BUSINESS | 1 SPORT | 6-7

QR11bn Umm All eyes on world Al-Houl Power champ Marquez as project to be new MotoGP season inaugurated soon starts in Qatar

Thursday 7 March 2019 | 30 Jumada II 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7823 | 2 Riyals New Ooredoo tv

Google, Android, Android TV, Chromecast and other related marks Your hero for family entertainment and logos are trademarks of Google LLC. Ashghal plans 55 Deputy Amir meets outgoing Sri Lankan Ambassador new projects worth QR18.8bn this year

THE PENINSULA DOHA Ashghal’s infrastructure and road project plans in 2019 The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has include 32 projects, which planned 55 new road and infrastructure are to be implemented in the projects with a total budget of QR18.8bn existing and new subdivisions for 2019, announced Eng Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, President of Ashghal, with a total budget of yesterday. QR15.8bn. Another 23 projects Addressing a seminar, Al Muhannadi said: are for developing local roads “Ashghal’s plan is based on the directives of with a budget of QR3bn. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, which emphasise the need to focus Nasiriyah, west Al Mashaf and Muaither, on the infrastructure projects in new and with a budget of QR6.5bn. existing sub-divisions and to complete them Ashghal has paid special attention to the Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani met yesterday with the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar, on time with the required quality.” infrastructure projects in the existing and P D P S A Liyanage, on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country. The Deputy Amir granted the outgoing Al Muhannadi was speaking at third new subdivisions throughout the country industry-briefing seminar organised by starting 2017. Ashghal has delivered 15 Ambassador the Decoration of Al Wajbah in recognition of his role in enhancing bilateral relations, wishing him Ashghal on its current and upcoming infra- projects in 2017 and 2018 in 11 residential success in his future assignments and further progress and prosperity in bilateral relations. The Sri Lankan envoy structure projects in new and existing sub- areas, including Al Wakra West, Rawdat Al expressed thanks and appreciation to the Deputy Amir and to the State’s officials for the cooperation he received divisions. During the seminar, Ashghal gave Hamama, Al Mashaf East, and Al Wukair during his term in office. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al presentation about the local roads and North in addition to several road and Thani also met the Sri Lankan Ambassador. drainage projects that will be tendered drainage projects. during 2019, in addition to projects that are Projects implemented in 2018 included currently under construction. serving about 3,900 subdivisions com- Eng Saoud Al Tamimi, Roads Projects prising road works of about 175km, and Qatar Airways unveils enhanced economy Department Manager, said that Ashghal’s 290km of pedestrian and cycle paths as well infrastructure and road project plans in 2019 as drainage networks of more than 125km, include 32 projects, which are to be imple- and storm water network with a length of class; announces seven new destinations mented in the existing and new subdivisions more than 285km. Many companies related with a total budget of QR15.8bn. “Another 23 to the construction industry attended the THE PENINSULA projects are for developing local roads with seminar including contractors, suppliers, DOHA a budget of QR3bn,” said Al Tamimi. manufacturers and consultants in addition He added that Ashghal is currently to individuals from governmental and non- Qatar Airways stole the limelight on implementing 14 projects serving about governmental institutions who are inter- the opening day of ITB Berlin, the 16,000 subdivisions in 10 areas including ested in Ashghal’s plans for the year 2019 world’s largest international travel south Al Wukair, Al Kharaitiyat, Izghawa, in regards to roads and infrastructure and tourism trade show, as the Al Ebb, Leabaib, Al Foroush, north Al projects. `P4 airline’s Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, revealed the airline’s new Economy Class experience and announced seven upcoming addi- tions to its rapidly-growing global network. Four-day Aspire The unveiling ceremony, which International Kite took place yesterday, was attended by the Qatar's Ambassador to Festival begins Germany, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdul- Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker addressing a press rahman Al Thani and the Mayor of conference on the sidelines of ITB Berlin International Tavel and Tourism Berlin, Michael Müller. Trade Show, in Berlin, yesterday. Qatar Airways’ new Economy Class experience features a seat with sees a significant increase in rotable, Morocco; Langkawi, Malaysia; an innovative 19-degree recline recyclable and biodegradable Davao, Philippines; Izmir, Turkey; system, additional legroom, dual products and reduction in single-use and Mogadishu, Somalia. trays, 13.3-inch 4 K widescreens and plastic. Economy Class passengers FC Bayern München stars type ‘C’ fast charging USB port. The will also be able to enjoy improved Corentin Tolisso, French interna- airline’s new in-flight dining expe- connectivity, including up to 10 times tional and World Cup winner in 2018, rience ‘Quisine’, truly redefines faster broadband, as well as more and Lothar Matthäus, former German Economy Class service, with all new than 4,000 entertainment options international who captained his nation retail-style tableware, a menu on Qatar Airways’ Oryx One in-flight to victory in the 1990 World Cup were offering more choices, 25 percent entertainment system. also present at the event. Last year Various kites fly in the sky during the Third larger main courses, 20 percent At a press conference attended Qatar Airways signed a five-year part- Aspire International Kite Festival at Aspire Park, larger appetisers, and 50 percent by nearly 200 members of the media, nership agreement with leading yesterday. More than 80 professional kite flyers larger desserts. Al Baker also revealed an array of German football team FC Bayern are participating in the four-day event. `P9 The airline is especially pleased forthcoming global destinations the München, making the airline the PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA to be ‘going green with Quisine’, as airline will launch in 2019, including Official Airline Partner of FC Bayern the new Economy Class proposition Lisbon, Portugal; Malta; Rabat, München until June 2023. `P6 Qatar Free Zones Authority to strengthen marine industry

RAYNALD C RIVERA Mannai, Chairman of Al Mannai Free Zones, he said, would signif- local and foreign investors including Qatar, Germany, Italy, THE PENINSULA Plus Events and Organiser of the icantly impact the industry with towards marine industry and Pakistan, Turkey, France, India, show, expressed optimism on its many benefits such as the pro- services related to it.” USA and Kuwait are taking part at The presence of Qatar Free Zones industry outlook specially with the vision of land suitable for manu- Under the auspices of the the five-day event. Authority is expected to bolster the establishment of the Free Zones facturing larger boats and impor- Prime Minister and Interior Min- An impressive collection of marine industry in the country, Authority. tation of raw materials free of tax. ister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin more than 30 motorboats and organisers of the sixth edition of “The industry offers huge Loay Dalis, Chief Executive Officer Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, this yachts will be on display on land YESTERDAY'S RESULT Qatar International Boat Show potential. There’s a tendency for of Al Mannai Plus Events, was of year’s QIBS is slated to be held and water to be complemented (QIBS) have said. manufacturers to produce larger the same view saying “I believe from March 12 to 16 at 25-29 La by exhibitor chalets along the Manchester United 3 -1 Speaking to The Peninsula on boats and also yachts, so they will that with the new facilities to the Croisette, Porto Arabia at The marina walkway representing the sidelines of a press conference increase their profit margin,” said investors in recently established Pearl Qatar. many of the top names in the local PSG (Agg 3-3) held at Mondrian Doha to Al Mannai on the industry’s Qatar Free Zones Authority by the Boats of top quality and crafts- and international maritime announce QIBS 2019, Khalid I Al prospect. The establishment of government, we expect to attract manship from different countries industry. `P6 02 HOME THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019

Promotion valid from 07.03.2019 to 09.03.2019. Purchase limit may apply, Offer valid until stocks last. 2 until 08.3.2019

6.25 10.50 9.25 Blueberry Morocco Banana Big Mangosteen Thailand 6.00 1pkt(Approx 125gm) (Yellow) India 1kg 1pkt (Approx 500gm) Avocado Uganda 1KG

Capsicum Mix Fresh Farmed Prawns Fresh Milk Fish New Zealand Lamb 10.00 Holland/Spain 1pkt 25.75 Medium 1kg - India 22.75 Philippines 1kg 28.75 Forequarter 1kg

6.75 Indian Buffalo Boneless Oman Old Roomy Domiyathi Cheese Granja Whole Chicken 22.50 1kg 29.75 Cheese 1kg 10.75 Kuwait 1kg 900gm

PRODUCT OF 19.75 QATAR Oreo Sandwich Biscuits Original 29.4gm X 24pcs

10.00 Loreal Elvive Shampoo Asstd 400ml X 1pc

15.00 10.00 Galaxy Smooth Milk Chocolate Jergens Soap Mild 28.00 75gm X 4pcs 14.75 127gm X 4pcs Pearl Washing Powder Yonca Sunflower Asstd 6kg Oil 3ltr THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 HOME 03

OFFICIAL NEWS Amir receives message from President of Nigeria Qatar, Jordan review bilateral relations Amir condoles with US President DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of condo- lences to the President of the friendly United States of America, Donald Trump, on the victims of the tor- nadoes that struck the state of Alabama, wish- ing speedy recovery for the injured. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minis- ter and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received yesterday a written message from bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammed Buhari. The message cables of condolences to the was handed over by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al US President. QNA and Production, Special Envoy of the Nigerian President, Senator Ibrahim Bumikri Thani met yesterday with the Minister of State for Investment Affairs of the Hashemite during a meeting with Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Kingdom of Jordan, Muhannad Shehade, and his accompanying delegation, on the Amir congratulates bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. During the meeting, they reviewed close relations occasion of their visit to the country. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral President of Ghana between the two friendly countries as well as a number of issues of mutual interest. relations and means of enhancing them in all fields.

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratu- lations to President Nana CRA discusses ways to develop Akufo-Addo of the Republic of Ghana on the anniversary of his country’s Independ- ence Day. Deputy Amir H H Qatar’s contribution to ITU Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al THE PENINSULA sector. This in turn help us to to boost its digital economy Thani and Prime Minister and DOHA develop the sector taking into con- through the development of its Interior Minister H E Sheikh sideration international best prac- information and communication Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khal- Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, Pres- tices and standards, and to ensure technology sector in line with ifa Al Thani also sent cables of ident of the Communications the provision of smart, innovative, international standards. We are congratulations to President Regulatory Authority (CRA), met and high-quality services to the confident that working with ITU Nana Akufo-Addo. QNA with Malcolm Johnson, the consumers in Qatar,” said Al and its increasingly diverse range Deputy Secretary-General of the Mannai. of members will benefit Qataris Amir condoles with International Telecommuni- As part of the visit, Johnson across the country in the years to Argentina President cation Union (ITU). met with the telecommunications come.” The visit is in line with CRA’s service providers to have a look at ITU is the UN specialised DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh aim to communicate and coop- the latest technologies, develop- agency for information and com- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani erate with related Arab and Inter- ments and achievements in the ICT munication technologies – ICTs. sent a cable of condolences national organisations and to sector. He also met with some aca- ITU allocates global radio to the President of the Argen- present the latest developments in demic entities and discussed the spectrum and satellite orbits, tine Republic, Mauricio Macri, the sector. In addition to discuss importance and role of education develop the technical standards on the death of his father, ways of developing Qatar’s con- in the development of the ICT that ensure networks and technol- Franco Macri. Deputy Amir H H tribution to the ITU. “CRA wel- sector. ogies seamlessly interconnect, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al comes ITU’s visit. We ensure that “We had a fruitful discussion strive to improve access to ICTs to Thani and Prime Minister and Qatar leads in the ICT field at on a range of issues during my underserved communities Interior Minister H E Sheikh regional level; to this CRA maintain visit, including opportunities for worldwide. ITU membership Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khal- regular communications with the sponsorship and donation for the includes 193 Member States in ifa Al Thani also sent cables of ITU, to discuss bilateral cooper- new ITU headquarters” said addition to ICT regulators, many condolences. QNA ation and to stay up to date with Johnson. “I look forward to con- leading academic institutions and Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, President of CRA, with Malcolm Johnson, the latest developments in the ICT tinued collaboration as Qatar seeks some 700 tech companies. Deputy Secretary-General, ITU. 04 HOME THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 Al Hammadi meets Syrian Ambassador Qatar Foundation unveils its new-look website THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Foundation (QF) has unveiled its new-look website, designed to take visitors on an experiential digital journey through the organisation, open up the opportunities it offers them, and be an innovative platform for promoting Qatar to a global audience. Using state-of-the-art design concepts and a storytelling approach, the website is an immersive, interactive, and user- friendly showcase of QF’s pivotal contribution to Qatar’s economic The new Qatar Foundation website. and social development, and how it generates benefit for the world. It encourages local, encourage visitors to read, dis- introducing QF to a wider inter- The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, regional, and international vis- cover, and start conversations national audience, and met with the Ambassador of the Syrian Republic to the State of Qatar, Nizar Al Haraki. During the itors to step inside QF, explore with us, building enduring rela- enhancing the profile both of the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations, means of supporting and developing them, as well as its unique ecosystem of edu- tionships between ourselves and organisation and of Qatar. matters of common concern. cation, science, and community our audiences that allow them It will also provide pro- development, and discover how to truly share in our story.” spective students with simple, they can be part of it. “It is also a global platform for clear access to information about The launch of the new Qatar, showcasing the nation as QF’s unique education model, Official praises efforts made to attract website , which includes people- a hub of innovation and a beacon highlighting programs, special- focused stories and information of thought, diversity, and crea- izations, and opportunities for intended to strike a chord with tivity, and illustrating the role of academic success and personal Qatari students to teaching profession an array of different QF in driving key elements of growth, and telling the stories of audiences. Qatar’s transformation. We look those who have been QNA number of officials, academics teachers, is one of the most Mayan Zebeib, Chief Com- forward to welcoming people to empowered by their Education DOHA and secondary schools, govern- important Educational initiatives munications Officer, QF, said, the new QF website to explore City experience. mental, private and in Qatar. He called on the min- “The new website is a digital what we offer to Qatar and the By further positioning QF as The Undersecretary of the international. istry to plan such programs reflection of who we are as an world, the difference we make, a provider of world-class edu- Ministry of Education and Higher He noted the efforts of the better in the coming years. organisation – innovative, and the opportunities we provide.” cation and a driver of innovation, Education, Dr Ibrahim Al school to attract Qatari students The Director of Teachers diverse, purposeful, open, and Built with information- the website will encourage vis- Nuaimi, praised the efforts made to the teaching profession. He Affairs at the Ministry, Ahmed unique. While having all the hall- seeking audiences in mind, the itors to explore collaborations, to attract Qatari students to the said that this day reflects the Jassimani, praised the idea of the marks of a classic corporate website’s content and design careers, and media opportunities teaching profession, and stressed interest of public, private and event, affirming that the ministry website, it goes further, by emphasize how QF’s work with QF, while also spotlighting that the ministry supports every international schools in this encourages such creative ideas, offering a truly immersive expe- directly benefits people’s lives the support it offers researchers effort in this regard. regard, pointing out that the especially in attracting students rience and inviting local, in Qatar, and encourage com- and technology entrepreneurs. This came during an event diversity of these schools is evi- to the teaching profession. regional, and global audiences munity participation in its The new QF website is now organised by Doha Independent dence of the interest and desire Principal of the school Saleh to take a journey through QF. events, activities, and programs. live and ready to discover at Secondary School for Boys to that schools and students have Al Ibrahim thanked all those who Our new website is designed to Its stories are also aimed at www.qf.org.qa attract Qatari students to the for teaching. contributed to the success of the teaching profession. The Dean of College of Edu- event. The event was a full day of cation at Qatar University, The event also included lec- study, attended by high school Ahmed Al Emadi, said the efforts tures, forums and workshops, in and special secondary school of the ministry and the school to which a group of senior teachers students, and attended by a large attract Qataris to become and Educators participated.

Ashghal President Eng Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi with other dignitaries at the event. Ashghal plans 55 new projects worth QR18.8bn this year

FROM PAGE 1 giving priority to locally manu- awarded certificates of recog- The Industry Briefing event factured products. 104 com- nition for their excellence in started with a speech by Eng panies have already been implementing the new contract Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, accredited through Ta’heel ini- enhancements. President of Ashghal. tiative, providing 141 certified In this regard, Sheikh Ali Bin He thanked H E the Prime and locally manufactured Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of Minister and Interior Minister of products. Hamad Bin Khalid Contracting for his unlimited support and Ashghal has launched a Company and QBS International, giving priority to the infra- number of initiatives in regards said that today’s meeting has structure projects in new and to encouraging local contractors, contributed significantly to existing sub-divisions. The pres- enhancement to materials provide awareness of the ident also stressed on the approvals by drafting an projects that will be tendered authority’s keenness on trans- approved vendors list which is this year and the areas to be parency with all contractors and managed through the materials developed. informing them of its plan for approval committee and He also praised Ashghal’s future projects which helps them planning ahead for long-lead support for the local manufac- to prepare early to contribute to items to avoid and mitigate delay turers and product, which con- these projects. to ongoing projects, also quali- tributed to the faster completion The president of Ashghal fying local contractors. of projects. He noted that Ash- also referred to the benefits of The is in addition to the ghal’s recognition of outstanding revisiting the contracts, which ‘Constructing Excellence’ initi- contractors is a good gesture to emphasized the importance of ative that aims to support the encourage other contractors to community outreach to reduce construction industry in Qatar comply with the standards of the the construction impact on the and to integrate scientific and authority. daily lives of the public and the technical expertise in the Mohammed Al Khlaifi from surrounding environment and industry through collaborating Qatar National Broadband increase public awareness. with universities and research Network stressed on the impor- Eng. Ahmad Ali Al Ansari, centers. tance of continuous communi- Technical Office Manager at The seminar also included cation between Ashghal and the Ashghal, stressed on Ashghal’s honouring a number of dis- contractors and responding to support for the small-scale con- tinctive contractors in recog- their inquiries, pointing out that tractors and small and medium nition for safety and new con- such seminars, in which the new enterprises. Where Ta’heel ini- tract enhancements, where cer- projects plan is demonstrated, tiative is launched in June 2017 tificates were awarded to seven in advance of being tendered, followed by workshops to help companies for their outstanding will contribute to the prepa- companies become eligible for performance in the safety field, ration of the Ashghal’s project Ta’heel, also Ashghal projects is and five companies were requirements. THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 HOME 05 Dar Al Sharq welcomes Chairman of PRISA

LEFT: Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Sharq Group; and Javier Monzón, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ‘PRISA’; along with Belen Alfaro, Spain’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar; Walid Al Saadi, Special Advisor; Abdul Latif Abdullah Al Mahmoud, CEO of Dar Al Sharq; and Sadiq Mohammad Al Amari, Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq. ABOVE: Abdul Latif Abdullah Al Mahmoud and Javier Monzón at Al Sharq headquarters.

