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Sunday 9 April 2017 | 12 Rajab 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7126 | 2 Riyals

Emir to visit Rules likely to African nations promote green QNA mir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will Epay a state visit to a number of African countries refrigerators from tomorrow. The tour will include vis- its to Ethiopia, Kenya and Sanaullah Ataullah South Africa. The Emir will The Peninsula GCC countries are hold meetings with leaders working on a plan and high ranking officials, lose on the heels of a to prepare unified with focus on enhancing ban on the import bilateral relations and and sale of conven- specifications for exchanging views on issues tional air rationalisation of joint interest. Agreements conditioners, plans of electricity and and Memorandums of Under- Care afoot to introduce energy- standing in various fields will efficient refrigerators and water for member be signed during the visits. geysers in the local market, a countries in the senior official has said. next two years. Ministry nod Qatar General Authority for Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at The Mall of Qatar after the official Specifications and Standardi- must for zation (QS) and Qatar General air conditioners within five opening ceremony yesterday. BELOW: The Father Emir unveiling the name plaque. Electricity and Water Corpora- years considering the life span religious events tion (Kahramaa) are currently and warranty period of the sold working on a plan to prepare units,” said Al Mesaifiri. Father Emir opens The Mall of Qatar specifications for refrigerators During the warranty period The Peninsula and geysers to increase their spare parts and maintenance energy efficiency level, said services for traditional ACs are Fazeena Saleem outh centres will have Mohamad Al Mesaifiri, Head of required and therefore they will The Peninsula to take approval of the ports, quality and conformity be accepted. They will be elimi- YMinistry of Awqaf and specialisation unit at QS. nated eventually as people prefer ather Emir H H Sheikh Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) to GCC countries are working energy efficient products — win- Hamad bin Khalifa Al organise any religious activ- on a plan to prepare unified dows and split units, he added. FThani yesterday officially ity, especially during specifications for rationalisa- “The energy efficient air opened The Mall of Qatar, a Ramadan. tion of electricity and water for conditioners that are also called unique shopping and entertain- The Youth Department member countries in the next star air conditioners are the ment destination in the region, of the Ministry of Culture two years, said Al Mesaifiri in a costumers in many ways. They in the presence of more than and Sports recently issued a Qatar TV talk show. save electricity significantly 15,000 visitors. He marked the circular to directors of all “The rationalisation drive compared to the traditional official opening by unveiling the youth centres in this started with air conditioners. ACs. They are faster in cooling name plaque and touring the regard. Ban on conventional air condi- and heating and gave better premises for a short while. The Department said that tioners in the local market came performance,” said the official, The opening was followed by the deadline for taking per- into force on December 31, adding that some air condition- events by more than 200 artists mission for such planned 2016. So we could expect that ers have a heater option. performing 20 different shows. activities for Ramadan will be Qatar will be free from those → Continued on page 3 → Continued on page 2 May 1. QM offers public view of art studio New locations get ready

The Peninsula public a unique opportunity to the chance to explore the Fire videography, to graphic design, for central markets go behind the scenes at one of Station’s facilities and studios, painting and poetry. This is the nder the patronage of its the country’s most innovative meet the 20 talented artists in second open evening organised Chairperson, H E Sheikha arts programmes for the crea- residence, which includes ten by Qatar Museums during this The Peninsula The Ministry said the facil- UAl Mayassa bint Hamad tive generation. Qataris, and talk to them about residency. ities and services at fish market bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar The four-hour open evening, their works and inspiration. Art- The programme runs in he facilities at the Doha at Umm Salal are designed Museums’ (QM) Fire Station which was organised as part of ists currently enrolled in the nine-month cycles and aims to central market in Abu according to international opened the doors of its studios the Fire Station: Artist in Resi- programme have works rang- create a space which offers a THamour will completely standards of health and food in Doha last evening, offering the dence programme, gave visitors ing from photography and local approach to creativity. move to three new locations safety regulations. There are once the ongoing works on Al separate places for unloading, Wakrah and Sailiya central display and sale of fish. markets are completed, the The storage and transport 37km of Orbital Ministry of Economy and Com- comply with the best specifica- Food festival concludes merce has said. tions and food safety measures, The new fish market at the auction area is air condi- Highway opens Umm Salal will open its doors tioned, while the area is to the customers today evening. designed in such a way that the The Peninsula It replaces the year-old fish external weather conditions do market in Abu Hamour. not affect the quality of he Public Works Author- The central markets project products. ity, Ashghal, has opened in Umm Salal, Sailiya and Al The facility also has its own T37km of the New Orbital Wakra were undertaken from ice factory. Highway and Truck Route a strategic development per- The choice locating the cen- project to traffic. spective in line with rapid tral market at Umm Salal came The opened parts demographic changes in the following several studies and included a 29km-long section country. The markets are stra- consultations with retailers and of the New Orbital Highway tegically located to cater to the wholesalers, fishermen and between the intersections current and future population dealers, which showed that 70% with the East West Corridor expansion in the north, west of the fish at the central mar- and the Dukhan Highway, and south of the country, the ket in Abu Hamour was sourced where three out of seven Ministry said in a statement. from the northern part of the lanes were opened to traffic, The project will also serve country while the rest is as well as an 8km stretch of citizens and residents and pro- sourced from Al Wakrah. Mesaieed Road, from South vide new business areas to The fish market in Umm Al Wakra to Hamad Port, with increase commercial activity, Salal will receive customers two out of four lanes opened and facilitate marketing of local from 6am to 10pm, Saturday to to traffic. The opening is part products in these markets, Thursday. of a series of partial Spectacular fireworks illuminate the sky over Doha Corniche on the last day of QIFF which will contribute to the On Fridays, it will function openings. yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula → See also page 2 spread of economic activities from 6am to 10.30am and from → Full report on page 3 over a wider geographical area. 3 pm to 10 pm. 02 HOME SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 Qatar marks World Health Day with focus on depression

The Peninsula To commemorate the World Several events Health Day, HMC, PHCC and atar joined the inter- MoPH, HMC, and other partners organised a series national community PHCC, along with of events and interactive discus- to mark World Health sions aimed at creating awareness other health Day (WHD), which is among physicians and the public Qcommemorated each partners, organised about depression. They also took year on April 7. Focusing on this a number of events part in other activities such as year’s theme on raising aware- on the occasion. awareness campaigns to educate ness of depression as the leading the general public about depres- cause of ill-health and disabil- According to WHO, sion, its causes, and possible ity worldwide, the Ministry of more than 300 consequences. The campaign also Public Health (MoPH), Hamad million people focused on providing the public Medical Corporation (HMC), and currently live with with information on available Primary Health Care Corpora- depression. prevention and treatment options. tion (PHCC), along with other “Depression is a common Minister of Economy and Commerce, H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani health partners, organised a mental illness characterized by and Minister of Municipality and Environment, H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi with number of events. Disorder is the most burden- persistent sadness and a loss of The World Health Organi- some disease in Qatar”. interest in activities that people British Ambassador Ajay Sharma at the function. zation (WHO) initiated a The limited number of stud- normally used to enjoy. PHCC year-long campaign that aims ies that have been undertaken Health Centers are the first point to encourage more people with in Qatar suggest that prevalence of contact for patients with com- UK embassy celebrates Queen's birthday depression, everywhere in the of mental disorders broadly mon mental health problems world, to seek and receive help. reflect the WHO’s global esti- like depression. As patient-phy- The Peninsula between the UK and Qatar. and Qatar, through our trade This commitment is shared by mates of prevalence. According sician communication is an The British Ambassador also and investment ties, through all health partners in Qatar, to a baseline study carried out integral part of clinical practice, he British Embassy on hosted senior Qatari figures education, through our military whose efforts underpin this in Qatar in 2014, the barriers our physicians have undergone April 5 marked the 91th from business, government and ties, through tourism, and most year’s WHO World Health Day preventing those seeking pro- formal training to enhance their TBirthday of Her Majesty sport, the Diplomatic Corps and importantly through the close slogan: “Depression: let’s talk”. fessional help are predominantly knowledge and skills, which are Queen Elizabeth II and cele- other key members of the local personal links established over According to the latest esti- related to fear of stigma. central to delivering a full and brated the strong partnership community. They were enter- the years between Qatari and mates from WHO, more than 300 The people of Qatar, like tailored service. We encourage between the UK and Qatar. tained by the Qatar Armed British people." million people currently live with many other nations around the patients to book an appointment The guests of honour in Forces band and musicians from "Last week we laid the foun- depression, representing an world, struggle to have an open with their local health centre attendance were Minister of Musiqaa, the Instrumental Music dations for a bold new chapter in increase of more than 18% from and honest conversation about should they need to discuss gen- Economy & Commerce, H E Programme at Doha College and this partnership between our 2005 to 2015. Globally there is a depression. Misconceptions, fear eral well-being,” said Dr Fatema Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Doha Jazz. nations through the Qatar-UK lack of effective support for peo- of social consequences, judge- Mohammed Musa, Head of Serv- Mohammed Al Thani and Min- Ambassador Ajay Sharma Business and Investment Forum, ple who suffer from depression. ment and discomfort associated ice Development at PHCC. ister of Municipality & said: “I was delighted that so the largest trade and investment Limited diagnoses and profes- with talking about these issues Depression is different from Environment, H E Mohammed many of the Embassy’s friends event ever delivered in the UK. sional care access, coupled with with others, all tend to keep peo- normal sadness in that it can bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi. and contacts were able to attend This announced Qatari plans to a fear of stigma, prevent many ple silent. On a more personal take over a person’s day-to-day The British Ambassador to the Queen’s Birthday Party invest £5bn in the UK over the individuals from accessing the level, depression is not often dis- life, interfering with their abil- the State of Qatar, Ajay Sharma tonight in honour of Her Maj- next five years, and saw a number treatment they need to live cussed among family and friends ity to work, study, eat, sleep, and welcomed around 800 guests esty Queen Elizabeth II. This of cooperation agreements healthy, productive lives. because of a strong preference their ability to feel happy. Peo- to the British Embassy to mark event marks an important signed, including the historic According to the Global Bur- towards dealing with issues ple with depression often the 91st birthday of Her Majesty opportunity to celebrate the Memorandum of Understanding den of Disease Study (GBD themselves rather than burden- experience a number of symp- Queen Elizabeth II and to cele- close friendships and partner- to support Qatar’s 2030 National 2010), “Major Depressive ing others with their problem. toms, including a loss of energy. brate the strong partnership ships that exist between the UK Vision," the ambassador added. Mall of Qatar different in novelty of concept in region Continued from page 1 Unlike other malls around It included vocal perform- the world, Mall of Qatar pushes ances by Il Divo, stage shows the boundaries by bringing the such as Shaolin Warriors – a outdoors in, featuring over showcase of the remarkable 10,500 sq. m of extensive nat- skills of over 10 Kungfu masters ural sky lighting including a 28 who demonstrated traditional metre high skylight in the lux- Chinese martial arts, as well as urious court, and 26 relaxing the Dinosaur Zoo live perform- water features both inside and ance with amazingly life-like outside the mall. dinosaurs and other creatures Visitors can take in the fresh presented on stage. air and enjoy 48,000 sq m of Rony Mourani, General Man- landscaped greenery and the col- ager, The Mall of Qatar, said, “We ourful, and dynamic façade from are inspired by the gracious one of two signature restaurants patronage of Father Emir H H with terraces and balcony Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al seating. Thani and we offer His Highness The Mall of Qatar also stays our utmost gratitude for his true to offering an incredible patronage. His Highness' inval- retail mix of more than 500 uable support during the opening brands including over 100 din- event assured visitors that Mall Entertainment activities during the official opening of the Mall of Qatar yesterday. Pics: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula ing outlets. of Qatar is more than a mall, it is Collectively, the brands will a representation of Qatar's vision are really looking forward to waiting with every visit,” he and flower walking parades for and concept from other malls in ensure an exciting collection of for a diversified economy." welcoming more guests from added. all visitors to enjoy. They also the region. It combines shopping well-loved international luxury “It was a day filled with mag- near and far, and showing them Besides the stage perform- experienced thrilling kiddy bal- and entertainment opportuni- and high street fashion, footwear, nificent experiences, laughter our Mall of Qatar hospitality and ances, several other activities loon rides inside the mall. ties to ensure all customers have food, health and beauty, phar- and great times that truly set the a truly unique experience – were held across the mall includ- Mall of Qatar, located in Al a memorable and relaxed expe- macy, optics and home tone for what is yet to come. We where a new surprise will be ing tree walkers, balloon dragons Rayyan, is different in its novelty rience while shopping. furnishing brands. Food festival comes to a dazzling close

The Peninsula While the festival has drawn from the various private and experiences. The QIFF has given to a close, QIFF continues to public partners, chefs, nutrition- Katara Hospitality the opportu- fter 11 days of celebrating spread its passion for exciting ists, and artists was the key nity to showcase the impeccable and showcasing the best culinary experiences through the ingredient in the cultural and natural landscape of Hotel Park Athe country has to offer in special QIFF Menu which will culinary innovations that drew which demonstrates our com- food and beverage, the eighth continue to run until April 30. people back to Hotel Park for mitment to social responsibility edition of Qatar International The Menu - a new feature in repeated visits." and sustainability." Food Festival (QIFF) came to a this year’s festival - allows resi- Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin In light of the current Soma- close yesterday. dents and visitors to enjoy Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of Katara lian drought, QIFF organisers The festival’s increasingly mouth-watering food groupings Hospitality, who visited QIFF dur- have collaborated with Qatar diverse menu of cuisines and of at least three menu items at a ing the week, expressed his pride Charity (QC) to encourage par- culinary experiences included pre-set price of 59, 99, 139 or 179 in this edition of the Festival as ticipants to donate 10-20% of local restaurants and chefs, add- Qatari Riyals at participating res- well as his appreciation for the tre- their revenue from the Festival ing an authentically Qatari taurants and cafes. mendous efforts made by QTA to to QC’s relief campaign. QC’s flavour to the annual event. Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief ensure its success. efforts focus on providing those Running over two weekends, Tourism Development Officer at Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla, affected in villages and rural from March 29 to April 8, the fes- Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), Chief Executive Officer at Katara areas with the necessities that tivities included a variety of commented, “QIFF demonstrates Hospitality, commented, “Katara will alleviate their suffering and exclusive dining experiences, the impact and value tourism Hospitality is proud of its allow them to withstand the cultural and edutainment per- events can deliver to various sec- involvement in the 8th annual crisis. formances, interactive food art tors across the economy, QIFF, which has, over the last 11 Over twenty local restau- and photography workshops as particularly when we join hands days, brought Qataris and visi- rants and chefs participated in Fireworks display at the closing ceremony. well as health awareness to create unique experiences. tors alike together to celebrate QIFF this year, providing a local Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula activities. The collaborative spirit shown and share excellent culinary flavor to the annual festival. SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 HOME 03 Ashghal opens 37km stretch of Orbital Highway

