BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Qatar’s El Jaish defeat INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 3 – 12, 31, 32 COMMENT 28, 29 Qapco close to REGION 13 BUSINESS 1 – 8, 12 – 16 UAE’s 16,238.83 9,917.52 31.02 ARAB WORLD 14 CLASSIFIED 9 – 11 fi nalising ethane -192.25 -85.28 -0.85 INTERNATIONAL 15 – 27 SPORTS 1 – 12 Al Ain 2-1 -1.17% -0.85% -2.67% expansion project Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXVII No. 10009 February 25, 2016 Jumada I 16, 1437 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Caution on ceasefire plan Partnership In brief to promote WORLD | Survey Doha ranks among top 100 safe cities Mercer’s Quality of Living rankings 2016 places Doha among top Qatar as art, 100 cities for personal safety of expatriates in the Middle East and Africa region. The host city of FIFA World Cup 2022 ranks 70th in this segment of the rankings. Only a handful of cities in this region sports hub place in the top 100 for personal safety – with Abu Dhabi ranking Qatar Museums and the Supreme channels, including social media and highest in 23rd place, followed by Committee for Delivery & newsletters. Muscat (29), Dubai (40) and Port Legacy sign a memorandum of The SC recently organised work- Louis (59). Mercer has crowned understanding shops at the Fire Station, the home of the Austrian capital Vienna as the QM’s Artist in Residence Programme. city with the best quality of living atar will be promoted as a lead- The workshops were led by Qatari art- in the world. Dubai (75) continues ing global art, cultural and ist Faraj Daham and Saudi Arabian art- to rank highest for quality of living Qsporting hub, according to a ist Saddiq Wasil. across Africa and the Middle East, memorandum of understanding (MoU) Participants were inspired by the followed by Abu Dhabi (81) and signed between Qatar Museums (QM) proposed stadium designs, along Port Louis (83) in Mauritius. The and the Supreme Committee for Deliv- with the SC’s Al Rayyan Recycled Art South African cities of Durban, ery & Legacy (SC). Project, which will see deconstructed Cape Town, and Johannesburg QM, under the patronage of its materials being used to create instal- rank 85th, 92nd, and 95th chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa lations within the new Al Rayyan Sta- respectively. Civilians walking past the rubble of damaged buildings in the rebel-held historic southern town of Bosra al-Sham, Deraa, Syria. bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, is dium and precinct. Attendance at the US President Barack Obama yesterday expressed caution about a plan to stop fighting in Syria, while the main opposition responsible for developing, promoting workshops exceeded expectations, group said it had yet to commit to the deal. Combatants are required to say whether they will agree to the “cessation of and sustaining Qatar’s cultural sector. while the work created was outstand- REGION | Appreciation hostilities” by noon tomorrow, and to halt fighting at midnight on Saturday. The UN hopes the planned halt in the fighting will The SC is tasked with delivering the ing. Yemen hails Qatar’s provide a breathing space for Syrian peace talks to resume. The last round in Geneva broke up earlier this month without infrastructure required for the 2022 QM acting CEO Mansoor bin Eb- progress after the Syrian government launched a Russian-backed off ensive on the city of Aleppo, where more fighting was FIFA World Cup Qatar. rahim al-Mahmoud said: “At Qatar supportive stance reported yesterday. Page 14 The partnership, designed to build Museums, we have always been a great The Yemeni government has and strengthen the collaboration that supporter of the SC’s work and this praised Qatar’s stances in support already exists between the two organi- commitment will strengthen the ca- of Yemen on the political and sations, will principally focus on shar- pabilities of both our organisations. relief fronts as well as its eff orts ing knowledge and expertise. Together we share a similar purpose, to enhance Yemen’s unity, The SC will work with QM on both a which is to show that Qatar is open to security and stability. Speaking consultancy and service delivery basis. the world and we look forward to work- to QNA on the sidelines of the Qatar urges citizens to At the same time, QM will support the ing together more closely in support of humanitarian crisis in Yemen SC in the development and evaluation this aim.” conference, Yemeni government of various projects, as well as delivering The SC’s assistant secretary gen- spokesman Rajeh Badi said his a number of events and workshops. QM eral for Tournament Aff airs, Nasser governments appreciated “the will also be installing a number of art- al-Khater said: “We are proud to be honourable stances” of Qatar on avoid Lebanon travel works in all of the 2022 FIFA World Cup working closely together with Qatar the political, development, relief stadiums as part of the collaboration. Museums, and this MoU further illus- and humanitarian fronts. Page 10 The partnership will provide access trates the extent to which we are com- QNA, AFP avoid unspecifi ed, unsafe areas. diplomatic ties with Tehran. for the SC to QM’s resources, facilities mitted to employing the power of sport Doha Qatar and Kuwait join Saudi Arabia, Syria’s war has exacerbated po- and institutions, and allow for joint and culture to enhance Qatar’s hosting the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain litical rivalries within Lebanon, which promotional activities through various capabilities.” in issuing travel warnings for Leba- has been without a president for al- he Ministry of Foreign Aff airs non. most two years because of fi erce disa- 30mn-year-old rock found under World Cup stadium in Doha has called on all Qatari Riyadh has also halted a $4bn mili- greements between Hezbollah and its Tcitizens not to travel to Leba- tary and police funding programme rivals. Rock samples up to 30mn-year-old have Samples were then taken of the rock, non. for Beirut in response to what it said Meanwhile, the spokesman of been unearthed under one of the Qatar which dated it back to approximately up In a statement yesterday, the min- were “hostile” positions linked to Yemen’s internationally-recognised 2022 World Cup stadiums, the to 30mn years ago. istry urged the citizens who are in Hezbollah. government has accused Hezbollah The Supreme Committee for Delivery & “We discovered that the rocks in question Lebanon to leave for their own safety Riyadh’s ambassador in Lebanon, of training Shia Houthi rebels and or- Legacy (SC) said yesterday. originated under water, forming a layer and contact the Qatari embassy in Ali Awad Assiri, said yesterday that chestrating attacks on Saudi Arabia The “Dukhan rock” was found during known as the middle-Eocene epoch. This Beirut to provide them with the nec- Lebanon must apologise for failing to from Yemen. construction of the 40,000-capacity is an extraordinary find,” he added. essary facilities and assistance. join other Arab nations in condemn- The government has evidence of Qatar Foundation Stadium, which is set to “We decided to conduct further research Earlier yesterday, in a statement ing attacks on Saudi diplomatic mis- “Hezbollah’s involvement in the host matches up to the quarter-final stage into the ‘Dukhan rock’ which has been cited by the offi cial Kuna news agency, sions in Iran last month. Houthi war on the Yemeni people,” in six years’ time. Off icials have called it an identified by a site investigation and the Kuwaiti embassy in Beirut also “This has upset the kingdom and Rajih Badi said in a statement to the “extraordinary find”. geotechnical study.” advised Kuwaitis to postpone any (Lebanon) has to repair the error with offi cial sabanew.net agency. “As we dug down deeper on site, we came Excavation at the site reached 17m in planned travel to Lebanon. wisdom and courage,” Assiri told AFP. Hezbollah militants are present in across interesting and distinct colour depth. The mission said all citizens The attacks on Saudi mis- “the battlefi elds along the border with bandings on the rock formations,” said Some eight stadiums will be used for the should leave “except in extreme cir- sions in Iran, which followed the Saudi Arabia”, said Badi, urging “in- SC’s Competition Venues project manager competition in Qatar, including the Qatar cumstances”, and advised those kingdom’s execution of a terror- ternational legal measures” against Eid al-Qahtani . Foundation Stadium. who stay to exercise caution and ist convict, prompted Riyadh to cut the movement. Traffi c cameras record more than 600 violations

ore than 600 violations have getting fi ned,” the MoI said. been registered for off ences The surveillance cameras, installed Msuch as overtaking from the on several roads across Qatar, would right, changing lanes at intersections augment monitoring of a number of and stopping in the yellow box, with traffi c violations and enhance road the help of cameras, the Ministry of In- safety, Gulf Times had reported in Oc- terior (MoI) has said. tober last year. In a post on its Facebook page, the The new cameras have been installed MoI said these off ences could now be as part of the “Talaa” project, which caught by cameras and radars installed aims to activate security surveillance specially for this purpose at intersec- cameras on streets and main roads in tions and signals. the country to monitor violations of all “From now, there is no need for the types, as specifi ed by the traffi c law, an presence of traffi c police or patrols to MoI offi cial had said. monitor these violations. More than Meanwhile, the MoI – in another 600 violations of overtaking from the post on Facebook – has provided a slew right, changing lanes at intersections of safe-driving tips, reminding motor- and stopping in the yellow box have ists of the need to follow traffi c rules been registered until now,” the MoI post and comply with signals and signs, in- explained. cluding marks on roads. The recently-installed cameras help record violations such as overtaking from the The Traffi c Safety and Engineering In particular, the ministry has said right, changing lanes at intersections and stopping in the yellow box. Department at the ministry recently motorists should be careful while PICTURES: Ministry of Interior started imposing fi nes for the above- changing lanes to avoid accidents. mentioned off ences with the help of The MoI has advised that people by looking in the mirrors and the blind the right and urged them to maintain these cameras. should drive through the appropriate spot. A motorist must also give way to suffi cient distance. “We urge all motorists to track in accordance with a car’s speed. vehicles in the lane s/he is moving into. “We also advise motorists not to use strictly abide by traffi c regula- Before changing lanes, one should use The ministry has reiterated that mo- mobile phone while driving to avoid tions for your safety and to avoid the signal and check for other vehicles torists should avoid overtaking from crashes,” the post said. The cameras have been installed on a number of key roads.

Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 3 QATAR FM holds talks with Bahraini leaders

QNA Manama

ahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah Bmet HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, who paid a visit to the King- dom yesterday. The Foreign Minister con- veyed the greetings of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Bahrain’s king and his wishes of fur- ther progress and prosperity for the Bahraini people. King Hamad bin Isa al- Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifah bin Salman al-Khalifah holding talks with HE the Khalifah reciprocated the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. Emir’s greetings and wishes. Talks dealt with the bi- and ministers, along with The meeting reviewed re- Minister of Foreign Aff airs lateral relations and means members of the delegation lations between Qatar and Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin of enhancing them, in ad- accompanying the Foreign Bahrain and ways of devel- Mohamed al-Khalifah also dition to issues of common Minister. oping them in addition to met HE Sheikh Mohamed interest. Meanwhile, Bahraini issues of mutual interest. bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. The meeting was at- Prime Minister Prince Kha- The two sides reiterated They reviewed bilateral tended by Prince Salman bin lifah bin Salman al-Khalifah the depth of the relations relations between the two Hamad al-Khalifah, Crown held a separate meeting with between Qatar and Bahrain, countries and means of en- Prince, Deputy Supreme HE the Foreign Minister and the strong links be- hancing them, in addition Commander and First Sheikh Mohamed bin Ab- tween the two peoples. to a number of regional and Deputy Prime Minister, dulrahman al-Thani. Separately, Bahrain’s international issues.

Qatar-Ethiopia joint committee meets

QNA dor Tariq bin Ali al-Ansari in The Ethiopian side was fi elds in addition to invest- Addis Ababa presence of representatives led by the Director General ment opportunities in the of the Ministry of Economy of Middle Eastern Aff airs at Ethiopia. and Commerce , Ministry the Ethiopian Ministry of Meanwhile, Ethiopian he Qatari-Ethiopian of Administrative Develop- Foreign aff airs ambassador State Minister of Foreign Joint Technical Com- ment, Ministry of Labour Siraj Rashid and representd Aff airs Regassa Kefale met Tmittee held its second and Social Aff airs, Ministry by several ministries and or- ambassador Tariq bin Ali al- meeting here yesterday. of Municipality and Envi- ganisations. Ansari here yesterday. The Qatari side was head- ronment, Qatar Investment Talks during the meet- They discussed ways to ed by Director of Department Authority,Qatar Develop- ing focused on bilateral re- enhance the work of the Qa- of International Technical ment Fund, Nebras Power, lations between Qatar and tari -Ethiopian joint techni- Co-operation of the Ministry Qatar Petroleum and General Ethiopia, notablly in eco- cal committee for the inter- of Foreign Aff airs ambassa- Authority of Civil Aviation. nomic and development ests of the two countries.

Gulf Times 6 Thursday, February 25, 2016 QATAR

Ministry honours 134 graduates

Under the patronage of in a skills development for sponsoring the event, HE the Prime Minister programme for supervisory saying that this reflects and Minister of Interior and high-ranking positions. the importance attached Indian siblings die in Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser At the ceremony that was by the government under bin Khalifa al-Thani, the held at the ministry, HE the the wise leadership of HH Ministry of Administrative Minister of Administrative the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Development, Labour Development, Labour Hamad al-Thani to build Doha road accident and Social Aff airs held a and Social Aff airs Dr Issa Qatari leaders in a way that ceremony to honour 134 Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi promotes the performance graduates who praticiapted thanked the Prime Minister of government institutions. ndian expatriate siblings Mohamed Junidhul Nibrash (22) and Najmal Rishvan (19) died in a road traffi c accident when their SUV overturned in the Ain Khalid Iarea late in the night on Tuesday, sources told Gulf Times. It is learnt that they were the only children of their parents, hailing from Kerala’s Kozhikode district. Their father Sakir Maliakkal is director of Barzan Real Estate, Doha. The brothers were assisting their father in the business. Both were raised in Qatar Mohamed Nibrash and Najmal Rishvan and studied in a local Indian jury, passed away late in the school. The bodies were re- evening on Monday. He was patriated last night for burial working in a local hospitality at their native place. group. Meanwhile, Jaimon Joseph Joseph had come to Qatar (36), another Indian expatri- from Thodupuzha in Kerala. ate who was under treatment Arrangements are underway for a self-infl icted critical in- to send his body home. Qatar aims to achieve ‘peace and security’

QNA compel Arab parliamentar- Cairo ians to spare no eff ort in discussing the best ways to overcome them. E the Advisory He called for conceptual- Council Speak- ising a joint parliamentary Her Mohamed bin vision on sustainable devel- Mubarak al-Khulaifi has opment and the role of Arab stressed that Qatar, under parliaments in this regard, the leadership of HH the noting that the prime target Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- for sustainable development mad al-Thani, always aims is to reconcile economic to achieve peace, security development and environ- and stability and works to mental conservation while fi ght terrorism and uproot it preserving the rights of fu- regionally and globally. ture generations in natural Addressing the opening resources. session of the fi rst confer- The Advisory Council ence for Arab parliament speaker said terrorism is a speakers that kicked off yes- threat that has no religion terday at the Arab League or homeland, describing it headquarters in Cairo, al- as an abhorrent plague that Khulaifi said Qatar has host- threatens the lives of in- ed several conferences and nocent peoples and strips meetings that serve the Arab societies of their sense of and Islamic issues. security and safety, stress- Al-Khulaifi said the con- ing that the whole world has ference is taking place amid a collective responsibility challenging circumstances to uproot it and dry up its regionally and globally that sources.

Gulf Times 10 Thursday, February 25, 2016 QATAR

Yemeni minister praises Ministry allays fears over Mars chocolates in Qatar

Qatar’s role in relief eff ort he Ministry of Pub- Precautionary recall lic Health (MoPH) has QNA ‘par excellence’ and committed Tannounced that it has Product Weight Expiry dates Doha to neutrality, transparency and taken all the necessary meas- Snickers Miniatures 150g Dec 4, ‘16 – Jan 8, ‘17 responsibility to support about ures to ensure that the local Mars Minis 144g Dec 11, ‘16 – Jan 8, ‘17 27mn Yemenis suff ering from a market is free from chocolate Mars Minis 270g Dec 11, ‘16 – Jan 8, ‘17 he conference on the real disaster. products of Mars Incorporated, Mars Miniatures 150g Dec 4, ‘16 – Jan 1, ‘17 humanitarian crisis in He noted in this context that produced in the Netherlands, Best of Our Minis 710g Sep 11, ‘16 – Nov 13, ‘16 TYemen concluded in Doha 21mn Yemenis accounting 82 % which are said to contain plas- Best of Our Minis 500g Sep 4, ‘16 – Nov 13, ‘16 yesterday with Yemeni Minister of the country’s population need tic pieces. for Local Administration and humanitarian aid of various Quoting offi cial statements Snickers Minis, Snickers Mini- purchased in Germany. Chairman of the Higher Com- kinds, including 14mn people from Mars Incorporated in the atures, Mars Mini, Mars Mini- The statement said it was mittee for Relief, Abdalrguib Delegates at the conference on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. who need healthcare. GCC region and the local dis- ature and Best of Our Minis, a voluntary measure taken by Fath, hailing the eff orts of HH About 2,800,000 Yemenis are tributor of the company in Qa- all of which are produced in Mars to avoid any possibility the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- cussed the humanitarian crisis food and protection. displaced in various provinces tar, the MoPH said none of the the Netherlands and carry the of health hazards that may be mad al-Thani, the Qatari gov- in Yemen, exchange of informa- On the concluding day, yes- and more than 3mn children are aff ected products has been dis- barcodes 5000159473996, caused by the presence of pieces ernment and the people to sup- tion, and follow-up mechanisms terday, a high-level meeting was out of school, he said while not- tributed in the local market. 4011100037915, 5000159474931 of plastic. port his country. for determining needs of the held to review the outcomes, ing that various educational in- “Besides, only 100 cartons and 4011100023710. Mars Gulf also pointed out The conference, entitled “Hu- Yemenis and the distribution of launch new initiatives, partner- stitutions have been destroyed. have entered the country and Meanwhile, Mars Gulf, in- that it was an isolated incident, manitarian Crisis in Yemen.... aid according to geographic ar- ships, alliances and co-ordinate Dr Ahmad Mohamed al-Mu- all of them have been seized be- cluding the UAE, Kuwait, limited to certain products made Challenges and Prospects for eas, among other things. fi eld actors. raikhi, Director of International fore distribution,” according to a Qatar, Bahrain and Oman in the Netherlands. Humanitarian Response”, saw at The sessions and workshops Representatives of the organi- Development Department at statement from the ministry. markets, has decided to have “This incident has no im- least 90 regional and internation- of the conference focused on as- sations and the conference or- the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, The MoPH has sent a circular a precautionary recall of a pact on any of our same choc- al humanitarian organisations and sessment of the humanitarian ganisers highlighted the event’s stressed Qatar’s fi rm commit- to all ports of entry in the coun- selection of Snickers (Minia- olate brands or products other more than 150 experts and spe- situation in Yemen, identifi cation success in shedding light on the ment to stand by the Yemeni try to retain any related cargo to tures), Mars (Minis and Mini- than mentioned already or cialists in relief and humanitarian of needs in multiple humanitarian humanitarian crisis. people during its humanitarian make sure that it is safe and fi t atures) and Best of Our Minis produced in other countries fi elds taking part in the event or- sectors such as education, health, In his closing address, Yemeni plight. Qatar has and will spare for human consumption. products made in the Nether- regardless of format, size, ganised by Qatar Charity. water and sanitation, livelihoods, minister Fath described the con- no eff ort in supporting the Yem- The chocolate products in- lands after fi nding a piece of batches or packaging,” the The tree-day conference dis- economic empowerment, shelter, ference’s aims as humanitarian eni people cause, he said. cluded in the warning are red plastic in one Snickers bar statement added. Customs expands single window Cabinet approves draft law on electronic clearance system he General Authority tries and other government even before the goods arrive private non-profi t institutions of Customs in Qatar bodies, said an offi cial. in Qatar, said Mohamed T(GAC) is expanding The soon to be launched Ahmad al-Mohannadi, op- and integrating Al Nadeeb, Al Nadeeb II, currently un- erations and risk Analysis he Cabinet yesterday for non-Qataris to become the addition of a repre- of Transport and Commu- It also reviewed a draft the recently launched single der development, will fa- manager at GAC. approved a draft law founders. sentative from the Ministry nications. decision of HE the Minister window electronic clear- cilitate completion of cus- “The launch of Al Na- Tdealing with various Further, the draft law of Foreign Aff airs as vice- Further, the Cabinet took of Higher Education on the ance system, with all minis- toms clearance procedures deeb has made Qatar aspects of private institu- provides that the institu- chairman. necessary measures for the implementation of some number one in Arab world tions for public benefi t. tion must have a minimum The committee will con- ratifi cation of some agree- provisions of Law No 18 of and tenth globally in the The draft law is meant to capital of QR2mn as well as sider government agen- ments between the govern- 2015 regulating the practice ease of customs procedures replace Law No 21 of 2006 appropriate headquarters to cies’ proposals for holding ments of Qatar and Turkey. of educational services, and and regulations,” said al- pertaining to such institu- conduct its activities. conferences and events in These are a co-operation took the appropriate deci- Mohannadi. Qatar has been tions within the framework After the regular weekly the country and express its agreement on the develop- sion. graded at 5.4 points. of the modernisation of leg- meeting chaired by HE the opinion on their benefi ts to ment of public fi nance man- The Cabinet also re- The customs checkpoint islations, the offi cial Qatar Prime Minister and Minis- the State. agement, a memorandum of viewed a letter by the Tax at Abu Samra at the border News Agency reported. ter of Interior Sheikh Ab- It will also co-ordinate understanding (MoU) on Appeal Committee at the with Saudi Arabia is also The draft law identifi es dullah bin Nasser bin Kha- with the authorities con- mutual recognition of cer- Ministry of Finance per- being integrated into the Al such institutions as those lifa al-Thani at Emiri Diwan cerned on hosting confer- tifi cates of eligibility for sea taining to a report on the Nadeeb system, launched created by one or more per- yesterday, HE the Deputy ences, meetings, festivals, workers and an MoU in the committee’s work and took to provide advanced cus- sons to achieve a purpose, Prime Minister and Min- exhibitions and various fi eld of environment. the appropriate decision. toms services to customers or more, with regard to ister of State for Cabinet events in the State that have in Qatar in line with global public benefi t, without the Aff airs Ahmed bin Abdul- been approved, fi x their standards. aim of earning a profi t. It in- lah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud dates and prepare an annual “Al Nadeeb has trans- cludes provisions related to said the Cabinet approved scheme and schedule, QNA formed Qatar into an active the terms of establishment a proposal to amend the reported. partner in facilitating glo- of such institutions, which Council of Ministers’ Reso- Meanwhile, the Cabinet bal trading with the provi- stipulate that the founder lution No 34 of 2015 on the approved the Council of sion of fully transparent must be a Qatari citizen. governmental committee Ministers’ draft decision to customs environment en- The consent of the Coun- for co-ordinating confer- form a tenders and auctions suring security and safety cil of Ministers is required ences and events, through committee at the Ministry through unique system for risk management and se- lectivity,” said al-Mohan- nadi. “Under Al Nadeeb it takes only 15 minutes to fi nish cus- Traffi c diversion in Mesaimeer toms clearances under the system, reduces paper work and it has an inspection per- temporary closure centage ratio of less than 5% will be in place be- ” added al- Mohannadi. Atween Mesaimeer Passport and Immigration and near the entrance of Al Jazeera Academy (as shown in the map). The closure will be imple- mented in four phases: The fi rst phase: From 11pm today and 4am on Sunday (Febru- ary 28). The second phase is from 11pm on March 3 to 4am on March 6. The third phase: From 11pm on March 10 and 4am on March 13. The fourth phase: From 11pm on March 17 to 4am on March 20. The vehicles travelling to the Wholesale Market, and to use Rawdat Al Khail Street Abu Hamour, Ain Khalid, Al Thumama areas will have or the alternatives routes.

Diversion on Temporary truck route

temporary closure and diversion on Aboth directions for a distance of 1.5km on the Temporary Truck Route from Dukhan Highway to- wards Lusail northbound (as shown in the map). Ashghal will also close the roundabout located on the Temporary Truck Route and the two roads branching off it to Umm Al-Afai petrol station westbound and the access to Al Rayyan Stadium and Umm Al-Afai area east- bound. The diversion will begin tomorrow and may last six months. During the period, traffi c will be diverted to a newly The speed limit will be re- to carry out construction constructed two-lane dual duced to 60 kph throughout works of an access line tun- carriageway and a rounda- the diversion route to ensure nel which will pass through bout adjacent to the closed the safety of the road users the New Orbital Highway road and roundabout on the and workforce involved in and Truck Route Project - western side (as shown on project. Salwa Road to North Relief the attached map). This diversion is required Road (contract two). Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 11 QATAR

Strong winds likely

trong winds are ex- Northwesterly winds Experts to take ‘healthy pected over most with speeds of 22-30 knots Sparts of the country are expected in off shore today, the Met depart- areas, which may reach ment has said. 35 knots at times. Partly Off shore areas, too, cloudy conditions are also are likely to experience likely in these areas today strong winds along with along with a chance of diet’ campaign to schools high seas, according to the scattered rain at fi rst, the weather report. weather offi ce has said, rganisers of the seventh The forecast for inshore noting that the sea level Qatar International Food areas says northwesterly may rise to 13ft at times. OFestival (QIFF) will con- winds will blow at speeds Visibility, meanwhile, duct a healthy food and nutri- ranging from 12-22 knots, may drop to 2km or less in tion awareness programme at 30 going up to 30 knots in some places at times. schools in the country to educate some places at times. The minimum and max- children about the benefi ts of a Slight to blowing dust imum temperatures in the healthy diet. are also expected in some country today are expected Over the next two weeks, teams areas along with scattered to be 17C and 28C, respec- of representatives from Qatar clouds, and it will be rela- tively, with the forecast for Tourism Authority (QTA), Min- tively cold by night. Doha being 20C and 26C. istry of Education, Your Health First, and Qatar Culinary Profes- sionals (QCP) will be visiting pri- mary and middle schools in Doha, Al Wakrah and Al Khor. Nutritionists from Your Health First will help students distin- guish between healthy and un- healthy foods. They will also be briefed about their benefi ts and possible harm to people’s health. QCP members will prepare healthy and tasty snacks in front of the students, helping them gain a visual understanding of where food comes from and an appre- ciation of healthy alternatives to common snacks. “We wanted to create a bridge between the enormous eff ort made on National Sport Day to help people kick-start a healthy Nutritionists speak to children about the benefits of a healthy diet. lifestyle and the nation-wide food festival taking place in March,” fare of all Qatar’s citizens,” Minis- with young people, ensuring they neer who is also passionate about order to improve the health of our QTA’s festivals and events director try of Education’s physical educa- remain fi t and healthy and are able health and nutrition, as well as families, we advise members of Mashal Shahbik said. “Culinary tion specialist Faisal al-Badr said. to meet the challenges of Qatar chefs from the Armenian restau- the community to stay away from experiences are cultural, social, ‘Sahtak Awalan; Your Health National Vision 2030,” WCM- rant Mamig. processed food and to go organic.” and entertaining,” she noted. First,’ is an initiative developed in Q’s chief communications offi cer “Our aim is to bring together a QIFF was fi rst organised by QTA QTA is also in talks with the partnership between the Ministry Nesreen al-Rifai said. group of professional chefs who in 2010 to showcase Qatar’s mul- Ministry of Education to make of Public Health and Weill Cornel “Educating children about the are going to teach young students tiple food, beverage and hospital- special access to QIFF available to Medicine in Qatar that uses me- benefi ts of a healthy diet and pro- how to eat right and, in doing so, ity off erings from varied cultures. school children as a way of diver- dia, digital, and grassroots cam- viding them with the knowledge become a responsible member of QTA and co-host Qatar Airways sifying their experiences of food. paigns to make information about to make informed choices per- the community,” Qatar Culinary have confi rmed that this year will “We thank QTA for taking the healthy lifestyles and preventive fectly complements the mission professionals chairman Baran Yu- see the festival experience extend- initiative to educate our students measures easily accessible to the and vision of Your Health First,” cel said. ing to a week-long event (March about healthy eating, and we wish local community. she added. “Any food that requires en- 22 to 28), and the addition of sat- that this collaboration will con- “This new initiative is a won- School children will also be hancing by the use of chemical ellite festival experiences at many tinue throughout the festival in a derful opportunity for Your treated to live demonstrations by substances is dangerous to our of the country’s other landmarks way that contributes to the wel- Health First to continue its work Ghanem al-Sulaiti, a young engi- children’s health,” he noted. “In and eateries. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, February 25, 2016 QATAR DFI announces 33

projects for Qumra The award winners and off icials of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha with Omar Alfardan at the ceremony. oha Film Institute (DFI) during which 10 Qatar-based has announced the 33 fi lmmakers will present their Dprojects from 19 coun- projects to a group of interna- tries selected to take part in the tional industry professionals, Rolls-Royce Motor second edition of Qumra, slated including script consultants, to begin in Doha on March 4. producers, lab representatives, Directors and producers at- programmers and buyers, all of tached to 13 narrative feature whom are experts in the short fi lms, 10 feature documentaries form. Cars posts 21% rise and 10 short fi lms will partici- The 10 short fi lmmakers have pate in the six-day programme been supported by the DFI in of bespoke industry sessions de- To the Ends of the Earth by Hamida Issa (Qatar) is about a Qatari various ways throughout their signed to progress their projects woman travelling on an environmental expedition to Antarctica. careers and many are alumni of and prepare them for interna- its educational initiatives, work- in Qatar sales tional markets. shops and funding programmes. The emphasis is on support- Kashta by AJ al-Thani has ing fi rst-and-second-time fi lm- been supported by the DFI’s olls-Royce Motor Cars “To receive such Following that, Rolls-Royce makers with projects in devel- grants programme and Amer: Doha has been recog- fantastic accolades Motor Cars Doha also received opment and post-production. The Arabian Legend by Jassim al- Rnised for its stellar per- among our regional awards for Highest Year on Year There are 15 projects from Qatar- Rumaihi is supported by the Qa- formance in 2015, winning an colleagues, in our Sales Growth - recording the based fi lmmakers, 12 from the tari Film Fund, the newly estab- impressive 11 accolades at the own home country, highest sales growth across all Middle East North Africa (Mena) lished funding and development Rolls-Royce annual Regional gives us a great Rolls-Royce models compared region and six from the rest of programme for Qatari fi lmmak- Dealer Awards for the Middle sense of pride and to 2014 - as well as eight certif- the world. ers, announced last year. East, Africa, Central Asia and honour” icates for outstanding achieve- While 11 of the 33 projects are Directors and producers will South America, held in Doha. ments in brand management feature fi lms in development, 12 attend the sessions in Doha where Following the announce- tive offi cer Omar Alfardan. awarded to Tarek Moataz, are in post-production and 10 they will be linked with more ment of Rolls-Royce Motor Commenting on the stel- Rolls-Royce brand manager in are short fi lms in development. than 100 experts from all facets Cars global sales results last lar performance, Ihab Allam, Qatar, in sales awarded to Has- Twenty of the feature projects of the fi lm industry, including month, Rolls-Royce Motor general manager, Rolls-Royce an Al Khansa and Sameer Ma- are alumni of the DFI’s grants The Mimosas by Oliver Laxe (Spain, Morocco, France, Qatar), is set representatives from leading in- Cars Doha, the sole distributor Motor Cars Doha, said: “To re- lik, aftersales awarded to Chris programme and three are by in the Atlas Mountains in the past, where a caravan searches for the ternational fi lm festivals, fund- of the brand in Qatar, had also ceive such fantastic accolades Weglinski, deputy general independent fi lmmakers from path to take a Sufi master home to die. ing bodies, sales, production and revealed that it achieved a re- among our regional colleagues, manager for aftersales services Qatar. Of the 10 short projects, distribution companies along markable 21% increase in sales in our own home country, and his team comprised of Ri- seven are by Qatari fi lmmakers with development specialists and in 2015, placing it amongst the gives us a great sense of pride chard Martin and Fawzan Saad, and three by Qatar-based fi lm- script consultants. top fi ve dealerships globally for and honour. We try to embody and marketing and public rela- makers identifi ed through the The Qumra Projects delegates the brand for the fi rst time ever. Rolls-Royce’s ethos of striving tions awarded to the marketing DFI’s ongoing engagement with will also attend daily master The news comes following for excellence across all aspects manager, Ziad Boghdady. local industry. classes and screenings presented the announcement from Rolls- of our business and this type of “Our achievements could DFI chief executive offi cer by fi ve Qumra Masters who rep- Royce Motor Cars that 2015 recognition further fuels our not have been possible without Fatma al-Remaihi said an inten- resent some of the leading fi g- was another record-breaking commitment to the brand, and the dedication and passion of sive programme has been pre- ures in world cinema today. year of sales in the Middle East, towards our discerning clients our entire team. We look for- pared for the project delegates so The 2016 Qumra Masters with a 4% growth in overall in Qatar; as we always strive ward to continuing drive the as to inspire them creatively and are: Nuri Bilge Ceylan (Turkey), sales meaning that the region to off er the very best to them brand forward amongst our support them in navigating the Naomi Kawase (Japan), Joshua maintains its position as the – from sales, aftersales and discerning clientele, and with evolving landscape of the fi lm Oppenheimer (US), James Scha- second largest in the world for beyond.” the unparalleled customer industry. mus (US), Aleksandr Sokurov the brand, representing around To begin with, the team was service off ered at Rolls-Royce New to this year’s edition is (Russia). Each Master will be a quarter of its worldwide awarded for its outstanding Motor Cars Doha under the the Qumra Shorts Programme, a matched to a selection of Qumra volumes. performance with accolades Alfardan Group, we have no dedicated strand designed to ad- A scene from White Sun by Deepak Rauniyar (Nepal, The Netherlands, projects to participate in dedi- The awards ceremony was for Regional Sales Dealer of the doubt that our success will dress the unique requirements Qatar). The film is a drama about life in a Nepali mountain village in cated mentoring sessions with attended by Alfardan Group Year and Best Phantom Sales continue throughout 2016 and of short fi lms in development, the wake of the decade-long armed conflict. the emerging fi lmmakers. president and chief execu- Dealer received. beyond,” added Allam.

