for blocking UN call for Gaza probe S Africa opposition leader re-elected as polls loom ANATOLIA PRETORIA: Mmusi Maimane, the leader of South Africa’s main GAZA: Palestinian resistance opposition Democratic Alliance party, was re-elected yesterday faction Hamas condemned the as the party kicked-off campaigning for elections due by 2019. US for vetoing a UN Security The party which has the second largest number of parliamen- Council resolution calling for an tarians is confronting the resurgent popularity of the ruling African investigation into Israel’s acts of National Congress (ANC) party since President Cyril Ramaphosa violence in the Gaza Strip. took office — dubbed “Ramaphoria”. Hamas spokesman Hazem “We have reaffirmed that our purpose as Democrats is not to Qassem said by blocking the res- fight for a better behaved ANC, but for an entirely new government olution, the US is complicit in for South Africa, led by us and our values,” he said to a packed Israel’s attacks against unarmed audience in Pretoria on the last day of the conference. civilians in Gaza. “So let us go forward with confidence and vigour to pursue He said by blocking the our goals for the 2019 elections.” Security Council’s condemnation Maimane, who was elected unopposed, said that party’s main Friday of Israel’s actions against electoral goal was to take control of Gauteng province, the coun- civilian demonstrators in Gaza, try’s economic powerhouse that includes the capital Pretoria and the US is “taking part in the commercial hub Johannesburg. “We can do it, and we will do it,” attacks against our people”. he said to cheering. The US for a second week in a row blocked a Security Council statement supporting the right of Palestinians to demonstrate Mali prisoner killings decried peacefully and endorsing Sec- retary-General Antonio as ‘summary executions’ People gather with the slogan #GreatMarchOfReturn to solidarity Palestine and mourn the Palestinians Guterres’ call for an independent shot and killed by Israeli forces along the Gaza border, at Union Square in New York, yesterday. investigation into the deadly BAMAKO: Fourteen suspected jihadists killed during an alleged protests in Gaza. escape attempt by Mali troops were “summarily executed,” Washington was the only The Palestinian Foreign Min- Security Council would become The US has rejected a community leaders said yesterday. “This was in no way an escape member of the 15-member istry has called on the interna- helpless and lose credibility, the request by the Security Council attempt. Our sources are certain. These people were victims of Security Council to reject the tional community to find a new ministry said in a statement. for an independent and trans- summary executions,” Nouhoum Sarr of Tabital Pulaaku, the main statement condemning Israel’s formula that would deny the US It also condemned the US for parent investigation into violent association of Mali’s Dogon community, said. response to the ‘March for the right to veto Security Council vetoing a Security Council res- incidents in which dozens of Pal- “We have the names of these people,” added Sarr, saying the Return’ demonstrations. resolutions demanding the estab- olution for the second time and estinians have been martyred by group were detained on April 5 near the central town of Dioura. Qassem also accused the US lishment of an independent noted that Washington has Israel’s disproportionate use of On Friday, a Malian army statement said the 14 were killed of “encouraging the occupation inquiry commission on events in covered up massacres of Pales- force in the Gaza Strip since during an escape bid on April 6 after they were taken in for ques- to continue with its crimes”. Gaza. If it fails to do so, the tinians by Israeli forces. March 30. tioning the previous day. “It is not normal for soldiers tasked with protecting the pop- ulation to kill civilians,” said Sarr, who said Defence Minister Tiena Coulibaly had personally assured him that he would “shed light” Lebanon to hold on the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Two relatives of Remains of abducted children found in Libya some of those killed have also alleged that they were summarily executed. polls on May 6 AP a prominent businessman, Al-Wasat reported that a BEIRUT: Following many Reyad al-Shershari, who was gang member held in custody delays of Lebanon’s parlia- BENGHAZI: Libyan authorities quoted by local media as saying had helped lead authorities to Houthi rebels kill dozens of mentary elections since 2009 have found the remains of three he had appealed to authorities the remains of the children. due to the parliament’s children abducted for ransom but that they did not pursue the Libya was plunged into Sudanese troops in Yemen extension of its own mandate more than two years ago near case. chaos after the 2011 uprising that three times in a row, the the capital, in a case that high- Libya’s al-Wasat news overthrew and killed longtime political arena in the country is lighted the deterioration of website reported that prelim- ruler Moammar Gadhafi. Today ADEN: A rebel ambush in Yemen killed dozens of Sudanese soldiers witnessing a state of antici- security in the country since the inary findings suggest the the country is ruled by rival gov- belonging to a Saudi-led coalition fighting on the side of the pation with the proximity of the 2011 uprising. children were killed months ernments in the capital, Tripoli, government, military sources and the insurgents said. The Iran- elections on May 6. The children, a girl and two after their abduction. The and in the east, each backed by backed Houthi rebels hit the Sudanese military convoy in the The elections will be held boys ranging from five to 12 years forensic report has yet to be a loose array of militias. northern province of Hajjah before dawn on Friday, according to according to a new electoral old, were kidnapped by armed released. Abduction has emerged as military sources. system of proportional repre- men on their way to school in Last month, the police said a lucrative trade amid the The losses were reported to be the heaviest suffered by sentation. The constitution December 2015 in the coastal they raided a hideout of the gang breakdown of authority. Sudanese troops in Yemen since they were deployed in the war- affirms parliamentary elections town of Surman. The bodies were behind the abduction of the al- Gunmen kidnapped the mayor torn country in 2015. “The Sudanese soldiers were lured into a every four years, but the found south of the town, Shershari children and others, of a town south of Tripoli on Sat- trap by the rebels” who allowed them to advance into areas where security situation during the according to police affiliated with killing some members in an urday, and last month the mayor they were waiting to attack them, a Yemeni military officer said past years prompted the Par- the U.N.-backed government in exchange of gunfire. They said of the capital itself was abducted on condition of anonymity. The Houthis reported the attack on liament to extend its mandate Tripoli on Saturday. the gang’s leader was wounded from his home. The Tripoli their Al-Masirah website, saying dozens of Sudanese soldiers had twice for this reason. The children were related to and placed under arrest. mayor was later released. been killed and armoured vehicles destroyed. 10 VIEWS MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 Why Hamas is protesting in Gaza ESTABLISHED IN 1996 and why it will continue CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] IMAD ALSOOS ACTING MANAGING EDITOR THE WASHINGTON POST MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] arge protests rocked the border between Gaza and Israel for the second consecutive Friday this Lpast week. A March 31 rally resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Palestinians, with hundreds injured, as Israeli forces used live ammu- EDITORIAL nition and tear gas to push back protesters. On Friday, nine more people were fatally shot, including a journalist. While much of the international Economic growth attention has focused on the actions of the Israel Defence Forces, from inside Gaza, a who have been largely left out of the dis- process at the horizontal level that rapidly ositive news regarding Qatar continues to pour different set of issues has taken priority. cussions and have been unsettled by elevates a proven member to the suddenly in. This time the news is related to country’s Hamas organised the protests, centered on leaked details of the deal. vacant position. Peconomy which has proven its resilience the right of return for Gazan refugees and The economic toll of years of blockade On one hand, Hamas depends on local several times. QNB has revised up Qatar’s overall their descendants. This represents a new enforced by Israel and Egypt because of activism to form potential leaders and real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 2.8 percent strategic initiative for Hamas, which has Hamas’ militant actions have put the maintain the integrity of its structure. But for the current year from 2.5 percent previously. been attempting to fuel popular protest Gazan population on edge, and popular on the other, this resilience is precisely The growth forecast has been revised up for three since 2015, but until recently had largely discontent with Hamas’s authoritarian rule what allows Hamas to continue to play a main reasons. First, QNB had recently raised its failed to generate much interest outside its has been growing for years. consequential role in sustaining popular forecast for oil prices from $55 per barrel to $63 own constituency. Rapidly shifting regional politics and mobilization. Hamas’s muqawama is a per barrel, which will lead to higher incomes and Hamas is a socio-political and militant ongoing political battles with the rival Pal- type of resistance that is formed from spending in the non-hydrocarbon sector. Second, movement founded in 1987 to confront the estinian Authority have also left Hamas unarmed protests, virtually empowered it now expects a sharper rebound in hydrocarbon Israeli occupation, periodically exchanging with few sources of external support. with and by the civilian population. output as maintenance on LNG production facil- attacks with Israeli forces, and it is con- Hamas has frequently sought to gen- According to my findings, muqawma - as ities appears to have been dragged out in 2017, but sidered a terrorist organisation by both erate protest focused on lifting the siege on opposed to militancy - is the strategy that should now be completed. Israel and the United States. It has been in Gaza, with little real success, but with this best corresponds to Hamas’ internal Third, the economic impact of the blockade has control of Gaza since 2007. protest movement, Hamas has skillfully organizational structure. been less than expected and, therefore, it has The Friday protests were part of a rechanneled popular grievances toward Each week of protest leading up to May reduced the expected drag from the blockade on season of weekly rallies organised by the Israeli occupation. 15 holds out the prospect for the escalation 2018 GDP. Hamas under the slogan the “Great March Protest demands coordination, disci- of violence. Will Hamas be able to sustain a The underlying driver of the rally in oil prices in of Return.” Protests are scheduled to con- pline and broad participation, which in nonviolent campaign despite the primacy the second half of last year was a re-balancing in tinue until May 15, a day traditionally com- turn requires a strong level of organisation. of militants in its leadership? Yahya the global oil market. The global market, which had memorated by Palestinians for their dis- Last week’s rallies showed that Hamas was Sinwar, Hamas’ leader in Gaza who has been oversupplied in 2016, placement in 1948 and by Israel to cele- able to act as the organizational backbone organized and led the popular protests, switched to being under-sup- brate its independence. Significantly, this is of an entire season of protest. Yet the hails from the military wing. Israel has jus- plied in 2017. Supply was held also the date the United States plans to question remains as to whether Hamas tified the killing of protesters in part by back by Opec’s initial pro- officially move its embassy to Jerusalem. can continue to function in a cohesive and identifying several participants as duction cut to counter How did Hamas manage to organize organized manner in the face of potentially members of its armed wing. In the longer term, increases in US production. broad support for its protests, and why did severe repression. Given the strong presence of Hamas’ Qatar’s economy Additionally, oil demand was it choose this form of collective action? Israel’s forceful response to the recent military wing in Gaza, will the “success” of should benefit higher than expected on the Can Hamas sustain protests in the face of rallies and the seemingly indiscriminate the wave of protest develop into a kind of from a number of back of strong global eco- severeIsraeli reprisals and international killings led to international outrage, gener- internal referendum on Hamas’ choices of nomic growth and as a indifference? Its ability to do so will ating unusual levels of critical attention to popular muqawama at the expense of its recent measures. response to lower prices. depend not only upon the Israeli and Israel and galvanising greater Palestinian militancy? Investment should Qatar’s GDP growth in the American response, but also upon whether enthusiasm for confrontation. Further For now, at least, turning its armed be bolstered by fourth quarter of 2017 was its internal organisational structure pro- Israeli escalation against protesters will wing into nonviolent protesters serves new projects held back by the hydrocarbon vides sufficient support to ongoing mobili- likely have similar effects, strengthening Hamas’ strategy. Hamas is redirecting part sector. The latest data showed zation and adherence to nonviolent action support and fueling conflict. of its human capital to serve its political related to the an unexpected drop of 6.4 What sparked the Gaza protests? What if Israel targeted Hamas’ lead- objectives and find a way out of its Gaza expansion of LNG percent in hydrocarbon pro- President Donald Trump’s decision to ership in Gaza? My research in Gaza sug- straitjacket, while gaining a popular stance production and duction in the fourth quarter move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to gests that the distinctive organisational as defenders of the Palestinian national from the previous quarter. Jerusalem generated widespread anger structure of Hamas would probably allow interest. projects aimed Given that crude oil pro- among Palestinians, many of whom were it absorb such a response and to sustain It is aware that its major rivals - Israel at ensuring self- duction increased by 3.2 already disillusioned with the Oslo peace protest. Two organisational and mobilisa- and the Palestinian Authority (PA) - are sufficiency and percent over this period, the process. Gaza in particular has suffered for tional forms in particular distinguish vulnerable to popular muqawama. It sustainability as drop in hydrocarbon GDP years from Hamas from other Palestinian factions and believes Israel’s repressive measures will must be due to gas production, seemingly allow it to thrive in conditions of extreme serve only to bolster Hamas’ internal pop- well as an expected most likely as a consequence endless eco- adversity. Inspired by the Muslim Broth- ularity and will invite international support new law to allow of temporary shutdowns for nomic erhood of Egypt, Hamas organises itself in for Palestinians. The PA seems to agree routine maintenance on LNG blockade, small groups referred to as “families.” because it has rushed to gain legitimacy 100 percent foreign Israel’s forceful ownership of new facilities. political iso- These are its cadre incubators, where the from the protests, announcing mourning The non-hydrocarbon response to the lation and education and training of its budding days for the dead. companies. sector grew 1.6 percent in the recent rallies and cyclical vio- members take place. Israel and the PA will work to prevent fourth quarter, or 6.6 percent the seemingly lence. The These activities feed into channels of further protests, while Hamas aims to annualised, with the finance, indiscriminate killings Trump upward mobility within the movement. To expand them to the West Bank. There is a wholesale and retail trade, construction and real led to international administra- rise through Hamas’s hierarchy, candi- key precedent; the First Intifada originated estate sectors contributing the most. tion’s talk of dates go through exams and evaluations to in Gaza but expanded to the West Bank in outrage, generating For the full year of 2017, overall real GDP growth “the deal of prove their mobilising qualifications and 1987. If muqawama indeed takes on larger was 1.6 percent with the non-hydrocarbon sector unusual levels of critical the century” loyalty to the movement over stages. This proportions, Israel will push hard to mili- growing 4.2 percent and the hydrocarbon sector attention to Israel and did nothing means that the death or arrest of a high- tarize it. What remains to be seen with contracting 1.1 percent. Lower oil and gas output in galvanising greater to ease ranking member does not necessarily Hamas’ turn toward popular muqawama, 2017 was due to both lower crude oil production Palestinian enthusiasm uncertainty create a leadership vacuum that throws however, is whether Hamas will be able and maintenance on LNG facilities. for confrontation. among Pal- the organisation into disarray. The and willing to sustain nonviolent protest as In the longer term, Qatar’s economy should estinians, removal of a leader simply activates a tensions and conflicts mount. benefit from a number of recent measures. Investment should be bolstered by new projects related to the expansion of LNG production and projects aimed at ensuring self-sufficiency and sus- tainability as well as an expected new law to allow Macron’s battle to get France back on track 100 percent foreign ownership of new companies. THE WASHINGTON POST Their debt is ¤45bn and striking. Macron has loosened and been open — sometimes rising. Despite these outlays, restrictions on hiring and too open — to tactical com- rench President service quality — already firing; cut business taxes; and promise, appeasing the left Emmanuel Macron’s worse than in Germany and proposed wide-ranging with gestures of economic QUOTE OF THE DAY fight with public- other European countries — changes in education, nationalism and the right sector rail workers is deteriorating. training, pensions and other with tough talk on immi- F gration. The rail strikes are a will show how serious he is Meanwhile railway previously forbidden areas. workers enjoy lifetime Defeat on his rail proposals moment not for further Many dead, including about economic reform. Unions are promising two employment, automatic pay would embolden opposition accommodation but for women and children, days of disruption each week increases, free tickets for and endanger this broader standing firm. in mindless chemical unless the president their families, and retirement reform agenda. It’s easy to forget that attack in Syria. Area of abandons his plan to expose at 52. Macron wants to Macron has a mandate to only about 8 percent of atrocity is in lockdown the network to a whiff of eco- narrow these exorbitant priv- stick to his guns. He won French workers are and encircled by nomic reality. Macron should ileges — only for new hires, office vowing to reduce the unionised. In the past, public country’s bloated public support has allowed Syrian army, making it stand his ground. by the way, not for the work- A government-commis- force as a whole. The unions sector, liberalise the labor organised labor to punch far completely inaccessible sioned report published in are refusing to give way. market, and free the above its weight. Today, the to outside world. February showed just how Employees at state- economy to create growth ground is shifting and Macron badly France’s rail networks owned Air France, garbage and jobs. His victory was a needs to press his advantage. Donald Trump are failing. They receive 14 collectors in the left-wing sign that sentiment in France The president must convince US President billion euros ($17.2bn) in state CGT union, teachers, nursery is moving against organised the country as a whole that subsidies each year, but still workers and other civil labor’s traditional perks. In he is a better defender of its run an annual deficit of ¤3bn. servants have also been office, he’s consulted widely interests than the unions. MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 OPINION 11 Syrians in Raqqa afraid, angry, frustrated as they rebuild

