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Japan received over Dideriksen stuns 2,500 LNG cargoes favourites to become from Qatar: Al Kaabi world champion

SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 • 15 MOHARRAM 1438 • Volume 21 • Number 6951 2 Riyals thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Private school admission Dr Al Kawari at Peking University period extended till Jan

have the right to give priority to Hamad Al Ghali, students from the respective com- munities while admission in other Director of Private schools should be based on results Schools Office at the of the placement tests, in addition to other requirements. Ministry, said that Private schools are not permit- more than 10,000 ted to teach any content that is not in conformity with the culture, values seats currently and religion of the country as well remain vacant in the Qatari laws, said Al Ghali. Any school violating this rule private schools. will be asked to rectify it in the first instance. If it repeats the violation, H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Cultural Adviser at the Emiri Diwan and Qatar’s candidate for the Ministry will apply the provisions the post of Director-General of Unesco, with officials at the Peking University (PKU) in Beijing. Dr Al By Mohammed Osman Peninsula in an exclusive interview. of Decision No. 23 of 2015, which Kawari has stressed the depth of relations between the Arab and Chinese cultures. → See also page 3 The Peninsula He said that 18 newly-opened stipulated stopping privileges pro- schools alone have 7,667 vacant seats vided by the ministry, fines up to in addition to 2,800 seats which QR200,000, cancellation of licence were already available. and closure of the school. DOHA: The Ministry of Education “These schools teach British, QA is Middle East and Higher Education has extended American, French, Turkish and → Continued on page 3 Survey starts for 10 school plots admission period in private schools Indian curriculum,” said the official. Airline of the Year from mid-October to end of Janu- Al Ghali rejected complaints ary next year for the benefit of newly from some parents about shortage of The Peninsula the survey that is being conducted The Peninsula arriving students, a senior official of seats in private schools. “Some par- through a questionnaire containing the Private Schools Office at the Min- ents who fail to find a seat for their more than 10 questions. The pur- istry has said. children in a certain private school It is mandatory for DOHA: The Ministry of Economy pose of the survey is to develop a DOHA: Qatar Airways has once Hamad Al Ghali (pictured), would claim a shortage in all private and Commerce has launched a sur- clear vision, idea and mechanism again been chosen as the Middle Director of Private Schools Office schools,” said Al Ghali. all private schools vey seeking feedback from private for developing and utilising the East Airline of the Year by inter- at the Ministry, said that more than He said to help expatriate chil- to raise the Qatari investors on the ministry’s initiative plots, the Ministry said yesterday. national business travellers. 10,000 seats currently remain dren, the Ministry had extended the to allot 10 plots of land for private Participants have been asked The accolade, presented at vacant in private schools. admission period in private schools flag and perform schools. to provide their contact address, the 10th annual Aviation Business “No child fulfilling the require- that usually end in mid October to the Qatari national The plots are spread over Al share their experience in education Awards held in Dubai, encapsu- ments has been denied admission in the end of January next year, on spe- anthem during any Wakra, Al Rayyan and Al Khor (if available), give their views, ideas lates passengers’ pleasure in flying private schools and currently there cial consideration to new-comer municipalities. and suggestions in written form. with Qatar Airways. are more than 10,000 vacant seats expatriate families. event in the school. The Ministry has invited inter- in private schools,” Al Ghali told The He said that community schools ested investors to participate in → Continued on page 4 → Continued on page 4 02 SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 HOME

Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs (QSRSN), being honoured by the Gulf Disability Society (GDS) officials at the headquarters of QSRSN. Sheikh Thani honoured

Brusali, a member of the Supreme prominent face in the charity field, Council for Disabilities Affairs of and has made remarkable achieve- Sheikh Thani lauded Kuwait, and Deputy Chairperson of ments and great contribution in this the role of the media GDS, Yahya bin Abdullah Al Amiri, a sector, said the Chairperson. and social networking member of GDS, Al Yazi Mohamad Al Qatar is well-known for charity Kuwari, Head of GDS office in Qatar, and humanitarian services world- sites in conveying the Amir Al Mulla, General Manager of wide. It is not new for Sheikh Thani concerns of people QSRSN and Sara Al Dusari, in-charge to support people with disabilities of Internal Audit of QSRSN. by financing the programmes and with disabilities to Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah activities of QSRSN and GDS, includ- the public. advised the visiting members of the ing the hosting of 15th Gulf Disability board of directors of GDS to create Society Forum in Doha, she added. more job opportunities for people QSRSN aims to provide the max- with disabilities during a meeting imum number of medical equipment The Peninsula with them. required for learning and easing the He also urged businessmen to do lives of people with disabilities, said more charity works. Sheikh Thani Amir Al Mulla. DOHA: The Gulf Disability Society lauded the role of the media and QSRSN also supports people (GDS) has honoured Sheikh Thani social networking sites in conveying with special needs - both citizens bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of the concerns of people with disabil- and expatriates - in Qatar regis- Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of ities to the public. tered with it. It gives them social Special Needs (QSRSN), for support- Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al care, physiological support, health ing its activities in Qatar. Thani is making tireless efforts for services and financial support. Edu- The honouring ceremony was humanity and especially for people cational opportunities are also being attended by GDS Chairperson Muna with special needs, said Chairper- created after rehabilitating them, Saed Al Mansuri, Rehab Mohamad son of GDS, Muna. Sheikh Thani is a said Al Mulla. HOME SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 03 Sharp drop in Hepatitis C cases: Official

of Hepatitis C, said Dr Hamad Eid Al to educate health care workers on 90 percent,” said Dr Al Rumaihi. An Early detection and free Rumaihi, Director of Health Pro- hepatitis C at the Doha Marriott Hotel. agreement was signed yesterday tection and Communicable Disease Hepatitis C is a liver disease between Qatar Red Crescent Soci- advanced treatment Control Department, Ministry of Pub- caused by the Hepatitis C virus. It can ety (QRCS) and HMC to support the have contributed lic Health. cause both acute and chronic hepati- treatment of non-Qatari patients. According to reported cases and tis infection, ranging in severity from Treatment Hepatitis C is free for considerably to surveys held in 2010, the prevalence a mild illness lasting a few weeks to Qataris and residents will have to reducing the prevalence of Hepatitis C was two percent and it a serious, lifelong illness. pay 20 percent of the cost. Accord- reduced to 0.8 in 2014. Also, prelim- The Hepatitis C virus is a blood- ing to the five-year agreement, the of Hepatitis C. inary findings of an ongoing survey borne virus and the most common 20 percent cost will be paid by QRC. have found that by July 31, the prev- modes of infection are through Issa Mohamed Al Ishaq, Deputy alence of Hepatitis C remains at 0.8 unsafe injection practices, inad- Communication Manager, Qatar percent. equate sterilization of medical Red Crescent Society, and Dr Saad By Fazeena Saleem Qatar aims at complying with the equipment, and the transfusion Al Kaabi, Head of Gastroenterol- The Peninsula ‘global health sector strategy on viral of unscreened blood and blood ogy Department at HMC, signed the Hepatitis 2016-2021.’ The strategy products. agreement. addresses four main areas as increas- “In Qatar, we have an excel- “If anyone is detected with Hep- ing awareness, screening, treatment lent infection prevention system atitis C at health care centres, we DOHA: Prevalence of Hepatitis C in for all cases and follow-up. and we screen all blood samples. refer them to Hamad Medical Cor- Qatar has dropped from two percent “Among the 0.8 percent of Hepa- Also, Qatar has a lower mother to poration (HMC). We don’t have a to 0.8 percent and globally the coun- titis C cases, 0.3 are Qataris and the child transmission. Raising aware- waiting list like many other countries try has the lowest incidence rate of remaining are residents. Our aim is ness alone will not reduce the and the patient will start receiving the disease, said a senior official yes- to reduce the incidence of Hepatitis incidence but early screening and free treatment within a week. We Issa Mohamed Al Ishaq (left), Deputy Communication Manager, Qatar terday. C by 30 percent by 2020. Therefore, treatment reduce incidence and are encouraging all patients who Early detection and advanced by 2020, the prevalence should be complications. Now we have the know about their condition to come Red Crescent Society, and Dr Saad Al Kaabi, Head of GIT Department, treatment methods available free in reduced to an average of 0.5 per- new treatment, the anti-viral ther- forward and receive the new treat- HMC, exchanging documents after signing an agreement for Hepatitis the country have contributed con- cent,” said Dr Al Rumaihi, speaking apy. The tablet has to be taken for ment of anti-viral therapy,” said Dr C treatment at a Symposium on Hepatitis C held at the Doha Marriott siderably to reducing the prevalence on the sidelines of a symposium held 12 weeks and the cure rate is above Al Rumaihi. Hotel yesterday. Pic: Ayyub Abdullah Al Kawari stresses deep Chinese-Arab ties

The Peninsula of the close relationship between two countries and the importance China and the Arabs in modern history of culture in achieving rapproche- since the establishment of the Depart- ment among peoples. BEIJING: H E Dr Hamad bin ment of Arabic Language and Culture Dr Al Kawari stressed that Qatar Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Cultural Adviser in 1946, referring to the signing of a and the People’s Republic of China at the Emiri Diwan and Qatar’s candi- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) have strong bilateral relations in date for the post of Director-General for Cooperation between the Qatar various fields and play a joint role in of the United Nations Educational, University and PKU in 2012. enhancing the dialogue between peo- Scientific and Cultural Organisation Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin ples of the world. Both countries have (Unesco), has stressed the depth of Hamad Al Thani has announced maintained the relations, which are relations between the Arab and Chi- the foundation of Qatar Chair for historical and deeply rooted, he added. nese cultures. Middle East Studies at the Univer- Dr Al Kawari reviewed the his- In a lecture at the Peking Univer- sity of Peking with a grant of $10m, tory of cultural exchanges between sity (PKU) under the title of “China and Dr Al Kawari said, noting that the China and the Arab world, referring the Arabs: The Lesson of Dialogue of Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture to travellers Ibn Battuta and Wang Cultures”, Dr Al Kawari said the pres- expresses Qatar’s appreciation for Dayuan who contributed in enrich- tigious Peking University is a symbol the bilateral relations between the ing Arab and Chinese civilisations. H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari speaking at the Peking University (PKU) in China. Textbooks must conform to Qatari culture and values

→ continued from page 1 open every year despite the fact No school is that the ministry receives dozens of The contents of all books enter- applications, Al Ghali cited a number ing the country have been checked permitted to collect of reasons, including the lack of fol- and should be approved by the Min- fees that are not low-up even by applicants who have istry of Culture and Sport, as well got the initial approval, the failure to as the Customs authorities, Al Ghali included in the meet the requirements (like build- said. officially approved ing specifications) and get approval “The owner/director of the school from other competent authorities. must sign an undertaking not to teach list. The ministry receives applica- contents incompatible with the Islamic tions for opening new schools in culture, values of the society and November and December every year Qatari laws. Schools are accountable placement, booking seat, admission and the applications are considered to the ministry regarding contents, and are not imposed by all the schools. invalid after June 30, which means, are obliged to raise Qatari flags during Schools have been asked to dis- the applicant needs to apply again. the morning assembly. However, some play the list that includes different Regarding geographical loca- international schools have no morn- types of fees approved by the minis- tion of the schools, Al Ghali said ing assembly. That is why they do not try in a visible manner, Al Ghali said. that the applicant needs to get initial raise the flag nor perform the Qatari If the parents are suspicious approval from the Ministry of Econ- national anthem,” Al Ghali explained. about any fee imposed by the school, omy and Commerce before signing a It is mandatory for all private they need to check the list and if it lease contract for opening the school. schools to raise the Qatari flag and is not included, they must contact The ministry will soon issue a play the Qatari national anthem dur- the ministry immediately through health specification guide to all pri- ing any event held in the schools. its hotline. vate school canteens, he said. Al Ghali said that all tuition The official said that the pro- He said no new school has been fees as well as additional fees are posed plan to grade private schools included in the school voucher approved by the private schools aims to enhance competitiveness, programme this year, because committee at the ministry and no quality of education, and help par- none has received local or global school is permitted to collect fees ents choose the school they want. accreditation. that are not included in the officially The grading will take into The number of schools included approved list. account whether the school has in the programme remains at 75 However, all the schools are not obtained local and international schools including 12 schools that following a similar system for fees. accreditation, school buildings, and are stopped from admitting new Several types of additional fees other facilities. students under the scheme, Al Ghali like those for uniform , transport, Asked why only a few schools said.

