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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016 RABI AL-AWWAL 2,1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net
OPEC agrees on first
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VIENNA: The OPEC oil cartel defied expectations yester-
Amir reappoints Sheikh Jaber as PM day and nailed down its first joint output cut since 2008
after tough talks in Vienna, sending oil prices soaring.
Brent North Sea crude for January delivery was up $3.77
at $50.15, the first time it has risen above $50 in a
month. West Texas Intermediate was up $3.98 at $49.21.
By B Izzak their first coordination meeting hosted
The accord announced by the Organization of the
by veteran opposition MP Mohammad
KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Al-Mutair. The meeting was attended by Petroleum Exporting Countries is aimed at reducing a
Ahmad Al-Sabah yesterday renamed 25 lawmakers and two more who could global supply glut that has kept prices painfully low.
outgoing Prime Minister HH Sheikh not attend said they support its deci- It represents a dramatic reversal from OPEC’s Saudi-
Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah to form the sions. Mutair said the meeting discussed led strategy, introduced in 2014, of flooding the market
next Cabinet. The decision came after at length the issue of electing the speak- to pressure rivals, in particular US shale oil producers.
the Amir held consultations with former er, as three opposition MPs have said The cartel will lower its monthly output by 1.2 million
speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem and for- they will contest. Mutair said he decided barrels per day (bpd) to 32.5 million bpd from Jan 1,
mer prime minister HH Sheikh Nasser to withdraw from the race in favor of Qatar’s energy minister and president of the OPEC con-
Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, in MPs Abdullah Al-Roumi and Shuaib Al- ference said. “This is a major step forward and we think
addition to Sheikh Jaber himself. Former Muwaizri. A four-MP committee was this is a historic agreement, which will definitely help
three-time speaker and opposition also formed to study the cases of Roumi rebalance the market and reduce the stock overhang,”
leader Ahmad Al-Saadoun was not pres- and Muwaizri in order to try and help Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada told a news conference
ent at the consultations. select one of the two. in Vienna. He also said that the deal will help lift global
Sheikh Jaber was first appointed to Their next meeting will be held on inflation accelerate to a “more healthy rate”, including in
the post in late 2011 after the resigna- Saturday with the aim to resolve the the United States.
tion of Sheikh Nasser. He has to form the speakership issue and come up with It finalizes a preliminary deal struck in September in
new Cabinet before Dec 11 when the one candidate to face off with Ghanem, Algeria when OPEC agreed to cut production but left
National Assembly is scheduled to hold who is expected to run. Several lawmak- the details to clear up later. Negotiations got bogged
its first meeting. Newly-elected MPs ers have openly called for electing a down in a game of poker between OPEC’s three biggest
have called on the prime minister to new speaker to replace Ghanem. MP producers, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran, on who would do
carefully read the outcome of the gener- Yousef Al-Fadhalah, who did not attend the heavy lifting. Iraq had said it did not want to pump
al polls, in which the opposition won the opposition meeting, called on his less crude because it was short of money to fight
KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives HH the
almost half of the 50 seats. Twitter account on the government Islamic State group extremists. It also disputed how
Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah yesterday. —KUNA
Meanwhile, opposition MPs held Continued on Page 13 much it actually produced.
Continued on Page 13
PAGE PAGE
Currency ban slims Palestine startups
fat India weddings keep innovating
Riyadh Motor Show back in gear
RIYADH: In a Saudi economy where began on Tuesday night. European luxury
restraint is the buzzword, this week’s brands are absent from the show, which is
Alwaleed: Let
small-scale Riyadh Motor Show is a sign of targeted at the average buyer and takes
the times. But following widespread eco- up just one section of a Riyadh conven-
women drive nomic austerity in the kingdom hit by tion center. Much of the hall is devoted to
falling oil revenues, the fact that the event auto accessories. Saudi media described
is being held at all after a three-year the exhibition space as several times
absence has given hope to car retailers. smaller than at the previous show.
RIYADH: An outspoken billionaire Saudi prince has
Although it is usually an annual event, the Retailers in the kingdom in general are
called for an “urgent” end to his country’s ban on
NEW YORK: Former Goldman Sachs executive Steven Mnuchin, US President- last show was in 2012. “There was not complaining of lower sales and residents
women driving, saying it is a matter not just of rights
Elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Treasury Secretary, speaks with reporters in much interest from different companies say they have less money to spend. On top
but of economic necessity. “Stop the debate: Time for
the lobby of Trump Tower yesterday. — AP to participate” in the intervening years, of hikes in the prices of petrol, electricity
women to drive,” Prince Alwaleed bin Talal said on his
said Alaa Aboumerhi, general manager of and water over the past year, the cabinet
official Twitter account. Alwaleed is an unusually forth-
Trump to leave business to marketing for Hyundai Wallan, Saudi dis- in September imposed a wage freeze on
right member of Saudi Arabia’s extensive royal family.
tributors for the South Korean brand. civil servants, who make up the bulk of the
He holds no political posts but chairs Kingdom
focus on running country Hyundai sedans are on display along- workforce. Among saving measures at the
Holding Co, which has interests including in US bank-
side rivals including Japan’s Toyota, highest levels, top government officials
ing giant Citigroup and the Euro Disney theme park.
China’s Chery and US brands Chevrolet will no longer be given cars.
Treasury chief named He is a longtime advocate of women’s rights in the
and GMC at the four-day event which Continued on Page 13
conservative Islamic
kingdom, which has
NEW YORK: US President-elect Donald way have a conflict of interest with my var- some of the world’s
Trump yesterday tried to stifle concerns ious businesses,” he tweeted. tightest restrictions on
that his business empire represents a con- US law does not require Trump to give women and is the only
flict of interest, promising to put it aside as up his business portfolio, although the country where they
he packed his cabinet roster with fellow Constitution states that no federal official are not allowed to
billionaires. In one of his trademark can receive a gift or “emolument” from a drive. In conjunction
predawn tweetstorms, the Manhattan real foreign government. Some previous presi- with his short tweet,
Prince Alwaleed
estate mogul said that next month, he will dents have placed investments in a blind Alwaleed’s office
reveal a plan to put aside his “great busi- trust, but they were not required to do so. issued an uncharacteristically long statement late
ness in total in order to fully focus on run- Critics argue it would be an unprecedent- Tuesday outlining his reasons for supporting an end to
ning the country”. ed ethical conflict for Trump to maintain the ban. “Preventing a woman from driving a car is
The 70-year-old tycoon did not say who an interest in properties spanning the today an issue of rights similar to the one that forbade
would take over his multi-billion dollar globe that rely in part on goodwill from her from receiving an education or having an inde-
global property and luxury branding inter- foreign governments and regulators. pendent identity,” Alwaleed said. “They are all unjust
ests, but said his children would be pres- And, even on home soil, his company acts by a traditional society, far more restrictive than
ent at a December 15 news conference. He has attracted criticism for marketing the what is lawfully allowed by the precepts of religion.”
has previously said his daughter Ivanka new Trump International Hotel in He also detailed the “economic costs” of women
and sons Eric and Don Jr could take day- Washington - just a few blocks from the having to rely on foreign private drivers or taxis, since
to-day charge of the business while he is White House - to foreign diplomats. But his public transit is not a viable alternative in the king-
president, but it is not clear what he would new chief of staff , Reince Priebus, insisted dom. Using foreign drivers drains billions of dollars
do with his personal stake. “While I am not there were “smart ethics lawyers” working from the Saudi economy, Alwaleed said.
RIYADH: Saudi women look at a luxury sports car during the 30th International
mandated to do this under the law, I feel it on a “plan”. Continued on Page 13
Riyadh Motor Show on Tuesday. — AFP
is visually important, as president, to in no Continued on Page 13
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1,2016
LO C A L
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets
meets with His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- with First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- with former National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem.
Jaber Al-Sabah. — Amiri Diwan photos Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
Amir holds traditional consultations before appointing premier
His Highness receives invitation to attend GCC summit
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Jaber Al-Mubarak, Sheikh Sabah Al-
Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Khaled, Deputy Prime Minister and
Sabah received at Bayan Palace yes- Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad
terday former National Assembly Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and
Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem, for- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
mer Prime Minister His Highness Defense Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-
Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- Sabah.
Ahmad Al-Sabah and His Highness In other news, His Highness the
the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- Amir received a letter from Bahraini
Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which
meeting is part of the current tradi- was delivered by the Bahraini
tional consultations conducted to Ambassador to Kuwait, Sheikh Khalifa
appoint the new prime minister. His bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The letter
Highness the Amir earlier met with included an invitation to His Highness
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh the Amir to attend the 37th session of
Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the GCC’s supreme council and the
and later with First Deputy Prime GCC summit that will be held next
Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh month in Manama with the participa-
Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. tion of the United Kingdom’s Prime
Meanwhile, His Highness the Minister, Theresa May. Deputy
Crown Prince met with Ghanem, His Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs, Sheikh His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Highness Sheikh Nasser Al- Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah attended the with former Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- meets with Bahraini Ambassador to Kuwait Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad
Mohammed, His Highness Sheikh meeting.— KUNA Ahmad Al-Sabah. Al Khalifa.
Kuwait, UK eye closer ties
UK to organize investment expo on Kuwait
KUWAIT:Means of boosting cooperation, main-
ly the economic and consultative areas between
Kuwait and Britain were the focus of discussions
between Chairman of Capital Markets Authority
(CMA) Board of Commissioners Nayef Al-Hajraf
and Lord Mayor of the City of London Andrew
Parmley.
The two sides discussed developing coopera-
tion in the training and rehabilitation fields
which are in line with the agreement that was
signed for this purpose last August, the authori-
ty said in a press statement yesterday. The agree-
ment aims to serve dealers of securities activities
through implementing the international qualifi-
cations tests on limited jobs to raise sufficiency
of dealers at market, it added.
KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Suleiman Al-Jarallah meets with US
The deal stressed the need to share expertise
Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence Silverman. — KUNA
with international institutions so as to upgrade
Deputy FM meets Kuwait’s market, it noted. The authority stressed
that it seeks to establish, or contribute to estab-
lishing, an educational or a training institution in
US Ambassador the area of securities markets, the statement
concluded.
Investment expo
Meanwhile, Parmley announced on Tuesday
KUWAIT:Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled ments. Foreign Ministry officials attended
that the UK plans to organize an exhibition on KUWAIT: Chairman of Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Board of Commissioners Nayef Al-
Suleiman Al-Jarallah met yesterday with the meeting, including Assistant Foreign
investment opportunities in Kuwait, adding that Hajraf meets with Lord Mayor of the City of London Andrew Parmley. — KUNA
US Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence Minister for Al-Jarallah’s Office Affairs
it is slated for 2017 in London in coordination
Silverman, discussing bilateral relations Ambassador Ayham Abdullatif Al-Omar
and cooperation of Kuwait Direct Investment Director-General, Bader Al-Saad, CEO of Kuwait to transform the country into commercial and
between the two countries in addition to and Assistant Foreign Minister for the
Promotion Authority (KDIPA). Investment Authority (KIA), and representatives financial hub, and the inauguration of HSBC’s
latest regional and international develop- Two Americas, Reem Al-Khaled. —KUNA
Parmley made his remarks on the sidelines of of a number of economic institutions in London, new headquarters, said the British official.
his official visit to Kuwait, during which he met he said. On the volume of trade-exchange, he said
with several Kuwaiti officials and businessmen to that British exports to Kuwait has amounted to
Kuwaiti envoy discusses Australia’s
discuss boosting commercial ties between the Income sources around GBP 1.5 billion in 2015. On entry visas,
membership candidacy for UNHCR two countries. These meetings also highlighted details on Parmley said that his government issues near-
The two-day visit was very fruitful and includ- Kuwait’s plan to diversify its income sources and ly 100,000 visas annually for Kuwaiti citizens,
ed a number of significant meetings with minimize dependence on oil as a main source adding that the UK has also recently adopted
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Ambassador to The UNHCR is made of 47 Member Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister and for the country’s income, Parmley said. The the use of e-Visa system to facilitate the
Australia Najib Abdulrahman Al-Bader States, which are elected by the majority Acting Oil Minister Anas Al-Saleh, Sheikh Dr Kuwaiti-British talks also tackled other vital sub- issuance and approval procedures for the
and Australia’s First Assistant Secretary of members of the General Assembly of Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, KDIPA’s jects such as Kuwait’s development plan, efforts applicants. — KUNA
Multilateral Policy Division Lachlan the United Nations through direct and
Strahan discussed Australia’s candidacy secret ballot. The General Assembly takes
Kuwait, UK
for membership of the United Nations into account the candidate States’ contri-
Human Rights Council (UNHCR) for the bution to the promotion and protection
discuss boosting
2018-20 term. of human rights, as well as their volun-
This is the first time Australia has tary pledges and commitments in this
military ties
sought membership of the Human regard.
