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Wednesday 13 March 2019 | 6 Rajab 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7829 | 2 Riyals New Ooredoo tv

Play like a pro Google, Android, Android TV, Chromecast and other related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC. Amir holds phone Food production talk with President of DR Congo in Qatar grows by QNA DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin 400% since 2017 Hamad Al Thani held a telephone conversation with the President THE PENINSULA “To attain food of the Democratic Republic of the DOHA Congo, Felix Tshisekedi. security, the They reviewed bilateral rela- Qatar has made significant government has tions and ways to enhance them, progress in food production in adopted innovative Officials and negotiators during a round of talks between representatives of the United States and especially in the political and the past two years as local environmental Taliban in Doha. economic fields, in addition to production of agricultural, fish, discussing a number of issues of animal, and dairy products has sustainability policies, common concern. H H the Amir jumped by 400 percent since strategies, and congratulated President Felix on 2017 and annual fresh food techniques.” US, Taliban make notable progress the occasion of assuming his trade volume has reached presidential duties, wishing him QR10bn. The Ministry of Munic- success and the people of Congo ipality and Environment (MME) The MME yesterday in Doha-mediated negotiations further development. plans to increase livestock and announced plans to organise fish production to 30 percent international agricultural exhi- QNA The two parties, assisted by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stan- and 65 percent respectively, by bition to further boost country’s DOHA Qatari mediators, agreed that a ikzai, the Lead Taliban 2022. food security. lasting peace agreement should Negotiator. Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser “The International Agricul- The United States of America and be based on four main inter- Both parties thanked the Al Thani, Assistant Undersec- tural Exhibition (AgriteQ) has the Taliban held a round of peace linked components that shall be State of Qatar for its extensive retary of Agriculture and Fish- been instrumental in laying a talks between February 25 to the executed pursuant to an agreed efforts and constructive support eries Affairs, said: “The con- strong foundation for techno- March 12, 2019 in Qatar, in upon timeline and conditions. in mediating the longest round YESTERDAY'S RESULTS tinuing national efforts, led by logical advancements and highly continuation of the last round of The talks were hosted and of negotiations, lasting a total of Juventus 3-0 Atlético Madrid (3-2) Minister of Municipality and impactful ambitious projects peace talks that took place mediated by the State of Qatar, 16 consecutive days. Environment, H E Abdullah bin that have had a great impact in between January 21 and 26, 2019. represented by the Minister of Qatar renewed its plea for the Manchester City 7-0 FC Schalke Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, achieving 80 percent self-suffi- The talks focused on two main Foreign Affairs’ Special Envoy inclusion of all regional and inter- (10-2) have led to highly positive ciency in vegetables, meat, and issues: the withdrawal of the US for Counterterrorism and Medi- national parties to streamline and results and have culminated in fish and 100 percent in poultry and Coalition Forces from Afghan- ation in Conflict Resolution H E consolidate these efforts and the TODAY'S FIXTURES the increased local production and egg derivatives,” said H E istan and the Taliban’s com- Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani. efforts of Qatar’s strategic (KICKOFF 11:00PM QATAR TIME) of agricultural, fish, animal and the Minister of Municipality and mitment to preventing and denying The US was represented by partners to achieve peace and Barcelona vs Lyon (Agg 0-0) dairy products to 400 percent Environment in a statement the use of Afghan soil in a manner the Special Representative for stability in Afghanistan. Qatar since 2017, with an annual issued to announce the read- that threatens the security of the Afghanistan, Ambassador Zalmay invites the two parties to initiate Bayern Munich vs fresh food trade volume of iness of the Ministry to organise United States of America, its allies, Khalilzad, and on the other hand, the next round of negotiations in Liverpool (Agg 0-0) QR10bn.” 2019-AgriteQ. `P4 or any other country. the Taliban was represented by the foreseeable future. 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019

OFFICIAL NEWS Speaker reviews parliamentary relations at PUIC meet Amir congratulates Mauritius Vice-President QNA The meeting was RABAT attended by the Ambas- DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh sador of the State of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani The Speaker of the Shura to the Kingdom of and Deputy Amir H H Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah Morocco, Abdullah bin Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, met Falah Al Dosari, and a Al Thani sent yesterday yesterday with President of the number of members of cables of congratulations House of Representatives at the the Shura Council. to the Vice-President of the Kingdom of Morocco, Habib El Meanwhile, the Republic of Mauritius, Barlen Malki, on the sidelines of the 14th Speaker of the Shura Vyapoory, on the occasion session of the Parliamentary Council also met with of his country’s National Day. Union of the Organization of Alassane Bala Sakande, Prime Minister and Interior Islamic Cooperation Member the Speaker of the African Minister H E Sheikh Abdul- States (PUIC) conference and Parliamentary Union and lah bin Nasser bin Khalifa accompanying meetings, President of the National Al Thani also sent a cable of currently held in Rabat. Assembly of Burkina Faso, congratulations to the Prime During the meeting, they dis- on the sidelines of the 14th Minister of the Republic of cussed the ongoing parliamentary session of the Conference The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, met yesterday with the Mauritius, Pravind Kumar relations between the State of of the Union of Councils of President of the House of Representatives at the Kingdom of Morocco, Habib El Malki, on the sidelines of Jugnauth, on his country’s Qatar and the Kingdom of Member States of the the 14th session of PUIC conference and accompanying meetings, in Rabat. National Day. QNA Morocco, and ways to boost and Organization of Islamic develop them. They also discussed Cooperation (OIC) which they discussed the cooperation Parliamentary Union and ways State of Qatar to host the 140th FM meets US team for the most important topics on the is currently held in Rabat. relations between the Shura of boosting them, and reviewed session of the General Assembly Hurricane Harvey agenda of the PUIC conference. During the meeting, Council and the African the latest preparations by the of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. DOHA: Deputy Prime Min- ister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met QF announces ‘50 percent female’ conference panel pledge with a US delegation from the Advisory Council for Hurricane THE PENINSULA The regionally together decision-makers, thought Harvey, who is currently visit- DOHA leaders, and education and health ing the country. The meeting groundbreaking practitioners from around the discussed the projects imple- H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al pledge will take world, and include high-level mented based on the $30m Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO panel sessions. The most recent granted by Amir H H Sheikh of Qatar Foundation (QF), has effect from the start WISE Summit, in 2017, saw over Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for yesterday reaffirmed the organi- of 2020 across the 100 speakers contribute to more the victims of Hurricane Har- sation’s commitment to bringing than 50 sessions, with 2,000 del- vey in Texas. Members of the the widest possible range of organisation. egates attending from over 150 Advisory Council for Hurricane perspectives to crucial issues and countries. Meanwhile, almost Harvey thanked the efforts of challenges, by announcing a global economic, social, and 2,200 healthcare experts from 116 the State of Qatar in support- pledge that will see women make political challenges, the pledge nations participated in the WISH ing the victims of the hurricane up at least half the panel speakers announced by Sheikha Hind aims 2018 Summit, which featured 22 during the past years. QNA at all its conferences and events, to strengthen dialogue and action expert panels. locally and internationally. on platforms within Qatar, across Sultana Afdhal, CEO of WISH, Gaza humanitarian The regionally ground- the Middle East and North Africa said, “Historically, women have H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of QF. conditions discussed breaking pledge, which will take region, and around the world. It been underrepresented in lead- effect from the start of 2020 across also ensures that both male and ership roles within the global GAZA: THE Chairman of the organisation, a key player in female perspective is applied to opportunities for everyone to be which has a predominantly female healthcare sector. At WISH we the Qatari Committee for Qatar’s economic and social trans- the task of tackling issues that lie an active participant in society is student body, in which half of its work hard to give a voice to all the Reconstruction of Gaza, formation through its initiatives at the core of economic, social, and personified by the diversity of the engineering students are women. within our extensive international Ambassador Mohammed Al in education, science and research, human development achievers and role models we Meanwhile, women comprise 40 community who are looking to Emadi, met with the United and community development – Sheikha Hind said, “It is my nurture, and the impact they are percent of QF’s leadership. play a part in building a healthier Nations Special Coordina- means participants in discussions belief, and that of Qatar Foun- making in a wide spectrum of In 2018, QF hosted around 40 world, whether through partici- tor for the Middle East Peace and debates at every QF event, dation, that neither gender nor any fields within Qatar and beyond. major local and international pation at our flagship Doha Process, Nickolay Mladenov. from summits to workshops, will other consideration should “Now, by committing to events, collectively attended by summit or at any of the other Al Emadi reviewed the lat- always be no less than 50 percent present a barrier to a person’s having at least 50 percent female over 55,000 people. Among the events we convene throughout the est efforts of Qatar to alleviate female. Announced in the wake development, their pursuit of representation on all our con- platforms that will represent QF’s year. the suffering of the popula- of the recent International opportunity, and their voice being ference and event panels from ‘50 percent female’ pledge on the Stavros N Yiannouka, CEO of tion of Gaza Strip, pointing out Women’s Day, the move builds on heard in global conversations 2020 onward, we aim to further international stage are the World WISE, said, “As a global education to the $150m grant of Amir H the impact QF has made, over about topics, themes, and chal- emphasize Qatar Foundation’s Innovation Summit for Education platform committed to promoting H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al more than two decades, in pro- lenges that affect all of society. role as a leader and driver of inclu- (WISE) and the World Innovation inclusion and diversity in access Thani for the relief of the pop- viding equal opportunities for “The pledge we announce sivity and positive social change, Summit for Health (WISH), QF ini- to education, WISE has, since its ulation of Gaza Strip. The two people to participate in driving the today is a natural, visible, and nationally and regionally – and the tiatives respectively focused on inception, provided in our forums sides discussed the humani- advancement of society on a local powerful extension of this belief. necessity of both men and women shaping the future of education and projects visibility opportu- tarian conditions in Gaza Strip and global scale. Through our investment in edu- being part of making this change and healthcare through innovation nities to renowned experts and and ways to improve it, such as Supporting the United Nations’ cation and our ethos as an organ- happen.” and global collaboration. thought leaders from diverse electricity and “cash for work” focus on female empowerment as isation, Qatar Foundation’s com- QF’s Education City ‘multi- Their events include biennial gender, socioeconomic and ethnic programs. QNA a crucial aspect of addressing mitment to providing versity’ home to nine universities international summits that bring backgrounds.” 6th Qatar International Boat Show opens with fervour

RAYNALD C RIVERA customers from Qatar, the shows around the world and THE PENINSULA Middle East and around the there is a great potential in world. Qatar for the marine business Minister of Commerce and Organised by Al MannaiPlus and I’m expecting increase in Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Events, QIBS provides oppor- the number of visitors and good Kuwari opened the sixth edition tunity to discover the latest business during the event,” said of Qatar International Boat technological innovations and Speed Marine Sales and Mar- Show (QIBS) yesterday at the contributes to Qatar’s tourism keting Director Sevil Tonkal. Porto Arabia Marina at The and exhibition industry. Speed Marine, one of the Pearl-Qatar. Khalid Issa Al Mannai, biggest exhibitors at QIBS, has Among those who attended Chairman of Al MannaiPlus brought to the show some of the inauguration ceremony Events, said the show “not only their finest marine equipment. were Ibrahim Jassim Al meets the requirements of For his part, Zainel is Othman, UDC President, CEO marine life enthusiasts, but it inviting investors and expa- and Board Member; Captain also provides an opportunity to triates to come to Qatar Free Mohammed Ali, Executive discuss and obtain the nec- Zone, invest and start their Director of QIG Marine essary information with repre- business. Services; Fahad Zainel, Chief sentatives of the Qatar Free “We are having a marina Corporate Services Officer at Zones Authority during the within one of the free zone Qatar Free Zones Authority exhibition period.” areas and it will have direct (QFZA); ambassadors and other A must-attend event for access to Hamad Port. The dignitaries. boating enthusiasts, QIBS purpose of the marina is to have The five-day show, con- serves as an ideal maritime- maritime services for manufac- sidered one of the largest industry networking platform turing and servicing the port events of its kind in the Middle and a key business driver for industry. It is a massive area Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari tours the stalls at the 6th edition of East, has seen the participation the marine sector. with over three kilometres of Qatar International Boat Show which opened at The Pearl-Qatar Marina, yesterday. of more than 30 exhibitors from “This is not our first time at bay,” said Zainel. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA Qatar, Germany, Italy, Turkey QIBS and we wanted to bring Other exciting activities and Pakistan showcasing the some of the fun stuff here for such as marine tours, water best luxury yachts designed craftsmanship, along with equipment and accessories. It major brands to showcase their marine enthusiasts. We have activities and marine races run with international boats, dhows and marine acts as a global platform for latest products to potential participated in many boat alongside the show. Qatari-French Strategic Dialogue preparatory meeting convenes

QNA H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired to a number of issues of mutual interest, countries to a more advanced stage The Minister of State for Foreign DOHA the Qatari delegation to the meeting, especially in the fields of defence, toward cooperation in various fields. Affairs welcomed the upcoming visit of while the Secretary-General of the Min- security, economy, culture, health, and The signing of the Declaration of Prime Minister of the French Republic The preparatory meeting for the Stra- istry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of environment. Intent on the establishment of a stra- Edouard Philippe, to Doha at the end of tegic Dialogue between the Govern- France, Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, The Minister stressed that the tegic dialogue between the State of Qatar March, hoping that the visits of officials ments of the State of Qatar and the presided the French side. Qatari-French strategic dialogue will and the French Republic reflects the of the two countries will continue to French Republic was held yesterday. They discussed bilateral relations transfer the historical and strong stra- depth of the close strategic relations reflect the depth of relations and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and ways of boosting them, in addition tegic relations between the two between the two countries, he added. desire of both parties to develop them. WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 HOME 03 More than 3,000 students participate in NSRW initiative

FAZEENA SALEEM and researchers. Activities of 2019 NSRW THE PENINSULA Senior officials from the Min- begun on March 10, with the first istry, representatives from QNRF day seeing primary, middle, and The National Scientific Research including Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, high school students participate Week (NSRW) officially opened Executive Director of QNRF, and in the finals of the Qatar National yesterday with the participation members of the academic and Scratch Coding Competition. of over 3,000 students from research sector were also present Using ‘Scratch,’ a visual pro- schools across the country. They at the event. gramming language, they will be taking part in a series of The dignitaries toured the created their own interactive events and competitions during Students’ National Exhibition stories, animations, games, the week. being held as part NSRW and music, and art. This year, 70 The 11th edition of the NSRW interacted with students. teams from 32 schools partici- under the theme ‘Promising Dr Al Hammadi said that pated in the competition, the Researchers for Qatar,’ was NSRW enables students to winners of which will be launched by Minister of Edu- acquire skills in science and awarded during the Grand cation and Higher Education ethics. “The promotion of scien- Award ceremony on March 13. H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed tific research is a strategic The evaluation and review Ali Al Hammadi at Qatar National objective of the Ministry of Edu- round of the Design for Change Convention Center (QNCC). cation and Higher Education, in competition was also held on The event organised by the line with our mission to March 10, where judges short- Ministry of Education and Higher strengthen the human devel- listed 60 projects from a total of Education and Qatar National opment pillar and achieve the 191 projects submitted by 573 Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi; and Research Fund (QNRF), a objectives of Qatar National students. Finals of the 4th Qatar Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive Director of QNRF; along with other dignitaries during the launch member of Qatar Foundation Vision 2030. It is particularly in National Physics and Astronomy (QF), is a pioneering initiative the wake of the development of of the NSRW 2019 at QNCC. Olympiad, featuring around 500 that encourages students to learn new curricula under the students from 72 schools across research skills and approach framework of Qatar’s national in addition to language skills and The Minister praised schools sciences, and engineering fields. Qatar, took place on the same science subjects through a educational curriculum, which mathematic competencies, for participating in the exhibition “These efforts reflect day. hands-on, learning-by-doing focuses on building 21st Century which are important when it and appreciated students for growing student awareness and Members of the public are approach from a young age, with skills such as research, problem- comes to scientific research doing high-quality research contribute to advancing Qatar’s invited to attend the NSWR’s the aim of nurturing the next solving, critical thinking, and methodologies,” said the projects in the computing, bio- development priorities,” he exhibition from 8am to 9am generation of Qatari scientists effective communication skills, Minister. medicine, mathematics, natural added. today at Exhibition Hall 1, QNCC. 7th AgriteQ to begin on March 19

