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Tuesday 12 February 2013 2 Rabial II 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5608 Price: QR2

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Business | 17 Sport | 27

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Pope announces QR250,000 up resignation VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI announced yes- terday that he will resign this month because of his advancing for grabs in age in a fast-changing world, becoming the first pontiff in 700 years to step down of his own free will. The 85-year-old said he will step down on February competitions 28 after just eight years in office, making his one of the shortest pontificates in modern history Qatar celebrates Sport Day today and stunning the world’s 1.1 bil- lion Catholics. Full report on page 10 BY FAZEENA SALEEM special area for sports activities, an information centre, eateries Muscat airport scare DOHA: A website dedicated and a booth to sell sport equip- to Qatar’s National Sport Day, ment have been set up for the MUSCAT: A Pakistan Inter- www.sportday.qa, has announced convenience of the public. national Airlines aircraft arriving competitions to be held today The QOC has also asked all from Islamabad with 70 people on in which winners will get cash sports clubs to allow the public board crash-landed on the runway prizes totalling QR250,000. to use their facilities from 9am of Muscat International Airport A special ‘Be Slim’ competition to 10pm today. Together with the yesterday, forcing the cancellation will select the slimmest person, QOC, government agencies and of all flights. Ali Al Zuwaidi, flight who will be awarded a prize of private firms are holding many The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani addressing the opening safety director at the airport, said QR100,000. The runner-up will events at the Corniche, Aspire of the First International Conference of the Council of Arab and International Relations in Kuwait City, yesterday. the pilot had reported no injuries receive QR30,000 and the third Zone, Katara and other places. among passengers or crew. “A PIA spot winner will get QR20,000. The Supreme Council of Health, aircraft crashed on the runway The fourth prize will be QR15,000 together with the ministries of PM for UN Council, League revamp after its landing gear collapsed. while QR5,000 will be given to Justice, Energy and Industry, and We had to close the airport indefi- each of the next 20 winners. Interior will hold many activities DOHA: The Prime Minister and as well so as to enable it to Arabs and distorting their image,” nitely until the investigation has The competition aims to create for the first time at Al Reffa Street. Foreign Minister H E Sheikh achieve its objectives and protect he added. been completed,” he added. awareness about a healthy life- These include cycling, group walk, Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Arab interests abroad and help About reforms in the Arab REUTERS style and the dangers of obesity. table tennis, basketball, baby foot, Thani yesterday called for an strengthen Arabs’ relations with world, the PM said the internal sit- People can access the website for traditional game kerm, chess and overhaul of the United Nations the rest of the world. uation of each Arab country should Today’s edition of information related to National physical exercise. and its Security Council, as also The Arab League must set be reformed, and it is not necessary The Peninsula includes Sport Day. Water sports, including sailing, of the Arab League, saying it up “joint mechanisms” with that a revolution or uprising erupts a 24-page special Though the day has been rowing and canoe-kayak competi- was time these key organisations the European Union (EU), the in a certain country so that reform declared a public holiday, govern- tions will be held at the Corniche. A were reformed to keep pace with African Union and the South could be achieved. supplement on ment and private sector insti- walkathon will be held from Orry the changing times and social East Asian and South American However, a studied and gradual tutions have lined up a slew of roundabout to Sheraton roundabout. and political realities. blocks, suggested the PM, Qatar reform which keeps pace with the activities for their employees. Katara too will host a number “The United Nations was News Agency reported yesterday. aspirations of the people may be The main event, organised of events, including an awareness formed in 1945 when the reality of The Arab League should set up more effective and more beneficial by Qatar Olympic Committee event by the Hamad Medical the world was different,” he said, Arab cultural centres in the US than hasty reforms imposed by (QOC), will begin at 8am at Doha Corporation. From 8am to 4pm, justifying the need for reform in and European capitals as a first pressures and enthusiasm. The Corniche near the General Post activities like walkathons and the world body and its Security step as many people, particularly reform should not only focus on Office. Thousands of balloons will water sports will be held. Free Council. He was speaking at the in the US and Europe, are una- politics but also on economy. be released into the air to mark motorbike rides will be organised First International Conference of ware of “our refined ancient cul- The education system in the the opening of the event. by Qatar Motorbike Federation Council for Arab and International ture and our distinguished role in Arab world needs a complete This year, QOC has organised from 1pm to 4pm. Relations in Kuwait yesterday. many historical eras and hence overhaul, the Premier said. activities for five days to coincide THE PENINSULA The PM underlined the need they are more vulnerable to neg- THE PENINSULA with the National Sport Day. A See also pages 4 & 28 for reform in the Arab League ative campaigns demeaning the Continued on page 2 TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Cancer expert Darroudi joins CNA-Q faculty Qatar medical community to benefit

DOHA: Renowned cancer researcher Professor Firouz Darroudi (pictured) has joined College of the North Atlantic- Qatar (CNA-Q) to continue his ground-breaking research. Professor Darroudi had been working with the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) in Holland for the last 32 years, where he was a senior researcher in the Department of Toxicogenetics. He holds an MD and a PhD from LUMC. He is a senior consult- ant to Unesco, World Health Organisation, International Atomic Energy Agency, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health bring to Qatar and share with the (US) on Biological Dosimetry, country’s medical, academic and Chemical Mutagens and scientific communities. Occupational Exposure. Workshops will focus on He has published almost 200 state-of-the-art DNA molecu- articles in peer-reviewed inter- lar biology and cytogenetic national scientific journals. assays: Human Risk Assessment Throughout his academic and Population Monitoring, career, Dr Darroudi has worked Genetic Counselling, Radiation in the fields of cytogenetics, Emergency Preparedness and chemical and environmental Response, Radiation Mutagenesis mutagenesis, radiation genetics, and Protection and Cytogenetic food safety, human nutrition and Short Term Assays in Genetic Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani addressing the First International Conference of the Arab and cancer prevention and detection, Toxicology. International Relations Council in Kuwait yesterday. and investigated the role of DNA Professor Darroudi has estab- repair proteins in guarding chro- lished 22 experimental and mosomal stability. research laboratories around the Most recently his work has world in countries such as Russia, Free word is the basis for dialogue: PM focused on detecting causes Ukraine, Belarus, Sri Lanka, of cancer and biomarkers for Vietnam and Lithuania. Continued from page 1 the more respect from the world Africa should not be a reason to There are no guarantees that cancer and improving cancer He said that coming to Qatar A necessary step to reform in towards our causes, and the more abandon investment on the con- the major industrialised countries therapy regimens, ultimately was an easy decision for a number the Arab world lies in the reform we humbly listen to the other, the tinent, he said adding that there will continue to import oil and gas to improve human health. As of reasons. “First, the country’s of the Arab League in order that more we would be listened to. are relatively stable countries in from the Middle East for decades Professor Darroudi noted: “My research ambitions are truly it achieves its objectives within He highlighted the free word East and West Africa, in addition to come, he added. question is both simple and enormous. Second, research in the Arab world and to protect as the basis for dialogue among to the Republic of South Africa, “We have to be ready for any extraordinarily complex, what Qatar and the region is still in a Arab interests abroad as well as people. The PM also called for which enjoys political stability and developments or changes in the effect is our environment hav- relatively early stage of develop- to develop and strengthen Arab the establishment of a pan-Arab economic openness. global energy market”, the PM ing on human health and how ment, so it is an exciting time to relations with the world and news agency broadcasting in The PM said economy is a cautioned. can we improve both?” be here and build a programme with continental associations and the world’s major languages, to key factor in international rela- In order for the Arab world to Dr Darroudi will also be con- from the ground up. And third, gatherings. be operated by the Arab League tions, therefore, it is important develop and activate its interna- ducting a series of workshops at my colleagues and students at The media have become an away from official intervention. for Arab countries, in order to tional relations, like other regions, CNA-Q over the coming months CNA-Q are incredibly support- industry, art, and science where “Thus, we can guarantee objective maintain relations with the oil wide reforms are needed in the to develop local knowledge and ive and enthusiastic. I am espe- ideas and interpretations inter- and credible reach while miti- and gas importing countries, to United Nations and the UN expertise in radiation genetics cially excited to begin work at act, based on understanding and gating the effects of Arab news increase their foreign investments Security Council, because the and environmental mutagenesis our new Radiation Genetics and comprehension rather than exclu- broadcast by some international and to build long-term strategic reality of the world is different research. He has developed a Environmental Mutagenesis Lab sion and condemnation, the PM agencies which are subject to dis- relations with these countries and from 1945 when the UN was set number of scientific assays over at the college.” said, adding that the less supervi- tortions, he said. not to limit relations to the eco- up, said the PM. the last 30 years, which he will THE PENINSULA sion and monitoring over media, The unrest in some parts of nomic aspects. THE PENINSULA

Qatar Foundation ties up with Qtel launches Mendens joins Clifford promotion for SickKids for paediatric care Hala customers Chance Doha office DOHA: Qatar Foundation paediatrics. She was accompanied Qatar Foundation,” explained Dr DOHA: Qtel is offering its Hala DOHA: Clifford the firm’s strong rela- for Education, Science and by a delegation, including Robert Saoud. customers great value interna- Chance, a leading law tionships with clients Community Development (QF) Harding, Chair, Board of Trustees “SickKids has been selected as tional calling rates that enable firm, announced that in Asia Pacific who are is contributing to the advance- at SickKids. a strategic clinical research part- people to keep in touch with Corporate Partner, active in Qatar and the ment of paediatric care to SickKids is a healthcare, nership with Qatar Foundation’s friends and family around the Jason Mendens (pic- Mena region. improve the lives of families teaching and research centre flagship project, Sidra Medical world. tured), joined its “We have been active in Qatar. Mary Jo Haddad, dedicated to advancing paediat- and Research Centre, and its Customers who subscribe to Doha office yesterday. in the Qatari market President and Chief Executive ric care globally. valuable contribution is greatly the Hala Monthly Pack 19 will Mendens is a special- for 25 years and this Officer of The Hospital for As part of commitment, the appreciated.” receive 35 minutes for calling ist corporate adviser new phase builds on our Sick Children (SickKids) from institution’s leadership signed Considered one of the most elite 17 of the most frequently-called to public, private and success and enables us Canada, yesterday visited QF to an agreement in June of last year centres in the field of medicine countries around the world, valid government organisations and to serve our clients more effi- further discussion on paediatric to provide advice and support to and children’s health, SickKids for 30 days for QR19. has expertise in the energy and ciently on their corporate, M&A care. SMRC’s clinical and research has been recognised as the top The international minutes resources sector. and similar projects” said Head She met Dr Fathy Saoud, programmes. paediatric hospital in Canada. can be used to call Bangladesh, In an expansionary move to of Corporate for the Middle East, President of Qatar Foundation “This is an excellent opportu- In addition to its collaboration Bahrain, Egypt, India, Indonesia, support growing client demand Guy Norman. “Jason’s appoint- and Vice Chairperson of the Board nity to welcome the leadership with SMRC, it offers strategic Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, for on-the-ground corporate ment demonstrates our ambition of Governors of Sidra Medical and advice of SickKids. The hos- assistance to Hamad Medical Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, transactional advice, Mendens to deepen relationships for the and Research Centre (SMRC) pital is a highly recognised aca- Corporation to further Qatar’s Syria, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, has joined the Doha office of long-term with Qatari enterprises and Chairman of the Executive demic and medical centre that research into transforming the UK and the US. Clifford Chance. He was previ- and our global clients with inter- Committee to discuss issues of can not only advance paediatrics healthcare for children. Customers can subscribe to the ously based in Clifford Chance’s ests in Qatar” common interest in the field of but also biomedical research at THE PENINSULA service by sending “INT” to the Sydney office, a press statement Clifford Chance maintains an shortcode 121. said. impressive M&A track record in Qtel has chosen these coun- Managing Partner, Richard Qatar, having recently advised tries as per customers’ needs and Parris, at Doha Office, said: “We QNB on the acquisition of Societe preferences. are excited to announce the Generale’s stake in National It is able to offer this promotion expansion of our presence here Societe Generale Bank Egypt, due to its international network which will enable us to further the largest cross-border financial of partnerships, a press release support Qatari government, cor- services M&A deal in the Mena said yesterday. porate and financial institution region in 2012. Customers calling India can clients as well as foreign com- It also advised Mannai also take advantage of the Hala panies operating in Qatar. Being Corporation on its acquisi- India Pack, with the lowest-ever able to offer clients the very best tion of Damas International India rates at dhs19 per minute support is critical to our commit- for which Clifford Chance was for calls. The pack is valid for ment to Qatar.” awarded M&A Deal of the Year seven days, for only QR1 per Mendens is an experienced by IFLR Middle East Awards. week. corporate lawyer who advises Clifford Chance won Legal Customers can subscribe to the on public and private mergers Adviser of the Year — Mena at Hala India Pack by sending the and acquisitions, joint ventures, the Mergermarket M&A Awards shortcode “IND” to 121. The sub- strategic investments, capital 2012. scription will automatically renew raising and structured finance It was also named IFLR Middle every seven days so customers can transactions. He has expertise East International Law Firm of continue to call at the low rate. in the energy and resources sec- the Year 2012, winning for the Customers can unsubscribe at any tor and has served as a State fifth time in six years. In the same time by sending “STOP IND” to Branch Member of AMPLA, the year it won International Law the shortcode 121. Australian Resources and Energy Firm of the year at Asian Legal Both offers end on May 6. Law Association. Business Middle East Awards. SickKids officials with their Qatar Foundation counterparts during the visit. THE PENINSULA His move will also build on THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Emir, Heir Apparent Jewellery expo and Premier greet Iran president DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh to showcase Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani sent a cable of greetings to the President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Islamic unique diamond Revolution in Iran. The Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Prime Minister and Foreign PM to open exhibition on February 25 Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani BY FAZEENA SALEEM regional exhibitors. also sent greetings to President Christie’s and Matis are aim- Ahmadinejad. DOHA: One of the world’s big- ing to establish a foothold in the gest diamonds will be unveiled jewellery industry in Qatar. Labour Ministry at the 10th Doha Jewellery and The biggest exhibition exclu- Watches Exhibition, as interna- sively for watches and jewellery takes erring tional exhibitors would join the organised by the Qatar Tourism annual event for the first time, Authority (QTA), is scheduled companies to task officials said yesterday. to be inaugurated by the Prime The diamond will be one among Minister and Foreign Minister H DOHA: The Ministry of Labour the finest collections of Mouawad E Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor last month suspended transac- family which owns the Mouawad, Al Thani. tions of eight private companies company that designs, manufac- The event will host 26 exhibi- for violating rules related to turers and sells exclusive boutique tors with more than 500 jewel- Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) Engineer Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi (centre), announcing the work site safety and hygiene. jewellery. lery and watch brands between 10th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition at a press conference at the Doha International Exhibition Centre The Inspection Department at The firm is headquartered in February 25 and March 3 at the yesterday. With him are Yousef Darwish (left), General Manager, Group Corporate Communications, Qatar National the ministry conducted 320 raids Geneva, Switzerland. Doha International Exhibition Bank, and Ammar Al Saadi, Acting Head of Exhibitions Organising Committee, QTA. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) to check whether they complied Christie’s, one of the world’s Centre. with regulations related to work- most famous brands, too, will be “High-profile exhibitors contin- extended the exhibition to seven receive 15 percent more visi- for fruitful and highly produc- ers’ health and safety. exhibiting their expensive col- ued to attract interested and enthu- days this year. tors, including those from neigh- tive business for all of its visitors The ministry issued warnings lections for the first time at the siastic customers from around the “The 10th edition of the exhi- bouring countries such as Saudi and exhibitors, so they can make to 231 erring companies to rectify Doha exhibition. region and the world, which has bition will have special features Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman the most of this brilliant exposi- the errors within a given time, They will be participating only helped made the show one of the as one of the biggest diamonds and the UAE this year. tion of some of the world’s finest according to a report posted on as exhibitors and their collections most successful in the Gulf and the will be unveiled and interna- “Over the past decade the precious stones and timepieces,” its website. will not be available for sale. industry,” Issa bin Mohammed Al tional exhibitors like Christie’s,” exhibition has proved to be a said Al Mohannadi. At least 95 companies were re- Also Matis, well-known for Mohannadi, Chairman of QTA, told he added. record-beating event and this Qatar National Bank will be the inspected and action was taken their unique variety of jewellery, a press conference yesterday. The exhibition under the theme year is no exception. sponsor of the exhibition. against two for failure to correct will join the regular local and “Because of this we have ‘Pure Luxury’ is expecting to “It provides the ideal platform THE PENINSULA the mistakes within the deadline. The department’s inspectors visited work sites and headquar- ters of 795 companies and 27 were found violating some provi- sions of the Labour Law. The department received 12 Trauma second major cause of deaths, says expert complaints from workers and took immediate action. DOHA: Trauma is the second Dr Hassan Al Thani, Head that will be verified as a Level 1 professionals and working to level, not only locally but also major cause of deaths in the of HMC’s Trauma Service and Trauma Centre by the American raise awareness about trauma in internationally,” he added. Indonesian Speaker region, coming ahead of cardio- Chairman of the Scientific College of Surgeons Committee on general, as well as issues of road The workshop, symposium and vascular diseases. Committee, and Dr Abdulwahab Trauma,” said Dr Hassan. safety,” he added. conference will feature about 250 meets Qatar envoy As part of efforts to raise aware- Al Musleh, Chairman of the “Trauma is a leading cause of He said that HMC had already delegates and 35 speakers from the ness on this issue, the Hamad Organising Committee, said mortality in the region for people established ATLS courses in Mena region, North America and JAKARTA: Speaker of Medical Corporation (HMC) that the conference will pave the below the age of 40, coming ahead Qatar — one of the first countries Europe, including international the Indonesian House of is organising the first Qatar way for establishing the Qatar of cardiovascular causes. in the Middle East to do so, fol- experts known for their published Representatives Marzuki Alie met Surgical Society Symposium Chapter of ATLS for the Mena “Under the National Health lowing Saudi Arabia – but these papers. The programme offers a yesterday Qatar’s Ambassador and the third Annual Advanced region. Strategy, prevention is a primary courses were considered part of multidisciplinary approach to top- to Indonesia Mohammad bin Trauma Life Support (ATLS) “This would be a significant and goal along with the development the Saudi Chapter. ics, including trauma, transplant, Khater Al Khater. They reviewed for the Middle East and North important event as we are work- of our trauma system. “Establishing our own chapter colorectal and general surgery and bilateral ties in the political and Africa (Mena) Conference from ing towards establishing an inte- “To achieve these goals we are will allow the work of the HMC research. investment fields. February 25 to 27. grated trauma system in Qatar pursuing education of healthcare staff to be recognised on a higher THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA/QNA

Developing Arabic apps easier on BB10: Official

DOHA: The new BlackBerry10 massive,” said Abukhait. their smartphones. assets,” said Abukhait. “What (BB10) platform will make The platform provides multiple MBC Group is working on we’re telling developers is that it easier for programmers to development languages, including Shahih.net, the biggest video por- regardless of your expertise or develop mobile phone applica- C++, QT, HTML, Adobe, Java and tal for BB10. your capabilities, BB10 platform tions in Arabic, says a senior Android, the official said. Other organisations such as is the only platform that provides BlackBerry official. “Qatar is where we have had Grand Cinema, the UAE Roads tools for multiple languages,” he The region is facing a dearth the most success stories in the and Traffic Authority and Abu said. of reliable mobile phone appli- region. Many brands are devel- Dhabi Police are also streamlin- “Last week we announced the cations in Arabic, but the latest oping applications with us here,” ing their applications on the new launch of Z10, and Q10 will be BlackBerry platform is set to give he added. platform. available in the market by the a boost to developers. Qatar Airways (QA) and Al Abukhait said that Dubai second quarter of this year,” said “Our new tools make it Jazeera showcased their new Electricity and Water Authority Ahmad Olaywan, the Country much easier to develop appli- applications on BB10 during an already has a live application on Director, Qatar, BlackBerry. cations in native languages,” exclusive BlackBerry event at the new platform, while leading In 2012, BlackBerry had a said Lewa Abukhait, Senior Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Arabic newspapers and magazines 119 percent growth rate in the Alliances Manager, Middle East, on Sunday. such as Sharq Al Awsat, Sayidaty Middle East, and the latest plat- BlackBerry. QA is also the first Middle and Al Iqtisadi are also working form is one of the most ambitious BlackBerry Z10 is the first East airline to have an applica- on applications. launches by the Ontario-based mobile phone that was launched tion ready for BB10. “The platform is new so the company. with 75,000 applications. Additionally, the Al Jazeera developers will need time to learn The Z10 is now available in all “Since we started what we application, in its BETA version, its tweaks and tricks, but we will retail outlets in Qatar at a price call BB10 Jam Worldwide, the gives readers access to news and not stop until our platform is flaw- of QR2,599. A Qatar Airways official presenting the airline’s BB10 applications. response was not less than services in Arabic and English on less and we have all development THE PENINSULA

Spring Festival at Souq Waqif

Stilt walkers (left) and a circus team presenting their skills during the Spring Festival at the Souq Waqif. The festival continues until February 21. (ABDUL BASIT) TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Help build a healthy nation, urges Minister Second National Sport Day today

DOHA: Qatar celebrates the HMC will hold a Family Fun second National Sport Day and Sport Day from 8am to 4pm today at a grand scale to attract at Katara, near Gate 21, as part the local community and sport- of the campaign aimed to improve ing individuals. health and safety. Main events for the day will Meanwhile, at events at the begin at 8am at different locations Corniche, Aspire Zone and Al such as the Chorniche, Aspire Refaa Road, HMC will deploy Zone, Katara, sports clubs and more than 40 nurses to check parks. blood pressure and take weight The day is being celebrated to measurements, Body Mass Index stress the importance of sport as measurements and other health a significant factor in creating a tests for participants. healthy community physically and At the Corniche, HMC mentally. will partner with the Qatar “The Sport Day will help build Development Bank to offer blood a healthy community. The aim pressure and basic health check- of the day is to promote sports ups as well as distribute infor- as part of every one’s daily life: mation about healthy and active Sports shouldn’t be a one-day lifestyles. event, but practised everyday,” said H E Abdulla bin Khalid Al QP, ExxonMobil The Qatalum team gears up for National Sport Day celebrations. Qahtani, Minister of Health, in a and Nakilat statement issued by the Supreme include tennis, basketball, intensity of the exercises. Personal as to boost morale and relations airline was proud to once again Council of Health yesterday. Qatar Petroleum (QP), snooker, billiards, table ten- trainer Becky Cooper will lead among staff, reflecting Qatar’s lend its full support to the govern- “The country has provided peo- ExxonMobil Qatar and Qatar nis, football, beach volleyball, fitness veterans on an hour-long efforts to organise and host the ment’s drive to promote a lifestyle ple with all necessary facilities to Gas Transport Company Ltd ‘babyfoot’ or foosball, golf, and a jog. Those wanting to partici- most important global sporting of health and well-being among encourage to change the lifestyle (Nakilat) will jointly hold a wide walking marathon for men and pate in a less demanding inten- event that is the 2022 World Cup Qataris and expatriates and their of the community to improve range of activities to mark the women. sity can join Mary Bryan, SFS-Q finals.” families. their health,” he added. National Sport Day. Health & Wellness Officer, for “Last year’s National Sport Day All ministries, government Activities will be attended by Georgetown SFS-Q an invigorating power walk. And Qatar Airways was celebrated with vigour and departments and private insti- H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Georgetown’s Edmund A Walsh Jill McSorley, SFS-Q Auxiliary Qatar Airways Group will was a huge hit among our employ- tutions have lined up a series of Al Sada, Minister of Energy School of Foreign Service in Qatar Services Manager, will provide celebrate the day with a fun- ees and families. More than 500 public events and have encour- and Industry and Chairman and (SFS-Q) will mark the day with newbies with exercises with the filled programme of sporting people participated, enjoying a aged their employees to engage Managing Director of QP, Bart an early hour devoted to the well- option of an excellent beginner’s activities for employees and great day out with colleagues and enthusiastically in sport activities. Cahir, President and General known cardio exercises: Walking approach to fitness with an easy their families. loved ones,” he said. Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, and running. At a meeting at stroll. Organisers have paid spe- Following last year’s incred- HMC and Muhammad Ghannam, Museum of Islamic Art at 8am, cial care to ensure that every- ibly successful Sport Day, Qatar Ministry of Business Hamad Medical Corporation Managing Director of Nakilat. students, faculty and staff will one, including those with special Airways has planned a wide and Trade (HMC) staff will be participating Employees of the companies don Sport Day T-shirts to be dis- needs, such as wheelchair acces- range of activities at Al Jazeera in a variety of high-profile events and their families will participate tributed on site and will begin an sibility, are welcome at the event. Academy in Doha, featuring The Ministry of Business and across Doha to mark the Sport in fun-filled activities at QP’s Al hour-long walk or run along the competitions in football, tennis, Trade will hold a series of events Day which will include a major Ghazal Club and the RAA Boat & bustling corniche waterfront. Qatalum volleyball, cricket and basket- at its premises today. event at Katara Cultural Village Beach Club. The participants will have the Qatalum will join the day’s cel- ball. Teams comprising employ- A shooting competition will as part of its Kulluna campaign. Planned sport competitions option of joining three levels of ebration as part of QP celebra- ees from different departments be held for the second consecu- tions in Mesaieed. across the company will showcase tive year in collaboration with Qatalum management has their talents, battling with each Qatar Federation for Equestrian. organised technical and admin- other during the action-packed Competitions will be in the cat- istrative employees and all its day. egories of double trap, dirt, air divisions for their participation Other activities include play pistol and air rifle. in this big event. stations for children, face paint- In cooperation with Al Gharafa Khalid Laram, Deputy ing and henna art, an amus- Sports Club, the ministry will CEO,Qatalum, said: “The par- ing clown performance for kids, participate in a football tourna- ticipation in such an event is a zumba dance classes, a tug-of-war ment with 40 players in different national obligation that develops competition and races for chil- teams. There will be a competi- citizens’ awareness of the impor- dren and mums. tion to design Sport Day logo tance of practising sport to for- Qatar Airways Chief Executive separately for boys and girls. tify the mind and the body as well Officer Akbar Al Baker said the THE PENINSULA

SFS-Q students and faculty ready for the cardio exercise.

