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INDEX third US DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2–7, 24 COMMENT 22, 23 Hamad Port is seen REGION 8 BUSINESS 1–6, 12–16 transforming Qatar Open title 22,057.37 8,532.40 48.05 ARAB WORLD 8 CLASSIFIED 7–12 +259.58 -134.15 +0.57 INTERNATIONAL 9–21 SPORTS 1–8 into trading centre +1.19% -1.55% +1.20% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10574 September 12, 2017 Dhul-Hijja 21, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Emir visits Al Udeid Air Base

In brief Qatar-US eff orts to combat terrorism,

QATAR | Diplomacy Emir, French president strong ties stressed discuss Gulf crisis His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim Doha aircraft, helicopters and transport air- bin Hamad al-Thani held yesterday QNA craft, in addition to some military vehi- evening a telephone conversation cles and air force pieces. The Emir was with French President Emmanuel also briefed on the air operations plan Macron. During the phone call, they is Highness the Emir Sheikh and the tasks and duties of the Qatari reviewed bilateral relations and Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Emiri Air Force. ways of boosting them in various Hpaid a visit to Al Udeid Air Base His Highness the Emir met at the fields. The two sides also discussed yesterday. Combined Air Operations Center for the latest developments on the During the visit, the Emir inspect- the US Central Command with Com- regional and international arenas, ed the Qatari Emiri Air Force and the mander of the US Air Forces Central especially the developments of the Combined Air Operations Center for Command Lt. Gen. Jeff rey Harrigian Gulf crisis and its repercussions, and the US Central Command. and a number of senior US offi cers the international eff orts to resolve He was briefed on the strategy of the where they reviewed the joint Qatari- it through diplomatic channels and Emiri Air Force, especially about the US military co-operation, and the Kuwait’s mediation eff orts. joint Air Defence Forces and command mutual co-operation between the two units, by Commander of the Emiri Air countries in combating terrorism. QATAR | Reaction Force Major General (Pilot) Mubarak The Emir was accompanied during Mohamed al-Kumait al-Khayarin. the visit by HE the Minister of State for Attacks in Afghanistan Following this, His Highness the Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Moham- and Sinai condemned Emir inspected a number of combat ed al-Attiyah. Page 2 Qatar has strongly condemned the explosion that targeted a convoy of Nato-led mission “Resolute Support” in Afghanistan, which resulted in the His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meets with Commander of the US Air Forces Central Command Lt. Gen. injury of two US soldiers and three Jeff rey Harrigian as Commander of the Emiri Air Force Major General (Pilot) Mubarak Mohamed al-Kumait al-Khayarin looks on. Embassy tweet highlights partnership civilians. In a statement yesterday, the Foreign Ministry reiterated Qatar’s firm stance rejecting violence and terrorism regardless of motives and reasons. It wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Meanwhile, Qatar has condemned the attack on Egyptian police in northern Sinai, which resulted in the death and Blockade aimed at wounding of a number of policemen. Qatar off ered condolences to the families of the victims and the Egyptian people. putting Qatar under AMERICA | Hurricane Flooding in Florida city of Jacksonville Monster storm Irma, after cutting a deadly swath through Cuba and guardianship: FM Caribbean resorts, was weakening yesterday but evacuation orders O Siege violating Sheikh Mohamed expressed Qatar’s were issued because of flooding in international laws and appreciation for the Kuwaiti media- the major Florida city of Jacksonville. tion, led by Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Jaber The death toll jumped to at least rights, Sheikh Mohamed al-Ahmad al-Sabah. 40 meanwhile as Cuba said 10 tells UN rights council He said Qatar fi rmly believed in dia- people had been killed there over logue to resolve the crisis, “despite the the weekend as the storm spun O Doha reiterates it is ready depth of the wound in the hearts of the northward. In the Caribbean, as for talks to end Gulf crisis Qatari people, which was caused by hard-hit residents struggled to get the policies of the siege countries” and More tourists from other regions back on their feet, Britain, France, the Agencies their policy of spreading lies and fabri- Netherlands and the United States Geneva cations. ramped up their relief eff orts for their Sheikh Mohamed noted Qatar has visited Qatar in fi rst half of 2017 overseas territories. Pages 9, 18 been subjected to exceptional circum- E the Foreign Minister Sheikh stances and challenges for more than By Joey Aguilar The report showed that visitor arriv- ASIA | Unrest Mohamed bin Abdulrahman three months as a result of an illegal Staff Reporter als from Asia, including Oceania, saw a Hal-Thani has underlined that siege imposed by a number of coun- 4% increase (352,469) compared to the UN warns of ‘ethnic Qatar’s open support for human rights, tries. The blockade clearly violates same period in 2016 (340,529). Many cleansing’ of Rohingya public opinion and the right of peo- HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh international human rights laws and he economic blockade on Qatar Africans also visited the country from The situation in Myanmar is a ple to self-determination is one of the Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani conventions, in particular the Univer- imposed by the Saudi-led bloc has January to June, up by 4% compared to “textbook example of ethnic most important reasons for attempts to addressing the 36th Session of the sal Declaration of Human Rights and Tresulted in more foreign tourists last year’s fi gure. cleansing”, the United Nations impose guardianship on it and to un- Human Rights Council in Geneva. the United Nations General Assembly from other regions visiting the country in “This growth signals that our rights chief said yesterday, as dermine its media. resolution, the provisions of interna- the fi rst half of 2017, according to a Qatar strategy to diversify its source mar- Washington condemned a surge in Addressing the 36th Session of the secret that the real motives behind the tional law and the rules governing rela- Tourism Authority (QTA) report. kets and enhance its visitor experi- violence that has sent more than Human Rights Council in Geneva yes- siege and the severing of diplomatic re- tions between states. In its “Tourism Performance Sum- ence is on track,” QTA’s chief tourism 300,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing terday, the foreign minister reiterated lations with the State of Qatar were not He pointed out that the present crisis mary H1 2017,” QTA noted that tourism development officer Hassan al-Ibra- for Bangladesh. The UN warning Qatar’s readiness for a dialogue to end aimed at fi ghting terrorism. But rather began with the hacking of the website growth from other regions in the fi rst him said. came as it emerged that the Dalai the Gulf crisis, within the framework of an attempt to force Qatar into a state of the Qatar News Agency and spread- half of 2017 remained solid with visitor “The diplomatic dispute acts as a Lama had written to Aung San Suu mutual respect and preservation of the of trusteeship to interfere in its foreign ing false news attributed to His High- arrivals from Europe and the Ameri- catalyst to further develop Qatar’s Kyi, urging her to find a peaceful sovereignty of the states. Any results policy, to undermine its sovereignty ness the Emir, followed by malicious cas growing by 10% (from 234,880 to tourism industry, which was already solution to the crisis. The Rohingya reached should be applicable to all par- and to interfere in its domestic policy.” media campaigns against Qatar, and 259,121) and 7% (from 77,974 to 83,240) undergoing a strategic shift towards have faced decades of persecution ties, he said. Qatar cannot tolerate this situation, false accusations that Qatar funds ter- respectively compared to the same pe- diversifying products, services and in Myanmar. Page 11 The minister insisted that “it is no he said. rorism. To Page 3 riod last year. source markets,” he added. To Page 3 Saudi clerics held for ‘backing’ reconciliation with Qatar

Dubai In one of his last postings on Twitter, home in Abha in southern Saudi Arabia. ment inspired by the Muslim Brother- Reuters he welcomed a report on Friday sug- Like Awdah, Qarni had also ex- hood demanded political reforms that gesting that a three-month-old row pressed support for reconciliation be- would have weakened the ruling family. between Qatar and four Arab countries tween Arab countries and Qatar. Reports of the arrests coincided with prominent Saudi religious leader led by Saudi Arabia may be resolved. Saudi offi cials could not immediately widespread speculation, dismissed has been arrested, according to “May God harmonise between their be reached for a comment on the re- by offi cials, that King Salman intends Asocial media postings on Sun- hearts for the good of their people,” ported arrests. to abdicate in favour of his son Crown day, in what appears to be a crackdown Awdah said on Twitter after a report The al-Saud family has always regard- Prince Mohamed. on Islamists seen as critics of the con- of a telephone call between His High- ed Islamist groups as the biggest internal Asked about the reasons for the ar- servative kingdom’s absolute rulers. ness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- threat to its rule over a country where ap- rests, a Saudi analyst speculated: “(To) Sheikh Salman al-Awdah, an in- mad al-Thani and Saudi Crown Prince Sheikh Salman al-Awdah Awad al-Qarni peals to religious sentiment can never be crush the Muslim Brotherhood or scare fl uential cleric who was imprisoned Mohamed bin Salman to discuss ways lightly dismissed and where Islamist mil- others if their plan is for him (Crown from 1994-99 for agitating for politi- to resolve the rift which began in June. Saudi Arabia, along with the United ported detained by Saudi authorities in itants have previously targeted the state. Prince Mohamed) to be king.” cal change and has 14mn followers on Hopes for a breakthrough were Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt ac- the past week. Reports on social me- A decade ago it fought off an Al Qaeda Exiled Saudi opposition activists Twitter, appears to have been detained quickly dashed when Saudi Arabia sus- cuse Qatar of supporting Islamist mili- dia said that Awad al-Qarni, another campaign of attacks targeting offi cials have called for protests on September over the weekend, the posting sug- pended any dialogue with Qatar, falsely tants, a charge Doha denies. prominent cleric with 2.2mn Twitter and foreigners that killed hundreds. In 15 intended to galvanise opposition to gested. accusing it of “distorting facts”. Al-Awdah was the second cleric re- followers, was also detained from his the 1990s, the Sahwa (Awakening) move- the royal family. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 QATAR Emir visits Al Udeid Air Base Unesco team arrives in Doha on four-day visit

QNA visits to the Sheikh Faisal Mu- Doha seum at Al Sheehaniya and its Carpet Museum, where the the members expressed their ad- delegation of the Execu- miration for their collections, tive Council of the United which refl ect the interest of the ANations Educational, Sci- private sector in culture and entifi c and Cultural Organisa- heritage. tion (Unesco) arrived on a four- HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qasim day visit to Qatar. al-Thani, chairman of the Board The delegation includes of Trustees of Al-Faisal Without members from Sudan, Oman, Borders, during his meeting with South Africa, Nicaragua, Kenya, the delegation, expressed the His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday visited the Al Udeid Air Base. During the visit, the Emir inspected the Qatari Emiri Air Force and the Yemen, Malaysia, South Korea, support of the private sector to Combined Air Operations Center for the US Central Command. He was briefed by Commander of the Emiri Air Force Major General (Pilot) Mubarak Mohamed al-Kumait Malaysia, El Salvador and Alge- Unesco and its partnerships with al-Khayarin and Commander of the US Air Forces Central Command Lt Gen Jeff rey Harrigian. The Emir was accompanied by HE the Minister of State for Defence Aff airs ria. it and its desire to continue the Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah. Dr Hamda Hassan al-Sulaiti, co-operation in the future. Secretary-General of the Qatar The delegation also visited National Committee for Educa- the Religions Complex and the tion, Culture and Science, told Museum of Islamic Art, where Qatar News Agency (QNA) that members learned about Islamic the delegation’s visit aimed at history and culture. reviewing Qatar’s achievements, They also visited Msheireb especially in education and cul- Museums which document the ture. life of Qatar and the role of man He said during a meeting in building the country. with HE the Minister of Edu- They also visited Katara – cation and Higher Education Cultural Village Foundation, the Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Aspire Sports Academy and Si- Ali al-Hammadi, the visiting latech Foundation and met with delegation reviewed the de- a number of offi cials in the fi elds velopment of the educational of education, culture, youth and system in Qatar and the state’s sports. relations with international The delegation expressed ad- and regional educational or- miration for Qatar’s interest in ganisations and institutions, heritage and culture and valued including Unesco. its eff orts in the fi eld of muse- The delegation also paid fi eld ums.

FM sends message to Lebanese counterpart Qatar Fund extends help to Rohingya

QNA refugees fl eeing to Bangladesh. perate need of assistance, and to to discuss the political and diplo- Doha Director General of Qatar Fund provide a decent life for refugees matic situation of the crisis. for Development Khalifa bin Jas- in Bangladesh. The team also held successive sim al-Kuwari said this support For his part, Secretary-Gen- meetings with Bangladesh Red atar Fund for Develop- stems from Qatar’s commitment eral of Qatar Red Crescent Ali Crescent Society, the Interna- ment has announced towards vulnerable peoples who bin Hassan al-Hammadi said the tional Federation of Societies Qsupport and emergency need quick humanitarian sup- partnership between the Qatar and the Offi ce of the UN High response to the humanitar- port. Fund for Development and QRC Commissioner for Refugees, in ian crisis resulting from the He added that Qatar Fund for in many relief tasks is based on order to review the latest devel- displacement of hundreds of Development is keen on provid- mutual co-operation in the in- opments and the most impor- thousands of Rohingya escap- ing humanitarian and relief as- terests of aff ected families and tant needs. ing the escalating violence in sistance to those most in need communities. The team also paid fi eld visits to HE the Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has sent a written the Rakhine State in Myanmar in around the world without dis- He commended the support sites hosting refugees in the Cox message to Lebanese Minister of Foreign Aff airs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil, pertaining to bilateral co-operation with the Qatar Red crimination. provided by Qatar Fund for the Bazar area for co-ordination and relations. The message was handed over by Qatar’s ambassador to Lebanon Ali bin Hamad al-Marri Crescent. He noted that the United Na- relief eff orts for Rohingya refu- assessing the emergency needs. during a meeting with the the Lebanese minister yesterday. Qatar Red Crescent, mean- tions High Commissioner for gees fl eeing violence to Bangla- The team has already begun while, is preparing to launch an Refugees (UNHCR) has said that desh. to implement the emergency urgent campaign to support the at least 300,000 Rohingya Mus- Al-Hammadi noted that the response plan developed in the basic needs for refugees in the lims have fl ed Rakhine State in Fund’s support comes as Qa- light of available information, Diplomatic Salon to host al-Sada areas of health, shelter, food and Myanmar within 15 days after tar Red Crescent is preparing to including support for the opera- non-food supplies. the outbreak of violence. launch an urgent emergency call tion of mobile clinics in refugee- The Diplomatic Salon will host HE the Minister of Foreign Aff airs Nadia Ahmed al-Shaibi, will focus on Qatar Fund for Development The violence has led to the in response to the urgent needs hosting areas, the provision of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada the energy industry and its role in achieving global said in a press release yesterday displacement of thousands of of the refugees, which is the pro- shelter materials and non-food in a session at the Diplomatic Club today. security and its impact on the global economy in that Qatar was among the fi rst Rohingya population to Bang- vision of emergency materials assistance for the protection of The session will be attended by HE the Secretary- light of the recession and crises facing the world. countries to immediately pro- ladesh, which constitutes a new including shelter, health bags, the aff ected people and the pres- General of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Dr Ahmed The session will also address the future of global oil vide assistance and support after “humanitarian disaster”. mobile clinics besides other pro- ervation of their dignity and pri- bin Hassan al-Hammadi, directors of Department at and gas markets in the light of global demand data, the outbreak of violence in My- Al-Kuwari underlined that grammes and projects. vacy, the distribution of hygiene the Ministry and heads of the diplomatic missions and the regional geopolitical crises, particularly the anmar, in the context of the de- Qatar will not hesitate to provide A Qatar Red Crescent team is kits and water, and the provision in Qatar. crisis of the unjust siege on Qatar and its impact on teriorating humanitarian condi- support to alleviate the suff ering co-ordinating with offi cials at of water for drinking and per- The session, which will be moderated by Assistant Qatar’s eff orts in the achievement of its National tions and increasing number of of the Rohingya who are in des- the Qatari embassy in Bangladesh sonal use. Director of the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Vision 2030. Qatar, Kazakhstan review ties Ministry reiterates support to people with disabilities

QNA workshop to the people with lifelong learning opportunities She underlined that the Doha disabilities in Qatar, starting for all. goals of sustainable develop- from the discovery of disabil- Dr al-Sulaiti said people with ment call for good and eq- ity, the due diligence and the disabilities face multiple chal- uitable education for all and atar National Com- right means, all the ways to lenges physically, and in terms opportunities for lifelong Qatar’s Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali yesterday met the mission for Education, developing the abilities of the of interaction and communica- learning by 2030, emphasis- Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Muhamediuly Arystanbek. The meeting QCulture and Science disabled, launching their ener- tion between themselves and ing inclusion and equity as the reviewed co-operation between the two countries and means of developing them in the fields of underlined that the Ministry gies, and helping them rely on members of the society, not- basis for good teaching and culture and sports. The meeting was held on the sidelines of minister’s visit to Astana to attend the of Education and Higher Edu- themselves, achieve success in ing that this is highlighted in learning. first summit on science and technology of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation. cation works hard to support the educational and academic all sectors at diff erent levels of She highlighted the impor- the educational approach to path and engage in community society, making it important tance of university education integrate people with disabili- programmes. and necessary to have a human and the continued learning for ties in all stages of education, rights-based approach to deal their importance in ensuring through qualifi ed personnel, Director of the Unesco with disability in various sec- the learning of the principles Bangla army chief meets Qatar envoy educational and psychological Regional Offi ce in Doha tors. and the overall development programmes, out of its belief of Anna Paolini said that She stressed that every disa- of the human personality, Chief of Staff of the the right of every child residing education is a right and bled child has the right to attend considering the right to edu- Bangladesh Army Gen in Qatar to education regardless must be enjoyed by all the formal education system at cation as a fundamental con- Abu Belal Mohamed of gender, capacity, disability, members of society on a all levels, without distinction of cept that must be achieved in Shafiul Huq has met health, social status or psycho- fundamental long-term any kind, and to work to remove practice. with Qatar’s ambassador logical needs. basis all physical, administrative and The workshop aims at Ahmad bin Mohamed Addressing the opening ses- cultural barriers to the exercise bringing those interested in al-Duhaimi. Talks during sion of a training workshop on The workshop is organised of this right or the integration achieving the Sustainable De- the meeting covered the policy of inclusive educa- by Qatar National Commission of the disabled with peers in the velopment Fourth Goal and bilateral relations tion and equal opportunities for Education, Culture and Sci- classroom. the inclusive education at between the two in Qatar, Director-General of ence in co-operation with the For her part, Director of the the local level in order to dis- countries and ways of Qatar National Commission Unesco regional offi ce in Doha, Unesco Regional Offi ce in Doha cuss its effect on policies and enhancing them, as for Education, Culture and within the context of the Sus- Anna Paolini said that education strategies, thus providing a well as issues of mutual Science Dr Hamda Hassan al- tainable Development Goal 4: is a right and must be enjoyed by suitable environment for in- concern. Sulaiti highlighted the atten- Ensure inclusive and equitable all members of society on a fun- clusive education in the State tion paid by organisers of the quality education and promote damental long-term basis. of Qatar. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 3 QATAR

Foreign Minister holds meetings with UN officials in Geneva

Left: Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Aff airs HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met in Geneva yesterday with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and the Off ice of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and ways of boosting them, besides the current Gulf crisis and the illegal measures taken against Qatar by the siege countries. Centre: HE Sheikh Mohamed also met with the president of the United Nations Human Rights Council Joaquin Alexander Maza Martelli and also the Director-General of the United Nations Off ice at Geneva Michael Moller and discussed similar issues. Siege violates rights ‘Back to School’ campaign ends QNA From Page 1 He added that these measures led to en aback when Saudi Arabia disputed a Doha the separation of many families, es- readout of the “positive” call. The closure of the air, sea and land pecially women and children, and the “Unfortunately, we have seen – half borders was in violation of the provi- deprivation of many Qatari students an hour later – a retaliation from their he Ministry of Education and sions of international law and interna- of their right to continue their educa- side by issuing a statement that what Higher Education concluded tional trade rules, which had a nega- tion in universities. “Many other basic we have issued is a lie,” he told report- Tthe ‘Back to School’ campaign tive impact on the freedom of trade rights and freedoms, such as the right ers on the sidelines of the rights coun- for the academic year 2017-2018 and investment, he said noting that to work, the right to own private prop- cil. which was launched on August 24 un- the siege countries had taken many erty and freedom of movement are still He, however, stressed his country’s der the slogan “With Knowledge We illegal measures that constituted a ongoing.” “readiness for dialogue to end this cri- Build Qatar”. grave violation of civil, economic and Referring to the controversy follow- sis. The campaign aimed at enhanc- social rights, including prohibiting the ing a telephone conversation between “We are willing to talk to them, we ing communication with all parties entry of Qatari citizens into or pass- His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim are ready to engage if it is based on in the educational process, preparing ing through their countries, as well as bin Hamad al-Thani and Saudi Crown principles which are not violating the students for the new academic year, preventing their citizens from travel- Prince Mohamed bin Salman, the for- international law and respect the sov- engaging parents and all partners of ling to or residing in Qatar. eign minister said his country was tak- ereignty of each country.” Page 3 the educational process in the activi- ties to benefi t from the support and Off icials pose with some of the participants. the services provided to students and schools, to embrace the new academic try of Education and Higher Education ucation Hassan al-Mohamadi extend- year more eff ectively. Rabia bin Mohamed al-Kaabi honoured ed his appreciation to the supporting The campaign also highlighted the partners, supporters and sponsors bodies and sponsors, for making the the importance of the psychological of the campaign, which achieved suc- campaign a success, and stressed the More foreign tourists arrive preparation to start the new school cess and had a remarkable turnout. signifi cance of preparing students for year and study, and the importance of Director of Public Relations and the new academic year with participa- regular attendance. Communication Department at the tion of parents and all partners in the From Page 1 ties a visa-free entry to Qatar. HE the Undersecretary of the Minis- Ministry of Education and Higher Ed- education process. QTA, the Ministry of Interior and According to the report, Qatar re- Qatar Airways also introduced a free ceived a total of 1.46mn visitors in the 96-hour transit visa in the last quarter fi rst half of the year, which translates of 2016. to 1% increase compared to the same The scheme attracted a sizeable in- period in 2016. crease (39%) in stopover passengers In the “early months of 2016,” QTA at the Hamad International Airport saw a robust growth in visitor arriv- in the fi rst six months of the year, the als from various countries, “as a more report said. stable oil price helped to stimulate a “While we expected this summer to rebound in demand in the region.” be slower than usual due to the ongo- Citing the strong performance of ing diplomatic dispute, we have been cruise tourism, QTA said it registered proud to see tourism establishments a 1,000% increase in the number of step up to ensure that all our visitors, cruise visitors throughout the 2016/17 wherever they are from, experience season, which also contributed to the authentic hospitality our country growth at the beginning of the year. is renowned for,” al-Ibrahim pointed “In the past few months, Qatar has Hassan al-Ibrahim out. taken huge strides in implementing QTA is also set to unveil the ‘Next visa policies that will facilitate easy Apart from allowing visitors from Chapter of the Qatar National Tour- access to the country from dozens all countries to apply for an e-visa ism Sector Strategy 2030’ during the of new source markets,” al-Ibrahim (online visa application service), a offi cial World Tourism Day celebration stressed. new system granted 80 nationali- in Doha on September 27. Qatar Airways launches global travel promo

atar Airways has announced the launch of its ‘Global Travel QBoutique’ promotion, off er- ing passengers from around the world “amazing fares” on fl ights in both Economy and Premium, as well as the opportunity to win “once-in-a- lifetime” mega prizes, including the chance to fl y free to any Qatar Airways destination for one year. Valid from today until September 19, the promotion will off er discounts of up to 40% on all-inclusive fares, special companion fares and dis- counted group bookings. Also, pas- sengers who book until September 19 will be entered into a draw to win nine chances to fl y free for a year to any Qatar Airways destination, the Doha- As part of the promotion, Qatar fl ights to many more destinations based carrier has said in a press state- Airways has said it is offering spe- across its network in 2017 and 2018, ment. cial companion fares, allowing two including Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Ac- Other prizes include a Platinum passengers travelling together on cra, Ghana; Canberra, Australia; Chi- Privilege Club membership, compli- board First and Business Class to ang Mai, Thailand; Utapao, Thailand; mentary upgrades to Business Class receive further discounts. Exclusive Chittagong, Bangladesh and Mom- and a complimentary three-night stay discounts are also being offered on basa, Kenya, to name a few. at Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl – group bookings of between three Now in its 20th year of operations, Doha. and seven passengers booking to- Qatar Airways has a fl eet of 200 air- Qatar Airways chief commercial of- gether. craft fl ying to business and leisure fi cer Ehab Amin said: “We are delight- Individuals can visit any Qatar Air- destinations across six continents. ed to off er this spectacular promotion ways sales offi ce, the preferred travel The award-winning airline has re- – our biggest commercial promotion agency or qatarairways.com/global- ceived a number of accolades this year, to date – following the success of our travelboutiquet to avail of this off er, including Airline of the Year at the previous Travel Festival campaigns.” and qatarairways.com to learn more 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Daily prizes will include vouchers about the airline’s destinations and This is the fourth time that Qatar Air- for upgrades to Business Class, up to promotions. ways has been given this global recog- 100,000 Qmiles in Business Class and Certain off ers are applicable for nition. 50,000 in Economy class, an upgrade bookings on qatarairways.com only, Qatar’s national carrier also won a to Privilege Club Silver and Gold sta- while the companion off er is appli- raft of other major awards at the cer- tus, free hotel stays at premium hotels cable in Business Class or First Class emony, including Best Airline in the in Doha, vouchers for Qatar Duty Free where Business Class is not applica- Middle East, World’s Best Business and complimentary lounge access at ble, according to the statement. Class and World’s Best First Class Air- Hamad International Airport. The carrier has said it will add line Lounge. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 QATAR beIN prepares Qatari graduates NU-Q alumna brings Qatari traditions to to become media leaders life with animation

total of 10 fresh Qatari locally and globally is what in- atifa al-Darwish, who graduates are set to begin spired me to join. It is a great graduated from North- Atheir professional careers honour to now offi cially be part Lwestern University in Qa- at beIN Media Group after they of such a globally recognised tar (NU-Q) in 2013, had her ab- successfully completed their re- and impactful organisation. I stract animation fi lm, Yaoum Al spective undergraduate degrees hope that my strong passion for Om showcased at the Transition under the beIN National Tal- sports will help me in develop- art exhibition, organised by Re- ent Development Programme ing my professional skills as a connecting Arts, at the Menier (NTDP). producer,” said al-Mulla, who re- Gallery in London. The programme works as part cently joined beIN’s Arabic Pro- The fi lm, co-produced with of beIN’s strategic vision and grammes department. Qatari cartoonist Abdulaziz aims to prepare professional and “It’s very encouraging to see Yousef, was part of a series of talented local youth for future a prestigious company like beIN short informative videos called challenges. The main focus is to invest so much in the develop- Ayooz News, which uses abstract equip them with required skills Tareq Zainal ment of young Qatari talent,” animation to send an important Latifa al-Darwish that enable them to compete added Abdulaziz al-Khanji, who message in celebration of Moth- successfully in the international graduated and are currently beIN obtained a Media and Communi- er’s Day. “to continue to seek knowledge media industry, beIN has said in employees. cations degree from Leeds Beck- “I’ve worked on several ani- and education because, ulti- a press statement. The Qatari graduates are set to begin their professional careers at Talking at a recently held event ett University in the UK and is mation projects throughout the mately, that is how people de- “In alignment with Qatar Na- beIN Media Group. to welcome these fresh gradu- now an employee in beIN’s mar- past few years, and most of them velop, improve, and grow.” tional Vision 2030, beIN contin- ates into the folds of beIN, Yousef keting department. were related to raising awareness Al-Darwish is passionate ues to focus on capacity-building future leaders who will serve our Since its inception in 2015, the al-Mulla, a graduate from Qatar beIN plans to continue of- about an important social issue,” about animation because it al- programmes that work to sup- country and be eff ective players NTDP has provided both inter- University’s Mass Communica- fering a wide range of capacity- said al-Darwish, “I think it’s im- lows her to tell stories and revive port outstanding national talent. in its progress,” said Tareq Za- national and domestic sponsor- tions programme, said he hopes building programmes to Qatari portant to use my communica- traditional Qatari tales through beIN places great importance on inal, beIN’s executive director of ship programmes to a total of 40 to play a key role in fulfi lling students both after their high tions skills to spread messages creative work. Her fi rst profes- investment in young and talent- Human Resources and Financial Qatari students. Seventeen of beIN’s strategic vision. school graduation and during that will improve my community sional venture into the world ed Qatari youth in order to build Aff airs. those students have successfully “beIN’s top reputation both their undergraduate studies. and bring positive change.” of production began when she Al-Darwish graduated from worked with JeemTV, an Ara- NU-Q with a degree in com- bic children’s channel. She also munication. As an undergradu- worked on a national road safety ate she explored various forms awareness campaign, Wran- of storytelling and research, and sade, which targets Qatari youth QLC invites applications for its Leadership programmes took courses in animation, fi lm- through catchy animated videos making, screenwriting, and the that address some of their driv- history of fi lm. ing habits in a light-hearted way. atar Leadership Centre (QLC) has powered Qatari leaders to contribute to professionals learn how to expand their at least 10 years of work experience. Eli- “The most valuable thing I Al-Darwish recently complet- announced that the application the country’s success. More than 400 impact and contribute to the prosperity of gibility requirements for application also learned at NU-Q is how to be a ed her master’s degree in culture Qperiod for qualifi ed Qatari profes- high-performing Qatari professionals future generations.” include having a bachelor’s degree, along student in life,” said al-Darwish, and creative industry from Kings sionals looking to further develop their have completed QLC’s National Lead- QLC participants gain insights on an with dual profi ciency in English and Ara- College London. She now works leadership abilities will be open from to- ership programmes, the statement array of topics, including strategic plan- bic. as a communication special- day until October 21. notes. ning, risk management, building high- Meanwhile, Qatari professionals seek- ist for the Ministry of Defence, QLC has invited Qataris who stand out QLC’s Executive Leaders Programme, performance teams and innovation. The ing to apply for the Rising Leaders Pro- focusing her eff orts on develop- in their fi eld and are committed to learn- Rising Leaders Programme and Govern- training comprises modules designed by gramme must have obtained a bachelor’s ing communication strategies to ing to take part in a yearlong, multidis- ment Leaders Programme require a time some of the most renowned institutions degree and be between the ages of 25 and better inform the general public ciplinary programme. QLC’s Executive commitment of three to fi ve days per from around the world. 35 years with at least three years of work of the ministry’s achievements, Leaders, Rising Leaders and Government month over the course of a year, and can Enrolment in one of the three pro- experience. Profi ciency in English and mission, and vision. Leaders programmes are open to partici- be completed in parallel with professional grammes is preceded by a rigorous selec- Arabic is also required. Al-Darwish was awarded a pants from all sectors aiming to enhance responsibilities. Approval from the par- tion process that takes into account work Finally, the Government Leaders Pro- Qatari Film Fund from Doha Film their career and deepen their contribution ticipant’s employer is required before en- experience, academic background and gramme is intended for Qatari profession- Institute to produce a short fi lm to Qatar’s development goals. rolment. business acumen amongst other require- als between the ages of 25 to 45 years who on anecdotal stories from Qa- Qualifi ed individuals can apply online Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani, ments. have a minimum of three years of work tari culture. Her upcoming fi lm, for the 2018-2019 programmes, QLC has board member and managing director of To enter the Executive Leaders Pro- experience and have obtained a bachelor’s Ya Hootah, is currently in pre- said in a press statement. QLC, said: “Through the National Leader- gramme, Qatari professionals must be degree. The programme is administered in production, set to be completed Since its inception, QLC has em- ship programmes, talented and dedicated between the ages of 36 and 46 years with Arabic only. An artwork by Latifa al-Darwish next year. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 5 QATAR

HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and Poland’s Minister of Marine Economy and Inland Waterways Marek Gróbarczyk witness Mwani Qatar CEO Captain Abdulla al-Khanji and Port of Gdansk Authority’s board president and managing director Lukasz Greinke sign the memorandum of co-operation yesterday in Gdańsk, Poland. Poland, Qatar sign MoU on maritime business

E the Minister of Transport zyk, and Qatar’s ambassador to Po- president of the board and manag- and Communications Jas- land Ahmed bin Saif al-Mu’adadi ing director, Port of Gdansk Author- Hsim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti witnessed the signing ceremony ity. took part in the opening of the 19th of a memorandum of co-operation BALTEXPO gathers approximate- International Exhibition and Con- between Qatar Ports Management ly 300 companies from 14 countries ferences BALTEXPO 2017, yesterday Company (Mwani Qatar) and the and is expected to welcome more in Gdansk, Poland. Port of Gdansk Authority. than 4,000 visitors. Addressing the opening ceremony The agreement aims to promote It is the biggest and the oldest of the three-day event, he highlight- mutually benefi cial partnership and event in Poland among economic ed the key role the marine transport co-operation in the maritime busi- events related to the marine econ- sector plays in world trade. ness and in maintaining close bilat- omy: Shipbuilding industry, ports On the sidelines of the event, HE eral relations in maritime business. and logistics associated with the use Minister al-Sulaiti and Poland’s The memorandum was signed by of maritime and inland waterways, Minister of Marine Economy and Captain Abdulla al-Khanji, CEO of transportation and the security of Inland Waterways Marek Gróbarc- Mwani Qatar, and Lukasz Greinke, coasts, ports and navigation. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 QATAR

Georgetown University in Qatar welcomes new dean Levante wins Sport

r Ahmad S Dallal has disciplines of learning in been appointed as the Muslim societies, including Dnew dean of Geor- the history of the exact sci- getown University in Qa- ences, and early modern and tar (GU-Q). Dallal has been modern Islamic thought and Luxury SUV award a part of the international movements. Georgetown community and He holds a PhD in Islamic he Maserati Levante, with its has been actively involved in Studies from Columbia Uni- “elegant surfaces, spacious higher education in Qatar. versity and has published Tinterior, intuitive on-board He taught at Stanford Uni- three books with a fourth ti- controls and exceptional engineer- versity, Yale University, and tle due for release next year ing”, was recently recognised with Smith College, before join- and over 40 academic journal fi rst place in the Best Mid-Sized ing Georgetown University’s articles. Sport Luxury SUV category in the Main Campus in Washing- He is the recipient of nu- Off -Road Special Edition, an annual ton, DC in 2003 as an associ- merous awards and served collaborative publication by Arab ate professor and chair of the as an adviser to the planning Motors Middle East and Maqina. Department of Arabic and committee of the primary Arab Motors Middle East and Islamic Studies. exhibition at the National Maqina found the Levante — which More recently, he served Dr Ahmad S Dallal September 11 Memorial and “exemplifi es the sophistication, as provost at the American Museum in New York City. power and distinctive personal- University of Beirut and as GU-Q and interacting more In a message to the com- ity of Italian automotive design” a member of GU-Q’s joint with the faculty, staff , and munity, Georgetown Uni- — to be a “cut above the rest” in the advisory board; he has also students,” said Dallal. “I hope versity president John J De- highly competitive luxury SUV sec- served on the advisory board to lead GU-Q to new heights Gioia welcomed Dallal and tor, according to a press statement of GU-Q’s premier research within the dynamic educa- expressed his gratitude to from Alfardan Sports Motors, the institute — the Center for tion landscape in Qatar and the outgoing dean Dr James offi cial dealer of Maserati in Qatar. International and Regional the region, and to ensuring Reardon-Anderson for his Arab Motors Middle East and Studies — and on the board of that the University maintains dedicated service. Maqina are two of the most infl u- trustees of the Doha Institute its high standard of academic Reardon-Anderson will ential voices in Qatar’s automotive Charly Dagher with the award. for Graduate Studies. programmes.” now take up the position of media. “I am looking forward Dallal is known for his re- Sun Yat-sen Professor of “Whether it was the sporty sil- eye-catching air vents on the front vante-S, with its 430hp engine that end safety features, which include to starting my new role at search in the history of the Chinese Studies. houette, the fi ne leather interior wings and the assertive front grille reaches 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds six dual-stage airbags, adaptive or the Levante’s performance, the that references the great sporting with a top speed of 264km/h. cruise control and ‘active’ safety judges ultimately determined that Maserati vehicles of the past. Within the Levante, fi ne exclu- technology designed to help pre- this iconic SUV outclassed its rivals The innovative engineering of sive craftsmanship and creative vent collisions, place it among the to take the title as the fi nest mid- the Levante incorporates a 50/50 fl air are seen in every fi tting and most protective vehicles on the size sport luxury SUV available in weight distribution and a fi ve- fi nish. The judges were also drawn road today. the market,” the statement noted. link rear suspension that delivers to the more subtle design detailing: “We are delighted with the award The fi rst aspect that the judges a sense of harmony between the the feline-shaped headlights, the and proud that the judges have con- took into consideration was the ex- driver and the road ahead. 8.4” display featuring Maserati’s fi rmed what we have held from the terior of the vehicle. The Levante The Levante is available in the bespoke touch interface, as well as moment the Levante launched,” draws on decades of Maserati de- standard 350hp V6, which reaches ergonomic seats that provide un- said Charly Dagher, general man- sign tradition, delivering a sleek 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds and has paralleled style and comfort. ager of Maserati Qatar, Alfardan and sculpted body featuring three a top speed of 251km/h, and the Le- Finally, the Levante’s end-to- Sports Motors.

Galaxy Note8 to hit stores in Qatar from Sept 22

amsung Gulf Electronics yes- less. One of the Note’s defi ning fea- terday announced that the tures the enhanced S Pen unlocks SGalaxy Note8 will be available entirely new ways to write, draw, across all major retailers in Qatar and interact with the phone and starting September 22. communicate with friends on the The next level Galaxy Note8 em- Galaxy Note8. powers consumers with a bigger In- It has a fi ner tip, improved pres- fi nity Display that fi ts comfortably sure sensitivity, and features that in one hand, an S Pen to commu- enable users to express themselves nicate in more personal ways, and in ways that no other stylus or Samsung’s best-ever smartphone smartphone ever has. camera to capture stunning photos. For overseas travels or when you “The Galaxy Note8 is designed come across a website in a for- for the way consumers lead their eign language, the improved S Pen lives and lean on technology today. Translate feature lets you hover We appreciate the great passion of over text to quickly translate, and our Note users. Hence, we came up instantly convert units and foreign with an innovation for those doers currencies. who want to think big and do big,” The Galaxy Note8 is the fi rst said Tarek Sabbagh, head of IT & smartphone with two 12MP rear Mobile (IM) Division at Samsung cameras with Optical Image Sta- Gulf Electronics. bilisation on both, the wide-angle The new Galaxy Note8 also ena- and telephoto lenses. For more ad- bles users through “Samsung Mem- vanced photo-taking, the Galaxy bers” – a preloaded app off ering ex- Note8’s Live Focus feature lets you periences linked to Gulf consumers’ control the depth of fi eld by allow- passion points, through a new part- ing to adjust the bokeh eff ect in pre- nership with Marriott International view mode and after you take the Middle East & Africa and Cleartrip. photo. Consumers who purchase the The wide-angle lens has a Dual Galaxy Note8 in Qatar will enjoy ex- Pixel sensor with rapid Auto Focus, clusive “Samsung Members” off ers so you can capture sharper, clearer from Marriott hotel, restaurants shots even in low-light environ- The Galaxy Note8 and spas and Cleartrip. ments. The Galaxy Note8 is also The Galaxy Note8 has the biggest equipped with an industry-leading You can keep your fi les on your de- you, improves over time, and helps screen ever on a Note device, yet its 8MP Smart Auto Focus front-facing vice, conduct work on the go, and you get more done. narrow body makes it comfortable camera for sharp selfi es and video use Samsung DeX when you need Priced at QR3,449, the Galaxy to hold in one hand. The 6.3-inch chats. an even bigger screen. The Galaxy Note8 will be available in three col- Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infi nity Samsung DeX enables a desktop Note8 includes Bixby, a smarter way ours — Midnight Black, Orchid Gray Display lets you see more and scroll experience, powered by your phone. to use your phone; it learns from and Maple Gold.

DHFC’s ‘Back-to-School’ offering

Doha Festival City (DHFC) has scheduled fun-filled activities for the ‘Back-to-School’ season, including a one-of-a-kind ‘Personalisation Station’ by graff iti artist and T-shirt designer Dale. For a minimum QR200 worth of purchase, students can hand over new shoes or bag to the station for a customised look. Browse through the look book and choose to up-style new back-to-school kit with rhinestones, tassels, pom-poms, shoelaces, patches and graff iti art. The station will be open daily from September 10 to 23 (3pm to 9pm) at DHFC’s Centre Court. Children (aged 2 to 6) will also enjoy a fun-filled adventure ball pit in the Centre Court during the weekends of September. The mall will also organise three diff erent workshops in three weekends.

The draw was held under the supervision of Abdul Malik, inspector from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. LuLu Mercedes-Benz fi rst mega draw held he fi rst mega draw for the LuLu 0753504) and Md Anawar Hossain (cou- Mercedes-Benz Car Promotion, pon No 0445593). Consolation prizes in Torganised by LuLu Hypermarket the form of LuLu gift vouchers, worth Group, has been held at LuLu Hypermarket QR10,000 each and QR5,000 each, were – Al Khor branch under the supervision of also given to eight other winners. Keith Abdul Malik, inspector from the Ministry Gordon Smith, retail operations manager; of Economy and Commerce. Rafi Vaipinkattil, administration manager; Two Mercedes-Benz E-200 cars (2017 Padmanabhan T, general manager; and model) were given away as prizes in the other offi cials from LuLu Hypermarket mega draw, won by Kaleefa M (coupon No Group were present at the draw. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 7 QATAR HMC developing cancer Dr Saifeldeen HMC off ers tips to keep children safe from burns The Hamad Medical Corporation research programme (HMC) is advising parents and caregivers to protect By Joseph Varghese which take clinical observations teaching and research facilities potential benefi ts of implement- creased risk for hereditary can- young children from injury or Staff Reporter and specimens from the patient’s meeting highest quality stand- ing a population based cervi- cer leads to early detection and permanent disability caused bedside to the laboratory bench ards to deliver the best possible cal cancer screening service will prevention opportunities, with by burns and scalds by making and eventually back to the pa- outcomes for our patients,” he be assessed as well as a possible the ability to reduce both cancer some simple changes at home. he Hamad Medical Cor- tient,” he explained. continued. lowering of the age for breast incidence and mortality. “Young children are at greater poration (HMC) is devel- “HMC’s aim is to develop an According to Knuth, screen- screening. As for introducing new and risk for burn injuries because Toping a cancer research internationally competitive com- ing services for diff erent types “We will also provide extra more advanced types of treat- their skin is thinner than adult programme to better understand prehensive cancer centre which of cancer will be expanded to monitoring for all individuals ment for cancer, the offi cial said skin. Statistics shows that at cancer biology, a senior offi cial will include the development of include increased monitoring of who have been identifi ed as being that HMC will continue to build least half of all burn accidents has disclosed. a cancer clinical trials unit al- those who are at risk of devel- at high risk of developing can- on the success of the Cellular involving children can be “The objectives include devel- lowing patients to get access to oping cancer due to hereditary cer, for those with a familial risk Therapy and Immunotherapy prevented,” said Dr Khalid oping new ways to test for cancer the latest treatments that are in causes and other diseases with of developing breast or ovarian Programmes. Abdulnoor Saifeldeen, chairman and fi nd the best way to treat it,” development and off ered within links to cancer. cancer. “Cytogenetics and Molecular of the Kulluna for Health and Prof Dr K R Alexander Knuth, clinical trials,” Knuth noted. “We will be expanding on our “The high-risk breast and Pathology/Genetics services at Safety initiative and the director medical director and chief ex- “We, along with other aca- existing infrastructure to develop ovarian multidisciplinary can- NCCCR will continue to develop of HMC’s Hamad International ecutive at the National Centre demic organisations in the coun- dedicated medical cancer genetic cer-screening clinic was estab- state-of-the-art testing plat- Training Center. for Cancer Care & Research (NC- try, are building a sustainable counselling services. lished in March 2013 and it is the forms for cancer patients to off er Prof Dr Knuth: The According to him, the first step in CCR) and chairman of Cancer academic infrastructure in can- “Screening for those at high fi rst clinic of its kind in the re- the advances of Precision Medi- objectives include helping to prevent children from Services at HMC, told Gulf Times. cer and life sciences to secure risk of developing lung cancer gion,” he said. cine in personalised concepts for developing new ways to being burnt is to understand the “This is supported by trans- the development of forefront will be considered by the Min- The offi cial maintained that diagnosis and treatment of can- test for cancer and find the common causes of burns, which lational research programmes cancer treatments with clinical, istry of Public Health and the identifying individuals at in- cer,” Knuth added. best way to treat it. include liquid injuries from steam, hot bath water, coff ee, hot foods, and cooking liquids; contact with flames or hot objects; chemical burns from swallowing liquids Mitsubishi and items such as drain cleaner or watch batteries, or spilling Pajero wins chemicals, such as bleach, onto the skin; and, electrical burns SUV award from biting on electrical cords Mitsubishi Pajero has been or sticking fingers or objects Maxus V80 and G10. bestowed with the best seven- into electrical outlets as well as seater SUV award by the Arab overexposure to the sun. Motors and Maqina magazines. “Hot drinks can scald a child Maxus Qatar secures 9% share within “This award is a real honour,” some 15 minutes after they one year of entering the market said Ihab El Feky, general have been made. So to guard manager of Qatar Automobiles against this, parents should Maxus Qatar has secured “a whopping 9% market share” within Company, the authorised avoid drinking tea or coff ee while one year of its entry into the Qatar market, authorised distributor distributor of Mitsubishi Motors holding a baby or young child,” Auto Class announced yesterday. & Mitsubishi FUSO in Qatar. Dr Saifeldeen emphasised. Auto Class is a Nasser Bin Khaled subsidiary. “We are proud of yet another To treat a burn or scald, Dr The Maxus line-up includes the V80 and G10 passenger and milestone achieved by Saifeldeen recommends cargo vans that come in various options to cater to diff erent Mitsubishi in the local market, immediately cooling the aff ected customers and business needs. as this certainly won’t be the area, soaking the burn under “The V80 and G10 with their innovative yet classic style are de- last of the brand’s successes,” cool, not cold, water as well as signed to drive businesses to success as they can accommodate he added. Qatar Automobiles Company off icials and staff with the award. loosely cover the burn or wound. all business needs,” the company said in a statement. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Army readies push Russia, Jordan agree to into IS-held parts of Deir Ezzor speed up de-escalation AFP the city’s eastern neighbour- Beirut hoods,” said Observatory chief Reuters Quneitra province bordering Rami Abdel Rahman, using an Amman Israel, alongside the southern Arabic acronym for IS. Deraa province adjoining Jor- yrian army reinforce- “Russian and Syrian regime dan. The official and diplomats ments arrived in Deir warplanes are striking IS po- ordan said yesterday it was said Washington had also se- SEzzor yesterday for a sitions in the city and its out- working with Russia to roll cured an understanding with new push against the Islamic skirts,” he added. Jout a plan to end fi ghting in Moscow that militias backed by State group, as a second day Since 2014, IS has control- southwestern Syria “in the fast- the Syrian government’s allies of suspected Russian strikes led most of Deir Ezzor city est possible time” — part of a must be pushed 40km from the killed 19 civilians in the area. and the surrounding province, peace pact for the border area border. Deir Ezzor city is the capital which borders territory the brokered by Amman, Moscow That might help allay Israeli of the oil-rich eastern prov- militants hold in Iraq. and Washington. and Jordanian concerns about ince of Deir Ezzor, regarded as The remaining 40% of the Jordan and Russia’s foreign the presence of Lebanon’s Hez- a strategic prize by both Rus- city still held by the govern- ministers met in Amman to bollah group in the area. sian-backed Syrian troops and ment — and home to around discuss progress in setting up Diplomats said Lavrov also US-backed fi ghters. 100,000 civilians — was under a “de-escalation zone” in the pressed Jordan to re-open its Regime forces have scored crippling IS siege. particularly sensitive region that Nasib border crossing with major advances in recent days, Backed by Russian air pow- includes Syrian territory neigh- Syria, something Amman has breaking a pair of IS sieges on er, government troops have bouring Israel. so far resisted, saying it needs the city and capturing terri- breached IS’ sieges, captured Neither side gave details on more security. tory around it. the strategic Jabal Thardah re- any sticking points, but dip- But it has strongly backed The advances have been gion and expanded their con- lomats told Reuters they have the broader de-escalation deal, accompanied by deadly air trol to half of Deir Ezzor city. included the fi nal positions of seeing it as paving the way for strikes, with a monitor saying Moscow intervened in Syria fi ghting forces, US unease about an eventual return of tens of 19 civilians were killed Mon- in September 2015 in support Russian involvement in policing thousands of refugees in its ter- day in suspected Russian air of its ally President Bashar al- the deal, and when to reopen a ritory. Rebels say the ceasefire raids northwest of the city. Assad. key border crossing. remains fragile and fear Syria’s The strikes come a day after Fighters from the US- Russia, which backs Syria’s army will return to attack them the Britain-based Syrian Ob- backed Syrian Democratic government in the civil war, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (right) meets with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman al-Safadi at once it has consolidated gains servatory for Human Rights Forces on Saturday announced the United States, which backs the Foreign Ministry in Amman yesterday. in the north and other areas. said Russian strikes killed 34 a separate off ensive to cap- rebel forces seeking to topple Insurgents say the de-es- civilians southeast of the city, ture IS territory east of the President Bashar al-Assad, met lead to a longer-lasting de-esca- ers in Amman. “The goal is to tias,” Safadi added, referring to calation zones merely free up as they fl ed across the Euphra- Euphrates river, which slices secretly in Jordan in June and lation, a step towards a full set- set up a de-escalation zone in Islamic State and a rebel force Syria’s army to make territorial tes River. diagonally across Deir Ezzor announced a ceasefi re in Syria’s tlement more than six years into the fastest possible time,” his once linked to Al Qaeda, both gains elsewhere. Syria’s army, The latest air raids hit the province. southwest a month later. the complex war. Jordanian counterpart Ayman operating in Syria. supported by Russian air power IS-held village of Al-Khrayta, By yesterday, the SDF’s The truce — the fi rst peace- “We expressed our support to Safadi said. An official and two sen- and other militias, has in recent 14 kilometres outside Deir Ez- Deir Ezzor Military Council making eff ort in the war by the resolve all issues relating to the “Our priority is that our bor- ior diplomats told Reuters the weeks gained a string of post zor city. (DEMC) had seized much of US government under President de-escalation zones’ perform- ders are secure and that means powers have made progress along the border with Jordan in Two sets of strikes 30 min- the province’s northeast and Donald Trump — has reduced ance,” Russian Foreign Minis- that there should be no Daesh in drawing up a map of the southeastern Syria, a zone that is utes apart hit civilians shelter- were just a few kilometres fi ghting there and is meant to ter Sergei Lavrov told report- nor Nusra nor sectarian mili- de-escalation zone, including outside the ceasefi re area. ing in tents along the Euphra- away from the river. tes and boats on the river, the Abdel Rahman said they monitor said. had advanced to six kilometres They come as the Syrian (four miles) from its eastern army prepares to push into the banks, at a point across the eastern IS-held part of Deir river from Deir Ezzor city. Ezzor city, according to the Colonel Ryan Dillon, UN nuclear watchdog defends Iran deal Observatory. spokesman for the US-led co- “Huge military reinforce- alition backing the SDF, said ments, including equipment, the militia had made “signifi - AFP called the agreement between Iran and look?,” she said in Washington on Sep- vehicles and fi ghters have ar- cant gains”, capturing around Vienna six major powers reducing its nuclear tember 5. rived in Deir Ezzor ahead of 250 square kilometres since activities in exchange for sanctions In fact, the IAEA has conducted at an attack to push Daesh from the operation began. relief “the worst deal ever negotiated”. least 400 inspections of sites in Iran he UN atomic watchdog hit Trump has to certify in mid-Octo- and 25 so-called “complimentary ac- back yesterday at US criticism ber whether he believes Iran is abiding cess” visits — snap inspections re- Tof the Iran nuclear deal, insist- by the nuclear deal and that sticking quested at short notice — since the ing its inspections there are the world’s to it is vital to US national security in- deal came into force in January 2016. toughest and that Tehran is sticking to terests. If, as seems increasingly likely, These visits fall under the “Addi- the accord. Trump decides not to give the green tional Protocol” agreement between “The nuclear-related commitments light, Congress will then have 60 days Iran and the IAEA, which Tehran has undertaken by Iran under (the 2015 ac- to debate whether to re-impose sanc- been provisionally applying since cord) are being implemented,” Inter- tions on Iran. 2016. national Atomic Energy Agency head Trump’s UN envoy, Nikki Haley, has The IAEA data on these inspections, Yukiya Amano told reporters. been particularly critical, saying it was revealed in its 2016 Safeguards Imple- “The verifi cation regime in Iran is wrong to strike a deal ignoring Iran’s mentation Report seen by AFP, how- the most robust regime which is cur- missile programme and support for ever does not specify whether these rently existing. We have increased the “terrorist” groups. sites are military or civilian. inspection days in Iran, we have in- Haley, who held talks with Amano in “We have already have many com- creased inspector numbers...and the Vienna on August 23, has also said that plimentary access (visits) in Iran after number of images has increased,” he the IAEA is not able to carry out “any- the Implementation Day (when the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in Vienna. time, anywhere” inspections. deal entered into force) and we will A picture shows a damaged monument at the military airport in Director General Yukiya Amano addresses a news “From a verifi cation point of view, it “How do we know Iran is complying continue to have many complimenta- the eastern Syrian city of Deir Ezzor yesterday, as Syrian conference during a board of governors meeting at is a clear and signifi cant gain.” with the deal, if inspectors are not al- ry access (visits) in Iran,” Amano said government forces continue to press forward in the off ensive the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, yesterday. US President Donald Trump has lowed to look everywhere they should yesterday. against Islamic State group militants across the province.

UNREST 18 dead in attack on security convoy in Sinai Lebanon director free after Militants killed 18 people in an attack yesterday on a security convoy in Egypt’s North Sinai, where police and troops are battling a militant insurgen- court hearing over fi lm cy, security and medical sources said. The interior ministry confirmed an attack around the town of Bir al-Abed had caused deaths and injuries but AFP hours at a Beirut military court, Lebanon has chosen the did not provide a toll. An Islamic State group af- Beirut Doueiri walked free, brandish- film as its official entry for filiate based in North Sinai has killed hundreds of ing his two passports. the foreign film category at soldiers and police in attacks since the military in “My client was released. the Oscars. 2013 ousted president Mohamed Mursi. rench-Lebanese director No charges have been filed But Doueiri has been criticised Yesterday’s incident took place when a vehicle Ziad Doueiri walked free against him,” Doueiri’s law- by some Lebanese journalists tried to break through a security convoy passing Fyesterday and was given yer Najib Lyan told reporters, and activists for partly fi lming between Qantara near the Egyptian port city of back his confi scated passports adding that the case would be The Attack in Israel. Ismailiya, and El-Arish, the capital of North Sinai. after a military court hearing “definitively closed”. “Three years have passed IS claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it over his fi lming of a movie in However, a judicial source since the acts of which he is ac- killed eight Egyptian soldiers in an ambush on Israel. said “it is possible that the is- cused, since the fi lming took the outskirts of El-Arish, according to the Aamaq The 54-year-old was briefl y sue will be referred to a mili- place in 2012,” said Lyan. news agency, which is aff iliated with IS. “As the detained on Sunday night after tary court, for the crime of He said that before fi lming forces dealt with the car, it blew up,” the ministry arriving in Lebanon to premiere entering an enemy country Doueiri had requested permis- said. The explosion was followed by a shootout his new fi lm The Insult. without prior authorisation”. sion “to fi lm on the ground, to with “militant elements who were hiding in the He was released but his pass- Doueiri is in Lebanon to defend the Palestinian cause... desert area alongside the road,” the ministry said. ports were confi scated and he promote The Insult, which without ever receiving a re- “This led to the martyrdom of some of the con- was ordered to appear before opened to rave reviews at sponse from the defence min- voy’s individuals and the injury of others,” it said. a military court over his 2013 the Venice Film Festival and istry”. Doueiri said he had been movie The Attack, which he earned Palestinian actor released “because there was no fi lmed partly in Israel. Kamel El Basha the Volpi Cup criminal intent”. The Insult is due PROBE After a hearing of several for best actor. to premiere in Beirut today. Iraq holding 1,400 wives, kids of suspected IS fighters

Iraqi authorities are holding 1,400 foreign wives and children of suspected Islamic State fighters in a camp after government forces expelled the militant group from one of its last remaining strongholds in Iraq, security and aid off icials said. Many of them say they are from Russia, Turkey and Central Asia, but there are also some from European countries, the off icials said. They have mostly arrived at the camp south of Mosul since Aug 30. An Iraqi intelligence off icer said that they were in the process of verifying their nationali- ties with their home countries, since many of the women no longer had their original documents. It is the largest group of foreigners linked to Islamic State to be held by Iraqi forces since they started expelling the militants from Mosul and other areas in northern Iraq last year, an aid off icial said. French-Lebanese director Ziad Doueiri (left), arrives at the Military Tribunal in Beirut yesterday. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 9 AMERICA

Jizreel Plancher calls out from the back of a truck to see if people need help the morning after Hurricane Irma swept through the area in Naples, Florida. Wrecked boats that have come ashore in Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida. A family leaves their flooded home in a rural part of Naples, Florida. Irma fl oods northeast Florida, leaves millions without power Residents are attempting to return to the “These are storms of catastrophic severity and Mosque opens doors for evacuees Florida Keys as Irma heads inland we are marshalling the full resources of the fed- eral government to help our fellow Americans,” Islamic Society of Tampa Bay area, one of US Reuters Trump said. “When Americans are in need, Florida’s cities hit by Hurricane Irma, has opened Florida City Americans pull together and we are one country.” the doors of the city’s mosque to shelter people Florida’s largest city, Miami, was spared the aff ected by the hurricane over the past few days. brunt of the storm but still suff ered heavy ood-fl The majority of those who came to the mosque owngraded from a hurricane to a tropi- ing. are Muslim, along with many non-Muslims who cal storm, Irma fl ooded several northern Utility crews were on the streets there clear- have come to stay in the mosque during these DFlorida cities with heavy rain and a high ing downed trees and utility lines. All causeways diff icult days in Florida, a shelter organiser said. surge of seawater yesterday, as residents of the leading to Miami Beach were closed by police. The mosque is expected to receive more than part of the state fi rst walloped by the storm tried Traveling through central Florida early on 500 people who fled the hurricane. Three large to return to their homes. Monday, Irma brought gusts of up to 161kph and conference rooms are being used as the main Irma, once ranked as one of the most powerful torrential rain to areas around Orlando, one of the sleeping quarters. One is for men, one for women, hurricanes recorded in the Atlantic, cut power to most popular areas for tourism in the state be- and there is a common area for families who want millions of people and ripped roofs off homes as cause of its cluster of theme parks, the National to remain together. There are also other places it hit a wide swath of Florida over the past day. A man walks through a flooded street in a rural part of Naples, Florida. Weather Service said. where people can store additional belongings. With sustained winds of up to 105kph, Irma Over the weekend, Irma claimed its fi rst US fa- It is the first time the mosque, which opened only was located about 113km east of the Florida state fuel, electricity, running water and cell service throughout the city and more rain is expected.” tality — a man found dead in a pickup truck that last year, has been used as a shelter. The Islamic capital Tallahassee and headed toward the Geor- yesterday. After what she called a terrifying night bun- had crashed into a tree in high winds in the town of Center in Orlando earlier indicated that it had gia border, the National Hurricane Center said at “For many people, supplies are running low kered in her house in St Petersburg, on Florida’s Marathon, in the Florida Keys, local offi cials said. opened its doors to shelter those aff ected by the 11am ET (1500 GMT). About two dozen vehicles and anxiety is running high,” the county said in a Gulf Coast, with her children and extended fam- Ahead of Irma’s arrival, some 6.5mn people in hurricane. fi lled with people who had fl ed the Florida Keys, statement posted online. ily, Julie Hally emerged with relief yestrday. southern Florida, about a third of the state’s pop- where Irma roared ashore on Sunday with sus- Inspection teams were working to clear bridg- The winds had toppled some large tree branch- ulation, were ordered to evacuate their homes. tained winds of up to 209kph, lined up near the es and ensure their safety. “Once the roads are es and part of a fence, but her house was undam- About 200,000 were being housed in shelters, lines and left more than 6mn homes and busi- entrance to the highway that connects the archi- cleared, and the bridges are inspected for use, aid aged. according to federal offi cials. nesses without power in Florida, Georgia, South pelago to the mainland with a series of bridges and relief can start to move.” “My heart just pounded out of my chest the The storm did some $20bn to $40bn in dam- Carolina and Alabama, according to state offi - and causeways. Irma hit Florida after powering through the whole time,” said Hally, 37. “You hear stuff hitting age to insured property as it tore through Florida, cials and utilities yesterday. They expressed anger at police who asked Caribbean as a rare Category 5 hurricane, the top your roof. catastrophe modelling fi rm AIR Worldwide esti- Miami International Airport, one of the busiest them to drive to a racetrack a few miles away to rung of the Saffi r-Simpson scale. It honestly sounds like somebody is just whis- mated. in the country, halted passenger fl ights through register before returning to their homes. It killed 38 people, including 10 in Cuba, which tling at your window the whole night. It’s really That estimate, lower than earlier forecasts of at least yesterday. “This is how people are going to die — nobody’s was battered over the weekend by ferocious scary.” up to $50bn in insured losses, helped spur a relief According to the FlightAware.com tracking going to want to leave the Keys,” shouted Shelby winds and 36-foot waves. US President Donald Trump, attending a cer- rally on Wall Street as fears that Irma would cut site, a total of 3,582 US fl ights were cancelled yes- Bentley. “I’ve been in the Keys for 40 years...It’s Northeastern Florida cities including Jackson- emony at the Pentagon to remember the victims into US economic growth eased. terday, mostly as a result of the storm. the fi rst time I’ve evacuated from a hurricane. ville were fl ooding on Monday, with city sheriff s of the September11, 2001, attacks, vowed a full Shares of insurance companies were among Police in Miami-Dade County said they had It’ll be my last time.” pulling residents from waist-deep water. response to Irma as well as continued federal the big winners, with Florida-based Federated made 29 arrests for looting and burglary. Fort Offi cials in Monroe County, where the Keys are “Stay inside. Go up. Not out,” Jacksonville’s support for victims of Hurricane Harvey, which National, HCI Group and Universal Insurance all Lauderdale police said they had arrested 19 peo- located, said that most of the islands still lacked website warned residents. “There is fl ooding fl ooded Texas. up more than 13%. High winds snapped power ple for looting during the storm.

