Rate of car accidents in Qatar has declined by 18 ... - Qatar Tribune
Rate of car accidents in Qatar has declined by 18 ... - Qatar Tribune
Rate of car accidents in Qatar has declined by 18 ... - Qatar Tribune
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PROCESSING<br />
OF CORD<br />
BLOOD STEM<br />
CELLS BEGINS<br />
AT VIRGIN<br />
HEALTH BANK<br />
PAGE 14 | DATELINE DOHA<br />
Weather Today<br />
HOT<br />
Sunrise<br />
5:10 am<br />
Sunset<br />
6:03 pm<br />
High 39ºC<br />
Low 32ºC<br />
W<strong>in</strong>d<br />
15 kts<br />
Visibility<br />
moderate<br />
Pressure<br />
1013 mb<br />
Rel. humidity 74%<br />
QATARGAS<br />
ACHIEVES<br />
SAFETY<br />
MILESTONE<br />
PAGE 19 | METRO MUSINGS<br />
Tuesday, August 23, 2011<br />
FULL OF EUPHORIA,<br />
EXPATS HOPE<br />
FOR UNITY &<br />
DEMOCRACY IN<br />
POST-QADHAFI<br />
LIBYA<br />
PAGE 20 | QT SPOTLIGHT ON LIBYA<br />
PRAYER TIMING<br />
Fajr: 3:51 am Dhuhr: 11:37 am<br />
Asr: 3:07 pm Maghrib: 6:04 pm<br />
Isha: 7:33 pm<br />
Today<br />
Iftar 6: 04<br />
Tomorrow<br />
Suhoor 3: 51<br />
Nationl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
PM discusses developments<br />
<strong>in</strong> Li<strong>by</strong>a with world leaders<br />
PRIME M<strong>in</strong>ister and M<strong>in</strong>ister <strong>of</strong><br />
Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Hamad<br />
b<strong>in</strong> Jassim b<strong>in</strong> Jabor al Thani held<br />
a host <strong>of</strong> telephonic conversations<br />
with world leaders on the latest<br />
developments <strong>in</strong> Li<strong>by</strong>a on Monday.<br />
The Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister received a telephone<br />
call from British Prime<br />
M<strong>in</strong>ister David Cameron. He also<br />
held conversations with the US<br />
Secretary <strong>of</strong> State Hillary Cl<strong>in</strong>ton,<br />
the UAE Foreign M<strong>in</strong>ister Sheikh<br />
Abdullah b<strong>in</strong> Zayed al Nahyan,<br />
Turkish Foreign M<strong>in</strong>ister Ahmet<br />
Davutoglu, Danish M<strong>in</strong>ister for<br />
Foreign Affairs Lene Espersen,<br />
Canadian Foreign M<strong>in</strong>ister Lawrence<br />
Cannon, Germany’s Foreign<br />
M<strong>in</strong>ister Guido Westerwelle, British<br />
Foreign Secretary William Hague,<br />
French Foreign M<strong>in</strong>ister Ala<strong>in</strong> Juppe<br />
and Italian Foreign M<strong>in</strong>ister Franco<br />
Fratt<strong>in</strong>i. (QNA)<br />
<strong>Rate</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>car</strong> <strong>accidents</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> <strong>has</strong><br />
decl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>by</strong> <strong>18</strong>% <strong>in</strong> 2010: QSA report<br />
IHSAN YOUSSEF<br />
DOHA<br />
THE rate <strong>of</strong> <strong>car</strong> <strong>accidents</strong> <strong>has</strong><br />
decl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>by</strong> <strong>18</strong> percent <strong>in</strong> 2010,<br />
compared to the year 2009,<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>g to a <strong>Qatar</strong> Statistics<br />
Authority (QSA) report.<br />
The QSA report, which was<br />
released on Monday, attributed<br />
47 percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>car</strong> accident cases to<br />
rash and negligent driv<strong>in</strong>g while<br />
<strong>18</strong> percent <strong>of</strong> <strong>accidents</strong> were<br />
caused due to overtak<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />
road. At least 17 percent <strong>car</strong> <strong>accidents</strong><br />
are caused due to jump<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>of</strong> traffic signals.<br />
The total number <strong>of</strong> traffic violation<br />
cases <strong>in</strong> 2010 was 432,000.<br />
The highest number <strong>of</strong> traffic violation<br />
cases, which was estimated<br />
to be 54,000, were caused <strong>by</strong><br />
over-speed<strong>in</strong>g vehicles. The<br />
report stated that the number <strong>of</strong><br />
violations registered for not us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the safety belt was 60,000.<br />
As for the traffic accident<br />
cases, the report showed that 770<br />
cases <strong>of</strong> <strong>car</strong> <strong>accidents</strong> were registered<br />
with Al Shamal traffic<br />
An overturned <strong>car</strong> <strong>in</strong> Al Mamoura area, <strong>in</strong> Doha, recently. (JALAL PATHIYOOR)<br />
department, with the highest<br />
number <strong>of</strong> deaths (56) also<br />
reported under its jurisdiction.<br />
The report stated that the number<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>car</strong> accident cases dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
2010 was estimated to be 819,<br />
out <strong>of</strong> which 416 <strong>accidents</strong><br />
occurred <strong>in</strong> residential areas.<br />
The QSA annual report also<br />
dealt with security and judiciary<br />
system. The QSA report released<br />
the number <strong>of</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong>i lawyers,<br />
whether employed or undertak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 2010. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
report, there were 111 <strong>Qatar</strong>i<br />
lawyers, which <strong>in</strong>cluded 14 female<br />
lawyers. It further provides tables<br />
that <strong>in</strong>clude data and figures on<br />
the number <strong>of</strong> judges and lawyers<br />
who presided over and presented<br />
cases <strong>in</strong> courts and the verdicts<br />
issued <strong>by</strong> them.<br />
The report was jo<strong>in</strong>tly prepared<br />
<strong>by</strong> the Supreme Judiciary<br />
Council, the Attorney general and<br />
the M<strong>in</strong>istry <strong>of</strong> Interior. It also<br />
<strong>in</strong>cludes the civil defence services<br />
which deals with fire-fight<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
rescue and relief operations.<br />
The report stated that<br />
the number <strong>of</strong> <strong>car</strong><br />
accident cases dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
2010 was estimated<br />
to be 819.<br />
The report also released data<br />
on crimes which <strong>has</strong> been<br />
classified <strong>in</strong>to 21 groups. It<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicated that 28 percent <strong>of</strong> the<br />
16,000 crim<strong>in</strong>al cases were<br />
caused due to cheque bounce.<br />
Incidentally, it forms among<br />
the highest number <strong>of</strong> the crime<br />
rates <strong>in</strong> the country.<br />
ABA Group hosts iftar and<br />
donates QR150,000 to QRCS<br />
TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK<br />
DOHA<br />
It is a delight for our<br />
management to have<br />
been <strong>in</strong>vited for this<br />
iftar. It is important<br />
for us to receive this<br />
k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> support from<br />
a non-governmental,<br />
private company.<br />
AHMED AL KAHTANI<br />
THE Ali B<strong>in</strong> Ali (ABA) Group<br />
hosted iftar for <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> Red Crescent Society<br />
(QRCS) management at W<br />
Hotel’s Ramadan tent, recently.<br />
The ma<strong>in</strong> aim <strong>of</strong> the gather<strong>in</strong>g<br />
was to celebrate the spirit <strong>of</strong><br />
the Holy Month <strong>of</strong> Ramadan<br />
together.<br />
The Ali b<strong>in</strong> Ali Group contributed<br />
QR150,000 to the<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> Red Crescent Society at<br />
the end <strong>of</strong> the iftar gather<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The amount will boost the QRCS<br />
to further their valuable<br />
Ramadan charity work <strong>of</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g<br />
50 needy families <strong>in</strong> the<br />
fields <strong>of</strong> health and education.<br />
Speak<strong>in</strong>g on the occasion, ABA<br />
Group’s Vice-Chairman Nabeel<br />
Ali b<strong>in</strong> Ali said, “We, at the Ali<br />
b<strong>in</strong> Ali Group, are pleased to<br />
have this opportunity to share<br />
the spirit <strong>of</strong> Ramadan with a<br />
noble association like the <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
