HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani have sent cables of condolences to Emperor Akihito of Japan condoling the victims of the earthquake which struck the country, wishing the injured quick recovery.   
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, and HE the Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent cables of condolences to Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.


Qatar sends condolences to Ecuador president
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani  and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani  have sent cables to President of Ecuador Rafael Correa condoling the victims of the earthquake that hit the country and left many people dead and injured, wishing quick recovery for the injured.

Justice Minister to attend GCC meeting in Riyadh
HE the Minister of Justice Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr al-Mohannadi will chair Qatar’s delegation in the extraordinary meeting of GCC justice ministers, set to take place today in Riyadh.  
The meeting will discuss draft resolutions and follow up on the implementation of the ones made during the 27th meeting of GCC justice ministers, which was hosted by Doha.  
The ministers will also discuss the mechanism of establishing an Economic Judicial Authority, in the context of the vision of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, Custodian of the Two Holly Mosques.

Souq Waqif celebrations conclude today
The Souq Waqif special events celebrations that opened two weeks ago will conclude here today. The organisers conducted a variety of recreational events, music, games and contests during the fortnight-long celebrations. Games for children included swings, airplane, crazy fire, crazy frog, dragon and family train. The event organisers handed over 10,000 gifts to children comprising a bag with interesting games that had the logo of the festival. The Souq Waqif Art Centre organised a number of art events which brought together 30 Qatari and resident artists who showcased their paintings, carvings and ceramic works of scenery from Qatar’s local environment.

Al Markhiya Gallery to host art exhibition

Al Markhiya Gallery is organising tomorrow an art exhibition that brings together the works of Qatari artists Masoud al-Bloushi, Mubarak al-Malik and Lulwa at Katara Art Centre.  
The participating artists will showcase a large collection of artworks that address the ideas of identity, homeland, women, traditions and modern arts. Each artist will exhibit seven works of  various contemporary art schools. The gallery said that organising such exhibitions aims at highlighting the aesthetics of arts and creativity by Qatari artists.

QC to hold workshop
Qatar Chamber is conducting today a workshop on the development of business efficiency and human rights. The exercise is in co-operation with the International Organisation of Employers and the Global Business Initiative on Human Rights. QNB is a main sponsor.
Several company representatives, those concerned with human rights, business and corporate social responsibility are set to take part. The workshop is aimed at spreading the culture of respecting human rights at workplaces, besides promoting proper health and safety practices.

15-year jail term for possessing illegal drug
A Doha Criminal Court has sentenced a man to 15 years in jail and a fine of QR400,000 for illicit drug possession for trade and personal consumption.
Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported yesterday that the Drug Prevention Department of the Ministry of Interior had received information from a secret source that the defendant was trading in hashish in collaboration with others.
Accordingly, legal procedures were taken to search his house and vehicles.
Police dogs were able to spot a total of 24kg of hashish hidden in various parts of the defendant’s house. A blood test of the defendant proved he was a drug abuser. He also admitted to possessing the illicit drug.

Doha to host UN forum
QNA/Doha

Doha will host the First UN Asia Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights on 19-20 April.
During the Forum, companies, governments, NGOs, workers and community representatives will discuss key business and human rights issues in Asia.
The Asia Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights is being convened by the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights with the support of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.  
Director of Human Rights Department at the Foreign Ministry, HE Sheikh Khalid bin Jassim al-Thani said in a press statement yesterday that the UN Asia Regional Forum is an opportunity to accelerate and expand the awareness and implement the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Asia.
Over two days, participants will discuss the outstanding issues and prioritise the required action at the local level by states and businesses in order to protect human rights in the business sector, he said.
Various workshops on a sub-regional level will be held to focus on specific rights.

MEC service for hearing impaired
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has launched the sign language translation service of the consumer protection law for the services of the people with hearing disability.
MEC has put the law in sign language on a CD that has been distributed to the public and the entities concerned. In addition, it was published on the various social media channels of MEC to reach out to the maximum number in the targeted category. The video is available on MEC YouTube at MEC_Qatar.


Chevrolet Aveo models recalled
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Jaidah Automotive, has announced the recall of Chevrolet Aveo 2015 models to check the parking brake bracket underbody.
The MEC said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicles’ defects and repair them.
The MEC will co-ordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out.
The MEC has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels: Hotline: 16001, e-mail: info@mec.gov.qa, Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, Instagram: MEC_Qatar, MEC mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar