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Monday 14 May 2018 | 28 Sha’baan I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7526 | 2 Riyals

OPINION Amiri decree extends Amir, Chevron CEO discuss cooperation term of QCB Governor THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued yesterday Amiri decree No. 27 of 2018 to renew the term of H E Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al Thani Governor of Qatar Central Bank, for a period of five years, beginning on June 19, 2018. The decree is effective starting from its date of issue and is to be published in the Official Gazette, QNA reported. H H the Amir also issued Law No. 7 of 2018 on the amendment of some provisions of Law No. 8 of 2008 on consumer protection. The law was implemented Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi and published in the Official Gazette. Editor-in-Chief H H the Amir issued an instrument of ratification approving the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation between the governments of The recent US move the State of Qatar and State of Kuwait, signed in Kuwait and the blockade on March 19, 2018. H H the Amir issued another instrument of ratifi- (Part 2) cation approving an MoU on cooperating in the energy field between the Ministry of Energy and Industry his is the concluding part of my between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Bul- opinion piece yesterday about garia, signed in Sofia on March 8, 2018. the recent move of the US in H H the Amir issued an instrument of ratification Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at the Amiri Diwan yesterday with the Chairman of T the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Chevron Corporation, Michael Wirth, and his accompanying the region and the possible conse- approving MoU in the youth and sports field between quences of the US President Donald the governments of the State of Qatar and the Republic delegation, who called on H H the Amir to greet him on the occasion of their visit to the country. Trump’s decision to withdraw from of Bulgaria, signed in Sofia on March 8, 2018. The meeting reviewed cooperation relations and aspects of developing them, especially in the the nuclear agreement with Iran. energy field. In such a complex reality of the →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 region, we hope that the Gulf region will not become an arena for set- tling scores, especially by countries that failed to manage their direct or proxy wars. These countries have not been QC launches QR37m Ramadan campaign able to defend their strategic interests and lost stances and rela- SANAULLAH ATAULLAH tions with states and entities that people, mostly workers, are expected have been considered supportive to THE PENINSULA to benefit from these tents. them. Additionally, entities have long “Another Iftar project is meals for been allies to these countries, but the DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has 630,000 1.3 million single workers at Al Ghuwariyah, misguided policies and unwise deci- launched a campaign to implement An estimated cost of Ramadan projects outside Simaisma, Al Khor, Al Khuraib, Al Sha- sions, have turned them into burden Ramadan projects at a cost of QR37m haniya, Abu Nakhlah, Al Wakra. Th for these counties and their political in 30 countries including Qatar from Ramadan projects inside Qatar will be implemented at a project will cost QR548,000 and balances. Thus, their regional and which two million people are expected Qatar is about QR16m, cost of about QR21m, targeting benefit 18,000 people in a month,” said global roles have been under test in to benefit. aiming to reach out to more than 1.3 million people Al Ghareeb. light of what is going on the ground. “QC will set up a total of 31 Iftar He said that under “From Home to Here we call upon the bright tents at a cost of more than QR7.5m 630,000 people around the world. Home” project, Qatari families will minds in our Gulf region to work on across Qatar which will serve ready prepare and serve Iftar meals to low- uncovering the facts and trying to meals to fasting people,” said Faisal QR16m, aiming to reach out to 630,000 across Qatar which will serve ready income families with the aim to meet reform the orientations and deci- Rashid Al Faheeda, Executive Director, people and projects outside Qatar will meals to fasting people,” said Ali some of their needs adding that the sions that do not serve the region Executive Management of Operations be implemented at a cost of about Ibrahim Al Ghareeb, Executive Director project will cost QR 255,000 – bene- and will put the future of the region of QC, at a press conference held at its QR21m, targeting more than 1.3 million of Local Operations Department of fiting 200 people per day. under risks. headquarters yesterday. people around the world. Qatar Charity. He said that the project “Iftar Meals We, in Qatar, are enjoying the He said that QC’s Ramadan projects QC’s CEO, Yousef bin Ahmed Al He said that the beneficiary areas for Industrial Area Workers” will dis- prosperous condition of our country in Qatar include offering various types Kuwari, urged Muslims to seize this for Iftar tents are Al Khor, Dhakhira, tribute Iftar meals to workers through having all necessities needed for a of Iftar meals, which target workers opportunity to extend a helping hand Simaisma, Kharttiyat, Al Gharafa, Al special vehicles at the various locations decent life under the wise leadership and community gatherings in addition to support those in need. Al Kuwari said Rayyan, Al Shahaniya, Al Wakrah, Al of the Industrial Area, which will of His Highness the Amir Sheikh to distributing Iftar meals and Zakat Al the donation can be made through Wukair, Muaither South and North, Al change daily to cover the largest Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, after we Fitr to low-income families, organizing Qatar Charity’s Ramadan campaign to Sailiya, Bin Omran, Bin Mahmoud, number of workers during the month have learned from the siege crisis, cultural programs and supporting vol- implement its ongoing charity projects. Umm Salal Mohammed, Al Kabaan, Al adding that the project will cost the high level of jealousy shown by untary initiatives in partnership with “The most significant Iftar meals Aziziyah, Izghawa, Old Al Ghanim, Al QR265,000 – benefiting 400 people some countries towards the pros- others. projects in Qatar is Iftar tents for fasting Montazah, Ain Khalid, Al Shamal, Freij per day. perity enjoyed by the people of Qatar. He said that estimated cost of people. A total of 31 Iftar tents will be Abdul Aziz, Al Hilal, Rawdat Rashid, Al Our wise leadership did not Ramadan projects inside Qatar is about set up at a cost of more than QR7.5m Jamiliya and Barzan. A total of 225,000 →CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 reject the efforts of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, to resolve the current Gulf crisis since the Qatar Chamber urges hacking incident of Qatar News Qatar reiterates stance on dialogue for resolving crisis Agency, but Qatar supported this fair price for local mediation under the respect and QNA H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- agricultural products great appreciation we have for H H rahman Al Thani pointed out that Qatar the Amir of Kuwait. DOHA: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister welcomes the Kuwaiti mediation, adopted THE PENINSULA However, our sovereignty of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin by Amir of the State of Kuwait, H H Sheikh and our national decision Abdulrahman Al Thani has reiterated the Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, for DOHA: The Committee of Food remain a red line whether the State of Qatar’s firm and principled position resolving the Gulf crisis, as well as any Security and Environment at siege ends soon or prolongs. This on resolving the Gulf crisis through dialogue, other efforts exerted in this mediation. Qatar Chamber yesterday is what we observed during the pointing out that the participation of the He attributed the siege of Qatar and affirmed the importance of meeting of H H the Amir and Amir, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al the Arab Gulf developments, to changes setting fair prices for Qatari agri- President Trump last month at Thani, in the recent Gulf Summit in the State in the policies of the siege countries, cultural products to protect local the White House and his quick of Kuwait is proof of that. which are unacceptable in normal products and encourage farms- response that Qatar does not In a lecture at Qatar University titled circumstances. owners to increase production support terrorism and works ‘The Gulf Crisis and Political Transitions “Therefore, they had to create a crisis to achieve self-sufficiency, in a with the international com- in the Region’, His Excellency said that and a phantom enemy, which unfortu- meeting yesterday. The meeting munity to eradicate it. the State of Qatar believes in the nately is the State of Qatar, to pass these focused on prices of agricultural The response of H H indicates necessity of a new regional agreement policies.” products and mechanisms of self-confidence and that Qatar that guarantees the protection of large H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- protecting local products and does not hide anything and has and small countries and non-interference rahman Al Thani said that the siege of H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al consumers. Attendees suggested welcomed all efforts seeking to in their internal affairs, in addition to Qatar is linked to the siege countries’ Thani during the lecture at QU yesterday. establishing a marketing heal the rift. Qatar will remain focusing on the consolidation of the prin- desire to extend their influence and force company to promoteand sell an oasis of safety, a beacon of ciples that aim at promoting cooperation their policies on the region saying that A against the Qatari policies, which led to local products to consumer science and development for the in the fields of economy and devel- few days before the siege, there was no fabricating a contrived crisis. complexes and outlets. future generations. opment, as demanded by H H the Amir crisis. He added that what happened was at the Munich Security Conference. not a Gulf crisis as much as hostility →CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 →CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 02 HOME MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 Amir receives letter from Ethiopian Prime Minister Qatar takes part in a ceremony Amir greets President of honouring Amir of Kuwait Lebanon QNA QNA

CAIRO: The State of Qatar participated in the honouring of H H DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah for Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani his peace and humanitarian efforts in the peace forum, which was sent a cable of congratulations held at the headquarters of the Arab League General Secretariat, yesterday to the President of following the initiative of Women’s Institute for Development and the Lebanese Republic, General Peace in the State of Kuwait. Michel Aoun, on the occasion The forum aims to honour H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al of the successful parliamentary Jaber Al Sabah for his pioneering role in promoting peace and for elections held recently in his humanitarian role. Lebanon, wishing him good The event will include a special symposium during which a health and happiness and the review will take place of the experience of the State of Kuwait and brotherly Lebanese people the role of H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah in sup- further progress and pros- porting and promoting peace. perity. Deputy Amir H H Sheikh The State of Qatar was represented by the Permanent Repre- Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sentative of Qatar to the Arab League, H E Saif bin Muqaddam Al also sent a similar cable of Buainain. congratulations to the Pres- ident. Amir condoles

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received a written message from the Prime Minister President of Somalia arrives with President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr Abiy Ahmed, pertaining to bilateral relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them. The message was handed over by the of Cyprus Foreign Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, during a meeting with H H the Amir at his Amiri Diwan office yesterday. Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of condolences to Pres- ident of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, on the death of his mother. Deputy Qatar slams Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Amiri decree extends Hamad Al Thani and Prime attack in Paris Minister and Interior Minister term of QCB Governor H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser DOHA: Qatar expressed its bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 strong condemnation of the cables of condolences. attack that took place in Paris, H H the Amir issued Decree No. 23 of 2018, on ratifying the killing one person and injuring agreement between the governments of the State of Qatar and Qatar condemns a number of people. Republic of Gambia on the avoidance of double taxation and pre- The Ministry of Foreign vention of fiscal evasion regarding income tax, signed in Doha on Indonesia attacks Affairs expressed Qatar’s shock November 11, 2014, annexed to this decree and to have the force at this terrible crime, and of law in line with Article 68 of the constitution. DOHA: Qatar condemned the affirmed its full solidarity with H H the Amir also issued Decree No. 24 of 2018 ratifying the attacks that targeted three the French government in all MoU to cooperate in the field of education, higher education and churches in Indonesia, leaving measures taken to maintain scientific research between the governments of the State of Qatar several dead and injured. The The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohammad security and stability. The and Socialist Republic of Vietnam, signed in Hanoi on January 16, Ministry of Foreign Affairs reit- Abdullah Farmajo, arrived in Doha yesterday for an official visit to statement reiterated Qatar’s 2012, annexed to this decree and to have the force of law in line erated Qatar’s firm position on firm stance on rejecting vio- with Article 68 of the constitution. H H the Amir issued Decree No. the State of Qatar. The President and the accompanying delegation rejecting violence and lence and terrorism, regardless 25 of 2018 ratifying the MoU on developing cooperation in the were welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by terrorism, regardless of the of the motives and reasons. The energy field between the governments of the State of Qatar and Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif motives and reasons. The statement voiced Qatar’s con- Turkmenistan signed in Doha on March 15, 2017, annexed to this Al Sulaiti; Qatar’s Ambassador to Somalia, Hassan bin Hamza statement stressed Qatar’s total dolences to the families of decree and to have the force of law in line with Article 68 of the Asad Hashim, and Charge’ d’Affaires in the Somali Embassy in rejection to targeting the places victims, wishing the wounded constitution. The decrees are effective starting from their date of Doha, Mukhtar Ali Yusuf. of worship and intimidating the speedy recovery. issue and are to be published in the official gazette. safe civilians. MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 HOME 03

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with the graduates at the 14th Graduation Ceremony of the College of the North Atlantic - Qatar. CNA-Q celebrates 14th Graduation Ceremony THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The 14th Graduation Ceremony of College of the North Atlantic - Qatar (CNA-Q) was celebrated yesterday in which one of the largest classes in its 16-year history — 445 students — crossed the stage at the Sheraton Grand Doha Hotel. The ceremony was held under the patronage and attendance of Prime Min- ister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. Other dignitaries in attendance were Minister of Energy and Industry and Chair of the CNA-Q’s Board of Trustees, H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada; Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Minister for Administrative, Devel- Thani at the 14th Graduation Ceremony of the College of the North Atlantic - Qatar. opment and Labour and Social Affairs, H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi; programs, which are each tailored to to continue offering high-quality tech- Management graduate spon-sored by Congratulations to you! Your success Undersecretary of the Ministry of Edu- the needs of Qatar’s economy. The nical, hands-on education. With the cre- Qatar Power Company. serves as an inspiration to your class- cation and Higher Education, Dr Ibrahim number of graduates in each discipline dentials they received tonight, these stu- Graduates were extended congrat- mates, your colleagues, your family, and Al Naimi; Minister of Department of include: 160 from Business Studies, 222 dents will become the leaders that Qatar ulations on their academic accomplish- to your community. You can be proud, Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, from Engineering Technology, 74 from has envisioned in the National Vision ments by H E Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh deservedly so, of your achievement. This Government of Newfoundland and Lab- Health Sciences and 68 from Infor- 2030. Al Sada, Chair of CNA-Q’s Board of evening represents one stop in the rador, Canada, Allan Hawkins; Minister mation Technology programs. The ceremony was also a time to Trustees: “Your graduation is a great remarkable journey of your life. You are of Justice of Sudan, Idris Ibrahim Gamil; “We are so pleased to see strong, hear from CNA-Q’s Class of 2018 co- achievement and I am pleased to join our business and professional leaders CEO of Qatar Petrochemical Company capable graduates enter the Qatari valedictorians, Mr. Mohammed Atif you this evening to celebrate a signif- of tomorrow. And as HH the Emir right- and member of CNA-Q’s Board of workforce year after year,” said College Mohamed Khan, a Mechanical Engi- icant and very important milestone in fully stated: ‘Human resources are the Trustees, Dr Mohammed Yousef Al of the North Atlantic – Qatar, President, neering Technology (Industrial Mainte- your lives. To CNA-Q’s 2018 Graduating true asset of this nation.’ Your time at Mulla; and members of CNA-Q’s Board Dr. Ken MacLeod. “These graduates are nance) graduate, and Ruqaia Class, I am proud to say that your hard CNA-Q has prepared you to move con- of Trustees. the reason we are here. As the future Mohammed Zarea, Business Man- work, determination, and commitment fidently from the classroom to your Students graduated from over 30 leaders of Qatar, you are the motivation agement — Human Resource to your studies have paid off. chosen industry.” 04 HOME MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 Qatar, Sudan review progress of projects Rayyan Municipality tops in building permit issuance The two sides discussed THE PENINSULA starting the execution of the (residential and non-residential) first phase of the MoU signed constitutes 57% (379 permits) of DOHA: Rayyan Municipality has the total building permits issued between Mwani Qatar and the topped the country in terms of during the month of April 2018, Port of Sudan for developing number of building permits while the percentage of addi- the Sudanese Port of Suakin. issued in April. According to the tions permits constituted 39% monthly Statistics of Building (259 permits), and finally fencing Permits, 190 permits were permits with 4% (24 permits). THE PENINSULA issued in Rayyan Municipality, In terms of new residential accounting 29% percent share buildings permits data, villas’ in total permits issued in the topped the list, accounting for DOHA: Minister of Transport and Commu- country. 52% (154 permits) of all new res- nications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, met The municipality of Al idential buildings permits, fol- yesterday with his Sudanese counterpart Wakrah came in second place lowed by dwellings of housing Minister of Transportation, Roads and with 143 permits, with 22% loans permits by 39% (117 Bridges, Eng. Makawi Mohamed Awad. share, followed by municipality permits) and other residential The two officials discussed starting the of Doha with 121 permits (18% buildings by 5% (16 permits). execution of the first phase of the MoU signed share), followed Al Da’ayen Commercial buildings were between the Qatar Ports Management Municipality with 94 permits. found to be in the forefront of Company (Mwani Qatar) and the Port of Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, with Sudan’s Comparing number of non-residential buildings Sudan for developing the Sudanese Port of Minister of Transportation, Roads and Bridges, Eng. Makawi Mohamed Awad. permits issued in April 2018 with permits with 53% (43 permits), Suakin. those issued in the previous followed by industrial buildings They also discussed initiating the estab- countries as well as at the Port of Suakin free Sudan for unlimited cooperation and tre- month, a decline of 7% was e.g. workshops and factories lishment of Suakin’s infrastructure to boost zone, and potential investment opportunities mendous facilitations it had provided to registered. with 38% (31 permits), then gov- its operations with a view to making it a main in transportation and ports, were also in the execute the first phase of the project, In terms of type of permits ernmental buildings with 5% (4 trade gateway in the region. centre of discussion at the meeting. stressing the strength of Qatar-Sudan issued, data indicated that the permits), then mosques with 4% Bolstering transit trade to neighbouring Al Sulaiti thanked the Government of ties. new building permits (3 permits). Muraikhi discusses bilateral ties with Argentine envoy 95% Qataris immune to social Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met the media rumour-mongering Ambassador of the SIDI MOHAMED Argentine Republic The study was Rumours have been known to Qatar, Rossana THE PENINSULA conducted by a group to be information published by Cecilia Surballe, anonymous sources and are on the occasion DOHA: Ninety-five percent of of students from entirely based on falsifying the of the end of her Qataris have not been impacted Qatar University and truth and distorting reality. tenure in Qatar. The by rumours spread by the siege supervised by Dr The study further confirmed Minister thanked countries through social media Dalal Al Dosari as a that rumours have increased the Argentine with the knowledge that what recently against Qatar and the Ambassador for her was published was wrong, bachelor graduation social networking sites are the efforts in supporting according to a graduation project. It has ideal place to promote these and enhancing the research study. included 150 random rumours and lies. bilateral relations, The study was conducted by Among these rumours are and wished her a group of students from Qatar samples from the that ‘Qatar is financing terrorism success in her University and supervised by Dr Qatari community and supporting it’. These future tasks. Dalal Al Dosari as a bachelor between the ages of rumours are spread through the graduation project. It has 18 to 40. media of the siege countries, included 150 random samples Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bhrain from the Qatari community and Egypt and caused a great between the ages of 18 to 40. confusion in the Qatari public These samples include stu- news through the means of opinion. dents from schools, universities, social media, which recently tar- The study also showed that QC urges fair price government agencies, the geted the Qatari society by the 90 percent of the respondents private sector and many other siege countries when they in the sample are regular fol- sectors. The questionnaire con- intended to spread false news lowers of the social media and for farm products tained six questions. and rumours against the Qatari 10 percent are elder respondents Also, about 70 percent of the society. The lies of the siege occasionally follow social media CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 They also emphasized the importance of assisting people included in the study had countries and their fabrications sites. To the question whether The meeting was headed by Qatar Chamber farms to produce permanently by providing been exposed to false news, and began with the hacking of Qatar information on social media is board member Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli support for green houses. The committee recom- only 20 percent did not expose News Agency (QNA) and falsely full of false and lies, 98 percent in the presence of the representative of Prime Min- mended that producers, importers and outlets to false news. The graduation attributing a speech to Amir said “yes” because they think ister office Dr. Ali Al Amari; Director of Quality have to join hands to provide fair prices for local research project was under the H H Sheikh Tamim bin what it has carried before the Licensing and Market Control Department at Min- products. It affirmed the importance of issuing a title “The extent of the impact of Hamad Al Thani. crisis, during the crisis was full istry of Economy and Commerce, Abdulla bin legislation that regulates the country’s production fabricated news and rumours The aim was to spread hos- of lies. The group of students Khalifa AL Kuwari; and Assistant Director of Agri- of agriculture and fisheries, while taking into on the formulation of Qatari tility and chaos between the who conducted the study were cultural Affair at Ministry of Municipality and Agri- account the global and regional experience. The public opinion and its impact on people and destabilising the mil- Hanan Jassim Al Mohamadi, culture Adel Zain Al Kildy. participants of the meeting also suggested estab- the Qataris”. itary and economic stability and Anoud Al Khawar, Mariem Al They proposed cancellation of compulsory lishing farmers association to regulate the market The study dealt with the this was the goal of the siege Marzouqi, Fatima Al Darwish pricing for two months for examining its impact. and distribute roles among farms owners. issue of rumours and fabricated countries. and Rasma Rashid Mohamed.

