Volume 24 | Number 7913 | 2 RiyalsWednesday 5 June 2019 | 2 Shawwal 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa

Eid Mubarak

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BUSINESS | 14 SPORT | 17

Federer, Nadal set up French Open semi-final blockbuster

Warren proposes $2trn ‘green

manufacturing’ plan

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other dignitaries performed Eid Al Fitr prayer at Al Wajba praying area yesterday morning. After the prayer, H H the Amir received well-wishers at the Al Wajba Palace. �P2, 3

Amir performs Eid prayer, receives well-wishers

QNA DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani performed yesterday morning Eid Al Fitr prayer with citizens at Al Wajba praying area.

H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Per-sonal Representative of H H the Amir, H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh

Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, and HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani took part in the prayer.

Speaker of the Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud along with a group of Their Excellencies Sheikhs, Ministers, members of the Shura Councils, ambassadors, and cit-izens also performed the prayer.

Court of Cassation Judge and Supreme Judiciary Council member Dr Thaqeel Sayer Al

Shammari, who led the prayer, delivered the Eid sermon in which he thanked God for his grace on Muslims as they com-pleted the fast and highlighted the benefits of fasting. He called on the Muslims to stay com-mitted to good deeds in respect of the orders of Allah.

He also called for promoting forgiveness and cooperation, as well as reform, saying it was one of the reasons of the empow-

erment of humans on earth.H H the Amir received scores

of well-wishers on the advent of Eid Al Fitr at Al Wajba Palace yesterday morning.

His Highnesses received after Eid prayer Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, H E Speaker of the Shura Council and his deputy, Their Excellencies Sheikhs, Ministers, Ministries’ Undersecretaries,

Shura Council members, and citizens.

H H the Amir also received heads of diplomatic missions accredited by the State of Qatar, as well as army and police officers, and heads of national institutions and departments.

The well-wishers expressed their sincere congratulations and blessings to H H the Amir, praying to Allah that it brings goodness and prosperity to the State of

Qatar and its people, as well as to the Arab and Islamic world.

H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Per-sonal Representative of H H the Amir, H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani, and a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs attended the reception.

Municipal Minister stresses importance of reducing air pollutionTHE PENINSULA DOHA

Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie has said that the Ministry spares no effort to reduce air pollution and its causes in a statement issued on the occasion of World Environment Day which falls on June 5.

The Minister said that reducing air pollution is one of the top priorities of Ministry’s strategic plans, as well as the national strategic development plans with the participation of the concerned ministries and authorities to achieve environ-mental sustainability, as one of the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, under the wise leadership.

He said that joint work between government and private sector has contributed in reducing air pollution and its sources in accordance with environmental standards, through best environmental friendly practices, converting to clean energy and green economy and reducing energy consumption, to achieve envi-ronmental sustainability and preserve biodiversity in Qatar.

The Minister said that this annual environment event is meant to remind the world of the most important global envi-ronmental risks that threaten the

existence of all on earth to live in a healthy manner and to work together, hand in hand, at the international, regional and national levels to protect the environment.

He added that the partici-pation of Qatar in the cele-bration of the World Envi-ronment Day aims to emphasise the importance of the environment for all, in the spirit of joint action to pre-serve the planet and reduce air pollution of all kinds and sources.

He pointed out that the adoption of “fight air pollution” as a slogan for the celebration of this year 2019, has clear indications on the need to alert everyone that the air we breathe has become a chal-lenge to live a healthy life, due to high rates of pollution caused by the phenomenon of climate change due to mis-conduct of individuals, groups and countries.

He called upon all indi-viduals and sectors to complete what has been initiated through joint action and concerted efforts to change practices into positive actions in reducing air pollution, stressing the impor-tance of collective efforts, and their impact on maintaining a sustainable environment to ensure a decent and healthy living for us and for next gener-ations. �P7

Qatar triumphs against all odds under 2 years of siegeTHE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar’s grit and determination has defeated two years of siege. The unjust siege, which was imposed during Ramadan on June 5, 2017, has entered in its third year on the second day of Eid Al Fitr.

These two years have been the period of Qatar’s triumph against all odds. The country started and completed many world-class projects successfully, showing that Qatar’s indomitable spirit and strong determination is far more stronger than the evil intentions of blockading countries.

The intention of blockading countries behind imposing the siege was to create crisis for Qatar, but it turned into an opportunity.

During the last two years all the sectors of Qatar’s economy boomed and many ambi-tious mega project became reality. The multi-billion dollar project Hamad Port, one of the largest ports in the region, played a crucial role in breaking siege. The port, opened in 2017, emerged as Qatar’s main gateway to the world trade and ensured uninterrupted supply to the residents and all the sectors.

The 40,000-seater Al Janoub Stadium, the first brand new stadium built by Qatar, was officially opened last month, making it a memorable moment in the country’s sporting history. The opening ceremony came exactly two years after Qatar unveiled Khalifa International Stadium was unveiled in front of 50,000 fans who turned at the venue for the 2017 Amir Cup final.

The whole world watched in awe as Qatar opened the iconic National Museum of Qatar in March this year. The museum grabbed the attention of global media which described it as an immersive and experiential museum.

Qatar National Library was opened in

November last year, making it first new national library to open anywhere in the world in this millennium. The library offers residents access to nearly one million books, periodicals, and special collections, including its famed Heritage Library.

Qatar Airways, which was denied to access to the airspace of by the blockading

countries, continued with its expansion plans and expanded its network to several destinations glo-bally, making it the fastest growing airlines in the world. Hamad Inter-national Airport also maintained its growth momentum and launched several new initiatives and project to further increase travellers conven-ience. Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have won many global awards and recognition in the last two years.

Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) opened the Water Security Mega Res-ervoirs Project, which is the largest of its kind in the world, in Umm Salal Ali in December 2018. In March this year, Qatar Electricity and Water Company opened Umm Al Houl Power Plant, in Umm Al Houl with the capacity of generating 2,520 megawatt of elec-tricity and 136.5 million gallon drinking water per day.

Qatar’s economy became resilient and kept moving on growth trajectory. Over 32,000 new com-panies have been established in Qatar during the on-going blockade, registering a 34 percent growth compared to the two years before the siege.

Qatar has made significant progress in food production in the past two years as local production of agricultural, fish, animal, and dairy products has jumped by 400 percent since 2017. Country’s self-sufficiency in food production jumped up after blockade rising fresh chicken to 124 percent and fresh milk to 106 percent to meet the local demand. �P4, 5, 6

02 WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019HOME

Amir performs Eid Al Fitr prayer

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani performed yesterday Eid Al Fitr prayer with citizens at Al Wajba praying area. H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani; H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of H H the Amir; H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, and H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani took part in the prayer. H H the Amir also received scores of well-wishers on the advent of Eid Al Fitr at Al Wajba Palace.

Amir exchanges Eid Al Fitr greetings with leaders of Arab and Islamic countriesQNA /DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani exchanged greetings with a number of leaders

of the Arab and Islamic countries, on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Fitr, in telephone conversations yesterday.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani exchanged greetings with President Barham Salih of the Republic of Iraq, Mohammed

Abdullah Faramajo of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

FAJRSHOROOK

03. 15 AM04. 43 AM

11. 32 AM02. 56 PM

06. 24 PM07. 54 PM

ZUHRASR

MAGHRIBISHA

PRAYER TIMINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department

Minimum Maximum30oC 38oC

HIGH TIDE 04:26–18:25 LOW TIDE 1:09 – 12:09

Misty at places at first becomes hot day-

time with slight dust and some clouds at

times.

03WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 HOME

Amir receives well-wishers on Eid Al Fitr

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani performed yesterday Eid Al Fitr prayer with citizens at Al Wajba praying area. H E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani; H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of H H the Amir; H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, and H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani took part in the prayer. H H the Amir also received scores of well-wishers on the advent of Eid Al Fitr at Al Wajba Palace. H H the Amir received after Eid prayer Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Speaker of the Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud and his deputy, Their Excellencies Sheikhs, Ministers, Ministries’ Undersecretaries, Shura Council members, and citizens.

04

WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019

HOME

THE PENINSULA

Hamad International Airport (HIA) remained unfazed by the siege and

emerged as world-class airport driven by various proactive steps taken in the last two years.

Last month HIA was named the ‘Best Airport for Passenger Experience’ for the second con-secutive year in a study by AirHelp, the world’s leading air passenger rights specialist.

HIA has also started the second phase of its terminal expansion plans to accom-modate 53 million passengers annually at the airport by 2022. The airport will see the con-struction of an Airport City which will provide significant future investment opportunities, including a free trade zone, an office and business complex, and hotels among others. HIA will also see the construction of a new cargo terminal. This will increase the capacity handled to 3 million tons per year and will help accommodate the expected surge in freight traffic. HIA is set to begin the construction of the expanded terminal.

After the successful com-pletion of the first major phase of its Smart Airport program in 2018, HIA enabled the 5-star

home carrier Qatar Airways to process more than 25 percent of its passengers using self-service check-in and bag-drop facilities. This was accomplished by com-missioning 62 next-generation self-service check-in kiosks and 12 self-service bag drops spread across the departures check-in hall. A first of its kind in any major airport worldwide, mobile Automated Visa Document Check has also been imple-mented in the five-star terminal to enable ground services agents to check passengers visa documentation.

HIA is now launching the second phase of its innovative Smart Airport program through facial biometric recognition across all key passenger touch points. Currently under trial, the system is a central piece of the airport’s digital strategy and combines passengers’ flight, passport, and facial biometric information in a single electronic record at the self-check-in kiosk or mobile app. HIA is also main-taining its ISO/IEC 20000 certi-fication, provided to entities with the highest global standard for IT Service Management. The airport will continue investing in the best of breed technology and innovative solutions in the terminal to continue facilitating

faster passenger movement within the terminal, while com-plying with the highest standards for service quality, security, and safety. The airport explored the potential use of augmented reality and virtual reality for various operations.

HIA’s Smart Airport program was inaugurated by Qatar Prime Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, during a visit to HIA in April 2016. The key benefits the self-service programme delivers for airlines, airports and passengers include increased check-in and bag drop capacity to deal with the forecast airport and Qatar Airways growth and enhanced passenger experience by offering choices/options for check-in and bag drop, – either traditional check-in counters or self-service. It also empowers pas-sengers to ‘take control’ of the check-in and bag drop activities which reduces travel stress asso-ciated with queuing and long wait times. In February, 2018 HIA and QA successfully com-pleted the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Electronic Bag Tag (EBT) read-ability tests, making HIA the first airport in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region con-firmed ready to accept EBTs.

THE PENINSULA

To ensure the water security in the country, Qatar General Elec-

tricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) opened the Water Security Mega Reser-voirs Project, which is the largest-of-its-kind in the world, in Umm Salal Ali in December 2018 brushing aside the blockade imposed on Qatar.

The QR14.5bn project has a total water storage capacity of about 1,500 million gallons.

It is the largest in the world and contains a huge strategic reservoir that raises the country’s water storage by about 1,500 million gallons, which is an increase of 155 percent. He pointed out that this phase of the project will ensure water security for the State until 2026, followed by future stages that will meet

water demand even after the year 2036 by adding addi-tional reservoirs.

The project increased the desalinated water storage to 2,400 million gallons per day, which is enough to meet the basic needs of the State for several months under dif-ferent operating conditions.

The project is located in five strategic sites: Umm Birka, Umm Salal, Rawdat Rashed, Abu Nakhla, and Al Thumama and each site covers roughly 1sqkm. The project consists of 15 of the world’s largest concrete res-ervoirs. Each reservoir is 300M long, 150M wide, and 12M high, at a capacity of around 100 million gallons.

In March, 2019, Qatar Electricity and Water Company opened Umm Al Houl Power Plant, in Umm Al Houl with the capacity of generating 2,520 megawatt

of electricity and 136.5 million gallon drinking water per day.

Umm Al Houl plant is one of the most important power projects in Qatar and an addition to the long list of projects that the State has implemented to support com-prehensive development in

the country. The plant is capable of generating 2,520 megawatt of electricity and 136.5 million gallon drinking water per day, which meets 30 percent of the country’s needs of power and 40 percent of its desalinated water.

This project, despite all challenges, has been com-pleted on time and within the estimated cost of about QR11bn, using the highest technical and international standards and taking into account the least impact on the environment.

Qatar beats siege

THE PENINSULA

Opening of Hamad Port, entailing investment of QR27.5bn, played a key role in breaking

the blockade as it ensured normal supply goods in the country. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani patronised the official inaugu-ration of Hamad Port in Umm Al Houl on September 5, 2017.

Hamad Port witnessed com-mencement of new services in 2018, which further strengthened the port’s connectivity to Asian and European destinations with representation from all major global lines. It was the first year that a port in Qatar handled 1 million (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) TEU landmark and came in the ranks of the select container terminals around the world handling this volume.

