Demonstrators rally to protest Aleppo carnage

40 Pages·2016·11.86 MB·English

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016 RABI AL-AWWAL 16,1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net
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By B Izzak and Nawara Fattahova
Rights group
KUWAIT: Around 2,400 Kuwaitis protested outside the
calls to end Russian embassy yesterday to condemn Moscow’s sup-
port for the Syrian regime besieging rebel-held Aleppo.
kafala system Carrying banners saying “Stop crimes” and “Save
Aleppo”, the demonstrators marched on the diplomatic
compound in Daiya housing the embassy. The crowds
gathered yesterday were drawn from various back-
KUWAIT:A Kuwaiti rights group yesterday called on
grounds, and included both liberals and Islamists.
the government to abolish its “kafala” system for
foreign workers, which has long been criticized as a MP Jamaan Al-Harbash demanded to sever ties with
form of bonded labor or even slavery. In its 2016 Russia because of its support for Syrian President Bashar
annual report, the Kuwait Association for the Al-Assad. He also called for Kuwait to allow more Syrians
Fundamentals of Human Rights called for “abolish- into the country, saying “we have to support our fellow
ing the current kafala system and replacing it with Arab brothers and sisters against the attacks and crimes
rules according to international standards”. The sys- by the Syrian regime and its allies”.
tem prevents workers from moving to a new job Kuwait is home to more than 130,000 Syrian nation-
before their contracts end without their boss’ con- als, according to government statistics released in 2014.
sent, resulting in a wide range of abuses. Kuwait was one of the first Gulf countries to sever ties
The rights group also expressed concern over the with Syria and pledge support to the rebels seeking to
so-called administrative deportation of thousands of topple Assad. “Today, the Syrian people are at war with
foreign workers every year by the interior ministry. Russia... dead bodies are in the streets of Aleppo,”
“The association demands that no foreigner is Harbash told the crowd. “We call on Turkey and the Gulf
deported out of Kuwait without a final court order,” it states to expel Russian envoys and sever diplomatic ties
said. The report criticized the segregation of Kuwaitis with Moscow,” he added.
and expatriates at public health centers, saying it was “Our Assembly was the first Arab and Islamic parlia-
discrimination on the basis of nationality. ment to hold a special session to discuss the situation in
The association warned of the growing “lan- Syria. The Arab nations should unify to bring about
guage of hatred” against foreigners and expressed practical solutions. Residents of Aleppo have sent their
concern over racial discrimination in Kuwait. KUWAIT: Protesters hold placards during a demonstration yesterday outside the Russian Embassy to condemn last messages from there, but we say the messages
Continued on Page 13 Moscow’s support for the Syrian regime besieging rebel-held Aleppo. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat (See Page 2) Continued on Page 13
Aleppo hit by strikes, shelling
ALEPPO:Shelling and air strikes sent ter- before dawn to evacuate were instead
Deal signed with
rified residents running through the plunged back into a familiar nightmare.
streets of Aleppo yesterday as a deal to “Bombing is ongoing, no one can
China to build 2
evacuate rebel districts of the city was in move. Everyone is hiding and terrified,”
danger of falling apart. The agreement activist Mohammad Al-Khatib told AFP
expat hospitals
reached yesterday was meant to pave from inside the city. “The wounded and
the way for thousands of civilians and dead are lying in the street. No one dares
rebel fighters to evacuate Syria’s second to try and retrieve the bodies.” The evacu-
KUWAIT:Kuwait’s Health Insurance Company (Daman) city, scene of some of the worst fighting ation, agreed under a deal brokered by
has signed a contract worth KD 162 million ($530.85 in more than five years of war. But cold Russia and Turkey, had been due to
million) with China Metallurgical Group Corporation
and hungry civilians who had gathered Continued on Page 13
(MCC) to build two hospitals in Jahra and Ahmadi gov-
ernorates with capacity of 600 beds each. The hospi-
tals will serve insurance-paying expatriates, who
account for some 70 percent of Kuwait’s 4.4 million
population.
The hospitals are to be ready to operate by the end
of 2019, Dr Ahmad Al-Saleh, Daman’s board-member
MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while delivering a speech and chief executive, said in his speech during the sign-
before local and foreign businessmen at Malacanang Palace on Dec 12, 2016. — AFP ing ceremony, adding that the MCC would carry out
Duterte boasts he design, construction, equipping and maintenance
works. Signing the deal is part of the first phase of
Kuwait’s plan to overhaul the health system nation-
killed criminals wide, Saleh was quoted by Kuwait News Agency
(KUNA) as saying. Daman aims to provide healthcare
services to expatriates separate from those provided
by the government to Kuwaitis.
The project is also part of the Kuwait’s development
MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo with a big bike around, and I would just
plan to provide top world-class healthcare services,
Duterte has said he personally killed sus- patrol the streets, looking for trouble also. I
Saleh said, adding that the new hospitals’ interior and
pected criminals when he was mayor of a was really looking for a confrontation so I
exterior design adhere to the latest international archi-
southern city to set an example for could kill.” ALEPPO: A wounded Syrian woman from the Al-Sukari neighborhood is helped onto
tectural and medical standards. Saleh did not mention
police. Duterte made the comments in a Duterte, 71, also responded to criti- the back of a truck as she flees during the government forces’ military operation to
Continued on Page 13
speech late on Monday night to busi- cism from human rights groups and US retake remaining rebel-held areas in this embattled northern city yesterday. —AFP
nessmen as he discussed his campaign President Barack Obama about his anti-
Amazon completes first drone delivery
to eradicate illegal drugs, which has seen crime tactics, vowing he would not be
police and unknown assailants kill thou- intimidated by their criticism into stop-
sands of people since he became presi- ping. “Sorry, I am not about to do that,” he
dent on June 30. said. In a speech to expatriate Filipinos WASHINGTON: Amazon said yesterday it com- drone delivering an Amazon Fire TV box and a “dozens” near its warehouse.
After speaking about police killing sus- during a state visit to Cambodia yester- pleted its first delivery by drone, in what the bag of popcorn to a customer identified only as Amazon is not the only group working on
pects during the current crime war, Duterte day, Duterte joked that as mayor of global online giant hopes will become a trend in Richard B. drone deliveries. Google parent Alphabet has a
said he led similar efforts when he was Davao he would go on missions with automated shipments by air. The delivery to a Amazon, which has been testing drone deliv- similar project known as Wing and some reports
mayor of Davao, the major southern city police and shoot blindly at criminal sus- customer near Cambridge, England, was eries in the US and elsewhere, has on several say US retail behemoth Wal-Mart is also studying
that he ruled for most of the previous 20 pects. “I (would) sometimes go along with announced in a tweet by Amazon founder and occasions complained that the regulatory envi- drone deliveries. In the US, the first commercial
years. “In Davao I used to do it personally. them. If you say I shot someone, maybe I chief executive Jeff Bezos. “First-ever ronment in the United States for these automat- drone delivery was made in July when conven-
Just to show to the guys (police) that if I did. I was closing my eyes because I am #AmazonPrimeAir customer delivery is in the ed deliveries is more cumbersome. In its video, ience store 7-Eleven, with drone startup Flirtey,
can do it why can’t you,” Duterte said in his scared of firing a gun,” said Duterte, a books. 13 min - click to delivery,” he wrote of the Amazon noted that it is working with two cus- transported a chicken sandwich, hot coffee and
speech at the presidential palace. “And I’d lawyer and former state prosecutor. Dec 7 order. A video on Amazon’s web page tomers receiving drone deliveries in the donuts to a customer near Reno, Nevada.
go around in Davao with a motorcycle, Continued on Page 13 showed the delivery process - with a quadcopter Cambridge area and soon hoped to expand to Continued on Page 13
THURSDAY, DECEMBER15, 2016
L O C A L
KUWAIT: Kuwaitis hold placards during a demonstration outside the Russian embassy to condemn Moscow’s support for the Syrian regime besieging rebel-held Aleppo yesterday in Kuwait City. Carrying ban-
ners saying “Stop crimes” and “Save Aleppo,” around 2,000 demonstrators marched on the diplomatic compound housing the embassy in Kuwait City. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat
MP Jamaan Al-Harbash speaks during the rally. Prominent cleric Mohammad Al-Awadhi speaks during the rally. MP Hamdan Al-Azmi speaks during the rally.
Kuwait urges Security Council
be responsible toward Aleppo
State calls for emergency Arab meeting
KUWAIT: The State of Kuwait yesterday nity to respond to the exerted efforts by the and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, ditions in shadow of the aggravating tragic Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and
called on the United Nations Security Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab counterparts in Arab and Islamic nations, situation in the city of Aleppo. Foreign Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-
Council (UNSC) to shoulder “its historic Emirates, Qatar and Turkey and hold the urging them to response to the call for hold- Current consultations are involving Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Turkish
responsibility and stop the blood shedding” extraordinary and emergency session of the ing the emergency meetings. Kuwait, the Arab League General Secretariat Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu recent
in the embattled Syrian city of Aleppo. The UN General Assembly to discuss the situation and Tunisia, the current chair of the Arab developments in Aleppo.