FFC draw winner named

Danilo Milan Porteria (coupon number 484118) won a 2016 model Toyota Land Cruiser in the third raff le draw of a sales promotion by Family Food Centre (FFC) at its Al Nasr branch yesterday. Ministry of Economy and Commerce off icial Abdulla Eisa al-Enzi supervised the draw.

QAC takes part in Katara exhibition

Qatar Aeronautical College colleges and institutions QU students (QAC) took part in the took part in the exhibition exhibition ‘My Future in My in order to help students Career’ held at Katara - the in choosing a university or Cultural Village under the college after completing launch annual supervision of Al Bayan their secondary level and Preparatory for Girls know the possible prospects Independent School. of employment by the Cultural Village At least 21 universities, participating institutions.

he Student Activities the world around us is be- Department at Qatar ing aff ected by confl ict and TUniversity (QU) yes- instability.” terday launched its ninth Abdullah al-Yafei, as- annual Cultural Village. sociate vice president for The event themed “Old student life and services, is Gold” will take place on said: “Enriching the stu- February 28 to March 3 dent community is one of and will feature 29 booths. our aims at QU. This annual It will also include exhibi- event refl ects the future vi- tions and cultural activi- sion of the university in its ties such as shows featur- aim to graduate students ing traditional and folkloric who appreciate and extend customs, music, and plays. the message of peace and Dr Khalid al-Khanji, QU humanity to the world.” vice president for student Salwa Zainal, section aff airs, said: “Cultures head of events and campus from around the world activities, noted that the meet under the umbrella of theme of this year’s event QU. This event refl ects the aims to connect students true meaning of humanity with their past. “This and unity, as we aim to en- brings students from dif- gage our students in carry- ferent countries together ing out a message of peace.” and teaches them lifelong He added: “The event skills such as volunteerism, promotes the spirit of teamwork, organisation, friendship among students interpersonal relations from diff erent nations and and problem-solving,” cultures at a time when she said. Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 13

REGION

Yemen govt says Hezbollah Stray bullet fi ghting alongside Houthis kills Indian after Saudi Reuters military positions abandoned by eration, he answered “maybe a Riyadh the Houthis, which it said Hez- suicide operation. What we do is bollah would not be able to deny. suicide operations.” raid: source Both Iran and Hezbollah Reuters could not independ- emen’s government ac- reject accusations they have ently verify the content of the AFP cused the Lebanese Shia provided military aid to the video or the identity of the man Dubai YMuslim militia Hezbol- Houthis. named as Abu Saleh, who spoke lah yesterday of training Houthi A video recording that Saudi in Arabic with a Lebanese accent. forces, fi ghting alongside them offi cials gave to Reuters and Saudi Arabia is leading an Arab tray bullets killed an Indi- and planning attacks in Saudi other media and purported to coalition against the Houthis and an labourer and wounded Arabia. show a Hezbollah operative forces loyal to former president Sthree others in Saudi Ara- Yemen’s government and its with the nickname “Abu Saleh Ali Abdullah Saleh in a bid to re- bia after a security operation Gulf partners have long accused al-Libnani (Lebanese)” sitting store the internationally recog- that killed a wanted Bahraini, an Hezbollah’s ally Iran of back- in a tent discussing tactics with nised government of President Indian community source said ing the Houthis and seeking to Houthi fi ghters last summer. Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. yesterday. transform the group into a repli- Most of the video was muted, Although both Iran and Hez- “Terrorist” suspect Ali Mah- ca of the Lebanese militia to use but during one of the brief seg- bollah have given vocal support moud Ali Abdullah was shot Iranians stand next to the list of main conservative parties’ candidates ahead of parliamentary as a proxy against Saudi Arabia. ments with sound he was shown to the Houthis, dismissed Hadi’s dead after opening fi re on offi c- elections in downtown Tehran yesterday. Its latest assertion, in a state- saying “I have a special operation government as illegitimate and ers sent to arrest him on Tuesday ment carried by offi cial media, in the heart of Riyadh”. condemned Saudi involvement afternoon at a farm in the town is based on “many documents Asked by one of those listen- in the civil war, they deny giving of Awamiya, the interior minis- and physical evidence”, found in ing if it would be a suicide op- the group military aid. try announced. The labourer was killed and three other Indians were wounded when “a few bullets entered the room” where they were staying, the Indian source Ahead of vote, said, asking for anonymity. Bahrain opposition leader Two of the wounded sus- tained minor injuries while the third was apparently hit in the sentenced to one-year jail shoulder, the source added. Interior ministry spokesman Iran’s leader General Mansour al-Turki told Reuters said a suspect was convicted of has a sectarian agenda and is AFP in Riyadh that “in the op- Dubai “insulting the constitutional backed by Shia power Iran. Shia eration we carried out there were system in the country and mock- groups deny those charges and no casualties” other than the ing it” but cleared him of calling Waad says it is secular. suspect. prominent Bahraini op- for regime change in violation of In a speech to Muslim scholars, A hospital reported hav- position fi gure was sen- the constitution. newspaper editors and members ing taken in one dead Indian warns of Atenced to a year in jail “The prosecution is currently of the Shura Council this week, and three wounded at 1:00am yesterday on charges of insulting studying the reasons for the rul- Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid yesterday, well after the secu- the kingdom’s ruling system in a ing to acquit the suspect of some bin Abdullah al-Khalifah an- rity operation had ended, the speech last year, his defence law- charges and to look into the pos- nounced a series of measures to spokesman said. yer said. sibility of appealing it if legal curb what he described as the “I don’t see any link,” he said. But the court cleared Ibrahim basis were found for that,” the expansion of Iranian-inspired “It’s being investigated by the Western ‘plot’ Sharif, former head of the secu- prosecution said. militancy in Bahrain. police.” lar National Democratic Action Sharif was freed in June last Those included setting up a Ibrahim AlMugaiteeb, presi- Reuters had concocted a plot after the Rouhani had criticised the ar- Society, or Waad, of the more se- year by royal pardon after serving committee to monitor fi nan- dent of the Human Rights First Tehran nuclear deal to “infi ltrate” the rests before, saying some “play rious charge of calling for regime more than four years in jail for cial transaction of individuals Society-Saudi Arabia, said there Islamic Republic. with the infi ltration word” to change through illegal means, his role in an uprising demand- and organisations, restricting was “very heavy” shooting in “When I talked about a US pursue their own political goals. the lawyer, Mohamed Ahmed, ing political reforms in the Gulf citizens aged between 14 and 18 Awamiya on Tuesday. ran’s leader warned vot- infi ltration plot, it made some Moves by hardliners to block told Reuters by telephone. Arab island nation. He was Waad from confl ict zones and protect- “It was an exchange of fi re” ers yesterday the West was people in the country frustrat- moderate candidates and por- The public prosecution, in a leader at the time of his arrest in ing places of worship “from re- with the surrounding district of Iplotting pit centrists close ed,” said the Shia clerical leader, tray them as stooges of the West statement on social media that March 2011. ligious and political extremism Qatif, he said. to President Hassan Rouhani who has fi nal say on all major have soured the mood in the fi - did not refer to Sharif by name, Bahrain says the opposition and incitement”. against conservative hardliners state policy in Iran. nal days of campaigning, and in an election that could shape “They complain (about) why Rouhani complained yesterday the Islamic Republic for years to we talk about infi ltration all the of a public discourse rife with come. time ... But this is a real plot. “abuse, accusations and in- In remarks refl ecting an Sometimes even the infi ltrators sults”. abiding mistrust of Rouha- don’t know they are a part of it,” Addressing political activists, ni’s rapprochement with the he said. former president Hashemi Raf- West, supreme leader Ayatol- “One of the enemy’s ruses sanjani, one of Rouhani’s most lah Ali Khamenei said he was is to portray a false dichotomy powerful allies, said Rouhani’s confi dent Iranians would vote between a pro-government and election in 2013 “was Iranians’ in favour of keeping Iran’s anti-government parliament,” fi rst step to bring the country anti-Western stance tomor- Khamenei was quoted as saying back to a path of moderation”. row in the fi rst elections since by state news agency IRNA. “I hope people take the sec- last year’s nuclear accord with “The nation does not want a ond step in Friday’s elections,” world powers. pro- or anti-government par- he said. Rouhani’s allies, who hope liament, but rather a strong In an apparent reference to the deal will hasten Iran’s open- and faithful parliament that is hardliners’ accusations that ing up to the world after years of aware of its duties and is not in- moderates were under Western sanctions, have come under in- timidated by the US,” he said at a infl uence, Rafsanjani said in a creasing pressure in the election rally in the city of Najafabad. statement published on ISNA campaign from hardliners who Supporters of Rouhani, bu- news agency: “Labelling rivals, A handout picture released by Dubai Airport Authority yesterday shows a view of a new extension, Concourse D, that would raise the annual accuse them of links to Western oyed by Iran’s nuclear deal, aim in order to turn people’s hopes capacity of the world’s busiest airport for international travel to 90mn passengers. powers including the US and to gain infl uence in the elec- into despair, has no results.” Britain. tions for the 290-seat parlia- “The Iranians ... will prove Those accusations seek to ment and the 88-member As- that they are seeking Iran’s po- tap into Iranians’ wariness of sembly of Experts, which will litical independence and will Western motives and memo- choose the country’s next su- say no to colonialism, extrem- Dubai airport’s new extension to raise capacity ries of a 1953 coup against na- preme leader. ism and tyranny.” tionalist prime minister Mo- But potential detente with the Rouhani has called for a high AFP ment to enhance service and Dubai International said it re- air routes, Dubai is one of several hamed Mossadegh that was West has alarmed hardliners, turnout, even though half of Dubai boost capacity for the more than mained the world’s busiest air- Gulf-based airports to experi- orchestrated by the US and who have seen a fl ood of Euro- the candidates, mostly moder- 70 international airlines,” Dubai port for international travel in ence prodigious growth in recent Britain and strengthened the pean trade and investment del- ates and reformists, were dis- Airports said in a statement. 2015 with more than 78mn pas- years. Shah’s rule. egations arrive in Tehran to dis- qualifi ed by a hardline watchdog ubai International, al- British Airways was the first sengers passing through. Around 100 airlines fl y to more Rouhani yesterday denied ac- cuss possible deals in the wake body, the Guardian Council. ready the world’s busiest airline to use the new con- Dubai fi rst announced it had than 240 destinations from the cusations from hardliners that of the nuclear agreement. Rouhani’s government signed Dairport by international course, connected by train to overtaken Britain’s Heathrow international hub, which is also the candidates close to him were Since then, hardline security a deal with six powers includ- passenger traffi c, opened a new Terminal 1. as the world’s busiest airport home to carrier Emirates. affi liated with Western powers, offi cials have arrested dozens ing the US last July under which extension yesterday that will “Today we also announce our for international passengers Dubai’s second airport, Al- calling it an insult to the intel- of artists, journalists and busi- Iran curbed nuclear activities raise its annual capacity to 90mn 2016 forecast which projects last year, after 70.4mn interna- Maktoum International, opened ligence of Iranians. nessmen, including Iranians that might have been applied passengers. 85mn passengers will visit Dubai tional travellers passed through in 2013 and will be capable of re- In remarks on his offi cial holding joint US or British citi- to developing atom bombs, and The opening of Concourse D International this year,” said Du- in 2014. ceiving 120mn passengers a year website, Khamenei was quoted zenship, as part of a crackdown secured a lifting of economic is the “result of a $1.2bn invest- bai Airports CEO Paul Griffi ths. Situated on transcontinental once fully operational. as saying he was certain the US on “Western infi ltration”. sanctions in return. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, February 25, 2016 ARAB WORLD Sisi says Russian plane downed by ‘terrorism’

AFP relations with Russia,” Sisi said in Egypt. Britain also stopped fl ights fi nish its probe before any conclu- bastion of the Egyptian branch of Russian security chief Alexan- In November and December, Cairo a speech. to Sharm El Sheikh. sions were made. IS. der Bortnikov said the passenger the tourism sector lost E£2.2bn Sisi had previously dismissed The attack dealt a major set- Egyptian media outlets have The group said it bombed the jet was brought down by a bomb ($280mn) a month primarily due as “propaganda” a claim by the back to Sisi, who had been at pains dismissed suggestions that a plane in revenge for Russian air with a force equivalent to 1kg (2lb) to the Russian and British fl ight gyptian President Abdel Islamic State (IS) militant group to revive the country’s tourism bomb was the cause as part of a strikes in Syria. of TNT. bans. Fattah al-Sisi acknowl- that it downed the airliner on Oc- industry and impose control over Western “conspiracy” aimed at On November 17, Russia’s Pres- Egypt has since hired a British Overall tourist arrivals fell Eedged for the fi rst time yes- tober 31. the restive Sinai Peninsula. harming the country’s tourism ident Vladimir Putin announced fi rm to review security at airports, sharply in 2015 to about 9.3mn, terday that “terrorism” caused a The group said it smuggled a Militants there have killed hun- sector. that Russian investigators had including procedures to check from 15mn in 2010. Revenues Russian plane crash in the Sinai bomb on board the plane in the dreds of policemen and soldiers The A321 airliner, operated by found evidence of a bomb on passengers and baggage, and se- from tourism slumped 15% year- Peninsula in October that killed airport of Sharm El Sheikh, a Si- since Sisi, then army chief, over- Russia’s Metrojet and bound for board, and vowed to punish the curity equipment in the airport. on-year to $6.1bn in 2015. 224 people. nai resort popular with Russian threw Islamist president Moham- Saint Petersburg, broke up mid- attackers. Millions of tourists, mostly Tourism had never recovered “Has terrorism ended? No... holidaymakers. ed Mursi in 2013. air over the Sinai, minutes after “We will search for them any- Britons and Russians, fl ock to after an 18-day uprising unseated Whoever downed that plane, Russia had quickly concluded Egypt has set up a committee take-off . where they might hide. We will Sharm El Sheikh and other Egyp- veteran president Hosni Mubarak what did he want? Just to hit tour- that a bomb brought down the to investigate the attack, and pre- The wreckage fell several kilo- fi nd them in any part of the world tian resorts attracted by its beach- in early 2011, setting off months of ism? No. To hit relations. To hit airliner, and suspended fl ights to viously insisted it be allowed to metres across North Sinai - the and punish them,” he said. es, warm weather and diving sites. unrest. Pressure builds ahead of Syria truce deadline

A Palestinian man uses a rope to climb over a section of Israel’s controversial barrier that separates the West Bank city of Al-Ram from east AFP But US President Barack The Kremlin said that Assad Jerusalem yesterday. Many Palestinians from the West Bank cross illegally into Israel daily in search for work. Damascus Obama sounded a note of caution had assured President Vladimir yesterday. Putin of his government’s readi- “We are very cautious about ness to abide by the deal. ressure was building on raising expectations on this,” The two leaders discussed the Syria’s warring sides yes- Obama said in the Oval Offi ce, agreement in a phone call, the Pterday to abide by a partial where he was hosting Jordan’s Kremlin said, and Assad noted ‘Friendly fi re’ kills soldier ceasefi re brokered by Moscow King Abdullah II. that the proposals were an “im- and Washington that is due to “The situation on the ground portant step in the direction of a take eff ect this weekend. is diffi cult” he said. “But we have political settlement”. Russia and the US have set a seen modest progress over the Assad “confi rmed the readi- deadline of midnight Damas- course of the last week or so with ness of the Syrian government to during West Bank attack cus time (2200 GMT) Friday for respect to humanitarian access to facilitate the establishment of a the “cessation of hostilities” populations that are threatened.” ceasefi re,” it said yesterday. between President Bashar al- Russia and the US are on op- Putin and Assad “stressed the AFP The offi cer, named as Captain gun and car-ramming assaults Hebron and Jerusalem. Assad’s regime and non-militant posing sides of the confl ict, importance of continuing an Jerusalem Eliav Gelman, 30, was on duty that erupted in October has Gelman was the second soldier rebel forces. with Moscow backing Assad uncompromising fi ght” against but not stationed in the area and claimed the lives of 28 Israelis, as killed in a week. The deal - which excludes the and Washington supporting the IS, Al Nusra Front and “other was likely on his way elsewhere, well as an American, a Sudanese On February 18, off -duty sol- Islamic State (IS) group and oth- opposition, but the two powers terrorist groups,” the Kremlin n Israeli military offi cer the spokeswoman said. and an Eritrean. dier Tuvia Weissman, 21, a dual er Sunni extremists - marks the have been making a concerted said. was killed yesterday when Palestinian media identifi ed the The violence has also seen Israeli-US citizen, was stabbed biggest diplomatic push yet to push for the ceasefi re to be re- The agreement allows mili- Afellow soldiers acciden- attacker as 26-year-old Mamdou 176 Palestinians killed by Israeli to death at a supermarket in an help end Syria’s violence. spected. tary action to continue against tally shot him while opening fi re Yousef Amro from Dura, near the forces, most while carrying out Israeli industrial zone in the West IS, which seized control of large at a Palestinian who tried to stab West Bank city of Hebron. attacks but others during clashes Bank. UN carries out fi rst humanitarian airdrop in Syria parts of Syria and Iraq in 2014, him in the occupied West Bank, “An assailant attempted to and demonstrations, according He was unarmed at the time, the Al Qaeda affi liated Al Nusra offi cials said. stab Captain Gelman at the Gush to an AFP count. and this week the military or- The UN yesterday carried out Reports from aid teams on the and other militant groups. The Palestinian was moder- Etzion junction,” the military The Etzion bloc of Jewish set- dered soldiers to carry their guns its first humanitarian airdrop in ground confirm that “pallets Syria’s army said it will ex- ately wounded in the incident at said in a statement. tlements, in the southern West with them when off -duty to al- Syria to reach thousands of peo- have landed in the target area clude the bastion of Daraya near the Gush Etzion junction, a ma- “(Military) forces at the scene Bank between Bethlehem and low them to intervene in case of ple facing severe food shortages as planned”, he told a UN Secu- Damascus from the ceasefi re be- jor intersection near a large bloc responded, and in order to thwart the fl ashpoint city of Hebron, has an attack. in a city besieged by Islamic rity Council called to discuss the cause rebel forces there included of Israeli settlements. the attack fi red towards the as- been a focal point of the unrest. Many analysts say Palestinian State militants. humanitarian crisis. militants. The reserve offi cer was a sailant. Initial investigation sug- Gelman was from Karmei Tzur frustration with Israeli occupa- “Earlier this morning, a WFP UN agencies are working to Pentagon spokesman Captain member of the air force and was gests that Captain Gelman was settlement, which is part of the tion and settlement building in plane dropped the first cargo scale up aid deliveries to Syria Jeff Davis, meanwhile, said that wearing his uniform at the time, injured as a result of the fi re.” Etzion bloc. the West Bank, the complete lack of 21 tonnes of items into Deir before a cessation of hostilities gains by US-backed fi ghters in a military spokeswoman said. It It said he later died of his in- Gush Etzion junction is a ma- of progress in peace eff orts and Ezzor,” in eastern Syria, UN aid enters into force at midnight northeast Syria were paving the was not clear if he was carrying juries. jor hub for hitchhiking soldiers their own fractured leadership chief Stephen O’Brien said. Friday to shore up peace eff orts. way for an assault on Raqa, the a weapon. A wave of Palestinian knife, and settlers on the road between have fed the unrest. IS de facto capital in the country.

100 Libya MPs back unity govt, demand new vote

AFP recognised government Tripoli was forced from Tripoli after a militia alliance in- cluding Islamists overran majority of law- the capital. makers from Libya’s The UN has been push- Ainternationally rec- ing both sides to back a ognised parliament said unity government. The yesterday that they sup- UN’s Libya envoy Martin ported a UN-backed unity Kobler said it was “unac- government but had faced ceptable” that lawmakers intimidation before a con- had been threatened. fi dence vote. “Parliamentarians have The parliament, located to decide freely,” he said in in the eastern town of To- a statement, demanding bruk, was unable to hold that “the parliamentary the vote on Tuesday for the process is unhindered and new government line-up conducted in an environ- because it lacked a quorum. ment free from threats or In a petition seen by AFP, intimidation.” 100 of the parliament’s 176 A Presidential Coun- members said they sup- cil, born of a UN-brokered ported a unity government agreement in December but were “forcibly prevent- between a minority of ed” from voting on Tues- members of the rival par- day after receiving threats. liaments, last week put for- “We, 100 members of ward a unity government of the House of Representa- 18 members. tives, confi rm... our agree- A previous cabinet line- ment on the proposed up of 32 ministers proposed cabinet line-up,” the law- by premier-designate makers said. Fayez al-Sarraj was reject- “We need to decide on an ed by the Tobruk parlia- appropriate place for a new ment as being too large. parliament session as it has According to the parlia- become impossible to hold ment’s website, 99 law- one” in Tobruk. makers would need to vote Oil-rich Libya has had in favour of the new unity two rival administrations government for it to receive since mid-2014 when the the legislature’s approval. Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 15 AFRICA South Africa ‘crisis’ Business push budget hikes taxes AFP money - was made more diffi cult when Pretoria President Jacob Zuma shocked markets in December by fi ring two fi nance min- isters within four days. outh Africa’s fi nance minister Gordhan, who was widely respected UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Democratic Republic of the yesterday hiked taxes and targeted when he held the position from 2009 Congo President Joseph Kabila arrive for the Great Lakes Private Swhat he called wasteful and cor- to 2014, was recalled in a panicked at- Sector Investment Conference in Kinshasa. rupt government spending in a “crisis” tempt to limit the damage to the coun- budget aimed at staving off a ratings try’s credibility. downgrade to junk status. In an immediate reaction to the Africa’s most developed economy is budget, the main opposition Party, the struggling with shrinking growth, un- Democratic Alliance, said the minis- employment running at 25%, and wide- ter had “announced no signifi cant new spread poverty. measures to boost economic growth One in fi ve African kids “We cannot spend money we do not and create jobs.” have. We cannot borrow beyond our Gordhan faced the diffi cult balancing ability to repay,” minister Pravin Gord- act of trying to please both the fi nancial denied access to vaccines han told parliament. “Until we can ig- world and a government facing voters in nite growth and generate more revenue, municipal elections this year. we have to be tough on ourselves.” He said in his press conference that AFP “For Africa to achieve its full po- In a press conference before he de- spending cuts would be made without Addis Ababa tential and secure a bright future, livered the budget, Gordhan was even aff ecting social services. we must unite to ensure that every more direct. South Africa is regularly rocked by child on the continent receives the “There is no doubt about the fact that protests over service delivery for the ne in fi ve children in Africa vaccines he or she needs to survive we are in crisis,” he said. poor, and in the past year the unrest has do not receive basic life- and thrive,” said Matshidiso Moeti, The local rand currency fell by 2.25% spread to university campuses with stu- Osaving vaccines, despite the WHO Regional Director for Africa. against the dollar shortly after the min- dents pressing for free education. continent making great strides on “It is unacceptable that one in fi ve ister spoke to parliament. Gordhan announced an extra 16bn immunisation, the World Health African children lack access to life- “I expected a much fi rmer austerity rand ($1.05bn) for higher education, Organization (WHO) said in a report saving vaccines, and this report is budget,” Mohamed Nalla, head of stra- saying “we are crafting solutions to the yesterday. an urgent wake-up call to Africans tegic research at Nedbank, told AFP. voices of students regarding fees and The report noted a dramatic rise of all walks of life and at every level,” “This budget will not be enough to help housing”. in child vaccination rates, from 57% she said. us avoid a credit downgrade in the near A central objective of the budget was in 2000 to 80% in 2014, but said Medical charity Doctors Without future, but it may have helped us buy a South Africa’s Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan(right) walks to Parliament in to stabilise debt as a percentage of GDP, more needed to be done to prevent Borders, known by its French acro- bit of time.” Cape Town yesterday. he said. the spread of diseases such as mea- nym MSF, said global pharmaceu- Presenting the budget, Gordhan an- “Net national debt is projected to sles, rubella and neonatal tetanus tical companies should be taken to nounced greater co-operation with ital gains, fuel, sugary drinks, alcohol processes, while wasteful expenditure stabilise at 46.2% of GDP in 2017/18, that have been virtually eradicated task for charging “infl ated vaccine the private sector in an eff ort to boost and tobacco and environmental levies clamps will extend to a downgrade in and to decline after that.” in some parts of the world but re- prices” that keep the drugs out of growth, which he forecast would drop are expected to bring in an extra 18bn the value of cars bought for politicians. Eff orts are also being made to rein in main prevalent and deadly in Africa. reach of the world’s poorest and to below 1% this year. rand ($1.18bn). Abuses in the private sector will also the budget defi cit, which is expected to “We can and must do more to pro- most vulnerable. Although he denied moving towards Personal income tax was not in- be targeted. be 3.2% of GDP this year on total spend- tect all our children from devastating “If vaccine prices continue to spi- privatisation, the minister opened the creased, but “current taxes on wealth “We will continue to act aggres- ing of 1,324bn rand ($86.9bn), declining illnesses - not only because it is our ral out of control, we will continue way for private sector investment in are under review”, Gordhan said. sively against the evasion of tax through to 2.4% in 2018/19. responsibility to ensure healthier to see countries in Africa and around under-performing state-owned enter- The government spending ceiling will transfer pricing abuses, misuse of tax Apart from policy missteps, the re- futures for our citizens, but also be- the world faced with diffi cult deci- prises. be cut by 25bn rand ($1.64bn) over the treaties and illegal money fl ows”, Gord- source-rich economy has been hard hit cause it is a smart economic deci- sions about which deadly diseases These include the loss-making na- next three years, mainly by trimming han said. by falling commodity prices on reduced sion,” said Kesetebirhan Admasu, they can and can’t aff ord to protect tional carrier South African Airways, posts in the bloated public service. Winning the confi dence of the rat- demand by China, and an agricultural health minister of Ethiopia which is their children against,” said Myriam long a target of government critics. Government corruption will be tack- ings agencies - which help determine sector hobbled by the worst drought in hosting a two-day summit on immu- Henkens, MSF’s international med- Increased taxes on excise duties, cap- led through a crackdown on tender how much countries pay to borrow more than a century. nisation in Africa from today. ical co-ordinator. US training African police to counter new militant threats