In March 2018, Hamad Port cele-brated handling of its first one million TEUs containers. The Port achieved this feat in less than 14 months, which is well ahead of its expected schedule.

Later in November last year, the

Ministry of Transport and Communi-cations celebrated the handling of over two million TEU and five million tonnes of cargo at Hamad Port until the end of October 2018.

Spread over 28.5 square kilo-metres, Hamad Port’s basin is 4km long, 700 metres wide and 17 metres deep — specifications that enable it to receive the world’s biggest ships.

The capacity of Hamad Port is to reach 7.5 million TEU annually on completion of all construction phases. It has a general cargo terminal with a capacity of 1.7 million tonnes annually, a terminal for cereals with a capacity of one million tonnes annually, a ter-minal to receive vehicles with an annual capacity of 500,000, a terminal for livestock, a terminal for coastguard vessels and a terminal for marine support and backup.

Hamad Port has a uniquely designed port control tower at a height of 110 metres, a customs inspection area for rapid cargo clearance (5,600 containers per day), a ship inspection platform and multiple maritime facil-ities, in addition to other utilities such

as storage units, mosques, rest areas, medical clinics and the offices required for port operation. Additionally, as part of Qatar’s major steps toward increasing its non-petroleum exports and building manufacturing industries, a free zone has been established adjacent to Hamad Port.

Hamad Port has been designed in a way that makes it expandable. Its infrastructure has been designed cre-atively using latest technologies to guarantee infrastructure will always be resilient and developable in a way that contributes to reducing expansion cost in the future.

After the blockade was imposed, the Ministry of Transport and Com-munications and the Qatar Ports Man-agement Company (Mwani Qatar) responded by launching new shipping routes, connecting Hamad Port directly with several marine destina-tions. Mwani Qatar in cooperation with its partners launched a number of new direct shipping lines between Hamad Port and various ports of the region and beyond in the last three months.

� Qatar emerged victorious �HIA added feathers to its crown

� Qatar’s self-sufficiency in food production jumpedIn short, the unjust siege imposed by the neighbouring countries was a blessing in disguise. In fact, it boosted the willpower and self-confidence of various Qatari bodies and thus in turn helped the nation to simply overcome the crisis with a smiling face. Qatar has shown the world its mettle through siege.

THE PENINSULA

The inauguration of Qatar National Library invoked a great sense of historical pride and belonging to the Arab world. Last month, Qatar National Library celebrated first year

anniversary of the official inauguration by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on April 16, 2018.

Qatar national Library is the first public library to open in this decade and the opening ceremony was testimony of how the world is open to Qatar as many leading policy makers, diplomats and several others. With more than one million books borrowed since its opening, the Library registered 139,551 new members.

In a short span of time, the Qatar community has embraced the Library as a beacon of knowledge, guiding their individual journeys of personal dis-covery. The Library has given the community access to a wealth of resources, including books, journals, electronic resources, and a full program of over 900 curated events. Designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the iconic Library building welcomed 738,636 visitors.

The growing demand for membership has also contributed to the popularity of the Library’s dynamic programs, with more than 21, 000 people registering to attend the year’s events.

The library’s collection includes one million books in English, Arabic, and other languages, com-plemented by a dedicated Children’s Library and Young Adults collection.

THE PENINSULA

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres re-appointed H H Sheikha Moza along with 16 influential

public figures, as part of the 2019-2020 class of Sustainable Development Goals’ Advocates. H H Sheikha Moza has been selected for a second time to be an Advocate of the Sus-tainable Development Goals, in recognition of her leading role in providing quality edu-cation, youth empowerment, and human

development through her initiatives at the local and international level. Education Above All Foundation, of which H H Sheikha Moza is the chairperson – reached 10 million out of school children. EAA’s Educate a Child pro-gramme together with international partners succeeded in its objective of helping 10 million of the most marginalised out-of-school children to receive quality, primary education. H H Sheikha Moza has also pledged to help 335,000 children across 11 countries by 2021.

THE PENINSULA

Qatar Airways has suc-cessfully overcome unjust siege imposed

by blockading. In the last two years, since siege was imposed, Qatar’s national airline has not only continued to expand its network, but it also has many international awards.

The award-winning airline has planned to increase its reach to around 220 destina-tions by 2022 from the current count of over 160 destinations. Adding the expansion for its new destinations for its air cargo, the total number of des-tinations will reach around 250 destinations.

Last month, Qatar Airways’ first flight from Doha to Izmir landed at Izmir Adnan Men-deres Airport, marking the addition of airline’s seventh

Turkish gateway. In the same month, Qatar Airways’ first flight from Doha to Rabat landed at Rabat–Salé Airport, marking the airline’s third gateway to Morocco. The airline also launched service to Gothenburg, Sweden, in January and Da Nang, Vietnam in December 2018.

The airline will add a number of new destinations to its extensive route network in 2019, including Malta; Davao, Philippines; Lisbon, Portugal; Mogadishu, Somalia and Langkawi, Malaysia.

In March this year, Qatar Airways unveils its Enhanced Economy Class Product at ITB Berlin 2019. Qatar Airways’ new Economy Class expe-rience features a seat with an innovative 19-degree recline system, additional legroom, dual trays, 13.3-inch 4 K wide-screens and type ‘C’ fast

charging USB port. The air-line’s new in-flight dining experience ‘Quisine’, truly redefines Economy Class service, with all new retail-style tableware, a menu offering more choices, 25 percent larger main courses, 20 percent larger appetisers, and 50 percent larger desserts.

Economy Class passengers will also be able to enjoy improved connectivity, including up to 10 times faster broadband, as well as more than 4,000 entertainment options on Qatar Airways’ Oryx One in-flight enter-tainment system. In March, Qatar Airways celebrated the arrival of its 250th aircraft, an Airbus A350-900 from Tou-louse, France, the latest addition to the group’s growing fleet of passenger, Cargo and executive aircraft.

HIA among top airports in world

Self-sufficiency in food attained by boosting local food production THE PENINSULA

Qatar has made significant progress in food production in the past two years as local pro-

duction of agricultural, fish, animal, and dairy products has jumped by 400 percent since 2017, according to a report released by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment in March 2019.

Qatar’s self-sufficiency in food production jumped up after blockade rising fresh chicken to 124 percent and fresh milk to 106 percent to meet the

local demand. Immediately after the blockade the government came in action paving way for private sector to launch new projects to increase the self-sufficiency of the country in food production. According to the Ministry in March 2019 the local production of vegetables in Qatar reached 66,000 tonnes in a year accounting 24 percent of total demand in the local market.

The new agricultural projects will help increase self-sufficiency in veg-etable production to 70 percent by 2023. The Ministry planned to launch

a total of 34 agricultural projects in the coming years to increase the pro-duction of vegetables in the country.

Qatar is producing 280 tonnes eggs in a year. Four new projects will help increase the production of eggs to 70 percent by 2023

Each of first two projects will add 20 million eggs in a year and other each two projects will be launched with the capacity of 30 million eggs annually. Qatar produces 15,000 tonnes of fish in a year which is 74 percent of total consumption of the

country. All three projects of fish farming on floating cages will help increase the self-sufficiency rate to 90 percent. Regarding fodder, Al Marri said that the Ministry planned to launch 10 projects for producing green fodder which will help increase the self-sufficiency 63 percent.

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment plans to launch many projects to increase food production including fish, vegetables, red meat, eggs and shrimps aimed at reaching a level of sufficiency by 2023.

Hamad Port became Qatar’s gateway to world trade

THE PENINSULA

The Ministry of Public Health and healthcare providers continue to deliver all services to the public without inter-

ruption since June 2017 and Qatar’s health system has been internationally recognized for its outstanding services.

Services provided by the health sector have not been affected and the Ministry con-tinues to implement all health projects that aim to maintain sustainable development of health services and increase the potential and capabilities of the health sector.

In a remarkable achievement Qatar’s health system has been ranked 5th best in the world and the first in the Middle East, according to Legatum Institute, a London-based think tank. Qatar is the only country in the region to score in the top five on the

annual prosperity index, placed behind Sin-gapore, Luxembourg, Japan and Switzerland. Improved life expectancy, better health out-comes, and investment in health infra-structure have resulted in Qatar being ranked fifth. While, H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, has been awarded the Pioneer Leadership Award in Healthcare for 2019 by the Arab Hospitals Federation during its 21st annual forum. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) won the Distinguished Arab Healthcare Organization Award for 2019 at the forum.

HMC opened new state of art healthcare facilities including the officially opened the Hazm Mebaireek Hospital dedicated for workers; the new trauma and energy centre has reached the final stages of construction ; have received international accreditation for hospitals across the HMC.

THE PENINSULA

Qatar Foundation (QF) has showed remarkable achievements in the past two in areas of edu-cation, research, health and community devel-

opment. The achievements have immensely contributed to QF’s journey from a carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential, for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world.

Since June 2017, QF has established two new schools and brought another under the umbrella of its Pre-Uni-versity Education (PUE). With the new schools QF’s PUE has enrolled 5,400 students and have more than 4000 alumni.

QF continues to attract more local and international students to its including the homegrown Hamad bin Khalifa University and international partner univer-sities within the flagship Education City. QF has grad-uated 1,564 students from its nine homegrown and inter-national partner universities within the past two years.

Making huge leap in health care of the country QF, opened Sidra Medicine, a world-class hospital for women and children and a center for pioneering medical

research. Sidra Medicine is a beacon of learning, dis-covery and exceptional care, and aims to rank among the top academic medical centers in the world.

QF has also relaunched Doha Debates, a platform for global dialogue and diverse perspectives on the world’s biggest issues. The new concept for Doha Debates, a series that will bring powerful voices and thoughts tighter on pressing global issues. The launch of the innovative series seek exciting new solutions to global challenges through lively debates.

QF brought together more than 250 young inno-vators from Qatar and beyond for the first two editions of the Arab Innovation Academy, a groundbreaking regional entrepreneurship program developed through a collaboration between QF member Qatar Science & Technology Park and the European Innovation Academy.

Meanwhile, WISH 2018, the biennial summit of QF initiative the World Innovation Summit for Health drew more delegates from more countries than ever before. It brought together almost 2,200 delegates representing 116 countries from around the globe to discuss the most challenging health issues the world face.

Qatar Foundation’s determined moves raised nation’s pride to new horizons

Sheikha Moza stressed commitment of Qatar to promote global education

Water security until 2026 ensured by opening largest reservoir Healthcare remained uninterrupted

QNL opened doors

Qatar Airways flies high despite siege

04

WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019

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Qatar beats siege

THE PENINSULA

As Qatar reflects on the illegal blockade imposed on it by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on June 5, 2017, the reality is that

the FIFA World Cup hosts are confidently marching ahead with its preparations to host the biggest sporting event after the Olympic Games in 2022. Al Bayt Stadium near Al Khor is getting its final touches and is expected to be unveiled later in the year. Al Thumama Stadium is halfway through its construction with the futuristic Education City also not far away from completion. The Al Rayyan Stadium and Losail Stadium – the proposed venue for he 2022 FIFA World Cup final – are easily ahead of schedule in terms of meeting their construction deadlines.

Last month’s spectacular ceremony to

inaugurate the brand new Al Janoub Stadium by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was truly a memorable moment in the country’s sporting history. The 40,000-seat venue was officially unveiled and used to host the Amir Cup final between football giants Al Duhail and Al Sadd. With the Amir in attendance and FIFA President Gianni Infantino joining in scores of foreign dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the new stadium, Al Duhail beat Al Sadd 4-1 to lift the Amir Cup crown.

A beautifully scripted opening ceremony replete with music and a laser show launched the proceedings on May 16, 2019. A little later fireworks lit up the night sky over Al Janoub Stadium. A short video detailing Qatar’s pearling history was also played on the new ground’s two big screens. Ghanim Al Muftah, often dubbed the Qatari “miracle child” for having

overcome the physical limits imposed by rare Caudal Regression Syndrome which impaired the development of his lower spine, delivered a speech to loud cheer from the packed stadium

Al Janoub Stadium has now become the first brand new stadium built by Qatar. Al Janoub Stadium took six years to build and reportedly cost $575m. The opening cer-emony came exactly two years after Qatar unveiled the iconic Khalifa International Stadium was unveiled in front of 50,000 fans who turned at the venue for the 2017 Amir Cup final. Within two years, Qatar has unveiled and used the two state-of-the-art football venues for high profile matches in front of a collective number of almost 90,000 fans a millions of TV viewers.

Scores of former football stars also joined in the celebrations including Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Ronald de Boer and Ruud Gullit. Qatar’s

No stopping Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host

SPORTS SUCCESS,ON AND OFF THE PITCH

track and field star Mutaz Barshim was also in the stands to watch what turned out to be an enthralling encounter between the country’s top two teams. Spanish football hero Fernando Hierro, Youri Djorkaeff, Sabri Lamouchi, Nasser Hamdan and former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon were also present on the occasion.

