06 Feb 2017
Yahoo News / AFP

Queen Elizabeth II, the world's longest reigning sovereign, on Monday set a new record as the first British monarch to reach her sapphire jubilee, with 65 years on the throne.

The queen, now 90, rose to the throne in 1952 at the age of 25 upon the premature death of her father, King George VI.
As with previous milestones in her long reign, Queen Elizabeth is likely to spend Accession Day privately at her Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, eastern England.

On Sunday, however, she was seen smiling as well-wishers gave her flowers outside church. Despite her reluctance to celebrate publicly, the occasion will be marked in Britain.

At the Tower of London, in the capital's Green Park and all around the kingdom, gun salutes will be fired in tribute.

Sapphire is the 65th anniversary gemstone and a photograph has been reissued of the sovereign wearing a suite of sapphire jewellery given to her by her father as a wedding gift in 1947.

The 2014 portrait by David Bailey shows her wearing the glittering necklace, dating from 1850 and made of 16 large oblong sapphires surrounded by diamonds.

"She has very kind eyes with a mischievous glint. I've always liked strong women, and she is a very strong woman," the photographer said at the time.

Coins, stamps and salutes

The Royal Mint is marking the anniversary with specially-designed commemorative coins, ranging from a £5 coin to a £1,000 solid gold one-kilogram coin -- which actually costs £50,000 to buy.

The £5 ($6.25, 5.80-euro) coins feature the imperial state crown, rotated to show off the Stuart sapphire.

They also bear words from the famous quote in her 21st birthday speech to the Commonwealth back in 1947: "My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service."

Meanwhile the Royal Mail has issued a £5 stamp in a sapphire blue colour.

"It's very, very difficult to dislike her," Andrew Gimson, author of "Gimson's Kings and Queens", told AFP. "She's never answered back, she's always been above politics. "On the whole, our politicians are very unpopular" with ordinary citizens.
"They'd much prefer having this dutiful woman carrying out this role."

Victoria's record eclipsed

Queen Elizabeth became Britain's longest-serving monarch ever in September 2015, surpassing the reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, a record she said was "not one to which I have ever aspired".

She also became the longest-reigning living monarch in the world in October last year following the death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Queen Elizabeth's three big jubilees were the silver jubilee in 1977 -- after 25 years -- marked by street parties and a world tour; the 2002 golden jubilee -- at 50 years -- featuring a pop concert at Buckingham Palace; and the diamond jubilee in 2012 -- for 60 years -- which saw a river pageant on the Thames in London.

As head of the Commonwealth, she has also been the monarch of Australia, Canada and New Zealand for 65 years.

With her advancing age, Queen Elizabeth is gradually handing over more duties to younger members of the royal family.

Her 34-year-old grandson Prince William, who is second in line to the throne after his father Prince Charles, is stepping down as an air ambulance pilot this year to carry out more royal duties on his grandmother's behalf.

Doha, Qatar
05 Feb. 2017:

Volunteer tutors recently attended a ‘Training for Trainers’ workshop hosted by Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), as part of its Adult Arabic Literacy (RAAL) program, at Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Recreation Center.

Students from the Academic Bridge Program took part in the training course, designed to equip volunteer tutors with the necessary skills to effectively facilitate the RAAL initiative. The workshop covered a range of topics, including ROTA’s literacy curriculum, practical information relating to teaching Arabic, issues facing low-income migrant workers, methods to effectively facilitate adult learning, and community-based learning tools.

The RAAL initiative is a result of a survey carried out by ROTA, which suggested that 55 percent of low-skilled workers did not possess Arabic literacy skills, while 45 percent of workers appeared to have a fair degree of spoken Arabic with no reading or writing skills.

A key feature of the program is that it allows young people in Qatar to take part in an experiential service learning opportunity, developing their skills and knowledge as RAAL literacy Trainers and Champions.

Rasmeya Hassan Al Jamali, Community Development Specialist, National Programs Department, ROTA said “The ‘Training for Trainers’ course is an intensive program that ensures our volunteers are qualified to facilitate the RAAL initiative. Our volunteer tutors have a sound understanding of migrant workers’ circumstances and are equipped with the relevant skills to teach adults through our community-based Arabic literacy program.”

Yousef Mohammed Yousef Ali Abdulmalek, volunteer tutor, said “After completing the training program, I feel confident in my ability to effectively facilitate the Arabic literacy program. It’s an honor to be part of an initiative that’s making continuous learning opportunities available to migrant workers.”