THE PENINSULA companies in Spain and publishes dinner in the presence of Spain’s discussed significant development expertise for direct investment development witnessed by Al DOHA a number of reputed newspapers Ambassador to the State of Qatar, in Qatar since Monzón’s last visit between the two parties. Monzón Sharq and it services in the field and magazines like AS, as well as Belen Alfaro; Walid Al Saadi, to the region 12 years ago. He had visited Al Sharq headquarters of media and advertising. Dar Al Sharq received Javier owns several radio and television Special Advisor; Abdul Latif expressed his admiration for recently where he was received The two sides also discussed Monzón, the Chairman of the channels. Abdullah Al Mahmoud, CEO of Dar Qatar’s progress, development and by Abdul Latif Abdullah Al ways of further strengthening Board of Directors of the ‘PRISA’ On this occasion, Sheikh Dr Al Sharq, and Sadiq Mohammad country’s readiness to host the Mahmoud and briefed him about partnership and cooperation. during his visit to the country. Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, Vice- Al Amari, Editor-in-Chief of Al 2022 FIFA World Cup. Dar Al Sharq Group and its sub- During the meeting, Monzón was PRISA company is considered as Chairman of the Board of Directors Sharq. They also discussed the pos- sidiaries. Monzón showed his given a commemorative gift to one of the largest media of Dar Al Sharq Group, hosted a During the meeting, they sibility of using Spanish and Qatari admiration for the great appreciate his visit. Qatar calls for resolving differences through dialogue

QNA session of the 151st session of the rights of the brotherly Palestinian killing that is taking place there. to overcome these conditions. He General Assembly, allocating CAIRO Council of the League of Arab people, led by their right to self- He said that the Arab countries also called on them to take the $70m for Yemen, and the States at the level of Foreign Min- determination and the estab- must push all parties in conflict appropriate measures to ensure announcement made in February The State of Qatar stressed that the isters, which was delivered today lishment of an independent state there towards a national recon- that the dangerous humanitarian 2019 of responding to the plan of dangers and challenges facing the by Minister of State for Foreign on the borders of June 4 of 1967 ciliation in line with the GCC ini- conditions do not deteriorate. the UN for $27m humanitarian aid Arab nation require the resolution Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al with East Jerusalem as its capital tiative and UN Security Council Al Muraikhi noted that Qatar to Yemen. The State of Qatar pro- of differences based on the prin- Muraikhi. He said the Arab world in accordance to international res- resolution no. 2216. is committed to alleviating the vided assistance in previous years ciple of dialogue, respect for the was facing many dramatic devel- olutions on the matter. He said the The Minister of State reaf- unprecedented human suffering worth more than $600m. sovereignty and independence of opments that will reflect on all its Arab world must work together to firmed Qatar’s firm stance and suffered by the brotherly Yemeni He discussed the Libyan situ- States and non-interference in the issues, primarily Palestine. ensure the realisation of that goal. keenness on Yemen’s unity, inde- people. He noted in that regard the ation and said outside interference internal affairs of any State. Al Muraikhi reiterated Qatar’s Al Muraikhi discussed the sit- pendence and territorial integrity, announcement made by H H the in the affairs of the country could This came in the speech of the steadfast stance and support for uation in Yemen, describing it as calling on the international com- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad threaten its sovereignty, inde- State of Qatar at the opening the Palestinian cause and the firm tragic due to the destruction and munity to help the Yemeni people Al Thani during the 73rd UN pendence and territorial integrity. 06 HOME THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 Al Baker inaugurates Qatar pavilion at ITB Berlin

THE PENINSULA The Qatar pavilion World Championships in Athletics DOHA in ITB Berlin has 2019, and Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy updating vis- Akbar Al Baker, Secretary-General representation itors about the 2022 FIFA World of Qatar National Tourism Council from QNTC and its Cup Qatar. (QNTC) and Group Chief Executive 20 co-exhibitors Established in 1966, ITB Berlin of Qatar Airways, inaugurated including leading has established itself as the yesterday the Qatar pavilion at ITB guidance system of the global Berlin in presence of Sheikh Saoud hotels, tour operators travel industry and is today a bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the and other tourism leading business platform for Ambassador of the State of Qatar service providers global touristic offers with 10,000 to the Federal Republic of showcasing the exhibitors from over 180 countries Germany. ITB is the world’s in 6 continents showcasing their leading trade show taking place country’s expanding tourism products to around in German capital until March 10. tourism and 160,000 visitors. The delegation’s The Qatar pavilion in ITB hospitality options. participation comes as part of Berlin is spread over 222sqm and QNTC’s efforts to shed light on has representation from QNTC Qatar’s unique authentic experi- and its 20 co-exhibitors including expanding tourism and hospitality ences to promote the country as Akbar Al Baker, Secretary-General of QNTC and Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, with Sheikh leading hotels, local tour operators options. a tourism destination among Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of and other tourism service pro- These include National travel professionals and tourism viders showcasing the country’s Museum of Qatar, Qatar Rail, IAAF industry leaders in Germany. Germany; and Hassan Al Ibrahim, QNTC Assistant Secretary-General, at Qatar Pavilion at ITB Berlin. HMC raises awareness about kidney health FAZEENA SALEEM been at the forefront in kidney kidney health. THE PENINSULA disease prevention, with the A health awareness booth at implementation of awareness the main entrance of Hazm With at least 10 percent of Qatar’s campaigns designed to encourage Mebaireek General Hospital, will population is affected by kidney the public to adopt a healthy life- be staffed by clinical teams who disease, Hamad Medical Corpo- style, widespread screenings and will provide members of the public ration (HMC) is organising a series treatment of the major causes of with information leaflets and of events and activities designed kidney disease, including diabetes health education materials. to educate the community about and high blood pressure. Clinical teams will also provide the importance of good kidney Dr Mohamad Alkadi, Neph- basic health checks. health. rology Consultant, said that HMC’s HMC will host health Activities will coincide with World Kidney Day activities will awareness booths at the main the World Kidney Day which is be held between March 8 and 19 entrances of Hamad General, Al marked officially on March 14, and are designed to reach as many Wakra, and Al Khor Hospitals, as FROM LEFT: Dr Essa Abdulla Abuhelaiqa, Consultant, Nephrology; Nayef Abboud Al Shammari, Assistant under the theme ‘Kidney Health people as possible. “It is important well as in Sidra Medicine. The Executive Director Media; Dr Hassan Ali M H Al Malki, Senior Consultant, Medicine; Dr Mohamad for Everyone Everywhere.’ that we use the occasion of World booths will be staffed by clinical “Kidney disease can affect Mahmood T A Alkadi, Consultant, Medicine; Teha Dham Al Mohannady, Director of Nursing; and Mona Kidney Day to educate members teams who will provide members people of all ages and races and Abdelbasir Elsayed, Patient Educator; addressing a press conference on World Kidney Day, at the of the community about how of the public with information individuals in the early stages of Bayt Al Dhiyafah, Medical City, in Doha yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA important this vital organ is, and leaflets and health education kidney disease often display very what they can do to protect it,” he materials and do basic health few, if any, symptoms. One in ten Department addressing a press be caused by other illnesses or can changes in how much you urinate, said. checks. people in Qatar suffers from some conference yesterday. be mistaken for other health muscle twitches and cramps, Among the events, a two-day On March 15, a walkathon will form of kidney disease. Among At present a total of 950 adult conditions. swelling of the feet and ankles, and symposium for healthcare take place at the Doha Corniche them between 250 and 270 new patients are on dialysis across “Signs and symptoms of high blood pressure’” said Dr Al workers on kidney health and from 3pm. All members of the patients start with dialysis every HMC hospitals. The signs and kidney disease can include nausea, Malki. HMC staff will visit schools and community are invited to attend. year,” said Dr Hassan Al Malki, symptoms of kidney disease are vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, Though the prevalence of universities to raise awareness There will be entertainment and Head of HMC’s Nephrology often nonspecific. They can also weakness, sleep problems, kidney disease is high, Qatar has about the importance of good free health checks. SHATIU holds workshop in Jordan Qatar Airways unveils enhanced economy on challenges of translators class; announces 7 new destinations FROM PAGE 1 THE PENINSULA product for themselves.” their travel experience. Since its DOHA Qatar Airways Group Chief “We are also tremendously launch, Qsuite has won a host of Executive Akbar Al Baker said: excited to be adding seven new awards, including the prestigious In a seminar held yesterday at “We are very pleased to reveal destinations to our rapidly Skytrax awards in 2018 for Zarqa University in Jordan in our new Economy Class expe- expanding global route network ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and cooperation with the Association rience here at ITB, proving that later this year, and to be able to ‘Best Business Class Seat’. of Professors of English and our commitment to providing connect our passengers to any- ITB Berlin 2019 will Translation at Arab Universities the very finest experience where in the world they wish to showcase a range of travel (APETAU) participants hailed the extends to all of our passengers, go,” he added. exhibitors from more than 180 efforts of the Hamad Award for not only those in Premium class. At ITB 2017, Qatar Airways countries and five continents, International Translation and Our new Economy Class seat, launched its revolutionary providing more than 160,000 Understanding (SHATIU) in with its redesigned recline Business Class seat, Qsuite, visitors with the latest infor- promoting direct communi- system and additional leg room, which features the world’s first- mation on new products, cation with Arab translators. will ensure that our passengers ever double bed in Business services and facilities in the A number of academicians in Economy Class arrive at their Class. Qsuite takes cabin inno- tourism industry. Qatar Airways and members of the Association destinations feeling rested and vation to a whole new level with welcomes all guests to ITB to Dr Hanan Al Fayyad (second left), spokesperson of the award, stressed on the importance of refreshed. We invite all visitors its quad configuration, providing visit its exhibition pavilion in speaking at the workshop organised by SHATIU in Jordan. coordination and cooperation to ITB to visit our stand, so that passengers even more choice, Hall 2.2, stand 207 and 208 from between the two sides in coming they can experience this unique privacy and personalisation in 6-10 March. events. They welcomed the and Arabization is a long story, was established in Doha as a move to broadening the scope despite many achievements, but global award to be overseen by of award to include more lan- the lack of resources hinders a Board of Trustees, has under- guages and called for strength- achieving aspirations that taken since its first year, to ening the link between the promote the translation encourage translation from and award and institutions special- movement to its highest into Arabic, selecting one inter- izing in the field of translations. horizons. He called for the need national language every year The workshop discussed many to recognize translation as a pro- such as English language and translation issue including chal- fession which has its own aca- German was chosen in the fourth lenges faced by translators, rela- demic, practical and ethical season last year. tions of translators with pub- requirements. Meanwhile, according to a lishing houses, and how to raise As well there is a need to report sent by the media team awareness about the importance encourage universities to from Amman said that Prof. of translation and role of trans- establish translation centers and Bassam Al-Helou, President of lators in selecting materials of improve plans for the devel- Zarqa University yesterday met FROM LEFT: Mohammed Ali Al Ibrahim, QIG Marine; Lt. Fahad Al Mislimani, General Directorate of Coasts high quality, value and useful opment of translation programs the delegation of media team, and Borders; Loay Dalis, CEO of Al Mannai Plus Events; Khalid I. Al Mannai, Chairman of Al Mannai Plus content from the original by increasing the number of represented by Dr Hanan Al Events; Abdulrahim Al Ibrahim, UDC Commercial Executive Director; Adel Al Muhannadi, RME General language. hours for training and estab- Fayyad, and Dr Imtana Alsmadi. Manager, and Sara Teubner, MORSA ITC at the QIBS 2019 press conference yesterday at Mondrian Doha. For his part, Dr Jihad lishment of union concerned Al Helou briefed the team on Hamdan, Chairman of (APETAU) with the affairs of translation the most important goals and praised the role of the awards in and its practitioners. visions of the university, Qatar Free Zones Authority to strengthen marine industry stimulating translation work. The seminar also presented stressing on the importance and FROM PAGE 1 Hamdan said that “translation is a number of translation issues, role of translation as a cultural they expect the number to be of its kind in Qatar, QIBS has an intellectual outing, and inside especially the role of the award act contributing to the building “There has been an increase between 7,000 to 10,000, adding been attracting thousands of vis- each of us there is a translator, in achieving success of trans- of humanity. Al Helou called for in participation specially in the the show will be a crowd-puller itors inside and outside Qatar sometimes we feel satisfied with lation movement, raising ques- the preparation of more studies number of countries. The partic- not only for the boats on show but and encouraged private sector his performance, and sometimes tions related to the mechanisms of translation and strengthening ipants are willing to come because for a number of fresh features. investment in the marine we force him/her to review the of arbitration, which is answered the transfer of scientific and they see the opportunity the show “The show has some new fea- industry. product, each of us spend many by Dr Hanan Al Fayyad, spokes- research achievements of can offer,” said Khalid I Al Mannai, tures; for example some of the Al Mannai is optimistic the hours to creates texts or translate person of the award and Dr various nations, pointing out that Chairman of Al Mannai Plus participants want to do a show show contributes in a big way not for recipient or write what ideas Imtana Alsmadi member of the the nations cannot go forward Events and Organiser of the Qatar within the show to promote their only to the boat building industry and feelings.” media team of the award. without being open to other cul- International Boat Show (QIBS). products,” he said. but also the tourism and exhibi- He added that the translation The Sheikh Hamad Awards tures and societies. In terms of visitors, he said The sole marine exhibition tions sector of the country. THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 HOME 07 Cabinet praises outcome of Amir’s visit to Austria QNA Amiri Diwan. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al understanding for the benefit of agreements and memorandums a presentation by Minister of DOHA Following the meeting, Min- Thani’s official visit to the both countries and peoples. This of understanding that have Education and Higher Education ister of Justice and Acting Min- Republic of Austria on March is in light of the fruitful talks held been signed, giving the relations on a mechanism that guarantees Prime Minister and Interior ister of State for Cabinet Affairs 4- 5. by H H the Amir with President a new momentum, opens broad the encouragement of Qataris to Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al The Cabinet affirmed that Alexander Van der Bellen and prospects for expanding pursue a teaching career, Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani Nuaimi stated that at the outset the relations between Qatar and Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, bilateral cooperation for the develop academic curricula. His chaired the Cabinet regular of the meeting the cabinet Austria have entered a new which touched on supporting benefit of the two peoples and Excellency also presented a pres- meeting, held yesterday, at the praised the results of Amir H H phase of cooperation and and promoting bilateral to enhance security and sta- entation on Qatar’s position in bility in the region. the Global Competitiveness cooperation in various fields and The cabinet discussed the Report, the cabinet stressed on the most prominent updates, subjects on its agenda it the importance of placing more regionally and internationally. approved a draft agreement plans to further develop the edu- The cabinet also said the two canceling visa requirements for cation system and academic memorandums of understanding holders of diplomatic and curricula. signed during the visit are an special passports, signed Thirdly, the cabinet additional dimension to the between the government of the reviewed a report by the Min- growing economic ties between State of Qatar and the gov- istry of Transport and Commu- the two countries. ernment of Haiti. nications on the outcomes of a The cabinet was briefed on It also a draft cooperation committee coordinating the results of the seventh session agreement in technical, scien- between the bodies operating of the Qatari-Tunisian Supreme tific, and economic aspects of in Hamad International Airport Joint Committee held in Tunis the agricultural field signed between April 1 to September on March 2, chaired by the Prime between the State of Qatar’s 30 of 2018. The committee, Minister and Interior Minister Ministry of Municipality and formed by Civil Aviation and the Prime Minister of the Environment and the Republic Authority, is charged with facil- Tunisian government. of Moldova’s Ministry of Agri- itating various operations at the The cabinet welcomed the culture, Regional Development airport by coordinating results of the session, affirming and Environment. between all the bodies working the brotherly spirit and mutual Secondly, cabinet agreed to there, in accordance with the desire to develop the relations provide financial support to the adopted laws. It is also charged and the joint vision on regional High-level Panel on Digital with providing the necessary and international issues. The Cooperation of the UN Secretary- requirements to facilitate oper- cabinet also welcomed the General. The Cabinet listened to ations of the airport. Director of Public Security meets envoys of Ethiopia, Paraguay

The Director of Public Security, Staff Major General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi (right), yesterday met separately with the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Qatar, Samia Zakaria Gutu (left), and the Ambassador of Paraguay to Qatar, Angel Ramon Barchini. During the meetings, they discussed a number of cooperation fields between the State of Qatar with Ethiopia and Paraguay, and ways to promote them.

ALF launches ‘Oasis of knowledge and competitions’

THE PENINSULA Convention Centre. The event was attended by DOHA Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Thani, Sheikh Turki bin Faisal Al Thani, Abdul Latif Al Yafei, Director Under the patronage of the Minister of Education General of Al Faisal Without Border and Ali Talal and Higher Education, H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Mari, Executive Director of Foundation, and a large Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, Al Faisal Without Border number of students participating in the event. Foundation (ALF) launched recently ‘Oasis of “The organisation is pleased to organise this knowledge and competitions’ at Qatar National event, which is the sixth consecutive year and this

year under the new name “Oasis of Knowledge and Competitions,” Al Yafei said. Our beginnings focused on competitions then included training workshops and many other activities like sports, he added. Al Yafei pointed out that it is expected that the number of participants in this special event will reach about 4,000 students from about 150 public and private schools, representing all the educational stages (primary, preparatory and secondary), and will con- tinue for five days to provide more than 100 training workshops, educational and development in which more than 100 exhibitors in all educational fields. Ali Talal Mari stressed that the ‘Oasis of Knowledge and Competition ‘ is a new edition that differs from the previous editions. It is more interactive and focuses on knowledge and its importance. “This edition discusses the development wit- nessed by Qatar which has been going on for past several years at all levels and in many areas. It attracts students, teachers, parents and residents. He said Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Thani is not only the founder, but also strives to support the vision of the foundation as a whole and always works to promote the best for all members of society, especially new and coming generations.