Patriot’s prayer Removing the debt ceiling a wrench in GoP plan

AFP things, it’s really not necessary.” 1995 under the presidency of fi cult position because it would Washington But that is provoking a strong Democrat Bill Clinton who bat- make them look like they don’t reaction from stunned Repub- tled the Republican-controlled care about the debt”, Veuger licans who use this powerful Congress on many issues, in- said, “especially after the way resident Donald Trump leverage over the government’s cluding the budget. the Republicans have politicised has thrown a wrench into borrowing authority in budget Since then, the recurring the subject over the last few Pthe works of one of the Re- negotiations with the White threat of the debt ceiling has years.” publicans’ key tactics for pres- House. regularly poisoned US admin- In fact, using the debt limit to suring Congress on spending, by For the past 100 years, author- istrations, especially under the politicise the debate over gov- proposing to get rid of the federal isation to increase the debt ceil- presidency of Barack Obama, ernment spending led to the debt ceiling. ing has been the sole prerogative raising the spectre of a govern- creation of the very conservative After announcing the surprise of the Congress. ment shutdown — as happened Tea Party movement within the deal with Democrats last week And while the debt is merely in late 2013 — or worse, a debt Republican party, which supplied to temporarily suspend the debt used to pay spending and obli- default. many Trump supporters. limit and extend the current gations already approved by the “I think it would be good poli- FreedomWorks, the organisa- budget for another three months legislature, it nevertheless is a cy to get rid of it,” Stan Veuger, an tion that helped launch the Tea until December 8, Trump said bargaining chip used to pressure economist with the conservative Party, immediately denounced the idea of eliminating the debt the ruling party for concessions American Enterprise Institute the idea of removing the debt ceiling altogether deserved to be on spending. (AEI) told AFP. But that will be limit. debated. It also regularly reopens the diffi cult to do since Republicans “The debt ceiling is a good “For many years, people political debate over the mas- will strongly oppose it. thing,” FreedomWorks President have been talking about get- sive US debt, which has reached “They like having some future Adam Brandon said. “Debates ting rid of debt ceiling alto- $20tn. Until the mid-1990s, leverage if they were in the oppo- over the debt ceiling are mo- gether, and there are a lot of Congress routinely approved in- sition again,” he said. ments when conservatives can Supporters of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer at a rally in Vancouver, Washington. good reasons to do that,” Trump creases in the debt limit. In addition, “politically it successfully fi ght to reduce the told reporters. “It complicates But everything changed in would put them in a very dif- size and scope of government.”

Govt asks court to lift refugee ban limits

Reuters “will disrupt the status quo and frustrate or- The Trump administration said it should Washongton derly implementation of the order’s refugee not, meaning such refugees would be barred. provisions”. But the 9th Circuit last week ruled that ref- The fi ling marked the latest twist in the ugees who have relationships with a resettle- he justice department yesterday fi led ongoing legal fi ght over Trump’s sweeping ment agency should be exempt from Trump’s an emergency application at the US March 6 executive order that barred travel- order, dealing a setback to his quest to lock TSupreme Court seeking to block an lers from Iran, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan most aspiring refugees out of the United appeals court decision that limited Presi- and Yemen for 90 days, a move Trump ar- States. dent Donald Trump’s eff ort to temporarily gued was needed to prevent terrorist attacks. The appeals court also said his adminis- bar most refugees from entering the United The same order included a 120-day ban on tration did not persuasively explain why the States. refugees. broader travel ban should be enforced against The department did not ask the court to Both provisions were blocked by lower close relatives of people from the six specifi ed immediately block a separate part of last courts but were partially revived by the Su- countries. Thursday’s ruling by the San Francisco-based preme Court in June, which said the bans The Justice Department said in its fi ling 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals that said could be applied only to people without a on Monday it disagreed with that part of the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins of “bona fi de” relationship to people or entities decision but was not seeking to block it from legal US residents should be exempted from in the United States. going into eff ect. Trump’s ban on travellers from six Muslim- That prompted litigation in lower courts The broader question of whether the travel majority countries. over the meaning of that phrase, including ban discriminates against Muslims in viola- The appeals court’s ruling is due to go into whether written assurances by resettlement tion of the US eff ect today if the Supreme Court does not agencies obligating them to provide services Constitution, as lower courts previously act. In the court fi ling, the department said for specifi c refugees would count as a bona ruled, will be considered by the Supreme President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump observe a moment of silence in remembrance of the 9th Circuit’s decision on the refugee ban fi de relationship. Court in October. the 9/11 attacks at the White House in Washington. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 AFRICA

Somalia troops fl ee Grace Mugabe says model to Kenya to escape Shebaab attack

AFP attacked her with a knife Mogadishu

By Ed Cropley, Reuters showed gashes to the model’s portray the victim in this case as omali soldiers, some of them wounded, fl ed across the Johannesburg head. She also had bruising on her the perpetrator.” border yesterday into Kenya during an attack by mili- thighs. South Africa granted Grace Stants on the town of Bulo Hawo, security sources said. In her deposition, Mugabe dis- Mugabe diplomatic immunity, At least 12 people died when fi ghters from the Al Qaeda- imbabwe’s First Lady, Grace missed Engels’ version as “mali- allowing her to evade immediate aligned Shebaab group attacked the border town, according Mugabe, has denied as- cious allegations” and said she prosecution for assault, although to witnesses, while many soldiers fl ed westward a few kilo- Zsaulting South African had been attacked after going to Engels and Afriforum have chal- metres to the Kenyan town of Mandera. model Gabriella Engels with an help her sons. lenged that decision, saying Mu- “We have several of the soldiers from Somalia who ran to electric cable in a Johannesburg “She was worried about them gabe was not in South Africa on Kenya after the attack,” said Mohamud Saleh, regional co-or- hotel suite last month, saying an and went to see them at their hotel offi cial business. dinator for north eastern Kenya. “Some are injured and have “intoxicated and unhinged” En- suite,” the statement said. They also argued that assault been taken to hospital.” Another regional security offi cial, gels attacked her with a knife. “Upon her arrival, Ms Engels, was a “grave crime” that was not who did not want to be named, said the Somali National Army In a previously unreported Au- who was intoxicated and un- covered by diplomatic immunity (SNA) soldiers numbered “more than 100”. gust 17 deposition seen exclusive- hinged, attacked Dr Grace Mu- laws. The assault on Bulo Hawo followed standard Shebaab pro- ly by Reuters, Mugabe countered gabe with a knife after she was The decision to let Grace Mu- cedure with a vehicle-borne improvised bomb exploding at 20-year-old Engels’ version, por- asked to leave the hotel.” gabe return home caused a row in the entrance to the town’s main military post, followed by a traying herself as the victim after “Security was left with no other South Africa, with the opposition co-ordinated attack by militants from several directions. intervening on behalf of her adult option but to remove Ms Engels Democratic Alliance also going to “Shebaab militants attacked Bulo Hawo early this morning sons Chatunga and Robert Jun- from the hotel suite,” it continued. court to overturn the immunity. and heavy fi ghting erupted inside the town,” said Ibrahim Da- ior who were “in trouble with a The statement also alleged that According to Zimbabwean in- hir, a Somali army offi cer in the area. drunken young woman”. Engels had been in a fi ght with telligence fi les seen by Reuters, Abdukadir Moalim, a local elder, said at least 12 people were The statement said Grace Mu- other women at Johannesburg’s Robert Mugabe lobbied his South killed, “most of them combatants”. gabe, 52 and a contender to re- Taboo nightclub the previous African counterpart, Jacob Zuma, An August 17, 2017, file photo of Gabriella Engels at a news conference Bulo Hawo resident Ahmed Omar said that lacking rein- place her 93-year-old husband as evening and suggested that may to have the issue “solved amica- in Pretoria. forcements the SNA soldiers, left the town “and some of them Zimbabwe’s president, was think- have been the cause of her inju- bly” and out of court but was sty- crossed the border with Kenya”. The militants stole vehicles ing about fi ling attempted murder ries. mied by Engels’ refusal to accept a best known for prosecuting South original author or fi nal audience. and weapons before withdrawing. charges. Afriforum, an Afrikaans civil settlement. African track star Oscar Pistorius Zimbabwe’s ambassador to In a statement translated by the SITE Intelligence Group, A group representing Engels society group acting on behalf of “He is trying to avoid the em- over the shooting of his girlfriend South Africa did not respond to a Shebaab claimed responsibility for the raid saying it killed 30 dismissed the allegations as lies. Engels, denied both accusations. barrassment of his wife appearing — said last month Engels had been request for comment. soldiers and released 35 prisoners from jail. According to the model, an “Gabriella never attacked Grace before the court,” one fi le, dated approached with a cash off er but Zuma has denied any hand in Shebaab has been fi ghting to overthrow successive inter- irate Mugabe burst into the room Mugabe in any way and she did August 30, reads. had turned it down. the aff air, telling parliament on nationally-backed governments in Mogadishu for the last where she was waiting with two not participate in the fi ght at Ta- “The problem he is facing is The intelligence report is a part of August 31: “I am not a lawyer. I 10 years, and also carries out occasional terrorist attacks friends to meet Chatunga on Au- boo,” Afriforum said. that the woman who was assault- a series of hundreds of fi les dating don’t know the point of law and in neighbouring Kenya. Somalia’s army is supported by a gust 13 and started laying into her “It is clear that Grace Mugabe ed is refusing to accept any money back to 2009 that have come from I was not involved in this process. 22,000-strong African Union force while the US also carries with an electric cable. is desperately trying to escape and she just wants justice to be within Zimbabwe’s Central Intel- How it was done, I would be lying out drone strikes against Shebaab commanders and has, in Photographs taken by Engels’ responsibility for her own violent delivered upon Grace.” ligence Organisation (CIO). Reuters if I speculate.” His spokesman de- recent months, played an increasing role in Somali comman- mother soon after the incident behaviour by using lies to falsely Afriforum lawyer Gerrie Nel — has not been able to establish their clined to elaborate. do raids targeting the group’s leaders. Cape Town housing boom a bust for longtime tenants

By Kristen Van Schie, AFP families from across the country The paint peels off the living Instead, they will likely be re- abandoned hospital in Wood- Cape Town moving to Western Cape prov- room ceiling as a wide crack trac- located to an emergency resettle- stock where wards and offi ces ince, in part because the region es its way down to the fl oor. ment camp on a farm some 30km have been turned into bedrooms has a reputation for good gov- Upstairs, one apartment away. and meeting spaces. s a child in the 1970s, ernance under the Democratic stands exposed to the elements, Wolwerivier, or Wolves River, Many of the activists here Charmaine Marcus was Alliance party that is in power at gutted. has neither a clinic nor a school were sleeping rough until a few Aforcefully removed from provincial government level. Residents began withholding and little access to shops or af- months ago, and each has their her Cape Town neighbourhood “The population in the prov- their rent here after a fi re two fordable public transport — own eviction story. when the apartheid government ince has gone up 33% in the last years ago ripped through a sec- which could cost Marcus her “I see them building these declared it a whites-only area. 15 years,” Enderli told AFP. tion of the building, killing one of inner-city job as a cleaner at a apartment blocks, but we can’t Now, as a property boom trans- “People want to be in Cape the tenants. clothing company. aff ord it,” says activist Ismail forms once-neglected suburbs into Town, they want the lifestyle. But They blame the landlord for Landlords in South Africa Sheik Rahim. trendy and expensive enclaves, she the supply of houses that should failing to maintain the structure. need a court order to evict ten- “We feel like outsiders, like faces being pushed completely be developed on a yearly basis is He responded to the non-pay- ants, but the Constitutional strangers in our own country... out of the city she calls home. not keeping up with that.” ment of rent by issuing eviction Court earlier this year ruled that Where am I going to get 1.4mn “It seems to me they just don’t In the suburb of Woodstock, notices. a court cannot issue an eviction rand ($110,000) for a fl at?” want us here,” says Marcus, who where Marcus has lived for 35 Based on current trends, the order that would leave a person Sitting on her front step, Mar- is fi ghting a pending eviction in years, the evolution of decayed building could be a prime site for homeless. cus says she knows she will ulti- court after a dispute with her A July 11, 2017, file photo of activist Shane van der Mescht holds a buildings into modern apartment redevelopment as modern, ex- Many tenants however are mately be evicted from her build- landlord. “But this is our city. We sign during a protest calling for aff ordable housing close to the city blocks, restaurants and markets pensive fl ats in future. backyard-dwellers and have no ing. are this city.” centre for disadvantaged people, organised by the group Reclaim has made it a favourite among If Marcus, 48, and her neigh- formal contracts. But leaving her neighbourhood South Africa’s slowing econo- the City, over the N2 highway in Woodstock, Cape Town. young professionals — and dou- bours lose their eviction case, “This city doesn’t work for is not an option. my and political uncertainty have bled housing prices in just the which, they believe, seems prob- you, it works against you,” says “If the council doesn’t have al- curtailed the property market be an exception, with houses here to the South African FNB bank. last fi ve years. able as the landlord was acting activist Shane van der Mescht, ternate accommodation for us in countrywide. on average 78.5% more expensive Property expert Toni End- Marcus’ home reveals a diff er- within his rights, none will be able who is part of a group called or near the city, we’re not going But Cape Town has proved to than they were in 2010, according erli says the boom is driven by ent picture. to aff ord the area’s new rental rates. Reclaim the City occupying an nowhere. We’re here to stay.” Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 11 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA NZ opposition leader plays down ‘Jacinda-mania’

AFP certain defeat to being narrow ing nothing for granted, there’s lieve that we’re drifting,” she see parents and grandparents as possible to vote. Wright said Wellington favourites in the September 23 only 12 days to go and as we’ve said. who are as worried about those more than half of New Zealand’s election. seen in a short space of time a Ardern has courted the youth issues as anyone else,” she said. 3.18mn voters were expected to Labour’s support has surged lot can happen,” she told Auck- vote campaigning on issues Ardern said it was vital that cast their ballots before election ew Zealand’s opposi- 20 percentage points under land radio station Newstalk ZB. such as free tertiary education, Labour translated the enthu- day, continuing a trend towards tion leader Jacinda Ar- Ardern in a phenomenon local “It’s down to the wire and it will health and housing aff ordabil- siasm it had generated on the early voting observed in the last Ndern said yesterday she media have dubbed “Jacinda- be extraordinarily close.” ity. However, the self-described campaign trail into votes. election. was taking nothing for granted mania”. Ardern attributed Labour’s “pragmatic idealist” believes Almost 500 advance vot- “We’re providing a better despite her meteoric rise in the While pundits are comparing resurgence to voter dissatis- a wide cross-section of voters ing booths opened across the service than we ever have,” she polls, as early voting opened for her to Canada’s Justin Trudeau faction with Prime Minister are interested in her progressive country yesterday, nearly two told Radio New Zealand. “What this month’s general election. and France’s Emmanuel Ma- Bill English’s conservative Na- agenda, which also includes weeks before election day. New we’ve seen in the 2014 election The charismatic 37-year-old cron, Ardern insisted she was tional Party, which is seeking a pledges on climate change and Zealand’s chief electoral offi cer, was that it had doubled – it had has electrifi ed the campaign not buying into the hype. She record-equalling fourth term reducing child poverty. Alicia Wright, said the booths gone from 15% (in) 2011 to 30% since taking over the centre-left said voters could swiftly turn in offi ce. “There’s a movement “It is my generation that’s had been placed at libraries, in 2014. We’re anticipating that Labour Party last month, trans- on her in the intensity of an for change and I think after nine being aff ected by that drift most churches, supermarkets and it is going to be up to 50% this forming its outlook from near- election campaign. “I’m tak- years people are starting to be- acutely. But having said that, I even airports to make it as easy election.” Jacinda Ardern

Mob stones Muslim home amid Rohingya crisis

Police fired rubber bullets to lobbed rocks at the home break up a mob which stoned of a Muslim butcher before the home of a Muslim butcher marching over to the local in central Myanmar, authori- mosque, where police dispersed ties said yesterday, as religious the mob. Police arrested one UN slams Myanmar tensions rise amid a surge of man, 30-year-old Hnin Ko Ko violence in the west. The mob Lin, who said the group acted attack on Sunday night in the because “they could not accept Magway region of the mainly the things that happened in Buddhist nation was fuelled by Rakhine”, according to the gov- anger over the deepening crisis ernment statement. in the western state of Rakhine, Min Thein, a lower house MP for according to a government the township, confirmed to AFP for ‘ethnic cleansing’ press release. Rakhine has been that the butcher was Muslim. gripped by violence since late “Now we are urging all the Agencies August, triggering brutal army people to stay calm and we Geneva, Shamlapur reprisals that have left hun- have already told the Muslim dreds dead and pushed nearly residents to stay in their homes,” 300,000 Rohingya across the he added. Buddhist hardliners he United Nations’ top hu- border to Bangladesh. The have led sporadic attacks on man rights offi cial yester- exodus accounts for nearly a mosques and other Islamic sites Tday slammed Myanmar for third of Myanmar’s Rohingya across the country. But western conducting a “cruel military op- population, creating a humani- Rakhine, which is home to the eration” against Rohingya Mus- tarian emergency as a flood Rohingya, has remained the lims in Rakhine state, branding of famished and wounded epicentre of religious unrest. it “a textbook example of ethnic refugees pour into Bangladesh’s Myanmar has denied the cleansing”. already overcrowded camps. Rohingya citizenship, claim- Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein’s com- Those tensions bubbled over ing they are illegal immigrants ments to the United Nations Hu- in Taung Twin Gyi township on from Bangladesh, and severely man Rights Council in Geneva Sunday night when dozens of restricted their access to jobs, came as the offi cial tally of Ro- villagers in a 400-strong crowd healthcare and other basic hingya who have fl ed Myanmar sang the national anthem and services. and crossed into southern Bang- ladesh in just over two weeks soared through 300,000. The surge of refugees— many sick or wounded — has strained the resources of aid agencies al- ready helping hundreds of thou- sands from previous spasms of bloodletting in Myanmar. “We have received multiple reports and satellite imagery of security forces and local militia burning Rohingya villages, and consistent accounts of extraju- dicial killings, including shooting fl eeing civilians,” Zeid said. “I call on the government to end its current cruel military op- eration, with accountability for An exhausted Rohingya refugee woman touches the shore after all violations that have occurred, Smoke is seen on Myanmar’s side of border as a boat carrying Rohingya refugees arrives on shore after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border by boat through the Bay and to reverse the pattern of se- through the Bay of Bengal, in Shah Porir Dwip, Bangladesh. of Bengal, in Shah Porir Dwip, Bangladesh. vere and widespread discrimina- tion against the Rohingya popu- of “ethnic cleansing”. Zeid said as a champion of democracy to be “New arrivals in all locations villager in the Maungdaw region, have been stopped because of a nal tension appeared to be ris- lation,” he added. “The situation Myanmar should “stop pretend- revoked. are in urgent need of life-saving Aung Lin, said by telephone. “We crackdown on Bangladeshi boat- ing after more than two weeks of seems a textbook example of eth- ing” that Rohingya were torching Yesterday’s estimate of new assistance, including food, water were all running way because the men charging 10,000 taka ($122) violence in Rakhine state. A mob nic cleansing.” their own houses and its “com- arrivals in the Cox’s Bazar re- and sanitation, health and pro- army was fi ring on our village,” or more per person, sources said. of about 70 people armed with Human rights monitors and plete denial of reality” was dam- gion of Bangladesh since August tection.” he said. Arshad Zamman, 60, said his sticks and swords threatened to fl eeing Rohingya accuse the army aging the government’s interna- 25 was 313,000, an increase of Thousands of Rohingya refu- “A lot of people carrying bags family had only 80,000 Burmese attack a mosque in the central and Rakhine Buddhist vigilantes tional standing. 19,000 in just 24 hours. gees are still stranded on the are now in the rice fi elds.” kyat ($60) and so he had taken a town of Taung Dwin Gyi on Sun- of mounting a campaign of ar- Western critics have accused “Large numbers of people are Myanmar side of the River Naf, Journalists in Cox’s Bazar boat to Cox’s Bazar on his own day evening, shouting, “This is son aimed at driving out the Ro- Myanmar leader Aung San Suu still arriving every day in densely which separates the two coun- could see huge blazes and plumes and would return to pick up his our country, this is our land,” ac- hingya. Kyi of failing to speak out for packed sites, looking for space, tries, with the biggest gathering of smokes on the other side. wife and two sons when he had cording to the mosque’s imam, The government of Myanmar, the Rohingya, who are despised and there are clear signs that south of the town of Maungdaw, Those still waiting to cross enough for their journey. Mufti Sunlaiman. “We shut a majority Buddhist country by many in the country as ille- more will cross before the situa- monitors and sources in the area into Bangladesh — many hungry “I will try to fi nd money here. down the lights in the mosque where the roughly 1mn Mus- gal migrants from Bangladesh. tion stabilises,” the International said. and exhausted after a days-long I will beg and hopefully some and sneaked out,” the mufti, who lim Rohingya are marginalised, Some have called for the Nobel Organization for Migration said About 500 houses south of the march through the mountains people will help me,” he said. was in the mosque at the time, has repeatedly rejected charges Peace Prize Suu Kyi won in 1991 in a statement. town were set on fi re yesterday, a and bushes in monsoon rain — Elsewhere in Myanmar, commu- told Reuters by phone.

Christchurch cathedral to be rebuilt

Heritage groups in New Zealand ing the cathedral was an intrinsic Malay woman to be Singapore president yesterday welcomed a decision part of the city’s historical fabric. to rebuild Christchurch’s Anglican After years of legal wrangling, a cathedral, six years after it was compromise was announced over Reuters Yusof was president between vancement for Singapore’s Ma- extensively damaged in a deadly the weekend which capped the Singapore 1965 and 1970, the fi rst years of lay and Indian minorities. Still, earthquake. Much of the late 19th church’s liability in the rebuild. Singapore’s independence fol- a government report published Century neo-Gothic structure col- “People are overjoyed and de- lowing a short-lived union with in 2013 found Malays felt they lapsed in the 6.3-magnitude quake lighted with the decision,” Restore here are no Muslim Ma- neighbouring Malaysia, but ex- were sometimes discriminated that levelled the South Island city’s Christchurch Cathedral co-chair lays in the top echelons ecutive power lay with Lee Kuan against and had limited pros- downtown area in February 2011, Mark Belton told AFP. “From our Tof Singapore’s army, and Yew, the country’s fi rst prime pects in some institutions, such killing 185 people. point of view sanity has been few among the senior ranks of minister. as the armed forces. A temporary cathedral made of restored.” its judiciary, but a member of its The separation of Singapore Singapore’s economic suc- cardboard was built in 2013 with Belton said demolishing the poorest ethnic minority is set to from Malaysia gave ethnic Ma- cess and education policies the derelict one’s future hotly historic cathedral precinct would become the fi rst woman presi- lays a clear majority in Malaysia, have helped swell the ranks of debated ever since. have “ripped the heart out of the dent of the Southeast Asian city while ethnic Chinese formed the middle-class Malays, but the The Anglican Church wanted to city”. “This will allow a wound state this week. majority in independent Singa- last census in 2010 showed they tear it down and start anew, say- to be healed,” he said. Heritage Halimah Yacob, a former pore. lagged other ethnic groups on ing the restoration cost of more New Zealand’s Claire Craig said speaker of parliament, will be Leaders of both countries, socio-economic measures such than NZ$100mn (US $73mn) was the restoration was “a significant formally named to the mostly however, recognised that peace as household incomes and home prohibitive. Heritage groups chal- milestone in the redevelopment of ceremonial post tomorrow, me- and prosperity depended on ownership. Malays, who form lenged the decision in court, argu- the city”. dia reported, after other can- preserving harmony between just over 13% of Singapore’s didates fell short of the criteria the two groups. 3.9mn citizens and permanent set for contesting the election. But living in a Muslim-domi- residents, also underperform on Endangered deer spotted in Aiming to strengthen a sense of nated neighbourhood, with Ma- measures such as university and inclusivity in the multicultural laysia and Indonesia next door, secondary school education. Cambodia after long absence country, Singapore had decreed Singapore’s leaders have long Despite being the establish- the presidency would be re- worried about the risk of con- ment candidate, Halimah wears An endangered species of deer, which has not been seen for more served for candidates from the fl icted loyalties among Malays. a hijab, which is banned in state than a decade, has been captured on camera in eastern Cambodia, Malay community this time. “You put in a Malay offi cer schools and public sector jobs the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said yesterday. Four hog deer were Halimah’s experience as who’s very religious and who has that require uniforms. But she recorded on camera traps set up by the environmental organisation in house speaker automatically family ties in Malaysia in charge has seldom spoken publicly on Kratie province, according to a statement. The hog deer features on the qualifi ed her under the nomina- of a machine-gun unit, that’s a the issue and there is little sign International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s “Red List” and has tion rules. very tricky business,” the late of change in offi cial attitudes. been believed to be extinct in Cambodia since 2006. While the sightings Of the four other applicants, Lee Kuan Yew was widely quot- Farid Khan, one of the un- give conservationists hope for the recovery of the rare species, WWF’s two were not Malays and two ed as saying in 1999. successful candidates and the Cambodia country director Seng Teak said he was still wary of the dan- were not given certifi cates of For Lee, whose son, Lee Hsien chairman of marine services ger posed by hunting. “These sightings are encouraging and inspiring. eligibility, the elections depart- Loong, is now prime minister, fi rm Bourbon Off shore Asia, However, hunting pressure remains a challenge and we must eliminate ment said. the answer to social cohesion told Reuters more Malays now it via close collaboration with communities, increasing boots on the The last Malay to hold the lay in creating a culture of meri- hold political offi ce, and some Former speaker of Singapore’s parliament, Halimah Yacob arrives ground, and implementing eff ective law enforcement,” he said. Accord- presidency was Yusof Ishak, tocracy, rather than adopting are making their way in the cor- at the Elections Department after she was given the certificate of ing to WWF, hunting and snaring for bush meat consumption, habitat whose image adorns the coun- policies of positive discrimina- porate world, but “there is still eligibility to contest the election by the Presidential Elections loss, charcoal production and land clearance for agriculture are the main try’s banknotes. tion to boost the chances of ad- room for improvement.” Committee in Singapore. threats to the hog deer’s existence. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 BRITAIN

CRITICISM SCARE WEATHER TRAVEL WILDLIFE UN slams government over Conference evacuated Plane returns to airport Track failure brings more Giant panda not pregnant, ‘plague’ of air pollution over bomb threat after lightning strike woes for rail commuters says Edinburgh zoo

A UN report has slammed the UK for failing to A hotel and nearby conference centre on A plane flying from Belfast City Airport to East Thousands of commuters suff ered more Britain’s only female giant panda bear will tackle the “plague” of air pollution, while also the south coast of England where the Trades Midlands had to return on Sunday afternoon disruption to and from Waterloo station not give birth this year, dashing hopes that warning of Brexit risks. “Air pollution continues Union Congress (TUC) is holding its annual after being struck by lightning. Seventy- yesterday. Yet another track failure caused she was about to produce the first panda to plague the United Kingdom,” read the report conference were evacuated on Sunday due four people were on board the Flybe plane. cancellations and delays throughout the peak cubs born in the country, Edinburgh Zoo said by United Nations expert Baskut Tuncak. More to a bomb threat, police said. Police said the The company said it returned to Belfast as period and up to lunchtime. Trains stacked yesterday. In August, the Scottish zoo had than 40,000 premature deaths a year are Grand Hotel in Brighton, where five people a precaution. The air craft landed as normal up as they approached London, with some said it believed Tian Tian, which translates to linked to air pollution, noted the report which were killed by an Irish Republican Army and the passengers and crew disembarked unable to stop at Clapham Junction. There Sweetie in Chinese, was pregnant but warned argued that through inaction the government bombing during the Conservative Party without incident. Flybe said arrangements are have been problems nearly every day since panda breeding was a complicated process. “It has “violated its obligations” to protect conference in 1984, received an anonymous being made to enable passengers to complete Waterloo reopened almost two weeks ago is with sadness that we can confirm Tian Tian, children. “The Special Rapporteur is alarmed phone call saying there was an explosive their journey as soon as possible. It added that after £400mn of rebuilding work, with a Edinburgh Zoo’s resident female giant panda, that despite repeated judicial instruction... device in the building. The nearby Brighton engineers were inspecting the plane. “The similar amount spent on tracks and signals. will not give birth to cubs this year,” said Iain the United Kingdom government continues Centre, where the TUC was meeting and safety of passengers and crew is always Flybe’s Yesterday it was a track fault between Valentine, director of giant pandas at the Royal to flout its duty to ensure adequate air quality where the opposition Labour Party is due to number one priority and we apologise for Clapham Junction and Surbiton. Services to Zoological Society of Scotland. Tian Tian, born and protect the rights to life and health of its hold its annual conference later this month, any inconvenience caused by the delay,” the and from these stations were cancelled or in 2003, is one of two pandas who moved to citizens,” it said. was also evacuated. company said. delayed. Britain from China under a 10-year loan.