Red Crescent Society. This iftar<br />
gather<strong>in</strong>g was planned, especially<br />
to uphold the spirit <strong>of</strong><br />
Ramadan. We are happy to host<br />
an iftar for the management <strong>of</strong><br />
the QRCS who dedicated themselves<br />
for the well-be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the community<br />
throughout the year.”<br />
Talk<strong>in</strong>g on behalf <strong>of</strong> the QRCS,<br />
Manager <strong>of</strong> F<strong>in</strong>ancial Resource<br />
Development Ahmed al Kahtani<br />
said, “It is a delight for our management<br />
to have been <strong>in</strong>vited for<br />
this iftar. It is important for us to<br />
receive this k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> support from a<br />
non-governmental, private company.<br />
We appreciate this k<strong>in</strong>d<br />
gesture <strong>of</strong> the Ali b<strong>in</strong> Ali Group.”<br />
ABA Group’s Vice-Chairman Nabeel Ali b<strong>in</strong> Ali (centre) with QRCS Manager <strong>of</strong> F<strong>in</strong>ancial Resource<br />
Development Ahmed al Kahtani (left) at a function, <strong>in</strong> Doha, recently.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011<br />
14 www.qatar-tribune.com<br />
DATELINE DOHA<br />
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FIRE<br />
AMBULANCE<br />
POLICE 999<br />
Electricity 991<br />
Water 991<br />
Hamad Hospital 44394444<br />
Childs Emergency Centre (Al Saad) 44393333<br />
Rumila Hospital 44396666<br />
Women’s Hospital 44396666<br />
Airport Services- Enquiry 44622999<br />
DIAL DOHA<br />
Airport Services-Operator 44656666<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> Airways 44496666/44496000<br />
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Gulf Air 44455444<br />
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Immigration & Passport Department 44890333<br />
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Water Emergency 44325959<br />
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Weather Forecast<strong>in</strong>g (Admn) 44656590<br />
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M<strong>in</strong>istry <strong>of</strong> Education 44941111<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong> Television (QTV) 44894444<br />
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Postal Department 44464000<br />
SriLankan Airl<strong>in</strong>es 44322628/44369910<br />
Oman Air 44320509/44321373<br />
Oman Air (Airport) 44626835<br />
EMIR MEETS EX-MALI PRESIDENT, ENVOYS OF FRANCE, DJIBOUTI<br />
The Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad b<strong>in</strong> Khalifa al Thani with former President <strong>of</strong> Mali Alpha<br />
Oumar Konare, <strong>in</strong> Doha, on Sunday.<br />
The Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad b<strong>in</strong> Khalifa al Thani with<br />
outgo<strong>in</strong>g French Ambassador HE Gilles Bono, <strong>in</strong> Doha, on Sunday.<br />
HH The Emir Sheikh Hamad b<strong>in</strong> Khalifa al Thani with outgo<strong>in</strong>g<br />
envoy <strong>of</strong> Djibouti HE Mhamada Ali Mhamada, <strong>in</strong> Doha, on Sunday.<br />
Process<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> cord blood stem<br />
cells beg<strong>in</strong>s at Virg<strong>in</strong> Health Bank<br />
TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK<br />
DOHA<br />
THE laboratory <strong>of</strong> Virg<strong>in</strong><br />
Health Bank at QSTP <strong>has</strong><br />
started process<strong>in</strong>g and stor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
cord blood stem cells for<br />
families <strong>in</strong> Doha.<br />
The laboratory is regarded<br />
as the most technologically<br />
advanced <strong>in</strong> the region, with<br />
compliance to <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
regulatory standards.<br />
It is capable <strong>of</strong> stor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
50,000 <strong>in</strong>dividual stem cell<br />
units, a press release said.<br />
It was established to meet<br />
the needs <strong>of</strong> the Arab and<br />
expatriate communities.<br />
Work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> conjunction<br />
with Hamad Medical<br />
Corporation and the private<br />
sector hospitals, Virg<strong>in</strong><br />
Health Bank <strong>has</strong> established a<br />
unique service, which comb<strong>in</strong>es<br />
educational <strong>in</strong>itiatives<br />
with quality transplant services.<br />
It is the only cord blood<br />
bank<strong>in</strong>g service that the<br />
Supreme Council <strong>of</strong> Health<br />
<strong>has</strong> licensed to operate <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
The new cord blood bank<br />
<strong>has</strong> been designed to meet the<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual families<br />
who want to store their ba<strong>by</strong>’s<br />
cord blood and to support<br />
Virg<strong>in</strong> Health Bank CEO<br />
Dr Rajan Jethwa<br />
public cord blood bank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
programmes <strong>in</strong> the future.<br />
Virg<strong>in</strong> Health Bank CEO Dr<br />
Rajan Jethwa said: “Every<br />
year, thousands <strong>of</strong> cord blood<br />
stem cell transplants take<br />
place to save lives that would<br />
otherwise be lost. Currently, a<br />
lack <strong>of</strong> stem cells from with<strong>in</strong><br />
the Arab community means<br />
that it is highly unlikely that<br />
an Arab patient would f<strong>in</strong>d a<br />
matched transplant unit on<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternational donor<br />
registries. With the commission<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>of</strong> our new cord blood<br />
Virg<strong>in</strong> Health Bank’s stem cell process<strong>in</strong>g and storage facility at<br />
QSTP, <strong>in</strong> Doha.<br />
bank, families can now collect<br />
and store the cord blood stem<br />
cells <strong>of</strong> their newborn babies<br />
<strong>in</strong> Doha <strong>in</strong> a facility that provides<br />
them with transplant<br />
quality services.”<br />
“The unique operational<br />
model that we have built <strong>has</strong><br />
set new quality standards <strong>in</strong><br />
cord blood bank<strong>in</strong>g and it is<br />
no co<strong>in</strong>cidence that it is now<br />
attract<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terest from many<br />
other countries. At Virg<strong>in</strong><br />
Health Bank, we believe that<br />
families have a right to accurate<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation about cord<br />
blood bank<strong>in</strong>g and access to<br />
high quality services. Our<br />
purpose is to meet those<br />
needs,” he added.<br />
Cord blood stem cells represent<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the most excit<strong>in</strong>g<br />
areas <strong>of</strong> development<br />
with<strong>in</strong> medic<strong>in</strong>e. Today, there<br />
are over 80 diseases for which<br />
stem cells can provide a cure.<br />
These <strong>in</strong>clude blood disorders<br />
such as beta thalassemia and<br />
sickle cell anaemia and cancers<br />
<strong>of</strong> the blood and immune<br />
system such as leukaemias<br />
and lymphomas. Many scientists<br />
and doctors believe that<br />
cl<strong>in</strong>ical trials currently underway<br />
around the world will<br />
create treatments for other<br />
conditions such as diabetes,<br />
stroke and heart disease.<br />
However, access<strong>in</strong>g those<br />
treatments will only be possible<br />
if genetically matched<br />
stem cells are available and<br />
that’s why Virg<strong>in</strong> Health Bank<br />
at QSTP was established to<br />
provide services to <strong>Qatar</strong> residents.<br />
Virg<strong>in</strong> Health Bank <strong>has</strong><br />
signed agreements with<br />
Hamad<br />
Medical<br />
Corporation’s Women’s<br />
Hospital and the private hospitals<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> to ensure that<br />
its cord blood bank<strong>in</strong>g services<br />
are available to all families<br />
who want to use them.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce it began provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>’s families with cord<br />
blood bank<strong>in</strong>g services <strong>in</strong><br />
2009, it <strong>has</strong> successfully<br />