Palakkadan Nattarangu to mark Women’s Day

THE PENINSULA DOHA

In a novel attempt to celebrate the Interna- tional Women’s Day on March 8, the women’s team of Palakkadan Nattarangu is organising an array of programmes at ICC Mumbai Hall at 6pm. Shirley Johnson, Director of Nursing Education at Women’s Wellness and Research Center, will conduct a class on ‘Cervical and Breast Cancer’ at the event. Followed by it, women’s day related quiz, skit and group discussion will also be held. All friends are invited for the event. 08 HOME THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 HOME 09 Sweden hosts Qatari women in global meet

THE PENINSULA Qatar is among international decision-makers DOHA the few prioritised and Swedish industry, gov- ernment agencies, academia, Sweden is celebrating Interna- countries represented start-ups and entrepreneurs. tional Women’s Day in in the conference. Two Ambassador of Sweden to Stockholm by hosting 20 women Qatari female leaders Qatar, Ewa Polano, is very proud from seven countries to partake have been carefully to have invited the two leading in “Women in Tech”; a multi- Qatari women to this conference lateral tech conference selected to the and states that “Qatar and promoting leading female international expert Sweden are both small countries perspectives within the IT-field. group attending the with high ambitions in encour- This initiative is founded on conference: Maryam aging more women to enter Sweden’s strong and continuous leading roles in general and in efforts of emphasising women Al Kuwari, AGM the tech industry specifically; and in all parts of society. Development and User to promote the ones already Qatar is among the few pri- Services, QNB; and active”. She added “Women in oritised countries represented in Aisha Al Mahmoud, IT Tech with its bilateral knowledge the conference. Two Qatari sharing approach supports the female leaders have been care- Director at Qatar Stock progressive Qatar National fully selected to the international Exchange. Vision 2030.” expert group attending the con- Leading up to the con- ference: Maryam Al Kuwari, AGM ference, Ambassador Polano Development and User Services, by setting international invited Maryam Al Kuwari and QNB, and Aisha Al Mahmoud, IT standards worldwide. Only Aisha Al Mahmoud to a prepar- Director at Qatar Stock Silicon Valley lies ahead of atory introduction meeting at the Exchange. Stockholm when looking at embassy during which she The conference features key number of billion-dollar tech emphasised: “Sending these note speakers such as world- companies per capita. The capital important Qatari women to renowned Sandra Alba of Sweden is further ranked the Stockholm is a very good Cauffman, Deputy Director of the second most influential Fin-Tech example of how I would like to Earth Science Division, Nasa and hub in the world. In line with this work continuously with Sophia Bendz, former Global objective of being a platform of exchange between Qatar – Marketing Director at the knowledge sharing and a hub for Sweden and strengthening the Swedish digital music service technical innovations and entre- position of women in Qatar, in company Spotify, today an preneurship; “Women in Tech” fields such as technology, trade, investor and advisor to startups is designed for women in the culture and diplomacy”. as well as a board director. tech industry with the goal of She concludes by congratulating As a leader in innovation and intensifying dialogue, create “Qatar to its impressive achieve- Ambassador of Sweden to Qatar, Ewa Polano (second left); and Ann von Staden, with the Qatari female digital entrepreneurship Sweden greater knowledge exchange and ments with already so many suc- leaders, Maryam Al Kuwari, AGM Development and User Services, QNB, and Aisha Al Mahmoud, IT is a beacon for innovative tech broader lasting and reciprocal cessful Qatari women in key startups and share its know-how relationships between positions”. Director at Qatar Stock Exchange, pose during a photo session. Aspire International Kite Fest begins SANAULLAH ATAULLAH activities, wind garden with The schools that participated THE PENINSULA custom-made decorations, areas during the first day of the fes- for the parade and enter- tival, which ran from 9am to The third edition of Aspire Inter- tainment, food trucks and kite 12pm, were: Al Huda, Nusseibeh, national Kite Festival opened shop. and Al Israa Primary Inde- yesterday at Aspire Park with the “First time lit kites por- pendent Schools for Girls, Vision participation of professional kite traying contemporary designs and GEMS international schools. flyers from 18 countries. from the East and the West are For the third consecutive Meanwhile, Ooredoo participating the festival,” year, the Secretary of the Inter- announced yesterday that it is Tahani Al Suwaidi a member of national ASEAN Kite Council, the Official Sponsor of Aspire Aspire third International Kite Gadis Widiyati, delivered the International Kite Festival. Festival Organising Committee workshops and the training ses- Thousands of people told The Peninsula. She said that sions. These aim to enhance the including women and children the festival is being organised in interest of kite making and kite gathered at the venue afternoon two shifts in morning for school flying amongst the citizens of to enjoy the festival. Over students and evening for general Qatar by leveraging the expertise The Ambassador of France to the State of Qatar, Franck Gellet, with other officials during the event 40,000 visitors and 500 stu- public. and inspirational stories of kiting to mark the International Women’s Day at the W Hotel. dents are expected to visit the The Aspire Zone Foundation experts from the region and four-day festival received yesterday 200 students abroad. To attract the visitors various from government and private The organising committee of French Ambassador stresses role of sites were set at the venue, schools to the third edition of the festival organised a wide including a weather dome for festival where they attended array of competitions with four Qatari women in nation’s development the workshops and student workshops on kite making. award categories for students. THE PENINSULA other government companies are The second panel discussion, Pari Gallery DOHA not included in this statistic)”. with three Human Resources The Ambassador of France managers from French com- hosts launch The French Embassy in Qatar to Qatar, Franck Gellet, stressed panies (Alstom, Thales and and Maison de la France held an the prominent role of women in Total), highlighted the case for of Lens Me event on March 4 entitled all sectors to the development of Diversity and Inclusion, sharing ‘Women and Diversity lunch Qatar and the achievement of its initiatives to attract more women THE PENINSULA Talks ‘ at the W Hotel, on the Vision 2030. in the private sector. Focus was DOHA occasion of the International ‘Women and Diversity lunch made to underline the impor- Women’s Day 2019 which is Talks’ featured a panel dis- tance of considering all aspects Pari Gallery, renowned retailer celebrated on March 8 of every cussion with three prominent of Diversity, not only the gender of luxury cosmetics, fragrances year. This special get-together Qatari women from varied pro- one: chances are to be based on and accessories, hosted the event witnessed gathering of fessional backgrounds talking performance, leadership and exclusive launch of Lens Me, more than 120 participants. about their experiences, chal- competencies only, and not on upcoming international brand In her welcome address, lenges and contributions to the country of origin, religion, color that specialises in the manufac- Hakam Al Qawasmi, General Manager of Pari Gallery, with Layal Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad, com- development of Qatar. Panelists or physical ability. turing of advanced contact Yazbeck, Marketing Manager, 18th Avenue, and a guest at the mented on the theme of the stressed the important role After the panel discussions lenses’, latest collection for the PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA event emphasising on the tre- women play in helping achieve concluded, the final interactive very first time in Qatar. event. mendous success of Qatari the objectives of Qatar National session with the audience served The launch ceremony was female students in university. Vision 2030. There is an evident to share success stories and attended by fashion enthusiasts technologies to manufacture specialises at its core in offering “For the academic year 2017, 64 increase in the number of promote the involvement of both and influencers, society’s digni- breathable contact lenses that not an ever-evolving, wide range of percent of the Qatari graduates women joining professions that women and men to improve taries, as well as the esteemed only compliment your aesthetic, coloured and medical contact are ladies (military colleges or were previously male equality and diversity in our members of the press. The inter- but also does not irritate the eyes. lenses to suit its customers varied student on scholarship from dominated. societies. national brand utilizes the latest Established in 2014, Lens Me prescriptions and tastes. Hermetica perfume collection launched at Secret Notes Boutique at Doha Festival City

THE PENINSULA intense collaboration between co- green, Hermetica fragrances deliver DOHA founder Clara Molloy, Aliénor Mas- a contemporary and refined eau de senet and Philippe Paparella, senior parfum collection that is clean and Secret Notes Boutique at Doha perfumers at Symrise, resulting in a cruelty-free. Hermetica has created Festival City has launched Hermetica, completely new and alcohol-free personality quiz online so that cus- a collection of modern molecular approach to creating fragrances. tomers can find a scent best suited to perfumes using a unique alcohol-free By marrying unique formulas them. A discovery kit, available formula to create long-lasting and with patented technology - Inoscent through the website, allows con- moisturising fragrances. – top, mid and base notes appear in sumers to try each scent at home; the Launched exclusively online on a modern and striking tempo, cost is then offset against the price of July 31, Hermetica is the first-of-its- revealing right away the heart of the a full-priced bottle. kind digital first fragrance brand to perfumes after the first spritz. Green in appearance and in deliver worldwide thanks to its The range includes 13 unique per- nature, Hermetica’s glass bottles are alcohol-free formula, allowing con- fumes, 12 within the four different col- made from recycled glass and sand sumers to easily purchase fragrance lections - Emerald Stairways, Vertical that is locally sourced to reduce the through the website and try them at Ambers, The Door and Dry Waters - carbon footprint. The bottles are home. plus Source1, a standalone fragrance refillable and reusable with fra- Hermetica fragrances are the that can also be found across all grances that are clean and Officials during the launch of Hermetica perfume collection at Secret Notes Boutique in Doha result of more than two years of scents. Floral, woody, oriental and cruelty-free. Festival City. 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 Syria’s President must release ESTABLISHED IN 1996 all of his American hostages CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR JOSH ROGIN MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED THE WASHINGTON POST [email protected] S President Donald Trump has worked successfully to DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR secure the release of many MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI UAmerican hostages held [email protected] abroad. But Americans might be sur- prised to know that Syria’s Assad regime likely holds more American hostages than any state or nonstate actor, according to officials, activists and the families of these missing Marc and Debra Tice, the parents of Austin Tice, hold photos of their son during a Americans. EDITORIAL Before US troops leave Syria, press conference in Beirut, Lebanon. before the United States accepts any political settlement to the Syrian crisis, Leader in innovation before any US aid flows for recon- earlier hostages from North Korea, brought Kamalmaz’s son, Khalid, to struction - President Bashar al-Assad Egypt, Turkey and elsewhere, the the president’s State of the Union oredoo is constantly looking for ways to improve the must return all American citizens he is president said: “I’m 19 and 0, and I am address last month. “I’m not too experience they offer to its customers — be it for holding in his prisons and account for now starting [on] the Syria hostages. political, but my father wasn’t, either,” Ohousehold consumers or business clients. The the one he allegedly murdered. Yes. And I have a very good record.” Khalid Kamalmaz said. “They might be approach is visible in all its endeavours as a community- There are “around half a dozen” Officials confirmed that the pres- holding him as a political pawn, to try focused company. Whether it is for new technologies, or for American citizens missing in Syria and ident and his senior team are focused to use him for other deals. But he’s just new partnerships, the company is always at the forefront of suspected to be held by the Assad on returning Americans from Syria. a humanitarian.” innovation and services. regime, according to a senior adminis- The effort is led by special presidential The names of the other Syrian Ooredoo made the country proud again when it was the tration official, who requested ano- envoy for hostage affairs Robert Americans believed to be held by the first in the world to launch a live, commercially available 5G nymity to discuss sensitive matters. O’Brien, who was brought on last year Assad regime are kept secret in network and conducted the first international 5G call in the One is journalist Austin Tice, missing to raise the level of attention and accordance with their families’ wishes. region a few weeks back. Once 5G capable mobile devices since 2012; the US government has activity on the problem. And while each story is unique and are available in the market, Ooredoo will be again the first- said publicly it believes the Assad Trump’s 19-0 tally includes Otto information about them is scarce, the in-the-world to make them available for immediate use, as regime is holding Tice. The other Warmbier, who was returned from FBI, State Department and other the networks are well ahead with readiness. known cases are Syrian Americans, North Korea in 2017 in a coma only to agencies are all engaged in trying to Recetly, Ooredoo has announced the launch of its new none of whom the regime has die a few days later. Trump was criti- track them down and bring them “Home Internet” plans, an impressive new line-up of ultra- acknowledged detaining, the official cized last week for saying he believed home. fast Home Broadband offerings catering for all households, said. Kim Jong Un’s claim he was unaware Some believe that the American which will make home internet speeds up to five times faster “There of Warmbier’s treatment. On Saturday, hostages must be included in any at no extra charge. This is part of the Ooredoo’s continued are a number Trump said, “I love Otto.” political negotiation with the Assad commitment to and investment in the country’s nationwide of Syrian The accurate tally in Syria would regime over the future status of fiber infrastructure, which will continue to deliver for the American be Assad 1, Trump 0. The Assad regime Syria and its participation in inter- future outstanding world class unlimited broadband to homes dual citizens is believed to have executed 26-year- national organizations as a member in Qatar at speeds of up to that went old Illinois native Layla Shweikani in of the world community. “The way 10Gbps, together with the best in The names of missing in 2016 after a quick “trial” and didn’t this movie ends is in Geneva,” said class TV entertainment. the other Syrian regime-held notify her family until late last year. In Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who Ooredoo Supernet, which Americans believed areas that the the wake of that tragedy, other fam- speaks to Trump often about Syria. offers speeds of up to 10Gbps is to be held by the US gov- ilies of Syrian Americans thought to be “So we would expect that any something only a few countries ernment is held by the Assad regime are speaking solution to the Syria problem would Whether it is for around the world are offering. Assad regime are tracking and out. include the return of all the new technologies, Qatar’s leading communications kept secret in we are In January, the family of 61-year- American hostages.” or for new behemoth says the free and auto- accordance with engaging old Syrian American therapist Majd The activists and families are partnerships, matic upgrade to the new plans their families’ with diplo- Kamalmaz, who was detained in a hoping for action much, much sooner. at no additional cost is an matic regime-held area in February 2017, They look at Trump’s North Korea Ooredoo is always expression of Ooredoo’s gratitude wishes. And while partners in an decided to go public about his case. gambit and see a precedent that hos- at the forefront and appreciation and as a reward each story is unique effort to The Czech government told his family tages should be released at the start of of innovation and for their loyalty. and information secure their that the Syrian regime had acknowl- any negotiations, rather than as part of safe return edged they were holding Kamalmaz, any final deal. They also know torture services. And at the Mobile World Con- about them is gress 2019, Ooredoo announced from Syria,” but then later said the Syrians had and murder are rampant in Assad’s a partnership with global tech- scarce, the official changed their story. dungeons. “Assad tortures to death nology company KaiOS Technologies to drive Qatar’s business said. Kamalmaz was visiting family in countless men, women, children and growth and enhance digital experiences for 500,000 feature The exact number is classified, and Damascus when he was picked up at a elderly,” said Mouaz Moustafa, exec- phone users. This is as part of its plans to provide essential there may be cases the US government regime checkpoint. He suffers from utive director of the Syrian Emergency smartphone features at affordable prices, under QR100 each. is still not aware of. Almost all diabetes and other health problems; so Task Force. “The fact that he holds The list of Ooredoo’s partnerships and innovations is engagement with the regime on this far there’s no information about his multiple innocent American citizens in never-ending. It has launched a new Internet of Things (IoT) topic is conducted through the Czech current condition. The Kamalmaz his dungeons is outrageous. They must platform, IoT Builder, to drive innovations in smart nationwide ambassador in Syria. The Czech family held a rally last week in front of all be brought home now.” transformation. The IoT Builder solution enables Ooredooo Republic has represented US diplo- the White House, trying to raise Assad should be on notice that the to develop applications and to integrate connected devices matic interests in Syria since the awareness about their missing US government and the American for its business customers. closing of the US Embassy there in patriarch. people are tracking his imprisonment Ooredoo along with Dell EMC, the world’s leading pro- 2012. The Kamalmaz family also met of Americans and he will be held per- vider of cloud infrastructure and innovative business solu- Last month, President Trump told with administration officials and law- sonally responsible for their treatment tions, launched a smart stadium demo to transform mega- reporters that he is going to work on makers about the case, including Sen. and their safe return. If Assad wants events around the world. The technology titans have securing the release of multiple Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Rep. the United States to leave Syria, he developed smart stadium technology that aims to maximise American hostages in Syria. French Hill, R-Ark. The family has must release all of his Americans hos- the safety and security of athletes and coaches, fans, media, Referring to his success in freeing roots in both Iowa and Arkansas. Hill tages first. and organisers at Qatar’s soccer tournament in 2022 and additional mega-events worldwide. Ooredoo’s customers can also now benefit from Atos’ industry leading experiences and solutions in Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Cloud Transformation and also cyberse- Why is there still an app for that? curity services. Atos’ solutions cover Big Data, security, infra- structure and data management, business and platform solu- THE WASHINGTON POST has not made its decision, but in the whenever it wants - and it does. tions, unified communication and collaboration, and digital meantime, Absher is still around, and Every one of those rules and every payments. As Ooredoo says, it’s guided by its vision of audi Arabia is letting men Saudi women are still under constant one of those revisions, from not enriching people’s lives and its belief that it can stimulate track women, and two of the surveillance. allowing pornography to prohibiting human growth by leveraging communications to help people United States’ top tech com- Saudi Arabia’s treatment of harassment, is a choice. achieve their full potential. Spanies are helping - still. women is a much bigger problem How those rules are applied is a Last month, Google and Apple than Absher: On Tuesday, the New choice, too. If Absher violated any of pledged to investigate an app in their York Times reported that an Google’s existing terms, it could be in stores called Absher. The name American woman now divorced from the “hate speech” category: Google roughly translates as “yes sir,” which a Saudi man is trapped in the country bars apps that “promote violence, or QUOTE OF THE DAY is fitting: Absher is an e-government because her ex-husband let her resi- incite hatred against individuals or service, and the Saudi government is dency expire and she cannot get groups” based on characteristics If we are Nato allies and an engine of sexist repression - so in authorization to leave. But one way of “associated with systemic discrimi- if we are supposed to addition to the app’s innocuous uses, chipping away at a system of nation or marginalization.” Absher deepen our solidarity, the app is a tool for enforcing the oppression is to make that system may not explicitly promote violence then you will sell it regime’s guardianship system. That more difficult to enforce. Instead, or incite hatred. But what does when Turkey asks for it. includes allowing men to input where Google and Apple, if the latter does Absher do if not further the same If you don’t want to give and when women under their watch not come to a different conclusion in systemic discrimination Google are allowed to travel, so that the gov- its review, are allowing abuse to highlights? it, then don’t interfere ernment may serve them alerts when occur at the tap of a smartphone No one asked Google whether with Turkey’s purchase those wards leave or enter the screen. Absher violated the letter of its current from another country country.It also includes giving them Google’s excuse for abdicating its rules. Instead they asked whether outside Nato. access to women’s flight logs. commitment to human rights is far Google, Apple or any other company Apparently, Google is done inves- from convincing. Terms of service are would facilitate the sexist strictures of tigating. Satisfied that Absher does not an unalterable set of command- a regime that not only oppresses Mevlut Cavusoglu not violate its terms of service, the ments engraved in stone. On the con- women but also tortures and kills Turkish Foreign Minister company has decided to allow the trary, Google can revise the rules an journalists, activists and other critics. app to remain in its store. Apple still app must follow to remain in its store The answer should be no. THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 OPINION 11 Algerians have learned the lessons of the Arab Spring