Al Ruwais customs thwarts smuggling of 13 pieces of hashish

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The General Authority of Customs, in coop- eration with a security agency, seized narcotics belonging to passengers on a wooden boat coming from an Asian country by sea to Al Ruwais Port. The details of the incident came when customs inspectors on suspicion on the passengers inspected and discovered that they were carrying the substance of cannabis drug hidden in a secret place at the boat. On inquiry by the inspectors, a crew member of the boat reported that it was sea salt which later proved that this information was incorrect and it was a nar- cotic substance. The seized material containing 13 pieces of hashish. A recording of the incident was made and passengers and seized material was sent to the concerned authorities. Abdul Hadi Al Sahli, Director of the Maritime Customs Department at the Authority, praised the effi- ciency and experience of the customs officers. He pointed out that the Al Ruwais Port witnessed a number of major seizures during the past period, especially after it was adopted as an outlet for importing com- mercial goods since the siege was imposed. It should be noted that the General Authority of Customs has recently developed systems of exami- nation at a number of entry points and enhanced the capabilities of their staff to suspect and read the body language of passengers. It also conducted training courses at the highest levels for its officers and that will increase the number of seizures. MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 HOME 05 HMC announces operating hours during Ramadan

THE PENINSULA All emergency and operate from 7am to 3pm, with inpatient services on-call services available for DOHA: Hamad Medical Corpo- across HMC’s network emergencies 24-hours a day, ration (HMC) has announced its of hospitals will seven days a week. operating hours for the Holy Al Khor Hospital’s Outpa- Month of Ramadan. All emer- operate as usual, tient clinics and OPD dental gency and inpatient services 24-hours a day, seven services will operate from 8am French Ambassador holds reception across HMC’s network of to 1pm, Sunday to Thursday. days a week. Eric Chevallier, the Ambassador of France in Qatar, held a reception at the French Residence yesterday, hospitals will operate as usual, There will be no evening clinics in the presence of Ambassadors, friends and dignitaries, in honour of Sheikha Asmaa Al Thani, 24-hours a day, seven days a during Ramadan. week. Rumailah Hospital’s Outpa- Director of Marketing and Communications at the Qatar Olympic Committee, after she recently took Dr Yousef Al Maslamani, Women’s Wellness and tient clinics will be open from part in the women’s Euro-Arabian North-Pole Expedition 2018. Medical Director of Hamad Research Center’s outpatient 8am to 1pm, Sunday to General Hospital, is also clinics will be open from 8am to Thursday. All therapy services reminding patients who have 1pm and from 7.30pm to will be open from 7am to 3pm, appointments at HMC clinics 10.30pm, Sunday to Thursday Sunday to Thursday, and OPD during Ramadan about the and the OPD pharmacy will be pharmacy services will operate importance of attending their open during clinic times. from 8am to 4pm, Sunday and QA to offer Iftar boxes on selected routes appointment as scheduled. Ambulatory Care Center’s Tuesday and from 8am to 3pm, THE PENINSULA “If you feel you are unable outpatient clinics will be open Monday, Wednesday and passenger in mind. On behalf of to attend your appointment, from 8am to 1pm, Sunday to Thursday. Qatar Airways, we extend to all please call Nesmaak on 16060 Thursday, with afternoon and National Center for Cancer DOHA: Passengers flying on warmest wishes for a Ramadan to reschedule. Missing an evening clinics in GI/Endoscopy Care and Research’s Outpatient board Qatar Airways who are Kareem.” appointment with one of our open from 1pm to 4pm, Urology clinics will be open from 8am to fasting during the Holy Month Iftar boxes are offered on specialists can have a serious from 1pm to 4pm, and ENT from 1pm, Sunday to Thursday and of Ramadan will be offered a selected flights to or from Basra, impact on your health and the 8.30pm to 11.30pm. evening clinics will be open on nutritious Iftar meal box filled Kuwait, Muscat, Shiraz, Sohar, health of other patients,” Dr Al Al Wakra Hospital’s outpa- Mondays from 8.30pm to with healthy options to break Amman, Khartoum, Mashad, Maslamani said. “If we know tient clinics will be open from 11.30pm. OPD pharmacy their fast. The Iftar box of Qatar Airways. Najaf, Sulaimaniyah, Baghdad, you are unable to attend your 8am to 4pm, Sunday to services will be open from 8am Specially designed Salalah, Erbil, Dhaka, and appointment, we can rearrange Wednesday, from 7am to 3pm to 1.30pm, Sunday to Thursday, “Ramadan Kareem” Iftar boxes Vice-President Marketing and Hyderabad, Algiers, and Tunis your appointment for the next on Thursdays, and from 11am to and from 9am to 2pm on Sat- will be offered in-flight on Corporate Communications, (outbound only). Additional des- available and clinically appro- 2pm on Saturdays. The main urdays. The Day Care Unit will selected routes across the Salam Al Shawa, said: “The tinations may apply depending priate time and give your pre- OPD pharmacy and laboratory be open from 7am to 7pm, Middle East, Pakistan, Bang- Muslim holy month of Ramadan on schedule changes. viously scheduled time to (phlebotomy) services will Sunday and Thursday and from ladesh, as well as selected sta- is an important time for a vast Travelling between time someone who needs to be seen operate during OPD clinic times. 7am to 3pm from Monday to tions in India and Africa. number of our passengers, and zones can be challenging for the urgently.” The Cuban Hospital has no Wednesday and on Saturdays. Customers in all travel we are pleased to offer a cus- fasting traveller, thus Qatar Hamad General Hospital changes to OPD clinic and Radiation therapy services will classes can enjoy a selection tomised meal box to better meet Airways cabin crew will make (HGH)’s outpatient clinics will pharmacy operating hours. be open from 7am to 3pm, consisting of dates, laban, the needs of our fasting pas- an announcement and serve be open from 8am to 1pm, Heart Hospital’s outpatient Sunday to Thursday. sandwich wraps, Arabic sweets, sengers during this significant Iftar boxes at the appropriate Sunday to Thursday and evening clinics and the non-invasive Nesma’ak Customer Care mixed nuts and bottled mineral month. This special service will time during the flight, alleviating clinics will be open from 8.30pm service will be open from 8am will operate from 7am to 10pm, water, amongst others. The food enable our fasting passengers to passengers from having to cal- to 11.30pm, Sunday to Thursday. to 1pm, Sunday to Thursday. Sunday to Thursday and from offering is well-balanced and break their fast by enjoying a culate the time. The main Outpatients There will be no evening clinics 10am to 4pm on Friday and Sat- has been carefully selected by box filled with traditional and In order to ensure a Department (OPD) pharmacy, throughout Ramadan. The OPD urday. Patients requiring infor- the airline’s menu development nutritious items. We invite our seamless journey for Qatar located on the ground floor of pharmacy will operate from 8am mation about scheduled team to ensure that both tradi- passengers to embrace this sig- Airways passengers, Iftar boxes HGH will be open from 8am to to 1pm, Sunday to Thursday, and appointments or clinic operating tional and nutritious items are nificant time of year by enjoying will also be available at hub 1pm and from 8.30pm to 12am from 11am to 4pm on Fridays and hours during Ramadan can call included. our special Iftar boxes, designed lounges for the airline’s cus- (midnight), Sunday to Thursday. Saturdays. The Cath Lab will 16060 during these times. Qatar Airways Senior especially with the fasting tomers in transit. Work of Mesaimeer Pump Station & Outfall Tunnel begins

THE PENINSULA located at the end of Mesaimeer maintenance and operation Tunnel south of Hamad Inter- period of three years. DOHA: The Public Works national Airport. The project Mesaimeer Pump Station Authority ‘Ashghal’ has started also includes the construction and Outfall Tunnel is the second the construction work of the of a 10km tunnel with a 3.7 phase of the Mesaimeer Surface Mesaimeer Pump Station and metres diameter. and Ground Water Drainage Outfall Tunnel projects, which The pumping station will Tunnel Project, which will will provide a sustainable operate at a capacity of 19.7 provide a sustainable solution solution to discharge surface cubic metres per second, its for the discharge of surface and and storm water. function is to pump water from storm water. Dr Eng Saad bin Ahmad Al Mesaimeer Tunnel, which was Mesaimeer Tunnel was Muhannadi, President of completed in 2016, to the new completed in late 2016 and it is ‘Ashghal’ inaugurated the outfall tunnel. one of the projects implemented project’s works in the presence It is worth noting that the by Ashghal in the development of officials from the Drainage project is designed to ensure the of drainage networks. Networks Projects Department, preservation of the marine envi- In 2017, the project won the and representatives of the ronment, as the water, which global best project award in the supervision consultants and will be pumped complies with wastewater category, during contractor. the environmental assessment the Engineering News Record The total cost of the project standards, and it is discharged (ENR) Global Best Projects is QR920m and it includes the 10km off-shore to reduce the Awards in New York City, in the construction of pumping station effect on the marine presence of a group of the with 10 pumps and auxiliary environment. largest international companies facilities. The project is scheduled to executing global construction The officials at the ground-breaking ceremony of Mesaimeer Pump Station and Outfall Tunnel projects. The pumping station will be be complete in Q4, 2021, with a projects.

Registration QC launches QR37m starts for new Second phase to select Qatari students students for QSST concludes Ramadan campaign CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 DOHA: The registration THE PENINSULA process for Qatari new test results and individual training program for Qatari stu- He said that Ramadan supply project will provide parcels con- students started yesterday, reports issued for each student. dents candidates for Qatar taining essential foodstuffs for the month of Ramadan, which will be only through the school, DOHA: The second phase set by The third and final phase School of Science and Tech- distributed among low-income families via coupons gifted by Qatar regardless of geographical the Ministry of Education and will be the personal interview, nology in early April. Charity at the beginning of the holy month adding that the project scope, and lasts for two days. Higher Education to select the after which 60 students who The Qatar School of Science will cost about QR1.4mn - benefiting 2000 families. The transfer process of students candidates to enrol in have achieved all the criteria in and Technology is scheduled to “The project of Mobile Iftar involves distribution of light meals Qatari students is scheduled to Qatar School of Science and the training programs related to open at the beginning of the aca- prepared by Qatari productive families to motorists who were not begin only through school Technology (QSST) has science, mathematics and demic year 2018/2019. It is a able to reach their homes for Iftar at a cost of QR 382,000 - bene- between schools regardless of concluded. English will be selected. secondary school for boys fiting (500 people per day) 15,000 people in a month,” said Al Ghareeb. geographical scope on Tuesday The phase included a In press remarks, Assistant includes grades 9 to 12. The stu- “Qatar Charity (QC) is implementing its Ramadan projects for this and Wednesday. The period of training programme in cooper- Undersecretary for Educational dents candidates will be selected year in 29 countries out of Qatar to benefit 1.3mn people with the transfer of students electroni- ation with Score Plus Qatar, a Affairs at the Ministry of Edu- from the eighth grade students focus on crisis and disaster areas, in addition to the poor and the cally between schools and specialised educational cation and Higher Education, who are excellent in science and needy,” said Mohammed Al kaabi, Director of Relief Department. He through the school, for Qataris institution. Fawziah Al Khater, said that mathematics. said that the campaign implements three main projects including and citizens of the GCC coun- The students were trained each phase of the selection The school aims at providing Iftar Project for a fasting person is divided into two main categories: tries and the children of Qatari on the most important mathe- process included skills and a high level of education based Iftar tents for a fasting person and Ramadan baskets, which are imple- women, according to the geo- matical and scientific skills in knowledge to help all students on the integration in the scien- mented at a cost of more than QR15m to benefit one million people. graphical scope, was com- mathematics and science, higher enhance their skills and com- tific materials, and in line with “Ramadan tents will serve Iftar meals to targeted people throughout pleted earlier this month, while thinking skills, critical thinking plete their academic excellence the development of the edu- Ramadan at a cost of more than QR10mn, benefiting about 820,000 the transfer period of students and analysis. throughout their educational cation sector in developed coun- fasting persons,” said Ahmed Saleh Al Ali, Director of the Information between schools for all nation- A final test was conducted career. tries, in order to graduate stu- Department,” Mohammed Al Kaabi. He said that Ramadan Baskets alities by geographic scope on the skills gained over the last The Ministry of Education dents have the scientific basis will provide parcels containing essential foodstuffs for the month of electronically in May 8, and five weeks to select the suc- and Higher Education com- that ensures enrollment in the Ramadan, which are distributed to poor families at a cost of more through the school on May 10. cessful candidates based on the pleted the first phase of the top universities in the world. than QR5m benefiting 156,000 people. 06 HOME MONDAY 14 MAY 2018

Doha Bank hosts DFI picks 34 projects for Spring 2018 Grants cycle ‘Beach Clean-up’ THE PENINSULA Among the 34 at Al Wakrah projects selected DOHA: Thirty-four projects by for the Doha Film DOHA: Doha Bank continued first and second-time film- Institute’s Spring its efforts to spread the makers from across the world, message of environmental including four from Qatar have Grants cycle are 14 protection and sustainable been selected by the Doha Film projects helmed by development by joining Institute (DFI) for its Spring 2018 women filmmakers hands with Qatar’s Ministry Grants cycle. and 10 returning of Municipality and Envi- Underlining the important ronment (MME), Al Wakrah role of women in filmmaking, 14 grantees. While Municipality to host a ‘Beach of the chosen projects are four projects are by Clean-Up’ event at Al Wakra helmed by talented female Qatari talents, there Family Beach, with the theme directors. ‘Save The Beaches For the Additionally, the Institute has are 24 films by Arab Future’ to show its announced the expansion of its directors from the commitment to the envi- Grants programme, to cover TV MENA region. ronment and to support the and web series by scriptwriters, forthcoming World Envi- producers and directors from the ronment Day global event on Middle East and North Africa filmmakers and contribute to a June 5. region. culture of storytelling. The new The initiative aimed to The announcement, which grantees represent some pow- creating greater community reflects the Institute’s com- erful new and established voices awareness about the need to mitment to support the devel- in cinema from the Arab region protect and preserve the A still from the film ‘Joana, Imagination Is a Form of Memory’ by Flávia Castro, one of the grantees opment of emerging forms of and beyond, highlighting the natural environment and keep for DFI’s Spring 2018 Grants cycle. This feature narrative is about 14-year-old Joana, who returns to entertainment and innovative remarkable leaps in creativity by the marine habitat safe and content, was made on the side- our emerging filmmakers, and Brazil with her family after a childhood spent in France. As she struggles to adapt to her new reality, trash-free, the Beach Clean-up lines of Cannes Film Festival their innovative and bold fragments of her past resurface. event was led by Doha Bank’s 2018 by Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO approach to presenting our Management and volunteer of DFI. She also announced the stories,” said Al Remaihi. new possibilities, allowing them documentary series grant will chosen from outside the MENA staff members who actively recipients of the 2018 Spring She said this cycle has been to tell their stories to the world. support independent MENA region with five countries sup- picked up litter and trash col- Grants cycle covering feature, exceptional with over 380 sub- We hope this will further drive the directors/producers in financing ported for the first time. In lected along the shoreline. documentary and short film missions received from which creation of original and com- the production of original seri- addition to two films from Commenting on the projects by emerging talents the 34 grantees were chosen. pelling content from our region”. alised content for the web. Afghanistan, this cycle includes announcement, Dr R. from across the world. She added, “We are marking The TV fiction and creative Among the 34 projects films from Brazil, Bulgaria, China Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank, “The recipients of the 2018 a new chapter in our support with documentary series devel- selected for the Doha Film Insti- and Montenegro. said: “While Doha Bank has Spring Grants cycle bring to the the expansion of our Grants pro- opment grant aims to assist inde- tute’s Spring Grants cycle are 14 Awarded film Long Day’s always championed giving back table a diversity of original gramme to include TV and web pendent screenwriters/pro- projects helmed by women film- Journey into Night (China, to the community, the Green stories that reflect modern-day series – both of which have gained ducers from the MENA region in makers and 10 returning France, Taiwan, Qatar) by Gan Banking initiative has truly seen realities as well as innovative traction in the region. This under- developing original serialised grantees. While four projects are Bi is premiering in Un Certain us outdo our own expectations narrative threads. Our grantees lines our continued commitment content intended for interna- by Qatari talents, there are 24 Regard at the 2018 Cannes Film and bring about significant pos- represent the core of DFI’s to support Arab talents and the tional audiovisual markets, while films by Arab directors from the Festival, underlining the quality itive change for sustainable envi- mandate to support emerging evolving forms of creativity and the web fiction and creative MENA region. Six projects are of films supported by DFI. ronmental management.