Plan to speed up issuance of building licences

The Peninsula Khalifa Al Thani held on October 4, 290 building licences last month. 2016, said a press release. The highest number of applications The systems of various depart- (134) were made at Doha Munic- DOHA: Ministry of Municipality and ments have been linked to ensure the ipality. And the highest number Environment has linked its various accuracy and speed of data transfer. of licences (101) were issued by Al departments and has taken some A performance evaluation index for Rayan Municipality, followed by other measures to speed up the issu- building licensing has been launched Doha Municipality (64) licences. Al ance of building licences. to detect errors and find solutions. Wakra Municipality and Al Daaen The move came following com- Several supporting systems have been Municipality issued 42 and 34 build- plaints from businessmen about added to the building licencing system. ing licences respectively. Al Khor and the delay in the issuance of build- A booklet on the terms and conditions Al Zakhira Municipality issued 17 ing licences by the municipalities required for building licences has been and Al Shamal Municipality only six. and Civil Defence at a meeting with also prepared, said the Ministry. The municipalities also received Prime Minister and Interior Minister The municipalities received 112 requests last month for adding H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin a total of 459 requests and issued constructions to the existing buildings. 04 SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 HOME

KidzMondo partners with Palmera A better way

‘Botany School’ will to cut costs provide a fertile ground for children to By Dr Sharoq Almalki more efficiently. learn about the basics • Merging premises: It is a very good way for quick money saving. of planting seeds. • Telecoms systems and n response to the global situa- healthcare contracts: Negotiate tion, and more specifically the for a better deal, or shop around regional challenges they are for the best package for your busi- The Peninsula facing, almost every company ness at the best price. Iis implementing cost-cutting ini- • Hire fresh graduates: As this tiatives. But less than five percent hiring is cheaper and assign them DOHA: KidzMondo Doha has part- of those companies are doing it in with mentors from the business nered with Palmera Landscapes to the right way! Even more troubling while carrying out the clean-up introduce the theme park’s visitors is the fact that the vast majority exercise detailed below. to the art and science of botany and of people in those organisations plant in their young minds important KidzMondo Doha and Palmera Landscapes officials after signing the agreement. have no idea what measures they Undertake a four-stage life lessons inspired by the brilliance should take in order to cut costs clean up exercise of your cur- of nature. in a way that 1) saves the busi- rent workforce: KidzMondo Doha’s ‘Botany through the intriguing world of to develop and give flower then fruit, Mahasen, General Manager at Palm- ness money, and 2) does not have • Clear out all toxic elements: School’ will provide a fertile ground plants, providing them with valua- as well as how to provide the earth era Landscapes LLC, said:“We believe a negative impact on the compa- Once this has been done, the for children to learn about the basics ble life skills and invaluable nuggets and plants with the proper environ- landscape is a language we understand ny’s ability to be profitable and working environment will of planting seeds and practise their of wisdom along the way, while fur- ment and care. best, and the drive we have to turn any successful. improve drastically, which will gardening skills through a range of ther enriching their experience at our ‘Kidizen’ will be given seeds, sand, inspiration and dream into reality is Far too many times companies in turn have a positive effect on fun experiments, while sowing seeds one-of-a-kind edutainment city”,said a pot, water sprayer and pair of gloves, how we express our belief. This is per- that cut costs go about it com- performance. of wisdom that grow with them as Nabil R Barakat, General Manager of before setting foot into a specially built fectly aligned with KidzMondo’s vision pletely the wrong way, with the • Retire employees nearing they mature into adulthood. KidzMondo Doha. ‘Greenhouse’; a glass room with the and creates the right environment to result that one or neither of those retirement age. “The ‘Botany School’ we are The edutainment city’s ‘Botany right environmental factors favour- ensure that our ‘Botany School’ serves goals are achieved. • Cut those employees who are developing in collaboration with School’ will teach kids aged 4 to 14 ing plant cultivation, where kids will its purpose well and adds tremendous There is a better way, however. under performing. Palmera will take our young vis- how to plant, transplant, attend to, learn first-hand the vital role that value to children’s memorable experi- • If the above three measures itors on a journey of exploration and do the necessary work for plants trees and plants play in our lives. Amer ences at the Edutainment City. Three essential steps for cost show that you still have to cutting further reduce, then redun- • Review the existing strategy dancies are the next stage. from top to bottom. These should be done across • Focus solely on value-driven all levels and all departments Travellers praise Qatar Tenders to be invited after activities. of the organisation. • Merge functions/departments that overlap or can work Conclusion Airways’ growing network analysing poll findings together Personally, I haven’t come across a business that is operating Cost-cutting general solutions a creative cutting cost strategy yet. → Continued from page 1 → Continued from page 1 Group Chief Executive. The poll includes questions Instead, the two strategies that are The award further reinforces The award is the latest traveller The Technical Committee to related to cost of construction, A successful cost-cutting strat- all far too common are: reducing the airline’s leading position in the accolade praising Qatar Airways’ Stimulate Private Sector Partici- school operation, economic feasi- egy focusses on the long term, not employees’ salaries, and getting Middle East. premium products and services. pation in Economic Development bility, funds and means of marketing merely the short term. Otherwise, rid of top performers!! Travellers commended the Whether travelling for business Projects at the Ministry said that educational services in addition to money saved now could very well airline’s growing network and con- or leisure, Qatar Airways Business it is seeking investors’ views and questions related to educational end up costing the company far Dear Employers, tinued performance in flying them Class passengers can take advan- suggestions on how to invest in programmes, capacities of the more in months and years to come. Always remember that the cost to more than 150 places across the tage of a dedicated check-in facility these projects, the type of educa- schools, extra-curricular activi- Some of these are overlooked of an un-motivated workforce world. Passengers celebrated the at its state-of-the-art hub at Hamad tional projects they are planning to ties and the estimated tuition fees. because on the surface there does in the long run, is considerably airline’s Business Class service International Airport, Doha. With establish, target group of students The poll which started yesterday not appear to be an obvious sav- higher than any short term cost and new Qatar Airways Premium fast access to the airline’s Business (co-education or single-sex), time will continue for a month and ten- ing, but if implemented correctly, savings you may achieve now. Lounge for providing them with a Class Lounge, Al Mourjan, passen- needed to develop designs, con- ders for the projects will be invited very quickly you will see signifi- consistent and exceptional experi- gers can enjoy an array of dining struction and conditions needed after analyzing its findings and cant savings. (Dr. Sharoq Almalki is an ence every time they fly. options inspired by celebrity chefs, to be fulfilled by developers and outcomes. • Invest in technology: The cor- employee engagement expert, “We are honoured to be recog- a fully equipped business centre or investors. Interested investors have been rect technology will make every author and public speaker — nised as the best carrier in the Middle a relaxing spa treatment. The committee is also keen asked to register for the tender department run smoother, and [email protected]) East at the 2016 Aviation Business Qatar Airways travellers can keep to know what kind of contribu- through the address provided with Awards. This award demonstrates on the move with convenient transit tions to the projects are expected the questionnaire, although tenders our unwavering commitment to times and one of the industry’s best from different government bod- will not be restricted to the regis- delivering an exceptional product on-time-performance scores, while ies concerned to provide excellent tered investors, said the committee. and service to provide our customers on-board Wi-Fi ensures business educational services and ensure the Each of the plots will have an Infection Prevention and with the very best travel experience,” continuity or keeping in touch with quality standards set by the Ministry area of 15,000 sqm and the initia- said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways family and friends. of Education and Higher Education. tive is taken in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Control Week from today Higher Education and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, said the technical committee in a The Peninsula today under the theme “Break the statement. Chain of Infection” in collaboration The committee comprises with healthcare facilities and rele- representatives from different DOHA: Ministry of Public Health is vant tertiary institutions. ministries and government bodies observing Qatar Infection Preven- The campaign includes aware- concerned. tion and Control (QIPC) Week from ness activities to highlight the importance of infec- tion prevention and control practices at all healthcare facilities. In addition, there will be a public campaign to cre- ate awareness. This year’s QIPC Week is the first infec- tion prevention event at the national level. The week will be marked annually to highlight the importance of infection prevention and con- trol practices wherever healthcare is delivered to improve patient safety. “QIPC Week aims to highlight the role that best evidence practices in infection prevention and control play in prevent- ing infections. The event also aims at educating healthcare profession- als to prevent infections as well as raise aware- ness among the public on the important role they play to protect them- selves and others,” said Huda Amer Al Katheeri, Acting Director of Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Depart- ment, MoPH. She stressed that the theme for this year’s celebration “Breaking the Chain of Infection” was chosen in line with the celebration of the International Infection Prevention Week that takes place in the third week of October each year. HOME SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 05

Breast Cancer Awareness at Banana Island MMR vaccine safe RAF’s orphan and effective: Health Ministry city in Turkey QNA

DOHA: The Ministry of Public Heath (MOPH) has affirmed that the vaccine used against mea- to open soon sles, mumps and rubella (German measles), also known as MMR, is safe, effective and gives long- Ayed bin Dabssan Al Qahtani, term protection, as it has been Most of the housing Chairman, Board of Trustees, and approved and used worldwide General Director, RAF, Dr Moha- for more than 40 years. units have been mad Salah Ibrahim, Deputy General In a statement issued last furnished with the Manager of RAF, Ahmad You- evening, MOPH said that the vac- suf Al Fakhro, Head of Financial cine to be used in the national necessary home Resources Development and Media MMR immunisation campaign appliances. Section among other officials from from tomorrow through Novem- the ambassadors of mercy at RAF. ber 14, has been licensed for use The housing units are being fur- in Qatar and has been approved nished with home appliances and by the National Advisory Commit- The Peninsula other necessary gadgets and it will tee for immunisation in the state. begin accommodating the benefi- The vaccine is also certified ciary orphans soon. by the World Health Organization The city will be a role model for (WWHO), the US Food and Drug DOHA: An orphan city being devel- caring and rehabilitating orphan Administration (FDA) and the oped by Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah children, said Dr Ayed Al Qahtani. FROM LEFT: Thomas Fehlbier, General Manager, Banana Island Resort Doha, Dr Hadi Mohamed Abu GCC unified procurement specifi- Foundation for Humanitarian Serv- The facility will do more than pro- Rasheed, Health Educator at the Qatar Cancer Society, and Asma Al Hamadi, media personality and cations for medicines and vaccines, ices (RAF) in Al Rayhaniya, Hatay viding monthly financial support to Ambassador of Qatar Cancer Society, jointly inaugurating the Breast Cancer Awareness programme the statement added. The statement Province, Turkey, will soon be able orphans or providing shelters and at a function held on the Banana Island on Thursday. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula confirmed that the vaccine does not to house the Syrian orphans. food to them. The idea behind devel- contain aluminum or lead. The housing units are being oping such a city is to prepare the furnished to accommodate Syrian orphan children as they can help Qatar Charity wins orphans sheltering in Turkey. themselves and the community. It was found by a delegation They could also be able to make gold medals at from Sheikh Thani bin Abdul- their contributions to build their lah Foundation for Humanitarian countries, said Al Qahtani. Rise in Ooredoo Passport demand Services (RAF) that visited the city The city will be opened soon, Haytham Awards “RAF-IHH city for building human- and will provide a complete service ity” recently. including social care and education, The Peninsula measurable way of enabling trav- To ensure affordable roaming The Peninsula The delegation was led by Dr said Ibrahim. elling employees to stay in contact options for those travelling for longer when overseas. periods, Ooredoo has introduced DOHA: Ooredoo has seen a sharp To offer extra convenience, the the Ooredoo Monthly Passport. DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) bagged rise in the number of companies Ooredoo Passport can be subscribed The Monthly Passport offers more two gold medals at the Haytham deploying the Ooredoo Passport to at any time via SMS, the Oore- data and minutes, and is perfect Arab Media Awards. for their employees in 2016, after the doo App, or through your Account for employees travelling outside of The third edition of the launch of new roaming options for Manager. Companies can also order Qatar for more than seven days, or ‘Safari Al-Khair 3’ show, which businesses and driven by the higher multiple quantities of Ooredoo Pass- for business customers on Shahry is produced by Qatar Charity number of travelling executives from port Cards which can be distributed who want a bigger communications and broadcast on Qatar TV, won Qatar. across their workforce. allowance when abroad. two gold awards, presented in the The Ooredoo Passport, which As multiple cards can be acti- With the Monthly Passport, users eighth edition of the Al Haytham provides 100 roaming minutes for vated at the same time, Ooredoo enjoy 300 roaming minutes and 4GB Arab Media Award. receiving and making calls, 1GB Passport Cards offer businesses of roaming mobile data, and an extra The first award was for the of roaming mobile data, and an a way to provide employees with 4GB of roaming data in GCC, all for best Ramadan charity show and A delegation from RAF inside an orphan city developed by RAF in Al extra 1GB of roaming data in GCC, more roaming allowance as and just QR350. The Ooredoo Passport is the other for the best show idea Rayhaniya city of Turkey. gives businesses an affordable and when they need it. available in more than 70 countries. and implementation. 06 SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 HOME / MIDDLE EAST No breakthrough as Syria talks end in Lausanne

mounting international outrage over Since the breakdown of US-Rus- the Russian and Syrian bombard- sia cooperation, long the backbone Countries agree to ment of rebel-held eastern Aleppo. of efforts to end the war in Syria, US continue contacts in Kerry hosted Russian Foreign officials have worked on a number of Minister Sergei Lavrov and seven ideas, and although no breakthrough the near future aimed foreign ministers from the region — was expected, the regional format at ending the Syria from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, could be the basis of a new process, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt — weeks the US official said. crisis, says Lavrov. after the collapse of a painstakingly But a former Western envoy in crafted US-Russian ceasefire plan Syria said “I don’t understand (why) that many saw as the last hope for the Americans are asking the Rus- Agencies peace this year. sians to talk again. They have made Lavrov, who had said he had zero concessions. Do the Americans “no special expectations” for yes- believe Moscow was shaken by the terday’s meeting, later told Russian break-off last week and will change LAUSANNE: Qatar’s Foreign Min- news agencies that the countries behaviour now?” ister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin had agreed to continue contacts in Separately, a Western diplo- Qatar’s Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani with other officials at the meeting Abdulrahman Al Thani took part in the near future aimed at ending the mat in Lausanne said the meeting on Syria in Laussane yesterday. the trilateral coordination meeting Syria crisis. The parties had dis- appeared ill-prepared and vague in on the Syrian crisis, with the Foreign cussed several “interesting ideas”, its goals, and the list of invitees clar- Ministers of Saudi Arabia Adel bin he said without elaboration. ified only at the last moment. credible.” Earlier, Kerry met sepa- considers terrorists. civilians and preventing medical Ahmed Al Jubeir and Turkey Mevlut “This is going to be, as it has been “If it is to reach an agreement rately with his Saudi counterpart Adel Pressure is rising for a halt to a evacuations, as well as targeting an Cavusoglu in the Lausanne, Swit- now for several years, a very diffi- on Aleppo, countries have to make Al Jubeir and with Lavrov to discuss ferocious, three-week-old Syrian aid convoy with the loss of around zerland yesterday. cult process,” a senior US official said commitments: Russia to stop bomb- the logistics of the meeting. government offensive to capture the 20 lives. The talks convened by US Secre- before the talks began. ing, Iran to withdraw its militia on It was the first meeting between eastern zone of the city of Aleppo, Syria and Russia counter that tary of State John Kerry ended last Europe was not represented at the ground supporting Damascus,” Kerry and Lavrov since the collapse where the United Nations says they are only targeting militants in evening after more than four hours the meeting, held in a luxury hotel the diplomat said as the talks were of a second attempted ceasefire in 275,000 civilians still live and 8,000 Aleppo and accuse the United States without any joint ministerial state- on Lake Geneva. But France’s For- under way. September. The US was expected to rebels are holding out against Syrian, of breaking the ceasefire by bomb- ment from the nine countries. eign Ministry confirmed that foreign “If this format is to be credible, once again push Russia to agree to a Russian and Iranian-backed forces. ing scores of Syrian troops fighting Kerry was seeking a new path to ministers of like-minded nations Kerry has to come out of the talks ceasefire in Aleppo, and Russia was Western powers have accused Islamic State insurgents, over which peace after failing to secure a cease- planned to meet to discuss Syria in tonight saying we got something seen as insisting on separating mod- Russia and Syria of committing atroc- the United States has expressed fire in direct talks with Russia amid London today. for Aleppo. A ceasefire would be erate opposition groups from those it ities by bombing hospitals, killing regret.

