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Qatari-German Pogba enjoying Joint Task ‘different style’ Force holds after Mourinho first meeting exit

Tuesday 1 January 2019 | 25 Rabia II 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7758 | 2 Riyals

Amir exchanges greetings of New Voter registration for CMC Year with people, world leaders polls to begin on January 13 QNA registration to the screening stage and DOHA the result announcement are all ready in all the polling stations. The Supervisory Committee for the Major General Al Khulaifi praised elections of the Central Municipal the achievements, appreciating the “I congratulate the people of the world on new year, Council (CMC) has inaugurated the efforts of all those who contributed to and wish them peace, and prosperity. I also hope website for the sixth session of CMC the preparations for the successful elections in 2019. conduct of the electoral process. that it will be a year of good and achievements for The website was inaugurated by Meanwhile, head of technical com- Qatar, and of stability and prosperity for the Arab Chairman of the Supervisory Com- mittee for the sixth session of CMC and Islamic people.” mittee Major General Majid Ibrahim Al elections in 2019 Brigadier Abdul Khulaifi in the presence of committee Rahman Ali Al Maliki, explained the members and chairpersons of the exec- services provided by the website, QNA “I congratulate the people of utive committees. pointing out that the website has all DOHA the world on new year, and The Chairman of the Supervisory the data and information needed by wish them peace, and pros- Committee said that the preparations the voter or candidate, in addition to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin perity. I also hope that it will for the launch of the electoral process two basic services: the first one allows Hamad Al Thani exchanged be a year of good and for the CMC elections in its sixth session browsing the electoral roll to ensure cables of greetings yesterday achievements for Qatar, and are underway in full swing, noting that that the voters are registered in their with Their Majesties, High- of stability and prosperity all the polling station in the State are constituency, and the second is for the nesses and Excellencies the for the Arab and Islamic ready in all respects to receive citizens electoral constituencies. leaders of friendly countries people.” on January 13, 2019, the day scheduled This service enables all those who on the occasion of the advent Deputy Amir H H Sheikh for the start of the first phase of the wish to register identify the constit- of the New Year. Abdullah bin Hamad Al elections, which is voter registration. uency in which they are supposed to H H the Amir expressed Thani also exchanged cables Major General Al Khulaifi added register, in addition to providing them his wishes for them of good of greetings with Their High- that the third periodic meeting, which with the site map that leads them to health and happiness and nesses and Excellencies was held yesterday prior to the inau- the constituency headquarters. their peoples further Deputy Heads of State of guration, discussed a number of issues Meanwhile, in the previous elections progress and prosperity. friendly countries on the related to the achievements of the of May 2015, 15 of the 29 candidates who H H the Amir also tweeted: occasion of the advent of the preparations to ensure the full func- made it to the CMC in its fifth term tioning of the electoral process. (2011-15) were sitting members who He also pointed out that in order to sought re-election, while the remaining facilitate things, the voters can find the 14 were new or first-timers. electoral roll and ensure that they are The voter turn out in the last New Year, wishing them with Their Highnesses and registered in the electoral constituencies Central Municipal Council Election was “On the occasion of the new year, we hope that the good health and happiness Excellencies Heads of Gov- and identify the constituency in which 69.8 percent according to the poll world will enjoy peace and stability, and that Qatar and their peoples further ernment of friendly coun- he/she should be registered, adding that supervisory committee, and out of the will continue its comprehensive renaissance and its progress and prosperity. tries on the occasion of the a website for the election was created 21,735 registered voters, 14,670 exer- achievements in various fields by its people, in order Prime Minister and advent of the New Year, within that of the Ministry of Interior. cised their franchise. to achieve the progress of our country and the Interior Minister H E Sheikh wishing them good health In this regard, Major General Al There were 109 candidates in the Abdullah bin Nasser bin and happiness and their Khulaifi affirmed that the electronic fray after last-minute withdrawals, and welfare of the Qatari people under the wise Khalifa Al Thani exchanged peoples further progress and equipment to conduct the electoral they included five women, two of leadership of H H the Amir.” similar cables of greetings prosperity. process starting from the stage of voter whom won. Doha becomes model for organ transplant Decline in fuel prices bring joy to motorists FAZEENA SALEEM About 85 perccent of in this field, and the documented types of post-operative THE PENINSULA patients received living organ Qatari experience has become complications. donations and cadaver (after highly respected and visible at “Due to meticulous testing, SANAULLAH ATAULLAH In a remarkable achievement, death) donations approved by global conferences where screening, extensive medical THE PENINSULA the number of patients who the Medical Ethics Committee lessons are learnt from such investigation, and proper follow- travel abroad for organ trans- with no post-transplant compli- experience,” he told The up which both donors and recip- Qatar Petroleum (QP) plants has reduced dramatically cations, said Professor Riyadh A Peninsula. Fadhil is also World ients, are subjected to, post- announced yesterday the prices in recent years with zero post- Fadhil, Director of Qatar Organ Health Organisation (WHO) transplant complications of pro- of petrol and diesel for the JANUARY FUEL PRICE transplant complications Donation Center (HEBA) at expert on Organ Donation and cedures performed at HMC in month of January 2019. recorded as result of unique Hamad Medical Transplant. the past five years have been Fuel prices fell by 16 Doha Model of Organ Donation. Corporation(HMC). Statistics reveal that 10 marginal. We have neither lost percent for petrol and 12.5 In 2018, a total of 44 trans- “Development achieved in years ago, 2009 in particular, 95 any patient nor have we lost percent for diesel, according to QR1.55 plant procedures (comprising 36 organ donation in Qatar has percent of patients from Qatar transplanted kidneys to post- a report posted on the website Price of super grade kidney transplants and eight moved the Qatari model to an travelled abroad in search of transplant complications, of Qatar Petroleum. petrol for a litre. liver transplants) were con- international level. The chal- organ transplants, many of making us comparable to QP set the diesel price at ducted in Qatar. It is 83 percent lenges we encountered and whom returned home with advanced world-class organ QR1.75 per litre for January, sufficiency in organs needed for managed to subdue transformed transplanted organs of unknown transplant centres,” Professor compared to QR2 per litre in QR1.50 transplant procedures. HMC into a centre of excellence sources and suffering various Fadhil said. `P2 December 2018, comprising a decline by 12.5 percent. QP set Price of premium grade the price of Super Petrol (95) at petrol for a litre. QR1.55 per litre for January, which is 16.2 percent lower than Sydney, Hong Kong lead world in ringing in New Year with fireworks December 2018 price of QR1.85 QR1.75 per litre. Price of diesel for a litre. AFP year of indigenous languages in QP set the Premium Petrol SYDNEY 2019, the harbour also hosted a (91) price at QR1.50 per litre for ceremony celebrating Aboriginal January, compared to QR1.80 Another person who Sydney and Hong Kong put on heritage that included animations per litre in December, a decline viewed fuel prices reduction stunning fireworks displays in a projected onto the bridge’s by about 16.6 percent. would cut the monthly expend- spectacular welcome to the New pylons. Residents expressed their iture of motorists, commented Year, among the first in a wave In Hong Kong, hundreds of delight over sharp decline in “Good! Cost of living will come of celebrations for billions thousands of revellers packed prices of fuel describing the down with the move.” around the world. the streets on both sides of the reduction a state gift at the Many residents expressed Australia’s largest city city’s Victoria Harbour for a beginning of the New Year. their happiness by terming organised its biggest-ever fire- spectacular 10-minute firework Reacting to the news posted the news as ‘good news for works display, using a record show. on the social networking sites new year’ and expressing amount of pyrotechnics as well Some $1.8m worth of pyro- of The Peninsula, the commen- their joy with saying, “Long as new effects. Colours lit up the technics bathed the city’s sky- tators lauded Qatar for taking live Qatar, best new year’s city’s skyline for 12 minutes and scrapers in a dizzying array of such a step which will help greetings and good news. dazzled the more than 1.5 million colours accompanied by a score reduce the burden on residents Thanks Qatar.” spectators who packed the that included Auld Lang Syne significantly. “A caring nation Motorists are expecting Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour to celebrate the New harbour front and parks. sung in Cantonese, Mandarin and to its citizens, indeed a great pretty good saving from the Year in Hong Kong, yesterday. To mark the international English. country,” said a resident. decision of cutting fuel prices. 02 HOME TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019

Shura Council refers draft law on customs tariff on iron to Financial and Economic Affairs Committee

QNA The Council’s The Council then decided to DOHA members stressed refer the draft law to the the importance of the Financial and Economic Affairs The Shura Council held its Committee to study it and submit regular weekly meeting draft law in protecting a report thereon to the Council. yesterday under the chair- and supporting the At the end of its meeting, the manship of Speaker H E Ahmed national industry Shura Council reviewed a report bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al which contributes of its delegation participating in Mahmoud. the Second World Parliamentary At the beginning of the significantly and Forum on Sustainable Devel- meeting, the Council discussed effectively to the opment held in Bali, Indonesia, a draft law to determine some development process during which the second Bali customs tariff on types of iron in the country. Declaration was issued on sus- similar to those produced by tainable development and Qatar Steel Company (Qatar included a commitment to raise Steel). and effectively to the devel- the level of efforts among par- The Council’s members opment process in the country. liaments in all participating stressed the importance of the They also stressed that the draft countries on the importance of draft law in protecting and sup- law gives great impetus to the achieving sustainable devel- porting the national industry iron and steel industry, which opment goals and setting up the Speaker H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud chairing the regular weekly meeting of Shura which contributes significantly proved its quality, in the country. necessary legislation. Council yesterday.

Food inspectors get training on latest global systems Qatar, Pakistan discuss ways to QNA capabilities to keep up with the DOHA pace of the latest international strengthen systems in food safety control. The Ministry of Public Health trained The courses are aimed to bilateral ties the food inspectors at the Ministry develop the food control system on the inspection system, which is and auditing of food establishments, THE PENINSULA based on analyzing the threats in the in addition to increasing the com- DOHA field of food safety and audit in petencies of the inspection staff in different food entities according to the ministry. This allows the food Deputy Prime Minister and HACCP and ISO 22000 standards. inspectors to acquire expertise and Minister of Foreign Affairs The Ministry recently organised skills in the field of inspection, food H E Sheikh Mohamed bin the third phase of theoretical and control, to increase their knowledge Abdulrahman Al Thani on a practical two-month training for of the risks related to food and to tweet on Sunday said that he food inspectors as part of the signed focus on their sources during the discussed with Pakistani agreement between the govern- inspection visits which saves time Foreign Minister in Doha ments of the State of Qatar and New and ensure the efficiency and effec- ways to strengthen Qatar- Zealand in the food safety field. The tiveness of the control process. Pakistan bilateral relations, training was held by AsureQuality, The course focused on a and exchanged views on the part of the government sector of number of points, including the latest developments in the New Zealand, which specializes in adoption of a mechanism for clas- region, counter-terrorism and food safety and biosecurity. sification of food establishments, peace process in Afghanistan. The importance of the training determining the availability of The Deputy Prime Min- is in line with the strategy and control over these establishments ister and Minister of Foreign action plans of the Ministry of Public based on the set classification and Affairs tweeted this after his Health and the Qatar National training inspectors based on risk meeting with Minister of Vision 2030, and contributes to analysis, through field visits. Foreign Affairs of Pakistan The participants at the training event. increasing the competencies and Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who visited Qatar on Sunday. Shura Council’s Doha becomes Ooredoo customers urged to Internal and External Affairs Committee model for organ take caution against scam calls holds meeting THE PENINSULA details over the phone. Other techniques in their attempts to QNA DOHA means of communication will defraud our valued customers, DOHA transplant always be used, should payment and we are taking every pre- With a new rise of identity theft details be absolutely necessary. caution to help them keep their The Internal and External FROM PAGE 1 At the inception of cases impersonating Ooredoo as Scammers are taking data safe and secure.” Affairs Committee of the “The remarkable devel- the Donor Registry their caller ID and targeting Qatar advantage of the modern-day One of the classic frauds cur- Shura Council held a meeting opment in the domain of organ residents, Ooredoo has issued dependence upon mobile phones, rently seen is that of prize of the forty-seventh regular donation and transplant came as in 2012, the number valuable reminders for customers so a frequent scam is stealing per- winning; the fraudster contacts session of the Council result of the collective and sincere of registered donors to help them take adequate sonal information via phone oper- the potential victim to inform yesterday, chaired by its efforts made by many medical, had not exceeded precautions, stay well informed ations with which credit cards can them they have a won a prize, but Rapporteur Abdulla bin nursing and administrative staff 2,000, but year after and ensure they and their data then be created and used or per- in order to receive this prize the Fahad Ghorab Al Marri. in HMC and unlimited support by stay safe. The company reiterated sonal bank loans taken. According victim will need to provide any- During the meeting, the the management of the Corpo- year the numbers that it would never contact a to the Federal Communications thing from personal information Committee discussed a draft ration and the Ministry of Public doubled until it customer using third-party apps. Commission (FCC), personal data to the ICC-ID (Integrated Circuit law amending some provi- Health,” he added. reached 340,000 Avoiding any request to share can also be sold illegally. Card - ID) found at the back of the sions of Law No. 7 of 2007 on The number of registered which is equivalent personal information over the Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, SIM card. Ooredoo has urged any the settlement of adminis- Cadaver Donors has reached phone is also crucial, said Director PR and Corporate Com- customer who is concerned about trative disputes. around 340,000 from around to 18% of the entire Ooredoo, and customers are munications at Ooredoo, said of potential fraudulent activity to At the end of the meeting, 100 ethnic groups in Qatar by population of Qatar. reminded that the market-leading the timely reminders: “We rec- report any such suspicions via the the Committee decided to end of 2018. At the inception of telco will never call to collect per- ognise fraudsters are employing 111 call centre or via email to complete the study of the the Donor Registry in 2012, the move, Qatar was the first country sonal information or payment ever more sophisticated [email protected]. draft law in its next meeting. number of registered donors had in the world to bear all costs and not exceeded 2,000, but year expenses pertaining to donating after year the numbers doubled and transplanting of human until it reached 340,000 which organs. This move bolstered con- is equivalent to 18% of the entire fidence of both donors and recip- Woqod opens new petrol station in Al Aziziyah population of Qatar. “We are ients of organs,” he added. proud to say, the first and largest The rate of inter-relative of its kind in Middle East region,” organ donation among Qatari THE PENINSULA in addition to sale of gasoline said Prof. Fadhil. citizens is also one of the highest DOHA and diesel products for light Qatar Organ Donation Center in the world. Statistics show that vehicles. and Qatar Organ Transplant matching relative-donors have Qatar Fuel, Woqod opened a “We are pleased to open new Center have become interna- been found, or being prepared, new petrol station in Al Aziziyah fixed petrol station in Al tionally recognized destinations for most of Qatari patients on the yesterday, and by this raised its Aziziyah. Woqod aspires to for those seeking organ transplant waiting lists for organs. “We have network of various petrol expand its petrol station network or donation from inside or outside 25 Qatari patients awaiting organ stations to 82. The new petrol in the country to meet the rising Qatar. For expatriate patients suf- transplant but we have 31 rel- station is part of Woqod’s demand for petroleum products fering from kidney failure and ative-donors under preparation; ongoing expansion plans to be and achieve the goal of pro- have no family members to that is to say that a patient may able to serve every area in Qatar. viding customers with access to donate kidneys for them, the local have more than one relative “’Al Aziziyah Petrol Station’ best-in-class products and authorities facilitate bringing willing to donate an organ for is spread over an area of 10,000 services at their convenience patients’ first-degree relatives into him or her,” said Prof. Fadhil. square meters and has 4 lanes and comfort,” said Al the country for help, in so far the “One of the unique and with 8 dispensers that will serve Muhannadi. potential donors are physically fit unprecedented incidents we have Al Aziziyah and its neigh- He said that Woqod has and the tissue matching between encountered was that a Qatari borhood,” said Woqod’s CEO, recently accelerated the process donors and organ recipients are patient in need for an organ had Engr. Saad Rashid Al Muhannadi for the construction of new successful. “Financial costs asso- 12 relatives pledging organ in a statement. petrol stations to meet the fuel The new petrol station opened by Woqod in Al Aziziyah. ciated with of the donation, such donation. Tissue matching would He said that the new petrol and energy needs of the country. as the transplant procedure costs, be determinant in this case, and stations offer round-the-clock “Woqod is currently overseeing accommodation and travel costs in the event more than one tissue services to residents, and include the implementation of 15 new there are 9 stations in the He said that as part of its of donors, are covered by the matching is established, donors Sidra convenience store, manual petrol stations, most of these sta- bidding phase and 23 stations in strategic expansion plan, Woqod Qatari Red Crescent Society,” said decide amongst them on who the car wash, oil change and tire tions are expected to be opera- the design phase,” said Al targeted to build a total of 130 Prof. Fadhil. “In an unprecedented donor would be,” he added. repair, and sale of LPG cylinders, tional during 2019, noting that Muhannadi fuel stations by the end of 2020. TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 HOME 03 Al Hammadi meets with Sudanese Ambassador Media Center for Youth outlines activities for 2019 QNA The Center, launched being established to benefit from DOHA on the basis of the media expertise and the Qatari cadres and to support the activ- The Media Center for Youth of recommendations ities of the Youth Media Center, the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the first youth to follow-up and implementation announced its most important forum held last inside and outside the country, programs and strategic plans for year, provides many to oversee the Center’s training the New Year 2019. plans and to propose targeted The Center, launched on the information services in programs for young people in the basis of the recommendations terms of social media. media field. of the first youth forum held last He said the Center is also year, provides many infor- going to enter in partnerships mation services in terms of young generation of the new with major Internet companies social media. media in order to achieve the in the world such as Google and On the occasion of wrapping objectives for which it was Facebook to bring experts from up the activities of 2018 and established, which consists of them and transfer their expertise reviewing the plans for the new promoting and nurturing young to the young people of Qatar, in year 2019, the Executive media talents, developing their addition to launching a channel Director of the Media Center for talents and educating them in on YouTube, which will include Youth, Dr Hamad Al Fayyad, the field of media. a variety of programs in all areas The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, met said the Center has great He stressed that the Center of media, with a focus on the yesterday with the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Qatar, Fatah Al Rahman Ali Mohammed. ambition to achieve many goals prepared to receive the New Year international and regional During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways of boosting them, in addition to in many areas in 2019, adding with a package of programmes dimension in the field of media matters of mutual interest. the Center will continue to and activities to meet its objec- while continuing to provide develop plans to prepare a tives, adding a committee is training workshops. Qatar Executive expands fleet by adding first Gulfstream G500 jet