or the last two weeks, tens of would enact reforms that would Even the city of Tlemcen in As the protests are unlikely to thousands of Algerians have result in his eventual “passing the western Algeria, where the majority die down on their own, there been protesting against the torch to the younger generation”. of Bouteflika’s ministers come from, appear to be four options. attempt of its 82-year-old Unfortunately, these reforms joined the demonstrations. The The president may pass away. F Algerian diaspora in London, Paris J president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, to never materialised. According to unconfirmed run for a fifth term. Bouteflika spent most of his and Montreal also organised similar reports, President Bouteflika is in YOUCEF BOUANDEL AL JAZEERA Bouteflika, who has been in fourth term in office between hos- marches. a critical condition in a hospital power since 1999, last addressed his pitals in Geneva, Switzerland, and Today, many Algerians believe in Geneva. The president of the people in May 2012, a year after a Grenoble, France. He was obviously that the ailing president is being used Council for Nation, the upper series of Arab uprisings had toppled unable to run the country efficiently by people in his entourage. They feel house in the parliament, would three long-term presidents in Alge- because of his rapidly deteriorating that the image of their country, and take over the presidency for a ria’s neighbourhood. In that speech, health. He offered little more than indeed their long-term president, is period of 60 days before presi- he made it clear that he was ready to cosmetic solutions to the country’s being dragged through the mud by dential elections can take place. leave the presidency once his third deep-rooted problems. people who are not concerned about This would give the political term was up; Algerians still He failed to utilise the oil rev- anything other than enriching them- establishment enough time to remember very well two statements enues to improve the socioeconomic selves and consolidating their grip on agree on a new candidate. he made: “My generation has passed conditions of the average Algerian. the Algerian state. The second, less likely scenario its time” and “God bless the man who Today, oil prices have halved, cor- They feel that some people in the would be for the president’s knows his limits”. ruption levels have reached unprece- president’s inner circle are trying to entourage to withdraw his can- At that time, Algeria was still dented levels, social inequalities have use the respect Algerians have for didacy because of ill health. The enjoying unprecedented revenue increased, more than a quarter of him, given that he is credited for implication would be the same as flow, as oil prices were consistently Algerians under 30 are unemployed, bringing peace to the country through the first scenario. hovering around $100 a barrel and many are fed up with a president national reconciliation, to pursue A third scenario would be the (having reached $140 in 2008). This that seems unwilling or at least their own self-interests. military intervening to either had allowed the president to “buy” unable to keep his promises to the This is why the demonstrators’ cancel the president’s candidacy some social peace and contain the people. chants have evolved from “Degage!” on the grounds of his ill health, or fallout from the Arab Spring. This is why after the ailing pres- (Get out) to “Al-shaab yureed isqat al- announce that it is no longer In 2013, he suffered a debilitating ident announced his intention to run nidham!” (The people want the going to support him in the presi- Demonstrations stroke, which confined him to a for a fifth term, Algerians from all downfall of the regime). dential race. This would effec- have thus far been wheelchair, causing many to think walks of life took to the streets. Demonstrations have thus far tively mean that he would lose this would all-but-guarantee the Lawyers, journalists, students and been peaceful and the security the election. peaceful and the long-term president’s planned academics all voiced their opposition services response has been exem- Finally, those who would security services retirement from politics. In 2014, to a fifth Bouteflika mandate. plary. However, figures from both the benefit from Bouteflika winning a response has been however, Bouteflika made an unex- The authorities clearly miscalcu- military and the government cau- fifth term could try to turn the exemplary. However, pected u-turn and announced his lated the effect such a move would tioned people about what may peaceful demonstrations into decision to run again. have on the people and assumed that happen if the demonstrations violent ones. The military and figures from both The unravelling chaos in neigh- demonstrations would take place continue. security forces would likely the military and the bouring Libya, as well as Syria, con- only in “suspect areas” like the Ahmed Gaid Salah, the military’s intervene, declaring a state of government cautioned vinced a significant number of Berber-dominated northern region of chief of staff and deputy defence emergency, and the process of people about what Algerian voters to opt for the stability Kabylie or some of the restive eastern minister, has warned that the ongoing change would be aborted. offered by the incumbent president provinces. Instead, demonstrators protests may soon turn violent. Prime Aware of the risks of an esca- may happen if the and Bouteflika managed to win a marched in cities and towns across Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, an ally of lation, protestors remain vigilant. demonstrations fourth term. The president tried to the country. Algiers, where protests Bouteflika, also warned the Algerian They have learned valuable lessons continue. ease the concerns of voters who still were hitherto banned, saw the biggest people about the future, reminding from their neighbours’ past experi- wanted change by promising he gathering in the country. that the war in Syria also began with ences. Nevertheless, they have similar protests. claimed the moral high ground and However, Ouyahia and Salah’s are on course to take their coun- warnings fell on deaf ears, as the try’s destiny into their own hands. demonstrators and their supporters pointed out that the Algerians view not Syria, but Malaysia and Turkey as role models. They reminded the authorities that the first step in Malaysia’s development was getting rid of corrupt individuals and insisted that Algerians have learned a lot from D-RING ROAD the experiences of the Arab Spring POST BOX: 3488 countries. DOHA - QATAR For now, the protesters appear to [email protected] have the upper hand in Algeria. Bouteflika’s entourage has already been forced to make some conces- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE sions. In a letter read out on state- TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 run TV on Sunday, they announced FAX: +974 4455 7758 that if the president is re-elected, he would set up an inclusive national MANAGING EDITOR conference that would set a date and TEL: 4462 7505 prepare for new polls which he would not contest. They also invited DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR the opposition and representatives TEL: 4455 7769 of the protesters to negotiate a road map. LOCAL NEWS SECTION However, the move failed to TEL: 4455 7743 appease Algerian protesters, who viewed the offer as yet another tactic BUSINESS NEWS SECTION to buy time. They felt that the pres- TEL: 4462 7535 ident, who never kept his promise to SPORT NEWS SECTION step down in the past, is unlikely to be TEL: 4455 7745 Students protest against an offer by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to run in elections next month but not to serve true to his world this time. a full term if re-elected in Algiers. So, what is next for Algeria? ONLINE SECTION TEL: 4462 7501 [email protected] using drones to check the growth con- On the other hand, efforts for ditions of crops. The Agriculture, For- smart agriculture have just gotten PUBLIC RELATIONS under way, and there are many issues estry and Fisheries Ministry will start TEL: 4455 7613 verification tests in fiscal 2019 at to be solved. For example, the oper- Will ‘smart agriculture’ [email protected] model farms throughout the nation. ation of self-driving farm machinery Effects and problems must be and drones is, in principle, allowed ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT lead to brighter future examined carefully. only in the range the operator can see. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Japan’s agricultural production The government is urged to FAX: 4455 7870 has been on a recovery track since advance deregulation by confirming [email protected] for Japan’s farming? 2015, but there are no prospects for safety sufficiently through verification the future. The graying of farmers is tests and other means. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT progressing, with their average age A self-driving tractor costs about TEL: 4455 7857 JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI approaching 67. ¥10 million, 50 percent more than an [email protected] Agriculture is a labor-intensive ordinary tractor. It would be difficult ill advanced technol- industry, and it requires manpower for small-scale farmers to introduce SUBSCRIPTION & ogies serve as a turning and time. Without increasing produc- them. It is hoped that many farmers DISTRIBUTION point to revive Japan’s tivity and solving the lack of people can enjoy the benefits through such TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 agriculture? They should engaged in agriculture, its decline is means as sharing self-driving tractors, FAX: 44557819 W along with lowered prices as they be actively utilized. unavoidable. Promotion of smart [email protected] Expectations have risen high for agriculture appears to be one option become more common. “smart agriculture” that makes full to solve such problems. Many things need to be done to use of IoT (internet of things) to If smart agriculture progresses, introduce smart agriculture smoothly, connect various elements through the the burden of physical labor will be including development of farm lands All thoughts and views Efforts for smart internet, artificial intelligence and reduced, making it easier for women and farm roads where self-driving agriculture have just robots. and the elderly to work in agriculture. tractors are easy to operate, and the expressed in these columns gotten under way, Amid the progress of digital revo- It will probably pave the way for enhancement of telecommunications are those of the writers, and there are many lutions in a wide range of industries, employment of disabled people. infrastructure at farming not of the newspaper. agriculture has lagged behind. Accumulation of big data for such communities. issues to be solved. For However, agricultural machinery and matters as cultivation techniques Unless smart agriculture is intro- example, the operation facilities equipped with new technol- could, in the future, enable the pro- duced simultaneously with policy All correspondence of self-driving farm ogies have now started to emerge. duction of high-quality agricultural measures such as upsizing farmlands regarding Views and machinery and drones They include self-driving tractors products without depending on expert and promoting the entry of corporate Opinion pages should be where one person can operate five skills. The government aims to expand entities, it may not lead to drastic sent to editor-in-chief is, in principle, allowed units and a system in which the water exports of agricultural products, and it increases in productivity. In addition only in the range the level of irrigated farm fields can be is hoped that smart agriculture leads to depending on advanced technol- office or mailed to the operator can see. controlled via smartphone. Another to enhanced international ogies, structural reform in agriculture [email protected] one enables effective fertilizing by competitiveness. must not be neglected. 12 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 400 IS militants trying to flee Syria enclave captured

AFP A senior SDF officer 400 militants were captured last BAGHOUZ, SYRIA said 400 militants were night as they attempted to slip out captured last night as of Baghouz in an escape he said Veiled women carrying babies they attempted to slip was organised by a network that and wounded men on crutches out of Baghouz in an had planned to smuggle them to hobbled out of the last jihadist remote hideouts. village in eastern Syria yesterday escape he said was The operation to smash the after US-backed forces organised by a network last remnant of the “caliphate” pummelled the besieged enclave. that had planned to that IS leader Abu Bakr Al The Syrian Democratic smuggle them to remote Baghdadi proclaimed in 2014 Forces leading the assault hideouts. resumed Friday after a long expected more fighters to sur- humanitarian pause. render with their families in tow The assumption was that before moving deeper in the never seemed to dry up after almost no families remained Islamic State group’s last redoubt. weeks of evacuations. holed up in Baghouz and that Bandaged and bedraggled, On Tuesday alone, “3,500 those who did were refusing to gaggles of suspected jihadists in people were evacuated from surrender and choosing to die long brown robes limped away Daesh-held territory,” said SDF there. The deluge of fire Civilians evacuated from the Islamic State (IS) group’s embattled holdout of Baghouz wait at a from the hellscape of Baghouz spokesman Mustefa Bali, using unleashed by SDF artillery and screening area held by the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in the eastern across fields of yellow flowers to an Arabic acronym for IS. coalition air strikes at the Syrian province of Deir Ezzor, yesterday. reach an SDF screening centre. Hundreds more filed out of weekend appears to have broken The tiny village on the banks Baghouz yesterday. Around 10 the determination of some fam- of the Euphrates River where percent of the 57,000 people who ilies. Syrians, Iraqis and jihadists Belgian woman who was among purveyors of foreign fighters to where the foreigners await a diehard IS fighters have made a have fled IS’s last bastion since who travelled to the “caliphate” those trucked out by the SDF on IS — could be seen looking for decision on their fate. Their bloody last stand has regurgitated December were jihadists trying from France, Finland and other Tuesday, adding that her French wanted individuals among the countries of origin have been unexplained numbers of people. to slip back into civilian life, SDF countries turned themselves in husband was still inside. new arrivals. reluctant to take them back, Kurdish officers in the SDF officers and the Syrian Observ- to Kurdish troops. Western forces from the More than 50,000 evacuees wary of the security risk some and aid groups have voiced their atory for Human Rights have “There’s still lots of people US-led coalition— which also have been squeezed into the of them could pose and of a neg- surprise that the flow of evacuees said. A senior SDF officer said inside,” said Safia, a 24-year-old includes France, one of the main Kurdish-run camp of Al Hol, ative reaction from the public. Trade channel skirting US sanctions to work soon: Iran EU court upholds freeze on Hamas funds AFP/LUXEMBOURG AFP properly and can produce for the deal from all participants at the meeting, said the VIENNA results, (and) can do payments at the meeting. He emphasised remaining signatories to the A European Union court yesterday upheld a freeze on Hamas funds between Iran and European that Iran expected INSTEX to deal were “united in the need to as it rejected the Palestinian Islamist movement’s appeal against Iran hopes to have its part of a countries”. Araghchi was in the work “for all goods and com- save the JCPOA”. its EU listing as a terrorist organisation. The General Court’s ruling new payments vehicle — Austrian capital for a “joint modities, not only humanitarian “There are some problems, amounted to the latest rejection of Hamas’s efforts to be struck from devised to bypass US sanctions commission” with representa- goods”, but that it could start particularly in the economic an EU blacklist created in 2001 based on a UN resolution following — ready within a fortnight, tives from China, Russia, Britain, with humanitarian goods “in field but we are aimed at over- the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Germany and France — all sig- order to set the patterns for coming them as soon as pos- “In today’s judgment the General Court looks into each of the Araghchi said yesterday. natories of the international doing business with Iran”. sible,” Ulyanov said. He said the arguments made by Hamas and rejects them in their totality,” the “We hope it will be before deal on Iran’s nuclear “Once the patterns are set, speed with which INSTEX Luxembourg-based court said in a statement. As a result, “the the end of the Iranian calendar programme. then other goods, including became fully operational was decision to extend the freezing of Hamas funds is confirmed.” year,” Araghchi told reporters INSTEX is seen as key to sanctioned goods — and oil of up to Germany, France, Britain The court upheld an EU 2015 decision to keep Hamas on the in Vienna, referring to March 20. European Union efforts to pre- course — would be added to this and Iran. But Ulyanov added: “I blacklist, saying it accepted a British finding that Hamas was still He said that Iran now had a serve the deal struck in 2015 mechanism,” he added. “It is late believe it may take a rather long carrying out terror acts between 2011 and 2014. “clearer picture” of how the new between world powers and Iran but still a move in the right time, at least a few months; The court recalled Hamas argued the updated 2015 blacklist vehicle, known as INSTEX, over its nuclear programme, the direction,” Araghchi said. most likely even more.” was based on errors in “the materiality of the facts” and in assessing would work and that its man- Joint Comprehensive Plan of INSTEX was launched at the In February the UN’s Inter- the organisation’s “terrorist character.” The group also claimed the aging director would visit Action (JCPOA). The US was also end of January by Britain, national Atomic Energy Agency EU violated the principle of non-interference and infringed the Tehran for discussions “very a signatory but last May Pres- France and Germany, who sit watchdog said Iran was rights of defence, judicial protection and property. The European soon”. ident Donald Trump withdrew on a supervisory board chaired adhering to the terms of the Council, which groups the 28 EU member states, has regularly But he added that only from the deal and in November by a UK national. It is registered JCPOA, under which Tehran included Hamas on the blacklist, including in 2015. when the mechanism was fully imposed sweeping new sanc- in Paris. Russia’s ambassador to drastically scaled back its operational would Iran be able tions on Iran. Araghchi said Vienna’s UN organisations, nuclear programme in return Israel lists Hamas TV terrorist organisation to assess whether it “can work there was “very strong support” Mikhail Ulyanov, who was also for sanctions relief. AFP/JERUSALEM