55 dead in Iraq attacks Rival of Libya’s unity govt seizes key offices

Reuters by a suicide bomber who detonated AFP and halt people trafficking across the who often switch allegiances. from their duties”. The UN-backed an explosive vest in the middle of a Mediterranean that has led to thou- The capital appeared calm yes- government riposted with a state- Shia gathering in Baghdad, killing sands of drownings. terday with no sign of any unusual ment threatening to arrest “those BAGHDAD: Around 55 people were at least 41 people and wounding 33. TRIPOLI: Libya’s UN-backed unity Led by prime minister designate military presence, including around politicians who... attempt to create killed in Iraq in attacks yesterday The explosion went off inside government has suffered a new set- Fayez Al Sarraj, it was intended to the Council of State whose offices parallel institutions and destabilise that targeted a Shia Muslim gath- a tent filled with people taking back after a political rival seized replace two rival administrations, were stormed on Friday. the capital.” ering, a police check-point and part in Shia Ashura rituals, which key offices in the capital and pro- one in Tripoli and one in the coun- Ghweil has never accepted the It condemned “efforts to sabotage the family of a Sunni paramilitary mourn the killing of Prophet claimed the reinstatement of the try’s far east. legitimacy of the UN-backed gov- the political agreement” brokered leader opposed to Islamic State, Mohammad’s (PBUH) grand- former administration. But late on Friday the head of the ernment which took control of the by the UN last December and according to security and medi- son Hussein in the 7th century. The United Nations’ Libya envoy former Tripoli-based Government of administration in Tripoli in April. denounced the seizure of the Coun- cal sources. Islamic State claimed the attack in condemned the latest challenge to National Salvation, Khalifa Ghweil, But his position was severely cil of State building by an “armed The escalation comes as Iraqi an online statement. Some people the authority of the Government of proclaimed its reinstatement from the weakened by the loss of support of group.” UN envoy Martin Kobler forces are getting ready to launch were also in the tent to mourn the National Accord (GNA), warning it offices of a key consultative body of militias in the capital after the UN expressed his “strong support” yes- an offensive to take back Mosul, death of a local resident, authori- would sow “further disorder and the GNA. His announcement added to deal. Ghweil is subject to interna- terday for the unity government as the last Iraqi city still under con- ties said. The tent was set up in a insecurity”. the confusion surrounding the polit- tional sanctions, renewed by the “the sole legitimate authority” under trol of Islamic State, in northern crowded market in the city’s north- The GNA is the centrepiece of ical situation in the oil-rich country, European Union just last month. a UN-brokered power-sharing deal Iraq. The heaviest toll was caused ern Al Shaab district. Western hopes to stem an upsurge of which is riven by power struggles and In his statement, he declared all struck in December by some law- jihadism in the North African nation under the control of various militias members of the GNA “suspended makers from both sides. Two US nationals Qatar Transport Safety Forum freed in Yemen to start from tomorrow AFP The Peninsula practices and success stories on trans- port safety improvement. MUSCAT: Two US citizens “held” in Yemen have been This year’s edition will be the most freed and were taken to Oman yesterday after media- diverse in the forum’s 5-year history. tion by authorities in the Gulf nation, the state-run Oman DOHA: The fifth edition of the Qatar The Ministry of Transport and Com- News Agency reported. Transport Safety Forum (formerly the munications organizes the event in The agency, quoting an Omani Foreign Ministry ITS & Road Safety Forum) returns from collaboration with IQPC Middle East. spokesman, said the two Americans were brought to 17-18 October. “In the wake of the announcement Oman aboard an aircraft that earlier yesterday flew to This year, it is being held under the of the United Nation’s Sustainable the Yemeni capital to evacuate the wounded. patronage of Minister of Transport and Development Goals, transportation has It did not identify the US nationals. Communications H E Jassim bin Saif become a focus of many of the world’s But it quoted the spokesman as saying that Oman Al Sulaiti, said a press release issued governments and Qatar is committed mediated the release of the pair in order “to help the yesterday. to achieving the goals set out by the UN American government obtain the liberation of a number The forum serves as a unique plat- which are also aligned with the Qatar of Americans held in Yemen.” form for the local authorities such as National Vision 2030,” stated Mohaned “Two of them were freed and taken this evening to the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry El-Mahgoub, Forum Director, IQPC Mid- the Sultanate of Oman aboard an Omani air force plane of Transport and Communications, dle East. ahead of the repatriation,” the spokesman added. the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) “The forum will serve as a catalyst He said Omani authorities secured their release “in as well as the relevant companies to for accelerated development by bringing coordination with Yemeni parties in Sana’a”, the capital discuss their initiatives in improving in some of the most preeminent experts which is under the control of the Shia Houthi rebels and safety across all modes of transport in from Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, their allies, supporters of ousted president Ali Abdul- the country. In addition, distinguished UAE, Saudi Arabia, Austria, USA and lah Saleh. GCC and global experts will share best Singapore,” El-Mahgoub said. Iran calls for transparency in elections

Reuters funding and interference. State media carried election guide- lines issued by Khamenei, who has the DUBAI: Iranian supreme leader Ayat- final say on all matters of state. They ollah Ali Khamenei called on yesterday called for “setting the scope and type for more transparency in elections due of expenses and sources of legal and in May following allegations of electoral illicit campaign expenses by candi- fraud in the last polls. date and increasing the transparency He also warned against any foreign of resources...” ASIA / AFRICA SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 07

US aid worker Report on Guptas case ‘under lock and key’ abducted in Niger

Reuters court application by Zuma asking that it remain under wraps so he The ruling party could review evidence and ques- confirmed that the tion witnesses. NIAMEY: Gunmen raided the report had been The ANC said the report had house of a US aid worker in cen- been handed to parliament and tral Niger overnight, killing his handed to parliament would be given to the new Public two guards before driving him off and would be given Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, across the desert towards Mali, the tomorrow when she assumes office. mayor of the town said yesterday. to the new public “The report, as requested, is cur- “First they came on a motor- protector when she rently being kept under lock and key bike and killed the guards,” the in parliament,” the ANC said. mayor of Abalak, Ahmed Dilo, assumes office. The report looked at the alleged said. “Then a 4x4 came and took influence of the wealthy, Indian- him away and drove towards the born Gupta family - close friends Mali border.” Reuters of Zuma - regarding the appoint- Residents reported hearing ment of cabinet ministers and other gunfire near the aid worker’s house, occupants of high office. where he had been living for years. Madonsela had announced the Kidnappings of foreigners in JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s probe in June. Niger are rarer than in neighbour ruling African National Congress The family, which has wide- Mali, where Islamist militants are (ANC) said yesterday a report by an ranging business interests in South active. anti-graft watchdog into allegations Africa, and the president have of political interference by friends denied any wrongdoing. of President Jacob Zuma was being The report comes at a time when held at parliament for safe keeping. Zuma’s government is reeling after Crown Resorts staff The release of the potentially prosecutors this week ordered explosive report, which the out- Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan ‘detained’ in China going head of the agency Thuli to appear in court on November 2 Madonsela had planned to make to hear fraud charges against him. public on her last day in office on Gordhan on Friday dismissed the AFP Supporters of South African President Jacob Zuma march to the City Hall, in Durban, yesterday. Friday, was delayed because of a charges as “frivolous”.

SYDNEY: Up to 18 employees of Australian billionaire James Pack- er’s Crown Resorts are believed African Union adopts charter on piracy and illegal fishing to have been detained in China, reports said yesterday. The gaming company said a AFP said, hailing an “historic” decision institutions “to promote maritime development, not just given the crimes at sea have cost the African group of staff were being ques- that would boost economic and social security.” threat from piracy and illegal fish- maritime sector hundreds of billions tioned, with the Department of development. Togo’s foreign minister, Robert ing depleting a key resource but of dollars in recent decades, accord- Foreign Affairs working to con- Nguesso said 43 of the AU’s 54 Dussey said that ahead of the meet- the threat from environmental ing to the African Union. firm whether Australians were LOME: The African Union yesterday members -- 38 of which have a ing there was a clear need to join degradation. Large-scale illegal fishing also involved. adopted an agreement on piracy, ille- coastline -- adopted the summit text, forces on policy, indicating the stakes Kenyan President Uhuru Ken- helps drive piracy as it depletes The Australian Financial gal fishing and maritime security at which is binding. were “very high” amid an upsurge yatta, whose country has suffered stocks, reducing the legitimate Review reported that at least 18 a summit in Togo. It commits signatories to envi- of piracy in recent years, spreading from insecurity in the Gulf of Aden, economic activities of coastal were being held, including three “We are happy to announce the ronmental protection and act on from the Gulf of Aden, off Somalia, praised the outcome of the Lome communities. Australians who are part of the adoption and signing of a charter maritime crime as well as traffick- to the Gulf of Guinea, which is now summit as a display of Africa’s abil- So-called maritime economic group’s sales and marketing team on maritime security and safety ing in drugs, arms and people. a hotspot for piracy. ity to put together a continent-wide activity in Africa covers 13 million in China. and development in Africa,” Congo- The text also commits signato- Dussey said maritime secu- strategy. sq km, equivalent to a 17 percent One was said to be a senior lese President Denis Sassou Nguesso ries to creating national and regional rity was paramount for African Piracy, smuggling and other world share. executive.

Paying respects

Second Vice-President of Cambodia’s National Assembly Nguon Nhil walks leading lawmakers past guard of honour after paying their respects in front of a statue of former king Norodom Sihanouk at a park in Phnom Pen, yesterday.

South Africa demands end to protests

Reuters “Government calls for violent satellite campuses until October 28 campus protests to stop immedi- in response to almost four weeks of ately...Law enforcement agencies student protests. are constitutionally bound to act The government said the protests JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s against any perpetrators of crimi- undermined “the genuine strug- government called yesterday for an nal acts that are committed during gles for access to quality higher immediate end to violent protests protests within institutions of higher education, which are supported by by students demanding free educa- learning. They will be arrested and government”. tion, after nine people were arrested prosecuted.” The flare-ups over the cost of in overnight clashes with police in Police spokesman Wayne university education, which is pro- Johannesburg. Minnaar said recently that a super- hibitive for many black students and Protests have been raging for market had been looted and three set to rise by up to 8 percent next weeks at universities across the cars set alight in an area of Johan- year, have highlighted frustration country, prompting President Jacob nesburg adjacent to the University of at the inequalities that still endure, Zuma on Tuesday to form a ministe- the Witwatersrand, which has been more than two decades after the end rial team to tackle the issue. the scene of some of the most vio- of apartheid. “The upsurge of violence and lent demonstrations. Yesterday, nine people were destruction of property associated The University of the Free State arrested after overnight clashes in with student protests are criminal said this week it would shut its main Johannesburg between police and and unwarranted,” the government campus in Bloemfontein, 400km students demanding free education, said in a statement. south of Johannesburg, and other police said. 08 SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES Thailand names interim regent as nation mourns

king will lie for months before a Prince Vajiralongkorn does not traditional royal cremation, and enjoy the same adoration his father Crown Prince Maha thousands joined them during the earned over a lifetime on the throne. Vajiralongkorn wants morning. He has married and divorced three to grieve with the The world’s longest-reigning times, and has spent much of his life monarch, king Bhumibol died on outside Thailand, often in Germany. people and leave the Thursday in a Bangkok hospital, at The king’s remains were taken formal succession the age of 88. in a convoy on Friday through Bang- The government has said Crown kok’s ancient quarter to the Grand until later, when Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn wants to Palace, winding past thousands of parliament will invite grieve with the people and leave the Thais dressed in black, many of them formal succession until later, when holding aloft portraits of a monarch him to ascend the parliament will invite him to ascend who was revered as a father figure. throne. the throne. Buddhist monks chanted prayers Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu beside his coffin yesterday as Prin- Krea-ngam said in an interview cess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn came broadcast on state television late to pay her respects. Reuters on Friday that there was no uncer- “I didn’t ever want to hear this tainty about the succession but, in news although it couldn’t be avoided. Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn takes part in a ceremony honouring late king Bhumibol Adulyadej the interim, the head of the power- All we can do now is hope that he will at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, yesterday. ful Privy Council would have to step rest in peace,” said Sakhon Sondee BANGKOK: The head of Thailand’s in as regent. from the eastern province of Surin, royal advisory council will stand in as “There must be a regent for the one of thousands who gathered out- across the country dressed in black. competitions, including soccer and stipulated that TV programmes regent while the country grieves over time being in order not to create a side the Grand Palace. Shopping malls were open yes- golf tournaments, have been can- and advertising “must not contain the death of king Bhumibol Adulya- gap,” Wissanu said. General Sansern Kaewkamnerd, terday and the government said bars celled or postponed, and the Football improper scenes such as entertaining, dej and awaits for his son to formally “This situation will not be used a spokesman for the prime minister’s could continue doing business, but it Association of Thailand said it was dancing or violent acts”, and present- succeed him, the government said. for long,” he added, without men- office, said 30 bus routes and some decreed that no entertainment events seeking to move a home World Cup ers must dress in white or black. Mourners lit candles and recited tioning by name Privy Council head canal boat services would be free to and festivities should be held outside qualifier against Australia on Novem- It said the information related to prayers before dawn yesterday out- 96-year-old Prem Tinsulanonda, take people to Sanam Luang, an open for 30 days, the first month of one ber 15 out of the country. the king’s passing must be approved side Bangkok’s riverside Grand a former army chief and prime area near the Grand Palace. year of official mourning. The Nation newspaper said gov- by authorised bodies, while criticism Palace, where the remains of the minister. People in the capital and in towns A number of domestic sport ernment guidelines for the media or analysis would not be allowed. Duterte ‘willing to face’ international probe: Official