THE PENINSULA and San Francisco to Tokyo. The DOHA cabin contains the most advanced technology including Qatar Executive, the private jet satellite communications, high- charter division of Qatar Airways speed Internet, the Oryx One Group, has received two of its entertainment system, wireless brand-new Gulfstream G500 local area network and Gulf- executive jets, which will provide stream’s Cabin Management passengers with a unique and System, which allows passengers refined flying experience. to use their own personal elec- Entering service for the first tronic devices to control audio, time in early 2019, the G500 jet video, lighting, temperature, is the most technologically window shades and other cabin advanced aircraft in Qatar Exec- functions. utive’s fleet. The brand-new executive jet The state-of-the-art jet sets was first unveiled by Qatar Exec- a new industry benchmark by utive on the opening day of Farn- offering one of the quietest borough International Airshow, Entering service for the first time in early 2019, the G500 jet is the cabins, as well as having the best earlier this year. most technologically advanced aircraft in Qatar Executive’s fleet. cabin altitude pressure, allowing Qatar Executive currently for unparalleled passenger operates a fleet of 15 state-of- comfort. jet enables us to offer an unpar- and we look forward to receiving look forward to continuing to optimised for high-altitude, fast the-art private jets, including five Qatar Airways Group Chief alleled flying experience to our further jets from them in the help them build their Gulfstream and long-range jets. In addition Gulfstream G650ERs, two Gulf- Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: global clientele, who I am sure future.” fleet, which already includes our to being one of the quietest and stream G500s, three Bombardier “Welcoming the ultra-modern will be thrilled when flying on President of Gulfstream, high-performing, class-leading most efficient jets in the industry, Challenger 605s, four Global Gulfstream G500 executive jet board this all-new aircraft. Mark Burns, said: “Gulfstream is flagship, the G650ER.” the aircraft’s remarkable range 5000s and one Global XRS. In into our fleet is a commitment to “We are proud of the strong proud to make the first interna- The G500 is powered by the makes it capable of travelling 2019, Qatar Executive is set to our Qatar Executive clients’ relationship we have with Gulf- tional delivery of the Gulfstream next generation Pratt & Whitney non-stop from Istanbul to Cape receive an additional five G500s expectations. The truly advanced stream Aerospace Corporation G500 to Qatar Executive, and we Canada PW800 engines, Town; Los Angeles to London; and one G650ER. QRCS launches emergency response New experience of travelling to rains and floods in northern Syria Qatar Red Crescent without exit permits hailed Society coordinates with United Nations SIDI MOHAMED Labour and Social Issa Al Sulaiti (pic- DOHA Affairs had started tured) said: “I think agencies, as receiving requests the companies con- well as local and Many migrant workers who from private com- cerns have been international relief recently travelled outside Qatar panies seeking exit taken into consider- providers, to monitor to celebrate New Year with family permit requirement ation by the law or friends in their home countries for five percent of when a certain per- the movement of or other tourist destinations their employees centage of 5 percent IDPs, evacuate hailed the new experience of trav- under the new law. is set for those the submerged elling sans exit permits. “The end of exit employees with sen- camps, and secure The end of exit permit for permit gives one a sitive responsibilities migrant workers covered under lot of psychological satisfaction. who are supposed to notify their transportation and the Labour Law came into force Just the feeling that you can travel companies before travelling.” shelter. two months ago. The amended whenever you want in time you “This measure also meets the law ensures the right of the expa- want is sufficient and also it is Qatar National Vision 2030 and triate workers that come under guaranteed by all laws,” said the freedom of people to move. the provisions of the Labour Law Sobhi, an employee at real estate Of course, it was necessary to take THE PENINSULA to leave the country without exit company. into account the rights of com- Representatives of QRCS distributing blankets to the flood affected DOHA permit while the new law is not Amin, a worker at a res- panies as well as security matters people in Syria. applicable on employees of gov- taurant, said that thanks to and there is no doubt that the Qatar Red Crescent Society ernment entities, semi-govern- authorities concerned end of exit competent authorities took all (QRCS) has responded to the tation and shelter. the suffering of IDPs, reduce the mental organisations and also on permit is laudable despite the fact these things into account and this heavy rain and subsequent So far, they have distributed morbidity and mortality rates, domestic help. that the companies do not like. issue is an achievement and floods in northern Syria, which 3,190 blankets to the IDPs in meet the basic needs of IDPs, From the beginning of Commenting on the fears and progress for Qatar and we wish affected thousands of internally Idlib countryside, set up 200 address the shortages in medical October 2018, the Ministry of concerns of companies regarding more success on the occasion of displaced people (IDPs) in 22 tents at Atme IDP camps, supplies at camp clinics, and Administrative Development, the end of exit of permit, lawyer the new year.” Al Sulaiti added. camps across five towns of Idlib deployed three mobile clinics to help the municipalities and and Aleppo Governorates. the IDP destinations, and par- health authorities to contain the The bad weather damaged ticipated in the UN cluster coor- situation. 2,214 tents inhabited by 2,329 dination meetings. Among the items to be dis- Hazard lights can be dangerous when driving in fog households in Atme, Sarmada, Based on the needs tributed are mattresses, Deir Hassan, Al Dana, and Al assessment on the ground, a blankets, medicines, surgical THE PENINSULA and can lead to road accidents important for drivers to keep a Bab. plan was developed to provide consumables, and drinking DOHA and fatalities. He says to counter safe distance, to use their head- In response, QRCS’s repre- $750,000 worth of medical and water. the dense fog, many drivers lights, on low beam, or fog lights, sentation mission in Gaziantep, relief aid for 6,100 households Also, the plan involves The Hamad Injury Prevention switch on their hazard lights, a and to avoid using hazard Turkey, activated its disaster (30,500 persons, basically deploying multi-service mobile Program (HIPP) at HMC’s Hamad practice he warns can be very warning lights unless they have information center to manage children) in Aleppo, Idlib, and clinics, gravelling roads and Trauma Center is warning drivers dangerous. completely stopped or are driving the emergency response. Hama Governorates. footpaths to prevent them from to take extra safety precautions “It’s important for people to extremely slowly (20km per It coordinates with United The plan will cover food and turning muddy, laying sewage during foggy weather conditions remember that they don’t have a hour). If you use your hazard Nations agencies, as well as local nonfood items, water and san- pipelines, installing clean toilets, and times of low visibility. Dr clear view when driving in fog. lights unnecessarily, you cannot and international relief pro- itation, makeshift shelters, first opening catering hubs to Rafael Consunji, Director of the Fog makes it difficult to judge the signal your intent to turn or viders, to monitor the movement aid supplies, mobile clinics, and provide meals, and clearing HIPP, the community outreach distance between cars and a change lane and you increase the of IDPs, evacuate the submerged medical equipment. These pro- roads to allow rescue and evac- arm of HMC’s Hamad Trauma driver’s ability to anticipate risk of another vehicle colliding camps, and secure transpor- visions are aimed at alleviating uation activities. Center, says fog hampers visibility dangers is limited. It’s very with yours,” said Dr Consunji. 04 HOME TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 Qatar Charity provides winter QIC Insured opens two new clothes to orphans in Syria kiosks at leading malls THE PENINSULA DOHA

As part of its expansion strategy, QIC Insured — the retail division of Qatar Insurance and the leading insurer in the MENA region has recently opened two new kiosks at City Centre Mall and Mall of Qatar. The new kiosks are located near the East Gate at the Mall of Qatar and in the basement of City Centre Mall.The working hours of the new kiosk at City Centre is Sat- urday-Thursday, 11am-7pm. The working hours of the new A QIC Insured kiosk seen at the Mall of Qatar. kiosk at the Mall of Qatar are from Saturday-Thursday, 10am-10pm and Friday from expansion of QIC Insured closer to our customers by A representative of Qatar Charity giving winter clothes to orphan children in Syria. 5pm-11pm. network, Ahmed Jarboey, expanding our existing Offering an open lay-out Senior Claims Manager at QIC network of outlets for those THE PENINSULA affected in countries going Qatar Charity, through its and lighting that exudes a Insured said, “At QIC Insured, who prefer human interaction DOHA through exceptional circum- ‘Rofaqa’ initiative, sponsored modern and receptive look, the we firmly believe in an omni- and seek advice on products stances such as Syria, Palestine 157,000 orphans worldwide, new kiosks are well positioned channel Click and Brick growth while shopping for insurances. Qatar Charity (QC) has provided and Iraq. The campaign also including 3158 orphans in Syria, to service the insurance needs strategy.” Hence capitalizing on the winter clothing to orphans in includes on the poor in Kyr- who receives comprehensive of walk-in customers for car He further said: “While we ongoing trend of the mall eco- Mare, a town in Syria. A total of gyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Albania educational, health, and social insurance, home insurance, continue to enhance our digital system, opening the two 525 orphans benefited from the and Bosnia and Herzegovina, services provided by the charity, travel insurance, personal platforms to make online cus- outlets at the two strategic project. where temperatures fall below in addition to holding many accident benefit. tomers journey more con- malls in Doha came in as a The project was carried out zero degree Celsius. activities for them. Commenting on the recent venient, we strive to move natural choice.” with generous support from the The campaign aims to raise According to the weather people of Qatar as part of the QR66m to provide the necessary forecasts of international mete- ongoing ‘Below Zero’ campaign winter needs for 800,000 people orological websites, the winter launched by Qatar Charity to in three main areas - food, in the Middle East this year Winner of Malabar Gold & Diamonds campaign support the vulnerable in winter shelter and heating. The targeted (2018-2019) would be harsh, The implementation of the people will be given food baskets, accompanied by heavy rains and project coincided with the winter clothes, blankets, heaters, snow, bringing additional chal- increasingly cold weather, rain- fuel, and tents. lenges to the displaced Syrians, storms and floods that engulfed refugees and the poor people in several camps of the Syrian dis- The project was countries where temperatures placed and refugees on the Syr- carried out with go below zero degrees Celsius. ian-Turkish borders. generous support The harsh weather could The winter package included increase their suffering, espe- a coat, a winter clothing set and from the people cially if they do not receive ade- shoes. Last month, the ‘Below of Qatar as part of quate support to cope with the Zero’ campaign was launched the ongoing ‘Below bad weather. Qatar Charity urges under the slogan ‘Share the Zero’ campaign people in Qatar to continue sup- warmth’ from Al Bayli Camp for porting its ‘Below Zero’ campaign Syrian refugees on the Turkish- launched by Qatar in order to reach out to the Syrian border. Charity to support the largest number of displaced The campaign focuses on the vulnerable in winter. people, refugees and those in displaced, refugees and those need.

The raffle draw winner of ‘Win up to 2 kilos of gold & up to 100% cash back’ campaign by Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Bijini Haridas receiving a prize of 100gm gold from Yahiya Gafoor - Deputy Branch Head in the presence of other officials of Malabar Gold & Diamonds at Barwa Village.