banked hundreds <strong>of</strong> stem cell<br />
units <strong>in</strong> its facility <strong>in</strong> the United<br />
K<strong>in</strong>gdom. Families can access<br />
more <strong>in</strong>formation about cord<br />
blood bank<strong>in</strong>g <strong>by</strong> call<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Virg<strong>in</strong> Health Bank’s team <strong>of</strong><br />
bil<strong>in</strong>gual cl<strong>in</strong>ical advisors on<br />
+974 4405 1414 or visit<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
website, www.virg<strong>in</strong>healthbank.com.qa<br />
Humid conditions to<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ue till tomorrow<br />
RAJESH MISHRA<br />
DOHA<br />
WITH residents sweat<strong>in</strong>g it<br />
out over the last two days<br />
and the humidity ris<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
around 95 percent from 60<br />
to 65 percent, the<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Meteorology<br />
<strong>has</strong> forecasted that the<br />
humid conditions will cont<strong>in</strong>ue<br />
till Wednesday.<br />
Talk<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>Qatar</strong> <strong>Tribune</strong><br />
on Monday, Head <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Met Forecast and Analysis<br />
Section<br />
Abdulla<br />
Mohammed al Mannai<br />
said, “The humid conditions<br />
will cont<strong>in</strong>ue till<br />
Wednesday because <strong>of</strong> the<br />
south-easterly w<strong>in</strong>ds. From<br />
Thursday, <strong>in</strong>dications are<br />
that the direction <strong>of</strong> the<br />
w<strong>in</strong>d would aga<strong>in</strong> shift to<br />
north-westerly lead<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
sharp decl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> relative<br />
humidity.”<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the forecast,<br />
it will be a hot, humid and<br />
hazy weather on Tuesday<br />
with the sea w<strong>in</strong>d chang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
direction from north-easterly<br />
to south-easterly and its<br />
speed reach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>18</strong> knots. The<br />
forecast adds that visibility<br />
would be reduced to three<br />
kilometres or less at times.<br />
Met, however, po<strong>in</strong>ted<br />
out that there would be<br />
some decl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> maximum<br />
relative humidity <strong>in</strong> Doha<br />
and its adjo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g areas from<br />
90 percent and 95 percent<br />
to 80 and 85 percent on<br />
Tuesday.<br />
For example, it said that<br />
the maximum relative<br />
humidity <strong>in</strong> Doha and Al<br />
Wakrah on Tuesday are<br />
expected to be 85 percent;<br />
<strong>in</strong> Abu Samra and Mesaieed<br />
80 percent; and <strong>in</strong> Dukhan<br />
75 percent, which will further<br />
dip to 60 percent on<br />
Wednesday.<br />
When asked about the<br />
reason beh<strong>in</strong>d sudden shifts<br />
<strong>in</strong> weather condition from a<br />
somewhat cool to hot and<br />
humid and vice-versa be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
witnessed recently, al<br />
Mannai said, “The sudden<br />
shifts <strong>in</strong> weather conditions<br />
are caused <strong>by</strong> sudden<br />
changes <strong>in</strong> the direction <strong>of</strong><br />
w<strong>in</strong>d. South-easterly w<strong>in</strong>d<br />
comes from the sea and is<br />
hot and humid because <strong>of</strong><br />
the moist content whereas<br />
north-easterly w<strong>in</strong>d is relatively<br />
cool.”<br />
The Met <strong>of</strong>ficial said that it<br />
was normal to have hot and<br />
humid conditions dur<strong>in</strong>g this<br />
time <strong>of</strong> summer <strong>in</strong> the country.<br />
The maximum temperature<br />
will however, rema<strong>in</strong><br />
unchanged and cont<strong>in</strong>ue to<br />
hover around 38 degrees<br />
Celsius dur<strong>in</strong>g the next two<br />
days, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
weather forecast.<br />
Indian artistes, s<strong>in</strong>gers<br />
to perform on Sept 2<br />
SANTHOSH CHANDRAN<br />
DOHA<br />
NOTED Indian artistes and<br />
s<strong>in</strong>gers will perform dur<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
stage show at MES Indian<br />
School on September 2.<br />
The show, titled ‘Marhaba’,<br />
is be<strong>in</strong>g organised <strong>by</strong><br />
Thanyam Grama Panchayath<br />
Per<strong>in</strong>gottukara Association<br />
(TGPA), a Kerala forum, as<br />
part <strong>of</strong> activities to celebrate<br />
Eid al Fitr and Onam, an<br />
important festival <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Kerala community.<br />
It will be attended <strong>by</strong> popular<br />
Malayalam language c<strong>in</strong>ema<br />
artistes and playback<br />
s<strong>in</strong>gers such as Shwetha<br />
Menon, Archana Kavi, Suaraj<br />
Venjaramoodu and playback<br />
s<strong>in</strong>gers Rimmy Tomy and<br />
Seena Ramesh.<br />
Lulu Group Regional<br />
Director Mohammed Althaff<br />
released the ticket <strong>of</strong> the programme<br />
<strong>by</strong> hand<strong>in</strong>g over the<br />
first copy to Argon Group<br />
Chief Executive Officer Abdul<br />
Gafoor at a function recently.<br />
Speak<strong>in</strong>g at press conference,<br />
Ashraff, who is also the<br />
president <strong>of</strong> the forum, said<br />
that funds generated from the<br />
programme would be used to<br />
open medical centres <strong>in</strong><br />
Thanyam prov<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>of</strong><br />
Thrissur district <strong>in</strong> the Indian<br />
state <strong>of</strong> Kerala. The programme<br />
will feature dance,<br />
comedy skits and music.<br />
Supernova defeats Gondolania at Sarong Boses tourney<br />
TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK<br />
DOHA<br />
SUPERNOVA Enterta<strong>in</strong>ment<br />
basketball team defeated<br />
their Gondolania Amusement<br />
Center counterparts <strong>by</strong> 106<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts to 26 dur<strong>in</strong>g the open<strong>in</strong>g<br />
match at the second<br />
Sarong Boses <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
Invitational Basketball<br />
League at Al Saad Sports<br />
Stadium recently.<br />
The comb<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> Jufe<br />
Azur and Jojo Bragat <strong>in</strong> the<br />
scor<strong>in</strong>g chores gave<br />
Supernova Enterta<strong>in</strong>ment an<br />
early upper hand on the<br />
Gondolania, while the<br />
defence was built <strong>by</strong> Julius<br />
Legaspi, Jude Bolo and<br />
Richard Cirio.<br />
Another match <strong>of</strong> the day<br />
Players <strong>of</strong> Supernova and Gondolania dur<strong>in</strong>g their match, <strong>in</strong> Doha, recently.<br />
featured NATSCO Autoshop<br />
and last edition second runner-up<br />
Salam Studio and<br />
Stores teams. NATSCO’s<br />
Erw<strong>in</strong> Gonzales pumped <strong>in</strong> <strong>18</strong><br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts to catapult his team to<br />
a whopp<strong>in</strong>g 74-53 victory.<br />
NATSCO Autoshop capitalised<br />
on the collapse <strong>of</strong><br />
Salam’s defence <strong>in</strong> the second<br />
half to book their victory.<br />
The day also featured a<br />
keenly-competed match<br />
between Al Dar Works and<br />
Strabag-Zubl<strong>in</strong> which ended<br />
<strong>in</strong> 56-45 <strong>in</strong> favour <strong>of</strong> the former.<br />
Fans waited for one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
featured matches <strong>of</strong> the day,<br />
between the crowd favourite<br />
Kone Elevators and P<strong>in</strong>oy<br />
Dabarkads (PDB) <strong>Qatar</strong>.<br />
Hillary Isnani contributed 16<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts to PDB’s balanced<br />
<strong>of</strong>fence to record a 67-53 w<strong>in</strong><br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st Kone. Paris Gallery<br />
registered another w<strong>in</strong><br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st the Warriors <strong>by</strong> 71-52<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts.