Qatargas sponsors Qatar Total Open

DOHA: Qatargas has Administration, Qatargas, said: been supporting QTF events for announced its sponsorship of “Promoting and supporting local many years and we are thankful the Qatar Total Open 2013, sport activities is one of the major to its management for this fruit- organised by the Qatar Tennis elements of Qatargas’ corporate ful cooperation. Federation (QTF). The tourna- social responsibility programme. “Our partnership with ment which started yesterday “We are glad to be part of such Qatargas and other corporate will run until Sunday at the a prestigious championship. entities will contribute to pro- Khalifa International Tennis “Qatargas has partnered with moting tennis in Qatar and Complex. QTF during many major events turning the country into a major The sponsorship is part of over the past years and we are sports destination.” the Qatargas’ corporate social very proud to have been associ- First held in 2001, the Qatar responsibility programme that ated with the QTF in raising Ladies Open was the first profes- provides support for various popularity of the game in the sional women’s tennis tournament sport and cultural activities in country.” in the Middle East and today it is the country. Commenting on the spon- a WTA Premier 5 event, bringing On the company’s sup- sorship, Nasser Ghanim Al with it the greatest names in the port to the event, Ghanim Al Khelaifi, President, Qatar Tennis sport. Kuwari, Chief Operating Officer, Federation, said: “Qatargas has THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

GCC draft law on HMC to offer MoI observes Arab Police Day beaches, pools to DOHA: Under the auspices prevent deaths of the Minister of State for Interior Affairs H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa DOHA: The GCC states have machines for Al Thani and in the presence of jointly prepared a draft law the Director General of Public which, once enforced, would Security Staff Major General focus on safety measures on sea Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi, beaches and swimming pools the Ministry of Interior cele- in the region so people don’t brated the Arab Police Day yes- drown. home dialysis terday at Doha Sheraton. The The draft was yesterday dis- ceremony commemorated the cussed by the economic and finan- first meeting of Arab police and cial committee of the Advisory security chiefs at Al Ain in the Council, Qatar News Agency Project to be launched next year UAE in 1972. reported. Directors of various depart- The council held its weekly DOHA: Some 20 to 30 kid- The project will help reduce ments of the MoI, long-time session under Speaker H E ney patients undergoing dial- crowding at various dialysis cen- personnel from the police force, Mohammed bin Mubarak Al ysis at the Hamad Medical tres in the country. police reserve force members, top Khulaifi. Corporation (HMC) are likely “Every four year, we are forced scorers in examinations at police Secretary-General Fahd bin to get portable devices to do the to add a new dialysis centre due colleges and institutions, citizens Mubarak Al Khayareen read out dialysis on their own at home or the increase in the number of and expatriates were honoured the agenda. workplace, an expert at HMC chronic kidney patients in the for cooperation. The council again reviewed the has said. country,” he said. Staff Major General Saad issue of unification of holidays of The home dialysis project is The Fahad Bin Jassim dialysis bin Jassim said: “Today, I am schools and Qatar University. planned to be implemented next centre in Doha has 18 machines — delighted to congratulate you on It also discussed a request for a year in collaboration with a lead- one for every six patients. the occasion of Arab Police Day general discussion on traffic con- ing British hospital, Dr Hassan This is on par with interna- and I pray Almighty Allah to bless gestions on the roads in the city Al Malki, Senior Nephrology tional standards, he added. our country with constant secu- of Doha, and decided to forward Consultant and head of the There are two types of home rity and peace, stability and devel- it to a joint committee composed One of the officers being honoured at the ceremony. Kidney Unit at Hamad General dialysis treatments: haemodialysis opment under the wise leadership of the Public Services and Utilities Hospital told the media. and peritoneal dialysis. of HH the Emir and HH the Heir and Domestic and Foreign Affairs He was speaking on the side- People performing home dialy- Apparent.” efforts in the service of the coun- with concerned agencies main- committees to study it and submit lines of the First Nephrology sis don’t have to visit the dialysis He emphasised the keenness try and more comprehensive taining security. a report. Conference. centre every other day; instead of the ministry on exerting more security services in coordination THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA The event concluded at W they generally go twice a month Hotel Doha on Saturday. for lab work and to talk with their “We are working on a project healthcare professionals. to provide portable dialysis Home haemodialysis (HHD) machines to kidney patients,” Al has several choices: traditional, Sharq quoted Al Malki as saying. short daily and nocturnal. “Of the nearly 500 patients For home haemodialysis, the SEC launches first phase of e-bag project currently undergoing dialysis patient will have a hemodialysis at HMC, 20 to 30 would ben- machine in their home along with DOHA: The Supreme Education accustomed to e-learning. Girls, Ruqaya Preparatory School owner of Abu Baker School, said efit from the project once it is the supplies necessary to perform Council (SEC) has launched the Consultations as regards pro- for Girls, Al Wakra Preparatory that the computer would only be implemented.” dialysis. first phase of its e-bag project cedures and introduction of the School for Girls, Tariq Ibn Ziyad an aid to textbooks, not a substi- Dialysis at home pro- People on HHD usually have a that will be implemented in 10 scheme at the start of the second Secondary School for boys and tute for them. vides more flexibility because care partner to help them with Independent schools. semester of the current year were Al Risala Secondary School for According to him, the project patients can perform it at their their treatment. The project aims to provide held with the launch managers and Girls. will help lighten the schoolbag convenience. Peritoneal dialysis patients also all students and teachers of coordinators of 10 Independent A recent meeting of school rep- burden. For people who work or go to need to have room in their homes Independent schools with a com- schools in preparation for imple- resentatives chaired by Amal Al Maryam Noman Emadi, school, have children to care for for their supplies, and for a cycler puter along with educational mentation of the project. Kuwari, Director of Information Principal of Ruqaya School for or live active lifestyles, home dial- if they are performing automated aids and applications that con- The schools included in the Technology Department at SEC Girls, said that her school was ysis may be a better option. peritoneal dialysis. form to the national curriculum first phase are: Al Manar Model discussed all technical aspects and one of the first institutions to Al Malki said the machine will Usually the cycler is placed standards. School for Boys, Atika Primary the software to be used by stu- have introduced e-learning. cost around QR150,000 but HMC bedside so patients can dialyse The project is an extension of School for Girls, Ibn Khaldun dents in their devices and parents’ She added that the school has will give it for free. while they sleep. the e-learning project that took Preparatory School for Boys, Abu role in assisting their children in started training its employees fol- A consent by the patient is Peritoneal dialysis patients off last academic year to provide Baker Preparatory School for using those devices properly and lowed by senior teachers and then necessary before providing the usually do not need a trained care an electronic environment at Boys, Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib the way they can control Internet junior ones in the use of Internet machine, because all patients may partner to help them. schools and train teachers, stu- Preparatory School for Boys, content for their kids. contents and websites. not opt for home dialysis. THE PENINSULA dents and their parents to get Zainab Preparatory School for Ismail Abdul Baqi Shams, THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 06 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Banking on hope Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

EMENIS are celebrating the second anniversary of the launch of nationwide protests which culminated in the overthrow of president Ali Abdullah Saleh Greece facing humanitarian crisis after 33 years in power. Tens of thousands gathered Y BY ALEX POLITAKI in the capital Sana’a to celebrate the occasion and a sense Greece never imagined that it could of achievement was writ large on their faces. “February 11 is face a humanitarian crisis. According a day that Yemenis will always celebrate,” said a statement UROPEAN societies typically to the UN Human Development Index, assume that humanitarian cri- in 2008 Greece was ranked 18th in the Greece never imagined released by the organising committee. Eses only take place in the after- world. No one in the country really While Yemenis have the right to celebrate their math of natural disasters, epidemics, thought that this could change so that it could face a achievements, they must use the occasion for stocktaking, to wars or civil conflicts.That such a crisis dramatically. assess the progress made so far and the challenges ahead. Like could happen in a European country, It was false security offered by the humanitarian crisis. other Arab Spring countries, Yemen too is going through a especially one that is a member of the institutions and mechanisms of the difficult period of transition which must be handled carefully. European Union, seems out of the ques- EU. Member states had to pay for this According to the UN tion to many of us. imaginary security by meeting demand- Saleh agreed in November 2011 to step down as per a Gulf- And yet a number of experts would ing economic and political criteria. The Human Development brokered and UN-backed initiative that brought Abdrabuh maintain that Greece is currently in paradox is that even the EU, the sup- Mansur Hadi, Saleh’s then deputy, as an interim president for the centre of a humanitarian crisis. The posed guarantor of the security and Index, in 2008 Greece two years, which stipulated presidential elections in February head of Médecins du Monde, Nikitas prosperity of member states, has well- 2012. The initiative granted Saleh and his aides immunity from Kanakis, the largest and most promi- defined ways of measuring poverty, both was ranked 18th in the nent NGO in Greece, was among the absolute and relative, which show that prosecution but it demanded a complete restructuring of the first to declare it openly. The port area a humanitarian crisis exists in Greece. world. military and security forces and a national dialogue to draft a of Perama, near Athens, in particular, On the basis of the criteria and the new constitution and electoral law for general polls in 2014. is in the midst of a humanitarian dis- data of the EU, Greece is a country in There have been charges that Saleh’s men still wield great aster. The Medical Society of Athens, serious poverty. In 2011, 31.4 percent in the eurozone. influence on power and occupy several key positions, which has the largest professional body of its kind, of the population, or 3.4 million people, There are three more indicators that infuriated the pro-reform people. has even sent a formal letter to the UN lived on an income below 60 percent of point to a humanitarian crisis. First, the asking for intervention. the national median disposable income. number of homeless people has risen But both sides need to address If this humanitarian crisis has so At the same time, 27.3 percent of the to unprecedented levels for a European the issue through discussions. far been little population, or 1.3 million people, were country: unofficial estimates put them As Yemenis The country has commendable talked about, at risk of poverty. There is no data yet at 40,000. Second, the proportion of progress in terms of peace since there are politi- for 2012, though things have certainly Greek beneficiaries of NGO medical celebrate the exit of Saleh and those gains The EU’s cal reasons why. got worse. services in some urban centres was need to be protected. The peace By acknowledg- Using further EU indicators, a large recorded at 60 percent of the total in the second own poverty ing the severity of proportion of Greek households cur- 2012. This would have been unthinkable anniversary of has created hope, and compared to the situation, the rently live in conditions of “material even three years ago, since such services other Middle East countries where standards show Greek govern- deprivation”. A little more than 11 per- were typically provided to immigrants, the launch of the revolution has created the that Greece is ment and the EU cent actually live in “extreme material not Greeks. their revolution, same number of problems it solved, would also have deprivation”, which means without Third, there has been explosive Yemenis have been relatively in crisis. But admitted that enough heating, electricity, and use growth in soup kitchens and general the current state of either a car or a telephone. It also food distribution. The levels are not hope is running grateful about the success they member states of affairs has been means having a poor diet, devoid of meat officially recorded, but the Church have achieved so far. high about a won’t admit their brought about by or fish on a weekly basis, as well as total of Greece distributes approximately better future. Hadi has set March 18 as the the so-called eco- or partial inability to meet emergency 250,000 daily rations, while there are date for the much-anticipated ‘bailout’ was to nomic “rescue” expenses or payments for rent and bills. unknown numbers of rations distributed dialogue on drafting a new of Greece. So the The ineffectiveness of European pro- by municipal authorities and NGOs. By constitution. The committee which blame. authorities have grammes for reintegrating the unem- recent government order, municipal chosen to keep ployed into the labour market and rations will be expanded further because organised yesterday’s rally in quiet. the lack of national social protection of rising incidence of children faint- Sanaa welcomed the dialogue. But drafting constitution is a It is true that there is no general programmes have pushed Greece even ing at school due to low calorie intake. difficult task and Egypt is a good example of how things can agreement on what constitutes a further down the ranks of poverty. There will also be light meals provided go wrong terribly. All the parties involved will need plenty of humanitarian crisis. But the definition The adult unemployment rate stood to young students. patience and a willingness to make concessions. used by those with experience in the at 26.8 percent in October 2012. This The evidence of poverty, inequality, Yemen now has a golden opportunity to emerge from field is practical and straightforward. level, although huge in comparison to and inability to access primary serv- A humanitarian crisis is usually marked the recent past, still does not give the ices confirms the increasingly desperate poverty, deprivation, terrorism and tribalism. It’s one of the by rising poverty, heightened inequality whole picture. statements by people at the frontline. poorest countries in the world, and home to a dangerous unit in education and social protection, and It misses, for instance, unemployment The country has become a field of Al Qaeda. A clean-up operation can be undertaken only by lack of access to social welfare services. resulting from the failure of thousands of humanitarian action, and should a powerful government in Sana’a, which has the support of Particularly important indicators are of small businesses. To the unemployed be treated as such. It is shameful for tribal groups and the Yemeni population. The international loss of access to primary health services, should be added the working poor, ie, the Greek government and the EU medical examinations, hospitalisation workers with such low wages that they to turn a blind eye to it. The interna- community is ready to help with cash and kind, if the Yemeni and medication. In other words: when cannot meet basic needs. At 13 percent tional humanitarian community should government proves that it’s capable of doing the job expected you see a crisis, you will not mistake it of the workforce they represent the respond with urgency. of it both by the world and Yemenis. for anything else. highest proportion of the working poor THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of Free trade with Europe the day ISERABLE as the past few To be sure, transatlantic trade is trade, such as Europe’s aversion to US than half of the global economic out- years have been for the already massive; according to the agricultural products made from geneti- put. It is in their mutual interest to unify sluggish global economy, Commerce Department, the United cally modified organisms. standards and regulations so as to jointly Mthere is a bright side. Hard States exported $329bn worth of goods Indeed, once talks begin in earnest, shape the flow of trade. For its part, the The greater part times have forced political leaders to to Europe in 2012, while importing agriculture is likely to be the worst stick- Obama administration has fretted that of Malian territory cast about for ideas to boost growth, $454bn. The average tariff on this huge ing point. Industrial rules and regula- negotiations could bog down if Europe and every now and then they come up flow of goods — larger than that between tions are relatively easier to harmonize. fails to back its pro-trade words with has been freed, no with a good one. Case in point: the push the United States and Canada, Mexico, US unions and environmentalists, which action, as it is sometimes wont to do. But for a free-trade agreement between the China, or Japan — is an already low 3 have objected to past trade agreements Friday’s EU statement comes on top of town is occupied by United States and the European Union. percent. Still, zeroing out tariffs would with Mexico and Colombia, would seem unequivocal personal public support for On Friday, the national leaders of the boost US-European economic output to have fewer reasons to oppose a deal free trade by Chancellor Angela Merkel a terrorist group EU’s 27 member states expressed nearly $180 billion within five years, evenly with green, high-wage Europe. of Germany and Prime Minister David and no networks or “support for a comprehensive trade divided between the two sides, according Apart from the economic benefits, free Cameron of Britain — and now Europe agreement” with the United States, citing to a 2010 US. Chamber of Commerce trade would strengthen US-European is wondering when President Obama will groups are capable its potential to create jobs in a continent report. The gains would be even larger if strategic ties. For all their current woes, send an equally strong signal, so that of launching a real still struggling with high unemployment the United States and Europe can agree and despite the rise of China, the United talks can commence in earnest. Francois Hollande and debt. to remove non-tariff regulatory barriers to States and Europe still produce more THE WASHINGTON POST offensive. French President TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Obama pushing gun control at Europe’s austerity home, but he’s a killer abroad hawks celebrate The president’s win over peanuts BY STEPHANIE appeals to respect BLANKENBURG he compromise on the human life in the US next long-term EU budget for 2014 to 2020, are at odds with his Tachieved last Friday in Brussels, has invariably been hailed as a victory for Europe’s backing for drone austerity hawks, led by Britain and Germany, over its auster- strikes in foreign ity doves, led by France. This it undoubtedly is. The new budget plan — which is what it remains countries. for now: An executive plan to On closer inspection, the politi- be put to parliament — has also cal basis for this ideological vic- BY GARY YOUNGE been praised as a victory for the tory, won for the supposed reason European Union on the grounds of austerity over the unreason of n January 27, CBS aired an inter- that any agreement was better public profligacy, also looks frag- view with the newly inaugurated than a repeat of the negotiation ile. Germany’s Angela Merkel President Barack Obama and failure last November. This may may have succeeded, yet again, his outgoing secretary of state, be true in the short term, but it is as the EU’s undisputed power Hillary Clinton, during which the much less clear beyond the shallow broker, while re-asserting her- Opresident faced accusations that under his euphoria of next-day celebrations. self as a credible austerity hawk watch America had retreated from its key role US President Barack Obama shoots clay targets on the range at Camp David, on August 4, 2012, in Economically speaking, the at home. But she faces an uphill in world affairs. “The biggest criticism of this this official White House photo. night-long standoff between pro- struggle in Germany’s national team,” said the interviewer,” has been [that and anti-austerity factions, with elections in September. While there is] an abdication of the US on the world Germany conveniently playing the her Christian Democratic party stage, sort of reluctance to become involved in faced a mounting sea of troubles at home have black men, he was always going to be respon- role of master broker, was a storm is set to remain the strongest another entanglement.” nonetheless conducted their foreign policy sible for the deaths of more innocents than in a teacup. The EU budget is single party, its coalition part- Obama interrupted. “Well, Muammar without the slightest regard for those trou- Biggie and Tupac combined. pocket money, granted by member ner, the Free Democratic party, Gaddafi probably does not agree with that bles — that individual presidents were divided According to the Bureau of Investigative states to a supranational rump is heading for political implosion. assessment,” he said. “Or at least if he was into watertight compartments, one labelled Journalism, between 2004 and 2013 drone agency, currently involved in fire- Merkel thus risks losing the elec- around, he wouldn’t agree with that assess- ‘domestic’ and the other ‘foreign’.” strikes have killed up to 893 civilians (includ- fighting an existential crisis of its tion unless she can strike a deal ment.” Quite. Gaddafi, to whom the US That is how the Obama administra- ing 176 children) in Pakistan, 178 civilians most ambitious project, European with the Social Democrats. authorised $15m worth of arms sales in 2009, tion appears to have compartmentalised its (including 37 children) in Yemen, and 57 monetary union (EMU). And it François Hollande has been is not around because he was murdered by response to violence and its victims. One civilians (including three children) in Somalia still must be agreed in advance foiled, for now, in forging a strong a mob following his ouster by US-led Nato moment the Obamas are mourning the loss of (while these started under Bush they were how that pocket money will be enough pro-growth, anti-auster- bombardment — with the summary execu- Hadiya Pendleton, 15, who attended his inau- accelerated under Obama). According to the re-distributed to member states. ity alliance with Italy and Spain. tion, there wasn’t time to reflect on US foreign guration. She was shot less than a mile from New York Times, his Ambassador to Pakistan, True, this is the first time This was mainly due to transitory policy. their Chicago home while sheltering from the Cameron Munter, complained to colleagues that real cuts — mainly to cross- factors, with Italy’s Mario Monti The day after the interview was screened, rain in a park. The first lady, Michelle Obama, that “he didn’t realise his main job was to kill border infrastructure projects — focusing on elections at home, and Obama met the Major Cities Chiefs Police who attended Hadiya’s funeral, said, through people”, a colleague said. have been agreed, and they will Spain’s Mariano Rajoy preoccu- Association and the Major County Sheriffs’ a spokeswoman: “Too many times, we’ve seen But Obama was returned to office by the hurt those directly affected. But pied with a corruption scandal. Association. The president, fresh from boast- young people struck down with so much of votes of — among others — blacks, Latinos, in the wider picture of an EU The battle lines that emerged ing about having Gaddafi “smoked”, wanted their lives ahead of them.” youth and the poor, the very people and com- budget that amounts to scarcely between Germany and France at to discuss how to stop guns getting into the The next, his administration is maintaining a munities most likely to be blighted by gun 1% of the region’s gross national the weekend may be redrawn soon wrong hands, bolster the forces of law and stony silence over the murder of Abdulrahman violence. Michelle Obama came to Hadiya’s income, the victory of austerity enough. With Merkel’s hands tied order, and stem violence in US cities. Al Awlaki, the 16-year-old American born in funeral after considerable pressure had been hawks over austerity doves is to in the run-up to German elec- Over the last few weeks there has been Denver who was killed by a drone in Yemen in applied by black communities in Chicago and be counted in pennies rather than tions, Hollande will gain space for a distinct incongruity — to say the least — 2011. His father, Anwar (also American), was nationwide. Since the shootings of children pounds, its true significance being manoeuvre. In this context David between the agenda Obama is promoting at an Islamist cleric — killed by a drone a few at Sandy Hook elementary school Obama has ideological and political. By com- Cameron (pictured) is likely to home and the one he defends abroad. His weeks earlier. When asked about the incident led an audacious push to galvanise a majority, parison, the US federal budget is be no more than one of Merkel’s justification for targeted killings and drone during the election campaign, Robert Gibbs, in the country and in Congress, for tougher nearer 20 percent of US GDP, and famous tactical allies, useful one strikes in foreign parts, prompted by his nomi- former White House press secretary and sen- gun controls. the national budgets of many EU day, discarded the next. nation of a CIA director, has coincided with his ior adviser to Obama’s re-election campaign, The unfortunate timing has highlighted the member states are around half of Even if the long-term EU advocacy for stiffer gun control and appeals to essentially blamed Abdulrahman for having the discrepancy between his foreign and domestic their GDP, at market prices. budget is approved, in one form respect human life following mass shootings. kind of dad the US wanted to kill. “I would sug- policies, exposing them not only as hypocriti- More importantly, the real fight or another, by the European par- The result is an administration raising life gest that you should have a far more respon- cal but deeply tragic. While shop windows all about the role of nation-states in liament, the cuts achieved are and death issues in its actions and pronounce- sible father if they are truly concerned about around Obama’s Chicago home hang posters promoting European integration economically insignificant in the ments but being unable to talk with any moral the wellbeing of their children.” saying “Stop killing people”, the man they is taking place elsewhere. At its wider picture. Politically, noth- authority or ethical consistency on either. On the one hand, we should not be surprised. sent to the White House is doing precisely heart is the European fiscal com- ing has been resolved: the north- In short, the credibility of a president in These contradictions are inherent in the ten- the opposite. Having shown his ability to pact that entered came into force south divide in the EU (and the challenging lawless social violence in US cities sion between the position to which he was rally human empathy to progressive causes at on 1 January 2013. This in effect EMU) is widening, and the EU is fundamentally undermined when he has his elected and the forces that elected him. For home, he then fails to recognise the common prevents EMU governments from budget is woefully inadequate to own personal kill list in violation of interna- all the global investment in Obama — peaking humanity of the innocents he is killing abroad. borrowing, for whatever purpose, even begin to address the under- tional law to terminate enemies elsewhere. early, stratospherically and ridiculously, in the “America can be a moral power,” said Martin beyond a historically low debt- lying macroeconomic imbalances “The diplomatic historian traces foreign Nobel peace prize just nine months after he Luther King — on whose Bible Obama swore to-GDP ratio. If the EMU, or any and socio-economic tensions. affairs as if domestic affairs were offstage dis- was voted in — he was elected to represent the in as president — during the Vietnam war. member states, were hit by mass Ideological triumphalism over turbances,” writes Walter Karp in his book interests of the most powerful and well-armed “A power harnessed to the service of peace unemployment, an ecological crisis peanuts is a pathetic substitute The Politics of War. “The historian of domestic nation on Earth at a time of war. Murder was and human beings, not an inhumane power of major dimensions, a war or an for serious debate about deep politics treats the explosions of war as if they in the job description of the office he applied unleashed against defenceless people.” That’s invasion by aliens, its governments rifts in the process of European were offstage disturbances. Were that true, for and won to great fanfare. For all the claims as true on the streets of Chicago as it is in the would have to stand by and let the integration. we would have to believe that presidents who of him becoming a great role model for young border regions of Pakistan. THE GUARDIAN private sector sort out the problem. THE GUARDIAN Allen leaves Afghanistan with record of progress

BY MICHAEL O’HANLON not to prematurely cut that up space for political progress. 350,000-strong Afghan force by Afghans who began conversa- s Gen John Allen steps 100,000 or more troops, as some in tions with worries of civil conflict down as commander of Washington have favoured. a year or two ago often raise other Nato forces in Kabul Afghan forces lead most opera- issues now; that counts as a step Athis weekend, several tions. When Allen arrived in the forward in the land of the Hindu accomplishments merit mention. summer of 2011, these forces led Kush. In recent days Afghan and A man who was unfairly tainted perhaps a third of all missions — Pakistani leaders have even talked by the Jill Kelley email scandal generally the easier ones, in the about cooperating in peace talks deserves praise for a remarkable safer places. Today, they lead 85 with the Taliban — also a promis- 19-month tenure that brought percent of all operations and have ing sign, as the two governments stability and steady progress to primary responsibility for security have often been at extreme odds the mission in Afghanistan. Even in about three-fourths of the coun- over the past few years. more important, a fair reckoning try. Their casualty figures prove While Afghanistan is still of Allen’s tenure should give hope their willingness to sacrifice, with plagued by corruption, Nato has to those depressed about the war about 2,000 losing their lives annu- gotten much better, under Allen’s effort, as well as giving pause to ally. Those casualty numbers also leadership, at reducing its contri- those who would reduce our cur- indicate, unfortunately, that the bution to this problem. Nato out- rent forces too quickly out of frus- enemy remains resilient. But the sourcing of security and logistics tration or fatalism. Consider: enemy is not winning. contracts to Afghan companies Afghan security forces are In southern Afghanistan, Nato has improved, and dozens of con- reaching their intended size. The forces were downsized substan- US soldiers search for Taliban insurgents in Razbeg village in Ghazni Province, some 200km southwest of Kabul. tracts have been redirected after path to achieving the targets tially on Allen’s watch, and total they were found to have involved was established under previous US forces in Afghanistan declined corrupt or violent Afghan groups. commanders, Generals Stanley from 100,000 to 68,000 over the Helmand provinces — achieved worked out with Afghan authori- for President Hamid Karzai to None of this, of course, allows a McChrystal and David Petraeus, past 15 months. Security condi- since around 2010 is holding even ties, the rates of “green-on-blue” seek a third term or expected him definitive prediction of success. But as well as the three-star heads tions have not deteriorated. Of as the number of US troops has killings have fallen by perhaps half to anoint one of his brothers for Afghanistan, the US and our allies of the Nato training command course, the larger test comes declined by tens of thousands. in recent months. the job. A legitimate, democratic are in a much better place than in Kabul, William Caldwell and under Allen’s successor, General Insider attacks, while still a huge Although largely an accom- leadership change is crucial for many appreciate because of Allen’s Daniel Bolger, but Allen has seen Joseph Dunford, a fellow Marine worry, appear to be lessening. This plishment of Afghans themselves, Afghanistan’s future. leadership during America’s long- it through. That said, Afghan who must oversee a much larger plague preoccupied Allen during encouraged by the international Because of all this, and est war; the remarkable warriors forces still lack some crucial drawdown by the time the inter- much of his tenure, with dozens diplomatic corps, Allen helped Afghanistan’s generally stable, who served under him; and all the enablers in air power and air national mission is replaced in of US and Nato forces (and com- Afghanistan stay on track to if not peaceful, security environ- diplomats, development experts transport, artillery and logistics late 2014 by a much more mod- parable numbers of loyal Afghan presidential elections in April ment, fears of an incipient civil and other dedicated public serv- that may require the US to have est effort. But the reduction in forces) lost to Taliban recruits, 2014. His successor will, again, war have not greatly intensified ants who have continued the war a larger “bridging” force in 2015 enemy attacks and civilian cas- mentally unstable individuals have the larger chore, but Allen in the past two years. That could, effort while most of the rest of us and 2016 than some would now ualty rates — some 20 percent or simple criminals. Through deserves credit for keeping things of course, still change. But the have preferred to move on to other advocate. And it will be important to 40 percent in Kandahar and improved vetting procedures, on course when some were calling military progress has helped open things. WP-BLOOMBERG TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 ‘Gaddafi’s PM misused public funds’ Professor of Yemenis celebrate second Assad adamant as border blast kills 10 Islamic law is TRIPOLI: Ousted dictator freeze on Libyan assets in place at set for March 18. Along with Seif Muammar Gaddafi’s last prime the time. Al Islam, Mahmudi is one of the Egypt’s top cleric anniversary of uprising minister redirected public Another witness, former for- few remaining keepers of the funds to support the regime’s eign minister Abdelati Al Obeidi, many state secrets of Gaddafi’s Dead include six Syrians and four Turks; rebels seize control of Syria’s largest dam armed forces during Libya’s said he was unaware of any regime. CAIRO: Egypt’s leading reli- bloody uprising in 2011, a wit- attempt to redirect public funds. A doctor by training, Mahmudi DAMASCUS: President could go up.” gious scholars spurned the Tens of thousands attend rally amid jubilation ness in his trial said yesterday. Mahmudi appeared at the was loyal to Gaddafi until the end, Bashar Al Assad vowed yes- Another Turkish foreign min- ruling Muslim Brotherhood’s Former premier Al Baghdadi latest hearing alongside two co- serving as premier from 2006 up terday not to bow to mounting istry official said a suicide bomber choice and picked an apolitical SANA’A: Tens of thousands of Al Mahmudi stands accused of defendants, Al Mabruk Zahmul to the final days of his regime, pressure and “plots”, almost might have been involved in the Islamic law professor yesterday Yemenis gathered yesterday in killing civilians and of financial and Amer Salah Tirfas, who man- while also overseeing vast for- two years into a deadly revolt in blast that smashed apart the to be the country’s top cleric. Sana’a to celebrate the second crimes. aged a trade and investment com- tunes in the oil-rich nation. Syria, as at least 10 people were gates at the crossing, opposite The post of grand mufti of anniversary of the launch of “Orders for the transfer of pany run by Gaddafi’s son, Seif Mahmudi fled to neighbour- killed when a car exploded just Syria’s Bab Al Hawa post. Egypt carries wide influence over nationwide protests that pushed ¤15m ($20m) to accounts in Al Islam. ing Tunisia in September 2011 inside the Turkish border. The explosion comes after a legislation and social affairs. president Ali Abdullah Saleh Tunisia were given by Mahmudi,” The three are accused of misus- shortly after rebels seized Tripoli On the warfront, rebels seized suicide bomber attacked the US “Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel- out of power after 33 years said Mohamed Abubakar Dhib, ing public funds and having aimed and effectively put an end to more control of Syria’s largest dam, a embassy in Ankara on February Karim Allam, professor of Islamic in office. a former senior official in the to “unjustly kill people” during the than four decades of iron-fisted monitoring group said. 1, killing a Turkish security guard law in Tanta University, got the Jubilant Yemenis gathered in Gaddafi regime. 2011 uprising that led to Gaddafi’s Gaddafi rule. He was extradited “Syria will remain the beat- and wounding three others. That highest number of votes and the Sitin street, a capital artery Dhib said the transfer did ouster and death. last June. ing heart of the Arab world and attack was claimed by a radical the matter has been sent to the that was scene of frequent pro- not go through because of a UN The next court hearing was AFP will not give up its principles Turkish Marxist group. president to issue his decision,” a tests and confrontations between despite the intensifying pressure Yesterday’s blast also came statement from Al Azhar seat of anti-regime demonstrators and and diversifying plots not only less than three weeks after learning said. police and militamen backing the targeting Syria, but all Arabs,” Nato declared that a battery of President Mohammed Mursi, a former leader. Bahrain clash Assad said, quoted by state news US-made Patriot missiles had Muslim Brotherhood member, is The rally was organised by Dh30bn flowed into agency SANA. become operational on Turkey’s expected to formalise his appoint- the committee of the Youth National Coalition oppo- border with Syria. ment soon. Revolution, which considers UAE after revolts sition chief, Ahmed Moaz Turkey, a one-time Syria ally The contender groomed by February 11, 2011 the day the Al Khatib, meanwhile, said he which is now vehemently opposed the Brotherhood, Abdul Rahman uprising against Saleh’s rule DUBAI: About Dh30bn ($8.2bn) had received “no clear response” to Assad’s regime, has taken in Al Bar, 50, a 30-year veteran of the erupted, though demonstrations of funds have flowed into the from Damascus over his offer almost 200,000 refugees from the conservative Islamist group and had begun in January 2011 taking United Arab Emirates over the of dialogue. conflict and serves as a transit member of its decision-making cue from protests in Tunisia and past two years from countries Khatib said in late January point for rebel fighters. Supreme Guidance Council, was Egypt. “Hold your head up, you hit by the Arab Spring upris- he was prepared to hold direct On the ground, rebels yester- not even in the top three nomi- are a free Yemeni,” chanted the ings, the UAE’s prime minister talks with regime representatives day seized control of the largest nees, officials said. The grand mufti Tribesmen atop a mountain attend a rally to commemorate the second crowds gathered in Sitin, evok- said yesterday. without “blood on their hands,” dam in Syria, a vital barrier along delivers televised sermons on major anniversary of the uprising against Yemen’s former President Ali Abdullah ing a slogan chanted during the “We received 30 billion dirhams on condition the talks focus on the Euphrates river in the north- Muslim holidays and is empowered Saleh in Bani Hushaish, Yemen, yesterday. protests against Saleh, an AFP from the Arab Spring...plus/ replacing Assad. ern province of Raqa that gener- to issue opinions (fatwas) on any correspondent reported. minus,” Sheikh Mohammed bin The Assad regime has said it ates 880 megawatts of power, the matter, influencing legislation on “February 11 is a day that wounded.” It also called for a Hadi, Saleh’s then deputy, as an Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also was open to talks but without Syrian Observatory for Human social and cultural issues, public Yemenis will always celebrate,” “trial for the killers of the youths, interim president for two years. Dubai’s ruler, said in answer to a conditions attached. Damaged cars are seen after an explosion at Cilvegozu border gate near the town of Reyhanli on the Turkish- Rights said. behaviour and court rulings. said a statement released by the and a return of the people’s funds The initiative granted Saleh and question by a member of the pub- Khatib, speaking to reporters in Syrian border, yesterday. “This is the biggest economic Allam chairs the department organising committee. that were stolen.” his aides immunity from prosecu- lic at an open forum of govern- Cairo, proposed that direct talks loss for the regime since the of jurisprudence in the Sharia law The statement urged the gov- Saleh agreed in November 2011 tion but it demanded a complete ment officials. Large amounts of with regime representatives could start of the revolution,” which faculty in Al Azhar’s university ernment, in which the former to step down in keeping with a restructuring of the military and capital fled Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, take place in “liberated areas” of been at the centre of the blast in was “51 percent”. The official said zone from the Cilvegozu cross- the United Nations says has cost in the northern Nile delta town opposition now holds 50 percent Gulf-brokered and UN-backed security forces and a national Yemen and other Arab countries rebel-dominated northern Syria. a buffer zone at the frontier, a the dead included four Turks and ing triggered a fire that damaged more than 60,000 lives since it of Tanta. The mufti’s office gave of the seats, to look after the initiative which stipulated presi- dialogue to draft a new constitu- in search of safe havens after tur- Anti-government protesters in Bahrain clash with riot police in the vil- Though the cause was not Turkish Foreign Ministry official six Syrians. around 15 humanitarian aid vehi- broke out in mid-March 2011, his age as 55. He will serve until families of the “martyrs” and dential elections in February 2012 tion and electoral law for general moil in Arab Spring countries. lage of Sanabis, west of Manama, yesterday. immediately clear, a Syrian- told AFP, adding that the likeli- He said the blast barely 40 cles. “There are up to 50 wounded Observatory head Rami Abdel the normal retirement age of 60. “complete the treatment for the that brought Abdrabuh Mansur polls in 2014. AFP REUTERS registered car is believed to have hood of it being a terrorist attack metres (yards) into the buffer people, so the number of dead Rahman told AFP. AFP REUTERS Egyptians mark two years of Iran detains children Mubarak’s ouster as president of opposition leaders CAIRO: Egyptian protest- DUBAI: Iranian authori- Zahra and Narges Mousavi were ers took to the streets in ties held and questioned two summoned for questioning, not energetic marches yester- daughters of detained opposi- arrested, and asked to give “expla- day demanding political tion leader Mirhossein Mousavi nations” to prosecutors. change as they marked the and the son of fellow opposition It did not specify what they second anniversary of Hosni figure Mehdi Karoubi for sev- were questioned about but it may Mubarak’s ouster by a popu- eral hours yesterday, opposition be connected to a statement they lar revolt. websites reported. issued last month complaining “The revolution continues” Mousavi and Karoubi stood as they had been denied access to read some banners, as others reformist candidates in presiden- their parents. chanted “After blood has been tial elections in 2009 and became Mousavi’s other daughter, spilled, there is no legitimacy.” figureheads of the huge “Green Kokab, told opposition website Opposition parties and movement” street protests that Kaleme that security officials movements have called for a followed over allegations of searched her sisters’ homes for day of protests, demanding vote-rigging. several hours and “took anything President Mohammed Mursi The two leading opposition they thought might be of use to fulfill the goals of the revo- figures, who were placed under them along with my sisters”. lution that brought him and house arrest along with Mousavi’s Karoubi’s website Sahamnews his long-banned movement, wife Zahra Rahnavard almost said security forces raided his the Muslim Brotherhood, to exactly two years ago, are effec- son Hossein’s house on Monday power. tively barred from any role in a morning and confiscated personal Among their key demands new election due this June. belongings including his laptop are a new unity government, Protesters shout slogans as they march during the second Security officials went to the and mobile phone. Hossein was amendments to a controver- anniversary of Mubarak’s ouster, in Cairo, yesterday. houses of their grown-up children also taken away, questioned and sial Islamist-drafted consti- yesterday, confiscated property, released after several hours, tution and the sacking of the months in clashes with police. toppled Mubarak. took them in for questioning and the website added. Mousavi and prosecutor general. “Down with Brotherhood Other marches headed to later released them, said opposi- Karoubi were placed under house Activists are also furious rule,” the protesters chanted the presidential palace, where tion websites. arrest in 2001 after they called that no one has been held as they made their way to violent protests have been The state-linked Iranian their supporters onto the streets accountable for the deaths of Cairo’s Tahrir Square — the staged against Morsi. Students’ News Agency (ISNA) for a rally in support of uprisings dozens of protesters in recent symbolic heart of protests that AFP reported the two daughters across the Arab world.REUTERS