AAB fleet sales team delivers 5 Toyota Camry HEV to limousine company

THE PENINSULA DOHA

In continuation of the success of Toyota Hybrid Experience program held recently for Limousine Customers, AAB fleet sales team concluded a deal for supplying Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles with Pick Quick Limousine. The first delivery of Camry Hybrid Electric Vehicles was held at AAB Tower Toyota Showroom where R K Murugan, ACEO, AAB handed over the symbolic key to Mohammed Alamgir Hossain Hashmat Ali, R K Murugan, handing over a memento to managing partner of managing partner of Pick Quick Pick Quick Limousine. Limousine in the presence of AAB Fleet Sales team members. Pick Quick Limousine is one Show, AAB had organized two- drivers as well as for top fleet of the leading integrated lim- day hybrid educational session customers. ousine company operating in by Khalifa Al Haroon, a prom- During these sessions, Qatar since 2004 which provides inent Qatari national and well Hybrid Electric Vehicle tech- the total solution of transpor- known in the social media. In nology as well as its key advan- tation in Qatar. Pick Quick Lim- addition to this, AAB had recently tages of owning a Hybrid Electric ousine has a fleet strength of over organised a Toyota Hybrid Expe- Vehicle were explained. To 450 vehicles in operation of rience program for limousine promote Hybrid Electric Vehicles which more than 40% of the and to reduce the carbon foot- vehicles are Toyota brand. print in Qatar, AAB has partnered Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. with Sharq Village & SPA by Co. (AAB) have been participating giving Camry HEV for the trans- and organising various programs Pick Quick Limousine portation of their VIP to promote Hybrid Electric has a fleet strength customers. Vehicles in Qatar. Early this year, of over 450 vehicles Toyota currently has two AAB had participated in the Hybrid models in its model Green Car initiative organized by in operation of which line-up in Qatar viz. Toyota Prius Kahramaa during the National more than 40% of HEV and Toyota Camry HEV. Program for Conservation and the vehicles are AAB will be introducing more Energy Efficiency. Toyota brand. Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles During the Qatar Motor next year. TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 HOME 05 Qatar Airways celebrates a year of success in 2018

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Airways celebrated a successful year of robust network expansion, new aircraft deliveries and groundbreaking global sports sponsorship agreements, as it looks with anticipation to 2019. As the first airline in the world to take delivery of the Airbus A350-1000 in February 2018, Qatar Airways proved once again that it leads where other airlines follow in providing passengers with the most technologically advanced aircraft available. As well as receiving the first Airbus A350-1000, the airline received 25 additional aircraft to the fleet throughout the year, increasing the total number in its fleet to 226. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “Our achievements in 2018 prove that Qatar Airways has not wavered from its strategy and Akbar Al Baker (centre), Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways, with other officials at a press conference in Cardiff. RIGHT:Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, vision of constant growth and Akbar Al Baker (right) with Airbus President and Chief Operating Officer, Fabrice Brégier, at an event in Toulouse, France to mark the delivery of world’s first Airbus A350-1000. development, in order to provide our passengers the finest onboard experience every time they travel. provided even more flexibility for We have demonstrated that we both business and leisure will not rest in our determination passengers. to push the boundaries in rede- Qsuite added to routes fining the travel experience for In 2018, Qatar Airways added each and every one of our cus- its award-winning, patented tomers.” “As we conclude 2018, we Business Class seat, Qsuite, to remain committed to setting the routes including Shanghai, São highest standards of excellence Paulo, Chicago, Houston, Mumbai, and quality in the industry, and Bengaluru, and Canberra and look forward to welcoming an Sydney. exciting 2019.” Cargo A350-1000 2018 was a highly successful In February, the airline took year for the airline’s Cargo delivery of the world’s first Airbus division, with cargo volumes The first Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Canberra is getting a celebratory water cannon salute at Canberra upon its arrival. A350-1000 as the global launch having increased by 10.6 per cent RIGHT: Barclays Center, the Brooklyn, New York, venue that hosts many of the world’s most exciting entertainment and sporting events. customer of the world’s most tech- in 2018 compared to 2017. The nologically advanced aircraft. The highlight has been the launch of new A350-1000 went into full transpacific services, direct from venue that hosts many of the The airline was also named the ‘Best Nast Traveler and CJ Affiliate. The Kayak, including ‘Best Airline’, ‘Best commercial service on the airline’s Macau to Los Angeles and Mexico world’s most exciting enter- Middle Eastern/African Airline’ for first three awards for ‘Best Long- Boarding’, ‘Best Comfort’, ‘Best Doha-London route, on which the City. The cargo carrier bagged two tainment and sporting events. In the ninth consecutive year at the Haul Airline’, ‘Best Business Class’ Crew’ and ‘Best Food’. A350-900, the A380, Boeing 777 prestigious awards in 2018 - Inter- October, Qatar Airways became recent 2018 Business Traveller Asia- and ‘Best Middle East Airline’, were The airline also received a High and 787 Dreamliner already national Cargo Airline of the Year Official Global Airline Partner of Pacific Awards. presented to the airline at the global Commendation for the ‘Global operate, offering six flights a day at Air Cargo India Event and Best The South American Football Con- In October, Qatar Airways won Business Traveller Awards 2018, Excellence Award’ at the 2018 CJ between Qatar and the United Air Cargo Carrier - Middle East at federation (CONMEBOL), adding 10 new international service held in London on 15 October. You Awards, in California, US, fol- Kingdom’s capital to Heathrow the Asian Freight Logistics & another strong sporting part- awards, including titles by four sep- This was followed by a further lowed by third place in the ‘Top Air- Airport and 16 weekly flights to Supply Chain Awards. nership to its expanding portfolio. arate global industry leaders: five awards for the Middle East and lines – International’ category in the London Gatwick. In the same Sponsorships FIFA 2018 World Cup Russia Business Traveller, Kayak, Condé Africa region from global travel site, Condé Nast Traveler. month, the airline announced that The airline signed a record- As the Official Partner and it had upgraded five of its current number of sporting sponsorships Official Airline of FIFA, Qatar order of A350-900s to the higher- with top-tier teams in 2018, Airways brought football fans from capacity A350-1000. further cementing Qatar’s role as around the world to Russia for the Route Expansion a global centre for sport. In March, 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, one One of the world’s fastest- the airline signed a five-year part- of the most highly-anticipated growing airlines, Qatar Airways nership agreement with leading events on the global sports launched a host of exciting new German football team FC Bayern calendar. destinations in 2018, including: München AG, further strength- Oryx Kids Club Cardiff, United Kingdom; Can- ening Qatar’s role as a global In March 2018, Qatar Airways berra, Australia; Mombasa; Kenya; leader in sports. launched the Oryx Kids Club, Gothenburg, Sweden; Da Nang, In April, Qatar Airways signed designed to encourage children to Vietnam; and Thessaloniki, a multi-year partnership explore the world by making their Greece. The airline also launched agreement with Italian football in-flight experience even more fun seasonal services to Mykonos, club AS Roma, further strength- and inspiring. As part of the club, Greece; Bodrum and Antalya, ening the award-winning airline’s the airline introduced five new Turkey; and Málaga, Spain commitment to Italy. In May, Qatar hero characters: Orry the Oryx and The airline also added a host Airways became the Official Jersey his twin sister, Orrah; Kamil the of new frequencies to several Sponsor of the world-renowned Camel; Faaiz the Falcon, and Farah popular destinations including Argentinian football club the Boca the Desert Fox. Montreal, Maldives, Bangkok, Juniors through the 2022/23 Awards Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, season. In October, Qatar Airways Qatar’s national carrier Amman, Muscat, Helsinki, Madrid, became the Official Global Airline received a host of awards in 2018, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Vienna, Partner of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets including being named ‘World’s Oslo, Copenhagen, Manchester and the team’s home, Barclays Best Business Class’ by the 2018 and Zurich. These additions Center, the Brooklyn, New York World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat,’ ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’ Qatar Airways’ revolutionary Qsuite was named ‘Best Business Class’ in the AirlineRatings’ Airline Excellence Awards 2019. The air- line’s renowned dine-on-demand in flight cuisine was also named ‘Best Catering’. The airline clinched the ‘Best A Boca Juniors’ player in ground wearing the new jersey featuring Inflight Service’ Award at the 29th Qatar Airways logo during a match. Annual TTG Travel Awards 2018.

The officials and dignitaries during a ceremony to mark the launch of Qatar Airways non-stop flight to Bodrum in Turkey. 06 MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019

Fatah says Hamas Bahrain’s top court upholds arrests members in Turkish TV shows purported sentence against activist Rajab Gaza ahead of rally REUTERS/ DUBAI AFP transfer of Khashoggi remains GAZA CITY Bahrain’s high court upheld yesterday a five-year jail sentence After offering against human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, his lawyer said, in a Palestinian President numerous contradictory move described by campaign groups as “political persecution” Mahmud Abbas’s Fatah party explanations regarding and “utterly outrageous”. An outspoken critic of the Bahraini said yesterday that its rival the fate of Khashoggi, government who played a prominent role in pro-democracy Hamas had carried out wide- Riyadh later said he had protests in 2011, Rajab was convicted in February over social media spread arrests of its members been killed and his body posts in which he accused the prison authorities of torture and in the Gaza Strip ahead of a dismembered. criticised Saudi Arabia’s air strikes in Yemen. rally marking the anniversary Rajab, in his mid-50s, is already serving a two-year term for of the movement’s founding. torture allegations he made in a news interview and faces a number REUTERS Hamas denied the accu- of other cases, including over a column he wrote in the New York ISTANBUL sation, with a spokesman for Times in 2016. “The Court of Cassation rejected the appeal and the enclave’s interior ministry upheld the sentence of five years in prison against Nabeel Rajab saying 38 people had been held A Turkish television channel for his tweets,” his lawyer, Mohamed Al Jishi, said by telephone. for questioning over concerns has broadcast video showing Bahrain’s government communication office said in a statement that opposing Fatah factions in men carrying suitcases that Rajab was afforded his full legal rights, including the right to Gaza would clash at the rally purportedly containing the A still image taken from CCTV video and obtained by A Haber, claims appeal and continued access to legal counsel. set for later in the day. All had remains of Saudi journalist to show a man that carries suitcases purportedly containing the “The Kingdom is fully committed to an inclusive pluralistic been released, said spokesman Jamal Khashoggi into the resi- remains of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi into the residence society, however, as in all countries, criminal offences cannot be Iyad Al Bozum. Fatah and dence of his country’s consul of Saudi Arabia’s consul general in Istanbul, Turkey. allowed to go unchecked,” it added. Hamas remain deeply divided general in Istanbul. and Abbas, based in the The footage broadcast by A comment on the footage. 3:09 pm (1209 GMT). Sudan’s Bashir tells police to rein in occupied West Bank, has Haber shows men carrying what Khashoggi was a royal After offering numerous sought to increase pressure on it says were a total of five cases insider who became a critic of contradictory explanations force against protesters the Islamist movement in through the main entrance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin regarding the fate of Khashoggi, recent days. the residence, a short distance Salman and began writing for Riyadh later said he had been AFP/KHARTOUM “More than 500 of our from the consulate where the Washington Post after killed and his body dismem- members and sons have been Khashoggi, a leading critic of moving to the United States last bered when negotiations to per- Sudan’s President Omar Hassan Al Bashir told police to abstain arrested since last night by Saudi policies, was killed in year. Saudi officials have suade him to return to Saudi from using excessive force against anti-government demonstrators. Hamas security forces in early October. rejected accusations that the Arabia failed. “We want to maintain security and we want the police to do that Gaza,” Atef Abu Saif, a A Turkish official said the crown prince ordered his death. Khashoggi’s remains have by using less force,” Bashir, dressed in a blue police uniform, said. spokesman for Fatah in the media report, also carried by The murder has sparked global not been found and Turkey has “We admit that we have economic problems... but they can’t Gaza Strip, said. Saif said the the Sabah newspaper on its outrage and damaged the inter- repeatedly asked Saudi Arabia be solved by destructions, lootings, and thefts,” Bashir said, referring arrests were an attempt by website, appeared to be national reputation of 33-year- where they are. Last month, to buildings and ruling offices torched by protesters in several Hamas to disrupt activities to accurate, without giving old prince, the kingdom’s de Turkish police searched a cities during the demonstrations. “We don’t want our country to mark Fatah’s 54th anni- further details. There was no facto leader. Sabah said the remote villa in a coastal area go the way other countries in the region have gone,” he said. versary. But there were also immediate reply from Saudi cases had been brought to the southeast of Istanbul as part of “We will not allow our people to be refugees. If this happens concerns over tensions authorities to a request for residence in a black minibus at the investigation. where can we go in this region?” between Fatah factions loyal to Abbas and his exiled rival Mohammed Dahlan, who is from Gaza and has a signif- icant base of support there. Kuwait expects more Arab countries to reopen embassies in Damascus Repeated attempts to reconcile Fatah and Hamas REUTERS that once backed rebels against mission in Manama had been days as more nations look to programme of support for the have failed. A list of issues DUBAI President Bashar Al Assad, are operating “without reopen their embassies in armed opposition coordinated have kept them apart, seeking to reconcile with him interruption”. Damascus,” state news agency by Washington. including Hamas’s refusal to Kuwait said yesterday it after decisive gains by his forces Kuwait’s Deputy foreign min- Kuna reported. Unlike its other neighbours, disarm its military wing. expected more Arab countries in the war, aiming to expand ister Khaled Al Jarallah said the Arab League’s permanent Kuwait kept Syria’s embassy in Abbas moved earlier this to reopen embassies in their clout in Syria at the expense Gulf state remained committed to representatives are due to meet Kuwait City open and opposed month to dissolve the Hamas- Damascus in “coming days” but of non-Arab Turkey and Iran. the Arab League’s decision and in Cairo on January 6. U.S-allied arming the rebels, although controlled Palestinian par- added that the move would need The United Arab Emirates re- would reopen its embassy in Gulf Arab states were the main private donors in Kuwait sent liament, which has not met a green light from the Arab opened its embassy in Damascus Damascus once the organisation regional backers of armed funds to anti-Assad forces. since 2007, when the Islamist League, which suspended Syria’s last Thursday and Bahrain said allowed it. Jarallah expected a groups opposed to Assad, pro- Kuwait has led a humanitarian seized control of the Gaza membership seven years ago. the next day that its embassy “thaw in relations between Syria viding finance or weapons or fundraising campaign for Syria Strip. Arab states, including some there and the Syrian diplomatic and Arab Gulf states in the coming both, acting largely as part of a through the United Nations.

Pro-Houthi protesters demonstrate to demand the opening of humanitarian corridors in Hodeidah, Yemen, yesterday. UN threatens to suspend Yemen food aid

AP increased the threat of famine days, WFP will have no choice CAIRO in Yemen, where a four-year but to suspend the assistance... civil war has created the world’s that goes to nearly 3 million The UN food agency yesterday worst humanitarian crisis. people,” the letter said. “This threatened to suspend some aid In a letter sent to rebel criminal behavior must stop shipments to Yemen if the leader Abdul-Malek al-Houthi, immediately.” Houthi rebels do not investigate WFP director David Beasley said The Iran-aligned Houthis, and stop theft and fraud in food that a survey carried by the who control much of northern distribution, warning that the agency showed that aid is only Yemen, have been at war with a suspension would effect some reaching 40 percent of eligible US-backed and Saudi-led coa- 3 million people. beneficiaries in the rebel-held lition for nearly four years. The The World Food Program’s capital, Sanaa. Only a third are stalemated conflict has driven the ultimatum was an unprece- receiving aid in the rebels’ Arab world’s poorest country to dentedly strong warning, northern stronghold of Saada. the brink of famine, with millions pointing to how corruption has “If you don’t act within 10 suffering from extreme hunger. Nigeria deploys army to reclaim key town from Boko Haram

AFP running military bases. KANO, NIGERIA The jihadists established full control over the fishing town on Friday after sacking a naval base, Troops are preparing to launch an offensive in a forcing personnel to flee across the lake to a village bid retake a strategic town captured by Boko on the Chadian side of the border. Haram jihadists in northeast Nigeria, security and Dozens of military trucks and armoured civilian sources said. vehicles from Borno state capital Maiduguri Fighters from IS-affiliated Islamic State West arrived late on Sunday at the garrison town of Africa Province (ISWAP) took control of Baga on Monguno, 135km away, in readiness for the the shores of Lake Chad on Thursday after over- offensive, two military officers and militia. TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 ASIA 07 Govt, oppn lock horns over triple talaq bill in Upper House

