Michael Jackson dies at age of 50 and would fondly be remembered as the king of pop music.

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Robert Ménard leaves Doha Centre

Robert Ménard and his team have left the Doha Centre for Media Freedom. "The Centre has been suffocated. We no longer have either the freedom or the resources to do our work", he explained.

"For several months we have made an independent voice heard, one that has exposed violence with concern for nothing but the truth. We have helped more than 250 endangered journalists and media all over the world, and I think we can be proud of that.

"But some Qatari officials never wanted an independent Centre, free to speak out without concern for politics or diplomacy, free to criticise even Qatar. How can we have any credibility if we keep quiet about problems in the country that is our host? Now the Centre has been suffocated. We no longer have either the freedom or the resources to do our work. This cannot go on. I was willing to make any necessary compromises as long as the foundations of our work – assistance grants, statements of opinion - were safeguarded. But that is no longer the case."Ménard went on: "This is a pity, especially as media freedom is particularly threatened in this part of the world. More than 30 journalists are currently imprisoned in the Middle East and North Africa. Since the start of the year, several journalists have been killed in the region: in Iraq, Iran and the Palestinian Territories. The Centre was always there to give assistance to families, pay lawyers’ fees and help those who wanted to travel to less dangerous areas.

"It was the first time that an international organisation for the defence of media freedom had been set up in a country outside the West. It was made possible by the Emir and his wife Sheikha Mozah. Thanks to them, we have completed projects such as starting an independent news agency for Somali journalists, providing bulletproof jackets in Somalia, Iraq and Pakistan, opening a press centre in Gaza, supplying newsprint to newspapers in Guinea-Bissau. Our work has not been in vain, and we can only hope it will be continued in some way."Ménard spoke about the obstacles encountered by the Centre and pointed to those responsible, particularly Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, who is also President of the Board of Al Jazeera: "Those who have caused us problems do not accept the idea of our independence and freedom of speech. They constantly put obstables in our way, thereby going against the commitments we have made.

"For example, Centre staff were prevented from leaving the country temporarily and had to apply for a permit whenever they needed to travel. Sheikh Hamad refused to sign administrative documents that would have enabled the Centre to take in journalists under threat in their own countries, as originally planned. His office told us recently that giving shelter to journalists from countries such as Iran might go against Qatar’s diplomatic interests. This confirmed that the Centre’s independence was, in his eyes, a myth.

"Sheikh Hamad also tried to enforce new internal regulations, in violation of the Centre’s statutes and with a view to keeping tighter control over how the Centre was run. He would have had the power to censor the Centre’s statements. Finally, payment of the Centre’s budget, scheduled for 1 April, has been continually delayed and we are now unable to answer appeals from journalists in danger, in Pakistan, Somalia and elsewhere.

"Returning to more basic matters, Qatar has still not ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, despite frequent promises. And the committee that was supposed to discuss a new law on the media - and on which we had been invited to sit - has still not held any meetings." Ménard concluded: "I do not doubt the sincerity of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah and her determination to advance the cause of freedom, especially media freedom. But she is not alone. And those who prefer to retain the status quo are many, powerful and obstinate.

"No-one but her would have dared imagine a Centre like the one we have built here. Maybe Sheikha Mozah is too far ahead of her fellow citizens, too ’modern’ for political figures attached to the status quo, too aware of the challenges in this world for dignitaries concerned only with their own interests."

The heads of the assistance, research and communications departments have also left the Centre. The Doha Centre for Media Freedom was set up on the initiative of Sheikha Mozah and Reporters Without Borders in December 2007. Ménard, who became director-general on 1 April 2008, was the founder of Reporters Without Borders, which he headed for 23 years until 1 October 2008.

Illegal immigrant jailed for stealing identity

The UK Border Agency has published details of a man, in the UK illegally, who has been jailed this week for two-and-a-half years for stealing another man’s identity and pretending to be him for 12 years.

The report continues:

Sukhjiwan Singh Burham, a 37-year-old Indian national of Erica Close in Slough, was arrested by UK Border Agency officers during a raid on a catering firm in Southall, west London on 2 April 2009.

He claimed to be a British national named Avtar Singh, and a later search of his property by immigration officers uncovered a marriage certificate and driving licence in that name. However, they also found letters and other documentation in his true name.

UK Border Agency checks revealed that the real Avtar Singh is a British citizen living in Canada, who was interviewed by officials at the British High Commission to establish his identity.

