BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 ‘Dream is to reach 2022 World Cup INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 3 – 9, 28 COMMENT 26, 27 QDB, Qatar Shell REGION 9 BUSINESS 1 – 7, 12 – 16 knockout 17,899.00 9,552.04 49.60 ARAB WORLD 10, 11 CLASSIFIED 8 – 12 off er QR70mn +50.00 -123.62 +0.27 INTERNATIONAL 12 – 25 SPORTS 1 – 12 +0.28% -1.28% +0.56% SME contracts stage’ Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXVII No. 10105 May 31, 2016 Sha’baan 24, 1437 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Ministry In brief

REGION | Consultations Emir to attend promotes Jeddah meeting HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani heads to Saudi Arabia today to take part in the 16th Consultative Meeting of Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) leaders due to be held in Jeddah. CSR drive

QATAR | Discussions Minister and OIC chief hold talks HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani attending the opening of the in Qatar Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- Enriching the Middle East’s Economic Future Conference at Sheraton Doha Hotel. Thani yesterday met with visiting The Al Baraka endowment Organisation of Islamic Co- fund will be established under operation (OIC) secretary-general the supervision of Eid Charity, Iyad Ameen Madani. which aims to collect QR36mn in donations UAE | Economy GDP is expected to he Ministry of Economy and Dubai to host Commerce (MEC) yesterday un- Tveiled the Al Baraka corporate ‘green’ summit social responsibility (CSR) initiative in Delegates from 60 countries co-operation with Eid Charity. will gather in Third World Green grow 4.3% this year Through the initiative, the minis- Economy Summit (WGES) in Dubai try aims to promote CSR in Qatar by in October to explore paths toward QNA Arab countries and 14th globally. physical security as it ranked 4th. encouraging businesses to donate a a sustainable economy using Doha He said that Qatar occupied the fi rst “All these indicators are the best percentage of their profi ts to charity best environmental and business position globally in terms of ease of ac- proof of the successful economic poli- projects, which will be used to provide MEC and Eid Charity off icials marking practices. cess to loans and placed its stable mac- cies and contributed directly to the pro- aid to families in need, fund communi- the partnership. atar’s gross domestic product roeconomic environment in the second motion of Qatar’s competitive econo- ty training programmes, provide meals (GDP) is projected to achieve position, along with a very high level of my,” he said. to low-income workers and families participation of companies and insti- KOREA | Health Qa stable growth of about 4.3% and fi nance the medical treatment of tutions in one of the largest CSR initia- Study warns this year, according to HE the Minis- low-income patients, according to a tives in Qatar by off ering a percentage ter of Economy and Commerce Sheikh statement from the MEC. of their corporate profi ts as donations on dust hazards Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al- The Al Baraka endowment fund will to fund humanitarian and charitable A South Korean medical study Thani. Qatar retains world be established under the supervision projects in support of society. showed that chronic exposure to Speaking at the opening of the En- of Eid Charity, which aims to collect The ministry, along with Eid Char- fine dust negatively aff ects not riching the Middle East’s Economic Fu- QR36mn in donations. ity, has urged all companies to par- only respiratory system, but the ture Conference yesterday, the minister competitiveness ranking “The initiative aims to increase the ticipate in Al Baraka by fi lling in the cardiovascular system as well. praised the conference’s role in provid- contribution made by institutions online application form available on ing an opportunity for participants to towards community development Eid Charity’s website, or by visiting the exchange views and discuss issues of QNA velopment Strategy (NDS) specifi ed projects and aligns with the objec- headquarters of the foundation where EUROPE | Alliance interest to the people and countries of Doha clear goals in the fi elds of commer- tives of Qatar National Vision 2030 to they can make their donations with the Nato assembly sees the Middle East. cial businesses, economic infra- promote social justice based on high human resources department and then Given the present circumstances structure and private sector devel- moral standards and the Islamic values obtain a certifi cate of registration for ‘potential threat’ in the global economy and in light of atar retained a top place in opment, which would lead to more of peace, justice, social solidarity and the Al Baraka corporate social respon- Nato’s parliamentary assembly fl uctuations in oil prices along with the 2016 edition of the an- progress in the future. charity work,” the statement noted. sibility initiative. yesterday called on members of declining growth rates in world’s major Qnual World Competitive- He added that Qatar had no op- The Ramadan outreach programme The Ramadan 2016 initiatives forms the Western military alliance to be economies, the minister said that con- ness Yearbook, which is issued by tion but to diversify its economy and is the fourth in a series of initiatives part of the MEC’s eff orts to provide ready to respond to the “potential certed eff orts were required to establish the Lausanne-based International to achieve this “it has to constantly launched by the ministry to mark the community-oriented services de- threat” of Russian aggression a knowledge-based and dedicated cul- Institute for Management Develop- work to raise effi ciency and produc- holy month of Ramadan under the signed to cover all aspects of its activi- against them. ture of innovation in the Middle East. ment (IMD), ranking the state13th tivity and improve its international theme “#Aqal_Min_Al_Wajeb”, mean- ties in terms of organisation, partner- He said that “under the wise guid- out of 61 countries. competitiveness”. ing “#the_least_we_can _do” in Ara- ship and support. ance of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin In a statement issued yesterday, According to the statement, in- bic. These initiatives include sheep sub- EUROPE | Crisis Hamad al-Thani, Qatar has been work- the Ministry of Development Plan- dices were positive in some aspects Tariq Abdul Aziz al-Sada, director sidies and price caps on consumer Unicef alarmed ing on the consolidation of imparting ning and Statistics said “the ranking such as surplus in the current ac- of public relations and communica- products in addition to the organisa- knowledge in various areas, in eco- refl ects the high status that Qatar count balance and the trade balance, tions at the MEC, said: “Through this tion of a number of awareness forums at migrant deaths nomic sector in particular, by pursuing continues to achieve on all fronts low unemployment rate, high real initiative, the MEC aims to encourage and campaigns on trade in Islam and The United Nations Children’s Fund fl exible policies to diversify the sources as competitiveness in the report is growth rate of GDP, rise in the sur- companies to contribute to commu- the “Halal livelihood” programme on (Unicef) has expressed alarm at the of income and to keep pace with Qatar measured based on a group of data plus in general budget and effi ciency nity development and actively support the ministry’s YouTube channel. number of migrant and refugee National Vision 2030”. and statistical indices as well as of fi nancial management. sustainable programmes, which benefi t The MEC will also launch the “Ik- deaths in the past week in the He highlighted that Qatar placed views of company executives and Meanwhile, some indices require the society and Qatar. tisadi” bank card campaign and anoth- Central Mediterranean. the private sector and innovation at businessmen who were included in more improvement, including the “The success of companies is no er initiative to bolster the productivity the forefront of strategic priorities by the report’s fi eld survey and off ered index on the concentration of ex- longer measured by their profi tability of bakeries and regulate gold and jewel- implementing a set of programmes their opinions on the business envi- ports in terms of goods and business alone, but also by their contribution lery businesses. and policies to strengthen integration ronment and competitiveness of the partners, limited incoming direct to community development as part of Further, the ministry has stressed among various state authorities and Qatari economy”. investment, low high-tech exports, their corporate social responsibility ef- that it will intensify its inspection enshrining the principle of meaningful HE the Minister of Development and low proportion of renewable forts.” campaigns to monitor markets and and constructive partnership with the Planning and Statistics Dr Saleh energy of the total energy require- Nawaf Abdullah al-Hammadi, Eid business activities, among other ini- private sector. bin Mohamed Salem al-Nabit wel- ments. Charity executive manager for resourc- tiatives. HE Sheikh Ahmed said that these comed the report’s outcome, stress- The yearbook’s chapter on Qatar es development and media, said the It has invited the public to follow eff orts refl ected Qatar’s ranking in ing that it enhances Qatar’s global is a result of co-operation between launch of the Al Baraka CSR initiative, its various accounts on social media international reports and indica- status. IMD in Switzerland and the Minis- marks a major leap for institutionalised platforms, including Instagram, Snap- tors as the 2015-2016 Global Com- The results, he said, helped as a try of Development Planning and sustainable charity work through the chat and YouTube under the name petitiveness Report issued by the guide for areas that had room for Statistics. It’s the eighth edition of Al Baraka endowment fund. MEC_QATAR and to subscribe to its World Economic Forum ranked improvements. the yearbook in which Qatar took The Al Baraka initiative, al-Ham- WhatsApp account on the number – the State of Qatar fi rst among Dr al-Nabit said the National De- part. madi explained, highlights the active 66111400. Airline leaders set to discuss safety and security

By Pratap John rising industry fi nancial health but also ment a global market-based measure The AGM will open with keynote succeeding retiring director general line co-operation in promoting safe, Chief Business Reporter a growing regulatory burden. for aviation. addresses by Shane Ross TD, Ireland’s and CEO, Tony Tyler. reliable, secure and economical air Security, safety and environment is- The IATA AGM and World Air Trans- minister for transport, tourism and This will be the second IATA AGM to services - for the benefi t of the world’s sues, however, remain top of the indus- port Summit bring together CEOs sport, and Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, be held in Dublin, the fi rst being in 1962. consumers. he world’s largest gathering of try agenda. and senior management of IATA’s 264 president of the Council of the Inter- Tyler said: “Dublin is set to be the The international scheduled air airline leaders in Dublin from to- The long-term trend shows safety member airlines that together carry national Civil Aviation Organisation capital of the global air transport in- transport industry is more than 100 Tmorrow will discuss measures to is steadily improving, but recent trag- some 83% of global traffi c. (ICAO). The Annual General Meeting dustry as leaders gather for the 72nd times larger than it was in 1945. ensure the economic and social benefi ts edies including the fatal plunge into The global events provide a unique (AGM) is IATA’s pre-eminent event. IATA AGM and World Air Transport Few industries can match the dyna- of safe, secure, effi cient and sustainable the Mediterranean Sea this month of an opportunity to hear fi rst-hand the In addition to the statutory obliga- Summit. mism of that growth, which would have global air transport. EgyptAir jetliner reinforce the impor- views of the industry’s top chief execu- tions, the formalising of industry po- The airline industry’s most senior been much less spectacular without the The 72nd Annual General Meeting tance of working together to fully un- tives and leaders. sitions and the evidencing of airline leaders will discuss measures to ensure standards, practices and procedures of International Air Transport Asso- derstand and reduce the risk of future Stakeholders from across the value unity, the AGM provides a focus for the economic and social benefi ts of developed within IATA. ciation (IATA) and World Air Transport occurrence. chain will participate in the event, in- emerging industry issues and a forum safe, secure, effi cient and sustainable At its founding, IATA had some 57 Summit (WATS) will take place in Ire- The industry also faces a vital year at cluding leaders from governments, for members to meet and network. global air transport.” members from 31 nations, mostly in land’s capital Dublin from June 1 to 3. International Civil Aviation Organisa- international organisations, aircraft IATA will see a change of guard IATA was founded in Havana, Cuba, Europe and North America. This year’s AGM and WATS take tion (ICAO) with the decision in Sep- manufacturers and other industry in Dublin with Alexandre de Juniac, in April 1945. Today it has some 260 members from place against a backdrop of generally tember last year on whether to imple- partners, IATA said yesterday. chairman and CEO of Air France-KLM, It is the prime vehicle for inter-air- 117 nations in every part of the globe.

Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 3 QATAR Seminar held on research at HMC paediatric dept he Biomedical Research Centre for children suff ering from viral bron- (BRC) at Qatar University (QU) chiolitis,” he said. Trecently hosted a seminar “Re- In the second study, Oral Dexameth- search in Paediatric Emergency De- asone for Bronchiolitis: A Randomised partment – HMC”, to inform QU Health Trial, he highlighted the eff ect of dex- Cluster researchers and academics amethasone treatment administered about the research activities at HMC with salbutamol for patients with Paediatric Emergency Centre. bronchiolitis and asthma. The seminar, delivered by Professor In the third study, Inhaled Magne- Khaled al-Ansari, director of Paedi- sium for Moderate and Severe Paediat- atric Emergency Centres at HMC and ric Asthma: A Randomised Controlled associate professor of clinical paediat- Trial, he pointed to the effi ciency of in- rics at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, haled magnesium for the treatment of brought together participants from the moderate and severe paediatric asthma. QU Health Cluster and HMC, including He said: “The use of nebulised mag- BRC director and QU College of Health nesium sulfate with combined neb- Sciences dean Dr Asmaa al-Thani. ulised bronchodilator and systemic Prof al-Ansari briefed the attendees steroids can be eff ective for the treat- about fi ve paediatric emergency cen- ment of children with moderate or se- tres in Qatar and the services they pro- vere asthma.” vide to the community. BRC director Dr al-Thani said: “In He presented data from three clinical hosting this seminar, we brought focus studies for babies aged 18 months and on the BRC’s commitment to raising less with bronchiolitis, and for children community awareness on medical is- aged between two years to 14 years with Prof al-Ansari at the seminar. sues relevant to Qatar while providing asthma. effi cient solutions for disease preven- In the fi rst study, Nebulised 5% Or tion in pre-hospital treatment of acute tion and treatment. This underlines 3% Hypertonic Or 0.9% Saline For The bronchiolitis. the QU mission to promote research Treatment Of Acute Infant Bronchioli- “This study showed the importance aligned with the needs of the healthcare tis: A Randomised Trial, Prof al-Ansari of hypertonic saline nebulisation in the sector and to serve the strategic inter- compared the effi ciency of saline solu- improvement of bronchiolitis severity ests of Qatar.”

Man fined QR500,000, sentenced to life in prison for possessing drugs

An expatriate has been sentenced to life imprisonment The customs off icer on duty suspected that there were and fined QR500,000 for keeping illicit drugs for trade and packages concealed within the tyres of the vehicle driven by personal consumption purposes. the convict, which was later found to be 53kg of hashish. Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported yesterday that a Doha When caught, the defendant claimed that he was transporting Criminal Court also ordered his subsequent deportation after the illicit drugs to a person in Qatar in exchange of QR100,000. serving the prison term. A blood test found that he had used such drugs himself. The defendant was apprehended at Abu Samra land border The court convicted him based on the material evidence and while attempting to enter the country in his vehicle. the testimony of the customs off icer. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 QATAR

In brief Al-Kuwari calls PM meets British foreign secretary Emir holds phone talk with Turkish prime minister for unifi ed fi ght

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held a telephone conversation yesterday with against terrorism Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim during which the Emir congratulated him on the QNA station along with Yvan Mayeur, occasion of his assumption of the Brussels Mayor of Brussels, and Sheikh Ali bin post of prime minister. During Jassim al-Thani, Qatar’s ambassador the phone call, they reviewed to Belgium and Head of Mission of relations between Qatar and atar’s candidate to the post Qatar to the European Union and the Turkey and discussed issues of of the director-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani holding talks with British common concern. QUnited Nations Educational, (Nato). Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in Doha yesterday. They reviewed bilateral relations between Qatar and the UK and Scientific and Cultural Organization Dr al-Kuwari expressed sympathy the latest developments in the region. Qatar-Turkey visa (Unesco) and Adviser at the Emiri with the victims’ families from dif- Diwan, HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz ferent nationalities and thanked the pact takes eff ect al-Kuwari, stressed the need for the mayor of Brussels for giving him such a co-operation and solidarity of the humanitarian opportunity. The agreement on the abolition international community to fight ter- For his part, the Mayor of Brussels, of visa requirements for holders rorism. thanked Qatar’s Unesco candidate for of Qatari passports signed Terrorism is a common threat facing his humanitarian initiative which, he between the governments of the whole humanity and it does not dif- said, would have a profound impact on Legislation opens door for Qatar and Turkey on 02/12/2015 ferentiate between its targets, he said, the families of the victims. entered into force on 28/5/2016, condemning all forms of terrorism. Dr al-Kuwari is currently visiting Brus- an off icial source at the This came in a statement by Dr al- sels to deliver a speech in the European Un- Department of Consular Aff airs Kuwari yesterday after laying a wreath ion headquarters to introduce his election at the Foreign Ministry has at the memorial for the victims of ter- programme and explain his vision for the degree courses at CNA-Q stated. rorist attacks at the Maelbeek metro future of Unesco.

n amendment to leg- islation in the Ca- Anadian province of Deputy PM meets Darfur delegations Newfoundland and Labra- dor has permitted the Col- lege of the North Atlantic (CNA) and its affi liate cam- pus, College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) to grant applied degrees. “The ability to grant de- grees will assist CNA and CNA-Q in expanding pro- gramming and increasing enrolment, and help en- sure the College’s ability to meet the growing demand HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada and Newfoundland by employers for colleges of and Labrador’s Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Gerry Byrne along with CNA and HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud applied learning to be able CNA-Q off icials. and Dr Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi, the Joint Special Representative and AU/UN, Joint Chief Mediator for Darfur to grant students a degree and the Chairman of the mission of (UNAMID), yesterday held a meeting in Doha with the delegations from Sudan level credential,” said Gerry benefi t from CNA-Q’s fo- the expectations of Qatar’s “We will be working Liberation Army/Movement chaired by Mini Arko Minawi and the Delegation from Justice and Equality Movement Byrne, the minister of ad- cus on applied learning that youth and their parents, closely with the Ministry of chaired by Dr Jibril Ibrahim. Talks during the meeting focused on the possibility of the two movements joining the vanced education and skills is so engaging for students while still maintaining our Education and Higher Edu- peace process on the basis of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) and the views of the two for Newfoundland and Lab- and appealing to employers. focus on applied learning cation in Qatar to meet their movements in this regard. rador. Byrne is in Qatar to It will provide students and and meeting the needs of requirements so we can attend CNA-Q’s 14th grad- their employers with the the workforce of Qatar.” move forward on this excit- uation ceremony today. best of both worlds.” Dr MacLeod added there ing development as quickly “This is a signifi cant step Dr Ken MacLeod, CNA-Q are still many details to be as possible.” forward for our team in Qa- president, said, “Students worked through; including CNA-Q currently of- tar,” said CNA president Dr and parents have been ask- the structure of the degrees fers 30 programmes in four Ann Marie Vaughan. “Stu- ing for degrees to be off ered to be off ered, when the rstfi schools: Information Tech- dents will have a pathway at CNA-Q for a long time. class would be enrolled, and nology, Business Studies, that enables them to get a This legislation provides which programmes would Engineering Technology, degree, but still be able to us the opportunity to meet be included the fi rst year. and Health Sciences. RAF and LuLu team up for Ramadan charity initiative

or the third consecu- tive year, Sheikh Thani FBin Abdullah for Hu- man Services – RAF and LuLu Hypermarket have launched a Qatar Ramadan Marketing Project, ‘Shop & Donate.’ LuLu Group has prom- ised to hand over up to 10% of the profi ts of more than 300 goods to RAF during the Ramadan period in order to support the projects the latter is implementing for the ben- efi t of the poor and the needy. The project, which began yesterday in all branches of LuLu Hypermarket Com- pany - Qatar – this year in- cludes the construction of a charity market for hundreds of goods, starting from the Off icials of RAF and LuLu Group at the agreement signing ceremony. last week of Shaaban month till the end of Ramadan, un- regional manager Shanavas “If we launched the initi- the charity partnership with der the title ‘Shop & Donate.’ P M and commercial execu- ative two years ago with just RAF establishment, and said The renewal of the part- tive Sanju Philip. one branch of LuLu Hyper- this year it would include nership was announced at a Dr Ibrahim described market Company in Qatar, electrical devices and home press conference at the RAF the continuing partnership today it has been expanded accessories. offi ce by general manager as an excellent example of to all the branches in the Shanavas thanked the Dr Mohamed Salah Ibrahim co-operation between both country,” he recalled. customers for their accept- and LuLu companies re- commercial and human sec- Shaijan expressed his ance and generosity towards gional director Shaijan M O, tors. happiness in the success of the social cause.

1,960 births, 193 deaths registered in April

here were 1,960 were Qatari, according to traffi c violations this April tered in March, the number births in the country the ministerial report compared to the fi gures of fell to 7,563 last month. Tduring April this year, There were 193 deaths as March. The total number It was also announced according to fi gures released well during April 2016, it of violations in April stood that there was a 1.86% de- by the Ministry of Develop- said. There was a growth of at 149,176. However, the crease in the total broad ment Planning and Statis- 9.24% in the country’s pop- statistics did not clarify money supply in the coun- tics yesterday. ulation between April 2015 whether the fi gure was for try in April in comparison Among the new born ba- and April 2016. While the the whole year so far or just to the fi gures of the previous bies, 485 were Qataris while population was 2.342mn in for the month of April. month. The money supply 1,475 were expatriates. In 2015, the fi gure shot up to The report says there in April was QR497bn. the previous month, 506 2.559mn last month. was a fall of 19% in April The report said cash Qatari babies and 1,412 ex- In March 2016, there were in the number of vehicles equivalents, including de- patriate babies were born. 1,918 births, of which 1412 registered in the country posits went up by 1.43% in In April 2015, as many as babies were expatriates. compared to the fi gures of April compared to the previ- 2,058 babies were born in There was a 17.51% in- the previous month. While ous month. The April fi gure the country. Of them 600 crease in the number of 9,419 vehicles were regis- was QR671bn.

Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 QATAR Qatari engineer inspires students through novel teaching methods

aersk Oil Qatar (MOQ) and the Col- M lege of the North At- lantic Qatar (CNA-Q) recently held the 7th annual ‘Explor- ing ICT in Education Confer- ence’ at the CNA-Q campus, HE the Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah with the faculty and the new graduates of Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Doha, helping to enhance sci- Command and Staff College. ence, technology, engineering and mathematics teaching in schools. Information Communication Technology experts from Qatar and across the globe delivered 50 Joaan Bin Jassim Staff College workshops to 500 local teach- ers at the event. The workshops focused on developing practical and hands-on experience in ICT in education. holds graduation ceremony ICT plays an integral role in the education sector by en- hancing learning for students, Mohamed presents some topics at the conference. QNA as well as two officers from the officers from Saudi Arabia, Commander of Joaan bin Jas- promoting an innovative, di- Doha Emiri Guard Command who three officers from Kuwait and sim Command and Staff Col- versified economy and ulti- petitions on a weekly basis. He hamed was the fi rst teacher to be have successfully passed the two officers from Oman. lege, Major General (Pilot) mately supporting the national also promotes his approach on enlisted in the programme and programmes and curricula of HE the Minister of State for Nasser Abdullah al-Sulaiti development plan by promot- YouTube, through which he has part of the fi rst batch of teachers he Joaan Bin Jassim Joint the third session of the joint Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mo- said that the graduation of ing human and social develop- helped teach others the cur- to be assigned roles in independ- Command and Staff chiefs of staff. hamed al-Attiyah along with a this course is one of the clear ment for Qatar’s future genera- riculum online. Since his assign- ent schools in Qatar. TCollege (JBJJCSC) yes- Among the graduates were 30 group of senior army offi cers and achievements of the institution tions. ment, there has been a notice- Teach For Qatar is a local non- terday celebrated the gradua- officers from the Qatari Armed faculty members attended the which has promised the leader- Mohamed Janahi, a me- governmental organisation that tion of commanders and offic- Forces, two officers from the ceremony. ship to continue the process of chanical engineer at MOQ and “Teaching teenagers aims to improve Qatar’s educa- ers of the Qatari Armed Forces Emiri Guard Command, two In a speech on the occasion, development. an educator in Teach For Qa- mathematics is not an tion system and build a strong tar, was one of the presenters easy task, therefore I knowledge-based economy. at the conference, delivering developed alternate The programme focuses on several workshops on his in- teaching methods to make recruiting highly-skilled and novative approach to teach- the subject entertaining talented individuals, assign- ing mathematics to a packed and to help motivate my ing them to teach at various classroom of teachers from students to strive to be schools in Qatar with the in- Qatari schools. better” tention of inspiring students “Teaching teenagers math- during a two-year teaching ematics is not an easy task, able improvement in the overall placement in independent therefore I developed alternate performance of students at his schools. teaching methods to make the school. “I’ve always wanted to teach. subject entertaining and to help Mohamed has built a success- Over the years I had been con- motivate my students to strive to ful career as a mechanical engi- ducting presentations for em- be better,” Mohamed said. neer in MOQ. In 2014 he received ployees that ranged from teach- Examples included teaching an off er to support his country ing them the Arabic language to mathematics using short fi lms, and teach the next generation an introduction to Oil and Gas”, HE the Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah honouring the new graduates. poetry or holding in-class com- through Teach for Qatar. Mo- Mohamed said. Erekat hails Qatar’s role in uniting Palestinian ranks

QNA peace initiative, Erekat said end to the division, the for- Doha that the French want to mation of a national unity submit a draft decision on government, return to the behalf of the Palestinians polls, and resorting the will ecretary of the Execu- to the UN Security Council of the people through free tive Committee of the after they realised that there and fair general elections. SPalestine Liberation were “Israeli intransigence” On the current situation Organization (PLO) and to resume the peace nego- in the light of the continu- Chief Palestinian Negotia- tiations, adding that the ini- ing Israeli violations, Erekat tor Dr Saeb Erekat has said tiative includes principles said that the Israeli occupa- that Qatar is playing a ma- for resolving the Palestinian tion authorities continue to jor and pivotal role in host- issue, such as establishing impose collective punish- ing talks between Fatah and the borders of the Palestin- ment policy against the Pal- Hamas. ian state based on the 1967 estinian civilians as well as In an interview with Al- lines with land swaps, mak- assassinations, arrests and Sharq newspaper yesterday, ing Jerusalem the capital of fi eld executions. Erekat hailed the eff orts both Israel and Palestine, Saeb Erekat All these violations and made by offi cials in Qatar setting a timeline for ending crimes are documented under the leadership of HH the occupation and holding peace conference. and submitted to the inter- the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin an international peace con- About Fatah-Hamas rec- national community and Hamad al-Thani to unify the ference. onciliation, Erekat told Al- the International Criminal Palestinian ranks and put He urged on the inter- Sharq that the Palestinian Court as evidence of Israel’s aside their diff erences and national community to set people live in great distress occupation policy against achieve the Palestinian na- a timeline for the negotia- because of the absence of the Palestinian people and tional reconciliation as soon tions and the implementa- national unity, stressing their holy places, he said. as possible. tion with mandatory mech- that ending the division, He also said that there is Erekat said that the Pal- anisms for the Israeli side removing its causes and no diff erence between ISIS estinian people understand and a new framework for the achieving the Palestinian extremist group who kill in- and appreciate the impor- negotiations, calling for the national reconciliation are nocent people in the name tance of Qatar’s political adoption of a proposal to considered a cornerstone of of Islam, and the Israeli set- role in supporting the Pal- establish a group of “7+2” the Palestinian strategy. tler who killed the child Ali estinian cause, which goes states, for instance. He emphasised that the Dawabsh and his family in along with its humanitarian Erekat also called on the state of Palestine will return cold blood, saying that the eff orts and its continuous international community to to the map only if the Gaza fi rst is a radical Muslim and relief initiatives in Pales- co-operate with France and Strip, West Bank and East the second is a radical Jew, tine. all countries that are seek- Jerusalem become one geo- and both are the results of Regarding the French ing to hold an international graphical unit, calling for an extremism and terrorism.

Rivoli Group upgrades customer care centres

ivoli Group has said it workshop facilities com- taken is executed to the best uated by watchmaking ex- has revamped its cus- prise a team of skilled and standards possible”, the perts from across the globe Rtomer care centres in professional watchmakers statement notes. to ensure high precision and Qatar, featuring improved as well as specialist staff quality in performance. The facilities with “advanced who are backed by their group’s dedicated team en- equipment and highly training in Switzerland at sures that customers have trained staff ” for handling world-class technical fa- been updated with all re- complex repairs. cilities of luxury watch quired information at vari- This gives watch owners brands such as Breguet, ous stages of the repairs and further assurance that their Blancpain, Glashutte, Ramesh Prabhakar, maintenance. luxury timepieces are in safe Omega, IWC, Jaeger Le managing partner of Ri- “The qualitative work hands for any health check, Coultre, Montblanc, voli Group, said: “Cus- performed by the watch- service or restoration, the Zeinth, Longines, Rado tomer care and service makers will be incomplete company has stressed in a and more. support are key pillars of without our most courteous statement. The workshop is equipped Rivoli Group. We believe and professionally trained Rivoli Group is one of the with the “most modern in building lasting rela- customer care centre staff region’s leading luxury life- tools and equipment to en- tionships with our cus- who handle the communi- style retailers with a range of sure that quality and accu- tomers.” cation interface smoothly international brands. racy requirements are fully The Rivoli customer care and effi ciently,” added Pra- The “state-of-the-art” met and that the job under- facilities are regularly eval- bhakar. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 7 QATAR 20 employees Pak philanthropist donates QR200,000 to RAF complete QU’s seven-month training course

atar University Stu- area of study. It focused on the is the first student affairs dent Life & Services role and function of profes- course conducted entirely in QDivision (QU-SLS) sionals in the fi eld, the popu- Arabic and endorsed by the graduated 20 out of 27 em- lations served, the college and Middle East, North Africa ployees from its SLS profes- university settings where the and South Asia NASPA area sional development certifi cate student aff airs fi eld is prac- professional association. programme at a ceremony re- tised, the necessary skills and Al-Yafei said: “The train- cently. competencies for professional ing programme demonstrates The event was attended by practice, and the current is- SLS mission to off er various QU Associate VP for Student sues in student aff airs. professional development op- A leading philanthropist from Pakistan community, Mohamed Idrees Anwar, has donated QR200,000 to RAF - Sheikh Thani bin Life and Services Abdulla al- It also provided the foun- portunities and services that Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services. The donation is part of Anwar’s social responsibility initiative and is specifically Yafei, as well as QU faculty dation for work and profes- heighten its members’ skills allocated for Pakistan Welfare Forum’s project `Education for All’ (EFA) which is being carried in partnership with RAF. EFA is inspired and staff . sional development in the and competencies while em- from the ‘Educate Above All’ programme launched by HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser for educating millions of children in the world. The employees benefi ted field of student affairs and powering them with the moti- The donation was handed over during a ceremony at Ezdan Mall. The event coincided with Ezdan Mall’s initiative on ‘Exploring and from the seven-month train- is based on 10 professional vation towards lifelong learn- Experiencing Reading campaign’ aimed at creating awareness among students towards developing reading habits. RAF is one of the ing programme. It is the fi rst competency areas as defined ing. This serves as a testament leading foundations in Qatar concerned with humanitarian work for relief and social development. RAF regularly supports PWF’s EFA batch of SLS employees in the by the two primary interna- to the enriching learning en- programme through donations which plays a pivotal role in eradicating illiteracy among expatriates’ younger generation who are unable training programme that was tional student affairs profes- vironment at QU that aims to to aff ord education. Picture shows Anwar handing over the donation to RAF off icials. launched by the Student Life sional organisations NASPA ensure human and social de- & Services Division in Octo- - Student Affairs Adminis- velopment while promoting ber 2015. trators in Higher Education, quality education towards a The course introduced stu- and ACPA - College Student sustainable knowledge-based Strong winds dent aff airs as a professional Educators International. This economy.” likely today Doha Bank announces Strong winds are expected across the country today along with low visibility due to dusty conditions, the Qatar Met department has summer cashback off ers said. Off shore areas, too, are likely to see strong winds and high seas, oha Bank has said that, tination, Doha Bank credit with 3% cashback on all local according to the weather report. for the sixth consecu- cardholders travelling on holi- spending in Qatar in June. Northwesterly winds will blow at Dtive year, its credit card- day or business in June will be Doha Bank Group CEO Dr R speeds ranging from 18-28 knots holders can celebrate the sum- rewarded with 5% cashback on Seetharaman said: “By provid- in inshore areas, going up to 38 mer, Ramadan and Eid season all foreign currency transac- ing Doha Bank customers with knots in some places at times. In by taking advantage of some tions each time they use their attractive cashback rewards, off shore areas, the wind speed “rewarding off ers.” credit cards overseas. discounts and gift vouchers, may reach 30 knots today. Throughout the holiday “From purchases made while we reaffi rm our commitment The forecast for inshore areas season, running until July 31, dining in London, buying de- to customer satisfaction and today also says it will be hot during hotel, resort and villa book- signer-wear in chic Manhattan loyalty.” the day and dusty conditions are ings made with an eligible boutiques or shopping for local Dream, Green, LuLu, As- expected in some places. Slightly Doha Bank credit card on www. delicacies at a supermarket in riya, Platinum or Infi nite card- dusty conditions are also likely in booking.com of up to QR2,500 Thailand - any purchase or cash holders must spend at least off shore areas at times, with the or more in value, will enti- withdrawal made international- QR5,000 each month to be eli- sea level rising to 10ft. tle the cardholder to a QR200 ly while on holiday will be hand- gible for cashback for that par- Visibility, meanwhile, may drop to shopping voucher from Qatar’s somely rewarded,” the bank said ticular month. 2km or less in some areas. fi rst and only e-mall - www. in a statement yesterday. To apply for a Doha Bank Data provided by the Met dohasooq.com Those returning to Qatar credit card and make use of the department showed that the All eligible cardholders in time to celebrate the holy cashback rewards this sum- mercury level reached a high of passing through Hamad In- month of Ramadan, and using mer, one has to SMS ‘DREAM’, 46C in Turayna yesterday, followed ternational Airport to catch their credit cards for a mini- ‘PLAT’ or ‘LULU’ while women by 45C at Qatar University, Abu their fl ights can enjoy a 10% mum of QR5,000 per month - may SMS ASRIYA to 92610 to Hamour, Al Khor and other places, discount across all Qatar Duty be it on new clothes, groceries, arrange for a visit to their home and 44C at Doha airport and Free retail outlets and kiosks at dining, electronics, home fur- or offi ce by the sales team. Al- Messaied, among others. the departure terminal. niture or other goods - will also ternatively, one can visit any Today, the maximum temperature One of the employees receiving the certificate. Upon arrival at their des- have a chance to be rewarded Doha Bank branch to apply. is expected to be 41C in Doha, Mesaieed and Wakrah, 40C in Abu Samra and Al Khor, 37C in Dukhan and 32C in Al Ruwais.