Security services harass aid Marzouki’s party to stay in government agencies in South Sudan: UN TUNIS: Tunisian President regime to fall.” Jebali, who has set JUBA: Aid agencies working in South Sudan, one of the Moncef Marzouki’s secu- technocrats, announced by Jebali a target date of the middle of this poorest countries in the world, are under regular threat lar party said yesterday that thein themurder wake of of Chokripublic outrageBelaid, aat week to form a transitional, non- from members of the security services who beat or arrest it would stay in the ruling leftist politician and fierce critic partisan government, stuck to his them or commandeer their equipment, the United Nations coalition, but demanded the of the Islamists. guns yesterday, saying he had “no said yesterday. resignation of key Islamist min- The killing triggered three days other choice,” and renewing his South Sudan has been struggling to reform its bloated isters amid deepening political of violent protests in which one threat to quit if he failed to do security services since it split from Sudan in 2011 after a uncertainty. policeman was killed and 59 oth- achieve his goal. long civil war that has left it awash with weapons. “We have decided to freeze our ers wounded, according to the “The situation is... urgent, Human rights groups regularly accuse South Sudan’s army, decision to withdraw our minis- interior ministry. there is a danger of violence. I am an assortment of poorly-trained former guerrilla fighters ters from the government, but “We are against a government responsible for the government, known as the SPLA, of abuses against civilians. if in one week we don’t see any of technocrats as it would allow I cannot wait,” the premier told Vincent Lelei, country head of the UN Office for the changes, we will quit the govern- for the return of figures from the French newspaper Le Monde. Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the number of ment,” said Mohamed Abbou, former regime” of ousted presi- He said the new government’s incidents hampering the work of aid agencies had jumped Congress for the Republic (CPR) dent Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, priorities would include develop- almost 50 percent last year. REUTERS party chief. Abbou said. ment, job creation and reducing The centre-left party is Ennahda, which heads the coa- high living costs, with anger over demanding the resignation of the lition government, has already poor living standards continuing justice and foreign ministers from rejected the plan, laying bare to drive social unrest in Tunisia Hamas launches news agency Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali’s the divisions within his party, in two years after the revolution. Islamist party Ennahda, amid which he is considered a moder- Despite opposing Jebali’s plan, GAZA CITY: The Islamist movement Hamas which soaring political tensions after ate, and fuelling a political crisis. the CPR’s Abbou described it as rules Gaza has set up its own news agency, called the killing of a leftist opposition Hundreds of Tunisians yester- “historic and positive, seeing how Al Rai (Opinion), the Palestinian territory’s Hamas leader. day protested outside the national he went beyond his party,” but he government announced yesterday. “Two days ago we presented assembly demanding the govern- insisted on the need to “respect “The first official news agency of the (Hamas) govern- the resignation of our ministers, ment’s resignation, among them the legality” of the elected gov- ment has been established under the name of Al-Rai but we were contacted yester- Belaid’s wife Besma Khalfaoui. ernment. In contrast, the third agency...under the supervision of the government informa- day evening by the leaders of “This government must resign party in the coalition govern- tion office,” the office’s director Salameh Maaruf told AFP. Ennahda, who replied favourably today, not tomorrow or the day ment, Ettakatol, threw its sup- “It will be an important source of information on gov- to all our demands,” Abbou told a after tomorrow. When a govern- port behind the shake-up, with ernment activities, news releases and letters from the news conference. ment fails, it must take responsi- Finance Minister Elyes Fakhfakh (Gaza) prime minister,” Ismail Haniya, he said. He stressed that the CPR bility,” she told AFP, while those saying it was necessary to “ensure AFP opposed the planned formation around her shouted: “resign, the best possible success of this of a non-partisan government of resign,” and “the people want the initiative.” AFP TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Bookmakers see Pope Benedict to step down on Feb 28 three-cardinal Uncertainty for Catholic Church looms; Vatican expects new Pope before end of March race after shock

VATICA N CIT Y: Pope Benedict The Pope had shown “great cour- resignation shocked the world yesterday age, determination” aware of the by saying he no longer had the “great problems the church faces LONDON: British and Irish mental and physical strength today”, he said, adding the tim- bookmakers ranked Nigeria’s to cope with his ministry, in an ing may have reflected the Pope’s Cardinal Francis Arinze, announcement that left his aides desire to avoid the exhausting rush Peter Turkson of Ghana and “incredulous” and will make him of Easter engagements. There was Canadian Marc Ouellet yes- the first pontiff to step down no outside pressure and Benedict terday as favourites to lead the since the Middle Ages. took his “personal decision” in the Roman Catholic Church, set- The German-born Pope, 85, last few months, he added. ting odds swiftly after Pope hailed as a hero by conservative Elected to the papacy on April Benedict’s shock resignation. Roman Catholics and viewed with 19, 2005 when he was 78 — 20 years William Hill, Britain’s largest suspicion by liberals, told cardi- older than John Paul was when he bookmaker, offered odds of 3/1 nals in Latin that his strength was elected — Benedict ruled over against for Arinze, or a probabil- had deteriorated recently. He will a slower-paced, more cerebral and ity of 25 percent, while Ouellet and step down on February 28 and the less impulsive Vatican. Turkson were priced at 7/2 against, Vatican expects a new Pope to be After appearing uncomfortable meaning successful punters would chosen by the end of March. in the limelight at the start, he win seven pounds for every two Vatican spokesman Father began feeling at home with his new staked. Irish bookmaker Paddy Federico Lombardi said the Pope job and showed that he intended to Power had the same three car- had not decided to resign because be Pope in his way. A quiet, profes- dinals as leading contenders but of “difficulties in the papacy” and sorial type who relaxed by playing placed Ouellet as favourite ahead the move had been a surprise, indi- the piano, he managed to show the of the two Africans. Britain’s cating that even his inner circle world the gentle side of the man Ladbrokes narrowly made Turkson was unaware that he was about to who was the Vatican’s chief doc- its initial frontrunner. quit. The Pope does not fear schism trinal enforcer for nearly a quarter Arinze and Benedict, who was in the Church after his resignation, of a century. then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the spokesman said. The child abuse scandals were both among the bookmak- The Pope’s leadership of 1.2 bil- hounded most of his papacy. ers’ favourites in 2005 when the lion Catholics has been beset by He ordered an official inquiry German was elected to succeed child sexual abuse crises that tar- into abuse in Ireland, which Pope John Paul II, Sharpe said. nished the Church, one address led to the resignation of sev- Dark horses included the in which he upset Muslims and a eral bishops. Scandal from a British scientist and atheism scandal over the leaking of his pri- source much closer to home hit campaigner Richard Dawkins vate papers by his personal butler. in 2012 when the pontiff’s butler, on 666/1 and the fictional Father The Pope told the cardinals that responsible for dressing him and Dougal McGuire, a hapless priest in order to govern “...both strength bringing him meals, was found Pope Benedict XVI speaking during the Vatican Concistory in Vatican City, yesterday. Pope Benedict asked his from the 1990s Irish TV comedy of mind and body are necessary, to be the source of leaked docu- brethren to forgive his defects as he announced his resignation for February 28. show ‘Father Ted’ on 1000/1. strength which in the last few ments alleging corruption in REUTERS months, has deteriorated in me to the Vatican’s business dealings, the extent that I have had to rec- causing an international furore. ognise my incapacity to adequately But his trip to Germany also Obama offers prayers; world voices respect fulfil the ministry entrusted to me. prompted the first major crisis For this reason, and well aware of of his pontificate. In a university the seriousness of this act, with full lecture he quoted a 14th century LONDON/WASHINGTON: who will soon gather to choose took this decision”, while Prime The new Archbishop of freedom I declare that I renounce Byzantine emperor as saying World political and religious His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI’s Minister David Cameron said the Canterbury, leader of the world’s the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Islam had only brought evil to leaders voiced regret but successor,” Obama said in a writ- pope had worked “tirelessly” to Anglicans, said he understood Successor of Saint Peter”. the world and that it was spread respect for Pope Benedict XVI’s ten statement. “Michelle and I bolster Britain’s relations with the pontiff’s decision to step He also referred to “today’s by the sword. After protests that shock resignation, praising him wish to extend our appreciation the Holy See. down due to his fading strength. world, subject to so many rapid included attacks on churches in as one of today’s “most signifi- and prayers to His Holiness Pope Italian President Giorgio “It was with a heavy heart but changes and shaken by questions the Middle East and the killing of cant religious thinkers”. Benedict XVI,” Obama said, saying Napolitano said the pope had dis- complete understanding that we of deep relevance for the life of a nun in Somalia, the Pope later From the US, Australia, he and his wife warmly remem- played “an extraordinary courage” learned this morning of Pope faith”. The last Pope to resign will- said he regretted any misunder- the Philippines, to Israel and bered meeting the pope in 2009. and German President Joachim Benedict’s declaration,” said ingly was Celestine V in 1294 after standing the speech caused. Britain, plaudits for the 85-year- From his native Germany, Gauck, also a pastor, said the Justin Welby. reigning for only five months. In a move that was widely old pontiff, as well as messages Chancellor Angela Merkel move had required “great cour- But groups representing vic- After several years into his new seen as conciliatory, in late 2006 of surprise and sympathy for his expressed the “greatest respect” age and self-reflection”. In the tims of child abuse in Catholic- job Benedict showed that he not he made a historic trip to pre- historic decision to step down cit- for Benedict’s “difficult” decision mainly Catholic Philippines, a run institutions welcomed the only did not bite but barely even dominantly Muslim Turkey and ing old age, swiftly poured in. to step down on February 28 which, spokesman for President Benigno resignation. “This pope had barked. In recent months, the prayed in Istanbul’s Blue Mosque US President Barack Obama she said, was “for his Church and Aquino expressed sympathy and a great opportunity to finally Pope has looked increasingly frail with a Turkish Mufti. But months yesterday offered appreciation and the people within it”. “He is and Australian Prime Minister Julia address the decades of abuse in in public, sometimes being helped later, former Iranian President prayers on behalf of all Americans remains one of the most signifi- Gillard praised the pope’s decision the church but at the end of the to walk by those around him. Mohammad Khatami met the to Pope Benedict XVI, following the cant religious thinkers of our time,” for its “humility”. day he did nothing but promise Lombardi ruled out depression or Pope and said wounds between pontiff’s shock announcement that Merkel, a pastor’s daughter, said. World Jewish Congress everything and in the end he ulti- uncertainty as being behind the Christians and Muslims were he would resign. Describing the move as “emi- President Ronald Lauder said mately delivered nothing,” John resignation, saying the move was still “very deep” as a result of the “The Church plays a critical nently respectable”, French Benedict’s papacy had “elevated Kelly, of the Irish Survivors of not due to any specific illness, just Regensburg speech. role in the United States and the President Francois Hollande Catholic-Jewish relations onto an Child Abuse support group, said. advancing age. REUTERS world, and I wish the best to those said France “hails the pope who unprecedented level”. AFP

Methane blast kills 18 at Russia coal mine Briton diagnosed with Sars-like virus Obama to propose LONDON: A British resident has been diagnosed with a deep nuclear arms potentially fatal Sars-like virus, British health authorities said yesterday, in the 10th confirmed case worldwide. The Health cuts, says report Protection Agency said the person, who recently travelled to the Middle East and Pakistan, was being treated at an intensive WASHINGTON: US President care unit at a hospital in Manchester, northwest England, after Barack Obama will use his State contracting novel coronavirus. “The HPA is providing advice of the Union address today to to healthcare workers to ensure the patient under investiga- call for dramatic cuts in nuclear tion is being treated appropriately,” said John Watson, head of arsenals around the world, The the agency’s respiratory diseases department. “Contacts of the New York Times reported. case are also being followed up to check on their health.” He Quoting unnamed administra- added: “Our assessment is that the risk associated with novel tion officials, the newspaper said coronavirus to the general UK population remains extremely that in recent months Obama had low and the risk to travellers to the Arabian peninsula and sur- secured agreement with the US rounding countries remains very low.” Travellers who develop military that its nuclear force can severe breathing difficulties within 10 days of returning from be cut by roughly a third. the region should seek medical advice, said Watson. In his speech Obama is unlikely to discuss specific numbers but Gunman slays two in US courthouse White House officials are look- ing at a cut that would take the PHILADELPHIA: A gunman murdered two women in a The entrance to ‘Vorkutinskaya’ coal mine in the remote town of Vorkuta. An underground methane gas explo- arsenal of deployed weapons to Delaware courthouse yesterday before police shot him dead, offi- sion killed up to 18 miners at a coal pit in northern Russia. Rescue workers said they had brought 10 bodies just above 1,000, the report said. cials said. “A lone gunman walked into the lobby area and opened to the surface at the mine and were trying to recover eight others. About 250 people had been at the pit at Currently, the Unites States has fire. Two civilian females were killed in the shooting,” a police the time of the blast, about 2,600 feet below the surface but most had escaped or been rescued, government about 1,700 nuclear weapons, and spokesman in the town of Wilmington, Delaware, told a televised officials said. the new strategic arms reduction news conference. Police officers on duty engaged the shooter and treaty with Russia that passed the two were wounded before the shoot-out, involving “multiples” Senate at the end of 2009 calls for a of bullets, at the New Castle county court building ended. The limit of roughly 1,550 by 2018. injured officers’ “conditions now are not life threatening. The gun- But Obama “believes that we man is dead inside the lobby,” the spokesman said, adding that a Britain warns Scotland of losing global clout can make pretty radical reduc- search had begun in the building “floor to floor, room to room”. tions — and save a lot of money — “The scene is still very dynamic inside,” he said. Police vehicles, LONDON: The British gov- implications could be far-reach- independence, triggering the without compromising American ambulances and fire trucks massed around the courthouse as ernment yesterday intensified ing. The overwhelming weight of break-up of a United Kingdom security in the second term. And authorities waited to call the all-clear. President Barack Obama its campaign to stop Scotland international precedent suggested comprising England, Scotland, the Joint Chiefs have signed off on is pushing for new restrictions on gun ownership in response to a leaving the United Kingdom, Scotland would be legally deemed Wales and Northern Ireland. that concept”, the Times quoted series of mass public shootings, but the issue is highly controver- publishing a legal opinion sug- a “new state”, it said — a scenario Prime Minister David Cameron one official as saying. sial, with many Americans opposed to the proposed curbs. gesting it would forfeit its mem- that would force it to re-apply to intervened in the debate on However, the White House bership of international bodies join international bodies such as Sunday, conceding that Scotland is loath to negotiate an entirely France bombs Islamist hideout in Gao such as the European Union if the EU, the UN and Nato. had what it takes to be an inde- new treaty with Russia, which it chose independence. “If Scotland became independ- pendent nation, but arguing it would lead to Russian demands GAO, MALI: France bombed an Islamist hideout yesterday The pro-independence Scottish ent, only the ‘remainder of the enjoyed “the best of both worlds” for restrictions on US and Nato in northern Mali’s largest city, where troops rattled by guer- National Party (SNP) that runs UK’ would automatically con- as part of the UK. missile-defence systems in Europe rilla attacks intensified a security lock-down as the French-led Scotland’s devolved government tinue to exercise the same rights, “Put simply: Britain works. and would revive a major fight with campaign against the extremists entered its second month. A plans to hold a referendum on the obligations and powers under Britain works well. Why break it?” Republicans in the Senate over French attack helicopter destroyed the central police station politically sensitive and emotion- international law as the UK cur- he wrote in an article published in ratification, the paper said. in Gao in a pre-dawn assault, after rebels from the Movement ally charged subject next year, and rently does, and would not have to Scottish newspapers. Cameron’s Instead, Obama is weighing how for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) hiding in the has played down the impact of a re-negotiate existing treaties or political future and historic legacy to reach an informal agreement building opened fire on Malian troops on Sunday, sparking an “Yes” vote on Scotland’s interna- re-apply for membership of inter- are on the line. He has pledged with Russian President Vladimir hours-long street battle. Soldiers later evacuated the city’s main tional status. national organisations,” the gov- to contest the next British gen- Putin for mutual cuts within the market, which is near the police station. “We fear an attack, But the 57-page legal opinion — ernment said. eral election in 2015 and his own framework of the new START that is why we are evacuating the Gao market for security rea- drafted for the British government Its unusual decision to pub- Conservative party would never treaty, but without the need for sons,” said a high-ranking officer. A French team was demining by two leading independent experts lish such an opinion reflects its forgive him if he presided over the ratification, The Times said. the debris from the police station. AGENCIES on international law — said the concern that Scots may vote for break-up of the UK. REUTERS AFP TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Aquino visits militants’ lair Islamic clerics decry Philippine president says very close to agreement with Muslim rebels Chinese celebrations SULTAN KUDARAT, PHILIPPINES: JAKARTA: As Indonesia and especially not a Buddhist celebra- Philippine President Benigno Aquino paid other countries with Chinese tion,” said Andrew Susanto, presi- a historic visit yesterday to Muslim rebel diasporas welcome the Year of dent of the Chinese-Indonesian territory in a bid to speed up efforts to the Snake, some Islamic lead- Youth Association. He said mark- end one of Asia’s longest and deadliest ers have ignited a religious ing the Lunar New Year was no insurgencies. row by declaring the celebra- different to celebrating the new Four months after his government agreed on tions “haram” and off limits for year in other cultures. a roadmap with the Moro Islamic Liberation Muslims. “I don’t think that’s what most Front for a final peace deal by 2016, Aquino After decades of repression Indonesians think,” he said, add- travelled to the insurgents’ stronghold in the under the dictatorship of Suharto, ing the festivities have over time far south as a confidence-building measure. who rose to power after a bloody become an Indonesian tradition. “We have just three years and four months purge of communists and Chinese Despite the cleric’s comments, left. We have to speed up everything we are in the late 1960s, Chinese- a Javanese-style Lunar New Year doing now to make this (peace) permanent,” Indonesians are now accepted in celebration was held in Solo last Aquino said on a stage alongside MILF chief mainstream society of the largely week, with thousands joining a Murad Ebrahim just outside the rebels’ main Muslim nation. Lunar New Year procession akin to those com- base. is a public holiday in Indonesia, memorating Islamic holidays. The deadline for peace coincides with the where it is known as “Imlek”. Local monks released 888 song- end of Aquino’s six-year term as president. But a local leader of the coun- birds and catfish — eight being a The constitution limits him to one term and try’s top Muslim clerical body has lucky Chinese number — and dis- there are concerns that the next president declared the celebration “haram” tributed cakes to the jovial crowd. may not be able, or may not want, to pursue (forbidden), saying its rituals are Chinese-Indonesians make up the peace agenda. tied up with Buddhist practices, around nine million of the nation’s The 12,000-strong MILF has been fighting particularly those that take place 240 million people, most practis- since the 1970s for independence in Mindanao, in temples. ing Christianity, Buddhism or the southern third of the mainly Catholic “We cannot separate religion Confucianism. Philippines that the country’s Muslim minor- from culture, so we’re being cau- Suharto, who ruled Indonesia ity claim as their ancestral homeland. tious,” Zainal Arifin, head of the with an iron fist for more than An estimated 150,000 people have Indonesian Ulema Council in the three decades until 1998, banned died in the conflict with Muslim rebels, city of Solo, said. Chinese languages and symbols, although a ceasefire in place since 2003 has A photo provided by the Malacanang Photo Burea shows Philippine President Benigno “And if it’s part of a religious and forced Chinese-Indonesians largely held. S Aquino III (left), next to the chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Murad Ebrahim, ritual, we must not celebrate it. to change their names. His rule In the “framework agreement” signed last greeting a female student who received a voucher for scholarship grants during a ceremonial launch It’s the same case with Christmas began after an anti-Communist October, the MILF said it would give up its of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Programme near the MILF headquarters in Camp Darapanan in Sultan and other religious celebrations.” purge in 1965-1966, in which at quest for independence in exchange for sig- Kudarat, Philippines, yesterday. The hardline Islamic Defenders least 500,000 people considered nificant power and wealth-sharing in a new Front said clerics would spread communists or sympathisers — autonomous region covering large parts of points,” he said. main camp. Estrada infamously brought meat the message to Muslims through many Chinese — were killed and Mindanao. Many of the toughest details have The key event yesterday, held just outside and drinks to the Muslim areas so government mosque loudspeakers, and warn others tortured. Rights activists yet to be agreed, and there have been no the MILF’s heavily fortified Camp Darapanan, troops could celebrate their victory. Chinese-Indonesians not to invite say two million perished. major breakthroughs in ensuing negotiations was the launch of joint development projects Speaking at yesterday’s event, Murad said Muslims to celebrations. But Abdurrahman Wahid, an between the two sides. seen by both sides as crucial to the peace proc- Aquino’s trip was a highly symbolic and impor- ethnic Chinese leaders say such Islamic religious leader who However, Aquino expressed confi- ess. It was the first peace mission by a presi- tant boost to the peace process. comments about a traditional became the first elected presi- dence that the negotiations would yield dent to the MILF’s powerbase. “Truly we are humbled by this grand ges- festival are illogical and a sign of dent after Suharto stepped down, significant results within weeks, and Then-president Joseph Estrada travelled to ture of the president of personally launch- outdated thinking in some Islamic lifted the ban on Chinese culture that a final peace pact could be achieved the area in 2000 but only at a time of heavy ing several socio-economic projects... on this organisations. in 2000, allowing ethnic Chinese by 2016. fighting, shortly after government troops hallowed ground which has seen many of the “Chinese New Year is not a to again celebrate Lunar New “We’re very close to agreements on all the overran another base that was then the rebels’ battles we have fought,” he said. AFP religious celebration and it’s Year. AFP World’s largest saltwater crocodile dies MANILA: The world’s largest for us. He had brought fame to a local crocodile hunter, became he needed and that releasing him saltwater crocodile in captiv- our town. We are now thinking a big tourist attraction. would have left him at the mercy ity has died in the Philippines, of having his remains preserved,” But it also put the spotlight on of villagers who would hunt and 17 months after the suspected town spokeswoman Welinda the plight of the crocodiles in the’ kill him. “We tried to give him the man-eater was hunted down Elorde said. remote marshes and rivers, as best place we could,” she said. and put on display for tourists, A government-sanctioned human habitation increasingly put The Philippine Star paper said caretakers said yesterday. hunting party caught Lolong them in conflict with the animals. that Lolong had been ailing since Lolong, who measured 6.17 in a sprawling marsh close to Animal rights groups demanded swallowing a cord three weeks metres (20.24 feet), died on Bunawan in September 2011 after Lolong be released back into the ago, a claim Elorde denied. Sunday night from a mystery ill- it was suspected of biting the head wild, arguing that the pen was too “We have been alternately feed- ness inside his small enclosure in off a young school girl and eating small and stressful for an animal ing him with meat and poultry, Villagers looking at the 21-foot crocodile caught in the town of Bunawan, Bunawan, a backwater town in a fisherman. used to roaming great distances. and there was no way he could Philippines, on September 4, 2011. the remote south. Its capture made the town But Elorde said caretakers have eaten anything other than “This is a very, very sad day famous and Lolong, named after tried to give Lolong everything that,” she said. AFP Bangladesh bus Japan patrol boats for Manila crash claims 17 pilgrims to monitor Chinese activities TOKYO: Japan plans to separate territorial disputes draft, 2.5bn yen has been allot- DHAKA: A bus carrying pil- donate patrol boats costing with China. Japan’s dispute is ted for such expenditure, it said. grims to Bangladesh’s beach $11m each to the Philippines, over a group of uninhabited Last month, Japanese Foreign resort town of Cox’s Bazaar ramping up regional efforts islands in the East China Sea Minister Fumio Kishida visited plunged into a dried up river to monitor China’s maritime known as the Senkakus in Manila and called for stronger yesterday, killing at least 17 activity in disputed waters, a Japan and the Diaoyus in China. ties with the Philippines to help people and injuring another 26, newspaper said yesterday. The Philippines is one of ensure regional peace. police said. The Japanese government several Southeast Asian coun- Japan’s coastguard last The bus crashed onto the plans to finance the deal in its tries, including Vietnam, that month said it would create a Matamuhuri’s parched river bed fiscal 2013 budget starting in are rowing with China over special unit comprising 10 new after the driver lost control of April and hopes to officially sign claims to parts of the South large patrol boats to boost its the vehicle which then smashed it early next year, the Nikkei China Sea. Two of the hotspots surveillance of the Senkaku/ through railings on a bridge. business daily reported. are the Spratly islands and Diaoyu islands. “So far we have 17 people dead. Japan will then provide the Scarborough Shoal. The long-running row Sixteen died on the spot and Philippines with the newly built The Japanese coastguard also over the islands intensified in another on the way to the hos- patrol vessels, which will cost plans to train Philippine and September when Tokyo nation- pital,” Cox’s Bazaar police chief more than 1bn yen ($11m) each, Vietnamese personnel as part of alised part of the chain, trig- Azad Miah told AFP, adding that the newspaper said, without additional efforts to boost secu- gering fury in Beijing and huge 18 of the 26 people injured had specifying the number of boats rity cooperation with Southeast anti-Japan demonstrations been admitted to hospital. on offer. Asia, the Nikkei said. across China. He said the pilgrims were Both countries are locked in In the fiscal 2013 budget AFP mostly from Bangladesh’s central district of Gazipur and were head- ing to Cox’s Bazaar after attend- ing a festival at Fatikchhari, home New Year spectacle to one of the most visited Sufi shrines in Bangladesh. AFP Manila regrets Pope’s decision to resign

MANILA: People across the mainly Catholic Philippines feel regret, gratitude and sym- pathy after Pope Benedict XVI announced plans yesterday to resign, a presidential spokes- man said. “Not only the Catholic world, but all peoples and nations of good- will are filled with great regret,” one of President Benigno Aquino’s spokesmen, Edwin Lacierda, said Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in Hong Kong, yes- in a statement about the decision terday. The Lunar New Year began on Sunday and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according of the 85-year-old pope. to the Chinese zodiac. AFP TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN US starts withdrawing military hardware A convoy of equipment crosses the Torkham border