Torch Hospitality offers amazing Range Rover Velar 2018 Ramadan experience at two hotels model recalled THE PENINSULA DOHA: The Ministry of DOHA: The Torch Hospitality, Economy and Commerce, in one of the most successful collaboration with Alfardan hospitality management Premier Motors Co., the companies and operators in official dealer of Land Rover Media ties between Qatar and India discussed Doha, have launched amazing vehicles in Qatar, has offers for the Holy Month of announced the recall of The Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Media Corporation (QMC), Ramadan, providing a unique Range Rover Velar model of H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, met with the culinary and hospitality expe- 2018 over possible fuel rail Ambassador of the Republic of India, P Kumaran. They discussed rience in its two hotels, THE leak. the media relations between the two countries and means of TORCH DOHA and Al Aziziyah The ministry said the enhancing them. Boutique Hotel. recall campaign comes within TORCH DOHA, the most the framework of its ongoing iconic hotel in Doha, is ready to efforts to protect consumers celebrate the Holy Month of and ensure that car dealers Ramadan with unique gastro- follow up on vehicle defects Ooredoo Ramadan offer for nomic experiences and irre- and repairs. sistible offers. For yet another The ministry said that it mobile broadband devices year, Iftar and Sohour will be will coordinate with the served daily at the atmospheric dealer to follow up on the Flying Carpet Restaurant. maintenance and repair DOHA: Ooredoo announced for QR200 (usually QR549). A lavish ‘Arabian Nights’ works and will communicate yesterday a new offer for its mobile With the My-Fi device and buffet is prepared featuring an with customers to ensure that broadband customers during cradle, customers can stay con- abundant spread of Arabic del- and above. Suhur will be served 11pm. the necessary repairs are Ramadan, which offers QR399 off nected to the Supernet and icacies, traditional dishes and from 10.30pm until 2am for QR Guests in Al Aziziyah Bou- carried out. Netgear My-Fi and My-Fi Cradle boost their internet speeds, as live cooking stations. This 160 per person including tique Hotel will indulge in a The Ministry urges all devices. Thanks to the new offer, the Cat 9 My-Fi is able to culinary journey is complete by Ramadan beverages with a wide array of mouthwatering customers to report any vio- customers can upgrade their upgrade to Cat 11 speeds, and a special buffet dedicated to sig- special price of 145QR per delicacies, live cooking stations lations to its Consumer Pro- devices for less and keep in touch connect up to 15 devices at one nature Arabic desserts, including person for bookings of 5 people and an abundant spread of tection and Anti-Commercial from any destination in Qatar time. The new offer has been the Hotel’s super star, Umm Ali. and above. Arabic sweets. Flavours res- Fraud Department, which during the holy Month. designed in time for Ramadan in Iftar Buffet will be served In addition, Three Sixty, the taurant will be serving Iftar daily processes complaints, Anyone buying a Netgear Qatar, as more people look to daily from Maghreb prayer until only revolving restaurant in the from Maghreb prayer to 8pm, inquires and suggestions Cat 9 device before August 15, stay connected with family and 8pm for QR190 per person city, will be joining Ramadan priced at 170QR per person and through the following 2018 will be able to enjoy a dis- friends while on the go. The including Ramadan beverages spirit with an exceptional A la a special price of 150QR per channels: counted price of QR799 (usually offer is available now via the with a special price of 175QR per Carte Menu available Thursday person will be offered to Call Center: 16001 Email: QR849) when purchasing a eShop (www.ooredoo.qa/eshop) person for bookings of 5 people to Saturday from 6pm until bookings of 5 people and above. [email protected] My-Fi Cradle at the same time or in select Ooredoo Shops. Galfar staff convert junk items in Scrap Art Contest QCHP launches Qatar’s Healthcare CPD Community THE PENINSULA inculcating environmental management team. 2022 Football Stadium and THE PENINSULA awareness, and to encourage the The teams that gave close Metro Station; and the STP concluded with an invitation for DOHA: A renewable energy concept of upcycling in competition to the winners were, project team, who came in third all the attendees to enroll and fuel station made from metal employees’ day to day life. The the QHSE division, who came in with a collection of musical DOHA: The Ministry of Public become a part of the CPD Com- scrap, a discarded wheel, and contest motivated staff members second, with a futuristic model instruments to depict music’s Health, Qatar Council for munity. The CPD Community plastic water bottles, bagged to think out of the box and dem- of Doha, complete with a FIFA ability to bring peace to life. Healthcare Practitioners is the first-of-its-kind platform the first prize for the Oil and onstrated how even the most (QCHP) announced the official in GCC for healthcare practi- Gas division team at a Scrap Art useless item can have some launch of Qatar’s Healthcare tioners to engage, collaborate Contest organised by the Galfar value. Continuing Professional Devel- and share inter-professional Arts and Cultural Club (GACC) With 17 teams putting in opment (CPD) Community. practices and expertise. for the staff of Galfar Al Misnad their best creative as well as The event was attended by The purpose of CPD Com- recently. engineering minds into each CPD healthcare experts and munity is to promote a national, As one of the judges, Swapna final product, selecting a winner leaders from the various gov- regional and international Namboodiri, aptly put it when was a tough task for the panel of ernmental and non-govern- culture which ensures best appreciating the efforts of the judges that comprised of mental healthcare facilities and practice in healthcare. The CPD participants, “something is only esteemed artists and members academic institutes. QCHP’s Community also aims to cul- waste, when it is wasted.” of the Qatar Fine Arts Society; CEO introduced the purpose of tivate partnerships between This novel competition Chaitra Somanath, Seetha the CPD Community, its mission stakeholders and collaborate required contestants to Menon, and Swapna Nam- and who is eligible to apply. The their research and scholarly transform scrap that was col- boodiri. The prizes were handed benefits of being a member work in CME/CPD to improve lected at Galfar Al Misnad’s STP out by Galfar Al Misnad’s Exec- were also conveyed along with healthcare service quality and Project Office in Mesaimeer into utive Director Satish G Pillai and Scrap Art Contest winners. the many groups that the consequently, provide better works of art; with the aim of other members of the senior members can join. The event patient care. MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 HOME 07 Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra to perform season finale concert tonight

RAYNALD C RIVERA The concert under Piano Concerto in A Minor, which is one who won First Prize in the 1987 Busoni THE PENINSULA the baton conductor of the most popular works by Nor- International Piano Competition1998 of honour Dmitrij wegian composer and pianist Edvard as well as emerged Prizewinner of the DOHA: Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Grieg known as “Chopin of the North.” Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, ends the season on a high note Kitajenko featuring Piano Concerto in A Minor, whose final Italy. She is an in demand soloist, performing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Lilya Zilberstein version was completed only a few chamber musician, and teacher who one of the great icons of Western music, weeks before Grieg’s death, stands became the first woman to chair the at a sold-out concert tonight at Katara on piano will open among the most popular of all piano classical piano department at the Uni- Opera House. with Symphony No. concerti. versity of Music and Performing Arts The concert under the baton con- 40 in G Minor, one The concert culminates with Three in Vienna. ductor of honor Dmitrij Kitajenko fea- Movements from Spartacus Suites 1 and Considered one of the great con- turing Lilya Zilberstein on piano will of Mozart’s most 2 by Armenia’s foremost composer ductors of our time, Kitajenko is equally open with Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, important works. Aram Khachaturian. The only major esteemed in eastern and western one of Mozart’s most important works. compositional success in the three Europe. He regularly conducts pres- Born in Salzburg, Austria, Mozart decades of his life, Khachaturian’ tigious orchestras like the Berlin Phil- was a very young musical prodigy who Spartacus is a ballet based on the glad- harmonic Orchestra, the Leipzig began composing music at age 11. Symphony No. 40, written in four parts, iator, who was one of the escaped Gewandhaus Orchestra and the Vienna Though his illustrious career was cut Lilya Zilberstein remains an icon of Classical music and slaves who led a 1st-Century BCE slave Symphony Orchestra. In September short by his sudden death at age 35, he his most-performed symphonic work. rebellion. 2015, he was named Conductor of left some 600 compositions which One of the only two symphonies Following Mozart’s Symphony Tonight’s soloist Lilya Zilberstein is Honor of the Qatar Philharmonic included Symphony No. 40. composed by Mozart in minor keys, No.40, Qatar Philharmonic will play one of the finest pianists in the world Orchestra. Qatar Academy Sidra holds US delegation visits Georgetown University THE PENINSULA first graduation ceremony Qatari officials headed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister THE PENINSULA DOHA: Under the patronage of of State for Defense Affairs, HE Qatar’s Ministry of Defence, a Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al senior delegation from the US Attiyah focusing on domains of DOHA: Qatar Academy Sidra (QAS), a Senate and House Armed defense and security among member of Qatar Foundation (QF), cele- Services Committee visited other topics of mutual interest. brated the graduation of its first cohort, the Georgetown University in Qatar During their visit to GU-Q, Class of 2018, recently at the Qatar National (GU-Q) recently. Brigadier the US delegation met with Convention Centre. General Yousef Al Kuwari, the Dean Ahmad Dallal, and Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi, President of Pre- Qatar Defense Attaché to the US exchanged views with a University Education (PUE), QF, at the cer- and Sarah Elzeini, Government number of senior faculty emony highlighted positive impact QAS has Affairs Advisor to Qatar Defense members, including Professor had on the local community and its com- Attaché in the US, arranged the Gerd Nonneman, and Professor mitment to supporting QF’s mission and visit, which aimed to exchange Mehran Kamrava, the director of vision. views on the regional develop- Center for International and She also emphasized PUE’s commitment, ments and issues of concern. Regional Studies (CIRS) at the along with all other QF schools and univer- The US delegation held a university, and Professor Rory sities, “to laying the foundation for lifelong FROM LEFT: Stuart Leeming, Executive Director, QF Schools, PUE; Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi, number of meetings with senior Miller. learning and empowering our future gen- President of Pre-University Education, QF; Dr Abdulla Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Advisory erations to thrive in a global Board, QAS; graduating students, Karim Emara, Afnan Farah and Thurriya Al Mulla, Carolyn environment.” Parker, Secondary School Principal, QAS and Kim Green, Director, QAS. Dr Adbulla Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Advisory Board, QAS, and Kim Green, Director, leaders of tomorrow and a true reflection of Emara, Thuyrria Al Mulla, and Afnan Farah, QAS, also addressed attendees, praising the our unique identity and culture. Moving also reflected on their individual experiences students’ achievements. forward, the memories of QAS will continue at QAS, highlighting how the school’s vision Also present were members of QF’s lead- to empower them, remind them of their encourages students to strive for academic ership team, QAS administrators, and roots, and mark the beginning of their excellence and become responsible citizens. members of the wider community, while journey as global citizens. QAS is determined During the ceremony, Awards for Excel- graduates’ families and teachers joined the to be a foundation of excellence and to grow lence in all disciplines were distributed. celebrations which marked the culmination and thrive as a community. Good luck to our Qatar Academy Sidra was launched in of many years’ hard work. first graduating students; QAS will always 2012. The school started with 53 students, Senior delegation from the US Senate and House Armed Services Green, reflected on the occasion, saying: be your home.” and today has more than 600 students Committee, during a visit to Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q). “Today we celebrate our students; the Three graduating class speakers, Karim enrolled. Qatar reiterates First graduation event of ‘Tamayoz NAMA’ held

AMNA PERVAIZ RAO stance on dialogue THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The Social Devel- for resolving crisis opment Center- NAMA - held graduation ceremony of the first batch of “Tamayoz NAMA” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 highlighted the policies and yesterday. He also considered that measures taken by the State of Professional Competencies this fabricated crisis is just one Qatar to overcome the siege Building Program “Tamayoz of a series of unjustified crises since its beginning, referring to NAMA” was launched on April that the Arab region no longer strengthening the national 12 with cooperation of Qatar bears, stressing that the vision security and humanitarian and Finance and Business Academy. Maryam bint Abdullatif Al Mannai, Acting Executive Director, NAMA Center; Dr Mohammed Al of the State of Qatar on legal position on supporting This program aimed to support Emadi, Acting CEO, Qatar Finance and Business Academy; and Dr Abdulrahim Al Hour, Business resolving the crisis will not be those affected by the siege, in and invest youth abilities and Development Consultant, Q-Auto; with the graduates of ‘Tamayoz NAMA program’s trainees, isolated from the general addition to the political prepare them to follow Qatar after the graduation ceremony held at the InterContinental Doha -The City Hotel, yesterday. regional context. dimension shown in strength- National Vision 2030. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA On the Qatari diplomacy ening international relations, The first version of this and its success in overcoming expanding the network of rela- program was devoted to build of the best thing I learnt during in the field of training and pre- of Tamayoz NAMA said. the crisis, HE Deputy Prime tions and not giving anyone the Qatari competences in the field this program. I am happy to com- sented workshops or training The trainees went through a Minister and Minister of chance to isolate the State of of training. The program lasted plete this program with NAMA. I courses before or introduced and number of stages during the Foreign Affairs said that “there Qatar. for 5 weeks with a total of 72 will definitely look out for more prepared youth initiatives in the program including academic are several factors that con- Responding to a question training hours. 37 trainees of of such programs in future.” field of training. training, accredited testing and tributed to the success of the on whether the State of Qatar both genders have benefited Trainees were selected “I have had a lot of expe- field training in cooperation with Qatari diplomacy, most is under pressure from the from the program. according to the principles and rience in various programs but a number of youth bodies. notably the fairness and stead- United States, HE Sheikh Talking to The Peninsula, criteria set by NAMA for selecting at my university, I was keen to The graduate trainees fastness of the Qatari position. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Abdul Rahman Alashqar Alqass applicants for enrollment in the know what are the abilities that received training certificate cer- He added: “We have just Al-Thani described the Qatari- TV presenter and one of the first version of the program. I can polish more in order to tified by NAMA, Qatar Finance cause, and on the guidance of US relations as strong and trainees, said: “This program was Such criteria have a number grow. I learnt how to deliver my and Business Academy, and an HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin based on strategic partnership beneficial for me in many ways, of conditions including the idea and vision without any hes- internationally accredited cer- Hamad Al-Thani, we have dealt and mutual respect not on it has made me a good presenter. desire and ambition of training itation which has made a con- tificate for training license from with the crisis in a civilized pressure and imposing condi- I have learnt a lot of new skills and and the experience where the fident young man,” Mohammed Cambridge International manner in accordance with the tions, stressing that any ‘how to convince people’ was one participant should have worked Musaed Alobadi, another trainee College. principles of international law, changes made by the State of which led to our success on the Qatar were based on internal international level”. evaluation not on external He stressed that the pressure. QRCS launches QR1.1m project in Al Quds cohesion of the internal front He also stressed that the and the mobilization of the State of Qatar’s call for dialogue DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Society Committee. By providing the dependence to self-sufficiency. examined the land on which an people around their leadership as a way to resolve the crisis (QRCS) has launched a new needy households with a stable It encourages entrepreneurship apiary will be established. are important factors that led does not mean accepting the economic empowerment project source of income, the project will as a strong tool of economic In the first stage of the the international community to imposition of conditions on it. for poor Palestinian households in alleviate poverty, raise living growth and sustainability. project, eight beehives were support the Qatari position, “We are ready to dialogue and the City of Al Quds, with a budget standards, and give a boost to the Certain criteria were used to handed over to the target house- adding that this cohesion has discussing the concerns in of $310,794 (around QR1.1m). local market. ensure fair selection of the holds, along with beekeeping significantly contributed to accordance with international The purpose of the project The scheme adopts a gener- neediest beneficiaries. A team suits, gloves, etc. Also, they overcoming the crisis. law and without encroachment is to help the households with ative vision of leverage, helping from the Zakat Al-Quds Com- attended training sessions on HE Sheikh Mohammed bin of the sovereignty of the State orphans and poor people reg- the beneficiaries make the pro- mittee made field visits to the how to best manage an apiary Abdulrahman Al-Thani also of Qatar.” istered with the Zakat Al Quds ductive shift from financial project’s 51 households and and use the auxiliary gadgets. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 Gaza in 2018 is what Selma was in 1965 ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVID A LOVE AL JAZEERA DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] he recent killings of peaceful Palestinian protesters, children ACTING MANAGING EDITOR and journalists by Israeli mil- MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED Titary snipers marks a turning [email protected] point in the movement against Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestine. Weekly non violent protests by thousands in Gaza over the past month, known as the Great March of Return, have resulted in dozens dead and hun- dreds injured by the live fire, rubber York’s prestigious Barnard College’s stu- ultimately forced change. EDITORIAL bullets and tear gas of Israel’s military. dents voted to divest from Israel. Several Palestinian Arabs are now the As a result, the ground is shifting in the US lawmakers such as Senators Dianne majority population in the land that Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Feinstein, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth encompasses Israel and Palestine, and land, reflecting the urgency of the Warren have voiced their opposition to yet they are second and third-class cit- Qatar’s vibrant stock market human rights violations taking place the shootings of Palestinians attending izens at best, and at worst, landless ref- there, and the ongoing efforts of the Pal- the Great March of Return, as Jewish ugees made captive in their own home. atar stock market is set to witness strong fund estinian-led movement for justice, millennial activists from IfNotNow have Israel is an apartheid state whose inflows in coming months which will further freedom and self-determination. faced arrest for shutting down congres- government apparently has no intention Qstrengthen equity culture in the country. It is esti- In the United States, during this sional offices as they tired to make of providing full and equal rights to Pal- mated that decision by some Qatar-listed companies’ to season of bourgeoning movements for elected officials take a stand. estinians in a democratic one-state raise the cap of foreign ownership limits could attract an women’s rights, gun control and black There are signs of change in Israel as solution, or allowing Palestinian inde- estimated QR7bn in passive funds into these listed lives, people are starting to understand well. An Army Radio broadcaster said he pendence through a two-state solution. companies. the commonality of injustice, inequality is”ashamed to be Israeli” in light of the Israel is continuously expandingits illegal The limit increases and fund-flows should support and state-sponsored violence around military’s killing of Gaza protesters. settlements in the occupied West Bank, the QSE index through mid-2018, according to QNB the world. With a younger generation Some Israeli soldiers stationed in Gaza Gaza is an open-air detainment camp in Financial Services (QNBFS). committed to racial justice, social equity during the attacks on protesters have which the prisoners cannot escape. “We estimate that this will result in material inflows and human rights, attitudes towards reportedly reached out to Breaking the Decades of a dehumanising occu- as part of the MSCI and FTSE rebalancing, which could Israel’s occupation of Palestine are Silence, the dissident Israeli group that pation have also conditioned the hard- drive QR7bn ($2bn) in passive funds into these QSE-listed shifting, even as many mainstream publishes soldiers’ testimonies that are right leadership in the nation of ref- names,” QNBFS analysts noted. Jewish organisations remain silent. highly critical of the occupation. ugees, that is Israel, to brand African ref- Its “Qatar Mid-Year Equity Strategy 2018” has noted Recently, Israeli-American actress B’Tselem, the Israeli human rights ugees as “infiltrators” and “monkeys” that between January 1 and March 11 of this year, the QSE Natalie Portman faced accusations of NGO, has urged Israeli soldiers to refuse who are a threat to the country’s Jewish Index dropped marginally by 3 percent. However, from antisemitism from Israeli officials and to fire at unarmed Palestinian pro- character and existence. that point on, the picture changed materially as buying calls for revoking her citizenship for testers. Meanwhile, a new Jewish-Arab Justifying his Trumpesque border ahead of ex-dividend dates was further bolstered by pos- rejecting an invitation to travel to Israel to movement calledStanding Together fence with Egypt, Netanyahu has called itive news regarding potential/implemented foreign receive an award from the Genesis Prize started working towards transforming African migrants a greater threat than ownership limit increases to 49 percent for select QSE- Foundation, dubbed the “Jewish Nobel”. Israeli politics and invigorating a frac- “Sinai terrorists”. All this despite the fact listed equities. Portman tured left. that Ethiopian Jews, just like Pales- QNB Group (QNBK) was said she Every movement for justice and tinians, are facing discrimination and the first to announce that it declined to equality has its turning point, in which violence in Israel on a daily basis. will propose an increase to the attend the the violence perpetrated against it pro- Article II of the United Nations’ Gen- FOL to 49 percent at the com- ceremony in vides clarity to the greater society, if not ocide Convention defines genocide as pany’s AGM, on March 12. In No longer can the Israel due to the world community, regarding the any of the following, with the intent to It is estimated the following days, eight other Israeli government distress over moral bankruptcy of the oppressor’s destroy a national, ethnic, racial or reli- that decision companies announced plans pretend Palestinians “recent cause. gious group, in whole or in part: “(a) by some Qatar- to increase foreign ownership are not human, or events” During the US civil rights movement, Killing members of the group; (b) listed companies’ limits. (referring to such flashpoints included Bloody Causing serious bodily or mental harm They included Industries invisible, or will the killings of Sunday — the brutal attack by police on to members of the group; (c) Deliber- to raise the Qatar, QIB, Qatar Electricity simply go away. Palestinian civil rights protesters on the Edmund ately inflicting on the group conditions cap of foreign and Water, Barwa Real Israel cannot justify protesters) Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama in 1965 of life calculated to bring about its ownership limits Estate, MPHC, QFLS, GISS, and the misery it visits and because — and the bombing of the Sixteenth physical destruction in whole or in part; could attract an International Islamic. she “did not Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, (d) Imposing measures intended to This led to a material rally upon Palestinians want to which claimed the lives of four black prevent births within the group; (e) For- estimated QR7bn in the Qatar All-Share Index through the appear as girls in 1963. cibly transferring children of the group in passive funds driving it higher by 12 percent military occupation, endorsing In apartheid South Africa, the to another group.” Israel, a nation into these listed through May 1, while the [Israeli Prime turning point was the 1960 Sharpeville created in the wake of the Holocaust, aforementioned nine the killing and Minister] Ben- massacre, in which Afrikaner police should take this definition to heart as it companies. names imprisonment. jamin opened fire on thousands of black pro- assesses how it treats Palestinians. increased by 16 percent Netanyahu.” testers, killing 69 and wounding 180. No longer can the Israeli gov- over the same period. Jewish- Another turning point came 16 years ernment pretend Palestinians are not In longer-term QNBFS remains optimistic on the Qatari American comedian Sarah Silverman later, when South African police killed human, or invisible, or will simply go equity market as fundamentals remain attractive. spoke out in support for Ahed Tamimi, as many as 700 black students in away. Israel cannot justify the misery it The dynamism of Qatar’s is set to get stronger further the Palestinian girl who was imprisoned Soweto who were protesting com- visits upon Palestinians through the mil- as Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) is in the process of listing for slapping an Israeli soldier and has pulsory Afrikaans instruction. itary occupation, the killing and impris- several companies in the coming years. The bourse has since been called the “Palestinian Rosa The Palestinian movement for onment, the restrictions on movement, prepared a list of 35 companies that are expected to be Parks”. As both Portman and Silverman justice and equality reached a similar the demolition of homes and the con- listed for the next five years. Qatari stock market is based are known for their support for Israel, turning point when Israeli soldiers chose struction of illegal settlements on Pales- on a strong economy characterised by high growth rates their unexpected reactions to and pro- to fire upon thousands of unarmed, non- tinian land any longer. and sustainable development. Baladna Food Industries tests of Israel’s actions showed that violent protesters. Israel can no longer Reactions to Israeli military’s latest is also preparing for an (Initial Public Offer) IPO to the there is a shift in Jewish-American atti- justify a system protecting rights for killing and maimings of non violent Pal- Qatar Stock Exchange, which is eagerly awaited by the tudes towards the occupation. Jews only, any more than apartheid estinian protesters are proof that the investors. Meanwhile, Durham, North Carolina South Africa or Jim Crow America were Palestinian movement for justice has In a related development, Qatar Petroleum recently became the first US city to ban police able to maintain a country for whites passed a turning point and change is announced that it will be offering 49 percent of its shares training in Israel, while students at New only, as pressure, protests and boycotts coming. in Qatalum for public offering, following the directives of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to offer Qatari nationals shares in state-sponsored companies that enjoy safe investment environment and lucrative returns. Leader’s death sparks fears of unrest in Mozambique Country’s financial market is one of the best interna- AFP tional markets and the largest market in the Middle East for kidnapping and mur- resumed in 2013. the behaviour of those who within the index of MSCI and it will continue to attract dering supporters of the Dhlakama led Renamo, will replace him,” he said. investors across the globe. ocals in Vunduzi, a Mozambique National created in 1976, through a “To avoid persecution,” village near the Resistance or Renamo. brutal civil war against the Dhlakama’s loyalists “are place where But after Dhlakama Marxist-inspired Frelimo discreet,” said a school Mozambican sol- unilaterally decreed a truce government until the con- teacher. In his 30s, the L teacher is a Renamo sup- diers and former Renamo at the end of 2016, life flict ended in 1992. The rebels fought their last returned to normal. Military 16-year war devastated the porter but is registered as a battle, fear that Renamo checkpoints disappeared economy and left one member of the ruling leader Afonso Dhlakama’s and cars, trucks and motor- million people dead. He Frelimo and must con- QUOTE OF THE DAY death this month could spell cycles moved around freely later then transformed tribute one percent of his fresh unrest. in the village. Renamo into a political salary to the party, which in Sitting at the foot of the The main school, which party which has partici- his case is 50 meticals The UK is a strategic Gorongosa mountains in had been shut in 2015, reo- pated in elections since the ($0.83). “I do not give will- ally that we find central Mozambique, pened. Public buildings first multi-party democratic ingly,” he said. “But I give valuable and Vunduzi was a ghost village have been repainted and vote in October 1994. just to avoid being reliable. We are two years ago with a the village now has For the majority of harassed”. handful of stalls basically electricity. people here Dhlakama is “With Dhlakama gone... ready to cooperate serving government troops Dhlakama’s sudden the father of democracy — we are wondering how the more with the UK deployed there. death on May 3 in his the only person to stand up political situation is going to in the post-Brexit in At the slightest sound of Gorongosa bush camp has to the brutal regime — and evolve. Will his men take up gunshot, villagers would left the small village shaken since his death anxiety arms again?” said shop every field. rush into the thick forest to and worried about the reigns in the village. “It is a owner Ricardo Armando. hide. At night they slept in future. Dhlakama and disaster,” said an agri- “What we need is for Recep Tayyip Erdogan the forest to avoid gov- Mozambican President culture ministry official. Renamo troops to be demo- Turkish President ernment soldiers or spies Filipe Nyusi had opened “Maybe it will be a bilised to solve the political locally known as the “death direct peace negotiations to return to unrest. We do not situation once and for all,” squad” who were blamed an end the fighting that had know. It will all depends on he added. MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 OPINION 09 Italy’s coalition government promises will be hard to keep

he Italian coalition taking they are extremely expensive. unclear how all this will square with shape 10 weeks after March’s On the face of it their plans, which Italy’s commitments to reduce its inconclusive election has they say may also include a form of budget deficit and its public debt, made economic promises that parallel currency, could push the which at more than 130 percent of T Some of the parties’ seem incompatible with Europe’s budget deficit far above targets agreed gross domestic product, is the highest fiscal rules and will be hard, if not with the EU, setting up a clash with in the euro zone after Greece. negotiators now suggest a GAVIN JONES impossible, to keep. the European Commission and Italy’s Growing signs of an economic more pragmatic approach slowdown will make the new govern- REUTERS These include slashing taxes for partners. will probably prevail, by companies and individuals, boosting “We will need to renegotiate EU ment’s task even harder. Industrial welfare provision, cancelling a agreements to stop Italy suffocating,” output stagnated in the first quarter implementing their pre- scheduled increase in sales tax and League leader Matteo Salvini said on and business confidence fell in April election proposals only dismantling a 2011 pension reform Saturday after a day of talks with his to a 14-month low. partially and gradually. which sharply raised the retirement 5-Star counterpart Luigi Di Maio. Before the election, 5-Star and the In the face of voter age. 5-Star’s flagship policy of a uni- League both blamed the EU’s fiscal The marriage being sealed versal income for the poor has been rules for Italy’s chronically weak disappointment, each between the anti-establishment costed at around ¤17bn ($20bn) per growth and rising poverty, and group will be able to say it 5-Star Movement and the far-right year. The League’s hallmark scheme, promised to defy Brussels by spending was forced to compromise League was seen as an unlikely and a flat tax rate of 15 percent for com- more if they managed to enter worrying prospect by most analysts panies and individuals, is estimated to government. with its partner. before the March 4 election ended in a reduce tax revenues by ¤80bn per They are now using less strident hung parliament. year. tones, and a 5-Star official said on The pre-election adversaries Scrapping the unpopular pension Friday any plans to raise the budget Brussels would be popular with have spent the last few days trying to reform would cost ¤15bn, another 12.5 deficit will first be discussed with Italian voters, and the new gov- fuse their very different programmes bn is needed to head off the planned Brussels in a “courteous” way. ernment had little to fear from a into a “contract” of mutually hike in sales tax, and the parties are The outgoing centre-left adminis- European Commission which “is acceptable policy commitments. also considering printing a new, tration promised the fiscal deficit very weak and on its way out”. What they have in common is that special-purpose currency to pay off would fall this year to 1.6 percent of The Commission, with just a state debts to firms. GDP from 2.4 percent in 2017, and year of its term remaining, “can’t “If implemented, it then decline to 0.8 percent next year really do much other than put would be the biggest with a balanced budget in 2020. Italy’s finances under greater shake-up of the Italian 5-Star leader Di Maio said just scrutiny, and markets don’t care economic system in before the election he would hold the about that”, he said. modern times,” said deficit at 1.5 percent, having previ- So far, market reaction has Wolfgang Munchau, ously pledged to raise it above the been muted in response to what head of the London- EU’s 3 percent ceiling to allow extra some analysts described before the based Eurointelligence spending on public investments. election as the “nightmare sce- think-tank. His latest position is still not con- nario” of a 5-Star/League Some of the sistent with Italy’s commitment to government. parties’ negotiators balance its budget, and also out of line The gap between Italian now suggest a more with the more confrontational stance benchmark bond yields and the pragmatic approach of the League. safer German equivalent reached will probably prevail, “The goal to balance the budget its widest in seven weeks last week by implementing their has destroyed our economy,” said on news that a deal was at hand, pre-election proposals League senator Alberto Bagnai, a but it had narrowed again by only partially and eurosceptic economist. Friday and shows no sign of getting gradually. In the face The League wants to raise the out of hand. of voter disap- deficit to 2.8 percent this year and to pointment, each group 3.0 percent in 2020. Bagnai said will be able to say it negotiation would be needed to find was forced to com- common ground on the matter with promise with its 5-Star. partner. Wolfango Piccoli, co-president Even so, it is still of Teneo Intelligence, said taking on