By Emma Farge, Reuters Thies, Senegal

head of a drill to teach West African police about forensics Aby blowing up a car fi lled with crash test dummies posing as suicide bombers, FBI agents met an unexpect- ed question: why bother to investigate if the militants are already dead? The query from a Senegalese offi cer demonstrates the steep learning curve for the region’s security forces if they are to keep pace with increasingly bra- zen and sophisticated militants mov- ing in from the north-central Sahara and possibly Libya. Since Islamic State’s entry into Libya last year, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has responded with a series of attacks to bolster its claim of primacy in the western Sahara. Western governments worry the Is- lamic State presence in Africa may lead to ties with West Africa’s Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to the group last year, and could herald a drive south. Some Al Qaeda-linked brigades also appear to be merging. Refl ecting the changing threat and af- Senegalese off icers gather near an ‘exploded vehicle’ at a military range during ter major attacks in the last four months the US-led Flintlock training exercises in Thies, Senegal. in Mali and Burkina Faso in which at least 50 people, including many Westerners, and associated groups, which they say curity body Group of Five Sahel, diplo- were killed, this year’s annual ‘Flintlock’ may be born of competition with Is- mats and offi cials say. counter-terrorism exercises have in- lamic State. Three sources familiar with the cluded police training for the fi rst time. An armoured suicide truck, albeit a agreement told Reuters that the US Recent West African eff orts have re- makeshift one, was used in an attack on and Senegal had agreed a new accord vealed blunders, security sources say. a UN base in Kidal in northern Mali that granting rights to establish a base here So many people touched an assault killed seven peacekeepers this month. in case of an emergency. rifl e used by militants in the Bamako Boko Haram suicide vests now often Intelligence sharing among the dif- attack, for example, that it was impos- include hidden cell phones so they can ferent countries of West Africa will be sible to take fi ngerprints. be remotely detonated and increasing- key, security offi cials said. In January, an AQIM death row fu- ly resemble those used in the Middle The US plans to set up the fi rst of gitive who fl ed Mauritania via Senegal East, weapons experts say. many “intelligence fusion” centres at was able to travel 500km before being As the threat grows, there are signs the headquarters for a regional anti- stopped in Guinea, acquiring arms and the US is increasing its commitments. Boko Haram task force in Chad to allow accomplices on the way, thanks in part Already, there are up to 1,200 spe- countries to share sensitive informa- to bungled communication between cial operations forces on the continent, tion in a secure environment. Senegalese and Mauritanian offi cials, a providing training, operating drones “If we continue to invest in the de- Senegalese security source said. and, very rarely, intervening directly velopment of regional platforms, it US experts say three main short- such as in the Ouagadougou siege. will pay huge dividends over the next falls need to be addressed: intelligence, Last week, the US launched its sec- year, but it cannot be done without a cross-border cooperation and reaction ond set of air strikes in Libya in three comprehensive approach,” said Com- times. months in what risk management con- mander for Special Operations Com- “In most African countries the ca- sultancy Signal Risk’s director Ryan mand Africa Brigadier General Donald pacity to respond to these sorts of in- Cummings called a “point of depar- Bolduc. cidents is middle-of-the-road at best,” ture” from a strategy previously char- Overcoming suspicions between said a senior US military offi cer, who acterised by a limited appetite for of- neighbours and historic rivals will be a asked not to be named because of the fensive roles in Africa. challenge, however. sensitivity of his remarks. “But they Washington is proposing $200mn in “The sharing of intelligence between are very eager to learn.” new military spending for North and neighbours is not where it should be Security experts report a growing West Africa. Both the US and France, and this is critically important,” said a sophistication since last year in the which has 3,500 troops in the region, Western intelligence source at Flint- tactics and weaponry used by AQIM intend to boost support to regional se- lock. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, February 25, 2016 AMERICAS Trump rivals look for answers Reuters to further frustrate Republican progress, can take some solace in Washington establishment fi gures who, less fi nishing second. than a month ago, were hoping But that also has to be viewed that the outspoken billionaire’s as somewhat of a setback con- usinessman Donald Trump insurgent candidacy was stalled sidering that he had frequently inched closer to the US after he lost the opening nomi- campaigned in Nevada, having BRepublican presidential nating contest in Iowa to Cruz. lived there for years as a child. nomination after easily outdis- But since then, Trump has A Cuban-American, he had tancing his rivals in the Nevada tallied wins in New Hampshire, attempted to rally the support of caucuses on Tuesday, giving him South Carolina and now Nevada, the state’s large Latino popula- his third win in four early nomi- with a suite of southern states tion. nating contests. ahead on March 1, so-called Su- Rubio had also benefi ted from Trump won Nevada by a mar- per Tuesday. Saturday’s departure of former gin of 22 percentage points, gar- “If you listen to the pundits, Florida Governor Jeb Bush from nering 45.9% of the vote, the state we weren’t expected to win too the race. That brought an in- Republican Party said after 100% much, and now we’re winning, fl ux of new funds, a bevy of en- of all precincts reported results. winning, winning the country,” dorsements and a wealth of me- That gave him at least 12 of the 30 Trump said at a victory rally in dia attention. But none of it was delegates at stake, which would Las Vegas. enough to overtake Trump. bring his total to at least 79 be- Polls suggest Trump will do Meanwhile, Cruz has been fac- fore February ends, according to well in many of those Super ing mounting questions about the Associated Press. Tuesday states, placing further the viability of his campaign While more than 1,200 are pressure on Cruz and Rubio, as since he won in Iowa. Trump has needed to secure the Republican well as Carson and Kasich, who made serious inroads among his presidential nomination, Trump were not factors in Nevada. core base of conservative sup- has built a formidable head start “These guys have to fi gure out porters, draining anti-govern- over his main rivals, US senators how to turn their fi re on Trump,” ment hardliners and evangelicals. Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Ru- said Ford O’Connell, a Repub- Cruz targeted Nevada’s fi erce bio of Florida. lican strategist in Washington. libertarian wing, appealing di- Rubio eked out another sec- Absent that, he said: “Which one rectly to those who supported ond-place showing with 23.9% is going to get out of this fi eld?” local rancher Cliven Bundy’s of the vote, and Cruz again came In the run-up to Nevada, most armed protest against the federal in a close third with 21.4%. Each of Trump’s rivals left him alone, government in 2014 and a more gained at least fi ve delegates, the preferring to tussle with each recent one that Bundy’s sons AP reported. other to try to be the last sur- staged at a federal wildlife refuge Finishing at the bottom of the viving challenger to the front- in Oregon. But that, too, was not heap were retired neurosurgeon runner. enough. Ben Carson with 4.8% of the vote Not long after Trump’s win The upcoming March 1 prima- and Ohio Governor John Kasich was certifi ed in Nevada, Cruz’s ry in Cruz’s home state of Texas is with 3.6%. campaign released a statement looming as a make-or-break mo- Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up as he addresses supporters at a night rally in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Broadcast networks called Ne- criticizing Rubio for not win- ment for him. vada for Trump almost immedi- ning the state. It did not mention Aiding his cause, Republican Despite early reports on so- chapter said voting ran smoothly. Nevada’s contest had been more on a campaign’s success in ately after voting ended, with the Trump at all. Texas Governor Greg Abbott en- cial media of procedural irregu- Higher-than-normal turnout viewed as a test of whether motivating supporters to partici- state Republican Party confi rm- Rubio, who has emerged as dorsed Cruz in a video that ap- larities at many Nevada caucus was reported, although histori- Trump had organizational might pate. Trump’s failure to do that in ing the victory soon afterward. the Republican establishment’s peared on Wednesday, CNN re- sites, the Republican National cally, few of the state’s citizens to match his star power. Unlike in Iowa was viewed as contributing Trump’s decisive win is likely favourite to derail Trump’s ported. Committee and the party’s state take part. primaries, caucus results depend to his defeat there.

Mother jailed for throwing autistic son off bridge An Oregon woman has been The US Coast Guard sent two Serial killer’s book is sentenced to life in prison for boats and a helicopter to help Texas hospitals claim developing throwing her autistic 6-year-old search for London before his son to his death from a bridge in body was spotted in the water pulled by publisher the coastal town of Newport in near the Embarcadero Resort, rapid test for deadly Zika virus 2014, the Oregonian newspaper about a mile from the bridge, by reported on Tuesday. a diner about four hours after Reuters Press apologises to the families Jillian McCabe, 36, pleaded she reported the incident, police Reuters for a surge of Zika testing de- said. The agency expects to Toronto of the victims for any additional guilty to murder in a Lincoln said. Austin mand,” said James Versalovic, augment its own testing abili- heartache this may have caused.” County court on Monday, the A website previously set up pathologist-in-chief at Texas ties by the end of the week. The publisher said Pickton newspaper reported. by McCabe to seek financial Children’s and leader of test The Zika virus has been re- book by one of Canada’s misrepresented himself by seek- Citing District Attorney aid, helpmatt.org, described her wo major Texas health development team. ported as having been trans- most infamous serial killers, ing to publish the book using the Michelle Branam, the newspa- family as facing financial chal- centres have developed The test is designed to cut mitted by mosquito in Puerto ARobert Pickton, who was name of a diff erent person as per reported that McCabe left lenges after a brain injury landed Twhat they are calling the down on testing time, which Rico and the US Virgin Islands, convicted in 2007 of killing drug the author. The memoir was no a trail online that showed she her husband in hospital for four country’s fi rst hospital-based, can take days or even weeks. but in the continental US the addicts and prostitutes and butch- longer available on Amazon. had planned the act for weeks, months last year and left him rapid test for the Zika virus Typically the testing would only cases reported so far are ering their remains at his pig farm, The book had been listed as a researched legal defences based unemployed upon his release. that can produce results in a be done by state health agen- associated with travel abroad. has been pulled by its publisher. memoir by Pickton, 66, who is upon findings of insanity and ap- McCabe’s admission of guilt matter of hours, the hospitals cies equipped to do so or fed- Brazil is worst hit in the cur- News of the book and its avail- serving a life sentence at a prison peared to fake mental illness. followed a plea deal under which said on Tuesday. eral authorities such as the US rent Zika outbreak, which has ability through online retailer in the Canadian province of Brit- Local broadcaster KGW prosecutors agreed to drop Researchers at Texas Chil- Centres for Disease Control of spread to more than 30 coun- Amazon had sparked outrage in ish Columbia. quoted Branam as saying that additional charges of aggra- dren’s Hospital and Houston Prevention. tries and territories, most of Canada and government offi cials Calling himself “the fall guy” McCabe’s Google searches prior vated murder and manslaughter. Methodist Hospital developed Work on the test started in them in the Americas. had pledged to stop Pickton, 66, on the book’s jacket, Pickton had to her son’s death included: “Can McCabe can seek parole after the test that detects the genetic January and it is available only Texas Children’s Hospital is from profi ting from its sale. noted he is accused of murder- you die from falling 133 feet into serving 25 years in prison, the material of the Zika virus, which at the two hospitals for now. a not-for-profi t health care or- Colorado-based Outskirts Press ing “between six and 49 women” water?” newspaper reported. can speed diagnosis and treat- But the researchers are looking ganization affi liated with Bay- said it has ceased publication of and is fi nally telling his story. Authorities say McCabe called She was previously scheduled ment, they said in a statement. at allowing others to tap into lor College of Medicine, while the book and has asked Amazon to Negative reviews of the book police on November 3, 2014, to to face trial in August. “With travel-associated its testing. Houston Methodist comprises remove the book from its website. had piled up on Amazon’s web- report that she had tossed her Branam did not immediately cases of the Zika virus becom- “We are defi nitely support- an academic medical centre in “We have a long-standing policy site, with many urging publisher son London from the Yaquina respond to requests for com- ing more prevalent in the US, ive of labs bringing up the abil- the Texas Medical Centre and of not working with, nor publishing Outskirts Press and Amazon to Bay Bridge in Newport, a town ment. An attorney for McCabe coupled with the looming in- ity to test for Zika virus across six community hospitals serv- work by, incarcerated individuals,” withdraw the book. of some 10,000 about 175km could not immediately be crease in mosquito exposure the state,” Texas Depart- ing the Greater Houston area, the publisher said in a statement Amazon could not be reached southwest of Portland. reached. during spring and summer ment of State Health Services according to the hospitals’ emailed on Tuesday. “Outskirts for comment. months, we must be prepared spokeswoman Carrie Williams websites. Three die as twisters slam into Gulf Coast states

Reuters timated 160 mobile homes at the cording to the agency’s Twitter Winston-Salem, North Carolina Sugar Hill trailer park were de- feed. molished, state police superin- There were additional reports tendent Colonel Mike Edmonson of survivors being taken to hos- storm system packing told a news conference. pitals in private cars, and other damaging winds and pos- “This is some of the worst ambulance operators were re- Asible tornadoes was ex- damage that I’ve seen in my 36 sponding to the emergency, indi- pected to hit the Carolinas late years with the state police,” Ed- cating the tally of injuries would yesterday, a day after twisters monson said. likely climb higher. killed at least three people and Governor John Bel Edwards The governor declared a state left a path of destruction in Gulf said two people were known to of emergency in seven parishes Coast states. have died at the trailer park and that bore the brunt of the storms. Meteorologists issued severe two or three others were reported The storm system posed a con- thunderstorm alerts as wind unaccounted for. Rescue crews tinuing tornado threat as it swept gusts exceeding 120kph could with dogs combed through de- east through the night across cause damage similar to a tor- bris searching for anyone who Mississippi and into Alabama, nado. might have been trapped. said Mike Eff erson, a meteor- “The likelihood for pockets Authorities said they hoped ologist at the National Weather of straight-line wind damage the missing might turn up later Service in New Orleans. occurring across central North in area hospitals or elsewhere Tens of thousands of custom- Carolina today is a near certain- among the survivors in Convent, ers were without power in Loui- ty,” the National Weather Serv- located about 100km west of siana at the height of the storms, ice in Raleigh said, adding the New Orleans. according to Entergy Louisiana, risk for multiple tornadoes was “These travel trailers were the main electricity supplier in “fairly high.” picked up, thrown a consider- the area. Schools in North Carolina, able distance and just mangled,” In Louisiana’s Assumption South Carolina, Georgia and Edwards said after surveying the Parish, a tornado knocked down Florida cancelled classes or damage. He said it was “a minor a water tower and damaged shifted hours ahead of predicted miracle” the casualty toll was homes, said Deputy Robert Mar- severe weather in those states. not higher because most of the tin of the sheriff ’s offi ce. In Louisiana and Mississippi, trailers were occupied when the Up to 20 homes were reported National Weather Service teams storm hit. destroyed, and fi refi ghters res- surveyed damage wrought by at The National Weather Service cued residents with minor inju- least seven tornadoes on Tues- confi rmed one other fatality near ries from four homes, said John day. the southern Mississippi town of Boudreaux, director of Homeland “This is one of our bigger out- Purvis, where a mobile home was Security and Emergency Prepar- breaks we’ve ever had,” said Ken destroyed. edness in Assumption Parish. Graham, meteorologist in charge Acadian ambulance services in Residents reported damage to for the service’s offi ce in Slidell, Louisiana said it had transported homes from tornadoes and golf Louisiana. “It’s a pretty big deal.” 31 people to area hospitals in St. ball-sized hail on the Mississippi Hardest hit in Louisiana was James Parish, most of them from Gulf Coast as the system barrel- the Mississippi River hamlet of the trailer park, and fi ve others led across the US South, Eff erson An Assumption Parish Sheriff ’s Off ice handout photo released yesterday shows debris from a damaged water tower. Convent, where 90% of the es- from neighbouring parishes, ac- said. Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 17 ASEAN Anti-graft agency urged to continue Najib probe

Reuters political donation and he did The panel also advised the Kuala Lumpur not take any money for person- anti-graft agency to seek the al gain. The scandal had been help of the attorney-general in “an unnecessary distraction”, obtaining mutual legal assist- alaysia’s anti-graft he said, after being cleared by ance to get further evidence agency yesterday said Apandi last month. and documents from banks Man external review MACC sought a review of overseas. The anti-graft agen- panel had asked it to continue that decision, and on Wednes- cy said the panel also recom- investigations into a donation of day it said the review panel had mended that investigation pa- $681mn received by Prime Min- recommended it continue in- pers on SRC ister Najib Razak, despite an or- vestigations into the transfer International, a 1MDB sub- A staff places sand in a litter tray for a pet cat in the Purrfection Suite at the Wagington luxury pet hotel in Singapore yesterday. der by the country’s top lawyer of funds, as they were “still in- sidiary investigated for alleged to close the case. complete”. misappropriation of funds, be Last month, Attorney- “Since MACC’s investigation resubmitted to the attorney- General Mohamed Apandi Ali into the alleged 2.6bn ringgit general for review. closed all investigations of Na- donation case is still incom- MACC has not revealed its jib, after reviewing investiga- plete, the panel recommended findings or indicated whether any wrongdoing was involved, Singapore’s pampered tion reports from the Malaysian to MACC that it continues its Anti-Corruption Commission investigation on the case,” the saying any decision to take fur- (MACC) into debt-laden state agency said in a statement. ther action would be up to the fund 1Malaysia Development It did not say if it would act attorney-general. Berhad (1MDB) and the transfer on the recommendation, and Najib enjoys the backing of most of the powerful divi- felines get a ‘purrfect’ life of $681mn into Najib’s personal gave no further details. bank account. Apandi had no immediate sion chiefs in his ruling United Apandi said the funds trans- comment, a spokesman for the Malays National Organisation AFP every room, while some even friends, with its own private their own obituary section in the ferred into Najib’s account were attorney-general’s office told party, and most of his critics Singapore boast classical music on a entrance,” Tayler said. country’s leading English lan- a donation from Saudi Arabia’s Reuters in a text message. concede that he cannot be un- Sensurround system to help Apart from lodgings, the guage newspaper. royal family, and added that A spokesman for the prime seated. stressed cats unwind. hotel off ers grooming and spa Room and board in the Purr- no further action needed to be minister’s office declined to In moves that were widely ats who are tired of the The 14-room extension — services at additional cost. It fection Suites begins at Sg$39 taken. comment when contacted by seen as stamping out dis- rat race in fast-paced exclusively for cats — is part plans to introduce “in-room ($28) per night. Lawyer Jolene Najib has been buffeted for telephone. sent last year, he sacked his CSingapore have a new of The Wagington, Singapore’s dining” featuring home- Lim, 26, checked her seven- months by allegations of graft The eight-member review critical deputy prime minis- high-end leisure option — a fi rst fi ve-star dog hotel housed cooked food. While their feline month-old Persian cat into a at 1MDB and revelations of the panel includes former civil ter, replaced the former attor- top-of-the-range hotel com- in a converted British colonial- friends remain mostly indoors, cabin suite for fi ve nights when transfer, adding to a sense of servants, corporate figures, ney-general with Apandi and plete with designer beds, Rob- era bungalow in the heart of the The Wagington’s doggy guests she went on holiday this month. crisis in a country under eco- academics and lawyers. cracked down on opposition erto Cavalli wallpaper and city-state’s diplomatic quarter. can frolic in the outdoor bone- “For many people, their pets nomic duress from slumping oil The panel monitors MACC leaders and academics. Swarovski crystal-studded din- The Wagington owner Estelle shaped swimming pool and work are like their children. I defi nitely prices and a sliding currency. investigations, but lacks the Najib has said his reshuffle ing ware. Tayler said that since the open- up a sweat on treadmills. want to give her the best and Najib has denied any wrong- power to enforce its recom- was necessary to maintain gov- The Purrfection Suites are ing of the dog hotel in 2014, cat Pets are a pampered lot in Sin- whatever makes her comfort- doing, saying the funds were a mendations. ernment unity. the ultimate in luxury for fussy owners have clamoured for a gapore, one of Asia’s richest cit- able,” Lim said. felines looking for some quality similar style of upmarket lodg- ies. “If I’m going off on a holiday downtime in the most upmar- ing for their pets. One businessman off ers and having fun, I want her to feel ket surroundings. “We decided to make a wing weekend boat cruises for pets comfortable and have fun and be Myanmar backpedals on ban Purifi ed air is pumped into dedicated just for our feline and their owners. Pets also have at ease as well.” on Bagan temple climbing

AFP a hit. In its updated post the ministry stressed that Yangon the regulation was aimed at conserving the Bud- dhist ruins, many of which are crumbling and over- grown. yanmar has backpedalled on a ban on The statement also warned that safety was a climbing temples at the tourist hot spot concern, citing the case of an American tourist who Mof Bagan, following fears visitors would no was hospitalised earlier this week after falling from longer be able to enjoy the ancient capital’s famed one of the pagodas. sunsets. “Bagan’s ancient buildings have been there for The Ministry of Culture on Monday barred visi- many years and we are concerned about damaging tors from clambering over the monuments. the pagodas and the danger of hurting people,” the But by late Tuesday it had revised the order to ministry said. let tourists ascend fi ve of the largest pagodas — in a Bagan’s vast fi eld of temples, built in the 10th and fi eld of more than 3,000 Buddhist structures. 14th centuries, are worshipped as holy sites in the “We would like to replace the statement about Buddhist-majority country. banning the climbing of pagodas with an amend- Once considered an off -the-beaten-path des- ment exempting fi ve designated pagodas in Bagan,” tination for intrepid travellers, Bagan’s popularity the ministry said on its Facebook page. on the tourist circuit has surged since Myanmar But both statements slammed temple-climbing opened up its borders in 2011 following decades of tourists for “culturally disgraceful” acts “such isolation under military rule. as wearing inappropriate clothing, dancing and Tourism has since taken off , with the number of sleeping (on the monuments)”. foreign visitors doubling in the past fi ve years. The sudden ban had surprised tour operators and Myanmar is eager to see Bagan listed as a Unesco prompted concern that their businesses would take world heritage site. A pet cat looks out from its Purrfection Suite at the Wagington luxury pet hotel.

CRACKDOWN Indonesia plans to close all red-light Drought-hit Thailand districts by 2019 Uber makes fi rst two-wheeler Indonesia plans to close all red- told to cut rice production light districts in the country by foray with Bangkok motorbikes 2019, an off icial said yesterday, stepping up a campaign against AFP water to plant second crops, prostitution after a controversial AFP Uber will be up against both an alternative to the capital’s “If it makes sense, ab- Bangkok shaving their incomes and push to clear up a brothel area Bangkok Singapore-based Grab Taxi, often mercurial cabbies who solutely we want to look at plunging many into debt. of Jakarta. The government will which began offering a Bang- routinely decline fares or other markets.” Ma declined “We have to find measures to instruct local authorities to shut kok motorbike service along- refuse to use their meters. to say how many motorbike hailand’s prime minister motivate rice farmers to change down an estimated 100 red-light ber off ered its first side its cabs last year, and the drivers the company had al- yesterday told farmers to to other crops (than rice),” districts across the country, said motorbike taxi serv- tens of thousands of regular “I’m really excited ready signed up but said it Tcultivate less rice to help Prayut told reporters yester- Sonny Manalu, a senior off icial Uice yesterday, launch- motorbike taxi drivers who to say Thailand is was in the thousands. the country manage its inten- day, adding that management at the social aff airs ministry. “We ing a pilot scheme in Bangkok jealously guard their patches. the fi rst country to At a stand in the com- sifying water crisis, as experts of Thailand’s “limited” water believe that red-light districts will which could spread across “I’m really excited to say launch a two-wheeled mercial district of Chidlom, called this year’s drought the resources must be at the core of aff ect children who live nearby Asia as it takes on chief re- Thailand is the first country motorcycle product motorbike taxi driver Winai worst in decades. agricultural planning. negatively,” he said. “Prostitution gional rival Grab Taxi. to launch a two-wheeled mo- in all of our cities” Bunprueng said he was un- Prayut Chan-O-Cha, the Thailand is expected to pro- can never be erased from the Motorbikes have long been torcycle product in all of our likely to join up. junta leader who grabbed duce around 25mn tonnes of Earth but we must try to stop it a popular commuting option cities,” Douglas Ma, Uber’s The company will initially “If I joined the app and power in a military coup two rice this year, he added, with- corrupting our youth.” The move in the Thai capital, which has head of Asia expansion, told roll out the bikes in three I refused to go, they would years ago, said his administra- out revealing how much less comes after a weeks-long push horrendous traffic jams due reporters. commercial districts and says reprimand or sack me — but tion was working on a 20-year rice will be grown in the com- to close down one of the capital’s to increased car ownership The US company has be- the fares should be cheaper for me now, if I can’t agree strategy to diversify the coun- ing years. Water reserves across most notorious red-light districts, and poor city planning. come one of the world’s most than regular motorbike taxis. with passengers on the pric- try’s agricultural sector, which the country have dipped below called Kalijodo, and replace the il- Ubiquitous motorbike valuable startups, worth an Uber will focus on Thai- es, I won’t go,” the 37-year- has long relied on irrigation- last year’s levels, which were legal brothels and bars with parks. taxi drivers, found at stands estimated $50bn and with a land but does not rule out old said. intensive rice production. already considered a record Jakarta authorities decided to take across the city wearing bright presence in 68 countries. launching similar services in Chalerm Changthong- Thailand is one of the world’s low, according to the irrigation action after a fatal car accident orange jackets, weave in and But it has faced regulatory other traffic-clogged Asian madan, head of the Associa- top rice exporters, but four department. early this month blamed on a out of stalled traffic with hurdles and protests from megacities like Jakarta and tion of Taxi Motorcyclists of consecutive years of below- Anond Sanidvongs, a Thai- man who had been drinking in both skill and knuckle-whit- established taxi operators in Manila. Thailand, said he was con- average rainfall has drained land-based climate expert, said the riverside shanty. ening speed. most locations where it has “This is the first time we’re cerned by the arrival of start- water reserves and left irriga- 2016 is shaping up to be the But the plan has angered An Uber motorbike which launched. doing it in any market in the up competitors. tion channels in the heart of the driest in decades. residents, as many are set to be collects passengers from their Both Uber and Grab Taxi world, so our hope is to de- “I think it will bring con- country dry. “The drought problem this evicted and see their houses office or home could prove have shaken up the taxi in- velop it and innovate it,” Ma flict among people who do Many rice farmers are cur- year is probably the worst in 40 demolished in the coming days. popular with commuters. But dustry in Bangkok, providing said. these jobs,” he said. rently unable to muster enough to 50 years,” he said. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, February 25, 2016 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA Virtual protest US, China see progress on UN resolution

AFP progress in agreeing on a draft Washington sanctions resolution to be pre- sented to the full UN Security Council. he United States and “We do not accept the China have made DPRK’s nuclear missile pro- Tprogress toward a draft gramme and we do not rec- UN sanctions resolution ognise the DPRK as a nuclear against North Korea for its re- weapons state,” he said, using cent nuclear tests and push it the abbreviation for North to the negotiating table. Korea’s offi cial name. After talks in Washington, “Important progress has China’s Foreign Minister Wang been made in the consulta- Yi and US Secretary of State tions and we are looking at the John Kerry said the draft was possibility of reaching agree- still being “evaluated” by offi - ment on a draft resolution and cials before being submitted to passing it in the near future.” the UN Security Council. Both men said the goal of But both powers vowed that the resolution is not to worsen they would not accept a nu- the standoff with Kim Jong- clear-armed North Korea and un’s regime, but to persuade it expressed confi dence the reso- to resume talks on ending his lution would be strong enough nuclear program. to force Kim Jong-Un’s govern- “We have made signifi cant ment to reconsider its strategy. progress, it has been very China wants its neighbour constructive in the last days,” to halt its weapons programme Kerry said. - most recently shown by the “And there is no question January 6 test of an atomic that if the resolution is ap- bomb Pyongyang claims was proved, it will go beyond any- a new thermonuclear device - thing that we have previously A hologram depicting people marching is projected during a ‘hologram-style’ rally organised by human rights group Amnesty International to demand freedom of assembly and return to six-party inter- passed,” he added. in central Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. national talks. “I believe that what we are But Beijing has been more considering is signifi cant but, cautious than Washington in as I say, it is in the appropriate its approach. evaluative stages and we both Nevertheless, Wang said hope that this can move for- his talks with Kerry had made ward very soon.”