ISLAMABAD: Starting the part of nearly 150,000-strong Nato extended for one year. first phase of its pullout from operation, also plans to withdraw A US source in Islamabad said Afghanistan, the US has started its combat troops by 2014. that Pakistani route was consid- moving its military hardware Top US military officials ear- erably cheaper and shorter than out of the country. lier said that they would need the northern route. The first convoy of contain- Pakistan’s support for their forces’ “To get things from Kandahar ers carrying US military equip- exit strategy and its land routes and the east through the north- ment to Karachi for shipment has will be crucial for the withdrawal ern route is costly and extremely crossed the Torkham border, an of troops and equipment. Last year, dangerous,” the source said. official of the cargo company said Pakistan allowed the US military “The Americans have also made yesterday. cargo and non-containerised equip- strides in improving the north- According to him, his company, ment to enter its territory via the ern route by making arrange- Bilal Associates, received clearance Torkham and Chaman borders. ments with the Russians and to move the US equipment across Pakistan linked the transit of Central Asian countries to accept the border crossing on Friday. He the US military cargo at the time and assist in moving goods,” the said that the first convoy of nearly of withdrawal from Afghanistan source said, adding that one of 25 containers cleared by Pakistani with certification that Washington the reasons that it will be more customs was expected to reach would not transport any hazard- costly through the north was that Karachi yesterday, while another ous waste or radioactive material. it would require a great deal of was expected to arrive in Pakistan When Pakistan announced the movement by air. this week. “It is a huge operation, re-opening of Nato supply routes “Which is more costly, at least many more [containers] will fol- in July last year after then-sec- that is to my understanding of the low,” he said. retary of state, Hillary Clinton, difficulties of the northern route. The US plans to withdraw sev- expressed ‘regret’ over the deaths Pakistan is direct and cheaper.” A container truck carrying supplies from Nato forces in Afghanistan crossing the Torkham border after entering eral thousand troops from war- of 26 Pakistani soldiers, the infor- Sources say that a top US Pakistan. torn Afghanistan this year and mation minister disclosed that defence official and Pakistani mil- Nato has set 2014 as the deadline Pakistan will also facilitate the itary leaders recently discussed (retd) Asif Yasin Malik, and other conditional offer for dialogue last and only named Sipah-i-Sahaba for a complete withdrawal. The US withdrawal of Nato equipment. the withdrawal of the US military top officers. week. Pakistan (now Ahl-i-Sunnat Wal is engaged in talks with Kabul for The Nato will use Pakistani equipment. Interior Minister Rehman He said that it was the federal Jamaat), Laskhar-i-Jhangvi, a security pact to allow the pres- routes until the end of 2015 — one Dr Peter Lavoy, Principal Malik, meanwhile, urged politi- government’s policy which had Sipah-i-Muhammad and Jaish-i- ence of some troops in Afghanistan year beyond the deadline for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of cal parties to take a joint stance forced the Taliban to come to the Muhammad. He said elements after the Nato withdrawal. withdrawal of all combat forces. Defence for Asian and Pacific on holding talks with Tehrik-i- negotiating table. He said that he behind terror acts in Karachi The US, which has more than The agreement will be valid until Security Affairs, had met Taliban Pakistan, had never blamed any party for would soon be exposed. 60,000 troops in Afghanistan as December 31, 2015, and could be Secretary of Defence Lt Gen The rebels had made a its involvement in terror activists AGENCIES

Charges dropped Kabul probe finds proof of prison torture against ‘blaze’ KABUL: An official investi- detention,” the president’s office The report revealed that 326 of people imprisoned in south- Faizi questioned the motivations factory owners gation into torture in Afghan said in a statement. 635 prisoners interviewed across western Kandahar disappeared behind the UN report and said prisons has found widespread It described prisoners’ access the country said they had been between September 2011 and the government “is not involved KARACHI: Pakistani police abuse, President Hamid Karzai to lawyers as “problematic”, abused, including 80 minors. October 2012. in crimes against detainees”. have moved to drop murder said yesterday, following a UN but made no conclusions or Fourteen types of torture were “These findings seriously con- He also said that torture and charges against the owners of report into the problem. recommendations. described in the UN report, includ- cern us,” Jan Kubis, the UN spe- abuse of prisoners were “cer- a garment factory where 289 “According to the report of the Karzai ordered the probe after ing beatings with cables and pipes, cial representative in Afghanistan, tainly not our policy”, adding that workers were killed in a fire commission of inquiry, half of the the UN issued a damning report attacks on the genitals, threats of said at the time, calling on the the Red Cross had full access to last year, the men’s lawyer said prisoners interviewed complained in January citing evidence of execution or rape, electric shocks government to “do more to pre- Afghan detention centres and had yesterday. of mistreatment, harassment frequent abuse in the country’s and forced stress positions. vent torture”. not revealed any evidence of tor- The owners of the Ali and even torture during their prison system. The UN also said 81 Karzai’s spokesman Aimal ture. AFP Enterprises factory in Karachi, which made ready-to-wear gar- ments for Western stores, were Test-fire charged in the wake of last September’s blaze, which was one of the worst industrial accidents Judge orders inquiry in Pakistan’s history. But police have now filed a new investigation report charging Shahid Bhaila and Arshad Bhaila into ‘ghost’ schools with negligence but not murder, lawyer Aamir Raza Naqvi said. Police confirmed the move. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s three quarters of young girls are A court is expected rule on top judge yesterday ordered not enrolled in primary school in whether to accept the new a nationwide investigation of Pakistan, according to a UN and charges on Saturday. hundreds of “ghost” schools government report published in Naqvi said that in a separate where teachers do nothing but December. application, the Sindh provincial draw salaries and buildings are Last October, education activist high court released the owners on occupied by animals. 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai was bail. “The court ordered the own- “There are animals kept in shot in the head by the Taliban in ers to deposit one million rupees schools and the buildings have the northwestern district of Swat. ($10,000) each and the three been turned into stables. This is She is now recovering in England employees to deposit 200,000 what we are doing to our children and has been nominated for the rupees each to get bail,” he said. when education is a constitutional Nobel Peace Prize. Several labour rights organi- right,” Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry yesterday took up a sations last month challenged Muhammad Chaudhry said. petition dating back a year from an order attributed to Prime Education is a major challenge in a charity in Pakistan’s southern Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf nuclear-armed Pakistan, where the province of Sindh, asking the asking the police to drop murder United Nations Children’s Fund Supreme Court to investigate fake charges against the owners. says public spending on education schools, most of them in rural A division bench of the Sindh is less than 2.5 percent of GDP. districts. high court summoned a top aide Only nine countries in the world He ordered district judges to the prime minister to appear spend less on education. across Pakistan to survey fake before the court on Thursday Nearly half of all primary schools and submit a report by reports said. school age children and nearly March 18. AFP A picture released by the Pakistani military Inter Services Public Relations yesterday shows a Nasr missile, AFP capable of carrying strategic, conventional weapons and a nuclear warhead over 60km, taking off during a test-firing from an undisclosed location in the country. Sharif rejects Zardari’s plea for meeting Pakistan Taliban ban

ISLAMABAD: All hopes of newly-built Bilawal House in over the issue, with the opposition vulgar films, Viagra reaching a likely breakthrough Lahore and is to oversee the demanding a role in appointment between the government and party position ahead of the gen- of all the caretakers. the country’s largest opposi- eral elections. A senior PML-N leader said PESHAWAR: The Pakistani Dozens of shops in Karkhano tion party with regard to a The clarification from the that his party would engage in Taliban yesterday warned openly sell pornographic films and caretaker set-up faded after spokesperson possibly came in the negotiations with the govern- shopkeepers in a popular mar- male potency tablets, according to Nawaz Sharif politely “turned backdrop of a written assurance ment after taking other parties ket to stop selling “obscene witnesses. down” the president’s request given by Zardari in the dual office in the opposition into confidence films” and Viagra-style male The market borders the tribal to hold a one-on-one meeting at case that he would quit political over the caretaker prime minister potency pills. district of Khyber, where fighting Raiwind. activities at the presidency. and other officials. Shopkeepers said that they has recently intensified in a long- Sources in the Pakistan Muslim The meeting, which has been He said that the chances of found handwritten pamphlets con- running Pakistan military opera- League-Nawaz (PML-N) revealed cancelled due to a possible trust a final decision over the care- taining the warnings after opening tion against the Taliban and other that the party chief had turned deficit between the two parties, taker names by the Election opening their outlets in Karkhano Islamist militias on the Afghan down the request after President was being viewed by observers as Commission of Pakistan were market on the edge of the north- border. Asif Ali Zardari expressed his a major breakthrough to the pro- limited. western city of Peshawar. Shopkeepers selling music and desire to visit Sharif’s Raiwind Nawaz Sharif cedural deadlock in appointing a “We want consultation but not “Selling sex drugs and vulgar films are routinely threatened residence during his stay in caretaker set-up. merely on the appointment of films are against Sharia,” said the across the northwest, where Lahore. and Senator Farhatullah Babar Sources said that the PML-N the caretaker prime minister,” pamphlet distributed in the name hundreds of DVD and CD outlets “We have respectfully turned said that no meeting between chief would start an internal con- he added. of Tehreek-e-Taliban Khyber. have been bombed in the past by down the request for a meet- Zardari and Sharif was planned sultation process that was likely to According to the provision in “All those involved in this busi- militants who deem their business ing between President Zardari or scheduled. last a week with meetings sched- the Constitution for the appoint- ness are warned to stop it and un-Islamic. and Nawaz Sharif,” sources said According to media reports, the uled on a daily basis. ment of the caretaker govern- start a lawful business or face the At least 10 people were killed yesterday. president wanted to offer his con- Though the government and ment, the leader of the opposition consequences,” it said. and 26 wounded on Friday when “It has been respectfully con- dolences to the PML-N chief over the opposition have not yet in the National Assembly and the Those who received the threat- a bomb exploded near a DVD veyed that Sharif cannot meet the death of his brother, Abbas engaged in a consultation proc- premier will nominate a caretaker ening letter spoke on condition shop in Kalaya, the main town of President Zardari,” they said. Sharif. ess as per the Constitution, they set-up through consultation. of anonymity because of fear of Orakzai tribal district. The president’s spokesperson Zardari is staying at his have held several informal rounds INTERNEWS reprisals. AFP TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Police blamed for stampede Apex court shows Death toll reaches 36; chief organiser of Kumbh Mela quits the door to tainted ALLAHABAD: Survivors of a told the NDTV news channel. stampede that killed 36 people Speaking from his hospital bed at the Kumbh Mela yesterday after suffering leg injuries, Shashi telecoms operators blamed the tragedy on baton- Bhaduri recounted the mayhem at charging police and the slow the scene. “Suddenly there were NEW DELHI: The Supreme response of medics as the mas- at least a hundred people on top of Court yesterday said all tel- Prosecutor removed sive festival’s chief organiser me. My legs are so badly injured ecoms operators whose licences resigned. that I cannot even lift them now,” were cancelled and who had NEW DELHI: The CBI The crush at a train station he said. not bid for fresh licences should yesterday removed its chief on Sunday evening at Allahabad Apart from Muskaan, the dead stop their services immediately. prosecutor in the 2G spec- marked a tragic end to the most included 26 women and nine men. The direction also applies to trum case after he was alleg- auspicious day of the 55-day After the state government telecoms operators who partici- edly found to have discussed Hindu festival in the state of ordered an investigation into the pated in the November 12, 2012 the prosecution strategy Uttar Pradesh which had drawn tragedy, one of the driving forces bidding and were unsuccessful. with one of the accused. some 30 million people. behind the festival said he was The apex court bench of Justice The Central Bureau of Local officials said the railings resigning as a matter of honour. G S Singhvi and Justice K S Investigation (CBI) removed on a bridge at the station had “I have resigned as the chair- Radhakrishnan also said that the A K Singh from the case given way, while witnesses said man of the festival committee,” order of auctioning airwaves did and registered a preliminary police had charged the crowd with said Mohammad Azam Khan, not apply to the 900 MHz band. inquiry, an official said. heavy wooden sticks known as who is also a cabinet minister in This was a virtual turnaround The investigating agency lathis and triggered panic among the state. from its earlier position that spec- decided to remove Singh after pilgrims leaving the world’s big- “Although the stampede hap- trum in 900 MHz band too should it found an audio recording gest gathering. pened beyond the scope of my have been auctioned. allegedly carrying a conversa- “I saw the police pushing the jurisdiction, I am deeply disturbed The government had auctioned tion between Singh and one of crowd and they were ... beat- and step down on moral grounds,” spectrum in 1,800 and 800 MHz the accused in the case. ing the pilgrims,” Abhijit Das, a he said. bands in the last round of auction- IANS 29-year-old pilgrim from West Hindus believe a dip in the ing of licences that were cancelled Bengal who was at the station sacred waters of the River Ganges by the apex court on February 2, block for auction. “We make it when the disaster happened, said. cleanses them of their sins. This 2012. The next round of auctions clear that 541 MHz of spectrum There was also criticism of the year’s Mela is enormous even by is scheduled for March 2013. in 1,800 and 800 MHz band freed response to the disaster, with previous standards, with astrolo- The court also clarified that up by the cancellation order will relatives recounting how the gers saying a planetary alignment 83 licences of Tata Teleservices have to be auctioned,” the court emergency services took hours seen once every 147 years made it were not covered by its February told the government. to reach the scene. At least 10 particularly auspicious. 2, 2012, order cancelling 122 The government had auctioned corpses wrapped in white sheets Police had been stretched 2G licences issued on or after half of the spectrum that became could be seen on a platform sev- in controlling the vast crowds January 10, 2008. available on account of cancel- eral hours later. as they reached their peak on While asking the telecoms lation of 122 2G licences in 22 Among the victims was Sunday, with officials saying the service providers who did not par- circles. an eight-year-old girl called numbers had passed the 30 mil- ticipate in the November 12, 2012 While reserving its orders on Muskaan, whose distraught par- lion mark by the evening. bidding for cancelled 2G licences other issues, including on the ents said she had died while wait- A spokesman for the state gov- People searching for missing relatives look at photos of those killed in a to cease their operations, the price that service providers would ing nearly two hours for help. ernment said the crush began stampede at the Allahabad railway station, outside a morgue in the city. court expressed its unhappiness be paying for continuing their “Our daughter still had a after joints broke on railings with the government affidavit on services beyond four months after pulse. Had the doctors reached attached to the bridge. numbers at the train station. 10-minute intervals, managing auction. their licences were cancelled, the in time she would have been Railways Minister Pawan “There are limitations of a three crore (30 million) people It said the affidavit did not court said that orders would be saved, but she died before our Kumar Bansal attributed the railway system,” he told report- may not be possible.” reveal the quantum of spectrum passed on March 12. eyes,” Bedi Lal, the child’s father, accident to the sheer weight of ers. “Even if we have trains at AFP that was being placed on the IANS

Prison guards foil tunnel escape plan Rs1m reward for information on 2011 Mumbai bombers

AHMEDABAD: Guards in MUMBAI: Maharashtra Anti- who is allegedly the conspirator The other two, for find- assistance from the general pub- the involvement of three of the western India have foiled an Terror Squad (ATS) yesterday of the bombings and planted the ing whom rewards have been lic on these men. Their modus accused, except Akhtar, in the attempt by prisoners accused of announced a Rs1m reward for bombs. announced, are Tahaseen Akhtar, operandi is to pretend to be stu- four co-ordinated low-inten- deadly bombings to tunnel their anyone providing information Bhatkal is also accused of a resident of Samastipur in Bihar, dents,” Maria said. sity explosions that struck a way out of jail using food plates on Indian Mujahideen chief planting four low-intensity who the ATS alleges was among Three blasts at close intervals busy road in Pune on August 1 as tools, officials said yesterday. Yasin Bhatkal and three of bombs in Pune last year. those who planted the bomb in on July 13, 2011 shook the coun- last year. Authorities at Sabarmati his aides, accused of the 2011 Photographs of Asadullah Dadar in Mumbai, and Waqas try’s diamond and gold trading Maria said Yasin and Asadulla prison found a six-metre tunnel Mumbai triple bombings, an Akhtar alias Tabrez, who, along alias Ahmed. hubs — Opera House and Zaveri were also suspected to be involved behind one of the barracks hous- official said. with Yasin, is allegedly involved The ATS has released posters Bazar — and a busy commercial in bomb blasts that took place ing 14 men accused of killing 57 Police have issued names and in blasts across the country, announcing a reward of Rs1m area of Dadar, killing at least 27 over the years in Ahmedabad, people in a series of bombings in photographs of Mohammed including in Delhi, Bangalore, for information on the four, ATS people and leaving around 125 Surat, Bangalore, Delhi and Gujarat’s main commercial city of Ahmed Mohammed Zarrar Ahmedabad and Surat, have also chief Rakesh Maria said. injured. Hyderabad. Ahmedabad in 2008. Siddhibappa alias Yasin Bhatkal, been released. “This is a measure to solicit ATS officials also suspect IANS “When I asked the inmates of the barrack about the tun- nel, three of them confessed they had dug it,” P C Thakur, a police inspector general, told reporters in Ahmedabad. Tax officials to go after evaders All three of the men who dug the tunnel are qualified engineers NEW DELHI: The income based on information collected take follow-up action. There and apparently used plates to dig tax department has identified by the Directorate of Systems will be an online monitoring during the time they were allowed nearly 1.22 million possible of the Income Tax department. system to ensure follow-up to work in a garden behind the evaders and will soon issue In the first batch, letters action and track return filing cells, Thakur said. letters asking them whether are being sent to 35,170 PAN and tax payment of the target The tunnel was discovered dur- they have paid taxes or not. holders by the Directorate segment,” it added. ing a routine check by authori- “Data analysis has identified of Intelligence and Criminal Finance Minister P ties who noticed that a particular target segment of 1,219,832 Investigation. Chidambaram has urged tax- patch in the garden was soft. non-filers linked to more than The letter contains the sum- payers to “disclose their true “A further probe by the jail 47 million information records. mary of the information of income and pay appropriate authorities revealed that the tun- Rule-based algorithms have financial transaction(s) along taxes.” nel was high enough for a man to been used to identify high with a customised response “There is need for a non- crawl through,” another official priority cases for follow-up sheet and seeks to know intrusive tax administration said, adding that it would have and monitoring,” the finance whether the person had filed to enable the taxpayer to file taken more than two months to ministry said in a statement his Income Tax returns or not, his return and pay appropriate build the secret route. yesterday. the statement said. taxes,” Chidambaram said in a An inquiry has been launched The government has iden- “A nodal cell has been set up statement. into security lapses. tified the possible tax evaders to capture the response and IANS The prisoners involved are fac- ing trial over more than a dozen bomb blasts on July 26, 2008 in Ahmedabad. Stars Defreeze Ramdev’s trust accounts: HC NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court yesterday directed the Income Tax department to defreeze the 11 bank accounts of Patanjali Yogpeeth Nyas, a trust run by Baba Ramdev. The IT Department had sealed the trust, after it failed to pay the first instalment of Rs7.5m out of the total tax of Rs346.8m. A division bench of Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed and Justice R V Easwar said in the order: “We direct the attachment order (of bank accounts) be lifted subject to petitioner (Patanjali Yogpeeth Nyas) paying Rs21m (as Income Tax) by March 15.” The bench, refusing to stay the recovery proceedings, asked the Income Tax Commissioner (Appeals) to decide the appeal of Patanjali Yogpeeth by March 31 Actress Rani Mukerji poses during the unveiling of a brass statue of late Bollywood film-maker, script- and disposed of the plea. writer and film producer Yash Chopra at UTV STAR’s property, Walk of the Stars, in Mumbai yesterday. AFP & IANS TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Guru’s hanging not selective or political: Govt Family receives post from jail two days after execution

NEW DELHI: The government this was a rarest of rare case,” yesterday dismissed Jammu Injured boy dies Tewari said. and Kashmir Chief Minister Abdullah, in an interview pub- Omar Abdullah’s charge that SRINAGAR: A 14-year- lished in a newspaper yesterday, the execution of Mohammed old boy wounded in clashes said the execution of Guru may Afzal Guru was selective, and with security forces died in increase the “sense of alienation” said the assassination cases of a hospital as curfew contin- in the youth in Kashmir. He also former prime minister Rajiv ued without any relaxation in said they may “identify with Afzal Gandhi and Punjab chief minis- Kashmir Valley for the third Guru”. ter Beant Singh were different. day yesterday, following the Shinde said he had called Home Minister Sushilkumar hanging of Afzal Guru. Abdullah on February 8 and Shinde said at a press confer- All 10 district headquar- informed him about Guru’s hang- ence: “These cases are still under ters have been under curfew ing. “Afzal Guru’s family was consideration before the judiciary. since Saturday, when Guru, informed and the speed post was Hence, they are different.” who belonged to Sopore, was sent on the night of February 7. Shinde also defended the hanged in New Delhi for his He was hanged on February 9,” secrecy shrouding the execu- role in the 2001 attack on the Shinde told reporters here. tion and said Guru’s family was parliament. “We acted according to the informed two days before the Ubaid Ahmad Rather, who rules,” Shinde said and added that hanging through speed post. The was injured on Sunday in the speed post was sent by the jail post reached the family yesterday, clashes with security forces in officials. two days after he was hanged. Watergam village in Baramulla Senior postal officials in Activists from Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) shout slogans as they hold posters of Mohammad Maqbool Shinde rejected allegations district, died in Srinagar’s Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhat during a curfew in Srinagar yesterday. They were demanding that Bhat’s remains be returned to them. Bhat, that the hanging was a “political Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of summer capital, said the speed founder and leader of JKLF, was hanged and buried in a jail on February 11, 1984 on charges of killing an intelligence decision” and said the authorities Medical Sciences, hospital, post was received on Saturday officer. The activists were also protesting against the hanging of Mohammad Afzal Guru. acted according to rules. family sources said. evening — Guru was executed Information and Broadcasting IANS at 8am on Saturday — but deliv- He had also referred to cases and a former prime minister. did not go into such details while Minister Manish Tewari said ered yesterday as Sunday was a of convicts in the assassina- To a question about some peo- looking at his file. “I was con- Guru’s case fell in the rarest of that fits all. In case of capital holiday. tion of Beant Singh and Rajiv ple wanting to pray in Tihar Jail, cerned with evidence and what rare category, and the president punishment, there is a need to Abdullah had told TV channels Gandhi, and said if targeting where Guru was buried, Shinde happened in the Supreme Court had taken the decision to reject be responsible, need to realise the on Sunday that the government parliament was an attack on said it could be considered. and the high court. That was my his mercy plea in his own wisdom. facts and circumstance of each and the judiciary will have to a symbol of democracy, so was Asked if Guru was a surren- job,” he said. “There can never be one size case. According to courts also, answer for Afzal Guru’s execution. the attack on a chief minister dered militant, Shinde said he IANS Terrorism has no colour: Shinde Ericsson to run some Reliance

NEW DELHI: Seeking to of my party,” Shinde said. protest outside Prime Minister build bridges with the BJP, Shinde had referred to “Hindu Manmohan Singh’s residence on networks in $1bn deal which sought an apology from terrorism” and “saffron terror- February 20, a day before the him over his “Hindu terror- ism” during the Congress con- start of the budget session of MUMBAI: Mobile phone firm in southern and eastern India. a leading global telecoms market. ism” remarks, Home Minister clave in Jaipur last month. parliament, to press its demand Reliance Communications “This agreement is aimed to More than 5,000 RCom Sushilkumar Shinde yesterday Following his remarks, that Shinde should apologise for (RCom) yesterday announced it meet the fast evolving customer employees — a fifth of its work- said he agreed that terrorism Congress spokesperson Janardan his remarks. has awarded a $1bn, eight-year demand for communications force — will move to Ericsson as had no colour. Dwivedi had said that terrorism The BJP has decided to boycott contract to Swedish telecoms applications and services in one of part of the project, Ericsson’s Answering queries during his should not be linked with any reli- public programmes of Shinde and equipment-maker Ericsson to the world’s most dynamic telecom executive vice president Magnus monthly press conference here, gion and terror had no religion not respond to any communica- run some of its networks. markets,” the companies said. Mandersson said. Shinde said some words could be or colour. tion from him as leader of the Ericsson will manage the daily Mumbai-based RCom, part Rcom’s rivals such as Bharti expressed by mistake. The Bharatiya Janata house in the Lok Sabha. operations of RCom’s wireline and of the Anil Ambani-controlled Airtel and the local arm of “I fully agree with views Party had said that it would IANS wireless networks in northern Reliance Group, is India’s third- Vodafone have already outsourced and western India, the companies largest mobile phone com- their network-management oper- said in a joint statement. pany with about 134 million ations to non-Indian partners to The awarding of the con- subscribers. help them focus on their core tract follows a similar RCom The deal — aimed at cutting services. deal announced last month with costs for Reliance — comes at a Reliance Communications’ US-French telecoms equipment time when local telecoms firms are infrastructure covers 24,000 supplier Alcatel-Lucent, to deliver slowing down investments, amid towns and 600,000 villages in voice and data communication intense competition and regula- India, the statement said. services to RCom’s networks tory policy uncertainty in India, AFP

NRIs favour India as policies ease

ast month, the President public sector enterprises being of India, Pranab THE NR EYE divested by the government. Mukherjee, spoke Also for risk-averse NRIs, the Labout how non-resident Moiz Mannan government has left banks free to Indians (NRIs) find it emotionally determine interest rates for sav- and financially satisfying to invest recreational facilities, city and ings deposits and term deposits in their home country. regional level infrastructure), of maturity of one year and above Hard statistics bear him out without the conditions attached under the Non-Resident External not just in terms of NRIs but also to FDI in such projects.. (NRE) accounts and savings foreign direct investment (FDI) NRIs can also invest in share deposits under Non-Resident and foreign institutional investors and convertible debentures of an Ordinary (NRO) accounts. (FIIs). Despite sporadic ups and Indian company under the FDI These measures have been wel- downs, the fundamental strength Scheme subject to certain terms comed by the diaspora and they of the Indian economy contin- and conditions. They can buy deposited close to $67bn at the ues to attract investors globally, and sell shares and convertible end of October 2012. The net pri- and NRIs are advised to join the debentures of an Indian com- vate transfers from abroad during growth story’s script. pany on both repatriation and the first half of 2012-13 were close NRI deposits nearly doubled in non-repatriation basis under to $33 bn. the first eight months of 2012-13 the Portfolio Investment Scheme In November this year, net to $11.24bn from $6.39bn a year (PIS) through a registered broker inflows into NRE accounts ago, according to data released or a recognised stock exchange touched $696m. According to RBI by the Reserve Bank of India in India. The individual limit for data, the non-resident (ordinary) (RBI). When it comes to FDI, an NRI under PIS is five percent rupee accounts saw a net outflow India occupies the fourth position of the paid up capital/paid up of $307m in November, while globally, behind the US, China value of each series of convert- foreign currency non-resident and Britain. In spite of problems ible debentures, and the aggregate accounts, which allow NRIs to slowing growth in certain sec- limit for all NRIs taken together hold deposits in foreign currency, tors and deficit challenges, India is one percent of the paid up capi- rose by $116m in the month. remains a destination for global tal/paid up value of the company. An NRE account is one which investment. Foreign institutional This limit can be raised to 24 can be opened only by the non- investors (FII) put in net invest- percent by the Indian company resident, and not through the ment of around $24.5bn in equity by its board passing a resolution, holder of the power of attorney. and nearly $6.8bn in debt in the and a resolution being passed at Only NRIs can become joint calendar year 2012. a special annual general meeting. account holders in the case of an Often in the face of opposi- In addition, on non-repatriation NRE account. On the other hand, tion, the Government of India basis and with the exception of NRO accounts may be held jointly has adopted a liberal policy for some sectors, an NRI may buy, with residents and /or with NRIs. FDI, including investments from without any limit, shares and con- Along with this, the banks may NRIs. Most sectors are open to vertible debentures of an Indian also sanction rupee loans in India FDI under the automatic route. company whether by public issue or foreign currency loans outside NRIs can make investment in or private placement or rights India to either the account holder India under various schedules of issue. or a third party to the extent of Foreign Exchange Management Similar facilities are avail- the balance in the NRE/ Foreign Regulations. Investment under able to NRIs to buy govern- Currency Non Resident (Bank) FDI Scheme contained in ment dated securities, treasury account, subject to the margin Schedule 1 of these Regulations bills, units of domestic mutual requirements. To help NRIs main- permits 100 percent NRI invest- funds, bonds issued by a pub- tain FCNR deposits in other cur- ments, under the automatic lic sector undertaking in India, rencies, since October 2011, FCNR route, in the sectors of townships, non-convertible debentures (B) accounts have been permitted housing, built-up infrastructure of a company incorporated in to be opened in any freely convert- and construction-development India, bonds or units issued by ible currency. Moreover, NRIs are, projects (which include, but are Infrastructure Debt Funds, per- since September 2011, also eligi- not restricted to, housing, com- petual debt instruments and ble to open NRE/FCNR accounts mercial premises, hotels, resorts, debt capital instruments issued with a resident. hospitals, educational institutions, by banks in India, and shares in THE PENINSULA

TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Explorers complete News in Numbers RETAIL MARKET Shackleton’s epic Overview