D-RING ROAD MICHAEL TAYLOR In addition to the loss of lives and will allow them to both look at pre- POST BOX: 3488 livelihoods, the UN agency estimates that vention and response to disasters in a DOHA - QATAR the average annual cost due to future more cohesive manner,” said Girardet. [email protected] 10 years after Sichuan, earthquakes in China will be about $7 Asia-Pacific is the most disaster- billion. prone region in the world, according to Given that the Sichuan quake the UN Economic and Social Commission EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: China transforms destroyed an estimated 1.5 million homes for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: and 7,000 classrooms, two of the most Earthquakes and tsunamis have been +974 4455 7758 critical steps China has since taken were catastrophic, including the 1976 quake preparedness MANAGING EDITOR to strictly enforce building codes and Tangshan earthquake in China, the 2004 TEL: improve safety at schools, said UNISDR’s Indian Ocean tsunami, Japan’s 2011 4462 7505 Girardet. “The big cause of death and tsunami, and the 2015 earthquake in destruction in the Sichuan earthquake Nepal. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 was the collapse of buildings that had “Far more investment is required in ne decade after an earthquake been quite shabbily constructed,” she said. this area across the board,” said Girardet. LOCAL NEWS SECTION killed almost 70,000 people, As well as retrofitting and rebuilding “The colliding impact of climate change, TEL: 4455 7743 China’s investment in disaster many schools in quake-prone areas, urbanisation, ongoing poverty and ine- preparedness means a similar China is educating children about the quality in the region, all mean that the O BUSINESS NEWS SECTION tragedy is unlikely, said experts who risks and hazards relating to quakes and risks are ever-growing.” TEL: 4462 7535 urged other Asian nations to follow suit. what to do in a disaster. Retrofitting buildings to make them The massive quake that rocked In addition to regular school drills, safer when quakes strike is expensive, SPORT NEWS SECTION China’s southwestern province of Beijing has pledged more than $31 million but that should not deter authorities from TEL: 4455 7745 Sichuan on the afternoon of May 12, over the next five years to develop seismic making a start, said Jolanta Kryspin- 2008, left about 10,000 children dead, science and technology. Dedicated satel- Watson, a disaster risk specialist at the ONLINE SECTION many buried under rubble when their lites also help track and monitor hazards World Bank in Singapore. TEL: 4462 7501 schools collapsed. — be they earthquakes, storms and mud- Building regulations should be [email protected] With almost 5 million people slides - 24 hours a day. China’s Prepared updated and then enforced to ensure that Assistance to Disaster Affected Areas pro- new infrastructure and buildings are homeless and facing a public backlash in PUBLIC RELATIONS more resilient to earthquakes, disaster the aftermath of the quake, China has gramme has also reduced risks, said Saini TEL: 4455 7613 since invested heavily to transform the Yang, a professor of disaster risk experts said. Students and teachers [email protected] way it prepares and responds to earth- reduction at Beijing Normal University. should be educated about quake safety, quakes, according to disaster experts. The initiative pairs more developed prov- so they can pass the knowledge on to ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT “Out of the Sichuan tragedy has come inces and cities with disaster-prone areas their communities, especially in remote TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 huge progress,” said Loretta Hieber Gir- so that they can provide assistance, areas, said Kryspin-Watson. Govern- FAX: 4455 7870 ardet, Asia-Pacific chief for the United expertise and financial support before ments also need to invest in early [email protected] Nations Office for Disaster Risk and after disasters. warning systems like those in Japan, Over the last 50 Reduction (UNISDR). The speed and efficiency of Chinese where sensors pick up tremors before CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT China has “taken very strong authorities in post-quake reconstruction the quake strikes, disaster experts said. years, China has TEL: 4455 7857 measures to ensure that the loss of life efforts has also been critical in limiting Even a 20-40 seconds warning can [email protected] experienced an and economic losses would not be the the impact on economic growth and on make a difference and save lives by average of three same in a future earthquake,” she told. people’s lives, said Saini, who advises the giving people the chance to escape a SUBSCRIPTION & earthquakes per Although China is the most earth- government when disasters happen. building or get under a table. “A lot more DISTRIBUTION quake-prone nation in Asia, other coun- China also now has 700,000 people has to happen,” said ADB’s Sinha Roy. year, leaving TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 tries in the region — like the Philippines, trained as disaster reporters, who can FAX: 44557819 380,000 people Myanmar, Nepal, India, Indonesia and quickly collect infor- [email protected] dead and affecting Japan — face similar threats. mation for regional and more than 75 million Many of them are also experiencing central governments on unprecedented urbanisation, which the impact of an people, according experts say makes it vital that they earthquake. All thoughts and views to the UNISDR. In improve their disaster preparedness and A new emergency expressed in these columns addition to the response capabilities. management ministry are those of the writers, loss of lives and “More and more people are living in was inaugurated last hazard-prone areas or assets built along month, which helps not of the newspaper. livelihoods, the UN fault lines, which increases the risk,” said coordinate efforts to agency estimates Arghya Sinha Roy, a disaster risk spe- reduce risks rather than All correspondence that the average cialist at the Asian Development Bank having them spread over regarding Views and annual cost due to (ADB) in Manila. several government Over the last 50 years, China has ministries and depart- Opinion pages should be future earthquakes experienced an average of three earth- ments. “They have send to editor-in-chief in China will be quakes per year, leaving 380,000 people attempted to bring all office or mailed to the about $7 billion. dead and affecting more than 75 million these together under a people, according to the UNISDR. central authority and this [email protected] 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 US moves embassy to Jerusalem today amid protests

BLOOMBERG Tens of thousands of Palestinians are expected JERUSALEM: One of President Donald to protest along the Gaza Trump’s most contentious foreign policy border today, with the projects, the inauguration of a US embassy in Jerusalem, is set to be carried Strip’s Islamist rulers out today even as peace in the Middle Hamas voicing support in East seems more elusive than ever. recent days for attempts to While Trump, who vowed to move breach the fence. the embassy from Tel Aviv during his campaign, isn’t attending, he’ll address invitees to the designation ceremony former chief negotiator with Israel, told via video conference, according to two reporters last week as he stood on a US officials. Trump’s daughter and son- hillside between the diplomatic com- in-law, Ivanka Trump and Jared pound and the east Jerusalem Pales- Kushner, Treasury Secretary Steven tinian village of Sur Baher. Mnuchin, and Deputy Secretary of State The opening also comes amid John Sullivan will be among the US heightened tensions across the region. delegation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “It is time to officially recognise forces have stepped up attacks on Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” Iranian targets in neighboring Syria over Trump declared on December 6, saying the past week, after saying Tehran- that he hoped the move could spur backed troops there targeted Israel with renewed peace negotiations. But the a missile barrage. Iranian officials decision angered much of the Middle rejected that accusation and are fuming East, including US allies, and Palestinian about Trump’s decision to withdraw Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran responded by breaking off all contact and five other world powers. with the Trump administration. The Israeli army said it would almost “It ended the role of the United double the number of troops sur- States as an honest broker,” Nabil rounding the Gaza Strip and in the A man tries to separate a Palestinian woman and an Israeli border guard confronting themselves at Damascus gate in Shaath, a senior adviser to Abbas and occupied West Bank to Jerusalem yesterday, as Israeli settlers celebrate the Jerusalem Day in the Old City.

tackle Palestinian protests against key adviser Jared Kushner will. thousands of Palestinians are preparing Turkish lawmakers sign Jerusalem oath today’s controversial opening of the US Palestinians consider the eastern to march to the border fence separating embassy in jerusalem. part of the city as their capital and them from Israel and concluding six Three additional infantry brigades Trump’s December announcement of weeks of confrontations with Israeli ISTANBUL: “We would rather die than forsake Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque”, will be deployed next week, two around the embassy move led to major protests forces. At least 50 Palestinians were Nureddin Nebati, a ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party’s deputy and the Gaza Strip and one in the West Bank, in Gaza and the West Bank. killed in the first seven weeks of pro- head of the Interparliamentary Jerusalem Platform, told Anadolu Agency. nearly doubling the number of fighting Tens of thousands of Palestinians tests, and hundreds were injured by live Nebati made the remarks on the sidelines of a symbolic “Jerusalem Oath” units currently serving, an army are expected to protest along the Gaza fire, according to Gaza health officials. signing ceremony attended by national and international lawmakers. US Pres- spokesman told reporters. border today, with the strip’s Islamist The US expects about 800 people ident Donald Trump’s decision to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jeru- The announcement does not rulers Hamas voicing support in recent to attend the opening ceremony, Ambas- salem was also slammed during the meeting. concern Israeli-annexed east jerusalem, days for attempts to breach the fence. sador David Friedman said on a call with “The mafia-like alliance formed by those who see themselves as owners where responding to protests is the The US-Israeli festivities opening reporters on Friday. Palestinians, backed of the world ignores law, morality and conscience. Jerusalem has been a mile- responsibility of the police. the compound precede memorial by the majority of the international com- stone in global politics. The dark forces of today extend their hand to Jerusalem, US President Donald Trump will not events observed by the Palestinians to munity, say the US move preempts like countless times before, with a view to infiltrating Muslims’ lives, controlling attend the opening of the new embassy mark the “Nakba,” or the catastrophe decades of peace talks, which left a over 2 billion Muslims and shackling their dreams,” he said. in jerusalem on Monday, but his of their displacement at Israel’s creation decision on the final status of Jerusalem daughter Ivanka and son-in-law and in 1948. In the Gaza Strip, tens of for negotiations between the two sides.

Top Hariri aides out after Abadi appears ahead in Iraq election followed by Sadr poor showing in Lebanon vote REUTERS called the Mehdi Army, the Americans and is one of the BEIRUT: Three key aides of Lebanese Prime Shia militia loyal to Sadr, the few Shia leaders to keep a Minister Saad Hariri were fired or resigned, BASRA: Prime Minister biggest threat to Iraq’s distance with Iran, which has his office has revealed, a week after a disas- Haider Al Abadi’s list appears security. powerful influence in Iraq. trous showing in the country’s first general to be leading in Iraq’s parlia- As top politicians in suits Sadr rose to prominence election in almost a decade. Hariri’s Future mentary election followed by voted at a fancy Baghdad in the unrest and chaos that Movement lost a third of its seats in the May 6 influential Shia cleric hotel on Saturday in the first erupted in Iraq after US vote, ceding ground to its Christian former Muqtada Al Sadr’s alliance, an election since Islamic State troops toppled Saddam Hus- allies and parties on the other side of Leba- election commission source militants were defeated, Sadr sein’s rule in 2003. Armed non’s political divide, including the Shiite and a security official said in trademark turban and robe mostly with AK-47 assault Hezbollah movement. The premier’s chief of yesterday. The sources cited was shown walking to a rifles and rocket-propelled staff, his cousin Nader Hariri, “resigned from unofficial initial results. Iraqis polling station in poor district grenades, Sadr’s militia chal- all his functions”, according to a statement, voted on Saturday in the first to cast his ballot. The tele- lenged the world’s most pow- without specifying a reason. election since the defeat of vision footage of Sadr voting erful military as it tried to sta- Islamic State forces inside the reinforced his image as a bilise Iraq. Bahrain bars members of oppn country. Final results are maverick who appeals to Sadr derives much of his expected today Iraq’s dispossessed. authority from his family. His groups from standing in elections Muqtada Al Sadr, a fire- A protest against the results of Iraq’s general election after If initial results are con- father, highly respected brand Shia cleric who led Turkmen claimed of voting irregularities in Kirkuk, yesterday. firmed, British-educated Grand Ayatollah Mohammed DUBAI: Bahrain’s parliament approved a bill uprisings against US troops, Abadi, a Shia who as prime Sadeq Al Sadr, was murdered yesterday barring members of dissolved oppo- appeared to make a minister nurtured ties with in 1999 for defying Saddam sition groups from running in elections, the remarkable comeback after Sadr made his name support from poor neigh- Washington and Tehran, may Hussein. His father’s cousin, latest step in a crackdown against dissent ahead being sidelined for years by leading two uprisings against bourhoods of Baghdad and have to form a coalition with Mohammed Baqir, was killed of parliamentary polls this year. Courts last Iranian-backed rivals. US forces in Iraq, drawing other cities. Washington Sadr, who fought the by Saddam in 1980. year dissolved the main opposition groups Al Wefaq and National Democratic Action Society (Waad), accusing them of helping to foster violence and terrorism. The Shura Council, SA govt seizes control parliament’s upper house, passed the draft bill Zarif hopeful of forging clear future for N-deal that bans leaders and members of political associations dissolved by the judicial system of North West Province BEIJING: Iran’s foreign out a new agreement with its from standing in elections “due to their serious minister said yesterday he European partners to counter violations of the constitution and laws of the BLOOMBERG was hopeful of forging a Tehran’s “malign behaviour”. kingdom”, state news agency BNA reported. “clear future design” for the China was one of the six CAPETOWN: South Africa’s government seized control nuclear deal facing collapse powers — with the United Over 70 rescued off Libyan coast of North West province, which has been wracked by after Washington’s with- States, Russia, France, the UK a series of violent protests, as a way to force Premier drawal, at the start of a and Germany -- that signed Supra Mahumapelo from his post. Mahumapelo, 49, diplomatic tour aimed at the historic pact, which saw TRIPOLI: More than 70 migrants, including had run against President Cyril Ramaphosa to lead the rescuing the agreement. sanctions lifted in return for three children, were rescued off the coast of ruling African National Congress. Ramaphosa won by “We hope that with this the commitment by Tehran Libya as the Aquarius, chartered by the NGOs a narrow margin at a conference in December. visit to China and other not to acquire nuclear SOS Mediterranee and Doctors Without Displacing the provincial administration may help countries we will be able to weapons. Borders came to their aid. Rescuers hauled at Ramaphosa strengthen his control over the party. construct a clear future As he arrived in Beijing, least 73 people to safety, including 12 women, Party unhappiness with Mahumapelo’s leadership design for the compre- Zarif said Tehran was “ready nine youths and three children. Around half has been mounting over his handling of a graft scandal hensive agreement,” for all option(s)”, according the group — 37— were Algerian with the and the sidelining of his ANC rivals in North West. Ram- Mohammad Javad Zarif told to the semi-official ISNA remainder from sub-Saharan Africa. aphosa, 65, wrote to the National Council of Provinces reporters after talks in news agency. on Friday, notifying it of the cabinet’s decision to place Beijing with his Chinese “If the nuclear deal is to Toll in Syria blast climbs to 28 the region under national control because it could no counterpart Wang Yi. continue, the interests of the longer fulfill its statutory obligations, Parliament said Zarif will later fly to people of Iran must be BEIRUT: At least 28 people, including civilians in an emailed statement. Moscow and Brussels to assured,” he added. and fighters, were killed in a car bombing in Speculation that Mahumapelo was on the verge of consult the remaining sig- After their meeting, Zarif the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, a monitor resigning has intensified in recent weeks after several natories to the 2015 and Wang hailed the “com- said in a new toll. The Syrian Observatory for Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi senior ANC leaders said they were discussing whether to agreement denounced by prehensive strategic part- Human Rights said those killed in Saturday’s (right), with Iranian Foreign Minister remove him from office. He went on temporary leave on US President Donald Trump. nership” between their coun- blast included at least five civilians and 10 May 9 after backtracking on a statement that he would Washington’s decision to Mohammad Javad Zarif in Beijing, tries, with the Chinese min- members of the Hayat TahrirAl Sham jihadist resign. He remains chairman of the ANC in the province. withdraw from the deal and yesterday. ister saying: “I hope and group, which is led by Syria’s former Al Qaeda South Africa’s special police unit known as the reimpose sanctions angered believe that these visits to branch. Eight people accused of belonging to Hawks said it raided Mahumapelo’s offices last month its European allies as well as China and Russia. multiple countries will... help protect Iran’s legit- the Islamic State group were also among the in connection with alleged mismanagement, fraud and But on Sunday US Secretary of State Mike imate national interests and peace and stability dead, while five other bodies have not yet been corruption amounting to about 160m rand ($13m). Pompeo said Washington was keen to hammer in the region.” identified, the Britain-based Observatory said. MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 ASIA 11 Violent storms leave 40 dead in India AGENCIES As many as 12 people winding and busy Blue Line, which links Dwarka in west NEW DELHI: A new wave of were killed yesterday Delhi to Noida and Vaishali in violent sand and thunder storms by thunderstorms in Uttar Pradesh, for more than 45 hit northern India yesterday West Bengal, nine minutes. The Violet Line, one of killing more than 40 people and by lightning bolts in the six lines of the Delhi Metro leaving widespread disruption, that connects Kashmere Gate in authorities said. Andhra Pradesh and north Delhi to Escorts Mujesar At least 18 people were killed two in New Delhi, in Faridabad in Haryana, was by hail and thunder storms that where winds of more also disrupted. brought down walls, trees and than 100km an hour In both cases, toppling trees power pylons in Uttar Pradesh fell and damaged overhead state, emergency officials said. forced 70 flights to be Metro wiring, an official The deaths came just 10 days diverted, emergency spokesman said. When the after a sand storm left more than authorities said. Metro services finally resumed 130 dead in the same region. after around two hours, the Another 12 people were trains plied at halting speed. killed yesterday by thunder- The rains and storm brought storms in West Bengal, nine by down trees and tree branches in lightning bolts in Andhra As the storm blew at a some areas and led to traffic Pradesh and two in the capital highest speed of 70km per hour, snarls, forcing two-wheeler New Delhi, where winds of more the mercury crashed from 39 drivers to take shelter under than 100km (60 miles) an hour degrees Celsius at 4pm to 25 bridges and flyovers. Motorists forced 70 flights to be diverted, degrees half hour later, the India switched on headlights to find emergency authorities said. Meteorological Department their way in the enveloping Indira Gandhi International (IMD) said. By early evening, the darkness. A boy runs for cover during a dust storm in New Delhi, India, yesterday. Airport was closed for more than skies had turned dark. The Delhi Fire Service said two hours because of the winds. Power supply was affected it received over 30 calls linked the private weather forecast temperature in the region which form again and temperature will Dark storm clouds gathered over in many areas in Delhi and to falling trees and two calls agency, Skymet, said that the caused the formation of thunder begin to rise after May 15,” the capital, battering the city Gurugram in Haryana. related to wall collapse within change in weather was due to clouds. The strom blew over a Palawat said. Just after the dust with high winds. A tree and More than 40 incoming two hours of the storm hitting western disturbance which trough which is spread from storm hit Delhi and the National falling bricks killed two people flights to the Indira Gandhi the national capital. But no cas- reached Jammu and Kashmir north Rajasthan and Uttar Capital Region, Delhi, Gurugram there, officials said. International Airport were ualty was reported. The dramatic and Himachal Pradesh on Sat- Pradesh. and Noida received heavy to A powerful dust storm diverted between 4.15 and change in weather, however, did urday evening. “Delhi falls within the moderate rains. accompanied by rains yesterday 5.30pm due to poor visibility and bring respite to residents from “A cyclonic circulation trough, but now this will move The Met official said yes- evening brought down the tem- strong winds, an airport official the sweltering heat. The Met formed near Haryana and north towards western Uttar Pradesh. terday morning was the hottest perature in the national capital said. department had forecast rain Rajasthan along with the There is a likelihood of light of the season, with minimum and adjoining areas, seriously Delhi Metro operations were and thunderstorm with gusty western disturbance. South- rains with thunder towards the temperature recorded at 30.6 disrupting air traffic and Metro also hit. Thousands of com- winds on Sunday. easterly and easterly winds are afternoon or evening for two degrees Celsius, five notches services, officials said. muters were stuck on the Mahesh Palawat, Director of creating moisture and high more days. Westerly winds will above the season’s average. Army Chief’s Sri Lankan visit from today Kerala Police rapped IANS “The visit assumes signifi- also providing military pre-commissioning training fol- cance in the light of India’s per- hardware, it said. lowed by the two armies. for negligence in NEW DELHI: Indian Army Chief sistent efforts to strengthen the During the visit, Gen Rawat Apart from interaction with General Bipin Rawat will visit Sri existing bonds of friendship and will inaugurate a communi- senior leadership of the three child exploitation case Lanka for four days from today military cooperation based on cation laboratory at the School defence services, the Army chief IANS as part of efforts to strengthen mutual interests and under- of Signals in Kandy. The institute will meet regional military com- and after detailed questioning, military cooperation between standing,” a Ministry statement was conceptualised and estab- manders at Kandy and a case under POCSO was reg- the two country, the Defence said. lished by the Indian Army to Trincomalee. MALAPPURAM, KERALA: The istered. The woman used to stay Ministry said yesterday. The Indian Army has been train Sri Lanka Army Signal “The visit is yet another Kerala police found itself in the on rent in a building that The Army chief is scheduled catering not only for training Corps personnel. milestone in reaching out to our dock yesterday over its lacka- belonged to Kutty. to meet the political and military requirements of its Sri Lankan Gen Rawat will also visit Sri immediate neighborhood and daisical attitude in a child Kutty was taken for a brass of Sri Lanka during the counterparts, including Lanka’s military academy at take forward the military-to- physical exploitation case, medical check up and is visit, his first as Chief of Army imparting specific tailor-made Diyatalawa as part of exchange military cooperation to the next despite receiving a complaint expected to be presented before Staff. training in different fields, but of best practices related to level,” the statement added. along with documentary a magistrate soon. evidence. The girl’s statement was In visuals played by a TV recorded by a magistrate and channel on Saturday, a busi- she was sent to a state-run 14 dead and nessman Moideen Kutty was rescue home. seen physically exploiting a Sub-Inspector KG Baby has 15 injured in 10-year-old girl and at times, been suspended for dereliction getting close to her mother as of duty. According to sources in Himachal well, at a movie hall in Edapal the know of things, Baby had in Malappuram. approached his superior officer road accidents The incident took place on soon after receiving the com- April 19 following which the plaint from Child Line but there IANS movie hall manager com- was no action from the higher plained to the Child Line and ups. P Sreeramakrishnan, SHIMLA: Fourteen people also presented the visuals. The Speaker of the Kerala Assembly, were killed and 15 injured in Child Line approached the who hails from Malappuram, two separate road accidents Changaramkulam police station said the case has shamed in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla on April 26. everyone. and Sirmaur districts However, the police got into “The manner in which the yesterday. the act only on Saturday fol- police acted is a serious matter Eight people were killed lowing a furore after the airing too, as they should have taken and 15 injured when a bus of the visuals. Within an hour, immediate action. I have asked skidded off the road and Kutty, who has business for appropriate action against rolled down the hill in interests in the Middle East, was those who have erred,” Sreer- Sirmaur district. arrested before he could leave amakrishnan told the media. The bus was on its way on Saturday night. The police State Women’s Commission from Manva to Solan town Nature at its best... also faced criticism for trying Chairperson MC Josephine said when the accident occurred to take action against the Child that the police failed to rise to Tourists enjoy a boat ride at Loktak Lake in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. Loktak Lake is near the Nai Neti panchayat, Line officials as they gave the the occasion. Leader of Oppo- the largest freshwater lake in northeast India and is famous for the phumdis, a floating heterogeneous around 25km from Rajgarh visuals to the media, which sition Ramesh Chennithala town. Most of the injured mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter at various stages of decomposition. aired it. Yesterday, police took demanded strict action against were admitted to the Regional into custody the victim’s mother the police officials. Hospital in Solan. Sirmaur Deputy Commis- sioner Lalit Jain said the rescue operation was over. Most of the victims were from Record 72.13% voting BJP protecting corrupt: Congress Rajgarh area. He said the IANS cause of the accident was yet Minister Narendra Modi and the In a press conference held to be ascertained. in Karnataka election ruling BJP had not replied to earlier in the day over the In another accident, all six NEW DELHI: The Congress questions over the Rafale price, Income Tax Department’s IANS occupants of a car were killed Jayanagar segment due to the yesterday hit back at the BJP for Vyapam scam, PDS scam in chargesheet against on the spot when it fell into a death of BJP candidate and MLA “protecting its corrupt leaders Chhattisgarh, mining scam in Chidambaram for alleged non- 300-foot deep gorge near BENGALURU: A record 72.13 BN Vijaya Kumar on May 4. and Ministers” and slammed Rajasthan and cases involving disclosure of assets held abroad, Chhaila on the Theog-Hatkoti percent of the over 5.06 crore “The highest voting per- Defence Minister Nirmala Sith- Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Defence Minister Sitharaman road, 42km from Shimla. electorate voted during the centage of 89.97 was recorded araman for her silence on key and BJP chief Amit Shah’s son asked if Congress President Witnesses told police that Karnataka assembly election, in Hosakote in Bengaluru Rural defence controversies, including Jay Shah. Rahul Gandhi will probe the the car driver probably lost the state Chief Electoral Officer district, with the lowest 48.03 the Rafale deal. “When will the Prime Min- matter against one of his senior control over the vehicle when said yesterday. percent in Dasarahalli in Ben- It said the Income Tax ister and the Defence Minister colleagues. Khera said it was descending a steep “The final voter turnout is galuru Urban.” High voting per- Department was a “caged bird” respond to the Rs58,000 crore Chidambaram had already clar- gradient. 72.13 percent in 222 constitu- centage was also reported from of the BJP-led government and Rafale scam? You also snatched ified his stand on the issue and The administration had a encies, including 36 reserved Srinivaspur in Kolar district action against senior Congress offset business of Rs30,000cr he would challenge the Income tough time extricating the for Scheduled Castes and 15 for (88.40), Chikaballapur (87.86), leader and former Union Min- from HAL (Hindustan Aero- Tax Department’s action in a victims of both the accidents Scheduled Tribes,” said CEO Gundlupet in Chamarajnagar ister P Chidambaram over a dis- nautics Limited) in Bengaluru court of law. from the badly mangled Sanjiv Kumar, a day after the (87.50), Aakul in Hassan (87.32). proportionate assets case was and gave it to your friend, who Khera said the Minister vehicles. polling. The election in Raja Counting of votes will be “politically motivated”. has no experience in this field. always took a lead in responding People in the area began Rajeshwari (RR) Nagar seat was taken up on May 15. In RR Addressing a press con- First, you give answers to these to all issues, except those related rescue operations even before postponed to May 28 while it Nagar, vote count will be on ference here, Congress Spokes- questions and then talk about to her ministry, the Rafale deal authorities reached the spot. was countermanded in May 31. person Pawan Khera said Prime other issues,” Khera said. and other defence deals. 12 ASIA MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 2010 crash: Airblue ordered to pay compensation

