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GULF

TIMES

SUNDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11139 March 31, 2019 Rajab 24, 1440 AH

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Amir to chair Qatar's delegation to Arab summit

O 30th Arab League Summit to be held in Tunis today O Amir's attendance shows Qatar's keenness to protect Arab interests

QNA Doha/Tunis

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will head Qatar's delegation to the 30th Arab League summit in Tunis today.

An official delegation is accompanying His Highness the Amir.

In remarks made exclusively to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Qatar's ambassador to Tunisia, Saad bin Nasser alHumaidi, stressed the importance of His Highness the Amir's chairing of the country's delegation during the Arab summit.

He said the summit is taking place at a delicate time for the Arab world, and especially for Qatar, which has managed to overcome a brutal blockade imposed on the Qatari people.

The ambassador said the attendance of His Highness Sheikh Tamim in the summit confirmed that Qatar remained a vital and active part of the Arab region. "It shows that Qatar can never opt out of its responsibilities towards the Arab world and joint Arab work. It also shows that Qatar is committed to making a contribution to the progress of the Arab world whether through the positions it takes or its support of developmental efforts in the region," alHumaidi said.

He also said the attendance of the Amir is a reflection of the high priority Qatar gives to Arab affairs, and to Arab national security, regardless of the region's current conditions.

The envoy said the visit of the Amir to Tunisia came after an invite from Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, adding that the visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss building on

the excellent bilateral co-operation. The Amir's visit to Tunisia comes at a

time when bilateral ties are witnessing a qualitative leap in terms of political coordination between the two countries. This is reflected in the visits the two countries leaders pay one another, and through meetings of joint committees, as well as economic and trade co-operation, which saw a growth of 34.52% in the first quarter on an annual basis. The total trade volume between the two countries now exceeds QR76.3mn.

The last few years also saw an increase in the number of Qatari projects in Tunisia.

Qatar and Tunisia share a historic relationship, reflected by the agreements they signed in fields such as judicial, Islamic affairs, tourism, transport, environment, diplomatic relationship, and preventing double taxation among others.

The ambassador said that these agreements and others will help grow bilateral ties, which have seen significant development in recent years, particularly since the Tunisia investment conference.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Tunis yesterday to participate in the summit.

The UN chief will meet with Tunisian President Essebsi and senior government officials.

Guterres will also inaugurate the new UN House in Tunis, la Maison Bleue, and hold a meeting with women leaders and civil society representatives.

The Secretary-General's main priority for this visit will be the situation in Libya. He will attend a Quartet meeting on Libya, which brings together the UN, Arab League, the African Union and the European Union, according to the UN spokesman. Page 11

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani

QIA announces relaunch

of 52 Champs-Elysees

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has announced the relaunch of the iconic 52 Champs-Elysees in Paris, France.

Following five years of extensive redevelopment, this landmark asset has been fully transformed into a mixed-use property of 270,000sq ft, including a retail area of 178,000sq ft and office space of 91,500sq ft, QIA said in a press statement yesterday.

QIA said it "is thrilled" to welcome Galeries Lafayette as the flagship retail tenant at 52 Champs-Elysees. With 70,000sq ft ? which is the largest retail space on the avenue ? Galeries Lafayette aims to offer local and international visitors a "one-of-a-kind, more intimate and responsive department store model that is in tune with new ways of consuming and producing". To Page 23

Interview with Italian defence minister

Italian Defence Minister Elisabetta Trenta, who was in Qatar last week on an official visit, sat down with Gulf Times Editor-inChief Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka at the Italian embassy in Doha to discuss the robust Qatar-Italy relations and ways to enhance them in the fields of defence, among others. Page 8

Facade of Galeries Lafayette at 52 Champs-Elysees.

2020 to be Qatar-France Year of Culture

The year 2020 will be celebrated as `Qatar-France Year of Culture', French Minister of State for International Trade JeanBaptiste Lemoyne yesterday said.

Addressing a press conference at Galeries Lafayette at Katara ? the Cultural Village, he said various programmes that highlight the heritage and cultural credentials of the two countries will be held in Qatar and France as part of the year of culture.

