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Qatar’s storage facility zone to attract QR2.77bn Business | 21

Monday 15 December 2014 • 23 Safar 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6280 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

Emir meets Saudi Prince Palestinians to seek UN resolution Qatar has 122 against occupation

RAMALLAH: The Palestinians are to present a publications draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council Wednesday that would set a two-year deadline for Israel to end its occupation, an official in 8 languages said. “The Palestinian leadership took a decision to go to the Security Council next Wednesday 5 Arabic, Malayalam dailies each to vote on their project to end the occupation,” senior Palestine DOHA: Qatar has 122 publica- language Filipinos speak, has one Liberation Organisation mem- tions registered and circulated local daily, while there are two ber Wassel Abu Yussef told AFP in eight languages annually, weeklies in Nepali and one each yesterday after a meeting in with those in Arabic accounting in Tamil, Sinhala and Urdu. Ramallah. for 52 percent. Tamil is spoken in India (in The Israeli Foreign Ministry Official data released yesterday southern state of Tamil Nadu) declined to comment ahead of for the first time on dailies and and Sri Lanka, while the latter’s today’s meeting in Rome between periodicals in Qatar show there main language is Sinhala. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin are five Arabic dailies and as The Ministry said the fact that Netanyahu and US Secretary of many in Malayalam. there are publications in eight State John Kerry. Malayalam is the language languages in Qatar shows the The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Holding Company AFP spoken in the south Indian state diversity of its population. (KHC), Prince Al Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at Al Bahr Palace yesterday. of Kerala that sends the largest Top on the list of the 122 pub- number of Indians to Qatar. lications are those of mixed type The five dailies published in (31), some 20 of them being news- Malayalam locally have 1,825 papers with 5,735 issues annually. editions annually — the same as The remaining 11 are maga- Arabic, according to a study con- zines with 96 editions a year. Qatar shares plunge to one-year low ducted by the Ministry of Arts, Business publications rank second Culture and Heritage. with 130 editions in a year. BY SATISH KANADY which have maximum weight- near term sentiment, analysts told commented Afa Boran, head of English-language dailies total Publications dedicated to social age in the index, tanked 5.6 per- The Peninsula. Six months back, Asset Management, Amwal. “ We four and they together have 1,460 subjects total 10 with 46 annual DOHA: A fresh wave of profit cent each. International Islamic stocks were valued on the assump- have particularly been cautioning annual issues. The study, though, issues followed by children’s mag- taking pushed Qatari stocks was hammered by 10 percent. tion that oil at $110 per barrel was investors about certain overval- does not cite readership figures. azines, their number being seven down to almost one year low QIB and Doha Bank plunged by normal, and now $60 per barrel ued stocks in Qatar, which are This is a first study by the with 56 yearly editions. yesterday. On the oil-triggered 7.47 percent and 7.71 percent, seems to be the new normal. Both now dropping more than others. Research and Cultural Studies Religious periodicals number panic selling, the benchmark respectively. Property developer positions as extreme and the mar- For instance GIS is down 40 per- Department of the Ministry and five with 35 editions a year. On index tumbled 5.85 percent close Ezdan was down by 10 percent. ket’s drop yesterday as excessive cent since the mid-September the idea is to show the nature of social security issues, the number to January 13 levels and the big- A whopping QR64bn evaporated for many Qatari stocks, a top mar- market peak, while Vodafone is publications in Qatar and their of periodicals is seven with 46 gest one day loss in 70 months. from the market within a span ket commentator said. down 33 percent and Masraf Al diversity. annual editions. There are four The bourse’s main index plum- of three days, as the market cap Global equity markets being Rayan down 28 percent. Overall English-language publica- sports publications with 116 meted to 10,900 during intraday plummeted to QR614bn from down around 4-7 percent last week market is down 21 percent during tions total 22, accounting for 18 annual issues, and tourism peri- before settling at 11,114 points. Wednesday’s QR678bn. alongside the oil price drop has the same period and QNB is down percent of the total (122) while odicals number four (with 32 The entire 43 stocks got bat- The slump in oil prices contin- dampened near term sentiment. only 11 percent.” Malayalam’s share in the total yearly issues). THE PENINSULA tered and the banking and ues to send jitters among traders. Another reason for the market THE PENINSULA is four percent. Tagalog, the Continued on page 8 Industrials stocks, two sectors Oil price drop has dampened the drop is the high stock valuations, Continued on page 8 Major climate deal reached for 2015

LIMA: About 190 nations among weary delegates almost greenhouse gas emissions. agreed yesterday the building two days into overtime after two It also satisfied rich nations led blocks of a new-style global deal weeks of talks, appeased devel- by the United States who say it due in 2015 to combat climate oping countries led by China and is time for fast-growing emerg- change amid warnings that far India, concerned that previous ing economies to rein in fast-ris- tougher action will be needed to drafts imposed too heavy a burden ing emissions. China is now the limit rising world temperatures. on emerging economies compared biggest greenhouse gas emitter Under the Lima deal, govern- to the rich. ahead of the United States, the ments will submit national plans “We’ve got what we wanted,” EU and India. for reining in greenhouse gas said Indian Environment “This is a good document to emissions by an informal dead- Minister Prakash Javedekar, pave the way to Paris,” EU Climate line of March 31, 2015 to form the who said the text preserved the Action and Energy Commissioner basis of a global agreement due at notion enshrined in a 1992 climate Miguel Arias Cañete told Reuters a summit in Paris in a year’s time. convention that the rich have to at the end of two weeks of talks. The texts, breaking deadlock lead the way in making cuts in REUTERS

Hamas parade Doha Metro 16pc complete, says official

DOHA: Work on the Doha Metro project is on track and about 16 per cent of it has been completed, according to Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, Managing Director (MD) and Chairman of Qatar Rail. Underground infrastructure for Lusail Light Rail Transit has also been completed, with eight tunnels stretching over eight kilo- metres, Al Subaie said, talking to the media at Darb Al Saai yester- day, Al Sharq reported. Basic designs for passenger and freight trains as part of the rail project have also been finalised. The rail project is expected to be complete by 2018. Palestinian militants of the Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s Tenders for construction work armed wing, display weapons during a parade marking the 27th anni- for the project will be issued by versary of the Islamist movement’s creation, in Gaza City yesterday. the second quarter of next year, said Al Subaie. THE PENINSULA

MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 PM attends launch of Storage Areas Project SMEs will be able to contribute more to national economy

DOHA: The Prime Minister issued directives to strengthen and Interior Minister H E possibilities for storage and Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser improve conditions. bin Khalifa Al Thani yester- The Premier said directives day attended the launch of the to set up a logistics committee Storage Areas Project at Dana aimed to eliminate bureaucratic Club. procedures in implementation of He said the project follows projects, adding that enabled us directives of the Emir H H Sheikh within a short time to offer land Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to plots and create a fair and trans- the government to enable the parent competition to reach the private sector, foremost of which signing of deals with companies being small and medium compa- to launch the project. nies, to participate more in the He said the project, expected to national economy in line with be completed within 24 months, Qatar National Vision 2030. will provide facilities at a com- The Premier said the gov- petitive price for SMEs in terms ernment acted in the light of of size based on global standards, these directives to support the bridge the gap between supply and non-oil sectors through initia- demand in the storage market, tives, including the expansion of cope with illegal and unsafe stor- industrial areas and the increase age offers, contribute to reducing of storage capacity, to keep pace the high increase in the cost of with the needs of economic devel- public goods in general because of opment, with meet challenges of the availability of storage at a rea- inflation, reduce business costs sonable price, provide more jobs and maintain consumers’ security and support competitiveness of and health. firms and the national economy. He said the project is part of The Premier witnessed the the development of the logis- signing of construction contracts tics sector to support the pri- with the companies which will vate sector in its efforts towards implement the project. Many comprehensive and sustainable sheikhs, ministers and senior development Qatar aspires under officials were also present. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and other officials view the project model at Dana Club. the leadership of the Emir who QNA Qatar property market may not be hit by falling world oil prices DOHA: Real estate markets in Qatar although member-countries may slightly economy is largely dependent on the by month-end. The total for October 2014 is scheduled in the first quarter of 2015. and the rest of the GCC may not be limit the size of state spending if crude export of LNG through long-term con- was QR4.5bn ($1.23bn) and QR5.9bn The deals are designed to increase affected due to falling world oil prices, rates continue to fall. tracts and at an almost constant price, ($1.62bn) in November, 2013. the liquidity in Barwa to cover finan- Ezdan Holding Group said in its report The strength and durability of the said the report. The report talked of exceptional deals cial obligations, and allow the company for November issued yesterday. Gulf economies will protect them from So the Qatari economy remains strong, struck by Barwa Real Estate Company to consider entering new investments Qatar’s real estate sector particularly the consequences of this drop, said the especially with the diversification of during the beginning of December 2014, and projects that might generate tar- remains unscathed by the sharply declin- report. income policy adopted by the government. involving the sale of two plots of land in geted returns, including contributing ing global crude rates, the report said in Qatar does not rely primarily on oil The value of real estate transactions Mesaimeer in Doha for QR5.3bn. to the strengthening of its financial its highlights. to finance its annual budget despite the in the first three weeks of November The agreement says the ownership of position and maximising the return for The economies of the GCC states will fact that it evaluates it according to the 2014 was QR2.9bn ($247.15bn) and is the first plot is to be delivered before the shareholders. not be hugely affected by lower oil prices, benchmark price of oil as the Qatari expected to have reached QR4bn ($1.1bn) year-end while the delivery of the second THE PENINSULA MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Emir receives National Day Rail projects to cut two million greetings from India

DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received greetings on National Day from Indian President km of travel by car per day Pranab Mukherjee. The message says India looks forward to further strengthening and deepening multifaceted ties for the benefit of both countries. “On behalf of the government and the people of India and on CO2 emission will be reduced by 258,000 tonnes a year: Qatar Rail chief my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greet- ings and felicitations to you and the friendly people of Qatar on DOHA: The Doha Metro and Abdulaziz Al Subaie, Managing students on the efficacy of the rail the occasion of your National Day, President Mukherjee says in rails projects, once completed, Director and Chairman, Qatar projects on the life of residents, the message. will cut two million kilometres Rail, said, delivering a lecture at Al Subaie gave tangible examples It says India greatly values close and time-tested relations with of travel by car per day and Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military of the economic, social and envi- Qatar, which are deeply rooted in history. reduce 258,000 tonnes of CO2 College. ronmental benefits the projects I take this opportunity to convey to Your Highness my best per year, a senior official of He said the Doha Metro, Lusail will deliver. wishes for your good health and well-being, as also for continued Qatar Rail has said. Light Rail Transit and Long On the economic front, GDP progress and prosperity of the people of Qatar,” the message adds. “When the Metro has been Distance Passenger and Freight will benefit from reduced time THE PENINSULA built and put into place, we need projects are expected to be com- lost in traffic. From a social per- a mindset and attitude shift pleted on schedule. The 38 sta- spective, a better environment from the current transport scene tions of Doha Metro will be in will mean a better quality of life backed by private cars to Metro. highly dense areas around Doha for citizens. “At the end, it is not sustainable and the reach of Metro service is The Metro will save two million DNA Records ties up with that everyone has their own car planned to be broadened by the km of travel by car per day which and we have to be very conscious use of feeder buses to cover neigh- means less CO2. The rail projects towards the economic and social bourhoods not accessible on foot, are expected to help reduce CO2 Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, productivity and environmental he added. per year by 258,000 tonnes. Managing Director and Chairman, TYC for talent contest protection of the state,” Abdulla To questions from college The Metro will provide jobs for Qatar Rail, delivering a lecture at Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military DOHA: Qatar’s first record to young performers. College. company, DNA Records, has “We hope this will be the start partnered with The Youth of a long relationship with The many, and help transform Qatar Company to hold the Youth Youth Company and are looking to an advanced country capable Got Talent competition during forward to seeing some of the tal- of achieving sustainable develop- Run The World Festival 2014 be ent at this year’s contest,” said Al ment, and ensuring a continued held from December 18 to 20 in Fardan. and decent standard of living for Katara. Auditions for the competition its people. This means in trans- The festival is a an annual ini- have been held and the selected port terms ease of movement and tiative, organised by The Youth youth will perform for visitors access to business, education and Company that brings people of during Run The World. leisure facilities in a seamless way different age groups and cultures They will compete for profes- while respecting the environment. together to enjoy performances by sional mentorship with Al Fardan “Qatar Rail is equipped with youth of Qatar and professional who will also join the youth on the strategies to ensure that the Doha athletes and witness cultural stage during the final competition. Metro, Lusail Light Rail Transit performances. “Our competition is one of the and Long Distance Passenger and DNA Records is Qatar’s first events everyone looks forward Freight projects are heading to record label company founded by to because it provides the youth achieve the target start dates,” he Dana Al Fardan, a self-established with the chance to showcase their said. Themed as ‘Vision and the Qatari singer and songwriter who talents. Path to Success’, the event was will be one of the judges at this “And it’s amazing to watch peo- also attended by Brigadier Hamad year’s competition. ple gain the confidence to do so,” Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Commander of “We love what The Youth said Mohamed Farid, Founder the college, Dr Khaled Al Khater, Company is doing in Qatar and and Chairman of The Youth Dean of the college, and members love the contest as it’s a great Company International. of the faculty and students. example of offering that platform THE PENINSULA Some of the participants at the event. THE PENINSULA

FM meets WCMC-Q accredited as provider of quality programmes Vietnam DOHA: Weill Cornell Medical continuing medical education to College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) has physicians and other healthcare Deputy PM been accredited as a provider practitioners, and I extend my DOHA: , The Foreign of continuing medical educa- thanks to all involved in the realisa- Minister H E Dr tion and continuing professional tion of this goal for their dedication Khalid bin Mohamed development by Qatar Council for and hard work. Al Attiyah yesterday Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP) “In an era of rapid technological met the Deputy Prime of the Supreme Council of Health. progress such as ours, it is impera- Minister of Vietnam, The accreditation recognises the tive that we constantly refresh our Nguyen Xuan Phuc and quality and value of programmes knowledge and skills to ensure our discussed relations and offered by WCMC-Q for physicians patients receive the maximum benefit issues of joint interest. and healthcare practitioners. possible from the constant stream Dr Al Attiyah received During a ceremony at WCMC-Q, of advances in the realm of medical a phone call from US Dr Jamal Al Khanji, Acting CEO, science. Secretary of State John QCHP, presented the certificate to “The accreditation provides us Kerry and they discussed Dr Javaid Sheikh, Dean, WCMC-Q. with a platform from which we can the Syrian situation. QNA Members of the QCHP help share expertise and knowledge Accreditation Department and of our faculty and staff with the rest WCMC-Q CPD division, faculty and of the healthcare community. QTA opens fifth college staff were present. Dr Al Khanji said, “Weill Cornell Officials pose for a group photo after the accreditation ceremony. Dr Sheikh said, “It is a great hon- has become an integral part of Qatar’s foreign office to our and a privilege for WCMC-Q healthcare system, and as one of our and improve our healthcare sys- advanced in the world. deliver an effective and efficient to receive accreditation to provide main partners will help us develop tem to a very high level.” To gain accreditation, education programme for health- attract southeast He highlighted the role the Division of Continuing care practitioners. WCMC-Q and partners will have Professional Development, led by The QCHP Accreditation Asian tourists in assisting QCHP in implement- Dr Thurayya Arayssi, Associate Department conducted a site visit, ing a new system of continu- Dean, CPD, produced a 500-page assessing the college’s resources SINGAPORE: Qatar ing professional development self-assessment that provided and faculty qualifications. Tourism Authority that would be one of the most evidence that WCMC-Q could THE PENINSULA (QTA) has opened its fifth foreign office to attract southeast Asian tourists from Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Rashed Al Qurese, Chief Marketing and Promotions Officer, QTA, “We are delighted to reinforce our overseas marketing capa- bilities through this new office. Experience shows local presence is vital for maximising tourism from source markets.” A full-time local pres- ence in such markets helps build links and liaison with the outbound travel trade, including tour operators, travel agencies, confer- ences, meetings and event organisers and the media. The office will promote Qatar as a destination for business travel, leisure, family entertainment, shopping, cultural and sports tourism with top quality hotel accommoda- tion, services and public infrastructure. It follows the recent opening of an office in Saudi Arabia to attract GCC tourists. QTA has networks in key European markets of the UK, France and Germany. QNA MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 College of Shariah and Islamic Studies starts Qatarisation DOHA: Qatar University’s — psycho-religious counselling as the Ministry of Endowments College of Shariah and Islamic and Islamic finance — in collabo- and Islamic Affairs, the Ministry Studies has implemented the ration with College of Education of Education, the Ministry of Qatarisation process by provid- and College of Business and Interior and Islamic banks. Many i n g n at ion a l s t udent s w it h o pp or- Economics, respectively, to boost are pursuing higher education to tunities to pursue postgraduate enrolment of national students join QU as faculty members after education and engaging them in within the college as they intro- graduation. workshops to enhance skills and duce areas of interest that are “Since 2013, we have organised knowledge in preparation for the important to society’s welfare,” 11 workshops in collaboration workplace. Dr Alkhelaifi said. with the Office of Faculty and Led by Dean Dr Abdel Hakeem He said the psycho-religious Instructional Development for Yousuf Alkhelaifi, the college has counselling minor will enable faculty members to promote the 16 Qatari faculty members out of graduates to work in hospitals, importance of developing specific 60, and 439 Qatari students out prisons or family institutions and skills in their teaching methods, of 764. offer solutions to social and psy- such as critical thinking, prob- The college is implementing chological problems. lem-solving and teamwork and to strategies to increase its capacity The Islamic finance minor will incorporate them into their teach- of Qatari faculty and students. allow them to work in Islamic ing strategies,” he added. He said Ten graduates are employed banks, insurance companies, and while Qatarisation was critical for as assistant teachers who are finance departments in ministries, the country’s development, exper- pursuing Master’s and PhD corporations, and non-governmen- tise and knowledge from expatri- QRC paramedics and ambulances at the venue. degrees at universities around tal organisations. “Last June, the ates are essential to enrich the the world under QU’s scholarship college celebrated the graduation labour market in general, and the programme. of 133 students, and a majority academic sector in particular. “We plan to launch two minors of them joined institutions such THE PENINSULA QRC provides medical team, ambulances for Darb Al Saai March held at main venue of National Day festivities DOHA: The Qatar Red and Care Coordinator, QRC, and throughout the year, including Crescent (QRC) has allocated Supervisor of medical coverage of QRC, HMC, Internal Security ambulances and paramedics for Darb Al Saai, said 10 cases had Force (Lekhwiya) and Doha Darb Al Saai where National been reported until now, mostly Municipality. Day celebrations are being held involving children. The march started from one for over two weeks. These were minor cases and of the gates at Darb Al Saai, The area receives people from treated immediately, except for beginning with Lekhwiya offices all segments of the Qatari society, one case that required referral to on their small electric tricycles, who come with families to enjoy HMC emergency unit. accompanied by QRC paramedic art, cultural, heritage, and recrea- He said QRC paramedics are bikers, walking groups of QRC tional events. available at Darb Al Saai through- doctors and paramedics, HMC QRC’s ambulance vehicles and out the celebrations, from 7am doctors and nurses, and munici- staff are covering the celebra- to 11pm. They will keep working pality workers, followed by HMC tions area in coordination with after the end of celebrations to club car and ambulance vehicle, the organisers through radio medically secure workers who will and finally QRC ambulances. communication to report any remove installations and clear the The march moved around Darb case that requires urgent medi- site. Al Saai and stopped at the central cal intervention by providing A march was organised across space, where a huge Qatari flag instant treatment or referring it Darb Al Saai for workers of was raised and fireworks went to Hamad Medical Corporation state welfare institutions who off amid clapping and waving of (HMC) emergency unit. serve the public not only during Qatari flags by everyone. Dr Hassan Fadel Daloul, Health National Day celebrations but THE PENINSULA

Participants enjoying a traditional dance. GU-Q marks National Day DOHA: Georgetown centuries, as he was surrounded by local delicacy known as crepes, which University in Qatar (GU- finished boats on display. visitors followed with steaming cups Q) celebrated the upcom- The role of fishing in Qatar’s sea- of fragrant and sweet karak tea. ing National Day with a side communities was represented Traditional gahwa, or coffee, as day of learning, food and by a fisherman on hand to answer well as dates and other local culinary fun for students, faculty, questions as he made quick work of treats were offered free to guests. staff and the Education untangling volumes of woven rope. GU-Q is also taking part in City community. Qatari women poured ladles of National Day festivities in the Qatar Celebrations were held creamy batter onto sizzling black Foundation tent at Darb Al Saai. early since GU-Q will be metal plates to make the delicate THE PENINSULA on winter break for holi- day, but that didn’t stop it from displaying its national pride with a her- itage festival on the grassy manicured grounds of the school. It was organised by Qatari students. “National Day is an occasion where people meet to express their love and loyalty to the nation. That’s why we wanted to celebrate with our col- leagues and share our culture with them,” said Kholoud Hayder, a sopho- more majoring in culture and politics and one of the student organisers. To welcome expats and locals to the spirit of the holiday, participants were encouraged to wear tradi- tional Qatari clothes. Extra abayas and thobes were made available for anyone wanting to take part. On a paved area outside the main building, students set up a Qatari majlis. A few steps away, a ‘dukkan’, or small traditional mar- ket stall, displayed food, reflecting a simpler time before Qatar’s development introduced shopping malls and global products to the local market. Preserved animal specimens dis- played the wide diversity of Qatar’s desert wildlife. A Qatari craftsman worked on building a beautiful and meticulously detailed model dhow, the traditional pearling and fishing boat used for MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Vodafone launches literary contest Second edition selects a verse from a poem by Qatar’s Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani as its title

DOHA: Vodafone yesterday title for this year’s competition. launched the second edition of “We commend Vodafone for the its literary competition, under role they are playing in encourag- the patronage of the Minister ing reading and writing in Arabic of Culture, Arts and Heritage and I and the ministry have given H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al them our full support,” said the Kuwari. Minister. This is also the second year the Mohammed Al Yami, Director, Minister has backed the contest External Affairs, Vodafone Qatar, and was thanked for support at said, “We are proud to bring this the launch by Vodafone Qatar’s competition for the second year in Chairman Sheikh Dr Khalid bin a row to encourage the preserva- Thani Al Thani. tion one of the most important The Minister of Sports and threads of our Arabic culture and Youth H E Salah bin Ghanim tradition. Al Ali and Kyle Whitehill, CEO, “We are grateful for the sup- Vodafone Qatar, were also present port and encouragement we along with other officials. have received from the Minister The first edition was held last of Culture, Arts and Heritage December 2013 to help preserve H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al the Arabic language, encourage Kuwari, which has been essential The Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (fifth left), the Minister of Sports and Youth H E Salah bin Ghanim Al creative writing, celebrate the to the success of the initiative. Ali (sixth left) and Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, Chairman, Vodafone Qatar, (third left) with other officials at the launch of the second edition of beauty of the written Arabic word “It is meaningful that we are the competition yesterday. and pay tribute to National Day. aligning this year’s competition It proved to be a great success with National Day’s theme to give with over 100 short story and people a means to express their National Day celebrations,” he discussion which was warmly guidance and integrity’, submis- literary and luminary experts – novel submissions. love for this country. added. received by the audience. sions have to be in the form of a will convene in February 2015 In line with the theme of this “I would like to thank the The launch was followed by a The contest is open to all citi- short story between 500 and 1,000 to choose the winners of the year’s National Day celebrations, Minister of Sports and Youth seminar that looked into the art zens and residents until February words. QR145,000 prize pot and the win- the verse ‘I treated you with hon- and Head of the National and history of story writing in 13, 2015 and the submissions for Category 2: Submissions have ners will be announced in March esty, guidance and integrity’, from a Day Celebrations Organising Qatar. Qatari literary figures- Dr both categories must be in Arabic. to be a collection of stories on any 2015. Artist Ali Hassan Al Jaber poem written by Qatar’s Founder Committee H E Salah bin Ghanim Ahmed Abdelmalik, Jamal Fayez, Category 1: Taking inspira- subject and not less than 10 and gifted paintings to the Ministers Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Ali for his support to align our Dr Huda Al Nuaimi, Mohsen Al tion from the competition’s not more than 100 pages. at the launch. Al Thani, has been chosen as the competition with the theme for Hajiri and Hessa Al Awadi led title ‘I treated you with honesty, The panel of judges – Qatari THE PENINSULA Mal Lawal expo opens tomorrow

DOHA: Around 4,000 pieces banknotes from around Mena, those for schools. He said this edi- from the treasure troves of 152 the expo proves the culture of art tion has seen a huge improvement private collectors in Qatar and collection is alive in the country. from the first in 2012. other GCC countries will be on Hani Al Asousi, a Kuwaiti col- “We try to improve every edi- display for Mal Lawal Biennale lector who has a private museum tion. Last time, we gave par- which opens to the public mainly on Kuwaiti heritage, is ticipants a space to set up their tomorrow at Doha Exhibition showcasing over a dozen cameras, collections, but this year we have Centre. one of which he claims to be the helped them with everything from Spread over 5,000sqm space, smallest in the world. installation to signage. This year the expo is divided into 11 cat- Al Asousi, who also has a col- we have also employed new tech- egories and offers a feast to the lection of watches, says he is nologies and utilised new and cre- eyes and intellect of visitors with happy to participate for the first ative ways to display,” he added. a diverse array of objects. time in an exhibition organised by The exhibition space has been There has been a rise in the Qatar Museums (QM). increased from 2,500sqm to number of participants from 90 A sneak peak into collectors in 5,000sqm and the duration of in the first edition to 152 this Qatar who have made mini-muse- the event from one month to two year, 110 of whom are from Qatar ums in their homes with objects and a half. The expo is open to and 42 from other GCC coun- they have gathered from around the public from December 16 to tries, Exhibition Chairman and the world is a new feature at the February 28 and 50,000 visitors Curator, Nasser Al Hammadi, expo. “There are eight screens are expected. Mal Lawal mean- told a press preview yesterday. which shows films of the collec- ing ‘from the old days’ in Qatari From the world’s smallest tions which could not be brought dialect was conceived by QM to camera to 120-year-old bisht to here,” Al Hammadi said, adding encourage and support art collec- centuries-old weapons to ancient other activities will be held on tion in Qatar and the rest of the Kuwaiti collector Hani Al Asousi showing the smallest camera along with his other collections. carpets from Iran and rare the sidelines of the expo such as GCC. THE PENINSULA Doha Bank names winners of monthly Al Dana draw

Officials with some of the winners of the latest monthly draw for Al Dana savings scheme.

DOHA: Doha Bank has named bonanza for Al Dana customers,” for those maintaining higher the winners of the latest said Dr R Seetharaman, Group balances. monthly draw for its flagship Al CEO of the bank. Suresh Bajpai, Head of Retail Dana savings scheme. “The concept of Al Dana Banking, said, “Al Dana is an Eighteen winners were encourage people to embrace sav- expression of the bank’s commit- announced for October. ing as a way of life to help them ment to raise awareness about the A M Mubarak, who holds an Al manage their finances more effi- importance of financial discipline. Dana account, was the top win- ciently so that they can secure the It encourages the community ner, taking home QR500,000 in Al future of their families. to lay the foundations for their Riyada Premium Draw, while A “The prize structure of the pro- future while rewarding them with S Al Kuwari won the QR100,000 gramme ensures that maximum life-changing opportunities. Monthly Premium Draw for cus- customers have a chance to win “We invite everyone to save tomers maintaining QR50,000 or from the countless rewards on before the year-end raffle draw more in their Al Dana accounts. offer.” to get a chance to win this year,” Ten other Al Dana account Al Dana’s prize structure he added. All draws are conducted holders received QR10,000 each ensures there is a prize for under the supervision of relevant and five Al Dana Young Savers every type of savings appetite authorities and full lists of the won latest iPads. and includes eligible customers winners are published on www. “2014 is turning out to be yet maintaining a minimum balance dohabank.com.qa another year of never-ending of QR5,000, and special draws THE PENINSULA MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Courts handled 81,169 cases over one year QNRF seminar highlights DOHA: The Qatari courts han- adjudicated them. dled 81,169 lawsuits over the Violation and exit/arrivals past one year and issued ver- claims at Court of Search and dicts in 66,020, data released by Follow-up totalled 7,846 and were research in education the Supreme Judicial Council adjudicated, said the council in a yesterday showed. statement ahead of National Day. DOHA: Qatar National seminars provide a glimpse into in Qatar’s school system. their disposition towards pursu- Appeals referred to the Court A total of 20,330 civil suits were Research Fund (QNRF) has the work QNRF is funding in “Research in the field of educa- ing it in higher education, which of Cassation (Criminal Division) handled at courts and rulings were hosted its fourth Research Qatar in various disciplines,” tion is important for any coun- would lead them into science- totalled 522, of which 323 were issued in 12,803. Suits related to Outcome Seminar at Education said Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, try’s future but, in Qatar, it will based careers. It also identified entertained while cases at the labour law totalled 8,537 while City in Doha. Executive Director, QNRF. allow us to find ways in which factors that impact these inter- Criminal Appeal Court totalled family and inheritance claims and Themed ‘Education for the During the seminar, which to strengthen the research cul- ests and attitudes. 1,484 and rulings were issued in minors affairs reached 5,345 and Future of Qatar’, the seminar focused on education, Dr Michael ture within the local commu- The project draws from a sam- 1,094. Cases at the criminal court rulings were issued in 3,921. saw QNRF-funded researchers Romanowski, Professor of nity,” said Dr Michael Reksulak, ple of Qatari students and sci- totalled 4,035 and verdicts were The number of administrative share results and benefits of their Education, Qatar University, pre- Director, Social Sciences, Arts ence teachers from grades 3 to issued in 2,830. The misdemean- cases handled by courts totalled completed projects in the field of sented his findings and analysis of and Humanities, QNRF. 12. These findings will help pro- our court handled 6,286 cases and 1,009 and rulings were issued education, with the public. Qatari educational reform. “This will feed back into the vide possible methods to enhance ruled in 5,400. in 494. The number of enforce- By investing in cutting-edge- His study explored implications education system and contribute Qatari students’ interest in pur- The Cheques Department ment requests dealt by courts research, QNRF is enhancing of reforms underway through the to the transition to a knowledge- suing science majors at university. handled 17,819 suits and ruled in totalled 24,990, while the number a culture that supports Qatar ‘Education for a New Era’ ini- based economy.” QNRF also presented a film 17,302 while cases at the traffic of applications completed by the Foundation for Education, Science tiative. By gaining insight from Dr Ziad Said, from School of produced by a research team court totalled 3,037 and rulings Documentation Department for and Community Development teachers, principals, and parents, Engineering Technology at College headed by Dr Pamela Taylor, were issued in 2,817. Environment 2013 stood at 15,627. (QF) on its mission to build the Dr Romanowski analysed how the of the North Atlantic-Qatar, pre- Professor, Art Education, Virginia Court received 823 suits and THE PENINSULA country’s innovation and technol- initiative is making an impact on sented his team’s research finding Commonwealth University ogy capacity and help it develop learning in Qatar. regarding Qataris’ interest in sci- (VCU), Dr John Geldart, VCU- into a hub of research excel- His research data, collected ence at school. Qatar, and Dr ElNour Hamad, lence through QF’s science and from schools across Qatar, allows The joint research assessed Researcher at Doha Institute’s Poor visibility early morning research pillar, QF R&D. for comparisons and highlights pre-college Qatari students’ atti- Arab Center for Research and due to fog, chilly night likely “The research outcome issues that have been improved tudes towards science, including Policy Studies. THE PENINSULA DOHA: Horizontal visibility will be poor early this morning due to fog and the night could be a bit chilly as temperatures could drop to HMC lecture highlights advanced test for diabetes 15 degrees Celsius in places like Al Khor and Abu Samra. Visibility could be less than a kilometre at places quite early this DOHA: The most advanced and Immunology, Norfolk and obesity, associated with type 2 2011 because it is a simple test. morning, the weather bureau said in its routine forecast yesterday. research methods of diagnosing Norwich University Hospital in diabetes. About 50 percent, or With one random blood sample, Fog will clear as the day progresses and visibility will improve, first diabetes and improving results the UK. 183m with diabetes worldwide it measures the patient’s glucose to three and later up to eight km. for large populations was high- The sessions were part of an are undiagnosed,” he said, cit- values over one to three months.” Offshore, the weather will be hazy and partly cloudy while inshore lighted in a lecture at Hamad ongoing focus on integrating ing statistics from International He said it better equips health- misty to foggy at places early in the morning. The temperature will Medical Corporation (HMC). academic and health services to Diabetes Federation. care practitioners to manage a be moderate during the day. The wind will be southeasterly to south- The Academic Health System improve patient outcomes. The sessions focused on hae- patient’s diabetes and prevent westerly with speed between five and 13 knots. Day temperatures will lecture and Multi-Departmental “As of 2011, about 366 million moglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing associated complications, such as vary between 23 and 15 degrees. In Doha, the maximum temperature Grand Round were presented people worldwide had diabetes, as the best long-term marker of cardiovascular diseases, which are today could be 26 degrees and 23 in Dukhan and Abu Samra. Night by Professor Garry John, and the number is expected to diabetes control. “World Health the leading cause of premature temperature in Doha will be 18 degrees and 17 in Messsaieed and Al Consultant Clinical Biochemist reach 552m by 2030. A primary Organisation recommended death among diabetics. Wakra. THE PENINSULA and Head of Clinical Biochemisty cause of the global epidemic is HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes in THE PENINSULA 78 graduate from HEC Paris School of Management

