BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 08

QIIB’s net Nothing is profit grows by impossible 6% to QR882.1m for Qatar’s in 2018 Hassan

Monday 28 January 2019 | 22 Jumada I 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7785 | 2 Riyals

Qatar tops 2018 Global Amir arrives in Seoul on a two-day official visit Entrepreneurship Index

QNA The local environment failure” declined to only 32.6 DOHA index for business percent in 2018 compared with 41.9 percent in 2017, while the Qatar topped the global entre- entrepreneurship percentage of those with entre- preneurship environment, in Qatar registered preneurial intentions doubled, according to Global Entrepre- about 6.7 points with about 29.1 percent of neurship Monitor (GEM) report, out of 10 points and respondents expressing positive in which 54 countries worldwide intentions for launching a new took part. Qatar is ranked first local project, compared to only This ranking came as a among all countries 15.7 percent in 2017. result of a public opinion poll participating in the The 2018 GEM Report is co- that included international 2018 report. authored by prestigious aca- experts in various fields on all demic institutions such as indicators and detailed elements Babson College in USA, the that affect the reality and future showed an overall improvement International Development of this sector in the country. in all sub-indices of entrepre- Research Centre (IDRC) of The GEM Report is an inde- neurship among the population Canada and other institutions. pendent report that identifies compared to 2017 and 2018. The Qatar Development Bank the realities of entrepreneurship results of the report reflected the also participates in this global in 54 countries around the world cohesion of the positive attitudes report as a representative of the in line with global best practice, of the community towards State of Qatar. The bank com- and sets the results for gov- entrepreneurship, as 68.2 piles and analyses the country’s ernment and decision-makers percent of the population entrepreneurship data, which is to develop the entrepreneurial believe that entrepreneurship consistent with the Bank’s environment in each country. is a good professional option, efforts to monitor the devel- Qatar Development Bank (a and about 76.7 percent of the opment of small and medium GEM member) said that the population sees high standing enterprises and entrepre- report showed that the local for entrepreneurs in the country. neurship in the country, which environment index for business In 2018, about 54.2 percent helps to identify the challenges entrepreneurship in Qatar reg- of the population saw good of local entrepreneurship and istered about 6.7 points out of opportunities for launching the level of development from 10 points, and Qatar is ranked projects in the coming months, year to year. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived yesterday in Seoul for a two-day official visit first among all countries partic- compared to 45.6 percent in This assessment reflects the to the Republic of Korea. H H the Amir was welcomed upon arrival at Seoul Air Base by Oceans ipating in the 2018 report, fol- 2017, while 52.3 percent of efforts exerted by the State of Fisheries Minister in the Republic of Korea, Kim Young-choon, Qatar’s Ambassador to South Korea, lowed respectively by Indonesia, respondents said they had Qatar through its various insti- Mohammed Abdullah Al Duhaimi, South Korea’s Ambassador to Qatar, Kim Chang-mo and several and the Netherlands by about entrepreneurial capacity, com- tutions. Qatar has witnessed heads of Arab diplomatic missions accredited to South Korea and members of the Qatari Embassy 6.6 and 6.5 points. pared to 41.1 percent in 2017. remarkable efforts over the last in Seoul. H H the Amir is accompanied by an official delegation.` P2 The results of the report The number of “fear of two years. `P3

Qatar’s exports to S Korea, Japan PCC available 51.2% & China hit QR142bn in 2018 through Share of South Korea, Metrash2 and Japan and China in SACHIN KUMAR share in Qatar’s export in December, Qatar’s total exports THE PENINSULA Japan’s share was 17.2 percent while MoI web portal in December 2018 China had 14.4 percent share in Qatar’s South Korea, Japan and China are total exports. South Korea topped the SIDI MOHAMED Qatar’s major export destinations. list in terms of Qatar’s exports with close THE PENINSULA Qatar’s rising trade with South Korea, Japan and China Combined together, the bloc of these to QR5bn exports in December, followed Asian countries occupy a lion’s share in by Japan with almost QR4.4bn, while The Criminal Evidence and Qatar’s exports. In December 2018, exports to China from Qatar stood at Information Department of the South Korea, Japan and China had a about QR3.7bn. Ministry of Interior yesterday combined share of 51.2 percent in The share of these countries was announced the launch of Qatar’s total export, according to 46.5 percent in November last year. service of issuing certificates Ministry of Development Planning and Japan was top destination for Qatari of good conduct (PCC) through QR13bn QR14.9bn QR11.9bn Statistics (MDPS). exports in November with close to Metrash2 and Ministry of Inte- Value of total trade between Value of total trade between Value of total trade between According to Quarterly and monthly QR4.6bn, showing a share of 18.1 rior’s web portal. Qatar and South Korea in Qatar and Japan in third Qatar and China in third reports by MDPS, the total value of percent in total exports, followed by The Criminal Evidence third quarter of 2018 quarter of 2018 quarter of 2018 exports to South Korea from Qatar was South Korea with almost QR4.6bn and and Information Department about QR53bn in 2018. Exports to Japan a share of 17.7 percent while exports to of the Ministry of Interior also from Qatar was also around QR53bn China stood at QR2.8bn reflecting a opened an office for the 19.6% 17.2% 14.4% while exports to China was around share of 10.7 percent. issuance of certificates of good South Korea’s share in Qatar’s Japan’s share in Qatar’s China’s share in Qatar’s QR35bn. The total value of exports was Similar trend was visible in October conduct (Police Clearance total export in December total export in December total export in December around QR142bn in 2018. as these three countries had a total share Certificate) at the Ministry of South Korea’s had 19.6 percent of around 46 percent. `P2 Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) headquarters. The office will facilitate citizens wishing to obtain Al Maha Children’s Unit launches third facility these certificates for employment in government FAZEENA SALEEM breathing supported by a Children at the units are seen multidisciplinary team focusing children’s care teams and to agencies or to provide them THE PENINSULA mechanical ventilator. The by multidisciplinary experts on providing treatment and receive support from other to the institutions enrolled by length of stay for each child including a paediatrician, phar- rehabilitation for these children, parents. students abroad. The office Al Maha Children’s Unit at the patient varies from months to macist, nutritionist, respiratory involving their families,” said “We have two children at Al opened in collaboration with Rumailah Hospital of Hamad years depending on the patient’s therapist, physiotherapist, nurse Lilykutty Joseph, Head Nurse at Maha Children’s Unit who go to ADLSA. The opening of the General Hospital launched its diagnosis, ranging from hered- and occupational therapist, pae- Al Maha Children’s Unit -1. school from the hospital,” said office was decided after mon- third facility yesterday. itary disorders (genetic dis- diatric pulmonology consultants A mother’s support group Nagwa Ahmed, Acting Director itoring and counting large Al Maha Children’s Unit 3 is orders), neuro-muscular dis- and specialists. was launched in 2018 enabling of Nursing, Paediatric Services numbers of transactions last a 12-bed long-term facility pro- orders to respiratory disorders. “Al Maha Children’s Unit -1 the parents of children with at Rumilah Hospital. year which amounted to viding care for children with “At Rumilah Hospital, we is providing comprehensive long-term medical conditions “We organise different activ- about 12,000 transactions. complex long-term medical con- opened children’s long-term long-term medical care and to take a more active role in ities for the children and we take Apart from receiving ditions, said Mariam Nooh Al care units back in 2010. Al Maha rehabilitation services for their child’s care. The initi- them to parks with all the applications for PCC, the Mutawa, Executive Director of Children’s Unit 1 & 2 provide care children supported by a ative has provided a platform medical, nursing and support office has a section to provide Nursing , Rumilah Hospital. for 50 children aged from three mechanical ventilator. The unit for the mothers of patients at services. The ambulance services fingerprint services for those Many being cared at Al Maha months to 14 years of age,” Al is being managed by highly the Al Maha Children’s Unit 1 support to transport children for who do not have saved fin- Children’s Unit have their Mutawa told The Peninsula. trained and qualified to have direct access to their activities,” she added. `P2 gerprint data. `P3 02 HOME MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 Amir arrives in Seoul on a two-day official visit

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived yesterday in Seoul on a two-day official visit to the Republic of Korea. H H the Amir was welcomed upon arrival at Seoul Air Base by the Oceans Fisheries Minister in the Republic of Korea, Kim Young-choon, Qatar’s Ambassador to South Korea, Mohammed Abdullah Al Duhaimi, and South Korea’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Kim Chang-mo, in addition to a line-up of Their Excellencies Heads of Arab diplomatic missions accredited to South Korea and members of the Qatari Embassy in Seoul.

Qatar condemns PHCC’s new health centre to cater 35,000 people bombings at Philippine cathedral The centre has 23 Health Centre. doctors and 44 QU Health DOHA: Qatar expressed its nurses working Centre started to strong condemnation of the register people bombings that targeted a Roman and advanced since December 16, Catholic cathedral on the southern laboratories 2018 and officially Philippine island of Jolo and with skilled lab opened on January resulted in dozens of deaths and technicians and a 15. Within a month injuries. In a statement issued 3700 people have yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign pharmacy. registered with the Affairs reiterated Qatar’s firm centre living in the stance on rejecting violence and areas including Al terrorism regardless of motives or FAZEENA SALEEM Tarfa, Jeryan reasons. The statement expressed THE PENINSULA Nejaima, Jelaiah, the condolences of Qatar to the Legtaifiya, the families of the victims, and the The Primary Health Care Corpo- Pearl, Al Gassar 66, Dr AlAnoud Saleh AlFehaidi government and people of the ration’s (PHCC) newly opened Alkharayej, Al Egla, (left), Manager at QU Health Philippines, wishing the injured a Qatar University Health Centre Jabal Thuaileb and speedy recovery. QNA with the capacity to cater for Centre, and PHCC’s newly- Umm Lekhba. Also 35,000 people will provide high opened health centre near people registered the Qatar University. Qatar, Kosovo standards of patient care in a at health centres in warm atmosphere. West Bay , Madinat discuss bilateral ties The health centre will ini- Manager at QU Health Centre cases, but stabilize the patients surgery,” said Dr Mohammed Khalifa and Al Gharafa are tially register 10,000 people told The Peninsula. “We provide and transfer them to a hospital,” Bassel, Dental Lead at the QU invited to register with QU DOHA: Minister of Administrative from neighboring areas and health services to Qatari families, said Dr AlAnoud. Health Centre. Health Centre. Development, Labour and Social gradually increase the number. residents of the local area and The QU Health Centre also The centre has 23 doctors The new health centre in Affairs H E Yousef bin Mohammed It offers an array of services such QU students,” she added. offers women’s wellness clinics, and 44 nurses working and geographic proximity with Qatar Al Othman Fakhroo met yesterday as family medicine, derma- The Health Centre provides maternity and well-baby clinics, advanced laboratories with University complies with the with the Minister of Labour and tology, radiology, dentistry and family medicine, specialist smoking cessation clinic and skilled lab technicians and a Global Sustainability Assessment Social Welfare in the Republic ophthalmology. clinics and walk-in services. dental clinics. pharmacy. “We conduct all lab System Certification (GSAS), of Kosovo, Skender Recica, and “QU Health Centre will offer Family medicine services “Our dental services include tests required for primary care. which is the first performance- his accompanying delegation services complying with the include chronic disease man- oral health promotion, general We can do 200 clinical bio- based system in the MENA during their visit to the country. PHCC’s vision to advance health agement, child health, antenatal dental treatment, oral health chemistry tests and 1000 region developed for rating They discussed aspects of joint and wellbeing through primary care, health education among prevention and screening hematology tests per hour with green buildings and infrastruc- cooperation between the two healthcare services which are others. Specialist clinics include services for children. We have the most advanced technology tures. With the opening of the QU parties and ways to support and comprehensive, integrated, ophthalmology clinics, dental eight clinics and specialized oral and equipment used at the lab- Health Centre, PHCC now bolster them. QNA patient centered and affordable,” services, dermatology and ENT. health clinics for endodontic, oratories,” said Shamil operates 27 health centres across Dr AlAnoud Saleh AlFehaidi, “We attend emergency pediatric dentistry and oral Mohamed, Lab Lead at the QU the country. Al Maha Children’s Unit launches third facility Qatar’s exports to S Korea, Japan & China hit QR142bn in 2018

FROM PAGE 1 Qatar and China was around Korea it was QR12.9bn and with In October 2018, South QR11.9bn in the third Quarter of China the total trade was Korea emerged as top desti- 2018. QR11.6bn. nation for Qatari exports with Exports from Qatar to Japan In the first quarter of last close to QR4.9bn exports, occu- in the third quarter of 2018 year, Qatar’s total trade with pying a share of 17 percent in stood at QR13.9bn showing a South Korea was 14.6bn; with total exports, followed by Japan share of 17.4 percent in Qatar’s Japan the trade was QR14.2bn with almost QR4.7bn exports total exports, followed by South and with China the total trade and a share of 16.2 percent while Korea with QR12.6bn exports was QR12.2bn. Qatar’s export to Mariam Nooh Al Mutawa (left), Executive Director of Nursing at Rumailah Hospital. RIGHT: Al Maha export to China came at QR3.7bn which had 15.8 percent share in South Korea was about QR14bn, Children’s Unit is situated at the Rumailah Hospital. having a share of 12.7 percent. total exports. reflecting a share of 20 percent During the third quarter of Exports to China from Qatar in total exports. FROM PAGE 1 In 2016, the staff at Al Maha a number of children who had last year, the value of total trade was around QR8.5bn in the third Exports from Qatar to Japan The mother’s support group Children’s Unit 1 implemented been hospitalised, in some between Qatar and Japan was quarter, reflecting a share of was about QR12.6bn, having a is the latest initiative by staff at a successful programme cases for many years, safely QR14.9bn while the value of 10.6 percent. share of 17.6 percent while the facility aimed at improving designed to help long-term ven- transitioned back into the com- trade between Qatar and South During the second quarter China’s share in Qatar’s exports both patient care and tilated children live at home. munity and visiting home Korea was QR13bn. of 2018, Qatar’s total trade with was around 11.6 percent with experience. That programme has seen frequently. The total trade between Japan was QR14.7bn; with South exports of QR8.3bn. MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 HOME 03 Qatar, China to enhance effective ties in all fields

SIDI MOHAMED investment fields, the Ambas- THE PENINSULA sador said, the two sides signed an exchange agreement worth The Ambassador of China to the 35bn yuan in 2014 which was State of Qatar, Li Chen (pictured), renewed in 2017. He said that has said that Amir H H Sheikh investment cooperation is one of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the most promising areas of the President of the People’s China-Qatar cooperation, and Republic of China, Xi Jinping will Chinese companies have a desire hold talks and exchange views on to invest in Qatar and China also strengthening China-Qatar stra- welcomes Qatari investment. tegic partnership and enhance About tourism sector, he said effective cooperation in all fields that Qatar Airways operates 49 during H H the Amir’s visit to direct flights every week to seven The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, met yesterday China. “Both leaders will also relationship to $10.3bn in 2017, Chinese cities. “Also Qatar with Duarte Pacheco, Chair of the Twelve Plus Group, European countries,Canada, Australia and attend the signing ceremony of a achieving a growth of about 200 National Tourism Council is number of agreements and times. developing programs to attract New Zealand in the Inter-Parliamentary Union and his accompanying delegation. protocols and on the sidelines of “The volume of trade Chinese tourists and has opened the visit the Qatar-China Business exchange between the two coun- three representative offices in Forum will be held,” he said. tries from January to November Beijing, Shanghai and Speaker of Shura Council meets The Ambassador said that the 2018 was $10.3bn, registering a Guangzhou.” visit shows the strong desire of the growth rate of about 46 percent The Chinese envoy said that two leaderships to promote and compared to the same period of number of Chinese tourists vis- deepen the strategic partnership 2017. Currently, China is the third iting Qatar in 2017 was 45,000 heads of international parliaments between China and Qatar. largest trading partner of Qatar, tourists, increased by 26 percent “Months ago, China and Qatar and Qatar considers the second compared to 2016. “In 2018, it QNA European countries, Canada, officials to complete these celebrated 30 years of diplomatic largest exporter of LNG to China,” exceeded 62,000 Chinese DOHA Australia and New Zealand. arrangements in the best pos- relationship between the two he noted during a meeting with tourists, up by 38 percent. The They also discussed ways to sible way and to provide all that countries but the relationship reporters about number of Qataris who have The Speaker of the Shura support, develop and strengthen would ensure the success of the between both countries are his- H H the Amir’s visit to China. applied for China’s visas at the Council, H E Ahmed bin such relations in various areas 140th session of the Inter-Par- toric and communication and Li Chen pointed out that there embassy was 2,600 in 2017 and Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, of parliamentary work. liamentary Union and its friendship between the Chinese are about 200 Chinese or joint more than 3,000 in 2018,” the met yesterday with Duarte The two sides also reviewed related meetings, in order to and Qatari people were estab- Chinese-Qatari companies oper- Ambassador said. Pacheco, Chair of the Twelve the ongoing arrangements for make it a special session and lished and inherited for more than ating in the engineering, con- He said that in the field of Plus Group, European the 140th General Assembly of an important platform for acti- a thousand years.” tracting, IT, trade and services combating terrorism, Qatar is an countries,Canada, Australia and the Inter-Parliamentary Union vating the joint inter-parlia- In the economic field, the sectors some of which have par- active counter-terrorism country New Zealand in the Inter-Parlia- and its related meetings, slated mentary work, and reaffirming Ambassador said, the China- ticipated in vital projects within and was acting in cooperation mentary Union and his accom- for the period from April 6 to 10 its role in deepening relations Qatar cooperation has made great the framework of the Qatar with United Nations counter-ter- panying delegation. in Doha. between peoples, developing achievements, where the volume National Vision 2030 and the rorism organizations. “In 2017, the The meetings discussed Duarte Pacheco praised the international cooperation and of trade exchange between the 2022 World Cup projects. “At the two countries signed an relations between Shura Council progress of these arrangements maintaining international two countries increased from same time, Qatari companies are agreement on cooperation in the and the parliamentary group, and the keenness exhibited by security and peace. $50m at the beginning of the entering the Chinese market.” field of security and law which is composed 48 members the Speaker of the Shura A number of Shura Council establishment of the diplomatic In the financial and enforcement.” representing all parliaments of Council, and the Council’s officials attended the meetings. Qatar’s support for Lebanon hailed Swedish star