AGENCIES The leader of Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad, demand for select committee son and uncle, Owaisi said if the unconstitutional you are crimi- NEW DELHI and are willing to debate and Bill is passed great injustice nalising it.” said the bill would affect millions of people and pass it after due parliamentary would caused to them and they He said while adultery had The revised triple talaq bill, its scrutiny by parliament was essential. He said scrutiny. He said he had given who would be forced to on roads. been decriminalised, and there which the government is keen the opposition parties want to move a resolution notice for sending the bill to Stating that Muslims were was nothing to stop men from on pushing through Parliament, that the bill should be sent to select committee. select committee. against the move to criminalise indulging in extramarital affairs, could not be taken up in the During the debate on the bill triple talaq as it was against the triple talaq was being made a Rajya Sabha yesterday as the in Lower House on Thursday, right to faith and belief, Owaisi criminal offence. opposition insisted on sending it earlier adjournment, the Deputy not send such bills to the MIM president and Hyderabad said: “If your faith is your faith, He asked that when the law to a select committee. The Chairman said that the House standing committee, the oppo- MP Asaduddin Owaisi put up an then my faith should also be my prescribed a one-year jail as pun- treasury benches said the will be taking up the triple talaq sition in the Rajya Sabha is forced impassioned opposition to the faith. Your intentions are not clean. ishment for a Hindu husband, why passage of the bill is being bill, passed by the Lok Sabha last to fight for sending them to select triple talaq bill and questioned You can bring your own law, but was it set at three years for a delayed deliberately. week. However, opposition committee,” he said. the double standard of the BJP. we will not forfeit our religion.” Muslim husband. He said the pun- The stalemate saw heated members were on their feet Azad said the bill would “Why have you decrimi- He asked the government not ishment for a fatal road accident arguments between the oppo- demanding that the bill be sent affect millions of people and its nalised homosexuality and crim- to confuse the people of the is two years, why jail a Muslim sition and the government, to the select committee. scrutiny by parliament was inalised triple talaq? Because it country in the name of the husband for three years. “Your forcing Deputy Chairman Leader of Opposition Ghulam essential. He said the opposition will be used against Muslims. Supreme Court verdict. “The dream of having more Muslims in Harivansh Narayan Singh to Nabi Azad said the government parties want to move a resolution Sexual minority got a choice in Supreme Court never said that it jail will be achieved. You are adjourn the house for the day. has been disregarding since 1993 that the bill should be sent to Section 377, then why not reli- is unconstitutional,” Owaisi said. forcing a Muslim woman to file an Both sides accused the other of the practice of sending important select committee. gious minorities,” he asked. “When the Supreme Court FIR against her husband,” he said “doing politics”. bills to the standing committee Trinamool Congress member Stating that he was repre- decriminalised adultery, you just and requested the government to When the House met for the for legislative scrutiny. Derek O’Brien said most oppo- senting the voice of Muslim kept quiet. When the apex court send the Bill to a select post-lunch sitting following an “Since the government does sition parties are united in their women being a father, brother, never said that triple talaq is committee. Sajjan Kumar Kin of trapped miners lose surrenders, sent to jail hope after 18 days REUTERS IANS GUWAHATI NEW DELHI Relatives of at least 15 Indian miners trapped in a “rat-hole” mine Former Congress leader for 18 days said yesterday they have given up hope that any of Sajjan Kumar, sentenced to them would be found alive, even as rescue operations were stepped life imprisonment in a 1984 up. “We want his body back so that we can give him a decent anti-Sikh riots case, was burial,” said the uncle of 26-year old Omar Ali, who is among those yesterday sent to jail after he trapped in the mine. The miners were trapped on Dec. 13, when surrendered in a city court. an illegal mine in India’s northeastern Meghalaya state, was flooded. Kumar surrendered in the Thousands of workers, including children, have been killed in court of Metropolitan Magis- so-called rat-hole mining, which involves miners crawling into narrow trate Aditi Garg following shafts on bamboo ladders to mine for low-quality coal, in Meghalaya. which he was taken into The state banned such unregulated mining in 2014 but it still goes on custody and sent to Mandoli in some places. A survivor of the disaster, Sayeb Ali, 24, said he too jail in the national capital. thought there was little chance of anyone coming out alive. He said The court has also 17 miners were trapped in the accident. It was not clear why his figure ordered that a separate van differed from the government account of 15 miners. would be provided for his Sayeb Ali said he has survived as he was not deep inside the movement due to security Kite Festival very narrow mine shaft when disaster struck. “The people who reasons. His surrender came were digging coal went deep inside and cart-pullers like me and in compliance with an order Indian workers prepare strings coated with powdered glass used for flying kites ahead of ‘Uttarayan’ the other four who survived were about eight to 10 feet inside,” by the Delhi High Court, festival, in Ahmedabad, yesterday. ‘Uttarayan’ or the Kite Festival is celebrated in Gujarat and Sayeb Ali, who is not related to Omar Ali, told Reuters by tele- which on December 17 sen- elsewhere in India on January 14 every year. phone. India is one of the world’s most dangerous countries to be tenced him to imprisonment a coal miner, with one miner dying every six days on average in for the “remainder of his 2017, according to government data. natural life”. The High Court had declined his plea for extension of time to surrender from December 31 to January Bihar to have 31. Alongwith Kumar, former MLAs Kishan Khokhar and Mahender Yadav, who were CISF-like force to also convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in the case, surrendered in the protect businesmen court as well. IANS soon. He said a committee had Mamata announces PATNA been formed under the Inspector General (Security) to insurance, financial Following the killing of several study which industrialists or aid for farmers business persons in Bihar, Chief businessmen wanted personal Minister Nitish Kumar security. Fear runs high among IANS announced yesterday that a businessmen in Bihar after the KOLKATA Bihar Industrial Security Force killing of more than half a (BISF) will be set up on the lines dozen businessmen including In a bid to woo farmers ahead of the CISF. a young industrialist in the state of the New Year, West Bengal This will “provide special in the last two weeks. Chief Minister Mamata security to industrialists and Industry Minister Jai Kumar Banerjee announced yearly businessmen”, Nitish Kumar Singh assured the industrialists financial aid of Rs5,000 per said at an Udhmi Panchayat and businessmen that the gov- acre for all peasant families held here. It was attended by ernment would protect them. in the state. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil In the last one month, Banerjee also announced Kumar Midi, Industry Minister industrialists, businessmen and life insurance cover of Jai Kumar Singh and dozens of traders have proved soft targets Rs200,000 for each of the industrialists and for criminals in Bihar. The state’s farmers aged 18-60 businessmen. latest victim, a businessman, years under a state-spon- Nitish Kumar said two bat- was gunned down in broad sored ‘Krishak Bondhu’ talion of BISF would be based daylight on Sunday in Vaishali scheme from 2019. in Begusarai and Buxar districts district. Judicial probe gives former Kerala CM clean chit in port agreement

IANS the agreement and stated the projects and the profitability THIRUVANANTHAPURAM state was in a disadvantageous aspect will take a while to position. mature,” said Justice C N Ramachandran Ramachandran submitted Ramachandran. Commission, which was asked the report to Vijayan here and The Chandy government in to look into the Vizhinjam port later told the media that there 2015 inked the agreement for agreement inked by former was nothing that could point to the Rs75.25bn Vizhinjam project Kerala Chief Minister Oommen corruption in the signing of with Adani Ports, which was the Chandy-led government, agreement. lone bidder and sought Rs yesterday gave a clean chit and “The CAG report is a mixture 16.35bn as grant for it. said no corruption was involved of rights and wrongs...it Adani had on December 5, in it. (agreement) was not a corrupt 2015, when the work com- Kerala Chief Minister one. Both state government and menced, committed that the first Pinarayi Vijayan appointed the Adani Ports can go ahead with phase of the port would be oper- commission in May 2017, a few the work. We gave adequate ational in 1,000 days from the days after the CAG report on it time to all to come up with evi- date of commencement of work was placed in the Kerala dences, but none came. These and the first ship will berth on Assembly that cited lacunae in are all very big infrastructure September 1, 2018. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 2018: A year of living dangerously ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