The Arabic literacy program was established to address the learning needs of migrant workers in Qatar and to promote mutual respect between different cultures. Upon completion of the course, migrant workers will be able to speak conversational Arabic and have a greater understanding of Arab culture and Qatari society.

The literacy classes will be taught over a six-week period, from February to April, and will require two to three hours of instruction per week. In April, ROTA will host an event to showcase and celebrate the achievements of both trainers and learners.

Doha, Qatar
05 Feb. 2017

Qatar Duty Free, in partnership with HMSHost Int'l has opened Doha’s very first Harvest Market restaurant, providing travelers with an exciting open-air food market dining experience inside the Middle East’s only five-star terminal, Hamad International Airport (HIA).

Open 24-hours and conveniently located in the main Departures Terminal within HIA, Harvest Market provides travelers with a globally inspired menu using only the freshest ingredients. The menu caters for everyone, with breakfast dishes including a traditional English breakfast, pastry treats from the bakery, and other light options. Travelers looking to re-energise during their journey can refuel with the fresh selection of juices and smoothies available, while dinner can be enjoyed any time with American inspired gourmet burgers, Asian curries and noodles, and Australian steaks served all day.

Luis Gasset, Senior Vice President Qatar Duty Free said “Qatar Duty Free is thrilled to partner with HMSHost International to open Doha and HIA’s very own Harvest Market, providing our 30 million passengers annually the option to enjoy fresh, gourmet, quality dining in an open kitchen style establishment.

'Providing an array of restaurant choices for our global travellers, as well as the highest quality food and beverages is important to Qatar Duty Free and we are sure that Harvest Market and its excellent menu will be enjoyed by all,” he said.

Harvest Market is the latest restaurant to open in Qatar Duty Free’s portfolio of quality eateries inside the award-winning HIA. The global traveler can enjoy an extensive selection of cuisine from all corners of the globe, with more than 30 restaurants and grab-and-go style establishments strategically placed across the South and North Duty Free Plazas, as well as along Concourses A, B, C, D and E.

Later this year Qatar Duty Free and HMSHost will open three more quality dining options throughout HIA; Burger Federation, a cutting-edge restaurant with a stripped-back interior serving wholesome hamburgers that have been reinvented as contemporary gourmet cuisine; Great Eastern Market, a dynamic multi-cuisine counter service restaurant serving dishes from both the Arabic and Asian cuisine and Spizzico, a quick service bread and pizza bakery serving gourmet pizzas, freshly baked paninis, pastries and salads.

Walter Seib, CEO of HMSHost International said “This partnership with one of the fastest growing airports in the Gulf, mark a significant milestone in our strategy to increase our footprint in the rapidly expanding and dynamic Middle Eastern marketplace.'

'As an international hospitality leader, HMSHost is always looking for innovative and welcoming food and beverage locations in line with consumer trends. With these new concepts we will surprise and entice passengers with a mix of international favourites and popular local dishes' Seib said.

Yahoo News/
AFP News
05 February 2017

The biggest demonstration by far on Saturday took place in the British capital, where an estimated 10,000 people turned out, chanting "Theresa May: Shame on You" to denounce the British prime minister's support for the new US leader.

Brandishing placards declaring "No to scapegoating Muslims" and "Socialism not Trumpism," the protesters marched from the US embassy toward May's Downing Street office.

In an executive order issued on January 27, Trump slapped a blanket ban on nationals of seven mainly Muslim countries -- Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen -- barring their entry to the United States for 90 days.

Refugees were also barred from entry for 120 days, except those from Syria, who were blocked indefinitely.

On Friday, a US federal judge temporarily suspended the ban, a move which the Republican president vowed to fight.

Late Saturday, the Justice Department appealed the block on the travel ban but a federal appeals court rejected any immediate move to reinstate it.

"We'll win. For the safety of the country, we'll win," Trump told reporters ahead of the appeals court decision.

- 'Dump Trump' -

About 3,000 people demonstrated in Trump's hometown of New York where protests against the property magnate-turned-world leader take place almost daily.

Activists and supporters gathered outside the Stonewall Inn, a landmark of the gay rights movement in Greenwich Village, to show support for Muslims and others affected by Trump's immigration order.

Democratic Senate minority leader Charles Schumer led the crowd -- which carried rainbow flags and Americans flags -- in cheers of "Dump Trump."

