140,000 traffic violations recorded in August

Around 140,000 traffic violations were recorded in August, an increase of 12.9%, compared to the previous month, according to Qatar Monthly Statistics September edition.

It has been explained in the bulletin, issued monthly by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (MDPS), that 19 deaths were caused in road traffic accidents across the country. There were 43 cases of severe injuries in various road accidents and 536 minor injuries.

Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department recorded the highest number of road accidents (5,452) during August while Al-Shammal Security Department registered the highest number of road fatalities with seven deaths.

However, the overall number of deaths in August in the country dropped by 12.9% compared to the previous month. There were 162 cases of death, with 51 of them Qataris.

The population rose in August by 8.2% compared to July with the total number of residents in Qatar reaching 2.077mn.

The number of newborns in August was also higher than July by 16.8%.

The number was 1,880 with 539 Qataris, 244 of them males.

The bulletin indicates that the number of registered marriage contracts in August rose by 35.9% compared to July with 261 marriage contracts. Similarly, cases of divorce for the same period rose by 24.2% amounting to 77 cases.

On the economic front, the number of commercial registrations rose by 34% compared by July recording 840 registrations.

The Consumer Price Index in August rose by 0.8% compared by July arriving at 118.9 points.

Commerce Ministry conducts surprise inspection campaigns

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has conducted a number of surprise inspection campaigns on the various commercial and services outlets in the country ahead of Eid al-Adha.

At Umm Salal municipality, the female inspectors of MEC issued some 16 various violations for different women’s beauty saloons within a campaign that covered 37 establishments.

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce is also set to conduct similar campaigns on candy shops, barbers, tailors, eateries, and the Central Market to ensure compliance with the regulations for consumer protection.

Over 12,000 sheep imported

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), in co-operation with Widam Food Company, has imported around 12,500 heads of Arab sheep to sell for the locals at subsidised prices ahead of Eid al-Adha.

The live Syrian sheep is to be sold at QR1,350, and the Jordanian sheep at QR1,080. The sale of these sheep will start from tomorrow until the third day of Eid on October 6. Every Qatari adult 20 years old or above has the right to purchase one subsidised sheep at the designated outlets.

Fijian Foreign Minister thanks Qatar

HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Fiji Ratu Inoke Kubuabola on the sidelines of the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

They discussed ways to support and strengthen bilateral relations and exchanged views on a number of topics of common interest.  

Fiji’s Foreign Minister expressed his country’s thanks and gratitude for the efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar which led to the release of 45 Fijian soldiers serving with peacekeeping forces at the request of the government of Fiji.

Qatar voices concern over use of chemical arms in Syria

QNA/The Hague

Qatar has expressed its concern after a report from a fact-finding mission found a systematic use of chemical weapons against villages controlled by Syrian opposition.  

In a statement read out by Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at the 45th meeting of the Executive Council, Khalid bin Fahad al-Khater, the State of Qatar praised the role played by the fact-finding mission on the nature of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, despite the grave conditions they were working under.  

He said that the mission’s report noted that there were helicopters roaming the villages during the attack which signifies the presence of the government’s forces since the Syrian opposition does not have helicopters.  

The ambassador said the latest report shows that the Syrian government is unwilling to give up its chemical weapons, although the international community has provided them with the necessary expertise and time to do so.  

The State of Qatar, in the statement, called on the OPCW to take the necessary steps to stop the use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people in the future.

The statement also called on the organisation to hold the Syrian government accountable for the attack and present the report to the UN General Assembly and Security council, in accordance with paragraph 36 of the 8th Article of the Convention of the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, so that the Syrian people are protected against the use of chemical weapons.

Asst FM reaffirms importance of stability of Yemen

QNA/The Hague

Qatar has reaffirmed the importance of the stability of Yemen for the region and for the Arab Gulf states, stressing the need to preserve the unity of Yemen and its territorial integrity and stability, as well as ridding it of terrorism and upholding the achievements of the national dialogue and the implementation of its outcome as a road map for the transition of Yemen to a democratic state.  

This came in a statement delivered by HE the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Co-operation Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, before Friends of Yemen group’s meeting, on the sidelines of the general debate of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly.  

In the last three years Yemen has made great strides in the political transition and seen positive developments, he said, pointing to the conclusion of the national dialogue and the formation of a committee to draft the new constitution.  