Anatolia is willing to submit himself for an Bensouda has said her office killings -- has been quoted as saying 192-tonne jade investigation before any body. would begin to “closely” monitor that “there is no proof that the kill- “Drug-related killings, including developments in the country on ings were state-sponsored”. stone found in vigilante killings, are not state-sanc- reports of alleged extrajudicial kill- Duterte himself has sent an invi- ZAMBOANGA CITY: President Rod- tioned. Many of those who died were ings that have left more than 3,000 tation to the United Nations, US and Kachin State rigo Duterte (pictured) is willing to killed during legitimate police opera- drug dealers and users dead. the European Union to come to the be probed internationally in con- tions which are currently undergoing “Extra-judicial killings may fall Philippines and probe the killings. nection with a spate of drug-related investigation as directed by the pres- under the jurisdiction of the Inter- In a televised speech Thursday, YANGON: An enormous killings that have placed his presi- ident,” Andanar said. national Criminal Court if they are he underlined his resolve to finish his jade boulder that weighs dency under the microscope, a top Andanar was responding to com- committed as part of a widespread or war against drugs. up to 192 tonnes has Presidential Palace official said. ments by Fatou Bensouda, chief systematic attack against a civilian In Friday’s statement, Andanar “I will not stop until the last been found in Myanmar’s In a press statement issued to prosecutor of the International Crim- population pursuant to a State policy said that even the Chairman of the pusher, until the last drug lord is restive Kachin State, offi- reporters, Communications Sec- inal Court (ICC), who has expressed to commit such an attack,” Philippine Senate Committee on Justice and taken away,” he said, adding that he cials said yesterday. retary Martin Andanar said the concern over the increasing number Star quoted Bensouda as saying in a Human Rights -- who conducted is risking his honour, his life and his The 174,600-kilo- president has articulated that he of killings. statement issued in The Hague. a legislative probe on extrajudicial presidency in his war against drugs. gramme raw jade stone was discovered in a gem- rich region of Hpakant Township in on Tuesday, according to an informa- 11 dead after flash tion ministry statement. The jade stone was excavated by Yadana Taung Tan company in floods hit Vietnam cooperation with the min- ing ministry, it said. The boulder was Reuters recorded as measuring 69 ‘Most damaging metres long, 54 metress wide and 51 metres high. storm’ to strike HANOI: Floods in Vietnam’s four central provinces have killed at least Philippines 11 people and displaced thousands, Sydney seizes with a storm in the South China Sea 1.2 tonnes approaching the central coast. AFP Flooding from very heavy of drugs rainfall brought by a tropical low pressure system since Wednesday MANILA: The Philippines faces have cut food supplies to thousands what could be “the most damag- SYDNEY: Australian Fed- of people and blocked north-south ing” storm this year as Typhoon eral Police said yesterday traffic, the government said in a Sarika headed for the archipel- An armed Myanmar border police stop along the river dividing Myanmar and Bangladesh border located they had arrested two statement yesterday. ago’s heavily-populated main Polish men in connection in Maungdaw, Rakhine State, yesterday. Seven people drowned or were island, officials said yesterday. with the seizure of 1.2 electrocuted in Quang Binh prov- While Sarika--packing tonnes of crystal MDMA, ince, four others were killed in maximum winds of 180km per the main chemical used in Rohingyas condemn fatal attacks three nearby provinces, and at least hour--is not the most power- ecstasy pills. 30,000 homes were submerged, ful to hit the country this year, A raid on a storage state-run Vietnam Television (VTV) it could cause the most damage facility in Sydney’s north Anatolia and Yathay Taung townships early which it described as being affiliated said, citing government reports. as it will cross heavily-populated on Thursday uncovered Sunday. with the Rohingya Solidarity Organ- “It is our priority now to save areas just north of Manila, said the drugs - Australia’s The areas are predominantly ization (RSO), a shadowy extremist people’s lives,” Chairman Nguyen government weather forecaster largest seizure this year occupied by the country’s stateless group that takes its name from the Huu Hoai of the provincial People’s Benison Estareja. - in a consignment of alu- YANGON: Muslims in Myanmar have Rohingya Muslim population -- Rohingya. Committee in Quang Binh said on a minium rollers imported condemned recent fatal attacks on described by the United Nations as “The attacks in Maungdaw VTV bulletin. from the Czech Republic, police station outposts in troubled one of the world’s most persecuted Township were systematically “Dozens of foreign tourists prompting provincial authorities to police said. western Rakhine State which the minority groups -- although none of planned in advance over a long were among passengers stranded provide food and water, while many The haul equates to government has blamed on a little- the assailants have been identified. period of time, assisted by foreign on 22 trains in the affected region, flights to theregion were cancelled.” more than 4.1 million known extremist group. Myanmar’s government said on funding and the support of members ecstasy tablets, with an About 40 people were killed Friday night that the raids that killed of foreign terrorist organisations,” estimated value of $145m. following attacks on three police 9 police officers were conducted by said a statement from the Myanmar station outposts in Maungdaw the Aqa Mul Mujahidin organisation, President’s Office. Sri Lanka probes suicide note ‘confession’ to murder

AFP The body of the former military former strongman president Mahi- connection with Wickrematunga’s intelligence officer was found at his nda Rajapakse. death, which sparked an interna- home on Friday with what appeared “We are investigating if the tional outcry and shone a spotlight to be a suicide note in his pocket suicide note is genuine,” a senior on violence against the media. COLOMBO: Sri Lankan police say claiming responsibility for the kill- officer said asking not to be named Last month, the authorities they are investigating the death of ing, a senior police official said. as he was not authorised to speak exhumed Wickrematunga’s body a retired soldier found hanged on His death comes a month after to reporters. to conduct a fresh autopsy after Friday with a note claiming respon- Sri Lankan authorities reopened “We are also investigating the fears that forensic evidence may sibility for the 2009 murder of a the investigation into the January contents of the note.” have been tampered with or delib- Tourists are evacuated by boat from a railway station in the central prominent anti-establishment news- 2009 killing of Lasantha Wickrema- A serving military intelligence erately falsified to mislead the paper editor. tunga, a fierce critic of the island’s officer is already in custody in investigation. Vietnamese province of Quang Binh, yesterday. PAKISTAN SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 09 PTI protest & Panamagate case pose threat to Sharif

Internews and All Pakistan Muslim League appeals by setting aside objections and his family members and Dar were justice, finance, cabinet division and chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed. of registrar’s office and held that the named as money launderers, currency the National Accountability Bureau A three-judge A panel of senior lawyers Hamid objections to maintainability of the smugglers and buyers of expensive for- to recover public money and bring it bench of Supreme Khan and NaeemBokhari will repre- petitions were ill-founded. These eign properties in the name of children. back to the country because it had been ISLAMABAD: Days ahead of the sent the PTI while AsadManzoor Butt petitions will now be taken up by a They have allegedly set up off- illegally transferred from Pakistan to planned siege of Islamabad by the Court will hear five will appear on behalf of the JI. Rest three-judge bench. shore companies in British Virgin offshore companies. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), separate petitions on of the petitioners will appear before The PTI has sought disqualifi- Islands, opened bogus foreign cur- Asad in his petition sought appoint- the Supreme Court will take up on Panama Papers scam the court in person. cation of Prime Minister Sharif, his rency accounts, flouted legal control ment of a high-level commission to October 20 the much-anticipated Immediately after the petitions of son-in-law retired Capt Muhammad over foreign declarations, set up a probe into investment of the prime Panamagate case seeking disqual- on October 20. the PTI and JI were filed, they were Safdar and Finance Minister Ishaq steel mills (Gulf Steel Mills) in the minister’s family and others allegedly ification of Prime Minister Nawaz returned by the court’s registrar, who Dar for their alleged involvement in UAE without disclosing the manner through offshore companies. Sharif and his family members. said the petition moved in the name the Panamagate scam. in which money was transferred to He the commission should not The PTI has announced October of the party chief was frivolous. The PTI has urged the court to Dubai, sold the same admittedly for only help expose the premier’s fam- 30 as the date for siege but there are Hussain will hear five separate peti- The decision was challenged before order recovery of the alleged looted $9m and held the amount without ily but also others allegedly involved indications that the party may change tions on Panama Papers scam. the court with the PTI arguing to call its or laundered money along with declaration. in money laundering like retired Gen it by a day or two. The petitions have been moved petition frivolous was not only insulting properties purchased through Brit- The JI through its chief Sirajul- Pervez Musharraf, ex-president Asif A three-judge bench consisting of by the PTI, Jamaat-i-Islami, but degrading and defamatory. ish Virgin Islands and companies in Haq asked court to order government Ali Zardari, former interior minis- Chief Justice Anwar ZaheerJamali, Jus- Advocate Tariq Asad, Barrister The chief justice during a hear- other tax havens. through ministry of parliamen- ter Rehman Malik, property tycoon tice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice KhiljiArif Zafarullah Khan of Watan Party ing on September 27 accepted all It alleged that the prime minister tary affairs, secretaries of law and Malik Riaz and the Saifullah family.

PM in Azerbaijan Former president Zardari decides to return to country: Party leader

Internews political deal because the PPP accept the demand of the joint always takes decisions independ- opposition to constitute a judicial ently and in the national interest of commission in this respect. the country,” he said. Answering a question, he said, ISLAMABAD: The leader of Paki- To a question, he said the senior “PPP is ready to listen to viewpoint stan People’s Party (PPP), Senator party leaders were in contact with of the government but there is no Rehman Malik, said that former Asif Ali Zardari, and they also gave option except to carry out transpar- president Asif Ali Zardari, after a their input about his return to Paki- ent investigation into the Panama thorough consultation with the party stan, adding, “Now the party feels Leaks.” members, has now decided to return that Zardari should be in Pakistan Rehman Malik said Paki- to Pakistan at the earliest. to play a vital role in ensuring polit- stan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had its Talking from London, he said, “I ical stability in the country.” own political strategy, but the PPP had a detailed meeting with former He said no contacts have been believed that street agitation would president Asif Ali Zardari yesterday, made between the PPP and Muttahida serve no purpose and all the polit- and he (Zardari) informed me about Qaumi Movement (MQM-London) in ical parties should sit together and his decision to return to Pakistan in recent past and, “I cannot say whether evolve joint policies to resolve the the shortest possible time.” any contact will be made between PPP political issues. Pakistan Prime Minister of Nawaz Sharif (right) is welcomed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev with “All the party cadres will be and MQM in near future.” He said the PPP strongly con- an official military ceremony during his visit in Baku, Azerbaijan. According to agencies Azerbaijan informed about his (Zardari’s) return, He said the PPP would make no demns human rights violations in could be interested in purchasing Pakistani defence products, including the upgraded version of and party members will make nec- compromise on independent and Kashmir and urges the Indian gov- Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter aircraft. essary arrangements in this respect. transparent probe into Panama ernment to bow down before the His return is not a part of any Leaks and the government had to demands of the Kashmiri people. Two more arrested on blasphemy charges

AFP the complaints of locals that he had Faraz Ahmed for thrashing his Shi- been asking the villagers to stop ite student Zainul Abideen because offering prayers and just bow before he missed his class to attend his him,” Hussain said. religious rites,” local police official ISLAMABAD: A teacher and a Sufi Hussain said Aslam had started Mohammad Farooq told reporters. preacher have been arrested on preaching at a local shrine of Sufi Ahmed has been charged under blasphemy charges in two separate saint Panj Shaheed some three the blasphemy law for assaulting incidents in Pakistan, police said months ago and had been acting the student because of his faith and yesterday. strangely. detained, he added. The preacher was arrested in the In a second incident in the Both Ahmed and Aslam face up village of Changa in Daska district Punjab town of Kamalia a college to 10 years jail time if convicted, of Punjab province for preaching teacher was arrested on Friday for police officials said. things “contrary to Islam”, local beating up a student from the minor- The cases emerged two days police station chief Javed Hussain ity Shiite sect who absented himself after Pakistan’s Supreme Court told reporters. to attend the annual Ashura proces- delayed an appeal against the death “Saeen Aslam was arrested on sion last week. sentence meted out to a woman in Friday over blasphemy charges on “Police have arrested a teacher 2010 for blasphemy.

