The Life News Singapore. Sept 1, 2019

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Vol. 01 Issue 09 September 01, 2019

Hong Kong on the verge on diminishing... if not stopped

Indians residents excluded from India’s citizens register.

TL Bureau, Hong Kong Hong Kong again today on Aug 31, become a victim of crowd and violence everywhere. Thousands of people took participated violently.

Police tried their best to stop but nothing happens. Situation was becoming worse as always from last many days. Some protestors were damaging the traffic lights and railings in Pedder Street and Johnston Road respectively. Also, protestors threw hard objects into Central Government Complex and aimed laser beams at police officers, posing a safety threat to everyone on site. A large group of protestors were occupying throughways in Gloucester Road,

TL Bureau, New Delhi/Dispur

Harcourt Road, and Des Voeux Road Central, seriously paralysing the traffic.

Police warned the protestors to stop their illegal acts and leave immediately. Police remind everyone to stay tuned to the latest traffic arrangement. A large group of protestors occupied Hennessy

Road, Queensway and Garden Road, causing serious obstruction to the traffic. They were participating in an unauthorised assembly.

Violent protestors were occupied Harcourt Road in Admiralty, vandalising the Legislative Council Complex, and throwing petrol bombs, corrosives and bricks.

Hurricane Dorian towards Florida and Bahamas TL Bureau, Florida A ground-breaking storm that is undermining Florida and the Bahamas has fortified to classification four, the US National Hurricane

Center (NHC) says. Tropical storm Dorian has most extreme supported breezes of about 140mph (220km/h).

It is required to become significantly more grounded as it passes the north-west Bahamas before making

landfall in Florida ahead of schedule one week from now. Reports from the Bahamas portrayed sightseers scrambling to leave before the conclusion of the worldwide airplane terminal.

In India, Almost 2,000,000 individuals have been rejected from a rundown of residents in India's northeastern Assam state, raising feelings of trepidation they could be rendered stateless when they checked and been informed that they are not in a lost or register of citizens.

The rundown, known as the National Register of Citizens (NRC), was distributed on Saturday following a years-in length exercise planned for recognizing lawful occupants in the devastated outskirt state. An aggregate of 31.1 million individuals were incorporated into the last list, forgetting about 1.9 million individuals, as

Alarming number of Ebola deaths in DRC a ‘rallying cry’ to scale up treatment TL Bureau, UN HQ “The news that the total number of deaths has now passed 2,000, out of more than 3,000 cases, should act as a rallying cry for us all to step up our efforts to defeat this terrible disease and end this outbreak,” the Agency’s statement said.

“As the numbers continue to grow, it is vital to remember that each one of these cases is somebody’s child, a son or daughter; a mother, father announcement read. “Each brother or sister,” the of these deaths leaves a fam-

ily not only in mourning but also scared and worried

about their own exposure to the disease.”

indicated by an announcement from the Assam government. "The whole procedure of NRC update has been carefully completed in a goal and straightforward way.

Satisfactory chance of being heard has been given to all people at each phase of the procedure.

The whole procedure is led according to statutory arrangements and due methodology pursued at each stage," it said.

The legislature said it completed the mammoth exercise to distinguish and expel undocumented foreigners from neighboring Bangladesh, however commentators saw the activity as an endeavor to oust a huge number of Muslims, who make up 33% of the state's populace.

While China Profits Grow, so do Worries for US Companies TL Bureau, Washington D.C/Beijing US companies operating in China are increasingly profitable, but the ongoing trade dispute is putting at risk years of steady progress.

While no mass exodus from China is expected, continued tensions in the US-China relationship, an unlevel playing field, and simmering retaliatory actions by Chinese authorities against American companies are creating an increasingly uncertain commercial environment.

OCLC 1101190095

2 The 2019 Amazon rainforest fierce blazes are a bizarrely solid arrangement of thousands of free rapidly spreading fires happening in the Amazon rainforest in 2019 during the tropical dry season.The main part of the out of control fires have happened inside Brazil's Legal Amazon, the bit of the woods inside Brazil, however the neighboring nations of Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay have additionally lost enormous regions to out of control fire, including in excess of 730,000 hectares (1.8 million sections of land) in Bolivia alone rest Brazil Peru and Paraguay is left.

The out of control fires drew analysis against the Brazilian government, especially from ecological NGOs and France, which fringes Brazil in its district of French Guiana,in the week paving the way to the 45th G7 summit. These organizations attest that strategies set up by recently chose Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro have debilitated the security of the rainforest. Bolsonaro and his pastors answered that deforestation is expected to remake Brazil's economy, and that INPE's information has been adulterated as a component of a deception crusade against his organization. Toward the beginning of August, Bolsonaro terminated the chief of the INPE after the office announced insights that demonstrated an expansion in deforestation in Brazil. With expanded global consideration, including recommendations to boycott Brazilian fares and to end dealings on the European Union–Mercosur Free Trade Agreement, the central government has since submitted in excess of 44,000 Brazilian troops, and an extra subsidizing of R$38.5 million was reallocated by the Ministry of Economy to stop the flames.

As of August 20, there are flames consuming in the rainforest in four Brazilian states: Amazonas, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, and Pará.

The conditions of Amazonas and Acre proclaimed highly sensitive situations because of the out of control fires.

There are 670 million ha (1.7 billion sections of land; 6.7 million km2; 2.6 million sq mi) of the Amazon rainforest,60 percent existing in Brazil.

From a worldwide atmosphere point of view, the Amazon has been the world's biggest carbon dioxide sink, and assessed to catch up to 25% of worldwide carbon dioxide age into plants and different biomass.

EDITORIAL

Forest fires in Amazon a Disaster or Help for Soya Land.

Without this sink, environmental carbon dioxide focuses would increment and contribute towards higher worldwide temperatures, in this way making the feasibility of the Amazon a worldwide concern. The governors of the nine Brazilian states most influenced by a record number of flames since 2010 have encouraged President Jair Bolsonaro to acknowledge remote guide to battle the bursts.

Leader of Brazil, Mr Bolsonaro had prior denied a G7 offer of $22m following a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron. Yet, following a gathering between the governors and Mr Bolsonaro, the administration moved its situation on help.

It said it would acknowledge it as long as it had control of what to spend it on.

The Brazilian government has said that it is dismissing an idea of monetary guide from G7 nations to help handle a record number of fierce blazes seething in the Amazon rainforest. Two ventures are being accused for their commitment to the infernos - meat and soy. Brazil is the world's biggest meat exporter and it's required to deliver 2.2 million metric huge amounts of it abroad in 2019. It's likewise the world's biggest soy maker and the development of the two enterprises have come to the detriment of the nation's rainforest.

The present spate of flames is being accused on the quickened pace of deforestation, basically for steers farming and soy generation. Fire is utilized to discard felled trees and dried vegetation while it is likewise utilized by ranchers to clear and keep up territories for horticultural use. Back in the mid 1980s, Brazil's soybean collect totaled around 14 million metric tons and the yield immediately blasted because of

advancement of new development strategies just as the utilization of pesticides. The U.S. Division of Agriculture is presently anticipating a 123 million ton gather for 2019/20 which would make Brazil the world's driving soy maker in front of the United States.

Everyone need everything but need life as well before doing anything and the life will come from oxygen.

And if everywhere is Pollution and no oxygen then how we all gonna survive and remain ourselves alive.

So do every single effort and save the Forest no matter from where and took aid from other nations likewise offered by G7 nation’s or use your own money but save it at any cost. Support and people’s participation is very necessary in this kind of calamity. So just do it.

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3 US Economy Grows by 2% TL Bureau, Washington D.C. The U.S. economy grew at a 2.0% annualized rate in the second quarter of 2019.

In the second reading of the second quarter GDP, the US Commerce Department today revealed that gross domestic product rose at a 2.0% annualized rate, reversing the 2.1 percent drop reported last month.

The US economy, which is the largest in the world, grew by 3.1% in the first quarter and 2.6% in the first half of this year 2019

WORLD

Millions in Idlib ‘counting on your support TL Bureau, UN HQ Noting that he has briefed “many times over the last few months”, Mark Lowcock, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that “three million people – two-thirds of them women and children – are counting on your support to make this violence stop”.