HAMID DABASHI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AL JAZEERA DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] was born and raised on three cal- endars: the Iranian, the Islamic, and the Gregorian. It may sound con- ACTING MANAGING EDITOR fusing, but it is actually quite an intriguingI exercise which sculpts a con- MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected] trapuntal disposition into one’s char- acter. Those of us who have gone through such an interstellar experience DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR have the luxury of celebrating birthdays MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI on three different days and sometimes [email protected] during two different seasons! The Iranian calendar is solar and every time we say the names of its months and seasons, they sounded like we are reciting an ancient hymn: Far- vardin, Ordibehesht, Khordad … and then Bahar, Tabestan, Pa’iz, Zemestan. Palestinians attend a demonstration near the Gaza Strip border with Israel in eastern Pure poetry. The Islamic calendar is EDITORIAL Gaza City on March 30, 2018. lunar and its logic introduces sacred rhetoric into the rhythm of our lives. Muharram we hope for in fear and greed, moronic militarism, and sheer brink, came out en masse for another Protecting the population ecstasy, Ramadan is fun and curious. indecency. wave of protests against a decades-old The Gregorian calendar meanwhile As a result of conflicts, criminal vio- regime. As the demands of the demon- atar is committed to protecting the health of its pop- casts a colonial shadow onto our lives. lence and unbearable poverty caused strations shifted from socioeconomic ulation. It provides the best healthcare in the world We are effectively ruled by it and have by extractive neoliberal policies, people changes to the downfall of the regime, Qto the people in the country. The health sector has no reason to trust its bizarre across the world continued to flee in President Omar Al Bashir unleashed the undergone major expansions in recent years and circulations. 2018. Once again, the US and EU out- deadly force of his security apparatus, extends a full range of high-quality services. It’s also on When I moved to the United States, shined the rest of the world in their which killed dozens of peaceful track to achieve greater objectives in the health care facil- two other calendars were added to cruel border policies. Families were protesters. ities according to the Qatar National Vision 2030. It’s com- these three: the Chinese and the Jewish. separated and children were held at the The brutal murder of the Saudi jour- mendable that Qatar’s made a huge success in providing These two calendars hardly mattered US’s southern border, while more than nalist Jamal Khashoggi under the direct vaccinations to its people. According to the WHO, there are inside Iran except for the deeply 2,000 died in the Mediterranean Sea, as command of MBS, however, was about 20 million unvaccinated and under-vaccinated learned and/or mystical. In the US they the EU clamped down on organisations perhaps the single most iconic event of children in the world. Each year, over 1.4 million children became aspects of my life first in Phila- saving people from sinking boats. this last year. With barbaric brutality, die from diseases that could be prevented with readily delphia, where I went to graduate As the world’s attention was being Saudi Arabia abused the diplomatic available vaccines. school, and then eventually in New drawn to these calamities, Palestinian sanctity of its consulate to murder and For Qatar, with the winter season already set in with York, where I work. Put together, the determination and endurance kept it butcher one of its own citizens. Trump fluctuating weather conditions, vaccination is very important. Iranian, the Islamic, the Jewish, and the focused on their particular predic- and his son-in-law Jared Kushner pro- The influenza vaccine has been made easily accessible to Chinese calendars came together and ament. For 39 consecutive weeks, Pal- tected the butcher, one out of greed, the everyone to ensure vaccination of as many people as offered me a estinians were protesting near the other out of commitment to the Zionist possible. haven away Israel-Gaza buffer zone as part of the cause. Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly from the Great March of Return. Put all of these atrocities together important for people who are at high risk for the flu and its tyranny of the Demonstrators, who launched the and we might reconsider the choice of complications. This includes the elderly, young children, imperial Gre- protests on March 30, are calling for the measuring the days of our lives through pregnant women, and people The continuing gorian cal- right of return for Palestinian refugees, the Gregorian calendar, on which these with chronic medical deadly conflicts in endar. I under the United Nations Resolution horrors have historically marked them- conditions. the Middle East and remember, 194, and demanding an end to the selves. Today we remember other cal- The Ministry of Public Health Africa. In Yemen, the when the 12-year Israeli blockade. endars and the events of their rhyme said that over 100,000 people whole Y2K They have done so while suffering and reasoning less consciously, except For Qatar, with have been vaccinated under horrid murderous song-and- casualties under the relentless for communal, denominational, nos- the winter season national campaign for vacci- campaign of dance onslaught of Israeli brutalities. Since the talgic, or otherwise purely ritualistic already set in nation against seasonal Prince Mohammed threatened rallies first began, more than 215 Pales- reasons. If we cannot change the world we with fluctuating influenza since the beginning of continues under the the end of the tinians have been killed and at least weather conditions, the campaign till December world and the 18,000 others injured by Israeli forces. live in, we can at least shift the con- patronage of his US, sciousness of our lives we have for- vaccination is very 20. At the start of October, the coming of Arab leaders, meanwhile, from one Ministry of Public Health, EU, Arab and Israeli apocalypse in end to another were busy appeasing gotten. Imagine a world in which important. The Primary Health Care Corpo- allies.”Some 132 the year 2000 Israel and normalising relations with Jewish, Islamic, Chinese, Iranian or any influenza vaccine ration (PHCC), and Hamad on the the settler colony. other calendar were more meaningful has been made Medical Corporation (HMC) million people in 42 Christian cal- 2018 was also marked by Trump’s measures of our daily lives in the easily accessible to joined forces to launch a countries will need endar, I told a decision to withdraw from the Iran unique way they arranged the world everyone to ensure national campaign to provide assistance next reporter this Nuclear Deal. His re-imposition of and our place in the universe. At the centre of all these calendars is vaccination of as free flu vaccines to the public in year,” the UN says. was calendar severe economic sanctions on Iranians Qatar. imperialism exacerbated the already dire economic our fragile planet, placed right next to many people as People of different age and meant situation in the country, while the ruling the moon and the sun and all other possible. groups received the vaccinations nothing to those equally happy within Islamists dug in even more belliger- countless stars. Imagine if we cared for in the health facilities of HMC an Iranian, a Jewish, a Chinese, or an ently, trying to save their beleaguered our planet the way all these other cal- and the health centres of PHCC, as well as in more than 45 Islamic calendar. The reporter thought I regime. Labour unrest and middle-class endars were conscious of their heavenly hospitals, health centres and private and semi-government was being mystical. despair intensified. Millions of human frames of references. Thinking in those clinic. The vaccination teams at the Ministry have also The avalanche of events in 2018 on beings braced for even worse to come. cosmic terms — in terms of saintly sages carried out several vaccination campaigns for employees the Gregorian calendar makes it impos- In Europe, the growing instability of that fathomed these calendars — would in many institutions and bodies, including the Public Works sible to pause for a moment and the neoliberal EU project was on full certainly teach us humility. Authority, the General Corporation for Electricity and Water wonder what has happened to us over display this year with never-ending Things are much calmer on all these (Kahramaa) and Qatar Post. the past year. But pause we must. Brexit drama. The public and parlia- other calendars where people continue The vaccinations were also provided to the employees This year, the more obnoxiousness mentary debates about how or when or quietly with their pieties, their poetry, of Nakilat and Milaha companies and a number of univer- the world leaders displayed, the more whether to do the Brexit and do a soft or their ceremonies of innocence, and sities and educational institutions. attention they demanded. The drama a hard Brexit made apparent the com- their collective memories of time The Ministry of Public Health stressed the importance king of the news was, of course, Donald plete lack of any working vision for immemorial. Instead of moving to of the initiative to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine, Trump, followed by Vladimir Putin, Xi Europe’s political future. another country or another continent or especially with the start of the winter season and the recent Jinping, and Narendra Modi; Benjamin In Russia, Putin ran virtually unop- another clime, sometimes I wish we dramatic drop in temperatures, where vaccination helps Netanyahu and his favourite Arab posed and was re-elected for a fourth could all pack our lives and leave this prevent complications from influenza, especially among Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) term; by its end, he will be the country’s calendar for another. I am not alone in population groups with high risk factors. were not too far behind. longest-serving leader in its modern this wish. The Ministry said that the number of people received vac- First and foremost in this year of history. At home, he tightened his grip “Now the New Year reviving old cination this year has increased compared to previous years. living dangerously were the environ- on power, clamping down on the oppo- Desires, The thoughtful Soul to Solitude The awareness level of the people about the importance mental calamities which capitalist greed sition and boosting the police state. retires, Where the White Hand of Moses of vaccination also increased manifold. This is due to the and unbridled abuse of our planet have Abroad, his foreign adventures — on the Bough Puts out, and Jesus from great efforts made by the Ministry and all relevant author- caused. Dire warnings about climate whether the military campaign in Syria, the Ground suspires.” ities in both the government and private sectors to ensure change kept coming at us this past year the poisoning of former Russian spy It was an 11th-century Muslim poet that vaccinations reach the entire population. — including an inferno in Paradise, Cal- Sergei Skripal, or the Russian trolling who wrote that poem. Today we ifornia and a flood of biblical propor- and hacking ventures - have pushed the remember Omar Khayyam mostly tions in Japan. world to think and talk of another cold because of his precious quatrains Scientists have been concerned for war and impose even more painful brought to global attention by his QUOTE OF THE DAY decades that the increasing level of sanctions. kindred soul, the British poet and trans- greenhouse gases is simply untenable, In China, Xi Jinping kept apace eco- lator Edward FitzGerald. But in his own and yet, Trump remains stubbornly nomic expansionism and the cover-up time, Khayyam was best known as a ISIS is mostly thickheaded. His reaction to the of the criminal persecution of the mathematician and astronomer who gone, we’re slowly National Climate Assessment Report Uighur people. Trump, meanwhile, trig- made enduring contributions to sending our troops was dumbfounding: “I don’t believe it,” gered a trade war with China and added algebra, to the mapping of the wan- back home to be he said. Then came the continuing more economic fuel to the global dering stars, and yes, to the calculation deadly conflicts in the Middle East and turmoil his presidency has caused. In of accurate calendars. with their families, Africa. In Yemen, the horrid murderous Brazil, a mass fascist frenzy resulted in There you have it: a poet- while at the same campaign of Prince Mohammed con- the election of a nefarious Mussolini astronomer is what our world most time fighting ISIS tinues under the patronage of his US, wannabe as president. “Fascism has lacks and on this New Year’s Eve I send EU, Arab and Israeli allies.”Some 132 arrived in Brazil,” headlines screamed. your way — as my sincerest best wishes remnants. million people in 42 countries will need “Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency will be for many more New Years to come — assistance next year,” the UN says, with worse than you think.” The Israeli multiple lunisolar calendars. Donald Trump Yemen topping the list, along with Syria, warlord Benjamin Netanyahu, of US President Afghanistan and the Central African course, rushed to embrace his Brazilian The author is the Hagop Kevorkian Pro- Republic. Like climate change, this counterpart. fessor of Iranian Studies and Compar- calamity too is caused by unbridled In Sudan, a population brought to ative Literature at Columbia University. TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 OPINION 09 Looking ahead to year 2019 he main transformative the reorganization of multilateral traditional British ally, thanks to Brexit, daughter of founder of high-tech trends in 2018 that will affect consultations regarding international is released from the obligations that tied giant Huawei, constitutes an next year will concern at least trade, climate issues and regulations it to Brussels. Moreover, at a geostra- example of the escalation of the the following three different on the use of new technologies. This tegic level, the continuing European US-China tensions. The tensions Tglobal and interconnected sectors: will happen for two main reasons. The crisis allows the US to gain time in between the US and China are not Economic & Financial Area; Security; first is due to the growing presence making costly decisions and responsi- just commercial, but strategic. The Dismantling of the Old World Order. and importance of global players of bilities in financial terms in the theatres US and China compete for techno- Economic & Financial Area nations like China, Russia, and India, of North Africa and the Middle East. logical supremacy. This strategic TIBERIO GRAZIANI Regarding the economic and who obviously try to implement their For Russia, the issue is more del- confrontation will affect the entire financial area, it will be necessary to 360 degree spheres of influence, even icate and problematic. A weak global system, impacting the monitor the growing importance of outside the old institutions born in the European Union, according to the worldwide financial system and advanced technologies and their appli- so-called bipolar era, when the des- Kremlin, would be more malleable in determining choices of field cations in the production cycles of the tinies of the world were substantially relation to the Ukrainian issue and the between the various countries of most industrial nations. In the next decided in Moscow and Washington. sanctions regime that has influenced the globe. year, we will face a sort of rationali- The second reason is due to the the Russian economy since 2014. But North Africa, Near and Mideast zation of these production processes putting into practice of the “Trump this could be true, for the short term. In North Africa (particularly in that will profoundly change the evo- Doctrine,” which, over the past two In fact, a European Union weakened Libya), Moscow’s stabilizing lution of the current social equilibrium years, has placed a particularly in the medium and long term would function is destined to grow in within nations and also the relations bilateral strategy on US foreign policy, be at the mercy of the strategic importance. In 2019, we will between states and large financial upsetting the old equilibria. interests of the US, since the EU is the witness a rearrangement of forces organizations. According to some ana- eastern periphery of the US geopo- within the quadrants of the Near lytical studies, a third of US workforce 2019: Key Geopolitical Challenges litical system, built at the end of the and Middle East. Despite the (about 50 million people) could be European Union Second World War. Kashoggi affair, the United States transformed by 2020. Furthermore, A very important transformative A fragmented Europe, unable to will strengthen its ties with Saudi we will witness the explosion of new trend will concern the European have a coherent and unitary policy of Arabia and will target the new markets based on the technological Union. 2018 has been a very critical infrastructural development, does not Israeli government to counter needs of the elderly and the disabled year for the EU, both on the economic realistically have the useful force to Iran’s presence. people. We will also face the increase level, but above all on the political and negotiate - on the basis of equal geo- The geopolitical and strategic of cryptocurrencies. The knowledge social ones. 2019 will be a year in political dignity - with China on the dynamics concerning the area, and management of new technologies which the fate of the “European great project of the New Silk Road. however, will be affect by the - ICT, AI, blockchain. 3D printing Common House” will be decided. As a For this reason, at the moment, a increasing influence of the Russian mainly - will constitute the challenge consequence of the neopopulist weak Europe is convenient for China. Federation, Iran and Turkey in the The impact of the of the next decade between the major waves and the so-called sovereignist For Beijing it is easier and cheaper to course of the next year. advanced technologies world powers and the main ones that marked the social and negotiate with individual EU countries Central and South America on geostrategic investment groups. political life of the Europeans during and, in some cases, even with regional Although the US has regained decisions will increase. Security 2017-2018, most likely, the elections administrations. Moreover, the some positions in South America, The impact of the advanced tech- for the renewal of the European Par- absence of a truly European foreign the Chinese presence and, partially The new technologies nologies on geostrategic decisions will liament will reward the anti- policy allows China to operate in also the Russian one, in the area will contribute to increase. The new technologies will European parties. 2019 will therefore Africa without real competitors, apart will produce effects on the hege- impressing, in 2019, a contribute to impressing, in 2019, a be a very unstable year for the from the US and Russia. monic attempt of the Trump Administration. The issue of decisive turning point decisive turning point in what we can economy and politics of the European Asia define henceforth as a new global Union. The main geopolitical challenges migration is destined to play an in what we can define revolution in military affairs. The mil- Regarding Europe’s role at global in Asia will concern relations between increasing crucial role in Trump’s henceforth as a new itary-industrial-financial complexes level, we have to consider that the the US, Japan, and China. Tokyo, Central American policy. global revolution in of the major world powers will contentious relations between the US although in line with US policies, undergo a complete transformation and China as well as with Russia will could be a point of mediation between The writer is chairman of military affairs. The starting from 2019. impact the European Union in 2019. the different positions of Washington Vision & Global Trends Interna- military-industrial- Dismantling of the Old World For different and divergent and Beijing. tional Institute for Global Analyses financial complexes Order aspects, the US, Russia, and China On the geostrategic level, Wash- www.vision-gt.eu of the major Another important trend that will have an interest in weakening the ington will have to follow up on the affect the global level concerns the European Union. initiatives launched in 2018 with world powers will dismantling of the old world order For the US, with Europe in the grip Pyongyang for a complete normali- undergo a complete based on the criteria of multilater- of a political, economic, and financial zation of relations. It will be a bumpy transformation starting alism. In 2019, we will witness the identity crisis, this situation would allow route, because the conflicting from 2019. weakening of large global organiza- Washington to “manage” the US eco- interests of the US and the People’s tions such as the UN and nomic recovery, especially now that the Republic of China remain in the back- D-RING ROAD ground of the North Korean issue. POST BOX: 3488 Another very controversial issue DOHA - QATAR about the relations between the US [email protected] and China will concern Tibet. In par- ticular, in the first months of 2019 Beijing and Washington will have to EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE find a mediation in reference to the TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 effects of the “Reciprocal Access to FAX: +974 4455 7758 Tibet Act” (signed by President Trump at the end of 2018) that promotes the MANAGING EDITOR access to Tibet of US diplomats, jour- TEL: 4462 7505 nalists and citizens and denies US visas to Chinese officials considered DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR responsible for blocking access to TEL: 4455 7769 Tibet. Another issue that will have con- LOCAL NEWS SECTION siderable geopolitical impacts at TEL: 4455 7743 regional and global levels is related to the Chinese project of the New Silk BUSINESS NEWS SECTION Road. Beijing - in order to achieve its TEL: 4462 7535 objectives - will consolidate its rela- SPORT NEWS SECTION tions with the Islamic Republic of Iran TEL: 4455 7745 and the Russian Federation. US-China trade tensions impact ONLINE SECTION During 2018, the Trump adminis- TEL: 4462 7501 tration has conducted a real trade war [email protected] against China. In the next year this war will be in a certain way perfected. PUBLIC RELATIONS We have already had warnings of TEL: 4455 7613 such kind: the arrest of Meng [email protected] A reveller wearing glasses shaped as year 2019 during the New Year’s Eve party in Quezon City, Philippines. Wanzhou, chief financial officer and ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 FAX: 4455 7870 little more than a tenth today). Most growth displaces coal and natural gas, [email protected] striking of all, the Union of Concerned not nuclear. Scientists - a leading watchdog for In principle, a carbon tax is the CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT A warming world nuclear safety for decades - is now best way to keep nuclear power com- TEL: 4455 7857 pushing to prevent existing plants petitive. As the voters of Washington [email protected] closing before their time. Nuclear state have again demonstrated, needs nuclear power accounts for almost 60 percent of however, taxes on fuel remain pro- SUBSCRIPTION & emissions-free power in the US, and hibitively unpopular. (French Pres- DISTRIBUTION when plants shut down, utilities mostly ident Emmanuel Macron has just TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 turn to fossil fuels to fill the void. More made the same discovery.) None- FAX: 44557819 than one-third of the country’s plants, theless, states can reward nuclear [email protected] BLOOMBERG representing 22 percent of total power’s climate advantage in other nuclear capacity, are either scheduled ways - by giving zero-emissions n light of the recent stark warning to close or at risk of closure within the credits for nuclear power, as Illinois, from the United Nations that the next five to 10 years, says a new UCS New York and New Jersey have done, All thoughts and views world is on course to reach the study. This could lead to a 4-6 percent or by revising their energy portfolio expressed in these columns limit of tolerable warming in a increase in carbon emissions from the standards to stop utilities’ switching Iscant 21 years, nuclear power is power sector by 2035. from nuclear to fossil fuels. are those of the writers, getting some overdue attention and Nuclear power is expensive, and If enough states take such not of the newspaper. enthusiasm. it’s under pressure from market forces measures, old plants could be kept The UN Intergovernmental Panel - notably, the falling price of solar and running until the next generation of All correspondence on Climate Change is coming around wind power. Then why not simply let nuclear plants is ready. Building these to the view that nuclear power has a it lose market share to those safe, might also require subsidy - for regarding Views and crucial role in climate protection. The clean fuels? Because wind and solar example, in the form of investment tax Opinion pages should be Nature Conservancy, long silent on can’t immediately fill the gap. They credits. These and other options need send to editor-in-chief nuclear, is calling for capacity to be still account for less than 8 percent of to be on the table as the world wakes office or mailed to the expanded - enough to provide a third energy produced in the US (nuclear is up to the role nuclear power must play of the world’s energy by 2050 (from a 20 percent). It’s crucial that their in avoiding a climate catastrophe. [email protected] 10 ASIA TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 Bangla PM rejects complaints of rigging after landslide win

REUTERS Awami League DHAKA winning 287 of the 298 seats for which Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (pictured) results had been yesterday rejected opposition declared, the Election complaints of vote rigging and Commission said. said people had gone to the polls But the opposition enthusiastically in a largely peacefully general election that rejected the result and her ruling alliance swept with a called for a fresh vote, landslide. opposition alleged the gov- complaining of what it Hasina won a third straight ernment denied it a level playing said was widespread term in Sunday’s election, with field. alliance led by her Awami The Election Commission rigging. League winning 287 of the 298 said earlier it was investigating seats for which results had been allegations of vote rigging from which had boycotted the last declared, the Election Com- “across the country”, and Hasina general election in 2014 saying it mission said. told reporters the commission would not be fair, won just six seats A flower shop displays replicas of a boat made of flowers, the voting symbol of Bangladesh Awami But the opposition rejected had every right to do so. in the 300-seat assembly this time. League, to sell after the general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday. the result and called for a fresh Hasina’s win follows a BNP leader Khaleda Zia - vote, complaining of what it said decade in power in which she Hasina’s arch rival and a former the opposition had not cam- tasks, party leaders have said. the past but I must say that it is was widespread rigging. has been credited with prime minister - was jailed in paigned more actively. Opposition leader Kamal unprecedented how bad this par- Hasina dismissed complaints improving the economy and pro- February on corruption charges The rivalry between the two Hossain earlier said their ticular election was,” 82-year- of cheating and the chief election moting development, while she says were politically moti- women — both related to former alliance, the National Unity old Hossain told Reuters late on commissioner rejected the oppo- being accused of rights abuses, vated. This was the first election leaders — has largely defined Front, led by the BNP, had called Sunday. sition demand for a re-run of the a crackdown on media and sup- in which the BNP campaigned Bangladeshi politics for decades. on the Election Commission to Candidates reported wit- vote. He said voting had been pressing dissent. without her. Raising minimum wages for order a fresh vote under a nessing ballot-stuffing and vote- held in a peaceful manner. The government rejects Hasina told reporters the workers in Bangladesh’s robust neutral administration “as soon rigging by ruling party activists, At least 17 people were killed those accusations. opposition had done badly in the garments industry, the world’s as possible”, saying the vote was who also barred opposition during the vote, police said, after The main opposition Bang- election as it lacked leadership. second-biggest after China’s, flawed. polling agents from voting a violent campaign in which the ladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), She also said she was surprised could be one of Hasina’s first “We’ve had bad elections in centres, Hossain said.