Sheesha import banned in Pakistan

Internews

ISLAMABAD: After the intervention of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Ministry of National Health Services (NHShas finally imposed a ban on import of all kinds of shee- sha, its substances and flavoured tobacco. In this regard, the Min- istry of Commerce has issued statutory regula- tory order (SRO) to amend the import policy order. Health circles expressed hope that around 3.7 million adults may quit sheesha after the ban. They said a typical one-hour-long sheesha smoking session involved inhaling of 100- 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled with a sin- gle cigarette. Nadeem Iqbal, head of a civil society organisation, The Network, said though the decision to ban sheesha was appreci- ated it happened only after intervention of apex court. An official of the Min- istry of NHS, also said the ban was not possible with- out intervention of Supreme Court. 10 SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Setback for Israel The king is dead. Is Thailand’s srael has suffered another setback at the Unesco. It’s a sharp reminder that the world is ready to stand by Palestinians in their fight for justice and freedom. The Unesco member states renewed a resolution on monarchy next? Thursday criticising Israel for restricting Muslims’ access Ito the Al Aqsa compound, which Jews call Temple Mount. Israel By Sebastian Strangio A quiet, introverted man with succeeding his father. “From quite was also angered by the constant use of the Muslim name to refer Foreign Policy horn-rimmed glasses, Bhumibol For most Thais, King a young age, he acted like a medie- to the holy site. (A draft of the latest version of the resolution, was born in 1927 in Cambridge, val monarch,” Marshall said of the posted on Unesco’s website, showed the site repeatedly described Massachusetts, while his father Bhumibol is the crown prince. “For the elites who only by its Muslim names.) The Unesco resolution is renewed was a student at Harvard Medical only monarch they benefit from the continued per- periodically and condemns Israel for restricting Muslims’ access fter two days of rumors School. The young prince spent have ever known, ception of a benevolent monarchy, to the Al Aqsa compound. The resolution was passed after 24 about the health of much of his early life abroad, until this is a disaster.” countries voted in its favour, six voted against, and 26 abstained Thailand’s king, confir- the mysterious shooting death of the one constant in To make matters worse, many mation finally arrived his brother, King Ananda Mahidol, fear that Prince Vajiralongkorn from the vote. in the form of a sol- unexpectedly catapulted Bhumi- a modern history might make common cause with Yesterday, Tel Aviv suspended its cooperation with the UN Aemn statement issued by the royal bol to the throne in 1946. marked by mass Thaksin, who is currently in exile cultural organistation to protest the vote. In a letter sent to palace Thursday evening. King In his early years as ruler, King protests, military abroad, joining hands with the pop- Unesco Director General Irina Bokova, Bhumibol Adulyadej, a unifying Bhumibol split his time between ular politician to clean house in the Israel accused the body of ignoring figure through seven politically his official royal duties and hob- coups, and widening palace. This, in turn, could under- The Unesco “thousands of years of Jewish ties to tumultuous decades, died peace- bies like photography and jazz political fault lines. mine royalist control of the Privy fully in the capital of Bangkok at the and as the years went by came to Council, a small but influential Jerusalem” and aiding “Islamist terror.” resolution age of 88. According to the palace, be seen as a stabilizing force that royal advisory body, and threaten on Al Aqsa Tel Aviv’s fury is understandable. The the world’s longest-reigning mon- stood firm amid cycles of political policies, against the traditional the sprawling networks of business compound Benjamin Netanyahu government has arch died at 3:52 pm after years of upheaval. (Since 1932, this coun- royalist elite — a tight-knit coterie and patronage that converge on the been used to riding roughshod over declining health. The immediate try of 67 million has experienced of soldiers, bureaucrats, and rich opaque Crown Property Bureau, sends a Palestinian rights, flagrantly violating cause of death was not clear. 19 coups and coup attempts.) The businessmen surrounding the pal- which administers the palace’s esti- message to international laws and ignoring Despite reports that the king’s king’s stature was heightened by ace. This conflict reflects a deeper mated $53 billion in property and international condemnations. It’s health had worsened in recent the political tumult of October social rift between the conserva- business investments. “What the elite Israel that it days, the news has plunged 1973, when the arrest of 13 student tive middle class in the cities and has always been terrified of is that n’t surprising that the Jewish state must end its Thailand into a period of deep activists triggered massive public rural and working-class Thais — the crown prince and Thaksin will is growing less tolerant to criticism mourning and uncertainty. For protests against Thailand’s military the so-called “Red Shirts” — who get together and that Thaksin would occupation. of its actions. Nabil Abu Rdainah, a most Thais, King Bhumibol is dictator du jour, Thanom Kittika- found their political voice in sup- get his hands on the Crown Property spokesman for Palestinian President the only monarch they have ever chorn. After security forces fired on port of Thaksin. Bureau. That thought absolutely ter- Mahmoud Abbas said: “This is an known, the one constant in a student protesters, killing around Some observers have suggested rifies them,” Marshall said. important message to Israel that it must end its occupation and modern history marked by mass 70, King Bhumibol and other royals that the succession could have For now, with the population in protests, military coups, and wid- intervened and expressed support complex effects on the outcome deep mourning, things are likely recognise the Palestinian state and Jerusalem as its capital with ening political fault lines. In some for the protesters. The junta was of this struggle. The most imme- to be muted. Undoubtedly, this is its sacred Muslim and Christian sites.” quarters, the king is revered with eventually forced out of power, and diate question surrounds King by design. Kasit Piromya, a former Unesco is one UN body which has been able to censure Israel for almost religious fervor; his bea- Thanom fled the country. Bhumibol’s nominated successor. foreign minister, told me last year its actions. Israel and the United States suspended their funding to tific portrait is ubiquitous, staring If these events revealed a Though Crown Prince Vajiralong- that one of the army’s main moti- Unesco in 2011 after the Palestinians were admitted as members. down from the walls of homes, new zenith of popularity for the korn’s claim to the throne is clear, vations for launching the 2014 And both countries have lost their voting rights as a result. businesses, and government build- 45-year-old king, it also dem- the 64-year-old lacks his father’s coup was to ensure there was The Palestinian Authority has welcomed the Unesco ings across the country. onstrated the ambiguity of his royal aura and is believed to be political stability during the sen- By the time the king’s death position in Thailand’s fractious deeply unpopular among the roy- sitive period of succession. Pavin resolution, saying it reflected the “continued commitment was announced Thursday evening, politics: not directly involved but alist elite. Over the years, he has Chachavalpongpun, an associate of the majority of member states to confront impunity and crowds of mourners had gathered never wholly aloof. In an article shown little interest in the public professor at Kyoto University in uphold the principles upon which Unesco was founded.” The outside Siriraj Hospital, clad in on the October uprising, the New duties associated with the royal Japan, said despite the elite’s dis- PA also criticised those countries, mainly European, who were yellow and pink, colors associated York Times described King Bhu- family, instead earning a reputa- taste for the crown prince, most initially in favour of the resolution but changed their minds with the throne. Some wept openly, mibol’s role as “less than ruling but tion as a fast-living playboy who senior officials would probably under Israeli pressure. “Rather than spending millions to spin clutching portraits of the monarch. certainly more than just reigning.” spends most of his time outside the wait to see how things pan out. “At Others sang royalist songs in a Although royalists argue that the country, largely in Germany, where the end of the day, the well-being its illegal colonization into normalcy and distort reality, Israel, plaintive key. On social media net- king was a father figure who ruled he reportedly owns an $11m villa of the monarchy is the well-being the occupying power, must understand that the only way to works, the #longlivetheking hashtag for the good of his people, most of on a lake south of Munich. of the royalists. Even if they don’t be treated like a normal state is if it starts acting like one, by was trending as Thai web users Thailand’s military coups have In 2007, leaked video footage like it, they’ll have to swallow it for ending its occupation of Palestine and seizing its irresponsible posted hundreds of messages and enjoyed tacit royal approval. showed Prince Vajiralongkorn hold- their own good,” he said. and illegal actions in the occupied land of the State of Palestine, photos in memory of King Bhumibol. In his twilight years, as Thai- ing a lavish private party with his Where the succession leads in especially East Jerusalem,” the statement read. In a televised address, Prime Min- land’s political crises compounded, then-wife, Srirasmi Suwadee — clad the longer term is harder to predict. ister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a general King Bhumibol became a remote, in nothing but heels and a G-string One question is whether the pop- who took power in a May 2014 coup, isolated figure, more a presence — and his pampered pet poodle, Foo ular reverence for the monarchy declared a year of mourning and a than a man, dogged by poor health Foo, which by the time of its death will fade now that King Bhumibol 30-day moratorium on entertain- and swaddled by a stringent lèse- last year held the rank of chief mar- is gone. Another question is what ment events. He also announced that majesté regime that effectively shal in the Royal Thai Air Force. sort of monarch Prince Vajiralong- King Bhumibol will be succeeded as prevented any open discussion of (The mutt’s death was marked korn will turn out to be if and when expected by Crown Prince Maha Vaji- the royal family — including the by four days of Buddhist funeral he is crowned king. Will he choose Quote of the day ralongkorn, who has said he “needs effect his death might have on this rites.) In July, the German tabloid to settle into a comfortable life of time to mourn his father” before tak- politically fragile country. Bild published photos of Prince palace-bound ritual? Or will he They have decided to leave. ing his place as the 10th king of the The ramifications of King Bhu- Vajiralongkorn boarding a plane decide to pursue an activist reign, I think the worst attitude Chakri Dynasty. Unlike King Bhu- mibol’s death are uncertain but in Munich wearing low-rise jeans shaking up an entrenched political mibol, Prince Vajiralongkorn is a likely to be far-reaching. Despite and an unflattering tank top that establishment in pursuit of his own would be to contest their controversial figure, a jet-setting standing as a bastion of unity revealed a palette of fresh yakuza- vision for Thailand? There is also choice or call into question womanizer whose eventual ascen- for the Thai people, the king’s style tattoos. (Thai authorities the question of whether elections, the very foundations of the sion to the throne will likely herald a image papered over wide social claimed the photos were doctored.) which the junta has promised for period of rocky transition for one of and political divides. For the last Scottish journalist Andrew next year, will go ahead in the cur- European Union. the world’s most revered monarchies. 15 years, a bitter political strug- MacGregor Marshall, author of rent situation. What is certain is During a reign lasting a touch gle has pitted the allies of former the 2014 book “A Kingdom in Cri- that as one historical era opens, more than 70 years, King Bhu- prime minister and billionaire tel- sis, “which was banned in Thailand and another closes, the future of Francois Hollande mibol presided over Thailand’s ecommunications mogul Thaksin for its discussion of the royal suc- the monarchy will now hang ever French President transformation from a rural king- Shinawatra, who won massive cession, says much of the Thai more ominously over the country’s dom once known as Siam into a support from the rural poor for elite is implacably opposed to the political life — whether or not any- regional economic powerhouse. his populist social and economic prospect of Prince Vajiralongkorn one can acknowledge it publicly.

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By Sharif Nashashibi Al Jazeera

he Palestine solidar- ity movement is facing an unprecedented internal cri- sis, brought about not by the conflict with Israel but by the Twar in Syria. The latter has caused divi- sions that are arguably deeper and more damaging than those over how to realise Palestinian rights and aspirations. While the effects of Palestinian polit- ical infighting have remained largely domestic, the fissures over Syria have taken on a global dimension, and created unparalleled hostility among supporters of the Palestinian cause. In that respect, while the popular uprising against the regime of Bashar Al Assad was not linked to the Israeli-Pales- tinian conflict, the five-year Syrian war is now arguably the biggest influencer of the one next door, which has festered for Syrians stand on the rubble of buildings after a missile fired by Syrian government forces hit a residential area in the Maghayir district in the old quarter of almost 70 years. the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.

Oppressed people and of his foreign backers for their role To that way of thinking, Syrian suf- who base their stance on a skewed view genuine when they are happy to justify Solidarity among pro-Palestine sup- in that onslaught, according to opinion fering — no matter how catastrophic — is of anti-imperialism, one that sees only Palestinian suffering and support Israel porters with the Syrian revolution is polls. The most recent one, published in acceptable because Assad’s ousting would the West — and specifically the US — as vis-a-vis Syria. based on principle, according to which June, shows only 18 percent of Palestin- be a boon to Israel. Never mind that he able and willing to act imperialistically. Like their anti-imperialist counter- solidarity must be shown to all oppressed ians favouring Assad. has never posed a threat or challenge to Such people condemn coalition air parts, the Syrian conflict is not about peoples. This predominant view among Israel, or responded once to its violations strikes over Syria (even though they do morals or principles but about a wider How can we campaign for Palestin- Palestinians is vital in belying the self- of Syrian sovereignty. not target the regime), but excuse or sup- geopolitical game. It is about advanc- ian freedom and deny that fundamental proclaimed championing of their cause Such people’s responses to the port Russia’s bombing campaign, even ing Western and Israeli interests, and right to others? by Assad and his allies, whose “axis of wider Arab Spring are based simply on as it rains down death and destruction checking Russian and Iranian ambi- To those of us in this camp, the strug- resistance” included the Palestinian whether they perceive the dictatorships on Aleppo’s civilians. The Palestinian tions. Opportunism regarding Palestine gles of the Palestinian and Syrian peoples group Hamas until it chose to stand with being challenged as anti-Israel and anti- cause seems to represent a platform for or Syria does not constitute genuine sup- are one and the same. the Syrian people when they rose up. Western. Thus the revolutions against them to vent their selective anti-impe- port because it is based on agendas and We support them not because they However, sadly there are supporters pro-Western regimes in Tunisia and rialist outrage. self-interest, not the wellbeing of the are Palestinian or Syrian, but because of the Palestinian cause who oppose the Egypt were legitimate, but not those in Their legitimate anger over US sup- peoples concerned. This goes against they are civilians facing brutal regimes, revolution. Many of them do not even see Libya and Syria. port for Israel is undermined by their the morality and justness of the Pales- backed by powerful allies, for daring to Assad as the lesser of two or more evils - This approach is presented as stal- silence over ever-closer Russian-Israeli tinian and Syrian struggles, and should seek what others take for granted: to live they actively whitewash his war crimes wart support for the Palestinian cause. ties — even regarding Syria — and of be exposed and rejected. freely and with dignity. and crimes against humanity in their However, these people are gravely harm- Assad’s years-long willingness to tor- One cannot claim to champion This solidarity is in line with Pales- delusion that he is a benevolent, misun- ing it by denying other peoples their ture people on America’s behalf as human rights if that championship tinian public sentiment, which holds a derstood leader who is the target of an rights in the belief that this will bring part of its extraordinary rendition depends on the identity of the perpe- very unfavourable view of Assad because international conspiracy. Palestinians closer to theirs. programme, because these incon- trators and victims, or on ideology and of his onslaught against his own people, Ironically, in doing so they are prop- Lionising dictatorships that manipu- venient facts do not fit their ideology politics. agating a narrative that mirrors Israel’s late the cause for their own interests and or narrative. If your support for Palestine entails justification for its oppression of the self-preservation creates a false and dan- justifying Assad’s mass slaughter, star- Palestinians. To them, the Palestinians’ gerous association between Palestinian Expressions of sympathy vation and displacement of Syrians, or If your support for Palestine entails plight trumps all others, so they ignore or liberation and autocracy. The cause is, The issue works both ways, however, if you support Syrian freedom but also justifying Assad’s mass slaughter, justify repression elsewhere if they per- and should be, a grassroots movement with some Western opponents of Assad Israeli occupation and colonialism, you ceive a challenge to that repression as that relates to and supports the down- being avowedly pro-Israel. This is most are no friend to Palestinians or Syrians. you are no friend to Palestinians or benefitting Israel. trodden anywhere. striking with American politicians. Syrians. There are also supporters of the Pal- Their expressions of sympathy with The writer is an award-winning journalist Anti-Israel and anti-Western estinian cause and of the Assad regime Syrian suffering cannot be considered and analyst on Arab affairs. China just might lead the world back to the bicycle