cross the ruins of Raqqa, the business. So he hired workers and organised it is. Scrap metal and debris connect the city to neighboring vil- streets are cloaked in grey, the started to rebuild. But local gangs had are neatly stacked in heaps at the foot of lages. One US official said installing color of bare cement and eyed him. He was kidnapped and held destroyed buildings. Row after row of the bridge cost $7,000. rubble left behind by the for $10,000 ransom, until his tribe buildings reduced to concrete skeletons The city is getting “very limited” A run like a pattern through the city. bombing campaign that finally drove intervened and rescued him without support — “no match to the size of out Islamic State militants. Among the paying, he said. Large chunks of cement dangle from the needs,” she said. Infrastructure SARAH EL DEEB people of this Syrian city, the fear, anger He, like many others, lamented the twisted rebar above sidewalks like was totally de-stroyed, as were 65 AP and desperation are palpable. loss of security, which he said was one cryptic decorations. At least 8,000 percent of civilian buildings, and Six months after IS’s ouster, resi- prize feature of living under IS. “We end explosives riddle the city center. mines and rubble still need to be dents feel they have been abandoned as up with thieves or former Daesh in the Major overpasses have been hit, as cleared, she said. She could not say the world moves on. They are trying to force,” he said. For three years, Raqqa well as bridges across the Euphrates the total cost for rebuilding since it is rebuild their lives, but they say they fear was the de facto capital of the Islamic River, which cuts through the city. Resi- constantly being reevaluated. Raqqa everyone around them: The Kurdish- State group’s “caliphate” stretching dents and their cars cross on small paid a “hefty price” for the war on led militia that administers the majority across much of Iraq and Syria. In the barges. Yet the buzz of activity is star- terrorism, she said, but “international Arab city; the Syrian government, campaign of the US-led coalition and tling. Nearly 100,000 residents have organisations and some countries which has forces nearby; criminal gangs Iraqi and Syrian partners, the group has returned, according to UN accounts. didn’t live up to their who kidnap or rob whoever shows been uprooted from almost that entire Mustafa said it was likely much higher. responsibilities.” signs of having money; and IS militants territory. Women in colorful scarves punctuated US officials have led operations who may still be hiding among the UN officials say Raqqa has been left the grey monotone in the markets. A to clear land mines and restore basic people. the most devastated city in all of Syria’s market for scrap metal has sprung up at services like water and electricity in “Daesh is still among us,” said a seven-year-old war, a conflict that has one end of the city. Meat grills lined the city. But those programs would businessman. To give an example, he also seen Syrian government forces some streets, and ware-houses were full likely have to be called off if Pres- Six months after IS’ said, a man lobbed a hand grenade at a battling rebels. All of Raqqa suffered of soft drinks, water, grains and other ident Donald Trump goes forward ouster, residents recent fu-neral when mourners played intense airstrikes by the US-led coa- stock. Bulldozers drilled into the with plans to withdraw American music, something hard-line Sunni lition and the whole population of at wreckage of buildings. Workers from troops within five or six months. In feel they have been Muslims view as sacrilegious. least 350,000 had to flee. The infra- nearby provinces have come looking for meeting with national security aides, abandoned as the After fleeing Raqqa during the coa- structure was destroyed, as were 65 opportunities. The driver of a truck full he has railed against the trillions the world moves on. They lition-led assault on the city last year, percent of civilian homes, said Leila of mattresses with job hunters sitting on US has spent in the Mideast, saying it Abdu returned once the militants were Mustafa, a member of the US-backed top said they came from the north- brought no return. Instead, Trump are trying to rebuild driven out in October. He found his res- Raqqa Civil Council that now runs the western city of Aleppo. “They can’t do it has asked Saudi Arabia to contribute their lives, but they taurant and his home next to it city. all alone,” a construction worker from $4bn toward reconstruction and sta- say they fear everyone destroyed. He was angry, but practical. A prominent Arab tribesman the neighboring province of Deir el-Zour bilisation in Syria. around them. His life has been on hold for too long escorted the AP to see a building he said at the site of a destroyed bridge. Despite the devastation, signs of IS and he wanted to get on with his owned that was gutted by airstrikes. He Those with money rebuild. Painters remained around Raqqa. The angrily com-plained that coalition added some color to the facade of a infamous Naim Square — Arabic for bombing was indiscriminate. Like former car dealership. Its owner, who “Paradise” — where Islamic State mil- many, he said there should be compen- asked only to be identified as Ismail, itants displayed hanged bodies or sation but didn’t expect any would be said IS had used its back rooms as a heads, was empty aside from a single given. Nothing is unaffected by the prison. When he came back to Raqqa, chair in the street that marked a bombardment. Mosques, schools, he heard of masked gang-sters who rob former checkpoint of the militants. On squares and buildings have all taken returnees. But it has not stopped him. the other end were remains of an IS hits, some repeatedly. Trees on the He is turning his dealership into an media center with broken chairs and a street are burned. Insects and dust sat- internet cafe, much needed in a city that stand where the screen was once set urate the air. has no phone lines and relies heavily on to show IS videos to the public. A juice The stench of death rises from personal generators for electricity. He shop and a supermarket were the only crushed buildings and remains long said he paid $600 to clean the signs of life in the square, surrounded after the bodies are removed. Civil wreckage from his street. “I want to by destroyed buildings. Seals used by workers say they have pulled nearly make it feel safe,” he said. Mustafa, the IS were still visible on the metal 500 bodies from under the rubble in the council member, said most of the resto- shutters of shops, numbering them for past three months, working with just ration work was self-financed, with tax collection purposes. one bulldozer. some US money, though she would not Some streets have been cleared of say how much. On Thursday, with wreckage, giving way to a scene even American officials attending, she inau- more haunting because of how gurated a new pre-fab bridge to

D-RING ROAD leaders seem to lack the necessary the trust and respect of African peoples. POST BOX: 3488 political will to counter these efforts and Russia is another key player in DOHA - QATAR protect the continent’s vital interests. Africa. Earlier this month, Russia’s [email protected] But all is not lost — Africa can still turn Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov went on Are we witnessing a ‘new this situation around, reclaim its sov- an extensive Africa tour during which ereign rights and take its rightful place he visited Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Angola, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE on the world stage. Namibia and Mozambique. In Ethiopia, TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 scramble for Africa’? The United States is losing some he attended the joint ministerial com- FAX: +974 4455 7758 ground against China in Africa, but it is mittee that was established to advance still an influential foreign power on the bilateral relations between the two MANAGING EDITOR continent. countries. Lavrov also met the chair- TEL: 4462 7505 he world’s most powerful For decades, it has invested billions person of the AU in Addis Ababa. nations are once again com- of dollars in aid, health, development It is quite revealing that Lavrov DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 peting for the control of the projects, and cultural and educational chose to visit only one East African abundant natural resources of programmes. Furthermore, it supported country — Ethiopia — during his Africa T peacekeeping, peacebuilding and tour. All the other countries he visited LOCAL NEWS SECTION the African continent. Some analysts TEL: 4455 7743 describe this phenomenon as a “new humanitarian intervention operations. were Southern African countries that scramble for Africa” in reference to the In return, it used Africa’s immense have huge natural resources like oil, AHMED H ADAM BUSINESS NEWS SECTION first “scramble for Africa”, which took natural resources to meet the needs of uranium, copper, gold and cobalt. This AL JAZEERA TEL: 4462 7535 place between 1881 and 1914 and its industries. shows that Russia’s main priority in resulted in powerful European nations However, since the 9/11 attacks, US Africa is not reviving its Soviet-era SPORT NEWS SECTION dividing, occupying and colonising the activities in Africa have been shaped by prestige and influence, but extraction of TEL: 4455 7745 continent. the so-called “war on terror”. Even US natural resources. Superpowers like the US, China and humanitarian aid to Africa has been But Russia is also investing in ONLINE SECTION Russia, as well as some key European linked to this agenda. Since 2007, security and military projects in Africa. TEL: 4462 7501 countries, and less powerful nations like AFRICOM, the US Africa Command, has As the second-largest arms exporter in [email protected] Japan, India and Brazil are currently been playing a major role in the fight the world after the US, it sells billions of active in Africa. Some energy-rich Gulf against “terror groups” across the dollars in weapons annually across the PUBLIC RELATIONS continent. continent. During his latest visit, Lavrov countries are also racing to consolidate TEL: 4455 7613 Nevertheless, African countries signed a defence cooperation their investments on the continent, as [email protected] they seek to expand their economies have been reluctant to host AFRICOM as agreement with Mozambique. As a result of the sanctions that have beyond oil and gas sectors. they are deeply suspicious of its agenda ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT been imposed on it by the US and Foreign military presence is also and feel it could undermine their sover- TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Europe, Russia is now looking for new growing on the continent under the eignty. For this reason, AFRICOM is FAX: 4455 7870 guise of counterterrorism efforts. Dji- based in Germany and not on the con- markets and seeking to make Africa one [email protected] bouti has agreed to host American naval tinent. Moreover, Washington’s policies of its main export centres. All in all, and drone bases that conduct opera- on Africa are more enigmatic today Russia views Africa as a major trade CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT tions in the Horn of Africa and beyond. than ever before. opportunity and hopes to extend its TEL: 4455 7857 Many other nations have also estab- Africa was not a foreign policy pri- influence in the continent rapidly. [email protected] lished military bases in the country, ority for the Obama administration, The AU should develop a coherent, including France — the former colonial which focussed its efforts in the Middle unified and comprehensive strategy to SUBSCRIPTION & power — Italy and Japan. The French East, and it is also not a priority for the deal with the three superpowers’ DISTRIBUTION military base in Djibouti is hosting current administration. Some key competition over its natural resources TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 troops from Germany and Spain. The vacancies in the Department of State’s and engage all three superpowers to FAX: 44557819 In order to resist US has been increasingly involved in the Africa Bureau have not even been filled cooperate with Africa instead of [email protected] any detrimental fight against “terror” groups in the yet. Just like his predecessor, Trump’s exploiting it. It should swiftly foreign interference Sahel, providing arms and military focus is currently on the Middle East. It implement robust institutional training to the governments of the is obvious that the new US president is reforms and start acting as the and preserve their region. not looking to form a meaningful, decisive power on the continent. All thoughts and views independence, At the moment, Africa does not have mutually beneficial partnership with Also, in order to resist any detri- expressed in these columns dignity, and a serious, unified strategy or the institu- Africa — he only wants to pursue mental foreign interference and pre- are those of the writers, sovereignty, African tional capacity to effectively respond to narrow national interests, namely serve their independence, dignity, and this so-called “new scramble for Africa”. counterterrorism efforts and extraction sovereignty, African states should work not of the newspaper. states should work It is true that, in 2016, the African Union of natural resources. towards ending their financial towards ending (AU) introduced an ambitious strategic Also, during his election campaign dependency on the West and other All correspondence their financial framework called Agenda 2063 under and after assuming office, Trump made international players. The continent’s regarding Views and dependency on the leadership of Nkosazana Dlamini several controversial remarks about independent military capabilities should Zuma, the former Chairperson of the AU Africa that were described by Africans also be increased in order to have the Opinion pages should be the West and Commission. But this agenda does not and many others as insulting and racist. ability to maintain peace and security send to editor-in-chief other international include a clear and coherent strategy on Even if Trump decides to make Africa a without needing any help from foreign office or mailed to the players. increasing foreign presence and com- priority later in his tenure, he would be powers that undoubtedly have ulterior petition in Africa. Furthermore, African facing the gruelling challenge of gaining motives and conflicting interests. [email protected] 12 ASIA MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018

Jaitley undergoes TDP MPs detained dialysis before during march near kidney transplant IANS