The year will be dedicated for French culture in Qatar. Concerts, exhibitions and art events will be held across the country. The two countries will work together for the successful implementation of the plans. Besides, special packages will be also announced in a bid to attract tourists both ways.

"The two countries will host an exciting array of cultural programmes and these will strengthen the alliance in tourism sector," he

said adding the celebrations will help Qatar and France reap benefits.

Lemoyne said Galeries Lafayette will highlight French culture and strengthen the tourism sectors of France and Qatar. "New steps, being taken by the two countries will attract tourists from Qatar to France where all facilities and security will be ensured for them. Besides, new initiatives will result in the number of tourists - both ways - remarkably going up," Lemoyne said.

The minister, who claimed France is on top of the list of countries with high yields from tourism, said the country has much confidence in its tourism sector. "For France, last year was a successful year in terms of tourism," he said.

Lemoyne said the 90mn international tourists, who visited France last year, spent some 57bn euros in the country.

To Page 8

4 killed, 300 hurt as Gaza marks `March of Return' anniversary

Agencies Gaza City/Tel Aviv

Four Palestinian demonstrators have been killed and more than 300 injured in clashes with the Israeli army on the Gaza border since Friday night, the Gaza Health Ministry said yesterday.

Violence erupted between demonstrators and Israeli soldiers stationed on the Israel-Gaza border, as tens of thousands demonstrated to mark the one-year anniversary of the Great March of Return protests.

The Israeli army, which put the number of protesters at 40,000,

accused participants of throwing rocks and setting tyres on fire. In addition, a number of grenades and explosive devices were hurled at the border fence, it said.

Witnesses said Israeli soldiers fired teargas and live gunfire at

the demonstrators to keep them from approaching the fence.

The Israeli army warned Gazans not to approach the fence during the pro-

tests, calling on them to keep a distance of 300m away.

The army said that troops had fired "in accordance with standard operating procedures."

Hundreds of Palestinian men, some from Hamas, were deployed in bright orange vests to deter people from going near the fence. There was also less acrid black smoke swirling around with little sign of tyre-burning, as on previous weekends.

The Gazan Health Ministry said yesterday evening that at least 316 Palestinians had been injured. Of those, 64 sustained gunshots wounds. Others were hurt by shrapnel, exposure to tear gas or being hit by tear gas canisters.

The Great March of Return protests, which have been taking place every week since they began a year ago, call for the right of return of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to the territory of today's Israel, as well as for an end to the 12-year-long blockade imposed by Israel.

A general strike was held in the Gaza Strip and the Health Ministry and Interior Ministry declared a state of emergency.

Governmental and private sector institutions were closed, including schools, universities and stores all in the Gaza Strip, except medical institutions, clinics and hospitals.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 269 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured in the protests since they started one year ago.

The anniversary coincides with Land Day, which commemorates the death of six Arab Israelis who were killed by Israeli forces during protests against the expropriation of land by Israel in 1976.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said in a statement: "The suffering of our people over 100 years and the enormous sacrifices made by this great people will not go to waste."

Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, said the day had "lots of rioters but significantly less violence", adding that it showed Hamas was able to stop violence when it wanted to.

But many protesters still managed to get near the border and throw stones at Israeli soldiers.

Palestinian protesters run for cover from teargas canisters fired by Israeli forces during clashes following a demonstration marking the first anniversary of the "March of Return" protests, near the border with Israel east of Gaza City yesterday.

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Gulf Times Sunday, March 31, 2019

QATAR

CCQ holds 3rd annual alumni reunion

The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) recently organised its 3rd annual alumni reunion. Current students joined former classmates to relive memorable moments and share their success stories and achievements since graduation.

In the spotlight at the event were the 2019 Alumnus Award winner, Ali al-Kaabi, and this year's `CCQ Success Story', told through the experience of CCQ graduate, Amal al-Suwaidi.

CCQ president Dr Mohamed al-Naemi said, "There is nothing more rewarding for an educational institution than seeing the fruits of its labour through the amazing contributions of its graduates to our community and Qatar's national workforce. Today we are thrilled to witness the incredible success stories of our alumni as well as to inspire our current students to follow suit and carve their own paths to greatness."