Fall in power 350 attend HMC’s clinical abdominal MRI course generation in April

ver 350 radiologists, system), pancreatic diseases, the latest international stand- There was a 22% fall in the technologists and other gastro-intestinal, kidney, ards in MRI practice. country’s electricity generation Oallied health profes- prostate, adrenal and gynae- “This intensive programme in April this year compared to sionals from across Qatar, and cological disorders, as well as is designed to enhance and the figures of power production the region, recently gathered in case-based reporting and pan- strengthen skills in MRI ab- during the corresponding Doha for a three-day intensive el discussions. dominal imaging and inter- month last year, according to magnetic resonance imaging Dr Ahmed Omar, chairman vention. It is about helping the latest figures of the Ministry (MRI) course covering abdomi- of Clinical Imaging and chair- clinical imaging professionals of Development Planning and nal and pelvic imaging. person of the Qatar Clinical provide the best possible pa- Statistics. Organised by Hamad Medi- Abdominal MRI Course 2016 tient care and improving the The power generation last month cal Corporation (HMC) in col- (QCAM), highlighted the im- overall health of Qatar’s popu- was 2989 mw/h while in April laboration with the Canadi- portance of such meetings to lation through state-of-the- 2015 the production was 3831.73 an-based University Health HMC professionals and their art medical imaging services mw/h. Network and Massachusetts impact on the service quality and innovative solutions,” Dr The report, however, added General Hospital, the course provided by the clinical imag- Darweesh said. there was a hike in the power featured internationally re- ing department. This is the second time HMC generation in April than in nowned speakers from Harvard Dr Adham Darweesh, senior has held the QCAM course, the previous month (March University and the University consultant and head of the Body with the inaugural event taking 2016, 2663 mw/h). There was of Toronto. Imaging Section at Hamad place in May 2015. In addition a marginal 1% rise in power The intensive course in- General Hospital, emphasised to HMC staff , representatives utilisation last month compared cluded sessions focused on the the importance of the course. from the Primary Health Care to the consumption in April 2015. optimisation of MRI protocols, He said such events are a funda- Corporation and the private The water production which was updated MRI applications for mental component of ensuring healthcare sector, as well as only 43.13mn cubic metres in hepatobiliary diseases (associ- HMC’s clinical imaging profes- GCC medical centres also par- April 2015 went up to 45.058mn An expert speaks at the event. ated with the liver and biliary sionals remain up-to-date with ticipated in the course. cubic metres last month.

Domasco off ers free AC Awards for Retaj Hotels & Hospitality checkup on selected vehicles etaj Hotels & Hos- manager of Retaj Royale pitality has won Doha; Omar Mehanna, Rthree awards during general manager of Retaj omasco has announced for all our customers during Domasco, said: “We continue 2015 World Luxury Hotel Residence Al Corniche as that it is off ering free this sweltering weather. This our commitment in provid- Awards gala ceremony in well as the corporate team DAC checkup on any campaign is part of our com- ing the best value-based cus- Hong Kong. headed by Mohamed Dar- Honda, Volvo, GAC or Proton mitment to deliver the best tomer experience through this Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel wish, regional director of model that is more than a year customer care service that cre- campaign. Comprehensive won the award of Luxury marketing and e-com- old. ates a one-of-a-kind customer free AC checkup and exclu- family hotel; Retaj Royal merce in charge of business The free air-conditioning experience.” sive off ers on anti-bacterial Doha won the best website development, and Amr checkup campaign, launched The complimentary inspec- treatment and AC per- award while Retaj Resi- Ghazi, regional director of in view of the arrival of the hot tion includes an 18-point AC formance booster will en- dence Al Corniche won sales. summer months, will run until and cooling system checkup hance our customers’ driv- the best General Manager The World Luxury Hotel July 31. and will also recommend re- ing experience during this award. Awards is a recognised glo- Commenting on the two- medial measures, if needed, to summer.” The celebrations in bal organisation providing month campaign, Domasco attain optimum cooling per- Customers can book the Doha saw Mostafa Abu luxury hotels with recog- managing director Faisal formance. service over phone (toll-free El Soud, general manager nition for their world class Sharif said: “We want to en- Padmanabhan Narayanan, 8008 123) or by visiting the of Retaj Al Rayyan hotel; facilities and service excel- sure the best AC performance national aftersales manager at nearest service centre. Retaj Hotels & Hospitality off icials celebrating the awards. Ahmed Khorshed, general lence provided to guests. Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 QATAR Students present Blue Salon holds zumbathon research projects at fi rst GSC forum he Gulf Studies Centre at GSC, noted, “This conference the presentation skills of stu- portant in enhancing the overall (GSC) at Qatar University is meant to involve the students dents, but will also give students academic experience. Engag- TCollege of Arts and Sci- in campus life outside of the the confi dence to present their ing in debates and discussions ences (QU CAS) has held its fi rst classroom. More specifi cally, it works to academicians from dif- outside of the classroom is a annual Gulf Studies Student attempts to introduce students ferent backgrounds.” necessary aspect of the research Symposium with the aim of giv- to presentations in conferences GSC Masters student Dalia el process and encourages young ing students an opportunity to at the regional and international Sayed said, “The participation in researchers to pursue their re- present their research projects. levels. Not only this will develop extra-curriculum events is im- search interests.” Blue Salon with Karisma Cosmetics has organised a zumbathon to raise awareness against The opening ceremony was cancer. The event was attended by a large number of Qatar residents. attended by CAS associate dean for research and graduate stud- ies Dr Mohamed Ahmedna, GSC director Dr Abdullah Baabood as well as CAS faculty and students. The symposium discussed a wide range of topics, such as beIN launches Ultra-HD “Citizenship and identity in the Gulf, “Foreign policy”, “Eco- nomic, social and political de- velopments in the region”, “The 4K satellite receiver relationship between Iran and the Gulf states” and “The chal- lenges posed to those studying eading global network times better than conventional the region”. beIN has announced the HD resolution. Dr Baabood said, “This is the Llaunch of its Ultra-High The 4K UHD receiver’s fi rst student symposium that Defi nition (UHD) 4K receiver in launch comes in time for foot- was organised by GSC students the Mena region. ball fans to be able to enjoy Euro for their peers. As an educator, The new beIN 4K receiver 2016 in 4K. beIN will broad- I am particularly proud of the will be available in Qatar in the cast the opening match, all four students for engaging in this fi rst week of June. quarter-fi nals, the semi-fi nals endeavour and for creating this beIN will broadcast 4K beIN 4K and the fi nal of Euro in 4K. opportunity for their fellow matches on a dedicated This is the fi rst time that an students. Engaging in research channel called “beIN 4K”. until now 4K broadcast was event is being broadcast live in and the exchange of ideas in a In a statement yesterday, not available in the region and 4K in Mena. conference or symposium like beIN said it is the fi rst pay-TV hence the true potential of 4K The company has said it this one gets to the heart of platform in the region to intro- TVs was unutilised. With the will also ensure a “constant university life. duce the 4K technology that is launch of the beIN 4K receiv- supply of 4K content through “Given the great success of quickly taking over the main- er, as well as the confi rmation collaboration with vari- this fi rst GSC symposium, we stream video ecosystem. The of 4K broadcast of Uefa Euro ous other entertainment and are planning to have it as an an- new beIN receiver off ers com- matches, beIN is completing sports entities”. nual event involving more inter- plete PVR functionality and is the two missing pieces of 4K Esteban, executive direc- ested students from Qatar Uni- available in the market ahead of entertainment in Mena,” the tor of technology, said: “With versity and other universities in this year’s much awaited sports statement noted. the launch of the beIN 4K re- Qatar, the region and the world. event, Uefa Euro 2016. The beIN 4K UHD receiver ceiver, as well as the broadcast This could surely become a ma- “Customers in the Mena will be able to broadcast TV of eight Euro matches, beIN jor event on the calendar for all region have been able to buy signals at 3,840 pixels (hori- is clearly becoming the tech- those interested in Gulf studies.” 4K resolution TV sets for the zontally) x 2,160 lines (verti- nological leader in the fi eld of Alieu Manjang, PhD student Participants of the symposium with off icials. last couple of years. However, cally). This resolution is four entertainment in Mena.”

Goods worth QR3.158bn exported to Japan in April Goods and services worth QR3.158bn were main sources of import, occupying fourth exported to Japan in April 2016, making the and fifth positions, respectively. QC, QBWF support Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition topmost destination of exports from Qatar in Asia. As per the report, petroleum gases and According to reports from the Ministry of other gaseous hydrocarbons were valued at Development Planning and Statistics, South Korea approximately QR8.626bn in exports while he ninth edition of Heya encouragement is vital in boosting the national economy in general. was second in the month with exports of QR2.088bn petroleum oils and oils from bituminous Arabian Fashion Exhibition the skills of female designers work- “Our support for this exhibition is and India at the third position with QR1.627 bn. minerals (crude) were worth QR2.305bn. Twill be supported by Qatar ing to become entrepreneurs in their a rallying call for a positive attitude China and the UAE were fourth and fifth Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous Chamber (QC) and Qatar Business- fi eld. With QTA’s support, we hope towards female entrepreneurship by respectively with exports of QR1.065bn and minerals (non-crude) were worth QR658mn. women Forum (QBWF) as strategic to work together with these partners empowering them with new oppor- QR887mn, it said. Similarly, the largest imports were motor cars partners. to deliver business events where tunities and acknowledging them Similarly, imports from China topped last and other vehicles for transportation. They Both institutions believe that innovators and entrepreneurs can as powerful drivers of economic month with goods and services valued at were worth about QR820mn and turbojets, harnessing the potential of women promote Qatar as a business des- development,” she added. approximately QR1.248bn. Germany and the turbo propellers and gas turbines were valued entrepreneurs is important in pro- tination,” said Shaikha Alsulaiti, Meanwhile, the organisers have US were second and third with QR1.161bn and at QR604mn. Electrical and communication moting sustainable development in spokesperson for Design Creationz. said bookings for exhibition stands QR1.158bn, respectively. The UAE (QR927mn) gadgets and equipment worth QR304mn were Qatar and the region, the organisers Ibtihaj Ahmed al-Ahmadani, QC are in their fi nal stages and only a and Japan (QR625mn) were the other two also imported to the country in April. have stressed in a statement. board member and chairperson of few spots remain available. Heya is organised by Qatar Tour- QBWF, said the organisations are Among the fi rst to book their ism Authority (QTA) and delivered keen on participating in the Heya places were Debaj, Al Dukan and by Design Creationz, an event man- exhibition as strategic partners who M Jay Design (all from Qatar), Sa- agement and marketing company support the development of op- har al-Homoud (Kuwait), Wings based in Qatar. This year’s exhibi- portunities for businesswomen to Collection (the UAE), Haifa Fahad This year’s exhibition will be held tion will be held from June 2-6 at showcase their work on local and (Saudi Arabia) and Dar Naseem from June 2-6 at Doha Exhibition Doha Exhibition and Convention regional platforms. Alandalos (Bahrain). and Convention Centre. Centre. She noted that both QC and The exhibition will include Gulf- “We are delighted with the strong QBWF pay great attention to back- designed abayas, kaftans, jalabiyas, potential customers can enjoy fi ve support extended by the exhibition ing and assisting female entrepre- veils and gowns, as well as acces- days of fashion shows, hands-on partners, Qatar Chamber and Qa- neurs because they play important sories such as belts, bags and shoes. workshops and fashion forums led tar Businesswomen Forum. Their roles in the Qatari private sector and Fashion enthusiasts, designers and by industry experts. Young Arabs becoming positive about entrepreneurship: Survey

ore than half the respond- generation are more likely to start choice for a startup in the Gulf tend to launch their own business, ents in a recent survey a business than in previous gen- states, where 24% of youth said while 30% did not know. Lack of Msaid members of this gen- erations?”, 54% agreed, with youth they would opt to launch a prop- fi nancial resources to start a busi- eration were more likely to start in the GCC most enthusiastic at erty-related company, whereas ness was cited as the main reason a business than the previous one, 62%, compared to 54% of North technology was the top choice for overall by 20% of young people. suggesting that young Arabs were African youth and 44% of youth in would-be entrepreneurs in the Le- In the GCC, only 8% believed they becoming increasingly positive the Levant. vant (15%) and North Africa (18%). lacked the means to go it alone, about entrepreneurship. Retail is the second most popular while in North Africa, 37% saw this While over one-third of the sur- “These fi ndings suggest choice in the Levant and North Af- as the biggest hurdle. vey participants said they intended governments in the rica for 15% and 16% of respond- Young Arabs believe govern- to start their own business in the Middle East have an ents, respectively. However, in the ments can do more to support next fi ve years, young Arabs also felt excellent opportunity to Gulf, only 9% would opt to start a young entrepreneurs, with 39% that governments could do more to really help kick-start an retail operation. saying that encouraging aff ord- encourage lending, provide train- entrepreneurial culture For the 2016 survey, international able lending should be made a ing and cut red tape, the fi ndings in the region” polling fi rm Penn Schoen Berland priority, 25% calling for educa- revealed. conducted 3,500 face-to-face in- tion and training to be improved The key fi ndings of the eighth In a separate response, the sur- terviews with exclusively Arab na- and made more available, and annual ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller vey found that 36% of young Arabs tional men and women aged 18-24 19% cent asking for government Arab Youth Survey were unveiled intended to start their own busi- years in the six GCC countries – Qa- regulations and red tape to be by Sunil John, founder and CEO of ness in the next fi ve years. These tar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, cut. ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller and a included 37% of youth in the GCC, Oman and Bahrain, as well as in Iraq, “These fi ndings suggest govern- panellist at the multi-stakeholder 39% in North Africa and 31% in the Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Pal- ments in the Middle East have an panel on Addressing Youth Unem- Levant. estine, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria excellent opportunity to really help ployment at the Ta’atheer Mena So- Real estate, technology and retail and Yemen. kick-start an entrepreneurial cul- cial Impact and CSR Forum, held in were the top three sectors in which The interviews were conducted ture in the region,” said John. Dubai recently. Arab youth would like to start a new between January 11 and February 22. In-depth results from The survey revealed that when business venture. Across the Middle East, 34% of the survey are available on asked “Do you feel people in this Real estate is the preferred respondents said they did not in- www.arabyouthsurvey.com Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 9 QATAR/REGION

Bahrain doubles jail sentence against opposition leader

A Bahrain court more than political crisis” in Bahrain. UAE court doubled a jail sentence The 50-year-old Salman was against opposition leader originally convicted in July Sheikh Ali Salman yesterday. 2015. Arrested in December The appeals court increased 2014, he was also convicted the sentence for charges last year of inciting hatred in acquits two of inciting violence to nine the kingdom but acquitted years from the original four, a of seeking to overthrow the judicial off icial said. monarchy. Salman’s Al-Wefaq bloc The court reversed the earlier condemned the verdict acquittal, convicting Salman of militancy as “unacceptable and of “calling for a regime provocative”, warning that it change by force”, according charges “entrenches the exacerbating to a prosecution statement.

Reuters they had yet to be released from Preparations are in the final stages for the opening of Qatar Museums Artists in Residence exhibition at the Dubai custody. Garage Gallery in the Fire Station. Alaradi “was apprehended back in August 2014, held in a secret security court in the prison and the state security didn’t United Arab Emirates even acknowledge they were hold- Ayesterday acquitted two ing them for months, so we won’t Libyan-American businessmen be comfortable until he’s on a All set for ‘Artists in Residence’ show and a Libyan-Canadian charged plane back home”, Champ told atar Museums an- with supporting Libyan militants, Reuters by phone from Canada. nounced yesterday that a lawyer and a family representa- They were initially charged Qpreparations are well tive said. with terrorism-related off enc- under way for the opening of “The United Arab Emirates es, but the prosecutor in March the Artists in Residence exhibi- (UAE) Abu Dhabi Supreme Court changed the charges to provid- tion at the Garage Gallery in the State Security Chamber found ing support to Libyan militants Fire Station. American businessmen Kamal and collecting donations without Running from June 3 to the and Mohamed Eldarat not guilty, state permission. end of November 2016, the ex- after nearly two years of arbitrary The UAE offi cial news agency hibition will celebrate the ac- detainment and a four-month WAM said the court had acquit- complishments of the current trial,” a statement from the ted all the defendants in the case, artists in residence. Eldarat family said. without naming them. On show will be selected Kamal and son Mohamed were Authorities had begun proce- works from the artists from arrested at their home in the UAE dures to release them, WAM said, their nine months in residency, in 2014, according to the family. citing a Justice Ministry offi cial. incorporating a variety of proc- Paul Champ, a human rights Canada’s Foreign Minister esses, research, prototypes, and lawyer representing Canadian Stephane Dion said Canada wel- fi nished outcomes. co-defendant Salim Alaradi - comed the acquittal and expected The Fire Station: Artists in who was arrested while visiting an “expedited process to prompt- Residence programme began in the UAE - said that although the ly reunite him with his family and September 2015 and invites art- three men had been acquitted, friends”. ists from diff erent disciplines. During the residency, each art- ist was given weekly mentoring Kuwait jails three for insulting emir, judiciary and access to Qatar Museums’ special exhibitions, lectures, A Kuwaiti court sentenced three other men as well as to the properties and curators. three members of the country’s three royals, the defendant, one There are currently 18 art- ruling family to five years in jail of seven people acquitted in the ists in residence at the Fire Sta- yesterday for insulting the Gulf case, said. tion, including 10 Qataris. The state’s ruler and judiciary on The defendants convicted intend to initiative forms part of Qatar an Internet messaging service, appeal their sentences, he added. Museums’ focus of nurturing a defendant in the case said, The defendant declined to be emerging talent and inspiring confirming local media reports. named because the case is an indigenous culture of crea- The court handed out jail terms to ongoing. tivity and innovation. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 ARAB WORLD Israel cabinet approves hardliner as defence minister

AFP course, was forced to resolve a parliament, giving him 66 out of Haniya 48 hours to hand over struck last week, putting Israel environment minister Avi Gab- bles also went beyond such criti- Jerusalem last-minute dispute with anoth- 120 seats. two detained Israeli civilians and on a path to form what has been bay of the centre-right Kulanu cism, with the vote to expand his er party in his coalition to see the Both Netanyahu and Lieber- the bodies of soldiers killed in a called the most right-wing gov- party announced his resigna- coalition opening up previous move through. man have sought to ease con- 2014 war “or you’re dead”. ernment in its history. tion, saying: “I do not think it is fi ssures in his government. sraeli Prime Minister Ben- Parliament was expected cerns over his appointment as Netanyahu said yesterday that Netanyahu’s moves have right...to form an extremist gov- The religious nationalist party jamin Netanyahu’s cabinet later yesterday to approve the defence minister, a key position “we will continue with a re- drawn concern both inside Israel ernment.” Jewish Home planned to block Ivoted yesterday to expand his appointment of Lieberman, a in a country on a near-constant sponsible and assertive security and abroad. Before that, Lieberman’s the addition of Lieberman’s coalition and appoint hardliner former foreign minister and ul- war footing. policy... and at the same time, The United States has said the predecessor Moshe Yaalon, from party by voting against it in par- Avigdor Lieberman as defence tra-nationalist who has pledged One example of Lieberman’s will look for paths to peace, es- new coalition raises “legitimate Netanyahu’s Likud, warned of a liament, possibly sparking fresh minister, bringing weeks of po- harsh measures against Pales- provocative style came recently pecially through regional devel- questions” about the commit- rising tide of extremism in the elections, unless demands for litical intrigue - and outrage - tinian “attackers”. in comments directed at Ismail opments, which we not only rec- ment of Netanyahu’s govern- party and Israel as a whole when procedural reform were met. towards a close. His Yisrael Beitenu party adds Haniya, Hamas’s leader in the ognise but are also involved in.” ment to a two-state solution he resigned as defence minister Jewish Home holds eight Netanyahu, accused of setting fi ve lawmakers to Netanyahu’s Gaza Strip. The deal for Lieberman’s with the Palestinians. on May 20. parliamentary seats, enough to his government on a far-right previous one-seat majority in Lieberman said he would give party to enter the coalition was In the wake of the agreement, However, Netanyahu’s trou- block Netanyahu’s new line-up. Iraqi army advances on IS-held Fallujah

Reuters against the militant group’s pre- sent the Shia-led government in Southern outskirts of Fallujah cursors. Baghdad, was the fi rst Iraqi city Fallujah is Islamic State’s to fall to Islamic State in January Civilians, who fled their homes due to the clashes on the outskirts of Fallujah, gather in the town of Garma, Iraq, yesterday. closest bastion to Baghdad, and 2014. he Iraqi army stormed to believed to be the base from Months later, the group over- ducted three air strikes near the militants, after Mosul, their lamic State positions on Sunday people and injured more than the southern edge of Fal- which the group has plotted an ran wide areas of the north Fallujah over the past 24 hours, de facto capital in the north that with the support of the US-led 20, while in Tarmiya eight were Tlujah under US air support escalating campaign of suicide and west of Iraq, declaring a destroying fi ghting positions, had a pre-war population of coalition, the Kurdistan Region killed and 21 injured by a suicide yesterday and captured a police bombings against Shia civilians caliphate including parts of vehicles, tunnel entrances and about 2mn. Security Council said yesterday. bomber who pulled up in a car station inside the city limits, and government targets inside neighbouring Syria. denying the militants access to It would be the third major That represents most of the outside a government building launching a direct assault to re- the capital. Yesterday, army units were terrain, it said in a statement. city in Iraq recaptured by the targets of their latest advance. guarded by police. take one of the main strongholds As government forces pressed “steadily advancing” to Fallu- Fallujah has been a bastion of government after Saddam’s Prime Minister Haider al- In Sadr City, a suicide bomber of Islamic State militants. their onslaught, suicide bomb- jah’s southern outskirts under the Sunni insurgency that fought home town Tikrit and Ramadi, Abadi hopes to recapture Mosul on a motorcycle killed three peo- A Reuters TV crew about a ers driving a car and a motor- air cover from a US-led coali- both the US the capital of Iraq’s vast western later this year to deal a decisive ple and injured nine. mile from the city’s edge said cycle blew themselves up in the tion helping to fi ght against the occupation of Iraq and the Anbar province. defeat to Islamic State. The battle of Fallujah is help- explosions and gunfi re were rip- capital. militants, according to a military Shia-led Baghdad government Fallujah is also in Anbar, lo- Abadi announced the on- ing Abadi refocus the attention ping through Naimiya, a largely Along with another bomb statement read out on state TV. that took over after the fall of cated between Ramadi and slaught on Fallujah on May 22 of Iraq’s unruly political parties rural district of Fallujah on its planted in a car, they killed A Shia militia coalition known dictator Saddam Hussain, a Baghdad, and capturing it would after a spate of bombings that on the war against Islamic State, southern outskirts. more than 20 people and injured as Popular Mobilisation, or Sunni, in 2003. give the government control of killed more than 150 people in so as to defuse popular unrest An elite military unit, the more than 50 in three districts Hashid Shaabi, was seeking to American troops suff ered the major population centres of one week in Baghdad, the worst prompted by delays in a planned Rapid Response Team, seized the of Baghdad, police and medical consolidate the siege by dislodg- some of their worst losses of the the Euphrates River valley west death toll so far this year. reshuffl e of the cabinet to help district’s police station at mid- sources said. ing militants from Saqlawiya, a war in two battles in 2004 to of the capital for the fi rst time in The worsening security in the root out corruption. day, state TV reported. Separately, Kurdish secu- village just to the north of Fal- wrest Fallujah back from Al Qae- more than two years. capital has added to political In a speech to parliament on The unit advanced another rity forces announced advances lujah. da in Iraq, the insurgent group On the northern front, the pressure on Abadi, struggling to Sunday, he called on political mile northward, stopping about against Islamic State in north- The militias, who took the lead now known as Islamic State. security forces of the autono- maintain the support of a Shi’ite groups to “put on hold their dif- 500m from the al-Shuhada dis- ern Iraq, capturing villages from in assaults against Islamic State The latest off ensive is caus- mous Kurdish region launched coalition amid popular protests ferences until the military op- trict, the southeastern part of militants outside Mosul, the big- in other parts of Iraq last year, ing alarm among international an attack on Sunday to oust Is- against an entrenched political erations are over.” city’s main built-up area, army gest city under militant control. have pledged not to take part in aid organisations over the hu- lamist militants from villages class. Washington says Islamic offi cers said. The Iraqi army launched its the assault on the mainly Sunni manitarian situation in the city, about 20km east of Mosul so as Yesterday’s bombings targeted State’s territory is steadily being The battle for Fallujah is operation to recover Fallujah a Muslim city itself to avoid aggra- where more than 50,000 civil- to increase the pressure on Is- two densely populated Shia dis- rolled back both in Iraq and in shaping up to be one of the big- week ago, fi rst by tightening a vating sectarian strife. ians remain trapped with lim- lamic State and pave the way for tricts, Shaab and Sadr City, and Syria, where it has lost ground to gest ever fought against Islamic six-month-old siege around the Between 500 and 700 mili- ited access to water, food and storming that city. a government building in one US-backed, mainly Kurdish in- State, in the city where US forces city 50km west of Baghdad. tants are in Fallujah, according to healthcare. The Kurdish forces, known as predominantly Sunni suburb, surgents in the north and to the waged the heaviest battles of Fallujah, in the heartland of a US military estimate. Fallujah is the second-largest peshmerga, have retaken six vil- Tarmiya, north of Baghdad. Russian-backed forces of Presi- their 2003-2011 occupation Sunni Muslim tribes who re- The US-led coalition con- Iraqi city still under control of lages in total since attacking Is- A car bomb in Shaab killed 12 dent Bashar al-Assad.

