ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER

Sunday 24 March 2013 12 Jumada I 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5648 Price: QR2

Asset mgmt Off-spinner business Lyon checks picking up India’s progress

Business | 17 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 SEC frames PM opens new Omani embassy new rules to curb tuitions Extra classes at Independent Schools

DOHA: In a bid to curb the coaching for select student but menace of private tuitions the new directive could make it in the country, the Supreme more organised and inclusive. Education Council (SEC) has The SEC has directed the made it mandatory for all schools to provide extra coach- Independent Schools to pro- ing to students who need special vide free extra classes to their support to cope with their studies. weak students after the regular The classes would range from working hours. compensatory and bridging pro- Through this move, the SEC grammes, preparatory classes for has set an example for all the internal and international tests schools in the country and sent a and for qualifying examinations strong message to those schools for university admission. that have given a free hand to Special coaching for outstand- their teachers to conduct tuitions ing students to help them excel in the privacy of their homes. in their respective areas has also The SEC said that the decision been proposed, along with classes was intended to curb private tui- for weak students to improve tions, considering their negative their performance. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani inaugurating the new premises of the Omani embassy impact on the students, families The students will be identified in the Diplomatic Area in Doha yesterday. and the society, the Qatar News based on their performance in the Agency reported yesterday. school examinations. The schools This rampant practice has should develop special curricula encouraged absenteeism in the for these additional classes and classes and made students lazy, assign trained and experienced noted the SEC. teachers. Smallpox kills 50 sheep at private farm Qatar several years ago had There should not be more than imposed a blanket ban on private 15 students in one class. The DOHA: An outbreak of small- He added that if the spread of The sheep which died of small- animals dying. The department tuitions but it was not effectively classes will be conducted over four pox at a sheep farm in Al Khor the disease was not contained, the pox were also suffering from other launched a programme to immu- implemented. Private tutors con- to eight weeks, with 16 hours for has killed more than 50 ani- death toll may shoot up. diseases like pneumonia, Qahtani nise all animals in the country tinued to thrive, amid a never- each subject. No student should mals, sparking fears among According to Qahtani, a month- said. from eight infectious diseases ending debate on how to curtail not be given more than three other animal farm owners, a and-half ago, several of the 700 No other veterinary centre in that are known to break out this worldwide phenomenon, subjects and no teacher should senior official said. sheep at the farm tested positive the country has received any case every year. which is often described a “nec- be assigned to teach more than The veterinary centre at for smallpox. of smallpox, added Qahtani. The animals are administered essary evil”. three subjects. Al Khor received several ani- On instructions of the veteri- Discounting fears of a spread the vaccines once or twice every The SEC has now come out Besides the teachers, the school mals with smallpox from a pri- nary centre, the infected animals of the disease, the official said year. with a more practical solution, should also assign a supervisor to vate farm, Director of Animals have been separated from the that smallpox breaks out almost The centres do not spare any making extra coaching manda- monitor the academic and admin- Department at the Ministry health ones. Those suffering from every year in Qatar and there effort to protect animals in the tory on schools. Some schools have istrative aspects of the special of Environment, Dr Qasim Al the infection are under treatment was no need to worry as this country, Qahtani said. already been offering additional coaching. THE PENINSULA Qahtani, told Al Sharq. and are showing progress. is the first instance of so many THE PENINSULA

Syria opposition Obama wraps up Middle East visit presence at Arab AMMAN: US President Barack Obama strolled among the ancient Jordanian ruins at Petra yesterday, before heading home after a Summit under four-day Middle East tour dominated by his embrace of Israel. Obama flew by helicopter to view the rose-coloured stone ruins of discussion the ancient Nabataean city, after winds from a sandstorm abated and allowed him to make the 55-minute trip across the rugged plains and DOHA: Ahmed Ben Hilli, the mountains of Jordan. Deputy Secretary-General of On Friday, high winds in Israel forced Obama to take his motorcade the Arab League, has said the instead of his Marine One chopper to visit the Church of the Nativity representation of the Syrian in Bethlehem, and there had been fears his jaunt to Petra would also opposition to the Arab Summit be scrapped. See also page 10 to open in Doha on Tuesday is under discussion at the Arab Baghdad is 2013 Arab Capital of Culture foreign ministers’ preparatory meeting for the summit. Speaking to reporters after BAGHDAD: Baghdad was inaugurated as the 2013 Arab Capital of the meeting of the permanent Culture yesterday, the latest in a series of steps which officials hope representatives and senior offi- will put Iraq back on the map after decades of conflict. cials of Arab League members The ceremony marking the event was held under a massive tent which opened here yesterday, in the Iraqi capital’s Zawraa Park, and featured a choir singing songs Ben Hilli said, “Consultations and a performance by renowned Iraqi musician Naseer Shamma, as are on among Arab leaders and well as speeches by senior Iraqi politicians and Arab League chief officials over representation of Nabil Al Arabi. the Syrian opposition to the The events surrounding the Arab Capital of Culture will include summit.” music and dance performances, photography exhibitions, as well as folk Elaborating, he said that the arts and crafts shows. “Baghdad, which was a source of knowledge for meeting of the permanent rep- The Aspire Tower plunged in darkness at 8.30pm yesterday to mark Earth Hour in Doha. (KAMMUTTY VP) the entire world, is rising again today thanks to the efforts of Iraqis resentatives and senior officials and their Arab brothers,” Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki said. of member countries of the Arab League has not dealt with such a topic. “They agreed to refer Taliban threaten to kill Musharraf the issue to the Arab ministerial Landmarks go dark for Earth Hour meeting tomorrow and the mat- MIRANSHAH, PAKISTAN: The Pakistani Taliban yesterday ter will be decided tomorrow”, SYDNEY: Iconic landmarks Opera House turn a deep green to dimming down as visitors were threatened to assassinate former military ruler Pervez Musharraf Ben Hilli told reporters. and skylines were plunged symbolise renewable energy. given the chance to pedal bicycles when he returns to the country to contest elections after nearly five The meeting of the perma- into darkness yesterday as Organisers said hundreds of to generate power to illuminate years in self-imposed exile. The 69-year-old escaped three assassi- nent representatives and senior the “Earth Hour” switch-off millions of people across more an egg-shaped artwork. nation attempts when in office from 1999 to 2008, a target of Islamist officials of member countries of of lights around the world got than 150 countries were turning In the Chinese capital Beijing, extremists because of his alliance in the US-led “war on terror” and the Arab League concluded here under way to raise awareness of off their lights for 60 minutes last lights were shut off at the former attempts to clamp down on militants. “We have prepared a spe- yesterday and it will prepare for climate change. night — at 8:30pm local time — in Olympic stadium, the “Bird’s cial squad of suicide bombers for Musharraf,” Taliban spokesman the foreign ministers’ preparatory Sydney kicked off the event a symbolic show of support for the Nest”, while in the commer- Ehsanullah Ehsan told AFP by telephone from an undisclosed loca- meeting to the 24th regular ses- at 8.30pm (0930 GMT), cutting planet. cial hub of Shanghai buildings tion. “They will attack Musharraf after he arrives (in) Pakistan.” sion of the Arab summit to open lights to cheers and applause from Japan switched off soon after along the famed riverfront Bund Musharraf is due to fly into Karachi, his home town and Pakistan’s in Doha on Tuesday. a small crowd which had gathered Australia, with the illumination took part. AFP largest city of 18 million, today. QNA to see the skyline dim and Sydney on the landmark Tokyo Tower Another picture on page 11 See also page 13 SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME League will rise up to Arab aspirations: Qatar Qatar takes over presidency of 24th session

DOHA: The meeting of the through hard work and strong international norms and conven- permanent representatives and will that can fulfil the aspirations tions by repressive and criminal senior officials of member-coun- of the Arab peoples to a promis- methods that had dangerous and tries of the Arab League opened ing future. destructive impacts on the Syrian in Doha yesterday to prepare for He pointed out that the cur- people and territory. the Foreign Ministers’ prepara- rent circumstances surrounding Al Buainain stressed the tory meeting for the 24th regu- the region require practical steps importance of empowering the lar session of the Arab Summit towards the adoption of a com- Arab League and activate the role being held on March 26 and 27. prehensive reform programme of its bodies and organizations to Qatar took over the presidency that meets the demands of the contribute to strengthening the of the meeting from Iraq, the peoples in dignity, freedom and joint Arab action. president of the 23rd session of social justice. He expressed hope to enhance the Arab Summit. Al Buainain reiterated Qatar’s coordination, cooperation and Qatar’s Ambassador to Egypt support to the Palestinian people solidarity among Arab countries Qatar’s representative at the preparatory meeting of the Arab League in Doha yesterday. and Permanent Representative in their legitimate right to estab- and to overcome all obstacles that to the Arab League Said bin lish an independent state with would impede the march and dis- He also extended thanks to the and stressed full confidence that activating the resolutions and the Muqaddam Al Buainain under- East Jerusalem as its capital. perse objectives, especially at this Arab League General Secretariat its presidency will contribute to role of the presidency in enhanc- lined that the 24th session of the He also reiterated Qatar’s critical stage. The ambassador and the Secretary-General Nabil promote the joint Arab action. ing the joint Arab work. Arab Summit is being held at a condemnation of all Israeli viola- pointed out that Arabs attach El Araby for their efforts in pro- He noted that Iraq, during its He expressed hope that the time the Arab region is witness- tions, particularly its settlement great importance to the resolu- moting the joint Arab action. presidency of the Arab League Doha Summit would come out ing political developments that activities in Jerusalem, which tions that will come out from the Iraq’s permanent representa- 23rd session, was keen to set up a with resolutions that fulfil the had and still has a huge impact violates all relevant international current summit. tive to the Arab League Dr Qais plan to activate the resolutions of aspiration of the Arab people and on the aspirations of the Arab resolutions. He expressed gratitude to Iraq’s Al Azzawi delivered a speech at the Arab Summit through holding promote the Arab joint action. people for a better tomorrow and He reaffirmed Qatar’s support representative for the efforts the beginning of the meeting, in meetings and Arab and interna- Dr Al Azzawi handed over hopefully a brighter future. to the right of Syrian people to exerted during his country’s pres- which he expressed thanks and tional conferences, some of them the presidency of the meet- He affirmed the Arab coun- recover the dignity and freedom idency of the Arab summit previ- gratitude to Qatar for the efforts were stipulated in the decisions ing to Qatar, represented by Al tries’ ability to face the burdens from a regime that has deprived ous session which contributed to it has exerted to host the 24th reg- of the summit, and others came Buainain. and demands of the current stage them from all rights approved by enhance the joint Arab work. ular session of the Arab Summit, at an Iraqi initiative aiming at QNA

Qatar Foundation launches interactive website with focus on news

DOHA: Qatar Foundation (QF) information covering all aspects influential leaders, and attempts people are increasingly looking made several high-quality publi- Three other useful tabs, under yesterday launched a new inter- of the QF’s work. Viewers can to explore global trends and com- online to access the latest news,” cations available online, among the headings ‘Enrol’, ‘Participate’, active website, qf.org.qa, with a click on any one of the digital pelling themes. Users can access she said. them Think, which covers a host and ‘Explore’, are found at the special focus on news. front-page images to access the the current issue or view archived “We are confident that the new of scientific, economic, cultural, top of the homepage to provide The website also provides com- most current articles, listen live editions of the magazine through site will become a valuable and historic and environmental issues. insight into Qatar Foundation’s prehensive information about to QF Radio in English or Arabic, the website. much-visited source of informa- This easily-accessible informa- academic programmes, planned QF’s many centres and initiatives. or click a tab to post a message on Haya Al Nassr, Director of QF’s tion within Qatar and beyond. It tion will help us achieve Qatar lectures and upcoming exhibi- Through a multi-layered the organisation’s social network- Communication Directorate, said fits perfectly within the context of Foundation’s mission of fostering tions, as well as recent advance- approach to connectivity, it will ing pages. that qf.org.qa will be continuously Qatar Foundation’s ongoing effort knowledge and building human ments and discoveries. facilitate knowledge transfer by The site’s clear structure gives updated with fresh content so as to maintain its growing role as a capacity,” he added. The website boasts many other bringing together several forms readers the option of browsing to better serve the needs of the promoter of news, research arti- Available in English and Arabic, technical innovations, includ- of communication under one through individual articles, and local and international commu- cles, ideas and events, both locally qf.org.qa is divided into essential ing user-friendly navigation and umbrella, said in a statement of downloading one of QF’s lead- nity, and keep them abreast of the and abroad.” sections including heritage, edu- advanced search capabilities, yesterday. ing publications. These include latest events. “A wealth of information will be cation, technology, research, com- ensuring it can be used as a prac- The qf.org.qa home page Think, which is guided by an “The launch of our new web- accessible for the public to learn munity, environment, health, and tical reference guide. offers quick and comprehensive editorial committee of highly site is a reflection of the fact that from and to engage with. We have leadership. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage and President of the Unctad XIII H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (centre) during the meeting in Geneva. Qatar reiterates commitment to Unctad’s development mission GENEVA: Qatar remains fully to face current challenges such as contribute tangibly to the proc- committed to Unctad’s mission the fallout from the global finan- ess of formulating a development of promoting development and cial crisis and the ramifications framework beyond 2015. enabling all to live in “larger of major political and economic Dr Al Kuwari noted that the freedom” and to the results changes around the world, such as Unctad XIII adopted two impor- that have been reached dur- those taking place in the Middle tant outcome documents — the ing the Unctad XIII, which was East. “Doha Mandate” and the “Doha held in Doha last year, Qatar’s He urged to seize the opportu- Manar” — which underlined that Minister of Culture, Arts and nity offered by the next confer- finance should support the real Heritage and President of the ence, to be held in Peru in 2015, economy towards sustainable, Unctad XIII H E Dr Hamad bin to re-determine the prospects sustained, inclusive and equitable Abdulaziz Al Kuwari said. for the future, and develop a economic growth and sustainable Addressing the 27th Special modern and contemporary development. Session of the Trade and vision of Unctad, pointing out The President of Unctad XIII Development Board (TDB), held that 14th Unctad conference welcomed Peru hosting of the next in Geneva to endorse Peru as could be beginning of a new conference, and congratulated the venue for the 14th United golden age in the development Ambassador Mukhtar Tileuberdi Nations Conference on Trade process. of Kazakhstan for assuming the and Development (Unctad XIV), The Unctad President also Presidency of the TDB, succeed- the Unctad XIII president con- called for making the 50th anni- ing Ambassador Juri Seilenthal firmed that Qatar also remains versary of Unctad an occasion of Estonia. fully engaged in Unctad’s efforts for launching constructive ideas QNA

SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Now tourists can do ‘101 things in Qatar’ Regency Holidays launches package

DOHA: A travel company has adding hotel occupancy is high launched a unique campaign and majority of the tourists are called ‘101 Things to Do in from neighbouring GCC states. Qatar’ to promote domestic and “There are tourism activities inbound tourism in the country. in Qatar that may not be avail- Regency Holidays, the leisure & able in other countries, especially tours division of Regency Travels desert activities, that is why we and Tours, has launched a new launched 101 to make people range of serviced tour packages, experience unlimited things to allowing both nationals and expa- do in the country.” triates alike to discover the hid- The ‘101 things to do in Qatar’ Regency Travels and Tours officials during the launch of 101 Things to Do in Qatar on Thursday. den treasures of Qatar. product offers a range of serviced Tariq Abdulatif, Executive packages under history, culture, camp to an evening of romantic The core objective of this new Qatar’ branded flyer stands, soon list of ‘101 Things to Do in Qatar. Director of Regency Travels adventure, entertainment, water dining at a sunken desert dinner brand is to expose the possibili- to be available in hotels, cafes, With packages created from and Tours, said the 101 brand is sports, shopping and leisure. table, carved from the sands of ties for family and independent restaurants, shopping malls and as short as a two hour shopping aimed at promoting Qatar’s tour- “In recent years tourism in the Arabian dunes, watching a entertainment by educating the gas stations across the country; blitz to a day of overnight desert ism locally and in GCC states in Qatar was more on sports, con- falcon race across the sky after public and tourism faculties with offering free city-guide brochures camping anything can be easily the first stage, and gradually at ferences and education. We are its prey or taking a turn through a series of pamphlets and bro- to the public, inviting them to and affordably arranged through regional and international levels. launching 101 to promote tour- history at the Museum of Islamic chures highlighting prime loca- experience the city’s best enter- Regency Holidays 24 hours. “We want to promote tourism ism with focus on Qatari herit- Art. tions, activities, camps, outings, tainment and excursions. The new campaign will based on local heritage utilis- age, traditions and culture,” said 101 Things to Do in Qatar is the trainings and recreations. On a mission to educate the involve social media plugs and ing available facilities, tourism Alessandra Bell, Marketing and brainchild of Regency Travel and With an emphasis on quality public the Regency Holidays presence on the website, www. sites and activities in deserts and Communications Manager. Tours, born out of 26 years of expe- and service, Regency Holidays team will hold a road show, RegencyHolidays.com and on beaches,” he said at the launch The packages offer 101 ways to rience and as a way of supporting rolls out their new campaign from enhancing the knowledge of Facebook, www.facebook.com/ event held at Wyndham Grand discover Qatar, from afternoons Qatar’s Vision 2030 goals to market March 2013 with a series of trade- hotel concierges, and sub-agents RegencyTravelTours Regency Doha on Thursday, of adventure in a private desert the country to the next level. marked red ‘101 Things to Do in in the local market with the full THE PENINSULA

Premier gets call Bhavan’s school gets CBSE accreditation for secondary level from John Kerry DOHA: Bhavan’s Public School Opened in May 2010 with 44 garden from the academic year Federation. Students are getting to Inclusive Education for stu- has become the eighth Indian students, Bhavan’s currently has 2011-12. It has now taken up a advanced training at Al Rayan dents with different learning DOHA: The Prime Minister school in Qatar to be affiliated 1,500 students on its rolls from 24 project to make compost from Hockey stadium for four hours disorders which include stu- and Foreign Minister H E to the New Delhi-based Central nationalities, at two campuses in the bio-degradable waste, which every week. Bhavans has set dents with ADHD, spastic, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem Board of Secondary Education Al Wakra and Old Airport. is in progress. up the Centre for Educational borderline autism, dyslexia and bin Jabor Al Thani yesterday (CBSE). The school is now in the proc- The school has announced Research and Training (CERT) dysgraphia. received a phone call from US The school last week was ess of incorporating self evalua- hockey, the Indian national to promote research in the areas Around 30 new teaching staff Secretary of State John Kerry. granted CBSE affiliation for its tion by all students from Grade game, as its main sporting event of assessment and evaluation. from India will join in the new They reviewed bilateral rela- secondary level. The school had III onwards and parent assess- in the year 2011 and secured The school gives equal impor- academic year, 2013-14 which tions and recent developments in got its middle school affiliated to ment of students’ personality the runners-up position in the tance to scholastic and co-scho- begins next month. the Middle East. the CBSE in May 2012. traits and life skills for all classes Junior Hockey Championship lastic areas. To conduct all these Prabhavathi Nambiar, with 20 The school is now eligible to including kindergarten. conducted by Qatar Hockey activities smoothly, 16 clubs and years of experience in teaching, Libyan PM calls send students for the all India The school has taken many ini- Federation. committees have been set up, the administration and school man- examinations —AISSE — in tiatives to inculcate environmen- The school has started the mass media club being one of the agement recently joined as head Prime Minister March 2015, it was disclosed in a tal awareness among students Bhavan’s Hockey Academy in most important. mistress. press conference yesterday. including setting up of a vegetable association with Qatar Hockey The school is giving importance THE PENINSULA DOHA: The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani yesterday received a phone call from Libya’s Prime Minister Ali Zeidan. Aspire, DCMF sign pact They reviewed bilateral rela- tions and discussed a set of issues of common concern. for media literacy Algerian PM

DOHA: Aspire Academy We feel it is equally important arrives signed yesterday a memoran- to provide our student athletes dum of understanding (MoU) in the academy with all possi- DOHA: Algerian Prime with Doha Centre for Media ble means to prepare them to Minister Abdul Malik Sellal Freedom (DCMF) under which be up to the challenges ahead arrived yesterday in Doha. the two parties agreed to con- and to deal properly with differ- He and his delegation were tribute to the success of school ent media tribune and the good greeted on arrival at Doha news activities of media literacy use of new media outlet,” said International Airport by Minister programmes, a press release Badr Jassim Al Hay, Director of of Economy and Finance H E said yesterday. Education and Students Care at Yousuf Hussein Kamal, Chief of The MoU is meant to pro- Aspire Academy after signing the the Prime Minister’s Protocols vide support to Aspire student MoU with the Director General Ahmed Jassim Al Mulla, Qatar’s athletes in the field of media by of DCMF, M Jan Keulen. Ambassador to Algeria Abdullah introducing them to the basics Keulen said: “Through the Nasser Al Hamaidi and Algeria’s and train them how to face media media literacy programme the Ambassador to Qatar Abdel and good use of different media students will gain insight into Fattah Ziani. Ministry of Interior officials during the launch of the website. outlets, especially the proper use the working of media and the of social media. importance of press freedom. The “We, in Aspire Academy, programme aims to contribute Al Khalij Bank’s MoI department launches website strongly convinced and believe to the students’ critical thinking in the importance of communi- and analytical skills and to fully loyalty rewards cating properly with different prepare them to take part in the media outlets and the good use information society of the future.” DOHA: Al Khalij Commercial on surveillance systems, cameras of them by our student athletes. THE PENINSULA Bank (al khaliji) unveiled yes- terday a loyalty rewards offer- DOHA: The Security Systems and assistance to all parties con- number of services such as per- ing comprehensive rewards Department (SSD) of the cerned with security cameras and mit certificate and compliance which provide “Real Cash” ben- Ministry of Interior (MoI) surveillance systems. certificate for security surveil- efits to customers, said a press launched its website (http:// “This website that was launched lance devices and systems after statement yesterday. www.moi.gov.qa/site/arabic/ today is an extension of the efforts verification of its compliance with With a host of benefits, the departments/scd/index.html) on pursued by the department since required specifications. rewards include instant cash Thursday which provides infor- its inception to create channels of The department also prepares back of up to QR2,500, two per- mation and assistance related communication with the targeted and decides on tenders for imple- cent cash back on platinum credit to security cameras and sur- sectors, beginning with introduc- mentation project of cameras and card, free yearly priority pass veillance systems. tory lectures, coordination meet- security surveillance devices in membership to access over 600 The Director General of Public ings, as well as through direct public places in the country. It is airports’ lounges throughout the Security (DGPS) Staff Major telephone lines”, he said. entitled to grant licences for com- world, and free remittance on General Saad bin Jassim Al The SSD was established in panies that work in the field of every transaction and many more. Khulaifi launched the website at August 2011 to implement the law installing and maintaining cam- “Our customers are our pri- a function held at the headquar- on regulation of security surveil- eras and security surveillance ority and we are delighted to ters of DGPS. The SSD Director lance systems and cameras in all devices, in coordination with further demonstrate our com- Captain Jassim Abdul Raheem places in the country and state other the concerned authorities. mitment to providing value by Yosuf Al Sayed and other Ministry enterprises. Its functions include Clients can download different rewarding our loyal customers. officers attended the event. deciding the locations, numbers and types of forms for services such At al khaliji we truly believe that Al Khulaifi emphasised the points for installation of security as Company Registration and our customers deserve the best. role of security cameras and sur- surveillance devices and cameras Commercial Activity Addition Hence we are constantly seek- veillance systems in maintaining in public places in the country as Form, Security Surveillance ing new ways to reward their peace and security. He noted that well as in state enterprises. System Design Approval Form, loyalty by offering them value- many complicated cases have been The department also will spec- Inspection and Approve Security added products and services. Our resolved in some countries by the ify the technical specifications for Surveillance System Form, key objective is to ensure that help of security cameras. cameras and security surveillance Custom Shipment Clearance of our customers enjoy a reward- Captain Jassim Al Sayed gave a devices and identify facilities and Camera and CCTV Devices Form, ing experience with us, at all presentation on the website and places that must be linked to the Addition of Technical staff Form, times,” said Gary Mond, Head its services. He said that this elec- National Command Centre). Addition Of Product Form. M Jan Keulen (left) and Badr Jassim Al Hay exchanging documents during of Personal Banking at al khaliji. tronic window will provide help The department provides a THE PENINSULA the signing ceremony. THE PENINSULA/QNA SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Pakistan greeted Envoy offers to renew on National Day DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has sent a cable of greetings to passports free of charge the President of Pakistan on the occasion of his country’s National Day. The Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Pakistani expatriates celebrate National Day Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Prime Minister and DOHA: Hundreds of Pakistani National Day at the embassy Education Centre and Bright Foreign Minister H E Sheikh expatriates attending their premises. The service will be Future Pakistani School held Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor country’s National Day celebra- available free of charge, he added. separate flag hoisting ceremonies Al Thani also sent greetings to tions yesterday greeted with He said that the embassy had in their premises. Pakistan. applause a statement by the extended its working hours on Pakistan Education Centre held ambassador offering to renew Thursdays. It will be open from its annual festival on Thursday Re-opening of Gulf their expired passports free of 5pm to 9pm on Thursdays for and Friday. The traditional event charge, due to a delay in issu- consular services. The mission has featured a variety of activities Cinema unlikely ing machine-readable passports also installed an ATM machine including decorating hands with back home. for the convenience of the visitors. henna, traditional dishes like ‘hal- soon, says official Pakistanis who have applied A flag hoisting ceremony was eem,’ and ‘Kashmiri tea’. for new machine-readable pass- held to celebrate the National Day Bright Future Pakistani School DOHA: The Gulf Cinema com- ports will get their old pass- at embassy premises. Ambassador marked the day paying tributes to plex in Najma, slated for tem- ports renewed for two years as Khanzada hoisted the national flag the country’s founder Quaid–e- porary closure, has now been an alternative arrangement, said in the presence of a large gather- Azam Muhammad Al Jinna. closed for more than six weeks Ambassador Muhammad Safraz ing of Pakistanis. Students from Patriotic songs, traditional dances with no sign of reopening soon. A Khanzada, addressing the Pakistani schools in Doha rendered and speeches by students marked The cinema complex, which Pakistani community at a func- the Pakistani national anthem. the celebrations. mostly screened Indian films pop- tion held to mark their country’s Pak Shama School, Pakistan THE PENINSULA ular among low-income expatriate workers, was closed on January 31 for maintenance without prior notice. It was said at the time it would reopen in a few weeks. However, Moshen El Mokadem, General Manager of Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution Company, yesterday said the facil- ity would not reopen soon, refus- ing to give more details. “Maintenance has been handed over to the contractors, and work is continuing. We don’t know the exact date of reopening,” said El Mokadem. As an alternative arrange- ment, Indian films, which were usually shown at Gulf Cinema and Doha Cinema, are being screened at cinemas at Royal Plaza, The Mall and Landmark, which are also managed by Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution Company. People going to these thea- tres have to pay more to watch films as compared to the Gulf Cinema complex. Tickets at the Gulf Cinema were priced between QR15 and QR25 while tickets at Managing Director of NLC Pearl, Brigadier Rashid Butt (centre), chief guest, cutting a cake with Malik Sarfraz Khan Muhammad Sarfraz A Khanzada (right) Ambassdor of Pakistan, hoisting other cinemas are sold for more (fourth left), Sardar Ashiq Hussain (third right) and other guests to mark the Pakistan National Day at a function the national flag to mark Pakistan National Day at the embassy yesterday. than QR35. organised by Safeeran-e-Watan at Shezan Hotel on Friday. (ABDUL BASIT) (ABDUL BASIT) THE PENINSULA/QNA SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KHALID AL SAYED [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected]

ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES: ANNUAL QR 675 6 MONTHS QR 340 Editorial