QNA to supporting the Lebanese government bonds worth $500m, aggression on Lebanon, when the BEIRUT economy, aimed at emphasizing stressing that it was an important State of Qatar announced the Kallstrom praises to the world that Lebanon is not step to support the Lebanese reconstruction of towns in Media Adviser to Lebanese Pres- abandoned and has a special place economy and effectively translate southern Lebanon. He noted that ident General Michel Aoun, Rafiq in the hearts of the Gulf people in the existing relations between the the visit of HH the Father Amir stadium designs Shalala, underlined that the general and Qataris in two countries. broke the Israeli siege, and was participation of Amir H H Sheikh particular. He noted that this initiative welcomed officially and popularly Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the Shalala added that Qatar has complements a long march of for being the first visit of an Arab QNA The former Lyon, Arab Economic and Social Devel- a long record of giving, solidarity good relations between the two leader to the border villages. The DOHA Rennes and Spartak opment Summit, which was held and support to Lebanon, and that countries and the Qatari support Lebanese then launched the Moscow player said in Beirut last Sunday, gave the the relations between the two to Lebanon, adding that Qatar has famous phrase “Thank you Qatar”. Former Sweden star Kim Kall- summit an additional impetus in countries are deep-rooted and are always been supportive to The Lebanese presidential strom praised Qatar 2022’s the compact nature light of the conditions in which it constantly developing and Lebanon whether in terms of media adviser praised the way the compact tournament plans, of Qatar 2022 would was held. growing. The relations are char- development projects, con- Lebanese community in Qatar are along with the country’s futur- be a major boost for In an exclusive statement to acterized by brotherhood and struction or direct assistance to treated, noting that there are istic stadium designs, during a players and fans. Qatar News Agency (QNA), the reflect the close friendship bonds ministries. about 40,000 Lebanese in Qatar visit to the Supreme Committee presidential adviser said that the between the leaderships and The Lebanese official referred who feel that they are in their for Delivery and Legacy head- State of Qatar, through HH the peoples of the two countries. to Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad second home and are contributing quarters. The former Lyon, I really like the designs, which Amir’s personal participation in In this regard, he praised bin Khalifa Al Thani’s visit to to the economic renaissance in Rennes and Spartak Moscow reflect Qatari life,” said Kall- the summit and its contribution Qatar’s purchase of Lebanese Beirut in 2006, after the Israeli Qatar. player said the compact nature strom. “They look beautiful and of Qatar 2022 would be a major they are also built in a smart way boost for players and fans. The for the legacy plans.” The first longest distance between FIFA World Cup in the Arab Qatar tops Global stadiums will be just 55km in world will be positive for both Qatar’s Embassy in Mexico 2022, with fans having the Qatar and the region, according to hold football tournament Entrepreneurship chance to attend more than one to Kallstrom. match a day during the early “It’s important to take the The Embassy of Qatar in Mexico will organise a Index in 2018 stages of the tournament. World Cup to new countries. football tournament under the name of “Football Kallstrom, who won 131 Qatar has its issues but is making Cup Qatar-Mexico 2019” and under the patronage of FROM PAGE 1 caps for Sweden and repre- improvements. Progress is being the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. The sented his country at the 2006 made and having the World Cup Ambassador of Qatar to Mexico, Mohamed bin Jassim One of the reasons was FIFA World Cup, was visiting in your country can help you to Al Kuwari, said the tournament aims to strengthen overcoming the challenges Qatar for the first time just a evolve and develop. I’m truly the friendship between Qatar and Mexico through imposed by the blockade year after hanging up his boots. impressed with the develop- sport, which Qatar attaches great importance to as imposed on the country for “Probably the only thing ments here, and also the a means of bringing together cultures and peoples. He said it will see the participation of 10 teams more than a year and a half footballers complain about is hospitality.” representing the Embassy of Qatar and various ago. the constant travelling,” said Kallstrom is hoping Sweden ministries, institutions and universities of Mexico Commenting on the Kallstrom, who now works as can qualify for Qatar 2022 after and the tournament starts on February 2 to Feb 12 report, the Chief Executive a TV pundit. “You change hotel an impressive showing in Russia in conjunction with Qatar Sports Day. Officer of Qatar Development a lot, especially during tourna- last summer. The Swedes made Bank Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al ments, and it affects your it all the way to the quarter- Khalifa, said that Qatar’s recovery. The plans here are finals, where they were beaten ranking as the world’s amazing and have never been by England, after coming Number 1 in the GEM Report seen before. They will probably through a group containing PCC available through Metrash2 and MoI portal is an incentive for further help the level of football as Germany, the defending cham- efforts in this regard, praising players won’t be exhausted.” pions, Mexico and Korean FROM PAGE 1 is intended to receive applications available to all citizens and resi- the support enjoyed by the Kallstrom continued: “It’s Republic. The office will receive new for certificates of good conduct dents. “What this service requires system of entrepreneurship going to be great for the players “I think what Sweden did applications and follow-up for citizens applying for gov- from applicants from outside the by the higher authorities in and also the fans. They will have in Russia was amazing,” he requests from 7:30am to 1:00pm. ernment jobs and Qatari students country is to have an ID number the State. opportunities to see two games added. “They came out of a In the same context, the enrolled abroad. and a fingerprint stored with the Al Khalifa pointed out that a day. It’s going to be easy for tough group. The players were Criminal Evidence and Infor- “The Criminal Evidence and department. The applicants can the global indicators outlined them, one hotel, one flight ticket, on top of their games and the mation Department, in collabo- Information Department has pro- track the status of the application in the report showed that the and they don’t have to worry coach did a great job.” ration with the General Direc- vided all the needs of the office through the app as well.” entrepreneurial environment about following their team “They have potential to do torate of Information Systems, has with trained staff for two sections; On how much time PCC takes in Qatar is a golden oppor- around.” well in the World Cup but first launched the service of issuing first for women and the second in issuing a certificate, Brig Al tunity to start entrepre- Kallstrom, who appeared for you have to qualify, which is these certificates to all citizens for men. The citizens whose fin- Mahmoud said: “It depends on the neurship, adding that we will Sweden at three European quite hard. Swedish football is and residents through the appli- gerprints have not been saved type of service being applied for. continue to launch our Championship finals, also having a very positive time cation of Metrash2 or MoI web before can complete the bio- The service is now available for diverse initiatives to promote praised Qatar’s stadiums, many though and we are looking portal. metrics and apply for a certificate individuals, where the individual entrepreneurship, develop of which are modular and will forward to following their Brigadier Nasser Abdullah Al of good conduct from the office can request for himself or for one small and medium-sized have some of their seats donated progress.” Kallstrom said his Mahmoud, Director of Criminal directly,” Brig Al Mahmoud said. of his family members through enterprises and Qatari entre- to developing countries after message to Swedish fans is Evidence and Information He also said that Metrash2 Metrash 2 or the Ministry of the preneurs, and achieve Qatar 2022. simple: come and see Qatar for Department said that this office service is an additional service, Interior website.” National Vision 2030. “The stadiums are amazing yourself. 04 HOME MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 AFG College with University of Aberdeen to build new campus

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH “The project spread strategic development of this DOHA over an area of unique academic alliance. 60,000 sqm will have “The Group’s partnership AFG College with the University with the University of Aberdeen of Aberdeen has launched a four schools including continues to go from strength to project to build another campus business management strength. Our student numbers in Al Daayen. school, medical are growing beyond expectations Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh school, engineering and this is matched by ever Al Thani, Chairperson and increasing demand for new aca- Founder of the Al Faleh Group school and humanities demic disciplines,” said Dr for Education and Academic school,” said Dr Sheikha Aisha. Services, and Professor George Sheikha Aisha bint She said that the devel- Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chan- opment of new university cellor, University of Aberdeen, Faleh Al Thani. campus will compliment Amir officially launched the devel- H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad opment of phase 2 purpose-built Al Thani’s strategic vision to campus of the College in Al saw the first step in the devel- strengthen the provision of Daayen on January 24. opment of a fully-fledged uni- quality higher education, which “The project spread over an versity campus which will offer in-turn will support a stronger area of 60,000 sqm will have Aberdeen degrees across a range knowledge based economy for four schools including business of academic disciplines. the future of Qatar and growth Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani (second left), Founder and Chairperson of the Al Faleh Group, management school, medical The initiation of phase 2 and of its peoples. and Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani (second right), Member of the Board of Directors of Nasser school, engineering school and this new land which was kindly “We are extremely proud to humanities school,” Dr Sheikha afforded to AFG by the Qatari be associated with such a pres- Bin Khalid Company, with other guests during the ground-breaking ceremony of AFG University of Aisha told The Peninsula on the government, will build on the tigious university, a university Aberdeen Qatar Phase 2. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA sidelines of the event. She said success of the existing part- that is ranked as one of the that the project is expected to nership campus which is now in world’s top 160 universities and official launch of our planned partnership with AFG, which purpose built campus opening complete within two years. its second year of operation. with over 500 years of history new campus in Qatar, which is since its launch in 2017 has in Qatar, there will be even The event was attended by With over 400 registered and academic excellence and I another milestone in our suc- attracted over 400 students to greater opportunities for people Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al students studying for both am committed to help build on cessful partnership with the Al our existing campus in Doha to resident here and from across Thani and Sheikh Nasser bin undergraduate and postgraduate this reputation by providing a first Faleh Group under the lead- study our renowned range of the world to take advantage of Nawaf Al Thani, as well as a degrees, phase 1 presents a class student experience here in ership of Sheikha Aisha Al Thani. business programmes. the academic excellence that a number of delegates from the strong platform for continued Qatar,” said Dr Sheikha Aisha. “The new campus in Al Ajay Sharma, UK Ambas- world renowned institution such University of Aberdeen and staff development of a new and larger Professor Boyne commented: Daayan builds on the success of sador to the State of Qatar, said: as Aberdeen University has to members of AFG College, which university campus as part of the “I was delighted to attend the the initial phase of our “With this development of a offer here in Qatar.” QatarDebate organises 3rd QUDL Ooredoo extends THE PENINSULA its gratitude to DOHA

QatarDebate, a member of Qatar Foundation, recently organised marathon sponsors the third Qatar Universities Debate League (QUDL) in THE PENINSULA spectators who enthusiastically English. Some 20 teams from 8 DOHA lined the streets of Doha to institutions participated in the cheer on the runners and create tournament held at the Weill Ooredoo’s Chief Executive an atmosphere event runners Cornell Medicine – Qatar. Officer, Waleed Al Sayed, described as ‘electric’. He also The participants debated yesterday conveyed his offered his congratulations to around three motions during the heartfelt thanks to the generous the winners of the men’s and tournament. The rounds dis- roster of sponsors who women’s marathon races, as cussed three thought-provoking supported the Ooredoo Doha well as all runners who topics: “This house would offer Marathon 2019. The marathon embraced the challenge and Omar Al Bashir immunity in — an event the telco market took part. return for leaving power’: ‘this leader described as one of the Speaking about the mar- house would aggressively ‘best ever’ — was held on athon and the generous support downsize megacities in devel- January 11 at MIA Park, and provided, Al Sayed said: “We oping countries’: ‘this house attracted record numbers of are tremendously grateful to all would only allow non-com- participants and spectators. the sponsors who so kindly sup- mercial research and devel- Sponsors of the event ported this phenomenally opment of CRISPR technology’. included Qatar Airways, popular international event. The participants at the debate. Qatar University, Weill Huawei, Aspire, StarkLink, Their support enabled us to Cornell Medicine in Qatar, AlKass Sports Channels, Aspire create another incredible mar- Northwestern University in Committee for the Prohibition Debate followed the Qatar Uni- talents and skills of debaters Katara Hospitality, Lekhwiya, athon event that attracted thou- Qatar, Georgetown University of Weapons’ (NCPW)” for the versity Debate League. taking on a topic of national Ministry of Interior, Ministry of sands of Qatari citizens and res- Qatar scored high points during third year held a Public Debate They debate on, ‘This House interest and relevance, for the Culture and Sports, Qatar Sports idents who took the oppor- the tournament. between the top 4 teams of the Would ban all research on bio- viewing pleasure of students of the for All Federation, Damaan tunity to race alongside While, QatarDebate in col- Qatar Universities Debate logical weapons.’ The event was secondary and post-secondary Islamic Insurance Company world-class athletes. We thank laboration with the “National League Tournament. The Public an opportunity to showcase the level, and the general public. (Beema), Qatar Athletics Fed- all the participants, both mar- eration, Evergreen Organics, athon runners and those in Recharge Qatar, The St. other categories, for taking part Regis Doha, Qatar and congratulate them on a Museums, Sports Corner, great performance. We hope Radio Olive, Radio Suno they enjoyed a fantastic day out and Burrda Sport. as much as we did.” Al Sayed expressed As in previous years, and in his gratitude to everyone line with Ooredoo’s corporate who took part, whether social responsibility strategy, all in the marathon or the funds raised through marathon shorter-distance cate- entrance fees will be donated gories, and to all the to charity.

MME distributes green compost to increase greenery

THE PENINSULA / DOHA

The Department of Waste Management at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has inaugurated the second phase of the awareness initiative to distribute green compost under a theme ‘Together to Make Qatar Green’ in cooper- ation with Sea Shore Group. The launch ceremony was attended by Hamad Jassim Al Bahr, Director of Waste Management Department and a number of officials of the company. “This is the second phase of the initiative, which aims to deliver green compost to the public at home in cooperation with Sea Shore Group through a vehicle dedicated for this purpose,” said Hamad Jassim Al Bahr, Director of Waste Management Department Al Bahr added that the initiative will continue for one month, to distribute green compost to citizens in their homes to raise awareness of the importance of greening and home agriculture. The citizens can apply for green compost by calling 44348358, sending a copy of the ID card and a picture of house number plat including house number and street number. The team will deliver green compost bags to the home, with a maximum of 15 bags per household. MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 HOME 05 CCQ to graduate first batch of logistics management students

THE PENINSULA The College’s degree as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in DOHA program will help addition to providing advanced supply the labor logistics services to the entire Arab In line with the national strategy region. to make Qatar a regional logistics market with sought- This growing demand for hub, the Community College of after national cadres highly trained logistics profes- Qatar (CCQ) has announced that capable of powering sionals prompted Navy Officer its first batch of Logistics and the statewide logistics Candidate Turki Al Hiedous to join Supply Chain Management CCQ’s Associate of Applied Science students to graduate in 2019. infrastructure and in Logistics and Supply Chain The College’s degree program effectively managing Management program. “The pro- will help supply the labor market its transport and gram’s specialized curriculum with sought-after national cadres storage services. empowered me with the right capable of powering the statewide knowledge of logistics and supply logistics infrastructure and effec- chains. I can see it further devel- Dr Mohamed Al Naemi Turki Al Hiedous Ali Al Sediqi tively managing its transport and the soon-to-be-completed special oping and becoming a major field storage services. economic zone projects. of interest for students across CCQ President Dr Mohamed Dr. Mohamed Al Naemi said in transportation, warehousing, in the discipline. field, Qatar is set to gain an Qatar”, said Hiedous. Al Naemi said that the achieve- this accelerated development distribution, inventory control, Following up on the College important qualitative addition to Another Navy Officer Can- ments in the course of imple- prompted CCQ to bridge the gap purchasing, and international President’s remarks, Logistics and its national economy by turning didate who found it rewarding to menting Qatar’s logistics lead- between the country’s rapidly- logistics. The program’s 130 Supply Chain Management the peninsula into a regional enroll in the program is Ali Al ership plans highlight the crucial evolving logistics infrastructure enrollees include many members Program Coordinator at CCQ Dr. logistics hub. This advancement Sediqi. “I initially expected this to role that specialized academic and the national labor market’s from the Armed Forces and the Muneer Abbad explained: will help achieve self-sufficiency, be a difficult endeavor but as we offerings play in ensuring the shortage of advanced calibers. Qatari Amiri Navy,” said Al Naemi. “CCQ developed the program attract investors, and strengthen progressed through the cur- smooth running of this intricate “We have achieved this He said that according to in both English and Arabic, and economic ties with rest of world. riculum, it turned out to be a great system. These achievements through the development of an plans, the first batch of students in incorporated the latest know-how Moreover, enhanced logistics learning experience. We learned include the establishment of academic degree program in the College’s Associate of Applied and innovations in this domain, in capabilities will assist in sup- many interesting subjects dis- advanced logistics parks, Hamad logistics and supply chain Science in Logistics and Supply conjunction with 180 hours of porting national products and new cussing how to apply the principles Port’s early operation, the inau- management, where students Chain Management is poised to practical training at select organ- industries capable of export, and of logistics in real life scenarios guration of strategic navigation are holistically trained for turn out the first graduates in the izations in Qatar.” fulfilling the logistical require- and deal with various stake- routes with other countries, and management positions State that hold an academic degree According to experts in the ments of mega sports events such holders”, he explained. CRA & Oman’s TRA sign cooperation agreement on satellite networks

THE PENINSULA Company. During the visit, On the sidelines of the DOHA CRA and TRA signed an signing, the two parties dis- agreement for coordination of cussed various matters of The Communications Regu- satellite networks. mutual interest and prospects latory Authority (CRA) met The signing of this for future cooperation, with a high-level Omani dele- agreement stems from the including signing another MoU gation representing the joint cooperation that started for cooperation in spectrum Ministry of Transport and by an earlier visit from CRA to monitoring during Qatar’s Communications, Telecom- its counterpart at its head- hosting of the 2022 FIFA World munications Regulatory quarters in Muscat, where the Cup, exchanging of experi- Authority (TRA), and Space two regulatory bodies signed ences related to satellite Communication Technologies a Memorandum of Under- projects, in addition to training Company, at CRA head- standing (MoU) to enhance and development of Omani quarters, with the attendance their cooperation in the field and Qatari competencies in the of representatives from of radio spectrum field of radio spectrum Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite monitoring. monitoring. Officials at the agreement signing ceremony.

Traditional shows wow audience at Katara FREE BIKE RECALL

Palestinian “Dabke” dance at the Cultural Diversity Festival at Katara Amphitheatre last weekend.

THE PENINSULA the culture of both nations music in Singapore presented DOHA through the performances of the by the world-knowned troupe folkloric groups. “Sri Warisan.” As part of its aim of bringing The shows witnessed huge On the other hand, the nations closer to each other, the turnout by visitors who enjoyed Qatari folkloric band “Al Cultural Village Foundation – the performance of the Pales- Jubailat” performed several tra- Katara hosted several cultural tinian traditional dance “Dabke.” ditional Qatari songs and dances events last weekend. Many of those in the audience which simulate the maritime- Within the annual Cultural were introduced to the culture related culture in the olden days. Diversity Festival, the Katara of Palestinians for the first time. The Qatari group performed at Amphitheatre witnessed tradi- The Singaporean folklore the Katara esplanade within tional shows from Singapore show included some of the most Katara’s programme of reviving and Palestine which presented famous national dances and the old heritage. Suzuki Address

QFBA launches program to train professionals Manufacturing Year 2017 - 2018 THE PENINSULA Training modules will be spread generations for the utmost DOHA over four to six months, with uncertain environs and that is Defect in cranksha might stop the engine coaching and mentoring in exactly program plans to achieve. DEFECT In pursuit of offering the best in between. “With the launch of the new class financial courses to Qatari Commenting on the occasion program, we are opening a world executives and new age profes- Dr. Khalid Al Horr, Chief Exec- of unique opportunities for young Contact the dealer for the free required repair sionals, Qatar Finance and utive Officer, Qatar Finance and generations of Qataris to boost PROCESS Business Academy (QFBA), has Business Academy, said: “The their knowledge, potential and announced the launch of a ‘Generation 2030’ program has skills - especially in the areas of Teyseer Motors national development solution for been launched after identifying Finance, accounting and banking CONTACT Phone: 44620943 employees who have been on the the needs within the economy in - and help them claim prominent job for up to three years. general and the specific needs of positions in the financial and eco- Known as ‘Generation 2030’, the relevant organizations to nomic sectors in the country as the program will help profes- design a product that they deem well as lead the development For any consumer protection issues please contact us on the hotline 16001 sionals master the latest trends fit for their organizational process, thereby contributing to and challenges in the financial growth.” the achievement of the Qatar sector and thereby allow them to He said that the objective of National Vision 2030,” added further hone their skills. The this program is to prepare future Dr Al Horr. 06 HOME MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 HEC Paris in Qatar welcomes first cohort of Specialized Master Class of 2020

THE PENINSULA The program reflects This blend of nationalities and DOHA HEC Paris’ commit- areas represented underlines ment to contribute to HEC Paris’ mission to educate HEC Paris, one of the world’s executives to ‘think global, act leading providers of Executive the development of local’. Education, has welcomed the a knowledge-based This also showcases that first cohort of the Specialized economy in Qatar and knowledge gained at HEC Paris Master’s Degree in Strategic to strengthen corpo- can not only be of significant Business Unit Management importance for companies, but (SBUM) class of 2020, at its Doha rate competitiveness also for governmental and semi- premises at Tornado Tower. in the region. governmental organizations. A total of 32 participants The HEC Paris Specialized were welcomed during an ori- diverse professional back- Master comprises three stages, entation session presented by grounds and have different skills starting with the core curriculum Dr Nils Plambeck, Dean and CEO and experiences, which will focused on Strategy, Finance, New students pose for a group photo. of HEC Paris in Qatar. Professor enhance shared learning, a key and Leadership and Change. Par- Wolfgang Amann, Academic component of the program. ticipants can also personalize Director of the Specialized Moreover, participants come their learning journey further by help participants acquire the At HEC Paris in Qatar, we innovation, HEC Paris in Qatar Master program at HEC Paris in from a large variety of organiza- choosing of one of three tracks: vision of a leader as well as for believe in continuously evolving tries with this new track to Qatar; Abdallah Abdel-Daem, tions such as Kahrama, Ministry General Management, Marketing their organizations to enable our program portfolio and further indirectly help the imple- Degree Programs Director, and of Transport and Communica- & Sales, and Entrepreneurship & them to take greater offering the best in-class mana- mentation of the Qatar National Pallavi Shetty, Senior Project tions, QNB, Ooredoo, Hamad Business Development. responsibilities. gerial programs. In that regard, Vision 2030”. Coordinator of the program, Medical Corporation, Qatar Furthermore, the profes- On the launch, Dr. Nils the Specialized Master’s Degree The program reflects HEC were also present at the session. Museums, Sidra, Qatar Foun- sional thesis enables participants Plambeck, Dean and CEO of HEC in Strategic Business Unit Man- Paris’ commitment to contribute The new cohort includes par- dation, Ministry of Defense, The to focus on a specific challenge Paris in Qatar, said, “We agement (SBUM) is constantly to the development of a ticipants from various national- Yard, Al Nakhla Delivery, Merck, related to their industry and welcome the talented people for enhanced and we have recently knowledge-based economy in ities, such as Vietnam, Iraq, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Tourism provide detailed and well- the first cohort of SBUM 2020 introduced the Entrepreneurship Qatar and to strengthen cor- Sudan, America and Egypt, with Authority, United Development researched solutions. wherein they will sharpen their and Business Development track porate competitiveness in the the majority being Qatari. Company, QFCRA, Sigma Metal The program’s intent is to skills and broaden their to the program. Given the impor- region. The next intake for the Participants come from Industries, and Qatar University. enhance shared learning and to perspectives. tance of entrepreneurship and Specialized Master is in July 2019.