Indian troops shoot woman to death, Pakistan’s Senate chairman may face no-trust motion hurt 9 in Kashmir, INTERNEWS government in Sindh through Chaudhry, said the PML-N will appeared in the JIT report in the charges are not formalised against says Pakistan ISLAMABAD backdoor channel. support the PPP over the issue money laundering and fake bank anyone of them. The PPP Chairman, Bilawal under a democratic procedure. accounts case,” he said. He said resignation should The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Bhutto Zardari’s, spokesman He said the party leadership will “Everyone knows what Asif be tendered when charges AP (PTI) and Pakistan People’s Party Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar while take a final decision on this issue. Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif did. against a public office holder MUZAFFARABAD (PPP) have come face to face speaking in Geo News programme Fawad Chaudhry said the The PPP and PML-N should were formalised. Khokhar said after submission of the Joint ‘Jirga’ said that the PPP has decided PTI wanted to bring the Senate support a fair investigation,” they also wanted a transparent Indian troops fired at Paki- Investigation Team (JIT) report in principle to bring a no-confi- chairman from Balochistan or Fawad said. trial of their leader, but the NAB stani forces across the two in the Supreme Court, inclusion dence motion against the Senate tribal districts. He said the PTI He said it was difficult to was under the PTI government countries’ line of control in of names of 172 people, including Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani. MPAs who violated the party dis- expect moral ground from the and its minister was acting like the disputed Himalayan top PPP leaders, in the Exit He said allegations of horse- cipline in the Senate polls were PPP, therefore, the PTI was its spokesman. region of Kashmir yesterday, Control List by the federal trading were made against the expelled from the party. trying to put pressure on the PPP leader Syed Khursheed killing a woman and cabinet and the demand of the PPP in the Senate elections, and Fawad Chaudhry dismissed chief minister to step down as Shah said the arrest of the PPP wounding nine civilians, PTI Sindh leadership from Chief now the PPP had decided to the rumours of arrest of Bilawal, he was facing criminal charges. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Pakistani officials and the Minister Murad Ali Shah to step remove that stain. He said the governor’s rule in Sindh and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said would be a dangerous game, one military said. down. PPP only needs the support of abolition of the 18th Amendment. if such a principle was followed, that would create ripples in the Among the wounded The PTI maintains that the PML-N to remove Sadiq Sanjrani He said the PPP should remove then Prime Minister Imran Khan, country. were two women and three era of Asif Ali Zardari has gone as the Senate Chairman. Murad Ali Shah and name KP Chief Minister Mehmood Khan, Speaking to the media in children. and his party men are deserting PML-N leader Musadiq anyone else as Sindh chief former CM Pervaiz Khattak, Aleem Islamabad, Khursheed Shah said The military said Pakistan him, while the PPP leadership Malik, who was also a guest in minister. Khan and Zulfi Bukhari should Prime Minister Imran Khan is troops “responded effec- says the Tonga party has no guts the programme along with Infor- “We want the change of CM also be put on the ECL as they are creating uncertainty and a crisis tively” and targeted Indian to dislodge Murad Ali Shah’s mation Minister Fawad Murad Ali Shah as his name has facing the NAB cases. Fawad said situation in the country posts from where the civilians were attacked. It also released photographs of bloodied and wounded children being treated at a local hospital. Can topple PTI govt Raja Shahid, a deputy com- missioner in Pakistan’s part of Kashmir, blamed India for ini- tiating the fire and described it in a week if Zardari as a cease-fire violation. The two sides exchanged gunfire for several hours, he said later yesterday. allows, says Bilawal However, the Indian mil- itary denied the incident, INTERNEWS lawmaker Khurrum Sher instead alleging that its troops KARACHI, Zaman submitted an early on Sunday foiled an attack adjournment motion in the by intruders from Pakistani- Pakistan Peoples’ Party Sindh assembly, calling for a controlled Kashmir who were Chairman Bilawal Bhutto discussion on the findings of a “assisted by heavy cover fire” Zardari said yesterday that his Joint Investigation Team report from Pakistani military posts. party can topple the Pakistan in the money laundering and Earlier, Bilal Akbar, a local Tehreek-e-Insaf government fake accounts case in the next doctor, told reporters that the within a week time if former session. windows of the town’s main president Asif Ali Zardari gives The adjournment motion hospital were damaged from it a go-ahead. presented in the assembly Monday’s Indian gunfire. Speaking to the press after stated that Sindh Chief Minister Pakistani authorities said res- Capturing the last sunset of 2018 expressing his condolence to Murad Ali Shah has misused his idents in the border town of the family of Late Syed Ali Raza power by offering his assistance Aathmuqam were fleeing to People take selfies during the last sunset of 2018 in Karachi, Pakistan, yesterday. Abidi, Bilawal said that it in serious criminal activities. safer places. appears along with governance The chief minister inten- the PTI doesn’t even know tionally provided unlawful ben- simple math. efits to the Omni Group at the “I have got 99 seats in expense of the people of Sindh, Sindh. They need 49 members the motion added. Pace of reform won’t ‘stagnate’, says China’s Xi to topple the Sindh gov- “Our prime demand is to ernment,” he remarked. replace Murad Ali Shah,” he The PPP leader called the said. REUTERS a trade war with the United “As we open our eyes to look despite various risks and chal- recently submitted Joint Inves- The PTI leader alleged that BEIJING States weighs. at the world, we are faced with lenges, it sped up the fostering tigative Report, ‘a pack of lies the Sindh chief minister even In a speech carried by all huge changes, changes not seen of new growth drivers to replace and fabrication’. gave temples’ estate to his aides The pace of reform in China will major state media, Xi said that in in 100 years,” he added, without old ones. “The nexus between gov- as a gift. not stagnate and it will open its 2018 China had pushed more than elaborating. China’s factory activity con- ernment and the JIT has been “The province was given to door wider still to the outside 100 important reform measures. “No matter how the interna- tracted for the first time in over exposed now. We will challenge the chief minister as a respon- world, President Xi Jinping said “The world has seen a China tional situation changes, China’s two years in December, as it the JIT report before the court sibility, he turned out to be a yesterday in his New Year whose reforms and opening up confidence and determination seeks to end its bruising trade of law,” he said. “We will foil facilitator for the Omni Group,” message, as he also warned of have gathered speed...,” Xi said. to safeguard national sover- war with Washington and every conspiracy.” he said. challenges ahead. “Our pace of reforms will not eignty and security will not reduce the risk of a sharper eco- The PPP leader said that Zaman said that he would Xi has repeatedly pledged his stagnate, and the door to change. China’s sincerity and nomic slowdown in 2019. those who want the mass issues want to see the next chief min- support for reform this year, as opening up will widen further.” goodwill for maintaining world China says it is still on track to not be resolved desires to see ister from the original PPP China marks 40 years since Xi made no specific mention peace and promoting common to hit its growth target of around Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah rather than from Zardari’s one, landmark changes to its eco- of the trade war with the United development will not change.” 6.5 percent in 2018, down from replaced. “The people of Sindh adding that the JIT report on nomic model, amid mounting States, noting that 2019 would Looking back at 2018, Xi said 6.9 percent in 2017, but the won’t let the chief minster Uzair Baloch and Nasir Morai pressure to improve market bring “opportunities and that China’s economy stayed economy is expected to lose changed,” he said. should be public in the coming access for foreign companies as challenges”. within a “reasonable range”, as further momentum in 2019. Meanwhile, PTI’s provincial days. TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 ASIA 11 Mahathir renews promise to only serve as interim PM QNA The calls for Dr minister until the 15th General this could not be done solely with KUALA LUMPUR Mahathir to continue Election were made by the del- the support of Malay voters. egates attending the party’s On May 10, Mahathir Malaysian Prime Minister serving as prime three-day annual general Mohamad was sworn in as Mahathir Mohamad reiterated minister until the 15th assembly. Malaysia’s next leader following that he will abide by his promise General Election were Asked on his assessment of his stunning election victory over to only serve as an interim prime made by the delegates the government that he currently the ruling coalition that had gov- minister, despite the calls for him led, Dr Mahathir said it was very erned the Southeast Asian nation to continue to hold the post until attending the party’s stable. “As far as I can see, we are for six decades. the next general election. three-day annual very stable. The investors are Malaysian news agency general assembly. very happy with our per- quoted Mahathir as saying at the formance, similarly with our Malaysia’s Prime Minister and conclusion of the general assurances for both the domestic Chairman of Pribumi Bersatu assembly of the People’s Unity and foreign investors,” he said. Malaysia Party (Bersatu), Mahathir Party, that some people viewed Dr Mahathir said people were Dr Mahathir explained that Mohamad (right), gives a speech that the two-year period to serve entitled to their own opinions.” the opposition’s goal before the during the last day of Pribumi as prime minister was too short The calls for Dr Mahathir to 14th General Election was to Bersatu Malaysia Party general to govern the country. “To this, continue serving as prime bring down Najib Razak, and that assembly in Putrajaya. 2 dead, nearly 30 wounded Philippine Kim sent message storm at blast in Philippine mall death toll to Trump on AP COTABATO rises to 68 N-talks: Report Suspected militants remotely AFP detonated a bomb near the MANILA entrance of a mall in the southern REUTERS Singapore in June, Kim vowed Philippines yesterday as people The death toll from a storm SEOUL to work towards did last-minute shopping ahead that struck the Philippines denuclearisation. of New Year’s Eve celebrations, shortly after Christmas rose North Korean leader Kim Jong However, both sides have killing at least two and wounding to 68 with the number of Un has sent a “conciliatory struggled to make progress on nearly 30. fatalities expected to climb message” to US President this matter. They are also yet to The bomb went off near a even higher, civil defence Donald Trump amid stalled reschedule a meeting between baggage counter at the entrance officials said Monday. nuclear negotiations, South US Secretary of State Mike of the South Seas mall in Cotabato Fifty-seven people died Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper Pompeo and senior North city, wounding shoppers, vendors in the mountainous Bicol reported yesterday. Korean official Kim Yong Chol and commuters. Authorities region, southeast of Manila, Kim’s “letter-like” message after an abrupt cancellation in recovered another unexploded while 11 were killed in the to Trump was delivered on November. bomb nearby as government central island of Samar, Friday through an unspecified Pyongyang’s state media forces imposed a security mostly due to landslides and channel, the newspaper has credited Trump for his will- lockdown in the city, military and drownings, the officials said. reported, citing an unnamed ingness to continue dialogue police officials said. “I am afraid this (death diplomatic source. but has also slammed the US Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana toll) will still go up because The report did not include State Department for tightening said by phone that an initial inves- there are a lot of areas we still details about the message but sanctions. tigation showed the design of the have to clear,” said Claudio said it related to US-North The stalled negotiations bomb was similar to those used Yucot, Bicol civil defence Korea talks, and was concili- have had an impact on inter- in the past by local militants who director. atory in tone. Korean relations, with Kim People gather after an explosion outside a mall in Cotabato City, have pledged allegiance to the The weather disturbance On Sunday, the office of failing to visit Seoul this year as Philippines, yesterday. Islamic State group. Government locally named “Usman” hit South Korea’s President Moon agreed to at an inter-Korean forces launched an offensive the country on Saturday. Jae-in said Kim had sent a letter summit in Pyongyang in against the militants belonging to bombing and called on residents sparking five months of intense While it did not have pow- to his counterpart in Seoul September. a group called Daulah Islamiyah to help fight terrorism. “I cannot fighting and military airstrikes erful winds it brought heavy saying he wants to hold more The Chosun Ilbo report said last week and at least seven of the fathom how such evil exists in this that left more than 1,100 mostly rains that caused floods and inter-Korean summits next year Kim wrote in the letter to Moon militants died in the fighting, time of merry making,” she said. militants dead and displaced hun- loosened the soil, triggering to achieve denuclearisation of that he would come to the Sobejana said. “This is a part of “It is unimaginable how some dreds of thousands of villagers. landslides in some areas. the peninsula. South “in the near future” after the retaliation, but the problem is people can start the new year President Rodrigo Duterte Many people failed to take Neither the US State giving a New Year address they’re victimising innocent with an act of cruelty but no placed the southern third of the necessary precautions Department nor the US today. civilians,” he told reporters. matter how you threaten us, the country under martial law to deal because Usman was not Embassy in Seoul had an imme- Kim’s New Year address Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr., the people of Cotabato are resilient,” with the Marawi siege, the worst strong enough to be rated as diate comment about the report provides a rare public deputy police director of she told reporters. security crisis he has faced since a typhoon under the govern- of Kim’s message to Trump appearance for the young Cotabato, said witnesses saw a The bombing, the latest in a taking office in mid-2016. ment’s storm alert system, when contacted. leader and is closely watched man leave a box in a crowded number of attacks blamed on mil- The militants are opposed to Yucot said. “People were over- Moon’s office could not by neighbouring countries as it area near the mall’s entrance itants in the volatile region, a Muslim autonomy deal signed confident because they were confirm the Chosun Ilbo report. is seen setting the tone for his where vendors and shoppers occurred despite on-and-off mil- by the biggest Muslim rebel group on (Christmas) vacation mode “There is a dialogue channel domestic and foreign policies. were milling. The explosion shat- itary assaults against pockets of and the government. There are and there was no tropical between North Korea and the According to Moon’s tered glass panels and scattered militant groups operating in the concerns that radical groups may cyclone warning,” he said. United States through which spokesman, Kim said in the debris to the street fronting the marshlands and hinterlands not carry out bombings and other Although Usman has they exchange active commu- letter to the South Korean pres- mall. Two of the roughly 30 far from Cotabato and outlying attacks to derail a January 21 since moved westward away nication, but I cannot know ident that he was sorry his pre- people hit by the blast died while provinces. regional plebiscite aimed at from the country, many whether it took the form of viously planned trip to Seoul being brought to a hospital, Hundreds of militants aligned obtaining public approval of a affected areas were still expe- letter or something else,” did not take place, expressing Sobejana said. with the Islamic State group laid new law establishing a more riencing seasonal rains, ham- Moon’s spokesman told a news his “strong resolve” to make it Cotabato Mayor Cynthia siege in the southern Islamic city powerful Muslim autonomous pering rescue and recovery briefing yesterday. happen while monitoring the Guiani-Sayadi condemned the of Marawi in May last year, region in the south. efforts, he added. At a summit with Trump in situation. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019

Brexit: British Russia arrests suspected US spy demand for Irish passport AFP Russian Maria Butina of acting that police think was used to MOSCOW as an illegal foreign agent. carry out the attack. rises by 22% Butina faces up to six months Relations between Russia REUTERS Russia said yesterday its security The FSB said in a statement that: A criminal in prison, followed by likely and the West have hit a new low services had detained a US deportation. following the incidents, with the DUBLIN citizen in Moscow accused of case had been opened, under Article 276 of Prosecutors said she United States and Europe hitting spying, the latest in a series of the Russian Criminal Code, which allows for launched a plan in March 2015 Moscow with waves of sanctions The number of British citizens espionage cases between Russia sentences of up to 20 years in prison. to develop ties with the Repub- over the spy scandals and the applying for Irish passports and the West. lican Party with the aim of influ- conflict in Ukraine. rose by 22 percent in 2018, The FSB domestic security encing US foreign policy. In his annual press con- Ireland’s foreign office said service said the American was The statement identified the and after President Vladimir Russian military intelligence ference this month, Putin said yesterday, more than arrested on Friday “while car- American in Russian, using a Putin accused Western nations agents were also accused in the Western pressure was aimed doubling the total of annual rying out an act of espionage”. name that appeared to translate of using espionage cases to try poisoning earlier this year of at restraining a resurgent applications since Britain A criminal case had been as Paul Whelan. undermine an increasingly pow- former double agent Sergei Russia. voted to leave the European opened, the FSB said in a No other details were imme- erful Russia. Skripal and his daughter in “There is only one aim: to Union. statement, under Article 276 of diately available. US intelligence services have Salisbury, England. hold back Russia’s development Almost 100,000 eligible the Russian Criminal Code, The arrest came with accused Moscow of interfering The Skripals survived but a as a possible competitor,” he Britons sought to hang onto which allows for sentences of up Moscow embroiled in a number in the 2016 presidential election local woman died after picking said. “This is connected with the their EU citizenship via a to 20 years in prison. of spy scandals with the West and earlier this month convicted up a discarded perfume bottle growth of Russia’s power.” passport from their nearest neighbour this year, up from 81,000 last year and 46,000 in the year 2015, the year before the Brexit vote led to Apartment block a sharp rise in applications. Anybody born in the Irish Republic or Northern Ireland, blast in Russia or with an Irish parent or grandparent, is entitled to an Irish passport — a total of leaves four dead about 6 million British citizens. REUTERS the fate of 35 is unknown,” They are able to hold dual MOSCOW Russian news agencies quoted citizenship. the emergencies ministry as Registrations for Irish Rescuers scrambled amid saying. passports in Northern Ireland, freezing temperatures to recover “President Vladimir Putin whose citizens can hold both people trapped in the rubble of flew into Magnitogorsk yes- an Irish and British passport a Russian city apartment block terday afternoon,” the Kremlin as the province is part of the that collapsed in a gas explosion said, as rescue workers toiled in United Kingdom, rose by 2 yesterday killing at least four temperatures of — 22 Celsius (- percent in the year to the end people and leaving dozens 7.6 Fahrenheit) to locate people of December. missing, news agencies reported. trapped in the debris. With three months left The blast, thought to have Health Minister Veronika until the UK is due to leave been caused by a gas leak, Skvortsova told state television the EU on March 29, the draft damaged 48 apartments in a that the chances of finding sur- divorce deal reached between nine-storey building in Magni- vivors were diminishing as the Emergency officers gather after a gas explosion rocked a residential building in Urals City of both sides is floundering togorsk, an industrial city in the day wore on. Magnitogorsk, in Russia, yesterday. ahead of a planned vote in the Urals some 1,700km east of RIA news agency reported British parliament next Moscow, the emergencies min- that the blast tore through the was a public holiday in Russia. infrastructure and poor safety were killed when a gas explosion month, opening up a range of istry said. building at around 0600am There have been several regulations surrounding gas damaged an apartment building possibilities from a Brexit “Four people have been (0100 GMT) when many resi- similar incidents in Russia in usage. in the southern Russian city of without a trade deal to calling killed, five are in hospital ... and dents were asleep. Yesterday recent years due to ageing In 2015, at least five people Volgograd. it off entirely.