In Washington, hundreds marched from the White House to Capitol Hill.

"Donald, Donald can't you see, we don't want you in DC," chanted the demonstrators in the largely Democratic-leaning US capital.

"I was born and raised here and for the first time in my life, I don't feel safe," said Abu Bakkar, 26, whose parents are originally from Pakistan.

The Department of Defense consultant said the new president "has revealed hate that's been underground for so long. He has divided one of the greatest countries in the world."

At least 2,000 people marched near Trump's Florida golf club as the president and First Lady Melania Trump attended a Red Cross gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

"You know, my father fought World War II," protestor Rob Resaid said. "For years and years, so many people fought for freedom in this country and now it's being taken away."

"We have to stand now before all of our rights are taken away, before we become the pariah of the world."

- Anti-Trump petition -

In Britain, more than 1.8 million people have signed a petition saying Trump should not be afforded a formal state visit because it would embarrass Queen Elizabeth II.

"We're going to bring this capital to a halt on the day he comes over. We are going to make it impossible for him to have a state visit," Chris Nineham, vice-chair of the Stop the War Coalition, told AFP.

The Guardian newspaper said around 10,000 people attended the London protest, while organizers claimed 40,000.

Yahoo News
Elsewhere in Europe, about 1,000 people turned out in both Paris and Berlin, while smaller gatherings of several hundred people took place in provincial British cities including Manchester and Birmingham.

"We are here to say we don't accept hate," said 20-year-old American Michael Jacobs, co-organizer of the Paris rally, surrounded by signs saying "Refugees are welcome!"

In Berlin, protesters rallied in front of the Brandenburg Gate.

"I hope they will change something, but I am really disappointed," said Mahsa Zamani, a 26-year-old Iranian medical student who had been due to head to a Florida hospital for an internship.

"It is still discrimination, and I don't know if I really feel like going even if they are changing (the rules)."

In Hong Kong, hundreds of expatriate workers marched through the city center on Sunday to protest the "tyrannical and fascist" ban, in the Asian hub's first major protest against Trump.

Many were women from the Philippines and Indonesia employed in Hong Kong as domestic workers. Protesters chanted, "US imperialist, number one terrorist!"

"We are very worried that what Donald Trump is doing will also be adopted by other states who believe that their nation is the greatest nation without the migrants," activist and domestic worker Eni Lestari said outside the US Consulate General.

Doha
05 February 2017

Visiting President of Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon visited Education City, Qatar Foundation (QF) today. Upon arrival Tajik President and his accompanying members of delegation were received by Engineer Saad Ibrahim Al Muhannadi, lifetime member of the Board of Directors, QF.

President Emomali Rahmon is in Qatar as part of a two-day State visit on the invitation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

The visiting Tajik delegation was given a comprehensive presentation highlighting QF’s different education institutes, science and research centers, and community development initiatives.

Eng. Al Muhannadi outlined to the Tajik president how QF is committed to the concept of lifelong learning, and to providing an ecosystem where education can impact the life of every person, enabling future generations to thrive in a global environment.

Following the presentation, the visitors were taken to the open-air viewing platform on the eighth floor of QF HQ where they were shown the education and research buildings of Education City, and discussed future plans at Qatar Foundation.

Concluding the visit, President Rahmon signed Qatar Foundation’s Visitors Book to commemorate his visit to QF.

05 Feb 2017
Int'l Media

Qatar Airways launched the world's longest scheduled commercial service with its inaugural flight from Doha to Auckland taking off eight minutes early on Sunday (Feb 5), a company spokeswoman said.

Flight QR920 left the Qatari capital at 5:02am (0202 GMT) and is set to land in New Zealand at 7:30am local time on Monday (1830 GMT).

The Boeing 777 flight will take 16 hours and 20 minutes, pass over 10 time zones, five countries and travel 14,535 kilometres (9,032 miles) before reaching Auckland.

But even that flying time may be looked on jealously by passengers on the return flight which, due to high-altitude winds, will take 17 hours and 30 minutes, according to the company website.

This will make it the world's longest passenger service in terms of flying time, according to tracking website flightradar24.

Qatar Airways did not immediately have a figure for the number of passengers who boarded on Sunday, but it is believed there are four pilots and 15 crew on the plane.

In March last year, Emirates airline launched what was then thought to be the world's longest non-stop scheduled commercial flight, with a service from Dubai to Auckland, spanning 14,200 kilometres (8,824 miles).