Advertis<strong>in</strong>g Hotl<strong>in</strong>e : 00974 4456 92 43<br />
Email : advertis<strong>in</strong>g@qatar-tribune.com<br />
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 15
16 Tuesday, August 23, 2011 Stress Management – Personality Development – Leadership Skills<br />
Communication Skills -- Negotiation Skills – Time Management –<br />
Transactional Analysis -- Language Skills.<br />
Tel. +974-44414412/ +974-44313254/ Fax : +974-44988730
Tuesday, August 23, 2011<br />
17<br />
DOHA PEST CONTROL &<br />
CLEANING CO. W.L.L<br />
We help people to lead healthier lives. Call for<br />
free survey and advice. Contact:44360901/02<br />
fax:44360838 Email: <strong>in</strong>fo@dohapest.com,Web:<br />
www.dohapest.com<br />
AL MUFTAH RENT A CAR<br />
P O Box 1316, Doha, <strong>Qatar</strong>,<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> Office, D-R<strong>in</strong>g Road<br />
Tel: +974 44634444 / 44328100 Fax:<br />
+974 44414339<br />
LEMON CATERING<br />
Undertakes cater<strong>in</strong>g services for<br />
companies <strong>in</strong> yearly contracts basis,<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional team;<br />
Please contact: 33021562<br />
IMMIGRATION CONSULTANCY<br />
C- R<strong>in</strong>g Road Tel: +974 44442003<br />
Fax: +974 44441003<br />
Musherib Tel: +974 44426649 /<br />
44326840 Fax: +974 44312899<br />
Ras Laffan Industrial City<br />
( RLC Complex ) Tel: +974 44748840<br />
Airport Tel: +974 44634433 /<br />
55525639<br />
www.renta<strong>car</strong>doha.com<br />
TARIQ GROUP INTERNATIONAL<br />
(TGI) RENT-A-CAR<br />
Lower rates Car Rentals <strong>in</strong> Salwa<br />
Road next to Jarir Bookstore<br />
Contact us: 44212462 and<br />
44428454 Fax: 44364<strong>18</strong>5<br />
Email: <strong>in</strong>fo@tgi.com.qaWebsite:<br />
www.tgi.com.qa<br />
Gulf Driv<strong>in</strong>g School<br />
Tel: 4465 2822<br />
United Driv<strong>in</strong>g Company<br />
Tel: 4468 1003<br />
Avis Rent-A-Car<br />
Tel: 4466 7744<br />
Budget Rent-A-Car<br />
Tel: 4431 0411<br />
EuroDollar<br />
Tel: 4432 1313<br />
Central English Speak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
K<strong>in</strong>dergarten<br />
Tel: 4413 5675<br />
www.ceskonl<strong>in</strong>e.com<br />
Cocorico Nursery<br />
Tel: 4488 1583<br />
www.cocoriconursery.com.qa<br />
Creative Child<br />
Tel: 4479 5916<br />
www.creativechildqatar.com<br />
Established <strong>in</strong> 1993, WorldWide<br />
Immigration Consultancy Services is<br />
the world leader <strong>in</strong> provid<strong>in</strong>g Global<br />
Resettlement Solutions <strong>in</strong><br />
Canada, UK , Australia,<br />
Europe and USA.<br />
Walk-<strong>in</strong> for free counsel<strong>in</strong>g between<br />
10am to 6 pm at WWICS <strong>Qatar</strong> WLL<br />
Office No. 3, Mezzan<strong>in</strong>e Floor, IBQ<br />
Bank Build<strong>in</strong>g, Opp. Dasman Centre,<br />
Airport Road, Ummughl<strong>in</strong>a Area,<br />
Doha, <strong>Qatar</strong>,<br />
Ph: +974 44850723<br />
www.wwicsgroup.com<br />
CERTIFICATE ATTESTATION &<br />
COMPANY FORMATION<br />
Certificates attestation (Education,<br />
Marriage, Birth, TC certificate) from<br />
India, UK, USA, Australia, Gulf<br />
countries and PCC from gulf<br />
(15years experience).<br />
We provide A to Z Bus<strong>in</strong>ess set up<br />
services, Mandoob (PRO) services<br />
and all k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> government related<br />
documentation works.<br />
Contact: 44919213, 44351974<br />
Mob: 77711129<br />
Website: www.helpl<strong>in</strong>egroups.com
<strong>18</strong> Tuesday, August 23, 2011<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
Door to Door<br />
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All Over India<br />
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ASIA - U.A.E. - MALAYSIA<br />
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AFRICAN COUNTRIES<br />
FRANCE & OTHER COUNTRIES<br />
Najma Branch : T<br />
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Conditions apply.<br />
GOODWILL CARGO<br />
Call us for more <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g properties, we have it all!<br />
Janet 55870916 Joseph 55868768 Rahma 55834641 Khaled 33633066<br />
British-Managed Company<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@directqatar.com<br />
www.directqatar.com<br />
Activities:<br />
"All India Door to Door Services"<br />
World wide <strong>car</strong>go services<br />
Door to Door services - (world wide)<br />
FCL / LCL services - (world wide)<br />
Road Transportation to GCC<br />
Clear<strong>in</strong>g & Deliver (sea / airport)<br />
Pack<strong>in</strong>g & mov<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<br />
AIRPORT ROAD, Near: Suzuki showroom<br />
Tel Fax: 44626549 , Mob: 661003<strong>18</strong> / 55528399<br />
E-mail: goodwill.<strong>car</strong>go@yahoo.com
METRO MUSINGS<br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>gas achieves safety milestone<br />
TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK<br />
DOHA<br />
QATARGAS’ Plateau<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong>tenance Project (PMP)<br />
<strong>has</strong> achieved a significant<br />
safety milestone as the project’s<br />
2000-strong workforce<br />
completed three million man<br />
hours without any lost time<br />
<strong>in</strong>jury (LTI). This milestone<br />
was facilitated <strong>by</strong> the project’s<br />
behavioural-based safety<br />
observation programme<br />
which recently exceeded a<br />
40,000 stop <strong>car</strong>ds plateau.<br />
The project will ensure the<br />
production capacity <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>gas 1 is ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed at<br />
10 million tonnes per annum<br />
(MTA) <strong>of</strong> liquefied natural<br />
gas (LNG). This will be<br />
accomplished <strong>by</strong> drill<strong>in</strong>g<br />
additional <strong>of</strong>fshore wells,<br />
modify<strong>in</strong>g associated <strong>of</strong>fshore<br />
facilities, modify<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Qatar</strong>gas Tra<strong>in</strong>s 1-3,<br />
and add<strong>in</strong>g onshore facilities<br />
to accommodate expected<br />
<strong>in</strong>creases <strong>in</strong> feed gas and<br />
hydrogen sulfide (H2S).<br />
Sheikh Ahmed b<strong>in</strong> Jassim<br />
al Thani, chief operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong>ficer<br />
<strong>of</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g & ventures<br />
at <strong>Qatar</strong>gas, said: “This<br />
is a significant accomplishment<br />
for the PMP team.<br />
Safety is a core value and an<br />
<strong>in</strong>tegral part <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Qatar</strong>gas<br />
culture at every level. We<br />
want each and every employee<br />
to go home safely, everyday.<br />
I thank the PMP workforce<br />
for their commitment<br />
Work on <strong>Qatar</strong>gas’ Plateau Ma<strong>in</strong>tenance Project <strong>in</strong> progress.<br />
to safety as it is their commitment<br />
that made this<br />
accomplishment possible.”<br />
James Ierub<strong>in</strong>o, PMP<br />
project manager, said:<br />
“Keep<strong>in</strong>g our people safe is a<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>uous and relentless<br />