According to “conservative estimates” in the Secretary-General’s latest report, he revealed that “more than 500 civilians had been killed and many hundreds more injured” in northwest Syria since late April.

Most recently, 44 civilians were killed by airstrikes between 16 and 18 August, 15 others on Monday and 17 more just yesterday.

“Over the last three weeks, since the collapse of the conditional ceasefire on 5 August, dozens of communities have emptied out in northern Hamaand

southern Idlib”, he stated.

“Satellite imagery shows that entire towns and villages have been razed to the ground,” he said, adding that many

Survey on the UK’s first Voluntary National Review We are inviting people and organisations to share their views on the UK’s Voluntary National Review process and gather ideas on future stakeholder engagement.

TL Bureau, London

time that the UK conducted a VNR, it has been an opportunity We are inviting people and to reflect on progress, learn lesorganisations to share their sons and set out next steps, as views on the UK’s Voluntary we progress towards 2030. The National Review process and Department for International gather ideas on future stakehold- Development is conducting er engagement. review activities to identify key The UK’s first Voluntary National strengths, challenges and lessons Review (VNR) of progress to be learnt from the VNR towards the Sustainable process and gather ideas on Development Goals (Global future stakeholder engagement.

Goals) was released in the UK on This survey focuses on the stake26 June and presented to the UN holder engagement that was carHigh Level Political Forum in New ried out as part of the VNR, York on 16 July. As it was the first including how and who we

should engage in the future.

Your input will help us identify clear next steps to further support the UK’s delivery of the Goals.

The Sustainable Development Goals are for everybody and we want to gather views from any group, organisation, or individual about the VNR process.

Share your views by completing this online survey. Please cascade to your colleagues as appropriate.The survey is anonymous.

The deadline for responses is Friday 27 September 11:45pm.

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

The United States Denounces Calls to Resume Armed Conflict in Colombia

TL Bureau, Washington DC

ethnic minorities. In North Korea, authorities disappear On Aug 30, is the religious practitioners and International Day of the those accused of political Victims of Enforced crimes. The Assad regime’s D i s a p p e a r a n c e s . brutal violence against the Authoritarian regimes often Syrian people continues with disappear advocates for free- forced disappearances, tordom and human rights, jour- ture, and indiscriminate nalists, political opposition, killing of civilians. In and others to silence the voic- Venezuela, enforced disapes of those who challenge pearances of members of partheir authority or express dis- liament, the military, and civilsent, and as a tool of oppres- ians have become routine sion. In too many places under Maduro’s illegitimate around the world, enforced regime. In Iraq, families of the disappearances occur regular- victims of ISIS and Saddam ly at the hands of authoritari- Hussein continue to call for an regimes. In Burma, the mil- the exhumation of mass itary has used this practice graves to learn the fate of against Rohingya and other their loved ones.

TL Bureau, Washington DC The United States stands resolutely with the Government of Colombia, President Duque, and the Colombian people in their efforts to secure the just and lasting peace and security Colombia deserves. We also condemn the continued terrorist activities of the ELN and those who enable it and give it safe haven. Colombia has long been one of the United States’ strongest partners in the region.

The continuing adherence to and implementation of the 2016 peace accord is vital to sustainable progress on security, counternarcotics, human rights, and economic development.

fled northwards closer to the Turkish border and those who stayed behind “are cowering in basements or in what’s left of their homes”.

Diverse and dynamic: Radios fulfil their mandate – save exceptions TL Bureau, Bern Switzerland still has a diverse and dynamic radio scene. This is the conclusion reached by the Publicom research institute, which examined in 2018 the SRG radio stations in the Frenchspeaking region and all licensed

local radio stations on behalf of the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM).

However, the studies also point out weaknesses of the evaluated radios: The RTS radios provide little information on other language regions and some local radios have little regional coverage.

Method for assessing the carbon footprint of buildings to be tested by construction projects TL Bureau, Helsinki

and construction projects.

The method for assessing the The Ministry of the Environment carbon footprint of buildings will start testing the method for aims to help the calculation of assessing the carbon footprint of the climate impact of construcbuildings. By means of the test- tion, and it covers a building's ing period starting in autumn entire life cycle from manufac2019 and ending in summer turing of building products to 2020, it is investigated how well transport and construction site the method prepared by the operations, use and repairs, and Ministry of the Environment is demolition and recycling at the applicable to ordinary planning end of the life cycle.

The payment of Finnish national pensions to the United Kingdom would be continued for a period of one year after a no-deal Brexit TL Bureau, Helsinki If the UK withdraws from the EU (Brexit) without an agreement, the recipients of Finnish national pension residing in the UK would be paid national pension for one year after the withdrawal. This so called protection period of one year is the same as for national pension recipients moving to any country outside the EU. In the end of 2018, Finnish national pension was paid to 320 persons residing in the UK. Their average pension was 105.22

per month.

The Government submitted its proposal to Parliament on Thursday, 29 August. The act is due to enter into force in autumn 2019 but it would be applied as of the date of the withdrawal, if the UK withdraws from the EU without an agreement. By means of the act, Finland prepares for a no-deal Brexit. The act will guarantee a one-year protection period for Finnish national pension recipients residing in the UK.

4

WORLD

E3 joint statement on the On International Day of the Disappeared: IOM Notes Plight situation in the South China Sea of Families of Disappeared TL Bureau, London

TL Bureau, Geneva On International Day of the Disappeared, IOM pays tribute to the families and loved ones of each person included in the Missing Migrants Project records – a total that today approaches 33,000 men, women and children.

No matter the context of the disappearance, the agony of even one disappearance can have deep effects on those left behind. Families missing a loved one are relentless in their faith that they will return someday, and unless fate of that person, their lives ambiguous loss between they have certainty of the become defined by an hope and grief.

Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen TL Bureau, Washington DC Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen to discuss the conflict in Syria and reiterate the Administration’s strong support for the UN’s efforts to end military hostilities as called for by UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The Secretary expressed concern over the horrific effects of attacks by the Assad regime and its allies against civilians, humanitarians, and infrastructure in Idlib, and he underscored the need for an immediate return to a ceasefire. Secretary Pompeo and the Special Envoy agreed that ongoing violence is exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation and must cease immediately if the political process is to move forward. Secretary Pompeo also emphasized the need for new steps in the political process in order to resolve the conflict.

their interest in the universal application of the Convention E3 made a joint statement about which sets out the comprehenSouth China Sea, “We are con- sive legal framework within cerned about the situation in the which all activities in the oceans South China Sea which could lead and seas including in the South to insecurity and instability in the China Sea must be carried out region”. We call on all coastal and which provides the basis for States of the South China Sea to national, regional and global cotake steps and measures that operation in the maritime reduce tensions and contribute to domain. They recall in this regard maintaining and promoting the Arbitration Award rendered peace, security, stability and safe- under UNCLOS on 12 July 2016. ty in the region, including as Furthermore, France, Germany, regards the rights of coastal and the United Kingdom welcome States in their waters and the the on-going negotiations freedom and rights of navigation between the ASEAN member in and overflight above the South States and China in view of achievChina Sea, they added. As State ing a rules-based, co-operative and parties of the United Nations effective Code of Conduct consisConvention on the Law of the Sea tent with UNCLOS in the South (UNCLOS), France, Germany, and China Sea and encourage progress the United Kingdom underline towards its early conclusion.

Iran: UK to meet European partners Talks on Iran to be held with European partners at the Gymnich in Helsinki.

TL Bureau, London

Affairs and Security.

The meeting will be held in The Foreign Secretary, Dominic Helsinki, where European Raab, will meet European part- Foreign Ministers are currently ners today (Friday 30 August) attending the Gymnich – two to discuss how to preserve the days of talks on shared foreign Iran nuclear deal and protect policy challenges. international shipping in the The Foreign Secretary will reitStrait of Hormuz. erate the UK’s commitment to He will be joined for the meetpreserving the Iran nuclear ing by French Foreign Minister deal (JCPoA) as the best way of Jean-Yves Le Drian, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, preventing a nuclear-armed and Federica Mogherini, the Iran.