Obama as peace broker Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE APOLOGY tendered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be seen as a glaring Tsuccess of US President Barack Obama’s visit to the Julia Gillard’s adoption apology region. Obama helped broker the reconciliation between the two estranged countries, Turkey and Israel, whose relations had hit rock-bottom after an Israeli commando raid on a Turkish ship bound for Gaza which resulted in the deaths comes after an abyss of trauma of nine Turks. Ankara had demanded an unconditional apology from Tel Aviv over the incident, which triggered BY ANDIE FOX international condemnation of Israel. of the audience audibly sobbed as she An abyss of trauma opened up in their During an airport meeting with Obama at the end of spoke them: “too often they did not see lives that engulfed the babies’ fathers, his two-day visit to Israel, Netanyahu phoned Erdogan and undreds of mothers and their baby’s face. They couldn’t soothe other family members, future siblings, apologised, thus effectively ending a three-year rift. The their families gathered his first cries. Never felt her warmth and in many cases even the adopting Israeli Prime Minister also agreed to reach an agreement on yesterday to hear a his- or smelt her skin. They could not give parents and adopted children them- toric national apology their own baby a name”. selves. One mother, Julienne, described compensation to the victims’ families. Afterward, officials from Australia’s prime The stories are nightmarish – from her haunting loss: “I always felt the from both countries said that diplomatic relations had been Hminister Julia Gillard. Forced to give the abandonment by furious fami- weight of a ghost baby on my arm and fully restored and ambassadors would be reinstated. “The up their babies, these women were lies of frightened, pregnant daugh- never left a room without feeling that I United States deeply values our close partnerships with both among the thousands of young moth- ters into homes for wayward girls, to had left something behind”. Turkey and Israel, and we attach great importance to the ers who endured a cruel and often ille- the truly excruciating accounts of the Crucial feminist gains in recent gal approach by governments, churches, births themselves, where young girls history – like single parent benefits, restoration of positive relations between them in order to hospitals and charities towards preg- were drugged during labour and for- increased female participation in the advance regional peace and security,” Obama said welcoming nancy out of wedlock in Australia from cibly restrained with pillows over their workforce, stronger reproductive rights, the development. The rapprochement must be welcomed the 1950s to the 1970s, whereby unmar- faces so they could not see their babies greater social acceptance of single because Turkey and Israel are major powers in the region, ried mothers were coerced or deceived as they were born. It says something parenting and a better understanding and close allies of Washington, into giving up their babies to adoption about how intentional the shattering of the needs of children – have meant whose rift has created problems by married couples. of the maternal bond was that mother Australia’s adoption practices are The national apology was one of the and baby were not even allowed to lay now far removed from this dark past. The reconciliation not only for the two countries more beautiful eyes upon one another. Open adoptions, higher assessment between Turkey but for US too. The relations and principled One mother interviewed in the Senate requirements for adopting parents and were nurtured over the years speeches given committee report described what it was stringent consent mechanisms are all and Israel signals and acrimony over the boat by a prime like to know what was coming during correcting previous injustices. But as Turkey’s growing raid threatened to inflict long- Gillard minister in your pregnancy: with many countries, some mothers term damage unless remedial Australia. “I’d lie in bed every night with my in Australia continue to fight against influence. shines when “We deplore arms wrapped around my baby inside of a shaky regard for their legitimacy as measures were taken. the shameful me knowing that I would never hold him parents – including those mothers who Erdogan has said that he touched by practices that after birth. I’d feel his feet and hands are young, living in poverty, disabled or would use the reset in relations to help the Palestinians. denied you, through my own stomach as he moved who are in prison. He announced yesterday that he would visit the Palestinian emotion, and the mothers, around, knowing that I wasn’t ever It must have been rewarding for the territories next month, both Gaza and the West Bank, your funda- going to feel them after he was born. prime minister, a self-declared femi- mental rights I’d talk to him and tell him that I would nist, to deliver such important redress and try for further lifting of embargo on Palestinians. A her standing and respon- find him again one day and that I and to mothers yesterday. There was genu- statement from Netanyahu’s office noted that Israel had sibilities to his father loved him.” ine tenderness in the way she deliv- already removed a number of restrictions on the movement ovation from love and care The more young women resisted, the ered the national apology – she has of people and goods to all Palestinian territories, including for your chil- greater the malice against them – babies always been at her best when touched Gaza, and that the openness would continue as long as the mothers dren. You were were pulled from clinging arms, moved by emotion, whether it be outrage or quiet prevails. not legally to different hospitals, and dishonestly compassion. wronged by the or socially recorded as dead so as to stop young Gillard received a standing ovation for Obama said that he had pushed the two leaders for acknowledged women continuing to fight for them. the national apology, and was mobbed as months to repair the rupture in their relationship but that state was well as their moth- For the mothers who experienced these she left the Great Hall. In a surreal and during his visit to Israel, it appeared that the timing was ers. And you events, even the term “forced adoption” difficult day, she was then off to defend good for them to talk. He also sought to temper expectations deserved. were your- is too soft; “kidnapping newborn babies” her leadership from an attack by divi- about the renewed relations. selves deprived is how they describe it. sive members of her own government, Obama could have been persuaded by the fact that the of care and These stories illustrate a frighten- and the media lathered in excitement at support. To you, the mothers who were ing capacity to dehumanise women the prospect of seeing her pulled down. US is grappling with enough problems in the Middle East betrayed by a system that gave you no from the institutions involved. That She never lost her nerve. and wouldn’t want two allies bickering. The cooperation of choice and subjected you to manipula- these women’s own communities would There is something telling about this Israel and Turkey is key to solving key issues in the region, tion, mistreatment and malpractice, we believe mothers could possibly get past course of events – that such a signifi- especially the Syrian crisis in which everyone has a stake. apologise.” Gillard was several times an experience like that, let alone forget cant apology to women was overshad- Erdogan said that Israel’s apology signalled its growing interrupted by outbursts of tearful it entirely upon leaving the hospital, owed by yet another attempt to knock applause. Her observations regarding is extraordinary. Not surprisingly, the down the country’s first female prime regional influence. It’s true. And it’s an influence which the what both mothers and fathers had experience of forced adoption has for minister. Turkish leader plans to use for regional peace. • lost were so evocative that members many led to pathological levels of grief. THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of Hopes for Obama’s trip the day S President Barack Obama initiative or pressing Israel to freeze the long-stalled peace talks. that the US and Israel might reduce their kicked off a three-day trip to Jewish settlement construction in the With the right-wing Netanyahu being previous differences on the issue and go the Middle East on Tuesday. occupied territories, those who have politically weakened by January’s elec- a step further in launching military strikes UHowever, the outside world pinned their hopes on him providing tion, in which centrists made surprising against Iran. has little expectation that his trip will the impetus to restart the Middle East gains, Obama should use his leverage Obama should understand any bear any significant results. peace process are naturally going to be with Netanyahu to rein in the Israeli maneuvering in this direction will squan- We are at the As a country wielding special influ- disappointed. leader’s hardline policies toward the der the recent progress made in inter- beginning of a ence in a region that is afflicted with Given that cementing the US’ strong Palestinians, which have sowed more national efforts to defuse the West’s such woes as the crisis in Syria, the alliance with Israel seems to be his seeds of enmity between the two sides nuclear standoff with Iran through dia- process of elevating Iranian nuclear standoff and the Israeli- main goal, Obama should be reminded and kept them away from the negotiat- logue and negotiation. Palestinian conflict, the United States that the US partiality to Israel in the ing table. Last month in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Turkey to a position should send positive signals so these Palestinian-Israeli conflict is becoming With little hope of any breakthrough, Iran and the P5+1 powers - Britain, so that it will again knotty issues can be resolved in peace. increasingly unpopular with the rest of nobody can guarantee that the China, France, Russia and the US plus Obama’s first trip to the region in his the international community. As Obama Palestinian-Israeli conflict will not worsen Germany - held their first round of talks have a say, initiative second presidential term will take him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin in the near future. this year. Continuing to build on the to Israel, the Palestinian West Bank and Netanyahu are both starting new terms, As the Iran issue is also likely to fea- good momentum attained so far will and power, as it did Jordan. As he has ruled out either pre- both should seize the opportunity to cre- ture in Obama’s visit to the Middle East, cater to regional peace and stability. in the past. Recep Tayyip Erdogan senting a new Israeli-Palestinian peace ate the conditions necessary to restart many in the world arena are concerned CHINA DAILY Turkish Prime Minister SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Obama scores unexpected Did the media blow it on run-up to Iraq? BY PAUL FARHI successes on Middle East trip particularly reporters Warren Strobel and Jonathan Landay, or much of the past dec- have been rightly lionized for ade, the American news their skeptical stories, produced Obama flew out of media has chastised long before the rest of the media Fitself for how badly it raised questions. But other out- Israel in a dust storm, performed in the months leading lets eventually came around. up to the war in Iraq. The 10th The Post, for example, cast doubt anniversary of the conflict, in par- on Iraq’s aluminum tubes in a leaving behind a trail ticular, offered article after article front-page story in January 2003. this past week condemning the “After weeks of investigation, of symbolic gestures media’s “failure” to challenge the UN weapons inspectors in Iraq Bush administration’s rationale are increasingly confident that for the war, plus plenty of mea the aluminium tubes were never and fine oratory that culpas by journalists. meant for enriching uranium,” There’s no doubt that many reporter Joby Warrick wrote. should help preserve news organisations, including The On the Sunday before the war’s Washington Post, missed impor- start, Post headlines included tant stories, underplayed others these: “US Risks Isolation, the status quo at that were skeptical of the admin- Breakdown of Old Alliances istration’s case and acted too in Case of War,” “US Lacks a time of regional deferentially to those in power. Specifics on Banned Arms” and A few instances — such as The “US Missteps Led to Failed upheaval. New York Times’ September 2002 Diplomacy.” The lead story in that report hyping Iraq’s aluminium day’s Post was “Audacious Mission, tubes as evidence of a reconsti- Awesome Risks; Bold War Plan BY CRISPIAN BALMER tuted nuclear programme — have Emphasizes Lightning Attacks become infamous. The Times and and Complex Logistics.” S President Barack Obama flew The Washington Post have publicly Perhaps it was too late by then. out of Israel in a dust storm on examined and admitted their But this doesn’t sound like failure. Friday, leaving behind a trail of shortcomings. After reviewing 576 news and symbolic gestures and fine ora- But “failure” grossly oversim- opinion stories before and imme- tory that should help preserve plifies what the media did and diately after the US invasion of Uthe status quo at a time of regional upheaval. didn’t do before the war, and it Iraq, former New York Times col- US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walk the red carpet at In an unexpected diplomatic flourish, he also ignores important reasons the umnist Leslie H Gelb came to a the closing ceremony of Obama’s visit to Israel last Friday. facilitated a surprise telephone call between the reporting turned out the way it less damning conclusion. “The prime ministers of Israel and Turkey, putting did. As new threats loom, from elite press did not embarrass itself two US allies firmly on track to revive a once said he would not let Iran get nuclear weapons. but not just what happens with Syria,” said a Iran to North Korea, better to the degree widely assumed — close relationship that had become badly frayed. As a joint news conference on Wednesday, source in Netanyahu’s office. understanding these circum- nor did it distinguish itself,” he Obama set such low expectations for the Netanyahu repeated that Israel had a right to Yet if the tensions with Turkey unexpect- stances can help us assess what wrote in 2009. “Only episodically three-day trip that he can easily proclaim it defend its own national interests, but added edly eased, Obama’s visit did little to raise happened and whether we’re bet- did our best news outlets provide is mission accomplished, having wooed skep- that he was “absolutely convinced” Obama hopes that the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian ter positioned today. the necessary alternative infor- tical Israelis, eased their fears over Iran and meant what he said — a strong statement seen conflict was any nearer resolution. Thousands of news stories and mation . . . ask the needed ques- shown Palestinians that he had not forgotten as significant by some analysts. Going over the heads of Israeli leaders, who columns published before the tions . . . or present insightful their aspirations. “Now I think there is almost complete have questioned whether they have a viable war described and debated the analysis about Iraq itself.” True, many Palestinians remained disil- understanding between Israel and the United negotiating partner on the other side of the administration’s plans and state- A decade later, it’s easy to for- lusioned, feeling that Obama had buckled to States on the Iranian issue,” said Amotz separation barrier that twists through the ments, and not all of them were get the circumstances in which Israeli pressure and backtracked from his pre- Asa-El, fellow at the Shalom Hartman West Bank, Obama appealed directly to ordi- supportive. Reporters at The Post, journalists worked in the months vious demands for a halt to Jewish settlement Institute in Jerusalem. nary citizens to push for change. the Times, Knight-Ridder, the before the invasion. building in the occupied West Bank on land “Specifically, they are waiting to see if the In a powerful speech to appreciative stu- Wall Street Journal and Newsweek The war drums began beating they want for a future state. June election in Iran ignites some kind of social dents, the US president warned on Thursday periodically produced stories that less than a year after September But after a bruising first term of failed upheaval, a prospect that both Washington that the Jewish state risked growing interna- challenged the Bush administra- 11, 2001, when the public was still Middle East diplomacy, Obama’s prime con- and Jerusalem obviously prefer,” he added, tional isolation without a peace accord. tion’s claims about Iraq. receptive to the alarming state- cern seems to be that the situation does not referring to a mid-year presidential poll. However, he did not bring any proposals on Some of these stories — too ments about Iraq made by Bush get any worse, while keeping alive slender Israel and Western powers believe Iran is how to resume negotiations, which broke down many — were not given promi- and his advisers. On September hopes that a comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian looking to prepare a nuclear arsenal — some- in 2010, and he backed away from a previous nence and, in the case of newspa- 8, 2002, national security adviser peace deal is still possible. thing Tehran denies, while defending its right demand for Israel to end settlement building, pers, didn’t make the front page. Condoleezza Rice told CNN that it “This visit marks a resumption of American to enrich uranium for civil uses. Netanyahu simply calling the construction an impediment But it wasn’t impossible for skep- was unclear when Saddan might attention to the conflict, which is very impor- has set a “red line” across Iran’s progress to peace. tics of the war to connect the dots. acquire a nuclear weapon but that tant after two years of utter absence from the on enrichment, which he has said could be He promised that his new secretary of state, Iraq’s supposed links to ter- “we don’t want the smoking gun scene,” said Ghassan Al Khatib, an academic and crossed in the spring or summer — hinting at John Kerry, would dedicate much time and rorists? “The CIA has yet to find to be a mushroom cloud.” a former Palestinian government spokesman. unilateral military action unless the Islamic energy to the problem, but many Israelis saw convincing evidence” connecting The field was tilted. “It probably won’t lead to any new negotia- republic backs down. his comments as a sign Washington would Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda, Administration officials hogged tions, which in any case would be meaningless Giora Eiland, a retired general and former distance itself from a diplomatic quagmire The Post reported on its front page media attention with scary, on- given the huge gulf between the two sides. But it Israeli national security adviser, said the pros- familiar to his predecessors. in September 2002. the-record statements. On the might bring some accountability to the Israelis.” pect of such an attack was receding: “I think “The era when the USA pushed Israel and Iraq’s arsenal of weapons of other side, there were few author- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the option still exists,” he said, “But that the Palestinians into a political process is mass destruction? President itative sources countering them. appeared highly satisfied by the public show every day that passes lowers its chances of gone,” said Gidi Grinstein, president of the George W Bush’s assertion that Even Al Gore believed that Iraq of joviality displayed by Obama during their success.” Reut Institute, a Tel Aviv-based think tank. Baghdad had revived its nuclear had WMDs, said Doyle McManus, meetings, dispelling the frosty scowls and Reflecting Israel’s isolation in a largely hos- “In the absence of American vision and programme was disputed in who covered the period for the sniping that marked encounters over the pre- tile region, Obama engineered a call between strategy, considering Obama’s priorities and January 2003 by International Los Angeles Times. “The consensus vious four years. Netanyahu and his Turkish counterpart on with the present positions of Israel and the Atomic Energy Agency chief was universal,” he says. “The atmosphere was much better than in Friday, enabling the two US allies to over- Palestinians, the USA is basically saying: ‘You Mohamed ElBaradei, who told “If you want to say the press all their meetings before,” said a senior Israeli come a diplomatic crisis sparked by the deaths call us. We won’t call you’,” he added. the UN Security Council that his failed, you have to ask, what official. “He gave the impression that he really of nine Turks in 2010 during an Israeli com- Although Palestinian President Mahmoud agency had no evidence that the was the press supposed to do?” wanted to start afresh,” he said of Obama. mando raid off the Gaza Strip. Abbas welcomed Obama’s speech, some of his programme had been restarted. says Gerald Seib, Washington Obama has already spent more time talking The move to normalise relations with a Nato political allies were more damning. “After 2 Months, No Proof of Iraq bureau chief of the Wall Street to Netanyahu than to any other world leader, member state that was one of its few Muslim “Obama’s visit provides no clear way for- Arms Programs,” was how the Los Journal. “Did we get to the bot- according to the White House, and the pair friends in the region could help coordination ward for a serious solution to the conflict,” said Angeles Times headlined the story. tom of the claims of weapons of put several more hours on the clock through to contain spillover from the Syrian civil war. Wasel Abu Yousef of the Palestine Liberation The Post also revealed in early mass destruction? No, but no one this week. “Given what we see in the Middle East, we Organisation. “It seems the US is not inter- March that key evidence for Iraq’s did, either, including the United Iran topped their initial agenda, aides said, see a situation in which our relations with ested in solving the conflict, but rather man- nuclear weapons programme was Nations, with all of the resources with Obama seeking to build mutual trust and Turkey can be very, very important for the aging it.” apparently fabricated. Knight- it brought to bear on that ques- convince Israel that he was serious when he future, regarding what happens with Syria, REUTERS Ridder’s Washington bureau, and tion.” WP-BLOOMBERG UN should accept blame for cholera outbreak in Haiti BY CHARANYA sanitation facilities at their base represented by the Institute for Project analysis noted last August. KRISHNASWAMI and in the town of Mirebalais. As a Justice and Democracy in Haiti, This claims process is criti- MUNEER I AHMAD result, cholera-infected waste a Boston-based human rights cal because the 1946 convention leaked into a tributary to Haiti’s group, and the Haitian Bureau requires the United Nations to he mandate of the UN largest river, the Artibonite. des Avocats Internationaux, hold itself accountable when its mission in Haiti includes Because many Haitians depend filed claims for compensation peacekeepers do wrong. As then- ensuring “individual on the river for water, the spread under the procedures the United Secretary General Kofi Annan Taccountability for human of cholera was as rapid as it was Nations promised to create as explained in a series of reports rights abuses and redress for vic- deadly, killing more than 8,000 part of its agreement for send- to the UN General Assembly in tims.” Yet instead of fulfilling its people, as of last month, and sick- ing peacekeepers to Haiti. After the 1990s, the organisation must obligations to the roughly 600,000 ening hundreds of thousands of ignoring the claims for more be accountable when innocent Haitians affected by a cholera others. than a year, the United Nations parties are harmed by actions outbreak it caused, the United Cholera continues to infect announced in late February unnecessary to its mission. Nations is hiding, shamefully, 1,500 people here every week. that they were “not receivable” Leaking cholera-tainted human This file photo from 2010 was taken during a mass unrest in Haiti’s capital. behind a claim of immunity. By Community health advocates told because the 1946 Convention on waste into a major waterway and refusing to right its own wrong, us this week that patients lack Privileges and Immunities gave it consequently infecting hundreds the international body is violat- access to care and simple life- legal immunity. forces. The same convention the UN mission to set up a commis- of thousands of Haitians with a ing the principles of international saving supplies, thanks in part to A UN spokesman said that United Nations cites as bestow- sion to hear claims Haitians might deadly disease not only under- accountability and human rights continued UN inaction. Victims the outbreak resulted from “a ing legal immunity says that the have against UN peacekeeping mined the UN mission in Haiti that it purports to promote. living steps away from the UN confluence of circumstances” organisation must “make provi- forces. This is the claims process but also thwarted it. For all its challenges, Haiti was base — every one of whom has and was “a painful reminder of sions for appropriate modes of that victims of the epidemic tried Two years after cholera claimed free of cholera for about a century lost a relative, a friend or a neigh- Haiti’s vulnerability in the event settlement” for claims that arise to use in 2011. Yet in its statement its first victims in Haiti, the out- before a UN peacekeeping force bor in the outbreak — expressed of a national emergency” — the from its missions. Simply put, if last month, the United Nations break continues to ravage the west- arrived from Nepal in October their anger at the organisation January 2010 earthquake. In the United Nations harms inno- made no mention of its obligation ern hemisphere’s poorest nation. 2010. Although there had been and their hopes to see it brought other words, rather than provid- cent bystanders, it must give to establish a claims commission. By flouting its international obli- an outbreak of cholera in Nepal to justice. ing its victims redress, the United those people a way to obtain jus- This is not the first time the gations and its own promises, the shortly before the troops left for Although a 2011 UN report con- Nations blames them. tice and seek compensation for United Nations has ignored its United Nations has destroyed its Haiti, the UN mission failed to ceded that the strains of cholera The UN failure to acknowl- their injuries. duty to establish a claims com- moral credibility among Haitians. appropriately screen the peace- “isolated in Nepal and Haiti” were edge the Haitians’ claims is both The United Nations appeared mission. Although it has signed How can it purport to hold human keepers for the disease. This error “a perfect match,” the United immoral and illegal. International to honour this obligation in 2004, about 50 similar peacekeeping rights abusers in Haiti accountable was compounded by the United Nations denies responsibility law requires the organisation to when it entered into a status-of- agreements since 1990, not once when it refuses to hold itself to the Nations’ failure to provide the for the outbreak. In November provide a way for parties to bring forces agreement with Haiti that, has the United Nations set up same standard? peacekeeping mission adequate 2011, 5,000 victims of the disease, claims against peacekeeping among its provisions, required the a commission, a World Justice WP-BLOOMBERG SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Lebanon without govt as Syria simmers President Sleiman accepts Mikati’s resignation

BEIRUT: Lebanon was with- had officially adopted a policy of members for their alleged role in out a government yesterday “disassociation” from the Syrian the murder of former premier after the surprise resignation conflict, Syria is probably the real Rafiq Hariri in 2005. of premier Najib Mikati and as reason why it has fallen. Another bone of contention it battled deep divisions fuelled Until 2005, Lebanon was domi- was Mikati’s insistence on hold- by the civil war in neighbouring nated politically and militarily by ing an election in June but before Syria. Damascus. a move by Christian parties to The head of the government Mikati’s government was con- change an electoral law that in which the Shia movement stantly criticised by the March they feel is detrimental to their Hezbollah, a key ally of Damascus, 14 movement led by former pre- community. holds powerful sway, formally mier Saad Hariri, an opponent The daily Al Nahar, close to submitted its resignation yester- of President Bashar Al Assad’s the opposition that is hostile day to President Michel Sleiman regime, and his Christian part- to Damascus, expected a “pro- who asked that it continue in a ners from the Lebanese Forces tracted crisis,” while Al Akhbar caretaker capacity. of Samir Geagea. on the opposite of the political Mikati announced his govern- Mikati’s decision to step down divide said Mikati’s resignation ment’s resignation late on Friday, came after disagreements on “means the end of the policy of citing divisions on domestic two domestic issues — an elec- disassociation.” issues, and called for a national tions supervisory commission “This resignation plan can unity government. and extending a security chief’s expect to have security repercus- “I announce the resignation of mandate. sions not only on the border with the government, hoping that this The 57-year-old was involved Syria, but also within Lebanon. will open the way for the major in a contentious bid to extend The political chaos will last a long political blocs to take responsibil- the term of the Sunni head of time,” it said. ity and come together to bring Lebanon’s Internal Security Fierce sectarian clashes in Lebanon out of the unknown,” Forces, General Ashraf Rifi, which fighters used machineguns Mikati said. which was opposed by a majority and mortars erupted yesterday He called for the “formation of of the government. in the flashpoint northern city Rebels clash with Syrian government forces at Saif Al Dawla district in the northern city of Aleppo yesterday. a national salvation government “In a few days a major security of Tripoli, killing one Alawite, in which all Lebanese political institution risks falling into the and wounding an Alawite and a forces are represented in order void when its director general Sunni, a security source said. to save the nation.” retires. I felt that during this Intermittent battles pit Syria rebels seize key military base Mikati became prime minister sensitive period that he should Alawites belonging to the same in 2011, positioning himself as a stay in office... but I found that sect as Syria’s Assad against BEIRUT: Rebels fighting the Sunni cleric Mohamed Saeed Al Syrian Observatory for Human moderate. the council of ministers does not Sunnis, who back Syria’s regime of President Bashar Al Bouti and his grandson, who died Rights. He headed a government domi- share my opinion on this,” he said insurgents. Assad yesterday seized a key in a Thursday suicide bombing The seizure came “after 16 days nated by the so-called March 8 in announcing his resignation. EU foreign policy chief air base in the southern Syrian that killed some 50 people. of fighting,” said the Britain-based coalition, made up of Hezbollah Rifi, a Sunni and opponent of Catherine Ashton voiced concern province of Daraa after two “Opposition fighters loyal to group. and its allies, and drew fire Syria, was a thorn in Hezbollah’s at the “deteriorating situation,” weeks of fierce battles with loy- Al Nusra Front, Al Yarmuk At least seven rebels were from Sunnis who accused him side. while UN chief Ban Ki-moon alist troops, a watchdog said. Brigade and other rebel groups killed in their final assault on the of betraying his community and His officers were involved in called on the Lebanese to unite Meanwhile, in Damascus’s seized air defence Base 38 near base, said the Observatory, which siding with the Syria- and Iran- the investigation that led to the and maintain their policy of “dis- ancient Umayyad mosque, the town of Saida, on the road also documented the deaths of at backed group. indictment by the International association” from the Syrian con- thousands of Assad supporters linking Damascus to Amman, in least eight regime troops includ- Although the government Criminal Court of four Hezbollah flict. AFP attended the funeral of pro-regime the province of Daraa,” said the ing an officer. AFP