Alumni and scholarships specialist at CCQ, Amal Shurair, emphasised,

"At CCQ, we give prominence

CCQ president Dr Mohamed al-Naemi with Alumnus Award Winner Ali al-Kaabi.

to sustaining and strengthening the lifelong bond between alumni, students, parents and faculty members through unique experiences and communications. Our Alumni Reunion is a cherished tradition that we revive every year within this framework, and with every edi-

tion, we are expanding our proud network of creative individuals across the country."

Guest speakers at this year's edition, vice-president for Student Affairs at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Maryam Hamad al-Mannai, and the chief executive officer at Qatar Develop-

ment Bank, Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa, talked about the key role graduates of CCQ and other leading institutions play in building the national workforce.

The reunion also featured an exhibition that showcased the wide spectrum of successful student projects and research

Some of the attendees at the reunion.

work at CCQ, and introduced alumni to the latest additions to the College's academic offerings and record of achievements.

Meanwhile, the first-time participation of the Continuing Education and Corporate Training Centre at CCQ presented an opportunity for graduates to

upgrade their own skills profiles and those of other professionals at their workplace, by sourcing the expertise of the centre on a range of vital competences. Such programmes have the potential to transform their work environment, boost productivity, and enhance the overall functioning

of their institutions. The ceremony also included

entertainment and networking activities that ranged from a special stand-up performance by celebrated comedian Ali al-Suwaidi, to a special workshop that brought together the entire college community to master the craft of coffee art.

Tamuq, GFRC celebrate MoU with Energy Institute

The Gas and Fuels Research Centre (GFRC) and Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq) celebrated GFRC's agreement with the Texas A&M Energy Institute based in College Station, Texas (US), to partner on research education and training. The GFRC is a multidisciplinary research centre that aims to lead the integrated research activities and resources of Texas A&M to support shale gas and natural gas exploration, production and monetistion activities both in the US and in Qatar. The agreement aligns the research, education and training interests of both organisations for their mutual benefit.

Award-winning Palestinian-American author Hala Alyan speaks at NU-Q

Novelist Hala Alyan discussed how her and her family's experiences inspired her to write about the struggles of identity in exile during a lecture at Northwestern University in Qatar.

Alyan, a PalestinianAmerican author, poet, and clinical psychologist, was invited to NU-Q to discuss her award-winning novel Salt Houses.

The novel, which tells the story of a Palestinian family's displacement in the 1960s and follows the intergenerational trauma they experience as a result of their constant transitory status and their lack of a sense of belonging, was selected by NU-Q for its annual reading programme `One Book'.

"Hala Alyan's accomplishments are very inspiring to our students, many of whom relate to her personal experiences as well as those of the characters in her book," said Everette E Dennis, dean and CEO, NUQ. "She was able to speak to much more than just writing, but the greater role that she and other novelists have in steering the narrative on the region and creating content that is both informative and accurate on the Middle East."

At a school-wide event to discuss the book, which was awarded the Dayton Peace

Hala Alyan speaks at NU-Q.

Prize for fiction, Alyan said that she felt the responsibility to use her craft as a means of relaying accurate historical events while using her creativity to tell stories that put people's experiences in context.

While her focus is mainly on Palestinians, Alyan argued that much of the "thematic things that happen in the novel are not just unique to the Palestinians," but are rather common struggles of refugees and immigrants who try to "create a home on foreign soil in very disruptive environments."

Like the characters in her novel, Alyan also grappled

with issues of diasporic identity. "My idea of home has, over the years, veered away from the idea of it being related to one specific plot of land, or a specific house etc., because these things keep changing. I now define home as the place where the people I love are, where I can speak the languages I want to speak, and where I can cook and eat what I want to eat."

Alyan's background in clinical psychology combined with her passion for writing made her more curious, inquisitive, and attentive to the world around

her. She explained that both career paths complement each other because "they deal with narratives and fractured narratives. Often people go into therapy because they feel like some story about themselves or about the world isn't working anymore. The role of the therapist to help them reclaim or recreate that narrative, so I am working the world of storytelling in both careers."