Plans for Folk dance huge rise Police probing in badger culling theft of money Guardian News and Media London

p to 33,500 badgers will be shot this autumn in an from Grenfell Uattempt to control tuber- culosis in cattle, a huge rise from the 10,000 killed in 2016. The government has an- nounced that 11 new badger cull areas have been licensed, adding to the 10 already in place. Devon Tower fl at now has six badger culls under way, with Somerset and Wilt- Guardian News and Media curity of this crime scene and One volunteer said residents shire having three each, with London integrity of the ongoing inves- had returned to collect what others in Cheshire, Cornwall, tigation at Grenfell,” he said. undamaged belongings they Dorset, Gloucestershire and Emma Dent Coad, the La- could, only to fi nd that some Herefordshire. olice are investigating bour MP for Kensington, said: were missing. “These people The badger culls are highly the theft of money from “The report of this theft is of decided they would go back and controversial, with ministers Pa fl at abandoned after the huge concern to my constitu- face the wreckage and trauma and some farmers arguing they Grenfell Tower fi re in west Lon- ents ... You would imagine as they wanted to collect their are a vital part of curbing bovine don, prompting fears that other that a crime scene would be sentimental items ... It’s like tuberculosis (bTB), which led to properties on the site could closely guarded day and night, stealing from a graveyard in my 29,000 cattle being slaughtered have been targeted by thieves. yet somehow an outsider has opinion, it’s really immoral and in 2016 at a cost of £100mn. People who were directly af- been able to get in and commit pretty horrifi c,” the volunteer However, scientists say there fected by the disaster were in- this appalling and disrespectful said. is little evidence that the current formed on Friday of the theft, crime against survivors of the Police said they had no re- culls will help cut bTB rates, and which police think took place Grenfell fi re. ports of other incidents so could spread the disease even after June 20, six days after the Police did not rule out the far, but Bonner told residents: further by disrupting badger blaze. possibility that the theft could “Every other fl at within Gren- populations. Detective chief inspector have been committed by a Met fell Tower is currently being Ministers also announced the Matt Bonner told them: “Some offi cer, saying: “One of the assessed to try to establish if resumption of a badger vaccina- money appears to have been lines of inquiry must be to ex- any other thefts may have oc- tion scheme in “edge” areas be- stolen from a fl at within Gren- amine exactly who has had ac- curred.” tween high and low TB regions. fell Tower ... This is clearly a cess to the site and the fl ats, The Met said extra security The scheme, suspended for the serious allegation and one that either as authorised personnel had been put in place. “An in- last two years due to a shortage must be fully investigated.” or otherwise.” vestigation into the alleged of vaccine, will fund 50% of the Bonner said police were They said people were al- theft is now being carried out. costs of successful applicants. working with the family af- lowed to access undamaged Steps have been taken to re- Restrictions on the movement of fected and would “follow every some high risk cattle are also be- fl ats on the lower fl oors from view the security of all the fl ats possible line of inquiry to es- ing put in place – some scientists September 4 and six families within Grenfell Tower, and say this is the key to ending the tablish who is responsible for had been able to access their some changes immediately put epidemic. the theft and how the off ence fl ats so far. into place,” it said in a state- “Bovine TB not only has a was committed”. There was no There are concerns that other ment. devastating impact on our beef indication of how much money families may have been aff ected Celeste Thomas, a local resi- and dairy farms, but causes harm was missing. by similar thefts. The Labour dent, said: “I don’t know the and distress to infected cattle,” The news immediately raised councillor Judith Blakeman families aff ected myself, just said Farming Minister George concerns over security meas- said: “The problem now is that that locally there’s anger it’s Eustice. “We have a clear plan ures around the block, which some residents who absolutely taken them this long to be taken to eradicate the disease over the is guarded 24 hours a day by a did not wish to go back to their seriously. next 20 years. Vaccination is just combination of police offi cers fl ats, even to collect posses- “Living within the cordon one part of our comprehensive and private security staff . sions, now feel that they have that surrounded the tower for strategy, which also includes The Labour MP David Lam- to go back, despite the severe the fi rst 10 days, when the rob- tighter cattle controls, improved my called the theft “a disgrace trauma this would cause them. beries are alleged to have taken biosecurity and badger con- and an outrage”. “I had also been told that place, I know that it was hard trol in areas where bTB is rife to Dancers perform the ‘Abbots Bromley Horn Dance’ near the village of Abbots Bromley central “Where were the police? We youngsters had been able to to get into the area. There were tackle the reservoir of disease in England, yesterday. The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is an English folk dance whose origins date are seeing a litany of failures get over the barriers to the site only emergency responders wildlife.” back to the middle ages. The dancers comprise of six Deer-men bearing reindeer antlers, a Fool, a for the victims. Grenfell Tower some time ago, but that this and their support staff , so it’s Each badger cull is set a mini- Hobby Horse, a Bowman and Maid Marian. Musical accompaniment to the dance is provided by two is a crime scene, so this raises had been stopped. But it does adding to a sense of mistrust mum and maximum number of accordion players and a boy playing a triangle. serious questions for the Met- suggest that security is want- between the community and badgers to be shot. ropolitan police about the se- ing.” authorities.”

Lumley in Londonderry British Virgin Islands Armed police to get premier seeks help

AFP need “major help to rebuild peo- London ple’s homes, buildings, liveli- new £50mn base hoods”, billionaire Richard Bran- son, who owns Necker island, London Evening Standard also provide aerial support for the London Bridge attack when he premier of the British said. London “pre-planned and spontane- armed offi cers confronted and Virgin Islands has called Five people were killed in the ous fi rearms operations” in the killed the three attackers within Tfor the UK to provide long- territory when Irma struck the eight-week trial and live footage eight minutes. Disclosing the term support in the wake of Hur- Caribbean with winds of up to new £50mn base for of deployments. decision to set up a fi rearms base ricane Irma, which killed fi ve 294kms per hour. armed police is to be built The decision to set up the new in Limehouse, Met deputy com- people in the territory. The region’s overall death toll is Ain London to help protect fi rearms base came as the Met missioner Craig Mackey said the “We are a resilient people but at least 30. the public from terrorism. continues to expand its capabil- force needed new sites for its this has shaken us to our core,” The British government held The base will house at least ity through the recruitment of armed offi cers and had already Premier Orlando Smith said, de- an emergency meeting on Sunday 200 offi cers and have a fi ring 600 armed offi cers. Once com- built a new range at Hendon. scribing the “critical” situation to discuss the hurricane, which range and other facilities de- pleted, this will take the total But the new Limehouse base after the islands were struck by Foreign Minister Boris Johnson signed to enable the Met’s fi re- number to 2,800. would make it easier to ensure the superstorm. described as a “catastrophe that’s arms specialists to hone their The increase, which amounts that offi cers were readily avail- British military personnel have engulfed our friends.” shooting and decision- making to a rise of more than a third in the able to tackle both terrorist inci- been deployed to the archipelago, Johnson said three planes skills. number of armed offi cers in Lon- dents and other crimes in which with the Royal Navy saying locals would be fl ying to the region to It will be built in Limehouse don, was ordered before this sum- guns might be involved. had helped a helicopter crew un- support the relief eff ort, while and is being located in east Lon- mer’s terror attacks in the capital He added: “The reality is that load medical supplies, including 500 troops were already in the don partly to make it easier to and Manchester. It was a response when you have the sort of fi re- vaccines. area hit by Irma. keep offi cers on hand to respond to the heightened threat since the arms capability we have, you While Smith praised eff orts so Fifty-three police offi cers were to any future terror attacks. Islamic State terror group urged have to accredit and train peo- far by the Marines and engineers, also being deployed “to help sort The move came as the Met its followers to infl ict murder in ple regularly. The fi rearms range he called on London to craft more things out, get these wonderful also announced it would trial the their home countries using what- at Hendon is up, but it’s not just substantial plans for the territory, places back on their feet,” John- use of drones in fi rearms opera- ever means possible. that one. As we redevelop in the home to roughly 28,000 people son said. tions and other incidents. Scot- The need for armed offi cers to east of London we are looking and heavily reliant on tourism. As well as delivering emergency land Yard said it was borrowing a be available to respond rapidly at a similar type of capability at “A comprehensive econom- shelter kits, rations and water, the drone from Sussex Police to help was illustrated by the attacks at Limehouse. ic package for reconstruction ministry of defence said troops in searches for high-risk missing Westminster and London Bridge “That’s about making sure we backed by the UK government were working on re-establishing people, serious road accidents, in particular, as well as those can keep those offi cers trained, Joanna Lumley poses for a picture as she attends an event will be needed over the long-term communications on the British searches for suspects and the overseas such as in Barcelona. accredited, and up to the stand- held by Richard Moore, director of Children in Crossfire, in in order to return to normalcy,” he Virgin Islands and clearing the identifi cation of cannabis facto- The announcement of the ards they need to be, and avail- Londonderry, Northern Ireland, yesterday. said. runway to allow further aid to ries. However, the drone would new base came 100 days after able.” The British Virgin Islands will reach the islands. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 13 BRITAIN

WEATHER VERDICT EDUCATION TRAVEL LAW AND ORDER Mother jailed for throwing Parents slam strict rules Uber to stop using diesel More than 100 arrested over baby out of window at failing academy cars in London by end 2019 London arms fair protests

A woman who gave birth to a girl before putting The new head of a failing school has come in for Uber will cease using diesel cars in London by the More than 100 people have been arrested as her in a plastic bag and throwing her out a severe criticism after introducing strict new rules end of 2019 and the vast majority of rides will be they tried to prevent weapons companies from window has been jailed for 10 years. An earlier to improve pupil performance. Concerns over the in electric or hybrid vehicles by then, the taxi app setting up their stands for the world’s biggest hearing was told the mother did not want the “army-like schooling” at Great Yarmouth Charter said. At the moment the company says around half arms fair, which begins this week in London. Peace baby as she reminded her of the father who was Academy have been expressed by parents. New of all the journey miles completed in the capital activists began a week of blockades of ExCeL no longer a partner. The girl, who cannot be rules include banning mobile phones and children are undertaken with greener vehicles on the centre in Docklands last Monday to stop weapons, identified for legal reasons, survived, but was have been told to be in bed by 21:30 every night. firm’s standard low-cost UberX service, which lets vehicles and other military equipment arriving left with serious brain injuries. Her mother, 32, But a spokesman for the school said what pupils customers book journeys on their smartphone. at the biennial Defence and Security Equipment from Oswestry, Shropshire, admitted attempted needed was “the right environment to learn Several carmakers have announced plans to International (DSEI) arms fair. By Sunday afternoon, murder. The infant was found outside a house and succeed”. Great Yarmouth High School was electrify a large proportion of their new cars, with after seven days of protests, 102 people had been in the Meole Brace area of Shrewsbury in taken over by Inspiration Trust and re-named Volvo becoming the first major carmaker to set a arrested. Many of those who risked arrest to try to April 2016. West Mercia Police said then the Charter Academy. Until this summer it had “some date for phasing out vehicles powered solely by prevent the arms fair from going ahead said they A rainbow forms over the London Eye, Britain, newborn had been placed in the care of the local of the worst GCSE results in the entire country”, the internal combustion engine. Britain will ban the had done so because they believed the products yesterday. authority. according to new principal Barry Smith. sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2040. could be used to commit war crimes.

Protest against Brexit Bill NHS waiting times driving people to private treatment: study

Guardian News and Media port, titled The Private Healthcare London UK Self-Pay Market 2017. The fi ndings have sparked fresh concern about the state of an NHS rowing numbers of pa- struggling to cope with a rising tients are paying for pri- demand for care caused by the Gvate treatment to beat ra- ageing and growing population tioning and delays for treatment while it grapples with the longest imposed by the cash-strapped budget squeeze in its history and NHS. deepening staff shortages. People who do not have health One leading doctor, Dr Mark insurance are increasingly paying Holland, the president of the So- up to £14,880 for operations such ciety for Acute Medicine, said the as a hip or knee replacement or growth in self-pay raised ques- cataract removal, a report reveals. tions about whether the govern- Profi t-driven hospital fi rms are ment’s long-term plan for the experiencing 15% to 25% year- NHS was to hasten creeping pri- on-year rises in the number of vatisation or return it to its origins uninsured “self-payers”, with the as a publicly-funded and provided increase mainly driven by long service. waiting times to undergo non- “(There are) mixed messages urgent surgery in NHS hospitals. from government,” Holland said. Patients are using their savings “They reassure the public on one or taking out loans to pay for their hand, but at the same time there treatment. is a clear move for services to A pro-European Union demonstrator protests outside the Houses of Parliament in central London against the first vote yesterday on a bill to end Britain’s membership of The biggest increases have been be privatised. The public have a the EU. Ministers say the bill will avoid a “chaotic” Brexit but it has been condemned as an unprecedented power grab. in those paying for procedures to right to know what the govern- relieve disabling condition, inter- ment’s long-term strategy on ventions that are increasingly hard healthcare really is. I fear we could for people in England to obtain on make proper healthcare beyond the NHS without a long wait. the reach of those who are already “There’s no doubt that NHS disadvantaged. waiting lists are at the heart of “Selling off chunks of the NHS this growth in self-pay,” said Keith makes no sense. Assuming they Pollard, the chief executive of In- want to make a profi t, how can tuition Communications, which they maintain quality when serv- undertook the research. ices are already underfunded. My Call for rethink on N-plans The report said: “Providers conclusion is that services and have noted a direct correlation at quality will be sacrifi ced for profi t. a local level between reported ex- “(NHS creator, Aneurin) Bev- cessive waiting times for surgery an’s vision for the NHS should and demand for self-pay surgery.” be revisited and updated as it ap- The total number of patients proaches its 70th birthday,” he as windfarm costs fall in England waiting for planned said. “What we must not allow is hospital care within the maxi- for the NHS to have its soul de- Guardian News and Media the government. The subsidised ernment of the UK’s energy pro- nology has arrived,” said energy projects announced.” mum 18 weeks guaranteed under stroyed. If we are not careful the London price is far below the £92.50 vision,” he said. analysts Corwnall Insight, while Although Hinkley’s opera- the Referral to Treatment scheme NHS will simply be a brand, lack- awarded last year to Britain’s fi rst The government spending the Economist Intelligence Unit tor, French state-owned EDF, exceeded 4mn in July for the fi rst ing any substance and simply a new nuclear power site in a gen- watchdog this year described said they showed “the trajectory has signed a contract to build time in decade, soon after NHS limp apology by the government he government is under eration, Hinkley Point C. Hinkley as a “risky and expen- of cheaper renewable technolo- the £20.3bn plant in conjunc- England and ministers controver- for a false promise. In every sense, pressure to reconsider Vince Cable, leader of the Lib- sive” project that generations of gies is irreversible”. tion with China’s government- sially relaxed the target. this move will be tragic.” Tits commitment to a new eral Democrats, said the break- British consumers will have to Ministers said the multi- owned nuclear fi rm, campaigners There has also been a rise in The fi ndings come as health generation of nuclear power through should prompt a rethink pay for through electricity bills. million-pound pot of subsidies said yesterday’s news called into those paying for private cancer service bosses gather in Manches- stations after the cost of state of the government’s energy plans, Experts hailed yesterday’s auc- would generate clean power for question the rationale for the site care in the wake of NHS England ter for the opening of NHS Eng- support for off shore windfarms which have pencilled in atomic tion results, for a handful of 3.6mn homes. in Somerset. cutting the number of drugs it land’s annual two-day NHS Expo. reached a record low yesterday. plants at Wylff a in Wales, Sizewell windfarms that will open early in Richard Harrington, the ener- Caroline Lucas, the party’s co- pays for under the Cancer Drugs Simon Stevens, the organisation’s Experts said green energy had in Suff olk and Bradwell in Essex. the next decade, as evidence that gy minister, said: “The off shore leader, said: “This massive price Fund. “Widely publicised restric- chief executive, and the Health reached a tipping point in the UK “The spectacular drop in the large scale renewable projects had wind sector alone will invest drop for off shore wind is a huge tions on NHS funding for cancer Secretary Jeremy Hunt, will out- after two windfarms secured a cost of off shore wind is extremely come of age in Britain. £17.5bn in the UK up to 2021 and boost for the renewables industry drugs is fuelling the growth in line their plans for the service in guaranteed price for their power encouraging and shows the need “The epoch of renewables as thousands of new jobs in busi- and should be the nail in the coffi n self-pay oncology,” notes the re- keynote speeches today. of £57.50 per megawatt hour from for a radical reappraisal by gov- the most cost competitive tech- nesses will be created by the for new nuclear.”

Anniversary Migrant dies after suicide Duchy residents fi ght bid at detention centre ‘unfair’ freehold ban Guardian News and Media moor and land in Gloucestershire, London Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset. Guardian News and Media The Home Offi ce declined to didn’t get the help he needed from The residents are making use London confi rm whether he had been re- the detention healthcare service. of a government consultation leased from detention before or af- The day before the incident he was rince Charles’s £1bn Duchy that closes next week on min- ter the incident on Sunday. When crying like a baby and saying about of Cornwall estate is facing isters’ proposals “to tackle un- 28-year-old Polish man asked whether confi rmation of the healthcare: ‘Why don’t you help Pa rebellion by residents fair and unreasonable abuses of has died after an attempt incident had been delayed so as me, why ignore me?’” who claim they are subject to an leasehold”. Ato kill himself at an im- not to be made public at the same Fifty-nine detainees at Har- unfair ban on buying the free- It is primarily aimed at house- migration removal centre in Lon- time as the Panorama programme, mondsworth signed a protest let- holds to their homes. builders retaining freeholds of don. a Home Offi ce spokeswoman re- ter after the death saying: “It’s a Residents in the historic duchy- new homes, but the duchy ten- The incident happened at the plied: “Absolutely not.” disgrace that no one has been held owned village of Newton St Loe, ants argue there is no reason they Harmondsworth detention cen- The centre manager, Paul Mor- accountable for such poor care. We near Bath, and in the Scilly Isles should be treated diff erently to tre last Sunday, the day before the rison, circulated a letter to de- are human beings not animals.” off the tip of Cornwall have urged any other homeowner just be- BBC aired a damning documen- tainees on Friday, stating that the Emma Ginn, the co-ordinator the Communities Secretary, Sajid cause Charles is their landlord. tary that showed guards at another detainee was taken to hospital af- of Medical Justice, a charity that Javid, to scrap a unique ministe- Leaseholders in the rest of the IRC mistreating vulnerable people, ter he tried to kill himself and that works to improve the healthcare rial undertaking that for decades country have a legal right under including those who were suicidal. some detainees tried to help him of immigration detainees, said: has denied them the right to buy the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 The Guardian received reports immediately after the incident. “Earlier this week we called on homes outright because they are to buy the freehold of their house about the incident from lawyers, “This is clearly a very sad and the Home Offi ce to close all im- part of the duchy, which provides if they meet certain qualifying detainees and charities – fi rst that tragic event,” Morrison wrote. migration removal centres before Charles with a £20mn-a-year pri- criteria, but an exemption has the man had died and then that he According to Harmondsworth another detainee dies. Another vate income. been made for some duchy prop- was on a life support machine. The detainees, the man’s mother trav- detainee has now died. This death, Charles is the sole benefi ci- erty. Home Offi ce, however, repeatedly elled by bus from Poland to see her like all the others, was avoidable as ary of the duchy’s property and The ban on them becoming refused to confi rm the accounts. son before the life support ma- immigration detention is optional. investment portfolio, which freeholders “is a real injustice It issued a statement saying: chine was turned off . The detain- “Clients have been calling us all among other things funds the and unfairness that should not “We can confi rm that a 28-year- ees said the man had been granted week, traumatised by having seen upkeep of his Gloucestershire be allowed to stand”, duchy resi- old man recently released from bail two weeks before the incident, what they say was a dead body, and mansion, Highgrove, the life- dents have told Javid. They com- Harmondsworth immigration re- but the Home Offi ce had failed to terrifi ed by their treatment and the styles of Princes William and plain they are unable to sell their moval centre died in hospital af- release him. The Home Offi ce de- conditions in immigration deten- Harry and even Prince George’s homes because the leases have ter life support was withdrawn on clined to comment on this claim. tion … We call again for the im- First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks on the 20th £18,000 preparatory school fees. run down and they cannot bor- September 7.” One detainee, who was a friend mediate closure of all immigration anniversary of Scotland voting to establish its own As well as large parts of Corn- row against their properties to It remains unclear why the man of the man, said: “He had physi- removal centres before yet another Parliament, in Edinburgh, yesterday. wall, it owns the Oval cricket pay for care fees for themselves was being held in the centre. cal and emotional problems but detainee dies.” ground in London, most of Dart- and loved ones”. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 EUROPE

30 hurt in Swiss Nato vigilant as Russia train collision

Reuters/AFP prepares for war games Zurich By Peter Spinella, DPA associate director for Russia at alliance would closely monitor Sweden launches largest military drill in twenty years Moscow the global consultancy Control the exercises. wo trains collided yester- Risks group, told DPA. While Nato intended to send Sweden has launched its largest military exercise in A few French and US air defence units have arrived in day in a station in central “The Russian military counts several observers, “these invita- two decades, comprising about 19,000 Swedish mili- the west coast port city of Gothenburg, Swedish Radio TSwitzerland, Swiss police hile the West’s ties actual troops engaged in the tions fall short from the trans- tary and home guard troops. reported yesterday. said, injuring around 30 people. with Russia struggle fi eld exercises,” Abdullaev said, parency required by the OSCE”, The main scenario for the drill – called Aurora 17 – is In the coming days, the foreign units were to move The accident happened in An- Wthrough their worst “while Nato offi cials may also Stoltenberg said, according to a rising regional tensions, resulting in a surprise attack from the west to the east coast, including near Stock- dermatt, a mountain town in the period since the Cold War, North count civilian offi cials and con- transcript on Nato’s website. on Sweden. holm in the build-up for the feigned attack. canton of Uri. Atlantic Treaty Organisation scripts from the defence minis- “Transparency and predict- “The drill is a key security policy signal. It raises the Others were to deploy on the Baltic Sea island of Police said medical personnel (Nato) member states are con- try,” as well as others not directly ability are even more impor- threshold against diff erent types of incidents,” Defence Gotland, another focal point. were at the scene. cerned as Russia and neighbour- involved in the simulated fi ght- tant when tensions run high, Minister Peter Hultqvist said. The drill runs until September 29, and coincides partly “No one is in critical condi- ing Belarus are set on Thursday ing. to reduce the risks of misun- He added it would help “assess our military capability”. with a Russian exercise named Zapad. tion,” said a spokeswoman for to embark on a series of war “At the previous Zapad mili- derstandings and incidents,” Units from neighbouring Finland that like Sweden is Sweden and Finland have co-operated with Nato the regional police. games. tary drills in 2013,” said Abdul- Stoltenberg warned. “Nato re- not a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation within the Partnership for Peace (PFP) framework Around 100 people were on- Russia says that the week- laev, “Russian and Belarusian mains calm and vigilant, and (Nato), and Nato members Denmark, Estonia, France, since 1994 and have participated in Nato-led opera- board when the accident hap- long Zapad (“West”) military offi cials reported a joint force committed to keep Estonia and Lithuania, Norway, and the United States, were also to tions in Afghanistan. pened shortly before midday, exercises, to be conducted in Be- of 10,000 servicemen, while all our allies safe.” take part. Despite close ties with Nato, there is no consensus in including three school classes larus and around western Rus- Western offi cials estimated the Last month, Russia’s defence Some were to perform as attackers. either Nordic country on seeking Nato membership. counting 65 primary and sec- sia, will involve almost 13,000 number of the drills participants ministry assured that the Za- The US contingent is the largest with about 1,400 Sweden has in recent years inked bilateral agreements ondary school students, the soldiers. at 75,000.” pad drills were not preparations troops. with Nato members, including Britain and the US. Swiss daily Blick reported. But the actual number of par- Military exercises involv- for invading the Nato member Eighteen of those injured were ticipants could be as many as ing more than 13,000 soldiers states of Poland and Lithuania, children, it said. 100,000, require thorough transparency or even Nato aspirant Ukraine. eastern Ukraine, in which about starting a war Russia cannot and elsewhere, must prepare The accident happened short- Germany’s defence minister, on an international level, ac- Poland and the Baltic states, 10,000 people have been killed. win,” said Mark Galeotti, senior for diff erent scenarios, from ly as a train run by the Matter- Ursula von der Leyen, said last cording to an agreement of the including Lithuania, have been Russia has denied the accu- researcher at the Institute of In- defence to invasion, Abdullaev horn-Gotthard rail company, week. Organisation for Security and on edge about a potential threat sations and maintains that it is ternational Relations Prague. said. “But invading bordering made up of a locomotive and fi ve Russia has adamantly denied Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), from Russia since that coun- supporting the cause of rebel Russian political analyst EU member states that are also carriages, attempted a manoeu- her claim. of which Russia and most other try annexed Crimea, a region groups seeking independence Vladimir Frolov agreed: “There Nato member states is not on vre at Andermatt station. Such varying headcounts European states are members. of neighbouring Ukraine, three from Kiev. is no strategic purpose for Russia cards of the Russian political The locomotive was supposed could result from two diff erent Nato Secretary General Jens years ago. “There is zero chance of an that could be served by invading leadership. to move to a parallel track to approaches to the calculations, Stoltenberg said in Estonia last Kiev regularly accuses Russia imminent military operation the Baltics and Nato.” “These war games are about move from the back of the train security analyst Nabi Abdullaev, week that the Western military of continuing to wage a war in against Nato, which would be Military planners, in Russia sending signals.” to the front, and allow the train to head back towards the Alpine resort of Disentis. Opposition makes But Jan Barwalde, a spokes- man for the rail company told rare gains in local AFP that something had gone Moscow vote wrong and the locomotive had Humanity will ‘go down’ if it does slammed into the carriages. Russia’s beleaguered opposition “For some reason, the loco- has claimed rare gains at motive drove into the convoy municipal council elections in it had just detached from, in- Moscow, though the Kremlin- stead of moving onto the parallel backed ruling party still not address climate change: Pope track,” he said. dominated voting nationwide. He said the locomotive had Russia held some 6,000 been travelling at a speed of only polls on Sunday to choose 16 Pope slams climate change held morally responsible for fu- The accord, agreed on by 15kph to 20kph, and there ap- regional governors and local deniers as ‘stupid’ ture eff ects on the planet. nearly 200 countries, aims to peared to be very little material representatives across the “You can see the eff ects of cut emissions blamed for global damage. country, the last major vote Reuters/AFP climate change and scientists warming. But the eff ect was nonetheless ahead of a presidential election Aboard the Papal Plane have clearly said what path we The United States committed dramatic for the schoolchildren, in March that Vladimir Putin is have to follow,” he said, refer- to reducing its own by 26% to many of whom were heading to expected to contest and win. ring to a consensus by scientists 28%, compared with 2005 lev- a camp. Voter turnout rates in the local ope Francis said the re- that global warming is caused els, by 2025. “We were just getting into polls were low, in particular in cent spate of hurricanes by human activity such as fos- Many world leaders criticised the train when there was a jerk,” Moscow where the electoral Pshould prompt people to sil fuels. Trump for pulling out. 32-year-old secondary school commission said less than 15% of understand that humanity will “All of us have a responsibil- “If someone is doubtful that teacher Chantal Michel told eligible voters had cast ballots. “go down” if it does not address ity, all of us, small or large, a this is true, they should ask Blick. In the sprawling Russian capital, climate change and history will moral responsibility. We have to scientists. They are very clear. She said some students who opposition candidates appeared judge those who deny the sci- take it seriously. We can’t joke These are not opinions made were on the stairs lifting suit- on course to pick up some 15% of ence on its causes. about it,” he said. “Each person on the fl y. They are very clear. cases into the train when the ac- council seats despite allegations “If we don’t turn back, we has their own. Even politicians Then each person can decide cident happened had fallen. that the authorities deliberately will go down,” Francis told re- have their own.” and history will judge the deci- Twenty-fi ve of those injured failed to publicise the vote in a porters on Sunday on the plane “A phrase from the Old Tes- sions,” he said. had been taken to hospital, but bid to keep the opponents’ tally returning from Colombia. tament comes to mind: ‘man is US President Donald Trump most were quickly released. low. Francis strongly backed the Pope Francis speaking with journalists during a news conference stupid, a stubborn, blind man’,” withdrew from the Paris agree- Teacher Andre Kobelt told Former opposition lawmaker 2015 Paris agreement on reduc- held on board the flight to Rome, at the end of his five-day visit to Francis added. ment shortly after visiting the Blick that one child was being Dmitry Gudkov, who helped push ing global warming, from which Colombia. Ahead of the Paris summit in Vatican in May. kept in hospital overnight with a a loose grassroots grouping the United States withdrew this 2015, Francis wrote a major en- The Vatican had urged him to suspected concussion. of independents and activists, year. and torrential rains that left cent hurricanes, including cyclical, or papal letter, on the stay in the accord. The regional police and the told AFP that results showed Francis spoke as hurricane millions without power, ripped Irma and Harvey, and if politi- care of the environment which A Vatican offi cial said at the Swiss Transportation Safety In- over 200 of their candidates Irma pounded central Florida roofs off homes and flooded cal leaders who do not want to backed the gradual elimination time that the US move was a vestigation Board have opened had won across the city, a major as it carved through the state city streets. work with other countries to of fossil fuels to stem global “slap in the face” for the Pope an investigation into the acci- improvement on the last time with high winds, storm surges Francis was asked about re- stem global warming should be warming. and the Vatican. dent. round. “The electorate voted for change, for new faces. There is a big demand for this,” he said. Despite the modest gains, however, election off icials said Saakashvili vows to unite Ukraine the ruling United Russia party looked set to take over 75% of seats in Moscow and scored overwhelming victories in other opposition against Poroshenko regions around the country.