Tunisia: Parliamentary, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu designated Al Aqsa tele- vision channel of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas a presidential polls in “terrorist organisation” yesterday. Netanyahu, who is also defence October and November minister, “signed an order declaring the Hamas Al Aqsa television channel to be a terrorist organisation”, the premier’s office said. REUTERS It said the decision was made on the advice of Israeli security TUNIS services, which were said to have discovered Hamas’s “use of the Al Aqsa satellite channel to recruit militants to its ranks”. Tunisia will hold a parlia- Israel, along with the United States, European Union and other mentary election on October 6 powers, brands Hamas a terrorist organisation. Hamas, which does and a presidential election not recognise Israel, took power in 2007 in the Gaza Strip, and the starting on November 10, the territory has been subjected to a rigorous Israeli blockade for more Electoral Commission said. than a decade. Israel has fought three wars with Hamas and its They will be the third set of allies since 2008, with a tense ceasefire currently in place. polls in which Tunisians can During a flare-up in November, Israel destroyed the offices of vote freely following the 2011 Al Aqsa in Gaza City, though the channel has continued to broadcast. revolution that toppled autocrat Ibrahim Daher, general manager of Al Aqsa TV, condemned Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. what he called a “dangerous decision” that could endanger his staff. “Parliamentary elections “We will work to bring cases in local and international courts will be on October 6 and the and call on international organisations to highlight this new crime first presidential round will be against media freedom,” he said. on November 10,” said Nabil Bafoun, the president of the Algerian students demonstrate in the capital Algiers yesterday against their ailing president’s bid independent electoral com- 49 Palestinian women held in Israeli prisons for a fifth term. mittee ISIE. ANATOLIA/RAMALLAH The parliamentary race is expected to be fought closely Israel is holding 49 Palestinian women in detention camps, according by the moderate Islamist Algerian war veterans back protests to a Palestinian commission yesterday. “Half of the detained women Ennahda party, the more are mothers,” the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)-run secular Tahya Tounes party of Commission for Detainees and ex-Detainees’ Affairs said in a Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, demanding end to Bouteflika’s rule statement. It said six women had been shot and injured while being and the Nidaa Tounes party led arrested by Israeli forces. According to the commission, Israeli forces by Hafedh Caid Essebsi, the REUTERS against France — said. Tens of Some officials from Bouteflika’s have arrested over 16,000 Palestinian women since 1967. This year, president’s son. ALGIERS thousands of people have ruling FLN party have turned up the commission said, Israeli forces used “brutal methods” while They rule the North African rallied in cities around Algeria at demonstrations. Several arresting Palestinian women. “In most occasions, women are arrested country together but their coa- Algerian war veterans said that in the largest protests since the public figures have announced from their homes at the dead of night, beaten and subjected to harsh lition has been hit by infighting protesters demanding ailing 2011 “Arab Spring”, calling on their resignations in a country treatment and exposed to physical and psychological torture while that has hampered decision- President Abdelaziz Bouteflika Bouteflika, 82, not to stand in where personnel changes nor- in custody,” it added. The Israeli army frequently carries out wide- making and slowed economic step down after 20 years in an election scheduled for April mally take place behind closed ranging arrest campaigns across the occupied West Bank and Jeru- reforms demanded by foreign power had legitimate concerns 18. doors. salem on the pretext of searching for “wanted” Palestinians. donors. No-one has yet and they urged all citizens to He submitted papers on An anonymous call for a declared their candidacy for demonstrate — another sign of Sunday. Army Chief of Staff general strike has gone largely presidency. cracks in the ruling elite. Lieutenant General Gaed Salah unheeded but the leadership Cameroon oppn leader’s detention ‘not political’ Tunisia has won wide- The ongoing unrest poses reiterated on Wednesday that faces another test - an online call AFP/YAOUNDÉ spread praise for its democratic the biggest challenge yet to the the military would not allow a for a “March of 20 Million” this transition since 2011, but nine Bouteflika and his inner circle breakdown in security. Friday. Cameroon has rejected US criticism of the detention since January cabinets have failed to resolve which includes members of the “We are committed to pro- Older Algerians still haunted of opposition leader Maurice Kamto, insisting that it was not polit- economic problems that military and intelligence viding safe conditions that by the civil war in the 1990s have ically motivated. Kamto and more than 150 supporters are being include high inflation and services and businessmen. ensure that Algerians fulfill their tolerated crackdowns on dissent held for “common law” offences, Communications Minister Rene unemployment. “It is the duty of Algerian electoral duties,” the private in exchange for stability. But Emmanuel Sadi said in a statement on Tuesday, citing “insurrection, The slow progress on society in all its segments to take Ennahar television statement young protesters have no real hostility to the homeland (and) rebellion”. The detainees are also reforms has been criticised by to the streets,” the influential quoted him as saying. After connection to the war of inde- accused of destroying public property, both within the central African lenders such as the Interna- National Organisation of Muja- renewed protests on Tuesday, pendence that gives Algeria’s country and at several Cameroon embassies abroad, the statement tional Monetary Fund which hideen — veterans who fought Algeria was largely quiet yes- elderly leaders their credentials added. A military court charged them in mid-February. Yesterday’s have helped keep the country alongside Bouteflika in the 1954- terday apart from one demon- and, desperate for jobs, have lost statement was in response to comments Monday by Tibor Nagy, the afloat. 1962 war of independence stration in the town of Bejaia. patience. US assistant secretary of state for African affairs. THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 ASIA 13 Pollsters say oppn attack on Indian PM may backfire REUTERS Pollsters say that they about the success of an Indian the background, as well as a BJP attack. He is seen as decisive Indian security personnel and NEW DELHI expect Narendra Modi air strike on an alleged JeM camp leader in Delhi attending a public and resolute by voters, they say. two civilians have also died in Pakistan’s northeast on Feb- event in army fatigues. The BJP The only problem may come if during the operations. Indian opposition parties are and the BJP to get ruary 26, the opposition sees denies the accusations that it’s the government line — that it In recent days, BJP leaders, launching a united attack on a boost from India’s Modi as potentially vulnerable misusing the armed forces for killed a large number of mili- and Modi himself, have Prime Minister Narendra Modi aggressive response over both the government’s political benefit. tants in the attack — turns out slammed the opposition for for what they see as his politici- to the suicide bomb claims and its behaviour. The Congress party said that not to be true. demanding evidence about the sation of the armed forces as he “The opposition is coordi- most opposition parties — there “We will expose the BJP’s success or otherwise of last tries to ride a patriotic wave into attack. He is seen as nating this and talking to each are more than 20 of them, some failures, the number of security week’s strike. On social media a second term in office at a decisive and resolute other every day,” said Derek caste-based — were on one forces killed, the rise in mili- and in political rallies, the BJP general election. by voters, they say. O’Brien, a lawmaker from the page in launching a counter- tancy, and, most important, the has accused Congress and its It is a high-risk bet that could The only problem West Bengal-based All India Tri- attack on the BJP line that India elephant in the room that people partners of helping Pakistan by backfire given the jingoistic namool Congress, the third- needs a leader like Modi to take are not talking about, is Modi’s questioning the success of the fervour that has overtaken India may come if the biggest opposition party in the on Pakistan. monumental failure in terms of military strike. since a suicide bomber from the government line — lower house of parliament. “What we are convinced putting Kashmir in a serious Political strategists and Pakistan-based Jaish-e- that it killed a large “The strategy is to first keep about is that the government is crisis,” Congress’ Jha said. pollsters are convinced that Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 par- number of militants in exposing them and bringing out diverting attention from its Modi’s policies in Kashmir, Modi can weather any attacks amilitary police in Kashmir on the fact that they are trying to failures because it saw defeats claimed by both India and from the opposition on security February 14. the attack — turns out appropriate the armed forces. in the three state elections, and Pakistan but ruled in part, have issues. “I’m confident that the Pollsters say opposition not to be true. And two, we show that this is the narrative is against the gov- been harder-line than his Con- opposition will not be able to parties may be making a being done purely for election ernment,” Congress spokesman gress predecessors in gov- turn the narrative in its favour mistake by questioning Modi on concerned about those issues purposes.” Sanjay Jha said. ernment. Since a crackdown was on this issue,” said Sanjay national security instead of ousted Modi’s Bharatiya Janata O’Brien was referring to Pollsters say that they launched on militants in the Kumar, director at think-tank focusing on more basic issues, Party (BJP) in three state elec- Modi speaking at a rally with the expect Modi and the BJP to get region after the bomb attack, 15 Centre for the Study of Devel- such as a shortage of jobs and tions late last year. pictures of the paramilitary a boost from India’s aggressive militants have been killed in six oping Societies that also con- farmers’ distress. Voters But amid mounting doubts police killed in the bombing in response to the suicide bomb separate gun battles. Twelve ducts opinion polls. Images show madrasa intact after Balakot strike Outrage as minister AGENCIES While Pakistan admitted that the NEW DELHI / SINGAPORE IAF planes struck Balakot, it claimed suggests opponents that they returned when it scrambled The madrasa run by Jaish-e- its war planes and that there were be ‘tied under jets’ Mohammed (JeM) at the Balakot site no losses on the ground. However, hit by the Indian Air Force (IAF) IAF chief B S Dhanoa said the IAF AFP fighter planes appears to be still planes had hit their target. NEW DELHI standing with no visible damage, as Government sources told Reuters per high-resolution satellite images last week that 12 Mirage 2000 jets car- Indian opposition leaders who question the coun- of the site, says news agency Reuters. rying 1,000kg bombs carried out the try’s bombing raid on Pakistan last week should be It says at least six buildings were attack. A warhead of that size is meant tied under fighter jets and dropped like bombs when visible on the site on March 4, six to destroy hardened targets such as they stage a new mission, a government minister days after the air strike, and that the concrete shelters. said yesterday. image was virtually identical to an Villagers said there had been a “I think when India does something (like this) April 2018 satellite photo of the series of huge explosions but the again then the people from opposition parties raising facility. The satellite images from San bombs appeared to have landed these questions can be tied under the jets during Francisco-based private satellite among trees. “It shook everything,” the raids so that they can look at the targets,” junior operator Planet Labs Inc are the first said Abdur Rasheed, a van driver who foreign minister V K Singh told media. high-resolution satellite images pub- works in the area. He said there “They can look at the targets when the bombs licly available and show details as weren’t any human casualties: “No one are fired and then can also be dropped (there) to small as 72cm. died. Only some pine trees died, they count before coming back,” Singh added. “There are no discernible holes were cut down. A crow also died.” The comments inflamed an already bitter in the roofs of buildings, no signs of The Indian government has not showdown between Prime Minister Narendra scorching, blown-out walls, dis- produced evidence that a camp was Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party placed trees around the madrasa or destroyed or that any militants were with the opposition over its claims that he has other signs of an aerial attack.” killed in the raid. That has prompted used the military strike to boost his standing ahead The images cast further doubt on some opposition politicians to push of a national election. statements made over the last eight for more details. “We want to know The BJP has given conflicting accounts about days by the Indian government that how many people actually died,” said the success of the air raid on a militant camp run the raids, early on February 26, had Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister by a group blamed for a February 14 suicide bombing hit all the intended targets at the of West Bengal state, in a video pub- in Kashmir. BJP leaders, including party president madrasa site near Jaba village and lished by her All India Trinamool Con- Amit Shah, claimed up to 250 people were killed in the town of Balakot in Pakistan’s gress party in a tweet on February 28. the cross-border raid. But the opposition has A cropped version of a satellite image shows a close-up of a madrasa Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province,” the “Where did the bombs fall? Did they demanded the toll be backed up and accused Modi near Balakot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, on March 4, 2019. Reuters report said. actually fall in the right place?” of making political capital out of the attacks.

BJP lawmakers rain blows FIR against Modi on Rafale inescapable: Congress, CPM IANS UPA regime. Addressing the “According to the INT, the and different provisions of a recall of its December 14 and shoes at NEW DELHI media here, Congress spokes- price of the 36 jets under the new Indian Penal Code. Time has verdict giving a “clean chit” to person Randeep Singh Sur- deal is Rs63,450 crore and not now come to register an FIR the government on the purchase each other Stepping up the attack on jewala also claimed that the Rs59,175 crore, as has been against PM Modi and every of the Rafale jets. Narendra Modi over the “Rafale deal to buy 36 Rafale jets, claimed by various BJP ministers other individual,” the Congress Reacting to the development IANS scam”, the Congress called for a including its price, was finalised and the government. “Moreover, spokesperson added. in the apex court, Communist LUCKNOW case of corruption against the by National Security Advisor considering the fact that the jets The charges came on a day Party of India-Marxist General Prime Minister for “duping” Ajit Doval without any authority will be delivered in 10 years and when the Modi government told Secretary Sitaram Yechury said In a major embarrassment for India, while the CPI-M said a FIR to do so. taking into account an inflation the Supreme Court that “privi- a first information report (FIR) the Bharatiya Janata Party, a against him was inescapable. “The corruption and malef- rate of 1.22 percent, the price of leged documents” related to against Modi was inescapable. sitting MP and an incumbent Citing a report of the Indian icence in the Rafale deal is out the jets will go beyond to Rafale appearing in the media “The Modi government itself legislator in the Uttar Pradesh Negotiation Team (INT), the in open. Modi misused his office Rs67,500 crore,” he said. were stolen from the Defence admits Rafale documents were Assembly rained blows at each Congress alleged Modi enriched to give benefit to Dassault Avi- Questioning Doval’s Ministry. The government also stolen from the Ministry of other at an official meeting in Rafale maker Dassault Aviation ation and consequently caused authority to negotiate and said it was contemplating a Defence. How can the country’s Sant Kabir Nagar yesterday. at the cost of the Indian loss to public exchequer. Modi finalise the deal, the Congress probe under the Official Secrets security be entrusted with this The fact that it happened in exchequer by waiving the bank did away with bank guarantee, alleged “blatant and massive cor- Act over the “access” to the priv- government? the presence of a senior Cabinet guarantee and claimed that the despite the written opposition of ruption” in the Rafale acqui- ileged documents. “But thanks to them for con- Minister Ashutosh Tandon left price of the jets under the new the Law Ministry, the Finance sition. “This is a clear cut case The Centre’s contention firming the documents. An FIR the ruling party red-faced. The deal was far higher than that Ministry and the Defence Min- under Section 13 (1) (d) of the before the top court came during against Modi is now ines- scuffle took place in full media negotiated during the previous istry,” Surjewala said. Prevention of Corruption Act the hearing on petitions seeking capable,” tweeted Yechury. glare at the district coordination meeting at Sant Kabir Nagar. Sharad Tripathi, the Lok Sabha member of BJP, lost his Kerala gives workers a siesta cool over his name being omitted from a foundation- to help beat the heat laying plaque. Irked at the response of Rakesh Baghel, a REUTERS daily wages that are up to three times BJP legislator, that it was his MUMBAI higher than in other Indian states. Most choice to do so or not, an infu- work in the construction, agriculture, riated Tripathi rained blows on Workers in India’s Kerala state are now mining and fishing industries. the unsuspecting legislator as getting a three-hour afternoon siesta as “We call them our guests. Migrant the Minister, other office- part of a series of benefits aimed at com- workers’ output is very high. Their pro- bearers and district officials bating soaring temperatures and ductivity contributes to our GDP. We are watched helplessly. improving labour conditions, government nurturing and treating them well,” Tulasi- As the fight turned ugly and officials said yesterday. dharan told the Thomson Reuters Foun- the MP beat up the MLA with a Kerala, which suffered its worst floods dation by phone. Officials of the Kerala’s shoe repeatedly, police officials in a century last year, is bracing itself for disaster management authority said cases intervened and tried to break more extreme weather conditions in 2019 of heat stroke and sunburn were already the fight even as Tandon, the and the state’s disaster management being reported and they had asked Cabinet Minister for Medical authority last week issued sunstroke various government departments to take Education, quietly slipped out warnings for the next three months. precautionary measures. of the meeting hall. “There is extreme heat in Kerala. So “Summer in Kerala was never harsh,” Mahendra Nath Pandey, the we are making arrangements for workers said Sekhar L Kuriakose, a senior official state BJP chief, reacted to the Farmers protest and have announced a three-hour break with the Kerala State Disaster Man- scuffle by saying that the two from noon until 3pm,” said Sreedharan agement Authority, which issued the sun- Farmers block train tracks during the third day of a protest against the alleged anti- have been summoned to Tulasidharan, a labour commissioner stroke warning last week. “This year we farmer policies imposed by the central and state government demanding complete Lucknow today to explain their with the Kerala government. saw temperatures rise by 3 degrees in 14 conduct and that such indisci- farm debt waiver, in Jandiala, some 20km from Amritsar, Punjab, yesterday. There are an estimated 3 million days during February. That is not pline will not be tolerated. migrant workers in Kerala, which offers normal,” said Kuriakose. 14 ASIA THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 Pakistan to send envoy back to India as tensions ease

AGENCIES Foreign Minister Shah verify the competing claims. ISLAMABAD Mehmood Qureshi Meanwhile, China’s Vice has thanked US Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou Pakistan has decided to return Secretary of State is visiting Pakistan for discus- its ambassador to India in an sions on recent India-Pakistani attempt to mitigate tensions Mike Pompeo as tensions, Beijing said between the two countries. well as China, Russia yesterday. “Pakistan has further and other countries “He (Kong) is now visiting increased diplomatic efforts and for help in defusing Pakistan. He is in communi- we have decided to send back cation with Pakistan on the the Pakistani high commissioner tensions with India. India-Pakistan situation,” Press to New Delhi,” Pakistan’s Min- Trust of India quoted Chinese ister for Foreign Affairs Shah Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Mehmood Qureshi said with both sides claiming they Kang at a media briefing in the yesterday. had shot each other’s planes Chinese capital. “Tensions between India and down, and an Indian pilot cap- Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Pakistan seem to be decreasing, tured by Pakistan. had said on March 2 that China and this is a positive shift,” He was returned to India on planned to send a special envoy A man walks past a closed medical dispensary and offices of the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, a Qureshi added. Friday, crossing the Wagah to Pakistan and India, though charity organisation set up by Jamaat-ud-Dawa in Islamabad, yesterday. The building was sealed Qureshi said that Pakistan’s border on foot. this had not been confirmed on envoy to New Delhi, Sohail “Two Indian planes were the Chinese side. by the authorities following a formal ban on both the groups. Mahmood, had been in shot down by Pakistan air force “His visit is designed for Islamabad for consultations. on February 27,” the Foreign communication with Pakistan In a bid to improve bilateral Minister told the parliament for the situation concerning both ties, the Pakistani delegation is yesterday. India and Pakistan. China has Search for missing climbers called off set to visit New Delhi to hold Qureshi named Squadron been promoting peace and sta- talks over the Kartarpur cor- Leader Hassan Siddiqui and bility in this region. We hope that AP flying out drones - to find the mountaineer Ali Sadpara ridor, the media quoted Qureshi Wing Commander Nauman Ali Pakistan and India will maintain ISLAMABAD two. Earlier in the day, hopes had familiar with the peak, went on as saying. Khan, saying he wanted to “pay friendly relations,” Lu said. started fading for finding Italian foot and used drones to search The foreign minister espe- tribute” to the two Pakistan Air China had earlier urged both The intense search for two Daniele Nardi and Briton Tom for the climbers. cially thanked US Secretary of Force pilots. India and Pakistan to “exercise European climbers who went Ballard, missing for over a week Before the search was called State Mike Pompeo. as well as Siddiqui had been widely restraint” and asked New Delhi missing over a week ago in bad on Nanga Parbat, known as off, Italian Ambassador in China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, named in unverified comments to carry out its fight against “ter- weather on the world’s ninth- “Killer Mountain” because of its Islamabad Stefano Pontecorvo Turkey, Jordan and the UAE on social media. rorism” through international highest mountain in Pakistan dangerous conditions. tweeted about it and shared for their efforts to defuse the Pakistan has said that one cooperation. was called off yesterday, after a The two set out on February photos of the snow-covered situation through diplomacy. plane crashed on its side of the The Chinese Foreign Min- Spanish-Pakistani search team 22, making it to the fourth base mountain. Heavy snowfall over The Pakistani government Line of Control while the second istry spokesperson also said that lost hope of finding any trace of camp the following day. The pair recent days had also raised fears yesterday also, for the first time, landed on the Indian side. Pakistan had been making the pair. last made contact on February that the climbers might have named the pilots it says shot India, for its part, agrees that efforts to combat terrorism. Karrar Haidri, the secretary 24 from an elevation of some perished. Bad weather last week down two Indian warplanes in a second plane was shot down - “We also hope relevant of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, 6,300 meters (nearly 20,700 twice forced the search teams to an aerial engagement last week. but says it was a Pakistani plane. parties will create an enabling said it was not an easy but “a feet) on Nanga Parbat. halt the operation but Pakistani The dogfight over the dis- Pakistan denies any of its planes atmosphere to help Pakistan to very painful decision” to take Haidri said the search team, military helicopters flew even puted Himalayan territory of was shot down. cooperate with other parties to after the rescuers tried every- headed by Spaniard Alex Txikon after Pakistan shut its airspace Kashmir on February 27 ended It has not been possible to form synergy,” he said. thing they could - including and experienced Pakistani over an escalation with India .