DOHA: HEC Paris School your academic performance to of Management, ranked No. merit the distinction of receiv- 1 in Executive Education by ing an EMBA and Specialized Financial Times in 2014, paid master’s degree,” said Professor tribute to the latest batch of Ramanantsoa. 78 graduates from the HEC “You are now prepared and Executive MBA and Specialised better equipped to face chal- Master’s degree in strategic lenges of a rapidly globalised business unit management dur- business and economic environ- ing a convocation ceremony. ment and bring your businesses Professor Bernard or the companies you work for to Ramanantsoa, Dean, HEC Paris; greater heights. We look forward Professor Laoucine Kerbache, to welcoming you back someday Dean and CEO, HEC Paris in to share your knowledge, expe- Qatar; French Ambassador Eric riences and expertise as alumni Chevallier, and Christophe Eon, and members of the HEC Paris Deputy Vice President, HR, community,” he added. Communications & CSR, Total The Executive MBA pro- Officials and graduates at the convocation ceremony. E&P Qatar, congratulated the gramme offers senior managers graduates. and executives an understand- innovative and applicable knowl- environment. Paris, Beijing and Shanghai. high-potential professionals ena- “It is with great pride that we ing of the social, economic and edge and skills to facilitate the Taught in English over 18 The specialized Master’s degree bling them to innovate, detect congratulate the Class of 2014 for environmental aspects of inter- transformation of vision into months, the programme has a in strategic business unit man- opportunities and implement having met all stringent require- national business. It enables par- action by focusing on strategy four-day module per month for- agement aims to enhance mana- high-performance processes. ments and having excelled in ticipants to gain comprehensive, and leadership in a global business mat and is delivered in Doha, gerial skills and capabilities of THE PENINSULA Sidra appoints inaugural chair for psychiatry

DOHA: Sidra Medical and Research Center yesterday announced the appointment of Dr Muhammad Waqar Azeem (pictured) as its inaugural chair in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr Azeem will be responsible for setting new standards for world-class patient and family care, medical education and research in psychiatry. Fellowship. He will also hold the Dr Ziyad Hijazi, Acting position of Founding Chair Chief Medical Officer, of Child Psychiatry at Weill Sidra said, “Dr Azeem has Cornell Medical College in an exceptional background Qatar (WCMC-Q). in psychiatric clinical care Through these appoint- and research, and will be ments, he will play an instrumental in ensuring integral role in improving that mental health serv- mental health services for ices we bring to children children and families in and women of Qatar and Qatar and the region. the region represent the Dr Azeem joins from highest possible standards Albert J Solnit Children’s of patient care.” Center in the US, where he Dr Azeem said: “Joining held the position of chief Sidra at this stage in of psychiatry and medical Qatar’s healthcare devel- director. He also served as opment is an opportunity associate clinical profes- for any clinician. Knowing sor at Yale Child Study that you will have tan- Center/Yale University gible impact on the way School of Medicine and care is provided for future associate residency train- patients is a once-in-a- ing programme director for lifetime chance and I am Yale Child Study Center/ honoured to be part of this Solnit Center Child and talented team. Adolescent Psychiatry THE PENINSULA MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 HOME / MIDEAST 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Deputy PM meets Vietnamese counterpart Qatar ‘committed to protection of environment’ LIMA: The Minister of Environment H E Ahmed Amer Mohamed Al Humaidi yesterday stressed that Qatar has attached attention to envi- ronmental and climate change issues. He said the environment is one of the main pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, a proof of the country’s belief in a balance between the environment and development. He told the closing session of the 20th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change that Qatar’s efforts to protect The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid the environment are in line with Al Mahmoud yesterday met Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan and his delegation and Qatar National Vision 2030 laid discussed relations and matters of mutual concern. The Minister of Justice H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr down by the Emir H H Sheikh www.swiss-belhotel.com Al Muhannadi and his Vietnamese counterpart Ha Hung Cuong signed a cooperation agreement in the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He also highlighted projects in Tel legal field. Al Mahmoud hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of Xuan and his team. the field of climate change, includ- Fax ing the reduction of gas emissions, raising the efficiency of burning mechanisms, carbon manage- ment and energy efficiency. Tel He stressed the importance of Fax Lekhwiya holds third cooperation to reach an agree- ment by 2015-end based on pre- vious decisions, and commitment to provisions and principles of the convention on the basis of shared Tel forum for students responsibility. He said developed Fax countries should take the lead in DOHA: The Internal the field of climate change. QNA Security Force (Lekhwiya) recently organised its third Analysis of oil Tel + 974 44298888 students’ forum. It hosted over 1,000 students price ‘less bearish’ Fax from 39 middle and secondary schools. Continued from page 1 Brig. Ali Mohammed Al While oil price is key for the Tel Rashid, Commander, Special region’s economies and corpo- Operations, Brig. Mohammed rate earnings, we believe we are Fax Abdullah Al Muhanna Al witnessing a window of finding Marri, Director, Police College, “cheap” stocks. As most stocks commanders and officers from are down, some firms will see Tel different units and depart- lower profits and others will not Fax ments were present. be as affected, hence the recent The forum aimed to intro- fall in stock prices makes them duce to the students Lekhwiya’s more attractive in the long run. role in maintaining security and “Predicting the near-term out- Tel stability in Qatar, and promot- look for oil may not be possible, Fax ing patriotism and loyalty. but our analysis of the price is By attending such events less bearish than current levels,” www.doha.hilton.com students are expected to learn One of the units of Lekhwiya conducting a parade during the forum. Afa said. about efforts of various forces Yesterday’s turnover declined Tel 44233333 974+ to combat crime and maintain and how it deals with cases and using paratroopers. The word to QR957m compared with peace and stability which is the situations. ‘Lekhwiya’ is traditionally used QR1.3bn in the previous session, Fax 44233000 974+ responsibility of all nationals The forum began with by Qataris to indicate security while total traded volume rose and expatriates in Qatar. parades by different units of forces responsible for maintain- to 22 million shares from 13 mil- Lekhwiya showcased skills, Lekhwiya and its interven- ing peace and order. lion. Market is up 7.08 percent up training system, equipment tion to rescue people or search THE PENINSULA year-to-date. THE PENINSULA

Women’s issues under-represented Students, artists perform Tel Continued from page 1 being 15 have the remaining The defence sector also has 75 percent share. If the dailies Fax publications — some four of are excluded, business periodi- them with a dozen issues a cals top as far as the nature of at QNA National Day Gala year. the publication is concerned, On politics, there are two said the study. DOHA: Artists, school stu- The students, in national Tel publications with eight issues Publications in Arabic total dents, Qatari intellectuals, attire, performed in the back- Fax a year. Women’s issues are 63, in Arabic and English and journalists participated in drop of a traditionally designed under-represented with peri- combined (26) English, (22), a ceremony hosted by Qatar maroon stage that showcased odicals being three, albeit with Malayalam (five) and Nepali News Agency (QNA) on its Qatari cultural motifs. 32 editions a year. (two). Urdu, Tagalog, Sinhala premises yesterday as part of As part of National Day cel- Tel There was only one sci- and Tamil have one each. National Day celebrations. ebrations, a five-day photo- Fax entific and technical journal The ministry said the Al Hayat International School graphic exhibition on images whose frequency was annual. study this year was part of its students and children from from Qatar’s past and present Among the dailies, the share national strategy for the cul- the community participated by Qatari artist Arif Hussain of Arabic newspapers is about tural sector. in the event in the morning opened at the premises. 25 percent. Non-Arabic dailies THE PENINSULA in the presence of teachers, Winners of an art competition Tel QNA administrative staff and on National Day theme hosted Fax journalists. by QNA’s Culture Department Attorney-General meets League official Students performed patri- were announced. The competi- otic songs, read out poems and tion was held for 5-9 and 10-15 DOHA: The Attorney-General, Dr Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, the national anthem with zeal age groups. Tel yesterday met the Arab League Assistant Secretary-General that encapsulated the spirit of Ahmed Saad Al Buainain, for Economic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Al Tuweijri, nationalism, loyalty to home- Director-General, QNA, pre- Fax currently visiting Qatar. They exchanged views on issues of land, a sense of belonging and sented certificates and souve- mutual concern and discussed judicial and legal cooperation. love for the leadership and nirs to students at the closing QNA people. ceremony. QNA

Tel Fax Microelectronics conference begins DOHA: The 26th International Production, and Joint Interest Manager, and architecture and systems for biometrics Conference on Microelectronics (ICM ExxonMobil Qatar, said, “With 18,000 and forensics applications. 2014), hosted by Texas A&M at Qatar, engineers and scientists and 2,000 PhDs at The event includes three keynote speak- Tel began yesterday. the centre of our operations, ExxonMobil ers: Dr Giovanni De Micheli (EPFL, Fax The four-day event, sponsored by remains convinced that increasing profi- Switzerland) who will speak on ‘Technologies ExxonMobil Qatar, is the premiere forum ciency in science, technology, engineering and Platforms for Cyberphysical Systems’, on microelectronics in the region, bringing and math (STEM) subjects is critical to Dr Gabriel A Rincon-Mora (Georgia top and experts to share the latest findings building an innovative, diversified and com- Institute of Technology, US) on ‘Powering Tel in microelectronics research. petitive workforce. Microsystems — From Fuel Cells to Ambient Fax Dr Mark H Weichold, Dean and CEO, “Our sponsorship of the 26th forum fur- Energy’, and Dr Amine Bermak (Hong Texas A&M University Qatar (Tamuq), said, ther bolsters the more than QR5,460,000 Kong University of Science and Technology, “The conference highlights the importance we have invested to advance STEM pro- Hong Kong SAR) on ‘Next-generation www.marriottmarquisdoha.com of microelectronics research to advance grammes with community partners in Smart Vision Sensors for Wireless Camera information and communications tech- Qatar.” Network Applications’. Tel + 974 44195000 nologies and its role in fulfilling Qatar’s The Institute of Electrical and Electronics The technical programme includes 33 Fax + 974 44195100 National Research Strategy and National Engineers is the technical sponsor of the papers in eight sessions covering RF cir- Vision 2030. forum, which addresses topics such as elec- cuits, device characterisation and modelling, “As part of its commitment to Qatar tronic circuits and systems, CAD tools and digital circuits and systems, device physics National Vision 2030, Tamuq is dedicated design, and nanoelectronics. and novel structures; digital signal and data to the growth of human capital and the It also features topics on algorithms processing, and analog circuits. expansion of research in the country and and architecture for mobile and multime- In addition, 16 special session papers and globally,” he added. dia systems, circuits and systems for con- 15 posters have been distributed. Alistair Routledge, Vice-President, nected health, renewable energy sources, THE PENINSULA MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Egypt says US Turkey arrests 27 in swoop on media scholar barred Cleric’s supporters rounded up over visa issue ISTANBUL: Turkish police a TV director, producers, script- CAIRO: Egypt yesterday said yesterday arrested the edi- writers and some police officers. the reason it had barred US tor of Turkey’s biggest-selling Arrest warrants were issued scholar and prominent regime newspaper and 26 others in for a total of 31 people, the official critic Michele Dunne from lightning raids on supporters Anatolia news agency reported. entering the country a day ear- of a US-based cleric who has Anatolia said detainees were lier was that she did not have a become President Recep Tayyip accused of a number of offences proper visa. Erdogan’s top foe. including “using intimidation and Dunne, who arrived at Cairo The operation was the most threats” to “form a gang to try airport early on Saturday, was significant yet against support- and seize state sovereignty”, “for- later put on a plane to Frankfurt. ers of Fethullah Gulen, an influen- gery” and “slander.” The foreign ministry said tial former ally of Erdogan whom Clearly expecting the arrest of Dunne had applied for a non- the Turkish strongman accuses Dumanli, some 2,000 supporters tourist visa at the Egyptian of running a parallel state from and journalists gathered outside embassy in Washington “but then abroad. Zaman’s offices on the outskirts of withdrew her passport,” suggest- At least 27 people were detained Istanbul, preventing police from ing the former diplomat arrived in in raids across Turkey, including entering the building. Cairo seeking to enter on a tourist Ekrem Dumanli, the editor-in- Those present included the visa, with tourism not the purpose chief of the Zaman daily news- former Turkish football star of her visit. paper which is closely linked to Hakan Sukur, who was once an Dunne was to attend a panel Gulen. MP for the pro-Erdogan ruling discussion at a conference organ- Those held include an execu- party but then aligned himself ised by a pro-government group tive of Samanyolu television, also with Gulen. in Cairo. seen as close to Gulen, as well as But plainclothes officers “Some Egyptians complain returned a few hours later, I don’t list enough to pro govt detaining a defiant Dumanli, who views. When I accept invite to US expresses was applauded as a hero as he was Zaman conf of pro govt group they deny led away by the police through Ekrem Dumanli (centre), editor-in-chief of , Turkey’s top-selling newspaper, waves to staff while being me entry. Go figure,” she said the dense and angry crowd of arrested by counterterrorism police at the newspaper’s headquarters in Istanbul yesterday. on Twitter Saturday, suggesting concern supporters. that the decision to bar her was WASHINGTON: The United Amid dramatic scenes broad- the authorities denied and blamed Hidayet Karaca, the head of Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of political. States expressed concern cast live on Turkish television, on Gulen. Samanyolu TV, called the raids “a the main opposition Republican The authorities expressed sur- yesterday over the arrests the crowd chanted slogans such The corruption probe, opened shameful sight for Turkey”, before People’s Party (CHP), denounced prise at her remarks. in Turkey of more than two as “The free press cannot be on December 17, 2013, saw the he himself was detained. the operation as “a coup” that “The consular department dozen leading media figures, silenced” and “Turkey is proud arrests of dozens of leading busi- “Sadly in 21st century Turkey, “we cannot accept under any was surprised by the US schol- in raids targeting perceived of you.” nessmen and political figures this is the treatment a media circumstances”. ar’s allegations ... and wondered opponents of President Recep “Let those who have commit- close to Erdogan, who was prime group with tens of television and “The process that we are going if the United States allows for- Tayyip Erdogan. ted a crime be scared. We are not minister at the time. radio stations, Internet media and through is not something faced eign nationals to enter its terri- US State Department scared,” Dumanli said. The president, accused by magazines receives.” in healthy democracies. This is a tory without prior visa from US spokeswoman Jen Psaki said The European Union con- critics of becoming increasingly As in almost all previous raids coup process,” he said, vowing to embassies abroad,” the ministry Washington was “closely fol- demned the police action, saying authoritarian, managed to stall — which targeted mostly police be on the side of the victims. said. lowing” reports of the raids it went “against the European the investigation by sacking officers suspected of backing But Prime Minister Ahmet In August, authorities blocked and arrests. “Media freedom, values” that Turkey aspires to as thousands of police and scores of Gulen — the details of the swoop Davutoglu accused the Gulen top Human Rights Watch offi- due process and judicial inde- it seeks membership in the bloc. judges and pushing through laws were leaked by a mysterious movement of trying to seize con- cials at the airport when they pendence are key elements in In a statement, foreign pol- tightening state control over the Twitter user named Fuat Avni trol of “the bureaucracy”. arrived to release a report on a every healthy democracy and icy chief Federica Mogherini judiciary and the Internet. before it was even carried out. “Today is a day of test. Everyone government crackdown targeting are enshrined in the Turkish and enlargement commissioner Pennsylvania-based Gulen, Last week Fuat Avni, believed will pay for what they have done supporters of deposed president constitution,” she added. Johannes Hahn also said the 73, is the spiritual leader of the to be a government official, and their anti-democratic behav- Mohamed Morsi. “As Turkey’s friend and ally, raids were “incompatible with the Hizmet (Service) movement, warned his followers that police iour,” he said. HRW said at that time that we urge the Turkish authori- freedom of media, which is a core which controls media outlets, were set to detain some 400 peo- Human Rights Watch Turkey its activists were stopped due to ties to ensure their actions do principle of democracy.” schools and cultural centres. ple, including 150 journalists. researcher Emma Sinclair-Webb “security reasons”. not violate these core values The crackdown came almost a He was a key backer of Erdogan Late on Saturday, he went on wrote on Twitter that the deten- Morsi was ousted last year and Turkey’s own democratic year to the day after Erdogan’s before falling out with him over to publish the names of those tions look “like another attempt by then army chief and now foundations.” AFP government was rocked by stun- the government’s plans to shut journalists, some of whom were to crack down on critical media.” President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. ning corruption allegations that down his schools. among those rounded up. AFP AFP Syria army advances Millions perform pilgrimage in Karbala

KARBALA: Millions of Shia state, able to accommodate such Muslim pilgrims defied the huge numbers of visitors”. north of Aleppo threat of jihadist attacks and The municipality of Tehran pro- BEIRUT: Twenty-one rebels militiamen had taken Al Maleh thronged the Iraqi shrine city of vided 60 rubbish trucks and 10,000 and nine members of Syria’s farms in Handarat’s west and part Karbala for the climax of annual volunteer cleaners to handle the regime forces were killed north of the southwest. Arbaeen mourning rituals on tonnes of waste from the tens of of Aleppo yesterday in fierce “A large number of terrorists Saturday. thousands of meals served to the fighting for control of a key were eliminated,” SANA said of Some had walked for more than pilgrims. insurgent supply route, a moni- the rebels battling to overthrow 12 days, from Iraq’s far south or Aerial views of the city showed tor said. the government of President across the border from Iran, while rivers of black-clad faithful, many The battle for Handarat hill Bashar Al Assad. others were bused in or crammed wearing coloured headbands and comes as the United Nations tries UN envoy to Syria Staffan de into lorries for the journey. waving flags, as far as the eye to broker a ceasefire deal between Mistura in October announced a Defence Minister Khaled al- could see. rebels and the regime in Syria’s plan for a “freeze” in fighting in Obeidi said a total of 17 million Central Baghdad has been in second city. Aleppo. will have gone through Karbala lockdown for much of the week “Nine regime fighters and 21 On Saturday, his deputy Ramzi for Arbaeen this year, including as authorities restricted access rebels have been killed and regime Ezzedine Ramzi arrived in Syria more than four million foreigners and movement in order to avoid forces have made an advance at to push for a truce in the coun- from 60 countries. A Kurdish Peshmerga member monitors the horizon from his position in a complete logjam and minimise Handarat,” said Rami Abdel try’s former commercial capital, A sea of devotees descended Tal Al Ward, 30km west of Kirkuk, yesterday. the risks of major bomb attacks. Rahman, who heads the Syrian spokeswoman Juliette Touma said. on the city to reach the shrine of Some towns in Iraq’s southern Observatory for Human Rights Western diplomats have voiced Imam Hussein, beating their heads “Forget mortars, even if it rains Iranians who flocked to Iraq for Shia heartland looked emptied of monitoring group. concerns about the ceasefire plan, and chests to show remorse for jihadists on Karbala, we will not be the occasion said they were per- their population. Handarat is just north of saying it could be used by the gov- not saving him from the armies prevented from visiting the Imam forming the pilgrimage on the The security deployment has Aleppo, which has been divided ernment to take full control of of the caliph Yazid that killed and Hussein shrine,” said Kadhem order of their nation’s supreme been massive, amid fears IS and since a rebel offensive in summer the city and force rebels to sur- beheaded him in 680 AD. Hussein, a 25-year-old who had leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. its seemingly endless supply of sui- 2012 between loyalist sectors in render, as it did through a previ- While many chanted in uni- walked from Nasiriyah, some 300 Turnout estimates were hard to cide bombers could seek to cause the west of the city and insurgent- ous initiative in the central city of son, rapt in a collective religious kilometres away. verify independently but all offi- maximum casualties by attacking held territory in the east. Homs, and then direct its forces trance, others were keenly aware The Islamic State group — led cials seemed to agree this Arbaeen large crowds. Keeping control of the strate- elsewhere. of the symbolic power Arbaeen by Sunni extremists — considers was the largest they had ever seen. Iraqi officials have stressed how gic hill is vital for the rebels as it Elsewhere in Syria, loyalist could have in the war against the Shias to be heretics and has made Rahim command chief said new crucial a recent military victory overlooks their main supply line forces yesterday battled jihadists Islamic State group. targeting the community one of its access roads had to be opened to against the jihadists in the Jurf Al from Turkey. from Al Nusra Front, Al Qaeda’s A mortar attack that killed one main objectives. handle the flow of pilgrims con- Sakhr area has been in making the “If regime forces seize control Syria franchise, in the north- person on Friday highlighted the The head of Karbala operations verging on Karbala, a medium- pilgrimage possible. of the entire region, the rebel sec- western province of Idlib, the huge security concerns surround- command, brigadier General Qais sized city around 70 kilometres The continued presence there tor of Aleppo would be under total Observatory said. ing what is believed to be one of Khalaf Rahim, said the number of south of Baghdad. of IS fighters would have exposed siege,” Abdel Rahman said. The fighting broke out after the the largest religious gatherings in security personnel in Karbala was Even Grand Ayatollah Ali Al the pilgrims walking through an Syria’s state news agency SANA, jihadists assaulted an army post, the world. hiked by 15,000 to 40,000 following Sistani, the most revered Shia area that has seen some of the quoting a military source, said killing 12 soldiers, it said. Eight But the pilgrims were the mortar attack. cleric in Iraq, acknowledged that worst sectarian violence of the the army backed by pro-regime attackers were also killed. AFP undeterred. Many of the million or so Karbala “is not, in its current past decade. AFP

Syrian wins Arab singing contest, avoids politics BEIRUT: A Syrian from war- killed more than 200,000 people. Sherif beat Palestinian Haitham still alive, we are still here, even if torn Aleppo was declared the “I would like to thank everyone, Khalailah and Saudi Majid al- the rest of the world has forgotten winner of this year’s “Arab Idol” every Syrian citizen, who voted Madani as he inched his way to us,” 24-year-old resident Ahmed singing contest at the grand for me... I would like to thank the the top performing a variety of Abu Zeid said. finale of the gruelling four- Syrian people,” Sherif, who lives in songs, including the traditional “This gives optimism to the peo- month television competition in Lebanon, said after his win. qudud of his hometown Aleppo. ple of Aleppo, and to all Syrians,” Beirut this weekend. Handsome in a dark suit and The form of singing is often said a young woman who gave only The audience at Saturday’s black tie, his hair done up in a based on popular poetry and her first name, Yara. finale broke into applause and trendy quiff and sporting a close- among the lyrics sung by Sharif On the rebel-controlled side of cheers, chanting “Syria! Syria!” shaved beard, Sherif told report- was “Aleppo is a fountain of pain Aleppo, residents said they had and “Hazem!” when the jury of the ers: “I am 21; I don’t want to link that flows in my country”. never heard of Sherif and had no pan-Arab song contest announced my artistic career to politics.” Sherif’s victory was feted in reason to celebrate. Hazem Sherif as the winner. The competition, organised by the government-controlled side of “Electricity was down so we The 21-year-old kept clear the Saudi MBC network, is one of Aleppo, his hometown in northern could not watch TV. And besides, Syrian singer Hazim Sharif gestures after being named winner during the of politics, avoiding taking sides the most watched television shows Syria, with men firing shots in the most people haven’t ever heard of finale of “Arab Idol” in Zouk Mosbeh area, north of Beirut. in the nearly four-year conflict across the Middle East, viewed by air to celebrate. this show,” said a man calling him- that has divided his country and some 100 million people. “This event proves that we are self Zein. AFP MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 10 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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A big step Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

INALLY, the climate has become conducive to signing a deal on global warming. About 190 nations agreed yesterday the structure of a global deal due Fin 2015 to combat climate change. Under the deal CIA torture: At least US came clean; reached in Lima, governments will submit their plans for reining in greenhouse gas emissions by an informal deadline of March 31, 2015 to form the basis of a global agreement due at a summit in Paris in a year’s time. The deal, agreed in Britain, no one is held to account two days into overtime after two weeks of talks came close to collapse, appeased emerging economies led by China and India who were concerned that previous drafts imposed too BY HENRY PORTER away and the public part of a report And please do not mention the heavy a burden on emerging economies compared to the into the early work of the inquiry (there Intelligence and Security committee. rich. Christiana Figueres, the UN’s climate chief, said Lima E CAN be sure of one was of course a secret version for min- Chaired by Sir Malcolm Rifkind, the found a new ways to define the obligations of rich and poor. thing about the US isters and officials) said without irony: committee hovers between craven sub- “That is a very important breakthrough,” she said. Senate report into the “The report does not, and cannot, make servience and an embarrassing desire Climate change has been a contentious issue and what Wtorture of terror sus- findings as to what happened.” That is to be a part of, rather than overseer of, pects by the CIA: it would not have the British way. Things become foggy. the secret world. Rifkind was running had complicated discussions until now was the presence been published in the Britain of today. Issues are kicked into the long grass. around, giving assurances about the of a plethora of ideas and differences. Many countries Even in the Unites States, the cru- Governments come and go, and no one innocent nature of the redactions but, found themselves on completely opposite sides on issues cible of so many wrongs since 9/11 – is held to account, let alone prosecuted. candidly, can anyone believe him after under discussion, so different that on many occasions an including torture, drone attacks and By and by, the public forgets. the committee’s defensive behaviour on agreement seemed almost impossible. Even the current deal the Guantánamo gulag – the system of There is no doubt that British agents the Snowden revelations about UK and is weak, according to some experts. The UN Climate Change democratic accountability is evidently knew about torture. In early 2010, the US government surveillance? Rifkind more alive than it is in Britain. Court of Appeal decided that intelli- is a former foreign secretary; his only Secretariat says that the combined pledges by all nations The CIA has been exposed; the offic- gence services almost certainly knew of instinct will be to circle the wagons, likely in Paris will be too weak to achieve a goal of limiting ers and politicians who served previ- the techniques being used by American which is why we should place little trust warming to an agreed goal of 2 degrees Celsius above pre- ous administrations are now forced to agents, and this was despite the efforts in the investigations of the ISC. industrial times, especially admit what they knew and what meth- of the then foreign secretary, David To some extent, we are all at fault considering the fact that 2014 is ods they actually sanctioned. Some, Miliband, to suppress information on because we’ve allowed the abhorrence on course to be the hottest year like former vice- entirely spurious grounds. And we for torture to be diluted since 9/11. This The climate president Dick know now that the UK government has used to be an absolute in the public deal reached in on record. Also, the negotiators Cheney, have no had 24 separate meetings in order to mind but little by little we have grown acknowledged they had put off problem with redact the Senate report and cover up to accept that in certain ticking bomb Lima is a big the most difficult decisions for torture, although the knowledge – maybe direct partici- situations it may be desirable, despite later. This is a he did swerve pation – of our agencies in such prac- the fact that we know – because the step forward Even then, the Lima in his Fox News tices as waterboarding and imprisoning Senate committee said so – that very cross-party interview to say men in coffins. little information is won by inflicting agreement must be hailed as a as it commits that he didn’t The Senate committee allowed the excruciating pain on an individual. great achievement. The world conspiracy to know of “rectal redactions and, naturally, the UK gov- But the idea is out there – the TV all countries needs to start somewhere, and hide the truth rehydration”, a ernment then denied there had been series 24 and the movie Zero Dark to cutting the scope of the agreement technique that any such thing, although the Number Thirtygave support to “legitimate” can be expanded later after an about British suggests a medi- 10 press officer subsequently allowed for torture and certain public figures, assessment of the progress. There cal procedure, the possibility. The thing to remember including US lawyer Alan Dershowitz emissions. but which in fact is that this is a cross-party conspiracy. and Canadian writer Michael Ignatieff, is no doubt that the world will be agents and involved pumping The home secretary, Theresa May, was have mused about its possible benefits. forced to agree to tougher terms pureed food into a accompanied in her endeavours by the Only last week the British neocon chat- if global warming continues at torture. man’s rectum so former Labour security minister, Lord terbox Douglas Murray was on BBC’s the current pace or worsens. Another positive feature of the that his intestines West, as well as British ambassadors. This Week excusing the CIA agents by agreement is that countries already threatened by climate burned with pain. When you have both major parties saying that, while they had failed to live change – small island states which face being swallowed up But in Britain combining with civil servants to pro- up to the highest standards, they were we can be sure tect officials who may have broken the worthy of our understanding. by rising seas – were promised financial aid. that no politician or agent will be put on law, there is no hope for democratic Murray was actually saying in a Interestingly, the Lima agreement has pleased the rich the spot. Nearly 12 years after the Iraq accountability. coded way that torture is permissible, and the poor. “We’ve got what we wanted,” said Indian war, the Chilcot report has not been A few MPs, notably the Conservatives as long as we are doing the torturing. Environment Minister Prakash Javedekar, who said the text published, because main players, such Andrew Tyrie and David Davis, NGOs Neither the usually sharp host of the preserved a notion enshrined in a 1992 climate convention as Tony Blair, Jack Straw and Alastair (Reprieve) and journalists (Ian Cobain show, Andrew Neil, nor regular guest Campbell, have been allowed to dispute of the Guardian) have battled away over Michael Portillo expressed the horror that the rich have to lead the way in making cuts in the findings in an endless process of the years on Gibson, the obfuscations of that this should have provoked, which greenhouse gas emissions. It also satisfied rich nations led prevarication. David Miliband, and Jack Straw send- makes you wonder if pro-torture views by the United States who say it is time for fast-growing The same happened with the Gibson ing men to Guantánamo, but there has are now a permissible stance. Only emerging economies to rein in fast-rising emissions. China is inquiry into British involvement in the been nothing that approaches a moment Diane Abbott reacted with anything now the biggest greenhouse gas emitter ahead of the United torture of people who had been found when the executive and agencies have like the contempt that we should all States, the EU and India guilty of any crime. Despite Sir Peter been properly investigated and people express on this issue. . Gibson’s frustration, it simply withered made to take responsibility. THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of It pays to be humane the day HE world got a vivid glimpse of waterboarding, “rectal feeding”, must seriously reflect on what such North-East and the Adivasi heartland the nasty side of State power mock executions and threats to fam- investigations into past human rights in central India for instance will not last week through the release ily among other things. abuses do. As a starting point in the move into the future without a measure Tof reports on practices of The report reveals that torture was pursuit of truth and justice they are of accountability for the past. torture in the United States and Brazil. by no means an effective instrument essential for healing social divisions, The Narendra Modi government Today is a day of The US Senate Select Committee on for obtaining credible intelligence to which Indian governments tend to per- must take a cue from the US and Intelligence’s account of the use of thwart future terror attacks, and yet it ennially put off. An honest appraisal of Brazil’s example and lead a campaign test. Everyone torture on terror suspects by the CIA was pursued with relentless intensity. the past is also inescapable for fixing against the use of torture during inter- between late 2001 and early 2009 has Brazil too is reckoning with its past the rot in State institutions. rogation and pre-trial detention, which will pay for sparked outrage the world over. candidly. Thus the recent conviction of Army is arguably as ubiquitous in reality as it It details unspeakable horrors: These exercises in transparency officers in the 2010 Machil encounter is portrayed in Indian cinema. A mor- what they have Detainees were shackled to walls, are of great relevance to democra- in Kashmir or the indictment of per- ally corroded police force that thrives done and their forced to stand for hours, kept in cies worldwide, including India, which sonnel for last month’s killing of two on immunity will never be a credible complete darkness, sleep deprived cannot afford to suggest that these youth at Chattergam are useful meas- instrument of the kind of humane law anti-democratic for more than a week, exposed to practices are either necessary or ures for improving State practices. The enforcement that India desperately cold conditions and subjected to somebody else’s moral trauma. India Centre must realise that Kashmir, the needs currently. Hindustan Times behaviour. Ahmet Davutoglu Turkish Prime Minister MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Political dysfunction the norm in Washington

