October 19, 2016
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 19 (APP):

Pakistan has underscored the need for measures to prevent non-state actors and terrorist groups from obtaining and using chemical and biological weapons, while sharing international community’s concern over the danger of those arms falling into the wrong hands.

Speaking in the General Assembly’s Disarmament and International Security Committee, Ambassador Tehmina Janjua said the key tools for preventing non-state actors from acquiring, producing or using chemical and biological weapons included national physical protection efforts, international assistance and capacity building.

In that regard, Ambassador Janjua, , who is Pakistan’s permanent representative to the U.N. in Geneva, pointed out that Pakistan had supported the Russian proposal for a Bio-Chemical Terrorism Convention.

The Pakistani envoy, who was participating in a debate on weapons of mass destruction, said Pakistan condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, and welcomed milestones that had been achieved in the destruction of Syrian and Libyan chemical weapons. “We remain committed to the full and effective implementation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC),’ she said. “We attach high priority to the Convention’s provisions relating to international cooperation and assistance as well as peaceful uses of chemical technology.”

Pakistan, Ambassador Janjua said, had instituted comprehensive legislative, regulatory and administrative measures including Codes of Conduct to regulate life sciences in Pakistan, to enhance bio-safety and bio-security regulations, and to strengthen our export controls on biological agents and toxins. “Our robust export control regime imbibes the best international standards.”

Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention and continues to participate in the work of the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons).

Pakistan also continues to conduct basic and advanced regional and international assistance and protection courses, she said. “As a mainstream partner in the global non-proliferation regime, Pakistan has elaborated and implemented an export control regime that is comprehensive and fully harmonized with international standards,”Ambassador Janjua said. “Our comprehensive export control regime and its effective implementation has been recognized and appreciated by our partners.”

Doha, October 19

QNA) -

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar has lauded the role of youths and of the University playing in the development of State of Qatar. He expressed his feelings talking with students during his visit to Qatar University. ' humans are the most important aspect of building a nation and a country's biggest investment. Qatar has invested in its youth and with them it will develop further with the aid of science" as per his remarks in a written message left for students as reported by Qatar News Agency. He inspected Ladies College of Education and Early Childhood Center buildings where Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani attended a lecture and met with students and members of the faculty. Emir of Qatar visited College of Engineering for Boys and inspected the laboratories. Students gave presentation to The Emir on their projects.

Emir of Qatar also visited the College of Medicine and inspected latest technologies facilitated to the students and attended a lecture session in a student class room.

During Emir of Qatar's visit to the University's Research Complex, researchers briefed Emir on their latest innovations, about their prominent projects and he was briefed about the strategic programmes made for the students. Emir of Qatar discussed with students on their ideas and current projects. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani advised the students to focus their efforts on the projects what will benefit their society and provides future leadership in the scientific field. HH the Emir also expressed appreciation to the role of youth and the university in the development of the country.

HH the Emir also met with deans of the university's colleges and signed a statement and presented it to the young people. The statement said that

Tashkent, October 19
(QNA)

The 43rd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) concluded today its meetings in Tashkent. Theme of the meeting was 'Education and Enlightenment: the Path to Peace and Creativity'.

Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Qatar led the delegation.

The council adopted a resolution regarding Qatari citizens kidnapped in Iraq. The council renewed its condemnation to the act, saying the Qatari citizens entered in Iraq through legitimate means. The council described the kidnapping as a terrorist attack that contradicts with all Islamic teachings. They called on the Iraqi government to meet its responsibility.

The council also expressed its solidarity with the Qatari government in any measure it takes in that regard. The council also expressed its hope that the contacts made between the Iraqi government lead to the release of the citizens.

OIC Secretary-General, Iyad Ameen Madani is given the task for follows up and on the implementation of OIC resolution in regard to kidnapped Qatari citizens.

18 October 2016
Doha

The world’s largest privately owned residential yacht, The World, docked in Doha Port yesterday, marking the beginning of Qatar’s 2016/2017 cruise season. The luxury cruise ship will spend two days in Doha before heading to Muscat.

This cruise season, which lasts until April 2017, has 32 ships registered to arrive at Qatar’s shores, representing a three-fold increase on last season’s figures. Over 50,000 passengers are expected to arrive aboard these ships.