Egypt activists, Israeli apology Brotherhood Obama wraps up Middle East trip shows Turkey’s AMMAN: US President On Friday, a Jordanian reporter settle scores Barack Obama strolled among asked him why superpower new clout, the ancient Jordanian ruins at America had no plan to end the Petra yesterday, before heading killing in Syria, prompting Obama on the streets home after a four-day Middle to defend US diplomatic efforts to says Erdogan East tour dominated by his isolate Syria and to note hundreds CAIRO: Two years after top- embrace of Israel. of millions of dollars in US aid. ISTANBUL: Prime Minister pling Hosni Mubarak, some Obama flew by helicopter to He also said he would ask Tayyip Recep Erdogan yester- Egyptian activists say they are view the rose-coloured stone Congress to provide $200m in day said an Israeli apology for having to resort to violence ruins of the ancient Nabataean budget support for Jordan this the 2010 deaths of nine Turkish against the ruling Muslim city, after winds from a sand- year as it cares for more than pro-Palestinian activists that Brotherhood, which they say storm abated and allowed him to 450,000 Syrian refugees. was brokered by US President mirrors the old regime’s tactics make the 55-minute trip across “This will mean more humani- Barack Obama met Turkey’s on dissent. the rugged plains and mountains tarian assistance and basic serv- conditions and signalled its “It’s turned into a war on the of Jordan. ices, including education for growing regional influence. streets. With every strike against On Friday, high winds in Israel Syrian children so far from home, “We are entering a new period us, we strike back harder,” said forced Obama to take his motor- whose lives have been upended,” in both Turkey and the region,” Farid Sayyed, 24, during clashes cade instead of his Marine One he said. At least 120,000 Syrian said Erdogan, who plans to visit between Islamists and opponents chopper to visit the Church of the refugees are in the sprawling the Palestinian territories, includ- outside the Cairo headquarters of Nativity in Bethlehem, and there northern border camp of Zaatari ing the Gaza Strip, next month. the Muslim Brotherhood. had been fears his jaunt to Petra alone, and Jordan has repeatedly “We are at the beginning of a The area surrounding the build- would also be scrapped. complained that the growing process of elevating Turkey to a ing in the Mokattam neighbour- But Obama was able to spend numbers of Syrians, expected to position so that it will again have hood has witnessed fierce clashes two hours at the fabled tourist reach 700,000 this year, are drain- a say, initiative and power, as it between protesters, members of spot before returning to Amman, ing its resources. did in the past.” the Islamist group and police over where Air Force One lifted off Obama also warned during Israeli Prime Minister the past week, injuring dozens. headed to Washington in the early his visit that the use of chemical Benjamin Netanyahu, in a phone Violence outside the afternoon. weapons by Syria’s armed forces call on Friday, agreed to meet Brotherhood’s headquarters The US president, on the first would be a game changer that Turkey’s three conditions for nor- is evidence that the powerful foreign journey of his second term, would invite international action. malising relations, Erdogan said. Islamist movement and its opaque had earlier emerged into a sunlit He wrapped up his first visit to These were a clear apology, political office are now identified square facing the iconic Treasury Israel as president on Friday by compensation to the victims’ as the true centre of power, eclips- building at Petra, carved out of giving Prime Minister Benjamin families and a relaxation of the ing President Mohamed Mursi the towering walls of sandstone Netanyahu, with whom he had blockade against Gaza, Erdogan who emerged from its ranks. in southern Jordan. US President Barack Obama shakes hands with Jordan’s King Abdullah II feuded in his first term, a hug. told a rally broadcast live from The fleeting solidarity in “This is pretty spectacular,” at the Amman Airport yesterday. The centrepiece of Obama’s the western town of Eskisehir. early stages of the 2011 upris- Obama, in a blue windbreaker, visit to Israel was a powerful Israel bowed to a demand by ing between the well-structured sweater, khaki pants and sun- direct appeal to young Israelis on Ankara to apologise formally for Islamist group and the poorly glasses said, peering up at the up a four-day stay in the Middle “(Extremists) are very good Thursday when he declared the the deaths nearly three years organised pro-democracy activ- rocky cliffs. East designed to assure Israel about exploiting situations that, two-state peace solution was very ago aboard the Mavi Marmara, a ists has evaporated and their “It’s amazing.” he is serious about its defence you know, are no longer function- much alive and their only hope Turkish vessel carrying humani- political divisions are now being Obama arrived at the ruins from Iran and to keep Israeli- ing. They fill that gap,” Obama of true security, urging them to tarian aid and challenging Israel’s played out on the streets. through a famous passageway Palestinian peace hopes alive. said at a news conference with try to see the situation through naval blockade of the Palestinian- “We went out to defend our squeezed between rock for- Obama also warned on Friday King Abdullah II. Palestinian eyes. run Gaza Strip. political ideas. The Brotherhood mations, and was led through that he was worried that Syria Obama’s reluctance to arm He also accepted that Israel had The men died after Israeli failed to silence us, now they are the World Heritage Site by Dr could become an enclave of opposition groups in Syria, fear- a right to ensure its self-defence, marines stormed the ship. trying to kill us,” Sayyed said Suleiman Al Farajat, a University “extremism” as his own policy ing they are, or could become, but urged time for his diplomatic The incident wrecked diplo- bitterly. of Jordan tourism professor. towards the vicious sectarian war extremist Islamist foes with links push to work to halt Iran’s con- matic ties between Turkey and “Now it’s personal, it’s a feeling The visit to Petra, Jordan’s threatening to tear the nation to Al Qaeda, dogged him during troversial nuclear programme. Israel, once strategic partners. of revenge that moves everyone,” most visited tourist site, wrapped apart came under scrutiny. questioning by journalists. AFP Muslim Turkey expelled he added. Israel’s ambassador and froze Abdullah Suleim, an 18-year- military cooperation after a UN old law student, saw his friends report into the incident released injured in the latest clashes with in September 2011 largely exoner- Brotherhood members. ated the Jewish state. “The issue has moved beyond “I expressed that normalising politics now. The anger is per- Yemeni rebel leader escapes assassination bid (relations), which will facilitate sonal,” he said. His view was ech- regional peace, would depend on oed by activists from both sides. SANA’A: Gunmen shot dead Impoverished Yemen faces advocate a bigger role for Zaydi as are leaders of the 2011 street these steps,” Erdogan told report- “It has turned from a politi- three people in a failed attempt two rebellions and a separatist Shi’ite Muslims in the north of protests, Saleh’s General People’s ers on the train to Eskisehir, CNN cal issue to a personal one,” said to assassinate a Houthi rebel movement. Washington fears it Yemen, have been fighting the Congress party and the Islah Turk said. Reviving the relation- Ahmed Said, 17, a member of the leader yesterday after he left may become a failed state after government since 2004 and form party, representing Islamist and ship is seen as a key source of Muslim Brotherhood. Yemen’s “national dialogue” President Ali Abdullah Saleh was one of several rival groups taking tribal groups. stability as the two countries and “The opposition provokes us, talks aimed at ending political unseated last year following “Arab part in the talks. President Abd-Rabbu Mansour their Western allies confront civil with very offensive slogans that turmoil in the country, sources spring” protests. “What we fear is that there Hadi’s transitional two-year war in Syria and the prospects of include personal attacks,” he said. at the talks said. Lawless parts of the country will (also) be a plot to target the government, whose term ends a nuclear-armed Iran. Social media have also aggra- Abdo Abu Ras, the Houthis’ bordering top oil producer Saudi southerners to make them with- after elections next February, is Erdogan also told the crowd vated matters with pictures of representative at the negotiations, Arabia play host to an al Qaeda draw from participating in the also battling an insurgency by that Obama, who was in Israel on “wanted” activists posted on web- was returning by car to his hotel affiliate seen in the United States conference.” Islamists in parts of southern Friday for talks with Netanyahu, sites with threatening messages, in the capital Sana’a when gun- as the movement’s most danger- Separatists who want to revive Yemen. Those militants are not had called him before passing the only stoking anger on all sides. men opened fire, killing three of ous wing. a defunct socialist state in the taking part in the talks. telephone to the Israeli premier AFP his companions, the sources said. The Houthi rebels, who south are taking part in the talks, REUTERS to apologise. REUTERS SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Kremlin critic Berezovsky dies in Britain Exiled Russian oligarch dead in ‘unexplained’ circumstances; police launch a full investigation

LONDON: Boris Berezovsky poisoning by radioactive polonium about the welfare of a gentleman Roman Abramovich last year. his subsequent help for Putin to (pictured), the exiled Russian in November 2006. to an address in Ascot”. He sought more than £3bn take over after Yeltsin proved his oligarch and long-time oppo- Putin’s spokesman said how- “We sent a number of ambu- ($4.75bn) in damages from undoing. nent of the Kremlin, died at his ever that Berezovsky had recently lance officers and one ambulance Abramovich after accusing his The fast-talking Muscovite home in Britain yesterday in written to the Russian leader ask- to the address. The 67-year-old rival of blackmail, breach of trust with a taste for the high life “unexplained” circumstances, ing him for a pardon and permis- man was confirmed deceased at and breach of contract. He lost became a key target of Putin’s his spokesman and police said. sion to return home. the scene,” she said. the case and subsequently agreed crackdown on the oligarchs’ polit- Police said they had launched Berezovsky’s spokesman in Berezovsky’s colourful past is to pay Abramovich £35m ($56m) ical independence and he fled to a full investigation into the Britain said the oligarch had been likely to prompt intense specula- in legal costs. Berezovsky also ran Britain, where he won political 67-year-old’s death in the well- found at his home in Ascot by his tion about his death—he was par- up £250,000 in costs in a legal bat- asylum in 2003 and from where heeled commuter town of Ascot, bodyguard, refusing to comment anoid about plots against his life, tle with his former partner, Elena he became a vocal Kremlin critic. near London. on media reports that he was and in 1995 he narrowly escaped Gorbunova, with whom he had When his friend Litvinenko Berezovsky’s lawyer Alexander found in his bath. an assassination attempt that two children. died a gruesome death by radio- Dobrovinsky said on Russian Police said the death was “unex- decapitated his driver. However, the oligarch’s friend active poisoning in 2006, there television the tycoon had com- plained” and they had cordoned However, his lawyer told Demyan Kudryavtsev firmly were accusations from Moscow mitted suicide after suffering off Berezovsky’s home while an Russian state television that denied that Berezovsky had killed that Berezovsky was involved, from weeks of depression over investigation was carried out. he had been informed by con- himself. “No! This is not so!” he something he strongly denied. his huge debts, although another “Thames Valley Police has tacts in London that Berezovsky was quoted as saying by the Prime After news of Berezovsky’s friend strongly denied this. launched an investigation into the had killed himself. “Berezovsky news agency in Russia. death yesterday, Kremlin spokes- Berezovsky settled in Britain death of a 67-year-old man at a has been in a terrible state as “Nobody knows this. There man Dmitry Peskov said the more than a decade ago after going property in Ascot, Berkshire. His of late. He was in debt. He felt are no external signs of a sui- oligarch had written to Putin a into “self-imposed exile” where he death is currently being treated destroyed,” said Dobrovinsky. cide. There are no signs that he academic for nearly two decades couple of months ago saying he became one of the most outspoken as unexplained and a full inquiry “He was forced to sell his paint- injected himself or swallowed before becoming one of the super- wanted to go home. “He asked critics of President Vladimir Putin. is under way,” the force said. ings and other things.” any pills. No one knows why his rich oligarchs who dominated Putin for forgiveness for his mis- He was at the centre of a A spokeswoman for the local The tycoon was involved in a heart stopped.” Russia in the 1990s. takes and asked him to obtain group of anti-Kremlin exiles in ambulance service said they were bitter multi-million pound legal Born January 23, 1946, in Berezovsky’s power peaked the opportunity to return to the London who included Alexander called out at 3:18pm (1518 GMT) battle with fellow tycoon and Moscow, Berezovsky trained after he helped Boris Yeltsin motherland,” the spokesman told Litvinenko, who died of “by a caller who was concerned Chelsea Football Club owner in forestry and worked as an become president in 1996, but Russian state television. AFP

Earth Hour at Eiffel Tower Britain suffers more Al Qaeda’s Abou Zeid dead: France PARIS: France confirmed “with certainty” yesterday that Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, one of Al Qaeda’s most feared commanders in Africa, had been chaos from snow killed in Mali last month in a French-led offensive. The death of Abou Zeid, who raised millions of dollars kidnapping Western hostages, marks a heavy LONDON: Heavy unseasonal company said. In the northwest- blow to Al Qaeda’s North African wing AQIM and to Islamist rebels battling snow caused fresh disruption in ern county of Cumbria, 70 French-led forces in northern Mali’s Adrar des Ifoghas mountains. The Britain yesterday, leaving tens stranded drivers stayed overnight death of the ruthless commander — the trusted lieutenant of AQIM’s elusive of thousands of homes without at a local school while others who leader Abdelmalek Droukdel — was a major victory in France’s nine-week- power, shutting airports and were stuck in their cars slept in old campaign to drive al Qaeda-linked Islamists from Mali’s desert north. causing an international foot- local hotels, police said. ball match to be called off. Sporting fixtures also fell foul Men in white: Pope meets predecessor The country should be mark- of the weather. Northern Ireland’s ing the start of spring but in what World Cup qualifier against Russia, CASTEL GANDOLFO, ITALY: Pope Francis flew in to a papal resi- the British media have dubbed which had been rescheduled from dence near Rome yesterday for a meeting with “Pope Emeritus” Benedict “Miserable March”, wintry storms Friday for a Saturday afternoon XVI — an unprecedented encounter in the history of the Catholic Church. have instead lashed the country, kick-off, was called off as the pitch Both men were in the white vestments reserved for popes as Benedict leaving one person dead on Friday. at Windsor Park was unplayable. has been allowed to continue wearing his papal robes even after his res- Northern Ireland, Scotland, Several English and Scottish ignation and is still addressed as “Your Holiness”. Francis took a heli- northern England and north football league matches were also copter to the lakeside Castel Gandolfo summer residence where Benedict Wales bore the brunt of the cold called off as well as horseracing has been living since stepping down last month. Benedict came to greet with 22cm (8.6 inches) of snow in at Doncaster and Newbury. The him and Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi pointed out that in the Bingley, West Yorkshire, although bad weather claimed the life of a car Francis sat on the right — “the classic place for the pope” — while snow fell in the capital London too. woman in her 60s when a landslide Benedict sat on the left. Snowfall forced the closure for triggered by heavy rain smashed at least part of the day of East through an apartment block in Northern Ireland forces defuse car bomb Midlands Airport in Derby, central Cornwall, southwest England. England, and of Leeds Bradford The Sellafield nuclear reproc- LONDON: Northern Ireland security forces defused a car bomb yester- Airport, Doncaster’s Robin Hood essing and waste disposal site in day near where world leaders will meet for the G8 summit in June, offi- Airport and Humberside Airport Cumbria briefly shut down on cials said. Army bomb disposal experts cleared the “viable device” near in northern England. Friday due to the adverse condi- Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, which was believed to be destined for Train services were disrupted in tions but later partially reopened. a local police station, said police. The site where the bomb was found is parts of northwest England. More The National Weather Service about 19km from the five-star Lough Erne hotel and golf resort where than 35,000 homes in Northern said that while it was not uncom- leaders of the Group of Eight richest nations meet on June 17 and 18. Ireland, 6,000 homes in Scotland mon to see snow in March, the A combination picture shows the Eiffel Tower before and after and hundreds in northern England cold spell has been unusually submerging into darkness at 8:30pm (local time) as part of the Rebels attack Congo mining hub, 15 killed were left without electricity for long. Spring officially started on Earth Hour switch-off, in Paris yesterday. Iconic landmarks and KINSHASA: a second day after power lines Wednesday but while the aver- skylines were plunged into darkness to raise awareness of cli- Hu nd re ds of rebels a rme d w ith bow s a nd a rrow s a nd m a chetes snapped, operators said. age temperature in England for mate change. Sydney kicked off the event at 8.30pm. Organisers attacked a military camp and the provincial governor’s office in Democratic Water supplies were also being March is 6 degrees centigrade, so expect hundreds of millions of people across more than 150 Republic of Congo’s southern mining hub of Lubumbashi yesterday. Among disrupted due to problems with far it has been 3.8 degrees centi- the 300 assailants, around 15 were killed when they tried to resist the police,” countries to turn off their lights for 60 minutes in a symbolic pumps, the NI Water supply grade, forecasters say. AFP Information Minister Lambert Mende said. AGENCIES show of support for the planet. Central African Bersani struggles to form Italian govt rebels push ROME: Italian leftist leader government similar to the out- know that our opposition will be Pier Luigi Bersani struggled to going one led by Prime Minister tough,” he said. “If they fail, then form a government yesterday Mario Monti, a former European we should not waste the coun- into capital as his rival Silvio Berlusconi commissioner. Bersani got the try’s time and we should return BANGUI: Rebels in the said he was ready to return to official nod on Friday from to vote immediately.” Central African Republic the polls after elections that President Giorgio Napolitano, Berlusconi has supported a said yesterday that they had left the country in political who asked him to report back coalition with the centre-left, advanced into the capital gridlock. “as quickly as possible” on his bid calling it “a government of Bangui, ignoring a call by Bersani began talks to try and to govern after the inconclusive national concord”. the impoverished country’s build support despite his lack of elections on February 24 and 25. Supporters were also rallying prime minister for talks to a parliamentary majority, but Bersani’s coalition won a major- against what they said was the avoid a “bloodbath”. Berlusconi told tens of thousands ity in the lower house but no victimisation of the 76-year-old The claim by rebel spokes- of supporters that the leftist was party won in the upper house — billionaire tycoon. man Eric Massi came after destined to fail and that new a first in Italy’s post-war history. Berlusconi over the past year a regional stabilisation force elections should be called. Berlusconi’s centre-right coalition has been convicted of tax fraud commander said explosions “I do not deny this is a difficult came in a very close second. The and breaking state secrecy laws and gunfire were heard on the task but I think other roads would scandal-tainted former prime and is also on trial for having sex outskirts of the city. be even more difficult and even minister told a rally in central with an underage prostitute and Fighters from the Seleka more precarious,” Bersani said. Rome on Saturday that he was abuse of office. rebel coalition this week The leftist has so far ruled out a ready for fresh elections. Italian media said Bersani pushed their way to the gates “grand coalition” with Berlusconi “I see you’re all ready for a could finish up his consulta- of Bangui following the col- and is instead trying to form what new election campaign and this tions on Tuesday or Wednesday lapse of a two-month-old would be a minority government time we’ll win big!” Berlusconi and return to Napolitano on peace deal in the country that reliant on votes from other par- told the crowd, adding: “I’m Wednesday or Thursday to say has been plagued by instability ties in parliament. ready too!” “If Bersani contin- whether he has enough support since its independence from Analysts say another option ues this absurd attempt at a for a government. France in 1960. would be a technocratic minority government, he should AFP Central Africa’s prime min- ister earlier yesterday called for talks with the rebels to “avoid a bloodbath”. The call went unheeded, with the rebels claiming they had passed through a key checkpoint that marks the entrance to the city. “We call on the population to stay at home, on the FACA (Central African Armed Forces) not to fight, and on President (Francois) Bozize to leave,” said Paris-based rebel spokesman Massi. AFP SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Tornado kills Filipino militants free Australian 20 in Dhaka

BANGLADESH: A tornado Authorities refuse to say if ransom was paid to secure Warren Rodwell’s release swept through nearly two dozen villages southeast of the PAGADIAN: Australian he was still in their custody and worst terror attacks in recent Bangladeshi capital, killing at Warren Rodwell emerged on which showed him becoming pro- Philippine history. least 20 people, tearing roofs off Saturday withered from 15 gressively gaunt. It also has a long history of houses and uprooting trees and months as a captive of Islamic In the last video, apparently kidnapping foreigners, Christians power pylons, officials said. militants in the lawless south- taken in January, masked mili- and local business people for The death toll could rise ern Philippines, his ribs pro- tants carrying M-16 automatic ransom. sharply as more than 300 people truding but able to smile. rifles and belts of ammunition Many foreign governments were injured when the twister Rodwell, a former soldier, joked threatened to kill Rodwell as warn their citizens to avoid the struck Brahmanbaria district, with policemen and a journalist he sat with his hands bound by violence-plagued parts of the more than 100 kilometres (60 who took exclusive video footage rope. southern Philippines because of miles) southeast of Dhaka. of him at Pagadian city police sta- Australian Prime Minister the high risk of kidnappings. More than 500 dwellings suf- tion on Mindanao island, shortly Julia Gillard expressed relief over But Rodwell settled in Ipil with fered damage. Rescue teams after his pre-dawn release. Rodwell’s release and congratu- his Filipina wife, Miraflor Gutang, were dispatched to the area, but “Lose weight...skeleton,” a smil- lated Philippine authorities for about eight months before he uprooted trees and wrecked vehi- ing Rodwell said as he took off his their handling of the case. was abducted, according to local cles closed large stretches of high- T-shirt for the video camera and “I do want to pay tribute to the authorities. way and rail lines. pointed at ribs that could be seen government of the Philippines He had worked as a teacher in Among the damaged buildings hard up against his skin. He then and their agencies and personnel, China before marrying Gutang, was Brahmanbaria jail, which sucked in his stomach to accentu- they worked so hard to secure Mr whom he met on the Internet. partially collapsed, killing a guard. ate his weight loss. Rodwell’s release,” Gillard said. While the Abu Sayyaf claims But officials said all inmates Rodwell was clean shaven, After a brief stay in Pagadian, to be motivated by a quest for an remained inside the facility and except for a moustache, and his Rodwell was flown by helicopter independent Muslim homeland were safe. hair was cut neatly. to a military base in Zamboanga, in the southern Philippines, local “It destroyed everything I had. The Philippine military said one of the major cities in the authorities regard the group as Nothing is left,” Mohammad Rodwell had been released at southern Philippines, where he primarily a kidnap-for-ransom Nizam, a village resident said. Pagadian, a port city about 100 received medical treatment. gang. “We found ourselves rolling in the kilometres (60 miles) east of Ipil Two soldiers had to support It is believed to be holding mud within minutes.” town where he had been living Rodwell as he hobbled away from other hostages, including some with his Filipina wife before he the helicopter and into a van, foreigners. French family’s was kidnapped on December 5, according to video footage released The Abu Sayyaf was set up in 2011. by the Philippine military. the early 1990s with funding from death ‘not suicide’ Islamic militants posing as The media were not allowed the Al Qaeda network. policemen broke into his house access to him at the base. About 600 US Special Forces PHNOM PENH: French and and abducted him, and had ini- The Abu Sayyaf is one of many troops have been rotating in the Cambodian investigators yes- tially demanded $2m. Philippine armed Islamist groups operating southern Philippines since 2002 to terday ruled out suicide in the and Australian authorities in the southern Philippines, which train Filipino troops how to quash deaths of a Frenchman and his refused to say yesterday if any has been home to a deadly Muslim the Abu Sayyaf. four young children whose skel- ransom had been paid to secure separatist insurgency that has However the Abu Sayyaf has etal remains were found in a his release. cost tens of thousands of lives remained an enduring threat, submerged car last year. Australian national Warren Rodwell (second left) being escorted by US The kidnappers, members of since the 1970s. partly because the militants Ten French investigators, military personnel at a military airbase in Zamboanga City, Pagadian, where the Abu Sayyaf militant group, The group is believed to have operate with the support of local including a judge and scientific and he was released after having been kidnapped by Islamist militants. had previously released a series only a few hundred militants Muslim communities. forensic police, arrived in Cambodia of video clips of Rodwell as proof but has been blamed for the AFP earlier this month to probe the deaths of widower Laurent Vallier and his young children. “This (investigation) has led to very significant breakthroughs which are now ruling out the pos- 35 dead in sibility of a suicide,” the French Death toll in Myanmar violence reaches 32 embassy in Phnom Penh said in a statement. Thai refugee MEIKTILA: The death toll put the number of dead at 11. The violence began after an called for calm and dialogue Chhim Rithy, a Cambodian from religious violence in cen- A state of emergency has seen apparent argument in a gold shop between communities amid fears investigating judge at Kampong tral Myanmar rose to 32 yes- troops deployed in an effort to spiralled into pitched brawls. that the violence could spread. Speu who was working with the camp fire terday as rescuers found bodies bring calm to the streets of the Mosques were reduced to ashes, The office of the European team, said they had found some in the ashes of homes torched town, some 130 kilometres north while gangs of young men, includ- Union’s top diplomat, Catherine blood stain stains inside Vallier’s MAE SURIN: Thai rescue during an eruption of commu- of the capital Naypyidaw. ing monks, roamed the streets. Ashton, said in a statement house and on a rope. workers picked through the nal unrest, officials said. Around 50 military trucks It is the worst communal vio- yesterday: “The EU urges the ashes of hundreds of shelters Almost 9,000 people have been were deployed in the area yes- lence since a wave of clashes authorities to protect the civilian Gunmen kill four for Myanmar refugees yester- displaced by Buddhist-Muslim terday, after homes and mosques between Buddhists and Muslims population from violence, and to day after a ferocious blaze swept unrest that tore through the were torched by mobs armed with in the western state of Rakhine investigate the causes of this dis- prisoners in jail through a camp in northern town of Meiktila, according to knives and sticks in the three days last year that left at least 180 peo- turbing state of affairs. Thailand killing 35 people. the information ministry. of communal rioting. ple dead and more than 110,000 Journalists in the town have JAKARTA: Unidentified gun- Around 100 people were injured A government official said The clashes are the latest sign displaced. seen the charred remains of bod- men forced their way into an in Friday’s fire at the Mae Surin on condition of anonymity that of worsening tensions between The state of emergency order, ies on the roadside, while a group Indonesian jail early yesterday camp in Mae Hong Son province, security forces found a further 21 Muslims and Buddhists, present- signed by President Thein Sein, of reporters was threatened at and shot dead four prisoners provincial governor Narumol bodies in the wreckage of build- ing a serious challenge for the is designed to enable the army to knife-point by a group of men and awaiting trial over the death of Paravat said by telephone, giving ings torched in arson attacks dur- quasi-civilian regime as it looks to help restore order. monks who forced them to hand a soldier, police said. a reduced toll from the 45 dead ing the clashes, which began on reform the country after decades The United Nations, US, over their camera memory sticks. The prisoners were accused of previously stated. Wednesday. An official toll earlier of iron-fisted military rule. Britain and rights groups have AFP beating and stabbing to death a sol- “The final death toll is 35. dier from the military’s elite Special There was confusion in the body Forces Command last Tuesday at a count,” she said. nightclub in Yogyakarta in central Only a handful of homes sur- Java as he reportedly tried to break vived the inferno, according to a North Korean up a fight. photographer at the scene, who Korean-born National police spokesman said some refugees had already leader inspects Suhardi Alius said around 15 started cutting bamboo to build French minister gunmen entered the Cebongan new shelters. special forces unit Correctional Centre after intim- Aerial footage of the area in Seoul visit idating and then beating two shown on Thai television showed SEOUL: North Korean leader guards at around 01:00am Friday. huge swathes of the camp com- SEOUL: French Minister Kim Jong-Un has inspected a “At one o’clock, masked men pletely incinerated. Fleur Pellerin began a highly feared special forces unit, order- carrying guns got into the prison The blaze is believed to have anticipated visit yesterday to ing them to strike at “lightning and found the four men. They shot destroyed 400 houses and left South Korea, the land of her speed” once war breaks out, them in their cell and left immedi- over two thousand people home- birth, where her unusual suc- state media reported yesterday. ately,” Alius said, adding that one less at the remote mountainous cess story is a source of public The inspection comes at a of the four prisoners was a former camp. pride, admiration and curiosity. time of escalating tensions on police officer. “All of (the) dead bodies I saw Born in 1973 in Seoul and aban- the Korean peninsula, with mul- She said police were trying to this morning are burnt beyond doned, Pellerin was adopted by a tiple threats from the North of study CCTV footage, but another recognition,” a spokesman from French couple six months later an armed response to joint South police source close to the case the provincial authorities said. from an orphanage and moved Korea-US military drills and to said the gunmen had deliberately Authorities believe the fire was to France. This is the first time UN sanctions imposed after its destroyed some of the cameras. sparked by an unattended cook- she has ever returned to her nuclear test last month. ing flame. homeland. Kim, who holds the rank of 7.5m Filipinos have A local district official said “On a personal level, it’s true Marshal in the Korean People’s hot weather combined with that I’m excited,” Pellerin told the Army, told Unit 1973 during a tour no birth certificates strong winds had caused the Korean-language Chosun Ilbo in Friday that their mission was to fire to spread quickly among the an interview published before her “conquer the strongholds of the MANILA: At least 7.5 million thatched bamboo shelters. arrival yesterday. enemy”, according Pyongyang’s Filipinos have not registered Women, children and the eld- “I feel very proud to set foot official Korean Central News their names upon birth and are erly are believed to make up the in South Korea as a government Agency (KCNA). therefore stripped of some civil majority of the victims. minister of France,” she added. “He said once a war breaks and democratic rights such as The United Nations refugee It is a working visit for Pellerin, out, the unit should storm the secondary education and the agency (UNHCR) said it was the junior minister for small and heart of the enemies in a flash right to vote. rushing to provide plastic sheets, medium enterprises, innovation, French Minister Fleur Pellerin (centre) speaks with the media after arriving to strike and destroy the tar- Child-centered Plan bed mats and other resources to and the digital economy, who at Incheon airport in Seoul yesterday. geted military installations and International, a non-profit organ- make emergency shelters. will meet President Park Geun- reactionary ruling institutions of isation in the United Kingdom, “We are deeply saddened by this Hye, and top officials of major the puppet regime at a lightning said that two of 10 children in 500 tragic incident and doing what conglomerates Samsung and was a testament to tolerance trying to trace her birth parents. speed,” KCNA reported. communities are not registered we can to provide instant relief,” Hyundai. that South Korea, where there Raised in a middle-class envi- Kim emphasised the need to at birth. said the UNHCR’s Thailand rep- For the South Korean public, is still substantial discrimination ronment in France, she was a conduct training under simu- It said many of the children, resentative Mireille Girard in a however, the main interest lies in against immigrants, could learn successful student, educated at lated battle conditions so the especially those in far-flung areas, statement. Pellerin herself and, in particular, a lesson from. elite institutions which serve as unit would be able to operate in are denied enrolment or cannot The Interior Ministry’s her ethnic roots. South Koreans should pay finishing schools for the country’s enemy-controlled areas, KCNA graduate from high school because Disaster Prevention and Her appointment last year as heed to “the soundness of a soci- ruling class. said. South Korea and the United they have no birth certificates to Mitigation Bureau said a school, a minister in the government ety which raised one child with Pellerin is a key figure in States launched a military drill prove their age or identity. clinic and two food warehouses of Socialist President Francois skin of a different colour and Hollande’s quest to ensure this month, prompting Pyongyang Child-centered Plan coun- had also been destroyed. Hollande was front-page news in an unfortunate background to that French rules apply to glo- to announce the scrapping of the try director Carin van der Hor The Thai government pledged South Korea, and spawned TV become a minister,” the inde- bal Internet companies such as 60-year-old Korean War armistice. said the Autonomous Region in an investigation into the fire at specials about her life. pendent Hankyoreh Daily said at Google operating in the country. The North has also threatened Muslim Mindanao has the highest the camp, which was set up in While nationalist elements the time. Following her trip to South nuclear strikes on the United rate of unregistered individuals 1992 and houses roughly 3,500 played up her Korean ethnicity Pellerin speaks no Korean Korea, she is scheduled to move States and South Korea as a at 62 percent or roughly 970,000 refugees. as a possible factor in her suc- and has made it clear that on to Japan. reprisal for UN sanctions imposed people. AFP cess, others said her appointment she has no intention of AFP over its third nuclear test. AFP AGENCIES SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Pakistani Taliban threaten to kill Musharraf Former leader scheduled to arrive in Islamabad today