Reuters Kremlin leader Viktor Yanuko- Saakashvili divides opinion. and lead to early elections.” Czech govt agrees Lviv, Ukraine vych. Supporters see him as a fear- Saakashvili’s relationship At present it seems unlikely less crusader against corrup- with Poroshenko dates back to increase wages that Saakashvili, who studied tion but critics say there is little nearly three decades to when day after forcing his way in Ukraine and speaks fl uent substance behind his blustery they were students at the same Czech public sector wages past border guards back Ukrainian, will come to power. rhetoric. university in Kiev and their will rise by at least 10% from Ainto Ukraine, former His Ukrainian citizenship, be- Back home in Georgia, his shared opposition to the Krem- November 1, Prime Minister Georgian president Mikheil Saa- stowed by Poroshenko when he time in offi ce was tarnished by lin later brought them together Bohuslav Sobotka said yesterday kashvili said he would unite the made him governor of Odessa what critics said was his mo- as politicians. as the country gears up for opposition against his former in 2015, has been withdrawn, nopolising power and exerting But a bitter spat erupted in elections next month. ally President Petro Poroshenko and polls show little support for pressure on the judiciary. November 2016, a year after Po- Czech wages soared 7.6% in the and planned to campaign for his party, the Movement of New He was president at the time roshenko invited Saakashvili to Saakashvili: I am fighting against rampant corruption, against the second quarter, their fastest support. Forces. of a disastrous fi ve-day war with be the governor of the region of fact that oligarchs are in full control of Ukraine again, against the rate of growth in a decade, Saakashvili wants to unseat “I am fi ghting against ram- Russia in 2008, a confl ict that Odessa to help drive reforms. fact that Maidan has been betrayed. fuelling expectations that the Poroshenko at the next election, pant corruption, against the fact his critics argued was the result The latter quit, accusing Po- central bank might further raise accusing the president of reneg- that oligarchs are in full control of his own miscalculations. roshenko of abetting corruption The president said Saakash- to silence opponents. interest rates in response to an ing on promises to root out cor- of Ukraine again, against the fact Saakashvili says he does not and turned into one of his loud- vili should have used Ukrainian “We didn’t want this coun- accelerating economy and to ruption and carry out reforms that Maidan has been betrayed,” covet the presidency himself and est critics. courts to challenge the revoca- try when we stayed on Maidan,” keep a lid on inflation. made during the 2014 Maidan Saakashvili said at a press con- wants to promote a new, younger Meanwhile, Poroshenko’s of- tion. he told reporters. “We wanted Unions have sought seek to protests, which ousted pro- ference in the city of Lviv. politician to the post. fi ce said Saakashvili had failed to “Now this is a matter of law a country in which opponents, secure public sector workers a But while perhaps not a threat deliver change as governor and enforcement agencies and they political opponents, have a right greater share of the spoils from as a direct rival, Saakashvili said his Ukrainian citizenship have begun to act,” Poroshenko to say what they want.” what is already an extended could prove to be an eff ective was withdrawn because he al- said. Saakashvili may yet face ar- period of strong economic weapon against Poroshenko for legedly put false information on Saakashvili said he would rest. growth. powerful opposition fi gures like his registration form. travel to all regions of Ukraine to Police have launched a crimi- The three parties in the EU Yulia Tymoshenko, who was Saakashvili says the decision unite “diff erent political forces nal investigation into Sunday’s member state’s governing with him at the border on Sun- was politically motivated. around a common theme that incident, while General Pros- coalition have agreed to this, but day. It left him eff ectively stateless we must have a democracy and ecutor Yuriy Lutsenko said those not over how to finance it without Poroshenko trails in the polls as Georgia has also withdrawn we should not let oligarchs hold who crossed the border illegally undermining plans for next year’s behind Tymoshenko, a former his citizenship. sway”. would be prosecuted. budget. prime minister and leader of one On Sunday evening Saakash- Ukraine’s record of imple- Kiev could leave Saakashvili “Teachers’ wages will grow by of Ukraine’s largest opposition vili and his supporters forced menting reforms has been alone, arrest him and possibly 15%, the rest of public sector parties. their way past a cordon of border patchy since Poroshenko took extradite him to Georgia. employees’ (wages) by 10%,” “This is a marriage of conven- guards to return to Ukraine from offi ce in 2014. Saakashvili took power in Sobotka said on his Twitter ience between Tymoshenko and Poland. Reformist lawmaker Mustafa Georgia after a peaceful upris- account. Saakashvili, but the parties have “It does not matter who vio- Nayyem, one of the faces of the ing, known as the Rose Revolu- He said coalition leaders had diff erent interests,” said politi- lates the state border – invaders Maidan protests and a member tion, in 2003. agreed to the hike and he cal analyst Volodymyr Fesenko. in the East or politicians in the of Poroshenko’s faction in par- The 49-year-old is now expected the government Poroshenko: It does not matter who violates the state border – “She tries to use this situation West. There always must be legal liament, travelled with Saakash- wanted on criminal charges in to approve it by the end of invaders in the East or politicians in the West. There always must be with the hope that this will pro- responsibility,” Poroshenko said vili on Sunday and accused the Georgia, which he says were September. legal responsibility. voke a political crisis in Ukraine in televised remarks yesterday. authorities in Kiev of attempting trumped up for political reasons. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 15 EUROPE

Germany’s Greens Hundreds of thousands want coal power rally for independence plants shut AFP/Reuters the referendum) and the mobili- ing ballots for the referendum as price of Barcelona sation that prompted this proc- while Spain’s state prosecutor ess remains intact,” Catalonia’s has launched criminal proceed- pro-independence president ings against Puigdemont and coalition undreds of thousands Carles Puigdemont told report- other Catalan offi cials. of Catalans rallied yes- ers. Puigdemont is facing crimi- Hterday to demand their Those against independence nal charges of misuse of public Reuters region break away from Spain, in complained that a day meant for money, disobedience and abuse Berlin a show of strength three weeks all Catalans had been hijacked by of offi ce for organising the ref- ahead of an independence refer- the separatists – and even more erendum. endum banned by Madrid. so this year ahead of the refer- He is prepared to go to prison, ermany’s Greens said Draped in red, yellow and blue endum. he has said. yesterday that closing separatist fl ags – with one ban- “The theme of today’s protest A majority of Catalonia’s Gthe country’s 20 dirtiest ner reading “Goodbye Spain” is ‘Diada of the Yes’,” Ines Ar- mayors have so far said they will coal-fi red power stations would – they marched through central rimadas, the leader in Catalonia allow the use of municipal facili- be a key condition of any coali- Barcelona in what many hope of the anti-independence Ciu- ties for the vote. tion with Chancellor Angela will be the last protest before in- dadanos party, said on Spanish The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Merkel’s conservatives after this dependence. television. “That means that Colau, said yesterday that she month’s election. “If there is huge mobilisa- those of us who aren’t in favour would do everything possible to Greens co-leader Cem Oz- tion, they can’t do anything in of independence cannot partici- allow people to vote but would demir said he wanted to anchor Madrid,” says Jordi Calatayud, a pate.” not put civil servants’ jobs at the fi ght against climate change 21-year-old economics student Prime Minister Mariano Ra- risk. as the core “philosophy” of the of the October 1 vote. “Catalan joy, whose conservative govern- Catalan society is deeply di- next government, particularly people will make independence ment is fi ercely against the vote, vided over independence. given the backdrop of recent se- possible, if there are many of us, wished Catalonia “a good day”, In a survey by the Catalan vere weather – from fl ooding in they can’t stop us.” calling “for a Diada of freedom, Centre of Opinion Studies in Germany to drought in southern “We hope that we will be able cohabitation and respect for all July, 41.1% backed independ- Europe. to hold the referendum with to- Catalans”. ence while 49.9% rejected it. “It is almost as if nature is try- tal normality, because in a de- Demonstrators took the shape Some 70% wanted a refer- ing to speak to us,” Ozdemir told mocracy it is normal to be able of a giant “X” by gathering on endum, however, to settle the journalists on a solar-powered to vote,” said German Freixas, a the Paseo de Gracia and Aragon question once and for all. boat anchored in Berlin, which 42-year-old engineer accompa- avenues in central Barcelona to Like the referendum held in the Greens planned to sail past nying his family to the rally. “If represent the mark Catalans will Britain last year on the country’s Merkel’s offi ce later in the day. the people want it to happen, it make on their ballots during the membership in the European Polls show Merkel’s conserva- will go ahead.” referendum. Union, the issue in Catalonia tives are likely to win the Sep- Some 400,000 people had If the “Yes” side wins the ref- pits rural areas – which are more tember 24 election with around signed up to join the demon- erendum, Catalonia’s regional pro-independence – against 38% of the vote but will need a stration in Barcelona, part of an government has vowed to de- large urban centres like Barce- coalition partner to govern, with escalating struggle between the clare independence within 48 lona that are more in favour of options including a “Jamaica wealthy northeastern province hours and set about building a remaining in Spain. coalition” of the conservatives, and Spain’s central government. sovereign state. Catalonia, which is roughly the Greens and the liberal Free The protest coincides with With Spain’s central govern- the same size as Belgium and has Democrats (FDP). Catalonia’s national day, the ment promising to block the ref- its own language and customs, The Greens, however, have “Diada”, which marks the fall erendum, the pro-independence already has signifi cant powers raised doubts about the viabil- of Barcelona in the War of the camp is keen to show that it can over matters such as education ity of such an alliance, as they Spanish Succession in 1714 and rally its troops – especially after and healthcare. would be reluctant to work with the region’s subsequent loss of participation in the “Diada” de- But Spain’s economic prob- the FDP. institutions and freedoms. clined last year. lems, coupled with a perception Ozdemir highlighted the gulf Since 2012 the holiday has Rajoy’s conservative gov- that the wealthy northeastern between these two parties, not- been used by separatists to press ernment argues that the vote region’s 7.5mn people pay more ing that a leading member of the for an independent state. violates the constitution, which in taxes to Madrid than they get FDP had branded links between Demonstrators climbed on states that only central authori- in return, have pushed the inde- recent extreme weather events each others’ shoulders to form ties can call a referendum. pendence question to the centre and climate change as “fake human towers, a Catalan tradi- Following a legal challenge stage. news”. tion, while others bore banners from his government, Spain’s During the 2013 “Diada” “We will talk to everybody but reading ‘We’re going to be a Constitutional Court suspended demonstrators formed a human not about everything,” Ozdemir free country!’ and ‘Full of hope’ a referendum law that was fast- chain that crossed Catalonia. said of potential coalition nego- while wearing fl uorescent yellow tracked through Catalonia’s re- The following year the dem- tiations. t-shirts with the word ‘yes’. gional parliament on Wednes- onstration took the shape of a Support for the Greens is on Neither the police nor the day. giant “V” for “vote” down two of 8% in the latest polls but a Forsa town hall were immediately able Police have searched a Catalan the main avenues of Barcelona. survey showed half of Germans to give a crowd estimation. printing house and a local week- In 2015 the march resembled a would welcome the Greens be- “There are 20 days left (until ly newspaper suspected of mak- human arrow. People gather for a rally on Catalonia’s national day ‘La Diada’ in Barcelona. ing part of the new government. A study last week showed that Germany is set to miss its goal to SPD’s Schulz appeals to elderly voters cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emis- sions by a far wider margin than Germany’s chancellor hopeful previously thought. Women ask Merkel for more support Martin Schulz (pictured right) “Instead of being world cham- addressed elderly voters yesterday pions in climate protection, we in a last-ditch attempt to close the are world champions in lignite Reuters support Merkel – on 60% – the male-dominated Free Demo- gap between his centre-left Social coal,” Ozdemir said, noting that Berlin than her SPD challenger Martin crats and Alternative fur Deut- Democrats (SPD) and the ruling Germany’s CO2 emissions have Schulz – on just 20%. schland (AfD). conservatives. been rising for eight years. Merkel was initially opposed Merkel says she wants half her Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Once dubbed the “climate group of German women’s to quotas, but her government new cabinet to be female, com- government – in which the SPD chancellor” for pushing other organisations wrote to has introduced a requirement for pared to seven out of 16 posts is a junior partner – is “unable wealthy nations to address cli- AChancellor Angela Mer- women to hold 30% of seats on now, although that will depend to guarantee dignity in old mate change, Merkel has come kel yesterday demanding more non-executive company boards on which party she shares power age”, Schulz said during a press under fi re for not moving Ger- support for their goals of equal after it was championed by her with. conference in which he outlined four policy positions that would be many fast enough to cut its reli- participation, equal pay and bet- junior coalition partners, the She has also warned fi rms they “non-negotiable” in post-election coalition talks. ance on fossil fuels as it phases ter monitoring of gender policies centre-left Social Democrats. face tougher regulation if they do At 45, Germany has the oldest median age of any European Union out nuclear power. after the September 24 election. Beyond that, however, not promote more women. member state. Merkel has suggested that Merkel was elected as Ger- Merkel: wants half her new progress at boosting female rep- The women’s groups said they According to the German statistics off ice (Destatis), 56.1% of people Germany should eventually many’s fi rst female chancellor in cabinet to be female, compared resentation in both business and welcomed Merkel’s desire for an eligible to vote in the September 24 election are 50 years of age and consider phasing out lignate coal 2005, helped by strong support to seven out of 16 posts now. politics has been slow. equal cabinet and for more wom- older. power plants to help it cut CO2 from women voters, but the lead- None of Germany’s top 30 list- en in business, but said more was Schulz said the SPD would under no circumstances raise the retirement emissions, but she is treading er of the conservative Christian women in professions ranging ed companies has a female chief needed to improve participation age from 67 to 70, a policy that Merkel has also paid lip service to but carefully as the move could hit Democrats (CDU) has not made from medicine to law and en- executive and women hold only and equal pay. that has been refuted by Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, a senior tens of thousands of jobs. fi ghting for equal rights a major gineering. “Now, new, binding 7% of executive positions in the “The example of the mandato- figure in her Christian Democrats (CDU). Ozdemir said the Greens priority. milestones with clear targets 160 biggest listed fi rms, up from ry gender quota for supervisory “Deserting these hard-working people is not something that will would demand that any govern- “Women in Germany have need to be defi ned and achieved.” 6% in 2016. boards of large companies shows happen on our watch,” said Schulz, whose SPD is currently polling at ment it joins must allot €1bn moderated their demands for Opinion polls show that Mer- Meanwhile, the percentage of that legal targets are needed to 24% compared to the CDU’s 38%. ($1.2bn) a year to improve public long enough and repeatedly ac- kel should easily win a fourth women in the German parlia- speed up the necessary processes The CDU’s electoral lead means that there is unlikely to be a feasible transport and cycle paths, and cepted compromises. Without term, with women still more ment is expected to fall to 32% of change and a switch in role majority for any Schulz-led coalition, and that a second grand coalition should push for improved CO2 notable progress,” wrote the likely to vote for the CDU than from a current 36.5% after the models in business and society,” between the CDU and the SPD – usually viewed as a last resort – is one emissions trading at a European 17 groups representing 12.5mn the SPD, and far more likely to election due to the likely entry of the letter to Merkel said. of the few viable options. level. ‘Happiest country’ votes in election nail-biter

AFP years,” the popular and experi- Over the past four years, the ballot on Sunday, an option of- do. We have to help.” Labour and the Conserva- opinion polls – a crucial thresh- Oslo enced 56-year-old Solberg said right has focused on kickstart- fered in many municipalities. Norway is blessed with high tives are expected to post lower old that allows for more seats in as she voted yesterday in a school ing the economy and laying the Elin Festoy, a 49-year-old me- living standards, education and election scores compared to four parliament. in her hometown of Bergen on the groundwork for the post-oil era dia producer, told AFP that she a comprehensive welfare state years ago. “Everyone has their niche with orwegians voted yes- west coast. “Let’s see if the Nor- by reducing taxes. was voting for the right because – qualities that helped it to be As a result, both will be de- a very clear message,” Johannes terday in an election wegian people are ready for four The opposition and many employment was the key issue. named the happiest country pendent on the support of small- Bergh of the Institute for Social Nnail-biter in “the world’s more years with me.” economists have however criti- “I think we need to get young in the world in a respected UN er parties who have played an Research told AFP. “Their rise happiest country” with the gov- In power since 2013, the coa- cised the government for dipping people into jobs, and the best study in March. unusually large role in the cam- will make it more diffi cult to form erning right-wing coalition fac- lition government, comprising too generously into the country’s way to integrate refugees and im- The Conservatives and Labour paign – and tricky negotiations a stable coalition government.” ing a strong challenge from the Solberg’s Conservatives and the massive sovereign wealth fund, migrants is by job creation,” she agree on many issues: continuing to form a coalition government With the political landscape centre-left opposition. mildly populist anti-immigra- worth almost $1tn. said. oil activities in the Arctic, a re- seem inevitable. more splintered than usual, it Opinion polls in the oil-rich tion Progress Party, has cam- Meanwhile, Store, a million- Meanwhile, 28-year-old re- stricted immigration policy, and Among the smaller parties could take “several weeks” for a Nordic state have predicted an paigned on a vow of continuity. aire, has vowed to raise taxes for cruiter Kaja van der Schoor said close ties with the EU, of which are the eurosceptic Centre Party new government to take shape, extraordinarily close race be- The government has success- the richest, in a bid to bolster she was voting for change. Norway is not a member. opposed to the urban elite, the he added. tween Conservative Prime Min- fully steered the wealthy country Norwegians’ cherished welfare “I would say, when it comes Yet Labour has criticised Sol- Green Party which wants the end Polls closed at 9pm (1900 ister Erna Solberg’s team and the of 5.3mn – Western Europe’s big- state and reduce inequalities in to refugees, that I think we need berg for her diffi culty in taming of all new oil exploration, and GMT), with the fi rst results is ex- opposition led by Labour’s Jonas gest oil producer – through two society. some things to change,” she said. her occasionally provocative jun- the Red Party, a Marxist group pected to be released. Gahr Store. crises: the oil industry’s slump “We need a change now be- “I think it’s been fronted as a way ior coalition partner, the Progress opposed to private actors in the The counting of ballots cast in Several small parties could end after the drop in crude prices cause we are growing apart from to split society and sort of scare Party, especially Immigration public sector. advance voting – totalling more up as kingmakers. since 2014, and the migrant crisis each other,” the 57-year-old La- Norway, that it’s a bad thing. and Integration Minister Sylvi Five of the smaller parties were than 27% of registered voters – is “I’m ready for four more in 2015. bour leader said after casting his “But it’s something we have to Listhaug. hovering around 4% in recent already underway. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 INDIA

PENSION SCHEME WEATHER JUDICIARY INVESTIGATION TRAGEDY Age limit to join NPS Bengaluru braces for Court puts off defamation Mulul Roy and Adhikari Actor meets parents of girl raised to 65 years more rain misery cases by Jain to October 16 questioned over scam who committed suicide

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development The weather department has predicted more A New Delhi court yesterday adjourned hearing The Central Bureau of Investigation and the Tamil superstar Vijay met the parents of Anitha, Authority (PFRDA) yesterday announced that rains over the next two days in Bengaluru and in the defamation complaint filed by Delhi Health Enforcement Directorate questioned Trinamool a Dalit girl who spearheaded the fight against the upper age limit for joining the National residents are bracing for more misery even as the Minister Satyendra Jain against sacked colleague Congress MP Mukul Roy and West Bengal Transport the National Eligibility and Entrance Test Pension Scheme (NPS) had been raised to city is grappling with the mess from last week’s Kapil Mishra till October 16. The minister has Minister Suvendu Adhikari respectively in connection (NEET) exam and committed suicide when she 65 years from 60. “NPS is currently open for downpour. “There will be one or two spells of rain alleged that on May 7, Mishra made a blatantly with the Narada sting probe, off icials said yesterday. failed to join the MBBS course. The daughter people between 18 and 60, and our board accompanied by thundershowers over the next false, misleading, baseless, and defamatory “Adhikari was summoned earlier as a part of Narada of a labourer, 17-year-old Anitha was one of has approved raising the age limit for joining two days in Bengaluru,” an India Meteorological statement before the media that Jain handed over sting probe but he appeared before our investigation the respondents against NEET in a Supreme to 65,” PFRDA chairman Hemant Contractor Department (IMD) off icial said. Even with the Rs20mn to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on team today. He was interrogated,” an ED off icial said. Roy Court case. Despite scoring 1,176 in her class said. “The scheme anyway has the option of respite from the rain on Sunday, several lakes and May 5 at his residence. Jain said these statements was also summoned by the CBI to appear before the XII State Board examinations, she was unable continuing and making contributions up to the stormwater drains were overflowing due to the were repeatedly telecast and printed by the agency for questioning. “He appeared today and was to join the MBBS course due to low scores in age of 70,” he added. “The aim is to open up heavy rainfall on Saturday night, leading to traff ic national media across all platforms – electronic, questioned,” a CBI off icial said. Adhikari and Roy were NEET. In a series of pictures released on social pensions to sectors that are without pensions,” snarls in several parts of the city. During the first print and social – which caused immense damage among a dozen Trinamool leaders allegedly caught on media, Vijay is seen seated in Anitha’s hut with he said, noting that only 15-16% of employees week of September, Bengaluru recorded rainfall to him and his family. The court will also hear on video tape receiving money in exchange for a promise her father and family members. The suicide of in India are covered by pensions because an measuring up to 209.66mm which is close to the October 16 arguments on a separate defamation to dole out favours to a fictitious company. The clipping Anitha sent shock waves across Tamil Nadu. overwhelming 85% of the workforce is found in monthly average. Four people were killed on Friday case Jain filed against Bharatiya Janata Party was uploaded on the Narada news portal in March last Actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan had the unorganised, or “informal”, sector. night as heavy rain wreaked havoc in the city. legislator Manjinder Singh Sirsa. year ahead of assembly elections in West Bengal. expressed grief over the incident.

Chandy urged to Nobel winner take over as leader of opposition starts march

By Ashraf Padanna Thiruvananthapuram against abuse he clamour for former chief minister Oommen TChandy to take up the reins of the Congress Party-led oppo- sition in Kerala is getting louder by the day. Many believe only a mass lead- of children er of Chandy’s stature can revive the fortunes of the Congress, Reuters More than 9,000 children were Yesterday’s kick-off saw thou- which has been suff ering huge Kanyakumari reported to have been traffi cked sands of children from remote setbacks in every civic poll since in 2016, a 27% rise from the pre- areas across the country travel- its dismal performance in last vious year, according to govern- ling to Kanyakumari to partici- year’s state elections. housands of people gath- ment data. pate in the event. The Congress now has only 22 ered in southern India Most are from poor rural fami- They chanted slogans and seats in the 140-member assem- Tyesterday to kick off what lies who are lured to cities by waved banners calling for an end bly and one of its longstanding is expected to be the world’s larg- traffi ckers who promise good of child slavery and child sexual allies, the Kerala Congress (M), est march against the traffi cking jobs, but then sell them into slav- abuse. has since ditched the grand old and sexual abuse of children as ery as domestic workers, to work “I am here today as I want to party to go it alone. reports of such crimes continue in small manufacturing units, help protect other children like The party lost 65 of the 87 seats to rise in the country. farming or pushed into sexual me,” said Ruby Kumari, 14, a it contested thanks to a bitter Organised by Nobel Laureate slavery in brothels. pony-tailed schoolgirl from the factional feud, though its key ally and child rights activist Kailash In many cases, they are not district of Koderma in the east- the Indian Union Muslim League Satyarthi, over 10mn people from paid or are held in debt bondage. ern Jharkhand state. (IUML) contested 24 seats and across India are due to take part in Some are found, but many re- “We want to tell people that we won 18. the month-long “Bharat Yatra” – main missing. are the future of this country and Chandy, upset at the defeatist or India March – which will end in Figures from the National we want a safe environment for role other leaders played, chose New Delhi on October 16. Crime Records Bureau also show all children. They should be able not to accept any offi ce. Flagging off the march from that almost 15,000 children were to go to good schools and not sent “Everyone wants him back as Kanyakumari, a coastal city on victims of sexual violence such to work.” the opposition fl oor leader,” said the southern-most tip of India as rape, molestation and exploi- The event also saw the partici- K Muraleedharan, a former party in Tamil Nadu, Satyarthi told tation for pornography in 2015 pation of parents and their chil- chief. crowds of school children, offi - - up 67% from the previous year. dren who are survivors of sexual “He’s a towering leader, and he cials and activists it was time to But these fi gures are just the abuse and child labour. should lead the opposition; that shatter the silence around such tip of the iceberg in socially Thirty-fi ve-year-old Moti, is the desire of ordinary party crimes. conservative India, say activ- whose two teen daughters were workers.” “The sun rises every morning. ists, where fear of being blamed, raped by a family friend in the The IUML also wants him But today this morning is dif- shamed or stigmatised means northern state of Punjab for years back, but Chandy has stuck to his ferent and this sun is diff erent. victims and their families often before the crime was discovered, stand that he would not to take up Today this sun rises to dispel the keep quiet and do not report the said he hoped the march would any offi cial responsibility as he darkness of fear, hopelessness abuses they face. help parents understand the believes he had the moral respon- and shame faced by our children. Satyarthi, whose charity dangers faced by children. sibility for the electoral debacle. Today we march to end this,” Sat- Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save “I had no idea that this was The Revolutionary Socialist yarthi said. the Childhood Movement) has happening to my daughters. I Party (RSP), another ally in the “India is known for a country rescued 80,000 enslaved chil- trusted this man and he did this United Democratic Front (UDF), where children are being raped, dren, said the march was part of to my daughters,” said Moti, as has also expressed the same view, where children are being sold. a three-year campaign to spread he sat among the crowds, wear- describing him as a dynamic leader. They are not safe in their schools, public awareness and push for ing a bright yellow T-shirt with RSP leader A A Aziz said Chan- they are not safe even in their stronger policies on child pro- #MakeIndiaSafe printed on the dy should replace the incumbent, homes. If one child is in danger, tection. back. former home minister Ramesh then it means that the whole of The march participants will “If there had been marches Chennithala. India is danger.” travel around 11,000km and cov- like this before, perhaps I would “Chennithala cannot work as Children in India face a barrage er 22 of India’s 29 states. have known better and I could hard as Chandy who devotes 24 of threats ranging from human They will stop in towns and have saved them. Now I am here hours for the party,” he said. traffi cking, sexual violence and villages, visit schools and col- to take part in his march so that “He wouldn’t get the kind of early marriage to a lack of access leges and hold events with local it doesn’t happen to other chil- consideration and people’s ap- Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi walks during the ‘Bharat Yatra’, a nationwide march against to quality education and health- offi cials, police, religious and dren and parents won’t have to proval that Chandy gets.” child sexual abuse and traff icking, in Kanyakumari yesterday. care, say activists. community leaders. go through what I did.” India, Afghanistan vow Second meeting on Darjeeling issue today joint fi ght to end terror Normal life has been para- IANS Kolkata/Darjeeling lysed since June 12 due to the IANS called for dismantling safe havens The two countries also agreed indefi nite shutdown called by New Delhi and sanctuaries to terrorists. to strengthen security co-oper- the GJM, severely impacting After the talks with Rabbani, ation with New Delhi extending mid infi ghting within the region’s economy based on Swaraj addressed a joint media further assistance for the Afghan the Gorkha Janamukti tea, tourism and timbre. ndia and Afghanistan yester- conference and said India and National Defence and Security AMorcha (GJM) over the However, the situation day pledged their commit- Afghanistan remained “united in Forces in fi ghting “the scourge of temporary withdrawal of an is limping back to normal Iment to jointly fi ght to end overcoming the challenges posed terrorism, organised crime, traf- indefi nite shutdown, the sec- in some areas of the hills – terrorism as the visiting Afghan by cross-border terrorism and fi cking of narcotics and money ond round of all-party meet- mainly in Kurseong and Ka- foreign minister minced no words safe havens and sanctuaries to laundering”, according to the joint ing on the Darjeeling issue will limpong – as schools and in equating Lashkar-e-Taiba and both our countries”. statement. be held today. many branches of public sec- Jaish-e-Mohamed terror groups Rabbani emphasised that In- “The Indian side reiterated its “We are hopeful of resolv- tor banks have opened. Local with Taliban, Al Qaeda and Is- dia and Afghanistan had suff ered support for an Afghan-led and Af- ing the deadlock. People transport services have also lamic State in Afghanistan. from terrorism and violent ex- ghan-owned peace and reconcili- of Darjeeling do not want started. The two countries called for an tremism that has threatened the ation process. It was agreed that strike,” West Bengal Tourism Leaders of the GJM, which end to all forms of support and region’s stability. concrete, meaningful and verifi - Minister Goutam Deb said is spearheading the agitation, state sponsorship of terrorism “Together they are killing our able steps for immediate cessation yesterday. had said they would attend after External Aff airs Minister people on Afghanistan and de- of violence were essential for the The meeting will be held the meeting but did not give Sushma Swaraj and her Afghan stroying infrastructure,” Rabbani success of regional and interna- in the north Bengal branch of the details of the partici- counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani said. tional eff orts to promote peace and state Secretariat, Uttarkanya. pants. held the second Strategic Part- The visiting minister said stability in Afghanistan.” “Life is slowly getting back They also said the party nership Council meeting here. “Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e- The statement and Rabbani’s to normal and after the meet- would press on its demand for “Both sides expressed grave Mohamed have been launching assertion assume signifi cance af- ing I expect things to fall in a separate state. concern at the incidents of terror attacks against India and indis- ter US President Donald Trump place,” said Deb, a Trinamool However, confusion over and violence in Afghanistan re- criminately killing civilians of this stressed India’s role in war-torn Congress leader from north the GJM’s participants in the sulting in loss of innocent lives,” a country”. Afghanistan’s reconstruction, Bengal. meeting remains as police have joint statement said. The Pakistan-based groups ac- and leaders of the Brics nations The north Bengal hills have been in search of party’s chief Noting that terrorism present- tive in Jammu and Kashmir were named the Lashkar and Jaish as been on the boil for about Bimal Gurung and other key ed the greatest threat to peace, “engaged in similar activities terror threats in their summit- External Aff airs Minister Sushma Swaraj shakes hands with Afghan three months after the GJM re- leaders for their alleged role stability and progress of the re- along with Taliban, Al Qaeda and level meeting in China earlier this Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani prior to a meeting in New Delhi vived its demand for a separate in creating disturbances in the gion and beyond, the two sides Daesh in Afghanistan”, he said. month. yesterday. state of Gorkhaland. hills. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 17 INDIA

Kidney traders smuggle donors to Egypt to beat donation rules

Reuters – were arrested last week and One passport belonged to a do- in the trade as the duo had ar- recruited former kidney donors Some waitlisted patients, in “Because...organ dona- Mumbai have been charged with human nor they were arranging to take ranged donors from Delhi, Jam- to work as agents to scout for desperation, seek the services of tions are scrutinised closely traffi cking, police said. to Egypt,” said senior inspector mu, Hyderabad and Kerala, who more donors. middlemen to arrange organs for in India, it is difficult to Prajapati, known to police as Lata Shirsath. were being sent on tourist visas In India, the waiting list for money. make such donations here,” olice are investigating a a “kidney kingpin”, had been “They have taken six people to Cairo. organs is long, as donations are The middlemen scout villag- said Anil Kumar, who heads major organ trade racket arrested by police in southern between May and July and kid- The recipients too were from few, which has led to black mar- es for potential donors, whom India’s organ transplant pro- Pafter they arrested two Telangana state last year on sus- ney transplants in four cases diff erent parts of India who fl ew ket trade. they sometimes lure with mon- gramme. men, including an alleged king- picion of traffi cking nearly 60 were already done. We spoke to to Cairo to undergo the trans- According to government ey and false promises of a job in With a shortage of organ do- pin, at Mumbai airport for traf- people to Sri Lanka for their kid- the hospital in Cairo and asked plant procedure to beat India’s data, 200,000 people are on the city. nors globally, “transplant tour- fi cking poor people for their neys and was out on bail. them not to go ahead with the rules that do not allow commer- waiting lists for kidneys in India Police said the recipients paid ism” is rife in South Asia, espe- kidneys to Egypt, offi cials said “We were alerted by an im- two remaining transplant pro- cial trade in organs. every year and 30,000 for liver Rs3mn ($47,000) to the two cially in Pakistan’s Punjab, with yesterday. migration offi cial at the Mumbai cedures.” Police in Telangana state who transplants. agents for arranging the kidney, criminal networks using agents The men – identifi ed as Ni- international airport who found Police said they suspected are co-ordinating with Mumbai Legal donations meet about 3 of which the donors were paid overseas to fl y in foreigners zamuddin and Suresh Prajapati three passports on one of them. there were more agents involved police on the case said Prajapati to 5% of the demand. Rs500,000 (around $8,000). needing organs. AIADMK to hold crucial meeting after court nod