Rights Council. Australia is gathering The Council’s Membership is based on
support to get a seat on the UN Human equitable geographical distribution. KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Defense
Rights Council for the 2018 to 2020, Seats are distributed as follows: African Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah dis-
Bader pointed out in a press statement States: 13 seats, Asia-Pacific States: 13 cussed with Britain’s Chief of the Air Staff Air
yesterday. Australia enjoys an ‘excellent’ seats, Latin American and Caribbean Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier discussed boosting
record on human right issues and has States: 8 seats, Western European and defense ties. The two officials also discussed issues
proved itself as a good global citizen and other States: 7 seats and Eastern of common interest, Kuwaiti Army Moral guidance
a powerful advocate for change. European States: 6 seats. —KUNA department said yesterday. The meeting was
attended by British Ambassador to Kuwait
Matthew Lodge, British Defense Attache Captain
Finlay McLean, Kuwaiti Army Chief of Staff KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah
Lieutenant General Mohammad Al-Khodhr and meets with Britain’s Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier. — KUNA
other officials.
Separately, Kuwait’s Deputy Army Chief of Staff
for Operations and Plans Authority Major General
Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Omairi said that ongoing
military meetings between Kuwait and Italy aims
to enhance cooperation up to its highest level.
Moral Guidance and Public Relations
Department of the Kuwaiti Defense Ministry said
in a press statement yesterday that General
Omairi’s remark came on the sidelines of the sign-
ing ceremony for the ninth meeting minutes for
the Kuwaiti-Italian military committee to activate
the Military Memorandum of Understanding
between both nations.
General Omairi welcomed the visiting Italian
military delegation, where he conveyed greetings
from Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah
Kuwaiti Ambassador to Australia Najib Al-Bader meets with Australia’s First Assistant and Army’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Deputy Army Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans Authority Major General Ahmad
Secretary Multilateral Policy Division Lachlan Strahan. Khodhr, the statement added. — KUNA Abdulwahab Al-Omairi poses for a group photo with the Italian military delegation.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER1, 2016
LO C A L
Kandari first MP to file
Kuwait reiterates support
for Palestinian cause financial disclosure
NEW YORK: The State of Kuwait has
reiterated its firm stance supporting
the Palestinian cause, which has been
Rain continues through tomorrow
on the top priorities of the United
Nations. This came in a speech by
Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the UN
By Meshaal Al-Enezi effecting socioeconomic reforms won the years in prison and acquitting lawyer Falah Al-
delivered by second secretary Naif elections. Hajraf and Bader Abdul Aziz, who had all been
Ghazi Al-Otaibi before the 71st ses- KUWAIT: MP Abdul Kareem Al-Kandari yester- KDF also called to show national solidarity accused in a state security case.
sion of the UN General Assembly on day submitted his financial disclosure state- and political stability by cancelling and amend- Also yesterday, a lawyer filed a state security
Tuesday night. ment to the Public Anti-Corruption Authority, ing a number of laws that undermine liberties. case against a poetess accusing her of posting
Otaibi, in the speech, lauded the becoming the first lawmaker to do so. Furthermore, KDF stressed that the top public a tweet in which she insulted and denigrated
steadfastness and struggle of Accordingly, the authority reminded other law- priorities now include issuing a general the followers of a doctrine, which undermines
Palestinian people against the Israeli makers that they had to submit their state- amnesty to free all prisoners of conscience, national solidarity. The poetess is expected to
occupation, stressing Kuwait’s support ments within 60 days after the declaration of cancelling the political isolation law, passing a be summoned for further investigations.
for Palestinians to gain all their legal NEW YORK: The second secretary of parliamentary election results. law to protect citizenship and prevent with-
political rights through establishing Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the UN In the meantime, MP Yousef Al-Fadhalah drawing them except through court orders Rain continues
an independent state of Palestine and Naif Ghazi Al-Otaibi delivers his urged the government to perform differently related to forgery, and amending and develop- Following rain in various areas including
with Eastern Jerusalem as its capital speech. — KUNA and show more cooperation with the parlia- ing the current electoral system to adopt the Salmi and Jahra where it rained relatively heavi-
based on the 1967 borders, and set a Palestinian detainees and prisoners ment, starting with the inaugural session when relative electoral list system in order to achieve ly, Kuwait Meteorology Department reminded
the speaker, deputy speaker and committee justice amongst various electoral constituen- of its previous warning that scattered rain
deadline to end Israel’s occupation of and sending an international commit-
members are elected. “I urge the government cies and prevent by-elections and vote-buying. might fall and could sometimes be thundery,
the Palestinian territories. tee to investigate the situation in the
to refrain from voting in these elections to In addition, KDF also called for holding a accompanied by winds of up to 50 kph. The
The State of Kuwait also has wel- Israeli prisons. He affirmed Kuwait’s
show its good intentions,” he underlined, not- national conference with the participation of all department also expects rain showers to con-
comed the French initiative calling for backing to the Palestine’s request call-
ing that the government has the right to take blocs without alienating any in order to jointly tinue today and tomorrow.
holding an international conference ing for getting the UN full member-
part in the voting but added it is not a must. discuss various views on political, social, eco-
for peace to issue an international ship to be a step for achieving a com-
nomic and educational reforms. University project
multilateral mechanism aiming to prehensive and fair solution to the
Cautious optimism Led by the acting assistant secretary general
stop fully illegal settlement activities Palestinian -Israel conflict. Separately, the Kuwait Democratic Forum Challenge for planning and follow up at the Supreme
and then ending Israel’s occupation, Kuwait also has buttressed (KDF) said that the recent elections created a Meanwhile, a candidate who lost in the elec- Planning and Development Council Haifa Al-
he said. Palestine to join the international state of cautious optimism that calls for tions yesterday filed a strange complaint con- Mudaf, a team including a number of female
He affirmed that Kuwait has but- charters, conventions and organiza- selecting a suitable Cabinet accordingly. In a testing the results. He wondered how he did engineers and researchers yesterday visited the
tressed all efforts and endeavors by tions, he stated. The Kuwaiti represen- press release it issued yesterday, KDF stressed not get any vote - not even his own. “I did vote Sabah Al-Salem University City project site.
the international community aiming tative called on the international com- that the elections led to considerable change for myself!” he exclaimed. In the meantime, a Mudaf said that the visit was part of the follow-
to reach a comprehensive and fair munity, mainly the Security Council, of up to 60 percent in the new parliament for- number of Mutairi tribe diwans urged all the up plan for the projects listed in the develop-
solution to the Palestinian cause to provide an international protection mation, and this calls for the government to tribe’s candidates in the fourth constituency to ment plan to make sure work is progressing
based on the Arab Peace Initiative, the to the unarmed Palestinian people liv- meticulously review the results and accord- file complaints contesting the election results. according to schedule. She added that two of
principles of international law and ing under the Israel’s military occupa- ingly appoint a Cabinet suitable for this par- Separately, a court yesterday sustained a the faculties’ buildings will be completed and
international legitimacy resolutions. tion. Kuwait stresses that the Security ticular phase, especially when a large number previous ruling sentencing a blogger known as handed over next year, while the other nine
Kuwait has denounced Israel’s con- Council must assume its responsibili- of young lawmakers who are more capable of ‘Chabreet Seyassi’ (Political Matches) to 10 colleges would be completed in 2019.
tinued illegal and inhumane blockage ties towards implementing its resolu-
on the Gaza Strip that constitutes a tions, mainly 242, 338, 1397 and 1515,
violation of the US Security Council and pressing Israel to halt its blatant
resolution 1860 and the Fourth violations of the international human-
Geneva Convention in 1949, he itarian law on Palestinian territories so
added. as to put an end to the cause, Otaibi
Otaibi called for releasing concluded. — KUNA
Kuwait won’t reduce
Egyptian manpower
By A Saleh enhancing cooperation between both
countries as part of bilateral cooperation in
KUWAIT: Egyptian minister of immigration various fields. She added the major prob-
and Egyptians abroad affairs Nabila lem facing the Egyptian community in
Makram stressed that Kuwait’s ambassador Kuwait and other GCC states is the sponsor-
to Cairo Mohammed Saleh Al-Thuwayyekh ship system. Makram also highlighted that
strongly denied any intention to reduce the she was in constant contact with relevant
number of Egyptians in Kuwait. Makram Kuwaiti authorities to resolve the Egyptian
added that she met Thuwayyekh to discuss teachers’ rent allowance problem. KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Sheikh Mohammed Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah
Al-Sabah greets an officer.—Interior Ministry photos delivers his speech at the ceremony.
Bogus helpers’
Interior Minister hails officers’ efforts
office busted
KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Suleiman Al-Fahad and Advisor Lieutenant parliamentary elections. He also thanked all
Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al-Khaled Al- General Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Khalifa. ministry servicemen and civil employees for
Hamad Al-Sabah met yesterday with senior Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled hailed securi- the efforts they exerted in implementing vari-
ministry officials to highlight their achieve- ty forces, and conveyed greetings from His ous security plans carried out in the past few
By Hanan Al-Saadoun cables, so a team was formed and the ments and work on developing various min- Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- months, starting with security preparations for
suspects were arrested following an istry sectors. The meeting, which has become Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince the holy month of Ramadan, the Hajj season,
KUWAIT: Detectives received informa- investigation. Authorities found more a habit since Sheikh Mohammad assumed his Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah the Ashura occasion during the Islamic month
tion about an unlicensed domestic than 1,000 kilograms of copper, and position, was attended by several assistant and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh of Muharram, in addition to securing various
helpers office run by an Ethiopian man. tools used in cutting the cables. The undersecretaries and top security officials, Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah for the mosques and Husseiniyas and schools and fac-
The man provided helpers on an hourly suspects confessed to the thefts.
including Undersecretary Lieutenant General success of security plans during the recent ing other security threats.
basis to citizens and expats, which is ille- Moreover it was discovered that none
gal according to Kuwait’s labor regula- of them worked for their ‘sponsors’ but
tions. Furthermore, all the maids were instead paid black market sponsors for 14.6 percent
either absconding or working for other their visas.
sponsors. Residency detectives conduct- Kuwaiti adults
ed a raid and all persons inside were Municipality inspection campaigns
arrested. Kuwait has seen an uptick in Kuwait Municipality continued its diabetic: MoH
the establishment of unlicensed or ‘fake’ food inspection campaigns targeting
offices hiring out domestic helpers as baqalas, restaurants, co-ops and grocery
the costs of recruiting domestic helpers stores. The Public Relations Department KUWAIT: Around 14.6 percent of
from abroad has risen drastically. said Mubarak Al-Kabeer Municipality adults in Kuwait have high blood glu-
branch carried out an inspection cam- cose levels, the Ministry of Health
Cable theft gang arrested paign on a factory west of Abu Fateera (MoH) revealed yesterday, citing a
Residency detectives arrested mem- area resulting in issuing one citation for study conducted in collaboration with
bers of a gang involved in the theft of a violation that involved an employee the World Health Organization (WHO).
electricity cables belonging to the working before obtaining a health In a ceremony to mark the ‘World
Ministry of Electricity and Water. license and not complying with cleanli- Diabetes Day’, head of the MoH’s
Detectives uncovered a gang consist- ness rules. The department asked peo- media office Ghalia Al-Mutairi noted
ing of a number of Bangladeshi nation- ple to call the hotline [phone]) in case that around 6.1 percent of adults have
als, who were involved in stealing the any complaint at any time. been diagnosed with blood disorders.
Moreover, she revealed that diabetes
accounted for 4 percent of the total of
deaths in Kuwait in 2012, adding that
the disease is prevalent in Gulf A view of the attendance at the discussion.
Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
Cultural discussion
The number of diabetics in the
world has quadrupled since 1980, the
result of obesity and a sedentary
at Sheikh Jaber center
lifestyle, Mutairi added. She also high-
lighted the need for diabetics to
undergo regular medical tests to help
treat the disease.