IN SHORT Suicide attack leaves 16 dead in Afghanistan Punjab Police to don new Law to simplify AFP uniform again succession papers JALALABAD INTERNEWS approved At least 16 people were killed in LAHORE a suicide attack on a construction ISLAMABAD: The Senate company in eastern Afghanistan The Punjab government has Standing Committee on Law yesterday, officials said. decided to change the uniform and Justice in Pakistan has The hours-long attack in of Punjab Police, doing away approved a draft bill aimed Jalalabad began early yesterday with the olive green police at simplifying the process of morning when two suicide uniform introduced by the last issuing succession certificates bombers detonated explosives government. within the Islamabad capital at the gate of the compound, Punjab Chief Minister territory. The committee has allowing three others to enter the Usman Buzdar has approved allowed the Ministry of Law area where they went on a killing changes in the uniform for the and Justice to table the bill spree, provincial spokesman police, confirmed Punjab titled ‘Letters of Administration Attaullah Khogyani said. Inspector General of Police and Succession Certificates Act Security forces rushed to the (IGP) Amjad Javed Saleemi yes- 2018’ in the parliament. The city, which is the capital of Nan- terday. The new uniforms will proposed law aims to address garhar province. be worn by police officials from difficulties faced by the public “Sixteen employees of the July 1, he added. in obtaining succession cer- company have been killed and “The samples were pre- tificates and declaring family nine more injured,” the sented before the chief minister trees. The ministry will now spokesman said, adding the A police officer stands guard near the site of the attack in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, yesterday. and he has approved one of take the bill to the cabinet after attack began at 5.00 am local them,” he stated. which it will be brought to the time. “All five attackers have He added that the decision Senate for consideration. At been killed by security forces,” and multiple mines planted by involvement. “The Jalalabad largest military installations in was also debated by the exec- present, civil judges issue suc- Khogyani added. Nangarhar pro- the attackers. attack has nothing to do with us,” the country. utive board and other forums cession certificates, a process vincial council member Ajmal “Armed suicide bombers Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Heavy snowfall across large for the last four to five months. which takes months. The pro- Omar put the death toll slightly attacked and managed to enter Mujahid said. swathes of Afghanistan has led The new uniform will resemble posed bill would empower the higher, saying 18 people had the building of a private con- The attack came as US and to a sharp reduction in violence the uniform worn by the National Database and Reg- been killed with three of the nine struction company early this Taliban negotiations continue to this winter, but warmer weather Islamabad Police personnel, istration Authority (NADRA) injured in a critical condition. morning,” said Nangarhar Pro- hold peace talks aimed at ending in the country’s south will likely which is a light blue shirt with to issue the certificate to legal Health workers pored over vincial council member Zabi- the nearly 18-year conflict. spark an increase in violence navy pants, he maintained. The heirs following the death of the injured in a nearby hospital, hullah Zmarai. The continuation of the talks with the arrival of the spring issue has been up for debate for any person. INTERNEWS with bloody bandages covering No group has claimed follows a major attack on a joint fighting season. the past four to five years. their wounds. responsibility for the attack, but US-Afghan base in southwestern President Donald Trump has The chief minister, during Spokesman Khogyani added both the Islamic State group and Afghanistan’s Helmand province repeatedly voiced his eagerness his visit to the central police 26 militants dead that a clearance operation was the Taliban are active in Nan- last week, with at least 23 to end America’s involvement in office, formally approved ongoing with security defusing garhar province. security forces killed in the Afghanistan, where 14,000 US changing the olive green in Afghan security two suicide vests, a car bomb, The Taliban later denied hours-long assault on one of the troops are still deployed. uniform. operations

KABUL: At least 26 mili- ICC team probes Rohingya atrocities in Bangladesh tants were killed and 13 others wounded in multiple exten- sive military crackdowns within AFP examinations are standard prosecutor opened a preliminary of alleged coercive acts having move at the International Court past 24 hours in Afghanistan. DHAKA practice, and the delegation will probe into Myanmar’s alleged resulted in the forced dis- of Justice (ICJ) for establishing Officials said yesterday that not engage in any evidence col- crimes against the Rohingya placement of the Rohingya the legal rights of the Rohingya four planed clearing opera- A team from the office of the lection in relation to any alleged Muslim minority, including people, including deprivation of and addressing the question of tions, and 90 Special Forces International Criminal Court crimes,” it said. killings, sexual violence and fundamental rights, killing, accountability and justice, operations had been con- prosecutor was in Bangladesh “The independent and forced deportations. sexual violence, enforced disap- Dhaka’s foreign ministry said. ducted in different provinces yesterday for a preliminary impartial preliminary exami- A preliminary examination pearance, destruction and “The resolution to pursue a during the past 24 hours. The probe into alleged atrocities nation of the situation in Bang- can lead to a formal investigation looting”. She is not a part of the legal recourse through the ICJ Ministry of Defence said oper- committed against the Rohingya ladesh/Myanmar is on-going and by the ICC - which was set up in visiting team, her office said. came after a long series of nego- ations resulted in the killing of by the Myanmar military in 2017. following its normal course,” it 2002 to investigate war crimes The move comes after judges tiations to seek accountability for 26 militants, including three A statement from the ICC added. and crimes against humanity -- ruled that even though Myanmar crimes committed against local leaders of the Taliban, as confirmed the tour - the maiden A Bangladeshi official said and then possible indictments. has not signed up to the Hague- humanity and gross violation of well as the destruction of one official visit by the ICC - but said the ICC would visit Rohingya Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda based ICC, the court still has human rights in the case of the of the dens and the seizure of it was part of prosecutor office’s camps in the country’s south- will look at whether there is jurisdiction over crimes against Rohingyas in Myanmar,” it said. explosives, weapons, ammuni- “ongoing preliminary examina- eastern district of Cox’s Bazar enough evidence to warrant a the Rohingya because Bang- Myanmar’s army has denied tion and drugs. Khaama Press tions concerning the situation in where some 740,000 Rohingya full investigation into Myanmar’s ladesh is a member. nearly all wrongdoing, insisting reported that aerial strikes Bangladesh/Myanmar”. took refuge after they fled a military offensive. Last week the Organisation its campaign was justified to root were also conducted against “A preliminary examination brutal military crackdown in late Bensouda said in a statement of Islamic Cooperation in a out Rohingya insurgents who militants. QNA is not an investigation. Such visits 2017. at that time that the initial probe meeting in Abu Dhabi unani- staged deadly raids on border in the context of preliminary In September, the ICC “may take into account a number mously adopted a resolution to posts in August 2017. THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 ASIA 15 ‘North Korea rebuilding long-range rocket site’

AFP According to the aid researchers at the SEOUL Washington-based CSIS, the renewed activity was recorded two days after the summit and Activity has been detected at a may “demonstrate resolve in the face of US North Korean long-range rocket site, suggesting Pyongyang may rejection” of the North’s request for sanctions be pursuing the “rapid relief. rebuilding” of the facility after the collapse of the Hanoi summit, according to analysis of satellite Kim had agreed to shutter the past for satellite launches,” imagery. the Sohae missile-testing site at which use “ICBM (interconti- Last week’s meeting between a summit with the South’s Pres- nental ballistic missile) tech- North Korean leader Kim ident Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang, nology banned under UN Jong-Un and US President as part of confidence-building Security Council resolutions.” Donald Trump ended abruptly measures, and satellite pictures In a briefing to parliamen- after the pair failed to reach an in August suggested workers tarians this week, Seoul’s spy agreement on walking back were already dismantling an agency said it had detected signs Pyongyang’s nuclear programme engine test stand at the facility. of work at the site. in exchange for sanctions relief. CSIS said activity is “evident” Joel Wit, the director of the The Sohae Satellite Launching Station launch pad features what researchers of Beyond Paralle The renewed activity was at the vertical engine test stand respected Washington-based 38 describe as showing the partially rebuilt rail-mounted rocket transfer structure in a satellite image recorded two days after the and the launch pad’s rail- North project cautioned that the taken over Tongchang-ri, in North Korea. summit and may “demonstrate mounted rocket transfer evidence was not necessarily resolve in the face of US structure at the Sohae Satellite “consistent with preparations for North Korea conducted its first In the same year, the UN summit in Singapore last year, rejection” of the North’s request Launching Station — the facility an ICBM test”. successful nuclear test in 2006 Security Council banned the Kim and Trump produced a for sanctions relief, said from which Pyongyang launched “Aside from the fact that followed by a string of increas- North’s main exports — coal and vague statement on the “denu- researchers at the Washington- satellites in 2012 and 2016. (North Korea) has never tested ingly successful ICBM launches. other mineral resources, fish- clearisation of the Korean based Center for Strategic and The satellite launches were an ICBM from Sohae — it’s a In 2017, it claimed it had eries and textile products — to peninsula”. International Studies (CSIS). condemned by the international space vehicle launch site — prep- become a nuclear state, capable cut off its access to hard currency There were high expecta- “This facility had been community and widely viewed aration for any launch would of fitting a viable nuclear weapon in response to Pyongyang’s tions for Kim and Trump’s dormant since August 2018, indi- as disguised ballistic missile tests. require a wide range of activities on an ICBM that could reach as pursuit of nuclear arms and bal- second meeting in Hanoi cating the current activity is The CSIS analysis said the not observed in the imagery.” far as the United States’ eastern listic missiles. recently, but no agreement was deliberate and purposeful.” Sohae facility “has been used in Impoverished and isolated seaboard. At their groundbreaking first reached.

Irishman brutally Former South Korean leader Lee granted bail in bribery case murdered in Malaysia: Reports AFP potential health complications “The conditional release will witnesses even before the Kun-hee, who was jailed for tax SEOUL from diabetes and sleep apnea. serve to maintain the effect of arrest,” he said, adding: “I draw evasion. The Seoul High Court the arrest warrant and the a strict line between private and The conservative politician AFP Jailed former South Korean pres- approved his request for bail defendant can always be public matters.” has denied wrongdoing and KUALA LUMPUR ident Lee Myung-bak was yesterday but said its decision detained again in case of any Television footage showed labelled the allegations as granted bail yesterday, nearly a was based on legal restrictions infraction,” the court said in a Lee, dressed in a dark suit, “political revenge”. An Irishman has been brutally year after he was arrested over around detaining Lee during the statement. walking out from the detention South Korean presidents murdered in Malaysia, with his corruption charges. ongoing appeals process, rather The conditions of Lee’s centre, before getting into a black have a tendency to end up in body found tied up and covered The CEO-turned president, than his ill health. $886,000 bail strictly confines sedan and driving out past a prison after their time in power, with stab wounds in a high-end who served from 2008 to 2013, Lee’s arrest warrant expires him to his residence in southern small group of aides and usually once their political rivals condominium, reports said was found guilty on charges on April 8 and raises the risk of Seoul and limits his interaction supporters. have moved into the presidential yesterday. including bribery and embez- Lee tampering with evidence to immediate family members Lee was found guilty of cre- Blue House. Brian Patrick O’Reilly’s zlement and sentenced to 15 during an ongoing appeals trial, and legal representatives. ating slush funds of tens of mil- Lee’s successor, Park Geun- body was discovered on years in prison last October. the court said, adding it decided “I fully understand (the con- lions of dollars and accepting hye, was sentenced to 25 years Monday in George Town, on the Lee appealed the decision to put him under “home con- ditions),” Lee was cited as saying bribes from Samsung Electronics in prison and fined millions of northern island of Penang, and in January made a request finement with strict by Yonhap news agency. in return for a presidential dollars for bribery and abuse of where he had been working as for bail, citing old age and conditions”. “I never approached the pardon for its chairman Lee power. . an IT manager for about a month, official news agency Bernama reported, citing police. Two people, a man in his Seoul proposes artificial 40s and a woman in her 30s, have been arrested as part of rain project with Beijing investigations. Police are also hunting a “fair-skinned foreign man”, The Star newspaper to curb air pollution reported. The 50-year-old’s hands AP thick-gray skies that online users had reportedly been tied SEOUL have compared to scenes from together with shoelaces and his the movie “Wall-E.” legs were bound with cloth. As South Korean President Moon When asked about Moon’s well as showing signs of being Jae-in has proposed a joint proposal, Chinese foreign min- stabbed, police believe he may project with China to use arti- istry spokesman Lu Kang said have been hit with a pot and ficial rain to clean the air in his cooperation would be “good” but frying pan. country, where an acute increase downplayed Seoul’s claim that Three people were seen in pollution has caused alarm. China is a major source of its pol- entering the condominium with Moon also instructed gov- lution problems. O’Reilly late Friday, and then ernment officials yesterday to “Is South Korea sure if their left shortly afterwards. quicken the retirement of old pollution is from China?” Lu said. “A check of the man’s home coal-burning power plants, “Many countries have realised found a safe in one of the rooms according to his spokesman, Kim that the causes of pollution are had been ransacked and there An activist (left) wearing a gas mask stands in protest demanding the government to ease air pollution Eui-kyeom. various.” were signs of a struggle,” local at Gwanghwamun Square, in central Seoul, yesterday. Seoul has been struggling to As of 4pm yesterday, the fine police official Che Zaimani Che tackle the rise in air pollution dust concentration level was 136 Liberty Korea Party, called for that China was “much more Shanghai, so creating artificial Awang was cited as saying by that experts have linked to micrograms per cubic metre in Moon to designate the air pol- advanced” than South Korea in rain over the Yellow Sea would Bernama. China’s massive industrial Seoul, according to the National lution as a national disaster. rain-making technologies and help the Chinese side too,” Kim A cryptic handwritten note activity and emissions from Institute of Environmental Ruling and opposition parties expressed hope that creating rain quoted Moon as saying during with an angry message directed South Korean cars. Fine dust Research, which defines levels held an emergency meeting at over waters between the coun- the meeting. at “scammers” was found next levels in South Korea have hit above 75 micrograms per cubic which they agreed to swiftly pass tries would help mitigate the air Moon also proposed that to O’Reilly. His blood-soaked new highs over the past week, metre as “very bad.” bills to cope with the problem. pollution, Kim said. South Korea and China develop body was discovered by a prompting people to wear masks Na Kyung-won, the floor In a meeting with gov- “China has claimed that a joint system for issuing air pol- property agent who was visiting while commuting under leader of the conservative ernment officials, Moon noted South Korea’s dust flies toward lution alerts, Kim said. his condominium. Australia to send 57 refugees to remote island for treatment HK activist wins appeal REUTERS embarrassing defeat in parliament treated at a detention centre on “Frolicking on Christmas over sandwich ‘attack’ SYDNEY in February when opposition and Christmas Island, a territory Island, what a waste of money,” independent lawmakers voted to some 1,550km north-west of the he told reporters in Sydney. AFP ducked, hitting a police officer Fifty-seven male asylum seekers allow doctors to transfer some mainland. The Christmas Island HONG KONG instead. deemed to be a security risk will 1,000 men and women held in “The laws that have been detention facilities — shuttered Ng, 42, was subsequently be sent to a remote Pacific island PNG or Nauru to Australia if they passed deny us the opportunity last year after a decade in oper- A Hong Kong democracy activist convicted of common assault in detention centre for medical need medical care. to prevent people coming to Aus- ation— have been an issue in the who threw a fish sandwich at the 2017 and sentenced to three treatment instead of Australia, The amendment included a tralia who otherwise would outcome of previous elections. city’s then leader to protest weeks in jail. But yesterday his Prime Minister Scott Morrison provision to allow the gov- never be able to,” he said. In 2001, conservative Prime rising inequality had his assault conviction was overturned by said. ernment to overrule any medical Opponents have accused Minister John Howard refused conviction quashed by a court the High Court. Under Canberra’s hardline transfer, but Morrison said the Morrison, who is trailing badly permission for a Norwegian ship yesterday. Ng did not serve any time in immigration policy, asylum veto powers are too limited to in the polls, of trying to use the carrying 433 rescued refugees Avery Ng, chairman of the prison as he was granted bail for seekers trying to reach Australia prevent the transfer of 57 asylum border security issue to boost his to enter Australian waters. League of Social Democrats his appeal. by sea are intercepted and sent seekers assessed to be a standing with voters ahead of an Howard won re-election and political party, lobbed a tuna “The prosecution failed to for processing to camps in Papua “national security threat”. election due by May. held onto power until 2007. After sandwich at then Chief Exec- prove beyond reasonable doubt New Guinea and the tiny South The men have been accused Bill Shorten, leader of the he left office, the centre-left utive Leung Chun-ying during that the appellant had com- Pacific island of Nauru — a policy of crimes such as assault and opposition Labor party, said Labor government began local elections in 2016. mitted a common assault,” criticised internationally. posted extremist imagery online, Morrison was on a “marketing holding refugees on Christmas The projectile missed its Justice Joseph Yau said in his The government suffered an Morrison said. They will be campaign”. Island. intended target after Leung judgment. 16 EUROPE THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 Putin urges protection for military secrets

AP Vladimir Putin noted that the FSB last year exposed relations with the West have influence political developments West, Putin noted that Moscow MOSCOW that foreign spy 129 foreign intelligence officers plummeted to post-Cold War in Russia, but didn’t elaborate. remains open for counterter- and 465 of their agents. lows over the Ukrainian crisis, Putin also pointed to a rorism cooperation, calling it a President Vladimir Putin urged agencies have also He said the FSB should pay the war in Syria and allegations growing number of cyberattacks “common challenge.” Russia’s top domestic security sought to influence particular attention to protecting of Russian meddling in the 2016 on government agencies and The president said that the agency yesterday to tighten its political developments information related to the devel- US presidential election. state-controlled companies. FSB prevented about 20 terror protection of information related in Russia. opment, testing and production In his speech, Putin men- “We must be prepared for attacks a year over the past three to new weapons and other of new Russian weapons. tioned a buildup of Nato forces continuing cyber offensive years. sensitive data. Putin has claimed that new near Russia’s borders and against Russia and the growing He noted the continuing In a speech to top officials of and technological information,” weapons such as the Avangard referred to the US decision to threats it presents,” he said. “It’s instability in the Middle East, the Federal Security Service, or said the KGB veteran who and the Zircon hypersonic withdraw from the 1987 Inter- necessary to take additional saying it spawns terror threats FSB, the main KGB successor headed the FSB in the 1990s weapons have no foreign ana- mediate-Range Nuclear Forces steps to protect critically to Russia. agency, Putin said foreign spies before ascending to the presi- logues and are impossible to treaty, saying it upsets interna- important information infra- Moscow has waged a military have intensified their efforts to dency. “That means that your intercept, rendering missile tional security and raises new structure, develop a state system campaign in Syria since 2015, get access to Russia’s secrets. work should become even more defence useless. challenges. of detecting cyberattacks and helping President Bashar Assad’s “They are looking for access effective.” Russia has intensified efforts He noted that foreign spy fending them off.” government reclaim control of to political, economic, scientific The Russian leader noted to modernise its arsenals as agencies have also sought to Despite the tensions with the most of the country. Brexit deadlock still unsolved: EU

AFP this point that is consistent with The EU sees the provision as BRUSSELS the withdrawal agreement,” vital to preserving the peace Schinas said. process in Northern Ireland but The European Union said a Prime Minister Theresa May London fears it will tie Britain solution to the Brexit deadlock agreed the withdrawal indefinitely to EU customs union. remained elusive yesterday after agreement in November, but the Cox, the British govern- the latest “difficult” talks with British parliament overwhelm- ment’s top lawyer, said he had Britain weeks before its March ingly voted it down in January put forward some “very rea- 29 exit. and MPs continue to challenge sonable proposals” during his EU chief negotiator Michel it. talks. “Both sides have Barnier gave the state of play Barnier met on Tuesday with exchanged robust strong views after meeting his British coun- UK attorney-general Geoffrey and we’re now facing the real terparts late Tuesday amid Cox and Brexit minister Stephen discussions. Talks will be efforts to get the divorce deal Barclay in the Belgian capital. resuming soon.” through parliament in London. Both sides had issued con- “We’re into the meat of the Barnier informed the ciliatory signals ahead of the matter now, we’ve put forward European Commission, the EU’s four-hour sit down raising hopes some proposals, very reasonable executive arm, that “while the that progress was possible. proposals,” Cox said. talks take place in a constructive But Barnier confirmed the Barnier insisted anew yes- atmosphere, discussions have two sides remained stuck on the terday the legally binding with- been difficult,” commission so-called “backstop” aimed at drawal agreement will not be Waste burns as prison guards block the entrance to the penitentiary centre of Alencon, in Conde- spokesman Margaritis Schinas guaranteeing an open border reopened. The EU said the talks sur-Sarthe, northwestern France, yesterday. said. between EU member Ireland and in Brussels are focused on Barnier added that “no British Northern Ireland after drafting a separate document to Protest in France after attack on jail guards solution has been identified at Brexit. placate doubters in London.