IANS of Sasikala – her nephew and Chennai party deputy general secretary Dinakaran - will attend the General Council meeting and he Madras High Court thus an express resolution dis- yesterday refused to missing her may off end them Tstop the ruling All In- and hence the need for a softer dia Anna Dravida Munnetra and indirect approach. Kazhagam’s General Council “The other view is to have a meeting today. straight resolution dismissing However, the court said de- her and putting at rest any fur- cisions taken at the meeting ther speculation, he said. are subject to its approval. The General Council has With legal hurdles crossed, around 1,300-1,400 members, the meeting of the AIADMK is and nearly 85% of them are all set to be held here to invali- supporters of the ruling fac- People participate in a candle light vigil over death of 7-year-old Pradhuman, in Gurugram yesterday. date decisions taken in “con- tion. travention” of party laws, a He said all council members party leader said yesterday. from the time of the then gen- A resolution is expected to eral secretary and chief min- be passed to declare all those ister J Jayalalithaa would be decisions as “null and void”, attending. the leader, speaking on the Party offi cials said invita- condition of anonymity, said. tions for the meeting had been Two school offi cials held The resolution, once passed, sent to all members, including will automatically make the supporters of the Sasikala-Di- appointment of jailed general nakaran faction. secretary V K Sasikala and also The General Council meet- her subsequent decisions null ing will be held at a time when and void, he said. the opposition led by the Lawmaker P Vetrivel, a loyal- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam over student’s murder ist of deputy general secretary T has accused the AIADMK gov- T VDinakaran, yesterday urged ernment led by Chief Minister Agencies Both were produced before the ed before the court on the expiry murder and his father Varun The sudden move by Augus- the court to stall the General K Palaniswami of having lost New Delhi court of Judicial Magistrate, fi rst of his three-day police custody Thakur was compelled to move tine F Pinto and his wife Grace Council meeting. He said the the majority in the assembly class, Mohamed Zakkaria, who and sent to 14 days’ judicial cus- the Supreme Court for a probe Pinto, trustees of the St Xaviers meeting convened by the ruling and demanding that it prove sent them to two days’ police tody. by the CBI. Education Trust that manages faction was “illegal” since only its majority. wo senior offi cials of custody. However, many believe he was Yesterday, there was a heavy the schools, came amid reports the party general secretary had On Sunday, after urging a well-known school Police also accused both of made a scapegoat and the man’s police presence at the school, that a Haryana police team the power to do so. Governor C Vidyasagar Rao to Tnear New Delhi were ar- tampering with evidence. family too claimed he was falsely which will remain closed for would question them and other However, the court not only convene the assembly within a rested following the murder Gurgaon Police Commissioner implicated since he was poor. now, except for students of sen- trustees. dismissed the petition but also week, DMK leader M K Stalin of a 7-year-old student on the Sandeep Khairwar said the Juve- A decision to install closed- ior grades who will sit for exams Augustine is a former sheriff imposed a fi ne of Rs100,000 said 21 legislators belonging to premises, police said yesterday. nile Justice Act had been invoked circuit television in all class- from tomorrow. of Mumbai and Grace is close to on Vetrivel. the Dinakaran faction are op- Pradhuman was found with because there were glaring laps- rooms, stairways, galleries, The school management said top Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Earlier in the day, a court in posed to Palaniswami. his throat slit inside the wash es due to which security of the washrooms, and other open it was co-operating with police leaders. Bengaluru stayed the holding In the 235-member assem- room of Ryan International child was endangered and the spaces in all schools was also investigations. However, the names and of General Council meeting bly, there are 234 members, in- School in Gurugram, located in crime committed. taken, while in neighbour- Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the whereabouts of the other trus- after Pugazhendhi, another cluding one nominated with- the suburbs of the Indian capital, As police set up at least a ing Delhi, the government an- trustees of the Ryan Interna- tees of the St Xaviers Education- loyalist of Dinakaran, fi led a out voting rights. on Friday. dozen teams to probe the brutal nounced police verifi cation of tional Schools fi led an applica- al Trust are not known and it is petition. One seat remains vacant A school bus conductor was murder of the boy and shaken non-teaching staff of all gov- tion in the Bombay High Court not clear whether they would be The decision to call a meet- following the death of Jayala- arrested soon after, with police parents associations of Ryan In- ernment and private schools in seeking anticipatory transit bail. implicated in the case. ing was taken on August 28 by lithaa last year. claiming he confessed that he ternational Schools in Mumbai, three weeks. the AIADMK. Eff ectively, the number of tried to sexually assault Prad- Delhi, Noida and other places The murder of Pradhuman led Girl made to stand in boys’ toilet It was also decided to re- legislators with voting rights human and killed him when he protested seeking their chil- to angry protesters staging dem- trieve the party’s mouthpiece in the assembly is 233. resisted. dren’s safety, the Supreme Court onstrations outside the school In a shocking incident, an the events went viral. The girl, Namadhu MGR and television The number of legislators “The school’s regional head issued a notice to the central located in Bhondsi on Sohna 11-year-old girl was made to who refused to go back to channel Jaya TV. opposed to the government is Francis Thomas and and human and Haryana governments on a Road. stand in the boys’ toilet in a school, alleged that a woman According to the AIADMK 119, including the DMK and resources head Jeyus Thomas plea by the boy’s father seeking At least 50 people, including private school in Telangana teacher scolded her for not leader, the meeting was called allies with 98 and Dinakaran were arrested late Sunday night a Central Bureau of Investigation nine journalists, were injured as punishment for not wearing the school uniform near here to abide by a party faction’s 21. after a committee investigating probe. on Sunday when police baton- wearing school uniform. and made her stand in boys’ rule that mandates the General “The ruling party has the the crime pointed at serious se- Police said they also ques- charged a group of protesters in The incident occurred on washroom for five minutes. Council to meet at least once a support of only 114 legislators,” curity lapses on part of the school tioned the school staff as a sep- front of the school building. Saturday in Rao’s High School The incident evoked outrage year. Stalin said. management,” Gurugram police arate probe team team left for A police offi cer was suspended in Ramchandrapuram on as parents and students’ According to him, there Following the death of Jay- spokesman Ravinder Singh said. Mumbai to interrogate school yesterday for using force against the outskirts of Hyderabad, unions staged a protest are two views on a resolution alalithaa, the party split into “Francis Thomas and Jeyus CEO Ryan Pinto and director journalists. but came to light yesterday in front of the school, to expressly dismiss Sasikala three factions led by Sasikala, Thomas were arrested under the Augustine Pinto. Pradhuman’s mother Jyoti after a video of the girl demanding stern action from the party post. Palaniswami and former chief Juvenile Justice Act,” the police Meanwhile, Ashok Kumar, the said the school management describing the sequence of against the teacher. “One view is that supporters minister O Panneerselvam. offi cer said. bus conductor, was also present- “misguided” them after the SC rejects Sahara’s plea to Protest against genocide BJP slaps legal notice stop Aamby Valley auction on historian Guha IANS quoted Guha as saying in the in- Bengaluru terview to Scroll.in. IANS it would pass appropriate orders if the applicant enters into any “You have alleged that the New Delhi to that eff ect. negotiations and Royal Partners perpetrators of the said crimes On April 16, the top court had Investment Fund deposits the he Bharatiya Janata Party belong to our client’s organisa- asked the Bombay High Court’s amount before this court, ap- (BJP) yesterday slapped a tion...As on today, the investi- he Supreme Court yes- offi cial liquidator to evaluate and propriate order shall be passed Tlegal notice on historian gations into the said incidents terday rejected an appeal auction the Aamby Valley prop- on the next date of hearing.” and author Ramchandra Guha are still in progress and have not Tby the Sahara Group to erty of the Sahara Group. In his The court rejected Sahara’s for allegedly linking the Sangh yet concluded. No trial has taken stop the auction of Aamby Vally report on its worth, the liquidator plea even though Sibal said since Parivar with the murder of jour- place against any person, much project and permit it to enter had said that its market value was last the hearing, the group has nalist Gauri Lankesh, and asked less any conviction. into an agreement with Royal Rs37,390 crore (Rs373.9bn) and deposited about Rs530 crore and him to apologise publicly. “Under such circumstances, Partners Investment Fund for the fair value was Rs43,000 crore. sought time till November 11 to The legal notice, sent by Karu- without any basis or proof, you selling 26% stakes for $1.6bn. Sahara’s counsel Kapil Sibal pay the balance of Rs966 crore. nakar Khasale, secretary of Kar- have given false and mischievous Sahara told a bench of Chief said that in lieu of $1.6bn, the Urging the court to give 60 nataka BJP’s Yuva Morcha, said statements clearly calculated to Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Ran- Royal Partners Investment Fund days to deposit Rs966 crore Guha, in an interview to a news defame our client’s organisation jan Gogoi and Justice A K Sikri would get 26% stake in Aamby for which Sahara had given the portal on September 6, linked and its members,” the notice read. that it has already sold its two Valley. advance cheques, Sibal said of Sangh Parivar to Lankesh’s mur- Senior journalist Gauri hotels in New York. Declining to entertain the plea Rs24,000 crore that Sahara had der. Lankesh was shot dead by uni- However, the court said if Sa- by Sahara Group’s two compa- to deposit in SEBI-Sahara Re- People burn an eff igy depicting Myanmar State Counsellor “It is very likely that her dentifi ed assailants at her resi- hara Group was able to fructify nies – Sahara India Real Estate fund Account, they have already Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest rally against the murderers came from the same dence in Bengaluru on Septem- the deal with the Royal Partners Corporation Ltd and Sahara deposited Rs16,000 crore. He genocide of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, in Kolkata Sangh Parivar from which the ber 5. She was known for her Investment Fund and deposit Housing Finance Corporation said in the last one year, Sahara yesterday. murderers of Dabholkar, Pansare strong views against rightwing the amount with the court, then Ltd, the court said: “However, has deposited Rs4,000 crore. and Kalburgi came,” the notice Hindutva politics. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 LATIN AMERICA

Venezuela prosecutor expects more arrests in oil graft cases

Reuters The two other signifi cant or joint ventures involved were group of wrongdoers for the ills corruption in the nation with the His offi ce accuses them of ir- in central Caracas. Saab said one Caracas oil cases he is investigating are confi dential but he was inter- and promised a war on graft. world’s biggest crude reserves. regularities including smuggling person allegedly involved in the overbilling in equipment sales at ested in recovering capital. “This The opposition says PDVSA The lawyer and former human Venezuela’s highly-subsidised Jose case had turned himself in Venezuela’s main oil-exporting is just getting started.” is a rat’s nest of corruption, and rights ombudsman wants to focus oil to Caribbean islands. but declined to give details. enezuela’s new chief pros- port of Jose, as well as at least Caracas-based PDVSA has a congressional report last year in particular on the oil industry, The case was triggered by com- An internal police message ecutor Tarek Saab said he $200mn in an overpricing case been tarnished in recent years by said $11bn was lost at the compa- the source of over 90% of crisis- plaints from oil project Petro- says Pedro Leon, a powerful ex- Vexpects further arrests involving 10 companies in the international graft investigations. ny between 2004 and 2014, when hit Venezuela’s export income. zamora, a venture between PD- ecutive who led PDVSA’s Ori- in widening oil-sector bribery oil-rich Orinoco Belt. The company is the fi nancial Rafael Ramirez was in charge. As evidence of his serious- VSA and Russia’s Gazprombank. noco Belt development for years scandals, after most of state en- “There are going to be arrests motor of President Nicolas Ma- He denied the allegations. ness, Saab pointed to last week’s “We produced eight arrests before abruptly leaving at the ergy company PDVSA’s top brass there, without a doubt” Saab duro’s leftist government but is Saab, who took control of the arrest of eight oil executives in and there can be more. We want start of the year, had returned to in the western region was de- said in an interview, adding de- suff ering crippling operational prosecutor’s offi ce last month, Venezuela’s traditional oil-pro- to get to the bottom of this,” said Venezuela this month and hand- tained in a major sweep last week. tails about the specifi c projects problems. It has blamed a small has vowed to lead a “fi ght” against ducing region near Colombia. Saab in an interview in his offi ce ed himself in. 10 people killed Coup anniversary marked by Hurricane Irma, reveal Cuba offi cials

Reuters ours, we will win the most im- Havana portant battle: the recovery.” Irma, which had winds of more than 160 mph (260 kph) by the t least 10 people were killed time it reached Cuba, progressed in Cuba by Hurricane Irma, for some 322km along the island’s Amost of them crushed by northern shore before the eye of collapsing buildings, authorities the storm turned northward on said yesterday, bringing the death Sunday to batter Florida. toll from the ferocious storm to 38 Its winds tore off roofs, felled in the Caribbean. trees and downed electricity Seven of the dead were in the poles, causing fl ooding in many province of Havana, while fa- coastal towns, including the talities also were reported in capital Havana, and leaving mil- Matanzas, home to the tourist lions without electricity. resort of Varadero, and the re- Two of the victims died in gions of Ciego de Avila and Ca- central Havana, infamous for its maguey farther east, according creaking infrastructure, when a Paper planes with pictures of people missing since the 1973-1990 dictatorship in Chile are seen outside the presidential palace La Moneda, in Santiago yesterday, during to a statement from civil defence balcony crashed down onto their a rally to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet that deposed late president Salvador Allende. authorities. bus. Authorities attributed two other deaths to a collapsed roof and three to building collapses. Castro said authorities had not been able to assess the full extent of damage yet, but the hurricane had impacted housing stock and the power grid, as well as agriculture. Hurricane Irma tore off State media said yesterday ‘Crimes against humanity’ roofs, felled trees and Irma had seriously damaged downed electricity poles, Cuba’s already dilapidated sugar causing fl ooding in many industry, fl ooding and fl attening coastal towns, including the an extensive area of sugar cane. capital Havana, and leaving While many of Cuba’s top re- millions without electricity sorts on the northern islands took a direct hit from the hurri- likely in Venezuela: UN The storm crashed into Cuba cane, Castro said they would be late on Friday as the fi rst Cate- fi xed up in time for high tourist Reuters in its history and is turning it anti-government protests and new constitution. Watch that Venezuela should be gory 5 hurricane, with sustained season at the end of the year. Geneva into a dictatorship. that democracy was “barely “The opposition in Venezuela referred to the prosecutor of the winds of than 253kph, to make Many tourists fl ew home “My investigation suggests alive”. is back on the path of rule of law International Criminal Court. landfall on the island since 1932, ahead of Irma, but others hun- the possibility that crimes “There is a very real danger and democracy, we will see dia- “I am convinced that the state media reported. kered down in hotels and shel- he United Nations hu- against humanity may have that tensions will further es- logue emerging thanks to me- killing in the streets equates to The eye of the hurricane ters. “This holiday turned into man rights chief yes- been committed, which can calate, with the government diation of our friends,” he said. crimes against humanity,” he scoured the islands on Cuba’s hell for us,” said Spanish tourist Tterday said Venezuelan only be confi rmed by a subse- crushing democratic institu- Arreaza accused protesters said. northern coast. Michel Munoz, 31, who said he security forces may have com- quent criminal investigation,” tions and critical voices,” Zeid of using fi rearms and “home- The Hague-based court de- Even its outer reaches were spent the hurricane sheltering mitted crimes against humanity Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein told the said. made weapons” against securi- fi nes such crimes as including powerful enough to send waves in a Havana convent and had against protesters and called for UN Human Rights Council. The opposition, which boy- ty forces, but noted that the last torture, murder, deprivation of of up to 36 feet chasing into Ha- struggled to fi nd food as most an international investigation. He said the government was cotted the election for the Con- death was on July 30.”Our coun- liberty, sexual violence and per- vana’s historic seafront boul- restaurants were closed. But Venezuela’s foreign min- using criminal proceedings stituent Assembly, has accused try is now at peace,” he added. secution, he said. evard on Sunday. “Given the Excavators have started the ister defended the record of the against opposition leaders, ar- electoral authorities of infl ating Venezuela is among the 47 Julieta Lopez, aunt of opposi- immensity of its size, practically laborious task of removing de- government of President Nico- bitrary detentions, excessive turn-out fi gures for the July 30 members of the council, where tion leader Leopoldo Lopez who no region escaped its impact,” bris and fallen trees from roads las Maduro, rejecting the alle- use of force and ill-treatment vote. it enjoys strong support from remains under house arrest af- Cuban President Raul Castro throughout the island. gations as “baseless”. of detainees, in some cases However, Foreign Minister Cuba, Iran and other states. ter three years in a military jail, said in a statement published in Trucks carried drinkable wa- Venezuela has been con- amounting to torture. Jorge Arreaza told the Geneva Diego Arria, who was Ven- said abuses continued. state-run media yesterday. ter to the worse-aff ected ar- vulsed by months of demon- Last month, Zeid’s offi ce forum: “We have now selected ezuela’s ambassador to the “There is no right to express a He called for Cubans to unite eas and some Cubans started to strations against the leftist said Venezuela’s security forces the National Constituent As- United Nations in New York diff erent political opinion with- in order to rebuild the country. clean up their houses that had president who critics say has had committed extensive and sembly, this is the true expres- from 1991 to 1994, told a sepa- out being threatened, beaten or “The task we have before us is been fl ooded or suff ered dam- plunged the oil-rich country apparently deliberate human sion of our citizens’ will. It will rate Geneva event organised by imprisoned,” she told the same immense but with a people like age. into the worst economic crisis rights violations in crushing have the powers to draw up a activists and action group UN event.

Anti-Morales protest Mexico rescinds Texas aid Costa Rica organ off er after huge quake traffi cking trial begins AFP Guardia Hospital in San Jose. San Jose The other three doctors ac- Reuters and communities aff ected in the The foreign ministry thanked cused are urologists Fabian Mexico City national territory,” the foreign Texas governor Greg Abbott for Fonseca Guzman and Massi- ministry statement said. sending messages of solidarity trial of four doctors and miliano Anunzia Mauro Stama- US-Mexican relations have following the earthquake. a Greek pizzeria owner ti, and peripheral vascular spe- exico has withdrawn been strained by US President Separately, the ministry said Aaccused of running an cialist Victor Hugo Monge. its offer to aid victims Donald Trump’s threats to Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray illegal organ traffi cking ring The Greek man, Dimosthenis Mof Hurricane Harvey curtail trade with Latin Amer- will travel to the US this week to in Costa Rica for wealthy for- Katsigiannis Karkasi, was ac- in Texas due to demands on ica’s No 2 economy as well as meet with local leaders and ben- eigners began in the capital cused of operating from his its emergency services from a his demand that Mexico pay efi ciaries of a US San Jose yesterday. pizzeria near the hospital to massive earthquake that struck for a border wall to keep out programme protecting The fi ve allegedly sought out fi nd potential organ “donors” late last week, the foreign min- immigrants and drug traffick- from deportation immigrants poor people willing to sell their with fi nancial problems and istry said in a statement yester- ers. brought illegally into the US as kidneys for between $6,000 linking them up with the doc- day. The ministry noted that the children. and $20,000, mostly to Israe- tors in exchange for money. Mexico’s government off ered US embassy had taken nine days Last week, Trump said he lis but also to European cli- The alleged ring was busted to send food, beds, generators, to respond to Mexico’s formal would end the Deferred Action ents willing to pay as much as in 2013 with the arrests of the mobile kitchens as well as doc- off er of aid on August 28, and for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) $100,000 each. fi ve men, who were suspected tors after torrential rains from said that “only certain logistical programme but delayed imple- Surgeries to remove the or- of having illegally carried out Harvey fl ooded vast parts of aid” was accepted. mentation until March to give gans were allegedly carried 14 kidney transplants. Houston. The US embassy in Mexico did Congress a chance to draft an out in some of the many pri- Prosecutors were to call on But the earthquake that struck not immediately respond to a re- alternative. vate clinics in Costa Rica that 25 witnesses to substantiate southern Mexico on Thursday quest for comment. More than three-fourths of each year attract thousands of their case — including a former killed at least 96 people and left While government aid never the 800,000 immigrants en- foreigners for cheap medical policewoman who was said to some 2.5mn people in need of arrived, Mexico’s volunteer Red rolled in the DACA programme tourism. The trial is expected have worked with the ring af- aid. Cross rushed food and supplies are from Mexico. to run through November 30, ter selling her own kidney, and Hurricane Katia also hit to storm refugees. Videgaray will travel to Sac- with a bench of three judges who accepted to give evidence the Gulf state of Veracruz this Mexican media highlighted ramento and Los Angeles on deciding the verdict. against the fi ve accused. weekend and heavy rains have that Trump had not spoken September 11-12 and then to According to the prosecu- If convicted, the doctors and stretched emergency services. about the quake, which drew Washington on September 13, A woman holds an umbrella with the writing “105 votes” tion, the ring was led by doc- Katsigiannis Karkasi risk pris- “Given these circumstance, pledges of support from the the ministry said, adding that during a protest against Guatemala’s President Jimmy tor Francisco Jose Mora Pal- on for the traffi c of persons. the Mexican government will pope and other world lead- he will meet with California Morales outside congress, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, ma, head of the nephrology For the pizzeria owner, that channel all available logisti- ers, nor publicly acknowledged governor Jerry Brown and other yesterday. unit dealing with kidney dis- could be six to 10 years behind cal support to serve the families Mexico’s aid off er. officials. eases at the public Calderon bars. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 19 PAKISTAN Abbasi warns US sanctions would be counter-productive

By Drazen Jorgic, Reuters enough to tackle militancy, not- 2011, and Abbasi warned that defi nitely one of our options,” he Islamabad ing it has borne the brunt of vio- Washington will not achieve said. lence in the so-called war on ter- its counter-terrorism aims by Abbasi said it was “unfair” ror, suff ering more than 60,000 starving Pakistan of funds. to blame Pakistan for all the akistan’s Prime Minister casualties since 2001. “If the military aid cuts de- troubles in Afghanistan, saying Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Former petroleum minister grade our eff ort to fi ght war on Washington should show more Psaid it would be counter- Abbasi, 58, who was installed as terror, who does it help?” he appreciation for Pakistan’s loss- productive for the United States prime minister last month after said. “Whatever needs to be es from militancy and its role in to sanction Pakistani offi cials the Supreme Court ousted vet- done here, it needs to be a hosting 3.5mn Afghan refugees. or further cut military assist- eran premier Nawaz Sharif over co-operative eff ort.” He added that Afghan-based ance, warning it would hurt undeclared income, told Reuters Abbasi said one practical side- militants have also launched Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi speaks with a Reuters correspondent during an interview both countries’ fi ght against that any targeted sanctions by eff ect of military aid cuts and US cross-border attacks on civil- at his off ice in Islamabad yesterday. militancy. Washington against Pakistani Congress blocking the sale of ians and military in Pakistan, US-Pakistan relations have military and intelligence offi - subsidised F-16 fi ghter jets to prompting Pakistan to begin in- 2013, to avert another balance of said it had been discussed. Abbasi is also pushing ahead frayed since President Donald cials would not help US counter- Pakistan will be to force Islama- vesting “several billion dollars” payments crisis. “There are pros and cons to with a wide-ranging tax reform Trump last month set out a new terrorism eff orts. bad to buy weapons from China to fence the disputed and porous Foreign currency reserves have devaluation, but that could be a agenda before the elections - a Afghanistan policy and lashed “We are fi ghting the war and Russia. 2,500km (1,500 mile) border. dwindled by almost a quarter to decision we take,” he said, adding tough task in a nation that has out at nuclear-armed Pakistan against terror, anything that de- “We’ve had to look at other “We intend to fence the whole $14.7bn since last October, while that any devaluation would not one of the world’s lowest tax-to- as a fi ckle ally that gives safe ha- grades our eff ort will only hurt options to maintain our national border to control that situation,” the 2016-17 current account be drastic, and “today, it’s not on GDP ratios and where tax evasion ven to “agents of chaos” by har- the US eff ort,” Abbasi said in an defensive forces,” he said. Abbasi added. defi cit has more than doubled to the table yet.” is rampant and often culturally bouring the Afghan Taliban and interview in Islamabad yester- The Trump administration’s Abbasi, a skydiving enthusi- $12.1bn. Abbasi, who has hinted his acceptable. other militants. day. “What does it achieve?” tougher stance is seen as push- ast and co-founder of a budget Abbasi said Islamabad was former boss remains the power The ruling PML-N party is The United States has al- US offi cials privately say the ing Islamabad closer to Beijing, airline, also faces growing head- looking at a raft of measures to behind the throne by repeatedly looking for cross-party support ready begun conditioning fu- targeted sanctions would be which has pledged about $60bn winds on the economy ahead alleviate current account pres- calling him “the people’s prime for the reforms, but Abbasi said ture aid to Pakistan on progress aimed at Pakistani offi cials with in roads, rail and power infra- of a general election, likely in sures to avoid going back to the minister”, said the three-time radical changes would require an Islamabad makes in tackling the ties to extremist groups and are structure in Pakistan as part of mid-2018. IMF, including reducing imports premier remains hugely popular integrated approach, including Haqqani network militants who part of an array of options being its ambitious Belt and Road ini- Growth in Pakistan’s $300bn of luxury goods, boosting ex- despite his disqualifi cation by building confi dence among tax it alleges are Pakistan-based discussed to pressure Pakistan to tiative to build vast land and sea economy surged to 5.3% in ports, and possibly devaluing its the Supreme Court on July 28. payers, reducing income taxes and have helped the Taliban change its behaviour, including trade routes linking Asia with 2016-17, its fastest pace in a dec- currency. “Politics is not decided in and making it less attractive to carry out deadly attacks inside further aid cuts. Europe and Africa. ade, but the macro-economic Finance Minister Ishaq Dar is courts,” said Abbasi, who was invest in a real estate sector that Afghanistan. Washington’s civilian and “We have a major economic outlook has deteriorated, stok- a staunch opponent of a weaker jailed along with Sharif after the attracts black money. Pakistan denies hosting mili- military assistance to Pakistan relationship with (China), we ing concerns Pakistan may rupee – whose level against the 1999 military coup. “Politically, “You not only need to have a tant sanctuaries, and Islamabad was less than $1bn in 2016, down have a major military relation- need an International Monetary dollar is eff ectively controlled Nawaz Sharif is stronger today stick, you need to have a carrot bristles at claims it has not done from a recent peak of $3.5bn in ship since the 1960s, so that’s Fund (IMF) bailout, as it did in by the central bank – but Abbasi than he was on July 28.” also,” he said.