Kia hands over vehicle fleet for Australian Open 2019 Indian expatriate wins

THE PENINSULA DOHA Design for Life competition

Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) THE PENINSULA a 2 bedroom apartment. The has supplied a fleet of 120 Kia DOHA challenge was to design an vehicles for the Australian apartment taking into consider- Open 2019, making this the Design for Life, a one of its kind ation three key elements: 18th consecutive year that competition was held in Qatar designing for people with uni- KMC has sponsored the Asia- recently in which Farzana A versal needs, including elements Pacific Grand Slam, said a Velliyattil, a Keralite based in of the local culture and imbibing statement. Qatar won the first prize for her principles of sustainable design. Presided over by officials exemplary design. The 3rd year students of from KMC and brand ambas- The first prize was a trip to interior designing presented their sador, Rafael Nadal, winner of Salone del mobile Milan – a designs to a professional jury 17 Grand Slam titles, the vehicle leading international interior Esra Al-Kazem, Design Director handover ceremony took place design exhibition in Italy. Farzana AEA Designs; Rana El Khoury, at Federation Square, A Velliyattil married to Shamim Head of Design Department, Le Melbourne. Backer, is the second daughter- Mirage Real Estate; Hamoda Y. The fleet, consisting of 120 in-law of Aboobacker Madappat, Youssef, Head of Communication vehicles was presented by the Managing Director of Qatar’s Qatar Green Building Council. It Rafael Nadal to officials from the most well-known and estab- was a tough competition and the Australian Open, and will be lished organization, Safari Group winner was decided based on used to transport players, match of Companies. various parameters. officials, VIPs and other digni- The competition Rafael Nadal (centre) with officials of Kia Motors Corporation. taries throughout the two-week was organised by Le long tournament, which ends on Mirage Real Estate, January 27, 2019. “Kia has always been much tournament and an important tournament moments on social Qatar’s leading real “It has been Kia’s honour for more than just a sponsor of the part of the AO experience for media. estate development almost two decades to be a Australian Open, they are a our players,” said Craig Tilley, A similar contest held in and property man- proud sponsor of one of the highly valued member of our Tournament Director of the Qatar, dubbed locally as the ‘AO agement company in world’s greatest sporting events, tennis family and have helped Australian Open. 2019 Carfie Contest’, was won association with and that commitment has not us build the extraordinary Kia has rolled out various by resident couple, Paul and prestigious Virginia wavered. growth of the tournament on- and off-line programmes for Ruth Sanderson, who was flown Commonwealth Uni- We now look forward with during this time. tennis fans to mark the 18th to Australia to witness the tour- versity School of the anticipation to the next two The Kia fleets ferrying the anniversary of their long- nament in person and also par- Arts (VCUarts). weeks of competition and players around Melbourne standing involvement in the ticipate in an exclusive tennis The Qatari stu- believe that this year will be the during January, and the tre- Australian Open, one of which clinic with professionals and dents of VCUarts best event ever,” said James Cho, mendous activations for fans is the ‘AO Selfie Contest’, which receive tickets to watch the were invited to give President of Kia Motors onsite at Melbourne Park, have gives tennis fans the opportunity men’s singles semi-final ideas, concepts and The first prize winner of Design for Life Australia. become synonymous with the to share their favourite matches. envision interiors for competition.

Displaying talents at HOPE Qatar Annual Day Suzuki Address motorbike A leading Media THE PENINSULA Company in Qatar DOHA recalled More than 25 differently able THE PENINSULA is looking for: students took to the stage DOHA demonstrating their various cultural talents during the 13th The Ministry of Commerce Annual Day Celebrations of and Industry, in collaboration HOPE Qatar Centre for Special with Teyseer Motors, dealer News Editor Needs held recently at Qatar of Suzuki bikes in Qatar, has Academy School auditorium announced the recall of [ 6HVCCVJ 1J J$C1. $`:II:` :JR in Education City. Suzuki Address bikes models Held under the theme ‘We of 2017-2018 over a ]%JH %:QJ8 ‘We Are The World’ by students of HOPE Qatar. Are The World’ the event was malfunction in the crankshaft [ 1J1I%I 7V:` V6]V`1VJHV 1J %GG1J$ attended by various members that might stop the engine. JV1]:]V` Q` I:$:<1JV8 of the Qatari and expatriate The students Founder and Managing The recall campaign [ $G1C1 7 Q 1`1 V HQI]VCC1J$ .V:RC1JV5 communities. Students with seemed determined Director of HOPE Qatar comes within the framework H:]QJ8 different disabilities to demonstrate that Centre highlighted the of the ministry’s ongoing enthralled the audience with amidst their indi- achievements of the centre efforts to protect consumers [ &`V]:`V Q 1Q`@ 1J V61GCV .Q%`8 their spirit and enthusiasm. and the impact it has had in and ensure that bike dealers [ 6]V` @JQ1CVR$V Q` *J+V1$J8 The students seemed vidual challenges, Qatar over thirteen years follow up on defects and [ $G1C1 7 Q 1Q`@ _%1H@C7 :JR :HH%`: VC7 %JRV` determined to demonstrate they had the will since establishment in 2005. repairs in order to protect that amidst their individual and ability to en- He said that for a small centre consumers’ rights. ]`V%`V8 challenges, they had the will with no external funding, The Ministry said it will [ $G1C1 7 Q $`:] :  Q`7 :JR `V1`1 V 1` and ability to enhance their hance their abilities HOPE has gone through coordinate with the dealer to `V_%1`VR8 abilities to overcome their to overcome their various ups and downs, yet follow up on the maintenance weaknesses. weaknesses. they were determined to and repair works and will [ - :JRLQ` VJ: V6]V`1VJHV 1Q%CR GV :J Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi, support the vision of the wise communicate with customers :R0:J :$V8 President of Pre University leaders of the country to to ensure the implementation Education of Qatar Foun- ensure contribution within of necessary repairs. dation, and Machaille Al events were held under the their means to the human The Ministry has urged all %:C1VR H:JR1R: V :`V 1J01 VR Q VJR .V1`  Q7 Naimi, President of Com- patronage of Jumma Ismail Al development pillar in the customers to report any vio- [email protected] munity Development at Qatar Boeinein, Chairman of HOPE Qatar National Vision 2030 lations to its Consumer Pro- Foundation graced the event Qatar. and the Qatar National Devel- tection and Anti-Commercial as chief guests. The annual day Dr Rajeev Thomas, opment Strategy. Fraud Department. MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 HOME 07 HBKU opens registration for Spring 2019 community classes THE PENINSULA facilitating an environment of lifelong projects in a timely manner and within DOHA learning and self-development. budget. Participants will learn the fun- “Our ongoing community classes damental principles of the subject, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) cover a vast range of topics, and are a including project initiation, project has opened registration for five great way for students and working definition, creation of work community courses, as part of its professionals to learn new skills or breakdown structures, scheduling ongoing outreach initiative to expand their repertoire.” using Gantt charts and network dia- encourage lifelong learning and The Global leadership and Man- grams, risk management, budgeting continuous personal development agement Trends course, which runs and controlling resources, quality among the wider community. from February 24 to 27, is designed assurance, auditing and project From February 18 to 23, the Lead- for those in management roles who termination. ership: Through Self-Discovery course are responsible for assisting their Those looking to communicate will help participants to uncover their organisations to achieve sustainable more effectively can enroll for the personal strengths and weaknesses to success. Communications Skills in Teamwork enable career success. The four-session course will chart course, to be held from March 9 to 11. Attendees will learn how to the practical and positive journey The course will develop participants’ develop leadership skills based on towards long-term progress, and ability to focus on outcomes, tune into their unique personality traits, in order provide clear guidance on how par- their audience, and develop and to play a more active role in their ticipants can lead and manage their deliver a clear and concise message. working environment. organisations on upward trajectories. Meanwhile, the Positive Thinking Maryam Al Mannai, Vice President The Introduction to Project Man- course, to be held from 18 to 20 March, for Student affairs at HBKU, said, agement course to be held from March will equip participants with the skills “HBKU is committed to instilling in our 3 to 5, aims to provide an overview of required to challenge negative thought students and the wider community a project management and the essential patterns and adopt a more positive HBKU Student Affairs provides lifelong opportunities for interested learners mindset of continuous growth, and tools needed to deliver successful mindset. across Doha.

300 healthcare workers receive specialist training in sepsis & VTE Care

THE PENINSULA Patient Safety Collaborative. DOHA Many facilities now document a 95 percent compliance with the Nearly 300 healthcare providers Sepsis Six - a bundle of medical working across Qatar’s health therapies designed to reduce sector have received specialist mortality in patients with sepsis. training to improve sepsis and They are also seeing a VTE risk venous thromboembolism (VTE) assessment rate of nearly 100 care. According to Nasser Al percent in higher-risk patients, Naimi (pictured), Deputy Chief such as trauma patients and of Quality, Hamad Medical high-risk pregnancies,” noted Mr. Corporation (HMC), and Director Al Naimi. of the Hamad Healthcare Quality To date, nearly 300 Officials duringt a meeting of the Education Committee of Qatar Chamber. Institute (HHQI) since the effective, patient-centered care. healthcare professionals, Institute was established by HMC Last year, the Institute success- working in 38 teams across 12 in 2014, hundreds of healthcare fully initiated the National facilities have engaged in tar- QC discusses mechanisms to improve business professionals working across the Patient Safety Collaborative geted sessions designed to help country have joined forces to (NPSC), in partnership with the them learn and work together on environment in private education sector collaborate on a number of US-based Institute for Healthcare select improvement projects. improvement projects, all aimed Improvement (IHI). With participants from different THE PENINSULA directors in preparation for the mechanisms of providing at ensuring the best possible The NPSC aims to raise safety disciplines across HMC, Primary DOHA submitting them to the seats in low fee schools, and patient care. standards across the country’s Health Care Corporation (PHCC), relevant authorities. the mechanisms of facilitating “Training staff in quality public healthcare sector, with an Sidra Medicine, and Qatar Red The Education Committee of The meeting which was the procedures of the educa- improvement and creating initial focus on reducing sepsis- Crescent, the groups have been Qatar Chamber (QC) has attended by Undersecretary tional licenses and tackling the opportunities to share this related mortality and improving coached on how to support and discussed mechanisms to of the Ministry of Education delay in issuing them, exam- expertise across the health the management of patients at encourage a culture of con- improve the business envi- and Higher Education Dr. ining the early registration and system is essential to helping an risk of VTE, a disease that tinuous learning, improvement, ronment in the private Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, determining the capacity of the organization deliver better and includes deep vein thrombosis and safety across the healthcare education sector in Qatar, as and Assistant Undersecretary schools, as well as the coordi- safer patient care. HHQI is a first- (DVT) and pulmonary embolism system in Qatar. well as a number of topics for Private Schools Affairs nation between the ministry of-its-kind resource that aims to (PE). Last year the HHQI visited related to the private education Omar bin Abdulaziz Al and the private schools in facilitate sustainable healthcare “Healthcare staff under- more than 200 sites and met sector. Nemaa, discussed a number organising the relationship improvement,” said Al Naimi. standing, and adhering to, key with more than 800 healthcare During its meeting yesterday, of topics related to education, between the teacher and the In recent years, the HHQI has international best practice pro- professionals as part of the NPSC the committee recommended including school fees, starting school. made tremendous progress sup- tocols in relation to the care of program. The initiative has facil- preparing studies and dates for the new school The committee voiced porting healthcare organizations patients with suspected sepsis itated cross-facility collaboration proposals to develop some season, procedures for appreciation to the work of the in their quality improvement and VTE is among the tangible to bolster improvements and governmental measures that renewing educational center Ministry of Education and efforts to deliver safer, more achievements of the National maximise lessons learned. would contribute to improving licenses, the value of bank Higher Education in removing the business environment in guarantee for schools, and all obstacles facing the private the education sector. These student admission education sector, as well as the proposals should be presented procedures. positive cooperation with the MME introduces to the chamber’s board of The meeting also discussed QC Education Committee. students to Sidr tree Kahramaa launches campaign to ensure smooth services THE PENINSULA DOHA THE PENINSULA The campaign is if not paid in time. DOHA the culmination Campaigns also emphasise The Ministry of Municipality of Kahramaa’s the importance of updating the and Environment, repre- Qatar General Electricity and mission to provide contact data to receive monthly sented by the Public Parks Water Corporation (Kahramaa) bills through e-mail and SMS, Department, has organised an has launched an awareness high quality and and the various payment agricultural event ‘Under Sidr campaign to facilitate its valued sustainable electricity gateways provided by Kah- Tree’ to introduce students to customers in getting smooth and water for better ramaa to pay bills through Kah- one of the most important services. living in Qatar ramaa website km.qa, mobile components of the natural This campaign, which runs App, ooredoo Self Services heritage in home gardens. for three months, targets all and its continuous Machines (SSMs) and Kah- The move aims at customers including citizens. It commitment to fulfill ramaa’s partner banks. reviving the relationship encompasses, requesting cus- its objective to excel The campaign highlights the between the human and the tomers to make timely payment benefits of registration for all larger trees in the house, on electricity and water bills to in customer service, customers. Kahramaa for the which was considered a avoid disruption of service. keeping customers campaign will have a series of member of the family. The The move also help settling well- informed about publications and awareness- students participated in the down of customer’s account and their services and raising tips through its social third and fifth grades of Al paying off financial arrears media channels and other ways Bayan Second Primary School through (opting ‘Move out’ how to apply for. of media activities to interact for Girls within the activities service) incurred against regis- with the targeted audience in a of the Social Department. Pro- tered immovable property, if large number to disseminate all fessor Maryam Al Dosari, bio- any, prior to dwelling unit’s sale Kahramaa’s mission to provide inputs pertaining to its objec- logical expert at Public Parks off & renting and encouraging high quality and sustainable tives among valued customers Department educated stu- citizens to come forward for electricity and water for better help them getting benefitted dents about Sidr tree. During their registration as exempted living in Qatar and its con- from Kahramaa’s services. the event, a workshop was beneficiary in accordance with tinuous commitment to fulfill Kahramaa always held to cultivate seasonal the approved policies and its objective to excel in cus- endeavors to improve the level flowers and aromatic plants procedures. tomer service, keeping cus- of services provided to the and coordinate their colors. They can register via Kah- tomers well- informed about public according to the highest The students demon- ramaa website (km.qa), mobile their services and how to apply levels of efficiency. These strated a beautiful and prom- Apps or Call Center 991 pro- for. services are part of continuous ising engagement with agri- viding required/sought docu- The campaign also creates improvement aimed at culture, coordinating the ments. Registered exempted cit- awareness about the necessity increasing customer satisfaction garden and knowledge of the izens can also apply for ‘move of getting month-wise elec- by facilitating and clarifying the plants of folk heritage to in with exemption’ service when tricity and water bills to avoid procedures and saving the time exchange with their grand- moving to a new house. The the accumulation of bills which and efforts in their dealings with mothers, and learn more campaign is the culmination of could led to service disruption, the corporation. about Sidr. 08 HOME MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09

Around 3,000 Eight civilians dead Palestinians attend funeral of man in Yemen displaced killed in clashes

AFP centre bombing RAMALLAH

AFP The bombing hit Around 3,000 people SANA’A the centre in the attended the funeral Haradh district in yesterday of a Palestinian Eight civilians were killed and the northwestern killed the day before in 30 others wounded in a clashes with Israeli civilians “shocking” bomb attack against province of Hajja on near a Jewish settlement in a centre for displaced people in Saturday, according to the occupied West Bank. Yemen, the UN said yesterday. the UN humanitarian Hamdi Nassan, 38, died The bombing hit the centre coordinator for Yemen, after being shot in the back in the Haradh district in the Lisa Grande. She did not with live ammunition, northwestern province of Hajja name the party behind according to the Palestinian on Saturday, according to the health ministry. UN humanitarian coordinator the attack. The Israeli army said for Yemen, Lisa Grande. She did clashes had erupted after a not name the party behind the “physical confrontation” attack. “Any attack on a civilian King Salman Humanitarian Aid between residents of site is unconscionable and a and Relief Center (KSRelief) on Erdogan presents mayoral candidates Mughayir village near Ram- clear violation of international Saturday accused the rebels of allah and a settler from Turkish President and leader of ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, humanitarian law,” Grande said the attack. This organisation nearby Adei Ad settlement. addressing a mass rally during the presentation of mayoral candidates for Mediterranean resort in a statement. “An attack like also said eight had been killed The Israeli civilians open this cannot be justified ever.” and 30 wounded. town of Antalya, Turkey, yesterday. fire with live rounds, The centre is in an area Grande said dozens of wounding several Pales- under government control in civilians have been killed in Hajja tinians and killing Nassan, it Hajja, but the Houthi rebels over the past two months and said. Yesterday, mourners control other parts of the hundreds of families displaced. called for vengeance as they province. The Iran-backed More than one million people are carried his body, wrapped in Houthis have battled a pro-gov- food insecure in the province, Abbas to reshuffle government the Palestinian flag and the ernment military coalition, led according to the UN official. yellow banner of the Fatah by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, for The World Health Organi- party of president Mahmud control of the impoverished sation says the war has killed AP appointed a four-member com- government to replace the Abbas. country for four years, triggering an estimated 10,000 people RAMALLAH, WEST BANK mittee from his Fatah movement current Prime Minister Rami Mughayir, a village with what the UN calls the world’s since 2015, when Saudi Arabia yesterday to consult with Hamdallah’s Cabinet of around 4,000 residents, is worst humanitarian crisis. and its allies joined the govern- Palestinian officials said Pres- political factions about forming technocrats. surrounded by four Israeli Both parties are accused of ment’s fight against the rebels. ident Mahmoud Abbas has a new government. Hamdallah’s government settlements, considered failing to protect civilians. The 24 million Yemenis —more decided to shake up his The three officials spoke on was formed in 2013 following a illegal under international Saudi-led alliance, which con- than three quarters of the coun- government. condition of anonymity because power sharing agreement with law. “About eight settlers, trols Yemeni airspace, has been try’s population — are now The move is the latest sign they were discussing internal Hamas. dressed in white and armed criticised by the UN for the dependent on some form of aid of failure in more than a decade deliberations. But the government couldn’t with rifles, arrived from the killing and maiming of children for survival, and the UN esti- of attempts to reconcile with the The official Wafa news assume its responsibilities in the north of the village,” said Ali in air raids. mates more than 12 million are rival Hamas movement. agency said Fatah had Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip ruled Hassan, who witnessed Sat- Saudi Arabia’s state-run at risk of starvation. The officials said Abbas decided to form a political due to deep disputes. urday’s clashes. New ‘Long Live Tunisia’ party to be led by prime minister