The luxury cruise ship’s passengers will be the first to avail of Qatar’s new entry procedure, which quickens the disembarkation of tourists arriving on board cruise ships. Cruise passengers can now disembark within minutes of arriving and immediately begin enjoying their on-shore excursions.

The World is home to 165 residences with patrons from 45 countries living on board the ship as it sails around the world, staying in most ports for several days. Some residents live on board full time while most visit periodically throughout the year.

Doha, October 18, 2016 –

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce of Qatar inaugurated Three days long Second Hospitality Qatar 2016 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). The show runs from today through 20 October 2016.

This high-profile expo in Doha provides the ideal forum for suppliers, hoteliers, HORECA suppliers, buyers, and investors to highlight their newest products and exchange expertise with professionals in the hospitality sector.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce said “We have witnessed during the past few years, the development of tourism and hospitality sectors. That development was driven by the huge interest that the state of Qatar has expressed towards this sector, and that was reflected in the National Strategy for the Tourism sector 2030. The strategy was set to be adapted as a road map towards developing the tourism industry during the next decades, and transforming Qatar into an international touristic destination proud of its cultural roots”, he added.

Thomas Gugler, President World Association of Chefs Societies, specially came to Doha for the exhibition lauded the organisors of holding such an exhibition. He said such a level of exhibition will boost the industry in Qatar and will attract youth to join the trade. He appreciated the great job done by Qatar Culinary Professionals Forum headed by David Sosson.

Rashed Nassir Sraiya Al Kaabi, Vice Chairman of Al Sraiya Holding Group said “The exhibition features all aspects of the hotel and franchise market in the Gulf region. We would like to thank all participants who have helped make this event a success, achieving its mission in providing regional and international agents, dealers and buyers the opportunity to network in a suitable, professional environment.”

“During its two editions, Hospitality Qatar has proved its role as Qatar’s leading hospitality exhibition, bringing together a large number of local, regional and international decision makers and industry professionals. The main reason for the success of this event is the continuous support of the Government of Qatar which played a major role in putting together this memorable event”, said George Ayache, General Manager of IFP Qatar.

The exhibition is participated from more than 10 countries and hundreds of exhibitors and brands. Some of the hospitality-related disciplines present at this year’s show include retail investors and businesspersons.

Hospitality Qatar 2016 plays a major role in enhancing the role of Qatar as Qatar is emerging as a major player in the hospitality investment market in the MENA region.

General Manager, InterContinental Doha The City, Pascal Eggerstedt, said “We are proud to be a part of this top-tier exhibition in our industry. There are numerous suppliers and buyers whom we are in contact with through B2B match-ups which we expect will help us achieve our mission of delivering the highest quality five-star hotel and dining experience to residents and visitors of Qatar.”

In addition to the trade show, Salon Culinaire is in full-swing with more than 250 chefs and sculptors competing to be receive top honors in one of 17 categories, live and on display for Show visitors to experience. Hundreds of B2B match-ups are taking place thanks to Hospitality Qatar’s dedicated networking mobile app that brings buyers and sellers together.

A number of new companies from outside Qatar are participating this year including from Pakistan

October 11, 2016 (Doha)

The American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar), hosted Irial Finan, President of the Bottling Investments Group and Executive Vice President of The Coca-Cola Company, at the Distinguished Speaker Series event on October 11 in Doha. The event, part of AmCham’s commitment to bringing local and American businesses together, saw Finan present a lecture titled “Creating long-term value and relevance in a global environment.”

“The Coca-Cola Company has been on a journey to transform our business and we’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way. Our engagement with the American Chamber focused on how we’ve returned to our core value creation model of building strong brands, enhancing value for our retail customers. We think there are many parallels for other business to learn from our experiences,” said Finan.

Finan’s presentation discussed the impact of globalization on companies’ international operations and the importance of addressing local interests in creating long-term value.

The U.S. and Qatar have strong economic ties rooted in years of positive cooperation, with over 120 American companies now operating in Qatar and U.S. being the largest foreign investor and source of imports to the country. Despite the drop in energy prices in recent years, the value of bilateral trade reached over QR 18.20bn ($5bn) in 2015 and has already nearly surpassed that amount during the first half of 2016 QR 15.58 billion($4.28bn).

“The positive relationship between the U.S. and Qatar continues to facilitate dynamic business ties, while Qatar’s leadership is taking great strides to position the country as a hub for the region. We commend the effort to build a fertile environment for foreign investment in the country and are excited to see iconic American brands like Coca-Cola take advantage of that,” said AmCham Qatar Chairman Robert A. Hager.