North Korea team ‘on Beijing sends fi ghter labour investigation tour’

North Korean team is ing about this. The team will understood to be on especially look into activities Aa tour of Middle East that are considered as anti- countries where North Korean national by North Korea. jets to S China Sea workers are employed in some The Financial Times news- projects. paper once cited an NGO es- Beijing continues to expand its decades and deployed radar and advanced the United States has said it will con- The “investigation” team timate that the North Korean military presence on the islands weapons there?” she asked. tinue to sail through waters claimed by is reported to be consisting government earns $1.5bn to The deployment was reported as US Beijing. of six persons, according to $2.3bn a year from contract Agencies secretary of state John Kerry hosted his China claims most of the South China diplomatic sources. Such del- labour employed in foreign Washington Chinese counterpart, foreign minister Sea, through which more than $5 trillion egations used to make such countries. Wang Yi, in Washington. in global trade passes every year. Vietnam, tours to investigate the work- Western media reports have Last week China confi rmed it had Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Tai- ers’ conditions in the past too. accused the North Korean hina has deployed fi ghter jets to the placed “weapons” on Woody Island, de- wan have rival claims. “But at those times the teams government of sending work- same contested island in the South fending what it said was its sovereign right On Tuesday admiral Harry Harris, head used to be composed of just ers abroad and of confi scating CChina Sea to which it also has sent to do so. of the US pacifi c command, that China two or three persons only,” most of the wages. surface-to-air missiles, US offi cials said. A US offi cial told AFP that Beijing has was “clearly militarising” the South China the sources said. “But this Tens of thousands of North Citing two unnamed US offi cials, Fox deployed surface-to-air missiles on the Sea. time, the number is said to be Koreans are being sent to News said US intelligence services had island, apparently HQ-9s which have a Harris said he believed China’s deploy- around six.” work abroad in conditions spotted Chinese Shenyang J-11 and Xian Chinese troops patrol near a sign on the range of about 200km. ment of surface-to-air missiles on Woody There are reported to be that amount to forced labour, JH-7 warplanes on Woody Island in the Spratlys. The sign reads ”Nansha is our Wang had been scheduled to visit the Island, new radars on Cuarteron Reef in around 9,000 North Koreans to circumvent United Na- disputed Paracel Islands chain over the national land, sacred and inviolable”. Pentagon earlier Tuesday but the visit was the Spratlys and its building of airstrips working in various Middle tions sanctions and earn up to past few days. cancelled due to a “scheduling confl ict”, were “actions that are changing, in my East countries, mainly con- $2.3bn in foreign currency for Navy Captain Darryn James, a spokes- Asked about the jets at a regular brief- offi cials said. opinion, the operational landscape in the struction projects. the country, a UN investigator man for US Pacifi c Command, confi rmed ing yesterday, Chinese foreign ministry On Monday the Washington-based South China Sea”. Remittances from these had said late last year. the report but noted that Chinese fi ghter spokeswoman Hua Chunying neither con- Center for Strategic and International China’s offi cial Xinhua news agency, in workers are an important Marzuki Darusman, the jets have previously used the island. fi rmed nor denied their existence. Studies released satellite imagery showing an English language commentary, said the source of foreign exchange special rapporteur on human Woody Island, which is also claimed Hua said only that China’s activities in what appeared to be a high-frequency ra- “hype” about China’s “so-called militari- for North Korea which is fac- rights in North Korea, said in by Taiwan and Vietnam, has had an op- the Paracels all fell within the scope of its dar installation under construction on an sation” failed to mention that China had ing tougher sanctions after its a report to the UN General As- erational airfi eld since the 1990s but it was sovereign territory and were therefore “in artifi cial island on Cuarteron Reef in the for many years deployed defensive meas- rocket launch and nuclear test sembly and at a news confer- upgraded last year to accommodate the accordance with the principles of heaven Spratlys, a group of islands south of the ures on Woody Island. recently. ence on October 28, 2015 that J-11. and earth, and beyond reproach”. Paracels which is also the subject of ter- “For the South China Sea waters to be The inspection team will the workers were being used as “We are still concerned that the Chinese “While you’re paying attention to Chi- ritorial disputes. calm, Washington should fi rst stop its ugly look into the workers’ activi- a new source of income, with continue to put advanced arms systems on na, have you also paid attention to all the China’s land reclamation and military practice of smearing China and avoid any ties and lifestyles, according to North Korea facing a “really this disputed territory,” James said Tues- other coastal countries that have occu- buildup in the South China Sea have move that stirs up tension in the region,” the sources who said some of tight fi nancial and economic day. pied China’s islands and reefs in the past drawn international condemnation and it said. the labourers were complain- situation”. Radio fl ash traced to galaxy 6bn light-years away

Agencies source of the signal is an ellipti- was there, but we hadn’t been ferent and that is why we can still Canberra cal one, not spiral like our own able to see it before. As it delays keep using these old telescopes,” Milky Way. the FRB signal in a way we can he said. It is about 70,000 light-years see, we can fi gure it out.” The discoveries occurred as or nine years, astronomers wide and has a mass equivalent On the basis of these fi ndings, the scientists were investigat- have been trying to pin- to about 100 billion Sun-sized “we have found the missing mat- ing the region’s close proximity Fpoint the origins of myste- stars. ter”, contended Keane. to the Great Attractor, a gravity rious radio fl ashes which erupt The team said their break- The research was published in anomaly in intergalactic space. briefl y and violently in the fara- through also shed light on an- the science journal Nature. The Great Attractor appears way Universe. other long-standing science zThe Parkes telescope which to be drawing the Milky Way Yesterday, a team said they question — that of the “missing was also used to broadcast live towards it with a gravitational had, for the fi rst time, traced one matter”. vision of man’s fi rst steps on the force equivalent more than such fl ash to a galaxy about six The Universe is thought to be moon in 1969 has found hun- 2mnkph. billion light-years from Earth. made up of about 70% dark ener- dreds of new galaxies hidden Using radio waves has allowed Invisible to the human eye, gy, 25% undetectable dark mat- behind the Milky Way by using scientists to see beyond dust and fast radio bursts (FRBs) are radio ter, and only about 5% ordinary an innovative receiver that meas- stars in the Milky Way that had wave fl ashes which last a fraction matter — the stuff of which plan- ures radio waves. previously blocked the view of of a second and emit as much en- ets, stars and humans are made. Scientists at the Parkes tel- telescopes, the study showed. ergy in a millisecond as the Sun in Problem is, astronomers have escope, 355km west of Sydney, Staveley-Smith, the lead au- about 10,000 years. only ever been able to account for said they had detected 883 gal- thor on the Astronomical Jour- Scientists still don’t know about half the ordinary matter — axies, a third of which had never nal, said scientists have been what causes them. the rest is referred to as “miss- been seen before. The fi ndings trying to get to the bottom of the “Our discovery opens the way ing”. were reported in the latest issue mysterious Great Attractor since to working out what makes these In the latest study, the team of Astronomical Journal under major deviations from universal bursts,” said Simon Johnston could determine the FRB’s travel the title ‘The Parkes HI Zone of expansion were fi rst discovered of Australia’s national science distance and how long it would Avoidance Survey’. in the 1970s and 1980s. agency, CSIRO, which took part An artist’s impression of galaxies found in the Zone of Avoidance behind the Milky Way. have taken in a vacuum. “Hundreds of new galaxies were “It’s a missing part of the jig- in the project. Any delay would indicate that discovered, using the same tel- saw puzzle, which is the struc- Only 17 FRBs have been de- thor Evan Keane of the Square CSIRO’s Parke’s radio telescope Subaru optical telescope looked at the wave had to have travelled escope that was used to broadcast ture of our local universe,” said tected since the phenomenon Kilometre Array Organisation in eastern Australia. where the afterglow -- which last- through particles of matter in the the TV pictures from Apollo 11,” Michael Burton, a professor at was fi rst discovered in 2007, said of this theory. An alert was triggered for oth- ed for about six days -- came from. space between its source galaxy said Lister Staveley-Smith, a pro- the University of New South though more than 10,000 are be- A much likelier source of the er telescopes to follow up, and “This involved zooming in by and ours. fessor at the University of Western Wales’ Physics School. lieved to happen every day. FRB observed on April 18, 2015, within hours CSIRO’s Compact 1,000 times over what we can do “Space is not completely Australia’s International Centre “They have managed to pierce Some have speculated they he said, was the collision of two Array detected an “afterglow” of with just one telescope,” Keane empty, just very low density,” ex- for Radio Astronomy Research. through it and complete the pic- may be alien signals. ultra-dense neutron stars. the fl ash. told AFP. plained Keane. “The electronic technology at ture of what our part of the uni- “Nope! Sorry,” study lead au- The burst was detected by Then to Hawaii, where Japan’s The galaxy identifi ed as the “So we thought that matter the back end is substantially dif- verse looks like.” Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 19 BRITAIN

93,000 London voters drop off register ahead of mayoral polls

London Evening Standard 5,645,254 as of December 1, 2015. brought in to tackle voter fraud So the number of voters who have He said: “Despite the warnings “The government was warned do not vote in the UK. London An even more dramatic decline and clean up the register, replac- been taken off the London register that their plans would see Lon- about the risks to the electoral The Cabinet Offi ce said indi- was seen among 16 and 17-year- ing the old system of registration is likely to be signifi cantly more doners lose their vote, including register of removing so many vot- vidual registration was “an essen- olds in London who will turn 18 by household. than 100,000. from the independent Electoral ers earlier than planned. tial measure” to tackle electoral early 100,000 London- within the next two years — down But MPs, peers and electoral The borough with the biggest Commission, they’ve arrogantly “The result is a hundred thou- fraud and to take “ghost voters” ers have disappeared off by 3,261 from 33,997 in 2014 to experts warned that it risked dis- fall was Redbridge, down 8.7%, ploughed on regardless. My mes- sand voters won’t have a say in off the register. Nthe electoral register just 30,736 as of December. enfranchising hundreds of thou- followed by Kensington and Chel- sage to Londoners is clear: it is May’s elections. It is a shameful “We have worked hard with lo- weeks before the mayoral election, The fi gures are the fi rst using sands of people across the country sea, 8.2% and Hackney, 6.6%. more important than ever that railroading of our democracy by cal authorities to clean up the reg- fi gures yesterday revealed. only the controversial system of as it would make it less likely that The fi gures sparked an imme- you register to vote and have your the Conservatives.” ister — any entries removed will Despite the capital’s growing individual electoral registration they would register. diate plea from Labour’s mayoral say. Don’t let the Tories take your The drops could be down to be people who have moved house, population, the number of regis- which was pushed through by London’s population has been candidate Sadiq Khan to London- vote away.” “churn” in voters, demographic died or never existed because they tered voters for local polls fell by the government a year early in the growing so the number of electors ers to register to vote on May 5 to Liberal Democrat mayoral con- changes, voting fraud, and more were registered fraudulently,” said 93,244, from 5,738,498 in 2014 to face of strong opposition. It was would have been expected to rise. choose Boris Johnson’s successor. tender Caroline Pidgeon added: foreign owners of properties who a spokeswoman.

EU deal Duchess visits Edinburgh charity could be PM launches reversed, says Gove attack on Reuters London

ritain’s deal with the Euro- pean Union on new mem- Bbership terms could be un- Corbyn’s done by the European Court of Justice despite support from all member states, Justice Secretary Michael Gove - a leading member of the “Leave” campaign - told the BBC. Prime Minister David Cameron’s Downing Street offi ce appearance rejected the argument, saying the deal was an irreversible decision Guardian News and Media sponse to questions about what Bevan. The prime minister said in international law that required London the security forces should do in the that Labour’s postwar minister the European court to take it into event of a Bataclan-style attack in for health, who founded the NHS, account. Britain. would support the government’s Gove, considered a policy heav- avid Cameron has But the prime minister believes manifesto pledge to provide a con- yweight in the cabinet, is a close launched a highly personal that his mother, a retired JP, speaks sistent service across the NHS. friend and political ally of Cam- Dattack on Jeremy Corbyn for middle Britain in believing Cameron said: “I think if Nye eron, but the men are on opposite by saying that his mother would that a mainstream political leader Bevan was here today he’d want a sides of the debate ahead of a June expect the Labour leader to wear a needs to wear a sharp suit and tie. seven-day NHS because he knew 23 referendum on whether to stay proper suit, do up his tie and sing Corbyn’s trousers are invariably the NHS was for patients up and in or withdraw from the EU. the national anthem. baggy and his shirts can be ill- down our country.” Gove does not have the popu- The prime minister highlighted fi tting. Corbyn replied: “Nye Bevan lar appeal of London Mayor Boris the thinking of his mother after Cameron rounded off his per- would be turning in his grave if he Johnson, the most prominent a Labour MP shouted out in the sonal attack on Corbyn with a could hear the prime minister’s at- member of the ruling Conserva- Commons chamber that Mary new fl ank in his political attack, titude towards the NHS. He was tive Party to come out in favour of Cameron should be asked about as he highlighted the appointment the man with vision who wanted a a “Brexit”, but as justice secretary, the NHS after she signed a peti- of Damian McBride , who was health service for the good of all.” Gove’s views on legal issues will tion opposing cuts to children’s forced to resign as Gordon Brown’s The Labour leader had earlier carry weight. “The facts are that centres. former communications director accused the government of us- the European Court of Justice is In response to the Labour MP, after off ering support for a website ing “misrepresented research” to not bound by this agreement until the prime minister said: “Ask my that would have launched personal show an increase in mortality rates treaties are changed and we don’t mother? I think I know what my attacks on Tories, as an adviser to over the weekend. know when that will be,” Gove told mother would say. I think she’d the shadow defence secretary, Corbyn quoted the authors of a the BBC in an interview broadcast look across the dispatch box and Emily Thornberry. report cited by the prime minister yesterday morning. she’d say: put on a proper suit, do The prime minister said: “To and the Health Secretary, Jeremy He said Cameron was “ab- up your tie and sing the national be fair to the Labour party, they Hunt. The report, published in the solutely right that this is a deal anthem.” have got an answer (on defence). British Medical Journal last year, between 28 nations all of whom Corbyn immediately hit back They’re not going to spend 2%, highlighted the fact that more believe it” and said that the prime and cited his late mother, Naomi, a they’re not going to renew our Tri- deaths occur within 30 days of minister had “not been misleading peace campaigner. He said: “Talk- dent submarines, but they come admission to hospitals between anyone”. ing of motherly advice. My late up with a really brilliant answer. Fridays and Mondays. Corbyn said “I do think it’s important that mother would have said: stand up They are bringing back, as their the authors had said it is rash and people also realise that the Euro- for the principle of a health serv- spokesman and spin doctor, Dam- misleading to say the deaths are pean Court of Justice stands above ice free at the point of use because ian McBride six months after say- avoidable. every nation state, and ultimately that is what she dedicated her life ing: ‘We can win in 2020 but only if The prime minister, who ac- it will decide on the basis of the to, as did many people of her gen- we spend the next fi ve years build- cused the British Medical Asso- treaties and this deal is not yet in eration.” ing this movement and putting ciation of promoting inaccurate the treaties,” Gove said. The prime minister’s comments forward a vision for the new kind statistics in a campaign of scare- Downing Street issued a state- marked a new low in his attacks on of politics - honest, kinder and mongering, used a sleight of hand ment rejecting Gove’s line of argu- Corbyn by making derogatory re- more caring’. Six months on Dam- to wrongfoot Corbyn. The prime ment. “It is not true that this deal marks about his appearance. ian McBride is back. That says it minister said it was wrong to ac- is not legally binding. Britain’s new Until now the prime minister all.” cuse the health secretary of saying settlement in the EU has legal force Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, waves to the crowds after visiting The Art Room at has focused on what he regards The criticisms of Corbyn’s per- there were excess deaths of 6,000 and is an irreversible International Wester Hailes Education Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland, yesterday. The Art Room opened as the folly of the Labour leader’s sonal appearance came as the two at weekends, because the actual Law Decision that requires the its first Scottish room in 2014. The charity works with children to increase their self-esteem, political beliefs, ranging from leaders engaged in testy exchanges fi gure was 11,000 “now we have European Court of Justice to take self-confidence and independence through art. his support for unilateral nuclear on the NHS, which saw them both had time to go into these fi gures in it into account,” it said. disarmament to his equivocal re- seek to claim the mantle of Nye more detail”. Clarkson pays £100,000 Hopes fade for three missing Didcot staff

to settle suit over assault London Evening Standard waiting for news of loved ones. London Our sympathies are with them, and the family of the person who Reuters “I want to reiterate that none brought to a close,” his lawyer Paul died here on Tuesday.” London of this was in any way his fault. I Daniels said. mergency crews searching A 100-metre cordon has been would also like to make it clear that Clarkson became the popu- for three people missing af- placed around the remains of the the abuse he has suff ered since lar face of Top Gear, aired in 200 Eter part of a disused power steel and concrete building as eremy Clarkson, the former the incident is unwarranted and I countries, by mixing a passion for station collapsed have not picked the operation continues. Deputy host of the BBC’s hugely popu- am sorry too that he has had to go cars with blunt banter and swagger up “any clear signs of life”. chief fi re offi cer Nathan Travis Jlar Top Gear motoring show, through that.” that often generated controversy One person was killed and fi ve described the site as “challeng- apologised and settled a lawsuit and caused off ence. others hospitalised after a build- ing”. He said: “The building is yesterday with the member of the He had been on a fi nal warning ing at the Didcot A site in south potentially 10 storeys high — half production team he physically at- from the BBC over accusations Oxfordshire came down at around of that building has collapsed, so tacked in an incident which cost he had used racist language while 4pm on Tuesday while it was be- you have got a rubble pile which is him his job. fi lming the show when the inci- ing prepared for demolition. approximately 20 to 30 feet deep Clarkson, who built a global dent with Tymon occurred. A further 50 people were treat- at the moment. fan base as presenter of the pro- Clarkson has since signed an ed for dust inhalation as emer- “The search will be consider- gramme, struck and verbally exclusive deal to present a new gency crews with sniff er dogs able due to the instability of the abused Oisin Tymon during fi lm- motoring show for Amazon’s worked into the night searching site. We expect the search to con- ing, leading the BBC to announce subscription service alongside his for the missing. Oxfordshire as- tinue ... possibly into the coming last March it would not be renew- former Top Gear co-presenters Ri- sistant chief fi re offi cer Simon days.” Asked about the chances ing his contract. chard Hammond and James May. Furlong said: “We haven’t picked of fi nding those missing alive, he The outspoken presenter, a “I would like to say sorry, Top Gear will continue fronted up any clear signs of life. We are said: “At the moment I can’t give friend of Prime Minister David once again, to Oisin Tymon by British radio and TV presenter continuing to search and locate you any details on that but it is a Cameron, has now agreed to pay for the incident and its Chris Evans with Matt LeBlanc, the missing persons and we are substantial collapse of a build- Tymon damages to settle a racial regrettable aft ermath” former star of 1990s US hit com- working hard with the other ing.” discrimination and injury claim, edy Friends, among the new pre- agencies.” He added that safety The Health and Safety Execu- a sum amounting to more than Lawyers for Tymon, who was senting line-up. concerns are hampering the op- tive said two investigators were £100,000 according to BBC News. left bleeding and in need of hospi- “We are pleased that matters eration. “This is a very diffi cult continuing to work with police. “I would like to say sorry, once tal treatment after the fracas with have now been resolved,” said the situation with a very unstable Didcot A opened in 1970 as a again, to Oisin Tymon for the in- Clarkson, said the case was settled BBC in a statement. “Oisin is a structure,” he said. coal-fi red power station and was cident and its regrettable after- and the producer wanted to focus valued member of the BBC who “The safety of emergency serv- later converted so it could also math,” Clarkson said in a state- on his BBC work. behaved with huge integrity in ice personnel has to remain our generate power from natural gas. ment issued through Tymon’s “Oisin is keen to put the matter dealing with the very diffi cult cir- Part of the collapsed building is illuminated by emergency priority, while recognising how It ceased generation in March lawyers. behind him now that it has been cumstances last year.” services as they work at the decommissioned power station. hard this must be for families 2013. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, February 25, 2016 EUROPE

Italy seeks more One step forward, one access to Egyptian step back in Spain crisis murder AFP gramme for government next jor judicial reforms, including support from other parties fed But the long-established So- Sanchez, therefore, faces an probe Madrid week. changing the constitution to up with austerity and the cor- cialists are wary of joining forces uphill struggle next week to win This was now “doomed to modify rules governing lawmak- ruption scandals plaguing his with an upstart party born just parliament’s backing. failure” by the agreement, Er- ers’ immunity from prosecution, grouping. two years ago out of anger over He needs an absolute majority Reuters/DPA pain’s anti-austerity party rejon added. as demanded by Rivera in return King Felipe VI then asked austerity, and which ultimately – 176 ballots – in the fi rst vote of Rome Podemos has dealt a blow Even with Podemos’s sup- for backing Sanchez. runner-up Sanchez, whose So- seeks to supplant it. confi dence due to take place on Sto the country’s Social- port, he would still be short of It also puts forward social cialists won 89 seats out of 350, The two parties are also deep- March 2. ists – racing to try and form a the tally needed, which means reforms such as bringing back to form a government, but he ly divided over Catalonia’s inde- That is almost certain to fail, taly said yesterday that coalition government following Spain still has no government in Spain’s prized universal health- too has struggled to form an al- pendence movement. leading to another vote 48 hours Egyptian investigators inconclusive elections – when sight nearly 10 weeks after the care system, which has suff ered liance. Although it does not want to later, in which he would only re- Ishould hand over the evi- they suspended negotiations elections. from major spending cuts over “It wasn’t easy for the So- see Spain split, Podemos backs quire a simple majority. dence they had uncovered in the with them. Earlier yesterday, the Social- the past years of austerity. cialist party and Ciudadanos the idea of a Scotland-style ref- Failing that, the country could death of an Italian graduate stu- Podemos made the an- ists’ Senate spokesman Oscar Spain has been mired in po- – which have diff erent projects erendum in the northeastern re- be forced to return to the polls by dent who was tortured and killed nouncement after the Socialists Lopez described the agree- litical deadlock since Decem- – to be able to put what unites gion. the summer. in Cairo. signed a deal with centrist party ment between them and Ciu- ber elections resulted in a hung them ... above what separates Sanchez, however, is resolute- As Spain emerges from a se- Giulio Regeni, 28, disappeared Ciudadanos, which Podemos’s dadanos as “a fi rst deal”, adding parliament split among four them,” Rivera told reporters. ly against this. vere economic crisis, many say in January and his battered body Inigo Errejon told a news con- on Spanish radio, “there are way main parties, none of which has Even with Ciudadanos, which And crucially, Podemos has fresh elections would be a dis- was found in a ditch at the be- ference “prevents the possibility more groupings that can make enough seats to govern alone. won 40 seats, Sanchez still does previously refused to enter a aster for the country, particu- ginning of this month. of forming a pluralistic govern- (Sanchez’s) investiture possible”. The ruling conservative Pop- not have enough votes and will government that would also in- larly as opinion polls suggest the Egypt invited Italian investi- ment of change”. Sanchez and Ciudadanos ular Party (PP) won the most therefore need the backing of clude Ciudadanos, pushing in- outcome of a new election would gators to take part in the probe, The support of the party is chief Albert Rivera shook hands seats but fell short of an absolute other parties – a diffi cult task as stead for a left-wing coalition by and large be the same as that but judicial sources in Rome say vital to Socialist leader Pedro to applause after signing the majority. all have confl icting agendas. with its leader Pablo Iglesias as held in December. the collaboration has been lim- Sanchez as he seeks enough agreement, which centres on The party’s leader, acting Anti-austerity party Po- deputy prime minister. On Tuesday, Spanish business ited. backing from lawmakers to what a new government led by prime minister Mariano Rajoy, demos, an ally of Greece’s ruling The PP meanwhile has said leaders warned that going to the “Co-operation with our in- become prime minister when the Socialists would look like. gave up attempts to form a gov- Syriza, won 65 seats and would it will vote against any govern- polls again would be an “incom- vestigative team can be and must they vote for or against his pro- It includes proposals for ma- ernment after he failed to get therefore be a valuable partner. ment it does not lead. prehensible failure”. be more eff ective. It cannot be only formal,” Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said during parliament’s question time. He said Italy wanted access to Turkish specifi c evidence. “Italian investigators must have access to audio and video police documentation, medical test results and the legal documents from the Giza prosecutor’s of- disperse fi ce,” he said. Regeni had been research- ing independent trade unions in protest Egypt and written articles criti- cal of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government, prompting against speculation that he was killed in the hands of Egyptian security forces. curfew Earlier yesterday, Egypt’s in- Dicle News Agency (DIHA) journalist Ayse Surme grimaces after terior ministry said that there she was struck by a tear-gas canister during a demonstration in were still several possible sce- AFP Diyarbakir. narios for the murder, but it did Diyarbakir not mention the involvement of Left: Kurdish boys who earn a living collecting garbage run as the security forces as a hypoth- Turkish police use water cannon during a demonstration in esis. olice used tear gas and wa- Diyarbakir against government-imposed curfews on areas of The ministry said however ter cannon to disperse a southeastern Turkey. that the murder may have been Pprotest yesterday against motivated by personal venge- an almost three-month military der curfew since December 2, an posed the curfew and began the fi gures and say dozens of civil- unannounced visit to inspect the and-a-half year truce collapsed. ance. operation and curfew in the ma- AFP photographer said. military operation in a bid to ians have been caught in the operation in Sur, the army said. The PKK launched a formal The investigative team in jority Kurdish city of Diyarbakir Some protesters threw stones root out Kurdistan Workers Par- crossfi re while the area’s histori- One Turkish soldier was killed insurgency against the Turkish charge of the case has not yet in southeastern Turkey. at police while a journalist with ty (PKK) rebels from Sur. cal heritage has been hit by ir- yesterday in clashes with the state in 1984, initially fi ghting discovered the perpetrators, said The fi ring of tear-gas canis- the pro-Kurdish Dicle news According to the military, 234 reparable damage. PKK, it added. for independence although it the ministry in a statement on ters fi lled the air with smoke at agency was lightly injured by a PKK militants have been killed in Meanwhile, the chief of the The operations mark a new now presses more for greater au- the initial fi ndings. the protest in Diyarbakir, whose tear-gas canister. Sur during the operation. Turkish general staff Hulusi escalation in half a year of fi ght- tonomy and rights for the coun- “However the available data central Sur district has been un- Turkish security forces im- Kurdish activists reject these Akar arrived in Diyarbakir on an ing with the PKK since a two- try’s largest ethnic minority. and fi ndings put forward several possibilities including crimi- nal suspicions or revenge for personal reasons,” the ministry statement said Italian media have suggested Turkey suspends gold mine project that Regeni, who moved to Cairo Experts warn in September for research into labour issues, was kidnapped AFP and murdered by Egyptian secu- Ankara rity forces for having links with trade unions and other opposi- of heatwave tion groups. he Turkish government Benedetto Della Vedova, Ita- has ordered a halt to con- ly’s junior foreign aff airs minis- Tstruction work on a gold ter, told parliament earlier this mine in a town near the Black month that there were bruises, ‘every year’ Sea until the legal process is ex- burn marks and cuts to Regeni’s hausted, in a rare concession to shoulders and chest – acts that environmental protesters. amounted to “torture”. Reuters In 10% of the world, they Yesterday Prime Minister Ah- The Egyptian authorities have Barcelona would be at least 5° C hotter, met Davutoglu hosted in the cap- denied any responsibility for the the researchers said. ital Ankara a delegation from the death. In December, around 195 Black Sea region to discuss con- The Egyptian interior min- ithout reductions countries agreed a new United troversial plans to build the gold istry said in the statement that in planet-warming Nations deal to try to restrain and copper mine in the town of the Italian media’s jumping to Wemissions, blistering the rise in global average tem- Cerrattepe in the Artvin region. conclusions and “deluding pub- heatwaves of the strength that peratures to “well below” 2° The premier hailed the two- lic opinion ... with no basis” is now typically occur once every Celsius (3.6° F) above pre-in- hour meeting as “productive” negatively impacting the inves- 20 years could happen annu- dustrial levels. and said that the government tigation. ally on 60% of the Earth’s land However, the emissions re- gave some assurances to the del- Human rights campaigners areas by 2075, scientists have ductions they have pledged so egation for a peaceful solution to are planning to stage a sit-in warned. far are not enough to meet that the stand-off . protest outside the Egyptian And intense heatwaves – de- goal. “First of all, the mine opera- embassy in Rome today, mark- fi ned as three exceptionally hot The new research – part tor will suspend its activities at ing one month since Regeni went days in a row – will become far of a larger project to quan- Cerrattepe until a court verdict is missing. more extreme if greenhouse tify how emission reductions delivered,” Davutoglu told a rally Italy has signifi cant economic gas emissions continue un- could aff ect health, agricul- in the central Anatolian province interests in Egypt, including the checked, said a new study pub- ture, hurricanes, sea level rise of Konya after the meeting. development of the giant Zohr lished in the journal Climatic and drought – determined that He told the rally in Konya – a People hold up their smartphones as they take part in a demonstration late on Tuesday in Artvin, gas fi eld off the North African Change. stringent mitigation measures bastion of his ruling AKP party – northeastern Turkey, to protest the plan to build a gold and copper mine in the ecologically pristine coast being developed by Italy’s The researchers said that could reduce heatwaves sig- that everyone would then respect area. state oil producer Eni. a worsening of extreme heat nifi cantly. the court’s decision. could have potentially deadly “The study shows that ag- The project has been the sub- While the suspension means Mehmet Cengiz seen as a close eff ects. gressive cuts in greenhouse ject of numerous legal com- the project could still ultimately ally of President Recep Tayyip No regrets, says Turk suing own wife “Imagine the hottest day gas emissions will translate plaints although it was not im- go ahead, the decision marks a Erdogan. that you can remember and into sizable benefi ts, starting mediately clear which specifi c rare victory for Turkey’s envi- The area close to the border A Turkish man who filed a criminal complaint against his wife for instead of 42° Celsius (107.6° in the middle of the century, case Davutoglu was referring to. ronmental movement. with Georgia is seen as one of the insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that he Fahrenheit), it’s now 45° C (113° for both the number and in- Davutoglu assured that his After protesters held nightly most environmentally important was sorry his marriage was broken but had no regrets for defending F). tensity of extreme heat events,” government was open to any vigils in Artvin to protest against in the country with its wet cli- a leader he said had transformed Turkey. “That’s going to have a dan- said Claudia Tebaldi of the Na- “well-intentioned” proposal to the project, the situation in the mate creating a lush landscape of Truck driver Ali Dinc, from the Aegean coastal city of Izmir, filed the gerous impact on the poor, the tional Centre for Atmospheric protect Artvin’s natural fabric. city was currently calm with ac- extraordinary beauty. complaint against his wife last Friday, saying she had repeatedly old and the very young, who Research, where the project is But the prime minister tivists awaiting the return of the But environmental organisa- insulted Erdogan with “unspeakable obscenities” during his are typically the ones dying in based. warned: “We will restore public participants in the Ankara meet- tions have branded the planned televised speeches. heatwaves,” said Michael Weh- “Even though heatwaves are order within the rules of a state ing, an AFP photographer said. mine “illegal” and said it would Insulting the Turkish president is a crime punishable by up to four ner of the Lawrence Berkeley on the rise, we still have time to governed by rule of law. And Police had at the weekend fi red ruin the surroundings. years in jail. National Laboratory in the avoid a large portion of the im- within this framework, if a wrong tear gas to disperse thousands of Erdogan and the Turkish gov- “One day I said enough is enough. I will record your insults and I will United States. pacts,” she added. step is taken we will do what’s protesters seeking to block the ernment are very wary of envi- file a legal complaint. She said: ‘Turn on the recorder so I can repeat The researchers warn that The study said that, even necessary.” start of the construction work. ronmentally-motivated protests them’,” Dinc told Reuters. by 2050, heatwaves that hap- with strong action to curb cli- Over the past weeks, thou- At least 26 were hurt in the after grassroots demonstrations He did not say exactly what his wife’s insults were. pen on average once in 20 years mate change, nearly a fi fth of sands of Artvin residents have clashes. in 2013 against the redevelop- Dinc denied his actions were motivated by revenge. would be at least 3° C (5.4° F) global land areas would still held protests against the project The conglomerate behind the ment of Gezi Park in Istanbul’s “I would do it again. I loved her, but I don’t love her anymore. If she’d hotter on 60% of the Earth’s suff er intense heatwaves yearly which would see an ancient for- project is the Cengiz Holding Taksim Square snowballed into only have insulted me, I could have accepted that. But I can’t accept land areas than now. in 2075. est razed to the ground. company, with its chief executive an uprising against his rule. her insults against Erdogan,” he said. Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 21 EUROPE Greek motorway blocked as bottleneck grows