REUTERS Tunisia’s largest party, favourite TUNIS to win, according to polls. The opposition said the Secular government leaders prime minister, a 43-year-old announced a new party called technocrat in office since 2016, Long Live Tunisia yesterday had neglected Tunisia’s which is to be led by the prime problems to concentrate on his minister and will compete with political future. moderate Islamists in upcoming “For months, Chahed has elections. focused on establishing this Though the premier, Youssef party and not saving the Ex-general declares candidature Chahed (pictured), was not national country economy,” there, thousands of supporters said Zouhair Magzaoui, head Ali Ghediri, retired Algerian general, leaves after a press conference in the capital Algiers, yesterday. gathered in the coastal city of of Harakat Achaab (People’s The former defence ministry personnel director, threw his hat into the ring after the North African Monastir to celebrate the birth Party). country on Friday called the much anticipated election for April 18. of Tahya Tounes, the party’s The North African country Arabic name. has been hailed as the Arab The new movement was Spring’s only democratic success formed after months of wran- because protests toppled autocrat gling within ruling coalition Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011 party Nidaa Tounes (Tunisia’s without triggering the kind of UN envoy meets Arab League chief for Syria talks Call), resulting in the resignation violent upheavals seen in Syria of dozens of leaders. hope for frustrated Tuni- and Libya. AFP The League, which will hold negotiator aiming to resolve the The fragile coalition, which sians,” Zohra Idriss, a law- But nine cabinets since then CAIRO its annual summit in Tunisia in nearly eight-year conflict, met also includes the moderate maker and member of the have failed to resolve Tunisia’s March, suspended Syria’s mem- with Arab League chief Ahmed Islamist party Ennahda (Renais- new party, said by telephone economic problems, including The new UN special envoy for bership in November 2011 as the Abul Gheit in Cairo yesterday, sance), is struggling to pass eco- from Monastir. high inflation and Syria held talks with the head death toll in the country’s civil the organisation said. nomic reforms demanded by “We seek to lead the nation unemployment. of the Arab League, whose war mounted. They discussed the latest foreign lenders. and compete with the Islamists... Impatience is rising among members appear divided about Norwegian diplomat Geir talks among Arab states about “Our goal will be to have Chahed will be the leader.” lenders such as the International whether to readmit the war-torn Pedersen, who this month the organisation’s decisions on a strong party that will lead Elections are due by the end Monetary Fund, who have kept country. become the fourth UN Syria since 2011, the League said. economic reforms and return of this year, with Ennahda, the country afloat. Nigerian Senate for emergency session over judge’s ouster Boko Haram attacks military bases AFP/KANO

AFP build up to next month’s emergency,” an aide to of frustrating the fight called for mass protests Boko Haram jihadists attacked two military bases in ABUJA election when Buhari is Senate President Bukola against graft by freeing against the ouster. northeast Nigeria’s Borno state, near the border with seeking reelection after first Saraki said. He said the leg- many suspects facing trial. “Nigerians should brace Cameroon, injuring six soldiers, two military sources Nigeria’s Senate will hold an coming to power in 2015 islators would take “appro- The Nigerian Bar Asso- up, come out enmasse, to said. emergency session with a pledge to fight priate measures on the ciation (NBA) — the protest against this ille- The attacks were the latest against military targets tomorrow over the corruption. matter,” without giving umbrella body of lawyers gality,” he said in a in the region with security becoming a major campaign suspension of the country’s Onnoghen, who heads details. — also condemned the statement. issue ahead of presidential and legislative elections most senior judge by Pres- the Supreme Court, is Analysts believe the president’s intervention, “Nigerian lawyers and next month. ident Muhammadu Buhari, accused of not disclosing Onnoghen issue could accusing Buhari of an the NBA should shut down President Muhammadu Buhari, who came to power an official said. money in several bank worsen the frosty relations ‘attempted coup against the all courts in Nigeria until the in 2015 on a pledge to end the Islamist insurgency, is Buhari has come under accounts. between the Senate and the Nigerian Judiciary’. CJN (Chief Justice of Nigeria) seeking re-election in the February 16 polls. increasing local and inter- Buhari’s critics accuse presidency since Saraki In a statement issued is returned to his seat,” he Early on Sunday, troops fought off an attack by national pressure since him of trying to manipulate became Senate president in Friday, it appealed to the said. fighters believed to be from the Abubakar Shekau Friday when he suspended the judiciary because the defiance of the ruling national assembly to Buhari, a former mil- faction of Boko Haram in the town of Pulka along the Justice Walter Onnoghen chief justice would have party’s choice. intervene to reverse the itary ruler, came to power border with Cameroon. pending the determination been a key figure in any The Senate went into decision. on a vow to defeat jihadists, “The terrorists attacked around 1:15 am (0015 GMT) of his corruption trial on court ruling on a dispute in recess last week to enable The NBA said it would whose insurgency has killed and soldiers engaged them in a 30-minute fight, forcing charges which he the February election. senior lawmakers to take meet on Monday on the more than 27,000 since them to withdraw,” a military officer said in an account disputes. “The Senate will part in the February 16 matter, possibly hold a 2009. His main opponent confirmed by another officer. The European Union, reconvene on Tuesday presidential and parlia- protest rally in the nation’s is Atiku Abubakar, a The fighters’ intention was to attack and loot the United States and Britain because it considers the mentary polls. capital Abuja. wealthy businessman with town after overrunning the base, said the officer, who have expressed concern suspension of the chief The Nigerian leader has A Lagos constitutional several failed presidential asked not to be identified because he was not authorised over the suspension in the justice as a national also accused the top judge lawyer Mike Ozekhome has bids behind him. to speak to the media. 10 VIEWS MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 Safe zone: Turkey is (and was) right about it

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. CAN KASAPOGLU DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI ANATOLIA [email protected] ollowing President Trump’s ACTING MANAGING EDITOR withdrawal decision, Turkey MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED fostered its preparations to [email protected] stage a counter-terrorism Fcampaign in northern Syria. As the events have unfolded in a dazzling DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR speed, it seems Ankara and Wash- MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI ington are now negotiating a safe zone [email protected] (460 kilometers wide, and some 30 kilometers deep, according to Anadolu Agency). In the meanwhile, the Turkish administration strives to iron out issues with the Kremlin to secure a viable, mutual understanding to underlined that the US’ relationship international norm, finally, this salvo execute the safe zone plan. with the group, which (in former Sec- marked a limited strike to draw real EDITORIAL In the aftermath of the 2013 retary of Defense Ashton Carter’s redlines to deter the use of chemical Ghouta chemical attacks, Ankara words) has “substantial ties” with the weapons. Assad did not get the favored the military option to deci- PKK terrorist organization, is transac- message and continued to breach his sively deter the Baath regime from tional, tactical, and limited to anti- disarmament commitments. Thus, the Qatar’s rising tourism sector committing further crimes in kind. It Daesh efforts. Likewise, it is a well- US, the UK, and France launched took four years, and a change in the known fact that the US delivered many another punitive joint strike in April atar has emerged as top destination for global White House, for Washington to prefer advanced weapons to the YPG. These 2018 to deliver a stronger warning. tourists. Recently Doha was picked by The New the Tomahawk missiles over inspira- deliveries include tactical game- Now, those who are enchanted by the QYork Times in their ‘52 Places to Go in 2019’ list. tional, yet unfulfilled (some would call changers, such as anti-tank guided romantic euphoria of ‘Daesh-killer, Doha also made into Forbes’ top 15 places to visit in 2019. ‘empty’) “redline” speeches. Likewise, missiles. Again, several American offi- chivalric Syrian Democratic Forces’ This proves the growing stature of Qatar as a tourist des- the Turkish foreign policy promoted cials spoke of a take-back plan may well want to ignore the bitter tination among international travellers. the idea of a safe zone, augmented by without citing any timeline or truth. But, in the blink of an eye, their The Forbes report also noted that Qatar has become a no-fly zone, at the outset of the civil roadmap. principal ‘ally’ on the ground has ini- more and more self-reliant since 2017, after the blockade war when the Russians were not Overall, last time I checked, there tiated a rapprochement with the was imposed by siege countries. According to Eurom- around, the Iranians had limited was no declared intention of the US abovementioned Syrian Arab Army -- onitor 2018, Doha was ranked among the Top 100 City engagement, and Daesh was not yet about securing a permanent ethnic namely Assad’s forces that the US Destinations worldwide. plaguing the country. One thing is autonomy in northern Syria, and Navy previously pounded for chemical Qatar is featuring in the list top tourist destinations clear: had Ankara’s vision was turning the PYD’s armed wing YPG weapons use. On another note, it is because of the steps taken by concerned authorities in endorsed back in 2013, Europe would into something like the Lebanese Hez- worth mentioning that there is almost the past. not have faced the most pressing bollah. Starting from the outset, the no general in the Syrian Arab Armed Last year was a turning point for Qatar’s tourism humanitarian crisis of the 21st century, plan was about hammering Daesh, Forces’ top ranks who is not sanc- sector. One of the major developments of 2018 was estab- the regime would not have dared to depriving it from territory, and that tioned by the US or the European lishment of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC). repeatedly would be all. Now, if there has been a Union due to systematic barrel QNTC made significant efforts in diversifying visitor carry out U-turn from the initial plan, one bombing, indiscriminate use of force, source markets and promoting Qatar as an attractive chemical should be aware of two clear out- or employing chemical weapons. And tourism destination. In 2018, six representative offices attacks and comes. First, such a geopolitical it is these folks who were invited by were opened in three of the world’s largest visitor source barrel change could only be realized at the the PYD/YPG to take control of key markets - China, India and bombings, expense of losing a key NATO ally. towns along Turkey’s borders when Russia. I checked, there and today, There is no way out of this tradeoff. the US withdraws... In November 2018, QNTC was no declared top NATO Anyone who suggests that Washington Well, after all, both the regime and launched Qatar’s first global intention of the officials could keep Ankara as an ally while dil- the PYD/YPG aim to forcibly change destination campaign. Under US about securing would not igently supporting the PYD is, simply, the Sunni Arab demographics (anyone the tagline ‘Qatar. Qurated have been a daydreamer. Second, just like the who doubts this can try to read the UN Last year was a for you.’, the campaign brings a permanent talking about Iranian influence blossomed in Iraq in Secretary General’s reports), and they turning point for to life Qatar’s focus on tai- ethnic autonomy the emer- the 2000s, the US will neither be the share a common enemy: Turkey. Thus, Qatar’s tourism lored visitor experiences that in northern Syria, gence of an only nor the most influential patron of ironically, their cooperation could sector. One celebrate its heritage, and is and turning the anti-access a PYD-driven autonomy. The Syrian actually make sense. In return, Ankara being rolled out in eight lan- area denial Baath rule, and its infamous al- has each and every right to worry of the major guages across 15 existing and PYD’s armed (A2/AD) node Mukhabarat, has way more deep- about this. developments targeted priority markets tar- wing YPG into in the Eastern rooted experience in handling the PKK Never again: the Assad Clan’s old of 2018 was geting 250 million travellers something like Mediter- and its offshoots. Tehran’s talents in habit of waging proxy wars establishment of around the world. ranean. the dark arts of snatching up proxies is In fact, the regime’s stance should In line with the Next the Lebanese What is in another story in this respect. come as no surprise for the experts Qatar National Chapter’s focus on devel- Hezbollah. the past is in Furthermore, there is an unspoken who know the true colors of the Syrian Tourism Council oping and boosting the sec- the past. issue that has not been touched upon Baath and its approach to useful (QNTC). tor’s professional skills and Now, we have to deal with a more by some overrated ‘Turkey experts’ in armed groups. Hafez al-Assad’s rule competitiveness, QNTC part- complicated agenda. We have a safe their tweets and op-eds. Following the was designated as a ‘state sponsor of nered with the Union of zone to establish through boosting the early signs of the US withdrawal, the terrorism’ by the US State Department. International Fairs (UFI) to Turkish – American security cooper- PYD has immediately engaged with In the 1980s and 1990s, Damascus deliver an event man- ation, but without upsetting the rap- the Baath regime, and called the harbored the PKK, and used the ter- agement training pro- prochement between Ankara and Syrian Arab Army to take over the rorist organization as a proxy war gramme which resulted in the certification of 20 pro- Moscow. In doing so, major disagree- YPG-held positions in Manbij. Well, let instrument against Turkey. Veteran fessionals in the business events sector. ments over the PYD/YPG issue remain us put it more bluntly. Back in April Turkish diplomats would recall that In addition, QNTC launched its tour guide training the wildcard. 2017, the US Navy destroyers USS the Assad regime was so ill-mannered programme which resulted in 137 tour guides who speak Simple facts: Turkey is a NATO ally Porter and USS Ross launched 59 that the Syrian officials were even 20 different languages being officially licensed. with legitimate concerns Tomahawk cruise missiles and tar- trying to bring the transboundary In 2018, Qatar won the rights to host six major Let us revisit the strategic context geted the regime’s al-Shayrat base. water resources issues to the table as a business events to be held between 2019 and 2022 with of the PYD/YPG issue. To date, many After the Obama administration’s quid pro quo to discuss ceasing their a prospective number of participants reaching up to times, American officials have failure to protect a precious support to terrorism in Turkey. 2,400. Local exhibitions continued to attract visitors and participants from Qatar and the world. In this regard, more than 1,000 brands took part in the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, the Arabian Fashion Exhibition and the Qatar Motor Show, attracting more than 65,000 Speak up for the jailed women visitors in 2018. With proactive steps taken by concerned authorities, Qatar is set to become most sought after travel desti- THE WASHINGTON POST and continued through the summer. At the women, Loujain al-Hathloul, while nation for tourists across the globe. least nine women are still in prison; threatening her with rape and murder, atoon al-Fassi is one of Saudi many were held in solitary con- according to Hathloul’s family. Arabia’s most eminent and finement for prolonged periods, and This outrageous behavior has respected scholars. A pro- some were brutally tortured. All have attracted too little international fessor at King Saud University been subjected to vicious campaigns attention and censure. After Canada Hin Riyadh for more than a quarter of defamation in pro-government spoke up for detained activist Samar century, she has authored two seminal media. None has yet been convicted of Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah last QUOTE OF THE DAY books on women’s history in Saudi any crime. August, the Saudi government Arabia and numerous journal articles. According to the Saudi Twitter expelled the Canadian ambassador She has won international honors, account Prisoners of Conscience, Fassi and withdrew its own from Ottawa. Far-right provocateurs including induction into France’s aca- was one of three female prisoners who Yet rather than support the Saudi are trying to downplay demic honor society. For more than a recently were transferred to common women or Canada, the Trump admin- the Holocaust. We decade, she has also peacefully advo- cells in al-Hair prison, south of Riyadh, istration responded by urging the two shall never forget. cated for improvements in Saudi after being held for long periods in governments to settle their women’s rights, including the right to solitary confinement. Little else is differences. We shall never be vote in local elections and the right to known about her case or her physical More recently, Secretary of State indifferent. We must drive. For that, since last June she has condition. Late last year, multiple Mike Pompeo said he had raised the stand up for our liberal been imprisoned. human rights organizations and news case of the imprisoned women during Fassi is one of more than a dozen organizations, including The Post, meetings in Riyadh this month. Yet democracy. female activists who have been reported that several other women none have been released; having been arrested in a senseless and uncon- held in solitary confinement had been excused by President Donald Trump Heiko Maas scionable campaign of repression tortured. They were subjected to for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Germany’s Foreign launched by Crown Prince beatings, waterboarding, electric Mohammed bin Salman understands Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The deten- shocks and sexual abuse. A top aide to that this U.S. administration will not tions began just as the regime finally Mohammed bin Salman, Saud al- hold him accountable for even egre- granted women driving rights last June Qahtani, watched the abuse of one of gious abuses of human rights. MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 OPINION 11 Americans can use some democracy advice from Kenyans

arlier this month, the US To be fair, he had been somewhat Washington Post columnist Jamal Senate confirmed Kyle hamstrung from the beginning by the Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate McCarter as Donald Trump’s Obama administration’s failure to in Istanbul. The lengths that the ambassador to Kenya. make good on its threat of ostracism administration went to try to deflect McCarterE takes office at a time when should Kenyans vote into office a blame from Saudi strongman, Kenyans have much the US is facing a slew of third-world president and deputy president Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) were familiarity with such problems - from entrenched cor- indicted for crimes against humanity hard to miss, with Trump reduced to ruption to a seemingly unac- at the International Criminal Court. casting aspersions on his own intelli- institutional and personal PATRICK GATHARA countable executive to questionable Within a year of Uhuru Kenyatta’s gence agencies which had concluded failure in the highest AL JAZEERA elections. For once, rather than election, his case having collapsed that the killing had been ordered by office. McCarter may expecting the usual lectures on due to a combination of prosecutorial MBS himself. Autocrats around the not be handing out any democracy and good governance, incompetence, witness intimidation world will have taken much comfort Kenya will be in the position of and murder, as well as the Kenya gov- in this. lessons on his tour of handing them down. ernment’s intransigence, he was being So, Kenyans are unlikely to be at duty, but if he chooses For many Africans of my gener- wined and dined at the White House. the receiving end of any long-w to listen, he could learn ation, brought up on a steady diet of From that inauspicious start, it was all nded, self-righteous lectures from American movies, sit-coms and news downhill for Godec. McCarter. However, perhaps they a few truths to take back media, the US came to represent a His silence over two bungled may be permitted to offer a few home. paragon of sorts: the world’s premier elections and state repression meant lessons from their own experience: Those in the US who example of democracy and constitu- he left office - in the words of one those in the US who think that Trump think that Trump tional governance. presidential candidate - as “the first is the problem and who pine for the is the problem and In the 1990s, as Kenya struggled American ambassador in recent good old Obama days, or wish Hilary blind trusts - and as he continues to rid itself of the dictatorship of times to leave Nairobi with negligible Clinton had won, are completely to wreak havoc, the institutions of who pine for the Daniel arap Moi, the US, despite its or no democratic credentials”. missing the point. American democracy seem pow- good old Obama many flaws, was seen as an The Trump presidency has done US democracy was broken way erless to do anything but tut-tut at days, or wish Hilary important ally of the reform much to undermine US democratic before Trump got into office and, in a the most outrageous abuses. Clinton had won, movement. Many still recall the late credibility. The US is, today, facing sense, it was inevitable that someone And Trump is hardly taking the Smith Hempstone, the US ambas- many of the same problems it used to like him would eventually rise up to road less travelled. As analyst John are completely sador from 1989 to 1993, a constant claim to want to help Kenyans solve - challenge it. As Trevor Noah, host of Feffer points out in his piece for missing the point. and virulent critic of the Moi regime from the fraudulent electoral prac- the satirical news programme, The Truthout, “when it comes to US democracy was and supporter of local pro- tices that characterised last year’s Daily Show, says, Trump is “the wrongdoing, Trump has plenty of broken way before democracy activists. midterm elections to the corruption blacklight on American democracy”, presidential precedents, from the In more recent times, following that seems endemic to the Trump showing up all its flaws. high crimes and misdemeanours Trump got into office the catastrophic failure of attempts to administration and that has turned The true test of a democratic of Richard Nixon to the torture and, in a sense, it impose democracy by force of arms the US into a laughing stock. system is not its ability to hold elec- policies of George W Bush. Trump was inevitable that in Iraq and Afghanistan, the US has And little illustrates the fall of the tions. Kenya has held elections every is as crude as Lyndon Baines someone like him seemed much less eager to police United States as a defender of demo- five years since independence but Johnson, as ill-prepared as Ronald democracy in Africa. The six-year cratic norms quite as well as the still struggles to earn its stripes as a Reagan, as sexually predatory as would eventually rise tenure of McCarter’s predecessor, Trump administration’s lukewarm true democracy, one that reflects the Bill Clinton.” George Bush and up to challenge it. Bob Godec, was largely marked by reaction to the horrific murder of the wishes and aspirations of its people Barack Obama similarly played silence. Saudi Arabian dissident and rather than one that exploits them for their part. the benefit of a small elite. Kenyans have much familiarity The test of a democratic system with such institutional and per- of governance and accountability sonal failure in the highest office. rather lies in its ability to contain a McCarter may not be handing out tyrant bent on undermining it. any lessons on his tour of duty, but Trump is the test of American if he chooses to listen, he could democracy and so far, it is a test the learn a few truths to take back US is failing. home. “The blunt fact is that many of the guardrails that were supposed to protect the world’s oldest func- tioning democracy have been shown to be perilously weak, as vulnerable to assault as the Maginot Line was in the face of the German D-RING ROAD army some 75 years ago,” American POST BOX: 3488 commentator Jeff Greenfield wrote DOHA - QATAR in the wake of Trump’s election. [email protected] Further, as Professors James Goldgeier and Elizabeth Saunders note, “constraints on the president - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE not just from Congress but also from TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 the bureaucracy, allies, and interna- FAX: +974 4455 7758 tional institutions - have been eroding for decades.” MANAGING EDITOR Thus, as President Trump defies TEL: 4462 7505 nearly every norm that had for decades created at least a sem- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Mercy Wambua, CEO of the Law Society of Kenya, protesting outside the Supreme Court after the deportation of an blance of accountability - from TEL: 4455 7769 opposition politician in defiance of a court order. releasing tax records to creating LOCAL NEWS SECTION TEL: 4455 7743