The Peninsula Less travel time On the other hand, the eight kilometre long Mesaieed Road, he Public Works Opened sections from South Al Wakra to Hamad Authority (Ashghal) include a 29km Port, will enhance traffic and has opened to traffic stretch between create easier access to travellers 37 kilometres of the intersections with from Doha and Al Wakra to New Orbital Highway East West Corridor Hamad Port and southern areas. Tand Truck Route project. and Dukhan Highway. The Orbital Highway The opened parts include a enhances the flow of traffic and 29-kilometre section of the New The Orbital Highway shortens journey times by 50 Orbital Highway between its inter- percent. The New Orbital High- enhances the flow section with the East West way and Truck Route project is of traffic and shortens Corridor and intersection with considered an important addi- Dukhan Highway, where three out journey times by tion to the road network in Qatar. of seven lanes were opened to 50 percent. It will serve as a vital link traffic, as well as an eight-kilome- between the southern and north- tre stretch of Mesaieed Road, from ern areas in Qatar. The project is South Al Wakra to Hamad Port, on or before time. located in the North, West, and with two out of four lanes opened The latest opening is the sec- South of Doha City, and includes to traffic. ond accomplishment of the New a total of around 195km of roads, The opening of these parts of Orbital Highway project this year starting from Mesaieed areas in the Orbital Highway comes as as Ashghal had inaugurated the the South to the West of Al Khor part of a series of partial open- linking road between Hamad city in the North. ings of the other remaining Port and Truck Route on Febru- The project also includes the sections in the coming few ary 27 this year. Vehicles passing through a newly-opened stretch of Orbital Highway. construction of 21 main inter- months until the final delivery of A couple of bridges opened in changes, including tunnels and the project in 2018. the interchange linking Orbital Also, the interchange con- in order to enhance traffic of farms and the logistics Village flyovers, connecting the Orbital Eng. Yousef Al Emadi, Man- Highway and Dukhan Highway, necting the Orbital Highway and between the East West Corridor are situated along the Orbital with the highways and main ager of Expressway Department to be fully in use in the following East West Corridor is 75 percent and the New Orbital Highway. highway. The three lanes roads such as the East West Cor- at Ashghal, stated that the new months since 75 percent of the complete as one of the bridges The 29-km section provides a replaced the two lanes in the ridor, Salwa Road, Dukhan works opened 30 days before structure works of the interchange dedicated for light vehicles and direct connection with Salwa Road previous route, catering to 6,000 Highway, and Al Shamal. This deadline since Ashghal had were already completed. The a tunnel dedicated for heavy and Dukhan Highway to form an vehicles per hour in each direc- will significantly enhance the rescheduled some projects incor- Orbital Dukhan Interchange is a vehicles from East West Corri- alternative route apart from Doha tion in lieu of 4,000 vehicles per flow of traffic and shorten the porating the New Orbital key access point on Dukhan High- dor to Orbital Highway were that would help cut traffic jams. hour that would reduce journey journey times by around 50% on Highway and Truck Route in line way linking the vital Al Jahhaniya opened. Once completed, the The new route is a key con- time, and a hard shoulder was average, compared to the time with Ashghal’s commitment to Interchange on Dukhan road, Al junction will involve three lev- nection to several economic and established for faster journey spent in the same journey using deliver the expressway projects Rayyan area, and Al Shamal Road. els, two bridges, and two tunnels agricultural activities since a host with less accident rate. the existing roads. QM’s educational events attract crowds over the weekend

London, Mathaf: Arab Museum Chief Strategic Planning Officer host educational events such as of Modern Art hosted an educa- at Qatar Museums, said: these that will ultimately lead the tional event designed for families “We are very proud of the suc- development of imaginative, com- to experience Dia al-Azzawi’s cess of our educational activities, passionate and engaged retrospective, which is open until which help to inspire an indige- individuals.” 16th April. During the event, chil- nous culture of creativity and QM organises educational dren explored colours and innovation, and I am impressed activities and workshops all year shapes through various creative with the level of community that aim to strengthen family activities and created their own engagement and interaction with bonds, develop creativity, build artworks inspired by the show. our programmes. At QM, it is confidence and improve com- Khalid Yousef Al Ibrahim, important for us to continue to munication skills.

Families taking part in an educational activity. The Peninsula Back by popular demand, of Islamic Art, discovered art- QM’s Treasure Hunt returned on works by the internationally nder the patronage of its Saturday at the Museum of acclaimed Iraqi artist Dia al- Chairperson, H E Sheikha Islamic Art (MIA). Adults, chil- Azzawi and took part in a series UAl Mayassa bint Hamad dren and families took part in an of challenges. bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Muse- educational adventure which Prizes selected from the MIA ums (QM) successfully ran a took them on a journey through gift shop were awarded to lucky series of fun educational events both MIA and QM Gallery Al winners with the highest scores. over the weekend that attracted Riwaq, where they explored one Concurrently, in collabora- families across the country. of the world’s greatest collections tion with University College

ACs given stars for efficiency Continued from page 1 The new air condition- ers available in the local market are labelled from three to six stars as per the energy efficiency level. More stars mean more efficiency. A proposal of QS to introduce seven and eight star air-conditioners in the market was approved by the Minister of Municipal- ity and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi. This is called sil- ver and golden label and it is optional for companies. So far, 44 importers have registered 127 differ- ent brands of star air conditioners at QS. QS’s offices are present at all customs checkpoints - at the airport, seaport and border check post. Violations of specifica- tion are very little and some of them could be corrected. Major violations that lead to sending back the consignment are very few, he added. 04 HOME SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 Agro-based industries need to be developed: Expert

Mohammad Shoeb said an expert at Qatar’s leading Professor of Food Technology and This is evident from the fact that more The Peninsula university. Human Nutrition, at Qatar University, and more number of retail outlets and Agro-based industries in GCC coun- said: “To boost the local agro-industries, hypermarkets are keeping option of he food and food processing tries, which are getting significant focus GCC countries, including Qatar, need to healthier food such as organic food, glu- industries in the GCC coun- of their respective governments as part focus on producing commodities that ten and sugar-free food besides regular tries need to be designed in of efforts to achieve food security, need are competitive, sustainable, and with- food inventories. “If there wasn’t a mar- accordance with require- to be developed keeping in view the out depleting the natural resources.” ket, it (healthier food options) would have ments and consumption local factors and variable. “Importing some food can be cheaper been not available in shops”, she said. Thabits of the people living in the region, Dr Tahra El Obeid (pictured,) Asst than growing them domestically, but there Commenting on the current status are a lot of food items which can be of Qatar’s food security situation, Tahra grown and processed locally in the highlighted that the country has already cost effective manner, which can started executing its National Food leave a different impact”, Dr Tahra Security Programme which is in line told The Peninsula on the sidelines with Qatar National Vision 2030. of a food security event organised by “The Ministry of Public Health, the GOIC here recently. Consumers are increasingly preferring Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Citing examples of agro-indus- healthier and leaner foods, which need Qatar General Organisation for Standards tries related to marine life, camel, to be taken into consideration while and Metrology (QS), and several academic date and truffle (Fagh’aa) farming, developing agro-industries. institutions, which are supporting the sys- which are rich in nutrition value, can Tahra said: “In the past 10 years, tem to make sure food items available in be developed not only to meet the people have been eating unhealthily. the country are within set standards and local demand, but also for export.” They consumed more meat and meat specifications,” she noted. She noted that food habits of products which contain more fat. How- On food safety norms, Tahra said people have changed significantly ever, over the last few years, people Qatar also has adopted specific guide- over the last 50 years. People now have realised that rate of lifestyle dis- lines for different growth hormones in are not eating same kinds of food eases, such as diabetes, hypertension, animals, and the use of antibiotics found that our ancestors used to eat some cancer and number of cardiovascular in chickens and poultry products. “All 100 years ago. There is more con- patients, are rising. To counter that peo- the products are tested at food control sciousness about different ple have now moved towards more laboratory at the Food Safety & Envi- components available in the food. healthier foods.” ronmental Department.” Arabic debating championship begins

The Peninsula

nder the patronage of H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al UThani, the Vice Chairperson & CEO of Qatar Foundation, QatarDe- bate, the fourth edition of International Universities Arabic Debating Cham- pionship began yesterday. Organised by QatarDebate Center Participants of the championship addressing a press conference. at the Qatar National Convention Center, 87 teams representing 46 Arab Preparations leading up to the On the sidelines of the champion- and Non-Arab countries are competit- Championship have been immense ship, a press conference was held of four ing in the Championship. and well in advance. participating teams from non-Arabic This year’s edition is unique Dr Hayat Maarafi, Executive Direc- speaking countries to share their expe- because of its wide international par- tor QatarDebate; welcomed the rience in learning Arabic language and ticipation. Qatar is represented by five delegates and said the championship their practice to achieve personal goals teams; a Police Academy team, two is like a youth festival that includes and represent their countries apart from teams’ boys and girls from Qatar Uni- elite group of participants from six identifying different cultures and ideas versity and two teams’ boys and girls Continents under the umbrella of which contribute to their development from the Community College Qatar. Qatar Foundation. and progress. JOB OPPORTUNITY QC organises 'Put a Smile' event for Down Syndrome kids MARKETING EXECUTIVE The Peninsula

atar Charity (QC) organised “Put a smile” (FEMALE) event to mark International Day of Down QSyndrome in collaboration with Hamad Med- ical Corporation (HMC) and other centres. Special activities were organised for Down Syndrome chil- dren along with their families. A leading media organization requires a The participants and parents of children agreed on need of this group to have such activities, and Marketing Executive who can work closely to develop programmes that are commensurate with other departments like advertising, with their mental, psychological and physical abil- ities. They also stressed on significance of sales and distribution. supporting their families and encouraging them to live normally. Alia Al Jamaei, Qatar Charity Community Devel- opment Centre Director, Al Wakrah branch said: KEY SKILLS: “Through organising “Put a smile” event, QC has participated in celebrating this day and provide an 1. Minimum 3 years experience in the field of sales and marketing opportunity for everyone to enjoy with our Down products or services Syndrome sons and daughters. To express our 2. Excellent written and verbal Arabic and English communication respect and close contact with them, through sev- eral activities, we hosted the influential people in skills the community, and invested capabilities and tal- 3. Educated to a degree level or equivalent ents of our children such as reciting the Holy Quran 4. Self Starter, who is target driven and self motivated - must be in addition to show their achievements in life and determination to remove obstacles to make their comfortable in target oriented environment dreams come true. 5. Should be able to achieve monthly or annual targets Al Jamaei greeted children’s families, and par- 6. Analysing and investigating price, demand and competition ticipants including Hamad Medical Corporation, 7. Reviewing sales performance, devising and presenting ideas, Al Tamakon For Comprehensive Education, Spe- cial Education Department at Rumailah Hospital, strategies and promotional activities Friends of Down Syndrome Club, Aamal Center for 8. Excellent communication and presentation skills (telephone, Special Needs, We Restaurant and the Qatar Center written and face to face) for Special Needs. 9. Working experience in a marketing agency / media environment Fatima Al-Missned, Head of Awareness and Community Development Department at Tarsheed and understanding of and passion for media industry. said:”Tarsheed has taken up QC’s invitation to take part in “Put a smile” event for its deep trust in QC Center for community development’s programmes and objectives. Tarsheed centre has a message to Send your CVs to [email protected] deliver to all people, so it has worked in collabo- ration with QC to develop a five-year plan through which they manage to integrate people with spe- cial needs into Tarsheed programmes, seeking to help them in rehabilitation and education to con- sciously deal with energy sources.” SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 HOME 05 Tim Hortons cafe opens at Ezdan Mall in Al Wakrah

The Peninsula Unmatched services opened last December in pres- ence of its Group CEO Ali Al pparel Group has Ezdan Shopping Malls Obaidli, Ezdan Mall Company, announced the Group has inked pacts Group General Manager. Malik opening of well- with renowned Qaiser, and representatives of known brand of brands, cafes and Carrefour management in Qatar. “Tim Hortons” café restaurants in the This is the second cooperation ,A one of the most famous Cana- world in order to offer deal between Ezdan Holding dian brands for the first time in unparalleled services Group and Majid Al Futtaim Al Wakrah at Ezdan Mall. This and entertainment Group. came following a remarkable experience to the Commenting on the open- success since its opening in ing of Tim Hortons Cafe and visitors. Ezdan Mall, Al Gharafa, which Bake Shop in Ezdan Mall Al Dignitaries cutting the ribbon to inaugurate Tim Hortons Café at Ezdan Mall, Al Wakrah. has seen a large footfall of Wakrah, Malik said: “We are visitors. Outfitters, “MAC Cosmetics and delighted to partner with Tim Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Bath & Body Works etc. Hortons, one of the most popu- General Manager added: “We the mall will be the largest of its Ezdan Mall Al Wakrah, one of Shop is located on the ground Ezdan Mall Al Wakrah will lar brand in Canada. This is our have inked pacts with renowned kind in the dynamic area of Al the promising group’s projects to floor of Ezdan Mall, Al Wakrah, be offering a great dining expe- second collaboration after their brands, cafes and restaurants in Wakrah. The mall will enhance open in Al Wakrah, is character- spread over an area of 1000 rience for its visitors as they will success in Ezdan Mall Al the world in order to offer unpar- expressively services available to ised by its modern urban design sqare feet. Moreover, other be able to dine in an outdoor Gharafa. alleled services and Al Wakrah community, especially and consists of two floors with famous brands such as Star- food court and cafes with a great We are soon expecting entertainment experience to our as it hosts 167 outlets of various parking lots that can accommo- bucks coffee shop and Shake variety of food and beverage opening of the region’s most visitors and cater to the needs of products and services. Awan date more than 1,500 cars. In Shack are expected to open soon choices and the finest services favourite children edutainment families in Qatar and their diverse informed out that the mall is addition, the mall allocates space at the mall. The mall will also along with a spacious seating Fun Ville on a distinct area of tastes. located opposite to Al Wakrah to hold various events to provide include branches of the region’s area in an extraordinary 20,000 sqare feet at Ezdan Mall Speakint at Ezdan Mall Al General Hospital on the main a fun and interactive atmosphere most popular brands such as LC atmosphere. Al Wakrah. Wakrah, Malik said, after fully road, in the sprawling area of for the mall’s visitors, especially Waikiki, H&M, American Eagle Carrefour Hypermarket Ezdan Shopping Malls Group operational in the coming days, 40,000 square metres. children and families. Babyshop awards winners of ‘Expressions' contest

The Peninsula categories 5-7 years, 8-10 Group; Qatar said “The In each category first three years & 11-14 years covering a response for Expressions was place winners were awarded. abyshop, the region’s range of themes from talking overwhelming. The winners included: leading one stop destina- about My Family and Save The competition provided Category – 5-7, Theme: Btion in children’s Water to Global Warming. an excellent platform for kids My Family products concluded the second To select the winners to explore and portray their 1st prize: Thamara R Pillai, season of “EXPRESSIONS” with from such a gigantic partici- creativity and I would specially 2nd prize: Bindiya Pramod and announcement of winners of pation a separate panel of like to thank all the parents 3rd prize: Pranav Sai. grand drawing competition, judges was appointed. The who have made the efforts and Category – 8-10, Theme: which was presented by Baby- judges were experts in the encouraged their kids to par- Save Water shop Qatar, for children aged field of Arts. ticipate this year. He also 1st prize: Maria Beatrice, between 5 and 14 years. The judges included R thanked the judges and volun- 2nd prize: Pranay Mukala and A grand prize distribution Udaya Shankar from Birla Pub- teers who made the event a 3rd prize: Nazeel P Sageer Santosh Pai, (fourth right), COO Landmark Group; Qatar, Rajgopal, ceremony was organised at lic School & Salwa Hamdy from success. Category – 11-14, Theme: (third left), Marketing Manager Landmark Group; and other officials the Centrepoint, Al Asmakh Oscar Academy and Pratibha Judges were also felicitated Global Warming with winners of Baby shop drawing competition ‘Expressions’ at Mall. Pai eminent painter. with small souvenirs as grati- 1st prize: Nidhi Noronha, Centerpoint Alasmakh Mall, yesterday. The event saw participants Looking at the response tude for the supporting the 2nd prize: Sarang Santosh and Pic Kammutty VP / The Peninsula divided into three age group Santosh Pai, COO Landmark event. 3rd prize: Harsha Jalan. 06 HOME SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017