Extended monsoon triggers Fathers, uncles held vegetable, fruit price hike over couple’s murder Reuters for bringing “shame” on the IANS Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad and ers on the eve of Eid festival,” Karachi community. Islamabad Multan lie in the range of Rs120 said Abbasi. Marwat, who has been in the to Rs140 per kg. Local media reports quoted police for 25 years, said he has Meanwhile, prices of popu- vegetable merchants and trad- Pakistani teenage cou- dealt with many honour killing he prices of vegetables lar vegetables such as tomatoes, ers’ associations as saying that ple who tried to elope cases happening in Karachi. and fruits have skyrock- peas, green chilies, capsicum, the ongoing marriage season Awere murdered with “It indicates a tribalisa- Teted by up to 200% across beans and caulifl ower have among Muslims is also anoth- electric shocks in an “honour tion of society where jirgas Pakistan due to the extended surged by over 100%. er major reason for the rising killing” by family members exercise more power than law monsoon season, aff ecting Local reports said that the prices. who were carrying out the enforcers,” said Zohra Yu- common people in the coun- price hike was due to the ex- Munir Ahmad, a consumer in An onion vendor waits for customers at a fruit and vegetable market orders of an infl uential tribal suf, a human rights activist in try, according to local reports tended monsoon season which Bhara Kahu area of Islamabad, in Islamabad yesterday. council, police said. Pakistan. yesterday. has aff ected vegetable fields looked disappointed over the in- The teenagers in the port Jirgas are often convened, Shakeel Abbasi, a salesper- and fruit production across the crease of prices, saying that or- enough. If the situation re- after the Eid festival when Mus- city of Karachi were said by particularly in conservative son in a superstore Madina Cash country. dinary citizens can no longer buy mains the same, it will hurt our lims sacrifi ce animals and eat the Pashtun council of elders, rural areas, to settle local dis- & Carry, told Xinhua that the “Another cause of the surge these staple commodities. monthly budget,” he added. meat dishes. or jirga, to have brought dis- putes especially between poor price of onion was Rs50 per kg in prices of some of the com- “Onions and tomatoes are Some analysts believe the They are confi dent that in a honour on the community. families, and although they one week ago but it is now being modities is the slowdown of used in all the vegetable, curry surge in prices is artifi cial and it month’s time, the crisis would be “The innocent souls were operate outside the law, their sold at Rs150 a kilo, while onion supply due to the recent week- and meat dishes made at our is created by producers and sup- resolved and rates would return tied to a charpai (rope bed) decisions are often honoured prices in other cities including long holidays by the truck driv- homes, but now we cannot buy pliers due to the rise in demands to normal. and given electric shocks,” and ignored by authorities. said Aman Marwat, the police In this case, the two fami- offi cer who arrested the two lies had come to an agreement fathers and two uncles and is for the pair to get married, pursuing some 30 members together with a fi nancial set- of the jirga who have gone into tlement to be paid to the girl’s Karachi beaches closed after drowning tragedy hiding. family, according to Kamal The 15-year-old girl had Shah, of the Pakistan Fish- allegedly run away with her erfolk Forum, a non-gov- Internews As a result, thousands of peo- He advised the provincial home tragic incident took place, but ernment by Section 144 of the 17-year-old boyfriend last ernmental organisation that Karachi ple were prevented by police from department that instead of stop- relatives of the deceased persons Criminal Procedure Code. month, Marwat said. works in the area. moving to the coastal belt of the ping people from visiting the refused to buy that argument. He added that the authorities “The girl was killed and “The girl’s side had agreed metropolis from Manora to Mu- beaches, it should deploy mounted “We have closed the beaches had initially tried to stop people buried fi rst followed by the but not the jirga and they ollowing the drowning tragedy barak village, spread over 30km. lifeguards at the beaches to restrain temporarily until proper ar- from going in the sea but when murder of the boy the next warned that if the two families on Saturday in which 12 per- Such action of the district people from swimming in the sea. rangements are made to prevent they did not listen, the authori- day,” he added. did not carry out the barbaric Fsons lost their lives, authori- administration and the police “It is not the job of the po- such incidents,” confi rmed Ka- ties had to close all the beaches. More than 500 people - al- deed, their family in their vil- ties yesterday closed all beaches in invited criticism from Mayor lice to block roads leading to the rachi-South DIG Azad Khan. The offi cial pointed out that most all women - die in Pa- lage back home would have to Pakistan’s Karachi, including Sand- Wasim Akhtar, who was taking beaches,” the mayor added. Mauripur police station chief there were at least 2,000 huts kistan each year in such kill- bear the consequences,” said spit, Hawkesbay, Neelam Point and to the media after attending fu- He claimed there were at least Niaz Panhwar said they had between Hawksbay and KAN- ings, usually carried out by Zia Ur Rehman, a Pakistani several others, for picnickers except neral prayers for the victims in 46 lifeguards on duty on the closed the coastal belt in exercise UPP where the picnickers were members of the victim’s fam- journalist who fi rst reported the Clifton beach. North Nazimabad. 27km-long stretch when the of powers conferred on the gov- not allowed to swim. ily meting out punishment on the case. Debt drives kidney harvesting in Pak’s citrus orchards

Thomson Reuters Foundation Worse still, her son, 15, plans tourism” has taken off here with people, around half of Pakistan’s as 60%. Before long, they are in Kot Momin’s main market. The law permits donors to Kot Momin to sell his kidney too. criminal networks, often infl u- population. Not only is it the trapped in a cycle of debt. The dusty town is surrounded give their organs to recipients “I am begging my son not to ential people like doctors and country’s breadbasket – pro- In Kot Momin in Sargodha by rows of citrus trees, inter- who are relatives and for altruis- do this, but he is adamant,” said businessmen, using their agents ducing almost 60% of all agri- district – known as Pakistan’s spersed with state-of-the-art tic purposes, but bans the sale of he decision to sell her kid- Bibi, 40, as she sat in her one- overseas to fl y in foreigners cultural output – it is also the “citrus region” due to its lush fruit processing factories which human organs to foreigners. ney was easy for Ismat roomed mud home in a slum on needing organs. most industrialised. orchards of juicy oranges, man- export the world-famous or- But low wages and poor im- TBibi, a housewife in Paki- the outskirts of Kot Momin in There is no offi cial data on Fertile fi elds of green rice paddy, darins, lemons and limes – hun- ange, known as kinnow, to plementation of the law has stan’s Punjab province. Punjab, northern Pakistan. the number of people who have golden wheat and white cotton dreds have sold their kidneys. Europe and the US. hampered eff orts to curb rising With four children to feed, a “I committed a mistake by sold their kidneys in Pakistan, blooms are commonplace, along- “I have applications from Mohammad Zaheer, a worker cases of organ traffi cking. husband suff ering from tuber- selling the kidney, but I had no but some offi cials estimate that side factories producing everything around 250 people, who have at a sprawling orchard on the A kidney is sold to foreigners culosis to look after, and a debt other option to feed my family.” there could be at least 1,000 from textiles and cement to cricket sold their kidneys and who are outskirts of Kot Momin, said he for between Rs4mn to Rs10mn of Rs100,000 ($950) to repay, Punjab is Pakistan’s most victims every year. bats and surgical equipment. now seeking government help,” earns a daily wage of Rs500 ($5). ($38,000 to $95,000), but the she quickly off ered herself up. prosperous region, but along- Babar Nawaz Khan, chairman, Punjab’s economy made up said Zafar Iqbal, a social activist But he receives less than half af- donor gets less than 10% of that, The deal seemed simple side thriving sectors from farm- the National Assembly Standing over 50% of Pakistan’s gross and victim of organ traffi cking. ter deductions made for a $950 say police offi cials. enough. She would go to a hos- ing to textiles, another business Committee on Human Rights, domestic product in 2016 and “They want authorities to loan he took from his employer. Police admit the traffi cking net- pital in a nearby city, the organ is booming – the illegal trade in says Pakistan is a hot spot for the poverty rate here is just over provide jobs to them or their “I sold my kidney fi ve years works are diffi cult to break: They would be removed and she would human organs, say police, activ- organ traffi cking, but adds au- 20% – the lowest among all its kids, as they can no longer do ago to pay for my younger sis- involve several players – from get Rs110,000 ($1,000). No one ists and victims. thorities are now cracking down. provinces. jobs like construction work.” ter’s marriage,” said 43-year-old doctors, nurses and paramedics to needs two kidneys, Bibi was told Fuelled by a cycle of poverty “Until last year, Pakistan But much of this prosperity is Iqbal, 45, sold his kidney in Zaheer. “She got married, but hospital owners and businessmen by the middle man, her neigh- and debt, this black market has was the main hub of this trade,” built off the backs of thousands 2003. His brother had died and my ordeal did not end and I had – and many are infl uential and bour in the town of Kot Momin. fl ourished for years with traf- Khan told the Thomson Reuters of workers, who have for decades he needed the money to look to borrow money from my em- with political connections. Twelve years on, not only have fi ckers preying on the poorest Foundation. been exploited by feudal land- after his brother’s wife and chil- ployer to feed my six children.” But authorities say they plan the debts mounted, she is grap- - many of them labourers who “According to some estimates, lords, building contractors, brick dren as well as fund the wed- Pakistan outlawed the com- to strengthen the law by giving pling with her husband’s wors- have helped the region prosper 85% of all organ traffi cking cases kiln and factory owners who dings of his two sisters. mercial trade in human organs in more power to the regulatory ening health, a mentally disabled but have been paid a pittance in were reported in Pakistan a few pay them as little as $5 daily, say “We are small fries. We can’t 2010, imposing a jail term of up to authority in charge of transplan- young daughter, and often in- return. years back, but thank God, we campaigners. confront these powerful peo- 10 years and a maximum fi ne of tations, upping surveillance at suff erable abdominal pain due to And with a shortage of or- are no longer in the top 10.” Many borrow from their em- ple,” he said, as he served tea to Rs1mn ($9,500) for doctors, mid- hospitals, and imposing stricter the removal of her right kidney. gan donors globally, “transplant Punjab is home to over 110mn ployers at interest rates as high customers at his run-down stall dlemen, recipients and donors. punishments. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 PHILIPPINES

Drunk cop shoots dead overseas worker

By William Jun Garcia Manila Times, Pugo

arking in front of a police- man’s house proved fatal Pfor an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) after the offi cer, reportedly drunk at that time, killed him on Sunday in Tavora East Village here. Chief Insp. Silverio Ordinado, La Union Police Provincial Of- fi ce (LUPPO) information of- fi cer, identifi ed the suspect as Police Offi cer 1 Francis Michael Laranang, assigned at the town police offi ce’s general services section. The victim, Samson Eloja, 33, of Ambalite Village was declared dead-on-arrival from several Anti-Marcos protesters try to push back anti-riot policemen during a demonstration held on the 100th birthday of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, near the Heroes Cemetery in Manila yesterday. gunshot wounds by doctors at the La Union Medical Centre in Agoo town. Ordinado, in a radio inter- view, said Laranang was previ- ously assigned at the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Offi ce and was transferred to LUPPO only last Protests, praise as family August 29. Chief Inspector Silverio Ordinado, La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) information officer, identified the suspect as Police Officer 1 marks birthday of Marcos Francis Michael Laranang, assigned at the town AFP police office’s general Manila services section He added that Laranang was iot police yesterday allegedly involved in a shoot- blocked hundreds of pro- ing incident in 2013 but that was Rtesters trying to prevent amicably settled for a P300,000 the family of late dictator Fer- pay-off . dinand Marcos from celebrat- Eloja was an OFW in Saudi ing the 100th anniversary of his Arabia and was set to go to Aus- birth at the Philippines’ “He- tralia as a caregiver. roes Cemetery”. His mother, Tessie, said her Three decades after a blood- son went to Tavora East to see a less “People Power” revolution friend who is Laranang’s neigh- toppled the Marcos regime, his bour. family holds infl uential political Investigation showed that posts and is busy rehabilitating the victim on Saturday went to his legacy — with the help of Tavora East on board his Ford family friend President Rodrigo Escape which he parked in front Duterte. of the suspect’s house. Duterte last year allowed Laranang, who was drunk, got the remains to be buried at the Anti-Marcos protesters burn a banner with a representation of a composite portrait irritated and confronted Eloja cemetery, reserved for soldiers of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and President Rodrigo Duterte, with a slogan that who immediately transferred his slain in battle and former presi- reads “Marcos, Duterte, fascist” during a demonstration held on the birthday of Supporters of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos pose as they sing on the birthday of the car to a basketball court nearby dents. Last week he declared the Marcos, near the Heroes Cemetery in Manila. late dictator, near the Heroes Cemetery. to appease the policeman. birth anniversary on September Apparently not satisfi ed, Lar- 11 a holiday in the ex-leader’s law for more than eight years. gathering outside the cemetery and previous Philippine gov- a dramatic political comeback arately, has endorsed his protest. anang went after Eloja and shot home province. The father died from illness gates. ernments. He has also been ac- in recent years, with his widow Protesters yesterday burned a him several times with his 9mm “This is an insult to the mem- shortly afterwards, she added. “He achieved many things cused of embezzling billions of and two children being elected banner that read “Marcos Du- service fi rearm. ory of my father,” said Amira But about 300 riot police during his presidency. He built dollars from state coff ers during to offi ce. terte Fascist” and which de- Laranang, 35, is now in the Lidasan, one of a group of anti- blocked a road leading to the roads and many other struc- his rule, with anti-corruption The election last year of Du- picted a two-faced man — half custody of the Pugo Municipal Marcos protesters estimated Marcos tomb, allowing the fam- tures and he kept the prices watchdog Transparency Inter- terte, a family friend, has accel- Marcos and half Duterte. Police Station pending the fi ling by police to number 500 who ily to hold a private reception of grocery items low,” Erlinda national in 2004 naming him erated the rehabilitation. “There should be no compro- of administrative and murder marched on the cemetery gates. inside the cemetery grounds. Taning, 65, said. Marcos over- the second most corrupt leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the dic- mise, no immunity to a plun- charges against him. Lidasan said her father was About 50 elderly women saw widespread human rights of all time, behind Indonesian tator’s son, lost the vice-pres- derer and a murderer,” Marie Ordinado added the suspect imprisoned for a month for a supporters of Marcos mean- abuses during his 20-year rule. dictator Suharto. idential election last year but Enriquez, a human rights ac- will undergo the regular process nighttime curfew violation in while fl ashed V-for-victory Thousands of people were However no member of the has fi led an election protest in tivist whose sister was tortured of the investigation as relatives the early 1970s, when Marcos signs and sang “Happy Birth- killed, tortured or imprisoned, Marcos clan has ever gone to hopes of overturning the result. and killed in a Marcos martial- of Eloja are demanding that jus- put the country under martial day” for Marcos at a separate according to rights advocates prison and the family has made Duterte, who was elected sep- law prison, said in a statement. tice be served. US deploys surveillance Govt seeks big cut in aircraft to aid armed forces drug rehab budget

By Llanesca T Panti down to 300 to 320 buildings. Reuters year. The government has asked it called a “mega” drug reha- Manila Times We are very careful that these Manila Congress for an increase of more bilitation facility to treat up to buildings, upon clearing, won’t than 40 times in next year’s po- 10,000 patients and funded by a be occupied by the enemies lice budget for anti-drugs op- Chinese tycoon. he United States gov- again. These are the strongest he Philippines plans a cut erations next year. The Department of Health ernment has deployed buildings. They are big and stur- of 75% in spending next “I will discuss these issues submitted a budget of 759.6mn Tunmanned surveillance dy,” military spokesperson Brig. Tyear on drug rehabilita- when the budget is formally pre- pesos for state-managed reha- aircraft in Mindanao to help Gen. Restituto Padilla said. tion facilities, while at the same sented,” Recto told Reuters in a bilitation facilities under the authorities battle terrorists, Padilla lauded the Moro Is- time seeking a massive hike in text message. government’s proposed 2018 an assistance welcomed by the lamic Liberation Front (MILF) funding for a war on drugs that spending plan, signifi cantly less Armed Forces of the Philippines for being supportive of gov- has killed thousands, fuelling Senator Ralph Recto, than this year’s budget of 3.08bn (AFP). ernment operations against concerns among lawmakers. who has questioned the pesos. The Gray Eagle Unmanned the Maute group and its sym- The government has rejected government’s anti-drugs Methamphetamine use for a Aircraft Systems (UAS), ac- pathisers. “The members of criticism that it lacked the com- budget, said he would year or more would shrink the cording to the US Embassy, has the MILF had expressed their mitment to rehabilitate drug scrutinise its proposal to brain of a person, Duterte said a “longer fl ight duration” al- strong commitment in sup- users, saying it has attracted cut expenditure on drug in a speech in August last year, lowing a larger scope of recon- porting our fi ght against ISIS- fi nancing and is building treat- rehabilitation centres by adding, “Therefore he is no naissance and surveillance. Damaged buildings and houses are seen as government troops inspired groups, including in ment facilities, but had under- 2.3bn pesos ($45.23mn) longer viable for rehabilitation.” Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP’s continue their assault during clearing operations against pro-IS South Cotabato where there are estimated the scale of addiction. He estimated there are already public aff airs chief, said Manila militant groups which have seized control over large parts of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom More than 3,800 people, most The lack of rehabilitation cen- more than 3mn Philippine drug has been receiving similar as- Marawi City, yesterday. Fighters (BIFF) members,” of them drugs suspects, have tres would cripple the “declared users in a country of more than sistance from Washington. Padilla said.“We are work- died in police operations in the government policy” to wean 100mn people. “This is one of the areas three years. In July, the US gov- weapons to support the Philip- ing relentlessly in fi nishing drug war unleashed by President substance abusers off drugs, The government’s 13 drug where their assistance in coun- ernment delivered two Cessna- pines in its defence and coun- this war and the ISIS-inspired Rodrigo Duterte in July last year. Recto said in a statement over abuse treatment and rehab facil- ter terrorism will be very help- 208B surveillance planes to the ter-terrorism needs. groups which pollute the minds Police deny they were execut- the weekend. ities treated 14,733 out-patients ful,” he added. Philippine Air Force, which ac- The military is in its fi nal of people.” ing suspects, saying those killed In August, Health Secretary in 2016, up more than three Defence Secretary Delfi n cording to Lorenzana, will be stages of clearing Marawi City, The fi ghting in Marawi has had violently resisted arrest. Paulyn Ubial said eight drug times from the previous year, Lorenzana confi rmed that Pen- used in maritime patrols and where the Islamic State-linked displaced around 200,000 peo- Senator Ralph Recto, who rehabilitation centres would and close to 30,000 in-patients, tagon has been providing intel- to secure disputed areas in the Maute Group had been battling ple. Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano has questioned the govern- be built across the Philippines, up 4% over 2015, the health de- ligence surveillance reconnais- West Philippine Sea (South state troops since May. Rufi no Biazon said the Marawi ment’s anti-drugs budget, said funded by private fi rms, includ- partment says. sance (ISR) to the Philippines. China Sea) and the Philippine “The areas covered by en- crisis had cost government he would scrutinise its proposal ing conglomerate San Miguel Duterte has said the drugs war The US has provided the Rise (Benham). The US also emies are getting smaller by the P2.8bn but every cent spent to cut expenditure on drug reha- Corp and property fi rm Mega- will continue and would be “un- Philippines more than P15bn provided Raven tactical UAS, as day. From at least 400 (build- by the Department of National bilitation centres by 2.3bn pesos world. remitting as it will be unrelent- worth of assistance for the past well as various munitions and ings) to be cleared, we are now Defence was worth it. ($45.23mn), compared to this Last year, Manila opened what ing”. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 21 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

2 Lankan women Maldives suspends lawyers saved from traffi ckers

Agencies for demanding rule of law Kathmandu/Colombo Fifty-six lawyers were concerned by reports of viola- opposition leader Mohamed community to consider impos- they refi led the petition with opposition leader, Qasim Ibra- suspended after they tions of the right to a fair trial Nasheed and other dissidents. ing “targeted travel and fi nan- the attorney general. him, was handed a 38-month wo Sri Lankan women signed a petition making in the Maldives and allegations An alliance of four opposi- cial sanctions” against con- “The thrust of our petition is prison sentence for bribing have been rescued from the demand for rule of law of political bias within the legal tion parties said the suspension troversial chief justice Abdulla the demand for rule of law,” al- lawmakers in March in a failed Tthe clutches of traffi ckers in the politically restive system. by President Abdulla Yameen’s Saeed. Suood told AFP by telephone. bid to impeach Speaker Abdulla who tried to send them to various archipelago The Department of Judicial government means dissidents The holiday paradise has “Last night we went to the AG Maseeh, a close ally of Yameen. foreign destinations using Ne- Administration (DJA) said those would no longer have access to been in political turmoil with a copy of the petition and Ibrahim was allowed to travel pal as the transit point, a media AFP, Reuters who signed a petition making quality legal counsel. since the toppling of Nash- today we have been suspended.” to Singapore last week for ur- report said yesterday. Colombo the demand were suspended “An immediate practical im- eed, the country’s fi rst demo- Speaking in Geneva, UN gent medical treatment for a The Central Investigation indefi nitely because they had plication of the suspension is cratically elected president, in rights commissioner Zeid Ra’ad heart condition. Bureau (CIB) of Nepal police violated several laws and were that individuals unfairly tar- February 2012. Al Hussein warned that “trust Since coming to power in rescued two Sri Lankan women aldives authorities in contempt of court. geted by President Yameen’s He is living in exile in Britain in government institutions is November 2013 Yameen has led from a hotel in Thamel area of suspended 56 lawyers “The petition is an unlaw- regime will fi nd it virtually after escaping a 13-year prison breaking down” in the Maldives. a crackdown on political dis- Kathmandu last month. Both Myesterday, including ful document and signing it is impossible to fi nd eff ective sentence for a terrorism convic- He called on the government sent in the Indian Ocean nation of them left for their homes last all those who are defending dis- an act that interferes and puts legal counsel,” they said in a tion which the United Nations “to establish an enabling en- of 340,000, raising fears over week, Kathmandu Post reported. sidents, for demanding the rule pressure on the justice system,” statement. has called fl awed and politically vironment for the exercise of stability and denting the Mal- The CIB, with support from of law in the politically restive said a DJA statement. “This includes high profi le motivated. fundamental freedoms ... and dives’ image as an upmarket the International Organisation archipelago. The ban applies to over a third politicians, as well as members Lawyer Husnu al-Suood said to respect the people’s right to honeymoon destination. for Migration (IoM) and Shak- Separately, the United Na- of the 150 lawyers in private of parliament who were recent- the group made the petition to an independent and impartial Yameen narrowly defeated ti Samuha, an NGO working tions High Commissioner for practice in the Maldives and to ly stripped of their seats.” the Supreme Court, which re- judiciary”. former leader Nasheed in a con- against traffi cking, rescued the Human Rights said he was the entire legal team of exiled It urged the international fused to accept it. On Sunday In August, the last remaining troversial 2013 election run-off . women aged 24 and 33. They had arrived in Nepal on May 21. “The duo was brought to Kathmandu some three months ago by a broker who promised to Heavy rains hit Dhaka send them to Canada. They were Bangladesh seeks fi rst taken to Indonesia,” said Nepal police spokesperson Mira Chaudhary. The CIB had raided the hotel in support to move Thamel and rescued the women hailing from Kilinochchi district of Sri Lanka. They were lured by a broker to Rohingya refugees be sent to Canada using Nepal as the transit point. Upon their arrival in Kath- mandu, the Sri Lankan broker to remote island abetted by a Nepali man kept them in the hotel before disap- pearing. The women knew that Agencies by boat from the nearest they were duped only after the Dhaka settlement. hotel owner presented them with It regularly fl oods during a bill of Rs300,000 including the June-September monsoons cost of their stay. angladesh is seeking and, when seas are calm, pi- According to Dilip Koirala, legal international support rates roam the nearby wa- and training co-ordinator at Shakti Bfor its plan to relocate ters to kidnap fi shermen for Samuha, the women said in their Rohingya Muslims fl eeing ransom. statements that the hotel owner violence in Myanmar to a re- The plan to develop the had taken away Rs20,000 each, mote Bay of Bengal island that island and use it to house promising them visa extension. critics say is fl ood-prone and refugees was criticised by Many women and men are unliveable. humanitarian workers when found to have been traffi cked to More than 300,000 Ro- it was proposed in 2015 and various countries via Colombo. hingya have fl ed to Bangla- revived last year. Bangladesh, Traffi ckers use the route for lax desh from Buddhist-major- though, insists it alone has airport security and easy visa ity Myanmar since the latest the right to decide where to processing for Nepali nationals in violence began on August 25, shelter the growing numbers Sri Lanka. A team from the Nepal’s joining more than 400,000 of refugees. home ministry, including Nepal others already living there in Bangladesh agreed to free police offi cials, visited Sri Lanka cramped makeshift camps. land for a new camp to shelter two years ago to discuss the rise in The United Nations’ top hu- some of the hundreds of thou- traffi cking via the country. man rights offi cial yesterday sands of Rohingya, an offi cial “Nepal is a source, transit, and slammed Myanmar for con- said yesterday. destination country for men, ducting a “cruel military op- The new camp will help re- women, and children subjected eration” against the Rohingya, lieve some pressure on exist- to forced labour and sex traffi ck- branding it “a textbook exam- ing settlements in the Bangla- A flooded street is seen in Dhaka yesterday. Intermittent showers overnight turned into heavy rain yesterday morning, waterlogging ing,” stated a recent report of the ple of ethnic cleansing”. deshi border district of Cox’s streets in the Bangladesh capital and causing diff iculty for commuters. US Department of State’s annual “This is creating a huge Bazar. Traffi cking in Persons. challenge for Bangladesh in Other new arrivals were terms of providing shelter as being sheltered in schools, or well as other humanitarian were huddling in makeshift assistance to them,” Bangla- settlements with no toilets desh’s foreign ministry said along roadsides and in open in a statement yesterday as fi elds. Basic resources were Nepal PM Deuba inducts three new ministers Foreign Minister Abul Hassan scarce, including food, clean Mahmood Ali held talks with water and medical aid. diplomats. Prime Minister Sheikh IANS Dipak Bohora took oath hadur Rana said they decided With the third phase of elec- code of conduct and it will also He urged the international Hasina off ered 2,000 acres Kathmandu as minister for science and to join the government with an tions to local government bod- raise question of impartiality of community to push Myanmar (810 hectares) near the ex- technology, Bikram Panday objective of concluding the third ies scheduled for September 18, the government as elections to to fi nd a “permanent solution isting camp of Kutupalong as forests minister and Sunil phase of local level elections in there were allegations that he the local level (are) just one week to this crisis” and “sought “to build temporary shelters epal’s Prime Minister Bahadur Thapa as industry min- province two as well as federal had violated the code of conduct (away)”. support for transportation for the Rohingya newcom- Sher Bahadur Deuba ister at a special ceremony at the and provincial elections. for polls. The expansion of the cabinet of the Rohingya to Bhashan ers,” according to a Facebook Nyesterday expanded his President’s Offi ce in the capital. RPP (Prajatantrik) has 18 KP Oli, chairman of the will aff ect free and fair elections Char”, also known as Thengar post yesterday by Moham- Cabinet for the fi fth time in- Resham Lama was appointed lawmakers in parliament. main opposition CPN-Unifi ed and the government should Char. med Shahriar Alam, a junior ducting three ministers from minister of state for industry. Deuba faced a huge backlash Marxist-Leninist, jokingly re- not resort to such actions, the Bangladesh, one of the minister for foreign aff airs. the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party RPP (Prajatantrik) had fi nal- in public and on social media as marked that “even a potato has commission said. world’s poorest and most He also said the government (Prajatantrik). ised names of three ministers people questioned his decision its value but there is no value for “I do not see any rationale crowded nations, plans to de- would begin fi ngerprinting With the expansion, the size and one state minister to be in- to expand the cabinet at a time ministers in Nepal”. behind the huge size of the velop Thengar Char, which and registering the new ar- of the Deuba-led Cabinet has ducted in the Deuba cabinet on when the next general election A statement issued by the cabinet at a time when we are only emerged from the silt rivals on Monday. Hasina is reached 53, making it the big- Sunday. has already been announced and election commission yesterday in a transitional phase,” politi- off Bangladesh’s delta coast scheduled to visit Rohingya gest in the country’s history, the The party’s chairman Pa- the government will be in offi ce stated that the “expansion of the cal analyst Nilamber Acharya 11 years ago and is two hours refugees today. Kathmandu Post reported. shupati Shumshere Jung Ba- for only four months. cabinet is a clear violation of the tweeted. Rare rhino dies, seven swept away in flood-hit Nepal Women entrepreneurs gather in Nepal A rare one-horned rhinoceros Bihar to rescue the endangered has died after being trapped in animals, in a first such a wetland in a flood-hit national collaboration between the two IANS us is to translate policies and park in Nepal, off icials said countries. Kathmandu programmes and commitment yesterday, DPA reports from Aryal said one rhino, stuck in a to equal rights into paper and Kathmandu. waterlogged area some 20km practice. We can do this through The female rhino, believed outside the park in Nepal, was ore than 80 female en- joint eff orts with seriousness to be 10 years old, was awaiting rescue. trepreneurs from more and sincerity,” Deuba said in his found dead on Sunday in “We are trying to rescue it but Mthan a dozen coun- inaugural speech. Chitwan National Park, the water level is so high that tries have gathered in Nepal to He said fi nancial power and Nepal’s largest wildlife it’s hard to reach the area,” he participate in the fi rst Across economic empowerment can sanctuary located 120km said. Barriers-International Business reduce women’s vulnerability southwest of Kathmandu, He said reports of spotting Women’s Summit that kicked either in Nepal or in South Asia said park spokesman another rhino on the Indian off yesterday. as a whole. Nurendra Aryal. side of the border turned out The event, organised by the The summit comes at a time “The animal was stuck there to be false. South Asia Women Develop- when the representation of for several days. It couldn’t “One rhino can roam around ment Forum, aims to promote women in enterprises in South move out of the place because a huge area. So people in business opportunities and Asia is not very impressive floods had increased the water diff erent places see the same partnership among women Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, centre, poses with participants of Across Barriers-International owing to cultural norms and level,” he said, adding that this animal and think that they entrepreneurs from the South Business Women’s Summit in Kathmandu yesterday. gender-specifi c challenges. was the third rhino death from were two,” he said. Asian Association for Regional According to the South Asia floods. Nepal, home to 645 rhinos, Co-operation (Saarc), the Asso- opportunities through sharing Inaugurating the event, Ne- ous policies, funds and legal Women Development Forum, Flooding triggered by has earned praise from ciation of Southeast Asian Na- and transfer of skills and tech- pal’s Prime Minister Sher Ba- interventions. only 10% of South Asian women monsoon rains swept away conservationists for doubling tions (Asean) and China, reports nology, especially in trade and hadur Deuba said his govern- “Violence against women are engaged in small and medium seven endangered rhinos into its population, which had Xinhua news agency. tourism, information technology ment has prioritised investment and girls continues to exist in enterprises (SMEs) which indi- India. declined because of poaching The two-day summit will also along with agriculture and textile for economic empowerment of diff erent spheres and diff er- cate the under-representation of Nepal sent dozens of wildlife during the country’s 10-year focus on exploring marketing sectors. women and has launched vari- ent forms. The challenge before women in the formal economy. experts to the Indian state of civil war. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief: Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko Regulating across