High Representative of the Speaking ahead of the meetEuropean Union for Foreign ing, Foreign Secretary Dominic

Raab said: Our discussions will build on the momentum of the positive G7 talks on Iran as we seek to deescalate tensions.

The nuclear deal is the only deal on the table that prevents Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and we will continue working together to encourage Iran to uphold the agreement in full. We also need the broadest international support possible to tackle the threats to international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Second Polish-British Science Forum to take place in London Top scientists will showcase the best of science collaboration and discuss the challenges and opportunities for Women in STEM. TL Bureau, London

The event will consist of thematic workshops and blocks, led by The second edition of the Polish- high-level representatives of British Science Forum will take research and innovation instituplace on 20 September in tions. Among others, particiLondon. It will bring top scien- pants will discuss the issue of tists and innovators from the UK gender equality in STEM, and and Poland to showcase scientif- whether AI and new technoloic collaboration between the gies will improve gender inclucountries and discuss the chal- sion in the field. The Science lenges and opportunities for Forum provides a platform for Women in STEM. researchers, scientists and uni-

versities from the UK and from Poland to connect with each other, learn about new opportunities, discuss the issues of the day and share experience of doing research in Poland and the UK. Selected edtech companies from both countries will also display their innovative solutions.

The Forum is a joint initiative of the British Embassy Warsaw, the Polish Embassy UK, the UK

Science and Innovation Network and the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

The first edition of the Forum, which took place in September 2018 in Warsaw, brought together over 200 participants to discuss Polish-British cooperation in science and innovation.

Registration to the Science Forum is now open – registration is free but places are limited.

US Imposes Sanctions on Lebanese JTB Involved in Supporting Hezbollah TL Bureau, Washington D.C. The White House announced today sanctions against Lebanon's Jammal Trust Bank (JTB) for its links to terrorist Hezbollah and Iran.

The US Treasury Department listed the bank along with three of its insurance companies on the sanctions list.

It said: "The bank is involved in sponsoring and providing funds to Hezbollah and technology support, and provides financial services to the party's Executive Board and the "Foundation of the Martyrs" based in Iran.

5 Drop in Major Incidents in the Port of Singapore TL Bureau, Singapore The number of major incidents in the Port of Singapore has dropped over the last 10 years, with fewer than 0.12 major incidents per 100,000 vessel movements in 2018, down from 0.8 in 2009.

Speaking at the fourth International Safety@Sea Conference held today, Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Health, said, “I thank the maritime community for the good work in improving maritime safety.

The use of technology and digitalisation can further enhance maritime safety by providing seafarers better access to critical safety-related information and early warning of potential incidents.”

SINGAPORE

IMCD acquires the business of food ingredient distributor Matrix Ingredients in Singapore and Malaysia TL Bureau, ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands

kets. In 2018, Matrix Ingredients generated revenue of SGD 6.5 million.

The services offered by Matrix Ingredients form a valuable addition to IMCD’s food and ingredients portfolio aiming to strengthen IMCD’s savoury & processed meat segment.

Haiko Zuidhoff, Vice President, Asia Pacific, comments: “With Matrix Ingredients’ leadership position in the Singapore and Malaysian market, IMCD establishes a solid position in the fastgrowing savoury and processed meat segment. Together we are well positioned to deliver accelerated growth in the APAC region to our suppliers.” The acquisition is paid from available cash and existing facilities.

IMCD N.V. (“IMCD” or “Company”), a leading distributor of speciality chemicals and food ingredients, announces today that it acquires the food distribution business of Matrix Ingredients Pte. Ltd., Maxim Ingredients International Pte. Ltd. and Matrix Ingredients Sdn. Bhd. (hereafter together “Matrix Ingredients”), in Singapore and Malaysia, which is integrated into IMCD’s existing organisation.Established in 2002, Matrix Ingredients provides ingredients, technical services and formulation advice in the savoury and processed meat segment in both Singapore and Malaysia mar-

NEW GELS EXPECTED TO HELP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANTI-CANCER DRUGS TL Bureau, Singapore

personalised cancer treatments.

The use of patient-derived Researchers from A*STAR’s tumour organoids is becoming Institute of Bioengineering and increasingly important in cancer Nanotechnology (IBN) have drug development, especially developed a customisable hydro- since conventional cancer cell gel that cultivates patient- lines offer limited predictive derived tumour organoids which value in drug discovery. Tumour can better mimic the original. organoids closely model key feaThis has the potential to pave the tures of the native tumour tissue, way towards developing more so that tests for the efficacy of disease-relevant models for can- potential cancer drugs would be cer drug discovery, and hyper- more accurate.

Singapore witnesses the maritime professionals at ShipTek 2019

Revision of Development Charge Rates TL Bureau, Singapore The Ministry of National Development has revised the development charge (DC) rates for the period 1 September 2019 to 29 February 2020. The review is carried out on a half-yearly basis in consultation with the Chief Valuer.

The DC rates for Use Group A (Commercial) have increased; while the DC rates for Use Group B2 {Residential, (non-landed)} have decreased. The DC rates remain unchanged for Use Groups B1 {Residential, (landed)}, C (Hotel/Hospital), D (Industry), E (Place of Worship / Civic and Community Institution), and 3 other Use Groups F, G and H. (See Appendix 1 [PDF, 108kb] for Table of DC Rates).

The DC rates for Use Group A (Commercial) have increased by 1.7% on average. 59 out of the 118 sectors have increases in DC rates ranging from 3% to 7%. There is no change to the DC rates for the remaining 59 sectors. The largest

increase of 7% applies to the following sectors: Sector 100 (Tampines Road / Hougang / Punggol / Sengkang area) Sector 105 (Ang Mo Kio / Yio Chu Kang / Seletar area) Sector 112 (Pan-Island Expressway / Bukit Batok East Avenue 6 / Upper Bukit Timah Road / Clementi Road / West Coast Highway / Penjuru Road / Jalan Buroh / Jurong East Area) The DC rates for Use Group B2 {Residential, (non-landed)} have decreased by 0.3% on average. 7 out of the 118 sectors have reduction in DC rates ranging from 4% to 7%. Rates are unchanged for the remaining 111 sectors. The largest decrease of 7% applies to the following sector: Sector 112 (Pan-Island Expressway / Bukit Batok East Avenue 6 / Upper Bukit Timah Road / Clementi Road / West Coast Highway / Penjuru Road / Jalan Buroh / Jurong East Area) There are no changes to the Use Groups Table and the Geographical Sector maps.

TL Bureau, Singapore

mously became the preferred choice for ShipTek to return in The much-awaited maritime the year 2019. Organized by Biz industry event, ShipTek 2019 Events Management, ShipTek returned to the Global 2019 – An International Maritime Capital, Singapore, on Conference on Marine, 29th August 2019 at Marina Offshore and Oil & Gas Industry Sands Bay. With strong busi- and International Maritime ness, cultural and linguistic con- Awards, saw maritime industry nections, Singapore unani- leaders indulge in insightful dis-

cussions to build the foundations for longer term business growth. Besides the muchappreciated conference, the event also witnessed a dazzling award ceremony where industry veterans who have been instrumental in proposing creative solutions were honored for their accomplishments.

MPA holds Annual Multi-Agency Exercise to

Test Ferry Emergency Preparedness TL Bureau, Singapore

Cruise Centre Pte Ltd in response to ferry mishaps. A total of 13 The Maritime and Port Authority vessels and an RSAF helicopter of Singapore (MPA) held a ferry were deployed for the exercise. emergency exercise (FEREX) (See Annex for list of participattoday at the Regional Ferry ing organisations). Mr Khaw Terminal (RFT) at Harbourfront. Boon Wan, Coordinating This FEREX tests the readiness of Minister for Infrastructure and around 250 personnel from 10 Minister for Transport, was also government agencies, three present to observe the exerferry operators and Singapore cise.The scenario was a ferry

accident that took place in the waters near Kusu Island, while the ferry was enroute from Batam to Singapore: - The ferry collided with a large underwater object and started flooding on board.