Chinese enjoy their new prosper- upwardly mobile consumers have next generation of bike-sharing more environmentally friendly mode ity and look for more efficient and outgrown. In 2004, in an ill-advised programs didn’t arrive until the mid- of transport if it’s readily available comfortable ways to navigate their stab at modernisation, Shanghai 1990s, when systems were developed to them. ever-more-sprawling cities. banned bicycles from downtown to that required identifying magnetic- China’s well-capitalised bike- Unfortunately, over the last dec- make the city more comfortable for stripe cards to rent a bike. Variations sharing companies are betting that ade that surge has clogged Chinese cars. on those systems now operate in many more commuters will make metropolises with traffic and choking The attitude behind the move was hundreds of cities around the world. the same choice. To help them along, clouds of smog. With roads becom- concisely expressed in 2010 when a They’ve taken off with remark- ofo equips bikes with a QR code that ing less navigable by the day, citizens, contestant on a Chinese dating show able speed in China, where the total users scan to pay and ride (ofo rent- entrepreneurs and the Chinese gov- told her blue-collar suitor: “I’d rather number of shared bikes outnumbered als run $0.15 per hour, after a $15 ernment are looking for alternatives. cry in a BMW than smile on a bicy- the world fleet of share bikes outside deposit). Bicycles — and in particu- cle.” The statement went viral. of China in 2015. Shanghai’s Mobike is outfitting By Adam Minter lar, bike-sharing programs, a But as China’s traffic and pollu- The cities of Hangzhou, Taiyuan, bikes with GPS units so they don’t Bloomberg utopian concept first tried (unsuc- tion have worsened, the car’s status and Shanghai operate the world’s have to be returned to a station, but cessfully) in Amsterdam in 1965 has started to take a hit and trans- first, second, and fourth biggest can be left anywhere and are easy to For three decades, — have resurfaced as one of the portation planners have redoubled bike-share programs, respectively. find. Electric and pedal-assist bicy- modernisation in most promising options. their admirable commitment to pub- The scale is astounding: Hangzhou cles, already popular in China, will t wasn’t so long ago that rivers According to Bloomberg, in just lic transit. At the same time, they’re Public Bicycle, which was estab- soon be a part of the fleets. China has meant of bicycle commuters coursed the last few weeks China’s two big- faced with a problem common to lished in partnership with the local For three decades, modernisation emulating car- Ithrough Chinese cities. As a gest bicycle-sharing services landed their peers around the world: The government in 2008, now operates in China has meant emulating car- centric countries means of navigating urban roads, two $200 million in funding, giving farther a commuter lives from a bus as many as 78,000 bikes at more centric countries such as the US Bike wheels couldn’t be beat. They were one of them — two-year-old, Bei- or metro stop, the less likely that than 2,000 stations, with plans to sharing won’t be the final word on such as the US cheap (and China was poor), and Chi- jing-based ofo — a $500 million commuter is to use public trans- expand to 175,000 bikes by 2020. China’s urban modernisation, once Bike sharing won’t nese cities were compact enough to valuation. Didi, China’s biggest port. (Generally, commuters will On average, users make 240,000 driverless cars become a more via- allow for conveyance by pedal power ride-sharing company, has invested walk farther for trains than buses.) trips per day. ble option for solving the last-mile be the final word alone. As recently as 1986, 63 percent $100 million in ofo and is exploring This distance is known as the “first- Preliminary data indicates that problem. on China’s urban of Beijingers used a bike as their pri- whether to fold the service’s 70,000 mile/last-mile problem” and solving China’s beleaguered commuters But it does put the country at mary mode of transportation. bikes and 500,000 daily rides into it has become a priority worldwide. are willing to give the bikes — and the leading edge of a form of trans- modernisation, By 2013, however, those num- its industry-leading app. In China, bike-sharing is an public transit — a try. A 2010 study portation it was on the verge of once driverless cars bers had plummeted to 14 percent. Humble bicycles would seem immediate fix. The Dutch origina- of Hangzhou’s system showed that abandoning. With luck, it’ll show Nationwide, bicycle usage declined an unlikely target for China’s tech tors of the program started with an members had a higher rate of auto other cities and countries that the become a more between 2 and 5 percent annually investors. Not only are two-wheel- idealistic concept: to leave bikes ownership than non-members, while past can be a way forward, too. viable option for between 1990 and 2010. ers unlikely to incorporate much in around Amsterdam that anyone 30 percent had incorporated the The reason for the drop-off is no the way of new technology, but they could use, for any purpose. Unsur- service into their commute. The writer is based in Asia, where solving the last-mile secret. Car ownership has surged continue to have a reputation as a prisingly, many of those bikes were In other words, many of China’s he covers politics, culture, business problem. in China over the last 30 years as backward form of transportation that stolen, and the program ended. The car owners are willing to opt for a and junk.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 INDIA 24 dead in stampede during religious event

a Hindu holy town in Uttar Pradesh “The devotees were proceeding state, when the deadly stampede towards the camp (across the river) A spokesman of the broke out. but police started sending them back. religious sect said the “We can confirm that 24 people This led to rumours that the bridge have died in the incident. Nineteen has collapsed,” Raj Bahadur said. stampede occurred of the dead are women,” Hari Ram TV footage showed piles of col- after a rumour spread Sharma, police inspector general, ourful clothing and slippers lying in told reporters in the state capital Luc- a heap with policemen trying to clear that the narrow know. At least 20 others were injured the debris. “There was a lot of chaos, bridge had collapsed. in the crush and were undergoing all of us were pushed and shoved. treatment at nearby hospitals. Many people have died including my State police chief Javeed Ahmed mother,” a witness told reporters as blamed overcrowding on the old iron ambulances sped by. AFP bridge for the disaster. Devotees from nearby districts “They had sought permission had gathered for the two-day reli- Bystanders gather near the scene of a stampede in Varanasi, yesterday. for 5,000 persons but many more gious congregation on the banks of people reached and joined the river Ganges. State Chief Minister VARANASI: A stampede at a religious procession,” Ahmed said. “They Akhilesh Yadav has ordered a high- uncommon. In July last year, a stam- is among several charismatic self- followers were involved in a riot in gathering in northern India killed at were crossing a bridge when some level enquiry into the tragedy while pede on the banks of a holy river styled “godmen” who enjoy a cult-like Mathura city which killed 24 people. least 24 people yesterday as thou- rumour-mongering happened which announcing monetary compensation killed 27 pilgrims in southern India. following among thousands of fol- Indian Prime Minister Narendra sands of devotees of a controversial led to the disaster.” A spokesman of for the victims, his spokesman Rajen- Around 115 people were killed in lowers. Typically clad in white Modi said he was saddened by the guru tried to cross a bridge at once, the religious sect said the stampede dra Chaudhary said. October 2013 at a stampede near a robes and turban, Gurudev fiercely loss of life in the latest incident. police said. occurred after a rumour spread that Stampedes at India’s religious fes- temple in the central state of Mad- espoused vegetarianism and claimed “I have spoken to officials & asked The followers of Jai Gurudev, a the narrow bridge had collapsed, the tivals, where police and volunteer hya Pradesh, site of another deadly “to liberate the soul from the rotation them to ensure all possible help to leader of a local religious sect, had Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency stewards are often overwhelmed by stampede there seven years earlier. of birth and death” on his website. those affected due to the stampede gathered on the outskirts of Varanasi, reported. the sheer size of the crowds, are not Jai Gurudev, who died in 2012, In June, a breakaway sect of his in Varanasi,” Modi tweeted. Ruling BJP crushing all voices of dissent Petrol and diesel prices in Gujarat: Kejriwal to go up MUMBAI: In response to global prices and currency IANS below the knees, not straight at fluctuations, the three the chest and the throat. This was state-owned oil market- not followed here. What did this ing companies (OMCs) have MEHSANA: Delhi Chief Minis- mean?”the AAP leader said. decided to increase the ter Arvind Kejriwal yesterday said Kejriwal said that Nishit and price of petrol and diesel the ruling BJP had acquired a ten- Mayur must get justice. “And this from midnight yesterday. dency to crush all voices of dissent is possible only by punishing those According to Indian Brazilian President Michel Temer (left), Chinese President Xi Jingping (second left), Indian Prime Minister in Gujarat, adding he was shocked at who issued the orders to fire at Oil Corporation (IOC), pet- how Patidar protesters were killed the innocent Patidars. I am sure Narendra Modi (centre), Russian President Vladimir Putin (second right) and South Africa President Jacob rol price will be increased in police firing last year. it couldn’t have been a magistrate Zuma during the BRICS summit in Goa, yesterday. by `1.34 per litre excluding Kejriwal’s statement came after who issued such orders, it must be state levies, whereas diesel he met families of pro-reservation some neta.” would become expensive agitators of the Patidar Anamat “It is clearly someone sitting on by ` 2.37 per litre. Modi and Xi say terror ‘key issue’ The new prices of non- Andolan Samiti (PAAS), two of top there; you all know who,” he said whom died in police firing during with a smile, putting up his finger. branded petrol in metros a massive rally in Ahmedabad in The crowd responded: “General like New Delhi would come August last year. Dyre, General Dyre”, a reference to ` 66.45 per litre, Kolkata but no word on Masood Azhar Rs 69.08, Mumbai `72.83 The Aam Aadmi Party national to the British officer who ordered convener, who arrived here on Fri- his forces to fire on unarmed peo- and Chennai `65.96. The day night on a three-day visit to the ple at Jallianwallah Bagh in Punjab revised prices of non- state, raised slogans of ‹Jai Patidar, in 1919. IANS Chinese side is very well aware of branded diesel in New Jai Sardar›, which were lustily ech- PAAS has held BJP president Second unit our concerns, and the need for us Delhi would come to `55.38 oed by a large gathering of Patel Amit Shah -- and not the then Chief to ensure that globally notified ter- per litre, Kolkata `57.64, youths whose disenchantment with Minister Anandiben Patel who held BENAULIM: Prime Minister Naren- of Kudankulam rorists are designated by the UN,” he Mumbai `61.05 and Chen- the Bharatiya Janata Party govern- the home portfolio -- responsible dra Modi and Chinese President Xi said, adding that the two sides are nai `56.95. ment proved costly for the ruling for giving firing order on protest- Jinping yesterday recognised ter- plant launched coordinating on the issue and talks party in the local body and pan- ers and has been referring to him rorism as a “key issue”, an Indian would continue over it. chayat elections. as General Dyre. official said after a meeting between The Spokesperson said that the ‘Maharashtra At Ahmedabad airport, Kejriwal Responding to Kejriwal’s ges- the two leaders here. But Beijing gave BENAULIM: The second Modi and Xi also had a “brief discus- said the BJP might try to disrupt his ture, PAAS leader Hardik Patel, in no assurance on supporting New unit of Kudankulam Nuclear sion on” India’s prospects of joining Reading Day’ Sunday rally in Surat, which is also a letter, urged him to support the Delhi’s bid on a UN ban against Paki- Power Plant (NPP) in Tamil the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). going to be held in the Patidar bas- cause of the Patel community from stan-based militant leader Masood Nadu was formally launched “PM Modi said we look forward MUMBAI: The birthday of tion of Varachha. His trip is focused the national capital. Azhar, “Both sides recognised terror- yesterday, an event witnessed to working with China to realise former President APJ Abdul on wooing the Patidars, a key vote Kejriwal offered prayers at Maa ism as a key issue. President Xi said by Prime Minister Narendra India›s membership of the NSG,” he Kalam will be celebrated bank of the BJP for three decades. Umiya temple in Unjha, the deity of we should strengthen our security Modi and Russian President said. Swarup said that one round of as “Maharashtra Reading Addressing a public rally at Pil- Kadva Patidars, and met more fam- dialogue and partnership,” Exter- Vladimir Putin through vid- dialogue has already been held on Day” in the state, Educa- odra village late on Friday night, ilies in Ahmedabad before leaving nal Affairs Ministry Spokesperson eoconferencing here. The this issue and the second would be tion Minister Vinod Tawde Kejriwal raised the issue of police for Surat. Vikas Swarup told reporters. two leaders -- who are here conducted soon. This apart, both announced here yesterday. firing on protesters in August 2015, He said that in Surat, he will Modi and Xi Jinping met at a to participate in the BRICS leaders expressed satisfaction at the “Kalam’s writings had in which 13 Patel youths were killed. discuss the issues of locals and ask beach resort here, ahead of the Summit -- also witnessed increase in high-level visits between vision... He always men- The Patidar agitation started at this them whether AAP should contest BRICS Summit to review bilateral the laying of the foundation the two countries. tioned that India is going village in north Gujarat›s Mehsana the assembly elections in Gujarat ties and its dimensions. concrete of the plant’s Units Modi and Xi agreed that bilat- to be a super power, vis- district. in 2017. “Modi said that both India and 3 and 4, being built jointly by eral investment and economic ualised it and wrote in his As the slogans of ‘Jai Sardar, Jai With the BJP rejecting Patidar›s China had been victims of terrorism the two countries in Tirunel- cooperation has increased. Xi books which have inspired Patidar’ rent the air, he said: “I met Other Backward Castes quota which was a scourge afflicting the veli district of Tamil Nadu. said that Chinese companies were an entire generation,” the grieving families of Nishit and demand, the disgruntled commu- entire region,” Swarup said. being encouraged to invest in India, Tawde said at function in Mayur, who were killed in unpro- nity had disrupted a public event Swarup said that Xi underlined according to Swarup. Modi also Crossword bookstore to voked police firing. There was just of Shah in Surat last month. Shah that “terrorism and violent extrem- Indian effort to have Azhar banned, appreciated China’s contributions to mark the event. nothing -- no violence at all -- the was forced to wind up his speech ism were on the increase”, alluding Swarup said it was up to China to the BRICS and said the New Devel- police just fired at them obviously within minutes due to the protest. to the threat from the Islamic State consider the move that will safe- opment Bank of BRICS nations was to scare them.” Kejriwal›s Sunday rally will be held terror group. guard not only the region but the a symbol of partnership of the mem- 4 children die in “Police training is to fire first in the same area. Asked about China blocking the entire world from terrorism. “The ber states of the grouping. Chennai hospital