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH countries participated the exhi- with the unlimited support of the in a statement that this year’s THE PENINSULA bition. “The exhibition, a four-day government, which allocated an AgriteQ falls in line with Qatar’s event is very important for local annual fund of QR70m to boost growing interest in the agricultural Under the patronage of Amir market and Qatari farmers where the country’s agricultural, live- sector over the recent years, with H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al famous international companies stock, and fish productions and the aim to increase domestic agri- Thani, the country is gearing up to will showcase their agricultural promote the marketing of national cultural production, enhance rates host Qatar’s 7th International Agri- products and latest farming tech- agricultural products. One of the of self-sufficiency and achieve cultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) and nologies,” said Al Khouri. highlights scheduled for this year’s food security. Qatar’s First International Envi- The press conference was event is Qatar’s First International The Qatar’s 7th International ronmental Exhibition (EnviroteQ), attended by Yusuf Khalid Al Khu- Environmental Exhibition (Envi- Agricultural Exhibition will feature Mohammed Ali Al Khouri, Head of Organising Committee of the simultaneously from March 19 to laifi, Deputy Head of the Organ- roteQ), a pioneering event serving dedicated exhibition zones, Exhibition; Yusuf Khalid Al Khulaifi, Deputy Head of the Organising 22, 2019 at the Doha Exhibition ising Committee and Salem as an interactive platform to including Veterinary Products Committee; and Salem Husain Al Safran, Deputy Director of Natural and Convention Center (DECC). Husain Al Safran, Deputy Director discuss innovative environmental Area (VeteQ), a dedicated platform Reserve Department, at the press conference. “A total of 51 countries will of Natural Reserve Department at solutions for the current and future that specializes in veterinary participate the exhibition this the Ministry of Municipality and challenges and exchange experi- health, offering a wide range of year,” said Mohammed Ali Al Environment. AgriteQ is fast ences between local and interna- services, equipment and veter- latest agricultural products and agricultural experts with an ideal Khouri, Head of Organising Com- gaining wide international tional leaders. inary products for livestock, packaging machines. It will also gateway to share experiences and mittee of the Exhibition while attention to capitalize on local Minister of Municipality and poultry and other species; and be featuring a series of interactive learn the latest practices and addressing a press conference yes- agricultural projects and other Environment H E Abdullah bin Food Industry Area (FoodteQ), activities such as theB2B Matching research on the most pressing terday. He said that last year 37 investment opportunities in Qatar, Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie said which highlights the Platform, which will provide issues and major challenges. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 Al Hammadi meets Ivorian Minister beIN Media Group to sue AFC for violating television rights QNA/DOHA in apparent collusion with the matches, on its channels across Saudi Arabian Football Feder- the MENA region. In response to the extraordinary ation (SAFF), has unilaterally In caving into Saudi Ara- announcement by the Asian decided to live-stream Saudi- bia’s illegal actions against Football Confederation (AFC) that related matches into Saudi beIN and effectively endorsing it will live-stream matches Arabia geo-blocked on the AFC’s Saudi Arabia’s notorious featuring Saudi Arabian clubs in Facebook Live and YouTube ongoing piracy operation the AFC Asian Champions League channels. beoutQ, the AFC is not only in for free into Saudi Arabia on the In what is a clear political material breach of its multi- AFC’s own digital channels, beIN move by the AFC seemingly in million dollar broadcast is set to launch a major interna- full collaboration with SAFF agreement with beIN, but its tional legal dispute against the (which pre-emptively actions threaten the business Confederation for material breach announced the AFC’s plans 24 model that sports rights holders of its multi-million dollar hours earlier), the Confedera- all around the world rely on. broadcast agreement. tion’s decision undermines the beIN has been the long- Nearly 18 months ago, Saudi central condition of its regional standing broadcast partner of Arabia unlawfully and overnight broadcast agreement with beIN, the AFC in the MENA region and forced beIN Media Group (beIN), namely the grant of exclusive other territories for nearly 10 the legitimate pay-TV broad- rights. beIN is immediately set years, being one of the most sig- Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr Ahmad bin Hassan Al Hamadi, met yesterday caster for all AFC competitions to launch international legal pro- nificant revenue streams for the with Minister of African Integration and Ivorians Abroad in the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, Ally Coulibaly. in MENA, out of the country. ceedings against the AFC as a AFC and helping to fund and Bilateral relations and ways of boosting them, enhancing prospects for cooperation as well as matters Rather than tackling Saudi Ara- result. beIN will continue to support the rapid development of common concern were discussed. bia’s illegal measures against its broadcast all its rights, including of Asian football during that legitimate broadcaster, the AFC, all AFC tournaments and time. CRA resolves 92% of consumer complaints in 2018

THE PENINSULA percent of the total complaints. The statistics indicate that 68 DOHA CRA is working with the service percent of all complaints were providers to finalize the related related to mobile services; 47 The Communications Regulatory investigation of the remaining percent of mobile services com- Authority (CRA) resolved 92 ones and expects to resolve them plaints were related to billing issues percent of telecom consumers’ during the coming weeks. including excess billing for postpaid complaints received in 2018. CRA “CRA ensures that telecom services, and uncased decrease in engaged with telecom service consumers are aware of their the credit balance for prepaid providers to resolve and discuss rights and responsibilities; to this services. Service disconnections solutions for all the complaints, end, CRA provides them with complaints were 11 percent out of which were related to several related awareness tips through the mobile complaints and weak topics such as billing, weak mobile social media and outreach events mobile network coverage com- network coverage, weak Internet to ensure that they have the best plaints for both indoor and outdoor speed, fixed-line disconnection experience with telecom services. were 8 percent out of it. Dr Yury Sentyunn, Secretary-General of the GECF; Fatima Saleh Al Khulaifi, Project Manager, QBC; and delays in service installation On the other hand, CRA works to As for fixed-line services, the Diplomats and other officials during the tree-planting event at Oxygen Park in Education City yesterday. and activation. resolve consumers’ complaints statistics indicate that it was 32 PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA CRA received 4,342 inquiries based on the Telecommunications percent of the total complaints; and 1,005 complaints from con- Law, Telecom Consumer Pro- out of these complaints 36 percent sumers about telecom services in tection Policy and a set of regula- were related to service disconnec- QBG, GECF hold tree-planting Qatar, these complaints were eval- tions, developed to ensure the tions, while 35 percent related to uated by CRA based on a set of cri- provision of smart, innovative and billing, 15 percent related to delay teria to determine their validity to high-quality services to the con- in fixed-line service transfer, event at Oxygen Park CRA’s complaint process; 603 sumers in Qatar,” said Amel Salem installation or activation, and 5 were valid complaints and 402 Al Hanawi, Consumer Affairs percent were related to slow AROOSA KHALID Secretariat, which is based in looking forward to increase our were invalid, and CRA resolved 92 Manager, CRA. Internet speed. THE PENINSULA Doha. The actual planting of the collaboration international and trees was performed by members locally. We are working to reach The Qur’anic Botanic Garden of the diplomatic corps and GECF all community globally and locally (QBG), a member of Qatar Foun- staff. A tree symbolising Qatar was to raise and increase the dation (QF), hosted a tree-planting raised by Qatar’s Executive Board awareness about the importance event at Oxygen Park yesterday Member of GECF, Shiekh Mishal of planting and vegetation.” as part of its popular ‘Ghars’ Bin Jabor Al Thani. The ceremony “Ghars campaign which was campaign in collaboration with was also an endorsement of the launched in 2011 organises a series Gas Exporting Countries Forum GECF commitment to environ- of event every year and this event (GECF). mental preservation and respon- is one of the series. We are looking The tree-planting ceremony, sible eco-conscious industrial to launch another campaign in the held at the Oxygen Park at Edu- behaviour. future that will be in relation to cation City, was also attended by The ceremony was followed Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture.” Fatima Saleh Al Khulaifi, Project by a horse and falcon show, Shiekh Mishal bin Jabor Al Manager of QBG and Dr Yury Sen- reflecting the unique character of Thani said: “Qatar is blessed with tyurin, Secretary-General of the Qatar and concluded with an natural resources and mainly gas GECF. elegant reception. but we have been blessed with Both guests also addressed the The ‘Ghars’-led event was something which is more audience comprised of staff, designed to raise awareness of the important which transforms this country delegations and media. importance of environmental peace of love and desert into a They underlined the importance conservation, and is in line with green peace which is a peace of of nature in today’s world. QBG’s overarching goal of culti- education a message we send to In total, 20 sidr trees were vating 2,022 trees by the 2022 the world that we are prosperity planted in the heart of the Edu- FIFA World Cup. and peace loving nation. cation City, symbolising each of Talking to The Peninsula, Therefore we transform all the Forum’s 19 member countries Fatima Saleh Al Khulaifi, Project resources into human as well as tree for the GECF Manager, QBG, said: “We are development.” Food production grows 400% since 2017 Qatar signs contracts FROM PAGE 1 for 3 projects in Gaza H E the Minister said that Qatar has accomplished a number of achievements in the agricultural sector under the vision and QNA/GAZA wise guidance of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who has placed the development of natural resources, partic- Chairman of the Qatari Committee ularly agriculture, at the top of national priorities in pursuit of for the Reconstruction of Gaza self-sufficiency and food security. Ambassador Mohammed Al Emadi, “To attain food security, the government has adopted inno- signed contracts for the construction vative environmental sustainability policies, strategies, and tech- of three new projects in Gaza Strip. niques,” said the Minister. The cost of the new projects is He said that this has also led to the opening of new investment about $1.7m, including the con- prospects in the domestic agricultural sector, backed by modern struction of the Qatari Committee facilities and key government investment policies. for the Reconstruction of Gaza’s Dr. Faleh added: “Qatar also prioritizes optimum investment headquarters — Phase I, which in technology, research and development, and food control to includes concrete, construction and bolster quality agricultural, animal, and fishery productions exterior walls works, at a cost of using safe and sustainable ways according to the Second National approximately $630,000. The new Development Strategy 2018-2022. projects also include the construction He said that the national strategy aims to increase livestock of a $704,000 Al Huda residential and fish productions to 30 percent and 65 percent, respectively, mosque in Jahr Al Dik, as well as the by 2022 in support of Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks construction and installation of a fuel to cement Qatar’s global leadership and ensure its sustainable tank for the only power plant in the development to provide its people with a decent living. strip, at a cost of $350,000 with a “We at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment will capacity of 2 million liters. continue to provide the necessary support to local farmers to The Committee has started dis- increase the national agricultural production in accordance with bursing the fourth installment of the highest standards of quality. We remain committed to our cash assistance to poor families, 2018-2022 strategy, a roadmap to advance the country’s agri- benefiting 55,000 families, with cultural gains thanks to the policies of our wise leadership.” $100 per family. The donation He said that the Ministry will also focus on providing the comes as part of a grant worth means to ensure the country’s prosperity and progress in $150m of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim accordance with Qatar Vision 2030 and the Second National bin Hamad Al Thani for the relief of Development Strategy.” the residents of Gaza Strip. WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 HOME 05 MGallery makes debut in Qatar with launch of Alwadi Hotel in Msheireb Downtown Doha

THE PENINSULA hospitality brands in our development’s DOHA world-class infrastructure and services. I wish them all the best and I am certain MGallery, a storied collection of hotels, that their hospitality expertise will be a made its debut in the capital city of positive turning point for the industry Qatar with the launch of much-antici- in Qatar.” pated Alwadi Hotel Doha, yesterday. Mark Willis, commented: “We are The hotel was inaugurated with a excited to debut the MGallery brand in ceremonial ribbon cutting event in the Qatar. Each boutique hotel in the presence of the French Ambassador to MGallery collection tells a unique story Qatar, Franck Gellet; Board Member of and perfectly blends modern design Msheireb Properties, Saad Ebrahim Al with local history and heritage. The Muhannadi; Acting CEO, Ali Al Kuwari; opening of the Alwadi Hotel is the result CEO of Accor, Middle East & Africa, Mark of a growing demand from travellers Willis; General Manager of Alwadi Hotel for hospitality concepts which offer Doha, Dominic Arel. unrivalled experiences, catering to both The brand new hotel is located business and leisure needs.” within Msheireb Downtown Doha, a On the launch, Dominic Arel, vibrant new retail, commercial and res- General Manager of Alwadi Hotel Doha, idential development that is one the said: “We are pleased to present a fine smartest and most sustainable city dis- blend of luxury wrapped in the vintage trict in the world. Located just 15 opulence for the people of Qatar. While minutes from Hamad International designing the hotel, each and every Airport, and 10 minutes from West Bay, nuance has been kept in mind to offer the hotel meets the needs of business our esteemed guests the utmost comfort and leisure travellers alike. and convenience. With state-of-the-art Ali Al Kuwari, said: “We are hon- amenities and services, Alwadi Hotel is oured to see Msheireb Downtown Doha set to leave a lasting impression on the become home for the first-ever hospitality landscape of Qatar and MGallery hotel in Qatar. This part- emerge as the most preferred getaway nership and collaboration reflect the for the Qatari citizens in the near trust of prestigious, international future.” Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani; French Ambassador to Qatar, Franck Gellet; Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani, and Dominic Alwadi Hotel Doha Arel, General Manager of Alwadi Hotel Doha, cutting a ribbon with other guests to mark the opening of Alwadi Hotel Doha at Msheireb Downtown yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA

The hotel comprises of 213 rooms restaurants, two bars and a lobby tea accommodates up to 415 guests and fea- and suites, each with thoughtful amen- lounge and terrace to offer a memorable tures elegant touches inspired by tra- ities, inspiring patterns and a vibrant experience to guests. Inviting scents of ditional local crafts. Five state-of-the- colour scheme to bring a touch of her- classic local dishes, from the best art fully-equipped meeting rooms itage to its contemporary design. Both Arabian seafood to the taste of fine provide smaller meeting spaces suitable Souq Suites and the Royal Suite offer international flavours, envelop dis- for small work groups and closed door balconies with views overlooking Souq cerning diners amid the soft sounds of meetings. Waqif, while the Superior, Deluxe and traditional music creating a delightful To celebrate the opening, Alwadi Executive rooms offer spectacular views atmosphere. Alwadi Hotel Doha features Hotel Doha MGallery is introducing a of the West Bay skyline, which comes M|Spa, which encompasses 5 treatment special offer for its guests to experience alive at night. rooms, a steam room and sauna as well the signature ‘Memorable Moment’, All rooms feature the hotel’s unique as a relaxation area for rejuvenation and where guests can embark on an once- cocoon MyBed concept, as well as comfort. Alongside, M|Fit, the hotel’s in-a-lifetime treasure hunt around the special products and amenities for fitness centre, is furnished with the latest historical Souq Waqif with surprises female travellers chosen as part of the Technogym equipment and infused with along the way, followed by a unique brands “Inspired By Her” concept. natural light. The hotel’s spectacular cooking class of a local dish with the The hotel has three world-class ballroom, offering natural daylight, hotel’s chef. 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 QU and WCM-Q study sheds light on transition of herpes simplex virus

THE PENINSULA HSV-1 is a highly contagious DOHA virus and one of the most widespread infections globally. Researchers at Qatar University (QU) and Weill It is normally transmitted orally Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) have described an intriguing and rapid evolution of during childhood, leading to the herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) blisters and lesions around the epidemic in the US, with less infection in mouth known as oral herpes. childhood but more in adulthood, and less oral infection but more genital infection. Students interacting with an MoI official at the Annual Medical Forum. HSV-1 is a highly contagious virus and one will persist for several decades. Of this total, of the most widespread infections globally. It close to 500,000 will be genital infections, is normally transmitted orally during childhood, mainly through oral-genital contact MoI participates in 9th leading to blisters and lesions around the Despite these increasing rates of genital mouth known as oral herpes. Recent data from herpes, the study indicated steep declines in several countries, however, showed that HSV-1 oral herpes in children. The study also pre- Annual Medical Forum can also be transmitted sexually, through dicted that the fraction of the population who various sexual practices, leading to genital will carry the infection will decline with time, herpes and genital ulcer disease. and this decline will be most pronounced by THE PENINSULA from the principle of community The QU and WCM-Q study, published in 2050. DOHA partnership in order to support the prestigious journal BMC Medicine, “It was striking for us to see this major shift a healthy culture that neces- developed a sophisticated mathematical model in HSV-1 transmission patterns, and how this The Ministry of the Interior, sarily encourages safety and to quantitatively characterize the level and infection is affecting different age groups very represented by the Community security. trend of the HSV-1 epidemic in the US. The differently. While oral herpes is declining Police Department and a Several departments of the study indicated that HSV-1 infection is under- rapidly for children, genital herpes is increasing Hiam Chemaitelly, Dr Laith Abu-Raddad and number of its other depart- Ministry of Interior participate going a more subtle transition than previously steadily for young adults,” said Dr Houssein Dr Houssein Ayoub. ments, participates in the 9th with pavilions to raise thought, with this infection propagating Ayoub, lead author of the study and assistant Annual Medical Forum awareness on security and through four different modes of transmission professor in the Department of Mathematics, organized by the Ruqaya safety procedures and to in the population, and affecting different age Statistics, and Physics at QU. sexual debut.” Preparatory School for Girls on introduce the departments and cohorts in different ways. Oral-genital contact, Hiam Chemaitelly, second author of the Dr Laith Abu Raddad, principal investigator 12 and 13 March. their functions. in particular, was found to be playing an study and senior epidemiologist at WCM-Q of the study and professor of healthcare policy Lt. Col. Hussain Aman Al Ali, During the opening cer- important role in infection transmission for added, “The increase in genital herpes due to and research at WCM-Q, said, “These findings Assistant Director of the Com- emony, mementoes of honour young adults, with 25% of infections among oral-genital contact is of particular concern, demonstrate the criticality of accelerating munity Police Department, said exchanged between the Com- them being genital and leading to genital as this is affecting young adults, mainly women, HSV-1 vaccine development to control trans- in his speech at the opening of munity Police Department and herpes. who have to endure significant psychosocial mission and to prevent the medical and psy- the forum that the participation the Ruqaya Preparatory School The study estimated that there are 3 million and sexual consequences once they discover chosocial disease burden that is emerging from of the community police comes for Girls. new HSV-1 infections every year, a level that these genital blisters, often shortly after their this infection.” Embassy of India to organise classical dance programme Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Holding