- Two passengers panicked and jumped overboard. A search and rescue operation was conducted.

6 Malaysia National Day TL Bureau, Washington DC On behalf of the government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Malaysia as you celebrate your National Day on August 31.

Over the past 62 years of Malaysia’s independence, our countries have forged close bonds rooted in our common interests to promote prosperity and stability in the IndoPacific. Our security, economic, and people-to-people ties continue to grow stronger each day. We look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

Please accept our best wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness as all Malaysians celebrate this joyous occasion, US Government spokesman added.

Dr Mahathir will be in Cambodia from Sept 2 to 4 for bilateral ties.

TL Bureau, Kuala Lumpur

Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, President of the At the invitation of Samdech National Assembly.

Akka Moha Sena Padei H.E. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad Techo Hun Sen, Prime will hold a bilateral meeting Minister of the Kingdom of with Samdech Techo Prime Cambodia, H.E. Dr. Mahathir Minister Hun Sen during Mohamad, Prime Minister which various aspects of of Malaysia, and spouse will bilateral cooperation will be lead a high-level delegation discussed. The two Leaders to pay an official visit to the will also exchange views on Kingdom of Cambodia from regional and international 02-04 September 2019. matters of common interest.

During the visit, H.E. Prime Thereafter, the two Prime Minister of Malaysia will pay Ministers will preside over separate courtesy calls on the signing ceremony of a Samdech Vibol Sena number of documents and Pheakdey Say Chhum, hold a joint press announceActing Head of State of the ment.

Kingdom of Cambodia and While staying in Phnom Samdech Akka Moha Penh, H.E. Prime Minister of

Malaysia will lay wreathes at the Independence Monument and pay tribute at the Royal Memorial Statue of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah NORODOM SIHANOUK "PREAH BOROM RATANAK KAUDH-, the Late KingFather of Cambodia.

The official visit of H.E. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to Cambodia will significantly contribute to further strengthening and deepening the excellent bonds of friendship and close cooperation between Cambodia and Malaysia in bilateral, regional and international frameworks.

MALAYSIA & NEARBY Special traffic arrangements for race meeting in Sha Tin tomorrow TL Bureau, Hong Kong Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting tomorrow (September 1).

The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting. Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

ATTACK ON ABHA INTERNATIONAL Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Co- MISSILE AIRPORT, SAUDI ARABIA 28 AUGUST 2019 organise “The Colours of Africa 2019” TL Bureau, Putrajaya

TL Bureau, Bangkok The Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, in cooperation with seven African Embassies in Bangkok (Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan and South Africa), Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Minor Hotel Group, and Central Pattana Public Company Limited will organise “The Colours of Africa 2019” event from 6 – 8 September 2019 during 11.00 – 22.00 hrs. at Eden Hall, Central World. The event aims to promote a better understanding of the African continent amongst the Thai public, create awareness of trade, investment and tourism opportunities in Africa, as well as enhancing cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts between Thailand and Africa.

The main activities of this event include: 1. Opening Ceremony: The opening ceremony will be held on 6 September 2019 at 15.30 – 17.30 hrs. at Eden 1, Central World. The opening ceremony will be presided over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or his representative, together with African Ambassadors to Thailand and attended by members of the diplomatic

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corps and representatives from relevant public and private sectors. There will be an African Fashion Show featuring honourary models from the African Embassies and Honourary Consulates in Thailand as well as public quiz competition offering a chance to win roundtrip flight tickets from Bangkok to a destination in Africa and complimentary hotel rewards at an affiliated hotel under Minor Group in Zambia and Mozambique; Student Quiz Competition: The quiz competition will host approximately 100 participants, namely students and teachers from 29 primary schools in Bangkok as well as schools affiliated with the Young Ambassadors of Virtue Foundation; Exhibition on Thailand and Africa Development Cooperation and Thai – African Diplomatic Relations Timeline Exhibition; Art exhibition composing of rare art pieces by famous African artists; Exhibition booths at Eden 1 Zone representing seven African Embassies in Thailand: Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and Sudan; a booth for African Honorary Consulates in Thailand; a booth for Peace Operations

Center; booths for private sector partners including Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, EXIM Bank, Minor Hotel Group, and Tops Market; displaying exotic food and product samples as well as promotional materials on trade and investments in the various potential sectors as service and tourism.

Moreover, there will be quiz competitions throughout the day and lucky draws with rewards, from the Embassies and private sector partners; 6. African cultural and live musical performances will take place at Eden Hall throughout the day. The performances include a Nigerian cultural performance.

7. Inspiring Talks: sharing first hand experience in Africa by Mint “I Roam Alone” as well as Looking at Africa through the Lens by Mr. Nat Sumanatemeya, Thai Marine/Wildlife Photographer; and 8. African Cultural Workshops: African Mask painting, African Pot painting, Egyptian Henna paint, African Beading, Moroccan tiles postcard painting, African cuisine and African headwraps.

The event is free of charge.

Those interested in attending the event from 6 – 8 September 2019 at 11.00 – 22.00

Malaysia is seriously concerned at the reported missile attack on Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia on 28 August 2019 Malaysia considers such attacks against civilian and public infrastructures are unacceptable as it can

potentially harm innocent civilians who use the public facility. Such act is also detrimental to peace and stability in the region.

Malaysia strongly urges all parties to exercise utmost restraint, and strongly supports the efforts to find a peaceful and durable solution to the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

Space Museum launches new Omnimax show "Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation"

TL Bureau, Hong Kong The Hong Kong Space Museum's new Omnimax show, "Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation", will be launched tomorrow (September 1). Audiences inside the dome of the Space Museum will witness the most dangerous situations during volcanic eruptions and learn about how the whole process helps to create ecosystems and habitats on Earth.

Volcanoes seem dangerous and destructive, but in fact they have helped create the world for billions of years. From the continents to the air that humans breathe and even life itself, all have origins related to volcanoes.

With more than 500 active volcanoes, Earth keeps bursting at the seams with the forces of mass construction.

In the show, the audience will follow explorer Carsten Peter as he dodges boulders at the edge of an active volcano in Indonesia; descends to a lava lake in Vanuatu; visits incredible acid ponds, geysers and mineral deposit fields in Ethiopia; travels to the archaeological ghost town of Pompeii; and witnesses the devastating effects of the recent Kilauea eruption in Hawaii.

The 42-minute show will be screened until April 30 next year at the museum's Stanley Ho Space Theatre.

7

BUSINESS

IMF Executive Board Concludes Article IV Consultation with Romania TL Bureau, Bucharest On August 28, 2019 the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation [1] with Romania.

Economic growth in Romania was strong in 2018, reflecting pro-cyclical fiscal policy and rapid wage increases.

Unemployment reached record lows and financial sector is stable. Fiscal and current account deficits have been widening in the past few years, reaching respectively 2.8 and 4.5 percent of GDP in 2018. Although the National Bank of Romania’s (NBR) inflation target was met in 2018, inflation is gathering pace, with headline inflation exceeding the target band since February 2019.

Structural reform agenda remains stalled and investment growth lagged the broader economic activity.

Growth in 2019 is expected to stay above potential at 4 percent, led by continued fiscal

New report reveals challenges facing small business sector TL Bureau, Canberra The Australian small business sector is facing a major shake-up over the coming decade, with the highest proportion of small business owners aged between 45 and 59 years.

That’s according to the Small Business Counts report released at the COSBOA National Small Business Summit today by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell, which has revealed 61% of employing small business owners are approaching retirement age.

“The small business landscape will be transformed over the coming years with a significant number of older small business owners expected to retire, sell or move on,” Ms Carnell said.

“This generational shift presents a number of challenges for the sector and the economy more broadly.

“We know access to funding continues to be a barrier to small business operators, so some of the business owners looking to sell may find it difficult to attract a buyer.

“These figures show that there is a need for meticu-

lous succession planning by those small business operators who are planning to retire in the coming years.

“The report reveals other challenges being faced in the sector, with more than half of small business owners reporting a taxable income of less than the minimum wage.