MIRANSHAH: The Pakistani minister Benazir Bhutto returned on May 11, polls which should Taliban yesterday threatened to Karachi from eight years in mark the first democratic transi- to assassinate former military exile on October 18, 2007, bomb tion of power in Pakistani history. ruler Pervez Musharraf when attacks killed at least 139 people “Two hundred percent! I am he returns to the country to in what remains the deadliest sin- travelling back to Pakistan,” he contest elections after nearly gle terror attack on Pakistani soil. said. five years in self-imposed exile. She was later assassinated in a On Friday a court in Karachi The 69-year-old escaped three gun and suicide attack at the end granted him protective bail for at assassination attempts when in of an election rally in Rawalpindi least 10 days on charges of con- office from 1999 to 2008, a target on December 27, 2007. Her son, spiracy to murder and illegally of Islamist extremists because of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who is arresting judges, but analysts say his alliance in the US-led “war chairman of the Pakistan People’s the risk of arrest is less than the on terror” and attempts to clamp Party, has accused Musharraf of danger to his life. down on militants. her murder. “Security will be a huge chal- “We have prepared a special Musharraf is wanted by the lenge for him,” retired lieutenant squad of suicide bombers for courts over Bhutto’s death, the general Talat Masood said. Musharraf,” Taliban spokesman 2006 death of Akbar Bugti, a It is not only the Pakistani Ehsanullah Ehsan said by tele- Baluch rebel leader in the south- Taliban, but Baluch groups, who phone from an undisclosed loca- west who died during a military hold him responsible for Bugti’s tion. “They will attack Musharraf operation, and for the 2007 sack- death, and hardline sectarian after he arrives (in) Pakistan.” ing and illegal arrest of judges. groups who want to kill him, said Musharraf is due to fly into He went to the top of the Masood. Karachi, his home town and Taliban hit list after ordering the “Moreover he is arriving in Pakistan’s largest city of 18 million, army to storm the Red Mosque in Karachi where the security situ- which is suffering from record lev- Islamabad, where radicals were ation is very difficult... I don’t els of violence linked to ethnic and holed up. The operation left more know why he is taking the risk political tensions, today. than 100 people dead and opened when he has not a bright future Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf speaks during a gathering of his supporters on the occasion of He told a news conference in the floodgates to Islamist attacks in Pakistan,” he added. Pakistan National Day in Dubai yesterday. Dubai that he was not perturbed in Pakistan. Musharraf seized power in by the threat, but admitted there Taliban and Al Qaeda linked a bloodless coup when he was was a security risk to his return. groups went on the rampage, army chief of staff in 1999 and has evaporated and that he will and who is considered a frontrun- failing to provide her with ade- “I don’t get scared... by such carrying out hundreds of attacks left the country after stepping only secure, at most, a couple of ner in the May vote, by promising quate protection. kind of threat,” he said. “I cannot that have killed more than 5,700 down in August 2008, when Asif seats for his All Pakistan Muslim to reverse economic decline and Musharraf’s government say that my security is guaranteed people according to an AFP tally. Ali Zardari was elected president. League (APLM) party. restore security. blamed the assassination on 100 percent,” he added, express- In an interview with in Dubai Last year he delayed a planned He has presented himself as In 2010 a UN report said Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah ing concern for the security of his on Friday, Musharraf said he was homecoming after being threat- “a third alternative” to the PPP Bhutto’s death could have Mehsud, who was killed in a US supporters. prepared to risk any danger to his ened with arrest and commen- and to opposition leader Nawaz been prevented and accused drone attack in August 2009. When former prime life in order to stand for election tators say most of his powerbase Sharif, whom he ousted in 1999 Musharraf’s government of AFP

BRIEFLY US-Afghan prison deal reached Washington approves $95m for Islamabad wind power project WASHINGTON: The United increasing friction between the controlled the area around it. States agreed yesterday to two countries. A formal ceremony trans- ISLAMABAD: The Board US-Pakistan goal to diversify transfer to Afghan control a “The secretary welcomed ferring the last prisoners to of Directors of the Overseas Pakistan’s power generation prison that houses insurgents President Karzai’s commitment Afghan custody collapsed at the Private Investment Corporation beyond reliance on high-priced and other dangerous inmates that the transfer will be car- last minute two weeks ago when (OPIC) has approved $95m fuel oil by tapping Pakistan’s vast Measles has claimed adjacent to Bagram airfield, the ried out in a way that assures General Joseph Dunford, the US in financing for a wind power renewable energy potential. Pentagon said. the safety of the Afghan people head of international forces in project poised to deliver much “The provision of clean and 195 lives across The agreement, reached after and coalition forces by keeping Afghanistan, called it off because needed electricity to Pakistan. reliable electricity is an essential a week of intensified negotiations dangerous individuals detained Karzai rejected part of the trans- The credit facility will help building block of any economy,” Pakistan this year between US and Afghan officials, in a secure and humane manner fer deal. build a 50 Megawatt (MW) wind said OPIC President and Chief ISLAMABAD: Measles calls for the formal transfer to in accordance with Afghan law,” The collapse provoked an power plant in the Ghoro-Keti Executive Officer Elizabeth L has claimed 195 lives in take place tomorrow and includes Pentagon spokesman George angry response from Karzai and Bandar Wind Corridor in south- Littlefield. Pakistan, especially in assurances that inmates who Little said in a statement. embarrassed both sides as Hagel eastern Pakistan, designed to A recent study funded by the southern Sindh province, pose a danger to Afghans and The United States last year was starting his first official generate 133 Gigawatt hours of National Renewable Energy until now this year. A total international forces will continue agreed to hand over responsi- visit to the country as defense emission-free electricity annually. Laboratory and the US Agency of 310 children had died of to be detained under Afghan law. bility for most of the more than secretary. A statement from OPIC, which for International Development the highly contagious viral Defence Secretary Chuck 3,000 detainees at the prison to Hagel pushed for intensified is a development finance insti- estimates that Pakistan possesses disease in the country in Hagel spoke with Afghan Afghanistan and held a transfer negotiations over the past to tution for the US government, 132,000 MW of potential installed 2012 and 64 in 2011. President Hamid Karzai by ceremony in September. resolve the outstanding areas of said that using General Electric wind capacity, virtually equal to According to a World Health telephone about the Parwan But US soldiers disagreement. Wind turbines the Sapphire Wind the world’s entire installed wind Organisation (WHO), 112 of Detention Facility, a point of remained at the prison and REUTERS Power plant supports a mutual capacity for 2010. INTERNEWS the 195 measles-related deaths were reported in Sindh, 45 in Balochistan, 19 in Khyber Hashish haul Pakhtunkhwa, 16 in Punjab, two in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and one in New network launched Islamabad Capital Territory from January 1 to March 9, 2013. to empower women At least 7 people ISLAMABAD: A new net- resources and intellects to collec- work of professional Pakistani tively play a role for the positive killed in Karachi women has been launched to change that Pakistan needs badly. KARACHI: At least seven work collectively towards a pos- “Our network aims to create people were killed late last itive change for Pakistan and channels of positive engagement. night in acts of violence in empowerment of its womenfolk. Once the immense potential different areas of the city of British Pakistan Foundation’s within this group is unlocked, Karachi , Pakistani SAMAA Women Network (BPIFN) British Pakistani women will have TV and News channel was launched at Pakistan High a voice in shaping the agenda that reported yesterday. Commission in London in the drives change,” she said. According to Pakistani police presence of more than 150 suc- “We must be there to guide sources, two people were killed cessful Pakistani origin women each other, to invest in each oth- in Osman Abad area while from different professions, to er’s business ideas, to share our another person was killed create a mentorship and net- professional contacts. Our motto near a petrol station near working scheme exclusively for should be `collaboration over Nazimabad. women who will then create con- competition’ because collaborat- In a separate incident of tacts within Pakistan for social ing with each other will reap far- firing, a man was killed near development projects. reaching benefits for all of us. Rizwia Society police station, Saira Awan-Malik. who heads We will build leadership skills SAMAA reported. the BPF Women’s Network, and provide women with peer-to- Police sources said tortured said it was time that Pakistani peer support which will help them bodies of a boy and a girl were women took the ownership of overcome some of challenges of recovered from Ilyas Goth, being Pakistani and pooled their the workplace. INTERNEWS Pakistani policemen present packs of hashish, seized during an operation in Larkana, before media persons Liaqatabad C-1 Area. Both were shot in the head. Police yesterday. Reports said 350 kg of hashish were seized during the operation. shifted their bodies to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for legal formalities. Pakistan envoy gets House staff of PM, top civilian award Peshawar police defy govt in war against terror president get bonus ISLAMABAD: Pakistani PESHAWAR: As the current The current spate of target and walkthrough gates on March militants in several districts ISLAMABAD: Civil serv- President Asif Ali Zardari spate of militancy has cast a killings and practical striking at 18 that showed the level of alert- including Nowshera, Mardan ants at the President House confered Nishan-e-Imtiaz pall of shadow on Pakistan’s will in the city by militants is a ness of the police force. and Swabi have surfaced while and the Prime Minister on Ambassador Sherry Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particu- symptom of this no action.” Four people were killed and former information minister House of Pakistan seem to be Rehman yesterday, the high- larly Peshawar, the provincial The recent brazen attacks on 49 wounded in the attack. One Mian Iftikhar Hussain left seri- overjoyed nowadays because est honour given to any civil- authorities have found police to heavily-guarded Judicial Complex, bomber detonated suicide vest ous message before dissolution of Prime Minister Raja Pervez ian, for Rehman’s diplomatic be wilfully defying the govern- office of the political agent, while another was hit by sharp the government who warned that Ashraf has granted them a achievements. ment’s directives to tackle the Khyber Agency in cantonment shooter. the situation could go from bad month’s salary, dubbed “dis- It is a tribute to the ambassa- menace tactfully. area and sporadic incidents of Sources said intelligence outfits to worse. cretionary well-being allow- dor’s excellent and outstanding A confidential official note target killings in the provincial had already passed on message to The official note said confiden- ance”, in addition to their services for Pakistan, confirms recently sent to provincial police metropolis have set alarm bells police about possible attack on the tial and reliable reports received routine pay. the Foreign Office. chief Akbar Khan Hoti by the ringing for the relevant circles in compound. from state agencies about link- This is the fourth additional It is the highest honour given home and tribal affairs department the province. Another car bomb ripped ages of some individuals with allowance equivalent to their to any civilian in Pakistan based stated: “Situation in Peshawar is Two militants wearing suicide through Jalozai camp on Thursday militant outfits were shared with monthly salary given to them on his/her achievements and out- rapidly deteriorating because of vests and armed with pistols claiming 17 lives while 28 others police officers through relevant over the last six months. standing services for the country. wilful disobedience of government entered Judicial Complex after wounded. commissioners on regular basis. AGENCIES INTERNEWS directives by the police. passing through security barriers Reports about activities of INTERNEWS SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Parliament Srinagar fire passes only 11 bills out of 68 First half of budget session ends

NEW DELHI: The government protesting against a United Nations was able to pass a mere 11 bills, resolution against Sri Lanka, the including nine appropriation bills Central Bureau of Investigation related to the railways, the general raids on DMK leader Stalin and budget and the Jharkhand budget Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma’s and two against gender crimes, remarks against Samajwadi Party against the 68 listed for the first chief Mulayam Singh Yadav. half of the budget session that con- Congress sources said the three cluded on Friday. major bills for the second half of the “The financial items and the budget session are the food security motion of thanks to the president’s bill, the land acquisition and rehabili- address had to be passed in the first tation bill, the Lokpal bill and bills half of the session. In the remain- relating to economic reforms. ing time, two other legislations were The anti-rape bill was taken up in passed,” an official told IANS, not the first half as it replaced an ordi- wanting to be named. nance promulgated by President Kashmiris gather at a shanty destroyed in a fire early in Srinagar, yesterday. At least 12 shanties were gutted in the fire. However, no casual- During the first half, the gov- Pranab Mukherjee and had to be ties were reported. ernment introduced only two bills passed by April 4. — the Agricultural Biosecurity The Sexual Harassment of (Amendment) Bill, 2013, and The Women at Workplaces (Prevention, National Institutes of Technology, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, Science Education and Research 2012, mandates that any organisa- (Amendment) Bill, 2013. tion with 10 or more employees has Congress to expel nine Andhra legislators The budget session started on to set up a committee to look into February 21 and will now reconvene any complaints. HYDERABAD: The ruling the YSR Congress party. held discussions on the issue on B Sivaprasada Reddy (Darsi), from April 22 to May 10. The penalty for violation will be Congress party in Andhra Government chief whip Friday. Earlier, the party was M Rajesh (Chintalapudi), The two bills to curb crimes against Rs50,000. Repeated violations could Pradesh has sought disquali- Gandra Venkataramana Reddy apparently reluctant to seek S Krishna Ranga Rao (Bobbili) women are the Sexual Harassment of result in higher penalties and can- fication of nine of its legisla- called on the speaker and sub- disqualification as this would and P Ramchandra Reddy Women at Workplaces (Prevention, cellation of licence or registration to tors who voted in favour of the mitted the petition. With this, cause byelections; the assem- (Punganur). The Congress Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2012, conduct business. no confidence motion tabled the ruling party has sent out a bly elections are scheduled in a party has not sought action and the Criminal Law (Amendment) The bill covers not only employees, by the Telangana Rashtra message that it is prepared to year’s time. against associate member K Bill, 2013. Parliament lost several but also clients, customers, appren- Samithi (TRS) last week. face byelections. The MLAs whose disqualifica- Srisailam Goud who called hours as it was disrupted over sev- tices and daily wage workers. The Congress Legislature The decision to submit the tion has been sought are — Alla on YSR Congress president eral issues, including Home Minister The anti-rape bill provides for Party yesterday submitted a petition was taken after Chief Nani (Eluru), G Ravi Kumar Y S Jaganmohan Reddy in Sushilkumar Shinde’s statement that enhanced punishment for rape, petition to assembly Speaker Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, (Addanki), D Chandrasekara Chanchalguda prison on Friday. he had intelligence about the twin makes stalking and voyeurism crimi- Nadendla Manohar, seeking state Congress Committee pres- Reddy (Kakinada), Jogi The party is likely to submit a blasts in Hyderabad on February nal offences and fixes the age of con- disqualification of the legisla- ident Botcha Satyanarayana Ramesh (Pedana), Perni separate petition against him. 21, the DMK and the AIADMK sent for sex at 18. IANS tors who switched loyalties to and Venkataramana Reddy Nani (Machilipatnam), IANS

President extols virtue of first chief minister of Maharashtra

MUMBAI: Paying tribute to along that determines the true leader,” 1960 with Mumbai (then Bombay) as its morale of the Indian armed forces which said. Mukherjee also paid homage to Maharashtra’s first chief minis- Mukherjee said at the closing cere- capital. Mumbai had already become a resulted in decisive victories in the 1965 the revolutionaries of the independ- ter Yashwantrao Chavan, President mony of the centenary celebrations of financial capital of the country and a true and 1971 wars. ence movement Bhagat Singh, Rajguru Pranab Mukherjee yesterday said Chavan’s birth. cosmopolitan city. He had to convince the Mukherjee presented the Yashwantrao and Sukhdev, who were hanged on that the capacity to build consensus Terming Chavan the architect of mod- industry that the investment climate will Chavan National Award 2012 to railway March 23, 1931. Maharashtra Governor is the hallmark of true leaders in a ern Maharasthra, Mukherjee said that remain conducive, even after formation engineer and the architect of Delhi Metro K Sankarnarayanan, Chief Minsiter democracy. he had the privilege of working closely of a linguistic state, and he succeeded,” E Sreedharan, for his contribution to the Prithviraj Chavan, union ministers “In earlier days it was bravery and with Chavan and his style of functioning Mukherjee said. construction of Konkan Railway. Sharad Pawar, Sushil Kumar Shinde, muscle power which determined lead- epitomised pragmatism. Remembering Chavan as the defence “I accept this honour on behalf of my Praful Patel and Maharashtra Deputy ers. But in a democracy it is the capac- “His was not an easy task when the minister in the aftermath of the India- team of engineers and architects who Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were among ity to build consensus and carry people state of Maharashtra was formed in China war, he said that Chavan raised the made the dreams come true,” Sreedharan those present. IANS

Rhino killed Special courts for Muslim youth soon: Minister NEW DELHI: Special courts would be set up soon for Muslim youth accused of various offences, including terror-related charges, Minister for Minority Affairs K Rahman Khan said here yesterday. He said that his ministry had written to the home ministry in February asking “cases against Muslim youth who have been arrested should be reviewed. We had also specified that special courts should be made for them”. Khan added: “The home minister has replied today (Saturday) saying that his ministry strongly supports the proposal for special courts for the expeditious trial of these Muslim youth. The home minister has promised that special courts will soon be made to hear cases against them.” He added that the Home Ministry “knows keeping innocents (Muslims) in custody is a serious offence. The government is com- mitted to take strong action against officers found responsible in all such cases and will ensure that such incidents do not happen.” Khan said the government would soon introduce a bill on equal opportunity A forest official walks past a dead rhino killed by poachers in the commission on the recommendations of the Sachar Committee. IANS Kaziranga National Park Nagon, yesterday. Court allows rape victim to abort foetus

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High physical, social and economical The woman said that she is for termination of the preg- Court has allowed a 22-year- problems in future. There are living alone with her friend in nancy and it will be terminated old unmarried woman, who no reasons to prevent her not to Delhi and her parents are not in accordance with the provi- was allegedly raped, to get exercise her option voluntarily aware of her association with sion of Section 3 of the Act. her pregnancy terminated to in her interest,” said the court Kapil. She does not want to They shall preserve the foetus avoid social stigma. in the order passed on Friday. bear a child as she was cheated and DNA test will be conducted A bench of Justice S P Garg, The woman moved the high by Kapil and intends to punish thereupon and its report shall allowing the plea of the woman court saying she be allowed to him. be produced before the trial to terminate her pregnancy, terminate her pregnancy and The court directed the SHO court at the earliest,” Justice noted that if she was not to preserve the foetus for DNA of the concerned police station Garg said. The court further allowed to, she is likely to face test. In her plea, she contended with a woman police officer to said that her friend shall be innumerable “mental, physical, that the man, called Kapil, had accompany her and produce permitted to take her care, as social and economical problems” established physical relations her before the medical super- volunteered to care of her dur- in future. with her on a promise of marry- intendent, AIIMS, within three ing termination of pregnancy. “To carry a child in her womb ing her. She however later came days to get her pregnancy ter- “Needless to say, ‘X’ will be by a woman as a result of con- to know that Kapil was married. minated. It added that a board provided proper medicine, diet ception through an act of rape is She alleged that Kapil did not of two medical practitioners and nutritious food as may be extremely traumatic, humiliat- inform her about his marital would be constituted by the necessary for her health. Copy ing and psychologically devas- status before seeking her con- Medical Superintendent on the of the order be sent to the medi- tating. ‘X’ hails from the poor sent for a physical relationship same day. cal superintendent, AIIMS,” the strata of the society and is likely and she became pregnant as a “The medical board would order further read. to face innumerable mental, result of the alleged rape. take the decision immediately IANS SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Tycoon at management school Italian minister points finger at Kerala police ‘Ship was lured into Indian waters’

NEW DELHI: Hoping for a quick formula, solution for this issue solution to the issue of the marines, because the two countries deserve Italian Deputy Foreign Minister definitely more than simply having a Steffan De Mistura blamed the crisis... and frankly very sad to know Kerala Police for luring their ship that two Indians, whatever happened, into Indian waters. died.” Holding that they respected To buttress his point, De Mistura India’s Supreme Court, De Mistura referred to a statement of a senior said that they favoured holding the Kerala Police officer. trial of two marines in their country. Responding to a question from He said that the breakthrough in Karan Thapar on his programme the standoff on the return of two Devil’s Advocate on CNN-IBN marines was resolved after India whether he could confirm the cap- assured that the two, if convicted, tain of the Italian tanker on which would not be awarded a death sen- the marines were deployed was tence. He said that marines were lured or brought back on some form sent back after a written assurance of deception, he said: “I can tell you by India. what I know rather than confirming Saying that like India, Italy too because I hope the Indian side would wanted a quick solution of the issue, discover that. the Italian minister denied that his ArcelorMittal Chairman Lakshmi Mittal (front row, third right) poses for a group picture with students and faculty members of the Indian “Point number one is what you said country buckled under any pressure Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad during their annual convocation ceremony, yesterday. Mittal was the chief guest at the ceremony. is correct. He was there (in inter- on the issue of return of the marines. national waters). Point number two Holding that every one made a lot he didn’t return inside the national of mistakes, De Mistura said that the waters because he was never in undertaking by Ambassador Daniele national waters. But I will quote Mancini to the apex court was put Hunting case: instead, I think, a senior official of under suspension because there was Kejriwal on indefinite fast the Kerala Police, who actually very a fear of capital punishment in Italy Court charges proudly said, ‘We lured him in’.” and consequently “strong emotions”. He reiterated his charge that “Strong emotions in Italy provoked film actors the ship with the two marines was suspension of affidavit,” he said. over power, water bills “lured” by the Kerala Police. The marines, Massimiliano JAIPUR: A court in Jodhpur “Yes, he said so. I am quoting an Latorre and Salvatore Girone, posted yesterday read out charges NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Nagri in east Delhi. He said campaign, asking people not Indian policeman from Kerala,” De aboard oil tanker MV Enrica Lexie on against four Bollywood stars — Party (AAP) leader Arvind the house owner had to bor- to pay bills according to the Mistura emphasised. security duty, had on February 15, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, Neelam Kejriwal yesterday began an row money to pay his water and increased tariff. Asked if this issue ends with the 2012, opened fire at a fishing boat off and Saif Ali Khan — in the indefinite hunger strike to electricity bills. Kejriwal alleged that Delhi marines being tried and sentenced the coast of Kerala, suspecting that 14-year-old case of blackbuck protest increased power and He said if most of the peo- Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit or will there be another crisis, the the boat carried pirates. Two fisher- poaching. Salman Khan is also water bills in Delhi. The BJP ple stopped paying the bills, had colluded with power and minister said: “I can only tell you men, Ajesh Binki and Gelastine, were charged in the case but was not too held a separate protest on no government would have the water companies and illegally one thing. We have to find a quick killed in the firing. IANS present at the hearing. the issue. courage to disconnect anyone’s increased the tariff. The poaching allegedly “In order to take the fear out power supply. The Bharatiya Janata Party occurred during the shooting of the minds and hearts of the According to Yogendra Yadav, (BJP) too protested against of Rajshri Productions “Hum people and to unite them, I’m an associate of Kejriwal, the fast “bloated” electricity and water Saath Saath Hain” in 1998. Chief sitting on an indefinite fast. sought to “recover the legacy of bills outside Dikshit’s official Senior police officer kills self Judicial Magistrate C K Jain read This time, we are not demand- India’s national movement”. residence. out charges one by one against ing anything from the govern- “Though Arvind’s health is a Holding party flags and plac- THANE: A senior Maharashtra where he shot himself or if he left all the film stars, except Salman ment. My appeal is directly to matter of concern for us, as a ards, the BJP workers raised Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) a suicide note. Khan, also an accused, who had the people of Delhi,” Kejriwal political move, we unanimously slogans against the chief min- officer yesterday shot himself Banerjee was attached with the sought exemption from the court said in a statement. agreed he should go ahead (with ister and the power and water with his own service weapon, technical cell of the ATS for a year. on the ground that he had to be He said he would stop paying the fast),” Yadav said. department. police said. According to the official, the out of the country for medical his electricity and water bills Kejriwal told reporters on “The government is looting According to an ATS officer, reason for the suicide was not yet treatment. “Salman Khan was and asked others to also do the Friday that the time had come the common man with bloated Deputy Commissioner of Police known. The body has been sent for not present in the court today same. to motivate people against the power and water bills. We will Sanjay Banerjee fired a couple of a post-mortem, following which a (Saturday) as he in not in the “Let’s all unite...Don’t be “illegal rise” in taxes. continue our protests,” BJP rounds from his revolver into him- clear picture might emerge, the country and has gone overseas scared,” he said. AAP members will also pro- leader Vijender Gupta told self. However, the official refused official said. for treatment,” said his counsel Kejriwal began his fast in the test in 264 wards across the IANS. to divulge more information as to IANS Hastimal Saraswat. IANS morning at a house in Sunder city and launch a door-to-door IANS Hospital to check eyes of premature babies

BANGALORE: Super spe- Swasthya Karyakram (national developmental delay leading to hospitals to implement the cialty Bangalore hospital child welfare programme). disability. project in the states across the Narayana Nethralaya has “The pilot programme is “When Karnataka was country. become the country’s first aimed at universal screen- selected to implement the “As a catalyst, Narayana facility to screen eyes of pre- ing of all babies born till one project on a pilot basis, we pro- Nethralaya should guide health- mature babies for any disease year, using a low-cost method posed our Forever programme, care organisations in other affecting their vision. of the government’s healthcare which was under implementa- regions to extend its Forever Launched under the state- delivery system,” Nethralaya tion in the state in collabora- project with our RBSK pro- run National Rural Health chairman Bhujang Shetty told tion with the state government,” gramme for the benefit of mil- Mission, the novel community reporters here yesterday. Shetty recalled. lions of new born babies in the paediatric eye programme Under the NRHM, the Health On knowing about the ini- country,” Desiraju said. will focus on retinopathy of and Family Welfare Ministry tiative of the eye hospital, state The Forever programme pre-maturity (RoP), eye care, has designed the programme to Health and Family Welfare will use the Accredited Social vision, eye cancer and reha- provide screening to over 270 Secretary Keshav Desiraju Health Activist (ASHA) worker bilitation that will complement million babies born every year hoped the trend-setting pub- to examine babies at critical the central government-spon- across the country for defects at lic-private partnership in time points using a low-cost sored RBSK — Rashtriya Bal birth, diseases, deficiencies and healthcare would inspire other method. IANS