Meanwhile, MoH announced that it KUWAIT: A group of intellectuals with different cultures and religions the sake of survival, thus it is not a
is due to host next month 17 interna- discussed on Tuesday the concept “so how can a person scrap cultural luxury,” he said. Members of the
tional consultant physicians who will of culture and its multi-faceted diversity, and fight for the spread of audience called for respect of the
be conducting intricate surgical pro- influence in the globe and Arab one culture and excluding others?” cultural diversity and respect of
cedures, with help from a multination- world in general, and in Kuwait in he wondered. the others. They said media and
al contingent of doctors in the coun- particular. The seminar, presented “Culture is a way of survival educational institutions have a
This photo released by the Interior Ministry yesterday shows members of a gang
try. In a statement issued yesterday, by former information minister Dr and cannot be scrapped. We have vital role to play to boost this
arrested for stealing cables.
MoH noted that the visit is part of the Saad Al-Ajmi and moderated by ex- to live with cultural diversity for belief. — KUNA
ministry’s endeavor of inviting health information minister Mohammad
Kuwait Airways plane has experts to Kuwait on a monthly basis, Al-Sanousi, discussed if culture was
where they will share their knowhow a luxury or a mean to survival.
minor accident in Mumbai with local doctors. Moreover, the 17 Sanousi, in the seminar held at
consultant physicians, all of whom are Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural
Center, said generally human
well versed in a variety of medical
beings lost interest in culture in
KUWAIT: A Kuwait Airways passenger International Airport when the contact fields, hail from nine nations including
general and reading, and instead
plane was involved in a minor accident between the wings took place. The other the United States, United Kingdom,
became glued to the social media
at Mumbai airport, the company said in plane was moving. Canada, Italy, France and others. The
which he described as “a weapon
a statement yesterday. It said the Slight damage was caused to the physicians will also take part in med- with positive and negative
ical lectures, workshops and confer-
wingtip of an A320 aircraft scratched wing of the Kuwaiti Airways plane. impacts.” Ajmi said culture has
ences, the statement added. MoH rou-
Kuwait Airways’ A330 aircraft’s left out- According to the statement, Indian many linguistic explanations which
tinely undertakes such initiatives in
board flap after landing at the airport. authorities have opened an investigation could differ in behaviors between
efforts to infuse some international
Kuwait Airways flight KU301 had left in the accident. It added that the passen- literate and illiterate persons.
Kuwait International Airport earlier yes- gers were safely disembarked, and an expertise into the country’s healthcare Culture, he said, also meant the civ- KUWAIT: Former information minister Mohammad Al-Sanousi
terday, and the plane was parked at alternative plane was provided for the system. — KUNA ilization of a certain community. (right) speaks during the lecture as former minister Dr Saad Al-Ajmi
Mumbai’s Chhatrapti Shivaji Mumbai-Kuwait return flight. Allah the Almighty created people looks on. — KUNA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER1, 2016
L O C A L
In Brief
Amir condoles Brazil Bahrain affirms ties
Crown Prince congratulates PM
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince MANAMA: Minister of the Bahraini Royal
Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Diwan Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad bin Salman
yesterday to Brazilian President Michel Temer, on the sent a congratulatory letter to His Highness Al-Khalifa stressed yesterday the impor-
victims of the Colombian plane crash which killed a Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah tance of the Kuwaiti-Bahraini deep-rooted
for being appointed as Prime Minister by an ties and distinguished relations. This came
number of players of a Brazilian soccer team and
Amiri decree earlier yesterday. His Highness during his visit along with General
injured others. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh
the Prime Minister was also assigned to name Commander of Bahrain’s Defense Force
Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness
his new cabinet members. In his letter, His Sheikh Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa to Dean
the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-
Highness the Crown Prince wished His of the Diplomatic Corps, Kuwaiti
Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables to President Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak success in Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Azzam
Temer. —KUNA his endeavors. —KUNA Mubarak Al-Sabah. —KUNA
Photo
o f t h e d a y
KUWAIT: The ‘Marina Waves’; a landmark structure located in the Marina Crescent in Salmiya. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat
Kuwaiti charity organization provides
multi-purpose facilities in Djibouti
DJIBOUTI: A picture of Al-Rahma (mercy) International Association’s multi-purpose building complexes in Djibouti. —KUNA
DJIBOUTI: Al-Rahma (mercy) International students and orphans, said Dr Fatouh. He added pital which in turn will increase the facility’s
Association’s multi-purpose building complexes that the complex also provides services to the capacity to treat and receive patients.
in Djibouti and Obock provinces, are important less fortunate as well as scholarships for stu- In the meantime, head of the association’s
facilities that highlighted the generosity of the dents who excelled in their studies. public relations Dr Ahmad Abdelmutaleb said
Kuwaiti people. The facility, which opened in Meanwhile, head of the complex’s health that another complex was opened in the
2007, offered various kinds of services to the services center and hospital Dr Mohammad Al- province of Obock, 280 kilometers from the
local populace, Head of the Djibouti province Sharqawi revealed that their facility was heavily capital city Djibouti. The facility played a similar
complex Dr Abdullah Fatouh, noting that it sought by people due to the high standard of role to the one in the capital region, said the
mainly catered to the health and educational health services. The center has the latest and up- official, adding that the complex in Obock
needs of the Djiboutian people. to-date medical gadgetry used in treatment, played a major role in receiving some 3,000
The complex hosts a school and an orphan- said Dr Sharqawi who noted that more wards Yemeni refugees escaping the wail of war in
age that answered the need of over a thousand and departments were being opened in the hos- their country. —KUNA
Kuwait distributes money
coupons to displaced Iraqis
IRBIL: The State of Kuwait on Tuesday other parts of the world, are upon
distributed money coupons to displaced instructions of His Highness the Amir
Iraqi people in the northern city of Irbil to Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-
buy their needs from shops. Kuwait is Sabah to help the needy people, he said.
keen on helping the displaced Iraqis as Kuwait, said Kanderi, would distribute
part of its “Kuwait by your side” cam- the money coupons to 10,000 families.
paign, and is distributing money The Kuwaiti humanitarian assistance,
coupons to the displaced from Mosul, he added, would also include health and
Salahuddin and Anbar to give them free education services, or building of shel-
choice to buy their own needs from ters. Kuwait launched its campaign in
shops, said Dr Omar Al-Kanderi, Consul Iraq’s Kurdistan province in the middle of
General in Irbil. 2015, and has distributed around
The aid, whether the ones in Iraq or 170,000 food baskets so far. —KUNA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER1, 2016
L O C A L
Kuwait, Turkey discuss
boosting investment, trade
ISTANBUL: Minister of Commerce and Industry
Yousif Al-Ali met with Turkish Minister of
Development Lutfi Elvan to discuss boosting
trade and commerce. The meeting took place on
the sidelines of the 7th Bosphorus Summit,
which kicked off on Tuesday and concludes
today in Istanbul. The two sides also discussed
investment opportunities and sharing experi-
ence in the field.
Ali had stated Tuesday that Kuwait placed sig-
nificance on participating in the summit “to dis-
cuss ways of cooperation with friendly coun-
tries,” adding that this participation comes as
DUBAI: Kuwait Consul General in Dubai and UAE’s Northern Emirates Theyab
part of its efforts to take part in major interna-
Al-Rashidi delivers his country’s participation paper in Expo 2020 to
tional economic summits.
Chairman of event’s Dubai Higher Committee Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al
Maktoum. —KUNA Effective presence
Ali pointed out that the Arab presence in the
Kuwait hands participation summit was effective, with Saudi Arabia taking
part as a guest of honor. The Saudi delegation to
paper in Dubai’s ‘Expo 2020’ the three-day event was led by Dr Majed Al-
Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Investment,
who addressed the gathering by voicing his
DUBAI: Kuwait officially handed yester- perity, progress, security and stability. country’s plan to have an advanced economic
day its participation paper in the interna- Expo 2020’s Chairman stressed the rank by the year 2030 despite the world econom-
ic recess, citing the key economic reforms project-
tional fair ‘Expo 2020’ to be held in Dubai, committee’s keenness in offering the
ed by the Saudi economy over the coming few
the United Arab Emirates. The paper was Kuwaiti side all the possible facilities to ISTANBUL: Minister of Commerce and Industry Yousif Al-Ali (left) meets with Turkish
years. Qasabi also shed light on the Kingdom’s
handed during a meeting between the best serve the country’s pavilion. Expo Minister of Development Lutfi Elvan. —KUNA
plan to launch a number of non-oil economic
Kuwait Consul General in Dubai and UAE’s 2020 is a modern cultural event that is
reforms, including promising economic sectors need to be met with exceptional support from Erdogan said Turkey has been waiting for an
Northern Emirates Theyab Al-Rashidi and held every five years, and is considered
and government services, thanking organizers of partners and international financial institutions. answer from the EU for over 50 years, and criti-
Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai’s the largest of its kind worldwide. Each
the event for choosing the Kingdom as guest of He drew the attention that his government has cized last week’s non-binding vote by the
Higher Committee Sheikh Ahmad Bin country takes part in this fair with a pavil-
honor. The economic summit is scheduled to dis- launched a package of economic and financial European Parliament urging a freeze to Turkey’s
Saeed Al Maktoum. ion in which it demonstrates various
cuss, among other issues, Saudi Arabia’s vision reforms to attract investment. EU accession talks, calling it “harassment.”
“Kuwait is preparing to take part in this aspects of its civilization and achieve-
2030 and Turkey’s vision 2023. The summit is held under the theme ‘An “We have not closed the EU subject yet. But
important international event that Dubai ments in the cultural, scientific and eco-
International Goal ... An International Future’ in the picture we have faced does not allow us to
will be hosting for four years, being an nomic sectors.
Exceptional circumstances the participation of official delegates from 70 fall for positive expectations on this subject.
important opportunity to reflect the dis-
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had countries, including heads of state, prime minis- There are always many alternatives before
tinguished deep-rooted relations Celebrations stated in the opening of the summit that his ters, senior officials and businesspeople. Turkey. We would continue our way by consider-
between both countries”, Rashidi said fol- In other news, Kuwait’s Information country is facing exceptional circumstances that On its stalled EU membership request, ing one of these options,” said Erdogan. —KUNA
lowing the meeting. Ministry participated Tuesday in celebra-
tions marking the United Arab Emirates
Bright image (UAE) National and Martyr Days, held at KFAED’s Tunisia investments help achieve
Kuwait’s participation in this Expo will the City Walk in Dubai. UAE Minister of
contribute in reflecting a bright image of Culture Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al- economic, social stability: Ambassador
the joint heritage in the Gulf region, as Nahyan launched the four-day celebra-
well as the Kuwaiti achievements in vari- tions and visited the Kuwaiti pavilion, and
ous domains for millions of expected visi- got acquainted with the publications and
tors to this international event, he said. old photos displayed. TUNIS: Investment volume of in the international conference Addressing the opening of the senting 14 UN missions, foreign
Kuwait will communicate with Expo Jassem Al-Hamar, director of supervi- Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic to support the economy and two-day event last Tuesday, countries and leading internation-
2010’s Organizing Committee by next sion and evaluation sector at Information Development (KFAED) in Tunisia investment (Tunisia 2020) reaf- Minister Saleh said that they are al banks, in addition to business-
month in order to set the first steps for Ministry’s Foreign Media Department, reflects a strong desire to help the firmed this aspiration, Ali Al- following with relief Tunisia’s people. The Kuwaiti delegation
establishing the Kuwaiti pavilion, he said the pavilion reflected Kuwait’s keen- Arab country achieve economic Dhifeeri, Kuwait’s Ambassador to achievements on the political lev- accompanying Al-Saleh includes
added. ness to share the UAE and its citizens their and social stability, a Kuwaiti Tunisia said. el. “Tunisia has completed all KFAED Director General
Rashidi expressed his deep confidence national celebrations. diplomat said yesterday. On Tuesday, the Fund offered phases of democratic transition Abdulwahab Al-Bader, KFAED
in the leadership and management of Hamar said the pavilion aimed at high- The participation of Tunisia soft loans worth $500 mil- with the least damage that usually regional director for the Arab
Representative of His Highness lion over the coming five years, results in such deep transforma- countries Abdullah Al-Saqr and
UAE’s national cadres in managing Expo lighting to visitors the deep-rooted rela-
the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad while other Kuwaiti investment tions of the political and social Executive Director of the Public
2020. Meanwhile, he congratulated UAE’s tions between the Kuwaiti and UAE peo-
Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime bodies are closely eyeing business structure,” he noted. Reserve Division at Kuwait
political leadership and people on the ple. Many countries are participating in cel-
Minister, Minister of Finance and opportunities in the country, Al- Up to 2,000 delegates are tak- Investment Authority Bader Al-
occasion of their country’s National and ebrations held at the City Walk to display
Acting Oil Minister Anas Al-Saleh Thifeeri said. ing part in the conference, repre- Ajeel. —KUNA
Martyr Days, wishing them further pros- their cultural and artistic activities. —KUNA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016
From the Arabic press
Crime
Al-Anbaa
2016 R e p o r t
Is the Assembly’s
Driver runs over
important? Parliament
man to ‘scare him’
By Nermin Al-Houti KUWAIT: A 19-year-old Kuwaiti citizen ran over a
Bangladeshi man who was sitting at a bus stop in a bid to
M
any people may find the title of my column ‘scare him’. The man told police he was just ‘having fun’ and
a little strange, and the majority might that he was driving along with a friend of his in Shaab
accuse me of being undemocratic. Despite when he saw the victim at the bus stop. The citizen drove
all these hypothetical theories, I repeat the question: the car towards him to ‘scare him off,’ then hit him when he
Is there any importance of the existence of the did not move, according to his statements. Police and
National Assembly? The column today has two parts paramedics went to the scene, sent the victim to Mubarak
to present the question to our readers, and I leave hospital and arrested the driver. Separately, a citizen told
the judgment and finding the solution to them. police she ran over a juvenile in Sabah Al-Salem area. The
The first part is about the money spent on the boy was taken to Adan hospital while the woman was tak-
Assembly and the nation’s deputies. We should cal- en to the police station for questioning.