want their leaders to do so. They Fewer than four in 10 Republicans want them to fight with Obama, even at a cost of getting less done. say they expect that their leaders will Notably, the findings about expectations for cooperation are cooperate with Obama. In fact, a big worse than they were just eight years ago when the positions of the parties were the opposite — majority of Republicans don’t want their after Democrats took full control of Congress while Bush was still leaders to do so. in the White House. That dete- rioration is one more indicator of BY DAN BALZ there was a brief thaw in attitudes. how much more embedded parti- At that moment, as many people san divisions have become in the he November elections said the country was not more political system. brought significant divided than in the past as said Four years ago, after changes to Washington it was, hardly a consensus that Republicans trounced Democrats Tand to many states. the country was heading toward in the midterm elections, lawmak- What they did not produce was a period of greater unity, but at ers and the president were able any greater sense of optimism on least a sign of optimism. to have a highly productive lame- the part of the public about the That disappeared quickly. duck session of Congress. It was state of American politics. If any- Today, perceptions of political divi- a rare moment, replaced in 2011 thing, they produced the opposite. sion are even more negative than by intense conflict between the A new report from the Pew during the worst days under Bush, White House and congressional Research Center lays out the and there is minimal confidence Republicans. evidence in clear and unrelent- that things will change for the bet- This year’s post-election period ing detail. The survey of attitudes ter anytime soon. Just one in five has highlighted the depths of the at the close of the year offers a surveyed by Pew say they think Members of the US Congress depart after passage of a spending bill on the House floor at the US Capitol. problems ahead. The president reminder to political leaders, and the country will be less divided in has marched ahead on immigra- especially prospective presiden- five years than it is today. More to agree on a measure to fund the increased over time, and each Neither Republicans nor tion reform in the face of warnings tial candidates, that among their than a third say the country will government, it’s no wonder expec- change in power in some part Democrats think the leaders from Republicans that it could biggest challenges ahead will be be even more divided, and the rest tations are where they are. of government risks intensifying of the other party will do much poison future relations (which finding ways to begin to restore say it will be no different. Hopes for the year ahead reflect those feelings on the part of the to cooperate. About one in five could hardly be more poisonous, faith and confidence in the politi- Seven in 10 say the failure of the overall mood. Just 49 percent losing party. Republicans say they expect the to start). Republicans are deter- cal system. Republicans and Democrats to say they think 2015 will be better Overall, Democrats have been president to cooperate a fair mined to find ways to retaliate on Four in five Americans say the work together over the next two than the current year, compared more optimistic than Republicans amount with GOP leaders; about that and other agenda issues. country is more politically divided years will hurt the country a lot; with 42 percent who say it will be about the future during Obama’s the same percentage of Democrats Meanwhile, the efforts to pass a than in the past. Although that another 16 percent say it will hurt worse. Those lines between hope presidency. But Democrats have say they expect that GOP leaders spending bill have highlighted divi- is no worse than it was two years some. And more than four in five and despair have steadily moved dropped 21 points since last year in Congress will cooperate with sions in both parties’ coalitions, as ago, it is far gloomier than it used say it will hurt them personally. toward one another over the past on this question, going from 81 the president. Republican congressional leaders to be. Scroll back to the early days Expectations are low. Regardless four years, and the seven-point percent saying that the year ahead There is, however, a partisan gap and the president grapple with of President Barack Obama’s ten- of party identification, Americans gap between positive vs. negative will be better to just 60 percent. on what expectations Democrats defections and disagreement on ure in the White House, and the overwhelmingly doubt that Obama is the smallest in Pew surveys dat- Meanwhile, Republicans, who have for Obama’s posture toward their right and left flanks. differences between then and now and congressional Republicans will ing back to 1994. have been deeply pessimistic the GOP vs. what Republicans That foreshadows more chaos are particularly stark. make progress on the country’s One reason for the shift toward about the future during Obama’s expect of their congressional lead- and less productivity ahead, leav- During George W Bush’s sec- most important problems. Given greater pessimism about the year presidency, have not turned rosy ers. Two in three Democrats say ing Americans to draw the con- ond term as president, a period the sharp political divisions peo- ahead is deterioration among now that the GOP won control of they think Obama will cooperate a clusions that the Pew survey of rancour and division because of ple have seen this past week over Democrats in the wake of the both houses of Congress. Only 34 fair amount with Republicans. But highlights, which is that dysfunc- the Iraq war, almost seven in 10 the Senate Intelligence Committee Republican victories in the mid- percent of Republicans say they fewer than four in 10 Republicans tion (and with it deepening pes- Americans said the country was report on enhanced interrogation term elections. This is now a sta- expect the year ahead to be bet- say they expect that their leaders simism about the system) is the more divided than it had been. techniques used by the CIA, as ple of politics. Negative attitudes ter than this year, just one point will cooperate with Obama. In fact, new normal in American politics. After Obama’s election in 2008, well as the struggle of Congress toward the other party have higher than a year ago. a big majority of Republicans don’t WP-BLOOMBERG Families seek say in hostage policy GCC integration a necessity BY DEBRA TICE and MARC TICE

s the parents of an interna- amid current challenges tional hostage, our hearts Aare broken again by the BY DR MOHAMED KIRAT reaffirmed the reconciliation with these efforts and can serve the tragic news of the death of Luke Qatar announced in Riyadh last transition to the goal of becoming Somers in Yemen. This month’s he GCC Summit in Doha month. a union. Extremist groups, sec- failed rescue attempt once more is probably one of most The GCC is facing the ISIL tarian strife and demographics brought into intense focus the Timportant in the alliance’s threat, which is not far from — Gulf citizens are minorities in need for the US government to history because of the serious Gulf borders. In addition, Iran’s their own countries — pose a real involve families in its policies and challenges facing the Council. influence is extending over Yemen danger to stability and require procedures for responding when For those who had doubts about with the Houthis taking more concerted action. Unity is the best Americans are taken hostage. the Doha summit taking place, power every day. The US is nor- way to do that. The GCC will form On August 14, 2012, when our events proved the contrary and malising its relations with Iran a regional police force based in son Austin Tice was taken cap- the six Gulf countries showed through nuclear talks and the Abu Dhabi, and a joint naval force tive in Syria while reporting on their determination to stick fight against ISIL. This can be based out of Bahrain. The police the conflict there, our lives were together to face the challenges done at the expense of the GCC force, to be known as GCC-Pol, A man who identified himself as Luke Somers speaks in this still image taken turned inside out. The oft-repeated surrounding them. The serious countries and may be a threat in and naval force were announced cliche is “there is no handbook” from video purportedly published by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. challenges facing the six GCC the long run. This year has been at the Doha summit. The GCC for what we are going through. Somers died after being shot by his captors during a rescue attempt. countries required them to put one of the GCC’s most critical leaders said a joint military com- That hardly begins to express the their differences aside at the periods in its history, with an mand would also be formed after challenges we face. In reality, no was living as an independent adult, international hostage crisis, the Doha meeting. The Qatari Emir, eight-month dispute among four further discussions. government policy and no estab- with all the usual responsibilities many necessary decisions can be H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al of its members. Whether it has Qatar joined its fellow GCC lished support network exist to and obligations. Over the more overwhelming. Some are imme- Thani, said at the annual gather- successfully dealt with this will members at the summit in sup- help families navigate the many than 850 days that he has been diate, while others unfold as the ing that “against the dangers and be put to the test in its policies porting Egypt under president questions suddenly requiring an held captive, we have learned days become weeks, then months challenges that surround us on all on Egypt, which is still facing vio- Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, indicat- answer: questions regarding inter- that no policy safeguards the iden- and sometimes years. Because sides, we cannot be sidetracked by lence and division, as well as over ing an end to months-long con- action with the government; ques- tity, assets and obligations of our each case is unique, truly there differences over details”. the formulation of a unified stance flict over Doha’s backing of the tions about protecting Austin’s missing son. We face often insur- can be no “handbook.” However, If you work within a body com- on the Syrian crisis. Muslim Brotherhood. GCC lead- identity and assets; questions of mountable obstacles as we strug- there can and should be frequently posed of six countries you have no After a difficult year, the Doha ers announced their “full support managing a relationship with the gle to protect his online identity, updated guidelines covering things choice but to forget about solo or summit opened a new era of Gulf to Egypt, the government and media; questions about preserv- secure his bank accounts, freeze to consider, as well as an informed individual approaches and strate- reconciliation, integration and people in achieving its stability ing some semblance of normal life his debts and in other ways try to government liaison to provide gies. The huge challenges facing solidarity. By putting their dif- and prosperity”, and for Al Sisi. for our family. All of these pale in ensure that he has a life to come support and advice. If ransom the GCC alliance include the effect ferences aside, the summit has The rapprochement that began significance to the biggest question home to. A comprehensive hostage becomes an issue, families should on the Gulf of the US-led nego- sent a message that the GCC last month underlines the GCC’s of all: What can and should we do policy should include a method for be included in an honest discussion tiations with Iran over its nuclear countries look forward to a new consensus on the urgent need to get Austin safely home as soon suspending a hostage’s obligations, of the options. There is no sim- programme, the growing threat of era of enhanced Gulf unity. The to address the growing extrem- as possible? such as rent, loans and insurance, ple answer that can be applied to ISIL and other forms of terrorism Gulf countries have overcome the ism that threatens to destabilise Last month, the White House as well as for preserving a phone every hostage scenario. in Syria and Iraq, and escalating most difficult crises in the alli- the region. Arabian Gulf states ordered a review of the US gov- number. Each family should be free crises in countries like Yemen. ance’s history, but they still have have “no choice but to face ter- ernment’s hostage policy. Many In this digital age, it should to choose the level of involve- How to adopt a unified policy to to respond to tough challenges, rorism”, Qatar’s Emir told fellow issues need to be addressed as part also be possible for elements of a ment with which it is comfort- handle these issues was perhaps both at home and abroad. Sliding leaders at the summit’s opening. of this review. Former captives and hostage’s online identity, includ- able. When security clearances the main problem facing the GCC oil prices is a though test for the Sheikh Tamim told his guests at families of hostages, along with the ing social media and email, to be are required to be able to clearly heads of state gathering in Doha. GCC countries. Moreover, the the Doha summit that “Terrorism government entities responsible appropriately accessed and man- communicate timely and accurate This goal seemed especially diffi- world is witnessing huge changes, prevention is better than trying for bringing captive Americans aged. There should be an imme- information with the family, our cult to achieve after the outbreak with the US avoiding getting to cure it after it expands,” . The safely home, must be involved in diate, comprehensive evaluation government should stand ready of Arab uprisings that polarised involved in Middle Eastern issues slow pace of many GCC projects this discussion. of any vulnerable assets, such as to facilitate the necessary vetting. the GCC members. Interference and focusing more on the Asia- — including a political union, As part of this process, the bank and credit card accounts. If Appropriately vetted family by regional and global powers — Pacific region. Strengthening common currency, and more Office of the Director of National these assets are not frozen, they members can be an essential and the US, Russia, Iran, Israel and GCC security and moving from intertwined economies — meant Intelligence should be ordered must be appropriately monitored critical part of the team, espe- Turkey — has exacerbated the cooperation to a union capable of regional observers were unsure to coordinate efforts among all for any malicious activity. A clear cially since they are likely to be situation in the region, culminat- boosting the Gulf’s clout on the what would become of the group’s the agencies involved — both to and efficient mechanism needs the ones contacted by those with ing in the removal of Egyptian international arena top the list of military ambitions. But now, with improve inter-agency information- to be in place to ensure that any information about the captive. president Mohammed Mursi last domestic challenges. There is also several of the GCC countries tak- sharing and to avoid redundancy. stolen assets are returned or reim- Additionally, they may be the year and the ensuing crackdown Russia’s re-emergence as global ing part in air strikes on ISIL mil- Currently, according to the web- bursed to the hostage. only team members whose clear on Islamist organisations across player and the rise of China, both itants in northern Syria, forming site Intelligence.gov, “Seventeen Austin did not provide us with and singular objective is the safe many Arab countries. Now that of which will have consequences a joint force has gained new impe- separate organisations unite to access to his online accounts. return of their loved one. the GCC’s internal differences globally and regionally. There is tus. Given the many developments form the intelligence community. However, government agencies These issues are likely to affect and positions have been resolved also Iran’s expanding role and its at all levels in the region and Each member agency operates using subpoenas have been able every international captive and and the UAE, Saudi and Bahraini nuclear programme, along with worldwide, GCC countries can- under its own directive.” Each to mine them for clues. Officials need to be discussed and addressed ambassadors have returned to Turkey’s rising power in a region not afford any disputes or differ- agency has a defined mission that often refuse to share what they in any serious policy review. To Doha, the question is whether that lacks a powerful Arab coun- ences. On the contrary they have prioritises its objective. find with us; moreover, we cannot be fully credible and complete, the GCC can end the polarisa- terbalance. These factors threaten to double their efforts to face the As it relates to hostages, the even be certain it is shared among the current policy review must tion over other Arab countries, the GCC countries, leaving them challenges they are encountering work of these agencies must be relevant agencies. The information include former captives and fami- particularly Egypt. The Doha no choice but to reinforce their regionally and globally. aligned with a single primary may just be stored away in a file lies of hostages together with the summit was held in very difficult political, economic and military The writer is a professor of public objective: the safe return of somewhere. government entities charged with circumstances as the GCC coun- ties. The initiative of creating a relations and Mass Communication American citizens held overseas. When the family of a US bringing hostages safely home. tries face the rising threat of ISIL joint military command agreed at the College of Arts and Sciences, Before leaving for Syria, Austin citizen becomes involved in an WP-BLOOMBERG and sliding oil prices. The meeting in the Doha meeting is part of Qatar University. MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Kerry in Rome talks on Palestinian statehood US ascertaining European position on issue ROME: US Secretary of State narrow window of opportunity to Saeb Erakat and the secretary John Kerry arrived in Rome push a Palestinian resolution at general of the Arab League yesterday for a flurry of meet- the UN Security Council and the tomorrow. ings about a looming UN show- Palestinians have urged a vote by Jordan last month circulated down amid a European-led the end of the year. a draft Palestinian text setting drive to push moves towards Washington has long opposed November 2016 as a deadline for Palestinian statehood. unilateral Palestinian moves to the end of the Israeli occupation. US officials told reporters win recognition for a state of But the text ran into oppo- accompanying Kerry on his Palestine at the United Nations, sition from the United States plane that Washington wanted to saying it would prejudge the out- because it set a two-year time- learn more about the European come of the stalled peace negotia- table for the withdrawal of the position. tions with Israel. Israeli army from the West Bank. In the past the US has consist- But officials said they drew “That’s not the way I think ently used its power of veto at a distinction between a unilat- that we would look at handling a the UN to block moves it sees as eral step, and an effort to draw very complicated security negoti- anti-Israel. up a multilateral resolution at ation by mandating a deadline of But US officials say the US the UN Security Council which two years,” the State Department administration has not yet would have the backing of many official said, asking not to be decided whether to back or veto nations. identified. any UN resolution on the issue, There’s a growing US recogni- Netanyahu yesterday rejected (From left) The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Ismail Haniya, Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida, arguing it would be “premature” tion of European impatience with all talk of withdrawing from east as no draft text exists yet. the current status quo, as several Jerusalem and the West Bank and Mussa Abu Marzuq greet supporters during a parade yesterday marking the 27th anniversary of the Islamist Kerry first met Russian European parliaments in recent within two years. movement’s creation. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov weeks have called on their gov- Pulling out now would bring yesterday, before talks today with ernments to recognise a state of “Islamic extremists to the sub- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Palestine. urbs of Tel Aviv and to the heart Netanyahu. “Our overall goal here is to of Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said. “I believe the Middle East issue hear from and engage with other France stepped in last month Show of force by Hamas in Gaza is crucial for making sure that stakeholders... to hear their views to try to cobble together along we don’t allow the situation to and to the best of our ability with Britain and Germany a res- GAZA: Vowing to destroy to the movement’s armed wing. neighbouring Sinai — are con- degrade further,” Lavrov said as work towards a common path olution that would win consensus Israel, Hamas paraded some Abu Ubaida, the brigades’ cerned Hamas could use such he met Kerry in the US ambas- forward,” a State Department at the 15-member council. 2,000 of its armed fighters and spokesman, said another confron- material for weaponry. sador’s residence in Rome. official said. The new text would call for truck-mounted rockets through tation with Israel might be inevi- Trucks carrying what Hamas “I would be very much inter- “We all want to keep open a return to negotiations with a Gaza yesterday, marking its table unless tens of thousands of said were long-range rockets, ested in discussing what we can the hope of a two-state solution view to achieving a two-state 27th anniversary with its big- homes damaged or destroyed in and other vehicles with multiple- do together to avoid this.” and we all want to prevent ... an solution by which Israel and a gest show of force since the end the Gaza Strip in last summer’s launcher rockets drove in the Since the collapse of Kerry’s escalation of the violence on the Palestinian state would co-exist. of the Gaza war this summer. conflict are rebuilt soon. parade. A drone with Hamas peace bid in April and the 50-day ground.” But the US official said there At the parade, a senior Hamas “We will accept no less than markings was on one flatbed truck, war in the Gaza Strip in the The top US diplomat will also did not yet appear to be any leader reaffirmed the Islamist the rebuilding of everything and another unmanned aircraft, summer, there has been growing meet for a few hours late today in European agreement on a draft movement’s founding charter’s that was destroyed by the sav- identified by the group as one of international concern about ris- Paris with French, German and resolution. pledge to destroy Israel. age Zionist aggression,” said the its own, flew overhead, as did an ing Israeli-Palestinian tensions British foreign ministers and new “There’s a draft, a paper, that “This illusion called Israel will masked spokesman, whose group Israeli fighter jet. amid a slew of attacks. EU foreign policy chief Federica the French floated around, but be removed. It will be removed is shunned by the West as a ter- Addressing a crowd of several After Netanyahu called Mogherini. it by no means represents a con- at the hands of the Qassam rorist organisation. thousand, Abu Ubaida praised snap elections in March, some He will then fly to London to sensus European position,” the Brigades,” said Khalil Al Hayya, Both Israel and Egypt — which Iran for supplying Hamas with Europeans have pointed to a meet chief Palestinian negotiator official said. AFP a top Hamas leader, referring is battling Islamist militants in money and weapons. REUTERS

Their choice Clashes rage in Libyan oil region BENGHAZI: Islamist fighters clashed with pro-government forces for the second consecu- Islamist militias form new coalition tive day yesterday as they BENGHAZI: Islamist militias in the eastern Libyan town of pressed an advance on a key oil Derna say they have formed a new coalition ahead of an expected region in eastern Libya, sources assault by pro-government forces. on both sides reported. “Everybody saw what happened in Benghazi: disaster; institutions Separately, at least 17 Fajr destroyed; houses demolished; mosques and universities burned by Libya militiamen were killed in the criminal hands of Haftar’s supporters,” said the newly formed an air strike by pro-government Mujahedeen Shura Council. forces near the Ras Jedir border Forces loyal to former general Khalifa Haftar and Abdullah Al crossing with Tunisia, a military Thani, Libya’s internationally recognised prime minister, are fight- source said. ing to wrest full control of Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi Fajr Libya, an anti-government from Islamist militants. coalition of Islamist militias, said In its statement issued late on Friday, the Mujahedeen Shura its men were advancing on Al Council called on everyone in Derna to join the new coalition. Sidra oil terminal in Al Hilal It also addressed Islamist fighters in Benghazi, saying: “We are region, which is also home to the with you in the war against the criminal Haftar and his soldiers”. Ras Lanuf and Brega terminals. AFP A news agency linked to the group quoted Islamist commander pro-government forces backed The military source, who Tareq Shanina as saying his men by air force jets and helicopters declined to be named, said yes- “advanced toward Al Sidra” and repelled the assault. terday’s air raid near Ras Jedir were coming under air attack The air raids were followed was carried out by forces loyal to from pro-government forces. by clashes on the ground that anti-Islamist ex-general Khalifa Supporters of Tunisia’s President Moncef Marzouki wave flags during his presidential election campaign rally Shanina said Fajr Libya fired tapered off in the evening only to Haftar, who is fighting to crush in Tunis yesterday. The run-off of the country’s first democratic presidential election will be held on December anti-aircraft guns in response. resume again yesterday. Islamists who control swathes of 21, between Marzouki and veteran leader Beji Caid Essebsi. An official with a unit guard- There were no immediate Libya. ing oil installations said clashes reports of casualties from yester- Yesterday, seven police sta- were under way around Al Sidra, day’s fighting there. On Saturday tions closed five months ago dur- Libya’s largest oil terminal. five government soldiers were ing fighting between Islamists On Saturday, Fajr Libya wounded and Fajr Libya reported and Haftar’s forces reopened in Saudi security man shot Egypt policemen launched a three-pronged attack that two of its fighters had been Benghazi, a spokesman for secu- dead in Shia area killed in Sinai to seize control of Al Hilal but killed. rity forces said. AFP RIYADH: An unidentified More than 20 people have CAIRO: Gunmen killed two attacker killed a member of been killed in the unrest since Egyptian policemen in a On the move Saudi Arabia’s security forces then, most of them local people drive-by shooting in the Sinai yesterday, police said in a state- shot in incidents that police have Peninsula yesterday, security ment on state media, near a vil- described as exchanges of fire. and medical officials said. lage where unrest among the Shia rights activists say some of The attack occurred near a country’s Shia Muslim minority those killed were shot dead while police post in the town of El has been focused. peacefully protesting, which the Arish, scene of frequent attacks The village, Awamiya, has been government denies. by Islamist militants on security the focal point of unrest among The area has been tense since forces, as the two policemen made Saudi Shias since mass protests death sentences were handed their way to work. in early 2011 calling for an end down this year to five Shias con- One policeman died on the spot, to discrimination against the victed of rioting or inciting riot, while the other succumbed to his minority sect and for democratic and by an attack by Sunni mili- wounds later at a military hospital. reforms in the absolute Sunni tants last month. Egypt’s military has been bat- monarchy. REUTERS tling an insurgency on the penin- sula since it overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Mursi last year and cracked down on his supporters. The government declared a Algeria accident kills nine Nigeriens state of emergency in parts of ALGIERS: Nine illegal migrants from Niger were killed in a traf- North Sinai after an October 24 fic accident in Algeria yesterday when their bus and a truck collided suicide attack near El Arish killed as they were being repatriated, the APS news agency reported. 30 soldiers in the deadliest assault The accident in Ghardaia, 600 kilometres south of Algiers, claimed on security forces since Morsi’s two more lives — the bus driver and a companion — and injured 16. ouster. Last week, Algeria began repatriating thousands of illegal workers Militant groups claim their to Niger in an operation likely to last several months. attacks are in retaliation for a Niger Prime Minister Brigi Rafini urged Algiers last month to return government crackdown targeting people from his country “who number 3,000, are jobless, and unfortu- Morsi’s supporters that has left A convoy of returning South Sudanese residents is seen along a dirt road to Bor, in Jonglei state. Around a nately live by begging”. hundreds dead. AFP million children in South Sudan have been forced to flee their homes since conflict erupted a year ago. AFP MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 129 dead as Battle of the Bulge ship capsizes in DR Congo 232 survive lake disaster

LUBUMBASHI: At least 129 The Great Lakes of Central people drowned when a pas- Africa, the best-known of senger ship capsized on Lake which are Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika in the southeast of Tanganyika and Lake Malawi, can Democratic Republic of Congo, be as treacherous in bad weather according to a new official death as many seas. toll yesterday. Shipwrecks involving over- “Rescue workers recovered loaded vessels are frequent and a total of 129 bodies,” Laurent the numbers of fatalities often Kahozi Sumba, minister for very high due to a shortage of transport of DRC’s Katanga prov- life jackets and the fact that many ince, told AFP, adding there were people in the region cannot swim. a number of women and children In March, at least 210 among the victims in Thursday’s Congolese refugees returning disaster. home from Uganda drowned The new toll represented a dra- when an overcrowded boat sank matic increase on the provisional on Lake Albert, on the border Actors in period German uniforms take cover by a German Jagpanther tank destroyer as they take part in the reanactment of the Battle of the figure given Saturday by the gov- between the two countries. Ardennes, also known as the Ardennes Counteroffensive or the Battle of the Bulge on its 70th anniversary, yesterday in Recogne, Belgium. The ernment of DRC’s Katanga prov- That shipwreck, which came Battle of the Bulge, fought over the winter months of 1944 – 1945, was the last major Nazi offensive against Allies in World War II. ince, which had spoken of at least days after Kinshasa launched a 26 dead. campaign to enforce the wear- So far, the number of survivors ing of life jackets on the nation’s stood at 232, mostly men, Kahozi waterways, was the deadliest in Sumba said, adding that rescue Congolese history, the govern- Rights group office burnt down in Chechnya workers had found more people in ment said. the water after clinging to petrol Lake Tanganyika, which is one cans and other floating objects for of the world’s biggest freshwater MOSCOW: Members at one of of harassment and murder of announced the crushing of the statement by Memorial, another more than 48 hours and were now lakes as well as being the longest, the last human rights groups human rights activists and jour- Chechen insurgency. Eleven of the rights group, this week. in a very weakened condition. also borders Tanzania, as well as active in Chechnya said yester- nalists investigating torture, fighters and 14 police died dur- Now violence has spread to “The search for other survi- Burundi and Zambia. day that their office has been kidnapping and war crimes in ing a heavy battle before security human rights activists. vors and bodies is continuing,” The first Europeans to discover torched after they criticised Chechnya, a tiny North Caucasus forces regained control of several Igor Kalyapin, head of the he added. the lake were Richard Burton and the Kremlin-installed Chechen province where Russia has been buildings, including a school and Moscow-based Committee The accident took place John Speke, who stumbled across leader for calling for collective fighting nationalist and Islamist a media centre. Against Torture, wrote on Thursday night in the north of the inland sea on an 1857 expedi- punishment against families of rebels for 20 years. Ramzan Kadyrov, the authori- Facebook that before the fire at Katanga province, between the tion to explore inland from the Islamist insurgents. “The damage (to the offices) tarian head of Chechnya’s govern- the Joint Mobile Group’s offices towns of Moba and Kalemie. east African coast. The attack on the Joint Mobile is serious. All the equipment has ment, announced afterwards that on Saturday, two men had tried to Officials said strong winds By the time they arrived at the Group office in Grozny followed been smashed. That was caused relatives of any insurgent should be break in. Activists had also been and overloading caused the M/V body of water Speke’s sight was arson attacks reported against not by the fire but by vandalism,” exiled and their homes destroyed. followed by armed men, he said. Mutambala, which was bound failing and Burton could barely eight homes linked to insurgents’ activist Dmitry Utukin told AFP After Kadyrov’s statement on Yesterday, paramilitary police for Uvira further north in South walk. Speke later continued his families in the wake of a surprise yesterday. his popular Instagram account, came to search the apartment Kivu province, to capsize. travels alone and discovered Lake raid by rebel gunmen on the The December 4 attack at least eight houses belonging where two members of the Joint The boat was carrying cargo as Victoria. Chechen capital on December 4. on Grozny shocked Russian to people related to insurgents Mobile Group were staying, well as passengers. AFP It is the latest chapter in years authorities who have repeatedly were burnt down, according to a Utukin said. AFP

Oil workers to launch indefinite Kerry, Lavrov meet as tensions soar over Ukraine ROME: Top US diplomat John approved by the White House, pre-Christmas diplomatic whirl strike in Nigeria Kerry met his Russian counter- which has so far been reluctant is a looming showdown at the UN part Sergei Lavrov yesterday, to provide direct military assist- on a bid for Palestinian statehood. amid anger in Moscow over the ance to Ukraine for fear of being But the conflicts in Ukraine from today prospect of new US sanctions drawn into a proxy war with and Syria would also figure high and possible lethal military aid Russia, which is backing separa- on the agenda. LAGOS: Nigeria’s two main oil for Ukraine. tist forces in Ukraine. “We have a number of criti- workers’ unions said they would The meeting in Rome comes as The legislation authorises cal issues to talk about,” Kerry launch an indefinite strike tensions soar after US lawmak- — but does not legally require said, as he met with Lavrov in the today, threatening to hurt the ers passed a bill — dubbed the — President Barack Obama to splendour of the US ambassador’s output of Africa’s largest oil Ukraine Freedom Support Act provide lethal and non-lethal residence in Rome. producer. — calling for additional sanctions military aid to Ukraine, including Neither men made any men- “The strike will affect all opera- against Russia and the delivery of anti-tank weapons, ammunition tion of Ukraine, with the Russian tions in the upstream, midstream up to $350m worth of US military and troop-operated surveillance foreign minister focusing on the and downstream sectors of the oil hardware to Kiev. drones. State Department officials Middle East saying he wanted to and gas industry, as members will “Undoubtedly, we will not have insisted there are no plans to make “sure we don’t allow this be withdrawn from all oil and gas be able to leave this without a move beyond providing non-lethal situation to degrade any further”. installations,” the unions said in a response,” deputy foreign minis- supplies such as body armour and “I will be very much interested joint statement yesterday. ter Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax communications equipment. in discussing what we can do US Secretary of State John Kerry (left) with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei The Petroleum and Natural Gas news agency ahead of the talks. US officials have stressed together to avoid this,” Lavrov Lavrov at Villa Taverna in Rome yesterday. Senior Staff Association and the The Senate bill must still be the main thrust of Kerry’s added. AFP National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) said the action was aimed at forc- ing the passage of a new law and meeting several other longstand- ing demands. These include the adoption Miss South Africa of the long-awaited Petroleum Industry Bill aimed at overhaul- ing the inefficient and corrupt crowned Miss World sector and tackling unfair labour practices by both oil companies and government agencies. LONDON: Miss South Africa, Police in Honduras accuse her The unions said the strike 22-year-old Rolene Strauss, was sister’s boyfriend of shooting them call was also a reaction to “the crowned Miss World 2014 at the after seeing his partner dancing inability of the government to pageant’s final in London yes- with another man at a party. carry out turnaround mainte- terday, with an estimated billion Strauss will travel to the vio- nance of the refineries” and its viewers watching on television lence-hit central American nation failure to reduce petrol prices at around the globe. to build a school named in the sis- the pump to reflect the fall in glo- Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, ters’ honour. bal oil prices. They said workers was the runner-up and Miss United Yesterday’s show started with a had been mobilised and that the States, Elizabeth Safrit, came spectacular choreographed dance action would “not be suspended” third in the 64th annual competi- routine, with all the contestants until the government and opera- tion, contested by women from 121 shimmering on stage in costumes tors showed “a strong commit- countries. inspired by their homelands, includ- ment” to resolve the issues. The medical student clasped ing Miss Bolivia in a colourful giant They accused the government her hands together in surprise feathered headdress. of failing to keep its promises and was crowned by the outgo- Miss Scotland led the contest- to maintain the refineries and ing Miss World, Megan Young of ants in a Highland Fling, a tradi- ensure they had an adequate sup- the Philippines, before a fireworks tional Scottish dance, before Miss ply of crude oil, as well as neglect- finale. United States performed a cowgirl ing to combat pipeline vandalism. “South Africa this is for you,” routine. While beauty remains cen- The unions also demanded Strauss said afterwards. “I think I tral to the event, the women tak- improvements to the country’s will brace myself for what’s about to ing part are also judged on their notoriously neglected roads. happen. It’s a huge responsibility.” brains, skills and involvement in Despite its oil wealth, Nigeria This year’s event has been rocked good causes. imports much of its fuel due to a by the murder of Miss Honduras, In the Beauty with a Purpose lack of refining capacity. 19-year-old Maria Jose Alvarado, round, contestants present a chari- The majority of people in who was shot dead along with her table project they have been work- Africa’s biggest economy live on Newly crowned Miss World 2014, South African Rolene Strauss (centre) expresses her gratitude to the audience sister last month. ing on in their homeland. The event less than $1 per day and corrup- after winning the grand final of the Miss World 2014 pageant as runner-up Miss Hungary Edina Kulcsar (left) Their bodies were found on the also featured a special award for tion is rife, triggers periodic bouts and third-ranking Miss United States Elizabeth Safrit applaud at the Excel London ICC Auditorium in London day the beauty queen was due to 1994’s Miss World, Bollywood star of social unrest. AFP yesterday. travel to London. Aishwarya Rai. AFP MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Bush had authorised Meet adopts climate action document interrogation: Cheney CIA operatives heroes not torturers: Ex vice-president