State of Kuwait, which has followed up “with in Syria, the official source added. Emergency meeting League Council. The Arab League Council is During the two phone calls, they
deep concern and pain, the tragic conditions Kuwait, in line with its Arab and Islamic Meanwhile, Kuwait called for holding an due to hold an extraordinary meeting at the reviewed the worsening humanitarian situa-
experienced by the Syrian brethren in responsibilities, which has called for an extraordinary Arab ministerial meeting next delegates’ level today in response to a tion in the Syrian city of Aleppo as a result of
Aleppo, has called on the international com- emergency session of the Arab League Monday to discuss the “tragic conditions” in request by Qatar-backed by other Arab the brutal shelling by the regime and its mili-
munity, namely the Security Council, to Ministerial Council, has also urged for an the war-battered Syrian city of Aleppo. states-to discuss the catastrophic conditions tias. They also touched upon means to inten-
shoulder the historic responsibility and halt urgent meeting at the Islamic level to discuss Ambassador Ahmad Abdulrahman Al-Bakr, in Aleppo. sify international efforts to stop massacres
the blood-letting, protect the civilians and the tragic developments in Aleppo. the State of Kuwait Permanent Delegate to and gross violations against the Syrian peo-
dispatch humanitarian aid into the city,” said As part of these efforts, First Deputy the Arab League, said in a statement that Phone calls ple, to take out civilians through safe
an official source of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Kuwait requested earlier yesterday holding In the meantime, Qatari Foreign Minister humanitarian corridors, and to ensure the
Foreign Affairs in a statement. Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah has an irregular meeting of the Arab foreign min- Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al- delivery of humanitarian aid to the trapped
Kuwait calls on the international commu- called the chiefs of the GCC, the Arab League isters to discuss the current dangerous con- Thani discussed Tuesday, via phone, with people. —KUNA
Kuwait raises $500,000 for Aleppo
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Red Crescent Society He added that the society’s humanitarian upon France and UK request against the
(KRCS) said it has raised a sum of $500,000 initiative was launched Tuesday and runs tragic backdrop in Aleppo.
in humanitarian and relief aid to the resi- for five days. It comes within the frame- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
dents of the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo. work of Kuwait’s relentless relief efforts appealed to those who have the influence
The sum is just part of a $1 million fund- aiming at helping Syrian refugees and dis- and the power to alleviate the suffering of
raising campaign aiming at alleviating the placed persons in general and people of the people of Aleppo. Qatar called Tuesday
sufferings of the residents of Aleppo, the Aleppo in particular, the KRCS official for an emergency meeting of the Arab
KRCS’s public relations and media chief pointed out. League Council at the level of permanent
Khaled Al-Zaid said yesterday. The besieged Syrian city of Aleppo has delegates to discuss the tragic situation in
Zaid urged Kuwaiti people to support been under stiff attacks by Syrian govern- the Syrian city of Aleppo. Meanwhile, the
the relief campaign, dubbed “Aleppo’s ment forces and their allied militias, spark- State of Kuwait has called for holding an
Scream” in order to help in easing out the ing wide-scale Arab and international out- extraordinary Arab ministerial meeting next
woes of Aleppo residents who have been rage. Earlier on Tuesday, the UN Security Monday to discuss the “tragic conditions” in
suffering awfully critical living conditions. Council (UNSC) held an emergency session the war-torn city. —KUNA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER15, 2016
L O C A L
Speaker, Premier Crown Prince receives officials
vow cooperation KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister
Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Minister of Defense Sheikh
received His Highness the Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, and
Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
KUAWIT: The Speaker of the National Sabah at Bayan Palace early yesterday. His Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah.
Assembly Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem Highness the Crown Prince also received Furthermore, His Highness received Deputy
received His Highness the Prime First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of head of the Ruling Family Council Dr
Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah. —KUNA
Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-
Hamad Al-Sabah early yesterday. His
Highness the Prime Minister congratu-
lated Ghanem on being reinstated as
parliament Speaker. Ghanem and
Sheikh Jaber stressed the importance of
His Highness the Amir Sheikh
boosting cooperation between the leg-
Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
islative and executive authorities to
Amir receives calls from
best fulfill the interests the country and
people. —KUNA
Marzouq Al-Ghanem Saudi King, Qatari Amir
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Al-Sabah received separate phone calls Tuesday from Saudi King
Salman bin Abdulaziz and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad
Al-Thani, who both inquired about his health condition after he
caught a cold. His Highness the Amir thanked King Salman and
KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Sheikh Tamim for their phone calls which reflected the solid rela-
Al-Sabah meets with His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-
tionship between Kuwait and each of Saudi Arabia and Qatar,
Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. —KUNA wishing them and their countries everlasting prosperity. —KUNA
KUWAIT: Capital Market Authority’s Chairman Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf speaks
during a seminar yesterday. —KUNA
Kuwait’s CMA says $2 billion of
corporate bonds, sukuk in pipeline
KUWAIT: Kuwait’s financial regulator is local currency.
considering requests from local compa- Bond issuance approved by the CMA
nies to issue $2 billion worth of conven- totals $4 billion since new rules covering
tional bonds and sukuk, the chairman of debt sales were introduced a year ago,
the Capital Markets Authority, Nayef Al- while sukuk stand at $700 million, Hajraf
Hajraf, said yesterday. The applications are added. He also said the CMA was working
under study for final approval, he said at a on creating regulations for a secondary
conference in Kuwait. He did not specify market to trade bonds and sukuk in
whether the issues would be in foreign or Kuwait. —Reuters
Slovenia keen on cooperation
with GCC states, Kuwait: Erjavec
LJUBLJANA: The Republic of Slovenia is boost ties with the Gulf States, said Erjavec
keen on developing relations with the GCC who alluded to the 25th meeting of the EU
countries, especially Kuwait, said Karl and GCC Foreign Ministers back in July.
Erjavec, Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister The Foreign Minister said that the EU, as
and Minister of Foreign Affairs yesterday. one of the strongest partners to the GCC
Speaking on the sidelines of the two-day bloc, had signed several agreements to
strengthen commercial and economic ties,
revealing that the two sides signed an
agreement back in April 2016 to boost
economic relations. On relations with
Kuwait, Slovenian Minister said that hold-
ing dialogue with the Gulf state was within
his country’s top priorities.
Previous agreements signed between
Slovenia and Kuwait had provided solid
grounds for the two nations to pursue
more cooperation in the near future, said
the minister who commended the Kuwaiti
participation in the current Slovenian-GCC
conference.
Kuwait and Slovenia currently focused
their cooperation within the commercial
level, said Minister Erjavec who hoped that
the two countries will increase their com-
Karl Erjavec, Slovenian Deputy
mercial exchange from the 2015 sum of
Prime Minister and Minister of
14.2 million euro. The Minister took the
Foreign Affairs
chance to invite Kuwaitis and GCC busi-
ness personnel to invest in his country,
Slovenian-GCC conference, Erjavec said revealing that the health tourism sector
that this will not be the last meeting of this was one of the major business attractions
kind to be held in Slovenia, stressing that in Slovenia.
his country was looking forward for future Meanwhile, Erjavec touched on the
events aimed at boosting cooperation issue of Kuwait’s bid for a non-permanent
between the two sides. seat as representative of Asia and the
The current meeting will look into all suit- Pacific in the UNSC for 2018-19, saying
able measures to enhance cooperation that the strong bilateral relations will
between the GCC and Slovenia, said the min- reflect positively on Slovenia’s stance on
ister. Slovenia, as part of the EU, is willing to the issue. —KUNA
KUWAIT: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Khaled Al-Jarallah met yester-
day with the Pakistani Ambassador to Kuwait Ghulam Dastagir discussing
the bilateral relations between the states of Kuwait and Pakistan in addition
to regional and international issues. —KUNA
Kuwaiti govt officials, NGOs
ponder avenues for reforms
KUWAIT: Officials and members of the viating the State budget burden, trimming
Government economic affairs commission expenditure, improving the business environ-
held a meeting yesterday with NGOs’ repre- ment, the labor market, privatizing many sec-
sentatives discussing possible steps to boost tors and services and creating jobs.
reforms at the national level and re-activate The meeting included representatives of
these associations’ role in this respect. the Graduates Society of Kuwait, Kuwait Bar
The commission, headed by Deputy Prime Association, Kuwait Accountants and
Minister and Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh, Auditors Association (KAAA), Kuwait
has opted to specialize its first meeting for Engineers Society, Kuwait Economic Society
such a debate, reflecting the government as well as specialists from government
keenness on placing economic issues on top departments.
of the task priorities, according to a commit- The Government Commission also
tee statement. includes Minister of Social Affairs and Labor
The meeting was held in light of guide- and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Dr
lines by His Highness the Amir for greater Hind Al-Subaih, Minister of State for Housing
efforts to push economic and financial Affairs and Minister of State for Utilities Yasser
reforms forward, and in implementation of Abul, Minister of Commerce and Industry
His Highness the Prime Minister’s instruc- Khaled Al-Roudan, Minister of Oil, Electricity
tions. Such an approach is necessary for alle- and Water Essam Al-Marzouq. —KUNA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
LO C A L
Kuwaiti youths’ combat
of radical ideologies
‘amazing’: US diplomat
KUWAIT:Kuwaiti youths’ creativity in combating radicaliza-
tion and extremism via social media and other technologi-
cal means is amazing and highly appreciated, said Nicole
Chulick, Deputy Coordinator for Products in the Bureau of
International Information Programs at the US State
Department.