Burham later admitted that he had entered the country illegally in 1996, and had paid £3,000 for an illegally obtained United Kingdom passport. He had then used that passport to enable his wife, whom he married in India in 2003, and three children to enter the country.

On 16 June he pleaded guilty to fraud, deception and a series of immigration offences at Reading Crown Court. He was jailed for two-and-a-half years, with an automatic recommendation that he be deported.

Burham’s wife and children are now awaiting removal from the United Kingdom.

Gareth Redmond, area director for the UK Border Agency, said:

‘This conviction shows how seriously the UK Border Agency takes criminals who use false or fake identity documents.

‘We now have teams of specialist police and immigration officers working side by side to investigate exactly this kind of crime. This is another example of their success.

‘We will continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the police and other enforcement partners to identify criminal activity and remove those who have no right to be in this country.’

Burham was one of nine people arrested during a UK Border Agency enforcement operation at KMB Catering in Southall. The firm was warned that they face a fine of up to £90,000 for employing the men without carrying out the correct right-to-work checks.
Ends.

Employers can be fined up to £10,000 per illegal worker under the new ‘Civil Penalty’ system.

Cynthia Barker of Immigration Adviser, Bison UK, said:

”Employers are advised to carry out regular file checks, or use a specialist vetting service provided by a qualified immigration adviser.”

http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/

UAE plans towards sustainable tourism.

The DTCM has announced the official launch of the first-ever initiative to reduce carbon emission (CO2) in the hospitality industry by 20 per cent by the year 2011.

The launch is together with the Dubai Green Tourism Award which will be in line with the World Environment Day.

The initiatives are part of the department’s ambitious Sustainable Tourism agenda for the emirate, a sought-after tourism destination in the world.

The award, to be presented in December 2009, is expected to attract 200 hotels from three, four and five stars and deluxe hotel apartments who are eligible to compete for the annual honours.

This was announced at a Press conference held on Wednesday at the InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City. It was addressed by Mr. Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, DTCM Executive Director Media Relations and Business Development, Ms. Shaikha Al Mutawa, DTCM Director Business Development, and Mr. Majid Saqr Al Marri, DTCM Director of Hotels Classification.

Mr. Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman said: “The programmes are part of the department’s efforts to introduce best practices to improve the service standards and excellence in tourism industry. This is a major initiative designed to encourage and acknowledge the significant efforts of the emirate’s tourism industry towards the Sustainable Tourism.”

The department, recognizing the issues associated with global warming, has undertaken as one of its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) the initiative to reduce by 20 per cent carbon emissions within the hospitality sector by 2011.

He said the initiative focuses on conservation of natural resources and sensible use of energy, water and gas etc. as their excessive use causes degradation in the environment by disturbing the eco balance in the atmosphere.

He said this initiative is in line with vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to turn Dubai into a green and environmentally-responsible community. Environment conservation and protection has been emphasized in the Dubai Strategy Plan 2015.

The main objectives of the initiative are to increase awareness about the global warming and CO2 emissions and energy usage in the tourism industry, encourage environmental practices in the hospitality industry, introduce new initiatives that highlight the importance of CSR programmes and develop awareness and educational culture within hospitality sector about the sustainable tourism.

Mr. Majid Saqr Al Marri, DTCM Director of Hotels Classification, gave a presentation about the Dubai Green Tourism Award website and offered comprehensive information about the Dubai Green Tourism Award 2009 submission process. He said applications of the award can be submitted in person at a special counter being created on 10th Floor of DTCM Head Office and also online through the website being created by the department.

Ms. Shaikha Al Mutawa, DTCM Director Business Development, said submission of applications for the award will be accepted until July 7 followed by awareness workshop on Sunday, 21st June 2009. From July 8 to 22, the evaluation process will be conducted with the awards presentation ceremony to be conducted in December 2009.

She said by embracing sustainability initiatives, Dubai hotels can gain a competitive edge that would undoubtedly have a positive impact on like-minded tour operators.

In Dubai, the average hotel produces 6500 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annual and the size of the carbon footprint produced by all hotels in Dubai, is estimated to be over 500 million kilos a year - equivalent to 60,000 round-trip flights between Dubai and London.

A high-level panel of officials and experts will evaluate and assess the submissions for the award in a two-tier selection process which will be of international standard. A judging panel will also visit the participating hotel establishments. The assessment will cover the participating organisation’s environmental strategy and environmental issues that their initiatives and programmes addresses, history of environmental performance of these initiatives and education and awareness.