THE PENINSULA word for ‘story’ and the Kathakars Yamuna in India; ‘Shri Nand DOHA communicate stories through Nandan Nachat Sudhang’ is based hosts annual staff recognition ceremony rhythmic foot movements, swift on the story of Indian mythology; Rhythmic Expressions, a Kathak spins, hand gestures and facial ‘Basant Hori’ showcases the THE PENINSULA dance performance by Rani expressions . essence of Spring season; ‘Tarana’ DOHA Khanam and group, is being Rani Khanam has been hon- - a dance sequence to bring out organised by the Embassy of India, oured for her courageous and pio- the essence of melody & rhythm; Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Doha, in partnership with Katara neering work in Kathak, and also and ‘Chaap Tilak Sab Cheeni’ is a Holding has recently hosted its Cultural Village and Qatar for creating awareness and soulful performance about eternal annual staff recognition Museums, at Drama Theater (Hall addressing critical issues of society submission to the creator. ceremony. The ceremony was No 16) at Katara Cultural Village such as equality & social justice The musical concert will end attended by Tariq Al Shamlan, on March 14 at 6:45pm; March 15 for women, persons with disabil- with ‘Nritya Gati’ which presents Chairman, as well as Joe Lahoud, at Al Khor community at 6:30pm; ities and HIV/AIDS. intricate compositions, rapid Group CEO, who witnessed the and March 16 at ICC at 7pm, as The performances include a movements, complex footwork ceremony’s joyous activities. part of the ‘India-Qatar Year of stylized dance form ‘Andaz-e- and elegant facial expressions to The employees were awarded Culture 2019’. Raqs’, highlighting the contri- communicate a sense of pure joy with recognition certificates as Kathak is one of the eight clas- bution of Persian culture, where of rhythm. The Embassy of India, well as various entertaining activ- sical dance forms of India – and the costumes play an intrinsic role Doha has invited all to experience ities were held that made for an Tariq Al Shamlan, Chairman; and Joe Lahoud, Group CEO, in an is an amalgamation of three art in the kinetics of choreography; Kathak as a symbolic represen- unforgettable experience, and a introductory note during Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Holding’s forms-music, dance, and drama. ‘Yamuna Namah’ will showcase tation of the multidimensional memorable evening. The cer- annual gathering. The word ‘Katha’, is a Sanskrit the significance of the river nature of the dance. emony commenced with a welcome note by Tariq Al Shamlan, who acknowledged the service which ranged between 5 behalf of Marzooq Shamlan Al Ashghal announces input of each and every employee to 40 years, as well as honouring Shamlan Holding’s management, at the organisation. team and employee performance I would like to extend our sin- temporary diversion “Our ultimate aim is to foster achievements across all business cerest appreciation to all our staff a family environment among our units: Q-Tire and International members for all their dedication, on Khalifa Avenue employees, who are the solid Tire Center (ITC), International passion and continuous accom- backbone of this organisation,” he Construction Solutions (ICS), Qatar plishments, which have enabled THE PENINSULA said. Trading Company, Karcher Center us to successfully achieve our DOHA During the ceremony, certif- Doha, and Marzooq Shamlan & business objectives and maintain icates of recognition were Sons (Crono and Watch Corner). market leadership.” His speech The Public Works Authority awarded to MSSH staff members Speaking at the ceremony, Joe highlight was: “We do better ‘Ashghal’ has announced a in recognition of their years of Lahoud, Group CEO said, “On tomorrow what we do best today”. temporary diversion of 3.1 km on Khalifa Avenue (between Gharrafat Al Rayyan Interchange and Al Mercedes-Benz C-Class model of 2018 recalled Wajba Palace Interchange), starting from March 15 until March 31, to THE PENINSULA/DOHA The Ministry said the recall campaign comes enable the works of the final layer towards Bani Hajer through Khalifa use Bani Hajer Intrchange bridge within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect of Asphalt. During this traffic change Avenue will have to use the Service towards Al Rayyan. Road users The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collab- consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on which is in coordination with the Road exit before reaching Ghar- heading from Bani Hajer towards oration with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer vehicle defects and repairs. General Directorate of Traffic, traffic rafat Al Rayyan Interchange, and Dukhan through Al Shahama of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Qatar, has announced The Ministry also said that it will coordinate with coming from Doha towards Dukhan then make right-turn at Bani Hajer Street, will have to use Bani Hajer the recall of Mercedes-Benz C-Class model of 2018 the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair will be diverted to the eastbound Interchange. Traffic heading from underpass towards Al Shafi Inter- because the cable routing of the left headlamp does works and will communicate with customers to carriageway, while the number of Doha towards Al Rayyan through section at Al Rayyan Road & make not meet the manufacturer’s specification and the ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. lanes will be reduced from four to Khalifa Avenue, will have to use the a U-turn, then use Bani Hajer vehicle’s specific labels (identification plate, tire The Ministry has urged all customers to report two lanes in each direction. Service Road exit before reaching underpass and bridge towards pressure label, fuel type, refrigerant) while the certif- any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti- Traffic heading from Doha Gharrafat Al Rayyan Interchange, Khalifa Avenue & Dukhan. icate of conformity papers are missing. Commercial Fraud Department. QRCS launches third phase of mega development programme in Somalia

THE PENINSULA Shebelle, and Middle Shebelle, Over the course of the DOHA which suffer fragile economies, program, the staff performed lack of services, and inadequate assessment and follow-up to Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) infrastructure. ensure the optimised use of agri- has launched the third phase of its After five years of intermittent cultural input. By the end of the integrated rural development rains, the drought weighed heavily harvest season, each farm had program (IRDP) in three regions on the traditional lifestyles of produced 2-3 tonnes of crops. of Somalia. farmers and shepherds. What is This amount is big enough for The purpose of the program more, the prolonged armed con- the family consumption over the is to help the farmers and flict undermined the living year, with surplus that could be returnees to restore their liveli- standards, production assets, and sold to purchase other needs like hoods, by providing agricultural infrastructure, driving more than clothing. materials for the coming rainy 400,000 people to city outskirts Many farmers utilised the pro- season, as well as facilitating and camps. visions very well, so they could access to welfare services, by In cooperation with partners meet the targets. To ensure food rehabilitating the agricultural, and local community leaders, security, the families sell their own water, and education QRCS distributed agricultural QRCS official in Somalia. production and buy the kinds of infrastructure. input to 3,000 farmer families, cereals they do not have. This The program covers the rural such as seeds and hand tools. preparation, canal rehabilitation, Also, the farmers were trained their own tools, and select and builds up the household cereal regions of Banaadir, Lower Other activities included land subdivision. in how to use ploughs, produce store seeds for the next season. stocks by 40 percent. WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 HOME 07 Fourth meeting of cybersecurity experts in sports field held

THE PENINSULA the need to strengthen the inter- DOHA national partnership in the field of security for sporting events The fourth meeting of the in light of the escalating and Cybersecurity Experts Group in increasing security risks related the field of sport began to cybersecurity, which are now yesterday at the Qatar crossing the borders of coun- Computing Research Institute tries and continents. and will discuss several security He said that the meeting issues related to cybersecurity aims to enhance the State of and its role in securing major Qatar’s contacts with countries sporting events. and international organizations The meeting is organised by to benefit from the expertise in the Interpol (Project Stadia), in the field of cybersecurity to cooperation with the Security secure major sports events and Committee of the Supreme to create a legacy of important Committee for Delivery and information that enables Legacy. Interpol member states to The meeting hosts a number benefit from it in the event of The participants of the Cybersecurity meeting pose for a group photo. of representatives of states and hosting major sporting events. international organizations. It also aims to enhancing Falah Abdulla Al Dosari, cybercrime combating capabil- countries of the world to work combating crime of all kinds in would benefit in the exchange developed many plans, and Director General of Project ities, as it is one of the risks to together to make the world a the 21st century. of information between the par- projects have been imple- STADIA welcomed the partici- any sporting event. safer place, adding that STA- First Lt. Khalid Mohammed ticipants and the preparation of mented, including the meas- pants in the meeting. He pointed out that the DIA’s high-tech infrastructure Al Hashemi of the Security Unit plans to secure the World Cup urement of cyber risks that tar- He stressed the importance INTERPOL is working to enable supports will help to meet the at the Security Committee of the 2022 from the cyber-attacks. geted the infrastructure, he of this meeting, which reflects the security services in all increasing challenges of SCDL said that this meeting The Cyber Security Unit has added. HMC trauma system receives PHCC stresses on periodic eye examination THE PENINSULA Dr Al Malki pointed out Glaucoma is referred to as international reaccreditation DOHA that the most vulnerable the Silent Sight Thief. Thus, Dr age groups are people Maliki stressed on the impor- THE PENINSULA HMC’s Trauma System provides Coinciding with the World over the age of 40 or tance of conducting the annual DOHA comprehensive care for trauma Glaucoma Day’s celebration, Dr those who have close comprehensive periodic eye patients including pre-hospital Badriya Al Malki, Assistant relatives affected by examination for the most vul- Hamad Medical Corporation’s care, emergency care in the Director of Continuous Care at nerable age groups as this is the (HMC) Trauma System has been Trauma Center, and advanced PHCC noted that the blue water glaucoma such as a father only and best way to detect the reaccredited by Accreditation rehabilitation services. or glaucoma is a disease occurs or mother and people disease, especially for those who Canada International (ACI) and We have worked hard to as a result of high eye pressure with chronic diseases have a genetic history of awarded the Trauma Distinction ensure we meet the very highest which leads to damage in the including diabetes and glaucoma. Award of Excellence. international standards and this optic nerve. hypertension. Examinations include testing The achievement endorses accreditation is an important There are also other types the eye pressure and visiting an the quality and safety of the care external endorsement of our of this disease that may not be ophthalmologist when one of the provided by the entire service achievements,” added Dr Al associated with high eye chronic diseases including dia- following symptoms occurs: and follows the Trauma System’s Thani. In 2007, Hamad General pressure, and if such high eye betes and hypertension. blurred vision, sudden eye pain initial accreditation by ACI in cause of death and injury in the Hospital established its Level 1 pressure is not controlled, per- In addition, many eye dis- or visual field disorders. 2015, when HMC became the young adult population and it is Trauma Center, based on the manent damage to the optic eases in Qatar vary by the age As part of the global initiative first trauma organization in the therefore vitally important that highly regarded, evidence-based nerve occurs which can then group as children are more likely ‘vision 2020’, the World Health world to earn this recognition. the care we provide to patients classification of the American result in blindness. to develop myopia and Organization (WHO) celebrates Dr Hassan Al Thani (pic- with traumatic injuries is of the College of Surgeons, Committee Dr Al Malki pointed out that amblyopia, while elderly people every year the World Glaucoma tured), Head of Trauma Services very highest standards,” said Dr on Trauma. the most vulnerable age groups are more likely to develop Week in the second week of at HMC said that major trauma Al Thani. Over the past decade, the are people over the age of 40 or glaucoma which is the most March from March 10 to 16 to is any injury that has the “I am delighted that the Trauma Center has grown and those who have close relatives common cause of blindness in highlight the causes of the potential to cause prolonged dis- progress we have made across developed into a comprehensive affected by glaucoma such as a Qatar for those over the age of disease and how to prevent it as ability or death. the Trauma System has been for- Trauma System comprising of a father or mother and people with 50 years. a community awareness. “In Qatar, and the wider Gulf mally recognized by Accredi- full range of care services for region, trauma is the leading tation Canada International. trauma patients. QIFF offers free cooking masterclasses with top chefs

THE PENINSULA 20, 21 and 23; Egyptian chef Salma Souleiman on DOHA March 26 and 27; South African chef Siba Mtongana on March 27 and 29 and South African chef Jenny The 10th anniversary edition of Qatar Interna- Morris on March 26 and 29. tional Food Festival (QIFF) taking place at Oxygen Renowned Japanese chef Masharu Morimoto Park from March 20 to 30 offers food enthusiasts will also conduct a masterclass on March 23 at across Qatar a unique opportunity to join interna- Morimoto Restaurant in Mondrian Hotel Doha. tionally acclaimed chefs for an up-close interactive Those interested may contact the restaurant’s/ cooking session through QIFF 2019 Masterclasses. hotels’ reservation platforms for more details and During the festival, Chef’s Garden Restaurant booking. There are 12 to 20 seats available per in Education City will be hosting nine masterclasses table. Registration is free on first come, first serve with Turkish barista trainer Sam Ceviköz on March basis. Abu Issa Holding honours employees

The Abu Issa Talent Management recognition ceremony.