Landmine Journalist union chief blast kills 2 detained over ‘false news’ in Tunisia AFP conference that President Abdel tion that they post bail of 10,000 Cairo Fattah al-Sisi’s government is Egyptian pounds ($1,100) each, AFP “escalating the war against jour- until the outcome of the inves- Tunis nalism and journalists”. tigation. he head of Egypt’s press On Sunday, the Cairo prose- “We refused to pay,” Abd el- syndicate and two col- cutor summoned Kallash, union Rahim said by mobile phone. landmine blast killed two women Tleagues were in custody secretary general Gamal Elbashy As a result they were kept in and wounded a third yesterday yesterday after being charged and the head of its freedoms custody until a decision by the Anear Mount Sammama, Tunisia’s with harbouring journalists and committee Gamal Abd el-Rahim prosecutor, who could revoke defence ministry said, blaming “terrorist publishing false news, a lawyer for questioning, the latter said. the bail or remand them in cus- elements”. and one of them said. Twelve hours later he charged tody for four days. Ministry spokesman Belhassen Oueslati The arrests comes weeks after the three with having “harboured On May 1, police sparked me- said the two were killed while gathering the arrest of two reporters on al- fugitives” and “publishing false dia and opposition outrage by herbs when the home-made device ex- legations of incitement to protest. news”, Abd el-Rahim and El- storming the journalists’ union ploded near the base of Mount Sammama Union chief Yahiya Kallash bashy’s lawyer Abd al-Rady said. building in an unprecedented in the Kasserine region, where a military had denounced the arrests ear- The prosecutor then ordered raid and arresting reporters Amr operation is under way. lier this month and told a news the release of the three on condi- Badr and Mahmud al-Sakka. The third woman was seriously wound- ed and fl own to hospital by military heli- copter, he added. The mine was probably laid by “terror- ist elements”, Oueslati added. Intense military operations against militants holed up in the mountains have Egyptian court sentences been ongoing for several days. Demining formed part of the military operation, Oueslati said. Brotherhood leader to life On Sunday, media reported “bombard- ments” in the area, which is close to the border with Algeria. AFP erhood’s supreme guide, has Hundreds have been sen- A soldier was wounded earlier this Cairo already been sentenced to tenced to death, although many month when a mine exploded on Mount death and prison terms in other have appealed and won retrials. Sammama which is adjacent to Mount trials. Yesterday, the court convicted Chaambi. n Egyptian court yester- The court also sentenced 48 Badie and the other defendants Kasserine and Mount Chaambi have day sentenced the Mus- defendants to jail terms ranging of involvement in clashes in the become the North African nation’s prime Alim Brotherhood’s leader from three to 15 years, and ac- Suez Canal city of Ismailiya that militant hideouts, including of the Okba Ibn and 35 other people to life in quitted 20 others. killed three people. Nafaa Battalion, a group linked to Al Qaeda. prison over violent clashes af- The authorities have arrested The country was rocked by Tunisia, the cradle of the Arab Spring ter the army overthrew Islamist thousands of Brotherhood lead- violence for weeks after Mursi’s uprisings, has been plagued by Islam- president Mohamed Mursi, a ju- ers and members, including supporters set up protest camps ist violence since the 2011 overthrow of dicial offi cial said. Mursi, since his ouster by the and demonstrated against his longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Mohamed Badie, the Broth- army in 2013. overthrow. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 11 ARAB WORLD Life behind plastic in window-less Syrian city

AFP hind white tarpaulin hanging like glass cost 425 Syrian pounds (70 Aleppo, Syria curtains from the doorways of cents) - but it now fetches about their apartments. 3,300 ($6). Abandoned apartment build- Aleppo’s desperate residents - n a city whose windows ings are often identifi ed by the many of whom have been left job- A picture taken on May 21 shows damaged buildings in a government-controlled district of the northern city of Aleppo. In Syria’s second city Aleppo, have been blasted from their partly-smashed glass windows less since war came to their city in war-weary residents have replaced their fragile glass windows with nylon plastic. Because of the clashes, shelling and the sharp increase in the price Iframes, remaining residents protruding like jagged teeth from 2012 - opt for the much cheaper of glass, residents across divided Aleppo no longer use glass. of Syria’s war-torn Aleppo go the metal frames. plastic at a maximum of 500 Syr- about their daily lives behind Clashes and bombardment ian pounds per square metre. gaping holes covered with plas- have carried on in Aleppo despite But for Umm Ahmad’s con- tic. a February 27 truce across parts servative Muslim family, no proper For inhabitants of the battle- of Syria and multiple attempts to windows means no privacy. scarred and divided city, glass secure a local freeze on fi ghting Synthetic canvas billows ‘Nowhere to go’: windows have become more of a in the city. in the wind, “so my daugh- liability than a luxury. Asraa al-Masri, a teacher in a ters and I can only change our “Every window pane we regime-held district of the city, said clothes in the bathroom or in MSF says IS have has been shattered by a shard of glass fl ew into her daugh- the hallways so our neighbours shelling,” said Ammar Wattar, ter’s leg during a rocket attack. don’t see us”, the 52-year-old an English teacher, as he fitted She has since stopped replac- woman said. assault traps a hard plastic sheet into the ing her windows with glass, but Privacy “is something really window frame of his home in she now faces a new set of wor- sacred for Aleppan families”. thousands the government-held district ries. Across the frontline in Alep- of Al-Midan. “Bugs, dust, soot, loud noises, po’s rebel-held east, shopkeeper “We changed it the fi rst time, the burning smell of the gen- Ali Makansi recounts sitting in AFP then the second time, the third erators, which are bad for your his grocery store one day “when a Beirut time - until this time, we decided health and negatively aff ect our mortar shell crashed into the roof not to change it anymore.” children while they’re studying,” of a nearby building”. The windows are regularly she listed. “Because the explosion was so surprise assault by the Islamic State blown out in the frequent rocket Perhaps no one has seen as powerful, an entire window pane group has trapped tens of thousands attacks and air strikes on Aleppo much shattered glass as Moham- fell on me and cut the main nerve Aof terrifi ed people on the Syrian bor- city, turning the shards into dan- ed Bouz, who used to sell it in a in my hand,” said the 32-year-old der with Turkey, Doctors Without Borders gerous projectiles. shop in Al-Midan. whose shop is in the Al-Shaar said yesterday, warning the situation was Replacing them is also pro- “My stockpile has been de- neighbourhood. “unacceptable”. hibitively expensive - so resi- stroyed many times during the “All the houses and commer- Pablo Marco, the regional manager of the dents have been opting to cover shelling, and I haven’t been cial buildings in Aleppo are using charity known by its French acronym MSF, the empty frames with sheets of able to get new deliveries,” he plastic now instead of glass,” he said concerns were rising for a large civilian plastic. said. said.”Plastic is cheap and won’t population less than 5km from advancing In many neighbourhoods, Before Syria’s war erupted in hurt anyone if there’s an explo- IS militants. children can be seen slipping be- March 2011, a square metre of sion nearby.” “We are talking about 100,000 people Mohamed Jokhdar, a 29-year- who are trapped a few kilometres from IS. old Arabic language teacher, sent They are terrifi ed, there is nowhere to Opposition to decide new negotiating team his family to Turkey after his go,” Marco said in a telephone interview brother was killed in shelling last with AFP. The Syrian opposition will meet tions Committee (HNC), told Al year. IS swept towards the last rebel in 10 days’ time to decide who Hadath television the next meet- He lives alone in his apartment strongholds of Marea and Azaz in Alep- to send to future peace talks af- ing would re-assess a number of in Bustan al-Qasr district where po province on Friday, forcing thou- ter its chief negotiator resigned, issues, not only who will be on he has covered the windows with sands to flee towards the northern a spokesman told a pan-Arab the negotiating team. sheets of transparent plastic. frontier. television station yesterday. “This is all the result of frustra- “But the plastic doesn’t pro- But Turkey has kept the border closed, Mohamed Alloush, chief tion felt by Syrians about the tect from the weather and some- leaving civilians stuck between the violent negotiator for the mainstream poor performance by the inter- times water leaks through. front line with IS to the east, the sealed opposition delegation to the national community,” Muslat told It doesn’t block the noise ei- border to the north, and the autonomous negotiations, said on Sunday he Al Hadath television. ther - I feel like I’m in the street.” Kurdish canton of Afrin to the west. was resigning over the failure “The next meeting will take deci- Abu Omar, 69, who lives in “These people are now in a very small of the UN-backed Geneva talks sions on many issues.” Tariq al-Bab neighbourhood, area of four by 7km,” said Marco. to bring a political settlement Alloush is also the representa- also complains about the noise “The situation is absolutely unsustain- or ease the plight of Syrians in tive of the powerful Jaish al- and water leaks. able and unacceptable for this population.” besieged areas. Islam rebel faction, and remains But “the biggest problem is the The United Nations has said the fight- Salem al-Muslat, spokesman for a member of the HNC in that street cats... They tear the plastic ing has trapped up to 165,000 civilians the opposition High Negotia- role. and come into my home looking between Azaz and the closed Turkish for food.” border. Lebanese Sunni politician wins local elections

Reuters One analyst described the Beirut result as a sign of growing hardline sentiment in the mostly Sunni city that is a hawkish Lebanese historic bastion of Sunni Is- Sunni politician has lamist groups. Awon local elections Rifi is a former police chief in the second largest city of who resigned as justice min- Tripoli in a result that marks ister this year in protest at a blow to long-established what he described as the Sunni leaders and risks re- dominant role occupied by viving tensions among rival Hezbollah, a heavily armed sectarian groups there. Shia group backed by Iran. The municipal elections Analysts say he was seek- under way nationwide for a ing to stake out a position as month have been seen as an an uncompromising Sunni important indicator of senti- rival to Hariri by quitting the ment in Lebanon, where a po- government. litical crisis has twice forced Rifi , who comes from the postponement of parlia- Tripoli, has heaped criti- mentary elections that should cism on Hariri, son of the late have been held in 2013. statesman Rafi k al-Hariri, A list backed by emerging for nominating a Hezbollah Sunni politician Ashraf Rifi ally to fi ll the vacant presi- won a majority of seats on dency. the council elected in Tripoli Speaking at a televised on Sunday, defeating an alli- news conference yesterday, ance backed by Sunni lead- Rifi said Hariri’s decision ers including former prime to back Maronite politician ministers Saad al-Hariri and Suleiman Franjieh for that Najib Mikati. post had been unacceptable Preliminary results in- to his constituents in north- dicated that none of the 24 ern Lebanon. seats on the council were won Rifi said his Sunni rivals by members of the Chris- had failed to grasp a shifting tian or Alawite communities mood in the region as Saudi which were both represented Arabia takes a tougher posi- in the outgoing council. tion against Iran. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 AFRICA

Simone Gbagbo Habre sentenced to life trial is ‘fl awed’: rights groups

AFP in prison for warcrimes Abidjan

Reuters vorian rights groups acting as plaintiff s in the Dakar imminent trial of former fi rst lady Simone IGbagbo for crimes against humanity pulled out of the process yesterday, saying it was fl awed. ormer Chad president Hissene The wife of former president Laurent Gbagbo Habre, a Cold War ally of the goes on trial today to answer allegations of crimes FWest, was convicted yesterday against prisoners of war, crimes against the civil- of war crimes and crimes against ian population as well as crimes against human- humanity for ordering the killing ity, during the west African country’s post-elec- and torture of thousands of politi- toral violence in 2010 that killed more than 3,000 cal opponents during his eight-year people. rule. But in a joint statement the International Fed- The verdict capped a 16-year bat- eration of Human Rights, the Ivorian League of tle by victims and rights campaign- Human Rights and the Ivorian Movement for Hu- ers to bring the former strongman man Rights, claiming to represent nearly 250 vic- to justice in Senegal, where he fl ed tims, said they were “pulling out of the process.” after being toppled in a 1990 coup “Our lawyers have not had access to all stages in his impoverished central African of the procedures, how can they defend their nation. case?” the head of the Ivorian League of Human Habre, 73, was sentenced to life in Rights told AFP. prison by the Special African Cham- The trial lacks “relevance,” Pierre Kouame Ad- ber (CAE), a tribunal created in 2013 joumani said. by Senegal and the African Union. Simone Gbagbo, nicknamed the “Iron Lady”, He was also convicted of rape. “is accused of ‘crimes against humanity’, some- Dressed in white robes with dark thing she could have only done through an organ- sunglasses and a head scarf cover- ised group, so why is only she being judged?” he ing most of his face, Habre was de- said. fi ant after his conviction and sen- The 66-year-old is currently being held in Ivo- tence were announced, raising his ry Coast’s main city Abidjan after being convicted arms and shouting to his supporters of “attacking state authority” during the bloody as he was led from the courtroom. post-poll era when her husband refused to cede Many, including some of his victims power despite losing elections. present in the courtroom, cheered in celebration. “After years of struggle and many Sentencing of South African setbacks on the way to justice, this verdict is as historic as it was hard- baby kidnapper postponed won,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al- woman convicted in a high-profi le trial of Hussein. “In a world scarred by a kidnapping a newborn baby 19 years ago constant stream of atrocities, the Awill remain in custody until sentencing on ramifi cations of this verdict are glo- August 1, a South African judge ruled yesterday. bal.” The 50-year-old kidnapper stole the baby as Habre has refused to recognise the Activists of ‘Peace Mobilisation and African Justice Consolidation’ association (Mobilisation pour la paix et la consolidation de la justice africaine) hold her mother slept in a Cape Town hospital and CAE trying him in Senegal and was placards reading ‘Africa’s youth asks for an African Criminal Court’ outside the Dakar courthouse ahead of the sentencing of former Chadian dictator raised the girl as her own child before an aston- at times had to be forced to appear in Hissene Habre. ishing coincidence last year reunited her with her court, delaying proceedings. biological family. The tribunal is supported by the assassination and torture of political During the trial, a court hand- “Habre’s conviction for The trial was seen as a boost for The woman, who cannot be named because African Union but is part of Sen- opponents and ethnic rivals. writing expert confi rmed margin these horrifi c crimes after 25 African countries who say they that would identify the girl, was due to be sen- egal’s justice system, making it the A 1992 Chadian Truth Commis- notes on one document to be Ha- years is a huge victory for his should be free to charge their own, tenced Monday but her lawyers requested more fi rst time in modern history that sion accused Habre’s government bre’s. Chadian victims,” said Reed Bro- at a time of growing criticism of the time to prepare their arguments in mitigation. one country’s domestic courts have of up to 40,000 political murders as During the trial, many of his vic- dy, a researcher with Human Rights International Criminal Court (ICC) The girl’s real identity came to light in February prosecuted the former leader of well as systematic torture, mostly tims testifi ed in Habre’s presence, Watch, who helped investigate the in The Hague for indicting only Af- last year, when her younger biological sister began another country on rights charges. by his intelligence police, the Docu- recounting at length the acts of tor- crimes. ricans. attending high school and pupils pointed out her Other such cases have been tried by mentation and Security Directorate ture to which they were submitted. “The verdict sends a powerful “We are proud that this trial took remarkable likeness to a fi nal-year student. international tribunals. (DDS). Presiding Judge Gustave Kam re- message that the days when tyrants place on African soil. Never this The younger girl told her parents, who met the The case centred on whether An investigation by Human Rights counted how Habre was directly in- could brutalise their people, pillage type of terror again,” said Clement older girl and immediately believed she was their Habre, who was feted at the White Watch in 2001 unearthed thousands volved in interrogations and torture, their treasury and escape abroad to Abaifouta, president of the Chadian long-lost baby. House in 1987 by President Ronald of documents in the abandoned DDS sometimes infl icting the the abuse a life of luxury are coming to an end.” Victims’ Association, known by its They called the police, and DNA tests con- Reagan after expelling Libyan forces headquarters updating Habre on the himself or ordering it by phone or Habre’s lawyers now have two French acronym AVCRP, whose aim fi rmed that the girl was indeed their child, whom from Chad, ordered the large-scale status of detainees. walkie talkie. weeks to launch an appeal. was to bring Habre to justice. they had named Zephany Joy Nurse.

Shebaab shoot dead three Two jailed for Somalia airplane bomb attack village elders in Kenya AFP Mogadishu

Reuters other security agencies, and that is Mombasa why they are targeting them,” Omija Somali military court yesterday told Reuters by phone. jailed two men for life for their Shebaab has said in the past its fre- Arole in a botched laptop bomb uspected Shebaab militants shot quent attacks in Kenya are in retalia- attack on an aeroplane claimed by the and killed three village elders, tion for Kenya sending its troops into Al Qaeda-linked Shebaab. Sincluding a Muslim cleric, in Somalia in 2011. They are now part of The February 2 blast left a metre- Kenya’s coastal region on suspicion of an African Union peacekeeping force. wide hole in the fuselage of the Daallo helping security agencies fi ght the in- Several raids targeted coastal sites. Airlines plane shortly after it took off surgents, police said yesterday. The Al Qaeda-linked group also from Somalia’s main airport in Mogad- Village chairman Juma Mwanyota, seeks to overthrow the Western- ishu, killing only the suspected bomber religious leader Hassan Mwasanite backed Somali government and impose and forcing an emergency landing. Suspects of the Daallo Airlines bomb attack look on during a Somali military court trial in Mogadishu yesterday. and a member of local neighbourhood its own strict interpretation of Islamic Two of the 74 passengers aboard security group, Mohammed Manguze, law. were slightly injured. being members of the Shebaab. The Shebaab, which is fi ghting to passengers to Djibouti. were shot and killed separately on Sun- Police said in a statement late on Abdiweli Mohamud Macow, a Abdi dodged arrests and is on the overthrow the internationally-backed Soon afterwards Somali intelligence day in Kwale county, south of Kenya’s Sunday they had arrested four suspects former airport security offi cer, was run. government in Mogadishu, claimed offi cials released surveillance footage port city Mombasa. in connection with the killings, and found guilty of masterminding the at- Of 10 others also on trial in connec- the February attack as “retribution for appearing to show a passenger being Kwale county police chief Joseph published pictures of eight others they tack, said Lieutenant Colonel Hassan tion with the attack, fi ve received up to the crimes committed by the coalition given a laptop in which the bomb was Omija said they believed the killers were looking for. Nur Shute, head of the military court. four-year jail terms while the remain- of Western crusaders and their intelli- concealed. were young recruits who had returned “There are indications that some “Abdiweli Mohamud together with der were released after the court found gence agencies against the Muslims of The city’s airport is heavily fortifi ed to Kenya from training by Shebaab in Shebaab terrorists fl eeing AMISOM Areys Hashi Abdi, who is absent, were them not guilty. Somalia”. and adjoins the capital’s main base of Somalia. action in Somalia could be making at- found guilty as charged. The court Somalia’s military court has in the The bomber had been supposed to the African Union mission to Somalia, “They (the suspects) think these tempts to infi ltrate into our country and sentences them to life imprisonment,” past regularly sentenced convicted board a Turkish Airlines fl ight but the the 22,000-strong force backing the elders have information about them stage attacks during the holy month of Shute said yesterday. members of the Islamist Shebaab to Turkish plane did not turn up, and government in the battle against She- which they are sharing with us and Ramadan,” the statement said. Both men were also found guilty of death by fi ring squad. Daallo Airlines instead agreed to fl y the baab insurgents. China hails brotherly Africa relations

Reuters Some Chinese and foreign Internet users mercial act that had not prompted any dip- ist,” one user on the microblogging platform Beijing condemned it as racist. lomatic complaints and hoped people would Weibo wrote. “We express our sincere apologies and not hype it up. ”Those who planned the ad strategy sincerely hope that the many Internet users “Everyone can see that we are consistent should really have read up fi rst.” hina and Africa are “good brothers” and the media will not read too much into in equality towards, and mutually respect, Government offi cials often insist that and China respects all people regard- this,” Shanghai Leishang Cosmetics, the all countries, no matter their ethnicity or China enjoys largely harmonious ethnic re- Cless of race, the government said yes- company that owns the Qiaobi brand, said in race. lations, though tension has led to violence, terday after a detergent maker apologised for a statement at the weekend. “In fact, we are good brothers with Af- particularly in its western regions of Tibet an advert showing a black man bundled into The company de- rican countries,” Hua and Xinjiang, which have large minority a washing machine that many called racist. leted an online version “Everyone can see that we are told a daily news brief- populations. In the television advertisement for Qiaobi of the ad in response to consistent in equality towards, and ing. The Global Times, a popular tabloid laundry detergent, a black man wolf-whis- the outcry, the state- mutually respect, all countries, It is unclear if the known for a nationalistic bent, said in an tles at a Chinese woman, who beckons him backed Global Times no matter their ethnicity or race. black actor in the ad is editorial Western media coverage was “too over. reported, citing an in- In fact, we are good brothers with from Africa. extreme” and China had no problems with She then stuff s a packet of detergent in terview with the fi rm. African countries” Public discussion of discrimination. his mouth and shoves him head-fi rst into a However, versions racial discrimination “There have been many evils during the washing machine. of it could still be seen is unusual in China, development of the West in this era, and rac- A moment later, the woman opens the lid yesterday on Chinese and foreign video which is dominated by the ethnic Han ma- ism is one of them,” the paper said. and a fair-skinned Asian man pops out. platforms, including YouTube. jority but is also home to dozens of minority ”China’s social process hasn’t State media reported the ad had fi rst ap- A company representative declined fur- groups as well as a growing infl ux of foreign been the same experience, so using the peared in April but went viral after being ther comment yesterday. residents, including Africans. same yardstick to measure China’s per- posted on YouTube last week, where it racked Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua “Even though the people who shot the formance will lead to results that are inevi- up millions of views within a few days. Chunying said the ad was an isolated com- ad may not have realised it, it really is rac- tably absurd.” Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 13 AMERICA

Memorial Day ceremony Outrage over gorilla killing to save boy at Ohio zoo

Reuters surrounding the habitat, where Harambe New York grabbed him, zoo offi cials said. It was the fi rst time in the 38-year history of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s he killing of a gorilla at the Cincinnati gorilla exhibit that an unauthorised person Zoo after a 4-year-old boy tumbled was able to get into the enclosure, zoo presi- Tinto the ape’s enclosure triggered out- dent Thane Maynard said on Saturday. rage and questions about safety, but zoo of- “They made a tough choice and they made fi cials called the decision to use lethal force a the right choice because they saved that little tough but necessary choice. boy’s life,” he said, adding that a member of More than 2,000 people signed a petition the zoo’s Dangerous Animal Response Team on Change.org that sharply criticised the fi red the shot that killed the ape. Cincinnati Police Department and the zoo for Maynard said the team decided to use President Barack Obama waits with Major General Bradley A Becker, Commander of the Military District of Washington, to place a wreath at the putting down the animal and called for the deadly force instead of tranquillizers to sub- Tomb of the Unknowns to at Arlington National Cemetery yesterday. child’s parents to be “held accountable for due the gorilla because it could have taken their actions of not supervising their child.” some time for the drug to take eff ect when an Cincinnati police on Sunday said the par- animal was in agitated state. ents had not been charged, but that charges The child was taken to Cincinnati Chil- could eventually be sought by the Hamilton dren’s Hospital Medical Center for treatment County Prosecuting Attorney. of non-life threatening injuries. Hospital of- A spokeswoman for the prosecutor did fi cials, citing privacy laws, declined to say on not immediately respond to a request for Sunday whether the child had been released comment. Authorities did not identify the or to disclose any details about his injuries. Downgraded Bonnie swirls child or his parents. The family could not be Western lowland gorilla numbers in the reached on Sunday. dense rain forests of Cameroon, the Central A Facebook page titled “Justice for Hara- African Republic, the Democratic Republic of mbe” had more than 3,000 likes by Sunday Congo and Equatorial Guinea have declined afternoon, a day after the 181kg gorilla was by more than 60% over the last 20 to 25 years, ups South Carolina coast shot dead about 10 minutes after encounter- according to the World Wildlife Federation. ing and dragging the child. The Cincinnati zoo was open on Sunday, Reuters us,” said Carl Barnes, a forecaster to ride the storm swell and lumpy and Jimmy Schaeff er, 49, died after The animal, named Harambe, was a West- although Gorilla World was expected to be Charleston with the National Weather Service waves. driving his pickup truck into high ern lowland gorilla, an endangered species, closed indefi nitely. Neither the zoo nor the in Charleston. Alli Pulley, desk clerk at The water, police said. and the zoo said it had intended to use him fi re department responded to a request for Heavy rains were still falling in Tides hotel on Folly Beach, said Two others bodies were found in for breeding. comment. ropical Depression Bonnie eastern Georgia and portions of the guests were staying put despite the nearby creeks. “If we think it’s acceptable to kill a gorilla At other US zoos, similar encounters have was swirling over the South Carolinas, the National Hurricane weather and the 132-room hotel Two more people were killed in who has done nothing wrong, I don’t think ended in tragedy, including the 2013 fatal TCarolina coast on Sunday Center said in its 5pm ET advisory. was full. the Austin area. our city should have gorillas,” Manvinder mauling of a 2-year-old boy by a pack of wild evening, dumping several inches of Bonnie is expected to maintain A swimmer went missing in Flora Molima, 23, died after tak- Singh posted on the Facebook page. African dogs after he fell into an exhibit at the rain as it crawled up the East Coast. its strength over the next 48 hours Carolina Beach, North Carolina, ing a wrong turn and driving into A blog post on the website for People for the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Bonnie came ashore just north- and inch its way northeastward just south of Wilmington, and po- waters that dragged her car into Ethical Treatment of Animals questioned why A man who in 2012 jumped into an enclo- east of Charleston, South Caro- along the coast, passing over or lice and US Coast Guard teams were Cypress Creek, police said. it was necessary to kill the gorilla and whether sure at New York’s Bronx Zoo to be “one with lina, on Sunday morning, bringing near the North Carolina coast by searching the area, authorities said. Another person died after being zoos could meet the needs of such animals. the tiger” suff ered bite wounds and other in- heavy rains, minor fl ooding and today, according to the National Thousands of visitors are also in swept away by fl oodwaters. “A 17-year-old gorilla named Harambe is juries but survived. sustained winds of about 48kph). Hurricane Center. Charleston for the opening week- Heavy rain prompted the evacu- dead, and a child is in the hospital. Why?” But there was a happy ending when a The system, the fi rst tropical Forecasters warned that the end of Spoleto Festival USA, an ation on Sunday of two prisons blogger Jennifer O’Connor wrote. 3-year-old boy fell into the gorilla den at storm to reach the United States storm would likely produce dan- annual, three-week international in Rosharon, Texas, as the Brazos “Western lowland gorillas are gentle animals. Brookfi eld Zoo near Chicago in 1996, and an this year, dumped as many as 20cm gerous surf and rip currents along performing arts event. River is expected to reach historic They don’t attack unless they’re provoked.” 8-year-old female gorilla named Binti Jua of rain in parts of South Carolina the US Southeast coast, a particu- In Texas, a separate storm sys- levels, Texas prison offi cials said. Witnesses told local television that the boy picked up the unconscious boy and protected and Georgia, and caused fl ooding lar concern during the Memorial tem, which dumped up to 22 inches In Wichita, Kansas, authorities repeatedly expressed a desire to join the go- him from the other primates. in low-lying areas and streets, me- Day weekend, when swimmers and (56 cm) of rain in just a few hours, resumed their search on Sunday for rilla in the zoo habitat. The act of kindness won Binti Jua national teorologists said. surfers fl ock to beaches. killed at least six people this week, an 11-year-old boy believed dead Moments later, the boy crawled through attention as Newsweek’s Hero of the Year and “We’re not out of the woods be- In spite of the risk, dozens of according to local authorities. after being swept away by a rush- a barrier and fell about 3.7m into a moat one of People’s most intriguing people. cause the heavy rain could move surfers gravitated to Folly Beach Lela Holland, 64, died when her ing creek on Friday, Fire Battalion back over us today if it really sits on near Charleston over the weekend home was overcome by fl oodwaters Chief Scott Brown told KAKE TV.

Former Republican governor is 2 die in Houston Libertarian presidential pick gun rampage

AFP Reuters Washington Houston

ary Johnson, the former Republican olice in Houston killed a gunman on Sunday governor of New Mexico, on Sunday in a chaotic shootout that left one other per- Gwon the presidential nomination of Pson dead, six wounded - including two offi c- the Libertarian Party, a sliver group hoping to ers - and set off a fi re at a nearby gas station when make an outsized impact in this election year. Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary bullets struck a gas pump, authorities said. Johnson came within a half-point of scoring Johnson talks to the media after receiving the Witnesses reported that a gunman approached a an outright fi rst-ballot victory at the party’s nomination during the National Convention at man who had just pulled up to an auto detail shop nominating convention in Orlando, Florida; a the Rosen Center in Orlando, Florida. and opened fi re with a pistol, police spokesman second ballot put him over the top, with 56%. John Cannon said. “I tell the truth, I am not a liar,” Johnson told The Libertarians’ convention drew far closer “It appears that it was a random, unprovoked at- the group, insisting that his frank approach media attention than usual, and Johnson told tack,” Cannon said. would appeal to disaff ected voters and help the the group that “millions of people are going to The victim, a male in his 50s, died, he said. long-marginal Libertarians achieve “major- be trying to understand what it is to be a Lib- The gunman fi red on the fi rst offi cer to respond party status.” ertarian.” to the scene, riddling his car with bullets, including As a Libertarian, Johnson advocates elimi- One chart displayed at the convention many that struck the windshield, Cannon said. At nating the income tax and abolishing the In- showed web searches for the party quintupling least fi ve shots also struck a police helicopter. ternal Revenue Service. after Trump became the presumptive Republi- The offi cer escaped injury and called for help. A self-made businessman who worked as can nominee. A shootout ensued with arriving offi cers before a New Mexico governor to lower taxes and re- In balloting carried out on plain index cards, SWAT team member shot the suspect dead at about duce bureaucracy, he pushed for the legalisa- Johnson beat out contenders including Austin 11.10am, about an hour after police arrived at the tion of marijuana. In 2012, he was the Liber- Petersen, a businessman and political com- scene, Cannon said. tarian candidate, garnering 1.2mn votes, the mentator, and John McAfee, the founder of Two constables were wounded, not seriously, party’s best showing ever. the antivirus software company who once fl ed one struck in the hand and other in his bulletproof In at least two recent national polls, Johnson Belize after police sought to question him in a chest vest, he said. scored 10% in hypothetical three-way contests murder case. A second person, still considered a possible sus- against Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. The Libertarian convention was to vote sep- pect, was also shot, possibly by the primary shoot- The Libertarians - whose central goal was arately for its vice presidential nominee. er, Cannon said. pithily described by one delegate in Orlando as Johnson said Sunday that the party needed He was interviewed at the hospital to give police “minimum government, maximum freedom” to nominate William Weld, a former Republi- his version of what happened, Cannon said. Three - hope to tap into widespread discontent this can governor of Massachusetts, to serve as his other people, believed to be innocent victims, were year with the major-party choices. running mate, although Weld, a recent convert also wounded but not seriously, offi cials said. Johnson ramped up criticism of one of those to Libertarianism, received a cool welcome Bullets from the shootout struck a gas pump at a choices, the Republican Trump, telling report- from many delegates. station next to the detail shop, triggering a fi re that ers Sunday that the real estate developer was a “Bill Weld was my role model,” Johnson said. left the station building charred, Cannon said. “racist” because of his description of Mexican He told delegates and reporters that he did Police do not know the motives behind the immigrants as rapists. not think he could be elected president without shootings and are seeking the public’s help. In an interview earlier this month with AFP, Weld as his running mate. “We are trying to piece all of this together,” Johnson described Trump and Clinton as “the American political conventions have long acting Houston Police Chief Martha Montalvo two most polarizing fi gures in American poli- been colourful aff airs and this has been no ex- said.“It’s still a very ongoing investigation.” tics today.” He added: “I’m more liberal than ception. The gunman had both a pistol and a rifl e, police Hillary on social issues, and I’m more con- One delegate serenaded the group with a said. “Obviously they had a high-powered rifl e,” servative on fi scal issues than Ted Cruz was,” harmonica tune, off ering to make it the party’s Montalvo said.”We believe one of them had an AR-15.” said Johnson, referring to the Texas senator “semi-offi cial” theme song. The shooting occurred in west Houston, adja- who quit the Republican race early this month. Another suggested the party adopt Dobby, a cent to a residential area, just east of the Sam Hou- That, Johnson said, made him “the best of both “house elf” from the Harry Potter series, as its ston Tollway, a major highway dissecting the Texas worlds.” offi cial mascot. city. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 ASEAN

Rocket festival Myanmar drug seizure has street value of $36mn

Reuters Yangon

uthorities in Myanmar seized roughly 21mn Amethamphetamine pills with a street value of around $35.5mn near the border with China, state-owned media said yesterday, the country’s second largest haul of the contraband. Although better known for its opium production, Myanmar, a country with restive and porous borders, is a major producer and exporting hub of low-purity pills made primarily of caff eine and methamphetamine. The pills, which deliver a cheap high, are taken both by People watch as a homemade rocket is launched during the annual Rocket Festival in the village of Houa Xeing on the outskirts of Vientiane, Laos. Laos’ famous rocket festival is a raucous celebration and recreational users and labourers merry-making ceremony in which huge homemade rockets are launched into the sky in a bid to encourage much needed rain. toiling for long hours who need to stay awake. The seizure was made in Kutkai township, in northern Shan State, on Saturday, the Kyemon newspaper said, adding that Aung Aung, a truck driver, told police he had been paid to deliver the cargo of tablets to Mandalay, Myanmar’s second Parliament approval for court largest city. Investigation showed the seized drugs belonged to a fu- gitive connected with another seizure of drugs in Mandalay on March 5, it added. The seizure was Myanmar’s action against opposition chief second largest drug bust, follow- ing a seizure with a street value Reuters (CNRP). Party leader Sam Trade unions allied with the of $100mn last year in the com- Phnom Penh Rainsy, a former fi nance min- CNRP have called for protests mercial capital of Yangon, said ister, lives in self-exile to avoid if Kem Sokha is arrested. Police Col. Zaw Khin Aung at po- arrest for an old defamation “The CNRP wants Cambo- lice headquarters in Naypyitaw, ambodia’s parliament case he was pardoned for. dia to be ruled by rule of law the capital. voted yesterday to al- His party has denounced the and a multi-party democracy,” Myanmar has become an ex- Clow a court investiga- new warrant as politically mo- Son Chhay, a senior CNRP porting centre for the drug, and tion into an opposition leader tivated. lawmaker, told a news confer- police believed the latest seizure accused of procuring a pros- All 68 members of parlia- ence. was meant to be distributed out- titute, a vote that could push ment from Hun Sen’s ruling “We will continue our fi ght.” side the country, Zaw Khin Aung the country closer to political Cambodian People’s Party The party said yesterday’s said. turmoil. voted to allow a court to pro- vote was unconstitutional. “The fi nal destination of these The case of the opposition ceed with an investigation into The last election in 2013 big hauls of stimulants is not the leader, Kem Sokha, and his Kem Sokha stemming from a marked Hun Sen’s toughest domestic market,” he added. alleged assignation has domi- secretly recorded, and leaked, electoral challenge in three Myanmar was the point of nated politics for weeks and telephone conversation be- decades of rule and the op- origin of methamphetamine pills has raised tension in the run- tween him and a woman who position is expected to mount found across Southeast Asia and up to a 2018 election that could the government says he was a sterner test next time as beyond, the United Nations Of- prove to be veteran Prime having an illicit aff air with. younger voters seek change. fi ce on Drugs and Crime said in a Minister Hun Sen’s most seri- Prostitution was made ille- Hun Sen has warned that report last year. ous test at the ballot box. gal in Cambodia in 2008 even an election victory for the op- “Reports of methampheta- Opponents of Hun Sen say though it is widespread. position would see a return to mine tablets originating in My- the self-styled strongman is Kem Sokha has neither con- civil war. anmar and seized in China and using the judiciary to neutral- fi rmed nor denied having an The United Nations on Sun- Thailand indicate that increasing ise his opponents. aff air with the woman and has day voiced alarm at the esca- quantities are being traffi cked The government denies dismissed the action against lating tension between Hun from Myanmar across their joint that. him as politically motivated. Sen’s party and the opposi- borders,” it added. Kem Sokha is acting chief He has ignored court sum- tion, in particular the arrest A Buddhist monk and supporter of opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) takes part in a march Police fi gures show 49.95mn of the main opposition Cam- monses, most recently last or attempted arrest of politi- to deliver petition to the parliament and King Norodom Sihamoni to intervene in the country’s current political of the pills were seized in 2,815 bodia National Rescue Party Thursday. cians. crisis in Phnom Penh yesterday. busts across Myanmar last year. Purists fi ght to revive Myanmar’s ancient chess