Following a workshop organized by the American
Embassy under the title (Tech-Camp) late Tuesday, Chulick
said that it was very encouraging from the Kuwaiti govern-
ment to take part in such an event which reflected keen-
ness in countering
terrorism and false
information on social
media.
Tech-Camp, the
first event of its kind
to be held in the Gulf
region, is helping in
dispelling wrong
ideas about the
Muslim world, said
Clulick who affirmed
that the youth here,
with their home-
grown ideas, pro-
duced creative meth-
ods that were amaz-
KUWAIT: National Security Bureau chief Sheikh Thamer Al-Ali Al-Sabah meets with head of a delegation from the Center for American Progress Ambassador John Craig. — KUNA ingly refuting terror-
Security chief, US official ist ideologies.
The participants
from most ministries
have proven that
discuss common issues they were capable of Nicole Chulick, Deputy
producing effective Coordinator for Products in the
measures to counter Bureau of International
negative messages Information Programs at the US
on social media via State Department.
KUWAIT:National Security Bureau chief Sheikh Thamer Al- Meanwhile, Chairman and Director General of Kuwait media in boosting relations with the US. Sheikh Mubarak spreading awareness
Ali Al-Sabah met yesterday with the head of a delegation News Agency (KUNA) Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Duaij noted meanwhile that KUNA was cooperating on the vital issue through personal accounts and other
from the Center for American Progress Ambassador John Al-Sabah received US Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence with other media organizations to fight extremism and applications, Chulick affirmed.
Craig. The two officials discussed issues of mutual concern. Silverman at his office. The two sides discussed boosting promote international peace. The meeting was attended “Kuwait has an important leading role in helping to host
During the meeting, strategies to enhance bilateral ties bilateral ties and the role of media in spreading awareness by KUNA’s Deputy Director for Administrative and Financial such an event like Tech-Camp,” she said. Participants from
were discussed, in addition to regional and international among people on different topics and develop internation- Affairs Abdulhameed Malak and Deputy Director for the private sector also showed great interest in combating
developments, a statement by the bureau noted. al ties. In this regard, Silverman hailed the role of Kuwaiti Editorial Affairs Saad Al-Ali. — KUNA terrorism through social media outlets like Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Spanpchat, she added.
Kuwait’s keenness on being part of the global fight
against terrorism is very important, said the US diplomat,
adding that this threat was becoming part of an interna-
tional issue that needed to be addressed promptly.
“If we are going to combat online radicalization in our
communities, we need to involve the full support from
your communities. We need every voice,” said Chulick,
adding “I have said in the Tech-Champ workshop that we
as individuals should be responsible in what we say in pub-
lic and on social networks... To check the content of what
we receive and what we watch... It is our responsibility first,
we should start with ourselves then spread these ideas to
other individuals.”
She emphasized “The United States has an obligation to
continue its fight against terrorism on social media and by
continuing more Tech-Camps and workshop in many
regions to spread more awareness.”
“I believe that the problem of using social network in
promoting violence and terrorism is an ongoing problem
and we have an obligation to fight such radical movements
that are spreading rapidly around the world.” In her closing
statements, Chulick encouraged Kuwaiti youth to continue
posting information and updates on their activities, stay
engaged, and carry on collaborating with one another,
affirming that “All young people have a vital role. They are
the most credible voice to confront false narratives aiming
to target their peers and their communities.” — KUNA
Sheikha Hessa
praises ‘self-made’
Kuwaiti women
MARRAKECH: Chairperson of Kuwait
Businesswomen Committee Sheikha Hessa Saad Al-
Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah said Tuesday the
Kuwaiti women have always been self-made and
shoulder their responsibilities at present as they
used to do in the past.
“In the past Kuwaiti mothers used to be inde-
pendent in taking care of their children when the
father goes fishing or pearling or dies. So, it is no
wonder nowadays that they assert themselves eco-
nomically and assume high posts in the public or
political life on equal footing with men,” Sheikha
Hessa, also Chairperson of Council of Arab
Businesswomen, pointed out. She made the remarks
in an interview the sidelines of the Arab business-
women forum being held here on December 12-16.
Sheikha Hessa noted that she engaged in busi-
ness and public life affairs since was young thanks to
the encouragement and support she received from
her father. “His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-
Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah continues backing up the
woman empowerment initiatives. The Kuwaiti politi-
cal leadership spare no effort in supporting the busi-
nesswomen financially or through training and reha-
bilitation programs.
“There are numerous successful women who
took up high managerial posts in state institutions
and public life as well as diplomacy and politics as is
the case in the parliament,” she went on. Sheikha
Hessa’s presence at the economic forum was warmly
welcomed by participants in the gathering.
Crucial step
Meanwhile, a group of Kuwaiti craftswomen said
that women’s empowerment represents a crucial
step towards economic and social development.
Secretary General of a Kuwaiti union of craftswomen
Amina Ismail pressed Arab governments to support
women to help “assimilate them into economic and
social worlds.” In a statement on the sidelines of the
economic forum, Ismail noted that efforts to estab-
lish women empowerment could help expedite
broad development in the Arab world.
Meanwhile, Jamila Al-Dwas, a member of this
union, said that “women empowerment has become
obligatory”, adding that “Kuwait has made substan-
tial progress on this issue.” Moreover, another union
member, Aseel Al-Mazyed underscored the “signifi-
cant” phases that Kuwaiti women have completed,
which proves that they are capable of standing
alongside men to help build the nation’s economy.
Kuwait’s delegation to the economic forum
organized by the Union of Moroccan
Businesswomen comprises 20 women, headed by
Sheikha Hessa Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.
The forum allows Arab businesswomen the chance
to step up cooperation in business and economic
realms. — KUNA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
LO C A L
MPs to debate economic
reforms on January 10
By B Izzak has applied the law in a wrong way meet with the panel. She said that a
and the pilots should not be forced to number of MPs will file to amend two
KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker leave the national carrier. Hashem articles in the law related to appoint-
Marzouq Al-Ghanem yesterday said said that the minister asked for time ments, adding she was not worried
that a request by several MPs to until Dec 25 to discuss the issue and about the opposition of the adminis-
debate the government’s economic
reform package has been placed on
the agenda of the Jan 10 session for Energy authority
discussion. MPs had demanded that
the government should explain the
measures included in the package, needed: Minister
which was designed by the govern-
ment in the face of falling oil revenues
and to plug the budget deficit.
By Meshaal Al-Enezi effective on May 2017.
Opposition MPs have vowed that they
KUWAIT: Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri (center) meets ministry officials during a cere-
will strongly oppose any measure by
mony marking his assumption of the senior post. — KUNA KUWAIT: Minister of Oil and Cooperation
the government to raise charges on
Minister of Electricity and Water Chairman of the Municipal
services or to tax citizens to boost
Newly-appointed Awqaf Minister vows non-oil revenues. Essam Al-Marzouq stressed the Council’s reform and development
need for a legislation to establish a committee Osama Humoud Al-
‘Public Authority for Electricity and Otaibi stressed that cooperation
moderation to be maintained as policy Sawwagh’s death
Water.’ He also noted that the between the Municipal Council and
Meanwhile, opposition MP Al-
authority would be public, mean- the Ministry of State for Economic
Humaidi Al-Subaei said he will
ing that all facilities currently under Affairs, formerly the Ministry of State
Speed up work: Justice Minister demand the formation of a commit-
the ministry would not be priva- for Planning and Development, is in
tee to probe the case of the death of
tized and will remain state-owned. progress in order to remove all the
former lawmaker Falah Al-Sawwagh,
KUWAIT: Minister of Awqaf and approach. The State of Kuwait has for an irregular Arab meeting to look who died a few months ago while Meanwhile, Marzouq stressed that obstacles facing development plans.