Reuters ures to control the fl ow of people “It’s scandalous ... that fi ve grants and refugees passed refugee agency UNHCR said the duce, illegal migration, Minister ian migrant Hasan Frnjari com- Idomeni, Greece trying to reach more prosperous police chiefs can overturn a de- through Greece last year, many restrictions fl ew in the face of Mouzalas added. plained that the authorities had nations further north. cision of European Union prime fl eeing confl ict in Syria and Af- refugee protection laws. Meanwhile, Greek police had told him to stay there until fur- Reuters journalists saw hun- ministers,” Migration Minister ghanistan. “(They) ...probably go against orders to stop buses carrying mi- ther notice. igrants cradling young dreds gathered at petrol stations Yannis Mouzalas told Reuters in Another 1,600 arrived on the even European rules and regula- grants to Idomeni, at the border “We came here in the morn- children blocked a and motels along the 530km Athens. mainland from outlying islands tions and certainly against basic with Macedonia. ing and don’t know what to do MGreek motorway yester- (330-mile) route from Athens to Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, bordering Turkey yesterday refugee protection laws,” UN- One driver in a convoy of eight because we want to continue day demanding onward passage Macedonia, where guards pe- Serbia and Macedonia imposed morning, and two Greek govern- HCR head Filippo Grandi told re- buses told Reuters they were to Macedonia. Now they tell us to Macedonia, part of a growing riodically opened the border, controls after the heads of their ment offi cials said there were an porters in Athens. stopped by police and asked to the borders are closed,” said the bottleneck of refugees stranded letting 100 people through at a police forces met last week. estimated 20,000 stranded in the In a conversation with German sleep at a stadium on Tuesday 23-year-old marketing student by new border controls that have time. Austrian Foreign Minister Se- country. Chancellor Angela Merkel, Greek night. from the northern Syrian city of put Athens on a collision course Facing the problem of cater- bastian Kurz brushed off criti- “When there is a bottleneck, Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras About 1,000 people were Aleppo. “I don’t think they re- with its EU peers. ing to more than ten times that cism of his country’s plans to the bottle could break, and where expressed “deep displeasure” at gathered in a fi eld at the frontier ally understand the cause we left Families chanted “We want number of new arrivals daily, impose daily caps on migrants, we had a controlled movement the failure of EU member states yesterday, 24 hours after anoth- from Syria, in Aleppo people are to go” after police stopped their Greece escalated protests against saying yesterday that Greece of individuals ... a broken bottle to meet their commitments, a er group of migrants had been in danger. The city is under con- convoy at Tempe in central that restriction and others im- needed to do more to reduce the could result in an uncontrolled, statement from his offi ce said. rounded up and removed from stant shelling. You walk in the Greece and authorities elsewhere posed by countries along Eu- fl ow. illegal infl ux,” Mouzalas said. Balkan decisions to halt the the area by Greek authorities. street and you can die, just like in the country stepped up meas- rope’s main land migration route. More than one million mi- A senior offi cial of the UN fl ow would escalate, and not re- At Athens’ Piraeus port, Syr- that.” Top cop admits Cologne EU survival is at stake in attackers may never migrant crisis: Austria be caught AFP Vienna

AFP Cologne ustria has warned that the EU’s future was at stake as Ait pressed Balkan states, erman courts has tried in the absence of an eff ective three North African men common response by the bloc, Gfor crimes committed on to reduce the infl ux of migrants New Year’s Eve in Cologne when despite fears of a humanitarian hundreds of women reported be- crisis. ing sexually assaulted or robbed. Further undermining the Eu- But the city’s police chief ropean Union’s hopes to get a conceded that most perpetra- grip on the situation, Hungary tors may never be caught over meanwhile announced a refer- the spate of groping and other endum on Brussels’ troubled attacks that infl amed public de- scheme to share out migrants bate about a huge infl ux of refu- among the 28-nation group via A migrant child stands inside a tent at the Macedonian-Serbian gees and migrants. mandatory quotas. border near the village of Tabanovce, Macedonia. In the fi rst of three trials, a “We have to reduce the infl ux court in the western city sen- now. This is a question of surviv- showed over 110,000 people ar- EU has failed to get off the ground tenced a 23-year-old Moroccan al for the EU,” Austrian Interior riving in Greece and Italy so far any eff ective common strategy. man who admitted to stealing a Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner this year alone – 413 perishing “I am optimistic that we can woman’s mobile phone to a sus- said after talks in Vienna with in the attempt – following more reach a joint EU response. The pended six-month jail term and countries on the well-trodden than one million arrivals in 2015. question is when,” Mikl-Leitner Foreign and interior ministers a €100 ($110) fi ne. west Balkans route north from Amnesty International hit out told a news conference. “We of west Balkan countries and In two more cases, also dealing Greece. yesterday at Europe’s “shameful” want to generate pressure so that Austria meet at the ‘Managing with property crimes not sexual Greece, where thousands of response, saying that most EU the EU can reach a solution.” Migration together’ conference assaults, a 22-year-old Tunisian Afghans have been held up at the countries had “simply decided So far joint EU eff orts to halt at the Austrian interior ministry man and an 18-year-old Moroc- border with Macedonia, angrily that the protection of their bor- the infl ux, including a deal with in Vienna. can man were accused of steal- protested at being excluded from ders is more important than the Turkey – the subject of a March ing a man’s camera in the melee the ministerial meeting, under- protection of the rights of refu- 7 special summit – to stem the Hungarian Premier Viktor Or- outside Cologne’s main railway scoring the deep rifts within the gees”. mass exodus of migrants across ban, announcing yesterday plans station and Gothic cathedral. EU. Vienna has come under fi re for the sea to Greece, have failed to for the so-far undated referen- Far-right populist groups have A joint statement from the organising yesterday’s talks, not bear fruit. dum, said that Brussels has no capitalised on the crimes by rail- participants said that after hun- least from Greece, and for im- An EU scheme agreed in Sep- right to “redraw Europe’s cultur- ing against “sex jihadists” and dreds of thousands of people posing last week daily limits on tember to relocate 160,000 peo- al and religious identity”. “rapefugees” in street rallies. trekked through the Balkans last the number of migrants who can ple among EU nations under As a result of the EU’s fail- Cologne police have been year, many ending up in Ger- apply for asylum in Austria or mandatory quotas, has seen just ures, countries throughout the harshly criticised for failing to many, Sweden and also Austria, transit to other countries. 598 relocated so far, with former western Balkans have begun uni- stop the chaos and then denying the infl ow must be “massively But despite sharp criticism communist members of the bloc laterally to impose restrictions, it for several days. reduced”. also from Germany, Vienna says opposing the plan and fi ling legal sparked by Austria’s much-crit- The city’s former police chief The talks come after fi gures that it has no choice because the challenges. icised daily migrant limits. Wolfgang Albers was suspended Macedonia has closed its fron- in a bid to restore public confi - Austria tells Germany: Make your mind up on migrant crisis tier to Afghans and introduced A migrant holds a child yesterday after crossing the dence in the force. more stringent document checks Macedonian-Greek border in Gevgelija, Macedonia. Police have received hundreds Austria has accused Germany of sending mixed “Germany has to decide what signals Germany wants for Syrians and Iraqis seeking to of criminal complaints over the messages on immigration, saying that Berlin should to send,” Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leit- travel to northern and western hindered by a blockade of mo- Filippo Grandi, the new head of violence. decide between supporting Greece in letting migrants ner told a news conference at a meeting with her coun- Europe. torways by farmers protesting the UN refugee agency UNHCR They have identifi ed 75 sus- continue their journey into Europe and telling other terparts from Balkan countries aimed at co-ordinating “We did not take a unilateral for weeks about tax and pension on a visit on Tuesday to the Greek pects, and arrested 13 for sus- countries not to let too many people through. border restrictions. decision,” Macedonia’s Foreign reforms. island of Lesbos, where many of pected property crimes but only Germany, which took in more than a million migrants “Currently they are sending the following signals: that Minister Nikola Poposki told Yiannis Mouzalas, Greece’s the migrants who survive the one for sexual assault. last year, most of whom passed through Austria, has they are allowing Greece to agree to the open-door Germany’s Bild daily in an inter- minister responsable for migra- perilous sea crossing from Tur- Police chief Juergen Math- pushed for common European measures to address policy, and on the other hand they are demanding that view published yesterday. “We tion, said that there were cur- key come ashore. ies told the BBC most of the sex the continent’s migration crisis. Austria stop all those who want to travel to Germany or reacted because of the actions of rently some 12,000 migrants “I am very worried about the assailants may never be caught, Austria, which has taken in a similar proportion of reduce the quota of 3,200,” Mikl-Leitner added. other countries.” stuck in the country, with hun- news that we are getting about given the poor quality of surveil- asylum-seekers relative to its population, said last Berlin could not both support Greece in letting those As a result, around 3,000 peo- dreds more arriving every day. increasing closures of European lance camera footage and a lack week that it would cap the number of migrants passing arriving from Turkey travel further into Europe unhin- ple were waiting yesterday at the EU migration commissioner borders along the Balkans route of reliable eyewitness testimony. through its southern border at 3,200 a day and limit dered and call on other countries to restrict the flow, Idomeni crossing point between Dimitris Avramopoulos and because that will create further “The CCTV footage is not daily asylum claims there to 80. Mikl-Leitner said. Greece and Macedonia, police Dutch Migration Minister Klaas chaos and confusion,” Grandi good enough to clearly identify The move, co-ordinated with countries on the main “These are simply diff erent signals – on the one hand said, with the Macedonians al- Dijkhoff said on Tuesday that said. sexual assaults,” he said. “We migrant route into Europe through the Balkans, drew a stop, on the other sending a signal to Greece that the lowing 860 people through over- they were “concerned” by the Austrian offi cials said that the can see some thefts but that’s warning from Berlin against unilateral measures. waving through of migrants should carry on,” she said. night. developments and by the “hu- conclusions of the talks would be all. We are relying on witness ac- Germany also said it did not want to bear the brunt of “One must choose one of those strategies.,” Mikl- Greek authorities were at- manitarian crisis that might un- presented to a meeting of EU in- counts and victims identifying the influx. Leitner said. tempting to take hundreds by bus fold”. terior and justice ministers today their attackers.” back to Athens, but were being Their fears were echoed by in Brussels.

French abattoir shut down over ‘Anti-mosque’ law annulled by highest court video of alleged animal abuse AFP ing all religious buildings, but ministry, at the start of 2015 publish the motives of its rul- Rome was widely believed to target the there were 1.6mn Muslims in ing, but the government had wealthy region’s Muslim com- Italy, 26.5% of whom lived in previously denounced the law AFP to be stunned to death before The former fi lm star also de- munity. Lombardy, which boasts the as going against “the exercise of Le Vigan, France their throats are slit, but can be nounced the “sadism of per- taly’s highest court has It required new places of wor- country’s oldest and second fundamental rights of religious seen still moving as they are be- verted unsupervised employees, nullifi ed a regional law in ship fi t into the “architecture of largest mosque. freedom” and the principle of ing bled. a scandalous, unacceptable cru- ILombardy dubbed “anti- the Lombard landscape” and be While there are over 700 equality among citizens. n abattoir in southern The agency that manages the elty that makes you throw up”. mosque” by critics, easing regu- voted in by local referendum. places of Islamic worship in the “The left cheers Allahu Ak- France was shut down on abattoir said it was closed until Bardot, 81, recalled that she lations on the construction of It also stipulated the religion country, there are only six offi - bar,” Northern League hard- ATuesday pending an in- further notice and staff had been had demanded that surveillance places of worship in the coun- in question be offi cially recog- cial mosques, with many Mus- liner and the region’s president vestigation after an animal rights suspended. cameras be set up in abattoirs na- try’s north. nised by the state – which Islam lims instead praying together in Roberto Maroni said on Twit- group released a video purport- It said an internal investiga- tionwide after a similar video in The law, drawn up by the is not, because it lacks a signed make-shift areas in a growing ter, while Matteo Salvini, the edly showing abuse of livestock tion would be conducted. October was published by L214 – anti-immigrant party Northern agreement with the govern- phenomenon the ministry dubs League’s president, posted his at the facility. Agriculture Minister Stephane the group’s name refers to a 1976 League and voted in at the start ment. “garage mosques”. “congratulations to the Islamic The group, L214, published the Le Foll denounced what he called legal clause establishing that an- of 2015, tightened rules regard- According to the interior The high court has yet to court” on its ruling. four-minute video on its website, “intolerable practices”, saying imals are “sentient beings”. claiming to have secretly fi lmed that they would be “punished as The small Le Vigan slaugh- it at the abattoir in Le Vigan, in they should be”, and announced terhouse processes between 300 French teacher arrested for lying over attack by Islamic State militants France’s southern Gard region, that national veterinary investi- and 350 tonnes of meat a year which is certifi ed as “organic”. gators would team up with local from around 100 livestock farm- A Jewish teacher in France who claimed he had been beaten by three men claiming to In January, a nursery school teacher was sent Scenes include employees ta- prosecutors. ers in the region. was attacked by Islamic State (IS) militants represent the militant group. for psychiatric tests after admitting he lied sering livestock, hurling sheep Animal rights activist Brigitte French pop singer Nili Hadida was taken into custody yesterday, accused of But a police source confirmed yesterday about an attack in his classroom. against barriers, hanging pigs by Bardot weighed in on the af- says on the video: “Even in an lying to police. that the man had been arrested for allegedly The 45-year-old man in Aubervilliers, one leg, and pulling a cow by one fair, saying Le Foll “should be abattoir that emphasises organic The man invited the press to his house in fabricating the story. northeast of Paris, initially said that a man horn. ashamed” for his inaction over and local (production), the ani- Marseille in southern France the day after the He is not the only French teacher to be had burst into his classroom and cut him with Cattle and pigs are supposed livestock abuse. mals suff er as they die.” supposed attack in December, saying that he accused of lying about an IS attack. a box cutter and scissors. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, February 25, 2016 INDIA

POLITICS PROTEST SERVICE MILITANCY EVENT Jolt to YSR Congress Congress demands Manipur to beat road Traff ic restored on Banarasi brocade saris as another MLA joins TDP special status for NE blockades with train Srinagar highway exhibition in Delhi

In yet another setback to the YSR Congress Just days ahead of the national budget, the Blockades, which are almost a way of life Traff ic was restored on the Srinagar-Jammu An exhibition of Banarasi brocade saris titled “Atoot Party in Andhra Pradesh, one more legislator Assam unit of the Congress yesterday took to in Manipur, could soon become a thing national highway yesterday which was Dor - Unbroken Thread” will held in New Delhi has switched loyalties to the ruling Telugu the streets protesting against the ‘indiff erent of the past with the inauguration of a closed for four days after an attack by starting today. The two-month-long event will Desam Party (TDP). Jayaramulu, a member of attitude’ of the central government to broad gauge railway line to Jirbam, some militants in Pampore town of south Kashmir. be held at the National Museum in collaboration the assembly from Budvel in Kadapa district, discontinue with the special category status for 220km from Imphal that will enable the Markets remained closed for the fourth day with India Foundation for the Arts, Bengaluru. It met Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in northeastern states. Assam Congress president state to stockpile rice, fuel and other in Pampore, 10km from Srinagar city, but will exhibit 100 objects under six sections which Vijayawada yesterday and formally joined Anjan Dutta led the protest rally from the essentials as these will no longer have the traff ic was restored through the town. will include contemporary pieces from eminent the TDP. The legislator told reporters that he Latasil playground to the off ice of the deputy to be transported by road. The arrival Protests rocked Pampore town for three designers and brands like Ritu Kumar, Rahul Mishra was impressed by the development works commissioner of Kamrup Metro district in of the first goods train from Silchar over days after a fierce gunfight between three and Ashdeen in collaboration with Goodearth, undertaken by the TDP-led government. He Kachari area, and submitted a memorandum the weekend with 1,250 tonnes of rice guerrillas holed up in the Jammu and Kashmir Jaypore and Asian Paints. The highlight of the said nobody influenced him to join the TDP. to be handed over to Prime Minister Narendra means that truckers will no longer have Entrepreneurship Development Institute exhibition will be an exclusive range of products The development comes two days after four Modi demanding fulfilment of various to drive down to Dimapur in Nagland (JKEDI) and security forces. Nine people on display by Kumar, while tracing their origins, legislators of the only opposition party in the demands. “It was a whimsical decision of the to pick up the food grains on a highway were killed in the 48-hour long gunfight. The repertoire and contemporary expressions. state decided to join the TDP. The lawmakers central government to discontinue the special that is often prone to blockades. This victims were a civilian, three army soldiers, These products are presented both as textiles said they joined the TDP for the development of category state status from Assam and other apart, they will be saving some 30km two paramilitary troopers, and three rebels for personal adornment and as cultural artefacts their respective constituencies and also the state. northeastern states,” he said. each way. belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). produced, circulated and appreciated globally.

Tamil Nadu CM’s fans Haryana now get tattoos for her birthday calm; traders

AFP Chennai

upporters of Tamil Nadu count cost of Chief Minister J Jayala- Slithaa queued up yester- day to get tattoos of the hugely popular leader to mark her 68th birthday. Special prayers were also of- fered at temples in the state and Jat protests phone lines were set up by her party so fans could send in their Disruption has been huge, to Chief Minister Manohar Lal water supply at another location. best wishes. with at least 850 trains Khattar for compensation: “Are “The canal was damaged by Amma, as Jayalalithaa is cancelled, 500 factories we not humans? Don’t our votes protesters and repair work will called, has long enjoyed a cult closed and business losses count? Why did they not have have to be done,” Delhi’s Water following in prosperous Tamil estimated at as much as $5bn any mercy on us? Don’t we pay Resources Minister Kapil Mishra Nadu where she has won three by one regional lobby group our taxes?” said. “The water crisis will con- terms as chief minister since Modi has remained silent tinue for a few more days.” 1991. Agencies throughout the worst social un- Political developments in the Birthday wishes poured in for Chandigarh rest of his 20 months in offi ce, state shifted to Delhi where all of Jayalalithaa, who faces a state while the federal and Haryana BJP’s Haryana MPs were called to election this year, including governments - both run by his meet Parliamentary Aff airs Min- from Prime Minister Narendra aryana remained calm Bharatiya Janata Party - have ister M Venkaiah Naidu. Modi. yesterday, with peo- struggled to cope. Khattar and some other min- “May Almighty bless her Hple pouring out of their Thousands of troops were isters and legislators are also with a long life, fi lled with good homes in violence-hit districts deployed to quell the protests, camping in Delhi. health,” the premier tweeted. and supplies of essential com- which fl ared on Monday near Non-Jat leaders within the BJP Suppporter V Kanniga, from modities restored. Sonipat when a freight train was are upset with the party leader- Chennai, said she decided to Shops and business estab- torched and, according to news ship for bowing before the de- have Jayalalithaa’s face tattooed lishments, which survived the reports, police shot dead three mands of the protesters. on her arm to show devotion to wrath of the Jat community riot- protesters. Jats also attacked The Indian National Lok Dal the leader. ers in the last few days, opened buses in neighbouring Rajas- (INLD) said yesterday the BJP “It was painful but now I am in Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jind, Jhajjar, than. government in the state and happy,” the 54-year-old said, Sonipat, Hisar, Panipat and other Disruption has been huge, Congress leaders were responsi- adding that her husband also districts. with at least 850 trains cancelled, ble for the mindless violence. has one. “I can show my forearm Traders were counting the 500 factories closed and busi- “A case should be registered proudly to the party functionar- cost of more than a week of ri- ness losses estimated at as much against Bhupinder Singh Hooda ies and my relatives,” she said, oting and looting during which as $5bn by one regional lobby as his close aide Varinder Singh at a special tattoo stall set up shops were burned, road and rail group. India’s largest car maker, was caught on audio tape try- by Jayalalithaa’s All India Anna links blocked, and water sup- Maruti Suzuki, shut two facto- ing to instigate violence,” a party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam plies to metropolitan Delhi were ries at the weekend because its leader said. party. cut. supply of components was dis- The police later registered a Tattoo artist V Chandanku- Leaders of the Jat community rupted. case against Singh. mar said most people preferred reached a deal late on Monday The army retook control of a In the audio tape of a phone to ink their arms, but some asked to end protests that paralysed canal that supplies three-fi fths conversation, Singh allegedly for her face on their chests and Haryana and cut water to Delhi. of the Delhi’s water on Monday. A tells another person to activate backs. State police said main highways key sluice gate was reopened, but youth in Sirsa district to take part Mass weddings have also reopened to traffi c yesterday. protesters sought to cut off the in the Jat protests. been taking place, with brides Days of rioting and looting and grooms wearing armbands across Haryana by the Jat com- Protesters damaging public property must pay: SC with her photo, according to the munity challenged Prime Min- CNN-IBN TV news website. ister Narendra Modi’s promise The Supreme Court yesterday consequences of their actions. Jayalalithaa has earned the of better days for Indians who said it would lay down guidelines “What is happening? Where is our loyalty of her supporters with a elected him in 2014 with the to act against people damag- country (headed for?) One cannot series of populist schemes over largest majority in three dec- ing public property and holding burn the country’s property. You the years, including giving away ades. people to ransom during protests can agitate peacefully. But what gold, goats and kitchen appli- In Rohtak, the epicentre of the as it wondered where the country is this? - burning and ransacking”, ances at election time. violence by Jats demanding more was heading. Protesters can’t the court said with an obvious But she has also drawn accu- government jobs and college destroy public property and hold reference to the recent Jat agita- sations of corruption and an au- places, traders said they faced everything to ransom to get their tion in Haryana which resulted in tocratic governing style. She re- ruin. demands met, Justices Jagdish damage and destruction of public turned as chief minister last year “I had two showrooms on the Singh Khehar and C Nagap- property, dislocation of public after being cleared of illegally road - both were fi rst looted and pan said underlining that those transport including disruption amassing wealth while in offi ce. Protesters stage a demonstration outside former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s then set on fi re. I have nothing involved in destruction of public of water supply to the national Her party is the third largest in residence in Rohtak yesterday. They accused a close Hooda aide of instigating violence during the Jat left now,” Anil Kumar said. property would not escape the capital. the parliament. protests. Kumar appealed to Modi and

Day’s parole for Nalini Men peeing in public ‘felicitated’ Dance helps traffi cking Police in Hyderabad have launched a unique drive to stop public urination by embarrassing off enders by garlanding them victims to heal: study with flowers and taking their photos. Fed up with the menace in the Reuters Chakraborty, the founder and di- tims last year found high levels city, an international IT hub, traff ic Mumbai rector of Kolkata Sanved, a chari- of abuse and severe physical and police inspector T Ramaswamy ty which carried out the research. psychological health problems hit upon the idea recently. “Dance is about the body, and among survivors in Southeast Some 60 off enders had been lassical Indian dance the women are somewhat famil- Asia. “felicitated” in the drive, dubbed could be an eff ective form iar with these dance forms, so we The notion of dance as therapy “Shame Garland” by the local Cof therapy for victims of can help them heal and create a has been increasingly recognised press, since last Thursday, he human traffi cking and sexual more positive body image,” she over the years, due to the eff orts said. violence, helping them to over- told the Thomson Reuters Foun- of institutions such as the Amer- “When we notice someone come their traumatic experienc- dation. ican Dance Therapy Association, relieving himself near street es and gain confi dence, a pilot The rehabilitation of victims in founded in 1966. Studies have corners or footpaths, we study has shown. India is often inadequate and in- shown it enhances the emotion- approach him and greet him with The six-month study of 50 consistent in a culture that does al, cognitive, physical and social a garland. We then request him to female survivors in Kolkata not encourage women to speak well-being of the individual. use public toilets. and Mumbai found that dance up or seek counselling, women’s Indian dance forms are “This is people-friendly policing movement therapy helped ease rights groups say. uniquely suited to therapy, and has proven eff ective. anxiety, depression, anger and Yet gender-based violence re- Chakraborty said, citing the en- Violators generally feel guilty and post-traumatic stress when used mains high in the country, with ergetic footwork of Kathak. promise they will never pee in alongside traditional counselling more than 330,000 reported Kathak can help release anger, public again,” he said. and other rehabilitation eff orts. cases of crimes against women in while the elaborate hand and eye Nalini Sriharan, convicted for life in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, The campaign had raised public “Often, in the rehabilitation of 2014, according to the National movements in Bharatnatyam can is escorted by police as she arrives at her home in Chennai yesterday. She was granted a awareness about sanitation and victims of traffi cking and sexual Crime Records Bureau. help express a range of emotions, day’s parole to participate in the final rites of her father, a retired police inspector, who died personal hygiene and it could be violence, the impact on the body The biggest ever survey of the she said. Folk dances can also en- yesterday. extended to other city areas, he can be overlooked,” said Sohini health of human traffi cking vic- courage bonding, she added. added. Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 23 INDIA Silence amid unrest raises questions over Modi’s leadership

Reuters students have protested across An adviser said that Modi, “The silence raises questions back from its dire election show- casting his vision of inclusive to prevent lawyers manhandling New Delhi the country over the arrest of a 65, would instead give a sober about being on top of your brief,” ing of 2014, validating a strategy growth and development for In- Kumar in court, while Human student leader of the Jawahar- assessment of recent unrest to said Milan Vaishnav, an associ- of blocking reforms and latching dia’s 1.3bn people. Resource Development Minister lal Nahru University for alleged parliament, which convened ate at the Carnegie Endowment on to protests as they fl are up. When he does retreat from Smriti Irani backed a decision to mid the clamour of unrest sedition, while anger among the yesterday for its budget session for International Peace. If a general election were held public view, aides have been fl y Indian fl ags, from 207ft fl ag- sweeping university cam- powerful Jat community over in a climate of confrontation that “That conversation has be- now, Modi’s BJP-led alliance known to step in, not always poles, on campuses across the Apuses and the northern state caste-based job quotas spilled is likely to further stall his ambi- gun: Modi is a person who we would win, but with a sharply re- with happy consequences. country as a reminder to “anti- of Haryana, Prime Minister Naren- into deadly clashes in Haryana. tious economic reform agenda. thought was a decider; a CEO- duced majority. Congress would After the arrest for sedition national” elements. dra Modi has decided on a strategy “He (Modi) believes that his Modi’s reticence, also evident like leader. But if we are now get- double its seat share, according JNU student leader Kanhaiya Meanwhile, the unrest has that risks emboldening political op- popularity comes from being seen during fl oods last year and a high ting signals that he is not neces- to the poll for India Today maga- Kumar, Home Minister Rajnath revived Congress’ leader-in- ponents: silence is golden. as a serious politician who gets profi le attack by militants in early sarily the eff ective administrator zine published last week. Singh circulated a fake tweet waiting, Rahul Gandhi, who Advisers describe a leader who on with his work,” said a leader 2016, has undermined the image we thought he was, that is be- Modi’s silence on unforeseen that falsely suggested a campus has joined students on the bar- is on top of events, but who pre- of Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata of a decisive leader who swept to coming a problem.” events contrasts with his repu- protest had the support of a no- ricades and shows no signs of fers not to get sucked into rowdy Party, who spoke on condition of power in May, 2014, defeating a A new opinion poll showed tation as an eff ective communi- torious Pakistani militant. ending opposition to a key tax debate on India’s public square. anonymity. “He does not believe Congress government led by the Modi’s popularity holding up, cator, through rousing speeches Delhi’s police chief showed reform that has been blocked in In recent weeks, thousands of in giving a running commentary.” taciturn Manmohan Singh. while Congress has bounced and social media, when broad- no remorse when offi cers failed parliament. Congress, BJP trade barbs over JNU row, student death