BUSINESS NEWS SECTION ational Girl Child Day is The first club HAPPY was formed that they are tackling issues which TEL: 4462 7535 observed every year on in 2015 with a small group of the adults in the community January 24 to celebrate girl children which was later divided to couldn’t. “We’ve stopped two cases SPORT NEWS SECTION children and to bring the form six groups. Currently there are of child marriage so far. With the TEL: 4455 7745 Nfocus on issues like skewed sex ratio, eight groups, with around 300 word spreading across town, many female foeticide, child marriage, edu- children as members. All clubs such marriages were cancelled on ONLINE SECTION cation, health and safety of the girl function individually comprising a their own. We have also enrolled TEL: 4462 7501 NEOLA DSOUZA child, unequal treatment and gender president, secretary, treasurer and around 15 children in school and [email protected] IANS disparities. ministers for different departments conducted a two-week long anti- drugs campaign. But our focus is to such as sports, food, and child pro- PUBLIC RELATIONS stop child marriages in the com- tection. They collect Rs 5 (for TEL: 4455 7613 munity,” Pomi said. children 6 years and above) and Rs [email protected] How Children in Bengal’s 10 (for children who are 14 years and In one of the cases, with the help above) to meet their group’s of the local councillor, the club ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT expenses and to provide aid to members got a refund for the hotel TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 children in need of assistance. booking and stopped the printing of Bardhaman are becoming FAX: 4455 7870 In April 2018, the groups came wedding cards. To ensure that the [email protected] catalysts of change together to form a federation club girl continues her studies, they which has 19 representatives, one funded her Class 11 fees from their CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT each from 8 children’s clubs. The own group’s monthly contributions TEL: 4455 7857 members of the federation meet every with further educational assistance [email protected] month. Before intervening in any from outside. Today, she studies in India has the highest number of case, the children follow a process of Class 12 and looks forward to ful- SUBSCRIPTION & child brides in the world. It is esti- consulting the members of Child filling her dreams. DISTRIBUTION mated that 27 per cent of girls in India Well-Being Committee (CWBC), In recognition of their efforts, the TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 are married before their 18th another group formed by World club members were felicitated by the FAX: 44557819 birthday. (UNICEF 2017). Vision India, the police, and leaders in West Bengal Commission for Pro- [email protected] A lot can be done to address issues the community. The support of other tection of Child Rights with certifi- of girl children through appropriate members helps bring a more serious cates of appreciation along with a cheque for Rs 10,000, which they In April 2018, social interventions. Many a time focus to the redressal of the cases. community members and children Sixteen-year-old Pomi is a role plan to use for opening a library for All thoughts and views the groups came can play a vital role in making a dif- model in her community - she had the children in the community. The award expressed in these columns together to form ference in the lives of girl children. An courage to stand up against child and recognition have inspired the are those of the writers, a federation club excellent example is that of NGO marriage. She understood the value of children. World Vision India’s (WVI) children’s education through children’s groups. Pomi says: “I look forward to par- not of the newspaper. which has 19 clubs formed in the city of Bardhaman Pomi has been relentlessly working to ticipating in the club activities as I get representatives, in West Bengal. raise awareness on child protection an opportunity to speak up and share All correspondence one each from 8 Through children’s groups, WVI issues and importance of education ideas about issues concerning us. I regarding Views and children’s clubs. works with young girls to develop which has helped to reduce child also motivate my friends to open up.” their leadership and mentoring skills marriages in her community. From encouraging girls to defend Opinion pages should be The members of as peer educators. In turn, these girls Pomi is the President of the Fed- their rights, stay in school and not get send to editor-in-chief the federation meet married too young, these little mes- mentor children in their communities eration, a role she is proud of and office or mailed to the every month. and raise awareness on child pro- eagerly shares about the work the siahs are becoming the catalysts of tection issues. children’s clubs are doing. She says change. [email protected] 12 ASIA MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 Modi unveils Rs165.4bn largest refinery complex in Kerala IANS At the same venue, KOCHI the Prime Minister also dedicated the Mounded Prime Minister Narendra Modi Storage Vessel of the yesterday dedicated to the nation integrated Bharat Petroleum Indian Oil Corporation Corporation Ltd (BPCL) refinery Ltd and also remotely expansion complex, built at a laid the foundation stone cost of Rs165.4bn — the single- for a Skill Development largest investment in Kerala. Institute, promoted Arriving at Kochi, around by the Ministry of 2pm, he reached the Cochin Refinery venue near here and Petroleum and Natural first unveiled the most modern Gas, to come up at integrated refinery expansion Ettumannor in Kottayam complex and then laid the foun- district. dation stone for a petrochemical complex, which is a complete “The BPCL has been pro- “Make in India” initiative aimed viding the green fuel for more at reducing dependence on than 50 years. I remember that imports. in my childhood, I saw many At the same venue, he also mothers struggling with dedicated the Mounded Storage firewood. Today, we have pro- Vessel of the Indian Oil Corpo- vided a healthy kitchen. Since ration Ltd and also remotely laid May 2016, six crore LPG connec- the foundation stone for a Skill tions to the poorest of the poor Development Institute, promoted have been given and in all 23 by the Ministry of Petroleum and crore LPG consumers have ben- Natural Gas, to come up at Ettu- fited. The Cochin Refinery has mannor in Kottayam district. played a major role in this all,” Earlier, before inaugurating said Modi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicates to the nation Integrated Refinery Expansion Complex in Kochi, Kerala, yesterday. The the project, he briefly went The Prime Minister, however, Governor of Kerala, Justice (Retd.) P Sathasivam, the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, around the factory and inter- said the real heroes of this Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of State for Tourism, Alphons Kannanthanam, and the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan are acted with the staff and also project are the 20,000 also seen. joined in a photo session with the employees who worked day and employees. Addressing the large night to complete this project on several ancillary industries will due to a snag in the Naval air- Vijayan pointed out that the We have always believed in gathering, Modi said the new time. be able to come up here,” added craft, he could not reach the Kerala government has always strengthening the central public phase of development of BPCL “With the new project and Modi. Since Chief Minister airport here to receive Modi, but been in the forefront to provide sector and we have always pro- is not going to benefit just Kerala the other projects that are Pinarayi Vijayan’s travel from later reached the venue of the land for petrochemical projects vided tax benefits for such but the entire country. coming up, Kochi will benefit as Kozhikode to Kochi got delayed inauguration on time. to companies in the public sector. projects,” said Vijayan.

Two dead after Hearing on Ayodhya title suit on January 29 cancelled eating sweets

IANS Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice S A Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister the challenge to the high court the 1994 Ismail Faruqui case offered at temple NEW DELHI Bobde, Justice D Y Chandrachud, Kalyan Singh in a Babri Masjid- judgment on the title suit be needed reconsideration and the Justice Ashok Bhushan and related matter. heard by a five-judge consti- matter should be referred to a AFP The much awaited hearing on a Justice S Abdul Nazeer “stands Kalyan Singh is at present tution bench. larger constitution bench. BENGALURU batch of cross petitions chal- cancelled”. the Governor of Rajasthan. Referring the matter to a Justice Nazeer had also said lenging the 2010 Allahabad High “...the constitution bench Besides Justice Lalit, the new three-judge bench, Justice that whether mosque was an Two women have died and Court verdict trifurcating the matter will not be taken up for bench did not have Justice N V Bhushan also speaking for then essential part of Islam for nine others including two Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya hearing on January 29,” said the Ramana. The original bench had Chief Justice Misra had said that offering namaz was to be children are undergoing scheduled for January 29 will not notice by the top court registry Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, “we are of the considered decided considering the religious treatment after eating contam- take place due to the non-avail- put on its website. Justice S A Bobde, Justice N V opinion that no case has been beliefs and requires detailed inated food at a Hindu temple ability of Justice S A Bobde — one The top court had on January Ramana, Justice Lalit and Justice made out to refer the consti- consideration. in southern India, police said. of the five judges in the recon- 25 reconstituted the five-judge D Y Chandrachud. tution bench judgment of this The Lucknow bench of Alla- It is the second such case stituted bench. bench as Justice Uday Umesh Both Justice Bhushan and court in Ismail Faruqui case for habad High Court by its 2010 in two months in the southern A notification issued yes- Lalit recused himself from Justice Nazeer were on the reconsideration”, which had said judgment, now under chal- state of Karnataka, after at terday by the top court registry hearing the matter after it was three-judge bench headed by that mosque was not essential to lenge, had divided the disputed least 11 people died and 29 said that due to non-availability pointed out by senior counsel then Chief Justice Dipak Misra Islam for offering namaz. site in three parts giving one others fell ill after consuming of Justice S A Bobde on January Rajeev Dhavan that he had that had on September 27 by a However, in his dissenting each to Lord Ram Lala, Nirmohi poisoned rice at another 29, 2019, the sitting of the con- earlier way back in 1997 as a majority of 2:1 declined one of judgment, Justice Abdul Nazeer Akhara and original Muslim temple in December. stitution bench comprising Chief lawyer appeared for former the Muslim petitioners’ plea that had said that the judgement in litigant. The incident happened on Saturday after devotees in Chikkaballapura district’s Chintamani town — around 60km from the regional CBSE likely to add Health capital Bengaluru — fell ill after consuming the temple food offered by two women. Science as a new subject “Two women devotees Kavita, 28 and Saraswat- IANS many are still not aware of hamma, 56 have died after NEW DELHI basic primary healthcare consuming a local sweet needs,” an official said, offered at the temple. Nine The Central Board of Secondary requesting anonymity. others including two kids and Education (CBSE) is likely to The new syllabus is a three women devotees are start a new subject — Health guideline on what can be done being treated at a nearby hos- Science, related to the basic if someone suddenly gets a pital,” B S Srinivas, deputy knowledge of primary heart attack or some other superintendent of police at healthcare. health hazard to get immediate Chintamani town said. The syllabus framed by the relief. “Because of lack of basic “We have taken samples Ministry of Health and Family knowledge related to cure, of the sweet consumed by the Welfare along with the All India patients are often brought to devotees for forensics and Institute of Medical Sciences hospitals when they are critical. started our investigations,” he (AIIMS) will be added to the Many lives can be saved if the added, saying that they were existing curriculum of CBSE for basic steps are followed,” the looking for the individuals standards 9, 10, 11 and 12. official added. who had prepared the sweet “We had done a small According to informed and distributed it to the PM’s gifts for auction survey prior to planning this sources, the new syllabus is devotees. course on awareness related to currently being reviewed by the A Press Trust of India Visitors look towards the gifts received by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at an auction in basic health relief like what HRD Ministry and would be report said that the temple- New Delhi, yesterday. The amount raised will be utilised for “Namami Gange” programme approved needs to be immediately done introduced in the new aca- goers were offered the sweet by the Prime minister with the aim to clean and protect the Ganga River. if a dog bites before visiting a demic session which begins in by two women who came into doctor. And we found that April. the temple from outside.

Manipur to hold all-party meet on Citizenship Bill After dry cold wave, expect rainfall from January 30: Met IANS minimum is expected to drop to 4 Delhi which will slightly increase the Quality and Weather Forecasting And IANS/IMPHAL NEW DELHI degrees Celsius which is 5 notches minimum temperature to 8 or 9 Research (SAFAR), air quality is likely below the season’s average degrees Celsius. to deteriorate towards the “lower end Manipur Chief Minister N Biren has convened Expect light rain and thundershowers temperature. “As clouds cover the sky, the of very poor during the next two days an all-party meeting today on the contentious in the national capital after tomorrow “There will be shallow to mod- minimum temperature will slightly as cold wave conditions are looming Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. with a slight increase in the minimum erate fog on the mornings of today increase by a few notches but the large”. “These cold wave conditions Manipur is one of the northeastern states temperature which will subside cold and tomorrow. Cold wave like con- maximum might hover between 19 will tend to slow down the wind speed which has been seeing various agitations in wave conditions and make the weather ditions will also prevail in some parts and 20 degrees Celsius,” he said. which is helping in the dispersion of protest against the passing of this Bill on January pleasant in the city, the Met said. of the city which will keep the Such weather conditions are pollutants since the last two days. 8 by the Lok Sabha. The Janata Dal (United) has As per the India Meteorological maximum temperature at a low - bound to increase the pollution levels Gentle fog is now mainly confined to already announced that it will not take part in Department (IMD), the minimum around 19 degrees Celsius,” an IMD in the city with the Air Quality Index early morning hours. AQI may slowly the meeting. JD (U) state president Hankhanpao temperatures yesterday dropped to official said. (AQI) expected to turn ‘very poor’. deteriorate during the next two days said the Chief Minister had refused to summon 5.2 degrees Celsius and it is likely to From Wednesday or January 30 The overall air quality in Delhi but it might improve with rainfall,” an emergency session of the state assembly to remain the same today. However, it to February 1, the Met has forecast yesterday was recorded at 262 (poor). the agency said in its daily pollution hold a threadbare discussion on the bill. will be biting cold on Tuesday as the light rain and thundershowers in According to the System of Air analysis. MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 ASIA 13

Pakistan closes Pakistan: Normalcy Mazar-e-Sharif consulate after returns to former terror bid foiled

AP Taliban stronghold KABUL An Afghan official said a AP & INTERNEWS Army spokesman Maj woman has been arrested on MIRAN SHAH, PAKISTAN Gen. Ghafoor made the suspicion of attempting to claim yesterday in the attack the Pakistani consulate Pakistan’s military says 95 percent in northern Balkh province of the tribal people in North town of Miran Shah, after a hand grenade was Waziristan displaced by military where the military found in her bag. operations against militants have took journalists on Munir Ahmad Farhad, returned to their homes in the a tour, giving them provincial governor’s region bordering Afghanistan, spokesman, said the woman, which once served as Taliban access to residents who he did not identify, is in headquarters. who demanded better police custody and an inves- Army spokesman Maj Gen. health and education tigation is under way. She was Ghafoor made the claim yesterday arrested after being inter- facilities. Pakistan army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor (centre) greets tribal people during his in the town of Miran Shah, where viewed inside the consulate. visit to a market in Miran Shah, a town in North Waziristan, near the border between Pakistan and the military took journalists on a The Pakistani Foreign tour, giving them access to resi- Afghanistan, yesterday. Ministry also confirmed the dents who demanded better for Information and Broadcasting incident in a statement yes- health and education facilities. Fawad Chaudhry yesterday wel- said, adding. “Pakistan is an countries, Chaudhry said, “We for peace. Responding to a terday and said the Pakistani Ghafoor was hugged by comed the negotiations between important partner in the are working to enhance rela- question about the opposition consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif youths in a sign of respect when the United States and Afghan Middle East.” tions with UAE, Middle East, Gulf Chaudhry said, “Corruption was closed as a result of the he visited the main bazaar with Taliban and said the successful Moreover, the minister said and other countries. PTI gov- cases against political party incident. The consulate will reporters. dialogue would greatly benefit Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s ernment is striving to open the leaders were registered remain closed until security North Waziristan remained Pakistan. policy is to promote peace country to the whole world to during the tenure of Pakistan is upgraded, authorities said. “no-go area” even for army Speaking to the media in which will benefit the people of increase business and sports Peoples Party and Pakistan The foreign office spokes- because of strong presence of mil- Dubai, Chaudhry said, “Prime the region. “PTI government’s activities.” Muslim League Nawaz person has confirmed that the itants before 2013 when the mil- Minister Imran Khan wishes for policy is to have good relations Giving an example of the government.” unfortunate incident was itary launched operations there, peace in Afghanistan which will with all neighbouring, regional opening of the Kartarpur cor- “The PTI government has reported to the Afghan foreign displacing one million people. help with trade in the region.” countries.” ridor near Narowal near the nothing to do with the cases,” ministry. He demanded inquiry The army says it cleared the “We have taken many steps On the subject of on arrival Oakistan border with India, he clarified, adding, “Those over the incident, and inform region of militants. for peace and stability in visas and e-visa facility that he said Pakistan has given the found involved in corrupt prac- the Pakistani counterpart Meanwhile, Federal Minister Afghanistan and Yemen,” he Pakistan will be granting to message to the entire world tices will not be spared.” about the actions taken on it.