effort. In order to mitigate<br />
risks, the team uses ‘STOP’<br />
observation <strong>car</strong>ds to document<br />
safe and unsafe behaviours<br />
and conditions. This<br />
data is studied thoroughly<br />
each week, and mitigat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
measures are cont<strong>in</strong>uously<br />
applied based on this analysis<br />
and trends.<br />
“From day one s<strong>in</strong>ce the<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g, Procurement<br />
and Construction (EPC) contract<br />
was signed for the project,<br />
the team <strong>has</strong> focused on<br />
apply<strong>in</strong>g the Incident and<br />
Injury Free (IFF) <strong>in</strong>itiative <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>gas and the STOP <strong>car</strong>d<br />
mechanism, which is a typical<br />
proactive activity and<br />
lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dicator for a safe<br />
workplace. We know it will<br />
require harder work go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
forward to ensure none <strong>of</strong><br />
our team members experience<br />
any k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> discomfort”.<br />
The <strong>Qatar</strong>gas 1 facilities<br />
were <strong>in</strong>itially built to produce<br />
six MTA <strong>of</strong> LNG. These facilities<br />
were upgraded <strong>in</strong> 2005<br />
through a debottleneck<strong>in</strong>g<br />
project which resulted <strong>in</strong> a<br />
new capacity <strong>of</strong> 10 MTA.<br />
Tuesday, August 23, 2011<br />
www.qatar-tribune.com 19<br />
QNB announces<br />
20 w<strong>in</strong>ners <strong>of</strong> June<br />
‘Use & W<strong>in</strong>’ draw<br />
TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK<br />
DOHA<br />
QNB <strong>has</strong> announced the<br />
names <strong>of</strong> 20 w<strong>in</strong>ners <strong>of</strong> its ‘Use<br />
& W<strong>in</strong>’ campaign for the<br />
month <strong>of</strong> June. The w<strong>in</strong>ners<br />
had all their payments made to<br />
Kahramaa and Qtel <strong>in</strong> June<br />
refunded. All QNB and non<br />
QNB customers who used<br />
QNB ATMs to make<br />
Kahramaa and Qtel bill payments<br />
were eligible for the<br />
promotion.<br />
The draw was open to everyone,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g both QNB customers<br />
and customers us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the ATM <strong>car</strong>ds <strong>of</strong> other banks<br />
to complete their transactions.<br />
The w<strong>in</strong>ners are: Fahad<br />
Mohammed Faisal Naqadan,<br />
Jasim Hamash Nasir Mohd al<br />
Sahouti, Manal Sultan M B al<br />
Muhanadi, Mohd Hadi Mohd<br />
Masoud al Fehaida, Jamal al<br />
Sharsh<strong>in</strong>i, Ameen Abubacher,<br />
Mohab M Zaki, Abdelouahab<br />
Abdesselam, Firas Akram<br />
Kadora, Hanan Badia Yousef,<br />
Jephy Varghese K,<br />
Swam<strong>in</strong>athan Anantha<br />
Narayanan, Antonio Jesus,<br />
Javaid Iqbal Abid, Marwan<br />
Suhail Abo laghd, Bay<strong>by</strong> Sabida<br />
Nechikkadu, Prasanthkumar<br />
Narayanan Nair, Mohamad<br />
Ansar Eriyathum Parambil<br />
Sayid, Kiritkumar Patel and<br />
Asbel Nigatu.<br />
The promotion is part <strong>of</strong> a<br />
five-month campaign, which<br />
started <strong>in</strong> May and will end <strong>in</strong><br />
September. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the campaign,<br />
QNB will <strong>of</strong>fer anyone<br />
pay<strong>in</strong>g their Kahramaa and<br />
Qtel monthly bills or purc<strong>has</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
Qtel’s prepaid services<br />
through the bank’s ATM network,<br />
the chance to w<strong>in</strong> a<br />
grand prize <strong>of</strong> Jeep Grand<br />
Cherokee.<br />
For every QR50 spent, participants<br />
will get additional<br />
chances to w<strong>in</strong>. In addition, 20<br />
monthly w<strong>in</strong>ners will have all<br />
their bills <strong>of</strong> the month paid<br />
through a QNB ATM, refunded<br />
<strong>by</strong> the bank. They will also<br />
stand a chance to w<strong>in</strong> a Jeep<br />
Grand Charokee at the grand<br />
draw.<br />
To register for the prize<br />
draws, customers are required<br />
to complete a one-time registration<br />
at any QNB ATM while<br />
more <strong>in</strong>formation can be<br />
obta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>by</strong> send<strong>in</strong>g SMS stat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the word ‘WIN’ to 92776.<br />
The campaign is part <strong>of</strong><br />
QNB’s plan to provide further<br />
functionality and rewards to<br />
support the everyday customer’s<br />
need to bank on the<br />
move and have access to not<br />
just traditional bank<strong>in</strong>g services<br />
but also have access to<br />
essential payment solutions<br />
around the clock via the bank’s<br />
e-channels.<br />
al khaliji hosts clients<br />
TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK<br />
DOHA<br />
AL KHALIJ Commercial<br />
Bank (al khaliji) is hold<strong>in</strong>g<br />
iftars and suhoors for its customers<br />
with staff and regional<br />
managers from all the bank’s<br />
segments, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
bank<strong>in</strong>g, corporate bank<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
and premium bank<strong>in</strong>g at the<br />
Four Seasons Hotel.<br />
These events allow for<br />
enhanc<strong>in</strong>g relationships and<br />
provide a network<strong>in</strong>g platform<br />
between the bank’s staff<br />
and their clientele.<br />
The events are be<strong>in</strong>g held to<br />
show appreciation for those<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> al khaliji’s<br />
achievements over the years.<br />
al khaliji <strong>of</strong>fers a full range<br />
<strong>of</strong> conventional bank<strong>in</strong>g<br />
products and services to<br />
retail, bus<strong>in</strong>ess, corporate<br />
and <strong>in</strong>stitutional customers.<br />
It <strong>has</strong> a subsidiary <strong>in</strong> Paris,<br />
France, with a network <strong>of</strong><br />
branches <strong>in</strong> the UAE cover<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al<br />
Khaima, and Abu Dhabi. The<br />
branch network <strong>of</strong>fers customers<br />
and bus<strong>in</strong>esses local,<br />
regional and <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
bank<strong>in</strong>g services.<br />
With headquarters <strong>in</strong><br />
Doha, al khaliji is one <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Qatar</strong>’s lead<strong>in</strong>g banks and a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Qatar</strong><br />
Exchange Index, with<br />
QR23.44 billion <strong>in</strong> total assets<br />
and QR9.96 billion <strong>in</strong> customer<br />
deposits as on June 30.<br />
The events are<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g held to show<br />
appreciation for<br />
those <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong><br />
al khaliji’s achievements<br />
over the<br />
years.<br />
“At al khaliji we believe that<br />
success lies <strong>in</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
security and development <strong>of</strong><br />