Mass arrest in UK over suspected UK, France step up efforts to curb illegal migrant crossings ANATOLIA an action plan this week to Meanwhile, opposition’s their deal,” Abbott said. Defence Secretary Gavin Wil- murder attempt LONDON increase patrols and intelligence Labour Party has accused the “It’s the (Nigel) Farage tech- liamson said British navy vessels sharing to end what they Conservatives of whipping up nique — ‘hordes’ of people trying could be deployed in the AP Britain’s home secretary and described as “illegal human concerns about the immigration to enter the country. You frighten Channel. LONDON French interior minister have smuggling”. issue in wake of the upcoming people about that.” “We have not had any agreed to step up efforts to end Javid, who cut short a family vote on the EU withdrawal During the campaigning requests as yet, but if the Home British police said 39 people illegal migrant crossings into the holiday in South Africa over the agreement in the House of period before the 2016 EU mem- Office is in need of armed forces were arrested yesterday on UK from the French coast. migrants reaching the UK coasts, Commons. bership referendum, the Leave support then our navy, air force suspicion of attempted The agreement came shortly is expected to chair a meeting Labour’s shadow home sec- campaign — spearheaded by and army stand ready to assist,” murder following a stabbing after six Iranian men were found with senior officials from the retary, Diane Abbott, accused the then UK Independence Party Williamson said, echoing US in west London. on a beach near Deal in Kent on Border Force, the National Crime government of exploiting the (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage — President Donald Trump who Police said the unusual Sunday as the number of those Agency and other authorities. issue. used big posters of immigrants recently ordered US troops to use mass arrest was necessary who made the dangerous English Many of the migrants trying “There’s no question that and anti-migration slogans. force to stop migration from because the suspects refused Channel crossing reached almost to reach the British soil are with Brexit, and also with the The Leave campaign had Mexico. to cooperate with police fol- 100 since Christmas day, putting thought to be from Iran and approach of the meaningful vote also claimed that millions of “We have a duty to reach out lowing the stabbing. immigrants under the spotlight Syria. in January, people are being Turkish people would migrate the hand of humanity, support London police said they once again and causing a Since November, more than whipped up about migration to the UK if the country carried and friendship to people who are were summoned to an national emergency in the UK. 220 people have attempted to issues, because the government on as a member of the EU. in danger and seeking a place of address in the Hammersmith Sajid Javid and Christophe cross the Channel in small boats, thinks this is the best way of Also speaking on the safety,” Labour leader Jeremy neighbourhood of west Castaner will reportedly launch according to a BBC report. frightening people to vote for weekend to the local press, Corbyn said on Twitter. London shortly before 1am yesterday and found a man in his mid-30s suffering from stab wounds. The force said “the victim Venice to charge all had been chased by a number of male and female suspects following an altercation in a shop.” tourists entering city The suspects then entered a nearby residence where a AFP drive complaints that the city party was taking place, police ROME is being swamped by the mil- said. lions of tourists who visit each Visitors to Venice will have to year. Airlines and coach com- pay a new tax to help cover the panies may also pass on the Campaign for costs of keeping the tourist- new tax in their charges. thronged historic city clean and City officials estimate that presidential poll safe, city officials have the tax could bring in $55m a in Ukraine begins announced. year. The measure, passed late on “The cost of cleaning the AP Saturday as part of the budget historic centre and its security KIEV bill, allows the city authorities are particular and for years from July to being charging have been covered by Vene- A 90-day political campaign tourists a landing fee of tians,” the centre-right mayor period has opened in Ukraine, between $2.9 to $11.5 depending of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, told where the incumbent presi- on the season. daily La Repubblica. dent’s future is uncertain. The charge covers all vis- “Thank you to all those who President Petro Poro- itors, whether they are staying from now on will help us keep shenko hasn’t yet announced overnight or not. Venice clean and allow Venetians whether he plans to run in a That means it will apply to to live more comfortably.” March 31 election, although day-trippers such as the thou- On Twitter, Brugnaro added he is expected to seek re- sands of cruise ship passengers that the authorities were election. Yesterday marked Unrest in Spain who currently escape the looking at measures to ensure the official start of existing tax charged by hotels visitors working or studying in Protesters holding a banner that reads: “It’s time, the prisoners in the street” during a demonstration campaigning. and the owners of rented prop- the city were not affected. demanding the release of prisoners affiliated to the Basque separatist group ETA in Basauri, northern A poll of 2,017 eligible erties for those staying A similar landing tax is voters published last week Spain, yesterday. There are currently 264 ETA-affiliated prisoners in Spain and France. overnight. already in place on the Aeolian put Poroshenko’s approval Some 600 cruise ships stop isles off Sicily, and Lampedusa, rating at just over 14 percent. at Venice every year, helping Italy’s southernmost island. TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 EUROPE 13 Oasis of higher education and tourism

FAZEENA SALEEM THE PENINSULA

TRNC has become a Despite its political status, the Turkish Republic of Northern preferred destination Cyprus (TRNC) has become a for many from Middle preferred destination for tourists East, East Europe and and students seeking higher North Africa seeking education. The Mediterranean climate, higher education in rich cultural heritage and natural various universities in beauty attracts many to TRNC. It the island. offers all its richness and beauty to the visitors and students. Dr Tayseer Al Shanableh, TRNC is home to 19 univer- than 120 different disciplines. Representative of the TRNC in sities with a student population These programmes are taught by Doha. of 105,000 from around the highly qualified academic staff PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE world. In this country, higher of 70 nationalities. PENINSULA education constitutes 20 percent While, eight universities from of the economy and as such, the North Cyprus participated in the November. While, 50 years have island state has earned the name recently held University Expo passed since the ‘Cyprus Talks’ ‘oasis of higher education.’ Qatar 2018, the university rep- started to bring normalcy in the TRNC has become a pre- resentatives said that expatriate island. ferred destination for many from students and their parents have “50 years have passed but Middle East, East Europe and showed a greater interest in unfortunately we couldn’t find a North Africa seeking higher edu- joining the institutions. Until solution yet. Are we going to A file photo of a tourist attraction in TRNC. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA cation in various universities in now, alumni of TRNC universities succeed now on? Of course many the island. exceeds 150,000. are in doubt, “ said Mustafa The economy of Northern new Ercan will be almost 10 accommodation offered in North The Peninsula recently “North Cyprus is a small Akıncı, President of TRNC while Cyprus is dominated by the times bigger, 185,000 sq metre. Cyprus ranging from 5 star visited North Cyprus during the country, unfortunately we live talking to media persons in North services sector which includes The airport’s capacity last hotels, hotel-bungalows, hotel- 35th anniversary of the founding under embargo due to the Nicosia. the public sector, trade, tourism year was 4 million travellers and apartments, camping and self of the TRNC and had the oppor- political conflict. But life cannot “Unfortunately, there are and education. with the new project they will be catering apartments etc. tunity to visit some universities stop. So we started investing in certain understandings Tourism is considered as able to serve 10 million Esenyel also said that the and tourists spots as well. The various sectors and higher edu- remaining among the Greek Cyp- one of the driving sectors of the passengers. number of hostels and beds will university campuses are truly cation is one field in which we riots which are preventing to Turkish Cypriot economy. “The new airport will be be increased soon. Since 2004, unique. have succeeded. One fourth of share power and wealth,” he North Cyprus has traditionally ready by end of 2019 and could it has become much easier to “North Cyprus Universities our country’s population is com- added. been an attraction for beach receive 25 flights at a time. With cross the border between North are internationally recognised prised of university students. Referring to the 2018 Cyprus holidays, partly thanks to its the new airport expansion, we Cyprus and the south. The locals and accepted worldwide. Those According to the United Nations, Gas Dispute which begun in Feb- reputation as an unspoiled area. expect the number of tourists to cross the border daily to shop, are known for quality education North Cyprus is one of the safest ruary, Akinci said, “We would Its mild climate, rich history increase up to 7 million,” said do business or just visit other half at international standards. We countries, ” said Dr Tayseer Al very much wish to see corpo- and nature are seen as sources Undersecretary of the TRNC of Nicosia. offer internationally recognized Shanableh, Representative of the ration rather than tension. What of attraction. Ministry of Tourism and Envi- TRNC has a population of undergraduate and graduate TRNC in Doha. is happening now is creating A significant sector of eco- ronment İsmet Esenyel. 300,000 and it welcomes foreign programmes,” said university Higher Education Planning tension which is not good. We tourism has been developed in The airport architecture is investment in sectors such as representatives. Evaluation Accreditation and need stability, peace and pros- North Cyprus, as tourists visit it nature-friendly; it has two tourism and real estate. TRNC All North Cyprus universities Coordination Council (YÖDAK) perity for everyone in this for bird watching, cycling, runways suitable for all types has 27 representative offices are also accredited by Higher of Northern Cyprus is a member region.” walking and observing flowers and size of aircraft. It will have around the world. Those include Education Board in Turkey and of International Network for While speaking at a separate in the wild. an 18-plane parking space, eight nine in the Europe, two in the US they are not treated any different Quality Assurance Agencies in press conference Kudret TRNC is keenly looking boarding bridges and it will be a and five in the Gulf region. The than universities in Turkey and Higher Education (INQAAHE). Ozersay, the deputy prime min- forward to attract more tourists high-tech airport. With 60 representative office in Doha their programmes. Journalists from several ister and minister of foreign into the country and for that they check-in counters, passengers opened in 2008. They provide a vast variety countries were invited for the affairs of TRNC insisted on a are set to expand the airport will be free from suffering long TRNC is an observer member of internationally recognised and 35th anniversary of the estab- federal model of solution with facilities. The present Ercan queues. of the Organisation of Islamic accredited programmes in more lishment of the TRNC, in shared powers and wealth. Airport is 20,000 sq metre, the There is a wide range of Cooperation since 2004. Angela Merkel urges Bosnian-Serb police ban anti-govt rallies divided Germans to BLOOMBERG calling for Bosnian-Serb leader authorities “to resolve the order. Protesters also gathered SARAJEVO Milorad Dodik’s interior minister Dragicevic case,” he said. on Sunday in Sarajevo, Bosnia- to resign, with thousands of Banja Luka is the adminis- Herzegovina’s capital. pull together in 2019 Police in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s people again taking to the streets trative centre of the Republika “The response reveals the second-largest city banned on Sunday. Srpska, the de-facto capital of nervousness of the regime,” said Resentment at that protests and issued an arrest Mayor Igor Radojicic the Serb part of Bosnia-Herze- Florian Bieber, a professor at the decision helped feed the rise warrant for a man whose search announced the city would cancel govina, which also includes the University of Graz in Austria and of the anti-immigration for answers about his son’s death New Year’s celebrations and Bosnian-Croat Federation. director of the Centre for Alternative for Germany has triggered a wave of anti- called for the case to be solved. Dodik, whose party controls Southeast European Studies. (AfD), which surged into the government street demonstra- Shortly after the decision, police the Republika Srpska’s gov- “The protests reflect the deep Bundestag for the first time tions. issued arrest warrants for ernment, accused his political distrust in government.” at last year’s federal election, Protests have grown this Dragicevic and four other people opponents of abusing the While the former Yugoslav fracturing the country’s month in Banja Luka over for unspecified criminal acts, the “Justice for David” rallies and republic remains divided along political landscape. authorities’ failure to solve the N1 broadcaster reported. said he supported banning pro- ethnic lines, its entities have Merkel has given up the case of 21-year-old David “There will be no concerts tests so life in the city can return struggled to recover from the leadership of her party, the Dragicevic, whose body was tonight,” Radojicic told media to normal, the ATV broadcaster violent 1990s breakup of the Christian Democratic Union found on a river bank in March. yesterday. “For the first time reported. Police issued separate former federation. Political ten- (CDU), but wants to remain His father, Davor, who has dis- since the war, Banja Luka will statements, including the one sions between them are pre- chancellor for the remainder puted an official finding that his be silent on New Year’s Eve.” The banning future protests, citing venting the full functioning of of the current legislative son killed himself, has led rallies decision is a message to violations of public law and the country. period through to 2021 — a goal she referenced again in her New Year’s speech. REUTERS A poll on Sunday showed a Spain arrests BERLIN majority of those surveyed Ex-aide claims to be in touch with Macron Germans who expressed an Acknowledging that her opinion supported her staying REUTERS 42 people in government disappointed many on as chancellor for the full PARIS Germans in 2018, Chancellor term. drug raids Angela Merkel (pictured) Merkel stressed what she Emmanuel Macron’s former AP sought to pull the country called Germany’s values of security adviser said yesterday MADRID together for 2019 with a call for “openness, tolerance, respect” he regularly spoke to the French solidarity and cooperation to and said the country would president, contradicting the Spanish police said they have overcome deep political divi- work towards “global solutions” presidency that has tried to seized 3.25 metric tonnes of sions. when it starts a two-year stint distance itself from him since he hashish in two operations In her New Year speech, as a non-permanent member was sacked for violent conduct against drug trafficking across Merkel said she recognised that of the UN Security Council from that fuelled a political scandal. the Strait of Gibraltar. many Germans “bemoaned” the today. Alexandre Benalla, origi- The Guardia Civil said in a ruling coalition that took office Merkel has sought to defend nally Macron’s bodyguard statement that police made 42 in March, an alliance of her the Western order on which before taking the adviser’s role, arrests and broke up what they conservative bloc and the Germany depends and which told the investigative journalism believed to be one of most centre-left Social Democrats US President Donald Trump has website Mediapart that he has important drug smuggling (SPD), which has been blighted destabilised by pulling out of had conversations with the gangs operating between by infighting. international agreements on president and other top officials A file photo of Former Elysee senior security officer, Alexandre Spain and North Africa. But she added: “We will climate change and Iran’s on the messaging app Telegram Benalla stands next to French President Emmanuel Macron during Five boats and five only master the challenges of nuclear programme, and with since he was evicted from the a visit to the Paris International Agricultural Show. vehicles used by the alleged our times if we stick together tariffs. Elysee Palace in July. gang were seized. and collaborate with others She said she was committed “It will be hard for them to The original Benalla scandal Benalla, who was fired after The arrests were made in across borders.” to making the European Union deny, since all these exchanges became a major headache for a video emerged of his beating Cadiz and Malaga, on Spain’s Germany is still feeling the more robust and capable of are on my mobile telephone,” Macron just over a year into his of a May Day protester, is back southern coast, and in Spain’s impact of Merkel’s 2015 taking decisions. Benalla said in an interview. tenure, after the president, in the spotlight for consultancy North African enclave of decision to leave open the “And with Britain, we want Officials had said there were whose popularity ratings have work in African countries and Ceuta, east of Tangier. country’s borders to more than to maintain a close partnership no contacts between the former since slipped, was criticised for his acknowledgment that he had The statement gave no 1 million refugees, mainly despite the withdrawal from the bodyguard and the presidency acting too slowly in dealing with continued to use diplomatic details about the nationalities fleeing war in the Middle East. European Union,” she added. since his sacking. a member of his inner circle. passports. of those arrested. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 US Democrats unveil plan to reopen govt