Pakistan envoy to India tipped US envoy visits Kabul to consult president on talks with Taliban for foreign REUTERS from the hardline group that it will not could be agreed without an intra-Afghan process,” said a western diplomat based KABUL allow Afghanistan to be used by Al Qaeda dialogue and a full ceasefire. in Kabul. secretary post and Islamic State to attack the US and its “He (Khalilzad) will inform Ghani and Despite the progress on a pact, vio- US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived allies — a core US demand. Similar assur- his officials about all the developments, lence is widely expected to continue, with INTERNEWS in Kabul yesterday to try to secure coop- ances involving other groups are given to seek their opinion before travelling back the Taliban mounting daily attacks ISLAMABAD eration from Afghanistan’s president after Pakistan in the draft pact. to Washington,” a senior Afghan official against the Afghan government and its breakthroughs in peace negotiations with The Taliban also want to be part of an said on conditions of anonymity. security forces. The Taliban now control High Commissioner to India Taliban leaders in Qatar. interim government after any ceasefire, Khalilzad is also due to brief top about half of Afghanistan’s territory and Sohail Mahmood is the clear With Khalilzad and his boss US Sec- Taliban sources said. regional diplomats this morning. Ghani said in Switzerland last week that front runner to become the retary of State Mike Pompeo, as well It was not clear whether the draft Western diplomats describe Ghani as 45,000 members of the country’s country’s top diplomat when Taliban officials, hailing progress towards described by the Taliban sources was being in a tight spot, with no authority to security forces had been killed since he Foreign Secretary Tehmina ending America’s longest war, he must acceptable to both sides or when it could decide on the troop departure and the took office in 2014. A former Taliban Janjua steps down on her now win over President Ashraf Ghani — be completed and signed. A fresh round final decision to declare the ceasefire leader said despite a agreement for an retirement. whose government the Taliban have so of talks between Khalilzad and the Taliban resting with the Taliban. 18-month withdrawal, he predicted Janjua, who was the first far kept out of the process. is expected to take place on February 25, He, however does enjoy the power to intense fighting ahead. woman to become Pakistan’s Six days of talks ended in Qatar on two senior Taliban sources said. decide to support an interim government “I think Taliban won’t stop their fight foreign secretary, will retire Saturday with key parts of a draft pact While he has not been directly rather than push for presidential elections until they get 100 percent sure that foreign on April 17 after serving in the mapped out, including an 18-month involved up until now, Ghani’s role is which could prove to be a distraction to forces are leaving Afghanistan,” said position for two years. timeline for the withdrawal of foreign likely to grow as a full deal gets closer and the peace effort. Sayed Mohammad Akbar Agha, who heads The race for the foreign troops after the completion of a deal, diplomacy intensifies. So far he has rejected talk of an Ways to Save Afghanistan, an independent secretary’s job this time round according to Taliban officials. Without going into detail on Saturday interim government. “It is time for Ghani group run by tribal elders and religious has been lacklustre particu- The draft also includes assurances night, Khalilzad said in tweets that nothing to choose between elections or peace scholars working towards securing peace. larly when compared to the bruising competitions on the last two occasions - 2013 and 2017. The last race was espe- cially ugly because it ended High medicine prices with the resignation of former high commissioner to India Abdul Basit, who was once add to the woes of the FO’s rising star. And few can forget the spat between the former high commis- sick in Pakistan sioner and the then outgoing foreign secretary Aizaz INTERNEWS patients and their relatives. Chaudhry that became public. ISLAMABAD “A number of time, people In the current race just ask for enough medicine for Ambassador to the EU, Mohammad Rifique has seven one day, or leave after asking Belgium and Luxembourg children, and they tend to fall for the price,” he said. Naghmana Hashmi is the sick in the winter. They often A spokesperson for the senior most followed by catch coughs, sore throats or Drug Regulatory Authority of Sohail Mahmood, second in fevers but this year it is getting Pakistan (Drap) announced this the seniority, and Ambas- difficult, Rifique said, to provide month that the maximum retail sador to Italy Nadeem Riaz medicines for them. price (MRP) of various medica- and Envoy to Germany Johar “I’ve heard that antibiotics tions would be increased by 9pc Saleem, in the third and shouldn’t be used for such ill- to 15pc, and attributed the price fourth places, respectively. nesses, but doctors have been hike to the 30pc increase in the Ambassador Mahmood, Amb prescribing my children anti- US dollar last year. Riaz and Amb Saleem are National army graduation biotics for since they were born. The cost of raw and pack- from the same course 13th Now they don’t recover without aging material has also risen, Common but Mahmood is Afghan National Army soldiers attend their graduation ceremony at the Kabul Military Training them,” he explained. Drap said, and the rise in utility senior in intra-batch Centre in Kabul, yesterday. “I used to buy the 70ml costs such as electricity and gas seniority. Augmentin suspension for has increased the manufac- Rs173, which is now being sold turing cost per unit. for Rs219. It has already become The price increase was also difficult to provide my children blamed on the increase in addi- food, and now that prices have tional duties and interest rates. Two Sri Lankan peacekeepers killed in Mali been increased it is also difficult The authority claimed that to buy their medicines,” he said. most pharmaceutical raw Rifique is far from the only material is imported from IANS crimes under international law,” strongest terms the attack”. Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), one person affected by the rise in China, and with the Chinese COLOMBO said Stephane Dujarric, the The Security Council of the most dangerous operations medicine prices. Abdul Hafeez industry closed for environ- spokesperson for Secretary- expressed its “concern about the that has seen 189 fatalities. Ten said a pack of 500mg Ampiclox mental reasons the price of raw Two Sri Lankan peacekeepers General Antonio Guterres. security situation in Mali and the peacekeepers from Chad were capsules - another antibiotics - material has doubled. Drap has have been killed by an impro- Guterres “calls on the Malian transnational dimension of the killed on Sunday in a terrorist is now being sold for Rs646, said it is not viable for pharma- vised explosive device attack on authorities to spare no effort in terrorist threat in the Sahel region” attack on the mission camp in when it used to cost Rs616. The ceutical companies to manu- a UN convoy in Mali. identifying the perpetrators of and “urged the Malian parties to Aguelhok, in the Kidal region. cost of 100 coated tablets of facture medicines, but assured Six Sri Lankan peacekeepers this attack, so that they can be fully implement the Agreement A peacekeeper from Burkina 250mg Erythrocin has risen from that life-saving medicines were also injured in the attack brought to justice as swiftly as on Peace and Reconciliation in Faso was wounded on Thursday Rs540 to Rs921. would be available. But a phar- on Friday near Douentza, Mopti possible”, he added. Mali without further delay”, the in an IED attack against a convoy Mohammad Bilal, who runs macist alleged that medicine region, the UN said. Security Council President spokesperson added. near Douentza. A total of 647 Sri a pharmacy, agreed that the rise prices were increased by the “Attacks targeting UN peace- Jose Singer Weisinger said the There are 207 Sri Lankans Lankans serve in UN peace- in medicine prices has com- connivance of pharmaceutical keepers may constitute war Council “condemned in the serving in the UN Stabilization keeping opeerations. pounded the problems of companies and Drap. 14 ASIA MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 Twin bomb blasts leave 18 dead at Philippine church

AFP It is one of the ruthless perpetrators behind this JOLO, PHILIPPINES deadliest bomb dastardly crime,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo At least 18 people were killed attacks to strike the said in a statement. “The law yesterday when a double bomb insurgency-plagued will give them no mercy.” attack hit a Catholic church on southern Philippines Five soldiers, a member of a southern Philippine island that in years, and shows the coast guard and 12 civilians is a stronghold of Islamist mili- were among the dead while 83 tants, the military said, days the violence in the other people were wounded, after voters backed expanded region is not over said regional military Muslim self-rule in the region. despite recent steps spokesman Lieutenant Colonel A powerful first blast shat- toward peace, experts Gerry Besana. tered pews and left bodies The regional police chief strewn inside the cathedral in said. Graciano Mijares put the toll the Catholic-majority nation’s slightly higher at 20 dead, lower restive south as mass was being control over their own affairs, than a figure of 27 he gave ini- celebrated. which sparked hopes of quelling tially. The second bomb was left Just moments later a second long-time separatist violence. in the utility box of a motorcycle explosion outside killed troops “Just because the (refer- in the parking area outside the who were rushing to help the endum) has passed does not church, a military report said. Philippine Army members secure the area outside a church after a bombing attack in Jolo, Sulu wounded in the smoking and mean that things are going to get Authorities said the noto- province, in the Philippines, yesterday. heavily damaged church on Jolo, better overnight,” said Gregory rious Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for- which is overwhelmingly Wyatt, Director for Business ransom group could be behind Muslim. It is one of the deadliest Intelligence at PSA Philippines the blasts. including an attack on a ferry in often targeting foreigners. It is January 21 with the resounding bomb attacks to strike the insur- Consultancy. “When you talk about ter- Manila Bay in 2004 that claimed among armed networks based approval of a new Muslim led- gency-plagued southern Phil- “There are still militant rorism in Sulu, the primary 116 lives in the country’s dead- in the strife-torn region of region in the south. ippines in years, and shows the groups that will continue to be suspect is always the (Abu liest terror assault. Mindanao, some of whose Rebels and the government violence in the region is not over active and pose a security Sayyaf) but we are not dis- The Abu Sayyaf is a loose members have pledged alle- in Manila hope the new so- despite recent steps toward threat,” he said. counting the possibility that network of militants formed in giance to the Islamic State called Bangsamoro area will peace, experts said. Manila swiftly vowed to there are other perpetrators,” the 1990s with seed money from group. Abu Sayyaf is not part of finally draw the investment The bloodshed came less hunt down the attackers, but no Besana said. Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda the decades-long peace process needed to pull the region from than a week after voters’ group has claimed the bombing. The remote island of Jolo is network, and has earned mil- with the nation’s largest sepa- the brutal poverty that makes it decisive approval of a plan to “We will pursue to the ends a base of the Abu Sayyaf, which lions of dollars from banditry ratist group, Moro Islamic Lib- a hotspot for radical give Muslims in the south more of the earth the is blamed for deadly bombings, and kidnappings-for-ransom, eration Front, that culminated recruitment.

Record-breaking Singapore actor’s death highlights conscription risks floods hit AP its national security strategy. It opened to thousands of members rank was corporal first class. He medical centre. It also found north Australia SINGAPORE requires most men from after the of the public. was known to the public for his Lee’s platoon had slightly less age 18 to serve full-time in its She said Pang’s case makes roles on Mandarin-language tel- than the standard seven hours A memorial service was held armed forces, police force or civil her worry about her own evision dramas for which he won of rest the night before. This was AFP yesterday for a Singaporean defence force for two years and 21-year-old son, who is done several local awards. due to unauthorised punishment CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA actor and soldier who died from after that take part in training with his full-time service but will Pang’s death has brought from higher ups, which included injuries at a military exercise, a obligations for another 10 years. still be called up for the reserves. painful memories flooding back leopard crawls, push-ups and Communities were cut off, case that has renewed scrutiny Those who dodge their “A few army boys already for Jasmine Yeo, whose 19-year- sprints. farmers stranded and cows of the tiny Southeast Asian service are arrested and jailed. have this problem. They will say old son, Dave Lee, died after col- Lee’s captain has been washed offshore as heavy nation’s system of mandatory Pang is the fourth conscript we will be careful, we will take lapsing from heat stroke during charged with causing death by rain pelted northeast conscription. to die from training since late action,” she said of the military. a march last April. a rash act. If found guilty, he Australia yesterday, with one Reservist Aloysius Pang, 28, 2017, leading to calls for more “It’s too late.” “One by one, this is some- faces a maximum punishment major river breaking was taking part in military protections for soldiers and A memorial service for Pang thing that I really did not wish to of five years in jail and a fine. The 118-year-old floodwater training in New Zealand last greater accountability on the was broadcast online yesterday, see. Rest in peace, son of Sin- next hearing is scheduled in Feb- records. weekend when he was crushed part of the military. with hundreds of thousands of gapore!” she wrote on Facebook. ruary. Six other servicemen also The Bureau of Meteor- while repairing an artillery Christina Goh was waiting in viewers, and a military funeral An independent committee face a military investigation. ology said Queensland’s vehicle. He died on Thursday line to pay her respects on Sat- and cremation were scheduled convened by the military found Yeo said she was still coming Daintree River rose to 12.60 after several surgeries. urday at a memorial that was for later in the day. that those who first attended to to terms with the loss. meters — a level not seen in With a population of just 5.6 attended by Pang’s family Pang had completed his full- Lee didn’t do enough to cool him “I really do not think any of over a century — and local million people, Singapore sees members, politicians and dozens time service and was an down. They were also slow in us parents who lost a son would authorities warned that some conscription as a key element of of celebrities before it was armament technician whose sending him to the camp’s ever have closure,” she said. residents in remote areas could be cut off for days. The heritage listed Daintree Rainforest received more than 300 millimetres of Sanctions, peace rain in just 24 hours and Northern Queensland is bracing for monsoonal con- ditions for the rest of the deal on cards for week. Residents in this tropical region of Australia are used to a heavy wet season, but the US-N Korea summit recent deluge has cut off a ferry line that is the only AFP The sanctions “are not means of accessing some WASHINGTON strong enough to create serious areas. Port Douglas Shire economic problems in the Council Mayor, Julia Leu, said As Donald Trump seeks country, but they are strong those who are still in their progress with North Korea at a enough to make economic homes could be cut off for second summit, the United growth difficult or unach- two days, with no power or States has a series of cards it ievable,” said Andrei Lankov, a phone service. can play including easing sanc- professor at Kookmin Uni- Meanwhile the conditions tions, signing a peace decla- versity in Seoul who studied in have caused havoc for ration or even pulling troops Pyongyang. farmers and livestock. from South Korea. “In order to maintain sta- One family of four were After the historic hand- bility in the country and to stay stranded on the farm they shake between the US president in power, the North Koreans manage, with live power lines and North Korean leader Kim know they will have to end or falling into floodwaters. Jong Un in Singapore in June, at least narrow the yawning gap A click to remember Residents rushed to a Washington policymakers are between their economy and the Two women wearing kimonos pose for a picture around Sensoji temple in the Asakusa district of downstream beach to help a adamant on the need for tan- economies of the neighbouring Tokyo, yesterday. handful of livestock washed gible concessions by Pyongyang countries, especially South away by floodwaters. on its nuclear programme at the Korea and China,” he said. sequel meeting, which Trump When Kim met Trump, the says will take place around late first-ever summit between the February, with Vietnam the two nations, North Korea was most likely venue. seen as seeking a treaty or at Thai pop idol condemned for Nazi swastika T-shirt But much depends on the least statement formally ending mercurial Trump, who has the 1950-53 Korean War, which AFP awareness about world history. symbols by the band’s singer give me advice so that I can grow declared his outreach to the ended in an armistice. BANGKOK The latest faux pas was com- hurt the feelings of millions up to be a good adult in the longtime US adversary to be a But Victor Cha, the director mitted by Pichayapa “Namsai” around the world, whose rela- future”. “I cannot fix the mistake diplomatic coup and angrily of Asian studies at Georgetown A member of Thailand’s most Natha, one of the singers of tives were murdered by the but I promise I will not let it denounced criticism that his University and former US nego- popular all-girl band has apol- BNK48, when she wore the red- Nazis,” said Smadar Shapira. happen again,” she wrote. first summit was mere tiator with North Korea, said a ogised for wearing a shirt with and-black top complete with Following the uproar, Yesterday afternoon, the symbolism. peace declaration was ulti- a Nazi flag featuring a swastika, swastika during the group’s tel- Namsai apologised onstage singer and the manager of North Korea watchers mately symbolic. after her TV appearance drew evised rehearsal on Friday. during a concert on Saturday BNK48, both dressed in sombre believe that Kim’s primary goal “I don’t think they would “shock and dismay” from the The Deputy Chief of Mission night. “I want this to be an grey and white clothing, met is relief from international say no to it. A peace declaration Israeli Embassy on Saturday. of the Israeli Embassy in example for everyone, please with Israeli ambassador Meir sanctions and doubt he will would be a sign of non-hostile Images of Hitler, swastikas Bangkok took to Twitter to forgive me,” the 19-year-old Shlomo to apologise for the suddenly give up his nuclear intent. But they want tangible and other Nazi regalia are fairly express “shock and dismay” at singer said, bursting into tears. incident. The band agreed to arsenal, which his dynastic evidence of non-hostile intent, commonplace on T-shirts and the outfit, noting that Sunday is In an extended apology participate in an educational regime has built for decades which would be removing some memorabilia in Thailand, a phe- International Holocaust Remem- posted on her official Facebook workshop on the Holocaust, she even through famine. of the sanctions,” Cha said. nomenon blamed on a lack of brance Day. “Presenting Nazi page, she later wrote: “Please said. MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 EUROPE 15 Listen to EU, Dublin tells UK MPs ahead of vote

AFP Simon Coveney said succeed, telling the same BBC pro- LONDON attempts by Brexit gramme that he was taking a “negotiating position”. He said British MPs seeking to pressure supporters to remove Dublin did not want Britain to Prime Minister Theresa May this or set a time-limit leave the EU without a deal, which week to renegotiate her Brexit on a controversial is the default position if MPs deal should heed EU warnings that “backstop” clause on cannot reach agreement. it will not succeed, Ireland’s The European Commission foreign minister warned the Irish border would this week conceded that without yesterday. never be accepted by a deal, controls would be reim- Simon Coveney said attempts Brussels. posed on the Irish border, which by Brexit supporters to remove or all sides have warned could set a time-limit on a controversial undermine the Northern Irish “backstop” clause on the Irish of votes on parliamentary amend- peace process. border would never be accepted ments, they will set out what they “The idea the EU and the Irish by Brussels. want her to do next. government would drive this “Listen to what people are Some MPs want to delay process to a no-deal exit in order saying in Europe,” he told BBC tel- Brexit or adopt a whole new to try to achieve something which evision, saying May’s Brexit deal strategy, but others are demanding is intended to avoid no-deal was “a balanced package that isn’t changes to May’s deal that they Brexit, that is not going to happen,” going to change”. suggest could allow them to Hancock said. “The European Parliament support it. Coveney repeated that Dublin will not ratify a withdrawal These focus on the backstop, would be open to amending an agreement that doesn’t have a an arrangement intended to keep accompanying political decla- backstop in it, it’s as simple as open the border between the UK ration on future trading ties, to A man uses a sledgehammer to knock a mock border wall during a protest by anti-Brexit campaigners, that,” he added. and Ireland by temporarily tying emphasise that the backstop may Borders Against Brexit in Carrickcarnan, Ireland. He was speaking ahead of London to the EU’s trade rules. never be used. another showdown between May May has already spent months The rejection of May’s EU deal and the House of Commons over trying to amend the backstop with on January 15 left Britain hurtling Numerous MPs have put numbers of ministers have also March 29 either way, and planning Britain’s withdrawal from the EU, no success, but has promised to towards the exit door with no plan. forward amendments for debate warned they will not accept the continues for every option. which is schedued for March 29. return to Brussels if that is what If her efforts to salvage her tomorrow rejecting this “no deal” potentially catastrophic prospect Hancock confirmed the gov- MPs this month rejected the her MPs want. deal fail, Britain runs the risk of scenario, and calling variously for of Britain leaving with no ernment was looking at “all the divorce agreement she struck with Health Secretary Matt severing ties with its closest Brexit to be delayed, negotiations agreement. May says the best way options in all circumstances”, but the bloc last year. Hancock denied Coveney’s com- trading partner overnight, with no be reopened with the EU, or a to avoid this is to agree to her deal, said martial law “isn’t the focus of One Tuesday night, in a series ments meant she could not new arrangements in place. second referendum. Increasing but says Brexit will happen on our attention”. UK govt may scrap MPs’ holiday to pass Brexit laws Italy’s Salvini threatens to AFP week-long February recess, a important to stress we are con- suggested this week that Brexit after Brexit, the Sunday Times LONDON Downing Street spokeswoman fident of meeting that com- could be delayed if necessary newspaper reported. There has sue migrant said. mitment,” the spokeswoman by a few weeks to get the bills been a discussion about using British MPs could sit longer There are still eight laws the said. through. the Civil Contingencies Act hours and their February government wants to pass to “We are aware this is a chal- “I’m absolutely certain that 2004, which allows curfews, rescuers holiday may be scrapped as the prepare the statute books for lenging timetable, so as a pre- if we needed a couple of extra travel bans and the deployment government races to pass its Brexit, covering areas of trade, cautionary measure we are in weeks or something, that would of the army to quell any social AFP Brexit legislation before Britain fisheries and agriculture, immi- preliminary discussions about be feasible,” she told the BBC’s unrest if Britain leaves the EU ROME leaves the EU on March 29, gration, the environment and extending sitting times — but “Newsnight” programme. with no deal. Downing Street said yesterday. healthcare. only if necessary.” She said MPs But she added that “with A separate Downing Street Italy’s interior minister Prime Minister Theresa These includes any bill would have a chance to debate goodwill and a determination, spokeswoman said: “The prime Matteo Salvini said yesterday May’s government is looking at needed to implement a divorce and vote on any decision, we can still get the legislation minister has said that there will he was gathering legal making the House of Commons deal with the EU, which MPs adding that the government rec- through in time”. be disruption in the event of no evidence against the crew of sit on more Fridays — which it have yet to agree to. ognised the need to balance Meanwhile, officials are deal.” “But as a responsible gov- a Dutch-flagged rescue ship does not normally do — and “We remain committed to their constituency and family looking at whether they might ernment we are taking the as calls grew for 47 migrants extend debating time well into ensuring all necessary legis- responsibilities. need sweeping powers, appropriate steps to minimise to be allowed to land. the evening on some days. lation is in place for exit day on Andrea Leadsom, the leader including the introduction of this disruption and ensure the “We have concrete ele- It is also “reviewing” the March 29, 2019, and it is of the House of Commons, martial law, if there is disorder country is prepared.” ments to declare that the captain and crew of the Sea Watch 3 have put the lives of those on board at risk by dis- obeying precise directions Russia marks end of days ago to disembark them in the nearest port, not Italy!” he said. “The evidence will be handed to the judicial author- Leningrad siege ities,” he said, accusing captain and crew of “a crime and a clear desire to use these with military parade immigrants in a political battle”. Salvini has refused to AFP metronome used to warn res- open the ports to the mainly SAINT PETERSBURG idents about air-raids during sub-Saharan African migrants the siege. Some clutched rescued in the Mediterranean Tanks and air defence missile flowers and could not hold back over a week ago, saying the systems rolled through the tears. “This is a celebration for ship had a chance to make heart of Saint Petersburg the city and the country,” said port as it sailed through yesterday as the city formerly Ivan Kolokoltsev, a 45-year-old Libyan, Tunisian and Maltese known as Leningrad marked manager. waters. the 75th anniversary of the end “We have to remember, we “The interior minister is of a World War II siege that have to commemorate it so that gathering elements to claimed more than 800,000 people remember.” Natalya evaluate whether to press lives. Gerashchenko brought her charges against the entire Sea People take part in a march called “Rise for Climate” in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. The parade in Russia’s 12-year-old son to see the mil- Watch crew for favouring second city was the first time itary display “A military parade illegal immigration,” the min- war-era and modern heavy is very beautiful,” the 35-year- istry said. Members of par- weaponry, including the famed old said. “The lifting of the siege Protesters demand climate action in Brussels liament who had been T-34 battle tank and multiple- is very important for everyone.” refused permission by the launch rocket systems, have Encircled by the Nazi troops for AP In the fourth demonstration 35,000 schoolchildren and stu- ministry to board the Sea trundled past the Hermitage 872 days between 1941 and BRUSSELS in two months attracting at least dents skipped class to take to the Watch 3 made their own way Museum to mark the end of the 1944, the city of around 3 10,000 protesters, banners were streets with similar climate onto the vessel which has siege of Leningrad, sparking million people went through Thousands of protesters are held high yesterday to demand demands. taken shelter from bad controversy with some sur- unspeakable horrors. marching through the Belgian better use of renewable energies The Brussels North train weather off the coast of Sicily. vivors criticising “militarism”. With supplies to the city cut, capital of Brussels to demand and more action to improve air station was so clogged with pro- Save the Children and other President Vladimir Putin, a bread rations plunged to 250 that the government increases quality. A similar march last testers that organizers began the aid agencies have appealed native of Saint Petersburg, grammes (about half a pound) its efforts to fight climate month saw 70,000 demon- march early to ease the to Italy to allow at least the 13 skipped the show of force in the for manual workers and 125 change. strators and on Thursday some congestion. minors on board to land. snow-covered Palace Square, grammes for other civilians. although his itinerary included More than 800,000 people a visit to a memorial cemetery starved to death or died of and several other events. disease and shelling. Numerous More than 2,500 serv- historians say the true figures Bulgarians celebrate beginning of Spring icemen in modern and period are higher Many in Saint uniforms including sheepskin Petersburg, including some coats and felt boots took part in siege survivors, have SOFIA — the oldest festival of mas- of capital Sofia. “The atmosphere horned masks, perform a tradi- the parade which also included denounced the parade as mis- REUTERS querade games in the Balkan is brilliant, these costumes are tional dance in a spectacular a flyover of military aircraft. placed sabre-rattling and mil- country, this year features a so beautiful and the masks are parade, producing an aston- Hundreds of spectators itaristic propaganda. Masked revellers in colourful record 7,500 Kukeri (mummers) just amazing,” said Chinese ishing noise from the huge watched the performance in “I am against militarism,” hand-made costumes thronged from nine countries. student Wang Xao. copper bells worn around their falling snow and temperatures Yakov Gilinsky, an 84-year-old the streets of Pernik in Bulgaria Visitors from China and the “I will definitely come back waists. of minus 11 degrees Celsius (12 siege survivor, said ahead of the yesterday, celebrating the United States were among thou- again next year because this fes- Most of the masks, which can Fahrenheit), some wrapped in parade. “War is horrible.” Some beginning of spring with hopes sands braving chilly January tival is a magic, it fills me with be up to three feet (nearly 1 blankets against the cold. said that the money spent on for good health and a good weather for the annual festiv- energy and optimism.” Every meter) in height, are double- A moment of silence was the parade should have been harvest. ities in the traditional mining winter, the mummers, dressed faced, reflecting the coexistence observed to the ticking of a given to survivors instead. The pulsating Surva carnival town, located 15 miles southwest as animals or wearing elaborate of good and evil. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019