Doha, October 17 (QNA)

Emir of State o Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received at Emiri Diwan on Monday Khaled Meshaal, Chief of Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement of Palestine (Hamas) and Ismail Haniyeh, Deputy of the Political Bureau of Hamas and the accompanying delegation on the occasion of their visit to Qatar.

Meshaal and Haniyeh expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to Emir of Qatar on the generous support extended by State of Qatar to Palestinian people. Both Palestinian leaders praised support of Qatar's leadership, government and the people towards Palestinian cause.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani, Emir of Qatar reiterated Qatar's firm stance in support of the Palestinian cause for achieving its legitimate claims, especially supporting Gaza Strip in its steadfastness against the Israeli occupation.

Both sides leadership reviewed latest developments in Palestine particularly of Gaza Strip.

Doha, 17 October 2016

Vodafone recently launched the fifth edition of its popular SMS-based competition, World of Prizes. The competition, which runs for 90 days starting on 12 October 2016, now gives customers the chance to play for free for a chance to win QR 50,000

Vodafone customers, joining World of Prizes for free by sending an SMS with the code FREE to 98895, will get the opportunity to win a cash prize of QAR 50,000.

Moreover, World of Prizes is also offering a premium edition to Vodafone customers through which customers can compete for the chance to win the ultimate cash prizes of QAR 500,000 or Monthly QAR 100,000 at only QAR 5 per day.

Furthermore, customers joining the premium edition of the competition will get an additional daily bonus of 10 local minutes.

Luke Longney, Director of Marketing at Vodafone Qatar, said: “We’re very happy to launch the fifth edition of our popular World of Prizes competition. This is another first, not only in Qatar but also in the GCC region, from a telecom operator whereby our customers can now play for free and get rewarded with valuable prizes. World of Prizes is our way to show our customers that Vodafone goes beyond the daily products and services that we offer to introduce excitement, fun and highly rewarding experiences throughout the year.”

UCI Road 2016 World Championship

16 October 2016 – Doha, Qatar:

Peter Sagan will wear the rainbow jersey for at least one more year. The 2015 Champion defended his title in style when he beat Mark Cavendish and Tom Boonen in a sprint of Champions at the UCI Road World Championships Doha 2016. Cavendish, the 2011 winner, grabbed silver and Boonen, the 2005 World Champion, took bronze. Shaikh Jawan bin Hamad bin Khalifa AlThani graced the historical event and decorated the World Champion with the winning Gold Medal.

Sagan took advantage of the Belgians, who tore the race into pieces at a long cross wind stretch in the desert on the way back to Doha. The Slovak was one of the last riders to make it in the first echelon in the decisive battle after about 75 kilometres into the race.
“I’m very happy,” Sagan said, “Because at the decisive point I was the last one to make it into the first group. Then I thought for me, it was just going to be the sprint. I was really lucky because (Giacomo) Nizzolo did not close the gap at the fence. If he would have done that we surely would have crashed because I would not have braked.”

Sagan now is one of six riders to have won back-to-back world titles after Belgians Georges Ronsse (1928-1929), Rik Van Steenbergen (1956-1957), Rik Van Looy (1960-1961) and Italians Gianni Bugno (1991-1992) and Paolo Bettini (2006-2007).
Chronology

Riders were nervous at Aspire Zone, where they set off for about 150 kilometres through the desert and more than 100 kilometres over seven 15.2 kilometre laps on The Pearl circuit. They all looked at the flags, knowing that the northwest wind would be key.
“It’s a great chance for sprinters and the biggest challenge is going to be the wind rather than the heat. The race is going to be split into pieces quite soon,” Lithuanian Ramūnas Navardauskas said. Although not quite so soon, his prophecy was fulfilled.

Heading out of Doha to turning point Abu Yazoul, the peloton faced a head wind. That did not seem to bother Daniel Teklehaimanot very much, as he was the first to attack when the flag was dropped for the official start. The Eritrean was countered, but his compatriot Natnael Berhane immediately made another attempt. Six riders joined and the peloton gave them the green light.
Seven man adventure

Natnael Berhane, Rayan Stiven Ramirez (Colombia), Sergiy Lagkuti (Ukraine), Ryan Roth (Canada), Nick Dougal (South-Africa), Rene Corrella (Mexico) and Anas Ait Al Abdia (Morocco) took off for a joint adventure in the desert. Riding against the wind they cooperated well and reaching the turning point they were a good ten minutes ahead of the bunch, which was led by Great Britain, Australia and Norway. Mark Cavendish’s Belarussian Dimension Data team mate Kanstantin Siutsou took long turns in front of the cruising bunch. It was silence before the storm.