AFP The scene is a rare one in a na- tal military rule brought both Yangon tion where Sittuyin has retreated a cultural malaise and poverty into the sporting wilderness. that turned intricately carved A scarcity of traditional chess wooden traditional chess sets ripping a monkey-faced sets and dearth of available into luxury items. chess piece, Thein Zaw knowledge about the rules have They were sold off piece by Gswipes his hand across whittled down interest, so that piece. the chequerboard and topples an just under one hundred players “Visitors from other countries advancing demon, demonstrat- actively attend tournaments. love to buy ancient chess pieces ing an ancient form of the game “This is an ancient game and when they come here. Myan- that Myanmar traditionalists are we would like to bring it back to mar sold the pieces as examples battling to revive. life,” Thein Zaw said. of ancient artistic creation to Sittuyin, as Myanmar’s unique Thein Zaw’s hand-carved tourists.Now they are nearly all chess is called, is similar to the chess set of monkeys and ogres gone,” Win Aung said. modern game but has distinctive evokes the earliest incarnations With new carved sets costing pieces as well as moves that echo of the game in neighbouring around $300 - far beyond the a time when warriors used it to India, playing out the mythical reach of ordinary people in the fi ne tune real fi ghting strategies. good-versus-evil battle of Rama still impoverished nation - chess Elephants rampage across and the god Hanuman against groups are modernising to chase the squares, a military general the demon king Ravana. mass appeal. marches in place of the queen Experts say this suggests the Cheap plastic pieces and a rule and players have creative free- Myanmar version could be over a book, in both Burmese and Eng- dom to arrange many of the thousand years old. lish, are now on the market, and pieces as they wish, behind Jean-Louis Cazaux, who has the tech-loving younger genera- front-line pawns that start al- written extensively on the his- tion can play the ancient game most spear-to-chest. tory of chess, said Sittuyin has on mobile phones - now widely “The game can feel like you similarities to traditional games available as the country opens are fi ghting a war,” said Thein in Thailand and Cambodia and is after decades of restrictions. Zaw, a fi ve-times Myanmar an important addition to a global Web application fi rm Total chess champion, during a recent pantheon of chess varieties. Game Play launched a mobile Sittuyin contest in downtown “Diversity is wealth. If these version in late 2013 and says it Yangon. games can be preserved they has since been downloaded up to His match is combative from must be preserved,” he said. 200,000 times. the outset, with slain pieces Sittuyin retains some of the The fi rm’s 25-year-old mar- quickly piling up on either side full-blooded fl amboyance from keting manager Sai Pyae Phyo of the board. the days when kings used it to Han said local gamers like Sit- But soon both armies be- plot real battles in which el- tuyin’s colourful characters and come entrenched and the games ephants were a fearsome weap- People playing chess at the Myanmar Chess Federation in Yangon. the ability to switch between a reaches long into the sweltering on — “Sitt” in Burmese means “formal army, Thai army and an tropical afternoon, punctuated “war”. ing active,” said Win Aung, vice the pieces against the wooden pawn down onto the table.”We and galloping horses smoothed ogre army”. only by exclamations, the stra- “Myanmar kings fought in the chairman of the Myanmar Chess board. were scared!” by more than a century of table- “I want to produce more mo- tegic rearrangement of longyi front lines of every war. Federation. “When my father and grand- Those pieces are now a cher- top warfare. bile games that are uniquely My- sarongs and pensive twirling of Similarly, the result of the Traditional games were pep- father played it was like this,” ished heirloom, their handsome Old sets are scarce in Myan- anmar and make culture enter- spectacles. game depends on the king be- pered by the combative crack of said Win Aung, slamming a red and black elephants, castles mar, where fi ve decades of bru- taining,” he said. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 15 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA N Korea prepares missile launch Reuters North Korea tried unsuccessfully to Tokyo/Seoul test launch the Musudan three times in April, according to US and South Korean offi cials. apan yesterday put its military on Japan has put its anti-ballistic missile alert for a possible North Korean forces on alert at least twice this year af- Jballistic missile fi ring, while South ter detecting signs of launches by North Korea also said it had detected evidence Korea. Activist Ken Tsang speaks to the media outside the Kowloon city court yesterday. of launch preparations, offi cials from Ja- North Korea’s nuclear and missile pan and South Korea said. tests this year triggered new UN sanc- Tension in the region has been high tions. since North Korea conducted its fourth But it seems determined to press nuclear test in January and followed that ahead with its weapons programmes, with a satellite launch and test launches despite the sanctions and the disap- Hong Kong activist gets fi ve of various missiles. proval of its sole main ally, China. Japan ordered naval destroyers and Last Friday, leaders of the Group of Patriot anti-ballistic missile batteries Seven industrialised nations, includ- to be ready to shoot down any projectile ing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe heading for Japan, Japan’s NHK state and US President Barack Obama, met weeks in jail for police assault broadcaster said. in Japan and demanded that North Ko- A Japanese offi cial, who declined to rea comply with a UN Security Council be identifi ed as he is not authorised to resolution to stop all nuclear and missile AFP rallies, dubbed the “Umbrella Revolu- During sentencing, magistrate Pe- sault charges against him to distract speak to the media, confi rmed the order. tests and refrain from provocative ac- Hong Kong tion”, which blocked major highways ter Law said Tsang showed “extreme from the case against them. A spokesmen for Japan’s defence tion. in the city for over two months, with insult and provocation” towards po- The police who allegedly beat him, ministry declined to comment. On the same day, North Korea threat- protesters calling for a free vote on the lice offi cers. who are not the same offi cers Tsang is A Patriot missile battery on the grounds ened to retaliate against South Korea Hong Kong pro-democracy city’s leader. “Up to now he has shown no sign convicted of assaulting, are to stand of Japan’s Ministry of Defence had its mis- after it fi red what it said were warn- activist was sentenced yester- Activists have accused authorities of remorse... I believe a jail term is the trial separately. sile tubes elevated to a fi ring position. ing shots when boats from the North Aday to fi ve weeks in prison after of going after those at the forefront of only option and it is indeed appropri- The two incidents took place at the The South Korean defence offi cial de- crossed the disputed sea border off the he was found guilty of assaulting and the movement. ate,” he told the courthouse, which height of mass protests seeking free clined to comment on what type of mis- west coast of the Korean peninsula. resisting offi cers during mass rallies “We are going to stand until the last was packed with Tsang’s supporters. leadership elections in Hong Kong, sile might be launched, but South Korea’s Japan has advanced Aegis vessels in in 2014 when he splashed liquid on minute. We are going to fi ght until the Tsang, a social worker and a mem- and rocked the reputation of the city’s Yonhap News Agency said offi cials be- the Sea of Japan that are able to track police. last minute. We will never give up,” ber of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy police force. lieve it would be an intermediate-range multiple targets and are armed with Political activist Ken Tsang vowed 40-year-old Tsang told reporters, Civic Party, sat calmly as the sen- Video footage showed a group of Musudan missile. “We’ve detected a sign SM-3 missiles designed to destroy in- to appeal the sentence over the liquid adding he would appeal the sentence. tenced was delivered. men hauling a handcuff ed Tsang to a and are tracking that. We are fully pre- coming warheads in space before they splashing incident, which happened Tsang was given concurrent sen- Around 30 supporters, some car- dark corner in a public park and then pared,” said the South Korean offi cial, re-enter the atmosphere. the same night he was allegedly beat- tences - fi ve weeks for one count of rying yellow umbrellas - a symbol of one man standing over him punching who also declined to be identifi ed. Patriot PAC-3 missile batteries, de- en by another group of police in a bru- assaulting police and three weeks the democracy movement - protested him while three others were seen re- In the United States, the White House signed to hit warheads near the ground, tal attack captured by television cam- each for two counts of resisting offi c- outside the courthouse, shouting peatedly kicking him. declined to comment and the Pentagon are deployed around Tokyo and other eras and beamed around the world. ers during his arrest near the govern- “shameful police” and “I want true The offi cers have pleaded not guilty did not immediately respond to a re- sites as a second and fi nal line of de- Tsang’s is the fi rst conviction for ment’s headquarters. universal suff rage”. to the charges and their trial is set to quest for comment. fence. a high-profi le fi gure involved in the He has been bailed pending appeal. Tsang has said police brought as- begin on June 1. Mass coral bleaching casts shadow Crocodile snatches late-night swimmer over future of Great Barrier Reef Reuters Sydney

By Colin Packham, Reuters Sydney crocodile in Australia snatched a woman taking a late- night swim in a national park and is believed to have been Akilled her, media reported yesterday. ass coral bleaching has The 46-year-old woman was swimming with a friend late on destroyed at least 35% Sunday in waist-deep water at a beach in Queensland state when Mof the northern and she disappeared, police said. “They felt a nudge, and a large croc- central Great Barrier Reef, Aus- odile is alleged to have grabbed one of the ladies and pulled her tralian scientists said yesterday, a into the water,” Neil Noble, a supervisor for the Queensland state major blow to the World Heritage ambulance service, told reporters. Site that attracts about A$5bn Police would only say the woman was believed to have been ($3.59bn) in tourism each year. taken by a crocodile. Australian scientists said the Media reported that the friend struggled to pull the woman coral mortality fi gure will likely back from the crocodile’s jaws. Police did not identify the woman rise as some of the remaining or give her nationality but said she lives in Australia and has fam- 65% of coral in the northern and ily in New Zealand. A police spokesman told Reuters a search and central reefs fails to recover from rescue operation would continue todau. bleaching. Warren Entsch, the area’s member of parliament, said the inci- The report casts a shadow dent occurred in a place that is popular with crocodile-spotting over the long-term prospects of tours, with many warning signs. The incident should not encourage the Great Barrier Reef against a reprisals against the animals, he said. “You can’t legislate against backdrop of climate change and human stupidity,” Entsch told reporters.”This is a tragedy but it was scientists said Unesco may re- avoidable. There are warning signs everywhere up there.” consider its decision not to put the World Heritage Site on its en- dangered list. Hunt for missing Japan boy expanded “Australia argued that the world heritage values were in tact apanese rescuers yesterday scoured thick forest in search of a because of the northern region seven-year-old boy whose parents left him in mountain woods and now of course it has taken a Jinhabited by bears as a punishment, in a case that has infuri- huge hit,” said Professor Terry ated the public. The parents originally told police the boy got lost Hughes, director of the ARC on Saturday while they were hiking to gather wild vegetables - but Centre of Excellence for Coral later admitted they had left him in the forest to punish him. Reef Studies at James Cook Uni- The boy, Yamato Tanooka, went missing in mountains on Japan’s versity in Queensland state. main northern island of Hokkaido, which is inhabited by wild bears. Unesco’s World Heritage Yamato, his older sister, mother and father came to a park near the Committee last May stopped forest on Saturday, but the parents became angry when the boy short of placing the Great Barrier threw stones at cars and people, Japanese police said. Reef on an “in danger” list, but On the way back home, they made Yamato get out of the car the ruling raised concern about and left him alone in the forest, driving the car about 500m away, its future. TV Asahi and other reports said. “They said they went back to the Australian scientists said in site immediately, but the boy was no longer there,” a local police March that just 7% of the Great spokesman earlier told AFP. Barrier Reef had avoided any An undated handout photo released to the media yesterday of dead coral in shallow waters at Cygnet Bay in Western Australia. About 180 rescuers and police offi cers widened the search area damage as a result of bleaching, yesterday, mobilising sniff er dogs and horses to go deeper into the and they held grave fears partic- rier Reef has experienced mass Bleaching occurs when the temperatures in the western Pa- and have a negative impact on woodlands, according to broadcaster NTV. ularly for coral on the northern bleaching due to global warming, water is too warm, forcing coral cifi c, scientists believe climate tourism. “I feel very sorry for my child,” the father told an NTV reporter.”I reef. and the current event is much to expel living algae and causing change is the underlying cause. Australia is one of the largest am so sorry for causing trouble for many people.” Police said they After further aerial surveys more extreme than we’ve meas- it to calcify and turn white. The bleaching survey fi ndings carbon emitters per capita be- will look into fi ling neglect charges against the boy’s parents, ac- and dives to access the dam- ured before,” said Hughes. Mildly bleached coral can re- come just days after Australia’s cause of its reliance on coal-fi red cording to Kyodo. age across 84 reefs in the region, The fi ndings would have been cover if the temperature drops, Department of Environment power plants for electricity. Japanese reacted with outrage on social media, condemning the Australian scientists said the im- worse had Cyclone Winston, otherwise it may die. confi rmed it omitted its contri- Climate scientists argue that actions of the parents. “This is not punishment but abuse!” one pact of the bleaching is more se- which hit the reef in January, not Although the impact has been bution to a UN report examining increased carbon dioxide in the Twitter post read. Another added: “The parents are so stupid that vere than expected. bought cooler conditions across exacerbated by one of the strong- the impact of climate change on atmosphere traps heat radiat- I am speechless.” Many also worried about the fate of the child in “This year is the third time the central and southern reefs, est El Nino weather systems in world heritage sites over con- ing from Earth, creating global the forest, alone and reportedly with no food or water as heavy in 18 years that the Great Bar- the scientists said. nearly 20 years, which raised sea cerns it could create “confusion” warming. rain fell overnight. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 BRITAIN

Two charged with people smuggling over Channel incident

Guardian News and Media assisting illegal entry to the UK. bled vessel, was discovered on the fi cient resources” being devoted to the Channel – with all the hazards event of Britain exiting the bloc. unseaworthy vessels” unless those London Both men appeared at Medway beach at Dymchurch. the issue. in terms of cross-Channel traffi c Damian Collins, a Conservative who have made it to Kent are re- magistrates court yesterday. The incident has sparked con- “In the context of small ports, we as well as the weather and the sea MP for Folkestone and Hythe, said turned to France. The men were onboard a rigid- cerns that the UK may be seeing just don’t know the extent of this,” conditions – are going to mean he thought there were enough re- “It is essential that a clear mes- wo British men have been hulled infl atable boat found after the start of a new trend of people he told BBC Radio 4 yesterday. “But I there is an equal chance of peo- sources to patrol the border, but that sage is sent that no migrant ar- charged with people smug- the UK Coastguard received a call smuggling across the Channel. think it is reasonable to assume that ple losing their lives unless this is they should be kept under review. riving on our shores by boat is al- Tgling after a sinking boat for assistance just off the coast of The former independent chief this is something that might have stopped.” “At the moment, it’s a risk we’re lowed leave to remain,” he said. carrying 18 Albanians, including Dymchurch in Kent at 11.40pm on inspector of borders and immi- been happening and if this is now The incident may have politi- aware of and additional resources “We have all seen the horrors two children, was rescued in the Saturday. gration, John Vine, has said lives the start of a new trend we certainly cal ramifi cations for the EU ref- have been committed to fi ght it,” of the Mediterranean, with thou- English channel. A search and rescue helicopter, could be lost unless more boats are need to gather the intelligence and erendum, given that Brexit cam- he said. sands crossing and hundreds dy- Mark Stribling, 35, from Farn- lifeboats and coastguard rescue deployed to patrol the waters. the resources to nip it in the bud. paigners claim leaving is the only Nigel Farage, the Ukip leader, ing. We cannot allow that to hap- ingham, and Robert Stilwell, 33, teams were deployed. A woman Vine said he raised the issue of “We have seen the tragedies that way to control migration, while claimed the UK was “likely to fi nd pen off the shores of Kent and from Dartford, have been charged and two children were among migrants crossing the Channel have occurred in the Mediterra- the remain campaign argues that the English Channel becoming a Sussex. We could see a migrant under Section 25 (1) of the Immi- those onboard. A second vessel, with the Home Offi ce in his former nean. I am not a nautical person, the French may not be as keen to mortuary as economic migrants crisis coming to the shores of UK if gration Act 1971, which relates to believed to have links to the trou- role but this failed to result in “suf- but I would have thought crossing maintain a secure border in the take to its unpredictable waters in we remain in the European Union. Activists battle it out to decide nation’s future

AFP ain can fl ourish outside the EU - London and rejected attempts to suggest the country would risk its security by going it alone. oliticians and world leaders Retired activist Jannet Taylor have dominated the head- became quite emotional as she Plines in the campaign for described the historical benefi ts of Britain’s EU referendum, but a membership. passionate battle for the country’s “So you’re going to turn your future is also being fought by ac- back on all those who have fought tivists on the streets. for Europe over the last century, and At a stall in the bohemian Lon- the peace the EU has brought us?” don district of Fitzrovia last week, she asked, her voice trembling. Sheila Hawkins tried to persuade “You’ve not heard of Nato? It’s workers on their lunchbreak that nothing to do with the EU!” re- leaving the bloc in the June 23 vote torted Pool. would be a “disaster”. He continued: “I’m voting out Standing on a street corner and I’m encouraging as many peo- handing out leafl ets, the pension- ple as possible to get back to our er volunteered with the “Britain democracy and get back to laws, Stronger In Europe” campaign to made by elected representatives Prime Minister David Cameron makes a joint appearance with the mayor of London Sadiq Khan as they launch the ‘Britain Stronger In Europe’ campaign in west London yesterday allay her own fears of what would that we can get rid of. ahead of the EU referendum in Britain on June 23, 2016. happen in the event of a so-called “You don’t like Cameron? You Brexit. can get rid of him. If you don’t “I was so worried, I thought – like (European Commission chief) stop worrying and do something Jean-Claude Juncker, there is about it,” she said. nothing you can do to get rid of Located next to a shop selling him.” sunglasses, the stall played blues A few miles away in the south music through a speaker and was London suburb of Croydon, activ- stacked with leafl ets proclaiming ists from the “Vote Leave” cam- Cameron and Khan bury the benefi ts of the EU in protecting paign were out canvassing in the workers’ rights or tackling climate early evening sunshine. change. James Bradley, a 38-year-old Hawkins set out the case for clutching leafl ets under his arms, staying within the EU single mar- rang the doorbell of a modest ket to Awo Davis, a 45-year-old house belonging to Desiree Pea- producer, who revealed that he cock. hatchet for pro-EU rally has yet to make up his mind how The 60-year-old opened the to vote. door with a tin of food in her hand, AFP and it makes an important point demanding he quit even if the minister praised the “incredibly said, highlighting his own party’s “I’m not completely convinced and, seeing Bradley’s campaign London about our country: in one gen- country voted to remain in the broad range” of support with the lack of unity. Cameron admitted by the EU but then again I’m not all literature, cut him off as he began eration someone who is a proud bloc at the June 23 referendum. “remain” camp. he himself was “a eurosceptic”, together convinced the EU doesn’t his introductions. Muslim, a proud Brit and a proud Andrew Bridgen and Nadine “It’s a campaign that include but said his campaign’s criti- work either,” he said, complaining “I’m leaving,” she said, before rime Minister David Cam- Londoner can become mayor of Dorries - both pro-”Brexit” and trade unions and business, the cisms of the EU were a strength about a lack of impartial informa- complaining about immigration eron put aside recent ani- the greatest city on earth.” longstanding opponents of the Labour party, the Green party, because “we are levelling with tion. from within the EU - which Brex- Pmosity with London mayor Last month, Labour MPs had prime minister - said on Sun- the Liberal Democrat party and people, which is something the Haran, a 19-year-old student it campaigners say can only be Sadiq Khan to yesterday make a branded Cameron racist after day they could stage a leadership a Conservative government,” he other side refuses to do”. who stopped by to pick up a cam- stopped by leaving the bloc - and joint call for Britain to stay in the he told parliament he was “con- coup in the event of a tight result. paign sticker, condemned those the powers exercised by Brussels. European Union, as personal at- cerned” about Labour’s mayoral “If Remain win by a narrow ma- McCartney undecided on Brexit vote who wanted to “Leave” out of a “It’s about losing our identity tacks from within his own party candidate who had “appeared jority, or if Leave win, he’s toast desire to reassert British sover- as a country. I don’t like that - I intensifi ed. again and again and again” on within days,” Dorries told ITV, while Former Beatle Paul McCa- the same, I haven’t decided eignty. want Britain back again,” she said, Cameron told a campaign stage with “extremists”. Bridgen said there were 50 Tory MPs rtney says he’s undecided yet,” he added, in comments They “think they’re going to a small white dog barking at her event in London that he and the Khan admitted there were who could force a no-confi dence on how to vote in Britain’s published in French. But the fi nd independence, but it’s all heels. new Labour mayor backed Brit- there “many things upon which vote on Cameron - a claim doubted looming EU referendum - but 74-year-old, whose Beatles hits nonsense,” he said bluntly. A little way down the street, ain’s EU membership because the prime minister and I will by senior Tories on both sides of the is comfortable whichever include We Can Work it Out, He repeated warnings by Prime a 34-year-old Polish builder, “we love our country and we disagree,” but said “when it’s in referendum debate. way his compatriots vote. Hello, Goodbye, Help! and Let Minister David Cameron, the Marcin Kurdzialek, stood next to want our country to be the best London’s interest for the mayor Cameron also came under fi re “It’s crazy in England at the it Be, said he was philosophi- Bank of England and the Interna- his van watching the activists with it possibly can,” just weeks after of London and the government from senior pro-Brexit Tories moment!” the British icon told cal about the referendum tional Monetary Fund of the eco- interest. He cannot vote in the ref- accusing Khan of repeatedly ap- to work closely together, we will Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, French daily Le Parisien, when outcome. “I keep listening to nomic risks of leaving the EU. erendum, but owes his job to the pearing with extremists. work closely together”. who said his pledge to reduce im- asked about the landmark the arguments, the reasons to “Companies are going to suff er EU’s freedom of movement rules. “I’m proud to be here with the While Cameron was building migration had “corroded public “Brexit” vote due on June 23. stay or leave. But I’m sure the and we’re going to go into another “I would feel sorry for people who Labour mayor of London,” said bridges with former adversar- trust” as latest fi gures showed a “Everyone I talk to goes from best decision will be taken in a deep recession,” he said. wouldn’t have the opportunities I Cameron. ies, dissent within his own ranks marked increase. one extreme to the other. I’m month,” said McCartney. But Clive Pool, 57, insisted Brit- had,” he said. “He is the son of a bus driver escalated with some Tory MPs Speaking yesterday, the prime

Johnson as divisive Ukip fl ayed for using as Trump: Clarke Great Escape tune Agencies violent regime. “He would hard- London ly see Ukip as either a worthy Guardian News and Media successor of that cause or em- London and about as relevant to the real Bridgen and Nadine Dorries call- bodying the spirit of those who problems the public face. ing for him to face a motion of no he UK Independence Par- liberated Europe from oppres- “The personalities get in the confi dence. ty (Ukip) has been told it sion and hatred.” he campaign to leave way and it’s no good turning the Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s To- Tshould not be using the His sons added that their fa- the EU has turned into a leave campaign into a leadership day programme yesterday, Clarke theme music to The Great Es- ther had “very strong, mostly Tleadership bid by Boris bid for Boris Johnson and anti- dismissed these threats to Cam- cape as part of its EU referendum liberal” political views. Johnson, Ken Clarke said – call- immigrant fears.” eron’s premiership as a diver- campaign because the composer In addition, they said he “nev- ing him simply a nicer version of Clarke’s accusations highlight sion at the same time as claiming would not have wanted it to. er allowed his music to be used Donald Trump. the increasingly acrimonious that Johnson was using the leave Nigel Farage’s party has been for political purposes”. The former Tory cabinet divide between senior Conserva- campaign as a vehicle for a lead- playing the famous fi lm music - The joint statement added: minister, who has served as tives campaigning on diff erent ership challenge. which is often heard at England “He preferred it to remain in the chancellor and home secre- sides of the EU debate. “All this stuff about whether football matches - on its cam- realm of entertainment where tary, suggested Johnson was Johnson and Michael Gove, one or two backbenchers have paign bus. it originated, simply for people exploiting people’s fears about the justice secretary, have been signed a letter calling for David But now the sons of the com- to enjoy, and not as a vehicle for immigration in a similar way scathing about Downing Street’s Cameron to resign, I think most poser Elmer Bernstein have said political messaging.” to Trump, the controversial US record on immigration. They of the public would agree is a their father would never have A Ukip spokesman confi rmed presidential candidate who is have said that Cameron’s failure bit of a diversion,” he said. “The given his permission. the music had been played on the expected to become the Repub- to reduce immigration was “cor- public are getting fed up of Tory Peter and Greg Bernstein said in campaign bus, but was unable to lican nominee. rosive” of voters’ trust in politi- civil wars when they thought a statement to The Observer news- provide more information. “I think Boris and Donald cians, while David Cameron and they were being asked about the paper: “Our father would never US-born Bernstein’s music for Trump should go away for a bit George Osborne have rubbished future of this country for their have allowed Ukip to use his music the fi lm, a fi ctionalised version of and enjoy themselves and not get the leave campaign’s economic children and grandchildren. because he would have strongly a genuine mass escape from a Nazi in the way of the serious issues claims. “Why are the Leave campaign opposed the party’s nativism and prisoner-of-war camp, was one that modern countries in the 21st There is particular fury among turning the whole thing into an thinly disguised bigotry. of dozens of soundtracks he com- century face,” Clarke said. “He’s pro-Brexit campaigners that argument about Turkish crimi- “He would surely say that The posed in a lifetime in Hollywood. a much nicer version of Donald Cameron is fi ghting so hard nals about to fl ood into the coun- Great Escape celebrated those The Observer said the rights to Trump but the campaign’s re- to keep the UK in the EU, with try and Boris Johnson’s bid for who bravely saved Europe from the piece are now owned by Sony markably similar in my opinion backbench Tory MPs Andrew the leadership?” Boris Johnson: a ‘much nicer version of Donald Trump’ a horrifi cally racist, nativist and ATV. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 17

BRITAIN Corbyn hints Miliband could get shadow cabinet job

Guardian News and Media predecessor was “a great friend” plied: “Ed is not a great loser, Ed is as leader last year, said on Friday During the campaign rally in “Ed is hugely talented. I sat Separately, Tony Blair denied London and “a great asset” and he refused a great asset. Yes, he led the party; when asked about the possibility Doncaster, the fi rst time the pair with him in the cabinet when he reports that remarks he made in to rule out off ering him a job. yes, we did not win the general of taking a frontbench job that he have spoken since the change of was the environment secretary an interview on Saturday about Asked if he wanted to see Mili- election – we all know that. was “happy getting on with being leadership, Corbyn posted a pic- – he is a young up-and-coming how it would be “very dangerous” eremy Corbyn, the Labour band back in the shadow cabinet, “But Ed fought a strong cam- a backbencher”. ture of Miliband on the social me- person,” Johnson told the Press if a leftwing populist took power leader, has hinted he would Corbyn told Pienaar’s Politics on paign – he raised the issue of But he has been much more dia app Snapchat with the cap- Association. “He should be were aimed at Corbyn. Jlike to see Ed Miliband serve in BBC Radio 5 Live: “That is all for justice at work over zero-hours positive about Corbyn’s leader- tion: “Awesome.” welcomed back on the front- “I wasn’t talking about Jeremy his shadow cabinet, after appear- the future.” contracts and issues like that, and ship than many others who served The former home secretary bench.” Corbyn ... I was talking about the ing alongside the former party When it was put to him that I have a lot of respect and a lot of in the shadow cabinet in the last Alan Johnson has also spoken of Asked if he thought Miliband’s general populism there is in the leader during a pro-EU event and Miliband could be seen as a loser time for Ed.” parliament, and at the end of last his support for Miliband and how return to frontline politics would world today,” the former Labour in interviews. because of what happened in the Miliband, who has kept a rela- week the two men spoke at an EU he hopes the former Labour lead- happen, he said: “I think so, I hope prime minister told the BBC’s An- In an interview, Corbyn said his 2015 general election, Corbyn re- tively low profi le since resigning referendum event together. er would return to the frontbench. so.” drew Marr Show.