Fashion trio Dutt’s sister says thanks for support NEW DELHI: Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt’s sister and Congress MP Priya Dutt yes- terday thanked all those who had expressed solidarity with her brother after the Supreme Court upheld his conviction under the Arms Act and sen- tenced him to a five-year jail term. “I would like to thank the entire film industry, prominent personalities and most of all the people of India for their over- whelming gestures of love and support shown towards Sanjay and our family,” Priya Dutt said in a statement. “It is in your lowest moment that we can truly know your friends,” she said. Saying a 20-year ordeal has finally come to an end, she Bollywood actors Arjun Kapoor (right) and Shahid Kapoor (left) walk on the ramp with designer Kunal said: “20 years is a lifetime for Rawal during a fashion show on the second day of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) summer/resort 2013 in most people. In Sanjay’s case this has been a lifetime of ten- Mumbai, yesterday. sion and anxiety...” IANS SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME T-shirt evokes News in Numbers COMBAT HIV/AIDS, Heath Ledger Malaria and other Diseases Fajr (Dawn) 4:18 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:34 as laid-back Zuhr (Noon) 11:40 skateboarder Asr (Afternoon) 3:07 SYDNEY: Five years after the Maghrib (Sunset) 5:48 death of renowned Australian Isha (Night) 7:18 actor Heath Ledger, friends and family have joined to pay tribute to the man known to the world as the evil Joker with a t-shirt WEATHER honouring him as a laid-back skateboarder with a touch of Weather Today Monday Tuesday the daredevil. Conditions: Ledger died at the age of 28 6D9Tph†r†r r‰r ’ h rv‡urƒr v‚q Chance of rain Partly cloudy Clear from an accidental overdose in Partly cloudy January, 2008. He was subse- ir‡rr ((hq! Uururhy‡u†‡h‡v†‡vp† to cloudy with quently awarded a posthumous High: 27° High:27° High:28° chance of rain. Oscar for his portrayal of the vqvph‡‚ ††u‚‡uh‡‡urƒr pr‡htr‚s’‚ˆ‡u Low: 20° Low: 17° Low: 21° May thunder and Joker in the Batman blockbuster misty to foggy at The Dark Knight.  $‡‚!#u‚uh‰r6D9Tv†%v!  places by night. The t-shirt features a pho- tograph of a faintly smiling Ledger posing with a skate- Malaria infections do not constitute a health problem in DOHA - SUN & SEA board by the Los Angeles River. It was taken in 2004, the State of Qatar. Qatar is a malaria-free zone. Cases with SUN TIDE SEA the year he was filming the hit malaria infections are confined to individuals coming from SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND Brokeback Mountain. “Heath loved skateboarding 05:34 17:48 03:00&15:15 10:00&20:30 03-10/15 KT outside the country. Statistical data confirm that the infections and wanted to do a shoot he enjoyed”, said Ben Watts, the with malaria declined to less than 1 case in 2004 to two cases THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW older brother of actress Naomi per 10,000 inhabitants in 2010. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Watts and a New York-based photographer. MUSCAT 32/24 Cloudy 34/24 Cloudy “(It was) a really enjoyable day MAKKAH 32/21 Clear 33/22 Clear and definitely one to remember. Prevalence of malaria per 10,000 KUWAIT 27/17 Chance of storm 23/16 Clear At one stage we were towing BAHRAIN 31/18 Chance of storm 27/16 Partly cloudy him with a car going like 64km individuals (2000 to 2010) SANAA 24/11 Thunderstorm 25/11 Thunderstorm per hour through the L A river, Rate per 10,000 inhabitants RIYADH 29/14 Chance of storm 25/12 Partly cloudy it was amazing”, Watts said by  DUBAI 28/22 Partly cloudy 28/21 Partly cloudy email. 2.6 BAGHDAD 21/10 Clear 22/12 Clear The t-shirt, which is being sold for charity, was a collabora-  2.3 2.3 THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW tion between Watts and Ledger’s designer sister Elana Rosa to 2.0 HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER  1.9 1.9 commemorate the star’s well- 1.8 known love of t-shirts. ATHENS 16/13 Partly cloudy 18/13 Mostly cloudy 1.6 “He actually had his own shirt  1.5 WASHINGTON 09/02 Chance of rain 04/-1 Snow line so I am sure he would be 1.3 SYDNEY 30/17 Clear 27/19 Partly cloudy psyched to have a pic of him LONDON 01/00 Chance of snow 03/-1 Mostly cloudy on a great day skateboarding,  0.9 PARIS 08/01 Mostly cloudy 07/00 Mostly cloudy remembering who he was,” ISTANBUL 12/05 Mostly cloudy 14/07 Mostly cloudy Watts added. MANILA 34/24 Thunderstorm 32/23 Chance of storm Proceeds from sales of the shirt,  DHAKA 38/24 Clear 40/25 Partly cloudy which goes for A$105 ($110), will DELHI 33/20 Partly cloudy 32/18 Mostly cloudy benefit Heath Ledger’s favourite  ISLAMABAD 21/11 Rain 25/12 Clear charities, including a scholarship 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 fund in his name. Source : http://www.qsa.gov.qa/ REUTERS Sunday 24 March 2013 12 Jumada I 1434 Volume 18 Number 5648 Price: QR2

Cyprus in dramatic U-turn

Business | 19

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Asset management business picking up Qatar is set to emerge as one of the best destinations of fund managers, says industry analyst BY SATISH KANADY investment destination of Asset Management at the bottom of the cycle and will are waiting to see how things will PE forms the major component of not only because of its Arqaam Capital Dr Amin definitely pick up aggressively in take shape in the country.” its Asset Management Industry. DOHA: After facing the 2008 phenomenal growth story, Kholy (pictured) said. short-term,” he said. But one of the challenges that According to June 2012 data, of financial crisis shake-up, the but the investment cycle The 2008-2010 peri- “Qatar is making very focused face the investors in Qatar is the the $625.5m Mututal Funds being GCC’s Asset Management is going on both inter- ods were difficult for the and specific efforts to attract the lack of diversity in the market. managed by over 12 entities in Industry is slowly picking up, nationally and domesti- GCC’s asset management fund managers. The large names The presence of service sector Qatar, $413.5m accounts for the and Qatar is showing strong cally; internationally in industry, when the regional in investment industry like and consumer sector companies PE class. Qatar Investment Fund, signs. terms of acquiring and economy wobbled during Barclays have already made its is very limited in the market. This managed by Epicure Managers With the country entering into domestically in terms of the global meltdown. The entry to Qatar. You will soon see is a huge distraction for foreign Qatar, has the maximum asset the next phase of infrastructure infrastructure. region’s infantile asset many other names in the indus- investors. under management (AuM)— investment, Qatar is set to emerge Any country with management industry, try making their way to Qatar... Fixed income and private equity $227.8n. In terms of volume the as one of the best destinations of growing rapidly in terms across all its classes, faced We, Arqaam Capital, have already are the two most growing asset EFH Global Sukuk Plus, managed fund managers, a top market ana- of GDP per capita is clearly an a major shake-up and the fund made our presence in Qatar. We classes in the region. PE was neg- by Qatar Islamic Bank UK is man- lyst told The Peninsula. interesting destination in terms raising had effectively come to a understand many other major ligible in size until recently. This aging $213m under Fixed Income. Qatar became an attractive of investment perspective, MD halt. “I would say now we are at names in the investment industry sector is fast picking up. In Qatar, THE PENINSULA

LNG storage Al Meera completes rights issue

DOHA: Al Meera Consumer by issuing 10m new shares for premium). The excess shares Goods Company (QSC) its existing shareholders regis- available for allocation have been announced yesterday that it tered on Qatar Exchange. allocated to subscribers on a pro has successfully completed the The rights shares were issued rata basis in proportion to the process to increase the com- at the price of QR95 per share number of shares they have sub- pany’s capital by 100 percent (QR10 nominal value plus QR85 scribed for. THE PENINSULA

A general view of storage facilities of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas company during an aerial tour by Royal Dutch Shell, in Bonny, yesterday. US Senators Delta Doha to open okay budget $50m facility soon WASHINGTON: The US Senate approved its first budget DOHA: Delta Doha, a leading to be present in all conferences, resolution in four years yes- Qatar based oilfield engineering exhibitions and events in the terday after a marathon all- equipment design and manufac- region. We aim to foster coopera- night voting session, setting turing company, announced that tion with other companies in the up a political duel with the it would open its $50m new facil- field and exchange experiences. Republican-held House. ity shortly. Delta Corporation is committed The sweeping plan for fiscal Speaking to the media on the to satisfy customer requirements year 2014, the first budget blue- sidelines of the just-concluded 18th and expectations in a competi- print passed by the Democrat-led Middle East Oil and Gas Exhibition tive manner through the abso- Senate under President Barack and Conference (MEOS 2013) in lute application of quality, health, Obama since 2009, squeaked past Manama, Bahrain, top company safety and environment meas- by the narrowest of margins, a officials said the new phase of ures in its products, services and 50-49 vote with no Republican expansions would enhance the organisation”. support. “Doing this has been a capacity of up to three times of The Managing Director Wesam Herculean feat,” said Democratic the current output of the company. Swelem said Delta (Doha) Majority Leader Harry Reid, During the MEOS 18, Delta Corporation has started a new noting the 100 amendments that Doha announced that a memo- phase of expansion in the new were voted on in a 13-hour ses- randum of understanding has industrial area in Qatar by estab- sion known in the Senate as a been signed with Saudi company lishing a new manufacturing plant “vote-a-rama.” Al Tamimi to establish a factory of 16,000 sq m at an investment of The plan, shepherded through and service centre for petroleum $50m, with an increased capacity by Senate Budget Committee equipment in the city of Dammam. of up to three times of the current chair Patty Murray, seeks nearly Delta Doha has also announced output of the company. $1,000bn in new revenue over the launch of its new branch known He stated that the new plant the next decade, mostly through as “DServ” for oil services, which will be opened soon, explaining the closure of tax loopholes that offers petroleum services and that this new facility is specialised favour the wealthy. maintenance for most oil compa- in designing and manufacturing The House of Representatives nies in Qatar and the region. This valves and equipment of wellheads on Thursday adopted its own new branch aims to take advantage used in oil production. budget resolution, which seeks of oil and natural gas opportunities According to him, the new fac- to reach balance within 10 years in Qatar and the region. tory will increase productivity to through significant reductions in The Chairman of Delta serve the national and regional federal spending, the overhaul of Corporation, Sheikh Sultan markets and place the company in entitlements like Medicare and bin Jassim Al Thani, said: “The a leading position within the Gulf the repeal of Obama’s health care Company’s participation in MEOS markets and Middle East. law. AFP 2013 reflects our keen attention THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Manweir expands with Ras Laffan facility Siemens endorses new unit as their authorised service centre to repair industrial steam turbines, compressors

DOHA: With the inauguration association with Siemens, a glo- of a new engineering and serv- bal powerhouse. Siemens have ice facility recently, Manweir endorsed this facility as their LLC, a subsidiary of Mannai authorised service centre to Corporation, has expanded repair and overhaul their indus- its footprint at Ras Laffan trial steam turbines and compres- Industrial City, a press state- sors under their supervision. ment said yesterday. “Manweir stands firm on its The facility was inaugurated commitment in meeting and by the Director, Industrial Cites, exceeding the expectations of our Abdel Aziz Al Muftah, under customers, employees and com- the patronage of the Minister munity by providing a quality of Energy and Industry H E Dr service within a safe work envi- Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada on ronment,” said Group CEO and Thursday. Director of Mannai Corporation, Manweir has made a techno- Alekh Grewal. logical advancement by investing “Over the years, Manweir has into the ‘state-of-the-art’ engi- grown up to its current posi- neering facility at Ras Laffan. The tion as a reliable source for high subsidiary has been serving the quality, technically advanced and onshore and offshore oil and gas competitive engineering solutions. majors, petrochemicals, power, Today we add a new dimension marine and industrial sector for to our business with this state of the past 37 years. the art facility which has not only The event was attended by enhanced our capacities but also around 300 dignitaries from puts us in the forefront to sup- upstream and downstream com- port all our esteemed clients to panies from Qatar and the Middle better manage their operations East region. The event was also efficiently,” said General Manager celebrated as Manweir-Siemens of Manweir LLC, Walter Serrao. Top officials of Manweir LLC after the inauguration of the new engineering and service facility at Ras Laffan Industrial City. Customer Day to mark its newest THE PENINSULA India refuses to extend Bharti, Vodafone licences QNB Group: China rebounds NEW DELHI: India’s gov- “Vodafone is deeply disap- Vodafone, the second largest ernment has told the Indian pointed with the summary rejec- carrier, and Bharti, have been at unit of British mobile phone tion of its request for extension war with the Congress-led gov- giant Vodafone that its licences of licenses in the Delhi, Mumbai ernment over its demand that despite slowdown concerns for three big cities cannot be and Kolkata service areas,” the they bid again for spectrum in the extended and it will have to company said in an emailed three cities where they have been bid again, the company said statement. operating for nearly two decades. DOHA: As China’s new admin- survey for the critical manufac- suggests that, for the time being, yesterday. There was no immediate com- Their licences are due to expire istration takes the reins and turing sector reached its high- there is little risk of a domestic The government has also ment from Bharti. in November 2014. plans for the future, QNB Group est level in two years in January. property or credit crisis. refused to extend the licences The refusal to extend the “Unless you participate in auc- considers that the economy is on Energy usage is another lead indi- The consensus among economic of India’s mobile carrier Bharti licences is one of a raft of regula- tions and get your bid confirmed, a firm footing and fears about cator of economic activity, with forecasters is that growth will Airtel, the sector leader by sub- tory issues faced by mobile opera- you would not be entitled to a the risk of a sharp slowdown electricity consumption showing remain firm during the next few scribers, in the same three lucra- tors in the world’s second-largest a wireless licence,” the telecom have mostly abated. However, firm growth. years. tive urban centres, according to cellular market by subscribers ministry told Vodafone, accord- challenges in rebalancing the February economic data The latest survey by Bloomberg local media. after China. ing to local media. AFP economy remain as China’s showed weaker expansion in some gives a median growth forecast of strong growth continues. areas, including PMIs, retail sales 8 percent for 2013-15. Last week, China completed the and industrial production, but not Looking further ahead, the final formal stage in its transfer enough to spark serious concerns. IMF forecasts growth of 8.4 per- of political leadership. At the cer- There are a couple of scenarios cent over the next five years, well emony, the new prime minister, Li that analysts worry about that ahead of the targeted growth rate. Keqiang, stated that sustaining could lead to a “hard landing”, Moreover, no major forecasters real GDP growth at around 7.5 a slowdown in Chinese growth currently include a hard landing percent over the coming decade below about 6 percent that would within their core scenario. (his planned term in office) was create hardship domestically and The main medium-term chal- the top priority. have a negative knock-on impact lenge for China’s policymak- This target growth rate is on the global economy and com- ers is rebalancing the economy slightly lower than the 7.8 per- modity prices. away from a very heavy reli- cent achieved in 2012, and well The main domestically-driven ance on capital investment and below the 10.4 percent seen over scenario of concern is a sharp cor- exports towards greater domestic the last decade. rection in property prices, leading consumption. However, it would still repre- to a slowdown in real estate devel- The major barrier to this shift sent a major achievement as it opment, corporate bankruptcies is a strong preference amongst would be twice the IMF’s forecast and potential problems for banks workers towards saving rather for global growth over the next with overextended credit. than consuming. five years and would nearly dou- The property market has cer- It is expected that increasing ble the real output of the Chinese tainly been heating up, after rela- affluence and the development economy by 2022. tively weak performance in 2012, of social safety net systems, such The economy has shown and year-on-year prices were up as insurance and pensions, will promising signs in recent in 62 out of 70 major cities in the reduce the imperative to save and months, according to various key year to February, including by 5.9 boost consumption, as will a push indicators. percent in Beijing. towards greater urbanisation. In the third quarter of 2012 This is feeding into real estate China’s future growth trajec- growth had slowed to 7.4 percent investment which was up by 16.2 tory is of significant importance year-on-year, the lowest rate in percent in 2012 and has been even for GCC countries, because its three years, but then beat expec- stronger in the first two months rising demand for oil and gas tations by rebounding to 7.9 per- of 2013. is expected to be an important cent in the final quarter. Other The investment has been made driver for global energy prices. positive indicators include busi- possible by strong credit growth, China is also a major source ness confidence measures such but the Bank of China sets maxi- of imports and a destination as purchasing managers indi- mum monthly lending quotas for investment by GCC compa- ces (PMIs), which have moved for banks, and is now putting nies and funds, and QNB Group back into expansionary territory a brake on the rate of lending expects that these economic ties (readings above 50) after a period growth. Moreover, total credit will further strengthen in the of weakness. levels remain fairly modest in coming years. In particular, HSBC’s PMI relation to deposits and GDP. This THE PENINSULA

Linking France and Italy

The construction site of the high-speed rail link between Italy and France through the Susa Valley is seen in Chiomonte during a visit by the Italian parliament delegation. Susa is the longest valley in Italy, extending over 50km in an east-west direction from the French border to the outskirts of Turin. SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Small nations Cyprus makes dramatic U-turn still believe in Government says will tax big savers of its largest bank to seal an 11th-hour EU lifeline euro, despite

NICOSIA: Cyprus said yester- parliament rejected a levy on day it would tax big savers at depositors, big and small, as “bank Cyprus crisis its largest bank in a dramatic robbery”, and Finance Minister U-turn as it raced to satisfy Sarris spent three fruitless days SAARISELKAEAE, Finland: European partners and seal an in Moscow trying to win help from Despite the mounting debt cri- 11th-hour bailout deal to avert Russia, whose citizens have bil- sis in bankruptcy-threatened financial collapse. lions of euros at stake in Cypriot Cyprus, small EU and appli- The island’s finance minister, banks. cant countries yesterday said Michael Sarris, reported “signifi- Rebuffed by the Kremlin, Sarris they still believed in greater cant progress” in talks with inter- said yesterday talks with the European integration and the national lenders, with the clock troika were centred on a possi- euro. running down to a deadline set bly levy of around 25 percent on “We are sticking to our plan for tomorrow for Cyprus to clinch savings over and above ¤100,000 to join the eurozone on January a bailout deal with the EU or lose at failing No. 1 lender Bank of 1, 2014,” Latvian Prime Minister emergency funding for its stricken Cyprus. Valdis Dombrovskis said on the banks and risk tumbling out of the In a sign of how fluid the situ- sidelines of an informal retreat in eurozone. ation remains, however, a senior Finnish Lapland hosted by Finnish His counterparts in Europe’s ruling party lawmaker said other Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen to 17-nation currency union sched- options were on the table, includ- discuss the future of Europe. uled talks in Brussels this evening ing a “voluntary haircut” that Dombrovskis said that Europe to see if the numbers add up, tak- would not require parliamentary had seen its way out of other tough ing the crisis down to the wire. approval or an 11 percent levy on spots in the past, citing crises in President Nicos Anastasiades, big deposits at Bank of Cyprus the past decade in Germany, east- barely a month in the job and that would. Arriving at the troika ern Europe and now in southern wrestling with Cyprus’s worst talks, Andreas Artemi, chairman Europe. crisis since a 1974 invasion by of Bank of Cyprus, was asked if a “There are crises and problems, Turkish forces split the island in 25 percent haircut was being con- there are also solutions for those two, was due to lead a delegation sidered on uninsured deposits. He problems,” he said. to Brussels, also today, to meet replied: “I don’t know that yet.” Croatian Prime Minister Zoran heads of the EU, the European It was far from certain that a Milanovic, whose country is set to Central Bank and International majority of lawmakers would back join the EU in July, said his coun- Thousands of bank employees protest outside the Finance Ministry in Nicosia yesterday. Monetary Fund, in a sign a deal a revised levy. try saw its future membership in might be near. Ordinary Cypriots were out- the context of its history. “Hopefully by tomorrow in raged by the original proposal, semi-state pension funds has the unfolding drama has stunned and Britons. The tottering banks “We paid a heavy price to be an Brussels we will have the agree- and have been besieging cash met with resistance, particularly Cypriots, who in February elected hold ¤68bn in deposits, including EU member and having statehood, ment of our partners,” Averof machines ever since bank doors from Germany which made clear Anastasiades on a mandate to ¤38bn in accounts of more than and we had a war,” he said. Neophytou, deputy leader of the were closed last weekend on the that tapping pensions could be secure a bailout and save banks ¤100,000 — enormous sums for an Ireland, one of the eurozone ruling Democratic Rally party, orders of the government to avert even more painful for ordinary whose capital was wiped out by island of 1.1 million people which countries hit hardest by the euro told reporters. a massive flight of capital. Cypriots than a deposit levy. investments in Greece, the epi- could never sustain such a big crisis, meanwhile said it none- Government officials held talks Racing to placate its European “In our view, the pension fund centre of the eurozone debt crisis. financial system on its own. theless sees the single currency through the day at the finance partners, Cypriot lawmakers cannot be made part of the res- Then news of the levy on bank But panicked by the visceral as a good thing for the country’s ministry with Cyprus’s ‘troika’ of voted in late-night session on cue plan,” Volker Kauder, par- deposits broke, an unprecedented reaction of ordinary Cypriots, sup- economy. “Being part of the cur- lenders — the EU, ECB and IMF. Friday to nationalise state pen- liamentary leader for German step in Europe’s handling of a port from lawmakers fell away and rency union has made us a much Angry demonstrators outside sions and split failing lenders into Chancellor Angela Merkel’s debt crisis that has spread from they rejected the levy as “bank more attractive destination for chanted “resign, resign!” good and bad banks — a measure Christian Democrats, told the Greece, to Ireland, Portugal, Spain robbery”. foreign direct investments,” Irish Its outsized banking sector likely to be applied to No. 2 lender Berliner Zeitung am Sonntag. and Italy. Under the latest proposal, Minister of State for European crippled by exposure to crisis- Cyprus Popular Bank , also known The bank restructuring has also Cypriots leaders had initially Russians are unlikely to be hit Affairs Lucinda Creighton said. hit Greece, Cyprus needs to raise as Laiki. angered Cypriots. Around 1,500 tried to spread the pain between hardest by the mooted 25 percent Meanwhile, Turkey, whose ¤5.8bn in exchange for a ¤10bn They also gave the government bank workers yesterday marched big holdings and smaller deposi- tax, given that just five percent of efforts to join the 27-member bloc EU lifeline to keep the country’s powers to impose capital controls, on the presidency, holding banners tors, fearing the damage it would deposits at Bank of Cyprus come have stalled in recent years, said it economy afloat. anticipating a run on banks when that read, “No to the bankruptcy inflict on the country as an off- from Russia, according to the saw its own membership as part of But in a stunning vote on they reopen on Tuesday. of Cyprus” and “Hands of work- shore financial haven for wealthy bank’s latest results statement. the solution to Europe’s economic Tuesday, Cyprus’s 56-seat The plan to nationalise ers’ welfare funds”. The pace of foreigners, many of them Russians REUTERS woes. AFP

ENI stops Nigeria activities due to oil theft

ROME: Italian energy major the Swamp Area site in Bayelsa barrels of oil equivalent per day at ENI said yesterday it had sus- in the night between Thursday the site and the theft and losses pended its activities in Bayelsa and Friday. due to sabotage had reached up to state in southern Nigeria due to The company said the theft 60 percent of production. frequent thefts from pipelines. of oil from the pipelines “had Nigeria is Africa’s biggest crude “The decision was taken due reached levels that were no longer oil producer and most of the gov- to an intensification of bunker- sustainable recently both from the ernment’s revenue is based on the ing activities, or sabotage of the point of view of safety for people sector. pipelines,” the company said in a and for the damage caused to the The populations of the Niger statement. environment by these activities.” Delta however live mostly in pov- ENI said it had completely The Italian oil major was pro- erty and the area is very polluted. suspended all onshore activity at ducing between 35,000 and 40,000 AFP

Zain Saudi Toyota to lift domestic appoints new chairman output over weak yen RIYADH: Zain Saudi, Saudi TOKYO: Toyota Motor plans America as well as vehicles for Arabia’s struggling third- to raise domestic production the Middle Eastern market, the largest telecoms provider, has during the April-September newspaper said. appointed Fahd bin Ibrahim Al period by about 10 percent from Domestic output for the nine Dughaither as its new chair- its earlier estimate thanks to months to September is expected man, it said yesterday, without the recent weak yen, it was to reach 2.5 million units, topping elaborating. reported yesterday. the earlier plan by some 200,000 The affiliate of Kuwait’s Toyota has already revised up units, it said, adding that the firm Zain, reported a 2012 net loss planned output for April and may revise up its annual estimate of SR443m ($118.1m) and has May by 10 percent to between of 3.1 million units. extended the maturity of a 13,000 and 13,500 vehicles a day The yen has weakened against SR9bn Islamic loan seven times and it now intends to keep pro- major currencies over the past since last summer. duction at that level through to months. Japan has introduced a The original SR9.75bn facility September, the Nikkei business new management team for the was agreed in July 2009 — Zain daily said. central bank, which is expected Saudi repaid SR750m from part The weakening Japanese cur- to launch aggressive easing aimed of the proceeds of last year’s rency is seen pushing up exports at fixing the limp economy. capital restructuring — and of the Corolla and Prius to North AFP was arranged by Banque Saudi Fransi. Its statement yesterday, posted on the website of the Saudi bourse, did not give any further information about Dughaither. The company is competing • Bullion - Mumbai against better-resourced Saudi Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 29680 Telecom Co, the former monopoly holder, and Mobily , an affiliate of Silver (1 kg) Rs. 55020 United Arab Emirates’ Etisalat , • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.79 which dominate the market. • Sensex Parent-firm Zain in July BSE 18735.60 increased its stake in Zain Saudi NSE 5651/35 to 37 percent from 25 percent • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return after underwriting the affiliate’s p.a. (in dollar) capital restructuring. Zain Saudi has not made a • Housing loan from HDFC LTD quarterly net profit since launch- • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, ing operations in 2008 and its Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. debts stood at SR19.5bn as of Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] December 31. REUTERS SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GECM & TENDERS

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS MAP (GECM) Every Sunday China’s growth outlook remains a concern French economic growth to be lower German economy shrank in Q4 as BEIJING: Data from the Organisation for than expected in 2013 exports slump Economic Co-operation and Development US stocks drop on concerns PARIS: International economic policy and BERLIN: The German economy shrank (OECD) forecasts a 0.1 per cent about Europe consulting entity, the Organisation for by a larger-than-expected 0.6 percent in contraction in Europe’s GDP growth this Japan land prices dip in 2012, WASHINGTON: US stocks moved Economic Cooperation and Development the final quarter in 2012, official figures year, and only moderate GDP growth in but fall slowest in 5 years (OECD), said Tuesday that the French showed Thursday, in a clear sign that the lower Thursday on growing concerns emerging market heavyweights China TOKYO: Japan’s average land economy would only grow at a tepid 0.1 European financial crisis took its toll on the about the European economy and and India. The emerging markets have prices slipped for a fifth straight percent this year and by 1.3 percent in continent’s largest economy. The quarterly the Cyprus crisis. About 40 minutes been the growth story of the past few year in 2012, but the rate of 2014, well below official forecasts from decline was primarily due to a drop in into trade, the Dow Jones Industrial years. As the developed world plunged decline was the slowest of Average declined 64.25 (0.44 government sources. France needs economic exports as demand weakened from other European nations, many of which are in into recession, these economies surged the entire period, potentially percent) to 14,447.48. The broad- growth to garner fresh revenues to spur recession, the Federal Statistical Office forward. signalling a rebound in the based S&P 500 dropped 7.32 (0.47 employment and avoid sharp austerity cuts said. property market. A government percent) to 1,551.39, while the tech- and also reduce public deficits. survey showed land prices fell rich Nasdaq Composite Index sank an average 1.8 per cent in 2012 22.29 (0.68 percent) to 3,231.90. compared with a 2.6 per cent India cuts interest rate to revive fall in the previous year. growth South African housing heats up NEW DELHI: India’s central bank has JOHANNESBURG: After a lackluster lowered a key interest rate by a quarter performance in the past four years, the of a percentage point as it seeks to revive South African housing market is now an economy that has slowed to the same gaining momentum. During 2012, the pace as during the global financial crisis. house price index for medium-sized The Reserve Bank of India cut its key houses rose by 9.53pc (3.57pc in repo rate to 7.5 percent, as concerns Brazil’s BNDES and Caixa hit by real terms), the highest year-on-year about India’s faltering economy outweigh downgrades increase since February 2008, based worries about persistently high inflation. Economy stronger than expected on figures released by ABSA. House SÃO PAULO: Moody’s has sharply WELLINGTON: The economy put on a big prices increased by 2.93pc (1.63pc in downgraded the ratings of two Brazilian spurt on in the December quarter, growing real terms) during the latest quarter. a much better-than-expected 1.5 per cent, banks used by the government to help boosted by a forestry boom and a jump in prop up growth in Latin America’s retail spending and construction. It was biggest economy since the global the strongest quarterly GDP growth since financial crisis. The agency downgraded December 2009, Statistics New Zealand by two notches from A3 to Baa2 said, and followed a soft patch earlier its credit rating for Brazil’s giant last year. The New Zealand dollar spiked development bank, BNDES, the nation’s up almost half a cent on the news, rising main source of long-term lending, and from US82.2c to US82.6c. Growth was by a similar level for Caixa Econômica better than economists expected and much Federal, the state-run mortgage lender. stronger than the Reserve Bank predictions.