culate the money being spent out of the state budg-
et on Abdullah Al-Salem Hall and those who work Strange kidnapping
there. There should be an office for each MP, who A strange case of suspected kidnapping was reported
needs at least two or three employees (as secre- in Nahda area. A man called police to report that a
taries), and the offices themselves should be finely woman had been kidnapped but when police went to
furnished, along with state-of-the-art electronic the area, located behind a housing care building, they
equipment, bearing in mind that all these acces- found an unlocked car but no one inside. The man told
sories are replaced every year. How many employ- police that he saw a woman getting into another car,
ees, tea boys and office boys are there to keep the a driven by an unknown man. He also mentioned that
d
MP’s mood at its best? We should not forget that a ri the woman was his wife and she got into the car with-
a
car is also allocated to each MP, as if the deputies of J out being forced. Police are investigating.
the nation do not possess cars. It seems that if “any- Al-
thing is free...give me more”. Helper robs sponsor
Three meals a day and afternoon tea - this is not A citizen told Mubarak Al-Kabeer police that her Nepalese
an assembly; it is a five-star restaurant. My dear MPs, domestic helper stole KD 900 worth of jewelry and KD
what about the food in your own houses, and what Al-Jarida 2,000 in cash before disappearing. A case was filed and
about the personal chef? This is in addition to sta- investigations are ongoing.
Corruption, a major issue
tionery, security employees and WiFi services so that
our MPs can tweet and play games. We should not
forget the official trips and the Majles TV Channel, so
By Hassan Al-Essa Flat damaged
that the people’s voices can be heard. The question
A citizen accused two persons he knows of damaging
that presents itself is - is there anyone among us
The prime issue the new young parliament is fac- with opinions are haunted by the laws and people are his brother’s flat because of previous dispute.
who heard a whimper about his issues inside
ing is corruption at various state bodies. This does chased out of the country and forced to leave, which is Detectives are working on the case.
Abdullah Al-Salem Hall? The majority are silent
not mean that there are no other worthy con- the worst intimidation. They are not only deprived of
because of interests that we do not know or hear
about, and only our MPs know about it, but only cerns, but corruption is our major concern. It is a deep- expression, but are also forced to say what the string- Sexual assault
care about their personal interests and ignore our rooted disease that has been undermining the state’s pullers want them to speak, eventually, joining a large A woman in her twenties trusted a colleague of hers who
nation’s voice. foundations and has very strong connections with flock that does not dare to speak about corruption in promised to marry her, and went with him for a ride. But
The second part: How many assemblies came influential private sector establishments and individu- public. These sheep continue living without noticing when they were alone, the man sexually assaulted her so
into existence? They either got dissolved or their als. Fighting the corruption ghost ought to be a major the butchers waiting at the corner of the near future. she jumped from the car and ran away. The woman went
term ended. What are MPs’ achievements and work concern for lawmakers who still believe that Kuwait is This state of indifference and getting over-indulged to a police station and filed a report.
more than just a source of money from which they in daily consumption habits is our real dilemma. We are
compared to the prosperous life they enjoy under
wish to get as much as they can. on the verge of an economic disaster under a com-
the Abdullah Al-Salem dome? How many petitions
According to bribery principles, corruption does not pletely incompetent political administration that still Medical malpractice?
were presented at the complaints committee, and
only mean deals worth billions or mega contracts that runs things by old methods and limited mentality, A citizen accused a doctor of causing the death of his
how many out of them were discussed and solved?
are tainted. It goes far beyond and includes the whole which resists change and fears facing challenges. 51-year-old mother due to a medical error. The case
Nothing, in my own personal opinion. If the Audit
chain of command, from small employees who get For now, the new parliament doesn’t need to file an was referred to detectives to investigate the doctor’s
Bureau gets an opportunity to account for all the
paid without doing any work to the top of the ‘misery’ interpellation to absorb public anger and gain more credentials and treatment.
mistakes of its employees, we will find a huge
ladder, and ministers who adjust everything with the public support if it goes beyond any redlines. Public
amount of financial violations, and the decision will
help of special advisors who push their own interests. awareness is what the country really needs right now.
be to abolish the Assembly, because it is a burden to The cycle endlessly continues from up to down and We are facing serious challenges at the border. The Harasser attacked
our nation. “If you cannot say what is right, then do vice versa. Corruption also goes beyond financial issues region is changing and moving fast into the unknown A citizen attacked a young man who was harassing his
not cheer what is wrong.” — Sheikh Mohammad Al- and prevails in the legislation and monitoring while ‘they’ remain the same. Keep up to what you wife. The attacker was arrested and the young man was
Mitwalli Al-Shaarawi. machineries that keep reflecting endless ugly images. have been entrusted with. taken to Mubarak Hospital and placed under guard.
— Translated by Kuwait Times Corruption is also oppressing free opinion. People — Translated by Kuwait Times — Translations from the Arabic press
KFH holds ‘creativity’
workshop for employees
KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) munication skills, understanding creativ-
organized a specialized brainstorming ity in relation to individuals (Mind
workshop themed ‘Unleash Your Mapping), creating the ‘right’ (creative)
Creativity’ for its employees as part of its environment at the workplace - tools
policy to invest in the human resources, and suggestions, creative problem solv-
while equipping them with all what they ing tools, application of creative
need to optimally assume their duties as thoughts - understanding problem, gen-
per highest standards of quality. erating ideas, planning for action, dis-
The 4-day workshop encompassed cussing tools and techniques,
around 60 male and female staff from Brainstorming (Town hall process), trans-
different departments at the bank. It pri- actional Analysis and creative applica-
marily focused on alternate thinking and tion, ideation, conversion, implementa-
idea generation processes. The work- tion in addition to the ability to take risks
shop was designed to unlock creative and experiment (attitude building).
potential of participants to develop a Participants expressed their appreciation
renewed outlook towards business. for holding this workshop as it paved the
Moreover, the workshop tackled way for creating innovative environment
many skills in efforts to achieve its objec- and offered the techniques to unleash
tives such as focusing on effective com- their Creative spirit.
EQUATE sponsors GPCA forum
DUBAI: EQUATE Petrochemical Company, a Husain explained, “The petrochemical indus- the event and interact with other delegates.
global producer of petrochemicals, sponsored try still faces the same challenges of fluctuating EQUATE’s sponsorship of the professor and the
the 11th Annual Gulf Petrochemicals and prices due to supply and demand, feedstock students for this event and other previous GPCA
Chemicals Association (GPCA) Forum as part of availability, adequate infrastructure and, most activities is part of the Memorandum of
its contribution to the growth and progress of important, specialized human capital. Understanding (MoU) signed with the college
the industrial sector. Regardless of these challenges, EQUATE contin- during 2008 for overall partnership in industrial
EQUATE President and CEO Mohammad ues its efforts as petrochemical company with and academic fields.
Husain said, “During 2015, the Arabian Gulf’s operations in Kuwait, North America and During the exhibition on the sidelines of the
petrochemical production exceeded 144 million Europe. Such a focus on our values of Trust, forum, EQUATE hosted a number of prominent
tons, which increased from almost 137 million Sustainability, Reliability and Innovation have figures in the petrochemical industry, energy
tons in 2014. Such rates prove this region’s sta- enables us to become the world’s second and economic sectors. EQUATE’s participation
tus as a global petrochemical production hub.” largest Ethylene Glycol (EG) producer. At the included a display stand welcoming the event’s
Husain, who is also a GPCA Board Member, same time, EQUATE is currently the only Middle over 2000 participants from around the globe.
noted, “Petrochemicals remain the Arabian Eastern company that has been successful to The 11th Annual GPCA Forum 2016 is held
Gulf’s second main source of income after oil. access USA shale gas resources.” in Dubai, UAE, during November 27-29. The
For this industry to continue its positive contri- As part of its participation in the event for forum gathers top executives from petrochem-
bution, it requires sustainability and innovation the 11th year, EQUATE sponsored a professor ical and chemical companies, as well as gov-
through advanced solutions, high-quality prod- and students from the College of Engineering ernment bodies and other entities to discuss
ucts and top in-class services.” and Petroleum at Kuwait University to attend various topics.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER1, 2016
Trump dines with
Over 10,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh Romney, plans
new victory tour
Page 9
Page 11
50,000 pour out of east Aleppo
‘Motionless body of a girl was left crumpled in the street’
ALEPPO: More than 50,000 Syrians have joined Aleppo yesterday saw dozens of displaced resi- Syria’s Red Crescent is offering assistance in humanitarian official and the UN’s peace envoy stop the killing of innocent civilians and get
a growing exodus of terrified civilians from east dents huddled on the back of pick-up trucks government-held areas, but does not yet have Staffan de Mistura. British Foreign Minister to the negotiating table,” he told AFP after
Aleppo, a monitor said yesterday, as the UN under the pounding rain. Hundreds also access to east Aleppo. Boris Johnson said he hoped the meeting meeting his Cypriot counterpart in Nicosia.
Security Council was set for emergency talks massed in the newly recaptured neighbour- The UN has for months sought access to the could lead to “an end to the carnage, particu- Syria’s opposition National Coalition said it
on fighting in the city. As government forces hood of Jabal Badro to board government bus- east, but a plan it presented earlier this month larly in Aleppo”. was working with France on a draft UN resolu-
pressed an assault in the divided city, regime es heading to west Aleppo. “The situation of to deliver aid has yet to be approved by the “I would urge all those with responsibility tion seeking an immediate ceasefire in
artillery fire killed at least 26 civilians in east those fleeing is desperate,” said Pawel Krzysiek, government. The UN Security Council is to hold for that, both the Assad regime and their sup- Aleppo, though regime ally Russia was likely
Aleppo yesterday morning, the Syrian head of communications for the International an emergency meeting later yesterday on the porters in Russia... to think of what they can to veto such a proposal.
Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Syria. situation, receiving a briefing from a UN do to bring peace, stop the bombardment,
Civilians have poured out of the besieged ‘Waiting for death’
rebel-held east, battered by air strikes and Yesterday morning, 26 civilians including
heavy artillery fire by advancing regime forces. seven children were killed in government
AFP’s correspondent in a southeastern district artillery fire on the Jubb Al-Qubbeh district in
described artillery shells “coming down like east Aleppo, the Observatory said. The White
rain” yesterday. After one mortar attack, the Helmets rescue group published photos of the
motionless body of a girl was left crumpled in aftermath of the shelling on Jubb Al-Qubbeh,
the street, her arm severed and her head showing an apocalyptic scene with bodies,
pierced by a sliver of shrapnel. Rescue volun- pieces of flesh, and suitcases strewn across the
teers carried her body away on a motorcycle. street. In one image, a young man wept next
Regime forces and allied fighters have to two bodies, their top halves obscured by
seized a third of the rebel-held east of Aleppo blankets. The feet of one body were clad in
since they began an operation to recapture all pink socks, the other wore red boots done up
of the battered second city just over a fortnight with white laces. The Observatory says nearly
ago. They now fully control the city’s northeast 300 civilians, including 33 children, have been
and pressed their offensive yesterday on killed in east Aleppo since the latest govern-
Aleppo’s southeastern edges, advancing in the ment assault began on November 15. Another
Sheikh Saeed district, according to state news 48 civilians have been killed in west Aleppo,
agency SANA. The loss of Aleppo would be the according to the monitor.
biggest blow for Syria’s opposition since the State news agency SANA said eight civilians
conflict began in March 2011 with anti-govern- including two children had been killed in rebel
ment protests, before spiraling into a civil war. fire on several districts in the city’s west yester-
day. The violence in the city has prompted inter-
‘Situation desperate’ national concern, though there has been little
More than 50,000 people have fled Aleppo’s sign of a plan to intervene. UN rights chief Zeid
rebel-held districts, the Observatory said yes- Ra’ad Al-Hussein on Wednesday said civilians in
terday, including at least 20,000 to govern- eastern Aleppo faced “a nightmare which clearly
ment-held territory and another 30,000 to violates the most basic norms of human rights
Kurdish-controlled districts. Many others have and any shred of human decency.” “Pounded by
travelled south into the remaining territory accelerating bombardment, deliberately
held by rebels. deprived of food and medical care, many of
Another AFP correspondent near a tempo- ALEPPO: This photo provided by the Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets, which has been authenticated based on its contents them-including small children-report that they
rary government-run shelter on the edge of and other AP reporting, shows a Syrian boy sittiing next to bodies after artillery fire struck the Jub Al-Quba district. —AP are simply waiting for death,” he said. —AFP
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016
I N T E R N AT ION A L
Gaza private security firms’ muscle men ring up dollars
GAZA: Trained in martial arts and coordinate with the authorities. Akram Al- tar fire and has fought several wars with Gaza’s Hamas-run Interior Ministry. They ing out simulations on how to protect
firearms, their muscled physiques burst- Balawi, who runs the Castle Security Hamas and other militant groups in recent learn martial arts, the use of weapons and clients and get them away from danger. A
ing out of tight t-shirts, young men in Company, said he had 6,000 applicants years. Balawi said his guards only carry how to deal with volatile crowds. gun, an AK-47 rifle and a submachine gun
Gaza are increasingly finding work with when he announced he was hiring. He guns when escorting a convoy of money Staff earn between $400 and $600 a were used in the drill. “We learnt that using
private security firms retained by banks, snapped up 65 men. “Our staff are careful- or foreign ambassadors. Major missions, month, Balawi said. Eyad Al-Bozom, the a weapon is the last resort,” said Islam
local celebrities and international visitors. ly selected, they are body-built, highly like visits by UN officials and senior Interior Ministry spokesman, said visits by Salama, 21, an undergraduate in Arabic.
Three private security companies are now educated and with good manners,” said European figures, are usually escorted by international delegations are coordinated “Before the weapon comes the muscle of
competing in Gaza, offering protection for Balawi, sitting in his office in the heart of Hamas-run security, he said. with them and Hamas’s security teams are the tongue.”
high-profile Arab and Western delegations Gaza City. “They are not affiliated with not paid. Recently their units protected a Saeed Youssef, a 25-year-old business
or cautious businessmen shifting goods political factions.” ‘Muscle of the tongue’ group of Western diplomats in Gaza, he said. graduate, said he rushed to apply because
and cash around the fenced-in territory. While Hamas maintains tight security He recently opened the door to women “(Private security) is still a new experience work opportunities in Gaza were so scarce.
While Hamas, the Islamist group that in Gaza, where around two million applicants. And, with Gaza unemployment but we are keen to pursue it and develop it “We are forced to cope with the labour
has run Gaza since 2007, has its own Palestinians live, there are occasional skir- at 43 percent - and as high as 60 percent so we give a chance to the civil community market. I needed the job to build a life,
armed units to protect international visi- mishes among militant factions and some among graduates - there is no shortage of to be part of this issue,” Bozom said. have a future,” he said. “People view the
tors, it does not object to competition criminal activity. Israel also carries out candidates for a decent paying job. Those At an open space in Gaza, 35 new appli- unemployed as losers, even if they are
from private companies, as long as they occasional air strikes in response to mor- accepted receive paid training at a unit of cants were put through their paces, carry- educated.” — Reuters
Abbas to address
Fatah congress
RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories: Hamas outreach
President Mahmud Abbas addresses his Fatah’s five-day congress is expected to
Fatah party’s first congress since 2009 yes- discuss whether to seek to introduce a UN
terday as he contends with internal dissent Security Council resolution against Israeli
and grim prospects for advancing his settlements. Abbas, head of Fatah, the
decades-long goal of achieving a Palestine Liberation Organisation and the
Palestinian state. The 81-year-old leader Palestinian Authority following Yasser
was re-elected head of Fatah as the con- Arafat’s death in 2004, has consistently
gress opened on Tuesday, but speculation called for a negotiated solution and
has mounted over who will eventually suc- opposed another violent uprising. But he
ceed him as Palestinian president. He has has grown unpopular, with polls showing
not publicly supported a successor. most Palestinians want him to resign, and
His speech is before some 1,400 dele- many have lost faith in the so-called peace
gates in Ramallah. It comes with process spelled out in the Oslo accords of
Palestinians facing continued Jewish settle- the 1990s that he helped negotiate.
ment building in the occupied West Bank Some analysts see the congress as an
and an incoming Donald Trump adminis- attempt by Abbas to marginalize political
tration in the United States seen as far opponents, including longtime rival
more friendly to Israel. More than 600,000 Mohammed Dahlan, currently in exile in
Israeli settlers now live in the West Bank the United Arab Emirates. Observers have
and east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians seen the reduced number of officials to
see as their future capital. vote-down from more than 2,000 in 2009
The United States, European Union and — as part of a move to exclude Dahlan
others have warned that continued settle- supporters.
ment building is eating away at prospects The election of members of Fatah’s par-
for a two-state solution to the conflict, the liament and its central committee will sig-
basis of years of negotiations. A controver- nal the direction the oldest Palestinian par-
sial Israeli bill to legalize some 4,000 settler ty will take. The congress also comes with
homes in the West Bank had been due to Fatah and its Islamist rival Hamas, in power
come up for a first reading in parliament on in the Gaza Strip, still deeply divided. Fatah
Wednesday, but it was delayed until dominates the Palestinian Authority, which
Monday as behind-the-scenes debate con- runs the West Bank. However, a letter from ADANA: This picture obtained from the Ihlas News Agency shows an injured girl taken to hospital following a fire at a school. — AFP
tinued. exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, in Eight held over Turkey girl
The international community considers which he said he was “ready to cooperate
all Israeli settlements in Israeli-annexed with Fatah,” was read at the opening of the
east Jerusalem and the West Bank to be congress on Tuesday.
dorm fire as anger grows
illegal, whether they are authorized by the Abbas and Meshaal recently met in
government or not. The Israeli government Qatar for the first time in two years. On
differentiates between those it has Tuesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-
approved and those it has not. The moon warned that hopes for a two-state
progress of the bill, approved earlier by a solution were fading fast, decrying settle- Anger growing over possible negligence
committee of ministers on behalf of the ment building and home demolitions by
government, has demonstrated the power Israel. But he also criticized the Palestinians’
of the settler movement in Israel. “paralyzing lack of unity”. — AFP
ISTANBUL: Turkey yesterday detained eight Dogan said most of the dead would be iden- broadcast of images of the catastrophe’s after-
people over a deadly fire at a dormitory for tified using DNA tests, in a sign that the victims math, a common measure after such disasters.
schoolgirls that left 12 people dead, as anger were too badly burned to be identified visually.
grew over possible negligence that caused the Ten of those killed were schoolchildren aged up ‘A shame and a crime’
tragedy. The blaze, which officials said was likely to 14, while the fire also claimed the life of a The head of the Egitim-Is education union
caused by an electrical fault, tore through the member of the teaching staff. The four-year-old Mehmet Balik said the dormitory belonged to a
building’s wooden interior on Tuesday night as daughter of the dormitory manager being held religious Sunni Muslim sect in Aladag known as
panicked youngsters tried to jump from win- by the police also died, Dogan said. Twenty-four the Suleymanci. The girls had been sleeping there
dows to safety. people including 16 children were injured, as the state-run dormitory had been demolished
Some officials suggested many of the victims Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak told a press ahead of expansion works, Dogan reported.
were killed on the top floors of the dormitory in conference. Media reports said the Suleymanci accommoda-
the southern region of Adana after they were tion was the girls’ only option in the area.
unable to open a fire door to flee the flames. “We Fire doors shut? The Suleymanci is one of the biggest reli-
will learn lessons from this and we will do what Officials said the fire was likely caused by an gious communities in Turkey and is renowned
needs to be done to ensure this never happens electrical fault which then spread rapidly due to for having a major influence in politics. The pro-
again,” said Education Minister Ismet Yilmaz, the dormitory’s wooden structures and carpeted Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP)
adding that an inspection in June had not floors. Adana governor Mahmut Demirtas said blamed the government for failing to properly
uncovered any issues. In Ankara, Turkish police Tuesday some of the schoolgirls were injured fund education accommodation, forcing poor
used tear gas to disperse a protest outside the after jumping out of windows to escape the families to use accommodation run by religious
education ministry by activists angered that the flames. He added that none of those injured was communities. “Such fires are not the first and
devastated dormitory was managed by an influ- in a serious condition. Adana city mayor Huseyin will not be the last so long as the government’s
ential religious sect. Sozlu told Turkish television Tuesday that the policy and irresponsibility remain in place,” it
dormitory’s fire door was locked and that most said in a statement.
RAMALLAH: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, center, waves to fellow Fatah DNA tests needed of the dead were recovered from near that exit. “It is a shame and crime to condemn our chil-
members as he arrives for the opening session of the Fatah party conference, in the Those detained as part of the investigation But Kaynak said that according to initial find- dren to uncontrolled dorms and any form of
West Bank city. — AP into accusations of “causing death by negli- ings, the door had been unlocked. “There’s even a abuse.” But ruling party spokesman Yasin Aktay
gence” include the manager of the dormitory in curtain hanging near the exit door undamaged,” emphasized that “the fact the building
Report points to Iran the Aladag district of Adana, the Dogan news he said, but added that the situation would belonged to a religious community” could not
agency said. Five people were detained initially become clearer after an investigation. The build- be accepted as the sole reason for the fire. “It is
while three other suspects were being treated ing is assessed twice a year by the education min- too early now to make links but if there is such a
arms pipeline to Yemen
for wounds in hospital. A total of 14 arrest war- istry, Kaynak said, adding that it was last checked scenario, if there is such neglect, it will not be
rants have been issued. in June. The Turkish government banned the ignored,” he said. — AFP
RIYADH: International investigators have UAE forces within the Saudi-led coalition Iraqi family’s search for
found a suspected “weapon pipeline” reported recovering in Yemen a Kornet
from Iran through Somalia to Yemen which CAR said is part of “the same pro-
where Shiite rebels are battling the gov- duction run” as those on the dhow. This
‘Lost Girl’ taken by IS
ernment, according to a report released “supports allegations that the weapons
yesterday. Saudi Arabia and the United originated in Iran and that the dhow’s
States have accused Iran of arming the cargo was destined for Yemen,” CAR said.