Fajr (Dawn) 4:54 Antarctic journey Shorook (Sunrise) 6:11 SYDNEY: A team of exhausted Zuhr (Noon) 11:48 but elated explorers successfully recreated Ernest Shackleton’s Asr (Afternoon) 3:01 Antarctic survival journey yes- Maghrib (Sunset) 5:26 terday, completing a three-day climb across mountains despite Isha (Night) 6:56 a treacherous blizzard. Expedition leader Tim Jarvis and Barry Gray reached the old whaling station at Stromness early yesterday after a 900-metre Size of Retail Trade WEATHER climb over the mountainous inte- Weather rior of South Georgia. Qbn % Today Wednesday Thursday “It was epic, really epic, and Conditions: we’ve arrived here against the 35 45 Mostly sunny Clear Clear Retail Trade (Qbn) Growth y-o-y odds,” said Jarvis, who with Gray Hazy with some 40 completed the climb using the 30 clouds becoming same kind of clothing and gear relatively hot with 35 High: 28° High: 25° High: 24° that Shackleton and his men Low: 18° Low: 16° Low: 16° slight dust, hazy to 25 would have worn in 1916. “The ice 30 misty by late night. climb at the Tridents is a serious 20 thing and Shackleton didn’t exag- 25 gerate — with ice at 50 degrees, 20 DOHA - SUN & SEA with one wrong foot, we could 15 SUN TIDE SEA have careened down a crevasse.” 15 Jarvis, 46, said he and Gray, 38, 10 SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND had more than 20 crevasse falls 10 06:11 | 17:26 06:15 / 18:30 13:00 08-16/20 KT up to their knees during the climb 05 with the latter plunging into one 05 THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW up to his armpits, requiring their 0 0 one-man support crew to help 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER pull him free. “These early explorers were MUSCAT 26/19 Mostly sunny 27/21 Mostly sunny iron men in wooden boats and Distribution of Retail Accommodation MAKKAH 29/21 Mostly sunny 31/21 Mostly sunny while modern man mostly travel KUWAIT 25/14 Clear 22/13 Clear around in iron vessels, I hope we’ve City Center BAHRAIN 25/18 Mostly sunny 22/16 Clear been able to emulate some of what SANAA 24/08 Mostly sunny 25/06 Clear they achieved,” he said. “There’s no Villaggio RIYADH 28/11 Mostly sunny 23/09 Mostly sunny doubt in my mind that everyone DUBAI 28/19 Clear 28/17 Clear has a Shackleton double in them Landmark BAGHDAD 18/09 Mostly sunny 18/09 Clear and I hope we’ve inspired a few people to find theirs.” The cross- Hyatt Plaza THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW ing follows a 12-day re-enactment of Shackleton’s 800 nautical mile The Mall HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER journey in a spartan lifeboat from Elephant Island to South Georgia, ATHENS 16/15 Mostly sunny 17/13 Chance of rain The Centre along with four other members of WASHINGTON 10/00 Clear 09/-1 Chance of rain the British-Australian team. SYDNEY 23/15 Chance of rain 24/16 Mostly sunny Lagoona Mall Shackleton is considered among LONDON 02/-3 Snow 02/02 Cloudy the great Antarctic explorers, along The Gate PARIS 07/-1 Chance of rain 05/-1 Clear with Norway’s Roald Amundsen, ISTANBUL 10/05 Mostly sunny 11/06 Mostly sunny the first man to reach the South Royal Plaza MANILA 31/24 Mostly sunny 32/24 Mostly sunny Pole in 1911, Australian explorer DHAKA 30/17 Mostly sunny 31/18 Mostly sunny Douglas Mawson and Briton Centrepoint DELHI 23/09 Mostly sunny 23/09 Mostly sunny Robert Falcon Scott. AFP ISLAMABAD 23/06 Mostly sunny 22/09 Mostly sunny Source : http://www.dtzqatarproperties.com Stubbing out: The rise of the e-cig Fashion designers go PARIS: The camera zooms The NJOY “cigarette” is elec- are safer than traditional tobacco The UN’s health organ said digital to reach out in on a stubble-bearded hunk tronic—its tip lights up with the cigarettes,” said Joel Nitzkin, of the some testing “suggests the dragging on a cigarette and help of an LED and what appears American Association of Public presence of other toxic chemi- blowing out a thick cloud of to be smoke is actually water Health Physicians. “They deliver cals, aside from nicotine”, and NEW YORK: Hundreds of of my job is to bring newness to smoke with what seems to be vapour. The actor is not smok- nicotine, with only the tiniest “strongly advised” consumers not fashion designers are showing fashion,” she said. “Part of doing great satisfaction. ing, but “vaping”. traces of other toxic chemicals.” to use them. E-cigs first emerged their fall and winter 2013 col- that is showing to as many peo- It resembles the TV smoking “Cigarettes, you have met your But there are concerns that in China in 2003 as an alternative lections at New York Fashion ple that love fashion, that want it, ads of yesteryear, now banned in match,” proclaims the ad for a these battery-driven alternatives, to tobacco, which kills nearly six Week, but not all of them are on making it accessible to them.” Roy most of the world, yet this mod- product that claims to mimic officially called electronic nico- million people each year. the runway. is building a full set for her digital ern-day offering is approved for “the look, feel and flavour of the tine delivery systems (ENDS), Just like their predecessors in The semi-annual event, which show and will include backstage American television viewers. real thing” — minus the tar, ash, may pose health hazards we are the 1950s and 60s, electronic ciga- is followed by fashion weeks in shots to let viewers experience all “You know what the most amaz- smoke and most toxins. not even aware of yet — just like rettes are being advertised with London, Paris and Milan, includes elements of the production. ing thing about this cigarette is? NJOY is one of a flurry of e-cigs cigarettes before their ill-effects attractive women and rugged, up to 500 fashion shows around Los Angeles-based Kelly It isn’t one,” explains a narrator entering the market as tobacco became clear. virile men — hinting at a better, New York and attracts about Wearstler is also taking the dig- as the modern-day Marlboro Man prices skyrocket and smokers “The safety of ENDS has not more popular you. It’s a strategy 232,000 people, from buyers to for- ital route and will feature plenty fixes the viewer with a broody become ever more concerned been scientifically demonstrated,” that seems to work. eign press and wealthy customers. of denim in a collection that will stare before returning the reus- about the toxins they inhale. But the World Health Organisation A study in the American Top name designers at be displayed in her New York able smoke to a container that the jury is still out on whether the said. “The potential risks they Journal of Preventive Medicine last Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, showroom and in a digital show resembles the traditional pocket- gadgets are safe or not. pose for the health of users month said 80 percent of users which runs at Manhattan’s with behind-the-scenes videos sized cardboard pack. “Without question, e-cigarettes remain undetermined.” questioned in the United States, Lincoln Centre through February shot in her California studio. Britain, Canada and Australia 14, have been streaming their “I am in the infancy stage of my believed e-cigarettes to be less runway shows online for the past fashion world, and I have a ton to harmful than their tobacco three or four years. learn, so I am baby-stepping it,” counterparts. Now, many lesser-known names, said Wearstler, who launched her NJOY Chief Executive Craig up-and coming-fashion stars and fashion line 18 months ago but has Weiss said that industry predic- established designers who want to been in interior design for more tions are for electronic cigarette reach a wider, younger audience than 17 years and has a flagship sales, which have doubled in the are going digital. “This season it store in Los Angeles. United States every year since is really prevalent,” said Stacy The content will go out on sev- 2008, to reach $1bn in 2013. Roman of the New York fashion eral digital platforms including “Growth in the category has and publicity firm Factory PR. her blog at www.kellywearstler. occurred as a result of the mil- “There has definitely been an com, Twitter, the content sharing lions of smokers who are actively increase in this type of platform.” service Pinterest, the photo shar- seeking an alternative to ciga- In addition to reaching a wider ing and social networking services rettes,” he said. The company audience, going digital lets design- Instagram and Facebook, as well would not comment on the ers give fashionistas a behind- as fashion-focused websites such health aspects. According to the-scenes look at the show and as Refinery29.com, racked.com, Nitzkin, the hazard posed by presentations, taking them back- Style.com and Vine, Twitter’s new traditional tobacco cigarettes stage and through make-up and video sharing app for recording is about 100 times higher than even fittings. It is also far less and sharing six-second clips. today’s smokeless tobacco expensive than staging a runway “Right now I am happy where alternatives. show, which can run upwards of I am, learning and growing,” she “When burned, cigarettes cre- $100,000 depending on the venue, added. For 32-year-old Radhika ate a tarry residue that sticks to models, makeup artists, stylists Perera-Hernandez, who designs the inside of the smallest bron- and disc jockeys for the show. for her New York based-Lois chial tubes of the lungs and in the London (www.lois-london.com) alveoli, where the body absorbs OUTSIDE THE BOX label, there was no question that the oxygen and releases the car- Rachel Roy, who launched her online is the place to be. bon dioxide. This tarry residue first collection in 2005 and has “It is the smartest way for a stays in place 24 hours a day, done presentations at Fashion start-up line to get their name out seven days a week for the life of Week, will feature her designs in a there. A lot of designers that are at the smoker,” he said — a side- digital runway show to stream live the same level as myself are doing effect that ENDS do not have. at www.facebook.com/RachelRoy the same kind of thing,” she said. Yet the European Respiratory on Thursday. Perera-Hernandez, who was Society said this month it could “It just really seemed like born and raised in London, fea- not classify e-cigs as a safe alter- the right thing to do,” said Roy, tures kaftans, jumpsuits and native to smoking. Some research- whose collection juxtaposes mod- swimwear in her collection. ers have also expressed concerns ern and antique looks with deep “Anything that I am doing that non-smokers may get hooked jewel tones and bright metallics, for the brand I will be pushing on nicotine through e-cigarette textured and smooth fabrics and through my website and (the A file picture shows a display of electronic cigarettes. NJOY is one of a flurry of e-cigs entering the market as tobacco use, or that the gadget would keep light with dark colours. microblogging website) Tumblr prices skyrocket and smokers become ever more concerned about the toxins they inhale. The NJOY “cigarette” people addicted to nicotine who “I always want to think outside and any of the other viral things might otherwise have quit. the box, to do something that is that I have going on.” is electronic — its tip lights up with the help of an LED and what appears to be smoke is actually water vapour. AFP new and fresh, and I think part REUTERS Tuesday 12 February 2013 2 Rabial II 1434 Volume 17 Number 5608 Price: QR2

India set for worst car sales in decade

Business | 19

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar’s public debt second largest in GCC The rating agency Standard & Poor’s research note puts Qatar’s public debt at 29 percent of GDP

BY SATISH KANADY GDP, according to a Standard Dima Jardaneh said. “Weakness The surplus nature of GCC hamper plans to broaden non-oil fixed exchange rate as a credible & Poor’s research note released includes the quality of policy economies and the reliance on output bases, diversify the sources nominal anchor”. DOHA: Qatar has one of the yesterday. debate; the strength and depth conventional sources of funding of funding including financial The report noted the possibility largest relative public debts in The ratings agency’s report of institutions; transparency of and financing, especially commer- small and midsize enterprises, that oil reserves could peter out in the GCC. With a ‘manageable’ titled “The Gulf economies decision-making; data monitor- cial bank loans, have constrained and undertake long-term invest- some GCC countries much earlier 29 percent of debt level at its are going strong, but struc- ing and reliability of information; the development of local cur- ment projects. than in others. gross domestic product (GDP), tural issues still weigh on the legal frameworks and the rule of rency debt markets. The total “Fixed exchange rate regimes, “The oil endowment varies the country has the second Sovereign Ratings” stated despite law; and succession risks”. capitalisation of fixed income the lack of independent monetary significantly across the GCC. largest government debt in the the region’s relative wealth, and The lack of monetary policy bonds is less than 10 percent in policy, and weak local currency Reserves at the current produc- region. its forecast for 4.6 percent GDP flexibility is also a rating con- all GCC states, except Qatar and instruments largely constrain tion levels will last about 90 years In gross terms, Bahrain has growth for the region in 2013, straint for the GCC, particu- Bahrain. the transmission of policy. These in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, and 70 the largest debt burden, at 34 structural challenges continue to larly in terms of exchange rate The S&P Ratings Services also attributes and open capital mar- years in Saudi Arabia, but are percent of GDP. The UAE’s Ras constrain sovereign ratings. regimes, the credibility of mone- note the GCC’s monetary flexibil- kets largely shape GCC monetary considerably lower in Oman and Al Khaima stands third-22 per- “There are still particular tary policy, and the effectiveness ity is weak because shallow local frameworks. Nevertheless, the Bahrain where, at current pro- cent. The other GCC countries shortcomings in the effectiveness of the transmission mechanism currency debt markets constrain countries’ open economies with duction levels, supplies could run carry small levels of public debt, and predictability of policymaking via the financial system and cap- the transmission of policy into their easy flow of goods and labor out in the next two decades”, said much lower than 10 percent of in the GCC”, S&P’s credit analyst ital markets. the financial markets. This can have largely underpinned the Jardaneh. THE PENINSULA

Apple eyeing smart watch 2012 credit demand driven by public sector

DOHA: Qatar’s credit demand role as the economy expands and in 2012 was largely dominated diversifies. “The Government by the Public sector, with con- has identified small and medium tinuing low levels of demand enterprises as a vital component from the private sector. in Qatar’s economic future, and Although global economic fore- we are helping to support and casts for the year ahead suggest nurture these businesses through that conditions will continue to our Enterprise Business which we be challenging, Qatar’s economy launched at the start of the year”, is expected to be driven mainly the Bank chairman said. by the Government’s spending He said the Bank is well posi- programme in 2013, according to tioned to support the growth Commercial Bank of Qatar. in investment in infrastructure Qatar’s economic growth in that will arise from Qatar’s suc- 2012 was mainly supported by cessful bid for the 2022 World Government investment in Cup. infrastructure, healthcare, edu- The Bank will hold its annual cation and housing, the Bank general meeting (AGM) and chairman Abdullah bin Khalifa emergency general meeting Al Attiyah noted in the Bank’s (EGM) on February 26, 2013. annual report filed to the Qatar The Board of Directors has rec- Exchange. ommended a cash dividend payout While the public sector domi- of 74 percent of net profit, which nated credit growth in 2012, the equates to QR6 per share, for Bank expects a broader based approval at the AGM. demand to develop in the year The bank has reported excel- ahead. lent financial results in 2012. The Abdullah Bin Khalifa said the net profit of QR2bn is a record Commercial Bank will continue to annual result and an increase of The Apple logo at the Yerba Buena Center for Arts in San Francisco. Apple is testing a watch-like device which could perform some smartphone play an integral role in the growth 7 percent over the net profit of functions, US media reports said yesterday. The New York Times reported that the maker of iPhones and iPads is experimenting with a curved-glass and development of Qatar and is QR1.8bn achieved in 2011. device, which could incorporate a bendable display glass developed by US manufacturer Corning. The device would likely use Apple’s iOS platform committed to playing a central THE PENINSULA which is incorporated on the iPhone and iPad. UAE attracts $8bn Tech giants summoned by Australia pricing inquiry

SYDNEY: Global technology United States, 69 percent more on Association, which represents stock” to distribute a bounty from giants Microsoft, Apple and computer products and a stagger- Adobe and other major ICT firms, the $137bn in cash the company investment in 2012 Adobe were yesterday ordered ing 232 percent more on PC game has submitted to the committee is holding. to appear before a pricing downloads. Office software was on that the “costs of doing business Apple responded by saying it inquiry examining the often- average 34 percent more expen- in Australia are higher than in has been “in active discussions DUBAI: The United Arab would have more than Dh30bn...,” higher cost of tech goods in sive in Australia when compared many other countries”. about returning additional cash Emirates attracted about Dh30 Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Australia compared with other with the United States, Choice It pointed to retail rent costs to shareholders,” a statement that bn ($8.2bn) of direct foreign Dubai’s ruler, said during an open economies. said in its submission to the and high wages as some of the helped drive up its stock late in investment last year, the UAE’s forum for the public to quiz gov- The lower house committee inquiry, with hardware coming main factors behind business costs trade for a 3.0 percent gain. prime minister said yesterday. ernment officials. holding the probe, which was in at 41 percent more expensive. in Australia being “5-10 percent “As part of our review, we will Large amounts of capital fled Dubai’s real estate market launched last May, said it had One software package was higher than any other country... thoroughly evaluate Greenlight Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Yemen and began to recover last year from a summoned the trio to appear at Aus$8,665 (US$8,939) more and these costs are passed onto Capital’s current proposal to other Arab countries in search crash in the previous few years, a public hearing next month to expensive to buy in Australia than consumers”. Apple and Microsoft issue some form of preferred of safe havens after political and partly because foreign investors explain why Australian customers the United States — a gap that both declined to comment when stock,” Apple said. “We welcome economic turmoil erupted in saw the emirate as a safe haven, paid more for the same products. Choice described as “particularly contacted while Adobe said it Greenlight’s views and the views those countries in early 2011. property analysts said. “The committee is looking at unreasonable”. “For this amount, would “cooperate with the com- of all our shareholders.” Because of its political stability The UAE attracted $7.68bn of the impacts of prices charged it would be cheaper to employ mittee as we have done since the Greenlight’s suit alleged that and Dubai’s status as an interna- foreign direct investment from all to Australian consumers for IT someone for 46 hours at the price inquiry began”. Apple violated US securities pol- tional business centre, the UAE countries in 2011, up from $5.50bn products,” it said in a statement. of $21.30 per hour and fly them to Meanwhile, Apple said it is was icies by “bundling” the proposal has attracted a large share of the in 2010, according to the United “Australian consumers often the US and back at your expense weighing ways to give sharehold- on preferred stock with two other capital. Nations Conference on Trade and pay much higher prices for hard- — twice,” Choice said. ers more of its huge cash stock- shareholder-friendly measures. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Development. ware and software than people in Choice only did comparisons to pile, after hedge fund Greenlight Doing so forces sharehold- Al Maktoum’s office said in a Sheikh Mohammed also said other countries.” the United States and Britain; the Capital filed suit in an effort to ers to accept or reject all three statement that the UAE had the UAE had invested much more The inquiry was set up to exam- inquiry is examining discrepan- press it in that direction. measures together, rather than received Dh30bn in all foreign than Dh30bn in countries hit by ine claims by consumer advocacy cies with these countries as well Greenlight sued the maker separately, which Greenlight says direct investment last year. the Arab Spring. groups of price discrimination as with Asia-Pacific economies. of iPhones and iPads to block a violates a Securities and Exchange But speaking earlier the Sheikh The oil-rich UAE has pledged for Australians on technology, Apple and Microsoft have both shareholder vote that includes a Commission rule. insisted that it would be wrong billions of dollars in aid to help with music, games, software, and made their own submissions to management-backed proposal to Greenlight founder David to think the UAE was benefitting stabilise cash-strapped Arab gaming and computer hardware the committee, arguing that make it impossible for the Apple Einhorn, a prominent activist from the Arab Spring, as stabil- states since the uprisings began, costing substantially more than prices differed across jurisdictions board to issue preferred stock shareholder, wrote in a letter to ity in countries hit by the unrest and UAE companies have shown elsewhere. According to consumer due to a range of factors includ- without shareholder approval. Apple shareholders that his com- would benefit the whole region interest in investing in North lobby group Choice, Australians ing freight, local taxes and duties Greenlight said in a letter to pany “is dissatisfied with Apple’s including the UAE. Africa. pay on average 73 percent more and foreign exchange rates. The shareholders that it wants Apple capital allocation strategy.” “If we had peace and stability, we REUTERS on iTunes downloads than the Australian Information Industry to issue “perpetual preferred AFP TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Israel firms invest Kuwait Energy keen on Iraq operations in US energy search off Cyprus No deal with northern autonomous region of Kurdistan, says CEO NICOSIA: Israeli firms Delek and Anver signed an agreement LONDON: Kuwait Energy says “The time is not right now (for province could provide a new oil exports. The KRG offers yesterday to acquire a 30 per- it is firmly fixed on pumping gas exporting gas to Kuwait), because opportunity. “From an economic foreign investors production- cent stake in exploration rights and finding oil in southern Iraq Iraq needs gas for itself,” Akbar point of view, it’s a very logical sharing deals that allow them to for gas and oil off Cyprus’s and will not risk aggravating said. project that will tie the two coun- profit jointly from output. Iraq southern shore carried out by Baghdad by seeking contentious “In the future, we hope to be tries together,” said Akbar, who has offered less attractive service US company Noble Energy. deals with the northern autono- able to do so. And for that, we need spent a decade working in the contracts in which companies are Commerce Minister Neoclis mous region of Kurdistan. our relationship to strengthen oilfields of Kuwait. paid a fee. Sylikiotis told reporters that the Sara Akbar (pictured), Chief and develop with Baghdad. And Production from Siba and Akbar said she did not expect signing provided a “new era of Executive of Kuwait Energy, says that will achieve our objective Mansuriyah is on track to start Baghdad to force TPAO out of Cyprus-Israeli strategic coopera- strong ties with Baghdad are rather than working against them up in the first half of 2014. The fields such as Mansuriyah and tion which includes economic and core to its strategic investment and being in Kurdistan.” company plans “heavy expendi- Siba where it’s already at work. political dimensions”. in southern Iraq. Opec member Iraq is expected ture for Iraq this year and next”, “I don’t think the existing Noble Energy Inc was the first “It’s very simple. From the to be the world’s biggest source she said. projects will be affected,” she said. to drill when awarded Block 12 beginning, our ambition was to of new energy supplies over the About $400m will be spent over “We hope for things to work out after Cyprus launched its energy be able to develop gas in Iraq next few years. It plans to open the next two years to drill wells between the two parties and for search in 2007. In December 2011, and to export some of that gas to up more rounds of auctions for and build pipelines and surface TPAO to be able to come back to Noble said it had discovered gas Kuwait,” she said in an interview. oil and gas blocks. And Akbar facilities at the gas fields. the block and expand their opera- reserves of up to 8 trillion cubic Oil majors Exxon Mobil and said Kuwait Energy, which A further $125m is targeted for tions in Iraq.” feet, with an estimated value Total, at work on giant projects in already has an oil exploration sector. Kuwait Energy made a big fast track exploration at Block 9, Just seven years old, home- of ¤100bn. This would satisfy the south, have upset the central block, will go after more rights push during Iraq’s third licensing which Kuwait Energy snared in grown Kuwait Energy, based in domestic needs for decades and government by signing explora- to look for gas. round in 2010, banding together last year’s fourth licensing round. Kuwait City, has already estab- could enable Cyprus to become a tion contracts with the Kurdistan Iraq played a fleeting role as gas with Turkish state-owned oil Dragon Oil PLC is its minority lished a presence in the Middle regional player by exporting gas Regional Government (KRG) — exporter to Kuwait from the mid- company TPAO to win a contract partner in the promising south- East and North Africa. to Europe from 2019. deals Baghdad regards as illegal. 1980s until it invaded its neigh- to develop the southern Siba gas ern oil block, which straddles the Its core producing assets are Delek Drilling and Anver Oil The contracts have increased bour in 1990. The retreating Iraqi field, near the Kuwaiti border. border with Iran. in Egypt, while it has exploration and Gas Exploration own major- tension between the central gov- army set fire to Kuwaiti oil wells, It also secured a stake in a gas As Iraq’s diplomatic ties soured blocks in Yemen that show poten- ity rights in Israel’s own large ernment and the Kurds in a long- and Akbar, a petroleum engineer, field project at Mansuriyah in the with Turkey, it asked Kuwait tial and has taken new blocks in gas finds in the nearby Leviathan running dispute over oil, territory joined the firefighting squads to restive Diyala province near Iran, Energy to acquire the shares in Afghanistan with TPAO, Dragon and Tamar fields. The latest deal and political autonomy. put out the flames. where TPAO is operator. Block 9 from TPAO, which the Oil and the Afghan Ghazanfer move comes less than a week The export of Iraq’s gas is still For its part, Iraq hopes eventu- cabinet decided to expel. group. “We are from the region. after Cyprus signed an agreement sensitive because, nearly a dec- DEEPENING TIES ally to restart exports to Kuwait, Baghdad has been angered by We know how to navigate our way with French energy giant Total to ade after the US-led invasion, More than two decades on, which is now buying gas from Ankara’s moves to forge closer through the uncertainty and the conduct exploratory drilling for Baghdad still can supply only a the two countries are moving multinationals, and the non- ties with the KRG, including risky times,” Akbar said. gas and oil in two blocks off its few hours of power each day. to deepen ties across the energy associated Siba gas field in Basra serving as an outlet for Kurdish REUTERS southern shore. AFP

Operational risk Strong debt market to boost Qatar’s asset management segment

DOHA: The development of in the region are ready to support the industry to develop. He also a debt market in Qatar and a broader debt market”, Shehadeh praised the current move towards across the Gulf Cooperation said while talking to the Global regulatory consolidation, saying Council (GCC) countries would publishing, research and consul- that markets like Qatar, which strengthen the position of asset tancy firm Oxford Business Group were in the early stage of devel- managers and enable them (OBG). opment, had much to gain from to better serve their clients, The CEO played down concerns simple, unified and consistent Investment Company Amwal’s that Qatar relied too heavily on regulation.“These measures will CEO George Shehadeh said banks for funding, saying that achieve an improved risk profile here yesterday. although the sector required the and increased operational effi- The continued development of bond/sukuk market to expand, ciencies that ultimately benefit a debt market, currently a topic of the underlying legal and regula- investors and the industry as a much debate, requires regulatory tory framework also needed to whole,” he added. reform, led by well-drafted and be given time to mature. “Qatar’s THE PENINSULA consistently-applied bankruptcy reliance on bank funding is not and restructuring laws across the unusual,” he said. “Most markets GCC. The sovereign issuances begin with a much deeper bank could play in helping Qatar to funding market than the bond Qatar Exchange develop a local debt market. market, with ‘disintermediation’ “Sovereign issues are a critical gradually making its way in.” closed today icebreaker for debt markets as Shehadeh highlighted the they help establish the local ‘risk- progress Qatar had made in driv- DOHA: Qatar Exchange free’ benchmark as well as a yield ing forward its fledgling financial will remain closed today, on curve that can stretch into longer services sector, saying the set- account of National Sport Employees work at the headquarters of Box.net, an online file sharing and cloud content management service dated maturities. We are seeing ting up of the Qatar Financial Day. Trading will resume for enterprise companies, in Menlo Park, California, yesterday. Startups often thrive on a lack of rules and increasing interest from inves- Centre (QFC) as a centre of tomorrow, the bourse boundaries. But experts say that as they make the transition from a handful of people in a room to sizeable tors in a variety of debt and debt excellence with a focus on build- announced yesterday. businesses, the hazards of operating without manual — including lawsuits, reputational hits, and waning related instruments .The tradi- ing a regional asset management THE PENINSULA employee morale — grow exponentially. tionally “equity-biased” investors hub is instrumental in helping European stocks mostly rise; Wall Street dips

LONDON/NEW YORK: eased greatly since the European supermarket giant Tesco, has European stock markets mostly Central Bank vowed last year to removed from its stores products rose and the euro advanced intervene in the markets to tame found to have contained horse- against the dollar yesterday as borrowing costs and EU leaders meat. Tesco’s share price was up Gulf stocks mixed, Egypt falls eurozone finance ministers met agreed tough steps to bolster the 1.67 percent to 368.65 pence in in Brussels after last week’s EU euro’s defences. London trading. DUBAI: Egypt’s benchmark current levels can be viewed as in regular Saudis’ pockets - and budget deal. But after months when it US stocks slipped at the open index fell in thin trading yes- if the market already discounted capital spending that would Supermarkets were in focus as seemed the single currency’s yesterday, with the S&P and terday but the Cairo bourse’s all of these bad events.” increase industrial output. a Europe-wide food fraud scan- future was in doubt, the euro has Nasdaq dipping from multiyear resilience in the wake of pro- In Saudi Arabia, the share “More money is going on dal over horsemeat sold as beef strengthened, sparking fears it highs, as Google shares weighed longed political turmoil sug- index rose 0.3 percent, trading consumption spending and that deepened over the weekend as could make eurozone exports less on the market on plans by its gests the prospect of further within a 125-point range for the doesn’t translate into anything Romania denied responsiblity competitive and so undercut badly former chief executive to sell a unrest is already priced into past four weeks. The measure has like the earnings per share and suspicions of criminal activ- needed growth. large chunk of his stake in the stocks. Other Gulf markets lagged other Gulf markets over growth (EPS) that people had ity mounted. France especially has voiced its Internet company. were mixed, with Dubai in that period because of disappoint- hoped for,” said the trader. The London’s FTSE 100 index of concerns as Japan, a major EU Trading volume was relatively slight retreat, neighbouring ing quarterly earnings from banks Saudi banking index climbed leading companies gained 0.21 trading partner, forces down the low, which could make the market Abu Dhabi at a 34-month high and petrochemicals, the kingdom’s 0.5 percent, trimming its losses percent to close at 6,277.06 points, yen to make its exports cheaper. volatile and exaggerate moves. and Saudi Arabia up. two main sectors, according to since Jan. 12’s four-month high while Frankfurt’s DAX 30 slid Dijsselbloem said the 17-nation Google fell 0.9 percent at Egypt’s index fell 0.3 per- Hesham Tuffaha, a Riyadh-based to 3 percent. 0.24 percent to 7,633.74 points, eurozone would likely examine the $777.94 after the company said cent to 5,694 points, trimming fund manager. “Investors are will- HIGHLIGHTS and in Paris the CAC 40 was flat issue of the strong euro in a gen- in a filing former chief executive year-to-date gains to 4.2 per- ing to take on risk and trade the DUBAI at 3,650.58 points. eral way. Eric Schmidt is selling roughly cent. Less than 62 million shares mid- and small-cap stocks, but are * The index fell 0.1 percent to “Europe’s markets have been “It might be a subject at the 42 percent of his Google stake, a traded, a February low. “There keeping away from the bluechips,” 1,897 points. fairly subdued today with new Eurogroup meeting, quite right,” move that could potentially net is a lack of strong selling pres- said Tuffaha. ABU DHABI drivers few and far between in he said on arrival for the talks. him $2.51bn. sure as the market declines,” said He said valuations were low * The index rose 1 percent to the absence of economic data “We will discuss as usual the eco- The decline was partly offset by Saleh Nasser of Pharos Holding relative to historical norms, pre- 2,924 points. and Asian markets due to lunar nomic state in the eurozone and gains in Apple, up 1.2 percent at in Cairo. dicting the Saudi bourse would KUWAIT holidays,” said CMC Markets UK the issue might rise there.” $480.78 after a New York Times “This should be viewed as a again pick up by late February in * The index climbed 0.4 per- Michael Hewson. Asked if the eurozone needed report that the iPhone maker is positive signal. Nonetheless, a catch-up play with other Gulf cent to 6,321 points. He said investors appeared an exchange rate policy, as sug- experimenting with the design of there is still weakness in the and global markets. SAUDI ARABIA to have remained on the side- gested by France, he said: “I cer- a device similar to a wristwatch. market as bulls are unable to In December, Saudi announced * The index rose 0.3 percent lines ahead of the latest meeting tainly won’t comment on that No economic data or major push the market through impor- a record budget for 2013, but to 7,031 points. of European finance ministers, now; we will see whether it comes earnings reports are scheduled tant resistance at 5,900-6,000.” doubts remain over whether EGYPT where talk on the euro’s value up.” Calls by French Finance for Monday, but Federal Reserve Egypt’s new Islamist rulers the planned spending hike will * The index fell 0.3 percent to was expected. Minister Pierre Moscovici for a Vice Chair Janet Yellen is due to are contending with a rise in translate into higher corporate 5,694 points. The European single currency “coordinated approach” to cur- speak about the economic recov- militant activity and also strug- profits. “People are over-esti- QATAR climbed to $1.3417 from $1.3361 on rency rates at the international ery at 1pm. (1800 GMT). Upbeat gling to contain street protests mating the amount of money the * The index rose 0.06 percent Friday. Gold prices fell to $1,652 level largely failed to move the US and Chinese data last week that have sometimes turned Saudi government will spend and to 8,776 points. an ounce from $1,668.25 Friday on euro.But a speech by German helped the S&P 500 extend its deadly. “Under normal circum- the impact of this,” said a Dubai- OMAN the London Bullion Market. central banker Jens Weidmann weekly winning streak to six. The stances, we should have seen this based senior trader who spoke The index fell 0.1 percent to Dutch Finance Minister arguing that a weaker euro would benchmark is up more than 6 per- market falling sharply because of on condition of anonymity. 5,856 points. Jeroen Dijsselbloem on Monday spark inflation sent the euro cent so far this year after a steep the uncertainty about the future He distinguished between gov- BAHRAIN chaired his first meeting as head above $1.34, according to Dow rally in January that has stalled of the country,” adds Nasser. ernment spending to boost con- * The index slipped 0.04 per- of the Eurogroup. The debt cri- Jones Newswires. as the S&P and Dow industrials “So the ability to maintain at sumption - putting more money cent to 1,086 points. REUTERS sis Dijsselbloem inherits has Britain’s biggest retailer, near record highs. AFP TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Horsemeat row not food safety issue: Brussels UK, France call for action against criminals