IANS ar Rohith Vemula in Hyderabad New Delhi University. Participating in the debate BJP member Anurag Thakur accused arliament yesterday Gandhi of standing with anti- witnessed heated ar- nationals and said the Congress P guments over the Ja- would have to decide whether waharlal Nehru University they were with the martyrs of (JNU) row and the death of a the country or with those who research scholar of Hyderabad support terrorists like Afzal University. Guru. Initiating a discussion in the Targeting the Congress and Lokj Sabha, the lower house, its vice president, Thakur said: the Congress accused the cen- “Your leader goes and sym- tral government of using gov- pathises with those who were ernment machinery for crush- celebrating Afzal Guru as a ing the voices of those who martyr.” are opposed to the ideology of However, during his speech, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the BJP leader didn’t say a single the Rashtriya Swayamsevak word about Rohith Vemula, the Sangh. But the BJP hit back at research scholar of Hyderabad Activists from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student’s wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raise their hands and shout slogans during a protest march in Congress vice president Rahul University who committed sui- New Delhi yesterday. Thousands of ABVP members carried out the march against “anti-national sloganeering” raised at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus. Gandhi for standing with anti- cide alleging harassment. nationals. The JNU has been on the boil “Inside parliament, the min- after a police crackdown on isters of this government take students accused of shouting oath of constitution and out- anti-India slogans, while Hy- side they crush it. Using gov- derabad Central University had ernment machinery they are erupted in protests against al- crushing the voices of those leged harassment of Dalit stu- who oppose the ideology of dents following the suicide on Court postpones JNU RSS,” Congress chief whip Jyo- January 17 of Vemula, who was tiraditya Scindia said. one of five students suspend- “They targeted Kanhaiya Ku- ed for clashing with an ABVP mar, the student’s union leader leader. just because he was opposed to Vemula’s death created uproar the ideology of RSS and had de- in the Rajya Sabha too, as Bahu- feated an ABVP candidate in JNU jan Samaj Party members raised student’s bail hearing election,” he added. slogans against the government ABVP, the Akhil Bharatiya Vi- and angry exchanges were seen Police seek fresh remand of fellow students Umar Khalid and law and order problems by con- Kumar was arrested. They sur- international impact as well.” dyarthi Parishad (ABVP), is the in the upper house. Kanhaiya Kumar Anirban Bhattacharya who sur- ducting meetings in his support, rendered on Tuesday night. During the hearing, Justice students’ wing of the BJP. The issue was raised by BSP rendered on Tuesday night. hampering arrest of other ac- The police said Kumar, if re- Pratibha Rani made it clear that The Congress MP from Guna leader Mayawati. IANS Three other students - cused people.” leased on bail, “may infl uence the police have the statutory in Madhya Pradesh also ac- “This is not the first time New Delhi Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga Kumar “did not co-operate at witnesses and also hamper the right to seek Kumar’s remand till cused the BJP-led government a Dalit student has commit- and Anant Prakash Narayan - all during the course of the in- investigation”. February 27. of creating an atmosphere of ted suicide,” the BSP leader facing the same charges, are yet terrogation”, they said. “It would send a wrong sig- Meanwhile, Khalid and Bhat- intolerance in the country, al- said. he Delhi High Court to surrender. They also said the police were nal to the students’ community tacharya who were grilled for leging that efforts were un- “Rohith Vemula was an yesterday postponed to Mehta said the police remand looking into the “linkage be- across the country that such fi ve hours in police custody de- derway to crush any opposing Ambedkar supporter. The RSS TFebruary 29 the bail plea of Kumar, who is in judicial cus- tween Kanhaiya and some for- anti-India activities can be con- nied raising “anti-national” slo- point of view. did not like this, he was exploit- hearing of Jawaharlal Nahru tody until March 2, is required eign elements with their mouths ducted with immunity.” gans, a police source said. “What we have seen in the last ed,” Mayawati said referring to B University student leader Kan- to confront him with Khalid and covered” who were present dur- “He (Kumar) may become the According to sources, the stu- two years is an atmosphere of in- R Ambedkar, the author of the haiya Kumar, arrested on sedi- Bhattacharya and “unearth any ing the February 9 event at the rallying point to encourage such dents told the police that the tolerance in the country. There is Constitution who was a Dalit. tion charges. larger conspiracy”. university. anti-India movements which event was held without permis- every possible attempt to crush This was followed by sloga- The court decision came after “Since two JNU students sur- Kumar was arrested and would not only spread disaf- sion and pro-separatists slo- opposing viewpoint,” Scindia neering by BSP members, who Delhi police said they will seek rendered last night, we need to charged with sedition on Febru- fection but would also be con- gans may have been raised at the said. called the government “anti- Kumar’s fresh remand to “un- confront them with Kanhaiya,” ary 12 after the event held on the temptuous since the conviction gathering. He said the government wants Dalit”. earth any larger conspiracy”. Mehta said. university campus against the recorded by the Supreme Court “Ashutosh managed the post- a particular thinking to prevail. Amid the din, the Rajya Sab- Additional Solicitor General Allowing police to move the execution of parliament attack is being termed judicial killing,” er and banners of the programme Scindia demanded action ha was adjourned five times (ASG) Tushar Mehta, appearing remand application, Justice convict Afzal Guru. He allegedly the report said. while a person Riyaz decided the against Human Resources in the pre-lunch session, and for the police, told Justice Prati- Pratibha Rani said: “We have to shouted anti-India slogans at The police further said: “It is slogans to be raised at the event. Development Minister Sm- when the house met at 2pm, bha Rani that they were moving ensure that they don’t suff er any the event. an open secret that the aforesaid A girl volunteer managed so- riti Irani and Labour Minister angry exchanges were wit- a remand application to seek scratch, that’s my only concern.” Khalid and Bhattacharya, conduct of holding an event on cial media and networking for Bandaru Dattatreya over the nessed between Mayawati and Kumar’s police custody for the The police said if Kumar was along with three others, went February 9 has not only rami- the event,” an offi cial who knew suicide of Dalit research schol- Irani. third time, to confront him with released on bail, “he may create into hiding on February 12 when fi cations within India, it has an about the interrogation said. 400 Bihar students expelled New app off ers for cheating in board exams exam tutoring

IANS cluding teachers and policemen, New Education Minister IANS and Birla Institute of Technol- Patna have been deployed around exam Ashok Choudhary had on sev- Bengaluru ogy and Science (BITS). centres, said Hariharnath Jha, an eral occasions spoken about “Our vision is to provide offi cial of the Bihar School Ex- stringent arrangements to a high-quality private tu- ore than 400 students amination Board. check cheating in the board Bengaluru-based tor to every student at scale, caught cheating in The centres are also moni- exam. start-up has launched on-demand and at an af- MClass 12 exams were tored by CCTV cameras. But despite the elaborate ar- A a smartphone app for fordable price - the holy expelled in Bihar yesterday and The authorities have de- rangements, reports of cheating school students to instant- grail of test prep,” Jayadev dozens of people who helped cided to impose a fi ne of up to came from many districts. ly clarify subject-related Gopalakrishnan, CEO of them to cheat were arrested, of- Rs10,000 on students found There were reports of students doubts from experts who HashLearn, said in statement. fi cials said. using unfair means and punish vandalising a school in Chhapra have passed out of top in- HashLearn Now covers all “The students were expelled guardians found helping their after they were not allowed to stitutions in the run-up to school board examination and on charge of adopting unfair children to cheat. copy. annual board exams that are national entrance tests for means,” a Bihar School Exami- Parents, guardians or friends People were shown climbing a round the corner. students from classes 8 to 12. nation Board offi cial said. found helping students to cheat school building in Vaishali dis- Available on Google Play The app learning entails a The highest number of stu- would be sent to jail, they said. trict to provide chits to exami- Store and scheduled to be free student choosing a topic and dents caught cheating and ex- Nearly 1.16mn students ap- nees at a centre. for a month to all students uploading an image of the pelled was 40 in Sheikhpura dis- peared for Class 12 exams at Mass cheating has been re- who sign up until March 31, problem he wants to be taught trict followed by 29 in Jehanabad 1,109 centres across the state ported in Bihar for years and the 24x7 HashLearn Now app to start the session. and 17 in Rohtas. yesterday. has become an annual aff air that helps students get one-on- Instantly the student gets The authorities have taken Students caught cheat- hogs the headlines every year one tutoring in mathematics, connected to a subject expert tough measures to ensure the ing would be expelled for three in March as reports and visuals physics and chemistry from who deciphers the problem. exams are held in a proper way. years. Earlier, the board debarred surface of guardians and friends Off icials frisk students before they were allowed to enter an experts who went to Indian The student can rate the tutor Around 70,000 offi cials, in- them only for a year, Jha said. helping the students. examination centre in Patna yesterday. Institutes of Technology (IIT) and complete the process. Gulf Times 24 Thursday, February 25, 2016 LATIN AMERICA

OBITUARY LEGAL DECISION LAW AND ORDER MIGRATION Fidel and Raul’s brother, Seven accused of murder Panama cancels Swiss detain Brazilian Cuban migrants Ramon Castro, dies at 91 over Samarco dam burst radar contract citizen in Petrobras probe flown to Mexico

Ramon Castro, the eldest brother of President Brazilian police in the state of Minas Gerais The Panamanian government said it had agreed Swiss authorities have arrested a Brazilian citizen Panama has started direct flights to Mexico for Raul Castro and revolutionary icon Fidel Castro, accused six Samarco executives and one the cancellation of a $125mn radar contract with linked to a criminal investigation into suspected more than 1,000 US-bound Cuban migrants has died at the age of 91, off icial media reported. contractor of murder in connection with the a subsidiary of Italy’s Finmeccanica SpA that had bribes paid to former directors at Brazil’s state-run who have been stuck in the country since Cen- The eldest brother, a farmer who was not a mem- deaths of 19 people caused by a burst tailings become mired in a dispute over alleged corrup- oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA, Swiss federal tral American borders were closed to them late ber of the government, nonetheless influenced dam at a mine in November. The Samarco chief tion. After flagging suspected bribery and saying prosecutors said yesterday. Brazilian prosecutors last year. It emphasised that the flights were a agricultural policies after the 1959 revolution. executive at the time of the incident, Ricardo the radar equipment did not meet requirements, said the Swiss had arrested Fernando Migliaccio “limited” and “exceptional” measure. They mir- “Comrade Ramon Castro Ruz passed away in the Vescovi, was among those accused. In Brazil the government last year sought the approval of da Silva, an executive with engineering group rored flights Costa Rica has been carrying out capital at the age of 91... his remains have been only prosecutors, and not police, can formally Panama’s Supreme Court to cancel the contract Odebrecht SA, one of the largest companies at since January, for some 8,000 Cubans who had cremated and will be returned to his birthplace,” bring criminal charges but public accusations with Finmeccanica unit Selex. The deal was the centre of a price fixing and political kickback been stuck on its territory. The Cubans aim to a news announcer said, without giving a cause often anticipate charges being filed. The police, signed in 2010 under former president Ricardo scandal. The arrest could provide more evidence get to the US where a Cold War-era law allows of death. The eldest Castro had already held the in a statement, accused the mine executives Martinelli. President Juan Carlos Varela, who has against Latin America’s largest engineering firm them easy entry and a fast-track to residency. honorific of “Heroic Worker of the Republic of of “qualified homicide,” the murder charge that been locked in a bitter feud with Martinelli since and its former chief executive Marcelo Odebrecht, Panama said the flights were only for Cubans Cuba.” His death follows that of the president’s carries the heaviest sentence in Brazil of 12 to succeeding him in 2014, told a news conference who is standing trial for corruption and money already in the country, not for any future arriv- sister, Angela, who died in Havana in 2012. 30 years in prison. the contract was cancelled by mutual consent. laundering in Brazil. als. Colombia top Anger at Macri government court bans mining in rare ecosystem

Guardian News and Media ral resource extraction that we Bogota now have in Colombia is of great magnitude and should delight the world.” olombia’s Constitutional “It’s a ruling that will make Court has ruled against a history,” says senator Ivan Cepe- Ccontroversial legal loop- da, another plaintiff . “The court hole permitting oil, gas and min- went further than we hoped, ing operations in the country’s without a doubt. (Mining and oil paramos - high altitude eco- and gas operations in the para- systems. mos) is a serious abuse against Colombia’s paramos are the natural resources, especially the most extensive on earth and fundamental right to water.” supply more than 70% of the “The court’s ruling is a major country’s population with water, advance in environmental mat- according to the Bogota-based ters with which we are satis- Alexander von Humboldt Insti- fied,” Viviana Tacha, another tute. plaintiff and an adviser to sena- The loophole is in a June 2015 tor Castillo, told the Guardian. law implementing Colombia’s “No doubt about it, it’s a vic- “National Development Plan tory for the entire country and 2014-18.” for the communities resisting The law prohibits “agricul- the imposition of a develop- Civil servants demonstrate against the government of Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, in downtown Buenos Aires, Argentina, yesterday. tural activities” and the “explo- ment model based on natural ration for or exploitation of non- resource extraction which fails renewable natural resources”, as to take into account the en- well as the “construction of oil vironment and local people. and gas refi neries”, in paramos, Given global concern about cli- but then states that mining op- mate change, the protection of erations which have contracts the paramos by the court is one and environmental licences dat- of the most important recent ing to before February 9, 2010, or decisions on environmental oil and gas operations with con- matters.” tracts and licences dating to be- According to a communique Morales accepts defeat fore June 16, 2011, are exempted. by the court issued on February This was challenged by four 8, the off ending three paragraphs congressmen, three lawyers and “ignore the constitutional duty 12 representatives from a coali- to protect areas of special eco- tion called the Cumbre Agraria, logical importance (and) put at Campesina, Etnica y Popular, risk the fundamental rights of who argued that the loophole vi- the entire population to access in term limit referendum olates rights to the environment, good quality water.” water and Colombia’s patrimony The communique says the Reuters him with slashing poverty in Bo- In Bolivia, one-time coca had said the relationship ended with no clear anointed succes- because of the impacts oil, gas court arrived at its decision after La Paz livia, South America’s poorest grower Morales has spent a in 2007. sor to Morales nor an opposition and mining operations would “analysing the state’s power to country when ranked by gross natural gas windfall on welfare Accusations of corruption alternative. have on the paramos’ vegetation, intervene in the economy and its domestic product per capita. programmes and infrastruc- have been levelled in the past “I fear that the MAS will be- soil, sub-soil and water. duty to protect areas of special olivian President Evo Mo- But in the end, with more than ture. The once marginalised in- against his Movement to Social- gin warring internally,” he said, On February 8 the court’s rul- ecological importance, weighing rales acknowledged de- 99% of votes counted, the “no” digenous Aymara, to which he ism (MAS) party, but Morales adding that the opposition, ing, which was made public on them up against economic free- Bfeat in a referendum that side had 51.3% to the “yes” side’s belongs, have particularly ben- himself has always risen above which had coalesced around the Thursday, deemed three para- dom and the rights of individuals would have cleared the way for 48.7%, Bolivia’s electoral com- efi ted. it. anti-Morales “no” movement, graphs relating to the loophole to exploit the state’s resources.” him to run for a fourth term in mission said. The president blamed the ref- The referendum result needed to fi nd a new, positive in the June 2015 law “unconsti- It concluded that, in this case, 2019, saying in a speech yester- “We respect the results ... we erendum loss on discrimination prompted celebrations in Santa focus. tutional” - or “inexequible” in the former overrides the latter day that he would respect the have lost a battle, but we’re not and a smear campaign or “dirty Cruz, where criticism of Morales Morales himself did not de- Colombian Spanish. for three reasons: the current decision of the people. defeated,” Morales said in a tel- war” by the right-wing opposi- has been fi ercest, and the ‘no’ tail what he expected to happen “Paramo eco-systems exist lack of protection of paramos; Morales, a leftist who was fi rst evised speech from the presi- tion. vote won by a wider margin. La next, other than to say: “It’s not in very few places in the world the “fundamental role” played by elected in 2006 and is now in his dential palace. In recent weeks, his popu- Paz, the capital, remained quiet. the moment to talk about suc- and Colombia is privileged to paramos in regulating the coun- third term, had tried to persuade The rejection is another blow larity has been damaged by Carlos Mesa, a former Boliv- cessors ... there’s lots of time for be the country that has the try’s drinking water cycle and Bolivians that the constitution to South America’s once domi- revelations that a company ian president, tweeted: “What that.” highest number of paramos providing cheap, high-quality should be changed to allow him nant populist leftist bloc, which that employs an ex-girlfriend the vote of Bolivians has said is Analysts and supporters globally,” senator Alberto Cas- water to 70% of the population; another run for the presidency. has lost steam as voters have had won lucrative govern- that there are no indispensa- pointed to his acceptance of tillo, one of the plaintiffs, told and the particular vulnerability Most polls ahead of the refer- tired of cronyism and tumbling ment contracts. The problem ble people, just indispensable defeat as setting him part from the Guardian. of paramos due to their “relative endum suggested a narrow win commodities prices have pro- was compounded when photos causes.” Venezuela’s fi rebrand leftist “Because of this, we believe isolation”, low temperatures and was likely, given Morales’ solid vided less income to fuel gov- emerged showing the couple What lies ahead is uncertain, Hugo Chavez, often seen as a key that the absolute ban on natu- low oxygen levels. support among those who credit ernment spending. together last year, although he said political analyst Ivan Arias, infl uence. Rousseff gains approval Accused of graft Colombian peace despite corruption: poll talks ‘back on track’ Reuters bia, or Farc, have been negotiat- Havana ing a peace deal for more than Reuters to 62.4% from 70% in October, dated by Brazil’s top electoral court if three years in Havana and have a Brasilia while those who view it as “great” evidence emerges that bribe money self-imposed March 23 deadline or “good” has risen slightly to was used to fund her campaign. he two countries sponsor- to reach a comprehensive pact. 11.4% from 8.8%. Dozens of politicians in Rouss- ing Colombian peace talks Norway provides diplomatic pproval of President Dilma The poll - which surveyed 2,002 eff ’s governing coalition are being Tsaid negotiations were support and Cuba serves as host Rousseff ’s government people and had a 2.2% margin of investigated for receiving kick- back on track yesterday after for the negotiations. The US, Ahas nudged higher amid error - was conducted between backs paid from overpriced Petro- they were thrown into disarray which has poured billions of dol- recession and a massive corrup- February 18 and 21, before the ar- bras contracts fi xed by Brazil’s last week when rebel negotiators lars into Colombia to fi ght the il- tion scandal, though a majority rest of Rousseff ’s top political ad- leading engineering fi rms. appeared in public escorted by licit drugs trade, is also support- of Brazilians still want to see her visor and campaign strategist Joao While Rousseff is not under in- armed and uniformed guerrillas. ing the talks behind the scenes impeached, a new poll showed Santana brought the corruption vestigation, her mentor and prede- “An agreement has been through a special envoy. yesterday. scandal one step closer to her. cessor as president, Luiz Inacio Lula reached to overcome recent dif- Both the government and the The CNT/MDA survey sug- Police arrested Santana on da Silva, is being probed for allegedly fi culties and normalise the con- rebels had indicated the March gested that Rousseff ’s opponents Tuesday for allegedly receiv- hiding ownership of a luxury coastal versations between the parties 23 deadline will likely be missed. might have more trouble than they ing off -shore payments from the resort apartment that belonging to a at the table in Havana,” said the More discord erupted following reckoned rallying public support proceeds of a graft and bribery construction fi rm implicated in the statement read by representa- last week’s display by the rebels, for their bid to impeach her de- scheme surrounding state-run oil Petrobras scandal. tives of Cuba and Norway, the which the Colombian government spite a severe economic slump and company Petrobras. The CNT/MDA poll found that so-called guarantors of the Co- saw as a provocation. a graft investigation that is getting Opposition parties jumped on more than two in every three Bra- lombian talks. Three members of the Farc closer to the president. Santana’s arrest to try to reignite zilians hold Lula, and to a lesser An accord was reached after negotiating team had been given The number of Brazilians who support for Rousseff ’s impeach- extent Rousseff , responsible for the foreign ministers of Cuba and permission to travel to northern favour Rousseff ’s impeachment ment in demonstrations that fi z- the corruption at Petrobras. Norway intervened with Colom- La Guajira province to explain has slipped to 55.6% from 62.8% zled out last year. The lower house On Tuesday evening, oppo- Mario Baldetti (centre), brother of Guatemala’s former vice- bian government and rebel nego- details of an accord to Farc mem- in July, while 40.3% now oppose of Congress has yet to decide on a nents of Rousseff ’s Workers’ Party president Roxana Baldetti, is escorted to court in Villa Nueva tiators, the statement said. bers, but the government said impeaching her, compared with request to impeach the president. banged on pots and pans in several municipality, 25km south of Guatemala City. Mario Baldetti The government of Colombian they violated the terms under 32.1% in July, the poll said. The investigation of Santana has major cities to protest the broad- and 12 others were arrested on suspicion of fraud involving President Juan Manuel Santos which they were allowed to re- Those considering her govern- increased the risk that Rousseff ’s cast of a political ad that defended contracting an Israeli company to clean up a lake, police said. and leftist rebels of the Revolu- turn by participating in public ment “bad” or “terrible” dropped re-election in 2014 could be invali- Lula’s record. tionary Armed Forces of Colom- events with armed fi ghters. Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 25 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN

DIPLOMACY Pakistan desires India’s right move to allow Pathankot probe team visit: Daily good ties with neighbours: PM IANS Indian airbase, on January 2, is why it had been delayed. He named by India as the principal the Pathankot attack, “there was spoilers, there is a need for more Islamabad leaving seven dead and several said that the FIR had enabled instigator of the attack and its a clear thawing of tensions be- defi nitive action,” it added. Prime injured. Pakistan to visit the Pathankot chief, Masood Azhar, the mas- tween Pakistan and India, made The daily observed that the Minister After a First Investigation airbase. termind. possible by the growing amity of “onus is on Pakistan to ensure Nawaz ndia has made the right Report (FIR) was registered on “Contrary to the unequivo- Aziz confi rmed that “Azhar the premiers”. that investigations are taken to Sharif move to allow the Pathankot Friday by Punjab police’s coun- cal refusal by the Indian de- and a few other JeM operatives “However, unfortunately, it their logical end and not bogged yesterday Iterror attack probe team’s ter-terrorism department, In- fence minister earlier to allow were under ‘protective custody’ appears from statements by offi - down by political to and fro in said that visit, said a Pakistani daily yes- dian Defence Minister Manohar Pakistan’s Special Investiga- and the moment evidence be- cials that India may well be going order to maintain the possibility Pakistan terday. Parrikar had said that it was an tion Team (SIT) to visit the came available action would be back to relying on suspicions as of dialogue”. was pursu- An editorial “Pathankot de- insuffi cient step and that Paki- airbase, Indian authorities taken against them”. it did after the Mumbai attacks, “Indian authorities too need ing good velopments” in the Daily Times stan should take legal action to have now agreed to the visit. He also revealed that one of which resulted in an impasse. to tread with caution, realising relations said that Adviser to Prime India’s satisfaction. Aziz stated that the visit to the the mobile numbers provided by “While India has made the that, ultimately, a solution can with all Minister (PM) on Foreign Af- Aziz asserted that the FIR crime scene would only aid India had been found to be as- right move to allow the SIT’s only come from dialogue, which its neighbours, including India, as fairs Sartaj Aziz has elucidated could not have been taken on the the expeditious investigation,” sociated to JeM’s headquarters, visit, there is a need for mutual will not be eff ective if the politi- mutual co-operation was vital for on the progress of investiga- basis of inadequate evidence, es- said the daily. which have been sealed by the cognisance that to overcome cal atmosphere is soured by the the socio-economic uplift of both tions into the Pathankot at- pecially considering it is a cross- Pakistan-based Jaish-e- authorities. the hurdles placed in the way to disobliging demeanour of any the countries. He was speaking to tack, which took place on the border terrorist attack, which Mohamed (JeM) group has been The editorial noted that before a diplomatic endeavour by the party.” Indian High Commissioner Gau- tam Bambawale who called on Sharif in Islamabad at the Prime Minister House. Sharif extended a very warm welcome to the newly appointed Indian High Commis- NCA expresses sioner and expressed confidence that he would work to bring satisfaction the two countries closer. The Indian high commissioner and over N-safety the premier exchanged views on Russia urges Taliban Pakistan-India bilateral relations. Bambawale thanked the prime IANS minister and expressed hope that Islamabad his role would be beneficial in normalisation and strengthening of bilateral relations between the akistan’s National Com- two countries. mand Authority (NCA) Phere yesterday stated that to hold talks with govt TRANSPORT nuclear deterrence is a factor in South Asia’s stability. Senior Russian diploamt is Indo-Pak train The authority, under the quoted as saying that he is service may chairmanship of Prime Minister hopeful that the direct talks Nawaz Sharif, expressed its re- between the Taliban and resume today solve to maintain full spectrum the Afghan government will deterrence, in line with the pol- ‘start soon’; Taliban say they The Pakistan Railways (PR) has icy of minimum credible deter- are not aware of invitation to expressed hope that the opera- rence. peace talks tion of Samjhota Express will be Ahead of the upcoming Nu- resumed from today. However, clear Security Summit to be Agencies off icials at the Lahore off ice of the held next month in Washington, Moscow/Kabul Pakistan Tourism Development Islamabad has ratifi ed the Con- Corporation said that the Dosti vention on Physical Protection Bus would resume its operation of Nuclear Material, the only ussia is urging the Taliban after clearance from Indian international legally binding un- to start direct talks with authorities. “Indian rail authori- dertaking in the area of physical Rthe central government in ties have informed us that they protection of nuclear material. Afghanistan and hopes that such operated a special train on the “As a responsible nuclear negotiations will begin soon, Uttar Pradesh route to transport state, Pakistan would con- Interfax news agency quoted a more than 1,000 passengers to tinue to contribute meaning- senior Russian diplomat as say- Delhi from Chandigarh,” said a R fully towards the global eff orts ing yesterday. off icial involved in the operation to improve nuclear security and “We are urging the Taliban to of the international train that runs nuclear non-proliferation meas- do this and we hope that they between Wagah and Attari on ures,” said a statement released (talks) will start as soon as possi- Tuesdays and Thursdays.Some by the NCA. ble to prevent the beginning of a 200 passengers got their seats The NCA also comprehen- new ‘combat season’,” said Zamir reserved for Tuesday’s Samjhota sively reviewed the safety and Kabulov, the Russian president’s Express.“Tickets issued to passen- security mechanism of Paki- special envoy to Afghanistan. gers for Tuesday would be valid stan’s nuclear programme and Kabulov was commenting for the next immediate journey,” expressed satisfaction on the on a statement by the Afghan said the off icer, adding that measures in-place to ensure government’s chief executive, Samjhota Express had the capac- highly eff ective security of nu- Abdullah Abdullah, this month ity of around 500 passengers. clear assets. that Afghanistan expects to re- While taking note of the start peace talks with the Tali- SECURITY growing conventional and stra- ban within six months, pinning tegic weapons’ development in hopes on factions within the Afghan alleged former Taliban fighters carry their weapons before handing them over as part of a government peace and reconciliation Pakistan Army the region, the NCA expressed Islamist militant group which process at a ceremony in Jalalabad yesterday. More than a dozen former Taliban fighters from Nazyan district of Nangarhar province handed vows to eliminate serious concerns over the ad- might be ready to give up vio- over their weapons as part of a peace reconciliation programme. verse ramifi cations for peace and lence. terrorists security on this account. The Afghan Taliban said yes- process to begin by the fi rst week Murree last July, but came to a Mullah Rasool and challenged movement in Qatar, Taliban rep- NCA reiterated its determina- terday they had not been offi - of March. standstill after the Kabul gov- Mansour’s leadership. resentatives called for their cad- Pakistan Army chief General tion to take all possible meas- cially contacted by Kabul about “We are not aware of this, I ernment leaked news of the But the disunity has not dent- res to be removed from US and Raheel Sharif yesterday expressed ures to make national security the resumption of direct talks cannot say anything regarding death of Taliban leader Mullah ed the Taliban’s fi ghting ability. UN blacklists which have frozen satisfaction over the gains and robust, enabling it to eff ectively aimed at ending their confl ict. talks in Islamabad,” said the Is- Omar two years before. The insurgents are waging an their assets and restricted their eff ects of the ongoing military respond to the threats to nation- The comment came a day af- lamist group’s spokesman Zabi- The announcement, and the unprecedented winter campaign freedom of movement. Zarb-e-Azb operation, and ac- al security without indulging in ter the latest round of dialogue in hullah Mujahid in a phone con- appointment of his succes- of violence across Afghanistan, In addition, they have said knowledged the army’s resolve to arms race. the Afghan capital between offi - versation. sor Mullah Akhtar Mansour, underscoring a worsening secu- talks cannot take place until the fully eliminate terrorists from their In previous meetings, NCA cials from Afghanistan, the Unit- “We have not received any- accentuated divisions among rity situation more than 14 years withdrawal of some 13,000 Nato sanctuary. General Raheel Sharif has noted with concern India’s ed States, China and Pakistan. thing offi cially in this regard, we the militants, with many after their government in Kabul troops still deployed in Afghani- visited the country’s mountain- rapidly expanding conventional The representatives of the only heard it from media.” holding Mansour responsi- was toppled by a US-led inva- stan. ous northwest region to review military asymmetry and dan- four states called on the mili- A fi rst round of direct talks ble for lying to them about sion. “We have expressed our posi- progress of the ongoing military gerous limited conventional war tants to return to the negotiating with the Taliban took place in Omar’s death. In January, during a seminar tion clearly in the Pugwash con- Zarb-e-Azb operation against policy called Cold Start doctrine. table and said they expect the the Pakistani resort town of A splinter group formed under organised by the Pugwash peace ference,” Mujahid said. terrorists. Gen Sharif was briefed by Zarb-e-Azb operation com- mander that the deeply forested ravines of the Shawal Valley and area ahead of Data Khel that have been frequent infiltration routes of terrorists between Pakistan Russia gives Afghanistan 125 refugees and Afghanistan, was now the last bastion of terrorists left in North Waziristan, said an Inter-Service Public Relations statement. Gen return to Kabul Sharif directed the forces to com- 10,000 Kalashnikovs mence forthwith the last phase of the operation in North Waziristan which aims at clearing the rem- AFP from Germany nants of terrorists from their hide- Kabul outs in deeply forested ravines, isolate them and indiscriminately Reuters signs saying “Welcome back, sever their links with their abettors ussia delivered 10,000 Kabul Afghanistan needs you.” anywhere across the country. Kalashnikovs to the Af- “After a diffi cult way to Ger- Rghan government yester- many in the hands of people RECREATION day, with offi cials saying they chartered airplane car- smugglers they realised their were for the fi ght “against ter- rying 125 Afghan refu- future is in Afghanistan and Kite, pigeon rorism”, a day after Kabul hosted Agees back from Germa- that they are needed in their flying banned talks on reviving the peace proc- ny landed in Kabul yesterday, home country,” the German ess with the Taliban. with offi cials on hand eager to embassy said in a statement. in Islamabad The assault rifl es, delivered assure the returnees that they with pomp at a ceremony on the have a future in Afghanistan. The refugees returned Islamabad administration has tarmac at Kabul’s military air- The refugees returned vol- voluntarily, in what is banned kite and pigeon flying to port, will be directly transferred untarily, in what is expected expected to be the fi rst of protect lives of the people and to to security forces, said President to be the fi rst of many such many such fl ights keep the skies clear for fighter jets Ashraf Ghani’s national security fl ights co-ordinated between rehearsing for the Pakistan Day adviser Hanif Atmar. the governments in Kabul and Many Afghans made their parade. Two separate notifications “We are trying to continue Berlin as well as the Interna- way to Germany, but in recent issued by Additional District Mag- our eff orts for peace, but in the Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Alexander Mantytskiy (left) hands over a AK-47 rifle to Afghan tional Organization for Migra- months the German govern- istrate Abdul Sattar Isani banned meantime our nation should National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar (centre left) during a ceremony at a military airfield in Kabul. tion, according the German ment has launched media kite and pigeon flying for two have the ability to defend itself,” embassy in Kabul. campaigns to dissuade would- months in the Islamabad Capital Atmar said. dialogue with the militants, ton’s eff orts to restore peace as However the diplomat said Seeking to escape the vio- be refugees from making the Territory (ICT). The notifications He said “international terror- and after talks with the US, “futile”. Moscow would continue to co- lence and economic malaise trip, warning of dangerous hu- issued under Section 144 came ism” in Afghanistan was a threat China and Pakistan on Tuesday At yesterday’s ceremony Rus- operate directly with its Afghan that continue to grip their man traffi ckers and limited op- into force at once. Manufacturing not only to the country and the said it expects to relaunch the sia’s ambassador in Kabul Alex- partner. home country, Afghans make portunities in Europe. and selling kites and kite flying region, but also to “our friends stalled peace process by early ander Mantitski said co-opera- Russia remains concerned up a major portion of the hun- Afghans were 27% of the strings have also been prohibited. in Russia”. March. tion between his country, Nato about the growing infl uence of dreds of thousands of refugees more than 100,000 refugees The notification said that the Despite the $60bn spent by Russia is not part of the quar- and the United States in Afghan- Islamic State in the east of the who have been pouring into who made the dangerous jour- activity created “danger to human Washington over more than 14 tet. In a recent interview with istan ended in April 2014 “at the country, where the group counts Europe, which has struggled to ney across the Mediterranean life and safety of the general years to equip and train the Afghan state news agency Ria Novosti, initiative of the West”. fi ghters from Uzbekistan and fi nd ways to accommodate the Sea in January, second only to public”. It also told the owners and security forces, they have struggled Zamir Kabulov, the Kremlin’s The decision was taken in re- Tajikistan — two former Soviet arrivals. the number fl eeing war-torn occupants of all buildings not to to contain the resurgent Taliban. special representative to Af- taliation for Russia’s annexation republics bordering Afghanistan Offi cials in Kabul greeted Syria, according to data col- allow use of their building for kite Kabul is trying to resume a ghanistan, described Washing- of Crimea. — in its ranks. the returning refugees with lected by the United Nations. flying. Gulf Times 26 Thursday, February 25, 2016 PHILIPPINES