Mada Center AAB honours its loyal customers launches e-Accessibility The Peninsula Expanding wings bdullah Abdulghani The company programme & Bros. Co. (AAB), currently operates sole agent for Toyota eight service centres The Peninsula and Lexus vehicles in in various parts of Qatar, honoured its the country and is in MADA Assistive Technology loyalA customers at a function the process of Centre launched e-Accessi- held at Sheraton Grand Doha opening two more bility programme in recently. The event was part of service centres this coordination with govern- AAB’s annual marketing calen- year taking the total ment bodies. The project dar to recognise loyal customers includes training web devel- number to 10. who supported them during the opers and designers, audits year. Senior officials from rent a of the e-accessibility of gov- car companies as well as from ernment websites and putting other business establishments satisfaction of their large cus- in place remedial steps as part were present on the occasion. tomer base. On behalf of the of a comprehensive consul- Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. senior management, AAB tation process. was represented by Serdar Tok- expressed gratitude to loyal Mada has worked to tamis, Chief Executive Officer; R customers who have signifi- implement the policy by offer- K Murugan, Chief Operating cantly and positively ing a series of services, Officer (Automotive); as well as contributed in sales and mak- AAB officials and its customers at a function held at Sheraton Grand Doha. including audits, consultations senior management team. ing Toyota & Lexus No. 1 Brand and training. These efforts have Welcoming the guests, in Qatar. eight service centres in various periodical maintenance can be well in order to provide a luxu- been carried out to fulfill cent- Murugan emphasised on com- Muthu Samy, senior manger parts of the country and is in the carried-out at customer rious atmosphere when er’s goal of empowering people pany’s guiding principles of national service; gave an over- process of opening two more locations. customers visit the showroom. with disabilities and elderly Customer first philosophy – fair- view of the after sales support service centres this financial year To serve the customers bet- The award winners included: through greater access to infor- ness, integrity, respect, superior provided by AAB to Toyota and taking the total number of serv- ter, Toyota and Lexus Hejen Racing Committee, Profit mation and communication performance & teamwork. Lexus customers as well as ice centres to 10. For the showrooms are open seven- Trading & Contracting Company, technology. He added that these guid- future expansion plans. Muthu convenience of fleet customers, days-a-week to enable them to Qatar Express Transportation Access to digital platforms ing principles have not only Samy added AAB is always com- Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. visit the showroom at their con- Company, AAYAN Leasing Com- and content, as well as the helped the Toyota & Lexus to mitted to provide best after sales also announced introduction of venience. The work on the new pany , Al Ijarah Limousine and ability to make use of all types be the number 1 brand in Qatar support to its customers. The mobile service vans as it will be Lexus Showroom with state-of- Galfar Al Misnad Engineering of information and commu- but also to enhance customer company currently operates helpful to them since the the-art facility is progressing and Contracting. nication technology is fundamental to build a trans- parent knowledge based society. This includes provi- sion of accessible QFSW & Weyak to achieve highest e-government services, online banking and other crit- ical services to all residents standards in mental healthcare and citizens of Qatar. Mada launched a com- prehensive year-long project Amna Pervaiz Rao areas of competence. practices of the Qatari soci- in the beginning of 2017 with The Peninsula The MoU aims to qualify ety in fields of mental health the aim of increasing the and train psychological and social mental services, in e-accessibility of all govern- atar Foundation for guides, promote mental the best interest of the com- ment websites. The project Social Work (QFSW) health rights and strengthen munity in Qatar,” she added. includes training web devel- Qhas signed a Memoran- professional practices of Al Ghanim said, “Weyak opers and designers, audits dum of Understanding (MoU) Qatari community in the field provides mental health serv- of the e-accessibility of gov- with Mental Health Friends of mental health and social ices from home as mental ernment websites, and Association (Weyak), to services. patients usually do not pre- putting in place remedial strengthen partnership Amaal Al Mannai said: fer clinic visits, making their steps as part of a comprehen- among each other and to “The importance of this part- condition worse. Hence, sive consultation process. apply the best and latest nership comes within the mental health services from In the first quarter of international practices to framework of implementing home will contribute to treat- 2017, Mada Center worked achieve the highest standards our vision of applying inter- ing a large number of with ten government minis- of community mental health, national best practices and patients.” tries and agencies which while adapting the practices adapting them in adherence “The organisation is also includes Ministry of Foreign to the Qatar’s society. with what is suitable for the providing telephone consul- Affairs, Transport & Commu- Amaal bint Abdul Latif Al Qatari society.” tations since many patients nication, Education and Mannai, CEO of QFSW; “In order to reach the feel more comfortable to talk Higher Education, Develop- signed the MoU with Hassan highest levels of social men- about their issues by phone”, ment Planning & Statistics, bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, tal health through use of the he added. Health and Justice. Weyak’s Vice Chairman, in latest outreach methods, as According to the MoU, Additionally, Mada worked the context of QFSW affiliate well as the qualification and centres working under QFSW with Qatar Tourism Authority, Amal bint Abdullatif Al Mannai (left), CEO of Qatar Foundation for centers for cooperation pro- training of psychosocial will sign cooperation proto- Qatar Museums, the Supreme Social Work; and Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, Deputy Chairman tocols with the Weyak workers, promotion of cols with Weyak organisation Council for Delivery & Legacy, of Mental Health Friends Association Weyak; exchange documents association as part of sup- human rights in areas related to develop the centre’s activ- the Qatar Aeronautical College after signing an MoU at Tornado Tower recently. porting the activities of to mental health, in addition ities that are related to and the Communications Reg- Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula centres associated with these to strengthening professional organisation’s expertise. ulatory Authority. HBKU unveils multidisciplinary graduate programmes The Peninsula 5pm. An additional informa- “Our new programmes tion sessions will take take utilise a multidisciplinary and amad Bin Khalifa Uni- place on May 10. innovative approach to learn- versity (HBKU) has The announcement of new ing to shed light on two Hannounced launch of programmes, which will be fascinating fields of study. By two new postgraduate pro- delivered by HBKU’s College harnessing expertise of our grams that will add new area of Humanities and Social Sci- exceptional faculty and of advanced studies in Qatar: ences (CHSS), demonstrates through exchanges and joint a Master of Arts in Women, university’s commitment to activities with other institu- Society, and Development, and develop innovative ways of tions, both within Education a Master of Arts in Digital serving specific educational City and across Qatar, we will Humanities and Societies. needs of Qatar and the region. provide our students an Applications are now Commenting on establishment opportunity for higher learn- accepted frome students of the new programmes, Dr ing experience as well as Dr Amal Al Malki discusses new programmes at a faculty wishing to join the inaugural Ahmad Hasnah, President of developing leaders who will meeting. classes, which will start this HBKU, said: “At HBKU we are impact their communities.” fall. A public information ses- committed to build knowledge “The degree will be inter- said Founding Dean of CHSS, solve challenges encountered sion featuring an academic and capacity through pro- disciplinary, drawing upon a Dr Amal Al Malki. “Through by women in all areas of soci- panel for both programmes grammes that offer ways to number of specialisations their studies, students will ety and will serve to enhance will take place at the Liberal accelerate thinking in areas such as social sciences, poli- develop the necessary skills Qatar’s global efforts to pro- Arts and Science Building, that have been identified as tics and international and build effective mainstream mote human development as Education City, on, April 19 at priorities in our region. relations, law and media”, public policies that can help it relates to women.” SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 HOME 07 Rayyan Municipality tops in issuing building permits

The Peninsula increase compared to those issued in previous month, says 367 permits issued ayyan Municipality the data. The increase was The data which topped all municipalities clearly noted in municipalities includes total number in issuing building per- of Al Shamal (100%), Doha R of permits issued by Experts at the school eye health workshop. mits in March with a total of 188 (90%), Al Da’ayen (72%), Rayyan all municipalities of permits. It brings 28% of the (44%), Al Khor (32%), Umm Slal the State indicated total permits issued during the (6%), Wakrah (4%). On the other that new building month. Doha Municipality hand there was a clear decrease permits (residential Ministry of Public Health holds came second with 165 per- in Al Sheehaniya municipality mits-23%, followed by by (18%), says the data. and non-residential) municipality of Al Wakrah with Building permits data is have constituted 55% 109 permits -16%, and munic- considered an indicator for the or 367 permits of workshop on school eye health ipality of Al Da’ayen with 91 performance of the construc- total building permits permits -14%. tion sector which in turn issued during the The Peninsula and visual impairment. get refractive errors, strabismus, The data published by Minis- occupies a significant position month of March 2017. Poor vision in childhood affects lazy eye and other eye diseases,” try of Development Planning and in the national economy. he Ministry of Public negatively the children's academic said Dr Kholoud Al Mutawa, Statistics in twenty seventh issue Permits for villa construc- Health recently held a school performance, the experts head of non-communicable dis- The monthly statistical of monthly Statistics of Building tions have topped the list, workshop on school eye said during the lecture. ease section at the ministry data gives overview of T Permits showed that Municipal- accounting for 59% (192 per- health , bringing in more than There was a practical train- while opening the workshop. ity of Umm Slal issued 56 permits mits) of all new residential the nature of the 50 physicians, nurses and health ing on how to examine vision of Blindness Prevention Pro- (8%), Al Khor 33 permits (5%), Al buildings permits, followed by permits in terms of professionals working at private students as screening is obliga- gramme has been conducting Shamal 20 permits (3%), and Al dwellings of housing loans by their geographical and community schools here. tory in all schools in which several training workshops Sheehaniya 14 permits (2%). 34% (110 permits) and apart- distribution and types The event highlighting one nurses should know how to fill since past many years and The statistics which ments buildings by 5% (18 of the permits of the priorities of the ministry, electronic screening forms fol- supervised the process of vision includes total number of per- permits). whether they are new children’s right to sight, was lowing guidelines and referring screening either in the inde- mits issued by all municipalities On the other hand, com- building permits, organised by the health promo- students with abnormal vision pendent and private schools of of the State indicated that new mercial buildings were found additions, fencing or tion and non-communicable results to ophthalmologists to selected grades, 1,3,5,7, and 9. building permits (residential to be in the forefront of non- maintenances along diseases department targeting be diagnosed and managed Vision screening reports and non-residential) have con- residential buildings permits details about students of private schools. properly. and recommendations have stituted 55% (367 permits) of with 44% (18 permits), followed categories of the During workshop special- “If we collaborate together been released and in collabo- total building permits issued by industrial buildings e.g. different types of ists from Blindness Prevention to detect causes of low vision in ration with WHO, the last during the month of March workshops and factories with Programme presented lectures school students in Qatar, we will report demonstrated a total buildings. 2017. 27% (11 permits), mosques with about common eye diseases definitely reduce the prevalence number of 35,000 students, Permits for construction of 20% (8 permits),then govern- affecting students and early of low vision within children out of them 15 percent have additions to buildings which mental buildings with 10% (4 detection of refractive errors who have a high probability to vision less than normal. already exist, constituted 39% permits), says the data. the release of this monthly data (258 permits), and fencing per- The monthly statistical data comes under the joint cooper- mits 6% (42 permits). gives overview of the nature of ation between the Ministry of The number of permits the permits in terms of their Development Planning and Sta- Arabic calligraphy exhibition sheds light on Islamic culture issued in March shows 40% geographical distribution tistics and the Ministry of (according to the municipali- Municipality and Environment QNA The exhibition was organised by NHRC on the ties) and types of the permits to make use of the existing elec- sidelines of the 34th meeting of Arab Interior Min- The number of whether they are new building tronic link between the two hairman of National Human Rights Com- isters Council in Tunisia. permits issued in permits, additions, fencing or ministries. mittee (NHRC) Dr Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri The goal of exhibition was to emphasise com- March shows 40% maintenances along details For more statistical data, Csaid yesterday the Arabic calligraphy exhi- mitment to cooperate to advance human rights, increase compared about categories of the differ- please visit the Ministry’s web- bition on human rights in the Islamic culture as well as raising awareness on Islamic principles ent types of buildings, whether site: www.mdps.gov.qa as well included a wide range of art work that showed related to the issue. He noted the exhibition was to those issued in they are residential or as “QALM” portal (Qatar Infor- the link between Islam and the universal decla- organised last year in the United Nations Office previous month. non-residential. mation Exchange) : www.qix. ration of human rights as well as other in Geneva and in France, where it was well It is worth mentioning that gov.qa international accords on the issue. received. 08 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 US vows to keep up pressure on Syria

Tensions rise The Custodian of the Saudi scholar slams Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of muted Arab reaction Saudi Arabia complimented Trump Beirut to call for taking a "deterrent in a telephone Anatolia response" against those respon- conversation for his sible for the chemical attack on "courageous prominent Saudi scholar civilians in Khan Shaykhun. has decried muted Arab "He who remains silent in decision". A reactions to this week's the face of injustice is a tongue- suspected chemical attack in less devil," he said, going on to The Trump Syria's northern Idlib call on Arab politicians, writers administration has province. and thinkers to "make every- signalled that new Dozens of civilians were one aware of this massacre, sanctions would killed and hundreds injured in which is supported by Iran and soon follow the a chemical attack allegedly car- Russia". missile attack. ried out by regime forces in the "Keeping silent to the mas- northern town of Khan Shay- sacre in Idlib is equal to being khun on Tuesday. In response, part of it," he said. Palm Beach the US early Friday fired 59 Lebanese MP Imad Al Hut AP A Syrian child receives treatment at a makeshift clinic following reported air strikes by Tomahawk missiles at a Syrian said the Arab people were government forces in the rebel-held town of Douma, on the eastern outskirts of Damascus, regime military airbase Amer- angry with the recent massa- he United States is yesterday. ican officials believe was used cre in Idlib. vowing to keep up the to carry out the attack. "Their reaction, however, pressure on Syria after was even probing whether Rus- cruise missiles in reaction to this President Vladimir Putin warned "The UN and Arab commu- was muted due to the ongoing the intense nighttime sia itself was involved in the week's chemical weapons attack that the strikes dealt "a significant nity stood idly by. They did bloodshed in Syria, which has wave of missile strikes chemical weapons assault that that killed dozens of men, blow" to relations between Mos- nothing but condemned the caused to harden their hearts," Tfrom US ships, despite the pros- compelled President Donald women and children in Syria. cow and Washington. massacre," Salman Al Awdah he said. Syria has been locked pect of escalating Russian ill will Trump to action. The attack The official Saudi Press At the UN, Russia's deputy told Anadolu Agency. in a vicious civil war since early that could further inflame one against a Syrian air base was the Agency reported that Custodian ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov, "While Arab people took to 2011, when the Bashar Al Assad of the world's most vexing first US assault against the gov- of the Two Holy Mosques King criticised what he called the US social media to denounce the regime cracked down on pro- conflicts. ernment of President Bashar Al Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of "flagrant violation of international massacre, politicians and democracy protests — which Standing firm, the Trump Assad. Saudi Arabia complimented law and an act of aggression" prominent figures of society erupted as part of the Arab administration has signalled new Much of the international Trump in a telephone conversa- whose "consequences for regional remained silent," he said. Spring uprisings — with unex- sanctions would soon follow the community rallied behind tion for his "courageous decision." and international security could The Saudi scholar went on pected ferocity. missile attack, and the Pentagon Trump's decision to fire the But a spokesman for Russian be extremely serious." Two dead in clashes at Lebanon Palestinian camp Zuma tells colleagues not Sidon groups, which oppose the secu- clashes killed two people and dozens of families. The fighting multiple armed factions, and has AFP rity plan of the factions and their wounded 21, with at least one prompted the Lebanese army to been plagued by intermittent to criticise at deployment," the source said. member of the security force take security measures at the clashes between them as well as alestinian factions battled Palestinian factions in the among the dead. entrance of the camp, including against smaller extremist groups. funerals an extremist group in a ref- camp accused a small militant An AFP correspondent on the shutting the highway next to it. In February, fighting erupted Pugee camp in southern group linked to an extremist outskirts of the camp said fight- And Lebanon's Health Min- after Fatah pulled out of a joint Johannesburg Lebanon yesterday in a second Islamist of firing on the security ing was continuing on the istry announced it was security committee, prompting AFP day of clashes that have killed at force after demanding that the narrow streets of its residential evacuating patients from the clashes that lasted days and least two people, medics said. deployment not extend to its neighbourhoods, with the sound Sidon governmental hospital killed one person. outh Africa's President The clashes erupted on Friday area of influence. of machinegun fire and rocket- adjacent to the camp and mov- By long-standing convention, Jacob Zuma yesterday night as a security force of lead- "The security force will be propelled grenades audible in ing them to other facilities. Lebanon's army does not enter Shit out at critics within ing Palestinian factions in the Ain deployed throughout the camp much of the surrounding city of An AFP photographer saw Palestinian refugee camps, where his own camp telling them not Al Hilweh camp deployed under to bring security to it, and there Sidon. members of the Lebanese Red security is managed by joint com- to use events such as funer- a new security plan, a source in is no other solution," Lebanon's A resident of the camp's Cross wheeling a baby in an mittees of Palestinian factions. als or memorial services to the Palestinian Fatah faction said. official National News Agency Tireh district, where heavy incubator on a stretcher from the Ain Al Hilweh is home to attack each other. "It came under fire from a quoted a Fatah commander as clashes were ongoing, said the hospital into the back of an some 61,000 Palestinians, Speaking himself, how- neighbourhood under the influ- saying. fighting had set at least seven ambulance for transfer. including 6,000 who have fled ever, at the inauguration of a ence of extremist Islamist Medical sources said that the houses alight and trapped Ain Al Hilweh is home to the war in Syria. former minister's tombstone, Zuma told colleagues not to use such events "to fight our political battles". "It is wrong. That is terri- New Gaza protests ble politics, in fact, dangerous politics," he said at the event in northern Limpopo prov- ince where former public after salary cuts services minister Collins Chabane was buried two years ago. Gaza City parallel administration with "Be brave and comradely, AFP 50,000 staff, whose salaries the confront a comrade if you PA refuses to pay. have got problems with (a) resh protests against civil The Fatah-run PA comrade, don't use comrades service pay cuts broke out announced the pay cuts earlier who have died as a platform Fin Gaza yesterday, as this week, saying they were to perpetuate disunity," he pressure builds on Palestinian necessary because its budget said without mentioning any President Mahmoud Abbas to has been hit by falling foreign names. tackle the crisis. aid. In 2014, Fatah and Hamas His comments came after The decision this week by agreed to form a unity govern- sacked finance minister the West Bank-based Palestin- ment that was meant to resolve Pravin Gordhan on Thursday ian Authority to slash the their dispute but it has used a Cape Town memorial salaries of civil servants in the remained stillborn, with no real service for anti-apartheid Gaza Strip has sparked days of control in either territory. stalwart Ahmed Kathrada to protests. Local elections set for May warn that the government A man and a woman cheer Iraq's Federal Police members patrolling the streets of western Tens of thousands took to have also been suspended in risked being taken over by "a a square in central Gaza City the Gaza Strip after infighting Mosul, yesterday. bunch of gangsters" without yesterday in the largest protest between Fatah and Hamas, making direct reference to since the 30-percent cut was though they are expected to Zuma. announced, with demonstra- take place in the West Bank. tors calling on PA leader Abbas UN Middle East envoy Nick- US Vice-President pledges to sack his government. olay Mladenov said he was Somaliland A handful of protesters "deeply concerned by the grow- announced they would begin a ing tensions in Gaza." continued support to Iraq jails reporter hunger strike, a spokesman He said that while the Pal- said. Hamas, the Islamist move- estinian government faced Mogadishu ment that runs Gaza, has been difficult economic conditions, Baghdad US strikes on a Syrian airbase to in Syria reflecting a difficult bal- Reuters at loggerheads with Abbas's it should make spending cuts Reuters punish a chemical attack that ancing act between its alliance Fatah party since the former "with consideration to the harsh killed scores of civilians this with the United States and with court in Somalia’s seized the Strip in a near civil conditions under which people S Vice-President Mike week in an area held by the Shia Iran, a key backer of Assad. breakaway region of war in 2007. in Gaza live". Pence yesterday assured opposition to Syrian President The Iraqi statement con- A Somaliland has sen- Fatah runs the West Bank, He urged both parties to UIraqi Prime Minister Bashar Al Assad. demned the chemical attack, tenced a reporter to two the other part of the Palestin- work together to resolve the Haider Al Abadi of continued US Pence “affirmed that US pol- without naming Assad, calling years in jail for what it said ian territories separated from crisis and "bring about real support to defeat Islamic State, icy in the region didn’t change, instead for an international was endangering peace and Gaza by Israeli territory. national reconciliation that the Iraqi government said in a its priority is to defeat Daesh in investigation to identify the per- security, a journalists’ rights After Hamas seized power, ends the division". statement. Iraq and the region,” said a petrator. The statement also group said yesterday. around 70,000 PA employees Israel has maintained a The two discussed the situ- statement from Abadi’s office. criticised “the hasty interven- Abdimalik Muse Oldon in Gaza lost their posts but they blockade of Gaza for a decade, ation in Syria and the war on The Shia-led Iraqi govern- tions” that followed the was detained in February were kept on its payroll never- severely damaging the Islamic State in a phone call ment issued a statement on chemical attack, in an apparent upon his return from the theless. Hamas set up its own enclave's economy. from Pence following Friday’s Friday in reaction to the events reference to the US strikes. Somali capital. SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 ASIA 09 India commits $5bn credit to Bangladesh