WASHINGTON: Former US were held around the world. against the United States,” he said. vice-president Dick Cheney Cheney said there is “no com- The lengthy report spearheaded yesterday defended America’s parison” between the tactics and by Democrats on the Senate now-banned programme that the deaths of American citizens Intelligence Committee asserted tortured Al Qaeda suspects, on September 11, 2001, adding that interrogation tactics used on praising the CIA operatives who that the CIA “very carefully terror suspects were more brutal ran it as heroes. avoided” the practice of torture. than previously known. The report “I’m perfectly comfortable that “Torture is what the Al Qaeda revealed the existence of one prac- they should be praised, they should terrorists did to 3,000 Americans tice viewed as particularly abhor- be decorated,” the right-hand man on 9/11,” Cheney said. “There is rent — “rectal rehydration” — which to former president George W no comparison between that critics categorised as a variation on Bush told NBC television’s “Meet and what we did with respect to a medieval form of torture in which the Press” programme, adding, “I’d enhanced interrogation.” He said the intestines are swollen with fluid do it again in a minute.” he was unfazed that many of the in order to cause pain. He made his remarks after the foreign nationals rounded up and Cheney said he was not aware release by Senate Democrats last held for years, including those the practice was part of the inter- week of a long-awaited investiga- tortured, eventually were found rogation programme, which intelli- Peruvian Minister of Environment Manuel Pulgar-Vidal (right) and Executive Secretary of United Nations tion into detention and interroga- not to be terrorists. gence officials have said was meant Framework Convention on Climate Change Christiana Figueres (left) applauding after the approval of the tion practices at the Guantanamo “I have no problem as long as we as a way to provide nutrition to document dubbed ‘The Lima Call for Climate Action’, during the plenary session of the 20th UN Climate Bay prison camp and at secret achieve our objective and our objec- inmates. “I believe it was done for Change Conference COP20 held in the city of Lima, Peru. detention facilities — so-called tive is to get the guys who did 9/11 medical reasons,” Cheney said. “black sites” — where detainees and it is to avoid another attack In excruciating detail, the report described crude torture methods including waterboarding, UK lawmakers to ask for hanging people for hours from their wrists and locking them in Coalition partner accuses Cameron tiny coffin-shaped boxes. The report questioned the secret parts of CIA report effectiveness of such techniques, LONDON: A powerful British parliamentary committee will which it determined were actu- of ‘devastating’ spending cuts ask the United States to hand over blacked out parts of a report ally counterproductive for getting into the CIA, to try to establish whether British spies were com- actionable intelligence. Cheney LONDON: The junior partner in areas such as social care,” going into government with the plicit in torture or rendition, its chairman said yesterday. strongly disagreed. “It worked. It in Britain’s two-party coali- said Cable. “It would be devas- right-leaning Conservatives. If parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) saw absolutely worked,” he said about tion government, the Liberal tating and it would be ideologi- Although the strategy appears evidence of such behaviour, it could summon politicians from the the programme which US officials Democrats, yesterday accused cally driven and I would be very to be stepping up a gear there is left-leaning Labour party such as former prime minister Tony Blair euphemistically have referred to Prime Minister David Cameron strongly opposed to it,” Cable told no suggestion that the two par- who were in power at the time of the allegations. as employing “enhanced interro- of planning “devastating” spend- the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show. ties, in coalition since 2010, will “If British intelligence officials were present when people were being gation techniques”. ing cuts, their latest attempt to Official forecasts show state split before the election. tortured then they were complicit in that torture,” Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Reiterating comments he made differentiate themselves before spending could fall to its low- Cable, a possible contender the ISC’s chair and a former foreign secretary, said. “That would be last week, Cheney insisted that next year’s election. est level since the 1930s under for his party’s leadership if it quite against all the standards of this country. It would be something his boss was fully aware about Vince Cable, an outspoken Conservative plans to eliminate became vacant, cast the Liberal that ought to be brought into the public domain,” Rifkind told the BBC’s the details of the programme as Liberal Democrat minister the budget deficit by 2018/19 by Democrats as a restraining influ- Andrew Marr Show. A report by the US Senate Intelligence Committee it was being conducted. “This man for business, said Cameron’s cutting spending without raising ence on the Conservatives in gov- released last week found that the CIA had misled the White House knew what we were doing,” he Conservatives, if re-elected alone, taxes. The Liberal Democrats ernment who had successfully and the public about its torture of detainees after the September 11 said about Bush. “He authorised would push through spending cuts back tax rises too. curbed their more extreme plans. attacks and had acted more brutally than thought. it. He approved it.” to reduce the country’s deficit Cable’s broadside is part of “We’ve kept the Tories The British government said it had asked the United States to In earlier remarks the former that would drastically reduce the a strategy to disassociate the (Conservatives) on quite a tight keep parts of the report referring to UK intelligence activity secret vice president defended the inter- police budget and mean Britain’s centre-left party from the leash,” he said. “But now they’re on national security grounds. Britain’s foreign and domestic security rogation programme and blasted armed forces would become Conservatives before a national being let off the leash and con- services, known as MI6 and MI5, have for years been accused of the 500-page Senate report as “largely ceremonial”. election in May next year to try fronting the possibility of majority colluding in the ill-treatment of suspected militants. REUTERS “terrible” and “full of crap”. “We would be almost halving to assuage supporters who feel the government, we’re getting into all AFP the spending of local government party betrayed its principles by kind of extremes.” REUTERS

US Senate okays $1.1trn spending Haiti PM resigns amid political crisis PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haiti’s decided tonight to give President crisis for three years over its fail- still more feared father Francois bill, ends govt Prime Minister Laurent Martelly my resignation as head ure to hold long-delayed munici- “Papa Doc” Duvalier, Haiti’s self- Lamothe announced his res- of government, along with the pal and legislative elections. styled president for life. ignation early yesterday, fol- resignation of all ministers,” “I recognise that he’s taken this Opposition parties boycotted shutdown threat lowing repeated calls for him Lamothe said during a televised step to help Haiti find an end to recent talks initiated by the gov- WASHINGTON: The US to step down amid anti-gov- speech broadcast in Creole. the crisis. I commend him for his ernment aimed at resolving the Senate on Saturday passed a ernment protests and a politi- Lamothe, who leaves amid courage and determination in crisis before the end of the year. $1.1 trillion spending bill that cal crisis in the impoverished renewed violent protest against helping Haiti,” Martelly said. An advisory commission set up by lifts the threat of a government Caribbean nation. the ruling elite, touted his govern- If elections are not held before the president recommended last shutdown as Congress attempts Lamothe’s resignation had been ment’s “remarkable” record, which January 12, the legislature will week that Lamothe resign. The to wrap up a two-year legisla- widely expected after President he said had seen reduced poverty be automatically dissolved and commission also recommended tive session marked by bitter Michel Martelly said on Friday over the course of three years and Martelly can rule by decree. disbanding Haiti’s electoral coun- partisanship and few major that the prime minister was ready a 50 percent drop in crime. Martelly’s foes have accused cil and freeing political prisoners. accomplishments. to leave “to help find a solution” “I am leaving the post of prime him of returning Haiti to dicta- Martelly said he would hold The Senate’s 56-40 vote sends to the country’s political impasse minister this evening with a feel- torial rule. The country’s former meetings today to implement the the measure to US President that has seen a failure to hold ing of accomplishment,” Lamothe strongman Jean-Claude “Baby commission’s recommendations. Barack Obama, who is expected parliamentary elections in the said in the address, as tweeted by Doc” Duvalier died in October. He will chose a new prime min- to sign it into law before federal last three years. Haiti’s communication ministry “Baby Doc” Duvalier came to ister with input from the heads spending authority expires at “If this is what can really from its official account. office in 1971 aged only 19, tak- of both chambers of Parliament. Laurent Lamothe midnight on Wednesday. unblock the political crisis, I Haiti has been mired in political ing over upon the death of his AFP Passage of the 1,603-page bill was a long, tough struggle in the Senate and the House of Representatives marked by bitter GhostSwimmer vehicle disputes over changes to banking regulations and Obama’s recent Families of Newtown school executive order on immigration. Liberal Democrats, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, shooting victims plan lawsuits objected to a weakening of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, NEWTOWN: Parents of target in their lawsuits, according while conservative Republicans, almost half the young children to a chief court clerk for North led by Tea Party firebrand Ted killed by a gunman at an ele- Fairfield County Probate Court. Cruz, tried to sink it for failing mentary school in Newtown, While the parents could not be to stop Obama’s order. Connecticut, two years ago yes- reached for comment, a spokesman Cruz’s tactics to delay the terday have taken initial steps for Bridgeport law firm Koskoff, bill created an opening for toward filing lawsuits tied to Koskoff and Bieder said that a law- Democrats in a rare Saturday one of the deadliest school yer at the firm had recently met session to push through dozens shootings in US history. with some of the Newtown parents of Obama’s nominations opposed For a second straight year about potential suits. by Republicans, from judges to the leafy suburb has planned no “Attorney Josh Koskoff has met energy regulators. His party col- public events to commemorate with parents about legal action,” leagues were angered. the massacre, which left 20 first said Geraldo Parrilla, a legal “I think most Republicans feel graders and six educators dead at assistant with the firm. like that Christmas came early Sandy Hook Elementary School, While Newtown grabbed the for Democrats,” said Republican an incident that inflamed the US nation’s attention, school shootings Senator Lindsey Graham. “At the debate over gun control. remain common across the United end of the day, they got nominees The parents of eight of the chil- States. Some 95 incidents, includ- we previously successfully blocked dren killed in the December 14, ing fatal and nonfatal assaults, and we got nothing.” 2012, carnage, which 20-year-old suicides and unintentional shoot- The legislation funds most gunman Adam Lanza ended by ings have taken place across 33 government agencies through shooting himself dead as he heard states since Newtown, according to September 2015. The Department police sirens approach, have noti- Everytown for Gun Safety, a group of Homeland Security will be fied Connecticut courts that they created by the merger of Mayors treated differently, getting a A US Navy handout picture shows the GhostSwimmer vehicle, developed by the Chief of Naval Operations may file wrongful death lawsuits Against Illegal Guns, founded by funding extension only through Rapid Innovation Cell project Silent NEMO, undergoing testing during a demonstration at Joint Expeditionary in state or federal court. former New York Mayor Michael February 27, by which time Base Little Creek - Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Project Silent NEMO is an experiment that explores Their initial court filings, Bloomberg and Moms Demand Republicans will control both related to legal entities created in Action for Gun Sense in America, the possible uses for a biomimetic device developed by the Office of Naval Research. chambers of Congress. memory of their children, do not a group founded after the attack. REUTERS indicate who the families could REUTERS MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Earth-movers Japan PM tightens grip on power used in Indonesia landslide rescue Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party wins comfortable majority in general elections as toll rises to 32

TOKYO: Japan’s Prime — seven percentage points down a mandate to continue with his JAKARTA: Indonesian rescu- Minister Shinzo Abe has tight- from the last election in 2012 and attempts to drag Japan out of ers yesterday used heavy-lifting ened his grip on power after his the lowest since the end of the deflation, but acknowledged that equipment for the first time to Liberal Democratic party won a second world war. many voters had yet to feel the clear roads leading to the site comfortable majority in general The result also underlines the benefits of Abenomics. of a landslide that destroyed elections yesterday — albeit with precarious state of the main oppo- “We postponed the consump- a village and killed at least 32 what was expected to be the low- sition Democratic party of Japan tion tax hike, and I hope we can people, officials said, with scores est turnout since the war. and confirms its failure to rebuild now start to raise wages and cre- still missing. Japanese media exit polls fore- its support base after its trounc- ate a virtuous cycle so that people Police, soldiers and volunteers cast that Abe’s LDP and its junior ing by Abe’s LDP two years ago. can really feel that the economy is had used their bare hands and coalition partner, Komeito, would Many voters had questioned recovering,” he told NHK. makeshift tools to search for retain their two-thirds majority the need for an election midway He hinted that he would intro- survivors, while trucks cleared in the lower house, enabling them through Abe’s first term. The duce legislation to loosen the legal roads leading to the landslide to push legislation through both prime minister had described the constraints on Japan’s military. area after the disaster struck on houses with ease. snap election as a referendum on “My priority is economic recovery Friday night. Private broadcaster TV Asahi Abenomics — his three-pronged and Japan’s proactive contribution Hundreds have been evacu- said the ruling parties had strategy of cheap credit, public to peace,” he said. “We hope to cre- ated from around Jemblung vil- together won 333 of the 475 seats, investment and structural reforms ate laws that help protect the secu- lage in the Banjarnegara district while TBS put the figure at 328. that include raising the number of rity of the Japanese people.” of Central Java, about 450km They needed at least 317 seats to women in the workforce and open- Abe’s economic policy hit a Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claps during an election night event at from the capital, Jakarta, where retain their “super majority” — ing up the country’s highly pro- snag when Japan slipped back the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo yesterday. media pictures showed a flood of giving them the power to override tected agricultural sector. into recession in the third quar- mud and water cascading down a bills rejected by the upper house The victory also gives Abe ter, amid weak consumer and is set to extend his longevity as into office by a landslide with wooded mountainside. and pass them into law. breathing room to proceed with corporate spending. Analysts leader. His first stint as prime promises of reviving the economy Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, But the vote was hardly a ring- two controversial policies: The blamed that on April’s rise in the minister, from late 2006, lasted and restoring national pride. spokesman for the National ing endorsement of Abe’s policies, restart of nuclear reactors, three consumption (sales) tax from 5 just a year before he was forced Abe is widely expected to win Disaster Mitigation Agency, said despite forecasts that the LDP years after the Fukushima melt- percent to 8 percent, which bat- to resign after a string of ministe- next September’s LDP leadership 32 people had been killed, 76 were alone would win between 290 and down, and expanding the military’s tered consumer spending. rial scandals and a chronic bowel election and will not have to face missing and 577 people from the 310 seats. The public broadcaster global reach by lifting the postwar After almost a decade in which problem that he now treats with voters again until upper house surrounding areas had been taken NHK and other media forecast ban on collective self-defence. prime ministers have come and new drugs. Five years later he elections in 2016. to temporary shelters. There turnout at around 52 percent Abe said he had been given gone in quick succession, Abe mounted a comeback, sweeping THE GUARDIAN were 2,000 rescuers involved in the operation yesterday, he said. Tri Joko Priyono, a coordina- tor with the National Search and Tough Run Challenge Rescue Agency, who has taken part in rescue operations since Another US citizen enters Saturday, told Reuters there was now little chance of finding more survivors. N Korea, slams US govt “We will keep searching,” Priyono added. “We will keep try- SEOUL: A US citizen who said Eugenia Martinez said, adding her ing until all the victims are found. he had crossed illegally into son was bipolar. “ This is not about chances of life. North Korea held a press confer- At the press conference Our mission is to recover all the ence in Pyongyang yesterday to Martinez admitted the illegal victims.” denounce his own country’s US entry but said he was “extremely Before visiting the landslide site political and economic systems. grateful” for the North to have yesterday, President Joko Widodo The man identified himself as pardoned him and to have offered said he would assess whether Arturo Pierre Martinez, aged 29 him “the most generous recep- more heavy-lifting equipment and from El Paso in Texas, CNN tion”, according to KCNA. was needed. “Aid is not a problem, and the North’s official KCNA The North aired the criticisms what is most important is the news agency reported. by Martinez of his own govern- speed of the evacuation,” Widodo He entered the North from ment at a time when Pyongyang told reporters. China in November, according to is under growing international Mudslides are common in a North Korean statement cited pressure to improve its human Indonesia during the monsoon by the broadcaster, just two days rights record. Martinez said he season, which usually runs from after the US spy chief James plans to seek political asylum in October until April. Clapper arrived in Pyongyang to Venezuela, another ideological foe Despite a history of similar dis- secure the release of two other of the United States. asters in the area, there was no detained Americans. Martinez accused the US gov- heavy equipment specifically set Martinez had earlier tried ernment of operating like “a aside for Banjarnegara, Nugroho to swim across the Han river Mafia enterprise” plundering said. There had been a fatal land- Competitors run across muddy water during the Tough Run Challenge charity event as part of Tour de Farm between the two Koreas to enter other nations. “The democracy slide in 2007 but people still chose in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern province of Thailand, yesterday. the North, only to be caught and of this nation is an illusion and to live there, he said. sent back to the US where he was its representatives act as noth- Before the landslide, Jemblung placed in a psychiatric hospital, ing more than powerbrokers for village contained about 35 houses his mother told CNN. those who can offer them,” he was and one mosque, Nugroho added. “But he got out,” Patricia quoted by KCNA as saying. AFP REUTERS Dead dolphin spotted after oil spill Activists slam DHAKA: The first evidence tanker’s captain was recovered accident, saying that the plants of harm caused by an oil spill, earlier in the day. and aquatic resources of the Manila govt for from a capsized tanker in According to the Xinhua world’s largest mangrove forests Bangladesh’s Shela river, on the report, news of the discovery of — the Sundarbans, would suffer not halting local flora and fauna surfaced the dead dolphin was published a big blow due to the oil spill in a yesterday, with reports of the by the Dhaka Tribune, Sunday. vast area. Saudi beheading first dead dolphin. Reports of sightings of corpses The oil spill poses a serious The body of the dolphin was of other animals were already threat to all the aquatic creatures MANILA: Activists spotted by Syed Zakir Hossain, coming in on Friday, but this was including the dolphins in that slammed the Philippine a photojournalist with the Dhaka the first confirmed sighting of dol- part of the river as the amount government for not doing Tribune on Saturday, in the phin remains, Xinhua reported, of oxygen in the water is likely to more to save a Filipino Harintana-Tambulbunia channel citing the Dhaka Tribune. decrease, they added. who was beheaded for of the Shela river, according to a Since the Shela river is a sanc- A 100km oil slick was seen murder in Saudi Arabia. Xinhua report. tuary for two types of dolphins, a floating on the Shela river yes- Carletto Lana was Oil tanker Southern Star 7, major concern after the tanker terday, though officials assured executed in Riyadh on carrying 357,664 litres of fur- capsized was regarding the well- that the country’s government Friday for shooting a Saudi nace oil, sank in the river, in the being of these sensitive and rare had strengthened efforts to national before running Sundarbans mangrove forests, marine creatures. remove the layer of oil that had him over with a car, the after being hit by a cargo ves- Environmentalists have seeped into the Sundarbans SPA news agency said. sel on Tuesday. The body of the expressed grave concerns over the mangrove forest. IANS Migrante International, an advocacy group for the millions of Filipinos work- ing overseas, condemned UK pageant the execution, saying the government of President Dozens of trekkers cut off by Benigno Aquino had failed to adequately defend Lana. “This shows migrant snowfall near Mount Everest rights are not protected. KATHMANDU: Dozens of for- long the tourists need emergency There is not enough legal eign hikers and Nepali guides rescue,” Rai said. assistance given by the returning from a trekking trip Most mountainous areas in Aquino government to our to the base camp of Mount Nepal have experienced snowfall expatriates abroad,” said Everest have been cut off by due to rains which are not com- Mic Catuira, spokesman heavy snowfall, a police official mon during this time of the year. of the group. said yesterday. Weather officials in Kathmandu “That is why our They have been forced to stay said the bad weather could continue Filipinos abroad go through in four hotel resorts in the Gokyo for a couple of days, worsening the these travesties,” he said, area near the world’s tallest peak, plight of the trapped tourists who insisting that Lana had which has been battered by heavy could face a food shortage. D B acted in self defence when snowfall following freak rains in Koirala, chief of the Himalayan he killed the Saudi man. the last 24 hours, police officer Rescue Association Nepal, said According to Migrante Chandra Dev Rai said from he had not received any SOS call International, six Filipinos Salleri, the nearest town. from the hikers. have been executed abroad Gokyo lies in Solukhumbu region December ends the peak tourist since 2010. Catuira con- Miss Philippines Valerie where Mount Everest is located season in the country, which gets ceded that the execution Weigmann parades during the and is a popular destination for nearly four percent of its gross took his group by surprise. grand final of the Miss World hikers. Tens of thousands of climb- domestic product from tourism. Foreign Department ers visit the Solukhumbu region in Freak snowfall and avalanches spokesman Charles Jose 2014 pageant at the Excel northeast Nepal every year. “There triggered by the tail of the Hudhud likewise said that the gov- London ICC Auditorium in is chest-deep snow in the area. cyclone in October killed at least ernment was not aware London yesterday. There is no report of any casualty 43 foreign and Nepali hikers in that Lana was due to be so far. If the snowfall continues for Annapurna Circuit. REUTERS executed on Friday. AFP MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Angry Ghani Boots on the ground vows to shake up security Afghanistan govt jolted by attacks

KABUL: Afghanistan’s new bombing at a French cultural cen- President Ashraf Ghani vowed tre guarded by the army in cen- to shake up security in the capi- tral Kabul killed a German man, tal Kabul in an angry speech who was attending a perform- yesterday and denounced a ance of a play denouncing suicide recent surge in Taliban attacks bombs. on civilian and military targets When two Kabul guest houses as “un-Islamic”. used by foreigners were targeted In recent weeks, Afghanistan within days of each other last has seen waves of suicide bomb- month, the Kabul police chief lost ings and commando-style assaults his position, although the official by the Islamist insurgents, who reason for his dismissal remains are seeking to make territorial unclear. gains and to spread uncertainty In the past two days, Taliban as most foreign troops withdraw fighters shot dead a dozen work- German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen comes out of a German Air Force helicopter at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) this month. ers removing landmines in the headquarters in Kabul yesterday. “It is enough and it’s no longer south of the country, killed seven acceptable,” Ghani yelled while soldiers and blew up a military on a visit to a school. He called convoy, killing two US soldiers on religious leaders to speak out near Bagram Airfield, north of against the Taliban. the capital. Taliban kill “These acts are not Islamic and On a trip to northern Boy disappointed at not getting are inhuman,” he said. Afghanistan on Saturday, German Supreme Court The Taliban’s increasingly bold defence minister Ursula von der attacks in Kabul have led to the Leyen described the security situ- official in Kabul government being criticised for ation as “fragile.” president’s performance award KABUL: Taliban gunmen shot serious security failures. Ghani has yet to announce dead a senior Supreme Court Ghani said he was seeking to a cabinet two months after he ISLAMABAD: A promis- at a private school in Rawalpindi. Manzoor says that despite official in Kabul on Saturday, revive a security body last seen took office in a power-sharing ing Pakistani student, who set After his achievement came his name having been recom- police said, the latest insurgent during a Soviet-backed govern- agreement with his main rival, a world record by passing his to light, he was given awards by mended for the award, the edu- attack in the Afghan capital as ment in the 1980s. Abdullah Abdullah, a situation O-Level examination at the age high-ups including the prime cation ministry did not forward the US-led NATO force pre- He did not give more details, critics say has left the coun- of nine years and five months, minister and the army chief, but the summary to the Presidential pares to end its 13-year war. but his spokesman said the new try adrift while the Taliban are was frustrated about being Manzoor still considers himself Secretariat. Atiqullah Raufi, head of secre- body would coordinate between cranking up violence. overlooked during the nomina- deserving of the presidential Pride Manzoor passed the O-Level tariat for the court, was gunned police, military and intelligence Salarzai said the president tions for President’s Pride of of Performance Award, citing examination in physics, chem- down as he left his home to head agencies. devoted a third of his time to Performance Awards. the case of Ali Moeen Nawazish, istry, biology and mathematics to work. The Taliban have often “The number of forces we have security and that, in the long Rai Haris Manzoor from who was given the award a few in May 2013 at the age of eight targeted Afghan officials as well in Kabul is sufficient, but the way run, the slow selection of officials Rawalpindi, born in 2004, became years back after securing a world years 11 months and 27 days. as NATO soldiers, foreign com- they are being used is a problem, would assure good governance the youngest student to pass the record 21 A’s in the Cambridge He appeared for the rest of the pounds and military convoys. we have to change that,” spokes- in a country plagued by political O’ Level through the University of Examination System. papers in January 2014. A spike of attacks in recent man Nazifullah Salarzai said after corruption. Cambridge board in 2014. “If I am awarded the pride of “We worked hard to prepare weeks have heightened concern the event. He added that the govern- The brilliant student was with- performance, many other young- our child for the exams,” Nasir about stability as NATO read- Kabul houses thousands of sol- ment was committed to naming drawn from school by his parents sters would try to break records, said, adding that Manzoor studied ies to end its combat mission on diers and police armed with light the cabinet within the next two in 2012 while in grade four, and the same way I did after witness- for hours every day in his quest to December 31 after a war that and heavy weapons. It is forti- weeks. has been since homeschooled. He ing the performance of Nawazish”, break the record. has failed to thwart the Taliban fied with razor wire-topped con- Officials say the delay in reportedly studied for 17 months Manzoor said. Manzoor is enrolled in an insurgency. crete blast walls and dotted with selecting ministers is the result the seven O-Level papers he He says that the morale of the A’-Level programme at a pri- “Around 9am, unknown gun- checkpoints. But this does not of Ghani’s power tussle with appeared for, said Rai Manzoor high-achievers should be rec- vate school in Islamabad and men shot dead Atiqullah Raufi as seem to have curbed the Taliban’s Abdullah, who joined the govern- Nasir, the boy’s father. ognised and boosted to foster wants to study law after finishing he was heading to work,” Kabul confidence. ment after a disputed election. Interestingly, Manzoor has a healthy competition and motivate high school. police spokesman Hashmat On Thursday, a suicide REUTERS twin brother who is in grade four others to follow suit. INTERNEWS Stanikzai told AFP. AFP

Great wall of Pakistan US Congress Four militants killed as okays bill with funds provision Pakistan foils attack MULTAN: Pakistan police foiled a major and Muzaffargarh cities,” Haq said. for Pakistan terror attack in central Punjab province The authorities suspect that the militants killing at least four suspected Taliban are linked to the Punjabi Taliban faction of ISLAMABAD: The US militants, officials said yesterday. the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a Congress has approved a mas- Heavy weapons and explosives — includ- militant outfit which has waged a long-term sive defence spending bill for ing four suicide jackets, 12 rockets, 40 hand Islamist insurgency in the country and has 2015, including a provision that grenades, 328 kilogrammes of gunpowder killed thousands of people in suicide, bomb extends the Coalition Support — were recovered from the militants after and gun attacks. Fund (CSF) for Pakistan for a gun battle in the southern Muzaffargarh “The killed militants belonged to banned a year. district, some 350 kilometres from provin- Punjabi Taliban’s Abu-Ubaida group and we The provision is part of an cial capital Lahore. had received confirmed intelligence reports attached bill known as ‘S. 2410’ “We received information from intel- about their planned activities,” Haq said. and includes some new conditions ligence officials about the movement of Nabila Ghazanfar, a police spokeswoman on releasing CSF reimbursements militants in the area. The gunfight started in Lahore, confirmed the killings and said to Pakistan. when police signalled a car to stop for that the cops had cordoned off the area to The final approval for the checks and militants fired at the cops,” search any other militants in the region. $584.2bn bill came on Friday Rai Zamir-ul-Haq, police chief in the dis- Another senior police official in the terri- evening, when the US Senate also trict, told AFP. tory, Rehmatullah Niazi said that the bodies approved it. “In the exchange of fire, we killed four of the militants were being identified. The House of Representatives militants. Two police officials were also Pakistan has been battling Islamist has already passed the bill, which injured by two grenades hurled at them by groups in its semi-autonomous tribal belt now goes to the White House the militants,” he said. since 2004 after its army entered the region for President Barack Obama’s Police said they also found chemicals for to search for Al Qaeda fighters who had signature. potential use in an attack stored in the mili- fled across the border following the US-led The bill, now known as the tants’ vehicle, which was also confiscated invasion of Afghanistan. National Defence Authorisation for further investigation. In June, the army began an offensive Act, 2015, includes $63.7bn in “By seizing such large quantity of weap- against militant hideouts in the North overseas contingency opera- ons and explosives and killing these mili- Waziristan tribal agency after a bloody tions, which was previously tants, we have foiled a major attempt of raid on Karachi Airport ended faltering called the US-led war against terror in the region. There were confirmed peace talks between the government and terror. Support to countries like intelligence reports that the militants were the Taliban. Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq Tourists at Rani kot Fortm also known as ‘The Great wall of Sindh’ in Kirthar mountains planning major terrorist attacks in Multan AFP come from this provision. of Pakistan. The fort is thought to be the world’s largest, however the builder is unknown. Despite opposition from President Obama, the bill renewed a ban on transferring detainees from the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the mainland. The provision Govt to record footage of PTI shutdown in Punjab that concerns Pakistan, however, is included in S. 2410, which was ISLAMABAD: The ruling against PTI workers ahead of the on December 15. They said the Traders in the city have report- decided to deploy Punjab Rangers attached to the original bill by the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz registration of FIRs. The camera- party is determined not to repeat edly been approached by PML-N’s as well in order to give added pro- US Senate. Besides other issues, (PML-N) has endorsed a novel men were hired from yesterday its Faisalabad strategy in Lahore. Lahore President Malik Pervez, tection to the city’s businessmen S.2410 deals directly with US plan to hire 200 cameramen night to tonight. The Punjab government has and have given him an assurance and to control PTI workers. efforts to counter terrorism and for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf After applauding the idea, asked the business community to that they will open their markets All PML-N lawmakers in the supervises the CSF, which reim- (PTI)’s shutdown call in Lahore Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif keep their businesses open for a early in the morning till 12noon. city have been asked to remain burses allied nations for fighting today, it was learnt. quickly approved it. Sources part of the day as its hired cam- Traders will decide how long they behind the scenes on December terrorists. Sources close to the party said said that Punjab Chief Minister eramen shoot videos. Later, the will keep their shops open in view 15. In case PTI workers try to sow The provision clarifies that the Punjab government intends Shahbaz Sharif, Hamza Shahbaz media sections of the Punjab gov- of the situation. discord, they intend to point it Pakistan cannot receive more to deploy cameramen to record Sharif and Rana Sanaullah Khan ernment and federal government Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz out to the cameramen, and later than a billion dollars in a year footage of PTI protesters and use briefed the PM about the govern- will air the recordings to show how Sharif apprised the PM that in support police in registering cases from this fund. INTERNEWS the recordings later as evidence ment’s troubleshooting strategy Lahore was running smoothly. addition to the police, he has against them. INTERNEWS MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 Turnout dips in fourth phase of Kashmir vote Poll process ends peacefully