Besides rapidly improving its sports infrastructure in the last two years of the regional blockade, Qatar continues to grab the headlines for achieving sports glory on the field of play. In March last year, Qatar topped a three-nation football tournament organised to celebrate the return of football in war-torn Iraq. The victory in Iraq was well applauded by the fans, less than two months after Qatar’s Olympic squad clinched the third sport in the AFC Asian U-23 Cup in China.

Fast forward to January and February this year, Qatar rocked the continent by winning the Asian Cup, the biggest football tournament for national teams in the world’s most populous continent. With coach Felix Sanchez marshaling troops in a hostile environment in host country the UAE, Qatar

produced a seven-match winning streak on way to lifting the title for the first time. Qatar’s Almoez Ali won the Golden Boot for his 7 goals and team mate Saad Al Seeb was declared the ‘best keeper’ in the 24-team tournament that ended with Al Annabi’s 3-1 win over three-time winners Japan in the title clash.

Last October, Doha hosted the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Aspire Dome. Having already hosted the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Cham-pionships, the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships and the 2016 UCI Road World Championships, last year’s gymnastics gala was one of the most followed global sports events staged by Qatar. In all, over 600 gymnasts from 78 countries featured in the 10-day event. Later this year, the iconic Khalifa International Stadium will host the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019. On Monday it was announced by FIFA that it’s popular Club World Cup event will also be held in Qatar in 2019 and 2020.

Blockade or otherwise, Qatar’s sporting ambitions con-tinue to grow and that too in spectacular fashion.

THE PENINSULA

It has been two years since the Arab Quartet imposed an unjust blockade on Qatar and has miserably failed to

achieve any of their objectives. This day, in 2017, the four Arab countries—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt — severed all relations with Qatar imposing a land, sea and air blockade on the country and abruptly stopped export of all kinds of goods, including essential supplies, in the Holy Month of Ramadan. This was aimed at creating panic, crippling Qatar’s impressive economic progress and to undermine its sovereignty.

However, the country, under its wise leadership coupled with the firm determination of gov-ernment entities and private sector proved that the blockading coun-tries failed in their move. The Qatari economy not only remained resilient despite the adverse impact of the blockade, rather it transformed the chal-lenges into opportunities in its favour. Official data suggest that almost every sector of the Qatari economy has become more robust, diversified and sustainable over the last couple of years, as if the blockade came as a blessing in disguise for the country.

As the country immediately activated its plans to diversify its sources of imports and boosting its domestic production to achieve self-sufficiency, over 32,000 new companies have been established in Qatar during the on-going

blockade, registering a 34 percent growth compared to the two years before the siege.

The number of factories has increased by 17 percent reaching 823 in 2019 compared to 707 fac-tories in 2016, with 116 new fac-tories established. The number of permits for establishing factories reached 613 with total invest-ments of QR34bn compared to 466 permits in 2016 with invest-ments worth QR31bn, he added.

Also, the total number of fac-tories, including existing and those under construction has increased by 23 percent (263 fac-tories up) to 1,436 factories in 2019 from 1,173 in 2016.

New factories started pro-duction during the siege which contributed to achieving self-suf-ficiency in many sectors, espe-cially fresh milk, dairy products and other kinds of foodstuffs which Qatar traditionally sourced from Saudi Arabia and other countries. Qatari consumers today have more options, better quality more affordable prices than two years ago.

In addition to public sector organizations, the Qatar Chamber, which is the country’s oldest and largest private sector representative body, played sig-

nificant role in achieving the self-sufficiency strategy.

In terms of the production of many goods, Qatar has not only achieved 100 percent self-suffi-ciency but has also started exporting to other countries. Qatari companies are expanding their footprints to global markets. As a result Qatar’s non-oil exports grew by 35 percent from QR18.05bn in 2017 to QR24.4bn in 2018.

Qatar has managed to overcome the repercussions of the siege in a very short time due to the rapid steps adopted by the government and the strength of the private sector which proved high potentials in dealing with great challenges.

Qatar’s international trade policy of export promotion and import substitution has started bearing positive results. The imports of goods in February 2019 amounted to around QR8.5bn, showing on a month-on-month decrease of 3.8 percent compared to January 2019.

Qatar’s trade balance, which represents the difference between total exports and imports of goods, showed a surplus of QR13.8bn in February 2019, registering a year-on-year decrease of about QR300m, or

1.9 percent, compared to QR14.1bn trade surplus reported in February 2018. When com-pared on monthly basis, Qatar’s trade surplus in February wit-nessed a decrease of nearly QR2.1bn, or 13.1 percent, com-pared to January 2019.

In terms of infrastructure development programme, including those major projects being developed as part of the preparations for the 2022 FIFA games and Qatar National Vision 2030, are progressing in full swing, and in fact many of them have been delivered much ahead of their scheduled completion date. For instance Al Janoub Stadium (formerly Al Wakra Stadium) is fully completed and hosted the Amir Cup final, and Doha Metro’s Redline South, which began operations, recently.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) implemented infra-structure projects worth QR21.8bn in 2018, and 90 percent work on main roads leading to 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums are completed.

It’s not only Qatar’s official data that highlights about the robust economic foundations of the economy despite the siege, event international and inde-pendent agencies such as IMF and global credit rating agencies have confirmed the solid macr-oeconomic fundamentals of the Qatari economy.

Global rating agency S&P, in its latest report, projected that Qatar’s GDP is expected to grow by 2.8 percent and the current

account surplus will be averaging 4.5 percent of GDP in 2019-2022, assuming lower hydrocarbon prices from 2021.

Among the other key rating factors the agency noted that increasing nonresident deposits demonstrate strengthening investor confidence in the financial sector, but this largely short-term external funding worsens Qatar’s external liquidity position.

The agency said that Qatar will continue to effectively mitigate the economic and financial fallout of the siege, and the country will con-tinue to pursue prudent macr-oeconomic policies that support large recurrent fiscal and external surpluses over 2019-2022.

“We expect economic growth will remain relatively steady at 2 percent-2.5 percent in 2019-2022. The government plans to increase gas exports by about 40 percent to 110 million tonnes annually (approximately 987 millions of barrels of oil equivalent) by 2023-2024. Until then, our growth

assumptions factor in broadly stable gas production, cautious business activity and confidence, and reduced private-sector con-sumption,” said the S&P report.

The report also said that gov-ernment’s infrastructure pro-gramme remains supportive of economic growth, as does investment related to expansion of the North Field gas project. At an estimated 45 percent of GDP, about one-third of which is public-sector funded, Qatar’s investment spending is among the highest of all the sovereigns we rate.

Qatar’s current account balance, according to S&P estimate, is expected to remain in a surplus of around 4.5 percent, in view of its oil price assumptions (at $60 per barrel for 2019 and 2020).

In 2018, Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) emerged as the world’s best performing market with about 21 percent returns, supported by an increased inflow of international funds, especially from the US and Europe.

Qatari economy shrugs off blockade impact

The Qatari economy not only remained resilient despite the adverse impact of the blockade, rather it transformed the challenges into opportunities in its favour.

As Qatar reflects on the illegal blockade imposed on it by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on June 5, 2017, the reality is that the FIFA World Cup hosts are confidently marching ahead with its preparations to host the biggest sporting event after the Olympic Games in 2022.

07WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 HOME

QA inaugural flight touches down in MaltaTHE PENINSULA DOHA

Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight from Doha to Malta landed at Malta International Airport yesterday, marking the launch of the airline’s newest gateway to Europe.

Operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, flight QR383 was wel-comed with a celebratory water cannon salute upon arrival at the historic Mediterranean island’s international airport. This was followed by a welcome cer-emony attended by the Charges d’Affaires of the State of Qatar to Malta, Abdulla Khalid A A Al Derham; Malta’s Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Dr. Konrad Mizzi; and Qatar Airways Senior Vice-President Europe, Sylvain Bosc.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to launch direct services to Malta, the latest

addition to Qatar Airways’ rapidly expanding European network. Set against the incredible backdrop of the Med-iterranean Sea, Malta, with its stunning natural attractions and breathtaking architecture, is one of Europe’s most historic and c u l t u r a l l y s i g n i f i c a n t destinations.

“With the flexibility of sea-sonal daily flights in summer, and four-times-weekly services in winter, we look forward to welcoming business and leisure

travellers alike on board so that they may experience this charming destination for themselves.”

Malta International Airport Chief Executive Officer, Alan Borg, said: “We are delighted to welcome this award-winning flag carrier to our airline family and to grow our route network further with the addition of Doha. “The convenient flight schedule which will be operated by Qatar Airways throughout the year, will certainly strengthen our connections to the rest of the world and allow tourists from new markets outside Europe to discover Malta’s rich history, unique traditions and spec-tacular underwater world.”

The new direct services to Malta will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class. As well as enjoying the award-winning in-flight service on board, passengers

travelling to Malta will also have access to Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system, offering the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more.

Malta is the third new desti-nation to be introduced by the airline this summer following the

launch of flights to Izmir, Turkey, and Rabat, Morocco, in May; with Davao, the Philippines, and Lisbon, Portugal, joining the network later in June; followed by Mogadishu, Somalia, on 1 July; and Langkawi, Malaysia, on October 15. A multiple-award-winning airline, Qatar Airways

was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’0.

Officials cutting a ribbon to mark the arrival of the inaugural flight to Malta.

Operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, flight QR383 was welcomed with a celebratory water cannon salute upon arrival at the historic Mediterranean island’s international airport.

Municipal Minister stresses importance of reducing air pollution

FROM PAGE 1For his part, Assistant Under-

secretary for Environment Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Al Sada, said that the State of Qatar’s celebration of World Environment Day under-scores the importance of high-lighting the most important envi-ronmental challenges worldwide, which have a serious impact on life on Earth.

He added that this year’s slogan marks the current chal-lenge of air pollution and its con-sequences for global warming, which in turn causes climate change and its immediate chal-lenges to health and environment and its sustainability.

He said the Ministry of

Municipality and Environment is working seriously through its tasks, strategic plans, programs and projects of the national devel-opment strategy to reduce air pol-lution for the preservation and sustainability of the environment, which are consistent with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the directives of Qatar’s leadership.

Al Sada pointed out that the ministry is also working on reviewing and evaluating the environmental status of projects and development projects of all kinds to ensure that they follow best environmental practices, and the ministry has also established a network of air quality moni-toring stations in cooperation with the concerned authorities, noting that these stations assess air

quality in Qatar using the best technology. The Ministry also monitors the effects of air pol-lution causing climate change and works to reduce it with the par-ticipation of the concerned authorities in accordance with the international conventions on climate change ratified by the State of Qatar, the latest of which was Paris Agreement.

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment will organise events on this occasion with the aim of developing environmental awareness among the various seg-ments of the society, directing attention to environmental issues and problems and activating pos-itive participation in protecting the environment and facing its problems and challenges.

A performance during the Eid Al Fitr celebrations at Hyatt Plaza Mall, yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA

Faithful offering Eid prayersFaithful offering Eid prayers organised by Qatar Indian Islahi Centre at Abu Bakr Siddiq Independent School in Doha, yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA

Large turnout at Katara Eid festivalTHE PENINSULA DOHA

The Cultural Village Foundation- Katara was a hotspot destination during the first day of Eid Al-Fitr celebration offering an array of fun activities for its visitors. All facilities at Katara were prepared to receive the large numbers of visitors who also enjoyed a day at the Katara beach doing all kinds of watersports and swimming.

Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, said that Katara like every year seeks to provide a joyful and unforgettable Eid festival for its visitors and all the special national occasions. “Our festivities this year include an array of programmes that besides fun and enter-tainment, there is an educational side where the children’s play “The cake vendor” is on show and the Al Thuraya Planetarium is screening the “Dawn of the space age” film”, he said.

The children’s play “The cake vendor” started at 7pm at the Katara drama hall in building 16 and will continue till June 9 at 5pm and a second show at 7pm. Besides, the Al-Thuraya Plane-tarium will be screening the “Dawn of the space age” film today which will be screened on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th day of Eid fes-tival in different times: 1st show 5pm (English), 2nd show 6pm (Arabic) while the 3rd show will be at 7pm (English).

Dr Al Sulaiti assured that Katara has made all the measures to avoid congestions by expanding the car parking capacity and increasing the number of club car shuttle service to transport the vis-itors, in addition to ambulances and security patrols to ensure safety of visitors. “It is also an opportunity for the visitors to see our galleries and art exhibitions in the premises of Katara to have

more exposure on our facilities and activities”, he added.