TENDERS

TENDER TENDER CLOSING TENDER TENDER CLOSING No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT BOND FEES DATE BOND FEES DATE

Pre-feasibility studies for multiple 21 LT13102500 QR 50,000 N/A 14/04/2013 petrochemicals Design & supervision consultancy Laying of crushed stones at QP Refinery 1 GTC 007/2013 services and construction of new QR 140,000 QR 1,000 4/4/2013 22 ST13101400 QR 20,000 QR 200 8/4/2013 Al Jazeera Media warehouse building Mesaieed Network Maintenance, upgrade and support of 23 ST131010600 QR 11,000 N/A 15/04/2013 pipeline studio software

Decommissioning, dismantling of existing Shifting power supply of FTG & power 06/05/2013 24 LT13102700 QR 100,000 QR 200 14/04/2013 2ST13MT0081 unit and supply & installation of new 5 ton QR 20,000 QR 100 connection to picnic area at Dukhan (12:00hrs electric overhead crane Turnaround maintenance works within 25 GT13103400 QR 500,000 QR 500 28/04/2013 Dukhan Fields (Fahahil plants and FSP) Sale & removal of electrical overhead 25/03/2013 3ST13MT0042lines, components, equipment QR 2,000 Free Epic of six mechanical PCRs at NGL 3. Gas (12:00hrs) 26 LT13102800 QR 70,000 QR 200 14/04/2013 and fittings etc. operations, Mesaieed

Feed for installation of FW pumps at 4LT13102100 QR 60,000 QR 200 31/03/2013 30 tonne rough terrain telescopic mobile 21/04/2013 Khatiyah main & Umm Bab 27 LT13MT0016 QR 30,000 QR 500 crane (12:00hrs)

Stocking & supply of computer printer 25/03/2013 Road improvement works in Rayyan ST13MT0008 workshop supplies on call-off basis for a QR 27,000 QR 100 PWA/ (12:00hrs) 28 Area (zone 51 to 55) phase-3 IA-R/12- QR 2,000,000 QR 3,000 2/4/2013 period of two (2) years. GTC/083/12-13 13/C/073/G Supply, instalation, testing and Stocking & supply of various ropes 25/03/2013 commissioning of high flow/high head 6 ST13MT0009 (Manila and poly) on call-off basis for a QR 10,000 QR 100 PWA/ (12:00hrs) 29 diesel pump set & control equipments QR 945, 000 QR 1,500 2/4/2013 period of three (3) years. GTC/079/12-13 and assoicated pipe works AA-DOM/12- 13/M/1237-2.05/G Supply of ball valves (various sizes) for tie-in project as per attached Refurbishment of manholes at different 15/04/2013 PWA/ 7 ST13MT0066 specifications. Valve MFR. Shall be from QR 10,000 QR 100 30 location in Doha-Phase VI AA/DOM/12- QR 23,000 QR 500 25/03/2013 (12:00hrs) STC/057/12-13 DT’s PVL QLS-DT-039 REV1 issued 2013- 13/M/1482-4.07/S 02-03 Post-contract professional consultancy services for construction of masjids, PWA/ Supply of Zetron dispatch console 15/04/2013 31 Quran teaching centers & Imam house at QR 125, 000 QR 750 14/04/2013 8ST13MT0034 QR 10,000 QR 100 ITC/051/12-13 systems (12:00hrs) various locations-package 13 BA/12- 13/S/040/I Feed for coastal erosion & shore 9GT13102300 QR 140,000 QR 500 31/03/2013 PWA/ Emergency vehicle pre-emption system protection on Halul Islands 32 QR 125, 000 QR 1,000 14/04/2013 ITC/052/12-13 AA-R/12-13/OM/058/C1/1 Supply, installation & commissioning of 15/04/2013 10 ST13MT0035 QR 21,000 QR 100 SDH/PDH system in Measaieed (12:00hrs) Construction of masjid, Quran PWA/ 33 teaching centre imam house at various QR 600,000 QR 2,000 16/04/2013 Upgrade TSE DBN Network, CCTV Svy. & GTC/084/12-13 11 GT13102600 QR 300,000 QR 500 31/03/2013 (package-13) BA/12-13/C/039/G refurbish sewers-Mesaied Comprehensive maintenance of day Supply of antislip stair nosing & related 15/04/2013 AF/M/ 12 ST12MT0069 QR 20,000 QR 100 34 makers (portable Generator sets with QR 50,000 QR 500 2/4/2013 safety materials (12:00hrs) AL3048/13 lightings ) for Aspire Logistics 22/04/2013 13 ST13MT0073 General purpose fume cupboard QR 12,000 QR 100 Supply, delivery of street light poles (12:00hrs) AF/C/ 35 complete with light fixtures for Aspire QR 20,000 QR 300 7/4/2013 AL5234/13 18’, 600# pluge valve, class 600 venturi Logistics at Aspire Zone 22/04/2013 14 ST13MT0075 pattern, Body: CS ASTM A216GR WCB & QR 12,000 QR 100 (12:00hrs) WCC-02 PCS AF/C/ Provision of catering supplies on call-off 36 QR 30,000 QR 300 4/4/2013 AL5238/13 basis for Aspire Zone 22/04/2013 15 ST12MT0209 Mobile diesel driven 200 kw generator QR 20,000 QR 100 (12:00hrs) AF/C/ Supply and delivery of stationery articles 37 QR 10,000 QR 200 4/4/2013 AL5221/13 & office consumables at Aspire Logsitics 31/03/2013 16 GT13MT0005 100 tonne all terrain crane QR 120,000 QR 1,000 (12:00hrs) AF/M/ Provision of cleaning and Janitorial 38 QR 1,200,000 QR 2,000 9/4/2013 Review traffic impact of three major AL2045/13 services at Aspire Zone 17 ST13101200 QR 20,000 QR 200 1/4/2013 projects inside RLIC

ECS for oprt services building in Ras 18 LT113102400 QR 70,000 QR 200 7/4/2013 Supply and Installation of Web application Laffan AF/C/ 39 fire wall and load balancer migration for QR 20,000 QR 300 4/4/2013 AF5228/13 Aspire Epic for add AC unit to offset climate 19 LT13102300 QR 85,000 QR 200 7/4/2013 change & nod of ext lab vent, QPREF,MES

Supply & delivery of fresh fruits, Aspire Katara AKH/SS- Call-off contract for radiographic testing 40 vegetables and herbs on call-off basis for QR 50,000 QR 500 25/03/2013 20 ST13101300 QR 7,500 QR 200 1/4/2013 hospitality 00045/13 services at QP Refinery, Mesaieed AKH Managed Restaurants SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Nasser reigns Djokovic cruises supreme at Kuwait Rally

DOHA: Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah won the Kuwait Rally to extend his lead in the Middle into third round East Rally Championship (MERC). Al Attiyah’s third victory on Kuwait soil keeps him on track Del Potro crashes out; Azarenka withdraws for securing his ninth MERC title. Driving a Ford Fiesta, Nasser MIAMI: Novak Djokovic and though her triumph at Indian Azarenka to pull out before her finished the second round of the Maria Sharapova both sur- Wells last weekend saw her jump semi-final match last week at seven-leg championship with a vived unscathed but the Miami from third to second in the world Indian Wells, but she had held 1:13.9sec margin over the UAE’s Masters lost two other Grand rankings, needed less than an out hope she’d be able to play in Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi of the Slam champions yesterday hour to subdue the 19-year-old Miami. Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his win against Lukas Rosol of Czech Abu Dhabi Citroen Total World when Victoria Azarenka and wild card. “It was really obvious what Republic during their match at their Miami Masters tournament in Miami, Rally Team. Juan Martin Del Potro exited Even a brief power outage that the decision was couple days ago Florida, yesterday. Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari the Miami tournament. halted the match as the flood- already,” Azarenka said. “I just finished third in his Ford Fiesta World No. 1 Djokovic raced into lights went out barely slowed her. wanted to give my 100 percent on a day which brought no the third round of the tourna- “It was a bigger surprise that possibility to play and today was WTA and ATP Miami Masters changes to the overnight leading ment with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over it was all around the outer courts my last test.” positions. MIAMI: Results yesterday from the fourth day of the $8.5m Czech Lukas Rosol. as well, not just the stadium,” she Azarenka, who like all Miami Nasser who had won the open- WTA and ATP Masters Miami hardcourt tournament (x denotes The top-seeded Serbian, seek- said of the outage that plunged seeds received a first-round bye, is ing round in Qatar now leads seeding): ing to rebound from a semi-final the court into darkness. unbeaten on court this year, a 17-0 the standings with 50 points as Men’s Second Round: exit at Indian Wells last week In the end however, it was just run that includes the Australian Xavier Malisse (BEL) bt Jeremy Chardy (FRA the action shifts to Jordan which that ended his 22-match winning a small hurdle on a day when Open and a title in Doha. x22) 6-3, 6-2; Kei Nishikori (JPN x13) bt Victor Hanescu (ROM) 6-3, will host the third round of the 6-3; David Ferrer (ESP x3) bt Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) - walkover; streak, needed just 53 minutes to a three-hour rain delay had But she has twice surrendered regional series from May 9 to 11. Tommy Haas (GER x15) bt Igor Sijsling (NED) 6-0, 5-7, 6-3; Jurgen advance. matches backing up. matches by walkover, the first in The Kuwait International Rally Melzer (AUT) bt Marcel Granollers (ESP x31) 6-3, 6-4; Grega Zemlja Former US Open champion Del “I was just trying to find January at a Brisbane semi-final saw 29 cars competing in the sec- (SLO) bt Florian Mayer (GER x23) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3); Fabio Fognini (ITA Potro last week, suffered a sur- a quiet corner where I could against Serena Williams with an x32) bt Michael Llodra (FRA) 6-4, 6-1; Janko Tipsarevic (SRB x7) ond round of the series, which prise 7-6, 6-1 loss to Germany’s just rest and just wait it out,” infected right toe that resulted bt Dudi Sela (ISR) 6-2, 6-4; Albert Ramos (ESP) bt Juan Monaco tested crews over 242 competi- Tobias Kamke. Sharapova said of her approach from a pedicure. (ARG x12) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3; James Blake (USA) bt Julien Benneteau tive kilometres. QNA The towering Argentine had to the rain delay. “I feel like I’m in a good ten- (FRA x24) 6-2, 6-3; Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR x19) bt Nikolay two set points in the opening set “I have been on the tour for nis shape, not physical shape Davydenko (RUS) 6-2, 6-3; Tobias Kamke (GER) bt Juan Martin del but lost his way just a week after many years and I have been part right now,” said Azarenka. “Even Potro (ARG x5) 7-6 (7/5), 6-1; Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Lukas Heat extend making the men’s final at Indian of a few delays ... you have to get though I didn’t feel very good Rosol (CZE) 6-1, 6-0; Somdev Devarman (IND) bt Edouard Roger- Wells. out and just be ready, do a quick physically, I played well in Indian Vasselin (FRA) 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. “He didn’t play obviously his warmup, and be ready for the Wells and still won three matches Women’s Second Round: Elena Vesnina (RUS x29) bt Donna Vekic winning best tennis,” said Kamke. “But match.” pretty good.” (CRO) 6-4, 6-2; Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) bt Ekaterina Makarova still I think I did a good job and Sharapova next faces Russian Azarenka was replaced in the (RUS x18) 6-4, 6-4; Roberta Vinci (ITA x15) bt Christina McHale streak to 25 pretty satisfied with that.” Elena Vesnina, a 6-4, 6-2 win- draw by lucky loser Lauren Davis, (USA) 6-7 (2/7), 6-1, 6-3; Lauren Davis (USA) bt Madison Keys Only Spain’s David Ferrer, the ner over Croatian Donna Vekic. who made the most of her oppor- (USA) 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (9/7); Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP x20) bt Jamie men’s third seed, had an easier Azarenka, the Australian Open tunity with a 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (9/7) Hampton (USA) 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3); Angelique Kerber (GER x6) bt MIAMI: The Miami Heat time. He won in a walkover when champion who is seeded second, victory over Keys. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2; Klara Zakopalova (CZE stretched their record win Dmitry Tursunov pulled out. although she’s dropped to No. 3 Davis, 19, saved three match x21) bt Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3); Sorana Cirstea streak to 25 straight games yes- On a day when rain left in the world rankings this week, points in the deciding tiebreaker. (ROM x28) bt Silvia Soler-Espinosa (ESP) 2-6, 7-5, 6-2; Nadia Petrova terday but once again they had plenty of players waiting around withdrew before her scheduled Ranked 81st, Davis admitted (RUS x11) bt Zheng Jie (CHN) 6-3, 6-1; Simona Halep (ROM) bt to dig deep in the second half to Sharapova didn’t waste any time second-round match against US she never expected to even have Tamira Paszek (AUT x26) 6-1, 6-7 (4/7), 7-5; Maria Kirilenko (RUS rally past a spirited opponent. in a 6-2, 6-0 second-round victory wild card Madison Keys with a the chance to play after watching x14) bt Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) 6-1, 6-4; Sara Errani (ITA x8) The Heat, who own the sec- over Canadian Eugenie Bouchard. right ankle injury. Azarenka warm up in the morn- bt Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 6-3, 6-1; Jelena Jankovic (SRB x22) ond-longest streak in National Sharapova, seeded third even The injury had prompted ing. AGENCIES bt Victoria Duval (USA) 6-3, 7-5 Basketball Association history, beat the Detroit Pistons 103-89 behind a game-high 29-point effort from LeBron James. James shot 12-of-15 from the Donald crashes Recari takes field and finished with eight rebounds and eight assists for the in rain-hit one-shot lead Rose, Haas share PGA Heat in front of a crowd of 20,350 at American Airlines Arena. Malaysia Miami now trails the 1971-72 in Carlsbad Los Angeles Lakers -- who hold the NBA record -- by eight games KUALA LUMPUR: World CARLSBAD, California: lead as Tiger stumbles for the longest winning streak number three Luke Donald Spain’s Beatriz Recari fired a ever. Miami got off to another crashed out in the Maybank bogey-free five-under 67 to seize ORLANDO, Florida: England’s slow start and trailed the Pistons Malaysia Open yesterday as a one-shot lead after the second Justin Rose fired a two-under Arnold Palmer 54-51 at halftime. rain chaos forced organis- round of the LPGA Tour’s $1.7m par 70 yesterday to keep a share The Heat had to battle back ers to slash the event to 54 Kia Classic yesterday. of the lead after two rounds of Invitational Scores from two big deficits in their holes with Thailand’s Kiradech Recari, who has two interna- the Arnold Palmer Invitational ORLANDO, Florida: Leading previous two games before facing Aphibarnrat in the lead. tional career victories, posted her as Tiger Woods stumbled. second-round scores yester- Detroit. Donald missed the cut in a second bogey-free round to reach Rose and American Bill Haas day from the $8.5m US PGA Reigning NBA Most Valuable regular European Tour event eight-under 136 overall. stood on nine-under 135 after 36 Arnold Palmer Invitational Player James said he’s not worried for the first time in his profes- Australian Hall of Famer holes at the $8.5m US PGA event, (USA unless noted, par-72): about the slow starts because the sional career, but quickly pushed Karrie Webb shot a two-under 70 which for Woods and many others 135 Bill Haas 69-66, Justin Rose (ENG) 65-70 Heat know they can always grind aside fears that the poor outing to remain tied for second place at is likely the final tuneup event for 136 John Huh 67-69 teams down in the fourth quarter. here would damage his pros- seven-under at the Aviara Golf next month’s Masters, the year’s 138 Ken Duke 70-68, JJ Henry 71-67, Jimmy Dwyane Wade had 19 points and pects for next month’s Masters Club course. She was joined there first major championship. Walker 69-69 Shane Battier scored eight of his Tournament. The Englishman by American Paula Creamer (68). Woods moved within a stroke of 139 Mark Wilson 71-68, Vijay Singh (FIJ) 11 points. posted rounds of 74 and 73 at The 25-year-old Recari had five the lead only to finish with three 71-68, Tiger Woods 69-70 On Wednesday, the Heat were Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country birdies yesterday as she made her bogeys, a disappointing 70 leaving 140 Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (ESP) down by 27 points in the third 69-71, Luke Guthrie 73-67, Brad Club for a three over par total -- 38th straight cut. him in a share of seventh, four quarter to James’ former team, Fritsch (CAN) 68-72, Bob Estes 71-69, three off the cut mark -- and was She was one of just three play- strokes behind overnight leader John Rollins 68-72, Rickie Fowler 73-67, the Cleveland Cavaliers, before uncharacteristically out of form ers last year to make the cut in Rose and Haas, who fired a bogey- Sang-Moon Bae (KOR) 71-69 storming back to pull out a 97-85 with the putter. AFP each of her starts. AFP free 66 to leap up the leaderboard 141 Hunter Mahan 71-70, Sergio Garcia win. AFP at Bay Hill. Justin Rose of England plays a 72-69, Matt Jones (AUS) 71-70, Ian Maybank Malaysian LPGA Kia Classic “I played good,” Woods said. “I shot on the 1st hole during the Poulter (ENG) 72-69 missed a couple short ones. The second round of the Arnold Palmer 142 Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 69-73, Charlie NBA Results Open Scores Scores score doesn’t indicate how well I Invitational at the Bay Hill Club Howell 73-69, Retief Goosen (RSA) NY Knicks 99 Toronto 94 played. 73-69, Ben Curtis 72-70, Ben Kohles 133 Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 65-68. 136 Beatriz Recari (ESP) 69-67 and Lodge in Orlando, Florida, Oklahoma City 97 Orlando 89 “I’m four back. I’m right there. 69-73, Boo Weekley 72-70, Henrik 137 Paula Creamer 69-68, Karrie Webb (AUS) yesterday. Indiana 102 Milwaukee 78 135 Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 67-68, Wu Ashun The good news is we’ve got 36 Stenson (SWE) 71-71 67-70 (CHN) 67-68, Gregory Bourdy (FRA) holes to go. There’s a lot of golf Portland 104 Atlanta 93 66-69, Wade Ormsby (AUS) 70-65. 138 IK Kim (KOR) 71-67, Cristie Kerr 70-68, left. Certainly four shots can be Haas. Woods, who would become He found a bunker off the 16th Miami 103 Detroit 89 136 Victor Dubuisson (FFR) 67-69, Tommy Inbee Park (KOR) 69-69, Haeji Kang made up.” World No. 1 with a victory this tee, then went into the water and New Orleans 90 Memphis 83 (KOR) 69-69, Jane Park 66-72 Fleetwood (ENG) 70-66. Rose birdied the par-3 second week, opened with a birdie, eagled missed a 27-foot par attempt to Houston 116 Cleveland 78 139 Lizette Salas 69-70, Caroline Hedwall 137 Padraig Harrington (IRL) 69-68, David and par-5 sixth, 12th and 16th the sixth and added birdies at the take a 6. Dallas 104 Boston 94 Howell (ENG) 69-68, Edoardo Molinari (SWE) 67-72 holes while taking a bogey at the par-4 11th and 13th holes to pull At the par-3 17th, Woods found San Antonio 104 Utah 97 (ESP) 66-71, S. Murthy (MAS) 67-70, 140 Jeong Jang (KOR) 72-68, So Yeon Ryu par-3 14th and missing a five-foot within a stroke of the lead. the rough left off the tee, punched Minnesota 117 Phoenix 86 Peter Lawrie (IRL) 68-69, Alexander (KOR) 70-70, Stacy Lewis 70-70, Mo par putt at the 18th to fallback But then everything fell apart out 21 feet from the cup and two- Noren (SWE) 69-68. Martin 69-71 into only a share of the lead with for the 14-time major champion. putted for another bogey. AFP Washington 103 LA Lakers 100 Pittsburgh Penguins win 11th consecutive match NEW YORK: Tomas Vokoun Pascal Dupuis Calgary, extend- Jay Beagle, and Mike Green also Pittsburgh made 33 saves and Brandon added an empty- NHL Results ing its franchise- scored for the Capitals and Mike Penguins’ Sutter snapped a tie early in the net goal with record points Ribeiro had two assists. Dustin Pittsburgh 4 NY Islanders 2 goalie third period for the Pittsburgh less than a sec- streak to 12 Byfuglien scored for Winnipeg Columbus 5 Calgary 1 Tomas Penguins, who rallied for a ond remain- games. at 9:51 goal of the third, ending Washington 6 Winnipeg 1 4-2 victory over the New York ing, assisted by Artem Holtby’s shutout bid. Vokoun Islanders yesterday, stretch- Vokoun, to finish Detroit 5 Anaheim 1 Anisimov, Justin Abdelkader notched eyes the ing their winning streak to 11 the scoring. Colton Gillies, his first career hat trick, Pavel puck as games. Mark Streit put the Islanders and Jared Boll also scored and Datsyuk had a goal and two he makes Sutter took a pass from Matt ahead in the first, and Josh Bailey Sergei Bobrovsky continued his assists, and Detroit ended a save Cooke in front off a 2-on-1 rush answered Vitale’s goal to make it strong play with 24 saves. Anaheim’s club-record 13-game against the and beat Evgeni Nabokov 1:46 into 2-1 in the second, but New York Curtis Glencross scored for the home winning streak. Jimmy New York the third period. went on to lose its third straight Flames, who have lost their past Howard (33 saves) allowed fewer Islanders Former Northeastern player at home. nine road games (0-8-1). than three goals for the eighth in their Joe Vitale and Chris Kunitz Elsewhere, Nick Foligno scored Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin time in his past nine starts. It was game in had second-period goals for twice in a club-record 51 seconds scored two goals and Braden the first game of Detroit’s four- Uniondale, Pittsburgh, which erased a pair as part of a three-goal outburst Holtby made 30 saves to lead game road trip, and first of back- New York, of one-goal deficits after a slug- in a 1:15 span of the second Washington past host Winnipeg. to-back games against the Pacific yesterday. gish first period. period and Columbus beat visiting Brooks Laich, Troy Brouwer, Division-leaders. AGENCIES SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 24

Al Gharafa players celebrate with the trophy after winning their Emir Cup football final against Al Sadd at Khalifa Stadium in this May 2012 file photo. Al Gharafa won 4-3 in penalties. RIGHT: Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), and Australian swimming legend and five-time Olympic champion Ian Thorpe (right) are seen with children on the Corniche in this February 14, 2013 file photo on National Sport Day (NSD). A wide range of sporting activities took place as NSD programme aimed to encourage the public to obtain a healthy lifestyle and be physically fit. The QOC opened sports clubs and facilities for the public to enjoy the sporting activities. Qatar prepares for busy season Qatar Olympic Committee gets set to host 81 sports events in the next 12 months