JAMMU/SRINAGAR: The Conference started shouting slo- fourth phase of the Jammu and gans against Bhat and the BJP Kashmir assembly election yes- after news of the incident spread terday saw less than half of the in the area. over 14 lakh voters turning out Additional security was as against the over 70 percent rushed to escort the BJP can- seen in the earlier rounds. Voting didate out of the polling station was mostly peaceful though as a large number of agitating stray incidents of violence were National Conference supporters reported and a case was slapped gathered there. against a BJP candidate for As many as 440 companies of assaulting a poll agent. paramilitary forces were deployed In the 18 constituencies with Sunday across the constituencies 14.66 lakh-strong electorate, that went to the polls, in addition seven saw less than one-third of to state police personnel. the voters turning up. The con- Some high profile candidates stituencies were spread over four were Chief Minister Omar districts — Srinagar, Anantnag Abdullah, former chief minister and Shopian in the Kashmir val- Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, and ley and Samba district in Jammu ministers Ali Muhammad Sagar, region. G.A. Mir and Peerzada Sayeed. State chief electoral officer Abdullah of the National Kashmiri men and women are split into separate queues as they wait to cast their votes at a polling station on the outskirts of Srinagar yesterday. Umang Narula said the 50 per- Conference was contesting from cent turnout announced at clos- Sonawar in Srinagar while Peoples ing of polls as per initial estimates Democratic Party (PDP) patron ‘Modi wave will conquer Delhi’ had now been revised to 49 with Sayeed contested from Anantnag. 61pc balloting the final figures received. Outgoing Speaker Mubarak Gul The highest turnout was seen in contested from Idgah constitu- NEW DELHI: Banking on a Modi wave general elections in many of the subsequent Vijaypur with 81.17 percent, while ency in Srinagar. in Jharkhand that the BJP says has “grown stronger” state polls, is personally supervising the cam- the lowest was in Habbakadal Polling was sluggish in the since it stormed to power at the centre, the paigning in the national capital, Upadhyay said. with 21.01, Narula said. morning but picked up a bit in RANCHI: Women voters Sunday out- party’s Delhi unit is confident of sweeping “We are fighting the poll under Amitji’s He said a first information Srinagar and elsewhere in the numbered men in the fourth phase of the the upcoming assembly poll and forming a supervision and leadership. He is the party report (FIR) was registered Kashmir Valley during the day assembly elections in Jharkhand. Around 61 government after 15 years, state party chief president and his guidance is very important against Bharatiya Janata Party with a weak winter sun struggling percent balloting was reported from across Satish Upadhyay said. for us,” he added. The BJP won 31 seats in (BJP) candidate Javed Qadri in hard to break through the clouds. the 15 constituencies that went to the polls, In an interview, Upadhyay said that the the last election to the 70-member house that Shopian constituency for allegedly After a dull start, vot- officials said. Narendra Modi government has created a threw up a fractured mandate. assaulting a polling agent. ers lined up at many polling “The highest polling was reported from “positive environment” in the country in the The fight was particularly interesting in Pahalgam constituency recorded stations in Mehjoor Nagar, Chankayari with 71.28 percent, followed by 70.2 last six months of its rule and, therefore, the around half a dozen seats that witnessed a a turnout of 68.53 percent, the Bemina, Rawalpora, Baghat percent in Madhupur. Polling was by and large prime minister will be the party’s star cam- close contest between the BJP and the Aam highest in the Kashmir Valley Barzalla, Zadibal, Khimmer and peaceful. The turnout in Maoist-affected areas paigner in Delhi. Aadmi Party (AAP). According to Upadhyay, in the fourth phase. Hazratbal Chatterhama areas of Srinagar was more than 60 percent,” a poll official said. “In the last election, Modi-ji was not the these are the key seats for the BJP where the recorded a turnout of 29.36, city where eight constituen- Women voters scored over the male voters. prime minister but now he is. In the last party will campaign “aggressively”. Zadibal 23.64, Idgah 27.79, Khanyar cies were located as well as in “In the fourth phase, women’s turnout was six months, the country has gone through “We are analyzing the loopholes in our cam- 26.12, Amirakadal 24.81, Sonawar Anantnag and Shopian. around two percent more than male voters,” a transformation. The policies that he has paign last time round (on these seats) so that 44.17, Batamaloo 24.34, Anantnag Very few votes were, how- an Election Commission official said. implemented have resulted in building a posi- we don’t commit the same mistakes again. Our 38.67, Doru 63.94, Kokernag 64.9, ever, cast in the old city areas of Balloting for 15 of the 81 assembly con- tive environment and there is no trust deficit campaigning will be aggressive,” Upadhyay Shangus 67.27, Bijbehara 53.87, Srinagar, the traditional strong- stituencies began at 7am. While voting for 13 amongst the people. asserted. Wachi 42.66, Shopian 52.6 and hold of separatists. seats ended at 3pm, it continued in Bokaro and “The work done by Modiji will definitely The party is also likely to retain its candi- Samba (reserved) 77.7. The voter turnout was good in Dhanbad till 5pm. Voting took place at 5,482 help our prospects in Delhi and I am sure that dates in these seats. Officials said the poll process Wachi and Shopian constituencies booths, including 36 auxiliary ones. As many we will win the Delhi poll and form a govern- “Those who lost by a narrow margin will ended peacefully without any sep- of Shopian district too, officials as 716 booths were declared ‘very sensitive’ ment,” a confident Upadhyay said. definitely be given first preference when ticket aratist violence. In Amira Kadal said, although these two places and 2,007 declared ‘sensitive’. Asked whether Modi would be the star cam- distribution begins because winnability is the constituency in Srinagar district, are believed to harbour separatist The Election Commission declared 183 paigner, Upadhyay said: “Yes. He will definitely only factor that counts,” Upadhyay said. witnesses accused BJP candidate sympathisers. polling stations as model polling stations. campaign in Delhi as per his availability.” Furthermore, the party is hopeful of bag- Hina Bhat of misbehaving with The fifth and final phase of poll- Webcasting facility was available in 335 poll- The BJP is desperate to win in Delhi and, ging more seats this time thanks to the inflow a polling officer. Narula said the ing will take place on December ing stations and 27,410 polling personnel were therefore, party president Amit Shah, who has of AAP and Congress leaders who are joining incident was being investigated. 20. Votes will be counted on deployed in the fourth phase. been credited with the party’s stellar perform- the BJP ahead of the polls. Angry workers of the National December 23. IANS IANS ance in Uttar Pradesh during the April-May IANS

Paying respects Pro-IS tweeter sent to five days police custody

BENGALURU: A local court yesterday sent pro-Islamic State (IS) terror group tweeter Mehdi Masroor Biswas to five day police custody for interrogation, a police official said. “We had produced Mehdi before the sessions court, which remanded him to five day police custody till December 18 for inter- rogation by our investigation team Followers of deceased guru Ashutosh Maharaj Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthaan leave after a congrega- on his unlawful activities,” Deputy tion at his ashram ahead of a High Court hearing to discuss his possible cremation in Nurmahal, 30km Commissioner of Police (Crime) from Jalandhar, yesterday. Ashustosh Maharaj was declared clinically dead on January 2014 but his Abhishek Goyal said here. Biswas was arrested early on body has been kept in a deep-freeze at his ashram. Saturday following a British news channel on December 11 unmask- ing the city-based 24-year-old executive as a supporter of IS through social media and Twitter ‘Bargate’ scam: Kerala minister in tatters handle @ShamiWitness. “Preliminary investigation reveals THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala After the ‘bargate’ scam first surfaced, the that Mehdi Biswas is a propagan- Finance Minister K M Mani is possibly India’s otherwise smart Mani’s public appearances have dist of IS ideology and has been longest-serving legislator having won every dwindled. And now, after the Left opposition instrumental in influencing minds election to the assembly since 1965. But things onslaught began, he is rarely seen in public. against our friendly countries against turned sour for the 81-year-old minister after To make matters more tough for him, vigilance whom the terror group is at war,” a corruption case was filed against him for sleuths have decided to interrogate Mani’s close Additional Director General of Police allegedly receiving a Rs1 crore bribe to reopen aides to check if the Rs1 crore bribe amount Hemant Nimbalkar said . the closed bars in the state. reached their hands. The Kerala assembly ses- Police registered a case against The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau sion that began earlier this month has seen Biswas under sections of the Indian recently filed a case at a special vigilance court enough ruckus over the issue. Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful against Mani over allegations that the state bar The only saving grace for Mani has been that Activities (Prevention) Act and the association gave him a Rs1 crore bribe to reopen the entire Oommen Chandy government has Information Technology (IT) Act. the closed bars. been solidly backing him. Mani’s future now “We are quizzing him on his Whistleblower bar owner Biju Ramesh had depends on the Left opposition on whether it virtual and actual relations with said in October that Rs1 crore was given to would toughen its stand against the minister and the terror group and checking Mani as the first instalment of the Rs5 crore he not budge till he quits. If that happens, it would his antecedents, including mobile demanded. Opposition leaders alleged that Mani be the worst blot on Mani’s long political career. calls, e-mails, chat sessions and was given Rs1 crore in three instalments — Rs15 A section of leaders in Mani’s party have indi- postings in the social media like lakh, Rs35 lakh and Rs50 lakh. cated that the nine-member legislature party Facebook, blogs and Twitter,” Mani is the leader of the nine-legislator Kerala should support the Chandy government from out- Nimbalkar said. A police team Congress (Mani) and also the third biggest ally of side, by withdrawing Mani’s party colleague P J raided Biswas’ one-room apart- the Congress-led government. Things could now Joseph from the cabinet and government chief whip ment and seized two mobiles, one become tough for Mani, who over the last five P C George. In the 140-member Kerala assembly, laptop, incriminating documents, decades has successfully managed every difficult the United Democratic Front has 75 legislators religious literature, pictures, pen situation he has come across in state politics. while the Left opposition has 65. IANS drivers and compact discs. IANS MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Modi calls on Train derails youth to shun narcotics use Drug money funding terror: Premier

NEW DELHI: Exhorting social media campaign, to tackle India’s youth to shun drugs, the menace. “I had said the last Prime Minister Narendra Modi time that I was worried about the yesterday said narcotics not youth of the country. I am worried only destroy lives and families as some sons and daughters get but the money paid to buy them stuck with drugs and the entire could be funding terrorists in family is torn apart. their nefarious activities. “It can destroy very good fami- Addressing the nation in his lies. Drugs is something that can monthly radio talk Mann Ki Baat, shatter anyone. This is a psy- the prime minister also sought to cho-social-medical problem and promote the northeast as a tour- cannot be solved only through ist destination and urged people medical means,” he said. to visit the region if they wanted Modi noted that many people to see the beauty of nature. had come out of this habit and He termed the UN decision to urged celebrities and people con- observe June 21 as International nected with public life to create A man walks along the tracks next to a derailed passenger train at Liluah station, on the outskirts of Kolkata, yesterday. Twelve coaches of a New Day of Yoga as a “matter of great awareness, while urging parents Delhi-bound Poorva Express train derailed soon after departing from Howrah station. No casualties or injuries were reported. pride” for India, and expressed to study the changes happening in happiness over his recent infor- their children and try to save them. mal retreat here with chief min- “We can try and have a move- isters and meeting India’s World ment #DrugFreeIndia.” He said Cup-winning blind cricket team. he shared his thoughts on drug On drugs, he said: “Sometimes I abuse with police officers and want to ask the youth who indulge asked them to think of solutions Use social media, but exercise caution: Ministry in drugs that maybe you experi- to the issue. In response, Congress ence a different world when you deputy leader in the Lok Sabha NEW DELHI: The Narendra is not divulged while using the themselves. Confidential informa- information through social media. take drugs. But have you ever Amarinder Singh welcomed the Modi government may have social media. The ministry also tion must not be divulged. Their Since Modi came to power, asked where the money you buy prime minister’s concern about been encouraging its officials to advised the officials that they views should not be seen to repre- he has given the extra push to your drugs with goes?” the scourge of drugs the coun- use social media in disseminat- “must clearly identify” themselves sent ‘official view’ unless author- the use of social media. Most of “Have you thought ... what if try was confronted with, but said ing information about its poli- while posting on the social media. ised to do so,” said the circular. his ministers also have taken to this money reaches terrorists and Modi’s Mann ki Baat on drugs cies and programmes, but it also “Social media is increasingly It also said: “For any official micro-blogging site Twitter. they buy arms using them? And “should have been more action- wants them to exercise caution being used in government for work involving transmission of The ministers and BJP leaders using them, they kill our soldiers? oriented than just a wish-list”. in view of the heightened threat public engagements for dissemi- public records, they must use opened their personal accounts on “Have your ever thought that “The prime minister must set of cyber snooping. nating information, policy making, an e-mail identity connected to the social websites like Facebook, maybe the bullet that has hit a the agenda and tell the nation In its December 5 order, the recruitment, generating awareness, a server, located in India, and and they post photo and share soldier was bought from some what he plans to do and not just home ministry instructed its offi- education, etc. Most of the social for this purpose they may pref- their thoughts on it. percentage of the money you paid what should be done,” he said. cials to use social media, but with media platforms are based out- erably take service of National It is learnt that once the to buy your drugs,” Modi said. In his radio address, Modi also restraint. They were asked to not side India and are not governed by Informatics Centre (NIC).” information is posted to a social “Have the courage to say ‘no’ said the northeast region has a to use for official purposes email Indian laws,” says the circular. It adds the directive must be networking site, it is no longer (to drugs) and reject drugs. Tell lot of potential and described service providers which have their “It is very important to ensure... brought to the notice of all min- private. Even when using high your friends the same,” he said, his recent visit there as a “heart servers located outside India. laws are complied with and ade- istry officials concerned and its security settings, friends or web- observing that drug abuse brings warming” experience. Modi also A circular, the copy of which quate provisions for security are implementation must be ensured. sites may inadvertently leak the “darkness, destruction and devas- said meeting chief ministers is in possession of IANS, has in place in view of current threat In the past few years, the govern- information for nefarious pur- tation” and suggested measures, of various states here was “a asked the officials to make sure scenario in cyber space,” it adds. ment departments have adopted poses, sources said. including a special helpline and a moment of sheer joy”. IANS that “confidential information” “They must clearly identify the process of sharing the IANS

Displaying Nobel award 2015 to be busy year Snow in Shimla brings promise for ISRO, says chief of white festive CHENNAI: The year 2015 is Navigation System) constel- shaping to be a busy year for lation by launching four more season the Indian space agency. It will satellites and operationalise the launch five foreign satellites navigation system. The geosyn- SHIMLA: Timely and continu- apart from its own four naviga- chronous satellite launch vehicle ing snow in Shimla brings along tion satellites and a communi- (GSLV) rocket is getting ready with it the sublime promise of cation satellite. to launch GSAT-6 communica- a White Christmas, which has The Indian Space Research tion satellite,” ISRO chairman been elusive since 1991 when Organisation (ISRO) will also K. Radhakrishnan said in a tel- heavy snowfall occurred on launch a heavy communication ephone interview from Bangalore. Christmas Eve. satellite, GSAT-15, with around He said astronomy satellite Though Saturday’s snowfall 40 transponders — automatic Astrosat will be launched in 2015. was moderate, it has warmed up receivers and transmitters for As to the commercial launches, the Yuletide spirit of the hospi- communication and broadcast of India will next year launch five tality industry. There is expecta- signals using the Ariane rocket of foreign satellites, including three tion of more spells before the New Joint Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2014, Kailash Satyarthi (centre) shows off his award with children and sup- Arianespace from French Guiana. from Britain. India has also Year dawns. “It was moderate porters after paying tribute at Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, in New Delhi, yesterday. The children’s “We will be completing the signed up contracts to launch two (snow) but good. It indicated that rights activist shared the award with teenaged education activist Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan. IRNSS (Indian Regional Satellite Indonesian satellites. IANS this winter season would be the best for the hospitality industry,” Clarks Hotel general manager D P Bhatia said. Snow is a big draw for tour- ists, especially from the plains of northern India. But Met officials are wary. They say it is still too No end to government’s woes in Rajya Sabha early to predict whether Shimla will present a snowy landscape NEW DELHI: A united opposition that Congress and other opposition parties to 49 percent from 26 percent, while calling Congress may back the BJP on this bill, this Christmas. emerged in the Rajya Sabha in the first likely to back it — a move that could put for the management control in these com- the opposition will remain united on the Some areas like Jakhu and the half of the winter session may appear the government in the dock. “If a motion panies to remain within Indian shores. The issue of secularism. US Club in Shimla experienced divided with the Congress sending signals on excise duty comes for vote, we’ll support Congress has backed the report by the BJP’s “On economic issues, we know the moderate snow but it melted imme- in favour of the insurance bill; yet troubles it,” Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said. Chandan Mitra-led panel. Congress party Congress and the BJP have been on the same diately, Manmohan Singh, director are far from over for the Narendra Modi Two motions have been admitted in spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi even page. But when it comes to secularism and of Shimla’s Met Office, said. Nearby government in the upper house of parlia- the upper house in this regard — one by said his party was, “in principle”, not opposed countering communal forces, I’m sure its places like Kufri and Narkanda, ment where it is in a minority. Trinamool Congress leader Sukhendu to the bill. But some opposition members said members will be with the rest of the oppo- however, experienced moderate to The ruling NDA has only 59 members in Shekhar Roy and the other by Communist the issue was far from over. sition,” said Rajeeve, who was also a member heavy snowfall. Likewise, Manali the Rajya Sabha against 69 of the Congress Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram “What is the Congress position on of the select panel on the insurance bill. and its uphill Solang ski slopes also alone. House proceedings have suffered in Yechury — for the annulment of a noti- economic issues, like the insurance bill, The Left leader said his party will table saw snow, the season’s first. a major way with the opposition forming a fication to hike the excise duty on petrol remains to be seen,” Communist Party of some amendments in the upper house. Manmohan Singh said it was bloc against the government. and diesel. India (CPI) leader D Raja said. “It will be Along with the Left parties, the in 2012 when Shimla experienced It was but natural that the productiv- This duty hike is the fifth major issue clear on Monday. They may even support Samajwadi Party, the Janata Dal-United significant snow in December, that ity fell in the upper house as it stood at over which all major opposition parties, the bill as it was brought by them origi- and the Trinamool Congress have submit- too, after a gap of five years. 72 percent, by the end of the third week including some adversaries like the Left and nally,” said the Left leader. ted dissent notes on the bill report and are Hospitality industry represent- of this session, compared to 99 percent of the Trinamool Congress, the Samajwadi But there does appear to be a division set to oppose it in the house. atives are expecting good tour- the Lok Sabha. On top of that it lost four Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, and within the Congress, albeit in hushed tones. Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), ist arrivals during the four-day days to protests. If indications are to be even the DMK and the AIADMK, were “Some leaders, ours included, feel that sup- on the other hand, did not oppose the select weekend bonanza. beleived the coming days will continue to seen to be on the same page during the porting the bill will be handing over a vic- committee’s report, but will not support it “This Christmas we are expect- remain tumultuous. winter session. tory to the government. In principle, we in the house, highly placed sources in the ing a record footfall of tourists The government plans to push the insur- First was on black money, where the have nothing against it. After all, it was party said. “We are going to oppose the bill at all our hotels, especially in ance bill, a bill to amend companies law government was questioned over its poll our party which tabled the bill,” a senior during the debate,” a senior BSP leader said. Shimla, Kasauli, Dharamsala and and another to amend the Lokpal bill for promise of getting it back within 100 days. Congress leader said. “Whether we will vote against it, or walk out, Manali owing to the long week- changes in the process of appointing CBI The second on the controversial remarks “But a final decision will be taken only will be decided by our party chief.” end,” Himachal Pradesh Tourism chief along with other crucial ones. The of Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti. Third, once we see what exactly the government Among the opposition parties, the SP Development Corporation general current session is to end on December 23. on eulogising of Mahatma Gandhi’s killer has prepared and how many of the panel’s has 15 members, the Trinamool Congress manager Yogesh Behl said. It began on November 24. Nathuram Godse. And the fourth over suggestions have been accommodated,” the and the JD-U have 12 each, the CPI-M has He said a number of enquiries The opposition focus, as of now, appears conversions. Congress leader said, referring to what has nine, CPI two, NCP six and the Rashtriya started pouring in about chances to be on a motion to roll back the two suc- The situation seemed similar on the insur- been the final call taken on it by the cabinet. Janata Dal one. of snow on Christmas and New cessive excise duty hikes, with both the ance bill which hikes the foreign equity cap CPI-M’s P Rajeeve also said while the IANS Year’s Eve. IANS

Monday 15 December 2014 23 Safar 1436 Volume 19 Number 6280 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Opec will try Qatar economy to grow 7.7pc in 2015 to ride out Projected growth fastest in four years despite oil slide Qatar’s storage facility price fall; chief DOHA: Driven by non-hydro- defends policy carbon sector, Qatari economy zone to attract QR2.77bn is projected to grow by a robust DUBAI: Oil producers group 7.7 percent next year despite the Opec can ride out a slump pressure on oil prices. The pre- DOHA: The Minister of in oil prices and keep output dicted growth rate in 2015 would Economy and Commerce, H E unchanged, its head said yes- be Qatar’s fastest expansion since Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin terday, arguing market weak- 2011 and an acceleration from 6.3 Mohamed Al Thani (pictured), ness did not reflect supply percent estimated for this year. yesterday announced that and demand fundamentals An update of “Qatar Economic investments of Qatari compa- and could have been driven by Outlook 2014-16” released by the nies in the new storage facility speculators. Ministry of Development Planning area estimated at QR2.77bn. Speaking at a conference and Statistics (MDP&S) yesterday In remarks during the launch in Dubai, Abdullah Al Badri noted little change is expected in of the Warehouse Project yester- defended November’s decision 2016, with growth of 7.5 percent. “In day, the minister said the project, by the Organisation of the 2015, with momentum still gather- which will be carried out in a sin- Petroleum Exporting Countries ing in non-hydrocarbons, the sec- gle phase within a period of about to not cut its output target of tor’s share of GDP will overtake 24 months, aims to provide suit- 30 million barrels per day (bdp) that of oil and gas, and continue able storage facilities for small in the face of a drop in crude rising in 2016 and beyond. This and medium-sized enterprises in prices to multi-year lows. “We diversification of output and the terms of size, location and uses. The vital project launched by agreed that it is important to broadening of the economic base is The project seeks to develop the government is an important continue with production (at very welcome. However, to support The fiscal surplus is predicted rise in 2015 and 2016, and the buffer precise controls for a combination step in the development of the current levels) for the ... coming long-term deepening of the eco- to remain robust in 2014 at nearly could narrow. “A variety of initia- of products based on the actual logistics services sector in Qatar, period. This decision was made nomic base, more needs to be done 13 percent of GDP, though down a tives now underway at the Ministry needs of the market, bridge the and for keeping pace with the eco- by consensus by all ministers,” to boost private sector participation little on 2013’s outcome, and is set of Finance, which will promote a gap between supply and demand nomic boom in the country, the he said. “The decision has been in the economy and the upgrading to narrow further over the rest of forward-looking approach to fiscal in the storage market, provide minister said. made. Things will be left as is.” of skills, technology and produc- the period . management and improved plan- solutions in order to correct mar- In the context of the search Opec policy remains a crucial tivity.” the Minister of MDP&S, The strong boost to the fiscal ning and running of the state’s ket problems such as illegal and for appropriate solutions to the factor in global economic pros- H E Dr Saleh Al Nabit, said. surplus that larger investment capital programme, will help shield unsafe storage areas and reduce challenges facing the perform- pects after Brent crude settled Inflation is forecast to average income transferred from Qatar Qatar against oil price shocks in the the big increase in the cost of ance of all the components of the at below $62 a barrel on Friday, 3 percent, again unchanged from Petroleum (QP) in 2013 and 2014 is years ahead,” said Dr Saleh. goods curb the inflation, he said. national economic fabric, he said: following a steep descent which the June forecast. Only marginal set to moderate gradually over the In the first half of 2014, exports, The Minister expressed happi- “We have to accelerate steps to hammered energy stocks and increases over this number are seen rest of the outlook period. This fad- dominated by hydrocarbons, were ness over the success of the efforts move from the planning stage to currencies exposed to crude after that, with inflation inching up ing impetus is expected as hydro- the single largest component of of the government, represented the implementation stage in an exports. The move left bench- to 3.5 percent in 2015 and to 3.7 per- carbon receipts continue declining demand, accounting for 73.3 per- by the Logistics Committee in effort to launch a national project mark grades nearly half levels cent in 2016. Domestic sources of and as QP spending picks up over cent of GDP. Investment con- launching the project as a quick that will contribute to the expan- set earlier this year and doused inflationary pressures are expected 2015–2016, with investments in tributed 29.1 percent, household response to an important part of sion of the private sector’s con- appetite for riskier assets, push- to build over the projection period recovery of oil from maturing fields. consumption 14.1 percent and the requirements for building a tribution to the GDP, improve ing investors into the safety of as local demand strengthens. The The steep decline in oil prices government consumption of final strong and diverse economy capa- competitiveness, increase the effi- government debt despite strong vigorous growth of local demand seen in recent months will affect goods and services 13.9 percent. ble of strengthening the pres- ciency of the domestic market in US consumer sentiment. Badri will push up prices of non-tradable fiscal revenues. Yet Qatar still has Imports, a leakage from demand in ence of the State of Qatar on the the face of global prices fluctua- suggested the crude price fall goods and services, including rent- a substantial fiscal buffer that will the domestic economy, amounted to international economic map by tions, control supply and demand had been overdone. “The funda- als, especially in affordable housing help cushion the domestic econ- 30.5 percent of GDP. Qatar’s saving depending on the active role of the trends, and support efforts aimed mentals should not lead to this for the low- to middle-income seg- omy from potential adverse fall- rate tracked up by 2.3 percentage private sector as a true partner in to diversify the production base dramatic reduction (in price),” ment of the market where avail- out. Against this, however, Qatar’s points, reaching 59.5 percent of the path of the country’s sustain- to achieve sustainable economic he said. He said only a small ability is usually tighter. “break-even” oil price is expected to nominal GDP. THE PENINSULA able development trajectory. prosperity” THE PENINSULA increase in supply had lead to a sharp drop in prices, adding: “I believe that speculation has entered strongly in deciding these prices.” GWC to develop Bu Sulba logistics hub for QR685m Asked if Opec planned an emergency meeting before its DOHA: Gulf Warehousing self-contained centre spread temperature-controlled, chilled Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani (pic- next scheduled gathering in Company QSC (GWC) was across an area of 517,376 sqm and frozen as well as bulk storage, tured). “GWC has been a key June, or a meeting with non- awarded the contract to develop with a built-up area exceed- while taking into consideration contributor to the country’s most Opec producers, Badri said the Bu Sulba logistics hub dur- ing 40 percent of the total. This the specific needs of the SMEs. advanced logistics infrastructure, such meetings would not have ing the “Manateq Storage development will feature around “The role that SMEs play in developing key facilities across an effect on oil prices. Project” launch yesterday. This 194 warehousing units of differ- growing and diversifying the the nation and serving nearly all Opec had no target price for logistics development will be ent specifications optimised for economy has been well-estab- industrial verticals. The project oil, Badri said in a reiteration of aimed at serving small and SMEs, as well as a container lished, which has not gone unno- is considered part of GWC’s policy, and urged Gulf states to medium enterprises (SMEs) yard, labour accommodation, first ticed by government authorities, responsibility toward the Qatar continue investing in explora- located primarily in the South aid centre, a mosque, and com- who opened the bid on this land National Vision 2030 on the one tion and production, saying the to Central part of Doha up to mercial and other amenities. to empower SMEs and provide hand, and a complement to the United States would continue Al Gharrafa in addition to Al The warehouses will offer them with suitable environment company’s portfolio of services to rely on Middle East crude Wakra city. a variety of storage solu- to grow,” said GWC Chairman offered on the other.” for many years. REUTERS The Bu Sulba hub will be a tions ranging from dry, Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin THE PENINSULA

Qatar Shell, QDB sign agreements with SMEs for new contracts DOHA: Qatar Shell, in collaboration between Qatar Shell and QDB to bolster with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), a robust private sector that will help yesterday signed agreements with five diversify Qatar’s economy and support new local SMEs for awarding con- the Qatar National Vision 2030.” tracts. At the signing ceremony, these Sawan said, “Though we are celebrat- Qatari SMEs were awarded with con- ing the success of our new local partners, tracts to become the supplier of choice the journey does not end here. We will for Pearl GTL, the world’s largest gas continue to closely cooperate with our to liquids plant delivered by Qatar partner QDB to enhance local expertise, Petroleum and Qatar Shell. skills and content by actively providing Wael Sawan, Chairman and Managing business opportunities to the local mar- Director of Qatar Shell, signed the con- ket; and I hope to be standing again with tracts with the chief executive officers of you in the not too distant future to wel- the SMEs, in the presence of Abdulaziz come ever increasing numbers of SMEs bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Chief Executive to the Qatar Shell family,” added Sawan. Officer of QDB. The annual ‘SME Business Opportunity The five Qatari SMEs that have Workshop’ has been growing year on been awarded contracts are — Mozon year. In 2014, 110 local SMEs and entre- Industries for the manufacture of large preneurs participated and 33 companies open-head steel drums, KEPCO for were qualified to tender across the seven the manufacture of low voltage cables, QDB CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, (eighth right) and Qatar Shell Chairman and Managing Director Wael Sawan (ninth right) with specific business opportunities. Pioneer Metal Company for electri- Qatari SMEs contract award winners and other officials at the ceremony yesterday. ABDUL BASIT This is in comparison to 2013, when cal cable trays, Prince’s Lights for the only 10 local enterprises were qualified maintenance, repair and re-certification growth and development of Qatar’s pri- grow and flourish by acquiring contracts and provides quality assurance,” said Al to participate in the tender process that of ATEX two-way radios and Rumaillah vate sector, and it through such joint that have the potential to elevate their Khalifa. “The addition of five new Qatari resulted in the awarding of three individ- Motors for the maintenance and service initiatives that we are able to link local futures, and global companies and their SMEs to the three local suppliers which ual contracts, all of which are currently of offshore diesel generators. SMEs to world-class companies such as customers get the services they need were announced last year is a clear dem- performing well. “Our strategy is to accelerate the Shell and Qatar Petroleum. Local SMEs from a local supplier, which reduces risk onstration to the successful partnership THE PENINSULA

MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Tencent wins Takata tightens screws on suppliers approval to Takata air bag problems have caused five deaths and recall of more than 20m vehicles globally start banking TOKYO: Takata Corp has begun which they have been announced. in June that the company had Takata’s air bag market share enforcing tighter quality controls “This time it was different. This allowed its operations outside business on a group of parts suppliers as inspection had not been planned Japan too much leeway at a time Around 19 million cars using Takata air bags have been recalled worldwide over the past six years. More than 10 million of those are in the United States. the auto safety equipment maker before and was announced out of of fast growth in demand for the SHANGHAI: China’s Tencent boosts production to replace mil- the blue during the meeting,” said company’s air bags. Holdings Ltd has been given lions of air bags recalled for a the person involved. “They came to During a visit to a Takata sup- GLOBAL AIR BAG INFLATOR MARKET SHARE approval to start its banking potentially deadly defect, accord- my factory within one, two weeks plier in Southeast Asia, a senior By manufacturer. Forecasts according to Valient Automotive Market Research. operations, the banking regu- ing to people involved. from setting the date,” said the manager dispatched from head- lator said, making the Internet Takata, whose exploding air bags person. quarters told managers at the Autoliv 25% Takata 22% ZF-TRW 18% Daicel 16% Others firm the first of five recently Sweden Japan Germany Japan 19% have caused five deaths and a recall Takata spokesman Toyohiro plant that Takata’s Tokyo head- approved private banks to open of more than 20 million vehicles Hishikawa declined to comment quarters had assumed responsibil- 2014 its doors to clients. globally, has come under investiga- on the company’s dealings with its ity for ensuring a “global standard” The launch of Tencent’s private tion by US safety regulators and suppliers. in quality. 2020 bank marks a gradual opening of federal prosecutors and intense Takata has not identified the As part of that, the company Autoliv 28% Daicel 24% ZF-TRW 20% Takata 11% Others China’s closely guarded banking scrutiny from US lawmakers. cause of a defect with its air bags signalled it would try to incorpo- 17% sector that is currently dominated Over the last two months, the that has left some of them prone to rate improvements suggested by by state giants. As part of broader company has launched a series of blow apart in accidents and shoot its suppliers into manufacturing efforts to channel more loans to TAKATA’S AIR BAG SALES SALES BY PRODUCT CATEGORY “urgent” inspections across its sup- shrapnel inside vehicles. The five and design. Takata urged the sup- the country’s cash-starved small In billions of yen, by financial year* In 2014, in billions of yen ply network and dispatched man- deaths were linked to Takata air plier to be extra careful on quality businesses, the banking regulator agers to parts makers in Japan bags in Honda Motor Co vehicles, management “because of the cir- Full year Half year has so far approved the develop- 250 and Asia to announce the changes, while the recalls around the world cumstance we’re in”, a person who Air bag Seat belts ment more than 10 private lend- 220 systems 177.7 according to those involved, who affected a range of carmakers. attended the meeting said. 204 ers in Tianjin, Shanghai, Zhejiang 200 219.6 (32%) asked not to be identified. There is no suggestion that Takata has 55 factories in 20 (39%) and Guangdong. At one closed-door meeting in the safety problems have been countries, eight of which are Shenzhen Qianhai Weizhong 150 TOTAL Japan between Takata executives the result of quality controls at located in Japan. The only facil- 116 557.0 Bank, funded by Tencent, and over 100 of its suppliers in Takata’s suppliers. ity that makes air bags in Japan 100 Shenzhen Baiyeyuan Investment mid-October, Takata said its rep- In discussions with suppliers, is a plant in Kyushu in southern Co. and Shenzhen Liye Group, had 50 Other resentatives would inspect 40 sup- Takata executives did not elabo- Japan, according to the company’s 159.7 a registered capital of 3bn yuan pliers of key parts before the end of rate on the reasons for the quality website. ($484.93m), the China Banking 0 (29%) the year and audit the remainder audits, which have gone beyond air The company’s manufacturing in ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 and Regulatory Commission said of the firms in 2015, one of those bag parts suppliers. Japan is concentrated in Shiga, in in a statement. Also known as involved said. “Takata has become Takata sits at the top of a pyra- western Japan, where Takata has Sources: Valient Automotive Market Research; Takata Corp. * Ending March of each year Webank, the lender would focus extremely strict when it comes to mid of more than 100 suppliers three manufacturing centres in W. Foo, 11/12/2014 on loans to individuals as well as quality control now,” said one of in Japan, the sources said. Many Echigawa, Hikone and Nagahama small and medium-sized enter- the people who was present at the of those businesses are family- where it produces seat belts and welds on air bag inflators were of the ongoing recalls in detail, prises, the regulator said. meeting. run, local manufacturers with carries out tests. failing because steel pipes shipped people involved say. “Maybe it is Local business daily Caixin said Suppliers said the way the long-standing ties to Takata that Takata has had problems with from a Japanese supplier had too a Japanese thing, but they don’t Webank would officially start its inspections were carried out did employ a handful of workers and ensuring consistent quality stand- much carbon, according to an engi- talk about it, and it’s difficult for us banking operations on Dec. 28. not differ much from regular qual- make nuts, bolts and buckles used ards from suppliers in the past, neering report. to ask,” said one long-term Takata Prior to the launch of Webank, ity checks made by Takata, but in Takata’s air bags and seat belts. documents reviewed show. In In recent meetings with sup- supplier. “So we learn about every- China Minsheng Bank was the they highlighted the speed and Takata Chief Executive 2006, engineers at the company’s pliers, Takata representatives thing from the press.” country’s sole private lender. the unusual sense of urgency with Shigehisa Takada told investors Monclova, Mexico plant found that have not discussed the impact REUTERS REUTERS