United World Wrestling
04 Feb 2017

A Twit Statement from United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic on 2017 Freestyle World Cup

'Though we had hoped for a different outcome from Iran's Foreign Ministry, we appreciate the complex nature of this decision. We are currently working to find a solution for the Free Style World Cup as soon as possible.

Despite the travel restrictions between their countries I've been encouraged this week by the cooperation and friendship of the Iranian Wrestling Federation and USA Wrestling. As we've seen over the years, wrestling is a sport that unites people and nations. United World Wrestling hosts a full calendar of events every season and we're certain to see American and Iranian wrestlers on the same mat again in the very near future.' The message reads

Earlier, Bahram Qasemi, Spokesman of Iran Foreign Ministry announced that Iran won’t permit US free-style wrestling team to travel to Iran.

Eight top world teams are scheduled to participate in 2017 Freestyle World Cup to be held in Kermanshah Province from February 16-17.

The US President, Donald Trump has recently signed an order based on which US borders will be closed for 4 months on refugees. Visa issuance has also been banned for 7 Muslim countries, including Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Syria, Somalia and Yemen for 3 months.

The US decision has widely been criticized by human rights bodies indicating that Trump has only targeted Muslims.

Doha
04 Feb. 2017:

To show solidarity with the anniversary of World campaign on Cancer, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) held general public program in order to save lives and reduce the number of deaths caused each year due to the disease.

World Cancer Day takes place on 4th February each year to unite individuals across the world under the shared cause of tackling cancer. Under this year’s tagline - ‘We can. I can’, HMC is drawing attention to what can be done to address cancer and lessen its devastating impact. The aim is to prevent cancer and avoidable deaths and suffering.

According to Qatar’s 2014 Population Health Report, cancer was the second leading cause of death in the country between 2004 and 2010. The report also states that the majority of Qatar’s residents will be, either directly or indirectly, affected by cancer.

Similarly, the World Health Organization’s 2014 Population Health Report identified that cancer was responsible for 18 percent of all deaths in Qatar compared to 10 percent in 2010. The report added that after cardiovascular disease, cancer was the second leading cause of death from a non-communicable disease.

The most recent statistics from the Qatar National Cancer Registry show that in 2015 there were 1,465 documented patients newly diagnosed with cancer, of which 44 percent were female and 56 percent male.

Commenting on World Cancer Day 2017, Professor Karl Alexander Knuth, Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of HMC’s National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) and Chairman of Cancer Services at HMC said: “We have made great progress in the fight against cancer in Qatar. The National Cancer Strategy has guided us to reduce the impact of this overwhelming disease and build on previous achievements to ensure the well-being of Qatar’s population.”

“Our cancer services are benchmarked against best international practice and recognized by international research study groups. Educating people and broadening their understanding is vital for the future of cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. This is also an efficient weapon in dispelling the many myths and misconceptions about cancer that can adversely affect people’s attitude to accessing early diagnosis, treatment and care,” he stressed.

Professor Knuth said “We support WCD’s efforts in striving for positive and radical change. This is our chance to encourage people to take action for themselves, their family, their community and their country. Everyone can make a difference and inspire others. ‘We can. I can’ beat cancer, overcome its consequences and most importantly help prevent cancer.”

Dr. Mohammed Ussama Al Homsi, Senior Consultant in the Oncology Department at NCCCR noted that WCD presents an ideal opportunity to highlight the fact that together the world can make a difference. “WCD presents an excellent opportunity to raise awareness among the public of the importance of taking care of their health and being aware of the consequences of a lack of physical activity and poor nutrition. These factors are all associated with excess body fat and can increase the risk of developing certain cancers and other health illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes and obesity,” he noted.

Dr. Al Homsi said “These health implications, especially the risk of developing cancer, can be reduced by following healthy lifestyle habits such as not smoking, preventing ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun, consuming a healthy diet and exercising regularly.”

Stressing the importance of prevention, Ms. Catherine Anne Gillespie, Executive Director of Nursing at NCCCR said “Equipping individuals and communities with appropriate and adequate knowledge about the strong relationship between lifestyle and cancer can empower people to make informed choices and adopt a healthy lifestyle. As a result, it is important to spread the word that most cancers can be prevented by adopting healthy behaviors.”