NEW DELHI: Union Finance PM’s residence Minister Arun Jaitley is under- going dialysis at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences IANS The Telugu Desam (AIIMS) ahead of a kidney Party MPs — transplant surgery that may NEW DELHI: A group of 21 including Ashok take place in the next few Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs days, a hospital official said were yesterday detained by Gajapathi Raju and yesterday. “Jaitleyji would be police while marching towards J C Diwakar Reddy on dialysis for some days Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s — were bundled before the kidney transplant residence to demand special into a bus by police operation is conducted,” said status for Andhra Pradesh. the official at the country’s All the MPs — including from Race Course premier hospital. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and J C Road in the heart When kidneys are failing, Diwakar Reddy — were of Delhi from where dialysis is required to cut the bundled into a bus by police they set out to reach build-up of wastes and toxins from Race Course Road in the in the blood, which otherwise heart of Delhi from where they the Prime Minister’s can lead to numerous compli- set out to reach the Prime Min- residence. Painting for a cause cations and impact the success ister’s residence. rate of surgery and the Artist Kalpana Singh painting Mithila or Madhubani paintings on a silk cloth in Madhubani in Bihar. The MPs were taken to the recovery after the transplant, Over 200 artists worked relentlessly for two months without claiming wages to paint a wall of over Tughlaq Road police station category status for Andhra said the official. from where they were Pradesh. 14,000sqft in traditional Mitihila style under Indian Railways “Rail Swacch Mission” cleanliness drive. Though it was not clear as released two hours after their The hours-long drama to how long the dialysis may detention. ended at night only after the continue before the 65-year- “We detained 21 TDP TDP MPs were marshalled out old minister is operated for leaders marching towards the from the House. the kidney transplant, sources Prime Minister’s house shouting The TDP members say it can happen any day. slogans and waving placards in described their eviction from Congress questions Modi’s ‘stoic The minister visited the the morning. They were the House as an “insult to hospital on Thursday to carry released by 1pm,” a police Andhra Pradesh”. out the official formalities official said. Meanwhile, all five Lok silence’ on Dalit concerns between him and the donor Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Sabha MPs of YSR Congress for the surgery. Minister Arvind Kejriwal party resigned this week and IANS protests and outcry on the streets alleged ill-treatment of the SCs/ He was admitted to the reached at Tughlaq Road police are on a hunger strike at Andhra over the dilution of the Scheduled STs. Cardio-Neuro Tower in AIIMS station and criticised the arrest Bhavan in Delhi. NEW DELHI: The Congress Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Pre- Seeking reply from the on Friday and has been under of TDP MPs. The MPs are Y V Sub- yesterday accused Prime vention of Atrocities) Act in the Prime Minister, Shergil won- observation since then. Tests are “It is a very sad moment as bareddy, Mekapati Rajamohan Minister Narendra Modi of wake of a Supreme Court ruling dered if he would respond to the being done on him and the all the TDP leaders who had Reddy, Y S Avinash Reddy, V maintaining a “stoic silence” on March 20, the Prime Minister concerns of his own party MPs donor, whose identity is a secret. gone to meet the Prime Min- Varaprasad Rao and P V Mithun over the concerns of Dalits and has maintained silence. or “as usual turn a blind eye”. While a number of visitors ister were held by police. Their Reddy. said it indicated that the BJP and “Modi’s stoic silence on the He said the Congress had including family members and demand is justified,” Kejriwal Since then, TDP supremo RSS were working towards a concerns of the Dalits shows been continuously highlighting non-political friends met the said. and Andhra Pradesh Chief Min- ‘Dalit-mukt Bharat’. that the Bharatiya Janata Party the plight of these weaker sec- minister on Saturday at the The TDP staged a similar ister N Chandrababu Naidu “It is often said that when and Rashtriya Swayamsevak tions, but the “hypocrite BJP facility meant for VVIPs, there protest at the chamber of Lok hinted that unlike YSRCP, his rebel voices come from within Sangh are working towards leadership seems to be busy was tight restriction yesterday Sabha Speaker Sumitra party MPs would not resign. the house, it means the situation ‘Dalit-mukt Bharat’ and Modi is playing with fire by deliberately as he has been kept in isolation Mahajan on Friday after they Naidu also said that his party is tense, worrisome and enjoying the anguish and pain dividing society”. to control infection, officials failed to get an appointment MPs would instead continue to alarming. Feeling concerned, of the SCs/STs,” the Congress The Congress leader also said. with her. They were forcefully fight and agitate and not run scared and anguished over leader said. slammed the Prime Minister’s The renal transplant removed. away from the scene. rising violence against Dalits The Congress attack on the advice to BJP MPs to stay at the would be carried out by a On Thursday, the Rajya Launching an attack on the and the anti-Dalit mindset of the government and the BJP comes houses of Dalits in villages, team of senior doctors from Sabha witnessed high-voltage Centre, Naidu warned that the Modi government, even the at a time when the ruling party’s saying Modi should, instead, first AIIMS led by V K Bansal. drama even after its pro- TDP will agitate more vocif- BJP’s Dalit MPs are raising ques- Dalit MPs Udit Raj, Savitri Bai call his Dalit MPs and other rep- Sandeep Guleria, a specialist ceedings were adjourned for erously, if the central gov- tions,” Congress spokesperson Phule, Chhote Lal Kharwar, resentatives of the Dalits to his from Apollo Hospitals and the day as the TDP members ernment didn’t accord special Jaiveer Shergil told reporters Ashok Kumar Dohre and house and provide them brother of AIIMS Director continued their protest over category staus to Andhra here. Yashwant Singh have written to answers on rising atrocities Randeep Guleria, is likely to their demand for special Pradesh. He said despite massive Modi to express anguish over against Dalits. carry out the operation

Bangladeshi given death penalty for Bank scam: Non-bailable warrants against Nirav and Mehul murder of IANS Meanwhile, the CBI con- companies — Diamond R US, Modi and his brother Nishal left general election. union leader tinued questioning the officers Stellar Diamond and Solar India on January 1, his wife Ami, a He was asked about the lapses MUMBAI: A special CBI court of overseas branches of Indian Exports, and uncle and business US citizen, and Choksi left on in the statutory audit of the central here yesterday issued non- banks that extended alleged partner Choksi and others have January 6, all before the CBI regulator due to which the PNB AFP bailable warrants (NBWs) against credit facilities on the basis of been named in the huge scam, received a complaint from the fraud remained undetected for a diamantaire Nirav Modi and his Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) admitted by the PNB in February PNB on January 29. long time as the SWIFT messaging DHAKA: A Bangladesh court uncle Mehul Choksi in issued by the PNB to firms and leading to a massive upheaval On Friday, the CBI ques- system was misused. yesterday sentenced a man connection with Rs13,500 crore related to Modi and Choksi — the in the country’s banking system. tioned the Reserve Bank of India The PNB has claimed in dif- to death in absentia for Punjab National Bank (PNB) promoter of Gitanjali Group. The issuance of NBWs by a former Deputy Governor Harun ferent complaints to the CBI that murdering a union leader fraud. The CBI said “the officer who court also opens door of seeking Rashid Khan, between 2011 and several LoUs — issued by one who led strikes in the The court’s move comes fol- dealt with forex transactions in Alla- Red Corner Notices against both 2016, in connection with the PNB bank to other banks, based on powerful garment industry. lowing Central Bureau of Inves- habad Bank’s Hong Kong Branch, of the accused from the Interpol. bank fraud and relaxation of which foreign branches offer A court in the northern tigation (CBI) request as both the has been summoned from Hong Earlier, a lookout notice was 80:20 gold import scheme credit to buyers — were fraud- district of Tangail ordered diamond traders, who left the Kong and is being questioned”. issued by the CBI against Modi and brought by then Union Finance ulently issued by its officials in that factory worker Mus- country in January, refused to Modi, a regular on the lists of Choksi. However, Modi and his Minister P Chidambaram on May connivance with Modi and the tafizur Rahman be hanged for join the investigation in cases rich and famous Indians since associates fled the country before 13, 2014, barely three days before other accused in the case causing kidnapping and murdering related to the scam. 2013, along with his group the notices were issued. While the counting of votes of 2014 huge losses to the bank. high-profile unionist Aminul Islam in 2012. Trade union groups rejected the sentence, saying Rahman was being singled out to cover Myanmar not ready for up for powerful groups involved in Islam’s murder. Islam’s mutilated body Rohingya return: UN was found by the roadside in Tangail a few days after he disappeared from Ashulia, the REUTERS The Myanmar government major garment hub on the has previously pledged to do its outskirts of Dhaka. YANGON: Myanmar is not ready best to make sure repatriation All his toes had been for the repatriation of Rohingya under an agreement signed with broken and his legs bore refugees, said the most senior Bangladesh in November would serious puncture wounds. United Nations official to visit the be “fair, dignified and safe”. State prosecutor Multan country this year, after Myanmar Myanmar has so far verified Uddin said Islam was likely was accused of instigating ethnic several hundred Rohingya targeted as a prominent cleansing and driving nearly Muslim refugees for possible labour activist who spear- 700,000 Muslims to Bangladesh. repatriation. The group would headed major strikes over “From what I’ve seen and be “the first batch” of refugees wages at garment factories. heard from people — no access to and could come back to “Aminul waged a struggle health services, concerns about Myanmar “when it was con- for the interest of workers. protection, continued displace- venient for them,” a Myanmar Perhaps the people whose ments — conditions are not con- official said last month. interest was affected mur- ducive to return,” Ursula Mueller, Mueller was granted rare dered him in a pre-planned U N’s Assistant Secretary-General access in Myanmar, allowed to manner,” Uddin said. for Humanitarian Affairs, said after visit the most affected areas in Police have not named Bull run to mark New Year in Sri Lanka a six-day visit to Myanmar. Rakhine state, and met army- any other suspects in Islam’s A Myanmar government controlled ministers of defence Riders control their bulls during a traditional cart race ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in murder. Rahman has been on spokesman did not immediately and border affairs, as well as Colombo yesterday. Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese and Tamil communities will mark the New Year on April 14. the run since the killing, respond to requests for de-facto leader Aung San Suu according to them. comment on Mueller’s remarks. Kyi. MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 ASIA 13 Pakistan mulls permanent ban on JuD, other groups

INTERNEWS Sources in the Law involved in terrorism or sectar- Ministry said the ianism or acting on behalf of, or ISLAMABAD: The government proposed draft at the direction of, any person of Pakistan is working on a draft bill to amend the or organisation proscribed bill to replace the presidential under this Act.” ordinance that banned Jamaatud Anti-Terrorism Act In addition to the draft bill, Dawa (JuD) as well as other (ATA) 1997, is likely which is likely to be tabled in organisations and individuals on to be tabled in the the upcoming NA session, the watch list of the Interior upcoming session Pakistan is preparing a consol- Ministry. idated database of known ter- Sources in the Law Ministry of the National rorists and terrorist organisa- said that the proposed draft bill Assembly scheduled tions which will be accessible to to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act to commence today. financial institutions and law- (ATA), 1997 is likely to be tabled enforcement agencies of the Turkish Prime Minister visits Afghanistan in the upcoming session of the country to strengthen the regime Afghan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah (right), speaks next to Prime Minister of Turkey, National Assembly scheduled to The National Assembly can against money laundering and Binali Yildirim, during a press conference at Sapedar Palace in Kabul, yesterday. Yildirim is on an commence today. extend it for another four terror financing. The Law Ministry was months after which it has to be For the enforcement of pro- official visit to Afghanistan. involved in the process for the tabled before both the houses ie hibition of funds and financial purpose of vetting the proposed National Assembly and Senate services, it was recommended draft bill, the sources said, for further extension. to the authorities to ensure that adding that the military estab- Through the ordinance, statutory regulatory orders lishment was also on board. amendments were made to issued under UNSC Resolu- The government decided to ATA’s Section 11-B that sets out tions-1267 and -1373 (issued U S and Afghan forces expand prepare a draft bill to amend the parameters for proscription of under ATA) are implemented ATA as part of its damage- groups and Section 11-EE that without delay. control campaign after the describes the grounds for listing The government would also airstrikes on Taliban drug labs Financial Action Task Force of individuals. In both sections, frame the ATA’s freezing and (FATF) approved a nomination Sub-Section ‘aa’ was added. seizure rules and ensure that Anti- REUTERS American and Afghan forces taxation generate $200m proposal tabled jointly by the According to the sub- Terrorism Amendment Ordi- responded with a dramatic annually for the Taliban, US US, the UK, France and Germany section, organisations and indi- nance 2018 is enacted through the KABUL: American and Afghan increase in air power since early Forces-Afghanistan estimates. to place Pakistan on the inter- viduals “listed under the United parliament, according to the draft forces have expanded their air 2017, with the number of The drug lab campaign national watchdog’s money- Nations (Security Council) Act, action plan. strikes against drug labs into weapons released tripling in the began in November, and has laundering and terror-financing 1948 (XIV of 1948), or” will be The amendment to the ATA western Afghanistan, aiming to first two months of 2018 com- now included 75 strikes, espe- grey list in February. included in the First Schedule would also enable investigation choke Taliban revenue. pared with a year earlier. cially in Helmand, the main Bill being tabled in NA to (for organisations) and Fourth officers to be trained to inves- Air strikes in Afghanistan, US Forces-Afghanistan poppy-growing province. replace ordinance which Schedule (for individuals), tigate sources of funding besides the world’s main heroin source, (USFOR-A) and Afghan forces con- However, David Mansfield, amended law to include entities respectively, on an ex parte other financial aspects in ter- also threaten civilians, however, ducted strikes on 11 Taliban drug an authority on Afghanistan’s listed by UNSC as proscribed basis. rorism cases. and may not be an effective production facilities in the western opium industry, says bombing groups Under Section 11-EE, the The presidential ordinance blow to the Taliban militant provinces of Farah and Nimroz this labs has a negligible effect on Earlier, President Mamnoon requirements were: “(a) con- has already been challenged by group, an expert on the coun- week, US Forces said on Saturday. Taliban revenues, because Hussain had promulgated the cerned in terrorism; (b) an JuD chief Hafiz Saeed in the try’s drug industry said. The strikes are the first in western heroin profits and taxes are not ordinance amending the ATA to activist, office-bearer or an Islamabad High Court. The campaign targeting Afghanistan and aim to reduce the as large as US Forces estimate include entities listed by the associate of an organisation kept He claimed that the ordi- Afghan drug labs began as Taliban’s main revenue flow, the and the simple labs can be UNSC as proscribed groups. under observation under section nance had been promulgated opium production jumped 87 US statement said. quickly rebuilt. The ordinance had been 11D or proscribed under section due to external pressure and percent last year to a record high “By cutting off the Taliban’s Calling strikes on drug labs issued under Article 89 of the 11B; and (c) in any way con- hence was not only prejudicial in Afghanistan. The Taliban, economic lifelines, we also “the theatre of counter-nar- Constitution which empowers cerned or suspected to be con- to the sovereignty but also con- which US officials say controls reduce their ability to continue cotics,” Mansfield said the risk “President to promulgate ordi- cerned with such organisation tradictory to the fundamental the drug trade, has made large these terrorist activities,” said of civilian deaths may be greater nances” but the ordinance or affiliated with any group or rights enshrined in the territorial gains since a US troop Major-General James Hecker. than potential benefits of expires in 120 days. organisation suspected to be Constitution. reduction of recent years. Drug processing and curbing Taliban revenues.