Crosswind battle
At the turning point Rene Corrella gave way in the breakaway. The Mexican was cooked and soon swallowed by the bunch. That was in a nervous position battle with the cross wind section back to Doha in sight. Great Britain, Italy and Belgium led the peloton when they rounded to corner and the battle was on. The Belgians strung the pack into a long line and tear the peloton into pieces with a ferocious pace on the not too wide road down south.
Dutchman Tom Dumoulin had a flat at the worst possible moment and saw the echelons in front of him disappear in the desert. While the Belgians tortured the field, victims dropped in crashes, with mechanicals and just because they could not keep up with the pace. Within half an hour the peloton was broken into three main groups, with six Belgians, three Italians and three Norwegians in the front group.
Belgium in driver’s seat

Germany and France were the main victims. Both André Greipel and Marcel Kittel had not been able to get a ticket for the first echelon. French sprinters Arnaud Démare and Nacer Bouhanni also missed out at the decisive moment. World Champion Peter Sagan and teammate Michal Kolar did make it in the first echelon, as had Dutch Niki Terpstra with fellow compatriot Tom Leezer. Mark Cavendish had company from Adam Blyth, but both the Dutch and the British teams were bruised and battered after the Belgian strike. Australia had Michael Mathews and Matthew Hayman in the first group, but their sprinting prospect Caleb Ewan missed out. Norway’s sprinter Alexandr Kristoff survived in the happy company of teammates Truls Korsaeth and Edvald Boasson Hagen and Italy still had Jacopo Guarnieri, Elia Viviani and Giacomo Nizzolo in front.

Belgium had Tom Boonen, Greg Van Avermaet, Jens Keukeleire, Oliver Naessen, Jasper Stuyven and Jurgen Roelandts among the frontrunners. The early breakaway had been overrun by the Belgian steamroller, but Berhane, Roth, Dougall and Anas Ait Al Abdia managed to keep up with the first echelon and eventually finish with the leading group.
Frustrated Germans

While the confident Belgians made pace in the first echelon, occasionally helped by the Italians, the second and third echelons sought ways to get back into contention. Entering The Pearl circuit, the second echelon was one minute behind, with the third group even further back. In the second group Andre Greipel and Marcel Kittel tried to organise a chase, but nobody seemed willing to cooperate and the two Belgians in that group tried everything they could to disturb their organisation. The gap only increased to two and eventually three minutes. Greipel tried to attack in frustration, but the second group knew that their race was lost. With three laps to go Kittel parked his bike at the side of the road. It was up to the Belgians to cash in.

Leezer attempt
In the penultimate lap Keukeleire gave way in the front group and in the final lap Bennati and Stuyven also had to let the first group go. With five kilometres to go Niki Terpstra was the first to attack, but when he looked back he saw the golden bike of Olympic Champion Van Avermaet. Everyone looked at each other and no one seemed to have enough energy left to attack, until Leezer seized the moment with two kilometres to go. The Dutchman got a gap and cleared the red flag of the last kilometre with a five second gap. He seemed to have a shot at the title, but when Van Avermaet took the lead in service of Boonen’s sprint.

At about 300 metres from the line, they caught Leezer and Boonen was the first to go full pace on the final straight, but the former World Champion was not able to hold the first position, when the 2015 winner jumped from Nizzolo’s wheel to cross the line first. Cavendish eventually also managed to edge out Boonen on the other side of the road.

Doha, October 17

Dr. Rajitha Senrathne, Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine of Sri Lanka has met Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Minister of Finance, Qatar and
Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health of Qatar during his visit.

Senrathine told that Sri Lanka is very much interested in having close bilateral trade & investments relations with Qatar. He said that Sri Lanka has a number of attractive projects including State of Art hospitals where he is interested to have Qatar investments and have discussed with the ministers. On both the occasions, Sri Lanka ambassador to Qatar Prof. Dr. W.M. Karunadasa was also present.