Doha, Qatar
02 Feb. 2017
(QNA)

Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC), Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) and Japanese CHUBU Electric Power Company signed the 5th amendment of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) of The Partnership Project. Qatar Minister of Energy and Industry Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, was present on the occasion.
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On behalf of QEWC, MoU was signed by Hamad Al Mohannadi, QEWC Managing Director and General Manager, Engineer Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President Kahramaa and Kozo Ban, President, Power Generation Company.

The renewal of the agreement is signed every two years, however, present agreement coincided with the 10 anniversary of the agreement. Today's signature of the MoU will be effective from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2019.two years.

Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh AlSada said on the occasion that the 5th amendment of the MoU today cements the existing partnership between the parties and paves the way for further cooperation in the exchange of technical expertise and the development of Qatari human resources.

He commended cooperation between the two countries as well as the strong partnership between Qatargas and Japanese Chubu company at the level of Qatari liquefied natural gas delivery to Japan, which marked its second decade.

The main theme of the amendment of the MoU is that QEWC and CHUBU will continue to work together on themes such as "the improvement measures for Safety Management and Maintenance Quality, and the promotion of environmental protection".

While Kahramaa and CHUBU will continue to work together on "Substation", and launch "Quality Control and Documentation Method", "General Safety Management", and "Learning and Development of Human Resources" as new themes.

In the next term, QEWC, Kahramaa and CHUBU will focus furthermore on "Human Resource Exchange". The Number of visits between Qatar and Japan will increase more than ever before, as all related parties work together to promote The Partnership Project.

CHUBU, as the First Buyer of Qatari LNG in the world, commenced receipt of deliveries of LNG from Qatar since January 1997, with the continuous support by the Ministry of Energy and Industry, State of Qatar.

CHUBU wished to strengthen the relationship with the State of Qatar in various fields, based on the excellent relationship with the State of Qatar cultivated through the long history of LNG transaction.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the signing of the 5th Amendment of the MoU, Kahramaa President said that this year will see the launch of a new tender for the construction of a solar power plant with partners - Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Electricity and Water Company. The plant will produce 500 megawatts and is expected to become operational in 2019 or 2020.

MANILA, Feb. 3 (PNA)

As President Rodrigo Duterte lifts the government's unilateral ceasefire Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will go hard against the rebels to prevent them from conducting atrocities and criminal activities against innocent civilians.

This was stressed by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año in a statement.

"We shall abide by the President's order of ending the unilateral ceasefire. It is unfortunate that the gains of the last six months would come to a halt because the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) again resorted to the use of violence and choose arms to advance their interests," he noted.

The President's decision to lift the government ceasefire stems from the series of unprovoked New People's Army (NPA) attacks that resulted in the death of six soldiers and abduction of three following the rebel announcement that they are lifting their truce effective 11:59 p.m. Feb. 10.

"The last four days were disdainful and disturbing. While Fidel Agcaoilli (National Democratic Front chief negotiator) was assuring the public thru media that NDF-CPP-NPA will continue the unilateral ceasefire, the CPP-NPA were attacking our soldiers who were doing community support and development works that resulted to the death of 2nd Lt. Miguel Victor Alejo and five soldiers (mostly unarmed) and the abduction of Pfc. Erwin Salan and two other soldiers," Año stressed.

"Long before that, the NPA had killed CAFGUS and innocent civilians and burned equipment and vehicles. We welcome the pronouncement of the President because the AFP has to do its mandate of protecting the people, securing the community and taking care of our own soldiers too," he said.

"And we will hit them hard! Be that as it may, rest assured that the AFP will continue to support the peace talk with the NDF to find a permanent peaceful solution to this four decades-long conflict. We hear the people's clamor for peace and are willing to work hard to attain it but it is unfortunate that the CPP NPA NDF chooses to play deaf," he added.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Lorenzana, for his part, regretted the lifting of the government ceasefire due to the series of unprovoked attacks by the NPA.

"It is regretful that what was a promising start to achieving peace has ended in the eruption of violence which emanated from the other party," he noted.

"We denounce the CPP-NPA's continued lawless activities that include extortion, abduction, and attacks on government forces that have resulted in the needless deaths of our soldiers, and the harassment of innocent civilians," Lorenzana stressed.

The DND chief added that he instructed Año to place all AFP units on high alert and to continue their protection of the communities under their care, wherever they are.

"Having said that, we are still hopeful that there is a chance that peace will eventually prevail," he said.