THE PENINSULA advocate of the “Promote from and assessed. DOHA within” initiative. Abu Issa Holding is one of The Talent Management the first organization in Qatar to Abu Issa Holding, a family Department was established establish the Talent Management business based in Qatar, employs nearly six years ago. The Department compared with local around 4000+ staff from 62+ presence of the department is and direct competitors. The different nationalities. The vital. With business growing, the company’s Chairman believes business is operating across the need for proper human that the market in Qatar is Middle East; Turkey, South resources planning is essential. changing and will still face dif- Africa, and the United States. The drive of the department is ferent dynamics and challenges Abu Issa Holding believes to put the right person in the – especially in the run up to the that employees are the most val- right place at the right time while hosting of 2022 World Cup in uable asset which can signifi- having the right skills and Qatar. “Therefore whatever cantly contribute to the success attitude. expensive investment is made of the business. Hence the The department, when it first now in the human capital will rationale of Talent Management started, put focus on some key be surely harvested in the future which is to make sure to assess positions/ individuals. However, and work on enhancing the continually, screen, train and for the last three years, a more caliber to meet the market’s develop the employees to utilise systematic process has been challenges regarding compe- their potentials to the utmost. launched which aim at giving all tition, economic, political, Talent Management is an staff the chance to be profiled societal dynamics,” he said. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 What Venezuela needs ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI MOHAMED A. EL-ERIAN BLOOMBERG [email protected] he widespread electricity ACTING MANAGING EDITOR outages that hit Venezuela on MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED Friday were yet another [email protected] Treminder of an already tragic situation that is getting worse by the day, taking the country ever closer to DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR the line that separates a fragile state MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI from a failed and collapsed one. As the [email protected] terrible human suffering mounts, and as the political situation gets more polarized, the international community is said to be getting ready to support an View of empty facilities inside the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas, as orderly transition from the current classes continue to be suspended after a massive power outage affects some areas presidency - and for a simple reason: of the country. Venezuela’s protracted misery is not EDITORIAL just intense and widespread, but also is spilling over its borders. points of coordination and compro- cases are making their way through The situation in Venezuela is well mises between and among govern- the courts, including on account of captured by the following statement by ments, regional bodies, multilateral alleged unlawful expropriations. And Infrastructure push David Lipton, quoted recently in the institutions and private creditors. some factions will push for the differ- Financial Times. The first deputy man- Without that, there would be little ential treatment of debt, based on he Public Works Authority, Ashghal, recently announced aging director of the International hope of addressing a long list of cas- when it was issued and also relating to the plan for road and infrastructure projects with a total Monetary Fund correctly noted that cading failures that includes: the near- the obligations of the state-owned oil Tinvestment of QR18.8bn in 2019, including 55 new “Venezuela is experiencing an complete breakdown of supply chains, company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. projects. The new roads are expected to reduce traffic con- extremely complex situation, one of the gutted infrastructure, widespread Having said all that: Debt gestion and make better connectivity across the country. Apart most complex we have ever seen…. It’s shortages of basic goods and services, exchanges have a significant potential from the main road projects, construction of pedestrian a crisis of food and nutrition, of hyper- hyper-inflation, a de-anchored to alter the size and profile of the bridges, cycle tracks, drainage systems and residential projects inflation and a destabilized exchange exchange rate regime, a disrupted country’s external debt servicing obli- in various parts of the country are also taking part across the rate, of debilitating human capital and financial system, serial financial gations - by heavily backloading pay- country. physical productive capacity, and a defaults, and a breakdown of institu- ments, capitalizing interest and, According to a report, Ashghal is executing more than 100 very complicated debt situation.” tions that has even threatened the via- through the use of value recovery roads and infrastructure development projects in 2018-19. In Venezuela bility of the country’s oil industry, once clauses and debt sustainability 2018 itself, Ashghal completed 90 percent of projects related is one of the the envy of many. analyses, making cuts in contractual to the 2022 World Cup. So the contribution of Ashghal in the toughest The recent evolution in the internal outstanding obligations less difficult nation building is worth mentioning. And in all these projects, challenges political situation could open a window for creditors to accept. A high degree Ashghal’s support for the local industry, whether for small- that the inter- for regime change - one hopes peaceful of intra-creditor coordination could scale contractors or for small and medium enterprises are Debt exchanges national com- and orderly in nature, though that is far also make room for special provisions commendable through Taheel initiative, which was launched have a significant munity has from assured. This could make it more for the resumption of short-term trade in 2017. More than 104 companies have already been potential to alter confronted possible to reverse this enormous finance. accredited through the initiative, providing 141 certified and the size and when it human tragedy. The first three eco- Add debt owed to governments and locally manufactured products. comes to nomic and financial policy priorities of government-owned entities, and this In the first year of the unjust blockade, Ashghal completed profile of the restoring a pivot should be to: could well end up the largest and most 10 highway projects at a cost of country’s external financial Restore as soon as possible and as complicated debt restructuring in the more than QR48bn. It has also debt servicing order, eco- much as possible ample supplies of history of an emerging market class opened all roads that facilitate the obligations - by nomic growth basic goods and services, including that has navigated through the entry of goods from the sea and and longer- foodstuffs and medical care. Reverse Argentine and Russian defaults, as well air ports in order to overcome the heavily backloading term debt the steep decline in oil production and as the even more complex Iraqi situ- siege. Such projects include the payments, viability. But, the catastrophic implosion of related ation. The immediate design of an The contribution opening of 14km Hamad Port capitalizing interest if well activities that has come with that. (At orderly payments standstill would also of Ashghal in the under 1.5 million barrels a day, pro- require the cooperation of the Chinese street connecting the port indus- and, through the use handled, it nation building is trial zone, the Orbital Road, would have duction is at dangerously low levels not and Russian governments, both of of value recovery worth mentioning. Hamad Terminal at Ras Laffan the potential seen for over half a century, and that which are understood to have provided Port and easy access to Ruwais clauses and debt of being an can cause significant harm to the oil cash and in-kind loans in recent years. And in all Port, in addition to finishing parts sustainability example of fields.) Activate safety net provisions to This will require a degree of trans- these projects, of Khalifa Avenue and Al Rayyan what interna- assist highly vulnerable and long-suf- parency and international reporting analyses, making Ashghal’s support road among other areas. All these tional coordi- fering segments of the population, a that has been difficult to secure not cuts in contractual for the local developments have had a signif- nation of both part of which is very close to lacking only here, but also in other nations. And icant positive impact on the outstanding public and life-saving nutrition, shelter and health the hope is for their incorporation in a industry, whether movement of vehicles and goods. obligations less private initia- care.None of these steps would be pos- Paris Club structure that ensures com- for small-scale These roads have been linked to tives can do, sible without a major injection of prehensive treatment. difficult for creditors contractors or for vital points such as Hamad Inter- through financial support from bilateral and This combination - of basic goods national Airport, Hamad Port, to accept. thoughtful multilateral sources, led and coordi- and services hitting the shelves, incre- small and medium Industrial Area, the logistics area, and careful nated by the US, together with ade- mental increases in oil production, enterprises are tourist areas and other attractions sequencing. quate assurances from Venezuela that better functioning social safety nets, commendable of the country. Venezuela’s crisis has been many the new money will not be used to pay and a breathing window for debt through Taheel Ashghal also partnered with years in the making, and it is one that other private or public creditors. repayment - would open the way for leading international companies would require a concentrated set of Establishing such a payments the even harder task of rehabilitating initiative, which to ensure that Qatar becomes one immediate relief measures, economic standstill would be complex and the country’s economic infrastructure, was launched in of the best developed countries in and financial, followed by well-struc- messy, even if the focus were only on restoring social services, resetting the 2017. the infrastructure sector. tured long-term recovery and rehabili- private creditors. While some of the country’s domestic finances and Another new initiative of the tation steps. Both will need to be under- country’s bonded debt carry CACs financial system, putting the external Ashghal — the Directional Sign pinned by a level of credible communi- (collective action clauses) that would accounts and exchange rate regime on Development Strategy — aims at providing an excellent infra- cation and internal socio-political likely help contain the complications a less precarious footing, and creating structure to standardize the road signs that should improve cohesion that has eluded Venezuela in associated with holdouts and vulture a path to sustained high and inclusive the traffic flow and connectivity between roads and enhance recent years, together with multiple behavior, others don’t. Several legal growth. the safety of road users. The signs will be implemented in accordance with international standards, with attention to the installation in appropriate and clear locations to enable the driver to read the information written on them, and make Jobless millions to haunt India election it easy to navigate clearly during the day and night. It’s a known fact that Ashghal is always at the forefront of the devel- opment of the country. Recent initiatives and workshops show AFP particularly for secure government banknotes withdrawn overnight in 2016 how the authority is steadfastly moving on the right path for jobs with perks that attract hordes of to bring the cash-only black economy the major development projects that are being implemented ishal Chowdhary is young, overqualified candidates like Chow- out of the shadows. The second in 2017 to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030, including the bright and armed with an dhury. Last year 19 million applied for was to simplify India’s stultifying thicket projects related to the Middle East’s first football festival — MBA. But he has spent two 63,000 positions at Indian Railways. of a tax code. Asian laggard - 2022 FIFA World Cup. Vyears struggling to find work ‘National disaster’ - Modi swept to Almost half the workforce toils in in India’s sluggish jobs market -- a power in 2014 pledging to modernise agriculture, and although workers are major headache for Prime Minister India and create jobs for the one moving to manufacturing and services Narendra Modi ahead of looming elec- million young people estimated to as the economy modernises, the rate is QUOTE OF THE DAY tions. The government’s failure to enter the labour market every month. slower than elsewhere in Asia. create enough jobs in Asia’s third- Some 65 percent of Indians are These sectors are not creating biggest economy is a key issue for under 35, and economic growth has in enough jobs, hampered by stringent Today is an important voters in the polls that are set to take recent times fallen below the eight- labour laws and insufficient place between April 11 and May 19 percent level seen as essential to investment in skills training, according day. Clear, far-reaching with results on May 23. create enough employment. to the Organisation for Economic Co- proposals have been “I went for 50 job interviews in the A newspaper recently published operation and Development (OECD). made on Brexit that last year but with no success. One what it said was an official report Another factor is a sharp fall in company I did join laid off most of its buried by Modi’s government showing private investment, resulting in “very take into account the staff, bringing me back to square one,” unemployment at its highest since the little” job creation in the private sector, concerns of Britain Chowdhary, 27, told AFP. 1970s. Rahul Gandhi, head of the said Santosh Mehrotra, a professor at and that seek to find Increasingly desperate, late last opposition Congress party, attacked Jawaharlal Nehru University. answers to them. year he became one of 23,000 appli- Modi for creating a “national disaster”. This lack of investment is caused in cants for five government jobs as a The report which the government part by the “huge crisis” of bad debts at “peon” or “office boy” with duties like said was not finalised -- added to evi- India’s state-owned banks, making Angela Merkel making tea and photocopying, well dence that the economy was hit hard by them reluctant to lend, Mehrotra said. German Chancellor below his qualifications. two of Modi’s signature policies: demon- Red tape and corruption also make The shocking figures are not etisation and a new Goods and Services buying land for factories difficult, and unusual in 1.25-billion-strong India, Tax (GST). The first saw 86 percent of infrastructure is often poor. WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 OPINION 09 Britain’s Conservative Party has an Islamophobia problem

ow many times does Con- claimed Islamophobia wasn’t a signif- describing Khan, a British Pakistani Earlier this month, when servative peer Baroness icant issue in the Conservative Party Muslim, as “radical and divisive” and Labour MP Naz Shah asked Andrea Sayeeda Warsi, Britain’s because “he hadn’t come across it”. even suggesting that he is a closeted Leadsom, leader of the House of first Muslim woman cabinet This, unfortunately, seems to be “extremist”. They also distributed Commons, to call a debate on H leaflets in areas of London where member, have to say the same thing to the logic used by many Conservative Islamophobia , she was told to be heard? For the past couple of years, politicians when dealing with accusa- British Indians and Tamils are in speak to the Foreign Office about it. she has been trying to make her col- tions of racism directed at their party. majority, warning that Khan could not It’s almost as if Leadsom doesn’t MAYA GOODFELLOW leagues and the press listen to her Their thinking goes, if they do not see be trusted. While Muslims within the think you can be Muslim and AL JAZEERA when she says Islamophobia is a or experience something, there is no Conservative Party expressed their British. serious issue in the Conservative issue. Of course, they do not dwell too outrage at these decisions, Michael Leadsom’s shocking response Party. Unfortunately, she has much on the fact that they clearly Fallon, defence secretary at the time, to Shah appears to reflect a far- repeatedly been ignored. wouldn’t be natural targets of institu- said it was part of the “rough and right idea that Muslims have a dif- When politicians like Last week, she raised the issue tional Islamophobia or any other form tumble” of politics and then-Prime ferent “culture” and different Johnson and Goldsmith once again: She accused Prime Min- of racial or religious discrimination. Minister David Cameron chose to stay “values” that are at odds with ister Theresa May of “burying her Nevertheless, even if you were to silent. British or Western “culture”. It’s imply that Muslims head in the sand” over Islamophobia, take Smith’s measure of how to judge In 2018, Boris Johnson, former these racialised ideas that drive are “dangerous”, adding that she believes the Tories whether Islamophobia is a serious foreign secretary who casually drops far-right narratives into our eve- “different” and even had become “institutionally Islamo- issue in the Conservative Party, you in racist remarks while he performs ryday lives and have been some of “hostile” and get away phobic”. For once, her complaints have to wonder where he’s been the “bumbling politician” role he’s the underlying forces behind the seemed to get some traction - not long looking to arrive at the conclusion he spent years perfecting, compared moral panic over refugees trying with it, and when after her comments made headlines in did. Just look at the recent roll call of Muslim women in burqas to “letter- to reach safety in Europe. These their colleagues - like the British media, fourteen Conserv- high-profile Tories who’ve been boxes” and “bank robbers” in a Daily ideas help legitimise restrictive, Smith - try to deny ative Party members were suspended accused of Islamophobia. Telegraph essay. Despite a fair violent domestic and foreign for Islamophobic Facebook posts. But In the summer of 2016, Tory Zac amount of public outrage, he refused policy. the mere existence a few suspensions don’t get to the Goldsmith, who, up until then, was to apologise. So, the issue of Islamophobia of a problem despite heart of the matter - the scale and the mostly known for his green creden- Islamophobic messages play well in the Conservative Party is not mounting evidence roots of the problem are still being tials, ran against Labour candidate with Conservative voters primarily a question of offensive to the contrary, they drowned out. Sadiq Khan in the London mayoral One reason behind the Conserv- language. The real issue is the When asked about Baroness race. The Conservatives - with well- ative Party’s reluctance to ideas and beliefs that lie behind contribute to the Warsi’s comments Conservative MP known strategist Lynton Crosby acknowledge its Islamophobia the offending words. The idea that mainstreamisation Henry Smith gave a flavour of just working behind the scenes - chose to problem appears to be the prevalence Muslims do not belong to Britain of Islamophobia in how Britain’s governing elite fails to fuel Goldsmith’s campaign with of Islamophobic attitudes across and that they are a threat to the Britain. understand racism in general and racism. certain segments of the British popu- UK filter into how British Muslims Islamophobia in particular - he They used loaded language, lation - segments that are inclined to are treated and seen in their own vote Conservative. country, and also shape the Anti-Muslim views in the UK are British public’s attitudes towards widespread and not confined to one foreign Muslims seeking refuge party or political orientation. here. However, a recent report by the anti- The Conservative Party indeed fascist group HOPE not hate found has an Islamophobia problem. And Conservative voters are more likely to this issue should not be used for have anti-Muslim views. The report political football, or boiled down to showed that just under half of those the acts of individual people. Islam- who voted for May’s party in the last ophobia in the Conservative Party general election, for instance, think is institutional and should be dealt Islam is a “threat” to the British way of as such. If the politicians leading us life. continue to ignore this problem, the The Conservatives, eager to hold consequences could be dire - both on to their voters and stay in gov- for the party and Britain at large. ernment, seem to be turning a blind eye to, and at times reinforcing, these ideas without thinking about the consequences. When ignored, these ideas start to become more and more mainstream, and fuel the rise of the far right. When politicians like Johnson and Goldsmith D-RING ROAD imply that Muslims are “dangerous”, POST BOX: 3488 “different” and even “hostile” and get DOHA - QATAR away with it, and when their col- [email protected] leagues - like Smith - try to deny the mere existence of a problem despite mounting evidence to the contrary, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE they contribute to the mainstreami- TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May addressing the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. sation of Islamophobia in Britain. FAX: +974 4455 7758

MANAGING EDITOR TEL: n July 6, 1916, a poster information. They were relatively number of volunteers enlist for the 4462 7505 depicting Uncle Sam beck- cheap to produce and could be plas- entire duration of the war. In the oning viewers to enlist in tered just about everywhere, from United States, striking visuals and DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4455 7769 the US Army appeared in an post offices to schools to sides of simple slogans drove home patriotic O ideals and nostalgic themes that stuck issue of Leslie’s Weekly, a popular US buildings. The government used emo- LOCAL NEWS SECTION magazine. The poster’s creator, James tional imagery to draw thousands of with people. TEL: 4455 7743 Montgomery Flagg, had no idea just volunteers to the armed services and Many posters sought to tug at ALBINKO HASIC how popular his creation would create broad support for the war Americans’ heartstrings with depic- BUSINESS NEWS SECTION THE WASHINGTON POST become. Working without a model or effort at home. Officials zeroed in on tions of soldiers and their families, TEL: 4462 7535 increasing morale, encouraging con- while others appealed to the popula- servation, reducing errors at work, tion’s sense of outrage by reminding SPORT NEWS SECTION promoting workplace safety and viewers of the brutality of the enemy. TEL: 4455 7745 urging viewers to buy US bonds to Some even aimed to generate a sense help fund the war. of guilt. In one World War I poster, a ONLINE SECTION Flagg, a veteran artist and con- man is playing with his children as TEL: 4462 7501 tributor to publications such as Life they ask him, “Daddy, what did YOU Why propaganda is [email protected] magazine, ended up creating almost do during the Great War?” 50 designs on behalf of the Committee This messages reflected one PUBLIC RELATIONS on Public Information, the US propa- element of why wartime posters more dangerous in TEL: 4455 7613 were so effective: In the words of ganda and intelligence arm, by the [email protected] end of World War I. William Bird and Harry Rubenstein, Flagg’s most iconic poster propaganda posters were an “agent the digital age ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT depicted the figure of a gallantly for making the war aims the personal TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 dressed Uncle Sam with the prom- mission of every citizen.” The posters FAX: 4455 7870 inent text, “I Want You for the US also capitalized on the ability of psy- [email protected] concept in a narrow window of time Army.” Flagg found inspiration in chological messages inherent in before publication, Flagg scrambled to Alfred Leete’s image of Lord visual art to alter the subconscious. CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT embody the urgency of American par- Kitchener urging Brits to join the war Edward Bernays, called the “father of TEL: 4455 7857 ticipation in the Great War. cause. In an effort to save money by public relations,” named his 1928 [email protected] Despite the rush, Flagg created a not hiring a model, Flagg used his own book “Propaganda,” arguing that masterpiece. It would go on to be face (adding a goatee) to create Uncle “engineering consent” through such SUBSCRIPTION & reprinted more than 4 million times Sam, a move later lauded by President means was vital for the survival of DISTRIBUTION by 1918 and become a permanent part Franklin D. Roosevelt. While Uncle democracy. The truth is, modern TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 of American culture. Even though Sam dated to the War of 1812, Flagg advertising owes much of its FAX: 44557819 propaganda posters have been phased brought it to life, giving the character existence to visual propaganda [email protected] out in favor of more modern, effective an air of purpose that has itself methods. means of communication, the same become iconic. Posters remained a popular form Posters remained psychological techniques of manipu- The poster, officially adopted by of government communication in the lation that made Flagg’s masterpiece the Army in 1917, became an effective interwar years. For instance, public All thoughts and views a popular form so effective continue to pervade our recruitment tool to swell the ranks of wellness programs used posters to of government society. the military. It was such a resounding encourage exercise and conservation expressed in these columns communication in Today, propaganda posters have success that it would be reprinted and promote national parks. are those of the writers, the interwar years. been replaced by digital visuals, such during World War II and pops up The popularity and effectiveness not of the newspaper. as the meme, that are easily produced, again and again in popular culture of Flagg’s creation led the US military For instance, public mass-disseminated and politically today. to bring back the poster format during wellness programs pointed, with the potential to do even These results explain why the World War II, when some 200,000 All correspondence used posters to greater damage to American politics propaganda poster became so designs were used. These posters fea- regarding Views and encourage exercise and society than propaganda posters popular with government officials: It tured such iconic characters as Rosie Opinion pages should be did a century ago. was immensely effective. So effective, the Riveter saying “We Can Do It,” as sent to editor-in-chief and conservation Partially because of the popularity in fact, that coinciding with the publi- well as others calling citizens to arms, and promote of Flagg’s Uncle Sam rendering, cation of the original Kitchener reminding people about conservation office or mailed to the national parks. posters quickly became a wildly recruitment poster in September 1914, and recycling and fomenting political [email protected] popular medium for disseminating the British army saw the highest and societal unity. 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019