Islamic Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri repeatedly affirmed that it advocates into the plight of the war-battered undergoing surgery. Subaei said the the new electricity tariff is being
studied by the Fatwa and Showers
has affirmed his keenness on main- Islam as a religion of moderation and residents of the Syrian city. probe has become necessary after
Legislation Department, adding Meteorologist Salah Al-Ansari
taining moderation and “combating peaceful co-existence among diverse Separately, the new Minister of new Health Minister Jamal Al-Harbi
that it helps rationalize consump- reported light showers and cloudy
extremism and thoughts of annihila- communities. Kuwait hosts communi- Justice, Minister of State for National referred the case to the public prose-
tion, and is not primarily meant to weather over Kuwait International
tion.” Minister Al-Jabri, the sole elect- ties from various nations of diverse Assembly Affairs Dr Faleh Al-Azb yes- cution to investigate suspected med-
increase the ministry’s income. The Airport and Um Al-Maradem island
ed parliament member in the recently faiths, with freedoms to practice their terday urged personnel at the Palace ical negligence that led to Sawwagh’s
new tariffs are expected to become yesterday.
formed new cabinet, made the asser- beliefs. of Justice to speed up legal and judi- death. MPs paid tributes to Sawwagh
tion during a ceremony marking his On his call to pray for the people of cial transactions. Minister Azb made during the opening session of the
assumption of the senior post. Aleppo, the minister replied, “this is the call for speedier performance of Assembly on Sunday.
Utilities’ ministry departments
The newly-assigned minister the least we can offer to our stricken the tasks during a tour to various sec-
Treatment abroad
affirmed his keenness on maintaining brothers in Aleppo” praying to His tions of the Palace of Justice and affili- to be privatized: Minister
Harbi also said that a committee
“moderation, his resolve to fight radi- Almighty to relieve them of their ate buildings, in an effort to pin point
has been formed to review decisions
calism and destructive thoughts; hardships. The State of Kuwait has causes for work obstruction and delay.
to send Kuwaiti patients for medical By A Saleh Employees financial, administrative
because our religion is a religion of urged the Security Council to shoul- The minister during the inspection lis-
treatment abroad and establish if the and vocational rights will be protect-
moderation,” indicating that scholars der its responsibilities towards the tened to a number of judges, attor-
decisions were in line with the law. KUWAIT: Minister of Housing and ed following the privatization process,
in the country are supportive of this tragic conditions in Aleppo and called neys, prosecutors and staff. —KUNA
The minister said that if the probe Minister of Utilities Yasser Abul Abul assured.
finds that some people who didn’t received yesterday Hameed Al-
Arwa Gulf Trading Company deserve it were sent, the officials Qattan, Undersecretary of the Officer accuses inmate of arson
responsible for sending them will be Ministry of Utilities, formerly known A police man working at the cen-
penalized. as the Ministry of Communications. tral prison reported that someone had
to take part in Horeca 2017 During the meeting which also torched his vehicle, while the fire also
KAC pilots included other ministry officials, Abul damaged his brother’s vehicle. Both
Rapporteur of the Assembly’s asked them to change the ministry’s cars were parked outside his house in
financial and economic affairs com- name officially to the Ministry of Abdullah Mubarak, he said. He noted
KUWAIT: Preparations for the Horeca mittee MP Safa Al-Hashem said the Utilities in all official correspondences. that surveillance cameras showed the
Kuwait 2017 exhibition are steadily pro- panel discussed yesterday the case of He also gave Qattan full authority to incinerator’s vehicle parked outside
gressing, and the event is attracting 38 Kuwait Airways pilots who were run the ministry’s affairs, and reas- the house while the incident took
more companies to take part, since it is forced to do other government jobs sured the assistant undersecretaries place. The prison guard accused an
an event which provides a golden oppor- as part of implementing the KAC pri- that they would not be reshuffled for inmate of committing the arson, say-
tunity to exchange expertise to meet the vatization law. Hashem said that the the time being. Meanwhile, Abul ing that he had clearly threatened to
local market’s needs and future expan- pilots and the minister of housing and stressed the importance of privatizing torch his vehicle because he had
sion plans. In this regard, Arwa Gulf utilities attended the meeting to see all of the ministry sectors, which refused to smuggle in some contra-
Trading Company recently announced its how the pilots can be reinstated. include the post, long distance calls, bands for him. A case was filed and
intention to take part in the exhibition as She said that KAC management landlines and transport department. further investigations are in progress.
a leading companies in the field of hospi-
tality, food industries, transport and gas,
especially since its products are very well
known in Kuwait and overseas.
Tareq Al-Saleh Mohammed Serajuddin
Commenting on his company’s par-
ticipation, General Manager Tareq Al- the company’s beverages department noted that the company’s plan to go into
Saleh said that Aqua Cool has become a manager, said that Arwa Gulf Trading, the retail market in Kuwait will be com-
major brand in bottled drinking water in Aqua Cool and Lavazza Kuwait have spe- plete by the first quarter of 2017.
Kuwait and that it has won customers’ cialized in the supply of bottled water, Horeca Kuwait 2017 has so far attract-
trust because of its high quality. water dispensing machines and compo- ed over 70 companies due to display
Saleh added that Aqua Cool was nents, ground coffee, coffee beans and their products in the presence of a group
recently awarded the ‘Best Taste Award’ WEGA machines for coffee shops, restau- of international experts and chefs and a
by the International Quality and Taste rant and hotels. He added that jointly large group of company and hotel own-
Institute in Belgium. “Aqua Cool is with the Italian company of Lavazza, ers. The exhibition is organized by
healthy and very beneficial for the body Arwa provides high quality coffee Leaders Group in collaboration with
because of the balanced minerals and machines and various types of coffee, Hospitality Services Company at Kuwait
low sodium it contains,” he underlined. varying from ground coffee, coffee cap- International Fairgrounds in Mishref on
Meanwhile, Mohammed Serajuddin, sules and decaffeinated coffee. He also January 16-18, 2017.
Speech laid
action
roadmap
KUWAIT:His Highness the
Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-
Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s
speech at the opening of
the National Assembly’s
15th legislative term on
December 11th has laid a
roadmap for the national
action on all levels,
Information Minister Sheikh
Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-
Humoud Al-Sabah affirmed
yesterday.
Sheikh Salman, also
Minister of State for Youth
Affairs, made his remarks to
KUNA following his meet-
ing with Director General of
the Public Authority for
Sport (PAS) Sheikh Ahmad
Al-Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-
Sabah, Undersecretary of
the Ministry of State for
Youth Affairs Sheikha Al-
Zain Al-Sabah, Director-
General of Public Authority
for Youth (PAY)
Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi,
and a number of youth and
sports leaderships.
His Highness’ speech
also sets up a comprehen-
sive action plan for the
Kuwaiti youth for the next
stage, he said, noting that
the Amir’s speech also ana-
lyzed the country’s local sit-
uations accurately and pro-
vided suitable solutions for
them in a fashion that
boosts Kuwait’s status on
regional and international
levels. His Highness the
Amir’s political and leader-
ship wisdom made the
youth issue a top priority
and interest in the country,
providing them with all
types of support, care, and
attention, Sheikh Salman
said.—KUNA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER15, 2016
From the Arabic press
Crime
MPs target
R e p o r t
demographic
Detectives held
imbalance as
for theft
priority
KUWAIT: Four detectives and two Syrians were arrested for
KUWAIT:Several MPs indicated some of the govern- breaking into a man’s house and robbing a safe. The sus-
ment’s priorities by speaking about the demograph- pect were identified through CCTV footage that the com-
ic imbalance and the problem of ‘bachelors’. MPs plainant provided to police. The four detectives broke into
Osama Al-Shaheen, Oudah Al-Ruwaei, Salah E the citizen’s house looking for an unlicensed weapon, leav-
c
Khourshid, Hamad Al-Harshani and Khalil Al-Saleh o ing the door broken. The owner was surprised on returning
n
called to put an end to these issues that have been o home to find out that the safe was missing. The six, includ-
m
raisSehda fhoer emno croe nthsiadne are dde rceacdteif ywinitgh otuhte a dneyf seocltu itnio tnhse. ic z e n ifnugrt htheer lefoguarl adcettieocnt ibvye sS awlmeriey aa rproelsitceed s tfaotri oqnu.estioning and
i
population structure and a finding logical solution t
i
for the bachelor problem among his priorities, espe- C
Officer injured
cially since the imbalance has negative economic,
A driver of a rundown truck failed to escape from
social and security implications. He said repeated
police, but ran over a technician deliberately. The inci-
government promises of reform did not produce
dent took place in Kabd when officers at a checkpoint
true reform - rather it widened the gap between the
noticed the truck and decided to impound the vehicle
number of expats and citizens.
for safety reasons. The driver ran over the technician
Shaheen said the defect in the population struc-
while trying to escape, but was stopped and detained.
ture is increasing, and it is strange that the focus is
The officer was sent to hospital for treatment.
only on certain nationalities. “Reform should be on
a
two tracks - the first is to boost the percentage of cit- a
b
izens compared to expats and bring them back to n Smuggling foiled
A
becoming a majority; and diversify nationalities that Al- Two hashish rolls and 1,500 Tramadol tablets were found
are participating in building the country, and there with an Egyptian man minutes after he arrived to Kuwait.
should not be a concentration of certain nationali- The man was taken from Kuwait International Airport
ties,” he said. directly to the Drugs Control General Department for fur-
Meanwhile, Assembly Secretary Ruwaie said “if ther action.