Rotherham Chasing cheese council Cancer experts’ unveils new ‘child pension funds strategy’

Guardian News and Media London ‘invested in

otherham council has said it hopes to put the past Rbehind it as it prepares to agree a new strategy that aims to “put children at the heart of eve- tobacco fi rms’ rything it does”. In response to a scathing 2014 Guardian News and Media the fact that most of us will calling on European institu- report on its handling of wide- London retire comfortably on money tional investors such as USS to spread child sexual exploitation – earned from tobacco invest- follow suit. which declared the council “not ments?” “Given the hard work of so fi t for purpose” – power was tak- cientists funded by Cancer Universities UK, which rep- many of its members to elimi- en away from the town’s elected Research UK who spend resents vice-chancellors and nate the scourge of tobacco- offi cials and put in the hands of Stheir lives hunting for principals, said USS was a re- related death and misery, it is government commissioners. cures for the disease are among sponsible investor. “USS, as part simply unacceptable that USS Although some powers were thousands of academics whose of its investment duties, takes should continue to invest in this handed back after the recent lo- pensions are invested in the to- into account wider social, ethi- discredited industry,” he said. cal elections, councillors control bacco industry, the Guardian cal, and environmental and gov- CRUK, some of whose money only about a third of the local revealed. ernance issues, so long as that indirectly ends up in BAT, said authority’s budget, and the chil- The latest annual report for ensures that the assets of the the university pension arrange- dren’s services are being com- the university staff ’s pension scheme are invested in the best ments were not under its con- pletely restructured. fund shows it had £211mn in- fi nancial interests of members trol. It is now supporting To- The new strategy, which seeks vested in British American To- and their benefi ciaries,” said a bacco Free Portfolios in the UK. to make Rotherham a “child- bacco in the year to March 31, spokesperson. George Butterworth, CRUK’s centred borough”, will be ap- 2015 – its fi fth biggest listed eq- tobacco policy manager, said: proved by councillors and com- uities holding. “The idea that we all have “The tobacco industry’s dead- missioners next Monday. The Universities Superannua- our pension invested in ly products are responsible The plan, which does not come tion Scheme (USS) – the offi cial BAT is outrageous” for one in four cancer deaths. with any additional funding, name for the fund for university Many people would be shocked recommends that a new group academics and staff – was worth “USS is also a responsible and to learn that their pensions are on the council be established to £49bn in 2015. The BAT holding engaged investor. They have, for invested in tobacco company monitor issues including child is not the only controversial in- example, undertaken engage- shares – especially those striv- health and safety, “the rights and vestment; its biggest holding was ment with tobacco companies ing to develop cures for diseases voice of the child”, and “ensuring £344mn in Royal Dutch Shell. on marketing approaches and caused by this lethal industry. children reach their potential”. But the tobacco investment regulations around e-ciga- Cancer Research UK’s own pen- It also recommends using data will come as a shock to many re- rettes.” sion funds are tobacco-free, from a yearly lifestyle survey of searchers, academics and staff . But public health campaign- but many of our researchers are residents to monitor children’s One scientist, who is employed ers say it is not possible to re- based at institutions where that lives. The deputy council leader, by a leading university but form the tobacco industry. In is not the case. Gordon Watson, said: “A child- whose post is funded by CRUK, March, the European Public “To help make it easier for or- centred borough means putting was horrifi ed to learn that her Health Association (EUPHA) ganisations’ pension schemes to children at the heart of every- money was being invested in called on investors to dump their opt out of tobacco shares, we’re thing. It means children can be this way. holdings. “For decades, it has now funding the UK arm of To- heard; that we will help them to “This means that, even if only actively sought to mislead the bacco Free Portfolios to encour- reach their potential and that indirectly through our time and world about the harms caused age investment funds to divest we will keep children safe and labour, CRUK money is being by its products. It has corrupted from tobacco stocks. AXA’s healthy so we can continue to invested in growing and sup- public offi cials, been complicit move earlier this week to with- drive forward improvements. porting the tobacco industry,” in illicit activities such as smug- draw billions in investment from “We’ve begun to make many she told the Guardian. “The idea gling, and has undermined leg- the tobacco industry shows improvements, and in particular that we all have our pension in- islation to protect the health of what can be done.” in the way we look after our most vested in BAT is outrageous. the public,” said the association USS said in a statement that it vulnerable children, but clearly “All the work of this institute in a statement. was “an active and responsible we want to be ambitious for all is done under the guidance of It praised the campaigning shareowner, an approach which of Rotherham’s children which Competitors tumble down Cooper’s Hill in pursuit of a round Double Gloucester cheese during CRUK, and we are, quite right- organisation Tobacco Free Port- USS’s trustee believes will pro- is why this new strategy puts the annual Cooper’s Hill cheese rolling competition near the village of Brockworth, Gloucester, ly, regularly reviewed to ensure folios in Australia, which had tect and enhance the long-term children at the centre of council yesterday. The annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling involves competitors chasing an eight pound that CRUK money is being spent successfully argued for pension value of the fund. In order to activity. Every child deserves the Double Gloucester cheese down a steep hill. The slope is very rough and uneven and it is almost eff ectively and effi ciently in the funds to disinvest in tobacco. ensure appropriate diversifi ca- best start in life and this vision is impossible to remain on foot for the descent. The winner of the downhill race wins the cheese. global fi ght against cancer. How Prof Martin McKee, the presi- tion we invest in a wide range of about delivering this.” can this possibly be in line with dent of the EUPHA, said it was companies and assets. Chilcot won’t accuse Blair Tory peer opposes of lying, says biographer ‘biased’ job interviews Guardian News and Media other senior Conservative fi gures London such as Boris Johnson and Oliver Guardian News and Media Iraq … but he won’t be blamed them together I came up with Letwin attended. London for lying, that will not happen.” what was an enormous surprise “Fundamentally, I think it Bower suggested that Chil- – it was a government of chaos, ormer Conservative cabi- quite wrong to punish children cot himself was too close to the it was a government of failed net minister and the prov- for decisions taken by their he Chilcot inquiry is establishment in that Chilcot ambition.” Fost of Eton College, Wil- parents, and to run the risk of likely to criticise easy was heavily involved in the sec- The book argues that Blair liam Waldegrave, has threatened choosing crucial public service Ttargets and not put the ond Iraq inquiry, conducted by worked hard to gain power but to resign the party whip if the jobs not on the basis of merit but blame on Tony Blair, the author the cabinet secretary Sir Robin had no idea what to do with it government pushes ahead with of social engineering,” he told the Tom Bower has said. Butler. when he got it. It was a govern- a voluntary plan to request that Telegraph. Bower is the author of a Bower is known for his par- ment without ideology, Bower companies ask job applicants if “The ablest candidates come scathing biography of the tial but always highly readable argues, and by the second term they went to a private school. from all possible backgrounds. former prime minister, pub- demolition jobs on fi gures such it was too late to get one as he Proposals published by Cabi- I have told the chief whip in the lished earlier this year, which as the late Mirror newspaper was being weakened by Gordon net Offi ce Minister Matt Han- Lords that I do not see how I portrays him as a man with few publisher Robert Maxwell, Brown and was on the “tread- cock last week to request that could continue to accept the whip policies and no ideology. Bernie Ecclestone and Sir Rich- mill to Iraq”. leading companies should ask if if I believed that the government potential employees were edu- was actively seeking to damage One of the subjects he tackles ard Branson. The book takes fi ve subjects: cated privately as one tool among the charitable school of which I is the Iraq war, the subject of Sir He appeared to be pushing health, education, immigra- others to improve chances for am a trustee, and the many other John Chilcot’s long-lasting in- at an open door at Hay after tion, energy and wars, and state-educated pupils and en- schools like it which are meet- quiry. Chilcot’s report is fi nally he asked the audience to say Bower argues Blair failed on hance social mobility. ing the justifi able demands of the due out on July 6. whether or not they had voted every count. However, Lord Waldegrave, Charity Commission to help the Bower told the Hay festival: for Blair. A huge majority raised A huge contributor to Blair’s who served under Margaret wider community.” “Chilcot, in my view, will criti- their hands. When asked, do success was his press secretary Thatcher and then from 1990 The proposal – which would cise the wrong people, the easy they still have a favourable im- Alastair Campbell, who Bower to 1997 under John Major and not be legally binding – is part targets … the cabinet secretary, pression of him, very few re- said had a controlling infl uence was educated at Eton and Ox- of a raft of ideas put forward as the chief of the defence staff, mained up. over the press. ford, told the Daily Telegraph part of Cameron’s “life chances” who was not told the truth. Nevertheless, some ques- Campbell is used as source the scheme would discriminate agenda, which the government The man obviously to blame is tioned Bower’s objectivity. The throughout, even though Bower against people whose parents says is its attempt to respond to Blair. author said he had interviewed did not speak to him. “He wrote had paid for their education. statistics that show senior pro- “He will be criticised perhaps more than 200 people including four extraordinary and thick di- The remarks come from the fessional and civil service jobs for undermining government, 120 civil servants. “Each had a aries. I thought I can’t improve most senior fi gure at Eton Col- are dominated by those educated for having no plan for post-war mosaic of the story and putting on that.” Blair: ‘to escape blame over Iraq war’ lege, where David Cameron and privately. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 EUROPE

WHO says Zika Erdogan accuses Russia response plan is of arming PKK militants only 13% Reuters fi cials confi rmed Erdogan’s Russian warplane last year. of the US-led coalition against funded Ankara comments, but Russia said that “Neither Russia nor Turkey Islamic State (IS) in Syria and is Turkey must show proof for its can aff ord to sacrifi ce their re- also a vocal opponent of Syrian claims. lationship with each other,” President Bashar al-Assad. AFP urkish President Recep While Erdogan has previously Kurtulmus, the government’s Moscow backs Assad but says Geneva Tayyip Erdogan has ac- castigated Russia for its sup- offi cial spokesman, told a news it also supports the Syrian Kurds Tcused Russia of provid- port of Kurdish fi ghters in Syria, conference. in the struggle against Islamic ing anti-aircraft weaponry and the latest comments appear to “I wish such tensions had State. he World Health Organi- rockets to militants of the out- be the fi rst time he has accused never emerged, but I believe Relations between Ankara and sation (WHO)’s Zika re- lawed Kurdistan Workers Party Moscow of supplying weaponry that Turkish-Russian ties can Moscow hit their worst point Tsponse programme is (PKK), government offi cials said to the PKK, which is seen as a be fi xed in a short while. These in recent memory after Turkey only 13% funded, “severely” yesterday, confi rming reports in terrorist group by Turkey, the two countries have no problems shot down the Russian plane compromising eff orts to combat local media. United States and Europe. that cannot be overcome. I hope over Syria last year, prompting a the virus that is increasingly be- Speaking to reporters on board In response, Russian Dep- that these issues will be solved raft of sanctions from Russia. coming a global threat, the UN his airplane after a visit to the uty Foreign Minister Mikhail through dialogue.” Russian President Vladimir agency said yesterday. southeastern province of Diyar- Bogdanov was quoted by In- He did not directly address Putin in April promised support But the signifi cant funding bakir over the weekend, Erdogan Erdogan: At this moment, terrorists are using anti-aircraft guns and terfax news agency as saying: Erdogan’s comments about Rus- for Syrian Kurds, saying that gaps in the $17.7mn (€15.9mn) accused Moscow of transferring missiles supplied by Russia. “When someone says some- sian military support for the they were a serious force in the plan are not having a major im- weaponry to the PKK via Iraq thing, let them show evidence.” PKK. fi ght against terrorism. pact on Brazil’s eff orts to keep and Syria, the pro-government ons. They have been transferred has waged a three-decade-long However, Deputy Prime Min- Ankara also considers the Syr- Moscow has accused Ankara the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio Star newspaper said. to them via Syria and Iraq,” the insurgency against the state that ister Numan Kurtulmus was rel- ian Kurdish YPG fi ghters to be of hindering Kurdish forces in de Janeiro safe, WHO spokes- “At this moment, terrorists newspaper reported Erdogan as has left more than 40,000 peo- atively upbeat yesterday about terrorists and has been enraged their battle against Islamic State woman Nyka Alexander said. are using anti-aircraft guns and saying. ple dead, mostly PKK militants, the outlook for relations with by both Russian and US backing and of using the fi ght against The UN agency last week re- missiles supplied by Russia. The The “separatist terrorist or- in the largely Kurdish southeast Russia, a rare departure from for the militia in its battle with terrorism as a pretext to crack jected a call from 150 interna- separatist terrorist organisation ganisation” is a Turkish govern- part of the country. months of tough rhetoric after Islamic State in Syria. down on Kurdish organisations tional doctors to change the tim- is equipped with these weap- ment term for the PKK, which Two Turkish government of- the Turkish air force shot down a Nato member Turkey is part in Syria and Turkey. ing or location of the Rio Games, with Brazil the country hardest hit by the Zika outbreak. The WHO said shifting the Games would not substantially alter the risks of Zika spreading Family planning globally, but has urged athletes and visitors heading to Rio to take extra precaution against the mosquito-borne virus. ‘not for Muslims’ The organisation has advised women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to AFP and family planning. stay away altogether. Istanbul In a speech marking Inter- The virus can cause birth de- national Women’s Day this fects including microcephaly in year, he said he believed that which babies are born with unu- urkish President Recep “a woman is above all else a sually small heads and brains, as Tayyip Erdogan said mother”. well as a potentially fatal neuro- Tyesterday that fam- In 2014, he described birth logical disorder called Guillian- ily planning and contraception control as a “treason” which Barre Syndrome. were not for Muslim families, risked causing a whole genera- The WHO has provided tech- in his latest comments pro- tion to “dry up”. nical advice to Brazil’s health moting population growth that And he has famously urged ministry during the Zika crisis, angered women’s activists. mothers to have four children, in areas ranging from patient Erdogan said it was the re- saying: “One (child) means care to mosquito control strate- sponsibility of mothers to en- loneliness, two means rivalry, gies, Alexander said in an e-mail. sure the continued growth of three means balance and four But “the implementation of Turkey’s population, which means abundance.” the WHO’s advice and guidance has expanded at a rate of According to the statistics is being prioritised ... by other around 1.3% in the last few offi ce, Turkey’s population funding, including from the gov- years. rose to 78.741mn last year. ernment of Brazil”, so the impact “I will say it clearly ... We The population in 2000 was of the UN budget gaps is limited need to increase the number less than 68mn. with respect to the Olympics, of our descendants,” he said in Meanwhile, the composition Alexander said. a speech in Istanbul. “People of Turkey’s new cabinet under “That having been said, it is talk about birth control, about Prime Minister Binali Yildirim clear that the WHO’s ability to family planning. No Muslim announced last week also an- support the 60 countries cur- family can understand and ac- noyed activists with just one Rubble is seen yesterday in a flooded street in Braunsbach, southern Germany. Four people died and several more were injured after rently aff ected by Zika – and to cept that! female minister. violent storms with torrential rains caused severe flooding, authorities said. support other at-risk countries “As God and as the great Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya, to prepare for the possible ar- prophet said, we will go this who wears the Islamic head- rival of Zika – will continue to way. And in this respect the scarf, heads the family and be severely compromised if we fi rst duty belongs to mothers.” social policy ministry, a post and other health partners are not Erdogan and his wife Emine which has always gone to a Floods, rains claim four lives in Germany suffi ciently funded,” she added. have two sons and two daugh- woman. ters. According to economists, Earlier this month, the one of the key problems for the DPA In nearby Schorndorf, a It remains unclear when pro- number of injured in Baden- New Czech bid president attended the high- Turkish economy is the failure Schwaebisch Gmund, Germany 13-year-old girl who had sought duction will resume at the site, Wuerttemberg remained less profi le marriage of his younger to integrate women into the shelter from the downpour un- which is located directly on a than 10. to ban smoking daughter Sumeyye to defence workforce. der a railway bridge was struck canal off the Neckar river. One house was destroyed and industrialist Selcuk Bayraktar. But the ruling Justice and our people are dead, in- by a train and killed, police said. The heavy downpours also several others heavily damaged The Czech centre-left His elder daughter Esra, Development Party (AKP), cluding one fi refi ghter and A 12-year-old boy who was aff ected the state of Bavaria in in the small town of Braunsbach government approved new anti- who is married to the up-and- which Erdogan co-founded, Fa teenage girl, offi cials said with her was unharmed, but is the southeast, causing severe when a river burst its banks. smoking legislation yesterday, coming Energy Minister Berat angrily rejects allegations of after heavy rains in southwest- receiving psychiatric support damage to properties in the area Videos and photos posted on agreeing to a revamped bill after Albayrak, has three children. sexism and says it has done ern Germany overnight brought after the incident. of Mittelfranken, where Nu- social media showed cars being some coalition lawmakers sank The Platform to Stop Vio- more than any other Turk- some of the worst fl ooding to Police in the town of remberg is situated. carried away by the current. a government-backed proposal lence Against Women, which ish government to encourage the region in years. Weissbach said a 60-year-old Several residents in the Ba- One vehicle appeared to slam last week. campaigns to stop the killings women to work. Police confi rmed yesterday man died when an underground varian town of Frankenhoehe into the side of a local business Last week’s failure to enact the of hundreds of woman every Erdogan’s wife Emine spoke that the bodies of the fi refi ghter car park fl ooded. described the scenes as “like af- as it was swept away by a deluge ban on smoking in restaurants year, condemned Erdogan’s yesterday at a conference a on and a man he was trying to res- For some areas, it was the ter the war”. of murky water. raised tensions in the three- comments as violating the promoting women’s employ- cue had been found in Schwae- worst fl ooding seen in two dec- In Baden-Wuerttemberg A meteorologist at the Ger- party ruling coalition after Prime rights of women. ment, saying: “We should en- bisch Gmuend, which lies in ades, with rainfall reaching up to alone, around 7,000 people re- man Weather Service (DWD) Minister Bohuslav Sobotka “You (Erdogan) cannot sure gender equality.” the fl ood-hit state of Baden- and above 100 litres per square sponded to more than 2,200 said the unusually slow move- berated some members of a usurp our right to contracep- She said that Turkey was Wuerttemberg. metre. calls for help between Sunday ment of the rainstorms had led partner party for blocking its tion, nor our other rights with “not at the level we want” in A 21-year-old had been swept Parts of an Audi factory in the afternoon and yesterday morn- to the severe fl ooding. approval. your declarations that come terms of women working but into a railway tunnel by a rush of town of Neckarsulm were under ing, the state interior ministry “The unusual thing about “It is one of the basic priorities out of the Middle Ages,” the added the employment rate water and sucked into a man- water, halting production at the in Stuttgart said. yesterday was that we were that we agreed with our coalition group said in a statement on among women had increased hole, police said. facility, a spokeswoman for the The emergency response saw in a situation of relatively low parties,” Sobotka said in a Twitter. “We will protect our 52% in the last years. The 38-year-old fi re safety company said. fi refi ghters, police, civil service pressure,” Martin Jonas said. statement. “I believe the bill won’t rights.” According to offi cial statis- offi cer went to his rescue, but Fire safety employees at the personnel, Red Cross workers “For that reason, the intensive collapse again in parliament and Erdogan has often annoyed tics from 2015, just 31.5% of both men were sucked down the carmaker’s factory have been and volunteers work through downpours stayed above the our coalition partners will take its feminists and women’s activ- women participate in the la- drain. Their bodies were found attempting to remove the water the night. same areas for a relatively long approval seriously, so that it can ists with his comments on sex bour force in Turkey. several hours later. since early yesterday, she said. The ministry said that the time.” take eff ect in 2017.”

Erdogan slams French police action Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has slammed the French police French transport to be hit ahead of Euro 2016 force over “violence” employed against labour sector protesters. The condemnation comes just ahead of the third anniversary of the Gezi Park anti-government demonstrations in Turkey, during which several AFP voiced fears that the strikes the country with blockades of gest union rather than denigrate yesterday to extend their block- protesters were killed by police. Paris and rallies that have frequently refi neries and fuel depots last him is a good sign.” ade until tomorrow. “I condemn the violence used by the French police against people who descended into violence were week, the union has responded But Pierre Gattaz, head of the Despite parts of western exercise their right to demonstrate,” Erdogan said, also criticising Western putting off visitors to one of the by calling for strikes on the na- MEDEF employers’ federation, France still suff ering from severe media for allegedly under-reporting events in Paris. ooming air and train strikes world’s top tourist destinations. tional rail network beginning to- didn’t mince his words about shortages, supplies were gradu- are threatening to bring “The scenes of guerrilla-type day and on the Paris Metro from what was needed. ally returning to petrol stations Lchaos to France less than action in the middle of Paris, Thursday. “To have the rule of law re- after police cleared blockades on making it easier to hire and fi re They have called for another two weeks before Euro 2016 kicks beamed around the world, re- Air travellers are also set to face spected, you have to ensure that Friday. employees. national day of rallies and strikes off , with unions standing fi rm inforce the feeling of fear and more cancellations and delays. minorities who behave a bit like Aviation unions have called for Companies would also be able on June 14, the day that the Sen- yesterday in demanding contest- misunderstanding” among po- After weeks of trading insults, hooligans, like terrorists, do not stoppages next weekend and Air to negotiate terms with their ate begins examining the law. ed labour reforms be scrapped. tential visitors still anxious after CGT leader Philippe Martinez block the whole country,” he told France pilots voted yesterday to workers rather than be bound by Despite the disruption caused As the head of France’s bosses’ the November 2015 terror attacks revealed that he had received a the daily Le Monde yesterday. go on strike for at least six days industry-wide agreements. to their daily lives, nearly half of federation accused unions of be- which killed 130 people in Paris, phone call from Prime Minister On the ground, six of France’s in June in a separate dispute over But the unions say the moves French people still support the having like “terrorists”, the fresh the tourist board said. Manuel Valls to discuss the bitter eight oil refi neries were still halt- productivity targets, which could will erode job security and fail union’s call, a poll showed. industrial unrest was set to hit President Francois Hollande stand-off . ed or running at reduced capacity spark added chaos for visitors to to bring down unemployment Forty-six per cent want the transport just days before fans and the Socialist government are Martinez refused to reveal due to union action. Euro 2016. which is stuck at just under 10%. government to scrap the reforms, begin arriving for the start of the refusing to buckle to the hard- what they had discussed in Sat- Workers at the oil terminal The measures at the heart of Unions are also furious that according to the poll in the Jour- football championships on June line CGT union’s demand that it urday’s call but told BFMTV: in the northern port of Le Ha- the dispute are aimed at inject- the government rammed the re- nal du Dimanche newspaper on 10. withdraw the planned reforms. “The fact that he deigns to call vre – which supplies kerosene to ing more fl exibility into France’s forms through the lower house of Sunday, while 46% think they And Paris tourism chiefs After attempting to paralyse the spokesman of France’s big- Paris’s two main airports – voted famously-rigid labour market by parliament without a vote. should be changed. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 19 EUROPE

Hungary bolsters fence on Skippers of shipwrecked Serbia border migrant vessel arrested AFP DPA 34, and Syrian Torki Omar, 30, sumed to be among the dead or Rescue units also recovered in the wake of a major shipwreck ments with Libya and other Szeged, Hungary Rome skippered Friday’s sunken boat, the missing. some bodies, but the coastguard near Italy’s Lampedusa island, African countries, and Interior and were charged with causing a Separately, the Italian coast- offi cial could not give an exact was “at least 9,000” or “300 Minister Angelino Alfano told shipwreck, abetting illegal immi- guard gave additional details number. every month”. yesterday’s Corriere della Sera ungary said yesterday talian authorities have ar- gration, causing death or injury about Thursday’s accident, Last week Eunavfor Med According to Sunday data from daily that Rome would cut deals that it had begun rein- rested two men blamed for as a result of other crimes, and through an offi cial who could not Sophia, the European Union na- the UNHCR, this year there have on its own if Brussels did not act. Hforcing its anti-migrant Ione the three deadly migrant belonging to a criminal group. be quoted by name. val mission which fi rst rushed been 46,714 sea migrant arriv- Prime Minister Matteo Renzi fence on the Serbian border fol- shipwrecks of last week, and re- They were apprehended in the He said that survivors inter- to the scene, spoke of at least 20 als in Italy, compared to 47,463 said he was optimistic about lowing an increase in arrivals ported that according to survi- southern port city of Reggio Ca- viewed in several ports said they dead, but that fi gure was never in January-May 2015, showing progress, a day after the Europe- after the evacuation of Idomeni vors one of those accidents left labria where they had arrived on were making their way to Italy on confi rmed. that despite the surge of the past an Commission said it was draft- camp on the Greece-Macedonia 300 missing at sea. Sunday along with survivors and two boats, one towing the other, The Italian coastguard also few days, year-on-year fl ows are ing a paper to inform discussions frontier. There were shipwrecks on the victims of a series of Mediter- each with about 450 people on said there had been no rescue op- stable. on the migration crisis at an EU Last week, Greek offi cials Libya-Italy sea route on Wednes- ranean sea crossings from recent board, when the tow cable for the erations on Sunday and yester- However, an increase is ex- summit on June 28-29. moved some 8,400 people from day, Thursday and Friday. days, the Ansa news agency re- second vessel was cut off . day, as migrant departures from pected in the coming weeks, as “At last something is moving the squalid, makeshift Idomeni According to UN Refugee ported. As the cable snapped loose, Libya had paused after recent warmer weather encourages de- and the European Union seems encampment to reception cen- Agency UNHCR, they have The Italian Navy recovered 45 it hit a female passenger on the tragic events. partures from Libya, a major mi- determined to really bank on the tres elsewhere in the country. caused at least 700 deaths; the bodies and rescued 135 migrants second boat, killing her. UNHCR spokeswoman Car- grant smuggling hub that is still Migration Compact proposed But Hungarian authorities International Organisation for from Friday’s shipwreck. The vessel began to sink, and lotta Sami wrote on Twitter in chaos despite UN-led eff orts by Italy,” Renzi said in an online said some people had managed Migration gave a worse estimate, Reggio Calabria Prosecutor only 150 people aboard were res- that the migrant death toll since to establish a unity government. newsletter, referring to Rome’s to make their way up the migrant speaking of 1,100 missing. Gaetano Paci said an accomplice cued. The ones travelling in the Mediterranean search and rescue Italy wants the EU to negoti- draft plan for migration aid to route, despite the border clo- Moroccan Azridah Abdelfatah, of the two arrested men was pre- fi rst boat were all saved. operations started in late 2013, ate migration-stemming agree- Africa. sure imposed in mid-February by many Balkan states in a bid to halt the infl ux to northern Eu- rope. “Following last week’s closure Drowned baby of the Idomeni refugee camp, the number of migrants trying to cross Hungary’s barrier has increased,” said Gyorgy Bakondi, picture captures chief adviser to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The daily number of illegal entries had risen from 70 to 90 week of tragedy people, to between 100 and 150 since Idomeni was evacuated, Bakondi told national Kossuth By Steve Scherer, Reuters Like the photograph of the radio. Rome three-year-old Syrian boy Ay- As a result, the government lan lying lifeless on a Turkish will install “permanent barriers” beach last year, the image puts in places where the barbed wire photograph of a drowned a human face on the more than is considered “no longer suffi - migrant baby in the arms 8,000 people who have died in cient” to keep the migrants out, Aof a German rescuer was the Mediterranean since the start he said. distributed yesterday by a hu- of 2014. An AFP photographer on the manitarian organisation aiming Little is known about the child, Serbian side of the border spot- to persuade European authori- who according to Sea-Watch was ted between 200 and 250 people ties to ensure safe passage to mi- immediately handed over to the waiting to enter Hungary yester- grants, after hundreds are feared Italian navy. day. to have drowned in the Mediter- Rescuers could not confi rm Around 300,000 migrants and ranean last week. whether the partially clothed refugees passed through Hun- The baby, who appears to be no infant was a boy or a girl and it gary last year before the right- more than a year old, was pulled is not known whether the child’s wing government sealed off the from the sea on Friday after the mother or father are among the southern borders with Serbia capsize of a wooden boat. survivors. and Croatia in the autumn. Forty-fi ve bodies arrived in Sea-Watch collected about 25 The measures – together with the southern Italian port of Reg- other bodies, including another tight border patrols and tough gio Calabria on Sunday aboard child, according to testimony new laws punishing illegal en- an Italian navy ship, which from the crew seen by Reuters. try and vandalism of the fences picked up 135 survivors from the The Sea-Watch team said it – slowed the fl ow to a trickle as same incident. unanimously decided to publish Europe grapples with its worst German humanitarian organi- the photo. migration crisis since World War sation Sea-Watch, operating a “In the wake of the disastrous II. Martin from the humanitarian organisation Sea-Watch holds the drowned baby, off the Libyan coast on Friday. rescue boat in the sea between events it becomes obvious to Libya and Italy, distributed the the organisations on the ground picture that was taken by a media that the calls by EU politicians to production company on board avoid further death at sea sum up and which showed a rescuer to nothing more than lip service,” Rights monitor blasts standards German society being cradling the child like a sleeping Sea-Watch said in a statement in baby. English distributed along with In an e-mail, the rescuer, who the photograph. at new Greek migrant centres ‘partially brutalised’ gave his name as Martin but did “If we do not want to see such not want his family name pub- pictures we have to stop produc- lished, said that he had spotted ing them,” Sea-Watch said, call- AFP people from Idomeni,” said and on the island of Lesbos yes- Reuters 1,029, the minister said. the baby in the water “like a doll, ing for Europe to allow migrants Strasbourg Strik, migration rapporteur for terday and today. Berlin There were only 62 reported arms outstretched”. safe and legal passage as a way of the Parliamentary Assembly of Up to 12,000 migrants found attacks on shelters for migrants “I took hold of the forearm shutting down people smuggling the Strasbourg-based Council. themselves blocked in the Ido- and refugees in 2013 and 199 in of the baby and pulled the light and further tragedies. ew migrant centres set up “However, this has been a missed meni camp, on the Greece-Mac- ermany is experiencing a 2014, but the arrival of more than body protectively into my arms At least 700 migrants may to house migrants trans- opportunity to create decent fa- edonia border, after the route “part-brutalisation” of 1mn migrants in Germany last at once, as if it were still alive ... have died at sea this past week Nferred from the Greek cilities that meet international north through the Balkans was Gits society amid a surge in year led to a signifi cant increase it held out its arms with tiny fi n- in the busiest week of migrant border camp of Idomeni do not standards. In the places that I closed down in March. attacks on refugee and migrant in assaults, de Maiziere said. gers into the air, the sun shone crossings from Libya towards meet international standards, a visited, there was no privacy, no Many of those transferred to shelters in the country, Interior In addition to the attacks on into its bright, friendly but mo- Italy this year, the UN Refugee human rights monitor said. fi re safety, no light and no venti- Thessaloniki “are hoping to be Minister Thomas de Maiziere has centres, there were 654 crimes tionless eyes.” agency said on Sunday. Tineke Strik of the Council of lation and people have no infor- reunited with family members warned. against migrants and asylum- The rescuer, a father of three The boat carrying the baby left Europe gave her assessment after mation on their situation or their already in other European coun- There have been 449 assaults seekers in Germany, including and by profession a music thera- the shores of Libya near Sabratha visiting three new reception and prospects.” tries”, said Strik. on such centres so far this year, 107 violent incidents, he said. pist, added: “I began to sing to late on Thursday, and then began registration centres in the north- Strik, a Dutch deputy, visited “Their psychological well- the minister told Funke Media A signifi cant proportion of comfort myself and to give some to take on water, according to ac- ern city of Thessaloniki. the new centres on former indus- being will depend on the rapid Group in an interview published the suspected perpetrators had kind of expression to this incom- counts by survivors collected by “I am impressed by what the trial sites on Sunday and remains completion of the pre-registra- yesterday. not been known to the police prehensible, heart-rending mo- Save the Children on Sunday. Greek authorities have done in Greece with a delegation of the tion process and the ability to If that pace is maintained over for similar off ences and came ment. Hundreds of people were on in such a short space of time Parliamentary Assembly visiting exercise their right to apply for the rest of the year, the fi gure from areas neighbouring refugee “Just six hours ago this child board when it capsized, the sur- to create new facilities for the several refugee camps in Athens asylum,” she added. could match last year’s total of camps, the minister said. was alive.” vivors said. Merkel joins condemnation of remarks about Boateng

DPA But Gauland hit back at crit- entitled We are Diversity, said made by leaders of the AfD, the burqa, the all-encompassing Berlin ics of his remarks, telling DPA Merkel’s spokesman. which was launched on the Ger- body garment worn by some yesterday: “Of course I’m not a Gauland reportedly told the man political stage three years conservative Muslim women. racist.” Sunday edition of the Frankfurter ago at the height of the euro debt But even before then, AfD erman Chancellor An- On the question of whether Allgemeine Zeitung: “People fi nd crisis as an anti-euro party. leaders have grabbed headlines gela Merkel has joined the people who have reservations him good as a footballer.” But since then, the AfD has with a round of often provocative Gwidespread condemna- about neighbours with foreign “But they don’t want to have lurched dramatically to the right, remarks. tion of remarks made by a lead- roots are racists, he said he would a Boateng as their neighbour,” he helping the party to emerge as a Emboldened by her party’s re- ing member of an anti-foreigner not go so far. added. major benefi ciary of the refugee cent success, AfD leader Frauke party about football internation- Globalisation and reunifi ca- His remarks triggered a storm crisis that hit Germany last Sep- Petry earlier this year called for al Jerome Boateng, slamming the tion have brought about consid- of criticism from German politi- tember. refugees trying to illegally enter comments as “vile”. erable changes for many people, cal leaders, the media, top foot- The AfD is now represented in Germany to be shot at the border. “The sentence as it appears is Gauland said. ball offi cials and across social the parliaments of half of Ger- The AfD chief in the eastern a vile and a sad sentence,” Mer- Therefore, some responded media. many’s 16 states, with the party a German state of Thuringia, Bjo- kel’s spokesman Steff en Seibert with an “almost instinctive “Boateng is a German,” Eco- major winner of the March state ern Hoecke, has also called for “a said after the deputy leader of the defence” to strangers in their nomics Minister and Vice-Chan- elections held in Baden-Wuert- thousand-year” Germany, echo- Alternative for Germany (AfD) neighbourhoods, said Gauland, cellor Sigmar Gabriel tweeted. temberg, Rhineland-Palatinate ing Hitler’s dream of a thousand- party, Alexander Gauland, ap- who went on to say that he was “The AfD is anti-German.” in the western part of the nation year Reich. peared to question whether peo- not a football fan. Gauland’s comments also and Saxony Anhalt in the east. The AfD politician has also ple would like to have Boateng as “Jerome Boateng has correctly came as part of the build-up to National support for the AfD Merkel: said that Gauland’s remark ‘as it appears is a vile and a sad warned of the “surplus popula- a neighbour. pointed out the issue by saying: next month’s European football currently stands at 12%, accord- sentence’, according to her spokesman. tion in Africa”, resulting from A member of the German ‘Sad that such a thing still hap- championship, where Boateng ing to last week’s voter survey the continent’s reproductive be- World Cup winning team, Boat- pens today’,” said Seibert. will play as a member of the Ger- drawn up by pollsters Forsa. man parliament since the Second also adopted a tough anti-Islam haviour, which he said would not eng, whose father is Ghanaian The national football team man national team. This raises the prospects of the World War in next year’s federal stance with the party’s pro- change as long Europe continued and mother German, was born in had reacted “wonderfully” to His remarks also add to a re- AfD becoming the fi rst far-right elections. gramme now including a call for to take in African migrants and Berlin. Gauland’s remarks with a video cent series of extreme comments party to enter the national Ger- More recently, the AfD has a ban on mosque minarets and refugees. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 INDIA

GOVERNMENT JUDICIARY POLITICS ALLEGATION PROTEST Modi invites people SC rejects appeal of BJP leader threatens Naidu running a corrupt Fuel tankers go on to take online quiz Pratyusha’s mother Trinamool activists government: YSR Congress strike against VAT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday invited The Supreme Court yesterday declined The Bharatiya Janata Party’s West Bengal The opposition YSR Congress Party in About 3,500 fuel tankers and over 2,000 LPG people to take part in an online quiz on the an appeal by the mother of late actress unit president Dilip Ghosh yesterday again Andhra Pradesh has accused Chief Minister cylinder transport trucks remained off roads initiatives his government has taken during Pratyusha Banerjee seeking cancellation threatened to use strong-arm tactics against N Chandrababu Naidu of running a “corrupt” in Telangana yesterday, demanding that the the last two years. “An interesting governance of the anticipatory bail of Rahul Raj Singh, Trinamool Congress supporters if the ruling government and “making a mockery of government withdraw the 14.5% value added quiz… Let’s see how many of you get it right. accused of abetment to the suicide of the party did not end attacks on the opposition democracy” by engineering defections to the tax (VAT) on transportation of the fuels. The quiz.mygov.in,” Modi tweeted. The web-link Balika Vadhu star. The court also dismissed party’s workers in the state. “If the attacks ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP). “Emboldened Andhra Pradesh Petroleum Tankers’ Owners “https://quiz.mygov.in/” provided in his tweet Soma Banerjee appeal that Singh should be don’t stop, I will do exactly what I have said,” by the ill-gotten money amassed through Association pledged its support to the strike opens a site that says people will get to know charged for murder. The court did not believe Ghosh said after taking oath as a legislator. corruption, it (TDP government) has brazenly and decided against sending vehicles to more about government programmes through that only custodial interrogation can establish Blaming the Trinamool again for the post-poll started to poach our party MLAs. The TDP Telangana till the issue is resolved. Petrol the quiz. “So how well do you know about the the charge of murder, and asked if the violence, Ghosh said the situation has not government has so far poached 17 of our MLAs,” stations and gas agencies worked normally Government of India’s initiatives in the past two Maharashtra police had filed any application changed despite him seeking the intervention YSR Congress president Y S Jagan Mohan yesterday but the dealers’ association said years to improve the governance scenario? challenging the grant of anticipatory bail. of Governor K N Tripathi and Chief Minister Reddy said in a statement. He said the YSR the filling stations will soon run out of stocks. Are you ready to take a quiz on this subject?,” Banerjee’s lawyer said the police have not Mamata Banerjee for an end to “political Congress Party legislators were being “lured” The Telangana government, which held said the main page of the website. The final moved any application contesting the grant brutality.” Ghosh defeated Congress veteran with ministerial berths, and questioned how several rounds of talks with representatives of answers will be published once the on-line quiz of anticipatory bail to Rahul Raj Singh by the Gyan Singh Sohanpal in Kharagpur Sadar they could be sworn in as ministers while they truckers’ association till Sunday evening failed concludes, the website said. Bombay High Court. constituency in the recent assembly polls. continued to be YSRCP members. to persuade them to defer the strike.