Pakistan With record 33 independents, Senate meets today summons US INTERNEWS They pointed out that the Abbasi about the alleged use of Senator Syed Shibli Faraz of of the day, which says, “The House envoy over Senate Secretariat had conveyed money in election of Senators PTI will seek leave to move a res- may discuss the issue of energy ISLAMABAD: The Senate will it to the Election Commission of and Senate Chairman. olution that says, “This House rec- crisis in the country and the steps deadly crash hold its first formal session today Pakistan (ECP) that it was their Pakistan People’s Party filed ommends that the government taken by the present government after the eventful election of 52 mandate to decide about political a privilege motion against Prime should take necessary steps to to address the same.” AP senators, beginning a new alignment of these senators, as Minister Abbasi on Friday in the evolve a simple and practical Other orders of the day parliamentary year with the fate it would also deal with refer- Senate Secretariat. However, it mechanism for the payment of include, Senators Sirajul Haq and ISLAMABAD: Pakistan of 17 senators still undecided. ences regarding the membership is not clear whether or not the pension to address the problems Mushtaq Ahamd of Jamaat-e- summoned the American Presently, the Senate website and affiliation of a lawmaker. movers will be allowed to being faced by the poor and Islami to move that the House may ambassador yesterday to shows 33 independents enjoy Already, they noted, none present it in the House for elderly pensioners by keeping discuss the taxes levied on lodge a formal protest after a majority in the 104-member else but PML-N President referral to the privileges their comfort and dignity intact.” petroleum products in the country. road crash involving a U S Upper House of Parliament: Shahbaz Sharif had moved the committee. Whereas, another PTI Leader of Opposition Senator Embassy vehicle killed a these include 17 senators, who ECP in this connection. As per the 16-item orders of Senator Mohsin Aziz will seek to Sherry Rehman to move that this Pakistani motorcyclist. got elected with the backing of “The first day of the 276th the day, Pakistan Tehreek-e- move a motion that the House House may discuss the Pakistan’s Ambassador David Hale the ruling Pakistan Muslim session will be a private Insaf Senator Muhammad Azam may discuss the recent devalu- deteriorating healthcare system. was told that another man League-Nawaz (PML-N). members day and it will be inter- Swati, if allowed, will move a ation of Pakistani rupee by 5 per The bills to be introduced riding on the motorcycle was “We are confident that the esting to see how the treasury resolution, which reads: “This cent in addition to the sharp are: PTI Senator Samina Saeed wounded in Saturday’s matter relating to 17 senators will senators will conduct themselves House recommends that the pro- devaluation in December, 2017, to introduce a Bill further to accident, the Foreign Ministry be sorted out early next week. with regard to the newly-elected vision of development funds to which will have very negative amend the Right to Free and said in a statement. It said May be before the com- Senate Chairman Muhammad parliamentarians should be impact on the economy making Compulsory Education Act, 2012 “justice will take its course” mencement of the maiden Sadiq Sanjrani, following the stopped immediately as the same imports more expensive. [The Right to Free and Com- in accordance with local and sitting,” parliamentary sources much-discussed statement of is against the spirit of good gov- PML-N’s Abdul Qayyum’s pulsory Education (Amendment) international laws. said. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan ernance and democratic norms”. motion is also listed on the orders Bill, 2018). Pakistani TV stations have aired footage showing a white vehicle running a red light and striking a motorcyclist, who can be seen flying Chinese colleges cut ties with through the air. The family of the motorcyclist, identified by professor after assault charges police as 22-year-old Ateeq Baig, has lodged charges against the U S diplomat, REUTERS re-examining the case. saying he ran a red light. “The punishment given by Pakistani police briefly BEIJING: Top universities in Peking University 20 years ago detained the diplomat, but did China have cut ties with a showed Shen had demerits in not arrest him as he enjoys dip- professor following outrage on teaching ethics. Any form of lomatic immunity. Yesterday, social media over an alleged punishment cannot erase what police said they are examining sexual assault that has been happened,” said the school in a footage of the accident from a linked to a student’s suicide statement cited by state news surveillance camera. Interior almost 20 years ago, according agency Xinhua. Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the to state media. The School of Liberal Arts diplomat violated traffic laws Last week, a person at Nanjing University and and that a case has been reg- claiming to be the student’s Shanghai Normal University, istered, without providing classmate accused Shen Yang, where Shen holds current further details. a language professor, of the roles, both cut ties with the The US Embassy issued a assault and called for a re- professor on Saturday, Xinhua statement expressing sym- examination of the case. The said. pathy for the family of the alleged victim died in 1998. Shen’s case has become the motorcyclist and for those Shen could not be contacted latest rallying point for a injured in what it said was a yesterday for comment. network of women’s rights “tragic traffic accident Peking University, where activists across China who have involving a US Embassy Selfie under the cherry blossom Shen taught until 2011, said it been pushing for the author- vehicle.” “Embassy officials served Shen a disciplinary ities to tackle persistent are cooperating with local People enjoy the cherry blossoms in Yuyuantan Park in Beijing. warning based on a police problems of sexual harassment authorities who are investi- report at the time, but is now on campuses. gating the accident,” it said. 14 ASIA MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 Tensions ease as hundreds of foreigners join Pyongyang race AP North Korea, have reduced the Tensions peaked number of tourist arrivals. PYONGYANG: Hundreds of late last year, but Tensions peaked late last year, foreigners joined in the annual but have eased since January, Pyongyang marathon yesterday have eased since when leader Kim Jong Un despite political tensions that January, when announced a series of diplomatic have only recently begun to ease overtures toward South Korea. and a ban on US citizens trav- leader Kim Jong-Un “It’s the last two months we elling to the country that is still announced a series saw an increase in people, ama- in effect. of diplomatic teurs, wanting to join the mar- Approximately 400 foreign athon, simply because the geopol- amateurs took part this year, less overtures toward itics before were so, you know, than half the number that came South Korea. tense, that people weren’t joining,” last year. They came from approx- said Nick Bonner, head of Koryo imately 43 countries and territories Tours, which brought in many of around the world. the foreign tourist runners. Spectators waving gold-coloured paper cones cheer as they wait for the start of the annual Disabled people were allowed The winner of the women’s full The competition is officially Pyongyang marathon at Kim Il Sung stadium in Pyongyang, yesterday. to join in for the first time. One marathon was North Korean Kim called the Mangyongdae Prize wheelchair runner from Singapore Hye Gyong, who came in at 2 hours International Marathon. Man- and one blind North Korean runner 27 minutes and 24 seconds, with gyongdae is where North Korea were in yesterday’s race. her twin sister Kim Hye Song nar- says its late founder, S Korea encouraged by talks This year’s marathon started rowly behind her. President Kim Il Sung, was in Kim Il Sung Stadium and wound “I’m glad that I was able to born. It’s part of a series of events SEOUL: South Korea’s presi- Agency Director Mike Pompeo, “But if such things are hap- past Pyongyang landmarks such fulfill the expectations of the held to commemorate the anni- dential office said its keeping have been holding “secret, pening, it looks positive and it’s as Kim Il Sung Square and Mirae people,” men’s winner Ri said. versary of his April 15 birthday. close tabs on reports that the direct talks” to prepare for a a good sign that they are Street, one of the North Korean Since North Korea started April 15 is called the Day of the United States and North Korea summit between U.S. President talking.” capital’s recent redevelopment allowing foreign amateurs to take Sun and is North Korea’s biggest have been holding talks to Donald Trump and North Yonhap news agency projects. part in the Pyongyang marathon holiday. prepare for a summit between Korea leader Kim Jong Un. reported today that local Thirteen foreign professional in 2014, the event has become a The International Association their leaders, expressing hope Trump previously agreed to pundits suggest that Cheong runners from African countries boost for the tourism industry. of Athletic Federations (IAAF) rec- that such steps could lead to meet Kim in May. Wa Dae’s latest reaction shows participated in the elite category But in the past year, tensions ognised this year’s Pyongyang denuclearization discussions “We can’t really make a that Moon wants to solve the of the race. The men’s full mar- on the Korean Peninsula over the marathon as a Bronze Label Road in the future. comment on the report, even issue of the North’s nuclear athon was won by North Korean North’s missile launches and Race. It’s also accredited by the CNN reported that North if we know something,” a program through upcoming Ri Kang Bom in 2 hours 12 minutes nuclear tests last year, and a U.S. Association of International Mar- Korean and US officials, Cheong Wa Dae official who summits instead of the six- and 53 seconds. travel ban on its citizens visiting athons and Distance Races. including Central Intelligence declined to be identified said. party talks.

US to give licence Philippines’ Boracay workers appeal for aid after order to close for Taiwan REUTERS owners — said they will lose their primary submarine plan source of living and sought support from AFP BORACAY, PHILIPPINES: Along the the government. shores of Philippines’ top holiday island, “I hope there is at least some help to Boracay, businesses like massage keep us fed daily because we have TAIPEI: Washington has parlours, souvenir stalls, tattoo shops and nowhere to go,” Joralyn delos Reyes, a agreed to allow US defence boat rentals are still thriving while tourists hair stylist, said while braiding a tourist’s contractors help Taiwan bask in the sun on the powdery white hair. “We can no longer farm or fish construct its own submarines, sand, but not for long. because of the hotels and foreigners living Taipei said, welcoming the Workers in Boracay, the Philippines’ in our land.” breakthrough in long- most popular tourist spot, appealed for The government has prepared 2bn standing ambitions to build aid yesterday before the holiday island’s pesos ($38.4m) for a “calamity fund” to up its fleet to counter the impending closure. workers in Boracay. threat from China. Philippines President Rodrigo “Even if they give us money, can they Taiwan last year Duterte, who described Boracay as a give us jobs when Boracay closes? That’s launched a plan to manu- “cesspool,” ordered the island closed for our biggest problem,” said Yolanda facture its own submarines six months starting April 26. Casidsid, a masseuse for 20 years. amid deteriorating relations It reflects the growing pressures on But for Neo Colubio, a boat rental with China after its hopes of beach resorts across Southeast Asia as manager, closing Boracay will help pre- buying them from the US infrastructure buckles under record visitor serve the tourist spot, allowing locals to came to nothing. Sailboat workers wait for customers along the beach at Boracay in the Philippines, numbers. profit in the long term. The US State Department yesterday. Nearly 200 Boracay businesses were The holiday island, which generated has approved granting the found to be discharging untreated waste over $1bn last year from a record two licence necessary to sell water into the sea, resulting in increased beaches and posing health risks to informal workers — masseuses, tattoo million tourists, employs around 30,000 Taiwan the technology concentration of human faeces along the swimmers. The central Philippines island’s artists, sand sculptors and boat rental workers. needed for its submarine project. The approval was a “breakthrough,” Taiwan defence ministry spokesman Japan, Cambodia sign $90m aid deal Cambodia’s former oppn Chen Chung-chi said Sunday. “It is part of a process. REUTERS & AP leader calls for poll boycott We’ll take it step by step,” he said, declining to provide REUTERS further details. PHNOM PENH: Japan signed a grant and loan agreement with PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s former opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, Cambodia yesterday totaling called yesterday for Cambodians to boycott a general election set over $90m, despite concerns for July 29 if his dissolved party isn’t allowed to take part. 11 Indonesians from the international The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was dissolved community over Prime Minister by the Supreme Court last November at the request of Prime Min- die after drinking Hun Sen’s crackdown on ister Hun Sen’s government, which alleged it was plotting to take government critics ahead of a power with the help of the United States. bootleg alcohol July general election. The CNRP and the United States have denied the allegations, Japan’s Minister of Foreign which followed the arrest of current party leader Kem Sokha on JAKARTA: Eleven Indone- Affairs Taro Kono and Cambo- treason charges over the alleged plot. He has denied the charges sians died yesterday and dia’s Foreign Affairs Minister and called them a ploy to help Hun Sen win re-election. several others are critically ill Prak Sokhonn signed the $4.6m “I call on all my Cambodian fellow compatriots who believe after drinking bootleg liquor, grant and $86m loan, for eco- in democracy to boycott the 29 July 2018 elections if the CNRP is police said, days after the nomic and electricity trans- Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono (left), listens to Cambodia’s not allowed to participate,” Sam Rainsy said in a tweet yesterday. death of 24 others from illicit mission projects, in Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen during their meeting at the Peace Palace The party had not previously called for a boycott and it was not imme- alcohol. capital Phnom Penh. in Phnom Penh, yesterday. diately clear if Sam Rainsy was speaking on behalf of the party. He The latest victims were The main opposition Cam- resigned as president of the CNRP in 2017 but has for decades been among 27 people admitted to bodia National Rescue Party Cambodia, some bad people can about the election had not been a vocal critic of Hun Sen. He has lived in France since 2015 to avoid hospital after sampling (CNRP) was dissolved in poison the news as bad as they raised in the talks Kono held a series of convictions he says are politically motivated. homemade alcoholic drinks November at the request of the did,” Hun Sen said on his with Hun Sen and Cambodian Sok Eysan, a spokesman for Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian Peo- in Cicalengka district in West government, prompting some Facebook page. Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn. ple’s Party, said Sam Rainsy’s call would have no impact. Java province, provincial Western countries to condemn During a meeting with Hun Asked by reporters about “The CNRP is already dead by the Supreme Court’s decision,” police spokesman Trunoyudo the crackdown, cut aid, and Sen, foreign minister Kono said Hun Sen’s harassment of his Sok Eysan said. “Even if Sam Rainsy appeals until he dies, people Wisnu Andiko said. impose visa bans on some ruling Japan would help Cambodia to opponents, Maruyama said no longer believe him.” “We are investigating the party members. become an upper middle Kono did not comment on Cam- The ban on the CNRP prompted some Western countries to shop that sold the illegal Rights groups and members income country by 2030, said bodia’s internal affairs. condemn the crackdown, cut aid, and impose visa bans on some liquor,” he said, adding no of the opposition have urged Hun Sen’s aide Eang Sophalleth. In reply to another question ruling party members. But Japan provided Cambodia with a grant one had yet been arrested. Tokyo to take a stronger stance Kono urged Cambodia to about whether the elections and loan agreement totalling over $90 million on Sunday, while In a separate case over against Hun Sen, but Japan has hold free and fair elections but could be described as free and saying it wanted to see a free and fair election. the past week 24 people have said it would continue to provide didn’t comment on the Cam- fair, he said: “Everybody can “Everybody can have their own idea what is free and fair, but died in the capital Jakarta election support and would not bodian government’s actions have their own idea about how free is free and fair is fair,” Norio Maruyama, a Japanese Foreign after drinking homemade interfere in what it said were against its political opponents to be free and fair. Free is free, Affairs spokesman, told a news briefing. liquor sold by a herbal drink Cambodia’s internal affairs. during talks with the Southeast fair is fair, but we don’t want to A former deputy president of the CNRP, Mu Sochua, said Cam- seller. Hun Sen praised Japan for Asian nation’s long-serving enter into the philosophy of bodians expected Japan not to recognise any government that The seller, who has been its financial assistance on prime minister, Hun Sen. what is free and what is fair. It emerged from a “sham election”. Japan is locked in a regional arrested, admitted he had Sunday, but lashed out at critics. A Cambodian foreign min- will be an endless argument on battle for influence with China, which is by far the biggest donor mixed pure alcohol with “While Japan, a friend, is istry spokesman earlier had also this. But we are not commenting to Cambodia and has consistently voiced support for the Coca-Cola and an energy providing assistance to said the sensitive questions on that.” government. drink, police said. MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 EUROPE 15 Hungarians go to polls as Orban set to win AFP This is a country lionaire George Soros. which has always The government has been BUDAPEST: Hungarians began stepped up for itself, accused by critics of using anti- voting yesterday in an election Semitic stereotypes in its that is being keenly observed so we can trust in the relentless campaign against across Europe, which will people, I will accept Soros. determine whether firebrand their decision: Prime Orban’s sometimes lurid nationalist Prime Minister Viktor rhetoric against immigrants Orban will win an expected third Minister Viktor Orban resulted in February in a spat consecutive term. between the government and the Orban has clashed with EU Hungarians are eligible to vote UN’s top human rights official, institutions over his moves to and turnout figures will be Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, who clamp down on civil society and closely watched for any clues of accused Orban of xenophobia his fiery anti-immigration a possible upset. and racism. rhetoric, but he has drawn A mainly first-past-the-post Although Orban’s actions, plaudits from other nationalist election system designed by including refusing to participate politicians and those on the far- Fidesz gives it an edge over a in the EU’s refugee resettlement right who look to him as an divided opposition but a high scheme, have sometimes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his wife Aniko Levai cast votes during the parliamentary inspiration. turnout and anti-Fidesz tactical annoyed other European gov- election, in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. BELOW: Hungarians queue to vote in the election. Opinion polls have consist- voting could add an element of ernments, Fidesz is afforded a ently put Orban and his right- unpredictability. measure of protection by virtue wing Fidesz party 20 or more Polling stations opened at of its membership of the main sort of “illiberal state” he hopes points clear of their nearest 6:00am local time (0400 GMT) centre-right EPP grouping in the to anchor in Hungary. rivals, Jobbik, a far-right party and stayed open until 7:00pm European Parliament. Turnout will be a key factor that has been moving towards local time. Senior EPP leaders have in determining the result, with the centre, and the centre-left Preliminary results are themselves courted controversy higher participation thought to Socialists. expected one or two hours after by wishing Orban luck ahead of benefit the opposition. Orban himself voted early polls close, with broader trends the poll. At a local mayoral by- yesterday morning with his wife expected to become clear only On a visit to Budapest on election in February, Fidesz suf- at a school in the leafy Zugliget slowly over the course of the Friday, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, fered a shock defeat after the suburb of Budapest. evening. leader of Poland’s governing PiS opposition threw its weight “This is a country which has Even if Fidesz does gain its party, also gave Orban his behind a single candidate, always stepped up for itself, so expected parliamentary majority, endorsement. prompting a surge in turnout. we can trust in the people, I will analysts will be watching to see Poland’s government has had Opposition parties have not accept their decision,” he said. whether it falls short of the two- its own run-ins with Brussels coordinated this closely on a Casting her vote at the same thirds “supermajority” that has over its changes to the judicial national level, but tactical voting polling station, retired kinder- enabled it to pass some of its system, and sees Hungary as an could nevertheless represent a garten worker Zsuzsanna most controversial bills. important ally within the EU. danger to Fidesz in 30-40 “swing Draxler said: “Of course I hope These include some of the A strong showing for Orban seats”. the Orban government will be measures that have put Orban will be welcomed by admirers The last few weeks of the with him after Fidesz’s 2014 hammered home his anti-immi- able to continue its work”. on a collision course with on the far-right in Europe, such campaign have been marked by election victory. gration message. But the first person to cast Brussels, such as eroding the as France’s Marine Le Pen, and allegations of money laundering Orban has avoided public The government also points their vote at the station, who did independence of the media and beyond. and corruption levelled at debates with opponents or to Hungary’s solid economic not wish to be named, said only the judiciary, as well as its Orban has also cultivated Orban’s inner circle, often pub- speaking to independent media, growth, which has brought that he hoped for “something crackdown on civil society Russian President Vladimir Putin lished in media owned by oli- preferring instead to address steadily rising wages, and says better” from the result. groups, particularly those funded as an ally and has previously garch Lajos Simicska, an erst- supporters at carefully stage- this would be at risk in the event Around 7.9 million by Hungarian-born US bil- cited Russia as an example of the while Orban ally who fell out managed events where he has of an opposition victory.