More surrenders Israeli police attack from IS bastion in worshippers in Al Aqsa Syria as end nears AFP ANATOLIA BAGHOUZ, SYRIA JERUSALEM Israeli army shoot Kurdish-led forces said Israeli forces closed the gates of East yesterday more people were Jerusalem’s flashpoint Al Aqsa dead Palestinian surrendering from the Islamic Mosque amid clashes with Pales- State (IS) group’s last scrap of tinians, according to a Palestinian ANATOLIA/RAMALLAH territory in Syria, after over- official yesterday. night air raids and shelling “Dozens of Israeli soldiers A Palestinian man was shot and ravaged jihadist outposts. stormed the Al Aqsa compound and killed by Israeli forces yesterday A ragged tent encampment assaulted a number of religious following an alleged knife attack in the eastern Syrian village of figures,” Firas Al Dibs, a spokesman in the occupied West Bank, the Baghouz is all that remains of for the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, a Israeli army said in a statement. a once-sprawling IS “caliphate” Jordan-run organisation responsible According to the army, the declared in 2014 across large for overseeing the city’s Islamic sites, suspect was injured after allegedly swaths of Syria and neigh- said in a statement. trying to stab an Israeli soldier bouring Iraq. He said Al Aqsa mosque director near the Jewish-only Kiryat Arba The US-backed Syrian Israeli policemen detain a Palestinian man in the Old City of Jerusalem after they closed the Sheikh Omar Kiswani and Sheikh settlement in the occupied West Democratic Forces have been entrance to Al Aqsa Mosque compound, yesterday. Wasef Al Bakri, the acting supreme Bank city of Hebron (Al Khalil). trying to crush holdout IS judge of the Islamic Courts of Jeru- “No injuries were reported fighters for weeks but the mass salem, were among those attacked among soldiers,” the army City, sparking angry Palestinian demonstra- In the weeks since, the Israeli authorities outpouring of men, women and by Israeli police. statement asserted. tions. The Palestinian Presidency, meanwhile, have banned scores of Palestinians — children from the riverside He said Israeli forces attacked In a subsequent statement, the has condemned the reported escalation at the including religious officials — from entering hamlet has bogged down their with batons dozens of Muslim wor- army identified the slain Pales- flashpoint religious site. the Al Aqsa, which for Muslims represents the advance. shippers near the Dome of the Rock tinian as Yasser Fawzi Shawki According to a statement published by Pal- world’s third holiest site after Makkah and Backed by the US-led coa- mosque in the compound. from Al Khalil. estine’s Wafa news agency, President Madinah. lition, the SDF renewed their “At least five Palestinians were Witnesses, meanwhile, have Mahmoud Abbas is maintaining “intensive Israel occupied East Jerusalem, in which assault on Sunday after warning arrested and taken into custody for reported that soldiers pulled the contacts” with all relevant parties in hopes of the Al Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab- remaining IS fighters that the investigation,” Al Dibs said. suspect into a nearby building defusing the situation. Israeli War. It annexed the entire city in 1980 time for surrendering was up. There was no comment from immediately after the incident. He also called on the international com- in a move never recognized by the interna- Airstrikes and shelling have Israeli authorities on the report. munity to intervene, accusing Israeli police tional community. pummelled Baghouz for two Tension has mounted in Jeru- and settlers of “consistently violating the Residents said police were also restricting nights in a row, killing scores salem since last month, when Israeli compound’s Al Rahma Gate, located sanctity of the mosque and provoking the sen- Palestinian access to Jerusalem’s Old City, of fighters and prompting hun- police briefly sealed the Al Aqsa adjacent to the eastern wall of the Old timents of Muslims”. where the site is located. dreds of jihadists and their rel- atives to surrender. “There was fierce fighting,” Ali Cheir, an SDF unit commander, said from Algerians keep up pressure after President’s half-concession a rudimentary outpost inside the village. “The objective of our AP gave way to skepticism over the rich under Bouteflika while mil- Bouteflika ousted his prime concerns of foreign allies advance is to terrorise IS ALGIERS second part of his lions see little gain from the minister as a gesture to pro- worried about Algeria’s unrest. fighters so they surrender, and announcement: his decision to country’s gas wealth. testers, but replaced him with a But critics on Algerian social for the civilians to come out,” Algerian students protested delay an April 18 election without Many protesters are now loyalist. media yesterday dismissed him said the 27-year-old fighter. yesterday against President setting a new date. That could demanding that Bouteflika step The president is expected to as a symbol of a has-been gen- The frontline was quiet last Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decision leave him in power down April 18 instead of waiting name prominent international eration and member of the global morning, hours after the air- to delay presidential elections indefinitely. for a new vote. peacemaker Lakhdar Brahimi to elite who has spent too much strikes and rocket attacks on indefinitely, amid an unprece- Protesters question Boutef- Young people have been at head a new “national con- time abroad to understand Alge- Monday night engulfed the last dented public revolt against his lika’s fitness for office after a the forefront of the push against ference” aimed at setting an ria’s current reality. IS pocket in flames. 20-year leadership. 2013 stroke that has left him the 82-year-old president, and election date and drafting a new France, home to a large The commander said the Bouteflika ceded to oppo- largely hidden from public view. thousands of students thronged constitution. Algerian population and with SDF had slowed its offensive nents on Monday by with- They’re also angry at what’s seen the streets of Algiers on Tuesday. Brahimi was formerly a UN close economic ties to its former after daybreak to allow for mil- drawing his candidacy for a fifth as a corrupt and out-of-touch Broad, nationwide protests are mediator in Syria, and his colony, has been watching the itants and their relatives to turn term. But joy in the streets soon power structure that has grown expected Friday. appointment could ease protests closely. themselves in. US helps probe at Boeing crash site Europe, Asia and Australia join wave of Boeing suspensions AP/ADDIS ABABA AGENCIES which entered service just a few Sunday killed 157 people in the ADDIS ABABA/PARIS years ago and has become Boe- second such disaster for the US aviation experts yesterday ing’s fastest-selling aircraft, with model in the past few months. joined a global investigation Major European nations Britain, nearly 4,700 orders. The sus- In response, the world’s into the crash of an Ethiopian Germany and France joined a pensions have put about a third biggest planemaker, which has Airlines jetliner that killed 157 wave of suspensions of Boeing of the 350-strong global fleet seen billions of dollars wiped people, as a growing number 737 MAX aircraft yesterday out of action. off its market value, said it of airlines grounded the new following a crash in Ethiopia The bans in Singapore and understood the decisions but Boeing plane involved in the that killed 157 people. Australia mean that the newest retained “full confidence” in crash. Suspension by respected version of Boeing’s best-selling the 737 MAX and had safety as The Federal Aviation European regulators was the model is now blocked from a its priority. Administration arrived at the worst setback yet for US plane- key long-distance travel desti- It also said the U.S. Federal crash site outside the capital, maker Boeing in the wake of nation as well as Singapore’s Aviation Authority (FAA) had Addis Ababa, with representa- Sunday’s crash and put pressure Changi, Asia’s second-busiest not demanded any further tives from the National Trans- on the United States to follow international airport and a action related to 737 MAX portation Safety Board. They suit. popular transit hub. The coun- operations. join an Ethiopian-led Boeing Co. grappled with try’s aviation regulator will The cause of Sunday’s investigation. more groundings of its most “gather more information and crash, which followed another The FAA said it expects important airliner as operators review the safety risk associated disaster with a 737 MAX five Boeing will soon complete from Brazil to South Korea idled with the continued operation of months ago in Indonesia that improvements to an automated the 737 Max following a second the Boeing 737 Max aircraft into killed 189 people, remains anti-stall system suspected of deadly crash, throwing the US and out of Singapore,” unknown. contributing to the deadly crash manufacturer deeper into crisis. according to a statement. October’s Lion Air crash is of another new Boeing 737 Max After China became the first Turkish Airlines has also unresolved but attention 8 in October, and update major market on Monday to halt grounded all commercial flights has focused so far on the role training requirements and take-offs and landings of Boe- by its Boeing 737 MAX models of a software system designed related flight crew manuals. ing’s latest single-aisle model, as of March 13 until uncertainty to push the plane down as well Boeing has said it has no flight halts quickly cascaded over their safety is resolved, as airline training and mainte- reason to pull the popular air- around the globe. Singapore CEO Bilal Eksi said on Tuesday. nance. Boeing says it plans to craft from the skies. The Ethi- barred all 737 Max service in Yahya Ustun, Turkish Air- update the software in coming opian Airlines plane crashed in and out of the city-state, a move lines’ vice president of media weeks. clear weather six minutes of that was followed by Australia relations, said the flights by 12 There is no evidence yet taking off for Nairobi, and a and Malaysia. planes of the 737 MAX model whether the two crashes are growing number of countries Elsewhere in Asia, a South would be suspended. linked. Elsewhere in Europe, and airlines have grounded the Korean carrier suspended its Several nations, including Ireland, Austria and Norwegian new Boeing model as a result. 737 Max planes, while two air- Britain, Singapore and Australia, Air said they too would tem- It should take five days to lines in Latin American also have suspended the Boeing air- porarily ground MAX 8 pas- identify the victims’ remains, halted operations of the jet, craft after a crash in Ethiopia on senger jets as a precaution. Ethiopian Airlines spokesman Asrat Begashaw said. Investigators on Monday Sudan court scraps lashes for women protesters found the jetliner’s two flight UNSC urges Yemen parties to implement peace deal AFP/KHARTOUM recorders at the crash site. REUTERS/ADEN An airline official, however, December had not been imple- the redeployments by the other said one recorder was partially The five permanent members of mented. The Houthi group and side,” they said. “We call on all sides A Sudanese court yesterday overturned flogging sentences for nine damaged and “we will see what the UN Security Council urged the Saudi-backed government to ensure the U.N. monitoring women for taking part in protests against President Omar Hassan we can retrieve from it.” The Yemen’s warring parties agreed on a ceasefire and troop mission can carry out its work safely Al Bashir’s three-decade rule, a defence lawyer said. The emer- official spoke on condition of yesterday to implement a peace withdrawal in Hodeidah, an and without interference.” The gency appeals court scrapped a verdict issued on Saturday by a anonymity for lack of authori- deal in the port city of Hodeidah, exchange of prisoners, and the Stockholm agreement stalled with lower court which had sentenced the women to 20 lashes and a zation to speak to the media. a move they hope will lead to an reopening of humanitarian cor- each side worrying the other month in prison each. Ethiopian Airlines decided end of the four-year-old conflict. ridors to help millions of starving would take advantage of the with- “The appeals court cancelled the punishment of flogging the to ground its remaining four 737 The Chinese, French, Yemenis, with international drawal to gain ground. women,” defence lawyer Enaam Atieg said. The court ruled that Max 8s until further notice as Russian, British and US ambas- monitors to oversee things. The formation of a local the women had already spent enough time in jail and ordered their “an extra safety precaution.” sadors to Yemen said in a “We... urge both parties to authority to take control of immediate release, she said. They were arrested on Thursday for The carrier had been using five statement they were “extremely begin implementation of the pro- Hodeidah after the troop with- participating in a “banned demonstration” earlier in the day in the of the planes and awaiting concerned” that the agreement posal in good faith without further drawal, agreed in the truce deal, capital’s eastern district of Burri, a site of regular protests against delivery of 25 more. reached in Stockholm in delay and without seeking to exploit also remains a sticking point. Bashir’s rule. WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 ASIA 11 Congress begins campaign with huge rally in Gujarat

AGENCIES “How will the youth chief Rahul Gandhi, called unem- NEW DELHI ployment the most important get jobs? How will issue in the general election, India’s powerful Nehru-Gandhi women feel safer, which starts on April 11. Thou- dynasty launched a blistering and move forward? sands of party supporters attack yesterday on Narendra What will be done for clapped and cheered as the sib- Modi, as the opposition Congress lings spoke at a rally in Gandhi- party began election farmers?,” Priyanka nagar, the capital of Modi’s home campaigning with a massive rally Gandhi Vadra said in state, Gujarat. Pollsters have said in the prime minister’s home her first speech since Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata state. joining the party as Party (BJP) has an early Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, advantage after India’s armed the sibling descendants of India’s a general secretary forces clashed with those of founding leader Jawaharlal earlier this year. arch-rival Pakistan last month. Nehru, likened their quest to Before then, the prime min- defeat Modi to the country’s pre- ister had been under pressure Congress President Rahul Gandhi (centre) waves to attendees next to All India Congress Committee independence struggle against arms over massive debt burdens. over unemployment and rising General-Secretary for Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (right), and former Prime Minister British rule. “Leaders who make But analysts say the BJP has problems for farmers. India’s big promises in 2014 should be gained ground after India unemployment rate shot up to Manmohan Singh during a rally in Adalaj, some 30km from Ahmedabad, yesterday. asked, where is that which they launched retaliatory air strikes 7.2 percent in February, the promised?” Priyanka told a huge on Pakistan last month in highest since September 2016, Congress rally in Gujarat, a response to a suicide bombing according to the Centre for Mon- BJD to go it alone in elections stronghold state ruled for 12 that killed 40 Indian paramilitary itoring Indian Economy. years by Modi as chief minister troops in Kashmir. Amid doubts about the before his ascension to top office. Congress has sought to success of the Indian strike, IANS will be the only yardstick. The “the party’s parliamentary board Rahul Gandhi has been deflate the BJP’s advantage over opposition parties including BHUBANESWAR Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and will take a decision in this attacking Modi over his eco- the clash with Pakistan, ques- Congress said earlier this month the Congress, meanwhile, have regard.” nomic record, accusing him of tioning the potency of strikes. they would launch a united Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President started finalising their candi- The All India Congress Com- failing on his election promise in “How will the youth get jobs? attack on Modi for what they and Odisha Chief Minister dates’ lists for simultaneous polls mittee (AICC) is likely to 2014 to create employment for How will women feel safer, and called his politicisation of the Naveen Patnaik said, here in the state. announce names of candidates India’s millions of job seekers. move forward? What will be armed forces since the confron- yesterday, his party will not forge BJP’s state in-charge Arun for the first phase of the Lok Critics say Modi’s flagship done for farmers?,” Priyanka tation with Pakistan. an alliance with any party and Singh said the list of candidates Sabha and the Assembly elec- policies — including new taxes Gandhi Vadra said in her first Pollsters had said ques- will go it alone in the Lok Sabha will be out within a week. On the tions by March 18. “The Congress and the cancellation of huge speech since joining the party as tioning Modi on national security and Assembly elections. speculation that Prime Minister is yet to finalise names of candi- numbers of banknotes — have a general secretary earlier this rather than focusing on everyday “We will fight on our own,” Narendra Modi will contest Lok dates. The list may be released not produced promised jobs, year. “These are the election issues could backfire on the Patnaik said. On the selection of Sabha election from the pil- on March 17 or 18,” said Congress while India’s farmers are up in issues.” Her brother, Congress prime minister’s opponents. candidates, he said winnability grimage town of Puri, Singh said, leader Chiranjib Biswal. DRDO successfully Glamour and surprise rule conducts third Trinamool list, 10 MPs axed Pinaka rocket test IANS IANS a surprise choice from Jadavpur — leading NEW DELHI KOLKATA Bengali films heroine Mimi Chakraborty. Another popular actress Nusrat Jahan The Defence Research and West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress has been made the candidate from Development Organisation yesterday declared its list of Lok Sabha poll Basirhat, by dropping sitting MP Idris Ali - yesterday successfully test- candidates, dropping 10 sitting MPs, nomi- known as a prominent Muslim face of the fired the multi-barrel rocket nating some turncoats and giving 41 party. Basirhat had witnessed communal system Pinaka from the percent representation to women, violence in 2017, and Banerjee had then Pokhran range in Rajasthan for including a number of Bengali screen reportedly got upset with Ali’s role. the third time. celebrities like Mimi Chakraborty and Leading Bengali film hero Dipak The earlier two tests were Nusrat Jahan. Adhikari (Dev) would seek re-election from conducted on Monday. Announcing the candidates, Trinamool Ghatal constituency in West Midnapore “All the three trials met the supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Ban- district, while actress Satabdi Roy would mission objectives. The consec- erjee said Harvard University professor fight to retain her Birbhum seat. The Chief Minister of West Bengal and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee utive successful missions of and eminent historian Sugato Bose — who From Howrah, the Trinamool has re- speaks during a press conference to announce the candidates for the upcoming guided Pinaka prove the had earned many plaudits for his speeches nominated Arjuna awardee and former general election, in Kolkata, yesterday. efficacy, reliability and high during his first stint in parliament - has Indian football captain Prasun Banerjee. precision capabilities of the opted out of the contest as “he did not get As many as 17 of the 42 Trinamool candi- upset victory over Communist Party of Asansol, where she is likely to take on weapon system,” the DRDO permission from his university”. In place dates in the state are women. Yesteryear’s India-Marxist veteran Basudeb Acharia in Bharatiya Janata Party candidate, singer- said in a statement. of Bose, the Trinamool has come up with actress Moon Moon Sen, who pulled up an Bankura in 2014, has been shifted to turned-Union Minister Babul Supriyo. The weapon system, mounted on a Tatra truck, is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance kit comprising an BJD, TRS, YSRCP to be key to govt formation: Survey advanced navigation and control system. On Monday, the weapon IANS short of the half-way mark of 272 the opposition parties against the them, the YSRCP is expected to it in reaching a comfortable system impacted the intended NEW DELHI to form the government while BJP-led government, is likely to get 11 in Andhra Pradesh, the BJD majority. While the principal targets with high precision and the UPA - led by the Congress - win 14 seats. West Bengal’s ruling may win 9 in Odisha and the TRS fight in the Lok Sabha battle 2019 achieved desired accuracies in Telangana’s TRS, Andhra can get only 141 seats. Trinamool Congress, whose chief is likely to sweep Telangana (16 remains between NDA and UPA, both the trials. Pradesh’s YSR Congress and The survey predicted that the Mamata Banerjee has also taken out of 17 seats). the third block of non-BJP and The telemetry systems Odisha’s BJD are likely to hold Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj the lead to forge a mahagath- As the three parties has still non-Congress regional parties tracked and monitored the the key in government formation Party alliance in Uttar Pradesh bandhan against the ruling dis- been maintaing equidistance will have a major say in deciding vehicle all through the flight after election results of the seven may get 47 seats and it is unlikely pensation, may get 34 seats. with the BJP and the Congress, the next government. Within the path, the defence PSU said. phase Lok Sabha elections are to support a Bharatiya Janata The CVoter-IANS opinion they are likely to play a decisive NDA, the Janata Dal-United and out on May 23. Party-led government led by poll has predicted that the three role in government formation. the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) of According to a CVoter-IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi. parties — the YSR Congress The support from any of Bihar are expected to win 20 Rahul to opinion poll, the National Dem- The Telugu Desam Party, led Party, the Telangana Rashtra these three parties would not seats while the Shiv Sena is going ocratic Alliance is predicted to by Chandrababu Naidu, which Samithi and the Biju Janata Dal only take the NDA past the to emerge another dominant address rally get only 264 seats, falling eight is playing a major role to unite (BJD) — can win 36 seats. Out of majority point but also will help partner with 14 seats. in TN today