Showers bring down temperature Police ask in New Delhi

IANS New Delhi YouTube, elhi residents yesterday got a respite from the hot Dweather due to intermit- tent pre-monsoon showers. Weather experts said this situ- ation will continue for two days at least due to a cyclonic circu- lation over Punjab, Haryana and Facebook to Pakistan. “Light rain shower are ex- pected till Tuesday. If the west- ern winds continue bringing moisture, then it may extend till Wednesday. However, from June 1- 2 the weather in Delhi will start becoming dry till the block video normal monsoon arrives by June 30,” Mahesh Palawat of the pri- Comedian under attack for India has long been proud of vate weather forecaster Skymet mimicking a conversation its tradition of artistic, cultural said. between Sachin Tendulkar and religious freedoms but a se- He said the temperature may and Lata Mangeshkar ries of bans recently sparked ac- rise up to 40-41 degrees Celsius cusations of a growing climate of after Wednesday. Agencies intolerance under Modi. The temperature yesterday was Mumbai Last year a British-made 32.4 Celsius. “The city witnessed documentary about an infamous 44 mm rainfall between 8.30pm 2012 gang-rape in Delhi was on Sunday and 8.30am on Mon- olice said yesterday they banned while a government- day,” an offi cial of the India Mete- had asked YouTube and appointed board of censors orological Department said. PFacebook to block a vid- blocked the release of the erotic Besides Delhi, this pattern will eo poking fun at cricket great movie Fifty Shades of Grey in prevail over Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood cinemas. West Bengal, Odisha and parts of singer Lata Mangeshkar, spark- Critics say the bans show how Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. ing the country’s latest row over thin-skinned their politicians Northeastern states would freedom of expression. have become in the Internet age. continue receiving pre-monsoon Comedian Tanmay Bhat post- Bhat: controversy Many social media users ac- rain showers till the normal mon- ed the clip on his Facebook page cused Bhatt’s video of being vul- soon arrives between June 12 and last week, angering rightwing tors who have insulted two na- gar and unfunny yesterday but 14. politicians in Mumbai who com- tional icons. also defended his right to make “Temporary pre-monsoon rain plained to the police. In the two-minute clip Bhat, a it. showers will merge in the normal Mumbai police received two member of online comedy group “If only political parties got monsoon in the northeastern complaints - one from a local AIB, mimics a conversation this worked up about rape, com- states. The coastal region of West politician belonging to Prime between Tendulkar and Man- munalism & homophobia like Bengal would, however, turn dry Minister Narendra Modi’s geshkar. they did about @thetanmay’s from Wednesday onwards,” Pala- Bharatiya Janata Party who said He said Mangeshkar, who is video! #TanmayBhat,” wrote one wat said. the clip was defamatory. 86, looked like she’d been kept Twitter user. Meanwhile, normal life was The other was from Mahar- in water for eight days and sug- “Totally agree. video is crass & disrupted in Uttarakhand as rains ashtra Navnirman Sena, police gested she should die. not funny. But does he have right battered most parts of the hill spokesman Sangramsingh Nis- to make it? Hell Yes. #TanmayB- state yesterday, offi cials said. handar said. “We have sought a legal hat,” wrote another. The regional Met Offi ce has “We have sought a legal opin- opinion. In the meantime Bhat was at the receiving end warned of more rains in the next ion. In the meantime we have we have written to YouTube of celebrities on social media, 36 hours and asked people to take written to YouTube and Face- and Facebook to block the with leading stars slamming precautions. book to block the above-men- above-mentioned video” him. The annual ‘Char Dham Yatra’ tioned video,” Nishandar said. Well-known actor Anupam has also been hit and many devo- MNS vice-president Shalini Bhat posted a comment with Kher said: “I am 9 times winner tees have been stranded en route Thackeray virtually laid siege to the video describing it as “non- of Best Comic Actor. Have a great to the four shrines - Badrinath, the Cyber Cell Branch of Mumbai sense.” sense of humour. This is NOT Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gan- police and vowed not to move out “Also I obviously love Lata and humour.” gotri. till Bhat was arrested. Her col- Sachin, just having some fun,” he “Absolutely shocked. Disre- The rains, which started on league, Amey Khopkar threat- wrote. spect is not cool and neither is it Sunday, continued at many ened to “beat” Bhat up. AIB fell foul of authorities last funny,” said Riteish Deshmukh. places in the state including De- Nationalist Congress Party year when they were at the cen- Celina Jaitley said she was hradun, Badrinath, Karnaprayag, state spokesman Nawab Malik tre of an obscenity investigation “absolutely... Shocked and ap- Rudraprayag and Gopeshwar. termed the video “in extremely over some sexually explicit jokes palled. Not amused. Lata Man- An overcast sky has been re- bad taste” and demanded sever- in a comedy “roast” show featur- geshkarji needs to be apologised ported from other places. A woman enjoys a spell of pre-monsoon rains near the India Gate monument in Delhi yesterday. est action against the perpetra- ing several Bollywood stars. to... NOW.”

Man arrested in Kerala for Two held over rape, murdering US-based father murder of teen girl AFP “When the girl resisted their Lucknow bid, she was raped and later By Ashraf Padanna near a factory in Kottayam. “We’ve seized the pistol strangled. To make it look like Gulf Times Correspondent Divers are continuing their from him. He fi red three times a case of suicide, they hung her Thiruvananthapuram search for other parts of the into his father’s head,” Kumar olice have arrested two body from a tree and left the body in the river near Man- said. men over the gang-rape of spot,” Verma said. galam bridge. Sherin initially told the po- Pa teenage girl whose body Four police constables have also olice in Kerala have ar- Sherin, a software engineer lice the crime was committed in was found hanging from a tree been suspended after an initial rested a man for allegedly working at Technopark here, his car while he and his father in Uttar Pradesh, a senior offi cer lack of action over the incident Pkilling his US-based fa- was under detention since Sat- were returning from Thiru- said yesterday, a grim reminder sparked outrage among villagers. ther who was on vacation. urday morning after the police vananthapuram after repairing of a similar case in the same state. “I have suspended four con- Sherin John, 36, shot dead his picked him up from a hotel in its air-conditioner. The girl, reportedly 15, was stables for laxity and have issued father Joy V John, 69, a US citi- Kottayam. However, he later said it took strangled - allegedly by three stern instructions to the inspec- zen, in a car at Changanassery He was reported missing place in a warehouse his father men - on Friday night outside tor concerned to book the third last week following a quarrel along with his father and the owned at Chengannur. her village. accused soon,” Verma said. over money, the police said. police got a clue from a call he Police found out that Sherin Her body was found the next “The medical report has con- The body was cut into six made to his mother in the US shot his father when the car morning hanging by her scarf fi rmed rape and strangulation,” and left in diff erent parts of the telling her he had “committed reached Mulakuzha when he from a tree about a kilometre he added. region. John’s right hand was a mistake.” The police could questioned his son over ac- from her home in Bahraich dis- The case comes two years after recovered from Pampa river on not make much headway in the counting for the money col- trict, said police Superintendent two girls were found hanging in Sunday. investigation as many of his lected as rent from family prop- Salik Ram Verma. a village in Uttar Pradesh. Their Yesterday, Sherin admitted statements were contradictory. erties near here. Two men were arrested and families said they had been gang- killing his father and disposing The murder occurred on Born and brought up in Tex- “the third accused is on the run,” raped before being lynched. of his body parts in gunny bags. Wednesday, and the arrest was as, Sherin told his interrogators Verma said. The families said the cousins, He showed the police the places formalised yesterday. that he still holds the US citi- The girl had left her sleeping aged 12 and 14, had been attacked where he dumped the bags. District police chief P Ashok zenship. family to secretly meet one of the after they went outside after dark The torso was recovered Kumar said it was still not clear Sherin returned from the US men, only to discover that he had to relieve themselves because from a pile of garbage at Velur if anyone else was involved in a few years back and his mar- brought along two of his friends their ramshackle homes did not and head from another location the crime. riage had ended in a divorce. Police examine a bag allegedly containing the body parts of Joy John. who attacked her. have a toilet. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 21 INDIA

Ambani plans to turn Reliance into a major defence company

Reuters Reliance into a major defence ously slow procurement process “We hope to have a signifi cant Some rivals and potential bat Management System for pany Hindustan Aeronautics Mumbai company may be one of his bold- to work. share of this pie,” said R K Dhin- partners for the contracts said the Indian Navy and Coast Ltd Ambani should identify core est yet. Modi has made defence a big gra, chief executive of Reliance Reliance will struggle to master Guard. areas and concentrate on them It has already bid for Rs840bn part of his “Make in India” pro- Defence. the manufacture of such a wide Recently, Reliance’s lack of rather than “be an inch deep and nil Ambani’s Reliance ($12.5bn) in Indian government gramme. He predicted the company range of sophisticated military experience and questions about a mile wide,” said Nitin Gokha- Group has never made a contracts, senior executives As part of any defence con- will “emerge as a key player in hardware. its ability to handle sensitive le, founder of defence website Amilitary helicopter, mis- said, though it hasn’t yet won tract, he is demanding foreign the defence sector over the next “There is no quick money in technology and intellectual Bharat Shakti. sile system or submarine in its any of those. companies tie up with a local few years.” this branch,” said Jan Wider- property counted against it in its Ambani entered the defence history but that isn’t stopping The success of the strategy partner, transfer technology and Reliance’s ambition is greeted strom, head of Saab India Tech- bid to partner with the Russians sector last year, when he took a the tycoon from seeking to win will depend partly on whether move some manufacturing to with scepticism by many in the nologies, a unit of Saab AB. “It to build 200 Kamov helicopters, controlling stake in a company contracts to manufacture all of he can persuade government India. defence world. requires a lot of experience, high said a Russian diplomat in New that made warships and energy that military hardware and more. offi cials and international part- At stake is $250bn in defence An Indian military offi cial in- tech culture, investments and a Delhi, who declined to be iden- exploration vessels, in Modi’s Known for taking some ambi- ners that he can build sophisti- contracts the government is ex- volved in defence procurement long-term business plan.” tifi ed. home state of Gujarat, called tious bets over the past decade, cated equipment and partly on pected to award over the next 10 said Reliance is overreaching Still, Saab and Reliance are The contract, estimated to be Pipavav Defence and Off shore some of which have failed to whether Prime Minister Naren- years as it looks to upgrade the in wanting to make everything working together in develop- worth a little over $900mn went Engineering Company Ltd, for deliver, Ambani’s plans to turn dra Modi can get India’s notori- military’s aging equipment. from ships to planes. ing the next generation Com- instead to state-controlled com- about Rs20bn. Sonia a good leader but is tired, says Amarinder

IANS “Following that it came to me New Delhi and my selection was unani- mous. There are no issues of factionalism in the party now,” he time has come for a new he said. generation to emerge in Chennithala was selected as Tthe Congress, the party’s the new Leader of Opposition on Punjab unit president Amarinder Sunday in a marathon fi ve-hour Singh said, adding party chief meeting of the 22 newly elected Sonia Gandhi is “obviously tired.” legislators of the Congress in the “I have worked with Sonia presence of three representa- Gandhi and found her a very tives of the ‘high command’ - good leader. But she is 70. Time Sheila Dikshit, Mukul Wasnik has come for the new generation and Deepak Babaria. to emerge (in the party). Obvi- It was reported that there was ously, she is tired,” Singh said in disagreement in the state party an interview to CNN News18. leadership over Chennithala’s Asked if the party has been candidature even before the high harmed by the simultaneous command had started its delib- presence of Sonia and her son erations. Rahul at the top of the hierarchy, K Muralidharan, a former Singh said: president of the Congress unit, “It will be only fair if she wish- handed over a note to V M Sud- African students stage a demonstration against increasing attacks at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi yesterday. es to hand over (party reins).” heeran, the chief of the state The former Punjab chief min- unit, protesting against Chen- ister said Congress vice presi- nithala’s candidature. dent Rahul Gandhi “will also Muralidharan reportedly said emerge” (as a good leader) once Chennithala and Chandy had given power and responsibility. agreed on the choices for Leader “I have worked with his father of Opposition and Chairman (late prime minister Rajiv Gan- of the United Democratic Front dhi). He was also like this. Rahul (UDF), which the Congress leads, Govt assures African will also emerge (as a good lead- rendering the parliamentary par- er) in due course,” the Congress ty meeting a pointless aff air. MP from Amritsar said. In the meeting, Chandy sug- Singh also said the “Congress gested the name of Chennith- has to strengthen itself after ala and was supported by V D whatever has happened in the Satheesan and others. country,” in an obvious reference Chennithala said yesterday community of safety to the party’s debacle in assem- that power always alternates be- bly elections in four states. tween the two traditional rivals African students stage May 20 by some locals after an shma Swaraj and Minister of outrage among the community, Mehrauli area in south Delhi Singh also said the Congress in Kerala – the Left Democratic protest against attacks argument, arrived in the Indian State V K Singh are expected to several thousands of who study around 4am. high command should delegate Front (LDF) and the UDF – and capital to take back the body. A meet African students today to in India. African envoys had last The driver, identifi ed as more powers to its state leaders, his party’s hope that it would IANS senior offi cial of the Ministry of assure them of safety and secu- week threatened to boycott the Nooruddin Ali, suff ered cuts especially to fi ght “regional lead- be able to break this pattern had New Delhi External Aff airs was at the air- rity. Africa Day event over the mur- and bruises near his left eye. ers” in their respective states. been belied. port to receive the relatives. Jaishankar met a group of Af- der of Olivier. The woman attacker has been “If you have to deal with re- “A preliminary assessment A group of African students rican students yesterday morn- The Indian government arrested while her other fi ve as- gional leadership, you must give was done by us and various fac- oreign Secretary S Jais- also held a protest at Jantar ing and assured them of the stepped in to assure the African sociates managed to escape, a some powers to the state lead- tors contributed for our setback. hankar yesterday assured Mantar here, holding aloft plac- safety and security of the com- envoys of the safety and securi- police offi cial said. In Panaji, ers of the Congress,” the Punjab We are going to have a detailed Fa group of African stu- ards that read ‘Racism Ruins munity in India. ty of their nationals after which Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Congress chief said. analysis next week where all will dents that the Indian govern- Lives,’ and demanded that the “Continuing outreach to Af- the diplomats attended the May Parulekar said Nigerian nation- In Thiruvananthapuram sit down for two days and dis- ment was committed to ensur- Indian government act swiftly rican community. Foreign sec- 26 event. als not just “create problems” in meanwhile, opposition leader cuss this,” he said. ing their safety and security to stop attacks on the commu- retary meets a group of African Swaraj is personally monitor- Goa, but across the country too. Ramesh Chennithala said the “We will work as a construc- even as an Ola driver was al- nity. students,” ministry spokesman ing the outreach to the Africans. Asked to comment on accu- Congress in Kerala had no “is- tive opposition and will take legedly thrashed by a group of The Association of African Vikas Swarup tweeted. Meanwhile, an Ola cab driver sations of rape and kidnapping sues of factionalism.” up the issues of the people very Africans after he refused to take Students in India (AASI) and “Foreign secretary to stu- was allegedly assaulted by a against two Africans levelled by “It was an extraordinary deci- strongly.” more than four passengers in his the Association for Community dents: Ensuring safety and group of Africans – fi ve men a woman at Mapusa police sta- sion taken by former chief min- The Chandy-led UDF govern- taxi. Research and Action (ACRA) security of foreign students and a woman – after he refused tion on Sunday, he said that Ni- ister Oommen Chandy that he ment was swept out of power in In a related development, the are planning to hold a two-hour is an article of faith for us,” he to allow more than four pas- gerian students commit crimes is not interested in taking up the the May 16 elections in which family members of Congolese peaceful protest today at the added. sengers to travel in his vehicle, in a bid to to prolong their stay, post of the leader of opposition,” the LDF won 91 seats in the national Masonda Ketada Olivi- same venue. The spate of rising attacks on police said. sell drugs and indulge in “un- Chennithala told reporters. 140-member Kerala assembly. er, who was beaten to death on External Aff airs Minister Su- African nationals has caused The incident took place in wanted things.”

Microsoft seeks to empower Ganges water by every Indian, says Nadella post soon: minister

AFP they will take pro-active step IANS suming charge as Microsoft CEO. Nadella met me today. Discussed New Delhi to address cultural needs. New Delhi He was addressing a confer- in enhancing co-operation with “If a postman can deliver ence organised by Microsoft. Microsoft towards Digital India,” mobile phones, sarees, jewel- “In my life there have been two the minister tweeted. evout Hindus may soon lery, apparels, then why not icrosoft’s focus on In- passions that have driven at least Minister of State for Finance receive water from the Ganga water?” dia is to empower every my dreams, and I think back and Jayant Sinha, who was also DGanges river by post, India Post, the state-run Mcitizen and organisa- one of the catalysts – it’s poetry present at the event, said “Mi- a minister said yesterday, as postal network, has in the past tion so that they can perform and computer science,” said the crosoft is a platform for India’s India moves to tap booming e- two years tied up with some better than their potential and India-born Nadella, who started growth.” commerce platforms. 400 e-commerce companies achieve more for themselves and his speech quoting Mirza Ghalib, Looking at Nadella, the minis- Communication and In- including Amazon and Indian the country, the US giant’s chief the noted Urdu and Persian poet ter added: “India can be an entre- formation Technology Min- giant Flipkart to deliver a di- executive Satya Nadella said here of the 19th century. preneurship engine. The kind of ister Ravi Shankar Prasad verse range of goods. yesterday. He met developers, entrepre- innovation you do in Seattle, New said he had been inundated The tie-ups have reaped “It’s such an immense pleasure neurs and students before the York, London and other places with requests for Ganges rich results, with parcel de- for me to be here in India and to event. will not work in Jhanda Chowk in water to be made available liveries increasing 15-fold to see the energy, the creativity of Later in the day, Nadella met Hazaribagh (a constituency rep- through post. 75,000 daily deliveries since this place. It’s infectious really for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. resented by Sinha). We need to “I have directed (the postal 2014. me, and, obviously I grew up here “Discussed various issues per- innovate in India, for India.” department) to utilise e-com- Prasad also said that by the and I come back here often, but taining to the IT sector with “In today’s day, the world that merce platforms and make ar- end of the year all postmen in every time I come back, I go back Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella,” you live in, the world that you are rangement for providing pure urban centres would be given energised and it’s phenomenal. Modi tweeted. going to shape, the world that Gangajal (Ganges water) from smart phones while those in It’s important to dream big and Nadella also met Communi- you are going to change, that Haridwar, Rishikesh to peo- rural post offi ces would be create big,” said Nadella, who is cations Minister Ravi Shankar canvas is so rich,” Nadella said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella gestures as he addresses students and ple,” Prasad said. equipped with handheld de- on his third visit to India since as- Prasad. “Microsoft CEO Satya while addressing the event. young entrepreneurs during a conference in New Delhi yesterday. “They have assured that vices by March next year. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 LATIN AMERICA

VIOLENCE OPINION LAW AND ORDER DATA CRIME Armed gang kills 11 Brazil needs to stabilise Eight Belize nationals Chile copper output drops Rio police hunt six people in Venezuela rising debt trend: minister arrested by Guatemala in April due to heavy rains gang-rape suspects

Eleven people, including a Colombian national Brazil’s interim government needs to stabilise Belize said Guatemala had arrested eight of its Copper output in Chile fell in April as some mines in Rio police were yesterday hunting six suspects and three minors, were killed by an armed the country’s rising public debt burden to regain nationals who were alleged to have hopped the central part of the country were hit by heavy rains in an alleged gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl gang in Venezuela, the attorney general’s off ice investors’ confidence, Finance Minister Henrique off a boat onto a Guatemalan beach without and ore grades continued to decline, the government that came to light last week in an online video, said. The victims were in their homes when Meirelles said yesterday. He said measures authorisation. The incident risked further stirring said. Chile, which produces one-third of the world’s shocking Brazil. Globo television showed footage several armed men forced them to move into announced last week to limit public spending tensions between the two Central American copper, is struggling with dwindling ore grades at a of police outside a house in a favela in the west the courtyards where they were shot dead, a and early repayment of debts owed by state neighbours that spiked a month ago over a fatal time when mining companies are implementing cost- of Rio de Janeiro, which will host the Olympics in statement said of the killings that took place development bank BNDES will be implemented shooting incident on their disputed border. A cutting measures to address a steep drop in metals August. They were reported to be searching for in the state of Trujillo. The suspects fled the gradually and will be supported by other actions to statement from the Belizean government said prices. Copper mines in Chile produced 432,277 six of the more than 30 men allegedly involved in scene in cars and motorcycles, according to the rebalance public accounts. He did not elaborate on its nationals were arrested as they alighted on tonnes of copper in April, an 8.2% decrease from the the assault on the girl. Among the suspects was a statement. The victims included adult males these actions. Meirelles, a former central bank chief Punta Manabique, a beach on a Guatemalan previous year. At the height of the El Nino mid-April promising 20-year-old football player described aged 18 to 76 and three teenagers aged 15, 16 widely respected by investors, reiterated that the peninsula jutting into the Caribbean that is about rains, Anglo American and state-owned producer as the alleged victim’s boyfriend and also the man and 17. The Colombian national was identified as administration has not ruled out raising taxes to 25kms from Belize’s coastline. The Belizeans Codelco temporarily suspended operations at two who has admitted taking the video in which the 76-year-old Alberto Diaz Patino. Two prosecutors plug a deficit that could top 10% of gross domestic were taken to Guatemalan City for “processing,” major copper mines with combined annual capacity girl is shown seemingly unconscious on a bed have been assigned to the case. product for a second consecutive year in 2016. a Guatemala Navy statement said. of 880,000 tonnes. after the alleged mass rape.

Mexico, EU to start Mexican talks on new trade deal in June police rescue

DPA Brussels kidnapped he European Union and Mexico will start ne- Tgotiations in mid-June on overhauling their nearly 16-year-old free trade agree- ment, offi cials from the two sides said yesterday. footballer The move comes on the heels of trade deals that the EU is AFP Tamaulipas state prosecutor gunfi ghts in the streets of large negotiating with the US and Mexico City Ismael Quintanilla told report- cities. Canada, two of Mexico’s most ers. Some roads are so dangerous important commercial partners. One man was arrested dur- that the federal police some- “We are of course busy both of us exican footballer Alan ing the operation, Quintanilla times escort travellers in protec- doing diff erent trade agreements Pulido was rescued said, adding that the suspect tive convoys. with countries and regions, but Mhours after he was kid- was from the neighbouring state More than 5,500 people we want this agreement to follow napped in his hometown after of Veracruz and was a member have disappeared in the state, its own path,” EU Trade Com- the striker managed to call po- of one of the gangs operating in out of a total of around 28,000 missioner Cecilia Malmstrom lice while his captors were dis- Ciudad Victoria. reported missing across Mex- said in Brussels after meeting tracted, authorities said yester- Federal police chief Enrique ico. with Mexican Economy Minister day. Galindo said Pulido, 25, had a Local media reported that Ildefonso Guajardo. Pulido, who plays for Greek small injury but was otherwise Pulido had accompanied his She added, however, that the giants Olympiakos, had a band- “safe and sound” after police girlfriend to a party in Ciudad two sides are “inspired by the age on his right hand when he swooped in to save him. The Victoria, and that their car was ambition” displayed in other appeared briefl y at a news con- player underwent a medical intercepted by a convoy of vans agreements, such as the planned ference in the early hours of exam after his rescue. that blocked the road and forced EU-US deal or a trade pact that yesterday in the crime-plagued him out. Mexico recently concluded with northeastern state of Tamauli- “Alan is safe and healthy The young woman was re- 11 other Pacifi c Rim countries. pas. with his family. We thank leased almost immediately and The EU is the third-largest The 25-year-old player, each and everyone of did not know where he was tak- trading partner for Mexico after who was wearing a multicolour you for your concern and en. the US and China. sleeveless shirt and shorts as he prayers in these difficult Pulido’s kidnapping shocked The 28-country bloc exported stood alongside Governor Egidio times” his current and former clubs. goods worth nearly 34bn euros Torre Cantu, told reporters that “Alan is safe and healthy with ($38bn) to the Central Ameri- he was “very well, very well, Galindo told Radio Formula his family,” Olympiakos said on can country in 2015, while goods thank God.” that there was “no violence” Twitter. “We thank each and amounting to nearly 20bn euros The abduction put a spot- during the rescue. There had everyone of you for your concern went from Mexico to the EU. light on the murders and kid- been a negotiation but no ran- and prayers in these diffi cult The EU-Mexico trade in goods nappings afflicting the state, som was paid, he said. times,” the club said. has increased by 250% since their where thousands of people The kidnappers apparently Pulido played in the Greek free trade agreement came into have disappeared and drug kidnapped Pulido because he Cup fi nal on May 17 — his team force in October 2000 – the fi rst cartels have fought brutal turf appeared to be wealthy “or lost to AEK, 2-1 — before leaving deal of its kind between a Latin wars for years. because it could give the kid- for Ciudad Victoria. American country and the EU. Pulido, who played for Mexico nappers a nice profit,” Galindo He signed a four-year contract “But of course a lot of things in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, said. with Olympiakos last season. He have changed, many years have was kidnapped by four men late Pulido was part of the Mexi- scored four goals in six match- passed by. We are not the same,” Saturday after he left a party in can national team at the 2014 es this season. He previously Malmstrom said. “It makes all his hometown of Ciudad Vic- World Cup in Brazil, though played for Mexican club Tigres the sense of the world to update toria, authorities said. Offi cials he did not see any playing of Monterrey. our trade agreement.” earlier said six gunmen were in- time. He was not called up for His abduction brought back Guajardo added: “We have to volved. the Copa America Centenario memories of the kidnapping of face new challenges like elec- “During a moment of inat- tournament, which starts this Argentine manager Ruben Omar tronic trade, like how to encour- tention by the captors in the week. Romano in Mexico City in 2005. age medium and small-sized place where he was located, he His rescue is a major suc- Romano was rescued after 65 companies to enter into the glo- was able to make a phone call cess for the authorities in one of days of captivity. bal value chains, how to really and ask for help, giving his lo- Mexico’s most dangerous states, Romano was coaching Mexico develop the new tendencies in IT Mexico’s Governor Egidio Torre Cantu speaks to members of the press following the rescue of football cation and we were able to im- with the population regularly City club Cruz Azul at the time or in intellectual property.” star Alan Pulido in Tamaulipas yesterday mediately rescue the victim,” terrorised by kidnappings and of his kidnapping.