the government had complied with the rules and did Al-Jarida
not appease anyone at the expense of the popula-
37th GCC Summit Without a license
tion structure, we would not have seen these prob-
“Be like a horse, and never get tired by taking this prod-
lems”. “This should be dealt with according to the
uct.” This promotion was written on a man’s social
law,” he added.
media account which he used to sell aphrodisiacs with-
Khourshid asked the Cabinet to “put an end to the By Dr Hassan Jouhar
out a proper license. Police had stopped a car that
bachelors’ problem and search for a serious and well-
T turned out to be reported missing by a car rental
studied solution instead of transferring problems”. he Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) recently held situation more complicated. In addition, Oman’s atti-
agency. Police noticed a bag of drugs next to the driver,
“The bachelors’ problem is not one of today, since a its 37th summit in Manama without any surpris- tude, in particular, towards many of these issues might
and asked him about it. The man, bedoon (stateless),
decade ago the government spoke about building es, especially with relation to the GCC union prevent the establishment of a full GCC union or make
said the drugs were sexual stimulants, and that he sold
cities for bachelors. But due to favoritism in distribut- project, which reflects lack of unanimous integrated it prematurely born, which might create a great deal
them online for KD 45 per box. He was taken to the
ing projects, no bachelor cities were built,” he visions at the time being, despite media enthusiasm of embarrassment to such a long journey.
proper authorities to face charges. — Al-Rai, Al-Anbaa
charged. “One of the most dangerous problems that and the support provided by some political figures On the other hand, any project to declare the
has surfaced lately is that of single women, especially and blocs in some member states, including Kuwait, to establishment of a regional union upon security con-
those seen on the streets, which may create moral such media campaigns. The summit settled for taking cerns alone would be more like a reaction to some of
problems,” he said, calling for holding those who the traditional attitudes towards many regional and the hot issues mentioned above, including what most News
caused the bachelors’ problem to account. international issues and emphasizing member states’ GCC states consider as Iranian provocative acts. It
Harshani called for readjusting the demographic cooperation in various fields. might also direct member states towards adopting
i n b r i e f
structure because it is the most important pillar of Hesitancy about declaring the GCC union, regard- solid political tools and make accelerating decisions at
development, especially since it is linked to the secu- less of its form and suggested legal or political struc- the expense of completing the infrastructure needed
rity, economy and social sectors. He called upon the ture, remains the wisest and most balanced option at for more economic and cultural conformity. Many sim- GCC Chambers
social affairs and labor minister to announce solu- this stage because the infrastructure for regional inte- ilar pacts made as reactions to mere security or politi-
tions for the problem and end the issue of bachelors. gration is still immature, be it on economic level as for cal situations could not hold for long and were reject JASTA
Saleh also demanded the social affairs and labor the unified currency or the joint market, or in terms of doomed to failure, such as the Arab Maghreb Union,
minister to adjust the population structure and diversifying sources of income, in addition to trans- Warsaw Pact, Baghdad Pact and the Arab Cooperation
called for a strategy to reduce the number of expats, port links and land and sea connections amongst GCC Council. KUWAIT:The Federation of Gulf Cooperation Council
“because it is no longer acceptable to have the num- brothers, though some of these projects, like the rail- GCC integration must be made upon well-studied Chambers (FGCCC) heavily criticized the Justice against
ber of expats three times the number of citizens”. way line, is underway. foundations stemming from peoples’ wills and aspira- Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) which was passed by the
“We are not against expats, but we are for reducing Politically speaking and despite agreeing on many tions, in addition to the challenges GCC states are fac- US Congress earlier this year. “Such legislative terrorism
their numbers and finding solutions to the bachelor issues amongst GCC capitals, attitudes are still diverse ing in terms of sustainable human development, should not only be met with criticism and angry reactions,
problem. There is no dispute over the necessity to and relatively different towards some major regional diversifying economies and activating the role of GCC but also with planning for calculated steps and active
find a solution for their humanitarian problems, and and international issues including the situation in diplomacy in making friends, which will make any diplomacy, creating a wide public relations network and
punish those who caused the unrealistic increase in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and most recently Egypt, in addition future unity project be well-made in a promising way. forming a specialized work team that seeks aid from inter-
their numbers,” he added. — Al-Rai to Iran. The US presidential election results made the — Translated by Kuwait Times national legal companies and houses inside and outside
the United States,” said FGCCC Chairman Ali Al-Ghanem.
Calling the arguments based on which the law was enact-
ed as ‘contradicting,’ Ghanem indicated that all countries
Gulf Bank wins ‘Best Message for TV Commercial 2016 Award’
were affected by terrorist actions, including GCC countries
and Saudi Arabia in specific. He added that the law would
At Advertising Creativity Awards Ceremony affect US economic interests “and trillions of dollars that
foreign countries invest inside America.” — Al-Rai
KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced yester- to give beyond their limits and reminds
GCC railway project
day that it was awarded the “Best every one of the importance of forgive-
KUWAIT: The estimated cost of building a railway in
Message for TV Commercial 2016 ness during the Holy Month. The com-
Kuwait as part of the GCC railway project varies
Award” at the Fourth Advertising mercial was well received locally and
between KD 900 million and KD 1 billion, according to
Creativity Awards (ACA) event organ- regionally due to its impactful message
a study carried out by Ernst and Young and presented
ized by the Arab Media Forum. The and it was broadcasted on Kuwait tele-
recently to the Kuwait Authority for Partnership
event was held under the auspices of vision stations and released on
Projects (KAPP). The $19 billion project is planned to
Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al- YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
extend to up to 1,940 kilometers across all GCC states,
Homoud Al-Sabah, Minister of and other social media channels.
including 145 kilometers in Kuwait. KAPP is still yet to
Information and State Minister for The Advertising Creativity Award
receive offers regarding the project as it waits for
Youth Affairs. 2016 was organized for the fourth year
removing obstacles standing in front of the projects -
The award was presented to Gulf by the Arab Media Forum, which has
including more than 30 farms that have to be
Bank for its special TV commercial proven to be one of the region’s most
removed to make way for the tracks. — Al-Rai
launched during the Holy Month of prominent local industry events. The
Ramadan 2016, and which was pro- event brought together many minis-
duced in cooperation with Impact and ters, media and advertising executives,
Citizenship reinstatement
Echo. Gulf Bank’s Ramadan video journalists, academics, authors, actors,
KUWAIT: A number of MPs discussed an initiative to form a
revolves around the issue of prejudice businessmen, and social figures from all
team that discusses finding an amicable solution with the
and stereotypes as well as around the around the Arab world.
government to return citizenships of people whose
importance of giving beyond one’s lim- For more information about Gulf
nationalities were withdrawn. The reinstatement would
its. The video shares five different sto- Bank, visit one of Gulf Bank’s 56 branch-
come through a decision released by the cabinet, sources
ries, where the actions of the characters es, call the Customer Contact Center on
said, adding that steps are ongoing to launch this initiative
are being perceived as pejorative but 1805805, visit the bank’s bilingual web-
to “end the suffering of those affected as soon as possible,
turning out that they are opting for site at www.e-gulfbank.com or its Representatives of Gulf Bank and Impact and Echo accepting the award at the 4th
especially since their situation is deteriorating.” — Al-Rai
good deeds. The video calls for people social media channels on YouTube, Advertising Creativity Awards Ceremony.
AUB sponsors special
needs entertainment day
KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank (AUB) We continue to support special needs opment across Kuwait. The bank’s
announced the sponsorship of ‘Color development throughout the year, core social strategy includes driving
Your Life’, a dedicated event that was and ultimately reiterating AUB’s com- programs across multiple sectors
developed to provide a host of activi- mitment to the wider community.” along with catering to special needs
ties and fun filled programs towards AUB continues to drive community within its own branches, with the
special needs across Kuwait. The all- wide social initiatives that reflect its objective of providing an enhanced
day event was held recently at the Al- dedication towards sustainable devel- and complete experience.
Kharafi Activity Kids Center and on
the occasion of World Disability Day.
The event included a number of
activities such as the creation of
handcrafts in an entertaining envi-
Remarkable attendance at KFH
ronment, creating an extensive range
of interactive activities that involve all
pavilion at Gulf Oil Company expo participants from special needs while
also encouraging a healthy competi-
tive environment amongst participat-
ing teams.
KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has participated in deposits, banking cards, offers, special discounts, announce
Participating teams engaged in
local banks exhibition organized by Gulf Oil Company. KFH profits on deposits, discounts granted on prepaid credit
activities that involve movement
participation comes as part of KFH efforts to introduce its cards and types of banking and finance transactions .
motions, Henna drawings for females,
services and products, highlight KFH nature of business and KFH pavilion witnessed remarkable attendance by oil
caricature artists, as well as sports
reiterate the significance of reaching various tiers of cus- sector employees, thus reiterating the compatibility and
games amongst other entertaining
tomers in addition to the achievement of cooperation and feasibility of the services and products provided by KFH.
programs and a wide variety of sur-
coordination with various entities working in various fields. Needless to say that KFH has a vast customers’ base and
prising gifts.