AFP because we’ve been saying for a up with his pregnant girlfriend Italy demolishes CONDÉ-SUR-SARTHE long time that this would after stabbing the guards with a UK universities evacuated happen,” Emmanuel Guimaraes, ceramic knife. migrant camp Prison guards blocked access to a representative from the FO His partner — suspected of over suspicious packages 18 jails yesterday to protest union, said outside the Conde- smuggling in the knife — was after deadly fires working conditions after the sur-Sarthe facility. killed in the assault. REUTERS stabbing of two guards by a There are fears of a re-run The couple had intended to LONDON AFP ‘radicalised’ inmate. of January 2018 when officers marry, according to Chiolo’s ROME Dozens of officers from a picketed jails for three weeks former lawyer. Police evacuated buildings at two British universities yesterday high-security facility at Conde- after an attack by an extremist Prosecutor Remy Heitz said after receiving reports of suspicious packages, a day after parcel Hundreds of migrants were sur-Sarthe in northern France, that left three guards with Chiolo wanted to “avenge” the bombs were sent to two airports and London’s busiest train station. evicted yesterday from a make- where the knife attack took injuries in northern France. death of Cherif Chekatt, a Police in eastern England said they had put a cordon in place shift migrant camp in southern place on Tuesday, set fire to tyres The perpetrator of Tuesday’s criminal and extremist who shot at the University of Essex and evacuated some buildings after Italy which has been the site of and pallets. bloodshed was a mentally dead five people in Strasbourg receiving a call about a suspect package. The bomb squad had several deadly fires, Interior Guards at another 17 of unstable 27-year-old former in December before being killed been called in. Minister Matteo Salvini said. France’s 188 prisons joined in homeless man already serving by security forces. In Scotland, the University of Glasgow also said several “As promised... we went yesterday morning to highlight a 30-year prison sentence for Justice Minister Nicole Bel- buildings had been shut and classes cancelled after a suspicious from words to actions,” said complaints about the dangers of violent crime. loubet acknowledged “flaws” in package was found in the mailroom. Salvini, head of the far-right Islamist extremists and the Named as Michael Chiolo, he security procedures, adding that Police had advised the buildings should be closed for the rest League party, as bulldozers tore spread of hardline ideologies was lightly injured on Tuesday there would be a full investigation of the day but no further information was available on the nature through the San Ferdinando behind bars. evening when armed police into how Chiolo was able to obtain of the package. shanty town in Calabria under “Feelings are running high raided a room where he holed the knife used in his attack. the watch of 600 policemen. Four migrants have died in the camp in the past year in either arson attacks or acci- Orban urged to end dental fires lit to keep the res- idents warm, according to the Italian association Doctors for anti-EU campaign Human Rights (MEDU). The death in February of BLOOMBERG Orban has “an opportunity Moussa Ba, a 29-year-old from BUDAPEST to move on these three points Senegal whose body was found and demonstrate his esteem for in a caravan after a fire, A leading EU Christian Democrat the EPP,” Weber, a German prompted the government to set out three conditions for member of the group and ally of announce the overcrowded and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Chancellor Angela Merkel, said dirty camp would be razed. Orban to avoid expulsion from in an interview. “There are San Ferdinando was home the bloc’s biggest political “decisive issues of democratic to more than 1,500 people who alliance over anti-EU campaign. principle and political style.” struggle to get work, largely in Manfred Weber, the EU Weber’s demands clarify the the area’s orange and olive Christian Democratic candidate stakes for Orban and his Fidesz groves. Most work illegally for to lead the bloc’s executive arm, party in the run-up to an EPP local farmers for pittance pay. told Orban he must “immedi- assembly meeting on March 20 Some of the migrants left ately and definitively” cease the in Brussels. after the government said the campaign, apologise to other The EPP has received camp would be closed. members of the political family requests by 12 member parties Salvini had promised to — known as the European Peo- from nine countries seeking the relocate them to reception ple’s Party — and guarantee the expulsion and/or suspension of centres, but several migrants status of the George Soros- Fidesz as a result of Orban’s told Italian media that they still founded Central European Uni- erosion of democratic standards, Green protest did not know where they would versity. Hungary’s nationalist opposition to immigration and be housed. Many feared they Greenpeace activists climbing the columns of the Finnish Parliament during a demonstration against leader effectively expelled CEU criticism of European institu- would be taken far from the climate change, in Helsinki, Finland, yesterday. from Budapest last year. tions and personalities. farms where they work. Italy’s populist govt launches minimum income welfare programme

AP economy. monthly, pre-paid debit cards to opened for applications yes- third-highest unemployment the “citizen’s income” program. ROME The so-called “citizen’s pay for groceries, pharmaceu- terday, is slated to cost the Italian rate in the EU, hitting 10.5 He said Wednesday a “revo- income” is essentially a new ticals, utility bills and rent, government 7.1 billion euros this percent in January. Youth unem- lution” had begun for the esti- Italy’s populist government system of welfare and unem- among other things. In exchange, year, a projected public spending ployment was 33 percent that mated 5 million people, including opened its new minimum ployment benefits for residents able-bodied participants enroll spree that helped spark months month, again second only to the elderly poor, who in theory income welfare programme whose household monthly in a job-finding and job-training of heated budget negotiations Greece, according to EU could take advantage of the yesterday, fulfilling a key income is less than $882. The program. If candidates refuse the with the European Union. statistics. benefits. campaign promise of the 5-Star programme would provide more first job offer, they face possible At about 133 percent of GDP, Deputy Premier and 5-Star “Today we’re keeping a Movement to help reduce money to the unemployed than longer commutes in subsequent Italy’s debt load is the second- leader Luigi Di Maio has cited the promise,” he said. “The state is poverty and spur employment the current jobless benefits. offers. highest in Europe, after Greece. need to jumpstart the economy finally taking care of the in the eurozone’s third-largest Eligible residents receive The scheme, which officially Italy also has the and create jobs in spearheading invisibles.” THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 AMERICAS 17

Trump pressured aides to grant Cohen shows proof of Moscow project Ivanka security clearance: CNN AP Michael Cohen, has by Michael Cohen that attorneys intelligence panel behind closed pardon from Trump. But that WASHINGTON returned to Capitol for the President edited or doors yesterday. may not be the full story. REUTERS Hill for a fourth day changed his statement to Con- He pleaded guilty last year According to people with WASHINGTON Michael Cohen, President Donald of testimony as gress to alter the duration of the to lying to Congress, campaign knowledge of the situation, a Trump’s former lawyer, turned Trump Tower Moscow negotia- finance violations and other lawyer for Cohen expressed US President Donald Trump over documents to the House Democrats pursue tions is completely false.” charges and is set to begin a interest to the Trump legal team pressured his chief of staff and intelligence committee related investigations into The Trump Tower Project is three-year prison sentence in in a possible pardon for his client White House counsel to grant to a Trump real estate project in Trump’s possible one of many under scrutiny as May. During last week’s tes- after a raid last April on Cohen’s his daughter and White House Moscow — a subject he lied to obstruction of justice. the Democrat-led panel inves- timony, he called Trump a con hotel room, home and office. The adviser Ivanka Trump a the committee about in 2017. tigates Russian interference in man, a cheat and a racist. people spoke on condition of security clearance against their The documents are relevant the 2016 election and whether Among the issues discussed anonymity because they were recommendations, the report to Cohen’s false statement, abandoned the project in January Trump’s campaign was involved, in Cohen’s closed-door inter- not authorized to discuss it said. according to a person familiar 2016 when he pursued it for among other matters, including views with the House and Senate publicly. Trump pushed for John with Cohen’s interview who months after that as Trump cam- Trump’s foreign financial last week was pardons, The president’s attorneys Kelly, his chief of staff at the spoke on condition of ano- paigned for the presidency. dealings. according to people familiar with were noncommittal during the time, and Donald McGahn, who nymity. Cohen was on Capitol In public testimony last Cohen has become a key those interviews. They spoke on conversation with Cohen’s was then his White House Hill for a fourth day of congres- week, Cohen told the House figure in congressional investi- condition of anonymity to reveal lawyer, the people said. Cohen counsel, to grant the security sional testimony. Oversight and Reform Com- gations after turning on his the confidential discussion. did not participate in the clearances to his daughter and Lawmakers have been inter- mittee that Trump’s attorneys, former boss and cooperating The committee was expected conversation. Jared Kushner, her husband ested in talking to Cohen about including Jay Sekulow, had with special counsel Robert to discuss the subject in Cohen’s No pardon was given, and and another White House the Moscow project ever since reviewed and edited the Mueller’s probe. second day before the com- Cohen ultimately pleaded guilty adviser, following concerns he pleaded guilty to lying to Con- statement he provided to He was interviewed privately mittee, according to one of the and is cooperating against the raised by the personnel office, gress about the subject. Cohen Congress. by both the Senate and House people familiar with the meeting. president in separate investiga- CNN reported. acknowledged in his guilty plea Sekulow has denied wrong- intelligence committees last Cohen told Congress last tions by the special counsel and Both men refused to grant last year that he misled law- doing, saying in a statement after week and has another daylong week that he had never asked by federal prosecutors in New the security clearances to the makers by saying he had the hearing that the “testimony meeting with the House for and would not accept a York. couple, and ultimately Trump awarded them to the pair himself, according to CNN, which cited three sources. US official insists US cancels report border crisis is ‘real’ on civilian deaths AP “No amount of verbal gym- WASHINGTON nastics will change that she knew in drone strikes the Trump administration was Homeland Security Secretary implementing a policy to sep- BLOOMBERG Kirstjen Nielsen insisted arate families at the border,” WASHINGTON yesterday the crisis at the Thompson said. southern border is not manufac- “To make matters worse, the President Donald Trump tured, as she faced questions administration bungled imple- revoked a requirement that US from Democrats for the first time mentation of its cruel plan, losing intelligence officials publicly since they took control of the track of children and even report the number of people House. deporting parents to Central killed in drone strikes and other “We face a crisis_a real, America without their children.” attacks on terrorist targets serious, and sustained crisis at Nielsen was grilled on outside of war zones. our borders,” she said at a House whether she was aware of the Trump formally ended the Homeland Security Committee psychological effects of sepa- requirement with an executive hearing. “Make no mistake: this rating children from their order, months after signalling chain of human misery is getting parents, and when she knew such a move. worse.” about the “zero tolerance” policy The order signed by Trump Committee Chairman Bennie that led to the separation of more revokes the requirement that Thompson said he wanted to use than 2,700 children from parents The Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kirstjen Nielsen, arrives to testify before a House the administration release an the hearing in part to give last year. And she was asked Homeland Security Committee hearing, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, yesterday. unclassified summary of ‘the Nielsen the opportunity to start about conversations with Trump number of strikes undertaken a “serious discussion,” rather as he declared a national emer- system is enabling. We have to double the same period last year. he tries to cut down on illegal by the US Government against than echoing President Donald gency at the border to try to gain change the laws.” And she said the forecast is that immigration, his signature issue. terrorist targets outside areas Trump’s claims of a security funding for his proposed wall Tens of thousands of families the problem will grow worse as But it could also help him make of active hostilities, as well as crisis at the border, and to say between the US and Mexico. are crossing the border illegally weather gets better; traditionally the case that there truly is a assessments of combatant and what she knew about the family “There is an emergency,” every month, straining resources. the early spring months see national emergency at the border non-combatant deaths separations last year. He said real Nielsen said. “I have seen the Last month, there were more higher illegal crossings. — albeit one built around resulting from those strikes, oversight over the border was vulnerable populations. This is a than 76,000 migrants appre- The new figures reflect the humanitarian crises and not nec- among other information.’ long overdue. true humanitarian crisis that the hended — it was more than difficulties Trump has faced as essarily border security. Caracas expels German No charges for envoy for backing Guaido California cops who shoot dead as US tightens sanctions unarmed man and bring humanitarian aid to the country, he said, adding: “It AFP seems that the Maduro regime LOS ANGELES does not forgive anyone who wants to help Venezuela.” California’s top prosecutor Meanwhile, Washington confirmed that no charges tightened the screws on its cam- would be filed in a high-profile paign of sanctions to force case in which two policemen Maduro from power, revoking shot dead an unarmed black visas of 77 people linked to the man who had been holding a regime, including officials and cell phone. their families. Attorney-General Xavier “We will continue to hold all Becerra said the two officers of the Maduro regime involved in the March 2018 AFP CARACAS accountable until democracy incident that made national and libertad (liberty) are fully headlines acted lawfully when restored,” US Vice-President they each fired 10 shots at Venezuela expelled Germany’s Mike Pence said in a speech. Stephon Clark after he was ambassador yesterday, hitting Last week, Washington chased into his grandmother’s Lightning strikes in the sky above Santa Barbara, California, yesterday. out at international support for revoked 49 visas from Vene- backyard. opposition leader Juan Guaido zuelan figures. Becerra’s independent as the US stepped up sanctions National Security Advisory report into the killing is in line in a bid to force out his rival, John Bolton said the US also is Evacuation ordered as storm heads to California with Sacramento District President Nicolas Maduro, putting foreign financial insti- Attorney Marie Schubert’s despite UN criticism. tutions on notice that they will AP heeded the order. A January 2018 debris flow findings that no charges were The foreign ministry said face sanctions if they facilitate LOS ANGELES Many customers pumping from the Thomas fire scar warranted in the case. Martin Kriener (pictured) had “illegitimate transactions that gas at Montecito’s Village Service destroyed or damaged hundreds Schubert’s decision at the 48 hours to leave for “inter- benefit Nicolas Maduro and his A storm soaking California could Station said they’re not leaving, of Montecito structures, killed 21 weekend prompted protests in ference” in Venezuela’s internal corrupt network.” trigger mudslides in wildfire according to Ray Dunham, who people and left two others Sacramento — where the killing affairs. He had greeted Guaido UN human rights chief burn areas where thousands of works there. missing. took place — with 84 people at Caracas airport on his return Michelle Bachelet said sanctions residents are under evacuation Sheriff Bill Brown told a The weather service issued arrested. to the country on Monday. have worsened Venezuela’s crip- orders, authorities warned. news conference earlier this a flash-flood watch for all burn “This loss of life is a tragedy, Guaido said in a speech to pling economic and political Up to 10cm of rain is week that the system is expected areas in Santa Barbara, Ventura and it is the kind of tragedy we opposition lawmakers that crisis. “Venezuela clearly illus- expected along the Central to be more intense than the last and Los Angeles counties. have endured far too many Kriener’s expulsion “must be trates the way violations of civil Coast, and amounts could be several storms. However, the storm is expected times across our state and taken as a threat to the free and political rights — including higher in areas where thunder- A map published by the to weaken slightly as it moves nation,” Becerra said. world.” failure to uphold fundamental storms develop, the National county Office of Emergency south toward greater Los “After extensively reviewing Kriener was among more freedoms, and the independence Weather Service said. Management indicates that Angeles, forecasters said. the record, we found that the than a dozen foreign represent- of key institutions — can accen- The Santa Barbara County much of Montecito is at risk. To the north, heavy snowfall evidence did not support filing atives to welcome the National tuate a decline of economic and Sheriff’s Office ordered 3,000 “We do not take these evac- and high winds are predicted for criminal charges against the Assembly leader — recognised social rights,” said former Chile residents to evacuate hillside uation orders lightly, and while the Sierra Nevada, where a officers involved in the as interim president by more president Bachelet. neighbourhoods scarred by fires we do know this is very incon- series of blizzards has dumped shooting.” than 50 countries — but so far “This situation has been exac- — including parts of Montecito venient, if you are in an evacu- mountains of snow. The two officers who shot the only one to be deemed erbated by sanctions,” she said in hit by a disastrous debris flow ation area, please know there is Motorists are warned that Clark were responding to an “persona non grata”. her annual report to the Human just over a year ago. Officials a high risk to life and property,” low visibility could impede travel emergency call of a man Kriener had helped to try Rights Council in Geneva. didn’t say how many people Brown said. on mountain passes. smashing car windows. 18 CLASSIFIEDS THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 AL ASMAKH LISTINGS CALL CENTER: 4448 5111 / 4041 0757 We also offer our RICS regulated International valuation service VALUATIONS & RESEARCH [email protected]