The award sponsors are EcoVentures, M.Can, InterContinental Hotel Dubai Festival City, and Philips. The Press conference attended by Shezan Amiji, Director and CO-founder, Eco Ventures, Louis Hakim, Vice President, Royal Philips Electronics CEO Philips Middle East, Shadi Hassan, General Manager MCAN and Steven Greenwood, General Manager Inter-continental Hotel.

DTCM appointed Farnek Averial to conduct and implement the DTCM CO2 Reduction programme.

Kia Motors posts 11.5% increase in May global sales

Kia Motors Corporation announced that its global sales figures for passenger cars (export sales, domestic sales, and sales from overseas plants), recreational vehicles (RVs), and commercial vehicles for May 2009 recorded a total of 141,949 units. This marks a year-on-year increase of 11.5%.

By region, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in China (20,252 units, a 51.3% year-on-year increase), Korea (38,102 units, a 44.0% year-on-year increase) and general markets (23,430 units, a 13.0% year-on-year increase).

Cumulatively through the first five months of 2009, Kia’s global sales increased by 0.5% year-on-year and reached 590,934 units. General markets experienced the largest gain, selling 110,289 units through May and representing a 17.0% increase, while the Korean and Chinese markets showed cumulative year-on-year sales increases of 14.2% (146,518 units) and 13.5% (74,797 units), respectively.

So far in 2009, Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets has been the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Spectra’ or ‘Forte’ in some markets) with 95,883 units sold. The B-segment Rio comes in second with 60,780 units sold, followed closely by the Sportage compact SUV with 58,091 units sold. Sales of the C-segment cee’d and the A-segment Picanto continue to perform well with 50,544 and 35,951 units sold, respectively.

In terms of vehicle category sold overseas, Kia’s recreational vehicles achieved an increase of 24.6% year-on-year, selling 36,187 units in May.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of the International Business Division, Kia Motors Corporation, said “We are five months into the year and have already surpassed the half million global sales mark, and have experienced consistently high and significant year-on-year gains in general markets and China. Considering the global climate, these results are even more impressive and our message to our dealers is to continue their great work.”

The New Straits Times Online: Nigerian leaps seven floors to evade cops

The New Straits Times Online: Nigerian leaps seven floors to evade cops

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QIB Finances Salam Bounian Tower for QR 206 Million

Doha – QIB and Salam Bounian have signed a QR 206 million Musharaka agreement through which the Bank will finance the developer’s Jumana Tower at The Pearl. QIB is a leading financial institution in Qatar, financing some of the country’s largest vital projects and is a dedicated supporter of the country’s economy.

Jumana Tower is a residential project at The Pearl’s Porto Arabia. Facing the marina, the 28-floor tower offers 250 luxury apartments. Jumana Tower construction is proceeding according to schedule and is due to be delivered next year.

QIB CEO, Mr. Salah Jaidah, commented on this agreement, saying, “Qatar’s economic growth has been measured between seven and nine percent in 2009. With continual government support of the local real estate sector and the resulting involvement of primary local financial institutions such as QIB, sector growth will continue to rise and the market will see an increasing number of large finance deals such as QIB’s agreement with Salam Bounian.”

Mr. Ahmad Meshari, QIB General Manager, Domestic Business Group, said, “QIB and Salam Bounian have a strong collaborative history regarding Sharia’-compliant finance agreements. QIB has previously organized sukuk for Salam Bounian for a USD 137.5 million finance for “The Gate” project. This Jumana Tower agreement is an extension of QIB and Salam Bounian’s strong relationship characterized by the strength and stability of its real estate projects.”

Salam Bounian General Manager, Mr. Yasser Hamad, said of the QIB – Salam Bounian partnership, “This agreement is symbolic in that it is the first major Islamic finance agreement to occur since last year’s Q3 crisis. It proves that Salam Bounian is respected in the banking industry and is considered a strong company in the market with a solid foundation and good reputation.”

DOHA: Despite the constraints faced by the organisers, the Akon concert held last Month has turned out to be one of the most successful concerts held in Qatar.

Qatar Vision not only brought an international artiste such as Akon to Doha but also successfully hosted the event without any major or official sponsor. The Akon crew pocketed QR1m for the performance, for which 8,960 tickets were sold.

The InterContinental hotel’s beach was a perfect location for the big event. The hotel provided Akon a full suite with food and beverages and arranged the visas for the artist and the crew.

While the event brought much publicity to Doha for having hosted a magnificent concert, the absence of an official sponsor was sorely felt by the organisers. They could get some sponsorship only at the last minute from Kodak, Pepsi and Sarq.