BRUSSELS: The European to suspend food imports. down, as Romania angrily denied Commission said yesterday that At this stage, European Union it was to blame for the frozen food Europe’s horsemeat scandal nations caught up in the scandal scandal spreading across Europe. appeared at this stage to be a were “in a fact-finding situation” Britain’s food minister Owen labelling problem and definitely trying to determine who had done Paterson said an “extensive” not a question of food safety. what and since when, he stressed. criminal conspiracy could be “We’re not talking about a food The Commission itself could behind the scandal and said he safety issue,” Commission spokes- only legally take action if there believed warnings had been sent man Frederic Vincent said on was proof of a health issue, he out to 16 different countries that being queried at a news confer- added. might be affected. ence on the possibility of a British Countries involved were work- “I very much hope that these ban on EU meat exports. ing through the bloc’s Rapid legal processes do flush out the “Nobody got sick as far as I Alert System for Food and Feed criminals because it is completely know. It’s just a labelling issue. So (RASFF), an EU-run information unacceptable that British con- at this stage a ban on anything exchange system that served as sumers should be sold a product would not be appropriate.” a traceability system, Vincent marked as one thing which actu- Vincent, the spokesman for the added. ally contains something else,” he EU’s health commissioner Tonio France and Britain called for said. Borg, said however that no mem- the “criminals” who disguised French President Francois French Junior Minister for Consumption Benoit Hamon (centre), Agriculture minister Stephane Le Foll (left) and ber state could unilaterally decide horsemeat as beef to be tracked Hollande said there had been Junior Minister for food-processing Guillaume Garot at a press conference on the horsemeat scandal, in Paris, “unacceptable behaviour” and yesterday. called for those responsible to be prosecuted. He also said that his reporters. “I am very angry, to sue suppliers who duped them. three days who is responsible,” he Traditional British butchers advice to the French was to eat be very honest.” French Agriculture Minister said. The French government has only meat from France. “We have made verifications... Stephane Le Foll warned that promised the results of an inquiry boosted by Europe scandal Supermarket chains in Britain, There exists no violation of more trouble lay ahead if Europe’s into the scandal by tomorrow. France and Sweden have removed European rules and standards” by complex system of wholesale meat Findus has said it will file a LONDON: Traditional British butchers’ shops are seeing a boost from their shelves packs of lasa- the two abattoirs, he said, while trading was not reformed to make legal complaint in France after to business as meat buyers turn away from imported and proc- gne, other pasta dishes, shep- his agriculture minister insisted it simpler to trace the origin of evidence showed the presence essed products following the horsemeat scandal, a trade body herd’s pies and moussaka after it there had been no false labelling food. of horsemeat in its supply chain said yesterday. Eating horse is considered taboo in Britain and emerged that frozen food compa- of meat. Ponta said Spanghero did “We have to get out of this fog, “was not accidental”. tests have found some supermarket frozen ready meals produced nies had used horsemeat instead not have a direct contract with because we can go on calling for Its Nordic branch said it in mainland Europe and labelled as processed beef actually con- of beef. Romanian firms and he called on traceability... but if the system is planned to sue Comigel, which tained up to 100 percent horsemeat. British supermarkets were European Union officials to find so murky, if the fog is so thick sells its products to customers in The head of parliament’s scrutiny panel on food affairs has urged the first to pull the products last out where the fraud originated that we are all lost, then we will 16 countries, and its suppliers. consumers to buy British meat and shop at their local butcher’s to week after French firm Comigel and who are the guilty parties. end up with big problems,” he told In Britain, where eating horse- better reassure themselves about where their meat has come from. warned that the beef it supplied He was speaking at a joint press RTL radio. meat is considered taboo, tests “There has definitely been a spike in sales for the high street to the Findus frozen food firm — conference with EU Agriculture The head of France’s ANIA have found that some frozen butcher in recent weeks, some are saying by as much as 20 and 30 which sold its ready-to-eat meals Commissioner Dacian Ciolos, who food industry association, Jean- ready meals produced in main- percent,” said Brindon Addy, chairman of the Q Guild which rep- to supermarkets — was suspect. noted that the horsemeat scandal Rene Buisson insisted his coun- land Europe and labelled as proc- resents 120 butchers across Britain. Comigel said it got its meat was not a public health scare but try’s regulatory system was “the essed beef actually contained up “It is obviously great news for those butchers who have found it from another French firm, a case of fraud. best in the world”. to 100 percent horsemeat. difficult to compete with the big supermarkets in the past. Spanghero, which said it was French ministers meanwhile “We are not responsible for the But the country’s food minister “People slip into the convenience of supermarket shopping, but supplied from two abattoirs in prepared to hold a crisis meet- fraud of one of our suppliers,” he dismissed calls for a ban on EU whenever there is a scare -- be it horsemeat or BSE (“mad cow Romania who allegedly passed ing with key players in the meat told Europe 1 radio. meat imports, describing the idea disease”) — they always come back.” horsemeat off as beef. industry on Monday, as French “The traceability of food prod- as a “panic measure”. While there was “nothing wrong” with eating horsemeat, consum- But Romanian Prime Minister anti-fraud agents searched the ucts is not being called into ques- British authorities have said ers are concerned about eating equine flesh being passed off as beef. Victor Ponta yesterday angrily premises of both Comigel and tion in this affair. We put in place they are testing to see whether “It’s a trust issue,” said Addy, himself a butcher from Holmfirth denied his country was to blame. Spanghero. the best system in the world after the horsemeat contains a veteri- in northern England. AFP “Romania cannot accept to Both these firms have denied the ‘mad cow’ crisis which will nary drug that can be dangerous be the usual suspect,” he told any wrongdoing and said they will enable us to find out in two or to humans. AFP

Norway sovereign Oil explorer ONGC quarterly wealth fund enters US property market net profit falls 17.5pc OSLO: Norway’s Government MUMBAI: State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), India’s Pension Fund, the world’s larg- biggest energy explorer, reported yesterday third-quarter net profit est sovereign wealth fund, said fell 17.5 percent as earnings suffered from subsidies given to fuel yesterday it had entered the US retailers. Net profit for the October to December quarter slid to real estate market by invest- `55.63 bn ($1.03m) from `67.41bn in the same period a year earlier, ing $600m (¤448m) in five office the company said in a statement. properties. The fund bought a Under government rules, ONGC must sell discounted fuel to state- 49.9 percent stake in five office run refineries which in turn provide diesel, petrol and other fuel prod- buildings in Washington DC, ucts at cheaper rates to the public. New York and Boston after This imposes a heavy subsidy burden on the company, affecting its forming a joint venture with the profit. ONGC chairman Sudhir Vasudeva said that the company’s net seller, TIAA-CREF, a pension profit would have been higher by `72.70bn if did not have to pay the subsidy fund.The US fund will retain a bill. ONGC, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of India’s oil output, said 50.1 percent holding and will be sales rose 16 percent to `210m. Profits in the same year-ago period were responsible for managing the lifted by a one-off gain of `31.4bn, the company said. However, the profit properties, it said. for the three months to December still beat market forecasts. Analysts “As the world’s largest real had expected the firm to show a profit of around `53bn. estate market, the US will be an important part of the fund’s long- A sales promotion assistant stands between Maruti Suzuki cars on display at the International Auto Show in term property portfolio,” said Hyderabad recently. Fujairah to raise oil storage capacity Karsten Kallevig, chief invest- ment officer for real estate at DUBAI: Oil storage capacity in the United Arab Emirates port of the Norwegian central bank unit Fujairah is expected to rise by 2 million cubic metres (mcm) this responsible for managing the India set for worst car sales in year to just over 6 mcm, port data shows. The port outside the Strait fund’s assets. of Hormuz, a vital Gulf oil export route which Iran has threatened The Government Pension Fund to block, has seen a boom in storage facility building since late 2009. is the main investment vehicle But the pace of construction has slowed over the last year, several for Norway’s oil revenue and is decade after January plunge traders said, with the looming threat of overcapacity and lower forward estimated by the US-based SWF prices for oil making storage unattractive. Institute to be the world’s largest Fujairah had 4.07 mcm of oil storage capacity at the end of 2012, port sovereign wealth fund. The value NEW DELHI: India’s once- year earlier, the China Association “Car buying in India is still figures show, with Vopak Horizon Fujairah accounting for about half. of its assets currently stands at booming passenger car sec- of Automobile Manufacturers said a very emotional business,” he Another 2 mcm is expected to come online in 2013, including capacity around 3,892bn kroner (¤527.2bn tor looked set to post its worst late last week. India’s car sales added. “Even if buyers need a additions from existing companies such as the Emirates National Oil or $707.4bn). The fund has said it annual performance in a decade, grew by a breakneck 20-to-30 car they will probably wait until Company (ENOC), GPS Chemoil and Socar Aurora, along with new wants real estate to account for an industry group said yester- percent in the previous decade they feel good about the economic port investors such as Gulf Petrochem. REUTERS/AFP 5 percent of its global investment day, after reporting a 12 percent — prompting foreign carmakers situation.” portfolio in the future, compared plunge in sales in January. such as Ford, Renault-Nissan, SIAM had already slashed its to only 0.3 percent at the end of Car sales — viewed as an GM and other firms — to make passenger car sales growth fore- September last year. important barometer of over- a beeline for the country as they cast for the fiscal year to March all economic health — slid by sought to boost sales globally. 31 to zero-to-one percent from an 12.45 percent to 173,420 units in But passenger sales growth in initial 10 to 12 percent. Sen said Saudi Arabia to build January from the same month India, the sixth-largest car mar- there would be no further official • Bullion - Mumbai water desalination in 2012, the Society of Indian ket worldwide, has been in decline revision but added the group did Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 30410 Automobile Manufacturers since 2010 with the nation’s not expect a recovery in car sales Silver (1 kg) Rs. 58940 plant in Rabigh (SIAM) said. expanding middle classes steer- in the final financial quarter. • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.58 “We now think passenger car ing clear of auto showrooms as Sales for April to January were • Sensex KHOBAR: Saudi Saline Water sales growth for the (2012-13 the economy has slowed. down around two percent from Conversion Corporation plans financial) year will be in negative India, Asia’s third-largest econ- the same period a year earlier, BSE 19484.77 to build a new water desalina- figures,” SIAM deputy director omy, is forecast to grow by five to Sen said. Rathore said India’s pas- NSE 5903.50 tion plant in Rabigh, on the general Sugato Sen said, adding 5.5 percent this financial year — senger car sector was expected to • LIC (International) launches New Gold Investment Plan ‘GOLD PLUS’ – Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, “the last time we had a negative its weakest pace in a decade. gain traction in the next finan- which provides an opportunity to invest in GOLD ETF & GOLD SPOT, PAN state media reported yesterday. (figure) was in 2002-03”. Increased ownership costs, such cial year, growing by six to seven Card/Demat Account not required. The plant will have a capacity of “The industry is in tough as costlier fuel and steep interest percent, as long as the rest of the • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return 600,000 cubic meters per day of times,” Sen said. rates, have also deterred buyers. economy also picked up speed. p.a. (in dollar) desalinated water and is in the India’s weak figures come as “People aren’t getting the right Total sales of trucks and buses • Housing loan from HDFC LTD state utility’s budget for this vehicle sales in China, the world’s vibes from the economy and are — another key pointer to eco- year, SPA reported without pro- largest car market, shifts back to delaying their car purchases,” nomic vitality — slumped by 9.51 • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, viding a cost for the project due higher growth. Passenger vehicle Deepesh Rathore, India-based percent to 63,218 units in January Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. to be completed in 2018. sales surged 48.7 percent to 1.73 expert of industry forecasting from a year ago. AFP Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] AFP /REUTERS million units in January from a group IHS Automotive, said. TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

Spanish deficit haunts Horsemeat scandal exposes Rajoy defying junk status BY ANGELINE BENOIT the cheap food imperative PANISH Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s results from his first year in office are about to get a close inspection by BY JOHN HARRIS Netherlands. The latter was supplied from come from: the only place we can cut from credit rating companies and investors. an abbatoir and butcher located in Romania.’” is our food budget. And we’re already having S Deficit data due this month will show how far the gov- HAT DO WE KNOW of the Let us briefly pause to marvel at what all the cheapest food you can buy.” ernment reduced its budget shortfall in 2012, a year when Spain arcane processes and multi- this means. Of course, contrary to the wide- They are hardly alone: the cheap food came close to needing a bailout. While 10-year borrowing costs national supply chains that spread impression that millions of British imperative extends along a long social are down more than 200 basis points from their July peak, two Wlie behind the modern food carnivores have come close to being slowly continuum, and reaches most of us. Last ratings companies grade Spanish bonds one level above junk and industry? Or rather, how much do we want poisoned, eating horse has probably done no week, the market research company Mintel another cut may make them too risky for some investors. to know? Some food lines – bread, high-end one any harm. The weekend’s talk about the released figures suggesting that 89 percent “Spain’s budget deficit numbers are crucial,” said Harvinder confectionery, wine – obscure the realities veterinary drug bute look distinctly like an of Britons now shop on a budget – and, Sian, a senior fixed-income strategist at Royal Bank of Scotland of mass production behind a hazy myth of ex post facto attempt to somehow make all moreover, that “some 30 percent of consum- in London, in a telephone interview. “A number near and certainly traditional techniques, careful quality con- the fuss look rational, and — I speak here ers buy budget ranges compared to just one above 8 percent of gross domestic product in 2012 will raise the trol, men in chef’s hats and the like. But in as a vegetarian — the horsemeat imbro- in five (20 percent) back in 2008”. risk of a ratings downgrade, and while we expect near 7.5 percent, the case of the meat industry, everything is glio has revealed the astounding power of The report went on, “over half (53 per- the regions have delivered late surprises in the last couple of years.” unspoken. For most people, there will prob- preferences that are cultural, rather than cent) agree low price is more important than With suspense on the deficit persisting, Rajoy will deliver ably be some half-formed idea of the trade’s rational. But at the same time, this ever- brand name and nearly seven in 10 (68 per- a speech Tuesday in which he may defend the five rounds of realities that occasionally comes to mind: widening story cuts straight to the heart cent) are proud to tell their friends about any spending cuts and tax increases inflicted on Spain last year. That giant slaughterhouses, the questionable body of how messed up our eating and shopping good bargains they find”. Prior to the horse austerity still failed to bring the shortfall below the European parts that go into mince, the tangle of horrors habits have become, and what a completely scandal, that presumably translated as lots of Commission’s target and the government might need to step up forever embodied in that dread term “Turkey screwed-up economy is doing to the most people loudly extolling the wonders of Tesco efforts to avoid missing its goal this year too. Twizzlers”. But it is largely all held at bay – basic aspects of how we live. Everyday Value “beef” burgers, eight of which Spain has recently enjoyed a respite from the ravages of the part, perhaps, of that gentle denial whereby, Ours is an economy in which ludicrously were retailing for £1. And contrary to what debt crisis, shielded by European Central Bank President Mario once you’re beyond mere birds and fish, the cheap food is an absolute necessity, and not some people might have recently told us, this Draghi’s pledge to do whatever it takes to defend the euro, and English language tends to use different words just for the people on benefits and limited is not because they are so stupid that they his creation of a bond-buying weapon to enforce it. for animals, and their edible flesh. incomes whose caricatured presence has barely know how to hold a knife and fork, nor The country’s bonds are rated Baa3 at Moody’s Investors Service Well, now we know. Of all the cover- been there in just about everything writ- any more ignorant about the food industry and BBB- at Standard & Poor’s, each at the lowest threshold of age of the ongoing horse meat scandal, my ten about the current scandal. At the risk than millions of other people, but because investment grade. Fitch Ratings has a BBB grade on Spain, one favourite so far is in the Financial Times of stating the blindingly obvious, wages some of us – most, in some way – increasingly level higher. While investors often ignore ratings, evidenced by (paywall link), written beautifully straight, continue to stagnate, bills carry on rising have no option. In other words, though the the rally in Treasuries after the U.S. lost its top grade at S&P in and therefore all the more powerful. From and the only thing that a lot of people can supermarkets squeeze producers and hold 2011, a reduction to junk might threaten Spain’s access to some the top, then: “The Findus products revealed either cut back or keep to a minimum is out the illusion of cheap food as a means of buyers of its debt. to contain horsemeat … came from a Comigel food spending. On this score, I think of the extending their dominance, much of this “A downgrade to a non-investment grade would be a serious factory in Luxembourg. Comigel in turn family I recently met in Hartlepool, threat- is a simple matter of market demand. And blow,” said RBC Capital Markets head of European rates strategy was supplied with meat from a company ened by the so-called spare bedroom tax, note what is actually happening within food Peter Schaffrik. “There are a large number of accounts that simply in southwestern France called Spanghero, and what a woman called Lorna Holden told markets. The year 2013 began with the boss wouldn’t hold Spain anymore, leading to higher yields.” whose parent [company] is called Poujol.” me about its likely effects: “We can’t cut it of Waitrose warning that, partly because Fitch affirmed Spain’s rating on Friday with a negative outlook. Benoît Hamon, France’s consumer affairs from fuel, or electricity, or petrol. 2012 was so wet, the price of bread and veg- Both other ratings companies declined to say when they might minister, said “that Poujol ‘acquired the fro- So when you lay that budget out over a etables was likely to go up by around 5%, if next comment on its creditworthiness. Moody’s confirmed its rat- zen meat from a Cypriot trader, which had month, with your council tax and water, and not more. ing on October 16 with a negative outlook, and said last month that sub-contracted the order to a trader in the all your bills, there’s nowhere else it can THE GUARDIAN Spain faces risks to its prospects for growth and budget-deficit reduction that are “large and overwhelmingly to the downside.” S&P last cut Spain’s rating in October. Economists surveyed in January by Bloomberg forecast a deficit of 8 percent of GDP for last year, which matches the prediction of the European Commission and is worse than the original goal of 6.3 percent. The Commission is due to update its forecasts on Feb. 22, after estimating in November that Spain’s deficit will reach 6 percent of GDP in 2013, against a goal of 4.5 percent. Spain has missed every budget goal set by the European Union since 2009, when its deficit peaked at 11.2 percent of GDP. Replacing his Socialist predecessor in late 2011 as the economy succumbed to a recession, Rajoy imitated him by cutting public wages and increasing value-added tax a second time, exacerbating the slump. Unemployment has reached a record 26 percent and the International Monetary Fund predicts a 1.5 percent economic contraction in 2013. Budget Minister Cristobal Montoro is due to release 2012 data at some point in the coming days or weeks. That will include statistics on the tax-funded pensions and jobless- benefits system, whose deficit is expected by officials to reach 1 percent of GDP for last year, 10 times that of 2011. The Commission’s next recommendations for Spain will be published in May, after EU statistics agency Eurostat releases the first of its bi-annual government debt and deficit estimates in April, EU spokesman Simon O’Connor said in a telephone interview. EU budget enforcer Olli Rehn signaled Jan. 28 he might seek to ease austerity prescriptions for Spain. Economists, including Ricardo Santos at BNP Paribas, said there’s a risk the Eurostat report in April may show a deficit much worse than Montoro’s data. “Deficit data revision risks remain for 2012 as well as 2011,” David Haugh, head of the Spain desk at the Paris-based Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, said in a telephone interview. Data revisions might be exacerbated by public authorities’ backlog of bills to suppliers. Montoro this month pledged more measures to force municipalities and regions to pay arrears. “As long as suppliers go unpaid, it shows spending isn’t under control and it’s impossible to guarantee there aren’t more bills lying in drawers,” said Maria Yolanda Fernandez Jurado, associate ten- ured professor of the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences at Madrid’s Universidad Pontificia Comillas. WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Currency wars rise again; unemployment claims drop he European Central less than initially estimated in opposition questions, stating that 10-month high in December. As the signaled that policy makers are monetary policy unchanged, as Bank became the cen- January. The Euro collapsed fol- the USDJPY weakened more than number above 50 signals expan- concerned that the single-cur- policy makers kept focus on a tre in the financial scene lowing the ECB press conference, intended. The JPY dropped to a sion, the index surpassed the rency’s strength will block their credit- boosting program to aid the Tlast week, as FX markets after President Mario Draghi sug- low 92.17, and closed the week at expected 55.0. A continuous hike efforts to pull the economy out of recovery. Bank of England policy- anticipate a justification from gested that its recent appreciation 92.68. The Swiss Franc weak- in the manufacturing industries a recession. “The exchange rate makers left the key benchmark ECB President Mario Draghi could damp inflation. The single ened against the greenback since will make-up for three straight is not a policy target, buy it is interest rate unchanged at 0.5%. over the currency’s 14-month high currency dropped to a low 1.3370, the beginning of the week. The months of contraction, and will important for growth and price The Monetary Policy Committee, levels. With the Federal Reserve and closed the week at 1.3365. CHF opened the week at 0.9080, create more jobs. stability” said the ECB President, led by Governor Mervyn King, and the Bank of Japan are on The Sterling Pound endured weakening to a high of 0.9202 on The number of Americans fil- explaining that the central bank said the target for its bond pur- loose monetary policies, weak- a volatile week, as the market Thursday, in tandem with the ing applications for unemploy- would “want to see if the appre- chases will remain at 375 billion ening their currencies to boost turns its focus to the EUR and Euro, after investors switched to ment benefits fell by 5,000 to ciation is sustained, and if it alters pounds. Officials are monitoring growth, Draghi stated that the the JPY. Cable opened the week risk aversion mode following the 366,000, although higher than the the assessment of the risks to the impact of their Funding for Euro’s value is broadly reflected at 1.5693, only to rise to 1.5805 ECB Press conference. The Swiss expected 360,000. As the US gov- price stability”. Lending Scheme, which started on the economic fundamental as political turmoil pressured Franc closed the week at 0.9174. ernment suffered trouble adjust- Moreover, Mario Draghi in August. There are signs the after talks of “currency wars” Spanish and Italian government ing the data for seasonal swings, noted that the ECB will publish program is helping the mortgage resurfaced. Moreover, Bank of bonds and boosted the relative claims have fluctuated in prior new economic projections next market, and Governor King said England Governor-elect Mark appeal of the British currency. weeks. Unemployment claims month, and stressed that officials that lending conditions should Carney, had testified to UK law- The Pound dropped significantly are now at levels that show that will “maintain our accommoda- improve further as it “kicks in”. makers on the country’s economy, against the US Dollar, ahead of the pace of dismissals only slightly tive monetary stance”. While UK’s manufacturing produc- adding that “central banks should the Bank of England meeting. changed, compared to the previ- the US and Japan expand their tion grew more than expected in Weekly Money Market Review be flexible in meeting inflation The Sterling Pound then surged ous year. The pace of dismissals balance sheets, the ECBs’ is December, ending its worst quar- targets and that any change to to 1.5845 after the BoE refrained may indicate that companies are shrinking, as banks have started ter since 2009, signaling hope for monetary regimes should not be from boosting its asset purchase Manufacturing industry in the poised to boost hiring’s as demand paying back the 3-year emer- a struggling government to avoid made lightly”. target. The Pound closed the United States slightly slowed in holds up. To no one’s surprise, gency loans early, while the Euro slipping back into recession. The Euro started the week on week at 1.5801. The Japanese January, but came better than the European Central Bank have fueled to 14-months high. This West Texas oil was little changed a negative note at 1.3640, as the Yen opened the week at 92.77, forecasted, hiking demand for kept the key benchmark interest raised talks of a “currency war” as an Energy Information currency lost steam ahead of the weakening against the US Dollar labor, and assisting to moderate rate unchanged at 0.75 percent. between central banks to boost Administration report showed ECB meeting on Thursday. The throughout the week, to touch a the economy ahead of the upcom- The Euro dropped the most in growth through devaluation of supplies dropped at the biggest single currency dropped to 1.3459 high of 94.06 on Wednesday. The ing budget talks. More jobs, is 7-months, after ECB President their currency. Although, ECB US storage hub and delivery point levels, on renewed concern about Japanese Yen then gained the most likely to equate to a rise in Mario Draghi suggested that its President Draghi dismissed such for the New York-traded crude. Europe’s debt crisis. The Euro most since March 2011 against consumer spending, which counts recent appreciation could damp talks, and stated that the value Crude slipped 2 cents after stock- climbed to 1.3597 after a report the USD on Friday, after Finance for 70% of the US economy. The inflation, which raises the specu- of the Euro reflects largely the piles declined 315,000 barrels last showed that European services Minister Aso spoke at the lower Institute for Supply Management’s lation that interest rate cuts are economic fundamentals. week to 51.4 million, a one-month and factory output contracted house of the parliament to answer factory index slipped to 55.2 from a a possibility in the future. Draghi The Bank of England left its low. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,775.60 0.06 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 11,953.47 0.06 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,571.83 0.06 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,117.36 0.25 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,026.65 0.02 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 4980.321 -9.078 -0.18 4989.4 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,942.3 1.60 % QR194.6858 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3669.46 19.96 0.55 3793.26 3601.05 UK ...... QR 5.6772 QR 5.7560 QE All Share Industrials 2,832.37 1.06 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,919.83 0.57 % Dj Indu Average 13992.97 48.92 0.35 14022.6 12035.1 QR 3.6653 Euro ...... QR 4.8454 QR 4.9127 QE All Share Real Estate 1,607.25 1.03 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5835 QR 3.6551 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,169.85 1.27 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9421 QR 3.9970 QE All Share Transportation 1,403.89 0.05 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23215.16 38.16 0.16 23944.74 22860.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0389 QR 0.0394 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7057 QR 3.7786 Iseq Overall/D 3599.17 -7.07 -0.2 3615.73 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0670 QR 0.0684 11-02-2013 10-02-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17548.54 70.6 0.4 17499.59 16036.31 Index 8,775.60 8,769.97 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0368 QR 0.0376 Change 5.63 12.38 Nikkei 225 Index 11153.16 -203.91 -1.8 11498.42 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0886 QR 0.0904 % 0.06 0.14 $ 117.54 SL Re ...... QR 0.0285 QR 0.0291 YTD% 4.98 4.92 S&P 500 Index/D 1517.93 8.54 0.57 1518.31 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0459 QR 0.0471 Volume 5,438,930 5,038,947 Straits Times/D 3270.3 8.53 0.26 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0421 QR 0.0430 Value (QAR) 260,144,203.96 176,894,357.22 $ 115.22 Trades 3,396 2,974 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4053 QR 0.4134 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 16 | Down 22 | Unchanged 04

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 11- 02-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