Email: info@alasmakhrealestate/com Website: www.alasmakhrealestate.com

TOWERS REGENCY PEARL 2 (THE PEARL): Fully furnished 1 JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b (() *,%) REGENCY RESIDENCE AL SADD 10 (AL SADD): B ((+( (%* ))## %&() ((+, #')% ! Z JK&Z! BEVERLY HILLS TOWER (WEST BAY): Fully furnished :K: !+RZ R ,  KK  ,:K:R:
RZ%', JK: !K: +JK:!K+ :K: !+RZ R  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ AIN KHALID GATE:JK% R Z a_,*'b &&# %)') ))## %&() (((% )'# ,,6 R Za_,*'b*#%'))'%((+,+%,%))##&%,((+( % a, b ! Z  , , #'&! Z, :K: !+RZ R W  KK,K QW :K:R:
RZ%', REGENCY PEARL 1 (THE PEARL): Fully furnished 1 77, REGENCY RESIDENCE AL SADD 12 (AL SADD): JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R Z ,:K:R:
RZ JKZ a_,*'b((('#**,((+(#'&(((')#+))##%&,'((+, :K:!+RZR %'  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R,:K:!+RZJ7,, #%#*! Z ,KK,:K:R:
RZ R Za_,*'b(()*,%)((+((%*((+,#')%  :K: R:
RZ %'  %' ,  JK: !K: ! Z JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b&&#%)') REGENCY RESIDENCE (WEST BAY): Fully furnished +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b *#%' ))'% ((+* +,& ))##&%,((+(#'&))##')&)! Z %Z%! ((+, +%,% (((' )#+ ((+( #'& ! Z , BEVERLY HILLS GARDEN 2 (AL WAAB): R  K'Z%! B :K: !+RZ R ,  K, REGENCY RESIDENCE AL SADD 12 (AL SADD): , , REGENCY PEARL 1 (THE PEARL): Fully furnished 1  JKZ W  :K: R:
RZ %' R ,  R, :K: !+RZ J 7,, JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R :K:!+RZR :K: !+RZ R ,   :K: R:
RZ %'  Za_,*'b((('#**,(((%)'#((+,#')%((+,#%#* ,KK,:K:R:
RZ ,:K: JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b &&# %)') ! Z %' ,  JK: !K: R:
RZ %'  JK: !K: ))##&%,((+(#'&))##')&)! Z +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b *#%' ))'% ((+* +,& +JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b&&(%*&))##%&() REGENCY RESIDENCE (WEST BAY): Fully furnished ((+, +%,% (((' )#+ (((% )'# ! Z , ((+(#'&(((')#+))##')&)! Z  REGENCY RESIDENCE AL SADD 13 (AL SADD): :K: !+RZ R JKZ , , , REGENCY PEARL 2 (THE PEARL): Fully furnished 1 BEVERLY HILLS GARDEN 1 (AL WAAB): R :K: R:
RZ %' W:K:R:
RZ%' B K'Z%! B  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R RJK:!K:+JK:!K+ :K: !+RZ R ,  KK K, Za_,*'b&&#%)')))##%&,'((+,#%#*(((%)'# ,:K:R:
RZ%',  ))##')&)! Z R Za_,*'b((('#**,((+,+%,%))##&%,((+( #'&! Z  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ ,  R Za_,*'b*#%'))'%((+,+%,%))##&%,((+( :K: !+RZ R ,  REGENCY RESIDENCE MUSHEIREB 1 REGENCY RESIDENCE (WEST BAY): Fully furnished #'&! Z, ,:K: (MUSHEIREB):JK %Z%! R:
RZ %'  JK: !K: :K: REGENCY PEARL 1 (THE PEARL): Fully furnished +JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b&&(%*&))##%&() !+RZ  R Q R :K: !+RZ R ,  _ KQ ((+(#'&(((')#+))##')&)! Z WB:K:R:
RZ%' , , :K: !+RZ JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b W  :K: R:
RZ %' R R,KK,:K: ((*# *%' ((,& )*(+ &&,, '%)) ! Z JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R R:
RZ %'  JK: BEVERLY HILLS GARDEN 13 (AL WAAB): R  !K:+JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b((+*+,&((+, K'Z%! B Z a_,*'b (((' #**, (((% )'# ((+, #')% ! Z REGENCY RESIDENCE AIRPORT 1 (DOHA AREA):  +%,% ))## %&,' ))## %&() ! Z , K K 7,, JK BEVERLY HILLS TOWER (WEST BAY): Fully :K:!+RZR,K7,, , :K:!+RZR, K & & REGENCY PEARL 2 (THE PEARL): Fully furnished KK Q :K: R:
RZ %'  % :K:R:
RZ%' JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b &&() *() :K:!+RZR, :K:!+RZR JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b &&() *() &#&,(%+*))##')&)(((%*&'! Z , 6 ,KK,:K:R:
RZ &&'&&)+((+(#'&(((')#+))##')&)((+,#%#* , , %'  JK: !K: ! Z KK ,  K +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b *#%' ))'% ((+, REGENCY RESIDENCE AIRPORT 1 (DOHA AREA): :K: R:
RZ %' R +%,% ))## %&,' ))## %&() ! Z , Q BEL AIR COMPOUND (LAQTAH):RK RK% JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R Z (BZ%! , :K:!+RZR, a_,*'b((('#**,((+,#')%))##')&)(((%*&'! Z :K: Q :K: R:
RZ %'   UMM BAB TOWER (WESTBAY): J K % JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b &&() *() !+RZ R ,  %! ,, JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z &#&,(%+*((+,+%,%))##&%,! Z REGENCY PEARL 3 (THE PEARL): R K :K: !+RZ ,
a_,*'b &&%, '&% ))## %&() (((% )'# ((+, #%#* ,K7,, ! Z BR,, , , JK: !K: +JK:!K+ REGENCY RESIDENCE AIRPORT 2 (DOHA JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b *#%' ))'% R Z a_,*'b &&%,'&% (((% )'# ((+, #')% Q BEL AIR COMPOUND (LAQTAH):RK AREA): R K % ((+* +,& ((+, +%,% ))## &%, &&%, '&% ! Z ! Z (BZ%! , :K: !+RZ  :K: R , :K: R:
RZ %'  VIVA BAHRIYA TOWER 4 (THE PEARL-QATAR): JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b REGENCY PEARL 3 (THE PEARL): R K !+RZ R ,  R J K   B , ,, JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z &&()*()&#&,(%+*((+(#'&&&'&&)+! Z ,
K ! J J 6 R, :  BR,, a_,*'b&&%,'&%))##%&()(((%)'#! Z :K: !+RZ R  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b *#%' ))'% Q_ KBJK:!K: BIN DIRHAM 1 (MANSOURA): !K % ((+* +,& ((+, +%,% ))## &%, &&%, '&% ! Z +JK:!K+ R Z_,*'((++*%+! Z: COMPOUND APARTMENT Z  :K: R:
RZ %'  JK: AIN KHALID COMPOUND (AIN KHALID): Fully !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b &#&, (%+* REGENCY PEARL 3 (THE PEARL):RK UMM BAB TOWER (WESTBAY): J K & K % Z % &&()*()))##%&,'))##%&()! Z ,
BR, _ XZ & ! :K: !+RZ R ,  , R Za_,*'b , , JK: !K: *#%'))'%((+*+,&((+,+%,%))##&%,&&%,'&% :K:!+RZ,K7,, +JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b&&#,)'++(((%)'# BIN DIRHAM 5 (MANSOURA): !K % ! Z   ,,JK: ! Z Z :K: R:
RZ %'  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b &&%,'&% ))## AIN KHALID COMPOUND (AIN KHALID): Fully ')&) ((( %*&' ((+, +%,% ! Z  !K: +JK:!K+ Z a_,*'b &#&, (%+* &&() *() REGENCY PEARL 3 (THE PEARL): R K K % Z % (((%)'#! Z ,
B :K: !+RZ R , 

R,   , JK: !K: COMPOUND , , JK: !K: 18 FLATS (AL WAKRA): + !K , +JK:!K+ Za_,*'b*#%'))'%((+*+,&((+,+%,% +JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b&&#,)'++(((%)'# K , % K ))##&%,&&%,'&%! Z VILLA D`ESTE 2 (AL WAAB):RK& ! Z %' aX b JK:  Z! !K: +JK:!K+ Z a_,*'b &#&, (%+* &&() *() :K: !+RZ BUILDING APARTMENT &&'&&)+! Z REGENCY PEARL 1 (THE PEARL): Fully furnished R,:K:R:
RZ%' REGENCY RESIDENCE AL SADD 1 (AL SADD): R ,  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R DOHA GARDENS (AL WAAB): J K & JKZ! Z ! B :K:!+RZR, Za_,*'b&&(%*&(((%*&'((+,+%,%))##&%, KK,:K:R:
RZ%' ! Z :K:R:
RZ%' :K:!+RZRQ ,JK:!K:+JK:!K+ RWR:K:R:
RZ%' JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b R Za_,*'b*#%'))'%((+*+,&((+,+%,%))## VILLA D`ESTE 2 (AL WAAB):RK&  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ &&# %)') ))## %&() ((+( #'& (((' )#+ ! Z &%,! Z, Z! R Z a_,*'b &&# %)') ))## &%, &&,, '%))  :K: !+RZ ))##')&)! Z REGENCY PEARL 2 (THE PEARL): Fully furnished R,:K:R:
RZ%' ONE COMPANY DEAL R ,  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R MESAIMEER/BARWA CITY: !K & BRAND NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING :K:!+RZR, Za_,*'b&&(%*&(((%*&'((+,+%,%))##&%, Z ! (WAKRA): !K ( ! K % Z KK,:K:R:
RZ%' ((+,#%#*! Z :K: JK: !K: ,JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R:
RZ %'   JK: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b &#&, (%+* ! Z R Za_,*'b*#%'))'%((+,+%,%))##&%,((+( BEVERLY HILLS GARDEN 10 (Al WAAB): R !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b &&%, '%)) ((+(  #'&! Z, K ' Z &  #'&! Z , :K: OFFICE & SHOWROOM REGENCY PEARL 1 (THE PEARL):JKR, !+RZ R , B , REGENCY RESIDENCE AL SADD 3 (AL SADD): JK&Z! AL ASMAKH TOWER (WESTBAY): B + Q :K: R:
RZ %'  KKQZK, :K: !+RZ R ,  KK JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b :K: !+RZ J 7,, Q :K: , JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b  , :K: R:
RZ %' , &&(%*&))##%&()((+(#'&(((')#+((+,#%#* R:
RZ %'  JK: !K: &&#&**&+! Z  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R ! Z +JK:!K+ R Za_,*'b&&#%)')((+(#'& REGENCY BUSINESS CENTER 3 (GRAND Za_,*'b((+* +,& ((+, +%,% ))## &%, ! Z (((')#+))##%&,'))##')&)! Z AIN KHALID GATE: J K ' HAMAD STREET): KKQR, , % ! ,
REGENCY PEARL 2 (THE PEARL): Fully furnished  % REGENCY RESIDENCE ALSADD 3 (AL SADD): R, Q K  JK: !K: +JK:!K+ R Z a_,*'b &#&, (%+* &&() *() (((' )#+ R ,  JK&Z! ! Z :K:!+RZR, , , :K: !+RZ R KK,:K:R:
RZ%' W Q W :K: R:
RZ %'  OFFICE COMMERCIAL BUILDING:KKQ ,JK:!K:+JK:!K+ 7 JK:!K:+JK:!K+ R,BQ_%J'RJK: R Za_,*'b*#%'))'%((+,+%,%))##&%,((+( 7,, R Z a_,*'b &&# %)') ))## %&() (((% )'# !K: +JK:!K+ Z a_,*'b ((+, #%#* '''+ ( #'&! Z, :K:R:
RZ%' ))##')&)! Z '#'#*%(! Z THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019 HOME 19 QA Sidra illustrates cultural diversity to mark International Mother Language Day

THE PENINSULA mother languages. Reflecting recitations by students. In DOHA this, the school illustrated its addition, a number of inter- cultural diversity and multilin- active learning engagements Qatar Academy Sidra (QA Sidra), gualism in a bid to empower took place across both QA Sidra part of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) learners to demonstrate campuses — primary and sec- Pre-University Education, has empathy and ondary — which saw the par- celebrated International Mother open-mindedness. ticipation of both students and Language Day. The celebrations featured parents. In 2018, QA Sidra QA Sidra is a diverse multi- performances from the QA Sidra introduced International Mother lingual learning community, school band, drummers from Language Day celebrations as with over 40 different nation- Qatar Music Academy — a a school-wide community event alities and over 18 different member of QF — and poetry for the first time. Stefanie McCollum, Ambassador of Canada to Qatar, and Faizel Moosa, Ambassador of South Africa to Qatar, during the colloquium organised by the College of Law and Public Policy. HBKU colloquium highlights intricacies of diplomacy in increasingly unsettled world

THE PENINSULA the panel was Dr Ilias Bantekas, Ambassadors McCollum and DOHA Professor of Law, CLPP. Moosa, who engaged in an open Ambassadors McCollum and dialogue on the key role of dip- Moosa explored the nature of lomats in informing interna- The College of Law and Public foreign policy decision-making tional law and policies. Policy (CLPP) at Hamad Bin in an increasingly unsettled Attendees obtained first-hand Khalifa University (HBKU) world, while reflecting on the insights into the importance of recently hosted a colloquium intricacies of diplomacy, dialogue in diplomacy, in par- with ambassadors to Qatar that including the qualities and ticular, and the challenges of addressed International Law and skillsets required for the maintaining it when core values Foreign Relations in a Turbulent effective resolution of interna- are at issue.” World. tional disputes. During the event, panellists Susan L Karamanian, Dean Professor Bantekas put their recognised the foundational role of CLPP, chaired a panel dis- remarks in a theoretical context of international law in foreign cussion with guest speakers by examining new ways of con- policy, and discussed how dip- Stefanie McCollum, Ambassador sidering international law lomats, lawyers, and foreign of Canada to Qatar, and Faizel beyond the traditional State- ministries represent sovereign Moosa, Ambassador of South centric approach. states in specific areas, such as A view during the celebrations organised by Qatar Academy Sidra to mark the International Mother Africa to the State of Qatar, who Karamanian said, “CLPP trade, access to resources, and Language Day. is also a lawyer. Joining them on was honoured to welcome human rights. New application centre opens in Doha for Schengen visas to Czech Republic THE PENINSULA Application Centre will provide network of 100 Visa Application another milestone adding to the submissions to the Czech Managed by professionals DOHA outbound travellers from Qatar Centres across 24 countries such portfolio of visa application Republic. Passports submitted trained to provide secure a very convenient channel as India, Jordan, Philippines, centres we manage on behalf of for visa stamping will be services in an efficient manner, Citizens and expatriate residents ensuring enhanced quality of Russia, South Africa, United the Czech Republic government delivered back to the Visa Appli- the centre also offers optional of Qatar can apply for Schengen services and seamless proce- Kingdom, amongst others. through 100 application centres cation Centre in Qatar for col- Premium Lounge services to visa visas to the Czech Republic at a dures. Applicants will also com- Vinay Malhotra, Regional across the world.” lection or couriered to the applicants for more personalized new visa application centre plete their biometric enrolment Group COO for Middle East, All applications submitted at address provided by the visa service as well as door-step jointly launched by the Embassy at the same application centre. South Asia & China, VFS Global, the Visa Application Centre in applicant during the application delivery of passports. of Czech Republic in Qatar and VFS Global has been asso- said: “VFS Global has a successful Qatar, as well passports submission process. VFS Global Visa applicants can direct VFS Global. ciated with the Client Gov- relationship with the Czech entrusted with VFS Global, will will take all relevant measures their queries and appointment Located on the 3rd Floor ernment of the Czech Republic Republic, handling its visa appli- be transferred to the Visa Appli- to safely handle the applications requests to the call centre (301) Jaidah Square, Airport since 2008 and presently serves cation submissions since 2008. cation Centre in Kuwait, which and facilitate smooth and timely number +974 4 4231188 or at info. Road, Doha, Qatar, the Visa applicants through a vast The new centre in Qatar is yet will handle all entry permit processing. [email protected]. QM presents 3 major exhibitions this month

THE PENINSULA especially for the show in Doha. Vietnam, South Asia’s conflicts historical and contemporary DOHA The exhibition will be dis- and the West Asian wars, all of movements of people and the played across three ground floor which inspired his works. His way terrains change. Thirteen Qatar Museums has announced galleries at Mathaf, as well as chosen media ranged from oil installations ranging from videos, an expansive spring exhibition interventions on the grounds of painting and watercolour, to textiles and sculptures made programme, drawing on collab- the museum and the city of Doha. through lithography and serig- between 2011 and 2019 are pre- orations organised as part of the The show has been organised as raphy, to sculpture, architecture, sented in three galleries at Years of Culture initiative, as well part of Qatar Museums’ Qatar and installation. He was also a Mathaf and across the city of as its own institutions. India 2019 Year of Culture. filmmaker, poet and memoirist, Doha including two new produc- Three major exhibitions will Both exhibitions will run writing in Urdu, Hindi and tions, Dohas for Doha and To open this month, adding to an from March 21 to July 31. English. People, developed especially for already exciting calendar with M F Husain: Horses of the Born in the Hindu pilgrimage the exhibition. The show will the upcoming opening of the Sun, curated by the acclaimed centre of Pandharpur, Husain present Provisions for Everybody National Museum of Qatar on Mumbai-based curator, poet, art developed strong connections (2018), a 50-minute video and March 28. critic, and cultural theorist, Ranjit with the UK, the USA, Czecho- Seven Billion and One (2015) Mathaf: The Arab Museum of Hoskote, will feature more than slovakia, the UAE, and Qatar, along with other works that Modern Art is presenting two 100 works by M F Husain which offered him refuge when explore the connections between world-class shows in Doha for including paintings, drawings, adverse political circumstances living organisms, the natural the first time. The first show, textile works, and films, drawn forced him into exile from his world, geological time and the M F Husain: Horses of the Sun is mainly from Qatar Foundation beloved India. cosmos. a major exhibition dedicated to and Qatar Museums collections, Still More World, curated by The exhibition will be pre- the work of M F Husain (1913- as well as from private collec- Mathaf Curator Laura Barlow, sented across several locations 2011) — legendary contributor to tions from around the world. draws on the energy of Doha’s outside of Mathaf, including modern Indian culture and the Husain was a foundational urban landscape of light, which Doha’s iconic West Bay where history of art in the 20th century. figure in the history of Indian symbolises a global city in con- one of the five phrases from the The artwork from M F Husain exhibition. Still More World, an exhi- modernism, as a member of the tinuous movement, its networks new production Dohas for Doha bition by Delhi-based Raqs vanguard formation known as of people, and raw materials. The (2019) will be presented. Media Collective, will present 13 the Progressive Artists Group. He works in this exhibition re- The Fire Station Garage of the Russian Avant-Garde (MIA) major 10-year anniversary multi-object and video installa- lived through two World Wars, examine human evolution and Gallery will host an exhibition from March 24 to May 31. exhibition, Syria Matters, will tions, two of which were created the Cold War, Algeria and natural resources, considering titled Kazimir Malevich: Genius The Museum of Islamic Art’s remain open through April 30. QDF sponsors Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Golf Tournament

THE PENINSULA two-time Qatar Masters winner visitors will have a chance to win in Qatar to compete in this tour- Qatar Duty Free is also a 500 international exhibitors, DOHA Paul Lawrie, as well as two of a selection of luxury products nament, which is very much in proud sponsor of the Qatar Exx- reaching more than 2,000 key Qatar’s most promising players, from QDF brands and boutiques alignment with the county’s onMobil Open 2019 Tournament executives from major retail The Qatar Duty Free (QDF) Saleh Al Kaabi and Jaham Al at Hamad International Airport, 2030 vision to become a premier and the Qatar Total Open brands and duty free retailers. announced yesterday that it is Kuwari. including the recently-opened sports destination and host of Women’s Tennis Tournament QDF boasts more than 90 an official partner of the QDF is also the official Qatar Airways Travel Boutique. major global sporting events. 2019. QDF has sponsored the affordable and luxury brands as Commercial Bank Qatar (CBQ) sponsor of the Hole in One com- Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice- “At Qatar Duty Free, we Commercial Bank Golf Masters well as over 30 restaurants and Masters Golf tournament 2019, petition, which will award its President, Bruce Bowman, said: believe in offering travellers the since 2009 and this year has cafés covering an area of 40,000 that will begin today and will run winner a $155,000 voucher to “We are delighted to continue very finest experience, from the extended its sponsorship to square metres at HIA and pro- until March 21. be redeemed at Qatar Duty Free. our longstanding partnership moment they tee off to the include the annual TFWA Golf viding travellers with a world- The tournament, taking place QDF will offer visitors a chance with the Commercial Bank Qatar moment they head home. We Tournament at the TFWA World class shopping experience under at the Doha Golf Club, will see to test their golf skills at the QDF- Masters, one of the most highly wish the participants a successful Exhibition & Conference in one roof. Luxury brands also 144 world-class professional themed booth located in the anticipated events on Qatar’s tournament, and look forward Cannes. available at the five-star airport golfers compete in the tour- entertainment village. Together sporting calendar. The finest to enjoying this world-class This exciting event will include Tiffany & Co., Gucci, nament, including 2018 Ryder with photo opportunities and a golfing professionals from sporting event right here in welcome more than 3,000 duty Bulgari, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Cup Captain Thomas Bjorn, live screening of the tournament, around the world come together Doha.” free and travel retail brands and Moncler, Rolex and Harrods. 20 HOME THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2019