French labour Former Catalan Minister hopes Scotland will drop extradition bid strikes set to AFP crush the Catalans’ will to be Writing in the Sunday Herald, will to be free.” on ripping up its image as a cause more free”. she said she is looking ahead to Ponsati faces up to 35 years modern democracy and EDINBURGH: Former Catalan Her lawyer Aamer Anwar the court proceedings, which are in prison for charges including returning to its dark Francoist travel chaos Minister Clara Ponsati, who is said he cannot find any conduct expected to last several weeks, “violent rebellion and misappro- past,” he said, referencing the wanted for her role in last year’s in Spain’s European arrest “with a mixture of determination priation of public funds”. former dictator Francisco Franco ANATOLIA independence bid, said yesterday warrant which could be pun- and confidence”. Anwar will urge Scottish who ruled the country from 1939 that she is confident Scottish ished under Scots law, a key test “I am hopeful that justice will courts to reject Spain’s European to 1975. PARIS: French railway courts will reject Spain’s extra- for Scottish courts, and claims prevail but the abuses of human arrest warrant on human rights “We have concerns that if workers announced the dition demand. her life would be in danger if she rights by Spanish authorities are grounds, which protect the right she was imprisoned in Madrid, launch of a general strike Scotland-based Ponsati is extradited. unprecedented — they get worse to a fair trial, freedom of Spain could not and would not after airline pilots walked off accused Madrid of human rights Ponsati, who is currently free and worse day by day,” she said. expression and thought, and the guarantee Clara’s safety and she the job earlier in the day in abuses and warned they may be on bail in St Andrews, said she was “I am weary of what evil they right of association, liberty and faces a real threat to her life the latest protests against capable of further “wickedness” in tears before she surrendered to are capable of in their relentless security. whether it be from the author- President Emmanuel in their “relentless crusade to Scottish police on March 28. crusade to crush the Catalans’ “Spain appears determined ities or fellow prisoners.” Macron’s economic reforms. According to information gathered from French trade union representatives and transport sector officials, a German police rule out week-long strike is set to disrupt the country’s terror link in van attack transport system. AFP A strike by railway A source close to the workers that began last week investigation said and is already causing MÜNSTER: German author- there was a record transport chaos will continue ities investigating a deadly van until today. ramming attack focused of incidents related The French Railways yesterday on mental health to the perpetrator’s Administration (SNCF) said problems of the driver, as the impaired mental railway transportation would city of Muenster mourned for health since 2015, be seriously hampered the two people killed on a Sunday and today, while it sunny afternoon at an open-air and that he had was not clear how many restaurant. talked of suicide in employees would take part. “There are strong indica- late March. As railway workers tions at the moment that this announced another strike for was a lone perpetrator and that April 13 and 14, there was there were no links to the terror the crime. Supporters sail ahead of protests against Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit transition deal, in concern of further transpor- scene,” federal Interior Minister A source close to the inves- Hastings, Britain, yesterday. tation chaos, especially with Horst Seehofer told reporters tigation said there was a record the start of a school holiday. at the site of Saturday’s attacks, of incidents related to the per- Railway access between where local people laid flowers petrator’s impaired mental France and its neighbours Fishermen launch anti-Brexit protest in memory of the victims. health since 2015, and that he Germany, Switzerland, Italy Far-right opponents of had talked of suicide in late AFP and Spain will also be law after Brexit,” said the pro- where up to 40 vessels are Chancellor Angela Merkel’s March. affected. Brexit organising group Fishing expected and organisers plan to refugee policy had suggested in Prosecutors said he faced Negotiations on Friday LONDON: British fishermen for Leave, in a statement. burn a disused boat in a shore- the immediate aftermath of the allegations of threats, property between four labour unions launched protests in ports “Fishermen fear the EU will side bonfire during the evening. attack it might be an act of terror, damage and fraud in 2015 and representing SNCF employees around the country yesterday be able to enforce ill-founded “I think this is going to draw while some media reported the 2016, all of which were and Transport Minister Elis- over perceived capitulation to rules to cull the British fleet and attention — we want our voice killer had links to right-wing dropped. abeth Borne were the EU in Brexit negotiations. use international law to claim heard,” said Brendon Hall, 21, of extremist organisations. And broadcaster NTV inconclusive. Organisers estimated as the resources the UK would no Teignmouth, Devon, who fol- But there are “no indica- reported he had threatened National airline Air many as 200 vessels could par- longer be able to catch.” lowed his father into the tions of a political motive,” said family members with an axe in France also launched a new ticipate in the day-long Protests began in Newcastle, industry four years ago and had Hajo Kuhlisch, chief of police 2014 and 2015. strike on Saturday, its fifth nationwide action, forming flo- where a 15-boat flotilla assembled sailed to Plymouth to protest. in the western city where the The two victims killed in since February. tillas bearing flags and sounding yesterday morning, before others “The main part of the leave attack took place. Muenster were a 51-year-old The company announced horns as people also demon- mustered in Milford Haven, campaign was leaving the CFP Rather, he added, “the woman and a 65-year-old man, the cancelation of 25 percent strate on docksides. Wales, and Plymouth, southwest (Common Fisheries Policy) but motive and origins (of the both from northern Germany. of its long-distance flights, 35 “Fishermen and fishing England, later in the day. we’re staying in with no veto crime) lie within the perpe- The foreign ministry in the percent of its short-haul communities are enraged that Further demonstrations and no say,” he added, referring trator,” a 48-year-old German Netherlands said two of those flights and 30 percent of its the government has capitulated were set for other sites, to the 2016 referendum that saw identified as Jens R who shot hurt were Dutch, one of whom domestic flights. to Britain having to obey all EU including Whitstable, Kent, Britons vote for Brexit. himself dead immediately after was in a critical condition. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018

Spanish queens Russia accuses UK of sheltering fugitives try to quash

ANATOLIA rift rumours happens to them, British author- “These records indicate the UK will take everything to its AGENCIES ities blame Russia, he said directly that the British author- budget. They can keep the crim- MOSCOW: More than 60 crim- hinting at the Skripal case. ities knew about the false char- inals but pay back the money. MADRID: Spain’s Queen inals have fled from Russia to the He cited as an example the acter of the statement regarding It’s our money,” he said. Letizia and Emeritus Queen UK since 2002, Russian Attorney Russian Attorney case of Russian oligarch Boris attack preparation against Ber- Relations between Russia Sofia have appeared smiling General Yury Chayka said General Yury Chayka Berezovsky, who fled to the UK ezovsky but granted him refugee and the UK have been tense and chatting together in yesterday. in 2003 and was granted status anyway,” he said. since March when former public days after an apparent “Since 2002, we have sent said that all these political asylum under the Chayka recalled a new law Russian spy Sergei Skirpal and spat sparked speculation of a requests to the UK for the extra- people are engaged pretext of false information due to which any foreign his daughter came under an rift between the royals. dition of 61 persons who are in some doubtful about his attempted murder. property owner must explain the alleged nerve agent attack in Queen Letizia opened the accused or have already been activities in the UK, “The British authorities were origin of his assets. the southern English Salisbury door for her mother-in-law convicted in Russia for economic aware of the false nature of the “I assure you that many of city. when they arrived in a car crimes. but when something statement regarding the prepa- them (fugitive oligarchs) will find The British authorities driven by King Felipe VI at a “The amount of damage is happens to them, ration of the attack on Bere- it very difficult to do so (explain alleged Russia was behind the Madrid hospital to visit more than $87bn. This is only the British authorities zovsky, but still granted him the origin of their assets). And we attempted murder, a charge Emeritus King Juan Carlos, direct damage, and the scale of blame Russia. refugee status”, he said. hope very much that this law will Moscow denies. after his operation to replace funds they have collected abroad “We will publish copies of be applied by the British author- UK expelled 23 Russian dip- the prosthesis of his right is much higher,” he said speaking some documents from corre- ities in accordance with the rules lomats — and 121 diplomats were knee. to a local media outlet. them asylum anyway.” spondence with the UK Home of a civilised state, and not on expelled worldwide as a diplo- The hospital visit came “Sometimes British author- All these people are engaged office, including those with the principle of ‘rob what was matic crisis brewed. Nato and the after days of criticism of ities know about illegal activities in some doubtful activities in the Theresa May, who at that time robbed’. EU have supported the UK and Queen Letizia, following a of Russian citizens but grant UK, but when something headed the Home office. “They stole in Russia, now condemned the attack. video that went viral of her apparently impeding an Easter Sunday photo oppor- tunity for her mother-in-law with Letizia’s two daughters, War crimes judges to Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia. The footage has made rule on appeal against waves in the Spanish press, with newspapers branding Serb leader’s acquittal the incident ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘tense’. AFP for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) In an analysis about the offices, whose function has been Easter encounter, El País THE HAGUE: UN war crimes taken over by the Mechanism newspaper recalled how Sofía judges will rule on Wednesday for International Criminal Tri- had helped usher Letizia, a in an appeal brought by pros- bunals (MICT), is set to start on former television journalist, ecutors against the surprise Wednesday at 1200 GMT. into the royal family. Rela- acquittal of radical Serb Vojislav In 2016, a three-judge panel tions between the two have Seselj, accused of atrocities led by French judge Jean- been deteriorating since the committed during the 1990s Claude Antonetti said prose- birth of the younger Balkans wars. cutors “failed to prove beyond princesses. Presiding judge Theodor all reasonable doubt” or Now, the newspaper con- Meron will hand down a ruling provide sufficient evidence that cluded, “15 years have passed in the long-running case, but in Seselj was responsible for the and things have changed.” the absence of Seselj, who is crimes he had been charged Spain’s Royal House is planning to snub the sitting at with. trying to rebuild its image the court in The Hague. Prosecutors had alleged after King Felipe’s brother- Seselj was acquitted in Seselj was behind the murders Re-enactment in-law was found guilty of 2016 of nine war crimes and of scores of Croat, Muslim and Local people re-enact scenes from daily life prior to the bombing of the Basque market town of tax evasion and fraud last crimes against humanity other non-Serbs between 1991 Guernica by Germany’s Condor Legion, in aid of the nationalist military rebellion led by General year. charges after a trial lasting and 1993 in the conflicts that Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War, in Guernica, Spain, yesterday. There was no official more than eight years. erupted during the collapse of comment from the Spanish And the firebrand founder Yugoslavia, after the fall of Royal Family’s spokesmen. and outspoken opposition communism. leader of the ultranationalist He was also accused of the Serbian Radical Party said last forced deportation of “tens of week that he would not return thousands” from large areas of to the tribunal on Wednesday Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia ‘Kremlin sees Internet as threat to domination’ as “this verdict does not interest and Serbia. AFP me.” Leading a group of paramil- recognises the Internet as the including a ruling that blogs with opposition, who are ignored by “I defeated the court in The itaries, Seselj “espoused and principal threat to its domination more than 3,000 viewers per mainstream news media but are Hague, because the prosecutor encouraged the creation of a MOSCOW: As Vladimir Putin and one of the last refuges of free day must face the same strict active online. Rights groups had no proof of my alleged war homogenous ‘Greater Serbia’ starts his fourth Kremlin term, speech — especially after it regulations as news media. have also been hit hard. crimes,” said Seselj, who is now by violence and thereby partic- authorities are turning up the helped fuel unprecedented mass Since then, Russian and “The purpose is to spread a member of the Serbian ipated in war propaganda and heat on popular websites and demonstrations when Putin foreign Internet providers have fear, (to) make people think that parliament. incitement of hatred towards apps ostensibly to fight terrorism returned to the presidency six been legally obliged to store the the state controls everything and The hearing at the former non-Serb people,” the prose- but analysts said the real motive years ago after four years as data of their Russian users in that you can’t hide anywhere, International Criminal Tribunal cution said. is to muzzle critics. prime minister. Russia. that all data can be collected,” A move this week to block “The Kremlin got scared and This led to the blocking of said Sarkis Darbinyan, a lawyer the strongly encrypted mes- responded with an attack on professional networking site and director of a digital rights senger Telegram, less than a Internet freedoms,” said Andrei LinkedIn, which did not comply. centre in Moscow. month after Putin’s crushing poll Soldatov, editor-in-chief of Subsequently, new legis- But Russia cannot simply win, marks a new stage in the Agentura.ru, a site monitoring lation citing terror threats has impose a local version of China’s crackdown launched after his the security services. forced all “distributors of infor- “Great Firewall” cutting off all previous victory in 2012. In the summer of 2012, Russia mation” to retain all user data access to sites, he said. Telegram, which has 200 created a blacklist of sites showing for six months and provide it to “Unlike China, where the million users and is ironically the pornography or drug use and also the authorities on request. Internet was constrained since go-to messaging app for top those deemed to be “extremist”— Under the latest measure the beginning, Russian internet Kremlin officials, was specifi- a term vague enough to include imposed late last year, the started off as very free,” he said. cally designed by Russian devel- opposition activism. The pro- authorities are able ban VPN Ultimately global players like opers to circumvent the Krem- fessed intention of the move was services that allow users to Facebook, Twitter, Google, lin’s security forces. to protect children from harmful bypass Russian site blocks by WhatsApp and Telegram who Putin has gradually brought content online. simulating a connection from want to operate in Russia will media under state control since Two years later, the par- another country. have to comply with state restric- A file photo of Serbian Radical Party leader, Vojislav Seselj, during the early 2000s. liament unleashed a barrage of This legislative onslaught has tions or get blocked, he said, an interview, in Belgrade. Experts said the Kremlin new anti-terrorist laws, been widely used against the adding it’s only “a matter of time.”