CHENNAI: With four children dying in a gov- Unpaid loans by private firms bigger scam than 2G: Yechury ernment-run hospital here within 24 hours, opposition in Tamil Nadu yesterday hit IANS crore owed by the corporates in the last two called for recovering the loans instead of out at the “callousness” of years. restructuring the banks. “The suggestion of the state health depart- “It is a humongous scam. A scam 10 times creating a bad bank is a bad idea, as it lets big ment and demanded the bigger than the 2G spectrum,” the Communist defaulters get away scot-free. You just can- state government accept NEW DELHI: Attacking the BJP-led Cen- Party of India-Marxist leader said on social net- not restructure the nationalised banks so that responsibility. tral government over loan waivers for working sites Twitter and Facebook. they are once again able to dole out loans to The children aged corporates, CPI-M General Secretary Sita- “When you ask to waive off the loans of the corporates,” said the leader who has writ- between eight and 11 ram Yechury (pictured) yesterday said the the farmers who are committing suicide due to ten to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling died due to mysterious unpaid loans owed by private companies distress, the government is unwilling to do so, for “naming and shaming” the top 100 corpo- fever at the Institute of to the nationalised banks was a scam “10 saying it does not have enough resources, but rate loan defaulters and opposing the creation Child Health and Hospital times bigger” than the 2G spectrum scandal. (it) can waive off corporate loans to the extent of a “bad bank”. for Children here since Fri- “More than Rs 11 lakh crore has been of Rs 1.12 lakh crore.” “All this money which has been misappro- day. Its Resident Medical borrowed by Indian corporates form nation- According to him, this “reflects the real face priated in this fashion belongs to the public. Officer was not available alised banks which they did not repay. Not of the Central government”. Instead of creating a bad bank the government for comments. only the government did not do anything Yechury, who has been opposing the gov- must take immediate steps to recover the loans to recover them, but waived off Rs 1.12 lakh ernment proposal of creating a “bad bank”, from the corporates,” added Yechury. EUROPE SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 13 Sturgeon primes Scotland for all options after Brexit

openness towards Scotland in the Scotland’s interests may mean hold- European Union since Scots voted by ing another vote on independence. Protecting Scotland’s a large margin to remain in the bloc. At present, polls do not indicate that interests may mean Britain’s overall vote to leave such a vote would be won, however. has reignited talk of a split between The British government has stuck holding another vote Scotland and the rest of the United to saying there will be a one-size-fits- on independence, Kingdom, even though Scots rejected all deal for the UK after it leaves the EU. independence just two years ago. But Northern Ireland, which also said the “If (the British government) insists voted to remain, has had a sympa- First Minister. on taking Scotland down a path that thetic hearing for its concerns about hurts our economy, costs jobs, low- creation of a “hard border” with the ers our living standards and damages Irish Republic. Scottish government our reputation as an open, welcom- sources say that this may be creat- Reuters ing, diverse country - then be in no ing an anomaly, and that Scotland’s doubt,” she told the SNP conference options over its border with England at its close. “Scotland must have the should also get an open hearing. ability to choose a better future.” Scotland’s minister for EU nego- GLASGOW, SCOTLAND: - Scotland’s Sturgeon said economic stability tiations told a section of media on devolved government is preparing for has been threatened by prospect of UK Friday that while there need be no all possibilities including independ- leaving European single market as well hard border with England, Edinburgh ence after Britain leaves the EU, and as the EU, taking Scotland with it. may try to take control of migration is planning steps to protect its trade Scotland wants to keep as many of as part of an enhanced devolution ties with Europe, First Minister Nicola the advantages of single market mem- deal once Britain leaves the EU. Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party, waves after delivering Sturgeon said yesterday. bership as it can even if Britain leaves, To protect business in Scotland, her keynote address to delegates at the SNP Conference in Glasgow, yesterday. The Scottish National Party and is looking for a bespoke deal to do Sturgeon said the devolved govern- leader has raised nation’s profile so, as is London, where a majority also ment will set up a board of trade, a establish a Scottish trade hub in Ber- She also announced the extension premises, and a half billion-pound since June’s European Union refer- voted to remain in the EU. new trade envoy scheme, expand lin, adding to current representation of a scheme to shore up small busi- loan scheme for companies that want endum in Britain, seizing on a new Sturgeon says that protecting its Scottish enterprise agency and in Dublin, London and Brussels. nesses by scrapping taxes on their to expand.

Support for refugee children Around 200 nations agree deal to cut greenhouse gases

Reuters free than the one that was left for us,” conditioning in their hot climates, the White House said in a statement and because India feared damag- on the deal. ing its growing industries. US Secretary of State John Kerry “Last year in Paris, we promised KIGALI: Nearly 200 nations have said the deal was “a monumental to keep the world safe from the worst agreed a legally binding deal to cut step forward.” effects of climate change. Today, we back on greenhouse gases used in Under the pact, developed nations, are following through on that prom- refrigerators and air conditioners, a including much of Europe and the ise,” said U.N. environment chief Erik major move against climate change US, commit to reducing their use of Solheim in a statement, referring to that prompted loud cheers when it gases incrementally, starting with a 2015’s Paris climate talks. was announced yesterday. 10 percent cut by 2019 and reaching The deal binding 197 nations The deal, which includes the 85 percent by 2036. Many wealthier crowns a wave of measures to help world’s two biggest economies, the nations have already begun to reduce fight climate change this month. Last United States and China, divides their use of HFCs. week, the 2015 Paris Agreement to countries into three groups with dif- Two groups of developing coun- curb climate-warming emissions ferent deadlines to reduce the use tries will freeze their use of gases by passed its required threshold to enter of factory-made hydrofluorocarbon either 2024 or 2028, and then grad- into force after India, Canada and (HFC) gases, which can be 10,000 ually reduce their use. India, Iran, the European Parliament ratified it. times more powerful than carbon Iraq, Pakistan and the Gulf countries But unlike the Paris agreement, dioxide as greenhouse gases. will meet the later deadline. the Kigali deal is legally binding, “While diplomacy is never easy, has very specific timetables and Demonstrators hold placards during a protest in support of refugee children outside the Houses of we can work together to leave our They refused the earlier date has an agreement by rich countries Parliament in central London, yesterday. children a planet that is safer, more because they have fast-expand- to help poor countries adapt their prosperous, more secure, and more ing middle classes who want air technology. Hollande invokes unity at ceremony for Nice attack Body of Poland’s former president AFP others, to unleash violence in order of brutality in a string of jihadist “Nice and all of France weeps for Bouhlel started up the lorry. “I saw to sow division... Well, I tell you, no, attacks in France over the past two the 86 victims. Our sadness is unend- the driver smile and accelerate,” to be exhumed this evil enterprise will fail,” he said. years that have ramped up security ing,” said Cindy Pellegrini, a relative he said. The rampage that followed “In some families, three gener- fears while stoking anti-immigrant of the victims, who read a text in their lasted four minutes and 17 seconds in crash probe NICE, FRANCE: President Francois ations were swept away,” Hollande sentiment ahead of presidential elec- memory at the start of the one-hour up to Bouhlel’s death. Hollande invoked spirit of national said, as he described “the entire tions in 2017. ceremony. And some survivors of the The IS group later said Bouhlel unity yesterday as he led tributes to nation’s compassion and solidarity” Hollande’s Socialist government attack are still trying to put their lives had been one of its “soldiers” inspired AFP 86 people killed in a jihadist truck for mourning relatives. came under fire for alleged security back together. by IS propaganda to attack Western attack in Nice on Bastille Day. The July 14 attack saw a lapses ahead of the attack in Nice, a Vincent Delhommel Desmarest, targets. Nearly a third of those killed Yesterday’s ceremonies in 31-year-old Tunisian extremist bastion of the rightwing opposition. who runs a restaurant on the Prom- were Muslims and 15 of them were WARSAW: The twin brother of the Riviera resort city had been ram a 19-tonne truck into a crowd Several politicians from the right enade des Anglais, is still haunted by children and adolescents. Poland’s former president Lech postponed until a day after the three- of 30,000 holiday revellers on the attended the ceremony including the bloodbath and has yet to return The recriminations following the Kaczynski, who died in a 2010 month anniversary because of storms Promenade des Anglais seafront former president Nicolas Sarkozy to work. Nice atrocity posed a fresh challenge plane crash in Russia, said yes- in the region. before police shot him dead. and Alain Juppe, both candidates in “You don’t sleep at night. I saw the for already deeply unpopular Hollande, terday he agrees with decision to “What was attacked on July 14 More than 400 people were the Republicans party’s presidential whole thing, the lorry bearing down, who has yet to announce whether he exhume late leader’s body as part was national unity,” Hollande told injured, some grievously. The Islamic primary next month, and far-right the mutilated, decapitated bodies, the will run for re-election next year. of a new inquiry into the accident. hundreds of victims’ relatives and State (IS) group said the driver, National Front (FN) leader Marine guts,” said Desmarest, leader of a vic- Critics pointed to an insufficient “I have agreed with prosecu- officials invited to the ceremony. Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, was Le Pen. tims’ group. police presence in Nice despite the tor’s decision on exhumations. “It is the monstrous aim of terror- one of its followers. Many families are still struggling Another witness told investiga- state of emergency in place since the The remains of my brother... will ists, to attack some in order to terrify The massacre marked a peak to deal with their grief. tors he was nearby when the attacker November 13 attacks. be among the first, if not the first, exhumation,” said Jaroslaw Kac- zynski, who heads the ruling populist Law and Justice (PiS) party. The presidential plane went Russia slams ‘unprecedented’ Re-enacting Battle of Hastings down in Smolensk in Russia in April 2010, killing all 96 people on board, in an incident the PiS believes was US threats over cyber attacks nothing short of an assassination. The party, which came to power a year ago, has denounced AFP Kremlin spokesman Dmitry as “scandalous” an inquiry into Peskov immediately denounced the crash led by previous liberal Biden’s remarks, saying Moscow government—headed at the time would take precautions to safe- by Donald Tusk. MOSCOW: The Kremlin yester- guard its interests in the face of the “The bodies, once they were day slammed Washington for its increasing “unpredictability and brought back to Poland, were not “unprecedented” threats against aggressiveness of the United States”. examined. There was no autopsy,” Moscow over an alleged series of “The threats directed against Kaczynski said of the victims, cyber attacks and vowed to respond. Moscow and our state’s leadership among them military chief of staff, Last week, Washington formally are unprecedented because they the head of central bank and the accused Russian government of try- are voiced at the level of the US vice president’s wife. The delegation was ing to “interfere” in the 2016 White president,” RIA Novosti news agency on its way to a ceremony in Rus- House race through cyber attacks quoted him as saying. sia’s Katyn forest for thousands of on American political institutions. “To the backdrop of this aggres- Polish army officers killed by Soviet And on Friday, US Vice President sive, unpredictable line, we must secret police in 1940, in a massa- Joe Biden told NBC a “message” would take measures to protect (our) inter- cre the Kremlin denied until 1990. be sent to Russian President Vladimir ests, to hedge risks.” Kaczynski has made no secret Putin over the alleged hacking, with And Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov of fact he believes the crash was the channel saying the CIA was pre- vowed Moscow would respond to the result of foul play but Polish paring a retaliatory cyber attack any US cyber attacks, saying such Re-enactors participate in a demonstration before a re-enactment of the the Battle of Hastings on and Russian investigators have “designed to harass and ‘embarrass’ threats were “borderline insolence”, the 950th anniversary of the battle, in Battle, Britain, yesterday. never found any evidence to sup- the Kremlin leadership.” the news agency said. port the claim. 14 SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 AMERICAS

Judges extend Trump questions voter-registration in North Carolina legitimacy of and Georgia presidential polls AP WASHINGTON: Judges in Georgia and corrupt media pushing completely North Carolina ordered state election false allegations and outright lies in officials to extend voter-registra- The Republican an effort to elect her president,” he tion deadlines in some counties due presidential nominee said, referring to the several women to disruptions caused by Hurricane who have come forward in recent Matthew, which forced thousands of accused the media days to say that Trump had abused people to evacuate and temporarily and Hillary campaign and assaulted them. He has denied closed some government offices. of conspiring against the claims, calling the women liars. The judges’ rulings came after Geor- Earlier yesterday , Trump took gia’s governor and North Carolina’s state him to undermine to Twitter to warn that “100% fabri- board of elections’ executive director cated and made-up charges, pushed declined to extend the deadlines. free and fair election. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up as he speaks at an event, in Portsmouth, strongly by the media and the Clin- In North Carolina, where the ton Campaign, may poison the New Hampshire, yesterday. deadline to register was Friday, a minds of the American Voter. FIX!” state judge ordered election officials AP “Hillary Clinton should have to extend it until next Wednesday in 36 been prosecuted and should be in Trump campaign denounces Ohio GOP chair eastern counties impacted by massive jail,” he added. “Instead she is run- flooding from the hurricane. ning for president in what looks like In Georgia, US District Court Judge PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMP- a rigged election.” AP against Democrat Hillary Clinton. Borges and several members of William T Moore Jr ruled residents SHIRE: A beleaguered Donald In a country with a history of Trump’s Ohio chairman, Bob the party’s state central committee of Chatham County, which includes Trump sought to undermine the peaceful political transition, his Paduchik, says Trump is not happy. said Paduchik’s comments would not Savannah, must be allowed to register legitimacy of the US presidential challenge to election’s legitimacy “Chairman Borges has routinely get in the way of electing Republicans. through next Tuesday— a week after election yesterday, pressing unsub- — as a way to explain a loss in KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: With exaggerated his relationship with “I won’t let a (campaign) staffer’s the original deadline passed. Powerful stantiated claims the contest is November, should that happen — Election Day weeks away, Donald Trump and the campaign,” Paduchik ego get in the way of us doing all we winds, heavy rain and flooding from rigged against him, vowing anew was a striking rupture of faith in Trump’s campaign has denounced wrote yesterday in a letter to state can to win elections up and down the Matthew led to downed trees, building to jail Hillary Clinton if he’s elected American democracy. chairman of the Ohio Republican party committee members. “Chair- ballot this year,” Borges said in a state- damage and power outages around and throwing in a wild, baseless Clinton’s campaign manager, Party, deepening a rift in a state crit- man Borges does not represent or ment, referring to Paduchik. Chatham County. insinuation his rival was on drugs Robby Mook, said campaigns “should ical to Trump’s White House hopes. speak for the candidate and he no With its 18 electoral votes, Ohio The two states join Florida and in the last debate. be hard-fought and elections hard- GOP Chairman Matt Borges has longer has any affiliation with Trump- is crucial to winning the presidency South Carolina in extending their Not even the country’s more won, but what is fundamental about been organising the state party’s Pence campaign.” as Trump sees his prospects dimin- deadlines. After Florida Governor than two centuries of peaceful tran- the American electoral system is that resources behind Trump’s bid and offer- Paduchik wrote he expects the ish in other closely contested states Rick Scott refused to extend his state’s sitions of political leadership were it is free, fair and open to the people.” ing advice to the nominee. Ohio Republican Party to continue such as Virginia. October 11 deadline, a federal judge sacrosanct as Trump accused the “Participation in the system_ But Borges also is an ally of Ohio paying the Trump campaign’s Ohio Paduchik also accused Borges first extended it by a day and then later media and the Clinton campaign of and particularly voting_should Governor John Kasich, one of Trump’s payroll and expenses. Paduchik said of being more focused on becoming to October 18. South Carolina extended conspiring against him to under- be encouraged, not dismissed or primary rivals. Kasich has been critical he spoke to Trump on Thursday. the next chairman of the Republican its original October 7 deadline, and will mine a free and fair election. undermined because a candidate of Trump and recently told Ohio report- “He is very disappointed in Matt’s National Committee than on help- now accept registration forms post- “The election is being rigged by is afraid he’s going to lose,” he said. ers he may not vote for him in the race duplicity,” Paduchik wrote. ing Trump. marked no later than Tuesday.