Houthi rebels in Yemen, but Tehran French government sources said the
denies the charges. Since March last year dhow was headed to Somalia “for possi-
Riyadh has led an Arab coalition fighting ble transhipment to Yemen,” CAR said. KHAZER: In a camp near Mosul a picture of a Christian town of Qaraqosh, about 15 km south- wrenched the girl away.
the Houthis and their allies in support of Light machine guns, suspected to be three-year-old girl, snatched from her mother’s east of Mosul, including Nuh and her husband, “Who will look after her? She needs me,”
Yemen’s internationally recognized presi- North Korean made, were found with the breast by Islamic State militants when they over- along with Christina, their youngest daughter. It pleaded Nuh, trailing the man as he got off the
dent, Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, after the same serial number sequence on both ran her Christian town two years ago, is taped to is a decision they have lived to regret, but at the bus with her daughter. He said he was following
rebels overran much of the country. The dhows, “which suggests that the materiel a wall along with a desperate plea from her par- time it was unclear how the militants would orders from his emir, or commander, before dis-
analysis by Conflict Armament Research derived from the same original consign- ents. “Lost Girl”, reads the poster in the displaced treat them, and Nuh said she expected Iraqi appearing into the hospital, barring her way. She
(CAR) is based on the seizure in February ment,” the report added. It also referred people’s camp, urging anyone with information security forces to regain control in a matter of continued to beg, and eventually the emir
and March this year of weapons from to the US Navy’s seizure from a dhow in about Christina Ezzo Abada to call the number days. Nevertheless, they sent their four elder emerged from the hospital carrying Christina,
dhows, traditional sailing vessels, in the March of AK-type assault rifles, rocket provided. children to safety in the nearby Kurdish region as who was crying. “I told him to give her back to
Arabian Sea. launchers and machine guns which the Almost nothing is known about what hap- a precaution. me,” recalled Nuh. “He didn’t speak. With his eyes
British-based CAR, which is primarily US believed “originated in Iran and were pened to Christina since her abduction, but her he motioned at me to get back on the bus.”
funded by the European Union, analyzed destined for Yemen.” Two of the dhows family assumes she was taken to Mosul and is Snatched When she resisted, the militants first threat-
photographs of weapons confiscated were made by Al Mansoor of Iran, CAR praying she will be found among the tens of Twenty days went by in Qaraqosh with ened and then forced her onto the bus, which
from the dhows by the Australian warship said. Although their findings were “rela- thousands of people now fleeing the city. In the Christina and her parents holed up at home, drove to a wasteland on the edge of Islamic
HMAS Darwin and the French frigate FS tively limited,” the investigators said their cramped cabin where they live, her parents keep fearful of the black-clad militants, who came to State territory and dumped the entire group
Provence. The ships were part of a joint analysis “suggests the existence of a vigil around the television, tuned to a channel them demanding they convert to Islam, but also there. That was the last time Nuh saw her daugh-
international task force that operates sep- weapon pipeline extending from Iran to tracking the progress of Iraqi security forces as provided food and water when asked. On Aug ter. In the days after she was taken, Christina’s
arately from the Saudi coalition. HMAS Somalia and Yemen”. they fight to recapture the city from Islamic 22, 2014, the militants instructed all remaining parents calledlocal Arabs with links to Islamic
Darwin seized more than 2,000 weapons, This involves “significant quantities of State. A picture of Christina hangs on the wall Christians to gather at a local hospital for med- State who told them she had been placed with a
including AK-type assault rifles and 100 Iranian-manufactured weapons and next to an image of Jesus. ical tests, and Nuh and her husband obeyed. But family and was in safe hands. But then contact
Iranian-manufactured rocket launchers, weapons that plausibly derive from “We hope she’s alive,” said her mother, Aida there were no tests, and after a short interval the was lost. Further efforts to track the girl down
from the dhow bound for Somalia, CAR Iranian stockpiles,” they said. It said that Nuh, the dark circles around her eyes giving her militants ordered them onto a minibus waiting have yielded nothing, although some speculate
said. The seizure by FS Provence included traffickers offload weapons in the semi- a haunted expression. “Maybe someone will outside, which had been smeared with mud to she ended up in an Islamic State orphanage. It is
2,000 assault rifles “characteristic of autonomous region of Puntland in north- bring her and look for us and make contact. God prevent passengers looking out or anyone see- not clear why the militants kidnapped Christina,
Iranian manufacture” and 64 Hoshdar-M ern Somalia “for local arms markets or as knows”. Christina’s case is unusual. Although ing in. who would now be five-years-old.
Iranian-made sniper rifles, all of which transhipment points for onward supply Islamic State is known for its brutality and has The militants, whom Nuh identified as local Earlier this week, the family returned to
were in new condition, CAR said. to Yemen”. Other analysts have ques- kidnapped thousands of men, women and chil- Arabs, searched the group of around 30 Qaraqosh for the first time since leaving more
tioned the extent of Tehran’s influence dren from Iraq’s Yazidi minority, Christians faced Christians for valuables, which they took, and than two years ago. On the way there, the car
Stockpiles over the Houthis, a minority group which a different ultimatum under the militants’ rule- separated four members of the group before stopped and Christina’s father, who is blind, got
There were also nine Russian-made fought six wars against Yemen’s govern- pay a special tax for protection, convert to Islam, corralling the rest onto the bus. Nuh sat with out and heard the voice of a young girl. “I heard
Kornet anti-tank guided missiles, it said. ment from 2004 to 2010. — AFP or die by the sword. Christina on her lap and was breast-feeding her ‘papa! papa!’,” he said. “I called ‘Christina!
Most fled, but around 30 remained in the when one of the militants came up and Christina!’, but she didn’t reply”. — Reuters
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016
I N T E R N AT ION A L
Reckoning for Pelosi: Dems vote for leader
WASHINGTON: Minority Leader Nancy “I think Tim Ryan would be a great “I believe we must do more than sim- dence heading into the vote. Known for two California Democrats, Linda Sanchez
Pelosi faced a reckoning from fellow leader. He’s a new generation and I think ply paper over the cracks,” said Rep. Ruben her vote-counting skills, the Californian and Barbara Lee. Either would become
House Democrats on yesterday as frustrat- he would appeal to a lot of millennials Gallego of Arizona, one of a handful of asserted she had support of two-thirds of the first minority woman in leadership.
ed lawmakers tried to oust her from the and young people in this country,” Rep House Democrats to endorse Ryan. “We Democrats locked up. “Leader Pelosi is On the eve of the House leadership
leadership post she’s held for over a Steve Lynch, D-Mass., said as he headed can’t just say the right things - we must honored to receive the overwhelming elections, 85-year-old Rep. Sander Levin,
decade. The 76-year-old California into the session. “He brings a certain take concrete steps to move our party in support of her colleagues,” said the top Democrat on the House Ways and
Democrat, known as a master vote count- excitement and also a bit of common the right direction.” The 76-year-old Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill. “That so many Means Committee, said he will not seek
er, was expected to beat back the chal- sense from Youngstown, Ohio.” “Our base has been promising some changes to members are so enthusiastic and eager to re-election to the panel post, clearing the
lenge from Ohio Rep Tim Ryan as is working people and we’ve got to talk assuage concerns in her caucus, including take active roles in the caucus is music to way for a younger lawmaker to move into
Democrats met behind closed doors. about that. We’ve got to tell working peo- adding a member of the freshmen class to her ears.” the spot on the powerful committee.
But she was forced to promise changes ple in this country that we care about her leadership team. But her proposals do Other top leadership posts are uncon- Becerra and Rep. Richard Neal of
to the caucus to answer complaints from them,” Lynch said. little to ensure new blood at the very top tested, with Steny Hoyer of Maryland Massachusetts told House Democrats
lawmakers fed up with being shut out of Leadership elections were originally or change the seniority system that has expected to stay in the No. 2 job of whip, they are interested in the position.
the upper ranks of leadership, especially scheduled to be held before Thanksgiving key committees led by lawmakers in their and Jim Clyburn of South Carolina in the Republicans are on track to hold at least
in the wake of a devastating election that but were delayed to give Democrats more 80s at a moment when the party needs to No. 3 position of assistant leader. The 240 seats in the House next year.
installed a GOP monopoly over Congress time to discuss and process the election be defending President Barack Obama’s position of conference chairman is term- Democrats, who had high hopes of signifi-
and the White House. A half-dozen results and consider a path forward. Many health care law and other initiatives. limited, and Xavier Becerra of California is cant gains in the election, picked up just
Democrats were slated to deliver testimo- are discouraged after losing the White expected to be replaced by Joe Crowley six seats on Election Day earlier this
nials to Pelosi in nominating speeches, House and making smaller than expected Overwhelming support of New York. There is a contest for the month and remain in the minority with
but the disenchantment was evident. gains in both chambers of Congress. Nonetheless Pelosi projected confi- position of conference vice chair between 194 seats. — AP
Trump dines with Romney,
plans new victory tour
‘Trump will lead us to a better future’
NEW YORK: Donald Trump dined Tuesday at one
of New York’s swankiest restaurants with Mitt
Romney, his erstwhile foe turned potential fron-
trunner in the race to become America’s next
secretary of state. The dinner came as the presi-
dent-elect got a shot in the arm by a manufac-
turing company announcing a deal to keep
nearly 1,000 jobs in the Rust Belt and as the New
York billionaire prepared to switch his attentions
from job interviews to a post-election victory
tour. “We will keep our companies and jobs in
HAVANA: People line the Malecon seaside boulevard as they watch the motorcade the US. Thanks Carrier,” Trump tweeted late
transporting the remains of Cuban leader Fidel Castro. — AP Tuesday, referring to the Indiana-based air con-
ditioning company that announced the deal.
Viva Fidel!: Castro takes
The choice of Jean-Georges, a three-starred
Michelin restaurant overlooking Central Park run
final voyage across Cuba by celebrity French chef Jean-Georges
Vongerichten and popular with New York high
society, was the clearest indication yet that
Trump may select Romney as his chief diplomat.
HAVANA: A military jeep carried the ashes of picture memorial to Castro at the
After the dinner, Romney offered words of praise
Fidel Castro along streets lined with flag- Revolution Square. The commemorations
for Trump that contrasted sharply with his past
waving Cubans in Havana yesterday, starting in the capital ended with a massive rally
criticisms, saying he had been “impressed” by his NEW YORK CITY: President-elect Donald Trump and Mitt Romney dine at Jean Georges
a four-day journey to his final resting place Tuesday night at the square attended by
acceptance speech and subsequent prepara- restaurant. — AFP
across the island. After two days of tributes in Latin American, African and Caribbean
tions for office, calling it “a wonderful evening.” face the delicate task of reassuring foreign allies Monday, has by far the most foreign policy
Havana, the “caravan of freedom” departed leaders, along with the Greek prime minis-
“I think you’re going to see America continue alarmed by the president-elect’s rhetoric on the experience, but was forced to resign from the
on a 950-kilometer trek retracing the route of ter-the only European leader at the event.
to lead the world in this century,” Romney told campaign trail. Other key posts yet to be CIA after showing classified material to his mis-
the revolution’s victory tour of 1959. Raul Castro, 85, thanked the “countless
reporters, saying he had “increasing hope that announced are the secretaries of defense and tress Paula Broadwell. In 2015, he pleaded guilty
The flag-covered urn rested on a small gestures of solidarity and affection from
president-elect Trump is the very man who can treasury-for which US media reported that to a misdemeanor charge of mishandling classi-
olive-green trailer, flanked by white flowers around the world” and ending with the rev-
lead us to that better future.” The brash real estate Trump was expected to name former Goldman fied materials, and was put on probation and
and protected by a glass case as Havana bid olutionary battle cry, “Until victory, always!”
tycoon and the former Republican nominee who Sachs banker Steven Mnuchin. fined $100,000.
farewell to the communist icon who ruled But the presidents of Western powers, and
lost the 2012 election to Barack Obama were But the search for the right diplomat has
the island with an iron fist for almost half a even friendly nations including Russia,
joined by Trump’s incoming chief of staff Reince proved contentious with some of Trump’s inner Jobs to stay
century. Hundreds of thousands chanted “I China and Iran, sent deputies in their place.
Priebus in full view of other diners, who included circle horrified at the prospect of rewarding a Helping Trump claim success on his election
am Fidel!” and “viva Fidel!” as the “caravan of The absences underscored the divisive
CNN’s senior White House correspondent. prominent critic with such a plum job. Romney’s pledge to save American jobs from going over-
freedom” headed on long trip that will end legacy of a leader who defied the United
In a restaurant where dinner starts at $148 a distrust of Russia-at odds with a president-elect seas, air-conditioning company Carrier Corp
with a final ceremony in the eastern city of States, backed guerrilla movements in Latin
head, the Trump team said they feasted on garlic who has spoken admiringly of Vladimir Putin- announced it had reached a deal with the presi-
Santiago de Cuba on Sunday. America and deployed his army to conflicts
soup with thyme, sauteed frog legs and scallops and the respect he generally commands have dent-elect and vice president-elect Mike Pence
Senior officials of the government and in Africa during the Cold War.
with caramelized cauliflower and a caper raisin been touted as qualities by establishment “to keep close to 1,000 jobs.” Trump had tweeted
Communist Party, and Castro’s longtime Leftist Latin American leaders vowed to
emulsion. For their main course, both the presi- Americans. It remains unclear how influential on America’s Thanksgiving holiday last week that
partner, Dalia Soto del Valle, attended the carry the torch of Castro’s revolution as
dent-elect and Priebus opted for prime sirloin the secretary of state would be on crafting for- he was seeking to persuade the company to stay
farewell ceremony at the armed forces min- they addressed the rally. “Today it is up to
with a citrus glaze and carrots, and Romney for eign policy with Trump loyalist and retired gen- in the United States.
istry before the caravan headed out. us to raise the flags of independence of the
lamb chops with the mushroom bolognese eral Michael Flynn already nominated as nation- The New York Times reported that Trump and
Cubans were observing the fifth of nine great fatherland, today it is up to us to hold
sauce. All three had chocolate cake. Asked by a al security adviser. Pence plan to appear at the company’s
days of mourning for Castro following his the flag of dignity and freedom of the peo-
reporter briefly allowed to observe the meal Besides Romney, other potential candidates Indianapolis plant on Thursday to announce
death on Friday at age 90. Castro ruled ple,” said Venezuelan President Nicolas
whether it was going well, the president-elect are celebrated general yet scandal-clad former they have struck a deal after the company had
from 1959 until an illness forced him to Maduro, whose late mentor, Hugo Chavez,
flashed a thumbs up. CIA director David Petraeus, Senate Foreign threatened to move 2,000 jobs to Mexico.The
hand power to his brother, Raul, in 2006. had a special bond with Castro. Allies
Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker and same day, both Trump and Pence are also sched-
“It’s very moving to say goodbye to a praised Castro in almost religious tones,
Mnuchin touted former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. Earlier uled to lead a post-election rally in Cincinnati,
person who meant so much but who lived with Bolivian President Evo Morales saying,
It was the second face-to-face meeting in 10 Tuesday, Trump met Corker, 64, who said that Ohio. The evening event at the home of the
long enough to accomplish what he want- “Fidel is not dead. ...Fidel is more alive than
days between Trump and the 69-year-old former he thought Trump had narrowed the choice “to Cincinnati Cyclones, with a maximum capacity of
ed,” said a tearful Esperanza Pares, 86. ever, more necessary than ever.”