New Delhi firmly believe that it is only my IANS Bilateral ties government and Excellency I assure you and the Sheikh Hasina, your government, rime Minister Naren- people of Bangladesh that can and will find an early dra Modi yesterday of our commitment solution to Teesta water sharing," expressed the firm and continuing Modi said. belief that there will be efforts. I firmly believe He also appreciated Bangla- an early solution to the that it is only my desh's efforts to contain Pissue of sharing waters of the radicalism and religious extrem- government and Teesta river with Bangladesh ism and said: "We have the Excellency Sheikh while announcing $5bn lines of greatest admiration for Prime credit to the eastern neighbour. Hasina govt that can Minister Sheikh Hasina's firm "Along with our shared land and will find an early resolve in dealing with terror- boundaries are our shared riv- solution to Teesta ism. Her government's ers," Modi said while jointly water sharing: Modi ‘zero-tolerance' policy towards addressing the media with Bang- terrorism is an inspiration for all Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inspects the guard of honour during a ceremonial ladesh Prime Minister Sheikh of us." Prime Minister Sheikh reception at Presidential House in New Delhi, yesterday. Hasina. In his statement to the media, "They sustain our peoples Hasina reiterated her he announced a line of credit of and their livelihoods. And, the commitment for a $4.5bn for the implementation India and Bangladesh signed "Our agreement to open new dynamism and innovative ideas one that has attracted the great- peaceful border with of projects in priority sectors for 22 agreements following yester- border haats will empower bor- that are not only taking India for- est attention is the Teesta". India free of crime. Bangladesh. day's talks. der communities through trade ward but adding value to our our He said this was "important He announced a separate Stating that energy security and contribute to their liveli- bilateral relationship". for India, for Bangladesh and for line of credit of $500m to sup- was an important dimension of hoods," he stated. She also reiterated her com- India-Bangladesh relationship". of Bangladesh of our commit- port Bangladesh's the two countries' development On her part, Sheikh Hasina mitment for a peaceful border "I assure you and the people ment and continuing efforts. I defence-related procurement. partnership, Modi said: appreciated Modi "for his with India free of crime.

Actor calls for 'fair' Khulna-Kolkata train service flagged off Array Petrapole are expected to begin from July. terminal destinations so that no IANS Maitree Express "The services are expected changeover is required in treatment on women On a trial run, it to kick off from July this year between. ine years after the inau- from Kolkata to Khulna through For the comfort of passen- (train) carried a Mumbai guration of the Maitree Petrapole-Benapole (on the gers the Indian railways planned 43-member IANS Gender equality (friendship) Express pas- Bangladesh side). The fare and to make Maitree I a fully air con- N Bangladesh senger train service between the frequency of the services are ditioned train, said S.N. Agrawal, It surprises me delegation, who were ctor Randeep Hooda, that even in the Kolkata and Dhaka, the first yet to be decided," said Basudev General Manager, Eastern and who is seen as the host Khulna-Kolkata train chugged warmly greeted and Panda, Divisional Railway Man- South Eastern Railways. 21st century there of TV show "MTV Big F into the Petrapole Railway sta- received with ager, Sealdah, Eastern "It is proposed to eliminate A are families who Season 2", feels surprised that tion on the India-Bangladesh bouquets and Railway. the customs and immigration even in the 21st century there suppress the border yesterday. garlands by Indian Bangladesh Railway's Chief formalities which take place at are families who restrict their passions of their Repeatedly sounding its railway officials. Mechanical Engineer (West) Md Gede at the Indo-Bangla border. daughters from living their daughters. It is hooter, the seven-coach diesel- Iftikar Hossain said: "The train Going forward, these formalities dreams. high time society hauled Maitree Express-II will have air-conditioned and will be taken to Kolkata so that An upcoming episode of stops treating stopped at the railway station on Sheikh Hasina, inaugurated the non air-conditioned compart- the train can run to Dhaka with- "MTV Big F Season 2" will tell women as pets the Indian side of the border trial run through a video link ments along with medical out any halts. This service will a fictional story of a young that need to be around 1.40pm to loud cheers from New Delhi. facilities. The fare will be at par be taking place from next and aspiring Hijabi singer disciplined or and applause. Resplendent in green and with the fares of Maitree I." August," he said. named Ayesha (played by caged: Randeep On a trial run, it carried a saffron border on a white base, "The Maitree I which runs "The new passenger service Shernawaz Jijina) and her 43-member Bangladesh dele- the Maitree Express II set off twice a week has about 450 will give a momentum to collab- love for music. gation, who were warmly from Khulna at 8.15 a.m. and seats. We see on an average 80 oration between the two Her brother, being the free-spirited, let them soar greeted and received with bou- entered India through Benapole per cent of seats are always countries. People from the man of the house, doesn't high and live their dreams. It's quets and garlands by Indian from the Bangladesh side. booked," Panda said. southern part of Bangladesh will allow her to take her hobby about time we changed," he railway officials. The 176km journey includes Panda said the two countries benefit from the new service," seriously. added. Earlier in the day, Prime 96km on the Bangladesh side. would initiate the process of said Syed Salma Jafreen, Dep- Ayesha's love for her Shernawaz considers Minister Narendra Modi and his Railway officials said the establishing immigration and uty Secretary, Bangladesh brother and mother restrains herself "lucky" to portray this visiting Bangladesh counterpart, regular passenger train services customs facilities at the Ministry of Home Affairs. her from being rebellious and role on TV. standing up for what she "Women and their desires loves the most. are still suppressed in our However, she makes an country and it's about time Kerala mother attempt and does what she we should do something President releases Moily's book wants. about it. Ayesha's story is a Talking about it, Randeep source of inspiration for New Delhi and finally the culmination of slams daily's ad said in a statement: "It sur- many girls out there who IANS the great battle of prises me that even in the 21st know they have it in them Kurukshetra. on son's death century there are families and just need a little push," resident Pranab Mukherjee The high-profile Congress who suppress the passions of Shernawaz said. (pictured) complimented leader has written extensively Thiruvananthapuram their daughters." The show delves into the Psenior Congress leader in both Kannada and English. IANS "It is high time society psyche of Indian women to Veerappa Moily for re-telling the His most ambitious work till stops treating women as pets explore their hidden desires Mahabharata epic from the per- date is the epic "Shree Ramay- AN ADVERTISEMENT in that need to be disciplined or in order to give them the con- spective of Draupadi. ana Mahaveshanam", which newspapers detailing the caged." fidence to break free of Speaking at the launch of received the prestigious Moor- sequence of events on the "It's funny how we keep societal taboos and claim "The Flaming Tresses of Drau- The book traces the life and tidevi Award of the Bhartiya action taken in the alleged talking about equality for all their desires and their padi" he said, that the epics like journey of Draupadi from her Jnanpith. suicide of Jishnu Prannoy has genders all the time and force bodies. Mahabharata have tremendous birth from the sacrificial fire to In "The Flaming Tresses of been slammed by the engi- our own daughters to give up The episode of "MTV Big influence on Indian minds and her marriage to the five Pandav Draupadi," the protagonist neering student's mother and on their dreams. Women F Season 2" featuring Aye- thought process. He said the brothers, to losing her fortune emerges as a strong female family members. have the right to do whatever sha's journey will be aired readers will not be able to put and honour to the Kauravas in character that ultimately The advertisement titled they want. Let them be today. down the book until it is a gamble, the deep friendship brought to retribution all those 'Jishnu Case - The truth finished. she forged with Lord Krishna who had done injustice to her. behind it', has been released by the Kerala government yesterday which mentioned the action taken by it on the Mass nesting issue. Ministry tightens civil aviation rules Speaking to the media, she said: "Right from day one New Delhi (Ministry of Civil Aviation) is ministry to Air India detailed after I lost my son, the case IANS strengthening rules so that a that in order to deal with unruly has been turned upside national no-fly list can be imple- passengers in the future, an down." he central government mented, such incidents can be amendment to CAR (Civil Avia- "It was after 90 days, we yesterday said that it is prevented, and safety improved. tion Requirement) is being decided to come to the state Tstrengthening the rules to "Air travellers should note drafted by the Directorate Gen- capital to seek justice by stag- stop unruly air passengers from that safety and security for pas- eral of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in ing a protest before the office misbehaving, even as all the pri- sengers and crew is our consultation with the ministry of the police chief. vate airlines lifted a ban on paramount priority. Unruly/dis- for establishment of a national "We were stopped and flying Shiv Sena MP Ravindra ruptive behaviour will result in "No Fly List". roughed up badly by police. Gaikwad. severe consequences. This Sinha further said that Gaik- Our family including my son According to the Minister of includes police action for a spe- wad apologised and gave an admired Chief Minister State for Civil Aviation Jayant cific incident as well as being undertaking that such incidents Pinarayi Vijayan but now he Sinha, his ministry is tightening placed on a no-fly list." will not recur. It was only after says nothing happened to us". the rules so that a national "No- Currently, rules only allow that assurance that Air India was "But in the advertisement Fly List" can be implemented. airlines to refuse boarding or advised to revoke the ban. it says the police did not do Referring to the incident in off-loading of a passenger "Police investigations anything to us... instead we which Shiv Sena MP Gaikwad whose behaviour is deemed as regarding Shri Gaikwad's con- Newly-hatched Olive Ridley turtles make their way to the were literally thrashed by assaulted an Air India senior unruly or disruptive to the safety duct during the March 23 ocean at Rushikulya beach, in Ganjam district, yesterday. police. Why did not the Chief manager on March 23, Sinha of flight operations. incident are underway and the Minister call Jishnu's mother said in a series of tweets: "MoCA On Friday, a letter from the law will take its own course". at least once," she added. 10 HOME SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 HOME 11 12 VIEWS SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL

A savage attack he terrorist attack in central Stockholm that killed four people and injured 15 when a truck ploughed into a crowd on a shopping street is further proof that terrorists never tire of killing innocent Tpeople, and of finding new targets and places. It was the third terror attack in Europe in two weeks, coming on the heels of attacks in London Decoding Steve Bannon’s and St Petersburg in Russia. The police are still investigating the Stockholm attack. A man, who is suspected to be from Central Asia, has been arrested “on suspicion of a terrorist crime through ouster from the NSC murder, but the details are not clear and there have been no claims of responsibility. But the crime bears all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack. on the executive order giving Bannon a Trump, the border wall with Mexico is Sweden is a very peaceful country which has Joe Macaron NSC seat, the White House is asserting not gaining traction and Bannon’s tough given refuge to many immigrants, and its Al Jazeera that the only news here is that Bannon’s tone with the House’s Freedom Caucus government has been in the forefront of defence services of watching over Flynn are no did not help secure enough congres- of human rights all over the world. Terrorists don’t longer needed. However, in a town such sional votes to repeal Obamacare. need a reason to target a country other than the as Washington it matters who is up and It is no secret that Trump likes to devilish intention of spreading terror, and by down in power politics. The White win. Since the November 8 presidential targeting Stockholm they are spreading hate in Ousting Chief Strategist Steve House’s desperate attempt to explain election, Bannon has yet to hand him a the Scandinavian region. Bannon from the National Secu- such a crucial personnel change makes it feasible political victory. To add insult to Like all European leaders, Swedish Prime rity Council (NSC) is one of many hard to see how Bannon can remain rel- injury, while Bannon was being ousted Minister Stefan Lofven too has said his country shake-ups that will continue to evant moving forward. from NSC, Trump’s son-in-law Jared would not be intimidated. “Terrorists want us to define Donald Trump’s White The so-called “Prince of Darkness” Kushner was in Iraq taking a military OHouse. Yet, this realignment is different in the has been building an aura around his crash course on fighting the Islamic State be afraid, want us to change our behaviour, want us to not live our lives normally, but that is what impact it will have on US foreign policy. character; he sees himself as the in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known Even though the move appears like a sud- reformer chief minister Thomas as ISIS). The weeks and months to come we’re going to do. So den game changer, it is a merely an Cromwell under King Henry VIII of Eng- will tell us if the clout of Bannon has terrorists can never aftershock of unseating Mike Flynn in Febru- land and has famously coined the term really diminished. Will he take part in defeat Sweden, never,” ary. The current national security adviser, H R “deconstruction of the administrative meetings with foreign leaders? Will he Lofven said. But every McMaster, has been striving to streamline the state”. Yet, Bannon’s nationalist agenda play a key role in the coming congres- By targetting attack has its Stockholm, policy advice that flows to the president, has been politically wounded in the past sional battle of tax reform? repercussions. Despite manage the administration’s competing few weeks. The White House’s budget Only a military person could have terrorists are the support for the power centres and preserve the NSC from the proposal is far from being considered convinced Trump to revoke the 65-day trying to export Muslim community investigations haunting the White House. The populist and will not survive Congress, NSC membership of his wingman Ban- terror to the from governments and low-profile warrior scholar has reshuffled the the shockwave of exec- non. McMaster is consolidating control people and the Scandinavian dynamics of the White House’s Situation utive orders backlashed and becoming the go-to contact for for- statements of Room (the boardroom, in Trump’s lingo) on eign diplomats and officials, yet he might region. solidarity, these where decisions are made by elimination and struggle to monopolise the coordination attacks inevitably add by who has the president’s ear. of national security policy. One of his to the atmosphere of The April 4 memorandum that once again most significant challenges is how to Islamophobia and reorganised the NSC is the byproduct of a deal with the shadow Secretary of State Muslims are forced to compromise between those who want to de- Kushner, who has his own open diplo- become defensive again and again. politicise the council and those who seek to matic channels - China, Israel and The Swedish assault also brings to the fore de-operationalise it. Simply put, McMaster One thing became Mexico to name a few. another issue – the rising number of terrorists had his way in removing a political operative clear after the April 4 Make no mistake, Bannonism is not from Central Asia, a region which has been largely while committing to downsize an institution dead. Whenever Trump turns to election unaffected by the menace of terrorism. A 39-year- that significantly grew in staff and influence memorandum: When dust mode, populism will be his impulse and old Uzbek man is in custody for the attack, and under former President Barack Obama. settles on this presidency, no one better than Bannon can bring interestingly, he was previously known to Swedish Indeed, the previous US administration Bannon for Trump will not that message home. However, one thing intelligence services as a marginal figure with no has micromanaged national security deci- be Karl Rove for George W. became clear after the April 4 memoran- sions. Flynn continued that insular dum: When dust settles on this clear links to extremist groups. This brings to Bush or Henry Kissinger for three the number of attacks in less than four decision-making style but was butting heads presidency, Bannon for Trump will not months by an assailant believed to have links to with cabinet-level secretaries and creating Richard Nixon. be Karl Rove for George W Bush or this Central Asian country. It’s alarming trend. new layers of management to override his Henry Kissinger for Richard Nixon. Central Asian leaders will have to do more to own staff. The White House’s intrusive crack down on terrorism and must work hard approach in the internal operations of federal with the cooperation of religious authorities and agencies had a miraculous impact in Wash- other organisations to prevent poor and ington. The Pentagon, the State Department uneducated people from their countries from and the Central Intelligence Agency, which joining terrorist organisations. traditionally compete for power, began syn- chronising efforts to make their voices heard. McMaster is putting these bureaucratic con- cerns at ease by reverting to the old format of traffic control role where the national security adviser reconciles conflicting policies coming to the president instead of advancing his or her own agenda. That trend will ultimately restore the ritual of federal agencies vying to QUOTE OF THE DAY influence White House policy. Beyond the policy process, there are sig- nificant repercussions for that personnel move. First Bannon’s ousting will ultimately The Arab League rejects disengage populism from national security regional and international policy and will create a dividing line between powers’ attempts to Trump’s domestic political turmoil and his politicise over the corpses foreign policy. Second, the national security establish- of Syrians or at the cost of ment that Trump has long criticised is its sovereignty. Therefore, gradually turning the White House into a con- we demand that all ventional US administration. should retreat from this Third, we no longer have a separation dangerous escalation we between national and homeland security that has misguided Trump’s campaign narrative; are monitoring. White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (left) with US Deputy National both are now under McMaster’s portfolio. Ahmed Abu Gheit Security Adviser for Strategy Dina Powell during a bilateral meeting between While we were told in February that Arab League’s Secretary-General Trump was upset about not being fully briefed US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping, yesterday. SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 OPINION 13 Trump has no plans for establishing peace

Obama when he insisted on too Ilan Goldenberg much certainty before taking any & Nicholas Heras action in Syria. War does not The Washington Post always work that way: Sometimes, you have to take risks and jump into the breach. But when it comes to Trump, resident Donald Trump’s decision to we have yet to see any indicators launch missile strikes against Syria’s Al that he has a broader political Shayrat airfield after a chemical weapons approach in mind. Less than a attack on civilians was an appropriate week ago, his team was arguing response to an act of unspeakable horror. that removing Assad is unrealistic PYet as analysts who have argued for greater U.S. mil- and that, instead of focusing on the itary engagement to end the Syrian civil war, we find civil war in western Syria, they ourselves conflicted about the president’s decision: would prioritize the effort in the We fear there is simply no plan for what comes next. east against ISIS. The president To succeed beyond Thursday’s limited strikes, himself spent two years campaign- American leaders must decide on a clear set of objec- ing on opposition to deeper U.S. tives, a realistic desired final outcome, a theory of the involvement in the Middle East, and case for how to get there and a solid understanding his team has yet to engage seriously of the risks. We see three potential options for how in any of the diplomatic processes the president could move forward. surrounding the Syrian conflict - The United States could pursue a limited strategy including the intensive talks in focused on one-off strikes in response to the Syrian Astana, Kazakhstan, hosted by the regime’s use of chemical weapons. In that case, the Russians or a major international strike on the air base from which last week’s sarin Syria reconstruction conference gas attacks were launched will probably be enough. held this past week in Brussels. And President Bashar al-Assad and his generals will get - most concerning of all - they have the message and stop using those types of weapons. de-emphasized diplomacy, aid and But Trump may soon find this outcome dissatis- Demonstrators protesting US air strikes against Syria in Los Angeles, yesterday. reconstruction as tools of American fying. The regime will continue to terrorize civilians foreign policy by calling for dra- through airstrikes, artillery and surface-to-surface United States could target a wide array of facilities to support if the alliance moved too aggressively. If the matic financial cuts for all these missiles against densely populated areas. It will con- compel Assad, such as weapons factories, major mil- restraints came off, this moderate rebel force could efforts and making clear to the tinue to employ tactics such as starvation sieges and itary bases, even ministries in Damascus responsible soon be bearing down on Damascus, putting huge international community that the population transfers to tear communities apart. for the war effort. Using the threat of missile strikes pressure on the regime. United States is stepping back from Pictures of dead children and “beautiful babies,” instead of flying in manned aircraft to drop bombs is But this would require a major surge in fighting in coordinating these efforts. as the president remarked, will continue to appear much less dangerous. The United States would not an area that has been largely quiet the past few years. If the United States is to turn the on television. And Assad’s forces and their Russian have to first destroy all of Syria’s air defenses - a The regime would likely respond with the same limited tactical strikes in Syria into allies may up the scale of attacks to humiliate Trump highly provocative step sure to result in Russian scorched-earth tactics it has used elsewhere, and a real strategic gain, the Trump and demonstrate the fecklessness of American mili- fatalities, since Russian advisers help operate many civilians would suffer. Moreover, the Southern Front team will have to change its tary force. Thus, the pressure may grow on the of these systems. With the Russian and regime bom- may achieve catastrophic success and inadvertently approach, and focus not only on United States to respond, and it may be hard for bardment from the air stopped, the United States topple Assad quickly, resulting in chaos. In that case, winning the war - but on winning Trump to resist. The United States may slowly start to would then work with moderate armed groups in Jordan and Israel would feel the destabilizing effects the peace. expand its objectives and escalate the conflict, and opposition areas to marginalize extremists and stabi- of intensified fighting on their borders. eventually find itself in a situation similar to Libya in lize this territory. In the end, all of these military options are use- 2012, where a limited civilian protection mission This approach is risky. Russians are deployed less if they cannot be translated into a political morphed into a full-blown regime change operation. throughout Syria, whether at regime bases or in a outcome. The three military options outlined above Alternatively, the administration could pursue a close advising role embedded with Assad’s forces on can provide the United States with leverage in nego- broader set of interests than strictly deterring chemi- the front lines of the civil war. If the U.S. military tiations with Russia, Iran, Assad, Turkey and the Gulf cal weapon use. These initiatives could, for instance, inadvertently kills a significant number of Russians, States - but only if Trump has a clear view of the end prioritize ending the Syrian civil war and closing the tensions between the world’s two largest nuclear he is seeking. D-RING ROAD security vacuums that are the source of extremist weapons states could skyrocket. The United States The most viable political goal is a Syria that POST BOX: 3488 attacks and massive refugee flows destabilizing can try to warn Russia in advance of the targets it is remains whole as one nation, but with a governance American partners in the Middle East and Europe. striking, as it reportedly did with the strike this week, model that would feature power devolved away DOHA - QATAR To achieve these objectives, the United States but the risks go up as the target lists become more from the central government to local actors who hold [email protected] would threaten to launch more missiles on Assad expansive. the territory in six different zones of control that cur- regime targets unless Assad and his Russian allies Moreover, this approach requires a viable mod- rently divide the country. This idea reflects the stopped attacking civilians in opposition held terri- erate armed opposition that can serve as an effective realities on the ground and has grown in support EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE tory. The local partner on the ground. Such groups exist in among experts as the war has dragged on. TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 southern and eastern Syria, but have become much Such an outcome would require a major diplo- FAX: +974 4455 7758 weaker in the hotly contested northwest, where last matic lift to mediate an arrangement between the If the United States is to week’s chemical weapons attacks occurred. Turks and Kurds in the North. The United States MANAGING EDITOR turn the limited tactical A final military option would be to pressure would have to come to a settlement with Russia and TEL: 4462 7505 strikes in Syria into a real Assad from the south, where the United States and Iran on who retakes the territory currently held by Jordan support a moderate coalition of armed oppo- ISIS and al-Qaida. And we would need to assure DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR strategic gain, the Trump sition groups known as the Southern Front. In recent Israel and Saudi Arabia that Iranian influence in TEL: 4455 7769 team will have to change years, these forces have generally stabilized the areas Syria will be contained. its approach, and focus not of Syria bordering Israel and Jordan, and have fought Unfortunately, it is this final and most important LOCAL NEWS SECTION only on winning the war - hard against the Islamic State. But the Southern Front part of any plan for Syria - the political plan - which has also been restrained by the United States and we are most concerned about when viewing the TEL: 4455 7743 but on winning the peace. Jordan, who have preferred a stable front near Jor- Trump administration’s approach. dan’s border and have threatened to cut off military We disagreed with former President Barack BUSINESS NEWS SECTION TEL: 4462 7535