Saudi crude oil Facebook dumps search supply inches results of Microsoft up in November SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook search as one of the company’s DUBAI: Crude oil supplies Inc has stopped including key growth initiatives, noting in from Saudi Arabia inched up in results from Microsoft Corp’s July that there were more than 1 November from a month ear- Bing search engine on its social billion search queries occurring lier, an industry source said on networking site. on Facebook every day and hint- Friday, signaling no change in The move, confirmed by a ing that the vast amount of infor- the kingdom’s supply, despite a company spokesperson, comes mation that users share within global oil glut and a steep fall in as Facebook has revamped its Facebook could eventually replace prices. own search offerings, introduc- the need to search the Web for Saudi supplied 9.420 million ing a tool that allows users to answers to certain questions. barrels of crude oil per day in quickly find past comments and “There is more than a trillion November, up 40,000 bpd from other information posted by their posts, which some of the search October, an industry source friends on Facebook. engineers on the team like to familiar with the matter said. The decision may reflect the remind me, is bigger than any It supplied 9.36 million bpd in increasing importance that Web search corpus out there,” September. Facebook sees in Web search Zuckerberg said on a conference Oil fell $2 a barrel to new five- technology, a market dominated call with analysts in July. Intertek Group PLC Senior Vice-President Andrew Swift speaking at the Qatar Chamber yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP year lows on Friday after the by rival Google Inc. Microsoft’s Bing is the No. 2 world’s energy watchdog fore- Searches on Facebook have Web search provider in the US, cast even lower prices on weaker long been geared toward helping with a nearly 20 percent share of demand and higher supplies next users connect with friends and the market according to industry Intertek meet gets huge response year. Benchmark Brent oil tum- to find other information that research firm comScore. bled to below $62 a barrel and US exists within the walls of the 1.35 Facebook and Microsoft have crude slumped to under $58. billion-user social networking a longstanding relationship dat- DOHA: Intertek, UK-based The keynote speaker at the communities residing right now Opec heavyweight Saudi Arabia service. But for years, Facebook’s ing back to Microsoft’s $240m multinational company and seminar was Dr Andrew Swift, in Qatar. pumped 9.610 million barrels of oil search results also included links investment in Facebook, for a 1.6 industry leader with over 36,000 Senior Vice President – Intertek Speaking at the seminar, Swift per day in November, some 80,000 to standalone websites that were percent stake in the company, in people in 1,000 locations in over Group PLC and he was joined by said, “Sustainability is funda- bpd less than its production in provided by Bing. October 2007. As part of that deal, 100 countries received an over- Jason Pereira, Country Manager; mental and a vital part of any October, the source said. “We’re not currently showing Microsoft provided banner ads whelming response to its semi- Sudheer Kesapragada, Head of innovation process. Systematic Supplies to the market, both web search results in Facebook on Facebook’s website in inter- nar on “Sustainability reporting Business Assurance and Eng. sustainability reporting helps domestically and for export, may Search because we’re focused on national markets. as a tool for Economic Growth” Rawhey Dabagh, Lead auditor large corporations and organi- differ from production depending helping people find what’s been Facebook stopped using organised in association with the and trainer. sations to measure the impacts on the movement of barrels in and shared with them on Facebook,” a Microsoft banner ads in 2010 as Qatar Chamber of Commerce. The focus of discussions at they cause or experience, set out of storage. company spokesperson said. “We it moved to take more control of The seminar, held at the Qatar the seminar was on the sustain- goals for the firms, and manage On Friday, the Paris-based continue to have a great partner- its advertising business. Chamber of Commerce premises, ability challenges, implications of developments and changes. A International Energy Agency ship with Microsoft in lots of dif- But Facebook, during that was attended by people from var- sustainable actions, the effect on sustainability report is a way of which coordinates the energy pol- ferent areas.” same time, expanded its use of ious industries and professional viable and feasible work of sup- communicating sustainability per- icies of industrialized countries, Microsoft was not immediately Microsoft Bing search results backgrounds including entre- ply chains, products, services formance and impacts – whether cut its outlook for demand growth available for comment. to international versions of its preneurs, general managers, vice and markets and responsibility positive or negative.” in 2015, triggering another drop in Facebook Chief Executive service. presidents and company heads. towards societies and various THE PENINSULA prices. REUTERS Mark Zuckerberg has flagged REUTERS

Apollo to buy Titan celebrates 20 years

PetSmart DOHA: The world’s fifth larg- Qatar, Domasco who has been est watchmaker, Titan, cel- extremely supportive in establish- WASHINGTON: Apollo ebrated 20 years of success in ing and strengthening our brand Global Management is near- the GCC region at an event in presence in Qatar.” ing a buyout of PetSmart Inc the city yesterday. Meril Dias, Sales Manager, for about $8bn in what would An important milestone for Domasco said, “Our journey with be the largest leveraged deal the company, this is a testimony Titan Watches began two dec- for a US company this year, to the brand’s increasing global ades ago when Titan Watches Bloomberg reported, cit- presence and its strength in a was launched in Qatar. Over the ing unnamed sources. “New dynamic region. A part of the years Domasco has been working York-based Apollo is in late- Tata Group, one of India’s larg- with our dealers and customers stage talks to buy PetSmart est multinational conglomerates, strengthening ‘Brand Titan’ in for about $8bn following an Titan echoes impeccable design Qatar.” auction process that has been across a wide range of pioneer- To celebrate 20 years in the under way for weeks, said ing products. Titan Company Ltd, GCC, some of Titan’s best prod- one of the people, who asked Watches & Accessories Division, ucts were showcased and the not to be identified because CEO HG Raghunath, said,“We latest generation of two bestsell- the talks are confidential,” are extremely delighted to cele- ing ranges were launched at the Bloomberg said. brate our twenty-year milestone event. A unique commemorative It said the pet-supplies in Qatar, one of our biggest mar- Titan logo was also unveiled as a retailer has a market value of kets in the GCC. I would like to sign of the brand’s ever-growing Titan Company CEO, Watches and Accessories, HG Ragunath (centre), Domasco Managing Director Faisal Sharif $7.72bn. REUTERS take this opportunity to thank relationship with the region. (third right) and Domasco Sales Manager Meril Dias (second left) with other officials from Titan and Domasco our exclusive distributor for THE PENINSULA during the 20th anniversary celebrations of Titan’s GCC presence in Doha yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Xiaomi’s India Car market in Russia ban exposes patent risks China brand growing faster in India

MUMBAI/BEIJING: The its smartphone business, already court order that banned Chinese number one in China, continues mobile maker Xiaomi from to grow, however, industry ana- selling its phones in India has lysts expect greater pressure at halted its breakneck expansion home, particularly since two of into the world’s fastest grow- its fiercest handset rivals, Huawei ing major smartphone market and ZTE Corp, are among the top and could be just the start of a telecom patent holders in China. string of patent challenges. Until it is lifted, the ban in Xiaomi Technology only started India will be particularly hard selling in India in July and quickly on growth prospects. In a coun- became the country’s fastest try where just one in 10 people Used and new cars on sale at the 777 open air auto market in Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk. A state scheme to support local car sales and a rush to growing smartphone brand; with use smartphones, the potential buy before expected price increases slowed falls in auto sales in Russia to 1.1 percent year-on-year in November from 9.9 percent a month earlier. minimal marketing, it is already is vast. The market grew 82 per- outselling even low-cost smart- cent in the third quarter, while phones running Google’s Android China expanded at a relatively One. Hugo Barra, the former modest 10.8 percent, according Google executive now leading to research firm IDC. IQ exhibition to Xiaomi’s international operations, Barra posted a message on the ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel to said in November how rapidly the company’s website on Friday apol- feed growing country had taken to his brand. ogising to fans. “Rest assured that All it took was a single Facebook we’re doing all we can to revert post to draw dozens of superfans the situation,” he wrote. “Stay start hedging iron ore soon demand for to a California Pizza Kitchen in tuned for more information.” Mumbai to meet him, he said. “It In China, Xiaomi already was far more than we expected. outsells Apple and Samsung LONDON: Top steelmakers million tonnes (MT) this year, participants to better manage risk. interiors, fit outs The community has really, really Electronics in smartphones, and ArcelorMittal and Tata Steel are having roughly doubled every Prices of iron ore — a key steel- embraced us,” he said. it became the world’s third-larg- dipping their toes into iron ore year since their launch by the making input — have been vola- DOHA: The organiser of IQ And then came Wednesday’s est vendor as of October, though derivatives, marking a crucial Singapore Exchange in 2009. tile this year, falling 48 percent. Exhibition, the first Qatar inte- court order to stop selling, after it is little known outside Asia. milestone in developing trade for Steelmakers and merchants in While this should increase hedg- rior design exhibition taking a patent infringement case was Unlike Apple, which introduces the world’s second-largest com- China — by far the world’s biggest ing needs, some experts say weak place in Doha in February 2015, filed by telecom equipment maker a new iPhone just once a year, modity after oil. iron ore consumer — embraced the prices might temper enthusiasm yesterday announced the find- Ericsson. The ban will last until Xiaomi rolls out updated mod- Although the steelmakers con- products. Now, with the cautious among smaller steelmakers for ings from the latest Ventures at least February 5, when the els frequently, usually in small tinue to say publicly they do not entry of ArcelorMittal and Tata, hedging. “High-cost iron ore pro- Middle East Report on Qatar Delhi court hears the case again. batches that sell out in seconds. use such products, sources said a trend could be set in motion ducers have been priced out of the Building Construction and But that is unlikely to be the It sells only online, and with mini- ArcelorMittal hedged a block of whereby smaller rivals follow suit, market, so price volatility could Interiors Update. end of the young company’s bat- mal advertising, relying on word iron ore trades in September while speculators jump in and volumes ebb next year. Smaller steelmakers “As the country gears up for the tle over intellectual property (IP) of mouth to build anticipation for Tata recently decided to use deriv- soar even further. could then say iron ore is not that World Cup 2022 event, the cur- rights. Sources close to Xiaomi each new launch. atives on a small scale next year. “The entry of the mills could volatile so why hedge,” an industry rent focus is on building up the say its leadership has privately In India, Xiaomi initially “Arcelor are definitely trading bring the derivatives market to source said. necessary infrastructure includ- acknowledged for years its vulner- imported 10,000 devices a week iron ore swaps, they were active a tipping point fairly soon,” said However, most agree the script ing roads, rail and metro works, ability to patent entanglements. but soon had to ramp that up to in September. But it’s not being Steve Randall, managing director for iron ore has been set. They ports and airports, but there is The higher risks of IP litigation 60,000 to 100,000 to meet demand, pushed top-down — they’re try- of price-setting agency The Steel note that steelmakers are already a spillover effect on the build- in Western markets even played India business chief Manu Jain ing to figure out how to organise Index. “I expect next year we’ll see under pressure from their clients ing construction sector too”, said a role in shaping Xiaomi’s strat- said before the sales ban. It has themselves,” a source with knowl- over 1 billion tonnes of iron ore to use derivatives in order to offer Ashley Roberts, Event Director, egy of expanding in India and chartered flights four times to edge of the matter said. derivatives traded. That’s getting supply contracts that have prices IQ exhibition. “This is also likely Southeast Asia, the sources said. rush in fresh supplies. A separate source said the deci- close to the 1.3 billion tonnes of fixed for several years. to translate into large opportuni- Xiaomi said in a statement that Jain did not respond to a sion to hedge at Tata had been physical seaborne iron ore traded “We’re approaching investors ties for the Qatar interiors and “it isn’t easy” to build up a patent request for comment on the busi- taken at board level. each year,” he added. who we want to sell windmills to fit outs market encompassing portfolio as a start-up company, ness impact after the order. Both steelmakers declined to The popularity of iron ore deriv- and if we have a big risk on the internal wood works, soft and but it aims to have filed 8,000 Rushabh Doshi, an analyst at comment. Market sources say the atives coincided with an explosion steel element it makes us less hard furnishings, lighting, parti- applications by 2016. technology research firm Canalys two companies had opposed iron in spot market volumes around five attractive. One-year contracts are tions, flooring, kitchens and bath- On its home turf, Xiaomi has in Singapore, said the ban would ore and steel derivatives on the years ago, when the market moved good but we’d like two-to three- room fittings which constitutes already been dogged by IP con- “leave a gap in the market, to be grounds that such instruments from annual benchmark pricing year contracts,” said Nikolag Ager approximately 10 to 20 percent of troversies with other Chinese quickly filled by local or interna- could give speculators undue price to shorter-term contracts based Hamann, from the procurement the average construction project firms, mostly over content rights tional vendors looking to increase influence. Iron ore derivative vol- on daily indices. That raised price department at wind-farm devel- value. The IQ exhibition will bring for its streaming TV service. As market share”. REUTERS umes are set to reach some 550 volatility and the need by industry oper Dong Energy. REUTERS all these sectors together for three days and industry profes- sionals looking for products and solutions for their projects will — for the first time in Qatar — be Berkshire buys able to find everything they need TUI in talks with investors on Hapag stake sale within the same exhibition space”. Commenting on the findings of oil logistics the study, John Mibu, Research FRANKFURT: TUI AG is in released ahead of publication for a quick exit from Hapag- earlier this month, a move that Director, Ventures Middle East, talks with investors interested yesterday. Lloyd,” Mangold said. has created the world’s fourth said: “Qatar building contractor business Charter in buying its stake in Hapag- A sale of the stake to inves- TUI owns a 22 percent stake in largest shipping group. awards for 2014 is expected to hit Lloyd as an option in its long- tors is one possibility and an exit Hapag-Lloyd, which is classed as TUI’s chief financial officer in $14bn, an increase of over 20 per- Brokerage planned exit from the German via Hapag-Lloyd’s planned initial ‘held for sale’ and valued in TUI’s August said TUI could opt for cent compared to 2013 building shipping company, TUI’s chair- public offering “possibly in the books at €467m ($582m). either a sale or a flotation of the contractor awards. The percent- NEW YORK: Warren man told a newspaper. second half of 2015” was another, However, the stake is set to stake, “whichever comes first at age is expected to increase even Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway “We are working on a sen- Mangold said. shrink to 13.9 percent by the end a decent price”. higher in 2015 as per the cur- Inc said it was buying oil indus- sible, profitable solution for “There are interested parties of this year as Hapag-Lloyd car- TUI has long been looking to rent projects schedule. All these try logistics provider Charter the exit,” Klaus Mangold told with whom we are talking at the ries out a €370m capital increase exit container shipping in order will translate to higher interior Brokerage from private equity the Frankfurter Allgemeine moment but we are in no rush following the completion of its to focus fully on tourism. spending in the next couple of firm Arsenal Capital Partners. Sonntagszeitung in an interview because there is no financial need merger with Chilean peer Vapores REUTERS years”. THE PENINSULA “Charter Brokerage is a high quality business with consist- ently strong financial per- formance that fits well within Berkshire Hathaway,” Buffett, the chairman and chief execu- Doha Bank CEO gets tive officer of Berkshire, said in a statement. The statement did not disclose the value of the acquisition. ABLF economist award Requests for comment to Berkshire Hathaway and Charter DOHA: Doha Bank CEO Dr include “P Chidambaram, Former were not immediately returned. R Seetharaman was honoured Union Minister of Finance Arsenal declined to comment. with “The ABLF Business Minister, India, Dr Hatem Berkshire Hathaway often Economist award “on December Samman, Chief Economist and grows by acquisitions, and the 13 for his outstanding contri- Economic Advisor, Saudi Arabian conglomerate now comprises bution in financial media in General Investment Authority, dozens of businesses from ice areas such as economics, finan- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and cream to insurance. cial markets, banking, finance Naina Lal Kidwai, Executive Last month, for example, and sustainable development Director on the Board of HSBC Berkshire acquired Procter & through commentaries and Asia-Pacific and Chairman of Gamble Co’s Duracell battery opinions and for promoting HSBC India. unit. Charter is a US petro- bilateral trade and investment Speaking in the panel, leum and chemical drawback relationships between various Seetharaman gave insight on services provider. A drawback countries. Asian economies. is the refund of import duties He received the award from the Seetharaman highlighted how and taxes on a product when UAE Minister of Economy, Sultan global governance has emphasised a form of that same product is bin Saeed Al Mansouri. on financial inclusion. exported. Charter Brokerage The ABLF (Asia Business He also gave insight on finan- connects importers and export- Leadership Forum) Leadership cial inclusion trends in Asia. ers in the petroleum and petro- Weekend 2014 was held on Seetharaman highlighted on chemical industries to arrange December 13 and 14, in Dubai. Asia financial integration. such refunds. Seetharaman also partici- He said: “Asian economies tend Earlier this year, a source pated in the panel session “Asian to be more financially integrated familiar with Arsenal’s poten- Economic Zeitgesit: A focus with economies outside the region tial sale of Charter valued the on risks and opportunities” than inside, particularly with company at up to $500m. yesterday. regard to portfolio investment.” Doha Bank CEO R Seetharaman receiving award from UAE Economy Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri. REUTERS The other members in the panel THE PENINSULA MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

EU investment plan may be Fed considers time to a day late and a euro short

BY PAUL TAYLOR

he European Union’s vaunted investment plan, due to be end free money pledge formally blessed by the bloc’s 28 leaders at a summit this week, may be a day late and several euros short to revi- Ttalise a stagnant economy. BY PHILIP BLENKINSOP October, the more hawkish Dallas Italy, the number two and three vote on Wednesday. A likely third Because of Europe’s mountain of public debt, the initiative out- Fed chief Richard Fisher has said eurozone economies, would pledge and final round is expected on lined by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker he US Federal Reserve the Fed should drop the pledge, more growth-driving reforms and December 29. If Prime Minister contains no new public money and relies on financial engineering would give the clearest while more moderate Cleveland budget restraint, providing cover Antonis Samaras’s candidate to turn €21bn in existing EU and European Investment Bank funds signal this week that counterpart Loretta Mester said for the European Central Bank does not secure the required into a putative €315bn in project funding. its easy money stance the reference was “really stale”. to unleash new weapons to fight three-fifths of votes, more than Whether it can revive sagging public and private investment will is ending if, as some Some economists believe mar- deflation. Pressure on the ECB to the government majority, it would hinge largely on the choice of shovel-ready infrastructure projects Texpect, it drops its two-year long kets will take a change of word- start printing money and buying trigger parliamentary elections, that boost Europe’s growth potential, and on the way that national pledge to keep interest rates close ing in their stride, but others hark sovereign bonds rose further last which polls show anti-bailout contributions are treated by the EU bean counters. to zero for a “considerable time”. back to “taper tantrums” after week as its offering of low-cost party Syriza would probably win. Investment in the 28-nation EU in 2013 was on average 15 per- The Fed, which meets on the Fed first mentioned the idea loans to banks drew only tepid Samaras warned Greece risked cent below pre-crisis levels, according to an EU task force report, Tuesday and Wednesday, first of gradually reducing monetary interest. Banks have taken barely a “catastrophic” return to the with a plunge of more than 60 percent in the worst affected south- inserted that wording in its post- expansion in May 2013. “It has to half the €400bn of loans on offer, depths of its debt crisis if his gov- ern countries. There is much debate about whether the slump is meeting statements in December be done at some point, but it’s like implying they have little confi- ernment fell, his comments driv- mostly due to weak demand, tight credit conditions, an absence of 2012, promising then to maintain taking off a sticking plaster. It’s dence in lending to the eurozone’s ing Greek stock and bond losses. economic reform or a lack of business confidence, but EU govern- its highly accommodative mone- going to hurt,” said Rob Carnell, backbone of small companies. However, while Greek 10-year ments agree that something must be done now. tary stance for a considerable time chief international economist at ECB policymakers have bond yields have passed 9 percent, The Juncker plan, due to be up and running in mid-2015 and after its asset purchase program ING, who questions central banks’ dropped hints that it could move with shorter-dated paper even last three years, will focus on “viable investments of European ends and the economic recovery propensity to use set terms rather in the direction of money print- higher, the yield on 10-year Italian significance” mostly in transport, energy and digital networks, as strengthens. than just rely on data. ing as soon as January, but a small bonds was around 2 percent and well as research and development. Both have occurred. Carnell believes US headline group of countries led by Germany for Spanish bonds just below. Juncker has promised “favourable treatment” for countries that The US unemployment rate inflation may well fall below 1 are opposed, fearing it would lead The prospect of quantitative take equity stakes in the planned European Fund for Strategic slipped below 6.5 percent, a Fed percent in the March-May period, to reckless borrowing by debt- easing from the ECB, whose Investment when the EU authorities calculate budget deficits, mark of healthier recovery, in when seasonal adjustments would laden states. “(ECB President president promised in 2012 to which must be below 3 percent of national output. April and is now at a six-year low give a greater weighting for a weak Mario) Draghi has seven weeks to “do whatever it takes” to save the Polish Finance Minister Mateusz Szczurek told a conference of of 5.8 percent even as more people oil price than at present. “It’s then get everyone in line. I don’t think euro, means this is not a repeat of the Council for the Future of Europe last week no government enter the labour force. Its asset a hard sales act to start hiking in he’ll pull it off before Christmas,” 2010-2012, when fears of contagion would pay into the fund unless it was guaranteed that money buying ended in October, when May or June,” he said. said BNP Paribas Fortis Chief to other EU members raged. invested would not be counted against its deficit. But economic all but one of its voting members The week, for many the final Strategy Officer Philippe Gijsels. Those hoping for respite from powerhouse Germany, the biggest stickler for EU budget discipline, opted to keep the “considerable working days before Christmas “We’re very much driven by cen- concern over a China slowdown opposes bending the fiscal rules, fearing a precedent and abuses of time” language. and New Year holidays, will con- tral banks into next year.” will have an eye on a private sur- the definition of “investment”. The market has understood the clude with a European Union As a reminder that the euro- vey due tomorrow. It is expected “Any renewed discussion about tweaking the fiscal rules runs term to mean at least six months, Summit focused firmly on the fal- zone debt crisis is not fully extin- to creep back into growth terri- the risk of undermining market confidence,” German deputy labor with current expectations for a tering economy. In an ideal world guished, Greece’s parliament holds tory in December after stalling in minister Joerg Asmussen told the conference. It was very hard to first rate hike in mid-2015. Since for some economists, France and the first round of its presidential November. REUTERS define good and bad expenditure, and all spending needed to be refinanced either by taxation or by borrowing, he argued. Former Italian prime minister Mario Monti wants the bloc to go much further to promote productive investment by excluding from the deficit calculation not only payments into the EU fund but also EU-approved national projects that boost infrastructure and raise a country’s growth potential. “Although highly welcome, the plan is unlikely to be large enough or fast enough to have the needed impact all on its own,” Monti and French European lawmaker Sylvie Goulard wrote in a joint paper. “Action is required at the national level too.” Like the Germans, Monti believes in strict enforcement of rules, but he argues the EU should adopt Germany’s own post- war “golden rule” that authorised borrowing for investment, not to finance current spending. Berlin replaced that principle in its constitution in 2009 with a so-called “debt brake” that forces the federal government to run a virtually balanced budget from 2016, except in cases of natural disasters or severe economic crisis. Monti, a former EU competition and single market czar, argues that at a time when interest rates are at a record low, there is a strong moral case for governments to borrow cheaply to produce social and economic benefits. Perhaps surprisingly, the International Monetary Fund shares that view. Its annual World Economic Outlook in October said a debt-financed increase in public infrastructure investment would deliver a reduction in debt-to-GDP ratios by boosting output. Without growth, highly indebted countries like Italy cannot reduce their debt burden. But Italy also highlights a potential hurdle to Juncker’s investment plan: it has been unable to spend some €20bn in EU regional funds because it lacks the so-called absorption capacity — a term that covers clean public administra- tion, project definition and management capability and matching national money. Without sizeable investments at national level, notably in Germany, the Juncker plan is unlikely to deliver a significant growth stimulus, economists say, especially since the leverage ratios for private money seem highly optimistic. It may speed up construction of some gas pipeline and electricity grid inter connectors in central Europe, helping reduce dependency on imported Russian gas over time, and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources. But it also risks repeating past errors of EU structural funds by promoting bridges and airports to nowhere to please national politicians. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

US taxpayers help fund oil-trains amid concerns

BY JARRETT RENSHAW approved or pending approval, increase in the cost of emergency $3.2bn in the third quarter. In 2012, The Carlyle Group led a in Philadelphia’s Center City. No totalling $84.2m, that helped boost services,” McCoy said. The taxpayer dollars are going to rescue of the East Coast’s biggest oil spilled from the CSX-operated or the past 18 months, the number of rail cars carrying Since 2008, there have been at a rail industry that has transformed refinery, which had been slated for train, but images of railcars teeter- Americans from Albany crude oil across the nation. least 10 major oil-train derailments the US energy market: Amid a closure, aided in part by a state- ing above the city’s vital waterway to Oregon have voiced The funds are a fraction of total across the US and Canada, includ- shale-drilling boom that has over- backed aid package that included shocked locals and prompted pro- growing alarm over public funding for railroads each ing a disaster that killed 47 in a whelmed the nation’s pipeline net- $10m to build a new rail terminal. tests. “It spooked a lot of people in the rising number of year, and look small compared to Quebec town last July. work, oil-train traffic has surged at The 335,000-barrel-a-day plant Philadelphia, and really raised the Foil-laden freight trains coursing the $24bn railroads themselves Officials and rail executives offer least 42-fold since 2009, and 415,000 is making money once again thanks profile of the issue of crude by rail, through their cities, a trend they are spending annually on infra- a counter-argument: the funds help railcar loads of oil plied the nation’s in large part to the rail terminal, an issue most people don’t think fear is endangering public safety. structure. But with oil-train safety improve safety for an industry that tracks last year. which receives six miles of oil-laden about,” said Matt Walker, a direc- In at least a handful of places, the under heavy scrutiny, the public is helping revive the economy in As oil-trains increasingly make railcars daily from North Dakota’s tor with the local Clean Air Council. public is also helping fund it. grants could be controversial and some places. up for a lack of pipelines, they share Bakken. Citing high costs, oil and rail States and the federal govern- add to growing strains between the Last year, New York Governor the tracks with passenger and other In September, Philadelphia industry groups have resisted ment have handed out tens of industry and some local communi- Andrew Cuomo awarded CSX freight trains on some of the busi- Energy Solutions (PES), an some of the US Department of millions in public dollars to rail ties who say they are ill-prepared to Railroad a $2m grant to add a sec- est US rail corridors. Emergency oil refining complex control- Transportation’s recent proposals companies and government agen- deal with oil spills or derailments. ond 3.6-mile rail line just south of responders in several regions have led by hedge fund Carlyle Group, to enhance crude-by-rail safety, cies to expand crude oil rail trans- “Look at the towns. All they’re the state capital in a county that complained that they lack infor- announced plans to sell shares in which include quick retirement portation across the country, a getting are more trains in their now handles about a fourth of the mation to track them and quickly its crude-by-rail terminal, a move or retrofitting of older, accident- Reuters analysis has found. backyard and all the risk with no Bakken’s oil, a light, volatile crude respond to accidents. that may fetch hundreds of millions prone railcars, lower speed limits, The public assistance in states financial benefits,” said Dan McCoy, whose vapors have exploded in sev- While federal law now requires of dollars and reduce its corporate and mandatory electronic railcar like New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, the County Executive in Albany, eral past derailments. rail operators carrying Bakken tax burden. braking systems. Oklahoma and Oregon comes as New York, where taxpayer funds CSX spokesman Rob Doolitle crude to report routes and the Carlyle declined comment, but Railroads and local transport railroads are posting record profits, have contributed to growing oil- said the new line allows the railroad number of trains that transit the company has previously said authorities say public grants are a and as state and federal authori- train shipments. to idle fewer trains in the region, through each state, railroads have that government assistance helped public good. Since 2011, Oklahoma ties press for safety overhauls that In May, Albany’s sheriff, Craig block fewer crossings, and serve at been reluctant to share specifics to save at least 850 jobs at PES and has received two federal grants the oil and rail industries have Apple, warned that regional emer- least 200 different businesses more publicly, citing security risks. boost Pennsylvania’s economy. worth $8.6m that were used to fund opposed, following several explosive gency crews weren’t equipped to efficiently. Philadelphia is one of the unlikely Earlier this year, six railcars privately-held FarmRail System, derailments. respond to any major derailment. “Local communities benefit from locales that has been both alarmed transporting Bakken oil to the a regional rail operator, to move The Reuters analysis identified “I am not seeing any increases increased capacity,” Doolittle said. and enriched by the oil-by-rail PES rail terminal derailed on a more crude by rail out of the state’s 10 federal and state grants either in tax revenue, but I am seeing an CSX posted record revenues of industry. bridge over the Schuylkill River Anadarko Basin. REUTERS MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,114.43 5.85 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 16,577.07 5.85 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,661.79 7.87 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,835.29 6.27 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,896.68 5.65 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5207.414 -29.691 -0.57 5672.3 5072.7 QE All Share Industrials 3,673.42 5.64 % QR143.5154 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,073.84 4.86 % Cac 40 Index/D 4220.1 -7.81 -0.18 4598.65 3789.11 QE All Share Real Estate 2,038.56 9.93 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.6780 QR 5.7571 QE All Share Insurance 3,258.85 6.26 % Dj Indu Average 17533.15 -268.05 -1.51 17991.2 15340.69 QR 2.0022 Euro ...... QR 4.5120 QR 4.5747 QE All Share Telecoms 1,333.74 2.77 % CA$ ...... QR 3.1465 QR 3.2095 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,060.77 8.89 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23312.54 -211.98 -0.9 25362.98 21137.61 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.7556 QR 3.8082 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 5123.28 -24.67 -0.48 5325.15 4275.26 Yen ...... QR 0.0305 QR 0.0311 Aus$ ...... QR 2.9927 QR 3.0511 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 31779.75 -1.9 -0.01 32315.56 25273.11 CRUDE OIL 14-12-2014 11-12-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0579 QR 0.0590 Index 11,114.43 11,805.32 Nikkei 225 Index 17257.4 -155.18 -0.89 18030.83 13885.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0359 QR 0.0366 Change 690.89 534.55 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0812 QR 0.0828 S&P 500 Index/D 2026.14 -33.68 -1.64 2079.47 1737.92 % 5.85 4.33 $ 64.60 SL Re ...... QR 0.0275 QR 0.0281 YTD% 7.08 13.74 Straits Times/D 3318.7 -7.11 -0.21 3387.84 2953.01 Taka ...... QR 0.0466 QR 0.0477 Volume 22,541,996 13,126,313 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0364 QR 0.0371 Value (QAR) 957,052,047.29 1,318,170,949.06 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3136 QR 0.3199 Trades 9,804 7,967 $ 61.72 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01 Up 00 | Down 43 | Unchanged 00