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] the digital divide Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Cloud computing, on freedom of expression and access Trade and Investment Partnership. South have been minimal. That may Fax 44350474 to information. The objective was to bring digital change, however, if the world’s three artifi cial intelligence, Governments elsewhere oversight to two major markets – the major economies – the US, the EU, autonomous systems, increasingly view such digital policies Asia-Pacifi c (under the TTP) and the and China – were ever to harmonise as a way to catch up with advanced European Union (under the TTIP) – as their approach to regulating digital and “smart devices” are digital economies, like the United an important fi rst step toward global trade and global data fl ows. In such a spawning new industries, States. But, while some countries rules in these areas. scenario, the pressure on developing have managed to take advantage of Negotiations for digital rules countries to accept digital rules would GULF TIMES and revolutionising old the current regulatory environment to under the TPP proved diffi cult, but intensify. ones advance their own digital capabilities, ultimately were successful; the Obama Proponents of new rules could many developing countries risk being administration overcame opposition advise developing countries to left behind. by off ering better market access for accept them openly, arguing that to By Shamel Azmeh One factor is that the eff ectiveness manufactured goods to some TPP operate outside a global regulatory London of existing global rules is being eroded. partners. system would hurt domestic digital Nadal win shows The World Trade Organisation’s TTIP negotiations proved more development and make it diffi cult to General Agreement on Trade in challenging, with some European participate in new technological fi elds. he increasing digitisation Services (GATS), for example, governs states, particularly France and But new rules could also revive the of the global economy is trade in services through diff erent Germany, opposing the rules out of inequities wrought by the “Uruguay veterans still rule changing how products “modes of supply.” Many developing fear that they would enable US fi rms Round” of trade negotiations, which Tand services are produced, countries agreed to liberalise cross- to dominate the European digital created the WTO and drove North- distributed, and sold across borders. border delivery of services (so-called economy. “Digital catching up,” as South free trade agreements. Technologies like cloud computing, “mode one” trade), never anticipating colleagues and I have noted, is a key In multilateral and bilateral world of tennis artifi cial intelligence, autonomous just how dramatically the digital strategic objective for many European agreements, developing countries systems, and “smart devices” are economy would revolutionise cross- countries. accept restrictions on their “policy spawning new industries, and border economic opportunities The election of President Donald space” in exchange for better market Rafael Nadal’s third US Open and 16th Grand Slam revolutionising old ones. and enable more services to be Trump in the US, who campaigned access to advanced economies. title meant a familiar look for the landscape of men’s But, while these changes could delivered across borders. Today, these on a platform of protectionist trade Many scholars now believe this tennis — and a worrying wake-up call in the “City That bring important benefits, the speed earlier commitments are becoming rules and support for “traditional” “bargain” undermines developing of digitisation has also created economically meaningful, increasing manufacturing industries, has called countries’ ability to enact policies that Never Sleeps” for the next generation. daunting governance challenges, the pressure on many developing into question the future of digital encourage economic diversifi cation The 31-year-old Spaniard defeated Kevin Anderson to both within and across countries. countries. rulemaking. Trump’s decision to and structural change, making it ensure that the last fi ve majors have been won by men Existing global rules – embedded in In recent years, debates about how withdraw from the TPP was received more diffi cult for them to catch up over 30. multilateral, regional, and bilateral to govern the digital economy have very negatively by the US digital economically and technologically with From Wimbledon in 2003, an incredible 53 of 58 Slams trade and investment agreements intensifi ed. Multinational digital industry. It remains to be seen how developed economies. – are being challenged by the fi rms, mostly based in the US, have digital trade regulations will fare A new framework for digital trade have now been claimed by just fi ve men — Roger Federer new processes that digitisation is pushed for globally harmonised rules under the TTIP, which Trump has and e-commerce must be crafted (19), Nadal (16), Novak Djokovic (12) and Andy Murray enabling. that would provide predictability suggested he might revive. with these concerns in mind. As rules and Stan Wawrinka with three apiece. This is creating more space for and limit the space for national Trump’s trade moves are created to manage how countries To hammer home their enduring appeal and national governments to intervene governments to intervene in digital notwithstanding, eff orts to update interact, regulators must work to dominance, Federer and Nadal shared the four Slams in the digital economy. China, for fl ows. global rules governing the digital ensure that digital-trade policies do example, has established its own Supporting such eff orts, the Obama economy are continuing – within not exacerbate the inequities that in 2017 — Federer beating Nadal in the Australian Open digital industries, using policies such administration made the digital the WTO, and also as part of talks the traditional trading regime has fi nal before capturing a record eighth Wimbledon. as Internet fi ltering, data localisation domain a core part of US trade policy. among the US, Canada, and Mexico exposed. – Project Syndicate Nadal claimed an unprecedented 10th French Open (requiring Internet fi rms to store Provisions on the free fl ow of data, to renegotiate the North American before adding another US title on Sunday. data on domestic servers), and forced together with prohibition of data Free Trade Agreement. These debates zShamel Azmeh is an assistant Both Federer and Nadal have fi ve titles apiece for 2017, technology transfer to drive digital localisation and forced technology will only become more urgent in the professor of international development development. This has supported the transfer, were included in so- coming years. and international political economy impressive for two men who were ranked 16 and nine emergence of major Chinese digital called “twenty-fi rst-century trade So far, regulatory ambiguity has not at the University of Bath and a respectively at the end of 2016. fi rms such as Tencent and Baidu, agreements,” like the Trans-Pacifi c severely aff ected developing countries, visiting fellow at the London School of With Murray, Djokovic and Wawrinka sidelined with though it often has had adverse eff ects Partnership and the Transatlantic and the economic costs to the global Economics and Political Science. injury, the US Open was to be the tournament where the “NextGen” was to make its mark. However, it was grim fortnight for most of the young pretenders. Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who was seeded four, fell in the second round to Borna Coric despite arriving in New York with fi ve titles, including the US Open tune-up in Montreal. The 20-year-old’s best Slam performance remains his fourth-round run at Wimbledon. Australia’s Nick Kyrgios lost fi rst round to compatriot John Millman while sixth-seeded The 31-year-old Dominic Thiem, 24, squandered two Spaniard defeated match points in a fi ve-set defeat in the Kevin Anderson fourth round to Juan to ensure that the Martin del Potro. There was some last fi ve majors hope for the future have been won by stars. Frances Tiafoe, just men over 30 19 and ranked at 70 to start the tournament, pushed Federer to fi ve sets in the fi rst round. Grigor Dimitrov, who famously described himself as the “old next generation” was knocked out by 19-year- old Andry Rublev of Russia. Rublev went all the way to the last-eight where he was beaten by Nadal, who allowed him just fi ve games. “I have to work as hard as I can and the main thing now is to try to keep working harder and harder to improve, because I still have a lot of things to improve,” said Rublev. Canadian 18-year-old qualifi er Denis Shapovalov was also a revelation, coming through qualifying having also defeated Nadal at the Montreal Masters on his way to the semi-fi nals. Shapovalov was ranked at 161 at the start of the year and is now on the cusp of the top 50 after beating French Bleach use linked to risk of fatal lung disease eighth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga before a last-16 loss to Pablo Carreno Busta in three tie-break sets. By Nicola Slawson Nearly 25,000 people per year die guidelines, but the researchers hope of the European Respiratory Society “Defi nitely, there is still so much work to be done. I’m London from the disease in England, which this will be investigated. International Congress in Milan playing unbelievable tennis right now, but, yeah, it’s not is the third highest death rate in “Some of these disinfectants, such that certain tasks involving frequent Europe. as bleach and quats, are frequently exposure to disinfectants, such as going to be like this every week,” he admitted. egular use of bleach and other Disinfectant use has previously used in ordinary households, and the cleaning surfaces, as well as specifi c However, given the supreme fi tness levels of Nadal common disinfectants has been associated with an increased potential impact of domestic use of chemicals in disinfectants, were and Federer and the imminent comeback of Andy been linked to a higher risk of risk of respiratory problems such disinfectants on COPD development associated with a 22%-32% increased Murray and Novak Djokovic from injuries, it is hard to Rdeveloping fatal lung disease, as asthma. However, the new study is unknown,” Dumas said. “Earlier risk of developing the disease. fathom any of the young guns breaking through. researchers have found. is thought to be the first to identify studies have found a link between Dumas said: “We found that The use of disinfectants is linked a link between COPD and specific asthma and exposure to cleaning nurses who use disinfectants to clean For a couple of years more, at least, it would be the Big to a higher risk of developing chronic cleaning chemicals known as products and disinfectants at home, surfaces on a regular basis – at least Four who will be calling the shots in the Grand Slams. obstructive pulmonary disease quaternary ammonium compounds such as bleach and sprays, so it is once a week – had a 22% increased (COPD), according to research looking (quats). important to investigate this further.” risk of developing COPD ... There at incidence of the disease in more “The potential adverse eff ects of The researchers analysed data from was a suggestion of a link with To Advertise than 55,000 nurses in the US. exposure to disinfectants on COPD a mass study on female US nurses the weekly use of disinfectants to The 30-year study by Harvard have received much less attention, commenced by Harvard in 1989. In clean instruments but this was not [email protected] University and the French National although two recent studies in 2009, they looked at those who were statistically signifi cant. Display Institute of Health and Medical European populations showed that still working as nurses who had no “In our study population, 37% of Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 Research (Inserm) found that those working as a cleaner was associated history of COPD and tracked them nurses used disinfectants to clean who used the products just once a with a higher risk of COPD,” said until May this year. During that surfaces on a weekly basis and 19% Classified week had as high as a 32% increased Inserm researcher Orianne Dumas. period, 663 were diagnosed with the used disinfectants to clean medical Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 chance of developing the condition. “To the best of our knowledge, we condition. instruments on a weekly basis.” COPD, which aff ects an estimated are the fi rst to report a link between The nurses’ exposure to She says the findings highlight the Subscription 1.2mn people in the UK, describes disinfectants and COPD among disinfectants were evaluated via a need for guidelines for cleaning and [email protected] a group of lung conditions such as healthcare workers, and to investigate questionnaire and other factors that disinfection in healthcare settings emphysema and chronic bronchitis specifi c chemicals that may underlie could have distorted the results, such such as hospitals to be updated to that make it diffi cult to move air in and this association.” as the age, weight and ethnicity of the take the occupational health risks 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved out of the lungs because the airways The everyday use of bleach subjects, were taken into account. into account. – Guardian News and have been narrowed. currently has no specifi c health Dumas yesterday told a meeting Media Gulf Times Tuesday, September 12, 2017 23 COMMENT Asian cities’ endless summer

The longer we wait to polycentric urban confi gurations, with still not suffi ciently understood, nor economies and societies built around have they been adequately integrated address the climate multiple regional hubs, rather than into planning processes. This must challenge, the more concentrated around a single city, and change. In fl ood-prone countries, natural assets maintained through city-planning schemes should blend devastating the disruption eco-corridors and connected green grey infrastructure, such as drainage will be spaces. systems, dikes, and sea walls, with But rising temperatures are far green measures, like conservation from the only threat posed by climate of wetlands and forests. Improved By Hans Joachim Schellnhuber change. Extreme weather events, meteorological observations and and Bambang Susantono from droughts to fl oods, will intensify early-warning systems would also Postdam/Manila and become more frequent. In Asia, help substantially. increased rainfall and worsening But here, again, there is a lack of tropical cyclones will wreak havoc on adequate knowledge and preparation. t’s monsoon season in Asia – food production, driving down rural There is no systematic analysis of marking an end to months of incomes. In Sri Lanka, for example, the economic costs and benefi ts of scorching temperatures. But rice yields could drop by up to 20% coastal fortifi cation relative to other Ithe extreme heat will return, by 2050; in Fiji, cassava output could approaches. “Softer” interventions, with cities facing particularly brutal plummet by 36%. like better land-use planning and conditions. Already, Asia’s urban All of this would be exacerbated ecosystem-based approaches, areas experience twice as many hot by rising sea levels, which could be are widely supported, but their days as its rural areas do – and could 1.4m (4.6ft) higher by the end of the eff ectiveness has been assessed in only experience 10 times as many by century, potentially causing many a few small-scale studies. 2100. At that point, there will be no countries to lose more than 10% of Flood risks could complicate reversing the trend. their land area. If countries meet energy-infrastructure development The fi rst detailed assessment of their commitments under the Paris in coastal cities in countries like climate risk for Asia, carried out climate agreement, the total sea- Bangladesh and India. Here, at least, by the Asian Development Bank level rise could be halved, with more the way forward is clearer: closer (ADB) and the Potsdam Institute for People wade through flooded waters at a village in Morigaon district in the northeastern state of Assam, India. In Asia, ambitious schemes promising even regional co-operation would help to Climate Impact Research (PIK), makes increased rainfall and worsening tropical cyclones will wreak havoc on food production, driving down rural incomes. greater reductions. If, however, we off set power shortages, while off -grid clear that Asia’s cities stand at the continue on our current path for just energy from renewables and climate- frontline of the fi ght against climate it is business as usual that would emissions. The region needs low- Climate-driven migration fl ows a couple more decades, we could resilient supply networks would help change. Indeed, many consequences be disrupted by the consequences carbon green growth strategies that will exacerbate the challenges Asian trigger centuries of rising sea levels, countries to enhance their energy of a hotter planet – such as more of climate change, with unfettered use less land, water, and energy. These cities face. Unless a suffi cient number even if we subsequently ended all security. extreme weather events, sea-level warming impeding or even reversing strategies will help to slow rapid of decent jobs are created, climate greenhouse-gas emissions. The eff ects Given Asia’s massive size, rise, environmental migration, and Asia’s recent economic progress. urbanisation, which entails dense migrants could become a permanent would be gradual but merciless. population, and economic mounting social tensions – intersect The longer we wait to address construction, sealed roads, and private underclass. Even if jobs are available, The risks are arguably highest on importance, it must be at the centre in urban areas. the climate challenge, the more cars – all of which contribute to the the environmental pressure created by Asia’s crowded coastlines, where of global eff orts to mitigate climate This is particularly true in Asia, devastating the disruption will be. “urban heat island” eff ect. ever-more populated cities will pose millions of people are exposed to change. In many ways, Asia’s cities where cities house more than half of And we may not get much warning, If we continue on our current path, a grave threat. Yet projections of the fl ooding. And those risks continue hold Earth’s future in their hands. the population and produce almost because climate eff ects generally the mean temperature over the Asian impact of climate change on migration to mount: in countries such as They must do their utmost to protect 80% of economic output. By 2050, do not evolve in a linear fashion, landmass could soar by more than in Asia remain indefensibly limited in Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, it. – Project Syndicate Asia’s urban population could nearly but rather emerge suddenly and 6C (10.8F), relative to pre-industrial number, scope, and predictive power. and Vietnam, coastal populations double, to 3bn people. Without new powerfully, once certain tipping points levels, by 2100. People may fall ill In order to improve city planning are expected to double by 2060. Asia zHans Joachim Schellnhuber is the climate initiatives, the region’s cities have been reached. and even die from respiratory and and healthcare services, we need a is home to 13 of the 20 global cities Director of the Potsdam Institute for could contribute more than half of So far, not nearly enough has other ailments caused by heat stress simple and accurate way to assess expected to experience the sharpest Climate Impact Research. Bambang the increase in global greenhouse-gas been done to assess Asia’s exposure or pollution. Beyond the human current and future heat-tolerance increases in annual economic loss due Susantono is the Asian Development emissions over the next 20 years. to climate impacts, much less to costs, higher temperatures would levels among urban populations. We to fl oods between now and 2050. Bank’s Vice-President of Knowledge Such a scenario is often called strengthen protections for vulnerable undermine agricultural and industrial also need strategies to decrease urban As it stands, the risks of sea-level Management and Sustainable “business as usual.” Yet, in reality, areas or reduce greenhouse-gas productivity. heat stress, including a shift toward rise for Asia’s coastal urban centres are Development. Weather report The euro’s narrow path Three-day forecast TODAY High: 40 C By Barry Eichengreen sides. It starts with completing the of state in all-night talks. Rather, it insurance fund amounting to, say, banking union. Europe now has a would be taken by a board made up of 1% of eurozone GDP. This would be Low : 32 C Berkeley Inshore: Hazy to misty / foggy at single supervisor in the European eurozone representatives, including analogous to US arrangements under places at first becomes hot daytime with chance of local rainly clouds and Central Bank, but it lacks a common from civil society, nominated by the which the federal government provides humid by night. ith Emmanuel Macron’s deposit insurance scheme, which European Council and confi rmed by partial funding for state-administered victory in the French German offi cials oppose on the the European Parliament, giving the unemployment insurance. And it would WEDNESDAY presidential election, grounds that there has been process a legitimacy it currently lacks. give the eurozone fi nance minister High: 40 C and Angela Merkel’s inadequate risk reduction in the But Germany will agree only if it something to do. If the initial modest Low: 31 C W Sunny Christian Democratic Union enjoying European banking system. In other sees steps limiting the likelihood of program was shown to work, it could be a comfortable lead in opinion polls words, they worry that the fees levied expensive intervention. This brings us scaled up. ahead of Germany’s general election on German banks will be used to pay to the vexed question of fi scal policy. It But German politicians are aware on September 24, a window has off depositors in other countries. is past time to abandon the fi ction that that unemployment is 2.5 times higher THURSDAY opened for eurozone reform. The euro The solution lies in bulletproofi ng the ultimate source of fi scal discipline in France than at home, raising the High: 41 C has always been a Franco-German the banks by strictly applying the is a set of strictly enforced EU rules. danger that transfers would all go one Low: 31 C project. With a dynamic new leader demanding capital standards of Basel Taxation and public spending remain way. That’s why such proposals are Sunny in one country and a fresh popular III and limiting concentrated holdings sensitive national prerogatives, contingent on structural reforms that mandate in the other, there is now an of government bonds. The paradox rendering outside oversight reduce unemployment where it is high opportunity for France and Germany here is that European regulators, ineff ectual. Assigning oversight to and increase the fl exibility of labour Fishermen’s forecast to correct their creation’s worst fl aws. including German regulators, have the European Commission in Brussels and product markets. OFFSHORE DOHA But the two sides remain deeply in fact been arguing for looser promises, inevitably, not discipline but This is essentially the bargain Wind: NE-SE 03-12 KT divided. Macron, in long-standing application of those regulations in a dangerous populist backlash. Macron has off ered Merkel. To Waves: 1-3 Feet French tradition, insists that the negotiations with the United States. The alternative is to return control of paraphrase, “I’ll undertake deep INSHORE DOHA Wind: NE 05-15 KT monetary union suff ers from too In doing so, they have been arguing fi scal policy to national governments, structural reforms if you agree to Waves: 1-2 Feet little centralisation. The eurozone, he against their own best interests. abandoning the pretense that policy modest steps in the direction of fi scal argues, needs its own fi nance minister Next, Europe needs to transform can be regimented by EU rules. federalism, completing the banking Around the region and its own parliament. It needs a the European Stability Mechanism, its Governments could then make their union, and creating a European Weather Weather budget in the hundreds of billions proto-rescue fund, into a true European own decisions; if they make bad Monetary Fund.” today Max/min tomorrow Max/min of euros to underwrite investment Monetary Fund (EMF). Its resources decisions, they will have to restructure No one on either side of the Rhine Abu Dhabi Sunny 40/31 Sunny 38/31 projects and augment spending in could be augmented by increasing their debts. Adopting a European debt- will regard this bargain as perfect. Baghdad Sunny 46/26 Sunny 46/24 Dubai Sunny countries with high unemployment. governments’ capital subscriptions restructuring mechanism would help But with the euro in the balance, Sunny 41/31 41/29 Kuwait City Sunny 43/29 Sunny 47/30 Merkel, on the other hand, views and expanding its ability to borrow. to avoid the worst fallout. Any adverse the perfect should not be allowed Manama Sunny 40/32 Sunny 41/32 the monetary union’s problem as Decision-making could be streamlined consequences would no longer spread to become the enemy of the good. – Muscat Sunny 32/27 Sunny 33/27 one of too much centralisation and by moving from the current unanimity to other countries, because their banks Project Syndicate Riyadh M Sunny 42/28 Sunny 42/27 too little national responsibility. She rule to qualifi ed majority voting. would no longer hold concentrations Tehran Sunny 34/22 Sunny 32/21 worries that a large eurozone budget The EMF could then take the of government bonds. They would not zBarry Eichengreen is a professor at wouldn’t be spent responsibly. While place of the ECB and the European bankrupt the EMF, which would be able the University of California, Berkeley, not opposed to a eurozone fi nance Commission in negotiating the to lend only in cases of illiquidity, not and the University of Cambridge. minister, she does not envision that terms of fi nancing programs with insolvency. His latest book is Hall of Mirrors: offi cial possessing expansive powers. governments. The fi nal decision of These ideas will horrify dedicated The Great Depression, the Great But there is a narrow path forward whether to extend an emergency euro-federalists. One bone they can Recession, and the Uses – and Misuses that should be acceptable to both loan would no longer fall to heads be thrown is a pilot unemployment – of History. Live issues Coff ee lovers, farmers ‘to be hit by warming planet’

Thomson Reuters Foundation some fear this target will not be favourite morning thing to do, it’s got International Center for Tropical Rome met. these big ramifi cations,” said Ricketts. Agriculture (CIAT). Unlike coff ee Coff ee is grown by about 25mn Coff ee-growing areas are plants, bees that pollinate the coff ee farmers in more than 60 countries, particularly rich in plant species, can spread to cooler areas north or off ee lovers may find it with probably 100mn people involved including some unique to those south of the tropics, as well as uphill. harder to get their favourite in its production — most of them are regions. “We can think about...making sure Around the world caff eine fi x in a few years’ rural and poor, said Taylor Ricketts, These “biodiversity hotspots” will we grow coff ee in really smart ways, in Weather Weather time, as global warming co-author of the study and director of also be impacted by a warming planet. ways that are more biodiversity friendly today Max/min tomorrow Max/min C Athens Sunny 31/21 Sunny 33/22 could cut coff ee growing areas in Latin the Gund Institute for Environment at The worst aff ected countries in and ways that produce higher quality America by as much as 88% by 2050, the University of Vermont. Latin America will be Nicaragua, coff ee in suffi cient amounts on smaller Beirut Sunny 31/27 Sunny 30/27 Bangkok P Cloudy S T Storms 34/26 amounts of land,” said Ricketts. 34/26 scientists said yesterday. “There’s more at stake here than Honduras and Venezuela, the Berlin S Showers 18/10 Showers 19/13 Latin America is the world’s largest my nice espresso in New York or scientists said. It may also be possible to develop Cairo Sunny 39/23 Sunny 38/24 coff ee-producing region. Paris going to get more expensive. It On the other hand, slightly more varieties of coff ee that are more heat Cape Town M Cloudy 16/12 M Cloudy 15/11 Coff ee growing areas in Asia threatens the primary livelihood of land might become suitable for tolerant. “Whether they’ll taste good Colombo S T Storms 29/26 T Storms 29/25 T Storms 31/26 and Africa may be similarly hit, millions of people who are already growing coff ee in Mexico, Guatemala, to the consumer is up in the air,” he Dhaka 31/26 T Storms Hong Kong M Sunny 33/28 S T Storms 32/28 the researchers said in the journal, vulnerable,” Ricketts told the Colombia and Costa Rica, they said. said. Istanbul Sunny 29/22 Sunny 28/21 Proceedings of the National Academy Thomson Reuters Foundation. Coff ee farmers can protect their Another option for farmers is to Jakarta P Cloudy 34/24 P Cloudy 34/25 of Sciences. High quality coff ee grows in plants from a warming climate by switch crops. “I think other crops are Karachi P Cloudy 32/26 P Cloudy 32/26 They based their predictions on mountainous areas in the tropics, creating shade for them. in less dire straits because they grow London P Cloudy 18/12 Cloudy 17/18 Manila T Storms 29/26 T Storms 31/26 a rise in global temperatures of 2.6 where it thrives in the cooler air. They also need to protect the in a place where there’s a lot of land Moscow P Cloudy 26/15 S T Storms 25/13 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial As the planet heats up, coff ee forests, hedgerows and other areas to their north and to their south and New Delhi M Sunny 36/27 Sunny 36/27 levels by 2050. plants will have to be moved higher up that provide pollinating bees with uphill,” said Ricketts. New York P Cloudy 29/19 P Cloudy 27/21 Nearly 200 countries have mountains — meaning there will be fl owers and nesting sites. “I’d prefer it if the climate weren’t Paris P Cloudy 19/15 Rain 19/11 Sunny Sunny 31/18 pledged to keep temperatures to less land available to cultivate them. “If there are bees in the coff ee changing so quickly, but there are Sao Paulo 31/15 Seoul P Cloudy 27/15 Sunny 25/13 “well below” two degrees Celsius “Getting coff ee cultivation right is plots, they are very effi cient and very possibilities of alleviating some of the Singapore M Cloudy 31/26 M Cloudy 31/26 by curbing planet-warming really important to conserving nature good at pollinating, so productivity problems this paper predicts. Sydney P Cloudy 28/19 Cloudy 31/10 greenhouse gas emissions, under and developing rural communities. increases and also berry weight,” “The trick is to see them coming so Tokyo Cloudy 30/23 Cloudy 29/22 the 2015 Paris climate deal, but Aside from being everybody’s said lead author Pablo Imbach of the there’s time to adapt,” Ricketts added. Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 QATAR

Qatar Foundation hosts Unesco delegation UN condemns high human cost of Yemen airstrikes

Agencies Geneva

he United Nations has verified 5,144 civil- Tian deaths in the war in Yemen, mainly from air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition, and an international investigation is urgently needed, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein has said. Affi rming that coalition air- strikes continue to be the lead- ing cause of civilian casualties, including of children, the high commissioner said in his ad- dress to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday that the actual number of casu- alties is likely to be far higher, the Qatar News Agency report- ed. “The human rights situation in Yemen is extremely alarm- HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), and Omran Hamad al-Kuwari, executive director, CEO Off ice, ing, and for the third time before QF, yesterday welcomed a delegation from Unesco to Education City. Sheikha Hind discussed future plans at QF and the potential for collaboration opportunities with the 12-member international delegation this council, I urge the establish- at QF Headquarters. She explained how QF’s flagship development, Education City, serves as a hub of academic excellence, housing a range of educational facilities, from QF schools to partner universities ment of an international and and its homegrown institution, Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Following the meeting, the visitors were given a comprehensive presentation highlighting QF’s diff erent education institutes, science and independent investigative body research centres, and community development initiatives. They were also given a tour of the open-air viewing platform on the eighth floor of QF HQ. Concluding the visit, the Unesco delegation members, to carry out comprehensive in- who are from South Africa, El Salvador, Kenya, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Yemen, and Algeria, signed the QF visitors book to commemorate their visit. vestigations of violations and abuses of international human rights law and international hu- manitarian law,” he noted. More than 8,749 people have also been injured in the war, ac- cording to the UN. Al-Hussein said 62 interna- tional and Yemeni NGOs have submitted a joint letter to the council’s member states echo- Thumama Stadium refl ects ing the urgent need for such an inquiry. The minimal eff orts made to- wards accountability over the past year are insuffi cient to re- spond to the gravity of the con- tinuing and daily violations in- Qatar’s long-term goals volved in this confl ict. He added that the suff ering of l Thumama Stadium, the sixth shop to demonstrate the scale of op- the Yemeni people is now com- proposed venue of the 2022 FIFA erational preparations for the 2022 FIFA pounded by the grave epidemic AWorld Cup and one inspired by World Cup. of cholera, which is a direct re- Qatari and Islamic culture, will have a During the event, QTA chief tourism sult of indiscriminate attacks by wide-ranging impact on the economic, development offi cer Hassan al-Ibrahim the parties involved on medi- sporting and cultural landscapes of Qatar. had hailed his organisation’s partner- cal centres and other protected The showpiece element of the pre- ship with the SC, saying it would help in sites, as well as sieges, blockades cinct’s legacy planning is a boutique the development of a sustainable tour- and restrictions on movement. hotel, which will be built following the ism industry through to and beyond “We continue to receive nu- conclusion of the tournament, accord- 2022. merous reports of arbitrary or ing to an article posted on the Supreme QTA’s 2030 strategy envisages a illegal detention, enforced dis- Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) three-fold increase in the number of appearances and torture and ill- website yesterday. tourists and hotel rooms. treatment,” he noted. Taking their places alongside the ho- It also seeks to achieve a similar in- Al-Hussein warned that the tel will be multisport leisure facilities, a crease in revenue in the tourism sector. devastation of Yemen and the mosque, retail and commercial outlets, Over and above the long-lasting eco- horrifi c suff ering of its people and a branch of the world-class sports nomic gains it will stimulate, Al Thu- would have immense and en- clinic Aspetar. mama Stadium will also leave behind during repercussions across the By including a boutique hotel in its strong sporting legacies, including region. legacy plans, the SC has aligned directly athletics, cycling and equestrian tracks He appealed to the parties to with the long-term growth strategy of suitable for everyone from elite athletes the confl ict to reach a negoti- one of its key stakeholders, Qatar Tour- to recreational users. ated and durable solution, and to ism Authority (QTA). The local community will further ben- adhere to their obligations under QTA’s 2030 strategy focuses on efi t from the facilities for basketball, hand- international law, including fa- achieving exponential growth in Qatar’s ball, volleyball, tennis and swimming. cilitating the unimpeded deliv- available inventory of three- and four- Many local, regional and internation- ery of humanitarian relief. star hotel rooms by 2030, from a 2012 al football events will be staged in the It is the third time that he has baseline. stadium after its capacity has been re- appealed for an international The concept of the boutique hotel at After the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the upper tier of Al Thumama Stadium’s modular seats will be donated to Asian and African duced to 20,000 after the tournament. inquiry into human rights vio- Al Thumama Stadium fi ts in seamlessly nations that require sporting infrastructure. As with other potential venues for the lations in Yemen, Reuters re- with this objective. 2022 FIFA World Cup, the upper tiers of ported. QTA plans to increase three-and modation concept workshop in associ- About 40 of the world’s leading hotel SC’s assistant secretary general for its modular seating will be dismantled Last week, al-Hussein’s of- four-star hotel room inventories by 6% ation with QTA and the Local Organis- brands discussed the accommodation Tournament Aff airs Nasser al-Khater, and donated to countries across Asia fi ce said the 47 countries on the and 4% respectively. ing Committee (LOC) for the 2022 FIFA opportunities that lay in store ahead of who is also the LOC 2022 deputy chief and Africa that require sporting infra- Human Rights Council were not In May, the SC organised an accom- World Cup. the tournament. executive offi cer, had called the work- structure. taking their responsibilities se- riously, and urged them to probe the “entirely man-made catas- trophe”. The UN says the civil war Tamim Al Majd in Philippines has created the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis, with the ‘A wake-up call for investors’ confl ict compounded by an eco- nomic collapse that has pushed millions to the brink of famine. he Gulf crisis has served as a The crippling of the health wake-up call for local inves- and sanitation systems has en- Ttors, leading to an upward tick abled cholera to take hold with in domestic activity, economic ex- unprecedented speed, with pert Mohsin Mujtaba has said. about 650,000 people infect- He made the observation while ed since late April, five times speaking on Qatar Urdu Radio’s live the global cholera caseload in radio show Haqeeqat yesterday, 2016. sharing insights on the economic During the three-week UN outlook for Qatar. Human Rights Council session, “It’s a wake-up call for investors Saudi Arabia and the Nether- because whether it’s the manufac- lands are expected to propose turing, tourism or fi nancial sector, rival resolutions, inviting the people will need capital to start their council to continue backing businesses and that will lead to an in- Yemen’s national human rights crease in domestic activity,” he said. probe or to set up its own in- Mujtaba also noted that with quiry. the opening of Hamad Port, Qatar For the past two years, Saudi is now directly connected to 130 Arabia has prevailed, but the countries around the world and this situation in the country has not would enhance trade relations of the Mohsin Mujtaba improved, and al-Hussein’s of- country. fi ce has said Yemen’s national On the issue of the Saudi-led Mujtaba said Qatar’s economic Haqeeqat, which aims to engage investigation is not up to the blockade aff ecting the oil and gas vision and goals were clear and these and interact with the large South mark for the job. sector, he said: “Gas is the future of would help strengthen the economy Asian expatriate community in The draft Dutch resolution the fuel industry. One of the major in the years to come. Qatar, is a joint venture between backs al-Hussein’s position, a Filipino expatriate Rovie Medina, a Qatar resident for 11 years, has displayed sources of revenue for Qatar is LNG “The focus for 2022 is infrastructur- Gulf Times and Qatar Media Cor- Western diplomat said. a Tamim Al Majd sticker on her car in the Philippines, as a mark of support to export and this sector remains un- al development and that will happen poration Urdu Radio. It is broad- “The common assessment is her host country. “I consider Qatar as my second home and I am thankful to aff ected by the crisis. In fact, Qatar side by side with the Qatar National cast from Sunday to Thursday on that the situation has deterio- His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for giving expatriates has announced that it will increase Vision 2030 goal, which is making FM107. rated. The compromise that was opportunities to live and work in his beloved country,” Medina wrote in an e-mail its LNG production by 30%, which Qatar a knowledge-based economy. One can log on to Qatar Urdu put in place last year hasn’t de- to Gulf Times. Medina’s father and brother flank the car adorned with the Tamim means that even if the price of gas These are major milestones that will Radio on Facebook and ‘@QatarU- livered,” the diplomat said. “One Al Majd sticker. falls in the international market, help the country develop various sec- rduRadio’ on Twitter for feedback of the resolutions will need to be Qatar will not be aff ected by it.” tors simultaneously,” he added. and comments about the show. dismissed.”