people to enable them to susta<strong>in</strong><br />
a prosperous life. Our<br />
products and level <strong>of</strong> service<br />
reflect our belief that to be<br />
successful, we must meet the<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> both this generation<br />
and future generations <strong>of</strong><br />
employees, customers,<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestors and bus<strong>in</strong>ess partners.<br />
“While f<strong>in</strong>ancial objectives<br />
are key to susta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g our<br />
prosperity <strong>in</strong> any market, at al<br />
khaliji, we believe that longterm<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>ability is ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
<strong>by</strong> balanc<strong>in</strong>g our commitments<br />
to achiev<strong>in</strong>g our<br />
results, with the commitment<br />
towards the development <strong>of</strong><br />
people and the preservation<br />
<strong>of</strong> natural resources,” a statement<br />
issued <strong>by</strong> the bank said.<br />
Millennium Hotel staff with leaflets about the importance <strong>of</strong> blood donation, <strong>in</strong> Doha, recently.<br />
Millennium Hotel holds blood donation drive<br />
TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK<br />
DOHA<br />
MILLENNIUM Hotel, <strong>in</strong><br />
collaboration with the<br />
Hamad<br />
Medical<br />
Corporation, organised an<br />
awareness drive on the<br />
importance <strong>of</strong> blood donation<br />
recently.<br />
The campaign was part <strong>of</strong><br />
a wider corporate <strong>in</strong>itiative<br />
which sees all Millennium &<br />
Copthorne hotels <strong>in</strong> the<br />
region jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to volunteer<br />
for a good cause.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the campaign,<br />
more than 20 volunteers<br />
from various departments <strong>of</strong><br />
Millennium Hotel handed<br />
out flyers at different places<br />
near the hotel, expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
the importance <strong>of</strong> donat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
blood.<br />
A blood donation drive is<br />
due to take place at the hotel<br />
on September 20 and over<br />
40 staff <strong>of</strong> the hotel, many <strong>of</strong><br />
them first-time donors, have<br />
already signed up.<br />
Envoy commends Pak Shamaa School<br />
L N MALLICK<br />
DOHA<br />
Pakistan Ambassador HE Muhammad Sarfraz A Khanzada (centre) with Pak Shamaa School<br />
management committee members and embassy <strong>of</strong>ficials, <strong>in</strong> Doha, recently.<br />
AMBASSADOR <strong>of</strong> Pakistan<br />
HE Muhammad Sarfraz A<br />
Khanzada <strong>has</strong> thanked the<br />
management and staff <strong>of</strong> Pak<br />
Shamaa School for the commendable<br />
successes and<br />
achievements the school <strong>has</strong><br />
achieved s<strong>in</strong>ce its establishment<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1958.<br />
Speak<strong>in</strong>g at a get-together<br />
and iftar hosted <strong>by</strong> the president<br />
<strong>of</strong> the school’s management<br />
committee, MA Shahid,<br />
the ambassador assured <strong>of</strong><br />
cont<strong>in</strong>uous support for the<br />
school’s community welfare<br />
and developmental activities.<br />
Shahid hosted the gettogether<br />
followed <strong>by</strong> iftar at<br />
Retaj Tower, <strong>in</strong> honour <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ambassador and embassy<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficials.<br />
Mohammad Abrar<br />
Hussa<strong>in</strong>, a senior member <strong>of</strong><br />
the committee, said the purpose<br />
<strong>of</strong> the event was to <strong>in</strong>troduce<br />
the management committee<br />
members to the<br />
ambassador who resumed<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice recently.<br />
Hussa<strong>in</strong> said the school <strong>has</strong><br />
well qualified and experienced<br />
teach<strong>in</strong>g staff. “It not<br />
only meets the academic<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> the students but also<br />
helps <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g balanced<br />
personalities among its students<br />
for build<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
future,” he said.<br />
Embassy <strong>of</strong>ficials who<br />
attended the function <strong>in</strong>cluded<br />
Second Secretary Ashar<br />
Shahzad, Counsellor II<br />
Mohammad Afzal Shaikh,<br />
Counsellor Anwar Ali Khan,<br />
Defence Attache Commodore<br />
Zafar Mansoor Tipu and<br />
Community Welfare Attache<br />
Dr Syed Mansoor Rizvi.<br />
Pak Shamaa managment<br />
committee members<br />
Manzoor Ahmed, Nazar<br />
Malik, Muhammad Akram,<br />
Muhammad Abrar Hussa<strong>in</strong>,<br />
Adeel Akbar, Taher D<br />
Hussa<strong>in</strong> and Muhammad<br />
Asif were also <strong>in</strong>troduced to<br />
the envoy.<br />
Pak Shamaa School is the<br />
oldest expatriate educational<br />
<strong>in</strong>stitution <strong>in</strong> the country,<br />
serv<strong>in</strong>g the Pakistani and<br />
other communities.<br />
The school is registered<br />
under the M<strong>in</strong>istry <strong>of</strong><br />
Education, and affiliated to<br />
the Islamabad-based Federal<br />
Board <strong>of</strong> Intermediate and<br />
Secondary Education.<br />
The new campus <strong>of</strong> the<br />
school provides spacious<br />
classrooms, playground and<br />
well-equipped science laboratories.<br />
The school regularly<br />
organises workshops, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
courses and sem<strong>in</strong>ars for<br />
the faculty to enable them<br />
meet the challenges <strong>of</strong> modern<br />
educational systems.<br />
Body Shop jo<strong>in</strong>s hands<br />
with QF <strong>in</strong> combat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
human traffick<strong>in</strong>g<br />
TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK<br />
DOHA<br />
THE Body Shop <strong>has</strong> jo<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
hands with <strong>Qatar</strong> Foundation<br />
for Combat<strong>in</strong>g Human<br />
Traffick<strong>in</strong>g and Hyatt Plaza to<br />
celebrate the biggest petition<br />
<strong>in</strong> its history which says ‘Stop<br />
the Traffick<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Children<br />
and Young People’.<br />
Over 15,000 petitions have<br />
been collected <strong>in</strong> the country<br />
to say ‘Stop’ to what is considered<br />
to be the third largest<br />
and fastest grow<strong>in</strong>g crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> the world.<br />
The celebration will start at<br />
9pm on Tuesday at Hyatt<br />
Plaza Mall, <strong>in</strong> front <strong>of</strong> Body<br />
Shop.<br />
The attendees will also celebrate<br />
<strong>by</strong> tak<strong>in</strong>g a memorial<br />
photograph mark<strong>in</strong>g the successful<br />
completion <strong>of</strong> the<br />
campaign <strong>in</strong> <strong>Qatar</strong> and<br />
around the world.<br />
This petition activity <strong>has</strong><br />