Home collapse Prince Philip ‘deeply sorry’ after crash in Dutch city leaves 2 injured REUTERS Prince Philip wished Philip escaped without injury cross-roads,” Philip said in the that there were no serious LONDON Emma Fairweather a when the Land Rover he was letter. injuries. AP “speedy recovery from driving flipped over following a Philip suggested that the sun He said he was advised to THE HAGUE Queen Elizabeth’s 97-year-old a very distressing collision with a Kia car carrying shining low over the main road return to Sandringham by a husband Prince Philip has Fairweather on January 17 close played a part in the accident. police officer, and only subse- Dutch emergency workers written to a woman injured in a experience” in the to the royals’ Sandringham res- “In normal conditions I quently learned of Fairweather’s have taken two injured crash involving his Land Rover letter. idence in Norfolk, eastern would have no difficulty in injury. people from a collapsed this month to say he was “deeply England. seeing traffic coming from the “I ma deeply sorry about this three-story home in The sorry”. Fairweather, 46, broke her Dersingham direction, but I can injury” he said. Hague and are looking for He wished Emma Fair- signed “Yours sincerely, Philip,” wrist in the accident, and the only imagine that I failed to see Fairweather said the letter anyone else who might be in weather a “speedy recovery from came after the Royal Family was driver of the Kia, which was car- the car coming, and I am very was a “nice touch”. the wreckage. a very distressing experience” in widely criticised over its rying a nine-month-baby, suf- contrite about the conse- “It is a difficult letter to write City emergency services the letter, dated January 21 and response to the accident. Philip fered cuts to her knee. quences,” he said. — to know what would be the spokesman John Kardol said published by the Sunday Mirror also received a warning from “I would like you to know Philip said he was right thing to say without making it was unclear how many newspaper. police for driving without a seat how very sorry I am for my part “somewhat shaken” after the me more upset,” she told the people were missing when The apology, which was belt two days after the crash. in the accident at the Babingley crash and was greatly relieved newspaper. the home was destroyed yes- terday. Authorities suspect a gas explosion. The collapse also damaged nearby homes. French ‘Yellow Debris covering part of the street and parked vehicles complicated the search. vest’ activist badly Karol said the two people found in the dwelling were brought to the hospital and the extent of their injuries was injured at protest unclear.

AFP he was hit. PARIS De Veulle said Rodrigues was Freezing rain downs struck with a “flashball”, A prominent French anti- referring to the 40 mm rubber trees and delays government “yellow vest” projectiles used by French riot activist, badly injured in the eye police. flights in Romania at a protest, was struck with one The devices — which are not of the controversial rubber used in most European countries AP bullets used by police, his lawyer — have become deeply contro- BUCHAREST said yesterday. versial in France since the pro- Jerome Rodrigues’ lawyer tests began in November, blamed Authorities said freezing rain fears he will be “handicapped for for dozens of serious injuries. in Romania’s capital has life” after he was injured in On Saturday, police using the downed hundreds of trees clashes with police in Paris on bullets were for the first time and electricity lines, Saturday during an 11th straight deployed wearing body cams in damaging cars and causing weekend of protests against a bid to increase transparency. long flight delays. President Emmanuel Macron. Rodrigues, speaking to LCI Protesters form a human chain on the Stone Bridge (Pont de pierre) in Bordeaux, western France, Dozens of flights were late Rodrigues, a 40-year-old television from hospital, said he during an anti-government demonstration, yesterday. or cancelled at Bucharest’s construction worker, was placed was also hit by a stingball Henry Coanda Airport due to in an artificial coma overnight grenade, another controversial protesters to leave the Bastille Named after the across France on Saturday, com- icy conditions yesterday. after the incident at the Bastille riot control device. area because hard-left “black emblematic luminous road pared with 84,000 a week Power outages of several hours monument in central Paris. “Everything happened very bloc” agitators were coming to safety vests worn by protesters, earlier. were reported in the capital “He is in shock. He will be quickly. They threw a grenade attack the police. the demonstrations have drawn Yesterday, several thousand from fallen electricity lines. handicapped for life. It is a at me and I took a (rubber) bullet. Witnesses picked up the pro- tens of thousands of people to people turned out for a march Emergency authorities tragedy for him and his family,” I was attacked twice — a grenade jectile that struck Rodrigues and the streets. through central Paris against said falling branches hit and lawyer Philippe de Veulle said, to the foot, and the bullet,” Rod- police are set to investigate the But their numbers have violence at the “yellow vest” pro- injured two people. Some 40 adding that he was lodging a rigues said. circumstances of the incident. eased in recent weeks after tests and in defence of French people were treated for frac- complaint against police. Rodrigues’ lawyer insisted he Originally sparked by rises Macron announced a series of republican values. tures after slipping on the ice. The bearded Rodrigues, who was not one of the “hooligans” in fuel taxes, the “yellow vest” policy climb downs and Dubbed the “red scarf” Romania’s Interior Min- has become a well-known figure who have been joining the protests quickly snowballed into launched a two-month consul- movement, the initiative is the istry said more than 800 trees in the “yellow vest” movement weekly protests to cause trouble a widespread revolt over accu- tation to allow people to vent brainchild of an engineer from came down in Bucharest, with 50,000 followers on for police. sations that Macron, an ex- their anger. Toulouse horrified by attacks by adding that the trees damaged Facebook, was live-streaming In the video, Rodrigues can banker, is out of touch with rural The interior ministry esti- “yellow vests” against police and dozens of cars and scattered the protest on the website when be heard several times warning and small-town France. mated that 69,000 turned out journalists. debris on roads.

Banksy artwork stolen from EU Parliament urges Nicaragua to end ‘democratic crisis’ Bataclan theatre REUTERS Ramon Jauregui, a Socialist from the government in April over stations and one TV station have freedom and democracy. Nica- MANAGUA Spain who fought alongside planned welfare cuts quickly closed, and dozens of journalists ragua is going through a major REUTERS Ortega’s Sandinistas to over- descended into deadly clashes. have been beaten. The Ortega crisis of democracy and the rule PARIS A European Parliament dele- throw dictator Anastasio Somoza By the time the Ortega government says there is of law.” gation urged Nicaraguan Pres- in 1979, told a news conference administration had clamped freedom of expression and has The European members of A mural by British street artist ident Daniel Ortega to release it would ask the European Par- down on the protesters, more accused the opposition of parliament said the Ortega gov- Banksy on a fire-exit door at political prisoners, permit the liament to issue a new resolution than 300 people had been killed seeking to mount a coup to oust ernment allowed them to hold Paris’ Bataclan theatre, where return of banned human rights on the crisis. and over 500 incarcerated, him. meetings with all sectors of IS militants killed 90 people groups and to restart dialogue For months, Nicaragua has according to the Nicaraguan “We don’t believe the gov- society, including political pris- three years ago, has been with the opposition to end a been convulsed by some of its Center for Human Rights, a ernment’s story of a coup d’état,” oners. But they noted that several stolen, the venue said. months-long political crisis. worst political tension since a group the government has Jauregui said. “The repression of opposition leaders suffered per- The work, one of a series The delegation led by civil war in the 1980s. An initial blacklisted. protests was excessive. The pop- secution after they had taken of murals painted last June in European Member of Parliament stand-off between protesters and Rights groups said four radio ulation is demanding more part in the meetings. the French capital and attributed to Banksy, showed a veiled female figure in a mournful pose. “We are today filled with War Childhood Museum a deep sense of indignation. The work of Banksy, a symbol in Sarajevo pays tribute of contemplation belonging to all — residents, Parisians and citizens of the world — to Syrian children has been taken from us,” the Bataclan said in a Twitter REUTERS Lebanon. A colourful keychain post. SARAJEVO in the shape of sandal was given Thieves with a van had to the museum by 15-year-old stolen the door on which the Toys, house keys and diaries Marwa. mural was painted the pre- hang suspended from the ceiling “The keys opened the doors vious night, a police source or sit on plain white pedestals at to the most beautiful house I said. Sarajevo’s War Childhood have ever seen. My room had The Bataclan theatre was Museum in a simple tribute to pink and green walls. Unfortu- stormed by militants during the children living in the shadow nately, the house burned during a rock concert in November of the war in Syria. the war, so we don’t have the 2015, as part of coordinated Driven by memories of his house anymore,” she wrote. attacks in and around Paris own childhood during the According to Unicef, there that caused killed 130 people. Balkans conflict in the 1990s, are 2.5 million Syrian refugee A diary entry is seen at the War Childhood Museum before an exhibition in Sarajevo, yesterday. Some of Banksy’s works founder Jasminko Halilovic has children living outside Syria and in Paris, which also made the museum a treasure 2.6 million internally team started collecting personal post-war recovery at the Uni- Moubayed, who left Syria in addressed issues like immi- trove of personal items donated displaced. items from children affected by versity of York. 2012, said. gration, were vandalised by those who were children then “We want to show that war other wars, such as Syria, “This is a chance for the “Syrian children have no idea soon after they were put up, too. children are not only the passive Ukraine and Afghanistan. Syrian children to raise their what the future holds for them and while others were protected He now wants to turn it into victims, as we often see them, The Syrian collection was voices and tell the whole world you can see it from their stories.” by screens. the world’s biggest archive on but also resilient survivors,” assembled with the help of Abed about their experience and suf- The Bosnian 1992 to 95 war, The murals of Banksy, wartime childhoods. Halilovic said. Having amassed Moubayed, 35, from Aleppo, fering. It is really important to which claimed 100,000 lives and who keeps his real name Yesterday’s exhibition relied more than 4,000 exhibits and during his two-month internship show that history is repeating displaced more than 2 million secret, have become prized on items donated by children in over 150 hours of a video archive with the museum, part of his itself and we, all of us, need to people, was the Europe’s attractions for collectors. Syrian refugee camps in of oral history interviews, his master degree programme in do something to stop it,” bloodiest since World War II. MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 AMERICAS 17 Top military envoy breaks with Maduro REUTERS the current government in CARACAS power.” While small rebellions Venezuela’s top military envoy against Maduro have broken out to the United States defected in Venezuela’s armed forces in from the government of Pres- recent months, there has been ident Nicolas Maduro, as the no large scale military uprising South American nation said the against him. two countries had scaled back Guaido welcomed Silva in a their diplomatic missions to message on Twitter and skeleton staff. encouraged others to follow his The diplomatic friction and example. In a tweet, Venezuela’s defection was triggered by US Defense Ministry called Silva a recognition of opposition leader coward, posting a picture of him People attending a demonstration to support Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro a at Union Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s Today I speak to the emblazoned with the word Square, in New York, yesterday. interim president. Washington, people of Venezuela, “traitor” across it in red capital Canada and most Latin and especially to my letters. American nations said Maduro’s US National Security Council second-term election win was brothers in the armed spokesman Garrett Marquis Maduro rejects call for new election fraudulent. forces of the nation, called the defection an example “Today I speak to the people to recognise President of the principle “that the role of AFP tries’ actions as a “mistake”. Guaido’s self-proclamation. ANKARA of Venezuela, and especially to Juan Guaido as the military is to protect consti- European powers including But Maduro said Guaido was my brothers in the armed forces tutional order, not to sustain dic- France, Netherlands and “violating the constitution” as of the nation, to recognise Pres- the only legitimate tators and repress its own Venezuelan leader Nicolas Germany on Saturday warned he accused Washington of a ident Juan Guaido as the only president: Colonel people. Encourage others to do Maduro rejected demands by they would recognise opposition “coup attempt” against his rule. legitimate president,” Colonel Jose Luis Silva the same.” European countries to call elec- leader Juan Guaido as president “All that is happening is Jose Luis Silva (pictured) said in A 72-hour deadline issued tions within eight days in an unless Maduro calls elections linked to America. They are a video recorded at the embassy by Maduro for US embassy per- interview, insisting that his within eight days. The United attacking us and they think Ven- in Washington. military and the executive sonnel to leave Caracas expired country was “not tied” to Kingdom and Spain had also ezuela is their back garden,” Silva said in Washington branch are holding the armed on Saturday, after the embattled Europe. given a similar ultimatum. Maduro told the interviewer. that one consular official in forces hostage. There are many, socialist leader broke off “They should withdraw this National Assembly chief He said he would overcome Houston and one in another US many who are unhappy,” Silva bilateral relations on ultimatum. No one can give us Guaido proclaimed himself the challenge to his rule. Maduro city also recognised Guaido, but said. “My message to the armed Wednesday. an ultimatum,” Maduro told CNN acting president of Venezuela said he was “open to dialogue”, that he was the only diplomat forces is, ‘Don’t mistreat your Some US embassy staff left Turk in an interview dubbed into on Wednesday during a mass but said it was not probable that in Washington he knew of who people.’ We were given arms to Caracas on Friday, and Vene- Turkish from Spanish. opposition rally against Maduro. there would be a meeting with had taken the step. Reuters was defend the sovereignty of our zuela was withdrawing staff “Venezuela is not tied to Since then, the United States, US President Donald Trump. not able to independently nation. They never, never from Washington on Saturday, Europe. This is complete inso- Canada and many South “It’s not impossible but it’s confirm other defectors. trained us to say, ‘This is for you Venezuela’s foreign ministry lence,” Maduro added, as he American countries including not likely. I sent many messages “The top brass of the to attack your people, to defend said in a statement. described the European coun- Brazil and Colombia have backed to Donald Trump.”

Search on 12 immigrant workers at Trump golf club fired for suspect in AP Golf Club in Westchester County Trump’s bedroom.” employment,” he said. “Where Donald Jr, when he took the oath NEW YORK called a dozen immigrant The firings come after identified, any individual will be of office two years ago. The Louisiana workers into a room one by one workers at another Trump club terminated immediately.” Trump Organization owns or A dozen immigrant workers at on January 18 and fired them, in New Jersey came forward last He added that “the system is manages 17 golf clubs around the shooting spree one of President Donald Trump’s said lawyer Anibal Romero. month to say managers there broken.” world. golf clubs in New York who are Many of them had worked at had hired them knowing they Trump has repeatedly cast Romero, who also represents AP in the US illegally were fired this the club for a dozen or more were in the country illegally, and the millions of immigrants in the immigrant workers at Trump’s NEW ORLEANS month even though managers years, he said, and managers had even helped one obtain country illegally as a scourge on golf course in Bedminster, New had known about their legal knew they had submitted phony phony documents. the health of the economy, Jersey, said he has called New Authorities in Louisiana said status for years, a lawyer for the documents but looked the other Eric Trump depicted the taking jobs from American cit- York state authorities and the they are searching for an workers said. way. firings to The Washington Post izens. He has said they also FBI to look into hiring practices “armed and dangerous” As the president railed “This is bogus. People have as a normal course of business. bring drugs and crime over the at the New York club. 21-year-old accused of killing during the partial government been there for 12, 13, 14 years,” “We are making a broad effort border. “There was a don’t ask, don’t his parents and three others shutdown against immigrants said Romero. He added, referring to identify any employee who has Trump turned over day-to- tell attitude at the club,” he said. in two separate but related coming into the country illegally, to one of the president’s sons, given false and fraudulent docu- day management of his business “We are demanding a full shootings yesterday. a manager at the Trump National “One had the keys to Eric ments to unlawfully gain to Eric and his other adult son, investigation.” Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre said Dakota Theriot is the “prime suspect” in the deaths of Keith, 50, and Elizabeth Theriot, 50, of Evacuation ordered Gonzales, his parents. They were shot in their trailer yesterday morning. after Brazil dam burst Deputies arrived at the scene REUTERS He said that they believed and were able to interview one BRUMADINHO the situation was dangerous, but of the victims before both died. he could not comment on the Webre said that information Firefighters yesterday called for actual risk of another dam led authorities to zero in on the the evacuation of some 24,000 break. couple’s son as a suspect. people from the Brazilian town The second dam being mon- Dakota Theriot was being hit by a deadly mudslide from a itored is about 50 metres from sought on first-degree ruptured mining dam as rains the burst dam and part of a large murder and other charges. He added to concerns a second dam industrial complex. was believed to be driving a could collapse. The evacuation efforts stolen 2004 Dodge Ram Sirens began blaring before diverted attention from the pickup, gray and silver in dawn, triggered by dangerous search for hundreds of people colour. water levels at a tailings dam missing after Friday’s burst dam The sheriff said three other still standing near an iron ore unleashed a torrent of mud, shooting deaths occurred yes- mine owned by Vale SA near burying the mining facilities and terday in neighboring Liv- Brumadinho in Minas Gerais nearby homes. ingston Parish, about 113km state. “Our work is completely west of New Orleans. “We have a situation of focused on the evacuation,” “After speaking with their imminent risk, but there hasn’t Aihara said. Volunteers pass bottles of water for people affected by a failed iron ore tailings dam owned by detectives for quite a while been a rupture of this dam until Roughly 250 people were Brazilian miner Vale SA that burst, in Brumadinho, Brazil, yesterday. we came to realise that these now and we are monitoring it,” still missing after the tailings two cases indeed may be said Pedro Aihara, a spokesman dam accident, according to a list disaster in less than four years. sumed dead, officials said. rose to 37 by yesterday morning, related. We feel that they are for the state fire department. released by Vale, the second such Most of the missing are pre- The confirmed death toll according to the fire department. related,” Webre said.