SPORT NEWS SECTION How cities are trying to stop truck TEL: 4455 7745 attacks ONLINE SECTION TEL: 4462 7501 attack U.S. embassies in East Africa in 1998. proliferated outside government buildings and other high- [email protected] When they were first installed in Washington, profile areas, they have left other areas exposed. Adam Taylor they were often crude: huge concrete blocks known Jon Coaffee, a professor of Urban Geography at the Uni- The Washington Post PUBLIC RELATIONS as “jersey barriers” placed around monuments and versity of Warwick in England who studies the impact of government buildings. They served a purpose but terrorism on urban areas, says that in US cities like Boston, he TEL: 4455 7613 didn’t look great. As the headline on a story by Ben- can easily see where “so-called hostile vehicle mitigation [email protected] jamin Forgey, The Washington Post’s architecture measures” had been installed. “Equally there are many ice, Berlin, London and now critic at the time, put it in 1998, “Does safe have to potential targets that are undefended,” Coaffee wrote in an ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Stockholm. Over the past year, mean ugly?” email. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 terrorist attacks using vehicles Since then, a number of developments have “The key question raised by the Stockholm incident, as FAX: 4455 7870 have become a sad fact of life made these obstacles more subtle. Permanent pro- was raised recently in London, is can we or should we seek to [email protected] in Europe. Such attacks are tective bollards, sleeker in design, are believed to secure all crowded locations in a city?” Nobviously appealing to would-be mass have prevented a number of terrorist attacks: One Groups such as the Islamic State have exploited this, CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT murderers: In most European nations, a example is the 2007 Glasgow Airport attack, where encouraging attacks on so-called “soft targets” that are at TEL: 4455 7857 truck is far easier to acquire than a firearm a car filled with propane canisters was blocked best weakly protected. The attack in Nice, France, took place [email protected] or explosives, and sometimes even dead- from driving into the terminal by bollards, likely upon a beachfront promenade; in Berlin, it was a Christmas lier. Groups such as the Islamic State and preventing serious injury to civilians. Market; in Stockholm, a shopping center. Even in the London SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION al-Qaida have taken note, specifically sug- In the United States, crash- and attack-resistant attack, which targeted the (well-protected) center of Britain’s TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 gesting that a car could be a good weapon bollards are now installed outside “military and political world at Westminster Palace, most of the carnage FAX: 44557819 to harm civilians. governmental buildings and domestic structures took place on the adjacent bridge. For authorities, the attacks represent a and areas of higher security levels,” according to the The abundance of soft targets means that protecting them [email protected] major problem. Guns and explosives can National Institute of Building Sciences. Similar all is difficult, if not impossible. After the attack in Germany, be banned, but motor vehicles are vital for measures are taken in countries such as Britain, Berlin Police Chief Klaus Kandt told reporters that bollards many city-dwellers. So how do you protect where many bollards and barriers are designed to and other obstacles could not completely prevent an attack. All thoughts and views a city from an attack like this? There is one stop a seven-ton truck traveling at 50 mph. “There are an almost unlimited number of soft targets, that’s expressed in these columns commonly used solution, but it’s far from The design of these obstacles is often thought- simply the fact, so there are many possibilities to kill people perfect. fully integrated into their environment. These days, with a truck,” he said. are those of the writers, not Since the 1990s, many cities in North they are often disguised as flower pots, decorative However, the Berlin attack highlighted another way leg- of the newspaper. America and Europe have been installing walls or even sculptures - the artful bronze bollards islation may help. The 40-ton Scania PRT truck used in the physical obstacles designed to stop vehi- outside New York City’s Financial District are an attack is thought to have deployed its brakes when the attack All correspondence cles driving close to the site of a likely obvious example. Bollards that slide into the occurred, thanks to an advanced emergency braking system regarding Views and terror target. These measures actually pre- ground, hidden from view until needed, are also now mandated by the European Union on heavier trucks. Opinion pages should be dated the rise of the modern vehicle attack common. The aim is to provide security without German government officials have said that the technology - instead, they were largely designed to making a city feel like a fortress. may have “saved lives,” Süddeutsche Zeitung reported in mailed to the tackle car bombs, such as those used to However, while these obstacles have December. [email protected] 14 ASIA SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 Multiple quakes rock Philippine province Manila No casualties Renato Solidum, head of the Reuters Philippine Institute of Volcanol- The head of the ogy and Seismology, said the undreds of residents Philippine Institute of event was an "earthquake of coastal areas in a Volcanology and swarm" in a local faultline but province south of Seismology, said the had not been powerful enough the Philippine cap- event was an to cause a tsunami. ital fled to higher "earthquake swarm" "These swarms are natural Hground fearing a tsunami yes- in a local faultline but occurences and we do not expect terday after a series of had not been a big quake in this area," he said earthquakes on the main island powerful enough to yesterday. of Luzon. Batangas officials said there cause a tsunami. Three quakes ranging in were no reports of casualties, but magnitude from 5.0 to 5.9 struck power was cut off in some areas Batangas province, about 90km Batangas officials and cracks had been reported in south of Manila, around 3pm said there were no homes and some commercial over a period of about 20 min- reports of casualties. buildings. utes, said the US Geological "Landslides were also Workers stand on the grounds of an office building in the financial district of Makati, yesterday. Survey. reported in some towns and a "Residents in the coastal vil- head of the provincial disaster portion of a Catholic church shopping malls, hospitals and according to the national disas- The Philippines is located in lages in two towns have council, said. "The people were tower had collapsed," they said other buildings during the ter relief agency. the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where evacuated to safer ground after afraid the earthquakes would yesterday. quakes, which were also felt in The region has experienced about 90 percent of the world's the earthquakes," Lito Castro, generate a tsunami." People rushed out of schools, the Philippine capital of Manila, tremors since earlier this week. earthquakes occur. NEWS BYTES Malala to become UN messenger of peace N Korea blasts US strikes on Syria United Nations Dujarric announced on Friday Guterres said even in the SEOUL: North Korea has said the US missile strikes on Syria AP that she will focus on promoting face of grave danger, she "has were an "intolerable act of aggression" that "proves a million girls' education worldwide and shown an unwavering commit- times over" that strengthening its nuclear programme was ecretary-General Antonio will be officially designated at a ment to the rights of women, the right choice, state media reported yesterday. Guterres has selected Nobel ceremony tomorrow. girls and all people." "The US missile attack against Syria is a clear and intolerable SPeace Prize laureate Malala The 19-year-old was cam- Other messengers of peace act of aggression against a sovereign state and we strongly con- Yousafzai (pictured) to be a UN paigning for the right of all include actors Michael Douglas demn it," KCNA news agency quoted an unnamed spokesman. messenger of peace, the highest children to education in north- and Leonardo DiCaprio, prima- "The reality of today shows that we must stand against power honor bestowed by the UN chief west Pakistan when she was tologist Jane Goodall and with power and it proves a million times over that our decision on a global citizen. severely wounded in a Taliban musicians Daniel Barenboim and to strengthen our nuclear deterrence has been the right choice." UN spokesman Stephane assassination attempt. Yo-Yo Ma. 20 dead as boat sinks in Myanmar YANGON: At least 20 people were killed when a boat carrying Pakistan seeks scores of wedding guests collided with a river barge in West- 100km of Durand Line to be fenced ern Myanmar, authorities said yesterday, with more feared details of drowned as rescuers searched for the missing. Islamabad terrorists across the (western]) Surveillance System (UGS) and The boat, called "Silver Star" in Burmese, sank Friday Internews border remains a major issue to Man-portable Surveillance and unspent funds evening in a river near Pathein, a port city west of Yangon. tackle,” said a senior security Target Acquisition Radar. It was believed to be carrying around 60 passengers on s ‘kinetic operation’ Zarb- official yesterday. The border management sys- of universities their way home from a wedding ceremony, according to a e-Azb has paved way for “The roots of the problem (of tem that has been implemented local police officer. ARadd-ul-Fasaad a tar- terrorism) are across the border in Torkham since May 1, 2016 will Islamabad geted anti-terror operation (in Afghanistan),” he added. now be extended to Ghulam Khan Internews across the country Pakistan’s The official said 100km in North Waziristan, Kharlachi in 50 rebels dead in Kabul air strike new security paradigm now patch on the Durand Line will Kurram and Angor Adda in South THE government of Pakistan revolves on fencing of the Pak- be fenced this year in first phase. Waziristan. has directed the Higher Edu- KABUL: Foreign-backed Afghan forces said they had killed Afghan border and intelligence “Sixty-seven (67) border “While the apparatus will be cation Commission (HEC) to more than 50 militants in multiple operations across the coun- based operations (IBOs) against posts will be completed this year the same, the size of the build- provide details of unspent try over the last 24 hours. emerging terror threats. but the idea is to fence the entire ing and its staffing will be in development funds parked Officials said a drone attack in northern Kunduz prov- “There have been 36 cross border which is not possible in accordance to the traffic on in bank accounts of different ince on Friday killed eight insurgents, including three foreign border (militant) attacks (from one go,” he said. these posts,” he said. universities and also confirm militants. Afghanistan) so far this year as He said 473 border forts will The official revealed that whether they had maintained Naseerudin Saadi, district governor of the restive Dasht- compared to 85 attacks that took be set up across the entire Pak- Pakistan dismantled four main accounts in commercial banks e-Archi district said the strike targeted a Taliban military place during the same period Afghan border with elaborate sanctuaries of terrorists in or National Bank of Pakistan facility. last year. surveillance system that will Afghanistan’s Kunar and Nan- (NBP). “However, the movement of consist of Unattended Ground garhar province. A summary for midyear re-view of Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) sent out to PM Secre- Polluted water tariat states that HEC Ten militants dead informed the PSDP review forum that 10 projects would be completed within the in Lahore gunfight ongoing financial year by June this year. In the midyear review of Lahore reinforcements and encircled PSDP projects for first half of Reuters the area, challenging the mili- the current fiscal year, it was tants to surrender. generally found that imple- akistani police said yes- "A gun battle ensued. When mentation on HEC’s project terday 10 militants from firing stopped 10 militants were implementation remained PJamaat-ur-Ahrar, a fac- found dead by the firing of their satisfactory. tion of the Pakistani Taliban, fleeing accomplices," a spokes- The Planning Commis- died in a gun battle in Lahore. man for the Counter Terrorism sion’s Advisor Development Police said that they were Department in Punjab said. Budget directed HEC to make taking five militants to recover "Among those killed was a every effort to complete more weapons and explosives on facilitator of a suicide bombing such projects which are near- Lahore's outskirts yesterday attack in February in Lahore". ing completion through when they were attacked by a The man had been arrested provision of required funds Boatmen wait for commuters in the black polluted water of the Buriganga River, in group of about 9 militants who soon after the blast after he was by way of re-appropriation Dhaka, yesterday. freed the captives. spotted on security footage within its allocated budget Police called for walking with the bomber. and funds. Advisor Development Budget directed the HEC to provide brief progress hinder- ing the progress of the projects Fate of asylum seekers in Australia remains unclear: Turnbull remarks column of the review pro forma it was revealed in Sydney to the men if a deal to resettle is slated to close by the end of by boat — a policy that the gov- nian conditions. the meeting that unspent AP them in the United States falls the year. ernment says dissuades migrants "We are working to solu- funds are parked in bank through. But Turnbull dodged ques- from attempting the dangerous tions, endurable solutions, of accounts of universities. he future of hundreds of Australian Prime Minister tions about exactly where the and occasionally deadly ocean people who have been detained It was directed to the HEC asylum seekers languish- Malcolm Turnbull said during a government plans to send those crossing from Indonesia. here and Nauru," Turnbull said for pro-viding complete Ting at an Australian-run visit to the Pacific island nation men if the United States refuses Australia instead pays Papua recently. information regarding detention centre in Papua New that Papua New Guinea had to accept them under a deal New Guinea and the Pacific "Working with third coun- unspent amount avail-able in Guinea remained in doubt yes- made "significant progress" struck by the Barack Obama island nation of Nauru to house tries, most notably, of course, the bank accounts of each uni- terday, with the leaders of both toward resettling the nearly 900 administration. asylum seekers in detention United States, to that regard. versity for two years countries declining to provide men being held at the Manus Australia will not settle any camps that have been plagued We'll take this process one step including financial year details about what will happen Island detention centre, which asylum seekers who try to arrive by reports of abuse and draco- at a time." 2016and 2017. SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 EUROPE 15 Uzbek man arrested over Swedish attack

Stockholm Reuters

wedish police arrested a 39-year-old Uzbek man on suspicion of ramming a hijacked truck into crowds in Scentral Stockholm, killing four people and wounding 15 in what they called a terror crime. Police were increasingly confident they had detained the driver of the truck that ploughed down a busy shopping street and smashed through a store front in the heart of the capital on Fri- day, but did not name him. "Nothing points to that we have the wrong person, on the contrary, suspicions have Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel react strengthened as the investiga- tion has progressed," Dan after laying down flowers at a fence near the department Eliasson, head of Sweden's store Ahlens in Stockholm, yesterday. RIGHT: People gather national police, told a news at a makeshift memorial near the scene, yesterday. conference. "We still cannot rule out that parliament and royal palace, said and that is what we will remain." more people are involved." Police arrested a that 10 people including a child The attack was the latest to The man had previously fig- were still being treated in hospi- hit the Nordic region after shoot- ured marginally in intelligence 39-year-old Uzbek tal, with two adults in intensive ings in the Danish capital EU & Nordic neighbours material, but had not been linked man on suspicion of care. A gaping hole in the wall of Copenhagen killed three people to extremists. ramming a hijacked the store showed the force of the in 2015 and put the country on offer Sweden support "We received intelligence last truck into crowds in impact from the truck, which high alert and the bombing and year, but we did not see any links was removed overnight for shooting in 2011 by far-right to extremist circles," Sapo secu- central Stockholm, examination by forensics extremist Anders Behring Brei- BRUSSELS: The European Union and countries across the con- rity police chief Anders killing four people and experts, and dozens of people vik that killed 77 people in tinent offered Sweden support and solidarity following what the Thornberg said. wounding 15. gathered to pay their respects Norway. Although Sweden has Swedish government said appeared to be a terrorist attack using Eliasson said there were and leave flowers, stunned by the not seen a large-scale attack, a a vehicle in central Stockholm. "An attack on any of our member "clear similarities" to an attack attack. failed suicide bombing in states is an attack on us all," said President of the European Com- last month in London in which Crown Princess Victoria was December 2010 killed an mission, Jean-Claude Juncker. "One of Europe's most vibrant and six people died, including the a 25 year-old nurse, said. "It's still among them, laying a bouquet attacker only a few hundred colourful cities appears to have been struck by those wishing it – assailant who drove a hired car unreal when it happens this of red roses. "I feel an enormous yards from the site of Friday's and our very way of life – harm. into pedestrians on a bridge. close." sadness, I feel empty," she told incident. "We stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the people Vehicles have also been used Police said they had found a Aftonbladet TV, urging Swedes Swedish police said it was of Sweden and the Swedish authorities can count on the Euro- as weapons in Nice and Berlin in suspicious device in the vehicle to unite in their grief. especially difficult to identify pean Commission to support them in any which way we can. My the past year in attacks claimed but said they did not yet know if Prime Minister Stefan Lofven "lone wolf" attackers in an open, heart is in Stockholm this afternoon," President of the European by Islamic State. it was a homemade bomb, as also visited the site and struck a Nordic society. "It is very hard if Council Donald Tusk tweeted. "My thoughts are with the victims, There was no immediate reported by public broadcaster defiant tone. "All of us feel anger it is a single individual who is not and their families and friends, of today's terrible attack." claim of responsibility for the SVT. SVT said the bomb may over what has happened, I also part of a wider conspiracy or a German government spokesman Steffen Seibert also reacted attack in Sweden, which has so have partly exploded, burning feel the same anger, but we also more organised planning," to the news. "Our thoughts are with the people in Stockholm, the far been largely immune from the driver, who escaped in the need to use that anger for some- Thornberg, head of the Sapo injured, relatives, rescuers and police. We stand together against any major incidents of this kind, ensuing chaos after mowing thing constructive and go security police, told Swedish terror," he said in a tweet. and police said they tightened through crowds and ramming forward," he said. radio. The French government said President Francois Hollande security around the nation. into the Ahlens department store. "We want — and I am con- Police in Norway's largest expressed his horror and outrage at the attack. "France expresses "I think it was just a matter Local authorities in the cap- vinced the Swedish people also cities and at Oslo airport will its sympathy and solidarity with the families of the victims and of time, but still one doesn't think ital, where flags flew at half mast want — to live a normal life. We carry weapons until further all Swedes," the Elysee Palace said. it will happen," Cecilia Hansson, on buildings including the are an open, democratic society notice following the attack.

Merkel asks 4 dead in building Spain and Portugal to collapse in Poland invest in solar Warsaw reporters. "But another resident, Berlin AP an elderly lady, contacted us to Bloomberg say she was away from the house n apartment house col- and was fine." erman Chancellor lapsed yesterday in Still, firefighters looking for Angela Merkel Asouthwestern Poland, two more survivors said there Gencouraged Spain leaving four people dead, four were no sounds yet coming from and Portugal to invest injured and two others missing, the building's bricks and broken more in solar energy and authorities said. wood. said they need a better Scores of firefighters with The governor of Swiebod- link to France amid a dogs were searching the rubble zice, Bogdan Kozuchowicz, said push for a unified Euro- of the building in the town of the pre-World War II building pean power grid. Swiebodzice (Shvyeh-'boh-tchi- was recently renovated and had “The connection tseh), according to Daniel Mucha, been in good technical between France and the regional spokesman for the fire- condition. Iberian peninsula is a fighters. He said the collapse of The injured were taken to huge problem,” Merkel two floors of the three-floor hospitals in Swiebodzice and in said yesterday in her building might have been caused Wroclaw. One survivor, identi- Rescuers search after a building collapsed burying several people in Swiebodzice, yesterday. weekly podcast. “These by a gas explosion. fied only by her first name are, for example, two Regional governor Pawel Stanislawa, told TVN24 that she hospital bed in Swiebodzice. "I resting on the bed at the time of said the family had lost countries in which solar Hreniak said the search-and- was "miraculously saved." got on top of those planks and the collapse. everything. power naturally could be rescue operation was expected "I was in the kitchen and started calling 'Help! Help!' Two "I don't know what has hap- The head of the medical res- expanded.” to continue through today. suddenly it was dark and full of firefighters came and pulled me pened to him," she said, her voice cue workers, Wojciech Kopacki, Merkel’s government "I confirm a fourth victim, an debris and some broken wooden out by the arm." trembling. With her teenage son, said two of the dead were has promoted wind and elderly man," Hreniak told planks," she said from her She said her husband was also a survivor, at her side, she children. solar energy as the coun- try prepares for the closure of its last nuclear power stations in 2022, transforming the coun- Rare Tintin drawing fetches $798,000 at auction try’s power markets. Green output met 29 per- cent of Germany’s Paris between €600,000 and "This proves the market sta- which sold for €67,000, shows to four in each of eight black-and- electricity demand last AFP €700,000. bility of Herge," Leroy said. crusty sailor Captain Haddock white albums from "Tintin in the year, about the same as The drawing, sold with its col- "Collectors are always interested wearing a plumed hat and bran- Congo" (1931) to "The Crab with in 2015, but far exceed- rare original drawing of Tin- our overlay, shows the intrepid in very beautiful pieces, which was dishing a sword alongside Tintin the Golden Claws" (1941) — rarely ing the 11 percent level of tin from the comic book boy reporter, revolver in hand, the case (today). This drawing with and his dog Snowy. It was a appear on the market. a decade earlier. The EU Aalbum "Tintin in America" standing on the running board of its colour overlay really has the "record" price for this type of But original Tintin comic book is aiming to break down sold for €753,000 ($798,000) yes- a speeding taxi chasing evil-doers quality of a museum piece." drawing, Leroy said, valued at drawings have been known to national barriers for terday in Paris, the Artcurial in the streets of Chicago. A "European buyer" walked between €15,000 and €20,000 fetch millions at auctions over the power, which could make auction house said. Saturday's price almost sur- away with the winning bid, Art- before the auction. years. supplies more secure and The 21x15 cm (8.2 x 5.9 inch) passed the record-setting price of curial said in a statement, adding A drawing of Tintin with a In November a drawing from lower costs thanks to China ink drawing by the Belgian €770,600 for another Herge that more than 80 percent of the model of the Unicorn vessel went "Explorers on the Moon" sold for more trade across cartoonist known as Herge, one drawing sold in 2015, Eric Leroy, items up for auction found for €65,000 after being valued at €1.55m at Artcurial, setting a national borders. of four colour plates of the 1937 a comic books expert at Artcurial, buyers. less than €18,000. record for a single cartoon edition of the book, was valued at said. Another Tintin drawing, Herge colour plates — limited drawing. 16 EUROPE SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017