A B G Infra-B/D 98.75 -2.75 4531 Chola Invest-B/D 284.5 -3.5 4710 Himat Seide-B/D 36.1 0.1 7957 Kinetic Eng-T/D 120.95 -1.35 1828 Radico Khait-B/D 144.6 -0.95 35921 Hsbc Holdings/D 720.3 3.6 4182648 A C C-A/D 1260.95 -43.5 25842 Cipla-A/D 394.7 13.8 300165 Hind Motors-B/D 10.32 0.26 148762 Klg Systel-T/D 15.15 -0.4 1918 Rallis India-B/D 129.45 0.65 113980 Imperial Tobac/D 2318 18 346357 Aban Offs-B/D 322.5 -2.2 45781 City Union Bk-/D 60.5 -0.25 35033 Hind Org Chem-/D 16.45 0.25 68902 Kopran-B/D 16.8 0 20473 Rallis India-B/D 129.45 0.65 113980 Kingfisher/D 279.8 0.7 482588 Aegis Logis-B/D 144.65 -0.2 5811 Cmc Ltd-B/D 1310.15 -10.85 7978 Hind Unilever-/D 460.8 8.5 117639 Lloyd Metal-B/D 13.8 -0.15 2940 Reliance Indus/D 408.8 2.45 74992 Land Secs Grou/D 816 3.5 210866 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 130.95 -0.35 1980 Colgate-A/D 1329.8 -3.85 10940 Hind.Petrol-A/D 319.2 -0.75 114470 Lloyd Steel-B/D 13.4 -0.1 52142 Ruchi Soya-B/D 67 -0.75 9025 Legal & Genera/D 150.3 1.2 2573968 Alembic-B/D 16.45 -0.2 21891 Container Cor-/D 970.35 7.4 5368 Hindalco-A/D 112.1 2.35 979179 Lloydsfin.-T/D 0.97 0 21530 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 452.95 -1.25 9291 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 52.66 -0.13 20678367 Alok Indus-B/D 10.03 -0.12 829635 Dcm Financia-B/D 1.41 -0.1 8863 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 799.2 -8.8 70334 Lumax Ind-B/D 377 0.05 9097 Salora Inter-B/D 18.25 -0.05 5910 Marks & Sp./D 382.892 0.8 616361 Andhra Paper-B/D 203.15 -13.6 25207 Dhampur Sugar-/D 41.75 -1.25 81750 I F C I-A/D 34.05 -0.05 2040241 Lupin-A/D 594.75 -3.4 22628 Saur.Cem-B/D 28.35 0.65 45751 Next/D 4121 -2 30136 Apollo Tyre-A/D 85.3 -1.05 150225 Dr. Reddy-A/D 1900.05 43.55 40354 Idbi-A/D 99.6 -0.1 170578 Lyka Labs-B/D 10.75 0.25 4075 Thirumalai-B/D 111.05 -1.8 7699 Pearson/D 1209 5 196616 Prudential/D 936.5 6 1081575 Asahi I Glass-/D 50.25 0.25 9852 E I H-B/D 67.55 -0.1 12735 Ifb Agro-B/D 185.75 -1.2 2823 Mangalam Cem-B/D 149.8 -1.4 3801 Timexgroup-T/D 19 -0.5 37131 Rentokil Initi/D 89.65 -0.5 424235 Ashok Leyland-/D 23.45 -0.25 455759 E.I.D Parry-B/D 165.6 0.6 5540 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 101.05 3.45 5445 Maral Overs-B/D 13.22 -0.12 2558 Tinplate-B/D 48.1 0.1 9591 Rolls Royce Pl/D 979.5 3.5 643061 Bajaj Hold-A/D 977.3 4.4 6321 Electrosteel-B/D 23.85 -0.15 94433 India Cement-B/D 83.25 -1.2 88566 Mastek-B/D 148.3 0.6 1855 Ub Engineer-B/D 26.95 -0.65 7713 Rsa Insrance G/D 131.2 0.4 1663663 Ballarpur In-B/D 21.45 0 118001 Emco-B/D 24.95 -0.45 22218 India Glycol-B/D 142.4 -2.85 5814 Max India L-A/D 244.9 -2.4 12569 Ub Engineer-B/D 26.95 -0.65 7713 Sainsbury(J)/D 334 2.3 1754888 Bata India-A/D 790.95 2.55 36768 Escorts-B/D 67.15 0.6 109491 Indian Hotel-A/D 61.5 -0.45 75763 Mrpl-A/D 58.45 0 41962 Ucal Fuel-B/D 63.3 -0.75 3905 Schroders/D 1977 3 45218 Beml Ltd-B/D 253.3 -8.85 20707 Essar Oil-A/D 90.85 -1.75 1598667 Indo-Tcount-T/D 13.49 0.49 8599 Nahar Spg.-B/D 78.9 1.15 3868 Ucal Fuel-B/D 63.3 -0.75 3905 Severn Trent/D 1596.7355 8 102837 Bharat Bijle-B/D 532.05 10 5191 Eveready Indu-/D 20.95 -0.1 65416 Indusind-A/D 428.35 3.05 70768 Nation Alum -A/D 47.05 0.4 51949 Ultramarine-B/D 51.35 1.3 4311 Smith&Nephew/D 708.2373 -1 391883 Bharatgears-B/D 44.65 -0.15 2746 F D C-B/D 91.2 -0.9 4204 J.B.Chemical-B/D 82.45 -1.55 16963 Navneet Pub.-B/D 64.55 0 9943 Unitech P -A/D 35 -0.1 2327175 Smiths Group/D 1216 -5 125419 Bhartiya Int-T/D 169 -4.4 5657 Federal Bank-A/D 515.5 -0.2 10165 Jagson Phar-B/D 12.87 0.59 3377 Nepc India-B/D 2.45 -0.02 21884 Standrd Chart /D 1711.7386 17.5 835121 LONDON Bhel-A/D 207.5 -1 276857 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.67 0.25 26812 Jbf Indu-B/D 113.15 -3.55 13703 Nrb Bearings-B/D 35.15 -0.1 2044 Tate & Lyle/D 792.5 -1 99986 Bom.Burmah-B/D 121.6 -0.5 23608 Fgp Ltd-B/D 2.18 -0.15 13031 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.59 0.02 65504 O N G C-A/D 308.4 -5.05 225267 Tesco/D 368.8 6.2 5576413 Bombay Dyeing-/D 99.95 -2.45 145024 Finolex-B/D 78.35 -0.35 72996 Jct Ltd-B/D 1.27 -0.04 75119 Oil Country-B/D 47.2 0.8 3116 3I Group/D 281.5 0.9 307146 Unilever/D 2526 11 451289 Cable Corp.-B/D 20.2 -0.4 6961 Forbes-B/D 675.65 36.85 1862 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.31 -0.06 14658 Onward Tech-T/D 42.15 1.55 7873 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 1760 1 103277 United Util Gr/D 732 4.5 401282 Camph.& All-B/D 152.6 -3.1 2146 Gail-A/D 334.85 -1.05 55015 Jik Indust-B/D 1.73 0.08 20235 Orchid Chem-B/D 78.55 0.15 135320 B Sky B/D 832 -1 649931 Vodafone Group/D 174.714 0.85 12710184 Canfin Homes-T/D 155.3 0.15 3053 Galada Power-B/D 4.1 0.15 3130 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 112 -4 10991 Orient Hotel-B/D 20.15 -0.4 4742 Barclays/D 301.81 3.15 15694180 Whitbread/D 2678 -14 65895 Caprihans-B/D 48 -0.9 2335 Gammon India-B/D 35 -0.35 11535 Kalpat Power-B/D 87.4 -1.9 19155 Orient.Carb.-B/D 98.65 -3.9 5093 Bg Group/D 1109.438 4 910488 Bp/D 453.85 -1.75 5410109 Castrol Ind-A/D 312.55 -2.8 13544 Goodricke-B/D 141.05 -2.6 2374 Kalyani Stel-B/D 49.3 -0.3 12406 Orient.Carb.-B/D 98.65 -3.9 5093 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3291.5 11 314698 Century Enka-B/D 117.65 0.85 3664 Goodyear I -B/D 312.15 1 1846 Kg Denim-T/D 14 0.08 5780 Oudh Sugar-B/D 23.3 -0.35 1975 Bt Group/D 266.612 0.1 3408422 Century Text-A/D 381.8 3.95 210441 Hcl Infosys-B/D 36.3 0.15 47583 Kilburnengg-B/D 17.7 0.4 2409 Patspin India-/D 7.96 0.01 2388 Centrica/D 343.272 3.2 1509822 Chambal Fert-B/D 65.45 0.95 161062 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 9.04 -0.05 277079 Kin.Motor-B/D 10.5 -0.17 7682 Punjab Chem.-B/D 53.3 0.2 5636 Gkn/D 254.7 -0.8 753559 TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Wiggins Snedeker wins hindered as Kittel takes lead in Oman at Pebble Beach MUSCAT: Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins endured a frustrating start to American clinches his fifth PGA Tour win his Tour of Oman challenge yes- terday as he came in last over a minute behind stage winner PEBBLE BEACH, California: told CBS after sealing victory with Marcel Kittel. Pebble Beach FedExCup champion Brandt a par at the last before pumping The colourful British rider was Snedeker finally reaped just his right fist in celebration and delayed by a pile-up in the last few National Pro-Am reward for his red-hot early taking off his cap to acknowledge kilometres of the 162km stage and form on the PGA Tour this year the crowd. came in 1min 30sec adrift of the Scores when he eased to victory by “And to finish the West Coast leaders.Kittel who rides for Argos PEBBLE BEACH, two shots at the Pebble Beach (swing) off to win this way. It’s Shimano held off the challenge of California: Leading scores National Pro-Am yesterday. such a special place. To win at Italian David Apollonio (AG2R) yesterday after the final round Runner-up behind Tiger Woods Pebble Beach on a beautiful day and French champion Nacer of the US PGA Tour’s $6.5m and Phil Mickelson in his two pre- like this ... you can’t make this Bouhanni (FDJ), following the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am vious starts on the US circuit, stuff up. It’s just too perfect.” ride from Al Musannah to Sultan on the par-72 Pebble Beach the American world number six Snedeker, who had recorded Qaboos University, east of Muscat. Golf Links, par-70 Monterey closed with a seven-under-par 65 three top-three finishes in his Former Tour De France cham- Peninsula Country Club, par- to post a tournament record low first four events on the 2013 PGA pions’ Alberto Contador of Spain 72 Spyglass Hill Country Club of 19-under 267. Tour, said winning a first major and Australian Cadel Evans as (Final round at Pebble Beach, Co-leader overnight with com- title was now his top priority. well as Belgian world champion USA unless noted): patriot James Hahn, Snedeker “Finishing off a tournament Philippe Gilbert came home in 267 Brandt Snedeker 66-68-68-65 took control with an eagle on like this with a win, it gives me the peloton, gaining a useful early 269 Chris Kirk 71-68-64-66 the second hole and never relin- a ton of confidence going into the advantage over Olympic time- 272 Kevin Stadler 69-69-69-65, Jimmy quished his grip on a glorious day Masters, the US Open, all the trial champion Wiggins. Walker 68-71-67-66, James Hahn of late winter sunshine on the pic- great venues we have this year,” Wiggins openly admitted that 71-65-66-70 turesque Monterey Peninsula. the 32-year-old said. he came into the race short 273 Jason Day (AUS) 68-68-70-67 American Chris Kirk sank “And that’s next on my list. I’ve of form, but he now faces an a 16-foot birdie putt at the last won five times out here now. The even tougher challenge to catch 274 Fredrik Jacobson (SWE) 71-66-70- for a 66 to finish alone in second, most important thing now is to Contador and Evans in the six- 67, Patrick Reed 68-69-67-70 with PGA Tour rookie Hahn (70) win majors.” stage race that culminates on 275 Patrick Cantlay 66-70-72-67, James a further three strokes back at On a chilly, sun-splashed morn- Saturday at Matra Corniche. Driscoll 72-67-67-69, Retief Goosen 14-under in a three-way tie for ing at Pebble Beach, Snedeker The stage had been marked by a (RSA) 71-68-67-69 third. moved one stroke in front of play- long escape which was led by Dutch 276 Justin Hicks 71-68-70-67, Aaron It was Snedeker’s fifth career ing partner Hahn at 14-under rider Bobbie Traksel who was in Baddeley (AUS) 69-71-69-67, Bryce victory on the PGA Tour and his after sinking a four-foot eagle putt the company of Kohei Uchima a Molder 71-72-69-64, Richard H. Lee second in his last six starts, dating at the par-five second. Snedeker member of the Japanese team and 68-71-66-71 back to the Tour Championship in remained one ahead Snedeker’s only national formation in the race. 277 John Merrick 68-67-74-68, William September when he also landed closing 65 was his 10th consecutive The two men make their break McGirt 72-69-67-69, Charlie Wi FedExCup honours. round under 70 on the PGA Tour, after just 1km before Traksel was (KOR) 70-70-68-69, Hunter Mahan “It’s kind of crazy to think and he will climb to a career-high Brandt Snedeker poses with the trophy on the 18th green after his two- reeled in by the peloton with 32km 66-69-73-69, Ted Potter 67-67-73- about what’s happened the last fourth in the world yeserday. stroke victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach to go and Uchima survived another 70, Sean O’Hair 70-67-70-70 four months,” a smiling Snedeker REUTERS Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California, yesterday. 16km before he too was swept up by the charging pack. Kittel, 24, meanwhile became the first rider to win three stages on the race after taking two last year, adding to arguably his finest moment when he won the seventh Clippers win clash of division leaders stage on the 2011 Tour of Spain. He will don the overall leader’s NEW YORK: Reserves Jamal 86-77 bulge midway through the red jersey for the second stage Crawford and Eric Bledsoe led NBA Results fourth. Veteran Grant Hill came today, which is a 146km ride from a fourth-quarter surge that car- in to closely guard and slow down Fanja in Bidbid to Al Bustan. LA Clippers 102 NY Knicks 88 ried the visiting Los Angeles forward Anthony, who scored 38 Meanwhile, the International Clippers to a 102-88 victory Miami 107 LA Lakers 97 points through three quarters. Cycling Union (UCI) has tough- over the New York Knicks in a Boston 118 Denver 114 Knicks coach Mike Woodson ened up its anti-doping policy by battle of NBA division leaders Toronto 102 New Orleans 89 took some of the blame for going imposing an eight-day rest on rid- yesterday. Orlando 110 Portland 104 with his second unit during that ers following an injection of corti- The victory improved the Memphis 105 Minnesota 88 critical stretch while he rested coids, it said yesterday. Pacific-leading Clippers to 36-17, San Antonio 111 Brooklyn 86 Anthony. “The UCI must be informed by healthy again after losing eight of “I sat Melo to start the fourth the doctor applying such an injec- Oklahoma City 97 Phoenix 69 their last 11 games while dealing to give him a blow. In hindsight I tion. The No Needle Policy, intro- with a slew of injuries. Sacramento 117 Houston 111 should have let him keep going,” duced by the UCI to its Medical The Atlantic Division-leading a frigid day in New York, the Woodson said. Regulations in 2011, originally New York, who had been 19-6 at Clippers showed off their depth “That two-minute stretch we stipulated that a rider must not Madison Square Garden this sea- and balance. dug ourselves into a hole. I didn’t compete for 48 hours after a local son, dropped to 32-17 despite 42 “Friday we were pretty bad,” give them enough time to get back injection of glucocorticosteroids,” points from Carmelo Anthony. Clippers forward Blake Griffin in it. I went back with our start- the UCI said in a statement. “It was a team effort,” said said. “We had lapses defensively, ers and at that time Melo had AGENCIES Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro. especially trying to slow down cooled off and we couldn’t get into “Everybody stepped up at some Melo (Anthony), but overall I an offensive flow.” point.” thought we did a much better job New York closed within six NHL Results Los Angeles were coming off a as far as communicating, rotating at 92-86 with 2:45 left, but Los Detroit 3 Los Angeles 2 22-point drubbing by the reign- and playing team basketball.” Angeles streaked to a 10-2 finish Edmonton 3 Columbus 1 ing NBA champion Miami Heat Crawford and Bledsoe com- to clinch their win. Crawford fin- Boston 3 Buffalo 1 on Friday when they had their bined for 13 of the Clippers’ first ished with 27 points, and Chris NY Rangers 5 Tampa Bay 1 full complement of players for 15 points in the final quarter as Paul, who led the way for the New Jersey 3 Pittsburgh 1 San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter (right) and Brooklyn Nets’ Brook Lopez the first time this season. But Los Angeles extended a narrow Clippers in the first half, scored Chicago 3 Nashville 0 during their NBA game at the Barclay Center in New York, yesterday. in the early Garden matinee on 71-70 third-quarter lead to an 25. AFP NU-Q crowned champions of Qatar’s Collegiate Basketball League Oryx Cup: Heats and final today at Corniche

DOHA: The Oryx Cup UIM accident in one of the race heats World Championship’s fourth at the start of January, Sheikh heats and final will take place Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani, presi- today at the Corniche. dent of the Qatar Marine Sports The race will form part of the Federation (QMSF), has been in Qatar National Sports Day cel- discussion with U-1 team owner ebrations. The 2013 Oryx Cup Erick Ellstrom of Ellstrom Racing UIM World Championship kicked and agreed to support the chal- off the new season of H1 racing lenge of Kip Brown and Our Gang on February 7 in Qatar. Racing in the 2013 Oryx Cup. The 2013 Air National Guard Damage done to the U-1 boat, Hydroplane Championship roared which has been renumbered as into life, less than a month since U-96 Spirit of Qatar for the new Qatar hosted the last Oryx Cup season, was extensive and it was UIM World Championship, the doubtful whether Dave Villwock finale to the 2012 season. would have been able to make the After the disappointment of start of the Qatar races in any losing U-1 Spirit of Qatar to an case. In the four-year history of the 2013 Oryx Cup UIM Oryx Cup, no driver has ever won World Championship the trophy twice. J. Michael Kelly won the inaugural race in 2009, Schedule Dave Villwock was triumphant 09.00–10.30hrs Unlimited testing in 2010, Scott Liddycoat took the 11.00-12.00hrs Junior Hydro heats and final chequered flag in 2011 and rookie Northwestern University (NU-Q) team players and officials celebrate their win in the Qatar’s collegiate basketball league tournament in Doha, yes- 12.00hrs Unlimited Heat 4A Jimmy Shane stunned defending terday. In the final, NU-Q defeated Qatar Academy 26-21. It was for the first time that NU-Q women’s team took part in either the tournament or in 12.30hrs Unlimited Heat 4B National High Points champion Steve David to secure the 2012 the league. Meanwhile, in the boys section, the Wild Scotts, comprised of players from NU-Q and Carnegie Mellon University Qatar, won the men’s 15.00hrs Oryx Cup World Championship Oryx Cup last month. division tournament, beating Weill Cornell Medical College Qatar in the final. 15.30hrs Podium awards presentation THE PENISULA TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 South Africa Tough times for F1 drivers beat New PARIS: In the harsh finan- Former McLaren driver Bruno Senna, the nephew of Zealand in cial realities which now dictate Kovalainen, the winner of the former world champion Ayrton, Formula One, it really does pay 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix, has was buoyed by the largesse of Sevens final to know the right people. lost out at Caterham, who have oil company Eike Batista during Pay drivers are not a new gone with France’s Charles Pic his time at Williams. Away from phenomenon but the current and Dutchman Giedo van der south America, former Lotus and LAS VEGAS, Nevada: South economic climate, biting into Garde. Pic, whose mother built Caterham driver Vitaly Petrov Africa scored six tries in a 40-21 this glamorous but financially- up a wealthy portfolio through was aided by Russian oil giants triumph over New Zealand yes- draining sport, has forced cash- a French trucking opera- Sibur. terday in the final of the USA strapped team owners to exploit tion, appeared for Marussia in Ferrari star Felipe Massa has Sevens, fifth stop in the IRB as many revenue streams as pos- 2012 but finished 21st in the criticised the pressure on young Rugby Sevens World Series. sible. It was the exits of respected championship. drivers to bring pots of cash to Branco du Preez scored two drivers Timo Glock and Heikki The number of pay drivers in help secure a drive. tries for South Africa, who had Kovalainen over the winter which Formula One also reflects the “We know that many drivers reached the final with a 12-7 brought the issue of pay drivers, growing financial muscle of south now to arrive in Formula One semi-final win over defending US boasting either personal or cor- and central America. they need to have sponsors, they champions Samoa. porate riches, to a head. Williams driver Pastor need to have money, especially in Paul Treu’s South Africa dom- Glock was dropped by Maldonado was reported to have the small team,” said Massa. inated from the start, taking a Marussia after three years with brought around £45m to his team “And honestly this is not a 28-0 lead at half-time. Britain’s Max Chilton, whose courtesy of his backing from great thing for Formula One and New Zealand rallied in the sec- father is believed to have banked Venezuela’s national oil company, maybe it is part of the commer- ond half with three tries but had around £70m when he sold his PDVSA. But the 27-year-old can cial side.” left themselves too much to do. stake in an insurance company, drive as well as earn -- last sea- But not all leading figures in South Africa’s victory made a well-financed driver in one of son, he won the Spanish Grand the sport are so damning. them the fifth side to win a Series the seats for 2013. Prix from pole position. “I have difficulty with the ter- title this season. “The ongoing challenges facing Mexico’s Sergio Perez, who minology of pay drivers,” Force With the Hong Kong Sevens the industry mean that we have will race at McLaren this season, India deputy team principal Bob next up, March 22-24, New had to take steps to secure our joined Sauber with the backing of Fernley told autosport.com. Zealand still lead the standings long-term future,” said Marussia Telmex, the company owned by “The drivers that are in with 96 points ahead of South team principal John Booth. billionaire Carlos Slim. Formula 1 are very good qual- Africa on 73, Samoa on 71 and “Tough economic conditions Esteban Gutierrez will move ity. The fact that they’ve got the German Formula One driver Timo Glock of Toyota walks through the Fiji on 66. prevail and the commercial land- into his compatriot’s Sauber skills to put a budget together as pit lane before the beginning of the third practice session at the Fuji “We haven’t had this feeling scape is difficult for everyone, seat this season, also partly well would be complementary, not Speedway racing circuit near Gotemba in Japan in this October 11, for a while now, it’s a while since Formula 1 teams included.” bank-rolled by Telmex. Brazil’s a negative.” AFP 2008 file picture. we last won a Cup, so this is well deserved,” Treu said. AFP Qatar’s football family all set for National Sports Day celebrations

DOHA: In preparation for particularly as an opportunity for Qatar National Sports Day fes- all to meet each other away from tivities today, the Qatar 2022 the office environment,” Sheikh Supreme Committee, Qatar Hamad said. Football Association (QFA) and “The Qatar football community Qatar Stars League (QSL) will recognises the importance of the mark the occasion with a special celebration of this day because celebration for employees and of its real impact on improving their families. participation and we expect to This year’s activities are var- see a great turnout for this cel- ied and multiple, ranging between ebration from all staff and their football and recreational competi- families. Our partnership with tions, to events for children and our colleagues at the Qatar 2022 families that will be held at the Supreme Committee illustrates “Football Village” at Aspire’s 7th our unified approach and com- Training Pitch. mon vision to promote partici- Sport is now enshrined in the pation among fans in football in Team BAE Systems skippered by Cedric Pouligny with team-mates Gérald 2030 National Vision after last particular and sport in general,” Véniard, Alexandre Pallu de la Barrière, Guillamme Bérenger, Ali Al Balushi, year’s Emiri decree issued by he added. and Mohammed Al Mujaini. Picture: Lloyd Images H H the Heir Apparent, Sheikh “National Sports Day heralds Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa the culture of exercise and sport Al Thani that declared Qatar in Qatar from this point forward,” would have its own public holiday he concluded. Early lead for Team dedicated to sports on the second The Secretary General of the Tuesday of every February. Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hassan Abdulla Al Thawadi, said: A fan shoots during an Accuracy Test. The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, Ahmad Al Thani, President of the “For the second consecutive year, Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Qatar Stars League (QSL) will mark BAE Systems Oman QFA and President of the QSL we are participating in National the occasion with a special celebration for employees and their families today reaffirmed this commit- Sports Day - a day that under- as part of the Qatar National Sports Day festivities today. DOHA: Skipper Cedric out in Qatari waters to secure top ment and focus in Qatar sports, lines the importance of sport and Pouligny of Team BAE Systems points in the in-port racing series stating that National Sports Day its impact on the life of individu- Al Thawadi went on to say: “We hope to usher in a new Oman helped his team establish following the first leg of sailing is a wonderful occasion for the als and society.” “Qatar enjoys an international spirit of cooperation with the QFA an early lead at the end of the between Bahrain and Qatar. exercise of sport. “The decision to allocate a reputation as a hub for sporting and hope that National Sports first leg of the EFG Bank Sailing This season promises to be the “A standing committee was day for sport in Qatar affirms events and it will be important for Day helps all our employees and Arabia The Tour (SATT) here best yet, with some of the world’s formed by the Qatar 2022 the strong commitment of our us to enhance our international their families to converge and get yesterday. best sailors competing in the ideal Supreme Committee, the QFA country towards increasing the standing as the years commence acquainted, which is the ultimate Poulingy team heads the world- sailing conditions of the Gulf. and the QSL to work in harmony participation in sport, improving starting with a desire to ensure goal of sport - to increase com- class crews by a distance of 250m EFG Bank SATT 2013 repre- on this day to fulfil the sport- the lives of members of our com- higher levels of participation munication and rapprochement in the region’s only long distance sents the culmination of three ing objectives. All employees and munity and ensuring healthier in sport throughout the coun- between peoples,” the Qatar 2022 offshore sailing race, covering years’ development in offshore their families have been invited future for them and generations try across all ages,” Al Thawadi Supreme Committee said. 760 miles in 15 day race between racing in the region, and the ros- to take part in the day’s events, to come,” Al Thawadi said. added. THE PENINSULA Bahrain and Muscat. ter of competitors reflects the Completing the top three posi- adoption and recognition of this tions, with only a boat length unique event by the international Shooting: Qatar’s Amna Al Abdulla wins silver in Trap at Losail between them is EFG Bank sailing community. Monaco skippered by Sidney Competing aboard identical Gavignetin and the youthful Team Farr 30 yachts, the EFG Bank Messe Frankfurt led by Marcel Sailing Arabia – The Tour has Herrera in third. attracted nine crews representing The first leg race of the 15-day five different nations, led locally championship was completed by Oman’s Team Renaissance, in glorious sunshine today with Royal Navy of Oman, Team BAE crews fighting out a sprint finish Systems and theall - female Team due to light winds off the coast Al-Thuraya Bank Muscat. Two of Qatar and throughout the 100 teams will compete on behalf of mile first leg from Bahrain. the UAE, Team Abu Dhabi and Despite the slow start for Team AISM representing Dubai. teams arriving into Qatar, racing International crews include is perfectly scheduled today to let EFG Bank (Monaco), Team all communities in Doha and sail- Delft Challenge – TU Delft ing enthusiasts to celebrate the (Holland) and the Team Messe sporting public holiday. Frankfurt(EU). Spectators have the chance to Today in-port racing action at see the magnificent fleet of Farr30 Pearl Qatar will begin from 11.00 boats in action as they battle it am. THE PENINSULA EFG Bank Sailing Arabia The Tour (SATT) EFG Bank SATT Results after Race 1 Ranking Team Sail Race1 (Bahrain-Doha) Pts 1 BAE Systems Team 4 1 1 2 EFG Bank Monaco Team 3 2 2 3 Messe Frankfurt Team 1 3 3 4 Renaissance Team 2 4 4 5 AISM Team 8 5 5 6 Delft Challenge - TU Delft 6 6 6 Qatar’s Amna Al Abdulla (left), who finished second in the trap event of the Qatar Open Shotgun Championship, poses for a picture along with gold 7 Al Thuraya Bank Muscat Team 5 7 7 medal winner Laetisha Scanan (centre) of Australia, and Shona Marshall of Great Britain. Marshall took the bronze medal. Fatima Salem Algesaman 8 Abu Dhabi Team 8 8 8 (right) Board Member of the QSAF and Chairperson of Public Relations Committee and Marketing Committee RIGHT: Amna shows off her silver 9 Oman Royal Navy Team - DNS 10 medal. Around 170 shooters from 25 countries are taking part in the championship which ends today. PICTURES BY: IBRAHIM KUTTY TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