To ensure residents conven-ience, Katara has created 5,000 free parking spaces for visitors

Playgrounds all along the Katara esplanade were allocated for the children to have fun and enjoy the different competitions and activities and a laser show

concluded the activities at the Katara esplanade. The Eid festival in Katara runs until June 7 offering all fun activities everyday starting at 5pm until 10pm.

Visitors participating at various activities at Katara.

Qatar condemns Israeli move on construction of 805 housing units in East JerusalemQNA DOHA

The State of Qatar has condemned the announcement by the Israeli authorities, on May 30, 2019 of a tender for the construction of 805 housing units in two settlements in East Jerusalem, and considered them a flagrant violation of inter-national law and relevant Security Council resolutions.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the State of Qatar rejects any attempt to change the identity of the Holy City of Jerusalem and

its historical and legal status, which is based on the interna-tional consensus. It also calls for the immediate cancellation of this move and all steps that con-travene Security Council Reso-lution No. 2334, to stop the con-struction of settlements and the illegality of all settlements estab-lished since 1967.

The State of Qatar appeals to the international community to assume its responsibilities in a just and objective manner towards the Palestinian cause and its constants, including the status of Al Quds Al Sharif.

People watch fireworks at Katara yesterday. PIC: RAJAN/THE PENINSULA

Social media platforms have been quick to respond to the growing popularity of the Eid selfie. Snapchat, for example, has special stickers and filters for the holiday, while Twitter adds Eid selfies to its Holiday Moment when hashtags such as #EidMubarak and #HappyEid start trending.

BLOOMBERG

08 WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019VIEWS

#BlackoutEid: Celebrating being black and Muslim

Yesterday, celebrations started for the three-day Eid Al Fitr holiday, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Muslims around the world are com-memorating the holiday with a variety of special traditions, including my per-sonal favourite - the Eid selfie.

The Eid selfie and the myriad of hashtags that go along with it emerged

as a way for Muslims to showcase their Eid fashions and celebrations. In many Muslims communities, it is a tra-dition to dress up in your best outfit for Eid.

Social media plat-forms have been quick to respond to the growing popularity of the Eid selfie. Snapchat, for example, has special stickers and filters for the holiday, while Twitter adds Eid selfies to

its Holiday Moment when hashtags such as #EidMubarak and #HappyEid start trending.

While the growing popularity of the Eid selfie has contributed to promoting a positive image of Muslims in the United States and elsewhere, it has not really been able to capture the racial,

ethnic, and cultural diversity of the Muslim world. #BlackoutEid, a hashtag that specifically highlights black Muslim fashion, has sought to remedy that.

Created by Aamina Mohamed, a producer and screenwriter based in Minnesota, #BlackoutEid encourages black Muslims to share selfies of their Eid outfits and festivities. The hashtag, inspired by #BlackoutDay, was born out of a realisation that the clothing, celebrations, and traditions of black Muslims were not being shared with the same frequency and enthusiasm as those of non-Black members of the community.

Despite representing a fifth of Muslims in the US alone, black Muslims are often invisible in customary repre-sentations of the Muslim community. At the same time, they are constantly challenged to negotiate their blackness and their faith when specific black clothing styles, such as the turban, forms of art and cultural expressions are declared “un-Islamic”.

Black Muslims in the US often find themselves having to fight on two fronts. Outside of the Muslim com-munity, they battle with Islamophobia. Inside of the Muslim community, they wrestle with anti-Black racism. Every so often, the two fronts merge and they are left without a resting place, con-stantly on their guard against forces which threaten their mental and physical wellbeing.

It is, therefore, hardly surprising that #BlackoutEid has had such reso-nance. In fact, it has come to represent more than a hashtag: It is now a cata-logue, a community and a space, which reaffirms that being black and Muslim are not mutually exclusive.

For me, #BlackoutEid has been a rare opportunity to engage with my faith without the burden of separating or mitigating my blackness. I have been an active member of the Muslim com-munity, going to mosques, joining Muslim student associations, etc. But in these spaces, I have often felt I have had to contain my blackness or explain it in order to fit in. I would often deal with an onslaught of microaggressions or pressure to prove my faith in places that I am supposed to feel accepted and

at ease. It has been disheartening to constantly have my guard up in my own religious community and feel that I have not been fully embraced.

Before Aamina started the hashtag, I was a regular contributor to #Black-outDay, a selfie-day and quarterly call-to-action which began on Tumblr. Like #BlackoutEid, #BlackoutDay was a movement to celebrate and redefine blackness. Four times a year, social media timelines flooded with vibrant images of black youth embracing their blackness, and as one of the partici-pants, I was able not only to make con-nections with other black creatives but also to curate my own relationship to my blackness.

Despite having this opportunity, I longed to incorporate my faith with the celebration of my identity. In a similar way to the Muslim spaces I have tried to navigate, predominantly black spaces, such as cultural and student organisations, were not entirely aware of the nuances and challenges that black Muslims face. Connecting to my blackness through my faith was not only something that was missing in my life but something I desperately needed, given the Islamophobia and anti-blackness that I have often faced.

#BlackoutEid was one of the first spaces I entered that did not make me choose between being black and being Muslim. Although my participation in #BlackoutEid was purely digital, it made up for the lack of healthy and supportive relationships I had faced in other communities. I felt connected to a larger black Muslim community that was invested in both my joy and the appreciation of my blackness.

#BlackoutEid has shed light on the need for spaces that focus on the expe-riences of black Muslims, and since its inception, several other digital and offline spaces of reaffirmation have emerged. #BlackinMSA, for example, started as a hashtag by the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative to highlight and process the discrimination and exclusion faced by black Muslim stu-dents in Muslim student associations. The hashtag received many responses on social media and eventually led to discussions on college campuses across the US.

NENA BEECHAM AL JAZEERA

QUOTE OF THE DAY

The strategic course of Ukraine to

achieve fully-fledged membership in the EU

and Nato ... remains unchanged. This is the priority of our

foreign policy.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy Ukrainian President

Internet shutdowns don’t make anyone safer

Around the world, govern-ments are hitting on a modish new idea: Turn the Internet off. Sometimes they mean it

literally.Methods vary, but the trend is clear

enough. Countries are increasingly ordering telecoms and other com-panies to block network access, shut down messaging services, or oth-erwise restrict digital applications or websites, usually citing public order or national-security concerns. In extreme cases, internet access can be “blacked out” entirely. Worldwide, such shut-downs rose to 188 last year, up from 75 in 2016.

Expect that regrettable figure to rise. For autocrats, the appeal is obvious. They can use such restric-tions to suppress inconvenient news or unwanted opinions, censor political rivals, prevent activists from organ-izing, and stifle talk of government misdeeds. For instance, after voters cast ballots last year in an election

widely seen as corrupt, the gov-ernment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo blocked all internet access for nearly three weeks. The stated goal - which cost the impover-ished country roughly $3m a day, according to one calculation - was to prevent “chaos.”

Even in democracies, such bans can be tempting. When terrorists killed more than 250 people in Sri Lanka in April, authorities shut down access to multiple social-media services for more than a week. That might have seemed justified in the moment: Mes-saging apps can accelerate the spread of disinformation, and further violence appeared imminent.

The problem is that there’s no evi-dence such bans work. They do nothing to moderate the anger that might lead to violence, and dedicated troublemakers can evade them with VPNs and other technology - or simply by spreading rumours the old-fash-ioned way. Shutdowns also tend to become a habit: They are imposed in India more often than in all other

countries combined, sometimes for bizarre or trivial reasons.

And the drawbacks are severe. Done rashly, Internet blockages can impede vital communication, hinder the work of emergency workers, induce public panic, and encourage the spread of rumors in the absence of reliable news coverage. They might even encourage violence. Unsurpris-ingly, they’re also expensive: By one estimate, India’s shutdowns have cost more than $3bn over five years.

In general, then, such restrictions should be avoided. When deemed necessary in an emergency, they should by law be temporary, limited to a specified purpose, and subject to judicial review. They should also be narrowly targeted: Shutting down the whole of a country’s internet - news sites, email and all - is never defen-sible. Defining those limits, moreover, should be a job for legislatures and not unelected officials. In authoritarian countries, where total blackouts are becoming more common, the outlook is bleak.

The recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is the latest testimony of how Qatar’s plans are paying off. Qatar’s economy has proved to be resilient in the face of an embargo by its neighbours and lower oil prices.

CHAIRMANSHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFDR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

editorinchief@pen.com.qa

ACTING MANAGING EDITORMOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED

m.salim@pen.com.qa

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITORMOHAMMED OSMAN ALI

osman@pen.com.qa

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

EDITORIAL

Weathering all odds

Qatar has successfully entering the third year of unjust siege imposed on the nation by some countries, which are contrary to all international conventions, laws and

norms. Those countries tried their level best to succumb the enthusiasm of this nation and its people with all kinds of unjust tactics. Instead Qatar made all adversities in to successes and amid all those hurdles, Qatar managed to climb greater heights during the last two years in all spheres. The country has attained self-sufficiency in several sectors. Its infrastructure work continued without any hindrance.

Qatar has earned several international appreciations from many quarters for the way it handled the blockade and several international agencies and think tanks around the world praised efforts of the leadership of Qatar in the economic field.

The recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is the latest testimony of how Qatar’s plans are paying off. Qatar’s economy has proved to be resilient in the face of an embargo by its neighbours and lower oil prices, the IMF said on Monday. “Economic performance improved in 2018. Qatar’s economy has successfully absorbed the shocks from the 2014-16 drop in hydrocarbon prices and the 2017 diplo-

matic rift,”the IMF said in a statement.

“Real GDP growth is estimated at 2.2 percent, up from 1.6 percent in 2017.”

The IMF, after concluding its latest Executive Board consul-tation with Qatar, noted the coun-try’s banking sector remains healthy, reflecting high asset quality and strong capitalisation. At end-September 2018, banks had high capitalisation and main-tained strong profitability, low non-performing loans, and a rea-sonable provisioning ratio of 83 percent. Banks are comfortably liquid, with a liquid-asset-to-total-asset ratio of 29.7 percent. Strong credit growth that out-paced deposits resulted in the system-wide loan-to-deposit ratio of 103 percent which is higher than the guidance of 100 percent.

The IMF has observed that the prudent fiscal policy, an appropriate monetary anchor, sound financial regulation and supervision frameworks and con-siderable buffers continue to underpin strong macroeconomic performance. Increased gas production, a slower pace of fiscal consolidation, infrastructure programs and adequate credit growth will underpin growth over the medium term. The fixed exchange rate regime remains appropriate, as it has provided a clear and credible monetary anchor, although the external position is weaker than implied by fundamentals and desired policy settings. Fiscal consolidation over the medium term would help close the estimated current account gap. Lower than-envisaged hydrocarbon prices constitute the main risk to the macro-financial outlook. Nonetheless, Qatar is in a position to weather such a shock, given significant buffers and prudent policies, the IMF said.

This recognition from an international agency reiterates that country has weathered all storms with its well-planned and well-crafted policies and achieved greater acclaim for its efforts.

Faithful offering the morning prayers of Eid al-Fitr, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday.

09WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA

Iran will not abandon missile programmeAGENCIES LONDON

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said yesterday that Tehran would not be “deceived” by US President Donald Trump’s offer of negotiations and would not give up its missile programme.

Iran and the United States have been drawn into starker confrontation in the past month, a year after Washington pulled out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in return for lifting international sanctions.

Trump has condemned the nuclear deal, signed by his pred-ecessor Barack Obama, as flawed for not being permanent and for not covering Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around the Middle East. He has called on Iran to come to negotiating table to reach a new deal.

Trump said last week that Iran “has a chance to be a great country, with the same

leadership. We’re not looking for regime change. I just want to make that clear. We’re looking for no nuclear weapons.”

Reacting to those comments, Khamenei said in a speech broadcast on state television: “The US president recently said Iran can achieve development with its current leaders. That

means they do not seek regime change... But this political trick will not deceive Iranian officials and the Iranian nation.”

“In the missile programme, they know we have reached a point of deterrence and stability. They want to deprive us from it, but they will never succeed,” Khamenei said, speaking at a

ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Aya-tollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Khamenei said US sanctions have created hardship for Ira-nians and called on the gov-ernment to make improving eco-nomic conditions its top priority.

President Hassan Rouhani, who has taken a softer stance, sug-gested last week that Iran might be willing to hold talks if the United States showed it respect and lifted sanctions.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday the United States was prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear pro-gramme. Iran dismissed the offer as “word-play”.

Meanwhile, reports came out recently that the US aircraft carrier ordered by the White House to rapidly deploy to the Mideast over a perceived threat from Iran remains outside of the Arabian Gulf, so far avoiding any confrontation with Iranian Rev-olutionary Guard forces amid efforts to deescalate tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Officers aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln repeatedly said they could respond rapidly to any regional threat from their position, at the time some 320km off the eastern coast of Oman in

the Arabian Sea. However, after decades of American aircraft carriers sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a third of all oil traded at sea passes, the US Navy’s decision to keep the Lincoln away is striking.