Myanmar repatriates remains of WWII US airmen Sri Lankan Parliament finally IANS CHENNAI AFP approves 2019 budget YANGON Congress President Rahul AFP reserves had improved since the Gandhi today will begin the The remains of suspected COLOMBO crisis. The budget was due in campaign for the Lok Sabha American airmen killed in early November, but it was polls in Tamil Nadu from Myanmar during World War II Sri Lanka’s parliament yesterday scuttled when President Nagercoil. were repatriated to the United approved the cash-strapped Maithripala Sirisena sacked his Leaders of Congress allies States yesterday in the first- country’s 2019 budget, which coalition government on including DMK President M K ever-ceremony-of-its-kind in had been delayed by four October 26 and sparked an Stalin and others will share the the Southeast Asian nation, US months due to a power struggle unprecedented power struggle. dais with Gandhi at Nagercoil officials said. triggered by President It was originally due to be in Kanyakumari district. The remains of hundreds of Maithripala Sirisena dismissing unveiled on November 5. The Congress will fight the American military personnel are the premier. With no spending approved elections as part of DMK-led still unaccounted for in Finance Minister Mangala by parliament by the start of front that includes MDMK, CPI, Myanmar, a key conflict arena US military honour guards carry the flag-draped coffin bearing Samaraweera secured an 2019, the country was on the CPI-M, VCK, IUML, IJK and in Asia between the Allies and the recovered remains of suspected American airmen during a absolute majority in the 225- brink of defaulting on a $1.5bn KDMK. It may be recalled Stalin Japan during World War II. ceremony at the Mandalay International Airport, Myanmar, yesterday. member house despite threats foreign loan repayment due in had proposed Gandhi’s name The remains repatriated yes- from the opposition to defeat the January. as the Prime Ministerial can- terday are believed to be linked located. A ceremony was held at plane. “This ceremony is a budget and topple the However, the supreme court didate. The Congress has got to a crashed B-25G aircraft in Mandalay International Airport reminder of the deep, enduring, government. intervened and restored the nine Lok Sabha seats in Tamil February 1944 in the Salingyi yesterday afternoon. historical connections between Samaraweera yesterday government, which rushed Nadu and the lone seat in area of the northwest Sagaing White-gloved servicemen our two countries that date back eased some of the import through an interim budget in Puducherry. Arriving here in region. The wreckage was found saluted before loading a flag- to even before Myanmar’s inde- restrictions on vehicles for gov- December to clear the way to the morning, Gandhi will in an investigation two years draped coffin bearing the pendence,” said US Ambassador ernment servants, saying the meet its foreign debt servicing interact with the students of later, but the graves could not be remains onto a C-17 military to Myanmar Scot Marciel. country’s foreign exchange obligations. Stella Maris College for Women. 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019

Pakistan assures Dialogue only way US to deal ‘firmly’ with all terrorists, forward to resolve says Bolton REUTERS WASHINGTON issues: Pakistan FM White House National Security Adviser John Bolton yesterday said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister INTERNEWS The government had assured him that Islamabad ISLAMABAD is effectively was committed to de-escalating tensions with India and dealing Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah implementing the “firmly” with terrorists. Mehmood Qureshi yesterday National Action Plan “Spoke with Pakistani FM said that dialogue was the only to combat terrorism, (Shah Mehmood) Qureshi to way forward to resolve issues said Shah Mehmood encourage meaningful steps with India. against JeM (Jaish-e- Addressing a joint press con- Qureshi. Mohammed) and other terrorist ference along with his German groups operating from counterpart Heiko Maas, who of the escalation in tensions Pakistan,” Bolton said on arrived in Islamabad yesterday, between India and Pakistan in the Twitter. “The FM assured me Qureshi said the government was aftermath of the February 14 that Pakistan would deal firmly Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (right) speaks with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (third ensuring implementation of the Pulwama attack, and Pakistan’s with all terrorists and will con- left) during a meeting in Islamabad yesterday. National Action Plan in letter and restrained response to what he tinue steps to de-escalate ten- spirit to combat terrorism. called Indian aggression. sions with India,” Bolton added. Pakistan took a number of The Minister further called lution of the Kashmir dispute. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Kashmir issue according to the Islamabad has denied important steps to de-escalate the on the international community The German FM acknowl- Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua UN resolutions. The Foreign Sec- Indian accusations of aiding tensions with India, Qureshi and the United Nations to take edged Pakistan’s role in the said peace in the region was not retary appreciated the role of the militant groups and said it is noted. “Dialogue is the only way notice of what he said the ongoing Afghan peace process. possible without resolving the international community in de- taking action against all such forward. There is no military ongoing human rights violations He said Germany and Pakistan Kashmir issue. escalating recent tensions groups including JeM, which it solution to the issue,” he stressed. in Indian-administered Kashmir. enjoyed good relations and reaf- Addressing an international between Pakistan and India. banned in 2001. Emphasising that the war German Foreign Minister firmed further cooperation with conference in Islamabad, Janjua She highlighted Pakistan’s Qureshi told Bolton that against terrorism was a regional Heiko Maas expressed concern Pakistan in trade and other said Pakistan had taken several responsible role, adding that the Pakistan’s strike in Kashmir on as well as a global concern, at the human rights violations in sectors. Earlier, the German Min- steps for regional peace such as country only acted when Indian February 27 was in self-defence Qureshi said Pakistan was taking Indian-administered Kashmir ister and his accompanying del- the opening of Kartarpur Cor- forces violated the Line of and retaliation to India’s raid steps to deal with extremism in and the tensions between India egation met Pakistani delegation ridor to facilitate Sikh pilgrims Control (LoC). on its territory a day earlier. consultation with the political and Pakistan. headed by Qureshi. Both sides from India, and the Samjhota The Foreign Secretary said leadership. The minister suggested that discussed matters pertaining to Express that runs between long-lasting peace in Afghanistan The Foreign Minister said he negotiations be held for de-esca- bilateral relations and regional Pakistan and India. She added could only be achieved through 20 sentenced to apprised his German counterpart lation in tensions and for reso- situation. that Pakistan wants a solution to talks between Afghans. death in Punjab

AP North Korea election sees 99.99% turnout MULTAN AFP A court in Pakistan has PYONGYANG result is never in doubt. This year’s deputies to the SPA registered in relevant conclusively, Kim could have calculated sentenced 20 members of a turnout fell a tiny fraction short of 100 constituencies,” it added. A detailed list it would make the country look more criminal gang to death after Turnout in nuclear-armed North Korea’s percent as those “abroad or working in of the 687 candidates was not immedi- like a normal state if he didn’t carry an finding them guilty of killing single-candidate elections hit 99.99 oceans” were unable to take part, the ately available, but the North’s official extra title of deputy to the legislature several security officials and percent this year, state media said North’s official KCNA news agency Korean Central Television yesterday read when he already holds the country’s kidnappings in Punjab yesterday - up from a seemingly unim- reported. out the names of elected members. highest rank,” he continued. province. In yesterday’s ruling, provable 99.97 percent the last time “Single-minded unity” is one of Surprisingly Kim Jong Un’s name Kim is officially chairman of the the court in the city of Multan polls were held. Pyongyang’s most enduring slogans and was not among the called, an official of Workers’ Party and chairman of the also sentenced two men to life With participation figures that as in 2014, the votes in the weekend Seoul’s unification ministry in charge of State Affairs Commission, the top gov- in prison over links to the gang. Western democracies would never elections were 100 percent in favour of inter-Korean relations said. ernment body, although his late grand- The Chotu gang remained achieve, millions of North Koreans head the named candidates. In 2014, Kim received a 100 percent father Kim Il Sung remains the coun- active until 2016, when police to nationwide polls every five years to “All the electors participated as one turnout in his Mount Paektu constit- try’s Eternal President despite dying in backed by military helicopters elect the legislature known as the in the election to cement our people’s uency, with 100 percent in favour, 1994. raided its hideouts in the town Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA). power as firm as a rock,” KCNA said, according to KCNA. Kim’s apparent The current leader’s younger sister of Rajanpur and arrested But with only one approved name citing a report released by the Central exclusion was “unprecedented” and and close aide Kim Yo Jong was among dozens of suspects. Pakistan has on each voting slip in the isolated Election Committee. “puzzling”, said Lim Eul-chul, professor the newly elected SPA members, the executed hundreds of inmates country, which is ruled with an iron grip “One hundred percent of them cast of North Korean studies at Kyungnam South’s Yonhap news agency reported, since 2014, when it lifted a mor- by Kim Jong Un’s Workers’ Party, the their ballots for the candidates for University. “While it’s hard to say citing Pyongyang state media. atorium on the death penalty. 13 troops die as Release of Indonesian in Kim Taliban attacks Afghan checkposts case legal, says Mahathir

AP AFP Aisyah’s swift release had KABUL KUALA LUMPUR sparked anger in Malaysia, and accusations that the government Taliban insurgents overran Malaysia’s Prime Minister had caved in to diplomatic several army checkpoints and yesterday said the surprise pressure. killed at least 13 Afghan soldiers release of an Indonesian woman Meanwhile, Indonesia’s in battles that raged for three who was on trial for assassi- President Widodo met with the days in western Badghis nating the North Korean leader’s 27-year-old woman at Jakarta’s province, provincial officials half-brother followed the “rule presidential palace following said yesterday. of law”, after suspicions of her return. Jamshid Shahabi, the pro- meddling amid an intense “Thank God. We should be vincial governor’s spokesman, lobbying effort by Jakarta. grateful that Siti Aisyah was said the fate of a dozen other Siti Aisyah was freed by a freed ... and could be reunited soldiers was unknown. Malaysian court on Monday with her family,” Widodo told He said the fighting erupted after prosecutors withdrew a reporters after the two met on Saturday in Bala Murghab murder charge without any behind closed doors. district, where the military explanation, more than two “This has been a very long carried out several air strikes years after her arrest for the process ... It’s the result of the and sent reinforcements. 2017 killing of Kim Jong Nam at government’s concern for its cit- Shahabi said 42 insurgents Kuala Lumpur airport. izens,” he added. were killed and 15 troops were Her sudden release She had been on trial wounded in the fighting. prompted questions about inter- alongside a Vietnamese woman, Mohammad Naser Nazari, ference in Malaysia’s justice Doan Thi Huong, who was not a member of the provincial system, particularly after the freed at the same time. council, gave a higher casualty No takers on a rainy day Indonesian government The pair always denied toll, however, saying 20 sol- revealed that it had lobbied murder, insisting they were A street vendor selling oranges waits for customers on a rainy day in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. diers were killed and 20 others Kuala Lumpur on the case, tricked by North Korean spies were missing. including pressure from Pres- into carrying out the Cold War- The Taliban have claimed ident Joko Widodo. style hit using a toxic nerve responsibility for the attack. Moon’s office reacts to Pyongyang ‘spokesman’ remark But Malaysian Prime Min- agent and thought it was just a In eastern Ghazni province, ister Mahathir Mohamad told prank. Vietnam’s foreign min- meanwhile, seven insurgents reporters in parliament that the ister Pham Binh Minh spoke to including their group leader AP Na’s speech at the National for the complete denucleari- decision was in line with “the his Malaysian counterpart yes- were killed in a drone attack in SEOUL Assembly in Seoul was inter- sation of the Korean Peninsula rule of law”. terday to request Huong be Andar district, said Arif Noori, rupted for about 20 minutes and permanent peace and pros- “There is a law that allows released as well, according to spokesman for the provincial The office of South Korean Pres- after legislators from the ruling perity.” Na said Moon’s outreach charges to be withdrawn. That state radio broadcaster Voice of governor. ident Moon Jae-in yesterday liberal party reacted angrily to to Pyongyang and proposals to was what happened. I do not Vietnam. However, dozens of people responded sharply to a her comments, approaching the restart inter-Korean economic know in detail the reasons,” he Huong’s lawyers have also brought dead bodies near the lawmaker’s accusation that he podium and engaging in projects banned under US-led said, adding he was unaware of asked the attorney-general to governor’s office in the pro- was acting as the “top shouting matches with oppo- international sanctions are any negotiations between Indo- withdraw her murder charge, and vincial capital Ghazni, claiming spokesman” of North Korean sition lawmakers. causing a rift with Washington, nesia and Malaysia on the issue. prosecutors may inform the Shah that those killed in the attack leader Kim Jong Un. “Do not waste energy that which has called for allies to On Monday, Indonesian offi- Alam High Court, outside Kuala were civilians. The Blue House said the should be used for the country maintain economic pressure cials released a letter from the Lumpur, today whether the appli- Sgt. 1st Class Debra Rich- comments by Na Kyung-won, on insulting (South Korean) until North Korea takes firmer country’s justice minister to cation has been successful. The ardson, a Resolute Support floor leader of the Liberty Korea people and the head of state,” the steps toward relinquishing its Malaysia’s attorney-general, women’s lawyers have presented spokeswoman, said yesterday’s Party, were an insult to both Blue House said in its statement. nuclear weapons and missiles which said Aisyah had been them as scapegoats. They say the air strike in Ghazni targeted Moon and South Koreans “The Liberty Korea Party and She demanded Moon “deceived” and sought her real murderers are four North and killed seven Taliban wanting peace and it demanded floor leader Na should bow in overhaul members of his release. The attorney-general Koreans who fled Malaysia fighters. an apology. apology to the people who yearn security and diplomatic team. agreed to the request last week. shortly after the assassination. WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 EUROPE 13 British MPs reject Brexit deal again