been replicated <strong>in</strong> some 50<br />
countries around the world<br />
where the Body Shop <strong>has</strong> a<br />
presence.<br />
The celebration<br />
will start at 9pm on<br />
Tuesday at Hyatt<br />
Plaza Mall, <strong>in</strong> front<br />
<strong>of</strong> Body Shop.<br />
Global petition signatures<br />
currently stand at nearly six<br />
million. Once collected<br />
together, they will be presented<br />
to the United Nations, urg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the organisation to drive<br />
for global legislative change.<br />
Visitors to Hyatt Plaza have<br />
been <strong>in</strong>vited to jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the celebration<br />
<strong>of</strong> the petition.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011<br />
20 www.qatar-tribune.com<br />
QT SPOTLIGHT ON LIBYA<br />
POPULAR REVOLUTION: People <strong>of</strong> Benghazi celebrate the advancement <strong>of</strong> rebel forces <strong>in</strong>to the Li<strong>by</strong>an capital Tripoli to end the 40-year rule <strong>of</strong> Moamer Qadhafi, on Sunday. (AP)<br />
Full <strong>of</strong> euphoria, expats hope for unity<br />
& democracy <strong>in</strong> post-Qadhafi Li<strong>by</strong>a<br />
AFTER six months <strong>of</strong> fierce battle and high<br />
casualties, the rebel fighters f<strong>in</strong>ally managed<br />
to march <strong>in</strong>to the Li<strong>by</strong>an capital,<br />
Tripoli, on Sunday. They have taken over<br />
more than 80 percent <strong>of</strong> Tripoli from<br />
Moamer Qadhafi’s loyalists and government<br />
forces. Heavy fight<strong>in</strong>g is tak<strong>in</strong>g place <strong>in</strong> the capital<br />
around the compound <strong>of</strong> the embattled Li<strong>by</strong>an<br />
leader as jubilant crowds gathered <strong>in</strong> the famous<br />
central Green Square, previously the scene <strong>of</strong> pro-<br />
Qadhafi demonstrations. Reports suggest that two<br />
<strong>of</strong> Qadhafi’s sons have been arrested and state TV<br />
<strong>has</strong> also gone <strong>of</strong>f the air. There have been further<br />
defections <strong>in</strong>to the rebel camp as well. As the world<br />
anxiously watches the fall <strong>of</strong> the four-decade old<br />
tyrannical regime, there are widespread concerns<br />
over the enormous task the rebel camp needs to<br />
perform <strong>in</strong> the post-Qadhafi period. Br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
country together and <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g the tenets <strong>of</strong> freedom<br />
and democracy <strong>in</strong> a diverse country like Li<strong>by</strong>a<br />
could be equally challeng<strong>in</strong>g and arduous. But, for<br />
now, the people <strong>of</strong> Li<strong>by</strong>a are happy to see Qadhafi’s<br />
41-year rule near its end. <strong>Qatar</strong> <strong>Tribune</strong>’s<br />
Mohamed Khoulaidi and Aisha Sidahmed<br />
spoke to some Arab expatriates to ascerta<strong>in</strong> their<br />
views on the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the end <strong>of</strong> North Africa’s<br />
oldest serv<strong>in</strong>g dictator. Excerpts:<br />
FULL CREDIT TO REBEL LEADERS AND<br />
NATO FOR DECISIVE PUSH DURING RAMADAN<br />
Mohamed Abdulla<br />
Bahra<strong>in</strong>i national<br />
I was surprised to<br />
watch the jubilant<br />
scenes on the<br />
streets <strong>of</strong> Tripoli on<br />
Sunday. After six<br />
months <strong>of</strong> fierce<br />
civil war, which<br />
could have gone<br />
either way, th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
have suddenly and<br />
sharply tilted <strong>in</strong><br />
favour <strong>of</strong> the rebel<br />
fighters who are<br />
now on the threshold<br />
<strong>of</strong> victory. The<br />
battle for Tripoli was not as long and bloody as analysts<br />
had expected. It was a big relief to see Li<strong>by</strong>an<br />
opposition forces celebrate on the famous Green<br />
Square which <strong>has</strong> now been renamed Martyrs<br />
Square <strong>by</strong> the rebel fighters. Full credit goes to the<br />
rebel leaders and the NATO for giv<strong>in</strong>g the f<strong>in</strong>al push<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the Holy Month <strong>of</strong> Ramadan and the element<br />
<strong>of</strong> surprise which <strong>has</strong> made the government<br />
forces to retreat from the smaller towns on the outskirts<br />
<strong>of</strong> the capital.<br />
However, we must not forget that there are still<br />
pockets <strong>of</strong> resistance <strong>in</strong> and around Tripoli as<br />
Qadhafi’s loyalists cont<strong>in</strong>ue to put up a fight.<br />
Qadhafi’s whereabouts also rema<strong>in</strong> unclear. There<br />
were some news reports about leaders from the old<br />
regime flee<strong>in</strong>g to Tunisia. If the reports are true, the<br />
Tunisian government should capture these leaders<br />
and return them to Li<strong>by</strong>a so that they meet justice<br />
for their crimes aga<strong>in</strong>st ord<strong>in</strong>ary Li<strong>by</strong>ans. I am<br />
happy that Qadhafi’s son and heir apparent Seif al-<br />
Islam <strong>has</strong> been captured.<br />
END GAME: Li<strong>by</strong>an leader Moamer Qadhafi. (AP)<br />
‘NEW LIBYA’ SHOULD BE BUILT<br />
ON FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY<br />
Abdelati G<br />
Li<strong>by</strong>an national<br />
The situation <strong>in</strong> Li<strong>by</strong>a is very delicate. The regime<br />
<strong>has</strong> started fall<strong>in</strong>g apart. Li<strong>by</strong>an leader Moamer<br />
Qadhafi <strong>has</strong> realised that he cannot<br />
w<strong>in</strong> the battle aga<strong>in</strong>st his own people.<br />
So, he <strong>has</strong> kept on urg<strong>in</strong>g his<br />
followers to fight aga<strong>in</strong>st the NATO<br />
and the rebel forces and make a<br />
f<strong>in</strong>al stand <strong>in</strong> Tripoli. But, the people<br />
<strong>of</strong> Li<strong>by</strong>a believe they can now emulate the revolutionary<br />
ga<strong>in</strong>s <strong>of</strong> their two neighbour<strong>in</strong>g countries<br />
— Tunisia and Egypt.<br />
The post-Qadhafi period won’t be easy at all. Look<br />
at Tunisia and Egypt. The political process <strong>has</strong>n’t<br />
moved forward <strong>in</strong> the two countries. It will take time<br />
and the people need to stay united and be patient.<br />
Yet, the fall <strong>of</strong> Tripoli will be a great news for the<br />
people <strong>of</strong> Li<strong>by</strong>a. They have been fight<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
February and have had enough <strong>of</strong> the dictator.<br />
Qadhafi <strong>has</strong> ruled for more than 41 years. It is also<br />
hard to believe that his regime is f<strong>in</strong>ally crumbl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and that the rebels have seized the majority <strong>of</strong> the<br />
capital city and two <strong>of</strong> his sons, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the heir<br />
apparent Seif al-Islam, have been arrested. The<br />
Li<strong>by</strong>an people, now for the first time <strong>in</strong> four decades,<br />
can dream <strong>of</strong> a better future. It is time for the new<br />