New French Socialists leader bids to revive party Germany foils marathon REUTERS pummelled by economic woes and of what we are.” party in 2016, was elected on a attack plot; six arrested or frustrated with decades of the Macron, who had served in pro-reform platform and has so AP PARIS: The new leader of same parties taking turns in Hollande’s government as far managed to pass measures first reported yesterday that French Socialists, Olivier Faure, office seek out alternatives. economy minister before with little pushback from a police foiled a plot to attack told supporters to bury internal Faure, a relative unknown quitting and launching his own splintered opposition. BERLIN: Six people were race spectators and participants divisions yesterday and rally in France who joined the detained in connection with with knives. behind his bid to bring the party Socialists at 17, drew the most what police and prosecutors The main suspect allegedly back from the political votes during a leadership race allege was a plan to carry out knew Anis Amri, a Tunisian wilderness where it has in March, causing other candi- an attack on Berlin’s half- who killed 12 people and languished since an electoral dates to withdraw. marathon yesterday, German injured dozens more when he defeat last year. Yesterday, he urged the authorities said. drove a truck into a Holi- The party of former Pres- party, which first gained power “There were isolated indi- damarket in Berlin in December ident Francois Hollande lost in 1981 under Francois Mit- cations that those arrested, 2016, Die Welt reported. power in May 2017 and limped terrand, to return to its roots by aged between 18 and 21 years, One of the apartments into fifth place in the presidential reconnecting with French were participating in the prep- Berlin police raided before the race, as Emmanuel Macron, workers while setting aside any aration of a crime in connection race started yesterday was also backed by an upstart movement, lingering internal divisions. with this event,” prosecutors searched after the Christmas swept away mainstream forces “Great ideas never die, so let and police wrote in a joint market attack, the newspaper that had governed France for us show some confidence,” statement. said. decades. Faure told Socialists in his first Berlin police tweeted that Special police forces Across Europe, the centre- major speech as leader, after six people were detained in detained four men in con- left has lost ground to newer or being formally appointed at a Newly-elected General-Secretary of the French Socialist Party cooperation with the city’s nection with the race plot, the anti-establishment forces in party congress on Saturday. (PS), Olivier Faure (centre), during the party’s 78th congress, in prosecutor’s office. paper said— different from the recent years, as voters “Let’s be proud of our history Aubervilliers, yesterday. The German daily Die Welt six that police reported. MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 AMERICAS 17 Lula spends first day of 12-year term in prison AFP Although Brazilian bullet, the fire department said. presidents of recent It was a fittingly chaotic end CURITIBA: Leftist icon Luiz history have routinely to four days of intense tension as Inacio Lula da Silva spent Brazil wondered whether the yesterday as Brazil’s first former ended up in trouble — Workers’ Party founder would president to be imprisoned for a impeached, brought finally be put behind bars. common crime — and his cell down by a coup and Lula, who despite the scandal was in the headquarters of the even one suicide — leads easily in polls ahead of giant anti-graft probe that October presidential elections, brought him down. Luiz Inacio Lula da tried to get his sentence delayed The first day of Lula’s 12-year Silva is the first to in a marathon appeal at the sentence marked the downfall have been convicted Supreme Court in Brasilia on of once one of the world’s most of corruption and Wednesday. popular politicians. When that was turned down, Although Brazilian presi- locked up. he engaged in a standoff with dents of recent history have rou- authorities in his hometown of tinely ended up in trouble — businessmen, and sending shock Sao Bernardo do Campo, outside Former Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (second right) arrives at the Federal Police headquarters, impeached, brought down by a waves through Latin America. Sao Paulo. where he is due to serve his 12-year prison sentence, in Curitiba, Parana State, Brazil, yesterday. coup and even one suicide — Lula was found guilty last Surrounded by thousands of Lula is the first to have been con- year of taking a luxury apartment supporters at the metalworkers’ to Curitiba. at the exit of a man they The next potentially victed of corruption and locked as a bribe from a construction union building in the suburb, he A jail cell with extremely remember for removing tens of explosive legal development up. company and is “Car Wash’s” brazenly ignored an order to turn good conditions by the standards millions of people from poverty could come as early as next His new home is a roughly 15 biggest scalp — though Lula said himself in by Friday. of Brazil’s often violent, desper- and for connecting with voters Wednesday, when local media metre sq cell in the federal police the conviction was rigged. On Saturday, he agreed to be ately overcrowded prisons — in a way few, if any, other report that the Supreme Court headquarters in Curitiba, the The former two-term pres- taken into custody, only to find including a hot private shower modern Brazilian politicians may revisit the current law on southern city where the “Car ident arrived by police helicopter himself blockaded by his own and toilet — awaited him. have managed. incarceration during appeals. Wash” probe is based. on the roof of the lock-up in supporters, with a crowd After his arrest, fireworks With Lula almost certainly Today, anyone convicted and Named after a service station Curitiba late Saturday. mobbing his car, shouting “Don’t and cheering broke out in parts knocked out of the presidential losing a first appeal — which is where agents initially uncovered As the helicopter landed, surrender, stay here Lula!” of Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao election, the race is likely to be Lula’s case — has to conduct any a relatively small money laun- demonstrators outside let off At last, surrounded by bod- Paulo and other cities among thrown wide open. In polls, he further appeals in prison. But dering operation, “Car Wash” has volleys of fireworks, while riot yguards, Lula pushed through the those who long considered Lula currently scores more than there is pressure to change that turned into one of the world’s police fired tear gas, filling the seething throng of supporters on responsible for the tide of graft double his nearest rivals. so that higher court appeals biggest ever examples of such a air with explosions and smoke. foot late Saturday, then got into sweeping over Brazilian However, analysts said that could be pursued in liberty, probe, netting scores of top pol- Eight people were lightly injured, a police vehicle and was taken politics. instability in Brazil means sur- which would mean freedom for iticians, some of Brazil’s richest including one hit by a rubber to Sao Paulo airport for the flight But supporters cried openly prises remain possible. Lula.