BY RIZWAN REHMAT get to witness 11 Asian champi- Jamaica will run the 100m final. onships, 11 local events and eight A month later, the Qatar DOHA: With an emphasis Arab tournaments. Handball Association (QHA) “We are seriously on encouraging the youth to According to the QOC state- will host the Qatar International embrace sports as a way of life, ment yesterday, four sports con- Youth Handball Championship targeting to increase the Qatar Olympic Committee ferences will also be held in the from June 17 to 22 at Al Gharafa (QOC) yesterday confirmed new season. Indoor Hall. this number (35) to 50 it will host an astonishing 81 Last August at the Olympic The QHA will stage the Qatar events in the new season begin- Games in London, Sheikh Saoud International Junior Handball international events ning next month. bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Championship from June 24 to by the year 2020. It is The sports calendar has added Secretary General, QOC, clearly 28 at the same venue, QOC said. 32 new events, according to underlined Qatar’s bold plans to Soon after Ramadan, the Holy possible and we will do details released by QOC. add new events to the regular month of fasting, QHA will host The increase in the number sports calendar. IHF Handball Super Globe 2013 – it.” of sports events to be held in “The events that we organise an event for the world’s top clubs the coming 12 months is part of every year are (around) 35. Now at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall from Sheikh Saoud bin QOC’s ambitious plans to reach a I am talking about international August 27 to September 1. figure of at least 50 international events. There are scores of local Similarly, the Qatar Billiard Abdulrahman Al Thani, championships by 2020. events and leagues but I have not and Snooker Federation (QBSF) Qatar, who also nurture ambi- included those in this list,” Sheikh will host World 9-ball champion- Secretary General, Qatar tions of bringing the Olympic Saoud said at the time. ship in Doha from September 2 Top MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi of Italy takes a picture with members Games to the Middle East, will “We are seriously targeting to to 12. Olympic Committee of his fan club after a free practice session at Losail International Circuit open the 2013-2014 home season increase this number (35) to 50 Qatar Karate Federation in this April 2012 file photo. by hosting the opening round of international events by the year (QKF) will host the 2nd the MotoGP calendar at Losail 2020,” he added. “It is possible and Qatar International Karate (DGC) from January 10 to 11 International Circuit on April 7. we will do it,” he said. Championship from October 25 while Qatar Fencing Federation The MotoGP Grand Prix of Sheikh Saoud said the attempt to 26 while the Qatar Equestrian (QFF) will host the Qatar Men’s Hungary’s Gabor Qatar will be the first of 40 inter- to increase the events was part of Federation (QEF) will organ- Fencing Grand Prix 2014 and Boczko in action national sports events in Qatar, an ambitious plan to encourage ise the Qatar International Women World Cup 2014 from against Russia’s QOC confirmed in a statement the youth to embrace the sport- Equestrian Championship in January 18 to 21 at Aspire Zone. Anton Avdeev yesterday. ing culture. November. From January 22 to 26, 2014, during 2013 Qatar In the corresponding week, “We set this target when we The Qatar Squash Federation the QGA will assemble the world’s Grand Prix at the Qatar Sailing and Rowing were building the infrastruc- (QSF) will stage the Qatar top golfers for the Qatar Masters Gate Mall in this Federation (QSRF) will host ture for the Asian Games (held Classic (November 8-15) while at the picturesque DGC. January 2013 file the Qatar Match Racing in Doha in 2006),” Sheikh Saoud Qatar Swimming Association At the Asian level this year, photo. Championship scheduled to be said. (QSA) are confirmed hosts of the the Qatar sports calender is held from April 9 to 13. In May this year, the Qatar Qatar International Swimming just as busy with several sport In the third week of April, the Athletics Federation (QAF) will Championship (November 14 to championships and competitions Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) organise the IAAF Samsung 16). including AFC Asian Football will stage the Davis Cup matches Diamond League 2013 leg at At the start of 2014, the Qatar Championship (women U-14) to from April 15 to 22 at Khalifa Qatar Sports Club. Golf Association (QGA) will wel- be organised by Qatar Women Aditya Mehta International Tennis and Squash The one-day track and field come the region’s best for the Sport Committee (QWSC) at of India in Complex. event will be held on May 10 when Qatar International Open Golf the Aspire Done from April 1 to action against Overall, sports fans in Doha will star participant Yohan Blake of Championship at Doha Golf Club 3, 2013. Liu Hao Wei of The West Asian Chess Taipei during Championship will be held from their 28th Tennis player May 3 to 12 while the Asian 3x3 Asian Snooker Victoria Men’s Basketball Championship Championship Azarenka is set to be organized from May match in this of Belarus, 15 to 16. June 2012 file winner of the At the Arab level, the Doha photo taken in Qatar Total sports calendar is packed with Doha. Open, poses several championships including for a picture Arab Athletics Championships along with (May 21-24); Arab Weightlifting ball boys Championship (All categories) and girls at from May 26 until June 2; Arab Wrestling Championship from the Khalifa Two young players June 1 to 4 and Arab Junior International in action at the Qatar Fencing Championship (men and Tennis and women) from July 1 to 6. Junior Open of Qatar Squash Volleyball, beachball, gymnas- Squash Federation at Complex, in tics and karate are also listed on Khalifa International this February the calendar of events. Tennis and Squash 17, 2013, file At the GCC level, the QOC Complex in this photo. sports calender contains several February 2013 file photo. championships including GCC Competitions were held Squash Championship (U-17) in the Under-19, U-17, scheduled for April 2-7, 2013 U-15, U-13 and U-11 CENTRE: A shot and to be held at the Khalifa categories. of the new Emir International Tennis and Squash and Heir Apparent Complex; the GCC Athletics Cup trophies Championship (men and Juniors) made-to-order by which will run from April 8 to 10 and the 4th GCC Taekondwo Qatar Basketball Championship (May 2-5). for People with Special Needs at Also yesterday, QOC confirmed Federation (QBF) Multiple championships in fut- Qatar Sports Club (April 2013). it will organise the Olympic Day in Doha. RIGHT: sal, table tennis, judo, fencing and In local basketball competitions, on December 12 this year and the Ivanovic Malden volleyball were also confirmed by Qatar Basketball Federation Qatar National Sport Day (NSD) of Lebanon’s QOC yesterday. (QBF) will organise the Emir in February 2014. Al Sadd blocks At the local level, Qatar 2013- Cup final on April 19 while the Qatar also is due to host a Mabrouk Hassan 2014 calendar is packed with Qatar Football Association (QFA) number of conferences during the of Qatar’s multiple activities and events will stage the Heir Apparent Cup coming sports season. Eljaish during including the hugely popular final on May 4. The country’s Among those confirmed include their 15th Asian Schools Olympic Program (SOP) most popular football gathering - 2nd GCC Conference on Sport Handball Club jointly organised by QOC and the the Emir Cup final - will be held and Environment (to be organ- Championship Supreme Education Council. in May (date not confirmed), at ised by QOC from October 22 to at the Al Gharafa In the coming two months, Khalifa Stadium. 24) at Sheraton Hotel. Stadium in this the Qatar Volleyball Association QHA will organise the Heir The Aspire Zone will host LEFT: Sergio Garcia of November 2012 (QVA) will organise the Heir Apparent Cup final on May 19 two gatherings: Aspire4Sport Spain in action at the file photo. Eljaish Apparent Cup final at Al Arabi this year and the Emir Cup Conference (November 22 to 18, Qatar Masters in this won 28-27. Sport Club while the Qatar title clash final on May 30. Both 2013) and Doha Goals Forum January 2012 file photo. Paralympic Committee (QPC) these events will be staged at Al (December 9 to 11, 2013). will stage the Entertainment Day Gharafa Indoor Hall. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Qatar Sports Calendar ... 2013-2014 season

Event Host Venue Start Date Ending Date Type Event Host Venue Start Date Ending Date Type Under 14 AFC Women Championship Qatar Woman’s Sport Committee Aspire Playgrounds 1 April 2013 3 April 2013 Asia Under 21 Years - Hockey 19 GCC Squash Championship Qatar Squash Federation Khalifa Tennis and 2 April 2013 7 April 2013 Gulf Qatar Classic 2013 - Squash Qatar Squash Federation Khalifa Tennis and 8 Nov 2013 15 Nov 2013 Int’l Men & Under 17 Squash Complex Squash Complex Schools Olympic Program Qatar Olympic Committee Aspire Zone 4 April 2013 5 April 2013 Qatar 5ht Qatar International Qatar Swimming Association Hamad Aquatic 14 Nov 2013 16 Nov 2013 Int’l School Sports Federation Swimming Championships Center GCC Youth & Senior Athletics Qatar Association of Athletics Qatar Sports Club 8 April 2013 10 April 2013 Gulf Aspire for Sport Aspire Zone Aspire Zone 16 Nov 2013 19 Nov 2013 Championships Federation International Match Racing International Regatta Qatar Sailing Federation Qatar Sailing Club 9 April 2013 13 April 2013 Int’l Doha Hockey Friendship Festival Hockey Committee Al Rayyan 18 Nov 2013 22 Nov 2013 Int’l TH 12 Arab Championship for Water Qatar Swimming Association Aquatics Complex, 10 April 2013 14 April 2013 Arab Sports Club Polo Arab Qatar University 9th GCC Volleyball Sr Championship Qatar Volleyball Association Al Gharrafa 20 Nov 2013 30 Nov 2013 Gulf H H The Heir Apparent Volleyball Qatar Volleyball Federation Al Arabi Sports Club 12 April 2013 12 April 2013 Local Sports Club- Cup Final Al Arabi Sport Club DAVIS CUP Qatar Tennis Federation Khalifa Tennis and 15 April 2013 22 April 2013 Int’l Qatar Asian Championship - Tennis Qatar Tennis Federation Khalifa Tennis and 25 Nov 2013 30 Nov 2013 Asia Squash Complex Squash Complex Special Needs Sport Festival Qatar Paralympic Federation Qatar Sports Club 16 April 2013 16 April 2013 Local Doha GrandPrix Qatar Cycling Federation Around Qatar 1 Dec 2013 6 Dec 2013 Int’l H H The Emir’s Basketball Cup Final Qatar Basketball Federation Al Gharafa 19 April 2013 19 April 2013 Local Sports Club Tour of GCC Qatar Cycling Federation Around Qatar 1 Dec 2013 13 Dec 2013 Int’l 4th Gulf Taekwondo Championships Qatar Taekwondo & Gulf Aspire Zone 2 May 2013 5 May 2013 Gulf 3X3 Doha International Tournament Qatar Basketball Federation Al Gharrafa 1 Nov 2013 3 Nov 2013 Int’l Judo Federation Sports Club Zonal Tournament - Chess Qatar Chess Association Hotel Souq Waqif 3 May 2013 12 May 2013 Asia Golden Jersy - Cycling Qatar Cycling Federation Around Qatar 7 Dec 2013 10 Dec 2013 Int’l HH the Heir Apparent Football Cup Final Qatar Football Association Courts Qatar 4 May 2013 4 May 2013 Local 13th Qatar Bowling Open Qatar Bowling Federation Qatar Bowling 8 Dec 2013 14 Dec 2013 Int’l Diamond League Qatar Association of Qatar Sports Club 10 May 2013 10 May 2013 Int’l Center Athletics Federation Doha Goals Emiri Diwan Aspire Zone 9 Dec 2013 11 Dec 2013 Fiba Asia 3x3 men Championship Al Gharrafa Sports Club/ Qatar Basketball 16 May 2013 18 May 2013 Asia Olympic Day Qatar Olympic Committee Aspire Zone 12 Dec 2013 12 Decr 2013 Local Aspire Zone/Villaggio Federation Qatar Golden Cup Championship Qatar Weightlifting & Sheraton Doha 13 Dec 2013 13 Dec 2013 Int’l H H The Emir Football Cup Final Khalifa International Stadium Qatar Football 17or18/05/201317or18/05/2013 Local Body Building Bodybuilding Federation Resort & Convention Association Hotel H H The Heir Apparent Handball Qatar Handball Federation Al Gharrafa 19 May 2013 19 May 2013 Local Rhythmic Gymnastics Qatar Gymnastics Federation Qatar Women’s 16 Dec 2013 18 Dec 2013 Arab Cup Final Sports Club Arab Championships Sport Committee - Arab Athletics Championships Qatar Association of Qatar Sports Club 21 May 2013 24 May 2013 Arab Aspire Zone Arab (Senior Men & Women) Qatar Int. Show Jumping Qatar Equestrian Federation Venue 19 Dec 2013 22 Dec 2013 Int’l Asian Snooker Championship Qatar Billiard & Snooker Federation Qatar Biliard & 25 May 2013 29 May 2013 Asia Championships Snooker Federation Arab Karate Championships Qatar Karate Federation Al Gharrafa 20 Dec 2013 21 Dec 2013 Arab H H The Emir Volleyball Cup Final Qatar Volleyball Federation Al Arabi Sports Club 25 May 2013 25 May 2013 Local Sports Club Arab Youth + Junior + Senior Qatar Weightlifting & Al Sadd Sports Club 26 May 2013 2 June 2013 Arab MEN + WOMEN Championship Bodybuilding Federation Qatar International Handball Qatar Handball Association Al Gharrafa 27 Dec 2013 29 Dec 2013 Int’l Weight liffing Tournament for Men Sports Club H H The Emir Handball Cup Final Qatar Handball Federation Al Gharrafa 30 May 2013 30 May 2013 Local Optimist World Team Racing Qatar Sailing Federation Qatar Sailing Club 27 Dec 2013 31 Dec 2013 Int’l Sports Club Championship 2013 The Arab Wrestling Championship Qatar Wrestling Federation Qatar Sports Club 1 June 2013 4 June 2013 Arab Qatar ExxonMobil Open (ATP) Qatar Tennis Federation Khalifa Tennis and 30 Dec 2013 4 Jan 2014 Int’l for Senior Squash Complex Qatar International Handball Qatar Handball Association Al Gharrafa 17 June 2013 21 June 2013 Int’l WAGR Qatar Open Amateur Qatar Golf Association Doha Golf Club 9 Jan 2014 11 Jan 2014 Int’l Tournament for Men’s Junior Sports Club Championship - Golf Qatar International Handball Qatar Handball Association Al Gharrafa 24 June 2013 28 June 2013 Int’l Grand Prix Qatar (2014) Epee Qatar Fencing Federation Aspire Zone 18 Jan 2014 21 Jan 2014 Int’l Tournament for Men’s Youth Sports Club Men - Word Cup Epee Qatar Arab Championships Cadet - Junior Qatar Fencing Federation Qatar Fencing 1 July 2013 6 July 2013 Arab (2014) Women - Fencing (Men-Girls) - Fencing Federation - C/B Qatar Masters - Golf Qatar Golf Association Doha Golf Club 23 Jan 2014 26 Jan 2014 Int’l Tarik bin Ziad - Al Sadd Tour of Qatar - Ladies - Cycling Qatar Cycling Federation Around Qatar 28 Jan 2014 31 Jan 2014 Int’l Ramadan / Eid al-Fitr Tour of Qatar - Men - Cycling Qatar Cycling Federation Around Qatar 2 Feb 2014 7 Feb 2014 Int’l IHF Super Globe Qatar Handball Association Al Gharrafa 27 Aug 2013 1 Sept 2013 Int’l Qatar Total Open (WTA) - Tennis Qatar Tennis Federation Khalifa Tennis and 10 Feb 2014 16 Feb 2014 Int’l Sports Club Squash Complex 19th Asian Junior Table Qatar Table Tennis Association Qatar Sports Club 30 Aug 2013 3 Sept 2013 Asia National Sports Day Qatar Olympic Committee Qatar 11 Feb 2014 11 Feb 2014 Local Tennis Championships International Ladies Endurance Race Endurance Committee Sealine Endurance 14 Feb 2014 15 Feb 2014 Int’l World 9 ball Championship Qatar Billiard & Al Sadd Sports Club 2 Sept 2013 13 Sept 2013 Int’l Village Snooker Federation Qatar International Endurance Endurance Committee Sealine Endurance 14 Feb 2014 15 Feb 2014 Int’l Gulf Futsal Championship Qatar Football Association Qatar Sports Club/ 20 Sept 2013 30 Sept 2013 Gulf Cup - Equeshion Village Al Sadd Sports Club/ Sail The Gulf Regatta Qatar Sailing Federation Doha Sailing Club 18 Feb 2014 22 Feb 2014 Int’l Al Wakrh Sports Club 2014 ITTF World Tour Qatar Open Qatar Table Tennis Association Qatar Women’s 19 Feb 2014 23 Feb 2014 Int’l Sail Qatar Regatta Qatar Sailing Federation Qatar Sailing Club 1 Oct 2013 5 Oct 2013 Int’l Table Tennis Championships Sport Committee FINA/ARINA Swimming Qatar Swimming Association Hamad Aquatic 7 Oct 2013 6 Oct 2013 Int’l First International Women Qatar Woman’s Sport Committee Qatar Women’s 20 Feb 2014 24 Feb 2014 Int’l World Cup 25 M Center Hand Ball Championship Sport Committee - 28th Gulf Clubs Table Qatar Table Tennis Association Al Sadd/Al Arabi/ 9 Oct 2013 13 Oct 2013 Gulf Tennis Championships Al Rayyan Aspire Zone 17th Gulf Judo Championships Qatar Taekwondo & Judo Federation Aspire Zone 11 Oct 2013 14 Oct 2013 Gulf West Asian Championship Qatar Billiard &. Snooker Federation Qatar Biliard & 21 Feb 2014 28 Feb 2014 Asia Wakfet Arafat/ Eid al-adha for Billiard Games Snooker Federation Sport and Environment Conference Qatar Olympic Committee Sheraton Doha 22 Oct 2013 24 Oct 2013 H H Emir’s Cup 2014 Qatar Bowling Federation Qatar Bowling Center 25 Feb 2014 2 March 2014 Int’l (2) for GCC Hotel Qatar Junior Open - Squash Qatar Squash Federation Khalifa Tennis and 1 March 2014 5 March 2014 Asia 2nd Qatar International Qatar Karate Federation Al Gharrafa 25 Oct 2013 26 Oct 2013 Int’l Squash Complex Karate Championships Sports Club Doha Junior Open - Squash Qatar Squash Federation Khalifa Tennis and 6 March 2014 10 March 2014 Asia Gulf Championships Cadet-Junior- Qatar Fencing Federation Qatar Fencing 31 Oct 2013 3 Nov 2013 Gulf Squash Complex Senior ( Men - Girls ) - Fencing Federation - Asian Indoor Rowing Qatar Sailing Federation Aspire Zone 6 March 2014 8 March 2014 Asia Tarik bin Ziad Championship 2014 Al Sadd CHI Al Shaqab (Equestrian) Qatar Sailing Federation Al Shaqab 10 March 2014 15 March 2014 Int’l 24th Man & 10th Woman Arab Qatar Valleyball Association Al Gharrafa 4 Nov 2013 9 Nov 2013 Arab International Friendly Tournament Qatar Football Association Al Arabi Sports Club 21 March 2014 26 March 2014 Int’l Beach Volleyball Championship Sports Club Islamic Triathlon Qatar Olympic Committee- Sealine Beach 22 March 2014 22 March 2014 Int’l Qatar International Equestrian Qatar Equestrian Federation Qatar Equestrian 5 Nov 2013 19 Nov 2013 Int’l Sports Affairs Department Qualified for the Youth Olympic Federation Game (China) 7th FIG ART Gymnastics Qatar Gymnastics Federation Aspire Academy 28 March 2014 26 March 2014 Int’l West Asia Cup/Arab Cup Hockey Committee Al Rayyan Sports Club 5 Nov 2013 10 Nov 2013 Asia Challenge Cup Dome West rides well in Jerez QMMF Racing Team is happy with pre-season testing

DOHA: QMMF Racing Team tracks we tested and we have rider Anthony West has finished ideas what should work on other the last pre-season test in the tracks that we haven’t been on. Moto2 class on a high note. “For this final test in Jerez, we The 31-year-old Australian, had the right engine and I was on who scored two podium finishes the pace immediately. I felt strong at the end of last year’s season, the whole test compared with was consistently within the top others. Every time I was with group of riders in all the individ- another rider, I could follow with ual sessions. no problems. So I think our race Alex Cudlin of Australia in action during the third round of QIRRCH held Even though he is ranked 16th pace and consistency are really under the floodlights of Losail International Circuit yesterday. on the combined standings over there,” West said. three days at Jerez, he feels com- “I am happy to continue with petitive and ready to battle for a QMMF Racing Team because it good result at the season-opening is the first year that I had the Cudlin wins first race in light race in Qatar on April 7. opportunity of proper testing and Grand Prix rookie Rafid Topan to start the year in a normal way. drizzle at Losail Circuit Sucipto was also happy with his Anthony West of Australia is seen with Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, This is the best chance I had in all pre-season preparation, having President of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) in Sepang, my years of racing. I am looking DOHA: Australian rider Alex Cudlin yesterday won the first race improved his riding style and his Malaysia, in this October 2012 file photo. West, who managed two podium forward to the season,” he said. of the of the third round of QIRRCH under the floodlights of Losail lap times steadily over the total finishes last season, is currently busy with pre-season testing with Grand Sucipto said: “It took me some International Circuit. of nine days of testing. Prix rookie Rafid Topan Sucipto. time to get used to the Moto2 The riders had to endure wet conditions as rain lashed the $75m The 18-year-old from Jakarta, class, but my lap times and my circuit last night. The organisers later cancelled the second race. Indonesia, who confronts his first riding style are getting better and Starting from pole position, Cudlin struggled with a slow start on full Grand Prix season as Anthony everybody else seemed to have a “I think we went through the better. My braking has improved his Suzuki. Cudlin had to battle hard with Qatar’s Saeed Al Sulaiti West’s team-mate in QMMF lot more speed,” West said. full range of every part and piece in comparison to the last tests at who was riding a BMW in the first four laps of the race. Racing Team, went through sev- “To do good times was quite that we have, just to try every- Valencia and I also carry more However, Cudlin managed to catch up with Al Sulaiti at the half-way eral months of intense physical frustrating, we seemed off the thing. It was mentally difficult to corner speed and I manage to stage and stayed in front until the end. training and is fully prepared for pace and I was upset about that. ride a bike that is different every keep full throttle for longer peri- The second position of the podium went to German female rider his Moto2 challenge. We tried to concentrate on setting time you go out, but in the end I ods of time. I still have problems Nina Prinz, also on a Suzuki bike. Prinz started second on the grid. “The first two tests in Valencia the bike up the best I could and think it is going to pay off for the on the corner exits, where the Qatar’s Mishal Al Naimi with a Honda was the third-fastest rider and Jerez were difficult, because we tried many different things,” rest of the season. others pass me a lot and I need The trophies were given by Mohammed Saad Al Morraikhi, QMMF we had a standard engine and the Australian said. “We know what works on the to be faster.” THE PENINSULA General Secretary. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

2014 FIFA World Shock draw dents Spain’s Cup Qualifying European Zone PARIS: Collated World Cup 2014 European qualifying zone results on Friday night: Group A Cup qualification hopes At Zagreb Croatia 2 (Mandzukic 23, Olic 37) Serbia 0 At Skopje Macedonia 0 Belgium 2 (De Bruyne 26, Finland grab late equaliser; England trounce San Marino, Germany win Hazard 62-pen) At Glasgow, Scotland Scotland 1 (Hanley 45+2) Wales 2 (Ramsey PARIS: Reigning champi- from the set-piece that Ramos The win made it 13 points from 73-pen, Robson-Kanu 74) ons Spain saw their chances headed in his ninth international five Group C games for Joachim Group B of direct qualification for next goal. Loew’s side and lifted them five year’s World Cup finals suffer a Thereafter, however, Spain points clear of Sweden, who could At Sofia setback on Friday night, a home drew a blank and Pukki snatched only manage a goalless home draw Bulgaria 6 (Tonev 6, 38, 58, Popov 47, draw against Finland leaving a point for the Finns as he ghosted against Ireland. Gargorov 55, Ivanov 78) Malta 0 them two points adrift of new in between Ramos and Gerard Bastian Schweinsteiger and At Olomouc, Czech Republic Group I leaders France. Pique to poke home. Mario Goetze took the sting out Czech Republic 0 Denmark 3 (Cornelius 57, Sergio Ramos celebrated “It’s a real shame this one got of the game with two goals in Kjaer 67, Zimling 82) winning his 100th cap by head- away from us,” said Ramos. as many first-half minutes and Group C ing Spain in front early in the “We controlled the match but Thomas Mueller drove home At Astana second-half. it slipped away in the final min- low and hard for the third for But that was as good as it got utes. Doubtless we were thinking Germany. Kazakhstan 0 Germany 3 (Schweinsteiger 20, in the northern city of Gijon too much about France -- now we In Group A, Croatia took the Goetze 22, Mueller 74) and Teemu Pukki’s goal 12 min- really do have to think about that honours in their Balkan grudge At Vienna utes from time stunned the one. They are a great team, but match against Serbia. Austria 6 (Hosiner 8, 20, Ivanschitz 28, reigning world and European we can beat them.” First-half goals from Mario Junuzovic 77, Alaba 78, Garics 82) Faroe champions. England stay firmly in the Mandzukic and Ivica Olic proved Islands 0 With France beating Georgia Group H mix after trouncing sufficient in a meeting in Zagreb At Solna, Sweden 3-1 in Paris it is Les Bleus who hapless San Marino 8-0 away, which was the first between the Sweden 0 Republic of Ireland 0 top the table by two points at the Jermain Defoe bagging a brace. two former foes as independent Group D halfway stage. But Roy Hodgson’s side still nations since the bloody 1990s The French, now led by 1998 trail Montenegro by two points war that tore apart the former At Andorra La Vella World Cup-winning skipper after the latter thanked a Mirko Yugoslavia. Andorra 0 Turkey 2 (Inan 30, B. Yilmaz 45+2) Didier Deschamps, had proved Vucinic goal for a 1-0 success at Belgium’s 2-0 win in Macedonia At Amsterdam their mettle by drawing in Spain Moldova. ensured they stay level on Netherlands 3 (van der Vaart 47, van Persie and goals by Olivier Giroud on “It was good that so many play- 13 points at the top with the 72, Schaken 84) Estonia 0 the stroke of half-time, Mathieu ers got a chance to play. Everyone Croatians. At Budapest Valbuena and Franck Ribery saw brought their straw to the water. Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo Hungary 2 (Vanczak 16, Dzsudzsak 71-pen) off the Georgians. Even at 5-0 at half-time, we kept picked up a booking and with it a Romania 2 (Mutu 68-pen, Chipciu 90+3) Spain now have to look for a playing,” said Hodgson whose one-match ban as Portugal could result in France on Tuesday and team travel to Montenegro on only manage a 3-3 draw in Israel, Group E hope they will not be so profligate Tuesday. leaving the Real Madrid star’s At Ljubljana as they were on Friday, a series Germany were almost as busi- side four points adrift of Group Slovenia 1 (Novakovic 34) Iceland 2 of missed chances prompting nesslike as England, two quickfire F leaders Russia. Spain’s Sergio Ramos celebrates a goal against Finland during their (Sigurdsson 55, 78) Vicente Del Bosque to bring on first half goals and a second-half Russia had hoped to bolster that 2014 World Cup qualifying match at Molinon Stadium in Gijon, on Friday At Oslo night. Ramos celebrated winning his 100th cap by heading Spain in Pedro Rodriguez, who had scored clincher cementing their remark- margin with a win in Northern Norway 0 Albania 1 (Salihi 67) front early in the second-half. The reigning champions were held to a nine times in his last six interna- able record of never having lost Ireland but Fabio Capello’s men Group F tionals, for Santi Cazorla. an away World Cup qualifier must wait 24 hours after heavy 1-1 draw by Finland. Teemu Pukki’s goal 12 minutes from time gave An effort from the Barcelona after swatting Kazakhstan 3-0 snow in Belfast forced a postpone- Finland the equaliser. At Ramat Gan, Israel man earned a corner and it was in Astana. ment. AFP Israel 3 (Hemed 24, Ben Basat 40, Gershon 70) Portugal 3 (Bruno Alves 2, Postiga 72, Coentrao 90+3) Mexico melt At Luxembourg Messi dazzles for Argentina Luxembourg 0 Azerbaijan 0 At Belfast in Honduras, BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi diminutive play-maker lashed after sweeping aside Bolivia 5-0 in Northern Ireland vs Russia - postponed scored once and set up two goals into the roof of the net for 2-0 in Barranquilla. Group G US freeze out as Argentina beat Venezuela first half stoppage time. Goals from Macnelly Torres, 3-0 to remain in control of the A trademark jinking run and Carlos Valdez, Teofilo Gutierrez, At Vaduz South American qualifying through ball for Higuain gave Radamel Falcao and Pablo Liechtenstein 1 (Polverino 17) Latvia 1 (Cauna Costa Rica race for the 2014 World Cup on Argentina their third in the Armero secured an easy win as 30) Friday night. 59th minute as Venezuela kissed Colombia leapfrogged Ecuador At Zilina, Slovakia DENVER, Colorado: Mexico The Argentinian skipper was goodbye to any chance of repeat- into second place in the standings. Slovakia 1 (Jakubko 40) Lithuania 1 (Sernas gave up a two goal lead to draw the architect of two Gonzalo ing their shock 1-0 win over the Elsewhere, Uruguay’s hopes 19) 2-2 in blazing heat in Honduras, Higuain strikes which came Argentinians in 2011. of a vital victory against bottom At Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina while the United States beat either side of an emphatic The victory leaves Alejandro side Paraguay were dashed after Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 (Dzeko 30, 54, Ibisevic Costa Rica 1-0 in a blizzard Messi penalty on the stroke of Sabella’s side four points clear of they conceded a late equaliser in 36) Greece 1 (Gekas 90+3) by the Rocky Mountains as half-time at the Monumental second-placed Colombia at the top a bruising game which finished 1-1 CONCACAF’s World Cup quali- Stadium. of the standings with 23 points in Montevideo. Group H fiers served up another night of The Barcelona superstar after 10 matches. In Friday’s late match, Jefferson At Chisinau drama and controversy. was Argentina’s best player With just six games remaining, Farfan’s 87th-minute goal lifted Moldova 0 Montenegro 1 (Vucinic 78) In Kingston, Panama showed throughout, twice forcing Daniel only an unthinkable collapse will hosts Peru to a 1-0 victory over At Warsaw they are not going to accept their Hernandez into scrambled saves prevent the “Albicelestes” from Chile in Lima. Argentine forward Lionel Messi is Poland 1 (Piszczek 18) Ukraine 3 (Yarmolenko ranking as the weakest team in early on before producing the taking their place at next year’s The first four finishers in South 2, Gusev 7, Zozulya 45) the six-team ‘hexagonal’ final seen during their FIFA World Cup pass which enabled Higuain finals in Brazil, with a trip to La America’s round-robin tourna- At Serravalle, San Marino qualifying phase as they fought Brazil 2014 South American quali- to break the deadlock on 29 Paz to face Bolivia on Tuesday ment will qualify automatically back for a 1-1 draw with Jamaica. fying match against Venezuela in minutes. their next game. for Brazil, with the fifth-placed San Marino 0 England 8 (Della Valle 12-og, Teams in CONCACAF have Buenos Aires, Argentina on Friday Messi then harried Venezuela In other games Friday night, side facing a play-off against the Oxlade-Chamberlain 28, Defoe 35, 77, Young long sought to achieve as much night. defender Gabriel Cichero into Colombia remained on course to fifth-placed side from Asia. 39, Lampard 42, Rooney 54, Sturridge 70) advantage as possible from their conceding a penalty, which the end their 16-year World Cup exile AFP Group I home qualifiers with venue selec- At Gijon, Spain tion and kick-off times frequently Spain 1 (Ramos 49) Finland 1 (Pukki 79) designed to discomfort opponents Group I and Friday’s games showed the Iran edge Qatar; Turkey register win At Paris two extremes that can result. The temperatures in San France 3 (Giroud 45+1, Valbuena 47, Ribery Pedro Sula rose above 100 61) Georgia 1 (Kobakhidze 71) degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), in International Friendly Tournament no particular surprise given the South America Hondurans chose to kick-off at DOHA: Iran yesterday 1500 local, in blazing sunshine, beat hosts Qatar 2-1 in their Zone rather than in the cooler evening. 11th International Friendly MONTEVIDEO: World Cup How much of an impact that Tournament match at Grand 2014 South American quali- had on Mexico’s performance Hamad Stadium. fying zone results on Friday will be debated but after domi- For the winners, the goals were nating with some sparkling foot- scored Kaveh Rezaei (42) Omid night: ball and two great finishes from Alishah (58). Qatar’s Murad Nahji At Barranquilla, Colombia Manchester United striker Javier Hussein reduced the margin in Colombia 5 (Torres 20, Valdes 49, Gutierrez Hernandez, El Tri crumbled and the 65th minute. 62, Falcao 87, Armero 90+3) Bolivia 0 allowed two goals in the final 13 Qatar coach Marcel Van At Montevideo minutes as they had to settle for Buuren said: “The first half was Uruguay 1 (Suarez 82) Paraguay 1 (Benitez a second straight draw. very difficult for us. We though 86) The pressure was on the the number 10 player in the At Buenos Aires United States after their defeat Iranian side is a very good player. Argentina 3 (Higuain 29, 59, Messi 45-pen) in Honduras in February and Every time we took possession of Venezuela 0 reports of discontent among the ball, we lost it very quickly some players with coach Juergen and if you’re not comfortable At Lima Klinsmann. with the ball, you will lose it eas- Peru 1 (Farfan 87) Chile 0 But after their victory, thanks ily. Fighting with players who are to a 16th minute strike from physically stronger made it dif- CONCACAF Zone new skipper Clint Dempsey, the ficult for us to win.” US now head to Mexico City on Commenting on the win, Iran’s WASHINGTON: Results on Tuesday with a point more than head coach Alireza Mansoriya Friday night in CONCACAF their arch rivals. said: “It was a very good match. final-round qualifying for the Costa Rica, though, were fum- Qatar’s level has improved signifi- 2014 Brazil World Cup: ing about the referee’s decision to cantly since the last match played At San Pedro Sula keep playing through a blizzard in Malaysia. The last few minutes Honduras 2 (Costly 77, Bengtson 80) Mexico which intensified as the game of the match were quite difficult 2 (Hernandez 28, 54) progressed on a snow covered for us.” At Kingston field. Head coach Jorge Luis Pinto In the second match, Turkey Jamaica 1 (Elliott 22) Panama 1 (Henriquez said the game was an “embarrass- defeated Morocco 1-0. 65th) ment to football” and midfielder The last round matches will Action from Qatar and Iran match at the International Friendly Tournament at Grand Hamad Stadium, yesterday. At Denver, Colorado Cristian Bolanos was also irate. take place tomorrow. Iran won 2-1. In the second match, Turkey defeated Morocco 1-0. AFP THE PENINSULA United States 1 (Dempsey 16) Costa Rica 0 SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Vettel takes pole in wet Sepang Defending champion clinches second pole of the season; Raikkonen hit by grid penalty