“Late payments continue to hamper small business viability, with half of all small businesses reporting late payments on 40% of their invoices.

“These are just some of the issues captured in the Small Business Counts report.

“The statistics, collected from various Australian government agencies, helps us gain a greater understanding of the small business sector, which is vital to the work we do.

“We know that small business is the most dynamic and fastest growing sector and yet it is often overlooked by all levels of government when setting the policy agenda.

“Overall, the Small Business Counts report shows the small business sector is surprisingly large and vibrant, which is vital to the health of the Australian economy.”

the medium term.

With macroeconomic imbalances becoming increasingly evident, eroding buffers and undermining Romania’s capacity to withstand adverse shocks, there is a risk that the income convergence with the EU could suffer a setback. The key domestic risk is an increase in vulnerability caused by policy shocks, including further fiscal stimulus or regresses on structural reforms. Externally, the key risk stems from a sharperthan-expected external slowdown, which would widen the current account deficit, magstimulus and strong wage moderate to 3 percent in the nifying financing pressures. growth, and be accompanied medium term as the transito- While Romania’s moderate by further widening of current ry effects of the fiscal stimulus public debt and reserves can account and fiscal deficits. fade. Lack of progress on provide a temporary cushion, Inflation in 2019 is expected structural reforms and sub- these buffers can prove insufto stay above the NBR’s target dued investment will con- ficient under an adverse band. Growth is expected to strain potential growth over event.

Australia’s Banks are Open for Business with Small Business Approvals at 94% TL Bureau, Sydney If you’ve ever dreamed of throwing in the towel at work and starting your own business, you’re not alone.

In fact, more than nine million Australian’s dream of being their own boss.

Research commissioned by the Australian Banking Association, found that while millions of people have dreamed of working for themselves and starting a business, 60 per cent (5.4 million) say ‘access to money’ is the sticking point.

(ABA Economic Report 2019) The numbers are even higher for women and young people, 65 percent of women and 67 percent of people aged between 18 and 34 believe access to finance is stopping them from fulfilling their entrepreneurial dreams. (ABA Economic report 2019) When it comes to what sort of small business, IT/technology tops the list for men, while women prefer something in the retail/clothing area, food and hospitality

was the second most popular choice for both men and women.

ABA CEO, Anna Bligh said there is no better time to contact your bank about a small business loan, interest rates are at record lows, banks approval of small business loans is at 94 percent, and the new Banking Code provides for fairer and simpler small business contracts.

“Despite this, small business loan applications have declined by a third (33 percent) since the 2014 calendar year. Encouragingly, there has been a lift in the June quarter. It’s early days, but we hope that it will continue.

“There could be many reasons for the downturn, including believing that they won’t get a loan, thinking it takes too long, deeming the application process too complex or they’re simply borrowing money from other sources.

“Banks understand that small business operators are in the business of running their business, not being

bankers, so, in conjunction with COSBOA (Council of Small Business Organisations Australia) and CPA Australia, we’ve developed a website that is a step-by-step guide to applying for finance.

The ‘financing your small business’ website contains templates, checklists and easy to understand information about everything from creating a business plan, through to using a trusted advisor and the types of finance available.

“There are more than two million small businesses in Australia, that employ more than four-and-a-half million people. They are the true engine room of the economy and banks understand that having access to finance is vital.

“The best piece of advice that I could give anyone thinking of taking that next step of realising their dream of starting a small business, or expanding and growing their current business, is to explore the new website www.financingyoursmallbusiness.com.au.

8

FEATURE

Twinning: Azerbaijan on its way to better air quality Resident Twinning Adviser Katja Lovén and Short Term Expert Pia Anttila visiting Baku's air quality measurement stations, guided by local cooperation partners. Photo: Aygul Khalilova The Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Finnish Environment Institute have been engaged in a Twinning project relating to the development of air quality monitoring and management in Azerbaijan. The project has lasted two and a half years. It was implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan. The project involved 80 trips of experts to Baku and to other parts of the country.

“Organisations and people involved in Twinning projects consider them as learning experiences,” says Katja Lovén, Resident Twinning Advisor (RTA) in Baku.

Resident Twinning Adviser Katja Lovén and Short Term Expert Pia Anttila visiting Baku's air quality measurement stations, guided by local cooperation partners. Photo: Aygul Khalilova Expertise is key to winning a Twinning project The project was launched in November 2016. It aimed to strengthen the monitoring of the state of the environment in Azerbaijan. From among the Member States of the European Union, Finland, Austria and Latvia participated in the consortium implementing the project.

EU Member States participate in competitive tendering for Twinning projects in which the beneficiary country selects the winner that will implement the project.

Winning a tender is often preceded by keen competition, and in the selection of partners, it is good to consider all parts of the tender. As for Azerbaijan, the structure and division of work in the consortium of the EU Member States was carefully considered in the preparatory phase.

“The Finnish Meteorological Institute had experience of project work with the Environment Agency Austria,

which is why we were able to develop the cooperation drawing on both organisations’ strengths. The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre contributed both Russian-speaking experts and provided expertise on the measurement equipment used in Azerbaijan. As a former Soviet state and current EU Member State, Latvia has experience of how to modernise measurement equipment used during the Soviet era so that the system meets the requirements of the EU criteria,” says Katja Lovén. Short Term Expert Jari Walden is shown how air quality analyses are conducted in the Ministry's laboratory. Photo: Katja Lovén Benefits for the whole society Despite the challenges posed by the operating environment, all the objectives set for the project were achieved.

The high quality of the activities was noted also in an external evaluation ordered by the Commission in spring 2018. In Azerbaijan, air quality monitoring is still largely conducted manually and using outdated methods. Compared to the state-of-the-art air quality measurement methods used in Finland, there is a huge difference. In the course of the project, a plan of action was established to support the air quality measurement system in Azerbaijan. The Azeri Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources was committed to the plan of action.

Special attention was paid to the visibility of the project and

to disseminating information about of the results. In the context of the project, seminars were organised to enhance awareness of the importance of air quality, and there were also events organised by the EU delegation.

“From the point of view of raising awareness it was important that the local Ministry responsible for the matter was committed to our objective to make the measurement results publicly available. Currently, real-time monitoring data from one monitoring station in Baku is posted on the website of the Ministry. This keeps the question of air quality topical even though the project has ended,” Lovén says.

Azerbaijan’s commitment to reforms and development work shows also in that the country has decided to strengthen its measurement station network by installing new automatic monitoring stations in 2019–2023.

Azerbaijan is planning to purchase 25 automatic air quality monitoring stations, equipped with modern technology. The first five new stations will be in Baku, the other 20 stations will be placed in different parts of the country.

Problems solved in cooperation As often in international project cooperation, this project also had its difficulties that slowed down progress particularly at its early stages and that were connected to both communication and workspaces.

Problems were solved in cooperation. In addition to project operators, the EU delegation and the Roving Ambassador of Finland for South Caucasus were involved in the discussion – their role was central to stabilising the situation. The matters were finally agreed on at the turn of the year 2017–2018. At the beginning of 2018, a new Minister of the Environment was appointed in Azerbaijan and cooperation with the Minister ran smoothly. “As a project team, we received strong support from Ambassador Arja Makkonen and the EU delegation, which was satisfied with the results achieved by the project. The new Minister of the Environment was from the start very committed to the project and showed local operators that he trusted their expertise. This is an important signal,” says Katja Lovén.

Assistants are invaluable to the advisor coordinating the project: their role is important particularly in countries where only a few know English. In the picture, Katja Lovén (left) together with her assistants Rahila Karimova and Gunel Soltanova. Photo: Rahila Karimova Twinning is a tool for learning Twinning projects offer both the beneficiary country and the experts of the EU Member States implementing the project the chance to learn and to strengthen their expertise.

“Cooperation supports the beneficiary country in developing its activities. In addition,

the expertise of specialists implementing the project also improves when they have to consider the practices applied in the Member State relative to the situation in the beneficiary country. Working in a different operating environment helps in looking matters from a new perspective, which can be useful for developing one's own organisation,” Lovén says.