Sharif Omar Hashisho, Managing Director of Qatar Vision, said: “We did not make any money in Akon but we are happy that all Doha is speaking about it. The profit is not really much if we compare it to the hard work done for the event. At least we had great exposure and managed to prove to people that Qvision is capable of doing an amazing job in bringing to Qatar superstar artists such as Akon.”

On the issue of sponsorship, he said: “Honestly, without good sponsors and government support, its just too much for us as a private company to do all this work ourselves. If sponsors cover 50 percent of your cost you are in a good shape and can bring even better artists.”

“From my side, I am extremely happy that everyone who attended the concert left with a great impression about the good organisation and professional work of the Qvision team. I am also happy because Qatar now is going to be considered a place artists would include in their future tours. I am also happy because we had zero incidents regarding safety or security of our guests. I am also happy because Akon and his musicians left Qatar with a great impression about the culture and hospitality and are ready to come back again and again,” Hashisho added.

DOHA: The Diplomatic Club, Doha’s premier private club providing its members and guests with a luxurious lifestyle, announced yesterday its portfolio expansion for 2009 with several projects currently under way.

These new plans reflects the Diplomatic Club’s longstanding relationship in the hospitality industry and the company’s continued ability to provide unparalleled and outstanding standards of services within this field.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Saad Hilal Al Muhannadi, CEO of Diplomatic Club said: “In order to continuously provide a prestigious lifestyle to its patrons, the Diplomatic Club is undergoing some minor and major facelifts. This year, the club underwent a complete renovation of its main lobby and member’s lounge areas with designs that are both comforting and classic in appearance ensuring grace and elegance.”

Le Grill Restaurant, renowned for the best grilled meats in town, is currently undergoing a transformation in its design features in order to provide its clientele with alternative new look.

Also in the pipeline, and in order to meet the ever increasing number of guests, is the construction of a new multi-storey Al Sayyad restaurant, located adjacent to the existing site. The new restaurant will feature regular seating areas, as well as private majles areas and a terrace overlooking the magnificent views of the west bay lagoon, said Al Muhannadi.

The Diplomatic Club is accelerating its expansion programme with the construction of a luxury hotel in the club’s premises. The Hotel will be located by the beachfront, overlooking the west bay lagoon and will offer 100 rooms and suites, restaurants, roof top bar and retail shops. The design of the building will be inspired by the traditional construction of the club but with an added modern touch in order to comply with current market trends and styles.

Also the Diplomatic Club has ventured into the business of Hotel management services with the creation of DC Hotels.

A formal agreement was signed between the two parties which mean the Diplomatic Club for Hotel Management Services will manage the DC Hotel Brand and will provide hotel owners advisory services and input before and during construction, manage the pre-opening stages of the new property and operate the hotel throughout the contracted period.

The Diplomatic Club for Hotel Management services has recently been awarded the operation of its first 2 hotels in Doha this year, with the opening of DC Hotel at the 44 West Bay Tower and the DC Hotel Musheireb.

DOHA: Qatar Charity recently opened a mosque in Mali in the presence of Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré.

During a meeting with representatives of Qatar Charity, the president commended the efforts of the charity in building mosques and administering development projects in the country over the past several years. A certificate of appreciation was given to

Qatar Charity.

A representative of Qatar Charity said the mosque was built to alleviate the hardship faced by the elderly and the women, as it is the nearest mosque for the

local community.

Qatar Charity also distributed canned meat to widows, the disabled, the elderly and the poor in a number of villages, and also in canteens in several elementary schools. Six schools in four rural communities of the province of Koulikoro and the poor in 18 villages were the beneficiaries.

The distribution was conducted at a ceremony in Bashanvala village. It was attended by a representative of the governor of Koulikoro, an academic director of a university, heads of the beneficiary rural communities and the director of the office of the World Food Programme in Mali.

The World Food Programme official expressed happiness over the initiative taken by Qatar Charity to support the school feeding programme in rural schools. He said this had brought joy to the hearts of children and their parents, as they were exempted from bearing the expenses of the last two school meals.

The initiative is the first of its kind by any charity organisation in Mali and will reduce the burden borne by parents of schoolchildren. It will also encourage students to continue their education and contribute to a high rate of school enrolment in the target villages. The WFP official called for expanding the programme to other schools and continuing it in the coming years.

In recent years, Qatar Charity has implemented a range of health and educational projects in Mali, building five schools, three clinics, two multi-purpose centres and more than 30 mosques.