Massachusetts governor, who savaged him as a a very small group of people” and it was impor- more than 17,000, is expected to be similar to
Castro’s ashes will take the reverse route
“conman” and a “fraud” during the election cam- tant that he selects somebody on the same those that drew enthusiastic crowds of thou-
that his band of guerrilla fighters took after Fading left
paign. Trump’s secretary of state will be wave length. sands during the campaign. The transition team
defeating dictator Fulgencio Batista. Castro’s death, however, comes as Latin
America’s public face to the world who could Petraeus, who met the president-elect on has dubbed it a “thank you tour.” — AFP
From January 2 to January 8, 1959, the America’s left is losing ground. Maduro is
bearded rebels traveled from Santiago to facing a deep economic crisis and fighting
Trump’s idea of ‘presidential’
Havana, stopping in Castro’s home region, opposition attempts to hold a recall refer-
Holguin, as well as the cities of Camaguey, endum, while Brazil’s Dilma Rousseff was
Las Tunas, Sancti Spiritus, Santa Clara and impeached in August and a conservative
Matanzas. One of the most symbol-filled took over in Argentina last year. US differs from past presidents
stops of this last trip will be in Santa Clara, President Barack Obama, who along with
where the ashes of his Argentine comrade- Raul Castro ended decades of enmity to
in-arms, Ernesto “Che” Guevara, rest. The restore diplomatic relations, did not attend
urn will be laid to rest at the Santa Ifigenia the rally, sending an advisor and a diplomat WASHINGTON: Donald Trump, that most ernment that is preparing to take control in the
cemetery, next to the mausoleum of 19th without the status of a “presidential delega- unconventional of presidential candidates, last United States.”
century independence hero Jose Marti. tion.” “We continue to have some significant spring pledged that he would act perfectly pres- “To call this the ‘new normal’ is to make light
concerns about the way the Cuban govern- idential when the time was right. of the seriousness of what’s going on,” Mann
‘Until victory, always!’ ment currently operates, particularly with “I will be so presidential that you’ll call me said. Trump has “got to get some discipline,” said
The trip follows two days of tributes in regard to protecting the basic human and you’ll say, ‘Donald, you have to stop that, it’s New York University’s Paul Light, another scholar
Havana where hundreds of thousands were rights of the Cuban people,” White House too much,’” he promised during a March televi- of government. “He’s just got to get on this.” On
encouraged by the government to view a spokesman Josh Earnest said. — AFP sion interview. Less than two months from the matter of Trump’s tweeting, Light said, “If he’s
Inauguration Day, there are growing signs that up at 3 a.m. about to tweet, he should start read-
Clinton team sees recount Trump’s idea of what’s presidential may never ing something about his agenda instead. He’s
sync up with past norms - to the delight of some under-informed and so is his staff.”
and dismay of others.
as big waste of resources
The president-elect has kept up his habit of Threatening tweets
sending unfiltered tweets, directly challenged The concerns extend well beyond matters of
WASHINGTON:Hillary Clinton’s aides and week where all I wanted to do was curl the First Amendment right to burn the flag and style. Trump’s out-of-the-blue tweet this week
supporters are urging dispirited Democrats up with a good book and our dogs and selected a flame-throwing outsider for a top that people who burn the flag should face jail
to channel their frustrations about the elec- never leave the house again,” Clinton said adviser. He’s shown no hesitation to traffic in time or a loss of citizenship had Republicans
MEXICO CITY: In this Wednesday, Aug 31,
tion results into political causes - just not in an emotional speech at a gala for the unsubstantiated rumors, has mixed dealings in stepping forward to defend First Amendment
2016, file photo, Republican presidential can-
into efforts to recount ballots in three bat- Children’s Defense Fund, her one public business and government, and has flouted rights. His unfounded charges that millions of
didate Donald Trump speaks during a joint
tleground states. appearance since her loss. Former diplomatic conventions to make his own sug- Americans voted illegally sow distrust in the
statement with Mexico’s President Enrique
The former Democratic presidential can- President Bill Clinton, meanwhile, has gestion for who should be Britain’s ambassador integrity of the US electoral system.
didate and her close aides see the recount been poring over the election results, to the US, a job that happens to already be filled. Pena Nieto. — AP On matters of press access, the idea that the
drive largely as a waste of resources, second-guessing decisions by top cam- He’s picked numerous fights with individual ing the big leap to the Oval Office, has expressed whereabouts of the president or president-elect
according to people close to Clinton. The paign aides and intensely trying to figure journalists, disregarded past practices on press hope that the weight of the office will ultimately might be unknown in a time of national emer-
effort is being fueled by Green Party candi- out how his wife lost the white working- access and dabbled in the name-calling that was have a sobering effect on Trump, cautioning gency has troubling implications beyond mere
date Jill Stein, who’s formed an organiza- class voters who were the base of his commonplace during his candidacy. people against assuming “the worst.” inconvenience for reporters. And experts on
tion to try to force recounts in Wisconsin, electoral coalition, say people familiar Trump’s search for Cabinet nominees has “How you campaign isn’t always the same as government ethics say that if the president
Michigan and Pennsylvania. with the campaign. played out like a reality TV show, with a number how you govern,” Obama said in one of a string doesn’t sell off his vast business buildings, he’ll
“Believe me if there was anything I of candidates engaged in unabashed self-pro- of recent comments trying to provide some be subject to a never-ending string of conflict-
could do to make Hillary Clinton the next Possible discrepancies motion while their assets and liabilities are pub- measure of reassurance to those concerned of-interest questions that will cast a cloud over
president of the United States I would,” Clinton’s team was aware of possible licly debated by members of the president- about the next president. “Sometimes when his policy actions.
said former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, discrepancies soon after the election, elect’s own transition team. (It’s normally a hush- you’re campaigning, you’re trying to stir up pas- Trump said yesterday he was drawing up
a longtime Clinton supporter. “But this is telling top donors on a conference call four hush process until the unveiling of an sions. When you govern, you actually have reali- plans to take himself “completely out” of his
a big waste of time.” Aides say Clinton is days after the election that they were look- appointee). Trump’s tweet that “Fidel Castro is ty in front of you, and you have to figure out, business operations. But it wasn’t clear if he
focused on moving past her unexpected ing into potential problems in the three dead!” had none of the diplomatic subtleties ‘How do I make this work.’ “ planned to put his businesses in a blind trust - as
defeat and has devoted little attention to states. But while many campaign staffers normally associated with such an international Republican Rep Mark Meadows of North presidents have traditionally done - or leave
the recount or thinking about her politi- believe Russian hacking influenced the out- development. Carolina, a strong conservative and a Trump them in his children’s hands. Polls show Trump’s
cal future. She’s been spending time with come of the election, blaming foreign defender, said of the transition, “You gotta break favorability ratings have ticked up since the elec-
her grandchildren and going for walks actors for incursions into campaign and ‘New normal’ a few eggs to make an omelet.” But Thomas tion, even if they are still extremely low for an
near her Westchester home. Sightings of Democratic National Committee emails, Is all of this, then, the “new normal” for what Mann, a longtime scholar of government from incoming president.
Clinton hiking with her dogs and shop- they’ve found no evidence of the kind of to expect from a Trump administration or a the Brookings Institution, said that while people A CNN survey released last week found that
ping at a Rhode Island bookstore went widespread ballot box tampering that reflection of the growing pains associated with can hope for the best, “There’s no reason to take Trump’s favorability rating had gone from 36
viral on social media. would change the results of the race - or any presidential transition? President Barack what’s going on with anything other than great percent a few weeks before the election to 47
“There have been a few times this past even flip a single state. — AP Obama, who knows a thing or two about mak- uneasiness and caution about the kind of gov- percent 10 days after the vote. — AP
THURSDAY, DECEMBER1, 2016
I N T E R N AT ION A L
Austria far-right and left happy with regional union
EISENSTADT: Campaigners for Austria’s right has carved out a cozy alliance with the close to the unions, broke a major taboo ology, on the other pragmatism. Ideology of thousands of migrants that trekked
Greens-backed presidential candidate Social Democrats, one of the country’s two last year by entering into a coalition with would have eventually pushed us into the through the state last year.
Alexander Van der Bellen are having a hard main parties. The SPOe, which grew out of a the populist Freedom Party (FPOe). opposition,” SPOe Burgenland chief Helmut
time in Burgenland state, where the far- Marxist worker’s movement and remains As a result, the FPOe’s presidential Schuster told AFP. Model for the future?
poster boy Norbert Hofer is expected to His party lost a whopping six points at Eisenstadt residents seem happy with
easily beat his rival on December 4 in the the regional polls in May 2015 despite win- the arrangement. “It’s good that the parties
eastern region, on Hungary’s border. The ning the race, dropping to 42 percent. The are able to sit around the same table,” said a
45-year-old scored over 60 percent in SPOe decided to skip its conservative part- couple in their 30s, who did not want to be
Burgenland in the first run-off in May, ner, which had come second, and instead identified. “You can’t really say that the
which was annulled over procedural irregu- turn to the third-placed FPOe to form a FPOe’s presence is being felt on a regional
larities. “Some local SPOe mayors are sup- regional government. “It’s a way of winning level.” Petrik agrees that the impact has
porting Van der Bellen... but there are many back voters who left us for the FPOe by been subtle but warns that therein lies the
who don’t openly campaign for Hofer but making them a new offer,” Schuster said. danger. “The atmosphere and the rhetoric
will vote for him,” Burgenland Greens MP The move had been carefully planned. have changed, the words are no longer
Regina Petrik told AFP in a recent interview. Ahead of the ballot, the SPOe had already those of the SPOe,” the Greens MP noted.
Burgenland’s political marriage is “the gauged members’ opinions about a possi- She criticizes the heavy focus on securi-
first great tear in the red barricade put up in ble far-right alliance. ty in Burgenland, where crime statistics
1986” when Franz Vranitzky broke off the “Close to 90 percent were in favor,” were already the lowest in Austria long
short-lived coalition with the FPOe after he according to Geza Molnar, head of FPOe before last year’s election. And yet police
was elected chancellor, according to Burgenland. Negotiations between the two numbers are being stocked up, giving peo-
Austrian news magazine Profil. It is also a parties went smoothly, he said. Hans Niessl, ple “the false impression that they’re living
clear sign of both the seemingly unstop- who has led the SPOe Burgenland for more in an insecure world, which isn’t true”, said
pable rise of the FPOe and the crisis plagu- than 15 years, “prioritized security and the Petrik. Despite her reservations, the
ing the ruling establishment, made up of job market, with a political course very sim- Burgenland example could become a mod-
the SPOe and the conservative People’s ilar to ours,” Molnar told AFP. el for Austria’s next government.