Catholics Govt still seeks $1bn in Marcos urged to boycott wealth 30 years after his ouster Madonna Reuters Manila concert

he Philippines is still Reuters seeking to recover about Manila T$1bn worth of assets ac- cumulated by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos through 100 Roman Catholic bishop in court cases at home and over- the Philippines yesterday seas, a government official said Aurged the faithful to stay yesterday. away from American pop singer “The task is not easy,” said Madonna’s two-night concert in Richard Amurao, head of an Manila, calling her music “sug- agency created in 1986 to re- gestive” and her clothes “vulgar”. cover funds from Marcos. Madonna, 57, is on a world tour “The people holding these to promote her 13th studio album, assets have been slowing us Rebel Heart, which combines her down. They have been using trademark sexually charged per- all sorts of delaying tactics to formance and lyrics. thwart our efforts.” She performs for two days Marcos, who ruled the including today in the same hall Southeast Asian country for where Pope Francis met Filipino about two decades, fled to Ha- families a year ago. waii 30 years ago this week af- “Why is the Catholic Philip- ter a near bloodless popular re- pines the favourite venue for volt. He died in exile three years blasphemy against God and the later. Holy Mother?” asked Ramon Reuters’ efforts yesterday to Arguelles, archbishop of Lipa contact his wife, Imelda, and City, south of the capital. son Ferdinand Junior, to seek a “Pinoys and all God-loving response to the comments were people should avoid sin and unsuccessful. occasions of sin,” he said in a Imelda has repeatedly said statement on the website of the the family did not steal from Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the people and its wealth was A woman stands among photos taken of human rights victims during martial law, displayed at an experiential museum inside a military camp in Manila yesterday ahead of the 30th the Philippines, referring to Fili- acquired legally. anniversary of People Power that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. pinos. Roman Catholics make Amurao said that since the up about 80% of the Philippine Presidential Commission on ter of the cases involve “behest population of more than 100mn Good Government (PCGG) was loans” state-owned banks gave and the church has strong in- created, it has recovered and individuals with political con- fl uence, blocking legislation on given the treasury about $4bn. nections to Marcos, he said. the death penalty, divorce and In line with Philippine law, Andres Bautista, a former same-sex marriage. funds have been used mostly PCGG chairman, said most of There was no immediate reply for land reform. the cases under litigation are to telephone calls from Reuters Based on a Hawaii court rul- complicated and difficult be- seeking comment from the event ing, 10bn pesos ($210.04mn) cause government prosecutors organiser or Madonna, who ar- was used to compensate about could no longer locate wit- rived in Manila on Monday and 10,000 victims of human rights nesses and find documentary visited Catholic-run orphan- abuses. The government hoped evidence. ages, including one of the oldest, to raise $17.7mn from an auc- “Some of the key players are near the presidential palace. tion of some confiscated Mar- also back in power,” Bautista Tickets for the concert can cos jewellery, property and said. cost as much as 57,750 pesos stocks, sources said this month. Members of Marcos’s family ($1,211.84). Madonna is famed By unofficial estimates, remain active in politics. His for her hits, Like A Virgin and Marcos had $10bn of assets. wife Imelda is a congresswom- Material Girl, but some of her “We don’t really know if the an from Ilocos Norte, the po- music videos used religious $10bn estimate is accurate but litical base of the family where symbols in ways the Roman what we can tell you (about the her eldest daughter is governor. Catholic prelates found off en- $1bn now sought) is based from Her only son, Ferdinand Jun- sive and disrespectful. estimates of the court cases ior, is a senator and running for The performer’s concerts and from what we already re- vice president in the May elec- were among “subtle attacks of covered,” Amurao said. tion. the evil one”, the bishop added, More than half of the court In independent polls, he in an apparent reference to Sa- cases are civil lawsuits to re- is tied with another senator tan. In 2012, Arguelles also op- cover shares, real estate, cash who’s the son of a former Mar- Former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos on a wheelchair greets supporters after attending a Mass at the National Shrine of Our Mother of posed the Manila concert of and jewellery, he said. A quar- cos era minister. Perpetual Help in Paranaque city, Metro Manila yesterday, a day before the 30th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution. Lady Gaga as the work of Satan. Endangered eagle Philippine boxing great Pacquiao hopes shot and wounded ‘to expose wickedness’ in political crusade

AFP “The wounded eagle is under AFP Manila observation but I cannot assess General Santos its survival chances at this time,” the foundation’s curator Anna n endangered monkey- Mae Sumaya said. anny Pacquiao still trains with eating eagle which was The foundation said the the joy that has been a trade- Areleased into the wild un- shooting shattered the bird’s Mmark of his spectacular boxing der a conservation programme right wing. It was unclear if the career, but outside of the ring he speaks is now fi ghting for survival after six-year-old male would ever fl y in ominous, Biblical tones about his po- being shot, a Philippine conser- again. litical crusade against wickedness. vation group said yesterday. Killing monkey-eating eagles The 37-year-old, who famously hauled The metre-long (3.3-foot) is punishable by a 12-year prison himself out of poverty in the Philippines raptor, which preys on macaques term and a 1mn-peso ($21,000) to become one of the world’s greatest and and other small animals sharing fi ne, while wounding the species wealthiest boxers, is nearing retirement. its forest habitat, was shot at the incurs a four-year prison term After a recent training session in his weekend. and a half million-peso fi ne. impoverished southern hometown of One man surrendered to the The bird is famed for its elon- General Santos, Pacquiao said he was Philippine Eagle Foundation in gated nape feathers that form looking forward to hanging up his gloves Davao city on Mindanao island into a shaggy crest. Its two-me- after fi ghting Timothy Bradley in April, on Sunday and also handed over tre wingspan makes it one of the and pursuing a political career. the injured bird, the Philippine world’s largest eagles. Pacquiao, already a congressman, is Eagle Foundation said in a state- It is found nowhere except running for a Senate seat in May elec- ment. the Philippines, where it is the tions — with an eye on an eventual presi- He, along with a second man, country’s national bird. About dential run — and his star power in a was turned over to the police. 600 of them are thought to be nation famed for its celebrity-obsessed Both are under arrest. left in the wild. politics is likely to see him win. But the diminutive boxer, loved for so Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (centre) preparing for a training session with his staff at a gym in General Santos City in the long in sporting circles for his friendly southern Philippine island of Mindanao. demeanour and reluctance to trash talk opponents, off ered no spirit of compro- riches and long been a fan favourite — the religion, and who was also well known idolised Pacquiao, and were his natural mise to his political foes. response to Pacquiao’s comments was a for gambling and drinking. political base, had more pressing issues He couched his political ambitions mixture of shock and horror. “I do realise I was a weak person be- to worry about. with an intense religious fervour borne Nike, Pacquiao’s major global sponsor, fore. If I had died the other year, I believe “They barely have three meals a out of a late-career switch from a play- cancelled its endorsement deal with him, my soul would have ended in hell,” Pac- day so what do they care about these boy-lapsed Catholic to a devout evan- describing his comments as “abhorrent”. quiao told reporters in 2012, shortly after things. They care about food, they care gelical Christian. Asked by AFP to discuss his views on entering politics as a member of the na- about their homes,” she said. “My goal is to serve the people honest- homosexuality and the international tion’s lower house. Pacquiao’s political narrative is in- ly and to expose the wickedness and de- outrage, Pacquiao was unrepentant. Pacquiao’s conservative social views deed heavily focused on helping the testable things in God’s eye that most of “I mean I am just telling what the Bible are expected to help his quest to become poor, and in his home province he is the politicians do,” Pacquiao said when says. We believe God and then we should leader of the Philippines, where about genuinely loved by many for spending asked about his political ambitions. honour the word of God.” 80% of the 100mn people are Catholics. some of his fortune on his constituents. Pacquiao’s newfound religious fury Pacquiao’s religious fervour extends to Even his gay slurs are unlikely to hurt, In the interview with AFP, Pacquiao ignited a global controversy last week other social issues — he is a public oppo- according to Clarita Carlos, a political described his “joy and happiness” at when he said homosexuals were “worse nent of divorce, abortion and contracep- science professor at the University of the personally funding new housing for than animals”. tives. Philippines in Manila. more than 1,000 families in the south- Even more infl ammatory comments As a congressman, he voted against a Carlos said was this not because peo- ern Philippines. But the former street were then posted on his Instagram ac- bill to give poor Filipinos free condoms ple endorsed his views on homosexual- kid added he had a more important rea- count, but quickly deleted as his advisers and safe sex education. ity. son for voters to choose him. tried to limit the battering to his interna- It is a sharp turnaround on the sanctity “We are a very, very tolerant society,” “I have a pure heart,” he said. “I This undated handout photo released by the Philippine Eagle Foundation tional reputation. of the family for Pacquiao, a father-of- Carlos said. am serving with the guidance of the (PEF) shows workers treating an endangered monkey-eating eagle at In the US — where Pacquiao has fought fi ve whose wife used to speak publicly She said it was rather because the Lord and I am serving with the fear of the eagle centre in Davao City on the southern island of Mindanao. most of his bouts, earned the bulk of his about his infi delities before he turned to tens of millions of poor Filipinos who the Lord.” Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 27 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL Wreckage of plane carrying 23 people found in Nepal The Twin Otter turboprop Popular fl ight route through Nepal’s mountains aircraft loses contact with air traff ic control eight The Tara Air plane that crashed area a year later, and another in requires the planes to navigate minutes after taking off from yesterday was on a short, regular the region in 1998. passes in the steep terrain. Wreckage of Twin Otter plane, operated by private airline Tara Air, is pictured after it crashed due to bad the tourist town of Pokhara flight through central Nepal’s Jomsom is a popular destination Flights are scheduled for the weather in Myagdi, around 220km (160 miles) west of Kathmandu. mountains, but one that has with Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims early morning as the area is AFP proved treacherous in the past. going to the nearby Muktinath subject to strong winds in the “We are sending teams to the mountains and hills, are to inexperienced pilots, poor Kathmandu The flight is only about 20 temple. afternoon. bring down the bodies, but they accessible only on foot or by air. management and inadequate minutes long from tourist hub It is also a trekking destination “If there are passengers, up have not arrived yet. It is not Aviation expert Kunda Dixit maintenance. Pokhara to Jomsom, located on and gateway to the popular to five flights go a day from possible for a helicopter to land said the fl ight path, which passes Two years ago a Twin Otter escuers have found the a mountainous plateau some Annapurna mountains, but Pokhara to Jomsom. But much in the area,” he said. near two of the world’s highest plane belonging to national car- burnt-out wreckage of 2,800m above sea level. outside the trekking season depends on the weather,” said “The weather is deteriorating peaks Dhaulagiri and Annapur- rier Nepal Airlines crashed into Ra passenger plane that In May 2012, 15 people died on - which next begins in March Dewananda Upadhyaya from the and it might snow. It is unlikely na, was prone to very strong a hillside shortly after taking crashed into a mountainside in an Agni Air flight on the same - the planes mostly carry local Civil Aviation Authority. Pokhara they will be able to bring any- winds. off from Pokhara, killing all 18 Nepal yesterday, killing all 23 route, after the pilot complained residents. airport said in peak tourist thing down today.” “Most fl ights in the area fl y be- people on board. people on board, offi cials said. of technical problems. There was Only small planes fly to Jomsom season up to 12 flights can leave Tara Air is a subsidiary fore 9:30am because very strong The country’s aviation sector The Twin Otter turboprop another deadly crash in the same from Pokhara as the route for Jomsom in a day. of Yeti Airlines, a private- winds pick up after that,” he said. has come under fi re from inter- aircraft lost contact with air ly-owned domestic carrier “It is very strange because it national authorities and in 2013 traffi c control eight minutes af- founded in 1998 which serv- is a brand-new plane and the the European Union blacklisted ter taking off from the tourist Mani Pathak said there was “no team arrived and the bodies were som, a popular trekking destina- ices many remote destinations weather was clear in the morn- all Nepal’s airlines. town of Pokhara early yesterday. possibility of survivors from the scattered.” tion in the Himalayas about 20 across Nepal. ing. The pilot is very experienced EU Transport Commissioner The army had deployed heli- crash”, the latest in a series of The airline said the plane was minutes’ fl ight from Pokhara. It suff ered its last fatal acci- and focused on safety, I fl ew with Siim Kallas said at the time the copters and foot soldiers to fatal aviation accidents in the carrying three crew and 20 pas- Relatives of the victims gath- dent in 2010 when a plane char- him only 10 days ago.” country’s safety record “does not search Myagdi, a mountainous impoverished Himalayan nation. sengers, one a Chinese and one a ered at Pokhara airport after tered by a group of Bhutanese The country, which is still leave us any other choice”. district around 220km (160 “A small team has reached Kuwaiti national. hearing the news. But Pathak tourists crashed into a moun- reeling from a devastating earth- Nepal’s last major aviation ac- miles) west of Kathmandu, af- the crash site for an initial All the others were from Nepal said a full team of rescuers would tainside in eastern Nepal. quake last April, has in recent cident was last May when a US ter locals reported seeing pos- investigation,” said Pathak. and two of them were children. be unable to reach the crash Air travel is popular in Ne- years suff ered a number of air military helicopter helping with sible wreckage of the Tara Air “It looks like the plane crashed A statement on its website said site, which is around 16,000ft pal, which has only a limited disasters which dealt a blow to its earthquake relief crashed in bad plane. into the hillside. The wreck- weather conditions were good (4,900m) above sea level, road network. Many com- tourist industry. weather, killing six Marines and Chief district offi cer Sagar age was still in fl ames when the when the plane took off for Jom- yesterday. munities, particularly in Most have been attributed seven other people. Jumbo row over gift to NZ premier Lanka vows

AFP Colombo safe haven ri Lanka gave visiting New Zealand Prime Minister SJohn Key a baby elephant yesterday, sparking anger from for tourists animal rights activists who said it was cruel to separate her from her family. IANS causing concern. With tourist President Maithripala Sirise- Colombo arrivals hitting record fi gures, na presented a deed of owner- the number of complaints is ship for fi ve-year-old “Nandi” also increasing. We plan to during a red-carpet welcome in he Sri Lankan govern- take stern measures so that the Colombo for Key, who arrived ment yesterday said good name of the industry and for a two-day offi cial visit. Tit will take immediate the country is not spoilt by a Nandi, born at Sri Lanka’s measures to provide a safe en- few miscreants,” he added. oldest elephant sanctuary, is the vironment for tourists to the second bequeathed to New Zea- island nation. “We plan to take stern land in the last 12 months after Tourism Minister John Am- measures so that the good baby “Anjalee” was also gifted aratunga said the government name of the industry and to the Auckland Zoo. was concerned at the increas- the country is not spoilt “The fi rst elephant has gained ing number of complaints of by a few miscreants” 700 kilos (1,540 pounds) in one exploitation and harassment year,” Key told Sirisena at the of foreign tourists and warned Sri Lanka’s tourism indus- ceremony. to take stern action against try, which was once heav- “So, it is loving its life in New those involved, Xinhua ily scarred by a 30-year civil Zealand and I am sure its friend reported. confl ict, has now emerged as will have such a good time as Amaratunga called on the the leading foreign exchange well in New Zealand.” police department to revamp earner with an increasing Sri Lanka has a long history the Tourist Police to suit the number of tourists. of giving elephants as presents, current needs. In January, arrivals rose with China gifted three over “There is an increasing 24.3% year-on-year to the years, and two each for Ja- trend of complaints of harass- 194,280, boosted mainly by pan, South Korea, the Czech ment and exploitation of tour- a massive infl ux of Chinese Republic and the United States. New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key, right, inspects cows at a farm during an opening ceremony of the Fonterra Demonstration Farm and ists, especially in the western tourists. But activists urged the gov- Training Centre in Pannala Sri Lanka yesterday. and southern coastal belts China appears set to be the ernment to halt the practice, and in the Cultural Triangle single largest tourist source for saying some of the animals had said. “We wrote three weeks ago 80km (50 miles) east of Colombo. these knee-jerk gifts of baby 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahren- sites. The complaints range Sri Lanka, overtaking India, found it diffi cult to adapt to asking the government to stop Local environmental lawyer elephants,” Gunawardana said. heit) may come as a shock to a from monetary exploitation statistics from the Sri Lanka their new climates and without this practice. I think they don’t Jagath Gunawardana said the The government said the el- calf more used to the tropical 27 such as overcharging, short Tourism Board revealed. their families. even read our letters.” government had given away too ephant was given in recognition degree average in Sri Lanka. changing and theft to harass- Last year, Sri Lanka received “We are very disappoint- Nandi has been raised in a many, describing the animals as of “excellent bilateral relations”. New Zealand vets visited her ment by touts, salesmen, taxi almost 1.8mn tourists, up ed,” Sagarika Rajakarunanay- herd of 93 elephants in a co- sacred in the mainly Buddhist Nandi is soon set to be fl own recently to prepare her for the drivers and even tour guides,” 17.8% from the previous year, ake, head of the Sathva Mithra conut grove at Pinnawala El- nation. to Auckland, where mean an- journey, a top local zoological Amaratunga said. largely due to a strong growth (Friends of Animals) group, ephant Orphanage, about “There should be a stop to nual temperatures of around offi cial said. “The emerging trend is of Chinese visitors. Surrender notices Fair highlights love Another sent to BNP leader’s aftershock addresses: panel of printed books for Nepal IANS By Mizan Rahman advertisements regarding his IANS Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, evidenced by the hundreds of Kathmandu Dhaka surrender and appeal have Dhaka which literally means “Im- visitors who were waiting in been published in two widely mortal Twenty First Book Fair,” long queues to enter Bangla- circulated dailies and sum- has been held since Febru- desh’s largest annual book fair, 5.4 magnitude earthquake he Anti-Corruption mons have been sent to his ith less than a week ary 1 in Dhaka’s Bangla Acad- eager to buy books and other jolted Nepal yesterday af- Commission (ACC) Dhaka and London address- left until the end of emy premises and its adjacent published materials. Aternoon creating panic in Tyesterday informed es,” ACC counsel Khurshid WBangladesh’s largest Suhrawardy Udyan (garden), The crowds were a testament the Himalayan country. the High Court (HC) that no- Alam Khan told reporters Tarique Rahman month-long annual book fair, in commemoration of those to the ongoing romantic appeal The quake tremors, epicen- tices regarding surrender and yesterday. thousands of all ages are still who died fi ghting for Bengali of traditional books and other tred in Sindhupalchowk district appeal in a money launder- The High Court on January surrender before the trial court. fl ocking daily to see and buy language on February 21, 1952. printed materials. of central Nepal, were felt at ing case, have been sent to 12 asked for issuing summon The anti-graft watchdog new books. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasi- Rezauddin Stalin, a poet 3.07pm (local time). The dis- Dhaka and London addresses against Tarique, BNP senior fi led the case against Tarique The overwhelming popular- na inaugurated the month-long and a television personality, trict was badly hit in the April of Bangladesh Nationalist vice president, in this case. and his business partner Gi- ity of the fair more than suggest book fair. This year, a total of strongly believes that digital 25 quake last year, the National Party (BNP) leader Tarique A special judge’s court on No- asuddin Al Mamun in Octo- that people still have a deep love 651 stalls were allocated to 402 books could never replace the Seismological Centre said. Rahman. vember 17, 2013, cleared the BNP ber 2009 for siphoning off the for books, with paper, ink and organisations, with the holiday appeal of printed books. People came out of their hous- After hearing the plea, the leader from the case, involving money to Singapore between covers, rather than their mod- weekend seeing a huge spike “Books are something primi- es and offi ces screaming when High Court division bench more than 200mn taka. 2003 and 2007. ern-day digital counterparts. in book lovers rushing to the tive and natural, like a footpath. the tremors were felt. comprising Justice M Enayetur The ACC fi led the appeal on On November 17, 2013, a Many of those attending the event. Books can be touched and read A total of 435 aftershocks Rahim and Justice Amir Hos- December 5, 2013, and the High Dhaka court acquitted Tar- fair have said they feel a pro- On Friday evening, the whilst lying on bed. Books will above 4 on the Richter scale sain set Thursday to pass Court on January 19, 2014, ac- ique and sentenced Mamun to found sense of happiness and Academy was packed with tens continue to lead the way in es- have been recorded in the Hima- further order in the case. cepted the appeal for hear- seven years in jail and fi ned him nostalgia as they inhale the fra- of thousands of book lovers. tablishing a true knowledge- layan nation during the past 10 “I have told the court that ing and asked the accused to 400mn taka in the case. grance of a newly-printed book. The impressive foot fl ow was based society,” he said. months. Gulf Times 28 Thursday, February 25, 2016 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief : Darwish S Ahmed Production Editor: C P Ravindran Why Britain should stay

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar in the European Union [email protected] Telephone 44350478 (news), The European integration ties to the UK as much as it does time when the US needs a stronger Fragmentation would be unlikely 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) project has helped to bring is the UK’s role in Europe. Britain one. to stop there. What happened in Fax 44350474 is important not just as a bilateral Even worse, it is highly probable Scotland could well have ripple eff ects unprecedented stability partner, but because more often than that Americans advocating for a across what remained of the disunited not it can be counted on to argue for reduced US role in the world would United Kingdom. and prosperity to much of and support positions in Brussels seize on Brexit as further evidence In particular, Great Britain’s the continent for nearly consistent with, or at least not far that traditional allies were not doing departure from the EU and Scotland’s from, those of the US. their fair share, and that a US facing departure from the UK would add to three-quarters growing defi cits and massive domestic tensions in Northern Ireland between GULF TIMES of a century needs should not be expected to make pro-UK Unionists and Republicans One reason why the up the diff erence. seeking to join Ireland. US values its ties to A simple reality must be kept in Raising the profile of “final status” By Richard N Haass mind: The European integration issues at a time when the two sides New York the UK as much as it project that began in the wake have shown themselves unable to of World War II has helped to face up to the past, or work together FIFA’s top job: does is the UK’s role bring unprecedented stability and in the present, is not a recipe for he decision whether to prosperity to much of the continent progress. remain part of the European in Europe for nearly three-quarters of a Finally, Great Britain’s decision Union is obviously one for century. about its relationship with the EU will Less gravy train, Tthe British people and their The so-called “special relationship” A British decision to sue for divorce not happen in a vacuum. In fact, the elected representatives to make. has already become considerably less would add to centrifugal forces timing could hardly be worse. Europe But more than British and European so in recent years, with parliament’s already in evidence. Nationalism is already facing a perfect storm of interests will be aff ected by the refusal until December to support and populism, already on the rise for fi scal strains, anaemic economic outcome, so it is both legitimate and military action in Syria taking a both economic and social reasons, growth, massive infl ows of migrants more treadmill appropriate for other parties to weigh particularly heavy toll in this regard. would gather even more momentum. and refugees and renewed Russian in. Britain has become – and is widely It is diffi cult to feel confi dent of the aggression. So let me exercise my right as perceived to be – a less dependable outcome, however uncertain that may As if that weren’t enough, there For most of his 17 years at the helm of FIFA, Sepp Blatter an outsider with a stake in what and less capable ally, and reality and be. is the unravelling Middle East, travelled the world to be feted like a head of state, with VIP happens to express a clear opinion: perception would intensify if the A decision by the British people advancing climate change, terrorism treatment for his private jet, police escorts to whisk his From my perspective (and that of UK were to take a step that would to leave the EU would also put the and now a new disease – the Zika virus limousine to the best hotel in town, and gala banquets in his many other Americans), a decision marginalise its role on the continent. question of Scotland’s independence – on the march. honour. by the United Kingdom to exit the EU It is hard to envision Brexit resulting in squarely back on the agenda. Indeed, There will also be a new US would be undesirable – indeed, highly anything other than a more parochial many in Scotland would argue for president elected this year. The last Whoever is elected to succeed him as FIFA president in undesirable. and less infl uential UK. independence in order to remain an thing he or she will need is to have Zurich tomorrow will inherit a very diff erent organisation I am aware of the irony some are In addition, an EU without the UK EU member – a popular refrain that America’s closest partner distracted and a very diff erent job, where crisis management skills sure to note in this, given that the US’ would be one in which Germany would could well result in a vote to secede and drained by a diffi cult divorce. are more important than delivering grandiose speeches to own independence came about when have even more infl uence that it does from the UK. And that is what will happen if Brexit fawning audiences. the American colonies exited Great now. To say the least, Americans would moves from possibility to reality. - And, far from providing a platform to dispense largesse Britain. But that was then, and this is Such a preponderance of power not welcome a diffi cult, controversial Project Syndicate now, and the UK’s exit from Europe cannot be healthy in the long run, as it public debate with Scotland’s leaders in return for loyalty, the position should come with tougher would be greeted with equal parts will fuel resentment of Germany and over the stationing of nuclear weapons zRichard N Haass, president of the demands and closer scrutiny, thanks to a set of institutional regret and concern by its closest ally. likely leave the EU less willing and able and submarines on their territory at Council on Foreign Relations, was a US reforms set to be passed just before the next president is There are several reasons for this. to act together on the world scene. The a time when Russia is again seen as a envoy to the Northern Ireland peace chosen. One reason why the US values its result would be a weaker Europe at a threat to Europe. negotiations. Had it not been for the sensational arrests of FIFA offi cials on suspicion of corruption in Zurich last May at the behest of the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Blatter would most likely have carried on in the same fashion until 2019. Then, either Frenchman Michael Platini or Cayman Islander Jeff rey Webb, previously the heads of the European and North American soccer federations, UEFA and CONCACAF, would most likely have succeeded him in a smooth, co-ordinated transition. And Blatter would probably have been named honorary FIFA president, and indulged with a platform at big events. But Webb, now under house arrest in the United States, is among the 41 individuals and entities that have been indicted by the DOJ on corruption or fraud The new FIFA charges. And Platini and Blatter have been banned president from the game for eight will inherit a years by FIFA’s own Ethics Committee, caught up very diff erent in the same whirlwind of legal and media scrutiny. organisation Itself under and a very investigation from the DOJ and Swiss diff erent job authorities, FIFA as an organisation badly needs to rebuild its reputation, whichever of the fi ve candidates becomes president. “Everyone recognises this is the last chance to get it right,” said one of the candidates, Jordan’s Prince Ali bin al- Hussein. “We don’t want a situation where, two years down the line, more scandals come out.” Top of the agenda will be implementing the reform European Commission president Jean Claude Juncker addressing the European Parliament on the outcome of the “Brexit” summit, in Brussels yesterday. package. The fact that it will be passed before the election largely deprives the new president of the chance to shape the organisation in his own image, while leaving him to manage a complex and untested new set of structures. Blatter’s power was admittedly always far bigger than his formal constitutional role; the huge commercial Time for a carbon tax success of the World Cup ensured a steady growth in revenue throughout his tenure and meant he could keep his support base happy by distributing development grants to By Kemal Dervis and Karim Foda intensive production processes – introduced a tax of $100 per metric treasuries of importing countries, Washingtonne mean that it will probably spin within tonne of carbon (equivalent to a $27 without placing too large or sudden federations around the world. a lower range. In any case, a price tax on CO2). For American consumers, a burden on consumers. In fact, by But the new system of oversights, with a full independent increase is inevitable. the immediate impact of this new tax stabilising user costs, it would off er Audit and Compliance Committee and a revamped ver the last few decades, Against this background, today’s – assuming its costs were passed fully signifi cant gains. Finance Committee made up of members with genuine oil prices have fl uctuated very low prices – below $35 a barrel onto consumers – would have been a The key to this strategy’s political qualifi cations, should limit the scope for what Blatter’s widely – ranging from at times since the beginning of this $0.24 increase in the average national feasibility is to launch it while prices critics labelled a “client system”. O$10 to $140 a barrel – year – create a golden opportunity price of a gallon of gasoline, from are very low. Once it is in place, it will posing a challenge to producers and (which one of the authors has been $2.23 to $2.47, still far below the highs become a little-noticed, politically Professor Alan Tomlinson of the University of Brighton consumers alike. For policymakers, recommending for over a year) to of 2007 and 2008. uncontroversial part of pricing for in Britain, author of “FIFA - The Men, The Myths and however, these fl uctuations present implement a variable carbon tax. The If, since then, each $5 increase in gasoline (and other products) – one The Money” and a long-time critic of FIFA, praised what an opportunity to advance the idea is simple: The tax would decrease the oil price brought a $30 per tonne that produces far-reaching benefi ts. he called “a quite radical set of principles and structural key global objectives – refl ected gradually as oil prices rise, and then decrease in the carbon tax, and each Some of the revenue could be returned reformations”. in the Sustainable Development increase again when prices eventually $5 decline brought a $45-per-tonne to the public in the form of tax cuts or For the president, Tomlinson feels, that means Goals adopted last September and come back down. increase, the result would be a $0.91 research support. the climate agreement reached in diff erence between the standard Despite the obvious benefi ts of a implementing, with FIFA’s own staff , none of whom have Paris in December – of mitigating market price and the actual tax- variable carbon tax, no country has been indicted, a strategy reached after debate in the FIFA climate change and building a more Recent oil-price inclusive consumer price last month. capitalised on today’s low oil prices to Council and the committees. “It all sounds very boring, but sustainable economy. fl uctuations That increase would have raised the raise carbon prices in this or a similar it is how you could do it,” he says. Let’s wait and watch. Recent oil-price fl uctuations carbon price substantially, providing form, though US President Barack resemble the classic cobweb model of resemble the classic governments with revenue – reaching Obama’s call for a tax on oil suggests microeconomic theory. High prices $375 per tonne of carbon today – to that he recognises the opening low spur increased investment in oil. But, cobweb model of apply to meeting fi scal priorities, all prices represent. This should change. given long lags between exploration while cushioning the fall in gasoline The opportunity to implement a policy To Advertise and exploitation, by the time the new microeconomic prices caused by the steep decline in that is simultaneously sensible, fl exible, output capacity actually comes on the price of crude. gentle, and eff ective in advancing [email protected] stream, substitution has already taken theory While $375 per tonne is a very high national and global goals does not arise Display place, and demand often no longer price, refl ecting the particularly low very often. Policymakers must seize it Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 justifi es the available supply. If the adjustments are asymmetric price of oil today, even a lower carbon when it does. The time for a variable At that point, prices fall, and – larger increases when prices fall, and price – in the range of $150-250 per stabilising carbon tax is now. - Project Classified exploration and investment decline smaller decreases when prices rise – tonne – would be suffi cient to meet Syndicate Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 as well, including for oil substitutes. this system would gradually raise the international climate goals over the When new shortages develop, prices overall carbon tax, even as it follows next decade. zKemal Dervis, former minister of Subscription begin rising again, and the cycle a counter-cyclical pattern. Such an With this approach, policymakers economic aff airs of Turkey and former [email protected] repeats. incremental increase is what most could use the market to help administrator for the United Nations The cycle will continue, though models for controlling climate change propel their economies away Development Programme (UNDP), other factors – such as the steadily call for. from dependence on fossil fuels, is a vice president of the Brookings 2014 Gulf Times. All rights reserved declining costs of renewable energy Consider this scenario. Imagine redistributing producer surplus Institution. Karim Foda is a research and the shift toward less energy- that in December 2014, policymakers (profi ts) from oil producers to the analyst at the Brookings Institution. Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 29 COMMENT Capital drain worries developing countries