“You don’t want to inadvert-ently escalate something,” Capt. Putnam Browne, the com-manding officer of the Lincoln, said.

The White House in May deployed the Lincoln and B-52 bombers to the Arabian Gulf. The US also plans to send 900 addi-tional troops to the Mideast and extend the stay of another 600 as tens of thousands of others also are on the ground across the region.

But amid the escalation, the US alleges without offering evi-dence that four oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates were attacked with limpet mines. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have launched coordinated drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a ceremony in Tehran.

“In the missile programme, US knows we have reached a point of deterrence and stability. They want to deprive us from it, but they will never succeed,” Khamenei said, speaking at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Sudanese oppn rejects military’s transition plan after day of violenceREUTERS KHARTOUM

Sudan’s opposition yesterday rejected a plan by its military rulers to hold elections within nine months, a day after the worst bout of violence since Omar Al Bashir was removed as president in April.

At least 35 people were killed on Monday when security forces stormed a protest camp outside the Defence Ministry in central Khartoum, said doctors linked to the opposition.

The Transitional Military Council (TMC) that has ruled since Bashir’s removal then can-celled all agreements reached with the main opposition alliance. Madani Abbas Madani, a leader of the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF) opposition alliance, said an open-ended civil disobe-dience campaign would con-tinue to try to force the council from power. “What happened (on Monday) — the killing and injuring of protesters, the humil-iation — was a systematic and planned attempt to impose repression on the Sudanese people,” Madani said.

The main protest organisers, the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), called for an international committee to investigate the deaths in what it branded a “massacre”. The mood in the capital Khartoum

was very tense yesterday, with many roads barricaded by pro-testers, many shops shut and streets mostly empty. Security forces were trying to clear the barricades, a witness said.

Rapid Support Forces (RSF) vehicles were patrolling the streets in Omdurman, on the other side of the River Nile from Khartoum, and firing into the air.

Leaders of the protests that forced Bashir from power after three decades of authoritarian rule have demanded prepara-tions for elections during a tran-sitional period led by a civilian administration. The military council has also been under both domestic and international pressure to hand over power to civilians. It had previously agreed to a three-year transition period with the DFCF.

“We believe that the matter is now in the hands of the Sudanese people,” said Khalid Omar Yousef, a DFCF leader. “This regime will fall, no matter what.” The SPA rejected the establishment of a governmental committee to investigate Mon-day’s deaths, spokesman Amjad Farid said, adding that the TMC was accused of targeting pro-testers. Council spokesman Lieutenant General Shams El Din Kabbashi denied this charge and said security forces had pursued “unruly elements” who fled to the protest site and caused chaos.

Ebola cases in DR Congo break 2,000 markAFP KINSHASA

DR Congo’s health ministry said it had recorded more than 2,000 cases of Ebola, two-thirds of which had been fatal, since the disease broke out in the coun-try’s east 10 months ago.

“Since the start of the epi-demic, the total number of cases stands at 2,008, of which 1,914 have been confirmed [by lab test] while 94 are probable,” it said in

an update issued late on Monday. “In all, there have been 1,346 deaths (1,252 confirmed and 94 probable) and 539 people have recovered.” The ministry said it was important to retain the overall perspective, despite the breaching of the symbolic threshold of 2,000 cases.

“In recent weeks, the trend has been positive, although vig-ilance is still necessary,” it said.

There have been fewer attacks on Ebola teams by armed

groups, which means health workers have “recovered some of the lost time to contain the spread of the epidemic,” it said.

The epidemic was first declared in North Kivu province on August 1 and then spread to neighbouring Ituri, although there have not been any cases in neighbouring countries.

Oxfam’s Director for the DRC, Corinne N’Daw, said, “It is clear the current response to tackle Ebola isn’t working. No

matter how effective treatment is, if people don’t trust or under-stand it, they will not use it.” She added: “Our teams are still meeting people on a daily basis who don’t believe Ebola is real... many cases are going unnoticed because people with symptoms have been avoiding treatment.”

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies also voiced its concern. “Worryingly, the number of Ebola cases has increased

significantly in recent weeks to between 15-20 new cases per day,” it said in a press release.

It called for a “reset” of the response, combining scaled-up aid with a greater role for local people in carrying it out. Efforts have been hampered both by militia attacks on treatment centres and by the hostility of some local people to the medical teams. The outbreak is the 10th in Congo since the disease was identified in 1976.

Attacker blows himself up after killing three troops in LebanonAP BEIRUT

A lone gunman using a motor-cycle fired on police and army vehicles in different parts of the northern city of Tripoli, killing two police officers and a soldier and wounding several others on Monday night before blowing himself up later when confronted by troops, Lebanon’s army and the state-run National News Agency said.

Troops were deployed in areas of the city to search for the

attacker, who was tracked down to an apartment, the army said. It said members of an elite mil-itary intelligence force stormed the apartment early yesterday and opened fire at the suspect, who then set off an explosive belt he was wearing.

“The operation is over,” an army officer told local LBC tel-evision. Troops and plainclothes security agents surrounded the area and prevented anyone from entering the building. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack. The army identified the

gunman as Abdul-Rahman Mabsout, but gave no other details. LBC said Mabsout was a former member of the IS group who fought with the extremist movement in Syria. It said he had been detained when he returned to Lebanon in 2016 and was released a year later.

The attack occurred on the eve of Eid Al Fitr. The Lebanese army announced earlier that it has increased security around the country because of Eid Al Fitr, when people go out to celebrate.

Lebanon’s Interior Minister Raya Al Hassan visits the scene where a militant attacked a security forces patrol on Monday night, in Lebanon’s northern city of Tripoli, yesterday.

Baghdad’s Green Zone reopens to the public after 16 yearsAP BAGHDAD

Baghdad’s Green Zone area, the heavily fortified strip on the west bank of the Tigris River, reopened to the public yesterday after 16 years — a move meant to portray increased confidence in the country’s overall security situation after years of war.

Maj. Gen. Jassim Yahya Abd Ali said that the area, which

houses the US Embassy and Iraqi government offices, is now open “twenty-four hours a day without any exceptions or con-ditions.” The 4-square mile with its palm trees and monuments has been off limits to the public since the 2003 US invasion of Iraq to topple dictator Saddam Hussein.

“I feel that Baghdad is bigger than before,” said Assir Assem, a 25-year-old who drove his car

inside the Green Zone for the first time in his life yesterday. He said his generation didn’t know any-thing about the Green Zone and felt that people there lived in another country.

“Now there is no difference, and this is beautiful,” he said.

The area was home to Saddam Hussein’s palaces before the war. It then became known as “Little America” following the 2003 US invasion that toppled

him, after it was seized by US military forces. In later years, the walled off area surrounded by cement blast walks became a hated symbol of the country’s inequality, fuelling the per-ception among Iraqis that their government is out of touch.

Only Iraqis with special security badges could enter the area. Various attempts and promises by the Iraqi gov-ernment to open the Green Zone

to traffic over the past years have failed to materialise, because of persistent security concerns.

Earlier this year, the gov-ernment began easing restric-tions in the area. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said the Green Zone will be fully open to the public on Eid Al Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

Ali said authorities removed 12,000 concrete walls from the area.

Four soldiers dead in attack near BaghdadANATOLIA BAGHDAD

Four soldiers were killed and a number of others were injured in an attack by IS gunmen in Al Tarmiyah, a Sunni-majority district north of capital Baghdad, a local security source said yesterday.

Baghdad Police Captain Ahmad Khalaf said a vehicle affiliated with the army’s 59th Brigade struck a roadside bomb late on Monday night while on patrol in the district, injuring several soldiers. “When rein-forcements arrived to evacuate the wounded, gunmen opened fire on them from a nearby orchard, leaving four soldiers dead and several more injured,” Khalaf said. Four IS terrorists, he said, were also killed in the exchange. In mid-2014, the IS terrorist group overran roughly one-third of Iraq, including the northern city of Mosul.

By late 2017, the Iraqi army, with the help of a US-led mil-itary coalition, had managed to recover almost all lost territory from the notorious terror group.

IS in Iraq continues to carry out sporadic attacks.

Malawi oppn supporters protest over poll results REUTERS LILONGWE, MALAWI

Opposition supporters in Malawi stormed a complex housing presidency and government offices yesterday to press demands for President Peter Mutharika to resign after an election they say was rigged.

Mutharika narrowly won re-election last month, launching another five-year term for his Democratic Pro-gressive Party (DPP) in the southern African country.

But opposition parties are challenging the state electoral commission’s May 27 decla-ration of Mutharika as the victor despite complaints of irregularities including results sheets with sections blotted out or altered with correction fluid.

Protesters, among thou-sands who hit the streets of the administrative capital Lilongwe, broke into a com-pound containing offices of the president and government departments and told civil servants to leave.

Police in Lilongwe, an opposition stronghold, took no immediate action to remove the protesters, witnesses said.

10 WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019ASIA

ED to tighten noose around Vadra as aides’ statements differIANS NEW DELHI

The Enforcement Directorate is all set to tighten the noose around Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, as there are discrepancies in his and his asso-ciates’ statements.

A senior ED official said that the statements made by Vadra during various sessions of ques-tioning between February-March 2019 contradict the state-ments produced by his asso-ciates and counsels during the questioning in the case.

The official said, “When he appeared for the first time on February 6, Vadra had said that he could not categorically say he knew Puja Chadha. While on March 8, he told the officials that he did not know Chadha.

“The official said when Vadra was asked whether he knows Sumit Chahdha, a relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, he said he has not met Sumit Chadha.

“Meanwhile, one of his asso-ciate said that Vadra knows Sumit Chadha,” the official said.

“To a question whether he knows Dubai-based busi-nessman C C Thampi through whom the ED suspects kickbacks were routed in a petroleum deal in 2009, Vadra stated that he had met him on board an Emirates flight,” the official said, adding, “while Thampi stated that he met Vadra through Madhavan, per-sonal assistant of Sonia Gandhi.” The ED has recorded the

statement of Thampi on April 6 this year.

Pointing out another contra-diction, the official said Vadra was asked whether he has any knowledge about 12 Bryanston Square (BSQ) property in London. “Vadra during questioning on February 7, replied that he has never stayed there. While Thampi in his statement on April 6 said that Vadra did stay at 12 BSQ in London,” the official said.

Another contradiction was raised on emails of Vadra from Sumit Chadha and Puja Chada. The official said that on February 6, Vadra agreed that a particular email ID belonged to him. However, the very next day he denied that these mails were written to him.

“On the contrary, the close aide of Vadra, Manoj Arora, who was also questioned by the ED on January 16, told the investi-gators that “email appears to have been sent by Sumit Chadha on the email ID of Vadra and

only he can explain the content of the emails as these are addressed to him,” the official said.

The official said during ques-tioning, Vadra denied he knew Vipul Beriwala.

“While Arora’s mobile has the contact number of Briwala saved in it,” he said.

The official then said that during questioning on March 8 this year, Vadra denied he knew Sanjeev Varma, while again the mobile phone of Arora has the contact of Verma.

Pointing out to another dis-crepancy, the official said when Vadra was asked if RV stands for his name in emails, he has stated that “he is not known as RV and people do not refer to him as RV”.

“While the mobile phone of Arora on January 31 said that the contact of MRV in his phone stands as Mr Robert Vadra,” he said.

The official then said that when on February 6 Vadra was asked if he knows Jagdish Sharma, he told the agency that Sharma hovers around him, follows him and tries to associate with him and has never worked for him.

“On the other hand, on December 8 last year, Sharma during his questioning stated that he is close to Gandhi family but he is closest to Vadra,” the official said.

“He said he does political profiling of Vadra and also advises him on various matters,” the official said.

Muslim shopkeepers break their day-long fast at a market on the eve of Eid Al Fitr in Siliguri, yesterday. Muslims in India are preparing to celebrate the Eid Al Fitr holiday, today.

Last Iftar of this Ramadan

No trace of missing An-32 planeIANS ITANAGAR

More than 24 hours after it disappeared while on flight, an Indian Air Force (IAF) An-32 aircraft with 13 people on board remained untraced in Arunachal Pradesh yesterday even as a massive search operation continued.

The Navy’s Long Range Mar-itime Reconnaissance aircraft P8i and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellites were pressed into service to locate the plane but without any success, officials said.

On Monday, the Russian-origin An-32 trasnporter took off from Assam’s Jorhat at 12.27pm for the Mechuka Advanced

Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi-Yomi district bor-dering China.

The aircraft lost contacted with the ground staff at 1.30pm.

“There is no sign of the air-craft. Search and rescue oper-ation is on full swing,” IAF spokesman Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh said in Shillong.

Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal R D Mathur is at the Jorhat Air Force Station monitoring the search and rescue operations. He also interacted with the families of the missing IAF personnel.