INTERNEWS a victim of the air crash sub- 28, 2010. commission, but police and the hard on the acting MD for sub- mitted an application to the The chief justice directed the Federal Investigation Agency mitting record with an inordinate KARACHI: The Supreme Court bench while it was hearing a case airline to submit a cheque of were apparently not interested delay. of Pakistan has expressed dismay A family member of a relating to allegations of fake compensation not paid yet along in investigating the case. He observed that it seemed over Airblue’s failure to pay degrees held by pilots of different with the list of the victims as well The chief justice also directed to be intentional delay on the compensation for victims of the victim told the court airlines at the Supreme Court’s as record of litigation to the addi- the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) part of the airline and directed 2010 air crash and directed the that despite directives Karachi registry. The bench also tional registrar of the apex court to get the degrees of staff of local the acting MD to deposit $433 in airline to deposit the compen- of the Peshawar High took up some other petitions and in Islamabad yesterday. airlines verified from the univer- the bank account of the Fatimid sation amount in the court suo motu cases. The bench also directed the sities concerned in 15 days. Foundation. yesterday. Court, he and heirs of The applicant told the court inspector general of Islamabad He expressed displeasure The bench also expressed Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian some other victims that despite directives of the police to produce the record over delaying tactics used by resentment when Ehsan Sehbai Saqib Nisar chided acting man- had not yet been Peshawar High Court, he and regarding another air crash of a Airblue and Shaheen Interna- of Shaheen airline sought further aging director of Airblue Junaid compensated, adding heirs of some other victims had plane belonging to Bhoja Air after tional Airline in complying with time for submitting details about Khan when he said compen- not yet been compensated, a relative of a victim said a the court orders on alleged fake degrees of its staff. sation for most of the victims had that the airline was adding that the airline was bound judicial inquiry into the 2012 degrees of their staff and The chief justice observed been paid, but was unable to bound to pay $43,257 to pay $43,257 to each affected crash had fixed responsibility for imposed fine on both. that despite the passage of three provide exact figures and con- to each affected family. family. the accident. The acting MD of Airblue told to four months, the airline had ceded that families of all victims Replying to a question, he He said he had lodged a case the bench that the record about done nothing and imposed $865 had not been compensated so far said 147 people were killed when against the airline owners and them had been handed over to fine on the airline to be deposited due to litigation. by the chief justice took up the the plane crashed into the Mar- others held responsible for the the CAA on May 9. in the account of Fatimid A three-judge bench headed issue when a family member of galla hills in Islamabad on July air crash by the judicial The chief justice came down Foundation.

Attack in Afghan govt Five dead after building leaves 10 dead bridge collapses AFP in Kashmir were killed, Khogyani said. AP Earlier, he said the attack JALALABAD: At least 10 people had been carried out by four were killed and more than 40 attackers and that there had MUZAFFARABAD: An old injured when militants deto- been two explosions. He later wooden bridge over a fast- nated bombs and stormed a said the heavily-armed militants moving river in Kashmir government building yesterday were also carrying grenades. collapsed as dozens of in an hours-long attack in an “Two attackers were killed students were taking pictures eastern Afghan city claimed by by their own car bomb blast. Six on it, leading to at least five the IS militant group, officials attackers were killed by security deaths yesterday. said. forces. Ten civilians and security Javed Ayub, a senior The assault in the eastern forces were killed and 42 tourism department official city of Jalalabad was the latest wounded,” Khogyani said. in Kashmir, said 14 students deadly violence to strike Afghan- One of the injured were rescued after the bridge istan as militant groups step up employees, Qaisar, said the collapsed and that civil and attacks and US-backed Afghan assault began around noon, military rescue teams were forces intensify air strikes and when “a big boom shook our searching for 11 others. ground offensives. building”. Ayub said rescue workers It began around 12.50pm “I then saw at least two recovered the bodies of five (0820 GMT) when the militants armed attackers entering the drowned students. The stu- detonated a car bomb at the building. My friends ran to hide Security forces keep vigil during blasts and gun battle at the site, in Jalalabad city, yesterday. dents, most in their early 20s, entrance to the city finance and I jumped from a window,” were enrolled in the medical department, “opening the way he said while receiving treatment The body of a policeman and carried out the attack, in a borders Pakistan. Some areas of college at Faisalabad in for a number of armed attackers for a broken arm and leg from eight civilians, including the statement from its Amaq prop- the province are a stronghold of eastern Punjab province. He to enter the building”, Nangarhar Jalalabad hospital. three finance department aganda agency. the IS militants, while Taliban said some students from a provincial governor’s spokesman Abdullah Raqibi, the finance employees, along with 36 “A suicide mission using a car fighters are also active there. college in Lahore were also Attaullah Khogyani said. department director, said all wounded people had been bomb hit the finance ministry in The assault came days after among those who fell into the Terrified employees flung employees had been evacuated. brought to hospitals in Jalalabad, Jalalabad,” said the statement cir- suicide bombers and gunmen river. themselves from windows to “Unfortunately we lost three said Najibullah Kamawal, culated on encrypted messaging launched apparently coordi- “We hope for the best but escape as security forces battled staff. They were killed in the director of the city health app Telegram. nated attacks on two Kabul it will be unlikely to find the the attackers for more than four blast that happened at the department. Jalalabad is the capital of police stations Wednesday, remaining (students) alive as hours, before all eight assailants entrance,” he said. The IS militants claimed it restive Nangarhar, which killing at least ten people. the water flow is very high,” said Ayub. PTM holds rally for missing people Sharif’s $4.9bn remittance Sherpa guides scale Mt Everest REUTERS targeting Pakistani Taliban “The trauma and pain the case still under probe: NAB AP strongholds in the Pashtun Pashtuns of the FATA have INTERNEWS KARACHI: A Pakistani ethnic majority Federally Administered experienced, the Pashtuns of When told the World Bank Pashtun rights group yesterday Tribal Areas (FATA) areas bor- Karachi have gone through a has already denied it while the KATHMANDU: A group of staged its first rally in the dering Afghanistan. similar experience,” he said. ISLAMABAD: The world may State Bank of Pakistan has also eight Nepalese Sherpa guides southern city of Karachi, the site Hundreds of thousands Officials from Pakistan’s consider it a joke or a blunder rejected the report, the NAB reached the summit of Mount of a killing in January that migrated to Karachi after the paramilitary Rangers, which are but like the Supreme Court’s official said the Bureau would Everest yesterday, fixing sparked the movement and led military operations, where the part of the security forces, did amicus curiae, the National still conduct the verification as ropes and clearing paths for to nationwide protests and largest population of Pashtuns not respond to request for Accountability Bureau of the World Bank reported it. other climbers to begin their rallies. in Pakistan lives. comment. Pakistan (NAB) too still To a question how the NAB ascent to the peak, a The Pashtun Tahaffuz Among the crowd of pro- The PTM leader Manzoor considers the media report of took notice of a three-month- government official said. Movement (PTM) emerged after testers were families of missing Pashteen’s popularity has $4.9bn remittances to India by old column, authored by an The guides were among the January killing by police of persons, holding pictures of their surged amongst Pashtun youth. Nawaz Sharif worth probing. unknown writer and published the first climbers to reach the Pashtun youth Naqibullah loved ones who they say were Some of the protesters wore the “We haven’t closed the file in a regional newspaper, the 8,850-metre summit this Mehsud in Karachi. taken by security officials. red and black patterned hat, but will go through the verifi- NAB official “corrected” by spring climbing season, said A crowd of several thousand The families said they have which has become Pashteen’s cation process in accordance arguing the newspaper is not tourism official Gyanendra people gathered for the rally in not received any information trademark, as they waited for with our Standard Operating regional but is an international Shrestha. Karachi’s outlying Sohrab Goth since the disappearances, some him to arrive at the rally. Procedure (SOP),” a NAB official publication. Regarding the Since the weather is clear, suburb. of them more than a decade ago. But Pashteen did not board said, insisting that the World author, he said what was scores of climbers are The PTM has said several The PTM estimates there are his flight from Islamabad to Bank did talk of $4.9bn remit- written in the column was of expected to follow in the next thousand such killings have over 5,000 such cases. Karachi on Saturday morning tances from Pakistan to India. serious nature and also couple of days. been carried out since Pakistan “PTM was born out of the and a representatives of local In a background discussion, reflected in the World Bank’s Some 340 foreign joined the US-led war on terror incident that happened in airline Serene Air said his the NAB official said the verifi- report. climbers and many Nepalese and launched major military Karachi,” Mohsin Dawar, one of booking had been cancelled, cation of the media report has To a query about the pre- Sherpa guides are attempting operations in 2009 and 2014 the group’s founders, said. Dawar said. to be completed within two mature issuance of a press to climb Everest this month. months’ time and if the report release that involved serious Expert Sherpa guides are turns out to be incorrect the allegations against Nawaz chosen to open up the path to Bureau will close the file and Sharif, he said: “It shows trans- the summit and fix ropes for announce it too. parency on our part.” other climbers.