Trudeau ousts Canada’s envoy to China US and Canada fighter jets

ANATOLIA government, Trudeau named Jim the past many years.” intercept two Russian bombers TORONTO Nickel, Canada’s deputy head of Comments by McCallum on the AP Saturday morning. mission in Beijing, as interim arrest of Chinese telecom company PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE There were no reports of conflict between Canadian Prime Minister Justin charge d’affaires. Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou the Russian and the US and Canadian jets. Trudeau announced yesterday that “For almost two decades, John had led to uproar among opposition Military authorities said US Air Force and NORAD said it uses radar, satellites and he fired his country’s Beijing envoy. McCallum has served Canadians conservatives in Canada. Canadian fighter jets were scrambled to escort fighter aircraft to patrol the skies and monitor “Last night I asked for and honourably and with distinction,” He later regretted for his “mis- two Russian bombers that were traveling in aircraft entering US or Canadian airspace. accepted John McCallum’s resig- Trudeau wrote. “His work as min- spoken” comments on the extra- the Arctic region near the North American “NORAD’s top priority is defending Canada nation as Canada’s Ambassador to ister of immigration, refugees and dition of Meng to the US, which had coastline. and the United States. Our ability to protect China,” Trudeau said in a statement citizenship in bringing in over requested her arrest early last The North American Aerospace Defense our nations starts with successfully detecting, without elaborating his reasons for 39,500 Syrian refugees remains an month on fraud charges. Command says two F-22 and two CF-18 fighter tracking, and positively identifying aircraft of the removal. inspiration to Canadians and an She was later granted bail and jets identified two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack interest approaching US and Canadian air- Thanking McCallum for his 20 example to the world. I thank him is awaiting a Canadian extradition strategic bombers that were entering an area space,” General Terrence J O’Shaughnessy, the year of service to the Canadian and his family for his service over hearing on February 6. patrolled by the Royal Canadian Air Force on NORAD commander, said in a statement. 18 CLASSIFIEDS MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019 AL ASMAKH LISTINGS CALL CENTER: 4448 5111 / 4041 0757 We also offer our RICS regulated International valuation service VALUATIONS & RESEARCH [email protected]

Email: info@alasmakhrealestate/com Website: www.alasmakhrealestate.com

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“In Cuba, we love much the Qatari people and admire their dynamism and strong sentiments of pertinence and patriotism, their love for freedom.” CUBA Envoy sees many avenues in Qatar-Cuba ties

SIDI MOHAMED freedom, independence and Rodríguez in an interview service to a growing number of THE PENINSULA national sovereignty. These are with The Peninsula said: “We Qatari citizens, expatriates and very strong common values also commemorated the 30th residents,” he noted. he Cuban community is between Cubans and Qataris,” Anniversary of the estab- In the economic, financial happy and satisfied he said. lishment of diplomatic relations and commercial fields, the Eumelio Caballero Rodríguez, Ambassador of Cuba to Qatar here in Qatar not only About the number of Cuban between Cuba and the State of Ambassador said, both countries due to formal treatment community in Qatar, he said: Qatar. Thirty years of uninter- have also advanced although Tthey receive from official insti- “The Cuban community in Qatar rupted relations of cooperation ‘we cannot be totally satisfied energy development.’ strengthen the economic devel- tutions but also due to very is small, including the health and friendship between our two with the results achieved since In addition to the recent opment plans of the country, we friendly environment they enjoy professionals of the Cuban Hos- peoples and countries.” there are unlimited opportu- opening of Qatar National Bank must add the additional in their everyday life, said pital in Dukhan; less than six “An example of the existing nities for the investment of representation office in advantage of having a highly Ambassador of Cuba, Eumelio hundred people and they are cooperation between our two Qatari capital throughout the Havana, potential Qatari qualified workforce and the rec- Caballero Rodríguez. working in various services.” countries is the Cuban Hospital country in sectors such as the investors could benefit from the ognized hospitality of the Cuban “I can say that this is a The Cuban Embassy recently of Dukhan, inaugurated in tourism industry, particularly in advantageous conditions that people, in a climate of stability common sentiment. In Cuba, we marked the 60th anniversary of January 2012, where approxi- the construction of hotels and offer the new Cuban Foreign and total security. In the par- love much the Qatari people and the Cuban Revolution and 30th mately 500 Cuban health pro- marinas; real estate, finance, Investment Law. ticular case of potential Qataris admire their dynamism and anniversary of the diplomatic fessionals currently work, transportation, agriculture, “To these facilities offered investors, it should be noted that strong sentiments of pertinence relations with Qatar at the Dip- offering 21 different specialties mining, exploration and pro- by the Cuban government to they have a good reputation in and patriotism, their love for lomatic Club. and guaranteeing an excellent duction of oil and renewable attract foreign investments to Cuba,” Rodríguez said

Significant contribution to Cuban mission celebrates Qatar’s healthcare system

FAZEENA SALEEM THE PENINSULA

National Day in Qatar he Cuban contri- bution to Qatar’s RAYNALD C RIVERA Thealthcare system THE PENINSULA is significant. The Cuban Hospital in Dukhan has he Cuban mission marked gained an outstanding a festive double celebration regional and interna- of Cuba’s National Day and tional reputation for Dr Angel Mario Felpe the 30th anniversary of quality of its services and Garmendia, Medical Tdiplomatic relations between Cuba has set a new example of Director, Cuban Hospital and Qatar with a reception filled the cooperation between with music and dance Cuba is Qatar and Cuba. The known for. Cuban Hospital was officially opened in January 2012, Held at the Diplomatic Club on as a joint project between the government of Qatar Wednesday, the auspicious and Cuba. It functions in collaboration with the Hamad occasion witnessed the presence of Medical Corporation (HMC). Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Cuba has the largest number of doctors per H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, capita in the world having 591 doctors per 100,000 Minister of Public Health H E Dr people. An important difference between the Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari and healthcare system in Cuba and other countries is Director of Protocol Ibrahim that medical care on the island is regarded as a Fakhroo. Ambassadors and other fundamental right of its citizens and is part of the representatives of diplomatic mis- Cuban constitution. sions along with members of the The Cuban Hospital in Dukhan has more than Cuban community attended the 450 Cuban staff including 108 doctors, 283 nurses event. and 91 technical staff. The hospital has 75 beds and The attendees enjoyed scrump- seven operating theatres. tious culinary delights while being The Cuban Hospital mainly serves people in entertained with melodious Cuban Emilio Caballero Rodriguez, Ambassador of Cuba to Qatar, H.E. Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Dukhan which has staff of Qatar Petroleum and songs played live by a band as well Public Health, H.E. Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Fakhroo, Director Zekreet which has about 7,000 labourers, Sha- as rhythmic dances distinctly Cuban of Protocol and Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, Dean of Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Eritrea to Qatar during haniya, the biggest municipality close to Dukhan performed by dancers garbed in the Cuban Embassy reception for 60th anniversary of the revolution and 30th anniversary of the diplomatic and Umm Bab, a nearby small town. But, it also colourful costumes. receives patients from other places. relations with Qatar held at the Diplomatic Club yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA It was a significant National Day “The Cuban Hospital provides all medical and celebration as this year Cuba marks surgical services in more than 25 specialties. With the 6oth anniversary of the Cuban contributed effectively to the better and fairer world, constitutes Square in Havana during the funeral a rapidly expanding population of the country, the Revolution. national liberation struggle of many the main source of inspiration that of Castro in 2016. Cuban Hospital has played a very important role Cuba’s Ambassador to Qatar peoples mainly in the African continues to guide the efforts of He said that Qatar and its people in receiving patients from all over Qatar to assist Eumelio Caballero Rodriguez high- continent. both countries to develop and are very dear to all Cubans, as Amir in relieving pressure on other HMC hospitals while lighted Cubans’ pride of having been “In summarizing the work of diversify more and more these rela- H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al new facilities have been commissioned,” Dr Angel able to safeguard their sovereignty the Revolution in its 60th anni- tions of friendship and mutual Thani could personally confirm Mario Felpe Garmendia, Medical Director of the and independence, as well as the versary, we are proud and full of benefit.” during his visit to Cuba. Cuban Hospital, told The Peninsula. economic and social objectives satisfaction to note that during this The ambassador also acknowl- “We admire the extraordinary “The Cuban Hospital has a national collaborative achieved by the country 60 years period more than one million edged the representatives of “the dynamism of this small country, its role in bariatric surgery and plastic surgery; appen- since the triumph of the Cuban specialists in various fields Cuban Medical Brigade integrated patriotism and defense of national dectomies and patient transfers from HMC,” he added. revolution. have served in 169 nations of the by about 500 health professionals sovereignty, its well defined strat- Dr Garmendia who has played a vital role at the “To only mention some of the world, while more than 30,000 who work in the Cuban Hospital of egies for economic and social devel- Cuban Hospital came to Qatar in 2010 and was here achievements during these six young people, mainly of African, Dukhan, a medical center of the opment, the wise way in which it until 2015. Then he left Qatar and returned in 2016. decades of revolution: in Cuba illit- Latin American and Caribbean Hamad Medical Corporation that uses the bonanza of its natural The Cuban Hospital has seen a sharp rise in eracy was completely eradicated countries have graduated in Cuba,” has gained an outstanding regional resources to guarantee the well- the patient visits over the years. The hospital many years ago and health and edu- he said. and international reputation for the being of its people and that of the recorded 85,727 outpatient visits and 6446 inpa- cation services are offered com- The event also marked the 30th quality of its services.” future generations, as well as their tients in 2018, compared to 259 inpatients and pletely free of charge, while the Anniversary of the establishment “This hospital is an example and spirit of solidarity with other 17,345 outpatients it registered in 2012. enjoyment of culture, sport activ- of diplomatic relations between the jewel of the bilateral cooper- peoples in need,” the envoy said. The number of surgeries performed at the hos- ities and all social cares are granted Cuba and Qatar which the envoy ation between our two peoples and He stressed: “We admire its pital increased from 259 in 2012 to 3062 in 2018. for the whole of the population,” described as “30 years of uninter- countries, and a concrete contri- refined diplomacy and adherence It also recorded 622 births in 2018 a major jump said Rodriguez. rupted relations of cooperation and bution to the efforts being made by to the principles of international law from 9 births in 2012. He stressed: “Cuba has the friendship between our two peoples the authorities of the State of Qatar and its permanent defense of dia- Concept of the Cuban Hospital was created by largest number of doctors and sci- and countries, forged by our unfor- to improve more and more the logue and negotiations as the only the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al entists per capita in the world, the gettable Commander in Chief Fidel medical assistance of its people,” civilized ways of settling interna- Thani when he visited Cuba in 2002. It was built infant mortality rate is one of the Castro Ruz and the Father Amir of he added. tional differences and conflicts, by Qatar Petroleum and its construction was com- lowest with less than four per the State of Qatar, H H Sheikh He emphasized that Cubans will which are precisely the principles pleted in 2009. The soft opening was in May 2011 thousand live births, the life Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose never forget the solidarity and that in Cuba's opinion should and was run the by Ministry of Public Health, (then expectancy of its population is com- mutual personal sympathies and friendly speech delivered by H H prevail in the search for a prompt Supreme Council of Health). Later it was brought pared with the most developed common vision and sensitivities the Father Amir before more than peaceful solution to the Gulf crisis, under the HMC in January 2012. countries, all their children attend with respect to the struggle for a a million Cubans in the Revolution thus creating the proper conditions school and no one sleeps helpless for all neighboring countries and in the streets of the cities.” brotherly peoples of this region to “Our people are characterized concentrate their efforts and by the quality of their human values, resources in the economic and solidarity and mutual support, social development, in an harmo- where visitors from all over the nious atmosphere of peace and world are received friendly in a security for all.” climate of total tranquility and He wished Qatar and its people citizen security,” added the “many successes in the efforts to ambassador. continue advancing in the economic “One of the most sublime values and social development of the that the Revolution inculcated in country in a climate of peace and our people has been its strong inter- security, particularly in its efforts nationalist spirit with other peoples to create the best possible condi- that need support and solidarity,” tions in order to successfully host he said, adding Cuba has the World Cup of 2022.” 20 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 28 JANUARY 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 05. 00 AM ‘Black Panther’ up for SAG Awards’ top honour SHOROOK 06. 19 AM AP ZUHR 11. 47 AM MAGHRIB 05. 17 PM NEW YORK ASR 02. 53 PM ISHA 06. 47 PM “Black Panther” and “BlacKkK- lansman” were among the films vying WEATHER TODAY for the top prize at the 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards yesterday. The SAG Awards are one of the most reliable bellwethers of the Academy Awards, but several of this year’s top Oscar contenders failed to land a best ensemble nomination. “Roma” and “The Favourite” — were bypassed by the actors guild for a field that also includes “Crazy Rich Asians,” ‘’Bohemian Rhapsody” and “A Star Is Born,” which led all films with four nominations. “The Favourite” still earned nods for its three lead actresses — Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz — but “Roma” was shut out entirely. Both films landed 10 Oscar nods. The SAG Awards also have some- thing the Oscars don’t: a host. Megan Mullally will emcee the show from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. TNT and TBS will air the broadcast live beginning at 8pm. EST. Tom A view of the cards in the dinner room at the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards preparations at The Shrine Hanks will present Alan Alda with the Auditorium, in Los Angeles, California, yesterday. Life Achievement Award. o o The best picture winner at the 21 C 28 C Academy Awards has always first percentage of the academy, so their a film widely seen as Rami Malek’s Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The drama been nominated for best ensemble by preferences can have an especially one-man show? In television cate- series ensemble nominees are: “The Minimum Maximum the SAG Awards except in 1996, when large impact on the Oscar race. gories, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Americans,” ?Better Call Saul,” ‘’The Moderate temperature daytime with some “Braveheart” won best picture, and This year’s picks, chosen by the and “Ozark” led with four nomina- Handmaid’s Tale,” ‘’Ozark” and “This clouds and slight dust at some areas at last year, when Guillermo del Toro’s 2,500 nominating members of SAG- tions each. “Barry,” ‘’GLOW,” ?The Is Us.” Ahead of this year’s show, the times, relatively cold by night. “The Shape of Water” overcame the AFTRA, included a few head Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Kominsky Screen Actors Guild also took the

HIGH TIDE 09:28 – 00:00 LOW TIDE 04:30 –17:34 SAG omission to win best picture. The scratchers. Method” trailed close behind with unusual step of publicly criticizing the Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department actors guild instead awarded “Three If the guild liked the cast of “The three nominations each. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” Favourite” well enough to nominate Up for best ensemble in comedy Sciences for pressuring stars to appear its top prize. three of its stars, why did it prefer the are “Atlanta,” ‘’Barry,” ‘’GLOW,” ‘’The only on the Oscars. The film academy Actors easily make up the largest ensemble of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Kominsky Method” and “The has declined to comment.

Study: Night shift can Palestinian artist brings damage your DNA

IANS Japanese origami to Gaza HONG KONG

AP a source of income for me,” said given to each other as gifts, as well Do you frequently work in night shifts? Lack GAZA CITY Humaid, who lives in Nusseirat as logos for local businesses. of proper sleep and night-time wakefulness refugee camp in central Gaza. Depending on the size and number can cause damage to the structure of the In a small studio packed with Humaid practices a form of of letters, he charges 50 to 100 human DNA and lead to many diseases, sculptures made of scrap metal, origami in which he folds and shekels (about $15-30) per order. including cancer and diabetes, as well as cardi- Palestinian artist Ahmed Humaid forms the pages of an entire book Unemployment in Gaza, a ovascular, neurological and pulmonary has found a new medium in into a readable inscription of cal- coastal enclave sandwiched diseases, warns a study. origami, the Japanese art of paper ligraphic letters. He has no formal between Israel and Egypt, stands The study, published in the Anesthesia aca- folding. training. He said he learned about at more than 50 percent, according demic journal, shows that DNA repair gene It’s an unlikely pursuit for an origami when he saw some photos to UN and other international esti- expression is lower at baseline among night artist living in the Gaza Strip, which on Instagram. He began following mates. It is even higher among workers and further decreases after acute has been largely cut off from the Japanese artists and wrote to them. Gaza’s youth. Humaid would like sleep deprivation, which supports the postu- outside world since Israel and Some offered help and feedback. to expand his business beyond lation that night workers demonstrate Egypt imposed a crippling When he made his first origami Gaza’s borders, but the blockade impaired DNA repair. blockade on the Hamas-ruled ter- work in October, it took him 15 has cut off virtually all exports, and The findings showed that people who are ritory more than a decade ago. hours to finish. He shared the Israel and Egypt heavily restrict required to work overnight demonstrate 30 But the 29-year-old Humaid, photo with some Japanese artists travel into and out of the territory. percent higher DNA breaks as compared with who has no regular job, says who acclaimed the work. “I wish to visit the homeland of this those not required to work overnight, and this interest in origami is on the rise. Since then, Humaid has sold art - Japan - so I can be closer to DNA damage is further increased by over 25 “With more people asking 45 works locally, including books the people who creatively mas- percent after a night of acute sleep about it, this work has turned into folded into names that lovers have tered it,” he said. deprivation. Swimmers return to bathe with Palau’s golden jellyfish

AFP undetectable making of sunscreen, saying it must be KOROR, PALAU swimming among them a environmentally friendly and popular experience. applied more than 30 minutes Swimming with the famous The jellyfish population, before entering the water. golden jellyfish in Palau can be which once swelled to around Although a link between put back on the bucket list 20 million, slumped in 2016 sunscreen and falling jellyfish following a two-year ban, but because of El Nino, a climate numbers has been suggested bathers may be stung with a pattern linked to warming and dismissed, authorities said hefty price increase for the waters in the central and they wanted to ensure the pleasure. eastern areas of the equatorial purity of the water. The government ordered Pacific. Palau President Clothes worn by bathers the famed Ongeim’l Tketau Jel- Tommy Remenegsau called for must be thoroughly rinsed lyfish Lake closed to swimmers the lake to be closed, and while before swimming to eliminate in 2016 because of dwindling it was never officially shut the risk of taking “invasive numbers of the unique down by Koror State, the dwin- species” into the lake. creature — blamed on warming dling jellyfish numbers saw a Patris added there was a waters although with some self-imposed ban by tour oper- similar fall in jellyfish numbers suspicion sunscreen on bathers ators who stopped taking vis- in 1998 linked to an El Nino may also have contributed. itors to the island rather than event and data showed “the The conservation move charge them US$100 to see jellyfish did not disappear proved costly for tour oper- nothing. because of the presence of ators with the loss of Palau’s With the waters cooling sunscreen”. most popular attraction con- over the past year the jellyfish There are more than 50 tributing to a slump in tourism have increased to numbers marine lakes in Palau, five of numbers. strong enough to invite tourists them containing jellyfish but But authorities in Koror back but Sharon Patris, a only the one Jellyfish Lake is State, which owns the research biologist at the Coral open to visitors. Chinese tourists swim in the world renowned “Jellyfish lake”, a marine lake where visitors can swim resource, say stocks are now Reef Research Foundation said The Visitor Authority’s with thousands of golden jellyfish on the Rock Islands in Palau. recovering and tourists are it would take some time to Tmetuchl has called for a again being welcomed at Jel- reach “normal numbers” of second lake containing the lyfish Lake. jellyfish on Mecherchar island, It is estimated to attract at caused by a combination of five to eight million. same golden species of jellyfish “The jellyfish are returning, about a 45-minute boat ride least two-thirds of the annual factors, including restrictions A proposal to increase the to be made available to the tourists are visiting again,” from Koror, is “one of the most visitors to the western Pacific on Jellyfish Lake. visiting fee to US$150 is now public. Dora Benhart, the outreach unique attractions” Palau has archipelago which peaked at The rare species of golden before the Koror State This is opposed by conser- officer of Koror State’s conser- to offer, according to the Vis- 160,000 in 2015. The numbers jellyfish, believed to exist only legislature. vationists who say it would vation department said. itors Authority chairman Ngirai slumped to 108,000 last year in this marine lake, does have Authorities are also strictly expose another lake to the Swimming with the Tmetuchl. which Tmeuchl said was a sting but it is mild and often enforcing rules about the use same risks as the first.