Mathur was briefed about the coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and other civil agencies.

The Navy aircraft departed from INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu and shall carry out the search with Electro Optical and Infra Red sensors in the thickly for-ested areas between Jorhat and Mechuka where the An-32 dis-appeared, a Navy official said.

The ISRO has pressed into service its RISAT series of radar imaging satellites to look for the missing aircraft.

On Monday, C-130 and An-32 aircraft, two Mi-17 (IAF) and Army ALH helicopters were launched to locate the plane.

No wreckage has been sighted so far, spokesman Singh said. The administration of Shi-Yomi district in Arunachal Pradesh is also being assisted by villagers.

NIA crackdown on Kashmiri separatists, 3 more in custody

IANS NEW DELHI

Continuing its crackdown on separatists in Kashmir, the NIA yesterday took custody of Masarat Alam Bhat, the alleged kingpin of stone pelting, along with Shabir Shah, chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Demo-cratic Freedom Party and Asiya Andrabi, the head of women’s secessionist group Dukhtaren-e-Millat, to question them about their role in terror funding.

The National Investigation Agency brought Bhat, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League, to Delhi on Monday night from a prison in Jammu and Kashmir where he was lodged under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Yesterday, he was produced before Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Syal who sent him to 10-day custody of the NIA.

Bhat was under detention for his role in triggering protests and serial stone pelting in Kashmir Valley in 2010 for several months in which 110 protesters were killed.

Along with Bhat, the court also remanded Shah and Andrabi to NIA custody till June 14 in connection with a terror funding case.

Their custody was sought for interrogation in connection with a terror funding case which the agency registered in May 2017. Prior to this, the NIA had brought JKLF leader Yasin Malik here in connection with the case.

In the preceding months, the anti-terror investigating agency had arrested separatist leaders including Aftab Hilali Shah alias Shahid-ul-Islam, Ayaz Akbar Khandey, Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate, Nayeem Khan, Altaf Ahmad Shah, Raja Mehrajuddin Kalwal and Bashir Ahmad Bhat alias Peer Saifullah.

Unrest in Rajasthan Congress after election routIANS JAIPUR

Infighting in Rajasthan’s ruling Congress has come out in the open after the party was wiped out in the Lok Sabha battle in the state, with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot blaming his deputy Sachin Pilot for his son’s humil-iating defeat.

And many Congress Min-isters and MLAs are upset too and have gone public blaming the police and bureaucracy after the party failed to win even one of

the 25 Lok Sabha seats.In an interview to a news

channel, Gehlot said that Pilot, the state Congress President, was quite confident that Vaibhav Gehlot will win from Jodhpur and “so I think he should take responsibility for at least this seat”.

Vaibhav Gehlot lost to Union Minister of State Gajendra Singh Shekhawat by over 3 lakh votes though the Chief Minister had campaigned in Jodhpur for days.

Gehlot said he was ready to take “collective responsibility”

for the Congress defeat.A Congress leader said yes-

terday: “The faction fighting has come out in the open, which speaks volumes about the future of the party.” Publicly, however, the Congress is trying to show a united face.

Even on Monday, Chief Min-ister Gehlot invited everyone in the party, including his detractors, to the Iftar party.

The Congress washout in the Lok Sabha battle is doubly humiliating because the party had formed a government only

six months earlier in the state.Congress MLA and ex-DGP

Harish Meena went on hunger strike against his own gov-ernment for failing to act after a tractor driver died after being allegedly thrashed by police.

He promptly found support from BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Kiro-rilal Meena who shared the protest site with him.

Harish Meena called off his hunger strike on Monday when the government acted against the guilty police personnel and gave a job to one of the dependants of

the dead man’s family.Cabinet Minister Lalchand

Kataria stunned everyone by resigning on social media but the government first denied receiving any such resignation letter.

Two days back, Gehlot said he had rejected the resignation.

Then Tourism Minister Vish-wendra Singh also lashed out at the police and the administration for increasing crimes in his con-stituency. His Twitter posts gar-nered support from BJP workers.

A medical staff wearing protective clothing and a policeman walk after preparing isolated wards at a hospital in Kochi.

Kerala braces to fight Nipah and fake newsIANS KOCHI

With a youth in Kerala testing positive for Nipah virus (NiV), fighting misinformation surrounding its spread and cure has become a major issue for the state government.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warned of stringent action against those who spread misinformation and urged people to follow the instructions of the health department.

“We are in constant contact with the Union Health Ministry. A team of experts has arrived in

Kochi. Their inputs will also include efforts against Nipah out-break. Together, we overcame the battle against Nipah in 2018,” he said and added, “The news of confirmation should not be a reason for panic.”

Following the outbreak, experts also warned against fake news on social media claiming a homeopathic pill can protect people from the deadly virus.

Research by neuroscientist Sumaiya Shaikh, who is asso-ciated with fact-checking website Alt News, found that Gelsemium 200 has no effective role in Nipah Virus therapy and such infor-mation should not be spread.

Australia Minister in Sri Lanka stresses ‘tough’ asylum policyREUTERS COLOMBO

A senior Minister restated Australia’s tough border policy on a visit to Sri Lanka yesterday amid reports that the Australian navy had intercepted and returned several boats carrying asylum seekers from the Indian Ocean island.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton declined to comment on the reports, but reiterated his

government’s policy of returning boats carrying asylum seekers to their origin point.

“If you seek to come to Aus-tralia by boat you will not be suc-cessful,” Dutton told reporters at the Australian High Commis-sioner’s residence in Colombo.

Dutton was set to meet Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe later yesterday to discuss Aus-tralia’s policy known as “Oper-ation Sovereign Borders”.

Asylum seekers trying to

reach Australia by sea are inter-cepted and sent for processing to camps in Papua New Guinea and the tiny South Pacific island of Nauru — a policy that has support at home but is criticised internationally.

“We have very tough border protection in Australia and that will not change,” Dutton said.

Australia’s government said last week the navy had stopped a vessel originating from Sri Lanka that was carrying 20 men

and women who were attempting to reach Australia. The passengers were returned to Sri Lanka. Since then up to six more vessels orig-inating from Sri Lanka have been intercepted, Australian media reported last week.

Dutton’s spokeswoman declined to comment on the reports. “The purpose of the visit is to prosecute ‘Operation Sov-ereign Borders’ interests and to engage Sri Lankan authorities on counter-terrorism matters,” she

said in an emailed statement referring to Dutton’s trip.

The UN refugee agency, a fierce critic of Australia’s policy, said on Monday it was seeking clarification from Canberra on the return of asylum seekers to Sri Lanka.

“We were neither notified of the arrival of the asylum-seekers, nor of their subsequent removal,” said Babar Baloch, a spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

A senior ED official said that the statements made by Vadra during various sessions of questioning between February-March 2019 contradict the statements produced by his associates and counsels.

11WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019 ASIA

Top judge accuses Arif Alvi of ‘violating his oath’ANATOLIA KARACHI

A senior judge of Pakistani Supreme Court yesterday accused President Arif Alvi of “violating” his oath by leaking selected judiciary-related docu-ments to media with an intent to tarnish his image.

Justice Qazi Faiz Isa — known for his independent judg-ments and remarks in cases against the government and the powerful army — is currently facing a reference in the supreme judicial council for allegedly con-cealing his assets.

Justice Isa, who is going to be the chief justice of Supreme Court in 2023, penned a letter to

President Alvi asking him as to why he had allegedly leaked par-ticular parts of reference against him to the media with a clear intent to malign his and his fam-ily’s reputation, according to local broadcaster Geo News.

“Mr. President my due process and fair trial constitu-tional protection has been

violated even before the (supreme judicial) council has issued me a notice and I have had an oppor-tunity to submit my reply to the reference,” Justice Isa stated in his five-page letter to the president.

He charged the federal min-isters and other government offi-cials with carrying out a char-acter assassination campaign against him on the basis of leaked documents by the Pres-ident, and in the name of so-called accountability.

“Mr President, is this behaviour appropriate and in accordance with the law,” the letter reads, adding “spreading selective content and speaking about was not a violation of the oath”.

The government, for its parts, said it had sent the reference to the supreme judicial council after a state-run Asset Recovery Unit established proof of undisclosed overseas properties owned by the judge in question.

“No one is above the law”, Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan quoted Prime Min-ister Imran Khan as saying at a press conference while defending the move that has drawn a nationwide criticism, mainly from lawyers.

Amanullah Kunrani, Pres-ident Supreme Court Bar Asso-ciation (SCBA) — the main body of the country’s all bar associa-tions — warned the government of “dire consequences” if the ref-

erence was not withdrawn.“Justice Isa is a man of

integrity. He has not violated any of the clauses pertaining to superior court judges”, Kunrani said demanding that President Alvi resign or the parliament impeach him for violating his oath.

“He (Justice Isa) has exposed terrorism and “people who do not speak against terrorists are facilitators of terrorism”, the SCBA President opined.

He was referring to the two particular cases, a violent sit in by a religious group in Islamabad last year and killing of scores of lawyers in a suicide attack in southwestern Quetta city in 2016. In both cases, Justice Isa held a

section of law enforcing agencies for their patronage and failure.

Analysts view the move as alarming for an already embattled government itself as the lawyers have threatened to launch a countrywide movement if any unlawful action is taken to remove the independent judges from judiciary.

Headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, the supreme judicial council- the only consti-tutional authority mandated by the country’s constitution to conduct inquiries into allegations of incapacity or misconduct against a judge of the Supreme or a High Court- is slated to hear reference against Justice Isa on June 14.

Meat supplies scam costs Afghan police budget millionsREUTERS KABUL

A scandal involving inflated contracts for police meat rations underlines the abuse Afghan authorities are struggling to stop in logistics centres, where corrupt officials and contractors have skimmed fortunes from the government and foreign donors.

Earlier this year, investigators

identified discrepancies in order forms that showed contractors were both claiming for inflated quantities of meat and billing at hugely inflated prices in a multi-million dollar scam.

The meat contract scandal, which saw 23 officials arrested along with the contractor, is only one example of abuse at logistics centres which the US Congres-sional watchdog SIGAR

identified in a recent report as a major risk to the US-backed reconstruction effort in Afghanistan.

It said logistics centres were “focal points of corruption” where “ammunition, uniforms, and other commodities are easily pilfered and sold”.

According to documents se, total overbilling on meat supplies for the year to March 2019 came

to some $7.5m due to “systematic and organised corruption” and a failure of internal controls.

In one case, in Nangarhar province, the company con-tracted to supply 57,413kg of mutton for the month of October but by the time the contract was submitted to the finance ministry in Kabul for payment, the quantity had been inflated to 92,648kg.

Afghan President tovisit Pakistan, hopes to improve relationsAP KABUL

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani yesterday said he will visit Pakistan on June 27 to open a new chapter in his country’s uneasy relationship with its neighbour and mend ties that are often characterised by mistrust and tit-for-tat accusa-tions.

Ghani said he agreed to visit Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan after the two leaders met last week on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Coop-eration meeting in Saudi Arabia.

“I hope the visit will be pos-itive,” Ghani said in his message to mark Eid Al Fitr, the Muslim holiday that caps the fasting month of Ramadan.

Kabul routinely accuses Pakistan of harbouring its Taliban enemies, yet in recent months Islamabad has lent its support to US efforts to broker an end to Afghanistan’s long-running war. Ghani said he held out hope that years of mistrust can be replaced with a new rela-tionship that will allow peace to flourish in the region.

Washington’s peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was in Islamabad on the weekend meeting with senior officials,

including Khan and the powerful army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Khalilzad is looking to press forward on efforts to find an end to America’s longest running conflict. Pakistan has promised to aid the peace process and has so far pressed Taliban, many of whom have families living in Pakistan, into talks. Khalilzad, who has already held several rounds of talks with the religious militia will meet again with their leadership later this month in Doha .

In his address to the nation, Ghani urged the Taliban to again mark Eid with a ceasefire as they did last year, but the militia has already refused, saying there will be no end to fighting while US and Nato troops are still in Afghanistan.

Taliban leader, Maulvi Hibat-ullah Akhunzada, in his Eid message to insurgents issued yes-terday, again rejected a ceasefire while repeating a Taliban promise that they have no ambitions to monopolise power in post-war Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, in northern Baghlan province, a remote-controlled mine hidden in a motorcycle parked outside a mosque exploded, killing two worshippers and wounding eight.

Amanullah Kunrani, President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), warned the government of “dire consequences” if the reference was not withdrawn.

Pakistan army rejects report on human rights abuse

Eid prayer

ANATOLIA ISLAMABAD

Pakistan army yesterday has strongly reacted on a story published by BBC on human rights violation in northwestern parts of the country and termed it “pack of lies”.