Katja Lovén says that she learned one thing the hard way in Baku: one’s own expectations should correspond to the situation of the work environment. It is good to lower the bar if this helps the progress of the project. In addition, various practical problems are often met in everyday life and solving them shows how the society functions. This is strongly connected to understanding culture.

“You should approach projects with the attitude that you will learn from them,” says Lovén.

Finland and Azerbaijan in Twinning Twinning projects are built on close cooperation between the EU Member States and beneficiary countries. The beneficiary country will have ownership of the results attained, which supports commitment to the projects. Working in the projects is based on collegial spirit and cooperation is conducted through peer-to-peer activities.

The Twinning team at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs coordinates Twinning activities in Finland. Finland's network of diplomatic missions abroad is also involved in supporting Finnish Twinning operators in the beneficiary countries.

Azerbaijan has been an active Twinning operator – over the past ten years it has had the most Twinning projects of the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) East countries after Ukraine. However, Azerbaijan is still less familiar to Finnish Twinning operators.

In addition to the project of the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Finnish Environment Institute, Finland has implemented only one project in the education sector in the country in 2015–2017.

9

LIFE AND REAL ESTATE

Buenos Aires joins World Tourism Organization network of Tourism Observatories as the city looks more closely at tourism impacts

Three in four people in Switzerland take sufficient physical activity

TL Bureau, Madrid,

on a Big Data Infrastructure, the Observatory is transforming Buenos Aires has become the information into useful knowllatest city to join the edge for both the public and priInternational Network of vate sector, generating essential Sustainable Tourism evidence for tourism planning Observatories (INSTO), a pio- and management. neering initiative of the World “By becoming the latest member Tourism Organization (UNWTO) of our dynamic INSTO network, aimed at helping destinations the city of Buenos Aires once manage tourism in a smart and again demonstrates its commitsustainable manner. ment to responsible and sustainThis latest INSTO member – the able tourism,” says UNWTO first in Argentina – brings the Secretary-General Zurab total number of observatories in Pololikashvili. “Thanks to the the global network to 27. Joining pioneering work of the INSTO will help the Tourism Observatory, Buenos Aires is Observatory of Buenos Aires benefitting from an evidencebetter monitor the environmen- based approach to tourism polital and social impacts of tourism cies and I am confident that our at the local level. Data collected newest member will make a posby the observatory will be used itive contribution to our growing to strengthen the sustainability INSTO network.” of the city’s tourism sector and Mr. Gonzalo Robredo, President help guide policy and decision of the Buenos Aires Tourism making.

Board, adds: “By joining the The Observatory has led the way INSTO Network, we reinforce in developing a destination-wide our commitment to maximising Tourism Intelligence System the benefits of the tourism activwhich consists of a digital and ity in the city of Buenos Aires, interactive platform for compil- not only from an economic pering and visualizing data from a spective, but with a focus on the huge range of sources. Through cultural, social and environmenthis dynamic tool, which is based tal dimensions of tourism. We

believe that sustainability is a key to guaranteeing that tourism has a positive impact on local communities while also providing visitors with an authentic tourist experience. ” The new INSTO member will join the global INSTO Meeting on the 22 and 23 October 2019 at UNWTO Headquarters in Madrid, where monitoring experiences are shared annually to further strengthen the collective commitment to generate regular and timely evidence about tourism impacts around the world.

More about the INSTO Network: The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) was originally created in 2004. Through the application of technology and the therefore improved data landscape that is key for policy making in tourism, INSTO members strengthen not only local decision-making capacities and sustainable on the ground but play a key role in contributing to global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with relevant evidence.

TL Bureau, Neuchâtel

healthier lifestyle. In particular, there were also links with The trend toward more phys- mental health and dealing ical activity in Switzerland with stress. While physical continued without interrup- activity does not offer protection. 76% of the population tion against stress at work, it took sufficient exercise and can, however, help to tackle 64% took part in sports on a this issue. These are findings weekly basis. Only 9% were from the "Swiss Health considered inactive and 26% Survey", conducted in 2017 never did sport. Those who for the sixth time by the were physically active also Federal Statistical Office tended to generally have a (FSO).

VIKING WILL ATTEMPT TO SET GUINNESS WORLD RECORD WITH ULTIMATE WORLD CRUISE TL Bureau, Los Angeles

WORLD RECORD for the “longest continuous passenger cruise;” On Aug 30, 2019, Viking® upon the return of Viking Sunto (www.vikingcruises.com) guests London next year, an official will embark on the new Ultimate GUINNESS WORLD RECORD World Cruise itinerary, a 245-day Adjudicator will confirm the sucjourney spanning six continents, cessful attempt with a certificate 51 countries and 111 ports. presentation.

Sailing from London on Viking’s “For more than 20 years we have award-winning 930-guest Viking been committed to connecting Sun® , the longest-ever continu- travelers to culturally immersive ous cruise will fully circumnavi- experiences that allow them to gate the globe bringing guests to explore the world in comfort,” some of the world’s most leg- said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of endary cities, iconic landmarks Viking. “Our Ultimate World and far-flung destinations, before Cruise is the most extensive itinreturning to London in May 2020. erary available in the industry, In beginning this journey, Viking nearly double the length of our will attempt to set the GUINNESS previous world cruise itineraries.

REMARKABLE FOOTAGE CAPTURES THE MOMENT SILVERSEA’S NEW SILVER MOON FLOATS OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME TL Bureau, Ancona, Italy Today, Silversea’s new ultra-luxury cruise ship, Silver Moon, touched water for the first time at Fincantieri Shipyard in Ancona, Italy. A momentous milestone in the eagerly awaited ship’s build, the float out was marked by a celebratory event and a traditional coin ceremony, held in the presence of top-level representatives from Silversea and Fincantieri, plus VIP guests.

Fincantieri will now begin work on Silver Moon’s elegant interior, bringing the ship to the hallmark level of finish that characterises Silversea’s ultra-luxury fleet.

“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone with our partner and expert shipbuilder Fincantieri,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s Chief Executive Officer. “From 2020, Silver Moon will leverage on the success of our beloved flagship, Silver Muse, to unlock immersive new travel experiences for our guests around the world.

With a range of pioneering new

features that will push the boundaries of luxury travel, Silver Moon will be the most elegant ship in her class.”

“Today, with the float out of Silver Moon, we draw ever-closer to achieving my Father’s dream of a 12-ship fleet,” says Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea’s Executive Chairman. “Silver Moon is one of five ships currently on order for our cruise line; I look forward to fulfilling my Father’s vision, and, with the support of Royal Caribbean Cruises, expanding the fleet further still in the future. This celebration holds particular signifi-

cance in the history of Silversea, as it occurs in the same year as our cruise line’s 25th anniversary as the leading pioneer in ultra-luxury cruising.”

Silver Moon will push the boundaries of ultra-luxury cruise travel with pioneering new concepts. One such example is S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste)?, an innovative new culinary programme that will unlock immersive culinary experiences for guests. Adapting with sailed destinations, S.A.L.T. will elevate the role of food as a means to travel deeper into a destination, by showcasing entire ecosystems

around the culinary cultures of the world. In the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the S.A.L.T. Lab, and the S.A.L.T. Bar, guests will develop an appreciation for regional ingredients and culinary customs, before venturing ashore under the guidance of experts to experience food and drink cultures first-hand.

While preserving the elegant design of Silversea’s Silver Muse, which has been incredibly successful among the cruise line’s guests, many of Silver Moon’s public spaces will be enhanced: the Dolce Vita lounge, the Connoisseur’s Corner, the Pool

Deck, and the Spa and Fitness Centre will each undergo comprehensive redesigns for the benefit of guests’ comfort and enjoyment. Silver Moon’s Kaiseki restaurant will also be reimagined, as well as the ship’s La Dame restaurant, which will incorporate bespoke Lalique crystal panels. Elsewhere, La Terrazza, Silver Note, Atlantide, the Arts Café, The Grill, Spaccanapoli, the Panorama Lounge, the Observation Library, the Venetian Lounge, and the Casino will each welcome guests with atmospheres of whispered luxury.

10

SPORTS

Hamane Niang elected FIBA President for 2019-2023 term of office along with a new Central Board TL Bureau, BEIJING (China) Delegates from 156 national federations in attendance at the XXI FIBA Congress today elected a new President and new Central Board members for the 2019-2023 term of office.

Hamane Niang, who succeeds Horacio Muratore in becoming the new President of FIBA, was elected unanimously by all in attendance.

Hamane Niang has been Vice President of FIBA and also President of FIBA Africa for the period of 20142019, having formerly been president of the Mali Basketball Federation and also a Mali Minister of Sport.

Hamane Niang said, "I sincerely thank all the National Federations for the trust they have placed in me today. It is with humility that I accept this responsibility placed upon me. I promise to dedicate myself fully to FIBA during my tenure and to serve the interests of our beloved sport across all corners of the world. We are the governing body of basketball and we must continue to play the leading role in developing our sport.

Together, we can become the most popular sports community in the world."

Ingo Weiss from Germany was reelected for his second term as FIBA

Treasurer.

The following are the members of the Central Board for the new term: Ms Celestine Adjanohoun from Benin Mr Jean-Michel Ramaroson from Madagascar Ms Michele O’Keefe from Canada Mr Marcelo Luis Bedoya Murto from Paraguay Mr Usie Richards from the Virgin Islands Ms Yuko Mitsuya from Japan Mr Erick Thohir from Indonesia Ms Carmen Tocala from Romania

Mr Jean-Pierre Siutat from France Mr Antti Zitting from Finland Mr Asterios Zois from Greece Ms Karo Lelai from Papua New Guinea Mr David Reid from Australia These Central Board members, along with the newly elected President and Treasurer will join FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis as well as the Presidents of FIBA's five regions: Anibal Manave of Africa, Carol Callan of the Americas, Sheikh Saud Bin Ali Al-Thani of Asia, Turgay Demirel of Europe and Burton Shipley of

Oceania for the new term. The Central Board will appoint to the Central Board a representative of the National Basketball Association (NBA) of the USA and a representative of the players. In addition, the Central Board may co-opt additional members (with full voting rights) for the vision, skill and special expertise that they will bring.

The newly-formed Central Board will meet for the first time on Saturday, September 14 in Beijing, on the occasion of the final weekend of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

Watanabe. “Everything is being done to provide world-class Qualification Events and to ensure the best possible conditions for the athletes.”

The qualifying schedule features a strong emphasis on legacy, with all five events hosted by former or future Olympic Games or Youth Olympic Games host cities or countries.

The five Qualification Events together with planned dates are as follows:

FITZGERALD TO LEAD ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TL Bureau, Fitzroy Julie Fitzgerald has been appointed as head coach of Netball Australia’s recentlyestablished athlete development program aimed at developing the nation’s next crop of potential Samsung Diamonds in preparation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Fitzgerald, who has coached 230 national league matches, will be supported by West Coast Fever coach Stacey Marinkovich as attack coach and high-performance coach Michelle Den Dekker in defence.

Current coach of GIANTS Netball, Fitzgerald has been coaching elite netball for more than two decades. Her wealth of experience will be wellcomplimented by Marinkovich, who has been at the reins of Fever for three years and the Australian Fast5 team at the past two World Series tournaments, and former Diamonds assistant coach and Netball Centre of Excellence coach Den Dekker.

Fitzgerald is excited to be taking on her new position within the development program and is looking forward to getting started.

Boxing Road to Tokyo 2020: Qualification Events announced TL Bureau, Lausanne

give boxers the opportunity to seal their places at the The Olympic Boxing Task Tokyo 2020 boxing tournaForce today confirmed the ment. names of the cities to host The World Qualification the five Qualification Events Event will give athletes a to be held on the Boxing second chance to qualify Road to Tokyo 2020. The and will therefore be open Task Force also announced only to those boxers who the creation of an Athlete have not yet qualified for Ambassador Group, as well the Games. as the collaboration with “The Qualification Events PricewaterhouseCoopers on represent a fair and transthe refereeing and judging parent pathway to the process.

Olympic Games with equal Qualification Events opportunities for all Four Continental Events and National Olympic a final World Qualification Committees,” said Boxing Event will be held between Task Force Chair and IOC February and May 2020 to Member Mr Morinari

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park America: BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, 26 March-3 April Asia/Oceania: WUHAN, 2020Venue: CeNARD highperformance athletics trainChina, 3-14 February 2020 Africa: DAKAR, Senegal, 20- ing centre World: PARIS, France, 1329 February 2020 Venue: Dakar International 24 May 2020 The competition venues in Expo Centre, Diamniadio Europe: LONDON, Great Wuhan and Paris will be finalised and confirmed in Britain, 13-23 March 2020 Venue: Copper Box arena, due course.

11

TECH/AUTO

Kroes and Afanasiev hold the advantage as Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe heads to the Nürburgring TL Bureau, Sant’Agata Bolognese

faces gracing the Nürburgring paddock this weekend, with The famous Nürburgring circuit several teams running addiin the Eifel Mountains of tional cars as the season draws Germany plays host to the to a close. Leipert Motorsport penultimate round of the will field a third car, with Spa Lamborghini Super Trofeo 24 Hours Silver Cup winner Europe season, with the title Jordan Witt teaming up with battle hotting up ahead of the Chinese driver Oscar Lee in the season finale next month.

Pro-Am category. Joining them Bonaldi Motorsport pairing in Pro-Am will be the all-British Danny Kroes and Sergei partnership of David Afanasiev lead the Pro standings Fairbrother and John Butel in a on 98 points following a third third ArtLine Team Georgia win in four races last time out at entry. Having made his Spa-Francorchamps. Erstwhile Lamborghini Super Trofeo points leaders Kikko Galbiati and Europe Am class debut in Spa Vito Postiglione (#44 Imperiale last month, Frenchman Gilles Racing) are a further 13 points Vannelet will again race alongadrift after contact with the #30 the most of team-mate Pro-Am standings following a Eskelinen and Rattenbury had side Nico Gomar in the #89 Leipert Motorsport car of Bartholomew taking his manda- double victory at Spa. The closed the gap to Gomar after AGS Events car. Local driver Anthony Lambert curtailed their tory pit-stop one lap before the Georgian driver is now 31 points claiming pole position and victo- Holger Harmsen will also join running in the opening race. leaders to overtake three cars in ahead of his regular 2019 team- ry in the opening race, but were the Am category in his #90 Galbiati and Postiglione did two corners to brilliantly win the mate Harald Schlegelmilch - taken out of Race 2 early on fol- Attempto Racing Lamborghini however manage a close second opening race at Spa, and the who missed the Spa round, but lowing contact, giving Gomar Huracán.The weekend’s action to Kroes/Afanasiev in Race 2 to pairing added a fourth place in will be returning to action this the chance to consolidate his begins on Friday with two oneremain in the hunt for the Race 2 to put themselves to weekend - while the GT3 Poland advantage at the top. hour free practice sessions, championship. within touching distance of the entry of Grzegorz Moczulski lies Benoît and François Semoulin with both qualifying sessions British duo Stuart Middleton top of the standings heading third.It is a similar story in the continued to keep their scheduled for Friday. Race 1 and Jack Bartholomew (Bonaldi into the Nürburgring weekend. Am class where AGS Events’ Lamborghini Cup points lead will take place at 15:55, while Motorsport) are third in the They are just one point ahead of Nico Gomar holds a healthy 22- ticking over following another the second race will start at standings, just five points back the second of the Imperiale point lead over the Leipert successful outing at Spa. The 09:35 on Saturday. Both races from Galbiati and Postiglione Racing cars of Bartosz Paziewski Motorsport pairing of Mikko Belgian partnership have 104 will be streamed live on the after claiming their second win and Karol Basz.

Eskelinen and Jake Rattenbury, points, some 22 ahead of AGS Lamborghini Squadra Corse of the season at Spa in breath- ArtLine Team Georgia’s Shota while Robert Zwinger is only Event’s Jose Collado.

YouTube channel and taking fashion. Middleton made Abkhazava moved clear in the nine points further back in third. There will be a number of new Facebook page.