generation to create a better future for themselves<br />
and for the country. The ‘New Li<strong>by</strong>a’ should be<br />
built on freedom and democracy.<br />
VICTORY IS IN SIGHT IN THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN<br />
Huda Asili<br />
Moroccan national<br />
After six months <strong>of</strong> long and bloody fight<strong>in</strong>g, the<br />
rebels have made important advances <strong>in</strong>to Tripoli<br />
Readers’<br />
QT Speakup<br />
from three directions. Surpris<strong>in</strong>gly, they didn’t meet<br />
fierce resistance and have moved <strong>in</strong>to the city centre<br />
unopposed. But, Qadhafi <strong>has</strong> promised <strong>of</strong> a f<strong>in</strong>al<br />
battle. He <strong>has</strong> his loyalist <strong>in</strong> several pockets <strong>of</strong> the<br />
city and they will fight till their leader is captured or<br />
killed. We were extremely pleased to hear that<br />
rebels have captured Qadhafi’s<br />
son Seif al-Islam. Rebels also<br />
claimed to have accepted the surrender<br />
<strong>of</strong> his second son,<br />
Mohammed. The same day, the<br />
rebel forces took over 80 percent<br />
<strong>of</strong> the capital and they have surrounded Bab al-<br />
Aziziya. The Li<strong>by</strong>an people are happy that the victory<br />
is now <strong>in</strong> sight, especially <strong>in</strong> the Holy Month <strong>of</strong><br />
Ramadan.<br />
WITNESSING THE FINAL ACTS OF THE<br />
FOUR-DECADE OLD REGIME<br />
Phoebe Griff<strong>in</strong><br />
British national<br />
The decades <strong>of</strong> tyranny under Moamer Qadhafi<br />
appears to be near<strong>in</strong>g its end. Rebel fighters have<br />
seized most <strong>of</strong> the country and are now <strong>in</strong> Tripoli.<br />
We are witness<strong>in</strong>g the f<strong>in</strong>al acts <strong>of</strong> the four-decade<br />
regime. After six months <strong>of</strong> conflict and bloodshed,<br />
the rebels expected the end <strong>of</strong> the regime with<strong>in</strong><br />
Ramadan. The NTC <strong>has</strong> been prepar<strong>in</strong>g for the<br />
assault for the past few months. The arrogance displayed<br />
<strong>by</strong> Qadhafi, his family and his henchmen<br />
was built on years <strong>of</strong> extortion and corruption that<br />
put the country’s wealth <strong>in</strong>to the pockets <strong>of</strong> the few.<br />
Li<strong>by</strong>ans need to learn from the mistakes made <strong>in</strong><br />
countries like Iraq if they want to transform their<br />
country <strong>in</strong>to a model democracy. In this regard, it<br />
is encourag<strong>in</strong>g that the NTC <strong>has</strong> already spoken <strong>of</strong><br />
its post-Qadhafi plan, which would <strong>in</strong>clude the<br />
establishment <strong>of</strong> a constitutional authority and<br />
globally monitored elections. It also needs to<br />
eschew notions <strong>of</strong> sectarianism, the religious and<br />
political differences. Yet, the rebels are not a<br />
homogenous bunch. They comprise <strong>of</strong> myriad<br />
political groups and the country they will soon take<br />
over will have many <strong>in</strong>fluential people who are<br />
sympathetic to the old regime. Some <strong>of</strong> them would<br />
try to keep the Western governments away from<br />
post-Qadhafi Li<strong>by</strong>a.<br />
PEOPLE HAVE STARTED CELEBRATING<br />
THE BEGINNING OF THE END<br />
Jawad Ali<br />
Moroccan national<br />
We are witness<strong>in</strong>g the end <strong>of</strong> a tyrant’s regime.<br />
Thousands <strong>of</strong> residents have poured <strong>in</strong>to the streets<br />
<strong>of</strong> Tripoli to welcome the rebel fighters congregat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at the Green Square which they have now renamed<br />
as Martyrs Square. Jubilant crowds, with many people<br />
wav<strong>in</strong>g the red, black and green flag <strong>of</strong> anti-government<br />
forces, danced with joy and disbelief. Some<br />
fired bullets <strong>in</strong>to the air as a sign <strong>of</strong> victory. Similar<br />
scenes <strong>of</strong> jubilation were witnessed <strong>in</strong> Benghazi,<br />
where tens <strong>of</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong> delirious residents<br />
danced and celebrated the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the end <strong>of</strong><br />
the four-decade old regime.<br />
LIBYANS STOOD UP AND FOUGHT<br />
FOR THEIR FREEDOM & RIGHTS<br />
Mariem Attiya<br />
Tunisian national<br />
I was overwhelmed with joy to watch the Li<strong>by</strong>an<br />
rebel fighters stream<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to Tripoli on Sunday.<br />
They took control <strong>of</strong> over 80 percent <strong>of</strong> Tripoli <strong>in</strong> a<br />
very short time. The Li<strong>by</strong>ans are now free after six<br />
months <strong>of</strong> bloodshed and fight<strong>in</strong>g. Qadhafi will<br />
soon have to go. Two <strong>of</strong> his sons are already <strong>in</strong> the<br />
custody <strong>of</strong> the rebel forces. There is a lesson we<br />
must all draw from the rebels’ victory. Perseverance<br />
and belief is the key to success, and we must not lose<br />
hope. And the will <strong>of</strong> people is above all governments.<br />
I was awake the entire night watch<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
people celebrat<strong>in</strong>g on the streets <strong>of</strong> Tripoli. This is<br />
really a historic week and we should be happy that<br />
Li<strong>by</strong>ans have been able to stand up and fight for<br />
their freedom and rights, literally.<br />
TRIPOLI HAS COME BACK TO LIFE AGAIN<br />
Abdulrahman Gamil<br />
Algerian national<br />
Rebel fighters have taken control <strong>of</strong> most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Li<strong>by</strong>an capital. Tripoli <strong>has</strong> come back to life aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Internet services are be<strong>in</strong>g restored, freedom <strong>of</strong><br />
press <strong>has</strong> returned, people are celebrat<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />
streets and the rule <strong>of</strong> the tyrant will f<strong>in</strong>ally be over.<br />
I hope the com<strong>in</strong>g months would usher peace, stability,<br />
freedom and real democracy <strong>in</strong> Li<strong>by</strong>a. The end <strong>of</strong><br />
Qadhafi’s rule will be widely welcomed <strong>by</strong> the entire<br />
global community as well.<br />
There are some people who still believe that the<br />
battle for Li<strong>by</strong>a is not over as yet. We must wait till<br />
Qadhafi is captured or killed. But, I th<strong>in</strong>k they are<br />
wrong. Qadhafi <strong>has</strong> been part <strong>of</strong> history ever s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
his grip started slipp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> cities like Brega and<br />
Zlitan and his once trusted aides and government<br />
leaders defected to the rebel camp. It is only a matter<br />
<strong>of</strong> time before he surrenders. Those protect<strong>in</strong>g<br />
him will soon realise that the end <strong>has</strong> truly come.