AFP May has promised to once again an independent LONDON allow MPs to vote on a country able to make our own “no deal” option today choices.” British MPs overwhelmingly and if that is rejected, After MPs first rejected the rejected Prime Minister Theresa 585-page Brexit deal in January, May’s Brexit deal for a second to decide tomorrow May promised changes to the time yesterday, pitching Britain whether to ask the EU hated backstop plan which is into the unknown just 17 days to delay Brexit. intended to keep open the border before it is due to split from the with Ireland. European Union. Weeks of talks failed to make The House of Commons May has promised to allow a breakthrough, but May made voted by 391 to 242 to reject the MPs to vote on a “no deal” option a last-minute trip to Strasbourg divorce deal, even after May today and if that is rejected, to to meet EU leaders on the eve of secured further guarantees from decide tomorrow whether to ask the vote. Brussels over its most contro- the EU to delay Brexit. She announced she had Anti-Brexit campaigners protest outside the Houses of Parliament, in London, yesterday. versial elements. “If this vote is not passed secured the promised “legally The move risks unleashing tonight, if this deal is not passed, binding changes” to the backstop, declare their opposition. deal, it’s not perfect, but it “There will be no third economic chaos, as Britain is then Brexit could be lost,” she which would keep Britain in the Opposition Labour leader delivers Brexit and let’s go for it.” chance,” European Commission scheduled to end ties with its said before the vote. EU’s customs union if and until Jeremy Corbyn also urged par- The backstop is designed to chief Jean-Claude Juncker said biggest trade partner after 46 However, eurosceptics a new way was found to avoid liament to vote down May’s plan. protect the peace process in on Monday. years on March 29, no matter believe the deal is so bad it is frontier checks. “After three months of Northern Ireland, which involved If MPs vote against a “no what. worth the risk of leaving with no But hours later, however, running down the clock, the the removal of border checks deal” exit today, and want to Appealing to MPs in a voice plan. Attorney-General Geoffrey Cox prime minister has, despite very with EU member Ireland. postpone Brexit, the other 27 EU half-breaking due to a cold, May “We must take what now said the additions would not extensive delays, achieved not a Brexit supporters wanted a nations would need to agree. had urged them to avoid the seems to be the more difficult completely allay MPs fears of single change to the withdrawal unilateral way out of it, or a time Their leaders will meet in “economic shock” of leaving route but in the end the one that being trapped in the agreement,” he said. limit to the arrangement, but the Brussels for a summit on March without an agreement. preserves our self-respect,” said arrangement forever. Some eurosceptics changed EU said this would make it 21 to 22. But any postponement But she also warned euro- former foreign minister Boris It did not take long for their mind, however, urging their worthless. may have to be short-lived. sceptics, many of whom have Johnson, a favourite to succeed Brexit-supporting MPs in May’s colleagues not to risk But leaders across Europe Juncker on Monday said Brexit campaigned to leave the EU for May if she steps down. Conservative party, and her everything. also united behind a message “should be complete before the their whole careers, that if her “It is to leave on March 29 as allies, Northern Ireland’s Dem- Former minister Edward that this was the best and final European elections” at the end deal failed, so might Brexit. required by law and to become ocratic Unionist Party (DUP), to Leigh said: “You may not like the offer Britain could expect. of May. Irish separatists claim sending bomb parcels to UK ANATOLIA is believed that one has not yet of the claim. devices sent in the past which stamps, and the investigation LONDON been detected. “The Metropolitan Police and were linked to dissident groups was extended to Ireland in coop- The group claimed that three Police Scotland are aware of the associated with Northern eration with the local forces. A separatist group claiming to be of the devices were sent to “com- claim of responsibility for the Ireland-related terrorism, A car bomb explosion outside the Irish Republican Army (IRA) mercial targets” while the devices that were received at officers were already looking at a courthouse in Londonderry, has claimed responsibility for remaining two were posted to three buildings in London and at this as a line of enquiry. Northern Ireland in January was sending improvised explosive British army recruitment officers. the University of Glasgow on “However, we continue to claimed by a group calling them- devices in five packages to The group said a device dis- March 5 and 6,” a statement keep an open mind and enquiries selves the “New IRA.” various addresses in London and covered at Glasgow University issued yesterday said. “The claim continue.” The Irish Republican Army Glasgow last week. was intended for a British army was allegedly made on behalf of British counter-terrorism (IRA) and the Ulster Defence Jewish museum The claim by the group was recruitment officer who works the ‘IRA’.” investigators said they linked Association (UDA) were two received on Monday by a media there. It added: “The investigations three small improvised explosive armed groups which terroriaed attacker handed outlet in Northern Ireland, It claimed the remaining into these devices continue and devices received at addresses in Northern Ireland during the according to local media reports. undiscovered device was also relevant enquiries are being London on March 5 with a period of conflict between the life jail term Four of the five parcel bombs sent to a recruitment officer and made in relation to the claim that similar device found the next day British government and pro- AFP claimed to have been sent by the that all of the devices contained has been made. at the University of Glasgow. British paramilitaries on one side BRUSSELS group were intercepted by explosives. British police said in “Given the packages received Some of the envelopes and Irish republicans and nation- Scottish and British police, but it a statement that they were aware last week bore similarities to carried Republic of Ireland postal alists on the other. The French jihadist who shot dead four people in a terrorist attack at a Jewish museum was sentenced to life in prison by a Austria vows to keep Brussels court, after prose- cutors branded him a “coward” and a “psychopath”. ‘good’ ties with Russia Mehdi Nemmouche (pic- tured) was convicted last week AFP Lavrov said Austria was an of “terrorist murder” for the MOSCOW “important partner” for Russia, anti-Semitic gun rampage in praising their businessmen for the Belgian capital in May 2014, Austria’s foreign minister, who “not leaving the Russian market, a crime committed following caused controversy last year by despite (EU) sanctions”. his return from Syria’s inviting Vladimir Putin to her Kneissl did, however, call on battlefields. wedding, said that Austria Moscow to release 24 Ukrainian He was found to have killed wanted to maintain good ties sailors held in Russia since last the four victims in less than 90 with Russia despite EU sanc- year. They were captured seconds, shooting them with a tions. together with their vessels off handgun and a Kalashnikov Karin Kneissl met her Crimea in November, despite A file photo of passengers embarking a Junkers Ju-52 airplane of JU-AIR airline at the airport in rifle with what one paramedic Russian counterpart Sergei protests from Kiev and the West. Duebendorf, Switzerland. who attended the scene called Lavrov four months after she In November, Kneissl can- “surgical” precision. cancelled a trip to Moscow over celled a trip to Moscow after Before jurors retired to con- a spy scandal that soured rela- Austria said it uncovered an sider the sentence on Monday, Switzerland bans Ju-52 flights after crash tions between the two Austrian colonel suspected of the 33-year-old had smirked countries. spying for Russia since 1990s. and told the Brussels criminal REUTERS trimotor Junker JU-52 aircraft, commercial operation with his- “We support the principles Russia condemned these court “life goes on”. ZURICH built in the 1930s as a military toric aircraft no longer meets of the EU, but we try to keep accusations as “unfounded”, and The court said Nemmouche aircraft and later used by a Swiss today’s safety requirements,” the strong ties with Russia,” Kneissl yesterday Lavrov criticised had shown no regret for the Switzerland is withdrawing a tour operator for scenic flights, Swiss government said. said following talks with Lavrov. Austria for “suddenly deciding killings. “Mr Nemmouche, you tourist airline’s commercial when it crashed on August 5 last The agency said results from Vienna and Moscow “tradi- to publicly accuse the Russian are just a coward, you kill licence to carry paying year. an ongoing investigation of the tionally have great bilateral rela- Federation” over the alleged spy people by shooting them from passengers in its vintage planes “Following the accident in Ju-52’s crash last year supported tions”, she added. affair. behind, you kill old women by after a crash in the Swiss Alps the summer of 2018, Federal its decision, adding that shooting them with an assault last year killed 20 people, the Office for Civil Aviation (BAZL) European laws governing his- rifle, you kill because it gives country’s government said. re-evaluated the risks of pas- toric planes are due to be you pleasure to kill,” prosecutor Seventeen Swiss and three senger flights with classic planes changed in mid-2019 to forbid Germany to consult US over Yves Moreau had said. Austrians were aboard a and came to the conclusion that commercial operations. Huawei security fears: Merkel

AFP in the US,” she added. EU moves to protect whistleblowers FRANKFURT AM MAIN The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that US German Chancellor Angela ambassador Richard Grenell AFP and damage to people’s health undergo legal review before cover tax fraud, money laun- Merkel said Berlin would had warned that Washington STRASBOURG and the environment. being approved by the European dering, public procurement, consult Washington over using could scale back intelligence “We should protect whistle- Parliament and the European product and transport safety, technology made by China’s and other information European Union negotiators said blowers from being punished, Council, which groups the environmental protection, public Huawei in future mobile phone exchanges with Berlin if they had struck a first bloc-wide sacked, demoted or sued in court member countries. health, consumer protection and networks, following reports of Huawei technology was built provisional agreement aimed at for doing the right thing for The parliament said the deal data protection. US threats to reduce intelli- into Germany’s 5G telecoms protecting whistle blowers from society,” said Frans Tim- amounts to the “first EU-wide The rules aim to ensure gence cooperation. infrastructure. reprisals following corporate mermans, first vice-president of protection for whistleblowers,” information disclosed remains “We will define our While the embassy would scandals such as Dieselgate and the Commission, in a statement. allowing them to choose confidential, the parliament said standards for ourselves,” not confirm the report, a Cambridge Analytica. “These new, EU-wide between internal and external in a statement. Merkel said at a Berlin press spokesman said that Negotiators from the whistleblowers’ protection rules reporting, for example to “The agreed text explicitly pro- conference. “untrusted vendors in the net- European Parliament, European do exactly that and will make national or EU authorities. hibits reprisals and introduces safe- However, “we will of works of an ally... could raise Commission and the European sure they can report in a safe It said the new rules will both guards against a whistle-blower course discuss these questions future questions about the Council said the deal would way on breaches of EU law in “protect and encourage reporting being suspended, demoted, intim- with our partners in Europe as integrity and confidentiality of boost the fight against fraud, cor- many areas.” of breaches of EU law”. idated or other forms of retali- well as the relevant authorities sensitive communications.” ruption, corporate tax avoidance The agreement must still These potential breaches ation,” the parliament said. 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 House Speaker rules out impeaching Trump

AFP serious evidence of presidential WASHINGTON wrongdoing emerges. Others remain concerned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, that for now, an effort to oust America’s most powerful House Speaker Trump before the election might Democrat, said in remarks Nancy Pelosi said backfire, energising an angry published that she does not impeaching Trump is Republican base and antago- support impeaching Donald so divisive and he is nizing voters Democrats would Trump, arguing the Republican need in the next election. president is “just not worth it.” ‘not worth it’. Some in the party would “I’m not for impeachment,” prefer a political battle against Pelosi told The Washington Post, conman and cheat and sought Trump at the ballot box, rather the strongest signal yet that the to implicate his ex-boss in mul- than an impeachment effort Democratic leadership is deeply tiple crimes. waged in Congress. And with the hesitant about taking such an Even as she waves off calls Senate in Republican control, explosive step to remove a sitting to impeach Trump, Pelosi — who Trump’s ouster would be far president. in January began her second stint from assured. “Impeachment is so divisive as speaker after Democrats won Pelosi pointed to the excru- to the country that unless there’s back the House in midterm elec- ciating process of president Bill Supporters holding signs as former vice-president Joe Biden addresses the International Association something so compelling and tions — stressed that she does Clinton’s impeachment by the of Fire Fighters in Washington, DC, yesterday. overwhelming and bipartisan, I not believe he is fit to lead the House in 1998, and his subse- don’t think we should go down nation. quent acquittal by the Senate. that path, because it divides the “I don’t think he is” fit to be “That was horrible for the country,” she said. president, she said. “I mean, eth- country,” she said. Biden drops hint at presidential run “And he’s just not worth it.” ically unfit. Intellectually unfit. Congressman Jerry Nadler, Trump and his associates Curiosity-wise unfit.” who chairs the House Judiciary AFP blue-collar roots; criticism of Biden has another note- face multiple investigations, The investigations and Committee, said earlier this WASHINGTON Trump without naming him; and worthy speech this week. He including one headed by Special related testimony like Cohen’s month that while it was “very soaring oratory about America’s addresses a Democratic Party Counsel Robert Mueller that is may or may not produce evi- clear” that Trump has obstructed Former US vice-president Joe “creed” and the nation’s lead- dinner on Saturday in Delaware, looking into Russian influence dence of high crimes and mis- justice, “impeachment is a long Biden dropped teasing hints ership role in the world. the small state he represented on the 2016 US election and demeanours on the president’s way down the road.” yesterday that he could soon “I appreciate the energy you for 36 years in the US Senate potential collusion between part. Nadler’s committee announce a 2020 White House showed when I got up here,” the until his stint as Barack Obama’s Trump’s team and Moscow. Some rank-and-file House launched a sprawling new inves- campaign, telling an enthusiastic 76-year-old told the fire fighters. deputy. And in explosive congres- Democrats, like freshmen liberal tigation last week that is sure to crowd that he may need their “Save it a little longer. I may need Fellow Delawarean Chris sional testimony late last month, Rashida Tlaib, are keen to being take months, demanding docu- energy “in a few weeks.” it in a few weeks.” Coons, who replaced Biden in former Trump lawyer Michael impeachment proceedings. Their ments from 81 persons or entities The Democratic elder The room rose in unison for the Senate and speaks with him Cohen branded the president a ranks are sure to grow if more connected to Trump. statesman has been mulling a a standing ovation, and Biden regularly, said all signs point to challenge against President laughed as he said “be careful Biden jumping in. Donald Trump for months. what you wish for.” Biden clearly spoke in the Two former police While he tops nearly all early The event, attended by inspirational timber of a can- Dozens charged in college polls for the Democratic nomi- Biden’s wife Jill, could easily didate, insisting that what makes officers arrested in nations race, strategists and have been mistaken for a cam- America great is “ giving eve- admissions fraud scheme election observers have stressed paign stop. ryone a fair shot, leaving no one Brazil for murder that he is under pressure to enter The would-be candidate behind, demonising no one.” REUTERS scheme in which parents paid the crowded field soon, or bow himself jogged on stage to Bruce “We’re not able to be defined REUTERS BOSTON tens of thousands of dollars to out. Springsteen’s “We Take Care of by race, by religion, by tribe.” RIO DE JANEIRO arrange for someone to take Biden, a consensus-building Our Own,” followed by fire- “That’s what the next pres- Federal prosecutors in Boston their child’s college admissions pragmatist and Washington fighters chanting “Run, Joe, run.” ident of the United States needs Two former policemen were filed charges yesterday against test, and to designate their establishment fixture, is almost Biden quoted from the Decla- to understand, and that’s what I arrested in Rio de Janeiro dozens of people, including children as recruited athletes certain to jump in, with a cam- ration of Independence. don’t think this current president yesterday in connection with athletic coaches at Georgetown even if they were not, paign kickoff expected by mid- He would be an instant understands at all.” the murder of a local council- University and the University according to court papers April, sources recently told The frontrunner should he enter the He hit out at the tone of the woman and her driver, police of Southern California, saying unsealed yesterday. New York Times. race, occupying the centrist lane Trump era, saying extremism is and prosecutors said. they were part of a nationwide US Attorney Andrew Lelling Much about Biden’s address in a field of Democrats whose on the rise and “mean pettiness The operation that resulted admissions cheating and and other federal officials said to the International Association party has steadily shifted has overtaken our politics.” in the arrests came on the eve recruitment scheme. in a media advisory they will of Fire Fighters in Washington leftward in recent years. And he took aim at the of the first anniversary of the They charged the group unveil the charges at a news suggested he is in: attendees Senator Bernie Sanders cur- current administration’s policies, deaths of the councilwoman, with running a racketeering conference later in the day. waving printed “Run Joe Run” rently leads the liberal charge of including the Republican “tax cut Marielle Franco, and Anderson placards; recollections from his 2020 candidates. for the super wealthy.” Gomes. The suspects were iden- tified as Ronnie Lessa, a retired military police officer, and Élcio US expands policy on returning asylum seekers Vieira de Queiroz, a former policeman who was expelled from the force. REUTERS earlier this year, has been people who crossed illegally obligations under international government is working closely “Two police officers were WASHINGTON expanded to the Calexico port, have been returned so far, while treaties. with Mexican authorities to clear arrested with a direct and which is also in Southern Cali- the vast majority of those who President Donald Trump, the expansion plans. effective participation in the The United States is expanding fornia on the US-Mexico border. were sent back presented them- whose administration has “We’re not going to open a crime,” said Marcus Vinícius its programme to send asylum In addition, migrants who selves at legal ports of entry to worked to limit both legal and location if the Mexicans aren’t Braga, Rio de Janeiro state seekers back to Mexico to wait attempt to cross illegally and claim asylum. illegal immigration, said in an ready and able to process and police secretary. “With the out their US court proceedings then ask for asylum in the US Administration officials said interview with the website provide the humanitarian pro- these arrests, we get close to and so far has returned 240 border patrol’s San Diego sector even though many of the asylum Breitbart published yesterday tections that they agreed to,” one solving the crime.” people since starting the will now also be subject to claims are ultimately denied, that Mexican drug cartels should official said. Investigators said Lessa program in January, US officials return to Mexico, the officials applicants end up living in the be considered terrorist organi- DHS said the return policy fired the shots that killed told reporters yesterday. said. US for years while their court sations. He highlighted the does not apply to Mexican cit- Franco and Gomes on March The officials from the One official said border cases are processed. danger of Mexican cities close to izens, unaccompanied minors or 14, 2018, on the north side of Department of Homeland authorities had only started But immigration advocates the US border and said Mexico people with serious medical con- Rio. Queiroz drove the car that Security (DHS) said the policy, turning back people who crossed said that returning vulnerable is “considered one of the most ditions or disabilities but fam- ambushed them, investigators which was rolled out at the San between ports this past week. He migrants to dangerous border unsafe countries in the world.” ilies with children are being said. Ysidro port of entry in San Diego said that “a very low number” of cities is illegal and violates US DHS officials said the US returned. Guaido under probe over power outage US diplomats ordered to leave Venezuela AP Nicolas Maduro. CARACAS Rodriguez said the power grid ANATOLIA had been almost completely ANKARA Venezuelan opposition leader Juan restored and that water service was Guaido is under investigation for also returning. More neighbour- Venezuela has given US diplomats 72 hours to leave the the alleged sabotage of the coun- hoods of Caracas had power on country, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said yesterday. try’s power grid, the chief prose- Tuesday morning. But anecdotal “US diplomatic personnel must leave Venezuela in the cutor said yesterday, as the reports indicated continuing next 72 hours,” Arreaza said on Twitter. government sought to pressure an outages for many Venezuelans, If the US wants to reestablish ties with Venezuela, this adversary who blames corruption who were already suffering from can only happen through the United Nations, its Foreign and mismanagement for nearly a hyperinflation and shortages of Ministry said in a statement. week of national blackouts. food and medicine. The announcement follows Washington’s decision to The announcement by Tarek Yesterday, long lines of people withdraw its remaining diplomatic staff from its embassy William Saab, Venezuela’s attorney converged at springs in the moun- in Caracas this week. general, escalated the confrontation tains of Caracas to collect water in “This decision reflects the deteriorating situation in between the government and bottles because water pumps have Venezuela as well as the conclusion that the presence of Guaido even as the United States, Venezuelan opposition leader and self-proclaimed Acting President Juan been failing during the power US diplomatic staff at the embassy has become a constraint a key backer of the opposition Guaido arrives at the Venezuelan National Assembly, in Caracas, yesterday. outages. Venezuelans usually use on US policy,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on leader, said it was withdrawing its debit cards to pay for food and Twitter. last diplomats in Caracas. The US tried to detain the leader of the allegedly inciting people to robbery other necessities since hyperin- Venezuela has been rocked by protests since January has dismissed Venezuelan gov- opposition-controlled National and looting during power outages. flation has rendered the national 10, when President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a ernment accusations that it trig- Assembly since he violated a travel Information Minister Jorge Rod- currency, the bolivar, nearly second term following a vote boycotted by opposition. gered the power crisis with a ban and then returned a week ago riguez appeared on national tele- worthless. But the cards haven’t Tensions escalated when Juan Guaido, who heads “cyberattack.” from a tour of Latin American vision to condemn “Guaido and his worked because of the blackouts, Venezuela’s National Assembly, declared himself acting Guaido is already under inves- countries. gang” for their alleged attempt to forcing people to scrounge for president on January 23, a move which was supported by tigation for alleged instigation of Saab said the case against cut the power as a way of fomenting scarce cash and search for the few the US and many European and Latin American violence, but authorities have not Guaido also involves messages chaos and toppling President shops that were open. countries. WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019 HOME 15 Qatari women entrepreneurs share success stories at QNL