REUTERS could be seen to hold those WASHINGTON agencies and their roughly 800,000 workers hostage to Pushing a proposal to end a Democrats in Trump’s wall demand. partial US government A senior Democratic aide, shutdown now in its 10th day, the House of speaking on condition of ano- Democrats in the House of Representatives plan nymity, said Senate Democrats Representatives plan to hold a to hold a vote on support the House legislative vote on Thursday on a funding Thursday on a funding plan and that Senate Democratic package that would not include leader Chuck Schumer has been the $5bn President Donald package that would in constant contact with Pelosi Trump has demanded for a not include the $5bn about it. US-Mexico border wall. President Donald The partial government “The two-part package will Trump has demanded shutdown began on December include a bill to keep funding for 22 after progress toward A New York Police Department (NYPD) officer secures Times Square ahead of the New Year’s Eve the Department of Homeland for a US-Mexico keeping the government oper- celebrations, in Manhattan, New York, yesterday. Security at current levels border wall. ating derailed over Trump’s through February 8 with $1.3 bn demand for $5bn to fund a wall for border security, as well as that was a key part of his 2016 measures to fund other shut- will not consider any legislation presidential campaign and he NY all set for New Year celebrations tered agencies through the Sep- that the president would reject. has called crucial to combating tember 30 end of the current Democrats oppose Trump’s illegal immigration and drug REUTERS event, has chosen to honor press Seventh Avenue with barri- fiscal year,” Democratic con- demand for wall funding, with trafficking. NEW YORK freedom after a year in which cades, assembling the tem- gressional aides said Pelosi calling the wall immoral, “I campaigned on Border media has come under attack porary corrals where revelers yesterday. ineffective and expensive. Security, which you cannot have Tens of thousands of revelers around the world. will be confined for the festiv- Democrats formally take Some analysts were opti- without a strong and powerful will jam into New York’s Times The nonprofit has desig- ities. Organizers are encour- control of the House from mistic the shutdown could be Wall. Our Southern Border has Square today to await the nated the Committee to Protect aging to people to show up early, Trump’s fellow Republicans on near an end. long been an ‘Open Wound,’ midnight descent of the glowing Journalists as this year’s official meaning that many will have Thursday after winning a “We attach high (75%) odds where drugs, criminals crystal ball that has marked the charity honoree, and several been standing for hours before majority of seats in November’s on the White House and new (including human traffickers) arrival of the new year in the journalists will join New York the ball drops. The National mid-term congressional Congress resolving differences and illegals would pour into our famed Manhattan crossroads for City Mayor Bill de Blasio to push Weather Service is forecasting elections. to the government shutdown Country,” Trump wrote on more than century. the button 60 seconds before a low of 45 Fahrenheit (7 Celsius) If approved in the House, the next week,” said Charles Gabriel, Twitter yesterday. Christina Aguilera, New Kids midnight, initiating the ball drop. and heavy rain. package would go next to the an analyst at policy research and That project, with a total on the Block and Sting are The tradition of watching a Umbrellas are banned amid Republican-led Senate. Its pros- strategy firm Capital Alpha estimated price tag of $23bn, is among the musical performers giant ball drop from a pole on tight security, police say, pects there appeared uncertain. Partners. viewed by Democrats and some who will entertain throngs filling top of the narrow building at the reflecting concern over the pos- The Democratic legislation Democrats expect their two- of Trump’s fellow Republicans the streets ahead of the ball crossroads of Broadway, sibility of random attacks. will mark the first major battle pronged funding approach as ineffective and too costly. drop, the focal point of New Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street The New York Police pitting the incoming Democratic could put Trump and his Repub- The homeland security piece Year’s Eve celebrations across in Midtown Manhattan began in Department will screen people House majority led by Nancy lican allies in a tough position. of the Democratic package is the United States. 1907. entering the corrals, deploy Pelosi against Trump and Senate If they reject funding bills for based on a measure that has This year, the Times Square Revelers will have hours to sharpshooters on rooftops and Majority Leader Mitch McCo- departments unconnected to already passed the Senate with Alliance, which promotes local contemplate the passage of time. use radiation detectors nnell, who has said his chamber border security, Republicans bipartisan support. businesses and organizes the By 7am police had already lined throughout the event.

Murder rate in Defence chief Mattis bids farewell to Pentagon Chicago drops REUTERS Mattis, a retired Marine faith in our country and hold fast, bare the growing divide between Pentagon last year, he spent again in 2018 WASHINGTON general who has often shied alongside our allies, aligned them, and implicitly criticized three decades at Boeing and was from the spotlight, was not against our foes,” Mattis said. the president for failing to value the general manager for the 787 AFP Defence Secretary Jim Mattis expected to have a major Last week, Trump said he America’s closest allies, who Dreamliner passenger jet. CHICAGO gave his farewell message to the departure ceremony, leaving his was replacing Mattis two fought alongside the United Shanahan is not expected to US armed forces yesterday, farewell memo as his likely final months earlier than had been States in both conflicts. break from major Pentagon pol- Fewer people were killed in telling them to “keep the faith in public remarks as defense expected, a move officials said Shanahan, best known for icies, including a new focus on Chicago for the second year our country” and stand firm secretary. was driven by Trump’s anger at his focus on internal Pentagon the military threats from China in a row in 2018, police said alongside allies after he resigned In his brief message, Mattis Mattis’ resignation letter and its reform and his private-sector and Russia, which were outlined yesterday, as they seek to over policy differences with acknowledged the political tur- rebuke of the president’s foreign experience, will take over as in the US National Defence stem the tide of violence in President Donald Trump. bulence in Washington but called policy. acting defense secretary today. Strategy. what is sometimes called the Mattis, who had been seen on the US military to stay firm in Mattis had abruptly quit after Trump has suggested Shanahan “Mr. Shanahan was instru- nation’s “murder capital.” as a stabilizing factor in US its mission “to support and falling out with Trump, including could stay in the role as acting mental in crafting the National The country’s third most defence policy, is due to defend the Constitution while over surprise decisions to secretary for a considerable Defence Strategy. His ideas, pri- populous city still accounted transfer authority near mid- protecting our way of life.” withdraw all troops from Syria amount of time. orities and philosophy are in that for more murders than the night to his deputy, Patrick “Our department is proven and start planning a drawdown Shanahan has served as the document,” his spokesman, combined total in Los Angeles Shanahan, a former Boeing Co to be at its best when the times in Afghanistan. deputy secretary of defense since Army Lieutenant Colonel Joe and New York, which both executive. are most difficult. So keep the Mattis’ resignation letter laid July 2017. Before joining the Buccino, said. have bigger populations. More than 550 people were killed in the Midwestern city in 2018 as of December 23, Lawmaker settles mostly as a result of gun vio- Elizabeth Warren to run for president in 2020 lence fuelled by gang and turf lawsuit over rivalries, and illicit drug trade. REUTERS But shootings in the tracking device WASHINGTON Windy City were down almost a third in 2018 as compared AP US Senator Elizabeth Warren to a peak in 2016, and OKLAHOMA CITY took the first step toward a 2020 murders were down by 27 presidential run yesterday, percent from two years ago, An Oklahoma legislator has becoming the most prominent according to police data — a settled his lawsuit against a Democrat to announce a chal- 20-year record. Texas political consultant lenge to Republican President over a tracking device the Donald Trump. lawmaker found on his Warren, a liberal firebrand Manhunt under way pickup truck. from Massachusetts who has fre- Court records show quently clashed with Trump, after woman drove Republican state Rep Mark said she had formed an explor- McBride settled his lawsuit atory committee, which will over manicurist earlier this month against allow her to begin raising money Austin, Texas-based political as part of what is expected to be AP consultant George Shipley. a crowded Democratic field LAS VEGAS The terms of the settlement before the 2020 presidential were not disclosed. election. Las Vegas police are trying to McBride declined to Warren released a video in identify a woman accused of comment on the settlement, which she outlines her vision of using a stolen car to run over but says he’s glad to put the a path to opportunity for all and kill a nail salon worker matter behind him. His Americans, not just the wealthy. after failing to pay for a $35 lawsuit claimed Shipley was “Every person in America A file photo of US Senator Elizabeth Warren addressing a town hall meeting in Roxbury, Massachusetts. manicure. hired by an unnamed should be able to work hard, Las Vegas Metropolitan company to perform oppo- play by the same set of rules, & The former Harvard Law a DNA analysis she said sup- Native American groups while Police Officer Larry Hadfield sition research on McBride. take care of themselves & the School professor campaigned ported her assertion that she had others criticized Warren for said that police were searching The suit alleges Shipley then people they love,” she said in a with Democratic presidential Native American lineage that trying to lay claim to a tribal for the woman and were inves- hired an Oklahoma-based Twitter post. “That’s what I’m candidate Hillary Clinton in the goes back six to 10 nation. tigating the crime as a murder. private investigation firm to fighting for, & that’s why I’m year 2016 and attacked Trump generations. Warren, an architect of the Police said the woman got conduct surveillance on launching an exploratory com- as an “insecure money Trump, who had promised Consumer Financial Protection a manicure on Saturday and McBride’s whereabouts. mittee for president. I need you grubber” driven by greed and $1m to her favorite charity if she Bureau set up after the 2008 went to the car after her credit McBride previously with me.” hate. took a DNA test that showed she financial crisis, has been a strong card was declined, saying she settled a separate lawsuit filed Warren said in September Trump has cast aspersions had Native American blood, voice in the US Senate on would return to pay. against the private investi- she would take a “hard look” at on Warren’s claim to Native greeted the results with a shrug, financial issues and a self- Lt Ray Spencer said the gation company, Eastridge running for the Democratic American ancestry, referring to saying, “Who cares?” described defender of the manicurist went in front of Investigations and Asset nomination to challenge Repub- her as “Pocahontas.” Trump’s mocking reference ordinary American against pow- the car to prevent it from Protection. lican Trump in 2020. In October, Warren released has drawn criticism from some erful interests. driving away but was hit. TUESDAY 1 JANUARY 2019 HOME 15 Stories that made headlines around the world in 2018

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Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of third Mahaseel Festival along with other officials at Katara yesterday. RIGHT: Dr Al Sulaiti, during the tour at the festival sites. PICS: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA Locally grown produce at cheap price at Mahaseel Festival

RAYNALD C RIVERA chilly (QR6). Local farms cultivating activities for children and adults to of agriculture in Qatar through this fes- THE PENINSULA organic produce have made their enhance visitor experience and tival in a bid to attain the country’s sus- presence felt at this year’s festival educate them on best agricultural tainable development strategy. He also Freshly picked locally grown vege- offering healthier and cheaper options practices while shopping. The activ- underscored how Katara had success- o o tables and fruits are being sold at cheap compared to those in the market. ities also include workshops on fully organised the previous two edi- 17 C 25 C price at the third edition of Mahaseel A kg of organic cucumber for planting and flower arrangement, in tions of Mahaseel and how the festival Festival which opened yesterday at the instance is sold for only QR10 while a addition to other sessions to improve had evolved to include more features Minimum Maximum Southern Area of the Cultural Village kg of green beans is available at QR15. agricultural know-how of festival vis- and a diverse participation from local Foundation — Katara. There is also a wide range of organic itors. There are also a number of rides farms and companies. Misty to foggy at places at first and scat- tered clouds to partly cloudy at times. Visitors can choose from wide mushrooms being sold such as and exciting games such as inflatables Yesterday’s launch was also variety of vegetables and fruits as well nameko, shiitake, brown mushroom, and obstacle course by local recrea- attended by Yousef Al Khulaifi, Head

HIGH TIDE 02:50 – 11:58 LOW TIDE 07:42 –20:07 as flowering and ornamental plants king oyster and gray oyster, all at tional sports provider and event of Agricultural Affairs Department at Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department offered in the stalls representing 22 local affordable prices. organiser QSports. MME and Farhoud Al Hajri, Head of farms and nurseries. In addition, they The best varieties of local dates, Following its very successful edi- Livestock Department at MME who can also buy juice, dairy and meat honey, eggs, milk and other dairy, tions, the festival is organised by both assured of the Ministry’s support products from six local companies poultry and meat products can also be Katara for the third consecutive year to such initiatives that assist local present at the festival or sample local bought at the festival. in cooperation with the Ministry of farmers to boost their production. cuisine from around a dozen food stalls, Among the new features of the fes- Municipality and Environment (MME). Mahaseel Festival provides an making the festival a one-stop shop. tival is the “Home Garden” section Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid excellent platform for local farms to Among the vegetables sold at the which exhibits colourful flowering and bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti led the opening directly market their produce as well as festival and their prices per kg are ornamental plants aimed towards of the festival which was followed by introduce people to the varieties of fruits broccoli (QR5), cauliflower (QR4), motivating people to plant and a tour of the various stalls. and vegetables grown in Qatar which cucumber (QR6), black eggplant (QR2), encourage the culture of creating green Dr. Al Sulaiti stressed Katara’s they can purchase at cheap price. The capsicum (QR7), cabbage (QR3), lettuce spaces. The festival also offers several commitment to support and boost local festival is open every day from 9am to (QR2), okra (QR6), tomatoes (QR7) and entertainment and awareness production and reflect the importance 9pm until January 5.

LEFT: A visitor buys some plants at one of the stalls selling flowering and ornamental plants at the third Mahaseel Festival at Katara yesterday. RIGHT: A girl getting her face painted.

Coast Guard holds Dibel 2 maritime exercise

QNA and Borders Security and other parties concerned. DOHA He added that the Dibel 1 exercise was a success where the participants dealt with the exercise The Operations Department of the General Direc- professionally. torate of Coasts and Borders Security carried For his part, Assistant Director General of out yesterday the exercise ‘Dibel 2’ in order to Coasts and Borders Security Lt. Col. Abdulaziz Ali measure the readiness of the concerned author- Al Mohannadi affirmed the success of the Dibel 2 ities to deal exercise in with accidents achieving its at the sea, as objectives by well as to training the improve the participating coordination, parties to con- training and front various efficiency of accidents and the partici- maritime tasks. pating parties. He pointed out The sce- that the General nario was an Directorate of operation to Coasts and contain a fire Borders and oil spill due Security is to explosion of a always ready to maritime vessel confront the (Dibel). A rescue A view of the maritime exercise. various inci- operation for the dents injured vessel crew was also part of the exercise. occurring in the maritime field, whether accidents The drill was conducted with the cooperation of of commercial vessels and oil tankers, confronting a number of bodies such as Qatar Amiri Air Force, fishing and smuggling in Qatari waters by non- General Directorate of Industrial Security, and Qatari maritime vessels as well as the protection Qatar Petroleum, which helped the General Direc- of gas and oil stations and other maritime func- Bidding adieu to 2018 torate of Coasts and Borders Security in this tions. Assistant Director of Operations Department mission. of the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Director General of the General Directorate Security Captain Hassan Ahmed Al Sulaiti, who An amazing view of the last sunset of 2018 over the Education City, yesterday. of Industrial Security Lt. Col. Khalifa Mohammed supervises the exercise, said the department PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA Al Attiyah said that the Dibel 2 exercise was a con- implemented the exercise in cooperation with tinuation of the joint efforts between the Direc- Qatar Amiri Air Force, General Directorate of torates of the Industrial Security and the Coasts Industrial Security, and Qatar Petroleum.