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 14-12-2014

Precious metals buck trend as oil woes rage through commodities

HE ongoing fall current drivers are considered to in global oil prices be strong enough at this stage to Weekly Commodity Update is still setting the trigger a change in direction. agenda for commodi- While the combination of a ties. During the past weaker dollar and stock market BY OLE S. HANSEN weekT the Bloomberg Commodity have been supporting precious (Head of Commodity Index reached a new five-and-a- metals the energy sector have not Strategy, Saxo Bank) half-year low as selling in the oil found much to cheer about with sector continued. Since the Opec WTI crude oil loosing by double the place with the Russian ruble unchanged meeting on November 27 when digits for a second week running. remaining under sustained sell- during its November meeting. the cartel decided to keep prices Rising production and subsequent ing pressure while in the US the Despite the latest sharp fall in unchanged, the prices of WTI and rising inventories in the US may yield on junk rated energy bonds oil so far none of the two organi- Brent crude oil, the two global begin to trigger a rise in invento- are approaching distressed levels sations are seeing any sizable benchmarks, have now lost close ries at the delivery hub for WTI close to 10 percent above the cur- reduction in US shale oil produc- to 20 percent in value. crude oil at Cushing, Oklahoma. rent treasury yield. Current oil tion as a result the latest sharp Precious metals bucked the If that happens we could see the prices are too low for 10 out of fall in prices. This will obviously negative trend for a second week discount to Brent crude widen OPEC’s 12 members to balance be a concern to many oil produc- they tried to preempt a turna- the first quarter. Shale oil from with silver especially coming back and the oil curve move deeper their budgets according to data ers as supply destruction at a time round. As the sell-off continued Bakken in North Dakota is now from the brink. This both in terms into contango over the coming collected by Bloomberg. of slowing demand growth is the the unwinding of these will have trading below USD 55/bbl at the of absolute performance but also months. What added additional ammu- only available cure right now. caused a considerable amount of well while West Canadian Select relative to gold where it reached The race to the bottom in crude nition to sellers this past week Trying to call a bottom in this additional selling during the past which derives from oil sand is a six week high. The recent rally oil therefore continues and the were downgrades to demand current environment where fear week, not least considering the trading close to USD 40/bbl. in both metals can at this stage only consolation for hard pressed growth from both Opec and the has become a significant driver deterioration of the fundamental Such a sharp deterioration will mostly be considered being a producers which are seeing rev- International Energy Agency. is not easy. What is clear is that outlook. undoubtedly lead to supply reduc- reaction to the profit taking enues tumbling at the moment is Both saw the demand for OPEC the strong negative momentum We continue to look for signs tions sooner rather than later but currently hitting the dollar but that the bigger and faster the fall oil fall to around 28.9 million bar- can only be broken if we start to of a slowdown but we should for now the market has to deal also the weakness seen in stock the sooner we could potentially rels per day. This is more than see signs of supply destruction. probably not expect any sizable with a very strong negative price markets during the past week see a normalisation and price one million barrels below the pro- Hedge funds reduced shorts and reduction for several months, momentum which could driver has lent support. Overall, the recovery. duction target of 30 million bar- added to long positions before thereby leaving prices vulner- the price down even further. question remains whether these Strains are emerging all over rels per day which the cartel left the latest ten percent sell-off as able to further weakness into THE PENINSULA MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Mayweather Khan beats Alexander to wants Pacquiao on May 2 retain welterweight title LOS ANGELES: US boxer Floyd Mayweather says he is willing to fight Manny Pacquiao next May in a blockbuster world Bolton boxer looks forward to a fight with ‘the best’ Mayweather title fight but only if he receives a much bigger share of the LAS VAGAS: Amir Khan in someone else’s parade, the purse. defeated Devon Alexander on a American seemed to obliterate Speaking to Showtime Sports unanimous decision to retain his the Bolton fighter’s chances of on Friday night, Mayweather silver welterweight title in Las securing a multi-million pound said he wants his next fight to Vegas yesterday. payday in May. be against Filipino star Pacquiao, All week the 28-year-old had Kevin Mitchell: Mayweather who is coming off an impressive talked of arriving at boxing’s big- could fight Pacquiao, but now no win over Chris Algieri last month gest stage and making a state- one cares in Macau, China. ment of intent with the world On this evidence, it would be The 37-year-old Mayweather watching. one hell of a fight. (47-0, 26 KOs) said his is ready And at the end of 12 absorbing Khan’s camp know, from pain- to reach out to Pacquiao’s people rounds against Alexander, Khan’s ful prior experience, not to take with the hope that the expected arms were held aloft after all any of the garbage which he richest fight in boxing history can three judges decreed the Briton spurts out as read. be held on May 2. had the won the fight by some If it happens, it will do so. “We want the fight, we distance. Naturally it wouldn’t be on Khan’s are ready,” Mayweather said. Scores of 119 – 109 , 118 - 110 terms; a fight worth £30m would “Let’s make it happen on May 120- 108 in favour of the Bolton see the 28 year-old bank no more 2. Mayweather versus Manny fighter illustrated his complete than £5m. Pacquiao. Let’s do it. dominance at the MGM Grand. This, though, was all about the “I am not ducking or dodg- The fact he connected with 243 two-time world champion ensur- ing any opponent. Bob Arum is punches to his opponent’s 91 bru- ing he is what he and trainer stopping the fight. “I wanted that tally confirmed it. Virgil Hunter say he is: a force to fight a long time ago and I am just Alexander, no slouch by any be reckoned with, a fighter with waiting on them.” means, was utterly schooled in a golden future stretched out in The two were long-time rivals this WBC welterweight title fight. front of him. as the “best pound-for-pound” “We worked hard for this fight. The early, critical, fashion war boxers of their generation, but the I needed to make a statement and was easily won by the Brit. After dream fight has never material- I did that. Devon was a very skill- all, when you’re wearing £20,000 ized to the disappointment of the full fighter. It was a tough fight white leather shorts, how can you boxing world. but I have proved myself at wel- lose? Mayweather did not go into terweight,” said a delighted Khan. He would have known, having financial details but he has “I hadn’t called Floyd heard Keith ‘One time’ Thurman Welterweight boxer Amir Khan (left) of Britain battles with Devon Alexander of the US during a welterweight insisted in the past that he receive Mayweather out with confidence booed out of the MGM following fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday. the majority of the purse, espe- before but now it is different. a tough , yet hardly electric, win cially the lucrative pay-per-view “Virgil Hunter is teaching me over the tough and experienced revenues. In 2012 there was spec- when to attack. I am getting bet- Leonard Bundu. caught Alexander flush with a left into his face. Khan was landing wasn’t afraid of taking the fight ulation that a fight between the ter, wiser, I was moving my feet It was harsh on Thurman, who hook which rocked the American. the bigger blows. He just needed to Khan, whose jab was causing two could lead to the first $200m more and boxing wiser. I have the hadn’t fought for eight months. The Briton was positive and on to keep it going. Encouragingly, all manner of problems for the purse in boxing history with much best jab in the business. But whatever the rights or wrongs the front foot. As the fight wore his movement was ensuring once man in the sparkly red shorts. of that money coming from pay- “I believe Mayweather v Khan of sozzled fans letting their dis- on, the animosity revved up punches were landed, the danger With three rounds remaining, the per-view sales. would be huge. I want to fight the content be known, Khan knew the between the pair. area was quickly vacated. 28-year-old was in control. Some At one point Pacquiao says best and I think I have earned it.” time was now to really deliver on The boy from Bolton’s This was smarter fighting from rapier-like combinations served Mayweather offered him a It certainly would have made the grandest stage of all. speed of foot was keeping him the Brit. The first five rounds to weaken Alexander’s resolve. $40m purse on the condition Khan smile to hear Mayweather He had conceded as much this in Alexander’s gaze. Yet the were his. Alexander, however, There was only going to be one Mayweather would keep the pay- blabbering on the night before week. The raucous howls on his American was standing firm. was demonstrating the kind of result. What happens next will per-view money, which would about his desperation to finally arrival certainly boded well for His ability to do just that was toughness needed when grow- be fascinating. “He was fast and have amounted to more than dou- face Manny Pacquiao. Never one what lay ahead. tested late on in the fourth when ing up on the harsh streets of St I just couldn’t catch him,” mused ble what Pacquiao received after to miss an opportunity to muscle It was a blistering start. Khan a thumping right hand crashed Louis. He wasn’t going away and Alexander. AGENCIES the fight. AFP NHL: Islanders end Chicago’s Curry spurs Warriors to win over Mavericks

NEW YORK: Stephen Curry key players Kevin Garnett, Brook winning run, Ducks down Jets recorded 29 points and eight Lopez and Mirza Teletovic. assists as the Golden State The Hornets (6-17) lost for the NEW YORK: The New York victory. The 3-2 win came in Warriors beat Dallas 105-98 12th time in their last 14. Islanders snapped Chicago’s Cameron’s second game after to pick up their 15th straight Magic 100, Hawks 99 eight-game winning streak after taking over from the fired Paul victory. Tobias Harris hit a 15-foot a power-play goal by Lubomir MacLean. Golden State (20-2) jumped all jumper at the buzzer to lift the Visnovsky in the third period The loss was the fifth in the over Dallas to lead 39-18 after the Orlando Magic to a victory over gave them a 3-2 win over the last six games for the Bruins first quarter. the Atlanta Hawks. Blackhawks. (15-13-2). Monta Ellis had 27 points, five The dramatic Magic (10-16) Islanders goalie Jaroslv Halak Maple Leafs 4, Red Wings 1 assists and three steals for the victory snapped the Hawks’ nine- finished with 23 saves and Richard Panik scored the go- Mavericks (17-8), who also got 23 game winning streak. Scott Darling had 38 for the ahead goal on a breakaway late in points from Dirk Nowitzki. Jeff Teague led the Hawks (16- Blackhawks. the second period as the Toronto Trail Blazers 95, Pacers 85 7) with 24 points and eight assists, Patrick Kane scored his Maple Leafs defeated the Detroit The Northwest Division- in the match. 14th goal of the season for the Red Wings 4-1. leading Portland Trail Blazers Bucks 111, Clippers 106 Blackhawks, who fell to 20-9-1. James van Riemsdyk, Morgan shed the frustrations of a two- The Milwaukee Bucks scored Ducks 4, Jets 1 Rielly and Nazem Kadri also game losing streak in a big way on eight consecutive possessions Ryan Getzlaf scored a goal and scored for Toronto. against the struggling Indiana during a fourth-quarter run added an assist as the Anaheim Capitals 4, Lightning 2 Pacers. then held off a furious comeback Ducks extended their winning Washington Capitals center LaMarcus Aldridge led attempt to beat the Los Angeles streak to seven games with a 4-1 Nicklas Backstrom recorded the Portland with 19 points, and Clippers. AGENCIES victory over the Winnipeg Jets. first regular-season hat trick of Damian Lillard added 18 in the Anaheim (21-6-5) also got his career as the Capitals held Blazers (18-6) win. NBA Results a power-play goal from Jakob off a late rally by the Tampa Bay CJ Watson scored 23 to lead the Golden State 105 Dallas 98 Silfverberg and shorthanded Lightning. Pacers (7-17), who have lost eight goals from Nate Thompson and The win lifted the Capitals games in a row. Brooklyn 114 Charlotte 87 Andrew Cogliano. (14-10-5) to 4-0-1 in their last Nets 114, Hornets 87 Portland 95 Indiana 85 Brian Little scored his team- five games. Joe Johnson scored 22 points Orlando 100 Atlanta 99 leading 12th goal of the season for The loss was the third in four and the hot-shooting Brooklyn Milwaukee 111 LA Clippers 106 Winnipeg (15-10-6). games for the Lightning (19-9- Nets led from start to finish Memphis 120 Philadelphia 115 Senators 3, Bruins 2 3), who got late goals from Tyler en route to a victory over the Houston 108 Denver 96 (shootout) Johnson and Matt Carle before Charlotte Hornets. Detroit 95 Sacramento 90 Bobby Ryan beat Boston’s Capitals center Eric Fehr sealed New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello (right) congratulates The Nets (10-12) won without Tuukka Rask with the decid- it with an empty-netter with 38.1 goaltender Henrik Lundqvist for the win against the Vancouver Canucks ing goal in the shootout to give seconds remaining. at Rogers Arena. The New York Rangers won 5-1. Senators (12-12-5) new coach Flyers 5, Hurricanes 1 Dave Cameron his first NHL Sean Couturier scored less than a minute into the game, and for the Sabres (12-16-2). Goalie goals in regulation for the Blue four other Philadelphia Flyers Jhonas Enroth made 25 saves. Jackets. NHL Results contributed goals in a rout of the Sean Bergenheim, Jimmy Blues 3, Avalanche 2 Ottawa 3 Boston 2 Carolina Hurricanes. Hayes and Jussi Jokinen scored TJ Oshie scored 1:03 into over- Philadelphia 5 Carolina 1 Claude Giroux and Brayden for the Panthers (12-8-8). time and the St. Louis Blues beat Buffalo 4 Florida 3 Schenn each added two assists, Jackets 4, Penguins 3 (SO) the Colorado Avalanche. Toronto 4 Detroit 1 and goaltender Steve Mason Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk NY Islanders 3 Chicago 2 made 25 saves for Philadelphia had 33 saves, not including the had a goal and an assist and (11-13-5), while the Hurricanes winning stop in the shootout, defenseman Alex Pietrangelo also Washington 4 Tampa Bay 2 (8-18-3) lost their fifth straight as the Blue Jackets beat the scored for the Blues, who have Columbus 4 Pittsburgh 3 game. Penguins in a game that featured won four straight. Goaltender Anaheim 4 Winnipeg 1 Sabres 4, Panthers 3 88 penalty minutes. Jake Allen had 23 saves for the Minnesota 4 Arizona 3 Nikita Zadorov scored 29 sec- The Blue Jackets (12-15-2), Blues (20-8-2). Dallas 4 New Jersey 3 onds into overtime to lead the who won only six of their first 22 Rangers 5, Canucks 1 St Louis 3 Colorado 2 Buffalo Sabres to a 4-3 win over games, have now won six in a row Mats Zuccarello had two goals Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates during the NBA Ny Rangers 5 Vancouver 1 the Florida Panthers. in a streak that started on Dec. 1. as the New York Rangers jumped game against Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, Cody Hodgson, Marcus Foligno Nick Folingo, Boone Jenner and out to an early lead and defeated San Jose 2 Nashville 0 in this December 10, 2014 file photo. and Brian Gionta also scored defenseman Jack Johnson scored the Canucks. AGENCIES MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Chalmers wins Australian PGA in marathon play-off That was just phenomenal: Chalmers, Scott left to rue missed chances

GOLD COAST, Australia: before Scott, who was brilliant off Greg Chalmers won the the tee but erratic on the green, Australian PGA Championship three putted from inside 30 feet for the second time yesterday and Chalmers two-putted from after a dramatic three-way twice as far to claim his 10th pro- playoff with Adam Scott and fessional title. Wade Ormsby. “The story of the week - I Chalmers clinched the title didn’t make any putts,” Scott said. when he safely parred the sev- “I had so many looks. When you enth extra hole when Scott three- have putts to win the tournament putted for bogey after the trio had you have to make them.” finished the fourth round tied at Scott and Ormsby had started 11-under-par. the final day in a three-way tie Scott squandered a handful of for the lead with Scott Strange Australian golfer chances to clinch the title with and both shot final rounds of 71 Greg Chalmers Alfred Dunhill his errant putting while Ormsby to join Chalmers at the top of the poses with the missed a routine four-footer on leaderboard. Kirkwood Cup Championship the second extra hole that would Chalmers made eight birdies in after winning the MALELANE, South Africa: have given him the championship. a flawless round that featured two Australian PGA Leading final round scores yes- All the while, Chalmers kept monster putts in excess of 50 feet. Golf Championship terday in the European Tour’s scrambling away. The left-hander The 2011 Australian PGA cham- at Royal Pines shot a flawless final round of pion hit 16 greens in regulation Alfred Dunhill Championship Resort on the Gold played at the par-72 Leopard eight-under-par 64 just to get into and took only 26 putts. Coast, Queensland, the playoff then kept his nerve to Scott, defending the title he Creek Golf Course: yesterday. RIGHT: win the longest ever playoff in an won last year at the Royal Pines 268 Branden Grace (RSA) 62-66-72-68 Chalmers cele- Australasian PGA Tour event. Resort on Queensland’s Gold 275 Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 69-69-68-69 brates a successful “That was just phenomenal. I’m Coast near where he was raised, 277 Andrew Johnston (ENG) 69-67-68-73 worn out,” the 41-year-old said. birdied the par-5 15th to get back putt on the 18th to take the lead during 278 Trevor Fisher (RSA) 73-67-69-69, Danny “I hit it off line, but I don’t to 11-under. Willett (ENG) 66-69-67-76 panic. I did it all week and I did The 2013 Masters champion round four. 279 Francesco Molinari (ITA) 68-65-70-76, it sometimes today, but I have a played the par-5s in 15-under David Drysdale (SCO) 71-68-71-69 short game that I hold in pretty for the tournament but strug- decent regard.” gled with the flat stick, unable to 280 Thomas Pieters (BEL) 71-71-68-70, Tjaart Van der Walt (RSA) 67-67-75-71, Ormsby, who won his first pro- birdie the last three holes in regu- Shaun Norris (RSA) 68-67-73-72 fessional title in India last year, lation and making just one birdie sank a long birdie putt on the in the seven playoff trips down 18. 281 Pedro Oriol (ESP) 70-72-74-65, Justin 18th to get into the playoff but New Zealand’s Michael Hendry Harding (RSA) 71-70-70-70, Richard was eliminated on the third extra closed with a 71 to finish fourth Sterne (RSA) 71-71-67-72 hole after Scott and Chalmers at nine-under, one stroke ahead 282 Espen Kofstad (NOR) 70-72-71-69, both made birdies and he didn’t. of American Scott Stallings (71) Daniel Brooks (ENG) 70-72-71-69 Scott and Chalmers then pro- and two clear of Boo Weekly (74) 283 Morten Madsen (DEN) 70-66-72-75, Jbe ceeded to par the 430 metres (470 of the United States. Kruger (RSA) 68-69-75-71, Danie Van yards) hole three more times REUTERS Tonder (RSA) 70-69-70-74 Westwood beats Kaymer and Grace holds nerve for Leopard Creek title

Fraser to Thailand triumph MALELANE, South Africa: put a new driver in the bag in Branden Grace completed Dubai and that’s been the key BANGKOK: England’s Lee a wire-to-wire win at the this week.” Westwood won the Asian European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Grace swiftly doubled his over- Tour’s $1m Thailand Golf Championship yesterday, closing night advantage when Bjerregaard Championship by one shot yes- with a fine 68 for a commanding bogeyed the first after finding a terday after US Open champion seven-stroke victory. greenside bunker, and Grace bird- Martin Kaymer and third- It was the South African’s fifth ied the second after an excellent round leader Marcus Fraser Lee Westwood European Tour title, the other pitch to tap-in range to pull fur- both faltered at the finish. of England four all coming in a remarkable ther clear. Westwood bogeyed his opening poses with the 2012 season. A birdie from five feet at the two holes but then reeled off seven trophy after Grace had been five clear of fourth was followed by a gutsy par birdies in a blistering 10 hole winning the the field at the halfway stage at save from sand at the short fifth, spell from the sixth to complete Thailand Golf Leopard Creek Golf Course after but Bjerregaard up-and-down a superb five-under-par round of Championship following a sparkling opening 62 for birdie at the driveable sixth 67 for an eight-under total of 280 at Amata Spring with a round of 66. to close to within three. and the clubhouse lead. However, a third round 72 However, the 23-year-old Dane Country Club, He then watched as Australian put him at 16 under par with was dealt a major setback at the Chonburi prov- Fraser, playing on a sponsors little-known Dane Lucas short seventh when he found the invite after missing most of the ince, Thailand, Bjerregaard closing to within water and ran up a triple bogey year because of a wrist problem, yesterday. one of the lead. six, and his afternoon unravelled blew the opportunity to force The door was open but no-one from that point as he took 50 a playoff by making a bogey at was able to step through it as shots on the back nine to tumble the par four last to drop back to Grace romped away to a 20 under down the leaderboard. seven-under. total and comprehensive seven Grace failed to get up-and- Westwood’s Ryder Cup- stroke margin of victory over down at the seventh and spo- winning team mate Kaymer also compatriot Louis Oosthuizen. radically came under pressure came unstuck on the tricky clos- Last year’s Challenge Tour from Oosthuizen, Willett and ing holes at the Amata Spring ahead of India’s Anirban Lahiri then parred the closing holes as Lahiri and Fraser were com- Number One Andrew Johnston Johnston. Country Club, the German mak- (73) and two clear of the former his rivals faltered. forted by booking spots in next was third on 11 under, with The 26-year-old kept them ing his only bogey of the day on world number ones as he went in Lahiri endured a mixed round year’s British Open with their Nedbank Challenge winner Danny at arm’s length by getting up- the penultimate, island green 17th search of his first Tour title in of seven birdies, four bogeys and strong finishes in Thailand. Willett and Trevor Fisher Junior and-down at the driveable 11th to finish tied with Fraser. over four years. two double bogeys as he finished “That would put some balm on tied for fourth a whopping ten for birdie and two-putting the “This is my last event of the Five birdies in his opening 11 the tournament in a share of sixth my wounds. I’ve had a great year shots behind the winner. long 13th and 15th for further year and it’s nice to finish with holes stretched that lead to three to end his bid to become Asian and I have a lot to look forward Grace said it had been a “phe- gains. a win and go into Christmas and as Lahiri fell away but Westwood Tour’s Order of Merit winner. to,” the Indian said. Australian nomenal week.” A poor bunker shot at the start the New Year with confi- and Kaymer closed the gap with That prize went to American Scott Hend, who finished four “It’s been a long year, a hard, 16th led to bogey, but nearest dence,” the 41-year-old Westwood birdies after the Australian tossed David Lipsky, who has an unas- back of Westwood in fifth, and year but now it’s a fairytale end- challenger Willett dropped six told reporters after his 41st in a bogey at the 12th. sailable lead in the standings over American Jonathan Moore, who ing just before Christmas,” Grace shots in the last three holes and career victory and second Thai Westwood made his seventh the Indian with only the season was tied sixth alongside Lahiri, said. Oosthuizen found water at the Golf Championship. birdie of the day at 15 to leave ending Dubai Open to come next took the other two places on offer “One of the main things this last to alleviate any lingering Fraser had started the day one the trio tied at eight under and week. for St Andrews. REUTERS week has been the driving; I just pressure. AFP Day-Tringale hold on to win Franklin Templeton

NAPLES, : Jason Day and putts,” Day said about Tringale. “I thought it was in. It was hard off the green. At the same time Cameron Tringale overcame a Day made 25-foot birdies putts looking at the sun, I wasn’t sure Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly slow start Saturday to win the on Nos. 10 and 12. on the depth where the hole was birdied eight of nine holes, Day Franklin Templeton Shootout “Once I holed that putt, we but it had a great line and pretty and Tringale went birdieless on by a shot. started very well on the back good pace as well.” seven of their first eight holes, as Jason Day Day and Tringale shot a nine,” Day said. English then hit his approach did Graeme McDowell and Gary and Cameron 7-under 65 in the better-ball Day and Tringale opened with shot 2 feet from the cup on No. 18 Woodland, who came into the day Tringale with final round to finish at 32 under a 55 on Thursday in the scramble “Just take dead aim, that’s what in second place. the Franklin at Tiburon Golf Club. They each round and shot a 64 on Friday in I did,” he said. Three hours into the tourna- Templeton earned $335,000. modified alternate-shot play. The teams of Billy Horschel- ment, there was a three-way Shootout Leading by three shots going Matt Kuchar and Harris Ian Poulter and Keegan Bradley- tie at 25-under with nine teams trophy. into the final round, they had just English, the 2013 winners, fin- Camilo Villegas tied for third at within three shots. An hour later, one birdie in the first eight holes ished second after a 62. Kuchar 29 under. six players were within a shot of before closing with six in their just missed an eagle chip on No. Yesterday’s action included the lead. With birdies from Nos. last nine. 17. momentum swings, numerous ties 9-13, Day and Tringale regained “He hit a lot of good, clutch “It came awfully close,” he said. for the lead and memorable shots control. MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Rally season to kick off in Doha Qatar leg set for February; Al Attiyah vows excellent start to 2015 championship

DOHA: The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation 2015 FIA Middle (QMMF) Qatar International Rally, to be staged from East Rally February 5 to 7 in Doha, will kick start an exciting new sea- Championship son of FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) action. Calendar The rally will be organised by the QMMF, under the presidency February 5-7: QMMF Qatar International Rally of Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah, also March 12-14: Kuwait International Rally This February the FIA Vice-President, for Sport 2014 file MENA. May 6-8: Iran International Rally picture shows The championship has been September 4-6: Rally of Lebanon Nasser Saleh Al expanded to eight rounds in 2015 Attiyah (centre) and the traditional Doha opener September 25-27: Cyprus Rally and Giovanni precedes a visit to Kuwait in October 15-17: Jordan Rally Bernacchini (left) March and a rally in Iran in May, along with the making its first ever appearance November 5-7: Oman International Rally QMMF President in the regional series. November 27-29: Dubai International Rally Nasser Khalifa After the summer break, Al Attiyah at the action will resume with events start of the 2014 in Lebanon and Cyprus in The QMMF Qatar September and a switch to the International Rally gets under QMMF Qatar autumn month of October for the way with a ceremonial start on International Jordan International Rally. February 5, before two days of Rally. The Sultanate of Oman returns competitive action over desert to the calendar for the first special stages on February 6 and time since 2007 at the start of 7. November and the season ends The QMMF’s Marwan with the traditional visit to Dubai. Musabeh will work as clerk of the “I am delighted that we have course and will be assisted by his been able to extend the FIA newly appointed assistant clerk of Middle East Rally Championship the course Hani Shaban. from six to eight rounds with two Portugal’s experienced Pedro top class new events in the calen- Almeida joins the team as a dar,” enthused Al Attiyah. consultant, having worked for “A lot of effort has been put many years on the WRC round Rally, which ran as a candidate and worked throughout 2014 to the Qatari will be chasing a 12th international entrants taking in by many people behind the in Portugal and, latterly, with the event for the MERC for the first ready these events for inclusion victory on the Qatar International part in the opening round of the scenes to get the new events off QMMF on the Sealine Cross- time in 2000 and joined the series in the 2015 calendar. Rally in the last 13 years and his MERC. the ground and I am sure that Country Rally. the following year. It may be recalled that Nasser 55th career MERC win when he Teams will be offered five our home event in Qatar will get Syrian Shaban was an integral More recently, Shaban has been Saleh Al Attiyah confirmed his will start in February. nights’ free accommodation for the new season off to an excellent member of the successful team a senior organiser at the new 10th regional championship win The QMMF is offering a gen- driver and co-driver at Century start.” behind the Syrian International MERC rallies in Iran and Oman after the recent rally in Dubai and erous assistance package to Hotel. THE PENINSULA Inagaki sets new lap record to capture crucial pole at Losail

DOHA: Akeno Speed Racing’s Racing Championship at the Makoto Inagaki powered to a Qualifying Results Losail International Circuit fantastic pole position in a hard- SuperSports 600cc in Qatar. The Kawasaki KYT fought qualifying session for the Rextor Manual Tech rider will final round of the Petronas Asia 1.Makoto Inagaki (Yamaha) 2’04.646s 2.Yuki Ito (Yamaha) 2’04.727s 3.Zamri Baba (Honda) start from front row alongside Road Racing Championship at 2’04.851s 4.Zaqhwan Zaidi (Honda) 2’04.958s 5.Yudhistira (Kawasaki) 2’04.958s Indonesian compatriot, Ferlando the Losail International Circuit Underbone 130cc Herdian (Faito Factory Racing) in Doha yesterday. and Kazuki Masaki (Team Honda 1.Gupita Kresna (Kawasaki) 2’31.713s 2.Ferlando Herdian (Yamaha) 2’32.192s 3.Kazuki Masaki The seasoned contender RSC). (Honda) 2’33.097s 4.Norizman Ismail (Honda) 2’33.188s 5.Izzat Zaidi Salehan (Yamaha) 2’33.518s shocked rivals to steal pole in the Yesterday’s Asia Dream Cup last five minutes of the qualify- Asia Dream Cup qualifying at the final leg of the ing session with a record lap time 1.Khairul Idham Pawi (MAS) 2’31.444s 2.Aditya Pangestu (INA) 2’32.769s 3.Koko Masaharu (JPN) 2014 PETRONAS Asia Road of 2’04.646s replacing the previ- 2’33.120s 4.Harith Farhan Baharin (MAS) 2’33.256s 5.Teppei Nagoe (JPN) 2’33.314 Racing Championship saw ous 2’05.379s benchmark set by Malaysian, Khairul Idham Pawi reigning champion, Azlan Shah championship leader, Katsuaki “It’s great satisfaction to finally secure pole with Aditya Pangestu Kamaruzaman last season. Fujiwara (BEET Kawasaki obtain pole – quite unexpected and Koko Masaharu securing Lining alongside Inagaki are Racing) with 2’05.186s. too,” said Inagaki. front row slots. Khairul who had SuperSports 600cc title candi- Makoto Tamada would be the “We have been through some secured the overall title in the dates Yuki Ito (Petronas Hong last of the riders to break last difficult times over the past few previous round claimed his fifth Leong Yamaha) and Zamri Baba season’s qualifying lap record. seasons and to finally improve pole for the season after Sepang, (Musashi Boon Siew Honda) He will take off from third row feels good.,” he added. Indonesia, Suzuka and Thailand with 2’04.727s and 2’04.743s having clocked his best lap time Meanwhile, underbone 130cc with 2’31.444s in his 13th lap respectively. at 2’05.324s alongside Jakkrit leader, Gupita Kresna returned around the floodlit desert circuit. Akeno Speed Racing’s Makoto Inagaki in action during the qualifying Second row is made up of Swangswat (AP Honda Thailand) from a low-key run in Friday’s Indonesia’s Aditya came in session of the Petronas Asia Road Racing Championship at the Losail Zaqhwan Zaidi 2’04.851s followed and Tomoyoshi Koyama (T.Pro opening practice to seize pole second with 2’32.769s followed International Circuit in Doha, yesterday. by Yudhistira (Manual Tech KYT Yuzy Honda) with 2’05.391s and position for the final round of by Japan’s Koko Masaharu with Kawasaki Racing) 2’04.958s and 2’05.450s respectively. the 2014 Petronas Asia Road 2’33.120s. THE PENINSULA

Italy’s Premeir Bekele sets sights on marathon gold in Rio to announce DUBAI: Kenenisa Bekele, clocking 2:05:03 in April, while whether men could go below two world record holder over 5,000 a time 48 seconds slower at hours. Bekele doubts it -- at least Rome 2024 bid and 10,000 metres, is aim- October’s Chicago Marathon by today’s athletes. “I don’t think ing for Marathon gold at the placed him fourth behind Kenyan human beings can do that, but ROME: Italy’s Prime Minister 2016 Olympics, although the trio Eliud Kipchoge, Sammy maybe a new generation in the Matteo Renzi is set to announce Ethiopian yesterday said he Kitwara and Dickson Chumba. future... maybe in 10 years,” added Ethiopia’s Rome’s candidacy to host the could yet switch back to a He said he aims to run the Bekele. Kenenisa 2024 Olympic Games, according shorter distance at the Rio de marathon at the Rio Olympics in Kenya’s Dennis Kimetto is Bekele (left) to media reports, yesterday. Janeiro games. 2016, but would see how he fares the current world record holder, celebrates Renzi is expected to make the He may not be a household over the distance before com- finishing September’s Berlin after winning announcement today at the head- name like compatriot Haile pletely ruling out a return to the Marathon in 2:02:57. ahead of quarters of the Italian Olympic Gebrselassie or Britain’s Mo 10,000 metres, a title he won in Meanwhile, allegations of wide- Britain’s Mo Committee (CONI). Farah, but the softly spoken 2004 and 2008. spread doping and cover-ups in Farah on the Pledging to “talk about our Bekele is one of athletics’ true January’s Dubai Marathon will athletics are as damaging as finish line dreams for Italy”, the Democratic greats, with three Olympic golds be his third 26-miler. “I want to the cases involving Ben Johnson of the Great Party leader told RTL radio: “Keep and more than a dozen world run for the record, but I don’t and Marion Jones, according North Run the date, December 15, 2014. titles to his name. think I can make that on my third to International Association of half marathon “If we manage to get the Inland Yet for all the accolades, the marathon - it’s very tough,” said Athletics Federation (IAAF) in South Revenue and the Civil Service 32-year-old’s determination Bekele. Vice-President Sebastian Coe. behind us we can easily host the Shields, near remains undimmed and he wants “Dubai is a flat course and This month German broad- Olympic Games. Why should we Newcastle to make a similar mark on the there’s a possibility to run a fast caster ARD made claims of sys- be afraid of them?” marathon. time, but the weather is a little tematic doping in Russia and also in northeast The announcement would come “There’s nothing left for me bit hot.” alleged that the IAAF covered up England, nearly three years after former over 5,000 and 10,000 metres, so Unlike stadium-based races, or did not investigate a number of in this Italy Prime Minister Mario Monti the marathon is very important marathon courses can differ positive blood tests or blood-level September withdrew the Italian capital’s bid for my career -- it’s a new chal- greatly and it was only in 2003 anomalies from athletes from 2013 file for the 2020 Games, which were lenge,” said Bekele in Dubai. that athletics’ governing body rat- various nations. photo. eventually awarded to Tokyo. “The marathon is a different ified a world record, rather than The Russian Athletics Amid an economic crisis that race – you have to run a steady a world best for the event. Federation chief Valentin is ongoing, Monti said in 2012 “it pace from the beginning.” Bekele Almost two minutes have Balakhnichev has denounced would not be responsible in the broke the Paris Marathon record been shaved off the record since the allegations as ‘a pack of lies’. current conditions in Italy to take on his debut over the distance, then, begging the question as to REUTERS on these guarantees”. AFP MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT QCA to mark National Day with cricket tourney