On Sunday, BBC published a story with titled “uncovering

Pakistan’s secret human rights abuses” said that tens of thousand of people have been killed during the war against terror and many of them were murdered and tortured by sol-diers and insurgents.

“The story carries conjec-turing implicating Pakistan Army without any proof. The angling, spinning and creditability of the

story is exposed from the fact that contrary to published claim” Inter Services Public Relation (ISPR), media-wing of Pakistan army said in a statement. “The story is pack of lies and in violation of journalistic ethos.”

The army spokesman said that North Waziristan was stronghold of the militants which they were used to plan,

coordinate and execute terrorists activities across the country. “On the average six to eight terrorist incidents per month were taking place across Pakistan targeting children, women, schools, churches and markets. People were being slaughtered in North Waziristan and terrorists were playing football with heads of their victims”.

Pakistani Muslims offering prayers for the Eid Al Fitr holiday in Peshawar, yesterday. Muslims around the world celebrate the Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

China issues US travel alert over ‘interrogations and harassment’AP BEIJING

China issued a travel warning for the US, saying Chinese visitors have been interrogated, interviewed and subjected to other forms of what it called harassment by US law enforcement agencies.

The warning urges Chinese citizens and Chinese-funded bodies in the US to step up their safety awareness and prevent-ative measures and respond “appropriately and actively.” It was issued by the foreign min-istry, as well as the Chinese Embassy and consulates in US.

China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued its own travel alert for US, noting the high frequency of shootings, robberies and theft in the country.

30th Tiananmen anniversaryPro-democracy activists raise up candles during a candlelight vigil to mark the 30th anniversary of the crackdown of pro-democracy movement at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989, at Victoria Park in Hong Kong, yesterday.

Australia shooting leaves four dead

AFP/SYDNEY

Four people are dead and two injured in Australia after a gunman opened fire late yesterday in the city centre of Darwin, police said.

A 45-year-old man has been taken into custody and police said there are no further public threats.

“The active shooter threat has dissipated,” superintendent Gavin Kennedy, from the Northern Territory police, said.

Kennedy said police were investigating at least five crime scenes in the city. Police had earlier shut down parts of the city and alerted the public an armed offender was on the loose.

Prime Minister Scott Mor-rison said the attack was not believed to be terror related. “Our advice is that this is not a terrorist act.”

US, Philippines to launch new plan to counter extremismAP MANILA

US and Philippine officials discussed a new programme to thwart efforts by extremists to recruit and mobilise followers in the country’s south after a bloody siege by jihadists aligned with the IS militant group.

The three-year programme involves helping local officials identify issues that foster extremism and find ways to address them, said US Assistant Secretary Denise Natali of the State Department’s Bureau of Conflict & Stabilization Operations.

American and Australian sur-veillance aircraft helped Filipino troops quell the disastrous 2017 siege by hundreds of mostly local militants in southern Marawi city, where the commercial and res-idential centre remains in ruins and off-limits to the public. Despite the militants’ defeat, Philippine officials said surviving militants have continued efforts to recruit new followers and plot new attacks.

More than 1,100 militants were killed and hundreds of thousands of residents were dis-placed in the five-month siege in the city, which renewed fears that the IS group was stepping up collaboration with local

jihadists to gain a foothold in the region.

“We are focusing on how to prevent further and future inci-dences of violent extremism and radicalization from occurring so that we don’t have another Marawi ever again,” Natali said.

The State Department bureau and the Philippine gov-ernment are finalising details of the programme to help pro-vincial governments and non-government groups design and enforce effective projects to counter extremism, Natali said.

Natali emphasised the importance of basing such projects on facts and evidence instead of assumptions, citing a five-month survey commis-sioned by the US last year in four southern Muslim provinces that showed which issues were helping spark extremism and radicalisation the most.

The Philippines has been one of Washington’s strongest Asian allies in the fight against terrorism since September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the US.

Duterte, who has been a vocal critic of US security pol-icies, said after taking office in mid-2016 that he wanted US counterterrorism forces out of the southern Philippines while he rebuilt frayed relations with China.

12 WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019EUROPE

Trump renews attack on London mayorANATOLIA LONDON

US President Donald Trump yesterday renewed his attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, describing him “a negative force”.

In a news conference fol-lowing his meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Trump said Khan should focus on dealing with the problems he faces instead of targeting a rep-resentative of the US.

The visiting US president had tweeted as he was landing in the UK on Monday that Sadiq Khan was a “stone cold loser.”

A war of words between the duo had reached a new low yes-terday as Trump said that Sadiq Khan “who by all accounts has done a terrible job as Mayor of London, has been foolishly “nasty” to the visiting President of the United States, by far the most important ally of the United Kingdom.”

“He is a stone cold loser who should focus on crime in London, not me[…],” the US president said.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, while addressing anti-Trump protesters at the Parliament Square, said Trump’s policies on immigration, human rights, trade and climate change were divisive.

The Labour leader said he

was “very disappointed” by Trump’s attack on Sadiq Khan.

Trump said Corbyn asked to meet himself today or tomorrow but “I said no”.

“I don’t like critics as much as I respect people who get things done,” he said, also describing Corbyn as a “negative force.”

A Labour statement later confirmed that Corbyn requested a meeting with the US president to talk about issues including climate issues, peace and immigration.

Corbyn boycotted a state banquet organised for Trump on Monday night.

Trump met May yesterday on his second day of a three-day-long state visit to discuss future trade arrangements between the two country and various security issues.

May started paying tribute to those who died in D-Day in the joint news conference held in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and underlined the special relationship between the UK and the US.

“I have always believed that cooperation and compromise are the basis of strong alliances, and nowhere is this more true than in the special relationship,” May said.

“Today we have discussed again the importance of our two

nations working together to address Iran’s destabilising activity in the region and to ensure Tehran cannot acquire a nuclear weapon,” she added.

The prime minister said she also spoke with Trump “about China, recognising its economic significance and that we cannot ignore action that threatens our shared interests or values.”

The visiting president also

underlined the special bond between the two countries and the alliance cemented in D-Day during the World War II.

Trying not to intervene with Britain’s domestic issues — as he has received criticism as he made statements in support of some Conservative party lead-ership hopefuls including former Foreign Secretary Boris Jonson — Donald Trump said Brexit

would be good for the UK.Tens of thousands people

protested the US president outside the government offices while he was holding a meeting with May. His motorcade avoided Trafalgar Square and most of the Whitehall where large crowds filled before his visit to May due to top-level security measures.

A pro-US President Donald Trump supporter is pushed by anti-Trump demonstrators during a rally, in London, yesterday.

Ukraine accuses Russia of failing to stop ‘terrorism’AFP THE HAGUE

Ukraine accused Russia yesterday of doing nothing to prevent what it called pro-Moscow separatists’ “acts of terrorism” in eastern Ukraine, including the 2014 downing of a Malaysia Airlines flight.

Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister Olena Zerkal made the claim before judges at the Inter-national Court of Justice in The Hague on the second day of arguments in a case brought by Kiev against Moscow.

On Monday, Russia argued that Ukraine had failed to present any new evidence against it and called on the court to dismiss the case.

Zerkal responded yesterday by blaming Russia for failing to prevent deadly violence in Ukraine.

“Did it stop the financing of terrorism in Ukraine? No. Did it help us find the authors of ter-rorist acts? No,” she said.

“Result? Flight MH17 was shot down. There have been bomb attacks, rockets have fallen in residential districts.

Hundreds of people have been killed or wounded, thousands have been intimidated,” she added.

The destruction of flight MH17 killed all 298 people on board the civilian airliner.

Ukraine launched the case against Russia in the year 2017 under international laws on the financing of terrorism.

It is seeking damages for attacks against civilians it says the separatists have carried out in eastern Ukraine, including the downing of flight MH17.

It says Moscow supplied the

BUK surface-to-air missile system used to shoot down the flight, something Russia has repeatedly denied.

On Monday, Russia argued that the ICJ had no jurisdiction in the case.

Zerkal argued: “Russia denies what the whole world knows. It is seeking to clear itself of its responsibility.”

Hearings in the case will continue until Friday.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine started five years ago and has so far claimed 13,000 lives, according to UN

Prosecutor says secession bid in Catalonia was ‘coup d’etat’AFP MADRID

Catalonia’s 2017 secession bid was a “coup d’etat” aimed at “wiping out the Spanish consti-tution,” a prosecutor said in his closing statement at the trial of 12 separatists in Madrid.

Javier Zaragoza told the Supreme Court this “coup d’etat” was an attempt “to substitute a legal order by another via illegal means”.

The Catalan separatist leaders have been on trial since February 12 over their role in organising a referendum on secession, despite a court ban, which was followed by a short-lived declaration of inde-pendence in October 2017. The trial is due to end on June 12.

Nine of the 12 are in jail, con-sidered “political prisoners” by supporters of independence in the northeastern region — a claim categorically rejected by Zaragoza.

“We’re not going after political opinions,” he said.

The defendants are on trial for “having tried to wipe out the Spanish constitution of 1978” by using “violence when it was nec-essary,” he added.

In a document published last week, prosecutors maintained the charge of rebellion against the nine defendants, a controversial offence that implies “rising up in a violent and public manner”.

They also confirmed they would be seeking the same sen-tences they had asked for before the trial started.

Catalonia’s former vice-president Oriol Junqueras risks up to 25 years in jail, the heaviest sentence.

Defence lawyers, however, maintain their clients never took up arms and waged no violence during the secession bid.

Those who did, they say, were the police who tried to stop the illegal referendum from going ahead on October 1, 2017.

Blood tests recommended over Notre-Dame lead riskAP PARIS

Paris’ regional health agency is recommending that children under seven and pregnant women who live near Notre Dame Cathedral take a blood test over concern the fire that ravaged the monument caused lead pollution.

The April 15 blaze sent tonnes of toxic lead from the cathedral’s burnt-out roof into the air, later sinking to the ground as dust. The agency said it has identified a child from the area with “a blood lead level above the regulatory threshold.” Soil samples and some administrative buildings nearby tested positive for high levels of lead.

The agency said yesterday however recent samples show there is “no risk linked to air quality.” Paris authorities have begun a cleanup of lead dust in the remaining cordoned-off parts of Notre Dame’s forecourt with a vacuum-style machine.

Danube boat accident toll reaches 11AFP BUDAPEST

Hungarian police confirmed yesterday the discovery of two more South Korean victims of a sightseeing vessel which sank in Budapest last week, raising the toll to eleven tourists killed with 17 still missing.

“A (male) body was found in the window of the boat wreck and brought to the surface,” said a statement by Hungarian counterterror police TEK.

Later, police confirmed a male body found in the Kulcs area some 70km south of accident scene was also a victim.

The Mermaid boat carrying mainly South Korean tourists overturned and sank last Wednesday seconds after col-liding with the Viking Sigyn cruise ship on a busy stretch of the river in the heart of the Hungarian capital.

Only seven of the 35 people on board have survived so far, leaving 17 missing with the prospect of finding any more passengers alive seen as prac-tically zero. Those missing include a six-year-old girl as well as the Mermaid’s captain and a crew member.

Divers and experts con-tinued yesterday to assess how to hoist the submerged boat from 9 metres under the surface or search for bodies presumed to be stuck inside.

According to the Hungarian authorities the high water level — swollen by heavy rain in recent weeks — and speed of the river current makes entering the boat potentially lethal.

“The visibility is in effect zero, we don’t know how much the ship is damaged, and what traps may be inside,” said Hun-garian interior minister Sandor Pinter. “We don’t want more deaths, so the goal is to safely lift the wreck.”

Preparing for D-day anniversaryPeople sit in a jeep during the preparations for the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day landings, on the beach of Arromanches-les-Bains, also known as Gold beach, in France, yesterday.

Cyprus police find third suitcase with body inside

AP NICOSIA

Divers have dragged a suitcase containing decomposing human remains from a toxic lake, a Cyprus police spokesman said yesterday, the third such discovery in the east Mediterranean island nation’s serial killer case.

Andreas Angelides said the discovery is a “major devel-opment” in the unfolding inves-tigation of a Cypriot army captain who has confessed to the killing of seven foreign women and girls.

Angelides said coroners examined the latest discovery at the scene while more spe-cialised tests will be carried out to determine the person’s identity. “We proceeded with our search keeping two key factors in mind, the degree of difficulty and the level of danger involved.”

This is the third suitcase containing a body retrieved from the lake following a six-week search.

The 35 year-old suspect had said that he disposed of the bodies of a Filipino woman and a Romanian mother and daughter in lake after placing their bodies in suitcases.

The body in the latest find is believed to belong to Maricar Valtez Arquiola, 31, from the Philippines.

The case came to light on April 14 when the bound body of 38-year-old Mary Rose Tiburcio, also from Philippines, was discovered by chance down a flooded shaft near the toxic lake that was part of what is now a disused copper mine.