Bakersfield Post Trump backs EPA chief office named for Merle Haggard amid graft scandal AP AFP public land to greenhouse gas emissions and protections for BAKERSFIELD: About 300 WASHINGTON: US President endangered species. people turned out in Bakers- Donald Trump defended his The growing speculation field, California, to celebrate embattled Environmental about Pruitt’s job security the naming of a post office for Protection Agency (EPA) chief stems from stories highlighting Merle Haggard in his Scott Pruitt against allegations his lavish travel costs at tax- hometown. of lavish spending on his payers’ expense, his request for The late country music security and travel in a tweet. extra security, extraordinary legend’s sister and widow “While Security spending pay raises for close aides, and were among those at a Friday was somewhat more than his a sweetheart deal he received ceremony near downtown predecessor, Scott Pruitt has for renting an apartment honoring Haggard, who received death threats because owned by the wife of a lobbyist helped create the twangy of his bold actions at EPA,” who had business before the “Bakersfield Sound.” Trump said. agency. The event fell on the two- “Record clean Air & Water CNN also reported that year anniversary of Haggard’s while saving USA Billions of Trump recently had floated death — and what would have Dollars. Rent was about market replacing Attorney General Jeff been his 81st birthday. rate, travel expenses OK. Scott Sessions — who has earned Haggard rose from is doing a great job!” Trump’s ire for recusing himself poverty and prison to inter- The latest missive came a from overseeing the Russia First responders assessing the scene of a fire at Trump Tower, in New York City, yesterday. national fame through his day after the Wall Street investigation last year — with songs about outlaws, Journal reported that White the scandal-ridden Pruitt. underdogs and an abiding House Chief of Staff John Kelly Three Republican members sense of national pride. His One dead in Trump Tower blaze last week told Trump that Pruitt of Congress have joined Dem- hits include “Okie From should step down following a ocratic calls for Pruitt to step AFP Muskogee” and “Sing Me Back said the medical examiner’s The building, which is series of negative headlines. down or be fired. Home.” office would determine the owned by US President Donald Pruitt has been a loyal foot Pruitt has sought to defend Norm Hamlet, who NEW YORK: An elderly man cause of death as part of an Trump, serves as the head- soldier in carrying forward his actions. played in Haggard’s band for died yesterday and four fire- ongoing investigation. quarters for The Trump Organ- Trump’s dereg- nearly a half-century, said fighters were injured after a “This was a very difficult ization and houses the presi- ulation efforts, that the singer would’ve been blaze erupted on the 50th floor fire. As you can imagine, the dent’s penthouse. and the pres- humbled by the honour. of Trump Tower in New York, apartment is quite large, we are Surrounding streets were ident has valued officials said. 50 stories up. The rest of the closed off as tourists snapped his advocacy for The New York Police building had a considerable pictures on their phones. his agenda. Two Chihuahua Department said that a 67-year- amount of smoke,” the New The fire department earlier Trump has old Todd Brassner was found York City Fire Department said tweeted a picture of the building taken an axe to security officers “unconscious and unresponsive” yesterday. with several windows of the the environ- when officers arrived at the It said the four firefighters 50th floor ablaze. mental regula- injured in gunfire scene. had “non-life threatening” Trump later said the fire had tions he Brassner — a Trump Tower injuries and the blaze had been been extinguished. inherited from AP resident identified by US media brought under control. “Fire at Trump Tower is out. his predecessor as an art dealer — was pro- Smoke began rising from the Very confined (well built Barack Obama, MEXICO CITY: Authorities in nounced dead after being taken skyscraper in Midtown Man- building). Firemen (and women) cutting dozens of the northern Mexican state of to Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hos- hattan around 6:00pm (2200 did a great job. THANK YOU!” rules ranging Fliers posted around Capitol Hill poke fun at EPA Chihuahua say that police pital, according to police, which GMT). he said. from fracking on Administrator Scott Pruitt, in Washington, DC. who were providing security for the governor have been attacked. Gov Javier Corral was not harmed. In a statement, the Chi- Rivers swell as wet storm moves through Northern California huahua state prosecutors’ AP office said that officers The storm tapered off by yesterday morning Police rescued a man who rained out, the first at the Giants noticed a suspicious vehicle but minor flooding continued along the swollen became trapped in a rain- ballpark in 12 years. Saturday’s yesterday. Occupants of the SAN FRANCISCO: Up to 15cm Truckee River near Lake Tahoe. Parts of swollen drainage channel near game was also pushed back by vehicle then opened fire on of rain fell over two days as a Sacramento, where many roads two hours. them. The police were drenching “Pineapple Express” Yosemite National Park remained closed as the were flooded. The state capital To the north, state officials wounded, but their injuries storm swelled rivers and Merced River peaked several feet above flood saw more than nearly 3cm of warned this week that they may were not life-threatening. flooded roads in Northern Cali- stage through the Yosemite Valley. rain on Friday. have to use the partially rebuilt Local press reported that fornia, US forecasters said Sonoma County officials said spillway at Oroville Dam for the the three officers were in a yesterday. there were no major mudslides first time since repairs began on patrol vehicle outside a con- The heaviest rain was in the April day since record-keeping through the Yosemite Valley. in areas stripped bare by last the badly damaged structure last venience store near the northern Sierra and in coastal began. No major problems were fall’s wildfires. summer. entrance of a country club counties from San Francisco The storm tapered off by reported, but runoff from San Francisco International The water level in Lake where Corral was playing north to Mendocino during a yesterday morning but minor melting snow could add to the Airport reported about 150 can- Oroville topped 243 metres on golf. The state government 48-hour period beginning on flooding continued along the chance of rapidly rising streams celed flights because of the Saturday. did not immediately respond Friday, the National Weather swollen Truckee River near Lake and rivers, forecasters warned. weather and others were If it reaches about 253 to a request for more details. Service said. Tahoe. Parts of Yosemite The wet weather resulted delayed. metres, water managers said The prosecutors’ office said Downtown San Francisco National Park remained closed from a strong “atmospheric The opener of the San Fran- they may open the gates to the there have been other recent saw nearly 5cm on Friday, as the Merced River peaked river” of subtropical moisture cisco Giants-Los Angeles spillway. Officials said they are attacks against state police. making for the fourth-wettest several feet above flood stage that moved east from Hawaii. Dodgers weekend series was confident it can safely function. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 Kansas lawmakers pass school funding increase AP I am pleased that funding bill passed. we were able to Senate GOP leaders had TOPEKA: Kansas legislators excoriated a previous, similarly approved an increase in compromise and pass sized plan from the House as spending on school funding a bill that ensures our likely to force higher taxes early yesterday, with Repub- schools will remain within two years. licans pushing the measure to open and are funded The Senate approved a plan passage over the bitter objec- to phase in a $274m increase tions of some GOP colleagues in adequately and over five years and top Repub- hopes of meeting a court equitably: Gov Jeff licans hoped in negotiations to mandate. Colyer talk the House down from its big Dozens of teachers, many plan. wearing red shirts, converged voted against it. “We know — absolutely on the Statehouse, camped out But the measure had bipar- know — if we’re going to pay for hours and cheered after the tisan support in the Senate. The this bill, we’re going to have to Senate approved a bill, 21-19, to state’s largest teachers union put increase taxes,” said Senate phase in a $534m increase in aside its own misgivings that the President Susan Wagle, a con- education funding over five plan was too small and had servative Wichita Republican. years. The House passed the bill members pack the Senate Later, she said, “I’m here for People gather at St Augustine Catholic Church for a fundraising breakfast to raise funds for relief on Saturday, 63-56, and GOP gallery and hallways outside the the people who are footing the of bus crash victims, in Humboldt, Canada, yesterday. Gov Jeff Colyer endorsed it chamber. bill.” publicly. “It is certainly the best bill Colyer argued in a statement “I am pleased that we were we’ve seen,” said Kansas that the new plan could be sus- able to compromise and pass a National Education Association tained without increasing taxes. Canada town to hold vigil for crash victims bill that ensures our schools will lobbyist Mark Desetti. “It’s time Supporters believe the annual AFP remain open and are funded to get something before the growth in tax revenues will Broncos’ arena in Humboldt — where flowers and written adequately and equitably,” court.” cover the new spending. not for the playoff game that tributes have fast piled up. Colyer said in a statement. The Supreme Court declared The Senate didn’t take up HUMBOLDT: Mourners in the fans had excitedly anticipated Players on the stricken team The Kansas Supreme Court in October that the state’s the tax bill until late Saturday tiny Canadian town of but for a somber vigil set to ranged in age from 16 to 21. ruled last fall that the state isn’t current funding of more than $4 night, and some lawmakers Humboldt, still struggling to begin at 7:00pm (0100 GMT The physical impact of Fri- spending enough money on its billion a year isn’t enough for grew increasingly nervous. make sense of a devastating Monday). day’s crash was so brutal that it public schools. Colyer and some lawmakers to fulfill their duty The state constitution tragedy, prepared for a prayer A large crowd was expected tore open the bus and sent the members of the Republican- under the Kansas Constitution required two-thirds majorities vigil to honour the victims of a in the town of about 6,000 truck’s cargo of blue-wrapped controlled Legislature worried to finance a suitable education in both chambers to pass a res- truck-bus crash that killed 15 of people. bales of peat moss flying across that a frustrated high court for every child. It gave Attorney olution to work past midnight their own and shook North Hockey players were a wide area. would take the unprecedented General Derek Schmidt, a and return April 26. American ice hockey. expected to sit on the ice It happened at the inter- step of preventing the state from Republican, until April 30 to Had no resolution passed, Police said a collision late together, many in uniform. An section of highways 35 and 335, distributing dollars through a report on how lawmakers lawmakers’ annual session Friday between a transport truck additional 1,000 chairs were set between the prairie towns of flawed education funding responded. would have ended abruptly and and a bus carrying players, up at a local curling rink, and Tisdale and Nipawin. Police are system, effectively closing Lawmakers had been all pending legislation would coaches and team personnel of live broadcast feeds were still investigating its cause. schools statewide. scheduled to start an annual have died immediately. the Humboldt Broncos junior planned for other area venues, The initial disbelief felt by Many Democrats had argued 2½-week spring break Saturday GOP leaders remained at hockey team claimed 15 lives and the Regina Leader-Post Canadians turned slowly to that the plan, drafted largely by and return on April 26 — four odds over what is normally a left the other 14 people on the bus reported. sorrow and grief once the mag- top House Republicans, would days before Schmidt’s deadline. routine task until two minutes injured, some critically. Dozens of locals, some of nitude of the town’s losses was not satisfy the Supreme Court. He and Colyer urged legislators before midnight, when a reso- Volunteers, many red-eyed, them classmates of the dead, realised and names of the Most Democrats in the House to delay the break until a school lution won the House’s approval. lined up chairs yesterday at the camped just outside the arena, victims revealed. Michigan’s top court hears guns-in-school cases Body recovered AP near California that’s openly holstered. into an area reserved for the allowed. He said fears would be 18, which favors giving schools Though rare, it happened Michigan Legislature under state eased if more adults educated kids authority over guns. She said cliff crash site ANN ARBOR: A gun openly three years ago at a choir concert law. They point to a Lansing- about proper gun ownership. she’s been involved in stressful carried by a spectator at a school at Ann Arbor Pioneer High area library whose ban on the “If adults are OK with it, discussions over what to do AP concert in 2015 has turned into School, scaring teens, staff and open display of guns was struck there are no alarm bells,” during a shooting. a major legal case as the spectators. The school board down by the state appeals court Herman said. “If they overreact “My point is the school is MENDOCINO: A body was Michigan Supreme Court responded by banning all guns, in 2012. and yell ‘fire’ every time a law- turned into some sort of sick war recovered yesterday in the considers whether the state’s with exceptions for police. But in Ann Arbor and Clio, abiding citizen is carrying, game where the goal is to vicinity where an SUV public schools can trump the “If a student were to bring a another three-judge panel at the they’re sending the wrong survive,” Tar said. plunged off a Northern Cali- Legislature and adopt their own gun into a school, that would be appeals court said schools are in message.” The state’s highest court has fornia cliff last month, killing restrictions on firearms. worthy of an expulsion,” said a different category and have He said many Clio parents allowed outside groups to file a family of eight in what The case from Ann Arbor has Jeanice Kerr Swift, superin- freedom to further restrict guns. with gun permits would be briefs, including the Brady authorities suspect may have been on the court’s docket for tendent of Ann Arbor schools. The districts won that round. willing to volunteer at schools Center to Prevent Gun Violence. been an intentional crash. more than a year. But arguments “So why would it be different for Ken Herman, a paramedic and add an extra layer of The Washington-based group The Mendocino County set for Wednesday are getting other folks? ... What this case is and gun-owning parent who security. said Michigan schools must have Sheriff’s office said in a extra attention in the wake of a about is local communities sued the Clio district, believes the “If something were to the power to set safety policies. statement that a couple vaca- Florida school shooting in Feb- having a choice.” appeals court got it wrong. In a happen and I didn’t possess the But another organisation, the tioning along the coast saw a ruary that killed 17. Separately, the Clio district, filing at the Supreme Court, his tools to intercept to some degree, Michigan Coalition for Respon- possible body, which was There’s no dispute that north of Flint, has a similar attorney said schools have a duty I’m not sure I could live with that sible Gun Ownership, said pulled from the surf by a third Michigan law bars people from policy. The Supreme Court is to keep students safe, but law- burden,” Herman said. schools must cede some ground bystander. possessing a gun inside a hearing challenges from gun makers have “chosen to reserve Students are paying attention to the Legislature. The body appears to be weapon-free school zone. But owners in both communities. the power to regulate the pos- to the cases. Paige Tar, a junior “Firearm possession, and the that of an African American there’s a wrinkle: Someone with Gun-rights advocates argue session of firearms.” at Northville High School in sub- right of self-defense that is insep- female, but the age and a concealed pistol permit can that local governments, including Herman, 36, said he carries a urban Detroit, is part of a arable from it, demand uniform identity could not immedi- enter school property with a gun elected school boards, can’t step gun for protection wherever it’s statewide student group, Engage treatment,” the group said. ately be determined, said Lt. Shannon Barney. An autopsy is planned tomorrow to determine a cause of death. New transportation grants ditch bikes and walkways Residents lynch AP interstate highway in southern four theft suspects Illinois. WASHINGTON: Forget about It’s a refocusing from the in Mexican town bike-share stations in Chicago priorities of the previous or pedestrian walkways in administration, which gave AP Oakland. That’s so Obama-era. most of these TIGER (Transpor- In the Trump adminis- tation Investment Generating MEXICO CITY: Authorities in tration, a popular $500m trans- Economic Recovery) grants to the central Mexico state of portation grant programme is urban areas represented by Puebla said four men focused more on projects in President Barack Obama’s suspected of stealing a rural areas that turned out for Democratic allies on Capitol tractor-trailer have been Donald Trump in the 2016 Hill. killed by angry townspeople. election. That means more road “More than 64 percent of Puebla’s secretary of and rail projects in GOP strong- this round of TIGER funding public safety said in a holds such as Idaho, North was awarded to rural projects, statement the men had been Dakota, and Oklahoma, and a historic number that demon- arrested by local officers and fewer “greenways,” ‘’complete strates this Administration’s were being held in the streets” and bike lanes. commitment to supporting the Yehualtepec police station. The latest round of these country’s rural communities,” More than 200 residents grants has nothing for New the Transportation Department attacked the station Saturday, York City, Los Angeles or said in a release announcing the taking the suspects and Chicago. Money in those Dem- grants last month. burning the building. ocratic heavy states went “I was very pleased,” said The secretary said that Light above the lighthouse instead to projects in Trump- Sen Susan Collins, R-Maine, the suspects were beaten to friendly regions: repainting a when asked about the focus on death before state police were Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is seen as the sun rises over Lake Michigan Chicago, in Illionis, in the bridge in New York’s North rural areas. Maine won $10.8m sent to secure the area. United States, yesterday. Country, contributing to a to help repair three rural Vigilante killings occur highway project in Modesto, bridges on routes critical to the periodically in Mexico, espe- California, and upgrading an state’s timber industry. cially in some rural areas. MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018 HOME 19

ICC to hold Filipino theatre group uses proceeds of show for charity ‘Bharat Utsav’ THE PENINSULA Chairman Henry Dimaano. The on April 13 newly inducted officers are THE PENINSULA DOHA: Filipino thespian group, Chester C Mendoza (Chairman); Tanghalang Overseas Pinoy Eulalee Corabelle T Argonza (TOPi), has handed over the (Vice-Chairman, External); Raul DOHA: The Indian Cultural proceeds of their latest show to B Martin (Vice -Chairman, Centre (ICC), under the aegis the United Filipino Organisations Internal); Mark Andrew Lopez of the Embassy of India, will in Qatar (UFOQ). (Secretary); Maria Imelda B. organise ‘Bharat Utsav’ — A In September last year, TOPi Serias (Finance Manager); and Journey through Festive Cele- put on a show entitled “Scenes Shirley J. Del Rosario (Auditor). brations of India, on April 13 From the Stage” which The board of directors at Qatar National Convention enthralled theatre lovers with include Demy A Solitario (Music); Center — Al Mayassa Theater. fascinating performances of Robinson G Capili (Technical); It is to promote Indian excerpts from famous Filipino and Elaine Dagsan (Logistics); culture and showcase various musicals. while the advisers are Richard festivities from all regions in Proceeds of the show will Lapada and Joseph Bryan S India. As many as 350 par- benefit Laurence “Inan” Molinas, Ricafrente. ticipants will be performing. a high school student from Occi- Mendoza vowed to exert The Ambassador of India and dental Mindoro in the Philippines efforts to continue the achieve- Patron of ICC will be the chief who has physical deformity ments of the previous officers, guests. Teyseer Motors is the called congenital genu recur- as well as gave an update on main sponsor and Doha Bank vatum or “backward-bending TOPi’s future projects including is the event sponsor. Al Dar UFOQ Chairman, Henry Dimaano (third left), with the new TOPi officers. knee.” The amount raised will a recital entitled 4G to be staged for Exchange Works will co- PIC: GEORGE BABIANO be used to assist his needs on May 11 at the Grand Ballroom sponsor the event. Entry to including purchasing an impro- of Gondolania in Villaggio Mall. the event is through invitation vised wheelchair. Established in 2005 and Qatar with interest in theatre. Its Filipinos here by staging Filipino others. The group has also been passes and it is issued free. Held on Friday, the handing accredited by the Philippine vision is to empower OFW’s to musicals such as Alikabok, actively participating in com- One can contact ICC over ceremony also saw the Embassy, TOPi is a non-profit become active ambassadors of Domestic Helper, Kenkoy Loves munity activities organised by office at Abu Hamour for swearing in of TOPi’s new set of organisation of like-minded Philippine arts and culture, and Rosing, Katy the Musical and the Philippine Embassy, UFOQ passes which will be available officers conducted by UFOQ overseas Filipino workers in promote and theatre among Scenes From the Stage among and Kulinarya Qatar. from April 11. ISC announces Sports Excellence Awards 2018 THE PENINSULA groups by collaborating with games during their student owned companies for their respective games federations of career. domestic and international DOHA: Indian Sports Centre Qatar. Excellence in sports award achievements in sports and (ISC) announces Sports Excel- ISC is also finding the talents 2018 for men and women cat- games as well as their lence Awards 2018 for the first among the Indian community egory has been constituted for involvement in conducting time for Indians of various age members to promote them in Indians or person of Indian various events for promoting groups residing in Qatar. respective games. In view of this, origin in adult category ( 21 years sports and games during the year Since the inception of Indian Indian Sports Centre has consti- and above ) and will be awarded 2017. The nomination form for Sports Centre last year, it has tuted various sports excellence on the merit of their achieve- each category of awards can be been organising interschool, awards for school students, ments in sports and games obtained from indiansports- inter-organisation and inter- adults and sports organisations. during their tenure in school, [email protected] (Tel. communities multiple tourna- Excellence in sports awards 2018 college, university, district, state, 55207597 ) and last date for its ments in table tennis, volleyball, for boys and girls category have national, international levels as submission is April 12. Those swimming, athletics, cricket, been constituted for Indian stu- well as achievements in Qatar. awards will be given during the football etc, attracting large dents up to 19 years of age and Best sports organisation of the ISC Sports Excellence Day 2018 number of Indians and other will be given on the merit of their year award has been constituted to be held on April 28 evening at The office bearers of Indian Sports Centre announce Sports Excellence expatriate communities of achievements in sports and for any Indian organisation, Radisson Blu Hotel – Giwana Ball Awards 2018 during a programme recently. various countries of different age games in any single or team schools, Indian managed or room.

CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Hurricane Heist (2D/Action) 10:00, 11:00am, 12:00noon, 1:00, 2:00, Peter Rabbit (2D/Animation) 2:15, 4:00 & 5:45pm 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00pm & 12:00midnight Blackmail (Hindi) 2:00 & 6:30pm Acts of Violence 10:00am, 12:00noon, 1:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, Sudani From Nigeria (2D/Malayalam) 2:15, 9:00 & 11:00pm 10:00, 11:00pm & 12:00midnight Ready Player One (2D/Action) 2:30 & 9:00pm I Kill Giants (2D) 10:00am, 12:10, 2:20, 4:30, 6:40 & 8:50pm Baghi 2 (Hindi) 4:30, 9:00 & 11:15pm Red Sparrow (2D) 10:00am, 3:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm I Kill Giants 4:30pm Tomb Raider (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:30 & 3:00pm A Quiet Place (2D) 5:30, 7:20, 9:10 & 11:00pm Black Water (2D/Action) 7:00pm Black Water (2D) 12:45, 5:45 & 10:45pm Acts of Violence (2D/Action) 7:30 & 9:15pm Status Update (2D) 11:00am, 4:00 & 9:00pm A Quiet Place (2D/Horror) 11:30pm Ready Player One (2D/Action) 1:15, 6:15 & 11:15pm Etlouly Barra (2D/Arabic) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Talq Sena3y (2D/Arabic) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00midnight Ready Player One (3D/IMAX) 11:00am, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm ASIAN TOWN MALL Chal Mohan Ranga (Telugu) 6:15pm Sudani From Nigeria (Malayalam) 6:30, 8:45, 9:00, 11:00 Sudani From Nigeria (2D/Malayalam) 11:30am, 2:30 & 9:30pm & 11:30pm Blackmail (Hindi) 6:30pm Blackmail(Hindi) 11:30am, 5:00 & 11:15pm Rangastalam(Telugu) 6:30pm I Kill Giants 7:30pm Chal Mohan Ranga (Telugu) 2:30pm Baghi 2 (Hindi) 9:45pm Peter Rabbit (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:15, 6:00 & 7:30pm Status Update (2D/Comedy) 5:00pm Acts of Violence (2D/Action) 7:00 & 11:30pm Baaghi 2(Hindi) 7:30 & 11:30pm AL KHOR A Quiet Place (2D/Horror) 10:00pm Blackmail (Hindi) 10:30am, 3:45, 6:00, 9:00 & 11:30pm Black Water (2D/Action) 9:30pm Baaghi 2 (Hindi) 11:15am, 4:00 & 8:45pm LANDMARK Peter Rabbit (Animation) 12:00noon, 2:00 & 4:00pm Sudani From Nigeria (Malayalam) 1:15, 6:30 & 11:45pm Chal Mohan Ranga (Telugu) 2:15 & 11:15pm A Quiet Place (Horror) 2:00, 6:45 & 11:30pm Sudani From Nigeria (2D/Malayalam) 2:30, 4:45, 7:00 & 11:15pm Chal Mohan Ranga (Telugu) 8:45pm Peter Rabbit (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:15, 6:00 & 7:30pm I Kill Giants 5:00 & 9:00pm A Quiet Place (2D/Horror) 9:30pm Acts of Violence (2D/Action) 7:15pm Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. Black Water (2D/Action) 9:15pm Baaghi 2 (Hindi) 2:15 & 11:00pm CHAL MOHAN RANGA

FLIK Mirqab A Quiet Place 12:35, 7:00, 8:55, 10:50pm & 12:45am Acts of Violence 2:20, 4:20, 6:20, 8:20, 9:30, 10:20, 11:30pm & 12:20am I Kill Giants 11:20am & 4:50pm Pacific Rim: Uprising 3:45pm Black Water 1:30, 8:30 & 10:45pm My Perfect You 11:20am, 7:35 & 10:50pm Peter Rabbit 10:30am, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:35, 4:30, 5:35, 6:30 & 7:35pm Ready One Player 10:50am, 1:55, 3:25, 5:00, 8:25, 9:35pm & 12:35am 3D 6:30pm Red Sparrow 10:25pm Sudani From Nigeria 10:20am, 1:00, 3:40, 6:20, 9:00 & 11:40pm Tomb Raider 11:10am, 2:30, 6:05, 8:05 & 11:30pm

Ross Lynch stars as Kyle Moore, a teenager who after being uprooted by his parents’ separation and unable to fit into his new hometown, stumbles upon a magical app that causes his social media updates to come true. 20 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 01 AM Second Katara Oud Festival ends in style SHOROOK 05. 19 AM THE PENINSULA ZUHR 11. 36 AM MAGHRIB 05. 55 PM The Festival brought ASR 03. 05 PM ISHA 07. 25 PM together more than DOHA: Some of the best Oud 80 Oud players and musicians from around the Oud makers from 17 WEATHER TODAY world shared the Katara Opera House stage in a countries. dazzling musical extrava- ganza which marked a fitting finale to the Second Katara the festival drew a large Oud Festival last night. number of visitors and music The festival’s closing cer- lovers cutting across cultures emony called Samra Ma’al and nationalities. Oud (Gathering for Oud) saw “We received large how the Oud connect various number of visitors on all the cultures from around the days, including diplomats and world as the participating a number of other dignitaries. artistes from various coun- The daily evening shows at tries enthralled the audience Opera House were enjoyed by with their unique Oud per- packed-to-the-capacity audi- formances. The Festival ences,” said a member of the brought together more than organising committee. 80 Oud players and Oud The Indonesian Jalsa makers from 17 countries. Blasic Band that gave several Oud musicians perform at the conclusion of the four-day second Katara Oud Festival at Katara The show featured per- performances at Al Farabi Opera House yesterday night. formances by Jalsa Blasic open theatre in the Amphi- Band from Indonesia who theatre Boulevard struck a speakers from Qatar and A major attraction of the by experts including Ahmed were later joined by famous chord with the audience, abroad talked about the origin festival was the kiosks of Tung Buyruklar from Istanbul Oud musicians Yoshika through their Arabic origin and history of Oud and the famous Oud makers from Technical University in Matsuda (Japan), Mansour Al and style. The Zalkarnian different styles of playing this Turkey, Iran, Syria, Kuwait, Turkey. Mohannadi (Qatar), Saleh Al Yousef Band from Malaysia stringed instrument. Iraq and Greece set up at the At the concluding cer- o o Jeraid (Kuwait)and other par- and Mauritanian Oud player According to Dr Amphitheatre Boulevard. emony, Mohammed Mar- 24 C 33 C ticipating artistes. Sheikh Ould Ab also capti- Mohammed Al Majri, one of A large variety of Oud zouqi, Manager of the Festival, Indonesian singers vated the gathering with their the speakers, the most prom- instruments, with unique style presented mementos to all Minimum Maximum Abdullah Taleb and Fahad bin special style of playing Oud. inent schools in playing Oud and design were displayed Oud makers who were part Mnaif, along with Qatari per- The Festival this year was are the Iraqi, Egyptian and and offered for sale. The of the Festival. In return, Hazy at places at first becomes relative- ly hot daytime. former Mansour Al dedicated to Al Farabi, the Syrian. Although Oud had its kiosks attracted Oud enthu- Farouk Turunz, the world- Mohannadi supported the great Muslim philosopher. His origin in the non-Arab lands, siasts and performers who renowned Oud maker from

HIGH TIDE 10:30 – **** LOW TIDE 08:45 15:45 musicians with popular contributions to music and his it was developed in the Middle had a rare opportunity to Turkey, and Awtar Al Fan Oud Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department Arabic songs, leaving the concepts about the impact of East, especially Syria. Singing meet and interact with makers from Kuwait pre- audience thrilled. Dr Bassam music on human mind were was more predominant in the makers of the instruments sented their specially made Al Blooshi and young Oud recalled at lectures and pres- golden era of Arab music and that they have been playing. Ouds to Marzouqi as a gesture player Amal Waqar presented entations held on the sidelines Oud was not as popular at that The Festival also featured of gratitude and appreciation the show. Over the four days, of the Festival. Prominent time as it is now, said Al Majri. workshops on Oud-making to Katara.

Nasa to launch humanity’s 1st flight to Sun ‘A Quiet Place’ IANS roars at box planetary atmospheres and affects space technology that will allow Parker Solar weather near Earth. Probe to survive the temperatures in the office with WASHINGTON: Nasa’s Parker Solar At Astrotech Space Operations in Sun’s corona, just 3.8 million miles from Probe, which is humanity’s first mission Florida, the Parker Solar Probe will con- the surface of our star. $50m debut to the Sun, has begun final preparations tinue testing, and eventually undergo “There are many milestones to come AP for its launch in July. final assembly and mating to the third for Parker Solar Probe and the amazing Parker Solar Probe will be launched stage of the Delta IV Heavy launch team of men and women who have from Launch Complex-37 at Nasa’s vehicle. worked so diligently to make this NEW YORK: John Krasinksi’s Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. “This is the second most important mission a reality,” Driesman said. “A Quiet Place” made a thun- The two-hour launch window will flight Parker Solar Probe will make, and “The installation of the TPS will be derous debut at the box office, open at 4am on July 31, and will be we’re excited to be safely in Florida and our final major step before encapsu- opening with $50m in ticket repeated each day (at slightly earlier continuing pre-launch work on the lation and integration onto the launch sales and rumbling to the times) through August 19, the US space spacecraft,” said Andy Driesman, Parker vehicle.” Throughout its seven-year year’s second-best weekend agency said in a statement. Solar Probe Project Manager from the mission, Parker Solar Probe will explore after “Black Panther,” After launch, it will orbit directly Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Labo- the Sun’s outer atmosphere and make according to studio estimates through the solar atmosphere — the ratory in Maryland. critical observations to answer decades- yesterday. corona — closer to the surface than any For the next several months, the old questions about the physics of stars. The Paramount Pictures human-made object has ever gone spacecraft will undergo comprehensive Its data will also be useful in thriller far exceeded expec- While facing brutal heat and radi- testing; just prior to being fueled, one of improving forecasts of major eruptions tations to land one of the top ation, the mission will reveal funda- the most critical elements of the space- on the Sun and the subsequent space opening weekends for a mental science behind what drives the craft, the thermal protection system weather events that impact technology horror release. It marks an solar wind, the constant outpouring of (TPS), or heat shield, will be installed. on Earth, as well as satellites and astro- unlikely breakthrough for material from the Sun that shapes The TPS is the breakthrough nauts in space. Krasinski, the former “Office” star many associate more with inter-office romance and deadpan expressions than silent cinematic frights. PSIS event showcases global cultures & cuisines Krasinski’s third directing effort, which stars himself and wife Emily Blunt is about THE PENINSULA a family in a future dystopia populated by violent crea- DOHA: Pearling Season Inter- tures with acute hearing. national School (PSIS) recently But it was far from the hosted an International Day only success story on the celebration with the partici- weekend, which also saw pation of hundreds of people Universal’s R-rated comedy including, students, parents and “Blockers” open solidly with other expatriates from various $21.4m, Steven Spielberg’s countries. virtual-reality adventure The school premises saw “Ready Player One” dip only around 54 nationalities cele- 40 percent with $25.1m in its brating the grand unity in second weekend and the identity and diversity. period docudrama “Chap- Different national and paquiddick” beat expecta- regional booths, with a variety tions with a debut of $6.2m. of cuisines and cultural displays, In limited release, Wes were present. The booths repre- Anderson’s “Isle of Dogs,” sented various countries and Lynne Ramsay’s “You Were regions, showcasing national Never Really Here” and Various booths at the International Day event organised by Pearling Season International School. customs, traditions, history, Andrew Haigh’s “Lean on iconic facts, clothing, foods and and cultures of various in making batik guided by “It’s a nice experience to take purposes. A booth also provided Pete” all did well, too. arts. countries. Rosanna Syan using a tool called part in promoting Indonesia in a gift for audiences. “The booth For one weekend, at least, The event also featured an Indonesian booth used batik canting and melting wax. the festival,” said Fitria Ram- not only prepared delicious just about everything Hol- international range of song and exhibition as the theme in the “Indonesia has produced adhani, who recently arrived in cakes but also quizzes with lywood could throw at mov- dance performances by its mul- celebration, in addition to show- batik clothes since two millennia Qatar. “This is first time I make prizes for students who gave the iegoers worked. The weekend tinational student volunteers as casing the rich Indonesian ago and in 2009 Unesco recog- batik. It is an amazing learning,” right answers,” said Agung, a was up 35.3 percent from last well as other activities such as culinary and colourful attire dis- nised batik as the Masterpieces said Safia, a student from parent. year. But nothing approached henna designs, chopstick chal- plays. The diversity and beauty of the Oral and Intangible Her- Tanzania. According to Soraya Al the runaway success of “A lenge, calligraphy, arts as well as of Indonesian batik and weaving itage of Humanity ,” explained A coordinator of Indonesian Yahya, a dentist who is also a Quiet Place.” Hollywood had handicraft learning. clothes amazed the students and Muhammad “Tofu” Taufiq who booth, Lidwina, said that the parent in the school, the festival forecast closer to $30m for The students and parents parents who attended the wore traditional of Acehnese decoration of booth was in col- was the perfect way to display the film, which cost just $17m indulged the best choice of their festival. province’s attires. He said the laboration between Indonesian and promote Indonesian Batik to make. Yet “A Quiet Place” culinary delicacies from many The batik clothe designs, introduction of batik was Women Organisation, led by its and traditional cuisine. Another rode strong buzz from its countries around the world, both modern contemporary and expected to strengthen the Chairwomen Andi Una. The parent from Indonesia, Boy SXSW premiere in March, enjoyed various activities pre- traditional fashioned by Indo- friendship and mutual under- booth also provided compli- Dharmawan said they wish the good reviews (97 percent pared by the parents and staff. nesian ladies stunned the student standing amongst foreign stu- mentary testers of delicious students could visit Indonesia in fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) The festival included an as well as the expatriates. They dents and expatriates com- cuisine from tropical Indonesia this summer vacation to attend and moviegoers’ continuing exhibition of authentic delicacies looked enthusiastic to practice munity in Doha. as to promote its tourism the 18th Asian Games. thirst for horror.