LATAM suspends Ready for presidency, fl ights to Venezuela

Fujimori reiterates AFP LATAM said it is cutting all Santiago three of the major routes it currently operates to Caracas: AFP “We know what we want to skies,” Kuczynski said, not some- from Sao Paulo in Brazil, Lima Lima do... I have the strength to work one whose government would atin America’s biggest in Peru and Santiago in Chile. for a country at peace with itself,” mark “a threat to democracy.” airline LATAM yesterday The Sao Paulo fl ight has she said, aiming jabs at her rival. Since winning 39% of the vote Lsaid it will suspend its been suspended since May 28 eru presidential hopeful Former World Bank execu- to 21% for Kuczynski in the fi rst fl ights to crisis-hit Venezuela while fl ights on the other two Keiko Fujimori touted her tive Kuczynski spoke forcefully round on April 10, Keiko Fujimori for an indefi nite period, fol- routes will stop by August 1, Ppolitical leadership skills about economic plans but did has sought to distance herself lowing a similar move by Ger- LATAM said. in a fi nal debate with centre- not quickly respond to many of from her father’s authoritarian man carrier Lufthansa. Passengers who have right rival Pedro Pablo Kuczyn- Fujimori’s attacks. image and has vowed to work to Chile-based LATAM Air- booked fl ights will be reim- ski one week before a runoff vote. Fujimori, who would be Peru’s unite a deeply polarised Peru. lines group and its Peruvian bursed, LATAM said. Fujimori, 41, a right-wing fi rst woman president, is the po- She appears not to have been and Brazilian subsidiaries de- The company “will work to populist with the Popular Force litical heir to her father’s contro- hurt so far by allegations of mon- cided to cut the fl ights “due to resume these operations as party, has 46% of public backing versial rule from 1990 to 2000. ey laundering during her fi rst the complex macroeconomic soon as possible, as soon as going into the June 5 vote, poll- Alberto Fujimori, 77, is serving run for the presidency in 2011. situation that the region is global conditions permit.” ing fi rm Ipsos found in a survey. a 25-year sentence for massacres Her campaign also has been ac- currently going through,” it Lufthansa said on Sunday it Her rival, 77 year-old centre- committed by an army death cused of dirty tricks, after her said in a statement. would suspend fl ights to Ven- right economist Kuczynski, squad during his rule. vice presidential candidate Jose It said challenging econom- ezuela on its route from Frank- running under the banner of his His decade-long tenure saw Chlimper was accused of sending ic conditions in Latin America furt starting June 17. self-created party Peruanos por the economy grow but was also a doctored video to a television were prompting changes to its A spokesman said it was Kambio (Peruvians for Change), plagued by corruption and bru- station in an alleged bid to smear domestic and international not clear when service would is lagging with 40.6% support. tal human rights abuses, com- their political enemies. routes. resume. “The reason for this Fujimori, the daughter of the mitted in the name of wiping out Kuczynski, a former prime “In this context, the com- is the diffi cult economic situ- disgraced ex-president Alberto the communist guerrilla group minister, has had a colourful panies will suspend, tempo- ation and the fact that is it is Fujimori, used the Sunday night Shining Path. career as an international busi- rarily and for an indefi nite pe- not possible to transfer foreign debate to underscore how in the Kuczynski, who goes by the nessman and fi nancier, accord- riod, their operations in Simon currency out of the country,” past fi ve years she had built her nickname PPK, said a Keiko Fu- ing to his offi cial website. He says Bolivar international airport in the spokesman said. party into the Andean nation’s jimori presidency would be a his father, a doctor, was an offi cer Caracas,” the statement said. Currency controls in Ven- leading force; it controls 73 of return to widespread graft and in the German army in World Venezuela is in economic and ezuela make it impossible for 130 congressional seats. abuse of power. War I but fl ed his native country Peru’s presidential candidate Pedro Pablo Kuczynski attends a political crisis, with a shortage airlines to convert their earn- “I have done the work. And I “We need an experienced pilot when Hitler came to power and meeting with ‘Keiko No Va’ (‘Keiko will not go’) movement, in Lima, of dollars making it diffi cult for ings into dollars and send the am ready,” she said. to fl y this jet through turbulent ended up in Peru treating lepers. Peru, yesterday. businesses to operate. money abroad. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN Chinese worker hurt in Pak bomb attack

Reuters Karachi

Chinese worker and his driver were wounded in APakistan yesterday in a bomb attack claimed by ethnic nationalists opposed to plans for extensive Chinese investment, police said. The attack is likely to raise Afghan president Ashraf Ghani speaks during the inauguration of the renovation of the ruined Darul concern about a planned China Aman Palace in Kabul yesterday. Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), involving $46bn in Chi- nese investment in roads, power plants, railway lines and a new port in Pakistan. Restoration starts at Kabul’s Pakistan, battling Islamist militants as well as separatist guerrillas in parts of the country, war-battered Darul Aman Palace has promised to ensure security for the project. The Chinese man and his AFP Pakistani driver were slightly Kabul wounded in the attack in the southern province of Sindh, pro- Pakistani security off icials inspect a damaged vehicle in which a Chinese National was travelling, following vincial police chief Allah Dino a roadside bomb attack in Karachi yesterday. fghan President Ashraf Khawaja told Reuters. Ghani yesterday launched “Apparently, the attack van the men were travelling in. nation has set its eye on Sindh,” unidentified Chinese na- Arestoration work at Ka- was aimed at the Chinese na- Television footage showed the pamphlet said, according to a tional was working on a CPEC bul’s historic Darul Aman Pal- tional,” Khawaja said, adding construction helmets in a rear photograph of it seen by Reuters. project. ace, whose bombed out ruins that the man was travelling seat. “They want to attack Sindh CPEC is part of China’s “One have long symbolised the suf- with his driver and a security A pamphlet signed by a group and enslave its people.” Belt, One Road” initiative, aimed fering caused by decades of con- guard. called the Sindhudesh Revolu- The group was apparently at easing the passage of Chinese fl ict. A low-intensity bomb went tionary Army, an ethnic Sindhi referring to the China-Pa- exports to foreign markets by The once-grand hilltop palace off by the road in a suburb of separatist group, was found at kistan corridor, which was connecting southwestern China at the edge of Kabul was also the Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, the site, police said. announced last year, though to the Arabian Sea, through Pa- venue of Ghani’s cabinet meet- shattering the windows of the “The world’s most plunderous it was unclear whether the kistan. ing yesterday, the fi rst such of- fi cial gathering there in nearly a This file photo taken on October 19, 2013, shows children playing century. football in front of the ruined Darul Aman Palace. VIOLENCE The building’s lion-headed buttresses are broken, its col- struct the historical structure “It comes at a time when the Dozens of Afghan onnades pockmarked by bul- from the budget of the Afghan economy is in free fall and secu- Brother of slain Taliban chief’s troops killed after lets, the metal sheets of its roof government.” rity is deteriorating. crumpled. The palace fell victim to the That money could have been poppy harvest Up to $20mn will be spent on carnage of the early 1990s as spent to create jobs as thou- driver presses charges against US restoring the former glory of rival mujahideen groups fought sands of people flee the coun- Dozens of Afghan troops were the palace, built by Afghan King for power following the fall of try.” killed in the past two days in Amanullah Khan in the 1920s, a Soviet-backed regime after Omaid Sharifi, a civil so- AFP His brother, Mohamed tion offi cials on Sunday con- southern Afghanistan, where Ghani’s offi ce said, calling the Moscow withdrew its troops ciety activist, also plead- Quetta Qasim, said Azam was an in- fi rmed charges had been fi led, Taliban insurgents have overrun project a symbol of national from Afghanistan. ed against the restoration, nocent man who was providing but declined to comment on local checkpoints, off icials said pride. Despite Ghani’s rhetoric, though from a different per- for his four children and had what steps authorities would yesterday. “Today we are returning to our some in Kabul were against the spective. he brother of a man who been murdered. take to pursue the case, if any. The surge in fighting in Helmand past... restoration, however - albeit for “President @ashrafghani keep was killed alongside the “US offi cials whose name I do Meanwhile, a spokesman from province – the country’s biggest to set the foundation for our diff erent reasons. #DarulamanPalace like this, let’s TTaliban’s slain chief Mul- not know accepted responsibil- Pakistan’s Interior Ministry opium producer – coincided with future,” Ghani said at the inau- “I think it is a waste of money,” remind our younger generation lah Akthar Mansour in an Amer- ity in the media for this incident, Sunday confi rmed Mansour’s the end of poppy season. guration of the project. Daud Hotak, a Kabul shopkeep- (of) the brutality of war,” he said ican drone strike in southwest so I want justice and request le- killing following a DNA match The Taliban do not typically fight “We are determined to recon- er, said. on Twitter. Pakistan is pressing murder and gal action against those respon- with one of his relatives who had as hard during poppy season for terrorism charges against US of- sible for it,” Qasim said in a po- come from Afghanistan to take fear of losing the crops that help fi cials, police said yesterday. lice report dated May 25, a copy the body. to sustain them financially. Mansour was travelling by of which was seen by AFP. Pakistan had not previously “Between 40 and 50 Afghan Three Al Qaeda militants killed in Karachi gunfight car near the town of Ahmad Wal “My brother was innocent, he confi rmed Mansour’s death. security force personnel lost on May 21 when he was killed, a was very poor and he has left be- “It has been confi rmed that their lives in three districts in Pakistani police killed three Al Qaeda militants militants were killed,” said Anwar, adding that the major blow to the Islamist group hind four small children. one of the men who was killed Helmand,” said Sardar Mohamed during a gunfight in the southwestern port city militants belonged to the Al Qaeda in the Indian that has been waging a guerilla He was the lone breadwinner in the drone attack was Tehreek- Hamdard, the head of Helmand’s of Karachi on Sunday after raiding their hideout, Sub-continent branch. war in Afghanistan since being in the family,” he added. e-Taliban Afghanistan former civil society. off icials said. Police also recovered weapons and explosives toppled from power in 2001. “My aim is to prove the inno- chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour,” The same figure was given by The skirmish took place in Gulshan-e-Buner, a from the hideout, he added. US offi cials described the car’s cence of my brother as he is be- the spokesman said in a state- Mirza Hussain Alizada, a provincial low-income neighbourhood in the city, when police One of the militants was identified as Riaz Raju, driver as a “second male com- ing portrayed as a militant, but ment. council member. were searching the area after receiving a tip-off who was wanted over the killing of policemen batant” but according to Paki- he was just a driver,” Qasim said “The identifi cation was con- Those casualty figures are consid- that militants were hiding there, senior police and murders of minority Shias in Karachi, Anwar stani security offi cials he was a on the telephone. fi rmed after a DNA test which erably higher than the ones given off icial Rao Mohmed Anwar said. said. chauff eur named Mohammad He said that so far the family was matched with a close rela- by the provincial governor’s off ice, “When police reached an area near a hill, terrorists Two other policemen confirmed the raid and Azam who worked for the Al Ha- had not sought any compensa- tive of Mullah Mansour who had who said only four policemen had started firing on them and in retaliation three casualties. bib rental company based out of tion for Azam’s death. come from Afghanistan to re- been killed, according to off icial Quetta, the region’s main city. Local police and administra- ceive his body.” spokesman Amar Zwak. Hopes and fears for jobs as Afghan cement factory reopens

Reuters Jabal Saraj, Afghanistan

fter a break of 20 years, Afghanistan’s fi rst ce- Ament factory is once more clanking noisily in the country- side near Kabul as crushed-up limestone rocks rattle along a battered conveyor belt to the newly restored kiln. In an area desperately short of industry and jobs, workers hope the relaunch of the plant, built by Czech engineers in 1957 and shut by the Taliban in 1995, heralds the revival of an industry shattered by decades of war and destruction. “By selling our products and improving the factory’s produc- tion, we can avoid having our young generation go abroad,” said Amir Mohammad. “If there are job possibilities, they can stay with their families and look after their children.” But the outdated state- owned plant 75km outside Ka- Abdul Salaam, an electrician at the Jabal Saraj cement factory, poses for a photograph in Jabal Saraj, Dadullah, an employee at the Jabal Saraj cement factory, works at a plant in Jabal Saraj, north of Kabul, bul also shows how far there is north of Kabul. Afghanistan. to go before that promise can be achieved and there are serious the factory running using its old ment has decided the old plant capacity of more than 1,000 cement’s bulk and relatively low the market has not collapsed and but it is people nearby who are questions whether the plant has machinery,” said Abdul Wakil, still serves a purpose, a spokes- tonnes, but domestic industry cost should penalise foreign ce- director Mohammadi hopes for mainly looking for work. a viable future unless it is thor- one of a group of former work- man for the country’s mines and is dwarfed by the millions of ment, trucked in hundreds of domestic growth. “We ask the other countries oughly modernised. ers who have returned to help petroleum ministry said. tonnes of imports from neigh- miles. “There is huge demand for ce- to help this factory and provide Jabal Saraj, which now employs get the plant working again. “As “This old factory is useful and bours, including Pakistan and “We have only Pakistani ce- ment in Afghanistan,” he said. new machinery to replace the 150 workers, is a small factory long as we have electricity, it will has a profi table production ca- Iran. ment,” said trader Ershad Shin- “We’ve got the factory working, old machines,” said plant worker with daily capacity of 100 tonnes work.” pacity,” Mohyaddin Noori added. That fi erce competition makes wari. “Afghan-made cement is so it will give investors a chance.” Wazir Mohamed. and equipment that is at least 40 Talks with a private opera- “It provides job opportunities.” it tough to fi nd domestically not coming to us.” For the moment, however, Ja- “It will be very useful for our years out of date, the US Geologi- tor to develop a separate, larger Afghanistan’s only other ma- produced cement in Kabul’s Demand for building materi- bal Saraj relies on government people as long as there is poverty cal Survey said in a 2011 report. plant at Jabal Saraj have run for jor cement manufacturer, the main wholesale markets, even als has fallen sharply since inter- subsidy to survive. in Afghanistan and everyone “We’ve tried our best and got months, but for now, the govern- Ghori cement plant, has daily despite the fact that domestic national forces left in 2014 but The economics may be tough, suff ers insecurity.” Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 PHILIPPINES Duterte snubs proclamation as president

AFP Manila

odrigo Duterte snubbed his proclamation as the Rnext Philippine president yesterday, reinforcing his image as a maverick outsider intent on challenging the nation’s political establishment. A joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate in Manila endorsed the offi cial count of this month’s election, which saw the trash-talking politician who revels in threats Senate president Frank Drilon (second left) and House speaker Feliciano Belmonte (third right) raise the hands of vice president-elect Leni Robredo to kill criminals win by more (centre) as Robredo’s daughters Jessica Marie (left), Janine Patricia (second right), and Jillian Therese look on during Robredo’s proclamation as than 6mn votes. Duterte: maverick outsider vice president at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives in Manila yesterday. Duterte declined to attend the nationally televised event, pre- lined by a vow to wipe out crime sider that could shake up a pow- and courtiers to fl y to Davao for nila ceremony yesterday deliv- tunately, he did not,” Vitaliano no’s Liberal Party, climbed to the ferring to remain more than 900 within six months. He pledged er structure overseeing one of an audience. In further blows for ered a message that he would not Aguirre, who Duterte has named dais with her three daughters and kilometres away in his southern to give security forces shoot-to- Asia’s biggest rich-poor divides. so-called “Imperial Manila”, Du- be beholden to lawmakers, said as the next justice minister, told raised her hands in victory along- hometown of Davao that he has kill orders, and vowed that tens Duterte railed against the elit- terte has named many politicians Ramon Casiple, executive direc- CNN Philippines television, side the House of Representa- ruled as mayor for most of the of thousands of criminals would es and promised to fi ght for the from the southern Philippines to tor of the Institute of Political while warning it was a sign of tives’ speaker and the Senate past two decades and he admits die. poor, despite having created his cabinet posts. and Economic Reforms. things to come. “I can assure you president. But in anti-climactic is his comfort zone. Since the election Duterte has own political dynasty in Davao Duterte has also repeatedly ex- “As a symbolism he simply this is not the only thing that’s scenes, the house speaker then “I am not attending the proc- continued to encourage police and his own vice presidential pressed his disdain for spending doesn’t want to be confi ned by going to change.” congratulated Duterte and, with lamation. I’ve never attended to kill drug suspects, and said running mate coming from one time in Manila, describing it last Congress,” Casiple said. At yesterday’s ceremonies in no-one there to accept, the Sen- any proclamation (in) all my he would bring back the death of the nation’s richest families. week as a “dead city” overrun by However even some of Du- Manila, Leni Robredo was also ate president quietly declared the life,” Duterte, who will be sworn penalty. Since the elections, Duterte slums. He also said he planned terte’s supporters were disap- declared the winner of the vice session over. In the Philippines, into offi ce on June 30, told re- Another key message of Du- has refused to travel to Manila to spend as little time as presi- pointed that Duterte shunned presidential election, narrowly presidents and vice presidents porters on the weekend. terte’s campaign was his pledge and promised to remain in Davao dent in the capital as possible, such an important date on the edging out Ferdinand Marcos Jr, are elected separately. Duterte, 71, won the elections to take on the nation’s political until he assumes the presidency. and that he hoped to be able to fl y Philippines’ democratic calen- the son and namesake of the late The constitution limits them largely due to an incendiary and economic elite, selling him- This has forced politicians, each day to and from Davao. dar. “We tried to convince him Philippine dictator. to serving a single term of six law-and-order platform head- self as an explosive political out- powerbrokers, business leaders Duterte’s absence at the Ma- to change his mind but unfor- Robredo, a member of Aqui- years. Philippine-China talks Robredo pledges could ‘ease sea tensions’ ‘meaningful work’

By Michael Joe T Delizo “It is my understanding that law is saying. Can we have joint manage and settle the disputes By Llanesca T Panti ments on death penalty, but we also have simi- Manila Times there were some reasons why bi- operation under our law? Maybe in the South China Sea in ac- Manila Times larities. lateral talks with China had been not?” cordance with the 1982 UN Con- We both came from local positions and hail suspended, but I don’t know the Yasay, just like Duterte, will vention on the Law of the Sea, from provinces far from Manila,” Robredo noted. ncoming Foreign Aff airs reasons,” Yasay said. take offi ce on June 30. through mechanisms recognised he has been proclaimed the country’s sec- “We both have non-traditional views about Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr The former chairman of the He said he has not thought by international law, including ond highest offi cial but representative Leni politics, and I would say these are suffi cient Ibelieves that tensions in the Securities and Exchange Com- about making any changes in legal procedures such as arbi- SRobredo vowed to take on more meaningful enough to build on.” West Philippine Sea (South Chi- mission has been holding meet- the department but he is open tration,” the DFA said in a state- work than the ceremonial tasks assigned to her Robredo said that for starters, she and her team na Sea) can only be eased if the ings with various offi cials, in- to strengthening some areas that ment. offi ce. are looking for a cheaper place where she can hold Philippines holds bilateral talks cluding the Solicitor General, to need to be improved. It added that G7’s position is “It’s not about your title, but the work that offi ce. with China. familiarise himself with a case Also yesterday, the Depart- of “critical signifi cance” as the you do. The sound of it being the vice president The Offi ce of the Vice President (OVP) at the In a chance interview shortly fi led by the Philippines against ment of Foreign Aff airs (DFA) international community awaits doesn’t aff ect me because I am more interested in Coconut Palace in Pasay City (Metro Manila) after his meeting with outgo- China at the Permanent Arbi- welcomed a declaration of the a ruling of the Permanent Arbi- what I can do to be of help. I want my offi ce to be costs roughly P500,000 monthly. ing Foreign Aff airs Secretary tration Court in The Hague, The Group of Seven (G7) on the sea tration Court on the case fi led by big on advocacy, even if it is used to mainly con- “We’ll decide if it’s still logical and prudent Jose Rene Almendras yesterday, Netherlands.Yasay said incom- row.In the declaration, leaders Manila against Beijing. cern ceremonial functions,” Robredo told report- to stay in the Coconut Palace, or in the available Yasay said it is time for the Phil- ing President Rodrigo Duterte of Canada, France, Germany, “The G7’s consistent and fi rm ers. seventh fl oor of the PNB (Philippine National ippines and China to resume bi- did not give him marching or- Great Britain, Italy, Japan and position on this matter refl ects “I want to make it more meaningful in crafting Bank) building,” Robredo said. lateral negotiations. ders. the United States addressed ma- the international community’s policies, considering the offi ce’s vast infl uence. Vice President Jejomar Binay holds offi ce at “We have always been pursu- He added that he will make jor global economic and political understanding and support for I don’t want to waste the opportunity to be of the Coconut Palace, while his predecessor Noli ing this, and I don’t see why we recommendations to the presi- challenges, including maritime the Philippines’ principled and help, even if the Offi ce of the Vice President has de Castro occupied the seventh fl oor of the PNB should stop it,” he added. dent on how to resolve the mari- security. rules-based approach for ad- limited authority,” she said. building. “This is necessary. I don’t time dispute with China after his The leaders emphasised the dressing disputes in the South Robredo added that she understands that Robredo said she wants her offi ce to extend to think there is any other way of meetings. “fundamental importance of China Sea,” the department said. President Rodrigo Duterte is not considering her the rural areas to fulfi l her campaign promise of resolving this except talking to Yasay added that he will study peaceful management and set- While China had said that it for a Cabinet post yet because they do not know boosting rural development. each other,” Yasay said. Duterte’s proposal for the Phil- tlement” of sea disputes in Asia. will not recognise the tribunal’s each other and have not met personally. “We will discuss what would be the better ar- The last time the two coun- ippines and China to share nat- “The Philippines welcomes ruling, the DFA reiterated that Still, she said, she is confi dent that she can rangement that augurs well for rural develop- tries held talks was during the ural resources in the disputed the statement as it underlines the Philippines “will fully re- work well with Duterte. ment.We are looking at having satellite offi ces visit of President Benigno Aqui- waters. the G7’s abiding commitment spect the outcome of the tribu- “I am very hopeful that we will have a good aside from the central offi ce. But for now, every- no in Beijing in 2014. “I have to consider what the to support eff orts to peacefully nal process in good faith.” working relationship.We might have disagree- thing is up in the air,” she added.

CRIME NPA rebels abduct Davao police chief Security forces kill 54 Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels raided the town hall and police station of Governor Generoso town in Davao Oriental and abducted the chief of police militants in south and wounded a policeman on Sunday, Manila Times reported. Philippine Army’s 10 Infantry Agencies added.”Our troops saw the en- Ten soldiers were also Division spokesman, Capt Rhyan Manila emies fall and, based on esti- wounded and about 2,000 Batchar, said the rebels took Chief mates, we killed 54. They be- residents displaced during the Inspector Arnold Ongachen, town headed two sawmill workers and clashes with gunmen from the police chief, in the daring raid at hilippine security forces toppled a power line in the area.” Maute group which has pledged about 8pm, following an hour of fire- killed 54 militants linked The fi ghting has displaced allegiance to the Islamic State fight. Batchar said some 40 armed Pto the Jemaah Islamiah about 2,000 people from fi ve group. rebels stormed the town hall where group in a week-long air and villages in Butig, regional offi - Security offi cials said the op- the station is also located and where ground off ensive in the coun- cials said. eration against the Maute group they overpowered the 14 policemen try’s south, an army spokesman About a decade ago, the MILF in the small Muslim-populated who defended their post. Police Of- said yesterday. had expelled Jemaah Islamiah farming town of Butig in Lanao ficer 3 Johnray Cinco was wounded The fi ghting took place near members from the area in prepa- del Sur province began on in the process. Three other police- the stronghold of the Moro Is- ration for peace talks brokered Wednesday and was continu- men were reported missing and au- lamic Liberation Front, which by Malaysia, and avoid getting a ing. The off ensive was launched thorities are in a quandary whether signed a peace deal with the gov- “terrorist” tag from the US State after the militants moved back they were also taken as hostage by ernment in 2014 to end 45 years Department. into territory that the military the guerrillas who fled with the chief of confl ict that killed 120,000 The military said Jemaah Isla- secured during deadly clashes in of police. The rebels were reportedly people and stunted growth in the miah-linked militants returned February, they said. aboard an Elf truck and two pick-up resource-rich areas. to the area when a law to grant “They came back to their vehicles when they opened fire as Major Filemon Tan said two autonomy to Muslim areas, un- camp and we were not able to they swooped down on the station. soldiers were killed and nine der the government deal with prevent it because our troops Ongachen was at his quarters that wounded after air force planes the MILF, failed to pass in Con- were deployed to other areas,” time. Batchar said the Army sent re- dropped bombs on the militants’ gress. said Colonel Roseller Murillo, inforcement to the besieged police positions and ground troops Earlier, two Philippine sol- the military chief with responsi- station but was delayed because pounded them with artillery fi re, diers were killed during clashes bility for the area. the rebels blocked the road leading in the town of Butig in Lanao del with militants trying to regain Murillo said soldiers had to to the area and planted landmines Sur, from last Tuesday. their base in a remote, moun- leave the area to provide security along the national highway to Soldiers stand guard next to a school building after retaking it from militants at a remote village in Butig “The artillery fi re did more tainous region of the southern elsewhere for the national elec- Governor Generoso. town, Lanao del Sur province, on the southern island of Mindanao yesterday. damage than the bombs,” Tan Philippines. tions on May 9. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Minister Panel fi nds possible insider seeks to curb high life for role in bank cyber theft offi cials Reuters Reuters central bank and issued in- from Bangladesh Bank was in- “Earlier we thought no ity, however. He has earlier taken as per instruction by the Colombo Dhaka structions through the SWIFT volved, but now there is a small one from Bangladesh said SWIFT made a number government if any central bank network to transfer $951mn change,” Mohammed Farashud- Bank was involved in the of mistakes in connecting up offi cials were found guilty.” of its deposits held at the New din, a former governor of the brazen theft of $81mn, a local network in Dhaka, the Earlier the Criminal Investi- ri Lanka’s junior fi nance ffi cials of Bangladesh York Federal Reserve Bank to Bangladesh central bank, said, but now there is a small Bangladeshi capital. gation Department in its inves- minister has asked Presi- Bank may have been in- accounts in the Philippines and after handing his fi nal report to change” SWIFT has denied the tigation found negligence from Sdent Maithripala Sirisena Ovolved in a brazen theft Sri Lanka. the fi nance minister. accusations. SWIFT side as their technicians to stop offi cials fl ying business of $81mn from its account with Most of the transactions were He declined to say what the said its fi ndings were diff erent Bangladesh Bank spokesman made the Bangladesh Bank class as part of government ef- the New York Federal Reserve blocked but four went through, change was. from a previous one that mainly Subhankar Saha said its offi cials security vulnerable to the hackers. forts to reduce the country’s Bank in February, the head of a amounting to $81mn, spark- Finance Minister Abul Maal held SWIFT, the international had yet to read the report or re- In a meeting in Switzerland ballooning budget defi cit. government-appointed panel ing allegations by Bangladeshi Abdul Muhith said the report banking payments network, re- ceive government instructions. Bangladesh bank governor Faz- Lakshman Yapa Abhaya- investigating the cyber heist offi cials that both the Fed and would be made public in 15 to 20 sponsible for one of the world’s “The Bangladesh Bank man- ley Kabir met the offi cials from wardene also asked Sirisena to told reporters yesterday. SWIFT had failed to detect the days. biggest cyber thefts. agement will follow all instruc- SWIFT and NY Fed and the direct ministers and government Hackers broke into the com- fraud. Farashuddin declined to pro- He reiterated that SWIFT tions given by the government,” three parties declared to work offi cials to monitor the fi nancial puter systems of the Bangladesh “Earlier we thought no one vide details of the report, but could not avoid responsibil- Saha said. “Actions will be together to retrieve the money. management of all ministries. “I expect your personal and dedicated intervention to imple- ment a strong fi scal management system,” Abhayawardene wrote Chinese minister calls on Hasina in a letter to the president. Fresh charges pressed The request comes as the gov- ernment takes steps to raise rev- enue by 100bn rupees in 2016, against BNP chief in response to repeated requests from the IMF, by increasing value added tax (VAT). IANS of the cases appealed to the Sri Lanka is heavily indebted, Dhaka court to issue arrest warrants partly due to borrowing by the for them. previous government during its In the fi rst case on February nine-year tenure that ended in resh charges have been 14, it was alleged that as per January 2015, and faces a balance pressed against Bang- directives from Zia, a group of of payments crisis with around Fladesh Nationalist BNP leaders and activists set $2bn foreign outfl ows from Party chief Khaleda Zia and ablaze a minibus with a petrol government securities. 26 others in two arson cases bomb. The government has reached that took place in Dhaka in In the second case on March an agreement with IMF for a February and March last year. 3, it was alleged that on Zia’s $1.5bn bailout to help Sri Lanka In both cases, Zia was instructions, some BNP-led avert a balance of payments named the perpetrator of the 20-party combine activists crisis. crimes even though her name set fi re to a minibus at the by- was not mentioned in the fi rst pass road of Darussalam. information reports (FIR) re- Metropolitan magistrate lating to the cases, the Daily Imdadul Haque set May 31 Star reported. and June 1 for the approval and The cases were fi led on signing of the charge sheets, Lanka to Sunday accusing a total of court police offi cial Mirash 27 leaders and activists of Uddin said. BNP-led 20-party alliance Prime Minister Sheikh take part for arson attacks on pas- Hasina has promised justice senger buses in February and for the victims of violence, March last year in the capi- saying that the BNP and its in WIEF tal’s Darussalam and Gabtoli ally Jamaat-e-Islami un- areas during the party’s leashed the violence in the non-stop anti-government name of protests to destabilise in Jakarta movement. the country. Of the 27 accused, the BNP leaders, on the other charge-sheet showed Zia and hand, have been alleging that ri Lanka has been invited 19 others as fugitives as they the cases against Zia were Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a meeting with the visiting Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan in to participate in the 12th did not secure bail in the cas- aimed at keeping her away Dhaka yesterday. SWorld Islamic Economic es. The investigation offi cers from politics. Forum (WIEF) for the fi rst time which is scheduled to take place from August 2-4 at the Jakarta House obstructed over budget leak Convention Centre, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Proceedings in Nepal’s parliament began yesterday’s sitting, NC Tuan Musa Hitam, chairman, were yesterday obstructed by the and Madhesi lawmakers rose World Islamic Economic Forum Rescuers abandon recovery main opposition Nepali Congress from their seats in protest Foundation, extended an invita- protesting vociferously over the against the budget leak. tion to Sri Lankan Prime Minister alleged leakage of the contents of NC lawmaker and former Ranil Wickremesinghe through a the annual budget, including its Finance Minister Ram Sharan courtesy call. size, to the media even before its Mahat demanded “a fair probe” Sri Lanka has enormous po- of Indian climbers’ bodies unveiling in the house two days ago. into the leakage of the budget tential in key revenue earning Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar information to the press. sectors for growth and the WIEF had to adjourn the house at “We will not allow parliament to will open many opportunities for AFP beginning of the “death zone”. The cause of their deaths has summited Everest this season af- least twice as the NC lawmakers move ahead without launching a the development of the micro Kathmandu Ghosh’s body was also spot- not been established. But the ter two consecutive years of deadly protested the leakage of the probe into the issue,” he said. and SMEs in Sri Lanka, Hitam ted the same day on the Balcony “death zone” is notorious for disasters that led to almost all budget contents by rising from He claimed that the leakage said. - a mid-way stop between the its diffi cult terrain and thin air, attempts being abandoned. their seats and raising slogans, of information violated Hitam said the WIEF will epali rescuers aban- South Col and the summit, be- as low levels of oxygen raise the Hundreds fl ed Everest last Xinhua news agency reported. parliament’s “privilege” to know make an ideal platform for Sri doned plans to retrieve fore strong winds forced back risk of altitude sickness. year after an earthquake-trig- Madhes-based lawmakers, first about the budget proposals. Lankan business and industry Nthe bodies of two Indian rescuers, Wangchu Sherpa of The missing climbers were gered avalanche at base camp agitating in Nepal’s southern On Sunday, NC’s parliamentary representatives to explore areas climbers missing on Mount Ev- Trekking Camp Nepal said. part of a team of four, one of killed 18 people. plains against the new party meeting had sought Poudel’s such as Sukuk for infrastructure erest yesterday hoping instead With the short window for whom - Subhash Pal - died af- Only one climber reached the constitution, also joined the NC resignation on “moral grounds”. fi nancing, expansion of the glo- to bring them down next year, climbing on the mountain now ter falling ill on Sunday while the top in 2014 after an avalanche members in the protest. The NC has also been protesting bal Halal food industry and the an expedition operator said. closing and bad weather setting fourth member, a woman, was killed 16 Nepali guides that Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel the size and contents of development of the global mod- The two men - identifi ed as in, rescuers said they could not rescued and taken to hospital. year. presented a budget of Nepali the budget over its alleged est fashion industry amongst Paresh Nath and Goutam Ghosh recover the corpses. Subhash Pal was the third Despite the risks and recent 1,048.92bn rupees (about $10bn) “distributive nature” and others. - were near the summit of the “Rescue workers have called mountaineer to die on Everest disasters, Everest’s allure re- for the 2016-17 fiscal on Saturday claiming that the budget The 12th WIEF aims to further 8,848m (29,029ft) mountain on off their operations to bring this season after an Austral- mains undimmed, with Nepal by hiking planned expenditure proposals violated fiscal explore the crucial role of micro, May 21 when they lost contact back the dead bodies of Indian ian and a Dutch climber suc- issuing 289 permits to for- significantly. discipline and they could not be small and medium enterprises with the rest of their team. climbers Goutam Ghosh and cumbed to altitude sickness. All eigners for this year’s spring But the Nepali media had implemented. (MSMEs) in driving economic Rescuers found Nath’s body Paresh Nath because of bad three bodies were transported climbing season. covered the news on the The meeting had also decided growth in economies around last Friday near the South weather,” Sherpa said. to Kathmandu last week. Mountaineering is a major rev- budget details much before its to take strong stand during the the world, in line with its theme Col, located at an altitude “We hope to recover (them)... Some 400 people, including enue-earner for the impoverished presentation in parliament. deliberations in the house on the of ‘Decentralising Growth, of 8,000m and marking the next season.” more than 150 foreigners, have Himalayan nation. Right after Speaker Gharti Magar Finance Bill. Empowering Future Business’. Launch ceremony ‘Bodies of US climbers left on Tibetan peak out of respect’