Beijing condemns Myanmar border clashes

AFP hub in northeastern Shan state. — which is separate from the A local resident said she Rohingya crisis to the west — is YANGON: China yesterday heard gunfire through the night one of some two dozen ethnic condemned fighting on its until yesterday morning, with minority rebellions that have border between Myanmar forces fear gripping a town that lives roiled Myanmar’s border regions and ethnic rebels that has left 19 at the mercy of both government since independence in 1948. dead, mostly civilians, in some militias and ethnic armies Observers believe Beijing of the worst bloodshed on the fighting for more autonomy. holds significant sway over the restive frontier in recent years. Saturday’s carnage, which rebels near its border with The fighting erupted on Sat- also left at least 27 wounded, Myanmar and is a key player in urday when ethnic minority was one of the bloodiest days in Suu Kyi’s faltering peace process. insurgent groups, who are recent years of a conflict that has Yesterday, the Chinese locked in a long-running battle hampered Myanmar leader embassy in Yangon condemned with the Myanmar state, Aung San Suu Kyi’s attempts to the clashes and said it had urged Family members of missing Pakistani people holding their relatives’ pictures at a protest rally of attacked security posts around forge nationwide peace. “relevant parties” to reach an Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), in Karachi, yesterday. Muse, a border town and trade The insurgency in northeast immediate ceasefire. MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 ASIA / EUROPE 13 11 dead in Indonesia church bombings AP was carrying two bags at the Diponegoro church. SURABAYA: Suicide bombers “At first officers blocked on motorcycles and including a A senior police official them in front of the churchyard woman with children targeted but the woman ignored and Sunday Mass congregations in said the bombings forced her way inside. Suddenly three churches in Indonesia’s were carried out by she hugged a civilian then (the second largest city, killing at least at least five suicide bomb) exploded,” said a civilian 11 people and wounding dozens bombers, including guard named Antonius. in one of the worst attacks on the Shattered glass and chunks Christian minority, police said. a veiled woman who of concrete littered the entrance The first attack struck the had two children with of the Santa Maria Church, which Santa Maria Roman Catholic her. was sealed off by heavily armed Church in Surabaya, killing four police. people, including one or more Rescue personnel treated bombers, police spokesman worst since a series of attacks on victims on a nearby field while An Indonesian Special Forces Police counter-terrorism squad member walking by burned motorcycles, Frans Barung Mangera told churches on Holiday Eve in 2000 officers inspected wrecked in Surabaya, Indonesia, yesterday. reporters at the scene. He said killed 15 people and wounded motorcycles in the parking lot two police officers were among nearly 100. Religious minorities, that were burned in the In Jakarta, the Indonesian early yesterday in West Java leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi. a total of 41 wounded. especially Christians, have been explosion. Church Association strongly con- towns. It wasn’t clear if the The latest attacks in predom- The blast was followed by a repeatedly targeted by A street merchant outside the demned the attacks and called shootings were connected with inantly Muslim Indonesia came second explosion minutes later militants. church said she was blown away on people to wait on authorities the church attacks. days after police ended a riot and at the Christian Church of Dipon- A senior police official said several metres by the powerful to investigate. “They have trained in order hostage-taking at a detention egoro and a third at the city’s the bombings were carried out blast. “We are angry with these to attack police,” Wasisto said, center near Jakarta that left six Pantekosta Church, Mangera by at least five suicide bombers, “I saw two men riding a attacks, but we leave it to the identifying the militants as officers and three inmates dead. said. including a veiled woman who motorbike forced their way into authorities to resolve them,” said members of Jemaah Anshorut The IS militants has claimed President Joko “Jokowi” had two children with her. The the churchyard. One was Gormar Gultom, an official with Daulah, or JAD. The network of responsibility. Widodo arrived in Surabaya, the official spoke on condition of wearing black pants and one the association. about two dozen extremist Indonesia has carried out a East Java provincial capital, in anonymity because he wasn’t with a backpack,” said Samsia, National police spokesman groups has been implicated in a sustained crackdown on mili- the aftermath of the attacks, authorised to speak to the media. who uses a single name. “Soon Setyo Wasisto announced that number of attacks in Indonesia tants since bombings by Al Mangera said. A witness described the after that the explosion police fatally shot four suspected over the past year. It pledges Qaeda-affiliated radicals in Bali The bombings were the woman with children, saying she happened.” militants and arrested two others allegiance to IS militant group in 2002 killed 202 people.

Philippines’ ‘narco-general’ survives ambush AFP in Cebu town of Daanbantayan unprecedented war on drugs “Did I not tell you during my when unidentified gunmen which has cost thousands of meeting with (mayors), I told MANILA: A Philippine mayor opened fire and wounded four lives. He first named Loot in Loot, ‘You General Loot, you are accused of involvement in people, police said. The mayor 2016 as part of his so-called a general. I will assassinate you’. narcotics trafficking survived an was unhurt. “drug list” of local officials, Because (he) used government ambush yesterday, police said, “We are looking at all pos- policemen and judges whom he for wrongdoing,” Duterte said four months after President sible motives and angles, accused of involvement in nar- during a disaster briefing. Rodrigo Duterte publicly including his being tagged in the cotics trafficking. Duterte’s spokesman did not threatened to kill him. narco-list, politics, or his pre- Three other mayors on the immediately respond to requests Retired police chief super- vious work in the police force,” list have since been shot dead, for comment on ambush. intendent Vicente Loot, a mayor acting town police chief Senior one of them while inside a jail The ambush came on the eve in the central province of Cebu, Inspector Irish Dilem said. cell. of local elections today and two had been repeatedly named by Loot told radio DZMM he Duterte had lashed out as weeks after authorities released Duterte as one of the so-called was urging authorities to inves- Loot as he questioned the source a list of over 200 elected offi- “narco-generals” protecting the tigate the incident but refused of the mayor’s wealth. cials with alleged links to drugs. illegal drug trade. to speculate on the motive. He In December last year, he Rights groups criticised the Matteo Salvini (left) and Luigi Di Maio Loot yesterday was on a boat denies links to drugs. recounted a conversation he said issuance of what they called a arriving with his family at a port Duterte has launched an he had with the official. potential “hit list”. Italian parties locked in coalition talks Rally in Moscow against Telegram ban Former Albania REUTERS the vote at the election and the REUTERS minister under League took 17 percent. They to grant Russian state security people were detained at the ROME: Italy’s anti-estab- are the two largest groups in access to its users’ encrypted rally, according to OVD-Info house arrest lishment 5-Star Movement and parliament and together can MOSCOW: Hundreds of people messages. human rights monitor. the far-right League remain muster a majority in both rallied in Moscow yesterday to “Down with Roskom- A similar protest in support amid drug probe locked in talks to forge a houses. demand the unblocking of the nadzor!” protesters chanted. of Telegram drew thousands of AFP common policy programme Di Maio and his League Telegram app, the second Russia’s Federal Security people to the streets of Moscow and said they would not be able counterpart Matteo Salvini both protest in the Russian capital Service (FSB) has said it needs last month. to present it to the head of state said they had made progress since the authorities blocked the such access to TIRANA: An Albanian court yesterday as planned. with plans to cut taxes, boost popular messaging service last guard against ruled to put under house The parties were adver- welfare and bolster efforts to month. security threats arrest a former interior saries before the March 4 vote stop irregular immigration, but Demonstrators chanted such as terrorist minister, politically allied which produced a hung par- there was still no word on who anti-government slogans and attacks. But Tel- with Prime Minister Edi liament, but have been negoti- would lead the nascent brandished signs carrying mes- egram has said Rama, as he is investigated ating since Thursday to fuse government. sages against Internet cen- compliance over his alleged links with their very different election Neither Salvini nor Di Maio sorship. Some tossed paper with the order cannabis smugglers. platforms into a “contract” of want to allow the other to planes in the air, symbolising would con- Saimir Tahiri, interior mutually acceptable policy become prime minister, with Telegram’s logo. stitute a vio- minister from 2013 to 2017, is commitments. Salvini arguing that although “The authorities want to lation of users’ also suspected of “passive “We are writing history and his party has far fewer votes, he take away our secret messages, privacy. corruption (committed) by we need a bit of time,” 5-Star’s represents a centre-right elec- our private lives,” opposition In the officials,” a court statement 31-year-old leader Luigi Di toral alliance that together politician Mikhail Kasyanov process of said. Maio said yesterday. reached 37 percent. said. “The Internet is the main blocking the Earlier this month, Tahiri, Di Maio cancelled a The two leaders are trying freedom that exists for all of us. app, Roskom- 38, resigned as an MP to “face scheduled television to find an independent figure We cannot let that happen.” nadzor also cut justice” over what he called appearance on a popular from neither party to lead the Telegram was blocked on off access to a “fake accusations” against him. Sunday evening talk show as government, but have so far April 16 on orders from state slew of other Investigations into the Russian riot police detain an opposition activist talks dragged on. failed to agree on a mutually- communications watchdog websites. cannabis smuggling and during a rally, in central Moscow, yesterday. 5-Star won 32 percent of acceptable choice. Roskomnadzor, after refusing Some 20 Tahiri’s alleged links to it opened in Albania and Italy last October after the arrest of four Albanian suspected drug traffickers in Italy. Malaysia’s new govt to redefine fake news law Local newspapers then revealed the existence of tapped phone conversations REUTERS Abolishing the anti-fake authorities said they were inves- includes features, visuals and that appear to compromise news law was one of the tigating him for false claims that audio recordings. Tahiri. KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Mahathir’s campaign promises, his plane was sabotaged ahead It covers digital publications The parliament lifted new Prime Minister Mahathir but his latest comments point to of the May 9 election. and social media and will apply Tahiri’s immunity in October Mohamad (pictured) said a re-defining of the controversial Mahathir has been prime to offenders who maliciously to enable his questioning and yesterday that an anti-fake news law, rather than removing it minister previousy, for 22 years spread “fake news” inside and search of his home in Tirana. law brought by the previous altogether. starting in 1981. He used used outside Malaysia, including for- Rama said on Facebook he administration will be given “The fake news law will be security laws to put his political eigners, if Malaysia or a was respecting the court’s “proper” definition, making it given a new definition so that the opponents behind bars and his Malaysian citizen were affected. ruling and called for an “inde- clear to the media and the public public and media outlets will critics say he restricted free Other countries in Southeast pendent, transparent process.” what is fake. know what is fake news and speech and persecuted political Asia, including Singapore and the A US embassy in Tirana “Even though we support what is not fake,” Mahathir said. opponents. Philippines, are considering how statement said the tribunal’s freedom of press and freedom Former prime minister Najib to $126,646.40 and a maximum The current law defines fake to tackle “fake news” but human decision was a “sign that this of speech, there are limits,” Razak’s government approved six years in jail for violators. news as “news, information, data rights activists fear that such important corruption case Mahathir said in a live telecast the Anti-Fake News 2018 bill last Mahathir was himself and reports which is or are laws could be used to stifle free will be decided fairly and on state TV. month, which set out fines of up accused of fake news, after wholly or partly false” and speech. transparently in the courts.” 14 EUROPE MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 Brexit: Theresa May seeks public trust REUTERS neither proposal was absolutely perfect. LONDON: British Prime “The new customs part- Minister Theresa May said nership has flaws and they need yesterday she could be trusted Theresa May said to be tested,” he said, adding that to deliver Brexit, but that it could she had put forward ministers were scrutinising both not be done without compro- different options, but options. mises on all sides — a possible she stressed Britain Labour’s Brexit spokesman warning to cabinet ministers Keir Starmer said the gov- who are deeply split over future would leave the EU’s ernment was in a “farcical customs arrangements. customs union so situation”. The divisions inside her gov- the country could “Nearly two years after the ernment over the customs issue establish its own referendum the cabinet is were laid bare on Tuesday when fighting over two customs Foreign Minister Boris Johnson independent trade options, neither of which frankly The ‘Instrument of Consent’, Queen Elizabeth’s formal consent to Prince Harry’s forthcoming marriage said proposals for a customs policy. are workable, neither of which to Meghan Markle, is seen in London, Britain, yesterday. partnership with the European are acceptable to the EU, and if Union after Britain leaves the either of which were put to the bloc were “crazy”. which relies on future tech- vote in parliament, they May’s decision to leave the nology to ensure trade continues probably wouldn’t carry a Queen gives Harry marriage consent EU’s customs union, which sets easily after Brexit, is also being majority,” he said on the same AFP tariffs for goods imported into considered by members of her programme. queen. emblems: the rose of England, the bloc, has become one of the cabinet. Starmer said a compre- The instrument is written Scotland’s thistle and the Irish main flashpoints in the Brexit The EU has dismissed both hensive customs union with the LONDON: Britain got a glimpse using the “royal we”, or majestic shamrock. debate, pitting companies and proposals. EU was a necessary minimum yesterday at Queen Elizabeth II’s plural. It also features Harry’s pro-EU campaigners against May said she had put to avoid creating a hard border elaborate formal consent for her It states: “Now know ye that label, which includes three tiny eurosceptics in parliament. forward different options, but between British ruled Northern grandson Prince Harry’s we have consented and do by red escallops from the Spencer The issue has all but stalled she stressed Britain would leave Ireland and the Irish Republic. marriage to Meghan Markle, a these presents signify our arms of his mother Diana, Brexit discussions in Brussels the EU’s customs union so the “What we propose is a com- week ahead of the wedding consent to the contracting of princess of Wales’ family. and politics in Britain where as country could establish its own bination: on the one hand a ceremony. matrimony between our most The design on the right, for pro-Brexit lawmakers have independent trade policy. comprehensive customs union The Instrument of Consent, dearly beloved grandson Prince Markle, includes a rose — the lined up to denounce what is “Of course, the details are (...) and also a strong single intricately hand-written on Henry Charles Albert David of national flower of the United said to be May’s preferred plan. incredibly complex and, as in market relationship that hard- vellum and illuminated with Wales KCVO and Rachel States — flanked by two golden The customs partnership any negotiation, there will be wires the benefits of the single decorations, sets out the mon- Meghan Markle.” poppies: the state flower of Cal- would see Britain essentially compromises,” she said. market into the future arch’s approval for the union, KCVO refers to Harry’s ifornia, where the former actress collect tariffs on behalf of the EU But she said she was setting agreement,” he said. which is required in law. status as a Knight Commander was born. in order to keep trade with the out a path to deliver the Brexit The prime minister said in Harry is sixth in line to the of the Royal Victorian Order, It also bears the Welsh leek, bloc flowing freely. people had voted for. her article that any deal would throne and the first six need the which recognises distinguished Harry’s label and olive branches The Sunday Telegraph said “I will need your help and honour the agreements reached sovereign’s permission to marry, personal service to the monarch. adopted from the Great Seal of at least a dozen of the 28 min- support to get there,” she said in the Northern Ireland peace otherwise they and their The document, which will the United States. isters in May’s cabinet were in the Sunday Times article. process, which could be jeop- descendants are disqualified be presented to the couple after The document depicts planning to block her “And in return, my pledge to you ardised by the return a border from inheriting the crown. the wedding, is flanked with Harry’s coronet and the Com- proposal. is simple: I will not let you controls. Buckingham Palace released artwork representing the bride monwealth flag. But May wrote in the Sunday down.” “This means there can be no pictures of the document, which and groom. The instrument is sealed Times: “You can trust me to Environment Minister hard border between Northern Queen Elizabeth signed in To the left, the design incor- with the Great Seal of the Realm, deliver.” Michael Gove, a prominent Ireland and Ireland, or between March. In her Elizabeth R sig- porates a red dragon — the used to symbolise the sover- An alternative proposal, “Leave” supporter in the 2016 Northern Ireland and the rest of nature at the top, the the R heraldic symbol of Wales — eign’s approval of important called “maximum facilitation”, referendum campaign, said the UK,” she said. stands for regina, the Latin for along with the UK’s floral state documents.