He added that Yemen still faces imminent danger due to several challenges, including the escalation of violence, the deterioration of the economic situation, as well as threats caused by terrorism and threats to peace, security and stability posed by armed groups out of the government control.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani reiterated the need for full implementation of the GCC initiative and its executive mechanism, the importance of the rule of law and the building of national institutions and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the people of Yemen, the need for national dialogue led by Yemenis themselves and a national consensus between the Yemenis, and to counter attempts to undermine stability, national reconciliation and political transition.  

He said that the State of Qatar supports all efforts to establish a national consensus, and noted that it has donated $350mn for compensation fund for the southerners.  

HE the Assistant Foreign Minister emphasised that the Security Council should assume its role under its mandate, adding that Qatar welcomed the Security Council resolution 2140 (2014), which imposes sanctions on those who block this transition process.  

“It is important that the Security Council takes decisive action against spoilers of political process, whoever they are,” he said, calling for the support of the Yemeni government’s efforts in the fight against terrorism.

Qatar backs moves to help Libyan people

The State of Qatar supports any effort that can enhance the legitimate institutions, promote national dialogue and help the Libyan people in rebuilding a modern state based on the principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and maintain security and stability in Libya, said HE the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Co-operation Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.  

Addressing a high level meeting on Libya, the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Co-operation welcomed the statement released following a meeting held on Libyan affairs last Monday, and its call for an end to violence and terrorism and rejection of foreign interference.  

“The State of Qatar, while it shares the international community’s deep concern about these developments and the deteriorating situation in Libya, stresses the importance that all national and international efforts should focus on achieving national unity, maintaining Libya’s sovereignty, stability and security and protecting civilians,” he added.  

In this context, he made a reference to HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s speech before the General Assembly of the United Nations, when he said that the international community must also support Libya to end its current ordeal, respect the will of the Libyan people and meet their legitimate aspirations for security and stability through reconciliation and inclusiveness of all Libyan groups.

He also called on all Libyan political forces to follow the path of national dialogue to hammer out a formula for the regime they want that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people.

HE the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Co-operation said that the Libyan people had made  tremendous sacrifices for the sake of their freedom after decades of oppression, dictatorship and human rights abuses.

The world hoped that Libya will see a new era to establish a promising state based on the rule of law and human rights and move towards development, but unfortunately today’s political and security scene have dashed those hopes. Unfortunately, the situation presages conflict and long-term struggle, he said, pointing to the impact of the humanitarian situation on civilians, causing death and the displacement of tens of thousands of families.

NHRC chief meets Indian ambassador

Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr Ali bin Samikh al-Marri met Indian Ambassador to Qatar Sanjeev Arora yesterday in Doha.  

Talks focussed on aspects of co-operation between the two sides and ways of enhancing them in different areas of human rights.

Chief of Staff holds talks with envoy

HE the Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces Major General Ghanim bin Shaheen al-Ghanim met French Ambassador to Qatar Eric Chevallier in Doha yesterday.

During the meeting they discussed topics of common interest.

Qafco sponsors students for Dubai convention

Qafco sponsored students from different universities in Qatar at the fifth Annual GPCA Fertiliser Convention held in Dubai recently.

The students got first-hand knowledge of the industry from leading figures in the sector.

Some 26 students representing different Qatari universities as well as Qafco trainees were sponsored by the company to attend the convention.

Speaking on the initiative, Qafco CEO and vice-chairman Khalifa al-Sowaidi said: “At Qafco, we believe that sustainable business lies in understanding the potential of future generations and being in sync with the youth of the country. This concept is at the centre of our vision, mission and core business values.”

Sharing the experience, Sara Mahmoud al-Khalosi, a student of marketing at Qatar University (QU), said: “I am grateful to Qafco for providing the opportunity to be a part of this conference.”

Nouf Ahmed Alkhayat, a student of chemical engineering from QU, said: “The fifth annual GPCA fertiliser convention provided me with more than just basic information, it allowed me to gain a wealth of knowledge about various aspects concerning manufacture, consumption and marketing as well as the diverse trade policies for fertilisers in several countries.”

Saad Salem S A al-Hajri from Qafco said, “The GPCA convention helped me gain valuable expertise and I hope it will stand me in good stead as I move forward in my career at Qafco. I also gained valuable insights into conserving energy and reducing production cost.”

Ahmad Abdulla Qassim, a Qafco trainee and student at College of the North Atlantic - Qatar, expressed his satisfaction and said, “I’m looking forward to applying what I learned throughout my trip, as I believe it will increase my performance at my workplace.”

Juan Graniello from Texas A&M University at Qatar said, “I am very grateful for having received this opportunity... it gave me the chance to see, learn, value and appreciate the fertiliser industry.”