Specialized employees were able to present complete market share. Accordingly, it becomes a necessity to reach
AUB said, “We are proud to be
demonstrations and presentations on KFH services, prod- out to customers and update them on the latest services
associated with social functions that
ucts and financial solutions to visitors and Gulf Oil and banking products offered by the bank.
aim to tell a strong story around
Company employees to enlighten them about all advan- The visitors of KFH pavilion praised the remarkable inter-
Kuwait’s integrated social fabric. AUB’s
tages and offers provided by the bank. These steps aim to est and care which they have seen from KFH employees
commitment to corporate social
reinforce communications with customers and identify who have presented a comprehensive vision on KFH servic-
responsibility starts with its belief in
their needs closely. es, products, business and distinguished performance.
the core values of Kuwaiti society, and
KFH presence in its special pavilion provides the oppor- These efforts have created a positive impression about KFH
the bank’s policies and vision are
tunity to answer all queries and questions, introduce servic- being the leading Islamic bank worldwide with a unique
aligned to meet the needs of Kuwait.
es and products provided by the bank including finance remarkable experience in Islamic finance services.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
5 things to know ahead
of the Abe-Putin hot
Loophole in EU-Turkey deal draws migrants to river crossing
springs summit
Page 10 Page 12
QARAQOSH, Iraq: This file photo taken on November 26, 2016 shows ammunition and mortar launchers confiscated from Islamic State (IS) group jihadists, after Iraqi forces recaptured it from the group.—AFP
Iraqi gains reveal huge scale of IS arms industry
Conveyor belt for car bombs
QARAQOSH, Iraq: Factories churning lathes in a cavernous hall had been report released yesterday, show a with the help of its own improvised
out tens of thousands of munitions put to work manufacturing mortars sophisticated system that pours out weaponry. But now, as the group faces
Shipwreck in Florida:
and an entire street turned into a con- and rockets. Moulds for shells lay on tens of thousands of standardized increasing fragmentation with the ter-
veyor belt for car bombs: advances by tables and unfinished casings littered mortars, rockets and explosives on an ritories it controls under pressure from
The stuff of history?
Iraqi forces around Mosul have laid the floor. “unprecedented scale” and under various offensives, the intelligence
bare the scale of the Islamic State At another location nearby, part of strict quality controls. being gleaned could prove invaluable
group’s arms industry. an abandoned gas storage facility was While the raw materials for shell for countering its threat beyond its
MIAMI: Treasure hunters have apparently found the 500-
In the more than two years since it strewn with the deadly improvised casings and missiles come from scrap shrinking heartland. “This will be criti-
year-old remains of a naval expedition led by a colonizer
seized control over swathes of the explosive devices IS produced there. metal and spare parts in the cities that cal for future efforts to counter the
who could have changed Florida’s history, making it French-
country, IS established a sprawling The white powder of homemade IS have captured, the explosives and spread of this group,” said arms expert
speaking at least for a while.
and highly organized system that explosives spilled out of large bombs propellant are made from precursors Bevan. From France and Belgium to
The big question is if the shipwreck is that of “La Trinite,”
experts say no other insurgent group that the group had not had time to lay mostly procured in bulk from the Egypt and Turkey the group and its
the 32-gun flagship of a fleet led by Jean Ribault, a French
has matched. in the path of the advancing Iraqi open market in Turkey and diverted affiliates have already carried out
navigator who tried to establish a Protestant colony in the
The capability has seriously boost- troops. through Syria. bloody terror attacks in a string of
southeast US under orders from King Charles IX.
ed the threat from the group as it bat- As proof of their high standards the countries across the globe. Earlier this
They probably are, say authorities in Florida, the French
tles ferociously to cling to territory in ‘Something else’ final IS products are often painted a month the Europol police agency
government and independent archeologists. And if they in
Iraq and Syria-and the fresh intelli- “In terms of scale, planning, central- military green, branded with the warned that IS where evolving their
fact are, this is an unparalleled find, said John de Bry, direc-
gence could now prove vital in coun- ized command and control and the group’s logo and packed into specially tactics to attack soft targets in Europe
tor of the Center for Historical Archeology, a not-for-profit
tering its plots to carry out attacks on precision to which they are manufac- made crates to be dispatched to the and could use the deadly car bombs
organization. “If it turns out to be ‘La Trinite,’ it is the most
the West. turing, this is something else,” James various fronts it is fighting on. they have employed to devastating
important, historically and archaeologically, the most impor-
Iraqi army deminer Hashim Ali Bevan, director of Conflict Armament effect in Iraq and Syria.
tant shipwreck ever found in North America,” he told AFP.
picked his way carefully through the Research, a UK-based group which Lessons for West? “If you look at the Iraq and Syria
All indications are that the shipwreck found is the real
rubble as he explained how IS trans- investigates arms flows around the On the battlefield the weapons theatre as a hotbed for the develop-
thing. The artefacts found at the site off Cape Canaveral
formed Mart Shmony street in globe, told AFP. “I can’t name another they manufacture themselves have ment of more and more sophisticated
include three bronze cannons with markings from the reign
Qaraqosh, some 16 kilometers (10 armed group that manufactures on proven an important way for IS to sup- improvised devices then it is probably
of King Henri II, who ruled right before Charles IX; and a
miles) southeast of Mosul, into a pro- such a scale and with such a degree of plement their flow of factory-made unparalleled,” Bevan said. “If and when
stone monument with the French coat of arms that was to
duction line of death after seizing the coordination.” arms seized from government forces Islamic State is pushed out of Mosul
be used to claim the new territory. The remains are “consis-
town in 2014 and forcing the mainly Bevan and teams from his organiza- or rebel groups in Iraq and Syria. and pushed out of large parts of Syria
tent with material associated with the lost French Fleet of
Christian population to flee. tion have been on the ground in Iraq Commanded by former Iraqi military its fighters will disperse and that
1565,” said Meredith Beatrice, director of communications
Once it was a bustling thorough- cataloguing the extent of IS arms pro- and intelligence officers, the group means its bomb-makers will disperse
with the Florida Department of State. In 1565, Ribault set sail
fare of car workshops and stores sell- duction. Their findings, detailed in a has fought conventional campaigns too.”—AFP
from Fort Caroline, today Jacksonville, to attack his arch-ene-
ing Turkish furniture, but for the
my, the Spaniard Pedro Menendez de Aviles, who had been
jihadists it offered all they needed to
sent to Florida by King Philip of Spain to thwart French plans
make the armored car bombs they use
to set up a colony.
to blow up civilians and slow advanc-
But Ribault got caught in a hurricane, which destroyed
ing Iraqi troops.
“La Trinite” and three other galleons and ended French
In one building they stripped the
dreams of claiming Florida. Ribault and hundreds of other
vehicles, in the neighboring one they
French Huguenots were massacred by Menendez de Aviles.
cut the metal plates for armour. A few
doors down they made the explosives.
Historical interest
Just up the road they loaded the
“If the French had not been driven south and ships sunk
bombs into the car. “These people are
by the hurricane, we would have a totally different story,”
not stupid, they are very well organ-
said de Bry. “Florida could have been speaking French for a
ized,” Ali told AFP. “If you give them
number of years.” In modern day Florida, archeologists and
more time then they always find ways
historians have been looking for this shipwreck for years.
to surprise you.”
Two years ago, an expedition from the state-run St.
Nearby the remnants of a pickup
Augustine Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program
truck with a metal plate welded to its
gave it a shot but found nothing. Marine archeologist Chuck
front stood inside a former furniture
Meide, who led that try, said “this is one of the most impor-
shop devastated by an air strike from
tant shipwreck discoveries we have had in Florida.” The find
the US-led coalition backing Iraqi
was finally made in May of this year by a treasure hunting
troops. In towns, villages and districts
firm called Global Marine Exploration. Precisely where has
retaken from IS the pattern was
not been disclosed.
repeated.