Unique aquarium 3 dead and 12 injured in

gunfire at LA restaurant NY officer saves unresponsive AP Mayor Eric Garcetti said he was confident police would unravel baby questions surrounding the shoot- ing, and expressed sympathy for LOS ANGELES: An argument at victims’ families. NEW YORK: A 1-year-old a Los Angeles restaurant appar- He called it “the latest example girl is recovering thanks to ently triggered gunfire that left of a senseless gun violence epi- two New York City police three people dead and 12 wounded, demic that causes so much pain officers who sprang to authorities said yesterday. and sorrow in our city and across action after observing the Police who arrived at the scene the nation. baby turning blue in her in a working class neighbourhood “We cannot tolerate these trag- mother’s arms. found shell casings and blood edies multiplying in communities Officers Felix Baez throughout the restaurant, located across America,” Garcetti said in a and Giovanni Laguna west of downtown Los Angeles. statement. were patrolling a Bronx Two possible suspects were The shooting occurred in a neighbourhood when being questioned. Los Angeles Police residential area of modest homes. they saw Lilina Benigno Department Officer Mike Lopez said Investigators were snapping pho- running with her child, a preliminary investigation found tographs and scouring the ground Ashley Dolores, yelling a party was underway at 12:30 am in an area that extended over two “help” in Spanish. yesterday in the restaurant, operat- blocks. Seeing the child was Marine biologist Marcelo Szpilman shows different species at the AguaRio aquarium in Rio de Janeiro. ing out of a converted home, when Three people died at the scene, unresponsive, Laguna AguaRio aquarium will open to the public on November 9, becoming the biggest aquarium in Latin an argument started. and 12 others were transported to placed the baby on the America, with 4.5 million litres of salty water. The aquarium will be home to 3,000 sea animals, more A man and woman left, then local hospitals. Their conditions ground and began CPR than 300 species, 90 percent of them native to Brazil. returned, and the restaurant ranged from critical to stable but while Baez called for an erupted in gunfire. serious. ambulance. Police say that after a minute of CPR, the baby’s eyes opened. The baby is in Lincoln Hospital Two more dead in UN chief in Haiti to review hurricane destruction in stable condition. N Carolina flood Accident leads to AP with the destruction, with 1.4 million AP people in need of urgent assistance partial closure of after towns and villages were almost wiped off the map. Panama Canal RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: PORT-AU-PRINCE: UN Secretary- The United Nations has launched Searchers found two more bodies General Ban Ki-moon arrived in a flash appeal for $120m to help Panama City: Part of the inside vehicles that were sub- Haiti to see firsthand a sliver of the Haiti, the poorest country in the Panama Canal had to be merged in flood waters in North extensive damage and destruction Americas, cope with its worst temporarily closed yes- Carolina from Hurricane Matthew, left by Hurricane Matthew. humanitarian crisis since the 2010 terday , after a car fell increasing the toll in the state to Ban was greeted yesterday by earthquake. into the busy water- 26 dead, Governor Pat McCrory Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles But so far, only about 12 percent way responsible for five said yesterday. after he stepped out of a UN jet of the needed funds has been raised percent of the world’s McCrory talked a lot about at the airport in Haiti’s capital of to help stave off famine and serious inter-oceanic commerce. recovery at his news conference Port-au-Prince. health crises, including cholera. The Panama Canal — one week after the hurricane He then boarded a helicopter In addition to the destruction of Authority said a passenger dumped more than a foot of rain travelling to the storm-damaged countless homes and farms, Hai- vehicle had to be fished 100 miles inland causing mas- southern city of Les Cayes, where tians in the worst-affected areas are out from the Gatun Locks, sive flooding in eastern part of the he was to visit one of many schools dealing with a lack of potable water, one of twelve chambers of state. Princeville, Lumberton and serving as an emergency shelter for which is contributing to the spread the canal, forcing author- Fair Bluff remain under water, and families who lost homes. of disease. ities to suspend maritime not all rivers have crested. Matthew’s eye made landfall Haiti has been plagued for a half- traffic for a time. Early next week, the governor on October 4 in a rugged region of dozen years by cholera, which has The accident did not plans to release a detailed plan on southwest Haiti that’s home to more claimed close to 10,000 lives, despite A woman lifts a sack during delivery of food after Hurricane Matthew halt transit on the cen- how North Carolina will rebuild, than 1 million people. extensive efforts to combat it in Les Anglais, Haiti. tury-old waterway, which including how to pay for the effort. Haitian authorities have reported The malady was brought to remained “open and But he said serious problems that the death toll was 546, though Haiti in late 2010 by UN peacekeep- doses of vaccine to Haiti. the election officials to push back operative” in the unaf- remain. “There are still many, it’s likely to climb higher as reports ers from Nepal, who were helping The UN Security Council, mean- already delayed presidential and fected lanes. may difficult days ahead for North continue to come in from remote in the aftermath of the earthquake. while, agreed earlier this week to legislative elections until Novem- Reports said the per- Carolina,” McCrory said. areas. Officials have seen evidence of extend MINUSTAH’s stay until April ber 20. son at the helm of the The latest victims from flood- More than 175,000 people have a new spike in cholera cases, which of next year to help combat the The elections are a do-over vessel carrying the car ing were found in Cumberland been left homeless. prompted the World Health Organi- myriad crises in the aftermath of after an earlier vote had to be nul- appears to have been County and Wayne County after Ban said on Monday that a “mas- sation last week to announce it was Matthew. lified because of violence and asleep at the time of the flood waters receded from last sive response” was needed to cope sending an additional one million The hurricane also prompted massive fraud. accident, officials said. weekend’s rains. HOME SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 2016 15

ONLINE CHART BUST New Mazda CX-9 offers stunning performance www.thepeninsulaqatar.com The Peninsula

MOST READ DOHA: On display at the National Car Company-Mazda showroom in Al Nasr, Suicide bombing, shootouts brand-new Mazda CX-9 is the ultimate 1 kill around 55 in Iraq blend of stunning sophistication and a family SUV. Traffic closure for 2016 Being the first Mazda to feature the 2 UCI Road World Championships breakthrough SKYACTIV-G 2.5Turbo petrol engine, it delivers class-leading Experts discover ‘cavities’ in performance with real-world effi- 3 Egypt’s Great Pyramid ciency, the turbocharged engine offers driving excitement never before felt in a seven-seat SUV. The shape cuts an elegant figure TWEET OF THE DAY on the road thanks to ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design. The spacious interior is finished with quality craftsman- ship in every detail. Add the latest in connectivity, passenger comforts and i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies and you’ve got a seven-seater that brings together luxury with practicality. Brand-New CX-9 delivers break- through performance with the The intelligent, on-demand and Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sys- newly-developed SKYACTIV-G 2.5T i-ACTIV AWD system in brand-new tem (TPMS). petrol engine bringing new levels of Mazda CX-9 uses electronic controls New CX-9 comes with a seven-inch driving pleasure. to distribute torque evenly across the or eight-inch MZD CONNECT touch- The direct injection turbocharged vehicle. screen infotainment system standing engine provides more immedi- The system sources information front and centre for connectivity needs ate power and torque for effortless from 27 different sensors to predict with commander control knob. Using acceleration and overtaking while changes in driving conditions includ- both touchscreen functions when maintaining excellent fuel economy. ing road surface, weather, driver parked and a centre-mounted com- The smooth ride and athletic responses intentions and more to deliver opti- mander control knob when on the INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY are further enhanced with the latest mum torque and vehicle control at the move, MZD CONNECT intuitively and advances in SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, required time. safety control radio, phone, navigation, of which CX-9 boasts the full suite. It’s i-ACTIVSENSE advanced safety diagnostic and phone functions. The all performance like you’ve never known. technologies take driver confidence new CX-9 is available in Prestige and It produces a 250 horsepower, a to the highest level. These intelli- Smart Brake Support, High Beam Con- Executive grades with a choice of ele- figure complemented by a whopping gent systems are designed to help you trol, Radar Cruise Control, Rear Cross gant colours — Soul Red, Snowflake 420 Nm torque. Importantly, torque is recognise potential hazards, avoid col- Traffic Alert etc. White, Machine Grey, Sonic Silver, Jet easy to access in the lower part of the lisions and to minimise the severity of All these proactive safety fea- Black, Deep Crystal Blue and Titanium Children enjoying the fine rev range, with peak twist coming in accidents when they’re unavoidable. tures are in addition to a wide array Flash. weather at the family park near at just 2,000 rpm. The complete suite includes: Driver of active and passive safety features, For more information and test the Sheraton Traffic Intersection The innovative Dynamic Pressure Attention Alert, Adaptive LED Head- including 6 air bags, Dynamic Sta- drive of the All NEW Mazda CX9 range, at the Doha Corniche. Pic by:@ Turbo adjusts boost pressure and air- lamps, Lane Departure Warning & bility Control (DSC), Traction Control visit Mazda showroom (NATIONAL matramkot flow according to engine speed to Lane-keep Assist System, Adaptive System (TCS), Electronic Brake-force CAR COMPANY) located at Al Nasr overcome traditional problems such Front-lighting System, Blind Spot Mon- Distribution (EBD), Anti-locking Brak- Street, call 44435965 or visit www. as turbo lag. itoring, Forward Obstruction Warning, ing System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA) mazda-qatar.com

Breast cancer awareness campaign

From Right: Tauheed Alam, Tyre Division Manager - Imalco; B H Kim, GM – Hankook MENA, V V Aboo Backe, CEO – Imalco; O P Louis, Director – Imalco; Ramzan Marzook, Purchase & Logistics Manager – Imalco. Hankook and Imalco launch Laufenn tyres in Qatar

The Peninsula held at Radisson Blu Doha under the 2015 and early this year including Participants release pink balloons during the ‘Pink High-Tea’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign held auspices of Hankook General Man- in US, Europe, and in the Mideast. in the presence of Aliazi Al Kuwari, CEO of Gulf Society of Special Needs, at Zaffran Dining Experience ager Middle East B H Kim, senior At the event, the Korean manufac- yesterday. The event was organised by iQatar and supported by Qatar Cancer Society and Doha Mums. DOHA: Hankook in partnership managers of IMALCO and distin- turer unveiled its youngest brand and Pic: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula with IMALCO launched the Tier 2 guished tyre dealers. The brand was patterns for the value segment target- brand Laufenn in Qatar. The event launched in other countries in late ing youth and young professionals. Ajyal Youth Film Festival Exhibition to display Iraqi artist wants 400 volunteers Dia Al Azzawi’s works opens today The Peninsula experience. All volunteers will receive a participation certif- The Peninsula the artist’s career, starting as an art student in Iraq icate. Candidates aged 18 and in the 1960s. Works spanning fifty years across a DOHA: The Ajyal Youth Film above can register their interest range of media will be featured, including paint- Festival has called for 400 for volunteering at Doha Film DOHA: Qatar Museums (QM) today opens a major ing, sculpture, drawing, print and artist books, volunteers to be involved and Institute’s website, www.doha- exhibition by internationally acclaimed Iraqi art- incorporating original and limited editions of art- contribute to the fourth edition filminstitute.com/filmfestival/ ist Dia Al Azzawi, titled ‘I am the cry, who will give works on view for the first time. of the annual community event, volunteer from October 10 till voice to me? * Dia al-Azzawi: A Retrospective (from Abdellah Karroum, Director at Mathaf: Arab presented by the Doha Film positions are filled. 1963 until tomorrow)’. Museum of Modern Art, said: “With Dia Al Azzawi’s Institute. The festival, taking Every year a similar Taking place simultaneously at Mathaf: Arab retrospective, Mathaf is continuing the museum’s place this year from November number of people in Qatar vol- Museum of Modern Art and the QM Gallery Al mission of revisiting art histories and narratives 30 to December 5, will provide unteer their time and efforts for Riwaq for the first time, the exhibition will cover that redefine the region. The artist is also a wit- volunteers an opportunity to go the festival in a strong demon- 9,000 square metres and include over 500 works. ness of his time and in this case, his work is in behind the scenes of the cul- stration of community spirit. It will open today at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Mod- many ways a response to political and social tural event designed to inform They will have the opportu- ern Art and tomorrow at QM Gallery Al Riwaq, and change. Al Azzawi was an integral part of cultural and entertain all members of nity to work across key festival run until April 16, 2017. movements since the 1960s and still is today. The the community. departments including theatre Presented by Qatar Museums under the lead- curatorial reading and concept of the exhibition The volunteering oppor- operations, the Ajyal Jury, red ership of its Chairperson, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa by Catherine David is a great contribution to the tunity enables participants carpet management, trans- bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the exhibition is development of art histories and curatorial dia- to learn the diverse opera- portation, marketing, guest unprecedented in its scale and content, reflecting logues globally. Through exhibitions such as this, tions associated with hosting registration and accreditation, the long and distinguished career of Dia Al Azzawi. we want to make art integral to daily life by bring- Qatar’s highlight cultural event guest relations and hospitality Curated by Catherine David, Deputy Director ing it to a wide range of local audiences and visitors and gain valuable professional department, among others. at Centre Pompidou in Paris, the show examines to the country.”

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 04.16 am ZUHR 11.20 am MAGHRIB 05.08 pm SHOROOK 05.32 am ASR 02.38 pm ISHA 06.38 pm 16 SUNDAY o o 16 OCTOBER 2016 WEATHER Minimum: 25 C Maximum: 36 C

HIGH TIDE 04:45 - 16:45 Hazy to misty/foggy at places specially HOME LOW TIDE 10:45 - 23:00 to the north areas at first becomes hot daytime and slight dust at times. Heavenly Spa by Westin to ‘awaken your senses’

Heavenly Spa by The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa has announced promotional offers.

The Peninsula Some amazing Raffle prizes were Superfoods paired with a variety also up for grabs with the chance to of JING tea infusions. win treatments, overnight stays and The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa is DOHA: Prospective members and memberships for Heavenly Spa. currently offering a membership the media had the opportunity to The Westin was also offering offer for just QR1,200 a month for discover Qatar’s first Heavenly Spa special membership rates for one new members or QR3,500 for 3 by Westin which offers an experi- day only as well as a chance to try months. ence that ‘awakens your senses’. some of their signature treatments Six month and yearly mem- A day of wellness was organ- and meet some of their expert berships are also available which ised by the Westin team to enjoy a therapists. includes access to its 4 pools, wet selection of their greatest offers ever. A show round of the facili- spa, Westin Workout studio, Squash The event included the opportunity ties by Heavenly Spa staff was courts and discounts on treatments to receive discounts on spa treat- also included on the day as well and dining in the restaurants of the ments, retail and beauty products. as an afternoon tea selection of hotel.