Party. Like elsewhere in Europe and the US, Those who see a “taboo break” in the The far-right, which consistently leads
disgruntled voters punished the traditional coalition are mainly “elite Social opinion polls, is tipped to win the sched-
parties by knocking their two presidential Democrats” from outside Burgenland. uled 2018 general election. The SPOe, led
candidates out of the first round in April. “We’ve created a positive image on a local by Chancellor Christian Kern, recently
level, with goal-oriented personalities launched talks to define “criteria” for coali-
VIENNA: In this May 20, 2016 file photo Norbert Hofer candidate for ‘Extraordinarily good’ showing that they want to work together,” tion partners. Although the FPOe has not
presidential elections of Austria’s Freedom Party, FPOE, and Heinz- In Eisenstadt, Burgenland’s small capital he added. The SPOe also hails what it calls been explicitly named, they’re definitely on
of 14,000 people, the SPOe sees the union an “extraordinarily good collaboration” everyone’s mind-much to Molnar’s delight.
Christian Strache, from left, head of Austria’s Freedom Party, FPOE, look
as a solution to the weakening of the with the FPOe, highlighting among other “Our alliance has helped erase the preju-
out at supporters during the final election campaign event. —AP
Austrian left. “On the one hand there’s ide- things the successful management of tens dices toward the FPOe,” he said. —AFP
A Paris town’s brash
shift to the far right
String of jihadist attacks changing mindsets
MANTES-LA-VILLE: Emilie Fougerolles ‘Permanent fear’ to capitalise on economic gloom and mainstream parties worked together
voted for the far left in 2012 and is “We live in permanent fear,” said concern about Europe’s biggest to block it.
“troubled by the racism” of France’s far- Fougerolles, who was especially migrant crisis since World War II. As Now, thanks partly to deep disar-
right National Front, but nevertheless shaken by the jihadist murder in June part of this strategy, she has report- ray on the left, voter surveys predict
she is seriously thinking of voting for its this year of a police officer and his edly instructed FN mayors not to that Le Pen will come in second or
presidential candidate Marine Le Pen companion in Magnanville, just a few make waves in their cities. Cyril even first in the first round of the
next year. kilometers away. One of her four Nauth, a 35-year-old history and presidential vote in April, qualifying
The 34-year-old sales clerk lives in daughters was taking a judo class geography teacher and the first FN her for the May run-off. She is then
the Paris dormitory town of Mantes-la- only 200 meters away from the scene mayor in the Paris region, failed to tipped to lose, most likely to the new-
Ville, one of 10 cities the National Front of the attack at the time. That was see through on his campaign promis- ly chosen rightwing candidate
Francois Fillon. But after the shock
election of Donald Trump in the PARIS: Vincent Martinez, one the defendants, speaks to press after three for-
United States, no-one is writing off Le mer Air France employees on trial for ripping company executives’ shirts
Pen’s chances. during a dispute over layoffs were found guilty in a case that highlighted
the country’s sometimes violent labor relations. —AFP
‘I won’t hide it’
Franck Party, a 49-year-old super-
3 guilty in Air France
market manager, said he would “nev-
er” have voted for Jean-Marie Le Pen
because he is “too over the top,” but ‘shirt-ripping’ trial
he has voted FN since Marine took
over. “Her positions on defending
France’s identity resonate with me,”
PARIS: Three former Air France employees human resources boss Xavier Broseta
he said, adding that he opposes
on trial for ripping company executives’ before he was stripped to the waist in
“mass immigration” and the “dictator-
shirts during a dispute over layoffs were front of television cameras. Prime Minister
ship of Brussels”.
found guilty yesterday in a case that high- Manuel Valls had called for the defen-
Like Party, many residents of
lighted the country’s fraught labor rela- dants, whom he branded “rogues”, to be
Mantes-la-Ville, which is slightly
tions. They were given suspended prison given stiff sentences.
poorer than the national average,
sentences of three to four months over the
make no bones about voting FN. “I
attack in October 2015 that left one execu- Union activism
won’t hide it,” said Alain Baudouin, a
tive naked to the waist and another with The attack came to symbolize the often
56-year-old former carworker who
his shirt and jacket in tatters. fraught relations between company exec-
has taken early retirement, slam-
Appearing in court in northeast Paris, utives and trade union representatives in
ming “these immigrants who have
two others who faced the same charges of France and led to questions about the lim-
everything”. A former mason who
“organized violence” were acquitted. The its of legitimate protest. Incidents of so-
gave his name only as Frederic
company said the sentences “enable us to called “boss-napping”, in which executives
agreed, saying he was sacked
close this sad episode”, but lawyer Lilia are held against their will during negotia-
“because of Turkish and Polish work-
Mhissen, acting on behalf of most of the tions over job cuts, have spread in recent
ers”, adding: “Vive the FN”.
defendants, said she would encourage years. In 2014, workers at a Goodyear tire
Patricia, a 58-year-old woman
them to appeal. Images of furious activists factory in northern France held two direc-
who works at Mantes-la-Ville’s town
MANTES-LA-VILLE: This file photo taken on March 31, 2014 shows Cyril Nauth, newly elected chasing down the executives at the air- tors captive for close to 300 hours to
hall, said she did not regret voting FN
mayor of Mantes-la-Ville for the French far-right Front National (FN) party, posing in front of the line’s headquarters on the edge of Paris protest the closure of the plant.
in the 2014 municipal elections, and
city hall of Mantes-la-Ville. —AFP made the front pages around the world The CGT has organized protests against
said she would vote for Le Pen in
when the confrontation took place. the Air France trial, with one member
(FN) seized control of during municipal when Fougerolles began taking an es to block a new mosque in Mantes- 2017. Like Fougerolles, she has seen
The protests were led by the hard-left accusing the company and courts of “crim-
elections in 2014. interest in Le Pen. “She has good la-Ville, though he has cut subsidies little change in the city. “Maybe the
CGT, France’s largest union, over the air- inalizing union action.” Air France-KLM
Since then, residents are ideas when it comes to terrorism,” to civic groups. streets are cleaner?” she said, before
line’s plans to cut 2,900 jobs. Ten other for- returned to profit last year after seven
relieved that “nothing has Fougerolles said. “If her name weren’t Le Pen has also seized on the fears adding that for her the main thing is:
mer and current employees from the com- years of losses, but faces stiff competition
changed in our daily lives,” Le Pen I would have no doubts at all generated by the attacks with prom- “We need to revitalize France!” A
pany were fined 500 Euros ($530) yester- from Asian and Gulf airlines as well as new,
Fougerolles said in the low-rise about voting for her.” The 48-year-old ises of boosting security and counter- woman in her 70s who declined to
day for damaging the company’s property low-cost long-haul alternatives.
town some 50 kilometers west of FN leader is the youngest daughter ing perceived Islamic inroads into give her name said she voted for the
after they broke down a gate at the head- Air France, which employs around
the French capital. The string of of the fiery and openly xenophobic French society. The so-called “de- FN mayor because she was “fed up of
quarters during the demonstration. 55,000 people, still faces tensions with
jihadist attacks that have claimed Jean-Marie Le Pen, who led the party demonising” strategy has translated state handouts and immigrants.” But
Pierre Plissonnier, director of long-haul pilots and flight crews who staged strikes
238 lives in France since January for nearly 40 years. into votes, and the party won 28 per- when it comes to the presidency, she
operations at the airline, had told the in late July. The airline also faces a down-
2015 have contributed to the shift Since succeeding him in 2011 she cent in the first round of last year’s said she preferred Fillon. Being mayor
court of his “humiliation” at seeing pic- turn in bookings, notably by Japanese,
in the town of around 20,000 has worked to shed the party’s racist regional elections, though it was is “after all not the same as running a
tures of himself with a ripped shirt and Chinese and American customers,
inhabitants. and anti-Semitic image while hoping defeated in the run-off when the country,” she said. —AFP
jacket scrambling over a fence to escape because of the string of jihadist attacks
the mob. The court also viewed footage in that have hit France over the past two
Brexiteers fighting EU’s metric system which a worker can be heard threatening years. —AFP
EU to boost joint
HUNTINGDON: Armed with high-vis jackets, a lad- “When we took down the first sign my heart was there’s really a lot of people who feel like me and
der and a half-inch spanner, Tony Bennett and beating in fear that we would be arrested,” said they’re rebels as well,” said Norman, sipping a cup of
defense spending
Derek Norman are the foot soldiers of Brexit, wag- Bennett. “After you do it a few times, you lose the tea. At its peak, ARM was made up of about 100
ing a slow but successful battle against metrication, fear.” They see their campaign as a crucial part in activists, including Norman’s wife Kay, who acted as
one street at a time. As the setting sun casts an harnessing support for Britain to leave the a look-out. Her codename was “half-pint”, while
orange glow on the high street in Thaxted, a small European Union, which culminated in the June vote Norman’s was “wun-tun”. Bennett opted for “hun-
town in southeast England, Bennett carefully sticks for Brexit. dredweight”, because, he explained, “it’s a quirky BRUSSELS: The EU unveiled ambitious active EU military role and ultimately what
a plastic card onto a street sign so it gives distances measure — 112 pounds-that summarizes our plans yesterday to boost joint defense he calls a “European Army”.
in yards, not meters. “They were such nice signs, it Arrested seven times weights and measures system. It’s completely daft spending including on shared assets like To stand on its own two feet, the EU
was a shame to alter them,” Norman, the 82-year- ARM’s 15-year campaign is testament to the but we like it.” drones and helicopters, as concerns grow “must invest in the common development
old chairman of Active Resistance to Metrication authority of the high-vis jacket often they are left that President-elect Donald Trump may of technologies and equipment of strategic
(ARM), told AFP. alone to amend or remove signs, with passers-by ‘Time will prove their folly’ downgrade the US security commitment. importance-from land, air, sea and space
Speaking at his home in Huntingdon, eastern and even police assuming they are working for a A former Royal Air Force radio engineer, Norman Trump shocked longtime NATO allies in capabilities to cyber security,” he said. What
England, after the Thaxted job, he said imperial local authority. In jobs ranging from Stansted accepts that the metric system is here to stay for Europe when he suggested on the cam- is known as the European Defense Action
measurements are “part of our culture” that need Airport to the Tower of London, Bennett insists many areas of public life. But he says: “Most people paign trail be would think twice about com- Plan targets more efficient defense spend-
defending. Britain first began introducing the they are only taking down illegal signs and are measure their height in feet and inches, most peo- ing to their aid if they had not paid their ing and increased joint research and pro-
metric system in the 1960s, and the move was therefore doing nothing wrong. The 69-year-old ple want to lose a pound or a stone in weight-and defense dues. That prospect, combined with curement.
accelerated by the need to harmonize measure- says that more often than not local authorities that’s nationwide. Why do we need to change?” He the Ukraine and migrant crises plus nuclear-
ments across the European Union. But the gov- admit their mistake and amend the signs them- adds: “It was our own system of measurements that armed Britain’s shock vote to quit the ‘Competitive defense market’
ernment has stepped back from ditching imperial selves, with more than 3,000 signs taken down brought about the industrial revolution and put the European Union, have moved security It proposes increasing the current 25 mil-
measures altogether due to public opposition, nationwide as a result. great into Great Britain.” sharply up the bloc’s agenda. lion euros ($27 million) allocated to defense
driven by activists such as Norman and Bennett- However, he has been arrested seven times and For Derek Pollard, the secretary of the UK Metric “If Europe does not take care of its own research in the overall EU budget to 90 million
both supporters of the anti-EU UK Independence in 2002 was convicted of criminal damage and Association, however, the current system is unsus- security, nobody else will do it for us,” euros by 2020, when it should be replaced by
Party (UKIP). theft, although the latter conviction was over- tainable. “There are already many areas of metric European Commission head Jean-Claude a dedicated program worth 500 million annu-
Today, while most public business and packaged turned. On the wall in Norman’s sitting room is a usage in the UK economy, from construction and Juncker said in a statement as the plans ally. Another fund, potentially worth five bil-
food use metric units, traffic signs are in miles and cartoon of greengrocer Stephen Thoburn, one of manufacturing, science, medicine and mapping, were announced. “A strong, competitive and lion euros per year, would help member states
yards and beer, cider and milk are sold in pints. In the the “Metric Martyrs” who was prosecuted for failing and for these, there is no going back,” he told AFP. innovative defense industrial base is what acquire military assets jointly so as to reduce
confusion, local authorities and businesses continue to adhere to the new rules on metric weights and He sees no benefit in prosecuting people like ARM will give us strategic autonomy,” said the cost, the statement said, citing as exam-
to install signs in meters-which Norman and Bennett, measures. through the courts, however, saying: “Time will Juncker, who has long pushed for a more ples drones or helicopters. —AFP
ARM’s secretary, feel they have a duty to amend. “I have felt that I’m a rebel. but I also feel that prove the folly of their activities.” —AFP