“It is not advisable,” said French consul general Clement
AFP visited a number of sites where
Leclerc. “This is potentially a major discovery and we think it
the group cannibalized existing infra-
deserves a scientific and rigorous analysis and exploitation,
structure to create their own impro-
because we think it should be later presented to the general
vised arms factories. In a former QARAQOSH, Iraq: This file photo taken on November 7, 2016 shows soldiers of the Iraqi army displaying weapons confis-
public given its historical interest,” he told AFP.—AFP
cement plant in the town of Areej the cated from the Islamic State (IS) group jihadists.—AFP
THURSDAY, DECEMBER15, 2016
I N T E R N AT ION A L
After IS ouster, Iraqis flock to new hospital
Six physicians per 100,000 inhabitants
QAYYARAH:When it was ruled by jihadists, res- the inside of a hospital. “There is no emergency long white coat and stethoscope draped hospital’s gate, life in Qayyarah is slowly mutton. In the distance, however, dark
idents of Qayyarah in northern Iraq had to trav- hospital around here from Mosul to Tikrit” over around her neck. returning to normal. The market has black smoke billows up from oil wells set
el for hours through checkpoints if they need- a stretch of 250 kilometers (150 miles), she says. Iraq long prided itself in providing free reopened and the butcher’s display is alight by fleeing jihadists now fighting
ed medical treatment. But this week, Mahmud When MSF opened its hospital in the agri- health care for all, but after the fall of president lined with pieces of freshly slaughtered Iraqi forces in the streets of Mosul. —AFP
drove his son Mohammed straight to a new cultural town last week, its some 100 staff Saddam Hussein international organizations
emergency unit in town after a mine exploded members-including 80 Iraqis-were quickly expressed alarm over the degraded state of the
in the young boy’s hand while he was playing. overwhelmed with “medical and surgical emer- country’s hospitals.
Behind the front lines of an Iraqi offensive to gencies”, she says. “We’ve received around 250 International sanctions against Iraq in the
retake the Islamic State group bastion of Mosul, patients already for the first week,” she says, 1990s weakened infrastructure in the health
Iraqis are flocking to the facility after months wearing an MSF jacket, as families wait near a sector, while ensuing violence destroyed hospi-
without healthcare under the jihadists. “Just a reception desk behind her. tals and caused many doctors to flee.
week ago it would have been impossible” to In a nearby room with painted white walls, Those who remain today “are seriously con-
treat Mohammed, says the 35-year-old con- two nurses busy themselves cleaning and sidering leaving, like many other professionals
struction laborer, sitting by his recovering son, bandaging the arm of Salem Shahban, 16, after who are often trained abroad”, a medical official
whose nose tip was also burnt in the explosion. a motorbike accident. in northern Iraq has told AFP, asking to remain
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders anonymous. The World Health Organization
(MSF) opened the hospital last week after Iraqi ‘Fractures, road accidents’ said last year Iraq only had six physicians per
forces expelled IS from Qayyarah in August, Amid beds covered in fresh white sheets, a 100,000 inhabitants.
providing Baghdad with a platform for its Polish doctor tries to distract five-year-old IS declared a self-styled caliphate across
assault on Mosul further north. Abdelrahman Taha with toy cars while he parts of Iraq and neighboring Syria in 2014,
Under IS, “medicine was difficult to find. The examines his arm. Zahra Kadhim, an emer- implementing its radical interpretation of
only way to get treatment was to travel to Arbil” gency doctor from Baghdad, says she and col- Islamic law in areas it controlled. “The health
in Iraqi Kurdistan some two hours away by car, leagues are ready to receive all manner of sector in areas under IS control has been great-
Mahmud says. MSF project coordinator Claire emergencies 24 hours a day. “We get fractures, ly affected. IS had a negative effect on all
Nicolet says some chronically ill patients in road accidents, burns. We perform all forms of aspects of daily life,” says Kadhim.
Qayyarah for two years and a half did not see emergency surgery,” says Kadhim, wearing a But today, beyond the security checks at the
QAYYARAH: Iraqi families who were displaced by the ongoing operation by Iraqi forces against jihadists of the Islamic State group to retake the
city of Mosul, are seen near Qayyarah, south of Mosul, on October 29, 2016. —AFP
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016
I N T E R N AT ION A L
France to deploy extra police, troops for festive events
PARIS: France will put more police and sol- power to deploy around 3,000 extra police July 14 national holiday celebrations in the such as synagogues, airports and stations. Le Roux, appointed last week when his
diers on the streets to deter would-be mili- and soldiers during the year-end holiday Riviera resort of Nice. The total has been pared back to around predecessor Bernard Cazeneuve was made
tant attackers from striking during season, a peak time for party events and at France remains on high alert for more, 7,000 since the end of the European soccer prime minister, said 16 potential attacks
Christmas and New Year festivities, Interior airports and railway stations. “I want especially by followers of Islamic State, championship in July. had been foiled this year thanks to extra
Minister Bruno Le Roux said yesterday. tourists to come to the country in large whose bases in Syria and Iraq are being Beyond the human toll, tourist arrivals search and arrest powers granted to police
The newly appointed minister was numbers and I want our fellow citizens to bombed by French jets. The jihadist group in France between July and September fell under emergency rule.
speaking after parliament voted overnight be able to go out and have fun,” he told has called on followers to carry out attacks 10.6 percent from last year, and 18 percent Lawmakers on Tuesday night extended
to extend a state of emergency imposed RTL radio. on French soil. in Paris. In November, the government that state of emergency to July 2017, cov-
after Islamists killed 130 people in Paris in More than 230 people have been killed Since last year’s Paris attacks up to announced spending of 15 million euros ering campaigning and balloting in a two-
multiple attacks just over a year ago. “The in militant attacks in France over the past 10,000 police and soldiers have at times ($15.9 million) on cameras and other secu- round presidential election in which the
threat is serious,” said Le Roux, who has the two years, including 86 during this year’s been deployed to protect sensitive sites rity measures in key tourist zones. runoff is scheduled for May. — Reuters
Loophole in EU-Turkey deal
draws migrants to river crossing
Formidable sight for migrants
DIDYMOTEICHO, Greece:This time of year, the
Evros river runs broad and icy, its banks muddy and
remote. It’s a formidable sight for migrants reach-
ing Turkey’s land border with Greece, but not for-
midable enough to stop people who have already
come so far in their bid to make it to a new life in
Europe. “It was horribly cold,” said Kevin Mohamadi,
37, an Iranian who said he crossed the river after
paying smugglers. “We were a group of 16, includ-
ing Afghan families with four children each, and
crossed in two boatloads. Then we had to walk
through forests for four hours, to avoid being
caught.”
A year after the uncontrolled influx of more
than 1 million refugees and economic migrants to
debt-hobbled Greece, this border region is again
seeing rising flows of migrants. It’s largely due to a
legal loophole: restrictions imposed in March to
curb new arrivals by sea in the Greek islands don’t
apply to the land border.
That means that anyone entering here is far
PARIS: French president Francois Hollande (C) is pictured followed by French ahead of island arrivals in the queue for refugee
Minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy Segolene Royal after the relocation to other European countries, and those FYLAKIO, Greece: In this photo taken on Sunday, Dec 4, 2016 migrants who were arrested after
weekly cabinet meeting yesterday. — AFP who do not qualify for asylum could even be spared crossing illegally from Turkey to Greece, stand behind a fence at a detention center at the
deportation that they would otherwise face under
France urges international Greek-Turkish border. — AP
the deal between the European Union and Turkey.
see a group of migrants about to cross, or calling blackened by fires lit to cheat sub-zero tempera-
monitoring of Aleppo evacuation
Turkish officials to pick them up. That’s nearly three tures, and discarded clothing, soiled diapers, worn-
Discomfort and danger
times the number seen in an average summer out shoes and toothbrushes litter the floor.
Also, despite the river crossing, the discomfort
month, even though the crossing is much easier Paschalis Syritoudis, police chief in the nearby
PARIS:French President Francois Hollande try, they will be shot in the street or carted and danger pales when compared with the sea
then because low water levels make it possible to town of Orestiada, said people from Syria, Iraq,
yesterday joined calls for international off to one of (Syrian President Bashar al-) journey to the islands. “The refugees usually cross
wade across the river. Eritrea, Somalia or Myanmar are automatically
observers to oversee the evacuation of Assad’s gulags.” in boats,” said Panagiotis Ageladarakis, mayor of
Migrants seeking to be included in EU plans to treated as refugees, and Syrians and Iraqis get doc-
civilians trapped under fire in the wrecked Yesterday, Aleppo was rocked anew by the border village of Amorio, about 1.5 kilometers
relocate them to other European Union countries uments that allow them to join the lengthy reloca-
Syrian city of Aleppo. fierce clashes, jeopardizing a deal for the (just under a mile) from the river. “At its widest the
often immediately hand themselves over to police tion process. “All other migrants are arrested and
At a meeting with his defense cabinet, evacuation of civilians and fighters from river is about 150 meters across, but there are nar-
and start their asylum application process. detained ... and if they don’t request asylum the
Hollande said those trapped by the fight- remaining rebel-held areas announced rower points, and Turks ferry them over. ... Then
Ageladarakis said they usually arrive early in the deportation procedure starts.”
ing should “be evacuated in a dignified and Tuesday. French government spokesman they walk to our villages. It’s a regular sight.”
mornings. “They come here to the coffee shop and But maximum detention is six months, after
safe manner, under the supervision of Stephane Le Foll said France and Germany Figures on arrivals here are far from complete.
ask us to call the police,” he said. which if the migrants haven’t been deported - and
international observers and in the presence were pressing for the creation of humani- The only statistics released are of people who are
Others, though, aim to go much further. Police countries such as Pakistan routinely block deporta-
of humanitarian organizations,” the presi- tarian corridors allowing civilians out and caught with the smugglers they pay to ferry them
say they pay smuggling gangs 2,000-2,200 Euros tion requests - they are freed.
dency said in a statement. aid agencies into the battered city. over the Evros, which runs along most of the 180-
($2,100-2,300) each to be taken over the river and The figures for people passing through here are
Hollande also demanded that the popu- He rejected calls for Hollande to take a kilometer (110-mile) border. There is no informa-
then driven in small trucks or cars to the northern still low compared with those using the island
lation of eastern Aleppo receive “uncondi- leaf from late Socialist president Francois tion on migrants who make it across without the
city of Thessaloniki, or the capital, Athens, 1,000 route. Around 170,000 people have used that so far
tional aid and protection” and said only a Mitterrand’s book by visiting Aleppo. help of smugglers, nor for those who are smuggled
kilometers (600 miles) to the southwest. Once there, this year - but the vast majority before the Aegean
negotiated political transition could lead to “Saying all you need is for the president to successfully across and taken further into Greece or
they can apply for relocation - or pay to be spirited island restrictions kicked in.