QSL Results Yesterday’s Results Eljaish 2 Al Gharafa 0 Al Khor stun Al Rayyan Al Rayyan 1 Al Khor 3 Al Sadd 3 Al Sailiyah 0 QSL: Al Sadd cruise past Al Sailiyah 3-0; Eljaish beat Al Gharafa 2-0 Played on Sunday Qatar SC 1 Al Arabi 1 Umm Salal 1 Al Kharaitiyat 1 DOHA: Julio Cesar scored a brace to help Al Khor win 3-1 Al Wakra 0 Lekhwiya 4 against Al Rayyan in their Qatar Stars League (QSL) match yesterday. QSL Fixtures The Brazilian midfielder net- February 15 ted in the 42nd and 82nd minutes with well-taken strikes. Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa, 4:45pm at Grand Maidson scored Al Khor’s third Hamad Stadium three minutes from time. Lekhwiya vs Al Khor, 4:45pm at Thani bin Brazilian striker Nilmar equal- Jassim Stadium ised for Al Rayyan on the half- hour mark. Eljaish vs Al Sadd, 7:00pm at Suhaim bin Meanwhile, QSL points leaders Hamad Stadium Al Sadd crushed bottom side Al February 16 Sailiyah 3-0 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Al Sailiyah vs Al Rayyan, 4:45pm at Ahmed Qatari striker Ibrahim Khalfan bin Ali Stadium scored a brace, before defender Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Arabi, 4:45pm at Al Nadir Belhadj netted Al Sadd’s Khor Stadium third deep into stoppage time. In another result, Eljaish beat Qatar SC vs Al Wakra, 7:00pm at Suhaim Al Gharafa 2-0 at Suheim Bin bin Hamad Stadium Hamad Stadium. In the match between Al Rayyan and Al Khor, Cesar gave Al Sailiyah’s Keehee Kim (in blue) and Al Sadd Mohammed Kasola vie for the ball during their Qatar Stars League (QSL) match at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. QSL Standings the visitors the lead with a crisp RIGHT: Eljaish forward Abdulgader Al Yass Baker scores the opening goal during the QSL match at Qatar SC Stadium yesterday, Al Gharafa’s goalkeeper P W D L G/F G/A Pts finish three minute before the Qasem Burhan (in green), midfielder Jawed Akeel Ahannach (left) and Ibrahim Abdulla Al Ghanim are also seen. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT/KAMMUTTY VP half-time whistle. Al Sadd 15 13 1 1 36 13 40 The 33-year-old played a quick Nilmar’s goal had no bearing on standings, having registered the Belhadji made it 3-0 in the second once this season, and drawn two Lekhwia 15 11 1 3 28 14 34 one-two with his team-mate Al Khor, who grew in confidence fourth victory of the season. minute of stoppage time. matches. before unlashing a low shot that as the match went on. Al Rayyan’s defeat was their It was Al Sadd’s 13th win of the Elsewhere, Eljaish’s Bakoor Al Jaish 15 9 1 5 19 15 28 beat the goalkeeper. The visitors were rewarded second successive, who drop to season, who has a goal difference Elias gave the hosts the lead when Al Rayyan 15 8 2 5 29 22 26 The goal had stunned the home with their hard work, when they fourth place in the standings. of 23. he broke the offside trap and and side especially Al Rayyan coach stretched Al Rayyan’s defence, Aguirre’s side has 26 points to It was also the QSL points lead- converted his team-mate’s cross Al Garrafa 15 6 4 5 18 17 22 Diego Aguirre, who saw his team which left space for Cesar to net date. ers third successive victory and in the 19th minute. Qatar 15 5 3 7 22 25 18 play well in the first half. his second of the match eight Meanwhile, Al Sadd contin- have a six-point gap over defend- Three minutes from time, In the second half, Aguirre saw minutes from time. ued their impressive season with ing champions Lekhwiya. Wagner Ribeiro doubled the lead Umm Salal 15 5 3 7 20 27 18 his side level in the 61st minute As the home side pushed for another big win at home. Al Sailiyah is rooted to the bot- to put the game beyond doubt. Al Khor SC 15 4 5 6 18 20 17 through summer signing Nilmar. the equaliser, Al Khor struck Khalfan gave the home side the tom, and is in danger of being rel- Yesterday’s result means Rodrigo Tabata’s cross was again, this time through Madison lead in the 43rd minute. egated to the second tier. Eljaish leap-frog Al Rayyan into Al Wakra 15 4 4 7 19 24 16 undealt with by the Al Khor on the 87th minute mark to put Shortly after half-time Khalfan The bottom side have lost their third position with 28 points, fol- Al Khuraitiat 15 2 7 6 12 16 13 defence, and after a pass was the game beyond Al Rayyan. was again on the scoresheet, this last six matches and are eight lowing their ninth victory of the rolled into Nilmar’s path, the Following yesterday’s result, time courtesy of a penalty. points behind second-placed side season. Al Arabi 15 2 7 6 16 24 13 former Villarreal striker made no Al Khor currently occupy eighth As Al Sadd dominated the Al Arabi. Al Gharafa are in 5th position Al Sailiya SC 15 1 2 12 17 37 5 mistake from six yards out. spot with 17 points in the QSL 15th QSL round match, Algeria’s Al Sailiyah have only won with 22 points. THE PENINSULA Beckham could United have title in sights: Ferguson make debut in MANCHESTER, United “Realistically we knew if we got have been used and he doesn’t Marseille clash, Kingdom: Alex Ferguson a result it would put us in a fan- need any because his legacy lives admits the destiny of the tastic position. on,” said Ferguson of the player Galatasaray’s Premier League title is in “Now, we look at the next game to whom he handed a debut in says Ancelotti football club Manchester United’s hands and win the next game. That is March 1991. new forward after they opened up a com- the only thing we can do, then “He’s just a fantastic human PARIS: David Beckham is Didier Drogba manding 12-point lead over win the next game. That is all we being. In this game again, at 38 likely to feature in the Paris Manchester City with a 2-0 win should think about. years of age ... or is he 39? Maybe from Ivory Coast St Germain squad for the first against Everton. “We have to win our games 40, I don’t know, but he’s up and waves during a time when the Ligue 1 leaders Following City’s defeat at anyway -- it doesn’t matter what down that pitch all day and show- take on arch rivals Olympique press conference Southampton on Saturday, happened to City on Saturday. ing fantastic energy for the game. Marseille on February 24, coach after his medical Ferguson reversed an earlier That is the way we should look It’s wonderful to see.” Carlo Ancelotti said yesterday. check-up plan to rest key players ahead of at it. I’ve said it for weeks -- con- One interested spectator at Former England captain yesterday. Wednesday’s Champions League centrate on our own game and Old Trafford on Sunday was Beckham joined as a free agent Drogba will be trip to Real Madrid and put out we’ll be okay.” Jose Mourinho, manager of the last month but has to improve his paid 10m euros his strongest line-up on Sunday, Ferguson also paid tribute to Real Madrid side which will face fitness before he can challenge for ($13.5m) for the with the exception of defender veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs as United at the Bernabeu in the a place in the squad. 18-month period Rio Ferdinand who watched from the 39-year-old continued to re- first leg of their last 16 Champions Asked when former England he is set to spend the stands. write the Premier League record League tie tomorrow. midfielder Beckham would be fit in Istanbul. He The result was a convincing books by scoring the first goal The two iconic managers met to be called up, Italian coach and will also receive a win at Old Trafford and Ferguson before Robin van Persie wrapped for a chat before kick-off and former Chelsea and Milan coach bonus of 15,000 acknowledged United are in pole up victory in first half injury-time. Ferguson is now clearly relish- Ancelotti told French sports daily euros ($20,000) position to regain the title with 12 Giggs helped calm the early ing locking horns with his young L’Equipe: “Against Marseille I for each match games to play, although he refused nerves around Old Trafford with adversary once more. think. We will see in the coming played. to completely write off City. his goal after 13 minutes, his first “I had a chat with him, he had days but maybe he will be a bit “I was going to make seven in the league this season. a great result yesterday again,” on the short side for the Sochaux changes, but when I got the City It means that the Welsh inter- said Ferguson of Real’s 4-1 victory game (this weekend).” result I thought this would be a national has now scored a league over Sevilla in La Liga. PSG, who lead second-placed more important game for us,” said goal in every one of his 23 seasons “It will be a fantastic game on Olympique Lyon by six points, Ferguson. with United, a run which cov- Wednesday and I just hope we travel to Valencia today for the “It would give us a comfortable ers every campaign in Premier have everyone out on the pitch I first leg of their Champions lead and we could make changes League history. want out on the pitch,” he added. League last 16 tie. AFP later on in the season. “I think all the superlatives AFP Lyon, Marseille fall further behind PSG Keshi says he has PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain’s the penalty spot to leave OM eight hopes of winning a first French points off the summit. crown since 1994 and thereby The spot-kick came following quit as Nigeria coach giving David Beckham’s upcom- a foul on Saber Khlifa by Kassim ing stint in the City of Light Abdallah, for which the latter, LAGOS: Nigeria coach final and guided his country to a glorious tinge were boosted an international defender for the Stephen Keshi told a South a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso Sunday when their nearest Comoros Islands, saw red as the African radio station yester- Sunday in a Soweto final settled rivals dropped points. last man. day that he had resigned after by a Sunday Mba goal five min- Lyon slumped to what could Marseille also had Ghanaian leading his country to the 2013 utes before half-time. prove to be a significant 3-1 home star Jordan Ayew sent off with Africa Cup of Nations title. He spoke highly of Mali last loss to mid-table Lille as the east- 15 minutes remaining for two “I gave the national football week and said he would not erners failed to make inroads yellow cards in quick succession federation my letter of resigna- mind returning to a country into a six-point deficit while after coming on as a substitute tion immediately after the final, he coached at the 2010 Cup third-placed Marseille, the 2010 and were unable to do better but I have not heard from them,” of Nations in Angola only to champions, could only manage a than glean only their second Keshi admitted to public broad- lose his job after a first-round 1-1 draw at modest Evian after point in their last three league caster SABC. elimination. finishing with nine men. matches, leaving coach Elie Baup Keshi dropped hints last week “It is a place that I love, Lyon handed Lille their first frustrated. of his unhappiness with Nigerian Malians are wonderful people. win of 2013 after the hosts turned “It’s not enough as you always football bofficials during a media Should the chance arise, I will in a pale showing at the Stade hope to win. We could have done conference in Durban before the go back there,” said the 51-year- Gerland. but then we ended up down to semi-final drubbing of Mali, say- old who also had two spells with Aurelien Chedjou headed Lille nine men. I did see some inter- ing he would “pack his bags and Togo before replacing sacked in front from a corner on the half Olympique Lyon’s Maxime Gonalons (centre) challenges Dimitri Payet esting elements for the future.” leave” if unwanted. Samson Siasai as Nigeria coach hour and then Dimitri Payet fed (left) of Lille during their French Ligue 1 match at the Gerland Stadium On Ayew’s swift dismissal “If, back home, they do not like two years ago. Florent Balmont, formerly of in Lyon, on Sunday. Baup said: “You have to be care- what I am doing, well, you can- His playing career spanned Lyon, for the second on the stroke ful once you’re on a booking. He’s not force someone to like you,” clubs in Nigeria, Ivory Coast, of half-time. young and impulsive but this will said only the second Nations Belgium, France, the United Salomon Kalou made it 3-0 to have impeded him. While Lyon, five minutes after the break for help him to mature. It’s a pain- Cup-winning coach after the States and Malaysia and he was the visitors with a penalty five all of whose titles came on a roll Marseille, playing a one-two with ful learning process for everyone. late Egyptian Mahmoud El an outstanding centre-back for minutes after the restart follow- between 2002 and 2008, went Mathieu Valbuena, for his eighth These are things which can be Gohary to also achieve the feat the national team. ing a handball by Milan Bisevac down to their fifth league loss, goal of the season. avoided,” Baup reflected. as a player. Calls to Keshi went unan- before Argentine striker Lisandro Marseille found struggling Evian But the southerners’ hopes of Marseille also suffered from the Keshi captained Nigeria to swered and no Nigerian official pulled one back from the spot an irritating rival. a win evaporated when Yannick absence through Ayew’s brother victory over Zambia in the 1994 was available for comment. AFP after Chedjou was adjudged to Andre-Pierre Gignac scored Sagbo levelled on the hour from Andre and Joey Barton. AFP TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Today’s Order of Play CENTRE COURT Wozniacki, Ivanovic Starting at 2.30pm Andrea HLAVACKOVA (CZE) vs Nadia PETROVA (RUS) [11] Followed by Francesca SCHIAVONE (ITA) vs Marion advance with ease BARTOLI (FRA) [9] Followed by [Q] Caroline GARCIA (FRA) vs Maria Kuznetsova beats Mattek-Sands 7-6, 6-4 SHARAPOVA (RUS) [3] Not Before 7.30pm DOHA: Former world number [LL] Daria GAVRILOVA (RUS) vs Serena one Caroline Wozniacki of WILLIAMS (USA) [2] Denmark and Ana Ivanovic Followed by of Serbia eased into the sec- Mona BARTHEL (GER) vs Angelique ond round of the Qatar Open KERBER (GER) [5] with straight-set victories at COURT 1 the Khalifa Tennis Complex yesterday. Starting at 2.30pm Wozniacki crushed qualifier Eleni DANIILIDOU (GRE) vs Lucie SAFAROVA Mervana Jugic-Salkic 6-1, 6-2 and Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns the ball to Tamira Paszek of Austria during (CZE) [17] swiftly gatecrashed into the world their women’s match at the Qatar Total Open 2013 at Khalifa International Not Before 4.00pm top-10 with her straight-set win. Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, yesterday. Roberta VINCI (ITA) [15] vs Yanina The Dane had a poor start, los- WICKMAYER (BEL) ing her serve in the first game but Followed by picked up her game from then on. [Laura ROBSON (GBR) vs Daniela Wozniacki broke right back and HANTUCHOVA (SVK) cruised from there, wrapping up Doha event opens Followed by the win in just over an hour. The 13th-ranked Ivanovic beat Maria KIRILENKO (RUS) [12] vs [Q] Tamira Paszek 6-1, 6-2. Ekaterina BYCHKOVA (RUS) Ivanovic broke the 26th-ranked exciting battle for COURT 2 Austrian twice in the first set, Starting at 2.30pm then saved three break points to Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark in action against Mervana Jugic-Salkic of Bosnia during their Round One tie of Qatar Total Open 2013 at Khalifa Sorana CIRSTEA (ROU) vs [WC] Ons go up 4-2 in the second. JABEUR (TUN) She broke Paszek again to make International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. Wozniacki won the the top ranking Followed by it 5-2 and sealed the victory when match 6-1, 6-2. PICTURES BY: SHAIVAL DALAL/REUTERS Monica NICULESCU (ROU) vs Jelena the Austrian hit a return long. BY DENZIL PINTO the tournament for the second JANKOVIC (SRB) In a late match last night, successive year. Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia an opponent you haven’t played “But I started really well and DOHA: There’s plenty at stake Meanwhile, Serena, who could Followed by won a tight battle against with before, but I just tried to focus on was aggressive, and I just tried at this week’s Qatar Total regain the world’s top spot after [WC] Heidi EL TABAKH (CAN) vs Timea Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the my game,” Wozniacki said after to do the things I’ve been work- Open 2013 as top guns Serena a two-and-a-half- year gap, has BABOS (HUN) US, rallying from 4-2 down in the match. ing on. I did that well today. I felt Williams (pictured played down her Followed by both sets to beat the American “I felt like I served well and like I was doing a lot of damage top) and Maria chances of succeed- [WC] Petra KVITOVA (CZE)/Yanina qualifier, 7-6(1), 6-4. returned well during the match, with my forehand, so I just tried Sharapova (pic- ing Azarenka, who WICKMAYER (BEL) vs Kristina BARROIS Wozniacki, ranked and seeded so I was happy with how things to keep that game plan, and it all tured below) begin she could face in the (GER)/ Eleni DANIILIDOU (GRE) No. 10 this week, dropped serve went today,” she added. worked very well for me today.” their campaigns final. COURT 3 in the first game of the match but Fittingly, the other former No.1 Other winners during the day today with the aim “It would be great. Starting at 2.30pm reeled off 10 games in a row from in action yesterday - Ivanovic - were Mona Barthel, Simona to dethrone Victoria I obviously want it, there to build a 6-1 4-0 lead, trad- advanced by a 6-1 6-2 scoreline Halep, qualifiers Anastasia Azarenka as the but it’s not the only Christina MCHALE (USA) vs [Q] Vera ing holds with Jugic-Salkic in the as well, against Tamira Paszek. Rodionova and Caroline Garcia world number one. thing I want, you DUSHEVINA (RUS) last four games until she emerged But the big-hitting Serb needed and lucky loser Daria Gavrilova. Azarenka holds a know. So if it hap- Not Before 4.00pm with a 6-1 6-2 win against the an hour and six minutes to do it. Barthel’s win was her 13th of 355-point advantage pens, then great. If Carla SUAREZ NAVARRO (ESP) vs Ekaterina lucky loser from Bosnia and “I actually expected a very the year, putting her in a tie for over No.2 ranked not, I won’t miss any- MAKAROVA (RUS) Herzegovina. tough match with Tamira - it was second place alongside Agnieszka Serena, and is 780 thing, I don’t think,” Followed by “As I’ve said before, it’s tough a very tough first round, because Radwanska for most wins. points ahead of third- said Serena. Sloane STEPHENS (USA) [16] vs Anna to play your first match at any we’ve had some battles in the First-round action continues at ranked Sharapova, Holder of 15 Grand TATISHVILI (GEO) tournament and tough to play past,” Ivanovic said. 3:30pm today. THE PENINSULA according to the WTA Slam titles, Serena Followed by Rankings released yesterday. enjoyed a solid 2012 season, win- The Belarusian, who beat ning the Wimbledon, US Open, Ekaterina MAKAROVA (RUS)/Olga SAVCHUK Australia’s Sam Stosur in last Olympic and WTA Championship (UKR) vs Tamira PASZEK (AUT)/ Klara year’s final in Doha, insists win- season-end titles. ZAKOPALOVA (CZE) ning the title on February 17 is The 31-year-old, who suffered COURT 4 Hard work pays off for her priority for this week. an ankle injury prior to her shock Starting at 2.30pm “I’m here to win the tourna- defeat to US teenager Sloane Urszula RADWANSKA (POL) vs [Q] Nadiya ment and the ranking is a bonus Stephens in the quarter-finals at KICHENOK (UKR) that comes with it. the Australian Open, Not Before 4.00pm There is no point said she will be tak- Klara ZAKOPALOVA (CZE) vs Varvara the world number one to jump ahead. We ing the week-long LEPCHENKO (USA) BY RIZWAN REHMAT still have to play the tournament one day there’s always a very tough field tournament,” said at a time. Followed by (to deal with). Yeah, I enjoy the 23-year-old dur- If Serena makes Bethanie MATTEK-SANDS (USA)/Sania DOHA: World number one (being in Doha),” she said. ing a press conference it to the semi- MIRZA (IND) [8] vs Victoria Azarenka feels her “We are staying at the Ritz yesterday. finals, she could face Lisa RAYMOND (USA)/ Samantha STOSUR top ranking on the WTA Tour Carlton. There is an amaz- Azarenka, who Russia’s Sharapova, (AUS) computer is the result of hard ing buffet and I don’t like to go successfully defended who has won this Followed by grind and never-say-die spirit there because I always overeat ... her Australian Open competition twice, Varvara LEPCHENKO (USA)/Monica shown by the 23-year-old from everybody overeats (laughs) so I title last month, said in 2005 and 2008. NICULESCU (ROU) vs Shuko AOYAMA Belarus. would rather order room service she is motivated and Like Serena, the (JPN)/Megan MOULTON-LEVY (USA) In less than three years, or (go to) some normal restau- ‘excited’ to be part of 25-year-old has won COURT 6 Azarenka has won two rant, but the food is incredible today’s era in women’s every Grand Slam, Australian Open titles, reached here. tennis. her latest triumph Starting at 2.30pm the final of the US Open last year “(During) the last trip (to “I think it’s exciting (for the coming in May at the French Starting Not Before 5.00pm besides bagging two medals at Doha) we went jet skiing all the three-way battle for top spot). Open last year. [Q] Tadeja MAJERIC (SLO) vs Su-Wei HSIEH the London Olympic Games in way from the Ritz Carlton to But I think it’s also important for When asked about her chances (TPE) August 2012. downtown at the Four Seasons the players to keep that competi- of claiming the world number Not Before 4.00pm She also reached the semi- Hotel ... I rode around there tive spirit to be kind of be on the one spot, which she held in 2005, Tsvetana PIRONKOVA (BUL) vs Romina finals at the last two editions of (and) then got lost. watch out,” she Azarenka, who Sharapova said: “From a per- OPRANDI (SUI) Wimbledon. “I saw a few boats and they begins her campaign tomorrow. sonal perspective I think the Not Before 6.30pm “I worked really hard to were waving at me and I was “It’s just extra motivation further you go in the week, the Alicja ROSOLSKA (POL)/Carla SUAREZ achieve those goals. No, I’m like, ‘well, I’m lost’. Where is to have that living and playing better chance you give yourself to NAVARRO (ESP) vs Anna-Lena not surprised,” Azarenka said the place that I have to return? in this era of such competitive regain that ranking. I think all of GROENEFELD (GER) Kveta PESCHKE (CZE) when asked if she was surprised Because I thought that people tennis in women’s tennis. So us will be focusing on just one step World number one, Victoria [6] to accomplish so much in such a Azarenka of Belarus smiles during would be thinking that I stole many great girls are really step- at a time. It obviously depends on TBA short period of time. a practice session at Khalifa the jet ski or something (laughs). ping up their game. For me as a other players’ results, so it’s tough “That’s what I dream about. Tennis Complex yesterday. “But it was really a fun thing player, it’s really exciting,” added to really focus on that too much.” Not Before 5.00pm That’s what I want to achieve. to do,” the Australian Open Azarenka, who is aiming to win THE PENINSULA [WC] Fatma AL NABHANI (OMA)/Kathrin That’s what I practice for. So, no, champion said. WOERLE (GER) vs Cara BLACK (ZIM)/ it’s no surprise for me,” Azarenka mentally,” she added. Azarenka, Azarenka said winning the Anastasia RODIONOVA (AUS) added. who has won 6 WTA Tour titles, Australian Open last year was “I try to write my own script, has arrived in Doha as the the culmination of a childhood my own story, not letting any- defending champion and as the dream but she had other lofty Qatar Open body else define the player who 2013 Australian Open winner. ambitions to fulfil. Czech I am,” Azarenka said. However, the 23-year-old from “Well, the first (Grand Slam Republic’s Results The Belarusian said the top Minsk refuses to believe she’s in win) is always it’s like your first Petra Results from the first day of the ranking arrived with a mix of invisible form. love. You think it’s the best thing Kvitova (left) WTA Qatar Open here yester- proper planning and attention “I don’t try to think about that ever happened to you until poses with day (x denotes seeding): to detail. who’s going to stop me. I just you get the second one. Then you a young “It’s a combination of a lot really try to focus on doing my think this (winning the second) First Round Qatari girl of things: determination, hard job,” Azarenka said when asked is the best thing that ever hap- Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) bt work, talent, (and) really want- about a rival ready to dethrone pened to you,” she explained. at Doha Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) ing to do well,” she said. her from the top ranking. “So it’s kind of a similar feel- International 7-6 (7/1), 6-4. Airport “At this level, there is so much “Whoever is going to be in ing there. First one, it was like Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x10) yesterday. more attention to paying details front of me, I try to beat (them). a kid’s dream came true. When bt Mervana Jugic-Salkic (BIH) because everybody knows how to I will never think of who is going I started to play tennis, that Kvitova is 6-1, 6-2 run, how to play tennis, how to to stop me. was the ultimate goal. I wanted currently Simona Halep (ROM) bt Olga serve, how to return. “I just think of who I have to be a Grand Slam champion. ranked 8th Govortsova (BLR) 6-1, 6-0 “It’s the moment where you on the other side (of the net),” And when it happened, you kind in the world. really need to bring your heart, she said. of think that it’s hard to realise The 22-year- Ana Ivanovic (SRB x13) bt your ‘A’ game. That’s what Azarenka said she was happy what you have done. old won Tamira Paszek (AUT) 6-1, 6-2 defines the best player,” she said. to be back in Doha. “The second time is just you her maiden Mona Barthel (GER) bt Yulia “I think I learned this over “It feels great. I have been wanting to repeat that feeling Wimbledon Putintseva (KAZ) 6-4, 6-2 the years. I am only 23 years here in December practicing that you had for the first time title in 2011. Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) bt old so there is a lot of time (to) for two weeks. There’s amaz- because it was amazing. It’s very PICTURE: Zheng Jie (CHN) 6-2, 6-3 improve. ing hospitality, going back from hard to describe that feeling. So SYED OMAR Daria Gavrilova (RUS) bt “With all the experience, the tournament that was the you are just always looking for Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) I really give myself a chance Championships,” Azarenka said. that opportunity to relive that 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to learn and to improve. Not “I always love coming back moment,” she said. only tennis wise but physically, here. It’s a great event and THE PENINSULA Caroline Garcia (FRA) bt Fatma Al Nabhani (OMA) 6-2, 6-3 Tuesday 12 February 2013 2 Rabial II Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5608 Sport Price: QR2 %-%!%&.-"&/0"/,#"%-1&,23!"!,*!04-%35,# *.$")"*6 URDU Snedeker Early lead for WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middle East Edition wins at Pebble BAE Systems

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar ready for second National Sport Day events ■ Qatar one of few countries to dedicate a day for sports activities ■ Series of events planned today; top facilities open for public use

DOHA: The second Qatar Events at the Corniche, Aspire, National Sport Day (NSD) cel- Al Rafaa Street, Barzan and the ebrations will be held today with Olympic Park will demonstrate different institutions and sport the importance of sport in daily H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jabor bin bodies hosting a variety of fun- life, in order to maintain a healthy Jassim Al Thani (left) the President filled activities in different loca- lifestyle. of the Qatar Statistics Authority tions of the country. The QOC wants to promote and Chairman of Qatar 2022’s With the physical well-being of sports, physical education and Legacy Committee with Hassan Al Qatar’s population identified as a sustainable development, further Thawadi Secretary General of the top priority under the issuing of an enhancing the Qatar National Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee. Emiri Decree, all institutions have Vision 2030. remained steadfast in its deter- Additionally, a Sport Zone has mination to meet this ambitious been set up by QOC near the QSA, Q22 set agenda. Corniche, featuring all day sport Today’s sporting programme and recreational activities open seeks to encourage the pursuit of for all, from today to February 16. to conduct healthy lifestyles and physical fit- Qatar is one of the few nations ness by making exercise enjoyable worldwide to dedicate a Day of and family-friendly. Sport for its society. opinion poll Throughout the day, a number Qatar Foundation (QF) is one of competitions and tournaments such body which has lined up a on Al Wakra will take place across the country. number of events like running Qatar’s ‘National Sport Day’ and cycling races, football and is also a further example of the cricket matches, golf lessons and facilities country’s commitment to sport, in karate classes. Specific competi- addition to the ‘Schools Olympic tions will be organised for those Programme’, which encourages with special needs, the QF said. DOHA: To coincide with the schoolchildren to practice sport Entertainment will also be second National Sports Day as an integral part of their daily available for children of all ages, celebrations, the Qatar 2022 life. through activities such as mini- Supreme Committee and Qatar Today, QOC will open sports tennis, face painting and balloon Statistics Authority will be con- clubs and facilities, allowing eve- twisting, it added. Also joining This file photograph shows residents in Doha try their hands at exercising machines on the Corniche during the ducting opinion polls among ryone, men, women, children and in the celebrations are Qatar first edition of the Qatar National Sport Day celebrations in February last year. Thousands of people are expected nationals and expatriates on the persons with disabilities to prac- Petroleum (QP). to take part in a number of sports and fitness activities marking the second NSD today. design of sport facilities that tice and enjoy sporting activities. THE PENINSULA will host matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ in the municipality of Al Wakra. H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani the President of the Qatar Statistics Authority European giants ready to renew rivalry and Chairman of Qatar 2022’s Legacy Committee, along with PARIS: Manchester United Neil Lennon’s outsiders will be Saud Al Attiyah, Legacy Director will resume their historic rivalry Champions League carried along on a wave of thun- for the Qatar 2022 Supreme with Real Madrid tomorrow derous support on Tuesday at Committee, are leading com- with Jose Mourinho talking up Last 16 Fixtures Parkhead where they famously munity engagement on stadium the eagerly-awaited Champions defeated Barcelona in the group design, both in Al Wakra and League clash as the game “the PARIS: Champions League stages. throughout the State of Qatar. whole world is waiting for”. last-16 first leg fixtures (all Paris Saint-Germain go to 2000 This initiative reflects the United, the three-time cham- 1945 GMT kick-offs): and 2001 finalists Valencia in the Qatar Statistics Authority’s pions, go to Madrid, the record Today only other match on Tuesday. (QSA) and the Qatar 2022 nine-time winners, in the latest At Glasgow Today, Borussia Dortmund, Supreme Committee’s (Q22) instalment of a European rivalry Celtic (SCO) vs Juventus (ITA) who won their pool ahead of Real commitment to enhancing the which dates back to 1957. At Valencia Madrid, are looking to repeat community’s participation in the Their last meeting, in the Valencia (ESP) vs Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) their solitary European Cup tri- run up to the 2022 FIFA World 2003 quarter-finals, was a goal- umph of 1997. Cup Qatar ™. Tomorrow laden classic with Real squeezing Coach Juergen Klopp will get a The QSA President and Q22 through 6-5 on aggregate after At Madrid chance to put his team’s mediocre Legacy Director called on nation- two breathless encounters. Real Madrid (ESP) vs Manchester United domestic form to one side when als and expatriates who are resid- “It is the match the world is (ENG) they face a chilly trip to Shakhtar ing in Al Wakra to participate in waiting for,” said Mourinho ahead At Donetsk, Ukraine Donetsk and a team who out- this poll to gauge the community’s of today’s last-16, first leg clash. Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) vs Borussia qualified defending champions desires and views on all World “The world is not waiting for Dortmund (GER) Chelsea in the group stage. Cup sport facilities to be built in other matches in the Champions February 19 These four matches complete the municipality. League, so I hope we can give the At Porto, Portugal the first week of action where These surveys do not only pro- world what they are waiting for.” teams that finished second in vide necessary feedback to aid Porto (POR) vs Malaga (ESP Mourinho spoke in glowing their group play the first-leg at the decision-making process, but terms about United’s veteran At London home with the return fixtures set also provide the foundation for a manager and their long-standing Arsenal (ENG) vs Bayern Munich (GER) for the week of March 5 and 6. sustainable legacy. And, thereby, friendship and rivalry, one that February 20 Barcelona’s legion of fans will A combination of two files picture shows Manchester United man- ensure that there are no ‘white dates back to Mourinho’s early At Milan, Italy have to wait until February 20 ager Alex Ferguson (left) during the FA Cup third round replay foot- elephants’ post-2022 and that these years in management with Porto AC Milan (ITA) vs Barcelona (ESP) before facing AC Milan at the ball match Manchester United vs West Ham United at Old Trafford in facilities have enduring use post- in his homeland and his successful San Siro. Massimiliano Allegri’s tournament – for the community, At Istanbul Manchester, on January 16, 2012 and Real Madrid’s Portuguese coach spell at Chelsea. Milan have only lost once in five Jose Mourinho reacting during the UEFA Champions League foot- for commerce and for sport. “I feel privileged about that Galatasaray (TUR) vs Schalke 04 (GER) meetings with Barcelona, dating Residents of Al Wakra can ball match Real Madrid vs Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu because he is such an impor- clubs in the world. It’s a great back to 2001. participate in the opinion poll by Stadium in Madrid on September 18, 2012. Manchester United will tant person in the world of foot- game for us. Barca, however, knocked out visiting the QSA website. ball and, more importantly than “I think Jose has set his sights Milan 3-1 on aggregate in last resume their historic rivalry with Real Madrid in the Champions Trophy Moreover, on the occasion that, he is a good person,” said on the European Cup this year, season’s quarter-finals after the match tomorrow. of the State of Qatar’s celebra- Mourinho. no doubt about that. It makes it first leg finished 0-0 in Italy. tion of National Sports Day, Alex Ferguson said he was harder for us in one way, but for The Catalan giants are well to the Emirates Stadium and a time and the arrivals of Didier the Statistics Authority and ready to lock horns against the them, too.” on their way to a 22nd La Liga meeting with Arsenal. Elsewhere, Drogba and Wesley Sneijder the Supreme Committee hope colourful Mourinho who was at Scottish champions Celtic, who title, but few will forget last year’s Porto will relish the chance of have injected huge hope into the these polls inspire the residents Old Trafford on Sunday to see became the first British team to competition where they suffered taking on debutants Malaga, in Istanbul club’s chances. German of Al Wakra to think of ways in United beat Everton 2-0 and win the competition back in 1967, a shock semi-final exit against a matchup that will give both side Schalke 04, whose only which these facilities can help stretch their lead at the top of surprised many by reaching the Chelsea. teams genuine hope of reaching European success was winning the community to become physi- the Premier League to 12 points. last-16 and there are genuine Bayern Munich are also the quarter-finals. the 1997 UEFA Cup, stand in cally active and improve overall “I think he’ll relish going up hopes of putting up a true chal- rumbling ruthlessly to a first Galatasaray fly the flag for their way of a place in the last well being in line with the Qatar against me,” said Ferguson. “It’s lenge against three-time champi- Bundesliga crown in three sea- Turkey in a bid to bring the eight for the first time since 2001. National Vision 2030. a great challenge, the two biggest ons Juventus. sons, but face a dangerous trip European Cup home for the first AFP THE PENINSULA