THE PENINSULA Shaza Ali, Production Manager people to improve their business DOHA of Purplebox, an e-shopping knowledge.” platform; Hissa Hamed, a Another speaker at the event, Several Qatari women shared pioneer in the volunteering field; Elham, said, “Building your own their entrepreneurial success Elham Al Ansari, volunteer business is a step-by-step stories with visitors at Qatar activist and fashion designer; and process. You cannot build it in National Library to mark Inter- Chef Nouf Al Marri, founder of one day. It requires time, national Women’s Day. Kashta restaurant and Chef Nouf patience and resources. You Speakers at the panel dis- Company for restaurant man- should start somewhere, maybe cussion, “Influential Women in agement, took part in the panel at the Library, and go on from Qatar: A Discussion on the Role discussion. there. I want everyone to attend of Women in the Qatari Com- “I have founded three restau- workshops, training and network munity’’, which was moderated rants so far. I am very proud of with people to improve their by Dr Latifa Al Darwish, Chief what I have achieved. We have skills.” Executive Officer of project man- several successful Qatari women Luanda Buffet, a participant agement company Itlaq, entrepreneurs who have at the event, said, “I recently explored the pioneering role achieved so much over the past moved to Qatar, and I am very women have played in the devel- decade, and have made us very delighted to attend this event to opment of the Qatari proud,” said Chef Nouf. learn about an important topic. community. “We need to teach entrepre- Everyone I met at the event pro- Rasha Al Sulaiti, the initiator neurship at an early age to have vided me with useful information of the first Arabic audiobook more successful entrepreneurs. about Qatar, the life here, and project in Qatar; The Library is the right place for how to be successful.” Qatari women sharing their entrepreneurial success stories at QNL. HBKU lectures explore different dynamics in Qatar QIC Group sponsors Katara THE PENINSULA Commenting on the International Beach Volleyball DOHA lecture series, Dr Emad El-Din Shahin, Dean of CIS at HBKU, Championship 2019 The College of Islamic Studies said, “All our lectures aim to (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa cover a broad range of topics THE PENINSULA University (HBKU) is currently and contribute to a deeper DOHA hosting a series of explorative understanding of Islam and lectures as part of its ongoing Muslim societies in all of their As a progressive leader in outreach program to offer the aspects. Corporate Social Responsibility wider community an oppor- The subjects that are put (CSR) and socially responsible tunity to learn more about the forward in these lectures business practices, Qatar various spheres of Islam and provide our students with the Insurance Group, the flagship Muslim societies. opportunity to interact with insurer is sponsoring the Katara On March 10, Dr Bernard scholars in the field from Qatar International Beach Volleyball O’Kane, professor of Islamic and abroad, and, in turn, Championship 2019 as the gold art and architecture at the provide scholars a platform to sponsor of the event. American University in Cairo, share their original works and The event which started yes- Dr Bernard O’Kane Dr Emad El-Din Shahin delivered a lecture on Stars experience with our terday at the Amphitheater at been ahead of the curve in hosting and Symmetry: The Name of students. Katara will witness participation various sporting and cultural the Prophet Muhammad in Dr Nasser El Din Saidouni from explored by Dr Asmaa Al These interactive forums of 50 teams from 29 countries. events in Qatar and through this Architectural Inscriptions, the Doha Institute of Graduate Fadala, director of research aim to ignite and present Qatar Insurance Group’s role partnership, QIC Group has once during which he took the Studies, who will address The and content development at debate within historical and as a sponsor highlights the com- again demonstrated its continued audience on a journey across Impact of the Curricula of the World Innovation Summit modern-day frameworks, pany’s unilateral focus on being commitment to local sporting Egypt, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Muslim Scholars on Europe, for Education (WISE), on March which in turn aid the scholarly a responsible corporate citizen events and raising Qatar’s global and beyond, exploring the tomorrow. 18. work and academic output of and demonstrates its full support profile in support of the Qatar various designs, materials, The lecture aims to examine From Qatar University, Dr CIS.” to all sports activities and initia- National Vision 2030.” and expressions of Arabic the nature of knowledge and Batul Khalifa, associate pro- To register to attend one or tives for the nation. Commenting Qatar Insurance Company calligraphy inscribing the science among Muslims, and fessor of mental health, and Dr more of the lectures, interested on the Group’s strategic part- (QIC) is a publicly listed composite name of the Prophet will investigate areas of inter- Hasan Yashou, assistant pro- participants can visit the col- nership, Salem Al Mannai (pic- insurer with a consistent per- Muhammad (PBUH) on 11th action between Islamic civili- fessor of objectives of Sharia’h, lege’s website. tured), Deputy Group President formance history of over 55 years to 16th century architecture zation and Europe. will address The Phenomenon All lectures are being held & CEO of QIC Group, remarked, and a global underwriting foot- in the region. Education Leadership: of Domestic Servants and their at the Auditorium, Minaretein “We are delighted to partner with print. Founded in 1964, QIC was Forthcoming lectures will Moving from Research to Social and Cultural Effects, on (College of Islamic Studies Katara to support this prestigious the first domestic insurance include a talk by guest lecturer, Action will be the topic March 20. building) in Education City. sporting event. Katara has always company in the State of Qatar. QU Health and WCM-Q engage students and faculty in IPE activity

THE PENINSULA of a professional healthcare team. professionals would best meet her DOHA It also teaches the students how needs, what they planned to do to communicate in a collaborative and how they saw the professions Over 160 health care students and manner. The program agenda working together. faculty from Qatar University (QU) started with welcoming remarks Commenting on the IPE College of Health Sciences (CHS), by CPH Assistant Dean for Student activity, CHS Public Health College of Pharmacy (CPH) and Affairs and QU Health IPEC Chair Department Assistant Professor Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar Dr Alla El Awaisi, who introduced Dr Diana Alsayed Hassan said: “I (WCM-Q) engaged in an inter- the students to the concepts of IPE was impressed with how the stu- professional education (IPE) and the importance of it empha- dents worked together by sharing activity organised by QU Health sizing that one profession alone their different professional per- Inter-professional Education cannot deliver patient care. spectives to solve the case study. Committee (IPEC). Students were given a mock I liked how the students’ diverse The event engaged students case, in which the patient is an backgrounds came together to find and faculty from various profes- elderly lady with a history of oste- a solution. This type of collabo- Students engage in some activities before the main IPE event. sions including pharmacy, med- oarthritis, hypertension, and var- rative work is the future of a suc- icine, public health, and nutrition, icose veins, and who was brought cessful healthcare system.” opportunity for the students to care team play.” knowledge and perspectives, with the aim of introducing the to the emergency department fol- WCM-Q Assistant Professor come together and gain a greater CPH first-year pharmacy we’ve realised how important concept of IPE to students and lowing a fall. The students were of Medicine, Dr Liam Ferny- understanding of the vital roles student Halima Saadia said, “By this collaboration is in delivering enabling them to learn to be part expected to then identify which hough, said: “This was a great that each members of the health working together and sharing effective patient care.” Oscar launches a whole slow juicer & power vacuum blender THE PENINSULA DOHA

Eating more fruits and vegetables is one of the best things one can do for their health. Now, instead of spending on bottled versions of juices with varying degrees of freshness, Oscar, a Qatar-based leading brand of electronics and appliances, has launched a sleek, design-friendly countertop slow juicer, OSJ-2018, with a gentle juice extraction system capable of yielding 85% juice containing a lot more vitamins than a regular juicer. Furthermore, its juice and pulp cups are made of TRITAN, an eco-friendly polymer. TRITAN is stronger and more resistant to odour than other food containers. The material used is also BPA free. It at a relatively slow, cool speed, which cuts down on comes with a large 83 mm throat that allows you to oxidation and preserves more nutrients. This new slow put in most fruits whole without the need to cut them. juicer extract juice by first crushing and then pressing Its double stainless steel filter design aides in fruit and vegetables for the highest juice yield. enhancing the juice yield. It also has an innovative A Vacuum Power Blender operates in the same Car draw at Saudia Department Store-Plaza Mall juice outlet that is adjustable to slide in or out to suit way as a normal kitchen blender but it has a method the vessel it is being collected in. of removing the air from the ingredients in the Ooredoo - Recharge Qatar Renault Megane Sedan 1.6L car draw was held on March 11 at the Saudia The Oscar slow juicer operates by crushing and blender jug prior to blending them up. By effectively Department Store-Plaza Mall, Mesaimeer Branch, in the presence of Saudia Group’s Operation Manager squeezing fruit, as opposed to regular or centrifugal creating a vacuum in the jug, the thorny issue of intro- and Marketing Manager; Ooredoo officials and Ministry of Commerce and Industry officials. juicers, which slice and separate fruit with a quickly ducing tiny bubbles of air into the ingredients is spinning blade. Slow juicers do their thing eliminated. 16 MORNING BREAK WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04. 30 AM SHOROOK 05. 46 AM

ZUHR 11. 44 AM MAGHRIB 05. 44 PM ASR 03. 08 PM ISHA 07. 14 PM

WEATHER TODAY

Qatar Airways’ Brussels-Doha all-female crew flight. Qatar Airways all-female flight wins praise from European policymakers

THE PENINSULA Qatar Airways has committed to sup- Violeta Bulc, said: “Women in transport Airways’ all-female crew flight DOHA porting the awards for the next are under-represented, constituting departing today from the capital of decade, as it recognises the need to less than five percent of female pilots Europe, the historical land of social Qatar Airways celebrated a landmark encourage women to succeed and globally. We need to change this and rights and gender equality, highlights o o flight on Sunday as its scheduled excel at all levels of the industry. The strengthen women’s employment in the airline’s commitment to align 17 C 26 C service from Brussels to Doha was first winners will be announced at the aviation sector. Actions like Qatar with the spirit of the EU-Qatar Com- Minimum Maximum operated by a crew made up entirely the IATA AGM in June. Airways’ flight with an all-female crew prehensive Air Transport Agreement. of 15 women. Qatar Airways Group Chief Exec- are a great example how to bring down Such an initiative sends a clear The Airbus A350 flight from the utive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar stereotypes and encourage more message to the world. Gender Mild daytime with some clouds and rela- tively cold by night. Belgian capital to the airline’s hub in Airways is committed to promoting women to join the sector. In the future equality is about concrete actions and Qatar was the first time all crew gender diversity, both within our I hope to see more flights with a female I praise Qatar Airways’ commitment

HIGH TIDE 07:34 – 22:20 LOW TIDE 03:34 –15:35 members — from the cockpit right airline and the industry as a whole. Our captain and a female co-pilot and more to make concrete steps in that Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department through to the cabin— had a 100 flight from Brussels to Doha is a tes- concrete actions for a gender-balanced direction.” percent female roster. tament to our wider goal of ensuring aviation sector. Greater gender balance Director General Mobility and The airline recently announced that women are equally represented can drive progress and development Transport at the European Com- a ten-year partnership with the at Qatar Airways, and recognises that in all sectors of society. Only together mission, Henrik Hololei, said: “It is International Air Transport Associ- the most advanced societies include can we create a planet that thrives and wonderful to see that Qatar Airways ation (IATA) for the launch of the women in the highest ranks of societies that blossom.” encourages more women to join the ‘IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards’, leadership.” Speaking on the day of the flight, aviation sector and promotes this great which promote greater gender diver- Commenting on the flight, Member of the European Parliament industry among future aviation sification in the aviation industry. European Commissioner for Transport Isabella De Monte, said: “Qatar professionals.” Qatar Airways concludes exciting week at ITB Berlin

THE PENINSULA airline will launch in 2019, more choices, 25 percent passengers in Economy Class biodegradable products and DOHA including Lisbon, Portugal; larger main courses, 20 will now enjoy even greater reduction in single-use Malta; Rabat, Morocco; percent larger appetisers, and meal choice as well as larger plastic. Economy Class pas- Qatar Airways concluded a Langkawi, Malaysia; Davao, 50 percent larger desserts. appetizers, main courses and sengers will also be able to spectacular week at this Philippines; Izmir, Turkey and Qatar Airways Group Chief desserts. Our new Economy enjoy improved connectivity, year’s ITB Berlin, at which the Mogadishu, Somalia. Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: Class experience revealed including up to 10 times faster airline revealed seven new Also on the opening day “We have enjoyed a tremen- here in Berlin this week broadband, as well as more destinations to be added to of the exhibition, Qatar dously successful week in proves our commitment to than 4,000 entertainment its global route network in Airways revealed its new Berlin, and are particularly offering the very finest expe- options on Qatar Airways’ 2019, in addition to unveiling Economy Class experience, excited to announce these rience to all of our pas- Oryx One in-flight enter- a newly enhanced Economy featuring a world-class seat many new additions to our sengers, no matter what class tainment system. Present at Class product to hundreds of with an innovative 19-degree global route network. These they are travelling in. We the unveiling of Qatar Airways’ trade and industry represent- recline system, additional new European, Asian and thank the many guests who new Economy Class expe- atives as well as members of legroom, dual trays, 13.3-inch African gateways will offer visited our stand in Berlin last rience were FC Bayern the international media. 4 K widescreens and type ‘C’ both our business and leisure week, and we look forward München stars Corentin At a packed press con- fast charging USB port. The travellers even greater choice to welcoming all passengers Tolisso, French international ference on the opening day of airline’s new in-flight dining and flexibility, and clearly on board.” and World Cup winner in 2018, ITB, Qatar Airways Group Chief experience ‘Quisine’, rede- demonstrate that Qatar Qatar Airways’ new and Lothar Matthäus, former Executive, Akbar Al Baker, fines Economy Class service, Airways is moving forward Economy Class proposition German international who announced an array of forth- with all new retail-style with its robust growth plans. sees a significant increase in captained his nation to victory coming global destinations the tableware, a menu offering “Qatar Airways rotable, recyclable and in the 1990 World Cup. HBKU Press participates in London and Paris book fairs

THE PENINSULA until March 14; and is the first time that meet their strategic vision, HBKU Press’s Outreach and DOHA it ever participates in the Paris while establishing relationships Special Projects Manager. “While Book Fair, from March 16 to 19. with entities that can expand the we are here representing local Hamad Bin Khalifa University HBKU Press will be alongside reach of their titles. Qatari and Arab talents and Press is representing Qatar on the thousands of other exhibitors par- “Over nine years of the pub- helping to facilitate the dissem- European literary stage at two of ticipating in the international fairs lishing house’s catalog of ination of local talent and local the most influential book fairs in that host authors, literary agents, acclaimed works and innovative narratives to different regions the region: The London Book Fair publishing companies, publishing- publications, from award- across the globe, it is exciting to 2019 and Salon Livre Paris 2019 related companies as well as and winning original titles in both see that each year there is a (the Paris Book Fair). This will be media outlets from around the English and Arabic, to translated marked rise in interest in HBKU HBKU Press’s second consecutive world. At both fairs, HBKU Press works by globally recognised Press as we continue to form Dana Al Fardan to feature at Sounds year showcasing their catalog of plans to promote the brand inter- authors and translators, will be new relationships and solidify works at the London Book Fair, nationally, enter into agreements represented at both of these existing ones with publishers of Qatar concert at QNL tonight which began yesterday and runs to buy and sell the rights of books fairs,” explains Rima Ismail, around the globe.” THE PENINSULA HBKU Press has already DOHA established ties with British pub- lishing houses, literary agencies, Dana Al Fardan (pictured), critically acclaimed Qatari musician, and distribution centres since its composer, songwriter and symphonic artist will celebrate Interna- inception in 2010 making it a tional Women’s Day with a special concert at the Qatar National stronghold in the UK market. Library (QNL) tonight. Titled Sounds of Qatar, the concert features Year after year, and through its several of Dana’s most notable compositions, including work participation in such fairs, HBKU commissioned by the Library, Qatar Museums and Qatar Airways. Press works closely with these Dana Alfardan, whose compositions have gained international stakeholders to engage in cross- recognition, has returned to Qatar from a worldwide promotion of cultural communications to the West End production Broken Wings composed by herself. The share the best the region has to successful businesswoman and musician, who was recently named offer with UK audiences as well the official composer for Qatar Airways, will take centre stage for as translating notable British her second concert at this landmark venue in Doha. This concert is works into Arabic. being presented in collaboration with the Qatar Philharmonic In recent years, HBKU Press Orchestra, the Qatar Concert Choir, Aisha and Fares Dehbi. has forged relationships with “I am thrilled to be hosting the concert at this iconic venue, French publishers, like Nathan which is celebrating its one-year anniversary in April. I am a champion and Humensis, in an effort to of women empowerment and I believe in the immense role that Qatari breach a market previously women play in society. This concert pays homage to all of them and I untapped. From there, HBKU hope it succeeds in highlighting the impact they have created throughout Press has already translated a history.” The music set includes some of Dana’s best loved and world- series of books on parenting and famous compositions including the famous The Sounds of the Library, other children’s books, with the a song composed for QNL, and Dialogues, a song specially created for hopes of bringing more quality the international touring exhibition of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al HBKU Press plans to promote the brand internationally in London Book Fair 2019 and Salon Livre Paris works from France to the Arab Thani Museum, among others. The concert is free of charge and open 2019 (the Paris Book Fair). world in the coming years. to the public, and is scheduled from 6pm to 7pm.