Italy’s Salvini warns of government crisisAP ROME

Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini warned yesterday that a government crisis will be unavoidable if his League party cannot start working constructively with the 5-Star Movement, its coalition partner, within two weeks.

The warning came a day after Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte threatened to resign unless the two populist parties in the coalition government set aside their differences and con-

tinue working on the gov-ernment program.

Salvini insisted he wanted to move forward with the gov-ernment agenda, adding that a breakthrough is needed soon.

“If we realise that in 15 days’ time we’re back here saying the same things, with the same delays and the same postpone-ments, then it would be a problem,” Salvini said.

The right-wing League and the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement have been fighting constantly since they sealed a

fragile government pact a year ago.

Conte is a lawyer by training and his skills as a mediator were widely touted when he was tapped to head the coalition of two unaligned populist parties.

His resignation would pave the way to a government crisis, leading the country to new elec-tions, likely in the fall, just ahead of a critical budget law that needs approval by the end of the year.

In a sign of peacemaking, the uneasy coalition allies yes-terday managed to reach an

agreement on launching large-scale public works. But that was just one of the key economic measures the partners disagree on.

Italy’s expensive budget plans have already raised the EU Commission’s worries and may lead to an excessive deficit procedure as soon as this week, with Rome facing fines for up to 3.5 billion euros.

The Commission warned that, rather than shrinking, Italy’s debt has been on the rise this year and will continue to expand next year.

13 WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 2019AMERICAS

US puts new restrictions on Cuba travel REUTERS HAVANA

The Trump administration yesterday imposed heavy new restrictions on US travel to Cuba, including a ban on cruises, in a further bid to pressure the island’s Communist government to reform and end its support for Venezuela’s embattled President Nicolas Maduro.

The tightening of the decades-old US embargo on the Caribbean’s largest island will further wound its crippled economy, as well as hurt US travel companies that had built up business with Cuba during the brief 2014-2016 detente between the old Cold War foes.

The State Department said the United States will no longer permit visits to Cuba via pas-senger and recreational vessels, including cruise ships and yachts, as well as private and corporate aircraft.

The country will also no longer allow so-called group people-to-people educational travel, one of the most popular exemptions to the overall ban on US tourism to Cuba. Travel experts said groups may instead use one of the 11 other categories still allowed. The administration

of US President Donald Trump had announced the new restric-tions in April as part of its rollback of the US-Cuban detente of former President Barack Obama and its broader battle against socialism in Latin America. Cuba experts say the Trump administration appears to be partly eyeing the presi-dential elections next year, with the key swing state of Florida home to many Cuban-American exiles who welcome the harder line on Havana.

“The Administration has advanced the President’s Cuba policy by ending ‘veiled tourism’ to Cuba and imposing restric-tions on vessels,” said a tweet from Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton, who has led the US campaign against what he has called the “troika of tyranny” of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. “We will continue to take actions to restrict the Cuban

regime’s access to US dollars.” Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez denounced the move as an attempt against interna-tional law to asphyxiate the economy in order to extricate “political concessions.” “Once again they will fail,” he said on Twitter. This is the second time the Trump administration has tightened US travel restrictions on Cuba. While the measures are designed to hit government coffers, they are also hurting Cuba’s fledgling private sector, which the United States has said it wants to support.

“This is another hard blow,” said Miguel Ángel Morales, owner of La Moneda Cubana, a restaurant in Old Havana. “Around 50 percent of our business comes from the cruise ships.” The Trump adminis-tration is hitting the two areas of the economy, tourism and investment, that have helped

Cuba keep the economy afloat even as it has faced declining Venezuelan aid and exports in recent years.

Last month, the adminis-tration allowed US lawsuits against foreign companies for the use of property confiscated after Cuba’s 1959 revolution, a move

that will likely dampen future foreign investment.

Meanwhile, US travel to Cuba had boomed in recent years after Obama loosened restrictions, allowing the re-establishment of regular commercial flights and cruise services. The United States became the second-largest

source of travellers to the island after Canada, with a majority arriving on cruises ships.

According to the Cuban gov-ernment, 257,500 US citizens, not including those of Cuban origin, visited Cuba from January through March, with 55% arriving on cruise ships.

The tightening of the decades-old US embargo on the Caribbean’s largest island will further wound its crippled economy, as well as hurt US travel companies that had built up business with Cuba during the brief 2014-2016 detente between the old Cold War foes.

Tourists ride inside a vintage car as they pass by the Norwegian Sky cruise ship, operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines in Havana, Cuba.

US, Mexico hold talks, Trump demands actionAFP WASHINGTON

Mexico made a last-ditch push yesterday to avoid the punishing import tariffs Donald Trump has threatened to slap on his southern neighbour, as the US president demanded it put an end to a migrant “invasion.”

Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador shrugged off Trump’s combative rhetoric and said he was prepared to meet with the US president to defuse the crisis.

Top members of his team were gathered in Washington for talks with key administration officials in a bid to get Trump to shelve his threat to impose punitive five percent duties on Mexican imports beginning June 10.

With pressure boiling, members of Trump’s Republican party were reportedly consid-ering a brazen legislative move to block the president’s tariffs, something Trump himself warned would be a “foolish” act.

Speaking before a high-stakes meeting between Mexican

officials and US trade represent-ative Robert Lighthizer, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he predicted an “80 percent” chance of success in negotiating a way out.

But after stepping up the pressure with a Monday tweet saying Mexico should “immedi-ately” stop the flow of migrants and drugs towards the southern border, Trump doubled down during his state visit to Britain.

Even as Ebrard spoke of hopes for reaching “common ground,” Trump bluntly told reporters in London it was “more likely” than not that the tariffs go into effect next week.

“Mexico should step up and stop this onslaught, this invasion into our country,” Trump said at a joint press conference with outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Trump has said the tariffs would rise steadily to 25 percent by October if Mexico does not substantially stem the flow of undocumented migrants, mainly from Central American coun-tries, arriving at the US southern border.

In Mexico City, Lopez Obrador, who has sought to avoid a confrontation, remained upbeat.

“It’s likely we will reach an agreement, and we are going to continue insisting that talks are the way to go,” said the leftist leader, who took office in December.

Asked if he would meet Trump personally, he said, “If necessary we would do it,”

adding he preferred to let nego-tiations run their course first.

The US leader’s shock tariff announcement pummelled the Mexican currency and sent markets in both countries tum-bling over fears of a sharp slowdown in trade and high prices for imported goods on both sides of the border.

Mexico has said the tariffs would be “counterproductive,” but the White House reiterated

this week that Trump’s threat is serious. US lawmakers including Republicans have warned that the tariff plan could scuttle the massive free trade agreement being finalized between Mexico, the United States and Canada, that is set to replace the long-standing NAFTA.

The new deal, called USMCA, is currently in the process of rat-ification by the legislatures of the three countries.

The Washington Post reported that US Republicans were discussing whether they would have to block Trump’s planned new tariffs, a move that would trigger the most dramatic act of defiance from within the president’s party since he took office in 2017.

Trump brushed aside the threat, saying he did not believe Republicans would follow through.

“If they do, it’s foolish,” he said. “There’s nothing more important than borders. I’ve had tremendous Republican support.” But several of Trump’s allies were insistent that Trump pull his tariff threat.

Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gestures during a news conference at the National Palace in Mexico City yesterday.

Peru Congress debates ahead of confidence vote on govtREUTERS LIMA

Peru’s Congress was headed toward a confidence vote on the government yesterday that was summoned by President Martin Vizcarra in a bid to pressure lawmakers to pass his anti-graft proposals.

Debates began yesterday, with a vote expected soon. If Peru’s opposition-controlled Congress votes “no confidence,” Vizcarra could invoke a consti-tutional measure that would authorise him to dissolve Con-gress and call new legislative elections.

“It is urgent to save our democracy from corruption. It is urgent to prevent people who are guilty of criminal offenses from representing us. It is urgent to promote the strength-ening of political parties,” Prime Minister Salvador Del Solar, a Vizcarra ally, said at the start of the debate.

Under Peru’s constitution, if Congress fails to grant a vote of confidence in a government twice, the president can dis-solve Congress. The current Congress has already issued a vote of no-confidence once during this government — in 2017, when Vizcarra was vice-president. The heightened ten-sions between Congress and the president have ushered in a new period of political uncer-tainty in one of Latin America’s most stable economies.

Vizcarra’s threat triggered immediate cries of “coup” from allies of opposition lawmakers and could stir some debate over its legality, potentially dis-tracting the government from efforts to mediate disputes over mining and oil operations and to pass a labor reform package.

Biden unveils $1.7 trillion climate planREUTERS WASHINGTON

Former Vice-President Joe Biden released a plan yesterday to address climate change that would pour $1.7 trillion of investment into achieving 100% clean energy and net-zero emis-sions by 2050, in part using revenues from reversing Trump administration corporate tax cuts.

The front-runner for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination unveiled the plan after weeks of pressure from

rivals and green activists who claimed he was not taking global warming seriously enough, and would rely too heavily on Obama-era ideas. A campaign adviser said last month Biden was seeking a “middle ground” approach that he hoped would please environmentalists without turning off the blue-collar voters who swept Pres-ident Donald Trump to power in 2016.. “I’m calling for a Clean Energy Revolution to confront this crisis and do what America does best - solve big problems with big ideas,” Biden said.

Deaths from falls among older Americans riseAP CHICAGO

New research shows fatal falls have nearly tripled in older Americans in recent years, rising to more than 25,000 deaths yearly.

The findings highlight the importance of fall prevention. A separate study bolsters evidence that programmes focusing on improving muscle strength and balance can help achieve that goal. Both studies were pub-lished yesterday in the Journal of the American Medical Asso-ciation. Circumstances weren’t included in the data, but trau-matic brain injuries and hip fractures leading to steep health declines are among causes of death in older adults who fall.

“Deaths from falls may have increased because older people are living longer, living longer independently, and are living longer with chronic conditions,” said Elizabeth Burns, a study co-author and health scientist at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s injury center.

She noted that some medi-cations also make older adults prone to falls. That includes pre-scription drugs affecting balance. Burns said research shows their use of certain

psychiatric medications that can cause drowsiness and vision problems has increased sub-stantially in recent years.

The new analysis included 16 years of US vital statistics data on adults aged 75. Fatal falls increased from 8,600 in 2000 to 25,190 in 2016. Separate CDC data show they climbed even higher in 2017, to almost 26,440 fatal falls in Americans aged 75 and older. The rate in the study more than doubled, from 51 fatal falls per 100,000 people to 122 falls per 100,000. The results echo studies of fatal fall trends in the Netherlands and other European countries.

Weight-bearing exercise such as walking; balance exer-cises; and resistance exercises to strengthen muscles can also reduce risks for falls, said Dr. Marco Pahor of the University of Florida’s aging and geriatric research department, who wrote an accompanying journal edi-torial. The programme studied in the second study involved exercises three times a week at home for a year, with five ses-sions led by a physical therapist. These include seated and standing leg lifts, knee bends and backward walking, plus walking half an hour at least twice weekly.

Virginia governor seeks new gun controlsREUTERS VIRGINIA

Virginia’s Democratic governor, Ralph Northam, called yesterday for the state’s Republican-controlled legislature to reconvene in a special session to consider new gun control laws following a massacre of 12 people last week.

“I will be asking for votes and laws, not thoughts and prayers,” he said at a news con-ference announcing his

proposed legislation. Northam has previously faced resistance from the legislature to increase restrictions on guns.

A Virginia Beach city engineer shot dead 12 people at a municipal building on Friday in one of the deadliest workplace shootings in the United States.

The gunman used two handguns, purchased legally, that he reloaded with extended ammunition magazines and had a silencer on one of the weapons, according to the police. Northam

said he wanted to ban assault-style rifles, to require people to report lost and stolen guns and to expand local authority to reg-ulate guns, including in gov-ernment buildings.

“None of these ideas are radical,” he told reporters.

Northam said earlier efforts at passing similar legislation had died in committees under political pressure. He said he wanted the proposed legislation to be put to the entire General Assembly.

El Chapo’s request for better jail conditions rejected

REUTERS NEW YORK

A US judge has rejected Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s request for better conditions at the Manhattan jail where the convicted Mexican drug lord awaits sentencing, after pros-ecutors said the request might be part of an effort to escape.

US District Judge Brian Cogan said he would not second-guess the “special administrative measures” that the US government imposed on Guzman, who had escaped Mexican custody twice before being extradited to the United States in 2017. The Brooklyn judge rejected changes, including giving Guzman at least two hours of exercise on the roof of the Metropolitan Correctional Center, where another inmate unsuccessfully attempted an escape in 1981. He also rejected Guzman’s argument that his confinement amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. “I agree with defendant that his conduct was and remains exemplary, but that conduct is a direct conse-quence of the strict conditions of confinement in which he finds himself,” Cogan wrote.