For women's rights Germany is British FM strong enough to weather cancels Brexit: Minister Berlin Bloomberg Moscow visit ermany’s Economy Minister says her coun- Gtry will weather Brexit London because of its strong global AFP market position, though a new European trade relation- ritain's Foreign Sec- ship with the UK also is retary Boris Johnson needed. (pictured) has can- “It’s a very ambitious pro- celled a scheduled gramme to negotiate Britain’s visit to Moscow, his exit from the European Union Boffice announced yesterday, within two years,” Brigitte saying "developments in Syria Zypries, whose department have changed the situation has a voice in trade policy and fundamentally". Activists stage a protest against a law that restricts women's rights to abortion, in front of helps promote German busi- "My priority is now to con- Ukrainian Parliament in Kiev, yesterday, which was submitted to the Parliament for debate. ness abroad, said in an tinue contact with the US and Britain's Foreign interview. “We will do every- others in the run up to the G7 Secretary Boris thing we can to make it meeting on 10-11 April," said possible.” Johnson, who was due to travel Johnson has While decades of British to Moscow tomorrow. cancelled a scheduled ties with other European "We deplore Russia's con- visit to Moscow Union countries make an tinued defence of the Assad Brexit will be 'painful' for impact inevitable, “Germa- regime even after the chemical starting tomorrow, ny’s economy in particular is weapons attack on innocent saying "developments so well-positioned interna- civilians," added Johnson. in Syria have tionally that it can handle” He then called on Russia to changed the situation the UK: Ireland's Minister Brexit, Zypries said. “And do "everything possible to bring hopefully we will get trading about a political settlement in fundamentally". London of these negotiations in two projected economic output over rules that will allow trade in Syria and work with the rest of Bloomberg years’ time or maybe even a decade. another form.” the international community to Tomahawk cruise missiles at longer where a member of the While fearing economic The comments reflect ensure that the shocking events the Shayrat airfield near Homs rexit will be painful for the European Union, namely Ire- damage, Ireland also is trying to confidence within German of the last week are never in central Syria. UK, Irish Foreign Minister land, cannot be placed in a draw some benefit from Brexit Chancellor Angela Merkel’s repeated". The move was in response BCharlie Flanagan said, sig- position of more disadvantage by attracting banks based in government that fallout from "I discussed these plans in to a suspected chemical weap- nalling the EU should avoid than somebody who is Britain that want to ensure con- the UK’s departure can be detail with Secretary Tillerson," ons attack on the rebel-held making it painful also for his leaving.” tinued access to European limited and that talks on the Johnson said, adding that the town of Khan Sheikhun earlier nation, the only one to share a Other than Britain, Ireland markets by establishing a base divorce terms must precede US foreign minister would still in the week which killed at least land border with the UK. is the EU nation most affected in one of the remaining 27 any post-Brexit trade deal. visit Moscow as planned fol- 86 people according to the Syr- “I believe it’s going to be by Brexit. About 40 percent of nations. Flanagan said he saw Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief lowing the G7 meeting to ian Observatory for Human painful for Britain. I believe it’s Ireland’s exports go to Britain, no desire by the EU to punish Brexit negotiator, warned the "deliver that clear and co-ordi- Rights. Russia, one of the main going to be painful potentially and the country’s Department Britain for its referendum deci- UK this week against seeking nated message to the backers of the Assad regime for Ireland,” Flanagan said in an of Finance said in November the sion last June. “I don’t see any parallel negotiations. Russians." alongside Iran, condemned the interview with BBC TV’s “News- economic impact of Britain’s intent, I don’t see any disposi- “For now, we’re proceed- Johnson expressed his sup- US strike, denouncing a "fla- night” programme. “It’s withdrawal from the EU would tion on the part of my EU ing on the assumption that port to the United States on grant violation of international important, in our context, that be “severe,” shaving as much as colleagues to exact retribution we’ll get it done within two Friday after it fired 59 law and an act of aggression". we have a situation at the end 3.8 percentage points off of to punish Britain,” he said. years and that an extension won’t be necessary,” Zypries said in Dusseldorf, Germany, where she’s hosting talks Standing guard among Group of 20 ministers London leads drop on ways to steer the global economy’s use of digital technology. With Brexit and US in supply of workers threats of protectionist meas- ures are causing concern in London estimates there’s more slack in Germany, the world’s third- Bloomberg the labour market than previ- biggest exporter is reaching ously envisaged — and that out to countries such as Japan mployers in London are wages will therefore stay rela- and China as allies on free having trouble finding tively subdued — the survey trade. Topics include pro- Estaff, and Brexit may make suggests pay pressure may be posed Chinese emission rules it even harder. London posted rising in some industries. Hir- to promote the use of electric the fastest drop in supply of ing is “rapidly becoming vehicles that German car- workers in 15 months, accord- employers’ biggest headache” makers would like to see ing to a monthly survey by IHS and may be exacerbated by eased. That would buy time Markit and the Recruitment & Britain’s decision to exit the for automakers such as Employment Confederation. European Union, said REC Chief Volkswagen AG and General Nationally, firms also Executive Officer Kevin Green. Motors Co. to expand EV reported difficulty in getting “Our concern is that Brexit production. workers, particularly in finance will make the problem worse, “We will talk about the German riot police stand guard during the anti-immigration party Alternative for Germany and information technology, particularly if onerous restric- status of the negotiations (AfD) election campaign launch for the upcoming North Rhine-Westphalian federal state resulting in full-time starting tions are imposed on people between the Chinese and the elections in Essen, Germany, yesterday. salaries rising “sharply.” coming from the EU to work,” Germans about the electric- While the Bank of England Green said. car quotas,” Zypries said. German art exhibit Documenta debuts shared Athens experience

Athens us understand the world that sur- time. Some 860,000 people vis- fleeing civil war in Syria, and over AFP rounds us." ited the last exhibition in 2012. 50,000 remain stuck in camps. Germans who look closer will Athens officials hope the Greek Greece is still struggling with ne of the world's premier discover that Greeks have gone leg will draw over 6,500 visitors. recession and soaring unemploy- art events opened in Ath- through major hardship, Stein- In Kassel, the event will run from ment seven years after nearly Oens yesterday, bringing a meier said. And Greeks will find June to September 17. going bankrupt in 2010. much-needed spotlight, artistic that other Europeans are not In Athens, Documenta will be Throughout this period, Ath- inspiration and visitor boost to "cold and one-sided". headquartered at the recently- ens and Berlin — which has crisis-hit Greece's run-down "We can learn from each completed National Museum of footed a large share of the coun- capital. other...and we should do it more Contemporary Art, a former try's rescue — have repeatedly Documenta 14, the contem- often in Europe...but this is only brewery inaugurated in October clashed over budget targets and porary art exhibition held every possible if we do not merely seek after years of restoration work. Greece's perceived resistance to five years in Kassel, Germany, to confirm our stereotypes," he Shrouded in secrecy until the last economic reform. puts over 160 international art- said through a translator. minute, the 100-day Greek leg is "What did we learn from Ath- ists on display across the city in Documenta was originally titled 'Learning from Athens'. ens? That we all must abandon over 40 public institutions, launched in 1955 by art professor In choosing to co-host the our prejudices and plunge into the squares, cinemas, university cam- Arnold Bode to draw attention to event in the Greek capital, organ- darkness of not knowing," Doc- puses and libraries, showcasing works banned by the Nazis as isers said they were inspired by umenta's Polish-born artistic painting, performances, sculpture degenerate. the country's economic crisis and director Adam Szymczyk told and sound art. "Knowledge must be con- immigration challenges. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife reporters earlier this week. German President Frank- quered again and again, lest it be Appropriately, a large seg- Elke Buedenbender at the opening of the Documenta 14 Today, horse riders will file Walter Steinmeier, who forgotten. Democracy is under ment is devoted to immigration international art exhibition, in Athens, yesterday. beneath the Acropolis in a re- inaugurated the event with Greek attack in many places, even in and displacement. The inaugu- enactment of the Panathenaic counterpart Prokopis Pavlopou- Europe," former foreign minister ration will feature the Syrian procession, a 5th century BC cel- los, said the event aims to break Steinmeier said. Expat Philharmonic Orchestra, an people to dialogue and improve Over a million refugees and ebration to honour goddess down "the political and economic The event has travelled out- ensemble largely made up of war conditions here," said Kassel migrants have come through Athena, and immortalised as a barriers that divide us...to make side its birthplace for the first refugees. "We want to spur mayor Bertram Hilgen. Greece since 2015, most of them frieze atop the Parthenon. SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 EUROPE 17 Basque group ETA gives list of arms caches

Bayonne AFP ETA says its initiative he Basque group ETA, will bring the final Spain demands that ETA which has fought a curtain down on long and often-bloody a decades-long apologise and disband drive for independ- armed campaign to ence, provided France Twith a list of arms caches yester- gain independence Madrid day under a promise to for the Basque AFP completely disarm, a move the country straddling French government called "a the Spanish-French pain yesterday demanded that Basque separatist group ETA major step". apologise for decades of violence and then disband "defin- ETA says its initiative will border. Sitively" after it provided France with a list of arms caches bring the final curtain down on to finalise a promise to disarm. In a statement, Prime Minister a decades-long armed campaign Mariano Rajoy said the arms cache move signalled the "defini- to gain independence for the been blamed for the deaths of tive defeat" of ETA, blamed for 829 deaths dating back to 1968. Basque country straddling the 829 people in a string of bomb- Describing the separatist organisation as "terrorists", Rajoy Spanish-French border. ings and shootings dating back reiterated the group could expect no government favours as a France mobilised nearly 200 to 1968. Thousands more were result and "still less, impunity for their crimes". police along with bomb disposal injured. "The only logical response to this situation is (for ETA) to experts to secure the weapons In 2011, after a string of announce its definitive dissolution, to apologise to its victims and in the handover, according to the arrests among its senior ranks, to disappear rather than mount media operations to disguise its French interior ministry. ETA announced that it had aban- defeat," said a government statement. Eight caches of weapons doned its armed campaign. But Madrid added it would not make an "evaluation" of the weap- containing 120 firearms and the move did not entail ons arsenal until French authorities have neutralised eight caches three tonnes of explosives were disarmament. of weapons containing 120 firearms and three tonnes of explo- on the list of sites located in the ETA more recently sought to sives in the southwestern Pyrenees-Atlantiques department southwestern Pyrenees-Atlan- negotiate its dissolution in bordering Spain. The head of the International Verification Comission Ram tiques department bordering exchange for amnesties or French Interior Minister Matthias Fekl earlier described the Manikkalingam (right), Security chief of the Basque regional Spain, according to Michel Tubi- improved prison conditions for move to hand over remaining arms as a "major step". ana, a human-rights lawyer who roughly 350 of its members held government, Estafania Beltran de Heredia (second right), In 2011, ETA announced that it had abandoned its armed cam- is a member of a group acting as in Spain and France, and for cur- Basque regional president Inigo Urkullu (left) and Basque paign, but did not give up its weapons. It also continued to insist intermediary. rent members living under cover. Government's spokesman Josu Erkoreka, chat before holding on amnesty talks for some 360 jailed group members, 75 of them "This stage of neutralising an But both France and Spain a press conference in San Sebastian, yesterday, to inform in France. arsenal of arms and explosives have taken a firm line and about Basque separatist group ETA's weapons fully lay down. is a major step," French Interior refused any concessions. Minister Matthias Fekl said. The IVC, set up to monitor post-apartheid South Africa; Manikkalingam, a former adviser "Disarmament Day," under the The disarming of ETA is "a At a news conference in the ETA's 2011 ceasefire pledge, is Chris Maccabe, a former senior on the peace process in Sri theme "We are all artisans of historical event," said Arnaldo French Basque city of Bayonne not recognised by either the British civil servant who helped Lanka, told the press conference peace." Otegi a former leader of ETA's earlier yesterday, a group called French or the Spanish govern- negotiate Northern Ireland's in Bayonne that the panel had The governing conservative political wing Batasuna, stopping the International Verification ments, but its involvement is "Good Friday" peace agreement received the list of caches via People's Party staged a "coun- short of saying whether he Commission (IVC) confirmed that supported by the government in in 1998; and General Satish Nam- "the artisans of peace" — a ter-event" late Friday in the thought the ETA would disband. it had received a list of arms Spain's autonomous Basque biar, a former deputy chief in the French civil society group Basque city of Vitoria in which "I believe that ETA must start a caches from intermediaries that region. Indian army with experience of headed by an environmentalist, there was a ceremony for "the debate between militants about it handed "to the French It lists among its members UN peacekeeping in the former Txetx Etcheverry. protagonists of ETA's defeat." its future," added the 58-year- authorities." Ronnie Kasrils, a former minis- Yugoslavia. An event was planned in Relatives of ETA victims took old, who had been imprisoned Founded in 1959, ETA has ter of intelligence in The IVC's spokesman, Ram Bayonne to mark so-called part. for a kidnapping. Blackout at Italy park Clashes at Le Pen's rally in Corsica halts rides on first day Paris Reuters

Rome eyewitness video of the rescue kirmishes broke out yester- AP shown on Sky TG24, they were day ahead of a campaign brought down by crews on a set Srally by French far-right blackout at a popular of emergency stairs. leader Marine Le Pen, prompting Italian amusement park The head of the park, Aldo the removal of more than a dozen Aleft people stranded on Maria Vigevani, blamed the protesters and the evacuation of rides on the opening day. No blackout on an electricity burst the hall in Ajaccio, Corsica. injuries were reported. generated by utility Enel that The latest polls ahead of the The most dramatic rescue fried a park transformer. In a April-May, two-round presiden- yesterday at Gardaland statement carried by the ANSA tial election show Le Pen — leader appeared to be that of a family news agency, Vigevani said the of the anti-immigrant National of four trapped on the top of a park shut down and restarted Front — neck-and-neck with cen- roller coaster. According to all rides as a precaution. trist Emmanuel Macron, who is expected to beat her in the runoff. Polls also show that right behind them, far-left veteran Big Ben refurbishment Jean-Luc Melenchon has risen rapidly in opinion polls after his performance in a televised debate early this week, drawing level with conservative candidate Fran- Policemen stand in front of smoke during a clash with protesters after a meeting of the French cois Fillon, whose presidential bid has been tainted by corruption far-right Front National (FN) party candidate for the presidential election in Ajaccio, on the charges. French Mediterranean island of Corsica, yesterday. Around 50 Corsica national- ists demonstrated in front of the firing teargas, prompting the Independentista, said in a state- had allowed far-left "militia" to venue in Ajaccio where Le Pen evacuation of the hall, the news- ment, referring to Marine's father come too close. was holding her rally, chanting paper said. Jean-Marie Le Pen. Rachline said a National Front "We do not want the National A Corsican nationalist move- The campaign event was activist was seriously injured dur- Front", according to local news- ment claimed responsibility for delayed for an hour and moved ing the clashes. paper Corse Matin. incidents. "We will never let this to another venue, French televi- In her stump speech, Le Pen Some of them managed to party, whose former leader had sion BFM TV said. assailed her rivals Macron and Fil- enter the hall where Le Pen was demanded the death penalty for Le Pen's campaign manager lon on immigration, security, and expected to speak. They clashed Corsican political prisoners, come David Rachline said on twitter that ties to the European Union, while with Le Pen's security team, safely to our country," the organ- local authorities had not done making local promises to the Cor- throwing punches and isation A Ghjuventù enough to secure the venue and sican electorate. Two Russian cops dead in attack 17 held for plotting

Moscow Attacks against police are not against Moldova leader AFP uncommon in southern Russia's North Caucasus, which faces a simmering Chisinau wo traffic policemen were killed Islamist insurgency. AP yesterday after their vehicle came The latest incident came days after Tunder fire in Russia's volatile the Islamic State group claimed the kill- oldovan prosecutors say 17 people have North Caucasus region, investigators ing of two other traffic policemen in the been detained in Moldova and Ukraine said. The local branch of Russia's Inves- southern Russian city of Astrakhan this Mon suspicion they were planning to kill tigative Committee said "unidentified week. IS also claimed a separate attack one of the country's most powerful politicians. A crane manoeuvres a Portakabin into Speakers Green, people ... fired multiple shots from an that wounded three National Guard Senior organised crime prosecutor Vitalie at the foot of the Elizabeth Tower, more commonly automatic weapon" at two traffic police- officers on Thursday in an incident Rus- Busuioc said authorities knew of orders from two referred to as "Big Ben", outside the Houses of men riding in their patrol vehicle in the sian authorities said saw one assailant unnamed people to assassinate of Vladimir Pla- Parliament in central London, yesterday, as the first stage town of Malgobek at around 1:30 am. suspected of involvement in the death hotniuc, a businessman and chairman of the of refurbishment works on the tower commence. The policemen died in hospital from of the Astrakhan traffic policemen shot Democratic Party, the biggest party in Moldova's their injuries, it said in a statement. dead. pro-European governing coalition. 18 AMERICAS SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017