There will be large knock-on The search for higher yields high levels of foreign debt but with eff ects on the real economy, drove investors and speculators to reserves should also consider buying developing countries, where the back their sovereign debt in the including severe damage infl ows increased leverage, propped international capital market, taking to developing countries’ up equity prices, and in some cases advantage of falling bond prices. supported a commodity price While reserves may provide some growth prospects boom. Market capitalisation in the cushion for minimising the adverse Mumbai, Johannesburg, Sao Paulo eff ects of capital outfl ows, in most By Joseph E Stiglitz and Shanghai stock exchanges, for cases they will not be suffi cient. and Hamid Rashid example, nearly tripled in the years Developing countries should resist the New York following the fi nancial crisis. Equity temptation of raising interest rates to markets in other developing countries stem capital outfl ows. also witnessed similar dramatic Historically, interest-rate hikes eveloping countries increases during this period. have had little eff ect. In fact, because are bracing for a major But the capital fl ows are now they hurt economic growth, further slowdown this year. reversing, turning negative for the fi rst reducing countries’ ability to service DAccording to the UN report time since 2006, with net outfl ows external debts, higher interest rates World Economic Situation and from developing countries in 2015 can be counterproductive. Macro- Prospects 2016, their growth will exceeding $600bn – more than one- prudential measures can discourage average only 3.8% this year – the quarter of the infl ows they received or delay capital outfl ows, but such lowest rate since the global fi nancial during the previous six years. measures, too, may be insuffi cient. crisis in 2009 and matched in this The largest outfl ows have been In some cases, it may be necessary century only by the recessionary year through banking channels, with to introduce selective, targeted, of 2001. international banks reducing their and time-bound capital controls to And what is important to bear in gross credit exposures to developing stem outfl ows, especially outfl ows mind is that the slowdown in China countries by more than $800bn in through banking channels. This and the deep recessions in the Russian 2015. would entail, for example, restricting Federation and Brazil only explain part Capital outfl ows of this magnitude capital transfers between parent banks of the broad falloff in growth. are likely to have myriad eff ects: in developed countries and their True, falling demand for natural drying up liquidity, increasing the subsidiaries or branches in developing resources in China (which accounts costs of borrowing and debt service, countries. for nearly half of global demand for weakening currencies, depleting Following the successful Malaysian base metals) has had a lot to do with reserves, and leading to decreases in example in 1997, developing countries the sharp declines in these prices, equity and other asset prices. has more than tripled since the Asian South Korea, for example, has been developing economies, where fi rms could also temporarily suspend which have hit many developing and There will be large knock-on eff ects fi nancial crisis. using a series of macro-prudential borrowed extensively, expecting high all capital withdrawals to stabilise emerging economies in Latin America on the real economy, including severe China, for example, used nearly measures since 2010, aimed at commodity prices to persist. capital fl ows and exchange rates. and Africa hard. damage to developing countries’ $500bn of its reserves in 2015 to fi ght moderating pro-cyclical cross- Many developing-country This is perhaps the only recourse for Indeed, the UN report lists 29 growth prospects. capital outfl ows and prevent the border banking-sector liabilities. The governments failed to learn the many developing countries to avoid economies that are likely to be badly This is not the fi rst time that renminbi’s sharp depreciation; but it measures taken were only partially lesson of earlier crises, which should a catastrophic fi nancial crisis. It is aff ected by China’s slowdown. And developing countries have faced the still has more than $3tn in reserves. successful, as the data above show. have prompted regulations and important that they act soon. - Project the collapse of oil prices by more than challenges of managing pro-cyclical The stockpile of reserves may partly The question is, what should they do taxes restricting and discouraging Syndicate 60% since July 2014 has undermined hot capital, but the magnitudes this explain why huge outfl ows have not now? foreign-currency exposures. Now the growth prospects of oil exporters. time are overwhelming. During the triggered a full-blown fi nancial crisis Corporate sectors in developing governments need to take quick action zJoseph E Stiglitz, a Nobel laureate The real worry, however, is not Asian fi nancial crisis, net outfl ows in developing countries. But not all countries, having increased their to avoid becoming liable for these in Economics, is University Professor just falling commodity prices, but from the East Asian economies were countries are so fortunate to have a leverage with capital infl ows during exposures. Expedited debtor-friendly at Columbia University and Chief also massive capital outfl ows. During only $12bn in 1997. large arsenal. the post-2008 period, are particularly bankruptcy procedures could ensure Economist of the Roosevelt Institute. 2009-2014, developing countries Of course, the East Asian economies Once again, advocates of free vulnerable. Capital outfl ows will quick restructuring and provide a Hamid Rashid is chief of Global collectively received a net capital today are better able to withstand mobility for destabilising short-term adversely aff ect their equity prices, framework for renegotiating debts. Economic Monitoring at the UN infl ow of $2.2tn, partly owing to such massive outfl ows, given their capital fl ows are being proven wrong. push up their debt-to-equity Developing-country governments Department of Economic and Social quantitative easing in advanced accumulation of international reserves Many emerging markets recognized ratios, and increase the likelihood of should also encourage the conversion Aff airs. The views expressed in the economies, which pushed interest since the fi nancial crisis in 1997. the dangers and tried to reduce capital defaults. The problem is especially of such debts to GDP-linked or other article do not represent the views of the rates there to near zero. Indeed, the global stock of reserves infl ows. severe in commodity-exporting types of indexed bonds. Those with UN or its member states. Letters Weather report Three-day forecast

TODAY Frustrating UN must get ongoing carnage in Syria is a High: 26 C bloody example. The UN remains Low : 20 C Slight dust to blowing dust at place situation its act together powerless to bring an end to the with scattered clouds, relatively Syrian crisis. Please send us cold by night Dear Sir, Dear Sir, The situation is alarming and the outlook is bleak. The UN has to get its your letters FRIDAY Traffi c jams are quite common on We are living in a time of chaos. act together. And fast also. High: 28 C the access point to the D Ring Road Wars and genocide devastate vast By e-mail Low: 18 C from the Halolul Street these days. tracts of land globally. Farouk Araie M Sunny The situation is frustrating. The United Nations has failed to [email protected] [email protected] It takes a lot of eff orts and patience refl ect the democratic aspiration of Fax 44350474 to reach the D Ring Road. I face the world. Or Post SATURDAY the problem almost every day. The If the primary aim as envisaged A case for uniform High: 27 C accompanying picture explains it all. by UN founders was to spare cut in oil output Letters to the Editor Low: 20 C humanity from “the scourge of Gulf Times M Sunny Anil war”, then it would not be wrong P O Box 2888 (e-mail address supplied) to argue that it has failed. The Dear Sir, Doha, Qatar Fishermen’s forecast

I feel that the proposal to OFFSHORE DOHA freeze oil output at the January All letters, which are Wind: NW 22-30/35 KT level is not going to succeed in subject to editing, Waves: 7-10/13 Feet the long run because of increased INSHORE DOHA should have the name Wind: NW 12-22/30 KT production from Iran. The issues Waves: 2-4/5 Feet revolving around market share will of the writer, address be aggravated with the freezing of and phone number. Around the region output. Instead, Opec and producers Weather Weather outside the group may set a target The writer’s name today Max/min tomorrow Max/min cut in percentage uniformly across and address may be Abu Dhabi M Sunny 28/18 M Sunny 28/17 the board. Baghdad Sunny 22/10 M Sunny 24/10 withheld by request. Dubai Sunny 28/18 Sunny 26/18 Kuwait City Sunny 23/15 Sunny 25/16 Girish R Edathitta Manama Cloudy 22/18 M Sunny 23/17 The long line of traff ic near the signals just after the Haloul roundabout on way girionnet@rediff mail.com Muscat P Cloudy 32/24 M Sunny 30/23 to the D Ring Road. Riyadh P Cloudy 26/13 S Showers 24/15 Tehran Sunny 17/07 P Cloudy 20/09 Live issues Is organic food healthier?

By Dr Luisa Dillner that did not find a link between London organic food and better health. Seal says his research has more studies that now make this link statistically fter publishing a study significant – which is not the same showing organic milk has as clinically significant. higher levels of omega-3 To link organic food with better Afatty acids than ordinarily health, a study would need two groups farmed products, Professor Chris Seal of people randomly divided into those Around the world braced himself for the backlash. There eating organic and those eating non- Weather Weather is nothing like a study highlighting the organic food – but they would have to today Max/min tomorrow Max/min benefi ts, or lack thereof, of organic eat the same foods as each other for Athens M Sunny 19/12 P Cloudy 18/11 food, to cause a spat. months. Even then, you could only Beirut Sunny 21/14 Sunny 23/16 P Cloudy 34/24 And Seal’s study in the British measure levels of markers of disease Bangkok 34/23 Sunny Berlin Rain&Snow 06/-1 P Cloudy 06/-3 Journal of Nutrition last week such as cholesterol levels or weight. Cairo Sunny 28/13 Sunny 27/12 (alongside another by him on meat So don’t hold your breath. People Cape Town Sunny 25/18 S Showers 24/16 that also shows higher levels of say they buy organic food because it Colombo S T Storms 32/24 M Sunny 33/24 omega-3 fatty acids) certainly has its has fewer pesticides, antibiotics and Dhaka S T Storms 27/21 M Sunny 29/21 Hong Kong Cloudy 16/12 P Cloudy 17/13 detractors. additives. They also think organic Istanbul P Cloudy 11/07 M Sunny 15/09 The fact that the study was funded production is kinder to animals and Jakarta T Storms 29/24 S T Storms 30/24 by the Sheepdrove Trust, a British the soil. Karachi P Cloudy 31/16 Sunny 35/18 charity that supports organic farming, A 2012 meta-analysis from Stanford London P Cloudy 07/-1 M Cloudy 07/-1 P Cloudy P Cloudy 31/23 hasn’t helped. Seal says the money that from ordinary dairy cows. These increase. But others point out you did fi nd pesticides residues in non- Manila 31/23 Moscow Cloudy 03/-4 P Cloudy 03/0 paid for analysis only, and that the fatty acids are linked to reductions in could get more nutritional benefi t organic food – but in safe amounts. It New Delhi Sunny 29/13 Sunny 29/14 charity didn’t have any input into the heart disease. buying fruit and vegetables than boils down to whether you believe in New York Cloudy 11/01 Cloudy 04/-3 research. But, while 50% sounds like a lot, hoovering up organic dairy produce. safe amounts or not – and if you can Paris M Sunny 08/01 Cloudy 07/0 The study, a meta-analysis of 196 full-fat milk is only 4% fat (semi There is no evidence that eating aff ord to avoid them. Sao Paulo S T Storms 30/21 T Storms 29/22 Seoul Sunny 06/-4 Sunny 06/-2 papers on milk (the other looked at 36 skimmed is 2%) so this translates to an organic food makes a significant But so far the research says that Singapore P Cloudy 32/26 P Cloudy 33/26 studies on meat), found that organic- tiny amount more fatty acid in organic difference to your health. Seal’s conventional healthy food has the Sydney Sunny 34/22 P Cloudy 27/21 grass-fed cows produced milk with milk. Seal argues that if you added in paper has different findings to two same benefi ts as organic healthy food. Tokyo Clear 09/02 Cloudy 11/01 50% more omega-3 fatty acids than organic cheese and butter, this would meta-analyses in 2009 and 2012 - Guardian News and Media Gulf Times 30 Thursday, February 25, 2016 QATAR School team wins Qatar leg of Volkswagen Tournament

ocal school football team sixth year in Doha, has gone from SEK has emerged victori- strength to strength and we are Lous in the Qatar leg of the extremely proud to be the driv- 2016 Volkswagen Junior Masters ing force behind such an exhila- Tournament, a corporate social rating tournament,” said Yann responsibility initiative from Lassade, managing director, KidzMondo and QA off icials at the partnership announcement ceremony yesterday. PICTURE: Nasar TK Q-Auto. Volkswagen, at Q-Auto. Along with the runners- The other teams that com- up, Dutch School, they will peted in this year’s tournament, now compete against 10 teams held at the Markhyia Football from across the Middle East Academy, included SFQ, Qa- in the regional fi nals, sched- tar Foundation, Doha British uled to take place in Dubai on School, German School, Future March 6 and 7. IFA, and Newton School. Theme park Initiated as part of Q-Auto’s Established by Volkswagen AG support to youth and sports in in 2004, the Junior Masters is an Qatar, the Volkswagen Junior international youth tournament Masters Tournament aims to for boys under the age of 13 who connect young individuals with compete in regional qualifi ca- a passion for sport and encour- tion rounds. Taking place in 23 ages them to work together in a countries worldwide, the event ties up with QA team, be active and stay healthy. now includes more than 4,700 SEK School team celebrating their winning the Qatar leg of the 2016 “The competition, now in its players and 333 teams. Volkswagen Junior Masters Tournament. idzMondo Doha, one chance to explore the plane, dress up and role-play realistic of the indoor ‘edutain- examine its diff erent parts, and tasks in a safe, interactive and Kment’ theme parks, has become familiar with the daily meaningful environment. Sunny 2015-2016 partnered with Qatar Airways tasks required of QA pilots and The entertainment park, (QA) to provide children with crew as they lead the global air with its own economy and cur- Adidas factory outlet opens models recalled interactive learning experience space. Entrance fee will cost rency, has been designed to The Ministry of Economy and starting in August. around QR110. provide a holistic experience Commerce, in collaboration with “We are looking to create Kazma added that they will to support physical and mental Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company, awareness in children through start promoting KidzMondo development amongst chil- has announced a recall of Nissan playful learning to unleash to the public in June. Besides, dren, and help improve their Sunny 2015-2016 models for the their imagination and crea- they will also visit schools, as self-esteem and confi dence. possibility of a defect in the front tivity,” said KidzHolding SAL well as various organisations in “We have put a lot of eff orts signal light. chairman and KidzMondo the country. to provide a realistic experience The MEC said the recall campaign concept founder Ali Kazma. Barakat said they want to of being in control with one of comes within the framework of its The partnership announce- create a professional world for the most successful airlines in ongoing eff orts to protect consumers ment ceremony yesterday was children to help them become the world, and also spotlight and ensure that car dealers follow up also attended by KidzMondo well-versed individuals “by the in-fl ight details that have on vehicles’ defects and repair them. Doha general manager Nabil empowering them with knowl- brought us to the pinnacle of The MEC will co-ordinate with Barakat, QA senior vice presi- edge, key skills and life-lessons this sector,” Amin said. the dealer to follow up on the dent Ehab Amin and market- in an entertaining way.” Built on a total indoor area maintenance and repair works and ing and corporate communi- Built around the concept of about 8000 m2, Kidz- communicate with customers to cations senior vice president of the ‘City of Education and Mondo Doha will partner with ensure that the necessary repairs are Salam al-Shawa. Entertainment’, KidzMondo more than 60 brands that will carried out. KidzMondo Doha will of- Doha features an interactive sponsor various activities in The MEC has urged all customers to fer children an opportunity to small-scale city developed for the kids’ city and will open its report any violations to its Consumer enact their dream roles as pi- and managed solely by children doors in the Mall of Qatar. Protection and Anti-Commercial lots and cabin crew, and get an between the age groups 2 and 14. The theme parks are ben- Fraud Department through the understanding of the function- The self-suffi cient city in- efi ting from a growing need following channels: Hotline: 16001, ing of the world-class airline cludes more than 80 real life across the world for unique The biggest Adidas factory outlet in the GCC region is now open on Salwa Road, next to Jarir e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @ within a specially adapted real simulation activities across experiences aimed at chil- Bookstore, in Doha. With over 700sqm selling area, the new outlet will provide best off ers MEC_Qatar, Instagram: MEC_Qatar, aircraft model. diverse business environ- dren and youth that combine round the year in dedicated areas for men, women, children, originals and best buys. MEC mobile app for Android and IOS: Children will also have the ments. It allows children to entertainment and education. MEC_Qatar Gulf Times Thursday, February 25, 2016 31 QATAR Swedish team on Qatar visit By Joey Aguilar highly ranked in global indexes on re- Staff Reporter search and development, innovation and entrepreneurship. Polano noted that the World Eco- delegation led by Sweden’s nomic Forum also ranks Sweden at Minister for Higher Education number one in the fi eld of “Creative Aand Research Helene Hellmark Economy”. Knutsson arrived in Doha yesterday on “These are highly relevant topics for a state visit. both our countries, and I look forward She is accompanied by 21 high- to fruitful bilateral discussion during level representatives from top-ranked the visit of Minister Hellmark Knutsson Swedish universities such as the Karo- to Doha,” the ambassador said. linska Institute, the Lund Univer- The Swedish minister will be meet- sity, the Royal Institute of Technology ing Qatar University president Dr Has- (KTH), and the Chalmers University, san Rashid al-Derham and Minister of as well as presidents of several Swedish Education and Higher Education HE Dr national agencies for higher education Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Ham- and research. madi today. In a press statement, Sweden’s Am- Knutsson will also meet with various bassador to Qatar Ewa Polano said the offi cials at the Qatar Foundation (QF), two-day visit aims to promote, encour- the Qatar National Research Fund and age and develop direct co-operation Knutsson: leading the Swedish universities in the country. between governmental agencies, in- delegation. She is also expected to attend the in- stitutes, and universities in Qatar and auguration of “The House of Sweden” Sweden in the fi elds of higher educa- from Minister Knutsson and the Swed- exhibition at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stu- tion and research. ish government during the visit would dent Centre. “This is one of the most important be: “Could Sweden be a role model for The Swedish delegation will also offi cial visits from Sweden to Qatar Qatar in the ongoing paradigm shift take part in a brainstorming discussion during this year,” the Swedish ambas- in the country away from oil and gas with key representatives from the Qatar sador stressed. “The timing is excellent towards a knowledge-based society, government, QF, universities, and the because there is a big interest in Qatar where innovation and entrepreneur- private sector at Katara – the Cultural at the moment to create partnerships ship are key factors to a continued Village, on “Innovation Entrepreneur- with countries like Sweden.” prosperous future in Qatar?” ship” and “How to Create Strategic Polano said that the key message According to the envoy, Sweden is Partnerships”.

‘Video Games Live’ at the Qatar National Convention Centre on March 4

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Centre. Featuring synchronised lighting, Diablo, Metal Gear Solid, Starcraft 2, (QPO), a member of the Qatar electronic percussion, and an exclusive and Legends of Zelda, will conduct the Foundation for Education, Science and visual showcase of the most popular performance. Community Development, will blend the video games from past to present, Ticket holders will also have access to emotion of live symphonic music with “Video Games Live” will help introduce pre- and post-show events. the distinctive sounds of video gaming new audiences - families, video game Tickets range from QR150 to in a bespoke multimedia concert enthusiasts and non-gamers - to the QR500 and are available from experience entitled “Video Games Live”. symphonic experience. qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org. The event will take place on March 4 at Eimear Noone, the Irish composer More information is also available at 8pm at the Qatar National Convention with involvement in World of Warcraft, videogameslive.com Gulf Times 32 Thursday, February 25, 2016 QATAR Brazilian trader draws crowds

Salman Abdul Rahim with focus on regional tastes

By Ramesh Mathew Pari Gallery Staff Reporter plans more arcelo Albuquerque is a man of few words but has many deeds to his credit. The Brazilian Mjeweller, who made a beginning only a year ago Qatar outlets at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE 2016) last year, has now become one of the most sought after exhibitors here. By Joseph Varghese Unlike many other participants, his Belo Horizonte Staff Reporter headquartered Goldesign company’s collections are not limited to rubies, diamonds, emerald and sapphire as many others seen at expos of this magnitude. ari Gallery, a leading re- One would be amazed seeing his range of collections, tail chain of several luxury made of such precious stones as amazonite, London Pgoods in Qatar, will be blue, blue topaz, aquamarine, blue opal and tanzanite expanding its services by open- among others. ing new outlets and adding new Adoring Albuquerque’s showcase at Alfardan Jew- products in the coming years, ellery pavilion at the exhibition are a number of eye- said an offi cial of the group yes- catching creative designs, most of which are conceived, terday. designed and created by his designer wife Ana Marcia, Speaking to Gulf Times at the who is seen actively surrounded by the region’s re- Pari Jewellery pavilion at Doha sourceful clientele at their stall. Jewellery & Watches Exhibition Albuquerque’s company which is perhaps one among (DJWE) 2016, Salman Abdul Ra- the fi rst from the South American continent to start him, general manger, Pari Gal- participating in the Doha expo, has an array of collec- lery, Qatar, said that his com- tions that the region’s collectors are looking for. pany will open two retail outlets Established only a little more than a decade ago, the soon in Doha. entrepreneur realised the potential of the Doha mar- He explained: “Now we have ket while attending another expo a few years ago in the four outlets in the country. We GCC. are planning to open two more “The presence of a sizeable number of buyers from outlets by 2017. The new outlets Doha at that exhibition made up my mind to focus on will be opened in Mall of Qatar this market which has a number of high-end clients,” and North Gate Mall. As the new disclosed the Brazilian, who feels the locals have a pas- outlets are ready to be opened, sion for possessing the best of the precious gems and we will also add more brands stones at any cost. under our umbrella” Affl uent Qatari clients are a common sight across the “We also plan to open new world at major expos and their tastes are not confi ned showrooms outside Doha. Most to any particular stone. The tastes and interests of Gulf probably we will open an outlet buyers diff er enormously from the rest of the world in Al Khor and another one in Al and they are always seen looking for something that is Wakrah. Most of the new brands unique, exclusive and creative, said the jeweller who in- that will be added, will mainly sists there should be a feeling of goodness all around for be in watches and fashion acces- the recovery of the region’s market, from what is gener- sories,” he said. ally perceived as an ongoing slowdown. Abdul Rahim said his com- Ana Marcia, who has designed numerous creations at pany has added many new her gallery has a 60-member in-house team of skilled products this year at the DJWE. professionals to assist her in making ornaments to suit Marcelo Albuquerque and his wife Ana, sporting ornaments created in her own designs, at the Goldesign stall at Alfardan Jewellery pavilion yesterday. He said, “This year we have an the interests of each region. PICTURE: Jayaram attractive addition from Fendi which is a watch fi xed with spe- cial diamonds. When you turn the key of the watch, the colour of the dial changes from pink to blue to yellow and many more. Instead of buying many watch- DeWitt’s elegant and priceless timepieces es, one watch will give diff erent displays.” Elaborating, he said, “The By Ramesh Mathew mination in the beginning of this eral contractor and has been a price of the watch is not very Staff Reporter century to learn the art of watch- witness to the changes occurring high. It is fi xed with diamonds making. “All along my life, I have since then in every aspect of life. of diff erent sizes and diff erent loved to dabble with complicated “I have always noticed that Qataris colours. We off er lifetime war- ust fi ve generations separated things and thus I developed a taste have all along possessed a passion ranty for the product. It is an him from the all-powerful for creating mechanical timepieces to excel and secure the best in life. open guarantee and customers JFrench monarch Napoleon Bo- that the world wanted to look at,” The same or even more enthusi- can repair it or avail other serv- naparte. said de Witt. asm is there in the new generation ices at any time. They can visit Jerome Napoleon de Witt is a re- Now his company, known by as well.” any outlet of the company in the markably unique personality who his family name, makes between Now in the 14th year of his busi- GCC and get the services.” seems more philosophical than 1,000 and 1,200 watches, each of ness of luxury, premium and lim- The offi cial pointed out that most other entrepreneurs of his which has left a lasting impression ited edition watches, de Witt is Pari Gallery caters to all cat- stature. on his customers, all affl uent per- attending his sixth Doha Jewellery egories of people. “We have A watchmaker, who acquired sonalities who alone can aff ord it. and Watches Exhibition, with col- leading brand products start- skills and expertise, more by a pas- “Every watch that we make has lections ranging from QR35,000 to ing from QR1,000 to millions sion for learning something inno- a series of novel features which QR 200,000, at his stall. and beyond. We are strong in vative and curious rather late, De- would make it perform diff erently Even while acknowledging that fi ve categories namely jewel- Witt is now an established brand, from the other,” insisted de Witt the recessionary trend in the global lery, watches, fashion acces- for the company’s truly creative, while pointing to a piece that he economy has hit all sorts of busi- sories, perfumes and make up elegant and priceless timepieces. referred to as “Mathematical” nesses everywhere, the watch- materials,” he added. “One could learn something class, displayed at his stall at Al- maker however felt it will take Abdul Rahim also maintained new only when he or she is free and fardan Jewellery pavilion. some more time to realise its im- that the Qatar market is very Jerome Napoleon de Witt at the DeWitt stall at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre during the receptive to ideas,” he said, while De Witt made his fi rst visit to pact on the purchasing decisions good and strong. DJWE 2016. PICTURE: Jayaram recalling his single-minded deter- Qatar way back in 1969 as a gen- of the region’s affl uent clients. Fifty One East showcases premium products

By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter

ifty One East is showcas- ing a number of exquisite Fcollections from premium brands at the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2016 being held at the Doha Ex- hibition and Convention Centre. There is also a daily live mu- sical performance by interna- tionally renowned pianist Dora Deliyska at the pavilion of the organisation. She is performing on a “But- terfl y” model piano by Ignaz Bosendorfer. The piano model, with its exceptional marquetry work, is a tribute to the magnifi - Renowned pianist Dora Deliyska is performing daily on the “Butterfly” model piano by Ignaz Bosendorfer. An interior view of the Fifty One East pavilion. PICTURE: Jayaram cent gardens of both the Schon- brunn and Hofburg Palaces and Yvan Tufenkjian and Zeades. only other exhibition that Rolex combine Rolex’s watchmaking pieces for the fi rst time includ- Rose Gold Edition and small ver- is an exceptional snapshot of Bader Abdullah al-Darwish, participates worldwide other art with the captivating natu- ing the Lion Birman ring and the sions in white and yellow gold. nature. chairman and managing direc- than Baselworld, visitors can see ral charms of gold and coloured Lion Antique necklace. Guests will also get to know The pavilion of the organisa- tor of Darwish Holding, said: a selection of the brand’s Basel- gemstones. International brand, Bouch- the collections from celebrated tion is displaying major luxury “We consider participating in world 2015 collection including Another leading brand, eron will present a scintillating Italian jeweller Pasquale Bruni. brands including three special the Doha Jewellery and Watches the new generation of its most Chanel will present Les Talis- high jewellery collection. The newest collections released wings for Rolex, Chanel and Exhibition as part of our herit- prestigious model, the Oyster mans de Chanel, its new high “The Bleu de Jodhpur” is a in Baselworld 2015, are a stun- Boucheron, along with other age now, after years of success- Perpetual Day-Date, known as jewellry collection. bold jewellery interpretation of ning tour de force combined brands including Azza Fahmy, ful shows. It is with great pride the “presidents’ watch”. The new jewellery sets express the Blue City of Jodhpur, with with masterful techniques, au- Bremont, Brusi, Christian Ber- that we are presenting our so- Rolex will also present three their power through magnetic Art Deco inspired features. The dacious creativity and precious nard, Clerc, phisticated refi ned jewellery and exceptional versions of the Oys- and solar jewels, fascinating, French Maison will also show- stones. H Moser & Cie, Hueb, JJeweles unique timepiece collections ter Perpetual Datejust Pearl- mysterious creations, and daz- case the romantic, yet chic and In addition, Pasquale Bruni Milano, Luca Carati, Pasquale during the prestigious event.” master in a new 39mm size.The zling and hypnotic sparkles. contemporary, Quatre Radiant will also present its latest Giar- Bruni, Porsche Design, Tudor, During the DJWE 2016, the yellow or white gold models Chanel will also reveal unique new collection to include the dini Segreti collection. Bader Abdullah al-Darwish