SEPANG, Malaysia: Red yesterday. “It was one of those Raikkonen qualified down in Malaysian Grand Bull’s Formula One world cham- qualifyings you just want to seventh place for Lotus but was Prix pion Sebastian Vettel made the survive,” said team principal later handed a three-spot pen- most of a well-timed change of Christian Horner after the rain alty by stewards for impeding the SEPANG, Malaysia: Starting tyres in a rainy qualifying ses- had caught some others out. “Q1 Mercedes of Nico Rosberg (sixth). grid for today’s Malaysian Grand Prix after qualifying sion to seize pole position for the (the first phase) was a bit close Jenson Button will move up to yesterday: Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday. for comfort.” seventh, Force India’s Adria Sutil 1st row Vettel will be joined on the The first drops fell in the sec- to eighth and Button’s McLaren Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault); Felipe front row for the second round ond phase but the Red Bull’s team mate Sergio Perez starts in Massa (BRA/Ferrari) of the season by Ferrari’s Felipe speed shone through once the ninth. Massa was unsure if his car 2nd row Massa, with the Brazilian out- 10 cars in the final round were was quick enough to finish as high Fernando Alonso (ESP/Ferrari); Lewis Hamilton qualifying his Spanish team mate all fitted with intermediate tyres as it did had the weather stayed (GBR/Mercedes) Fernando Alonso for the fourth as a downpour soaked half of the dry, but the Brazilian, like Vettel, 3rd row race in succession. Sepang Circuit. Vettel opted to used an early change of tyres in Red Bull Mark Webber (AUS/Red Bull-Renault); Nico Alonso, last year’s winner change his intermediates early the third phase to secure a first driver Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) in Malaysia and second in the in the final phase and, after lap- front row start since Bahrain in Sebastian 4th row Australian season-opener last ping more than a second ahead 2010. Vettel of Jenson Button (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes); weekend, will start in third place. of early pace-setter Hamilton, his “There were some other fast Germany Adrian Sutil (GER/Force India-Mercedes) Lewis Hamilton will complete time was far too competitive for cars - Webber and also Kimi. It reacts after 5th row the second row in his Mercedes the two Ferraris to better as the was a good qualifying from us, we the qualifying Sergio Perez (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes); Kimi with Red Bull’s Mark Webber chequered flag was waved. took the right decision to change session of the Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) disappointed to be fifth after get- “We knew that rain was on tyres so maybe the rain helped a Formula One 6th row ting his timing wrong in the final the way and we expected some at bit,” the Brazilian said. Malaysian Romain Grosjean (FRA/Lotus-Renault); Nico session. the beginning of qualifying but Alonso, who finished second in Grand Prix Hulkenberg (GER/Sauber-Ferrari) “If you start in the front, you it didn’t come so we went out on Melbourne and won a rain-hit 7th row always want to finish there as drys (tyres) and had a different Sepang race a year ago, remains in Sepang, Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Toro Rosso-Ferrari); well,” Vettel told reporters after approach to other people,” the cautiously optimistic of at least yesterday. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) his 38th career pole and second German added. scoring points from a good place 8th row of the season. “We were a little on the edge on the grid. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes); “It will be a long race and it’s in Q2 so the rain helped us a lit- “We are not sure about the Pastor Maldonado (VEN/Williams-Renault) difficult to know the true pace. tle bit, otherwise I think we may performance of the car in terms 9th row We confirmed what we saw in have had to go out again, but we of race pace. Every run we do is Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso-Ferrari); Melbourne. I’m happy with the were just fast enough to get into inconsistent so we need to see Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams-Renault) balance of the car.” the final round. how the race goes,” the double 10th row Vettel’s raw pace in Australia “In Q3, with the circuit dry- world champion said. Jules Bianchi (FRA/Marussia-Cosworth); was negated by excessive tyre ing it was clear it was better to “We have not had big problems Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham-Renault) wear in the race and after fin- change tyres and we did that during the long runs on Friday. 11th row ishing third there, the German pretty early and it was the right In Melbourne, the race pace was Max Chilton (GBR/Marussia-Cosworth); Giedo adopted a cautious approach in thing.” okay so there is no reason not to be van der Garde (NED/Caterham-Renault) the first two rounds of qualifying Melbourne winner Kimi optimistic tomorrow.”REUTERS Smith likely Boult seizes initiative to miss for hosts New Zealand decisive

AUCKLAND: Trent Boult day 393 runs behind, having dis- Prior ended the innings with one-dayer grabbed two wickets as New missed New Zealand for 443 after five catches. Zealand reduced England to 50 tea following a feisty knock by Tim “I felt as though I’ve bowled DURBAN: South Africa opener for two and seized the advantage Southee. Pace bowler Southee, who better in this game than I did in Graeme Smith is unlikely to at the end of the second day of had been criticised for his cavalier the previous two games,” Finn play in the final one-day inter- the deciding third Test at Eden approach to batting throughout the told reporters. “My lengths have national today after his ankle Park yesterday. series, persisted with his attack- been better, I’ve been fuller, mak- flared up during Pakistan’s Boult had England captain ing tactic and belted 44 runs in 33 ing the batsman come forward three-wicket win on Thursday, Alastair Cook caught behind balls to grab the initiative back for more often than I have done in officials said. for four then trapped Jonathan his side. the previous games. Smith was unable to field for Trott in front for 27 as England Steven Finn then raced “But again that was a little bit the majority of the Pakistan slumped to 44 for two and handed through the tail after Southee of a rhythm thing, and I’ve felt innings and a decision on leaving the momentum back to the hosts. was caught by wicketkeeper Matt good in this game so far. him out of the decisive match in Nick Compton was on 12, while Prior to finish with six wickets “I was fortunate to get a couple Benoni. Ian Bell was six not out and the for 125, matching his career best of wickets today, but as a team we “Graeme’s chronic left ankle visitors will head into the third figures against Australia in 2010. felt as though that we deserved problem has surfaced again dur- some fortune.” ing this ODI Series. We have Scoreboard New Zealand, however, negated been trying to manage him but Sri Lankan cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan plays a shot during the opening that opportunity when Cook got unfortunately it slowed him down one-day international (ODI) match against Bangladesh at the Suriyawewa New Zealand (I innings): Bowling: Anderson 30-8-79-2; Broad 30-6- a faint edge down the leg side today,” team manager Mohammed Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in the southern district P Fulton c Prior b Finn ...... 136 94-0 (nb1); Finn 37.3-8-125-6; Panesar 47- from a Boult delivery and he Moosajee said. of Hambantota, yesterday. H Rutherford c Cook b Finn ...... 37 17-123-1; Trott 6-3-9-1; Root 2-1-5-0. was caught by wicketkeeper BJ “As things stand, he is unlikely to K Williamson c Prior b Anderson ...... 91 England (I innings): Watling. Trott and Compton, who play in the last ODI but we will make R Taylor c&b Panesar ...... 19 A Cook c Watling b Boult ...... 4 had combined for a 210-run part- a final decision tomorrow (Friday). D Brownlie c Compton b Anderson ...... 36 N Compton (batting) ...... 12 nership in the drawn second Test He had surgery on this ankle a while Dilshan powers Sri at the Basin Reserve, looked in ago and I think the load and the vol- B McCullum c Prior b Trott ...... 38 J Trott lbw Boult ...... 27 B Watling c Prior b Finn ...... 21 I Bell (batting) ...... 6 control as they were barely Tested ume of cricket for the year and par- T Southee c Prior b Finn ...... 44 Extras (W-1) ...... 1 by New Zealand’s pace attack. ticularly during this ODI series has B Martin c Trott b Finn ...... 10 Total (for 2 wkts) ...... 50 The introduction of left-arm troubled him,” he added. Lanka to victory spinner Bruce Martin, however, South African batsman David N Wagner (not out) ...... 2 To bat: Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Matt T Boult c Compton b Flynn ...... 0 Prior, Stuart Broad, Steve Finn, James Anderson, created some pressure at the Miller is not surprised that the HAMBANTOTA, Sri Lanka: the innings, briefly halted by a Extras (B-4, LB-4, NB-1) ...... 9 Monty Panesar. northern end of the ground and series is deadlocked going into the Tillakaratne Dilshan hammered swarm of bees in the afternoon Total (all out) ...... 443 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-44. Boult was switched to the south- final match an unbeaten 113 to fire Sri that forced some of the players Fall of wickets: 1-79, 2-260, 3-289, 4-297, Bowling: Boult 10-4-26-2; Southee 6-4-12-0; ern end and got a ball that pitched “It’s two great teams and it was Lanka to an eight-wicket win to lie on the ground. 5-365, 6-373, 7-424, 8-436, 9-443. Wagner 2-0-6-0; Martin 7-4-6-0. on middle to seam back and hit bound to happen that the results over Bangladesh in the first one- The play was held up for more Trott in front. AFP would go up and down like a roll- dayer, marked by a power fail- than 90 minutes due to the ercoaster,” Miller said. ure and bees’ invasion yesterday. power failure, first during the Pakistan captain Misbah- The opener hit 11 fours in Bangladeshi innings and then ul-Haq said his team has been his 15th one-day century as Sri before the start of Sri Lanka’s improving with each match. Lanka, chasing a revised target chase.The organisers apologised “Whenever you come to differ- of 238 in 41 overs following the for the power failures, say- ent conditions, you struggle and outage, won the day-night match ing an investigation will soon not sure when you’re starting a in Hambantota with 32 balls to be launched. Sri Lanka got off series, what you can do in these spare for a 1-0 lead in the three- to a flying start as Dilshan and sorts of surfaces, but after win- match series. Kushal Perera (42) put on 106 ning two games and levelling the Dilshan also upstaged off just 12.1 overs for the opening series 2-2 and after seeing dif- Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal who wicket. Dilshan then added 128 ferent players perform, we are a scored an impressive 112 for his for the second wicket with Kumar bit sure and you grow your confi- fourth one-day ton to prop up Sangakkara (63). AFP dence,” Misbah said. South Africa and Pakistan are Scoreboard level at 2-2 in the five-match one-day series, which serves as BANGLADESH lasekara 9-0-67-1 (w6); T Perera 8-0-45-1 a warm-up for the Champions Tamim Iqbal (run out) ...... 112 (w1); Mathews 9-1-36-2; Senanayake 10-0- Trophy in England in June. Pakistan: (probable) Anamul Haque b T Perera ...... 13 46-1 (w3); Dilshan 4-0-12-0. Imran Mohammad Ashraful c K Perera b Kulasekara0 SRI LANKA Farhat, Mohammad Hafeez, Mushfiqur Rahim lbw Mathews ...... 3 K Perera c Nasir b Gazi ...... 42 Kamran Akmal (wkt), Younis M Mahmudullah c Sangakkara b Mathews . 29 T Dilshan (not out) ...... 113 Khan/Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul- Nasir Hossain (not out) ...... 73 K Sangakkara c Rahman b Rubel ...... 63 Haq (capt), Shoaib Malik, Shahid Ziaur Rahman b Senanayake ...... 0 D Chandimal (not out) ...... 3 Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal Sohag Gazi c Dilshan b Malinga ...... 6 Extras (LB-13, W-4) ...... 17 Junaid Khan, Mohammed Irfan South Africa: (probable) Abul Hasan b Malinga ...... 3 Total (for 2 wkts in 35.4 overs) ...... 238 Abdur Razzak (not out) ...... 6 Fall of wickets: 1-106, 2-234. Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Extras (B-1, LB-1, NB-1, W-11) ...... 14 Bowling: Abul 5-0-52-0 (w1); Rubel 5-0-44- Colin Ingram, AB de Villiers Total (for 8 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 259 1; Razzak 9-0-49-0 (w2); Gazi 7.4-0-46-1; (capt, wk), David Miller, Farhaan Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-57, 3-63, 4-129, Rahman 8-0-26-0; Mahmudullah 1-0-8-0 (w1). Behardien, Ryan McLaren Robin Peterson Dale Steyn/ 5-204, 6-204, 7-211, 8-244. Result: Sri Lanka win by eight wickets (D/L Trent Boult (centre) of New Zealand celebrates with his team-mates after dismissing England’s Alastair Cook on Bowling: Malinga 10-0-51-2 (nb1, w1); Ku- method). Morne Morkel, Rory Kleinveldt, day two of their final Test match at Eden Park in Auckland, yesterday. Lonwabo Tsotsobe. AGENCIES Sunday 24 March 2013 12 Jumada I 1434 Volume 18 Number 5648 Sport Price: QR2 %-%!%&.-"&/0"/,#"%-1&,23!"!,*!04-%35,# *.$")"*6 LATEST NEWS UPDATES IN TAMIL Djokovic eases Qatar gets TAMIL TIMES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middle East Edition into third round ready for busy

at Miami event sports season Available every Wednesdays in all leading supermarkets and shops in Qatar & Bahrain Tel. : +974 44557622 / 44557623          Fax. : +974 44557759           !"#$%&'(")"*+&,)+(" Sport | 23 Sport | 24 email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Off-spinner Lyon checks India’s progress in Delhi Fourth Test: Hosts India end day two at 266 for 8

NEW DELHI: India’s hopes more on resumption this morn- of a 4-0 whitewash of Australia ing to take their first innings to were somewhat dented by off- a competitive 262. spinner Nathan Lyon’s third India’s innings was a rerun of fifer and the last Test of the all their previous innings in the series goes into the third day series. A rollicking 108-run start Eljaish’s Saad Al Shammari (left) and Brazilian striker Adriano pose next today all square with the visi- by openers and then the familiar to the Qatar Stars Cup trophy in Doha yesterday. Eljaish take on Al Arabi tors having a happy thought of collapse to lose eight wickets for in the Qatar Stars Cup final to be played at Qatar Sports Club today. bowling last on a dicey pitch. only a further 158 runs. Lyon finished with five for 94 On a bright sunny day, Lyon to leave India at 266 for eight made the best use of the cracks and an inconsequential lead of on the Kotla track, triggering the four runs at the close of play yes- collapse. It was the fourth con- Eljaish eye first terday at the Ferozeshah Kotla. secutive time that India messed Bhuvneshwar Kumar was bat- up a solid start. ting on 10 as play ended with The only difference was in the the dismissal of Ravichandran last three Tests, the collapse came trophy in final Ashwin (12), Lyon’s fifth victim. after some record stands. Australia’s tail wagged a little But here, the Indian bat- ting stumbled after openers Scoreboard Cheteshwar Pujara (52) and against Al Arabi Murali Vijay (57) gave them a Australia (I innings): dream start under the circum- DOHA: Eljaish today will be eyeing their maiden piece of silverware Ed Cowan b Ashwin ...... 38 stances, going for lunch at 59. And when they take on Al Arabi in the final of the Qatar Stars Cup. David Warner c Kohli b Sharma ...... 0 at 180 for five, there were doubts Al Arabi, on the other hand, will be aiming for a title win to erase Phil Hughes b Sharma ...... 45 whether they could even get a the bad memories of a horrendous Qatar Stars League (QSL) season Shane Watson st Dhoni b Jadeja ...... 17 first-innings lead. in which they fired coaches to get good results. Steven Smith c Rahane b Ashwin ...... 46 It was left to Ravindra Jadeja Al Arabi coach Abdulaziz Bennij knows this is a chance for both Mathew Wade c Vijay b Ashwin ...... 2 (43), who came into the side clubs to write a special chapter in their history with a Cup win that Glenn Maxwell c Sharma b Jadeja...... 10 essentially as a batting all- will be long remembered. Mitchell Johnson b Ashwin ...... 3 rounder, and skipper Mahendra For Bennij – who took over a struggling Al Arabi side battling rel- Peter Siddle b Ashwin ...... 51 Singh Dhoni (24) to pull them out egation – the appearance in a final vindicates all the hard work put James Pattinson c Kohli b Ojha ...... 30 of the hole. in since his appointment. Nathan Lyon (not out) ...... 8 A weekend turnout of some “We reached this final after a strong performance. I think we deserve Extras (B-5, LB-7) ...... 12 20,000 spectators got an exciting to be here and for sure it’s going to be a tough game because of who Total (all out) ...... 262 day’s play, but not dominated by we are playing,” Bennij said. “We have a lot of players absent but the Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-71, 3-106, 4-115, India. Instead, they had a wonder- players who play will do so to win the Cup. We will still play 11 players India’s Ajinka Rahane is hit by a bouncer on day two of the fourth and 5-117, 6-129, 7-136, 8-189, 9-243, 10- ful exhibition of bowling by Lyon, and respect our opponent. I think they should also respect us.” 262. who was surprisingly dropped final Test against Australia in New Delhi yesterday. Bennij is still shell-shocked after three of his players were sent off Bowling: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 9-1-43-0; from the second Test after his in an ugly confrontation in the semi-final win over Al Gharafa. Ishant Sharma 14-3-35-2; Ravichandran 4-244 in Chennai. his next over he had Virat Kohli Vijay with a snorter that took the “We are sorry for what happened in the last game. Of course we are Ashwin 34-18-57-5; Pragyan Ojha 26.1-6- Lyon not only got the ball to (1) plumb in front. opener’s glove on way to Matthew affected by it but I don’t think there are players who want to act like 75-1; Ravindra Jadeja 29-8-40-2. spin but also bounce. At the other Sachin Tendulkar (32) walked Wade behind. this,” the Moroccan coach added. India (I innings): end fast bowlers Peter Siddle, in next and was greeted by a huge Ajinkya Rahane’s debut ended “In football this sort of thing can happen. It is in the past now. M Vijay c Wade b Siddle ...... 54 James Pattinson and Mitchell roar from the crowd, hoping to see in a soft dismissal. He only man- “We didn’t talk about how we won against Al Gharafa. We spoke C Pujara b Lyon ...... 52 Johnson kept the batsmen guess- a big innings, perhaps for the last aged seven before gloving a Lyon only about the fight. V Kohli lbw Lyon ...... 1 ing varying the pace and length time in the national capital. He off-break to backward short-leg “There will be players who have never played for the first team S Tendulkar lbw Lyon ...... 32 and using the bouncer to good was lucky to survive a big shout Steve Smith. who will start the game. I am sure they will play with discipline and A Rahane c Smith b Lyon ...... 7 effect, mixing the slower short- by Lyon for leg before and also When Australia resumed organization. They need to respect the rules of football. M S Dhoni c Watson b Pattinson ...... 24 pitched delivery. some inspired stuff from Johnson their innings, Lyon’s counterpart “Most of the work this week involved talking to players to make R Jadeja lbw Maxwell ...... 43 The second spinner in the side, to go for tea at 135 for two. Ashwin bagged his ninth fifer, and sure there wasn’t too much pressure on them. I wanted the players to R Ashwin lbw Lyon ...... 12 Glenn Maxwell, was missed at Immediately after the break, fourth in the series. experience some fun training. In two days you cannot prepare a team B Kumar (batting) ...... 10 the bowling crease as he was off Tendulkar tried to break the Resuming at overnight 231/8, for a final but this worked before and hopefully it works again.” Extras (B-12, LB-16) ...... 28 the field with the Delhi belly and shackles with two consecutive the visitors added 31 runs with For Romanian coach Lucescu, the chance to win a Cup final is some- Total (for 8 wkts) ...... 266 when he came on to bowl late in fours in the first over of Siddle. Siddle emerging the top scorer thing that would mean everything to himself in Eljaish. Fall of wickets: 1-108, 2-114, 3-148, the afternoon his delivery caused He showed signs of getting back with 51, his maiden half-century, “We have prepared well. The players put in a huge effort against 4-165, 5-180, 6-210, 7-254, 8-266. more concern to the batsmen to his old mojo with his crisp timing before becoming Ashwin’s fifth Lekhwiya so we have simply been trying to recover,” Lucescu said. Bowling: Mitchell Johnson 17-3-44-0; bat in the second innings. The after a slow start. victim(5/57). Left-arm spinner “The most important thing is we are in the final. The motivation is James Pattinson 14-1-54-1; Peter Siddle ball shot through to trap Ashwin After hitting five crisp fours, Pragyan Ojha also completed at high because we have the possibility to win a competition. The players 12-3-38-1; Nathan Lyon 22.1-3-94-5; Glenn legbefore. his innings was cut short by last found his 100th Test wicket, have the chance to be a big part of the history of this club. Maxwell 3-0-8-1. Lyon began his demolition cas- another lbw shout by Lyon. dismissing Pattinson (30) caught “It will be the first trophy for this club but I know our opponents tling Pujara with a beauty and in Siddle got the key wicket of at first-slip. IANS will think the same. In a final, anything can happen. “Al Arabi have had some very good and surprising results. Since the coach took over he has done very well. Reaching this final, beating Al Sadd and their results against Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa makes it very clear this will be a tough game. We need to give more than 100 per cent.” The match kicks-off at Qatar Sports Club at 6:30pm today. Istanbul eyes 2020 Games glory THE PENINSULA ISTANBUL: The International Olympic Turkey’s bid clinched sponsorship from seven sees Istanbul’s traffic problem as its major Committee’s evaluation commission arrived giant enterprises, including Koc, Dogus and vulnerability and is moving quickly to con- in Istanbul yesterday, with the Turkish city Sabanci conglomerates, each chipping in 2.5m struct alternative tunnels, highways and an hoping to win over officials and bag the euros ($3.2m). undersea train line to ease the city’s chronic 2020 Games after four unsuccessful previ- “I know it by heart, we will succeed,” said congestion. ous attempts. Kilic, adding that work was in progress for The makeover also includes the building of Commission members begin their four- the construction of more than 700 sports Turkey’s largest airport in Istanbul, expected day tour of the huge city that straddles Asia facilities, including Olympic swimming pools to be operational in 2016 with an initial capac- and Europe today after previously assessing and tennis courts, in what he dubbed Turkey’s ity to handle 100 million passengers a year the rivals bids of Tokyo and Madrid, who are “sports revolution”. through six runways. The airport is a key also in the running to host the event in seven The commission will be given a tour of the part of what the Istanbul 2020 campaign said years’ time. city of 15 million people and visit facilities as would be “quick, comfortable and convenient A decision will be taken at an IOC meeting several Turkish ministers will try to convince transport solutions for all athletes, and the in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires in them that Istanbul deserves to win. wider Olympic family”. September but Istanbul organisers say that Ministers will brief members on the financ- “No country with a majority of Muslim they have their strongest bid to date and that ing and marketing plans for the organisation, population has ever hosted the Olympics,” their previous failures will be a key element in as well as the logistics that will see to the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the final vote. Rio de Janeiro will be the first needs of the millions of visitors expected to last year, as he claimed Turkey had “no flaws” South American city to host the Olympics pour in to Istanbul if the bid is successful. that could prevent it from holding the Games at the next edition in 2016. If Istanbul win Istanbul’s bid comes as a key element in with success. “Madrid was the host twice and the 2020 bid, it takes the Games to a Muslim the ruling Justice and Development Party Tokyo has hosted three games,” Erdogan majority country for the first time. (AKP) campaign to repurpose Istanbul into added. Istanbul... has never been handed the Eljaish players Saad Al Shammari (left) and team-mate Adriano (second “This time we are truly committed,” said a world capital by 2023, which will also be the rights. This is not a fair approach,” he added. right) is seen with officials during the Qatar Stars Cup trophy presentation sports minister Suat Kilic this month, after centenary of the republic. The government REUTERS in Doha yesterday.