The conversation with Alyan was moderated by NU-Q professor Sam Meekings and was attended by members of the NU-Q community and students.

HBKU receives German minister

Representatives from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) recently welcomed Michelle Mntefering, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, as she visited the university and met with faculty and administration at HBKU's College of Science and Engineering (CSE). Professor Yousef Haik, associate provost at HBKU, and professor Amine Bermak, associate dean acting on behalf of Dr Mounir Hamdi, dean of CSE, introduced the minister to the university's vision, programmes, and distinctive academic approach. Faculty members also led a tour of CSE's state-of-the-art labs, housed within Education City, during which they discussed future collaborations to leverage innovation. The minister's visit to HBKU formed part of a three-day itinerary in Doha. HBKU's CSE offers 12 multidisciplinary academic degrees across three divisions, which focus on information technology and computing; sustainable development; and engineering management and decision sciences.

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Gulf Times Sunday, March 31, 2019

QATAR

Qatar all set to host 140th IPU General Assembly

QNA Doha

Qatar has completed all preparations and arrangements for the convening of the 140th Ordinary General Assembly of the InterParliamentary Union (IPU) and its related meetings, including the General Assembly and the 204th Session of the Governing Council and the IPU's Standing Committees, to be hosted from April 6 to 10.

The theme of the general debate will be "Parliaments as platforms to enhance education for peace, security and the rule of law", considering the importance of education and its effective role in achieving these goals.

The 139th IPU General Assembly announced at its closing session in Geneva in October last year that it will hold its 140th session and its related meetings

in Qatar from 6-10 April 2019. Qatar's hosting of this global

event, which is to be attended by parliamentary delegations from 180 countries around the world, has been widely welcomed at the regional and international levels, given the pioneering and influential role of the country in resolving conflicts, crises, and the welfare and stability of nations and peoples, humanitarian donorship, and the pursuit of dialogue as a way to resolve differences.

The choice of Qatar to host the IPU 140th Ordinary General Assembly and its related meetings, confirms the IPU's confidence in Qatar under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad alThani, and the Advisory Council and its ability to organise and host such an important global parliamentary event, in light of the circumstances, and crises experienced by the world, and

the need for parliamentarians to play a special role in finding solutions and mitigate the negative effects and repercussions.

In his speech at the session where Qatar was selected session to host this global parliamentary event, HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud welcomed the participants in the Doha meetings of the heads and delegations of the world parliaments, calling on all of them to participate in it and learn about the great developments and achievements witnessed by Qatar under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the goodness and nobility of the loyal people of Qatar and there love for peace, stability and good for all.

He affirmed Qatar's full readiness and confidence in the success of the Doha meetings for the good of countries and peoples.

The intensive contacts and meetings held by HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council with the various parliaments of the world, the president and members of the IPU, its Executive Committee, geopolitical groups and others concerned played a role in choosing Qatar to host the 140th IPU General Assembly.

Since the announcement of the selection of Qatar to host these meetings last October in Geneva, the Advisory Council has continued to work diligently and intensively to prepare these meetings and achieve the desired successes to produce positive results that contribute to supporting and developing joint inter-parliamentary work under exceptional regional and international conditions that require co-ordination, solidarity and uniting positions and visions and work carefully to find the most effective ways to address and overcome them.

The five-day meetings will discuss a range of issues related to IPU activities, as well as important issues and themes relating to international peace and security issues and the role of parliaments as platforms for promoting education for peace, security and the rule of law.

They will also deal with promoting respect for international humanitarian law, a draft resolution on the inadmissibility of the use of mercenaries as a means of undermining peace and human rights violations, and another on the role of fair and free trade and investment in achieving sustainable development goals, in particular with regard to equality Economic, sustainable infrastructure, industrialisation, innovation and the role of parliamentarians in achieving these goals.