Police storm Venezuela bans oppn leader amid crisis Indiana school after threat to Caracas More clashes AFP shoot students Henrique Capriles enezuelan authori- was one of the ties late on Friday leaders of mass Terre Haute banned a top oppo- demonstrations this AP sition leader from week against public office for 15 ozens of police offic- socialist President years,V the latest move in an ers stormed a western Nicolas Maduro that increasingly tense power strug- Indiana high school on led to clashes with D gle in the crisis-hit country. Friday after a caller claimed Henrique Capriles was one police. One protester he was inside with explosives of the leaders of mass demon- died. and a rifle and would start strations this week against shooting students if he didn’t socialist President Nicolas Capriles rejected the receive a ransom, police said. Maduro that led to clashes with move and insisted he A male called the Terre police. One protester died. would retain his post Haute Police Department State comptroller Manuel as governor, about 10:30 a.m. and said he Galindo imposed a “sanction of branding Maduro a was in a bathroom at Terre disqualification from exercising dictator. Haute North High School public office for a period of 15 armed with a rifle and a bag years,” his institution said in a of explosives, Police Chief ruling made public by Capriles choose its opposition. Shall we John Plasse said hours after himself. let it? No. Tomorrow we con- authorities determined the The ruling said the sanction tinue,” wrote leading lawmaker threats were a hoax. was due to “administrative Freddy Guevara on Twitter. The caller said he would irregularities” by Capriles in his Capriles branded Friday’s begin shooting students if he post as governor of the north- ban part of what the opposition didn’t receive a ransom ern state of Miranda. alleges is a “coup” by allies of within 10 minutes, or if stu- Capriles rejected the move Maduro, who is resisting oppo- dents left the building. Plasse and insisted he would retain his sition calls for a vote on said the caller made other post as governor, branding removing him from power. “This threats after he was trans- Maduro a dictator. “The only one is all part and package of the ferred to police dispatch. who is disqualified in this coun- internal coup,” Capriles said on The school’s 1,800 stu- try is Nicolas Maduro. They can Twitter, branding the govern- A demonstrator against Nicolas Maduro's government returning a tear gas during clashes with dents and their teachers were stick their disqualification ment a “corrupt drug-trafficking riot police in eastern Caracas, yesterday. told to shelter in classrooms where the sun don’t shine,” he leadership.” while about 50 officers told a news conference. “If the Capriles lost narrowly in the sition-controlled legislature. six months to the Supreme Court. Thursday, the third consecutive entered the school, some dictatorship is squealing, it is a 2013 election that brought The court has consistently The collapse in prices for day of violence. Public prosecu- holding their rifles to their sign that we are making Maduro to the presidency after ruled in Maduro’s favor since the Venezuela’s crucial oil exports tors said they would charge a shoulders, ready to fire if progress.” the death of his mentor Hugo opposition majority took its has sapped the country’s reve- policeman over the killing. needed, the (Terre Haute) The state authority’s move Chavez — father of Venezuela’s seats in the National Assembly nues. Ordinary Venezuelans are The wave of protests has Tribune-Star reported. effectively bans Capriles, a law- “socialist revolution.” legislature in January 2016. suffering from shortages of food, revived fears of broader unrest Students were later yer of 44, from running against After this week’s demon- It drew international criti- medicine and basic goods along in Venezuela, where 43 people moved to the school’s gym Maduro in a general election due strations, Maduro dismissed cism for last week’s rulings, with a surge in violent crime. were killed during riots in 2014. while a bomb-sniffing police next year. If effective, it will Capriles as “politically finished”. which seized the assembly’s The opposition blames The country has undergone three dog checked the entire remove from the political ring Another pro-government leader, powers and revoked lawmak- Maduro for the economic crisis. attempted military coups since school, which has 104 class- one of the most prominent con- Freddy Bernal, alleged Capriles ers’ immunity from prosecution. He says it is due to a capitalist 1992. rooms. After no bombs or tenders in the center-right was inciting protests “looking The court reversed the rulings conspiracy backed by the United “Maduro is scared that I will weapons were found inside opposition MUD coalition, which for a few deaths to set the coun- days later, but the opposition States. He retains the public sup- be the new commander in chief. the school, the student body is pushing to remove Maduro try alight.” intensified its protests, prompt- port of the military — a pillar that But don’t worry, sooner or later, was released just before 3 from office. Venezuela’s political crisis ing police to fire tear gas. analysts say could make him top- there will be one,” Capriles told p.m. to nervous parents who Capriles’s allies vowed to intensified last week when the Capriles can appeal against ple if removed. supporters, claiming some mili- had gathered outside, while push ahead with further pro- Supreme Court issued rulings his sanction within two weeks A 19-year-old protester was tary members reject his other students were taken tests. “The dictatorship wants to curbing the powers of the oppo- to the comptroller and within shot dead during protests on punishment. home by school bus. SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017 AMERICAS 19 Laser weapons edge towards military use

Washington kilowatts, he added. That degree AFP New arms tech of power could knock out an Laser weapons are incoming missile head-on. sci-fi staple for dec- now here and are Eventually, reality will increas- ades, laser weapons being deployed on ingly catch up with fiction. are finally becoming military vehicles and The US military is also reality in the US mil- weighing the possibility of planes. itary, albeit with mounting lasers on drones fly- capabilitiesA a little less dramatic ing at very high altitudes, Boeing, Lockheed than at the movies. making them capable of shoot- Lightsabers — the favoured Martin, Northrop ing down ballistic missiles weapon of the Jedi in “Star Grumman and shortly after launch. Another Wars” films — will remain in the Raytheon are bonus for the military from fictional realm for now, but after developing lasers is the promise of seem- decades of development, laser prototypes for the ingly unending and cheap weapons are now here and are Pentagon. firepower. being deployed on military vehi- Unlike conventional canons cles and planes. that need shells, laser canons are Boeing, Lockheed Martin, it to explode mid-air. An impres- limited only by the amount of Northrop Grumman, Raytheon sive feat considering the round electricity that can be generated. — all the big defence players — is moving at hundreds of miles Gunzinger deems lasers as espe- are developing prototypes for per hour. The laser weapon can cially promising on warplanes, the Pentagon. The Navy has also pierce the outer skin of a which could potentially get an since 2014 been testing a 30-kil- drone, taking out key circuits and unlimited reservoir of firepower owatt laser on one of its making it crash. For the moment, to defend against adversaries’ warships, the USS Ponce. the lasers being tested are all of missiles. “An aircraft doesn’t have Lockheed Martin has just about this same power. to return to base to upload more announced a 60-kilowatt laser Mark Gunzinger, a senior weapons. It could refuel and con- weapon that soon will be fellow at the Center for Strate- tinue to operate with its nearly installed on an Army truck for gic and Budgetary Assessments, unlimited magazine,” he said. operational testing against mor- sees that relatively small output But before laser technology tars and small drones. increasing rapidly. can be integrated into combat The weapon can take out a Within just a few years, he planes, it must first be shrunk in drone from a distance of about expects far more powerful pro- size. Currently engineers are 500 metres by keeping its beam totypes of more than 150 running into physical limitations locked onto the target for a few kilowatts. Such a laser could on how much portable power seconds, Jim Murdoch, an inter- knock out a missile sideways on, can be produced and ways of national business development where it is most vulnerable. He cooling the technology. director at Lockheed, told said special operations forces Lockheed wants to increase reporters this week. want to test such a system by the power of its truck-mounted But unlike in the movies, the 2020 on an AC-130 gunship that laser. “For a vehicle like this, laser beam is invisible to the specializes in ground support for there will be some engineering naked eye. By focusing the beam troops. limits,” said Murdoch. onto a target, the technology rap- And within six to eight years, “We will run out of space ... idly heats the inside of an US forces could begin using laser that’s the kind of challenge we incoming mortar round, causing systems of more than 300 are working.”

NEWS BYTES Michigan boy hangs himself after social media prank 102 children among 314 Detroit “I just want it be exposed and had with Tysen. The juvenile is media. He said the district has AP be addressed,” Goss said of being charged with malicious been educating students and dead in Colombia mudslide school bullying in general and use of telecommunication serv- parents through its health cur- ysen Benz was at home cyberbullying in particular. “I ices and using a computer to riculum, health fairs, community BOGOTA: More than 102 children were among 314 people when he saw social media don’t want it be ignored.” commit a crime. forums and other efforts. killed in the giant mudslide that slammed into the southern Tposts indicating that his Using a cellphone he bought The girl whose death was “After the gut-wrenching Colombian town of Mocoa last week, the government said. The 13-year-old girlfriend had com- without his mother’s knowledge, faked and friends who were in loss of a student, we ask our- mudslide hit a week ago after heavy rains caused three rivers mitted suicide. The posts were a Tysen on March 14 was reading on the prank attended the same selves, ‘How can we do more?’” to flood, sending a sea of mud, boulders and debris crashing prank, but the 11-year-old boy texts and other messages about school as Tysen, Goss said. Even Saunders wrote. into the town. In the latest toll report, the National Disasters apparently believed them. the faked suicide and decided though the prank occurred out- Most states, including Mich- Risk Management Unit said 332 people were injured and at Moments later, his mother he would end his life too, his side of school, she said, the igan, have enacted legislation least 4,506 had been made homeless. The disasters unit said found him hanging by the neck mother said. After seeing the school should have done more designed to protect children it had received information on 127 people still missing, among in his room in Marquette, Mich- posts about his girlfriend, Tysen to protect her son. from bullies. them three foreigners: a Spaniard, a German and an Ecuadoran. igan. Now a prosecutor is replied over social media that “The principal, the assistant Michigan’s anti-bullying act, pursuing criminal charges he was going to kill himself, and principal — that’s their job, espe- signed in 2011 by Gov. Rick Sny- against a juvenile accused of no one involved in the prank told cially for little kids,” she said. der, requires school districts to Mexico to grant residency to being involved in the scheme, an adult, Goss said. “Kids take things to heart.” In a have anti-bullying policies on which Katrina Goss described as The boy died Tuesday at a statement released Thursday, the books. It was known as 588 stranded Cubans “a twisted, sick joke.” Detroit-area hospital. Authori- Marquette Area Public Schools “Matt’s Safe School Law” after MEXICO CITY: Mexico said that it would grant residency per- Goss described her son as ties would not release the age of Superintendent William Saun- Matt Epling, a 14-year-old who mits to 588 Cubans who were stranded in the north of the appearing “fine” just 40 minutes the juvenile charged or comment ders agreed with Goss’s concerns killed himself after a 2002 haz- country after the United States ended its “wet-foot, dry-foot” before she found him. on what relationship the person about the dangers of social ing incident. policy, which had given legal status to almost every Cuban to reach US soil. Mexico’s National Institute of Migration (INM) said the beneficiaries of the program are currently in the city of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, on the border with the United States, where the group was headed. “INM has done eve- Twitter pulls rything to allow this group of foreigners of Cuban origin to Many Trump voters welcome US obtain their residency in the country for humanitarian rea- anti-Trump sons,” the institute said in a statement. account suit air strikes as show of strength Trump announces Army New York/Fort Lauderdale commitment to put US interests praised by Trump that promotes witter Inc on Friday Reuters above all others. unsubstantiated conspiracy the- secretary pick dropped a lawsuit it filed “Love it, love it, love it, love ories, declared on Twitter he WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump announced his pick Tthe previous day against or many supporters of US it. He said from Day One that was “OFF the Trump train.” for the next secretary of the US Army, a state senator from Ten- the US Homeland Security President Donald Trump, he’s not going to take any non- Self-described white nation- nessee. In a statement, Defence Secretary Jim Mattis praised the Department, saying the gov- Fhis decision to bomb a Syr- sense,” Anthony Calvanese, 28, alist leader Richard Spencer nomination of Mark Green for the top civilian job in the Army. ernment had withdrawn a ian airfield in retaliation for a a construction foreman, told a called Trump’s decision a “Mark will provide strong civilian leadership, improve military summons for records about poison gas attack was a decisive reporter on a sidewalk in New “betrayal” and the “end of readiness and support our service members, civilians and their who was behind an account show of strength and resolve - York City’s Staten Island bor- America First”. By contrast, sev- families,” Mattis said. If confirmed by the senate, Green would critical of President Donald just what they voted for in ough. “He needs to start showing eral Trump voters said they still succeed Eric Fanning. Green’s nomination is Trump’s second Trump. November. In interviews with our superiority in the world.” trusted the president to deliver pick for the job, after Vincent Viola withdrew over concerns A lawyer for the social more than a dozen Trump vot- Trump’s order came despite on his promises. about his ability to separate from his large business holdings. media company, Mark Flana- ers, many acknowledged that his vow in the 2016 campaign Todd Recknagel, a 53-year- gan, wrote in court papers that getting the US military directly to avoid entanglements in Mid- old managing partner of a a US Justice Department law- involved in the Syrian conflict dle East conflicts. Four years private equity firm in Panama 4 inmates found dead at a yer told Twitter about the was a far cry from the “America ago, he also admonished his City Beach, Florida, said the withdrawal of the summons on First” isolationism the Republi- predecessor, Democrat Barack move reinforced his support for South Carolina prison Friday and that the demand can candidate espoused during Obama, to refrain from retali- Trump because it showed the COLUMBIA: Four inmates were found dead on Friday in a dorm “no longer has any force or the campaign. ating after the Syrian president is willing to adjust his at one of South Carolina’s maximum-security men’s prisons, effect”. It was not immediately Unlike several prominent government launched a poison thinking based on events. authorities said. The inmates were found at Kirkland Correc- clear why the government had far-right backers who gas attack on its own citizens. “I appreciate the fact that tional Institution in the capital city, Department of Corrections withdrawn the summons, or denounced Thursday’s air The apparent ideological he’s not so inwardly focused that Director Bryan Stirling told The Associated Press. Stirling did not whether it had closed an inves- strikes in Syria, most of the inconsistencies angered some he’s willing to stand up for prin- say how they died. Department spokeswoman Sommer Sharpe tigation it said it was Trump voters interviewed in of Trump’s staunchest support- ciple on something like Syria,” identified the four inmates in a news release as John King, 52; conducting. The Justice Texas, Florida and New York on ers on the far right. Paul Joseph he said in a phone interview. Jason Kelley, 35; Jimmy Ham, 56; and William Scruggs, 44. Department, which defends Friday said the attack was not Watson, a London-based editor “(Ronald) Reagan wouldn’t federal agencies in court. an abdication of his at Infowars, a US media outlet allow that stuff either,” he said. 20 MORNING BREAK SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2017

PRAYER TIMINGS Drumming and strumming Man spared jail FAJR 04.00 am SHOROOK 05.18 am for butterfly

ZUHR 11.36 am MAGHRIB 05.56 pm deaths ASR 03.05 pm ISHA 07.26 pm London AFP WEATHER TODAY British man convicted o o of capturing and kill- 24 C 33 C Aing two of Britain's rarest butterflies, the endan- Minimum Maximum gered Large Blues, was spared jail but ordered to perform 250 hours of community service. The court in the south- west city of Bristol also banned Philip Cullen from three nature reserves popu- lar with the Large Blues, a species that has protected status. "He is extremely remorseful," Cullen's lawyer Michael Hartnell said. "His interest in the coun- Hamed Sinno (centre), the lead singer of Lebanese band Mashrou Leila, performs at the Dubai International tryside and wildlife is one he Marine Club during a music festival, late on Friday night. has had for a long, long time."

Afghan sport keeps galloping after centuries

Panjshir but designed to showcase the riders’ guerilla commander Ahmad Shah Mas- Matches may involve individual Reuters horsemanship and warrior spirit. soud used the mountains to hold off players competing, or teams, often Hazy at places at first becomes rela- tively hot daytime with some clouds. Amid foreign invasions, civil wars, first the Soviets, then the Taliban. owned or sponsored by powerful war- crash of horses and men deep and insurgent attacks, Afghans have “It’s been almost 50 to 60 years lords or other leaders. HIGH TIDE 03:30 - 16:30 LOW TIDE 10:30 - 22:00 in a mountain pass signals the gathered to cheer on their favourite that buzkashi matches have been hap- In both cases, the goal is to carry Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department A start of another game of buz- “chapandaz,” as the riders are known. pening on this site,” said Abdul Anaan, the carcass and drop it on a target on kashi, Afghanistan’s national sport. On Friday, a typical community a spectator. “I myself was a horseman the ground, all while dozens of other LATEST NEWS Buzkashi, which translates roughly match played out under the soaring, and usually played buzkashi, and today riders and horses grab, hit, kick, and UPDATE as “goat pulling,” has been played for snow-capped peaks that surround the many youth are interested in this game struggle to tear the carcass away. centuries across Central Asia and is one Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul. and playing it.” The game involves rid- “If we fall down on the ground or of the most enduring and iconic sym- Rusting hulks of Russian-made ers on horses wrestling over half of a calf get hurt it doesn’t mean that we are www.thepeninsulaqatar.com bols of Afghanistan. tanks and guns litter the Panjshir, tes- carcass, which is usually able to with- angry with each other,” said horseman It is a sport which is often violent, tifying to the years of war when famed stand the pounding better than goats. Mohammed Hafiz.