“a lasting victory over terrorism” in Syria. visit Aleppo for everything to be resolved... elsewhere in Europe.
through the sealed Balkan borders, or for a forged Under the March EU-Turkey deal - which, com-
The French statement echoed a call by is not responsible,” he said. But even the few numbers that do exist show a
passport and a plane ticket to anywhere in Europe. bined with Balkan border closures, slowed the
the US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Mitterrand flew into the besieged city rapid upward trend. About 655 people - largely
migratory influx to a trickle - migrants arriving on
Power, who said Tuesday that foreign of Sarajevo in 1992, braving shelling and Syrians - were arrested with 33 smugglers in
Temporary shelter the islands must be deported back to Turkey, even
observers should be allowed in to “oversee sniper fire to show solidarity with hun- October, double the figure for September.
People who cross on their own seek temporary if they are bona fide refugees. To stay in Greece,
the safe evacuation of the people who wish gry, terrorized civilians during the A police official also told The Associated Press
shelter. Their transit is marked in a disused farm they must prove not only that they merit asylum,
to leave but who justifiably fear that if they Bosnian War. — AFP that Greek authorities are deterring about 4,000
warehouse close to the railway station in the town but that there is a good reason for their not being
people a month from coming over by driving
of Didymoteicho, where flaking brick walls are granted asylum in Turkey. — AP
patrol cars to the Greek side of the river when they
Poland: US to accelerate
troop deployment to Baltics
WARSAW:The United States has decided to of NATO, is committed to deterrence,”
accelerate the deployment of troops to Hodges said.
Poland, the Baltic states and Romania as part He said the armored brigade has already
of raising the security of the region, Polish moved out of its Colorado base and is load-
and US defense officials said yesterday. ing on ships. “I’m excited about what my
Polish Defense Minister Antoni country is doing and I’m excited about con-
Macierewicz made the announcement fol- tinuing to work with our ally, Poland,”
lowing talks with the commander of US Hodges said.
land troops in Europe, Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, Poland and the Baltic nations of
in Zagan, western Poland, where some of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have been
the troops will be deployed. It will be an uneasy about increased Russian military
Armored Brigade Combat Team from Fort operations in the region, especially after its
Carson, Colorado. Another US force, a bat- 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine,
talion, will be deployed April 1 to Orzysz, in and have requested US and NATO troops’
the northeast. presence on their territory as a deterrent.
Hodges said the troops will arrive in the The alliance and the US insist the troop
German port of Bremerhaven on Jan. 6 and presence is not aimed against anyone, but
will be immediately deployed to Poland, Russia has threatened measures in
the Baltic states and Romania. Their trans- response.
fer will be timed and treated as a test of The US troops had previously been
“how fast the force can move from port to expected in mid- or late January. “I am very
field,” he said. “I’m confident in the very happy that a decision has been taken by
powerful signal, the message it will send the US side for an earlier deployment,”
(that) the United States, along with the rest Macierewicz said. — AP
Spanish court suspends
CALAIS, northern France: Trucks drive past a 4 meter high (13 foot high) wall along the highway leading to the Calais port yesterday. — AP
Uncertainty for remaining
Catalonia independence vote
MADRID: Spain’s Constitutional Court yes- non-binding independence vote instead in Calais kids over UK transfers
terday suspended a resolution by November 2014. More than 80 percent cast
Catalonia’s regional parliament that called a their ballot in favor of independence then-
referendum next year on independence although just 2.3 million people out of a
from the rest of the country. total of 6.3 million eligible voters took part.
Separatists in the wealthy, northeastern But Mas is now due to stand trial for PARIS: France on Tuesday denied reports that A spokeswoman for Britain’s Home Office potentially taking “months” to process. Before
region have for years tried-in vain-to win staging the vote on charges of serious dis- Britain has stopped taking in migrant children interior ministry told AFP Tuesday the transfer of the Jungle was cleared, French President
approval from Spain’s central government obedience and malfeasance, and risks a 10- relocated from Calais, saying London has taken Calais children was “continuing” but declined to Francois Hollande had appealed to Britain to
to hold an independence vote like year ban on holding public office. In this in over 450 minors since the “Jungle” camp was say how many would be admitted. “The first fulfill its “moral duty” towards migrants trying to
Scotland’s 2014 referendum on independ- latest attempt, the Constitutional Court has razed and that the transfers were “going well”. phase of transfers has concluded but that is not reach Britain, where many have contacts or
ence from Britain which resulted in a “no” five months to decide whether to imple- The French interior ministry said Britain had the end of the process. More eligible children speak the language.
vote. Catalan President Carles Puigdemont ment the suspension for good, or lift it. accepted 866 unaccompanied minors since the will be transferred from across Europe in the Dozens of migrants have died trying to climb
pledged in the autumn to hold such a refer- But it is highly unlikely to allow the vote start of 2016, 468 of whom were whisked across coming months,” she said. Of those children giv- onto trucks heading to Calais port to cross to
endum in September 2017, whether or not to go ahead, given that it ruled in 2014 the Channel after the sprawling Jungle was en shelter so far, “many” had joined family mem- England. French charities have warned that a
the central government in Madrid agreed, that, under the constitution, no region can demolished in late October. “The cooperation is bers, she said. closure of Britain’s asylum channels could see
and the majority-separatist, regional parlia- unilaterally call an independence referen- going well,” the ministry said, denying reports children once again put their lives on the line.
ment subsequently approved his plan. dum that will affect the entire country. that Britain had pulled up the drawbridge on ‘Child-by-child basis’ Genevieve Jacques, head of the migrant char-
The court said in a statement it “sus- Catalans have nurtured a separate identity children who had travelled to Calais in the hope Last month, Britain tightened the admission ity Cimade, said she feared they would run away
pends... the resolution of Catalonia’s parlia- for centuries, with their own language and of reaching England. criteria for unaccompanied migrant children from the migrant shelters back to Calais and
ment that plans a referendum in 2017”. It customs. French authorities in October cleared the without family in Britain, saying the child must called on France to “take a tougher tone” with
also warned Catalan politicians involved in Their long-standing demands for squalid camp near Calais port and moved the be 12 or under, or run a high risk of sexual Britain. France and Britain have tried to make the
the process, such as parliament speaker greater autonomy have been exacerbated thousands of migrants-mostly Afghans, Eritreans exploitation. Calais site less attractive for migrants, erecting a
Carme Forcadell and Puigdemont, that by Spain’s recent economic downturn, leav- and Sudanese-who had been living there to The threshold for Syrian and Sudanese chil- wall that officials said late Monday had been
they had a duty to “stop or paralyze” any ing many resenting the amount of taxes shelters nationwide. They included around 1,900 dren was lower, with children of up to 15 years completed.
move to ignore or dodge the suspension, they pay to the central government in minors. Britain, which had already begun taking declared eligible. A spokeswoman for Safe The four-meter-high (13-foot) wall runs along
or face “potential liabilities, including at a Madrid to subsidies poorer regions. Calls some of the children, assured at the time it Passage, a charity that supports refugees com- a kilometer-long stretch of the main road lead-
penal level”. for outright independence have increased would take hundreds more, without committing ing to Britain, said: “Our understanding is that ing to Calais port, next to the area that used to
Catalonia’s former president Artur Mas in recent years, and polls show Catalonia, to an exact figure. Last week, British immigration the transfers have stopped at 750.” house the sprawling camp. The concrete barrier-
had already tried to hold such a referen- which accounts for almost a fifth of Spanish minister Robert Goodwill said his government Although the government said the transfers estimated to cost 2.7 million Euros ($3 million)
dum, but it was banned by the economic output, is roughly divided in half had welcomed over 750 children-a figure lower are ongoing, these are on a “child-by-child” — aims to prevent new arrivals stowing away on
Constitutional Court so he held a symbolic, over splitting from Spain. — AFP than that given by the French. basis, the spokeswoman said, with each case trucks bound for Britain. — AFP