The Standing Committees meetings will discuss the themes of "democracy in the era of elec-

tronic digitisation", "the role of trade and investment in achieving sustainable development goals", "empowering people, ensuring universality and equality", "global health coverage by 2030", "role of parliaments in securing the right to health".

The meetings of the General Assembly and the Governing Council will be accompanied by other meetings of the Chairpersons of the Standing Committees and the Secretaries-General of Parliaments, Forum of Young Parliamentarians, Forum of Women Parliamentarians, and the meeting of heads of geopolitical groups, as well as the meeting of counsellors with the secretariat of delegations, the Bureau of the Committee on United Nations Affairs, the meeting of the Committee on Human Rights of parliamentarians, the Committee on Peace and International Security, in addition to

other meetings to discuss a number of issues on the agenda items of the general assembly, and a workshop on maternal, newborn and child health and other related events.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE al-Mahmoud underlined that Qatar's hosting of the IPU meetings would not have been possible without the guidance of His Highness the Amir, adding that the hosting of such event confirms high-status Qatar occupies under the wise leadership of the Amir at the international and regional levels, the world's confidence in it and its ability to organise such large events and in various fields.

The Speaker of the Advisory Council noted that these meetings will be exceptional and successful in all respects, given Qatar's extensive experience in hosting various regional and international conferences, meetings and events.

Ahlibank names Al Rabeh Savings Scheme draw winner

Mohamed Faizal Haseem emerged as the winner in the draw conducted in the presence of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ahlibank officials.

Ahlibank has announced that the winner of the Al Rabeh Savings Scheme's first draw for the QR1mn prize, for March 2019, is Mohamed Faizal Haseem.

The draw was conducted in the presence of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Ahlibank officials.

Mohamed Faizal, an Ahlibank customer, "has always believed in the Al Rabeh Savings Scheme", the bank said in a statement. "Winning the QR1mn prize has been a great return on my investment," he said, thanking Ahlibank and its staff for the quality of services and products provided by the bank.

Ahlibank's head of Marketing and Communication Khaled al-

Zou'bi said, "I want to congratulate Mohamed Faizal on winning the Al Rabeh March 2019 QR1mn prize draw and hope this prize secures his future.

"It is always rewarding when loyal customers win the QR1mn prize draw. At Ahlibank, we are always striving to provide the right products and services to our customers. There are three more QR1mn prize draws up for grabs in June, September and December 2019 and many other cash prizes.

"We always encourage our existing customers to invest more to increase their chances of winning and new customers to save in the Al Rabeh Savings Scheme to win special cash prizes with Ahlibank."

Katara to

host Opera

awards

ceremony

today

The Katara amphitheatre will today host the 7th International Opera and Classical Music awards ceremony, which will feature nearly 100 musicians and some of the biggest names among opera artistes.

In this regard, Darwish Ahmad al-Shaibani, head of the Cultural Affairs Department at Katara - the Cultural Village Foundation, said 20 of the most renowned Opera artistes from around the world will take part in the ceremony which Katara is hosting jointly with Italybased foundation, Verona per l'Arena.

He said choosing Katara to host the awards for the second time reflects the confidence the foundation enjoys at the international level and its ability to host such important events.

"This is a great opportunity for the local artistes and musicians to contribute to these international and important events; besides it is a chance to exchange expertise with prominent international musicians," Shaibani said.

He also highlighted that opera artistes always chose the best cultural environment to present their shows and the ceremony would enhance Qatar's position on the world map of culture and arts.

With regard to the preparations, Shaibani said Katara has added new features to the ceremony this time with a new interactive visual background that would change according to the show and the artists playing.

In addition, eight large screens will display films relevant to the ceremony and biographies of some of the artistes with twice the number of lights compared to the first in 2014.

Qatar-Rwanda defence ties discussed

HE the Commander of the Amiri Air Force, Major General (Pilot) Mubarak bin Mohamed al-Kumait al-Khayarin, has met Rwanda Air Force Chief of Staff Major General Charles Karamba, and his accompanying delegation during their official visit to Qatar. During the meeting, they discussed military and defence relations between the two friendly countries and means of enhancing them. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officers of the Amiri Air Force.

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