DOHA: The Qatar Cricket added. Manzoor Ahmad, the QCA Association (QCA), function- General Secretary, said in the ing under the Patronage of the release that the tournament set Qatar Olympic Committee, will new traditions in the past and is contribute its bit to nation-wide aimed at getting various commu- grand celebration by hosting nities united and closer through the Qatar National Day Cricket the sport. Tournament on December 18. “The five contesting teams Showcasing the theme of this involve the Qatari community, QCA officials and year’s celebrations, honesty and expatriates from India, Pakistan, players pose with loyalty to Qatar, the QCA has Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. We’ve the participating invited five teams from differ- witnessed some highly competi- teams’ jerseys for ent communities for the one-day tive matches and we expect the the National Day event, to be held at the West Bay level would be even higher this cricket tournament, Cricket Complex. year.” to be played on Like the previous years, the “The matches would be played December 18 at the QCA is both proud and delighted on the league cum knock-out West Bay Cricket to join the upcoming celebra- basis. First, all the teams would tions once again and will organize play the single round-robin and Complex in Doha. the Qatar National Day Cricket then, the two teams with the Tournament on December 18. highest points would play the “We hope that the new edi- final,” said Manzoor. tion, with five teams from various Participating teams and players communities, will not only bring may contact Tournament Chief a huge success but also underline Organiser, Jamshaid Ahmad, at our commitment to the nation cell number 6694 9928 for more and sport,” MA Shahid, President details. THE PENINSULA Clarke’s injury gives Shehzad, Afridi shine selectors headache

ADELAIDE: With Michael surgery while Siddle was battling Clarke already ruled out indefi- a stomach bug. “We will see how nitely because of a hamstring they pull up. If they are 100 per injury, Australia’s selectors face cent they will play,” Lehmann told as Pakistan crush NZ some tricky decisions for the reporters. “A couple of them are second Test against India. sore but the next day or two will Australia lead the four-match tell.” Hosts take 2-1 lead in ODI series with 147-run victory series 1-0 after their nailbiting Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell 48-run win at Adelaide Oval on Starc loom as the most likely to Saturday but with the second get a call-up if the Australian SHARJAH: Opener Ahmed one-day hundred – was spiced match starting in Brisbane on selectors do want some fresh legs. Shehzad hit a swashbuckling with a dozen boundaries and two Wednesday, the makeup of the Opener Chris Rogers is also hundred and Shahid Afridi sixes while Afridi pulverised the team remains uncertain. under the microscope after a lean made a fiery 55 and took three bowlers with three sixes and six Shaun Marsh has already been run with the bat. wickets to lead Pakistan to a boundaries off just 25 balls, in his added to the squad to fill Clarke’s While his opening partner crushing 147-run win over New knock. place in the batting lineup while David Warner has piled on six Zealand in the third one-dayer It proved too much for New wicketkeeper Brad Haddin is the centuries from his last 11 innings, in Sharjah yesterday. Zealand who were jolted right Pakistani overwhelming favourite to take including twin hundreds in Shehzad’s 120-ball 113 cre- at the start with lanky paceman captain Shahid over the captaincy, considered Adelaide, Rogers has only made it ated the foundation of Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan (2-26) dismiss- Afridi (right) one of the greatest honours in past 50 once in his last 12 knocks. biggest-ever total against New ing Anton Devcich (nought) and celebrates Australian sport. “He has put on some really Zealand of 364-7 before they dis- Martin Guptill (12) by the sixth with team- But with only a few days good partnerships with David missed the Black Caps for 217 in over. mate Asad between matches, the biggest Warner over the last 18 months 38.2 overs to go 2-1 up in the five- Captain Kane Williamson Shafiq after dilemma facing the selectors is and been a great foil behind the match series. hit 46 while Ross Taylor made taking the the bowling lineup. scenes,” Lehmann said of Rogers. Pakistan won the first game by 31 during a stand of 45 for the catch of Nathan Lyon is all but assured “So we are really pleased where three wickets in Dubai while New third wicket but Afridi (3-37) had New Zealand of retaining his place as the spe- he’s at (but) we’d obviously like Zealand took the second match Taylor bowled while Haris Sohail batsman cialist spinner after capturing a him to make some more runs by four wickets, also played in dismissed the New Zealand skip- Martin Guptill career-best 12 wickets in Adelaide though.” Sharjah. per to leave them struggling at but the pace attack could come Clarke, who has been plagued during the The win was Pakistan’s second 115-4. under review. by back and hamstring prob- third ODI at biggest win against New Zealand, Sohail also had Jimmy Neesham The Australian coach Darren lems for the past year, expects to just behind their 153-run win at (two) and Nathan McCullum (15) the Sharjah Lehmann said he wanted to miss the entire series. He even Karachi in 2002. to finish with 3-45. Cricket check on the fitness of his seam- flagged the possibility he might “It is our strength to play Luke Ronchi was the last man Stadium ers before deciding on his lineup. never play again though Lehmann aggressive cricket,” said Afridi. out, bowled by Afridi for 41. in Sharjah The most concern centres was optimistic.“I think he will be “We played our type of cricket “Pakistan batted outstandingly yesterday. around Ryan Harris and Peter back,” Lehmann said. “You have and took advantage of a good bat- from start to finish and when we Siddle. Harris was playing his your fingers crossed, we will wait ting wicket. chased we were not at par,” said first test since undergoing knee and see.” REUTERS “Ahmed (Shehzad) played a Williamson. good knock and gave us an ideal The 23-year-old Shehzad, who Qatar’s women cricket team off to Oman start,” said Afridi of man-of-the- has scored hundreds in all three match Shehzad. formats this year, built invalu- Shehzad’s knock – his sixth able partnerships after giving

Pakistan a brisk start of 63 with stand for the fifth wicket off just Scoreboard Mohammad Hafeez who made a 45 balls. Sohail hit five boundaries PAKISTAN NEW ZEALAND 26-ball 33 with five fours and a and a six. Mohd Hafeez c Ronchi b Anderson ...... 33 M Guptill c Afridi b Irfan ...... 12 six. Afridi’s whirlwind knock helped Ahmed Shehzad c Williamson b Henry ...... 113 A Devcich c Ahmed b Irfan ...... 0 Shehzad added another 70 for Pakistan collect 125 runs in the Younis Khan c Anderson b McCullum ...... 35 K Williamson c&b Sohail ...... 46 the second wicket with Younis last ten overs. Sarfraz Ahmed Asad Shafiq b Henry ...... 23 R Taylor b Afridi ...... 31 Khan (35) and 77 for the third chipped in with 30 not out off 14 Shahid Afridi c Williamson b McClenaghan . 55 T Latham c Riaz b Shehzad ...... 34 with Asad Shafiq (23). balls. Haris Sohail c Williamson b Henry ...... 39 C Anderson c Afridi b Riaz ...... 19 His innings helped Pakistan Ironically, New Zealand had Umar Akmal (run out) ...... 0 L Ronchi b Afridi ...... 41 overcome the loss of regular skip- scored the previous highest total Sarfraz Ahmed (not out) ...... 30 J Neesham c Riaz b Sohail ...... 2 per Misbah-ul Haq, who has been of 338-4 at this ground against Sohail Tanvir (not out) ...... 17 N McCullum c Younis b Sohail ...... 15 ruled out of the series due to a Bangladesh in 1990. Extras (LB-5, NB-3, W-11) ...... 19 M Henry b Afridi ...... 1 hamstring injury sustained in the Anderson’s ten overs cost 96 Total (for 7 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 364 M McClenaghan (not out) ...... 6 second match. runs as the Kiwi bowlers were hit Did not bat: Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan. Extras (LB-5, W-5) ...... 10 Shehzad finally holed out in the to all corners of the park. 37th over as paceman Matt Henry Misbah was replaced by Umar Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-133, 3-210, 4-210, Total (all out in 38.2 overs) ...... 217 The Qatar women cricket team’s players and officials pose for a group 5-299, 6-300, 7-313. Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-21, 3-66, 4-115, also removed Shafiq with the very Akmal while New Zealand next ball. brought in McCullum, Neesham picture ahead of their departure for the GCC Twenty20 tournament, Bowling: Henry 9-0-69-3 (2nb,3w); McClena- 5-139, 6-158, 7-162, 8-196, 9-200, 10- 217. starting in Oman this week. Qatar will take on the hosts today in the ghan 10-0-69-1 (1w); Anderson 10-0-96-1 Bowling: Tanvir 5-0-20-0 (2w); Irfan 6-0-26-2 Stand-in skipper Afridi and and Guptill. opening match of the tournament. Kuwait and UAE are also taking part (3w); Neesham 10-0-70-0 (1nb, 1w); McCul- (2w); Riaz 8-0-62-1 (1w); Afridi 9.2-0-37-3; Sohail (28-ball 39) ensured The fourth and fifth matches in the event that will conclude on December 19. lum 10-0-49-1 (1w); Devcich 1-0-6-0 Sohail 7-0-45-3; Shehzad 3-0-22-1. Pakistan did not lose sight of a will be played in Abu Dhabi on big total with a brilliant 89-run Wednesday and Friday. AFP

LEFT TO RIGHT: Germany’s Germany beat Pakistan in final captain Moritz Furste, BHUBANESWAR: Olympic banned for the final and one rep- German captain Moritz Furste, on Saturday after being pestered goalkeeper field hockey gold-medallists rimanded by the International one of only two surviving mem- by Indian reporters about the Nicolas Germany added the Champions Hockey Federation for making bers of the triumphant 2007 squad behaviour of his players, praised Jacobi and Trophy yesterday with a 2-0 obscene gestures at the crowd along with Tobias Hauke, said he his team after the final. Florian Fuchs victory over spirited Pakistan in after their 4-3 win over hosts was delighted at the progress of “I am proud of my boys,” the pose with the the final in Bhubaneswar. India in Saturday’s semi-final. his young team. former international said. “After trophy after Chris Wesley opened the scor- But the South Asians, looking “They came here to learn what a tough year both on and off the winning the ing in the 18th minute following for their first major world title top-level hockey is all about, field, we did well to reach the 2014 Men’s a penalty corner before Florian since 1994, kept the rampaging so this is an absolutely bril- final.” Fuchs banged in the second goal Germans at bay for a major part liant result,” said Furste, who Finishing third were Australia, Hockey three minutes before the final of the 60-minute match played was named the player of the who came into the tournament Champions whistle. under floodlights. tournament. as five-time defending champions. Trophy final Some 7,000 Indian fans at the The closest Pakistan came to “Ours was a good mix of youth They defeated India 2-1 for the against Kalinga stadium cheered wildly scoring was early in the fourth and experience and I think we bronze medal. Pakistan, in as the young Germans, with seven quarter when a loose ball from played really well in the knock- In the day’s other matches, Bhubaneswar, junior World Cup winners from the left caught the Germans on out matches.” the Netherlands took fifth place India, 2013 in their side, won back the the wrong foot, but Muhammad Pakistan coach Shahnaz after beating Argentina 4-1 and yesterday. Champions title they took in 2007. Bhutta was unable to slot the ball Sheikh, who had walked out of England nudged ahead of Belgium Pakistan had two players in. the post-match press conference 3-2 to finish seventh. AFP MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 European Roma close gap on Juve giants await last 16 draw Gabbiadini hands point to Sampordia in 1-1 draw with Juventus PARIS: Holders Real Madrid and Premier League trio MILAN: A superb scissor-kick a fine curling drive. Juventus Chelsea, Manchester City and from Radja Nainggolan helped Italian League coach Massimiliano Allegri, who Arsenal are among the teams secure the points as Roma Results left Andrea Pirlo on the bench anxiously awaiting the out- closed the gap on Serie A lead- throughout, was left lamenting come of yesterday’s Champions MILAN: Italian league results yesterday: ers Juventus to just a point the series of chances the hosts League last 16 draw in Nyon. yesterday after a 1-0 defeat of Juventus 1 (Evra 12) Sampdoria 1 spurned in a one-sided first half. Real and Chelsea are in the 10-man Genoa. (Gabbiadini 51) “We played well for 55 minutes, seeded pot, along with fellow Gian Piero Gasperini’s high- Genoa 0 Roma 1 (Nainggolan 40) but in the opening half hour we group round winners Atletico flyers welcomed Roma looking Parma 0 Cagliari 0 just couldn’t take the chances we Madrid, Monaco, Borussia for their seventh win in 10 games Udinese 1 (Di Natale 31) Verona 2 (Toni created,” said Allegri. Dortmund, Bayern Munich, but the visitors were given a huge 45+1, Christodoulopoulos 46) “The team did everything they Barcelona and Porto. incentive after Sampdoria held Played on Saturday could but we knew it was going Arsenal and Manchester City, Juventus to a 1-1 draw in Turin. to a difficult game. Unfortunately, as runners-up in their respective Palermo 2 (Rigoni 3, Belotti 90+3) Sassuolo Roma were given a boost on the we just didn’t finish if off when we groups, are among the eight non- 1 (Pavoletti 85) half hour when goalkeeper Matti had the chance.” seeded sides along with Juventus, Perin was issued a straight red Lazio 3 (Mauri 51, 71, Lulic 81) Atalanta 0 Sampdoria coach Sinisa Basel, Bayer Leverkusen, Paris card for a challenge on Nainggolan Today’s Fixtures Mihajlovic called for “eleven war- Saint-Germain, Schalke 04 and as the Belgian international tried Empoli vs Torino (1800), Chievo vs Inter riors” on the pitch at Juventus Shakhtar Donetsk. to round him to the left of goal. Milan (2000) Stadium, but his side looked lost Chelsea, the 2012 winners, Although replacement Eugenio in an opening half. sailed into the knockout stages Lamanna did well to stop Adem Christodoulopoulos’s winner. “For the opening half hour we unbeaten in Group G, with a tour- Ljajic’s resulting spot-kick, Antonio Di Natale scored his suffered. I didn’t expect my play- nament record of 17 goals. Roma’s advantage would eventu- 201st Serie A goal for Udinese to ers to have so much fear,” said Their potential last 16 rivals ally tell. close to within four of Roberto Mihajlovic. include the equally wealthy Nainggolan found himself in Baggio’s 205-goal tally. But Samp were handed a life- Qatari-backed French champi- plenty of space five minutes before Parma picked up a precious line after Gabbiadini came off the ons, Paris Saint-Germain, featur- half-time and produced a fine point from their first draw of bench to level six minutes after ing the mighty Swedish striker piece of mid-air wizardry to fire the season at home to Cagliari, the restart. Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Maicon’s delivery past a helpless although Roberto Donadoni’s men Gabbiadini finished off a nice The two sides met at the Lamanna. remain rooted to the foot of the Samp build-up by collecting quarter-final stage last year with The result has given a huge table. Earlier, Manolo Gabbiadini Eder’s pass on the right edge of Chelsea going through on away boost to Rudi Garcia’s men only struck in the second half to put the area and beating Buffon with goals. days after their failure to reach the brakes on Juventus’s title a curling drive at the ‘keeper’s far When quizzed about the draw the last 16 of the Champions charge as Sampdoria grabbed a post. last week, the London club’s man- League following a 2-0 home 1-1 draw in Turin. “He (Gabbiadini) has to have ager Jose Mourinho gave a typi- defeat to Manchester City. Frenchman Patrice Evra gave more courage and be a bit more cally unfazed response Juventus secured their ticket the Italian champions a half-time daring,” added Mihajlovic. “I like swimming with sharks for the competition’s knock- lead when he headed home from a “He hasn’t shown that in train- -- in a cage! I did it in French out phase but their endeavours corner in the 12th minute to score ing so I started him on the bench. Polynesia. I didn’t want to do it, in Europe will be welcomed by his first goal for the club. He is a nice lad, but everyone has but my wife and kids pushed me,” Roma, who are now free to focus However Sampdoria, who to show they deserve their place.” he said. on their main objective of winning handed Juventus their last home Lazio sit in third place, nine “The draw is the draw. We have a first scudetto since 2001. defeat, in January 2013, were back points adrift of Roma, follow- five possible opponents. Elsewhere, Luca Toni scored on level terms six minutes after ing a 3-0 win over Atalanta on Roma’s Radja Nainggolan jubilates after scoring the 0-1 during the “I think Paris would be good his 300th career goal as Verona the restart after Italy striker Saturday although Sampdoria, Italian Serie A match against Genoa CFC at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium because it is easy to travel for us claimed a precious 2-1 away win Gabbiadini came off the bench in fourth, and fifth-placed Genoa in Genoa, Italy, yesterday. and the fans. But we can’t decide. at Udinese thanks to Lazaros to beat Gianluigi Buffon with also have 26 points. AFP “Everyone is hard. You think Basel is easy? We lost twice to them last year and they Pellegrini beat Liverpool this season and Manchester United a few years wants Lampard SPL: Celtic extend lead ago. “Leverkusen is a German team, to stay at City GLASGOW: Celtic extended Scottish Kelly pounced to send his shot in Shakhtar? I don’t think there is their lead at the top of the off the post. St Mirren weren’t an easy team at this moment.” Scottish Premiership to Premiership level for long as Forrest restored Unlike Chelsea, English cham- LONDON: Manchester City six points with a comfort- Celtic’s advantage in the 15th pions City only secured their last GLASGOW: Scottish Premiership result manager Manuel Pellegrini able 4-1 victory over St Mirren minute. Guidetti showed great 16 ticket as Bayern’s Group E yesterday: wants to extend Frank yesterday. skill to control a cross before slip- bridesmaids when beating Roma Celtic 4 (Brown 4, 18, Forrest 15, Stokes Lampard’s (pictured) loan Four of the goals came in a ping a reverse pass into Forrest’s at the Stadio Olimpico last week. 67) St Mirren 1 (Kelly 10) spell with the Premier League frantic opening 20 minutes with path for the winger to slam an Four-time winners Barcelona, champions. Kenny McLean passing up a Played on Saturday angled shot beyond Marc Ridgers. who brushed City aside 4-1 on Lampard, who was released by chance for St Mirren before Scott Dundee Utd 0 Aberdeen 2 (Rooney 19, 33) Forrest turned provider three aggregate in last season’s last 16, Chelsea at the end of last season, Brown got Celtic’s opener in the Hamilton 2 (Andreu 3, Antoine-Curier 14) minutes later as he cut the ball pipped PSG to top spot in Group has made a positive impression fourth minute. Dundee 1 (Stewart 61) back to Brown for the midfielder F. after joining Pellegrini’s side on a Sean Kelly levelled matters Inverness CT 0 Partick 4 (Stevenson 12, 40, to sidefoot home his second of the “It is a disadvantage to fin- short-term loan from sister club in the 10th minute before James Fraser 49, Balatoni 56) match. ish second,” reflected PSG coach New York City. Forrest had Celtic in front again Kilmarnock 0 St Johnstone 1 (Graham 82) Stokes thought he had added Laurent Blanc. That arrangement is due to and Brown’s second of the match a fourth for Celtic in the 51st “In a group with Barcelona, you Motherwell 2 (Sutton 53, Ojamaa 59) Ross expire at the end of December gave the hosts some breathing minute when he stuck out a foot can expect to be in a real battle County 2 (Dingwall 45+1, 90) with the plan for the 36-year- “Before December finishes space. to divert Johansen’s shot into the to finish first. We couldn’t do it, old then to report to New York we will have a decision but, as I Celtic spurned a number of St Mirren’s positive start came net but the striker had strayed and now we impatiently await the for pre-season training ahead of repeat, I think Frank is a very chances to add to the advantage unstuck a cross from Stokes was offside.The Irish striker was then draw.” the new club’s first Major League important player for us and I hope before Anthony Stokes slammed diverted into Brown’s path by a St close with a curling free-kick Arsenal are appearing in their Soccer campaign. we will not have any problems for home a fourth in the 67th minute. Mirren defender and the captain from 20 yards before he turned 15th consecutive last 16 draw. But Lampard’s form has raised him to stay here,” Pellegrini said The win is Celtic’s eighth in a rifled home a shot from the edge provider for Johansen only for “That, I believe, is an achieve- the possibility of the loan being on Friday. row in the league as they showed of the penalty area. Ridgers to get down low to block ment,” said Gunners’ boss Arsene extended and, with fellow mid- “But I cannot say just from one no hangover from their midweek The Buddies responded per- the Norwegian’s effort. Wenger after his side took second fielder Yaya Toure set to play at side what will happen with him. Europa League defeat and leaves fectly and had the ball in the Stefan Scepovic replaced the in Group D behind Dortmund. the African Cup of Nations from “He has a loan just until the managerless St Mirren firmly net in the eighth minute when injured John Guidetti on the hour Basel ruined Liverpool’s January, that would especially end of December and there is rooted to the foot of the table. McLean converted McGinn’s pass mark and almost made an instant Champions League ambitions benefit City. another club involved. The MLS Forrest was one of four changes but the St Mirren man’s joy soon impact with his first touch a dip- when finishing ahead of the Pellegrini, from his point of is involved also. There are a lot of for Celtic and he nearly gifted St faded when he realised he had ping volley from 30 yards that had Anfield side as runners-up in view, wants Lampard to stay in parties with an arrangement. It’s Mirren an opener in the first been flagged for offside. Ridgers scrambling to stop on the Group B behind ten-time kings Manchester but he is also aware not just depending on one opinion. minute. The winger cheaply gave The visitors weren’t to be line. The impressive Stokes finally of Europe, Real. of the bigger picture concerning “But I hope we can have a deci- away possession to John McGinn denied two minutes later when got his name on the scoresheet The last 16 first leg games are City’s bold project in the MLS sion as soon as possible because whose cross was perfect for Kelly grabbed an equaliser. Marc when he exchanged passes with scheduled for 17/18 and 24/25 and he also wants to respect the it’s important for us and the play- McLean, but he completely fluffed McAusland sent a header across Johansen before sending a shot February, with the second legs player’s wishes. ers.” AFP his shot from just inside the box. the face of the Celtic goal and beyond Ridgers. AFP on 10/11 and 17/18 March. AFP Leverkusen, Gladbach draw to move up table

BERLIN: Bayer Leverkusen champions-in-waiting as Arjen drop to 16th from 14th having Schalke by way of consolation and Borussia Moenchengladbach Robben scored twice as Munich started December at the bottom. on only the 18-year-old’s fourth claimed a point in yesterday’s scored four second-half goals To rub salt into the wounds, league appearance as Schalke 1-1 draw to both move up the without reply with Medhi Benatia Julian Schieber scored the first- dropped to sixth. Bundesliga table to third and and Robert Lewandowski also on half winner against his old club Hamburg were held to a goal- fourth respectively behind runa- target. while Dortmund’s attacking mid- less draw at Freiburg with both way leaders Bayern Munich. Bayern can further hammer fielder Heinrikh Mkhitaryan has teams just above the bottom Hosts Leverkusen opened home their superiority later this been ruled out for six weeks with three. AFP the scoring at the BayArena week when they host Freiburg a torn thigh. Borussia when Turkey midfielder Hakan on Tuesday before travelling to Only Hanover 96’s 3-3 draw Bundesliga Calhanoglu curled his superb shot face Mainz on Friday in their last at Werder Bremen prevented Moenchengladbach’s BERLIN: German Bundesliga result over Gladbach goalkeeper Yann league match of 2014. Dortmund dropping to second Roel Brouwers yesterday: Sommer with 18 minutes gone. “Bayern Munich are in a dif- from bottom as Spanish striker celebrates his But visitors Gladbach drew ferent league, I think we can all Joselu scored twice for Hanover to Bayer Leverkusen 1 (Calhanoglu 18) Borussia goal against Bayer level when Dutch defender Roel agree on that,” said Augsburg claim four goals in his last three Moenchengladbach 1 (Brouwers 40) Leverkusen dur- Brouwers scored his first goal of coach Markus Weinzierl after his league games. Played on Saturday ing their German the season after he poked home side’s thrashing kept Munich on Having scraped into the Schalke 04 1 (Sane 85) FC Cologne 2 (Ujah first division match his shot from a corner just before course to claim a third consecu- Champions League’s last 16 with 47, Lehmann 68-pen) in Leverkusen, the half-time break. tive league title. a 1-0 win at Slovenia’s Maribor on FC Augsburg 0 Bayern Munich 4 (Benatia yesterday. With second-placed Wolfsburg Despite qualifying for the Wednesday, Schalke 04 slumped 58, Robben 60, 71, Lewandowski 68) hosting mid-table Paderborn Champions League’s last 16, to a 2-1 defeat at home to Cologne. Hertha Berlin 1 (Schieber 40) Borussia later Sunday, Pep Guardiola’s Borussia Dortmund dropped Nigeria striker Anthony Dortmund 0 Bayern went 10 points clear at back into the relegation places Ujah scored his fourth goal in Werder Bremen 3 (Junuzovic 36, Lorenzen the top after Saturday’s 4-0 win after slumping to a 1-0 defeat at five league games just after the 55, Selke 88) Hanover 3 (Stindl 12, Joselu at Augsburg, who dropped from Hertha Berlin. break before midfielder Matthias 62, 64) third to fifth over the weekend. Dortmund’s ninth defeat in Lehmann netted a penalty. Bayern underlined 15 league games -- the most in Teenage replacement Leroy SC Freiburg 0 Hamburg 0 their status as Bundesliga Germany’s top flight -- saw them Sane scored his first goal for Mainz 05 1 (Geis 36) VfB Stuttgart 1 (Kostic 72) Monday 15 December 2014 23 Safar 1436 Volume 19 Number 6280 Sport Price: QR2 Khan beats Roma close Alexander to gap on leaders retain title Juventus

Sport | 27 Sport | 31

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 De Gea stars in 3-0 win over Liverpool Rooney, Mata and Van Persie score for Man United, Tottenham down Swansea 2-1

MANCHESTER, United But Liverpool might have Balotelli, it was left to Sterling Lallana at half-time, but the visi- Kingdom: Wayne Rooney, Juan emerged from the game with to give Liverpool a cutting edge. tors continued to misfire in the Mata and Robin van Persie more credit had it not been for a The England forward, who United box. scored as Manchester United stunning display by United goal- turned 20 this week, teed up Jordan Henderson headed over rubbed salt into Liverpool’s keeper David de Gea, who denied Steven Gerrard for a low shot from a Sterling cross and when wounds with a crushing 3-0 Raheem Sterling and substitute that De Gea saved comfortably Jonny Evans’s careless square pass home victory in the Premier Mario Balotelli three times each. and then left Phil Jones for dead gave Sterling a free run on goal, League yesterday. “We created so many chances inside the United box, only for the a heavy touch took him wide and Rooney and Mata both found today and David de Gea was man Spaniard to deny him at the near De Gea sped out to dismay him the net before half-time, the lat- of the match,” said Rodgers. post. again. De Gea superbly palmed ter apparently from an offside “Today we created opportu- Just as in their 2-1 win at a close-range shot from Balotelli position, before van Persie added nities, which we haven’t been Southampton last Monday, United onto the crossbar to leave Rodgers a third to avenge United’s loss to doing. I’ll keep searching for the had gone ahead against the run ruing his luck again and in the Liverpool by the same scoreline at solutions.” of play, and Liverpool’s cause was 71st minute it was all over. Old Trafford in March. De Gea was presented with not helped when Johnson went Dejan Lovren did not get Victory, United’s sixth in a United’s player of the month off holding his groin in the 25th enough purchase on his attempt row, allowed Louis van Gaal’s award prior to kick-off and he minute. Kolo Toure replaced him. to clear Rooney’s low cross and side to move back to within eight demonstrated his value to van There was more woe to come Mata cleverly teed up Van Persie points of leaders Chelsea and five Gaal in the 12th minute by sliding as United inflated their lead five to brush home his fourth goal in of champions Manchester City, out to thwart Sterling from Adam minutes before half-time with four games. Still De Gea stood fuelling hopes of a slow-burning Lallana’s incisive pass. a goal that carried more than a firm, saving twice from Balotelli title push. Within a minute, United were hint of injustice. Van Persie’s head in the latter stages, while Jones “I think we have scored won- ahead. Antonio Valencia left Joe made only fleeting contact with tipped a shot from Van Persie derful goals,” United manager van Allen chasing shadows with a Ashley Young’s left-wing cross, over the bar. Also yesterday, Gaal told Sky Sports. cute nutmeg on the right flank but it meant that Mata, who fol- Christian Eriksen scored his sixth “In spite of the goals, we gave before cutting the ball back for lowed in to head home at the back goal of the season, two minutes a lot of chances away. That was the unmarked Rooney to sweep post, was offside. Unfortunately from time, to earn Tottenham a Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea (right) makes a save from every time we gave unnecessary home from 15 yards. for Liverpool, the officials missed first win in three Premier League Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling during their English Premier League match passes away and that is how we With Rickie Lambert named on it. games with a 2-1 triumph at wet at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, yesterday. have to improve.” the bench alongside the fit-again Rodgers sent on Balotelli for and wild Swansea. AFP

Action from the Qatar Stars League match between Al Sadd and Al Shahaniya at Al Gharafa Stadium yes- terday. Al Shahaniya won 3-1.

Al Shahaniya hammer Al Sadd, Al Sailiya win

DOHA: Relegation threat- Ahli. Mojtaba Jabari gave Al Ahli ened Al Shahaniya the lead in the 22nd minute, QSL Standings trounced title contenders while Issam Jemaa equalised for Team P W D L GF GA Pts Al Sadd 3-1 to pull one of the Al Sailiya three minutes later. biggest upset of the Qatar Stars Al Sailiya kept on pressing for Lekhwiya 14 10 3 1 31 11 33 League while Al Sailya edged the match winners and found Al Sadd 14 10 3 1 34 17 33 Al Ahli 2-1 in the Round 14 success in the 80th minute with matches yesterday. Fawzi Mubarak finding the net. Umm Salal 14 6 5 3 19 14 23 At Al Gharafa, Al Shahaniya, The third match between Al who are languishing in the sec- Khairatiyat and Al Shamal ended Al Gharafa 14 7 2 5 24 26 23 ond last position in the 14-team in a three-all draw. Al Jaish 14 7 1 6 28 20 22 league, owed the victory to THE PENINSULA Masoud Mohammad Reza. Qatar SC 14 6 3 5 30 23 21 The striker was in the right Al Ahli 14 6 2 6 24 17 20 place at the right time to score his QSL Results hat-trick. His three in a row goals Yesterday’s Results Al Sailiya 14 5 2 7 21 27 17 came in the 45th, 66 and 89 minute. Al Sadd 1 Al Shahaniya 3 Al Sadd pulled one back in injury Al Khor 14 4 5 5 16 23 17 Al Sailiya 2 Al Ahli 1 time to salvage some pride. Al Arabi 14 3 6 5 23 22 15 Both Al Sadd and Lekhwiya Al Khairatiyat 3 Al Shamal 3 now have 33 points, with Saturday’s Result Al Wakra 14 4 2 8 20 29 14 Lekhwiya enjoying a better goal Lekhwiya bt Qatar SC 3-1 Al Kharitiyath 14 2 7 5 12 21 13 difference and as a result heading Al Khor bt Al Arabi 1-0 the points standings. Umm Salal bt Al Gharafa 4-3 Al Shahaniya 14 3 3 8 12 31 12 In the another match, Al Sailiya Al Wakra bt El Jaish 2-1 rallied from behind to down Al Al Shamal 14 0 6 8 15 28 6