Reuters Face route to the 26,291ft (8,013m) expedition and survived the in the Himalayas remain buried Kathmandu peak, stumbled upon the bodies avalanche, describing their under the snow and emerge as of the pair, encased in ice, at an fi ndings. the ice melts or glaciers move. altitude of 19,356ft (5,900m). “We did not know them and Lowe, who was 40 at the time he bodies of two renowned “The bodies were 2m (6ft) we could not recognise them,” of his death, was regarded as US climbers, found in Ti- apart,” Steck said after returning Steck said, outside his hotel in the best American mountaineer Tbet 16 years after they to the Nepali capital of Kathmandu Kathmandu. of his generation when he and died on one of the world’s tall- from neighbouring Tibet. Based on the description, Anker Bridges were swept away during est mountains, have been left A charity run by Lowe’s had little doubt of the identities of an expedition that aimed to ski untouched out of respect, one of widow, Jenni Lowe-Anker, an- the two bodies, as their clothing, down Shishapangma. the mountaineers who found the nounced the fi nd on May 2. boots and backpacks matched the Lowe’s accomplishments in- remains said yesterday. Steck and Goettler, who had gear Lowe and Bridges had when cluded two climbs to the top of Alex Lowe and David Bridges heard about the disappear- they disappeared. Mount Everest, the world’s highest were swept away in 1999 by an ance of the legendary climbers “We did not touch them out of peak, several fi rst ascents in Ant- avalanche during their attempt on the same route 16 years ago, respect and left the bodies on the arctica and dozens of less promi- to scale the world’s 14th highest descended to their advanced mountain in the same position as nent but highly technical ascents. peak, Shishapangma. base camp, set up at 18,700ft we had discovered (them),” said Steck and Goettler made two A Sri Lankan Kandyan dancer performing during the launching of a luxury apartment and hotel in Ueli Steck of Switzerland and (5,700m). the 40-year-old mountaineer attempts to reach the summit of Colombo yesterday. David Goettler of Germany, who Goettler called Conrad An- from Interlaken, Switzerland. Shishapangma this month, but were attempting the same South ker, who was part of the 1999 Bodies of climbers who perish failed because of bad weather. Gulf Times 26 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief : Darwish S Ahmed Production Editor: C P Ravindran The global fi nancial

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] system under stress Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) If a fi nancial crisis were to collapsed, the world had been in And it is easy to overestimate the massive purchases of long-term Fax 44350474 deep recession for two years, banking crisis-preventing power of the new securities (so-called quantitative occur today, its systems in a number of countries had regulatory environment, which is easing, or QE). And those efforts consequences for the real become fragile, and tensions were analogous to a new highway: It is were effective. easily transmitted across national technically safer than a country road, But interest rates remain extremely economy might be even borders, with the gold standard but it also attracts more cars that are low, and are even negative in some more severe than in the exacerbating fi nancial vulnerability traveling at much higher speeds, so countries, and QE has been taken close by constraining central banks’ ability traffi c accidents continue. to its limits, with public support for GULF TIMES past to act. Unable to rule out a new crisis, how the policy waning. Similarly, in 2008, the entire well are we equipped to cope with As a result, these tools’ ability to By Stefan Gerlach fi nancial system was overextended, one? The short answer is: not very. cushion an economy against further Zurich owing to a combination of weak In fact, if a fi nancial crisis were to shocks is severely constrained. internal risk management and occur today, its consequences for the While forward guidance by central Typical of the man, inadequate government regulation and real economy might be even more banks has also helped, it, too, is ighty-fi ve years ago this supervision. severe than in the past. unlikely to be able to provide an month, Credit-Anstalt, by far Of course, because central eff ective buff er against a new shock. Cook passes milestone the largest bank in Austria, The danger of banks now recognise that their None of this is to say that another Ecollapsed. responsibilities extend beyond global fi nancial crisis is necessarily By that July, banks in Egypt, another fi nancial stabilising prices to include the imminent. Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, prevention and management of On the contrary, economies with minimum of fuss Romania and Turkey had experienced crisis should not be fi nancial tensions, they would worldwide are making progress in runs. undoubtedly be quick to respond to recovering from the 2008 disaster and A banking panic hit the United ruled out any shock with a battery of market the US Federal Reserve’s tightening of For the punters there was rare value for money. A States in August, though the sources operations. policy last December signals that the ticket on the fourth day entitled them to entry at of that panic may have been domestic. Lehman Brothers was simply the But, in the event of a crisis, the tools global interest-rate cycle is moving Durham’s next Twenty20 match; they witnessed In September, banks in the weakest link in a long chain of brittle available to central banks to prevent into the next phase. United Kingdom experienced large fi nancial fi rms. defl ation and a collapse of the real This is good news. far more cricket than anticipated, which included withdrawals. Could a crisis like those triggered economy are severely constrained, But the danger of another fi nancial defi ance that was silky (from Dinesh Chandimal), The parallels to the 2008 collapse by the Credit-Anstalt and the Lehman especially today. crisis should not be ruled out. plucky (from Rangana Herath) and lucky (in that of the US investment bank Lehman Brothers collapse happen today? One In the early twentieth century, Indeed, given that the capacity of England’s high standards in the fi eld faltered as Jonny Brothers are strong – and crucial for is tempted to say no. central banks could all devalue their central banks to cope with a fi nancial understanding today’s fi nancial risks. After all, the global economy and currencies against gold, thereby shock will remain woefully limited for Bairstow and James Vince spilt chances that they For starters, neither the collapse of the fi nancial system appear to be on raising the price level and escaping years to come, it should be taken very should have taken). Credit-Anstalt nor that of Lehman the mend; risk-taking in the private debt defl ation. seriously. And there was a bit of history, which, like England’s Brothers caused all of the global sector has been reduced; and huge, And, indeed, nine countries, The risks of complacency are simply fi nancial tumult that ensued. though burdensome, regulatory including the UK, did exactly that in too great. - Project Syndicate victory in this series, we have all been awaiting for Those collapses and the subsequent improvements have been undertaken. 1931, with another eight countries, rather longer than anticipated: Alastair Cook fi nally problems were symptoms of the same Taken together, these developments including the US, following suit over zStefan Gerlach is chief economist notched his 10,000th Test run. disease: a weak banking system. surely make for a stable fi nancial the next fi ve years. at BSI Bank in Zurich and former He needed 36 at the start of the series, which had In Austria in 1931, the problem was system. Today, however, currency deputy governor of the Central Bank rooted in the breakup of the Austro- The problem with this reasoning is depreciation is a zero-sum game. of Ireland. been grimly whittled down to fi ve after two outings. At Hungarian Empire after World War that fi nancial crises tend to reveal fault Without the joint-depreciation He has also served as executive the start of the day with the prospect of victory by an I, hyperinfl ation in the early 1920s, lines that were not visible before. option, central banks responded to director and chief economist of the innings he might have imagined reaching fi ve-fi gures and banks’ excessive exposure to the Indeed, the fi nancial sector manages the 2008 crisis with interest-rate Hong Kong Monetary Authority and next week at a sun-kissed Lord’s packed to the rafters. industrial sector. the risks that it recognises, not cuts that were unprecedented in as secretary to the Committee on the For good measure he may have dreamt of reaching the By the time Credit-Anstalt necessarily all the risks that it runs. scope, size, and speed, as well as Global Financial System at the BIS. landmark with a straight-driven six landing in the lap of Her Majesty sitting in the Committee Room. Cook, though, has never really been a dreamer. Instead here he was, under the leaden skies of the north-east in front of a few thousand sturdy stalwarts in anoraks. It is highly unlikely that this bothered him. Cook seldom seeks to draw attention to himself. He will not be tweeting his joy to the nation. In fact, he looked relieved to get this out of the way while delighting that he had led England to another series victory. There was no He is, however, human and like just hooping and about every cricketer that has ever been born hollering from he knows all about his Cook aft er he stats. Never believe the “I had no idea this was a crossed the record; I never read the landmark newspapers” line that is often peddled. Indeed there had been a little evidence to suggest that the impending landmark was disturbing Cook. He had been dismissed twice in this series to uncharacteristically wayward shots, a windy cover drive at Headingley that hinted at impatience, an ugly prod here in the fi rst innings. He would not have expected another knock in this Test but Chandimal and Herath changed all that. There was no hooping and hollering from Cook after he crossed the landmark. As every spectator on the ground leapt to their frozen feet to applaud, as Ben Stokes emerged on to the England balcony in his green underpants and with his arms raised, Cook made his way down the pitch to his partner, Alex Hales, and the pair shook hands decorously; then he raised his bat, almost sheepishly, as the applause continued. Diego Simeone reacting after Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League final football match with Atletico Madrid at San Siro Stadium in Milan on Saturday. Once he has had time for contemplation there will be justifi ed pride in becoming the 12th man to 10,000 runs. Obviously he is in stellar company. Cook is the youngest batsman to reach such heights; he is one of Even in defeat, Simeone is among the best only two opening batsmen on the list – Sunil Gavaskar is the other one – which may be used by the union to By Cesar Chelala by his youth coach Victorio Spinetto, Simeone later admitted that beating Real Madrid 2-1 at the New York who called him that way because it he had simulated an injury from Santiago Bernabeu stadium. demonstrate the grit and unselfi shness of those who reminded him of the energetic style Beckham’s kick in order to have him In the fi nal for the Champions habitually strap on the pads to face the new ball. of a former Boca Juniors players and sent off. Cup, Simeone adapted himself to the It is a given that every inhabitant of the top 12 is a espite losing its fi nal game Argentine international Carmelo During a friendly game between players in his team. against Real Madrid, the Simeone, who was no relation of his. Argentina and England at Wembley, Several times he said that a team phenomenal batsmen. But Cook demonstrates – along Atletico Madrid team has a Siemone’s father was watching the that played as a collective can beat any with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Allan Border and Steve Dhero: “Cholo” Simeone, one Simeone has game with a friend of his. other team. Waugh – that it is not necessary to dazzle to excel. of the most unconventional soccer Every time that Cholo was playing And after a lacklustre beginning, Cook has not played many memorable innings for the managers in the world. the reputation of near where his father was seating, Atletico Madrid recovered and was good reason that he always bats in the same way. That Few managers have his same his father whistled at him to call his able to tie the game and the final drive for success or his capacity for making good of bad attention to something in the game. result had to be decided on penalty is one of the secrets of his success. motivating his players to give all their After several of his father’s calls, shots. eff orts for their team. situations Simeone couldn’t stand it any longer Simeone has the reputation His motto was: “Work, work, work.” and yelled at his father, “Stop, dad, of making good of bad Simeone was already remarkable as No genteel player, Simeone himself you are driving me nuts!” situations.“Simeone taught us to To Advertise a soccer player. described once his playing style as On December 23, 2011, Simeone enjoy suff ering,” said Arda Turan, He was a tenacious midfi elder who “holding a knife between his teeth”. was named the Atletico Madrid coach. the Turkish player, during his stay at [email protected] could win impossible balls and start During the 1998 World Cup, He succeeded Gregorio Manzano, Atletico Madrid. Display attacking moves, even scoring goals in the match between England who had been dismissed the day If not suff ering, it was clear that Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 himself. and Argentina, Simeone reacted before. Simeone believes in hard work and He represented Argentina at the theatrically to a kick by David In his fi rst season as a coach, passion. Classified 1994, 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Beckham. As a result, Beckham was Atletico Madrid won the UEFA Europe Atletico Madrid lost its fi nal game Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 Cups. sent off the field. League after beating Athletic Bilbao on penalty kicks. The characteristics that he had Simeone’s behaviour was widely 3-0 in the fi nal game in Bucharest. It was an inglorious ending Subscription as a player: technique, versatility, criticised. On August 31, 2012, Atletico for the team that in no way [email protected] intelligence, strength and stamina Sports Illustrated stated that Madrid won the UEFA Super Cup after diminishes Simeone’s considerable served him well when he became a Simeone had fi rst delivered a ‘heavy- beating Chelsea 4-1 at the Stade Louis accomplishment. manager. handed challenge” on Beckham and II in Monaco. 2016 Gulf Times. All rights reserved His nickname “Cholo”, as he is then “fell like a ton of bricks” when On May 17, 2013, Atletico Madrid zDr Cesar Chelala is an Argentine generally known, was given to him Beckham retaliated. won the Copa del Rey with Atletico soccer fan. Gulf Times Tuesday, May 31, 2016 27 COMMENT Putting profi ts in perspective

Corporate profi tability Corporate profi ts may be near all- customers and suppliers around the time highs, but their variance among world. is increasingly driven by fi rms and industries has also increased A recent study found that digital capabilities signifi cantly. digital platforms can help small The most profi table fi rms in the businesses increase their export rates US are no longer in heavy industry; dramatically. By Laura Tyson and James Manyika they are in sectors that capitalise on It is possible that the era of “peak Berkeley research and development, brands, profi ts” that has sparked concerns software, and algorithms. about market power is coming to a Companies in sectors like close. igh profi ts are usually pharmaceuticals, media, fi nance, US corporations have had a viewed as a sign of a information technology, and business remarkable three-decade run, but company’s economic services have the highest profi t profi ts have already slipped from 11.5% Hprowess, the result of margins. of national income in 2012 to 9.5% last innovation and effi ciency forged by Even excluding fi nance, these year. healthy competition. sectors’ share of US corporate profi ts Today, wages are rising, borrowing But, as a recent report by the US has increased signifi cantly, from 25% costs have nowhere to go but up, Council of Economic Advisers shows, in 1999 to 35% in 2013. and corporate tax policies are under high profi ts can have another cause: Corporate profi tability is scrutiny. market concentration. increasingly driven by digital On top of those shifts, the The report lists several indicators capabilities. digitisation of American business is of decreasing competition in the In the most digitally advanced still in its early stages. US economy, including a long-term sectors of the economy, margins have Recent research has estimated that decline in new business formation and grown tow to three times faster than the US economy has realised only the accrual of enormous profi ts to a average. about 18% of its digital potential. small number of fi rms. And even within these sectors, there As the economic transformation Acting on its recommendations, are enormous spreads between the like technology and – until recently equipment, and fl eets of vehicles. Indeed, in a growing number of continues to play out, the corporate President Barack Obama recently top-performing companies and the – energy, where demand has been Focusing on their investment in digital markets where a few giant world may become even more issued an executive order calling on all rest of the pack. expected to rise. physical capital ignores their ability fi rms hold commanding shares, there Darwinian. US government agencies to use their The “winner-take-most” dynamic And while awaiting stronger to generate returns from intellectual is little evidence that market power is Indeed, many digital behemoths did authority to promote competition. of the digital economy is not only demand at home, some US companies property and other intangible assets. leading to higher prices. not exist a decade ago and it is possible It is an important moment to assess producing record profi ts for leading have been investing in foreign And it overlooks their investment in On the contrary, consumers have that they will no longer exist a decade the state of competition in various fi rms; it may be accelerating the pace markets, attracted by their size and R&D and intellectual property assets. gained an array of free services and from now. sectors. of innovation and broadening the projected growth. In fact, R&D investment has hit a conveniences. Today’s market leaders may look Many US industries, including some areas in which companies can enter Second, measurement issues may be record high, driven by ideas-intensive More relevant concerns about invincible. But they can always be of the most innovative, are dominated and quickly establish market power. clouding investment fi gures. companies that compete through market concentration may turn out toppled by the next new thing. — by a handful of large companies, some There are also many reasons why The price of capital equipment, innovation. to be privacy and data ownership, not Project Syndicate of which enjoy very large market some fi rms appear to have decided to particularly ICT equipment and Meanwhile, many leading fi rms in pricing power. shares and generate returns that stockpile their returns. software, has declined sharply ideas-intensive sectors are using their Indeed, some have begun to ask z Laura Tyson, a former chair of the greatly exceed historical averages. For starters, while gross business since the 1980s, even as quality has substantial cash holdings to grow whether the collection and control US President’s Council of Economic And some companies are stockpiling investment as a share of GDP has yet improved. through mergers and acquisitions. of large amounts of data by a few Advisers, is a professor at the Haas cash or acquiring competitors rather to recover from the 2008 fi nancial Thus, real price- and quality- The bigger and more profi table huge fi rms with commanding market School of Business at the University of than using their returns to build crisis, growth in investment has been adjusted investment may be these fi rms become, the more they shares can be an anti-competitive California, Berkeley, a senior adviser productive capacity. in line with its historical relationship considerably stronger than offi cial tend to use M&A as one of the few force, creating insurmountable entry at the Rock Creek Group, and a member Nonetheless, it would be a to output growth. statistics imply. available avenues for continued barriers for would-be innovators. of the World Economic Forum Global mistake to conclude that weakening At the macroeconomic level, Third, asset-light, heavily digitised growth. At the same time, however, some Agenda Council on Gender Parity. competition is driving these unusual investment growth has been weak, fi rms have a much larger presence in To be sure, this could accelerate of the largest digital platforms, by James Manyika is the San economic trends. because economic growth has been the US than they did even a decade market concentration. their very nature, may promote Francisco-based director of the They are taking place in a context anemic. ago. But it is important to note that the competition, as they improve McKinsey Global Institute and a non- of swiftly changing sectoral dynamics At the same time, investment By their nature, these fi rms do not eff ects of market concentration are transparency in markets and enable resident senior fellow at the Brookings and rapid digitisation. growth has been strong in sectors need much in the way of factories, changing. millions of small enterprises to reach Institution. Letters Weather report Three-day forecast

TODAY Faster and the Ministry of Municipality offi cial services nearer to residents and students of all Indian schools High: 41 C and Environment, in addition to to help them save time and reduce in Qatar should get the privilege of a Low : 33 C services Qatar General Electricity and Water congestion. meeting with him. Strong wind and high seas Corporation (Kahramaa) – provide There are eight government service I request the Indian embassy Dear Sir, their services at the centre. complexes across the country now, to arrange a gathering by inviting It has nearly 30 counters so that carrying out between 4,500 and 5,000 a select number of children and WEDNESDAY The opening of a new government visitors don’t have to wait for more procedures daily. teachers of all Indian schools in Qatar High: 38 C services centre at Mesaimeer to than a few minutes to complete their to an auditorium where the prime Low: 29 C provide facilities to the country’s work. Rajesh Nair minister could address them. Modi’s Cloudy citizens and residents is highly As most of the government services rajeshnair.it@gmail motivational speech to the students welcome. are available on e-platform, the would be a great inspiration to them. Six ministries and a corporation processing of all documents will be THURSDAY – the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry quite fast. The centre works in two A ‘privilege’ for Jayashree Sridhar High: 39 C of Economy and Commerce, the shifts from 7.30am to 1pm and 3pm Indian students [email protected] Low: 29 C Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of to 7pm. Sunny Administrative Development, Labour It is great to know that the and Social Aff airs, the Ministry of government is working to open such Dear Sir, Education and Higher Education centres in all regions to bring the Please send us Fishermen’s forecast The Indian expatriates in Qatar are your letters OFFSHORE DOHA looking forward to the visit of Prime Wind: NW 15-25/30 KT Minister Narendra Modi. Last year, Waves: 5 -8/10 Feet By e-mail Modi released a commemorative coin INSHORE DOHA [email protected] Wind: NW 18-28/38 KT in honour of India’s second president, Waves: 2-4 Feet Dr S Radhakrishnan, who was a great Fax 44350474 Or Post educationist and philosopher, on the Around the region eve of his 125th birth anniversary, Letters to the Editor Weather Weather while addressing 1,000 children of Gulf Times today Max/min tomorrow Max/min diff erent schools of the country. He P O Box 2888 Abu Dhabi Sunny 39/28 Cloudy 36/27 said then: “The need of the hour is to Baghdad Sunny 37/24 Sunny 38/24 Doha, Qatar Dubai underline the importance of a teacher Cloudy 38/29 Cloudy 36/28 Kuwait City Sunny 41/27 Cloudy 41/27 in our social life. Till the time we don’t All letters, which are subject Manama Cloudy 34/29 Cloudy 34/29 accept this importance neither will to editing, should have the Muscat Sunny 43/32 Sunny 41/30 Riyadh we feel the honour for a teacher nor name of the writer, address and Sunny 38/24 Sunny 38/25 be successful in changing the new Tehran Sunny 31/18 M Sunny 29/18 generation through the medium of phone number. The writer’s teachers.” name and address may be A new government services centre has been opened at Mesaimeer to provide Keeping in mind that quote from the withheld by request. “smoother and closer” facilities to the citizens and residents of the country. prime minister, I think the teachers Live issues Don’t let co-worker’s painkiller use go unchecked

By Marie G McIntyre talk with your hesitant boss. programmes and community mental us is married, and we have a lot Tribune News Service To emphasise the gravity of the health centres are usually good of common interests. We are also situation, ask some other concerned sources of help. about the same age. I just learned managers to join you in meeting with When talking with employees like that he will be returning to Korea UESTION: Our human him. Going as a group will emphasise Lisa, managers must understand in a few weeks. Since I know my Around the world resources director has the widespread impact of Lisa’s that their role is to discuss job feelings are real, do you think I Weather Weather been using prescription impairment, thereby making it harder performance, not substance abuse. should tell him? today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Qpainkillers for a very to ignore. Since legal aspects will need They should focus on work behaviour A: While confessing to your crush Athens Sunny 34/21 M Sunny 32/22 long time. “Lisa” often appears to be considered, be sure to include an and avoid making assumptions or might be premature, you can certainly Beirut Sunny 27/22 Sunny 28/21 S T Storms P Cloudy 34/27 foggy and dazed and occasionally attorney in this conversation. accusations. Suggesting resources can tell this cute supervisor that you’d like Bangkok 34/27 Berlin S T Storms 25/17 Rain 26/16 falls asleep at her computer. She Prepare for the discussion by sometimes be appropriate, but making to stay in touch. Because he will no Cairo Sunny 28/23 Sunny 41/23 readily admits to taking this creating a detailed summary of a diagnosis is not. 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Neither of follow her on Twitter @offi cecoach Gulf Times 28 Tuesday, May 31, 2016 QATAR QU in partnership to fund GCC research programme atar University (QU) in collaboration with eight Qother GCC universities, has announced the GCC-wide Universities Funding Programme at fostering collaboration be- tween GCC higher education in- stitutions, facilitating researcher and student exchange. It also aims to provide an eas- ily accessible platform for re- search training to graduate stu- dents and postdocs. The objective of the pro- gramme is to break down barri- ers and create a genuine single market for GCC grant challeng- es, generate more research ca- pabilities and expertise within the GCC and further enhance regional research networking. It seeks to build national hu- man capital in GCC; establish/ enhance research collaboration among GCC universities/insti- tutions; foster collaboration be- Off icials from the participating universities. tween researchers and develop research networks; optimally to fulfi l the knowledge-based creating exchange opportunities. been outlined for the fi rst round QU hosted the inaugural meet- for Research and Graduate Stud- that knowledge and expertise utilise resources, infrastructure economy aspiration. With up to four projects ex- of collaborative proposals. They ing on this initiative on May 19 ies Prof Mariam Ali al-Maadeed sharing is fundamental to solving and expertise to the joint ad- It will also provide opportu- pected to be funded annually, are: energy, environment & re- during which three universities as well as other top offi cials from regional problems and challenges vantage of the region; and build nity for collaboration among out- researchers from institutions sources sustainability; social – University of Nizwa, American the QU Research and Graduate as we aspire towards a knowl- trust, develop relationships standing researchers and research in the region are encouraged to change and identity; population, University of Sharjah and Sultan Studies Offi ce. edge-based society. We welcome across institutions, learn from institutions in the GCC countries submit applications that align health & wellness; and Informa- Qaboos University signed up for Dr al-Derham said: “We have every opportunity that enhances each other’s experiences, and and a vibrant cross-pollination with GCC research priorities, tion and Communication Tech- it. The meeting was attended by taken this initiative to expand our the uniqueness and distinctive- help the region advance scien- research platform to students including basic and applied re- nology which will encompass QU president Dr Hassan Rashid leadership role among GCC uni- ness of the GCC region in the area tifi cally in a concerted manner and researchers in the region by search. Four priority areas have sciences, arts and humanities. al-Derham, and vice president versities with the understanding of collaboration in diverse fi elds.” Vodafone’s new booth opens at Qatar University

odafone has inaugurated its new booth at Qatar VUniversity located in the College of Business and Eco- nomics, Building H08, female campus. Vodafone said the booth “is a new platform that falls in line with the fi rst-year anni- versary of the Memorandum of The winners of the Healing Hands essay competition 2016 with WCM-Q off icials. Understanding that Vodafone and Qatar University signed in 2015.” Aimed at off ering a wide range of products and services Qatari students win scholarships to to students, Vodafone said the booth also serves to engage with students, providing them with career advice, entertain- visit Cornell varsity in New York ment, and more. Mohamed al-Sadah, chief Vodafone booth at Qatar University. operating offi cer at Vodafone our Qatari high school stu- hamed al-Naimi (International winners were announced at a WCM-Q to become an excellent Qatar, said: “The idea of a booth and comes as part of the vital and engagement activities led dents will visit New York School of London-Qatar), Jas- ceremony held at WCM-Q, at physician.” at the prestigious Qatar Uni- academic role that the faculty and produced by the students. Fafter winning study schol- sim Ahmed al-Mansoori (The which certifi cates of participa- The annual Healing Hands versity stems from the concept of Administration and Eco- In 2015, Vodafone and Qatar arships in the Weill Cornell Med- English Modern School) and tion were awarded to all students contest is organised by WCM- that students know what they nomics play at Qatar Univer- University signed an MoU to icine-Qatar (WCM-Q) Healing Imaneh Qaedi (Al-Eman Inde- who took part, while a further Q’s Student Recruitment and want, and therefore empower- sity.” collaborate in education and Hands essay competition. pendent School for Girls). Dur- six students received honourable Outreach offi ce, part of the Divi- ing them to reach their poten- Vodafone said it is work- research areas, and mutual The winning students were ing the summer, the winners will mentions for the high standard sion of Pre-medical Education, tial and achieve the extraordi- ing with students directly to scientists and researchers’ ex- presented with fully-funded, travel to Weill Cornell Medicine of their essays. with the aim of giving promising nary was the important thing help them enjoy student life changes for various instruc- two-week scholarships after in New York City where they will Dr Marco Ameduri, associate Qatari high school students the to do. Vodafone’s new booth is on campus, and help them tional and training initiatives in a panel of experts at WCM-Q visit state-of-the-art research dean for Pre-medical Education, chance to explore the possibili- a pleasant area for students to develop their career paths business, fi nance and informa- judged their essays on the theme laboratories, hear lectures about said: “We are truly gratifi ed that ties of a career in medicine. enjoy their free time between off -campus in workshops and tion technology areas. of ‘Technology in Medicine: the latest advances in medical so many Qatari students took The panel chose the winners classes and on their breaks.” trainings provided by profes- Vodafone has already as- Promise and Peril’ the best of a science from some of the world’s part in Healing Hands and we based on the excellent quality Qatar University’s Adminis- sionals. Students will also have signed students to run the Vo- large fi eld of high quality sub- most accomplished professors, were extremely impressed by the of their essays, the originality tration and Economics Faculty the benefi t to enjoy Vodafone dafone Falla Club on campus missions. and experience life at a busy, thoughtfulness and quality of of their ideas, and the solutions dean Dr Nitham Hindi said: services without having to go to where students help spearhead This year’s Healing Hands thriving medical school. your essays. Your words showed they presented to potential chal- “Vodafone’s booth will serve as the company’s retail stores, the programmes and initiatives winners are Aljohara Salem al- WCM-Q funds the trip for us just how inspired each of you lenges caused by the adoption of a platform for the exchange of company said. to help each other achieve the Marri (Al-Eman Independent each of the winners and a chap- is by the prospect of serving new technologies in the medical information and best practices Additionally, Vodafone said extraordinary, the company School for Girls), Fatima Mo- erone to accompany them.The your community by studying at fi eld in Qatar. that will benefi t our students it is planning entertainment added. CNA-Q’s top graduates receive Oryx GTL award

ollege of the North At- winners represent nine coun- lantic Qatar’s (CNA-Q) tries – Qatar, Bahrain, Pakistan, Chighest achieving gradu- India, Somalia, Sudan, Nigerian, ates of the Class of 2016 were in Algeria and the Philippines. And the spotlight during a gala cele- those sponsored represent Qatar bration sponsored by Oryx GTL. Petroleum, Commercial Bank of The Oryx GTL President’s Qatar, Qatar Electricity and Wa- Medal for Academic Excellence ter Company, Dolphin Energy was presented to 30 graduat- Limited and Hamad Medical ing students who received the Corporation. highest marks in their individ- In addition to the medals, four ual programmes. Of those hon- Distinguished Graduate awards oured, 12 achieved a perfect 4.0 were presented to students who grade point average. not only exemplifi ed academic “This group of young peo- excellence but also excelled in ple represent the best and the extracurricular activities. One brightest that CNA-Q has to of- student was chosen for this hon- fer,” said CNA-Q president Dr our from each of the academic Ken MacLeod. “I look forward schools at the College – Business to these future leaders enter- Studies, Engineering Technol- ing the workforce in Qatar and ogy, Health Sciences and Infor- contributing to the economy mation Technology. of this vibrant country. We at CNA-Q’s top graduates receive Oryx GTL President’s Medal for Academic Excellence. The 30 President’s Medal CNA-Q take great pride in being recipients will join 515 of their able to graduate such high-per- awarded since the college’s in- The sponsorship forms part Corporate partnerships have “It is part of Oryx GTL’s CSR achieving QNV2030,” said Sami fellow students today for the forming, competent, job-ready ception, however it became a of the company’s Corporate So- been a mainstay at CNA-Q since to recognise outstanding indi- al-Shammari, IT & Telecom- 12th CNA-Q graduation cer- students.” gala event three years ago when cial Responsibility programme, 2002, with more than 60% of viduals and future leaders who munications manager at Oryx emony – the largest graduating The President’s Medal for Oryx GTL became the offi cial which aims to promote and cel- students sponsored by local or- are contributing to building Qa- GTL. class since the college opened 14 Academic Excellence has been sponsor. ebrate excellence in education. ganisations and ministries. tar’s knowledge economy and The 2016 President’s Medal years ago.