Bodies of two Polish miners British hostages in recovered DR Congo released REUTERS AFP authorities and the Congolese WARSAW: Rescuers searching Institute for Nature Conser- for three Polish miners trapped LONDON: Two British tourists vation for their tireless help almost a kilometre under- who were kidnapped in the during this terrible case. ground since a tunnel collapsed Democratic Republic of Congo “My thoughts are now with eight days ago have found two have been freed, Foreign the family of Virunga Park bodies, taking the death toll Secretary Boris Johnson said ranger Rachel Makissa Baraka, from the incident to four, the yesterday. who was killed during the kid- coal company said yesterday. Their vehicle was attacked napping, and with the injured One man is still missing on Friday in the Virunga driver and the released British at the Zofiowka mine in national park, a famed haven nationals as they recover from southern Poland, which was for gorillas and other endan- this traumatic incident.” struck by an earthquake on gered species. A Foreign Office spokes- May 5, initially trapping seven Their guard was killed and woman said that the two miners. Two were found dead their driver was also kidnapped. Britons were released and two others were rescued The Britons were released unharmed and the ministry Forensic officers getting ready to inspect the area after one person was killed and several injured early last week. unharmed, while the driver was would continue to provide by a man armed with a knife in Monsigny, in Paris, yesterday. “Rescuers have found the injured. support to the Britons and their body of the second miner... The “I am delighted to announce families. action continues, one miner is that two British nationals who One of the most important still being sought,” JSW, the Terror probe launched after Paris knife attack were held hostage in the Dem- conservation sites in the world, EU’s biggest coking coal pro- ocratic Republic of Congo have Virunga Park covers 7,800 sqq AFP ducer, said in a statement. jihadist assaults in the last three including a woman with wounds been released,” Johnson said in km along a swathe of eastern The bodies were found as years that have killed more than to her neck and leg. a statement. DR Congo abutting the border rescuers were pumping out PARIS: A knifeman was shot 245 people. “Firemen were giving her “I pay tribute to the DRC with Uganda and Rwanda. water from the flooded mine. dead by police in central Paris “I was taking orders and I first aid. I heard two, three shots Around 1,000 people after he killed one person and saw a young woman trying to and a policeman told me that the have been involved in the injured four others, sparking a get into the restaurant in panic,” man had been overpowered.” rescue action, JSW said, terror probe and panic on the Jonathan, a waiter at a Korean In a tweet French President Catalan separatists clear adding it was one of the most streets of France’s capital. restaurant, said. The woman Emmanuel Macron said: “France difficult in company’s history. The attack took place near was bleeding and the attacker once again pays the price of way for new leader About 250 people were the city’s main opera house in appeared behind her. He said a blood.” AFP working underground at the an area full of bars, restaurants young man tried to fend off the Prosecutors said that a time of the quake. The and theatres which were assailant who then fled. terror investigation had been missing miners were in a brimming on a weekend night. “The attacker entered a launched. BARCELONA: Catalan politicians cleared the way yesterday for team drilling a new tunnel. Witnesses described scenes shopping street, I saw him with The IS militant group claimed a pro-independence candidate to be elected regional president The 3.5 to 4.0 magnitude of panic as Parisians realised a knife in his hand,” he said. “He responsibility, according to the and end the emergency direct rule imposed by Madrid in last year’s quake was the strongest another potential terror attack looked crazy”. SITE monitoring group, but pro- political crisis. recorded in the mine, officials was underway in a country Milan, 19, said he saw vided no corroborating proof to The far-left radical pro-independence CUP party said in a said. already reeling from a string of “several people in distress” back the claim. statement that it would abstain from an investiture vote in the regional parliament today. The absence of its votes will leave pro-independence can- didate Quim Torra with the simple majority needed to be elected regional president. Former UK culture secretary dies “The CUP will not block the formation of a new government.” The formation of a new regional government is required for AP Jowell died peacefully at the to deliver a memorable speech Spain to lift the state of direct rule. family home in Warwickshire on calling for improved infor- The Catalan regional assembly had failed to elect Torra in an LONDON: Tessa Jowell (pictured), Saturday evening, her family said mation-sharing and better access initial vote on Saturday. the former UK culture secretary in a statement released to care that moved her fellow In the second round vote scheduled for today, only a simple who played a key role in securing yesterday. peers to tears. majority will be required so Torra is expected to win the vote. the 2012 London Olympics and Jowell, who was diagnosed “In the end, what gives a life He was handpicked as a candidate by deposed leader Carles used her own cancer diagnosis to with a brain tumor last year, had meaning is not only how it is Puigdemont. campaign for better treatment, has remained a member of the House lived, but how it draws to a Puigdemont is in exile in Germany and faces jail on rebellion died. She was 70. of Lords and used that platform close,” she said in January. charges for last year’s secession bid if he returns to Spain. MONDAY 14 MAY 2018 AMERICAS 15

Family reunited US to lift sanctions on N Korea if it meets demands with lost dog REUTERS Pompeo said the will rival that of the South,” he to the historic release of three found 4 years United States would added. American prisoners. WASHINGTON: US Secretary of North Korean state media “The prospect for North later in Ohio State Mike Pompeo (pictured) not be willing to invest reported over the weekend that Korea is for it to become a said yesterday that Washington taxpayer dollars to the country has scheduled the normal nation, to behave and AP will agree to lift sanctions on help the country, but dismantlement of its nuclear interact with the rest of the world North Korea if the country agrees bomb site for later in May. the way South Korea does,” to completely dismantle its was willing to “lift Pompeo welcomed the news White House National Security OHIO: A Lansing, Michigan, nuclear weapons programme, a sanctions” to pave of those plans. Adviser John Bolton said on man thought it might be a move that would create the way for private “Every single site that the CNN’s “State of the Union” yes- prank when he received a call economic prosperity that “will American investment North Koreans have that can terday, adding that prospects for from a microchip company rival” South Korea. inflict risk on the American the country are “unbelievably telling him his family’s dog Speaking on several Sunday in North Korea’s people that is destroyed, elimi- strong” if it follows through on had been found in Toledo — morning talk shows, Pompeo energy, agriculture and nated, dismantled is good news its commitment. more than 100 miles away — said the United States would not infrastructure sectors. our capital providers...They will for the American people and for Pompeo, meanwhile, also four years after she ran away. be willing to invest taxpayer get private capital that comes in. the world,” he said on “Fox News spoke about what it was like to “I was stunned,” Bradley dollars to help the country, but North Korea is desperately in Sunday.” Last month, Pompeo meet Kim, whom few Americans Wieferich told The Blade. was willing to “lift sanctions” to North Korean Leader Kim need of energy...for their people. became the first known US have interacted with Toledo police earlier this pave the way for private Jong-Un and President Donald They are in great need of agri- official to meet with Kim, where personally. month found Bambi, who is American investment in North Trump, the first such meeting cultural equipment and tech- he helped lay the ground work “The conversations are pro- around 12, wandering in a city Korea’s energy, agriculture and between a sitting US president nology,” he said on CBS’s “Face for the upcoming meeting with fessional,” he said on “Fox News neighbourhood. The officer infrastructure sectors. and a North Korean leader. the Nation.” Trump. Sunday. took her to Lucas County Pompeo’s comments come “What Chairman Kim will get “We can create conditions He returned again to North “He does follow the western Canine Care & Control, where ahead of a planned June 12 from America is our finest — our for real economic prosperity for Korea last week for a second press. He’ll probably watch this an employee scanned her meeting in Singapore between entrepreneurs, our risk takers, the North Korean people that meeting, after which Kim agreed show at some point.” microchip and discovered she had a family to return to. “She was very thin, but very sweet,” said Laura Simmons-Wark, community Guatemala creates tensions outreach coordinator for the shelter. “Who knows where by telling Sweden and she’s been all this time. We have no idea how she made it all the way down here.” Venezuela to remove envoys Bambi was reunited with the Wieferich family about a AFP gation for suspected graft. week ago. Bradley Wieferich “I think this is recklessness, said he initially didn’t rec- GUATEMALA CITY: Guatemala almost paranoia, and (Morales) ognise her as he walked past is on the threshold of an inter- is skidding to the edge,” Luis cages in the shelter, but then national row after demanding Linares, an analyst with the noticed markings on her Sweden and Venezuela remove Association for Social Studies muzzle and was greeted by a their ambassadors, whom it and Research, said. familiar howl. accuses of meddling in Morales created a political “She was ready to come domestic affairs, experts and crisis in his country last Sep- home,” he said. analysts said yesterday. tember when he tried to kick The family adopted The Central American out the Colombian head of the Bambi when she was 7 or 8 country on Thursday said CICIG. He was blocked when months old. She began Swedish envoy Anders the country’s top court annulled escaping after the family’s Kompass and Venezuelan the order. golden retriever died of envoy Elena Salcedo had to go, “The fear he has is that the cancer. Wieferich bought to be replaced by new actions by the CICIG and pros- another dog to provide Bambi ambassadors. ecutors might end up with a with companionship, but she Guatemala’s Foreign Min- legal case against him, which is ran away again about six ister Sandra Jovel said Kompass making him act in an irrespon- months later. The family A demonstrator fires a homemade mortar toward riot police during a protest against Nicaraguan had to be withdrawn because sible way,” the analyst said. searched to no avail and President Daniel Ortega’s government in Monimbo, Nicaragua, yesterday. he described Guatemala as As for the Venezuelan assumed she had been having a “corrupt society.” ambassador, Linares hypothe- adopted by someone else or Salcedo was alleged to have sized that it might be an attempt had died. Nicaraguan Army calls for end to violence links to a Guatemalan rural by Morales to ingratiate himself Wieferich told The Blade organisation opposed to Gua- with the United States, which that Bambi has settled in AFP in the protests. “We have no Ortega, 73, is a former rebel temalan President Jimmy is stepping up its campaign nicely and even remembers reason to repress anyone” for leader who first ruled after his Morales. The move against the against Caracas. some of her old tricks. MANAGUA: Nicaraguan Army anti-government demonstra- Sandinista revolutionaries Swedish envoy triggered the Guatemala was already the “I’m really amazed that yesterday called for an end to tions, army spokesman Manuel chased the corrupt dynasty of biggest backlash. first country to say it was fol- she’s back,” he said. violence in the country and Guevara said earlier. dictator Anastasio Somoza from Sweden on Friday slammed lowing the United States’ con- Simmons-Wark said Bambi’s distanced itself from President “We think that dialogue is power in 1979. the decision over its ambas- troversial lead in moving its story shows the importance Daniel Ortega, saying it was not the answer,” he stressed, adding Now, Ortega is “equal to sador, calling it “unfortunate” embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. of microchipping pets and for repressing anyone for taking that the military rejects what he Somoza. The difference is that and demanding further Gabriel Orellana, a former Gua- people to try to have stray part in anti-government sees as an effort to misconstrue Somoza faced an armed insur- explanation. temalan foreign minister who animals scanned when they protests. military actions as repression on rection (and) Ortega is acting Sweden is one the largest was in office 2000-2002, said find them. Unrest against the president behalf of the Ortega gov- mercilessly against an unarmed supporters of the UN-backed Morales’ decision against the “Not all stray dogs are exploded in mid-April and has ernment. Troops are required civil insurrection,” said Enrique International Commission ambassadors was “evidence of homeless,” Simmons-Wark been fueled by a brutal response to protect strategic locations, Saenz, a lawyer and against Impunity in Guatemala intolerance on any form of crit- said. “Some are just lost.” from police. national assets and national economist. (CICIG), which was founded in icism.” “This puts everyone on The death toll is now at least parks, for example. There were fresh accusa- 2006 to tackle corruption and edge in the sense that the pres- 51. “We are the same uniformed Initially triggered by reforms tions on Saturday of repression organized crime. ident is thinking of his personal Search ends for people, working for their own to cut spending on Nicaragua’s by the security forces during The body has of late been interests and those of his family benefit and, as a consequence, deficit-laden social security clashes with demonstrators that closely scrutinising Morales, in the case of Sweden,” he said. victims of Brazil we call for stopping the violence system — later abandoned by began Friday night in Masaya who is under suspicion of illegal “What we are saying to the and actions that destabilise us,” Ortega — the protests swelled city, southeast of the capital campaign financing in the world is that we are not such a building collapse an army statement said, to include other grudges against Managua. Masaya is “a battle- election that brought him to serious country when it comes AFP expressing solidarity with the the president who is widely seen field,” Edwin Roman, a priest, power in 2015. Morales’ son and to our international policies,” families of those who have died as autocratic and distant. said. brother are also under investi- he said. SAO PAULO: Brazilian authorities yesterday called off a search for victims of a building fire and collapse in Cracks in Hawaii volcano roar amid warnings of more the centre of Sao Paulo, with four people still unaccounted for nearly two weeks after the REUTERS father, Darryl, and sister Jolon, 4,000-feet-high (1,200-metre- disaster. 15. “It’s really cool.” From afar, high) summit. The USGS reported “We do not expect to find HAWAII: New fissures roaring the fissure gave off dull, a shallow but small earthquake anything more,” Sao Paulo like jet engines and spewing thumping roars that sharpened with a magnitude of 3.5 hit the state governor Mario Franca magma have opened on Hawaii’s on approach to a scream from island on Saturday. Another said. Firefighters combing the Kilauea volcano, piling lava as venting steam and gas, mixed fissure, the 17th since the lava ruins of the 24-story Wilton high as a four-storey building as with the slapping sounds of flows began May 3, opened about Paes de Almeida building the US Geological Survey warned liquid lava. 6pm, venting gases the Hawaiian have recovered the remains that more outbreaks were likely. Within hours of opening, the Volcano Observatory said. of four people, including A crack in pasture land on fissure had piled reddish-black Geologists warned on Friday 10-year old twins. Kilauea’s east flank was the 16th lava about 40 feet (12 metres) that a steam-driven eruption But four other people offi- recorded since the US volcano, high and at least 150 feet (45 from the summit’s Halemaumau cially listed as missing, one of the world’s most active, metres) in length. Chunks of crater could spew ash plumes including the twins’ mother, erupted eight days ago. Thou- magma were being spewed 100 20,000 feet (6,100 metres) high have not been accounted for. sands of people have fled their feet (30 metres) in the air. and spread ash and debris up to Authorities are unsure if homes on Big Island and dozens The intense heat left 12 miles (19km). all four were in the building of homes have been destroyed. onlookers drenched with sweat, Kilauea’s vents have been when it went up in flames The new fissure opened up and the air was filled with an oozing relatively cool, sluggish May 1. Franca said their on Saturday about a mile (1.6km) acrid, burned scent. But with bil- magma left over from a similar remains may have been east of the existing vent system lowing gas and smoke blowing event in 1955. Fresher magma destroyed in the intense heat Lava flows at a new fissure in the aftermath of eruptions from the that has devastated the island’s in the opposite direction, there could now emerge behind it and generated by the fire, which Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island as a local resident walks Leilani Estates neighbourhood, was no pungent smell of toxic the volcano is threatening to led to the building’s collapse. close to several homes on the sulfur dioxide in the air. start a series of explosive erup- nearby after taking photos in Pahoa, Hawaii, yesterday. The building, which once edge of the field. Shortly after the fissure tions, scientists have said. housed Sao Paulo’s police “It’s right by my house, opened, the Geological Survey’s As the area affected by ash and toxic gases spewing from respirators as soon as they get in headquarters, was in a state which is kind of scary,” said Hawaii Volcano Observatory Kilauea’s eruption widens, the volcano. David Baxter, 54, an and had sold about 3,000 so far. of abandonment but housed Haley Clinton, 17, who walked said seismic activity remained Hawaii residents are racing to employee of Pahoa Auto Parts, The shop was all out on 146 poor families living pre- to see the new crack with her “elevated” at Kilauea’s buy respirators to cope with the said the shop was selling out of Saturday. carious conditions. 16 HOME MONDAY 14 MAY 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 03. 25 AM UCQ confers degrees on 133 nursing graduates SHOROOK 04. 50 AM THE PENINSULA ZUHR 11. 30 AM MAGHRIB 06. 13 PM ASR 02. 57 PM ISHA 07. 43 PM DOHA: A total of 133 nursing students earned their undergraduate or graduate nursing degrees at University WEATHER TODAY of Calgary in Qatar’s (UCQ) 2018 convocation ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) yesterday. Professors, family, dignitaries from Qatar and Canada, and valued partners from Qatar’s health and edu- cation sectors celebrated 120 Bachelor of Nursing (BN) and 13 Master of Nursing (MN) graduates at the con- vocation, UCQ’s ninth. Along with the University’s other alumni, the new cohort of UCQ graduates will con- tribute to the success of the health goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and National Health Strategy 2018-2022. Established in 2007, UCQ has edu- cated more than 600 nurses, raising the level of local nursing talent via its dedicated academic programmes. Accredited in Canada and adapted to the local culture, UCQ’s curriculum provides its nursing students with the knowledge and expertise that allows The professors and students of UCQ with the dignitaries from Qatar and Canada and valued partners during UCQ 2018 them to become fully integrated convocation ceremony at Qatar National Convention Center, yesterday. BELOW: An official speaks during the ceremony. o o leaders in Qatar’s health care sector. 30 C 37 C Dignitaries from Canada in Minimum Maximum attendance included Dr Robert Thirsk, need to be active and efficiencies in Qatar’s health Chancellor of the University of contributors to the sector. Calgary, and Dr Elizabeth Cannon, future of the Qatar UCQ also honoured two graduates Relatively hot with some clouds at times and slight dust. President and Vice-Chancellor of the community’s health with the University’s highest academic University of Calgary. and wellness. It is distinction, the Gold and Silver medal-

HIGH TIDE 03:15 – 16:45 LOW TIDE 10:00 – 22:45 Dr Elizabeth Cannon noted in her inspiring to see 133 of lions. The Gold Medal for academic Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department remarks to the audience: “University our students move achievement in the BN programme of Calgary graduates care deeply onto the next phase was awarded to Nurul Lisayiha about helping others. They want to of their nursing Rizkika, while Nisha Peter won the apply their education to tackle journey,” said Dr. Silver Medal for academic important challenges in community Deborah White, Dean achievement in the Post-Diploma health and wellbeing, creating inno- of UCQ, . “The recog- Bachelor of Nursing programme. vative solutions to address these nition our graduates Over 400 students are currently issues. Our commitment as a uni- ership in nursing education.” receive today is a registered in UCQ’s BN and MN pro- versity is to ensure that we’re con- With the completion of the 2018 result of their hard work. We could grammes. UCQ offers two paths to a tinuing to foster the conditions for our Convocation ceremony, 558 students not be happier as we look to the future BN degree — a four-year programme graduates to excel, lead and innovate. have earned their BN degrees from of our university.” for qualified high school graduates, The University of Calgary in Qatar is UCQ while 54 have graduated from Guest speaker Dr Samya Ahmad and a two-year programme for nurses one great example of this com- UCQ’s MN programme. Qatari Al Abdulla, Senior Consultant of holding diplomas in nursing from rec- mitment, and we’re delighted to be nationals make up approximately 16 Family Medicine and the Executive ognised institutions. The University part of the progress taking place right percent of the University’s alumni Director of Operations at the Primary also offers an MN in Leadership pro- here in education and health. There network. Health Care Corporation, honoured gramme, designed in collaboration will be many advancements in the “At the University of Calgary in the graduates’ achievement during with Qatar’s nursing community to years ahead, as we continue working Qatar, we focus on providing our stu- her address. Dr Al Abdulla has been further develop leaders in the together towards excellence and lead- dents with the skills and abilities they a leader in improving performance profession.

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