MINI at the IAA Cars 2019 in Frankfurt.

TL Bureau, Munich.

MINI promises visitors to the IAA Cars 2019 international motor show in Frankfurt am Main an electrifying display in every sense with a stand focused squarely on electric mobility. The show premiere of the British premium brand’s new MINI Cooper SE (fuel consumption combined: 0.0 l/100 km; electric power consumption combined: 16.8 – 14.8 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km) heralds the beginning of a new era in purely electric mobility, in which drivers will be able to enjoy virtually silent urban motoring with zero local emissions in signature MINI style. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (fuel consumption combined: 2.1 – 1.9 l/100 km; electric power consumption combined: 13.9 – 13.5 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 47 – 43 g/km) now also delivers a significantly more potent hit of electric driving fun.

The latest version of the plug-in hybrid model, making its debut appearance in Frankfurt, employs the very latest battery cell technology, enabling it to achieve an

COACHBUILDING – BUGATTI'S EXTRAORDINARY HYPER SPORTS CAR TL Bureau, Molsheim

electric range of up to 57 kilometres (35 miles). In addition to the premiere of the new MINI Cooper SE, the British carmaker is also celebrating its 60th anniversary at the IAA Cars 2019 show, with production since 1959 having reached the 10 million mark. With this in mind, Frankfurt will also host the special anniversary model from MINI Plant Oxford – a MINI 3-door Hatch of the 60 Years Edition, whose exclusive design and equipment features bring the original’s distinctive sense of style to the premium compact segment.

Visitors to Hall 11 (near the main entrance to the Frankfurt trade fair arena) on 12 – 22 September 2019 will also be able to admire

the brand’s current model line-up and an array of new additions to its accessory and lifestyle product ranges.

Power, style and zero local emissions: the new MINI Cooper SE. The new MINI Cooper SE is the first premium compact car with a purely electric drive system, delivering a sustainable urban driving experience that also fires the emotions. It is based on the conventionally powered MINI 3-door Hatch, whose striking design has been enriched with some modelspecific accents. The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor driving the front wheels in typical MINI fashion endows the car with impressive acceleration.

Black as night, a flat hood and a long wheelbase. In March, Bugatti presented the ultimate Gran Tourismo: La Voiture Noire1, an extraordinary and unique specimen. The French manufacturer of hyper sports cars has now repeated its work in the spirit of the coachbuilding tradition with the new Centodieci1. This homage to the super sports car of the 1990s, the EB110, will be produced over the next few months in a small series of just ten vehicles.

Bugatti vehicles are individual masterpieces All Bugatti vehicles are unparalleled and highly customised masterpieces of automotive craftsmanship. With its coachbuilding, the French manufacturer goes

one step further to create even more individualised vehicles.

Unique in quality, technology and design. “The cost of small series and one-off vehicles is a challenge even for an exclusive manufacturer like Bugatti. But we’re happy to take on this challenge because we aspire to offer our customers very distinctive hyper sports cars,” says Pierre Rommelfanger, responsible for special projects at Bugatti. The 42-year-old has been working for Bugatti as head of “one of/few of” projects for 14 years, with breaks: he oversees the special vehicles from the initial idea through to presentation. Each of the three small-series models presented to date – the Divo1, La Voiture Noire1 and the Centodieci1 – came into being in very different ways.

12 Sanctioning of Jammal Trust Bank TL Bureau, Washington D.C. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned today Lebanon-based Jammal Trust Bank SAL (Jammal Trust) for supporting Hizballah’s illicit financial and banking activities.

Jammal Trust has a longstanding relationship with a key Hizballah financial entity and provides financial services to the Martyrs Foundation and companies controlled by Hizballah’s Executive Council. Jammal Trust’s misconduct undermines the integrity of the Lebanese financial system.

Today’s designation reflects our determination to counter Hizballah’s terrorist and illicit activities in Lebanon. We will continue to target individuals and entities involved in financing and providing support to Hizballah while working closely with the Central Bank of Lebanon and other Lebanese institutions which work to preserve the integrity and stability of Lebanon’s banking system.

WORLD

Pakistan has no locus standi in J&K, it should look into the human rights violations in PoK, says Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh Karamjit Singh Parwana, sonnel and scientists after inauForeign Correspondent gurating the 26th Ladakhi Kisan New Delhi Jawan Vigyan Mela organised by Defence Institute of HighIndia’s Defence Minister Shri Altitude Research (DIHAR) at Leh Rajnath Singh has said, Pakistan today. has no locus standi in Jammu & Raksha Mantri said, “I would like Kashmir and it should stop mak- to ask Pakistan, when was ing statements on the internal Kashmir a part of you? Kashmir matters of India. He was was always a part of India”. addressing farmers, security per- Shri Rajnath Singh said, our

stand on Jammu & Kashmir has always been clear and added that in February 1994, Parliament unanimously passed a resolution on J&K. Raksha Mantri also said, Pakistan has illegally occupied PoK including Gilgit-Baltistan and instead of speaking on Kashmir it should look into the human rights violations the peo-

Britain and France to strengthen joint action against small boats

ple are facing in that region. Shri Rajnath Singh said, by making Ladakh a Union Territory, the government has not only honoured the public sentiment but provided a solution to the people’s problems. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s aim is to bring ‘localised solution’ to the country’s ‘strategic areas’, he added.

The construction of the eastern border from Estonia continues

TL Bureau, London

TL Bureau, Võru County

The Home Secretary and her French counterpart have agreed to intensify joint action to tackle small boat crossings in the Channel.

Priti Patel met French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner in Paris yesterday evening to discuss what more can be done to deter migrants making the perilous journey across one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The pair acknowledged the extensive joint cooperation already taken to tackle the issue of small boats crossing the Channel – but agreed tougher action was needed following the concerning rise in incidents over the summer months.

Yesterday, at a cabinet meeting, Mart Helme, Minister of the Interior, presented an alternative solution for building the eastern border, and the government decided to support the solution which would cut infrastructure components and make the project construction project more affordable.

The government also decided, on the basis of the solution presented yesterday, to allocate additional funding of 12 million euros for the construction of the land border, in addition to the previous allocation of 79.9 million euros.

According to new estimates, the cost of building the eastern border is 130.5 million euros, which is 57.5 million euros cheaper than the previous project.

EUROPOL’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Nearly 17,000 Migrants Returned Voluntarily from CARRIES OUT FIRST OFFICIAL Greece in Past 3 Years VISIT TO SWITZERLAND TL Bureau, Athens

TL Bureau, Bern Catherine De Bolle, Europol’s Executive Director, arrived in Bern on 29 August for her first official visit to Switzerland. In the Swiss capital, Ms De Bolle met Nicoletta della Valle, Director of the Swiss Federal Police (fedpol), Michael Matthiessen, Ambassador of the European Union to Switzerland and to the Principality of Liechtenstein and Jules Hoch, Police Chief of the Liechtenstein National Police Force.

The main issues discussed were the current security situation in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and the need to strengthen the already excellent cooperation. Europol is working closely with fedpol in

areas such as cybercrime, financial crime and counter terrorism. Ms De Bolle also updated her Swiss hosts on Europol’s work and priorities;

latest trends in illicit drug trafficking and Europol’s bold law enforcement responses to protect the public from the threats posed by illicit drugs.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported today (30/08) that 16,954 third country nationals chose to return voluntarily from Greece to their country of origin over a three-year period from June 2016 through 28 August 2019.

Migrants from Pakistan (4,292) topped the list of 83 nationalities returning voluntarily with IOM assistance, followed by those from Iraq (4,187), Georgia (1,972), Algeria (1,308) and Afghanistan (1,295)There were 12,017 male voluntary returnees, 2,817 female, and 2,120 children. IOM assisted the voluntary return of 3,666 migrants who were residing on the NorthEastern Aegean islands.

Some 4,270 of the returning

migrants also received assistance to support a more sustainable reintegration into their local communities. Priority for the reintegration assistance was given to candidates in situations of vulnerability, while other factors were taken into consideration like work experience, skills and willingness of the candidate to develop a sustainable reintegration plan.